cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effects of an Herbicide and Antibiotic Mixture on Aquatic Primary Producers and Grazers

Widespread use of agrochemicals increases their likelihood of entering aquatic systems in mixture. Despite different modes of action, atrazine (herbicide) and tetracycline (antibiotic) adversely affect non-target photosynthetic organisms individually, but the effects of simultaneous exposure to both contaminants are untested. We created microcosms containing microalgae (Chlorella sp.), floating macrophytes (Lemna minor), and a zooplankton grazer (Daphnia magna). Microcosms were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine and tetracycline, alone and together, for 10 days. Atrazine decreased Chlorella sp. abundance, but not enough to reduce food availability to D. magna whose reproduction and mortality were unaffected. In contrast, tetracycline and atrazine appeared to have additive effects on L. minor abundance and growth inhibition. These additive adverse effects suggest increased potential for L. minor population decline over the long term, and potential for altered species interactions in aquatic systems receiving agricultural runoff.
The Roles of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Immunoglobulin A Nephropathy in Glomerular Disease.

Two autoimmune diseases that can negatively affect kidney function are systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Autoimmune diseases occur when autoantibodies attack intrinsic tissue and generate inflammation in multiple body tissues, sometimes targeting specific organs. There is no cure for either SLE or IgA nephropathy, but both disorders may be medically managed.
A Switched Estimation Strategy based on Kalman Filtering for Compensating Laser Tracker ADM Shift

Abstract Laser Trackers (LTs) are useful metrology tools for quickly acquiring accurate 3D position measurements of a target over long ranges (e.g., up to 100 m). These tools often employ an Absolute Distance Meter (ADM) which is known to have a temporal measurement shift arising from the internal thermal effect. The measured radial distance of a regular target can be compensated by subtracting from it the ADM shift. However, for many LTs currently in service the ADM shift cannot be acquired when an LT is in Operation. In this work, an estimate of the ADM shift is adopted for radial distance compensation when an LT is in Operation. A Switched Estimation (SE) algorithm is proposed to evaluate the validity of the estimate. The SE algorithm leverages the estimation uncertainty given by a Modified Kalman Filter (MKF) and confines the estimation uncertainty within a pair of predefined boundaries. When the estimation uncertainty reaches the upper bound, a regular Kalman Filter (KF) is adopted to calibrate the ADM shift estimate, during which the LT is directed to measure the ADM shift. Once the uncertainty reaches a lower bound, the LT is redirected to be back in Operation. Obviously high estimation accuracy, consequently high compensation accuracy, conflicts with high operation productivity. A tradeoff can be made by selecting an appropriate pair of boundaries. A numerical method is given for the selection of proper boundaries by creating a selection map. Experimental results show that with the proposed SE algorithm, the maximum variation of the radial distance measurement is reduced by more than 70% while the operation productivity is kept at 93.02 % .
Advanced Reproductive Techniques in Goats

The use of ultrasonography for pregnancy diagnosis and reproductive tract evaluation in the goat has become more common in the past decade. Pregnancy-specific hormone assays are commercially available for pregnancy determination in goats. Hormonal methods of synchronization of estrus for artificial insemination have been refined, but a number of factors still make pregnancy results variable. Caprine embryo transfer is widely used commercially. More advanced reproductive techniques such as in-vitro production of embryos and cloning have been accomplished in goats; success rates with these techniques will likely rapidly improve.
Livermore Risk Analysis Methodology: A Structured Decision Analytic Tool for Information Systems Risk Management

Computer and information systems have only recently emerged as subjects of attention for the performance of in-depth risk analyses. Grave episodes in the recent years have proven to the technical community and to the general public that very large losses can be sustained in both the financial and national security arenas as a result of the threats that can affect such systems.
Determination of the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane that blunts adrenergic responses and the effect of a constant rate infusion of ketamine in sheep.

