cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ethical issues in conduct of research in combat and disaster operations.

Background: The conduct of research in the combat and disaster environments shares many of the same fundamental principles and regulations that govern civilian biomedical research. However, Department of Defense research protocols stipulate additional requirements designed to preserve servicemembers’ informed consent rights, uphold ethical standards, and protect sensitive or classified information.The authors reviewed studies that have been approved for the conduct of research in current combat operations and also discuss their applicability in disaster settings. Methods: This is a descriptive, retrospective study of protocols that have currently been approved for conduct of research in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Results: During the period of July 2005 through October 2007, 38 retrospective chart review protocols, seven prospective studies requiring consent or an alteration of the consent document and 12 prospective observational studies were submitted through the Deployed Research Committee in Iraq for review and approval at the Brooke Army Medical Center Institutional Review Board (IRB). A total of 55 protocols were approved by the IRB for implementation in the Iraq combat theater. Most of these protocols involved trauma care treatment. One prospective study investigating the effects of blast-concussive injuries on US Soldiers in Iraq requiring informed consent was reviewed and approved. Conclusions: The conduct of military medical research has, and will make, significant and lasting contributions to the practice of both civilian and military medicine. Although policies and regulations to conduct research and release-associated findings often seem cumbersome and stringent, these added hurdles serve not only to ensure protection of the rights of human subjects during a time of potentially increased vulnerability, but also to protect the security interests of US troops. Many of these principles and practices are directly applicable in disaster research environments.
Prognostic Markers of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Neurologic Symptoms in Patients with AIDS

Epidemiologic, virologic, and immunologic evidence strongly suggest that the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is caused by a retrovirus called the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Barre-Sinoussi et al., 1983; Popovic et al., 1984; Levy et al., 1984; Rasheed et al., 1986a). The virus primarily infects human cells bearing CD4 receptors, including T4 lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, endothelial cells, Langerhans cells, epithelial cells, neuronal cells, and some B lymphocytes (Dalgleish et al.,1984; Maddon et al., 1986; Cheng-Mayer et al., 1987; Wiley et al., 1986; Rasheed et al., 1989).
Inducible Humoral Immune Defense Responses in Insects

There is a revolution taking place in the field of immunobiology that is challenging the widely held dogmatic belief that invertebrates are incapable of mounting true adaptive immune responses when exposed to foreign substances. If the definition of adaptive immunity is predicated on the possession of a thymus or lymph nodes, then invertebrates will never satisfy these requirements. However, a growing body of evidence from representatives of various invertebratephyla, clearly indicate that the two basic criteria of an adaptive immune response, specificity and immunologic memory, have evolved in some of these animals. The data from these studies will hopefully force us to rethink, and redefine, what we mean by immunity. This will require that we no longer use anatomical complexity to gauge what is physiologically possible, but rather measure an animal’s potential by the degree of molecular complexity that is engendered in its genome. This will surely open up our minds and lead to a better perspective concerning an understanding of how the sophisticated mechanisms of adaptive immunity evolved.
Managing the innovation legitimacy of the sharing economy

Sharing economy has become widespread globally as an innovative service business model. However, some of sharing economy’s socially irresponsible practices have led critics to challenge their legitimacy. Drawing upon legitimacy theory, this research evaluates the legitimacy and corporate social responsibility (CSR) of sharing economy. The current stance of sharing economy’s legitimacy is discussed regarding regulations; legal, tax, and labor issues; politics and lobbying behaviors; social inequality; and societal and economic impact, along with its core concept, sharing. This paper further delineates how CSR and CSR communication can help sharing economy firms manage the challenged legitimacy. As one of the first research attempts, the current paper sheds lights on the dark side of sharing economy and the value of CSR to resolve some concerns about its legitimacy.
Reviews: Apartment Stories: City and Home in Nineteenth-Century Paris and London

Simon Marcus, Apartment Stories: City and Home in Nineteenth-Century Paris and London (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1999. Pp. x+323. £13.95 paperback).
The pro-head analysis of the Japanese internally-headed relative clause

The objective of this paper is two-fold. One is to advance the view (call it the pro-head analysis) that the so-called internally-headed relative clause (IHRC) in Japanese is a nonrestrictive relative clause whose external head position is occupied by pro functioning as an E-type pronoun. It demonstrates that this view provides a natural framework in terms of which sundry and significant phenomena associated with Japanese IHRCs can be accounted for, including their characteristic properties contrasting with the corresponding change relatives and the doubly-headed relatives. The pro-head analysis contradicts a currently popular claim propagated by a series of papers that rely on null operator movement leading to the thesis that: (i) Japanese IHRCs may exhibit a “change sub-variety” (i.e., “Change IHRC”) that is not reducible to gapless externally light-headed relatives; (ii) Japanese IHRCs are strictly island-sensitive; and (iii) they disallow definite referential semantic heads. The other objective of this paper, therefore, is to present this long overdue challenge by arguing that their claims (i) ~ (iii) are not empirically sustainable, although their claim (iii) presents some difficult issues that defy clear-cut treatment as yet.
Feasibility of Advance Care Planning in Primary Care for Homeless Adults.

