cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Continuum Resonances in He 4 ( p , p ′ He 4

Two resonances are seen in the spectrum of inelastic protons from ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ with 40-MeV protons incident upon a NTP helium gas target. Resonance I lies at an ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ excitation energy ${E}^{*}=20.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14$ MeV and has a c.m. full width ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=340\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40$ keV, while II is at ${E}^{*}=22.00\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.14$ MeV with ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\mathrm{c}.\mathrm{m}.}=2.4\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5$ MeV. Data were taken over the range $19\ensuremath{\le}{E}^{*}\ensuremath{\le}24$ MeV at 11 lab angles, $15\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\le}90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}$, with a 32-detector array of solid-state passing counters mounted in the focal plane of a double-focusing 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} magnetic spectrometer. Angular distributions for the two inelastic groups were obtained through a subtraction of tentative phase space and/or experimental backgrounds. Kinematic limitations prevented following a third broad resonance which appeared at $26\ensuremath{\le}{E}^{*}\ensuremath{\le}28$ MeV.
Female Genital Tract

This chapter provides an overview of cervical cancer screening by cervical vaginal cytology including pathogenesis of cervical cancer, the role of HPV testing, methods for obtaining the cytology sample and a review of the latest guidelines for screening. The chapter also reviews cytology of the endometrium, the adnexa and the use of pelvic washing.
Status of the positive ion injector for atlas

Abstract The positive ion injector project will replace a High Voltage Engineering Corp. model FN 9 MV tandem electrostatic accelerator as the injector into the ATLAS superconducting heavy ion linear accelerator. It consists of an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) ion source on a 350-kV platform injecting into a linac of individually phased superconducting resonators which have been optimized for ions with velocities as low as β = 0.009. The resulting combination will extend the useful mass range of ATLAS to projectiles as heavy as uranium, while increasing the beam currents available by a factor of 100.
Bladder cancer gene expression subtypes (60 gene signature) to define prognosis, differential immune response, and biomarker associations.

4538Background: Gene expression subtypes provide valuable insight into tumor biology and potential therapeutic response. Differential expression of immune infiltrating cells and biomarkers, tumor m...
Accuracy of Self-Report Versus Objective Smart-Scale Weights During a 12-Week Weight Management Intervention.

OBJECTIVE Greater frequency of self-weighing has been associated with greater weight loss in weight management interventions, but little is known regarding the accuracy of self-reported weight data. METHODS Agreement between objective smart-scale and self-reported weight data was assessed in 74 adults (age = 50.7 years; BMI = 31.2 kg/m2 ) enrolled in a 12-week, Internet-based weight management program. Participants were asked to self-weight daily using a study-provided smart scale and to self-report weights via the study website. RESULTS There was strong agreement between smart-scale and self-reported weight values (intraclass correlation = 0.982) but only moderate agreement regarding frequency of self-weighing assessed via each method (κ = 0.491; P < 0.0001). Greater self-weighing frequency was associated with greater weight loss across measures (all P < 0.001). Compared with days when participants did both, weights were 0.66 kg higher on days when participants self-weighed via the smart scale but did not self-report weight (8% of days) and 0.58 kg higher on days when they self-reported weight but did not self-weigh via the smart scale (4% of days; all P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that self-reported weight values are similar to smart-scale measurements; however, either method alone may underestimate self-weighing frequency. Furthermore, missing self-weighing data should not be treated as ignorable because weights may be higher than those observed on nonmissing days.
Pruritic Erythematous Rashes on Face and Eyelids

Clinically amyopathic juvenile dermatomyositis (CAJDM) is defined as having biopsy-confirmed hallmark cutaneous lesions of dermatomyositis for at least 6 months, without any clinical or biochemical evidence of proximal muscle disease Anti-MDA-5 antibodies are associated with CAJDM Interstitial lung disease occurs in about 15%–30% of patients with dermatomyositis
The Transformative Nature of Boundary-Spanning Roles in Developing Teacher Leaders: The Case of a Hybrid Teacher Educator in a Professional Development School Context.

Hybrid teacher educators are school- and university-based teacher educators who work across the boundaries of schools and universities to facilitate the professional learning of teachers in the thi...
Proteome characterization of used nesting material and potential protein sources from group housed male mice, Mus musculus.

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) communicate a variety of social messages through olfactory cues and it is often speculated that these cues are preserved in nesting material. Based on these speculations, a growing number of husbandry recommendations support preserving used nests at cage cleaning to maintain familiar odors in the new cage. However, the content of used nesting material has never been chemically analyzed. Here we present the first comprehensive proteome profile of used nesting material. Nests from cages of group housed male mice contain a variety of proteins that primarily originate from saliva, plantar sweat, and urine sources. Most notably, a large proportion of proteins found in used nesting material belong to major urinary protein (“MUP”) and odorant binding protein (“OBP”) families. Both protein families send messages about individual identity and bind volatile compounds that further contribute to identity cues. Overall, this data supports current recommendations to preserve used nesting material at cage cleaning to maintain odor familiarity.
An intracranial mass causing tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO): Rapid and complete resolution of severe osteoporosis after surgical resection.

