cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials: Macroscopic Behavior

The subject of material science dealing with the macroscopic stress-strain behavior of engineering is generally called the “mechanical properties of materials.” In addition to solid state physics, an understanding of macroscopic mechanical properties is necessary in both the evaluation and improvement of material properties. Furthermore, these mechanical properties and the associated engineering theories defining stress-strain behavior still represent the only scientific basis for engineering design. This paper reviews recent developments in this field. New engineering theories for expressing the stress-strain behavior of materials under various environments are also considered. The paper does not attempt to outline the entire field, but the essential information on mechanical properties is briefly covered. Some areas of research on the experimental and theoretical macroscopic aspect of material science needing exploration are also indicated. In these evaluations, theories predicting the stress-strain relations for combined states of stress from uniaxial stress-strain relations are also summarized. Because of space limitations, this paper is restricted to static properties of materials, and dynamic loading conditions are excluded.
Antidepressant Effects of Sleep Manipulation

Sleep plays a significant etiological role in depressive symptomatology. Manipulation of sleep through intervention such as altering the duration of sleep with either complete deprivation or partial deprivation or altering when it occurs (e.g., changing when one falls asleep and when one wakes up) is associated with rapid antidepressant effects. Sleep deprivation is one of the fastest methods of inducing antidepressant effects but the duration of the antidepressant effect can be limited. However different variations such as concomitant medication or the adjunctive use of additional sleep manipulation strategies can result in long lasting antidepressant effects.
Progression of Emergency Medicine Resident Patient Experience Scores by Level of Training.

Background:Patient satisfaction surveys are vital to measuring a patient’s experience of care. How scores of patients managed by emergency medicine (EM) residents change as residents progress throu...
Constitutive Modeling of Geologic Materials and Interfaces: Significant for Geomechanics

Characterization of mechanical behavior of materials and interfaces and joints (contacts), called constitutive modeling, is vital for realistic and economic solutions of geotechnical problems by using conventional and advanced computer methods. Since the latter allows complex factors that influence the material behavior, development and use of general and unified constitutive models that allow for such factors assume enhanced importance. This paper presents a brief review of available constitutive models and their limitations, and introduces and provides details of a unified and powerful modeling approach called the disturbed state concept (DSC) that can be used for a wide range of geologic, concrete, asphaltic, metallic, solders and polymeric materials, and contacts. The DSC with the hierarchical single surface (HISS) plasticity model has been used successfully for a wide range of geologic materials and contacts, and for prediction of measured behavior for many boundary value problems. Typical examples for validation of the behavior geologic martials and contacts, and of a boundary value problem are presented in the paper.
Brain Glucose Metabolism: Integration of Energetics with Function

Glucose is the long-established, obligatory fuel for brain that fulfills many critical functions, including ATP production, oxidative stress management, and synthesis of neurotransmitters, neuromod...
Patient characteristics as predictors of recurrence of atrial fibrillation following cryoballoon ablation

Background While several studies have evaluated predictors for atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence following catheter ablation, there are limited data specific to cryoballoon ablation (CBA). Methods We analyzed a prospective registry of patients at a single institution who underwent CBA. Recurrence of AF (RAF) was defined as recurrence of AF by 12-month follow-up, excluding the 3-month blanking period. Univariate analysis was performed to evaluate predictors of RAF. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to compare and evaluate the performance of various risk scores for discriminating risk of RAF. Results There were 542 patients included in the analysis with mean age 61.3 ± 10.6 years, 67.9% male, and 51.6% paroxysmal AF (PAF). Overall, only left atrial diameter (LAD) > 40 mm and ERAF (early recurrence of AF within 0-3 month blanking period) were significant predictors of RAF. In the PAF specific subgroup, LAD > 40 mm, AF duration > 12 months, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, ERAF, and having previously failed an antiarrhythmic drug were significant predictors of RAF. In persistent AF (PeAF) subgroup, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and ERAF were significant predictors of RAF. Out of clinical risk scores tested, BASEAF2 had the highest performance with area under the curve of 0.646 (95% confidence interval [0.548, 0.708]; P Conclusions In this single-center retrospective study of CBA, we found only LAD > 40 mm and ERAF to be predictors of RAF. We identified OSA as a potential targetable risk factor in PeAF patients undergoing CBA. Out of risk scores tested for discriminating risk of RAF, BASEAF2 had the best performance.
Describing Soils: Calibration Tool for Teaching Soil Rupture Resistance.

