cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hypobiosis in parasitic nematodes--an update.

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the role of hypobiosis in the biology of nematodes. Successful transfer from an infected host to a susceptible one represents a most important achievement in the parasitic way of life. Any developmental adaptation that serves to facilitate this process is, therefore, extremely important in the epidemiology of these infections. Hypobiosis or facultative arrested development represents such an adaptation which, by facilitating the persistence of the larval forms for prolonged periods in the host, enables the parasite to capitalize on optimal opportunities for transfer. The phenomenon appears to be widespread among parasitic organisms. The chapter considers several aspects of this phenomenon as the species involved, factors associated with its induction as well as those influencing a resumption of development, implications of the phenomenon for understanding the epidemiology of these conditions, and its adaptive and population regulatory significance. Host resistance causes the arrested development and that resumption of development is a result of the relaxation of immunity. It is considered to be a host-regulated phenomenon that served to limit the size and pathogenicity of the population of worms, which is accumulating during the season of increasing larval availability. The chapter describes the types of hypobiosis, which include immune-mediated arrest and seasonally induced arrest.
A Sew-Free Origami Mask for Improvised Respiratory Protection

Abstract Recently, respiratory aerosols with diameters smaller than 100 µm have been confirmed as important vectors for the spread of SARS-CoV-2. While cloth masks afford some protection for larger ballistic droplets, they are typically inefficient at filtering these aerosols and require specialized fabrication devices to produce. We describe a fabrication technique that makes use of a folding procedure (origami) to transform a filtration material into a mask. These origami masks can be fabricated by non-experts at minimal cost and effort, provide adequate filtration efficiencies, and are easily scaled to different facial sizes. Using a mannequin fit test simulator, we demonstrate that these masks can provide optimal filtration efficiency and ease of breathing with minimal leakage. Because this mask provides greater comfort compared to commercial alternatives, it is likely to promote greater mask wearing tolerance and acceptance.
Multi-task Learning for Multilingual Neural Machine Translation

While monolingual data has been shown to be useful in improving bilingual neural machine translation (NMT), effectively and efficiently leveraging monolingual data for Multilingual NMT (MNMT) systems is a less explored area. In this work, we propose a multi-task learning (MTL) framework that jointly trains the model with the translation task on bitext data and two denoising tasks on the monolingual data. We conduct extensive empirical studies on MNMT systems with $10$ language pairs from WMT datasets. We show that the proposed approach can effectively improve the translation quality for both high-resource and low-resource languages with large margin, achieving significantly better results than the individual bilingual models. We also demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach in the zero-shot setup for language pairs without bitext training data. Furthermore, we show the effectiveness of MTL over pre-training approaches for both NMT and cross-lingual transfer learning NLU tasks; the proposed approach outperforms massive scale models trained on single task.
Effects of acidosis on the structure, composition, and function of adult murine femurs.

Abstract Physiologic pH is maintained in a narrow range through multiple systemic buffering systems. Metabolic Acidosis (MA) is an acid-base disorder clinically characterized by a decrease in systemic pH and bicarbonate (HCO3−) levels. Acidosis affects millions annually, resulting in decreased bone mineral density and bone volume and an increased rate of fracture. We developed an adult murine model of diet-induced metabolic acidosis via graded NH4Cl administration that successfully decreased systemic pH over a 14 day period to elucidate the effects of acidosis on the skeletal system. Blood gas analyses measured an increase in blood calcium and sodium levels indicating a skeletal response to 14 days of acidosis. MA also significantly decreased femur ultimate strength, likely due to modifications in bone morphology as determined from decreased microcomputed tomography values of centroid distance and area moment of inertia. These structural changes may be caused by aberrant remodeling based on histological data evidencing altered OCL activity in acidosis. Additionally, we found that acidosis significantly decreased bone CO3 content in a site-specific manner similar to the bone phenotype observed in human MA. We determined that MA decreased bone strength thus increasing fracture risk, which is likely caused by alterations in bone shape and compounded by changes in bone composition. Additionally, we suggest the temporal regulation of cell-mediated remodeling in MA is more complex than current literature suggests. We conclude that our model reliably induces MA and has deleterious effects on skeletal form and function, presenting similarly to the MA bone phenotype in humans.
Corruption’s Effect on Business Venturing within the U.S. States

ABSTRACT. In developing countries with high levels of corruption, people are often forced into small-business venturing or survivalist entrepreneurship because larger, more efficient firms do not exist. In developed countries, however, low corruption means that people choose entrepreneurship as a better means of innovating. In this article we use federal convictions of state and local officials and the Small Business Administration’s firm formation data to test whether corruption within the United States forces some people into business venturing. We find that business venturing within the United States is caused in part by corruption.
DNA: Dynamic Resource Allocation for Soft Real-Time Multicore Systems

