cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coupled impacts of sea-level rise and tidal marsh restoration on endangered California clapper rail

Abstract We develop a predictive multi-process framework to quantitatively assess the spatially variable, interlinked dynamics of sea-level rise, wetland transition, habitat suitability and connectivity, and shorebird distribution and abundance. Bird behavior is represented in a spatially explicit agent-based model that tracks responses of individuals to predicted changes in local habitat quantity and quality. We apply this framework to the endangered California clapper rail (Rallus longirostris obsoletus) in the San Francisco Estuary, US, under a range of sea-level rise and conservation scenarios aimed at clapper rail recovery. The framework enables quantification of the relationship between critical habitat destruction and clapper rail population decline. The most influential factors that characterize the quality of tidal marsh habitat are salinity, which is a proxy for higher quality nesting environment and abundance of macroinvertebrates, and tidal conditions, which affect flood and predation threats. Results suggest that clapper rail viability should remain at the present level for moderate sea level rise. However, for a rise of 1.66 m, extinction risk increases from 0.01 to 0.36. The framework enables quantitative evaluation of proposed conservation efforts, and should complement existing theory and empirical inferences. Compared with sub-regional efforts, estuary-wide conservation is more effective in improving reproduction and dispersal success and accommodates a sea-level rise of an additional ∼10 cm before population falls below criticality. Should sea level rise to the predicted maximum, proposed conservation efforts are likely to be ineffective in preventing California clapper rail extinction by 2100.
Thermochemical Study of Ln2O3, T′-Ln2CuO4, and Ln2Cu2O5 (Ln = Rare Earth)

High temperature solution calorimetry using a 2PbO B[sub 2]O[sub 3] solvent at 977 K was applied to the high T[sub c]-related compounds, Ln[sub 2]O[sub 3](Ln=Nd-Lu), T[prime]Ln[sub 2]CuO[sub 4](Ln = Nd-Gd), and Ln[sub 2]Cu[sub 2]O[sub 5](Ln = Dy-Lu). The heat of solution, [delta]H[sub s], of Ln[sub 2]O[sub 3] becomes less exothermic with decreasing size of Ln[sup 3+] from [approximately] -130 kJ/mole in La[sub 2]O[sub 3] to [close quotes]-30 kJ/mole in Lu[sub 2]O[sub 3]. The heats of solution of rare earth oxides containing unevenly filled 4f' orbitals are slightly more endothermic than those predicted by a straight line relating [delta]H[sub s] to reciprocal ionic radius, 1/r, for La, Gd, Y, and Lu, presumably reflecting the crystal field stabilization energy of Ln[sup 3+] (CFSE) in the solid. The heat of solution of the T[prime] phase when plotted against 1/r shows a maximum value at Ln=Sm. This may be explained by the CFSE and/or by a nonlinear change in lattice energy of the T[prime] phase as a function of 1/r. The stability relations between T[prime] and Ln[sub 2]Cu[sub 2]O[sub 5] structures are discussed using the thermochemical data obtained. The data generally confirm patterns of stability seen in synthesis experiments.
Lake Superior summer water temperatures are increasing more rapidly than regional air temperatures: A positive ice-albedo feedback

[1] Lake Superior summer (July–September) surface water temperatures have increased approximately 2.5°C over the interval 1979–2006, equivalent to a rate of (11 ± 6) × 10−2°C yr−1, significantly in excess of regional atmospheric warming. This discrepancy is caused by declining winter ice cover, which is causing the onset of the positively stratified season to occur earlier at a rate of roughly a half day per year. An earlier start of the stratified season significantly increases the period over which the lake warms during the summer months, leading to a stronger trend in mean summer temperatures than would be expected from changes in summer air temperature alone.
Lack of effect of human chorionic gonadotropin on serum estrogen levels in ovariectomized rhesus monkeys

The effects of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) on serum estrogen levels in ovariectomized rhesus monekys was investigated. In 4 adult rhesus monkeys bilaterally ovariectomized for 6 months or more received 1000 IU HCG daily for the 3rd and 4th weeks of the test period. Serum estrogen concentrations in the 2-week period preceding HCG injection HCG injection was without effect on serum estrone or estradiol 17-beta either during or after treatment. These results are in agreement with results found in castrated women.
An overview of the Galaxy management framework for scalable enterprise cluster computing

We present the main concepts behind the Galaxy cluster management framework, Galaxy is focused on servicing large-scale enterprise clusters through the use of novel, highly scalable communication and management techniques. Galaxy is a flexible framework built upon the notion of low-level management of cluster farms, where within these farms islands of specific cluster management types can be created. A number of cluster profiles, which describe the components used in the different cluster types, are presented as well as the components used in the management of these clusters.
Keeping and re‐finding information on the web: What do people do and what do they need?

