cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Melt evolution and residence in extending crust: Thermal modeling of the crust and crustal magmas

Abstract Tectonic extension and magmatism often act in concert to modify the thermal, mechanical, and chemical structure of the crust. Quantifying the effects of extension and magma flux on melting relationships in the crust is fundamental to determining the rate of crustal melting versus fractionation, magma residence time, and the growth of continental crust in rift environments. In order to understand the coupled control of tectonic extension and magma emplacement on crustal thermal evolution, we develop a numerical model that accounts for extension and thermal-petrographic processes in diverse extensional settings. We show that magma flux exerts the primary control on melt generation and tectonic extension amplifies the volume of melt residing in the crustal column. Diking into an extending crust produces hybrid magmas composed of 1) residual melt remaining after partial crystallization of basalt (mantle-derived melt) and 2) melt from partial melting of the crust (crustal melt). In an extending crust, mantle-derived melts are more prevalent than crustal melts across a range of magma fluxes, tectonic extension rates, and magmatic water contents. In most of the conditions, crustal temperatures do not reach their solidus temperatures to initiate partial melting of these igneous lithologies. Energy balance calculations show that the total enthalpy transported by dikes is primarily used for increasing the sensible heat of the cold surrounding crust with little energy contributing to latent heat of melting the crust (maximum crustal melting efficiency is 6%). In the lower crust, an extensive mush region develops for most of the conditions. Upper crustal crystalline mush is produced by continuous emplacement of magma with geologically reasonable flux and extension rates on timescales of 10 6 yr . Addition of tectonic effects and non-linear melt fraction relationships demonstrates that the magma flux required to sustain partially molten regions in the upper crust is within the range of estimates of magmatic flux in many rifting regions ( ∼ 10 − 4 to 10 − 3 km 3 / yr ) and at least an order of magnitude lower than previous modeling estimates. Our results demonstrate the importance of tectonics in augmenting melt production, composition, and crustal evolution in active magmatic systems.
The role of an inwardly rectifying chloride conductance in postsynaptic inhibition

1. The relationship of the activation of a voltage-sensitive chloride conductance [GCl(V)] to the chloride transmembrane equilibrium potential (ECl) and the consequent role of this conductance in d...
Interfacial Electron Transfer Dynamics for [Ru(bpy)2((4,4′-PO3H2)2bpy)]2+ Sensitized TiO2 in a Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrosynthesis Cell: Factors Influencing Efficiency and Dynamics

Nanosecond laser flash photolysis and photocurrent measurements have been used to investigate use of [(Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-(PO3H2)2bpy)]2+ attached to TiO2 nanoparticle films, TiO2−RuII, in a dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) configuration for H2 production. In these experiments, laser flash excitation of TiO2−RuII and rapid injection lead to TiO2(e−)−RuIII with subsequent TiO2(e−)−RuIII → TiO2−RuII back electron transfer monitored on the nsec time scale with and without added triethanolamine (TEOA) and deprotonated ethylenediaminetetraacetic tetra-anion (EDTA4−) as irreversible electron transfer donors. With added TEOA or EDTA4−, a competition exists between back electron transfer and scavenger oxidation with the latter leading to H2 production in the photoelectrosynthesis cell. Reduction of TiO2(e−)−RuIII by both TEOA and EDTA4− occurs with kD ∼ 106 M−1 s−1. EDTA4− is a more efficient scavenger by a factor of ∼3 because of a more favorable partition equilibrium between the film and the externa...
The Biology of Lung Cancer Stem Cells

Lung cancer is strongly correlated with tobacco smoking and causes the maximum number of cancer related deaths in the world. While there are many plausible models for the genesis and metastasis of cancers, the recently evolved cancer stem cell model offers new insights into the potential mechanisms underlying the development of cancer. According to this model, cancers can only be originated from a subset of the cells, which have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells. These cells are thought to have originated as a result of oncogenic transformation of the normal stem cells or its progenitor cells. The site of origin of various types of lung cancers coincides with specifically localized airway stem cell niches in murine models and therefore supports the stem cell origin of lung cancer. Various functional and cell surface markers have been used to identify and characterize lung cancer stem cells within the tumors; however, the clinical significance of these markers remains to be confirmed. Understanding the molecular mechanisms governing the deregulated self-renewal of these cells may identify novel therapeutic targets to combat lung cancer. This chapter describes the current state of knowledge of the biology of putative lung cancer stem cells.
Vascular NE responsiveness in portal hypertension: role of portal pressure and portosystemic shunting