Modern latency-sensitive and real-time systems often use multi-core platforms; thus, tasks on different cores share certain hardware resources, such as the memory bus and certain cache levels. This has two undesirable consequences: (1) tasks can interfere With each other, causing high latency for the system as a whole, and (2) it becomes difficult to meet deadlines, since the worst-case timing of a given task depends on all the tasks it might have to compete with. Static partitioning isolates tasks from each other by allocating a certain fraction of the resources to each; however, many tasks execute in different phases (e.g., memory-intensive and CPU-intensive) that have different requirements. Thus, system designers are left with a choice between overprovisioning, based on the most demanding phase, or suboptimal performance.In this paper, we propose a pair of techniques, called DNA and DADNA, to address the above challenge. DNA increases throughput and decreases latency, by building an execution profile of each task to identify the phases, and then dynamically allocating resources based on which task can benefit the most; DADNA further adds support for soft real-time workloads by taking deadlines into account. We have built a prototype of both techniques in the Xen hypervisor; our experimental results show that, compared to a state-of-the-art solution, DNA and DADNA can substantially improve schedulability, reduce job deadline miss ratios, and cut latencies by more than a factor of two even in extremely overloaded situations.
Cervical radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy is a common clinical scenario. Patients with radiculopathy typically present with neck pain, arm pain, or both. We review the epidemiology of cervical radiculopathy and discuss the diagnosis of this condition. This includes an overview of the pertinent findings on the patient history and physical examination. We also discuss relevant clinical syndromes that must be considered in the differential diagnosis including peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes and shoulder pathology. The natural history of cervical radiculopathy is reviewed and options for management are discussed. These options include conservative management, non-operative modalities such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and operative intervention. While the exact indications for surgical intervention have not yet been elucidated, we provide an overview of the available literature regarding indications and discuss the timing of intervention. The surgical outcomes of anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA), and posterior cervical foraminotomy (PCF) are discussed.
Effect of AC interference on the stress corrosion cracking susceptibility of X65 steel under cathodic protection

Abstract The influence of alternating current (AC) on the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) susceptibility of X65 steel under cathodic protection (CP) was studied by slow strain rate testing (SSRT) and electrochemical techniques. The X65 steel exhibits an increase in SCC susceptibility and brittle morphology with increasing AC current density and CP potential. The effect of AC interference on the SCC susceptibility is more pronounced at −0.77 VSCE than −1.12 VSCE. The imposed AC signals at −0.77 VSCE decrease elongation, percentage reduction in area and produce a ductile to brittle transition in the fracture morphology, mainly controlled by an anodic dissolution mechanism. At −1.12 VSCE, AC interference enhances the kinetics of the cathodic reactions producing higher hydrogen concentration on the steel surface, that leads to hydrogen assisted cracking. Pitting corrosion was observed under CP potential and AC interference. The pitting severity in terms of size and depth, increases with increasing AC current density, especially at −1.12 VSCE. The maximum pit depth of 90 µm was found at the CP potential of −1.12 VSCE and 90 A/m2 AC (3 V rms). Microcracking and crack evolution from the pits were also observed.
Oral Health Experiences of the Limited Scleroderma Patient

Purpose: Limited scleroderma is associated with significant risks to the orofacial complex. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate the experiences of participants with limited scleroderma related to oral health quality of life and oral health. Methods: A sequential mixed methods study was used in a population of individuals diagnosed with limited scleroderma. Participants were recruited through rheumatology specialists, referral, and social media; purposive sampling was used to recruit participants to be interviewed. The validated Oral Health Impact profile (OHIP) and Mouth Handicap in Systemic Sclerosis (MHISS) instruments and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data were reported through thematic analysis. Results: Forty-eight (n=48) qualifying participants participated in the quantitative phase, and 12 (n=12) participated in the qualitative phase. Based on a Likert Scale from 0-4, mean OHIP-14 scores ranged from 2.76 to 2.85, with anxiety over oral condition, embarrassed by oral problems, and oral self-consciousness having the greatest negative impact on quality of life. Mean MHISS scores ranged from 2.13 to 3.11. The highest OHRQoL scores were related to dry mouth symptoms. Factors influencing oral health-related quality of life were varied; dry mouth and microstomia were the prevalent complaints. Thematic analysis revealed challenges to oral health included self-care and professional dental care factors, both of which depended upon individual disease expression. Financial and emotional burdens also influenced participants’ oral health. Conclusion: The oral health-related quality of life of those with limited scleroderma is impacted by multiple factors and oral health care professionals must seek out improved treatment modalities to address the needs of these vulnerable individuals. Future studies related to interprofessional collaborative care with scleroderma specialists are recommended.
Towards an Interoperable Security Policy for Space-Based Internetworks

