cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The impact of reducing the frequency of night feeding on infant BMI.

BACKGROUND Teaching caregivers to respond to normal infant night awakenings in ways other than feeding is a common obesity prevention effort. Models can simulate caregiver feeding behavior while controlling for variables that are difficult to manipulate or measure in real life. METHODS We developed a virtual infant model representing an infant with an embedded metabolism and his/her daily sleep, awakenings, and feeds from their caregiver each day as the infant aged from 6 to 12 months (recommended age to introduce solids). We then simulated different night feeding interventions and their impact on infant body mass index (BMI). RESULTS Reducing the likelihood of feeding during normal night wakings from 79% to 50% to 10% lowered infant BMI from the 84th to the 75th to the 62nd percentile by 12 months, respectively, among caregivers who did not adaptively feed (e.g., adjust portion sizes of solid foods with infant growth). Among caregivers who adaptively feed, all scenarios resulted in relatively stable BMI percentiles, and progressively reducing feeding probability by 10% each month showed the least fluctuations. CONCLUSIONS Reducing night feeding has the potential to impact infant BMI, (e.g., 10% lower probability can reduce BMI by 20 percentile points) especially among caregivers who do not adaptively feed. IMPACT Teaching caregivers to respond to infant night waking with other soothing behaviors besides feeding has the potential to reduce infant BMI. When reducing the likelihood of feeding during night wakings from 79% to 50% to 10%, infants dropped from the 84th BMI percentile to the 75th to the 62nd by 12 months, respectively, among caregivers who do not adaptively feed. Night-feeding interventions have a greater impact when caregivers do not adaptively feed their infant based on their growth compared to caregivers who do adaptively feed. Night-feeding interventions should be one of the several tools in a multi-component intervention for childhood obesity prevention.
The molecular and cellular effects of radiotherapy-induced microenvironment changes on potential chemoresistance in glioblastoma

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is uniformly fatal with a median survival of 1–2 years, despite best available treatments including, radiotherapy (RT), and chemotherapy (CHT). Despite continued advances in image-guided hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery, GBM remains one of the most invasive tumors with 100% recurrence rate. Multiple biological processes contribute to the development of resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy, and perpetuation of cell molecular changes which cause treatment failure, tumor cell escape, and reestablishment of new tumor foci in the brain. Impacts of prior brain RT in GBM pathophysiology are less understood, though increasing evidence suggests RT-induced changes in the brain microenvironment contribute to recurrent GBM phenotype. The tumor microenvironment impacts malignant cells directly and indirectly through stromal cells and stroma-GBM cell interactions that support tumor progression. Changes in extracellular matrix (ECM), abnormal vasculature, hypoxia, and inflammation have been reported to promote tumor aggressiveness that could be exacerbated by prior RT. Prior radiation may have long-term impacts on microglia and brain-infiltrating monocytes, leading to lasting alterations in cell and cytokine signaling which can cause irreversible changes in ECM, thus affecting the extracellular distribution of small molecules, and chemotherapeutic drugs making them sparsely available to combat tumor growth. Since RT is vital to GBM care, but substantially alters the tumor microenvironment, we here discuss the challenges, knowledge gaps, and therapeutic opportunities relevant to targeting protumorigenic features of the GBM microenvironment. Understanding the intricate biological processes involved can allow us to incorporate new targeted interventions in current treatment approaches and during postprimary treatment regimens early enough to overcome the setting of secondary tumor growth. We suggest that insights gained from RT-induced changes in the tumor microenvironment may provide opportunities for development of new combinatorial therapies that could help better manage the late effects of RT, which otherwise get amplified in previously radiated brain microenvironment making its stroma permissive for recurrent tumors that are chemo-radiotherapy resistant and cause poor outcome in glioblastoma.
The salience of ethnic identity in entrepreneurship: an ethnic strategies of business action framework

Ethnicity not only shapes pathways to entry into entrepreneurship but also plays an important role in the organizing structure of the business. Previous research on ethnic entrepreneurs has focused on niche markets, their coethnic labor supply, and the spatial concentration of businesses (i.e., enclaves), overlooking the role that ethnicity plays in business strategies more broadly. I draw on 65 in-depth interviews and participant observations to examine how business owners make sense of their ethnoracial identity in the context of their business orientation and market reach. I propose an ethnic strategies of business action typology of the ways in which an ethnic identity is strategically invoked in the pursuit of profit. I find that ethnic strategies can yield benefits as a business strategy but choosing when and how to leverage an ethnic identity is largely reserved for entrepreneurs who have obtained higher education, the later generations, and those operating in professional industries. These strategies are intricately situated within the context of intersectionality and the larger social structure. Nevertheless, this expanded view of an ethnic economy accounts for socioeconomic diversity and a growing minority middle class largely unaccounted for in previous theorization. Understanding the diverse orientation of ethnic business owners provides empirical leverage to the affirming ethnic strategies in the repertoire of the minority culture of mobility.
Absent hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign is associated with poor functional outcome after mechanical thrombectomy

