cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Occupational Safety and Regulatory Compliance in US Commercial Fishing

ABSTRACT This study explored occupational safety practices and regulatory compliance in a representative sample of Maine commercial fishing vessels. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, safety equipment and training, and regulatory compliance during at sea boardings of working commercial fishing vessels (n = 259). Trends in safety and compliance were explored using standard comparison tests and principal component analysis. More than 40% of vessels were not in compliance with applicable safety regulations. That rate was lower for fishermen subjected to more stringent and costly safety requirements. The vast majority of fishermen were not safety trained, and many were not familiar with the proper use and maintenance of life-saving equipment. There is a clear need for better safety training in this industry. Educational efforts should be targeted at the local level at minimal cost to fishermen to encourage participation.
Diesel emissions prediction from dissimilar cycle scaling

A method for prediction of heavy heavy-duty diesel vehicle emissions on a test cycle using data from dissimilar test cycles is examined and presented. Four dissimilar modes of a new California test schedule were used to generate emission predictions for the US heavy-duty urban dynamometer driving schedule (UDDS). Intensive properties of each mode and of the UDDS, including average speed, stops/mile, percentage idle and average kinetic energy, were chosen for further study. The four dissimilar modes were the idle, creep, transient and cruise modes, created by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) in a prior effort. The predictive weightings were applied to emissions from 11 heavy-duty vehicles measured in units of grams/second (g/s), grams/litre of fuel consumed (g/l) and brake specific emissions (g/kW h). Predictions of emissions for the UDDS in units of grams/ second of NO x and CO 2 were acceptable, but particulate matter (PM) deviations were substantial. Errors for prediction of NO x did not exceed 7 per cent for any case, and errors for CO 2 prediction did not exceed 15 per cent. PM errors in the g/s case varied substantially, depending on the weighting case, indicating instabilities in the predictions. Errors for g/l and g/kW h predictions were higher. A series of corrections was applied to each of the predictive cases for each emissions unit studied. These corrections are shown to improve the predictive ability of the weightings, but the fundamental nature of the prediction was eroded. A weighting using the intensive properties of average speed, percentage idle and average kinetic energy was found to yield the best uncorrected prediction for every case, regardless of the emissions unit considered. The best predictive method was also shown to work acceptably when applied to unseen data from another 12 heavy-duty vehicles.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to decision or recovery: Medical and ethical dilemmas

Abstract Extracorporeal life support has advanced from its humble beginnings over 3 decades ago, with the first description of its success in a patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), going as far back as 1971. The indications for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy include refractory respiratory and/or cardiac failure, and ECMO is now being increasingly used in adult patients. In this case report, we present a patient who had traveled from India to the United States, where she developed acute decompensated biventricular failure and shock, requiring ECMO placement as a bridge to a decision. During her first few days on ECMO, the patient lost intrinsic cardiac rhythm. However, her multiple organ dysfunction as well as her neurological status improved and were maintained by ECMO support. Further work-up indicated that the patient was not a candidate for heart transplant or for a permanent ventricular-assist device. The patient and her family were persistent in her desire to live, and ECMO was continued until the patient recovered from the acute decompensation of her chronic heart failure. ECMO was weaned with the appropriate pharmacological support. The patient was switched over to oral heart failure medications, transferred to a rehabilitation facility, and discharged to home in 1 month.
Evaluation of the Light-Sensitive Cytotoxicity of Hypericum perforatum Extracts, Fractions, and Pure Compounds

Hypericum perforatum (Hp) is known for possessing antidepressant and antiviral activities. Despite its use as an alternative to conventional antidepressants, the identification of the cytotoxic chemicals derived from this herb is incomplete. In this study, the cytotoxicity of Hp extracts prepared in solvents ranging in polarity, fractions of one extract, and purified compounds were examined in three cell lines. All extracts exhibited significant cytotoxicity; those prepared in ethanol (no hyperforin, 3.6 μM hypericin, and 134.6 μM flavonoids) showed between 7.7 and 77.4% cell survival (p < 0.0001 and 0.01), whereas the chloroform and hexane extracts (hyperforin, hypericin, and flavonoids not detected) showed approximately 9.0 (p < 0.0001) and 4.0% (p < 0.0001) survival. Light-sensitive toxicity was observed primarily with the ethanol extracts sequentially extracted following removal of material extracted in either chloroform or hexane. The absence of light-sensitive toxicity with the Hp extracts suggests that the hypericins were not playing a prominent role in the toxicity of the extracts.
Explosively generated pulse propagation through particles containing natural cracks

Abstract An experimental study is conducted to study dynamic load transfer through particulate assemblies containing a damaged particle. The assembly is simulated by a one-dimensional array of circular disks, and the damage itself by a natural, zero-width crack. This assembly is explosively loaded and the dynamic load transfer process observed using dynamic photoelasticity and strain gages, as the stress wave pulse propagates down the assembly. Attention is focussed on the influence of damage size and orientation on the group wave velocity, wave dispersion and peak contact load attenuation of the stress wave pulse. Damage growth occurring from the interaction of the stress wave pulse with the closed natural crack tip is also studied. The results demonstrate that the inclusion of a damaged particle greatly influences the load transfer process, both locally and in the far field. The degree to which the damaged particle modifies the load transfer process is more dependent upon the orientation of the natural crack than upon the size of the crack. Moreover, damage growth within the damaged particles is also a strong function of the orientation of the natural crack.
A role for peptide in determining MHC class II structure.

