cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Tropical Cyclone Genesis Precursors with Relative Operating Characteristics (ROC) in Highresolution Ensemble Forecasts: Hurricane Ernesto

ABSTRACT Identifying the environmental conditions that control tropical cyclone (TC) genesis is a challenging problem. This study examines a new method to evaluate the precursors of TC genesis using high-resolution ensemble forecasts and relative operating characteristic (ROC) diagrams. With an advanced research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, high-resolution ensemble forecasts (at 5 km horizontal resolution) are conducted in various configurations using a bred vector method to form a set of 140 ensemble members for predicting Hurricane Ernesto’s genesis. Basic evaluation shows that high-resolution ensemble forecasts are able to predict well-developed TCs, whereas the NCEP Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) fails to do so. This set of 140 ensemble members is employed to study the precursors of Hurricane Ernesto’s genesis by contrasting the genesis and nongenesis cases. Specifically, ROC curves, composite figures for genesis and nongenesis cases, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests are applied to characterize the relationship between important environmental parameters near the beginning of the simulation and genesis likelihood 15-18 h later. It is found that moist conditions at 850 hPa, vertical wind shear, the strength of the 850 hPa pre existing wave, and upper-level warming play notable roles in Ernesto’s genesis.
You Sound White: The Emotional Impact of the Acting White Accusation

Acting White is one of the most negative accusations one Black adolescent can hurl at another. Embedded in ethnic/racial identity (ERI), acting White has nothing to do with wanting to be White and everything to do with what does it mean to be Black. In this chapter, we examine the impact of the accusation on adolescents age 10–17. We discuss the psychological construct of bother and its role in the accusation is explained. Data are presented linking the bother aspect of the accusation to social anxiety. The acting White accusation as a form of racial bullying is explored.
Naturally occurring radioactive material and naturally occurring mercury assessment of black powder in sales gas pipelines

Black powder solids are formed inside the sales gas pipelines as a result of internal corrosion due to condensed moisture and the presence of corrosive gases, namely, H2S, CO2, and O2. Naturally occurring radioactive material, principally the radionuclides lead-210 and polonium-210, and naturally occurring mercury (NOM) (Hg) have been identified in black powder. A detailed investigation into both the radiological components and the presence of NOM associated with black powder was carried out by Saudi Aramco. The aim of the investigation was to determine if waste produced during pipeline scraping operations presented a workers protection or environmental control problem due to the radioactivity and mercury present. The investigation looked at Saudi Aramco's entire sales gas pipeline network and spanned scraping operations over a 3-year period. This article details the sampling and analysis methods used to assess black powder samples, the results of sample analysis and advice provided to ensure workers' protection, and environmental control of the waste produced during pipeline scraping activities.
Study of nanoscale deformation mechanisms in bulk hexagonal hydroxyapatite under uniaxial loading using molecular dynamics.

Abstract Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a natural bioceramic which is currently used in scaffolds and coatings for the regrowth of osseous tissue but offers poor load-bearing capacity compared to other biomaterials. The deformation mechanisms responsible for the mechanical behavior of HAP are not well understood, although the advent of multiscale modeling offers the promise of improvements in many materials through computational materials science. This work utilizes molecular dynamics to study the nanoscale deformation mechanisms of HAP in uniaxial tension and compression. It was found that deformation mechanisms vary with loading direction in tension and compression leading to significant compression/tension asymmetry and crystal anisotropy. Bond orientation and geometry relative to the loading direction was found to be an indicator of whether a specific bond was involved in the deformation of HAP in each loading case. Tensile failure mechanisms were attributed to stretching and failure in loading case-specific ionic bond groups. The compressive failure mechanisms were attributed to coulombic repulsion in each case, although loading case-specific bond group rotation and displacement were found to affect specific failure modes. The elastic modulus was the highest for both tension and compression along the Z direction (i.e. normal to the basal plane), followed by Y and X.
Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Washington: A Tool for Reducing the Lethality of Dangerous Behaviors.

In their current report, Rowhani-Rahbar and colleagues describe the initial 17-month experience of Washington state's use of extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), a tool that law enforcement and ...
Moral Hazard is Avoidable

The international financial system is at a crossroads. We can conclude from the recent crises that markets do not work and that more government interventions, capital controls, and bailouts are needed, or we can conclude (correctly) that the incentive problems fostered by government and International Monetary Fund protection of banks and conglomerates, an absence of basic rule of law in many countries, and other core weaknesses of government policy are at the heart of recent financial fragility (Calomiris, 1998a). The latter approach is the more difficult path, since it implies a need for fundamental reform that will be politically difficult.
Asignatura pendiente: Tlatelolco, el teatro y la farsa de la justicia

