cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Facilitating voluntary ocean commitments

In their Policy Forum “From voluntary commitments to ocean sustainability” (4 January, p. [35][1]), B. Neumann and S. Unger describe voluntary commitments on ocean action, including those made at the 2017 United Nations Ocean Conference and at the Our Ocean series of conferences. Neumann and Unger recognize the potential of these commitments but express skepticism about follow-through given limited tracking and reporting. Some such concern may be justified, but Neumann and Unger do not do justice to the work under way to advance the implementation of the voluntary commitments. For the roughly 1500 voluntary commitments registered as part of the outcomes of the 2017 UN Ocean Conference, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs has launched nine thematic multistakeholder Communities of Ocean Action (COAs) to facilitate the implementation of the proposed actions ([ 1 ][2]). The UN registry [available under the Registry tab in ([ 1 ][2])] is transparent, with public access to data, and is ready for integrating with any other relevant registry. Since 2017, the COAs have been organizing webinars ([ 1 ][2]) and face-to-face meetings to assist their respective memberships by sharing experiences, best practices, and updates on actions taken and lessons learned. A periodic newsletter focused on the implementation of the voluntary commitments has also been published by the Department of Economic and Social Affairs [available under the News & Media tab in ([ 1 ][2])]. The COA coordinators (known as co-focal points) met last November and plan to meet again this month ([ 2 ][3]) to report on progress. Additionally, the 2020 UN Ocean Conference will provide a major platform for a full review of these commitments as well as galvanizing new ones. These actions may not represent the unified repository envisaged by Neumann and Unger, but they have brought together the willingness of the global ocean community to exchange ideas and advance action. The laudable proposition of a centralized registry featuring independent verification, as recommended by Neumann and Unger, would be resource-intensive, and these resources would have to be identified. In the meantime, in the best interests of Sustainable Development Goal 14 implementation, the ocean action community members—including nongovernmental organizations, companies, or governments—can become part of progress by registering their voluntary commitments ([ 1 ][2]). By doing so, they automatically join one of the nine COAs and become part of the process of supporting the realization of the voluntary commitments made in the drive to conserve and sustainably use the resources of the ocean. 1. [↵][4]United Nations, The Ocean Conference ( ). 2. [↵][5]United Nations, Communities of Ocean Action (COAS), Incheon, Republic of Korea, 30 to 31 May 2019; . [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/363/6422/35 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text"
Risk of severe maternal morbidity in relation to prepregnancy body mass index: Roles of maternal co-morbidities and caesarean birth.

Background An association between prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) and severe maternal morbidity (SMM) has been reported, but evidence has been mixed and potential explanations have not been examined. Objective To evaluate the association between prepregnancy BMI and SMM in a large, diverse birth cohort and assess potential mediation by obesity-related co-morbidities and caesarean birth. Methods This cohort study used linked birth certificate and hospitalisation discharge records from Californian births during 2007-2012. We assessed associations between prepregnancy BMI and SMM, and used inverse probability weighting for multiple mediators to estimate relative and absolute natural direct and indirect effects accounting for mediation by co-morbidities (hypertensive conditions, diabetes, asthma) and caesarean birth. Results Among 2 650 182 births, the prevalence of SMM was 1.42%. Adjusted risk ratios for the total association between prepregnancy BMI category and SMM were 1.12 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07, 1.18) for underweight, 1.02 (95% CI 0.99, 1.04) for overweight, 1.04 (95% CI 1.00, 1.07) for obesity class 1, 1.14 (95% CI 1.09, 1.20) for obesity class 2, and 1.28 (95% CI 1.22, 1.36) for obesity class 3 compared to women with normal weight. After accounting for mediation by co-morbidity and caesarean birth, the risk ratios were 1.19 (95% CI 1.14, 1.26) for underweight, 0.91 (95% CI 0.89, 0.94) for overweight, 0.86 (95% CI 0.84, 0.89) for obesity class 1, 0.88 (95% CI 0.84, 0.92) for obesity class 2, and 0.89 (95% CI 0.83, 0.95) for obesity class 3. Conclusions Co-morbidities and caesarean birth explained an association between high prepregnancy BMI and SMM. These findings suggest that promotion of healthy prepregnancy weight, along with management of co-morbidities and support of vaginal birth in pregnant women with high BMI, could reduce the risk of SMM. However, these mediators did not reduce the elevated risk of SMM observed in women with low BMI.
ω-Assisted α nucleation in a metastable β titanium alloy

Abstract We investigate mechanisms of ω-assisted α nucleation for microstructure refinement in a metastable β titanium alloy, Ti-20V (wt%). In particular, we analyze quantitatively the individual and combined effects of concentration and stress fields associated with a growing isothermal ω precipitate and the potency of the ω/β interface on the activation energy barrier for α nucleation as a function of the ω precipitate size and coherency state. We find that the complex interplay among these three factors determines the most potent ω particle size for inducing α nucleation and the most favorable nucleation site.
A summary of standards and practices for wet waste streams used in waste-to-energy technologies in the United States

