cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Report of the Committee on Runoff, 1948-1949

Because of the widely scattered locations of the membership, no assembled meeting of the Committee was held during the year, all discussions being held by correspondence. Consideration was given to three subjects during the year: (1) standardization of terminology as related to runoff (continued from previous year), (2) deficiencies in hydrologic research, and (3) current programs of hydrologic research. With respect to terminology, the wide divergence of opinion among committee members with respect to the definition of terms fairly common in hydrologic literature emphasizes the need for more uniformity. Various authors use the same terms to describe slightly different runoff phenomena. The Committee, while unable to agree at this date on recommended definitions, urges writers to restrict their terminology so far as practicable to that previously used. Nothing is gained by inventing a new name for a phenomenon which has already been satisfactorily named by a previous writer. On the other hand, precise definitions are necessary to proper understanding, and loose usage of runoff terms only destroys their usefulness. Where any question as to the intended definition exists, it is preferable for the author to present his definition until better agreement as to the accepted definition has been reached.
A global comparison of subtropical underwater formation rates

Abstract Subduction-related formation rates for Subtropical Underwater (STUW) are estimated for the North Atlantic and South Indian Oceans and compared with earlier work for the North and South Pacific. Subduction rates are calculated using drifter (1988–1998) and tracer (1987–1995) data. The drifter method involves calculating lateral induction (LI) from the mixed layer depth gradient, and vertical pumping (VP) from Ekman convergence. The tracer method involves calculating pCFC-12 ages on density surfaces to estimate the inverse age gradient. The two methods are independent except for the calculation of the formation area. The tracer and drifter methods agree within the error estimates, except in the North Pacific, and can be used to put bounds on the STUW subduction process: North Atlantic (44–36 m/yr, 2 Sv), North Pacific (26–17 m/yr, 4 Sv), South Pacific (32–33 m/yr, 7 Sv), and South Indian (22–25 m/yr,
Analysis of Benzo[a]pyrene Partitioning and Cellular Homeostasis in a Rat Liver Cell Line

The uptake and subcellular partitioning of benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were examined in a rat-liver cell line (Clone 9) using confocal and multiphoton microscopy. Following a 16-h treatment, intracellular accumulation of BaP increased with increasing concentration, and cytoplasmic BaP fluorescence reached saturation at 10 microM. Analysis of the kinetics of BaP uptake at this concentration indicated that BaP is rapidly partitioned into all cytoplasmic membranes within several min, although saturation was not reached until 4 h. Based upon the rapid uptake of BaP into membranes, the chronology of changes in gap junction-mediated intercellular communication (GJIC), plasma membrane potential (PMP), and steady state levels of intracellular Ca2+ in relation to the time-course for induction of microsomal ethoxyresorufin-0-deethylase (EROD) activity were examined. EROD activity in Clone 9 cells treated for 16 h increased with increasing concentrations of BaP and reached the highest levels at 40 microM BaP. In addition, kinetic analysis of EROD activity in Clone 9 cells treated with 10 microM BaP indicated that significant induction of EROD activity was not detected before 3 h, and it reached maximal levels by 16 h of treatment at this concentration. Both GJIC and PMP were directly affected by the partitioning of BaP into cellular membranes. The most sensitive index of BaP-induced changes in membrane function was GJIC which revealed a 25% suppression in cells exposed to 0.4 microM BaP for 16 h. Kinetic analysis revealed that suppression of GJIC occurred within 15 min of exposure of cells to 10 microM BaP, whereas significant suppression of PMP was not detected prior to 30-min exposure at this concentration. Elevation of basal Ca2+ level was also detected simultaneously with PMP at this dose. These data suggest that early changes in cellular membrane functions occur prior to detectable induction of EROD activity, although basal metabolic activation of BaP may contribute to these changes.
Is mechanism of injury dead

Mechanism-of-injury data are frequently unavailable to the emergency physician. Furthermore, their value as a triage tool has recently been challenged. Motor vehicle crash patients have fewer external signs of injury, and commonly “look fine and feel fine” because of improvements in vehicle design, increased use of restraints, and airbag deployments. Yet forces involved in the crash may overcome all efforts at protecting the occupant, resulting in occult life-threatening injuries. Without data about the crash, physicians are blinded to violent crash forces that are ultimately transferred to the patient. Information technologies, such as on-scene photography by EMTs, automated collision notification systems, and telemedicine applications, may be used to deliver realtime crash information to aid the emergency physician in caring for these patients. Beyond improving patient care for any given encounter in emergency practice, collecting and evaluating these data will expand our knowledge about how to care for...
Binding of a group II intron-encoded reverse transcriptase/maturase to its high affinity intron RNA binding site involves sequence-specific recognition and autoregulates translation.