October 2, 2018, marked the fiftieth commemoration of the massacre of a yet-undisclosed number of students, local residents, and other innocent bystanders in Mexico City’s Plaza de Tlatelolco. As usual, the annual Memorial 68 organized by the UNAM (National Autonomous University) included several theatre productions, but this time around the plays were primarily and surprisingly farcical in nature. Although the use of a genre commonly considered derisive, irreverent, and unrealistic to commemorate such a painful and pivotal chapter in Mexican history may seem insensitive and perhaps even offensive, the presentation of five farces related to 1968 in the fall of 2018 confirms that farce is ultimately the most realistic and effective vehicle for staging the widespread perception of Mexican history as an absurd, endless cycle in which those who dare to defy or disrupt the established order are simply eliminated with impunity. Resumen El 2 de octubre de 2018 marco la quincuagesima conmemoracion de la masacre del aun desconocido numero de estudiantes, transeuntes y otros inocentes en la Plaza de las Tres Culturas de Tlatelolco. Como siempre, el programa cultural del Memorial 68 incluyo varias producciones teatrales, pero esta vez llamo la atencion el uso casi exclusivo de la farsa como modo de expresion dramatica. La farsa tiende a ser burlona, irreverente y alejada de la realidad, lo que lleva a preguntarse por que tantos dramaturgos han recurrido a este genero antiguo y poco respetado para tratar un capitulo tan doloroso y algido de la historia mexicana. Este estudio se fundamenta en la teoria de la farsa, la tragedia y la risa y en la percepcion extendida de la misma historia mexicana como una farsa. Aunque el uso de la farsa como vehiculo para una conmemoracion tan significante podria sorprender y hasta ofender, el analisis de cinco obras comprueba que la farsa es ultimamente la expresion mas realista del ciclo absurdo y sin fin de la historia mexicana, la que ha mostrado repetidamente que se puede matar con impunidad tanto a estudiantes como a todos los que se oponen al orden establecido.
Characterization of the spatial distribution of alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica, and its natural enemies, using geospatial models.

BACKGROUND Understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of prey and predator distributions can provide valuable insights into pest management strategies and conservation of natural enemies in agro-ecosystems. The alfalfa weevil, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), is an economically important pest of alfalfa throughout the western United States. Coccinellids and nabids are among the most important natural enemies of this species, contributing to the biological control of H. postica in alfalfa fields. The spatio-temporal dynamics of H. postica and these two predator groups were investigated using 81 (= 9 × 9 grid) sample points in each of five alfalfa fields in north-central Montana. The data were analyzed using variogram and spatial analysis by distance indices (SADIE). RESULTS Variogram analysis revealed the spatial dependence (aggregation) of H. postica in 17 of 19 sampling times for larvae, and three of 12 sampling times for adults. Using SADIE, statistically significant aggregation distribution was evident in four of 19 sampling times for larvae, and five of 12 sampling times for adults of H. postica. Combined variogram and SADIE showed strong evidence of spatial aggregation of H. postica larval population (~95%) while a moderate level of aggregation in the adult population (~67%) of the sampling times analyzed. The average aggregation distances based on the range value of the variogram were 22.3 m and 14.7 m for larvae and adults, respectively. Based on variogram results, populations of natural enemies, coccinellids and Nabis spp. were found spatially aggregated in 57.9% and 5.6% of the sampling times, respectively. SADIE further supported the variogram results as coccinellid populations (52.6% of sampling times) were highly aggregated in contrast with the Nabis spp. populations (5.6% of sampling times) in alfalfa fields. There was no evidence of significant spatial synchrony between H. postica and its predators, coccinellids and Nabis spp. CONCLUSION Our study was able to determine the spatial and temporal distribution of H. postica and its two natural enemies (coccinellids and nabids) in irrigated alfalfa fields. The possible implications of these findings for integrated pest management (IPM) of alfalfa weevil populations are discussed.
High dose IFN-β activates GAF to enhance expression of ISGF3 target genes in epithelial cells

Interferon {beta} (IFN-{beta}) signaling activates the transcription factor complex ISGF3 to induce gene expression programs critical for antiviral defense and host immune responses. It has also been observed that IFN-{beta} activates a second transcription factor, {gamma}-activated factor (GAF), but the significance of this coordinated activation is unclear. We report that in respiratory epithelial cells high doses of IFN-{beta} indeed activate both ISGF3 and GAF, which bind to distinct genomic locations defined by their respective DNA sequence motifs. In contrast, low doses of IFN-{beta} preferentially activate ISGF3 but not GAF. Surprisingly, in epithelial cells GAF binding does not induce nearby gene expression even when strongly bound to the promoter. Yet expression of interferon stimulated genes is enhanced when GAF and ISGF3 are both active compared to ISGF3 alone. Our data suggest that GAF enhances ISGF3 target gene expression by co-localizing with ISGF3 at some promoters and facilitating chromosome looping between distal enhancers and other promoters. We propose that GAF may function as a dose-sensitive amplifier of ISG expression to enhance antiviral immunity and establish pro-inflammatory states in respiratory epithelial cells. One sentence summaryGAF is transcriptionally inactive in epithelial cells but enhances expression of ISGF3 target genes, thus functioning as a dose-sensitive amplifier of the IFN-{beta} response.
CRELD1 controls T cell homeostasis.

