cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nascent RNA sequencing of peripheral blood leukocytes reveal gene expression diversity

Nuclear Run-On sequencing is a powerful method to measure transcription with high resolution, sensitivity, and directional information, which provides alternative perspective from existing methods such as chromatin immunoprecipitation or mRNA sequencing. Current form of Nuclear Run-On assays such as Precision Run-On sequencing (PRO-seq) involves multiple RNA chemistry steps including RNA end repairs and ligations. These have limited the widespread use of PRO-seq by requiring robust RNA handling skills and multiple days of effort. To solve this, we developed an ultrashort PRO-seq (uPRO) method that requires minimal steps. In uPRO, the requirement of only two reactions - RNA adaptor ligation and template switch reverse transcription - reduced the procedure into less than a single day. Using uPRO, we generated genome-wide transcription profiles of human haploid cell lines (HAP1) and peripheral blood samples combined with Chromatin Run-On sequencing (pChRO). Blood cell handling procedure is dramatically reduced using pChRO directly on crude chromatin preparations, and enables utilizing archived specimens. As a result, we identified individual differences in the transcriptional profiles of human whole blood from a small volume (~1 ml). We also generated blood cell type specific transcription data, and deconvoluted the nucleated blood cell compositions by modeling to the reference datasets. Overall, uPRO and pChRO provided a powerful platform to identify differentially expressed genes between individuals with minimal sample requirements.
Life-cycle management of deteriorating bridge networks with network-level risk bounds and system reliability analysis

Abstract Structural deterioration poses a substantial threat to the safety, serviceability, and functionality of bridges. Since bridges are connected in transportation networks, their failure can dramatically alter traffic flow, causing immense social consequences such as large-scale traffic delay and additional vehicle operating cost. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for life-cycle management of deteriorating bridge networks. The proposed method aims at minimizing network-level risks associated with deterioration-induced bridge failure. To combat the deficiencies of existing Monte Carlo simulation-based risk assessment methods, the proposed method adopts a non-simulation approach that relies on risk bounds of deteriorating bridge networks. In particular, this method uses system reliability analysis to determine the occurrence probabilities of various bridge failure scenarios in a network. For each failure scenario considered, traffic assignment is conducted to predict the traffic flow in the damaged network and the network-level consequences. The upper and lower bounds of the network-level risk are then formulated, allowing for efficient and accurate risk assessment with only a few traffic assignment operations. Estimated by the average value of its upper and lower bounds, the network-level risk is used as the optimization objective in a metaheuristic search procedure to obtain optimal life-cycle maintenance plans including the maintenance schedule and the investment on each maintenance action. The proposed method excels in its ability to account for the impacts of unlikely, yet high-impact events, as well as its ability to obtain optimal or near-optimal life-cycle maintenance plans that can more effectively reduce risks than those obtained using simulation-based methods.
TPD characterization of Al-OD-Si sites at the interface of bilayer Al0.42Si0.58O2/Ru(0001) thin-films.

Abstract Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) has been used to isolate and investigate water interactions unique to bilayer Al0.42Si0.58O2/Ru(0001) via comparison with identical water TPD experiments on a polymorphically equivalent bilayer SiO2/Ru(0001) sample. Relative to SiO2, the aluminosilicate shows evidence of additional desorption processes leading to TPD peaks near 400, 500, and 600 K, with the highest temperature feature exhibiting excellent agreement to previous results documenting infrared monitored loss of Al-OD-Si sites from nominally identical samples. The second order desorption energy estimated from this peak is ~1.6 eV, which is considerably lower than that reported for conventional zeolites, but potentially on par with desorption features reported from other minerals within the feldspar family. Quantification of the peak intensity suggests a ~5% likelihood for formation during water condensation and subsequent desorption. The lower temperature features have been assigned to desorption of molecular water bound at the excess hydroxyl sites. Each hydroxyl appears to bind 2 additional water molecules, which then desorb in a stepwise sequential process. The same low temperature TPD features are also apparent after creating silanol groups on (Al-free) SiO2/Ru(0001) via electron bombardment of supported ice layers, indicating similar water-OH-film interactions independent of specific OH site type.
Natural History Matters: Plastics in Estuarine Fish and Sediments at the Mouth of an Urban Watershed

The extent to which small plastics and potentially associated compounds are entering coastal food webs, especially in estuarine systems, is only beginning to be realized. This study examined an estuarine reach at the mouth of urbanized Chollas Creek in San Diego, California to determine: 1) the extent and magnitude of microplastics pollution in estuarine sediments and fish, 2) the extent and magnitude of SVOC contamination in estuarine fish, and 3) whether fish preferentially ingested certain types of microplastics, when compared with the microplastic composition of creekbed sediments. Surface sediments (0–5 cm depth) contained about 10,000 small plastic pieces per m2, consisting mostly (90%) of fibers, and hard and soft pieces. Nearly 25% of fish contained small plastics, but prevalence varied with size and between species. Of the 25 types of small plastics found in sediment, fish preferred about 10 types (distinct colors and forms). Several SVOCs, both water soluble and sediment-associated compounds, were found in the two species of fish tested. This study revealed that a species’ natural history may influence contamination levels, and warrants further study to better understand the pathways of plastics and associated contaminants into and throughout coastal food webs, and the potential health risks for small and/or low-trophic level organisms.
Alpha hydroxy acids in skin care