BackgroundThe hyperdense middle cerebral artery sign on computed tomography indicates proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Recent reports suggest an association between the hyperdense sign an...
Severe and Persistent Mental Illness

Individuals treated in public sector community mental health centers often have chronic or recurrent illnesses and diffi culties in housing, employment and social activities that compound one another. Understanding that this complex of clinical symptoms and functional compromise constitute the illnesses we treat, researchers at the Connecticut Mental Health Center (CMHC) described the variability in long-term course and experience of patients as they lived with their illnesses, engaged patients in their own treatment and that of others, and documented scientifi cally the value of an integrated network of clinical and community services. As part of an academic department of psychiatry, the CMHC has provided opportunities for translational research that brings basic neuroscience to bear on community care, and for training researchers and clinicians able to address the complexity of the illnesses and humanity of the patients.
The Vertebrate Retina

The sections in this article are: 1 Synaptic Organization 1.1 Receptive Fields 2 Intracellular Activity 3 Outer Plexiform Layer Functional Activity 4 Inner Plexiform Layer Functional Activity 5 Pharmacology of Plexiform Layers and the Interplexiform Cell 6 Summary 7 Appendix 7.1 Ganglion Cell Functional Terminology
The Problem of Escape from the Earth by Rocket

The problem of imparting to a given pay load the necessary velocity to escape from the earth is re-examined in the light of recently released information on wartime rockets. The fundamental equations of motion of a rocket in outward radial flight are derived and the influence of each of the following design parameters is examined: c, the effective jet velocity; {', the ratio of propellant mass to initial mass; tVt the time of powered flight; M, the ratio of initial mass to maximum cross-sectional area; and C^, the drag coefficient based on the same cross-sectional area. The exhaust velocities attainable under standard conditions with rocket propellants range between 6,200 ft. per sec. for nitric acid-aniline and 10,200 ft. per sec. for oxygen-hydrogen, the former being representative of dense propellants and the latter of light propellants. On the basis of the design characteristics of the V-2 rocket, it is believed tha t the maximum practical value of £ tha t may be realized is about 0.85. Therefore, it is concluded that single-step rockets utilizing propellants that develop their energy by chemical reaction cannot escape from the earth. Escape may be accomplished by single-step rockets, however, if nuclear sources of energy can be used to heat gases of low molecular weight in order to provide much higher exhaust velocities. The analysis is extended to calculate the velocity achieved by a multiple-step rocket. The overall mass of the rocket and the maximum velocity of the last step are related to the number of steps and to the ratio of the masses of successive steps. I t is shown tha t the necessary velocity can be attained with any of the rocket propellants available by proper choice of the number of steps. Various examples of multiple-step rockets capable of projecting instrumental pay loads away from the earth are presented.
Developing a Mystery Shopping Measure to Operate a Sustainable Restaurant Business: The Power of Integrating with Corporate Executive Members’ Feedback

Mystery shopping has been used to objectively measure whether employees follow the visions of a company’s quality service standards. It then creates a feedback loop that allows companies to train their employees to consistently deliver quality services. The main purposes of this project are aimed at examining (1) the overall benefits of mystery shopper projects in the hospitality business through literature reviews; and (2) the importance of how a company can work with an outside agency (consultant, academic institution, etc.) to develop a mystery shopping program that can enhance and complement ongoing service quality programs. A casual steakhouse restaurant in the Eastern U.S. was selected as our pilot project. The basic concept of using secret shoppers is to have individuals experience real-time and onsite quality of services and record how the mystery shoppers felt about the quality of services and if the employees met or exceeded the company’s standards. For this reason, the authors believe that mystery shopping, especially in hospitality, is an important means of developing and maintaining a sustainable business. While the sustainability of a business is largely dependent upon “people, profits and planet” in the hospitality industry, it is also dependent upon meeting service standards and developing a feedback loop. Mystery shopping programs have demonstrated their ability to contribute to organizations in this regard.
Selective Inhibition of Bacterial Enzymes by Free Fatty Acids

Octanoic acid inhibits, in vitro, the bacterial enzymes glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, phosphofructokinase, pyruvate kinase, fumarase, lactate dehydrogenase, and the malic enzyme of Arthrobacter crystallopoietes. The free fatty acid appears to act as an inhibitor of lipogenesis, although it does not affect the rate of gluconeogenesis. To demonstrate that this inhibition may be of physiological significance in vivo, those enzymes not involved in lipogenesis, such as fructose-1, 6-diphosphatase, phosphoglucomutase, phosphohexoisomerase, aconitase, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) isocitrate dehydrogenase, NADP glutamate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate lyase, were assayed and found not to be inhibited by the free fatty acid.
COMPASS| Advocating for Critical Frameworks and Research Methods in Issue-Based Policy Formation: A Case Study