The natural variability of CRELD1 expression identified in comprehensive data sets from healthy individuals helps predict and establish its role in regulating T cell homeostasis.
Opportunistic Collective Experiences: Identifying Shared Situations and Structuring Shared Activities at Distance

Despite many available social technologies for connecting at a distance, we don't always find opportunities to actively engage in shared experiences and activities with friends and loved ones, even though this kind of interaction is associated with increased social closeness. To better support active engagement in shared experiences and activities while also making it convenient to find opportunities for interacting in this way, our work explores the design of Opportunistic Collective Experiences (OCEs), or social experiences powered by computer programs that identify opportune moments when users share situations across distance and structure shared activities in those situations. To support interacting with, programming, and executing OCEs, we developed Cerebro, a computational platform that consists of a mobile app that supports users? social interaction, an API for expressing the situations and activities that make up the interactional opportunity, and an opportunistic execution engine that checks for interactional opportunities and executes them when possible. Through a 20 day deployment study tested with groups of geographically-distributed college alumni (N=21), we found that OCEs promoted opportunities for active engagement; facilitated interactions that were socially connecting by structuring ways to engage in shared experiences and activities; and made actively engaging easier by identifying situations appropriate for interacting and structuring how to engage in activities in these situations. We contribute to CSCW (1) a novel interaction that facilitates engaging in shared experiences and activities at distance during coincidental moments; and (2) the design of systems to interact with, program, and execute these kinds of interactions.
Mediating the Low Verbal Intelligence–Early Adult Offending Relationship With Pro-Aggression Attitudes:

This study was designed to explore a possible mechanism for the well-documented relationship between low verbal intelligence and early adult offending. It was hypothesized that low verbal intellige...
Radiation Dose to the Intraprostatic Urethra Correlates Strongly With Urinary Toxicity Following Prostate SBRT: A Combined Analysis of 23 Prospective Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Clinical trials of prostate SBRT have utilized a wide range of allowed doses to the intraprostatic urethra but the relationship between urethral dose and urinary toxicity has not been thoroughly evaluated. We aimed to characterize urinary toxicity outcomes according to urethral dose administered during prostate SBRT. MATERIALS/METHODS We searched MEDLINE (PubMed) for published prospective studies of prostate SBRT through August 2020 that documented a maximum urethral dose metric (MUDM). Reported acute and late urinary toxicity rates were collected. Weighted correlation and weighted linear regression models were used to assess the associations between urinary toxicity rates and MUDM. RESULTS Twenty-three unique studies (n = 2232 patients) met the inclusion criteria and included a wide range of MUDMs (EQD2 69 Gy to 141.75 Gy, a/b = 3). Median follow up ranged from 3-67 months (median 32 months). MUDM was strongly associated with urinary toxicity and was more closely associated with toxicity than prescription dose, including acute G2+ (r = 0.51, P = 0.02), late G2+ (r = 0.9, P < 0.0001) and late G3+ toxicity (r = 0.7, P = 0.003). Weighted linear regression accounting for age, prostate size and baseline urinary function confirmed association between urinary outcomes and MUDM. The weighted correlation model predicted late grade 2+ urinary toxicity rates of 2.5%, 5%, 10% and 15% corresponding to MUDMs of 34.2 Gy, 37.7 Gy, 43.9 Gy and 49.4 Gy, respectively, for 5 fraction regimens. Within the studied dose range, each increase of 1 Gy to the MUDM corresponded to a 0.8% and 0.9% increase in acute G2+ and late G2+ toxicity, respectively. CONCLUSION Radiation dose to the urethra correlates closely with urinary toxicity in prostate cancer patients treated with SBRT. Attention should be paid to urethral dose when delivering prostate SBRT to high doses and approaches for urethral dose reduction warrant further investigation. These techniques may be facilitated by online adaptive planning with daily urethral delineation.
Patient Safety Risks during On-Demand Telehealth Referrals and Implications for Human Factors Research:

The COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly accelerated the adoptionof on-demand telehealth as a way to keep patients and providers safe from viral transmission. However, theconstrained timelines and challen...
Blood Genomics After Brain Ischemia, Hemorrhage, and Trauma

Peripheral blood is routinely used for RNA expression studies. However, blood is a challenging tissue for studying gene expression due to the fact that blood has a variety of components, composed of plasma and multiple cell subsets (i.e., leukocytes, platelets, red blood cells). Most genome-wide expression studies of blood are based on analysis of leukocytes, because the leukocytes are able to recruit and migrate into the site of injury within the brain. Recently, circulating cell-free plasma RNAs have received more and more attentions for clinical applications, since increasing evidence supports that the release of RNA into plasma may be mediated by microvesicles and exosomes coming from cells undergoing necrosis and apoptosis, though the definite origin and release mechanisms of plasma RNA remain incompletely understood. Blood genomic studies will provide diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers and will advance our understanding of brain ischemia, hemorrhage, and trauma in humans. New techniques to measure all coding and noncoding RNAs along with alternatively spliced transcripts will markedly advance molecular studies of these acute brain injuries.
Attosecond transient absorption explores coupling mechanisms of autoionizing states

Attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy of highly excited states allows investigating the dynamics of both the decay and the light induced coupling between excited states. We present a rigorous quantum mechanical treatment that provides a generalized discussion of the on- and off-resonant decay dynamics, of resonant and non-resonant couplings to either discrete or continua states and the temporal evolution of the quantum beating of the excited wavepackets. The comparison of the model to experimental results obtained in xenon proves its general applicability.
Neuronal Basis of Learning

1 Eyeblink Classical Conditioning 2 Fear Conditioning 3 Summary Keywords: amygdala; associative learning; cerebellum; classical conditioning; emotional learning and memory; eyeblink conditioning; fear conditioning; hippocampus; learning; memory; model systems; pavlovian conditioning
Gallbladder mucin, arachidonic acid, and bile lipids in patients who develop gallstones during weight reduction.

Background: Arachidonic acid (AA) and hydrophobic bile salts (BS) stimulate gallbladder mucin (GBM) secretion, which is thought to be an essential step in gallstone pathogenesis. The present study was performed to evaluate the relationship between AA, BS, and GBM in patients who develop gallstones following weight reduction. Methods: Eleven patients who underwent gastric bypass, developed symptomatic gallstones, and then underwent cholecystectomy were evaluated. Gallbladder bile was obtained for analysis during each procedure. Matched patients who did not develop gallstones following gastric bypass served as controls. Results: GBM increased in every patient who developed stones (mean increase: 5000%). The largest increase was observed soon after gastric bypass, and this declined curvilinearly with time. Gallbladder bile cholesterol was initially elevated but then rapidly declined before increasing back to pregastric bypass levels after weight loss was complete. No significant changes in phosphatidylcholine molecular species (including AA) or BS composition were observed following weight reduction. Concentrations of cholesterol, phospholipids, and changes in [AA] over time were each a linear function of [BS]. No relationship between GBM and any of these bile constituents was apparent. Conclusions: These observations strongly suggest that increases in GBM, which occur with gallstone formation in humans, are not the result of alterations in biliary AA or BS composition.
The impact of intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors on the identity formation of young adults with cancer: a qualitative study

Background The purpose of this study was to examine how young adult cancer patients make sense of their experiences with cancer. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients at an urban tertiary care center Results The sample for this study included 15 young adult cancer survivors. The ages of the participants ranged from 18 to 30 years. The sample was 67% female (n = 10) and 33% male (n = 5). The sample was 87% Caucasian (n = 13) and 13% Hispanic (n = 2). Fifty-three percent of the participants were between ages 18 and 23 years (n = 8), and 47% of the participants were between ages 24 and 30 years (n = 7). Three themes emerged from the data: intrapersonal change, interpersonal interactions, and role and identity in the hospital and the community. As they inevitably lose control in their lives, young adult patients seek to return to a familiar lifestyle that they consider as ‘normal’. The formation of a revised identity and redefined set of norms allows the patients to regain control and express their individualism. Conclusions This study contributes to our knowledge of the experiences of young adult cancer patients and survivors. The findings serve to inform young adults, caregivers, and health professionals on coping with illness and its aftermath. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model for studying virus attachment: identification and quantitation of Epstein-Barr virus-binding cells by using biotinylated virus in flow cytometry.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was purified and biotinylated without significant loss of its cell-transforming activity. The use of biotinylated virus in conjunction with antibodies specific for selected cell surface molecules and flow cytometric analysis allowed for the positive identification of the virus-binding lymphocytes among a heterogeneous mononuclear cell population. Biotinylated EBV efficiently bound to all B lymphocytes, including those bearing surface mu, delta, gamma, and alpha immunoglobulin heavy chains or the surface CD5 (Leu-1) marker, but not to T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, or monocytes. By using biotinylated EBV and specific monoclonal antibodies in competitive inhibition experiments, it was also found that the virus attaches to an epitope on the CR2 molecule (the receptor for C3d and EBV), which is close to or identical with the one recognized by OKB7 monoclonal antibody, and that cell surface structures other than CR2 cannot mediate attachment of EBV. Moreover, studies on the binding of the virus to induced B lymphocytes (cells in S through G2 phase), and this was associated with the disappearance of the surface CR2 molecule and the inability of the virus to attach to these cells. The approach described here should be useful in studying the attachment of other viruses, identifying the specific cell types involved, and analyzing the effect of the cell cycle on virus binding. Images
Truth or Economics: On the Definition, Prediction, and Relevance of Economic Efficiency

Is economic efficiency a sound basis upon which to make public policy or legal decisions? In this sophisticated analysis, Richard S. Markovits considers the way in which scholars and public decision-makers define, predict, and assess the moral and legal relevance of economic efficiency. The author begins by identifying imperfections in the traditional definition of economic efficiency. He then develops and illustrates an appropriate response to Second-Best Theory and investigates the moral and legal relevance of economic-efficiency analyses. Not only do virtually all economic, legal, and public policy thinkers misdefine economic efficiency, the author concludes, they also ignore or respond inadequately to Second-Best Theory when analyzing the economic efficiency of public choices and misassess the relevance of economic-efficiency conclusions both for moral evaluations and for the answer to legal-rights questions that is correct as a matter of law.
Neo-Liberalism and Change in Higher Education Policy: England and Japan.