This study (Keeping Found Things Found -KFTF) investigated the methods that people use in their workplace to re-access web information. People were observed using many different methods to keep web information for later use including the use of Bookmarks (or Favorites), self-addressed email, hand-written notes, and paper print-outs. Each keeping method provided a range of functions but none of the observed methods allowed for all desired functions. Participants in the KFTF study were also tested for their ability to return to a web site and several re-finding methods were observed and identified. When prompted with web site descriptions they had generated three to six months earlier, participants had a 95% or better success rate in returning to the cued-for web sites. Moreover, two thirds of these re-finding methods required no explicit keeping behavior. Common re-finding methods included the use of: 1.) A search service. 2.) Partial completion of a site's web address and acceptance of a suggested completion to this address (the auto-complete function). 3.) Hyperlinks from another web site. Results underline the importance of a reminding function. This paper also reports the data collected from a web survey conducted after the keeping and re-finding observations. 214 participants completed the survey. The data from the survey validated and elaborated the various methods that people use to keep web information for later re-use that were identified in earlier observational studies.
Prospective evaluation of an over-the-wire catheter US probe.

Background: Pancreaticobiliary strictures identified at endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be evaluated by intraductal ultrasonography (US). Two major difficulties are that sphincterotomy may be required and the stricture may not be traversable. We prospectively evaluated the ease and success of intraductal US using a new over-the-wire catheter US probe. Methods: Biliary or pancreatic strictures discovered at ERCP were imaged with the new probe. Intraductal US performance times, image clarity, imaging depth and technical ease were measured. Results: Twenty-one patients with a variety of inflammatory and malignant pancreaticobiliary lesions were studied. Thirteen of the 16 (81%) masses imaged by intraductal US were 10 mm or less in diameter. Sphincterotomy was not required. All strictures traversed by a guidewire were imaged. The sphincter of Oddi was successfully imaged in all patients with intact normal sphincters. Performance of intraductal US was rated as technically easy in all cases and image clarity was rated as good or very good in 15 of 21 (71%) cases. Conclusions: The new over-the-wire catheter US probe facilitates intraductal US. Sphincterotomy is avoided and strictures are successfully traversed. This probe makes it possible to image the sphincter of Oddi.
SPECIATION DESPITE GENE FLOW WHEN DEVELOPMENTAL PATHWAYS EVOLVE

Evolutionary biologists assume that species formation requires a drastic reduction in gene exchange between populations, but the rate sufficient to prevent speciation is unknown. To study speciation, we use a new class of population genetic models that incorporate simple developmental genetic rules, likely present in all organisms, to construct the phenotype. When we allow replicate populations to evolve in parallel to a new, shared optimal phenotype, often their hybrids acquire poorly regulated phenotypes: Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities arise and postzygotic reproductive isolation evolves. Here we show that, although gene exchange does inhibit this process, it is the proportion of migrants exchanged (m) rather than the number of migrants (Nm) that is critical, and rates as high as 16 individuals exchanged per generation still permit the evolution of postzygotic isolation. Stronger directional selection counters the inhibitory effect of gene flow, increasing the speciation probability. We see similar results when populations in a standard two-locus, two-allele Dobzhansky-Muller model are subject to simultaneous directional selection and gene flow. However, in developmental pathway models with more than two loci, gene flow is more able to impede speciation. Genetic incompatibilities arise as frequent by-products of adaptive evolution of traits determined by regulatory pathways, something that does not occur when phenotypes are modeled using the standard, additive genetic framework. Development therefore not only constrains the microevolutionary process, it also facilitates the interactions among genes and gene products that make speciation more likely-even in the face of strong gene flow.
Optical breakdown in transparent media with adjustable axial length and location

We demonstrate a highly elongated (aspect ratio over 500:1) optical breakdown in water produced by a single pulse of a picosecond laser focused with a combination of an axicon and a lens. Locations of the proximal and distal ends of the breakdown region can be adjusted by modifying radial intensity distribution of the incident beam with an amplitude mask. Using Fresnel diffraction theory we derive a transmission profile of the amplitude mask to create a uniform axial intensity distribution in the breakdown zone. Experimentally observed dynamics of the bubbles obtained with the designed mask is in agreement with the theoretical model. A system producing an adjustable cylindrical breakdown can be applied to fast linear or planar dissection of transparent materials. It might be useful for ophthalmic surgical applications including cataract surgery and crystalline lens softening.
Leadership and the Aggregation of International Collective Action

Political entrepreneurs, or leaders, play an important role in overcoming under-provision and coordination problems inherent in international public goods. Recent examples include the Montreal Protocol on ozone depletion and NATO peacekeeping. We demonstrate that the Prisoner's Dilemma need not be a fait accompli of international collective action, owing to the various means for aggregating contributions (summation, best shot, better shot, weakest link and weaker link). Using evolutionary game theory, we examine "leading by example", whereby a leader unilaterally provides an intermediate contribution, and matching behavior there beyond. It is shown to be a noncooperative means for achieving cooperative provision.
Granzyme B plays a differential role in CD4+ T cell subsets versus CD8+ T cells in mediating the graft-versus-tumor effect and graft-versus-host disease (TRAN3P.888)

