cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Data-driven system health monitoring technique using autoencoder for the safety management of commercial aircraft

This paper presents the development of a real-time and data-driven aircraft health monitoring technique to monitor in-flight operations by detecting off-nominal flight operation such as aircraft upset, which is strongly related to aviation safety and is a primary contributor to fatal accidents worldwide. A deep autoencoder is adopted to effectively estimate the complex flight responses from historical flight datasets and capture potential upset precursors. Key sensing variables highly relevant to upset primary factors are selected based on aircraft accident reports. The variables are then preprocessed using decimation and Savitzky–Golay filter for sampling frequency synchronization and denoising. Statistical detection baselines are employed to extract statistically unusual operation patterns that highly correlate with upset precursors. The performance of the developed methodology is evaluated by demonstrating real-time detection of upset precursors in flight datasets. An actual accident scenario is introduced to validate detection robustness. The results show that the proposed aircraft upset detector technique can enhance pilots’ situational awareness by providing early safety alert for more effective flight safety management.
Rapid-Cycle Improvement During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Using Safety Reports to Inform Incident Command.

Abstract Background and Objective Hospital incident command (IC) systems facilitate emergency preparedness and response and are currently being used nationally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Electronic safety reporting systems provide real-time awareness from frontline staff on critical emerging patient safety issues. During an IC, some of the traditional structures for patient safety and risk identifying, investigating and escalating safety events change. We sought to develop an approach for integrating real-time patient safety event notification and response within our COVID- 19 IC structure. Methods A report was designed to curate daily COVID-19 related safety reports (SRs) and a team consisting of IC leadership, patient safety and risk management was assembled. A new process for identification, notification, escalation, communication and resolution of COVID-19 related SRs was developed and iterated through virtual huddles and emails. This process was deployed within a one-week period and tested over a three-week period. Results From 3/10/2020 to 4/10/2020, we identified 310 COVID-19 related safety reports, ranging from one to thirty per day. Key themes identified: 22.6% potential exposures to COVID-positive employees or patients, 22.3% about PPE, and 20.0% on screening procedures. Events were examined for the presence of potential systems problems and when discovered, systems improvements were implemented locally and systematically. Conclusion A simple, virtual safety reporting process can identify real-time patient safety risks pertaining to COVID-19 and drive local and system-level improvement efforts through IC, during times of crisis. This model of a modified safety reporting and resolution through IC can be applied to other health systems and emergencies.
Multiple organochlorine pesticide exposures and measures of sex steroid hormones in adult males: Cross-sectional findings from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Abstract Background Organochlorine pesticides are detectable in serum from most adults. Animal studies provide evidence of pesticide effects on sex hormones, suggesting that exposures may impact human reproductive function. Mounting evidence of sex differences in chronic diseases suggest that perturbations in endogenous sex hormones may influence disease risk. However, the association between organochlorine pesticide exposure and sex hormone levels in males across the lifespan is not well understood. Methods We evaluated cross-sectional associations of lipid-adjusted serum concentrations of β-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), trans-nonachlor, and mirex in relation to sex steroid hormone levels [testosterone (ng/dL), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG; nmol/L), estradiol (pg/mL), and androstanediol glucuronide (ng/dL)] in a sample of 748 males aged 20 years and older from the 1999–2004 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Survey-weighted linear regression models were performed to estimate geometric means (GM) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for quartiles of lipid-adjusted pesticide concentrations, adjusting for age, race, body mass index, serum lipids, smoking, education, and survey cycle. Results Hexachlorobenzene concentration was positively associated with total estradiol (GM Q4 = 43.2 pg/mL (95% CI 36.5–51.1) vs. Q1 GM = 25.6 pg/mL (24.1–27.3), p-trend Conclusions Our findings suggest that select organochlorine pesticides may alter male estradiol levels. The positive associations with estradiol may implicate sex hormones as a possible mechanism for disease risk among those with organochlorine pesticide exposure.
To V or Not to V: Contingencies of Going Vegan:

This study examines mobilization processes with a particular focus on how people come to contemplate and embrace or reject veganism. Engaging the narratives of 33 interview participants who interac...
Psychiatric Emergencies During the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Suburban New York City Area