Abstract This study identifies practices and regulatory standards that pertain to the handling and disposal of wet waste materials in the United States, and summarizes these practices for the following resources: (1) food waste, (2) fats, oils and greases, (3) sewage sludge, and (4) animal manure. It outlines the standards promulgated for the wet waste materials considered herein and how these standards influence the materials' feasibility for use in waste-to-energy processes. Waste-handling standards in the United States are also briefly contrasted with disposal practices in other countries and regions. This study finds that the environment for each of the four materials is extremely variable across geographic areas not only in the United States, but also across other countries and regions. Waste markets are in various stages of development worldwide, partially due to differences in waste management standards and practices, and differences in the adoption and effectiveness of overall waste management systems. Except for several types of fats, oils, and greases, all of the resources considered here are conventionally viewed and handled as waste resources rather than commodities. However, with maturation of conversion technologies that can fully utilize these materials in advanced waste-to-energy processes, the market value of these wastes could increase. In the developing waste-to-energy industry, there could be a synergy of regulatory programs and developing markets contributing to how the wastes are managed. Where these materials are currently used in mature waste-to-energy technologies (e.g., anaerobic digestion and incineration), there exists a demonstrated example of how the materials’ energy potential can be further realized while operating within the existing framework of disposal standards.
Substance Use During Sex and Sensation Seeking as Predictors of Sexual Risk Behavior Among HIV+ and HIV− Gay Men

Substance use (i.e., use of recreational drugs and alcohol) has been associated with HIV-related sexual risk behavior in several studies involving gay men. One explanatory hypothesis proposes that substance use and sexual risk behavior are both a function of underlying personality traits. This paper examines sensation seeking and alcohol and drug use during sex as predictors of unprotected anal and oral sex and of a sexual risk index. The sample includes 117 predominantly gay-identified men (73 HIV+ and 44 HIV−) who participated in a 5-year natural history study of HIV disease in New York City. Repeated measures regression analyses tested predictor variables individually and in models including all predictor variables simultaneously. Alcohol use, drug use, and sensation seeking were each significantly associated with all sexual risk behavior variables when entered individually. When predictor variables were entered simultaneously in analyses involving unprotected receptive and insertive anal sex, sensation seeking remained a significant predictor, with substance use typically falling to marginal significance. However, significant associations between substance use and the other sexual risk behavior variables (oral sex and a risk index) are maintained even when controlling for sensation seeking. The results suggest that sensation seeking may partially account for the association between substance use and sexual risk behavior, but substantial independent associations also exist.
Flatness-based Model Predictive Control for Autonomous Vehicle Trajectory Tracking

Model predictive control (MPC) has become more relevant to vehicle dynamics control due to its inherent capacity of treating system constraints. However, online optimization from MPC introduces an extensive computational burden for today’s onboard microprocessors. To alleviate MPC computational load, several methods have been proposed. Among them, online successive system linearization and the resulting linear time-varying model predictive controller (LTVMPC) is one of the most popular options. Nevertheless, such online successive linearization commonly approximates the original (nonlinear) system by a linear one, which inevitably introduces extra modeling errors and therefore reduces MPC performance. Actually, if the controlled system possesses the "differential flatness" property, then it can be exactly linearized and an equivalent linear model will appear. This linear model maintains all the nonlinear features of the original system and can be utilized to design a flatness-based model predictive controller (FMPC). CarSim-Simulink joint simulations demonstrate that the proposed FMPC substantially outperforms a classical LTVMPC in terms of the path-tracking performance for autonomous vehicles.
Predictors for acute and chronic renal failure and survival in patients supported with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Background:Renal failure is a common occurrence in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock including those supported with veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Prevalence and outcom...
Achievements and need for technologies to advance image-guided retinal surgery and the care of retinal diseases in children

Through biomedical engineering partnerships, our group has been able to develop and translate optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging tool conventionally used in the “eye imaging suite”, for bedside use in unstable infants or for intraoperative guidance for the ophthalmic surgeon. In both arenas, image-guidance is transforming patient care. In the nursery, this has enabled assessment of retinal development, markers of injury and a determination of their relationship to brain function. In surgery, efficient application of an investigational high-speed swept-source OCT into our surgical armamentarium provides unique guidance in simple and complex cases, is improving our understanding of microsurgical pathologies, and is enabling new and improved surgical techniques.
Metaphysical, Scientific, Semantic and Aristotelian Naturalism

The chapter compares Aristotelian naturalism with other kinds of naturalism, and discusses the reasons for and against classifying a philosophical view as ‘naturalistic’. The main kinds of naturalism in theoretical philosophy conceive ‘nature’ or ‘the natural’ either as a realm (metaphysical naturalism) or methodologically (scientia mensura naturalism, semantic naturalism). Aristotelian naturalism, on the other hand, conceives nature (physis) as a thing’s essence. In invoking human nature, Aristotelian naturalists refer to the nature of things, rather than to the things of nature. The final part of the chapter describes tensions that arise from the Aristotelian naturalists’ exploiting the ambiguity of the term ‘nature’.
Changes in Salmonella Contamination in Meat and Poultry Since the Introduction of the Pathogen Reduction and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point Rule.