Rupture resistance is a measure of the strength of a soil to withstand an applied stress or resist deformation. In soil survey, during routine soil descriptions, rupture resistance is described for each horizon or layer in the soil profile. The lower portion of the rupture resistance classes are assigned based on rupture between thumb and forefinger. The tactile sense of the pressure can vary considerably between individuals. A calibration tool was developed, to help the students and soil scientists calibrate their thumb and forefinger for the correct amount of pressure. Instructions on how to assemble four pressure calibration tool assemblies measuring 8, 20, 40, and 80 N of applied pressure are presented. The calibration tools are demonstrated on how the combinations of spring/knobs are put together to get different rupture pressures. Manufactured or substitute fragments for natural fragments can be used in the instruction of rupture resistance in the classroom. In soil survey, this tool has been effective in calibrating the finger-force range for rupture resistance class placement for the last two decades.
A Systematic Review of Latent Variable Mixture Modeling Research in Social Work Journals

Purpose: Latent variable mixture modeling (LVMM) estimates possible classes, profiles, or trajectories within a sample and then identifies individuals with similar patterns. This systematic review ...
Multiplexable fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) probes for Abl and Src-family kinases

Most commonly employed strategies to map kinase activities in live cells require expression of genetically-encoded proteins (e.g. FRET sensors). In this work, we describe development and preliminary application of a set of cell-penetrating, fluorophore labelled peptide substrates for fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) of Syk and Src-family kinase activities. These probes do not rely on FRET pairs or genetically-encoded protein expression. We also demonstrate image-by-image and pixel-by-pixel quantification of probe phosphorylation ratio, suggesting that this strategy will be useful for detailed mapping of single cell and subcellular kinase activation in live cells.
Measurement Strategies for Evidence-Based Antidepressants for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Delivery: Trends and Associations with Patient-Reported Outcomes

We sought to develop a quality standard for the prescription of antidepressants for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that is both consistent with the underlying evidence supporting antidepressants as a treatment for PTSD and associated with the best levels of symptom improvement. We quantified antidepressant initiation during the first year of PTSD treatment in a 10-year national cohort of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) users, and compared outcomes in a subgroup who completed patient-reported outcome measurement (PROM) as part of routine practice. We added progressively stringent measurement requirements. Prescribing quality for PTSD in the VA was stable over time. Use of PROM was rare in the case of antidepressant treatment, limiting our assessment of outcomes.
Redesigning College Professional Development Resources to Meet the Needs of Emerging Public Health Professionals.

The University of South Florida, College of Public Health, is dedicated to providing career planning and professional development services for students in varying formats. However, changing public ...
Inducibility of Foreign Compound Metabolic Enzymes

Induction of metabolic enzymes plays a significant role in the susceptibility of individuals to foreign compound - mediated toxicities. The family of detoxifying enzyme inducer is diverse, such as phenolics, flavonoids, isothiocyanates, and 1,2-dithiole-3-thiones. Two classes of enzyme inducers have been proposed, including monofunctional and bifunctional inducers. Extensive research in inducer-enzyme interactions has revealed that many detoxification enzyme inducers contain Michael acceptor functionalities. Inducers such as flavonoid and curcuminoid analogs also contain phenolic hydroxyl groups. Many detoxification enzyme genes are regulated by antioxidant-responsive elements that are targets of the transcription factor E2-related factor 2.
Lumbosacral Resection and Reconstruction

Sacrectomies (either partial or total) are indicated for a primary malignancy or recurrent pelvic tumors that require a resection for cure. For these patients an en bloc resection is indicated, potentially compromising spinopelvic continuity. The extent of resection varies based on the location and type of tumor, and most types of partial sacrectomy do not require reconstruction. Since oncologic outcome is favorable when an en bloc resection can be obtained with negative margins, frequently the reconstructive procedures are hindered with large bony and posterior soft-tissue defects. This combined with the complex anatomy of the pelvis, vascular, and visceral structures make surgery and reconstruction technically complex. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the indications and also techniques for sacral reconstruction.
Modeling and validation of concentration dependence of ion exchange membrane permselectivity: Significance of convection and Manning's counter-ion condensation theory

Abstract Electrodialysis, reverse electrodialysis, and related electrochemical processes are increasingly important technologies for water purification and renewable energy generation and storage. The electrical efficiency of these processes is directly related to the permselectivity of the ion exchange membranes (IEMs) – defined as the extent to which the membrane permits the passage of counter-ions (ions of opposite charge to the membrane, e.g., cations for a cation exchange membrane) while blocking passage of co-ions. Permselectivity is not a material constant, but rather depends on the concentration and composition of the electrolyte solutions in contact with the IEM. Thus, even though permselectivity is routinely measured at standardized conditions (usually 0.5 M/0.1 M NaCl or KCl), the practical utility of such data is limited because we lack an accurate, quantitative way of using it to predict permselectivity under relevant process conditions. Moreover, the concentration dependence of IEM permselectivity has historically been studied primarily by evaluating the performance of (reverse) electrodialysis stacks rather than individual membranes, which has made it difficult to relate the concentration dependence of permselectivity to specific membrane characteristics. In this study, we measured the permselectivity of four commercial IEMs in six different concentration gradients employing 4 M and 0.5 M NaCl as the high salt concentration. We then constructed a predictive model of membrane permselectivity based on the extended Nernst-Planck equation and investigated how accounting for convection and electrostatic effects (via Manning's counter-ion condensation theory) affected model accuracy. We demonstrate that accurate, quantitative predictions of IEM permselectivity as a function of external salt concentrations are possible and require knowledge of only four easily measured membrane properties: water uptake, water permeability, charge, and thickness.
Optical Thermalization in Ultrashort Pulse Propagation in Multimode Fiber

