cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Polar Radient Energy in the Far Infrared Experiment (Prefire)

In February 2018, NASA selected PREFIRE (The Polar Radiant Energy in the Far Infrared Experiment) to perform first-of-a-kind infrared and far-infrared measurements of Earth’s atmosphere from space. This compelling new science mission will attempt to answer the question "Why is the Arctic warming faster than the rest of the planet?" by filling an important gap in our knowledge of energy flows in Polar Regions. PREFIRE will fly a pair of small CubeSat satellites to probe a little-studied portion of the radiant energy emitted by Earth for clues about Arctic warming, sea ice loss and ice-sheet melting. Two miniaturized Thermal Infrared Spectrometers (TIRS) on two CubeSat satellites, are based on technology previously flown on the Mars Climate Sounder, an instrument on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The CubeSats will orbit Earth's poles to measure far-infrared emissions and how they change throughout the day and over seasons. By building, characterizing, and operating, TIRS payloads in two different polar orbits, the PREFIRE mission has potential impact on NASA in these focus areas through (1) Quantification of the influence of variable surface conditions on Arctic and Antarctic thermal emission, (2) Estimation of the impact of atmospheric constituents on the polar greenhouse effect, and, (3) Determination of the impacts of variations in far-infrared emissivity and greenhouse effect on ice sheet melt and sea level rise. The observations will allow scientists to assess how changes in thermal infrared emissions at the top of Earth's atmosphere are related to changes in cloud cover and surface conditions below. Incorporation of PREFIRE measurements into current ice sheet process models and global climate models is expected to improve confidence in predictions of global climate changes that impact environmental and national security.
Antidote to toxic principal investigators.

There is a pervasive problem in academia of principal investigators who abuse their powers and mistreat their trainees. Here I share suggestions that would help protect the trainees and ultimately reduce the number of toxic supervisors.
Does Retrieval Potentiate New Learning When Retrieval Stops But New Learning Continues

Abstract Performing retrieval practice of previously studied material can enhance subsequent learning of new material. This potentiating effect of interpolated testing has been extensively investigated in multi-list learning paradigms. However, extant studies in this literature have manipulated interpolated testing in a binary manner, such that participants either took a test after every list or they are not tested until the final list. In reality, when students prepare for an exam, they are unlikely to test themselves consistently at regular intervals. Therefore, a critical question is whether interpolated testing would potentiate new learning when interpolated testing stops but encoding continues. In four experiments, we compared memory performance across participants who received an interpolated test after every list, received no interpolated tests, or received interpolated tests during only the early lists. Results showed that retrieval enhanced new learning even when testing was terminated early, although the benefits were weakened substantially. Further, participants’ test expectancy ratings and semantic clustering scores provide support for the idea that retrieval promotes new learning by independently enhancing attentional and organizational processes.
Story Toys: Transmedia Play in LEGO Star Wars

This chapter draws upon theories of transmedia storytelling and the history of character toys to explore transmedia play—the bricolage of mobilizing licensed toys to explore transmedia worlds—in LEGO Star Wars. This chapter delves into the paradoxical ways LEGO’s story toys adopt a filmic logic that faithfully reproduces canon, even as its media paratexts adopt a toy-centric logic that playfully reimagines canon. Theorizing this paradox as a constitutive tension between play and dis-play, this chapter traces how the bricolage of transmedia play mobilizes fixed signifiers to simultaneously script narrative play and play with narrative scripts.
DEPOIS DA PANDEMIA E DO PANDEMÔNIO: LINGUÍSTICA APLICADA E ANTIRRACISMO

Em “Depois da Pandemia e do Pandemonio: Linguistica Aplicada e Antirracismo”, o decimo quarto artigo deste dossie, Miriam Jorge (University of Missouri St. Louis) e Mara Barbosa (Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi) nos mostram a necessidade de questionar o aprofundamento das desigualdades sociais e raciais causado pelo governo bolsonarista.
Environmental Consortium Containing Pseudomonas and Bacillus Species Synergistically Degrades Polyethylene Terephthalate Plastic

Plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from water bottles, are polluting our oceans, cities, and soils. While a number of Pseudomonas species have been described that degrade aliphatic polyesters, such as polyethylene (PE) and polyurethane (PUR), few from this genus that degrade the semiaromatic polymer PET have been reported. In this study, plastic-degrading bacteria were isolated from petroleum-polluted soils and screened for lipase activity that has been associated with PET degradation. Strains and consortia of bacteria were grown in a liquid carbon-free basal medium (LCFBM) with PET as the sole carbon source. We monitored several key physical and chemical properties, including bacterial growth and modification of the plastic surface, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. We detected by-products of hydrolysis of PET using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) analysis, consistent with the ATR-FTIR data. The full consortium of five strains containing Pseudomonas and Bacillus species grew synergistically in the presence of PET and the cleavage product bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalic acid (BHET) as sole sources of carbon. Secreted enzymes extracted from the full consortium were capable of fully converting BHET to the metabolically usable monomers terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol. Draft genomes provided evidence for mixed enzymatic capabilities between the strains for metabolic degradation of TPA and ethylene glycol, the building blocks of PET polymers, indicating cooperation and ability to cross-feed in a limited nutrient environment with PET as the sole carbon source. The use of bacterial consortia for the biodegradation of PET may provide a partial solution to widespread planetary plastic accumulation.IMPORTANCE While several research groups are utilizing purified enzymes to break down postconsumer PET to the monomers TPA and ethylene glycol to produce new PET products, here, we present a group of five soil bacteria in culture that are able to partially degrade this polymer. To date, mixed Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. biodegradation of PET has not been described, and this work highlights the possibility of using bacterial consortia to biodegrade or potentially to biorecycle PET plastic waste.
National Decline in Knee Fusions Performed for Salvage of Chronic Periprosthetic Total Knee Infections.

The primary purpose of this study was to study and compare rates of two salvage operations for patients with chronically infected total knee arthroplasties: (1) knee arthrodesis and (2) above knee amputation (AKA). An analysis was performed comparing the inpatient hospital characteristics and complications between the two procedures. Secondarily, we presented rates of all surgically treated periprosthetic total knee infections over a 6-year period. Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified all patients with a periprosthetic infection (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] 996.66) from 2009 to 2014. Subsequently, we identified surgically treated total knee infections through the following ICD-9 codes: 00.80 (all component revision), 00.84 (liner exchange), 80.06 (removal of prosthesis), 84.17 (AKA), and 81.22 (knee fusion). From 2009 to 2014, the annual incidence of surgically treated total knee periprosthetic infections increased by 34.9% nationally, while the annual incidence of primary total knees increased by only 13.9%. Salvage operations (AKA and knee fusion) represented 5.8% of all surgically treated infections. The rate of knee fusions decreased from 1.9% of surgically treated infections in 2009 to 1.4% in 2014 (p
Sublethal biomass loss in Egregia menziesii (Phaeophyceae) reveals diffuse meristem tissue

Sublethal biomass loss has been found to have a variety of effects on marine macroalgae, from decreasing reproductive output to increasing individual survival and frond density. The ability of an individual to recover and persist through herbivore and wave damage is facilitated by the location of several meristematic growth regions throughout an individual. In kelps (Order Laminariales), meristems are found basally at the holdfast, at the base of each blade, and/or apically on each frond. In the intertidal kelp Egregia menziesii, fronds are thought to have an intercalary meristem at a transition zone between the main frond's midrib and a small terminal lamina. This study examined the effect of removing the terminal blade and transition zone on the elongation of the frond and found no significant difference in growth, contrary to expectations. Elongation occurred in the 30 cm of midrib at the apical end of fronds and was not isolated at the base of the terminal lamina as was previously thought. These results indicate the presence of a diffuse meristematic growth region that has not been reported in other kelps and may be an advantage for this intertidal species.
CSR Assurance and Reporting Quality: Evidence From Restatements

Previous research has shown that obtaining independent assurance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting has capital market benefits and that these benefits are amplified when accountants provide the assurance. Yet, little is known about whether and the manner in which CSR assurance improves the quality of CSR reporting, and whether accounting providers improve reporting quality to a greater extent than non-accounting providers. This study uses the unique setting of CSR restatements to examine these issues. We present theoretical and empirical evidence supporting a competitive advantage of using accounting firms as assurance providers as they not only identify inaccuracies in previous reports earlier than non-accounting providers, but also prevent future reporting inaccuracies. CSR assurance, from either type of provider, also leads to improved reporting definitions, scopes, and methodologies that require restatements for comparability. Results also indicate that CSR reporting frameworks (e.g., GRI) are not a substitute for obtaining CSR assurance as the latter has incremental benefits over GRI usage in terms of identifying errors and reporting improvements. These results have implications for public policy makers considering the merits of mandating CSR assurance and for organizations assessing the relative benefits and costs of preparing GRI-based CSR reports, obtaining CSR assurance, and choosing between accounting vs. non-accounting CSR assurance providers.
Spatially inhomogeneous magnetic superconductors