Renewed focus on spacecraft networking by government and private industry promises to establish interoperable communications infrastructures and enable distributed computing in multi-nodal systems. Planned near-Earth and cislunar missions by NASA and others evidence the start of building this networking vision. Working with space agencies, academia, and industry, NASA has developed a suite of communications protocols and algorithms collectively referred to as Delay-Tolerant Networking (DTN) to support an interoperable space network. Included in the DTN protocol suite is a security protocol - the Bundle Protocol Security Protocol - which provides the kind of delay-tolerant, transport-layer security needed for cislunar and deep-space trusted networking. We present an analysis of the lifecycle of security operations inherent in a space network with a focus on the DTN-enabled space networking paradigm. This analysis defines three security-related roles for spacecraft (Security Sources, verifiers, and acceptors) and associates a series of critical processing events with each of these roles. We then define the set of required and optional actions associated with these security events. Finally, we present a series of best practices associated with policy configurations that are unique to the space-network security problem. Framing space network security policy as a mapping of security actions to security events provides the details necessary for making trusted networks semantically interoperable. Finally, this method is flexible enough to allow for customization even while providing a unifying core set of mandatory security actions.
Cone-Beam Breast Computed Tomography: Time for a New Paradigm in Breast Imaging

It is time to reconsider how we image the breast. Although the breast is a 3D structure, we have traditionally used 2D mammography to perform screening and diagnostic imaging. Mammography has been continuously modified and improved, most recently with tomosynthesis and contrast mammography, but it is still using modifications of compression 2D mammography. It is time to consider 3D imaging for this 3D structure. Cone-beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) is a revolutionary modality that will assist in overcoming the limitations of current imaging for dense breast tissue and overlapping structures. It also allows easy administration of contrast material for functional imaging. With a radiation dose on par with diagnostic mammography, rapid 10 s acquisition, no breast compression, and true high-resolution isotropic imaging, CBBCT has the potential to usher in a new era in breast imaging. These advantages could translate into lower morbidity and mortality from breast cancer.
A comparison of the existential and medical models of addiction

Introduction After developing an existential model of addiction, it became evident that there are major differences between the existential and medical models of addiction. Objectives This research aims to investigate the boundary and overlap between the existential and medical models of addiction. Methods The existential model was compared and contrasted with a narrative literature review of the medical model of addiction. Results Through the existential definition being-with-drug, addiction is conceptualised in terms of a relationship with the drug and the impact on one’s sense of self. The medical model focuses on diagnostic criteria, genetic and environmental risk and protective factors, and an underlying neurobiological explanation. In contrast to the prevalent disease model, the existential view maintains that drug addiction is a coping mechanism used to mitigate existential and neurotic anxiety which results from facing or avoiding the existential givens. Phenomenological research supporting existential psychotherapy in addiction is contrasted with the quantitative medical research which forms the basis for current addiction guidelines. A comparison of both models is presented focusing on the issues of coping, choice, responsibility, mandatory treatment, medication, psychotherapy and the therapeutic relationship. The biopsychosocial model is compared to van Deurzen’s modes of existence, which provides the basis for existential psychotherapeutic interventions. Furthermore, existential literature was examined to determine whether an individual can authentically choose to live addicted. Conclusions Both models fall short of giving a holistic view of addiction. A combination of models is necessary to address the diversity of issues patients present with.
INTERACTION OF WAVES WITH A RIGID SUBMERGED SPHEROID

This paper considers the interaction of a train of regular surface waves with a half spheroid which is completely submerged in water of finite depth and oriented such that its two equal axes lie on the horizontal impermeable bottom. The boundary-value problem resulting from the interaction is dealt with by introducing a Green's function. A numerical scheme is developed for solving the integral equation which arises from application of the kinematic boundary condition on the surface of the spheroid, and numerical results are obtained for all of the physical quantities of interest. For the special case of a hemisphere, these numerical results are compared with results obtained from a closed-form asymptotic solution of the problem. Also, Haskind's relations and an energy balance are used in the general case to check the accuracy of the numerical results.
Development of six species of stored-product insects on multi-grain blend supplement.