The study scrutinizes the rationale behind higher education policy change in England and Japan, giving attention to stakeholders’ perspective and legitimacy, policy network, and policy sphere. It argues that change in higher education policy in England and Japan towards being more market-oriented in the 1980s (England) and the 1990s (Japan) can be commonly explained by the government's application of neo-liberal policy. The details in the political rationale for such policy change differ between the two. In England, change in the Government's values and perspective caused the policy change, while in Japan, enlargement of the policy sphere by incorporating non-education sub-government in the policy-making structure and the conflict and compromise between neo-liberal and anti-neoliberal groups resulted in the Government's policy change. The methods of data collection applied in the study were documentation and semi-structured interviews with selected stakeholders involved in the two higher education systems...
An Acyl-CoA Synthetase in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Involved in Triacylglycerol Accumulation during Dormancy

Latent infection with dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis is one of the major reasons behind the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the pathogen worldwide. In its dormant state, the pathogen accumulates lipid droplets containing triacylglycerol synthesized from fatty acids derived from host lipids. In this study, we show that Rv1206 (FACL6), which is annotated as an acyl-CoA synthetase and resembles eukaryotic fatty acid transport proteins, is able to stimulate fatty acid uptake in E. coli cells. We show that purified FACL6 displays acyl-coenzyme A synthetase activity with a preference towards oleic acid, which is one of the predominant fatty acids in host lipids. Our results indicate that the expression of FACL6 protein in Mycobacterium tuberculosis is significantly increased during in vitro dormancy. The facl6-deficient Mycobacterium tuberculosis mutant displayed a diminished ability to synthesize acyl-coenzyme A in cell-free extracts. Furthermore, during in vitro dormancy, the mutant synthesized lower levels of intracellular triacylglycerol from exogenous fatty acids. Complementation partially restored the lost function. Our results suggest that FACL6 modulates triacylglycerol accumulation as the pathogen enters dormancy by activating fatty acids.
Antiferromagnetic topological insulators in cold atomic gases

We propose a spin-dependent optical lattice potential that realizes a three-dimensional antiferromagnetic topological insulator in a gas of cold, two-state fermions such as alkaline earths, as well as a model that describes the tight-binding limit of this potential. We discuss the physically observable responses of the gas that can verify the presence of this phase, in particular rapid rotation in response to the trap potential. We also point out how this model can be used to obtain two-dimensional flat bands with nonzero Chern number.
A programming language theorem which is independent of Peano Arithmetic

Strongly typed programming languages contain a natural subrecursive part consisting of programs with no loops and no explicitly recursive (circular) function definitions. For languages with polymorphic type structure, such as Model, the termination of all loop-free nonrecursive programs is independent of Peano Arithmetic. An attempt to apply the same techniques to prove independence of the P
Essential role of COUP-TFII in vascular formation

Chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter-transcription factor II (COUP-TFII) is a member of the orphan nuclear receptor superfamily. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of COUP-TFII suggests that it participates in mesenchymal-epithelial interactions required for organogenesis. The null mutants of COUP-TFII die around embryonic (E) day E10 due to defects in angiogenesis and heart formation. To further understand the biologic functions of COUP-TFII during development, LacZ knockin mice and floxed COUP-TFII mice were generated. 5-bomo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal) staining of COUP-TFII-LacZ knockin mice shows high COUP-TFII expression in the endothelium of the vein but not in the artery. In contrast, COUP-TFII is highly expressed in the smooth muscle layer surrounding the artery. This differential expression pattern suggests that COUP-TFII may play a role in establishing arterial-venous identity. To further elucidate the functional role of COUP-TFII in the formation of endothelium of the vein, COUP-TFII was specifically knocked out in the endothelium using Tie-2 Cre mice. In mutant mice lacking COUP-TFII in the endothelium, the vein acquires arterial characteristics and ectopic expression of Notch signal pathway. In addition, NP-1, an upstream regulator of Notch signaling, is also up-regulated. Finally, ectopic formation of hematopieitic cell clusters (HCC) is observed in the mutant veins. Our results are consistent with the notion that cell fate determination of the vein is under genetic control rather than deriving from a default pathway as proposed previously. In addition, COUP-TFII is the first transcription factor identified that specifically marks the endothelium of the vein. Understanding the role of COUP-TFII during the vasculature development will provide insights into the molecular mechanism for the establishment of arterial-venous identity.
Origins of life: Systems chemistry on early Earth.

