cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Feedback Loop Between Aboveground Herbivores and Soil Microbes via Deposition Processes

Many studies on herbivores are solely concerned with the damage that they cause to plants. However, the impacts of aboveground herbivores go further, as their additions to the soil affect the soil microbes and subsequently nutrient cycling that feeds back into aboveground production. This chapter focuses on the feedback loop beginning with inputs via invertebrate herbivores and leading to alteration of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling via soil microbes to change nutrient availability for the surrounding vegetation. This loop eventually leads back to affect the invertebrate herbivores through changes in vegetation. Inputs from invertebrate herbivores can result physically from the invertebrates (e.g., frass, honeydew, carcasses) or from their consumption of vegetation (e.g., impacts on quality of throughfall, litterfall). The consumption activity can also alter the timing, quantity, and quality of organic inputs to the soil, all of which will affect the soil microbial communities in different ways depending on their lability. That lability also drives changes in C and N cycling, altering the available nutrients within the soil. The goal of this chapter is to discuss the feedback loop described above and develop a greater understanding of how aboveground herbivores interact with the belowground microbial community.
Abortion Disclosure Laws and the First Amendment: The Broader Public Health Implications of the Supreme Court's Becerra Decision.

In 2018, the US Supreme Court analyzed a California state requirement that clinics serving pregnant women must provide government notices—1 for licensed clinics about the availability of state heal...
Emergence of Novel Multipactor Modes Under Standing Wave Conditions in a Coaxial Line With an RF Window

The multipactor (MP) phenomenon can generate exponentially increasing electron populations in RF vacuum systems, leading to components becoming damaged. This paper uses numerical methods to analyze an RF vacuum window in a coaxial line under various standing wave conditions. Our methods are first benchmarked against the analytic and experimental results for the traveling wave and the numerical results for standing waves that were found in previous work. Second, the effect of standing waves on electron motion in the axial direction is discussed and related to electron trajectories in the presence of an RF window. It is found that standing waves with the magnetic maximum located behind the RF window lead to window collisions that can affect MP depending on the power, frequency, and conductor radii. For a low number of window collisions, MP was highly predictable by earlier work, but as the percentage of collisions occurring on the window surpassed approximately 50%, a novel mode of MP emerged to dominate the phenomenon.
Effects of chronic cocaine self-administration and N-acetylcysteine on learning, cognitive flexibility, and reinstatement in nonhuman primates

Cocaine use disorder (CUD) is associated with cognitive deficits that have been linked to poor treatment outcomes. An improved understanding of cocaine’s deleterious effects on cognition may help optimize pharmacotherapies. Emerging evidence implicates abnormalities in glutamate neurotransmission in CUD and drugs that normalize glutamatergic homeostasis (e.g., N-acetylcysteine [NAC]) may attenuate CUD-related relapse behavior. The present studies examined the impact of chronic cocaine exposure on touchscreen-based models of learning (repeated acquisition) and cognitive flexibility (discrimination reversal) and, also, the ability of NAC to modulate cocaine self-administration and its capacity to reinstate drug-seeking behavior. First, stable repeated acquisition and discrimination reversal performance was established. Next, high levels of cocaine-taking behavior (2.13–3.03 mg/kg/session) were maintained for 150 sessions during which repeated acquisition and discrimination reversal performance was probed periodically. Finally, the effects of NAC treatment were examined on cocaine self-administration and, subsequently, extinction and reinstatement. Cocaine self-administration significantly impaired performance under both cognitive tasks; however, discrimination reversal was disrupted considerably more than acquisition. Performance eventually approximated baseline levels during chronic exposure. NAC treatment did not perturb ongoing self-administration behavior but was associated with significantly quicker extinction of drug-lever responding. Cocaine-primed reinstatement did not significantly differ between groups. The disruptive effects of cocaine on learning and cognitive flexibility are profound but performance recovered during chronic exposure. Although the effects of NAC on models of drug-taking and drug-seeking behavior in monkeys are less robust than reported in rodents, they nevertheless suggest a role for glutamatergic modulators in CUD treatment programs.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with forced and very early sexual initiation among Black women accessing publicly funded STD clinics in Baltimore, MD