We consider a problem of superconductivity coexistence with the spin-density-wave order in disordered multiband metals. It is assumed that random variations of the disorder potential on short length scales render the interactions between electrons to become spatially correlated. As a consequence, both superconducting and magnetic order parameters become spatially inhomogeneous and are described by the universal phenomenological quantities, whereas all the microscopic details are encoded in the correlation function of the coupling strength fluctuations. We consider a minimal model with two nested two-dimensional Fermi surfaces and disorder potentials which include both intra- and interband scattering. The model is analyzed using the quasiclassical approach to show that short-scale pairing-potential disorder leads to a broadening of the coexistence region.
Likelihood of implementing fuel reduction treatments on nonindustrial private forest lands

Nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners are a dominant forest landownership group in the south-eastern United States and play a crucial role in regular fuel management for effective landscape-level wildfire hazard reduction. However, little is known about their intentions to implement fuel reduction treatments in the future. This study estimated the likelihood that NIPF landowner will implement a fuel reduction treatment in the next 5 years using a binary logistic regression model. This likelihood was associated with landowner attitudes towards wildfires, forest landownership and socioeconomic characteristics, and forest location attributes. Approximately 30% of landowners were likely to implement a fuel reduction treatment and a majority were interested in treating pine plantations. Management of undesired vegetation, promotion of tree growth, wildlife habitat improvements and reduction of wildfire severity were primary motivations for implementing treatments. Past implementation of fuel reduction treatments, previous wildfire experiences, concern about wildfire-related property damage, familiarity with wildfire prevention programs, ecosystem service maintenance as an ownership objective, forest land area owned and implementation of fuel treatments by neighbouring landowners were positively associated with the likelihood of fuel reduction treatments. Findings will be helpful in developing more effective programs encouraging landowners to regularly treat hazardous fuels in their forests.
Retrosigmoid transhorizontal fissure approach to lateral pontine cavernous malformation: comparison to transpetrosal presigmoid retrolabyrinthine approach.

Objective The retrosigmoid (RS) approach is a classic route used to access deep-seated brainstem cavernous malformation (CM). The angle of access is limited, so alternatives such as the transpetrosal presigmoid retrolabyrinthine (TPPR) approach have been used to overcome this limitation. Here, the authors evaluated a modification to the RS approach, horizontal fissure dissection by using the RS transhorizontal (RSTH) approach. Methods Relevant clinical parameters were evaluated in 9 patients who underwent resection of lateral pontine CM. Cadaveric dissection was performed to compare the TPPR approach and the RSTH approach. Results Five patients underwent the TPPR approach, and 4 underwent the RSTH approach. Dissection of the horizontal fissure allowed for access to the infratrigeminal safe entry zone, with a direct trajectory to the middle cerebellar peduncle similar to that used in TPPR exposure. Operative time was longer in the TPPR group. All patients had a modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2 at the last follow-up. Cadaveric dissection confirmed increased anteroposterior working angle and middle cerebellar peduncle exposure with the addition of horizontal fissure dissection. Conclusions The RSTH approach leads to a direct lateral path to lateral pontine CM, with similar efficacy and shorter operative time compared with more extensive skull base exposure. The RSTH approach could be considered a valid alternative for resection of selected pontine CM.
Overdominant and partially dominant mutations drive short-term adaptation in diploid yeast

Identification of adaptive targets in experimental evolution typically relies on extensive replication and allele reconstructions. An alternative approach is to directly assay all mutations in an evolved clone by generating pools of segregants that contain random combinations of the evolved mutations. Here, we apply this method to 6 clones isolated from 4 diploid populations that were clonally evolved for 2,000 generations in rich glucose medium. Each clone contains ~20-25 mutations relative to the ancestor. We derived intermediate genotypes between the founder and the evolved clones by bulk mating sporulated cultures of each evolved clone to a barcoded haploid version of the founder. We competed the barcoded segregants en masse and quantified the fitness of each barcode. We estimated average fitness effects of evolved mutations using barcode fitness and whole genome sequencing for a subset of segregants or time-course whole population whole genome sequencing. In contrast to our previous work in haploid populations, we find that diploids carry fewer evolved mutations with a detectable fitness effect (6%), contributing a modest fitness advantage (up to 5.4%). In agreement with theoretical expectations, reconstruction experiments show that all adaptive mutations manifest some degree of dominance over the ancestral allele, and most are overdominant. Competition assays under conditions that deviated from the evolutionary environment show that adaptive mutations are often pleiotropic.
Estimating earthquake-induced tsunami inundation probabilities without sampling

Given a distribution of earthquake-induced seafloor elevations, we present a method to compute the probability of the resulting tsunamis reaching a certain size on shore. Instead of sampling, the proposed method relies on optimization to compute the most likely fault slips that result in a seafloor deformation inducing a large tsunami wave. We model tsunamis induced by bathymetry change using the shallow water equations on an idealized slice through the sea. The earthquake slip model is based on a sum of multivariate log-normal distributions, and follows the Gutenberg-Richter law for moment magnitudes 7--9. For a model problem inspired by the Tohoku-Oki 2011 earthquake and tsunami, we quantify annual probabilities of differently sized tsunami waves. Our method also identifies the most effective tsunami mechanisms. These mechanisms have smoothly varying fault slip patches that lead to an expansive but moderately large bathymetry change. The resulting tsunami waves are compressed as they approach shore and reach close-to-vertical leading wave edge close to shore.
Exploring the role of morphology in the evolution of Spanish