Understanding how life emerged on Earth is one of the greatest challenges facing modern chemistry. A new way of looking at the synthesis of RNA sidesteps a thorny problem in the field.
Cancer: when antioxidants are bad.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) get a bad press, as evidenced by the notable trend in the use of dietary and cosmetic antioxidants. New work suggests, however, that ROS might have a role in mitigating certain cancers. See Letter p.106 Reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as free radicals, are mutagenic and might therefore be expected to promote tumorigenesis. However, this work shows that expression of the oncogenes Kras, Braf and Myc at endogenous levels in mouse cells in fact reduces ROS levels. Some oncogenes are also shown to induce the transcription factor Nrf2, which acts to detoxify ROS. In line with this finding, deletion of Nrf2 impairs K-Ras-induced pancreatic tumour formation. Modulation of the redox state in cells thus seems to be an important factor in determining tumorigenic potential, and may be a possible target for therapy.
Diffusion of helium in zircon and apatite

Abstract Diffusion of helium has been characterized in natural zircon and apatite. Polished slabs of zircon and apatite, oriented either normal or parallel to c were implanted with 100 keV 3He at a dose of 5 × 1015 3 He/cm2. Diffusion experiments on implanted zircon and apatite were run in Pt capsules in 1-atm furnaces. 3He distributions following experiments were measured with Nuclear Reaction Analysis using the reaction 3He(d,p)4He. For diffusion in zircon we obtain the following Arrhenius relations: D ⊥ c = 2.3 × 10 − 7 exp ( − 146 ± 11 kJ mol − 1 / R T ) m 2 s − 1 . D ∥ c = 1.7 × 10 − 5 exp ( − 148 ± 17 kJ mol − 1 / R T ) m 2 s − 1 . Although activation energies for diffusion normal and parallel to c are comparable, there is marked diffusional anisotropy, with diffusion parallel to c nearly 2 orders of magnitude faster than transport normal to c. These diffusivities bracket the range of values determined for He diffusion in zircon in bulk-release experiments, although the role of anisotropy could not be directly evaluated in those measurements. In apatite, the following Arrhenius relation was obtained over the temperature range of 148–449 °C for diffusion normal to c: D = 2.10 × 10 − 6 exp ( − 117 ± 6 kJ mol − 1 / R T ) m 2 s − 1 . In contrast to zircon, apatite shows little evidence of anisotropy. He diffusivities obtained in this study fall about an order of magnitude lower than diffusivities measured through bulk release of He through step-heating, and within an order of magnitude of determinations where ion implantation was used to introduce helium and He distributions measured with elastic recoil detection. Since the diffusion of He in zircon exhibits such pronounced anisotropy, helium diffusional loss and closure cannot be modeled with simple spherical geometries and the assumption of isotropic diffusion. A finite-element code (CYLMOD) has recently been created to simulate diffusion in cylindrical geometry with differing radial and axial diffusion coefficients. We present some applications of the code in evaluating helium lost from zircon grains as a function of grain size and length to diameter ratios, and consider the effects of “shape anisotropy”, where diffusion is isotropic (as in the case of apatite) but shapes of crystal grains or fragments may depart significantly from spherical geometry.
An integrative approach to sex change: social, behavioural and neurochemical changes in Lythrypnus dalli (Pisces)

This study examined three aspects of protogy- nous sex change in Lythrypnus dalli (Gobiidae): (1) so- cial influences on the rate of sex change, (2) the se- quence of behavioural changes, and (3) neuroendocrine changes. Social groups consisted of either four females, or four females with a male who was subsequently re- moved. Sex change occurred most rapidly in male- removed groups when the sex changer was larger than other females. Sex changers in female only groups and sex changers not larger than other females in male-re- moved groups changed sex at similar rates. These differ- ences may be explained by two factors that affect domi- nance: prior knowledge of the social group and greater size. Sex changers were dominant to other females prior to male removal, and larger sex changers increased dis- placement rates three-fold immediately after male re- moval. Sex changers in the other groups did not show this increase in displacements. This early establishment of dominance accounts for the overall difference in the rate of sex change. Prior to spawning, however, all sex changers increased displacements and performed male- typical displays. Arginine vasotocin-immunoreactive forebrain cells of sex changers were similar in size to field-collected males, and larger than field-collected fe- males. Previously nesting males also changed sex in male-only groups, but at slow rates. These data are com- bined with those of existing studies to generate an inte- grative model of sex change in this goby.
Is the Length of Time to Attain Full Feedings in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants Related to Early Medical Complications and/or Developmental Outcome at 24 Months? ♦ 1177

Is the Length of Time to Attain Full Feedings in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) Infants Related to Early Medical Complications and/or Developmental Outcome at 24 Months? ♦ 1177
Stability of some stationary solutions for the forced KdV equation