Abstract Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare disease in which patients suffer from fractures and progressive disabling bone pain and muscle weakness. TIO is caused by the hypersecretion of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF23) from rare neoplasms of mesenchymal origin. This case report describes a 29-year-old male with 2 years of low back/hip pain, gait changes, proximal muscle weakness, and multiple stress fractures. Bone densitometry was remarkable for severe osteoporosis, hypophosphatemia was seen on routine labs, and advanced labs demonstrated an “inappropriately normal” FGF23 level. A 68Ga-DOTATATE scan and MRI showed a 1.3 × 1.1 × 1.0 cm intracranial mass. The patient underwent tumor resection by Neurosurgery. Shortly after, laboratory levels normalized, and the patient's symptoms improved drastically. This case exemplifies the notion that TIO can be caused by FGF23 levels within normal limits, the role of 68-Ga DOTATATE imaging for establishing a diagnosis, and that these tumors can arise anywhere—even intracranially. We also review current surgical and nonsurgical treatment options, as well as emerging novel therapeutics.
Bicarbonate or Carbonate Processes for Coupling Carbon Dioxide Capture and Electrochemical Conversion

Designing a scalable system to capture CO₂ from the air and convert it into valuable chemicals, fuels, and materials could be transformational for mitigating climate change. Climate models predict that negative greenhouse gas emissions will be required by the year 2050 in order to stay below a 2 °C change in global temperature. The processes of CO₂ capture, CO₂ conversion, and finally product separation all require significant energy inputs; devising a system that simultaneously minimizes the energy required for all steps is an important challenge. To date, a variety of prototype or pilot-level CO₂ capture and/or conversion systems have been designed and built targeting the individual objectives of either capture or conversion. One approach has focused on CO₂ removal from the atmosphere and storage of pure pressurized CO₂. Other efforts have concentrated on CO₂ conversion processes, such as electrochemical reduction or fermentation. Only a few concepts or analyses have been developed for complete end-to-end processes that perform both CO₂ capture and transformation.
Neurovascular and immune mechanisms that regulate postoperative delirium superimposed on dementia.

Objective The present work evaluates the relationship between postoperative immune and neurovascular changes and the pathogenesis of surgery-induced delirium superimposed on dementia. Background and rationale Postoperative delirium is a common complication in many older adults and in patients with dementia including Alzheimer's disease (AD). The course of delirium can be particularly debilitating, while its pathophysiology remains poorly defined. Historical evolution As of 2019, an estimated 5.8 million people of all ages have been diagnosed with AD, 97% of whom are >65 years of age. Each year, many of these patients require surgery. However, anesthesia and surgery can increase the risk for further cognitive decline. Surgery triggers neuroinflammation both in animal models and in humans, and a failure to resolve this inflammatory state may contribute to perioperative neurocognitive disorders as well as neurodegenerative pathology. Updated hypothesis We propose an immunovascular hypothesis whereby dysregulated innate immunity negatively affects the blood-brain interface, which triggers delirium and thereby exacerbates AD neuropathology. Early experimental data We have developed a translational model to study delirium superimposed on dementia in APPSwDI/mNos2-/- AD mice (CVN-AD) after orthopedic surgery. At 12 months of age, CVN-AD showed distinct neuroimmune and vascular impairments after surgery, including acute microgliosis and amyloid-β deposition. These changes correlated with attention deficits, a core feature of delirium-like behavior. Future experiments and validation studies Future research should determine the extent to which prevention of surgery-induced microgliosis and/or neurovascular unit dysfunction can prevent or ameliorate postoperative memory and attention deficits in animal models. Translational human studies should evaluate perioperative indices of innate immunity and neurovascular integrity and assess their potential link to perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Major challenges for the hypothesis Understanding the complex relationships between delirium and dementia will require mechanistic studies aimed at evaluating the role of postoperative neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier changes in the setting of pre-existing neurodegenerative and/or aging-related pathology. Linkage to other major theories Non-resolving inflammation with vascular disease that leads to cognitive impairments and dementia is increasingly important in risk stratification for AD in the aging population. The interdependence of these factors with surgery-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction is also becoming apparent, providing a strong platform for assessing the relationship between postoperative delirium and longer term cognitive dysfunction in older adults.
Perceived Knowledge, Practices, Attitudes and Beliefs of Jordanian Nurses Toward Sexual Health Assessment of Patients with Coronary Artery Diseases