After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, donor-derived T cells can attack host tumor cells, producing a favorable graft-vs.-tumor (GVT) effect. However, graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) may develop when donor T cells attack normal host tissue. We previously reported that while granzyme B (GzmB) is required for CD8+ T cells to cause GVHD, GzmB-mediated damage of CD8+ T cells impairs the GVT effect. In this study, we examined the role of GzmB in GVT and GVHD mediated by CD4+ T cell subsets, using an established A20 tumor model and bioluminescence imaging to monitor tumor growth in BALB/c hosts. We found that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) derived from C57BL/6 donors significantly suppressed GVT activity mediated by both CD8+ T cells and CD4+CD25- effector T cells (Teffs). However, GzmB-/- Tregs were as equally suppressive as WT Tregs, consistent with our previous report that GzmB is not required for Treg-mediated suppression of GVHD. Nonetheless, GzmB-/- Teffs were less effective in controlling tumor growth than WT Teffs; but surprisingly, GzmB-/- Teffs caused more severe GVHD than WT Teffs. Our data reveal that GzmB is essential for CD4+CD25- Teff-mediated optimal GVT effect but diminishes the ability of Teffs to cause GVHD, which contradicts its role in CD8+ T cells where GzmB is essential to cause GVHD but impairs GVT effect. These differential roles suggest that targeting GzmB in selected T cell subsets may provide a strategy to separate GVT from GVHD.
TUMOR SEEDING IN UROLOGICAL LAPAROSCOPY: AN INTERNATIONAL SURVEY

Purpose: During the last 10 years laparoscopy has been applied to treat most urological pathology including malignancies. There has been concern regarding peritoneal dissemination and port site metastases. We undertook a survey to assess the incidence of this occurrence. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 international urology departments with experts in laparoscopic urological surgery were contacted for this study. Each site was asked to complete a 2-page survey regarding the volume of laparoscopic urological procedures and port site recurrences. Results: Nineteen sites elected to participate. A total of 18,750 laparoscopic procedures were performed, of which 10,912 were for cancer. These included 2,604 radical nephrectomies, 559 nephroureterectomies, 555 partial nephrectomies, 27 segmental ureterectomies, 3,665 radical prostatectomies, 1,869 pelvic lymph node dissections, 479 retroperitoneal lymph node dissections, 336 adrenalectomies and 108 procedures listed as other. Tumor seeding was reported in 13 cases (0.1%), including 3 nephroureterectomies for transitional cell carcinoma, 4 nephrectomies (incidental transitional cell carcinoma), 4 adrenalectomies for metastases, 1 retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer and 1 pelvic lymph node dissection for cancer of the penis. Port seeding occurred in 10 cases (0.09%) and peritoneal spread in 3 cases (0.03%). Conclusions: The incidence of tumor seeding after laparoscopic oncological surgery is rare and does not appear greater than what has been historically reported for open surgery. Tumor seeding seems to be most commonly related to the removal of high grade tumors and deviation from oncological surgical principles.
Trigonometric solution for determining the plunge of the intersection of two dipping planes

The plungeof the intersection of two dippingplanes can be determined by a simple formula parallel to Tanner's formula for determining true dip from two apparent dips.
Combined pars plana vitrectomy-lensectomy and open-loop anterior chamber lens implantation.

Purpose: To investigate the effectiveness of open-loop, one-piece, flexible, Kelmanstyle, all-polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) anterior chamber intraocular lenses (AC IOLs) in patients undergoing pats plana vitrectomy surgery for a variety of vitreoretinal disorders. Methods: Fifteen patients (6 women and 9 men) underwent combined pats plana vitrectomy with insertion of an open-loop AC IOL. Postoperative results were evaluated. Results: The average preoperative visual acuity of 20/360 (IogMAR scale, 1.25 ± 0.80) improved to 20/52 (IogMAR scale, 0.42 ± 0.35) after an average follow-up of 10.2 months (range, 1–41 months). Of 15 eyes, 7 (47%) achieved a visual acuity of better than 20/40. There was no evidence of glaucoma exacerbation or corneal decompensation. Visual acuity was limited primarily by chronic cystoid macular edema in 4 (27%) of 15 eyes. Conclusion: In this preliminary series of patients, open-loop, flexible, all-PMMA, Kelman-style AC IOLs appear to be well tolerated and represent a viable, simple alternative to transscleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL or surgical aphakia in patients undergoing vitrectomy surgery.
Organic carbon enhances dark survival of the cyanobacterium Geitlerinema sp. isolated from black band disease of corals