Whether validated by numbers or not, there seems to be a general sense that the humanities both inside and outside the academy are in a state of crisis. Economic worries, bleak predictions about the job market, and concerns about being mired in abstract theory at the expense of real-world impact have intensified in recent years. To this third point in particular, scholars who work within constructivist and participatory paradigms have argued that research performs a role greater than only seeking truth and knowledge; research should empower. Fine, Weis, Weseen, and Wong, frame this as “research for social justice” (2000, p. 108), Packer describes the research process as a “critical and emancipatory or enlightening practice” (2010, p. 7), and for Lincoln and Guba, through a sense of control and decision making in the research process participants themselves can experience “emancipation, democracy and community empowerment” (2000, p. 175). Even Habermas spoke of the need for a form of inquiry motivated by an emancipatory interest. Yet despite this desire, academics who subscribe to this outlook sometimes struggle to find the “real-world” impact of their work from within the institution of the university.
End-spurt following simple repetitive muscular movement.

An experiment was carried out to study the nature of end-spurt in a task requiring pure muscular activity (tapping a telegraph key) and to compare the findings to those which studied end-spurt in t...
Novel Na+-Selective Channels in the Lysosome

Lysosomes, traditionally believed to be the terminal “recycle center” for biological “garbage”, are now known to play indispensable roles in membrane trafficking and intracellular signaling pathways. The multiple functions require the establishment of lysosomal acidic lumen, and this pH regulation has been shown to be tightly coupled with ionic (H+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, and Cl−) flux/homeostasis of the lysosome. Moreover, recent studies have suggested that the ion fluxes may directly regulate lysosomal dynamics. PI(3,5)P2 is an endolysosome-specific phosphoinositide that regulates ion homeostasis and membrane trafficking of endolysosomes via poorly understood mechanisms; human mutations of PI(3,5)P2-metabolizing enzymes cause muscle and neurodegenerative diseases. Here we measure that sodium is the predominant cation in the lysosome using atomic absorption, indicating a large Na+ concentration gradient is present across the lysosomal membrane. By the lysosome patch-clamp technique, we report that PI(3,5)P2 specifically activates two novel Na+-selective channels in the lysosome. Their identification provides insight into divalent cation selectivity, as well as to the mechanisms used by membranous lipids to directly regulate ion flux resulting in rapid changes in membrane potential and the fusogenic potential of intracellular organelles. We are currently investigating their physiological functions in detail.
The role of product brand image and online store image on perceived risks and online purchase intentions for apparel

Abstract Purchase intentions for apparel products often require physical examination prior to purchase. Hence, greater risk is associated with shopping online for apparel products, making it important to examine factors that reduce various risks influencing online purchase intentions. This study examines and compares the impact of two of the most important risk reducers for online apparel shopping – product brand image and online store image – on specific types of perceived risks and online purchase intentions for apparel. The results show that product brand image influences consumers' online purchase intentions both directly and indirectly by reducing various risk perceptions. Online store image impacts purchase intentions indirectly by decreasing risk perceptions. The results of this study provide fresh insight into understanding the impact of product brand image and online store image on each type of perceived risk associated with online shopping.
The Movie The Secret Life of Words: Implications for Counselors

ABSTRACT Torture still occurs at an alarming rate in the world today. Because many torture victims suffer silently in isolation instead of seeking help for their symptoms of posttraumatic stress, it is impossible to know how many lives have been impacted. However, as more and more torture victims seek asylum in countries such as the United States, counselors must be willing and able to work with this diverse population. By telling the story of Hanna, a torture victim, the movie The Secret Life of Words invites viewers to be present with another person's pain. This article invites counselors to recognize the healing power of relationships. Relational-Cultural Therapy and the technique of testimony are explored as viable approaches with torture survivors.
Small Charged Heterocycles

The synthesis and important reactions of stable aziridinium salts are described in this article. The more stable azetidinium salts, which undergo similar reactions, have also been studied. Polar and dipolar cycloadditions produce heterocycles by ring expansions that can be represented as .
A better understanding of why murine models of trauma do not recapitulate the human syndrome.

