cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The global heat balance: Heat transports in the atmosphere and ocean

The heat budget has been computed locally over the entire globe for each month of 1988 using compatible top-of-the-atmosphere radiation from the Earth Radiation Budget Experiment combined with European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts atmospheric data. The effective heat sources and sinks (diabatic heating) and effective moisture sources and sinks for the atmosphere are computed and combined to produce overall estimates of the atmospheric energy divergence and the net flux through the Earth's surface. On an annual mean basis, this is directly related to the divergence of the ocean heat transport, and new computations of the ocean heat transport are made for the ocean basins. Results are presented for January and July, and the annual mean for 1988, along with a comprehensive discussion of errors. While the current results are believed to be the best available at present, there are substantial shortcomings remaining in the estimates of the atmospheric heat and moisture budgets. The issues, which are also present in all previous studies, arise from the diurnal cycle, problems with atmospheric divergence, vertical resolution, spurious mass imbalances, initialized versus uninitialized atmospheric analyses, and postprocessing to produce the atmospheric archive on pressure surfaces. Over land, additional problems arise from the complex surface topography, so that computed surface fluxes are more reliable over the oceans. The use of zonal means to compute ocean transports is shown to produce misleading results because a considerable part of the implied ocean transports is through the land. The need to compute the heat budget locally is demonstrated and results indicate lower ocean transports than in previous residual calculations which are therefore more compatible with direct ocean estimates. A Poisson equation is solved with appropriate boundary conditions of zero normal heat flux through the continental boundaries to obtain the ocean heat transport. Because of the poor observational data base, adjustments to the surface fluxes are necessary over the southern oceans. Error bars are estimated based on the large-scale spurious residuals over land of 30 W m−2 over 1000 km scales (1012 m2). In the Atlantic Ocean, a northward transport emerges at all latitudes with peak values of 1.1±0.2 PW (1 standard error) at 20 to 30°N. Comparable values are achieved in the Pacific at 20°N, so that the total is 2.1±0.3 PW. The peak southward transport is at 15 to 20°S of 1.9±0.3 PW made up of strong components from both the Pacific and Indian Oceans and with a heat flux from the Pacific into the Indian Ocean in the Indonesian throughflow. The pattern of poleward heat fluxes is suggestive of a strong role for Ekman transports in the tropical regions.
Multichannel Wormhole Switching vs. CSMA/CA for Wireless Mesh Networking

This paper presents a method for improving the performance of Wireless Mesh Networks (WMN) through the use of multichannel wormhole switching. Current WMNs based on contention-based medium access control (MAC) such as ";WiFi"; suffer from high latency and low resource utilization because of competition for the shared single-channel medium. Through simulation we compare WMNs using contention-based wireless nodes versus WMNs using contention-free ";flit-relay"; wireless nodes. We demonstrate our ";flit-relay"; design as a promising low latency alternative to CSMA/CA for providing WMNs. The approximate 800-fold improvement in latency over WMNs using wireless nodes with a contention-based MAC and competitive setup times for VoIP support the argument for more development on pursuing this technology.
Sirtuin 1 Regulates Dendritic Cell Activation and Autophagy during Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Induced Immune Responses

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the major cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children worldwide. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD(+)-dependent deacetylase, has been associated with the induction of autophagy and the regulation of inflammatory mediators. We found that Sirt1 was upregulated in mouse lung after RSV infection. Infected animals that received EX-527, a selective SIRT1 inhibitor, displayed exacerbated lung pathology, with increased mucus production, elevated viral load, and enhanced Th2 cytokine production. Gene expression analysis of isolated cell populations revealed that Sirt1 was most highly upregulated in RSV-treated dendritic cells (DCs). Upon RSV infection, EX-527-treated DCs, Sirt1 small interfering RNA-treated DCs, or DCs from conditional knockout (Sirt1(f/f)-CD11c-Cre(+)) mice showed downregulated inflammatory cytokine gene expression and attenuated autophagy. Finally, RSV infection of Sirt1(f/f)-CD11c-Cre(+) mice resulted in altered lung and lymph node cytokine responses, leading to exacerbated pathology. These data indicate that SIRT1 promotes DC activation associated with autophagy-mediated processes during RSV infection, thereby directing efficient antiviral immune responses.
Photoreversible Ultraviolet Enhancement of Infectivity in Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Heberlein, Gary T. (Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.), and James A. Lippincott. Photoreversible ultraviolet enhancement of infectivity in Agrobacterium tumefaciens. J. Bacteriol. 89:1511–1514. 1965.—Irradiation of a virulent strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens with short-wavelength ultraviolet light, which reduces viability 50 to 90%, increases its infectivity as measured by the number of tumors initiated per viable bacterial cell on primary pinto bean leaves. A dark treatment of 1.5 to 2 hr between irradiation and inoculation results in a further increase in specific infectivity of as much as fourfold. This increase in infectivity is inhibited by white fluorescent light and light of 402 mμ, but only slightly by 549- or 619-mμ light. These results imply that some change in the deoxyribonucleic acid of the bacterium is responsible for this effect.
The Characteristics of the Chicago Lake Breeze and Its Effects on Trace Particle Transport: Results from an Episodic Event Simulation