We experimentally investigate a recently-proposed thermodynamic theory of highly multimode nonlinear optical systems. Mode-resolved measurements demonstrate thermalization of the distribution via the Kerr nonlinearity in multimode optical fiber.
Nanoantibiotics: Functions and Properties at the Nanoscale to Combat Antibiotic Resistance.

One primary mechanism for bacteria developing resistance is frequent exposure to antibiotics. Nanoantibiotics (nAbts) is one of the strategies being explored to counteract the surge of antibiotic resistant bacteria. nAbts are antibiotic molecules encapsulated with engineered nanoparticles (NPs) or artificially synthesized pure antibiotics with a size range of ≤100 nm in at least one dimension. NPs may restore drug efficacy because of their nanoscale functionalities. As carriers and delivery agents, nAbts can reach target sites inside a bacterium by crossing the cell membrane, interfering with cellular components, and damaging metabolic machinery. Nanoscale systems deliver antibiotics at enormous particle number concentrations. The unique size-, shape-, and composition-related properties of nAbts pose multiple simultaneous assaults on bacteria. Resistance of bacteria toward diverse nanoscale conjugates is considerably slower because NPs generate non-biological adverse effects. NPs physically break down bacteria and interfere with critical molecules used in bacterial processes. Genetic mutations from abiotic assault exerted by nAbts are less probable. This paper discusses how to exploit the fundamental physical and chemical properties of NPs to restore the efficacy of conventional antibiotics. We first described the concept of nAbts and explained their importance. We then summarized the critical physicochemical properties of nAbts that can be utilized in manufacturing and designing various nAbts types. nAbts epitomize a potential Trojan horse strategy to circumvent antibiotic resistance mechanisms. The availability of diverse types and multiple targets of nAbts is increasing due to advances in nanotechnology. Studying nanoscale functions and properties may provide an understanding in preventing future outbreaks caused by antibiotic resistance and in developing successful nAbts.
Coxiella burnetii infections in mice: Immunological responses to contemporary genotypes found in the US.

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that causes the human disease Q fever, which can manifest as an acute flu-like illness or a long-term chronic illness, such as endocarditis. Three genotypes (ST8, ST16, and ST20) of Coxiella burnetii are commonly found in the contemporary US and are associated with specific animal hosts. Although all three genotypes have been isolated from humans with Q fever, studies comparing virulence between C. burnetii sequence types have been rare. Here, groups of mice were infected via aerosol inoculation with isolates derived from cow's milk, environmental, animal, and human samples. Mice were monitored for weight loss and blood samples were takenweekly. Animals were euthanized at 2- and 12-weeks post-infection, and bacterial burden was determined for tissues by real-time PCR. The levels of anti-Coxiella antibodies and selected inflammatory cytokines were determined for serum samples. Weight loss and splenomegaly were observed in mice infected with ST20 and ST16 isolates but were absent in the mice infected with ST8 isolates. Bacterial concentrations in the tissues were lower in the ST8 isolates at 2 weeks post-infection relative to all other isolates. ST16 and ST20 isolates induced robust antibody and cytokine responses, while ST8 isolates produced significantly lower anti-C. burnetii titers early in the infection but saw increased titers in some animals several weeks post-infection. The data suggest that the ST8 isolates are less virulent in this mouse model, as they produce less robust antibody responses that are slow to develop, relative to the ST16 and ST20 isolates.
Josiah's Reform and the Dynamics of Defilement: Israelite Rites of Violence and the Making of a Biblical Text

Chapter 1: Destructive Rituals and the Creative Process: The Dynamics of Defilement in 2 Kings 23 Chapter 2: Priestly Rites of Elimination and the Holiness: Core of 2 Kings 23:4-20 Chapter 3: Herem Ideology and the Politics of Destruction: Josiah's Reform in Deuteronomistic Perspective Chapter 4: The Mechanics of Transformation: The Holiness Substratum and Deuteronomistic Revision of 2 King 23:4-20 Chapter 5: Literary, Historiographic and Historical Implications
A national science foundation supported undergraduate CSMET research project

This paper describes a program at Texas A&M University B Corpus Christi which seeks to involve a substantial number of undergraduate students in active research. This program receives funding from the National Science Foundation, grant number DUE-0094898. Students receive a small stipend in return for participating in one of several multidisciplinary projects. Projects include funded and unfunded research conducted by computer science, mathematics, engineering technology, and geographic information science professors. The goal of the project is to promote student learning and retention.
Financial Barriers to Health Care for Latinos: Poverty and Beyond

