cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mara forever? Factors associated with gang disengagement in El Salvador

Abstract Objective This study examines the factors associated with intentions to leave a gang in a context controlled by some of the most violent and structured street gangs in the Americas. It contends that group interactions better explain intentions to leave a gang in a place like El Salvador than life-course events. Method Based on a series of logistic regressions using a cross-sectional survey with nearly 1196 active and former gang members in El Salvador, we identify the factors associated with disengagement intentions. We complement the analysis with 24 in-depth interviews with former gang members. Results We find that group-related variables, such as the number of gang members in the clique, learning that a peer has successfully left the gang, incarceration, and affiliation with an Evangelical church are the most critical factors associated with attempts of disengagement. Intentions to leave the group are a direct function of the gang's ability to regulate the life and peer relationships of its members. Conclusions Social environments controlled by gang rule constrain the potential effects of life-course events. They curb the chances of disengagement, even among those with maturational tools required to desist from gang life.
Monitoring Social Networks in the First Nation-State that Achieved a Network Neutrality Law, a Case-Study in Chile

The purpose of this paper is to create a theoretical model to implement a governmental policy to monitor the Internet and the social networks as spaces to promote political participation and identify need and concerns of the population, while protecting the freedom of speech and establishing limits for policies that could affect citizens’ privacy rights. For research methodology purposes, an exploratory case-study was conducted in Chile. The study relies in mixed methods of data collection, including interviews and information contained in newspapers and social media, which were coded and analyzed using coding software.This project adopts the theory of the marketplace of ideas to evaluate the role of the Internet as a space for political participation within a legal framework that set limits to governments’ actions when monitoring policies are created.
Age itself or age-associated comorbidities? A nationwide analysis of outcomes of geriatric trauma.

Geriatric trauma patients present physiological challenges to care providers. A nationwide analysis was performed to evaluate the roles of age alone versus age-associated comorbidities in the morbidity and mortality of elderly patients with blunt abdominal trauma (BAT). Patients with BAT registered in the National Trauma Data Bank from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM) to evaluate the mortality rate, complication rate, hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS and ventilator days between young (age < 65) and elderly (age ≥ 65) patients. An adjusted multivariate logistic regression (MLR) model was also used to evaluate the effect of age itself and age-associated comorbidities on mortality. There were 41,880 patients with BAT during the study period. In elderly patients, the injury severity score (ISS) decreased with age, but the mortality rate increased inversely (from 5.0 to 13.5%). Under a similar condition and proportion of age-associated comorbidities after a well-batched PSM analysis, elderly patients had significantly higher mortality rates (8.0% vs. 1.9%, p < 0.001), higher complication rates (35.1% vs. 30.6%, p < 0.001), longer hospital LOS (8.9 vs. 8.1 days, p < 0.001), longer ICU LOS (3.7 vs. 2.7 days, p < 0.001) and more ventilator days (1.1 vs. 0.5 days, p < 0.001) than young patients. Furthermore, the MLR analysis showed that age itself served as an independent factor for mortality (odds ratio: 1.049, 95% CI 1.043–1.055, p < 0.001), but age-associated comorbidity was not. In patients with BAT, age itself appeared to have an independent and deleterious effect on mortality, but age-associated comorbidity did not.
Personal Saving During the COVID-19 Recession

More income from government transfers and less consumer spending fueled the recent spike in saving.
On the Convexity of Discrete Time Covariance Steering in Stochastic Linear Systems with Wasserstein Terminal Cost.

In this work, we analyze the properties of the solution to the covariance steering problem for discrete time Gaussian linear systems with a squared Wasserstein distance terminal cost. In our previous work, we have shown that by utilizing the state feedback control policy parametrization, this stochastic optimal control problem can be associated with a difference of convex functions program. Here, we revisit the same covariance control problem but this time we focus on the analysis of the problem. Specifically, we establish the existence of solutions to the optimization problem and derive the first and second order conditions for optimality. We provide analytic expressions for the gradient and the Hessian of the performance index by utilizing specialized tools from matrix calculus. Subsequently, we prove that the optimization problem always admits a global minimizer, and finally, we provide a sufficient condition for the performance index to be a strictly convex function (under the latter condition, the problem admits a unique global minimizer). In particular, we show that when the terminal state covariance is upper bounded, with respect to the L\"{o}wner partial order, by the covariance matrix of the desired terminal normal distribution, then our problem admits a unique global minimizing state feedback gain. The results of this paper set the stage for the development of specialized control design tools that exploit the structure of the solution to the covariance steering problem with a squared Wasserstein distance terminal cost.
Computational Topology: An Introduction

