cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased respiratory burst in myeloperoxidase-deficient monocytes

Studies of the respiratory burst in myeloperoxidase (MPO) deficient monocytes were undertaken to assess the physiologic consequence of the absence of MPO in these cells. As previously demonstrated with neutrophils, MPO-deficient monocytes had a greater initial rate, duration, and total superoxide production in response to phagocytosis of zymosan than did normal monocytes. Introduction of purified eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) into the phagosome by binding the enzyme to the surface of the zymosan particles changed the hypermetabolic characteristics of superoxide production in MPO-deficient cells to more closely resemble normal cells, but had no effect on superoxide generation by the normal monocytes. Further, inactivation of the bound EPO before ingestion restored the supranormal respiratory burst by the MPO-deficient cells. Iodination by MPO-deficient monocytes was significantly depressed as compared to normal monocytes following the ingestion of zymosan (1.9 versus 10.1 nmole I-/10(7) monocytes/30 min; p less than 0.01). In contrast, iodination was markedly augmented in MPO-deficient cells compared to normal cells after ingestion of zymosan coated with EPO (208 versus 70 nmole I-/10(7) monocytes/30 min; p less than 0.005), presumably reflecting the greater amounts of hydrogen peroxide formed by MPO-deficient cells. There were no differences in the levels of endogenous scavengers of reactive oxygen products (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and reductase, and total glutathione) in MPO-deficient and normal monocytes that would account for the enhanced respiratory burst of MPO-deficient cells. These findings support a role for peroxidase in the termination of the respiratory burst of monocytes.
Implications of the Capital and Risk Interrelationship of Health Insurers

As financial intermediaries in the health care delivery system, U.S. health insurers will be strongly affected by sweeping legislative reforms adopted in 2010, both in health care and in financial regulation. In this paper, we provide useful context for interpreting these reforms and for understanding the financial and risk behavior of health insurers. In particular, we model the interrelationship among health insurers’ capital, investment risk, and product risk in a context of other risks and controls including loss ratios, which are a core ingredient of the reform. We find that health insurers have acted in a risk-limiting manner in the years preceding the reforms. However, the elasticity of capital with respect to both investment risk and product risk is low, suggesting both that the capital structure of health insurers is relatively insensitive to significant change in investment risk and product risk and that the industry is close to the tipping point between risk-limiting and risk-seeking. Healthcare reforms add substantially to health insurer product risks. Especially with newly mandated minimum loss ratios, it is possible that health insurers will move into an excessive risk regime, thus destabilizing these key intermediaries in the healthcare system.
What is the role of distributed energy resources under scenarios of greenhouse gas reductions? A specific focus on combined heat and power systems in the industrial and commercial sectors

Combined heat and power (CHP) is promoted as an economical, energy-efficient option for reducing air emissions, mitigating carbon emissions and reducing reliance on grid electricity. However, its potential benefits have only been analyzed within the context of the current energy system. To fully examine the viability of CHP as a clean-technology alternative, its growth must be analyzed considering how the energy sector may transform under the influence of various technological and policy drivers that are specifically geared toward limiting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Scenarios were developed through a bottom-up technology model of the U.S. energy system to determine the impacts on CHP development and both system-wide and sectoral GHG and air pollutant emissions. Various scenarios were considered, from CO2 emissions reductions in the electric generating units (EGU) sector to GHG reductions across the whole energy system while considering levels of CHP investment. The largest CHP investments were observed in scenarios that limited CO2 emission from the EGU sector alone. The investments were scaled back in the scenarios that incorporated energy system level GHG reductions. The energy system level reduction scenarios yielded rapid transformation of the EGU sector towards zeroemissions technologies as reliance on electricity increases with the electrification of the many end-use sectors such as buildings, transportation and industrial sectors, reducing investment in CHP. The prime mover and fuel choice heavily influenced the air pollutant emissions resulting in trade-offs among pollutants including GHG emissions. The results suggest that CHP could play a role in a future low-carbon energy system, but that role diminishes as carbon reduction targets increase.
Anti-Inflammatory Action of Blueberry Polyphenols in HIG-82 Rabbit Synoviocytes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disease resulting in joint destruction and disability in the adult population. The etiology of RA is not well understood and presently there is no known cure for this disease. The accumulation and proliferation of fibroblast-like synoviocytes may be involved in cartilage destruction. Both in vitro and in vivo studies support an anti-inflammatory role of dietary polyphenols, the bioactive constituents found in fruits and vegetables. The objective of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of blueberry polyphenols (BBPs) using rabbit synoviocytes stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Rabbit synoviocytes (HIG-82) were treated with varying doses of BBPs and stimulated with TNFα. Stimulation of rabbit synoviocytes with the proinflammatory cytokine TNFα increased cell proliferation by ∼19% compared with the nonstimulated control. Cell proliferation was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner by the treatment with BBPs. Post-TNFα stimulation, cells treated with BBPs resulted in decreases in interleukin 1 beta and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) concentration. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that matrix metalloproteinase 3 increased fivefold in the control TNFα-stimulated group, but was decreased by threefold in the blueberry treatment group. These results suggest that downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factor NFκB by naturally occurring bioactives such as BBPs may be a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing inflammation associated with RA.
Can Wisdom Be Helpful