Abstract This study uses data from the 1994 Commonwealth Fund Minority Health Survey to examine the financing of medical care for working age (18-64) Latinos. Nearly one out of every three working age Latinos (32.4 percent) were uninsured in 1994. Poor Latinos were more than three times more likely than upper income Latinos (49.9 percent versus 13.8 percent) to lack health insurance in 1994. Uninsured Latinos were less likely than those with public or private insurance to see a physician in 1994 (62.7 percent versus 88.9 and 89.3 percent respectively). Multivariate analyses showed that both financial (income, employment status, amount of insurance premiums) and non-financial factors (type of usual source of medical care, citizenship) played a role in a decision to see a physician in 1994. Options are discussed for expanding coverage to the uninsured.
The Oxidation of 1-Deuterated Glucose by Glucose Oxidase

Abstract In order to trace the pathway of substrate-derived hydrogen in the mechanism of the glucose oxidase reaction, the kinetics of oxidation of d-glucose-1-2H was studied by conventional and stopped flow spectrophotometric methods. The results were compared with those for d-glucose-1-1H. A deuterium kinetic isotope effect was shown in the over-all reaction kinetics. The magnitude of this effect was highly dependent on the concentrations of sugar and oxygen. Stopped flow kinetic studies of the glucose half-reaction under anaerobic conditions located the kinetic isotope effect (between 10 and 15 at 3°) at the flavin reduction step. These studies also provided evidence for a complex between oxidized enzyme and d-glucose. Stopped flow measurements of the enzyme in turnover with d-glucose-1-2H showed that both the turnover rate of the enzyme at infinite oxygen concentration and the turnover rate of the oxidized fraction of the enzyme were almost identical with the independently measured rate of the d-glucose-1-2H half-reaction. These results indicated that, on the substitution of deuterium for hydrogen, no first order rate-limiting steps could be shown, under the conditions of the experiments, other than that associated with flavin reduction by d-glucose-1-2H. Our kinetic results are accomodated by the following general scheme. [see PDF for equation] where P1 and P2 are d-glucono-δ-lactone and H2O2, respectively, and G is β-d-glucose. The change in the rate constant for flavin reduction brought about by substrate deuteration requires the results to be expressed by two special cases of the general steady state rate equation. For d-glucose-1-1H, as was shown previously, [see PDF for equation] whereas for d-glucose-1-2H [see PDF for equation] These rate equations express both the substrate concentration dependence of the kinetic isotope effect on the over-all reaction kinetics and the fact that the isotope effect on the flavin reduction step is much larger than that observed in the overall reaction. All rate constants in the scheme were evaluated, although there was an uncertainty of about ±25% in the value of k2 for d-glucose-1-1H. The validity of both the scheme and the numerical values of the rate constants was checked satisfactrorily by analogue computer simulation of the results of the stopped flow experiments performed on the glucose half-reaction and the enzyme in turnover. Because of the dominance of k2 in the kinetics of oxidation of d-glucose-1-2H, it was not possible to determine whether hydrogen transfer was important in the oxygen half-reaction. There was no solvent deuterium effect on any step in the mechanism with either substrate.
On Modelling Life

We present a theoretical as well as experimental investigation of a population of self-replicating segments of code subject to random mutation and survival of the fittest. Under the assumption that such a system constitutes a minimal system with characteristics of life, we obtain a number of statements on the evolution of complexity and the trade-off between entropy and information.
SUMMARY: efficiently summarizing transactions for clustering

Frequent itemset mining was initially proposed and has been studied extensively in the context of association rule mining. In recent years, several studies have also extended its application to the transaction (or document) classification and clustering. However, most of the frequent-itemset based clustering algorithms need to first mine a large intermediate set of frequent itemsets in order to identify a subset of the most promising ones that can be used for clustering. In this paper, we study how to directly find a subset of high quality frequent itemsets that can be used as a concise summary of the transaction database and to cluster the categorical data. By exploring some properties of the subset of itemsets that we are interested in, we proposed several search space pruning methods and designed an efficient algorithm called SUMMARY. Our empirical results have shown that SUMMARY runs very fast even when the minimum support is extremely low and scales very well with respect to the database size, and surprisingly, as a pure frequent itemset mining algorithm, it is very effective in clustering the categorical data and summarizing the dense transaction databases.
The relationship between static occlusion and functional occlusion in a dental school population.