Sexual health assessment is an important aspect for patients with coronary artery diseases. Nurses are at key position to address patients’ sexual health concerns but they rarely do. The aim of this study was to evaluate Jordanian nurses’ knowledge, practice, attitude and beliefs toward sexual health assessment of patients with coronary artery diseases in practice. Descriptive correlational design was used; the sample consisted of 84 nurses in cardiac clinics at two major educational hospitals. Data collection included demographic data and nurses’ knowledge and practice of sexual health assessment. Nurses’ attitude was measured using Sexuality Attitude and Belief Survey (SABS). Eighty four nurses (34 male and 50 female) with a mean age of 31.5 years. About 70% of nurses acknowledged the importance of sexual health assessment but they never addressed patients’ sexual concerns. The SABS scores among study participants were high with mean scores of (44.36 ± 8.93) that indicate they perceived more barriers to sexual health assessment. These barriers include lacking knowledge, confidence, comfort in sexual health assessment, and pass the responsibility to someone else. Nurses show interest to enroll in sexual health education and training. The results of this study indicate that nurses have negative attitudes toward sexual health assessment and rarely assessed patients’ sexual health concern. Ongoing education and training and understanding nurses’ perspectives are essential to empower them to take patients’ sexual health assessment in routine practice.
Hospital laundry wastewaters: A review on treatment alternatives, life cycle assessment and prognosis scenarios

Abstract Because of the generation of high volumes of wastewaters with known toxicological properties, hospital laundry wastewaters constitute an unquestionable source of pollution for water bodies. So, the present research aimed to summarize, analyze and discuss studies carried out by different work groups that focus their researches on the characterization and the treatment of these effluents. An initial section briefly discussed the integrated management, including treatment alternatives, for hospital wastewaters. In a second step, bibliometric analysis based on the Web of Science database and using the VOSviewer software were carried out. Based on the obtained data, a literature review of characterization studies and of the main alternatives for the treatment of hospital laundry wastewaters was performed. Finally, five of the discussed treatments were selected and submitted to life cycle assessment (LCA) in order to identify the main aspects associated with the environmental burdens of the treatments and so help to propose alternatives that may mitigate these impacts. The results of the bibliometric analysis showed that despite the threat that hospital laundry wastewaters can pose to human and environmental health, a scare number of studies address the treatment of these effluents. Furthermore, the few researches dedicated to this important topic, evaluate the treatment efficiency based only in reduction/removal of load parameters, i.e., disregarding the potential toxic effects of the wastewaters. LCA also showed that most of the investigated treatments alternatives presented relevant negative impacts, so that, the benefits obtained by the treatments might be lower than the environmental burdens and even increase the direct and indirect toxic effects of the effluents. LCA also showed that most of the investigated treatments alternatives presented relevant negative impacts, so that, the benefits obtained by the treatments might be lower than the environmental burdens and even increase the direct and indirect toxic effects of the effluents. In the vast majority of the analyzed categories, these negative impacts were mainly associated with the consumption of electricity. Therefore, treatment systems with high energy requirements should be avoided, even when achieving good pollutant removal rates due to relevant “environmental costs”. So, LCA results showed that the replacement of fossil fuels by cleaner energy sources, such as solar energy, may significantly lower the negative environmental impacts.
Bipositivity: Bisexual Persons’ Narratives of Acceptance and Support from Significant Others

Bisexual individuals often face binegativity in relationships with intimate partners and the health disparities associated with discrimination. The present study sought to explore the little known ...
Adversarial Concept Drift Detection under Poisoning Attacks for Robust Data Stream Mining

Continuous learning from streaming data is among the most challenging topics in the contemporary machine learning. In this domain, learning algorithms must not only be able to handle massive volumes of rapidly arriving data, but also adapt themselves to potential emerging changes. The phenomenon of the evolving nature of data streams is known as concept drift. While there is a plethora of methods designed for detecting its occurrence, all of them assume that the drift is connected with underlying changes in the source of data. However, one must consider the possibility of a malicious injection of false data that simulates a concept drift. This adversarial setting assumes a poisoning attack that may be conducted in order to damage the underlying classification system by forcing adaptation to false data. Existing drift detectors are not capable of differentiating between real and adversarial concept drift. In this paper, we propose a framework for robust concept drift detection in the presence of adversarial and poisoning attacks. We introduce the taxonomy for two types of adversarial concept drifts, as well as a robust trainable drift detector. It is based on the augmented Restricted Boltzmann Machine with improved gradient computation and energy function. We also introduce Relative Loss of Robustness - a novel measure for evaluating the performance of concept drift detectors under poisoning attacks. Extensive computational experiments, conducted on both fully and sparsely labeled data streams, prove the high robustness and efficacy of the proposed drift detection framework in adversarial scenarios.
Inquiring into Environmental STEM: Striving for an Engaging Inquiry-Based E-STEM Experience for Pre-Service Teachers