1. Acknowledgments 2. Preface 3. Some Notes About the Present Book 4. 1. Concepts of Morphological Change 5. 20th-century Perceptions of Morphological Change in the Evolution of Spanish 6. A Not-too-untraditional Model of Morphological Change 7. 2. The Nature of Leveling in the Old Spanish Verbal Paradigm 8. The Directionality of Leveling in the Old Spanish Verbal Paradigm Distillable from Resistance to Language Shift: The Case of Spanish dormir, morir (and podrir) 9. Old Spanish ove, tove, estove, andove, sope, cope > Modern Spanish hube, tuve, estuve, anduve, supe, cupe 10. Old Spanish apercebir, percebir, recebir, escrevir, bevir > Modern Spanish apercibir, percibir, recibir, escribir, vivir: A Case of Leveling or Reanalysis? 11. 3. Phonological or Morphological Change? 12. The Effects of Morphology on Sound Change in the Paradigm: The /ee/ >/e/ Sound Change and Old Spanish veer 13. The /ee/ > /ei/ Change: Sound Change or Backformation? 14. The Voseo Imperatives: Sound Change or Morphemicization? 15. 4. The Morphological Spread of Sound Change 16. 5. Hidden Morphological Factors in Apparent Syntactic Change 17. The -y of Spanish hay 18. The Origin of Spanish eres 19. Conclusion 20. References 21. Index of Subjects
STOL passenger demand in underdeveloped areas

In order to stimulate economic growth of some underdeveloped areas, means must be found to improve the presently inadequate transportation service. Due to the considerable costs of providing high-type ground transportation facilities in the rugged terrain, efforts should be made to determine the feasibility of implementing an ideal air transport that will provide an economic boost. After an extensive investigation of the technological development of STOL aircrafts, a travel demand model is employed to predict the passenger market potential of a preliminary STOL system in rugged areas as typified by a representative Appalachian region, West Virginia. The results indicate that the passenger service demand for a STOL system will be limited. However, knowing the outstanding benefits of the short-haul air transportation in mountainous regions, greater demand will obviously come through lower system operating costs and improved terminal accessibility.
Edited Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Detects an Age-Related Decline in Nonhuman Primate Brain GABA Levels

Recent research had shown a correlation between aging and decreasing Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. However, how GABA level varies with age in the medial portion of the brain has not yet been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the GABA level variation with age focusing on the posterior cingulate cortex, which is the “core hub” of the default mode network. In this study, 14 monkeys between 4 and 21 years were recruited, and MEGA-PRESS MRS was performed to measure GABA levels, in order to explore a potential link between aging and GABA. Our results showed that a correlation between age and GABA
Multiple threshold spatially uniform relieff for the genetic analysis of complex human diseases

Detecting genetic interactions without running an exhaustive search is a difficult problem. We present a new heuristic, multiSURF*, which can detect these interactions with high accuracy and in time linear in the number of genes. Our algorithm is an improvement over the SURF* algorithm, which detects genetic signals by comparing individuals close to, and far from, one another and noticing whether differences correlate with different disease statuses. Our improvement consistently outperforms SURF* while providing a large runtime decrease by examining only individuals very near and very far from one another. Additionally we perform an analysis on real data and show that our method provides new information. We conclude that multiSURF* is a better alternative to SURF* in both power and runtime.
In Vitro Studies of Regeneration and Innervation of Muscle from Dystrophic (dy2J) Mutant Mice

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the in vitro studies of regeneration and innervation of muscle from dystrophic (dy 2 j) mutant mice. In the present study, a modified neuromuscular culture model is utilized in which adult, instead of the usual embryonic, muscle tissue is coupled with fetal spinal cord explants. There is a bewildering array of evidence of deranged metabolism in dystrophic mice. Creatinine balance is abnormal, cholesterol and total lipid levels are increased, distribution of lipoproteins and glycoproteins, deranged turnover of myosin increased, and levels of activity of many enzymes altered. This study was undertaken to reevaluate earlier concepts of the primary causes of muscular dystrophy. The experimental setup relied essentially on a tissue culture system in which spinal cord and muscle coupling between tissue explanted from normal and dystrophic mice provided a system for studying the mechanism underlying nerve-muscle interaction. The study has yielded the following observations. Recent observations have demonstrated that significant neuromuscular relationships can develop in vitro between spinal cord and embryonic muscle tissues.
An Indicator of Interaction for Systems under Uncertainty

In this paper, the use of eigenvector misalignment angles as indicators of interaction is extended to the case of systems under uncertainty.
The effect of insulin on glucose metabolism of the incubated human placenta.