Although not surgery in the traditional sense, skin care offers the ability to treat patients with a wide range of skin pathology. Skin care is another facet in facial rejuvenation, whose magnitude will increase as the pathophysiology and treatment of photoaging and other skin conditions becomes better understood. Patient satisfaction has been overwhelming for physician-directed skin care, but as the number of products, regimens, and adjuncts increase exponentially, we must emphasize a well-founded, scientific approach to the individual patient's pathology.
The Innate Immune Response to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Infection Is Dampened in the Newborn Brain and Can Be Modulated by Exogenous Interferon Beta To Improve Survival

ABSTRACT Newborns are particularly susceptible to severe forms of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection, including encephalitis and multisystemic disseminated disease. The underlying age-dependent differences in the immune response that explain this increased susceptibility relative to the adult population remain largely understudied. Using a murine model of HSV-1 infection, we found that newborn mice are largely susceptible to intracranial and intraperitoneal challenge while adult mice are highly resistant. This age-dependent difference correlated with differential basal-level expression of components of innate immune signaling pathways, which resulted in dampened interferon (IFN) signaling in the newborn brain. To explore the possibility of modulating the IFN response in the newborn brain to recapitulate the adult phenotype, we administered exogenous IFN-β in the context of disseminated HSV-1 infection. IFN-β treatment resulted in significantly increased survival and delayed viral neuroinvasion in the newborn. These effects were associated with changes in the type I IFN response in the brain, reduced viral replication in the periphery, and the stabilization of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Our study reveals important age-dependent differences in the innate immune response to HSV-1 infection and suggests a contribution of the BBB and the brain parenchyma in mediating the increased susceptibility to HSV-1 infection observed in the newborn. These results could provide the basis for potential new therapeutic strategies for life-threatening HSV-1 infection in newborns. IMPORTANCE Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a ubiquitous human pathogen affecting 50 to 80% of the population in North America and Europe. HSV infection is commonly asymptomatic in the adult population but can result in fatal encephalitis in the newborn. Current treatment with acyclovir has improved mortality in the newborn; however, severe neurologic sequelae are still a major concern following HSV encephalitis. For this reason, there is a critical need to better understand the underlying differences in the immune response between the two age groups that could be used to develop more effective treatments. In this study, we investigated differences in the innate immune response to viral infection in the brains of newborn and adult mice. We found that, similar to humans, newborn mice are more susceptible to HSV infection than the adult. Increased susceptibility was associated with dampened innate immune responses in the newborn brain that could be rescued by administering interferon beta.
Sensitive infrared spectroscopy of isoprene at the part per billion level using a quantum cascade laser spectrometer

A quantum cascade laser-based infrared spectrometer equipped with a multipass cell has been used to perform sensitive infrared spectroscopy of isoprene at part per billion (ppbv) concentration levels. The instrument was used to measure the absorption of the strong Q-branch of the ν26 vibrational mode of isoprene near 992 cm−1 to determine isoprene concentrations in gas-phase samples. The response of the spectrometer is highly linear in the concentration range measured (0.3–10.5 parts per million by volume) and the lowest noise-equivalent concentration determined for the spectrometer is 3.2 ppbv at an optimal averaging time of 9 s when performing measurements at atmospheric pressure. At reduced pressure (190 Torr), the lowest noise-equivalent concentration increases to 9 pbbv, but the reduced pressure decreases spectral interference caused by absorption peaks from other chemical species, namely ammonia, methanol, and carbon dioxide. The spectrometer was used to directly measure the isoprene concentration in breath samples from a volunteer without any sample processing, showing the potential real-world application of the present approach.
Atomic force microscopy for quantitative understanding of peptide-induced lipid bilayer remodeling

Abstract A number of peptides are known to bind lipid bilayer membranes and cause these natural barriers to leak in an uncontrolled manner. Though membrane permeabilizing peptides play critical roles in cellular activity and may have promising future applications in the therapeutic arena, significant questions remain about their mechanisms of action. The atomic force microscope (AFM) is a single molecule imaging tool capable of addressing lipid bilayers in near-native fluid conditions. The apparatus complements traditional assays by providing local topographic maps of bilayer remodeling induced by membrane permeabilizing peptides. The information garnered from the AFM includes direct visualization and statistical analyses of distinct bilayer remodeling modes such as highly localized pore-like voids in the bilayer and dispersed thinned membrane regions. Colocalization of distinct remodeling modes can be studied. Here we examine recent work in the field and outline methods used to achieve precise AFM image data. Experimental challenges and common pitfalls are discussed as well as techniques for unbiased analysis including the Hessian blob detection algorithm, bootstrapping, and the Bayesian information criterion. When coupled with robust statistical analyses, high precision AFM data is poised to advance understanding of an important family of peptides that cause poration of membrane bilayers.
When (and where) can right-wing terrorists be charged with terrorism?