Abstract The lake-breeze circulation that forms over Lake Michigan during the summer influences the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area’s weather in several ways. Of particular significance is the circulation’s effect on the dispersion of pollutants such as ozone and aerosols produced in and around the city. To investigate these effects, the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesoscale Model (MM5) was used to perform numerical simulations for two lake-breeze events—one in July 1999 and another in July 2002. The model runs were verified with data from several locations around the Chicago area. The simulated breeze circulation decreased the rate of increase in air temperature while penetrating roughly 12 km inland and lasting about 8 h, in reasonable agreement with observations. Furthermore, the inland penetration distance was related to the strength of the maximum vertical velocity within the front. Calculations of trajectories and transport of particle...
PhyloWidget: web-based visualizations for the tree of life

Summary: PhyloWidget is a web-based tool for the visualization and manipulation of phylogenetic tree data. It can be accessed online or downloaded as a standalone application. A simple URL-based API allows databases to easily link to and customize PhyloWidget for interactively viewing medium- to large-sized trees. Availability: PhyloWidget is available for online use or download at http://www.phylowidget.org/. Its source code is released under the GNU General Public License.
Nonlinear tracking control of a human limb via neuromuscular electrical stimulation

A nonlinear control method is developed in this paper that uses neuromuscular electrical stimulation to control the human quadriceps femoris muscle undergoing non- isometric contractions. The objective of the controller is to position the lower limb of a human along a time-varying trajectory or a desired setpoint. The developed controller does not require a muscle model and can be proven to yield asymptotic stability for a nonlinear muscle model in the presence of bounded nonlinear disturbances. Performance of the controller is illustrated in the provided experimental results.
Photoinduced Transformations in Bacteriorhodopsin Membrane Monitored with Optical Microcavities

Photoinduced molecular transformations in a self-assembled bacteriorhodpsin (bR) monolayer are monitored by observing shifts in the near-infrared resonant wavelengths of linearly polarized modes circulating in a microsphere cavity. We quantify the molecular polarizability change upon all-trans to 13-cis isomerization and deprotonation of the chromophore retinal (;� 57 A ˚ 3 ) and determine its orientation relative to the bR membrane (;61� ). Our observations establish optical microcavities as a sensitive off-resonant spectroscopic tool for probing conformations and orientations of molecular self-assemblies and for measuring changes of molecular polarizability at optical frequencies. We provide a general estimate of the sensitivity of the technique and discuss possible applications.
Linear and circular splicing systems

Considers closure properties of classes of languages under the operation of iterated splicing. The main result is that full abstract families of languages are closed under splicing using a regular set of splicing rules. The author has the same result for families of circular strings, with two extra assumptions: the languages in the abstract family must be closed under cyclic permutations and the splicing scheme must be reflective. In both cases the hypotheses are satisfied by the families of regular languages and of context-free languages. >
Singlet-singlet energy transfer along the helix of a double-stranded nucleic acid at room temperature.

Abstract An irreversible electronic energy trap has been formed in calf thymus DNA by methylating about 75% of its G bases at position N-7. This has allowed us to measure for the first time the efficiency of transfer of energy along the helix of a double-stranded nucleic acid at room temperature. It is found that about one out of every three photons absorbed by the other bases is trappped. We have also simulated the data with a stochastic model that uses the dipole-dipole interaction to calculate the efficiency of transfer. In order to approximate the experimental results, the model requires that: (i) the fluorescence quantum yield of T, C, and G in DNA be about 2 × 10−3, which is about two orders of magnitude larger than the value of the fluorescence quantum yield reported for DNA and (ii) the fluorescence quantum yield of A in DNA be negligibly small. Requirement (i) is consistent with energy transfer taking place before a very efficient fluorescence quenching process sets in, which could be formation o...
Effects of bacillus thuringiensis transgenic corn on corn earworm and fall armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) densities