T LYMPHOCYTES recognize antigen-derived peptides associated with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I or class II proteins1,2. Peptide is critical in class I heavy-chain folding and/or stable association with β2-microglobulin3–6. Although data exist suggesting a relationship between class II structure and peptide association7–9, no equivalent positive contribution of peptide to the folding state or stability of class II dimers has yet been demonstrated. We report here that most purified EαkEβk molecules leaving low pH in the absence of specific peptide lack a compact, stable dimeric structure. Brief exposure to the appropriate peptide just before and during neutralization promotes this specific conformation in proportion to stably bound peptide, indicating that peptide is important in determining class II MHC structure. Our results also indicate that efficient generation of long-lived peptide-class II complexes involves two stages: initial peptide binding in an acidic environment, which enhances the ability of class II to enter a conformation, from which stabilization upon neutralization results in high-affinity binding of previously associated peptide.
ENZYMATIC SULFATION OF STEROIDS. XIII: HEPATIC DEOXYCORTICOSTERONE SULFOTRANSFERASES IN RATS, PROPERTIES AND COMPARISON WITH GLUCOCORTICOID SULFOTRANSFERASES

AbstractA radioisotopic assay for the cytoplasmic deoxycorticosterone sulfotransferase activity (DSA) of rat liver was developed herein. Deoxycorticosterone inhibits the enzyme reaction strongly. For reliable, quantitative results, a complex assay method, using several different deoxycorticosterone concentrations, each studied with four different amounts of enzyme, was necessary. This “mosaic” assay compensated for variations of the enzyme activity observed in male and female rats. The results obtained demonstrated that cytosols from female rats contained five to six times the DSA found in males. The hepatic DSA was examined further by DEAE-Sephadex A-50 fractionation. One peak of enzyme activity was observed in cytosols from males and two peaks of enzyme activity were observed in cytosols from females. Comparison of these DSA peaks with the glucocorticoid sulfotransferases (STI, STII, and STIII) already fractionated in this laboratory, suggested that the single peak of DSA in males and the second peak of...
Guest Editorial: Photomechanics I

Many readers of Optical Engineering may find the word photomechanics confusing. It is a term coined by Dr. A. J. Durelli almost 30 years ago (indeed he has a book with this title: introduction to Photomechanics, by A. j. Durelli and W. F. Riley, Prentice-Hall Inc., 1965) to describe a discipline wherein the practitioners use optical methods such as photoelasticity to perform stress analysis of structures under Ilioad. Since then, the meaning of photomechanics has Ibroaderned to include the study of all mechanics problems (e.g., deformation of solids and flow of fluids) using optical techniques.
Control of cascaded multi-level STATCOM using line voltage total harmonic distortion minimization technique

In this paper, a new switching strategy is proposed for a multi-level STATCOM system. An efficient approach in reducing the harmonic contents of the inverter's output voltage is total harmonic distortion (THD) minimization. In multilevel inverters with fundamental frequency switching strategy (each switch turning on and off once per output cycle), the switching angles can be selected such that the output THD is minimized. In three phase multilevel inverters, the optimization algorithm is commonly applied to the phase voltage of the inverter. This results in the minimum THD in phase voltage, but not necessarily in the line to line minimum THD. In this paper, THD minimization process is directly applied to the line to line voltage of the inverter, and a new control strategy of multilevel STATCOM is proposed. The proposed method will be implemented, in RTDS and the closed loop operation of multi-level STATCOM will be explored.
The localization of fraction I protein of green leaves in the chloroplasts.

Abstract A major homogeneous soluble protein component of plant leaf extracts (Fraction I) has been shown to be localized in the chloroplasts. This protein, purified by fractional centrifugation of chloroplast extracts, is free of ribonucleic acid. The ribonucleic acid found associated with Fraction I protein prepared by other procedures may therefore be an artifact.
Therapeutic Benefit of Extended Thymosin β4 Treatment Is Independent of Blood Glucose Level in Mice with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. To investigated the efficacy and safety of the extended treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy with thymosin β4 (Tβ4), male diabetic mice (db/db) at the age of 24 weeks were treated with Tβ4 or saline for 16 consecutive weeks. Treatment of diabetic mice with Tβ4 significantly improved motor (MCV) and sensory (SCV) conduction velocity in the sciatic nerve and the thermal and mechanical latency. However, Tβ4 treatment did not significantly alter blood glucose levels. Treatment with Tβ4 significantly increased intraepidermal nerve fiber density. Furthermore, Tβ4 counteracted the diabetes-induced axon diameter and myelin thickness reductions and the g-ratio increase in sciatic nerve. In vitro, compared with dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons derived from nondiabetic mice, DRG neurons derived from diabetic mice exhibited significantly decreased neurite outgrowth, whereas Tβ4 promoted neurite growth in these diabetic DRG neurons. Blockage of the Ang1/Tie2 signaling pathway with a neutralized antibody against Tie2 abolished Tβ4-increased neurite outgrowth. Our data demonstrate that extended Tβ4 treatment ameliorates diabetic-induced axonal degeneration and demyelination, which likely contribute to therapeutic effect of Tβ4 on diabetic neuropathy. The Ang1/Tie2 pathway may mediate Tβ4-induced axonal remodeling.
SU-FF-T-440: Validation of a New Radiochromic Film Calibration Protocol and a Gel-Based Phantom for Beta Dosimetry Applications

