cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dominance of high-producing interleukin 6 and low-producing interleukin 10 and interferon gamma alleles in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient trauma patients

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a condition associated with malaria resistance, is a common genetic polymorphism. Decreased interleukin (IL)-10 production was demonstrated in vivo and in vitro in the African and Mediterranean forms of G6PD deficiencies. We hypothesized that low-producing IL-10 alleles are more abundant in the G6PD-deficient than nondeficient population. One hundred eleven men with African American ancestry were tested for G6PD deficiency (Type A-202/376) and for the cytokine gene promoter polymorphisms of IL-10 (-1082 G/A, -819 T/C, and -592 A/C), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (-308 G/A), transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 (C/T codon 10 and C/G codon 25), IL-6 (-174 G/C), and interferon (IFN)-gamma (+874 A/T). There were no differences in the allele frequencies for TNF-alpha, IL-6, or TGF-beta1 between the G6PD-deficient and nondeficient population. In contrast, the low-producing IL-10 alleles (-592A) and low-producing IFN-gamma (+874A) allele frequencies were greater in G6PD-deficient than nondeficient samples (P = 0.035 and 0.009). Seventy-one percent of G6PD-deficient and 50% of nondeficient samples carried the high-producing IL-6(G) allele with low-producing IL-10(A) allele (P = 0.03). Furthermore, 95% of deficient and 81% of nondeficient samples carried the IL-6(G) allele together with low-producing IFN-gamma(A) allele (P = 0.017). These investigations indicate a predominant presence of high-producing IL-6 alleles together with low-producing IL-10 and IFN-gamma alleles in individuals with ancestry from malaria-endemic regions. The frequency of low-producing IL-10 genotypes is greater in the G6PD-deficient compared with nondeficient patients. The fact that these genetic differences are preserved in the current African American G6PD-deficient population indicates their potential role in pathophysiological processes in the absence of the selective pressure caused by tropical diseases.
Characteristics of coupled atmosphere-ocean CO2 sensitivity experiments with different ocean formulations

Abstract The Community Climate Model at the National Center for Atmospheric Research has been coupled to a simple mixed-layer ocean model and to a coarse-grid ocean general circulation model (OGCM). This paper compares the responses of simulated climate to increases of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in these two coupled models. Three types of simulations were run: (1) control runs with both ocean models, with CO 2 held constant at present-day concentrations, (2) instantaneous doubling of atmospheric CO 2 (from 330 to 660 ppm) with both ocean models, and (3) a gradually increasing (transient) CO 2 concentration starting at 330 ppm and increasing linearly at one percent per year, with the OGCM. The mixed-layer and OGCM cases exhibit increases of 3.5°C and 1.6°C, respectively, in globally averaged surface air temperature for the instantaneous doubling cases. The transient-forcing case warms 0.7°C by the end of 30 years. The mixed-layer ocean yields warmer-than-observed tropical temperatures and colder-than-observed temperatures in the higher latitudes. The coarse-grid OGCM simulates lower-than-observed sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the tropics and higher-than-observed SSTs and reduced sea-ice extent at higher latitudes. Sensitivity in the OGCM after 30 years is much lower than in simulations with the same atmosphere coupled to a 50-m slab-ocean mixed layer. The OGCM simulates a weaker thermohaline circulation with doubled CO 2 as the high-latitude ocean-surface layer warms and freshens and the westerly wind stress decreases. Convective overturning in the OGCM decreases substantially with CO 2 warming. Geographical distributions of surface air temperature change in the transient case show regional climate anomalies different from those in the instantaneous CO 2 doubling OGCM case, particularly in the North Atlantic and northern Europe. These two sets of experiments demonstrate that different ocean models and types of CO 2 forcing in the climate system result in different CO 2 climate responses. Earlier studies with energy-balance climate models confirm that instantaneous CO 2 doubling simulations respond differently than transient simulations.
Gas and Particle Products Distribution from the Reaction of β-Caryophyllene with Ozone

Gas and particulate reaction products from the ozonolysis of β -caryophyllene (I) in the presence of atmospheric air were investigated using a combination of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer system (3936, TSI) and a Condensation Particle Counter (3025A, TSI) were used to study secondary organic aerosol formation. The nighttime oxidation was carried out in a large outdoor smog chamber (190 m3). A wide range of ring retaining and ring opening products in the gas and particle phase are reported over the course of the reaction. On average, measured gas and particle phase products accounted for ∼64% of the reacted β -caryophyllene (I) carbon. Measurements show that a number of reaction products with low vapor pressure (e.g., β-caryophyllone aldehyde (IV), β-norcaryophyllone aldehyde (V), β-caryophyllonic acid (VIII), β-14-hydroxycaryophyllonic acid (XIV)) were found in the sample taken during the first 20 min of the reaction and may play an important role in the early formation of secondary organic aerosol. A detailed mechanism is proposed to account for most products observed in this investigation.
Educational implications of the TV medium