Wisdom is absent from current public life, even though the complex and systemic nature of the challenges of the twenty-first century seem to be an ideal match. The reasons are primarily structural in nature, that is, the success of the economic perspective. The economic perspective aims at economic growth, whereas the goal of the wisdom perspective is to truly enhance and sustain life. These two perspectives often are at odds. Attempts to remedy this situation need to focus on the systemic level, considering the economic perspective, and transcending it. As the law plays an important role in maintaining the power of the economic perspective, specifically selected judges may play an important role in providing a stage for the wisdom perspective in the twenty-first century.
Intestinal microbiota domination under extreme selective pressures characterized by metagenomic read cloud sequencing and assembly

Low diversity of the gut microbiome, often progressing to the point of intestinal domination by a single species, has been linked to poor outcomes in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Our ability to understand how certain organisms attain intestinal domination over others has been restricted in part by current metagenomic sequencing technologies that are typically unable to reconstruct complete genomes for individual organisms present within a sequenced microbial community. We recently developed a metagenomic read cloud sequencing and assembly approach that generates improved draft genomes for individual organisms compared to conventional short-read sequencing and assembly methods. Herein, we applied metagenomic read cloud sequencing to four stool samples collected longitudinally from an HCT patient preceding treatment and over the course of heavy antibiotic exposure. Characterization of microbiome composition by taxonomic classification of reads reveals that that upon antibiotic exposure, the subject’s gut microbiome experienced a marked decrease in diversity and became dominated by Escherichia coli. While diversity is restored at the final time point, this occurs without recovery of the original species and strain-level composition. Draft genomes for individual organisms within each sample were generated using both read cloud and conventional assembly. Read clouds were found to improve the completeness and contiguity of genome assemblies compared to conventional assembly. Moreover, read clouds enabled the placement of antibiotic resistance genes present in multiple copies both within a single draft genome and across multiple organisms. The occurrence of resistance genes associates with the timing of antibiotics administered to the patient, and comparative genomic analysis of the various intestinal E. coli strains across time points as well as the bloodstream isolate showed that the subject’s E. coli bloodstream infection likely originated from the intestine. The E. coli genome from the initial pre-transplant stool sample harbors 46 known antimicrobial resistance genes, while all other species from the pre-transplant sample each contain at most 5 genes, consistent with a model of heavy antibiotic exposure resulting in selective outgrowth of the highly antibiotic-resistant E. coli. This study demonstrates the application and utility of metagenomic read cloud sequencing and assembly to study the underlying strain-level genomic factors influencing gut microbiome dynamics under extreme selective pressures in the clinical context of HCT.
Neurodevelopment and Neurobehavioral Disorders in Relation to Developmental Exposures

The environment is now known to be an important determinant of child health, with increasing evidence that some chemicals are particularly toxic to the human brain. More than 140,000 new chemicals have been synthesized since 1950. In this chapter, we review the most studied neurotoxicants for their associations with neurodevelopment and the potential mechanisms of action. We describe the societal effects of such contaminants, and discuss the main challenges facing studies investigating potential neurodevelopmental effects of chemicals. Finally, we provide future directions for the next generation of developmental neuroepidemiology studies.
Political skill in the stressor - strain relationship: A meta-analytic update and extension

Abstract The role of political skill in stressor and strain processes has thus far produced inconsistent and conflicting results. Consequently, the present investigation sought to help reconcile these inconsistencies by estimating the meta-analytic effect sizes of political skill in stressor and strain processes. In contrast to prior meta-analytic results, we find that political skill is negatively related to general job stressors, role conflict, role ambiguity, and the strain response of burnout. Post-hoc analyses suggest that the stress tolerance demands of work moderate the relationship between political skill and job tension. Contributions of this study, limitations, and future research directions are discussed.
The Epistemology of Meat-Eating

A widely accepted view in epistemology is that we do not have direct control over our beliefs. And we surely do not have as much control over our beliefs as we have over simple actions. For instanc...
Quantifying horizontal length scales for surface wind variability in the tropical Pacific based on reanalyses

