cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATG5 Dependent Autophagy in Graft-Versus-Host Disease Target Organs Mitigates Disease Severity Post Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant

Autophagy protects cells from a variety of stressors and is known to affect immune cell responses after allogeneic bone marrow transplant (allo-BMT). However, a definitive and exclusive role of target tissue pathways on mitigating graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has yet to be demonstrated. Because GVHD target organs are under stress from alloreactive T cells, we sought to determine the role, if any, of target tissue autophagy in mitigating the severity of GVHD. Because the primary driver of morbidity and mortality after allo-BMT is gastrointestinal (GI) GVHD, we next hypothesized that autophagy protects the GI epithelium from alloimmune damage. To determine these effects in this target organ, we generated mice that lack a macroautophagy protein, ATG5, in the GI epithelium (Atg5D/IEC) and used them as recipients in the well-characterized MHC disparate GVHD murine model BALB/c→B6. As hypothesized, allo Atg5D/IEC mice showed significantly high mortality (P We next determined whether autophagy is critical for other GVHD target organs. To this end, we generated Atg5D/hep mice, which lack Atg5 expression in hepatocytes. Using the GVHD model described above, we observed dramatically shorter survival in the Atg5D/hep allo-recipients (P = 0.025) along with an increase in hepatocyte damage markers (bilirubin (P = 0.0001), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.036), and alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.0002)) in Atg5D/hep allo-recipients. Again, there were similar numbers of splenic and liver-resident donor T cells, activation markers, and proinflammatory cytokines. To determine if autophagy is exclusively protective in GVHD target organs, we generated Atg5D/Myo mice, which lack Atg5 expression in cardiac myocytes, and Atg5D/Pod mice, which lack Atg5 expression in podocytes, in non-GVHD target organs. Using the same GVHD model as above, we monitored these mice and littermate controls for survival and severity of GVHD symptoms. In contrast to our findings in the Atg5D/hep and Atg5D/IEC recipients, we observed similar survival (P = 0.17, Myo; P=0.49, Pod) and GVHD severity between these allo-recipients. Collectively, our results demonstrated that autophagy is a tissue-intrinsic protective response that regulates tissue damage severity only in GVHD target organs.
Hyperparameter selection for ResNet classification of malignancy from thyroid ultrasound images

Thyroid nodules are extremely common, with a prevalence of up to 68% in adults. Ultrasound imaging is usually performed to detect and evaluate thyroid nodules for malignancy. Many patients undergo follow-up biopsy in the form of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) to determine if a nodule is malignant or benign, although most nodules are benign. In order to reduce the number of unnecessary FNAs, radiologists will often use classification systems such as Thyroid Imaging, Reporting, and Data System (TI-RADS) to provide risk stratification and a recommendation regarding whether FNA is necessary. This scoring is both subjective and time-consuming, leading to discrepancies between radiologists and recommendations that can be inaccurate. We hypothesize that a machine learned classifier can be identified with accurate and generalizable performance, potentially offering more consistent results than manual evaluation. We created a network from two ResNet-50 branches accepting two inputs, shear-wave elastography and B-mode ultrasound images. We performed a grid search to determine the optimal hyperparameters for our model, resulting in a network that predicted malignancy of nodules with 88.7% accuracy and an AUC of 0.91. Along with identifying the training hyperparameters with optimal classification accuracy, the grid search also allowed us to select training parameters that led to more generalizable model performance on test data sets. These initial performance results suggest that our model offers a promising strategy for thyroid nodule classification and a strategy to help identify more generalizable models.
Ethnographic exposure and embodied solidarity: getting into the ring with the Cholitas Luchadoras

For ten months in 2012, as part of ethnographic research, I wrestled in lucha libre events alongside Bolivian women known as the Cholitas Luchadoras. These wrestlers are costumed as ‘cholas,’ weari...
Tort Law as a Nested Polycentric Environmental Governance Institution

Though legal scholars have long recognized the general deterrent effect of tort on firms’ level of risk-taking regarding the environment, courts have been hesitant to affirm tort’s role as an environmental policy tool. In this paper, I apply the theory of polycentric governance developed and expounded by Vincent and Elinor Ostrom and others to tort law in the area of environmental governance. In doing so, this paper examines North Carolina v. Tennessee Valley Authority 615 F.3d 291 (4th Cir. 2010) and several other preemption cases to show how tort can operate as an effective polycentric governance institution, characterized by a complex web of interactions between courts at both the state and federal levels. The Fourth Circuit in NC v. TVA found that the Clean Air Act preempts nuisance litigation brought by North Carolina against TVA electricity plants in Alabama and Tennessee in spite of the Act’s preservation of state liability law. That states may enact stricter environmental protection standards than those established in federal regulations, though, is a common feature of federal environmental law. This paper finds fault with the Fourth Circuit’s preemption analysis, arguing that the preservation of state liability law in federal statutes is a sound policy choice given the tort system’s affinity for information gathering, providing compensation for victims, and other attributes that complement federal regulation.
The Importance of What We Care About: A Solidarity Approach to Resource Allocation:

At some point in your life, you will need to allocate resources among individuals, but how should you do so? One prominent suggestion is the envy test: the envy test is satisfied when and only when...
The Influence of Marginalization on Cultural Attitudes and Trash Disposal Practices in Esfuerzo de Paraíso of the Dominican Republic: A Qualitative Interview Study.