It should be clear that television has much to contribute to education both in extending educational opportunity more widely and in raising the level of quality of what is offered. But to use it effectively it is essential that its characteristics be understood, its potentials be utilized, and its limitations be overcome. Wisely used, television can prove to be a twentieth century answer to some of the century’s most pressing educational problems.
Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies

The techniques of electromyography and nerve conduction are clinical tools to study normal and abnormal behavior of the peripheral nervous system. With these techniques, peripheral nerve disease can be classified according to acuity and pathophysiology, and localization of particular nerve lesions can be accomplished. Primary muscle disease can also be identified, and evidence for the presence of ongoing inflammation can be gathered. Although these techniques are now part of the accepted clinical evaluation of patients with peripheral nerve or muscle disease, they also can be used as research tools, to noninvasively study ion channel function, single axon responses, changes in single motor units as a function of a variety of disease states, and central conduction pathways.
The National Medical Association’s Call For Responsibility During the Progressive Era: The Duty of Black Physicians to Improve Conditions in Black Communities to Combat Tuberculosis Mortality Rates.

The National Medical Association (NMA) was founded in 1895 after the American Medical Association denied a group of black physicians membership. Black physicians used this organization as a platform to launch a three-tiered approach to combating the tuberculosis epidemic: debunking popular beliefs of black biological inferiority, proactive education of the black community on proper hygiene and behavior, and lobbying to gain support from social reforms and campaigns by targeting white anxieties and morals. The NMA identified the causes of high death rates among black populations from tuberculosis as environmental, economic and social conditions. They placed the primary responsibility of changing these conditions and improving health on black physicians rather than depending solely on white run social reforms and aid. In order to improve the conditions and health of blacks, the NMA encouraged black physicians to educate the black community about tuberculosis causes, prevention and treatment. As tuberculosis mortality rates in black communities held constant, the NMA realized they needed the support of established social reform movements to effectively combat the disease. Many Progressive Era social reform movements improved environmental and economic conditions for whites but often excluded black communities. Whites dominated the Anti-Tuberculosis Movement’s campaigns and usually excluded blacks from the aid they provided to tuberculosis patients. The NMA in turn played off of white anxieties concerning contamination and moral obligation in order to gain resources to improve black conditions. The NMA felt that black physicians’ held the responsibility to educate the public and gain support from previously racially exclusive social movements.
Electrolyte Transport Evolution Dynamics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The liquid electrolyte is a critical component in the lithium-sulfur battery, which dissolves long-chain intermediate polysulfides, forms electrochemically active interface, and allows species and ...
A Voltage Smoothing Algorithm Using Energy Storage PQ Control in PV-Integrated Power Grid

Changes in solar irradiance cause variations in photovoltaic (PV) power generation and thus affect customer voltage. Load tap changers in substations are used to mitigate voltage variations, but they are relatively slow and cannot regulate the voltage adequately. Furthermore, abrupt voltage changes induced by PVs could greatly cause mechanical wear and reduce their lifetime. This letter develops a novel voltage smoothing control algorithm for distributed energy storage systems to reduce the impact of PV generation on voltage quality. Different from other works, the proposed control can improve the performance by having both active and reactive power control and monitoring voltage directly. The technique's performance is verified through simulation and modeling of the IEEE 4-bus test system. The proposed technique can effectively smoothen the voltage and reduce the number of tap operations by approximately 50%.
STUDENT PARENT PERCEPTION TOWARDS CONSUMER BASED BRAND EQUITY

It can be argued that parental role in selecting which university should a student candidate take is instrumental. With the rapidly growing Indonesia higher education industries over the last ten years, study in brand equity area focussing on the parent’s perception towards the brand equity of a university become more and more crucial. This study investigates student parent’s perception using five variables of consumer based brand equity from Lassar et al. (1995) in a private university in Jakarta (University X). There are two different departments to be compared with in order to know whether there are differences in brand equity perception between student parents from both departments. The result shows most variables are indifference with exceptions in three questions and the three questions relate to performance and attachment concerning quality and long-term commitment. Implication and suggestion have been promoted according to the result.
Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes of a Physical Therapist-Administered Physical Activity Intervention After Total Knee Replacement.