A multi-grain blend intended as a flour supplement to fill the void between brown and white bread and provide an economical source of protein and fiber was tested to determine the potential for inf...
Extending Social Theory to Farm Animals: Addressing Alienation in the Dairy Sector

We extend social theory to farm animals in an attempt to illustrate how non-human animals embedded in social systems can be examined using sociological concepts. Inspired by efforts to include the freedom to express natural behaviour in farm animal welfare standards, we apply Marx's conception of alienation to dairy cows. We first examine industrial dairy farm conditions and find that these systems result in the distortion of life and the suppression of physical and social needs. We then explore alienation in an alternative production system where cows graze on pasture and choose when to be milked by robotic milking machines. Based on farm visits and interviews with farmers, we find that this alternative system addresses several aspects of alienation found in industrial dairy farms. However, despite the benefits associated with alternative production systems, forms of alienation will persist in all systems where maximising profits remains prioritised over life and wellbeing.
Transhumanization, Personal Identity, and the Afterlife: Thomistic Reflections on a Dantean Theme

Taking Aquinas's metaphysics of human nature as my point of departure and taking inspiration from Dante's concept of transhumanization, I sketch a metaphysics of the afterlife according to which a human person in the interim phase between death and resurrection is not a mere disembodied soul. I offer some theological reasons for thinking that our bodily human nature is essential to what we are and for thinking that we can survive the destruction of our bodies at death. I argue that these claims are consistent, provided we hold that our bodily human nature, while essential to what we are, is not necessary to what we are. I argue for this distinction between essence and necessity. I then raise a mereological puzzle about the relation between a disembodied soul and the person whose soul it is, and argue that, if we are to avoid the Cartesian conclusion that this relation is identity, we must hold that a human person, even in the interim phase, is composed of a soul and something else. Drawing on Dante's concept of transhumanization, I argue that this something else is God himself or some specially created divine grace or energy.
Precambrian Evolution of Photosynthetic and Respiratory Organisms

A common ancestor for mitochondria, aerobic nonphotosynthetic bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, blue-green algae, and chloroplasts existed more than 3 billion years ago (Fig. 1) at least ten meters below the surface of the water that covered much of the earth at that time. This ancestral prokaryote contained chlorophyll a in photochemical reaction centers which drove electron flow through a cyclic chain of components including cytochromes b and c and a large pool of quinone shared by more than one reaction center. The entire apparatus was built into the cytoplasmic membrane, and the cyclic flow of electrons was coupled to phosphorylation, which in turn was coupled to assimilation of exogenous organic compounds such as acetate.
High-efficiency, low-temperature cesium diodes with lanthanum-hexaboride electrodes

Lanthanum hexaboride electrodes in 1700 K cesium diodes may triple power outputs compared with those demonstrated for nuclear thermionic space applications. Still greater relative gains seem possible for emitters below 1700 K. Further improvements in cesium diode performance should result from the lower collector temperatures allowed for earth and low power space duties. Decreased temperatures will lessen thermal transport losses that attend thermionic conversion mechanisms. Such advantages will add to those from collector Carnot and electrode effects. If plasma ignition difficulties impede diode temperature reductions, recycling small fractions of the output power could provide ionization. So high efficiency, low temperature cesium diodes with lanthanum hexaboride electrodes appear feasible.
How Pollution Suppresses Rain

Atmospheric aerosols reflect sunlight towards space, cooling Earth, and partially counteracting the greenhouse effect. But, as Toon discusses in this Perspective, this is not the only way in which aerosols affect climate. Satellite data presented by Rosenfeld on page 1793 show substantially reduced precipitation downwind from the pollution source. The mechanisms by which pollution may suppress rain remain poorly understood, and different effects may occur depending on the type of pollution and the atmospheric conditions.
Rabbi Yoḥanan and Origen on the Song of Songs: A Third-Century Jewish-Christian Disputation*

The rabbinic influence on Origen's exegesis of the Song of Songs has been the focus of three major studies.
Radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I: comparison of two renin activity methods and use for other measurements of the renin system.

Standard curves for radioimmunoassay of angiotensin I vary with the amount of plasma or plasma extract present in the assay samples. Therefore results of all such analyses must be compared with standards processed precisely like the unknowns. Results of renin activity, assayed directly in plasma or plasma extracts, corresponded well, demonstrating the comparability of the two types of methods. We describe simplifications in measuring activity, substrate, and concentration of renin, and emphasize use of the optimum pH for determining action of the enzyme. In addition, we present evidence for the presence of angiotensin I in the circulation, especially after renin secretion is stimulated.
Waveguide hologram fingerprint entry device

The recording and entry of fingerprints into the local and na- tional databases is increasingly relying on optics to simplify and speed up this process. A prototype device for the entry of fingerprints that uses a waveguide hologram as part of the scheme for illuminating the finger is described. The use of the waveguide hologram enables reduction in the size, weight, and energy consumption of a fingerprint entry device (or live scan device). The entry device then becomes highly portable and thus useful in many office and field applications. Coupled with electronic or optical processing and storage along with telephone or radio trans- mission of the captured fingerprints, rapid identification of individuals be- comes a realizable goal. The components required for the prototype ho- lographic fingerprint entry device (HoloFED) including the light source, the illumination waveguide hologram, the imaging system and the stor- age, and processing system are discussed. Examples of fingerprints captured are shown. The trade-offs necessary for the implementation of the prototype are object-to-image distance, optical efficiency, weight, and cost. © 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Surface contribution to the low-temperature specific heat of a cubic crystal