Mobile group II introns encode reverse transcriptases that bind specifically to the intron RNAs to promote both intron mobility and RNA splicing (maturase activity). Previous studies with the Lactococcus lactis Ll.LtrB intron suggested a model in which the intron-encoded protein (LtrA) binds first to a primary high-affinity binding site in intron subdomain DIVa, an idiosyncratic structure at the beginning of the LtrA coding sequence, and then makes additional contacts with conserved regions of the intron to fold the RNA into the catalytically active structure. Here, we analyzed the DIVa binding site by iterative in vitro selection and in vitro mutagenesis. Our results show that LtrA binds to a small region at the distal end of DIVa that contains the ribosome-binding site and initiation codon of the LtrA open reading frame. The critical elements are in a small stem-loop structure emanating from a purine-rich internal loop, with both sequence and structure playing a role in LtrA recognition. The ribosome-binding site falls squarely within the LtrA-binding region and is sequestered directly by the binding of LtrA or by stabilization of the small stem-loop or both. Finally, by using LacZ fusions in Escherichia coli, we show that the binding of LtrA to DIVa down-regulates translation. This mode of regulation limits accumulation of the potentially deleterious intron-encoded protein and may facilitate splicing by halting ribosome entry into the intron. The recognition of the DIVa loop-stem-loop structure accounts, in part, for the intron specificity of group II intron maturases and has parallels in template-recognition mechanisms used by other reverse transcriptases.
Role of Cyclooxygenase 2 in Protein Kinase C βII-mediated Colon Carcinogenesis

Elevated expression of protein kinase C beta II (PKC beta II) is an early promotive event in colon carcinogenesis (Gokmen-Polar, Y., Murray, N. R., Velasco, M. A., Gatalica, Z., and Fields, A. P. (2001) Cancer Res. 61, 1375-1381). Expression of PKC beta II in the colon of transgenic mice leads to hyperproliferation and increased susceptibility to colon carcinogenesis due, at least in part, to repression of transforming growth factor beta type II receptor (TGF-beta RII) expression (Murray, N. R., Davidson, L. A., Chapkin, R. S., Gustafson, W. C., Schattenberg, D. G., and Fields, A. P. (1999) J. Cell Biol., 145, 699-711). Here we report that PKC beta II induces the expression of cyclooxygenase type 2 (Cox-2) in rat intestinal epithelial (RIE) cells in vitro and in transgenic PKC beta II mice in vivo. Cox-2 mRNA increases more than 10-fold with corresponding increases in Cox-2 protein and PGE2 production in RIE/PKC beta II cells. PKC beta II activates the Cox-2 promoter by 2- to 3-fold and stabilizes Cox-2 mRNA by at least 4-fold. The selective Cox-2 inhibitor Celecoxib restores expression of TGF-beta RII both in vitro and in vivo and restores TGF beta-mediated transcription in RIE/PKC beta II cells. Likewise, the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which inhibits PKC beta II activity and colon carcinogenesis, causes inhibition of Cox-2 protein expression, re-expression of TGF-beta RII, and restoration of TGF-beta1-mediated transcription in RIE/PKC beta II cells. Our data demonstrate that PKC beta II promotes colon cancer, at least in part, through induction of Cox-2, suppression of TGF-beta signaling, and establishment of a TGF-beta-resistant, hyperproliferative state in the colonic epithelium. Our data define a procarcinogenic PKC beta II --> Cox-2 --> TGF-beta signaling axis within the colonic epithelium, and provide a molecular mechanism by which dietary omega-3 fatty acids and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents such as Celecoxib suppress colon carcinogenesis.
Mechanisms of reaction of some flavoprotein enzymes with oxygen.

Biochemical investigations of the properties of free flavins and of flavoproteins have shown that reduction usually occurs in two stages, with the intermediate formation of semiquinones in the case of free flavins. Flavoproteins often show spectroscopically similar intermediates, when partially reduced with substrate. These may, however, be enzyme-product complexes. Detailed investigation of individual flavoprotein enzymes has shown examples in which catalysis involves transition of the enzyme between oxidized and fully reduced forms (glucose oxidase), between oxidized and intermediate forms (D-amino acid oxidase), and intermediate and fully reduced forms (TPNH—cytochrome c reductase). Further, examples are known in which both intermediate and reduced forms react with oxygen, in which only one reacts, while in TPNH—cytochrome c reductase neither the intermediate nor the reduced form reacts with molecular oxygen. The physiological significance of these complex findings is uncertain, partly because it is not known whether purified flavoproteins occur in the same form in the tissues. It seems unlikely, however, that flavoproteins make a major contribution to the respiratory exchange of mammals.
Realization of an all-dielectric zero-index optical metamaterial

Previously demonstrated zero- or negative-refractive-index metamaterials at optical frequencies suffer from large ohmic losses because of the need to use metals. Metamaterials formed by stacked silicon rod unit cells allow the realization of all-dielectric impedance-matched zero-index metamaterials operating at optical frequencies, potentially benefiting the development of angular-selective optical devices.
TENSILE PROPERTIES OF BEEF SEMITENDINOSUS MUSCLE AS AFFECTED BY HEATING RATE AND END POINT TEMPERATURE