Objective To explore the feasibility, fidelity, safety, and preliminary outcomes of a physical therapist-administered physical activity (PA) intervention after total knee replacement (TKR). Methods People who had undergone a unilateral TKR and were receiving outpatient physical therapy (PT) were randomized to a control or intervention group. Both groups received standard PT for TKR. The intervention included being provided with a Fitbit Zip, step goals, and 1 phone call a month for 6 months after discharge from PT. Feasibility was measured by rates of recruitment and retention, safety was measured by the frequency of adverse events, and fidelity was measured by adherence to the weekly steps/day goal created by the physical therapist and participant monitoring of steps/day. An Actigraph GT3X measured PA, which was quantified as steps/day and minutes/week of engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA. Our preliminary outcome was the difference in PA 6 months after discharge from PT between the control and intervention groups. Results Of the 43 individuals who were enrolled, 53.4% were women, the mean ± SD age was 67.0 ± 7.0 years, and the mean ± SD body mass index was 31.5 ± 5.9 kg/m2 . For both the control and intervention groups, the recruitment and retention rates were 64% and 83.7%, respectively, and adherence to the intervention ranged from 45% to 60%. No study-related adverse events occurred. The patients in the intervention group accumulated a mean 1,798 more steps/day (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 240, 3,355) and spent 73.4 more minutes/week (95% CI -14.1, 160.9) engaging in moderate-to-vigorous PA at 6 months than those in the control group. Conclusion A physical therapist-administered PA intervention is feasible and safe, demonstrates treatment fidelity, and may increase PA after TKR. Future research is needed to establish the effectiveness of the intervention.
An Antifungal for Antidiuresis

The article by Vukicevic et al. [1][1] in this issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology reports effects of fluconazole to increase osmotic water transport in renal collecting ducts by arginine vasopressin (AVP)–independent effects on trafficking of aquaporin-2 (AQP2) water
Behavior of a spherical deformable rolling seismic isolator for lightweight residential construction

This paper presents a study for the development and qualification of a practical low-cost seismic isolation system for lightweight residential construction. The study concludes that single concave rolling isolators cast in high strength concrete with a deformable steel-reinforced plastic rolling ball and a displacement restraint system represent a promising isolation system. A full size isolator suitable for application to typical reinforced concrete houses in Turkey was built and tested. The vertical stiffness, creep characteristics under gravity load and the lateral force–displacement characteristics have been studied. Models for behavior have been developed and validated. These models are useful for response history analysis in commonly available commercial and open source analysis software.
The novel cyclophilin-D-interacting protein FASTKD1 protects cells against oxidative stress-induced cell death.

Opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore leads to necrotic cell death. Excluding cyclophilin D (CypD), the makeup of the MPT pore remains conjecture. The purpose of these exp...
Functional and Anatomical Imaging in Patients with Ischemic Symptoms and Known Coronary Artery Disease

This review is aimed at summarizing recent advances in functional, anatomical, and hybrid imaging techniques used in the assessment of ischemic complaints in patients with known coronary artery disease (CAD). Cardiovascular imaging has seen significant growth over the last decade in the fields of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), FFR derived from CCTA, cardiac magnetic resonance, radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, and hybrid imaging for the purposes of evaluating symptoms concerning for ischemia. This growth stems from refinement of imaging techniques and hardware and software advances that have made current techniques more accurate with less acquisition time. However, every anatomic and functional imaging modality has important technical and patient-specific limitations. This review assesses these issues, guides a patient-centered imaging approach, and identifies important research questions to resolve. Recent advances in non-invasive cardiovascular imaging can provide important information in patients with known CAD beyond traditional imaging techniques; the use of these novel tools refines the clinical management of complex patients with ischemic symptoms and known CAD.
BDSM as trauma play: An autoethnographic investigation:

In this article, I introduce the concept of BDSM as trauma play, which is the practice of intentionally engaging in BDSM activities in order to “play” with one’s past trauma or abuse. I begin by of...
Improving Carrier-Sense Multiple Access Using Cues of Channel Utilization

A simple variation of Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA), CUE-CSMA (for Channel Utilization Estimation), is introduced in which the transmission-persistence probability is a function of the perceived average length of idle periods, which is used as a cue of channel utilization. Nodes need not know or estimate the number of nodes in the network. A simple analytical model is used to derive the throughput of CUE-CSMA and compare it with non-persistent and 1-persistent CSMA without having to assume saturation mode as several prior studies have done. The model considers the effect of acknowledgments (ACK) and receive-to-transmit turnaround times. The results clearly show that using estimates of average idle periods as simple cues of channel utilization can provide the benefits of 1-persistent CSMA at light loads and match or outperform non-persistent CSMA at higher loads.
Jumping Hurdles to Sue the Police

The view that the Supreme Court has limited judicial review of unconstitutional government practices is evident in varied quarters of legal scholarship. With respect to structural reform litigation against the police there are good reasons for pessimism, particularly when considering three particular lines of Supreme Court case law. City of Los Angeles v. Lyons, Monell v. Social Security Administration, and, to a lesser degree, Wal-Mart v. Dukes, have typically made it difficult to challenge constitutionally suspect police practices. Lyons erected a standing hurdle for plaintiffs seeking injunctive relief from police department policies; the Monell line of cases erected a hurdle to achieving municipal liability; and most recently, Wal-Mart erected a class action certification hurdle. These doctrinal barriers require plaintiffs to provide substantial evidence and involve substantive consideration of constitutional claims prior to trial. Through a close examination of three racial-profiling class actions, Floyd v. City of New York, Ortega-Melendres v. Arpaio, and Bailey v. City of Philadelphia, this Article explores the in-formation litigators used to overcome these doctrinal obstacles in order to reach a substantive review of police practices. The case studies show that certain kinds of evidence can assist plaintiffs in overcoming the standing, municipal liability, and class certification barriers: hard data and statistical evidence, discriminatory statements by supervisors and central decision-makers, and/or proof of a history of notice and failure to remedy constitutional violation. Layering the evidence presented in the three case studies over the doctrinal requirements reveals a type of convergence—the same or similar evidence can be used to overcome interlocking aspects of the doctrinal barriers. The Article also discusses other means to obtain information outside the traditional discovery process, such as relationships with advocates and community organizations; publicity that creates leads and opportunities for further fact gathering; and court orders requiring data tracking and disclosures following prior litigation.
The microbiome: Composition and locations

