cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multiple Introductions and Antigenic Mismatch with Vaccines May Contribute to Increased Predominance of G12P[8] Rotaviruses in the United States

ABSTRACT Rotavirus is the leading global cause of diarrheal mortality for unvaccinated children under 5 years of age. The outer capsid of rotavirus virions consists of VP7 and VP4 proteins, which determine viral G and P types, respectively, and are primary targets of neutralizing antibodies. Successful vaccination depends upon generating broadly protective immune responses following exposure to rotaviruses presenting a limited number of G- and P-type antigens. Vaccine introduction resulted in decreased rotavirus disease burden but also coincided with the emergence of uncommon G and P genotypes, including G12. To gain insight into the recent predominance of G12P[8] rotaviruses in the United States, we evaluated 142 complete rotavirus genome sequences and metadata from 151 clinical specimens collected in Nashville, TN, from 2011 to 2013 through the New Vaccine Surveillance Network. Circulating G12P[8] strains were found to share many segments with other locally circulating strains but to have distinct constellations. Phylogenetic analyses of G12 sequences and their geographic sources provided evidence for multiple separate introductions of G12 segments into Nashville, TN. Antigenic epitopes of VP7 proteins of G12P[8] strains circulating in Nashville, TN, differ markedly from those of vaccine strains. Fully vaccinated children were found to be infected with G12P[8] strains more frequently than with other rotavirus genotypes. Multiple introductions and significant antigenic mismatch may in part explain the recent predominance of G12P[8] strains in the United States and emphasize the need for continued monitoring of rotavirus vaccine efficacy against emerging rotavirus genotypes. IMPORTANCE Rotavirus is an important cause of childhood diarrheal disease worldwide. Two immunodominant proteins of rotavirus, VP7 and VP4, determine G and P genotypes, respectively. Recently, G12P[8] rotaviruses have become increasingly predominant. By analyzing rotavirus genome sequences from stool specimens obtained in Nashville, TN, from 2011 to 2013 and globally circulating rotaviruses, we found evidence of multiple introductions of G12 genes into the area. Based on sequence polymorphisms, VP7 proteins of these viruses are predicted to present themselves to the immune system very differently than those of vaccine strains. Many of the sick children with G12P[8] rotavirus in their diarrheal stools also were fully vaccinated. Our findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring of circulating rotaviruses and the effectiveness of the vaccines against strains with emerging G and P genotypes.
The Heterotaxy Gene CCDC11 is Essential for Cytokinesis and Cell-Cell Adhesion via RhoA Regulation

Mutations in CCDC11 have been identified in multiple patients with heterotaxy (Htx), a disorder of left-right (LR) patterning of the internal organs. In Xenopus, depletion of ccdc11 causes defects in LR patterning, recapitulating the patient9s phenotype. Upon ccdc11 depletion, normally monociliated cells of the Left-Right Organizer (LRO) exhibit multiple cilia per cell. Unexpectedly, we found that ccdc11 is necessary for successful cytokinesis, and the multiciliation observed in ccdc11-depleted cells was due to failed cytokinesis. Furthermore, ccdc11 depletion alters cell-cell adhesion with a reduction in the junctional localization of adhesion molecules. The small GTPase RhoA is critical for cytokinesis and cell-cell adhesion. Because the ccdc11 depletion phenotypes are reminiscent of RhoA loss of function, we investigated a possible connection to the regulation of RhoA signaling. We demonstrate that CCDC11 is localized to the cytokinetic contractile ring overlapping with RhoA during cytokinesis and regulates total RhoA protein levels. Our results suggest that CCDC11 connects cytokinesis and LR patterning via RhoA regulation, providing a potential mechanism for heterotaxy disease pathogenesis.
American Young Adults’ Debt and Psychological Distress

This study explored the impact of student loan and credit card debt on young people’s psychological distress. Targeting American young adults ages 18–28, we examined the impacts of student loan and credit card debt on psychological distress and estimated their relative magnitude using five biannual waves from the Transition into Adulthood Study. Fixed-effects models investigated whether changes in debts led to changes in psychological distress. Increases of $1000 in student loan and credit card debt resulted in 6% and 4% higher odds of distress, respectively. Comparison showed credit card debt inflicted twice as much stress. Implications on young adults’ debt reduction and distress alleviation are addressed.
Real-Time Large-Scale Fusion of High Resolution 3D Scans with Details Preservation

This paper presents a real-time 3D shape fusion system that faithfully integrates very high resolution 3D scans with the goal of maximizing details preservation. The system fully maps complex shapes while allowing free movement similarly to dense SLAM systems in robotics where sensor fusion techniques map large environments. We propose a novel framework to integrate shapes into a volume with fine details preservation of the reconstructed shape which is an important aspect in many applications, especially for industrial inspection. The truncated signed distance function is generalized with a global variational scheme that controls edge preservation and leads to updating cumulative rules adapted for GPU implementation. The framework also embeds a map deformation method to online deform the shape and correct the system trajectory drift at few microns accuracy. Results are presented from the integrated system on two mechanical objects which illustrate the benefits of the proposed approach.
Some evidence of the relative efficiency of multiple-instrument policies for controlling agricultural nonpoint pollution: an application to nitrate pollution