The characteristic spatial sampling length scales (for example, in the longitudinal direction) to adequately resolve the variability associated with a quantity to be observed, depends on the typical length scales of its variability. For example, if temporal variations in the longitudinal direction are correlated over thousands of Kilometers then an observing network with a similar spatial density may be enough to sample the variability with adequate fidelity. Given the importance of surface wind stress in the equatorial tropical Pacific in determining sub-surface oceanic variability, particularly in relation to the evolution of El Nino—Southern Oscillation (ENSO), in this analysis the horizontal length scales of surface wind stress variability based on two reanalysis products—the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis and the ERA-Interim—are documented. The analysis is of relevance to the future evolution of the Tropical Pacific Observing System. As the current design of the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean [that has a wider (narrower) separation in the longitudinal (latitudinal) direction] was originally envisioned following estimates of the length scales of wind variability based on the observational record from tropical Pacific Islands (Harrison and Luther in J Clim 3:251–271, 1990), we find a similar characteristics for length scales for the surface wind variability based on reanalyses datasets. Further, the inferences based on two reanalysis products have a large degree of similarity, and thereby, give us some confidence in the reanalysis products for the purposes of analyzing the length scales of surface wind stress variability, and further, providing some basic information about the requirements for a sustained observing system in the tropical Pacific to monitor and to predict ENSO.
The safety and efficacy of autologous fat grafting during second stage breast reconstruction.

Summary Background Patients often pursue revisions following implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) to achieve their desired result. Fat grafting is a popular choice for patients and can be performed at second stage reconstruction or at a future date as a revisionary surgery. We investigate the best time to fat graft in IBR by comparing the outcomes of patients who received fat grafting during implant placement with those who pursued fat grafting during a tertiary procedure. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 157 patients (270 breasts) who underwent immediate two-stage IBR and fat grafting over a five-year period (2012–2016) at our institution. Two cohorts were created based on timing of first fat grafting procedure: immediate (IFG) and delayed (DFG). Charts were reviewed for postoperative complications or revisions. Results Complication rates were lower when fat grafting was performed during the second stage (p = 0.0331). Patients in the DFG cohort required more than one additional revision (p Conclusions These results indicate that fat grafting at the second stage does not increase overall complication rates, require fewer additional surgeries, and enables patients to reach their desired aesthetic appearance in a shorter time frame. Fewer total surgeries translate not only to a more economical option but also obviate the risk of complications that come with additional surgeries.
Melting and density of MgSiO3 determined by shock compression of bridgmanite to 1254GPa

The essential data for interior and thermal evolution models of the Earth and super-Earths are the density and melting of mantle silicate under extreme conditions. Here, we report an unprecedently high melting temperature of MgSiO3 at 500 GPa by direct shockwave loading of pre-synthesized dense MgSiO3 (bridgmanite) using the Z Pulsed Power Facility. We also present the first high-precision density data of crystalline MgSiO3 to 422 GPa and 7200 K and of silicate melt to 1254 GPa. The experimental density measurements support our density functional theory based molecular dynamics calculations, providing benchmarks for theoretical calculations under extreme conditions. The excellent agreement between experiment and theory provides a reliable reference density profile for super-Earth mantles. Furthermore, the observed upper bound of melting temperature, 9430 K at 500 GPa, provides a critical constraint on the accretion energy required to melt the mantle and the prospect of driving a dynamo in massive rocky planets. The authors here report high melting temperatures of MgSiO3 at 500 GPa by direct shockwave loading of pre-synthesized dense bridgemanite. This is essential data to understand the thermal evolution of the interiors of terrestrial (exo-)planets.
Dark Photon and Muon g-2 Inspired Inelastic Dark Matter Models at the High-Energy Intensity Frontier.

We study hidden-sector particles at past (CERN-Hamburg-Amsterdam-Rome-Moscow Collaboration and NuCal), present (NA62, SeaQuest, and DarkQuest), and future (LongQuest) experiments at the high-energy intensity frontier. We focus on exploring the minimal vector portal and the next-to-minimal models in which the productions and decays are decoupled. These next-to-minimal models have mostly been devised to explain experimental anomalies while avoiding existing constraints. We demonstrate that proton fixed-target experiments provide one of the most powerful probes for the MeV to few GeV mass range of these models, using inelastic dark matter (iDM) as an example. We consider an iDM model with a small mass splitting that yields the observed dark matter relic abundance, and a scenario with a sizable mass splitting that can also explain the muon $g\ensuremath{-}2$ anomaly. We set strong limits based on the CERN-Hamburg-Amsterdam-Rome-Moscow Collaboration and NuCal experiments, which come close to excluding iDM as a full-abundance thermal dark matter candidate in the MeV to GeV mass range. We also make projections based on NA62, SeaQuest, and DarkQuest and update the constraints of the minimal dark photon parameter space. We find that NuCal sets the only existing constraint in $\ensuremath{\epsilon}\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}8}--{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ regime, reaching $\ensuremath{\sim}800\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MeV}$ in dark photon mass due to the resonant enhancement of proton bremsstrahlung production. These studies also motivate LongQuest, a three-stage retooling of the SeaQuest experiment with short ($\ensuremath{\lesssim}5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}$), medium ($\ensuremath{\sim}5\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}$), and long ($\ensuremath{\gtrsim}35\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{m}$) baseline tracking stations and detectors as a multipurpose machine to explore new physics.
Neural Networks and Imbalanced Learning for Data-Driven Scientific Computing With Uncertainties