Purpose To examine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and early sexual initiation. Methods We analyzed retrospective data of (n = 241) Black women recruited from public STD clinics in Baltimore, MD. Multinomial logistic and linear regression models estimated associations between ACEs and early sexual initiation; contextual variables at initiation were examined as mediators. Results Twelve percent of our sample reported very early sexual initiation (11-12 years) and 29% reported early sexual initiation (13-14 years). Each additional ACE reported was associated with greater risk of very early sexual initiation (RRR = 1.49; 95%CI:1.23,1.80). Specifically, emotional abuse (RRR = 3.71; 95%CI:1.55,8.89), physical abuse (RRR = 9.45; 95%CI:3.56,25.12), sexual abuse (RRR = 8.60; 95%CI:3.29,22.51), witnessing maternal abuse (RRR = 5.56; 95%CI:2.13,14.52), and household substance misuse (RRR = 3.21; 95%CI:1.38,7.47) at or before the age of 18 were associated with very early sexual initiation. As for context of initiation, age at sexual initiation was younger if the man at initiation was a non-partner (s = -0.88; 95%CI:-1.36,-0.40), was ≥3 years older (s = -1.30; 95%CI:-1.82,-0.77), had pressured or forced sexual intitiation (s = -1.09; 95%CI:-1.58,-0.59), and was under the influence of drugs/alcohol (s = -0.97; 95%CI:-1.62,-0.32). Contextual variables at first sex, including being pressured or forced, and the man being ≥3 years older fully mediated the association between ACEs and early sexual initiation. Conclusions This study highlights the critical need to develop interventions that reduce the impact of ACEs on women's health and delay age at sexual initiation. Health education efforts are needed for clinicians and parents to identify and prevent childhood abuse and to identify and report sexual coercion and abuse for girls and adolescents.
Standing up for Broccoli: Exploring Pre-Service Early Childhood Educators' (ECE) Experience with Nutrition Education.

This study aimed to understand early childhood pre-service teachers’ thoughts and experiences with nutrition education in their undergraduate program and how these experiences play into the...
Abstract 702: Kinetic analysis identifies determinants of sensitivity to MEK inhibitor-induced cell death

Successful identification of the genetic determinants of drug sensitivity has been a long-standing goal of cancer research and, more recently, of precision medicine. In cancer cells, drug treatment can induce both growth arrest and death. The distinction between these outcomes is important but can be overlooked in large-scale analyses that rely on traditional metabolism-based methods for quantifying cell viability. We recently demonstrated that Scalable Time-Lapse Analysis of Cell Death Kinetics (STACK) effectively quantifies cell death in response to diverse lethal stimuli. We investigated cases in which this approach captured drug-induced lethality more effectively than traditional assays. We found that inhibitors of mitogen activated protein kinase 1 and 2 (MEK1/2) arrested proliferation in diverse cancer cell lines, but induced cell death in only a subset of these lines. We sought to identify the factors that determine whether a cancer cell will undergo growth arrest or death in response to MEK inhibition. MAP kinase pathway activation has previously been reported as a determinant of MEK inhibitor sensitivity; we determined that the dynamics of Bcl-2 family proteins in response to MEK inhibitor treatment correlate with death sensitivity independent of pathway activation. In a genome-wide CRISPR screen, we identified a lipid metabolic enzyme that is a novel modulator of MEKi sensitivity. Our results suggest new approaches for predicting and enhancing sensitivity to cancer therapeutics in tumors and demonstrate that direct measurement of cell death provides clear advantages over proliferation-based metrics. Citation Format: Zintis Inde, Kyuho Han, Michael C. Bassik, Scott J. Dixon. Kinetic analysis identifies determinants of sensitivity to MEK inhibitor-induced cell death [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 702.
Barriers of colorectal cancer screening in rural USA: a systematic review

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are lower in rural areas in the USA. To guide the design of interventions to improve CRC screening, a systematic review was conducted to identify CRC screening barriers for rural populations. Methods A search was conducted in four literature databases - Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus - for articles from 1998 to 2017 that examine CRC screening barriers in rural areas. This review included a total of 27 articles reporting perceived CRC screening barriers by rural residents or providers or examining factors associated with CRC screening of rural populations in the USA. Results The most frequently reported barriers were high screening cost and lack of insurance coverage, embarrassment or discomfort undergoing screening, lack of knowledge or perceived need on CRC screening, and lack of physician recommendation. These barriers were confirmed in quantitative studies examining their association with CRC screening status. Age, marital status, and race/ethnicity were the most frequently reported factors associated with CRC screening in rural areas. Lack of prevention attitude toward cancer, perceived lack of privacy, shortage of specialists, and distance to test facilities were reported as rural-specific barriers for CRC screening. Conclusions Main barriers for CRC screening at both the individual and healthcare system level are identified in rural areas and they are in line with those found in urban areas in general. In particular, lack of prevention attitude toward cancer, perceived lack of privacy, shortage of specialists, and distance to test facilities disproportionately hamper CRC screening for rural Americans.
Growth Rate and Body Size at Maturity of Florida Black Bears

Abstract Growth rate and body size at maturity are important life-history traits of interest because they represent a potential source of fitness variance within a species and provide information f...
[Effects of MiR-221-Mediated Wnt/β- Catenin Signaling Pathway on Biological Activity of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells].