Previous studies have suggested that the development of portal venous collaterals and subsequent portosystemic shunting is the key event responsible for the reduced vasoconstrictor effectiveness in chronic portal hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to test this hypothesis. Thirty-nine male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: end-to-side portacaval shunt (PCS, n = 11), chronic prehepatic portal hypertension (CPH, n = 10), acute prehepatic portal hypertension (APH, n = 8), and sham-operated controls (Sham, n = 10). The small intestine was prepared for microcirculatory studies. First-order arteriolar diameter and erythrocyte velocity were measured on-line, and blood flow was subsequently calculated. Once steady-state values were obtained the preparation was topically exposed to incremental doses of norepinephrine. The half-maximal effective dosage (ED50) for maximal vasoconstriction (diameter response) was significantly increased in PCS (4.5 microM) and CPH (1.5 microM) compared with Sham (0.8 microM). However, the ED50 was significantly lower in APH (0.17 microM) than in Sham. Similarly the ED50 for maximal blood flow reduction was higher in PCS (2.4 microM) and CPH (1.2 microM) compared with Sham (0.2 microM). The results demonstrate that vascular norepinephrine responsiveness is reduced in both portacaval shunted and chronic portal hypertensive rats, but not in acute portal hypertension. These data indicate that portosystemic shunting, not portal pressure elevation, is the key event leading to the reduced vascular norepinephrine responsiveness observed in CPH conditions.
3D Super‐Resolution Motion‐Corrected MRI: Validation of Fetal Posterior Fossa Measurements

PURPOSE Current diagnosis of fetal posterior fossa anomalies by sonography and conventional MRI is limited by fetal position, motion, and by two-dimensional (2D), rather than three-dimensional (3D), representation. In this study, we aimed to validate the use of a novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, 3D super-resolution motion-corrected MRI, to image the fetal posterior fossa. METHODS From a database of pregnant women who received fetal MRIs at our institution, images of 49 normal fetal brains were reconstructed. Six measurements of the cerebellum, vermis, and pons were obtained for all cases on 2D conventional and 3D reconstructed MRI, and the agreement between the two methods was determined using concordance correlation coefficients. Concordance of axial and coronal measurements of the transcerebellar diameter was also assessed within each method. RESULTS Between the two methods, the concordance of measurements was high for all six structures (P < .001), and was highest for larger structures such as the transcerebellar diameter. Within each method, agreement of axial and coronal measurements of the transcerebellar diameter was superior in 3D reconstructed MRI compared to 2D conventional MRI (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This comparison study validates the use of 3D super-resolution motion-corrected MRI for imaging the fetal posterior fossa, as this technique results in linear measurements that have high concordance with 2D conventional MRI measurements. Lengths of the transcerebellar diameter measured within a 3D reconstruction are more concordant between imaging planes, as they correct for fetal motion and orthogonal slice acquisition. This technique will facilitate further study of fetal abnormalities of the posterior fossa.
A Krasnosel’skii-type theorem for paths of bounded length

Let S be a nonempty closed, simply connected set in the plane, and let α τ; 0. If every three points of 5 see a common point of S via paths of length at most α, then for some point s0 of S, s0 sees each point of S via such a path. That is, S is starshaped via paths of length at most α.
The new skinny in two-dimensional nanomaterials.

While the advent of graphene has focused attention on the extraordinary properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene’s lack of an intrinsic band gap and limited amenability to chemical modification has sparked increasing interest in its close relatives and in other 2D layered nanomaterials. In this issue of ACS Nano, Bianco et al. report on the production and characterization of one of these related materials: germanane, a one-atom-thick sheet of hydrogenated puckered germanium atoms structurally similar to graphane. It is a 2D nanomaterial generated via mechanical exfoliation from GeH. Germanane has been predicted to have technologically relevant properties such as a direct band gap and high electron mobility. Monolayer 2D materials like germanane, in general, have attracted enormous interest for their potential technological applications. We offer a perspective on the field of 2D layered nanomaterials and the exciting growth areas and discuss where the new development of germanane fits in, now...
A Generalized Space-Time CE/SE Method for the Euler Equations on Quadrilateral and Hexagonal Meshes

In this paper, we report a variation of the Space-Time Conservation Element and Solution Element (CE/SE) method, originally developed by Chang [1-5] for solving conservation laws. In the present method, a single conservation element at each grid point is employed for solving conservation laws no matter in one, two, and three spatial dimensions, instead of two in onedimensional, three in two-dimensional, and four in threedimensional problems, as proposed by Chang. As a contrast to Chang's approach, the conservation element here is used to calculate flow variables only, whilst the gradients of flow variables are calculated by a centraldifferencing reconstruction procedure. For equations in one spatial dimension, the present approach is a special case of Chang's a-s scheme. For equations in two and three spatial dimensions, the present method can be easily applied to a regular structured mesh. As such, the present method can be adopted as an alternative solver for time-accurate solutions in well-establis hed CFD codes. Nevertheless, the present scheme inherits most of the advantageous features of the original CE/SE method, including efficient operational count, easiness of implementing non-reflective boundary condition, and high-fidelity resolution of wave motions. In particular, the Godunov type methods using Riemann solvers, i.e., the paradigm of modern upwind schemes, are not needed to capture shocks. Therefore, the computational logic is considerably simpler. To demonstrate the capability of the present method, numerical results of some benchmark problems are presented, including oblique shock reflection, supersonic flow over a wedge, and a three-dimensional detonating flow.
Boundaries, Blackmail, and Double Binds: A Pattern Observed in Malpractice Consultation