The relationship between static occlusion and functional occlusion was evaluated in 101 dental and dental hygiene students. The sample was selected from a population of 467 students who were enrolled at one dental school during the 1987-1988 academic year based upon the following criteria: age range 18 to 32 years; caucasian race; no prior orthodontic treatment; at least 28 natural teeth present; no occlusal adjustments; and no large restorations, crowns or bridges. Fifty-two (52) of the subjects possessed "normal" static occlusion, 26 had a Class I malocclusion, 16 were found to have a Class II malocclusion, and 7 had a Class III malocclusion. The majority (i.e., 75%) of the 101 subjects possessed non-working (balancing) functional contacts. Seventy-five (75) of the subjects possessed balanced occlusion, nine had canine-protected occlusion, nine possessed group function occlusion, and eight had mixed canine-protected/group functional occlusion. This study found no statistically significant relationship between static occlusion and functional occlusion, however, there was a trend for balanced occlusion to be more often associated with "normal" (ideal) static occlusion.
Bean dwarf mosaic virus: a model system for the study of viral movement.

SUMMARY Taxonomy: Bean dwarf mosaic virus-[Colombia:1987] (BDMV[CO:87]) is a single-stranded plant DNA virus, a member of the genus Begomovirus of the family Geminiviridae. Physical properties: BDMV virions are twinned incomplete isosahedra measuring 18 ¥ 30 nm.The viral particle is composed of 110 subunits of coat protein, organized as 22 pentameric capsomers. Each subunit has a molecular mass of ~29 kDa. BDMV possesses two DNA components (designated DNA-A and DNA-B), each ~2.6 kb in size. Host range: The natural and most important host of BDMV is the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Nicotiana benthamiana is often used as an experimental host.Common bean germplasm can be divided into two major gene pools: Andean materials, which are mostly susceptible to BDMV, and Middle American materials, which are mostly resistant to BDMV. Disease symptoms: The symptom intensity in common bean plants depends on the stage of infection. Early infection of susceptible bean seedlings will result in severe stunting and dwarfing,leaf distortion and mottling or mosaic,as well as chlorotic or yellow spots or blotches. BDMV-infected plants usually abort their flowers or produce severely distorted pods.Late infection of susceptible plants or early infection of moderately resistant genotypes may show a mild mosaic, mottle and crumpling or an irregular distribution of variegated patches. Biological properties: As a member of the Begomovirus group, BDMV is transmitted from plant to plant by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci. BDMV is a nonphloem-limited virus and can replicate and move in the epidermal, cortical and phloem cells. As a nonphloem-limited virus, it is sap-transmissible.
Imaging mouse models of breast cancer with positron emission tomography.

Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear imaging method that produces quantitative three-dimensional images of the distribution of positron-labeled radiotracers in vivo. Recent dramatic improvements in spatial resolution, and the development of dedicated small-animal PET scanners, now enable PET imaging studies to be carried out in mice. This allows the initiation, development and progression of cancer to be monitored longitudinally within individual animals. We will show examples of how PET is being used to track tumor development, and to detect early tumor response to chemotherapy. We will also show that potential therapeutics can be directly radiolabeled and how their biodistribution and concentration at the target site can be measured by PET imaging. The advantages and disadvantages of PET imaging compared with other imaging modalities will be discussed.
Langerhans Cells Require MyD88-Dependent Signals for Candida albicans Response but Not for Contact Hypersensitivity or Migration

Langerhans cells (LC) are a subset of skin-resident dendritic cells (DC) that reside in the epidermis as immature DC, where they acquire Ag. A key step in the life cycle of LC is their activation into mature DC in response to various stimuli, including epicutaneous sensitization with hapten and skin infection with Candida albicans. Mature LC migrate to the skin-draining LN, where they present Ag to CD4 T cells and modulate the adaptive immune response. LC migration is thought to require the direct action of IL-1β and IL-18 on LC. In addition, TLR ligands are present in C. albicans, and hapten sensitization produces endogenous TLR ligands. Both could contribute to LC activation. We generated Langerin-Cre MyD88(fl) mice in which LC are insensitive to IL-1 family members and most TLR ligands. LC migration in the steady state, after hapten sensitization and postinfection with C. albicans, was unaffected. Contact hypersensitivity in Langerin-Cre MyD88(fl) mice was similarly unaffected. Interestingly, in response to C. albicans infection, these mice displayed reduced proliferation of Ag-specific CD4 T cells and defective Th17 subset differentiation. Surface expression of costimulatory molecules was intact on LC, but expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23 was reduced. Thus, sensitivity to MyD88-dependent signals is not required for LC migration, but is required for the full activation and function of LC in the setting of fungal infection.
The obligations of privilege

Pat King argues that it is higher education's obligation to help students, in particular white students, understand that with privilege and opportunity come special responsibilities and obligations.
Chemoembolization and Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to represent a major worldwide problem. Although treatments such as resection, transplantation, and ablation may provide a chance for a cure, these options are often precluded because of advanced disease presentation. Palliative treatments include transarterial embolization and systemic therapies. This review will summarize the state of the science for embolic therapies in HCC (conventional and drug-eluting chemoembolization, radioembolization) as well as discuss related topics including HCC staging, assessment of response, and ongoing clinical trials.
Jejunal atresia in twins