The integrated disciplinary approach STEM education offers may be useful in preparing students to understand and ultimately address environmental challenges. For this to occur, however, teachers need the content and pedagogical knowledge to foster E-STEM literacy. Unfortunately, most teachers have had little direct experience with STEM education and there is a dearth of research into pre-service teachers E-STEM learning experiences. This chapter describes an action research study designed to explore our efforts in regard to E-STEM education, and subsequently use the understandings to improve those efforts. The process was guided by two questions: 1) How does our E-STEM intervention influence pre-service teachers’ understanding of STEM? And, 2) what extent does our E-STEM intervention impact pre-service teachers’ notion of environmental issues? The intervention consisted of exploring and designing new energy-efficient sources/technologies. In this chapter, we provide a description of the intervention/action, the findings associated with implementation, and subsequent revisions.
The Orotron — A Millimeter Wave Generator Based on the Smith — Purcell Effect

The orotron [1], ledatron [2], and diffraction radiation generator [3] are electron-tube devices that generate millimeter and submillimeter wave radiation by means of the Smith-Purcell effect. We have shown [4] that these devices are special cases of a general class of Smith-Purcell free-electron lasers considered by Wachtel [5]. The essential difference between these Smith-Purcell lasers and other free-electron lasers [6] is that in the former the electrons are bunched by a longitudinal rf electric field but in the latter they are bunched by a transverse magnetic field.
The new imperialism in Central and Eastern Europe

This study examines the Eastern enlargement of the European Union within the frame of imperialism. The existing literature on the Eastern enlargement has typically framed the transition of Central and Eastern European countries (CEECs) as “return to Europe” meaning their return to democracy, civil society and market economy. This perspective emphasizes that the enlargement has provided an integration of western and eastern parts of Europe. However, this study argues the Eastern enlargement has crystallized uneven development tendencies in EU rather than the integration. The European project expanded to Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) after the collapse of the Soviet bloc to restructure the region in line with the requirements of global capitalism. Thus, the new imperialism in Central and Eastern Europe has a unique characteristic by inclusion of these countries into the EU block. The result for these countries has been dependency on the regional market namely the European Single Market. The study mainly focuses on the analysis of this unique characteristic of the new imperialism in the CEE through an empirical analysis on the transformation of the CEECs’ economies during the integration process. It also provides a theoretical framework for the concepts of imperialism and new imperialism.
Early vs late intubation in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective study of ventilator mechanics, computed tomography findings, and outcomes

Introduction: As the management of COVID-19 has continued to evolve, the question as to whether delaying intubation is beneficial or harmful for patients with COVID-19 induced hypoxic respiratory failure has yet to be answered. Early reports suggested that patients may benefit from early intubation during a period of severe hypoxia;later management shifted towards delaying intubation as much as possible using non-invasive ventilation. Additionally, the pathophysiologic implications of timing of intubation are poorly understood, including the potential for pulmonary vascular thrombosis and intussusceptive angiogenesis. This study examines the differences in outcomes and respiratory mechanics between subjects who are intubated earlier versus later in their COVID-19 disease course. Study Design and Methods: Retrospective single-center cohort study of subjects intubated for COVID-19 ARDS between March and June 2020. Patients were stratified by time to intubation: 30 subjects were intubated 4-24 hours after presentation and 24 subjects were intubated 5-10 days after presentation. Data regarding baseline characteristics, hospitalization, ventilator mechanics and outcomes were extracted and analyzed. 10 clinically available CT scans for these patients were manually reviewed to identify evidence of pulmonary vascular thrombosis and intussusceptive angiogenesis. Results: Median time from symptom onset to intubation was significantly different between the Early and Late Intubation Cohorts, with the latter being intubated later in the course of their illness (7.9 days vs 11.8 days;p=0.04). The Early Intubation Cohort had a lower mortality rate than the Late Intubation Cohort (6% vs 30%, p < 0.001) without significantly different ventilator mechanics at the time of intubation. However, the Late Intubation Cohort was noted to have higher dead space ratio (0.40 vs 0.52;p = 0.03). On review of CT scans, the Late Intubation Cohort also had more segments with dilated and tortuous peripheral vessels on imaging (2 segments vs 5 segments). Interpretation: As our approaches to treatment of COVID-19 continue to evolve, the decision of timing of intubation remains paramount. While non-invasive ventilation may allow for delaying intubation, it is possible that there are downstream effects of delayed intubation that should be considered.
Diversity and health risk potentials of the Enterococcus population in tropical coastal water impacted by Hurricane Lane

Abstract Hurricane-caused stormwater runoffs transport diverse terrestrial pollutants, adversely impact microbiological water quality, and introduce fecal and other pathogens to coastal water environments. This study investigated the genotypic diversity, phylogenetic composition, antibiotic resistance patterns, and virulence gene repertoire of the Enterococcus population in the Hilo Bay coastal water after the immediate impact of Hurricane Lane. DNA fingerprinting of Enterococcus isolates exhibited large genotypic diversity, while 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified four major species, including E. faecalis (34.7%), E. faecium (22.4%), E. hirae (22.4%), and E. durans (18.4%). Four common enterococcal virulence genes (cylA, esp, asa1, and gelE) were detected in the Enterococcus population, with significant portions of E. durans (33.3%), E. faecalis (41.2%), E. faecium (36.4%), and E. hirae (27.3%) isolates possessing two or more virulence genes. Considerable antibiotic resistance to rifampin, erythromycin, tetracycline, and nitrofurantoin was detected in the Enterococcus population, with one E. durans isolate showing vancomycin resistance. The results indicate considerable health implications associated with Enterococcus spp. in the hurricane-impacted tropical coastal water, illustrating the needs for more comprehensive understanding of the microbiological risks associated with storm-impacted coastal water.
Diagnosis of Bearing Defects Using a Heterodyning Ultrasound Detector