La enfermedad de la banda negra que afecta a los corales (BBD, por sus siglas en ingles) esta compuesta de una ?alfombra? de microbios patogenos dominado por cianobacterias filamentosas que se deslizan horizontalmente. Estas cianobacterias son fundamentales en la etiologia de la BBD porque forman la matriz densa de la banda y son el origen de una cianotoxina que contribuye a la patogenesis de la BBD. El ambiente de la BBD es quimicamente dinamico, con cambios entre condiciones oxigenadas y anoxicas, y con altas concentraciones de sulfuro. Ademas, la BBD es rica en nutrientes y en carbono organico debido a la presencia de tejidos de corales que liberan activamente el contenido de las celulas. Las cianobacterias de la BBD estan adaptadas al ambiente de la BBD, en luz y oscuridad. Trabajos anteriores han demostrado que durante el dia, las cianobacterias de la BBD pueden hacer fotosintesis oxigenica sin verse afectadas por la presencia del sulfuro. Comunicamos los resultados de un estudio de laboratorio sobre el matabolismo en la oscuridad de un cultivo de la cianobacteria de la BBD Geitlerinema sp. La supervivencia de esta estirpe, tanto en condiciones oxigenadas como en condiciones anoxicas, fue sustentada por fuentes exogenas de carbono organico (azucares y aminoacidos). El mayor efecto se produjo en condiciones anoxicas. De noche esta cianobacteria esta fisiologicamente adaptada al ambiente de la BBD, rico en sustancias organicas, mientras que de dia esta adaptada al ambiente iluminado rico en sulfuro.
Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of Anatomical Sulcal Changes Associated with Aging

Imaging studies of the human brain indicate that the cortex undergoes anatomic changes during the aging process. With the ability to study the human brain in vivo using magnetic resonance imaging, understanding the nature and location of these changes is of increasing interest. In this work, we investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal age effects on the geometric shape and gray matter (GM) volume for regions of interest on the cortical surface. Each of the regions corresponds to the buried cortex surrounding the sulcal spaces and is termed a ‘‘sulcal region.’’ The study consists of 35 older adults scanned three times over a 4-year time span. The group includes 19 women and 16 men ranging in ages from 59 to 84 years (mean 70.9, standard deviation 6.2). We analyze 8 sulcal regions—the buried cortex surrounding the left and right central, superior frontal, cingulate, and parietooccipital sulci. We examine surface area, GM thickness, GM volume, sulcal depth, local gyrification index, and measures of curvature. Results indicate cross-sectional age effects in mean thickness, GM volume, sulcal depth, and curvature characteristics of sulcal regions. In addition, we found longitudinal decreases in surface area, mean thickness, GM volume, and sulcal depth measures as well as changes in sulcal curvature.
Light interacting with liquid crystals

Abstract In this paper we describe laser light interacting with nematic liquid crystals. The paper begins with a summary of recent experimental results of E. Braun, L. Faucheux, and A. Libchaber in which the liquid crystal sample is studied in three geometries - film, pipe, and droplet. Then, after a very brief glimpse at the history of liquid crystals, a theoretical model of the interacting system is described. In a one transverse dimensional idealization, we investigate the pipe and film configurations. In these cases the model reduces to a coupled system of nonlinear pde's - an elliptic sine-Gordon equation for the director field coupled to a Schroedinger equation for the electromagnetic field. Properties and qualitative behavior of this coupled system are described, both numerically and theoretically. As an illustrative example of boundary layer analysis of such coupled light-nematic systems, we describe calculations in the film geometry in some detail. Results of this analysis include: (i) an extension of the Frederiks bifurcation analysis to electric fields with spatial variation; (ii) the determination of the transverse scale at which self-focusing saturates in this nematic; (iii) the derivation of a nonlocal nonlinear Schroedinger equation which governs the inner structure of the laser beam. We conclude the paper with a summary of similar boundary layer calculations for light-nematic systems in other geometries.
Scaling up the evaluation of psychotherapy: evaluating motivational interviewing fidelity via statistical text classification

Background: Behavioral interventions such as psychotherapy are leading, evidence-based practices for a variety of problems (e.g., substance abuse), but the evaluation of provider fidelity to behavioral interventions is limited by the need for human judgment. The current study evaluated the accuracy of statistical text classification in replicating human-based judgments of provider fidelity in one specific psychotherapy—motivational interviewing (MI). Method: Participants (n = 148) came from five previously conducted randomized trials and were either primary care patients at a safety-net hospital or university students. To be eligible for the original studies, participants met criteria for either problematic drug or alcohol use. All participants received a type of brief motivational interview, an evidence-based intervention for alcohol and substance use disorders. The Motivational Interviewing Skills Code is a standard measure of MI provider fidelity based on human ratings that was used to evaluate all therapy sessions. A text classification approach called a labeled topic model was used to learn associations between human-based fidelity ratings and MI session transcripts. It was then used to generate codes for new sessions. The primary comparison was the accuracy of model-based codes with human-based codes. Results: Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of model-based codes showed reasonably strong sensitivity and specificity with those from human raters (range of area under ROC curve (AUC) scores: 0.62 – 0.81; average AUC: 0.72). Agreement with human raters was evaluated based on talk turns as well as code tallies for an entire session. Generated codes had higher reliability with human codes for session tallies and also varied strongly by individual code. Conclusion: To scale up the evaluation of behavioral interventions, technological solutions will be required. The current study demonstrated preliminary, encouraging findings regarding the utility of statistical text classification in bridging this methodological gap.
Making human resources strategic by going to the Net: reality or myth?