A scenario common to several boundary violation/sexual misconduct cases is reviewed and discussed. Common features include an articulate patient whose high functionality concealed more primitive dynamics that arose in the therapy; boundary problems, often on an “attempted rescue” basis; and eventual litigation in some form. The patient9s high functioning appeared to cause the therapists to underestimate the severity of the patients9 disturbances. Drawing on forensic experience, the author analyses the cases and suggests risk management approaches.
Baptizing Nazism: An Analysis of the Religious Roots of American Neo-Nazism

The years following the Second World War saw American religious leaders making fervent attempts to bridge the denominational gap and encourage peaceful cooperation among America’s three leading faiths: Protestantism, Catholicism, and Judaism. While the religious revival movement was largely successful, it was not as complete as historians have previously suggested. Scholars of the postwar religious awakening have neglected the darker, conflictual, and even violent strains of religious revival which developed alongside the optimistic, cooperative, and harmonious efforts that have taken center stage. Simply put, the development and propagation of Christian Identity, as propelled by Dr. Wesley Albert Swift, provided a ready-made system of values and organizational tenets to the various white power and neo-Nazi organizations that emerged across America after World War II ended. This article seeks to bring scholarly attention to this national movement that emerged in direct opposition to the Judeo-Christian tradition, and in so doing, highlight the evolution of the American Neo-Nazi movement as a theologically-based movement that is starkly different from and considerably more malleable than modern American Nazism (which is often referred to as neo-Nazism, albeit, incorrectly).
The stinker

The Stinker is a short animation based on the concept "Haste to blame will lead you to shame." It is an entertaining comedy about a character who finds himself in a "stinky" situation, created using HP Visualize Series Workstations running Maya 4.0, and edited using Shake 2.4 and Premiere.
Ankylosing spondylitis: A state of the art factual backbone

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects 1% of the general population. As one of the most severe types of spondyloarthropathy, AS affects the spinal vertebrae and sacroiliac joints, causing debilitating pain and loss of mobility. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of AS, from the pathophysiological changes that occur as the disease progresses, to genetic factors that are involved with its onset. Considering the high prevalence in the population, and the debilitating life changes that occur as a result of the disease, a strong emphasis is placed on the diagnostic imaging methods that are used to detect this condition, as well as several treatment methods that could improve the health of individuals diagnosed with AS.
An all-optical microwave mixer with gain

Fiber-optic transmission of microwave signals has attracted significant attention for photonic RF communication systems such as satellite communications1 and subcarrier multiplexed (SCM) systems.
Global Cause Awareness: Tracking Awareness Through Electronic Word of Mouth

ABSTRACTThe primary goals of social-service nonprofits are typically to raise money, increase behavioral participation, and raise awareness. The first two issues are easily measured with secondary data analysis; however measuring the effectiveness of marketing efforts in accomplishing the third objective has proven challenging. This research evaluates the ability of global awareness programs to raise awareness and initiate social change by examining the social media discourse that occurs during their awareness events. The findings show that events can create a short-term increase in discourse, however the nature of that discourse is affected by the disease’s brand personality. Additional findings are presented and discussed, in addition to suggestions for the implementation of social media tracking by nonprofits.
A randomized trial comparing reflux symptoms in sleeve gastrectomy patients with or without hiatal hernia repair

Abstract Background The effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) on reflux symptoms is unclear. Many surgeons offer SG only to patients with minor or no reflux symptoms, fearing that patients with severe reflux symptoms will experience worsening of their condition after SG. Many also advocate crural repair at the time of SG to prevent de novo or worsening reflux symptoms. These decisions are made without suitable data to form such conclusions. Objective To determine the effect of SG with or without hiatal hernia repair on reflux symptoms. Setting University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston. Methods The Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) was administered to 100 consecutive, preoperative SG patients who were then randomly assigned into a crural repair group or nonrepair group in a parallel design. The patients were subsequently followed-up every 3 months for 1 year. We compared reflux symptoms of the 2 groups on the basis of demographic characteristics, body mass index, weight loss, presence and size of hiatal hernia, and GSRS for 12 months. Results At 1 year, with 78% follow-up, the data demonstrated a significant decrease in the GSRS for both groups ( P P = .35). Age, starting body mass index, percent excessive weight loss, and hiatal hernia size did not correlate with change in the GSRS score. The only variable that affected outcome was the preoperative GSRS. At 12 months, 38% of patients with a preoperative GSRS score less than the median score of the study population experienced worsening of their symptoms compared with only 2% of patients who had a preoperative GSRS score greater than the median. Overall, 19% experienced worsening reflux (5% de novo), 14% had no change, and 66% reported an improvement in symptoms. Conclusion These data suggest that a crural repair at the time of SG does not significantly reduce reflux symptoms compared with SG alone. Preoperative patients with significant reflux symptoms experienced a more significant improvement in symptoms after surgery compared with those who did not report significant reflux symptoms before surgery. The high incidence of reflux after SG observed in the current literature may be a result of a specific patient subpopulation who undergoes SG because of surgeon bias rather than an inherent property of SG itself or the presence of a hiatal hernia.
Joint stiffness and running economy during imposed forefoot strike before and after a long run in rearfoot strike runners.