The human body is home to a diverse and functionally important assemblage of symbiotic microbes that varies predictably over different spatial scales, both within and across body sites. The composition of these spatially distinct microbial consortia can be impacted by a variety of stochastic and deterministic forces, including dispersal from different source communities, and selection by regionally-specific host processes for the enrichment of physiologically significant taxa. In this chapter, we review the composition, function, and assembly of the healthy human gastrointestinal, skin, vaginal, and respiratory microbiomes, with special emphasis on the regional distribution of microbes throughout the gastrointestinal tract.
Rapid review: Identification of digital health interventions in atherosclerotic-related cardiovascular disease populations to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic health disparities

Disparities in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and associated health and healthcare delivery outcomes have been partially attributed to differential risk factors, and to prevention and treatment inequities within racial and ethnic (including language) minority groups and low socioeconomic status (SES) populations in urban and rural settings. Digital health interventions (DHIs) show promise in promoting equitable access to high-quality care, optimal utilization, and improved outcomes; however, their potential role and impact has not been fully explored. The role of DHIs to mitigate drivers of the health disparities listed above in populations disproportionately affected by atherosclerotic-related CVD was systematically reviewed using published literature (January 2008–July 2020) from multiple databases. Study design, type and description of the technology, health disparities information, type of CVD, outcomes, and notable barriers and innovations associated with the technology utilized were abstracted. Study quality was assessed using the Oxford Levels of Evidence. Included studies described digital health technologies in a disparity population with CVD and reported outcomes. DHIs significantly improved health (eg, clinical, intermediate, and patient-reported) and healthcare delivery (eg, access, quality, and utilization of care) outcomes in populations disproportionately affected by CVD in 24 of 38 included studies identified from 2104 citations. Hypertension control was the most frequently improved clinical outcome. Telemedicine, mobile health, and clinical decision support systems were the most common types of DHIs identified. DHIs improved CVD-related health and healthcare delivery outcomes in racial/ethnic groups and low SES populations in both rural and urban geographies globally.
Multimodal MRI Response to Fingolimod in Multiple Sclerosis: A Nonrandomized, Single Arm, Observational Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Fingolimod has a favorable effect on conventional MRI measures; however, its neuroprotective effect is not clear. We aim to investigate changes of conventional and advanced MRI measures in lesions and normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) over 2 years in fingolimod-treated patients. METHODS Fifty relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients and 27 healthy controls were enrolled in the study and underwent baseline, 1-year, and 2-year 3T MRI scans. T2 lesion volume, whole brain volume, cortical gray matter volume, white matter volume, corpus callosum area, percentage brain volume change (PBVC), Expanded Disability Status Scale, gadolinium-enhancing lesions, PBVC, magnetization transfer ratio (MTR), and diffusion tensor imaging metrics (fractional anisotropy [FA] and median diffusivity [MD]) in lesions and NAWM were calculated. Longitudinal changes were examined using one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Bonferroni correction for multiple testing was used when appropriate. RESULTS Conventional MRI measures were unchanged in both groups. Lesion MTR increased significantly (P < .001), but NAWM-MTR remained unchanged. Lesion FA improved significantly in year 1 (P = .003) and over the study duration (P = .05). Lesion MD changed significantly from baseline to year 1 (P < .001) and remained stable over 2 years. NAWM-FA was significant from baseline to year 1 (P = .002) and from baseline to year 2 (P < .001). NAWM-MD was significant only from baseline to year 1 (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest a possible neuroreparative effect of fingolimod on the MS lesions and NAWM. Larger and longer randomized studies are required to confirm these results.
Signal-to-noise ratio and contrast-to-noise ratio measurements for next generation tomosynthesis