This paper discusses whether e-HRM makes the HR function more strategic. A model of e-HRM strategy formulation is developed and the efficacy of the HR function becoming more strategic is discussed. Based on this model, a primarily administrative HR function is unlikely to become more strategic with the addition of e-HRM. In contexts where e-HRM goals are likely to be strategic, however, the tendency for HR managers to copy best practices, be overly skeptical or satisfice poses serious challenges. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.
The Impact of Accessibility Change on the Geography of Crop Production: A Reexamination of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Using GIS

Abstract This article employs spatial analysis techniques to examine adjustments in crop production in response to the completion of the Illinois and Michigan (I&M) canal in 1848. The scope of the analysis is the particular geographical transportation system focused on St. Louis and Chicago in the mid-nineteenth century. At that time the rapid development of improved modes of transport transformed the ability of productive growing areas to reach the market with their surplus. Using geographical information systems (GIS) to develop the necessary data (parameters, coefficients, networks, etc.), the article examines the redirection of Illinois's agricultural production toward the Great Lakes transportation system then emerging at Chicago. The reactions are presented as a set of equilibrium adjustments, and are contrasted with previous efforts, such as a famous counterfactual analysis by Fogel. Rather than attempt to work backward from a world with rail to a more primitive system of wagon and water transport,...
Myocardial contrast echocardiography in acute myocardial infarction: time to test for routine clinical use?

Coronary angiography has been used as the gold standard to determine whether reperfusion has been successful. TIMI (thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) grades have been developed for this purpose1and have been shown to provide prognostic information. It has, however, been known for a quarter of a century that reflow in the infarct related artery does not necessarily imply tissue perfusion.2 It is also known, that regions within the myocardium that show poor tissue perfusion after reflow (no reflow or low reflow) have histological evidence of tissue necrosis.2 That myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can define regions of no reflow was demonstrated nearly 15 years ago in a dog model.3 As is unfortunately often the case, the medical community either ignored or was unaware of these experimental data. Not surprisingly, therefore, the first report of MCE documenting no reflow in patients who underwent reperfusion for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) published about five years ago4 was hailed as new knowledge. A number of clinical studies since then has confirmed these findings.5-7 Approximately a quarter to a third of patients with TIMI grade 3 flow on coronary angiography have poor tissue perfusion, which is associated with poor recovery in regional function and a worse prognosis.8 The paper by Czitrom et al in this issue9 adds to this body of knowledge. MCE uses microbubbles that remain in the intravascular space. Because 90% of the myocardial microvasculature consists of capillaries,10 the spatial distribution of these bubbles in the myocardium provides an assessment of regional capillary integrity. Areas with necrosis are associated with capillary damage2 and impaired microvascular function.11 A non-invasive assessment of capillary structure and microvascular function, therefore, provides a simple means of assessing tissue perfusion and integrity. The ultimate test for the success of …
A parallel multigrid Poisson solver for fluids simulation on large grids

We present a highly efficient numerical solver for the Poisson equation on irregular voxelized domains supporting an arbitrary mix of Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions. Our approach employs a multigrid cycle as a preconditioner for the conjugate gradient method, which enables the use of a lightweight, purely geometric multigrid scheme while drastically improving convergence and robustness on irregular domains. Our method is designed for parallel execution on shared-memory platforms and poses modest requirements in terms of bandwidth and memory footprint. Our solver will accommodate as many as 7682 x 1152 voxels with a memory footprint less than 16 GB, while a full smoke simulation at this resolution fits in 32 GB of RAM. Our preconditioned conjugate gradient solver typically reduces the residual by one order of magnitude every 2 iterations, while each PCG iteration requires approximately 6.1 sec on a 16-core SMP at 7683 resolution. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method on animations of smoke flow past solid objects and free surface water animations using Poisson pressure projection at unprecedented resolutions.
Leading From Below

Leadership is not confined to the named “leaders” at the top of an organization. In fact, with regard to many groups of professionals, particularly those who are highly trained with large responsibilities such as physicians, nurses, and other health professionals, it is safe to say that the knowledge, skills, and capabilities to lead are probably widely distributed even if they are not widely used. This chapter focuses on how to lead even when you are not the designated “leader.”
Effects of Friedreich's ataxia (GAA)n·(TTC)n repeats on RNA synthesis and stability