Uncertainty quantification in complex engineering problems is challenging because of necessitating large numbers of expensive model evaluations. This paper proposes a two-stage framework for developing accurate machine learning-based surrogate models in structural engineering. The studied numerical model considers aleatory and epistemic uncertainties, i.e., ground motion features and material properties. Our framework’s first step trains classification algorithms on the collected data from our numerical model with a disproportionate ratio of observations from two categories, i.e., failed and safe simulations. We investigate the performance of imbalanced learning strategies along with artificial neural networks to achieve high classification accuracy. The second step of our framework aims to estimate three quantities of interest using the same network architecture, comparing our approach with regularized linear regression models. Moreover, we present a new approach to reducing the number of numerical simulations for developing machine learning-based surrogate models with limited training data. This approach employs Gaussian processes as a powerful probabilistic technique, providing an inherent uncertainty measure to determine the quality of estimated response values. Extensive numerical experiments demonstrate the superior performance of neural networks with three hidden layers compared to traditional machine learning algorithms for both classification and regression tasks. Also, empirical investigations corroborate that Gaussian processes enable us to predict the values of missing simulations for reducing the computational cost associated with numerical models. To conclude this work, we present several applications and future research directions.
Change (1899–1925)

This chapter explores Bowen’s metier of flux as she travels from Dublin to Kent after her father’s breakdown when she was seven years old. Though seemingly grounded in prominent ascendancy families and traditions—the “mad” Bowens and the “sane” Colleys, described here—she has early feelings of dislocation. Moving from homes in Chichester to Folkstone to Sandgate to Hythe—she has an itinerant education, develops a stammer, and suffers her mother’s death at the age of 13. The Death of the Heart and her little girl stories give voice to the experience of “mad” little girls like herself with feelings of not being located anywhere.
Recognizing Psychological Diversity in People with End-Stage Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

Framing discussions of ALS around the disease rather than the psychologically complex person with the disease focuses attention on symptoms and imagined outcomes rather than patients’ coping strategies and quality of life.
Angiopoietin-1 Regulates Brain Endothelial Permeability through PTPN-2 Mediated Tyrosine Dephosphorylation of Occludin

Objective Blood brain barrier (BBB) breakdown and increased endothelial permeability is a hallmark of neuro-vascular inflammation. Angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), a Tie-2 receptor agonist ligand, is known to modulate barrier function of endothelial cells; however the molecular mechanisms related to Ang-1 mediated repair of Tight Junctions (TJs) in brain endothelium still remain elusive. In this study, we investigated a novel role of non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase N-2 (PTPN-2) in Ang-1 mediated stabilization of tight junction proteins. Method and Result To study the barrier protective mechanism of Ang-1, we challenged human brain microvascular endothelial cells in-vitro, with a potent inflammatory mediator thrombin. By using confocal microscopy and transwell permeability assay, we show that pretreatment of brain endothelial cells with Ang-1 diminish thrombin mediated disruption of TJs and increase in endothelial permeability. We also found that Ang-1 inhibits thrombin induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Occludin and promote Occludin interaction with Zona Occludens-1 (ZO-1) to stabilize TJs. Interestingly, our study revealed that depletion of PTPN-2 by siRNAs abolishes Ang-1 ability to promote tyrosine dephosphorylation of Occludin, resulting Occludin disassociation from ZO-1 and endothelial hyperpermeability. Summary Collectively, our findings suggest that in brain endothelial cells blocking PTPN-2 mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of Occludin is a novel mechanism to maintain BBB function, and may offer a key therapeutic strategy for neuro-inflammatory disorders associated with BBB disruption.
Childhood and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders

Like adults, children experience anxiety intensely and frequently enough to qualify for all the anxiety-disorder diagnoses. In many cases, the form of the anxiety disorder is identical or highly similar to that seen in adults. However, there are some differences that need to be taken into account. For example, children’s avoidance behaviors may be somewhat different from that of adults because of their lesser mobility. Parents often force children to go places where they do not want to go; they have fewer choices.
Cognitive neuroscience neuroimaging repository for the adult lifespan