It is standard for the x-ray source in conventional digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) acquisitions to move strictly along the chest wall of the patient. A prototype, next-generation tomosynthesis (NGT) system has been developed that is capable of acquiring customized geometries with source motion parallel and perpendicular to the chest wall. One well-known consequence of acquiring projections with the x-ray source anterior to the chest wall is that a small volume of tissue adjacent to the chest wall is missed. Here we evaluate strategies in DBT to avoid missing tissue while improving overall image quality. Acquisition geometries tested in this study include the conventional (control), “T-shape,” and “bowtie” geometries. To evaluate the impact of moving the x-ray source away from the chest wall, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured as a function of location within the reconstructed volume. Using simulations and physical experiments, the SNR and CNR were compared with conventional DBT. Simulations of two different phantoms were performed: a “tube” phantom and a “lattice” phantom. Experiments with uniform and textured phantoms were also conducted. While the image quality was slightly reduced immediately adjacent to the chest wall, there was no missed tissue and both the T-shape and Bowtie geometries exhibited SNR and CNR improvement over the vast majority of the reconstruction volume; the overall result being an improvement in image quality with both the T-shape and bowtie geometries.
A refraction correction for buried interfaces applied to in situ grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction studies on Pd electrodes.

In situ characterization of electrochemical systems can provide deep insights into the structure of electrodes under applied potential. Grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) is a particularly valuable tool owing to its ability to characterize the near-surface structure of electrodes through a layer of electrolyte, which is of paramount importance in surface-mediated processes such as catalysis and adsorption. Corrections for the refraction that occurs as an X-ray passes through an interface have been derived for a vacuum–material interface. In this work, a more general form of the refraction correction was developed which can be applied to buried interfaces, including liquid–solid interfaces. The correction is largest at incidence angles near the critical angle for the interface and decreases at angles larger and smaller than the critical angle. Effective optical constants are also introduced which can be used to calculate the critical angle for total external reflection at the interface. This correction is applied to GIXRD measurements of an aqueous electrolyte–Pd interface, demonstrating that the correction allows for the comparison of GIXRD measurements at multiple incidence angles. This work improves quantitative analysis of d-spacing values from GIXRD measurements of liquid–solid systems, facilitating the connection between electrochemical behavior and structure under in situ conditions.
Dietary Purple Potato Supplementation Ameliorates Gut Inflammation and Associated Colitis

Objectives The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rapidly increasing worldwide. Patients with IBD experience increased susceptibility to colorectal cancer and are associated with morbidity and mortality. Diets are known factors associated with IBD. This study examined the beneficial effects of dietary purple potato against spontaneous colitis and improving gut microbiota in interleukin (IL)-10-deficient mice, a commonly used IBD mice model.
SARS-CoV-2 infection of islet β cells: Evidence and implications

The health of insulin-producing β cells is critical for normoglycemia. Wu et al.1 and Tang et al.2 provide evidence in vitro that β cells can be infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus, possibly contributing to worsening hyperglycemia seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Activation of Coronary Arteriolar PKCβ2 Impairs Endothelial NO-Mediated Vasodilation: Role of JNK/Rho Kinase Signaling and Xanthine Oxidase Activation

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation can evoke vasoconstriction and contribute to coronary disease. However, it is unclear whether PKC activation, without activating the contractile machinery, can lead to coronary arteriolar dysfunction. The vasoconstriction induced by the PKC activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) was examined in isolated porcine coronary arterioles. The PDBu-evoked vasoconstriction was sensitive to a broad-spectrum PKC inhibitor but not affected by inhibiting PKCβ2 or Rho kinase. After exposure of the vessels to a sub-vasomotor concentration of PDBu (1 nmol/L, 60 min), the endothelium-dependent nitric oxide (NO)-mediated dilations in response to serotonin and adenosine were compromised but the dilation induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside was unaltered. PDBu elevated superoxide production, which was blocked by the superoxide scavenger Tempol. The impaired NO-mediated vasodilations were reversed by Tempol or inhibition of PKCβ2, xanthine oxidase, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and Rho kinase but were not affected by a hydrogen peroxide scavenger or inhibitors of NAD(P)H oxidase and p38 kinase. The PKCβ2 protein was detected in the arteriolar wall and co-localized with endothelial NO synthase. In conclusion, activation of PKCβ2 appears to compromise NO-mediated vasodilation via Rho kinase-mediated JNK signaling and superoxide production from xanthine oxidase, independent of the activation of the smooth muscle contractile machinery.
Instructional Materials Designed for A Framework for K-12 Science Education and the Next Generation Science Standards: An Introduction to the Special Issue

At the time we are writing this editorial in the late summer of 2021, there is a consensus in the field of science education in terms of its vision of science education. Since the release of A Fram...
FLUVIAL ENVIRONMENTS | Responses to Rapid Environmental Change

This contribution provides an overview of the nature of fluvial responses to short-term (mostly centennial to millennial scale) environmental forcing. Climate change is the dominant driver of such changes and can sometimes be highly abrupt. Fluvial systems may respond to climate change by adjustments of channel pattern (fluvial style) or by changes in the longitudinal profile by means of aggradation or degradation (incision). First, fluvial incision can manifest itself in different ways (i.e., channel-bed degradation vs. floodplain-surface degradation), and the distinction between the two is paramount. Second, a variety of complex responses to simple perturbations can occur, making the interpretation of fluvial stratigraphic records more challenging. In addition, the nature of the fluvial response within one region may vary considerably according to the size of the drainage basin. Different types of fluvial response to climatic forcing on annual to millennial timescales are illustrated by means of examples from a range of latitudes, indicating, among other things, that even some large fluvial systems are capable of transmitting climate signals, from source to sink, over relatively short time frames.
Treatment of deep carious lesions by complete excavation or partial removal: a critical review.