Combining concepts from topology and algorithms, this book delivers what its title promises: an introduction to the field of computational topology. Starting with motivating problems in both mathematics and computer science and building up from classic topics in geometric and algebraic topology, the third part of the text advances to persistent homology. This point of view is critically important in turning a mostly theoretical field of mathematics into one that is relevant to a multitude of disciplines in the sciences and engineering. The main approach is the discovery of topology through algorithms. The book is ideal for teaching a graduate or advanced undergraduate course in computational topology, as it develops all the background of both the mathematical and algorithmic aspects of the subject from first principles. Thus the text could serve equally well in a course taught in a mathematics department or computer science department.
Peanut Disease Epidemiology under Dynamic Microclimate Conditions and Management Practices in North Florida

Diverse field characteristics, weather patterns, and management practices can result in variable microclimates. The objective of this study was to relate in-field microclimate conditions with peanu...
Improvement of quantitative precipitation forecast at the short range through lightning data assimilation

Abstract In this chapter, we evaluate the impact of lightning data assimilation (LDA) on the very short-term precipitation forecast using the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System at the Institute of Atmospheric Sciences and Climate meteorological model. Two different methods for LDA are applied: nudging and 3D-Var. LDA impact on the precipitation forecast is studied considering different cases and applications. In the beginning, two case studies (one missed and one well predicted by the control forecast without LDA) are analyzed, and a positive impact of LDA is obtained for both cases. For a statistically robust evaluation, results of the impact of LDA on the precipitation forecast for a whole year are shown. LDA performance shows a seasonal variability that matches lightning distribution in different seasons, with larger improvement in summer and fall, followed by spring and winter. Finally, two important aspects of LDA are studied considering 10 days of moderate–intense precipitation over Italy. First, the sensitivity of the rainfall forecast to the lower boundary for LDA application is investigated, considering two different levels, 0°C and lifting condensation level (LCL). Choosing LCL gives better performances, since it produces more hits and less false alarms. Second, the impact of LDA at different forecast ranges, that is, 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, is examined. LDA performance decreases as the forecast time increases, showing a noticeable improvement for the 3- and 6-h forecast, while a small and a negligible effect is obtained, respectively, for the 9- and 12-h forecast.
Theories of Forgetting

There are at least three general categories of theories of memory which suggest reasons why we forget. The theories can be classified as psychological, neurochemical, and physiological. These theories, plus descriptions of aging studies that relate to them, constitute the text of the present chapter.
Copyleft, the Disguised Copyright: Why Legislative Reform is Superior to Copyleft Licenses

Throughout history copyright laws have steadily grown stronger to a point where creators automatically gain many exclusive rights in their new works. Although creators can contractually license these rights, they cannot relinquish them. Originally, computer programmers began licensing their software under open source licenses, which promoted the free use and distribution of their software to advance the greater good. Today, artists in many disciplines are using “copyleft” licenses, which are based on the open source licenses, to license their works to the public at large. These copyleft licenses, however, are merely copyright licenses in disguise, and they create many problems. To meet the goals of the copyleft movement, this comment recommends amendments to the Copyright Act that, although minor in a technical sense, will have a revolutionary effect on artistic communities in America. The amendments give creators the ability to relinquish one, or more, of their rights upon registration, after a fix time period, or after specified triggering events. Further, the relinquishment is irrevocable so future users of the work can use the work without fearing litigation. These amendments would allow creators, for the first time, to decide the best means of promoting the progress of useful arts.
The Magnetic Field of the Earth's Lithosphere: The Satellite Perspective

Preface 1. Lithospheric magnetic fields at satellite altitude 2. Earth's magnetic field 3. Measurement of the near-earth magnetic field from space 4. Isolation of anomaly fields 5. Reduction and inversion 6. Anomaly maps 7. Magnetic anomalies and their sources 8. Methods in interpretation 9. Interpretation Glossary of symbols List of common abbreviations References Index.
Infrared imaging of CO2 laser resurfacing

The application of pulsed carbon-dioxide lasers for skin resurfacing has been described by several authors. The procedure uses 30 microseconds to 1 ms laser pulses with pulse energies from 100 - 600 mJ to ablate skin for the purpose of smoothing skin irregularities: that is, wrinkle removal. The carbon-dioxide laser has been selected because it ablates a limited layer of tissue (approximately 10 micrometer at a radiant exposure of 5 J/cm2)4 and produce minimal thermal damage. The purpose of this study is to measure the surface temperature created during a resurfacing procedure and discuss the thermal implications of the measurements.
Larval growth rate and sex determine resource allocation and stress responsiveness across life stages in juvenile frogs