Expansions of (GAA)n repeats within the first intron of the frataxin gene reduce its expression, resulting in a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder, Friedreich's ataxia. While it is generally believed that expanded (GAA)n repeats block transcription elongation, fine mechanisms responsible for gene repression are not fully understood. To follow the effects of (GAA)n·(TTC)n repeats on gene expression, we have chosen E. coli as a convenient model system. (GAA)n·(TTC)n repeats were cloned into bacterial plasmids in both orientations relative to a promoter, and their effects on transcription and RNA stability were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Expanded (GAA)n repeats in the sense strand for transcription caused a significant decrease in the mRNA levels in vitro and in vivo. This decrease was likely due to the tardiness of the RNA polymerase within expanded (GAA)n runs but was not accompanied by the enzyme's dissociation and premature transcription termination. Unexpectedly, positioning of normal- and carrier-size (TTC)n repeats into the sense strand for transcription led to the appearance of RNA transcripts that were truncated within those repetitive runs in vivo. We have determined that these RNA truncations are consistent with cleavage of the full-sized mRNAs at (UUC)n runs by the E. coli degradosome.
Putative myosin heavy and light chains in Tetrahymena: co-localization to the basal body-cage complex and association of the heavy chain with skeletal muscle actin filaments in vitro

The basal body cage is a fibrillar chamber which surrounds each basal body in the ciliate cytoskeleton. The function of this chamber is unknown. In Tetrahymena, the cage contains actin filaments which connect the cage to triplet microtubules. In this study, we have examined the cage for the presence of myosin. Skeletal muscle myosin-II heavy and light chains were used to affinity-purify anti-MHC and anti-MLC antibodies, respectively, from an antiserum raised against Tetrahymena oral apparatus proteins. On western immunoblots of ATP-solubilized Tetrahymena proteins, the anti-MHC antibody detected a putative myosin heavy (180 kDa) chain, and the anti-MLC antibody detected a putative myosin light (18 kDa) chain. The anti-MHC antibody specifically labeled the AI zone of sarcomeres. In cosedimentation assays with an ATP-solubilized protein fraction, the 180 kDa polypeptide associated with skeletal muscle actin filaments in an ATP-dependent manner. The sedimented actin filaments appeared to be organized into bundles. Immunodepletion of the 180 kDa rendered the ATP-solubilized protein fraction ineffective in bundling actin filaments in a cosedimentation assay. ATP-solubilized Tetrahymena proteins, which included the 180 kDa polypeptide, exhibited F-actin-stimulated, Mg2+ ATPase activity and K+, EDTA ATPase activity which are characteristic of myosin ATPases. Immunodepletion of the 180 kDa polypeptide reduced the F-actin, Mg2+ ATPase activity of the ATP-solubilized protein fraction by more than 80%. Based on these various observations, we conclude that the 180 kDa polypeptide is a putative myosin heavy chain, probably a myosin-II and that the 18 kDa polypeptide is probably a myosin-II light chain. We have used the affinity-purified, anti-myosin antibodies with immunofluorescence microscopy and immunogold electron microscopy to map the location of the putative myosin heavy and light chains in Tetrahymena. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the anti-myosin antibodies localized to Tetrahymena somatic and oral region basal bodies. At the ultrastructural level, the anti-myosin antibodies localized to filaments in the basal body-cage complex. The labeling patterns with both anti-myosin antibodies were identical to the labeling pattern observed with an anti-actin antibody reported in a previous study. The co-localization of myosin and actin argue for a motility system within the basal body-cage complex.
Barriers to Competition

Though close to the OECD average, France’s product market is more regulated than in comparable large European countries. Barriers to competition are particularly high in services, which now account for about 79 percent of the economy. The Macron law would be an important step forward, though rigidities remain.
Larval and pupal weight relationships of six strains of screwworm (Diptera: Calliphoridae) reared in the laboratory and in wounds.

Relationships were determined between larval and pupal weight of the primary screwworm, Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel), reared in the laboratory on an artificial diet and in animal wounds. Six strains were studied, 083, Micholima, A82, V81, Sinaloa, and 009 in colony for 5–183 generations. Linear regression analyses of larval and pupal weight showed the 083 and A82 strains reared in the laboratory to be significantly different from each other and the other strains tested. This difference could not be attributed to length of time in colony or to geographic origin of the strains. There was no significant difference in the relationship between larval and pupal weights for the six strains of screwworms reared in wounds. Composite regression lines for laboratory and wound-reared larvae and pupae were not significantly different. Mean weight loss from larva to pupa was 21 and 23% for wound and laboratory-reared screwworms. Survival from larva to adult was 91 and 94% for those reared in the laboratory and in wounds, respectively.
Ectopia lentis, chorioretinal dystrophy and myopia A new autosomal recessive syndrome

Four of five siblings born of a consanguineous marriage demonstrated abnormalities of the lens (ectopia lentis and dense cataracts) and retina (generalized tapetoretinal dystrophy and total retinal detachment) associated with myopia. This association in an autosomal recessive pedigree has not been previously noted.
Model Analysis of Secondary Organic Aerosol Formation by Glyoxal in Laboratory Studies: The Case for Photoenhanced Chemistry