Abstract The forced KdV (fKdV) equation has been established by recent studies as a simple mathematical model capable of describing the physics of a shallow layer of fluid in response to external forcing. For a particular one-parameter family of forcings characterized by a wave amplitude parameter for a certain supercritical forcing distribution, the exact stationary solutions are known. We study the stability of these solutions as the parameter varies. The linear stability analysis is first carried out by exploring the structure of the spectrum of the associated eigenvalue problem using a perturbation technique applied to a neighbourhood of isolated parameter values, where eigenfunctions corresponding to eigenvalue zero can be expressed in closed form. The results identify a set of intervals in the parameter space corresponding to different types of manifestation of instability. In the region of the parameter space where the linear stability analysis fails to provide an answer, we discuss a nonlinear analysis that provides a sufficient condition for stability.
Removing autocorrelation in spectral optical coherence tomography

We have developed a new algorithm and configuration for removing the autocorrelation of the object wave in spectral optical coherence tomography. The self-interferogram of the object wave is acquired synchronously with the standard interferogram of the recombined object and reference waves. The former is then subtracted from the latter after Fourier transformation. The algorithm is validated by numerical simulation and by experimental measurement of a USAF target and a feline eye.
Serial transfer of delayed hypersensitivity with dialyzable transfer factor

Abstract A patient with defective cell-mediated immunity was reconstituted with dialyzable transfer factor. Subsequently, this patient served as a transfer-factor donor and this material was used to passively sensitize two additional patients with cellular immunodeficiency. These experiments confirm an earlier report of serial transfer of cellular immune responses with transfer factor.
Urbanization and modernization—some computer‐based experiments

The growth of data banks and possibilities for secondary analysis have made the development of techniques for generalizing from one group of individuals to another particularly desirable. Thus, when extensive survey data on villagers are available, it would be useful to be able to make reasonable predictions as to the distribution of urban attitudes on the same questions asked of the rural respondents. Such a technique is described here and applied to Turkish survey data dealing with various attitudes deemed important for an understanding of the modernization process. Problems of model fit and the possibilities for utilizing this methodology with other data sets are discussed.
Gender and the expression of status in children's mixed-age conversations

Abstract This study investigated gender differences in the speech styles of children in mixed-age dyads. Fifty-one third graders were tape recorded while playing checkers with a same-gender first or third grader. Transcripts were coded for speech acts that indexed either egoistic or prosocial dominance (amount of turns, interruptions, requests, insults, and tutorial instructions) or deference (compliments, questions). The chief gender differences between third graders indicated that girls were more tutorial in their speech with younger conversation partners, and boys were more likely than girls to brag or insult their opponent in either a mixed- or same-age setting. Asymmetry in interaction was more pronounced among mixed-age girls than boys, with third-grade girls appearing more dominating in both prosocial and egoistic ways. Although there were few overall differences in how first-grade boys and girls addressed older children, first-grade boys produced a disproportionate amount of compliments or self-denigrating speech. These results indicate that there are emergent gender differences in how children assume leadership roles. It is recommended that teachers and adults encourage mixed-gender and mixed-age interaction to expand the scope of children's early social experiences and better prepare them for the blends of gender and status they will encounter in gender-integrated workplaces.
Some effects of D2O in vivo and in vitro on certain enzymes of rat tissues

Abstract In animals that had drunk 50% heavy water until about one-third of their body water was replaced by D 2 O, changes were observed in the tissue levels of several enzymes. The arginase and oxalacetate transaminase activities of rat liver were significantly increased; alanine transaminase was unchanged. Tryptophan pyrrolase was elevated slightly in livers of unadapted rats; however, there was marked suppression of the increase in activity induced by injection of tryptophan. The activity of glutamic acid decarboxylase of rat brain was depressed by D 2 O in vitro , but the concentration of this enzyme was not changed by feeding D 2 O. Mitochondria prepared from liver and kidney of D 2 O-treated rats showed a diminished capacity to oxidize fumarate and α-ketoglutarate, but not succinate; the efficiency of phosphate esterification was unaffected. D 2 O (30%) in vitro did not affect transaminase activity or oxidative phosphorylation.
Cancer Imaging: Gene Transcription-Based Imaging and Therapeutic Systems

Molecular-genetic imaging of cancer is in its infancy. Over the past decade gene reporter systems have been optimized in preclinical models and some have found their way into the clinic. The search is on to find the best combination of gene delivery vehicle and reporter imaging system that can be translated safely and quickly. The goal is to have a combination that can detect a wide variety of cancers with high sensitivity and specificity in a way that rivals the current clinical standard, positron emission tomography with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose. To do so will require systemic delivery of reporter genes for the detection of micrometastases, and a nontoxic vector, whether viral or based on nanotechnology, to gain widespread acceptance by the oncology community. Merger of molecular-genetic imaging with gene therapy, a strategy that has been employed in the past, will likely be necessary for such imaging to reach widespread clinical use.
Interface design to improve stability of polymer solar cells for potential space applications

Polymer solar cells may potentially fill the gap for a solar technology which satisfies the requirements of high specific power for space photovoltaics. Here, we address the issue of radiation hardness. Mathematical and analytical explanation for the observed degradation in Voc and guidance for designing more stable photocells have been provided.
A Madagascar sponge Batzella sp. as a source of alkylated iminosugars