In 1996, the Food Safety and Inspection Service published its Pathogen Reduction; Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (PR;HACCP) rule. The intention of this program was to reduce microbial contamination on meat, poultry, and egg products. The program was implemented in stages between January 1998 and January 2000, with sampling for Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) O157:H7 and/or Salmonella in large production establishments beginning in 1998. As the PR;HACCP program begins its third decade, it is reasonable to question whether there have been reductions in the frequency of pathogen-contaminated meat and poultry products reaching consumers. This study summarizes the results for over 650,000 samples collected by the Food Safety and Inspection Service between 2000 and 2018 in slaughter and processing establishments across the United States and compares these results to the roughly 100,000 retail samples collected by the Food and Drug Administration between 2002 and 2017. The data demonstrate that there has been an overall reduction in the occurrence of Salmonella on meat and poultry products, but the direction and magnitude of change has not been consistent over time or across commodities. While the available data do not support the identification of causal factors for the observed changes, a historical review of the timing of various factors and policy decisions generates potential hypotheses for the observed changes.
Retardation effects on radiative transitions at solar interior conditions

Abstract Existing discrepancies between helioseismic data and solar models have questioned the accuracy of theoretical opacities for the solar interior. The opacities were further challenged by recent estimates claiming significant retardation effects, often neglected in opacity calculations, for radiative transitions relevant to the solar problem. Contrary to these claims, it is shown that the retardation effects, in agreement with past results, are negligible in radiative transitions relevant to solar opacities.
Use of Laboratory Failure Simulation Exemplars to Study Intergranular Fracture Modes in 9Ni-4Co-0.20C Steel

During structural spectrum load testing of the aft-fuselage structure of the B-1 aircraft, a 124-mm-long crack was detected in the 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel primary structure. Review of the fracture location revealed that the crack path was adjunct to a production weld used in the fabrication of the 727-kg (1600-1b) forged and welded horizontal-vertical stabilizer support assembly. Upon removal and examination of the fracture on a scanning electron microscope, two distinct fracture modes were observed: (a) at the origin, a 0.5 to 1-mm intergranular fracture mode was observed, followed by (b) 123 mm of transgranular high-stress low-cycle fatigue crack propagation. Fatigue crack growth rate analysis on the scanning electron microscope showed that the fatigue crack started propagation at the onset of testing, strongly suggesting a pre-existing crack which was corroborated by the observation of an intergranular fracture mode at the origin, which exhibited no evidence of cyclic growth. A laboratory failure exemplar study program was conducted to establish standards for intergranular fracture mechanisms possible in 9Ni-4Co-0.20C steel, fabricated using the same environmental conditions as present during manufacturing. The salient features of the fractographs of known failure mechanisms were used to establish the cause of service failure intergranular cracking to be hydrogen embrittlement.
Effect of Neighborhood Food Environment and Socioeconomic Status on Serum Phosphorus Level for Patients on Chronic Dialysis.

Background Elevated blood phosphorus levels are common and associated with a greater risk of death for patients receiving chronic dialysis. Phosphorus-rich foods are prevalent in the American diet, and low-phosphorus foods, including fruits and vegetables, are often less available in areas with more poverty. The relative contributions of neighborhood food availability and socioeconomic status to phosphorus control in patients receiving dialysis are unknown. Methods Using longitudinal data from a national dialysis provider, we constructed hierarchical, linear mixed-effects models to evaluate the relationships between neighborhood food environment or socioeconomic status and serum phosphorus level among patients receiving incident dialysis. Results Our cohort included 258,510 patients receiving chronic hemodialysis in 2005-2013. Median age at dialysis initiation was 64 years, 45% were female, 32% were Black, and 15% were Hispanic. Within their residential zip code, patients had a median of 25 "less-healthy" food outlets (interquartile range, 11-40) available to them compared with a median of four "healthy" food outlets (interquartile range, 2-6). Living in a neighborhood with better availability of healthy food was not associated with a lower phosphorus level. Neighborhood income also was not associated with differences in phosphorus. Patient age, race, cause of ESKD, and mean monthly dialysis duration were most closely associated with phosphorus level. Conclusions Neither neighborhood availability of healthy food options nor neighborhood income was associated with phosphorus levels in patients receiving chronic dialysis. Modifying factors, such as nutrition literacy, individual-level financial resources, and adherence to diet restrictions and medications, may be more powerful contributors than food environment to elevated phosphorus.
Adaptive Estimation of Near-Optimal Electrostatic Force in Micro Energy-Harvesters

