cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cranial Doppler applications in neonatal critical care.

Major advances in imaging and Doppler technology have led to a wide array of commercial Doppler instruments capable of providing fetal and neonatal intracranial vascular anatomy with impeccable clarity and reliable blood flow velocity data in real units. Based on an analysis of the Doppler waveforms, measures of peripheral vascular resistance can also be computed. The Doppler derived information has been considered to be of value in the clinical management of cases with shock, asphyxia, brain death, vascular malformations, and increased intracranial pressure in the fetus and the newborn. Doppler techniques are also used in a variety of physiologic studies related to neonatal cerebral blood flow. The Doppler technology and measurement methods are briefly reviewed in this article, and a discussion of the cranial Doppler applications in neonatal-perinatal critical care situations is presented.
The Role of Adenosine Triphosphate and Adenosine Triphosphatase in the Release of Catecholamines from the Adrenal Medulla: IV. Adenosine Triphosphate-Activated Uptake of Calcium by Microsomes and Mitochondria

Studies were carried out on radioactive calcium uptake by cell fractions isolated from bovine adrenal medullae. Microsomes showed an active uptake of calcium which was dependent on ATP and Mg++, potentiated by an ATP-generating system, and inhibited by agents known to block calcium uptake by muscle microsomes. Mitochondria showed an ATP-activated uptake of calcium which was inhibited by azide, oligomycin, on 2,4-dinitrophenol. These agents did not inhibit active uptake by the microsomes. A semipurified chromaffin granule preparation also showed ATP-activated calcium uptake, but it was largely inhibited by azide. Thiocyanate, which reduced calcium uptake by the microsomes, caused the release of catecholamines from perfused adrenal glands. The regulation of intracellular calcium by the adrenal medulla and its influence on catecholamine secretion are discussed, with emphasis on similarities to muscle physiology. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We wish to acknowledge the technical assistance of Mr. J. L. Alderman, Mr. J. Bernstein, and Mr. D. W. Friesen.
Near-threshold perceptual distortion prediction based on optimal structure classification

Perceptual distortion prediction at near-threshold level has many applications in general image/video processing tasks. This paper presents a computational model to predict the near-threshold perceptual distortions based on optimal structure classification. This model accounts for contrast sensitivity, light adaptation, and various masking effects of the human visual system (HVS), and automatically adapts to local image structures by a soft classification scheme using a Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM). The proposed model is trained and verified on the public CSIQ local masking database. We demonstrate a superior prediction performance of the proposed model compared to previous research.
Macrophage-derived IL-1β enhances monosodium urate crystal-triggered NET formation

Arthritic gout is caused by joint inflammation triggered by the damaging effects of monosodium uric acid (MSU) crystal accumulation in the synovial space. Neutrophils play a major role in mediating joint inflammation in gout. Along with neutrophils, other immune cells, such as macrophages, are present in inflamed joints and contribute to gout pathogenesis. Neutrophils form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in response to MSU crystals. In the presence of MSU crystals, macrophages release IL-1β, a cytokine crucial to initiate gout pathogenesis and neutrophil recruitment. Our research investigated interactions between human macrophages and neutrophils in an in vitro model system and asked how macrophages affect NET formation stimulated by MSU crystals. Human neutrophils and PBMCs were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy volunteers. PBMCs were differentiated into macrophages in vitro using human M-CSF. Human neutrophils were pretreated with macrophage-conditioned media, neutrophil-conditioned media, recombinant human IL-1β or anakinra prior to stimulation by MSU crystals. Interaction of neutrophils with MSU crystals was evaluated by live imaging using confocal microscopy. The presence of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) was measured by ELISA. NET formation was quantitated by Sytox Orange-based extracellular DNA release assay and NE-DNA ELISA. AggNET formation was assessed by macroscopic evaluation. We found that crystal- and cell-free supernatants of macrophages stimulated with MSU crystals promote MSU crystal-stimulated NET formation in human neutrophils. This observation was confirmed by additional assays measuring the release of MPO, NE, and the enzymatic activity of NE. MSU crystal-induced NET formation remained unchanged when neutrophil supernatants were tested. IL-1β is a crucial cytokine orchestrating the onset of inflammation in gout and is known to be released in large amounts from macrophages following MSU crystal stimulation. We found that recombinant IL-1β strongly promoted MSU crystal-induced NET formation in human neutrophils. Interestingly, IL-1β alone did not induce any NET release. We also found that clinical grade anakinra, an IL-1 receptor blocker, strongly reduced the NETosis-enhancing effect of macrophage supernatants indicating that IL-1β is mainly responsible for this effect. Macrophage-derived IL-1β enhances MSU crystal-induced NET release in neutrophils. We identified a new mechanism by which macrophages and IL-1β affect neutrophil functions, and could contribute to the inflammatory conditions present in gout. Our results also revealed a new anti-inflammatory mechanism of anakinra.
Beginnings: Classical Theory