Background: This report characterizes patients presenting for psychiatric emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic and describes COVID-19-related stressors. Methods: Medical records of 556 patients that received emergency psychiatric evaluation January 1-April 30, 2020 were reviewed. Patient seen during COVID-19 (N=201) were compared with those prior (N=355), on sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, symptoms, and disposition. Patients tested positive for COVID-19 were compared with those that tested negative. Prevalence and nature of COVID-19-stressors that influenced the emergency presentation were rated. Outcome: A significant decline in emergency psychiatric volume was observed in children and adolescents (C/A), but not adults. COVID-19 period C/A patients had more new onset disorders and were more likely to be admitted to inpatient care, but were less likely to present with suicide attempts, impulse control disorders and agitation/aggression. Adults were more likely to have no access to outpatient care, present with anxiety disorders, and were also more likely to be admitted for inpatient care. COVID-19 directly affected the psychiatric emergency in 25% of patients, with the more severe stressors triggered by fear of COVID infection (including psychosis), actual COVID infection in self or family members, including death of a loved one. COVID-positive patients were more likely to have psychosis, including new-onset, and were less likely to be depressed/ suicidal compared to their COVID-negative counterparts. Interpretation: This report demonstrates the need for emergency psychiatric services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. New and severe pathology underscore the need for enhanced outpatient access and inpatient services with capacity to care for COVID-19 patients. Funding Statement: No external funding. Declaration of Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the institutional review board of New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center Health System, Valhalla, New York.
The Detectability of Kiloparsec Scale Dual AGNs: The Impact of Galactic Structure and Black Hole Orbital Properties

Observational searches for dual active galactic nuclei (dAGNs) at kiloparsec separations are crucial for understanding the role of galaxy mergers in the evolution of galaxies. In addition, kpc-scale dAGNs may serve as the parent population of merging massive black hole (MBH) binaries, an important source of gravitational waves. We use a semi-analytical model to describe the orbital evolution of unequal mass MBH pairs under the influence of stellar and gaseous dynamical friction in post-merger galaxies. We quantify how the detectability of approximately 40,000 kpc-scale dAGNs depends on the structure of their host galaxies and the orbital properties of the MBH pair. Our models indicate that kpc-scale dAGNs are most likely to be detected in gas-rich post-merger galaxies with smaller stellar bulges and relatively massive, rapidly rotating gas disks. The detectability is also increased in systems with MBHs of comparable masses following low eccentricity prograde orbits. In contrast, dAGNs with retrograde, low eccentricity orbits are some of the least detectable systems among our models. The dAGNs in models in which the accreting MBHs are allowed to exhibit radiative feedback are characterized by a significantly lower overall detectability. The suppression in detectability is most pronounced in gas-rich merger remnant galaxies, where radiation feedback is more likely to arise. If so, then large, relatively gas poor galaxies may be the best candidates for detecting dAGNs.
Aging reduces calreticulin expression and alters spontaneous calcium signals in astrocytic endfeet of the mouse dorsolateral striatum

Aging-related impairment of the blood brain barrier (BBB) and neurovascular unit (NVU) increases risk for neurodegeneration. Among the various cells participating in BBB and NVU function, spontaneous Ca2+ signals in astrocytic endfeet are crucial for maintaining BBB and NVU integrity. To assess if aging is associated with changes in spontaneous Ca2+ signals within astrocytic endfeet of the dorsolateral striatum (DLS), we expressed a genetically encoded Ca2+ indicator, Lck-GCaMP6f in DLS astrocytes of young (3-4 month) and aging (20-24 month) mice. Compared to young mice, endfeet in the DLS of aging mice demonstrated a decrease in calreticulin (CALR) expression, and dramatic alterations in the dynamics of endfoot membrane-associated and mitochondrial Ca2+ signals. While young mice required both extracellular and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ sources for generating endfoot Ca2+ signals, aging mice showed exclusive dependence on ER Ca2+. These data suggest that aging is associated with significant changes in Ca2+ buffers and Ca2+ signals within astrocytic endfeet, which has important implications for understanding mechanisms involved in aging-related impairment of the BBB and NVU.
Adopting a Legislative Approach for Data in the Fourth Amendment: Defining Personal Data as An 'Effect'

This Article addresses the need to recognize a property-based right in personal data and to limit the amount of personal information that can be lawfully collected about individuals online. The Fourth Amendment, protecting “persons, houses, papers, and effects” from unreasonable searches must be interpreted to ensure privacy for personal data. The evolving nature of data privacy protections and global data privacy standards emphasizes the necessity to develop clear standards and statutes to protect an individual’s interest in their personal data. Statutes such as the E.U.’s GDPR and California’s CCPA, provide a regulatory framework on how to approach data privacy on the federal level. Using a property-based approach to “effects” and personal data can provide a significant resurgence and revolution in protecting individual privacy. Expanding this privacy right through a legislative approach and the ‘mere evidence’ rule will reform the convoluted ‘reasonable expectation of privacy’ framework outlined in Katz v. United States and its progeny.
Radiation Doses from Hypothetical Exposures to Rulison Gas