The effects of heating rate and end point temperature on tensile properties of beef semi-tendinosus muscle were studied. Samples of meat heated in glass tubes in a water bath to simulate oven roasting at 93 °C had lower (P < 0.01) shear values than those heated to simulate oven roasting at 149 °C. Samples heated to 60 and 70°C had lower (P < 0.001) shear values than samples heated to 50°C. Instron breaking strength values varied (P < 0.001) with end point temperature, but were not significantly affected by the rate of heating. Significant (P < 0.001) interactions between the end point temperature and heating rate, as well as between the end point temperature and fiber direction suggested that Instron breaking strength measurements may be more sensitive to changes in tenderness than Warner Bratzler shear measurements.
Food Availability Affects Neural Estrogen Receptor Immunoreactivity in Prepubertal Mice

How underfeeding delays maturation of the central mechanisms affecting GnRH release at the onset of puberty, and why females are more sensitive to underfeeding than males are not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that the sexually dimorphic effects of underfeeding on GnRH release are mediated in part through the estrogen receptor (ER). We investigated the influence of underfeeding on the number of ER-immunoreactive (ER-ir) cells in the medial preoptic area (mPOA), ventromedial nucleus (VMN), and arcuate nucleus (ARH) of prepubertal CF-1 mice, neural areas known to influence GnRH release. In females, 7 days of underfeeding reduced detectable ER-ir cells in the mPOA and VMN, but not in the ARH. Also, we noted a direct relationship between the percent body weight change the last 24 h before perfusion and the numbers of ER-ir cells in the mPOA (r = 0.69; P = 0.0008) and VMN (r = 0.56; P = 0.01). In males, 17 days of underfeeding did not affect ER-ir cell numbers in any region. A subsequent investigati...
Measuring rapid hydrogen exchange in the homodimeric 36 kDa HIV-1 integrase catalytic core domain

Measurements of rapid hydrogen exchange (HX) of water with protein amide sites contain valuable information on protein structure and function, but current NMR methods for measuring HX rates are limited in their applicability to large protein systems. An alternate method for measuring rapid HX is presented that is well-suited for larger proteins, and we apply the method to the deuterated, homodimeric 36 kDa HIV-1 integrase catalytic core domain (CCD). Using long mixing times for water-amide magnetization exchange at multiple pH values, HX rates spanning more than four orders of magnitude were measured, as well as NOE cross-relaxation rates to nearby exchangeable protons. HX protection factors for the CCD are found to be large (>10(4)) for residues along the dimer interface, but much smaller in many other regions. Notably, the catalytic helix (residues 152-167) exhibits low HX protection at both ends, indicative of fraying at both termini as opposed to just the N-terminal end, as originally thought. Residues in the LEDGF/p75 binding pocket also show marginal stability, with protection factors in the 10-100 range (∼1.4-2.7 kcal/mol). Additionally, elevated NOE cross-relaxation rates are identified and, as expected, correspond to proximity of the amide proton to a rapidly exchanging proton, typically from an OH side chain. Indirect NOE transfer between H(2) O and the amide proton of I141, a residue in the partially disordered active site of the enzyme, suggests its proximity to the side chain of S147, an interaction seen in the DNA-bound form for a homologous integrase.
In vivo gene transfer of nitric oxide synthase enhances vasomotor function in carotid arteries from normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits

Background —The vascular endothelium is anatomically intact but functionally abnormal in preatherosclerotic states, and an early deficit in the bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) or related molecules has been described in both humans and animal models. We hypothesized that the targeted gene transfer of NO synthase (NOS) isoforms might ameliorate or reverse the deficit. Methods and Results —We constructed a recombinant adenovirus, Ad.nNOS, that expresses the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS) and used it for in vivo endovascular gene transfer to carotid arteries (CA) from normal and cholesterol-fed rabbits. Vessels were harvested 3 days after gene transfer. In CA from normal rabbits, Ad.nNOS generated high levels of functional nNOS protein predominantly in endothelial cells and increased vascular NOS activity by 3.4-fold relative to sham-infected control CA. Ad.nNOS gene transfer also significantly enhanced endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation to acetylcholine; at 3 μmol/L acetylcholine, Ad.nNOS-treated arteries showed an 86±4% reduction in precontracted tension, whereas control CA showed a 47±6% reduction in tension. Contraction in response to phenylephrine and relaxation in response to nitroprusside were unaffected in both control and Ad.nNOS-treated CA. To determine the effect of Ad.nNOS in atherosclerotic arteries, 10 male New Zealand White rabbits maintained on a 1% cholesterol diet for 10 to 12 weeks underwent gene transfer according to the same protocol used in normal rabbits. Ad.nNOS-treated arteries showed a 2-fold increase in NADPH-diaphorase staining intensity relative to sham-infected and Ad.βGal-treated arteries. The CA from cholesterol-fed rabbits showed impaired acetylcholine-induced relaxation, but this abnormality was almost entirely corrected by Ad.nNOS gene transfer. Conclusions —In vivo adenovirus-mediated endovascular delivery of nNOS markedly enhances vascular NOS activity and can favorably influence endothelial physiology in the intact and atherosclerotic vessel wall.
Kinesin-Dependent Axonal Transport Is Mediated by the Sunday Driver (SYD) Protein