The extent to which interactions between environmental stressors and phenotypic variation during larval life stages impose carry-over effects on adult phenotypes in wildlife are not clear. Using semi-natural mesocosms, we examined how chronically low food availability and size-specific phenotypes in larval amphibians interact and carry over to influence frog growth, resource allocation, endocrine activity and survival. We tagged three cohorts of larvae that differed in body size and developmental stage at 3 weeks after hatching, and tracked them through 10 weeks after metamorphosis in high and low food conditions. We found that growth and development rates during the early tadpole stage not only affected metamorphic rates, but also shaped resource allocation and stress responsiveness in frogs: the slowest growing larvae from low-food mesocosms exhibited a suppressed glucocorticoid response to a handling stressor; reduced growth rate and fat storage as frogs. We also show for the first time that larval developmental trajectories varied with sex, where females developed faster than males especially in food-restricted conditions. Last, while larval food restriction profoundly affected body size in larvae and frogs, time to metamorphosis was highly constrained, which suggests that the physiology and development of this ephemeral pond-breeding amphibian is adapted for rapid metamorphosis despite large potential variation in nutrient availability. Taken together, these results suggest that larval phenotypic variation significantly influences multiple dimensions of post-metamorphic physiology and resource allocation, which likely affect overall performance. J. Exp. Zool. 323A: 191–201, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundraising, culture, and the U.S. perspective

An understanding of cultural elements that are critical in determining how fundraising is carried out in a particular society and country is vital for professionals who seek philanthropic support for their organizations.
Survey of ventilation rates in office buildings

Building ventilation is a primary determinant of indoor air quality in buildings as it impacts indoor contaminant concentrations and occupant comfort. However, relatively few measurements of office building ventilation performance have been conducted, and those data that exist generally have not employed consistent measurement methods and have not involved representative collections of buildings. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Building Assessment Survey and Evaluation (BASE) study involved indoor environmental measurements, including ventilation, in 100 US office buildings using a standardized protocol. This paper presents an analysis of the measured outdoor air ventilation rates, including comparisons with the requirements in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Standard 62-2001 (2001). The outdoor ventilation rates measured using duct traverses at the air handler intakes are higher than might be expected, with a mean value of about 55 litr...
Remote Sensing for Water Quality Monitoring & Watershed Assessment On the Lake Traverse Reservation

During the summer of 2010, three student interns from Sisseton Wahpeton Tribal College along with researchers from South Dakota State University engaged in a pilot project to assess the feasibility of using Landsat imagery to determine water transparency in reservation lakes in northeastern South Dakota. The students were trained to assist with data collection, image processing, and spatial and statistical analyses. Secchi depth measurements and lake algae bloom observations were made on cloud-free Landsat overpass days. Measurement locations were geo-referenced using GPS. Field observations and satellite image classification and interpretation techniques were used to create a land use map for the watershed and explore possible land-use-related causes of the variation in water transparency. The results of this project included a better understanding of the relationship between Landsat images and on site observations of water transparency at first and then land use and water quality in reservation lakes.
Egg and larval quality of natural and induced spawns of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus

Egg and larval quality of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus from natural spawns of domesticated brooders and hormone-induced spawns of wild fish were compared. Eggs and larvae from natural spawns were found to be more viable in terms of fertilization, hatching and survival rate. Also, eggs from natural spawns were larger, and eggs and recently hatched larvae had larger oil-globule. These findings indicate that natural spawning of red snapper can be a sustainable and reliable source of good quality eggs.
Safety and efficacy of oxytetracycline for control of gaffkemia in the American lobster (Homarus americanus)

Abstract Among lobsters ( Homarus americanus ) held in captivity, periodic outbreaks of gaffkemia, a bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Aerococcus viridans , results in severe mortality. This study demonstrated the safe and effective use of oxytetracycline (OTC) for the control of this disease. A dose titration study was done by feeding OTC-supplemented diets containing 0.5, 1.1 or 2.2 mg OTC g −1 diet or an unsupplemented diet to four replicate groups of 15 lobsters per treatment. The lobsters were challenged by infection with Aerococcus viridans . Mortality was 100% for the non-medicated group and 68, 33 and 15% for lobsters fed 0.5, 1.1 and 2.2 mg OTC g −1 diet, respectively. A second study used a more natural spread of infection by placing one infected lobster in each replicate. Four hundred and fifty lobsters were placed in 30 crates and fed on unsupplemented diet or one containing 1.1 or 2.2 mg OTC g −1 diet. Mortality from gaffkemia was 78% in the lobsters that consumed the non-medicated diet compared with 13 and 2% for those receiving 1.1 or 2.2 mg OTC g −1 diet, respectively. Target species safety was studied by feeding lobsters with 11, 27.5 or 55 mg OTC g −1 diet for a 15-day period. There was no mortality during this period. The lobsters fed the two diets highest in OTC were killed and a post-mortem examination revealed one lobster with a chronic inflammatory response in the mid-gut. Residue analysis was done on lobsters that were fed 1.1 or 2.2 mg OTC g −1 diet for 10 days. Muscle, the primary tissue, was free of residue at 14 or 28 days in trials conducted at ambient temperature of 15–19 or 14–15°C, respectively. The mid-gut was free of residue after 28 days in the warmer temperature range and contained less than 0.1 mg OTC g −1 tissue in the second trial.
Finite element analysis of viscous, incompressible fluid flow: Part 2: Applications☆