We examined 17 pairs of near-isogenic hybrids of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) (176, Mon810, and Bt11) and non-Bt corn, Zea mays L., to examine the effects of Bt on larval densities of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) during 2 yr. During ear formation, instar densities of H. zea and S. frugiperda were recorded for each hybrid. We found that H. zea first, second, and fifth instar densities were each affected by Mon810 and Bt11 Bt corn but not by 176 corn. Surprisingly, first and second instars were found in higher numbers on ears of Mon810 and Bt11 corn than on non-Bt corn. Densities of third and fourth instars were equal on Bt and non-Bt hybrids, whereas densities of fifth instars were lower on Bt plants. S. frugiperda larval densities were only affected during 1 yr when second, and fourth to sixth instars were lower on ears of Mon810 and Bt11 hybrids compared with their non-Bt counterparts. Two likely explanations for early instar H. zea densities being higher on Bt corn than non-Bt corn are that (1) Bt toxins delay development, creating a greater abundance of early instars that eventually die, and (2) reduced survival of H. zea to later instars on Bt corn decreased the normal asymmetric cannibalism or H. zea-S. frugiperda intraguild predation of late instars on early instars. Either explanation could explain why differences between Bt and non-Bt plants were greater for H. zea than S. frugiperda, because H. zea is more strongly affected by Bt toxins and more cannibalistic.
CHROMOSOME INTERACTIONS IN DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER. I. VIABILITY STUDIES

The nature of fitness interactions is an important, yet unsolved, question in population genetics. We compare the egg-to-adult viability of individuals homozygous for either a second or a third chromosome with the viability of individuals homozygous for both chromosomes simultaneously. On the average, the viability of the two-chromosome homozygotes is somewhat greater than expected assuming that the fitnesses of the single-chromosome homozygotes interact in a multiplicative fashion. This result differs from previous observations that indicate either no significant deviations from the expectation or lower-than-expected average fitnesses for the double homozygotes.
The Eleventh Olympiad

(1936). The Eleventh Olympiad. The Journal of Health and Physical Education: Vol. 7, No. 9, pp. 539-588.
An Approach to Developing Communicative Competence in Scientific and Technical Communicators

The management of information has become one of the central competencies needed in a technological society. The development of systems for the storage, retrieval, editing, packaging, dessemination, and utilization of scientific and technical information is especially needed. Just as crucial, however, is the necessity to train individuals who can assume information management and “linkage” roles. The scientific and technical communicator is one such individual. This paper attempts to explicate the concept of technical communication competence and demonstrate the potential utility of its operational counterpart in the training of students in scientific and technical communication. The potential benefits of implementing a technical communication competence testing program in scientific and technical communication curricula are explored, both for students and for educators and professionals.
Abstract 5398: Direct interaction of inhibitory molecules LAG-3 and PD-1 in murine CD8+ T cell signaling

Chronic stimulation by tumor antigens results in exhaustion of antigen-specific T cells and loss of ability to produce key cytokines that are critical for the maintenance of T cell function. We have previously demonstrated that a subset of tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells coexpressing LAG-3 and PD-1 are impaired in IFN-γ and TNF-α production and that simultaneous blockade of LAG-3 and PD-1 restores effector function of ovarian tumor antigen-specific T cells in humans. Recently, others have reported that dual blocade of LAG-3 and PD-1 via either by antibodies or gene knockout leads to severe autoimmunity and enhanced immunity to tumors in mice. However, direct evidence of molecular interaction between LAG-3 and PD-1 in T cell signaling is lacking. The signaling molecules downstream of LAG3 are also unknown. Using a combination of ImageStream and confocal microscopy analyses, here we demonstrate that LAG-3 and PD-1 molecules co-localize in approximately 10-15% of activated murine antigen specific CD8+ T cells. Co-localization also occurred with trans-Golgi vesicles, microtubule organizing center, and early/recycling endosomes. Reciprocal immunoprecipitation with specific antibodies for LAG-3 and PD-1 revealed a physical association between LAG-3 and PD-1 and this interaction was abolished in T cells isolated from LAG3- and PD-1 knockout mice. The recruitment of Src family tyrosine kinases and phosphatases to the LAG-3 and PD-1 interaction complex are also implicated. Our data reveal a potential molecular mechanism by which LAG3 and PD-1 co-regulate T cell function. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5398. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5398
Recent applications of CFD to the aerodynamics of army projectiles at the U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory

Greek Symbols The ability to predict the compete set of aerodynamic. performance parameters for projectile configurations has been a stated goal of the Computational Aerodynamics Branch, U.S. Army Ballistic Research Laboratory. In order to achieve this goal, predictive capabilities which utilize Navier-Stokes computational techniques have been developed and applied to an extensive number of projectile configurations. A summary of code validation efforts and applications for both spin stabilized and fin stabilized projectile configurations are described. Significant progress in the predictive capability for projectile aerodynamics has been achieved due to the availability of substantial supercomputer resources and modern computational techniques. Current and future research areas of interest are described and provide an indication of computer resources and code enhancements needed to continue the progress in projectile computational aerodynamics. a = angle of attack P = density Subscripts m = free-stream conditions b = base W = body surface values oinj = injected gas
Effects of Total Glucosides of Paeony Combined with Vitamin D_3 on Serum Levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in RA Patients