ABSTRACTResearch has focused on the effects of acute strike pattern modifications on lower extremity joint stiffness and running economy (RE). Strike pattern modifications on running biomechanics have mostly been studied while runners complete short running bouts. This study examined the effects of an imposed forefoot strike (FFS) on RE and ankle and knee joint stiffness before and after a long run in habitual rearfoot strike (RFS) runners. Joint kinetics and RE were collected before and after a long run. Sagittal joint kinetics were computed from kinematic and ground reaction force data that were collected during over-ground running trials in 13 male runners. RE was measured during treadmill running. Knee flexion range of motion, knee extensor moment and ankle joint stiffness were lower while plantarflexor moment and knee joint stiffness were greater during imposed FFS compared with RFS. The long run did not influence the difference in ankle and knee joint stiffness between strike patterns. Runners were ...
The impact of grade ceilings on student grades and course evaluations: evidence from a policy change

Abstract This paper analyzes the effects of a grade ceiling policy on grade distributions and course evaluations. Results show that the effects vary based upon the level of the grade ceiling. A ceiling set at 2.8 decreased overall grade point average (GPA) by reducing the number of As and Bs and increasing the number of lower grades given. This low ceiling also increased the number of withdrawals and significantly lowered course evaluations. A ceiling set at 3.2 decreased overall GPA by reducing the number of As and increasing the number of Bs given, but the effects on course evaluations were smaller in magnitude and insignificant.
Effect of certain plant parameters on photosynthesis, transpiration, and effiency of water use

Rates of gaseous exchange were measured on selected desert shrubs native to the northern Mojave Desert to determine effects of varying chamber temperature, CO 2 concentration, relative humidity, and root temperature in preliminary studies. Results indicate that changes in these parameters produced differences in the rates of photosynthesis and transpiration. Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) took up CO 2 almost equally at 25 and 39 C. Doubling the CO 2 concentration in the below-ambient range roughly doubled photosynthesis rates in C. lanata . Very small changes in relative humidity had marked changes in the photosynthesis and transpiration rates of four species studied, with greater effect on transpiration. Photosynthesis and transpiration increased, and water-use efficiency decreased in two species as soil temperature was increased from 9 to 29 C.
Use of a Supplemental Oxygen Protocol to Suppress Progression of Retinopathy of Prematurity.

Purpose To compare progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) before and after institution of an oxygen therapy protocol to inhibit active proliferation and progression of ROP in premature infants. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed of premature infants undergoing ROP screening before (cohort A) and after (cohort B) implementation of an oxygen therapy protocol to inhibit further progression for those with stage 2 ROP or worse. Statistical analysis with χ2, Fisher's exact test, or Wilcoxon rank sum test was performed; and logistic regression models were created to determine the odds ratio of cohort B developing ROP progression beyond stage 2, compared to cohort A, adjusting for other risk factors for ROP. Results In cohort A, without oxygen therapy protocol (2002-2007), 44% (54/122) of infants progressed beyond stage 2, compared to 23% (24/103) of infants after protocol implementation (cohort B, 2008-2012) (P = 0.001). No significant differences between cohort A and B were found for gestational age, birth weight, survival, sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, oxygen at discharge, or need for diuretics. Infants with stage 2 ROP in cohort B, with oxygen therapy protocol, had significantly decreased risk of ROP beyond stage 2 (odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.20-0.67; P = 0.0013), compared to cohort A, correcting for differences in birth weight and necrotizing enterocolitis. Conclusions Progression from stage 2 to stage 3 ROP in premature infants was significantly decreased after implementation of an oxygen therapy protocol, without a corresponding increase in pulmonary morbidity. This study suggests that appropriate oxygen therapy may play a role in inhibiting progression of stage 2 ROP, potentially decreasing the risk of lifelong visual loss in this vulnerable population.
A Comparison of Pavlik Harness Treatment Regimens for Dislocated But Reducible (Ortolani+) Hips in Infantile Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip

Background Variation exists in the Pavlik harness (PH) treatment regimen for infantile developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). The purpose of this study was to determine if the daily PH wear duration (23 vs. 24 h) and frequency of follow-up visits affect the clinical and radiographic outcomes of infants with dislocated but reducible (Ortolani+) hips. Methods This study reviewed prospectively enrolled patients with DDH in a single center who presented at age Results Sixty-two patients (74 hips, 53 females) with Ortolani+ hips had a mean age of presentation of 23±28 days (range, 4 to 128 d) and mean follow-up of 33.2±18.4 months (range, 8 to 85 mo). Overall clinical success rate of PH for Ortolani+ hips was 93% (69/74 hips) and radiographic success rate at 2 years was 84% (48/57 hips). There was no difference in clinical or radiographic success rate between the 23- and 24-hour wear groups (P>0.99, 0.73) or between hips assessed almost weekly compared with once or twice during the first 4 weeks of PH treatment (P>0.99 for both). Conclusions The 23- versus 24-hour PH regimen and frequency of clinic visits in the first 4 weeks of PH treatment did not affect the clinical or radiographic success rate of Ortolani+ hips in infantile DDH. A strict weekly clinic visit and 24-hour PH regimen may not be necessary to obtain stable reduced hips in infants presenting Level of evidence Level III-therapeutic.
Chapter 4 – Less Is More

Publisher Summary This chapter defines that with each new generation of interfaces, developers and designers are faced with a challenge of building applications that exploit the advantages that a new interface offers. A risk in building these new applications is that the designers and developers rely on concepts and approaches that worked in the past. In the most extreme case, the unintended result is that the new application is merely a transcription of an old application interface to the new genre. Often clients who have an existing application will directly ask for a translation. In that case, the NUI becomes a GUI with touch. Replacing the mouse with fingers does not make an interface a NUI and is not likely to work very well for users. The creation of successful NUI applications requires attention to the mechanics of interaction and the constraints of the domain.
Evaluation of Biological Reactors to Degrade Perchlorate to Levels Suitable for Drinking Water

Perchlorate (ClO4 −) contamination of groundwater has been estimated to potentially affect the drinking water supplies of at least 12 million people in the United States.1,2 Perchlorate is used as an oxidizer with solid missile and rocket fuels (up to 70% w/w), in automobile air bag inflation systems, and is reported to be present in lawn fertilizers (< 0.84%).3,4 Perchlorate is a human health concern due to its ability at high doses to interfere with iodine uptake and the ability of the thyroid to regulate hormones and metabolism. There is currently no federal drinking water standard for perchlorate, but many states have adopted an interim provisional drinking water standard of 18 ppb. Perchlorate is stable and extremely soluble in water, and is not efficiently removed by conventional activated carbon and ion exchange processes. However, perchlorate is used as an electron acceptor by a number of bacterial strains under anoxic conditions.2
The Pedagogical Value of Polling: A Coordinated 2012 Exit Poll Project Across Diverse Classrooms

Several previous studies have demonstrated that student exit polling has educational value and promotes civic engagement (Berry and Robinson 2012, Evans and Lagergren 2007, Lelieveldt and Rossen 2009, and others). The authors of this paper have created assignments and an instructor's manual on running student exit polls in undergraduate courses. Three institutions used these assignments during the fall 2012 semester. Working together, these instructors created an opportunity for their students to participate collaboratively with others in survey design and data analysis. This effort further provided assessment data on the effectiveness of this pedagogical approach for student engagement outside of the classroom in different communities and course contexts. Student surveys measured the impact that this experience had on their understanding of their own community, their relationship to the national community, their understanding of survey methodology, and descriptive statistics. Do students learn more about their community or the scientific process? Does it matter whether the course is designed primarily around politics, statistics, or public opinion? This paper addresses these questions and how these effects vary across different types of students and classrooms.
Montage von Druckrohrleitungen

Die Montage befast sich mit der Fertigstellung der Druckrohrleitung. Sie umschliest alle Arbeiten, die zum Transport und Zusammenbau der vorgefertigten Rohre auf der Baustelle erforderlich sind. Der Transport der Rohre nach dem haufig schwer zuganglichen und abgelegenen Gelande mus bereits in die Planung einbezogen werden, da die bau-lichen Aufwendungen fur Zu-fahrtswege, Seilbahnen, Lager-platze und Einrichtungen bedeu-tende Ausmase annehmen kon-nen. Die Transportmoglichkeiten beschranken vielfach die Rohrab-messungen und Stuckgewichte.
Full Hemisphere Aperture-Antenna Far-Field Patterns From Planar Near-Field Measurements

A simple geometrical estimate resulting from rigorous asymptotic evaluation of the Fourier transform integral leads one to conclude that the angular range of the far-field obtainable using planar near-field measurement techniques is limited by the extent of the scan plane and the separation of this plane from the antenna under test. Here, it is shown that this angular range can be extended to a full hemisphere through proper selection of the measurement parameters and careful treatment of the transform integral. In particular, it is noted that the transverse spectrum of the field can possess singularities. These singularities are spectrally filtered by the finite size of the scan plane resulting in a “muting” effect that must be accounted for in the data processing. This is accomplished through the analytic approximation of the bandlimited singularities. Three hardware examples are shown that demonstrate this more detailed approach comparing the results with corresponding patterns obtained using spherical near-field measurement.
Bilirubin Links Heme Metabolism to Neuroprotection by Scavenging Superoxide.