In the past 2 1/2 years a sudden increase in the frequency of jejunal atresia in discordant, nonidentical twins was observed. Reported are the details of 11 cases and some reflections on possible pathogenetic mechanisms involved.
Determination of subsurface heterogeneity using reflection seismic data

The traditional approach in seismic imaging assumes homogeneous layers with constant seismic velocities. In the real earth, layers have numerous small-scale variations of properties (e.g., the seismic P-wave velocity) which are so irregularly distributed, that they can no longer be described by deterministic models; statistical approaches have to be used instead. In this paper, I derive a scheme based on the acoustic Born approximation which uses prestack reflection seismic data to determine the power-spectrum of these small-scale variations.
Regulation of Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan by sir-2.1 transgenes

Arising from H. A. Tissenbaum & L. Guarente , 227–230 (2001)10.1038/35065638 Tissenbaum and Guarente1 identified the first metazoan Sir2 homologue shown to affect lifespan, Caenorhabditis elegans sir-2.1. Independent transgenic lines harbouring extrachromosomal DNA arrays containing sir-2.1 and the dominant transgene marker rol-6(su1006) were reported to extend mean lifespan between 15% and 50%1. Similar extensions in mean lifespan were also found for lines in which the sir-2.1 transgenic arrays were integrated into the genome following γ-irradiation1. However, the extension of lifespan was overestimated in a high-copy sir-2.1 transgene-containing worm strain because of an unlinked mutation.
Pregnancy History Predicts Sexually Transmitted Infection Acquisition Over 6 Months of Follow-up Among African American Girls Recruited From Juvenile Detention Centers

to Department of Corrections/juvenile prison, and waiver to adult prison system. The number/percentage of adolescents who reached each involvement level annually from 1999-2011 were gathered. Data were based on adolescents’ deepest level of involvement, and adolescents could be included in multiple annual estimates. Results were further analyzed across gender and race/ethnicity. Results: Penetration in the juvenile justice system has steadily declined from 1999 to 2011. Out of approximately 70,000 youths each year, the number of arrested adolescents dropped from 7303 (10.4%) to 5078 (7.25%), detained adolescents dropped from 3607 (5.15%) to 1123 (1.60%), committed adolescents dropped from 676 (0.97%) to 121 (0.17%), and waived adolescents dropped from 224 (0.32%) to 31 (0.004%). Juvenile justice involvement differed significantly across gender and race/ethnicity, with Black males having the highest prevalence of all four levels of involvement. Trends revealed decreasing involvement across all gender and race/ethnicity groups, with the most drastic declines among Black males. Arrest rates for Black males declined from 20.1% in 1999 to 14.2% in 2011, whereas rates were much lower and less drastic for Black females (10.5% in 1999 to 7.27% in 2011), Hispanic males (9.0% to 5.88%), White males (8.6% to 4.9%), White females (4.09% to 2.8%), and Hispanic females (3.02% to 2.4%). Conclusions: Significant changes have occurred regarding juvenile justice involvement, as evidenced by declining prevalence of arrests, detentions, commitments, and waivers over the past 12 years. These positive trends are likely due to important systematic changes that have occurred, including new judge leadership, efforts of the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, diversion programs, and policy changes for commitments and waivers to adult court. Despite such improvements, juvenile justice involvement remains a common experience for urban youth, particularly for Black males who are disproportionately involved in all facets of the juvenile justice system. Sources of Support: HRSA/MCHB R40MC08721.
Control and measurement of spatially inhomogeneous polarization distributions in third-harmonic generation microscopy

We demonstrate in situ characterization of a spatially varying polarization state of an optical field at the focus of a scanning third-harmonic generation (THG) optical microscope. Polarization projections are measured by forming THG images of a polystyrene microsphere scanned through the focused beam and combined in a noniterative phase-retrieval algorithm. Controlled spatially varying polarization states are introduced by imaging spatially inhomogeneous polarization distributions constructed with reflective spatial light modulator to the focal plane of a microscope objective.
Near resonant charge transfer processes at thermal energies

A useful procedure is described for the evaluation of near resonant charge transfer cross-sections at thermal energies. The method is based on a generalization of a semi-classical approach introduced by Bates and Mapleton for the study of symmetric resonant charge transfer processes. The rate coefficient is calculated for the reaction O++H⇆H++O as a function of temperature between 10 and 104 K; the results are compared to those obtained using the ‘orbiting approximation’. A brief application of these rates to the interstellar medium is made where it is found that substantial differences emerge between cases where the gas is heated by cosmic rays or by X-Rays.
James J. O'Brien: New JGR editor

A quality journal results from good scientific work written up well by contributors and from good reviewers sifting out the best papers, according to James J. O'Brien, one of the new editors for the Journal of Geophysical Research. O'Brien, professor of meteorology and oceanography at Florida State University, began his 4-year term on January 1 as editor of the journal section emphasizing oceanography and boundary layer meteorology. O'Brien, who succeeds A.D. Kirwan, Jr., has been receiving manuscripts since October. One change that the new editor has instituted is that an author can submit a paper directly to one of the associate editors instead of sending it to O'Brien. If the associate editor is willing to act as the editor for a particular manuscript, then O'Brien will accept that. In addition to saving time, this change will enable the associate editors to apply their expertise in various fields in establishing appropriate criteria for quality in different disciplines.
The New Teacher Education: For Better or for Worse?