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of miR-221 on the biological activity of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and its mechanism. METHODS Bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMNC) were isolated from bone marrow samples of ALL children diagnosed in our hospital from May 2018 to November 2018. The cells were divided into control group, miR-221-NC group and miR-221 group. After transfection according to the instructions of Lipofectamine 2000 kit, the levels of miR-221 in each group were detected by RT-PCR. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effects of miR-221 on cell cycle and apoptosis. Transwell assay was used to detect cell migration and invasion. Western blot was used to detect the effects of miR-221 on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Caspase 3, Cyclin D1 and MMP-9 proteins in BMNC. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the targeting relationship between miR-221 and Wnt gene. RESULT The expression level of miR-221 in the miR-221 group was significantly higher than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). MTT assay showed that, after transfection for 2, 3, 4 and 5 days, the cell proliferation level in miR-221 group was significantly lower than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). The cell ratio of G0/G1 phase was (73.25±8.1)% in the miR-221 group, which was significantly higher than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05); moreover, the cell ratio of S phase in the miR-221 group was (12.37±1.6)%，which was significantly lower than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). The percentage of apoptotic cells in the miR-221 group was (24.68±3.87)%, which was significantly higher than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). Transwell cell invasion experiment showed that the number of invasive cells in the miR-221 group was 23.42±3.62, which was significantly lower than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). Transwell cell migration assay showed that the number of migrating cells in the miR-221 group was 34.86±5.32, which was significantly lower than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). The relative level of PCNA, Cyclin D1 and MMP-9 in the miR-221 group was 0.26±0.03, 0.17±3.61 and 0.14±0.02, respectively, which was significantly lower than those in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05), while the relative level of Caspase-3 in the miR-221 group was 0.37±0.05, which was significantly higher than that in the control group and the miR-221-NC group (P＜0.05). Luciferase reporter assay showed that the activity of luciferase in Wnt wild type plasmid was significantly inhibited by miR-221 (P＜0.05). CONCLUSION miR-221 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of BMNC, moreover can promote cell apoptosis, which may be related with the inhibition of Wnt/β- catenin signaling pathway.
Impact of transportation network companies on urban congestion: Evidence from large-scale trajectory data

Abstract We collect vehicle trajectory data from major transportation network companies (TNCs) in New York City (NYC) in 2017 and 2019, and we use the trajectory data to understand how the growth of TNCs has impacted traffic congestion and emission in urban areas. By mining the large-scale trajectory data and conduct the case study in NYC, we confirm that the rise of TNC is the major contributing factor that makes urban traffic congestion worse. From 2017 to 2019, the number of for-hire vehicles (FHV) has increased by over 48% and served 90% more daily trips. These resulted in an average citywide speed reduction of 22.5% on weekdays, and the average speed in Manhattan decreased from 11.76 km/h in April 2017 to 9.56 km/h in March 2019. The heavier traffic congestion may have led to 136% more NOx, 152% more CO and 157% more HC emission per kilometer traveled by the FHV sector. Our results show that the traffic condition is consistently worse across different times of the day and at different locations in NYC. And we build the connection between the number of available FHVs and the reduction in travel speed between the two years of data and explain how the rise of TNC may impact traffic congestion in terms of moving speed and congestion time. The findings in our study provide valuable insights for different stakeholders and decision-makers in framing regulation and operation policies towards more effective and sustainable urban mobility.
An Introduction to Numerical Methods for the Physical Sciences

Abstract There is only a very limited number of physical systems that can be exactly described in terms of simple analytic functions. There are, however, a vast range of problems which are amenable...
Initial Mechanistic Screening of Transamniotic Stem Cell Therapy in the Rodent Model of Spina Bifida: Host Bone Marrow and Paracrine Activity.

Purpose Transamniotic stem cell therapy (TRASCET) with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can induce spina bifida coverage with neoskin. We initiated a mechanistic analysis of this host response. Methods Pregnant dams (n = 28) exposed to retinoic acid to induce fetal spina bifida were divided into an untreated group and 2 groups receiving intra-amniotic injections on gestational day 17 (E17; term = E21-22) of either amniotic fluid-derived MSCs (afMSCs; n = 105) or saline (n = 107). Gene expressions of multiple paracrine and cell clonality markers were quantified at term by RT-qPCR at the defect and fetal bone marrow. Defects were examined histologically for neoskin coverage. Comparisons were by Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression. Results Defect coverage was associated with significant downregulation of both epidermal growth factor (Egf; p = 0.031) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (Fgf-2; p = 0.042) expressions at the defect and with significant downregulation of transforming growth factor-beta-1 (Tgfb-1; p = 0.021) and CD45 (p = 0.028) expressions at the fetal bone marrow. Conclusions Coverage of experimental spina bifida is associated with local and bone marrow negative feedback of select paracrine factors, as well as increased relative mesenchymal stem cell activity in the bone marrow. Further analyses informed by these findings may lead to strategies of nonsurgical induction of prenatal coverage of spina bifida.
Doctoral dissertations on second language writing and technology in the USA (2010–2019)