Objective To investigate the serum levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in RA patients before and after receiving total glucosides of paeony combined with vitamin D3 therapy respectively and to explore the immunology mechanism of treating RA. Methods The levels of IFN-γ and IL-10 in serum were determined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, the disease activity and therapeutic effect were estimated. Results The level of IFN-γ was significantly higher than the healthy controls (P 0.01), and the level of IL-10 was lower than the healthy controls, but had no significant difference between RA and control group (P 0.05). The level of IFN-γ was significantly decreased and IL-10 was remarkably increased after treated with TGP combined with vitamin D3 (P 0.01). Conclusion Total glucosides of paeony combined with vitamin D3 therapy may down-regulate the level of IFN-γ and up-regulate the level of IL-10, thereby decrease the Th1/Th2 cytokine ratio and treat RA.
Perinephric Abscess: A Review of 26 Cases

AbstractHerein we review 26 cases of perinephric abscess, analyzed according to incidence, etiology, laboratory findings, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, radiographic findings, operative procedures, mortality and associated diseases. Of the abscess cultures 67 per cent were gram-negative organisms, most commonly Proteus, and 76 per cent of the abscesses were directly attributable to renal causes, mainly nephrolithiasis. Diabetes mellitus occurred in only 3 of the 26 cases.
A portable digital seismic recorder with event recording capability

A portable digital recorder with event-triggering capability has been designed, and four have been constructed and field tested. The design was based on that used for over 2 years in ocean bottom seismic capsules. The outputs of as many as four seismometers are amplified, filtered, and digitized continuously at 64, 128, 256, or 512 total samples per second. The digital data are mixed with a time code, identification and synchronization patterns, serialized, and passed through a 512, 1024, or 1536 sample shift register which acts as a delay line. Data are then recorded on an unmodified Sony TC800B tape recorder which is turned on when a seismic event occurs. The event is triggered when the analog/digital converter output jumps above a preset threshold. Data are recovered using the same or a similar recorder for playback. A decoder provides an analog output for field interpretation or a digital output for computer compatible input. The tape recorder capacity is 1.4 million samples, or 3 hr of recording of a single channel at 128 samples per second.
A novel chimeric toxin vaccine against Clostridium difficile infection

T global emergence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has contributed to the recent surge in severe antibiotic-associated diarrhea and colonic inflammation. C.difficile produces two homologous glucosylating exotoxins, TcdA and TcdB, both of which are pathogenic and require neutralization to prevent disease occurrence. However, because of their large size and complex multifunctional domain structure, it has been a challenge to produce native recombinant toxins that may serve as vaccine candidates. Here we describe a novel chimeric toxin vaccine that retains major neutralizing epitopes from both toxins and confers complete protection against primary and recurrent CDI in mice. Using a non-pathogenic Bacillus megaterium expression system, we generated glucosyltransferasedeficient holotoxins and demonstrated their loss of toxicity. The atoxic holotoxins induced potent anti-toxin neutralizing antibodies showing little cross-immunogenicity or protection between TcdA and TcdB. To facilitate simultaneous protection against both toxins, we generated an active clostridial toxin chimera by switching the receptor binding domain of TcdB with TcdA. The toxin chimera is fully cytotoxic and showed potent proinflammatory activities. This toxicity was essentially abolished in a glucosyltransferase-deficient toxin chimera, cTxAB. Parenteral immunization of mice or hamsters with cTxAB induced rapid and potent neutralizing antibodies against both toxins. Complete and long-lasting disease protection was conferred by cTxAB vaccinations against both laboratory and hypervirulent C. difficile strains. Finally, prophylactic cTxAB vaccination prevented spore-induced disease relapse, which constitutes one of the most significant clinical issues in CDI. Thus, the rational design of recombinant chimeric toxins provides a novel approach for protecting individuals at high risk of developing CDI.
The Regulatory Roles of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathways in Health and Diabetes: Lessons Learned from the Pancreatic β-Cell