Purpose: To validate a new film calibration protocol and a gel‐based phantom for use in beta dosimetry by comparing the dose rate measured from a single 90 Sr seed to Monte Carlo simulations.Method and Materials: Two acrylic boxes were constructed and a catheter hole was drilled 2 mm below the surface of one box. A single lumen catheter was placed through the hole and both boxes were filled with porcine gel (90% water and 10% gel). After the gelsolidified, a single 90 Sr seed was loaded into the catheter and a sheet of HD‐810 radiochromic film was sandwiched between the two box halves. A Microtek flatbed scanner, an ophthalmic applicator, and a background subtraction technique were used to readout and calibrate the film. A validated Monte Carlo code simulated the seed, phantom, and film geometry. To verify the Monte Carlo simulation, the output was compared to previously published data. Since Monte Carlo provides the dose per starting particle, a highly accurate and precise nondestructive assay of the source seed was required to calculate the absolute dose rate. The recently updated internal pair production branching ratio for 90 Y and a high‐purity germanium detector were used to assay the 90 Sr seed. The efficiency for detecting 511 keV photons was determined using a certified 22 Na solution. Results: The dose rate measured with film was 2.70 Gy/min ± 4.7% using a region of interest (ROI) of 0.5 mm × 0.5 mm. The Monte Carlo calculated dose rate was 2.75 Gy/min ± 5.1% for the same ROI using a measured seed activity of 2.64 mCi. Conclusion: Overall, there was a 1.8% difference between the film dose measurement and the Monte Carlo‐based calculation. Together, the HD‐810 radiochromic film, the calibration protocol, and the gel phantom were shown to provide accurate beta dosimetry.
Influence of sulfur-bearing polyatomic species on high precision measurements of Cu isotopic composition

Abstract An increased interest in high precision Cu isotope ratio measurements using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) has developed recently for various natural geologic systems and environmental applications, these typically contain high concentrations of sulfur, particularly in the form of sulfate (SO 4 2− ) and sulfide (S). For example, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations in acid mine drainage (AMD) can range from 100 µg/L to greater than 50 mg/L with sulfur species concentrations reaching greater than 1000 mg/L. Routine separation of Cu, Fe and Zn from AMD, Cu–sulfide minerals and other geological matrices usually incorporates single anion exchange resin column chromatography for metal separation. During chromatographic separation, variable breakthrough of SO 4 2− during anion exchange resin column chromatography into the Cu fractions was observed as a function of the initial sulfur to Cu ratio, column properties, and the sample matrix. SO 4 2− present in the Cu fraction can form a polyatomic 32 S– 14 N– 16 O– 1 H species causing a direct mass interference with 63 Cu and producing artificially light δ 65 Cu values. Here we report the extent of the mass interference caused by SO 4 2− breakthrough when measuring δ 65 Cu on natural samples and NIST SRM 976 Cu isotope spiked with SO 4 2− after both single anion column chromatography and double anion column chromatography. A set of five 100 µg/L Cu SRM 976 samples spiked with 500 mg/L SO 4 2− resulted in an average δ 65 Cu of − 3.50‰ ± 5.42‰ following single anion column separation with variable SO 4 2− breakthrough but an average concentration of 770 µg/L. Following double anion column separation, the average SO 4 2− concentration of 13 µg/L resulted in better precision and accuracy for the measured δ 65 Cu value of 0.01‰ ± 0.02‰ relative to the expected 0‰ for SRM 976. We conclude that attention to SO 4 2− breakthrough on sulfur-rich samples is necessary for accurate and precise measurements of δ 65 Cu and may require the use of a double ion exchange column procedure.
Anesthesia origins of the intensive care physician

