cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
0061 Barriers and facilitators to successful recruitment and engagement of black and Latinx youth in hospital-based violence intervention programs

Statement of purpose Black and Latinx youth bear an unequal burden of adversity and trauma with an overrepresentation in violent injury and gunshot wound hospital admissions. To address the long- reaching developmental impacts on health and wellbeing, hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) have emerged to provide case management services after discharge. Recruitment and engagement of youth are primary barriers to program success, yet little research exists on best practices. By convening a sample of representatives from established HVIPs, this study illuminates barriers and facilitators to successful recruitment and engagement of youth. Methods/Approach Drawing from four HVIPs based in Midwest and Northeast cities of similar demographics in the United States, a purposive sample of representatives (n = 7) participated in a focus group (90 minutes). Content analysis was conducted in three phases. First, two researchers separately completed open and focused coding resulting in preliminary categories. Second, a researcher reviewed these codes for accuracy, and revisions were made after consensus was reached. Third, preliminary themes were vetted and finalized by the full research team using consensus. A code book was created documenting all changes. Results Two themes emerged related to barriers and facilitators: ‘Individual/Relational’ with categories such as Patient and Parent-Specific Characteristics, Building Rapport, Enhancing the Teachable Moment, and Building Relational Health; and ‘Structural/Systemic’ with categories including Hospital Investment, Structural Racism, Workflow, Training and Preparedness of Staff, and Trauma Informed Procedures. Conclusions The findings illuminate barriers and facilitators relevant to structural, programmatic, familial, and youth-focused aspects of HVIPs. Strategies to address these barriers are discussed. Significance This is the first study to examine facilitators and barriers to recruitment and engagement of clients in HVIPs. As the emerging standard of care for violent injury in hospitals, studies advancing the practices of HVIPs are critical to ending the cycle of violence experienced by youth of color.
Learning to control tinnitus

Abstract Tinnitus, the perception of sound in the absence of an external source, has been noted for millennia in historical medical and other texts. It affects between 10% and 15% of adults in the general population. Tinnitus can be considered to be both the perceived sound itself and the psychological reaction to it. Variability in both these factors drives the heterogeneity seen in the patient population. Here, we consider what occurs after the onset of chronic, continuous tinnitus, which lacks a cure, focusing primarily on the psychological impact on the individual. The great majority of those with chronic tinnitus learn to habituate to it, possibly exerting greater cognitive control of their emotional processing, whereas a minority report bothersome symptoms associated with their tinnitus. These symptoms include difficulties with sleeping, challenges with communication and concentration, and associated anxiety and depression. Although there have been several influential models of tinnitus generation, few have considered the process of habituation and the attendant neuroplasticity of long-term chronic tinnitus. As data accumulate from cross-sectional behavioral and brain imaging studies, the neural bases of successful habituation are becoming clearer, pointing to interconnected neural networks mediating cognition and emotion and, only secondarily, audition. What remains unclear are the longitudinal changes in these networks culminating in successful habituation, with or without an intervention. Greater knowledge of these changes will allow us to unravel the mystery of not only tinnitus but also how sound itself is consciously perceived.
Impacts of lime application on soil bacterial microbiome in dryland wheat soil in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract Soil acidification is a global issue that significantly reduces crop productivity. Lime application is a viable agricultural strategy to ameliorate soil acidification. However, the knowledge of the impact of lime application on the soil microbiome is still limited. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the diversity, structure, and compositions of the soil bacterial community after liming on wheat fields. We established winter wheat plots in two precipitation zones, Pendleton and Moro in Oregon, facing soil acidity stress, and conducted bacterial microbiome analysis after lime application using Illumina MiSeq. Soil pH increased with increasing rates of lime amendments in the surface soil (0–7.5 cm) but did not significantly change in deeper soil (7.5–15 and 15–22.5 cm). High-throughput sequencing results revealed that liming had marginally effects on soil bacterial communities. A few bacterial families, including Cytophagaceae, Flavobacteriaceae, Intrasporangiaceae, Phyllobacteriaceae, Propionibacteriaceae, Pseudomonadaceae, and Sphingobacteriaceae, were correlated with lime application. In contrast, location and soil depth had a strong effect on soil bacterial communities. In addition, the impacts of liming on soil bacterial diversity and taxa were inconsistent and location- and soil depth-dependent. Furthermore, four nitrifiers were quantitated from all samples by qPCR assay. Ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and Nitrobacter were most abundant in the topsoil, while ammonia oxidizing archaea (AOA) and Nitrospira were more abundant in deeper soil. Only Nitrospira was significantly influenced by soil pH. Overall, these results suggest that location, soil depth, lime amendments, and their interactions have significant impacts on the soil bacterial community that may influence plant health and crop yields.
Loss of Acta2 in cardiac fibroblasts does not prevent the myofibroblast differentiation or affect the cardiac repair after myocardial infarction