Summary Bilirubin is one of the most frequently measured metabolites in medicine, yet its physiologic roles remain unclear. Bilirubin can act as an antioxidant in vitro, but whether its redox activity is physiologically relevant is unclear because many other antioxidants are far more abundant in vivo. Here, we report that depleting endogenous bilirubin renders mice hypersensitive to oxidative stress. We find that mice lacking bilirubin are particularly vulnerable to superoxide (O2⋅−) over other tested reactive oxidants and electrophiles. Whereas major antioxidants such as glutathione and cysteine exhibit little to no reactivity toward O2⋅−, bilirubin readily scavenges O2⋅−. We find that bilirubin's redox activity is particularly important in the brain, where it prevents excitotoxicity and neuronal death by scavenging O2⋅− during NMDA neurotransmission. Bilirubin's unique redox activity toward O2⋅− may underlie a prominent physiologic role despite being significantly less abundant than other endogenous and exogenous antioxidants.
Adaptability of modular vehicle fleets to changing supply route characteristics

Modularity in vehicle systems can reduce total lifecycle cost and improve adaptability for ground military fleets. This paper quantifies the adaptability of vehicle fleets to changes in supply rout...
Robust estimation in the nested case‐control design under a misspecified covariate functional form

The Cox proportional hazards model is typically used to analyze time-to-event data. If the event of interest is rare and covariates are difficult or expensive to collect, the nested case-control (NCC) design provides consistent estimates at reduced costs with minimal impact on precision if the model is specified correctly. If our scientific goal is to conduct inference regarding an association of interest, it is essential that we specify the model a priori to avoid multiple testing bias. We cannot, however, be certain that all assumptions will be satisfied so it is important to consider robustness of the NCC design under model misspecification. In this manuscript, we show that in finite sample settings where the functional form of a covariate of interest is misspecified, the estimates resulting from the partial likelihood estimator under the NCC design depend on the number of controls sampled at each event time. To account for this dependency, we propose an estimator that recovers the results obtained using using the full cohort, where full covariate information is available for all study participants. We present the utility of our estimator using simulation studies and show the theoretical properties. We end by applying our estimator to motivating data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.
Customer Injuries: An Introduction To Tort Law

Sooner or later almost every business enterprise faces the unwelcome prospect of injury to a customer. Even the smallest of businesses needs to be vigilant about potential injuries. Common examples include: restaurant meals that cause illness to consumers; shopping cart injuries; overcrowding injuries, and slip-and-fall injuries for almost every industry. Employees also engage in intentional acts causing injury to customers. While the study of tort (a French word meaning injury or harm) law may consume a full year or more during law school, this essay is intended as a brief introduction to this area of law. Therefore, while little more than an overview is presented, it is a very important discussion of this complex subject for every student of business law. This article proceeds in nine parts. First, we provide an introduction of tort law arising in business settings by looking at popular cinema. Second, is a brief discussion of the elements necessary to bring a successful tort action. Third, we look at intentional business torts. Fourth is an examination of the important contemporary subject of cyber torts. Fifth, we discuss environmental torts. Sixth, medical torts are discussed. Seventh, torts arising in a global pandemic context are examined. Eighth, is the topic of risk mitigation. And last, we conclude with a summary and recap of tort law.
Longer leukocyte telomere length predicts stronger response to a workplace sugar-sweetened beverage sales ban: An exploratory study

Author(s): Wojcicki, Janet M; Lustig, Robert H; Jacobs, Laurie M; Mason, Ashley E; Hartman, Alison; Leung, Cindy; Stanhope, Kimber; Lin, Jue; Schmidt, Laura A; Epel, Elissa S | Abstract: BackgroundShorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is associated with increased risk of a number of metabolic diseases including insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Shorter LTL is also associated with stress reactivity suggestive of a possible role for LTL to predict response to behavioral interventions. However, few studies have evaluated how interventions, such as weight loss or dietary changes, are associated with LTL changes or whether LTL can predict behavioral responses to interventions.ObjectivesWe evaluated metabolic changes in relation to LTL changes and LTL at baseline in a cohort of at-risk adults in response to a 10-mo workplace-based sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intervention.MethodsAt baseline, metabolic health and LTL measurements were assessed through standard blood draws on 212 participants. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess changes in anthropometrics, SSB consumption, and 13 blood-based metabolic risk factors, in relation to LTL at baseline and changes in LTL.ResultsLonger LTL at baseline was associated with decreases in SSB consumption over the 6-mo follow-up period (B = -29.67; Pn=n0.04). Slower LTL attrition rates were associated with decreases in waist circumference (B = -0.27; Pnn=n0.03), HDL cholesterol (B = -0.20; Pnn=n0.05), and apoA1 (B = -0.09; Pn=n0.01).ConclusionsLonger LTL at baseline predicted a favorable overall response to a behavioral intervention: decreases in SSB consumption. Abdominal adiposity losses paralleled slower declines in LTL suggestive of overall health benefits, but we found differences in the relations between metabolic changes and LTL at baseline compared with LTL attrition rates. Longer LTL may be a proxy marker of a positive behavioral response.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02585336.
Effects of Personal and Consumption Activities on Wellbeing