Controlling water pollution from agriculture is intrinsically difficult. In most cases, pollution occurs over a wide area and its sources are diffuse and difficult to identify. In addition, water pollution levels can vary substantially over space and time, and depend not only on rainfall pattern and land type, but also on farmers’ decisions. These decisions include land use choices, crop choices, production techniques and the intensity of inputs used. Under the conventional assumption of farmers’ rationality,1 such decisions are determined by relative prices as well as by government support policies.
A targeted fungal prophylaxis protocol with static dosed fluconazole significantly reduces invasive fungal infection after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND Invasive fungal infection (IFI) after liver transplant (LTx) is associated with extensive morbidity and mortality. Targeted prophylaxis reduces risk, but qualifying criteria, drug of choice and regimen are unclear and compliance is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE Assess the impact of a risk factor-based fungal prophylaxis protocol (FPP) after LTx on fungal infection rates, fungal epidemiology, and transplant outcomes. METHODS Observational cohort study of adult LTx recipients between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2017. Patients in the FPP group were given a set dose of 400 mg fluconazole without renal adjustment on POD 1-14 via pharmacist delegation protocol. RESULTS One hundred and eighty-nine patients met inclusion criteria; 50 in the FPP and 139 in the pre-implementation comparator group. Of those who would be considered high-risk, 22.3% received antifungal prophylaxis prior to FPP implementation vs 92% after implementation (P < .0001). There were significantly fewer fungal infections in the FPP group at 1 year (12.5% vs 26.6%, P = .03). IFI in the pre-implementation control group was due to Candida species in 95% of cases; 30% were species with reduced fluconazole susceptibility. IFI in the FPP group was due to Candida species in all cases, and no isolates had reduced fluconazole susceptibility. Aspergillus did not account for any IFI between the groups. One-year patient and graft survival were similar between groups. In a multivariable model accounting for patient and donor age, donor type, MELD, and cold ischemic time, FPP was protective against fungal infection (HR 0.3, P = .015). FPP did not significantly impact graft survival (HR 0.4, P = .14), but trended toward improved patient survival. (HR 0.18, P = .06). CONCLUSION Implementation of a targeted FPP utilizing static dosing of fluconazole 400 mg × 14 days to those that meet high-risk criteria significantly reduces invasive fungal infection after liver transplant. Use of this protocol did not adversely affect fungal epidemiology and may have a positive impact on allograft and patient survival. Future large prospective studies are needed to better evaluate survival impact.
Integrated management of glyphosate-resistant horseweed (Erigeron canadensis) with tillage and herbicides in soybean.

Glyphosate-resistant (GR) horseweed is one of the most common and troublesome weeds in soybean production fields in several states in the United States, including Nebraska. The evolution of horseweed resistant to several herbicide sites of action has prioritized an integrated approach, including tillage, for effective management of this problem weed. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of tillage or herbicide applied in fall or spring followed by a PRE, POST, and PRE followed by a POST herbicide program for GR horseweed control as well as GR soybean injury and yield in Nebraska. Field studies were established in the fall 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 growing seasons using a factorial randomized complete block design with shallow tillage or herbicide applied at different timings as two factors. Shallow tillage was accomplished using a 50-cm-wide rototiller operated at a depth of 10 cm. At soybean harvest, tillage applied the previous year in fall or spring without any follow-up herbicide treatment provided 79% to 88% horseweed control compared with 27% and 56% control with 2,4-D plus carfentrazone applied in fall and spring, respectively. Tillage or herbicide applied in fall or spring followed by a PRE, POST, or PRE and POST herbicide provided 82% to 99% GR horseweed control at soybean harvest. Soybean yield in this study was similar in most treatments. Tillage or herbicide applied in fall or spring provided similar horseweed control and soybean yield when followed by a PRE, POST, or PRE and POST herbicide; therefore, fall- or spring-applied herbicides can be rotated with shallow tillage for integrated season-long horseweed management. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; carfentrazone; horseweed; Erigeron canadensis L.; soybean; Glycine max (L.) Merr
Low Dose Abdominal CT Image Reconstruction: An Unsupervised Learning Based Approach