As illustrated by the cases of white supremacists Dylan Roof and Robert Bowers, most ideological mass murderers in the US cannot be charged with any federal terrorism offence, even when their attac...
Creativity as a Reflective Learning Exercise: Informing Strategic Marketing Decisions Through Digital Storytelling

As educators we strive to facilitate knowledge and ways of learning that serve students throughout their lives, but we also recognize their sometimes short retention span. The innovation we present...
The Ensemble Kalman Filter as a tool for estimating temperatures in the powder bed fusion process

Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) is a type of additive manufacturing process that builds parts out of metal powder in a layerwise fashion. Quality control (QC) remains an unsolved problem for PBF. Data-driven models of PBF are expensive to train and maintain, in terms of materials and machine time, because they are sensitive to changes in processing conditions. The length and time scale discrepancies of the process make physics-based modeling impractical to implement. We propose monitoring PBF with an Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). The EnKF combines the computational efficiency of data-driven models with the flexibility of physics-based models, while mitigating the flaws of either method. We validate EnKF performance for linear process models, using finite element method data in place of measured experimental data. We show that the EnKF can reduce the error signal 2-norm and $\infty$ -norm relative to the open loop model by as much as 75%.
Establishing the Field of Computer Science

This chapter describes the importance of training people to work in the growing computer field as military and industry projects demanded more workers for their projects. The transition from university labs as sites for building one-off computers and businesses as sites for building standardized computer machinery created staffing needs for the growing computer industry. This need for people prepared in a specialized computer field prompted universities to consider developing curricula and departments in what would become known as computer science. But tensions between mathematics departments and computer scientists needed to be worked out in order for this new profession to be established.
Practitioner's Guide to Empirically Based Measures of Social Skills

I.Conceptual Foundations.-Defining Competence and Identifying Target Skills.-Social Cognitive Models and Skills.-A Conceptual Basis in Social Learning Theory.-II.Social Skills and Psychological Adjustment.-Assessing Children and Adolscents.-Assessing Adults.-Social Skills Interventions.-III.Developmental Factors Related to the Assessment of Social Skills.-Diversity Considerations in the Assessing Social Skills.-Anger and Aggression.-Social Anxiety and Withdrawal.-Assessment of Social Skills and Intellectual Disability.-Assessment of Social Skills and Social Competence in Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders.-Schizophrenia.-Assessment of Social Skills in Substance Abuse Disorders.-IV.Measure Reviews.-Child Measures.-Adolescent Measures.-Adult Measures.-Appendix A.Quickview Guides.-Appendix B. Reprinted Measures.-Appendix C.Glossary
Free Amino Acids in Citrullus vulgaris (Watermelon)

To the Editor.— Currently accepted dietary management of citrullinemia and other urea cycle disorders includes protein restriction, sodium benzoate, and dietary supplements of keto acids or essential amino acids with postblock intermediates such as arginine in citrullinemia and arginino-succinic aciduria. When a child survives the neonatal period on such a regimen and solid foods are introduced into the diet, there is at least one fruit that should be avoided, Citrullus Vulgaris, commonly known as watermelon. Quantitation of free amino acids extracted from 1 g wet weight of watermelon fruit yielded the following (in mmoles per gram wet weight): Phenylalanine, 1.25; histidine, 0.24; tryptophan, 0.35; lysine, 0.82; ornithine, 0.32; arginine, 11.36; aspartic acid, 0.97; threonine, 0.74; serine, 1.05; glutamine, 3.86; glutamic acid, 1.38; citrulline, 23.68; alanine, 1.15; valine, 0.17; isoleucine, 1.24; leucine, 0.24.
Immunoglobulin heavy-chain consensus probes for real-time PCR quantification of residual disease in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Tumor-related immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) rearrangements are markers for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in B-cell malignancies. Nested PCR with patient IgH allele-specific oligonucleotide primers can detect 1 tumor cell in 104 to 106 normal cells. In childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), persistence of PCR-detectable disease is associated with increased risk of relapse. The clinical significance of qualitative PCR data can be limited, however, because patients can harbor detectable MRD for prolonged periods without relapse. Recent studies indicate that a quantitative rise in tumor burden identifies patients who are at high risk for relapse. Therefore, an efficient and reliable PCR method for MRD quantification is needed for ALL patients. We have developed a real-time PCR method to quantify MRD with IgH VH gene family consensus fluorogenically labeled probes. With this method, a small number of probes can be used to quantify MRD in a large number of different patients. The assay was found to be both accurate and reproducible over a wide range and capable of detecting approximately 1 tumor cell in 5 × 104 normal cells. We demonstrate that this methodology can discriminate between patients with persistence of MRD who relapse and those who do not. This technique is generally applicable to B-cell malignancies and is currently being used to quantify MRD in a number of prospective clinical studies at our institution.
Facing complexity in systems management

Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, increased use, proliferation and mobility of powerful end-user devices, and the migration of applications to the Internet, are creating new and exciting challenges to the management of IT (Information Technology) infrastructures. Massive scale and distribution of IT resources, the expectation of high availability of Internet-based services, and heterogeneity of resources are prominent examples of complexity system administrators encounter today. New approaches are needed for these new (and in many cases old) problems. This keynote will survey some of these systems management issues and the emerging approaches to solving them.
Analysis of multi-hop opportunistic communications in cognitive radio network

Cognitive wireless networks consist of cognitive radio devices which enable dynamic spectrum access for unlicensed secondary users. Multi-hop cognitive radio network (MHCRN) offers connectivity when transmitter and receiver are not within the communication range of each other using single hop. However, joint effect of multi-hop and dynamic spectrum access introduces many challenges in MAC and routing layer. Note that the devices through MAC layer make spectrum access decision without disturbing the licensed users. Effective routing protocols in MHCRN are required to provide shortest path between transmitter and receiver. In this paper, several MAC layer and routing layer problem and solutions are presented.
The role of the Wnt family of secreted proteins in rat oval "stem" cell-based liver regeneration: Wnt1 drives differentiation.

To date the molecular signals regulating activation, proliferation, and differentiation of hepatic oval cells are not fully understood. The Wnt family is essential in hepatic embryogenesis and implicated in hepatic carcinogenesis. This study elucidates novel findings implicating Wnt1 in directing oval cell differentiation during the rat 2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF) and ⅔ partial hepatectomy (PHx) liver regeneration model. Proteins of Wnt family members were predominantly localized in pericentral hepatocytes during liver injury, oval cell activation, and hepatocyte regeneration. In addition, Wnt message increased coinciding with the rise in oval cell number, whereas protein levels peaked immediately after the height of oval cell proliferation. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated nuclear translocation of β-catenin within oval cells throughout the 2AAF/PHx protocol. Furthermore, RNA interference was used in vivo to confirm the physiological requirement of Wnt1 during the oval cell induction. Ultimately, inhibition of Wnt1 resulted in failure of oval cells to differentiate into hepatocytes and alternatively induced atypical ductular hyperplasia. Taken together, these data indicate that in vivo exposure to Wnt1 shRNA inhibited rat oval cell liver regeneration. In the absence of Wnt1 signaling, oval cells failed to differentiate into hepatocytes and underwent atypical ductular hyperplasia, exhibiting epithelial metaplasia and mucin production. Furthermore, changes in Wnt1 levels are required for the efficient regeneration of the liver by oval cells during massive hepatic injury.
Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Erythrocytosis in a Patient Undergoing Hormonal Treatment for Breast Cancer

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are most commonly used for breast cancer patients with hormone receptor positive disease. Although the side effect profile of aromatase inhibitors is well known, including common side effects like arthralgia, bone pain, arthritis, hot flashes, and more serious problems like osteoporosis, we present a case of an uncommon side effect of these medications. We report the case of a postmenopausal woman on adjuvant hormonal therapy with anastrozole after completing definitive therapy for stage IIIB estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, who was referred to hematology service for evaluation of persistent erythrocytosis. Primary and known secondary causes of polycythemia were ruled out. On further evaluation, we found that her erythrocytosis began after initiation of anastrozole and resolved after it was discontinued. We discuss the pathophysiology of aromatase inhibitor-induced erythrocytosis and reference of similar cases reported in the literature.
Solar ultraviolet-B exposure and cancer incidence and mortality in the United States, 1993–2002

An inverse relationship between solar ultraviolet-B (UV-B) exposure and non-skin cancer mortality has long been reported. Vitamin D, acquired primarily through exposure to the sun via the skin, is believed to inhibit tumor development and growth and reduce mortality for certain cancers.
UAS Special Volumes in Jint

Happy New Year! Peace, health, happiness and prosperity to all of you. I hope that all your wishes and dreams become reality. We are starting a new cycle in JINT with increased responsibilities, with an enhanced Editorial Board and members with also enhanced roles. This is a ‘must’ in order to accommodate our readership and potential authors. We continue to aim at publishing the highest quality papers and provide timely responses to authors. We aim at reducing the cycle from initial submission to online paper appearance (assuming acceptance) to 6–7 months. Looking over the past years, even though statistics do not always reflect reality, the percentage of contributed accepted papers is less than 25 %; however, when we consider the
High sensitivity detection of NO2 employing off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy coupled with multiple line integrated spectroscopy