Abstract The origin of the modern intensive care physician is the anesthesiologist. Initially, having expertise in oxygen delivery, anesthesiologists provided care to critically ill patients during polio epidemics and cardiac surgery. Later, an anesthesiologist called for the creation of a new subspecialty which has become known as intensive care. The intensivist is the physician responsible for the total care of the critically ill patient in the intensive care unit. Many studies have shown that the intensivist decreases the mortality and morbidity of the critically ill patient, in addition to improving the efficiency of patient care. Although the intensivist is central to the function of critical care units, the origins of the modern-day intensivist remain elusive and ill defined. In the early 20th century, an anesthesiologist defined “anoxemia” and its treatment in the postoperative period. Later, treatment of hypoxia was improved with oxygen delivery via nasal mask. In the 1950s, the polio epidemic and the development of cardiac surgery led to critically ill patients being collected in large wards. Anesthesiologists played an important role in the care of these patients. In the early 1960s, an anesthesiologist identified the need for the intensivist. This paper explores the development of anesthesiologists into intensivists.
Recuperating cosmopolitan Alexandria: Circulation of narratives and narratives of circulation

In the mid-20th century, the foreign-minority communities that had played a significant role in shaping the culture, institutions, and built environment of modern Alexandria were compelled to leave Egypt. In the intervening years, as Alexandria’s status was transformed from cosmopolis to regional capital, the foreign minorities, if recalled at all, were cast as compradors to colonial interests. Since the 1990s, there has been a revival of interest in Alexandria’s modern cosmopolitan past, as evidenced both in urban renovation projects and in Egyptian literature. This article aims to interpret these separate but parallel trends. The connection this article makes between these two distinct forms of narrative hinges on the trope of circulation. The renovation projects, including improvements to the circulation of traffic, reflect a marketing strategy that circulates nostalgic images or narratives of the city’s cosmopolitan past. The novel discussed in this article, Ambergris Birds by Ibrahim Abdel Meguid, is likewise a narrative of circulation concerned with recuperating Alexandria’s cosmopolitanism. In reading the two narratives against each other, this article attempts to unpack the ideological underpinnings of their recuperative gestures.
Effect of mild hypothermia during cardiopulmonary bypass on erythrocytic hemoglobin oxygen delivery

Abstract Objectives: To observe and define the degree of change in hemoglobin oxygen affinity induced by hypothermic extracorporeal circulation (ECC). Design: A prospective, nonrandomized, observational study. Setting: A single university medical center. Participants: Seventeen patients presenting for elective cardiac surgery. Interventions: Systemic hypothermia during ECC. Measurements and Main Results: During and after ECC, simultaneous arterial and mixed-venous whole-blood samples were obtained and immediately analyzed for gas tensions and hemoglobin saturation. Samples were obtained during the following times on ECC: initially after cardiopulmonary bypass onset during normothermia (37°C), after cooling to 32°C, and after rewarming to 37°C. A fourth sample was obtained 10 to 20 minutes after discontinuation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Extracorporeal pump flow and thermodilution-determined cardiac output were also recorded for calculation of oxygen delivery and consumption. Mixed-venous results were used to calculate in vivo the blood gas tension at which hemoglobin was 50% saturated with oxygen (P50). There were no differences in P50 for the 17 patients by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures with paired t-test with Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, no change in P50 was observed during the course of cooling and rewarming in any individual patient's samples. Oxygen delivery decreased after hypothermia and rewarming from mild hypothermia; oxygen consumption was decreased after rewarming and markedly increased after discontinuation from ECC. Conclusion: Mild hypothermia to 32°C during ECC does not result in in vivo alterations in oxyhemoglobin dissociation and thus does not induce changes in oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. However, oxygen usage appears to be markedly increased after cardiopulmonary bypass.
The reversal potential of Ca2+-activated Cl- currents indicates that chick sensory neurons accumulate intracellular Cl-

Abstract In order to establish the physiological role of the Ca 2+ -activated Cl − current ( I Cl(Ca) ) of chick primary afferent neurons, I measured the reversal potential of this current using either the amphotericin perforated patch technique (that alters intracellular Cl − ) or the gramicidin perforated patch technique (that does not perturb intracellular Cl − ). In the amphotericin experiments at 35°C, I Cl(Ca) reversed at the Cl − equilibrium potential ( E Cl =−24 mV) set by the superfusate (147 mM Cl − ) and the pipette solution (60 mM Cl − ). In contrast, in the gramicidin experiments at 35°C, I Cl(Ca) reversed at −42±2 mV, midway between E Cl of the solutions and E Cl expected if Cl − were passively distributed. Thus the gramicidin perforated patch technique monitors Cl − currents without perturbing intracellular Cl − . Further, the data imply that chick dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons actively accumulate Cl − . I Cl(Ca) reversed at the same potential (−46±3 mV) at 20°C indicating that the non-equilibrium distribution of Cl − is maintained at the lower temperature. Thus, I Cl(Ca) is a depolarizing current that can contribute to the after-depolarization in chick DRG neurons and thereby alter Ca 2+ influx.
Inhibition of thyroid hormone sulfotransferase activity by brominated flame retardants and halogenated phenolics

