cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maize (Zea Mays) as a Model for Studying the Impact of Gene and Regulatory Sequence Loss Following Whole-Genome Duplication

Modern maize (2n = 20) is functionally diploid, and its chromosomes pair normally, forming 10 bivalents during meiosis. Sufficient genomic rearrangement has occurred that no two maize chromosomes are homologous across their entire lengths. Yet comparisons of genetic maps, duplicate gene sequences, and later genome assemblies revealed maize is descended from a polyploid ancestor which lived 5–12 million years ago. In the time since that polyploid ancestor lived 8,000–9,000 genes conserved at syntenic positions in other grass species have been reduced to single copy in maize while 4,000–5,000 genes are still retained as homologous gene pairs. The consequences of this polyploidy are continuing to resolve in modern maize accessions. With a wide range of data sets generated by an active research community, maize is an unparalleled model for the in silico study of the changes in genome structure, gene content, and gene regulation that a successful polyploidy brings about in a plant lineage.
Jesus’ Encounter with a Woman at the Well: A South Asian Perspective:

The water of life discourse in the Gospel of John 4 has been of great interest and theological importance to readers of the Bible. This, one of the best-known Bible passages, highlights profound an...
The international politics of tolerance in the Persian Gulf

Since the early 2000s, wide-ranging initiatives geared towards the promotion of tolerance, moderation and interfaith dialogue have proliferated throughout the Persian Gulf, culminating most recentl...
Academic success plans in advanced pharmacy practice experiences to promote self-awareness and improve performance.

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy schools should encourage self-awareness, provide exposure to the continuous professional development cycle, and intervene early when students exhibit performance deficiencies. Academic success plans (ASPs) have been shown in other disciplines to be successful intervention tools which encourage student reflection and self-awareness. This study evaluates the impact of ASPs used during the advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) curriculum at two schools. Methods ASPs were assigned to students who had either a “needs development” or lower documented for the same learning outcome during more than one APPE, for poor overall performance during an APPE, or for documented professionalism issues. Average scores were calculated by assigning point values to each learning outcome assessment score (exceeds expectations = 1; competent = 0; needs development, needs significant development, remediation required = −1). Results During AY2014–2015 and AY2015–2016, 104 ASPs were assigned to 75 students (13.5% of students). The majority (89.6%) were assigned due to repeated deficiencies in the same learning outcome(s), with the most frequent being “Develop, Implement, and Monitor Drug Therapy Plans.” After completion of an ASP, average scores significantly improved (p Conclusions Prior to 2015, Experiential Education Office interventions were primarily grades-based, not necessarily based on achievement of specific learning outcomes. ASPs were successfully used to allow students to practice self-awareness skills, to engage in the CPD process, and to improve APPE performance.
Implementing strengths model for youth in community mental health: Impact on case managers' professional quality of life

Abstract Case management is a frequently offered service to children and families receiving community based mental health care. However, despite its frequent use, child and adolescent mental health case management lacks formal structure leading to service ambiguity and poor outcomes, for both families being served, and the professionals serving them. This paper explores the implementation of the Strengths Model for Youth, a recovery oriented case management model, at a community mental health center and its relationship with case managers' professional quality of life. Researchers administered the Professional Quality of Life survey to child and adolescent mental health case managers implementing the Strengths Model for Youth at baseline and at six months into implementation. Results indicate the Strengths Model for Youth has positive impacts on case managers' feelings of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue after six months of using the model.
An Estimate of the Local Economic Impact of State-Level Earned Income Tax Credits:

This study investigates the impact of state-level earned income tax credits on local economic outcomes (employment, wages, and establishments). The study employs difference-in-differences and tripl...
Size-Controlled SrTiO3 Nanoparticles Photodecorated with Pd Cocatalysts for Photocatalytic Organic Dye Degradation

Herein we report an ultrasonic- and photobased synthetic approach for the production of size-selective SrTiO3 nanomaterials that are surface-decorated with Pd nanoparticle cocatalysts for applicati...
Reliability of NAND Flash Memory as a Weight Storage Device of Artificial Neural Network

NAND flash memory is a popular choice for storing a large number of model weights of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) in many Internet of Things devices and edge computing applications. While being used as a weight storage device, the bit error rate of flash memory plays a significant role in the performance of the ANN application. In this paper, we propose two novel weight storage method in NAND flash memory, which will significantly suppress the effects of bit error rate on the ANN’s model weights and its performance. The proposed weight storage methods utilize the NAND flash’s page-to-page variability in favor of storing the model weights on more reliable pages. In order to demonstrate the benefit of the proposed method, we perform different reliability experiments on commercial flash memory chips containing the trained weight values of an ANN application. The experimental evaluation shows that the proposed method outperforms the traditional weight storage method and ensures prediction accuracy more than 90% even with a bit error rate exceeding 1% value.
Characteristics of the Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap in a Western Population and a Practice Approach for Free Flap Reconstruction.