We report on the development of a new sensor for NO 2 with ultrahigh sensitivity of detection. This has been accomplished by combining off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (OA-ICOS) (which can provide large path lengths of the order of several km in a small volume cell) with multiple line integrated absorption spectroscopy (MLIAS) (where we integrate the absorption spectra over a large number of rotational-vibrational transitions of the molecular species to further improve the sensitivity). Employing an external cavity tunable quantum cascade laser operating in the 1601 - 1670 cm -1 range and a high-finesse optical cavity, the absorption spectra of NO 2 over 100 transitions in the R-band have been recorded. From the observed linear relationship between the integrated absorption vs. concentration of NO 2 , we report an effective sensitivity of detection of 10 ppt for NO 2 . To the best of our knowledge, this is among the most sensitive levels of detection of NO 2 to date. A sensitive sensor for the detection of NO 2 will be helpful to monitor the ambient air quality, combustion emissions from the automobiles, power plants, aircraft and for the detection of nitrate based explosives (which are commonly used in improvised explosives (IEDs)). Additionally such a sensor would be valuable for the study of complex chemical reactions that undergo in the atmosphere resulting in the formation of photochemical smog, tropospheric ozone and acid rain.
Ascorbic acid in endocrine systems.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses ascorbic acid in endocrine systems. Ascorbic acid is found in highest concentration in certain endocrine tissues of almost all mammals. Overviews of the chemistry of ascorbic acid and of methods for its detection are essential for understanding ascorbic acid in biological systems. Appreciation of basic ascorbate chemistry suggests functions for ascorbate in endocrine tissues. Knowledge of the difficulties with older ascorbate assays may help to explain why formulations for ascorbate function are just emerging now. The earliest physicians did not know what ascorbic acid was, but they clearly were familiar with the end results of lack of ascorbate in the diet. The first chemically stable product in the oxidation of ascorbic acid is dehydroascorbate. For a basic understanding of the dehydroascorbate/ascorbate redox pair, it is easiest to conceptualize the two species as existing under some equilibrium. The conditions of the equilibrium are influenced not only by the original concentrations of the two species but by light, pH, and possibly temperature.
Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Whitson BA, Shelstad RC, Hertz MI, Kelly RF, D’Cunha J, Shumway SJ. Lung transplantation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2011.01482.x. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Abstract: Introduction: Pulmonary insufficiency following bone marrow transplant (BMT) is common and has significant associated mortality. Lung transplantation (LTX) is the only viable treatment for patients with end-stage pulmonary disease, but LTX after BMT is an uncommon event given the medical candidacy of the potential recipients. We sought to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of LTX in BMT recipients. Methods: We performed a retrospective evaluation of our institution’s longitudinal LTX and BMT databases. Demographic and outcomes variables were collected. Results: We identified 639 LTX from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2009, and 5525 BMT from program inception, March 21, 1974, through December 31, 2009. From the cross-referenced cohort, we identified four patients who had BMT followed by LTX. Our series was composed of two men and two women, with a mean age of 32.3 yr (range, 20–59 yr). Single LTX were performed in two recipients (50%). All patients had significant and expected morbidities related to their transplant immunosuppression. Three patients (75%) required cardiopulmonary bypass at the time of LTX. The two recipients who underwent bilateral LTX required open chest management and subsequent tracheostomy. All patients are still alive at follow-up (range, 19–119 months, median 39.5). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that LTX in the setting of BMT is a high-risk operation with the potential for a tumultuous perioperative course. Despite this, good outcomes and survival are obtainable in carefully selected patients. Selection factors include clinically stable patients without active sepsis and preoperative optimization of nutrition in anticipation of a prolonged recovery. An experienced multidisciplinary team approach and a protocol-driven management plan are paramount for successful outcomes in this challenging population.
Pharmacist involvement in a deferoxamine education program for patients with Cooley's anemia

A program to train patients with Cooley's anemia to self-administer deferoxamine via an intermittent infusion pump is described. A pharmacist provides the patient and his family with indepth information on the disease and on deferoxamine dosage, preparation, subcutaneous administration, stability, storage, side effects and precautions. Patients are trained by the pharmacist in aseptic technique and in use and maintenance of the intermittent infusion pump. The patient education program allows patients with Cooley's anemia to receive their daily deferoxamine therapy without the neef for frequent hospitalization.
Retinoids in Embryonal Development