A broadly conserved membrane-associated protein required for the functional interaction of kinesin-I with axonal cargo was identified. Mutations in sunday driver (syd) and the axonal transport motor kinesin-I cause similar phenotypes in Drosophila, including aberrant accumulations of axonal cargoes. GFP-tagged mammalian SYD localizes to tubulovesicular structures that costain for kinesin-I and a marker of the secretory pathway. Coimmunoprecipitation analysis indicates that mouse SYD forms a complex with kinesin-I in vivo. Yeast two-hybrid analysis and in vitro interaction studies reveal that SYD directly binds kinesin-I via the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of kinesin light chain (KLC) with K(d) congruent with 200 nM. We propose that SYD mediates the axonal transport of at least one class of vesicles by interacting directly with KLC.
Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at a low volume living donor transplant center: successful outcomes can be expected.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Concern has been raised about possible increased morbidity associated with laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) during the learning curve of the procedure and at centers with a low volume of living donors. We evaluated the safety and success of LDN at a low volume living donor transplant center with a skilled laparoscopic urologist and experienced renal transplant team.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent LDN at our institution. A single surgeon skilled in laparoscopy (JAC) performed all LDNs. Patient demographics, operative reports, complications and recipient outcomes were evaluated.Results: A total of 17 LDNs were performed between January 2000 and September 2002. There was 1 elective conversion to an open procedure for kidney harvest due to complex hilar anatomy. Only 1 minor complication occurred (wound seroma) and 1 donor had creatinine persistently elevated to 1.9 mg/dl (normal 0.6 to 1.2). Mean operating room time, estimated blood loss and h...
Allergic Airway Inflammation is Differentially Exacerbated by Daytime and Nighttime Ultrafine and Submicron Fine Ambient Particles: Heme Oxygenase-1 as an Indicator of PM-Mediated Allergic Inflammation

Ambient particulate matter (PM) originates from a range of sources and differs in composition with respect to season, time of day, and particle size. In this study, ambient PM samples in the ultrafine and submicrometer fine range were tested for the potential to exacerbate a murine model of allergic airway inflammation when exposure occurs solely during allergic sensitization, but not during subsequent allergen challenge. Temporally resolved and size-segregated PM samples were used to understand how summer or winter, day or night, and ambient ultrafine and submicrometer fine particle size influence PM's ability to exacerbate allergic inflammation. PM was collected in urban Fresno, CA. BALB/c mice were exposed to PM and house dust mite allergen (HDM) via intranasal aspiration on d 1, 3, and 5. HDM challenge occurred on d 12-14, with inflammation assessed 24 h following final challenge. While season or particle size did not predict allergic inflammation, daytime ultrafine and submicrometer fine particles significantly increased total cellular inflammation, specifically lymphocyte and eosinophil infiltration, compared to allergic controls. Further studies examined PM-mediated changes within the lung during the period where allergen sensitization occurred by measuring direct effects of PM on pulmonary oxidative stress and inflammation. Pulmonary levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a biomarker of oxidative stress, but not cellular inflammation, demonstrated a remarkable correlation with the degree of allergic inflammation in animals sensitized to allergen and PM concomitantly, suggesting acute PM-mediated HO-1 levels may serve as a predictive indicator of a particle's ability to exacerbate allergic airway inflammation.
White phosphorus activation at a metal-phosphorus triple bond: a new route to cyclo-triphosphorus or cyclo-pentaphosphorus complexes of niobium.

The Nb–P triple bond in [P≡Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]− (Np = CH2tBu; Ar = 3,5-Me2C6H3) has produced the first case of P4 activation by a metal–ligand multiple bond. Treatment of P4 with the sodium salt of the niobium phosphide complex in weakly coordinating solvents led to formation of the cyclo-P3 anion [(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]−. Treatment in tetrahydrofuran (THF) led to the formation of a cyclo-P5 anion [(Ar[Np]N)(η4-P5)Nb(N[Np]Ar)2]−, which represents a rare example of a substituted pentaphosphacyclopentadienyl ligand. The P4 activation pathway was shown to depend on the dimer–monomer equilibrium of the niobium phosphide reagent, which, in turn, depends on the solvent used for the reaction. The pathway leading to the cyclo-P3 product was shown to require a 2:1 ratio of the phosphide anion to P4, while the cyclo-P5 formation requires a 1:1 ratio. The cyclo-P3 salt has been isolated in 56% yield as orange crystals of the [Na(THF)]2[(P3)Nb(N[Np]Ar)3]2 dimer or in 83% yield as an orange powder of [Na(12-crown-4)2][(P3)Nb(N[N...
Poster Abstract: Memory-Aware Response Time Analysis for P-FRP Tasks