A single row ball bearing was presented to the Failure Analysis Lab because of noise and perceived roughness during low speed operation. The bearing was analyzed using a heterodyning ultrasound detector. Discrete sources of intermittent noise were detected. A quasi-static determination of the friction coefficient of the bearing was made. Contamination by hard foreign objects was suspected. The bearings were solvent washed, and particles of aluminum were recovered. The size of these particles was related to the static friction coefficient of the bearing. The cleaned bearings were retested and found to have residual friction related to microscopic defects caused by inclusions and voids in the races and balls. A generalized theory was formulated to account for the relation between noise and static friction.
Developmental Trajectories of Marijuana Use among Men: Examining Linkages with Criminal Behavior and Psychopathic Features into the Mid-30s

Objectives:Examine whether young men who chronically use marijuana are at risk for engaging in drug-related and non-drug-related criminal offending and exhibiting psychopathic personality features in their mid-30s.Methods:Patterns of marijuana use were delineated in a sample of predominately Black and White young men from adolescence to the mid-20s using latent class growth curve analysis. Self-report and official records of criminal offending and psychopathic personality features were assessed in the mid-30s. Analyses controlled for multiple factors indicative of a preexisting antisocial lifestyle and co-occurring use of other substances and tested for moderation by race.Results:Four latent marijuana trajectory groups were identified: chronic high, adolescence-limited, late increasing, and low/nonusers. Relative to low/nonusers, chronic high and late increasing marijuana users exhibited more adult psychopathic features and were more likely to engage in drug-related offending during their mid-30s. Adolesc...
SU-E-T-214: Comparison of Treatment Techniques for Dupuytren’s Contracture and Risk Assessment of Normal Tissue Complications

Purpose: Duputren’s contracture (DC) is a benign disease characterized by abnormal thickening of the fascial surfaces of the hands or feet causing curling of the surface, functional impairment, weakness, and pain. The purpose of the investigation is to describe the radiation treatment approaches, compare these techniques, and discuss the potential side effects and complications of these techniques. Methods: Early stage DC has been treated with 120 kVp X rays but also with high-energy electrons or photons. High-energy electrons have been the radiation of choice but severe contracture of the hand makes it difficult to produce a plan with acceptable dose uniformity. High-energy photons can overcome this difficulty either by directing a beam onto the palmer or back of the surface of the hand, including bolus to maximize the surface dose. We calculated the dose to the bone for the 120 kVp treatment using published %DD data and mass energy absorption coefficients for bone and muscle. Results: The dose to underlying bone from megavoltage photons and electrons is essentially the same, but dose to the bone for using 120 kVp can be 4–5 times greater due to the photoelectric effect. For the 30 Gy dose deliver using this technique, the dose to the bone could be 84–105 Gy after taking the penetration of the beam into account. After radiotherapy, there is often decreased osteoblastic activity and vascular fibrosis that leads to osteitis, atrophy, and decreased metabolic bone activity. Incidence of fractures occurs routinely above 60 Gy with higher doses potentially leading to higher incidences of bone complications. Conclusion: Radiation therapy for DC using low-energy X rays can deliver a prohibitively high dose to the underlying bone potentially leading to severe bone complications.
THE HEDONIC TRAVEL COST MODEL: A VIEW FROM THE TRENCHES

accessible to them. Consequently, it is reasonable to expect that economic models of these decisions will recognize the role of recreation sites' characteristics for individual demands; and that they will allow for the possibility that the individual's optimal choices may not involve interior solutions in all the available recreation sites. In response to these expectations, the recent literature has seen a number of innovations in recreation demand models.' One of these models is based on a fundamen-
Water resource management

A growing number of countries are now experiencing increasing water stresses because of a higher demand for usable water and a failure to protect available resources from pollution. Water is a precious and scarce commodity that should be properly managed and effectively utilized. A book entitledEconomics of Water Resources: From Regulation to Privatization, coauthored by Nicolas Spulber and Asghar Sabbaghi, analyzes a number of issues in water resource management. The book provides extensive quantitative materials in support of water resource privatization. Water privatization that allows for a voluntary transfer of rights between buyers and sellers and adequate protection for other affected parties can lead to efficient use and conservation of available water resources.
Down-regulation of cystic fibrosis gene mRNA transcript levels and induction of the cystic fibrosis chloride secretory phenotype in epithelial cells by phorbol ester.