Background Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) from the pancreatic β-cell involves several intracellular metabolic events which lead to the translocation of insulin granules towards the membrane for fusion and release. It is well established that loss of β-cell function and decreased GSIS underlie the pathogenesis of diabetes. Evidence from several laboratories, including our own, demonstrated requisite roles of Rac1 and phagocyte-like NADPH oxidase (Nox2)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) in optimal function of the pancreatic β-cell, including GSIS. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that prolonged exposure of β-cells to hyperglycemic conditions, leads to sustained activation of Rac1-Nox2 signaling axis culminating in excessive generation of intracellular ROS (oxidative stress) and β-cell dysregulation and demise. Such "cytotoxic" effects of ROS appear to be mediated via the stress-activated protein kinases/mitogen-activated protein kinases (SAPK/MAPK) signaling pathways. Objective This review discusses our current understanding of regulation and functions of the conventional MAPKs, namely, ERK1/2, JNK1/2 and p38MAPK. Conclusion The MAPK pathways are activated in the presence of various stress stimuli including intracellular ROS, via distinct signaling cascades. Once activated, MAPKs participate in specific intracellular signaling processes via interaction with several downstream kinases including the MAPKactivated protein kinases (MAPKAPKs) and transcription factors including c-jun and p53. We have provided an overview of existing evidence in the islet β-cell on the regulatory roles of these MAPKs in mediating cellular responses to alterations in intracellularly generated ROS, which is mediated by the Rac1-Nox2 signaling module. Additionally, we enlisted recent patents developed to improve β-cell function in diabetes and novel pharmacological agents that target oxidative stress and MAPK pathways.
The Future of Supply Chain Security

This chapter examines where supply chain management may be headed in a world which is gathering Big Data and moving into the so-called Internet of Things. Surveillance of criminals and civilians is discussed. Issues of coordination within the Department of Homeland Security are outlined. In this context there are several security goals which are desired while some have been missed thus far. These will be discussed and compared. The process of globalization has accelerated in recent decades by way of extending supply chains across many countries. However, there are some signs that the process may be slowing down. Globalization of trade may be receding into regional trade blocs. The Internet itself may fracture and become less than a global network. New challenges are sure to arise as present and future decision makers have to grapple with how to secure their supply chains in ever changing political and technological environments.
Schizophrenia: Basic and Clinical.

Schizophrenia is a chronic severe mental disorder characterized by psychosis, cognitive impairments, and social and motivational deficits. It is associated with a progressive loss of cortical volume after onset of psychosis; nevertheless, cortical atrophy correlates with the cognitive impairments and the negative symptoms but not with the psychosis. The cortical atrophy is not primarily due to neuronal degeneration but rather to neuronal atrophy and loss of glutamatergic synapses. A downregulation of the presynaptic markers for the parvalbumin-expressing GABAergic interneurons that provide recurrent inhibition to cortical pyramidal neurons is another consistent pathologic feature. Antipsychotic drugs continue after 50 years to be the mainstay of treatment although these drugs, with the possible exception of clozapine, have negligible effects on cognition and negative symptoms. Pharmacologic challenge studies, postmortem analyses and a recent sufficiently powered genome-wide association study and copy number variant studies provide compelling evidence that NMDA receptor hypofunction is an important pathophsysiologic feature of schizophrenia. Silencing the gene encoding serine racemase, the enzyme that synthesizes the cortical-limbic NMDA receptor co-agonist, d-serine, replicates the dendritic and GABAergic pathology and cognitive deficits of schizophrenia in mice. Pharmacologic strategies to overcome NMDA receptor hypofunction hold promise of treating the disabling cognitive and negative symptoms.
The Local Rules Revolution in Criminal Discovery

Over the last few decades, federal district court judges throughout the country have used local rules to greatly expand pretrial criminal disclosure obligations, especially for prosecutors. These local criminal discovery rules both incentivize prosecutors to act as ministers of justice and empower judges to manage prosecutorial disclosures. This quiet revolution is now well underway, and the time has come to amend the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to bring these innovations to all the districts. Commentators have long recognized that neither Supreme Court precedent nor the Federal Rules effectively require prosecutors to provide the defense with enough discovery to properly prepare for plea negotiations and trial. Nor do they empower judges to effectively monitor prosecutors’ discovery decisions. Reformers have largely failed to revolutionize discovery on a national scale, but individual districts, by passing local discovery rules, have waged small battles to great effect. These rules require prosecutors to turn over more discovery earlier in the case. They expand the scope of mandatory prosecution discovery beyond Rule 16 and Brady; they accelerate the timing of discovery; and they require the parties to work together to arrive at discovery stipulations. The rules also greatly enhance the role of judges and empower them to monitor the discovery phase of the case. Through specific discovery rules, stipulations, and discovery management orders, the rules greatly expand judges’ grounds for ordering discovery and imposing sanctions. They also give judges more opportunities to raise and manage discovery issues at mandatory discovery conferences. Finally, the rules expand (and delimit) discovery motion procedures. Increasing prosecutorial disclosure obligations and expanding the power of judges over pretrial discovery could improve the quality of criminal justice nationwide. First, although more empirical research needs to be done, there is some evidence that these rules are working as intended. Second, by putting more information into the hands of the defense, these local rules could help the parties, but especially defendants, to reach more informed plea agreements. Third, these local discovery rules may help rebalance the criminal justice system, which is currently dominated by prosecutors, in favor of trial judges and defense attorneys. Hopefully, the local rules revolution will serve as a model for more districts to follow and ultimately result in amendments to the Federal Rules.
Polyamines in neurotrauma. Ubiquitous molecules in search of a function.