Summary form only given. Functional Reactive Programming (FRP) is playing and potentially going to play a more important role in real-time systems. Priority-based (preemptive) FRP (P-FRP), a variant of FRP with more real-time characteristics, demands more research in its scheduling and timing analysis. In a P-FRP system, similar to a classic preemptive system, a higher priority task can preempt a lower-priority one and make the latter abort. The lower-priority task will restart after the higher priority tasks complete their execution. However, unlike the classic preemptive model, when a task aborts, all the changes made by the task are discarded (Abort and Restart). In previous studies, the value of Worst Case Execution Time (WCET) of a task is used for all its restarted tasks. However, in practice restarted tasks likely consume less time than WCET when considering the memory effect such as cache-hit in loading code and data. Here we consider a typical task life cycle without being interrupted (cold started task): (1) code is loaded from hard drive and data is loaded from main memory; (2) computation is done by processor(s); (3) results are committed to main memory. In the P-FRP model, the time spent in phase (2) and (3) is wasted when a task is aborted, however, since the existence of memory hierarchy, the time spent in phase (1) can be less when a task is restarted, for example, the task code is still in cache and does not need to be read from slow main memory again. This memory effect is not considered in previous studies of P-FRP systems. In this paper, we present our preliminary memory-aware P-FRP task response time analysis and experimental results. Our ongoing research is to present more theoretical response time analysis and priority assignment research in the memory-aware P-FRP task scheduling. And since the execution time difference is likely related to data placement/locality, we will address this difference in our multi-core P-FRP task scheduling research too.
Variationsr on aligning linked open data ontologies

Traditional OA systems are not as suitable for aligning LOD ontology schemas; for example, equivalence relations are limited among LOD concepts so that OA systems for LOD ontology alignment also find subclass and superclass relations. Four recent approaches for LOD ontology alignment are BLOOMS (BL) [1] and BLOOMS+ [2], AgreementMaker (AM) [3], WikiMatch (WM) [4], and Holistic Concept Mapping (HCM) [5]. Table 1 briefly compares these systems for aligning LOD ontologies.
Solid-State NMR Investigation of the Conformation, Proton Conduction, and Hydration of the Influenza B Virus M2 Transmembrane Proton Channel

Together with the influenza A virus, influenza B virus causes seasonal flu epidemics. The M2 protein of influenza B (BM2) forms a tetrameric proton-conducting channel that is important for the virus lifecycle. BM2 shares little sequence homology with AM2, except for a conserved HxxxW motif in the transmembrane (TM) domain. Unlike AM2, no antiviral drugs have been developed to block the BM2 channel. To elucidate the proton-conduction mechanism of BM2 and to facilitate the development of BM2 inhibitors, we have employed solid-state NMR spectroscopy to investigate the conformation, dynamics, and hydration of the BM2 TM domain in lipid bilayers. BM2 adopts an α-helical conformation in lipid membranes. At physiological temperature and low pH, the proton-selective residue, His19, shows relatively narrow 15N chemical exchange peaks for the imidazole nitrogens, indicating fast proton shuttling that interconverts cationic and neutral histidines. Importantly, pH-dependent 15N chemical shifts indicate that His19 ret...
GENETIC AND CELLULAR ASPECTS OF ALLOIMMUNIZATION-INDUCED GRAFT-VERSUS-LEUKEMIA REACTIVITY

ABSTRACT: In an animal model testing adoptive immunotherapy of T cell leukemia we found that preimmunization of the donor with normal tissues from allogeneic mice induced GVL reactivity without augmentation of GVH reactivity. Alloimmunization-induced GVL reactivity was not due exclusively to H-2 or M1s disparity between the donor and immunogen. GVL reactivity appeared to be mediated by donor T cells. Using limiting dilution microcytotoxicity assays we observed a correlation between the quantity of GVL reactive T cells in transplanted leukemic AKR mice and survival.
Initial characterization of behavior and ketamine response in a mouse knockout of the post-synaptic effector gene Anks1b

The human ANKS1B gene encodes an activity-dependent effector of post-synaptic signaling. It was recently associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes in genome-wide studies. While the biological function of ANKS1B has been partly elucidated, its role in behavior is poorly understood. Here, we breed and characterize a full knockout (KO) for murine Anks1b. We found that the homozygous KO genotype was partially lethal, showing significant deviation from expected segregation ratios at weaning. Behaviorally, KOs exhibited no difference in baseline acoustic startle response, but showed deficits in prepulse inhibition (PPI). KOs also exhibited locomotor hyperactivity and increased stereotypy at baseline. Administration of ketamine, a non-competitive NMDA-receptor antagonist, greatly exacerbated locomotor activity in the KOs at lower doses, but genotype groups were almost indistinguishable as dose increased. Stereotypy showed a complex response to ketamine in the KOs, with elevated stereotypy at lower doses and markedly less at high doses, compared to wild type. Our study is the first to probe the behavioral phenotypes associated with ablation of Anks1b. Deficits in PPI, locomotor hyperactivity, elevated stereotypy and altered response to NMDA receptor antagonism are murine behavioral outcomes with translational relevance for psychiatric disorders. These findings are also consistent with the role of Anks1b as an effector of glutamatergic signaling. As an intermediary between post-synaptic receptor stimulation and long-term changes to neuronal protein expression, further investigation of Anks1b is warranted.
Gender Differences in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease—Current Knowledge and Deficits