Many halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs) are considered endocrine disruptors and affect the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, often by interfering with circulating levels of thyroid hormones (THs). We investigated one potential mechanism for TH disruption, inhibition of sulfotransferase activity. One of the primary roles of TH sulfation is to support the regulation of biologically active T3 through the formation of inactive THs. We investigated TH sulfotransferase inhibition by 14 hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH BDEs), BDE 47, triclosan, and fluorinated, chlorinated, brominated, and iodinated analogues of 2,4,6-trihalogenated phenol and bisphenol A (BPA). A new mass spectrometry-based method was also developed to measure the formation rates of 3,3′-T2 sulfate (3,3′-T2S). Using pooled human liver cytosol, we investigated the influence of these HOCs on the sulfation of 3,3′-T2, a major substrate for TH sulfation. For the formation of 3,3′-T2S, the Michaelis constant (Km) was 1070 ± 12...
Giving form to feeling: Emotions research and early childhood education☆

Abstract Early childhood education has traditionally placed special emphasis on emotions. However, this emphasis has had shaky empirical underpinnings which have been further eroded by sexual abuse concerns and by the recent proliferation of formal academic programs for young children. Within developmental psychology, the study of emotions is an active field with great potential significance for early childhood education. We identify four educationally relevant concerns from current work on emotions: (a) the organizational function of emotions; (b) individual differences in children's emotion patterns; (c) developmental changes in emotion expressions and emotion-related behavior; and (d) environmental influences on children's emotional development. Examples from the history of early childhood education show that each of these concerns has had a prominent place in programs for young children. In each area, current emotions research is summarized. The implications of this research for practice are discussed, and directions for applied research are suggested.
Large Eddy Simulation of Transitional Flow in an Idealized Stenotic Blood Vessel: Evaluation of Subgrid Scale Models

In the present study, we performed large eddy simulation (LES) of axisymmetric, and 75% stenosed, eccentric arterial models with steady inflow conditions at a Reynolds number of 1000. The results obtained are compared with the direct numerical simulation (DNS) data (Varghese et al., 2007, "Direct Numerical Simulation of Stenotic Flows. Part 1. Steady Flow," J. Fluid Mech., 582, pp. 253-280). An inhouse code (WenoHemo) employing high-order numerical methods for spatial and temporal terms, along with a 2nd order accurate ghost point immersed boundary method (IBM) (Mark, and Vanwachem, 2008, "Derivation and Validation of a Novel Implicit Second-Order Accurate Immersed Boundary Method," J. Comput. Phys., 227(13), pp. 6660-6680) for enforcing boundary conditions on curved geometries is used for simulations. Three subgrid scale (SGS) models, namely, the classical Smagorinsky model (Smagorinsky, 1963, "General Circulation Experiments With the Primitive Equations," Mon. Weather Rev., 91(10), pp. 99-164), recently developed Vreman model (Vreman, 2004, "An Eddy-Viscosity Subgrid-Scale Model for Turbulent Shear Flow: Algebraic Theory and Applications," Phys. Fluids, 16(10), pp. 3670-3681), and the Sigma model (Nicoud et al., 2011, "Using Singular Values to Build a Subgrid-Scale Model for Large Eddy Simulations," Phys. Fluids, 23(8), 085106) are evaluated in the present study. Evaluation of SGS models suggests that the classical constant coefficient Smagorinsky model gives best agreement with the DNS data, whereas the Vreman and Sigma models predict an early transition to turbulence in the poststenotic region. Supplementary simulations are performed using Open source field operation and manipulation (OpenFOAM) ("OpenFOAM," http://www.openfoam.org/) solver and the results are inline with those obtained with WenoHemo.
Minor salivary gland involvement in Sjögren's syndrome

Abstract This article presents a histologic evaluation of ninety-six minor labial salivary gland biopsies performed at the Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health from patients with a suspected diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome. A proposed system of grading, utilizing a 1+ to 4+ scale, is offered on the basis of histologic criteria.
in vitro studies on heritable colonic cancer

Some properties ofin vitro growth associated with transformation, varied between and within the clinically defined colonic cancer syndromes. None of these differences, nor any grouping of them, permitted identification of specific genotypes. Such differences did support the concept, long assumed on the basis of differences in extracolonic lesions in some colonic cancer syndromes, that they are not all due to the same mutation but represent distinct genetic entities, these genetic differences not being detectablein vivo, but ratherin vitro.
P.4.1 PIP kinases, muscle development, and the pathogenesis of myotubular myopathy