Most of this book deals with demography in discrete time, i.e., time is divided into successive intervals of some equal length τ, and the times τ, 2τ, etc. are labeled as discrete times 1, 2, etc. Demographers usually drop the τ for convenience, as will I, but note that this practice obscures the dimensions (i.e., units) of all the objects in our equations. This chapter summarizes demographic theory in discrete time with constant rates, emphasizing terminology and results which I later use freely without further explanation. For details consult Keyfitz (1968) or the more compact account of Pollard (1973). Coale’s (1972) book uses continuous time but is valuable.
Water Transport in Phase-changing Snowpacks

A one-dimensional model is presented for meltwater transport in a phase-changing snowpack. The model treats the snowpack as a multiphase mixture consisting of a rigid ice matrix along with air and water. Due to applied surface heating or internal temperature gradients, melting and freezing may occur, so that the water and ice phases are interconvertible. The thermodynamics of the phase changes is included by treating the phase fronts as propagating singular surfaces where the equations for the bulk region are supplemented by appropriate interface or jump conditions at the phase fronts, which leads to a generalized Stefan problem. One dimensional numerical illustrations are given for various applied surface heatings in an isothermal snowpack.
Basic Groups in Agricultural Economics

The question of what should be included as in irreducible minimum of agricultural economics work for the agricultural college student raises at once the question of who and what is the student in our agricultural colleges today. What is he there for? For what range of vocations is he training himself? Is he in an agricultural course in order to learn to farm? It is gratifying to know that at least some of our students have this objective. Let us hope that a higher proportion may be with us for that purpose as time goes on. Is the agricultural student in college to become a professional man in teaching, research, extension, and other fields of activity connected more or less closely with agricultural education? Certainly many of them are with us for that purpose if we judge by the vocational destination of the students who have gone through our colleges in the last few years. Are many of them taking agricultural courses in order to equip themselves for business vocations in fields closely allied to agriculture such as co-operative marketing, real estate, and the like Adequate statistics as to the employment of agricultural college graduates would probably show that there is a growing proportion seeking employment in this field. Doubtless all of these motives and many others are responsible for the present enrollment in agricultural colleges. The fact that we have such a wide range of interests and prospective occupations on the part of our present agricultural student body makes the task of selecting the proper amount and kind of agricultural economics instruction an extremely difficult one. In the first place, it would seem, in view of the wide diversity of interests on the part of the student, any closely prescribed body of subject matter in agricultural economics to be taken by all, or practically all agricultural students, should consist of such material as will be of general enough interest and vital enough to warrant its inclusion in the curriculum of any student inter-
Quantifying the Data Deluge and the Data Drought

The world’s big data capacity can be understood in terms of the world’s storage capacity, and the telecommunication capacity to access this storage (‘the cloud’). In order to do this we mainly follow the methodology of what has become the standard reference in estimating the world’s technological information capacity: Hilbert and Lopez (2011). This methodology has been adopted by others, including by the 2012 ITU report on “Measuring the Information Society” (Chapter 5; ITU, 2012). It shows that the world’s technological capacity to store information has increased with a compound annual growth rate of 31 % during the three decades between 1986 and 2014 (from 2.6 exabytes to 4.6 zettabytes), while the world’s installed telecommunication capacity has grown with a compound annual growth rate of 35 % during the same period, from 7.5 petabites to 25 exabits).
Circumferential Trabeculotomy Versus Conventional Angle Surgery: Comparing Long-term Surgical Success and Clinical Outcomes in Children With Primary Congenital Glaucoma

Purpose This study compares the long-term efficacy of circumferential trabeculotomy to that of conventional angle surgeries in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), as judged by glaucoma and visual outcomes. Design Retrospective observational case series. Methods Setting: Emory Eye Center, Atlanta, Georgia. Study Population: This was a single-institution retrospective study involving children with PCG who underwent circumferential trabeculotomy, standard trabeculotomy, or goniotomy with ≥2-year follow-up. Main Outcome Measures: Postoperative success (intraocular pressure [IOP] U tests, and Fisher exact tests. Results Included were 58 eyes (33 children) after circumferential trabeculotomy and 42 eyes (27 children) after standard trabeculotomy/goniotomy, with mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 4.0 and 8.2 ± 4.5 years, respectively. Postoperative success at last follow-up in the circumferential vs conventional cohorts was 81% (47 of 58 eyes) vs 31% (13 of 42 eyes) ( P P = .009), required fewer glaucoma medications (0.55 ± 1.2 vs 1.61 ± 1.51, P P = .048), and had comparable incidence of devastating complications ( P = .065). Conclusions In this retrospective study, circumferential trabeculotomy afforded better long-term success and visual outcomes than conventional angle surgery for children with PCG.
Role of "Sural Sparing" Pattern (Absent/Abnormal Median and Ulnar with Present Sural SNAP) Compared to Absent/Abnormal Median or Ulnar with Normal Sural SNAP in Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy.