This paper reviews 20 representative Ph.D. dissertations on second language (L2) writing and technology completed in the USA over the past decade (2010–2019). These dissertations were selected using advanced search via ProQuest Dissertations & Theses. Five thematic categories were examined: (1) computer-mediated teacher/peer feedback; (2) automated writing evaluation; (3) computer-based collaborative writing; (4) technology-based writing instruction/assessment; and (5) digital composing/literacy. Each dissertation study was closely reviewed, with the presentation of illustrative tables. After analyzing and discussing the research designs, findings, and contributions of these studies, the authors identified the research trend and highlighted directions for future dissertation research in the field of L2 writing and technology.
Diagnosis and therapy of feedlot lameness

While not at an incidence level comparative to bovine respiratory disease, lameness in feedlots still presents a significant challenge and results in significant economic loss. These proceedings address the basics of diagnosis and therapy of infectious pododermatitis (foot rot), septic arthritis, toe abscesses (toe tip necrosis syndrome), and papillomatous digital dermatitis (hairy heel wart). The benefits of surgical intervention in selected lameness cases are recognized but are beyond the scope of this presentation. Understanding of the causal factors for each disease is pivotal in minimizing additional cases.
Wideband PRGW Polygon Antenna Augmented with Metamaterial Lens

Gap waveguide is one of the promising technologies in 5G & mm-wave applications due to their low cost, low losses, and high power handling capability. In this work, we have proposed a featured design of an antenna with metamaterial layers to provide a high gain and wide bandwidth simultaneously. The antenna fed by an emerging guiding structure entitled Printed ridge gap waveguide (PRGW), which is planar, lower loss, and works very well at mm-wave frequency range. The antenna offers a stable radiation pattern with a very high gain of 12 dBi, which facilitates the utilization of such an antenna in covering large areas or achieving high penetration.
YouTube as a Patient Education Resource for Male Hypogonadism and Testosterone Therapy

Abstract Introduction YouTube is an unregulated platform that patients are using to learn about treatment options. Aim To assess the reliability of YouTube videos (YTVs) related to male hypogonadism and testosterone therapy. Methods Searching on YouTube by relevance and view count, we analyzed the top 10 videos (80 videos total) for the following search terms: low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy, AndroGel, and hypogonadism. Main Outcome Measure We recorded the number of views for each video, evaluated videos using the DISCERN score (DS) criterion, and compared the DS for videos including board-certified physicians and videos without. A second comparison was made between videos with board-certified physicians in urology, endocrinology, other MD, and those without any physician. Results The YTVs analyzed received a total of 38,549,090 views, a median of 25,201 and 17.30 views/day. Videos that featured physicians had significantly fewer views/day than videos that did not (39.48 CI 9,72 vs 1,731 CI 330, 3,132; P = .019). Most YTVs studied were unreliable. The median DS across all videos was 2. However, most videos created by physicians were found to be reliable with a median DS of 4. In addition, YTVs that did not feature a physician were found to be significantly less reliable than videos that featured a physician (3.22 CI 3.06, 4.09 vs 1.87 CI 1.56, 2.18; P Conclusion Most YTVs related to male hypogonadism/testosterone therapy were unreliable, but there are reliable YTVs available. Reliable videos usually feature a physician and receive fewer views than unreliable YTVs. Physicians and academic societies should work to provide verified videos to provide patients with reliable information about male hypogonadism and testosterone therapy. CJ Warren, J Wisener, B Ward, et al. YouTube as a Patient Education Resource for Male Hypogonadism and Testosterone Therapy. Sex Med 2021;9:100324.
The Human Islet: Mini-Organ With Mega-Impact.

This review focuses on the human pancreatic islet - including its structure, cell composition, development, function, and dysfunction. After providing a historical timeline of key discoveries about human islets over the past century, we describe new research approaches and technologies that are being used to study human islets and how these are providing insight into human islet physiology and pathophysiology. We also describe changes or adaptations in human islets in response to physiologic challenges such as pregnancy, aging, and insulin resistance and discuss islet changes in human diabetes of many forms. We outline current and future interventions being developed to protect, restore, or replace human islets. The review also highlights unresolved questions about human islets and proposes areas where additional research on human islets is needed.
Machine-and-data intelligence for synchrotron science

Integrated approaches with advanced machine learning techniques are becoming necessary to take full advantage of the advanced experimental capabilities of next-generation synchrotrons. Yijin Liu and colleagues discuss the emergence of synergistic machine-and-data intelligence in synchrotron technology, and how it may accelerate scientific discovery.
Radiation Therapy in Patients with Non-curable Cancer

In non-curable metastatic disease, locoregional oncological treatment may often be indicated – mostly to improve or prevent tumor-related symptoms, with surgical interventions being restricted to life-threatening situations such as massive bleeding or gastrointestinal stenosis, to major bone destructions, or to increasing neurological symptoms. In particular, radiotherapy (RT) is an effective and safe treatment modality to alleviate the patients’ symptoms. In the case of oligometastases, the remaining life span may even be prolonged, which may include potential cure for some few patients.
Wastewater Storage-Simulation of Instream Effects