In spite of their abundance, the function of PAs in the adult nervous system remains enigmatic. It is postulated that after trauma, the induction of polyamine metabolism (i.e. the polyamine response), which is inherently transient, is an integral part of a protective biochemical program that is essential for neuronal survival. Several functions ascribed to PAs may assume importance in cellular defense. Thus, regulation of the ionic environment, modulation of signal pathways, control of cellular Ca2+ homeostasis, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and interaction with nucleic acids are all putative sites for PA action. During maturation, the CNS, unlike the peripheral nervous system, undergoes changes which result in the expression of an incomplete polyamine response after trauma. This may be due to an altered pattern of gene expression, and/or restrictive compartmentalization of the PAs and their metabolizing enzymes. Induction of this partial polyamine response after injury results in a sustained accumulation of putrescine, which by itself may be harmful, without the concomitant increase in spermidine and spermine. Administration of exogenous PAs after trauma exerts a neuroprotective effect. Exogenous PAs are postulated to gain access into cells via an induced uptake system after trauma, and function similarly to newly synthesized PAs. Besides the injured neurons themselves, tissues which are connected or associated with these neurons may be potential targets where PAs could act to stimulate neurotrophic factor production. Based on the neuroprotective effects of PAs in laboratory animals and on their proposed role in mechanisms of neuronal survival, the development of PA-based compounds as therapeutic neuroprotective agents should be pursued.
Lessons learned from volar plate fixation of scaphoid fracture nonunions.

Treating scaphoid nonunions presents difficulties particularly when there is bone loss, significant humpback deformity or avascular necrosis. We describe a new type of fixation with a volar scaphoi...
Using advanced diabetes technologies in patients with dementia in assisted living facilities: Case studies

Introduction: Older adults with dementia and diabetes are at increased risk of complications, hospitalizations, and adverse events. This vulnerable patient population may have high glucose variabil...
Using the CES-D with custodial grandmothers: cross-validation and convergent validity.

Objective: This study is the first to analyze the factor structure of the Center for Epistemological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale with custodial grandmothers involving both cross validation and convergent validity analyses. Method: Cross validation was accomplished with two different samples of custodial grandmothers (GCM) to calibrate (n=733; Average Age=52) and then validate (n=343; Average Age=52.5) the model. Results: Radloff‘s originally proposed four factor model (Depressed Affect, Well-Being, Somatic Symptoms, and Interpersonal Problems) was found to best fit the data for both calibration (RMSEA=0.049) and validation samples (RMSEA=0.050). The construct validity of the four CES-D factors was supported by the correlations observed between these factors and conceptually related psychosocial measures. Conclusion: four CES-D factors as proposed are psychometrically sound when applied to custodial grandmothers and that each factor contributes unique and meaningful information in its own right.
An Integrated Study of the Aeromechanics of Hovering Flight in Perturbed Flows

The stability of flapping flight, which is a natural requirement for flying insects, is one of the major challenges for micro aerial vehicles. A fully coupled computational model is employed that c...
Role of prophylactic azithromycin to reduce airway inflammation and mortality in a RSV mouse infection model.

BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. Macrolides have received considerable attention for their anti-inflammatory actions beyond their antibacterial effect. We hypothesize that prophylactic azithromycin will be effective in reducing the severity of RSV infection in a mouse model. METHODS Four groups of BALB/c mice were studied for 8 days: Control (C), RSV-infected (R), early prophylaxis with daily azithromycin from days 1 to 8, (E), and late prophylaxis with daily azithromycin from days 4 to 8 (L). Mice were infected with RSV on day 4, except for the control group. All groups were followed for a total of 8 days when bronchoalveolar lavage cell count and cytokines levels were measured. Mouse weight, histopathology, and mortality data were obtained. RESULTS Prophylactic azithromycin significantly attenuated post-viral weight loss between group R and both groups E and L (P = 0.0236, 0.0179, respectively). IL-6, IL-5, and Interferon-Gamma were significantly lower in group L (P = 0.0294, 0.0131, and 0.0056, respectively) compared with group R. The total cell count was significantly lower for group L as compared with group R (P < 0.05). Mortality was only observed in group R (8%). Lung histology in the prophylactic groups showed diminished inflammatory infiltrates and cellularity when compared with group R. CONCLUSION Prophylactic azithromycin effectively reduced weight loss, airway inflammation, cytokine levels and mortality in RSV-infected mice. These results support the rationale for future clinical trials to evaluate the effects of prophylactic azithromycin for RSV infection.
Signal processing technique for spectrally RF congested and restricted environments using the U.S. Army Research Laboratory stepped-frequency ultra-wideband radar