Production testing of the Rulison well, the second natural gas well developed by use of nuclear explosives, was completed in April 1971. The hypothetical radiation exposure situation that would have resulted if the gas originally present in the well had been withdrawn at a rate to give 1 million ft/ sup 3//day after dehydration and C0/sub 2/ removal and the processed gas distributed by two gas companies to small communities in the area near the well is examined. Tritium and /sup 85/Kr are the principal radionuclides present in the gas from the Rulison well. The average whole body dose from inhalation and skin absorption of tritium to members of the exposed public served by one of the gas transmission comparies was estimated to be 0.6 mrem for the first year of gas use. The principal source of this hypothetical dose was exposure in the home to tritiated water vapor from cooking with unvented gas ranges. Use of unvented home heaters was not considered credible. Whole body doses from exposure to tritiated water vapor dispersed in the atmosphere of the same communities averaged 0.1 mrem for the first year. Continuing use of gas at the same rate would reduce the averagemore » dose to 0.02 mrem in the second year and to <0.01 mrem in the third year as contaminated gas in the chimney is diluted by the influx of uncontaminated gas from the surrounding formation. Whole body doses from /sup 85/ Kr were estimated to be ~2% of the tritium whole body doses. (auth)« less
Efficient Evaluation of XML Path Queries with Automata

Path query is one of the most frequently used components by the various XML query languages. Most of the proposed methods compute path queries in instance space, i.e. directly facing the XML instances, such as XML tree traversal and containment join ways. As a query method based on automata technique, automata match (AM) can evaluate path expression queries in schema space so that it allows efficient computation of complex queries on vast amount of data. This paper introduces how to construct query automata in order to compute all regular expression queries including those with wildcards. Furthermore, a data structure named schema automata is proposed to evaluate containment queries that are very difficult from the conventional automata point of view. To improve the efficiency of schema automata, methods to reduce and persistent them are proposed. Finally, performance study of the proposed methods are given.
Characterization of effective saturated hydraulic conductivity in an agricultural field using Karhunen‐Loève expansion with the Markov chain Monte Carlo technique

[1] Process-based soil hydrologic models require input of saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat). However, model users often have limited access to measured data and thus use published or estimated values for many site-specific hydrologic and environmental applications. We proposed an algorithm that uses the Karhunen-Loeve expansion (KLE) in conjunction with the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) technique, which employs measured soil moisture values to characterize the saturated hydraulic conductivity of an agricultural field at a 30 m resolution. The study domain is situated in the Walnut Creek watershed, Iowa, with soybean crop (in 2005) and well-defined top (atmospheric) and bottom (groundwater) boundary conditions. The KLE algorithm parameterizes and generates Ksat fields with random correlation lengths that are used in the SWMS_3D model for predicting the soil moisture dynamics for two different scenarios: (1) the van Genuchten soil hydraulic parameters (except Ksat) are constant and are based on the soil type of the grid block within the domain, and (2) Ksat is correlated with the van Genuchten parameter α as Ksat ∝ α2. The predicted soil moisture fields for both the scenarios are evaluated with the measured soil moisture in the MCMC algorithm for acceptance (or rejection) of the Ksat fields. The accepted Ksat fields are evaluated against the laboratory-measured Ksat at specific locations as well as with a large Ksat data set measured in situ in a nearby field with similar hydrologic conditions, and the comparisons show reasonably good agreement. The KLE-MCMC algorithm was further tested in the same study domain for another year (2002) having different vegetation (corn) and local forcings. The algorithm shows potential to characterize the effective saturated hydraulic conductivity fields at 30 m resolution using inexpensive and more regularly measured soil moisture measurements. Further studies are required to incorporate variability in different hydroclimatic regions and diverse topography to extend the application of this algorithm.
Emergent features and perceptual objects: re-examining fundamental principles in analogical display design

Two sets of design principles for analogical visual displays, based on the concepts of emergent features and perceptual objects, are described. An interpretation of previous empirical findings for three displays (bar graph, polar graphic, alphanumeric) is provided from both perspectives. A fourth display (configural coordinate) was designed using principles of ecological interface design (i.e. direct perception). An experiment was conducted to evaluate performance (accuracy and latency of state identification) with these four displays. Numerous significant effects were obtained and a clear rank ordering of performance emerged (from best to worst): configural coordinate, bar graph, alphanumeric and polar graphic. These findings are consistent with principles of design based on emergent features; they are inconsistent with principles based on perceptual objects. Some limitations of the configural coordinate display are discussed and a redesign is provided.
Targeted and shotgun metagenomic approaches provide different descriptions of dryland soil microbial communities in a manipulated field study.