The reactive uptake of glyoxal by atmospheric aerosols is believed to be a significant source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Several recent laboratory studies have been performed with the goal of characterizing this process, but questions remain regarding the effects of photochemistry on SOA growth. We applied GAMMA (McNeill et al. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2012, 46, 8075–8081), a photochemical box model with coupled gas-phase and detailed aqueous aerosol-phase chemistry, to simulate aerosol chamber studies of SOA formation by the uptake of glyoxal by wet aerosol under dark and irradiated conditions (Kroll et al. J. Geophys. Res. 2005, 110 (D23), 1–10; Volkamer et al. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2009, 9, 1907–1928; Galloway et al. Atmos. Chem. Phys. 2009, 9, 3331– 306 3345 and Geophys. Res. Lett. 2011, 38, L17811). We find close agreement between simulated SOA growth and the results of experiments conducted under dark conditions using values of the effective Henry’s Law constant of 1.3–5.5 × 107 M atm–1. While i...
Microwave digestion-atomic fluorescence determination of selenium

Objective:To establish a microwave digestion and Atomic Fluorescence Determination of Se.Methods: Of microwave digestion of water samples digestion treatment,Atomic Fluorescence Determination of selenium content.Results: Of full and complete digestion,recovery of 95.7%～104.7%,and the method detection limit was 0.12 μg/L,in 0.001 μg/ml～0.10 μg/ml range,correlation coefficient r=0.9997,the relative standard deviation of 1.5%.Conclusion: Microwave digestion of water samples,the digestive process saving agents,to prevent the loss of elements in samples tested,less interference for the determination of selenium in water.
A role for transcription factor NF-kappa B in intestinal inflammation.

Nuclear factor (NF)κB is a transcription factor that controls the transcription of a variety of cellular genes regulating the inflammatory response. Many proinflammatory cytokines are transcriptionally regulated by NF-κB, and their increased expression has been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Even though it seemed clear that the increase in proinflammatory cytokine production in IBD is crucial for the initiation and perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation, the elements governing this dysregulation of enhanced cytokine production remained unclear. This review discusses a series of recent studies that demonstrate the activation of NF-κB in the inflamed mucosa, and that shed new light on the central pathogenic role of NF-κB in chronic intestinal inflammation. In addition to describing the activation of NF-κB, excitement has been generated by reports that define the molecular targets of anti-inflammatory agents, and that demonstrate the effective blockade of NF-κB in intestinal inflammation. These new insights into the activation and inhibition of NF-κB have opened new and promising avenues for a more specific treatment of chronic intestinal inflammation.
Spawning and hatching of endangered Gila Chub in captivity

AbstractInformation on reproductive characteristics of the endangered Gila Chub Gila intermedia is largely limited and qualitative, and culture techniques and requirements are virtually unknown. Here we provide the first published data on spawning and selected reproductive and developmental characteristics of Gila Chub. Fish were brought to the laboratory in March 2003 from Sabino Creek, Arizona (12.3°C). Fish were then warmed slowly and spawned at 14.9°C, 10 d after collection. Following this initial spawning, Gila Chub spawned consistently in the laboratory without hormonal, chemical, photoperiod, temperature, or substrate manipulation during all times of the year. Spawns were noted at temperatures ranging from about 15°C to 26°C; however, we noted that Gila Chub spawned less frequently at temperatures above 24°C. Multiple spawning attempts per year per individual are probable. There was a strong, inverse relationship between time to hatch and incubation temperature. The hatch rate of eggs was high (mea...
Access to Care for Medicare-Medicaid Dually Eligible Beneficiaries: The Role of State Medicaid Payment Policies.

tudy Objectives Medicaid programs are not required to pay the full Medicare coinsurance and deductibles for Medicare-Medicaid dually eligible beneficiaries. We examined the association between the percentage of Medicare cost sharing paid by Medicaid and the likelihood that a dually eligible beneficiary used evaluation and management (E&M) services and safety net provider services. Data Sources Medicare and Medicaid Analytic eXtract enrollment and claims data for 2009. Study Design Multivariate analyses used fee-for-service dually eligible and Medicare-only beneficiaries in 20 states. A comparison group of Medicare-only beneficiaries controlled for state factors that might influence utilization. Principal Findings Paying 100 percent of the Medicare cost sharing compared to 20 percent increased the likelihood (relative to Medicare-only) that a dually eligible beneficiary had any E&M visit by 6.4 percent. This difference in the percentage of cost sharing paid decreased the likelihood of using safety net providers, by 37.7 percent for federally qualified health centers and rural health centers, and by 19.8 percent for hospital outpatient departments. Conclusions Reimbursing the full Medicare cost-sharing amount would improve access for dually eligible beneficiaries, although the magnitude of the effect will vary by state and type of service.
Neurogenesis in the Adult Brain

Neurogenesis is the generation and incorporation of new neurons into brain circuits. Although this process is largely confined to early development, robust neurogenesis continues well into adulthood in several brain regions of many vertebrate species, including humans. Identifying the cellular and molecular factors that guide adult neurogenesis has provided insights into how stem cell niches are generated and maintained elsewhere in the body in adults and during development. These studies have also revealed how an organism’s physiological state can regulate these niches as well as the subsequent fates of the newly generated cells. Finally, while it remains unclear why neurogenesis persists specifically in certain regions and not others, accumulating evidence is revealing the importance of these adult-born neurons to brain function.
Improvements in Free Surface Flow Numerics Using Coupled VOF and Pseudo Transient Solver