The key role of vitamin A in embryonal development is reviewed. Special emphasis is given to the physiological action of retinoids, as evident from the retinoid ligand knockout models. Retinoid metabolism in embryonic tissues and teratogenic consequences of retinoid administration at high doses are presented. Physiological and pharmacological actions of retinoids are outlined and explained on the basis of their interactions as ligands of the nuclear retinoid receptors. Immediate target genes and the retinoid response elements of their promoters are summarized. The fundamental role of homeobox genes in embryonal development and the actions of retinoids on their expression are discussed. The similarity of the effects of retinoid ligand knockouts to effects of compound retinoid receptor knockouts on embryogenesis is presented. Although much remains to be clarified, the emerging landscape offers exciting views for future research.
Solar Fuels: Approaches to Catalytic Hydrogen Evolution

In response to political and environmental motivations to develop alternative energy resources, researchers have taken a variety of approaches to develop solar energy conversion technologies. Solar fuel production is an area of enormous promise where, in analogy to natural photosynthesis, sunlight drives the conversion of energy-poor molecules (H_2O and CO_2) to energy-rich ones (O_2, H_2, and (CH_2O)_n). To realize a solar-driven water splitting device based on earth-abundant materials, new chemistry is needed, including materials for light harvesting and electrocatalysts for fuel production. In this chapter, we focus on molecular hydrogen production catalysts capable of evolving H_2 at low overpotentials. Recent synthetic advances in catalyst design, detailed electrochemical and photochemical studies, and developments in mechanistic understandings are covered.
The Class Politics of Alternative Food: Informing Public Health Policy and Remedying Health Inequality

The past decade has witnessed an interesting coupling between alternative ways to produce and consume food (farmers' markets, Consumer Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, and urban gardens to name a few) and individual health-seeking. While much of this activity rests on an ideological rhetoric of individual choice and “lifestyleism” strongly correlated with social class, there have also been a host of very different government and policy efforts aimed at improving poor food environments and the vulnerable populations that inhabit them in the name of public health. Efforts such as zoning against fast food franchises, placing stipulations on what benefit programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be used for, and taxing foods deemed unhealthy are sparking public debate because they cut to the heart of many American socio-political debates: the tension between individual liberties and government intervention. Based on existing scholarship of alternative food, health, and bodies, and the author's insights gleaned from ethnographic research, this article sheds light on the potential ineffectiveness of such public health efforts despite positive – and often times class-conscious – intentions. Such an acknowledgement raises critical questions about who benefits and who misses out in alternative food projects. While this article situates these questions squarely in the American context, it also highlights the need for other situated studies that emphasize other countries' particular political, cultural, and economic contexts that shape contemporary food systems, and their accompanying moral politics.
Contested Pasts and the Practice of Anthropology

With this issue, the editors of the American Anthropologist introduce the first Contemporary Issues Forum, “Contested Pasts and the Practice of Anthropology.” We find it incumbent upon the flagship journal of the profession to encourage productive discussion of current issues of relevance to anthropologists and the public. The editors have targeted broadly significant and controversial topics as foci for the forums with a view to encouraging productive dialogue. With this initial forum we open an arena for debate regarding anthropological practice and discourse and their consequences in the contemporary period of ethnic resurgence and (neo)colonial disempowerment. We recognize the debated nature of these issues and the potential importance of such controversies to the profession. Commentary on the forum papers from the readership of the American Anthropologist is welcome.
USE OF THE BONFERRONI INEQUALITY FOR MULTIPLE COMPARISONS AMONG MEANS WITH POST HOC CONTRASTS

Ury & Wiggins (1971) have used the Bonferroni inequality to obtain shorter confidence intervals for multiple comparisons among means, for most situations of interest, than those proposed by Marascuilo (1966). Their attempt to extend this technique to contrasts chosen post hoc has been shown to be not generally valid by Rodger (1973). A valid extension is given here.
Long-Term Clinical and Cosmetic Outcomes After Breast Conservation Treatment for Women With Early-Stage Breast Carcinoma According to the Type of Breast Boost

Purpose The present study was performed to compare outcomes after breast conservation treatment with iridium-192 implant boost vs. electron boost. Methods and Materials From 1977 to 1983, 141 patients were treated with whole breast radiotherapy followed by iridium-192 boost after breast-conserving surgery. They were matched 1:1 to patients treated with electron boost. Outcome measures included survival, local recurrence, cosmesis, and complications. Results Median follow-up was 16.7 and 12.6 years for the implant vs. electron groups ( p p = 0.014); this trend continued through 10 years but did not reach statistical significance at years 5/10. Complication rates were similar, although patients receiving electron boost seemed less likely to develop breast fibrosis than did those receiving implant boost (23/141 vs. 58/141, respectively, incidence rate ratio 0.7, p = 0.17). Conclusions Twenty-year data demonstrate no difference in rates of local recurrence, freedom from distant metastases, overall survival, or patterns of failure between groups treated with these two well-described radiotherapy boost techniques. Better cosmesis was observed in the electron group 1 year after radiotherapy, with a trend continuing for 10 years. The incidence of complications was similar between the groups, with a trend toward increased fibrosis in patients receiving implant boost.
Experimental approaches to cognitive abnormality in posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract During the past decade, experimental psychopathologists have increasingly applied the concepts and methods of cognitive psychology to elucidate information-processing abnormalities in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These studies have shown that individuals with PTSD: (a) selectively process trauma-relevant material in the emotional Stroop paradigm; (b) exhibit enhanced memory for material related to trauma in explicit and perhaps implicit tests; (c) exhibit difficulty forgetting trauma words during directed forgetting; and (d) exhibit problems retrieving specific autobiographical memories in response to cue words, instead recalling “overgeneral” memories. These studies suggest that experimental methods can complement traditional, self-report methods for studying cognitive disturbances in PTSD.
Ultrafine nitrate particle events in Baltimore observed by real-time single particle mass spectrometry