Recent advancements in micro-electronics have led to the development of miniature-sized wearable sensors that can be used for a variety of health monitoring applications. These sensors are typically powered by small batteries which could require frequent recharge. Energy harvesting can reduce the charging frequency of these sensors. Longer operational lifetime can simplify the everyday use of these wearable sensors in many applications. Our objective in this paper is to maximize the output power of a kinetic-based micro energy-harvester. A hybrid machine learning and analytical approach is proposed to adaptively adjust the electrostatic force in a harvester with Coulomb-Force Parametric Generator (CFPG) architecture. The results show considerable improvement in the output power.
Communal Space and Collaborative Writing: Villancicos in Lisbon’s Convent of Santa Clara

espanolRESUMEN: Una coleccion de villancicos de 1671 escrita por las monjas clarisas de Lisboa e impresa con solamente el nombre de la vicaria del coro, Isabel do Nacimento, refleja la naturaleza comunitaria del convento y la practica de la escritura colaborativa. El espacio intramuros permitio a las monjas fomentar una tradicion de escribir y asi promover una narracion femenina colectiva. En estos villancicos, escuchamos claramente las voces de una comunidad de religiosas unidas en alabanzas, humildad, obediencia y sacrificio. EnglishABSTRACT: A 1671 collection of villancicos written by the Poor Clares in Lisbon and printed only with the name of the vicaress of the choir, Isabel do Nacimento, reflects the communal nature of the convent and the practice of collaborative writing. The intramuros space allowed the nuns to foment a written culture and thereby nurture a collective feminine authorial voice. In these villancicos, we clearly hear the voices of a community of religious women as they join together in praise, humility, obedience, and sacrifice. portuguesRESUMO: Uma coletânea de vilancicos de 1671 escrita pelas freiras clarissas de Lisboa e impressa com somente o nome da vigaria do coro, Isabel do Nacimento, reflete a natureza comunitaria do convento e a pratica de escrever de forma colaborativa. O espaco intramuros permitiu as freiras fomentar uma tradicao de escrever e assim promover uma narracao feminina coletiva. Em estes vilancicos, escutamos claramente as vozes duma comunidade de religiosas unidas em louvor, humildade, obediencia e sacrificio.
Optimization of a quadrature birdcage coil for functional imaging of squirrel monkey brain at 9.4T

Abstract A quadrature transmit/receive birdcage coil was optimized for squirrel monkey functional imaging at the high field of 9.4 T. The coil length was chosen to gain maximum coil efficiency/signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and meanwhile provide enough homogenous RF field in the whole brain area. Based on the numerical simulation results, a 16-rung high-pass birdcage coil with the optimal length of 9 cm was constructed and evaluated on phantom and in vivo experiments. Compared to a general-purpose non-optimized coil, it exhibits approximately 25% in vivo SNR improvement. In addition to the volume coil, details about how to design and construct the associated animal preparation system were provided.
Computational investigation of half-Heusler/MgO magnetic tunnel junctions with (001) orientation

A series of half-metallic XYZ half-Heusler alloys is combined with MgO to create Heusler–MgO junctions. The electronic and magnetic properties of these junctions are investigated. The strong oxidation between metal and oxygen atoms causes the systems with pure YY interfaces to be the most stable cases. We conclude that uniaxial anisotropy can be induced in Heusler layers adjacent to MgO. The type of interface layers determines the half-metallicity and anisotropy (in-plane or perpendicular) in the Heusler–MgO junctions. The capacity to retain both half-metallicity and perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in NiMnSb/MgO and CoTiSn/MgO junctions with a MnMn interface layer makes these structures potential candidates as electrode layers in spin transfer torque random access memory devices.
Lack of Associations Between C-Reactive Protein and Mood and Anxiety Symptoms in Adolescents.

Introduction: Increased peripheral inflammation has been consistently documented in both adult and pediatric depression. However, elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a nonspecific biomarke...
Sex and Race-Ethnic Disparities in Door-to-CT Time in Acute Ischemic Stroke in the FL-PR CReSD (S40.007)

