cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Elevated carbon dioxide alters impacts of precipitation pulses on ecosystem photosynthesis and respiration in a semi-arid grassland

Predicting net C balance under future global change scenarios requires a comprehensive understanding of how ecosystem photosynthesis (gross primary produc- tion; GPP) and respiration (Re) respond to elevated atmo- spheric (CO2) and altered water availability. We measured net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE), GPP and Re under ambient and elevated (CO2) in a northern mixed-grass prairie (Wyoming, USA) during dry intervals and in response to simulated precipitation pulse events. Elevated (CO2) resulted in higher rates of both GPP and Re across the 2006 growing season, and the balance of these two fluxes (NEE) accounted for cumulative growing season C uptake (-14.4 ± 8.3 g C m -2 ). Despite lower GPP and Re, experimental plots under ambient (CO2) had greater cumulative uptake (-36.2 ± 8.2 g C m -2 ) than plots under elevated (CO2). Non-irrigated control plots received 50% of average precipitation during the drought of 2006, and had near-zero NEE (1.9 ± 6.4 g C m -2 ) for the growing season. Elevated (CO2) extended the magnitude and duration of pulse-related increases in GPP, resulting in a significant (CO2) treatment by pulse day interaction, demonstrating the potential for elevated (CO2) to increase the capacity of this ecosystem to respond to late-season precipitation. However, stimulation of Re throughout the growing season under elevated (CO2) reduced net C uptake compared to plots under ambient (CO2). These results indicate that although elevated (CO2) stimulates gross rates of ecosystem C fluxes, it does not necessarily enhance net C uptake, and that C cycle responses in semi-arid grass- lands are likely to be more sensitive to changes in pre- cipitation than atmospheric (CO2).
Privatization as a Political Priority: The British Experience

This article challenges conventional approaches to Thatcher's privatization campaign in which privatization has been judged on the basis of its economic or public policy merits. The privatization programme of the Thatcher Government was driven by political objectives and thus it was more coherent than has been usually asserted. Politicians are motivated by maximizing their political benefits (power) rather than by the pursuit of the common good, that is optimal economic and public policies. Unlike some other papers who have considered the political aspects of the Conservative privatization programme, this paper introduces a distinction between what were the Conservatives' perceptions of the political consequences of privatization and the actual effect of this programme.
Parenting Stress, Parenting Behavior, and Children’s Adjustment in Families Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence

Children exposed to intimate partner violence are known to experience a number of negative outcomes, including behavioral and emotional problems; however, possible mechanisms accounting for this relationship are unclear. There is considerable evidence that parenting stress has a direct effect on child adjustment problems and on parenting behaviors; parenting behaviors, in turn, have been repeatedly shown to be related to child outcomes. The hypothesis that parenting mediates the relationship between parenting stress and child behavioral and emotional problems according to Abidin’s (Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 21:407–412, 1992) model was tested in a sample of 190 battered women and their 4-to12-year-old children. No support for mediation was found for either mother- or child-reported outcomes. Parenting stress had a strong direct effect on child behavioral and emotional problems. These findings have implications for the viability of Abidin’s model, as well as for interventions with battered women that address parenting stress.
Abstract 2943: Lapatinib restores TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) through an off-target strategy that appears to be independent of increased death receptor expression.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprises 15-20% of breast cancer, and carries a poor prognosis. TRAIL (Tumor Necrosis Factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand), a member of the TNF-alpha family of death receptor ligands, induces apoptosis by binding death receptors (DR4 and DR5), and can be a good therapeutic target in TNBC based on the work of Lipkowitz at the NCI. Lapatinib, a dual HER2 and EGFR inhibitor has been shown to sensitize colon cancer and GBM cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis through an off-target effect that involves JNK. In colon cancer cell lines, this sensitization was found to be due to increased DR4 and DR5 protein levels, and this was not affected by HER2 and EGFR dual specific inhibition. The majority of breast cancer cell lines including HCC 1937, a BRCA1-deficient TNBC cell line derived from a patient with BRCA1 mutation, are known to have constitutive death receptor endocytosis resulting in resistance to TRAIL. We hypothesized that treatment of TNBC cells with lapatinib may induce sensitization to TRAIL-induced apoptosis in normally TRAIL-resistant cell lines, but possibly not by increased death receptor protein expression since these cells have defective cell surface expression. MDA-MB-231 and HCC 1937 cell lines are both well-validated TNBC cell lines. MDA-MB-231 is known to be sensitive to TRAIL, whereas HCC 1937 is resistant to TRAIL. These two cell lines were pre-treated with 0-10 μM lapatinib for 48 hrs. Cells were then treated with His-tagged recombinant TRAIL (50 ng/mL) for 24 hr subsequently. Cell Titer Glo assay, and sub-G1 DNA content analysis by flow cytometry showed increments of apoptosis after lapatinib pre-treatment. This change was more prominent in HCC 1937, which is normally resistant to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. However western blotting did not show increased DR4/DR5 by pre-treatment with lapatinib in either MDA-MB-231 or HCC 1937. This result suggests that we may have identified an off-target effect of lapatinib in TNBC that appears to not involve increased death receptor expression. We are further exploring the previously described role for JNK in the off-target effect to further elucidate this TRAIL death receptor- and Her2/EGFR-independent mechanism of TRAIL sensitization by lapatinib that has implication for TNBC therapy. Citation Format: Bora Lim, Nathan G. Dolloff, Joshua E. Allen, David T. Dicker, Wafik S. El-Deiry. Lapatinib restores TRAIL-mediated apoptosis in TRAIL-resistant Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) through an off-target strategy that appears to be independent of increased death receptor expression. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2943. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2943
Stimulus control and generalization of point-loss punishment with humans