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) recently designed and tested a new prototype radar, the Spectrally Agile Frequency-Incrementing Reconfigurable (SAFIRE) radar system, based on a stepped-frequency architecture to address challenges when operating under spectrally congested and spectrally restricted RF environments. SAFIRE is a vehicle-based, low-frequency, ultra-wideband (UWB) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with frequencies spanning from 300 MHz to 2 GHz, where many frequency bands within this spectrum are either employed by other systems (congested RF environment) or prohibited (spectrally restricted RF environment). In this paper, we present recent SAFIRE stepped-frequency radar data collected from an arid test site, the adverse effects of SAR under congested and spectrally restricted RF environments to SAR imagery, and the application of our spectral information recovery technique to mitigate artifacts.
Disruptive Entrepreneurship and Dual Purpose Strategies: The Case of Uber

Uber provides a two-sided platform that matches travelers with drivers who choose when, where, and how long to drive using their own vehicles. Uber disrupts local markets with an incumbent taxi ind...
Three Views of the Renaissance of Science

The Renaissance of culture has been seen as (A) an abrupt change, (B) continuous development, or (C) a rather abrupt, but not entirely discontinuous, process. Historians of culture used to accept the first, radicalist view (A), and now they generally accept the third, semi-radicalist view (C). The second, conservative view (B) was always unpopular, and defended by lovers of the Middle Ages, romantic or dogmatic; most of these few ‘mediaevalists’ were apologists and thus not very considerable scholars; only a handful of them are to be considered as serious, and even great, historians of culture.
Discussion of Papers on Orthotolidine Test

In the absence of the scheduled paper by Dr. Buswell, the following comments on the influence of manganese upon the orthotolidine test have been based upon published papers of Dr. Buswell and others. This literature and the paper by Mr. Hulburt are of great value in focusing attention upon the two major difficulties encountered when making the orthotolidine test. This test is of paramount importance as it provides practical and convenient means of effectively controlling the disinfection of water and sewage. The simplicity of the test, however, has been misleading and undue confidence has been placed in the results by those not accustomed to consider the chemistry of the test.
Dystonia: Animal Models

Animal models of dystonia are used to facilitate the identification of anatomical, physiological, and biochemical processes involved in the expression of the motor syndrome. Models for both focal and generalized dystonia have been developed and characterized using mouse, rat, hamster and nonhuman primates.
Condensate Collection as a Measuring Technique for Studying the Cooling Capacity of Air-Conditioning Units: Recueil du condensat comme technique de mesure pour étudier la puissance frigorifique des groupes de conditionnement d'air.

Le condensat produit par une pompe a chaleur air-air fonctionnant comme groupe de conditionnement d'air a ete pese tandis qu'on mesurait la puissance frigorifique totale a l'aide de la methode du fluxmetre de frigorigene ainsi que les puissances frigorifiques sensible et latente a l'aide de la methode psychrometrique. Ces valeurs comparees des puissances frigorifiques latentes et des puissances frigorifiques totales concordaient bien. Les recherches indiquaient que le recueil et la pesee soigneuse du condensat etaient utiles pour l'evaluation d'autres techniques de laboratoire et pouvaient etre utilises pour simplifier les mesures dans la pratique.
A Longitudinal Population Analysis of Cumulative Risks of Circumcision

Abstract Background Circumcision is widely accepted for newborns in the United States. However, circumcision carries a risk of complications, the rates of which are not well described in the contemporary era. Methods We performed a longitudinal population analysis of the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database between 2005 and 2010. Using International Classification of Procedures, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification and Current Procedural Terminology codes, we calculated early and late complication rates by Kaplan–Meier survival estimates. Late complications were defined as those that occurred between 30 d and 5 y after circumcision. Descriptive analysis of complications was obtained by analysis of variance, chi-square test, or log-rank test. On adjusted analysis, a Cox proportional hazard model was performed to determine the risk of early and late complications, adjusting for patient demographics. Results A total of 24,432 circumcised children under age 5 y were analyzed. Overall, cumulative complication rates over 5 y were 1.5% in neonates, 0.5% of which were early, and 2.9% in non-neonates, 2.2% of which were early. On adjusted analysis, non-neonates had a higher risk of early complications (OR 18.5). In both neonates and non-neonates, the majority of patients with late complications underwent circumcision revision. Conclusions Circumcision has a complication rate higher than previously recognized. Most patients with late complications after circumcision received an operative circumcision revision. Clinicians should weigh the surgical risks against the reported medical benefits of circumcision when counseling parents about circumcision.
Axial Seamount: Periodic tidal loading reveals stress dependence of the earthquake size distribution (b value)