Abstract Human placental slices were incubated in a buffer solution containing glucose and glucose-1-C 14 with and without insulin. No metabolic effect of insulin on glucose disappearance from the media or incorporation of C 14 label into CO 2 , total lipids or various lipid fractions could be demonstrated. When placental slices were preincubated in alloxan in an attempt to inhibit insulin degradation; an insulin effect on glucose disappearance was not observed. The study does not support the hypothesis that insulin indirectly influences the fetus by an effect on placental glucose metabolism.
GAS TURBINE APPLICATION IN TRANSIT VEHICLES

During the engineering and public demonstration testing phases of the Transbus Program, the three prototype coaches equipped with gas turbine powerplants exhibited some advantageous operational characteristics that warranted further investigation. Consequently, Booz, Allen Applied Research investigated the gas turbine engine as a potential power source for transit coaches. An in-depth survey was conducted of gas turbine engine manufactureres, whose products may be suitable for transit coaches, to determine their merits as compared to those of the diesel engine. Only Detroit Diesel Allision Division (DDAD) has a product sufficiently developed to warrant serious consideration of volume production. This investigation indicates that while current engines are not economically justifiable, the gas turbine engine may be potentially superior to the diesel. /GMRL/
Polyphyletic Evolution of Vertebrates

Thus far we have seen that, during the course of sex chromosome differentiation, the one which was elected to accumulate factors governing the development of the homogametic sex was conserved in its entirety. The differentiation was accomplished exclusively at the expense of the element which was elected to be the determiner of the heterogametic sex, the Y or the W.
The Price Effects of Horizontal Mergers: A Survey

This paper surveys the literature on the price effects of horizontal mergers. The majority of mergers that have been examined in the nine studies conducted over the past 22 years resulted in increased prices for both the merging parties and rival firms, at least in the short run. There is some evidence that product prices increase after mergers are announced but before they are consummated.
Tumor Markers: Reclassification and New Approaches to Evaluation

Publisher Summary This chapter presents an overview of the current state of tumor marker testing for monitoring purposes and what to expect in the future. The clinical significance and analytical goals of particular markers are presented. The utility of a marker in a given setting depends on two predominant performance characteristics-sensitivity and specificity. It begins with the introduction of tumor markers. Tumor markers are technically defined as substances that can be measured in body fluids or tissue to diagnose presence of cancer, to predict prognosis, and to monitor therapy. The chapter presents some background of the topic and the initial classification of medical devices used in tumor marker tests and also the reclassification of the same. The premarket evaluation process for tumor marker tests and its substantial equivalence to predicate device is discussed next in the chapter. A new 510(k) paradigm, its device modification and abbreviated 510(k) is also discussed in the chapter. The chapter also presents comparison studies for the tumor marker tests and devices. Tumor marker 510(k) principles and applications and tumor marker monitoring are also described in the chapter. The chapter then turns to the discussion of role of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the evaluation of tumor markers. The chapter has discussed about clinical aspects and applications of tumor markers and has described prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, and bladder cancer. Recent developments promise new and more specific tumor markers and in the future, new markers are anticipated that may greatly expand the range of usefulness in cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
Spatial orientation and dynamics of Papez circuit

Although Papez circuit was initially proposed as a neural substrate for emotions, recent findings of head-direction cells demonstrate that some parts of the structure are involved with representation of spatial orientation. We discuss several problems related to the dynamics of the spatial representation, including (1) reduction of the dynamics of coupled cell groups to that of a simple cell group, in which the formulation of the shift mechanism has been determined uniquely, (2) the relation between dynamic behaviors of coupled cell groups and lesion results, and (3) the limitation of one-dimensional spatial representation in geometric phase problem.
A Novel Allele of RAD52 That Causes Severe DNA Repair and Recombination Deficiencies Only in the Absence of RAD51 or RAD59

With the use of an intrachromosomal inverted repeat as a recombination reporter, we have shown that mitotic recombination is dependent on the RAD52 gene, but reduced only fivefold by mutation of RAD51. RAD59, a component of the RAD51-independent pathway, was identified previously by screening for mutations that reduced inverted-repeat recombination in a rad51 strain. Here we describe a rad52 mutation, rad52R70K, that also reduced recombination synergistically in a rad51 background. The phenotype of the rad52R70K strain, which includes weak γ-ray sensitivity, a fourfold reduction in the rate of inverted-repeat recombination, elevated allelic recombination, sporulation proficiency, and a reduction in the efficiency of mating-type switching and single-strand annealing, was similar to that observed for deletion of the RAD59 gene. However, rad52R70K rad59 double mutants showed synergistic defects in ionizing radiation resistance, sporulation, and mating-type switching. These results suggest that Rad52 and Rad59 have partially overlapping functions and that Rad59 can substitute for this function of Rad52 in a RAD51 rad52R70K strain.
Copper and immunity.