Summary The extent to which different sequence-based approaches describe environmental microbial communities in comparative studies is an important consideration when deriving inferences from ecological studies. The ability of a targeted metagenomic approach [small subunit (SSU) rRNA pyrosequencing] and shotgun metagenome approaches were compared to identify distinguishing features in dryland soil microbial communities from two different habitats: biological soil crusts (biocrusts) and creosote bush root zones. A parallel comparison was conducted to determine the ability of each approach to detect community differences potentially arising from a more subtle experimental treatment, long-term elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide. As expected, the biocrust datasets were clearly differentiated from root zone datasets using either of the sequencing approaches. However, the composition described by each approach was significantly different. The magnitude of comparative differences due to habitat or elevated CO2 treatment was larger with pyrosequenced SSU datasets or SSU reads recruited from shotgun metagenomes, than from SEED-classified shotgun metagenome reads. Finally, based on prior knowledge of the biocrust communities, the SSU-based datasets more accurately identified the dominant biocrust cyanobacteria sequences compared to the shotgun metagenome datasets.
New algorithm for the measurement of pitch in metrology instruments

Traditionally, the measurement of pitch in metrology instruments is thought to be a benign self-compensating function. However, as the measurement uncertainty of metrology instruments is pushed to the nanometer level, evaluation of the performance of the pitch measurement algorithms becomes increasingly important. Such an evaluation was done during the development of the documentation required by NIST for the issuance of the new scanning electron microscope magnification calibration standard SRM 2090. In the course of this evaluation, a new algorithm for the measurement of pitch was developed. This algorithm, although currently applied to the data from the scanning electron microscope, also can be utilized for other types of metrology instrumentation. Traditionally, for a pitch measurement, a line is fitted to each edge of the data independently. Then the distance between some arbitrary threshold value on each of those lines is determined. The new algorithm eliminates the concern for the selection of a threshold. Two data sets are defined -- one for each of the two edges used for the pitch measurement. Then regression lines are fitted to both sets of data simultaneously with the constraint that parallelism is maintained between these lines. In this way, the data sets are always evaluated in pairs. The evaluation of uncertainty for this measurement process has also been made. Comparisons with simulated data show that the mean square and variance of the pitch distance from the new algorithm is smaller than that from the traditional one. The development of the algorithm as well as the analysis of NIST laser interferometer measurements are presented and illustrated with data obtained from SRM 2090 prototypes.
The stationary problem of thermal ignition in a reactive slab with unsymmetric boundary temperatures

Abstract An exact solution is presented to the stationary problem of thermal ignition in a reactive slab with unsymmetric boundary temperatures and the solution values thereof are tabulated. The results are examined for the condition of incipient thermal runaway as a function of boundary temperatures and slab thickness.
Coupling of human DNA excision repair and the DNA damage checkpoint in a defined in vitro system.

DNA repair and DNA damage checkpoints work in concert to help maintain genomic integrity. In vivo data suggest that these two global responses to DNA damage are coupled. It has been proposed that the canonical 30 nucleotide single-stranded DNA gap generated by nucleotide excision repair is the signal that activates the ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint response and that the signal is enhanced by gap enlargement by EXO1 (exonuclease 1) 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity. Here we have used purified core nucleotide excision repair factors (RPA, XPA, XPC, TFIIH, XPG, and XPF-ERCC1), core DNA damage checkpoint proteins (ATR-ATRIP, TopBP1, RPA), and DNA damaged by a UV-mimetic agent to analyze the basic steps of DNA damage checkpoint response in a biochemically defined system. We find that checkpoint signaling as measured by phosphorylation of target proteins by the ATR kinase requires enlargement of the excision gap generated by the excision repair system by the 5′ to 3′ exonuclease activity of EXO1. We conclude that, in addition to damaged DNA, RPA, XPA, XPC, TFIIH, XPG, XPF-ERCC1, ATR-ATRIP, TopBP1, and EXO1 constitute the minimum essential set of factors for ATR-mediated DNA damage checkpoint response.
Effect of terminal group sterics and dendron packing on chirality transfer from the central core of a dendrimer.

The conformational properties of intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded dendrimers constructed from (S)-1,1‘-bi-2-naphthol as a chiral central core are described. Circular dichroism studies revealed that...
GFAP: Functional implications gleaned from studies of genetically engineered mice

GFAP is the major intermediate filament of mature astrocytes, and its relatively specific expression in these cells suggests an important function. To study the role of the GFAP gene, mice have been created carrying null alleles (no protein), modified alleles (altered protein), or added wild type alleles (elevated protein). Surprisingly, absence of GFAP has relatively subtle effects on development. On the other hand, over-expression can be lethal, and led to the discovery that GFAP coding mutations are responsible for most cases of Alexander disease, a devastating neurodegenerative disorder. Here we review what the various GFAP mouse models reveal about GFAP and astrocyte function.
Developing India‐centric B2B sales theory: an inductive approach using sales job ads

Purpose – Given India's rapid industrial growth and burgeoning numbers of sales and marketing employees, there is an urgent need to develop India‐centric B2B sales management knowledge. However, there is little hard information about similarities or differences between sales management strategies in India and the developed economies. To shed more light on this issue, in this commentary the aim is to report the results of a novel exploratory study of recent India B2B sales job ads motivated by the idea that sales recruiting is a critical sales management function that provides insights into hiring organizations' overall business strategy.Design/methodology/approach – The authors content analyze a sample of India sales job ad postings to identify the job goals, skills and additional roles sought by Indian B2B sales recruiters. Subsequently, they use latent class clustering to segment companies along these requirements.Findings – It is found that B2B sales organizations in India appear to be recruiting accor...
The Gibbs' phenomenon for Fourier-Bessel series