Objectives: As the homeless population ages, it is imperative to improve access to advance care planning (ACP) and document preferences in case medical decision-making capacity is lost. Methods: We...
The Sunny Side Up: An Interdisciplinary Overview of Sunlightâ€™s Effects on our Health

Do levels of daily sunlight exposure have a measurable effect on peoplesâ€™ health? I used to live in Michiganwhere it is cloudy seemingly every day. This is drastically different from Texas, where the sun is almost alwaysshining. It is well known that an increase in sunlight exposure can drastically affect oneâ€™s mood; when looking atcloudy areas versus areas full of sunshine, the difference in overall happiness and rates of depression can bequite dramatic. Another factor to consider is that spending more time in direct sunlight can help with vitaminD synthesis. Low vitamin D levels can lead to all sorts of health problems, demonstrating that having directsun exposure has the potential to be very influential in oneâ€™s health. To investigate whether sunlight can have ameasurable impact on peoplesâ€™ health and life expectancies, I collected data on average life expectancies andreported happiness levels for all 50 U.S. States, as well as over 70 cities within the United States. These citieswere grouped together using K-means clustering to control for confounding variables, and then analyzed. Thisallowed for an accurate representation of whether sunlight really does affect oneâ€™s health or not. Data came fromthe United States Census Bureau, the CDC, and other reliable sources. This research highlights how certainclimate areas can affect our health, happiness, and overall life expectancy.
Randomized Pilot Trial of Acute Normovolemic Hemodilution in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Patients.

Background:Due to the substantial improvement in survival among pediatric patients undergoing congenital heart surgery, reducing early and long-term morbidity is becoming the major focus of care. B...
Dust and Diffuse Interstellar Bands in the z_a = 0.524 Absorption System toward AO 0235+164

We present new HST STIS NUV-MAMA and STIS CCD observations of the BL Lac object AO 0235+164 and the intervening damped Ly alpha (DLA) line at z_a = 0.524. The line profile gives N(H I) = 5 +/- 1 x 10^{21} cm^{-2} and, combined with the H I 21 cm absorption data leads to a spin temperature of T_s = 220 K +/- 60 K. Those spectra also show a strong, broad feature at the expected position of the 2175 Angstrom graphitic dust feature at z_a = 0.524. Assuming a Galactic type dust extinction curve at z_a = 0.524 gives a dust-to-gas ratio of 0.19 Galactic, but the fit, assuming the underlying, un-reddened spectrum is a single power-law, is poor in the far-UV. A dust-to-gas ratio of 0.19 Galactic is similar to the LMC, but the AO 0235+164 spectrum does not fit the LMC extinction curve, or the SMC extinction curve (which has practically no 2175 Angstrom feature). A possible interpretation includes dust similar to Galactic, but with less of the small particles that produce the far-UV extinction. The metallicity of the z_a = 0.524 absorber, estimated from the observed N(H I) and excess X-ray absorption (beyond Galactic) derived from contemporaneous and archival ASCA and ROSAT X-ray data, is Z = 0.72 +/- 0.28 Z_sun, implying in turn the dust-to-metals ratio of 0.27 Galactic. If the dust mass density is the same in the z_a = 0.524 DLA system as in our Galaxy, only 14% (+/- 6%) of the metals (by mass) are in dust compared with 51%, 36%, and 46% for the Galaxy, LMC, and SMC respectively. Such a dusty z_a = 0.524 AO 0235+164 absorption system is a good example of the kind of DLA system that will be missed due to selection effects, which in turn can bias the measurement of the co-moving density of interstellar gas (in units of the closure density), Omega_g, as a function of z.
Development of Wind and Flood Vulnerability Index for Residential Buildings

Building vulnerability assessment is an important technique for managing disaster, performing hazard mitigation, and managing disaster reduction practices. In the engineering field, vulnerability is mainly assessed based on the quantitative approach, which is a simulation-based technique that provides information regarding the potential loss or damage rather than accounting for indicators influencing building vulnerability. Identifying indicators that significantly contribute to building vulnerability is a key element to develop vulnerability index, which is a tool for understanding performance of building subjected to hurricane hazards and helping decision-makers to prioritize evacuation. This study qualitatively assesses residential building vulnerability through the development of Wind and Flood Building Vulnerability Index (WFBVI). WFBVI is categorized as a three-level (low-moderate-high) index using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). A dataset of single-family homes damaged by 2005 Hurricane Katrina is used to demonstrate implementation of the WFBVI. The application leads to valuable results on how hurricane building vulnerability can be reflected by quantifiable wind and flood index across spatial scales. Overall, the results provide engineers with insights on the actual performance of residential structures in areas subject to severe wind and flood hurricane hazards and provide qualitative information for developing effective strategies to mitigate future risk and improve decision-making processes.
A two-layer non-hydrostatic landslide model for tsunami generation on irregular bathymetry. 2. Numerical discretization and model validation