In medical practice, the X-ray Computed tomography-based scans expose a high radiation dose and lead to the risk of prostate or abdomen cancers. On the other hand, the low-dose CT scan can reduce radiation exposure to the patient. But the reduced radiation dose degrades image quality for human perception, and adversely affects the radiologist’s diagnosis and prognosis. In this paper, we introduce a GAN based auto-encoder network to de-noise the CT images. Our network first maps CT images to low dimensional manifolds and then restore the images from its corresponding manifold representations. Our reconstruction algorithm separately calculates perceptual similarity, learns the latent feature maps, and achieves more accurate and visually pleasing reconstructions. We also showed the effectiveness of our model on a number of patient abdomen CT images, and compare our results with existing deep learning and iterative reconstruction methods. Experimental results demonstrate that our model outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of PSNR, SSIM, and statistical properties of the image regions. https://github.com/ShibaPrasad/CT-Image-Reconstruction
Robustness of Specifications and Its Applications to Falsification, Parameter Mining, and Runtime Monitoring with S-TaLiRo

Logical specifications have enabled formal methods by carefully describing what is correct, desired or expected of a given system. They have been widely used in runtime monitoring and applied to domains ranging from medical devices to information security. In this tutorial, we will present the theory and application of robustness of logical specifications. Rather than evaluate logical formulas to Boolean valuations, robustness interpretations attempt to provide numerical valuations that provide degrees of satisfaction, in addition to true/false valuations to models. Such a valuation can help us distinguish between behaviors that “barely” satisfy a specification to those that satisfy it in a robust manner. We will present and compare various notions of robustness in this tutorial, centered primarily around applications to safety-critical Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). We will also present key ways in which the robustness notions can be applied to problems such as runtime monitoring, falsification search for finding counterexamples, and mining design parameters for synthesis.
Achieving Speaker Gender Equity at the SIR Annual Scientific Meeting: The Effect of Female Session Coordinators

Abstract Purpose To examine the impact of targeted efforts to increase the number of female speakers at the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) by reporting gender trends for invited faculty in 2017/2018 vs 2016. Materials and Methods Faculty rosters for the 2016, 2017, and 2018 SIR ASMs were stratified by gender to quantify female representation at plenary sessions, categorical courses, symposia, self-assessment modules, and “meet-the-expert” sessions. Keynote events, scientific abstract presentations, and award ceremonies were excluded. In 2017, the SIR Annual Meeting Committee issued requirements for coordinators to invite selected women as speakers. Session coordinators are responsible for issuing speaker invitations, and invited speakers have the option to decline. Results Years 2017 and 2018 showed increases in female speaker representation, with women delivering 13% (89 of 687) and 14% (85 of 605) of all assigned presentations, compared with 9% in 2016 (46 of 514; P = .03 and P = .01, respectively). Gender diversity correlated with the gender of the session coordinator(s). When averaged over a 3-year period, female speakers constituted 7% of the speaker roster (112 of 1,504 presentations) for sessions led by an all-male coordinator team, compared with 36% (108 of 302) for sessions led by at least 1 female coordinator (P Conclusions Having a woman as a session coordinator increased female speaker participation, which suggests that the inclusion of more women as coordinators is one mechanism for achieving gender balance at scientific meetings.
Health Literacy and Perceptions of Stigma.

Calls for progress in health literacy argue that efforts across society are promising for increasing capacities at a broader level. However, it is unknown how the general public perceives people wh...
Democracy and constitutional reform: Deliberative versus populist constitutionalism:

Constitutional reform has been an important means to push populist authoritarian agendas in Hungary, Poland, Turkey and Venezuela. The embrace of constitutional means and rhetoric in pursuit of the...
Octogenarians with blunt splenic injury: not all geriatrics are the same.

Geriatric trauma patients (GTP) (age ≥ 65 years) with blunt splenic injury (BSI) have up to a 6% failure rate of non-operative management (NOM). GTPs failing NOM have a similar mortality rate compared to GTPs managed successfully with NOM. However, it is unclear if this remains true in octogenarians (aged 80-89 years). We hypothesized that the failure rate for NOM in octogenarians would be similar to their younger geriatric cohort, patients aged 65-79 years; however risk of mortality in octogenarians who fail NOM would be higher than that of octogenarians managed successfully with NOM. The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for patients with BSI. Those undergoing splenectomy within 6 h were excluded to select for patients undergoing NOM. Patients aged 65-79 years (young GTPs) were compared to octogenarians. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the risk for failed NOM and mortality. From 43,041 BSI patients undergoing NOM, 3660 (8.5%) were aged 65-79 years and 1236 (2.9%) were octogenarians. Both groups had a similar median Injury Severity Score (ISS) (p = 0.10) and failure rate of NOM (6.6% young GTPs vs. 6.8% octogenarians p = 0.82). From those failing NOM, octogenarians had similar units of blood products transfused (p > 0.05) and a higher mortality rate (40.5% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.001), compared to young GTPs. Independent risk factors for failing NOM in octogenarians included ≥ 1 unit of packed red blood cells (PRBC) (p = 0.039) within 24 h of admission. Octogenarians who failed NOM had a higher mortality rate compared to octogenarians managed successfully with NOM (40.5% vs 23.6% p = 0.001), which persisted in a multivariable logistic regression analysis (OR 2.25, CI 1.37-3.70, p < 0.001). Late failure of NOM ≥ 24 h (vs. early failure) was not associated with increased risk of mortality (p = 0.88), but ≥ 1 unit of PRBC transfused had higher risk (OR 1.88, CI 1.20-2.95, p = 0.006). Compared to young GTPs with BSI, octogenarians have a similar rate of failed NOM. Octogenarians with BSI who fail NOM have over a twofold higher risk of mortality compared to those managed successfully with NOM. PRBC transfusion increases risk for mortality. Therefore, clinicians should consider failure of NOM earlier in the octogenarian population to mitigate the risk of increased mortality.
9 – MATHEMATICS OF FINANCE