Abstract In response to myocardial infarction (MI), quiescent cardiac fibroblasts differentiate into myofibroblasts mediating tissue repair in the infarcted area. One of the most widely accepted markers of myofibroblast differentiation is the expression of Acta2 which encodes smooth muscle alpha-actin (SMαA) that is assembled into stress fibers. However, the requirement of Acta2 in the myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts and its role in post-MI cardiac repair were still not known. To answer these questions, we generated a tamoxifen-inducible cardiac fibroblast-specific Acta2 knockout mouse line. Surprisingly, mice that lacked Acta2 in cardiac fibroblasts had a normal survival rate after MI. Moreover, Acta2 deletion did not affect the function or overall histology of infarcted hearts. No difference was detected in the proliferation, migration, or contractility between WT cardiac fibroblasts and Acta2-null cardiac myofibroblasts. Additional analysis identified that Acta2-null cardiac myofibroblasts had a normal total filamentous actin level and total actin level. Acta2 deletion caused a unique compensatory increase in the transcription level of Actg2 and a possible increase in the protein abundance of cytoplasmic actin isoforms. In conclusion, the deletion of Acta2 does not prevent the myofibroblast differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts or affect the post-MI cardiac repair, and the increase in the expression of non-SMαA actin isoforms and the functional redundancy between actin isoforms are likely able to compensate for the loss of Acta2 in cardiac myofibroblasts.
Global RF & Co2 Pollution: Transition to Green Cellular Technology

Cell phone towers emit radio frequencies (RF) 24 h a day and we absorb them continuously. We also absorb RF from the cell phone when we use it, indicating possible public health issues. These cell phone towers, owned and operated by service providers, use power 24 h a day. Consequently, power for this technology also contributes to global CO2 pollution, which is expected to rise because of current explosion in wireless data. Almost all countries around the globe face this dilemma, giving rise to ever-increasing Global RF & CO2 pollution.
The Effects of Microfilament Disrupting Agents on HCl Secretion and Ultrastructure of Piglet Gastric Oxyntic Cells

A functionally responsive in vitro preparation of piglet gastric mucosa was used to investigate the involvement of microfilaments in the process of HCl secretion by oxyntic cells. A well-ordered array of microfilaments was observed in the short, stubby microvilli on the apical surface of nonsecreting oxyntic cells, as well as in the longer microvilli of actively secreting cells. Treatment with cytochalasin B (10−5 – 10−4 M) caused a dose-dependent inhibition of acid secretion and a concomitant gradient of morphologic alteration of oxyntic cells. Associated with slight (~20%) inhibition of secretion was an initial collapse of the canalicular and glandular lumina and appearance of some pleomorphicshaped microvilli. Maximum inhibition of secretion always produced a complete collapse of the oxyntic cell canalicular and glandular lumina, with a resultant apposition of apical surfaces. Microvilli were no longer readily distinguishable, and microfilaments were severely disorganized. Treatment with cytochalasin B (2−4 × 10−5 M) before secretagogue stimulation also reduced the ability of the gastric mucosa to secrete acid; oxyntic cells retained the general appearance of nonsecreting cells. The correlation of disruption of microfilaments and the inhibition of acid secretion by cytochalasin B suggests an involvement of microfilaments in both the initiation and maintenance of high levels of acid secretion.
Binding of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme to bacteriophage T7 DNA. Measurements of the rate of open complex formation at T7 promoter A.

Abstract We have studied the rate of open promoter complex formation in vitro between Escherichia coli RNA polymerase holoenzyme and the A1 promoter on bacteriophage T7 DNA, employing a novel method based on the quantitative transcription assay of Chamberlin et al. (1979). The procedure measures the time needed to achieve a constant rate of RNA synthesis in a reaction in which each RNA polymerase molecule is restricted to a single round of transcription. This time is inversely proportional to the rate of open complex formation by active RNA polymerase molecules, provided that RNA chain initiation is sufficiently rapid. Under solution conditions that favor formation of open promoter complexes at T7 promoter A1 at equilibrium, the rates observed are in good agreement with those obtained using other methods such as filter binding, rifampicin challenge or template competition. However, the procedure is also applicable in many situations where other methods cannot be used. This includes reaction conditions such as low temperatures or elevated ionic strengths, where open promoter complexes are not stable. Studies using this procedure, taken with measurements based on template competition experiments (Kadesch et al., 1982, accompanying paper) yield a general picture of the major steps in the binding and activation of RNA polymerase at the T7 A1 promoter. Above 30 °C, the rates of template association and open complex formation are both rapid ( t 1 2 ~ 10 to 15 s ), and are insensitive to moderate changes in temperature or the concentration of monovalent or divalent cations. The rate constant for open complex formation is not altered by substantial changes in enzyme or DNA concentration. Thus the rate at 30 °C is not limited by promoter melting, but possibly by formation of an early, transient promoter complex. Close comparison of the rates of template association and of open complex formation suggests that there may be an additional intermediate between the closed promoter complex and the open promoter complex. At temperatures below 25 °C, the rate of open complex formation decreases substantially, while the rate of template association remains relatively unchanged; hence, a complex accumulates having the properties of a closed promoter complex. The rate of open complex formation at 15 °C also becomes sensitive to the counterion concentration. Thus for the T7 A1 promoter, it appears that the rate-limiting step is different at low temperatures, and involves the melting/isomerization of the closed promoter complex to the open promoter complex. Thus, even for a single promoter site, more than one step can be rate determining in the pathway from free RNA polymerase to elongating RNA polymerase, depending on the conditions employed for transcription.
Non-Determinism and Lazy Evaluation in Logic Programming