Abstract We describe a numerical treatment for a two-layer coupled model developed for the investigation of submarine landslides and resulting tsunami generation over irregular bathymetry. The landslide model is formulated in a Cartesian coordinate system oriented with the still water level in order to facilitate coupling between water and ground motions. Motions in the upper water layer are simulated using the 3D non-hydrostatic wave model NHWAVE. Governing equations for the lower-layer landslide are integrated over the slide thickness, and include options for choosing either Newtonian viscous or granular rheology closures. The lower layer equations retain the effects of non-hydrostatic pressure, allowing the model to simulate motions over arbitrary and locally steep bathymetry. The model equations are solved using a Runge–Kutta scheme for time integration and a Godunov-type finite volume scheme for spatial derivatives, with non-conservative terms formulated using a finite difference scheme. The resulting model is verified in comparison to two laboratory experiments involving granular slide motion, and compared to observations for a field event during the 1964 Alaska earthquake.
Evaluation of process severity on the chemical composition of organosolv switchgrass lignins by using mass spectrometry

Organosolv treatment is an environmentally friendly fractionation method that affords a lignin stream with high purity. The severity of the treatment affects the chemical composition of the generated, very complex lignin degradation product mixtures. Understanding the effects of the process severity on the types and relative abundances of the individual compounds in the mixtures is of great importance for the optimization of the treatment and the development of downstream conversion processes. In this study, seven organosolv switchgrass lignin samples prepared at different reaction temperatures and using different acid concentrations and reaction times were initially analyzed by using high-resolution mass spectrometry with negative ion-mode electrospray ionization ((−)ESI HRMS). Fast pyrolysis coupled with negative ion-mode atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and HRMS (py/(−)APCI HRMS) was also used to characterize the lignin degradation products. This method generated similar data as (−)ESI HRMS. Lignin monomers and dimers were found to constitute the majority of compounds in the mixtures. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with (−)ESI high-resolution multistage tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/(−)ESI HRMSn) based on collision-activated dissociation (CAD) was employed to obtain structural information for the most abundant compounds as well as a β-O-4 dimer with a relatively low abundance in the organosolv lignin samples. The relative abundances of lignin–carbohydrate complexes were found to be high under mild organosolv treatment conditions but become low under moderate and harsh treatment conditions. As lignin compounds with β-O-4 linkages are not stable under acidic conditions, the relative abundances of these compounds were found to be very low. The relative amounts of lignin monomers decreased as the treatment severity increased while the relative abundances of lignin dimers, trimers, and bigger oligomers increased, possibly due to repolymerization reactions under the harsher treatment conditions.
Targeting obesity-related dysfunction in hormonally driven cancers

Obesity is a risk factor for at least 13 different types of cancer, many of which are hormonally driven, and is associated with increased cancer incidence and morbidity. Adult obesity rates are steadily increasing and a subsequent increase in cancer burden is anticipated. Obesity-related dysfunction can contribute to cancer pathogenesis and treatment resistance through various mechanisms, including those mediated by insulin, leptin, adipokine, and aromatase signalling pathways, particularly in women. Furthermore, adiposity-related changes can influence tumour vascularity and inflammation in the tumour microenvironment, which can support tumour development and growth. Trials investigating non-pharmacological approaches to target the mechanisms driving obesity-mediated cancer pathogenesis are emerging and are necessary to better appreciate the interplay between malignancy, adiposity, diet and exercise. Diet, exercise and bariatric surgery are potential strategies to reverse the cancer-promoting effects of obesity; trials of these interventions should be conducted in a scientifically rigorous manner with dose escalation and appropriate selection of tumour phenotypes and have cancer-related clinical and mechanistic endpoints. We are only beginning to understand the mechanisms by which obesity effects cell signalling and systemic factors that contribute to oncogenesis. As the rates of obesity and cancer increase, we must promote the development of non-pharmacological lifestyle trials for the treatment and prevention of malignancy.
Negative allosteric modulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 attenuates alcohol self-administration in baboons