Background There has been increasing interest in the superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap as a source of thin, pliable soft tissue combined with a favorable donor site. Despite several clinical series from Asia, barriers to adoption include reluctance to perform submillimeter “supermicrosurgery” and the effect of body habitus on flap feasibility. The purpose of this study is to distinguish vascular anatomic characteristics of the SCIP flap in a North American population. Methods Computed tomography angiography was examined in 84 flaps in healthy prospective renal donor patients from a radiographic database. Descriptive statistics as well as linear regression comparing variables to body mass index (BMI) were performed. Results Mean BMI was 27.1 ± 3.5 kg/m2, while the mean patient age was 47.8 ± 11.4 years. The superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA) originated from the common femoral artery in 92% cases, with remainder originating from the profunda femoris. The mean vessel diameter was 1.85 mm at source vessel origin. Distance from skin to source vessel averaged 30.7 mm. Suprascarpal subcutaneous thickness averaged 16.5 mm. The mean distance from Scarpa's fascia to vessel origin was 14.1 mm. Direct three-dimensional distance from vessel origin to pubic tubercle was 50.2 mm. A medial and lateral perforator split off of the SCIA was observed in 38 cases (45%). Significant differences were shown when comparing BMI to skin to source vessel distance (p Conclusion Despite a significantly higher BMI than many previously published cohorts, the SCIP remains an excellent source of thin and pliable tissue. When dissected closer to the source vessel, a vessel caliber of nearly 2 mm can be achieved, which may obviate the need for “supermicrosurgery” in this population.
Prevalence of COVID-19 IgG Antibodies in a Cohort of Municipal First Responders.

BACKGROUND: Although first responders (FRs) represent a high-risk group for exposure, little information is available regarding their risk of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The purpose of the current study was to determine the serological prevalence of past COVID-19 infection in a cohort of municipal law enforcement (LE) and firefighters (FFs). METHODS: Descriptive analysis of a de-identified data reporting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) immunoglobulin G (IgG), or COR2G, serology results for municipal FRs. As part of the serology process, FRs were surveyed for COVID-19-like symptoms since February 2020 and asked to report any prior COVID-19 nasal swab testing. Descriptive statistics and two-sided Chi Square tests with Yates correction were used to compare groups. RESULTS: Of 318 FRs, 225 (80.2%) underwent serology testing (LE: 163/207 [78.7%]; FF: 92/111 [82.9%]). The prevalence of positive serology for all FRs tested was 3/255 (1.2%). Two LE (1.2%) and one FF (1.1%) had positive serology (P = 1.0). Two hundred and twenty-four FRs responded to a survey regarding prior symptoms and testing. Fifty-eight (25.9%) FRs (44 LE; 14 FFs) reported the presence of COVID-19-like symptoms. Of these, only nine (15.5%) received reverse transcriptase - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing; none were positive. Two of the three FRs with positive serology reported no COVID-19-like symptoms and none of these responders had received prior nasal RT-PCR swabs. The overall community positive RT-PCR rate was 0.36%, representing a three-fold higher rate of positive seroprevalence amongst FRs compared with the general population (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: Amongst a cohort of municipal FRs with low community COVID-19 prevalence, the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-19 IgG Ab was three-fold greater than the general community. Two-thirds of positive FRs reported a lack of symptoms. Only 15.5% of FRs with COVID-19-like symptoms received RT-PCR testing. In addition to workplace control measures, increased testing availability to FRs is critical in limiting infection spread and ensuring response capability.
Electromagnetic Tracking and Optical Molecular Imaging Guidance for Liver Biopsy and Point-of-Care Tissue Assessment in Phantom and Woodchuck Hepatocellular Carcinoma

To evaluate an integrated liver biopsy platform that combined CT image fusion, electromagnetic (EM) tracking, and optical molecular imaging (OMI) of indocyanine green (ICG) to target hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) lesions and a point-of-care (POC) OMI to assess biopsy cores, all based on tumor retention of ICG compared to normal liver, in phantom and animal model. A custom CT image fusion and EM-tracked guidance platform was modified to integrate the measurement of ICG fluorescence intensity signals in targeted liver tissue with an OMI stylet or a POC OMI system. Accuracy was evaluated in phantom and a woodchuck with HCC, 1 day after administration of ICG. Fresh biopsy cores and paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed liver tissue blocks were evaluated with the OMI stylet or POC system to identify ICG fluorescence signal and ICG peak intensity. The mean distance between the initial guided needle delivery location and the peak ICG signal was 5.0 ± 4.7 mm in the phantom. There was complete agreement between the reviewers of the POC-acquired ICG images, cytology, and histopathology in differentiating HCC-positive from HCC-negative biopsy cores. The peak ICG fluorescence intensity signal in the ex vivo liver blocks was 39 ± 12 and 281 ± 150 for HCC negative and HCC positive, respectively. Biopsy guidance with fused CT imaging, EM tracking, and ICG tracking with an OMI stylet to detect HCC is feasible. Immediate assessment of ICG uptake in biopsy cores with the POC OMI system is feasible and correlates with the presence of HCC in the tissue.
The Interaction of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) increases the risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and is associated with its own neuropathic complications. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common compl...
Battery Storage Manufacturing in India: A Strategic Perspective