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of mathematics of finance. Those numbers that are expressible as ratios of integers are called rational numbers. Rational numbers can be characterized by the fact that from some point on, the digits in their decimal expansions repeat in a regular pattern. Numbers not expressible as ratios of integers are called irrational numbers; their decimal representations do not repeat. For many transactions, interest is added to the principal at regular time intervals so that the interest itself earns interest. This is called compounding of interest. The time interval between successive additions of interest is called the conversion period.
Improved Cauchy-characteristic evolution system for high-precision numerical relativity waveforms

We present several improvements to the Cauchy-characteristic evolution procedure that generates high-fidelity gravitational waveforms at ${\mathcal{I}}^{+}$ from numerical relativity simulations. Cauchy-characteristic evolution combines an interior solution of the Einstein field equations based on Cauchy slices with an exterior solution based on null slices that extend to ${\mathcal{I}}^{+}$. The foundation of our improved algorithm is a comprehensive method of handling the gauge transformations between the arbitrarily specified coordinates of the interior Cauchy evolution and the unique (up to Bondi-Metzner-Sachs group transformations) Bondi-Sachs coordinate system of the exterior characteristic evolution. We present a reformulated set of characteristic evolution equations better adapted to numerical implementation. In addition, we develop a method to ensure that the angular coordinates used in the volume during the characteristic evolution are asymptotically inertial. This provides a direct route to an expanded set of waveform outputs and is guaranteed to avoid pure-gauge logarithmic dependence that has caused trouble for previous spectral implementations of the characteristic evolution equations. We construct a set of Weyl scalars compatible with the Bondi-like coordinate systems used in characteristic evolution and determine simple, easily implemented forms for the asymptotic Weyl scalars in our suggested set of coordinates.
Does learning a skill with the expectation of teaching it impair the skill's execution under psychological pressure if the skill is learned with analogy instructions?

Abstract Objective Having learners practice a motor skill with the expectation of teaching it (versus an expectation of being tested on it) has been revealed to enhance skill learning. However, this improvement in skill performance is lost when the skill must be performed under psychological pressure due to ‘choking under pressure.’ The present study will investigate whether this choking effect is caused by an accrual of declarative knowledge during skill practice and could be prevented if a technique (analogy instructions) to minimize the accrual of declarative knowledge during practice is employed. Design We will use a 2 (Expectation: teach/test) x 2 (Instruction: analogy/explicit) x 2 (Posttest: high-pressure/low-pressure) mixed-factor design, with repeated measures on the last factor. Methods A minimum of 148 participants will be quasi-randomly assigned (based on sex) to one of four groups. Participants in the teach/analogy and teach/explicit groups will practice golf putting with the expectation of teaching putting to another participant, and analogy instructions or explicit instructions, respectively. Participants in the test/analogy and test/explicit groups will practice golf putting with the expectation of being tested on their putting, and analogy instructions or explicit instructions, respectively. The next day all participants will complete low- and high-pressure putting posttests, with their putting accuracy serving as the dependent variable.
An optically-transparent transducer with a high-NA and wide-bandwidth for photoacoustic microscopy (PAM)

In photoacoustic microscopy (PAM), the ultrasound transducer plays a critical role in detecting the PA signals. However, conventional ultrasound transducers are optically opaque, which could hinder the effective delivery of the excitation laser onto the target. Recently, optically-transparent ultrasound transducers have been investigated to address this issue. Nevertheless, the transparent transducers demonstrated so far have either a small numerical aperture (NA) or narrow bandwidth, which limits their acoustic focal spot sizes and therefore achievable spatial resolutions. In this paper, we report a new focused transparent polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) transducer with a high NA of 0.64 and a wide acoustic pulseecho bandwidth of 120%. Experiment characterization shows that it has an acoustic center frequency and bandwidth of 36 MHz and 44 MHz, respectively. The acoustic focal diameter and zone are 37.8 μm and 210 μm, respectively. With the new transparent transducer, dual-modal acoustic-resolution PAM (AR-PAM) and pulse-echo ultrasound microscopy (PEUSM) have been demonstrated with a target consisting of black-ink-filled polyimide tubing buried in chicken breast at different depths. The imaging results show that both the (acoustic) lateral and axial resolutions can be maintained even at a penetration depth of larger than 3 mm.
Prevalence and Characterization of Biallelic and Monoallelic NTHL1 and MSH3 Variant Carriers From a Pan-Cancer Patient Population.