Myotubular myopathy (MTM) is a severe congenital myopathy with no currently identified treatment. MTM is caused by mutations in MTM1, a phosphatase that dephosphorylates 3-position phosphoinositides. Through the use of vertebrate model systems, the consequences (s) of MTM1 mutation in skeletal muscle in vivo are beginning to be unraveled. In particular, work from several laboratories (including our own) has demonstrated that loss of MTM1 (1) increases the levels of PI3P in skeletal muscle and (2) results in the disruption of the structure and function of the EC coupling apparatus. Based on these data, one hypothesis to explain MTM is that pathologic elevation of PI3P results in aberrant EC coupling, which in turn causes muscle weakness and severe neurologic disability. A correlate hypothesis is that lowering PI3P levels in MTM will enable normal muscle structure and will thus ameliorate the disease. These hypotheses lead to 2 critical questions: What is the consequence of reducing PI3P levels on normal skeletal muscle development? What is the impact of reducing PI3P levels on MTM pathogenesis? The goal of this study is to address these questions by studying models with reduced PI3P. We have created knockout mice that lack either Pik3c2b or Pik3c3, the kinases responsible for PI3P production in skeletal muscle. Using these animals, we have identified unique and non-overlapping functions for these kinases, including the observation that loss of Pik3c3 results in a muscular dystrophy phenotype. Furthermore, we have tested the concept of PI3P reduction as a therapeutic strategy for MTM by crossbreeding individual kinase knockouts with Mtm1 knockouts. Preliminary data shows that reduced expression of one of the kinases significantly improves the Mtm1 phenotype. In all, our data reveals for the first time the role of 3-PI kinases in skeletal muscle, and identifies a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of MTM.
Meeting the Curricular Challenges of Inclusive Assessment: The role of alignment, opportunity to learn, and student engagement

Inclusive test-based accountability systems are intended to focus attention on the teaching and learning of important knowledge and skills for students with disabilities. Test score inferences to this end are often based on unverified assumptions of curricular alignment, access, and engagement. Focusing on students with disabilities, we discuss key concepts and practices relevant for measuring and facilitating alignment, opportunity to learn (OTL), and student engagement. In conclusion, three recommendations are provided calling for the collection and evaluation of alignment, OTL, and engagement data to support the validity of test score inferences and to inform the design of interventions that improve student OTL and engagement.
A power series method for computing singular solutions to nonlinear analytic systems

Given a system of analytic equations having a singular solution, we show how to develop a power series representation for the solution. This series is computable, and when the multiplicity of the solution is small, highly accurate estimates of the solution can be generated for a moderate computational cost. In this paper, a theorem is proven (using results from several complex variables) which establishes the basis for the approach. Then a specific numerical method is developed, and data from numerical experiments are given.
Pairwise Comparison and Numbers Skepticism

In this article, we defend pairwise comparison as a method to resolve conflicting claims from different people that cannot be jointly satisfied because of a scarcity of resources. We consider Michael Otsuka's recent challenge that pairwise comparison leads to intransitive choices for the ‘numbers skeptic’ (someone who believes the numbers should not count in forced choices among lives) and Frances Kamm's responses to Otsuka's challenge. We argue that Kamm's responses do not succeed, but that the threat they are designed to meet is illusory. Once the method of pairwise comparison is understood in a manner consistent with its proposed use, the challenge disappears. In making this argument, we examine questions about the interpretation of pairwise comparison and maintain that it must be understood as a method for ensuring that decisions are justifiable from the perspective of each affected individual.
COGNITIVE-AFFECTIVE STRESS RESPONSE: EFFECTS OF INDIVIDUAL STRESS PROPENSITY ON PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF STRAIN

The purpose of this study was to define further the role of individual stress propensity in physiological arousal and subsequent subjective stress and strain by measuring stress-induced reactivity in a laboratory setting. Individual predisposition to stress is conceptualized as a latent construct, cognitive-affective stress propensity, that is manifested as multiple trait indicators, e.g., negative affectivity, anger-irritability, and negative self-esteem. For 80 undergraduates experimental treatments were two stressors, time pressure and performance feedback. Physiological arousal indices included skin temperature, blood volume, and electromyographic activity. Results provide some support for the hypotheses that this propensity moderates the relationships between stressor and physiological arousal and between physiological arousal and subjective stress and strain.
Anatomical and visual outcomes following ocriplasmin treatment for symptomatic vitreomacular traction syndrome

Objective To evaluate the anatomical and visual outcomes of patients treated with ocriplasmin for the treatment of symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA), including vitreomacular traction syndrome and macular holes. Design Retrospective, interventional, single centre, case series. Participants Patients with sVMA. Intervention Patients were treated with a single intravitreal injection of 0.125 mg ocriplasmin (Jetrea, Thrombogenics Inc, USA, Alcon/Novartis EU) with the reconstitution technique recommended by the manufacturer. Main outcome measures The primary study endpoint was the resolution of sVMA by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) at day 28. Secondary outcome measures included time to vitreous release, visual acuity (VA), changes in the optical coherence tomography (OCT) thickness and structure and macular hole closure rate. Results 17 patients were included in the study and resolution of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) was verified by SDOCT in eight patients by day 28 (overall response rate of 47.1%, 8/17 eyes) with most patients experiencing VMA release by 7 days (41.2%, 7/17 eyes). Those who did not have VMA resolution showed no statistically significant change in VMA diameter as measured by horizontal and vertical 5-line raster scans at final follow-up (p=0.82 and p=0.75, respectively). The mean baseline Snellen VA was 20/49 and at final follow-up was 20/46 (p=0.59). The average central subfield thickness was 371 microns prior to treatment and 324 microns at final follow-up (range 191–767 microns, p=0.25). Patients meeting three of four positive predictors criteria (eg, no epiretinal membrane (ERM) at baseline, VMA diameter ≤1500 µm and phakic lens status) showed a response rate of 50.0% (seven of 14 patients); those meeting all four criteria (eg, younger than 65, no ERM at baseline, VMA diameter ≤1500 µm and phakic lens status) showed a response rate of 75.0% (three of four eyes). Transient outer segment ellipsoid zone loss was documented in seven patients and subretinal fluid presence following injection was noted in five patients. Four of the five patients with macular holes at baseline experienced resolution of their macular hole after injection. Conclusions This is the first study to quantify the extent of outer retinal changes seen in patients receiving ocriplasmin. Our initial experience with ocriplasmin shows a significant anatomical effect and is accompanied by transient changes in the outer retinal structures visualised by SDOCT.
Effect of Dietary Thyroid Hormone on Survival Time During Heat Stress