Abstract: Background: Sural sparing defined as absent/abnormal median sensory nerve action potential amplitude (SNAP) or absent/abnormal ulnar SNAP amplitude with a normal sural SNAP amplitude is thought to be a marker for inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathies. Objective: If sural sparing pattern specifically defined as absent/abnormal median and ulnar SNAP amplitude with normal sural SNAP amplitude (AMUNS) is sensitive and specific as compared to either absent/abnormal median and normal sural (AMNS) or absent/abnormal ulnar and normal sural(AUNS) for AIDP, CIDP and select non-diabetic axonopathies (AX) and diabetic neuropathies (DN). Method: Retrospective analysis from 2001-2010 on all newly diagnosed AIDP, CIDP, select non-diabetic axonopathies (AX) and diabetic neuropathies (DN). Results: There were 20 AIDP and 23 CIDP. 20 AX and 50 DN patients between 2009 and 2010 were included as controls. AMUNS was seen in 65% of AIDP, 39% CIDP compared with 10% of AX and 6% for DN with sensitivity of 51%, specificity of 92% whereas the specificity of AMNS/AUNS was 73% and its sensitivity was 58%. If a patient has AMUNS they are > 12 times more likely to have AIDP (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Sural sparing (AMUNS) is highly specific but not sensitive as compared to either AMNS or AUNS in AIDP but does not add to sensitivity or specificity in CIDP.
Breath detection by transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm and the Graseby capsule in preterm infants.

Objective To compare triggering, breath detection and delay time of the Graseby capsule (GC) and transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm (dEMG) in spontaneous breathing preterm infants. Methods In this observational study, a 30 minutes respiration measurement was conducted by respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP), the GC, and dEMG in stable preterm infants. Triggering was investigated with an in vitro set-up using the Infant Flow® SiPAPTM system. The possibility to optimize breath detection was tested by developing new algorithms with the abdominal RIP band (RIPAB) as gold standard. In a subset of breaths, the delay time was calculated between the inspiratory onset in the RIPAB signal and in the GC and dEMG signal. Results Fifteen preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 28 ± 2 weeks and a mean birth weight of 1086 ± 317 g were included. In total, 14 773 breaths were analyzed. Based on the GC and dEMG signal, the Infant Flow® SiPAP™ system, respectively, triggered 67.8% and 62.6% of the breaths. Breath detection was improved to 99.9% for the GC and 113.4% for dEMG in new algorithms. In 1492 stable breaths, the median delay time of inspiratory onset detection was +154 ms (IQR +118 to +164) in the GC and −50 ms (IQR −90 to −22) in the dEMG signal. Conclusion Breath detection using the GC can be improved by optimizing the algorithm. Transcutaneous dEMG provides similar breath detection but with the advantage of detecting the onset of inspiration earlier than the GC.
The Lumbar Gap Measurement in Lenke 1-4C Curves.

Retrospective review. To assess whether the lumbar gap (LG) measurement, which is the distance between the center sacral vertical line and the concave edge of the apical vertebra of the lumbar curve, would be a useful tool to predict the need for lumbar curve fusion in the Lenke 1–4C curves. The current treatment guidelines of selective thoracic fusion in the Lenke 1–4C curves are not routinely accepted. One hundred three adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients had undergone either selective thoracic fusion (STF) or both thoracic and lumbar curves fusion (TLF) for Lenke 1–4C curves. The correlations between the fusion decision making and preoperative LG, coronal balance, thoracic and lumbar Cobb, apical vertebra translation, and rotation were analyzed. The radiographic outcomes and SRS-30 of a minimum 2-year follow-up were reviewed in each group. A total of 51 patients (49.5%) underwent an STF, and 52 patients (50.5%) underwent a TLF. The mean LG was 22.0 ± 8.8 mm in the TLF, which was 2.3 times greater than the STF (9.6 ± 3.9 mm) (p < .0001). Only 5% of the lumbar curves were fused when the LG was 10 mm or less. Ninety percent of the lumbar curves were fused when the LG was 16 mm or greater, and 100% lumbar curves were fused with an LG of 21 mm or greater. The preoperative coronal imbalance to the left in the TLF was significantly greater than the STF. A mean 47% thoracic correction corresponded to a mean 39% spontaneous correction of the lumbar curve obtained in the SFT, which was significantly different from the TLF (56% and 65%). There were no differences in the SRS-30 scores at 2 years postoperatively between the STF and the TLF. The lumbar curve should not be fused when the LG was 10 mm or less, and very likely should be fused when the LG exceeds 20 mm in the Lenke 1–4C AIS patients. Level III
Patient perception of gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery through twitter and instagram