The paper investigates the Gibbs' phenomenon at a jump discontinuity for Fourier-Bessel series expansions. The unexpected thing is that the Gibbs' constant for Fourier-Bessel series appears to be the same as that for Fourier series expansions. In order to compute the coefficients for Fourier-Bessel functions efficiently, several integral formulas are derived and the Struve functions and their asymptotic expansions discussed, all of which significantly ease the computations. Three numerical examples are investigated. Findings suggest further investigations suitable for undergraduate research projects or small student group investigations.
A surface crack in shells under mixed-mode loading conditions

The present consideration of a shallow shell's surface crack under general loading conditions notes that while the mode I state can be separated, modes II and III remain coupled. A line spring model is developed to formulate the part-through crack problem under mixed-mode conditions, and then to consider a shallow shell of arbitrary curvature having a part-through crack located on the outer or the inner surface of the shell; Reissner's transverse shear theory is used to formulate the problem under the assumption that the shell is subjected to all five moment and stress resultants.
Genetically targeted radiotherapy for multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a disseminated neoplasm of terminally differentiated plasma cells that is incurable with currently available therapies. Although the disease is radiosensitive, external beam radiation leads to significant toxicity due to sensitive end-organ damage. Thus, genetic approaches for therapy are required. We hypothesized that the incorporation of immunoglobulin promoter and enhancer elements in a self-inactivating (SIN) lentiviral vector should lead to specific and high-level transgene expression in myeloma cells. A SIN lentivector with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression under the control of a minimal immunoglobulin promoter as well as the Kappa light chain intronic and 3' enhancers transduced myeloma cell lines with high efficiency (30%-90%). EGFP was expressed at a high level in myeloma cells but silent in all nonmyeloma cell lines tested compared with the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter/enhancer. Transduction of myeloma cells with the targeted vector coding for the human sodiumiodide symporter (hNIS) led to hNIS expression by these cells allowing them to concentrate radioiodine up to 18-fold compared with controls. Tumor xenografts in severe combined immunodeficiency mice expressing hNIS could be imaged using iodine-123 (123I) and shown to retain iodide for up to 48 hours. These tumor xenografts were completely eradicated by a single dose of the therapeutic isotope iodine-131 (131I) without evidence of recurrence up to 5 months after therapy. We conclude that lentivectors can be transcriptionally targeted for myeloma cells and the use of hNIS as a therapeutic gene for myeloma in combination with 131I needs further exploration.
Mother-Infant Synchrony

Synchrony is an essential component of the interaction between a mother and her infant and is characterized by adaptive and reciprocal behaviors that promote a mutually rewarding interaction. It is an antecedent for the emergence of self-regulatory function in infants and influences current and future interactions. Understanding the dynamics of the mother-infant dyad and identifying synchronous patterns are important for promoting a healthy relationship. Approaches to measurement and challenges to model development are described.
Unsupervised Eye Blink Artifact Denoising of EEG Data with Modified Multiscale Sample Entropy, Kurtosis, and Wavelet-ICA

Brain activities commonly recorded using the electroencephalogram (EEG) are contaminated with ocular artifacts. These activities can be suppressed using a robust independent component analysis (ICA) tool, but its efficiency relies on manual intervention to accurately identify the independent artifactual components. In this paper, we present a new unsupervised, robust, and computationally fast statistical algorithm that uses modified multiscale sample entropy (mMSE) and Kurtosis to automatically identify the independent eye blink artifactual components, and subsequently denoise these components using biorthogonal wavelet decomposition. A 95% two-sided confidence interval of the mean is used to determine the threshold for Kurtosis and mMSE to identify the blink related components in the ICA decomposed data. The algorithm preserves the persistent neural activity in the independent components and removes only the artifactual activity. Results have shown improved performance in the reconstructed EEG signals using the proposed unsupervised algorithm in terms of mutual information, correlation coefficient, and spectral coherence in comparison with conventional zeroing-ICA and wavelet enhanced ICA artifact removal techniques. The algorithm achieves an average sensitivity of 90% and an average specificity of 98%, with average execution time for the datasets ( $N = 7$ ) of 0.06 s ( ${\rm SD} = 0.021$ ) compared to the conventional wICA requiring 0.1078 s ( ${\rm SD} = 0.004$ ). The proposed algorithm neither requires manual identification for artifactual components nor additional electrooculographic channel. The algorithm was tested for 12 channels, but might be useful for dense EEG systems.
Lead astray: scale, environmental justice and the El Paso smelter