Two experiments demonstrated stimulus control and generalization of conditioned punishment with humans. In both studies, responses first were reinforced with points exchangeable for money on a variable-interval schedule in the presence of one line length (S(D)). Next, a second line length was introduced, and point loss followed every response in the presence of that line (S(D)p). In the final training condition, points were deducted at session end. Response rate was lower in the presence of the S(D)p despite equal rates of points for money in the presence of both stimuli. In generalization testing for Experiment 1, the two lines were included in a 10-line continuum; S(D)p fell in the middle and the trained SD was at one end. Lines were presented randomly, and point delivery and loss contingencies were as in training but with points available in the presence of all lines. For all subjects, response rates were lowest around S(D)p and increased towards the SD end of the continuum. Because testing included only one or two lines beyond S(D), this pattern did not rule out S(D) generalization. Thus, in Experiment 2, stimuli beyond S(D) were added to generalization tests. Response rates did not decrease as a function of distance from S(D), clarifying the demonstration of punishment generalization.
The Tcl-mariner superfamily of transposons in animals

Abstract The encoded transposases of six mariner family and eight Tcl family transposons from nematodes, insects, fish, and a planarian are fully aligned. The alignment allows recognition of conserved amino acids that provide defining synapomorphies for the two families, and also that distinguish the superfamily from even more distantly related elements in ciliates and bacteria. Phylogenetic analysis of these transposases supports the distinction of the two families, however the relationships of the elements within families are largely unresolved. The possibility of horizontal transfer to new hosts therefore cannot be examined using these sequences, however examination of closely related mariners within subfamilies has revealed at least two instances of relatively recent horizontal transfer across orders of insects. Such transfers to new, and sometimes distantly related, host lineages probably underlie the widespread distribution and evolutionary persistence of these transposons.
Experimental study of naphthalene formation pathways in non-premixed methane flames doped with alkylbenzenes

To study the naphthalene formation pathways of monoalkylbenzenes that are often present in practical fuels, a nitrogen-diluted non-premixed methane flame was separately doped with ≈500 ppm of toluene, ethylbenzene, and the structural isomers of propylbenzene and butylbenzene. Centerline profiles of temperature, stable C1 to C12 hydrocarbons, soot volume fraction, and broadand laser-induced fluorescence were measured in each flame. A significant fraction of the added aromatic rings remained intact and thus provided a foundation for second ring formation. The additives decomposed along two principal routes, which determined the predominant naphthalene formation pathways: when the carbon attached to the phenyl group was secondary (with respect to carbon-carbon bonds), the alkylbenzene rapidly decomposed to form benzyl radical: when the carbon attached to the phenyl group was tertiary or quartary, the decomposition, thermally or through H abstraction, and subsequent β scission resulted in the formation of styrene or methylstyrene. The styrene and methylstyrene further decomposed to phenylacetylene. Naphthalene was formed via two main routes, the H abstraction/C2H2 addition (HACA) route and an alternate route through benzyl radical. The relative importance of these routes was strongly dependent on the primary decomposition products of the additives. For instance, the route through benzyl was found to be of major importance for the normal-alkylbenzenes, all of which form large amounts of benzyl radical. The naphthalene correlated closely with the soot volume fractions and broadband laser-induced fluorescence signals. These results confirm that second ring formation is an important rate-limiting step in soot formation in flames fueled with alkylbenzenes.
Heat Conduction with Flux Condition on a Free Patch

A new free boundary or free patch problem for the heat equation is presented. In the problem a nonlinear heat flux condition is prescribed on a free portion of the boundary, the patch, the position of which depends on the solution. The existence of a weak solution is established using the theory of set-valued pseudomonotone operators.
Electroactuation of solvated triblock copolymer dielectric elastomers: Decoupling the roles of mechanical prestrain and specimen thickness