PURPOSENTHL1 and MSH3 have been implicated as autosomal recessive cancer predisposition genes. Although individuals with biallelic NTHL1 and MSH3 pathogenic variants (PVs) have increased cancer and...
The Institutional Origins of Communal Violence: Indonesia's Transition from Authoritarian Rule

Why are transitions from authoritarian rule often marked by spikes in communal violence? Through examining Indonesia's recent transition to democracy, this book develops a novel theoretical explanation for this phenomenon that also accounts for why some communities are vulnerable to violence during such transitions while others are able to maintain order. Yuhki Tajima argues that repressive intervention by security forces in Indonesia during the authoritarian period rendered some communities dependent on the state to maintain intercommunal security, whereas communities with a more tenuous exposure to the state developed their own informal institutions to maintain security. As the coercive grip of the authoritarian regime loosened, communities that were more accustomed to state intervention were more vulnerable to spikes in communal violence until they developed informal institutions that were better adapted for less state intervention. To test the theory, Tajima employs extensive fieldwork in, and rigorous statistical evidence from, Indonesia as well as cross-national data.
Is it more profitable to acquire cleaner or dirtier firms

When polluting firms acquire firms in the same industry, do they seek out greener firms to make use of their cleaner technology, especially under threat of penalty for pollution? How does penalty for pollution affect the incentive for acquisition? The result of this study indicates that firms who are penalized for their pollution do not necessarily seek out greener firms to acquire. Our result suggests that it is more profitable for polluting firms to takeover dirtier firms and shut them down. Our result also indicates that, at lower levels of emission tax, the incentive for acquiring a dirtier firm increases with an increase in tax but the opposite is true for higher levels of emission tax.
GIOTTO3D: A System for Visualizing Hierarchical Structures in 3D

Hierarchical structures represented by directed acyclic graphs are widely used in visualization applications (e.g., class inheritance diagrams and scheduling diagrams). 3D information visualization has received increasing attention in the last few years, motivated by the advances in hardware and software technology for 3D computer graphics. We present GIOTTO3D, a system for visualizing hierarchical structures in 3D. GIOTTO3D uses a new technique combining 2D drawing methods with a lifting transformation that exploits the third dimension to visualize hierarchical relations among the vertices. GIOTTO3D also employs several graphical aids such as user-defined coloring, showing/hiding subhierarchies, “footprints”, and representation of edges as “Bezier tubes” to improve the effectiveness of its visualizations.
On the output of parallel exponential service channels

The paper treats the output process of a service center that has a large number of independent exponential channels in parallel. Initially all channels are working and there is a fixed backlog of items awaiting service. The moments are derived and central limit theorems are developed. Problems of computation are discussed and suitable formulae are developed. The joint distribution of the output of the center with the center's total busy time and total idle time are derived. Normal approximations to these distributions are presented.
Transcriptionally regulated cell adhesion network dictates distal tip cell directionality.

Background: The mechanisms that govern directional changes in cell migration are poorly understood. The migratory paths of two distal tip cells (DTC) determine the U-shape of the C. elegans hermaphroditic gonad. The morphogenesis of this organ provides a model system to identify genes necessary for the DTCs to execute two stereotyped turns. Results: Using candidate genes for RNAi knockdown in a DTC-specific strain, we identified two transcriptional regulators required for DTC turning: cbp-1, the CBP/p300 transcriptional coactivator homologue, and let-607, a CREBH transcription factor homologue. Further screening of potential target genes uncovered a network of integrin adhesion-related genes that have roles in turning and are dependent on cbp-1 and let-607 for expression. These genes include src-1/Src kinase, tln-1/talin, pat-2/α integrin and nmy-2, a nonmuscle myosin heavy chain. Conclusions: Transcriptional regulation by means of cbp-1 and let-607 is crucial for determining directional changes during DTC migration. These regulators coordinate a gene network that is necessary for integrin-mediated adhesion. Overall, these results suggest that directional changes in cell migration rely on the precise gene regulation of adhesion. Developmental Dynamics 243:999–1010, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applications in photocatalytic purification of air

Publisher Summary Semiconductor-mediated photocatalytic oxidation has received wide interest as a promising technique for remediating environmental pollution. The semiconductor mediated gas-solid heterogeneous photocatalytic oxidation technique provides a promising approach for the purification of air and, in conjunction with air stripping, purification of soils and water that are contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Compared to liquid–solid photocatalytic reactions, the gas-phase photocatalytic degradation of organic compounds has much higher reaction rates and photoefficiencies. Most efforts to apply the photocatalytic oxidation process for the destruction of environmental contaminants have focused on purification of water. The effect of water vapor on the rates of oxidation in these systems appears to be system specific. However, if a given VOC requires water for its complete oxidation, water vapor must be present in the feed stream or else the reaction rate will eventually decrease to near zero. In general, increasing the reaction temperature increases the rate of oxidation, although some exceptions have been noted.
Metrics for solar wind prediction models: Comparison of empirical, hybrid, and physics-based schemes with 8 years of L1 observations