Abstract Earthquake size–frequency distributions commonly follow a power law, with the b value often used to quantify the relative proportion of small and large events. Laboratory experiments have found that the b value of microfractures decreases with increasing stress. Studies have inferred that this relationship also holds for earthquakes based on observations of earthquake b values varying systematically with faulting style, depth, and for subduction zone earthquakes, plate age. However, these studies are limited by small sample sizes despite aggregating events over large regions, which precludes the ability to control for other variables that might also affect earthquake b values such as rock heterogeneity and fault roughness. Our natural experiment in a unique seafloor laboratory on Axial Seamount involves analyzing the size–frequency distribution of ∼60,000 microearthquakes which delineate a ring-fault system in a 25 km3 block of crust that experiences periodic tidal loading of ±20 kPa. We find that above a threshold stress amplitude, b value is inversely correlated with tidal stress. The earthquake b value varies by ∼0.09 per kPa change in Coulomb stress. Our results support the potential use of b values to estimate small stress variations in the Earth's crust.
Effects of the stacking fault energy fluctuations on the strengthening of alloys

Abstract In alloys and high entropy alloys the stacking fault energy varies with the local composition. The effects of these energy fluctuations on the strengthening are studied using dislocation dynamics simulations that track the evolution of partial dislocations in FCC metals at zero temperature. Different values of the intrinsic stacking fault energy are assigned to regions with size in the range of 0.5 nm–12 nm in the slip plane, while the other mechanical properties are left constant. A theoretical model is derived and compared to the simulation results. In the model and the simulations the predicted value of the yield stress grows with larger fluctuations of the stacking fault energy. Furthermore, a strong size dependency is observed, with a maximum in the strength attained when the mean region size approaches the average equilibrium stacking fault width. In summary, the strength of high entropy alloys can be improved by introducing disorder in the chemical misfit with a characteristic length scale of the order of the average stacking fault width.
Comparing Across the 2017 Elections in Britain, France, and Germany

Individually, the cases discussed here present a number of interesting findings regarding what does and does not influence the propensity of a voter to choose an extreme option. Generalizing these findings, however, requires a more holistic approach. Combining the results allows for a clearer understanding of which variables consistently influence anti-immigrant sentiments and/or the likelihood of voting for a right-wing party, facilitating a more generalized conclusion about what variables are and are not relevant on a larger scale. In doing so, a more universal theory of what affects anti-immigrant opinions and right-wing voting outside the countries examined here can begin to be developed. The research presented here demonstrates a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between feelings of threat and more generic anti-immigrant feelings driven by larger populist and/or nativist arguments. Economic or material concerns were only significant in one case and worked in the opposite direction as expected. When controlling for populism, nativism, and anti-immigrant sentiments, these material concerns do not independently raise one’s likelihood of voting for a right-wing party. Having more animus toward immigrants was the largest contributor to voting right wing; populist appeals are more limited, and nativist concerns are even less universal as a contributing factor.
Effect Partitioning in Cross-Sectionally Clustered Data Without Multilevel Models.

Effect partitioning is almost exclusively performed with multilevel models (MLMs) – so much so that some have considered the two to be synonymous. MLMs are able to provide estimates with desirable ...
When Co-Occurring Factors Impact Adult Learners: Suggestions for Instruction, Preservice Training, and Professional Development:

This literature review explored areas that are often manifest in adult classrooms but insufficiently addressed or overlooked in preservice training and in-service professional development for educa...
Cigarette smoking, ENDS use and dual use among a national sample of lesbians, gays and bisexuals.

Introduction Historically, lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals have higher rates of cigarette smoking, often attributed to targeted tobacco advertising, exposure to stressors, and psychological distress. Elevated use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among LGB individuals has been documented recently. However, the LGB groups are not homogeneous and differences may exist between the use of tobacco by men and women within the LGB groups. The purpose of this research was to examine cigarette smoking, ENDS use and dual use (cigarettes plus ENDS) among LGB subgroups. Methods We classified 2087 participants completing a national online survey based on tobacco-use status (i.e. cigarette only, ENDS only, dual use) and sexual orientation. Multinomial logistic regression was employed to assess group differences. Results After adjusting for demographics and socioeconomic status, bisexual women were 1.85 times (95% CI: 1.19-2.87) more likely to report current dual use, in contrast to cigarette only use, compared to heterosexual women. No significant differences were found between lesbian and heterosexual women, or between gay or bisexual men and their heterosexual counterparts. Conclusions This study describes significantly greater dual use by bisexual women and is one of the first reports of elevated dual use in this group compared to heterosexual women. These findings suggest that targeted health messages may be needed to raise awareness of risk in specific LGB groups and that future research with these populations is necessary to better understand differences in tobacco perceptions and use.