Dielectric elastomers (DEs) constitute a class of electroactive polymers that are becoming increasingly important as lightweight and mechanically robust replacements for conventional transducers and actuators. Because of their inherent cycling resilience, they also show tremendous promise as energy-harvesting media, as well as smart sensors and microfluidic devices. Recent studies have demonstrated that DEs composed of midblock-solvated triblock copolymers exhibit attractive electromechanical attributes such as giant electroactuation strains at relatively low electric fields at high conversion efficiency. Moreover, the properties of these readily processable systems are highly composition-tunable, thereby making them ideal candidates for a detailed study of the coupling between initial specimen thickness and mechanical prestrain, which is frequently used to reduce specimen thickness before actuation to lower the voltage required to achieve electroactuation. Conventional wisdom based on the notion of an ideal DE indicates that electroactuation should only depend on pre-actuation specimen thickness, but we report results that unequivocally indicate a more detailed material/process description is required. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 49: 1569–1582, 2011
Supported Employment and Social Validity

Whereas considerable data exist demonstrating positive outcomes for people working as a result of supported employment, little attention has been paid to more qualitative measures of consumer satisfaction. Given the vast array of potential consumers of supported employment services, it seems imperative to determine consumer acceptability, or the social validity, of supported employment goals, procedures, and outcomes. The purpose of the present paper was to review a portion of the supported employment/social validity literature in relation to a proposed Social Validity Matrix and to suggest areas for future research. A review of 30 studies based on the matrix indicated future research is needed to (a) broaden the scope of supported employment social validity assessment, (b) investigate alternative strategies for assessing social validity, (c) develop systematic procedures for collecting and using social validity data, and (d) establish functional variables within supported employment.
A novel online adaptive sensorless identification and control of doubly fed induction generator

This paper presents a new method for sensorless identification and adaptive control of doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) with inner and outer loop control. The method uses an online identification and adaptively tuned PID for sensor-less speed identification observing angular deviations in DFIG. Further an adaptive outer loop control structure is developed based on the proposed architecture for analyzing active and reactive power response. The main advantage of the proposed architecture is the sensorless operation and adaptive nature of the controller that a) allows sensor free operation, b) avoids Phase Locked Loop (PLL) errors, c) is capable of delivering optimal active and reactive power. The proposed architecture is evaluated using simulations and experimental test bed.
Comparison of model/full-scale wind pressures on a high-rise building

Abstract Recent experience with wind-induced glass breakage in high-rise office towers has demonstrated the difficulty of pin-pointing potential problem areas on a building and hence the need for a better understanding of the magnitude and nature of cladding loads. Results of surface wind pressure measurements made simultaneously at 32 points on a 57-storey office tower in Toronto are reported. In addition to readings taken at 1 2 - second intervals during high winds, mean and root-mean-square pressures were recorded for a 5-minute interval once each hour, and pressure coefficients referred to the free stream dynamic pressure at 286 m were computed for comparison with wind tunnel test information which was used in the design of the cladding.
Cross-Sectional Tenderness Variations Among Six Locations of Pork Longissimus Dorsi

SUMMARY Certain cross-sectional variations in tenderness were studied among 97 pork loin roasts by panel, Warner-Bratzler shear, and the slice tenderness evaluator (STE). This instrument, used with a universal testing machine and load cell, first punctures and then shears off circular meat wafers 3/8-inch in diameter. Longissimus dorsi (loin-eye) slices from heated roasts were graphically partitioned into six locations (two each from the dorsal, medial, and lateral areas) and resistances to STE puncture and shear were recorded. The lateral locations were the most tender, and medial locations the least tender. Correlation of panel scores with STE values was greatest for the toughest areas. Simple correlations between STE values and panel score were highly significant, with stronger relationships being noted between panel and STE shear. The noticeable difference in tenderness observed among the six pork loin-eye locations emphasizes the importance of careful and consistent sampling methods.
A NONCLEAVABLE RETRO-BINDING PEPTIDE THAT SPANS THE SUBSTRATE BINDING CLEFT OF SERINE PROTEASES. ATOMIC STRUCTURE OF NAZUMAMIDE A : HUMAN THROMBIN

The 2.0 A resolution crystal structure of the retro-binding natural product nazumamide A (NAZA) complexed with human thrombin is presented. The crystal structure shows that the retro-binding nazumamide A is noncleavable and extends into the prime end of the substrate binding cleft. The data suggest ideas for SAR and combinatorial modification of nazumamide A to create a second generation of nazumamide-like compounds which are potent and specific for human thrombin. This crystal structure indicates that fresh ideas for the generation of novel and specific inhibitors may arise from examining weak binding compounds. Additionally, the crystal structure demonstrates the utility of crystallographic analysis of natural product:protein complexes.
Ethics and the defense procurement system

A large U.S. government investigation into arms procurement procedures with corporate contractors has recently led to guilty pleas to fraud and illegal use of classified documents. Operation Ill Wind has brought public attention to the criminal and unethical conduct of large defense contractors in their dealings with the government. This article will review how the defense contract bidding process operates and why illegal activity has been able to compromise the process. We will offer proposals to improve the process in light of the present inquiry.
Implications of comparative cost advantages for the nafta