India’s ambitious decarbonization goals for 2030 – 40% of electricity generation capacity by renewables and 30% of automobile sales as electric vehicles – are expected to create significant demand for battery storage in India. This provides an opportunity for India to become a leader in battery storage manufacturing. However, setting up appropriate conditions would require understanding of the typical barriers faced by a country’s industry in establishing manufacturing competency. To do so, this study first develops a novel critical barrier framework by identifying and assimilating barriers to industrial development through comprehensive literature review of innovation systems and industrial development. This framework posits that all the barriers identified within the framework need to be overcome for an industry to be successful. This framework is then verified using international and Indian industrial case studies. This framework is subsequently used to provide suggestions to policymakers for consideration, including on the following: First, clearly identifying target markets; second, potentially exploring the use of protectionist measures; third, enabling entry in the value chain closer to end product, while ensuring appropriate access to infrastructure and resources; and, eventually moving up higher in the value chain, via focus on research and development.
Substrate Materials for Biomolecular Immobilization within Electrochemical Biosensors

Electrochemical biosensors have potential applications for agriculture, food safety, environmental monitoring, sports medicine, biomedicine, and other fields. One of the primary challenges in this field is the immobilization of biomolecular probes atop a solid substrate material with adequate stability, storage lifetime, and reproducibility. This review summarizes the current state of the art for covalent bonding of biomolecules onto solid substrate materials. Early research focused on the use of Au electrodes, with immobilization of biomolecules through ω-functionalized Au-thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), but stability is usually inadequate due to the weak Au-S bond strength. Other noble substrates such as C, Pt, and Si have also been studied. While their nobility has the advantage of ensuring biocompatibility, it also has the disadvantage of making them relatively unreactive towards covalent bond formation. With the exception of Sn-doped In2O3 (indium tin oxide, ITO), most metal oxides are not electrically conductive enough for use within electrochemical biosensors. Recent research has focused on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) such as MoS2 and on electrically conductive polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polythiophene. In addition, the deposition of functionalized thin films from aryldiazonium cations has attracted significant attention as a substrate-independent method for biofunctionalization.
A sequence-specific DNA-binding factor (VF1) from Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 vegetative cells binds to three adjacent sites in the xisA upstream region.

Abstract A DNA-binding factor (VF1) partially purified from Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 vegetative cell extracts by heparin-Sepharose chromatography was found to have affinity for the xisA upstream region. The xisA gene is required for excision of an 11-kilobase element from the nifD gene during heterocyst differentiation. Previous studies of the xisA upstream sequences demonstrated that deletion of this region is required for the expression of xisA from heterologous promoters in vegetative cells. Mobility shift assays with a labeled 250-base-pair fragment containing the binding sites revealed three distinct DNA-protein complexes. Competition experiments showed that VF1 also bound to the upstream sequences of the rbcL and glnA genes, but the rbcL and glnA fragments showed only single complexes in mobility shift assays. The upstream region of the nifH gene formed a weak complex with VF1. DNase footprinting and deletion analysis of the xisA binding site mapped the binding to a 66-base-pair region containing three repeats of the consensus recognition sequence ACATT.
Variable to fixed entropy coders: Why and how? (And their application to H.263)

Entropy coders fall into several general categories: Huffman and Huffman-like coders that parse the input into fixed length pieces and encode each with a variable length output, arithmetic coders that take an arbitrarily long string as an input and encode with a single output string, and Tunstall-like coders that parse the input into variable length strings and encode each with a fixed length output. This paper is about a Tunstall-like coder called BAC (for Block Arithmetic Coding). We argue that this class of coders is very appropriate for many situations, especially when the probabiliities vary, when channel errors may occur, or when fast operation is needed. In particular, we discuss how an H.263 encoder/decoder can be modified to replace the syntax arithmetic code with a block arithmetic code to get greater speed and better error resiliency.
Interaction of Cadherin with the Actin Cytoskeleton

Cadherins regulate cell-cell adhesion throughout embryonic development and in the adult organism, and defects in cadherin expression and function are characteristic of many disease states including cancer. Although extracellular binding between cadherins specifies adhesion between cells, the strength of the interaction is thought to be regulated by cadherin clustering through reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton. Protein-protein interactions have been described that could link cadherins either directly or indirectly to the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we describe these protein interactions, and examine critically the evidence that they link cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton.
The Annualized Social Cost of Motor Vehicle Use in the U.S.-Based on 1990–1991 Data: Summary of Theory, Data, Methods, and Results

Every year, American drivers spend hundreds of billions of dollars on highway transportation. They pay for vehicles, maintenance, repair, fuel, lubricants, tires, parts, insurance, parking, tolls, registration, fees, and other items. These expenditures buy Americans considerable personal mobility and economic productivity.
Coordination and bifurcation in growing spatial economies