Broilers were fed corn-soybean meal diets supplemented with either 3, 5, 3'-triiodothyronine (T3) or thyroxine (T4) for various time periods ranging from 8 to 26 days. Survival times during heat stress were determined for females and males fed the control, T3, and T4 diets. Serum hormone concentration for serums collected prior to heat stress was determined by radioimmunoassay. The combined results of both trials show significantly shortened survival times for T3 and T4 and that T3 had a much greater effect than T4. Male broilers had shorter survival times than females and there was no interaction of hormone and sex. Serum T3 and T4 concentrations were greater in serum T4 concentration, but dietary T4 had no effect on serum T3 concentration.
Quantitation of morphine and codeine in human urine using high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) with mass spectrometric detection

Morphine and codeine have been identified and measured in a human urine matrix using high-field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) in a tandem combination with electrospray ionization (ESI) and mass spectrometric (MS) detection. The addition of helium to the nitrogen carrier gas resulted in a substantial improvement in the sensitivity of the ESI-FAIMS-MS instrument for the determination of morphine and codeine. Limits of detection in human urine were 60 ng/mL for morphine and 20 ng/mL for codeine with no clean-up, derivatization, or chromatographic separation of the sample prior to analysis.
Learning to Form a Spatial Category of Tight-Fit Relations: How Experience With a Label Can Give a Boost

Two experiments explored the ability of 18-month-old infants to form an abstract categorical representation of tight-fit spatial relations in a visual habituation task. In Experiment 1, infants formed an abstract spatial category when hearing a familiar word (tight) during habituation but not when viewing the events in silence or when hearing a novel word. In Experiment 2, infants were given experience viewing and producing tight-fit relations while an experimenter labeled them with a novel word. Following this experience, infants formed the tight-fit spatial category in the visual habituation task, particularly when hearing the novel word again during habituation. Results suggest that even brief experience with a label and tight-fit relations can aid infants in forming an abstract categorical representation of tight-fit relations.
The radiolysis of SO2 and H2S in water ice: Implications for the icy jovian satellites

Abstract Spectra of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto reveal surfaces dominated by frozen water, hydrated materials, and minor amounts of SO2, CO2, and H2O2. These icy moons undergo significant bombardment by jovian magnetospheric radiation (protons, electrons, and sulfur and oxygen ions) which alters their surface compositions. In order to understand radiation-induced changes on icy moons, we have measured the mid-infrared spectra of 0.8 MeV proton-irradiated SO2, H2S, and H2O-ice mixtures containing either SO2 or H2S. Samples with H2O/SO2 or H2O/H2S ratios in the 3–30 range have been irradiated at 86, 110, and 132 K, and the radiation half-lives of SO2 and H2S have been determined. New radiation products include the H2S2 molecule and HSO−3, HSO−4, and SO2−4 ions, all with spectral features that make them candidates for future laboratory work and, perhaps, astronomical observations. Spectra of both unirradiated and irradiated ices have been recorded as a function of temperature, to examine thermal stability and phase changes. The formation of hydrated sulfuric acid in irradiated ice mixtures has been observed, along with the thermal evolution of hydrates to form pure sulfuric acid. These laboratory studies provide fundamental information on likely processes affecting the outer icy shells of Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.
Making Sense of Mass Atrocity: The Challenge of Prosecuting Mass Atrocity

When prosecuting those at the highest echelons – a Slobodan Milosevic, Saddam Hussein, or Charles Taylor – a foremost question often becomes: On what basis may the acts of the lowliest subordinate be fairly ascribed to the most elevated superior, from whom they are so distant in space and time? Prosecutors today generally lack direct evidence that atrocities were expressly ordered from above. Since the Nuremberg trials at least, high-level perpetrators of mass atrocity have, with rare exceptions, been careful not to leave any record of such orders. For instance, testimony before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) confirmed that Serbs “erased records and cleaned out archives.” When Argentina's military juntas gathered to plot the dirty war, their minutes expressly registered their concern to avoid “another Nuremberg.” Even oral orders are generally couched in insinuation and innuendo, through euphemistic terms of art, which prosecutors must convincingly decode. It would not be obvious to outsiders, for instance, that satellite intercepts from field commanders referring to “Belgrade” always really meant “Milosevic.” Little evidence of criminal commands was available to prosecutors at the ICTY, in fact. The court concluded it could infer their existence from circumstantial facts only if no other reasonable inference were possible. The prosecutorial burden here proved quite onerous in most cases. The law, in this respect, simply has not yet fully recognized and redressed how mass atrocity evolves in evasive response to the law's own demands on those seeking to prove it.
Civic Generation: Policy Feedback Effects of the GI Bill on Political Involvement over the Life Course