Comparative cost advantage can have an important role in determining the composition of trade flows between two countries. Identification of industries that have a comparative advantage is useful for analyzing the costs and benefits of manufacturing industries in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. This article investigates the comparative cost advantage of manufacturing industries in Mexico, Canada, and the United States. The first part develops a framework for analyzing comparative advantage between two countries. The second part derives an internal ranking of 28 manufacturing industries and eight subsectors by relative unit labor costs and computes a measure of their comparative advantage. The industries with a clear comparative advantage are discussed. The final section draws possible policy implications.
Chemical shift assignments of the connexin45 carboxyl terminal domain: monomer and dimer conformations

Connexin45 (Cx45) is a gap junction protein involved in cell-to-cell communication in the heart and other tissues. Here we report the (1)H, (15)N, and (13)C resonance assignments for the monomer and dimer conformations of the Cx45 carboxyl terminal (Cx45CT) domain and provide evidence of dimerization using diffusion ordered spectroscopy. The predicted secondary structure of the Cx45CT domain based on the chemical shifts identified one region of α-helical structure, which corresponds to the residues that broadened beyond detection in the dimer confirmation. Previous biophysical studies from our laboratory characterizing the CT domain from the other major cardiac connexins, Cx40 and Cx43, suggest that the amount of α-helical content may translate into the ability of a protein to dimerize. Even though the CT domain is thought to be the main regulatory domain of most connexins, the physiological role of CT dimerization is currently unknown. Therefore, these assignments will be useful for determining the intermolecular interactions that mediate Cx45CT dimerization, information that will be used to characterize dimerization in functional channels, as well as characterizing the binding sites for molecular partners involved in Cx45 regulation.
Constitutive equations of ageing polymeric materials

In a previous paper, a constitutive equation of relaxation behaviour of time-dependent chemically unstable materials has been developed by employing the irreversible thermodynamics of internal variables and Eyring's absolute reaction theory. In that paper, a theoretical expression for the effect of chemical crosslink density,v, on the relaxation rate has been developed. In this paper the creep behaviour of a network polymer undergoing a scission process has been developed. The temperature effect using the WLF equation on the coupled chemomechanical behaviour has also been incorporated into the equation.
One-Step Route to 2,3-Diaminopyrroles Using a Titanium-Catalyzed Four-Component Coupling

A simple indolyl titanium complex, Ti(NMe2)2(IndMe2)2 (1), can be prepared from commercially available reagents, Ti(NMe2)4 and 2,3-dimethylindole. Indolyl-containing 1 is a catalyst for the selective generation of unusual 2,3-diaminopyrroles from four-component coupling of 2 equiv of an isonitrile, 1 equiv of an arylamine, and 1 equiv of an alkyne in an atom-efficient process. For this study, both terminal and internal alkynes were used with a selection of arylamines to provide 11 examples of 2,3-diaminopyrroles. Yields for terminal alkyne substrates in this reaction were 75−93%. In all cases, terminal alkynes result in one of the α-positions on the pyrrole being unsubstituted. Two reactions with internal alkynes provided pentasubstituted pyrroles in 42% and 88% yield. Catalyst 1, along with six of the pyrrole products, was structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.
Is War a Business Paradigm? A Literature Review

The shelves of bookstore business sections are filled with of books in which military leaders are role models for business leadership and strategy. Looking beyond books featuring war as a paradigm for business, one finds books which offer up game theory, both of the zero-sum and of the cooperative variety, as paradigms for business strategy. This article provides a review of this literature and concludes that, if indeed the theory of cooperative games is a proper paradigm for business, then the military leader is not the appropriate role model.
Biomass chemicals: Improvement in quality and quantity with physiological regulators

Abstract The search for alternative biomass energy forms has centered on two approaches: (1) production of cellulose fiber in biomass of low net energy value per unit weight, such as wood and bagasse, and (2) hydrocarbons of high net energy value per unit weight for use as chemical feedstocks and substitutes for petroleum. Major plant chemical products include oleoresin from pine ( Pinus elliottii Engelm., P. palustris Mill.), rubber from the rubber tree ( Hevea brasiliensis Muell.), and guayule shrub ( Parthenium argentatum Gray) and sugar from sugarcane ( Saccharum spp.). Genetic selections with lower natural yields tend to respond the most to bioregulators, and yields after treatment may equal those of the best selections also receiving the treatment. Ethylene may be a unifying natural bioregulator that can increase deposition of biomass chemicals in all four of these systems. The underlying success of the bioregulators is that assimilates are partitioned into extractives and sugar instead of vegetative growth. Examples include the use of paraquat, diquat, and 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (CEPA) for stimulating the synthesis of oleoresin, CEPA for prolonging the flow of rubber and increasing rubber synthesis in the rubber tree, and triethylamines of chlorinated phenoxy compounds for stimulating rubber production in guayule. In sugarcane, gibberellic acid (GA 3 ) increases internodal elongation. Glyphosate, CEPA and other regulators increase the deposition of sucrose, diquat and CEPA inhibit flowering, and paraquat desiccates leaves just prior to harvest to facilitate leaf removal or burning just prior to harvest. The cellular compartmentalization for the synthesis of these plant chemicals is unique for each species, and dictates cultural and harvest techniques. Oleoresin is produced in the epithelial cells of resin canals and parenchyma of rays. Hevea rubber is produced in articulated laticifers. Hevea rubber and pine oleoresin are obtained by stripping away bark at various intervals during the year. The main source of guayule rubber is bark parenchyma and it is obtained by grinding the shrub, and coagulating and extracting the rubber. Sucrose is synthesized in the cytosol, stored in plastids and obtained by harvesting the cane and crushing it. The mode of action and pathways for the success of these physiological regulators are discussed.
A note on the vertex arboricity of a graph