Abstract The first part of this paper described a general numerical procedure for the analysis of two-dimensional flows of viscous, incompressible fluids, using the finite element method. A number of special computational procedures were also discussed that allowed significant reductions to be made in the computational effort required in the solution of problems. The present paper is devoted to demonstrating the utility of the methods described by the solution of several example problems. The illustrative examples consist of flow in a plane 90° T, flow in a cavity and flow around a circular cylinder.
Neighborhood tracking for mobile ad hoc networks

In mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs), node mobility causes network topologies to change dynamically over time, which complicates such important tasks as broadcasting and routing. In a typical efficient localized approach, each node makes forwarding decisions based on a neighborhood local view constructed simply by collecting received ''Hello'' messages. That kind of neighborhood local view can become outdated and inconsistent, which induces a low-coverage problem for efficient broadcasting tasks and a low-delivery ratio problem for efficient routing tasks. In this paper, we propose a neighborhood tracking scheme to guarantee the accuracy of forwarding decisions. Based on historical location information, nodes predict the positions of neighbors when making a forwarding decision, and then construct an updated and consistent neighborhood local view to help derive more precise forwarding decisions. The inaccuracy factors of our scheme are also discussed and an accessory method is provided for possible usage. Simulation results illustrate the accuracy of our proposed tracking scheme. To verify the effectiveness of our scheme, we apply it to existing efficient broadcast algorithms. Simulation results indicate that our neighborhood tracking scheme can improve the protocols coverage ratio greatly.
Patency and limb salvage after infrainguinal bypass with severely compromised ("blind") outflow.

Hypothesis: Infrainguinal graft patency and limb salvage are adversely affected by severely compromised outflow. Design: Retrospective review of all infrainguinal bypass procedures performed at a single institution during a 5-year period. Setting: University teaching hospital. Patients: Two hundred seventy-four patients underwent infrainguinal bypass for limb salvage (351 grafts in 307 limbs). Interventions: All infrainguinal bypasses originated from a femoral artery. The distal anastomosis in 279 grafts was located in an artery with at least 1 patent outflow vessel with anatomically normal end-artery runoff (Society for Vascular Surgery/International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery ad hoc committee runoff score, 1-9). The distal anastomosis of 72 grafts was located in an artery with only collateral outflow (blind bypass; runoff score, 10). Main Outcome Measures: Perioperative morbidity and mortality, primary-assisted and secondary graft patency, limb salvage, and survival. Results: All data are presented as mean ± SEM. Patients undergoing blind bypass were older (age, 70 ± 2 vs 66 ± 1 years; P <.05) and had a higher incidence of hypertension (90% vs 70%; P <.05) and end-stage renal disease (24% vs 13%; P <.05). Comparing patients undergoing blind bypass to bypass with at least 1 patent outflow vessel, there were no differences in the use of nonautogenous conduits (50% vs 59%; P=.21) or postoperative warfarin (30% vs 32%; P=.69), or in perioperative mortality rates (2.7% vs 3.2%; P=.79). After a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 0-60 months), 2-year secondary graft patency for the entire group was 63% ± 4%. The secondary patency rate of blind bypass grafts was no different from that of grafts with at least 1 patent outflow vessel (67% ± 7% vs 64% ± 4%; P was not significant). However, the 2-year limb salvage rate in limbs with blind outflow was significantly worse than in limbs with at least 1 patent outflow vessel (67% ± 7% vs 76% ± 3%; P=.04). Conclusion: Acceptable long-term patency rates can be achieved in infrainguinal bypass grafts with blind outflow, although blind outflow remains a marker for subsequent limb loss in the chronically ischemic leg.
Concurrent anatomic hemispherectomy and thalamic arteriovenous malformation resection

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may present with hemorrhage, neurologic deficits, or seizure. Recent studies have found that of patients with AVMs, approximately 33 % have seizures, and of those patients with seizures, approximately 75 % have generalized tonic–clonic (GTC) seizures [4, 5]. In a recent study, seizure occurrence was associated with male gender, age <65 years, AVM size greater than 3 cm, and temporal lobe locations [5]. Complete obliteration of AVMs was associated with freedom from disabling seizure [5]. AVMs can be treated through microsurgical resection, embolization, radiosurgery, or a combination of these modalities. Deep location, size, and location in eloquent cortex are three factors which may limit surgical resection as they increase surgical morbidity significantly [11]. The high morbidity of surgical treatment for thalamic AVMs renders them often treated by stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). A recent study found angiographic obliteration in 55 % of patients undergoing stereotactic radiosurgery with a 13 % rate of permanent radiation-related neurologic deficit; outcome with radiosurgery was linked to age of patient, AVM volume, and AVM location [12]. For patients with intractable hemispheric seizures, hemispherectomy is a possible treatment. Surgeons may opt to perform an anatomical hemispherectomy or a functional hemispherectomy; however, both have proven to be effective treatments for patients with unilateral intractable epilepsy and a severely injured hemisphere. A recent longitudinal study demonstrated a 65 % seizure-free rate in patients undergoing either anatomic or functional hemispherectomy [7]. We present the first reported case of a patient with intractable epilepsy secondary to deepAVMhemorrhage in which anatomic hemispherectomy was used as a corridor to remove the AVM.
Tacrolimus for rescue of refractory renal allograft rejection.