Objective:Genomic analyses from blood leukocytes have concluded that mouse injury poorly reflects human trauma at the leukocyte transcriptome. Concerns have focused on the modest severity of murine injury models, differences in murine compared with human age, dissimilar circulating leukocyte populat
A sensitive silver stain for detecting lipopolysaccharides in polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract A sensitive silver stain for detecting bacterial lipopolysaccharides in polyacrylamide gels is developed by modifying the silver-staining method used for proteins (cf. R. C. Switzer III, C. R. Merril, and S. Shifrin, Anal. Biochem.98, 231–237 (1979). Lipopolysaccharides are analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by visualization with either the modified silver stain or periodic acid-Schiff stain. The lipopolysaccharides are stained dark brown by the silver stain. The silver stain is 500 times more sensitive than the periodic acid-Schiff stain and can detect less than 5 ng of rough type lipopolysaccharides. Analyses of 5μg of smooth-type lipopolysaccharides from Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli O111: B4 show each to have 30–40 components of different molecular weights. The use of a lipopolysaccharide having a known structure and variable numbers of repeating units in the O side chain, such as one of the two lipopolysaccharides mentioned above, as molecular weight markers is proposed for the estimation of the molecular weights of other lipopolysaccharides or their components. The lipopolysaccharides can also be stained grayish green, but become grayish blue with a heavy sample load, using a silver-based color-staining method (D. W. Sammons, L. D. Adams, and E. E. Nishizawa, Electrophoresis2, 135–141 (1981)).
Stereoselective β-Hydrogen Elimination from Nickel(II)−N-Glycoside Complexes

Octahedral nickel(II)−N-glycoside complexes of glucose, galactose, mannose, and talose were synthesized and analyzed by electrospray ionization (ESI). A resulting tricoordinate species generated fr...
Foraging tactics of a terrestrial salamander: Sustained yield in territories

Abstract Territorial red-backed salamanders ( Plethodon cinereus ) were given a high density of two prey types differing in size and caloric profitability. They chose a diet that approximated optimal foraging when they foraged in areas previously marked with advertisement pheromones. However, when foraging in previously unmarked or conspecific-marked areas they did not forage optimally, in a short time frame. In the latter two situations they evinced a lower rate of net energy due to their failure to specialize on the more profitable prey type and their longer intercapture intervals while time was devoted either to marking behaviour or submissive posturing. The salamanders appeared to opt for a strategy of sacrificing initial caloric yield until they had established marked territories and then switching to a higher sustained caloric yield. The data show that experimental handling of a predator per se can alter its foraging behaviour. Also a predator just initiating a territory may forage quite differently from one that has already established ownership, making the time frame during which observations are made important to understanding the predator's foraging strategy.
Criteria for Selection of Surrogates Used To Study the Fate and Control of Pathogens in the Environment

This article defines the term surrogate as an organism, particle, or substance used to study the fate of a pathogen in a specific environment. Pathogenic organisms, nonpathogenic organisms, and innocuous particles have been used as surrogates for a variety of purposes, including studies on survival and transport as well as for method development and as "indicators" of certain conditions. This article develops a qualitative surrogate attribute prioritization process and allows investigators to select a surrogate by systematically detailing the experimental process and prioritizing attributes. The results are described through the use of case studies of various laboratories that have used this process. This article also discusses the history of surrogate and microbial indicator use and outlines the method by which surrogates can be used when conducting a quantitative microbial risk assessment. The ultimate goal of selecting a sufficiently representative surrogate is to improve public health through a health-based risk assessment framework. Under- or overestimating the resistance, inactivation, or movement may negatively impact risk assessments that, in turn, will impact health assessments and estimated safety levels. Reducing uncertainty in a risk assessment is one of the objectives of using surrogates and the ultimate motive for any experiment investigating potential exposure of a pathogen.
Basic vs. Applied Research: A Response:

K erlinger's article in the September 1977 Educational Researcher, "The Influence of Research on Educational Practice, " and the article following his by Jackson and Kiesler, entitled "Fundamental Research and Education," represent a view that is increasingly popular; that education practice is more likely to be influenced by basic research than by applied research. I take strong exception to this notion. There are valid arguments for the importance of basic research, but those advanced by Kerlinger and Jackson and Kiesler are not among them. According to Kerlinger, basic research is the application of science to increase knowledge, without regard to social usefulness or other consequences of the research. Basic research is different from engineering and technology, which use science and scientific methods, but are not themselves science. Kerlinger claims that Americans, and particularly American educators, are wedded to a notion that science is
Fluorescence Fluctuation Spectroscopy of Ternary Protein Interactions in Living Cells

Because many proteins contain multiple interaction sites, the formation of ternary or higher-order protein complexes are frequently encountered and play a critical role in many cellular processes. Fluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) characterizes the brightness of fluorescently-labeled proteins, which provides a quantitative and noninvasive method to characterize protein interactions in living cells. Here we focus on extending two-photon brightness microscopy to the characterization of three interacting protein species, with each species carrying a differently colored tag. The fluorescence signal is split into three detection channels by optical filters. We discuss the choice of tags and filters that optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of resolving species, and the influence of spectral cross-talk on data analysis by time-integrated cumulants of the photon counts. While proof of principal experiments with dyes are useful, our main challenge remains the limited choice of fluorescence proteins that have simple photophysics and good color separation for cellular applications. We characterize different combinations of fluorescent proteins and evaluate their potential for three-color FFS studies of ternary protein interactions. This work has been supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (GM64589) and the National Science Foundation (PHY 0346782).
Comparability of serum prostate-specific antigen measurement between the hybritech Tandem-R and Abbott AxSYM assays.