Objective: To identify temporal trends and sex & race-ethnic differences in door-to-CT time (DTC) after acute stroke. Background: Less than forty percent of patients with suspected stroke have CT imaging performed within 25 min of hospital arrival. We aimed to examine race-ethnic and sex differences in DTC ≤ 25 min and temporal trends in receiving DTC ≤ 25 in the Florida-Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD). Design/Methods: Data was collected from 31,905 suspected stroke patients from the FL-PR Stroke Registry and secondary analysis was performed on 6,636 IV tPA-treated cases. Generalized estimating equation models were used to determine predictors of DTC ≤ 25. Results: DTC ≤ 25 was achieved in 46% of cases of suspected acute stroke. Examination of temporal trends revealed that receiving DTC ≤ 25 improved from 37% in 2010 to 57% in 2015. Women were less likely to receive DTC ≤ 25 compared to men. FL Blacks and PR Hispanics had the lowest percentage of achieving DTC ≤ 25. Arrival by EMS and NIHSS > 5 were predictors of receiving DTC ≤ 25, while previous history of CAD/MI or stroke/TIA were associated with DTC > 25. After adjustment, women and FL Blacks were less likely to receive DTC ≤ 25 (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.87–0.94 and OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.93, respectively). Additionally, in a secondary analysis in patients treated with IV tPA, % DTC ≤ 25 was significantly higher, DTC ≤ 25 similarly improved over time, and women were still less likely to receive DTC ≤ 25 (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77–0.99), while no significant differences were observed by race-ethnicity. Conclusions: In the FL-PR CReSD, there are considerable improvements in receiving DTC ≤ 25 from 2010 to 2015. However, women and Blacks are less likely to receive DTC ≤ 25 than Whites during acute stroke hospitalization. Disclosure: Dr. Perez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Wang has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ciliberti-Vargas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gutierrez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Oluwole has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dong has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sacco has nothing to disclose. Dr. Rundek has nothing to disclose.
Changes in gene-gene interactions associated with cancer onset and progression are largely independent of changes in gene expression

Summary Recent findings indicate that changes underlying cancer onset and progression are not only attributable to changes in DNA structure and expression of individual genes but to changes in interactions among these genes as well. We examined co-expression changes in gene-network structure occurring during the onset and progression of nine different cancer types. Network complexity is generally reduced in the transition from normal pre-cursor tissues to corresponding primary tumors. Cross-tissue cancer network similarity generally increases in early-stage cancers followed by a subsequent loss in cross-tissue cancer similarity as tumors reacquire cancer-specific network complexity. Gene-gene connections remaining stable through cancer development are enriched for “housekeeping” gene functions while newly acquired interactions are associated with established cancer promoting functions. Surprisingly, >90% of changes in gene-gene network interactions in cancers are not associated with changes in the expression of network genes relative to normal precursor tissues.
Professional prospects of the graduates of the agricultural faculty of South Bohemia University in České Budějovice from years 1965-2002

Article deals with confrontation of three performed researches of exercise of graduates of Agricultural faculty of South Bohemia University in Ceske Budějovice. It was choice and characterized such indices, which was investigating in all researches and put so one another compare. Tendency in the development of exercise of graduates can be a basis for next expansion of faculty and creation of new educational fields.
In-Plant Strategies & "The Social Contract"

Excerpt] Your recent discussion of "In-Plant Strategies" (LRR 7, Fall 1985) is of vital importance for the labor movement. I would like to raise several issues for discussion. Both Tom Balanoff (B), in "The Cement Workers' Experience" and Jack Metzgar (M), in "Running the Plant Backwards," assume that a return to the status quo—or the pre-Reagan period—of collective bargaining is desirable. That might be true, but neither B nor M discusses the content of the status quo nor takes it into account when assessing in-plant strategies.
The Role of Peak Pressure in Determining the Auditory Hazard of Impulse Noise

Most current Damage Risk Criteria (DRC) for human exposure to impulse noise are written in terms of peak pressure as the primary index of the traumatic potential or hazard associated with exposure to an impulse noise. Since the peak pressure is only one of many parameters of an impulse, there is a question whether a DRC based on peak pressure can reflect accurately the hazard to hearing posed by impulse noise.
Dynamic network reconfiguration in presence of multiple node and link failures using autonomous agents

Currently, high-speed networks are indispensable commodities for all users and they have become an integral part of their lifestyles. For this reason, it is necessary for the network to be available most of the time and to achieve transparent network failure recovery. In this paper, it is proposed to use Agent NetReconf, an agent based dynamic network reconfiguration algorithm that is capable of tolerating multiple router and link failures in high-speed networks with arbitrary topology. Agent NetReconf updates the routing tables asynchronously and does not require any global knowledge of the network topology. Agent NetReconf uses mobile and autonomous agents to detect and recover the network from failures. Agent NetReconf highlights the benefits of using smart networking devices as a means of building an active network. The complexity of Agent NetReconf is analyzed and the termination, liveliness and safety are proved
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 and Machado-Joseph disease: incidence of CAG expansions among adult-onset ataxia patients from 311 families with dominant, recessive, or sporadic ataxia.

Abstract The ataxias are a complex group of diseases with both environmental and genetic causes. Among the autosomal dominant forms of ataxia the genes for two, spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) and Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), have been isolated. In both of these disorders the molecular basis of disease is the expansion of an unstable CAG trinucleotide repeat. To assess the frequency of the SCA1 and MJD trinucleotide repeat expansions among individuals diagnosed with ataxia we have collected DNA from individuals representing 311 families with adult-onset ataxia of unknown etiology and screened these samples for trinucleotide repeat expansions within the SCA1 and MJD genes. Within this group there are 149 families with dominantly inherited ataxia. Of these, 3% had SCA1 trinucleotide repeat expansions, whereas 21% were positive for the MJD trinucleotide expansion. Thus, together SCA1 and MJD represent 24% of the autosomal dominant ataxias in our group, and the frequency of MJD is substantially greater than that of SCA1. For the 57 patients with MJD trinucleotide repeat expansions, a strong inverse correlation between CAG repeat size and age at onset was observed (r = -.838). Among the MJD patients, the normal and affected ranges of CAG repeat size are 14-40 and 68-82 repeats, respectively. For SCA1 the normal and affected ranges are much closer, containing 19-38 and 40-81 CAG repeats, respectively.
Neutrophils in granulomas from Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected macaques express granzyme B in response to mycobacterial products and pro-inflammatory signals (INC7P.406)