Residents in Paso del Norte (El Paso, Texas; Sunland Park, New Mexico; and Juarez, Mexico) have been concerned about heavy metal contamination in their communities since the 1970s, when high blood lead levels were found in children living in Smeltertown – a company town for the local metals smelter. After the smelter's closure in 1999, and throughout onsite and offsite cleanup efforts, residents have continued to express concerns about these contamination issues. Using a politics of scale framework and analysing ethnographic data and government, media and scientific documents, this paper identifies a set of major disjunctures between the scales of heavy metal contamination and the scales at which that contamination is regulated. These disjunctures exacerbate regional environmental injustice by complicating public participation, neglecting vulnerability and displacing hazards to new communities. Consequently, applying a politics of scale framework to this case study highlights regulatory and policy failure...
2,2-Disubstituted analogues of the natural hormone 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3: Chemistry and biology

Six new 2,2-disubstituted analogues of the natural hormone calcitriol have been prepared. Chemical novelty includes (1) the first example of an inverse-electron-demand Diels-Alder cycloaddition using a pyrone diene and a difluorinated vinyl ether dienophile, leading to difluorinated analogues 7 and (2) a conceptually streamlined approach to dimethylated 19-nor analogues. Analogues 7a and are similar to calcitriol in terms of in vitro antiproliferative activity, but they are different from calcitriol in terms of transcriptional activity: difluorinated analogue 7a is 2-3 times more active transcriptionally than calcitriol, whereas dimethylated analogue is 7.5 times less active transcriptionally. Whereas the in vivo calcemic activity of difluorinated analogue 7a is similar to that of calcitriol, dimethylated analogue is considerably less calcemic than calcitriol. Dimethylated analogue strongly suppresses parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion.
The effects of TGF-α, IL-1β and PDGF on fibroblast adhesion to ECM-derived matrix and KGF gene expression

The goal of this study was to elucidate the control mechanisms by which exogenous proteins regulate keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) expression in fibroblasts adhered to differing substrates and thereby provide insights into both fundamental in vitro cell signaling and cell-biomaterial interaction research. A serum-free culture system in which cells maintained their proliferative capacity was established and employed. The addition of transforming growth factor- α (TGF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) individually showed no effect on KGF protein release, however, IL-1β addition led to increased KGF mRNA transcription, intracellular KGF protein synthesis, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) release. Intracellular KGF protein synthesis and extracellular release were enhanced when fibroblasts were treated with a combination of IL-1β and PDGF-BB which suggests KGF synthesis and release are largely regulated by synergistic mechanisms. Surface-bound fibronectin-derived ligands and individual exogenous proteins promoted fibroblast adhesion to semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) but did not stimulate KGF release despite enhancement of KGF mRNA transcription. Additionally, serum conditioning was found to have a significant impact on KGF synthesis and the subsequent mechanisms controlling KGF release. This study demonstrates that KGF release from fibroblasts is likely regulated by multiple mechanisms involving post-transcriptional and exocytic controls which may be impacted by the presence of serum and how serum is removed from the in vitro cell environment.
Using the Advocacy Coalition Framework to Understand Freight Transportation Policy Change

The advocacy coalition framework (ACF) was developed to study complex, enduring public policy processes involving multiple actors. In this article, it is applied to the freight transportation policy subsystem in the United States, in which the highway motor complex has traditionally dominated coalitions from other transportation modes (e.g., railroads, aviation, and inland waterways). Using historical analysis and the Appalachian wood products industry as an illustrative example of the policy change toward intermodalism, the article shows how changes external to the subsystem are forcing a rethinking of the governing belief systems. The research provides support for several ACF hypotheses and substantiates its validity as a framework for studying the freight transportation policy subsystem. Conclusions regarding the need for increased policy-oriented learning and the prediction of the emergence of a new intermodal coalition are made based on the ACF.
Tight Trough Ripple Marks: Pressure-Solution Modification of Primary Structures

ABSTRACT Ripple-mark-like structures with rounded crests and tight troughs are preserved in deltamargin sandstones of the Cerro Huerta Formation (Upper Cretaceous) in northeastern Mexico. The structures resemble substratal ripple-mark impressions and mullion structures. However, the internal laminae, symmetry, and lung, parallel crests, as well as an association with normal ripple marks, show that these peculiar structures are modified wave-ripple marks. Ripple indices and the internal ripple stratification indicate that the structures were not produced by syndepositional modification or by soft-sediment deformation. Rather, these bedding-surface structures resulted from modification of oscillatory ripple marks by pressure solution. The "tight trough ripple-marked" sandstones lie near the center of a broad, open syncline. The tight trough morphology exists only in ripple marks aligned parallel or subparallel to the local orientation of the regional axial-plane cleavage. Pressure-solution cleavage folia extend along the troughs of the "tight trough ripple marks." Apparently, the troughs of the ripple marks controlled the location of cleavage. In this structural setting the maximum compressive stress would be oriented along layering normal to the fold axis. During folding stress (force/area) would be highest at the ripple troughs (least cross-sectional area), and, therefore, cleavage would initiate at the troughs. Thus, volume loss during formation of the pressure-solution cleavage was localized in the troughs, acc unting for the "tight trough ripple" morphology.
The antitumor immune response as a problem of self-nonself discrimination: implications for immunotherapy.