Abstract Objectives. To assess the comparability of the Hybritech Tandem-R and Abbott AxSYM PSA assays in the setting of a hospital laboratory changing methods of PSA assay. Methods. A total of 115 serum samples were tested simultaneously with both reagent kits. These include samples from patients evaluated for screening, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and follow-up of prostate cancer. Results. The outcomes of the Hybritech Tandem-R PSA test ranged from 0.0 to 48.3 ng/mL with a median value of 2.4 ng/mL (mean 3.48, SD 5.46). The outcomes of the Abbott AxSYM PSA test ranged from 0.0 to 49.33 ng/mL with a median of 2.22 ng/mL (mean 3.82, SD 5.59). The outcomes of the two assays were found to be highly correlated by the Pearson correlation coefficient ( r = 0.9942). When samples were divided according to PSA levels of 0.0 to less than 2.5, 2.5 to less than 4.0, 4.0 to less than 10.0, and 10.0 to less than 25.0 ng/mL, the outcomes were also highly correlated in all PSA level ranges ( r = 0.9619, 0.8094, 0.9167, and 0.9081, respectively). Conclusions. The PSA values of the Tandem-R and Abbott AxSYM assays are highly correlated in the PSA level ranges of 0.0 to less than 2.5, 2.5 to less than 4.0, 4.0 to less than 10.0, and 10.0 to less than 25.0 ng/mL.
Exploiting free silicon for energy-efficient computing directly in NAND flash-based solid-state storage systems

Energy consumption is a fundamental issue in today's data centers as data continue growing dramatically. How to process these data in an energy-efficient way becomes more and more important. Prior work had proposed several methods to build an energy-efficient system. The basic idea is to attack the memory wall issue (i.e., the performance gap between CPUs and main memory) by moving computing closer to the data. However, these methods have not been widely adopted due to high cost and limited performance improvements. In this paper, we propose the storage processing unit (SPU) which adds computing power into NAND flash memories at standard solid-state drive (SSD) cost. By pre-processing the data using the SPU, the data that needs to be transferred to host CPUs for further processing are significantly reduced. Simulation results show that the SPU-based system can result in at least 100 times lower energy per operation than a conventional system for data-intensive applications.
Drift-Diffusion: A Model for Teaching Spatial-Dispersion Concepts and the Importance of Screening in Nanoscale Structures

Spatial dispersion has emerged as an extremely important concept in modeling metamaterials, including macro-, micro-, and nano-structured composites. However, the incorporation of spatial dispersion requires a considerable complication of the usual Ohm's law relationship with which students are familiar. In this note, the drift-diffusion equation is shown to be equivalent to the usual form of spatial dispersion in simple isotropic plasmas and metamaterials. It is suggested that the drift-diffusion equation is physically clear and intuitive, and, therefore, can be effectively used to help teach concepts of spatial dispersion to beginning graduate students. Furthermore, the drift-diffusion equation leads to a simple treatment of charge screening, which is important for fundamental understanding, and for the electromagnetics of nanostructures.
Simple Parametric Model for Quick Assessment of IGCC Performance

Even though almost all components of an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant are proven and mature technologies, the sheer number of them, the wide variety of competing technologies (e.g., gasifiers, gas clean-up systems, heat recovery options), system integration options (e.g., cryogenic air separation unit and the gas turbine) including the recent addition of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) with its own technology and integration options render fundamental IGCC performance analysis a monumental task. Almost all published studies utilize highly complex chemical process and power plant heat balance software, including commercially available packages and in-house proprietary codes. This makes an objective assessment of comparable IGCC plant designs, performance (and cost) and other perceived advantage claims (IGCC versus other technologies, too) very difficult if not impossible.This paper develops a coherent simplified parametric model based on fully physics-based grounds to be used for quick design performance assessment of a large variety of IGCC power plants with and without CCS. Technology parameters are established from complex model runs and supplemented by extensive literature search. The model is tested using published data to establish its confidence interval and is satisfactory to carry conceptual design analysis at a high level to identify promising alternatives, development areas and assess the realism in competing claims.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Isoprene emissions from a tundra ecosystem