We have applied elasticity theory to determine the surface contribution to the low-temperature specific heat of a cubic crystal bounded by a (001) stress-free surface. The result has the form $\ensuremath{\Delta}{C}_{\ensuremath{\nu}}(T)={\mathrm{BST}}^{2}$, where $S$ is the area of the crystal surface and $T$ is the absolute temperature. The coefficient $B$ is expressed in terms of an integral over the trace of a reduced, dynamical Green's tensor for a semi-infinite cubic elastic medium bounded by a (001) stress-free surface. The reduced Green's tensor is effectively the leading term in the large ${k}_{\ensuremath{\parallel}}$ expansion of the Fourier transform, in the coordinates parallel to the surface, of the full Green's tensor for this system, and its elements satisfy a set of nine coupled second-order ordinary differential equations in the coordinate normal to the surface, together with appropriate boundary conditions. These equations have been solved analytically, and the necessary integrals evaluated numerically for a range of values of the elastic moduli ${c}_{11}$, ${c}_{12}$, ${c}_{44}$ of the medium.
Use of [3H]trimetoquinol as a radioligand in human platelets: interaction with putative endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 receptor sites.

Abstract We have recently shown that trimetoquinol [1-(3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzyl)-6,7-dihydroxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline; Tmq]is a potent and stereoselective [R(+)-isomer > S(-)-isomer]antagonist of aggregation induced by thromboxane A2 and stable epoxymethano PGH2 analogues (U46619; U44069) in human platelets. The present study was undertaken to characterize the pharmacological specificity of binding site for racemic- [3h]TMQ in washed human platelets. Specific binding of [3h]TMQ determined by addition of 100 μM R(+)-TMQ, accounted for 12–26% of the total binding at 1.0 μM. Saturation data suggested two binding sites with apparent dissociation constants of 2.8 nM and 1.4 μM for the high and low affinity binding sites, respectively. Maximal binding densities (pmol/mg protein) were 2.3 and 42.9 for the respective high and low affinity sites. The optical isomers of TMQ, cis and transisomers of 13-azaprostanoic acid (13-APA), and U46619 inhibited [3h]TMQ-specific binding to the low affinity site. R(+)-TMQ was 32-fold more potent than S(-)-TMQ at inhibiting [3h]TMQ binding, and the stereoselective potency difference and concentrations needed to inhibit binding were similar to those required for inhibition of U46619induced platelet aggregation and serotonin secretion. Similarly, tans-13-APA was 90-fold more potent than cis-13-APA as a competitor of [3h]TMQ binding. U46619 also inhibited TMQ binding at concentrations (IC 50 = 0.4 μM) similar to those required for aggregation (EC50 = 0.16 μM) an secretion (EC 5o = 0.23 μM). At 1 μM, arachidonic acid inhibited [3h]TMQ binding 6y only 25%. Our studies indicate that [3h]TMQ interacts with specific binding sites with characteristics indicative of putative endoperoxide/thromboxane A2 receptors in human platelets.
Acquisition and retention of a motor skill by normal and retarded students.

Acquisition and retention of pursuit rotor performance for 100 EMR and normal Ss under the conditions of equal practice and learning to an equated mean level of performance with and without immedia...
Cancer and the computerized family: towards a clinical ethics of “indirect” Internet use

The normative dimensions of Internet use among patients and their families have not been studied in much depth in the field of clinical ethics. This study considers cancer-related Internet use among families and friends of cancer patients, and how that use of the Internet may affect patients and patient care. Interviews were conducted with 120 cancer patients, most of whom (76%) reported that family, friends, and others in their social network used the Internet in some way related to the patient’s cancer. Many patients (73%) did not request this online help from their social networks, yet found it helpful and comforting nonetheless. Other patients were less positive about the helpfulness of the online efforts of friends and relatives. A significant proportion of patients (39%) also felt that the online information they received was prescreened or edited in some way. Very few patients recalled that their clinicians ever discussed these and other issues with them. The study illustrates that indirect Internet use is a central feature of the cancer experience. In contrast to other literature in this area, the study suggests that indirect Internet use may have normatively positive and negative implications for patients. These implications point towards the importance of studying and understanding indirect Internet use—and Internet use in general—in the field of clinical ethics.
Annual heat budgets and thermal stability in small Mountain Lakes, Colorado, USA