Bifurcation of endogenous growth equilibria with infrastructure investment affecting productivity through altering levels of coordination of economic activity are studied using interacting particle systems theory. Critical levels of infrastructure relative to private capital generate discontinuous changes in coordination and thus in general productivity. Higher coordination is associated with two equilibria, one with positive expectational high growth and one with negative expectational low growth. Thus, heightened regional linkages may be associated with greater volatility of economic activity.
The Lick Observatory Two Micron Camera

Lick Observatory has recently developed a near infrared camera for astronomical imaging. The new camera has been built around a Rockwell NICMOSII 256 x 256 HgCdTe focal plane array. The dewar and optics were manufactured by Infrared Laboratories in Tucson, Arizona while the electronics and data system were designed and fabricated at Lick Observatory.
Effect of ursodeoxycholate and its taurine conjugate on bile acid synthesis and cholesterol absorption

Six male subjects with normal gastroenterologic function were studied to determine the effects of ursodeoxycholic (15 mg/kg X day) and tauroursodeoxycholic (20 mg/kg X day) acid feeding on bile acid synthesis and cholesterol absorption. Each bile acid was fed for 1 mo and withheld for the next month. Subjects remained on a metabolic ward and consumed a constant diet of 500 mg of cholesterol mixed with solid and liquid formulas. Before the study started, each subject received 50 muCi of [4-14C]cholesterol intravenously. During the study, stools were collected for the determination of 24-h fecal acidic and neutral sterol excretion, and blood was drawn twice weekly for determination of serum cholesterol specific activity. At the end of each month an intestinal perfusion study was performed to measure total bile acid pool size and hourly biliary secretion rates of cholesterol, phospholipid, and bile acid. From these data, the percentage of cholesterol absorption and total endogenous bile acid synthesis could be calculated. Neither ursodeoxycholic nor tauroursodeoxycholic acid feeding decreased endogenous bile acid synthesis. During bile acid feeding periods, the percentage of cholesterol absorption was decreased.
Neglected Pathogens: Bacterial Infections in Persons With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection A Review of the Literature (First of Two Parts)

Bacterial infections, including those that cause infection in the healthy host as well as those that are more opportunistic, occur very commonly among persons infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bacterial infections are a direct result of the severe humoral and cellular immune defects found in these patients. Epidemiologic factors such as intravenous drug use and stage of HIV infection may also play important roles. Pulmonary, bloodstream, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, skin and soft tissue, and catheter-related infections are common, as are endocarditis, prostatitis, and others. Frequently reported pathogens are common organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and enteric gram-negative pathogens, as well as less typical ones such as Listeria monocytogenes and Nocardia sp. The frequency of infection is specific to organ system and pathogen, often being many times higher than in immunocompetent hosts. Prompt recognition and aggressive therapy are required to reduce morbidity and mortality due to these infections.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN RELATION TO NONFATAL MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION

The relation of oral contraceptive (OC) use to the risk of hospitalization for myocardial infarction (MI) was evaluated among 121,964 US nurses who responded to a mail questionnaire. There were 156 women who reported having been hospitalized for MI before the menopause, and 23 (15%) were OC users at the time of the MI. Of 3120 controls matched to the cases for menopausal status at the time of the MI and for age, 304 (10%) were using OCs at the time of the MI. The apparent increase in the risk of MI for current OC users was not explained by cigarette smoking, hypertension, elevated cholesterol or other identified risk factors for MI. We estimated that OC use increased MI risk 1.8-fold overall and 2.8-fold among nonsmokers without other risk factors. The increase in risk attributable to the combined effect of current OC use, cigarette smoking and hypertension was considerably greater than what would be predicted from the sum of the separate effects of these factors.
Sulfate Washout Ratios in Winter Storms

Abstract Washout ratios for sulfate were computed from simultaneous measurements of sulfate in precipitation and in the air below cloud base. Stratification of the data according to predominant mode of precipitation growth (growth primarily by accretion of liquid cloud droplets versus growth primarily by vapor deposition onto ice particles) illustrated that for cases of accretional growth, the washout ratio was 10–50 times larger than for cases of depositional growth. The depositional growth mode appeared to be a baseline value and was determined by the efficiency of below-cloud scavenging. Sulfate washout ratios (mass weighted) for this baseline value ranged between 1 and 800 and typically averaged near 100. Enhancement of this baseline value caused by accretional growth was a measure of the contribution due to nucleation scavenging and/or aqueous phase conversion of SO2 to SO4 in the cloud water. This accretional mode increased the sulfate washout ratio to values averaging near 1000. Values of the washo...
α-Synuclein and Mitochondria: Partners in Crime?