We propose a transformation of term rewriting systems in logic programs. The systems we consider may be non-confluent and/or non-terminating. The programs we generate compute lazily. Our approach is based on a generalization of the concept of definitional trees. We propose an algorithm for code generation and discuss code optimization. We present a benchmark comparing the efficiency of various approaches to program design. We address the adequacy of Prolog to interpret the generated programs. We characterize a situation in which non-determinism and lazy evaluation do not mix well. We show the application of our ideas to two simple, but non-trivial problems.
An animated 3D model of the synchronous movements of the suprasyringeal structures and organs in the neck of a vocalizing songbird, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) (918.8)

In birds, sound is generated in the syrinx and is filtered by suprasyringeal structures that move relative to one another. The larynx moves relative to the hyoid apparatus, which moves relative to ...
Designing and Conducting Phase III Studies

Phase III studies are defined as randomized controlled studies enrolling large numbers of patients with the purpose of rendering a definitive assessment of how effective the studied intervention is, compared with the existing standard of care. The randomized clinical trial is characterized by two or more therapeutic treatment groups. This article focuses on design and conduct of phase III studies. Keywords: phase III studies; randomized controlled studies; statistical analysis; drug efficacy
Magnetically coated horn for low sidelobes and low cross-polarisation

The authors show that low sidelobes, low cross-polarisation and, if desired, symmetrical radiation patterns, can be achieved for horn antennas by placing a properly designed magnetic coating on the inner walls of a horn. The magnetic coating over an electric conductor is, in effect, a simultaneously electric and magnetic conductor in these designs. By choosing appropriate horn flare angles, good antenna performance close to that of corrugated horns was achieved for the magnetically coated horns except for antenna gain reduction due to dissipative loss.
The effects of chronic alcohol and vitamin E consumption on aging pigments and learning performance in mice.

Abstract Chronic ethanol consumption further accelerates age-related impairment of shuttle box avoidance learning in mice. The hypothesis was tested that the behavioral impairment is a result of brain lipofuscin pigment deposition, which may be accelerated by ethanol consumption and prevented by the antioxidant effects of pharmacological doses of vitamin E. Feeding an ethanol-containing liquid diet for 5 months did not increase the lipofuscin content when compared with mice pair-fed a liquid diet containing isocaloric amounts of sucrose or standard solid laboratory food containing nutritionally adequate amounts of vitamin E. Supplementation of diets with vitamin E decreased brain lipofuscin content in all groups but failed to prevent the age- or ethanol-induced learning deficit. There was no effect of chronic ethanol consumption on brain weights, DNA, RNA, or protein content. It is concluded that the age-related impairment of avoidance learning is accelerated by chronic alcohol consumption. At the molecular level this acceleration is not caused by an increased brain lipofuscin deposition nor is it prevented by the antioxidant effects of vitamin E.
Converging on a general model of protein evolution

The availability of high-throughput genomic databases that establish protein dispensability, expression and interaction networks enables rigorous tests of competing models of protein evolution. Recent research utilizing these new data sets shows that protein evolution is more complex than was previously thought. Several variables, including protein dispensability, expression, functional density, and genetic modularity, appear to have independent effects on the evolutionary rate of proteins, suggesting that proteomes have evolved via an assembly of selectional regimes. These results indicate that a general model of protein evolution will emerge as more functional genomic data from a diversity of organisms accumulate.
The impact of a social cognitive theory‐based intervention on physical education teacher self‐efficacy

Adolescents are physically inactive and non‐Caucasian adolescents achieve the least amount of physical activity. Hence, supporting teachers’ efforts to increase their students’ physical activity during physical education is important. We examined the influence of a social cognitive theory‐based intervention on teachers’ efficacy to teach physically active physical education lessons (i.e. Exemplary Physical Education Curriculum [EPEC] efficacy) and efficacy to overcome common barriers (i.e. barrier efficacy) to teaching physically active lessons. Forty‐seven elementary physical education teachers from a large inner‐city school district in the USA participated. We paired experienced teachers (n = 15) with novice 1 teachers (n = 15) while learning how to teach a physical activity curriculum and compared them with a group of teachers (n = 17) who received no intervention. We hypothesized that the intervention teachers, relative to the comparison group, would improve in their efficacy to teach the EPEC and ove...
Field assessments in conjunction with whole effluent toxicity testing