Abstract Many of the behavioral symptoms that define alcohol use disorder (AUD) are thought to be mediated by amplified glutamatergic activity. As a result, previous preclinical studies have investigated glutamate receptor inhibition as a potential pharmacotherapy for AUD, particularly the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5). In rodents, mGlu5 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) have been shown to decrease alcohol self-administration. However, their effect on non-human primates has not previously been explored. To bridge this gap, the effects of mGlu5 NAM pretreatment on sweetened alcohol (8% w/v in diluted KoolAid) self-administration in female baboons were evaluated. Two different mGlu5 NAMs were tested: 1) 3-2((-Methyl-4-thiazolyl) ethynyl) pyridine (MTEP) which was administered at a dose of 2 mg/kg IM; and 2) auglurant (N-(5-fluoropyridin-2-yl)-6-methyl-4-(pyrimidin-5-yloxy)picolinamide), a newly developed NAM, which was tested under two different routes (0.001, 0.01, 0.03, 0.1 mg/kg IM and 0.1, 0.3, 1.0 mg/kg PO). MTEP decreased both fixed ratio and progressive ratio responding for sweetened alcohol. Auglurant, administered IM, decreased alcohol self-administration at doses that did not affect self-administration of an alcohol-free sweet liquid reward (0.01 to 0.1 mg/kg). Oral administration of auglurant was not effective in decreasing alcohol self-administration. Our results extend positive findings from rodent studies on mGlu5 regulation of alcohol drinking to female baboons and further strengthen the rationale for targeting mGlu5 in clinical trials for AUD.
BacHMMachine: An Interpretable and Scalable Model for Algorithmic Harmonization for Four-part Baroque Chorales.

Algorithmic harmonization - the automated harmonization of a musical piece given its melodic line - is a challenging problem that has garnered much interest from both music theorists and computer scientists. One genre of particular interest is the four-part Baroque chorales of J.S. Bach. Methods for algorithmic chorale harmonization typically adopt a black-box, "data-driven" approach: they do not explicitly integrate principles from music theory but rely on a complex learning model trained with a large amount of chorale data. We propose instead a new harmonization model, called BacHMMachine, which employs a "theory-driven" framework guided by music composition principles, along with a "data-driven" model for learning compositional features within this framework. As its name suggests, BacHMMachine uses a novel Hidden Markov Model based on key and chord transitions, providing a probabilistic framework for learning key modulations and chordal progressions from a given melodic line. This allows for the generation of creative, yet musically coherent chorale harmonizations; integrating compositional principles allows for a much simpler model that results in vast decreases in computational burden and greater interpretability compared to state-of-the-art algorithmic harmonization methods, at no penalty to quality of harmonization or musicality. We demonstrate this improvement via comprehensive experiments and Turing tests comparing BacHMMachine to existing methods.
Fast single image super-resolution by self-trained filtering

This paper introduces an algorithm to super-resolve an image based on a self-training filter (STF). As in other methods, we first increase the resolution by interpolation. The interpolated image has higher resolution, but is blurry because of the interpolation. Then, unlike other methods, we simply filter this interpolated image to recover some missing high frequency details by STF. The input image is first downsized at the same ratio used in super-resolution, then upsized. The super-resolution filters are obtained by minimizing the mean square error between the upsized image and the input image at different levels of the image pyramid. The best STF is chosen as the one with minimal error in the training phase. We have shown that STF is more effective than a generic unsharp mask filter. By combining interpolation and filtering, we achieved competitive results when compared to support vector regression methods and the kernel regression method.
Chapter 1 Modeling subsurface biodegradation of non-aqueous phase liquids

Abstract Subsurface biodegradation of non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) compounds is extremely complex. Understanding of the interaction of physical, chemical and biological phenomena is still primitive, and much experimental and investigative work is needed in order to elucidate the important factors. Mathematical modeling of subsurface biodegradation can help us to understand the factors that are likely to be most important in harnessing the restorative power of this technology. The literature contains many mathematical models that describe subsurface biodegradation. These models approach the subject from many different perspective, and each contribute something to our understanding of the phenomena. This report describes the methods by which researchers have modeled subsurface NAPL biodegradation, describes several models in detail to illustrate different approaches, and recommends how subsurface biodegradation modeling can be further developed.
Higher order, locally conservative temporal integration methods for modeling multiphase flow in porous media

Traditional approaches for solving single- and multiphase fluid flow in porous medium systems rely on low-order methods in both space and time. Temporal approximations often use either fixed time-step methods or empirically based adaptive strategies that adjust the time step based on the number of iterations required for the nonlinear solver to converge. Over the last several years, several single- and multiphase flow problems have been solved using higher order temporal integration methods based on formal error estimation and control. This approach has led to robust and efficient solvers. In this work, we summarize the recent advances in applying higher order temporal integration methods to a range of multiphase flow problems. We also extend this work to derive an approximate solution to Richards' equation using mixed finite element methods in space and to formulate a solution approach for three-phase flow.
A Review of “Baby Teacher: Nurturing Neural Networks from Birth to Age Five”