The annual heat budgets and thermal stability were calculated for four small lakes in the Colorado mountains. Heat budgets varied between 6,000 and 15,500 cal/cm2; 42 to 75% was used in melting winter blankets of ice and snow. Relationships among stability, work of wind and basin morphology were investigated by regression and correlation. Data of 11 lakes ranging between 105 and 107 m2 and 104 and 109 m3 were used. Cubic root of volume and square root of area were strongly correlated, r=0.92 (Fig. 5). Other r values were: log stability vs mean depth 0.78 (Fig. 6); log wind work vs mean depth 0.61 (Fig. 7); log stability vs log wind work 0.81 (Fig. 8). Temperature-density relationships and the high specific heat of water may be the major causes of similarity among the lakes.
Use of the Devanathan–Stachurski cell to measure hydrogen permeation in aluminum alloys

Abstract The Devanathan–Stachurski (DS) cell has been successfully used to determine hydrogen permeation behavior in a wide variety of metals, but the DS cell has been much less successful with aluminum alloys. The DS literature is critically reviewed for aluminum alloys. An improved DS method is described and demonstrated for use with aluminum alloys (and probably Mg-based alloys). Experimental results are reported for the hydrogen diffusion coefficient, solubility, and trapping in the AA5083 aluminum alloy. The diffusion coefficient is reported for AA6061.
Connoisseur's Choice: Tetrahedrite Cavnic, Romania

The minerals of the tennantite group are often denigrated as “black uglies,” yet they are not only important ores of copper and silver, they can also provide impressive and beautiful specimens for ...
Rapid Recycling of β2-Adrenergic Receptors is Dependent on the Actin Cytoskeleton and Myosin Vb

For the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR), published evidence suggests that an intact actin cytoskeleton is required for the endocytosis of receptors and their proper sorting to the rapid recycling pathway. We have characterized the role of the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of beta(2)AR trafficking in human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells using two distinct actin filament disrupting compounds, cytochalasin D and latrunculin B (LB). In cells pretreated with either drug, beta(2)AR internalization into transferrin-positive vesicles was not altered but both agents significantly decreased the rate at which beta(2)ARs recycled to the cell surface. In LB-treated cells, nonrecycled beta(2)ARs were localized to early embryonic antigen 1-positive endosomes and also accumulated in the recycling endosome (RE), but only a small fraction of receptors localized to LAMP-positive late endosomes and lysosomes. Treatment with LB also markedly enhanced the inhibitory effect of rab11 overexpression on receptor recycling. Dissociating receptors from actin by expression of the myosin Vb tail fragment resulted in missorting of beta(2)ARs to the RE, while the expression of various CART fragments or the depletion of actinin-4 had no detectable effect on beta(2)AR sorting. These results indicate that the actin cytoskeleton is required for the efficient recycling of beta(2)ARs, a process that likely is dependent on myosin Vb.
Healing of polymer interfaces: Interfacial dynamics, entanglements, and strength

Self-healing of polymer films often takes place as the molecules diffuse across a damaged region, above their melting temperature. Using molecular dynamics simulations we probe the healing of polymer films and compare the results with those obtained for thermal welding of homopolymer slabs. These two processes differ from each other in their interfacial structure since damage leads to increased polydispersity and more short chains. A polymer sample was cut into two separate films that were then held together in the melt state. The recovery of the damaged film was followed as time elapsed and polymer molecules diffused across the interface. The mass uptake and formation of entanglements, as obtained from primitive path analysis, are extracted and correlated with the interfacial strength obtained from shear simulations. We find that the diffusion across the interface is significantly faster in the damaged film compared to welding because of the presence of short chains. Though interfacial entanglements increase more rapidly for the damaged films, a large fraction of these entanglements are near chain ends. As a result, the interfacial strength of the healing film increases more slowly than for welding. For both healing and welding, the interfacial strength saturates as the bulk entanglement density is recovered across the interface. However, the saturation strength of the damaged film is below the bulk strength for the polymer sample. At saturation, cut chains remain near the healing interface. They are less entangled and as a result they mechanically weaken the interface. Chain stiffness increases the density of entanglements, which increases the strength of the interface. Our results show that a few entanglements across the interface are sufficient to resist interfacial chain pullout and enhance the mechanical strength.
Detachment of Particles from Surfaces: An AFM Study

Abstract We have measured interactions between hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces in an aqueous medium at various pH and ionic strengths as well as in some organic solvents using atomic force microscopy and analyzed them in terms of particle adhesion and detachment from surfaces. In hydrophilic systems the forces observed were found to be well described by DLVO theory at large separation distances. Very long range hydrophobic forces were not observed in hydrophilic–hydrophobic systems. Nevertheless, the jump into contact was found to occur at distances greater that those predicted by just van der Waals attraction. The interaction between two hydrophobic surfaces was dominated by the long-range attraction due to hydrophobic forces. This interaction was found to be sensitive to the type of substrate as well as to the pH and electrolyte concentration. Measured pull-off forces showed poor reproducibility. However, average values showed clear trends and were used to estimate interfacial energies or work of adhesion for all systems studied by means of the Derjaguin approximation. These values were compared to those calculated by the surface tension component theory using the acid–base approach. Good qualitative agreement was obtained, giving support for the usefulness of this approach in estimating interfacial energies between surfaces in liquid media. A comparison of the measured adhesion force with hydrodynamic detachment experiments showed good qualitative agreement.
Interactions of ethanol with benzodiazepine receptor ligands in tests of exploration, locomotion and anxiety.