Abstract To evaluate the hypothesis that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) might modulate the expression of the cystic fibrosis (CF) gene in epithelial cells, we examined the effect of PMA on CF mRNA levels and regulation of Cl- secretion. Strikingly, PMA down-regulated CF mRNA transcript numbers in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Importantly, in parallel with the reduction of CF mRNA levels, PMA-treated cells were unable to up-regulate Cl- secretion in a normal fashion in response to forskolin, an effect which was also dose- and time-dependent. Thus, PMA is capable of modulating expression of the CF gene and induces T84 cells to adopt the "CF phenotype" in regard to regulation of Cl- ion transport.
Hiatal hernia repair with biologic mesh reinforcement reduces recurrence rate in small hiatal hernias

Summary The utility of mesh reinforcement for small hiatal hernia found especially during antireflux surgery is unknown. Initial reports for the use of biological mesh for crural reinforcement during repair for defects greater than 5 cm have been shown to decrease recurrence rates. This study compares patients with small hiatal hernias who underwent onlay biologic mesh buttress repair versus those with suture cruroplasty alone. This is a single-institution retrospective review of all patients undergoing repair of hiatal hernia measuring 1–5 cm between 2002 and 2009. The patients were evaluated based on surgical repair: one group undergoing crural reinforcement with onlay biologic mesh and other group with suture cruroplasty only. Seventy patients with hiatal hernia measuring 1–5 cm were identified. Thirty-eight patients had hernia repair with biologic mesh, and 32 patients had repair with suture cruroplasty only. Recurrence rate at 1 year was 16% (5/32) in patients who had suture cruroplasty only and 0% (0/38) in the group with crural reinforcement with absorbable mesh (statistically significant, P = 0.017). Suture cruroplasty alone appears to be inadequate for hiatal hernias measuring 1−5 cm with significant recurrence rate and failure of antireflux surgery. Crural reinforcement with absorbable mesh may reduce hiatal hernia recurrence rate in small hiatal hernias.
A Single Image Registration Method for CT Guided Interventions

Minimally invasive image guided interventions are an attractive option for localized therapy delivery and diagnostic biopsy. We have developed a method for CT guided needle placement, based upon the Brown-Roberts-Wells frame, which requires no immobilization or fiducial implantation. A localization module, placed on a needle holding robotic end effector, allows for localization of the effector in the image space using a single CT image. In a theoretical analysis, we show that this registration method has attractive sensitivity and error attenuation properties. Experimentally, the average error in needle tip location over 63 trials was 470μm; 95% of the errors were below 1.0 mm. This method is a fast, accurate, and easily implemented registration method for cross sectional image guided stereotaxis.
Conjugate Unscented Transformation-Based Approach for Accurate Conjunction Analysis

This paper presents a methodology to estimate the probability of conjunction between two space objects when probability density functions for orbital state vector are significantly non-Gaussian in ...
Increased severity of HSV-1 keratitis and mortality in mice lacking the 2-5A-dependent RNase L gene.

PURPOSE The2',5'-oligoadenylate-dependent RNase L gene functions in the interferon-inducible RNA decay pathway known as the 2-5A system. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the absence of this gene affects the pathogenesis of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) ocular infection in the mouse. METHODS HSV-1 (strain McKrae) was applied bilaterally to unscarified corneas of RNase L-null mice and congenic controls. To evaluate the severity of herpetic keratitis, slit lamp examinations (SLE) were performed every other day for 14 days. To study corneal histology and apoptosis, HSV-1-inoculated RNase-L-null and congenic control mice, as well as mock-inoculated mice (apoptosis negative control), were killed at 6 and 18 hours postinoculation (PI). Uninoculated mice that underwent corneal scarification (apoptosis positive control) were killed 2 hours after scarification. Eyes were dissected and the corneas processed for light and transmission electron microscopy and the TUNEL assay. RESULTS In comparison with the congenic control mice, RNase L-null mice showed significantly more severe herpetic keratitis (PI day 8, SLE score, mean +/- SEM: 3.27 +/- 0.10 vs. 2.34 +/- 0.06; P: < 0.001) and significantly higher mortality (PI day 14, 70% vs. 20%; P: < 0.001). Few apoptotic cells were seen in HSV-1-infected RNase L-null mice, although DNA fragmentation consistent with apoptosis was detected in the corneas of congenic control mice 6 and 18 hours after HSV-1 inoculation and in uninfected mice with scarified corneas. Signs of apoptosis were not present in the mock-infected corneas. Electron microscopic evidence of keratocytic apoptosis was detected only in the uninfected scarified corneas and the HSV-1-infected congenic control corneas. CONCLUSIONS The increased severity of ocular disease and increased mortality in the RNase L-null mice provides evidence, for the first time, that the 2-5A system contributes to protection during ocular herpetic infection. The reduced frequency of apoptosis in these mice suggests that one possible mechanism for this protective effect could be the induction of apoptosis in corneal cells as a means of reducing the spread of infectious virus.
Student Research in Community College Calculus