S IGNIFICANT improvements in the results of renal transplantation in the 1980s were largely due to the development of cyclosporine (CyA) and the use of antilym­ phocyte agents for induction protocols and/or treatment of rejection. However, rejection refractory to treatment with corticosteroids and/or antilymphocyte agents has remained a major obstacle to long-term success and account for a significant proportion of short- and long-term graft loss­ es. 1•2 Tacrolimus is a new immunosuppressant that has undergone extensive clinical testing for efficacy in renal transplantation. In both U.S. and European multicenter trials,3.4 tacrolimus has been found to be associated with a significant reduction in acute rejection episodes. An additional proven advantage of tacrolimus includes steroid tapering and monotherapy in up to 60% of recipi­ ents.s Perhaps even more striking is the utility of this drug as a salvage agent for refractory renal allograft rejection. 6 - 9 We reported that of 77 patients with refractory acute rejection on baseline cyclosporine (CyA) therapy, graft salvage with tacrolimus conversion could be achieved in 74%.8 An additional 92 patients were subsequently con­ verted to tacrolimus to attempt graft salvage, bringing the total to 169 patients. 9 We report here the results of this expanded experience with tacrolimus conversion for recalcitrant renal allograft rejection. Other reports from both single-center and mul­ ticenter studies have confirmed that tacrolimus provides an excellent alternative to corticosteroids and antilymphocyte preparations for the treatment of refractory renal allograft rejection and they form the basis of this discussion.
Field tests of dynamic refocus of Rayleigh laser beacons

Dynamically refocusing the Rayleigh backscatter of a modestly powered laser beacon is a concept for increasing LGS brightness by 10 times. Dynamic refocus will allow for high photon return from multiple Rayleigh beacons enabling MCAO for wide field correction of the MMT and Magellan telescopes. In a system without dynamic refocus, light from a beacon integrated from 20 to 30km is blurred to a length of 14arcsecs. In a system with dynamic refocus, the bow tie is restored to a spot limited only by atmospheric seeing. The dynamic refocus system has been designed to deliver images with <3/4arcsec of induced aberration. This paper reports on field tests performed on the Mt. Bigelow Observatory 61” telescope, optically configured to appear as an off-axis sub-aperture of the 6.5m MMT. In these tests the Rayleigh backscatter from pulses of a Q-switched doubled Nd:YAG operating at 5kHZ was dynamically refocused. These preliminary tests present an uncorrected 7 by 3arcsec beacon image. The 7arcsec length is a result of using a field stop as the range-gating mechanism and the 3arcsec limit is due to double pass imaging (projecting and imaging) through the atmosphere in less than ideal seeing conditions. Upon correction, this 7x3arcsec image is dynamically refocused to a 3arcsec FWHM diameter spot.
Differential metabolism of mannose by Chinese hamster cell lines.

Abstract In contrast with the CHO-Kl Chinese hamster cell line, the V79 cell line was found not to grow on the sugar mannose, and in fact to be inhibited and killed. Study showed no differences between the lines with regard to mannose transport, mannose specific energy metabolism, or effect of mannose on energy or nucleic acid metabolism. The V79 line lacked an α-mannosidase which the CHO-Kl line possessed.
Economic dissatisfaction and political alienation in Western Europe

. Using Euro-Barometers 20 and 21, this research examines the role of economic discontent in promoting disenchantment with democracy in Great Britain, France, West Germany, and Italy. Both cognitive and affective economic evaluations have a strong effect on one's level of political alienation. Those who believe the government will have a negative effect on the economy in the future and those who are angry over their government's management of the economy are likely to be dissatisfied with the way in which democracy is working in their country. After these economic evaluations the factors most closely related to alienation are support for the parties not in the governing coalition and post-materialist values. Even with these items included, however, economic evaluations continue to dominate the model of political alienation.
Impact of curing kinetics and materials properties on imprint characteristics of resists for UV nano-imprint lithography

UV curable resist formulations for nanoimprint must satisfy criteria for cure rate, volatility, viscosity, cohesion of the cured material and release from the template in addition to being successfully imprintable. We describe an investigation of the properties of a series of formulations comprising polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and selected diluents as candidates for imprintable dielectrics. Although all have low viscosity and volatility and are successfully imprinted, significant variations in cure rate, mechanical and adhesion properties with resist composition are found. The trends observed are not all predictable from the literature, indicating that formulation optimization for this application requires a focus on the fundamentals of both materials and processes.
Diapause termination in two species of damselflies