Abstract Ambient particles in Baltimore, Maryland were characterized from April through November 2002 using the real-time single particle mass spectrometer, RSMS III. When particles containing nitrate were examined, two types of ultrafine particle events were revealed: a large burst of nominally “pure” nitrate particles in the 50–90 nm size range, and a smaller (and less frequent) burst of “pure” particles in the 50–90 nm size range that grew to 110–220 nm with time. Coincident with both of these events was an increase in the number of mixed composition particles containing nitrate, suggesting that they were formed by condensation of ammonium nitrate onto pre-existing particles. Meteorological variables, particle number concentrations and continuous nitrate mass measurements were compared to the single particle data. Number and mass concentrations estimated from RSMS III correlated well with similar measurements with other techniques. Ultrafine nitrate particle events were observed during periods of low temperature and high relative humidity as expected from ammonium nitrate equilibrium considerations. During these events, the partitioning of ammonium nitrate to the particle phase strongly influenced the particle number concentration as well as the chemical composition.
Euthyroid Sick Syndrome in VLBW Neonates 396

We presented data showing a direct correlation of screening T4 values with birthweight in premature infants at this meeting three years ago.We opined that low T4 concentrations were due to decreased protein binding of T4. The next year,we reported data proving the speculation and showing lower binding was more than compensated for in term infants by increased TBG concentration. FT4 concentrations for term and VLBW infants were all within the normal adult range and the neonates had similar TSH concentrations indicating low T4 values were due to NTI. Further findings at 2 weeks in 5 of 32 VLBW infants suggest a Euthyroid Sick Syndrome. We compare clinical and hormonal values of these 5 with the remaining 27 infants in the tables.(cord v 2 wk- * p <.05 ** <.01) The FT4 method was validated by equilibrium dialysis.The correlation of immaturity and postnatal stress with the hormonal changes was also demonstrated by regression analyses. The values became normal in 3 of the 4 infants followed for 4 weeks. We believe the changes in hormonal values are due to a transient inhibitor of T4 binding unrelated to the diminished binding seen in both VLBW and term infants previously demonstrated. The putative transient inhibitor is associated with immaturity and stress.
Reevaluation of general partitioning model for sorption of hydrophobic organic contaminants by soil and sediment organic matter

This evaluation of the polymer-based Flory–Huggins sorption theory has shown that the model predicts relatively concentration-independent χ values for rubbery matrices, concentration-dependent χ values for more glassy matrices, and highly concentration-dependent, largely negative interaction parameters for sorption of phenanthrene onto Green River kerogen, Ohio Shale II kerogen, Illinois No. 6 and Wyoming coals, and poly(phenyl methacrylate). These greatly negative enthalpic contributions to the interaction parameter are only to be expected where specific sorbate-sorbent interactions exist, such as in polar sorbate–polar sorbent systems. The failure of the nonlinear partitioning model is explained in terms of its inability to predict these increased interactions of sorbing solutes within microvoids present within glassy matrices. Calculations of sorbent solubility parameters through use of this model do, however, provide good agreement with literature solubility parameter values for specific sorbents; it may thus prove useful for partial characterization of sorbents for which solubility parameters are unknown.
Re-Examining the Efficacy of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Strategies: Victims' and Offenders' Attitudes.

Abstract Current sexual abuse prevention programs have been forced to rely on anecdotal clinical information to guide curriculum development. Recent evidence that suggests that sexual abuse offenders can reliably offer information regarding their modus operandi implies that sexual abuse offenders can be important sources of information about the victimization process. However, only one study to date has examined offenders' attitudes about sexual abuse prevention topics, and methodological problems limit the applicability of that study. The current study asked 16 intrafamilial victims, 16 intrafamilial perpetrators, and 15 extrafamilial perpetrators of child sexual abuse to rate the efficacy of various prevention strategies on a Likert-type scale. Results indicated that there were no differences between the three groups and that both victims and offenders appeared to have difficulty discriminating the value of 12 prevention topics, perhaps because the items were too global or because they engendered socially desirable responses. Open-ended questions that asked offenders to identify factors that would dissuade them from pursuing the abuse of particular victims indicated that different prevention skills or strategies may be effective at different stages of the victim-offender “relationship.” Overall, the findings suggest that when questioning offenders or victims about the victimization process, investigators need to utilize specific (rather than global) questions and need to separately analyze each stage in the victim-offender relationship. These methodological improvements may offer greater potential for enhancing our knowledge of how to reduce child sexual abuse.
Inhibition of myogenic autoregulation in cyclosporine nephrotoxicity in the rat.