Background The classical approach to treatment of deep carious lesions approaching the pulp mandates removing all infected and affected dentin. Several studies call this approach into question.
Approaches and options for modeling sub-0.1 /spl mu/m CMOS devices

This paper attempts to provide a general guideline to develop a practical model for MOSFETs in the sub 0,1 /spl mu/m generations. It starts by giving an overview of the different modeling approaches and options including charge based approach, surface potential based approach, and conductance based approach. Their relative advantages and weaknesses will be discussed. The evolution of the BSIM models from its first generation to the most recent release will be used as an example for the development of a practical device model. It will be followed by a discussion on how the accelerated technology development may impact the traditional modeling approaches. A new paradigm to incorporate modem software engineering methodology to shorten model development cycle will be presented.
Electronic structure and optical properties of Pb I 2

The electronic structure of the layer compound Pb${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$ is calculated within the framework of the empirical pseudopotential method. Spin-orbit interactions were necessarily included to explain experimental reflectivity measurements. Using the pseudo-wave-functions, electronic charge densities were computed. They are discussed in terms of the nature of the chemical bonding for Pb${\mathrm{I}}_{2}$.
A Comparison of Background Subtraction Algorithms for Detecting Avian Nesting Events in Uncontrolled Outdoor Video

This paper examines the use of three different background subtraction algorithms -- Mixture of Gaussians (MOG), Visual Background Extractor (ViBe), and Pixel-Based Adaptive Segmentation (PBAS) -- to detect events of interest within uncontrolled outdoor avian nesting video for the Wildlife@Home project. Many computer vision techniques are unsuccessful in this domain due to low frame-rates and resolution of battery powered surveillance cameras in combination with the cryptic coloration (camouflage) of the animals. Modifications to ViBe and PBAS are presented which provide more robust results in this challenging video, and address issues caused by the cryptic coloration of the species being monitored by the project. These algorithms were run on over 250 hours of video and compared to human observations generated by Wildlife@Home's project scientists and volunteer citizen scientists. All three algorithms provide accurate detection of events however we see much fewer false postives from the modified versions of the ViBe and PBAS algorithms. This is especially true for Interior Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) and Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus) video, which do not suffer from as much moving vegetation as the Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) footage. These results provide initial justification for utilizing Wildlife@Home's 2,000+ volunteered computers to analyze the project's 85,000 hours of avian nesting video, so that this information can be integrated into the Wildlife@Home user interface. Further, the videos and human observations used to test these algorithms have been made available as part of Wildlife@Home's first data release, to encourage future study by computer vision researchers.
Development and characterization of sixteen microsatellite markers for the federally endangered species: Leptodea leptodon (Bivalvia: Unionidae) using paired-end Illumina shotgun sequencing

We isolated and characterized a total of 16 microsatellite loci in Leptodea leptodon. Loci were screened in 24 individuals from across the species current range in Missouri. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 3 to 17, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.208 to 1.000, and the probability of identity values ranged from 0.014 to 0.67. These new loci will be used for conducting investigations into the genetic structure and diversity of extant populations of this federally endangered species.
Renormalization of O(N) nonlinear σ model on a p-adic field

A renormalizable and asymptotically free $\mathrm{O}(N)$ nonlinear $\ensuremath{\sigma}$ model is defined on a $p$-adic field. The effective potential is computed to the leading order in the $\frac{1}{N}$ expansion and it is shown that the mass term for the $\mathrm{O}(N)$ vector field is generated dynamically and the full $\mathrm{O}(N)$ symmetry is realized linearly. Also a discrete scale invariance of the classical action is shown to be violated because of quantum effects.
Biology under construction: in vitro reconstitution of cellular function

We are much better at taking cells apart than putting them together. Reconstitution of biological processes from component molecules has been a powerful but difficult approach to studying functional organization in biology. Recently, the convergence of biochemical and cell biological advances with new experimental and computational tools is providing the opportunity to reconstitute increasingly complex processes. We predict that this bottom-up strategy will uncover basic processes that guide cellular assembly, advancing both basic and applied sciences.
Synthesis of ppGpp by mouse embryonic ribosomes.