Whole effluent toxicity (WET) tests are widely used to assess potential effects of wastewater discharges on aquatic life. This paper represents a summary of chapters in a 1996 Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry–sponsored workshop and a literature review concerning linkages between WET testing and associated field biomonitoring. Most published studies thus far focus primarily on benthic macroinvertebrates and on effluent-dominated stream systems in which effluents demonstrate little or no significant acute toxicity. Fewer studies examine WET test predictability in other aquatic ecosystems (e.g., wetlands, estuaries, large rivers) or deal with instream biota such as fish and primary producers. Published results indicate that standards for the usual WET freshwater test species, Ceriodaphnia dubia and Pimephales promelas, may not always protect most of the species inhabiting a receiving stream. Although WET tests are useful in predicting aquatic individual responses, they are not meant to directly measure natural population or community responses. Further, they do not address bioconcentration or bioaccumulation of hydrophobic compounds; do not assess eutrophication effects in receiving systems; and lastly, do not reflect genotoxic effects or function to test for endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Consequently, a more direct evaluation of ecosystem health, using bioassessment techniques, may be needed to properly evaluate aquatic systems affected by wastewater discharges.
Bridge Annual Maintenance Prioritization under Uncertainty by Multiobjective Combinatorial Optimization

This article presents a general automatic procedure to prioritize annual maintenance interventions for deteriorating bridges over a designated time horizon. Multiple conflicting objectives associated with maximization of bridge performance and minimization of life cycle maintenance costs are considered simultaneously. The resulting combinatorial optimization problem is solved by a multiobjective genetic algorithm. Five different maintenance types, which have varied efficacies and unit costs, were considered. Numerical examples were provided to maintain the satisfactory performance of deteriorating reinforced concrete crossheads using the proposed procedure.
Fortune 100 companies’ Facebook strategies: corporate ability versus social responsibility

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how Fortune 100 companies are using Facebook (FB) in terms of employing corporate ability (CA), corporate social responsibility (CSR), and hybrid communication strategies, meeting different stakeholders’ expectations, and incorporating interactivity components into social media. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative content analysis was used to examine a total of 1,486 corporate FB postings. Findings –Fortune 100 companies predominantly employed a CA strategy over a CSR strategy or a hybrid strategy. They prioritize customers’ needs over other stakeholders’ (e.g. stockholders and community members) on FB. FB fans are more likely to post “like” when companies personalize their FB messages. Seeking specific action-oriented participation on FB increased the frequencies of “like” and “comment,” whereas using the generic terms like “try” or “learn” decreased such frequencies. Finally, the frequencies of fans posting “like” and “comment” are affected by h...
Comparative study of the solid electrolyte interphase on graphite in full Li-ion battery cells using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy

Abstract Commercial lithium-ion cells with LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 as the positive electrode, graphite as the negative electrode and a LiPF6-EC:PC:DEC electrolyte were cycled under several conditions, and the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on the graphite electrode was studied. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy confirmed that LiPF6-EC:PC:DEC electrolyte was used in the cell and the relative volume ratio between solvents was acquired via quantitative NMR. Secondary ion mass spectrometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and a dual-beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope have been used to characterize the thickness, morphology and chemical composition of complex SEI on graphite anodes. The advantages and limitations of the characterization techniques are discussed and the results compared to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the SEI.
A new face on apoptosis: Death-associated protein 3 and PDCD9 are mitochondrial ribosomal proteins

Two proteins known to be involved in promoting apoptosis in mammalian cells have been identified as components of the mammalian mitochondrial ribosome. Proteolytic digestion of whole mitochondrial ribosomal subunits followed by analysis of the peptides present using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry revealed that the proapoptotic proteins, death-associated protein 3 (DAP3) and the programmed cell death protein 9, are both components of the mitochondrial ribosome. DAP3 has motifs characteristic of guanine nucleotide binding proteins and is probably the protein that accounts for the nucleotide binding activity of mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes. The observations reported here implicate mitochondrial protein synthesis as a major component in cellular apoptotic signaling pathways.
Mesozoic paleomagnetism and northward translation of the Baja California Peninsula

Paleomagnetic data from Cretaceous igneous and sedimentary rocks of the Peninsular Ranges and Continental Borderland of the Baja California Peninsula yield an average pole position of 83°N, 344°E (A95 = 3.4°), suggesting that the peninsula as a whole has moved northward ∼11° and rotated 32° clockwise, with respect to the North American craton, since Cretaceous time. Only a small portion of this movement is due to the Neogene opening of the Gulf of California. Results from stratified rocks giving both positive and negative fold tests are included in the average Cretaceous pole. The rocks that fail fold tests have been deformed and remagnetized by nearby intrusives that are only slightly younger; unconnected directions from these sites closely match corrected directions from sites where the fold tests are positive. Oceanic rocks were also sampled in the Continental Borderland from Upper Triassic and Upper Jurassic tectonostratigraphic terranes which are apparently allochthonous with respect to the western Baja Peninsula and each other. These oceanic rocks show magnetizations indicating low paleolatitudes, although the hemisphere of origin is presently unknown. The Cretaceous rocks of the Baja California Peninsula may have originally formed adjacent to the now-truncated continental margin along the northern Middle America Trench. Northward transport of the peninsula probably occurred by transcurrent faulting associated with oblique subduction of the Farallon plate beneath western North America between Late Cretaceous and late Miocene time.
Phosphate laser glass for NIF: production status, slab selection, and recent technical advances