The capabilities of the developing brain during infancy is the focus of the book Baby Teacher: Nurturing Neural Networks From Birth to Age Five. In the book, the author, Rebecca Shore, guides reade...
Hybrid power-an enabling technology for future combat systems

Futuristic weapon systems, including lasers, high power microwave systems, and electric guns may have potential to substantially increase capability to defeat enemy forces with significantly less logistics burden. However, a vast majority of the military community does not project that these weapons will be incorporated into the designs of ground combat platforms in the near future. The major barrier preventing advanced concepts from being weaponized is the lack of compact pulsed power systems required for operating them. The DARPA Combat Hybrid Power Systems (CHPS) program was established to investigate hybrid electric power systems that might provide all the energy and power needs of improved future combat vehicles specifically the transient, continuous and pulsed power necessary to drive advanced weapons systems, mobility systems, communications systems and protective systems. By exploiting the benefits of hybrid power, power management and power sharing, it may become possible to design future combat vehicles with advanced weapons and protection systems, while reducing logistical requirements (by increasing efficiency) and reducing overall weight and volume. This paper describes the CHPS program goals and accomplishments as well as provide insight on how the CHPS approach to design of future vehicles is an essential step toward demonstrating lightweight, future ground combat vehicles capable of improved mobility, lethality, survivability and sustainability.
Assessment of iron status of Zairean women of childbearing age by serum transferrin receptor.

Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), previously shown to be a sensitive indicator of tissue iron deficiency, was used to assess iron status of 104 Zairean women (69 lactating, 19 pregnant, and 16 nonpregnant, nonlactating women). Thirteen iron-sufficient female laboratory employees were also studied. Mean sTfR concentrations were higher in pregnant women (9.90 mg/L) than in lactating women (8.55 mg/L), nonlactating women (7.74 mg/L), and laboratory employees (5.11 mg/L) (P 7.26 mg/L also had another index below normal and 54% had serum ferritin < or = 50 micrograms/L.
Using CNN to unravel space-time processing in the vertebrate retina

The vertebrate retina performs a number of highly complex transformations in space and time. Because we have not had adequate tools for analyzing these functions, little is presently known about the mechanisms underlying these transformations. CNN provides, for the first time, an analytical framework within which these transformations can be predicted, measured and analyzed. While conventional analyses have relied on studies of only single cells CNN allows us to think about, manipulate generate and study patterns of activity involving large populations of cells. Thus, CNN promises to unravel some of the important mechanisms by which the retina abstracts and encodes the visual message in space and time. >
Agreement and person in anti-agreement

Many languages display correlations between subject-verb agreement and subject extraction that have come to be known as anti-agreement effects. This paper explores an anti-agreement effect found in many Bantu languages whereby a third person singular human subject triggers a unique verbal agreement marker when the subject is extracted. It is argued that co-variation of certain morphological properties of constructions with subject extraction points to an agreement relation between C and T underlying the anti-agreement effect, a conclusion that converges with proposals from Richards (2001) and Boeckx (2003) about the nature of extraction. I also argue that although this agreement relationship involves full sets of phi-features, the differing values acquired by the feature [person] in the nominal and verbal domains often makes it appear as if [person] is uniquely affected in anti-agreement contexts. Finally, I argue that variation in how anti-agreement is spelled out in a language is determined by morphological quirks of the language, especially the organization of its agreement paradigm. I illustrate this latter point using the framework of distributed morphology.
Possible communication between murine macrophages oriented in linear chains in tissue culture

Abstract Macrophages from mouse tissues were observed to assume a linear orientation when cultivated on plastic or glass Petri dishes in tissue culture. The cells demonstrated cytoplasmic bridging and electrotonic coupling. These results are discussed as evidence for possible communications among macrophages and the requirement for this cell contact for certain normal functions.
Recognizing complex patterns.

How the brain recognizes complex patterns in the environment is a central, but little understood question in neuroscience. The problem is of great significance for a host of applications such as biometric-based access control, autonomous robots and content-based information management. Although some headway in these directions has been made, the current artificial systems do not match the robustness and versatility of their biological counterparts. Here I examine recognition tasks drawn from two different sensory modalities—face recognition and speaker/speech recognition. The goal is to characterize the present state of artificial recognition technologies for these tasks, the influence of neuroscience on the design of these systems and the key challenges they face.
Early Eocene Euramerican Insectivora