Increased α-synuclein levels and mutations in mitochondria-associated proteins both cause familial Parkinson's disease (PD), and synuclein and mitochondria also play central, but poorly understood, roles in the pathogenesis of idiopathic PD. A fraction of synuclein interacts with mitochondria, and synuclein can produce mitochondrial fragmentation and impair mitochondrial complex I activity. However, the consequences of these mitochondrial changes for bioenergetic and other mitochondrial functions remain poorly defined, as does the role of synuclein-mitochondria interactions in the normal and pathologic effects of synuclein. Understanding the functional consequences of synuclein's interactions with mitochondria is likely to provide important insights into disease pathophysiology, and may also reveal therapeutic strategies.
Bacterially induced preterm labor in the mouse does not require maternal interleukin-1 signaling.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that intrauterine bacterial inoculation induces labor via expression of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) in a murine model. STUDY DESIGN: Pregnant mice on day 14.5 of a 19-20 day gestation were inoculated with killed Escherichia coli or sterile media into either (a) the right uterine horn, (b) the right uterine horn following its surgical isolation from the contralateral horn and cervix, or (c) the kidney. Cytokine levels in gestational tissues and maternal serum were determined by use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In a separate experiment, bacterially induced preterm delivery was compared between mice lacking a functional IL-1 receptor and wild-type control litter mates. RESULTS: Killed E coli induced delivery within 48 hours with similar dose-response curves regardless of inoculation site (intact uterine horn, isolated uterine horn, or kidney). Bacterial inoculation of an isolated right horn caused dramatic increases in local expression of IL-1 and IL-6. However, delivery occurred from the uninjected horn without corresponding upregulation of cytokines, with the exception of a modest rise within fetal membranes. Mice lacking a functional IL-1 receptor were no different from wild-type mice in their susceptibility to bacterially induced delivery. CONCLUSION: Bacterially induced labor in the murine model does not require IL-1 signaling. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;186:523-30.)
Theory of Singlet—Triplet Exciton Fusion

Forster's theory of resonant transfer of energy has been used to calculate the probability per unit time of transfer of energy from an excited singlet to a triplet, raising the latter to a higher triplet. The magnitude of the effect is computed in applications to chlorophyll, rhodamine 6G, and anthracene, and in all cases it is found that the corresponding Forster radius R is of the order of 40 to 50 A. The rate constant kST for singlet—triplet exciton collisions resulting in quenching of the singlet is then calculated. It is found that the theoretical value of R, for the case of crystalline anthracene, which is much larger than that predicted by Babenko et al., leads to better agreement with experiment and is to be preferred. Assuming a joint singlet—triplet diffusion constant of 10−5cm2/s, the rate constant kST for chlorophyll in solution is predicted to be 4.5 × 10−11 cm3/s. Forsters Theorie der resonanten Energiewanderung wird benutzt zur Berechnung der Wahrscheinlichkeit pro Zeiteinheit, das Energiewanderung von einem angeregten Singulett zu einem Triplett stattfindet. Bei dem Vorgang wird das Triplett zu einem hoher liegenden Triplett angeregt. Die Grose des Effektes wird fur Chlorophyll, Rhodamin 6G und Anthrazen berechnet. Der Forsterradius R liegt in allen Fallen etwa zwischen 40 und 50 A. Weiterhin wird die Haufigkeitskonstante kST fur Stose zwischen Singuletts and Triplets, die zur Vernichtung des Singuletts fuhren, berechnet. Fur kristallines Anthrazen ist der theoretische Wert fur R sehr viel groser als der von Babenko u. a. und stimmt besser mit experimentellen Werten uberein und ist daher vorzuziehen. Unter der Annahme, das die Konstante der gemeinsamen Singulett- und Triplettdiffusion den Wert 10−5cm2/s hat, wird die Konstante kST fur gelostes Chlorophyll zu 4,5 × 10−11 cm3/s berechnet.
Uniquely decodable n -gram embeddings

We define the family of n-gram embeddings from strings over a finite alphabet into the semimodule NK. We classify all ξ ∈ NK that are valid images of strings under such embeddings, as well as all ξ whose inverse image consists of exactly 1 string (we call such ξ uniquely decodable). We prove that for a fixed alphabet, the set of all strings whose image is uniquely decodable is a regular language.
Phases of work of the Carnegie Institution of Washington which concern the section of oceanogeaphy

That part of the work of the Carnegie Institution of Washington during the past year which is of special interest to the Section of Oceanography was the continuation of the studies in marine biology at the Tortugas Laboratory, Florida, and the interest in deep-sea sounding stimulated by the activities of the Advisory Committee in Seismology of the Institution, already reported by Dr. Littlehales. During the summer of 1924, ten research workers were present at the Tortugas Laboratory carrying on investigations more or less relating to the biological phase of oceanography, and material was collected for study in connection with the problem of the formation of marine limestones. This station is to be maintained, and important contributions to marine biology are confidently expected from future researches.
Associations of ambient illumination with mood: contribution of ophthalmic dysfunctions.