[1] Space weather effects on technological systems originate with energy carried from the Sun to the terrestrial environment by the solar wind. In this study, we present results of modeling of solar corona-heliosphere processes to predict solar wind conditions at the L1 Lagrangian point upstream of Earth. In particular we calculate performance metrics for (1) empirical, (2) hybrid empirical/physics-based, and (3) full physics-based coupled corona-heliosphere models over an 8-year period (1995–2002). L1 measurements of the radial solar wind speed are the primary basis for validation of the coronal and heliosphere models studied, though other solar wind parameters are also considered. The models are from the Center for Integrated Space-Weather Modeling (CISM) which has developed a coupled model of the whole Sun-to-Earth system, from the solar photosphere to the terrestrial thermosphere. Simple point-by-point analysis techniques, such as mean-square-error and correlation coefficients, indicate that the empirical coronal-heliosphere model currently gives the best forecast of solar wind speed at 1 AU. A more detailed analysis shows that errors in the physics-based models are predominately the result of small timing offsets to solar wind structures and that the large-scale features of the solar wind are actually well modeled. We suggest that additional “tuning” of the coupling between the coronal and heliosphere models could lead to a significant improvement of their accuracy. Furthermore, we note that the physics-based models accurately capture dynamic effects at solar wind stream interaction regions, such as magnetic field compression, flow deflection, and density buildup, which the empirical scheme cannot.
Weed Control in Principal Crops of the Southern United States

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses weed problems in principal crops such as cotton, corn, and soybeans, and the advances made in their solution by using cultural and chemical methods in the southern United States. Selection and satisfactory employment of an herbicide to control a specific weed is dependent largely on the crop involved. In the humid portion of the Cotton Belt, annual weeds such as crab grass, pigweed, morning glory, and Brachiaria spp. commonly germinate and emerge concurrently with cotton seedlings. For generations, the removal of these annual weeds has been done by cultivation and hand hoeing. Mechanical methods are not dependable because field operations are frequently interrupted by rains, and in addition, no completely satisfactory machine method of removing weeds growing intimately with small cotton has been devised. The most important weed problems in producing corn in the south are those created by the rapid growth of weeds such as annual morning glory and cocklebur that develop after the last cultivation. These weeds lower mechanical picker efficiency and the vines also promote lodging. With good management, weeds in soybeans do not present as serious a problem as in cotton. However, the occurrence of morning glory, pigweed, ragweed, cocklebur, and other species in soybeans not only causes yield reductions, but also lowers markedly the efficiency of combine harvesters. Suitable herbicides or techniques for preventing establishment of these weeds are needed on many farms of the south.
The Modern Woman as Global Exemplar, Part II: Florence Nightingale and a Transnational Gendered Modernity

This essay examines the late 19th-century/early 20th-century global process of cooptation and incorporation of foreign moral exemplars into local compendia of “Women Worthies.” Presenting a case study of the early 20th-century adoption of Florence Nightingale (1820–1910) as a new Woman Worthy in China, Egypt, and the Anglo-American sphere, I investigate the introduction of previously unknown female figures into local collections of biographies of eminent women. My work suggests new lines of research into global processes of continuity and change, and posits socio-cultural commonplaces of the early “global modern” revealed by these transnational stories and their ubiquity. In investigating the oft-told story of Florence Nightingale, this paper uncovers the intersection between transnational processes of gender definition and the local constitution of a global, gendered modernity and calls for similar studies in other world areas.
Curcumin inhibits gene expression of receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in hepatic stellate cells in vitro by elevating PPARγ activity and attenuating oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia, which facilitates the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Type 2 diabetes mellitus is commonly accompanied by non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which could lead to hepatic fibrosis. Receptor for AGEs (RAGE) mediates effects of AGEs and is associated with increased oxidative stress, cell growth and inflammation. The phytochemical curcumin inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the major effectors during hepatic fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms of curcumin in the elimination of the stimulating effects of AGEs on the activation of HSCs. We hypothesize that curcumin eliminates the effects of AGEs by suppressing gene expression of RAGE. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Gene promoter activities were evaluated by transient transfection assays. The expression of rage was silenced by short hairpin RNA. Gene expression was analysed by real-time PCR and Western blots. Oxidative stress was evaluated. KEY RESULTS AGEs induced rage expression in cultured HSCs, which played a critical role in the AGEs-induced activation of HSCs. Curcumin at 20 µM eliminated the AGE effects, which required the activation of PPARγ. In addition, curcumin attenuated AGEs-induced oxidative stress in HSCs by elevating the activity of glutamate-cysteine ligase and by stimulating de novo synthesis of glutathione, leading to the suppression of gene expression of RAGE. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Curcumin suppressed gene expression of RAGE by elevating the activity of PPARγ and attenuating oxidative stress, leading to the elimination of the AGE effects on the activation of HSCs. LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Stefanska, pp. 2209–2211 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01959.x
A nucleation mechanism of deformation twins in pure aluminum