With recent advances in neuroimaging technology, it is now possible to image human brain function in vivo, which revolutionized the cognitive neuroscience field. However, like any other newly developed technique, the acquisition of neuroimaging data is costly and logistically challenging. Furthermore, studying human cognition requires acquiring a large amount of neuroimaging data, which might not be feasible to do by every researcher in the field. Here, we describe our group's efforts to acquire one of the largest neuroimaging datasets that aims to investigate the neural substrates of age-related cognitive decline, which will be made available to share with other investigators. Our neuroimaging repository includes up to 14 different functional images for more than 486 subjects across the entire adult lifespan in addition to their 3 structural images. Currently, data from 234 participants have been acquired, including all 14 functional and 3 structural images, which is planned to increased to 375 participants in the next few years. A complete battery of neuropsychological tests was also administered to all participants. The neuroimaging and accompanying psychometric data will be available through an online and easy-to-use data sharing website.
Observed horizontal temperature advection by tropical instability waves

[1] Velocity data from moored current meters is combined with satellite sea surface temperature (SST) to compute oceanic mixed layer temperature advection by tropical instability waves (TIWs). For the years 2002 to 2005 it is found that this process heats the equatorial mixed layer at an annual mean rate of +0.8°C/month at 0°N, 140°W; and +2.8°C/month at 0°N, 110°W. At 0°N, 110°W, approximately 25% of the heating is contributed by zonal temperature advection, a process that has often been assumed to be negligible. From a nine month segment of data (May 2004–February 2005), the zonal temperature advection at 2°N, 140°W has been estimated to be approximately 0.7°C/month, much larger than the equatorial value for the same time period. Thus, the data supports a recent hypothesis that tropical instability waves contribute a significant mean zonal temperature advection with off-equatorial maxima to the equatorial mixed-layer heat budget. Comparisons with numerical model results suggest that current ocean general circulation models can realistically simulate important aspects of tropical eddy-mixed layer interactions.
An algorithm for iterative decoding and channel estimation of space-time coded FH systems

This paper proposes an algorithm for joint decoding and channel estimation (JDE) of frequency-hopping (FH) system employing space-time (ST) codes. The channel is modeled as a block fading channel, where the fade is constant during each hop and independent from other hops. The algorithm is based on quantizing the fading process, such as done in Markov fading models. The algorithm is semiblind, where initial estimation of the channel is obtained using orthogonal pilot sequence insertion (OPSI). Unlike existing JDE algorithms, the algorithm exploits soft information from the decoder to improve the channel estimation iteratively. The performance of the algorithm approaches the performance of the system where all signals in the frame are assumed to be known with probability one, i.e. acting as pilots.
Internal Capital Markets and Competitive Threats

Theory suggests that diversified firms’ internal capital markets can help or hinder their ability to respond to competitive threats. They can help by allowing the firm to quickly move resources to threatened markets (resource flexibility), but can hurt by making it easier for the firm to exit an industry. This paper examines how diversified firms respond to heightened competition following tariff reductions in order to assess the competing theories. The main finding is diversified firms reduce their investment in threatened industries relative to non-diversified firms. This results in a higher proportion of firm-level investment funds being allocated to unaffected segments.
Behavior modeling in smart environments using camera networks

On March 20, 2012 the author successfully defended his PhD thesis entitled Behavior modeling in smart environments using camera networks.
Bridging Critical Points: discontinuities in high school and university physics education

The paper examines data collected from teaching an introductory college physics class offered at a public high school. Assessment of student achievement demonstrates that students are able to perform at a college level. Nonetheless this achievement is not recognized by the institutions supporting this experimental course. Analysis of detailed daily notes begins to answer why and how students are marginalized in this educational system. Particularly, three themes of structural, normative and epistemological discontinuity detail why these students or institutions fail.
Strong Edge Colorings of Graphs

In the preceding chapters we have discussed unrestricted edge colorings that, in a variety of ways, induce vertex colorings that are either vertex-distinguishing or neighbor-distinguishing. In this chapter, we turn our attention from unrestricted edge colorings to proper edge colorings that induce set-defined vertex colorings which are either vertex-distinguishing or neighbor-distinguishing.
The Role of Accountability Policies and Alternative Certification on Principals' Perceptions of Leadership Preparation

This study reports on findings from a survey of Massachusetts' school principals that examined their perceptions of the nature and quality of certification programs. Results indicate that when part...
Thermal Shock Tests on Gas Turbine Materials: A Study of the Effects of Severe Temperature Fluctuations on Rotor Blades and Nozzle Segments

UNDER steady load conditions, materials in gas turbines are subject to various forms of static and alternating stresses. Changes in the operating conditions such as starting, load variations and shut down cause additional thermal stresses which limit the permissible rate of these changes in service. In stationary plants these effects can be minimized by adjustment of the starting and shut down procedure or by protection of the sensitive parts with a cooling flow. In gas turbines for propulsion purposes load changes are governed by external conditions, are more frequent and take place at a higher rate. The consequent thermal stresses are then referred to as thermal shocks. Various methods for testing the resistance of materials to thermal shocks have already been suggested and applied. However, they differ very widely, and no quantitative, or even comparable figures are available as yet.
Two New Taxa (Caviomorpha, Rodentia) from the Early Oligocene Tinguiririca Fauna (Chile)