Abstract Minimizing sympathetic stimulation under anesthesia prevents activation of the neuroendocrine stress response. The minimum alveolar concentration blunting adrenergic responses in 50% of the population when exposed to a noxious stimulus is defined as MAC-BAR. The purpose of this study was to determine the MAC-BAR of sevoflurane (MAC-BARsevo) in sheep and the MAC-BAR sparing effects of ketamine. Thirteen healthy Dorset-cross adult ewes, 4 ± 1 year old and weighing 74 ± 9 kg, were enrolled in a randomized blinded crossover study design. Ewes were anesthetized twice for MAC-BARsevo determination. After face mask induction with sevoflurane, sheep received intravenous ketamine at 1.5 mg/kg and a constant rate infusion of 1.5 mg/kg/h or an equivalent volume of saline (placebo). After 8 day washout, the other treatment was administered. A bracketing technique was used for MAC-BARsevo determination and values were collected in duplicate. The mechanical stimulus (sponge forceps) was applied at the coronary band for 1 min and blood was collected for ketamine plasma concentrations. The MAC-BARsevo values of each treatment were compared using a paired t-test. Mean MAC-BARsevo of the ketamine and placebo were 2.73 ± 0.23% and 2.77 ± 0.31%, respectively and no significant difference was found (p = .638). Average ketamine plasma concentrations was 1.54 ± 0.18 μg/mL maintained through the study. Ketamine at 1.5 mg/kg, followed by 1.5 mg/kg/h, did not decrease the MAC-BARsevo in sheep. Further studies to determine the effect of higher doses of ketamine on inhalational anesthetic agents and their potential adverse effects are warranted.
A Century of Votes for Women: American Elections since Suffrage

To celebrate the centennial of the enfranchisement of women in the United States, Christina Wolbrecht and J. Kevin Corder have given us all a birthday present, a sweeping history of women and men a...
FinFET LDMOS technology challenges and opportunities for digital TV and 6GHz WiFi PA applications

A comprehensive 12nm FinFET process-based LDMOS DC, RF, and extended reliability study is presented for the first time. To determine the optimal intrinsic device architecture, (i) an extended drain, (ii) dummy poly and (iii) STI LDMOS architectures were studied. The STI nLDMOS shows a higher breakdown (BV dss ), lower C gd , higher F max and MSG (maximum stable gain) with lower HCI degradation among these three options. Moreover, the 3.3V STI nLDMOS delivers 1.84x of I dsat compared to previous node 22nm planar nLDMOS for comparable BV dss values. On the other hand, driving higher current through narrow silicon fins brings HCI reliability challenges. In response, the 5V nLDMOS was optimized for robust higher on-state voltage handling and reliability, while the 3.3V nLDMOS was configured for enhanced analog and RF performance. The 3.3V nLDMOS demonstrate an excellent RF F t /F max of 37.7/81GHz, MSG of 17.3dB performance with a robust ΔI dsat /ΔI dlin <10/20% HCI EOL performance.
Bullying, Aggression, and Human Development

Children who are the victim of peer harassment are at increased risk for psychological maladjustment. Electronic forms of harassment via text messaging, the Internet, and social networking sites, often termed cyberbullying, have become increasingly common during the past several years. This essay presents current research that describes the predictors and outcomes of cyberbullying. Two features of electronic communication—permanence and anonymity—that present unique challenges when trying to understand and assess cyberbullying are discussed, and finally, recommendations are made for how to best examine how traditional forms of bullying and cyberbullying may be related to each other. Keywords: cyberbullying; bullying; aggression; electronic harassment; electronic communication
Metabolic diseases and mental retardation: I. The chick embryo as a model system in branched-chain ketoaciduria; the effect of α-ketoisocaproic acid

Abstract 1. 1. The specific activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase, as measured by 14CO2 production from [I -14C] pyruvate by whole chick homogenate, decreases as the development of the chick progresses. 2. 2. At a constant injection volume, increasing concentrations of α-ketoisocaproic acid are increasingly toxic to embryonic development. 3. 3. In whole embryo homogenates α-ketoisocaproic acid inhibits pyruvate decarboxylation at all ages tested; the inhibition decreases from day 3 to day 12, followed by a rapid increase approaching adult levels. 4. 4. The possible use of the developing chick embryo as a metabolic model for branchedchain ketoaciduria is discussed.
Increasing data TLB resilience to transient errors

This paper first demonstrates that a large fraction of data TLB entries are dead (i.e., not used again before being replaced) for many applications at any given time during execution. Based on this observation, it then proposes two alternate schemes that replicate actively accessed data TLB entries in these dead entries to increase the resilience of the TLB against transient errors.
Effect of Pretraining Criterion on Flight Simulator and Secondary Cognitive Task Performance1