The vertex arboricity$a(G)$ of a graph G is the minimum number of subsets into which the vertices of G can be partitioned so that each subset induces an acyclic graph. A characterization of planar graphs G is given for which $a(G) = 2$, thereby answering a question of Grunbaum [Israel J. Math., 14 (1973), pp. 390–408]. The characterization is in terms of the dual graph $G^* $. As a corollary, a theorem of Stein that characterizes maximal planar graphs G with $a(G) = 2$ is obtained. This latter result implies that determining whether $a(G)\leqq 2$ is NP-complete for maximal planar graphs G.
Recovery of organic carbon from atmospheric particulate matter using soxhlet extraction with the benzene/methanol azeotrope

Abstract The extraction efficiency of the benzene/methanol azeotrope for organic carbon in atmospheric particulate matter was determined using a carbon types analyzer and also radio‐labeled tracers and liquid scintillation spectroscopy. A twenty‐four hour Soxhlet extraction with the azeotrope extracts 76 percent of the organic carbon, 15 percent of the elemental carbon, and 61 percent of the total carbon. Nonpolar and moderately polar organic compounds such as dotriacontane, benzo(a)pyrene, and stearic acid are extracted with 95 percent recovery. Highly polar oxygenated species such as succinic acid are extracted with an efficiency of 82 percent. The Soxhlet extractor was more efficient than ultrasonication for the extraction of highly polar species.
A review of advantages of high-efficiency X-ray spectrum imaging for analysis of nanostructured ferritic alloys

Nanostructured ferritic alloys (NFAs) exhibit complex microstructures consisting of 100–500 nm ferrite grains, grain boundary solute enrichment, and multiple populations of precipitates and nanoclusters (NCs). Understanding these materials’ excellent creep and radiation-tolerance properties requires a combination of multiple atomic-scale experimental techniques. Recent advances in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) hardware and data analysis methods have the potential to revolutionize nanometer-to micrometer-scale materials analysis. Modern high-brightness, high-X-ray collection STEM instruments are capable of enabling advanced experiments, such as simultaneous energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy spectrum imaging at nm to sub-nm resolution, that are now well-established for the study of nuclear materials. In this paper, we review past results and present new results illustrating the effectiveness of latest-generation STEM instrumentation and data analysis.
The edge-isoperimetric problem for discrete tori

Abstract The edge-isoperimetric problem has long been solved for cartesian powers of the cycles C3 and C4, for which the lexicographic order is the optimal order, and powers of the cycles Cn with n>5, which do not have nested optimal subsets. For powers of C5, it is clear that the lexicographic order is not optimal. We present a solution to the edge-isoperimetric problem for powers of C5 in the form of an optimal order for the vertices. We then prove that discrete tori of the forms C 5 i × C 4 j × C 3 k and C n × C 5 i × C 4 j × C 3 k have nested optimal subsets for n>5, i,j,k⩾0 , and give an optimal order for members of that class. We conjecture that these are the only discrete tori which have nested optimal subsets.
Girls’ Education and HIV Risk: Evidence from Uganda

Uganda is widely viewed as a public health success for curtailing its HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 1990s. The period of rapid HIV decline coincided with a dramatic rise in girls’ secondary school enrollment. We instrument for this enrollment with distance to school, conditional on a rich set of demographic and locational controls, including distance to market center. We find that girls’ enrollment in secondary education significantly increased the likelihood of abstaining from sex. Using a triple-difference estimator, we find that some of the schooling increase among young women was in response to a 1990 affirmative action policy giving women an advantage over men on University applications.
The Therapeutic Effects of Intravitreal Bevacizumab in a Patient with Recalcitrant Idiopathic Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy

We describe the clinical course of a patient with therapy refractory polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) who was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB). Prior treatments included photodynamic therapy and intravitreal pegaptanib with poor therapeutic response. Within four weeks of follow-up after a single IVB, the visual acuity improved from count fingers to 20/400 coincident to resolution of subretinal fluid. The visual acuity demonstrated sustained improvement and the macula remained without exudation for 12 months post treatment. Intravitreal injection of bevacizumab should be studied as an effective and relatively inexpensive option for patients with active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy.
Another Tool in the Belt: Self-Directed Professional Learning for Teachers of Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities

Chronic shortages, high attrition rates, the unique demands of the job, and geographic isolation from colleagues have been identified as unique challenges within the profession for teachers of students with moderate and severe disabilities. Many different forms of professional development exist for educators; however, these experiences do not always adequately meet the specific needs of individual teachers. This article presents an additional tool for professional learning utilizing a framework for selecting, monitoring and assessing progress toward self-identified areas of professional growth. The proposed model considers teacher development in three dimensions including school-based, community-based, and universal growth.
A critique of posterior lumbar interbody fusion: 12 years' experience with 250 patients

Abstract A comprehensive long-term follow-up analysis of the clinical and radiographic results of posterior lumbar interbody fusion for lumbar disk disease is presented. This 12-year experience with 250 patients is compared with a previous critique of our surgical management of lumbar disk disease by laminotomy and diskectomy alone. The clinical results and complication rates are comparable. However, posterior lumbar interbody fusion significantly reduces the rate of recurrent problems requiring subsequent surgery. Careful technique and judgment are mandatory for success with posterior lumbar interbody fusion. Homologous tissue bank bone grafts were found to be as successful as autogenous bone. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion represents an improvement in the surgical management of lumbar disk disease.
Dynamic phototuning of 3D hydrogel stiffness

Hydrogels are widely used as in vitro culture models to mimic 3D cellular microenvironments. The stiffness of the extracellular matrix is known to influence cell phenotype, inspiring work toward unraveling the role of stiffness on cell behavior using hydrogels. However, in many biological processes such as embryonic development, wound healing, and tumorigenesis, the microenvironment is highly dynamic, leading to changes in matrix stiffness over a broad range of timescales. To recapitulate dynamic microenvironments, a hydrogel with temporally tunable stiffness is needed. Here, we present a system in which alginate gel stiffness can be temporally modulated by light-triggered release of calcium or a chelator from liposomes. Others have shown softening via photodegradation or stiffening via secondary cross-linking; however, our system is capable of both dynamic stiffening and softening. Dynamic modulation of stiffness can be induced at least 14 d after gelation and can be spatially controlled to produce gradients and patterns. We use this system to investigate the regulation of fibroblast morphology by stiffness in both nondegradable gels and gels with degradable elements. Interestingly, stiffening inhibits fibroblast spreading through either mesenchymal or amoeboid migration modes. We demonstrate this technology can be translated in vivo by using deeply penetrating near-infrared light for transdermal stiffness modulation, enabling external control of gel stiffness. Temporal modulation of hydrogel stiffness is a powerful tool that will enable investigation of the role that dynamic microenvironments play in biological processes both in vitro and in well-controlled in vivo experiments.
‘Por que no sabemos firmar’: Black Slaves in Early Guatemala*

Juan, a literate black slave born and raised in the Spanish town of Caceres, labored for at least five years during the 1560s in the Honduran gold mines of Guayape. Finally, growing tired of the arduous work of placer mining and taking advantage of his isolation, he made a bid for freedom. Upon hearing of Juan's flight, his owner, a wealthy Santiago-based merchant named Santos de Figueroa, immediately began the process of securing Juan's recovery. Eventually Juan made his way to Santo Domingo where unfortunately he was captured and Figueroa notified of his whereabouts. It remains unknown if Juan was actually returned to Santiago or if Figueroa instead preferred to sell him, a rather common occurrence in cases of runaway slaves.
‘Paradoxical’ decline? Another look at the relative reduction in female happiness

Abstract In a provocative paper, Stevenson and Wolfers (2009) provide evidence that women over the last several decades experienced an absolute and relative decline in happiness. The current paper draws upon novel data from the DDB Needham Life Style Survey to take another look at the evolution of women’s subjective well-being. In contrast to Stevenson and Wolfers, I find that men and women between 1985 and 2005 experienced similar decreases in life satisfaction. Furthermore, both sexes witnessed comparable slippages in self-confidence, growing regrets about the past, and declines in virtually every measure of self-reported physical and mental health. The data also show that men’s well-being in recent years has begun to fall more rapidly than that for women. In the final section of the paper, I present some initial evidence that the steady erosion in social and civic engagement, interpersonal trust, and financial security could be partially responsible for the widespread decline in subjective well-being over the past few decades.
Voltage-sensitive calcium flux promoted by vesicles in an isolated cardiac sarcolemma preparation