The immune system requires copper to perform several functions, of which little is known about the direct mechanism of action. Animal models and cells in culture have been used to assess copper's role in the immune response. Some of the recent research showed that interleukin 2 is reduced in copper deficiency and is likely the mechanism by which T cell proliferation is reduced. These results were extended to show that even in marginal deficiency, when common indexes of copper are not affected by the diet, the proliferative response and interleukin concentrations are reduced. The number of neutrophils in human peripheral blood is reduced in cases of severe copper deficiency. Not only are they reduced in number, but their ability to generate superoxide anion and kill ingested microorganisms is also reduced in both overt and marginal copper deficiency. This mechanism is not yet understood. Neutrophil-like HL-60 cells accumulate copper as they differentiate into a more mature cell population and this accumulation is not reflected by increases in Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase or cytochrome-c oxidase activities. The identity of copper-binding proteins in this cell type may be useful in learning new functions of copper or assessing copper status. Neutrophils, because they are short-lived and homogeneous cell populations, are predicted to be an effective and valuable tool for assessing nutrient status in human populations.
Mass transport in contaminated flows

In this paper, we consider the effect of the presence of a monomolecular film on the free water surface of infinite horizontal extant. The expressions for the velocity field and the mass transport velocity are presented for the motion induced by a surface progressive wave in the regions of the free surface and the bottom boundary layers as also in the interior region. The bottom boundary layer is assumed fully turbulent and the model developed by Trowbridge and Madsen [J. Geophys. Res. 89, C5 (1984)] is used. Also the wave damping coefficient is calculated. It is shown that the vorticity flux across the bottom boundary of the free surface boundary layer varies with the film compressional modulus and the solubility. As the latter increases the vorticity approaches the constant value relevant to the corresponding uncontaminated fluid problem. The presence of the film enhances the rate of wave energy dissipation to O(√v), where v is the kinematic viscosity. Also it is shown that this rate decreases as the solubility increases. Similar motion characteristics are found to hold in the mass transport across the boundary layer into the interior. The quasi-steady conduction solution of the interior is developed.
Mre11 Nuclease Activity Has Essential Roles in DNA Repair and Genomic Stability Distinct from ATM Activation

The Mre11/Rad50/NBS1 (MRN) complex maintains genomic stability by bridging DNA ends and initiating DNA damage signaling through activation of the ATM kinase. Mre11 possesses DNA nuclease activities that are highly conserved in evolution but play unknown roles in mammals. To define the functions of Mre11, we engineered targeted mouse alleles that either abrogate nuclease activities or inactivate the entire MRN complex. Mre11 nuclease deficiency causes a striking array of phenotypes indistinguishable from the absence of MRN, including early embryonic lethality and dramatic genomic instability. We identify a crucial role for the nuclease activities in homology-directed double-strand-break repair and a contributing role in activating the ATR kinase. However, the nuclease activities are not required to activate ATM after DNA damage or telomere deprotection. Therefore, nucleolytic processing by Mre11 is an essential function of fundamental importance in DNA repair, distinct from MRN control of ATM signaling.
Management of Equine Poisoning and Envenomation

Acute poisoning and envenomation often represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Although identification ultimately may benefit the affected animal, treatment frequently must commence before an etiologic diagnosis is established. Therefore, the goals for the management of acutely intoxicated horses must be focused on emergency intervention and stabilization of the patient, prevention of further exposure, and aggressive decontamination. This article reviews the treatment steps that should be considered during the management of horses experiencing poisoning or envenomation.
Independent permutations, as related to a problem of Moser and a theorem of Pólya

Abstract We introduce the notion of a set of independent permutations on the domain {0, 1,… n − 1}, and obtain bounds on the size of the largest such set. The results are applied to a problem proposed by Moser in which he asked for the largest number of nodes in a d-cube of side n such that no n of these nodes are collinear. Independent permutations are also related to the problem of placing n non-capturing superqueens (chess queens with wrap-around capability) on an n × n board. As a special case of this treatment we obtain Polya's theorem that this problem can be solved if and only if n is not a multiple of 2 or 3.
Staying alive: Dalmatian mediated blocking of apoptosis is essential for tissue maintenance