Whole-system fluxes of isoprene from a moist acidic tundra ecosystem and leaf-level emission rates of isoprene from a common species ( Salix pulchra ) in that same ecosystem were measured during three separate field campaigns. The field campaigns were conducted during the summers of 2005, 2010 and 2011 and took place at the Toolik Field Station (68.6° N, 149.6° W) on the north slope of the Brooks Range in Alaska, USA. The maximum rate of whole-system isoprene flux measured was over 1.2 mg C m −2 h −1 with an air temperature of 22 °C and a PAR level over 1500 μmol m −2 s −1 . Leaf-level isoprene emission rates for S. pulchra averaged 12.4 nmol m −2 s −1 (27.4 μg C gdw −1 h −1 ) extrapolated to standard conditions (PAR = 1000 μmol m −2 s −1 and leaf temperature = 30 °C). Leaf-level isoprene emission rates were well characterized by the Guenther algorithm for temperature with published coefficients, but less so for light. Chamber measurements from a nearby moist acidic tundra ecosystem with little S. pulchra emitted significant amounts of isoprene, but at lower rates (0.45 mg C m −2 h −1 ) suggesting other significant isoprene emitters. Comparison of our results to predictions from a global model found broad agreement, but a detailed analysis revealed some significant discrepancies. An atmospheric chemistry box model predicts that the observed isoprene emissions have a significant impact on Arctic atmospheric chemistry, including a reduction of hydroxyl radical (OH) concentrations. Our results support the prediction that isoprene emissions from Arctic ecosystems will increase with global climate change.
Establishing centers to address treatment effectiveness in diverse ethnic groups: the MEDTEP experience.

Objective. To investigate racial ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in health outcomes amenable to improvement through more effective delivery of health care services. Design. The Medical Treatment Effectiveness Program (MEDTEP) Research Centers on Minority Populations were a group of centers in the USA funded to improve the effectiveness of medical diagnosis and treatment to provide technical assistance to ethnic minority health researchers to train new researchers and to disseminate information to help ethnic minority patients and their health care providers. Results. Centers often provided many specific findings related to assessment of the magnitude of disparities in health outcomes and to approaches for eliminating these outcomes. The Centers were able to build community partnerships using an approach now defined as community-based participatory research. Centers changed the culture of their institutions by making them more aware of the need to train diverse investigators and do more to eliminate h...
From revealed preference to preference revelation

Abstract Utility functions are regarded as elements of a linear space that is paired with a dual representation of choices to demonstrate the similarity between preference revelation and the duality of prices and quantities in revealed preference. With respect to preference revelation, quasilinear versus ordinal utility and choices in an abstract set versus choices in a linear space are distinguished and their separate and common features are explored. The central thread uniting the various strands is the subdifferentiability of convex functions.
Sink or swim? Bone density as a mechanism for buoyancy control in early cetaceans

Previous analyses have shown that secondarily aquatic tetrapods, including whales, exhibit osteological adaptations to life in water as part of their complex buoyancy control systems. These structural specializations of bone span hyperostosis through osteoporosis. The past 15 years of paleontological effort has provided an unprecedented opportunity to examine the osteological transformation of whales as they make their transition to an obligate aquatic lifestyle over a 10-million-year period. It is hypothesized that whales manifest their osteological specialization in the same manner as extant semiaquatic and fully aquatic mammals. This study presents and analysis of the microstructural features of bone in early and late archaic cetaceans, and in a comparative sample of modern terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic mammals. Bone histology was examined from the ribs of 10 fossilized individuals representing five early cetacean families, including Pakicetidae, Ambulocetidae, Protocetidae, Remintonocetidae, and Basilosauridae. Comparisons were then made with rib histology from nine genera of extant mammals including: Odocoileus (deer), Bos (cow), Equus (horse), Canis (dog), Lutra (river otter), Enhydra (sea otter), Choeropsis (pygmy hippo), Trichechus (sea cow), and Delphinus (dolphin). Results show that the transition from terrestrial, to semiaquatic, to obligate aquatic locomotion in archaeocetes involved a radical shift in bone function achieved by means of profound changes at the microstructural level. A surprising finding was that microstructural change predates gross anatomical shift in archaeocetes associated with swimming. Histological analysis shows that high bone density is an aquatic specialization that provides static buoyancy control (ballast) for animals living in shallow water, while low bone density is associated with dynamic buoyancy control for animals living in deep water. Thus, there was a shift from the typical terrestrial form, to osteopetrosis and pachyosteosclerosis, and then to osteoporosis in the first quarter of cetacean evolutionary history. Anat Rec, 290:638–653, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
correlates of Antibiotic-resistant Group B Streptococcus Isolated From Pregnant Women

Despite antibiotic prophylaxis for at-risk mothers during labor and delivery, group B streptococcus still causes substantial morbidity and mortality among newborns. Resistance to antibiotics recommended for penicillin-allergic pregnant women, such as erythromycin and clindamycin, has increased. A better understanding of factors associated with group B streptococcus resistance is essential to effectively prevent group B streptococcus disease.A total of 117 sequential group B streptococcus isolates were obtained between August 1999 and March 2000 from pregnant women at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Serotype and susceptibility to ten antimicrobials using disk diffusion with E-test for confirmation were determined, and the association between several host factors and colonization with a resistant strain was evaluated. Group B streptococcus was frequently resistant to erythromycin (29%) and clindamycin (21%) but was susceptible to all other antimicrobials tested. A stepwise logistic regression model revealed that black ethnicity (P =.02) and carriage of a serotype V strain (P =.01) were associated with group B streptococcus resistance. Among this population of pregnant women, black ethnicity and serotype V were the strongest predictors of colonization with an erythromycin- or clindamycin-resistant group B streptococcus strain. A better understanding of factors associated with antibiotic resistance is needed to minimize group B streptococcus disease risks and to maximize effective chemoprophylaxis.
The pair of central tubules rotates during ciliary beat in Paramecium