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a stadium-sized high-energy (1.8 megajoule) / high-peak power (500 terawatt) laser system, which will utilize over 3000 meter-size Nd-doped metaphosphate glasses as its gain media. The current production status, the selection criteria of individual slabs for specific beam line locations, and some recent technical advances are reviewed. The glass blanks are manufactured by a novel continuous glass melting process, and the finished slabs are then prepared by epoxy bonding a Cu-doped phosphate glass edge cladding and by advanced finishing techniques. To date, nearly 3400 slab equivalents have been melted, 2600 have been rough-cut to blanks, 1200 have been finished, and 144 have been installed in NIF. A set of selection rules, which are designed to optimize laser performance (e.g., maintain gain balance between beam lines and minimize beam walkoff) and to maximize glass lifetime with respect to Pt damage site growth, have been established for assigning individual slabs to specific beam line locations. Recent technical advances for amplifier slab production, which include: 1) minimizing surface pitting (hazing) after final finishing; 2) minimizing humidity-induced surface degradation (weathering) upon storage and use; and 3) preventing mounting-induced surface fractures upon installation, have contributed in improving the laser glass quality.
Buffer Gas Effects on the Ablation Rates of Copper Using a Pico-Second Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser

Copper samples were ablated by a pico-second pulsed Nd:YAG laser in Ar and He gases under different pressures. At 1064 nm, the change of ablation rate of copper in He gas from 1×10−5 to 760 torr is smaller than that in Ar gas. A model for the development of a plasma above the target surface is presented based on inverse Bremsstrahlung absorption between fast electrons and the gas medium. Ionization rate of the buffer gas versus pressure was estimated using the model, and a good correlation was found with the ablation rate.
Partial 5-HT1A receptor agonist activity by the 5-HT2C receptor antagonist SB 206,553 is revealed in rats spinalized as neonates

Modification of spinal serotonergic receptors caudal to spinal injury occurs in rats that received spinal cord transections as neonates. Evaluation of the serotonin syndrome, a group of motor stereotypies elicited by serotonergic (5-HT) agents in 5-HT-depleted animals, and open field locomotor behavior were used to assess behavioral consequences of injury and treatment. We extend these findings to show that a partial 5-HT(1A) agonist activity is revealed by the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist (SB 206,553) in this animal model, as measured by evaluation of serotonin syndrome behavior. Treadmill stimulation enhances this motor response, caudal to the injury, in the hindlimbs and tail. These results imply a broader modification of serotonergic receptors than previously thought and suggest a potential strategy by which serotonergic agents may enhance functional recovery following neonatal injury.
A new characterization of half-flat solutions to Einstein's equation

A 3+1 formulation of complex Einstein's equation is first obtained on a real 4-manifoldM, topologically σ×R, where σ is an arbitrary 3-manifold. The resulting constraint and evolution equations are then simplified by using variables that capture the (anti-) self dual part of the 4-dimensional Weyl curvature. As a result, to obtain a vacuum self-dual solution, one has just to solve one constraint and one “evolution” equation on a field of triads on σ: $$Div V_i^a = 0 and \dot V_i^a = \varepsilon _{ijk} \left[ {V_j ,V_k } \right]^a , with i \equiv 1,2,3,$$ where Div denotes divergence with respect to a fixed, non-dynamical volume element. If the triad is real, the resulting self-dual metric is real and positive definite. This characterization of self-dual solutions in terms of triads appears to be particularly well suited for analysing the issues of exact integrability of the (anti-) self-dual Einstein system. Finally, although the use of a 3+1 decomposition seems artificial from a strict mathematical viewpoint, as David C. Robinson has recently shown, the resulting triad description is closely related to the hyperkahler geometry that (anti-) self-dual vacuum solutions naturally admit.
Interferon-α activates multiple STAT signals and down-regulates c-Met in primary human hepatocytes