Abstract Larvae of two species of damselflies, Enallagma hageni and E. aspersum , were collected in southwestern North Carolina and subjected to different combinations of daylength (SD, 11 hr day; LD, 14 hr day) and temperature to determine the factor critical in the termination of diapause. Diapausing larvae were collected in September, and 15 comparable groups of each species were given pretreatments (SD, 10°C; LD, 10°C; or SD, 21°C) for 2, 4, or 8 weeks and then transferred to SD, 21°C or LD, 21°C until emergence. Control groups were maintained under both photoperiods at 21°C. Response times (days from collection to emergence) for both species showed that rapid development required transfer to LD, 21°C regardless of the type of pretreatment or length of exposure. Larvae transferred to LD, 21°C after exposure to any of the three types of pretreatment for equal lengths of time developed at similar rates. Pretreatments at 10°C, which were equally effective with SD or LD, stimulated subsequent rapid development at LD, 21°C to a greater extent than continuous exposure to LD, 21°C conditions, and the longer the exposure to 10°C, the faster the subsequent response. Pretreatments at SD, 21°C also resulted in rapid development, similar to that of larvae exposed to 10°C, upon transfer to LD, 21°C conditions. Long daylengths administered only during pretreatments did not effect rapid development, since all larvae responded slowly when transferred to SD, 21°C. Diapause termination, therefore, was effected by LD, 21°C conditions preceded by exposure to either low temperatures, during which the photoperiod was not important, or short daylengths at 21°C.
Modeling and Analysis of a Density-Dependent Stochastic Integral Projection Model for a Disturbance Specialist Plant and Its Seed Bank

In many plant species dormant seeds can persist in the soil for one to several years. The formation of these seed banks is especially important for disturbance specialist plants, as seeds of these species germinate only in disturbed soil. Seed movement caused by disturbances affects the survival and germination probability of seeds in the seed bank, which subsequently affect population dynamics. In this paper, we develop a stochastic integral projection model for a general disturbance specialist plant-seed bank population that takes into account both the frequency and intensity of random disturbances, as well as vertical seed movement and density-dependent seedling establishment. We show that the probability measures associated with the plant-seed bank population converge weakly to a unique measure, independent of initial population. We also show that the population either persists with probability one or goes extinct with probability one, and provides a sharp criteria for this dichotomy. We apply our results to an example motivated by wild sunflower (Helianthus annuus) populations, and explore how the presence or absence of a “storage effect” impacts how a population responds to different disturbance scenarios.
Phase diversity with undersampled systems via superresolution preprocessing

Phase diversity algorithms allow a wavefront to be reconstructed from through-focus measurements of a point source or extended scene. These algorithms have traditionally been limited to systems that are Nyquist sampled. Many optical systems for remote sensing applications are designed to be undersampled, however. One approach to phase diversity with undersampled systems is to employ superresolution techniques to first create properly sampled scenes. This is demonstrated experimentally for a point object, but is applicable to extended scenes as well.
Preparation of Hexa-1, 5-Diyne-3-one

Abstract Hexa-1,5-diyne-3-one is a molecule of some potential synthetic utility. We had occasion to prepare this new substance (II) in another context. Although the ketone II can be prepared by the well known chromium trioxide (Jones) oxidation of the alcohol I, the conventional method of carrying out that oxidation was not successful because of the lability of the product II.
Benzodiazepine hypnotic metabolism: drug interactions and clinical implications

Benzodiazepines are the drugs of choice when initiating hypnotic therapy. Though the mechanism of benzodiazepine action in the central nervous system is similar for all drugs in this class, differences in absorption and pathway of elimination are associated with differences in observed clinical effect. After single-dose administration, onset of hypnotic effect is most closely related to rate of drug absorption and duration of effect is more closely associated with extent of drug distribution. Relative affinity of the individual benzodiazepine for the specific central nervous system binding site may also determine duration of action. During multiple-dose chronic therapy, route of metabolic biotransformation and elimination half-life assume more importance. An increased incidence of adverse drug effects due to high doses of accumulating benzodiazepines may be seen in the elderly and patients with central nervous system deficits or chronic liver disease. Benzodiazepine metabolic biotransformation and clearance is broken into three groups. Group 1--oxidative biotransformation; Group 2--high clearance drugs; Group 3--drug conjugation. Groups 1 and 2 are implicated in a number of drug-disease and drug-drug interactions. Group 3 drugs have little change in patients with liver disease or when administered with inhibitors of drug biotransformation. Clinical implications of these metabolic interactions are variable, but inhibition of Group 1 and 2 benzodiazepine clearance has been associated with increased sedation and psychomotor impairment.
American Sign Language and the architecture of phonological theory