This chapter covers wellbeing research related to personal and consumption activities. Wellbeing theories are discussed. These include classical conditioning, activity, flow, personal expressiveness, and self-determination. The research on personal activities is usually categorized in four major groups, namely physical, social, leisure/recreation, and spiritual/community. The research on consumption activities is also discussed. In that context, wellbeing principles are identified in terms of pattern of consumption, procedure of consumption, match between the choice phase and the consumption phase, type of consumption, as well as other factors in consumption.
Membrane fusion and immune evasion by the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant

The Delta variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has outcompeted previously prevalent variants and become a dominant strain worldwide. We report here structure, function and antigenicity of its full-length spike (S) trimer in comparison with those of other variants, including Gamma, Kappa, and previously characterized Alpha and Beta. Delta S can fuse membranes more efficiently at low levels of cellular receptor ACE2 and its pseudotyped viruses infect target cells substantially faster than all other variants tested, possibly accounting for its heightened transmissibility. Mutations of each variant rearrange the antigenic surface of the N-terminal domain of the S protein in a unique way, but only cause local changes in the receptor-binding domain, consistent with greater resistance particular to neutralizing antibodies. These results advance our molecular understanding of distinct properties of these viruses and may guide intervention strategies.
Blockchain Applications for Nuclear Safeguards

This chapter discusses the benefits and challenges of using distributed ledger technology (DLT) for international nuclear safeguards purposes. The chapter introduces the international safeguards system and the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The chapter describes the evolution of the safeguards system, the IAEA’s core functions, and the technical objectives it seeks to achieve. The chapter explains the benefits and drawbacks of deploying DLT for safeguards and presents potential use cases where the technology could be deployed. It ends with a description of the international community’s current perspectives on deployment.
The Influences of Various Modalities of Sensory Deprivation on the Evolution of Psychic and Communicative Structures

Because I take it to be implicit in the theme of the symposium, I will not dwell on the evidence that the ability to utilize the vocal/auditory system for the purpose of making speech sounds is neither a sufficient, nor even a necessary condition for the process of thinking. Suffice it to say that within the psychoanalytic tradition the necessity to differentiate between thinking and the communication of the products of thought was recognized very early by Freud. It will be recalled that in the course of developing the topographic model, Freud (1895, 1896) assigned the process of attaching word representations to thoughts to the preconscious. Thinking itself he conceived of as an unconscious neural process. In the intervening years, his conclusions have been affirmed by an abundance of empirical evidence. The phenomenon of echolalia in humans, as well as the extraordinary abilities of the mynah bird and parrot, provide proof positive that well articulated speech sounds can be produced by individuals who are entirely lacking in the ability to understand the message their words ostensibily convey. On the other hand, equally persuasive evidence is available from the study of the congenitally deaf (see below), and such comparative studies as those of the Gardeners (1969) to the effect that both the act of creative thinking and the ability to communicate the products of the thought process are entirely possible in the absence of a functioning vocal/auditory system.
The Accident Investigator’s Perspective

Publisher Summary Accident investigation has played a significant role in the development and adoption of Crew Resource Management (CRM) in the aviation industry. This chapter discusses a multi-faceted approach to improve the effect of CRM on crew performance. It identifies several aspects of CRM that, having appeared with some frequency in recent accidents, warrant further emphasis in the broader conceptualization of CRM. These aspects include the role of individual responsibility in taking leadership, in adhering to standard operating procedures, in active monitoring, and in making responsible decisions in managing fatigue. This chapter addresses two main issues from the perspective of the accident investigator, with the goal of increasing the effectiveness of CRM in reducing accidents—individual accountability within the context of team performance, and organizational accountability and indoctrination. With the ultimate goal of safety in mind, the front-line employee, their immediate team, the operator, the regulating agency, and the accident investigator can work together to effect meaningful change in reducing accidents and incidents resulting from the failure of the crew to carry out the behaviors and principles embodied by CRM.
Effects of Practice Distribution on Learning a Fine Motor Task

Abstract Sixty college men were given 35 trials of either distributed practice (DP) or massed practice (MP) (N = 30 per group) on a fine motor learning task, the foot tracking task. The study was designed to make a direct comparison between the two groups of the amount learned. While learning was significant for both groups, there was no difference in the amount learned between groups. As expected, performance was significantly better under DP; this was attributed to the temporary depressant effects of Ir resulting from MP. The present results are in general agreement with the findings of a number of recent learning studies on gross motor tasks; almost without exception they reported that practice distribution affected performance but not learning. Thus, the traditionally accepted belief that DP is superior to MP in motor learning is not supported by experimental evidence. These findings present practical implications for motor learning in terms of efficiency in the use of practice time.
Nav1.3 Sodium Channels: Rapid Repriming and Slow Closed-State Inactivation Display Quantitative Differences after Expression in a Mammalian Cell Line and in Spinal Sensory Neurons