Abstract Recent systematic revisions of the earliestknown families of the Lipotyphla have attempted to define the genera and species of the Adapisoricidae, Erinaceidae and Nyctitheriidae from early Tertiary deposits of North America and Europe. These studies now allow identification of genera in common to both continents and provide additional evidence of extensive faunal interchange during the late Paleocene and early Eocene. The three families, as strictly defined, have a Euramerican distribution during the early Tertiary. Genera that occur in common are Macrocranion, Scenopagus, and Talpavus, among adapisoricids, and tentatively, the erinaceid Leipsanolestes. Although the same genera of nyctitheriids have not been recovered from North America and Europe, the close resemblance of known taxa implies that faunal interchange occured among members of this family as well.
The local costs of establishing protected areas in low-income nations: Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar

Abstract Over the last 20 years, governments and influential donor organizations have come to realize that the long-term integrity of protected areas in low-income nations depends critically upon the support of rural communities that live adjacent to them. Despite the recognized need for understanding the opportunity costs of conservation borne by rural communities adjacent to protected areas, there exist few quantitative analyses of the local effects of protected area establishment. Using a unique household data set from southeastern Madagascar, I estimate the opportunity costs borne by residents resulting from the establishment of the Ranomafana National Park in 1991. I conservatively estimate the present value of the opportunity costs to be $3.37 million. The costs are not distributed evenly across households around the park. The average present value of costs per household in four zones around the park ranges from $353 to 1316. These values translate into annual costs per average household of $19 to $70 over a 60-year horizon. The paper also characterizes other costs that were not amenable to empirical estimation. Relative to household incomes in the region, the opportunity costs of conservation are substantial. Relative to the national and global benefits from protecting the rain forests of Ranomafana, however, the costs are quite small and the analysis offers hope that government agencies and international donors can design conservation plans that benefit both endangered ecosystems and the welfare of local communities.
Intracellular autoactivation of human cationic trypsinogen mutants causes reduced trypsinogen secretion and acinar cell death

Mutations in the activation peptide of human cationic trypsinogen have been found in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Previous biochemical studies demonstrated that mutations p.D19A, p.D22G, and p.K23R strongly stimulate trypsinogen autoactivation. In the present study, we characterized the cell biological effects of these mutants using human embryonic kidney 293T and AR42J rat acinar cells. We found that relative to wild-type trypsinogen, secretion of the mutants from transfected cells was markedly decreased. This apparent secretion defect was completely rescued by inhibition of autoactivation via (1) inclusion of the small molecule trypsin inhibitor benzamidine in the growth medium; or (2) cotransfection with the physiological trypsin inhibitor SPINK1; or (3) by mutation of the catalytic Ser200 residue in trypsinogen. In contrast, extracellularly added SPINK1 or other nonpermeable proteinaceous trypsin inhibitors did not restore normal secretion of the mutants, indicating that intracellular autoactivation is responsible for the observed secretion loss. Acinar cells expressing the p.D22G mutant detached from the culture plate over time, became terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive, and exhibited elevated levels of the proapoptotic transcription factor CHOP. The observations indicate that activation peptide mutants of human cationic trypsinogen undergo autoactivation intracellularly, which leads to decreased trypsinogen secretion and eventual acinar cell death. The results thus define a novel pathological pathway for parenchymal injury in hereditary chronic pancreatitis.
Intelligibility of Children’s Speech in Digitized Speech

The current investigation examined the intelligibility of digitized speech recorded from typically developing child speakers, ages 4, 5, 6, and 7 years, and reproduced on an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device with digitized speech output. The study used a between group design. Forty adults were asked to transcribe 120 words spoken by child speakers in one of the age groups, and presented on an AAC device with digitized speech output. The dependent variable was intelligibility (percent of words correctly identified) of the children's speech. Overall, the intelligibility of children's speech increases with the age of the child speaker. However, there was a lot of individual variation in the intelligibility of children's voices. There was no clear cut-off age, although the speech of some young children may not be sufficiently intelligible on an AAC device that uses digitized speech. Clinicians and parents choosing child speakers for AAC devices with digitized speech are cautioned to carefully consider the speakers used for recording digitized speech output and the characteristics of the speech of the individual speaker. Future research directions are discussed.
Quantitative assessment of autonomic dysreflexia with combined spectroscopic and perfusion probes

Autonomic Dysreflexia (AD) is an uncontrolled response of sympathetic output occurring in individuals with an injury at the sixth thoracic (T6) neurologic level. Any noxious stimulus below the injury level can trigger an AD episode. Progression of an AD attack can result in severe vasoconstriction below the injury level. Skin oxygenation can decrease up to 40% during an AD event. We present a quantitative and non-invasive method of assessing the progression of an AD event by measuring patient's skin oxygen levels and blood flow using a fiber optic based system.
Health and aging in a Chinese population: urban and rural disparities