Twenty-eight United States Air Force Academy cadets were trained in a GAT-1 flight simulator under one of four experimental groups. The groups were defined first by having heading information either provided by the normal heading indicator or by peripheral lights and second by their being trained on either a 5° or a 10° heading deviation criterion. All cadets were subjected to four levels of a secondary cognitive task plus a control condition. There were no significant differences for either the main effect of heading indicator type or criterion level of training. The main effect of cognitive task difficulty level was significant for most measures. In addition, the heading indicator type by training criterion level interaction produced significant differences. Each significant interaction accounted for an average of 19% of the total variance. The study seems to indicate that training criteria are important independent variables in complex psychomotor/cognitive flight simulator tasks. Language: en
A Recuperative Superfluid Stirling Refrigerator

A superfluid Stirling refrigerator has been built with a counterflow heat exchanger serving as a recuperative regenerator. It has achieved temperatures of 296 mK with a 4% 3He-4He mixture. Cooling power versus temperature and speed is presented for a 6.6% mixture.
Inference in fuzzy logic via generalized constraint propagation

The concept of a generalized constraint provides a basis for a significant generalization of inference processes in fuzzy logic. In this paper, generalized rules of inference for various values of r are formulated and illustrated by examples. The inference rules are interpreted as rules for generalized constraint propagation. Such rules provide a foundation for what might be called computing with words, or CW for short.
Long‐term conceptual retrieval by college biology majors following model‐based instruction

One of the goals of college-level introductory biology is to establish a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be built upon throughout a biology curriculum. In a reformed introductory biology course, we used iterative model construction as a pedagogical tool to promote students' understanding about conceptual connections, particularly those linking genetic variation to organismal fitness. In interviews conducted 2.5 years later, we examined students' retrieval of conceptual connections emphasized during the course. Students constructed a model similar to those practiced during the course, reviewed their models with the interviewer, and answered questions about how they retrieved this knowledge conceptual understanding. Student proficiency on this task was evaluated based on the quality of their modeling and responses to questions about their models. Three distinct groups emerged: students that had an inadequate cognitive structure for the biological concepts (absent), and students that had incomplete or complete cognitive structures. Students in the Complete group were better able to verbally link genetic variation to phenotypic variation and differential fitness and successfully used relationships stored in their cognitive structure to explain gaps present in their drawn model. Students in the Incomplete group had fragmented knowledge where some concepts were connected to each other, but not to the whole model. Students in the Absent group had extensive gaps in knowledge and were unable to connect their conceptual ideas. Students who were most proficient in the task differed in their ability to access and search within their cognitive structure and verify the quality of their conceptual relationships. This allowed the most proficient students to fill in knowledge gaps and transfer their conceptual understanding to new contexts. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach
The Origins of Institutional Crises in Latin America

Institutional instability and interbranch crises pose a fundamental challenge to democracies in Latin America and the developing world more generally. Combining a standard game theoretic model of crisis bargaining with a unique dataset on courts, executives, and legislatures for 18 Latin American countries between 1985 and 2008, the article develops a strategic account of how interbranch crises emerge and evolve. In addition to providing the first systematic picture of the frequency, type, and location of interbranch crises for the region, the article demonstrates that the decision to initiate an interbranch crisis is influenced by the allocation of institutional powers, public support for the targeted branch, and the expectations of success based on recent experiences. Building on these results, the article identifies several novel directions for future research on institutional instability.
Processing speed is correlated with cerebral health markers in the frontal lobes as quantified by neuroimaging

We explored relationships between decline in cognitive processing speed (CPS) and change in frontal lobe MRI/MRS-based indices of cerebral integrity in 38 healthy adults (age 57-90 years). CPS was assessed using a battery of four timed neuropsychological tests: Grooved Pegboard, Coding, Symbol Digit Modalities Test and Category Fluency (Fruits and Furniture). The neuropsychological tests were factor analyzed to extract two components of CPS: psychomotor (PM) and psychophysical (PP). MRI-based indices of cerebral integrity included three cortical measurements per hemisphere (GM thickness, intergyral and sulcal spans) and two subcortical indices (fractional anisotropy (FA), measured using track-based spatial statistics (TBSS), and the volume of hyperintense WM (HWM)). MRS indices included levels of choline-containing compounds (GPC+PC), phosphocreatine plus creatine (PCr+Cr), and N-acetylaspartate (NAA), measured bilaterally in the frontal WM bundles. A substantial fraction of the variance in the PM-CPS (58%) was attributed to atrophic changes in frontal WM, observed as increases in sulcal span, declines in FA values and reductions in concentrations of NAA and choline-containing compounds. A smaller proportion (20%) of variance in the PP-CPS could be explained by bilateral increases in frontal sulcal span and increases in HWM volumes.
Extension of the Banker's algorithm for resource allocation in a distributed operating system