In an EMS screen for mutations disrupting tracheal development, we identified new alleles of the dalmation (dmt) gene, which had previously been shown to affect peripheral nervous system (PNS) development. Here, we demonstrate that dmt loss results in programmed cell death, disrupting PNS patterning and leading to large gaps in the salivary duct and trachea. Dmt loss results in increased expression of the proapoptotic regulator genes head involution defective (hid) and reaper (rpr), and deletion of these genes or tissue-specific expression of the baculoviral apoptotic inhibitor P35 rescues the dmt defects. dmt is also required to protect cells from irradiation induced expression of hid and rpr during the irradiation resistant stage, which begins as cells become irreversibly committed to their final fates. Thus, we propose that Dmt keeps cells alive by blocking activation of hid and rpr as cells become irreversibly committed. Developmental Dynamics 239:1609–1621, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Exposure-response analysis of risk of respiratory disease associated with occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate alternative models and estimate risk of mortality from lung cancer and asbestosis after occupational exposure to chrysotile asbestos. METHODS: Data were used from a recent update of a cohort mortality study of workers in a South Carolina textile factory. Alternative exposure-response models were evaluated with Poisson regression. A model designed to evaluate evidence of a threshold response was also fitted. Lifetime risks of lung cancer and asbestosis were estimated with an actuarial approach that accounts for competing causes of death. RESULTS: A highly significant exposure-response relation was found for both lung cancer and asbestosis. The exposure-response relation for lung cancer seemed to be linear on a multiplicative scale, which is consistent with previous analyses of lung cancer and exposure to asbestos. In contrast, the exposure-response relation for asbestosis seemed to be nonlinear on a multiplicative scale in this analysis. There was no significant evidence for a threshold in models of either the lung cancer or asbestosis. The excess lifetime risk for white men exposed for 45 years at the recently revised OSHA standard of 0.1 fibre/ml was predicted to be about 5/1000 for lung cancer, and 2/1000 for asbestosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the findings from previous investigations of a strong exposure-response relation between exposure to chrysotile asbestos and mortality from lung cancer, and asbestosis. The risk estimates for lung cancer derived from this analysis are higher than those derived from other populations exposed to chrysotile asbestos. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.
The dynamics of morphology development in multiphase latex particles

Abstract The use of multistage emulsion polymerization to produce particles containing multiple polymer phases is widespread throughout the coatings, impact plastics and adhesives industries. Such composite particles often improve various application properties compared to related single-phase latices or latex blends. The properties obtained depend in large part on the morphology of the multiphase particles, creating an incentive to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive morphology development in these particles as they are formed in the polymerization reactor. Much attention has been devoted to understanding the thermodynamic factors that influence morphology control, but in fact the majority of systems are produced under kinetic control, resulting in non-equilibrium structures. There are three main kinetic factors involved as the morphology develops during the second stage polymerization. These are (1) penetration of polymer radical chains into the particle interior after entry from the water phase, (2) phase separation of immiscible polymer chains produced in the different polymerization stages and (3) spatial rearrangement of phase separated domains. We have summarized our knowledge and understanding of morphology development in a concise decision tree flow chart which can be used for morphology prediction. The validity and use of this decision tree is illustrated through a series of experimental examples.
Suprasellar hemangiobastoma in Von Hippel-Lindau disease: A case report

Hemangioblastomas of the sellar and suprasellar regions are extremely rare lesions. We present a case of a suprasellar hemangioblastoma occurring in a 40-year-old female with Von Hippel-Lindau disease.
Racial/Ethnic Differences in Weight Perceptions and Weight Control Behaviors Among Adolescent Females

Using data from the 2001 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, this study examined select sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of weight perceptions and weight control behaviors among Black, Hispanic and White females (n = 6,089). Results showed little difference across ethnic groups for perceptions of body weight with slightly over 50%, 30% and 12% describing their weight as about right, overweight, or underweight, respectively. There was striking discordance between weight perception and reported weight gain or loss among White girls. Regression analysis showed indicators of depression and feeling unsafe predictive of weight loss behaviors across all groups while GPA and forced sex were significant for Whites and Hispanics. Television watching and physical exertion were not significant. Findings suggest prevention of depression and victimization as the principal means of reducing maladaptive weight control behaviors across all ethnic groups and surveillance for inappropriate weight loss behav...
Inter- and Intrarater Reliability of Ulna Variance Versus Lunate Subsidence Measurements in Madelung Deformity