The inadequate management of municipal solid waste (MSW) in fast-developing nations is a major public health problem. Trash collection is often inconsistent, leaving residents to use unsafe disposal methods such as incineration or unregulated dumping. The issue is especially pronounced in marginalized communities, where public service provision is scarce. Past research has identified factors that perpetuate harmful disposal practices. The current study expanded on previous work by exploring how individuals’ perceptions of political, spatial, and economic marginalization affected their agency with regards to waste management. Researchers focused on a marginalized community in the Dominican Republic known as Esfuerzo de Paraiso. There, they conducted semi-structured interviews to explore residents’ perceptions of marginalization at the individual, interpersonal, community, and institutional levels, and its effects on their agency. A qualitative coding process revealed that most community members were discontent with their trash disposal practices, but that long-standing marginalization left them feeling ill equipped to generate change at the individual level. Interviewees believed that change should be initiated at the community level and implemented with the support of institutional-level actors, namely the municipal government. Residents did not identify any non-governmental organizations as possible sources of help, which may suggest a limited view of institutional support networks.
Efficacy of catheter ablation for premature ventricular contractions in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy

Background Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) may be found in any stage of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) and have been associated with the risk of sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT). Objective To investigate the role of PVC ablation in ARVC patients. Methods We studied consecutive ARVC patients who underwent PVC ablation due to symptomatic high PVC burden. Mean daily PVC burden and AAD use were assessed before and after the procedure. Complete long-term success was defined as > 80% reduction in PVC burden off of membrane-active AADs. Results Eight patients (37±15yo; 4 males) underwent PVC ablation. The mean daily PVC burden before ablation ranged from 5.4% to 24.8%. Seven (87.5%) patients underwent epicardial ablation. Complete acute elimination of PVCs was achieved in 4 (50%) patients (no complications). The mean daily PVC burden variation ranged from an 87% reduction to a 26% increase after the procedure. Over a median follow-up of 345 days (range: 182-3004 days), only one (12.5%) patient presented complete long-term success, and 6 (75%) patients either maintained or increased the need for Class I or Class III AADs. Two (25%) patients experienced sustained VT for the first time following the ablation procedure, requiring repeat ablation. No death or heart transplantation occurred. Conclusion PVC ablation was not associated with a consistent reduction of the PVC burden in ARVC patients with symptomatic, frequent PVCs. PVC ablation may be reserved for highly symptomatic patients who failed AADs. Additional investigation is required to improve the efficacy of PVC ablation in ARVC patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Acceptance of chronic pain in depressed patients with HIV: correlations with activity, functioning, and emotional distress.

Chronic pain is highly prevalent among persons with HIV (PWH), as is depression. Both comorbidities might contribute to, as well as be maintained by, avoidance-based coping. A promising alternative...
A first-principles study of hydrogen surface coverage on δ-Pu (100), (111), and (110) surfaces

Hydriding corrosion of plutonium leads to surface cracking, pitting, and ultimately structural failure. Laboratory experiments demonstrate that hydriding begins on the surface or near subsurface of plutonium. However there has not yet been a systematic evaluation of hydrogen surface coverage on plutonium. In this work, we compute the surface energies of the low facet surfaces of face-centered cubic δ-Pu. The adsorption free energies of expected hydrogen structures at low and high coverage are presented, along with the likely progression for filling sites as the H2 partial pressure increases. Implications for near-equilibrium pressure hydride nucleation and non-equilibrium millibar pressure hydriding are discussed.
Who is in charge here? Legislators, bureaucrats and the policy making process:

Scholars in comparative politics often assume that political parties are the primary instruments for translating citizens’ preferences into specific policy outcomes. However, the crucial but often ...
"Der Weisheits letzter Schluss"? Wisdom's last conclusion?: commentary on "is psychology based on a methodological error?" by Michael Schwarz.