Abstract Background & Aims: Interferon (IFN)-α therapy is currently the primary choice for viral hepatitis and a promising treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Primary mouse and rat hepatocytes respond poorly to IFN-α stimulation. Thus, it is very important to examine the IFN-α signal pathway in primary human hepatocytes. Methods: The IFN-α–activated signals and genes in primary human hepatocytes and hepatoma cells were examined by Western blotting and microarray analyses. Results: Primary human hepatocytes respond very well to IFN-α stimulation as shown by activation of multiple signal transducer and activator of transcription factor (STAT) 1, 2, 3, 5, and multiple genes. The differential response to IFN-α stimulation in primary human and mouse hepatocytes may be caused by expression of predominant functional IFN-α receptor 2c (IFNAR2c) in primary human hepatocytes vs. expression of predominant inhibitory IFNAR2a in mouse hepatocytes. Microarray analyses of primary human hepatocytes show that IFN-α up-regulates about 44 genes by over 2-fold and down-regulates about 9 genes by 50%. The up-regulated genes include a variety of antiviral and tumor suppressors/proapoptotic genes. The down-regulated genes include c-myc and c-Met, the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. Down-regulation of c-Met is caused by IFN-α suppression of the c-Met promoter through down-regulation of Sp1 binding and results in attenuation of HGF-induced signals and cell proliferation. Conclusions: IFN-α directly targets human hepatocytes, followed by activation of multiple STATs and regulation of a wide variety of genes, which may contribute to the antiviral and antitumor activities of IFN-α in human liver. GASTROENTEROLOGY 2002;122:1020-1034
Transcatheter embolization of the marginal artery of drummond as treatment for life-threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage complicating heparin therapy

We report a case in which life-threatening retroperitoneal hemorrhage complicated heparin therapy. The bleeding originated from the marginal artery of Drummond which was catheterized with a 3-Fr coaxial catheter system (Tracker-18 catheter) and embolized with microcoils. Bleeding stopped and no ischemic complications developed for 3 years after embolization.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia in Amish communities

Primary ciliary dyskinesia is an autosomal recessive multigenic disease that results in impaired mucociliary clearance. We have diagnosed 9 subjects with primary ciliary dyskinesia from geographically dispersed Amish communities, on the basis of clinical characteristics and ciliary ultrastructural defects. Despite consanguinity, affected individuals had evidence of genetic heterogeneity.
Evidence for the involvement of opioid peptides in phagocytosis, conformation, granulation and aggregation of immunocompetent Lumbricus terrestris amoebocytes

Opioid peptides and their analogs were shown to enhance Lumbricus terrestris amoebocyte phagocytosis, aggregation, granulation and conformation. These actions appear to be concentration dependent with 10−8 M met-enkephalin and 10−6 M dynorphin A having the greatest effect on the earthworm amoebocytes (P < 0.05). Interleukin-1α significantly enhanced met-enkephalin mediated earthworm amoebocyte aggregation; leu-enkephalin mediated phagocytosis and aggregation; DAMA mediated phagocytosis; and U69,593 mediated phagocytosis, aggregation and conformation (P < 0.05). Naloxone generally inhibited these activities indicating opioid receptor mediated mechanisms for earthworm amoebocyte function.
Population Balances of Micron-Sized Aerosols in a Bipolar Ion Environment

The present work re-examines the assumptions that are required for a steady-state charge distribution analysis to be valid. First, the common approximation that there are only 11 charge states available to the distribution is relaxed to allow for 201 charge states to be available to the particle distribution. This is found to have large repercussions on the behavior of the distribution for radii greater than 0.5 μm. The steady-state assumption itself is then re-examined by calculating the time required to reach steady state for many different ion-pair production rates and initial particle charge states as a function of radius. In the steady-state model, the ion populations are often assumed to decouple completely from the aerosol; this is shown to be false throughout the troposphere. Finally, the number of positive and negative charge states needed to accurately model a particle population of a given size is determined.
15N SHIELDING OF THE NITROSYL LIGAND IN CO(NO)(TPP)

Using the density functional theory-individual gauge for localized orbitals (DFT-IGLO) method, the 15N shielding for a nitrosyl ligand bound to a cobalt in a tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) complex is s...
Evidence for transparency in medium-energy composite-projectile nucleus collisions

We compare total reaction cross sections found in proton and composite-projectile (d and ..cap alpha..) collisions with /sup 12/C, /sup 16/O, and /sup 40/Ca target nuclei at incident energies between 5 and 600 MeV/nucleon. The energy dependence of the composite-projectile sigma/sub R/ values is found to be as large or larger than for protons. A simple semiclassical analysis suggests that, at E/sub c.m.//nucleon of approximately 250 MeV, composite-projectile collisions are, in effect, more transparent than proton collisions with the same target nucleus.
Therapeutic intervention for wear debris-induced aseptic implant loosening

Abstract Wear debris-induced aseptic loosening is an inflammatory bone disorder, which compromises the long-term success of total joint replacement. Despite the extensive research and great progress in treating inflammation-induced osteolysis for inflammatory arthritis, no drug has been proven for treatment/prevention of aseptic implant loosening. Also, there is very limited research on developing effective drug delivery systems for this pathological condition. In this review, we will discuss different therapeutic interventions and various delivery systems that have been developed for aseptic implant loosening. To provide the prospective for the future research in this area, the biology of wear particles-induced osteolysis, animal models developed for aseptic implant loosening and the potential challenges the field is facing are also presented in the discussion.
Micromechanical model of crack growth in fiber reinforced ceramics