Evidence suggests that ocular pathology could reduce light-stimulated neuronal signaling to the suprachiasmatic nuclei. This study investigated associations of ambient illumination with moods, while considering the contribution of ophthalmic dysfunctions. Seventy Black (59%) and White (41%) Americans participated in the study. Their average age was 68.27±5.97 years; 73% were women. Baseline data included: physical health, mood, and sociodemographics. Ophthalmic factors including visual acuity, visual field defects, intraocular pressure, vertical and horizontal cup-to-disk ratios, and nerve-fiber-layer thickness were assessed at SUNY Downstate's eye clinic. The following week, participants wore the Actiwatch-L at home to monitor ambient illumination and sleep. Cosine analyses were performed on the logarithm of measured illumination, yielding the mesor and acrophase of daily illumination exposure. Sleep was estimated with an automatic scoring algorithm. Of the sample, 25% reported visual impairment and 85% reported good to excellent health; 27% were visually impaired according to American criteria. Partial correlation analyses showed an inverse correlation of daily illumination levels to depressed mood [rp=−0.33, P<0.05], when age, sex, ethnicity, income, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, and habitual sleep duration were controlled. With further control for ophthalmic factors, the magnitude and significance of the correlation diminished [rp=−0.26, NS]. Individuals receiving daily illumination later in the day reported more depressed moods [rp=0.36, P<0.01]; of note, this correlation was not significant after control for the covariates [rp=0.18, NS]. Regression analysis indicated that the ophthalmic factors explained 13% of the variance in depression. Our results show that both the level and timing of ambient illumination are associated with mood. Furthermore, they suggest that visual impairment has a mediating effect on the associations of ambient illumination with depression, supporting the notion that ocular pathology lessens the efficacy of daily illumination in promoting positive moods.
Hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy-associated rhabdomyolysis with ARF.

Intraoperative rhabdomyolysis with resultant acute renal failure is a rare complication seen, most commonly, with urologic surgical procedures. Since the early 1990s, the refinement of laparoscopic techniques has permitted their application more broadly. Among the procedures to benefit from these less invasive surgical methods has been radical nephrectomy. In general, this has resulted in less postoperative pain and shorter convalescence. Nonetheless, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy still represents major surgery and is not free from operative risks. To highlight one of these risks, we present a case of a young, obese man with renal cell carcinoma who underwent a hand-assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy that was complicated by rhabdomyolsis resulting in acute renal failure (ARF). We discuss the clinical insults that contributed to the development of azotemia with particular attention paid to our current understanding of the pathogenesis of myoglobinuric ARF. In addition, we review the literature concerning surgery-associated, rhabdomyolytic ARF with the aim of providing clinicians guidance for the avoidance and early recognition of this rare, but very serious, surgical complication.
BMPR1a and BMPR1b Signaling Exert Opposing Effects on Gliosis after Spinal Cord Injury

Astrogliosis following spinal cord injury (SCI) involves an early hypertrophic response that is beneficial and a subsequent formation of a dense scar. We investigated the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in gliosis after SCI and find that BMPR1a and BMPR1b signaling exerts opposing effects on hypertrophy. Conditional ablation of BMPR1a from glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells leads to defective astrocytic hypertrophy, increased infiltration by inflammatory cells, and reduced axon density. BMPR1b-null mice conversely develop "hyperactive" reactive astrocytes and consequently have smaller lesion volumes. The effects of ablation of either receptor are reversed in the double knock-out animals. These findings indicate that BMPR1a and BMPR1b exert directly opposing effects on the initial reactive astrocytic hypertrophy. Also, BMPR1b knock-out mice have an attenuated glial scar in the chronic stages following injury, suggesting that it has a greater role in glial scar progression. To elucidate the differing roles of the two receptors in astrocytes, we examined the effects of ablation of either receptor in serum-derived astrocytes in vitro. We find that the two receptors exert opposing effects on the posttranscriptional regulation of astrocytic microRNA-21. Further, overexpression of microRNA-21 in wild-type serum-derived astrocytes causes a dramatic reduction in cell size accompanied by reduction in GFAP levels. Hence, regulation of microRNA-21 by BMP signaling provides a novel mechanism for regulation of astrocytic size. Targeting specific BMPR subunits for therapeutic purposes may thus provide an approach for manipulating gliosis and enhancing functional outcomes after SCI.
Interactions of Drugs and Electroshock Treatment on Cerebral Monoaminergic Systems