Unexpected empirical findings lead Schwarz (2009) to question current methodological approaches within psychology. He claims that distribution anomalies, which cannot be explained by independent variables, actually prove an error in classical test theory, which then leads him to criticize current scientific conventionalism. In this commentary, it is shown that the current university system not only uses, but often reproduces conventionalism. It is, of course, necessary to teach certain techniques and tools to future psychologists, but using these critically seem to be essential in preventing scientific approaches turn into ideologies that are or must not be questioned—even if this is sometimes less threatening to one’s identity as a scientist/psychologist. This is true for all sciences, but understanding the bio-psycho-social interdependencies of human nature (ambiguities), as Schwarz describes it, seems to be a particular challenge that is in many ways different from other disciplines. Instead of striving to be like them, it is suggested we establish an ambiguity-accepting and critical environment in psychology in which theories and approaches are not considered final but temporary to foster change and progress.
Speeches by Nobel Laureates

These speeches were delivered by Nobel Laureates Paul Samuelson and Robert Merton on the occasion of their recognition by the FMA, October 7, 1999, Orlando, Florida Edward J. Kane delivered the introduction.
Allelopathic potential of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

The major inhibitory components obtained after fractionation of an aqueous extract of field-grown sorghum (Sorghumbicolorcv. Bird-a-boo) herbage were quantified in terms of biological potency by indexing three aspects of cumulative cress (Lepidium sativum cv. Curlycress) seed germination. The inhibitory potential expressed in the crude aqueous extract reflected a complex interaction of numerous individual components of diverse chemical compositions and potencies. Some of these inhibitory components included chemical classes not previously associated with herbage phytotoxicity.
SUBSTITUTION OF NATURAL GAS FOR COAL: CLIMATIC EFFECTS OF UTILITY SECTOR EMISSIONS

Substitution of natural gas for coal is one means of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, natural gas and coal use also results in emissions of other radiatively active substances including methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2), a sulfate aerosolprecursor, and black carbon (BC) particles. Will switching from coal to gas reduce the net impact of fossil fuel use on global climate? Using the electric utility sector as an example, changes in emissions of CO2, CH4,SO2 and BC resulting from the replacement of coal by natural gas are evaluated, and their modeled net effect on global mean-annual temperature calculated. Coal-to-gas substitution initially produces higher temperatures relative to continued coal use. This warming is due to reduced SO2 emissionsand possible increases in CH4 emissions, and can last from 1 to 30years, depending on the sulfur controls assumed. This is followed by a net decrease in temperature relative to continued coal use, resulting from lower emissions of CO2 and BC. The length of this period and the extent of the warming or cooling expected from coal-to-gas substitution is found to depend on key uncertainties and characteristics of the substitutions, especially those related to: (1) SO2 emissions and consequentsulphate aerosol forcing; and (2) the relative efficiencies of the power plantsinvolved in the switch.
Topological insulators: Potential devices and applications

Following the tutorial sessions on materials and physics of topological insulators, we will discuss important unique properties of TI and potential applications. In particular, we will outline the properties that are related to the spin-momentum lock for spin injection applications. I will then discuss the use of the magnetic order in topological insulators (TIs) to break the time-reversal-symmetry (TRS) to drive the non-trivial topological surface into a new massive Dirac-fermions state. An overview of the utilization of both the strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC) and the ferromagnetic (FM) orders in such TRS-breaking systems will be introduced. I will then summarize the progress on magnetic TIs and related TRS-breaking physics in the past few years. In Bi 2 Te 3 /Sb 2 Te 3 -based TI materials, FM moments can be developed through two major mechanisms: the Ruderman-Kit-tel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) coupling and the van Vleck mechanism. In the former case, we find the neighboring magnetic ions can also be coupled through the mediation of conduction carriers, indicating that the magnetic strength can be modulated by electric-field; on the other hand, unlike conventional dilute magnetic semiconductors (DMS), due to the unique band inversion in magnetic TIs, valence electrons themselves can generate large spin susceptibility, and the magnetic ions can thus be directly coupled through these local valence electrons without the assistance of the itinerant electrons. With gate-controlled magneto-transport measurements, the hole-mediated RKKY coupling and the carrier-independent van Vleck magnetism may be separated by controlling, for example, the Cr doping level.
Overview of Protein Trafficking in the Secretory and Endocytic Pathways

Proteins migrate from the site of their synthesis to intracellular, surface, or extracellular sites depending on their function. This well-illustrated overview provides an introduction to the pathways of protein trafficking. It includes descriptions of the relevant cellular compartments, modifications associated with the movement of proteins through these compartments, signals used for targeting and translocation, mechanisms for transit between compartments, and methods for sorting proteins.
Novette pulse-power-system description

This paper is a summary of the pulse power systems for Novette; the flashlamp power system, the pulsers for the various optical shutters and the pulse power control system.
A spatial iterated prisoners dilemma game simulation with movement

We assess the evolution of cooperation and the viability of various strategies in an artificial world based upon a spatial n-actor IPD with actor movement. Simulation analyses indicate that the introduction of actor movement increases levels of cooperation. When stable cooperative worlds occur, they are generated by the formation of large networks of cooperative actors.
An MHC Class Ib-Restricted CD8+ T Cell Response to Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus

Conventional MHC class Ia-restricted CD8(+) T cells play a dominant role in the host response to virus infections, but recent studies indicate that T cells with specificity for nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules may also participate in host defense. To investigate the potential role of class Ib molecules in anti-viral immune responses, K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-) mice lacking expression of MHC class Ia and class II molecules were infected with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). These animals have a large class Ib-selected CD8(+) T cell population and they were observed to mediate partial (but incomplete) virus clearance during acute LCMV infection as compared with K(b-/-)D(b-/-)β(2)-microglobulin(-/-) mice that lack expression of both MHC class Ia and class Ib molecules. Infection was associated with expansion of splenic CD8(+) T cells and induction of granzyme B and IFN-γ effector molecules in CD8(+) T cells. Partial virus clearance was dependent on CD8(+) cells. In vitro T cell restimulation assays demonstrated induction of a population of β(2)-microglobulin-dependent, MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells with specificity for viral Ags and yet to be defined nonclassical MHC molecules. MHC class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cell responses were also observed after infection of K(b-/-)D(b-/-)mice despite the low number of CD8(+) T cells in these animals. Long-term infection studies demonstrated chronic infection and gradual depletion of CD8(+) T cells in K(b-/-)D(b-/-)CIITA(-/-) mice, demonstrating that class Ia molecules are required for viral clearance. These findings demonstrate that class Ib-restricted CD8(+) T cells have the potential to participate in the host immune response to LCMV.
Porous metal–organic frameworks with Lewis basic nitrogen sites for high-capacity methane storage

The use of porous materials to store/deliver natural gas (mostly methane) in vehicles requires large amounts of methane being stored per unit volume. In this work, we report several porous metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with NOTT-101 type structures, containing Lewis basic nitrogen sites through the incorporation of pyridine, pyridazine, and pyrimidine groups into the organic linkers. They exhibit significantly higher total volumetric methane storage capacities (∼249–257 cm3 (STP) cm−3 at room temperature (RT) and 65 bar) than NOTT-101a (here the MOF abbreviation with “a” at the end represents the fully activated MOF). The most significant enhancement was observed on UTSA-76a with functional pyrimidine groups (237 cm3 (STP) cm−3 in NOTT-101a vs. 257 cm3 (STP) cm−3 in UTSA-76a). Several multivariate (MTV) MOFs constructed from two types of organic linkers (pyrimidine-functionalized and unfunctionalized) also show systematically improved methane storage capacities with increasing percentage of functionalized organic linkers. The immobilized functional groups have nearly no effect on the methane uptakes at 5 bar but significantly improve the methane storage capacities at 65 bar, so the reported MOFs exhibit excellent methane storage working capacities of ∼188–197 cm3 (STP) cm−3.
Capacitively loaded high frequency monopole antenna for vehicular communications

This paper discusses the avenues for design and use of tunable low profile high frequency (HF) monopole-like antennas for vehicular applications. Questions related to possible loading approaches and vehicle mounting are considered. The goals are to achieve low profile along with bandwidth greater than 24 kHz throughout the 10–30 MHz range. It is shown that the requirements can be satisfied with less than 1 m height ( 0 /30) above the vehicle using capacitive loading.
Heat transfer during immersion frying of frozen foods

Abstract A model was developed to predict heat transfer during frying of foods that are initially in a frozen state. The model involves two moving boundaries, one between frozen and unfrozen regions, and the other between the dry crust and the moist core region. Heat transfer within the crust region was predicted by Fourier's law, while heat transfer within the core region was formulated with the enthalpy method. Food composition and thermophysical properties were used to predict heat transfer within the food. The predicted results were experimentally validated.
Electrophoretic Integration of Conducting Polymer Nanostructures on MEMS Microsensor Arrays

We present a method for preparing colloidal suspension of various conducting polymer nanostructures in order to achieve better processability. The method utilizes the electrostatic repulsion that originates from the inherent positive charges carried on doped conducting polymer backbones for maintaining the stability of these colloidal suspensions. It was further demonstrated that these conducting polymer nanostructures in a colloidal state could be electrophoretically processed onto MEMS microsensor arrays with excellent control and precision.
Size effects on miniature Stirling cycle cryocoolers

Abstract Size effects on the performance of Stirling cycle cryocoolers were investigated by examining each individual loss associated with the regenerator and combining these effects. For the fixed cycle parameters and given regenerator length scale, it was found that only for a specific range of the hydrodynamic diameter the system can produce net refrigeration and there is an optimum hydraulic diameter at which the maximum net refrigeration is achieved. When the hydraulic diameter is less than the optimum value, the regenerator performance is controlled by the pressure drop loss; when the hydraulic diameter is greater than the optimum value, the system performance is controlled by the thermal losses. It was also found that there exists an optimum ratio between the hydraulic diameter and the length of the regenerator that offers the maximum net refrigeration. As the regenerator length is decreased, the optimum hydraulic diameter-to-length ratio increases; and the system performance is increased that is controlled by the pressure drop loss and heat conduction loss. Choosing appropriate regenerator characteristic sizes in small-scale systems are more critical than in large-scale ones.
Experimental validation of two MIQ scales

Abstract Two Minnesota Importance Questionnaire (MIQ) scales, Creativity and Independence were validated by experiment. Subjects were exposed to four task conditions representing joint combinations of high or low levels of Creativity and Independence. As a behavioral criterion of preference, subjects were then required to work for 12 sessions, each session under any (of the four) task condition of their choice. The behavioral results were consistent with the subjects' MIQ score levels on the two scales, thereby validating the scales.
Exercise: Complementary therapy for breast cancer rehabilitation.