Inflammation is a critical component of tuberculosis (TB), and may contribute to a poor prognosis. The factors responsible for this inflammation are poorly studied. In addition, the role of neutrophils in TB, and whether neutrophils express granzyme B (grzB), a cytotoxic pro-apoptosis enzyme, is controversial. We examined neutrophils in peripheral blood (PB) and granulomas to determine if mycobacterial products or pro-inflammatory factors induce neutrophil grzB expression. PB neutrophils did not express grzB. In contrast, granuloma neutrophils expressed grzB and these cells contained more grzB than T cells. Elevated neutrophil, but not T cell, grzB expression correlated with higher tissue bacterial load. Perforin is required for T cell-mediated cytotoxicity but was not expressed by neutrophils. PB neutrophils upregulated grzB expression when infected with M. tuberculosis or stimulated with M. tuberculosis culture filtrate protein or LPS from E. coli, but not peptide antigens associated with T cell stimulation. Moreover, stimulated PB neutrophils secreted grzB in a perforin-independent process. GrzB was not bactericidal or bacteriostatic, suggesting secreted neutrophil grzB acts on extracellular targets, potentially enhancing neutrophil migration or regulating activation in other cell types. These data indicate M. tuberculosis-specific factors in granulomas upregulate neutrophil grzB expression and suggest a previously unappreciated aspect of neutrophil biology in TB.
Delivery of Modular Lethality via a Parent-Child Concept

Abstract : Optimal lethal efficiency may be achieved by delivering small modules with desired patterns against complex targets. The focus of this study is reliable production of prescribed impact locations of multiple small flight bodies at low cost. A parent child concept based on reduced feedback and simple control mechanisms is introduced to achieve this goal. Guidance and flight-control algorithms are derived for this concept using flight dynamics and optimization theory. High-fidelity flight models are used to prove the concepts and techniques. Results from simulations coupling multiple bodies in flight demonstrate successful delivery of child bodies to desired locations despite significant nonlinearities and system uncertainties.
Differential activity of a transposable element in Escherichia coli colonies.

In Escherichia coli colonies, patterns of differential gene expression can be visualized by the use of Mu d(lac) fusion elements. Here we report that patterned beta-galactosidase expression in colonies of strain MS1534 resulted from a novel mechanism, spatially localized replication of the Mu dII1681 element causing lacZ transposition to active expression sites. Mu dII1681 replication did not occur constitutively with a fixed probability but was dependent on the growth history of the bacterial population. The bacteria in which Mu dII1681 replication and lacZ transposition had occurred could no longer form colonies. These results lead to several interesting conclusions about cellular differentiation during colony development and the influence of bacterial growth history on gene expression and genetic change. Images
Characterizing projected designs: repeat and mirror-image runs

Two-level designs are useful to examine a large number of factors in an efficient manner. It is typically anticipated that only a few factors will be identified as important ones. The results can then be reanalyzed using a projection of the original design, projected into the space of the factors that matter. An interesting question is how many intrinsically different type of projections are possible from an initial given design. We examine this question here for the Plackett and Burman screening series with N= 12, 20 and 24 runs and projected dimensions k≤5. As a characterization criterion, we look at the number of repeat and mirror-image runs in the projections. The idea can be applied toany two-level design projected into fewer dimensions.
Oximetría cerebral: tres preguntas esenciales

Cerebral oximetry: Three questions to ask a b s t r a c t Cerebral oximetry based on near-infrared spectroscopy can non-invasively measure hemo- globin oxygen saturation in mixed arterial, venous and capillary blood in the brain. In order to determine if this is a clinically desirable monitor, we need to answer three questions in order. The first question is if cerebral oximetry monitors an important aspect of physiology. The second question is if the physiology can be optimized based on this monitor. The third question is if the outcome can be improved based on cerebral oximetry-guided clinical care. In this review, we share our answers to these three questions.
Valve closure responses of the Asiatic clam Corbicula fluminea exposed to cadmium and zinc