Abstract Due to the high stacking fault energy (SFE) of pure aluminum (Al) and the prediction that trailing partial dislocations are energetically favored over twinning partials, it is believed that twinning normally does not happen in Al, except at crack tips. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate deformation twinning in single crystal Al where a shear strain is applied parallel to (1 1 1) and along [ 1 2 ¯ 1 ] . Based on the simulations, we propose a partial dislocation reaction model that generates a two-layer twin embryo as one mechanism for twin nucleation after the emission of the trailing partials. We also analyze the conditions favorable for twin nucleation in terms of the effective SFE. These analyses shed light on the observations of deformation twins nucleated in Al, especially those in nanocrystalline grains. We also present experimental observations of deformation twins in pure Al after high-strain-rate shear at room temperature.
Medical Implications of Elder Abuse and Neglect

This issue of Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, devoted to Medical Implications of Elder Abuse and Neglect, is edited by Drs. Lisa Gibbs and Laura Mosqueda. Articles in this issue include: Aging: Physiology, Disease, and Abuse; Understanding the Medical Markers of Elder Abuse and Neglect: Physical Examination Findings; Medical and Laboratory Indicators of Elder Abuse and Neglect; Common Presentations of Elder Abuse in Health Care Settings; Prevention and Early Identification of Elder Abuse; Elder Physical Abuse; Elder Neglect; Case Series of Sexual Assault in Older Persons; Medical Implications of Elder Abuse: Self-Neglect; Evaluating Abuse in the Patient with Dementia; Mental Health/Psychiatric Issues in Elder Abuse and Neglect; The Role of Capacity Assessments in Elder Abuse Investigations and Guardianships; Care of the Victim; and Health Professionals' Roles and Relationships with Other Agencies.
Effects of tip size and asymmetry on scanning tunneling microscope topographs

Abstract We investigated broadening and skewing of scanning tunneling microscope topographs caused by tip size and symmetry. Model images were generated numerically by convoluting a gaussian response function for the tip with an idealized graphite image. Atomic-scale features were retained even for a 9.4 A FWHM tip function, which demonstrated that single-atom tips are not required to obtain atomic resolution topographs. Model tips with an elliptical radial cross section produced many of the familiar skewed images of graphite. Such response functions could also be used to remove the skew from an experimental topograph, and thus provide an approximation for the shape of the physical tip.
Time evolution of interstellar dust and far-infrared luminosity of disk galaxies

The evolution of interstellar dust in disk galaxies is modeled, assuming that dust forms predominantly in molecular clouds associated with star formation. Analytical solutions for the dust abundance in disk galaxies as a function of galaxy age are obtained for the prompt initial enrichment and accretion models of chemical evolution, consistent with observations of the heavy element abundance in the Galaxy. Star formation rates in the disks of galaxies are taken as either constant or decreasing exponentially with time. It is found that the total amount of dust in the early history of galaxies can be up to 4 times the value observed today. The total emission from dust in galaxies is calculated, using an average dust temperature derived from IRAS observations. In the strongly evolving models, the far-infrared luminosity from galaxies can be roughly two orders of magnitude larger than the current value.
Comparative effectiveness and the future of clinical research in diabetes.

Comparative effectiveness research (CER) has a number of features that distinguish it from clinical research in general (1,2). CER is, in essence, framed by asking the core question: for a doctor and a patient, what is the best treatment for that patient in terms of both benefits and harms? To answer that question, the process essentially would require effective translation of the following issues: 1 ) head-to-head comparisons of the proposed interventions versus the best available alternatives; 2 ) emphasis on both benefits and harms, the harms often having the most immediate impact on the patients; 3 ) the examinations of effectiveness in key subgroups within a disease, so that a given patient and doctor can easily match the patient with that group; 4 ) the study of multiple relevant outcomes, each having adequate power to detect differences; and 5 ) the impact of the provider, and the differential quality rendered, especially in large multicenter trials. Highlighting these features has given rise to the notion that, in addition to classic randomized controlled trials (RCTs), “pragmatic” trials must be conducted. Further, observational studies carried out through registries or other databases need to be used to detect uncommon but important harms, to provide data on subgroups not included in trials or included in small numbers, and to evaluate the effectiveness of care in community settings. In short, the overarching goal of a comparative effectiveness exercise is to ask a very simple question, “Does an intervention work, and if so, for whom and …
Effect of Cadmium Chloride on the Distal Retinal Pigment Cells of the Fiddler Crab, Uca pugilator