Our feminist perspective is one of empowerment for breast cancer survivors, and we believe that physical activity and exercise have the potential to shift the battle away from fear of living to living fully. In light of the psychosocial and cultural factors that influence the interpretation of the breast cancer experience, rehabilitation efforts have shifted from curing the disease to living with the disease, or survival. This shift is reflected in the selection of quality of life as the primary indicant of treatment efficacy. Interpreted from a feminist, empowerment perspective, evidence is presented demonstrating the positive influence of physical activity and exercise on quality of life in breast cancer survivors. We propose that physical activity has the potential to enhance perceptions of capabilities and control, thus empowering the individual to create her own reality. We conclude that physical exercise can be a safe and effective complementary and alternative method of therapy for breast cancer survivors.
Evolutionary variants of simian virus 40: Nucleotide sequence of a conserved SV40 DNA segment containing the origin of viral DNA replication as an inverted repetition.

Abstract Evolutionary variants of simian virus 40 (SV40), generated during serial passage of the virus at high multiplicity of infection, retain viral DNA sequences functioning as cis elements required for propagation, including the origin of DNA replication. To help define the SV40 origin signal, we have determined the nucleotide sequence of an SV40 segment present in a variant cloned from the 45th passage stock. The variant genome consists of SV40 DNA joined to cellular DNA and is made up of three tandemly arranged repeats of a basic DNA segment that is 28% of the length of wild-type SV40 DNA. Within each basic segment, the SV40 sequences derived from the region of the replication origin are present as an inverted repetition. On one side of the inverted sequence are 164 nucleotides of SV40 DNA and on the other side are 198 nucleotides. The variant sequence is the same as that found in parental SV40 DNA except for the presence of small tandem repeats within the variant segment. These data, together with the results of other studies of SV40 variants and deletion mutants, localize the SV40 ori signal to a segment of DNA of about 80 nucleotides between map units 0.66 and 0.68.
Thyroid action on behavioral-physiological effects and disposition of phenothiazines.

Abstract Mice were given various durations of thyroid feeding and then injected with various doses of phenothiazines. Chlorpromazine, perphenazine, and thioridazine caused increased lethality according to duration of thyroid feeding. All three drugs shortened the survival in a sealed environment of both thyroid fed and control mice. After thyroid feeding less chlorpromazine was needed to produce excitement, convulsions, and death. In euthyroid mice all doses of chlorpromazine were hypothermic; in hyperthyroid mice small doses had little effect, larger doses were hyperthermic. After radioactive chlorpromazine was given i.p. more radioactivity was found in the brains of thyroid fed than control mice. This alone did not account for the increased responses of the former as they died with brain levels of drug that control mice survived. Thyroid-induced hyperthermia may have contributed to some findings but it could not have accounted for the shortened anoxia survival of euthyroid mice given in phenothiazine.
Factors affecting the ability of the wasp parasite Pseudeucoila bochei to inhibit tumourigenesis in Drosophila melanogaster.

Abstract The cellular immune reaction of Drosophila melanogaster larvae which results in encapsulation of internal metazoan parasites is similar to the autoimmune reaction made by certain tumourmutant stocks against abnormally developing host tissues. The wasp parasite Pseudeucoila bochei is capable of actively inhibiting the haemocytic encapsulation reaction of host larvae, and this activity can also inhibit the haemocytic response made by the bw tu mutant flies against abnormal fat body tissue. The ability of the parasite to suppress tumourigenesis is dependent on the age of the host at the time of infection, and on the amount of previous oviposition of the parasite. The earlier during host development parasitisation occurs the more tumour formation is inhibited. partially spent females are less able to inhibit tumours than are newly emerged parasites and unspent parasites of the same age. In some parasitised individuals the tumour response is incomplete and consists of small pigment particles instead of the large melanotic growths characteristic of the strain. The autoimmune response made against “alien” host tissues is specific and does not interfere with the successful development of the parasite.
Transport and Distribution of Particulate Matter Phosphorus Fractions in Rainfall-Runoff from Roadway Source Areas

During runoff transport, phosphorus (P) partitions between dissolved and particulate matter (PM) phases. PM-based P distributes across the particle-size distribution (PSD). This study investigates ...
Non-indigenous ascidians in southern California harbors and marinas