Simulations using computer models to predict the instream effects of storing wastewater during periods of low streamflow and releasing during periods of high streamflow indicate that instream dissolved oxygen concentrations can be increased during low flow periods to a level necessary for fish and aquatic life survival. Equations relating allowable wastewater flow at a given effluent quality, streamflow, and temperature were developed as a guide for operating a wastewater storage pond. Without the storage pond in operation, instream dissolved oxygen concentrations were predicted to drop below that necessary for fish and aquatic life survival. With the storage pond in operation, the instream dissolved oxygen concentration was predicted to remain above 3 mg/l, indicating that wastewater storage is an alternative that should be considered when examining situations of low streamflow and high wastewater loading.
Gender Egalitarianism and Work–Life Balance for Managers: Multisource Perspectives in 36 Countries

Work–life balance has important implications for both personal well-being and work-related outcomes. This study investigated gender differences in multisource ratings of work–life balance, based on self-reports and supervisors' appraisals of 40,921 managers in 36 countries. Based on a combination of theoretical ideas from social role theory (Eagly & Wood, 2012), prior work–life literature, and gender egalitarianism as a cultural dimension related to societal gender roles, the study tested gender egalitarianism as a moderator of cross-national variations in these gender differences. Based on multilevel (HLM) analyses, results showed more cross-national variation by ratee gender in supervisors' appraisals than self-reports, suggesting that supervisors' perceptions reflected greater influence of societal gender stereotypes. Supervisors rated women lower in work–life balance than men in low egalitarian countries, but similar to men in high egalitarian countries, and only appraisals of women varied depending on egalitarian context. Country gender egalitarian values explained the majority of variation in supervisors' appraisals of women's work–life balance, whereas women's self-reported balance was linked to objective gender inequalities. Taken together, the findings show that supervisors' perceptions of employees' work–life balance differed by ratee gender and country context, with important implications for work–life theory and practical implications for global employers.
The inactivation of the acyl phosphatase activity catalyzed by the sulfenic acid form of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase by dimedone and olefins.

Abstract Treatment of the sulfenic acid form of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.12) with a 2-fold molar excess of dimedone over the concentration of enzyme subunit completely inactivates the acyl phosphatase reaction catalyzed by the oxidized enzyme. The dehydrogenase activity catalyzed by the reduced form of the enzyme is not reactivated when the dimedone-inactivated enzyme is treated with dithiothreitol. When the acyl phosphatase is inactivated by [14C]dimedone ∼1 µg atom of 14C is incorporated per µeq of oxidized enzyme subunit which is not removed by gel filtration on Sephadex G-25. A 14C-labeled peptide from a tryptic digest of the acyl phosphatase which was inactivated with [14C]dimedone has been isolated in pure form and has been subjected to sequence analysis. This analysis has shown that [14C]dimedone forms a thioether derivative of Cys-149 by reacting with the sulfenic acid at the active site of the acyl phosphatase. The dehydrogenase activity is unaffected by [14C]dimedone when reduced glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is treated with [14C]dimedone and 14C radioactivity is not incorporated into the reduced protein. The acyl phosphatase activity catalyzed by the sulfenic acid form of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase isolated from pig muscle is also inactivated by 25 mm 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate at pH 5.1 in the presence of 0.1 m (NH4)2SO4 and other salts. Treatment of the inactivated acyl phosphatase with dithiothreitol does not reactivate the dehydrogenase reaction catalyzed by the reduced form of the enzyme. This indicates that treatment of the sulfenic acid form of the enzyme with the olefin leads to the covalent modification of Cys-149, the catalytically essentially sulfhydryl group for the dehydrogenase. Treatment of reduced glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase with 3-cyclohexene-1-carboxylate under identical conditions has no effect on the dehydrogenase activity. The acyl phosphatase is also inactivated by 5.0 mm dihydropyran at pH 7.6 and by 30 mm tetrahydrophthalimide at pH 6.0. Treatment of the acyl phosphatase inactivated by these reagents with dithiothreitol does not reactivate the dehydrogenase activity catalyzed by the reduced form of the enzyme. Under identical conditions used to inactivate the acyl phosphatase, these two olefins do not inactivate the dehydrogenase activity catalyzed by native glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase when added to it directly. Amino acid sequence analysis of the tryptic peptide which contains Cys-149 after the acyl phosphatase was inactivated with tetrahydrophthalimide suggests that an adduct between the sulfenic acid at the active site of the acyl phosphatase and tetrahydrophthalimide is formed during the inactivation.
Mutagenicity of Diesel Exhaust Soot Dispersed in Phospholipid Surfactants