Purpose To assess inter- and intrarater reliability of both ulna variance and lunate subsidence measurement methods in a large consecutive series of children with Madelung deformity. Methods Ulnar variance and lunate subsidence were measured on 41 standard anteroposterior wrist radiographs from 31 patients with Madelung deformity. The patients had a mean age of 13 years (range, 5–25) at the time of presentation. Two pediatric orthopedic hand/upper limb surgeons evaluated all radiographs twice in a 4-week interval using standard digital imaging software. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for inter- and intrarater reliability, and results were reported using the Landis and Koch criteria. Results The interrater ICC for the ulna variance measurements was substantial, and for the lunate subsidence almost perfect. The intrarater ICC for ulna variance was substantial for both raters. In contrast, the intrarater ICC for lunate subsidence was almost perfect for both raters. Conclusions Measurement of lunate subsidence showed both superior interrater and intrarater reliability compared with the ulnar variance method. Whenever relative ulna length is assessed in children and adolescents with Madelung deformity, the lunate subsidence should be the preferred method to characterize deformity. Type of study/level of evidence Diagnostic IV.
Interaction of Mesoscale Variability with Large-Scale Waves in the Argentine Basin

Abstract The Argentine Basin of the South Atlantic Ocean is a region of complicated ocean dynamics involving a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Previous studies reported the existence of a basin mode of topographic barotropic Rossby waves with a period close to 25 days in the region. Using observations of sea level anomalies from satellite altimeter measurements, the present study provides evidence of interaction between the large-scale 25-day waves and the energetic mesoscale variability of the region. The amplitude of the 25-day waves is highly intermittent with dominant periods in the range of 110–150 days. Within this period band, the wave amplitude is coherent with the energy level of the mesoscale variability: when the mesoscale energy level goes down, the wave amplitude goes up, and vice versa, suggesting an exchange of energy between the two scales. This coherence is linked to the first three empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of the sea level anomalies. The spatial patterns of these ...
What Do We Know about Latino Drug Use? Methodological Evaluation of State Databases

This study has two goals, to estimate drug use trends among Latino adolescents in states where the majority reside, and evaluate methodologies used to gather this information to improve their quality. State surveys provide the only source ofestimates ofdrug use by ethnic groups at this geographic level. Presumably, these data are used to evaluate national drug control policies, target research and prevention, and law enforcement efforts. This study compares survey data from Monitoring the Future (national U.S. rates) with New Jersey, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and California. Drug use trends for Latinos were divergent, with Texas trending toward higher rates and New Jersey toward lower rates. State and national comparisons showed a similar divergence, with national rates for Latinos generally lower than the states we compared. These differences may be real, as suggested by the data, or influenced by methodological differences over time and among states.
Simultaneous serum aquaporin-4 antibody and CSF NMDA receptor antibody–positive encephalitis

A 29-year-old Hmong woman presented with 3 months of worsening imbalance and intermittent vertigo followed by right facial numbness, slurred/nonsensical speech, and memory impairment. She reported generalized weakness, fatigue, and anorexia with more than 10 kg weight loss. She denied paresthesia, vision loss, nausea, vomiting, or hiccups. Neurologic examination revealed impaired short-term memory, expressive aphasia, mild right appendicular ataxia, and profound abulia.
Differentiating Suicide From Life-Ending Acts and End-of-Life Decisions: A Model Based on Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis

Background Technological advances continue to yield life-prolonging treatments that complicate the occurrence of death. Until recently, refusal to submit to recommended care was considered suicide. Objective Physicians must now decide how to respond to requests for hastened dying. Method The authors propose a four-square grid distinguishing true suicide from behaviors such as treatment termination and lethal noncompliance. Results One axis characterizes whether actions hasten death. The other identifies how the patient's social and medical network collaborate in the decision-making process. Conclusion Using chronic kidney disease to model intent and collaboration, treatment is framed within a paradigm that reflects both end-of-life decision-making complexities and contemporary conceptualizations of suicide.
Branched-chain amino acid catabolism provides precursors for the Type II polyketide antibiotic, actinorhodin, via pathways that are nutrient dependent

Polyketide antibiotics are among the most important therapeutics used in human and animal health care. Type II polyketides are composed primarily of acetate-derived thioesters, and the subunits for the PKS are contained in a single module that includes a ketosynthase, acyl carrier protein, chain-length factor and sometimes a keto-reductase, aromatase, cyclase and modifying enzymes, such as glycosylases or hydroxylases. While the enzyme complexes that make up the PKS have been the focus of intense study (Khosla in Chem Rev 7:2577-2590, 1997), the pathways for precursor synthesis have not been established and predictions are complicated by the fact that acetate may be derived from a number of metabolic pathways. Here we show that 50% of the acetate for synthesis of the Type II polyketide, actinorhodin, in Streptomyces coelicolor, is derived from the catabolism of the branched amino acids by pathways that are nutrient dependent. The streptomycetes are apparently unique in that they contain two BCDH gene clusters, each of which is potentially capable of converting leucine, valine and isoleucine to the corresponding thioesters, and contain at least three different pathways for valine catabolism that are differentially used in response to nutrient availability.