The valve movement patterns of immobilized Asiatic clams (Corbicula fluminea) were monitored during exposure to constant concentrations of cadmium (0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mg 1−1) or zinc (0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 0.9 mg 1−1) for 24 h following a 24-h acclimation period. Data indicate that the duration of response was concentration dependent and toxicity related. Durations of periods with valves parted declined as the concentration of heavy metal increased. Behavior was consistent for both mean time to first closure following the initial exposure and mean time per valve parting episode over a 24-h exposure period. Mean time per valve parting episode during the 24-h exposure period ranged from ≃ 600 minutes for control trials to 36 and 69 minutes for the highest concentrations of cadmium and zinc tested, respectively. There was no association between durations of periods with valves sealed and solutions of cadmium; however, lengthening durations of periods with valves sealed coincided with exposure of clams to progressively more concentrated zinc solutions. In addition, Asiatic clams demonstrated a greater rate of response (decline in the duration of periods with valves parted) to progressively more concentrated solutions of cadmium than to comparable increases in the concentrations of zinc solutions.
Cap assisted endoclipping of refractory bleeding from peptic ulcer

Bleeding that recurs despite repeated endoscopic hemostatic therapeis requires surgery. We describe a case of bleeding peptic ulcer that was refractory to conventional hemostasis, where cap assisted endoscopy combined with hemoclipping achieved successful hemostasis.
Rising Gas Price and Transit Ridership: Case Study of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

In July 2008, gas prices peaked at unprecedented levels in both nominal and real dollars. Americans also took more transit trips in 2008 than in any year since 1956. Past research has demonstrated a correlation between increases in gas price and increases in transit ridership. Using the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area as a case study, this research confirms and provides new insight into this relationship. Multivariate linear regressions were developed both to demonstrate and to measure the correlation while accounting for seasonal differences and to provide insight into what future gas price scenarios could mean for a transit system in a city like Philadelphia. One set of models was developed for the Regional Rail system and another was developed for the City Transit system. Both models demonstrated correlations of statistical significance. Comparison of the models showed that the price of gas had both a more significant correlation with and a higher impact on Regional Rail ridership than on City Transit ridership. The models were also used to explore the cross elasticity for transit demand. The results suggest various cross elasticities of between 0.15 and 0.23 for City Transit services and between 0.27 and 0.38 for Regional Rail services. The problems with attempting to isolate a value for cross elasticity are discussed. This analysis also explores the possibilities of a nonlinear relationship that explains past trends and discusses the difficulties in using these models to predict future transit demand.
What they want and what they get : The social goals of boys with ADHD and comparison boys

Twenty-seven boys diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and 18 comparison boys participated in a competitive tetradic interaction task. Boys were individually interviewed before the game about their goals for the interaction, and adult observers inferred boys' social goals from videotapes of the interaction. Social acceptance was determined by combining positive and negative sociometric nominations collected through individual interviews at the end of the summer research program in which the interaction was held. In their self-reports, ADHD-high aggressive boys prioritized trouble-seeking and fun at the expense of rules to a greater extent than did both ADHD-low aggressive and comparison boys. Observers judged ADHD-high-aggressive boys to seek attention more strongly and seek fairness less strongly than the other two groups. Self-reported goals of defiance and cooperation predicted boys' end-of-program social standing, even with interactional behaviors and subgroup status controlled statistically. Observer-inferred goals were differentially associated with social acceptance for ADHD and comparison boys, suggesting discontinuities in peer interaction processes. Differentiation of goals from behavior and the integral role of children's goals in peer acceptance are discussed.
Architecture of the trypanosome RNA editing accessory complex, MRB1

Trypanosoma brucei undergoes an essential process of mitochondrial uridine insertion and deletion RNA editing catalyzed by a 20S editosome. The multiprotein mitochondrial RNA-binding complex 1 (MRB1) is emerging as an equally essential component of the trypanosome RNA editing machinery, with additional functions in gRNA and mRNA stabilization. The distinct and overlapping protein compositions of reported MRB1 complexes and diverse MRB1 functions suggest that the complex is composed of subcomplexes with RNA-dependent and independent interactions. To determine the architecture of the MRB1 complex, we performed a comprehensive yeast two-hybrid analysis of 31 reported MRB1 proteins. We also used in vivo analyses of tagged MRB1 components to confirm direct and RNA-mediated interactions. Here, we show that MRB1 contains a core complex comprised of six proteins and maintained by numerous direct interactions. The MRB1 core associates with multiple subcomplexes and proteins through RNA-enhanced or RNA-dependent interactions. These findings provide a framework for interpretation of previous functional studies and suggest that MRB1 is a dynamic complex that coordinates various aspects of mitochondrial gene regulation.
Spin-Wave Dispersion Relations in Gadolinium

Spin-wave dispersion relations have been measured in high-symmetry directions for metallic Gd. Analysis shows that at least five interplanar constants are required for a satisfactory fit to the data. The energy gap at $q=0$ is unmeasurably small. In the $c$ direction the measured dispersion curve gives directly the Fourier-transformed exchange interaction $J(0)\ensuremath{-}J(q)$. This exhibits no other extreme value except that at the origin.
Two-photon two-color diode laser spectroscopy of the Rb 5D5/2 state

We report on spectroscopic measurements of the Rb 5D5/2 state performed using two-photon excitation with a resonant intermediate state. With the two beams (5S1/2 → 5P3/2 at 780 nm and 5P3/2 → 5D5/2 at 776 nm) counterpropagating, the spectra are Doppler-free and the signals are very robust, even in a room temperature vapor. This is due to the near match of the transition wavelengths. The 5D5/2 hyperfine constants have been measured and compared to previous determinations. We have also performed the excitation in a sample of laser-cooled atoms and compare these results to those obtained at room temperature. The fact that the 5P3/2 → 5D5/2 transition is narrow, robust, diode-laser accessible, and relatively immune to AC-Stark shifts, may make it a promising candidate for a frequency reference at 776 nm.
Development and validation of a multidimensional scale of perceived work-family positive spillover.