Abstract Background This study evaluated social media to better understand the patient experience regarding Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery. Methods Twitter and Instagram posts were queried to identify relevant posts. The initial search for Instagram posts and “tweets” tagged with “#gammaknife” or “@gammaknife” identified 1094 posts on Instagram and 1517 tweets. Nine-hundred seventy-three Instagram posts and 1453 tweets were eliminated that did not involve the patient's own experience. We coded for the number of Gamma Knife procedures that the patient had undergone, whether it was published before or after the patient's procedure, and for classified themes related to patients' experience with the procedure. Results Thirty-eight of 48 (79.2%) tweets and 61 of 82 (74.4%) Instagram posts were related to patients' first experience. Fifty-eight percent of tweets and 65% of Instagram posts were published post-Gamma Knife treatment. The most common theme in Twitter and Instagram posts was the appearance of the Leksell head frame or the pin sites after treatment (17.2% and 48.8%, respectively). Other common themes included the recounting of personal history of present illness to followers and excitement about having a treatment plan. Conclusions Social media provides a platform for patients to share their personal experiences and reactions to Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
RAP1 Downregulation by miR-320c Reduces Platelet Activation in Ex-vivo Storage.

Background A small GTPase Protein, the Ras-related Protein 1 (RAP1), abundant in platelets is known to be activated following agonist-induced platelet activation, suggesting that RAP1 downregulation could, in turn, reduce platelet activation in storage. Our objective of this study is to identify RAP1 regulating miRNAs and their role in platelet activation during storage. Methods We applied MS2-TRAP (tagged RNA affinity purification) methodology to enrich miRNAs that target the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of RAP1 mRNA in two mammalian cell lines followed by miRNA identification by microarray of total RNA samples enriched for miRNAs. Data analyses were done using different bioinformatics approaches. The direct miR:RAP1 3'UTR interaction was confirmed by using a dual luciferase reporter gene expression system in a mammalian cell line. Subsequently, platelets were transfected with one selected miR to evaluate RAP1 downregulation by this miRNA and its effect on platelet activation. Results Six miRNAs (miR-320c, miR-181a, miR-3621, miR-489, miR-4791 and miR-4744) were identified to be enriched in the two cell lines tested. We randomly selected miR-320c for further evaluation. The luciferase reporter assay system confirmed the direct interaction of miR-320c with RAP1 3'UTR. Further, in platelets treated with miR-320c, RAP1 protein expression was decreased and concomitantly, platelet activation was also decreased. Conclusion Overall, the results demonstrate that miRNA-based RAP1 downregulation in ex vivo stored platelets reduces platelet activation.
The Behavior of Communicating, after Twenty Years

Communication is a social activity. Its properties coevolve within Darwinian constraints. A central theme of my 1977 book on communicating was that individuals benefit from social opportunities in part by making selected information available to one another. Their signals facilitate and channel the development of orderly interactions that are, on average (and yet often to very different extents), mutually advantageous. I suggested that some essential tasks for research on communication were to determine how this information can be characterized, how signaling specializations themselves can be categorized, and how individuals responding to signals obtain and integrate information from multiple sources. In this chapter I clarify the concept of information that underlies my approach and emphasize the conditional status of all predictions based on information; briefly review and revise descriptions of commonly found ‘messages’ and message categories; explore the great scope of communication and the centrality of negotiation in social interactions; and clarify the case for arguing that most signals facilitate prediction that is largely reliable. I also address trends in ethologists’ interests and goals that I had not anticipated, and that have considerably altered the ways many ethologists view communication. With the development of cognitive ethology, much interest in signals has returned to an organism-centered focus (as opposed to an interactional focus). With the advent of sociobiology/behavioral ecology focus has also shifted from proximate social mechanisms to population characteristics and intergenerational time frames, often overstressing individual independence and underestimating the coevolved interdependencies of social life. Yet organismic and evolutionary foci usefully broaden the field, and another goal of this chapter is to bring them and the interactional focus into a mutually enriching perspective.
A minimally disruptive approach of integrating testing into computer programming courses

The problem of finding and evaluating effective ways of integrating software testing concepts and related techniques into introductory programming courses is still an open research question. In this paper, we present multiple studies that assess our approach to integrating software testing in Computer Science (CS) and Software Engineering (SE) courses. Each study uses SEP-CyLE (Software Engineering and Programming Cyberlearning Environment), an external, web-based learning tool to help instructors integrate testing concepts into their courses. These empirical studies were conducted in eight CS/SE course sections at a medium-sized public university. The results show (1) SEP-CyLE can be efficiently used in the class-room to impact the testing knowledge gained by students, and (2) students find that SEP-CyLE is a useful learning resource that effectively helps them complete course tasks and better master course concepts.
The Process of Highly Effective Coaching : An Evidence-Based Framework

The Process of Highly Effective Coaching offers a unique blend of theory and practical methods for conducting effective coaching conversations. It provides an umbrella under which all of the major conceptual models for helping people change can not only coexist but work together. In addition to using this integrative approach, The Process of Highly Effective Coaching presents a framework for conducting coaching conversations and for relating the coaching process to the coaching competencies defined by the International Coach Federation, the largest coach-credentialing organization in the world.
Supercapacitor Energy Delivery Capability During a Constant Power Discharge Process