ABSTRACT Here we describe two new caviomorphs from the early Oligocene Tinguiririca Fauna of the Andean Main Range of central Chile, representing the most ancient rodents known from the mid to high latitudes of South America, and the second-oldest securely dated rodents from the continent. These two new taxa are each documented by single partial mandibles bearing largely complete dentitions. Representing two new taxa, Andemys termasi gen. et sp. nov., and Eoviscaccia frassinettii, sp. nov., these caviomorphs are informally referred to the pan-Dasy-proctidae and pan-Chinchillidae, respectively. These taxa, together with recent findings in Peru, confirm that caviomorphs were well diversified prior to the Deseadan SALMA, that they likely originated during the middle to late Eocene, but that they did not spread from the tropics until some time after the Mustersan—a well-sampled interval from which rodents are unknown in higher latitudes. Additionally, in documenting the earliest occurrence of hypsodonty among...
The recent explicit use of theory in empirical studies on acculturation of children

The purpose of this study was to examine empirical studies published on child acculturation in terms of use of theory. Based on a computerised database search, 31 empirical studies published in the last five years were found and examined. Findings of this study indicated that 74% of the empirical studies employed theory explicitly. Common theories utilised explicitly in the studies were Berry's and Szapocznik's acculturation theories. Concerns about authors’ use of theory practices were addressed. Benefits of utilising theory explicitly were discussed and suggestions for future studies were made.
INCREASED FRACTIONAL EXCRETION OF PHOSPHATE AND BETA2‐MICROGLOBULIN IN UNILATERAL RENAL DISEASE

UNLABELLED Following progressive nephron loss tubular reabsorption in the remaining nephrons will fall to preserve solute and electrolyte excretion. We have examined the fractional excretion (FE) of phosphate, sodium, beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) and tubular glucose reabsorption (T glucose) in children with unilateral renal disease to find 1) the threshold for this response and 2) whether intrinsic renal mechanisms can elicit this response. Separate renal function studies were performed using unilateral ureteral compression. Total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 93.7 +/- 2.99 ml/1.73(m2)-1 X min-1, and 110.25 +/- 5.40 in control children. GFR in the scarred kidney (SK) was 22.4 +/- 2.46 and in the contralateral kidney (CIK) 67.2 +/- 4.60 ml X 1.73 (m2)-1 X min-1. The kidney area was reduced in proportion to GFR in SK. FE phosphate and beta 2M were significantly higher in SK than in CIK (sign test), but absolute values for FE phosphate and beta 2M were not higher in SK than in control kidneys. FE sodium and T glucose were the same in SK and CIK. CONCLUSION Following moderate unilateral reduction of GFR selective depression of tubular reabsorption can occur without extrarenal impulses.
Treatment of Chromomycosis with a CO2 Laser

. The successful employment of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser in the eradication of localized chromomycosis is described. A review of alternative medical and surgical modalities used in treating this disorder is presented. The potential benefits of CO2 laser vs. cold steel surgery are discussed.
Molecular basis of bacterial protein Hen1 activating the ligase activity of bacterial protein Pnkp for RNA repair

Ribotoxins cleave essential RNAs for cell killing in vivo, and the bacterial polynucleotide kinase-phosphatase (Pnkp)/hua enhancer 1 (Hen1) complex has been shown to repair ribotoxin-cleaved RNAs in vitro. Bacterial Pnkp/Hen1 is distinguished from other RNA repair systems by performing 3′-terminal 2′-O-methylation during RNA repair, which prevents the repaired RNA from repeated cleavage at the same site. To ensure the opportunity of 2′-O-methylation by bacterial Hen1 during RNA repair and, therefore, maintain the quality of the repaired RNA, Pnkp/Hen1 has evolved to require the participation of Hen1 in RNA ligation, because Pnkp alone is unable to carry out the reaction despite possessing all signature motifs of an RNA ligase. However, the precise role of Hen1 in RNA ligation is unknown. Here, we present the crystal structure of an active RNA ligase consisting of the C-terminal half of Pnkp (Pnkp-C) and the N-terminal half of Hen1 (Hen1-N) from Clostridium thermocellum. The structure reveals that the N-terminal domain of Clostridium thermocellum (Cth) Hen1, shaped like a left hand, grabs the flexible insertion module of CthPnkp and locks its conformation via further interaction with the C-terminal addition module of CthPnkp. Formation of the CthPnkp-C/Hen1-N heterodimer creates a ligation pocket with a width for two strands of RNA, depth for two nucleotides, and the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-binding pocket at the bottom. The structure, combined with functional analyses, provides insight into the mechanism of how Hen1 activates the RNA ligase activity of Pnkp for RNA repair.
Synthetic Aperture Radar for Geodesy

Synthetic aperture radar is a technique for mapping Earth9s surface that offers tremendous spatial resolution. In their Perspective, Meade and Sandwell report on a recent meeting at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in which future geodetic uses of this technique were discussed.
Maturation of sympathetic neurotransmission in the efferent pathway to the rat heart: ultrastructural analysis of ganglionic synaptogenesis in euthyroid and hyperthyroid neonates.