Although the benefits of participating in both work and family have been recognized for more than 30 years (Sieber, 1974), limited empirical research exists. One reason for this oversight is the absence of a well-established scale to measure these benefits. We present a new multidimensional scale of perceived work–family positive spillover. We conducted two studies that aided the development and validation of this scale. Our scale measures three types of work–family positive spillover: behavior-based instrumental positive spillover, value-based instrumental positive spillover, and affective positive spillover. Each of these three types of positive spillover occurs in two directions: from work to family and from family to work. We further evaluate the scale’s construct validity in relation to role satisfaction and self-reported mental health.
Capturing Expertise for the Evaluation of Photographs

How is an archivist or curator to know if a supposed vintage photograph is the real thing? This is an important question for historians who must establish the veracity of information that inheres in the image, or for collectors who must verify the pedigree of the photograph as antique object. George Eastman House of Rochester, New York is building its CEEP (Capturing Expertise for Evaluation of Photographs) database to provide information on distinguishing characteristics of materials, processes, and methods used in the production of historic images. Project Co-director Roger Bruce describes this unprecedented work to document the fundamental stuff of connoisseurship for fine photographs.
Synthesis and characterization of polyamide-imides

The synthesis and characterization of polyamide-imides (PAI) derived from four different dianhydrides and three isomers of diaminobenzanilide are discussed with emphasis on the effect of combining an amide linkage in the diamine portion with other bridging groups in the dianhydride portion of the polymer backbone. It is noted that all of the amide-imide polymers exhibit high-glass transition temperatures, high thermooxidative stability, and a relatively good solvent resistance. These aromatic PAIs are characterized by high thermal stability due to chain stiffness, crystallinity, and intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and are considered to be good candidates as high-temperature films, coatings, and fibers for aerospace applications.
Evaluation of a static granular bed reactor using a chemical oxygen demand balance and mathematical modeling.

Abstract In order to evaluate the static granular bed reactor (SGBR), a chemical oxygen demand (COD) balance was used along with a mathematical model. The SGBR was operated with an organic loading rate (OLR) ranging from 0.8 to 5.5 kg/m 3 day at 24 °C. The average COD removal efficiency was 87.4%, and the removal efficiencies of COD, carbohydrates, and proteins increased with an OLR, while the lipids removal efficiency was not a function of an OLR. From the results of the COD balance, the yield of biomass increased with an OLR. The SGBR was modeled using the general transport equation considering advection, diffusion, and degradation by microorganisms, and the first-order reaction rate constant was 0.0166/day. The simulation results were in excellent agreement with experimental data. In addition, the SGBR model provided mechanistic insight into why the COD removal efficiency in the SGBR is proportional to an OLR.
Evolutionary trends in Florida Pleistocene pocket gophers (genus Geomys), with description of a new species

ABSTRACT There is an extensive Pleistocene record, from early Irvingtonian to present, of pocket gophers (genus Geomys) in Florida. Evolutionary trends include the widening of lower cheekteeth and the expansion of the retromolar fossa; these changes resulted in progressively more efficient mastication. Other trends in dental characters include the loss of enamel from the posterior face of P4 and a change in the occlusal shape of M3 from elongate and bilophate to subtriangular. Mandibular and dental features distinguish early and middle Irvingtonian samples from late Irvingtonian to modern samples, which are referred to the extant Geomys pinetis. The new species may be diagnosed both quantitatively from mandibular characters and qualitatively from characters of the upper dentition.
Acidic limonoids of grapefruit seeds

Abstract Five acidic limonoids were isolated from a grapefruit seed extract. Two of them were identified as isoobacunoic acid and epiisoobacunoic acid, and two new compounds, nomilinic acid and deacetylnomilinic acid, were found to be hydroxy acids derived from the lactones nomilin and deacetylnomilin. Deacetylnomilinic acid may be a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of limonin.
Staphylococcus aureus intestinal colonization is associated with increased frequency of S. aureus on skin of hospitalized patients

Background Intestinal colonization by Staphylococcus aureus among hospitalized patients has been associated with increased risk of staphylococcal infection and could potentially contribute to transmission. We hypothesized that S. aureus intestinal colonization is associated with increased frequency of S. aureus on patients' skin and nearby environmental surfaces.