This article offers a reading of the current state of the field of teacher education, identifying current reforms, emerging trends, and new underlying premises. The author argues that a “new teacher education” has been emerging with three closely coupled pieces: It is constructed as a public policy problem, based on research and evidence, and driven by outcomes. Illustrating and critiquing each of these pieces, the article makes the case that the new teacher education is both for the better and for the worse. The article concludes that education scholars who care about public education must challenge the narrowest aspects of the emerging new teacher education, building on its most promising aspects and working with others to change the terms of the debate.
Enhanced transgene expression in urothelial cancer gene therapy with histone deacetylase inhibitor.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Efficient adenoviral infection requires the presence of the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR). We determined whether the histone deacetylase inhibitor FR901228 (Fujisawa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) increases the efficiency of adenoviral gene therapy in bladder cancer in vivo and in vitro.Materials and Methods: Cytotoxicity studies were performed to determine a minimally cytotoxic FR901228 concentration for bladder cancer cells. The level of CAR expression was determined by fluorescence activated cell scanning and/or reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis in FR901228 treated bladder cell lines. The in vivo effect on adenoviral gene expression was investigated in athymic mice.Results: The concentration of FR901228 showing no or minimal cytotoxicity that was selected for these studies was 0.5 ng/ml for bladder cancer cells. Treatment of cancer cells with 0.5 ng/ml histone deacetylase inhibitor increased CAR RNA levels and acetylated histone H3. This i...
Prognosis and predisposing factors for essential malignant hypertension in predominantly black patients

Abstract Fifty years ago, the average survival of patients with malignant hypertension was only 10.5 months. When antihypertensive treatment became available in the 1950s, incidence and prognosis improved dramatically. Recently, a 5-year patient survival of >70% among white patients was reported. 1 Malignant hypertension is now relatively rare and is more prevalent among black 2 than among white patients. 1 We studied the outcome of malignant hypertension in predominantly black patients seen at an urban inner city hospital between 1985 to 1988, because little recent information exists about the prognosis of this disease in black patients. We also investigated factors that might have contributed to the development of malignant hypertension in our patients.
MECHANISMS OF LARGE-SCALE EVOLUTIONARY TRENDS.

Large-scale evolutionary trends may result from driving forces or from passive diffusion in bounded spaces. Such trends are persistent directional changes in higher taxa spanning significant periods of geological time; examples include the frequently cited long-term trends in size, complexity, and fitness in life as a whole, as well as trends in lesser supraspecific taxa and trends in space. In a driven trend, the distribution mean increases on account of a force (which may manifest itself as a bias in the direction of change) that acts on lineages throughout the space in which diversification occurs. In a passive system, no pervasive force or bias exists, but the mean increases because change in one direction is blocked by a boundary, or other inhomogeneity, in some limited region of the space. Two tests have been used to distinguish these trend mechanisms: (1) the test based on the behavior of the minimum; and (2) the ancestor-descendant test, based on comparisons in a random sample of ancestor-descendant pairs that lie far from any possible lower bound. For skewed distributions, a third test is introduced here: (3) the subclade test, based on the mean skewness of a sample of subclades drawn from the tail of a terminal distribution. With certain restrictions, a system is driven if the minimum increases, if increases significantly outnumber decreases among ancestor-descendant pairs, and if the mean skew of subclades is significantly positive. A passive mechanism is more difficult to demonstrate but is the more likely mechanism if decreases outnumber increases and if the mean skew of subclades is negative. Unlike the other tests, the subclade test requires no detailed phylogeny or paleontological time series, but only terminal (e.g., modern) distributions. Monte Carlo simulations of the diversification of a clade are used to show how the subclade test works. In the empirical cases examined, the three tests gave concordant results, suggesting first, that they work, and second, that the passive and driven mechanisms may correspond to natural categories of causes of large-scale trends.
The NOAA Panel Report: A New Beginning or the End of an Era?