Southern California's many large harbors form an important coastal ecosystem, yet they are also a␣major destination for thousands of pleasure craft and cargo vessels that have often traveled great distances. Many groups of marine organisms, including ascidians, have now been documented as undergoing range extensions as a consequence of rapid ship-transport between distant harbors phenomenon. This has resulted in a rapid increase in the rate of introductions of non-indigenous species worldwide, yet these effects of boat traffic remain largely unstudied in southern California. Ascidians are sessile marine filter-feeders, hermaphroditic, and often self-fertilizing; many species are tolerant of a wide range of environmental conditions, can reach sexual maturity in just a few weeks, and have a long breeding season. This paper documents the arrival of 14␣non-indigenous species in southern California harbors␣during this century, 13 of which have persisted:␣four prior to the 1960s (Cionaintestinalis, Styelaclava, S.␣plicata, Botryllusschlosseri), another by 1972 (S.␣canopus, formerly S. partita), and 8 since 1983 [C.␣savignyi, Ascidia zara, Ascidia sp., Polyandrocarpa zorritensis, Symplegma brakenhielmi (formerly S. oceania, and S. reptans, Microcosmus squamiger, and Molgula␣manhattensis)]. We estimate the relative abundance and seasonal fluctuations of both non-indigenous and native ascidians in all harbors in southern California from San Diego to Santa Barbara based upon the historical record, our 35 yr of field notes, and our recent surveys carried out during fall 1994, spring and fall 1995, fall 1996 and spring 1997. Possible points of origin of the exotics and predictions on further U.S. Pacific coast range-extensions are included. The concomitant decline in numbers and species of native ascidians in the harbors of southern California during this century is also reviewed.
Development of a laparoscope with multi-resolution foveation capability for minimally invasive surgery

Laparoscope is the essential tool for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) within the abdominal cavity. However, the focal length of a conventional laparoscope is fixed. Therefore, it suffers from the tradeoff between field of view (FOV) and spatial resolution. In order to obtain large optical magnification to see more details, a conventional laparoscope is usually designed with a small working distance, typically less than 50mm. Such a small working distance limits the field of coverage, which causes the situational awareness challenge during the laparoscopic surgery. We developed a multi-resolution foveated laparoscope (MRFL) aiming to address this limitation. The MRFL was designed to support a large working distance range from 80mm to 180mm. It is able to simultaneously provide both wide-angle overview and high-resolution image of the surgical field in real time within a fully integrated system. The high-resolution imaging probe can automatically scan and engage to any subfield of the wide-angle view. During the surgery, MRFL does not need to move; therefore it can reduce the instruments conflicts. The FOV of the wide-angle imaging probe is 80° and that of the high-resolution imaging probe is 26.6°. The maximum resolution is about 45um in the object space at an 80mm working distance, which is about 5 times as good as a conventional laparoscope at a 50mm working distance. The prototype can realize an equivalent 10 million-pixel resolution by using only two HD cameras because of its foveation capability. It saves the bandwidth and improves the frame rate compared to the use of a super resolution camera. It has great potential to aid safety and accuracy of the laparoscopic surgery.
Biology of the Elm Leaf Beetle in Southern Arizona

Life history studies of Pyrrhalta luteola (Muller) were conducted in the laboratory. These studies showed the larval stage averaged 20.3 days, the pupal stage 8.4 days, and the adult stage 30 days. The average age of adults at the start of oviposition was 13.6 days. Females averaged 14.6 egg masses. The average incubation period was 7.1 days. Young larvae could not survive on old or tough leaves. Only larvae 12 days old could complete their life cycle on tough leaves.
Extrinsic interactions dominate helical propensity in coupled binding and folding of the lactose repressor protein hinge helix.

A significant number of eukaryotic regulatory proteins are predicted to have disordered regions. Many of these proteins bind DNA, which may serve as a template for protein folding. Similar behavior is seen in the prokaryotic LacI/GalR family of proteins that couple hinge-helix folding with DNA binding. These hinge regions form short α-helices when bound to DNA, but appear to be disordered in other states. An intriguing question is whether and to what degree intrinsic helix propensity contributes to the function of these proteins. In addition to its interaction with operator DNA, the LacI hinge helix interacts with the hinge helix of the homodimer partner as well as to the surface of the inducer-binding domain. To explore the hierarchy of these interactions, we made a series of substitutions in the LacI hinge helix at position 52, the only site in the helix that does not interact with DNA and/or the inducer-binding domain. The substitutions at V52 have significant effects on operator binding affinity and specificity, and several substitutions also impair functional communication with the inducer-binding domain. Results suggest that helical propensity of amino acids in the hinge region alone does not dominate function; helix-helix packing interactions appear to also contribute. Further, the data demonstrate that variation in operator sequence can overcome side chain effects on hinge helix folding and/or hinge•hinge interactions. Thus, this system provides a direct example whereby an extrinsic interaction (DNA binding) guides internal events that influence folding and functionality.
A protonmotive force as the source of energy for galactoside transport in energy depleted Escherichia coli.