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the most common chronic diseases, is no longer a disease only of men. The epidemiology of COPD has changed over the last couple of decades with more women now dying every year from COPD than men. Although secular trends in tobacco consumption are largely responsible for the currently observed gender differences, nontobacco factors including exposure to indoor and outdoor pollution, occupational exposures, and anatomic, physiologic, hormonal as well as genetic predisposition are increasingly recognized to be contributory. Recent studies focusing on the clinical expression of COPD, comorbidities, care delivery, treatment, and overall outcomes have shown that important differences exist between the two genders. This review summarizes the current knowledge and deficits on gender differences on COPD and how this could be used to improve clinical practice and advance research on the disease.
A constructivist account of the development of perception, attention, and memory

In their commerce with the world human beings come into contact with a seemingly endless array of people, objects, and events, some of which they notice and some of which they overlook, some of which they attend to and some of which they ignore, some of which they remember and some of which they forget. It is a truism to say that a great deal of perceptual/ cognitive work goes on in everyday existence. The nature of the processes involved in relating to the environment and the way they operate have, of course, long been issues of considerable interest among psychologists of many persuasions (see Kahneman, 1973; Keele, 1973; Klatzky, 1975; Turvey, 1975, for reviews of various positions).
Model-based design validation for advanced energy management strategies for electrified hybrid power trains using innovative vehicle hardware in the loop (VHIL) approach

Abstract Hybridization of automotive powertrains by using more than one type of energy converter is considered as an important step towards reducing fuel consumption and air pollutants. Specifically, the development of energy efficient, highly complex, alternative drive-train systems, in which the interactions of different energy converters play an important role, requires new design methods and processes. This paper discusses the inclusion of an alternative hybrid power train into an existing vehicle platform for maximum energy efficiency. The new proposed integrated Vehicle Hardware In-the-loop (VHiL) and Model Based Design (MBD) approach is utilized to evaluate the energy efficiency of electrified powertrain. In VHiL, a complete chassis system becomes an integrated part of the vehicle test bed. A complete conventional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) powered vehicle is tested in roller bench test for the integration of energy efficient hybrid electric power train modules in closed-loop, real-time, feedback configuration. A model that is a replica of the test vehicle is executed – in real-time- where all hybrid power train modules are included. While the VHiL platform is controlling the signal exchange between the test bed automation software and the vehicle on-board controller, the road load exerted on the driving wheels is manipulated in closed –loop real-time manner in order to reflect all hybrid driving modes including: All Electric Range (AER), Electric Power Assist (EPA) and blended Modes (BM). Upon successful implementation of VHiL, a comparative study between Rule Based (RB) energy management strategy (EMS) and Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) to Control Parallel Through-The-Road Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PTTR-HEV) is performed. The study shows that the actual fuel efficiency of the tested vehicle under both control strategies can be used in order to evaluate the effectiveness of energy conversion efficiency of the powertrain system. The fuel consumption of hybridized powertrain is compared with the conventional powertrain equipped in an actual vehicle to help comprehend the degree of efficiency attained by the hybridization. This process is developed in order to enable effective tuning/validation of advanced energy management strategies utilized in hybrid electric powertrain through an evaluation of a complete real chassis system subject to electric hybridization. The VHiL is considered as new evolution for the utilization of vehicle test bed as a predictive mechatronic platform for the development of energy efficient electrified propulsion systems and thus reduce cost and time.
Communication and visibility in public goods provision

Abstract We design a public goods laboratory experiment in both a virtual world environment and an abstract computerized environment, each with and without communication and visibility, to investigate how communication and visibility of other participants affect individual contributions to public goods. In both environments, the presence of communication significantly and consistently improves public good contributions. However, the interaction between communication and visibility differs in the two environments. While the two dimensions are substitutes in the abstract computerized environment, they work in a complementary way to increase public goods contributions in the virtual world environment. Chat content analysis further shows that positive reinforcement and monitoring have a positive impact on cooperation, but dissent has a negative impact.
A longitudinal investigation of direct and indirect links between reading skills in kindergarten and reading comprehension in tenth grade

In this study, researchers examined the extent to which several fundamental measures of reading proficiency from kindergarten students (N = 3180) were linked to reading comprehension in tenth grade while controlling for third grade vocabulary and oral reading fluency. Analyses tested the direct and indirect relations between and among kindergarten, third grade, and tenth grade measures. Results showed significant direct effects from kindergarten nonsense word fluency and letter naming fluency to tenth grade reading comprehension, along with significant indirect effects of kindergarten nonsense word fluency and vocabulary to tenth grade reading comprehension. Findings suggest that fundamental precursors maintain strong impact upon reading comprehension into the secondary school years. These findings are discussed along with implications for interventions and ideas for future research.
What is co-creation? An interactional creation framework and its implications for value creation