A model based on the micromechanical mechanism of crack growth resistance in fiber reinforced ceramics is presented. The formulation of the model is based on a small scale geometry of a macrocrack with a bridging zone, the process zone, which governs the resistance mechanism. The effect of high toughness of the fibers in retardation of the crack advance, and the significance of the fiber pullout mechanism on the crack growth resistance, are reflected in this model. The model allows one to address issues such as influence of fiber spacing, fiber flexibility, and fiber matrix friction. Two approaches were used. One represents the fracture initiation and concentrated on the development of the first microcracks between fibers. An exact closed form solution was obtained for this case. The second case deals with the development of an array of microcracks between fibers forming the bridging zone. An implicit exact solution is formed for this case. In both cases, a discrete fiber distribution is incorporated into the solution.
New kinks and solitons solutions to the (2+1) -dimensional Konopelchenko-Dubrovsky equation

In this work, the (2+1)-dimensional Konopelchenko-Dubrovsky (KD) equation is studied. The tanh-sech method, the cosh-sinh method and exponential functions method are efficiently employed to handle this equation. By means of these methods, the solitary wave, periodic wave and kink solutions are formally obtained.
Activation of rabbit platelet phospholipase and thromboxane synthesis by 1-O-hexadecyl/octadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine (platelet activating factor).

1-O-Hexadecyl/octadecyl-2-acetyl-sn-glyceryl-3-phosphorylcholine (AGEPC), structurally identical with platelet activating factor, is a potent stimulus for rabbit platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion. AGEPC at concentrations between 10(-10) and 10(-8) M induced stimulation of rabbit platelet synthesis of thromboxane B2. The dose vs. response curve for platelet thromboxane B2 synthesis was displaced slightly towards higher stimulus concentrations compared to [3H]serotonin secretion, with half-maximal concentrations of 2.5 . 10(-9) and 8 . 10(-10) M, respectively. Rates of thromboxane B2 synthesis and secretion were similar with a t 1/2 max of 4.0-4.5 s for both processes. AGEPC induced a decrease in platelet [14C]arachidonic acid in both phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine, although [14C]arachidonic acid turnover in phosphatidylcholine was not observed below 1 . 10(-8) M AGEPC. Concomitantly, this decrease in phospholipid [14C]arachidonic acid was associated with a marked increase of radiolabel in platelet diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid 15 s after AGEPC addition, suggesting the possibility of a phospholipase C-diacylglycerol lipase mechanism of fatty acid cleavage. As observed previously with secretion and aggregation, removal of the 2-acetyl group from AGEPC abrogated all capacity of this molecule to stimulate platelet phospholipase. This study indicates that AGEPC (or platelet activating factor) activation of rabbit platelet phospholipase occurs in a time-course and concentration range similar to that required for [3H]serotonin secretion.
Ewing’s sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumour in a possible primary testicular location

Sir,In May 2004, a 21‐year‐old male college student was admitted at our institution, complaining of lower back pain for a period of 4 months without neurological deficits. The patient also mentione...
An analysis of the shocklike electrostatic noise observed during AMPTE solar wind ion releases

Electrostatic waves produced by the interaction of the ion cloud with the solar wind are analyzed in order to explain the shocklike noise detected by the Ion Release Module instruments during the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers solar wind ion releases. The results indicate that the shocklike noise can be generated by two instabilities, an ion-electron instability that occurs for waves propagating parallel to the solar wind velocity and an ion-ion instability that occurs for waves propagating at a large angle to the solar wind direction. Both instabilities give high growth rates for both the lithium and barium releases. The calculated results agree with the observed ones in all main features. In the earlier stage of the ion cloud expansion, both instabilities are likely to occur, while in the later stage the ion-ion instability is more likely to occur.
Withered Milpas: Governmental Disaster and the Mexican Countryside