Abstract Synapses and ganglion cell nuclear profiles were counted in the ganglion which gives rise to the postganglionic sympathetic innervation of the neonatal rat heart. Synapse counts were low in 2-day-old rats in which the heart is not responsive to central stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system. At 8 days of age, when pre- and postganglionic elements of the efferent sympathetic system are functional, the number of synapses per unit area is increased five-fold, while the packing density of ganglion cells is decreased, as reflected in fewer nuclear profiles counted per unit area. Administration of tri-iodothyronine to 1-day-old rats is known to render the cardiac sympathetic nervous system functional within 24 h. In ganglia from 2-day-old tri-iodothyronine-treated rats, the relative number of synapses per unit area was comparable to that of 8-day-old controls, while the packing density of ganglion cell nuclear profiles was not affected as compared with 2-day-old controls. Cytochemical reactions for catecholamines were not qualitatively different in the three groups. This study demonstrates that ganglionic synaptogenesis is temporally associated with functional maturation of the sympathetic control of the neonatal rat heart, and that the effect of tri-iodothyronine in producing precocious functional maturation of the cardiac sympathetic nerves is selective for synaptogenesis as opposed to a generalized cytological effect.
Ab initio symplectic no-core shell model

The no-core shell model (NCSM) is a prominent ab initio method that yields a good description of the low-lying states in few-nucleon systems as well as in more complex p-shell nuclei. Nevertheless, its applicability is limited by the rapid growth of the many-body basis with larger model spaces and increasing number of nucleons. The symplectic no-core shell model (Sp-NCSM) aspires to extend the scope of the NCSM beyond the p-shell region by augmenting the conventional spherical harmonic oscillator basis with the physically relevant symplectic symmetry-adapted configurations of the symplectic shell model that describe naturally the monopole?quadrupole vibrational and rotational modes, and also partially incorporate ?-cluster correlations. In this review, the models underpinning the Sp-NCSM approach, namely, the NCSM, the Elliott SU(3) model and the symplectic shell model, are discussed. Following this, a prescription for constructing translationally invariant symplectic configurations in the spherical harmonic oscillator basis is given. This prescription is utilized to unveil the extent to which symplectic configurations enter into low-lying states in 12C and 16O nuclei calculated within the framework of the NCSM with the JISP16 realistic nucleon?nucleon interaction. The outcomes of this proof-of-principle study are presented in detail.
Nerve conduits for nerve reconstruction

Abstract Although autogenous nerve grafting remains the gold standard for repair of peripheral nerve defects, the use of various conduits can be a substitute provided these conduits meet the above-mentioned prerequisites. For the moment, autogenous vein grafts or denatured muscle grafts can be used to bridge short defects, especially in distal sensory nerves. Incorporation of muscle into a vein graft expands its application to longer defects in bigger nerves. PGA conduits have also been clinically proven to be reliable in reconstruction of digital nerve defects. Although nonabsorbable conduits cause irritation and nerve compression that necessitates secondary surgery removal, silicone tubes or Goretex tubes can be used in selected cases until absorbable conduits large enough for major peripheral nerves are available. To date, 3 cm seems to be the barrier for conduits. Incorporation of trophic factors and Schwann cells into the conduits will make their way into the clinic if problems like controlled release of trophic factors, obtaining and sustenance of an appropriate number of viable Schwann cells, are solved.
Distribution of antifouling biocides in California marinas

Antifouling biocides are used to prevent the settlement and growth of organisms on submerged surfaces. Irgarol 1051 is currently among the most widely used organic booster biocides worldwide. This study reports Irgarol 1051, its major metabolite M1 (aka GS26575), and diuron concentrations found in selected California marinas. Seasonal water samples (n = 46) were collected during the summer and fall of 2006 from eleven marinas throughout Southern and Northern California. The samples were extracted using solid phase extraction and analysed utilizing liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) with electrospray ionization. All three compounds were detected in all samples, representing a 100% frequency of occurrence and indicating widespread use around the sampled marinas. Irgarol concentrations ranged from 12 to 712 ng L−1 (average 102 ng L−1), M1 concentrations were 1–217 ng L−1 (average 31 ng L−1), and diuron concentrations were 5–27 ng L−1 (average 13 ng L−1). In general, concentrations of both Irgarol (15–712 ng L−1) and M1 (1–217 ng L−1) were greater in samples collected during the summer, corresponding to the peak of the boating season. The detected diuron concentrations in most cases were greater for fall samples (7–27 ng L−1), and probably represented a combination of non-agricultural (rights of way) and agricultural applications of diuron in California. The maximum Irgarol concentration detected in California marinas in summer 2006 (712 ng L−1) was five times greater than the Irgarol concentration suggested as the plant toxicity benchmark (136 ng L−1). Twenty three percent of samples from California marinas in this study exceeded this benchmark, suggesting that detected Irgarol concentrations may be high enough to cause changes in phytoplankton communities in the sampled marinas.
Why are some antiarrhythmic drugs proarrhythmic?: Cardiac arrhythmia study by bifurcation analysis