The interaction of EST and drugs on the CSF levels of several monoamine metabolites was studied with four drugs that have been used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders, namely, lithium, carbamazepine, imipramine, and haloperidol. EST-drug interactions were observed with each of these drugs on one or more monoaminergic systems. All interactions were antagonistic in nature. Changes in the CSF levels of monoamine metabolites did not always reflect corresponding changes in the monoamine turnover; the increase in 5HIAA seen after chronic Li was due to slower removal of this metabolite from the CSF. However, the changes in the CSF levels of DA and 5HT metabolites following chronic HLDL reflected changes in the turnover of the parent amine in the brain. The effects of both HLDL and EST on DA metabolism in the intact brain could be related to alterations by these treatments of the responsiveness of DA presynaptic receptors. Similarly, the effect of HLDL on 5HT turnover and the antagonistic interaction of EST on this HLDL-induced effect were associated with changes in 3H-IMI binding sites that label the 5HT transporter in serotonergic presynaptic terminals. The results are discussed with the aid of a model that depicts possible relationships between pre- and postsynaptic variables and their influence on each other. According to this model an increase in the neurotransmitter turnover is associated with "down regulation" of both pre- and postsynaptic receptors whereas a decrease in turnover is associated with receptor "up regulation." However, "up regulation" of receptors is not necessarily associated with augmented postsynaptic response. Analysis of the model variables by the "binding equation" which obeys the Clark occupancy principle revealed that receptor "up regulation" which is associated with decreased turnover may result in either an augmented or a depressed postsynaptic response (related to the number of occupied receptors). The direction of the response depends on the ratio between the rate of receptor "up regulation" and the rate of decrease in neurotransmitter turnover.
Effect of single versus multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids on maternal and neonatal outcome

Abstract Objective: Treatment of pregnant mothers with a single course of antenatal corticosteroids significantly reduces neonatal mortality and morbidity. Multiple weekly courses are often given. However, the safety and efficacy of repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids have not been adequately studied. Study Design: A retrospective study was performed for 609 mothers and their 713 infants who were treated with 1 to 12 courses of antenatal corticosteroids. Data for 369 singleton preterm infants born at ≤34 weeks' gestation, 210 multiple gestations, and 134 infants delivered at ≥35 weeks' gestation were analyzed separately. Results: The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 45% for single-course and 35% for multiple-course groups ( P = .005; odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-0.79). The multiple-course group also had significantly less patent ductus arteriosus (20% vs 13%; P = .016). Incidence of death before discharge and other neonatal morbidities were similar. The multiple-course group had a reduction of 0.46 ± 0.19 cm in head circumference at birth ( P = .013) when adjusted for gestational age and preeclampsia. The 2 groups had similar birth weights. Infants born at ≥35 weeks' gestation, multiple-gestation infants, and infants who were born >7 days after the last corticosteroid dose had similar outcomes, regardless of the number of courses they received. Mothers treated with multiple courses compared with a single course had a significantly higher incidence of postpartum endometritis ( P = .013), even though they had a lower incidence of prolonged rupture of membranes (24% vs 33%, P = .06) and similar cesarean delivery rates. Conclusion: Exposure to multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids compared with a single course resulted in a significant reduction in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in singleton preterm infants delivered within a week of the last corticosteroid dose. This was associated with a reduction in birth head circumference and an increased incidence of maternal endometritis. Whether the potential benefits of repeated therapy clearly outweigh the risks will ultimately be determined in randomized prospective controlled trials. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2000;182:1243-9.)
Adult cortical neurogenesis: nuanced, negligible or nonexistent?

Can the adult neocortex in primates generate new neurons? A new study uses a clever way of determining the age of postmortem human neurons to conclude that there is very little postnatal cortical neurogenesis—or none at all.
Classroom time utilization in a self‐study biochemistry course for medical students

Based on a previously chosen set of instructor objectives, a self-study course in introductory Biochemistry for freshman medical students was designed. The course centred around a study guide containing lists of learner objectives and enrichment material for each of 19 units. Classroom time was utilized for clarification, enrichment, and supplementation of the basic study guide. During classroom time, concept generation by the students was fostered by using problems sheets, small group discussions, and whole class discussions. Medical relevance was emphasized by use of patient and physician interviews, films, and faculty resource sessions. Performance on Biochemistry items correlated highly with total scores on three examinations which included material from other basic science disciplines. Student evaluation of the overall instructor objectives was 4.1, on a scale from one to five.
Acetaldehyde dissociates the PTP1B–E-cadherin–β-catenin complex in Caco-2 cell monolayers by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism

Interactions between E-cadherin, β-catenin and PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) are crucial for the organization of AJs (adherens junctions) and epithelial cell–cell adhesion. In the present study, the effect of acetaldehyde on the AJs and on the interactions between E-cadherin, β-catenin and PTP1B was determined in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Treatment of cell monolayers with acetaldehyde induced redistribution of E-cadherin and β-catenin from the intercellular junctions by a tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent mechanism. The PTPase activity associated with E-cadherin and β-catenin was significantly reduced and the interaction of PTP1B with E-cadherin and β-catenin was attenuated by acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde treatment resulted in phosphorylation of β-catenin on tyrosine residues, and abolished the interaction of β-catenin with E-cadherin by a tyrosine kinase-dependent mechanism. Protein binding studies showed that the treatment of cells with acetaldehyde reduced the binding of β-catenin to the C-terminal region of E-cadherin. Pairwise binding studies using purified proteins indicated that the direct interaction between E-cadherin and β-catenin was reduced by tyrosine phosphorylation of β-catenin, but was unaffected by tyrosine phosphorylation of E-cadherin-C. Treatment of cells with acetaldehyde also reduced the binding of E-cadherin to GST (glutathione S-transferase)–PTP1B. The pairwise binding study showed that GST–E-cadherin-C binds to recombinant PTP1B, but this binding was significantly reduced by tyrosine phosphorylation of E-cadherin. Acetaldehyde increased the phosphorylation of β-catenin on Tyr-331, Tyr-333, Tyr-654 and Tyr-670. These results show that acetaldehyde induces disruption of interactions between E-cadherin, β-catenin and PTP1B by a phosphorylation-dependent mechanism.
Flight-determined correction terms for angle of attack and sideslip