Organics extractable from respirable diesel exhaust soot particles by organic solvents have been known for some time to be direct acting frameshift mutagens in the Ames Salmonella typhimurium histidine reversion assay (Huisingh, et al). Upon deposition in a pulmonary alveolus or respiratory bronchiole, respirable diesel soot particles will contact first the hypophase which is coated by and laden with surfactants. To model interactions of soot and pulmomary surfactant, we dispersed soots in vitro in the primary phospholipid pulmonary surfactant dipalmitoyl glycerophosphorylcholine (lecithin) (DPL) in physiological saline. We have shown that diesel soots dispersed in lecithin surfactant can express mutagenic activity, in the Ames assay system using S. typhimurium TA98, comparable to that expressed by equal amounts of soot extracted by dichloromethane/ dimethylsulfoxide (DCM/DMSO)(Wallace, et al, 1987). Here we report additional data on the same system using additional exhaust soots and also using two other phospholipids, dipalmitoyl glycerophosphoryl ethanolamine (DPPE), and dipalmitoyl phosphatidic acid (DPPA), with different ionic character hydrophilic moieties. A preliminary study of the surfactant dispersed soot in an eucaryotic cell test system also is reported.
Business History and the Buried Treasures of the Theory of Value

BUSINESS HISTORY IS ALWAYS SOMEWHAT tributary to the economic theories historians have been impregnated with. However objective or polemical they are deemed by their contemporaries, historians of business cannot avoid the unescapable: facts are 'theory laden'. The way evidence is selected, processed, digested, concocted, and elaborated remains connected to its previous conceptualizations about human activity, justice, and progress. Considering that businesses are economic institutions, it is appropriate to begin this review essay with two entirely different points of reference in economics: the neoclassical and Marxist traditions. Once under the spell of the neoclassical tradition (sometimes from early childhood), scholars contemplate diverse situations from the particular foci of conjunctural variations, concrete determinisms (such as geographic and technological factors), and, in the last instance, individual circumstances (behaviour, endowments, character, etc.). Ultimately, their conceptual point of entry into business history involves several assumptions about human nature with the corresponding visions of the decision-making process, the primary social role of businessmen, and the roots of value:
Depictions of correctional officers in newspaper media: an ethnographic content analysis

The public relies on the media for most of its information about the criminal justice system. Unfortunately, media depictions of justice actors are not always accurate which, in turn, can lead to distorted images about the system and its operations. Using ethnographic content analysis to analyze 489 articles from major newspapers across the United States, this study seeks to discern how correctional officers and the jobs that they perform are portrayed in print media. The results suggest that correctional officers are overwhelmingly portrayed negatively, with 79.6% of the articles in the research sample presenting one of six distinct negative themes. A typology of these themes is explored in detail, along with its implications for societal support for corrections and correctional officers, especially with regard to the media’s potential contributions to officers’ job stress, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.
A variational multiscale method for the numerical simulation of multiphase flow in porous media

We present a stabilized finite element method for the numerical solution of multiphase flow in porous media, based on a multiscale decomposition of pressures and fluid saturations into resolved (or grid) scales and unresolved (or subgrid) scales. The multiscale split is invoked in a variational setting, which leads to a rigorous definition of a grid scale problem and a subgrid scale problem. The subgrid problem is modeled using an algebraic approximation. This model requires the definition of a matrix of intrinsic time scales, which we design carefully after a stability analysis. We illustrate the performance of the method with simulations of a waterflood in a heterogeneous oil reservoir. The proposed method yields stable, highly accurate solutions on very coarse grids, which we compare with those obtained by the classical Galerkin method or the upstream finite difference method. Although this paper is restricted to multiphase flow in porous media, the formulation is general and can be applied to any nonlinear system of conservation laws, like the shallow water equations.
Interfacing economic and demographic models for rural areas: design and methodological considerations

The purpose of this article is to examine the major considerations that must be taken into account in the design of interface components of economic-demographic impact projection models and to describe one method which the authors believe fulfills many of these design considerations. (EXCERPT)
An eye tracking study of how pictures influence online reading

We present an eye tracking study to measure if and how including pictures - relevant or irrelevant to the text - affects online reading. In a between-subjects design, 82 subjects read a story on a computer screen. The text was accompanied by either: (a) pictures related to the text, (b) pictures unrelated to the text (advertisements), or (c) no pictures. Reading statistics such as reading speed and regressions were computed, as well as measures of picture gazes. When pictures related to the text were replaced with advertisements, we observed a number of significant differences, including speed, regressions, and re-reading.
The rhythm of cortical excitability