an account of the prospective contribution of some proposed project or policy to the satisfaction of human preferences. The central focus on preference satisfaction led BC analysts to be concerned with economic surpluses and the values of nonmarketed goods and amenities, matters that took the inquiry well beyond the prices and quantity changes that first attracted the analysts' attention. CV was specifically designed for enlisting survey research methods, with their broad scope of potential applications, to obtain benefit estimates consistent with a rigorous welfare change measurement framework. Samuelson's model for valuing public goods, in which individual valuations were rigorously defined and aggregated to obtain the social value, was applied directly. In early CV applications (i.e., through the 1970s), the objective was to define a baseline or default situation and a proposed project and to ask respondents to report a valuation that would leave them indifferent between implementing the proposal or defaulting to the baseline situation. For proposed projects that would improve things, but at a cost, respondents were asked to announce their maximum willingness to pay (WTP). Alternatively, to make sure that the full consumer's surplus was identified, iterative bidding was used to drive the respondent all the way to the point of indifference. The market analogy, with only minimal concessions to the public goods context, dominated the language of CV survey format and of communication among CV researchers. These early excursions into CV encountered skepticism from economists, who have traditionally argued--despite the isolation paradox that undermines markets in public goods-that real transactions are much more reliable indicators of value than self-reported behavioral intentions. Many social scientists were skeptical or even hostile to CV for reasons quite different from those that worried economists. They recognized that there are many different philosophical systems of valuing and many different institutions beyond the market for providing public amenities. To these social scientists, it seemed perverse to force the richness and diversity of human ways of valuing and providing public amenities into the rigid molds of BCA and CV.1
Histologic patterns of congenital nevocytic nevi and implications for treatment

The therapeutic problems associated with congenital nevocytic nevi (CNN) have lead to a flurry of interest in neonatal dermabrasion. This is based on the theory that nevus cells at birth are superficial and accessible to dermabrasion and that they later migrate into the deeper dermis. We studied twelve patients with CNN, including seven patients less than 3 months of age, with serial biopsies taken over a period of 15 months. In addition, four neonates with giant CNN underwent dermabrasion, and biopsies were obtained pre- and postoperatively. The histologic features of CNN and the implications for treatment are discussed. Our results are inconsistent with the idea of migration of nevus cells into the dermis during infancy. Dermabrasion of giant CNN at an early age may improve the cosmetic appearance; however, it will not remove most nevus cells and is not recommended as an effective treatment for the prevention of melanoma.
The antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition in αFe2O3 in the single prism approximation of the cluster variation method

The single prism approximation SPA of the cluster variation method has been used to model the antiferromagnetic-paramagnetic transition in hematite. This calculation yields insight into the accuracy of the SPA and other approximate methods for modeling order-disorder phenomena. Published values of the magnetic coupling constants were used to calculate the Neel temperature, sublattice magnetization, and magnetic specific heat. The calculated Neel temperature is found to be 1.21 times the observed value, as compared to 1.36 times observed for a mean field theory approximation, an improvement that reflects the superior treatment of configurational entropy in the SPA. Qualitative to semiquantitative agreement is obtained between observed and calculated values for sublattice magnetization and magnetic specific heat; however we find that previously published values for the magnetic specific heat are too large by a factor of two.
Phytosterols for dyslipidemia.

Purpose The efficacy and safety of phytosterols for the management of dyslipidemia are reviewed. Summary Phytosterols have been evaluated in over 40 clinical trials. The incorporation of 2 g of phytosterols daily into margarine, mayonnaise, orange juice, olive oil, low-fat milk, yogurt, and tablets is associated with significant reductions in low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from baseline over 1–12 months in adults with normal or high cholesterol, in children, and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Phytosterol dosages of 1.6–3 g daily have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by 4.1–15% versus placebo within the first month of therapy. One meta-analysis found mean reductions of 10–11%, but results vary. Several placebo-controlled trials found that the addition of phytosterols to statin therapy was associated with reductions of 7–20% in LDL cholesterol for up to 1.5 years. Overall, phytosterols are useful for reducing LDL cholesterol in patients who cannot reach their treatment goal by diet alone or who are taking maximum tolerated doses of statins. These products offer an alternative to statins in patients who cannot take statins or whose statin dosage is restricted because of potential drug interactions or concomitant diseases. Commonly reported adverse effects are primarily gastrointestinal in nature. Conclusion Phytosterol therapy produces an average 10–11% reduction in LDL cholesterol concentration, but it is unknown whether this effect persists beyond two years. Phytosterol products are well tolerated and have few drug interactions, but their long-term safety has not been established. Current evidence is sufficient to recommend phytosterols for lowering LDL cholesterol in adults.
In-plane intercalate lattice modes in graphite-bromine using Raman spectroscopy

Results of Raman scattering experiments associated with in-plane intercalate modes in graphite-bromine are reported. The spectra are interpreted in terms of models in which the molecular character of the bromine is retained and the molecular ordering of the intercalate layer is closely related to that in the layer structure of solid molecular bromine. The symmetry and group-theoretical analysis of several possible molecular arrangements are given. A large resonant enhancement of the ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ stretch mode is reported, which suggests molecular excitations for intercalated ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ at energies \ensuremath{\gtrsim}2.8 eV.