An artificially produced electrochemical potential difference for protons (protonmotive force) provided the energy for the transport of galactosides inEscherichia coli cells which were depleted of their endogenous energy reserves. The driving force for the entry of protons was provided by either a transmembrane pH gradient or a membrane potential. The pH gradient across the membrane was created by acidifying the external medium. The membrane potential (inside negative) was established by the outward diffusion of potassium (in the presence of valinomycin) or by the inward diffusion of the permeant thiocyanate ion. The magnitude of the electrochemical potential difference for protons agreed well with magnitude of the chemical potential difference of the lactose analog, thiomethylgalactoside. The observations are consistent with the view that the carrier-mediated entry of each galactoside molecule is accompanied by the entry of one proton.
The alternative pathway C3 convertase and glomerular deposits.

Five conditions in which the alternative pathway C3 convertase, C3b,Bb, circulates in excess as a result of factor H dysfunction are frequently accompanied by nephritis. These convertase-related nephritides are seen in association with heterozygous absence of a binding site for factor H on C3b (Marder disease), homozygous factor H deficiency, circulating factor H inhibitor, and with the nephritic factors, one of the amplification loop and the other of the terminal pathway, found in membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) types II and III, respectively. Observations which relate convertase to glomerular deposits are: (1) in MPGN type II, subepithelial deposits on the paramesangial segments of the glomerular basement membrane are with high frequency present in patients hypocomplementemic at biopsy, but not in those normocomplementemic; (2) in MPGN type III paramesangial deposits are similarly found with hypocomplementemia but are present for up to 1 year after normocomplementemia is achieved; (3) in MPGN type III, subendothelial deposits are present only with hypocomplementemia. The principal deposits foundin factor H deficiency and in Marder disease are also paramesangial. Differences in the incidence, severity, and morphology of the nephritides accompanying convertase in excess may relate to the characteristics of the circulating convertase and/or to the C3 conversion products formed by it.
Predictors of direct costs of diabetes care in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

Ying AK, Lairson DR, Giardino AP, Bondy ML, Zaheer I, Haymond MW, Heptulla RA. Predictors of direct costs of diabetes care in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Objective: This study examines factors that predict elevated direct costs of pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes. Methods: A cohort of 784 children with type 1 diabetes at least 6 months postdiagnosis and managed by pediatric endocrinologists at Texas Children's Hospital were included in this study. Actual reimbursed costs from January 2004 to December 2005 were obtained. Medication and supply costs were based on estimates from insulin dosage and type of insulin regimen prescribed, respectively. We examined utilization of care, total diabetes-related direct medical costs, and predictors of direct costs and hospitalization. Results: Annually, 7% (58/784) of patients (excluding initial hospitalization at diagnosis) had a diabetes-related hospitalization and median length of stay was days. Mean total diabetes-related direct cost per person-year was $4730 [95% confidence interval (CI), 4516–4944]. Supplies accounted for 38% and medications 33% of costs, respectively. Older age, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) > 8.5%, use of a multi-injection or pump regimen, living in a non-married household, and female gender were associated with higher annual costs. HbA1C > 8.5%, living in a non-married household, and female gender increased the odds of a diabetes-related hospitalization. Discussion: Better metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes was associated with lower direct medical costs and lower odds of hospitalization. Marital status of the primary caregiver, irrespective of type of insurance, impacts the patient's healthcare costs and risk of hospitalization. This large single-center US study analyzes cost distribution in children with diabetes and is informative for payers and providers focused on effective management and improving healthcare costs.
Glucocorticoid activity of 11β,17β-dihydroxy-21-methyl-17α-pregna-1,4,6-trien-20-yn-3-one (RU-26988)

Abstract Natural and most synthetic glucocorticoids have either a 17α-21-dihydroxy-20-keto or 21-hydroxy-20-keto side chain. Recently a group of 17α-alkynyl steroids which lacks this side chain has been described to have glucocorticoid activity. We have studied the ability of RU-26988 (11β,17β-dihydroxy-21-methyl-17α-pregna-1,4,6 trien-20-yn-3-one) to interact with the glucocorticoid receptor and its biological activity in both in vitro and in vivo bioassays. RU-26988 was as active as dexamethasone in competing with [ 3 H] dexamethasone for the liver cytosol receptor, while it had 120% the ability of dexamethasone to compete with [ 3 H] dexamethasone for the HTC cell receptors. RU-26988 had 20% and dexamethasone 14% of the competing ability of triamcinolone acetonide for [ 3 H] triamcinolone acetonide binding to the L-929 fibroblast receptor system. The in vitro glucocorticoid activity as measured by the induction of tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) in HTC cells by RU-26988 was only 30% that of dexamethasone and the maximal activity was also reduced, suggesting that it behaves as a suboptimal inducer in this sysstem. In the L-929 fibroblast it had 32% the activity of dexamethasone but the maximal inhibition by the two was similar. RU-26988 had only 3.2% the activity of dexamethasone in in vivo rat bioassays (induction of TAT or glycogen deposition in the liver). These data supplement other reports that RU-26988 might be a promising glucocorticoid for topical use where it behaves as a powerful agonist, but not for systemic use, where it is considerably weaker.
Simple and rapid green synthesis of micrometer scale single crystalline gold nanoplates using chitosan as the reducing agent