The effects of local flow, upwash, and sidewash on angle of attack and sideslip (measured with boom-mounted vanes) were determined for subsonic, transonic, and supersonic flight using a maximum likelihood estimator. The correction terms accounting for these effects were determined using a series of maneuvers flown at a large number of flight conditions in both augmented and unaugmented control modes. The correction terms provide improved angle-of-attack and sideslip values for use in the estimation of stability and control derivatives. In addition to detailing the procedure used to determine these correction terms, this paper discusses various effects, such as those related to Mach number, on the correction terms. The use of maneuvers flown in augmented and unaugmented control modes is also discussed.
Using finite-element analysis and fractography to resolve a flex pivot failure problem

As part of the Laboratory's Infrared Thermal Sounder (ITS) development program sponsored by NOAA, aMichelson Interferometer was designed and prototyped into hardware. The design included a moving mirror mechanism,which physically resembles a classical 4-bar linkage and utilizes two flex pivots at each of the four rotational joints. Duringthe course of random vibration testing, to simulate spacecraft launch loads, pivots at one or both of the base locations of thelinkage structurally failed. Finite element analysis showed that high stress concentrations existed at fillet locations on thepivot's internal flexures. Fractography analysis was used to determine that during manufacture crack generation sitesformed at the fillet locations during stamping of the flexure blades. It was concluded that the flex pivots failed due to low-cycle fatigue at these locations. The solution was to limit the stress in the flexure blade using load shunts.Keywords: flex pivot, fractography, fmite element analysis, low-cycle fatigue, stress concentration, random vibration
The Nutritional Value of Amaranth for Feeding Chickens

Abstract Amaranth seeds (Amaranthus cruentus), containing 13.5% protein and .96% lysine, were evaluated nutritionally in three experiments with chickens. Autoclaved amaranth gave better chick growth than raw amaranth when fed at 30% of the diet. The apparent metabolizable energy of amaranth, as determined with adult male chickens, was 2.86 kcal/g. Amaranth is relatively low in thiamin, and a deficiency of thiamin was noted in chickens fed rations containing 78.7% autoclaved amaranth for 17 days. Lysine in amaranth appeared to be readily available, because the growth of chicks fed amaranth supplemented with gelatin and lysine was similar to that observed with similar levels of total lysine in a lysine-supplemented corn-gelatin diet.
Catalytic Production of High-Grade Fuel (Gasoline) from Biomass Compounds by Shape-Selective Catalysis

Shape-selective hydrocarbon catalysis, such as the conversion capability of zealite catalysts of the ZSM-5 type to produce high-grade gasoline from methanol, can be extended to produce a similar gasoline or aromatics from plant extracts. Examples are rubber latex, corn oil, and peanut oil. Novel mechanisms for shape-selective reaction sequences are demonstrated.
Ritual, Hierarchy, and Change in Foraging Societies

Abstract While there is widespread belief that ritual has a role to play in the emergence of cultural complexity in foraging societies, there has been virtually no sustained attempt to demonstrate its place in this process of cultural change. In part, this is due to the paucity of reliably identified "ritual" features, artifacts, and structures recovered from the archaeological record. A more important problem, however, is that most theoretical thinking by archaeologists on ritual has disconnected it from its broader social context. Ritual can act as an agent of both stability and change, and can be used to justify both the existence and extension of hierarchies and inequalities in so-called "egalitarian" societies. In this paper, the role of ritual as agent of change is explored using dual inheritance theory, and the implications of the model are discussed.
Vapor-Transport Equilibrated Lightly MgO-Doped Lithium Niobate for Nonlinear Optics

We discuss several properties of lightly-MgO-doped near-stoichiometric lithium niobate in comparison with other ferroelectric nonlinear materials. Recent results on green light generation and potential advantages over 5 mol-% MgO-doped congruent lithium niobate are described.
Gamma Correction in Live Color TV Cameras

The increased proportion of color TV broadcasting and the use of lead oxide camera tubes having linear transfer characteristics have called for increased attention to the use of proper gamma correction circuitry in the studio. Agreement on a limiting value of scene contrast ratio is helpful in order to achieve some degree of standardization in this area. A contrast ratio of 40 is suggested as a practical value.