This paper studies the supercapacitor energy delivery capability during a constant power discharge process, which refers to the amount of energy delivered by a supercapacitor when a constant power load is applied. Extensive constant power discharge experiments are conducted using three supercapacitor samples with different rated capacitances from different manufacturers. The relationship between the delivered energy and the discharge power is examined. In the upper bound case corresponding to a fully charged supercapacitor, the delivered energy increases when the discharge power decreases if the discharge power is above a certain threshold, i.e., Peukert's law applies. When the discharge power is below the threshold, this law does not apply anymore. In the lower bound case corresponding to a partially charged supercapacitor, the delivered energy peaks at a particular discharge power. These relationships are due to the combined effects of three aspects of supercapacitor physics: porous electrode structure, charge redistribution, and self-discharge. This paper also compares the bounds of the delivered energy and shows that the difference is significant.
An Experimental Test of Reward & Reminder as a Stand-Alone Program to Prevent Alcohol Sales to Underage Youths

Reward & Reminder has been a component of community-based preventive efforts against sales of substances (e.g., tobacco) to youth. To date, there has not been a randomized trial of Reward & Reminder as a stand-alone prevention program targeting youth access to alcohol. In this study, we addressed that gap. Data were collected as part of a randomized trial of a school- and community-based prevention program. Our analysis included 23 vendors in control communities and 33 vendors in intervention communities. We visited each vendor at least two times, and vendors in intervention communities received the Reward & Reminder protocol. Using McNemar's Test, which evaluates the degree to which the outlets in each condition moved to a different cell in the contingency table from the first visit to the second (i.e., from yes to no or vice versa), we found that the control outlets did not change (all p values were non-significant). In contrast, the test results for the intervention outlets were significantly more likely to ask for ID (p < .05) and significantly less willing to sell alcohol to young-looking project confederates (p < .05); Asked for Age did not change. We conclude that Reward & Reminder could assist in preventing underage access to alcohol.
Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is being recognized as an increasingly important contributor to the burden of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. It is often accompanied by obesity and diabetes mellitus and is believed to be the hepatic representation of the metabolic syndrome. HCC development in NAFLD is multifactorial and complex. It is dependent on not only the well-described mechanisms noted in chronic liver injury, but also on the molecular derangements associated with obesity and dysmetabolism. These include adipocyte remodeling, adipokine secretion, lipotoxicity and insulin resistance. Recent advances focus on the importance of the gut-liver axis in accelerating the process of oncogenesis in NAFLD. The farnesoid X nuclear receptor (FXR) has been demonstrated to have important metabolic effects and its pharmacological activation by obeticholic acid has been recently reported to produce histological improvement in NASH. It is hoped that delineating the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis and oncogenesis in NASH will lead to enhanced strategies for cancer prevention, surveillance and therapy in this population.
A Higher Proportion of Craniosynostosis Genes Are Cancer Driver Genes

ABSTRACT Craniosynostosis (CRS) is a congenital abnormality deformity with a heterogenous genetic contribution. Previously, there are two attempts to collect genes that are genetically associated with craniosynostosis and some related syndromes with 57 (Twigg and Wilkie, 2015) and 39 (Goos and Mathijssen, 2019) genes identified, respectively. We expanded this list of craniosynostosis genes by adding another 17 genes with an updated literature search. These genes are shown to be more likely to be intolerant to functional mutations. Of these 113 craniosynostosis genes, 21 (19% vs. 1.5% baseline frequency) are cancer driver genes, a 14-fold enrichment. The cancer-craniosynostosis connection is further validated by an over-representation analysis of craniosynostosis genes in KEGG cancer pathway and several cancer related gene-sets. Many cancer-craniosynostosis overlapping genes participate in intracellular signaling pathways, which play a role in both development and cancer. This connection can be viewed from the oncogenesis recapitulates ontogenesis framework. Nineteen craniosynostosis genes are transcription factor genes (16.8% vs. 8.2% baseline), and craniosynostosis genes are also enriched in targets of certain transcription factors or micro RNAs.
Osteopoikilosis: Rare case with incidental radiographic findings

We report a case of benign, autosomal dominant, sclerosing dysplasia of bone in a 41-year-old man. This is a very rare disorder character-ized by numerous, symmetric, homogenous bone islands. The disease is mainly asymptomatic and requires no treatment.
Optical metabolic imaging of hypoxic exposure in breast cancer cells of varying metastatic potential

Metabolic changes in breast cancer cells of varying metastatic potential on exposure to chronic and intermittent hypoxia are determined using optical redox ratio obtained via two-photon microscopy.
Chemical bonding and electronic structure of Pd 2 Si