Abstract The “co-creation” label has proliferated over the past decade. With little consensus on what “co-creation” is, we offer a novel, unifying perspective by anchoring its theorization in creation through interactions. We develop a definition of co-creation as enactment of interactional creation across interactive system-environments (afforded by interactive platforms) entailing agencing engagements and structuring organizations. Interactional creation is enacted by means of interactions of “agencial assemblages”, while agencing engagements and structuring organizations enable and constrain interactions. Interactive platforms, i.e., instantiations of agencial assemblages, are composed of heterogeneous relations of artifacts, processes, interfaces, and persons. Aided by digitalized technologies, interactive platforms afford a multiplicity of interactive system-environments that connect creational interactions with how experienced outcomes emerge from their underlying resourced capabilities. We apply our definitional framework to the practice of value creation as a co-creation, cutting across conventional “production”, “exchange”, and “use” activities. In doing so, we introduce the concept of value-in-interactional creation. We conclude by providing a summary of our conceptualization, explanation of terms in definition, and illustration in practice, while emphasizing the main contributions of our framework and its research implications.
Planting Seeds: The Curricular Hope of Short Term Mission Experiences in Youth Ministry

This article presents research that examines the impact of short-term mission trips as an experiential curriculum in the lives of North American adolescent participants. Drawing from prominent expe...
Depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and a History of Pervasive Gender-Based Violence Among Women Asylum Seekers Who Have Undergone Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting: A Retrospective Case Review

We sought to evaluate the frequency of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and any experiences of violence in women who had undergone Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and were seeking asylum in the United States. We undertook a retrospective qualitative descriptive study of FGM/C cases seen in an asylum clinic over a 2-year period. Standardized questionnaires provided quantitative scores for anxiety, depression and PTSD. Clients’ personal and physician medical affidavits were analyzed for experiences of violence. Of the 13 cases, anxiety and depression were exhibited by 92 and 100% of women, while all seven women screened for PTSD had symptoms. Qualitative analysis revealed extensive violence perpetrated against these women, demonstrating that FGM/C is only part of the trauma experienced. The high level of mental health disorders and endured violence has implications for providers working with FGM/C survivors and indicates the need for accessible mental health services and trauma-informed care.
Immunotherapy of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), the most common cause of acute neuromuscular weakness and paralysis worldwide, encompasses a group of acute immune-mediated disorders restricted to peripheral nerves and roots. Immune-mediated attack of peripheral nervous system myelin, axons or both is presumed to be triggered by molecular mimicry, with both cell- and humoral-dependent mechanisms implicated in disease pathogenesis. Good circumstantial evidence exists for a pathogenic role for molecular mimicry in GBS pathogenesis, especially with its axonal forms, providing insights that could guide future immunotherapy. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) and plasma exchange (PE) are the most commonly prescribed immunotherapies for GBS with variable efficacy dependent on GBS subtype, severity at initial presentation and other clinical and electrophysiologic prognostic factors. The mechanisms of action of IVIg and PE are not known definitely. Despite recent significant advances in molecular biology that provide insights into GBS pathogenesis, no advances in therapeutics or significant improvements in patient outcomes have occurred over the past three decades. We summarize the clinical aspects of GBS, its current pathogenesis and immunotherapy, and highlight the potential of leukocyte trafficking inhibitors as novel disease-specific immunotherapeutic drugs.
Vasopressin gene expression in rat choroid plexus.

Vasopressin (VP) levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) change in response to physiological stimuli and under various pathological conditions. The sources of CSF VP have yet to be clarified, however. In the present study, we provide evidence indicating that VP is synthesized in the choroid plexus, the primary site of CSF formation. All experiments were performed on adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. The presence of VP mRNA in choroid plexus epithelium was demonstrated by in situ hybridization histochemistry using the 35S-labeled riboprobe that was complementary to cDNA fragment of rat VP encoding the C-terminus part of proVP. In situ hybridization findings were confirmed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Immunohistochemistry for VP-associated neurophysin (VP-NP), a polypeptide component of proVP, revealed subapical accumulation of VP-NP-immunopositive product in choroidal epithelial cells. Immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting of choroidal protein extracts with anti-VP-NP antibody demonstrated the presence of a ~10-kD polypeptide that was also detected in hypothalamus. We hypothesize that the choroid plexus-derived VP exerts autocrine and/or paracrine effects on tissues near the CSF system.
The macroecology of passerine nest types, in the light of macroevolution