Abstract The ability of benzodiazepine receptor ligands to modify the behavioral effects of ethanol in tests of exploration, locomotion and anxiety are reviewed. Drugs with inverse agonist activity appear capable of consistently antagonizing the reductions in exploration and anxiety caused by ethanol. In contrast, the locomotor stimulant action of ethanol has appeared relatively insensitive agonists, suggesting that this effect may not be mediated primarily by an action of ethanol at the benzodiazepine/GABA receptor complex.
Nucleon Exchange in Deuteron Stripping Reactions

In the normal theory of stripping reactions it is assumed that the outgoing nucleon comes from the incident deuteron. It is well known that this is not strictly justified (although it may be a good approximation in many cases) because of the need in principle to antisymmetrize the total wave function. This paper discusses the process of stripping with nucleon exchange that appears when the antisymmetry is taken into account. With the help of simplifying assumptions, expressions are obtained for the exchange amplitude in a direct transition between initial and final states of the system. The relation of this treatment to a theory involving compound nucleus formation is discussed. (auth)
A simple approach to modeling radiation interception by fruit-tree orchards

Abstract The formulation and evaluation of a model of radiation interception by fruit-tree orchards is presented. The model computes radiation interception based on the proportion of the orchard floor that is shaded by the trees at any given time, calculated from geometric relationships of the length of the shadow cast by the trees and the orchard configuration. Inputs include tree dimensions, orchard configuration, daily global solar radiation and a correction factor that accounts for within canopy gaps. Evaluation of the internal consistency of the model and a sensitivity analysis were carried out. Then, a test of the performance of the model was done, comparing simulated values of fractional PAR interception with field measurements from a range of orchard conditions (species, orchard design, tree dimensions, and location), including orchards on steep terrain. Despite simplifications made to reduce input data requirements as well as the inherent variability among the orchards, the model simulated reasonably well the fractional interception of radiation on an hourly time step (mean absolute error, MAE = 10.08%; Willmott index of agreement, D = 0.94). When evaluated on a daily basis, the performance of the model improved considerably (MAE = 4.47%; D = 0.98). In both time scales, the model performed similarly for the different orchard conditions considered. The model can be used to estimate both PAR and global solar radiation interception, including different types of orchard configuration such as hedgerow, overhead trained, or isolated trees planted in rectangular patterns.
Model studies on Na wash-out kinetics in frog skin epidermis.

Abstract Employing a multicompartment frog skin epidermis model, a computer analysis of the wash-out process of Na∗ is presented. After loading the system from the outside to steady state level, wash-out is followed under the conditions that Na∗ could escape (a) to the outside (epidermal side) (b) to the inside (corium side) only, or (c) to both the outside and the inside. Controls were compared with studies simulating the effect of ouabain poisoning of the epidermis. In most cases two or three exponential terms were needed to fit the computer data on rate of appearance of Na∗ in the wash-out fluid, or on the decrease of Na∗ in the compartments. Comparing data in the literature on the behavior of stripped epidermis with the model data, it is found that the th values bear resemblance.
Beliefs and Behaviors Regarding Substance Use and HIV Risk among Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) in a Mid-Sized U.S. Community

This paper explores the beliefs and behaviors surrounding substance use and HIV risk among a convenience sample of 98 men who have sex with men (MSM) in a mid-sized community located in the central United States. Several interesting patterns were identified in the descriptive analyses. Multivariate analysis identified two variables—belief that recreational drug use made sexual experiences better and reports that most MSM friends drank alcohol or took recreational drugs—that were significant predictors of engagement in substance using behavior. Models accounted for 24% of the variance in drinking behavior and 15% of the variance in drug using behavior. Suggestions for HIV/AIDS prevention and intervention and implications for future research are given.
Pediatric HIV: Current recommendations for diagnosis and treatment

In the scope of human disease, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a relatively novel discovery, first recognized in 1981. The main affects of the virus on the human body are through destruction and dysregulation of the immune system. Although great advances have been made in treatment of HIV infections, there is still no cure. Our understanding of the disease continues to evolve with ongoing research in the field. This article reviews our current knowledge and recommendations regarding the pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of HIV in the pediatric population.
The Influence of Grain Boundary Structure on Strain-Induced Grain Growth During Superplastic Deformation