The chemical bonding and electronic properties of ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}$Si have been investigated by measuring ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy and Auger electron spectroscopy transitions involving both core and valence electrons for Pd, Si, and ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}$Si. The spectra have been interpreted based on partial state densities calculated for Pd-Si compounds. In the silicide, the $d$ states of the Pd interact strongly with the $p$ states of the Si. The resulting $p\ensuremath{-}d$ hybrid complex is composed of Pd $d$ states lying almost entirely below ${E}_{F}$ with the central peak at - 2.75 eV and two groups of Si states separated by \ensuremath{\sim}5 eV. The lower-lying group of Si states forms the Si $3p$-Pd $4d$ bonding levels, while the higher-lying group near ${E}_{F}$ forms the corresponding antibonding states. The compound stoichiometry can change the position of the $d$ peak as well as the occupation of the antibonding states, thus affecting the phase stability of the compound. Such stoichiometry variations are consistent with filling of the $d\ensuremath{-}p$ complex in an almost rigid-band-like manner. The results obtained in this study can be used to account for the transport properties of ${\mathrm{Pd}}_{2}$Si.
The Impact of Climate Change and Extreme Weather Conditions on Agricultural Health and Safety in California

Extreme weather events, including unseasonal, unpredictable, and severe heat, precipitation, winds, and wildfires, pose risks to agricultural production processes and to those who work in agriculture. Research suggests that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more severe as a result of climate change. For farmers, farmworkers, and others working outdoors, extreme weather can exacerbate occupational health and safety risks. Our qualitative research was conducted in California and shows that agricultural employers and farmworkers are aware of the threat of extreme weather and concerned about the impacts of drought, heat, and wildfires, the frequency of which are expected to increase as global temperatures continue to rise. As a major agricultural region, California’s efforts toward adaptation and mitigation, as well as protection of the health of workers, can serve to advance knowledge of the impact of climate change in agricultural safety and health.
Sediment deposition affects mangrove forests in the Mekong delta, Vietnam

Abstract Enhanced deposition is common near river mouths where large amounts of sediment is available. Our study focuses on the effects of sediment deposition on a mangrove forest in the Mekong river delta, Vietnam. At this site, the mangrove forest fringe is characterized by Sonneratia spp. and both mud and sand are present. High deposition rates bury mangrove roots and pneumatophores, causing forest dieback. Field measurements indicate that dead trees in a ghost forest have roots buried in about 1.20 m of sediments, while surviving trees have a typical root depth of 0.6 m. Saplings revegetating the dieback area have a root depth around 0.2 m. Root depth is further related to forest basal area and number of pneumatophores per square meter. Sediment burial covers the pneumatophores smothering the mangroves roots and decreasing the health of the forest. Remote sensing images indicate that the dieback occurred in 2014, with a sharp drop in Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). The forest partly recovered in the following 5 years reaching the NDVI value of 2013. Our study is adding a new understanding of the coupling between mangrove forest evolution and sediment transport in tropical deltas.
The promise and the practice of early childhood educare in the writings of Urie Bronfenbrenner

Urie Bronfenbrenner is almost certainly best known for his theoretical writings about the ecology of human development. His interest in theory was not, however, separate from his practical concerns...
Teaching Tip: Planning for Remote or Socially-distanced Labs

This Teaching Tips article suggests considerations for running labs either remotely or socially-distanced. Consider your real learning objectives, the pros and cons of potential experiments, and operations and logistics issues.
Nostoc oromo sp. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanophyceae) from Ethiopia: a new species based on morphological and molecular evidence

In the course of study of the cyanobacterial flora of Ethiopian soil crusts, we isolated a distinctive strain most closely resembling Chroococcidiopsis kashayi, and at first considered it to be a new Chroococcidiopsis species. However, when placed in nitrogen-free medium for an extended time period this strain developed heterocytes, and consequently was placed in the genus Nostoc. It is morphologically distinct from all other Nostoc species due to its consistent formation of microscopic few-celled colonies lacking clear filamentous organization, which release smaller colonies from the mother colony, leaving behind a persistent thin firm sheath that resembles cell wall material in the light microscope. Analysis of 16S rRNA and 16S-23S ITS sequence data confirmed its uniqueness among numerous strains of soil Nostoc. We are describing it as Nostoc oromo, named for the nationality of the people from the region of its origin.
Sphere Drag Data at Supersonic Speeds and Low Reynolds Numbers

Drag forces on spheres have been measured in a low-density supersonic wind tunnel. Mach Numbers were from 2.1 to 2.8, and the Reynolds Number (based on free-stream properties and sphere diameter) ranged from 15 to 800. Available experimental data for the same Mach Numbers as the present tests, but with Reynolds Numbers in the order of magnitude 10, showed tha t the drag coefficients could be correlated as a function of Mach Number alone and were not altered by a sixfold change in Reynolds Number. The present data showed an increase of drag coefficient by a factor of 2 y 2 over the test range. Flow visualization photographs indicated a possibility that interaction occurred between the sphere boundary layer and shock wave at low Reynolds Numbers. Additional experimental data are required before the relative importance of viscous, molecular flow, and shock-wave effects can be evaluated completely.
Retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection induced by activation of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.