Although rat brain Nav1.3 voltage-gated sodium channels have been expressed and studied in Xenopus oocytes, these channels have not been studied after their expression in mammalian cells. We characterized the properties of the rat brain Nav1.3 sodium channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells. Nav1.3 channels generated fast-activating and fast-inactivating currents. Recovery from inactivation was relatively rapid at negative potentials (<−80 mV) but was slow at more positive potentials. Development of closed-state inactivation was slow, and, as predicted on this basis, Nav1.3 channels generated large ramp currents in response to slow depolarizations. Coexpression of β3 subunits had small but significant effects on the kinetic and voltage-dependent properties of Nav1.3 currents in HEK 293 cells, but coexpression of β1 and β2 subunits had little or no effect on Nav1.3 properties. Nav1.3 channels, mutated to be tetrodotoxin-resistant (TTX-R), were expressed in SNS-null dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons via biolistics and were compared with the same construct expressed in HEK 293 cells. The voltage dependence of steady-state inactivation was ∼7 mV more depolarized in SNS-null DRG neurons, demonstrating the importance of background cell type in determining physiological properties. Moreover, consistent with the idea that cellular factors can modulate the properties of Nav1.3, the repriming kinetics were twofold faster in the neurons than in the HEK 293 cells. The rapid repriming of Nav1.3 suggests that it contributes to the acceleration of repriming of TTX-sensitive (TTX-S) sodium currents that are seen after peripheral axotomy of DRG neurons. The relatively rapid recovery from inactivation and the slow closed-state inactivation kinetics of Nav1.3 channels suggest that neurons expressing Nav1.3 may exhibit a reduced threshold and/or a relatively high frequency of firing.
LSND neutrino oscillation results

In the past several years, a number of experiments have searched for neutrino oscillations, where a neutrino of one type (say {bar {nu}}{sub {mu}}) spontaneously transforms into a neutrino of another type (say {bar {nu}}{sub e}). For this phenomenon to occur, neutrinos must be massive and the apparent conservation law of lepton families must be violated. In 1995 the LSND experiment published data showing candidate events that are consistent with {bar {nu}}{sub {mu}} oscillations. Additional data are reported here which provide stronger evidence for neutrino oscillations.
The utilization of glycine for the biosynthesis of both types of pyrroles in protoporphyrin.

Although it has been shown that glycine is the nitrogenous precursor of the protoporphyrin moiety of hemoglobin (1,2), it has not been previously established that glycine is utilized for the formation of all four pyrrole structures of the porphyrin. In protoporphyrin (Fig. 1) two of the pyrrole rings (I and II) contain methyl and vinyl side chains and two (III and IV) contain methyl and propionic acid side chains; it is conceivable that these two different pyrrole structures are synthesized in the animal organism from different precursors. Degradation experiments were therefore undertaken to study the distribution of isotopic nitrogen in N15-labeled heme, produced in vivo after the administration of N15-labeled glycine, in order to determine whether glycine is used in the synthesis of both pyrrole types. The degradation studies were carried out in a manner to give unequivocal data with respect to separation of the two different pyrrole structures found in protoporphyrin. Labeled hemin, obtained from the blood of a human and from the blood of ducks, after the administration of N16-labeled glycine, was converted into hematoporphyrin dimethyl ether which was subsequently oxidized to yield methylmethoxyethylmaleimide (from pyrrole rings I and II) and methyl propionic acid maleimide or hematinic acid (from pyrrole rings III and IV) (Fig. 1). It can be seen from Table I that in each experiment the N15 values of the methylmethoxyethylmaleimide from pyrrole rings I and II and of the hematinic acid from pyrrole rings III and IV were equal, and were identical with the Nls concentrations in the porphyrin. Therefore, these experiments demonstrate that glycine is utilized equally for the formation of the two types of pyrroles in the protoporphyrin. These findings are in harmony with the hypothesis that in the biosynthesis of protoporphyrin a pyrrole ring is formed which is a common precursor of both types of pyrrole structures found in the protoporphyrin. These studies do not as yet reveal the mechanism by which glycine is utilized in the biosynthesis of the porphyrin. However, this report, together with our previous work, demonstrated directly that the nitrogen of
A Dynamic-Bandwidth-Allocation-with-Collision-Avoidance MAC Design for Mobile Ad Hoc Network

Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) are found to be useful in many areas like military applications, emergency operations, wireless sensor network, and distributed computing. However, designing an effective, efficient and Quality-of-Service (QoS) supported MAC protocol for MANET is inherently difficult as they lack a central coordinator. This paper first classifies MAC protocols into two categories: single and multiple channel protocols. Then it analyzes the requirements for ad hoc MAC. A Dynamic-Bandwidth-Allocation-with-Collision-Avoidance MAC Design is proposed and its throughput is theoretically analyzed. We conclude that it is an effective, efficient and QoS-supported MAC design.