We have examined three derivational and two phonological rules of ASL, arguing that derivational rules feed each other, phonological rules feed each other, and derivational rules feed phonological rules, as the architecture of the theory in (2) predicts. Further, we have argued for a post-lexical phonological component in ASL by showing that the outputs of Weak Drop must be prevented from undergoing the Characteristic Adjective Rule — a derivational rule. With derivational rules in the lexicon and Weak Drop in a post-lexical phonological component, this, too, is predicted. Sign language phonology provides novel support for generative phonology. Without explicit rules and grammars, one would focus on sounds and signs themselves — entities so different that the commonality of oral and signed languages would go undiscovered. Once the rules that account for the lexical and phonological structure of ASL are discovered, however, it is striking that they interact in ways predicted by the theory.
Detection Limit and Surface Coverage Determination for Tributyl Phosphate on Soils by Static SIMS

The minimum detectable limit (MDL) and semiquantitative determination of surface coverages of tributyl phosphate (TBP) on soils by static SIMS are reported. Two soils with similar bulk chemistries having surface areas of 3 and 20 m2/g were exposed to TBP (solution-phase and gas-phase exposures). These samples were investigated using two SIMS instruments, one utilizing a quadrupole mass analyzer and the other an ion trap mass analyzer. The SIMS response plotted as a function of exposure exhibited a leveling of the signal at a surface concentration estimated at 1 monolayer. The overall results of these studies were similar for both solution- and gas-phase exposures and for both soils. A minimum detection limit for TBP on both soils was determined to be 0.06 ± 0.03 monolayer (∼70 pg/mm2) for the quadrupole SIMS. Preliminary results suggest that the MDL for TBP analysis on soils using ion trap SIMS is lower; however, because the ion trap SIMS is still evolving, the MDL for that instrument was not determined. ...
Monitoring Dynamic Changes In Mitochondrial Calcium Levels During Apoptosis Using A Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor

Dynamic changes in intracellular calcium concentration in response to various stimuli regulates many cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis1. During apoptosis, calcium accumulation in mitochondria promotes the release of pro-apoptotic factors from the mitochondria into the cytosol2. It is therefore of interest to directly measure mitochondrial calcium in living cells in situ during apoptosis. High-resolution fluorescent imaging of cells loaded with dual-excitation ratiometric and non-ratiometric synthetic calcium indicator dyes has been proven to be a reliable and versatile tool to study various aspects of intracellular calcium signaling. Measuring cytosolic calcium fluxes using these techniques is relatively straightforward. However, measuring intramitochondrial calcium levels in intact cells using synthetic calcium indicators such as rhod-2 and rhod-FF is more challenging. Synthetic indicators targeted to mitochondria have blunted responses to repetitive increases in mitochondrial calcium, and disrupt mitochondrial morphology3. Additionally, synthetic indicators tend to leak out of mitochondria over several hours which makes them unsuitable for long-term experiments. Thus, genetically encoded calcium indicators based upon green fluorescent protein (GFP)4 or aequorin5 targeted to mitochondria have greatly facilitated measurement of mitochondrial calcium dynamics. Here, we describe a simple method for real-time measurement of mitochondrial calcium fluxes in response to different stimuli. The method is based on fluorescence microscopy of 'ratiometric-pericam' which is selectively targeted to mitochondria. Ratiometric pericam is a calcium indicator based on a fusion of circularly permuted yellow fluorescent protein and calmodulin4. Binding of calcium to ratiometric pericam causes a shift of its excitation peak from 415 nm to 494 nm, while the emission spectrum, which peaks around 515 nm, remains unchanged. Ratiometric pericam binds a single calcium ion with a dissociation constant in vitro of ~1.7 μM4. These properties of ratiometric pericam allow the quantification of rapid and long-term changes in mitochondrial calcium concentration. Furthermore, we describe adaptation of this methodology to a standard wide-field calcium imaging microscope with commonly available filter sets. Using two distinct agonists, the purinergic agonist ATP and apoptosis-inducing drug staurosporine, we demonstrate that this method is appropriate for monitoring changes in mitochondrial calcium concentration with a temporal resolution of seconds to hours. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that ratiometric pericam is also useful for measuring mitochondrial fission/fragmentation during apoptosis. Thus, ratiometric pericam is particularly well suited for continuous long-term measurement of mitochondrial calcium dynamics during apoptosis.
Regulation of JNK by MKK‐7 in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes

Objective JNK regulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) gene expression and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous studies demonstrated that the 2 upstream MAPK kinases (MKK-4 and MKK-7) are phosphorylated in RA synovium and form a complex with JNK in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). However, the functional hierarchy of MKK-4 and MKK-7 in FLS has not been determined. We determined the relative contributions of these MKKs by evaluating the effect of MKK-4 and MKK-7 gene knockdown in cultured FLS. Methods FLS were transfected with MKK-4 and/or MKK-7 small interfering RNA, and protein levels were determined by immunoblotting. After stimulation with interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), or anisomycin, kinase function was determined by in vitro kinase assay. Activator protein 1 (AP-1) binding and transcriptional activity were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and AP-1–luciferase promoter assay, respectively. MMP-3 expression was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results IL-1β–induced JNK phosphorylation was dependent on MKK-7 but not on MKK-4; however, anisomycin-activated JNK required both kinases. In vitro kinase assay demonstrated that IL-1β– or TNFα-induced JNK activity was only MKK-7 dependent, while anisomycin-activated JNK was both MKK-4 and MKK-7 dependent. IL-1β–induced AP-1 binding activity and AP-1–driven gene expression were strictly MKK-7 dependent. Finally, MMP-3 production only required MKK-7, and there was no effect of MKK-4 deficiency. Conclusion These data indicate that only MKK-7 is required for JNK activation in FLS after cytokine stimulation; however, other forms of cellular stress utilize MKK-4. Thus, JNK function might be modulated by targeting MKK-7 to suppress cytokine-mediated FLS activation while leaving other stress responses intact.
Abstract 4963: The dynamic change of CD47 expression promotes tumor burden, metastases and resistance of breast cancer cells to radiotherapy.