Abstract The unusual nucleotide guanosine tetraphosphate (ppGpp) is synthesized in vitro by ribosomes isolated from mouse embryos, but is not formed by ribosomes isolated from adults. Analysis of specific organs shows a developmental change in detectable ppGpp-forming ability. Eleven day embryonic liver ribosomes synthesize ppGpp, but this ability is essentially lost by 14 day embryonic liver and adult liver. Eleven day embryonic brain ribosomes also synthesize ppGpp at a level comparable to that observed using E. coli ribosomes. The synthesis of ppGpp appears to be associated with the early stages of differentiation, when cell proliferation is rapid and specialized protein synthesis is low or absent. The potential role of ppGpp as an effector molecule or regulator in the eucaryotes is discussed.
Interspecific allometries of critical buckling height and actual plant height

Size-dependent variations in the critical buckling height Hcrit and actual height H of plants were determined for a total of 1 1 1 species with self-supporting stems ranging in diameter between 0.03 cm c D c 3.0 m. For each species, experimentally determined values for the physical properties of stems (Young's elastic modulus and bulk tissue density) were used to compute Hcrit. For small species (D < 3 cm), empirically determined critical buckling loads were used to compute Hcrit by means of the Elastica equation and the more traditionally employed Greenhill formula; for larger species (D 2 3 cm), Greenhill's formula was used exclusively to estimate Hcrit. Within most of the size-range examined, the predicted values of Hcrit from the Elastica equation and Greenhill's formula were statistically indistinguishable. Regression analyses showed that the interspecific allometry of Hcrit parallels that of H such that the safety factor against the elastic mechanical failure of stems (i.e., Hcrit/H) under their own biomass was roughly constant. Since the safety factor against elastic buckling is independent of plant size, a general allometric "rule," Hcrit/H ; 4, appears to govern the evolution of plant size.
Molecular Characterization of a Parasite Antigen in Sera from Onchocerciasis Patients That Is Immunologically Cross-Reactive with Human Keratin

Onchocerca volvulus is a nematode that causes severe dermatitis and blindness in humans. Prior studies have shown that immune complexes in sera from onchocerciasis patients contain parasite antigens with M r of 23,000 and 65,000-70,000. Monoclonal antibody OV-1 binds to these antigens and to corresponding antigens in adult worm extracts and in vitro culture supernatants. OV-1 was used to immunoscreen an O. volvulus adult worm cDNA library. Clone OVICF contains a 1632-bp open-reading frame that codes for a protein with a predicted M r of 63,000. The deduced protein sequence of OVICF has 78% identity with Ascaris lumbricoides intermediate filament A and 40%-50% identity with several mammalian intermediate filaments. Antibodies raised to OVICF bind to human keratin, and some sera from onchocerciasis patients contain antibodies to OVICF and to keratin. Thus, immune complexes from onchocerciasis patients contain a parasite antigen that is immunologically cross-reactive with human intermediate filament proteins.
Network-centric fuzzy resource manager: structure and validation

A fuzzy logic expert system has been developed that automatically allocates electronic attack resources on different platforms in real-time. This resource manager is made up of four trees, the isolated platform tree, the multi-platform tree that allows an individual platform to respond to a threat. The multi-platform tree allows a group of platforms to respond to a threat in a collaborative fashion. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the resource manager. A genetic program is used to evolve optimal fuzzy decision tree topology. The non-uniqueness of the tree structure is considered. The superiority of a genetic program evolved tree compared to a tree written down exclusively based on expertise is discussed. Fuzzy membership functions related to four fuzzy concepts are given. Experiments designed to test these concepts in the expert system are discussed, as well as the resource manager's ability to: allow multiple platforms to self-organize without the benefit of a commander; to tolerate errors made by other systems; and to deal with multiple distinct enemy strategies.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Field Verification of the Damage Index Method in a Concrete Box‐Girder Bridge via Visual Inspection

The structural condition of a concrete box-girder bridge is monitored twice by detecting and localizing potential damage in the bridge superstructure. Experimental field data were collected on the bridge in December 1997 and 9 months later in September 1998. Modal parameters for the structure are extracted from the measured frequency-response functions, and the resulting resonant frequencies and modeshapes are fed into a proven systems identification procedure. Modal parameters from the identified baseline structure and the modal parameters determined in the field are used as input to a field-tested nondestructive damage-evaluation method (the damage index method) to localize damage in the bridge superstructure. To provide some evidence of the veracity of the predictions of the possible damage locations, a visual inspection was performed on the bridge in May 1999, and surface cracks on the deck were recorded. A comparison of the predicted damage locations on the superstructure with the surface cracks documented via visual inspection is provided. The results indicate that a strong correlation exists between the predicted damage locations and the observed surface crack pattern.
CHANGES IN MINERAL ELEMENTS AND PHYTIC ACID CONTENTS DURING COOKING OF THREE CALIFORNIA RICE VARIETIES

Calcium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus, potassium, cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and phytic acid were determined in three varieties of milled rice before and after cooking in both domestic tap water and distilled deionized water. For all varieties cooked with domestic tap water, three macrominerals (sodium, calcium and magnesium) and one micromineral (zinc) showed a significant increase in percent retention. Phytic acid content was reduced to approximately 1/3 when cooked in domestic tap water for all varieties.
Hormesis and medicine