A model is presented to explain the grain growth that is often observed during superplastic deformation. The atomic structure of grain boundaries leads to a coupling between boundary sliding and boundary migration. There is a similar coupling between the absorption or emission of vacancies from a boundary and boundary migration. Because of these couplings, the grain boundary sliding and diffusional flow of superplastic deformation produce extensive boundary migration. We propose that this forced migration leads to random changes in the sizes of grains, and that this evolution of the grain size distribution leads to grain growth.
The Mutual Shaping of Technology and Society in Videotex Newspapers: Beyond the Diffusion and Social Shaping Perspectives

This article argues that a mutual shaping lens enables a more encompassing account of the joint processes of technological and social change in new media than the diffusion of innovations and social shaping of technology perspectives. Drawing from recent work in sociology and history of technology, organization studies, social informatics, and computer-supported cooperative work, this article suggests that the shaping and diffusion of media artifacts are so intimately tied that they should be seen as the two sides of the same innovation coin. Using examples from the history of videotex newspapers in the United States, the analysis shows that actors simultaneously pursued interdependent technological and social transformations, that this was an ongoing process in which partial outcomes in the technological domain influenced social events at a later phase—and vice versa—and that such process was influenced by historical developments.
Attributes Associated with Patient Perceived Outcome in an Academic Chronic Pain Clinic

Objectives Patient satisfaction is tied to outcome, but there is scant literature on the relationship of patient perceived outcome and attributes of the pain clinic visit, including the patient interaction with the pain management specialist. The primary purpose of this study is to identify attributes of the patient–provider interaction most strongly associated with patient perceived outcome of their clinic visit. The secondary aim is to correlate patient perceived outcome with patient self-rated overall health. Methods A patient satisfaction survey conducted via phone approximately 3 weeks after the patient's pain clinic visit. Results The response rate was 60.2%; 987 patient surveys collected between 2006 and 2010 were used in the analysis. Four factors were significantly associated with the outcome: (1) Explanations by the physician of the patient's condition and treatment, (2) clear instructions regarding post-appointment activities, (3) knowing the patient as a person, and (4) the patient's self-rated health. In terms of the secondary objective, those who answered very good/excellent regarding their self-rated health had an 87% increased odds of better (very good/excellent) outcome of their pain clinic visit (or 1.87 times the odds of better outcome) compared with those who answered poor/fair/good. Conclusions Our results suggest that pain physicians may positively impact patient perceived outcomes of clinic visits by explaining the patient's condition and treatment, providing instructions, and taking the time to understand the patient and their values.
Photoionization electronic spectroscopy of AlOH

Abstract An electronic spectrum is observed for AlOH formed in a laser vaporization pulsed molecular beam source. The spectrum is detected near 250 nm by resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy. Two electronic states are observed, spaced by only 1674 cm −1 . Vibrational progressions are observed in both states corresponding to the excited state AlOH stretching mode (ω′ e = 825 cm −1 ) and the AlOH bending mode (ω′ e = 654 cm −1 ). The spectrum is consistent with a quasi-linear ground state and a more strongly bent excited state, as predicted by theory.
Future Experiments in Astrophysics

The measurement methodologies of astrophysics experiments reflect the enormous variation of the astrophysical radiation itself. The diverse nature of the astrophysical radiation, e.g. cosmic rays, electromagnetic radiation, and neutrinos, is further complicated by the enormous span in energy, from the 1.95 Kappa relic neutrino background to cosmic rays with energy greater than 10(exp 20)eV. The measurement of gravity waves and search for dark matter constituents are also of astrophysical interest. Thus, the experimental techniques employed to determine the energy of the incident particles are strongly dependent upon the specific particles and energy range to be measured. This paper summarizes some of the calorimetric methodologies and measurements planned by future astrophysics experiments. A focus will be placed on the measurement of higher energy astrophysical radiation. Specifically, future cosmic ray, gamma ray, and neutrino experiments will be discussed.
A comparison of fractal dimension estimators based on multiple surface generation algorithms

Fractal geometry has been actively researched in a variety of disciplines. The essential concept of fractal analysis is fractal dimension. It is easy to compute the fractal dimension of truly self-similar objects. Difficulties arise, however, when we try to compute the fractal dimension of surfaces that are not strictly self-similar. A number of fractal surface dimension estimators have been developed. However, different estimators lead to different results. In this paper, we compared five fractal surface dimension estimators (triangular prism, isarithm, variogram, probability, and variation) using surfaces generated from three surface generation algorithms (shear displacement, Fourier filtering, and midpoint displacement). We found that in terms of the standard deviations and the root mean square errors, the triangular prism and isarithm estimators perform the best among the five methods studied.