Aim: The objective of this study was to compare the rural and urban differences in sociodemographic, health and psychosocial factors in a Chinese aging population. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of 135 rural and 269 urban subjects aged 60 years or greater was performed in a community-dwelling Chinese population. Variables collected included sociodemographic, health-related and psychosocial measures. Results: Rural subjects, compared with urban subjects, were significantly younger, more likely to be women, have lower education and income, and more likely to be widowed. Rural subjects also reported significant lower overall health status, lower quality of life and worse change in recent health. In addition, rural subjects had a significantly higher proportion of depressive symptomatology, feelings of loneliness and lower levels of social support measures. Conclusion: In this older Chinese population, rural subjects had significantly poorer characteristics of health and well-being. These differences in characteristics were found across sociodemographic, health-related quality of life and psychosocial measures.
LPS-induced indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase is regulated in an interferon-γ-independent manner by a JNK signaling pathway in primary murine microglia

Inflammation-induced activation of the tryptophan catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) causes depressive-like behavior in mice following acute activation of the innate immune system by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Here we investigated the mechanism of IDO expression induced by LPS in primary cultures of microglia derived from neonatal C57BL/6J mice. LPS (10 ng/ml) induced IDO transcripts that peaked at 8 h and enzymatic activity at 24 h, resulting in an increase in extracellular kynurenine, the catabolic product of IDO-induced tryptophan catabolism. This IDO induction by LPS was accompanied by synthesis and secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6, but without detectable IFNγ expression. To explore the mechanism of LPS-induced IDO expression, microglia were pretreated with the c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 for 30 min before LPS treatment. We found that SP600125 blocked JNK phosphorylation and significantly decreased IDO expression induced by LPS, which was accompanied by a reduction of LPS-induced expression of TNFα and IL-6. Collectively, these data extend to microglia the property that LPS induces IDO expression via an IFNγ-independent mechanism that depends upon activation of JNK. Inhibition of the JNK pathway may provide a new therapy for inflammatory depression.
Rapid Two-Dimensional Inversion of COPROD2 Data

We have inverted the large COPROD2 magnetotelluric data set using a very fast two- dimensional algorithm. Simultaneous calculation of static shifts in the data agrees well with those independently estimated using geological information. After correcting the data for static shifts, we find that the North American Central Plains conductivity anomaly consists of three compact, highly conducting strands running north-south in a resistive basement. These structures deepen to the west but internally they may dip to the east
Dissociative excitation of gas-phase ions. A comparison of techniques utilizing ion cyclotron resonance spectroscopy and angle-resolved mass spectrometry

Abstract A comparison is made between electron-impact dissociation of ions in an ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) spectrometer and collision-induced dissociation performed in a mass spectrometer capable of selecting scattering-angles. These experiments both probe ion structure by monitoring unimolecular dissociation following excitation. The techniques have been applied to the molecular ions of trifluorotoluene, phenetole, aniline, n -propyl-benzene, and perfluoropropylene. Plots of relative fragment-ion abundance versus electron energy (in the range 2–9 eV) are compared to similar plots in which the abscissa is the scattering angle (known to be related in some systems to internal energy). The plots are found to be qualitatively similar for the two techniques for several of the molecular ions, but significantly different for two. For one of these, perfluoropropylene, a lack of dependence of fragment-ion abundance upon scattering angle was observed, implying that the ion internal energy does not vary with scattering angle. The differences between the electron- and particle-impact behavior may stem from the fact that fluorescence or rotational excitation are implicated. Although both methods suffer from some uncertainty in defining precisely the internal energy deposition they are simple to effect yet yield important fundamental information about ion dissociation chemistry.
Rupture of the diaphragm after blunt trauma

Abstract Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm is an occult and often dangerous injury which is encountered with increasing frequency as a result of the growing number of automobile accidents. Although rarely lethal, it may threaten life by upsetting cardiorespiratory dynamics or it can cause chronic gastrointestinal symptoms for many years before presenting with obstruction or strangulation. The experience with thirty-two patients in three Rochester hospitals is reviewed. Anatomic studies suggesting reasons for the most common location of rupture are presented. Immediate repair is advocated when necessary for relief of cardiorespiratory symptoms in the seriously injured patient. Operation in others should be performed early, when feasible, to eliminate chronic symptoms and later serious complications. Because of the nature and frequency of associated intra-abdominal injuries, the abdominal or thoracoabdominal incision is recommended for repair of the left diaphragm in acutely injured patients. Thoracotomy is advised for repair of the unusual right diaphragmatic rupture, and thoracotomy is also preferred in the management of patients treated during the chronic phase of the disease.
Performance characteristics for an immunoassay