This paper presents numerical methodologies for the robust, accurate and faster solution of the steady state free surface flows. Numerical solution of free surface flow problems using pressure based coupled solver is emerging trend in CFD community that allows implicit coupling of pressure, velocity and volume fractions and provides quiet robust and faster solution. Due to strong presence of body forces in free surface flow applications, implicit treatment of body forces is also a critical aspect for faster reduction of modulations in converged quantities. Free surface problems in steady state often suffer from poor diagonal dominance in system of equations, which could be improved by the usage of pseudo-transient solver, which not only improves the diagonal dominance but also inherently facilitates the local under-relaxation of solution variables. Pressure based coupled algorithm in conjunction with pseudo-transient solver overcomes most of the difficulties associated with robustness, stability and speed-up of free surface steady state simulations. Various case studies related to steady state open channel flow are considered in this paper, which clearly demonstrate the superiority of solving the volume fraction equation in coupled manner compared to solving it in a segregated manner. Convergence behavior of solution variables along with drag monitors are emphasized in the analysis and results have been compared with analytical or experimental data, which are in good agreement.
Emphasizing Professionalism and Values-Based Competencies in Human Services Education

ABSTRACTWithin the education of students pursuing a career in human services, social work, or other helping professions, there has historically been a divide between the emphasis in training placed on content and values-based competencies, often referred to as professionalism. This article will define these competencies and emphasize the importance of values-based priorities in the training of helping professionals. Suggestions will be offered for providing a context to integrate these principles into educational standards and practices. Implications for how emphasizing professionalism promotes the success of community college students pursuing further education and gaining entrance into the helping professions will also be discussed, especially in light of changing trends in higher education.
Plant leaves icephobicity

Ice adhesion and accumulation are well known to cause serious problems for different structures such as wind turbines, power transmission and distribution systems, and aircraft. Development of coatings that can resist icing can solve many challenges in various areas of industry. This work was inspired by nature and ice resistivity and superhydrophobicity of plants leaves. Kale is a winter plant with superhydrophobic behaviors, which is normally known as an advantage for cleaning the leaves; however, this article reveals that kale leaves have special surface microstructures delaying the ice formation initiation making them good candidates for designing ice-repellent coatings. In-depth experimental analyses, IR thermography, contact angle measurements, and scanning electron microscopy of the leaves were performed to discover how different plants can prevent icing and further find an optimal design for an artificial ice-repellent coating.
Functional Characteristics and Indicators of Boreal Peatlands

Zonobiome VIII is a mosaic of lakes, upland evergreen and deciduous forest, and peatlands. Most of the world’s peat-forming ecosystems occur in the boreal zone where they play important roles in carbon sequestration, erosional control, and landscape filtration. Peatlands are uniquely unbalanced ecosystems that are sensitive to the influences of hydrology, climate, and surrounding substrate. Peat-forming wetlands form two functional levels of organization: fens and bogs. Both of these grades develop deep deposits of peat and stabilize the landscape for long periods of time. Both are characterized by well-developed catotelms and ground layers dominated by bryophytes.
Formal Verification of Complex Systems based on SysML Functional Requirements

As modern systems continue to increase in size and complexity, they pose increasingly significant safety and risk management challenges. A model-based safety approach is an efficient way of coping with the increasing system complexity. It helps better manage the complexity by utilizing reasoning tools that require abstract models to detect failures as early as possible during the design process. This paper develops a methodology for the verification of safety requirements for design of complex engineered systems. The proposed approach combines a SysML modeling approach to document and structure safety requirements, and an assume-guarantee technique for the formal verification purpose. The assume- guarantee approach, which is based on a compositional and hierarchical reasoning combined with a learning algorithm, is able to simplify complex design verification problems. The objective of the proposed methodology is to integrate safety into early design stages and help the system designers to consider safety implications during conceptual design synthesis, reducing design iterations and cost. The proposed approach is validated on the quad-redundant Electro-Mechanical Actuator (EMA) of a Flight Control Surface (FCS) of an aircraft.
Making sense of third-grade students’ misunderstandings of the number line

ABSTRACTResearchers collaborated with a team of third-grade teachers in an urban district in the Upper Midwest to examine misunderstandings among students when using the number line as a model for fractions. Researchers looked closely at how the number line can be used as a model to build meaning for fractions for third-grade students. This article focuses on student interviews that discuss preconstructed and blank number line tasks that indicate how and when common misunderstandings occur when using a number line model. Misunderstandings include student misinterpretations of partitioning and tick marks, misunderstanding the unit, and equivalence as it relates to the number line. With these struggles as a basis, instructional implications for using the number line as a model in the classroom are provided. Reflection is included on the role of the number line and how it enhances third graders’ understanding of fractions in ways that other models do not.