Immune tolerance towards malignant cells is responsible for tumor progression and metastases. Despite their immunogenicity, cancer cells developed sophisticated mechanisms by which they are able to neutralize and/or evade the immune-surveillance. Recently, the overexpression of CD47 has been suggested to participate in the immune escape mechanism in several malignant diseases. However, mechanisms involved in CD47 expression, especially in response to anticancer agents are not yet known. In this study, we found that CD47 is overexpressed in breast cancer cells (MCF7, MDA-231, 4T1 cells) compared to non-transformed breast epithelial cells (MCF10A) and this expression is further enhanced in response to radiation (5Gy). The expression of CD47 was found to be regulated by NF-κB through a specific responsive element in the CD47 promoter as assessed by gene deletion and ChiP assays. Furthermore, using syngeneic orthotopic 4T1 mouse model, we found that CD47 is critical for both tumor burden and metastases, since anti-CD47 (100 μg/day/mice) was able to reduce tumor growth when the antibody was injected during 4T1 inoculation (day 0) or 15th after tumor growth. Consequently, tumor size and lesions were reduced and mouse survival was increased in the presence of anti-CD47 and this effect was further enhanced with radiation (4 Gy/day for 5 days). Taken together, these data suggest that CD47 expression is a marker for tumor aggressiveness and resistance to anti-cancer agents and therefore could be a potential target to treat metastatic and recurrent tumors. Citation Format: Cheikh Menaa, Ming Fan, Hsien-Chen Lu, Aris Alexandrou, Shuaib Juma, Julian Perks, Jian Jian Li. The dynamic change of CD47 expression promotes tumor burden, metastases and resistance of breast cancer cells to radiotherapy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4963. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-4963
A charge-transfer salt magnet based on a non-cyanocarbon acceptor, 1,4,9,10-anthracenetetrone and decamethylferrocene

Abstract The charge-transfer (CT) salt approach to the synthesis of magnetic solids has been shown to be an attractive and general route to the creation of new families of molecule-based magnetic solids. It is based on reactions between building block donors and acceptors, where new candidates for the latter role can be readily identified by their shape and by their electrochemical properties. In particular, acceptors should be flat (to facilitate stacking) and exhibit reversible electrochemical reduction at potentials that are not too negative (for promoting the creation of the radical anion). Fortunately, these same criteria have previously been used to identify one-electron acceptors for the synthesis of CT salt conductors. Although one such molecule, 1,4,9,10-anthracenetetrone has not yielded good organic metals in its reactions with alkali metals or tetrathiafulvalene and related molecules, it was found to give a magnet ( T c = 3 K ) in its reaction with decamethylferrocene. Frequency-dependent ac susceptibility measurements indicate glassiness. Significantly, this result shows that nitrile functional groups on the acceptor are not necessary to obtain magnetic ordering in CT salts.
Induction of arginases I and II in cornea during herpes simplex virus infection

Induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) following corneal infection with herpes simplex virus type-1 (HSV-1) generates nitric oxide (NO), an important player in the defense against viral infection. Changes in arginine metabolism during infection are not limited to effects of iNOS but can also involve arginases, which can modulate NO synthesis and produce ornithine for the generation of polyamines and proline. The latter are important molecules involved in tissue damage and repair during inflammation. In this study we determined the responses of arginase I and II in a murine model of HSV-1-induced stromal keratitis (HSK). In the cornea iNOS and arginase II mRNA were co-induced as the initial inflammation developed at 2 days postinfection (p.i.). As stromal keratitis progressed (days 8-15 p.i.) arginase I mRNA was induced tenfold, in contrast to a moderate decrease in arginase II and a loss of iNOS expression. These results suggest that elevated expression of arginase I and II in the cornea at late stages of ocular HSV-1 infection may play a role in lesion expression in HSK.
Vocal cord dysfunction: An uncommon cause of stridor

We present a case of vocal cord dysfunction syndrome (VCDS) presenting as acute angioedema of the upper airway. The presentation of this syndrome and its differentiation from other upper airway conditions that require far different and more urgent treatment is discussed.