In the United States of America the medical device amendments of 1976 established a comprehensive system for regulation of medicaldevices intended for human use. One provision of the amendmentsestablishes three categories (classes) of devices depending onthe regulatory controls needed to provide reasonable assurance ofsafety and effectiveness. The categories are as follows: Class I, General Controls; Class II, Performance Standards; and Class III, Premarket Approval. The performance characteristics of an immunology device that requires premarket approval (CLASS III) may be viewed as an extension of successfully completed scientific and laboratory investigations. Clinical trials of the device establish analyte levels in well-defined populations of healthy and diseased individuals and provide an estimate of the central tendency of analyte range. The performance characteristics of an immunoassay kit are established by laboratory studies, these studies include but are not limited to the following studies: rep...
Measurement of the low temperature diffusivity and solubility of tritium in an iron-base superalloy

Abstract Tritium diffusivity and solubility measurements were made in an iron-base superalloy at 273 K by analyzing the depth distribution of 3 He which is the immobile product of the radioactive decay of tritium. The measurements were made by nuclear reaction analysis using the reaction 3 He(d,p) 4 He. The diffusivity and solubility agreed, within the precision of the measurement technique, with predicted values from higher temperature studies. Surface preparation effects were characterized by comparing subsurface 3 He concentrations, allowing relative tritium concentrations to be compared.
Efficient removal of sugar O-tosyl groups and heterocycle halogens from purine nucleosides with sodium naphthalenide☆

Abstract Sodium naphthalenide effects removal of 2′-, 3′-, or 5′-O-tosyl groups from the sugar, and 2-, 6-, or 8-halogens from purine nucleosides. An improved tosyl protection strategy was developed for the synthesis of 9-(3-deoxy-3-fluoro-β-D-xylofuranosyl)adenine from 2′,5′-di-O-tosyladenosine.
Evaluation of the performance characteristics of a thermal transient anemometer

This paper describes and evaluates a thermal transient anemometer, a novel fluid flow (mass flux) measuring device having a thermocouple probe which is utilized to measure the change in temperature over a period of time to provide a measure of fluid flow velocity. The thermocouple probe (sensor) is periodically heated by the application of an electrical pulse and its rate of cooling between pulses is related to the local mean flow velocity. The theory of operation, device description, comparison with other similar fluid flow devices, and laboratory tests including measurements under different turbulence levels and different fluid temperatures are presented and discussed.
Histochemical and autoradiographic studies of the formation of the metrial gland in the pregnant rat.

It is shown in this study that cells of the mesometrial triangle proliferate at a high rate in the early formative period of the metrial gland. This, plus observations of sequential apperance of specific cell types during growth of this tissue, indicate that the metrial cells are formed in situ. Support for the hypothesis of in situ formation of metrial gland tissue also was obtained by observation of apparent differentiation of metrial cells from a precursor cell type. The precursor cells appear to arise from fibroblast-like cells located in the mesometrial triangle throughout the formative period of the metrial gland. Quantitative autoradiographic studies indicate that the precursor cells accumulate glycogen, undergo division, and subsequently produce diastase-resistant, PAS-positive granules that are characteristic of metrial cells. These cells, which contain specific granules and glycogen, are an individual cell type and are referred to as mononucleate metrial cells. The experiments suggest that the mononucleate metrial cells undergo karyokinesis without cytokinesis resulting in typical binucleate metrial cells. Binucleate metrial cells synthesize DNA and appear to become polyploid rather than forming multinucleated cells or binucleate daughter cells. Some nuclei apparently attain a high ploidy, but the majority of binucleates are not highly polyploid.
ULTRAFILTRATION OF PROTEINS THROUGH CELLOPHANE MEMBRANES OF ENHANCED PERMEABILITY.

Abstract Proteins were ultrafiltered through cellophane membranes made permeable to large molecules by the swelling effect of zinc chloride. The time course of filtration follows a characteristic curve with an initial lag period, a sigmoid phase of rising protein output, a steady-state plateau at the level of the input concentration. The time scale of the filtration curve depends mainly on the molecular size of the protein. A mathematical expression has been derived on the basis of a diffusion model to describe the progressive changes of protein concentration in the ultrafiltrate.
Model selection and Akaike Information Criteria: An example from wine ratings and prices

The effect of wine ratings on pricing has been a question for wine consumers for some time. Ultimately, wine preference, and thus how one judges a wine, is a subjective endeavor. Wine professionals have long rated wines and those published ratings have some effect on consumer sales. Previously, wine studies have found that there is a connection between rating and price. This study looks to try to verify that connection through insuring that best fit model development is used. For the first time in wine research, the authors have utilized Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) to compare different models and more dynamic hypothesis testing to explore the relationship between ratings and prices of wines. In the end, it was confirmed that there is a link, and the use of AIC also helped to not only confirm previous findings, but also to identify a new concern in wine ratings.