One of the chief explanations for the decline of social capital in the United States is the passing of the ‘civic generation’, those who came of age during the Depression and the Second World War. These Americans experienced greater government largesse than previous generations, yet we know little about how public programmes influenced their subsequent involvement in public life. This article draws on policy feedback theory to examine how the educational benefits of the GI Bill, through which 7.8 million Second World War veterans attended college or gained vocational training, affected recipients' political participation across three time periods, from 1950 to 1998. We find that initially, interpretive effects of programme implementation produced increased levels of participation among users generally. Later on, resource effects enhanced participation rates selectively, with the strongest effects among those who had attained the highest levels of education. Overall, the study illustrates distinct mechanisms, timing and sequencing through which public policy can shape the interests and capacities of programme recipients to engage in democratic participation.
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2): Pathogenesis and Interaction with the Immune System

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of porcine circovirus–associated disease (PCVAD). The virus preferentially targets the lymphoid tissues, which leads to lymphoid depletion and immunosuppression in pigs. The disease is exacerbated by immunostimulation or concurrent infections with other pathogens. PCV2 resides in certain immune cells, such as macrophage and dendritic cells, and modulates their functions. Upregulation of IL-10 and proinflammatory cytokines in infected pigs may contribute to pathogenesis. Pig genetics influence host susceptibility to PCV2, but the viral genetic determinants for virulence remain unknown. PCV2 DNA and proteins interact with various cellular genes that control immune responses to regulate virus replication and pathogenesis. Both neutralizing antibodies and cell-mediated immunity are important immunological correlates of protection. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, variant strains of PCV2 continue to emerge. Although tremendous progr...
Mammalian Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction Pathways Activated by Stress and Inflammation

The molecular details of mammalian stress-activated signal transduction pathways have only begun to be dissected. This, despite the fact that the impact of these pathways on the pathology of chroni...
The origin of red sandstones and conglomerates

Comments on red beds, and discusses in particular those of south Devonshire, England, previously described in an article by J. B. Scrivenor, concluding that they were deposited as alluvial fans.
Development of the time course for processing conflict: an event-related potentials study with 4 year olds and adults

Background: Tasks involving conflict are widely used to study executive attention. In the flanker task, a target stimulus is surrounded by distracting information that can be congruent or incongruent with the correct response. Developmental differences in the time course of brain activations involved in conflict processing were examined for 22 four year old children and 18 adults. Subjects performed a child-friendly flanker task while their brain activity was registered using a high-density electroencephalography system. Results: General differences were found in the amplitude and time course of event-related potentials (ERPs) between children and adults that are consistent with their differences in reaction time. In addition, the congruency of flankers affected both the amplitude and latency of some of the ERP components. These effects were delayed and sustained for longer periods of time in the children compared to the adults. Conclusions: These differences constitute neural correlates of children's greater difficulty in monitoring and resolving conflict in this and similar tasks.
Natriuretic Peptides for Risk Stratification of Patients With Valvular Aortic Stenosis

Risk stratification of patients with aortic stenosis (AS) is important especially in high-risk asymptomatic patients, patients with atypical symptoms, and those with symptoms but with a high surgical or procedural risk. Current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines for indications to proceed with aortic valve replacement (AVR) for AS are the presence of symptoms because of AS, a left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction of <50%, and the need for concomitant valve repair or coronary artery bypass grafting.1 However, reliance on patient-reported symptoms can be misleading. Patients may knowingly or unknowingly adjust their lifestyles to avoid exacerbating symptoms or may not notify their physicians at the onset of symptoms. It may also be difficult to distinguish whether symptoms are caused by AS when patients have other comorbidities, such as lung disease or deconditioning, the latter being a major concern in elderly patients. Furthermore, the requisite serial follow-up at 6- to 12-month intervals1 to ensure that patients are clinically and echocardiographically stable may be difficult for elderly, infirm, or economically disadvantaged patients. Surgical delays because of unrecognized symptoms from AS or infrequent follow-up increase the risk of lethal complications and operative risk.2 In the past few years, 2 factors have been emerged which may change the current guideline-driven approach to AVR: (1) the advent of transcatheter AVR (TAVR) and (2) the recognition that patients with low-gradient AS also benefit from AVR.1 Although the procedural risk may be lower in TAVR versus surgical AVR (SAVR), both carry potential complications, including those associated with prosthetic valves. Therefore, optimal timing for the referral to AVR remains important and any development that enhances risk stratification of patients is important for the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with severe AS.2,3 As shown in Figure 1, natriuretic peptides, …