UNLIKE the one-dimensional movement of striated muscle, the beat of a cilium is typically three dimensional1. Thus, the dynein arms, which are situated on the peripheral tubules around the circumference as well as longitudinally along the cilium, must be temporally coordinated in their actions. The mechanism for coordination is not known. The present study was undertaken to see whether the pair of central microtubules exhibits any systematic movement during the ciliary beat. We conclude that the central pair of tubules rotates anticlockwise 360° per beat cycle and that this rotation may regulate the dynein arms. Paramecium cilia were used because: markers distinguish the two central tubules so that their orientation can be unambiguously determined; and the metachronal waves of cilia can be ‘instantaneously fixed’ for the analysis of sequential phases of the beat.
Surveillance for the detection of nesocomial infections and the potential for nesocomial outbreaks I. Microbiology culture surveillance is an effective method of detecting nosocomial infection

A study was undertaken to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a laboratory-based surveillance system using numbers of positive cultures in our institution. A randomized retrospective review of 575 medical-surgical patient charts revealed 70 nosocomial infections in 41 patients. Review of microbiology records indicated positive cultures for 71%, cultures obtained but inadequate for 6%, no culture necessary for 7%, and no culture obtained for 16%. Patients over 60 years old were significantly more likely to have a nosocomial infection cultured than were younger patients (p less than 0.025). There was no significant difference in rate of nosocomial infections classified by clinical service, site of infection, or length of stay in the hospital. By randomly selecting 100 positive cultures and reviewing the charts of the affected patients, we found that 48% represented nosocomial infections. Thus laboratory-based surveillance was 84% sensitive and 48% specific for detecting nosocomial infections.
Defibrillator twiddler's syndrome

Abstract Long-term complications of internal cardioverter defibrillators have generally involved inappropriate shocks or hardware malfunctions. The present case documents a new problem of internal cardioverter defibrillator lead disruption resulting from patient-induced rotation of the generator In its pocket, similar to the previously reported pacemaker twiddler's syndrome. However, unlike the usual early symptoms of pacemaker nonfunction, the first symptomatic manifestation of the defibrillator twiddler's syndrome may be an inappropriate internal cardioverter defibrillator discharge or mote importantly, unrescued sudden death. Careful attention to patient complaints about the internal cardioverfer defibrillator generator and being alert to subtle lead changes on chest radiographs may allow the clinician to recognize this syndrome before a major, possibly fatal event.
Characterization of Aspen Isoprene Synthase, an Enzyme Responsible for Leaf Isoprene Emission to the Atmosphere

Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is a volatile hydrocarbon emitted from many plant species to the atmosphere, where it plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry. An enzyme extracted from aspen (Populus tremuloides) leaves was previously found to catalyze the Mg2+-dependent elimination of pyrophosphate from dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP) to form isoprene (Silver, G. M., and Fall, R.(1991) Plant Physiol. 97, 1588-1591). This enzyme, isoprene synthase, has now been purified 4000-fold to near homogeneity. The enzyme had a native molecular mass of 98-137 kDa and isoelectric point of 4.7 and contained 58- and 62-kDa subunits, implying that it is a heterodimer. Partial amino acid sequences of the two subunits indicated they are closely related to each other and that they do not share a strong homology with any other reported proteins. The isoprene synthase reaction was dependent on Mg2+ or Mn2+, and the reaction products were shown to be isoprene and pyrophosphate with a stoichiometry close to 1:1. The Km for DMAPP was high at 8 mM, and the kcat of 1.7 s−1 was low, but similar to those of other allylic diphosphate-utilizing enzymes. It is argued that the isoprene synthase reaction may be much more efficient in vivo, where it is under light-dependent control. It seems probable that this unique enzyme, rather than non-enzymatic reactions, can account for the emission of hundreds of millions of metric tons of isoprene from plants to the global atmosphere each year.
Complexity and Relevance

If you examine the changing contexts in which the issue of ‘relevance’ has been posed in the profession, it becomes clear how earlier calls for relevance need to be reconfigured today. After reviewing arguments that show how explanatory/normative activity is intercoded, this essay explores how the accelerated pace of life, new densities of interdependence and a growing fragility of things supports the case for forging alliances between political science and recent developments in complexity theory in a number of allied fields.
Statistical Relations between Ocean/Atmosphere Fluctuations in the Tropical Pacific