RESUMEN Los teoristas de la globalizacion han demonstrado como los proyectos destinados a profundizar la integracion trasnacional economica y politica, pueden producir nuevas formas de riesgo y vulnerabilidad. Los desastres - naturales o no - sirven como encrucijadas, por medio de las que se revelan varios enlaces: entre las estructuras de poder locales y globales, entre la cultura ideologica y material, entre las sociedades humanas y los ambientes naturales. Este articulo investiga como los efectos sinergisticos de la integracion economica norteamericana, la privatizacion y corporatizacion de la agricultura mexicana, los mercados internacionales del maiz inestables, y el cambio climatico global, se experimentan como un “desastre gubernamental” en las vidas de los campesinos del estado de Hidalgo, Mexico. El presente estudio analiza como una consciencia particular acerca de la catastrofe es producida y comunicada por medio de un disurso de la desecacion, el cual se basa en ideas tradicionales sobre la explotacion y la vulnerabilidad. Vivir el desastre como una exclusion permanente de las formas politicas colectivas, sirve para reforzar y respaldar a los proyectos de neoliberalizacion que funcionan para individualizar las practices de ciudadania en el campo mexicano. Globalization theorists have demonstrated how projects aimed at deepening transnational economic and political integration produce new forms of risk and vulnerability. Disasters—natural and otherwise—serve as critical nodes through which a variety of links are revealed: between local and global power structures, ideological and material culture, and human societies, and natural environments. This article examines how the synergistic effects of North American economic integration, the privatization and corporatization of Mexican agriculture, volatile international maize markets, and global climate change are experienced as a “governmental disaster” by campesinos [small farmers] in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. It analyzes how a particular consciousness of catastrophe is produced and articulated via a discourse of desiccation, which indexes traditional notions concerning exploitation and vulnerability. The experience of disaster as a foreclosure of collective forms of political agency serves to reinforce neoliberalizing projects that work to individuate practices of citizenship in the Mexican countryside.
Designing robust ultra-low power circuits

Ubiquitous sensing systems, with a single node or thousands of nodes, are quickly becoming a viable technology option with the advancement of circuit and sensor design. In such a system, the most basic building block is an inexpensive sensor node with data processing and storage, off-chip communication, sensing elements, and a power source all linked within a robust package ideally with a volume on the order of lmm'. The sensor node must have a lifetime on the order of months or years. Due to the limitations of power sources, the most pressing implication of this lifetime requirement is that the power consumption of all components must be minimized.
The Role of Stigma in Parental Help-Seeking for Child Behavior Problems

The present study examined the relationship between stigma and parental help-seeking after controlling for demographics, child behavior, and barriers to treatment. One hundred fifteen parents of children ages 4 to 8 years were surveyed during well-child visits in a rural pediatric primary care practice. Parental perceptions of stigma toward parents and children were both assessed. Parents believe that children are more likely to be stigmatized by the public and personally impacted by stigma. In linear regression analyses, parents rated themselves as more likely to attend parenting classes with lower levels of self-stigma and greater levels of personal impact of stigma. Stigma toward the child was not associated with help-seeking. Child behavior moderated the relationship between stigma and parental help-seeking. When referring parents to treatment, providers should address potential stigma concerns. Future research should assess both the impact of the stigma of attending treatment and the stigma of having...
Novel GABA responses from rod-driven retinal horizontal cells

γ-AMINOBUTYRIC acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Two classes of GABA receptors (GABAA and GABAB) have been identified. GABAA receptors are ligandgated chloride channels that are competitively antagonized by bicuculline, noncompetitively blocked by picrotoxin, and often allosterically modulated by barbiturates and benzodiazepines1–3. GABAB receptors regulate potassium and calcium channels through G-protein and intra-cellular second-messenger pathways2,3, are selectively activated by baclofen, and are antagonized by phaclofen and 2-hydroxysaclofen4,5. For some years, evidence has accumulated that there are GABA receptors, especially prominent along visual pathways, which are neither antagonized by bicuculline nor activated by baclofen, but are activated by certain conformationally restricted analogues of GABA, including cis-4-aminocrotonic acid (CACA)6–9. These receptors have been designated GABAC receptors9. As yet, membrane current responses from isolated neurons that reflect this novel pharmacology have not been reported, although such responses have been recorded from oocytes injected with retinal messenger RNA10–13. Here we describe a chloridemediated current response from isolated rod-driven horizontal cells (H4) of the white perch retina that has this novel pharmacology.
Climate change mitigation: Deposing global warming potentials

Accounting for time-dependent mechanisms in greenhouse gas radiative forcing and evaluating the performance of mitigation technologies in the context of climate stabilization targets can better inform technology choices today and in the future.
Enabling complex behavior by simulating marsupial actions

Marsupial robotics is a field which requires a high initial investment prior to experiments. We present a new simulation tool used for marsupial actions, enabling research in the area of marsupial robotics. A flexible abstraction for a marsupial system is presented which allows for the modeling of many differing marsupial models. The interface and simulation model are covered in detail. Two experiments are presented which use the model to demonstrate the flexibility and range of the abstraction and simulation.
Orientation-aware scene understanding for mobile cameras

We present a novel approach that allows anyone to quickly teach their smartphone how to understand the visual world around them. We achieve this visual scene understanding by leveraging a camera-phone's inertial sensors to lead to both a faster and more accurate automatic labeling of the regions of an image into semantic classes (e.g. sky, tree, building). We focus on letting a user train our system from scratch while out in the real world by annotating image regions in situ as training images are captured on a mobile device, making it possible to recognize new environments and new semantic classes on the fly. We show that our approach outperforms existing methods, while at the same time performing data collection, annotation, feature extraction, and image segment classification all on the same mobile device.