Evidence is presented which supports the conclusion that the hormetic dose–response model is the most common and fundamental in the biological and biomedical sciences, being highly generalizable across biological model, endpoint measured and chemical class and physical agent. The paper provides a broad spectrum of applications of the hormesis concept for clinical medicine including anxiety, seizure, memory, stroke, cancer chemotherapy, dermatological processes such as hair growth, osteoporosis, ocular diseases, including retinal detachment, statin effects on cardiovascular function and tumour development, benign prostate enlargement, male sexual behaviours/dysfunctions, and prion diseases.
Chitosan-Coated Silica as a Solid Phase for RNA Purification in a Microfluidic Device

Chitosan-coated silica particles and chitosan-coated microchannels have been explored as an alternative to a standard silica phase for DNA extraction in a microdevice (Cao, W.; Easley, C. J.; Ferrance, J. P.; Landers, J. P. Anal. Chem. 2006, 78 (20), 7222-7228). A method that exploits the use of aqueous buffers for nucleic acid binding to and release from a solid phase is advantageous, avoiding the reagents used for conventional extraction (isopropanol and guanadinium hydrochloride), which are potent PCR inhibitors. The pH-controlled approach, which promotes nucleic acid binding to and release to the chitosan phase based on a change in buffer pH, is exploited here for RNA purification in a microfluidic device. The chitosan phase reproducibly allowed for higher RNA extraction efficiencies under aqueous conditions (71%) compared to that with a silica phase under chaotropic conditions (53%). The effectiveness of the chitosan phase was demonstrated with the successful purification of RNA from the alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) cancer cell line, with 3.5-fold greater extraction efficiencies than obtained when the same sample was purified using a silica phase: the resulting RNA was found to be amplifiable in reverse-transcription PCR. Low-molecular weight chitosan is also a proven inhibitor of RNases, further demonstrating the advantages of chitosan as a solid phase for RNA purification compared to silica. The chitosan phase is, therefore, a superior choice for extraction and purification of RNA in a microfluidic device and is compatible with biological samples found in a clinical or forensic setting.
Millennial-band climate spectrum resolved and linked to centennial-scale solar cycles

Abstract Spectral comparison of the Hulu Cave, GRIP, and GISP2 δ 18O records suggests that the single dominant period centered on 1470 yr in the GISP2 spectrum, the so-called ‘1500-yr cycle’, is an artifact of the age model. The 230Th-dated Hulu Cave record indicates a millennial-band spectrum with a weak spectral peak near this period flanked by two stronger peaks centered on 1667 and 1190 -yr, similar to the GRIP δ 18O record. All three millennial-band cycles may derive from heterodynes of centennial-band solar cycles as observed in the Holocene record of atmospheric 14C production. This suggests a link between centennial-scale solar variability and abrupt climate change at the millennial time scale.
Factors affecting the utilization of steam- and explosion-decompressed aspen wood by cellulolytic anaerobes

Abstract Acetivibrio cellulolyticus and Clostridium thermocellum were unable to grow in medium containing 2 g litre−1 of untreated steam- and explosion-decompressed (SED) aspen wood as a source of carbon. When the medium was concurrently supplemented with 5 g litre−1 of Whatman CF11 cellulose powder, growth of both anaerobes, to levels comparable to media containing only CF11 cellulose, was observed. Treatment of the SED wood with ethanol-water, dioxane-water or sodium hydroxide released adhered lignin or lignin residues and rendered the SED wood suitable for the growth of both anaerobes. The results indicate that at concentrations of 4 g litre−1 or lower, growth on untreated SED wood is probably prevented because of inaccessibility of adherence sites for these bacteria, and at concentration of 4 g litre−1 or more it is also inhibited due to increased concentration of inhibitory materials such as lignin and lignin residues.
Single-crystal elasticity of MgO at high pressure

The single-crystal elastic properties of MgO were measured by Brillouin scattering in diamond anvil cell to 18.6 GPa. These measurements demonstrate that quasihydrostatic stress conditions can be obtained in solid pressure medium by thermal annealing, and establish the accuracy with which elastic moduli can be measured over this extensive pressure range (\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}5% in ${\mathrm{dC}}_{\mathrm{ij}}/dP).$ The acoustic anisotropy of MgO decreases with pressure, with MgO becoming isotropic at \ensuremath{\sim}21.5 GPa. Deviations from noncentral interatomic forces, as measured by the Cauchy relations, increase steadily with pressure.
Time-resolved subnatural-width spectroscopy.

Spectra that are narrower than the natural width of decaying states can be achieved by beginning the observation of signals at a fixed delay time after excitation rather than immediately afterward. These signals are weaker (and noisier) than the full, time-unresolved signals. Applications of this line-narrowing technique to precision spectroscopy are discussed, and the properties of the resulting signals are studied. Numerical simulations demonstrate that time-resolved line narrowing is highly desirable in a large number of cases.