Abstract Advanced statistical techniques have been used to conduct a study of the relationships between ocean and atmosphere variables in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The results of the study show that the ocean variables can hindcast features of the trade wind field (TWF) variability several months into the future. The results are compatible with the notion that the Hadley and Walker cells are associated with east-west and north-south sea surface temperature (SST) gradients as suggested by Bjerknes. However, the level of skill in even specifying the strength of these cells is small, suggesting mechanisms other than those associated with SST are responsible for much of the observed variability in those systems. TWF predictors can hindcast themselves and ocean variables at both short lead times and lead times near one year. The main components of the wind field responsible for this long-lead-time skill are associated with the southeast trades and a near-equatorial band in the western Pacific. The results al...
The chemistry and vertical flux of particles in the northeastern Gulf of Alaska

Abstract The physical and chemical compositions of settling particles and underlying sediments collected from a pristine coastal environment south of Icy Bay in the northeastern Gulf of Alaska were compared to investigate the processes affecting the compositions, flux, and early diagenesis of the materials. Settling particles were collected with three self-closing sediment traps moored vertically approximately 30 km offshore. Sediments collected by gravity coring at the site were dated by 210 Pb geochronology. Total particulate Al, Si, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb were determined on all samples by flameless atomic absorption and standard colorimetric procedures. Total C and N were determined by dry combustion gas chromatography. A dilute hydrogen peroxide oxidation dissolution treatment was used to study element associations with labile particulate organic matter. A selective biogenic SiO 2 dissolution treatment also was employed to determine the biogenic SiO 2 fraction. Results suggest that the sediment traps efficiently collected settling particles. The elemental accumulation rates, remineralization of particulate organic matter, and remobilization of trace elements, notably Cu, were quantified by comparing the composition of the trapped materials with the underlying sediments. The majority of the remineralization appears to occur within the sediments below the zone influenced by resuspension, presumably as a result of biological activity.
Stages of constant amphetamine intoxication: Delayed appearance of abnormal social behaviors in rat colonies

Rats in colonies were observed for 7 days after half of them were implanted with slow-release silicone pellets containing d-amphetamine base. The drug-implanted animals were initially hyperactive and exploratory, but this gradually evolved over the next 24 h into motor stereotypies of an increasingly more circumscribed nature. On the 4th day after amphetamine implantation they transiently withdrew to the burrows area; thereafter they were characterized by heightened startle responses and increased social behaviors such as fighting and fleeing. During the last phase some of the drug-implanted animals tended to focus their fighting behaviors on one other drug-implanted animal. This late phase of constant amphetamine intoxication in rats has a number of similarities to amphetamine psychosis in humans, and can serve as a useful animal model for the study of its biochemical correlates.
Adapting the environment instead of oneself

This article examines some of the methods used by animals and humans to adapt their environment. Because there are limits on the number of different tasks a creature can be designed to do well in, creatures with the capacity to redesign their environments have an adaptive advantage over those who can adapt only passively to existing environmental structures. To clarify environmental redesign, l rely on the formal notion of a task environment as a directed graph in which the nodes are states and the links are actions. One natural form of redesign is to change the topology of this graph structure so as to increase the likelihood of task success or to reduce its expected cost, measured in physical terms. This may be done by eliminating initial states, hence eliminating choice points; by changing the action repertoire; by changing the consequence function; and, lastly, by adding choice points. Another major method for adapting the environment is to change its cognitive congeniality. Such changes leave the sta...
A computer system for analysis and transmission of spirometry waveforms using volume sampling

A microprocessor-controlled data gathering system for telemetry and analysis of spirometry waveforms was implemented using a completely digital design. Spirometry waveforms were obtained from an optical shaft encoder attached to a rolling seal spirometer. Time intervals between 10-ml volume changes (volume sampling) were stored. The digital design eliminated problems of analog signal sampling. The system measured flows up to 12 liters/sec with 5% accuracy and volumes up to 10 liters with 1% accuracy. Transmission of 10 waveforms took about 3 min. Error detection assured that no data were lost or distorted during transmission. A pulmonary physician at the central hospital reviewed the volume-time and flow-volume waveforms and interpretations generated by the central computer before forwarding the results and consulting with the rural physician. This system is suitable for use in a major hospital, rural hospital, or small clinic because of the system's simplicity and small size.
Dopant and defect states in a-Si:H

Abstract The changes in the density-of-states distribution upon doping of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) are discussed. A previous doping model is extended to explain the presence of occupied band-tail states, and their predicted doping dependence is shown to be consistent with experimental observations. The energy levels of dangling bonds are discussed, and we describe a complete set of optical and thermal emission data which place the upper dangling bond level at around 0·8 eV below the conduction band. The results also indicate that the defect has little atomic relaxation. It is argued that the defect-dopant pair does not have a negative correlation energy, contrary to a recent suggestion.