A simple, rapid and green chemical method for the synthesis of single crystalline gold nanoplates of several micrometeres in size has been demonstrated. The synthesis involved the reduction of HAuCl4 in aqueous solution using low molecular weight chitosan at boiling temperature for 25 min. The [Au3+]:[chitosan] molar ratio plays an important role in the formation of gold nanoplates and found that an optimized molar ratio in the range of 80 to 125 was suitable for the formation of nanoplates. The size and morphology of the nanoplates can be tuned by adjusting the molar ratio. In this process, the chitosan functions both as a reducing as well as a stabilizing agent and no other special agents were added to induce the nanoplate formation. The obtained nanoplates were single crystals with (1 1 1) planes as the basal planes with shapes of hexagonal, triangular, or truncated triangular plates.
Regulation of insulin gene transcription by the immediate-early growth response gene Egr-1.

Changes in extracellular glucose levels regulate the expression of the immediate-early response gene and zinc finger transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) in insulin-producing pancreatic β-cells, but key target genes of Egr-1 in the endocrine pancreas have not been identified. We found that overexpression of Egr-1 in clonal (INS-1) β-cells increased transcriptional activation of the rat insulin I promoter. In contrast, reductions in Egr-1 expression levels or function with the introduction of either small interfering RNA targeted to Egr-1 (siEgr-1) or a dominant-negative form of Egr-1 decreased insulin promoter activation, and siEgr-1 suppressed insulin gene expression. Egr-1 did not directly interact with insulin promoter sequences, and mutagenesis of a potential G box recognition sequence for Egr-1 did not impair the Egr-1 responsiveness of the insulin promoter, suggesting that regulation of insulin gene expression by Egr-1 is probably mediated through additional transcription factors. Ov...
Search engines and how students think they work

To investigate the nature of people's understandings for how search engines work, we collected data from 232 undergraduate and graduate students. Students were asked to "draw a labeled sketch of how search engines work." A reference model was constructed and each sketch was analyzed and compared against it for completeness. The paper presents preliminary results and discusses the implications for educational assessment and curriculum design on the one hand, and information system design on the other.
Low-Energy Electron Diffraction from Liquid Hg: Multiple Scattering, Scattering Factor, and Attenuation

The elastic scattering of electrons from liquid Hg has been measured for energies between 100 and 500 eV and for scattering angles between 60\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} and 170\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The observed scattering is remarkably similar to that from Hg vapor; a model calculation shows that the differences between the liquid and vapor scattering are due to multiple scattering and inelastic processes. The analysis shows that (i) higher-order multiple scatterings are strongly attenuated by inelastic processes; (ii) approximately half the observed integrated intensity has been scattered only once; (iii) for back angles, the atomic scattering factor is essentially the same for the atoms in the liquid and the vapor; and (iv) attenuation coefficients for elastic electrons are of the order of several tenths of a reciprocal angstrom.
The role of the A2a receptor agonist, regadenoson, in modulating hepatic artery flow in the porcine small-for-size liver graft.

Background Hepatic artery vasoconstriction plays a major role in the pathophysiology of the small-for-size (SFS) liver graft injury and is reversed by adenosine. The A2a adenosine receptor (AR) has been suggested to be one of the key receptors that modulate hepatic hemodynamic changes. The aim of the study is to define the effects of the A2a AR agonist, regadenoson, in modulating hepatic artery flow (HAF) in SFS liver grafts of a porcine model. Methods Seven female recipient pigs (66–70 kg) receiving 20% liver grafts were treated with regadenoson, 0.1 ug/kg/min starting on POD1 (n = 7). Results were compared with those with untreated 20% liver grafts (n= 8). The recipients were observed for 14 d. Hepatic artery flow (HAF) and portal vein flow (PVF) were recorded. Liver biopsies and serum samples were also taken at the designed time points through postoperative day (POD)14. Results Dose-response curves of regadenoson established 0.1 ug/kg/min as the most effective dose of regadenoson for maintaining an increase in HAF. No adverse effects were seen with regadenoson infusion. HAF immediately increased by up to 2.2-fold after regadenoson infusion. The levels of daily average of HAF and percentage of HAF in total liver blood flow were 34.5% and 41.8%, respectively, higher in the regadenoson group than in the untreated group. Histologic scores of hepatic artery spasm and bile duct necrosis were significantly lower in the regadenoson group than in the untreated group (P = 0.01 and 0.04, respectively). The complication rates of hepatic artery thrombosis and gastrointestinal bleeding were lower in the regadenoson group than in the untreated group (0/7, 0% versus 2/8, 25% and 0/7, 0% versus 2/8 and 25%, respectively). The 14-d survival rates were 4/7 (57.1 %) in regadenoson group compared with 2/8 (25%) in the untreated group. Conclusion Adenosine A2a AR agonist, regadenoson, increases HAF in the recipients of SFS grafts with modest improvements in outcome.