Much evidence now exists that tumors possess specific antigens recognizable by T cells. The goal of immunotherapy is to break tolerance to these antiens while preserving self-tolerance. Recently, newer approaches have been developed in animal systems that modify tumor cells genetically so that they express new antigens or secrete certain cytokines. Engineering tumor cells to secrete cytokines in a paracrine fashion can induce powerful local cytokine effects which, in addition to inducing local inflammation, can alter the presentation of tumor antigens or the activation of tumor-antigen-specific T lymphocytes, resulting in systemic antitumor immunity.
Memory for details with self-referencing

Self-referencing benefits item memory, but little is known about the ways in which referencing the self affects memory for details. Experiment 1 assessed whether the effects of self-referencing operate only at the item, or general, level or whether they also enhance memory for specific visual details of objects. Participants incidentally encoded objects by making judgements in reference to the self, a close other (one's mother), or a familiar other (Bill Clinton). Results indicate that referencing the self or a close other enhances both specific and general memory. Experiments 2 and 3 assessed verbal memory for source in a task that relied on distinguishing between different mental operations (internal sources). The results indicate that self-referencing disproportionately enhances source memory, relative to conditions referencing other people, semantic, or perceptual information. We conclude that self-referencing not only enhances specific memory for both visual and verbal information, but can also dispr...
Role of ultrasound surveillance of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in the covered stent era.

PURPOSE To assess ultrasound (US) surveillance of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)–covered stents in transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS Procedural data, including stent size and portosystemic gradients (PSG) before and after creation of TIPS, were obtained retrospectively in 55 patients (33 men, 22 women). Chart review provided clinical information, including etiology of liver disease, indication for TIPS creation, and Child-Pugh class. Radiology reports provided US venography data and pathology reports confirmed shunt status in transplant recipients. Patients had baseline US examinations 3–7 days after TIPS creation with scheduled follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the procedure. Clinical and radiology reports were compared to evaluate US surveillance of Viatorr stents. RESULTS One hundred fifty-nine US examinations were performed on 52 patients, for an average 3.1 studies per patient (range, 1–7) over a mean follow-up duration of 173 days (range, 0–1,013 d). Sixty-four US studies (40%) were baseline studies, 88 studies (55%) were routine follow-up studies, and seven (4%) were interval studies. US predicted TIPS abnormalities in 30 of 159 studies (19%); venography followed 15 of 30 abnormal US findings (50%) and clinical examinations complemented 10 of 15 venograms (67%). Venography and US were concordant in eight of 15 paired studies (53%); clinical examinations, when conducted, accurately predicted shunt status in all but one case. US findings changed management in six of 159 studies (4%): five of six (83%) were baseline evaluations and the other one (17%) was a routine follow-up examination. A total of five baseline US examinations (8%) and one surveillance examination (1%) altered patient management. CONCLUSIONS A single US examination after a TIPS procedure to confirm immediate function may be valuable, but routine US is not effective for long-term surveillance of ePTFE-covered stents.
Infection of Strategus aloeus (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and other Dynastinae with Baculovirus oryctes

Adults of Strategus aloeus (L.) were shown to be capable of supporting Baculovirus oryctes replication. This was confirmed by serology and by restriction endonuclease analysis. Although bioassays were not performed, the quantity of virus produced was similar to that produced in Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) and should encourage further trials on the potential of this virus to control S. aloeus. Scapanes australis (Boisduval) and Papuana biroi Endrodi did not support adequate virus replication. Previous findings on the susceptibility of O. monoceros (Olivier) were confirmed.
Effects of winter burning and structural marsh management on vegetation and winter bird abundance in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain, USA

Marshes in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain provide important winter habitats for many species of birds. Many of, these marshes are managed intensively through a combination of fall/winter burning and construction of impoundments to improve wintering waterfowl habitat, reduce wetland loss, and create emergent wetlands. Little information is available on effects of this management on wintering birds, particularly passerines. We conducted experimental burns in impounded and unimpounded marshes on Rockefeller State Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana and recorded species composition and abundance of birds during the 1996 and 1997 winters. We found that burning and impoundment influenced vegetation structure, which in turn influenced bird abundance and species composition. Blackbirds (Icteridae) preferred recently burned plots. Sparrows (Emberizidae) and wrens (Troglodytidae) avoided recently burned plots but recolonized these plots after one year of vegetation recovery. Sparrows and wrens present in burned plots during the first winter following burning generally were observed in scattered patches of unburned vegetation. Suitability of Chenier Plain marshes as winter habitat for several bird species was reduced during the winter in which burning was conducted, particularly if a high proportion of the plot was burned. We recommend that patchy burns be used, at both the landscape level and within specific burned areas, to achieve management objectives and still provide suitable winter habitat for non-target species. Although many groups of birds depend on Chenier Plain marshes for winter habitat, these groups differ in their specific habitat requirements. We recommend that a diverse wetland complex (e.g., impoundments managed for waterfowl foraging habitat interspersed with those managed for passerine winter cover) be maintained.
Testing the level of response to alcohol: social information processing model of alcoholism risk--a 20-year prospective study.