Three new C-alkylated iminosugars, batzellasides A (3), B (4), and C (5), along with the known halitoxin (2) polymer were isolated from a Batzella sp. sponge, collected off the west coast of Madaga...
A bifurcation problem for a compressible nonlinearly elastic medium: growth of a micro-void

In this paper, we carry out an explicit analysis of a bifurcation problem for a solid circular cylinder composed of a particularcompressible nonlinearly elastic material. This problem is concerned with the bifurcation of a solid body into a configuration involving an internal cavity. A discussion of its physical interpretation is then carried out. In particular, it is shown that this model may be used to describe the nucleation of a void from apre-existing micro-void.
Safe PICC Line Ordering and Activation

The purpose of this project was to define an ordering process to assure an error proof approach in the prevention of premature PICC line activations. A three-part ordering process was instituted to delineate the steps from PICC line placement to verification and use. A visual cue including a stockinet and stop sign sticker placed at the catheter tip was selected to prompt staff to confirm a physician order before activation. Before program implementation there were four reported premature activations whereas postimplementation yielded zero premature line activations. This study concluded successful intervention regarding ordering and activation management.
Religiosity, Attributional Style, and Social Support as Psychosocial Buffers for African American and White Adolescents' Perceived Risk for Suicide

Psychosocial buffers were evaluated for their relative contributions to adolescents' perceived risk for suicide. A community sample of African American and White adolescents (N = 1,098) rated the likelihood that they would die by suicide and completed standardized measures of depression, hopelessness, intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity, orthodoxy, social support, and causal attributional style. Orthodoxy-commitment to core beliefs-emerged as the single strongest correlate after controlling for the effects of other buffers. The effect of depression on perceived suicide risk was moderated by the adolescent's degree of orthodoxy. Commitment to core, life-saving beliefs may help explain the religion-suicide link for adolescents.
Substrate-Modified Hydrogels for Autonomous Sensing of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A

We report the development of substrate-cross-linked hydrogels for the specific detection of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A), the most poisonous toxin known. Peptide-cross-linked BoNT/A-sensitive hydrogels were photopolymerized within microfluidic channels to create autonomous biosensors capable of sensing toxin enzymatic activity with a visual readout.
Dilepton enhancement at 2mπ and chiral symmetry restoration

Abstract In vacuum the isosinglet J PC =0 ++ sigma meson has a very large decay to π + π − (because of phase space) and a very small decay to e + e − (because two photons and reqired by CP invariance). In hadronic matter at high temperature and/or density the situation is reversed. The smaller value of m σ reduces the phase space for σ → π + π − , which suppresses the hadronic rate; the CP -violating media allows the sigma to decay to lepton pairs by one photon, which increases the leptonic rate. The result is an enhancement in the e + e − invariant mass near 2 m π that signals chiral symmetry restoration.
Augmentation of the effects of insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II on glucose uptake in cultured rat skeletal muscle cells by sulfonylureas.

The effect of sulfonylureas on long-term regulation of glucose uptake by insulin and insulin-like growth factors has been studied in the L6 line of cultured skeletal muscle cells. These cells have previously been shown to possess many characteristics of differentiated skeletal muscle and to bind and respond to physiological concentrations of insulin and insulin-like growth factors I and II. Tolazamide (half-maximal at 0.2 mg/ml) augments the effects of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and insulin-like growth factor II on glucose uptake, increasing both sensitivity and maximal efficacy of the hormones. In the absence of added hormone, tolazamide has no effect on glucose uptake. A similar increase in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake with unaltered basal uptake occurs with glyburide (half-maximal at 0.5 μg/ml). The action of tolazamide requires long-term exposure to the sulfonylurea (22 h) and is inhibited by cycloheximide, suggesting a process that involves new protein synthesis. In contrast to glucose uptake, amino acid uptake in L6 cells is increased by tolazamide in the absence of hormones. Insulin and the insulin-like growth factors also stimulate amino acid uptake, but this effect is not further augmented by tolazamide. Thus, sulfonylureas appear to directly modulate amino acid uptake, but to indirectly augment glucose uptake through an effect on insulin and insulin-like growth factor stimulated pathways. Neither insulin binding nor insulin degradation is altered by tolazamide, indicating a post-binding mechanism of action. The L6 cultured skeletal muscle cell line should be useful in future studies on the mechanism of the extrapancreatic actions of sulfonylureas.
Epoxidation of unsaturated fatty esters in argentation chromatography

Abstract Absorption chromatography of unsaturated esters on silver ion-silica gel columns leads to the formation of epoxides, if solvents containing peroxides are used. With small samples of radioactive esters the epoxide is formed in proportion so large that subsequent analytical procedures will reveal the epoxide, to the possible confusion of the investigator. Data on the behavior of epoxides of common unsaturated fatty esters in TLC and GLC are presented.