Abstract The Banker's algorithm for resource allocation prevents deadlocks. Its straightforward extension to a distributed environment would require a centralized allocator that needs to know the state of all processes on all processors. An algorithm for resource allocation in a distributed environment without the high cost of centralized decisions is presented. This scheme imposes a hierarchy on the computers and applies a modified version of the Banker's algorithm at each level of the hierarchy.
On the role of shear stress in cardiogenesis.

The relative contribution of physical and chemical factors in organogenesis in general and in cardiogenesis in particular is an old and still unsolved question in developmental biology (Chang 1932, Anatomical Record, 51, 253–265). A recent Nature paper (Hove et al. 2003, Nature, 421, 172–177) strongly suggests (but does not prove) the important role of blood flow and associated shear stress in cushion tissue morphogenesis. However, another elegantly designed study (Bartman et al. 2004, Public Library of Science-Biology, 2, E129) raises questions as to the validity of the shear stress hypothesis and the role of physical factors in cardiogenesis. Although these studies advance our understanding of cardiac development, other possible explanations for the role of blood flow in cardiac organogenesis remain to be addressed.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and stroke

Abstract Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) have been associated with recurrent thromboembolic events, thrombocytopenia, and cardiac valvular disease. Although these antibodies were originally described as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other connective tissue diseases, it is now recognized that aPLs can develop in the absence of other autoimmune disorders. Cross-sectional and prospective studies have suggested that aPLs are an independent risk factor for stroke, particularly when cerebral ischemia develops in young persons or in the setting of SLE. We will examine the present state of research on aPLs as a risk factor for thrombotic and embolic stroke and cerebral venous thrombosis. We will also review the current state of management strategies for patients with the antiphospholipid antibodies and stroke.
Characterization of surface and bulk nitrates of γ-Al2O3–supported alkaline earth oxides using density functional theory

“Surface” and “bulk” nitrates formed on a series of alkaline earth oxides (AEOs), AE(NO3)2, were investigated using first-principles density functional theory calculations. The formation of these surface and bulk nitrates was modeled by the adsorption of NO2 + NO3 pairs on γ-Al2O3-supported monomeric AEOs (MgO, CaO, SrO, and BaO) and on the extended AEO(001) surfaces, respectively. The calculated vibrational frequencies of the surface and bulk nitrates based on our proposed models are in good agreement with experimental measurements of AEO/γ-Al2O3 materials after prolonged NO2 exposure. This indicates that experimentally observed “surface” nitrates are most likely formed with isolated two-dimensional (including monomeric) AEO clusters on the γ-Al2O3 substrate, while the “bulk” nitrates are formed on exposed (including (001)) surfaces (and likely in the bulk as well) of large three-dimensional AEO particles supported on the γ-Al2O3 substrate. Also in line with the experiments, our calculations show that the low and high frequency components of the vibrations for both surface and bulk nitrates are systematically red-shifted with the increasing basicity and cationic size of the AEOs. The adsorption strengths of NO2 + NO3 pairs are nearly the same for the series of alumina-supported monomeric AEOs, while the adsorption strengths of NO2 + NO3 pairs on the AEO surfaces increase in the order of MgO < CaO < SrO ∼ BaO. Compared to the NO2 + NO3 pair that only interacts with monomeric AEOs, the stability of NO2 + NO3 pairs which interact with both the monomeric AEO and the γ-Al2O3 substrate is enhanced by about 0.5 eV.
Suppression of crystallization during high velocity impact quenching of alumina droplets: Observations and characterization