Abstract The α7nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, has previously been shown to have a neuroprotective effect against loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in an in vivo glaucoma model when the agent was injected into the vitreous chamber of adult Long Evans rat eyes. Here, we characterized the neuroprotective effect of PNU-282987 at the nerve fiber and retinal ganglion cell layer, determined that neuroprotection occurred when the agonist was applied as eye drops and verified detection of the agonist in the retina, using LC/MS/MS. To induce glaucoma-like conditions in adult Long Evans rats, hypertonic saline was injected into the episcleral veins to induce scar tissue and increase intraocular pressure. Within one month, this procedure produced significant loss of RGCs compared to untreated conditions. RGCs were quantified after immunostaining with an antibody against Thy 1.1 and imaged using a confocal microscope. In dose–response studies, concentrations of PNU-282987 were applied to the animal's right eye two times each day, while the left eye acted as an internal control. Eye drops of PNU-282987 resulted in neuroprotection against RGC loss in a dose-dependent manner using concentrations between 100 μM and 2 mM PNU-282987. LC/MS/MS results demonstrated that PNU-282987 was detected in the retina when applied as eye drops, relatively small amounts of PNU-282987 were measured in blood plasma and no PNU-282987 was detected in cardiac tissue. These results support the hypothesis that eye drop application of PNU-282987 can prevent loss of RGCs associated with glaucoma, which can lead to neuroprotective treatments for diseases that involve α7nAChRs.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Patients with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have a greatly increased risk of kidney disease, due in part to HIV-associated nephropathy and commonly used nephrotoxic medications. The cutaneous manifestations of HIV are a vast spectrum of disorders including exaggerated or atypical presentations of common diseases, opportunistic infections, and adverse medication reactions. A dermatologic sign or symptom may be the first presentation of an occult HIV infection. Many cutaneous manifestations of HIV are correlated with CD4 T-cell count, such that skin diseases may progress more rapidly or present in an atypical fashion as immune status deteriorates. The introduction of effective antiretroviral treatment has modified the course of the disease while simultaneously introducing its own complications including medication reactions, lipodystrophy syndrome, and the immune reconstitution syndrome.
The anatomy, spatial relationships, and role of uncovertebral articulations as the source of posterolateral cervical cartilage sequestrations.

Object The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial relationships of the uncovertebral articulations (UAs) with the dural origins of the C-5, C-6, and C-7 nerve roots. Methods The C3–7 segment of the cervical spine was removed from 18 embalmed cadavers. Spatial relationships between the C-5, C-6, and C-7 nerve roots and the UAs were examined using combinations of standard surgical approaches together with cross-sections at the level of the dural origins of the nerve roots and exposures of the floor of the spinal canal. Results The cartilaginous interspace that underlies the dural origin of a nerve root is the interspace of a UA. It is interposed between the central core cartilage of the disc and the dural origin of a nerve root. Cervical nerve roots do not come in contact with the interspace of an intervertebral disc at any site from their dural origin to their exit from the spinal canal. A cartilage fragment that originates from the central core cartilage of the disc may compress the intradural s...
Temperament and attachment: one construct or two?

In this chapter we described the constructs of temperament and attachment and have discussed similarities and differences between the two. We addressed the issue of whether temperament contributes to overall attachment security or to the specific type of attachment that children display. We conclude that although temperament may influence the type of secure and insecure attachment relationship children form with their parent, temperament alone will not determine if a child is classified as securely or insecurely attached. We presented evidence suggesting that certain dimensions of temperament, specifically negative emotionality, may be associated with infants' behavior during the Strange Situation, such as proneness-to-distress during separations. However, we noted that these temperament dimensions do not predict overall security of attachment. It is likely that although no single temperament characteristic, such as proneness-to-distress, in and of itself determines overall attachment security, it is possible that a constellation of temperament characteristics may be more strongly related to attachment security. The examination of constellations of temperament characteristics may be particularly useful for furthering our understanding of individual differences within attachment classifications. Such an approach may elucidate the reasons why infants are classified into one subgroup of secure, insecure-avoidant, or insecure-resistant attachment versus another subgroup. Furthermore, we suggest that the collection of findings regarding temperament and attachment not only underscores the importance of a transactional approach to early social-emotional development, but emphasizes that temperament and attachment can make unique and interactive contributions to children's social-emotional functioning. That is, the goodness-of-fit between infant and parent characteristics may best predict security of attachment. Although child characteristics clearly contribute to the development of the parent-child relationship, we believe that the effects of infant temperament on infant-caregiver attachment may well be indirect, and may be moderated by such variables as maternal personality and social support. Thus, taken together, a growing literature clearly indicates that although temperament and attachment security are interrelated, they are by no means interchangeable constructs. To return to our guiding question, "Temperament and attachment: One construct or two?" We reply, "two."
High Spin and Low Spin Forms of Co(II) Carbonic Anhydrase TEMPERATURE-DEPENDENT CHANGES IN SPIN STATE AND COORDINATION GEOMETRY