The effect of membrane potential on the vesicular uptake of calcium in an isolated cardiac sarcolemma preparation from canine ventricle was evaluated. Membrane potentials were developed by the establishment of potassium gradients across the vesicular membranes. In the presence of valinomycin, the fluorescence changes of the voltage sensitive dye, diS-C3-(5) were consistent with the development of potassium equilibrium potentials. Using EGTA to remove endogenous calcium from the preparation and to maintain a low intravesicular calcium concentration over time, the uptake of calcium was linear from 5 to 100 sec, in the absence of sodium, at both −98 and −1 mV. The rate of calcium uptake (calcium influx) was approximately twofold greater at −1 mV than at −98 mV, and prepolarization of the membrane potential to −98 mV did not enhance calcium influx upon subsequent depolarization to −1 mV. Hence, calcium influx was voltage-sensitive but not depolarization-induced and did not inactivate with time. Furthermore, the calcium influx was not inhibited by the organic calcium antagonists, which suggests that this flux did not occur via the transient calcium channel. Evaluation of calcium influx over a wide range of membrane potentials produced a profile consistent with the hypothesis that calcium entered the vesicles through the pathway responsible for the persistent inward current observed in voltage-clamped isolated myocytes. A model was proposed to account for these results.
Effectiveness of two evidence-based programs in participants with arthritis: findings from the active for life initiative.

Objective Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the US. Strong evidence suggests that physical activity (PA) is beneficial to those with arthritis. This study examined whether changes in PA and PA-related outcomes from two general evidence-based PA programs (Active Choices [AC] and Active Living Every Day [ALED]) differed in participants with and without arthritis. Methods Active for Life was a 4-year, multicenter, translational initiative that evaluated the effects of AC and ALED on PA and PA-related outcomes. Participants self-reported arthritis, PA, depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and satisfaction with body appearance and function. A subset of participants completed functional fitness tests. Results Participants (n = 2,413 AC, n = 3,191 ALED) completed at least one outcome measure; 619 ALED participants completed at least one functional fitness test. Significant improvements in all PA and PA-related outcomes were seen for people with and without arthritis with the exception of depressive symptoms and perceived stress, which only improved in ALED participants. In general, effect sizes were similar for those with and without arthritis. Conclusion ALED and AC, both general behavioral PA programs, produced positive and meaningful changes in PA and a number of PA-related behaviors in participants with and without arthritis, pointing to the potential appropriateness of these evidence-based programs for people with arthritis.
Experimental analysis of a 20 kWe PEM fuel cell system in dynamic conditions representative of automotive applications

Abstract The dynamic performance of a laboratory fuel cell system based on a 20 kW H2/air proton exchange membrane (PEM) stack was investigated on test cycles compatible with automotive applications, with particular reference to the effect of different air management strategies on cell voltage uniformity and fuel cell system efficiency. The air management strategies were varied by imposing different stoichiometric ratio values as function of stack current, and were studied on two test cycles characterized by current variation rates ranging from 2 to 50 A/s, with maximum stack current of 240 A. Stack temperature and reactant pressure during the tests were maintained below 330 K and 150 kPa, respectively. The best compromise between fuel cell system efficiency and dynamic response in terms of cell voltage regularity was obtained with an air management strategy characterized by stoichiometric ratio values slightly superior to those optimized for steady state conditions. This management strategy determined an efficiency decrease in steady state conditions of maximum 3% for the sub-system stack + compressor in the range 0–200 A. The individual cell voltage uniformity was continuously monitored by a statistical indicator (coefficient variation Cv), which was always lower than 3% also at 50 A/s, indicating a satisfactory dynamic stack operation.
Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels in Human Populations From Guatemala City and New Orleans

Abstract A real difference in serum cholesterol levels exists between male blood donors in New Orleans and Guatemala ( P Levels of serum cholesterol in donors parallel arterial atherosclerotic involvement in autopsied cases from the same geographic locations. The difference in cholesterol levels is not as much as might be expected considering the large difference in per cent surface involvement with atherosclerotic lesions. A real difference in mean serum triglyceride levels exists between male blood donors in New Orleans and Guatemala ( P Smoking habits are different among blood donors from New Orleans and Guatemala. The New Orleans men smoke at an average greater rate than Guatemalan men (17 vs 7 cigarettes per day). Systolic blood pressure is higher for New Orleans donors than for Guatemalan donors (135 vs 120 mm Hg; P Combined risk factors for CHD are found more frequently in the New Orleans donors than in the Guatemalan donors.
A Drosophila gustatory receptor essential for aversive taste and inhibiting male-to-male courtship