Background: The low level of response (LR) to alcohol is a genetically influenced characteristic associated with an enhanced risk for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). An optimal understanding of how this intermediate phenotype relates to the AUD risk requires evaluation of the milieu in which LR operates, and this study tested an LR/social information processing model in adult men. Methods: Almost 300 Caucasian males (97% of those eligible, to date) from the San Diego Prospective Study participated in an alcohol challenge at approximately age 20 and were evaluated with a structural equation model regarding their expectations of the effects of alcohol, drinking among peers, use of alcohol to cope with stress, and alcohol-related problems during follow-up. Results: The direct paths in the structural equation model in these 40-year-old men explained 58% of the variance of the alcoholic outcome at age 40 and 35% at age 35 while demonstrating good fitness characteristics. The LR to alcohol was related to the family history of AUDs and to the alcoholic outcome; the latter primarily operated through the use of alcohol to cope with stress. Although drinking in peers and expectations of the effects of alcohol both contributed to the model in these 40-year-old men, they were not directly related to LR. Conclusions: The results continue to support the importance of the low LR to alcohol as a predictor of AUDs, even when evaluated in the context of additional relevant characteristics. Future evaluations of adolescent and young adult subjects will also explore the potential importance of expectations of the effects of alcohol and drinking among peers as mediators or moderators of alcoholism risk among subjects with a low LR.
A Survey of the Mechanical Characteristics of Skin and Tissue in Response to Vibratory Stimulation

The possibility that the mechanical characteristics of skin and tissues may influence physiological and psychophysical measurements of tactile sensitivity is considered. A survey of selected literature indicating how certain mechanical characteristics of skin and tissue vary as a function of changes in variables known to influence physiological and psychophysical measurements of the tactile system is presented. Finally, certain physiological and psychophysical studies in which the physical properties of the area stimulated may have influenced the results are mentioned.
A transformative perspective on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning

In this paper, I explore the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning through the lens of transformative learning theory and critical theory. In doing so, I expand the notion of a Scholarship of Teaching so as to go beyond the solving of practical problems in teaching and the improvement of teaching effectiveness. I focus on an emancipatory Scholarship of Teaching that centres on critical reflection and action on the contexts of teaching: the discipline, the institution, the community and the state and society in which we practice.
Behavioral refractory period in neotropical treefrogs

1. The evoked vocal responses of the treefrogsEleutherodactylus coqui andHyla ebraccata were studied in their natural habitats. Acoustic playback experiments were performed in which the animals' vocalizations were used to trigger the production of a synthetic acoustic stimulus, after an appropriate delay. 2. For each species, there was a time period immediately following the frog's call during which an acoustic stimulus was almost completely ineffective at eliciting synchronized responses from the male. This was termed the absolutebehavioral refractory period (BRP) and it's mean value differed for the two species: forE. coqui it is 1133 ms, forH. ebraccata it is 210 ms. 3. Immediately following the absolute BRP was a period of about 0.5 s during which an acoustic stimulus evoked synchronized responses with a probability which was a monotonically increasing function of the time of stimulus occurrence, until a particular maximum rate was reached for each individual frog. This period is called the relative BRP. 4. Both the duration of the relative BRP and the functional dependence of the synchronized response rate on the time of stimulus occurrence during the relative BRP were remarkably similar for these two species. 5. These results are discussed in relation to the density of calling males of each species and are interpreted as an adaptation for avoiding acoustic interference when communicating in a highly noisy environment.
Sacred Scriptures as Trash:Biblical Papyri from Oxyrhynchus

Most New Testament papyri with a known provenance were found at the site of the ancient Egyptian city of Oxyrhynchus, or more precisely: on that city’s rubbish mounds. The fact that sacred scriptures were discarded as garbage is surprising in view of the holiness of Christian biblical manuscripts, intrinsically and physically. Yet the trash aspect of provenance has never been adequately problematized or studied. Taking a social-historical and garbological approach, this article demonstrates that at Oxyrhynchus in antiquity entire manuscripts with biblical writings were deliberately discarded by Christians themselves, unrelated to persecution and issues of canonicity.