Abstract Droplets of alumina were deposited and quenched onto various smooth substrates using the high-velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) thermal spray process. The microstructure of single splats was examined using optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), focused ion beam assisted scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the high impact velocity inherent in HVOF formed splats that were in intimate contact with the substrate, leading to a high solidification rate up to 1010 K/s. The solidified alumina splats exhibited a smooth surface devoid of “mud-crack” networks of surface micro-cracking, commonly observed in ceramic plasma sprayed systems. Microstructural examinations of the smooth areas of the splat revealed an amorphous microstructure as confirmed by selected area electron diffraction. In local areas of poor contact between the splat and substrate, a polycrystalline microstructure was discernible and a metastable γ-Al2O3 phase was detected. Second layer splats, that landed on top of a first layer splat and experienced slower cooling rate, were found to have surface cracking, and revealed principally a γ-Al2O3 nano-crystalline structure. The observation of amorphous alumina is explained by the suppression of a first order liquid-to-solid phase transformation, due to a high solidification rate that we estimate.
Adipocyte-selective Reduction of the Leptin Receptors Induced by Antisense RNA Leads to Increased Adiposity, Dyslipidemia, and Insulin Resistance

Although recent evidence suggests that leptin can directly regulate a wide spectrum of peripheral functions, including fat metabolism, genetic examples are still needed to illustrate the physiological significance of direct actions of leptin in a given peripheral tissue. To this end, we used a technical knock-out approach to reduce the expression of leptin receptors specifically in white adipose tissue. The evaluation of leptin receptor reduction in adipocytes was based on real time PCR analysis of the mRNA levels, Western blot analysis of the proteins, and biochemical analysis of leptin signaling capability. Despite a normal level of leptin receptors in the hypothalamus and normal food intake, mutant mice developed increased adiposity, decreased body temperature, hyperinsulinemia, hypertriglyceridemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, as well as elevated hepatic and skeletal muscle triglyceride levels. In addition, a variety of genes involved in regulating fat and glucose metabolism were dysregulated in white adipose tissue. These include tumor necrosis factor-α, adiponectin, leptin, fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1, glycerol kinase, and β3-adrenergic receptor. Furthermore, the mutant mice are significantly more sensitive to high fat feeding with regard to developing obesity and severe insulin resistance. Thus, we provide a genetic model demonstrating the physiological importance of a peripheral effect of leptin in vivo. Importantly, this suggests the possibility that leptin resistance at the adipocyte level might be a molecular link between obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Measurement of Resting and Stress-elevated Serum Cortisol in Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss in Experimental Net-pens

A commercially available heterogeneous, solid-phase tube enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) was modified and validated for the measurement of serum cortisol in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. The assay is accurate and precise. Resting and stress-elevated serum cortisol concentrations were measured in rainbow trout with a sensitivity of 1.5 ng/ml. Fish held in net-pens at a density of 0.4 kg/m3/cm had a resting cortisol level of 16.5 ± 3.8 ng/ml (mean ± SE). At 3 h postdisturbance, serum cortisol levels were not affected by the removal of fish from adjacent net-pens with dip nets or by the use of 200 mg/L tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) as an anesthetic for obtaining samples. However, an acute stress (60 s removal from water) elevated serum cortisol levels to 73.7 ± 9.4 ng/ml.
Social Support Coping Mediates the Relationship between Gender and Posttraumatic Growth

Females tend to report greater levels of posttraumatic growth following trauma than males. Little is known about why such an association exists. This study examined whether social support coping might mediate the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth. College students and community residing adults ( N = 221) recalled a stressful or traumatic event that they had recently experienced and responded to measures of posttraumatic growth and coping while keeping this event in mind. Gender was significantly associated with both social support coping and growth while social support coping was a partial mediator of the relationship between gender and posttraumatic growth.
Spontaneous opening of the acetylcholine receptor channel in developing muscle cells from normal and dystrophic mice.

Single-channel activity was recorded from cell-attached patches on skeletal muscle cells isolated from wild-type mice and from mice carrying the dy or mdx mutations. Spontaneous openings of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel (nAChR) were detected in virtually all recordings from either dy/dy or dy/ + myotubes, but only infrequently from wild-type or mdx myotubes. Spontaneous openings were also present in most recordings from undifferentiated myoblasts from all of the mouse strains studied. The biophysical properties of the spontaneous activity were similar to those of the embryonic form of the nAChR in the presence of acetylcholine (ACh). Examination of the single-channel currents evoked by low concentrations of ACh showed a reduced sensitivity to the agonist in the dystrophic dy and mdx myotubes, but not in wild type myotubes. The results suggest that alterations in nAChR function are associated with the pathogenesis of muscular dystir ophy in the dy mouse. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Transmission potential of smallpox in contemporary populations