Evidence has been gained which suggests that the spectral properties of the excitability cycle are other than those first proposed or assumed to exist in a number of experiments and theories. Instead of appearing as a sinusoidal cycle at the alpha frequency, the excitability cycle seems to be irregular and slower on the average than the EEG alpha rhythm. The rhythm appears to be continuously operative. It is not very sensitive in its spectral composition to the conditions of illumination or the level of behavioral activity. The rhythm operates synchronously in the right and left visual cortex. Methods similar to those described here could be used to map the extent to which synchrony is maintained in structures throughout the brain. They also suggest new approaches for psycho-physical studies which are aimed at establishing relationships between behavioral or perceptual phenomena and measures of neural activity.
Display blocks: cubic displays for multi-perspective visualization

We propose the design, implementation and evaluation of a set of tangible cubic displays. This novel approach to display technology consists of arranging six organic light emitting diode screens in a cubic form factor. We explore the possibilities that this type of display holds for data visualization, manipulation and exploration. We are especially interested in exploring how the physicality of the screen can be perceived as a cue to better interpret its contents. To this end, we propose a series of applications that leverage the affordances of this technology.
Self-aligned-double-level metal process for massively arrayed electron-beam lithography systems

Arrays of field emission micro-cathodes are the basis for massively arrayed electron beam lithography systems. We report on the fabrication of single crystal silicon field emitter arrays that have self-aligned extraction and focusing electrodes. By exposing a `capped' silicon pedestal to a lateral high temperature thermal oxidation, tips of uniform height and profile are formed, with radii of curvature typically less than 20 nm. The field emitters, the first level metal electrodes, and the second level metal electrodes are defined in the same optical lithography step and the first and second level metals are deposited during the same electron beam evaporation. In this fashion, both the extraction and focusing electrodes are formed simultaneously and are self-aligned to the field emitter. Sub-micron first level metal apertures and three micron second level metal apertures have been demonstrated using this process. The diameter of the second level metal electrode is determined by the optical lithography step. It is therefore possible to reduce the second level metal aperture by as much as 1.5 microns before necessitating the use of electron beam lithography. This process is suitable for fabricating self- aligned, second level quadrapole and octapole focusing electrodes.
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements in black and white children with large cup-to-disc ratios.

Abstract Children with large optic nerve head cups often pose diagnostic difficulty due to concern over possible glaucoma. This study’s purpose was to evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurement of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness in healthy eyes of black and white children, comparing values for eyes with large cup-to-disc ratios against those with small cup-to-disc ratios (normal controls). Using Stratus OCT (OCT 3) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) a fast macular thickness and fast RNFL 3.4 protocol were performed on normal eyes of normal children. Included were children (aged 5–17 years) with normal ophthalmic examinations, drawn from data generated during an ongoing study of OCT in children. Excluded were eyes with corrected vision below 20/20, spherical equivalent >5 diopters, intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg, abnormal optic nerve rim, prematurity, family history of glaucoma. Clinical examination identified children with large cup-disc-ratios (0.5–0.8), and each was matched for age and race to a “normal control” with a small cup-to-disc ratio (
The athletic heart syndrome: ruling out cardiac pathologies.

IN BRIEF: Patients who participate in regular vigorous or strenuous physical activities undergo significant changes in cardiac structure and function. Occasionally, these changes may be confused with those of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Differentiating between athletic heart syndrome and HCM requires careful examination. ECG and echocardiograms may be helpful, but other techniques such as detraining can also be useful in resolving the issue. Detraining produces regression of cardiac features in patients with athletic heart syndrome, while enlarged cardiac features remain unchanged in those with HCM.
E-government and Citizen Engagement: An Overview of US States' Government Websites

This analysis examined whether state governments in the United States use e-government to enhance citizen engagement. By assessing the availability and usability of online information about government, voting, budgetary matters, and governmental meetings, we determined the effectiveness of state governmental websites in educating and engaging citizens. Overall, we discovered that most state governments do an inferior job of enhancing citizen engagement through websites.
An examination of extreme cold air outbreaks over eastern North America

Abstract The sequence of development and thermodynamic aspects of two strong cold air outbreaks over eastern North America during January 1977 are described. In the first outbreak, surface cyclogenesis occurs prior to the outbreak onset (local 850 mb temperature decreases). Regions of strong cold air advection and adiabatic warming are found immediately upstream of the cyclone over the cold air outbreak area. Since the two regions are nearly superimposed, the effect of advective cooling is partially opposed by adiabatic warming. In the second outbreak, surface cyclogenesis follows the outbreak onset. In this case, local and advective cooling is observed over a larger region as a cold air pool over central Canada is transported southeastward. Initially, adiabatic warming is weak or replaced by adiabatic cooling over eastern North America as cold air advection dominates the thermodynamic energy balance. As downstream cyclogenesis proceeds during the latter stages of the outbreak, adiabatic warming intensifi...
On Acknowledging PCK’s Shortcomings

While reviewing journal manuscripts, conference proposals, and job applications over the past several months, I have been struck by the frequent mention of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). With...
Role of the first extracellular loop in the functional activation of CCR2. The first extracellular loop contains distinct domains necessary for both agonist binding and transmembrane signaling.