Passerine birds build a diversity of nests to lay and incubate eggs, and to house nestlings. Open cup, dome, and hole (or cavity) nests have distinct advantages and/or disadvantages related to predation risk and thermoregulation. We used macroecological and macroevolutionary approaches to test contrasting predictions from considering these consequences. Patterns of prevalence across latitude and elevation for the roofed nest types (holes and domes) provide no evidence that their thermoregulation benefits promote colonization of colder environments. These patterns are more consistent with the role of predation in determining where dome-nesting species in particular occur. Macroevolutionary analyses suggest that diversity patterns for nest types along major ecological gradients mostly arise from how clades with conserved nest types have diversified across gradients, rather than arising from local adaptation. Lastly, we reveal a negative relationship between body mass and latitude in hole-nesting passerines, which runs counter to Bergmann's rule.
Multiple evolutionary origins lead to diversity in the metabolic profiles of ambrosia fungi

Abstract Ambrosia fungi are an ecological assemblage cultivated by ambrosia beetles as required nutrient sources. This mutualism evolved in multiple beetle and fungus lineages. Whether convergence in ecology led to convergent metabolism in ambrosia fungi is unknown. We compared the assimilation of 190 carbon sources in five independent pairs of ambrosia fungi and closely related, non-ambrosial species. Ecological convergence versus phylogenetic divergence in carbon source use was tested using variation partitioning. We found no convergence in carbon utilization capacities. Instead, metabolic variation was mostly explained by phylogenetic relationships. In addition, carbon usage in ambrosia fungi was equally diverse as that in non-ambrosial species. Thus, carbon metabolism of each ambrosia fungus is determined by its inherited metabolism, not the transition towards symbiosis. In contrast to other fungus-farming systems of termites and attine ants, the fungal symbionts of ambrosia beetles are functionally diverse, reflecting their independent evolutionary origins.
Automated Audiovisual Feedback in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Training: Improving Skills in Pediatric Intensive Care Nurses.

BACKGROUND High-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with improved survival and neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, health care professionals frequently do not perform resuscitation within guidelines after life-support training. OBJECTIVES To determine if brief intermittent training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation could improve nurses' skills to perform high-quality resuscitation 70% or more of the time during 2 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation after 3 training sessions. METHODS In a prospective single-center quality improvement program, pediatric critical care nurses had monthly training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A portable manikin/defibrillator with a chest compression sensor was used to provide corrective audiovisual feedback to optimize resuscitation skills. Resuscitation was practiced on an adult manikin. Target goals were compression depth 2 in or greater at a compression rate of 100/min to 120/minute. Percentage of time in the target range and mean compression depth and rate were recorded. Data were collected every other month. The percentage of time both compression rate and depth were in the target range was compared among nurses with different total numbers of training sessions. RESULTS Of the 62 nurses who participated in the training, 48 had data collected. The median percentage of time in the target range improved from 29% with no training to 46% after 1 session, 54% after 2 sessions, 68% after 3 sessions, and 74% after 4 sessions (P = .001). Compression depth increased with the number of training sessions (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS This training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation yielded significant skill improvement and retention.
334 DECREASING TREND IN POSTNEONATAL MORTALITY.

NICU deaths beyond the neonatal period comprise a significant percentage of nursery deaths before hospital discharge, yet they are hardly identified as such. We have presented two previous reports from our hospital covering 1976-1983 and 1993-1998.1,2With decreasing neonatal mortality, we decided to review the subsequent 7 years, 1999-2005. We identified all infant deaths before discharge from the nursery aged ≥ 28 days. Clinical data for all cases and autopsy records where available were reviewed and a cause of death determined. Total nursery deaths for the 6 years were 181, of which 12 (6.6%) occurred after the neonatal period. This represents a decrease from the 12% reported in 1993-1998. Causes of death generally were divided into complications of prematurity and congenital defects. The five infants whose cause of death was prematurity all had chronic lung disease, four had abdominal surgery for perforation and resection, three had positive blood or peritoneum cultures, and two had IVH Gr IV. All infants had multiple organ failure by the time of death, and the final event was infection and/or renal failure. One preterm infant had congenital CMV and one had a tracheoesophageal fistula repaired shortly after birth. The seven congenital defects included two trisomy 21 with complications, one CHARGE association with heart defects, a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (Pompe9s disease), and one other congenital heart defect. Of the remaining infants, one had hydranencephaly and the other had multiple vascular liver tumors. Conclusions Along with the general decrease in neonatal mortality, postneonatal mortality is decreasing even faster as a percentage of nursery deaths. The causes of death have remained similarly divided between complications of prematurity and congenital defects.
Overcoming Niagara: canals, commerce, and tourism in the Niagara-great lakes borderland region, 1792–1837

Nearly eight million tourists from around the world visit Niagara Falls every year, drawn by the natural beauty and breath-taking power of the cataracts. There are two Niagara Falls, though. The Un...
Building a population management informatics infrastructure for oncology care.

315Background: While most primary care practices have informatics infrastructures to support population management, such infrastructures are not commonplace in oncology. Yet, value-based care requi...
The Ambulatory Teaching Minute: Development of Brief, Case-Based, Evidence-Based Medicine Exercises for the Internal Medicine Resident Continuity Clinic.

Introduction There are limited data on best approaches for evidence-based medicine (EBM) teaching to residents in busy continuity clinic practices. Ambulatory Teaching Minute (ATM) exercises were d...