Crustaceans have two sets of pigmentary effectors, chromatophores and retinal pigment cells. Retinal pigments control the amount of light striking the rhabdom, the photosensitive portion of each ommatidium, screening the rhabdom in bright light and uncovering it in darkness or dim light. Migration of the distal pigment in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilalor, is regulated by a light-adapting hormone and a dark-adapting hormone. The black chromatophores of this crab are also controlled by a pair of hormones. Both pigmentary effectors exhibit circadian rhythms. The effects of some organic and inorganic pollutants on the ability of Uca pugilator to change color have been described. Exposure of this crab to naphthalene or cadmium results in decreased ability to disperse the pigment in their black chromatophores, the exposed crabs becoming paler than the unexposed crabs. Norepinephrine triggers release of both the black pigment-dispersing hormone and the light-adapting hormone. In view of the facts that (a) these hormones which regulate the black chromatophores and distal pigment are synthesized in and released from the eyestalk neuroendocrine complex, (b) the black pigment-dispersing hormone and the light-adapting hormone may actually be the same hormone. having two different activities and (c) release of both the black pigment-dispersing hormonemore » and the light-adapting hormone is triggered by norepinephrine, the present investigation was carried out to determine the effect of cadmium on distal pigment migration in Uca pugilator. More specifically, for comparison with the previously reported effect of cadmium on pigment migration in the black chromatophores, we wished to determine whether the distal pigment of fiddler crabs exposed to cadmium chloride is capable of as wide a range of movement as in unexposed crabs, and if not what might be the explanation. This is the first report of the effect of a pollutant on a retinal pigment of any crustacean. 12 refs., 3 tabs.« less
Deuterium Content of Snow Cores from Sierra Nevada Area

The relative deuterium content was measured on 37 snow cores collected in April 1969 in the Sierra Nevada. The deuterium content varies inversely with altitude of collection (approximately 40 per mil per 1000 meters) but is unrelated to latitude. The altitude relationship is particularly well defined west of the crest of the range but is not well defined east of the crest. However, samples from east of the crest tend to be depleted by about 10 to 15 per mil relative to samples collected at the same elevation west of the crest. We propose that the deuterium content of snow cores, collected so as to include the total winter's precipitation, can be used as a climatic indicator to compare the climate of one winter with that of another.
Societal influences on childhood accidents

Efforts aimed at the prevention of accidents to children have, at various times, focused on the behavior of the child, the behavior of the child's parents, and the physical environment of the child. Whatever their focus, many of these efforts have been unsuccessful because they have failed to take into account social factors which influence not only the behavior of both children and parents but also the nature and number of hazards in the child's environment, both at home and elsewhere. This paper reviews briefly each of the several foci of accident countermeasures in order to identify social factors that have been overlooked and to indicate why these factors must be recognized and dealt with if future countermeasures are to be effective.
Disease properties, geography, and mitigation strategies in a simulation spread of rinderpest across the United States.

For the past decade, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has been working toward eradicating rinderpest through vaccination and intense surveillance by 2012. Because of the potential severity of a rinderpest epidemic, it is prudent to prepare for an unexpected outbreak in animal populations. There is no immunity to the disease among the livestock or wildlife in the United States (US). If rinderpest were to emerge in the US, the loss in livestock could be devastating. We predict the potential spread of rinderpest using a two-stage model for the spread of a multi-host infectious disease among agricultural animals in the US. The model incorporates large-scale interactions among US counties and the small-scale dynamics of disease spread within a county. The model epidemic was seeded in 16 locations and there was a strong dependence of the overall epidemic size on the starting location. The epidemics were classified according to overall size into small epidemics of 100 to 300 animals (failed epidemics), epidemics infecting 3 000 to 30 000 animals (medium epidemics), and the large epidemics infecting around one million beef cattle. The size of the rinderpest epidemics were directly related to the origin of the disease and whether or not the disease moved into certain key counties in high-livestock-density areas of the US. The epidemic size also depended upon response time and effectiveness of movement controls.
Fundamentals of capillary electrochromatography: migration behavior of ionized sample components.

The mechanism of separating charged species by capillary electrochromatography (CEC) was modeled with the conditions of ideal/linear chromatography by using a simple random walk. The most novel aspect of the work rests with the assumption that in sufficiently high electric field ionized sample components can also migrate in the adsorbed state on the ionized surface of the stationary phase. This feature of CEC leads to the introduction of three dimensionless parameters: α, reduced mobility of a sample component with the electrosmotic mobility as the reference; β, the CEC retention factor; and γ, the ratio of the electrophoretic migration velocity and the velocity of surface electrodiffusion. Since the interplay of retentive and electrophoretic forces determines the overall migration velocity, the separation mechanism in CEC is governed by the relative importance of the above parameters. The model predicts conditions under which the features of the CEC system engender migration behavior that manifests itse...