The physiological cellular responses to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), a potent chemotactic and activating factor for mononuclear leukocytes, are mediated by specific binding to CCR2. The aim of this investigation is to identify receptor microdomains that are involved in high affinity agonist binding and receptor activation. The results from our functional studies in which we utilized neutralizing antisera against CCR2 are consistent with a multidomain binding model, previously proposed by others. The first extracellular loop was of particular interest, because in addition to a ligand-binding domain it contained also information for receptor activation, crucial for transmembrane signaling. Replacement of the first extracellular loop of CCR2 with the corresponding region of CCR1 decreased the MCP-1 binding affinity about 10-fold and prevented transmembrane signaling. A more detailed analysis by site-directed mutagenesis revealed that this receptor segment contains two distinct microdomains. The amino acid residues Asn104 and Glu105 are essential for high affinity agonist binding but are not involved in receptor activation. In contrast, the charged amino acid residue His100 does not contribute to ligand binding but is vital for receptor activation and initiation of transmembrane signaling. We hypothesize that the interaction of agonist with this residue initiates the conformational switch that allows the formation of the functional CCR2-G protein complex.
Laser-induced growth of oriented Sb 2 S 3 single crystal dots on the surface of 82SbSI–18Sb 2 S 3 glasses

Abstract To produce ferroelectric single-crystal architecture on glass surface by laser irradiation, usually the starting structure is a dot. Therefore, we have investigated the formation of this basic element of laser-induced crystallization, as an example, on the surface of pseudo binary 82SbSI–18Sb2S3 chalcogenide glass using a diode laser of wavelength λ = 520 nm. The intensity of the laser was chosen such that the temperature in the crystal growth region was kept below the melting temperature of the glass but high enough to facilitate solid state devitrification. The morphology, crystallinity and composition of crystallized dots were determined using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). We find that Sb2S3 single crystal dots with elliptic cross-section form with direction parallel to the major axis of ellipse and the surface of glass matrix. On the basis of the presented results, we propose that laser heating can be exploited uniquely to grow oriented single crystals of solids.
Synthesis of Microcolin B, a Potent New Immunosuppressant Using an Efficient Mixed Imide Formation Reaction

Microcolin B, a potent new immunosuppressant isolated from blue-green alga Lyngbya majuscula off the Venezuelan coast, has been made using a methyl-directed asymmetric hydrogenation reaction with rhodium on alumina catalyst on lactone 4 for the synthesis of the key (R,R)-2,4-dimethyloctanoic acid fragment 1. A new, direct mixed imide formation reaction was also developed for the production of the unusual prolylpyrrolen-2-one 2 portion of microcolin. The pentafluorophenyl ester of CBZ-proline 5 was reacted with the lithium imidate of lactam 6, providing the mixed imide in 80% yield. Coupling of acid 1 with the N-terminus of the tripeptide, followed by coupling with pyrrolylproline 2, gave microcolin B. The new mixed-imide forming reaction was also applied to a formal total synthesis of microcolin A. The pentafluorophenyl ester of TBS-protected cis-hydroxyproline was coupled with lactam 6, and the resultant imide was converted to the key pyrrolylproline made previously for microcolin A.
Early Placental Insulin-Like Protein (INSL4 or EPIL) in Placental and Fetal Membrane Growth

Early placental insulin-like protein (INSL4 or EPIL) is a member of the insulin superfamily of hormones, which is highly expressed in the placenta. We have confirmed this at term and shown it to be expressed by the maternal decidua. Although an abundance of locally acting growth factors are produced within the uterus during pregnancy, we hypothesized that INSL4 plays an important role in fetal and placental growth. We have demonstrated with cell lines and primary cells that it has a growth-inhibitory effect by causing apoptosis and loss of cell viability. We used primary amniotic epithelial cells for flow cytometry to show that INSL4 caused apoptosis, which was dose-related and significant (P < 0.05) at 50 ng/ml. This was confirmed by measurement of the nuclear matrix protein in the media. In comparison, relaxin treatment (up to 200 ng/ml) had no effect on apoptosis. The addition of INSL4 (3-30 ng/ml) also caused a loss of cell viability, although it had no effect on the numbers of cells at different phases of the cell cycle. Placental apoptosis is an important process in both normal placental development and in fetal growth restriction. Therefore, an in vivo clinical correlate was sought in fraternal twins exhibiting discordant growth. Expression of the INSL4 gene was doubled in the placenta of the growth-restricted twin compared to the normally grown sibling, suggesting that it may be linked to a higher level of apoptosis and loss of cell viability and, therefore, that it may contribute to fetal growth restriction.
Validity of an exam assessment in surgical skill: EBSQ-VASC pilot study.

Abstract Presented at the XVII Annual Meeting of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS), Dublin (September 2003) and awarded the prize of the best clinical article presentation