To meet the requirements for New York State certification in the teaching of secondary school mathematics, student teachers complete placements in both a middle school and a high school. In addition to working in the classroom, they maintain journals and post them online. The journals provide an opportunity for student teachers to reflect on their practice and to learn from others. In addition, student teachers attend weekly seminars at the College. By doing so, they become members of a community of practitioners. NOTES FROM THE CLASSROOM contains excerpts from the journals.
Mapping by VESGEN of Leaf Venation Patterning in Arabidopsis with Bioinformatic Dimensions of Gene Expression

The leaf venation patterning of higher land plants, the angiosperms that include maple, corn and ISS model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, is key to their terrestrial dominance. The venation-dependent photosynthetic capacity of adult angiosperm leaves is largely responsible for terrestrial production of glucose and atmospheric oxygen, and may be of fundamental importance to long-term space colonization. Yet leaves–particularly adult leaves–remain understudied in space compared to roots, in part due to the challenge of quantifying complex venation patterning. VESsel GENeration Analysis (VESGEN), a beta-level NASA software that analyzes vascular branching for biomedical applications, is being modified to map the branching venation patterns of dicot angiosperm leaves. By physiological branching rules, VESGEN decomposes a continuously connected vascular tree into its structural (dendritic) branching and reticulate (networked) capillary components. Bioinformatic dimensions of genetically regulated molecular expression were associated with vascular geometric dimensions. For an Arabidopsis juvenile leaf flown on NASA Space Shuttle Mission (STS)-130, the venation patterning of larger structural vessel orders 1°-2° remained relatively constant compared to normal gravity (by vessel number density Nv, 1.24E-5/micron2 and 1.29E-5/micron2, respectively). However, as a measure of increased venation maturity, Nv of smaller reticulate orders ≥ 3° increased considerably from 7.7E-6/micron2 in ground control to 1.74E-5/micron2 in the STS-130 leaf. Vascular geometric complexity associated with growth-dependent gene expression increased during normal terrestrial maturation of an adult Arabidopsis leaf. We therefore propose that the genetically regulated response of Arabidopsis and other plants to microgravity environments be assessed by VESGEN mappings of leaf venation pattern.
Sexual abuse of children: A new risk factor for HIV transmission

Abstract Child sexual abuse is reported at an alarming frequency in the U.S. Because HIV/AIDS infection is becoming epidemic in the adult population, testing the sexually abused child for HIV seropositivity becomes an important question. A thorough history of the patient and/or parents along with a complete physical exam is the best way to derive indications for testing. As there are no guidelines for testing such patients for HIV, the risk/benefits must be heavily weighed. The advantages of testing are 1) early access to therapy if tested positive, 2) the ability to educate the patient and/or family regarding transmission. The disadvantages include 1) seroconversion can have a long incubation period (from weeks to years), 2) social stigmatization which has been well-documented, and 3) cost of testing.
Dynamics of nematic ordering in porous media

A microscopic lattice model for nematic liquid crystals in the presence of random fields is studied by Monte Carlo simulations. The order parameter autocorrelation function shows a standard dynamical scaling for weak random fields, and an activated dynamical scaling for strong random fields. These results are consistent with recent experiments. Evidence is also found that local correlations in the orientation of the liquid crystals along the pore surface should be taken into account for some details of the scaling functions observed in recent experiments.
Neogene to recent stratigraphy and depositional regimes of the northwest Florida inner continental shelf

Abstract The late Neogene to Recent depositional history of the inner shelf off northwest Florida was investigated using high-resolution seismic reflection data. Two principal sedimentary provinces, the Apalachicola Embayment and the Alabama-Florida Shelf, are distinguished by different structural trends and sequence stratigraphy. A transition from carbonate to terrigenous clastic deposition occurs vertically and laterally from east to west. The dominant controls on deposition have been sea level history and location of fluvial systems advancing southward and infilling the Apalachicola Embayment. In the Apalachicola Embayment, the upward carbonate-to-terrigenous transition correlates with a change from relatively flat lying reflections, to prograding clinoforms, and then chaotic and reflection-free sequences. Carbonate deposition in the middle and late Miocene is inferred to have occurred during highstands of sea level with minor input of terrigenous material. In the late Miocene, a major erosional unconformity and associated river valley entrenchment cut deeply into the flat-lying carbonate section. Subsequent deposition is distinguished by broad prograding clinoforms and an increase in terrigenous material in an open shelf environment. In the late Pliocene, sea-level fluctuations generated a stratigraphic record estimated by offlapping, seaward-thickening sequences. The interaction between sea level and fluvial supply to the shelf became very important as shifting river inputs resulted in locally thick depocenters bounded by erosional unconformities. Four primary areas of fluvial-deltaic input in the Plio-Pleistocene are identified based on the distribution of channels and prograding clinoforms interpreted to be delta front deposition. The present inner shelf is a sediment-starved clastic depositional regime.
A mouse thymidylate synthase pseudogene derived from an aberrantly processed RNA molecule