Summary Contact chemosensation is required for several behaviors that promote insect survival. These include evasive behaviors such as suppression of feeding on repellent compounds, known as antifeedants, and inhibition of male-to-male courtship. However, the gustatory receptors (GRs) required for responding to nonvolatile avoidance chemicals are largely unknown. Exceptions include Drosophila GR66a and GR93a, which are required to prevent ingestion of caffeine [1, 2], and GR32a, which is necessary for inhibiting male-to-male courtship [3]. However, GR32a is dispensable for normal taste. Thus, distinct GRs may function in sensing avoidance pheromones and antifeedants. Here, we describe the requirements for GR33a, which is expressed widely in gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) that respond to aversive chemicals. Gr33a mutant flies were impaired in avoiding all nonvolatile repellents tested, ranging from quinine to denatonium, lobeline, and caffeine. Gr33a mutant males also displayed increased male-to-male courtship, implying that it functioned in the detection of a repulsive male pheromone. In contrast to the broadly required olfactory receptor (OR) OR83b, which is essential for trafficking other ORs [4], GR66a and GR93a are localized normally in Gr33a mutant GRNs. Thus, rather than regulating GR trafficking, GR33a may be a coreceptor required for sensing all nonvolatile repulsive chemicals, including tastants and pheromones.
Neurobiology of mood-state shifts in bipolar disorder: a selective review and a hypothesis.

Objective Neuroimaging techniques have begun to elucidate the neurophysiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). Several features of BPD have hindered understanding of how mood-state changes are reflected in changes in brain physiology. Longitudinal studies have advantages in isolating state-related changes and in studying the instability, inherent in these disorders, that gives rise to pathological mood states. Methods To assess the state of the art in longitudinal neuroimaging studies in BPD, we conducted a literature review, searching MEDLINE for articles that included the key words bipolar disorder and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or emission tomography. The search was limited to studies with multiple subjects at two distinct and defined mood states. This search yielded eight MRS studies, four functional MRI studies, and three positron emission tomography studies. Results Although longitudinally designed studies allow for the isolation of biomarkers of mood state (including euthymia), the current literature is hampered by a lack of replication between studies. Conclusions The current body of longitudinal BPD imaging studies is heterogeneous and incomplete, and does not lend itself to the construction of an explanatory model of mood-state transitions. Drawing on extant studies, we propose a hypothetical framework for future experiments combining multimodal imaging with a longitudinal study design.
Differentiating Between Difficult-to-Remediate and Readily Remediated Poor Readers More Evidence Against the IQ-Achievement Discrepancy Definition of Reading Disability

In this article we discuss research bearing on the traditional use of the IQ-achievement discrepancy to define specific reading disability. We initially review the evidence presented by Rutter and Yule (1975) in support of this practice, and then discuss results from subsequent studies that have questioned the reliability of their findings. We also discuss results from more recent studies demonstrating that the IQ-achievement discrepancy does not reliably distinguish poor from normal readers, whereas language-based measures do reliably distinguish these groups. We highlight results from a study we recently completed, in which it was found that IQ scores did not differentiate between poor readers who were found to be readily remediated and poor readers who were difficult to remediate. In view of the convergent evidence against the use of IQ scores to define specific reading disability, we suggest that the IQ-achievement discrepancy definition of this disorder be discarded.
Children's Understanding of Parental Differential Treatment

This study examined whether established associations between perceptions of parental differential treatment and sibling relationship quality are moderated by children's perceptions and attributions about parental behavior. Sixty-one children, aged 11-13 years, and their siblings were interviewed separately about parental differential treatment. Children did not perceive PDT in two-thirds of the instances they reported about, and 75% of the children who acknowledged that differential treatment was occurring in their homes did not find this to be "unfair." Children justified differential parental behaviors by identifying ways that they and their sibling differ from one another, that is, in terms of differences in their age, personal attributes, needs, relationship with parents, or strategic behaviors. Children who perceived their parents' differential behavior to be justified generally experienced more positive appraisals about their sibling relationship. Results reinforce the importance of examining how children construct their experiences in their families.
Axial wave propagation in membrane shells of revolution

The dynamic finite element technique, which is referred to in the literature as ‘computer-analysis’, is applied to wave propagation problems occurring in finite and semi-infinite linearly elastic membranes of revolution. Both semi-infinite and finite versions of cylindrical and conical membranes are considered, and a finite membrane having a meridional curve which is parabolic is solved. The source of excitation is generally a constant velocity motion of one end of the membranes, but the results for a stress-pulse input at one end of a semi-infinite cylindrical membrane are also given. The results for the finite membranes are new, and the results for the semi-infinite problems are discussed with respect to previously published results. The two-dimensional state of stress in the membrane requires careful ordering of the calculations, and the boundary conditions for finite membranes are shown to follow logically from this ordering of the calculations. The difference in the solutions resulting from prescribing an axial or a tangential velocity excitation at the end of a conical membrane is presented, and the mesh size necessary for convergence to the solution is indicated. The graphs of the results clearly indicate regions in space and time where the membrane model should be replaced by the shell formulation to represent a realistic structure. The technique is shown to be self-contained and independent of any formal method such as the method of characteristics.
Architecture and active site of particulate methane monooxygenase.

Particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) is an integral membrane metalloenzyme that oxidizes methane to methanol in methanotrophic bacteria, organisms that live on methane gas as their sole carbon ...