Abstract This study employs a bifurcation analysis approach to elucidate the effect of the key ion channels on cardiac arrhythmias and thereby explain the efficacy of antiarrhythmic drugs in controlling arrhythmias. The model used for the analysis contains the key ion channels involved in the ventricular action potential—fast sodium, slow calcium, and background potassium channels. The cardiac tissue is modeled by a ring structure. The bifurcation diagram reveals that at a certain ring size, the amplitude of the action potential suddenly shrinks and the conduction velocity (CV) becomes unstable. Instability in CV leads to termination of reentrant arrhythmias. This ring size (ie, the critical ring size [CRS]) depends on the type of channel blocker. Blocking of the sodium channel leads to a decrease in the CRS, which in turn enhances stable reentry (proarrhythmia). Although calcium channel blockers do not alter the CV, they can exert the proarrhythmic effect by drastically shortening the CRS. The potassium channel blockers, on the other hand, are effective in controlling reentry in ventricular tissues by lengthening the CRS. Near blocking of the potassium channels however, brings about another type of arrhythmia—the formation of ectopic foci. In the neighborhood of the CRS, the cycle length oscillates with an interesting pattern that depends on ring size and drug type. Although a critical reentrant loop length for stable reentrant excitation has been investigated for a long time, this study is the first demonstration of how the key ion channels in the plasma membrane affect the loop length. Furthermore, the analysis approach provides a theoretical basis for the increased mortality associated with class I drug use in the Cardiac Arrhythmia Suppression Trial Team.
Probability distribution applicable to non-Gaussian random processes

Abstract This paper presents a probability density function representing a non-Gaussian random process in closed form. The probability density is based on the Kac-Siegert solution of Volterra's stochastic series expansion of a nonlinear system. A method is developed, however, to obtain the Kac-Siegert solution from knowledge of the time history only of the random process, and the result is expressed as a function of a normal distribution. Then, by applying the change of random variable technique, the asymptotic probability density function applicable to the response of a nonlinear system (which is a non-Gaussian random process) is developed in closed form. A comparison of the presently developed probability density function and the histogram constructed from a record indicating strong non-Gaussian characteristics shows excellent agreement.
Catalytic behavior of a cation in a solid solution-An electrostatic potential approach

Abstract A method to calculate the electrostatic potential at a surface cation site and at an adsorbate site is described. The method is applied to evaluate the difference in the electrostatic potential at the two sites when the cation is placed in different oxide solid solutions of the same crystal structure. It is concluded that the ability of the cation to accept an electron from the adsorbate increases if the cation is in a more ionic oxide matrix, and vice versa. This conclusion appears to be consistent with published experimental data involving adsorption and catalysis on a number of solid solutions.
Disciplined decision making in an interdisciplinary environment: some implications for clinical applications of statistical process control.

Abstract This paper explores some of the implications the statistical process control (SPC) methodology described by Pfadt and Wheeler (1995) may have for analyzing more complex performances and contingencies in human services or health care environments at an organizational level. Service delivery usually occurs in an organizational system that is characterized by functional structures, high levels of professionalism, subunit optimization, and organizational suboptimization. By providing a standard set of criteria and decision rules, SPC may provide a common interface for data-based decision making, may bring decision making under the control of the contigencies that are established by these rules rather than the immediate contingencies of data fluctuation, and may attenuate escalation of failing treatments. SPC is culturally consistent with behavior analysis, sharing an emphasis on data-based decisions, measurement over time, and graphic analysis of data, as well as a systemic view of organizations.
Virtual Engineering Laboratories: Design and Experiments

This paper describes the creation and testing of computer-simulated laboratories for use in undergraduate engineering education. The design and implementation of a ‘virtual laboratory’ that closely mimics the capabilities of a physical laboratory is explained. Experiments that compare time and learning gains of students using physical and virtual laboratories are discussed. Experimental results indicate that students who use the virtual laboratory prior to a physical laboratory are able to complete the physical laboratory in a much shorter time, require less assistance, and also report that they are very satisfied with their laboratory experience.