The mechanisms responsible for the impairment of renal blood flow (RBF) autoregulation in cyclosporine nephrotoxicity were investigated with clearance and micropuncture studies in anesthetized rats. Early chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity (CCN) was induced in male rats by daily intramuscular injection of 10 mg/kg/day cyclosporine-A in olive oil for 7 days; control (CON) rats received vehicle injections. Glomerular filtration rate and RBF were both reduced by 33% in CCN when compared to CON rats. RBF autoregulation was also significantly impaired in CCN, with an autoregulation index (AI) of 0.53 ± 0.03 vs. 0.16 ± 0.01 in CON rats. Micropuncture studies showed that the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system is not impaired in CCN. Rather, in CCN there was a slight resetting such that the maximun TGF response was greater and the onset occurred at lower rates of perfusion than in CON. In contrast, further micropuncture studies demonstrated that TGF-independent autoregulation of glomerular capillar pressure was significantly impaired in CCN, with an AI of 0.86 ± 0.09 vs. 0.57 ± 0.06 in CON. These results indicate that the loss of autoregulatory ability in rats with CCN results from substantial impairment of the myogenic autoregulatory mechanism that is an intrinsic property of the preglomerular vasculature of the kidney.
Perception of Managerial Style as Definition of Self: A First Approach

This article develops a theoretical model explicitly addressing managerial style as an important component in the day-to-dayfunctioning offamilies. Managerial style is defined as the unique, particularized manner of response reflecting the self-definition and values of afamily manager. This theoretical model suggests that managerial style has meaning with respect to how family managers view themselves and their managerial behavior within thefamily. This model provides ways of explaining the complexity of family management; the dynamic, social character of communication patterns; the importance of context, roles, and resources; and conflict resolution within families.
A Simple Interaction Model for Two-Dimensional Contingency Tables

Abstract A model specifying independence within each of two disjoint groups of rows is presented as an alternative to complete independence in a two-dimensional contingency table with r rows and two columns. If the measure used to assess the improvement in fit is a member of a class of order-producing (OP) functions, then the partition that maximizes the measure can be located after checking only (r − 1 of the (2 r − 1 − 1 possible partitions. The likelihood ratio statistic and corresponding Pearson goodness-of-fit statistics for independence in the collapsed table are two such OP functions. In the case of equal row totals the asymptotic distribution of the Pearson statistic is approximately that of 2(π − 1/π times a chi-squared variable with r/(π − 1 degrees of freedom.
Action of vasopressin, ouabain, and cyanide on the volume of isolated toad bladder epithelial cells.

Toad bladder epithelial cells were isolated under mild conditions in a calcium-free medium; they were found to exclude trypan blue, to consume oxygen, and to respond to vasopressin with an increased rate of oxygen consumption. Since isolated toad bladder epithelial cells are mostly spherical in shape, the cell diameter can be accurately measured with an ocular micrometer of an inverted microscope. Epithelial cells swelled by 29±3% in the presence of KCN. This cyanide-induced swelling of cells was prevented by amiloride or, alternatively, by replacing NaCl by equiosmotic amounts of mannitol in the Ringer's fluid. Cells incubated in the presence of vasopressin swelled by 10±2%. Vasopressin and KCN acted synergistically in enhancing cell volume. Ouabain caused cells to swell by 9±2%, and this effect was not additive to the swelling seen with vasopressin. These observations are in accord with the theory of Leaf and his associates, that the predominant effect of vasopressin is to enhance sodium entry into the transporting epithelial cells of the toad urinary bladder.
Intercomparison of Meteorological Forcing Data from Empirical and Mesoscale Model Sources in the North Fork American River Basin in Northern Sierra Nevada, California*

AbstractThe data required to drive distributed hydrological models are significantly limited within mountainous terrain because of a scarcity of observations. This study evaluated three common configurations of forcing data: 1) one low-elevation station, combined with empirical techniques; 2) gridded output from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF); and 3) a combination of the two. Each configuration was evaluated within the heavily instrumented North Fork American River basin in California during October–June 2000–10. Simulations of streamflow and snowpack using the Distributed Hydrology Soil and Vegetation Model (DHSVM) highlighted precipitation and radiation as variables whose sources resulted in significant differences. The best source of precipitation data varied between years. On average, the WRF performed as well as the single station distributed using the Parameter Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM). The average percent biases in simulated streamflow were 3% and 1%, for con...