Abstract Electron spin resonance (ESR) and absorption spectral studies are described which demonstrate two types of cyanide complex of Co(II) human carbonic anhydrase B. High spin (S = 3/2) Co(II) is present at the active site of the cobalt enzyme in the presence of both 1 and 2 eq of CN- at room temperature. At liquid nitrogen temperature the 1:1 complex remains high spin, while the enzyme in the presence of 2 eq of CN- shifts to low spin (S = 1/2). ESR spectra at 111°K and 10°K and absorption spectra at 299°K and 77°K are compatible with tetrahedral coordination geometry for the 1:1 complex at all temperatures and for the enzyme in the presence of 2 eq of CN- at room temperature. Determination of the temperature dependence of the ESR and absorption spectra of the enzyme in the presence of 2 eq of CN- shows a low spin dicyanide complex to form when the sample freezes (∼273°K). The ESR spectra at liquid nitrogen temperature of the dicyanide complex formed with 12C14N-, 12C15N-, and 13C14N- show it to contain two ligands along the z-axis of the complex, a nitrogen atom from the protein and the carbon atom of a C-coordinated cyanide. A coordination complex consisting of a distorted trigonal bipyramid with five ligands to the Co(II) or an octahedral complex with six ligands would account for the ESR and absorption spectra of the low spin dicyanide complex at liquid nitrogen temperature. These changes illustrate a certain flexibility of the ligands at the active site as well as a difference in molecular conformation between the liquid and the frozen state.
Numerical Analysis of Scattering by Interface Flaws

Scattering by inhomogeneities in homogeneous media can be analyzed in an elegant manner by reducing the problem statement to the solution of a system of singular integral equations over the surface of the scatterer [1]. This system can be solved in a relatively straight forward manner by the use of the boundary element method [2]. An inhomogeneity in an interface between two solids of different mechanical properties presents some additional complications to the numerical analyst. These complications are discussed in this paper. In deriving the system of singular integral equations, it was decided to use the Green’s functions for the unbounded regions of the two materials, rather than the single Green’s function for the space of the joined half spaces. This approach introduces a considerable simplification in the integrands, but at the expense of the addition of a set of boundary integral equations over the interface between the two solids, outside of the inhomogeneity. In the boundary element approach the domain of these equations has to be truncated. Specific results are presented for backscattering by a spherical cavity in the interface of solids of different elastic moduli and mass densities.
Parental Smoking and Children's Behavioral and Cognitive Functioning

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the effects of tobacco exposure, both prenatal and postnatal, on children's behavior and cognition. Infants who are exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy are at an increased risk for other toxic exposures. Mothers who smoke are more likely to drink and use illicit drugs. Women who smoke differ from women who do not in a number of psychosocial characteristics. Higher rates of unwanted pregnancies, difficulties in coping with stress, and lower self‐esteem are found more commonly among women who smoke compared to women who do not. Prenatal exposure to maternal smoking has been shown to adversely affect children's performance on intelligence and achievement tests, as well as performance in school, although findings in this area are not as consistent as those for increased rates of behavior problems. Animal studies have confirmed that nicotine at doses not high enough to cause intrauterine growth retardation still acts as a neuroteratogen, thereby altering rodent brain development and behavior. Nicotine exposure to a prenatal brain may prematurely stimulate the shift from neuronal proliferation to differentiation, a shift normally occurring later in development.
pRb is necessary for inhibition of N-myc expression by TGF-beta 1 in embryonic lung organ cultures

The beta type transforming growth factors (TGF-beta) are potent inhibitors of epithelial cell proliferation, and data suggest that growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 is mediated through suppression of Myc family genes in certain cell types. Indirect evidence has indicated that the product of the retinoblastoma gene (pRb) may also be involved in this pathway. Previously, we have shown that TGF-beta 1 inhibits branching morphogenesis and N-myc expression in mouse embryonic lung cultures. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of pRb in the inhibition of branching morphogenesis and N-myc expression by TGF-beta 1. Treatment with TGF-beta 1 was shown to inhibit development of lungs from homozygous Rb null (Rb−/−) and heterozygous null (Rb+/−) mouse embryos to the same extent as lungs from wild-type (Rb+/+) embryos. However, TGF-beta 1 treatment did not suppress N-myc expression in Rb−/− as it did in Rb+/+ embryonic lung explants as determined by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. The effect of TGF-beta 1 treatment on N-myc expression in lungs from Rb+/− embryos was intermediate between that seen in Rb+/+ and Rb−/− embryos. Embryonic lungs derived from transgenic mice expressing the SV40 large T-antigen in lung epithelium under the control of the surfactant protein C promoter also showed inhibition of development in response to TGF-beta 1 treatment. The data demonstrate that pRb is necessary for TGF-beta 1 suppression of N-myc expression but not for TGF-beta 1 inhibition of branching morphogenesis; therefore, suppression of N-myc is not necessary for inhibition of branching morphogenesis by TGF-beta 1.