A DNA fragment containing a mouse-thymidylate-synthase(TS) processed pseudogene was cloned and analyzed. Comparison with the sequences of the mouse TS-encoding gene (ts) and cDNA revealed that the pseudogene started at one of the normal 5' termini of TS mRNA, ended with a poly(A) tail, and was flanked by 16-nucleotide (nt) direct repeats. The region corresponding to the open reading frame was 97.3% identical to that of the cDNA. Two unusual features were observed. First, the poly(A) tail of the pseudogene was located 2 kb downstream from the normal location. Second, the final 10 nt of intron 5 were retained in the 'coding region' of the pseudogene. Therefore, it appears that the pseudogene was derived from a nonfunctional TS 'mRNA' that was aberrantly spliced and polyadenylated. Analysis of the sequence of intron 5 of the ts gene revealed the presence of an alternative 3' splice site 10 nt upstream from the normal splice site. S1-nuclease protection assays showed that about 10% of TS mRNA isolated from mouse cells was spliced at the alternative site.
Endothelin-1 stimulates c-fos mRNA expression in C6 glioma cells via MAP kinase pathway

Abstract Exposure of C6 glioma cells to endothelin-1 (ET-1) caused dose-dependent (10−11 M to 10−7 M) increments in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) and c-fos mRNA expression (4.5-fold) that were abolished by the endothelinA receptor antagonist, BQ610, and by inhibition of phospholipase C with U73122. ET-1 stimulated c-fos mRNA expression was also inhibited by protein kinase C inhibition (chelerythrine) and by the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059, but not by inhibitors of tyrosine kinases, protein kinase A type I or II, calmodulin kinase II, or calcium channel blockade. C6 cells treated with ET-1 demonstrated a significant increase in MAP kinase activity as evidenced by Western blotting. These results indicate a mechanism of long-term signaling by ET-1 involving an ETA receptor-mediated, phospholipase Cβ-linked pathway that is dependent on protein kinase C and MAP kinase activation.
A cucumber for a cow: A theoretical exploration of the causes and consequences of religious hypocrisy:

This paper offers a first step in a theory of religious hypocrisy. Religious hypocrisy is shown to be a rational strategy at the individual level through which the individual maximizes his/her religious gain by accessing religious rewards and minimizing the costs through selective non-compliance to the religion’s objective commitments. The pervasiveness of religious hypocrisy is argued to be a result of group level characteristics, namely the extensiveness of the religious group’s objective commitments. The level of objective hypocrisy can be moderated through variation in the members’ dependence on the group and the group’s capacity to control its members. Religious hypocrisy is a maximizing behavior; however, it is not costless and it can lead to the experience of moral dissonance. This dissonance can have group level outcomes including decline due to exit and secularization.
Creation of particles by shell-focusing singularities

The creation of massless scalar particles in asymptotically flat spacetimes containing shell-focusing naked singularities which evolve from nonsingular initial data is studied. In the case where the singularity is marginally naked, i.e., its Cauchy horizon coincides with the event horizon, we are able to compute the spectrum of created particles by Hawking's method. The spectrum of particles is no longer thermal, but can be expressed as a quasithermal spectrum with a frequency-dependent temperature. In the high-frequency limit the effective temperature approaches a constant value greater than the Hawking temperature. In the more general case where the Cauchy horizon and event horizon do not coincide, we calculate the expectation value of the stress-energy tensor of the scalar field in the two-dimensional spacetimes obtained by suppressing the spherical coordinates. In all cases the energy flux along the Cauchy horizon diverges in a positive sense. This strongly suggests that the metric's back-reaction to the flux of created particles will prevent the formation of naked shell-focusing singularities.
Cholinergic systems in mammalian brain identified with antibodies against choline acetyltransferase

Publisher Summary This chapter presents a summary of recent advances in choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) antibody development and immunohistochemical applications and discusses areas where there is general agreement and areas that will require further investigation. It focuses on studies describing localization of ChAT immunoreactivity. The accumulation of new knowledge about the function of acetylcholine in brain has been hampered by the lack of reliable methods for visualizing cholineric structures. There has been general agreement that ChAT is potentially the best marker to use for these purposes. Although successful purification and antibody development has proven to be a real struggle, it is apparent that there are now several highly specific antibody reagents against ChAT enzyme derived from a number of different species. The chapter presents information concerning the development of these reagents and discusses the results thus far on their usefulness in localizing cholinergic structures in mammalian brain. Of the monoclonal antibodies developed in the laboratory, one cross-reacts with enzyme derived from all mammalian species tested and has proven to be a very useful reagent for localization of ChAT immunoreactivity. This antibody has been employed to localize ChAT in rat, guinea pig, monkey, ferret, and mouse brain.