Despite eradication, smallpox still presents a risk to public health whilst laboratory stocks of virus remain. One factor crucial to any assessment of this risk is R0, the average number of secondary cases infected by each primary case. However, recently applied estimates have varied too widely (R0 from 1.5 to >20) to be of practical use, and often appear to disregard contingent factors such as socio-economic conditions and herd immunity. Here we use epidemic modelling to show a more consistent derivation of R0. In isolated pre-twentieth century populations with negligible herd immunity, the numbers of cases initially rose exponentially, with an R0 between 3.5 and 6. Before outbreak controls were applied, smallpox also demonstrated similar levels of transmission in 30 sporadic outbreaks in twentieth century Europe, taking into account pre-existing vaccination levels (about 50%) and the role of hospitals in doubling early transmission. Should smallpox recur, such estimates of transmission potential (R0 from 3.5 to 6) predict a reasonably rapid epidemic rise before the implementation of public health interventions, because little residual herd immunity exists now that vaccination has ceased.
Serotonin concentrations in whole blood of hyperactive children

A low concentration of platelet serotonin has been demonstrated in 88 per cent of 25 children who have symptoms of hyperactivity without classical evidence of neurologic dysfunction. In 2 children, during residence in the research ward of the hospital, the serotonin concentration rose toward the normal range and the children's hyperactivity lessened. When the children returned to their homes, the serotonin returned to prehospitalization concentrations and hyperactivity increased again.
Behavioral effects in mummichog larvae (Fundulus heteroclitus) following embryonic exposure to methylmercury

Abstract Embryos of the mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus , were exposed to concentrations of methylmercury (meHg) below those that can cause morphological abnormalities. After hatching, larvae were kept in clean water and tested periodically for ability to capture prey ( Artemia salina ) or for their swimming performance and predator avoidance. Embryonic exposure to 10 μg/liter meHg resulted in reduced prey capture ability by early larvae, measured as total Artemia caught in 1 and 5 min. However, older larvae recovered from the behavioral deficits, perhaps owing to a compensation for early CNS insult. Fish from a chronically polluted environment (Piles Creek (PC), a tributary of the Arthur Kill), previously shown to have high tolerance to the teratogenic effects of higher concentrations of meHg, proved to be less susceptible to these behavioral effects than fish from a relatively uncontaminated site (EH). Also, the PC control larvae captured prey far more effectively than the EH larvae, although they made more miscues. When tested for swimming performance after embryonic exposure to 10 μg/liter, EH larvae had increased performance when compared to controls. This effect was also transitory. The improved swimming performance did not correspond to improved ability to avoid predation by grass shrimp ( Palaemonetes pugio ). The increased swimming performance may correspond to greater total activity, making them more likely to attract the predator's attention and resulting in increased capture. Thus, negative, though temporary, effects were observed in both prey capture and predator avoidance after embryonic exposure to meHg.
Induced “Shedding” of the Epidermal Langerhans's Cells

THE epidermis of the guinea-pig contains a constant number of Langerhans's cells1 (Fig. IA). These dendritic ceils differ from melanocytes both histochemically2 and ultrastructurally3, as well as in their responses to melanogenic stimuli4. There is strong evidence to indicate that they represent a unique and independent cell population, although the problem of their nature, function and origin is not as yet settled. Any experimental approach that selectively and reproducibly induces major changes in the Langerhans's cell population probably would supply some data on these unsolved problems.
A late presentation of an anomalous left coronary artery originating from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA): A case study and review of the literature

Abstract Background Anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA), also known as Bland–White–Garland syndrome, is a rare congenital condition which can manifest as various cardiac symptoms. Case report A 66-year-old woman who presented for pre-operative surgical risk assessment for hip surgery underwent a nuclear stress test which revealed a large reversible anterior defect. At coronary angiography she was found to have ALCAPA. Conclusions This is a rare case of ALCAPA due to the patient's age. Survival to adulthood is possible and patients may remain relatively asymptomatic for years. Learning objective: Discuss the common clinical manifestations of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA). Discuss the imaging findings of ALCAPA. Discuss the treatment options for ALCAPA.>
Nonrelativistic and relativistic descriptions of proton-nucleus scattering

Abstract Historically, work in medium energy nucleon-nucleus scattering physics started in the 1950s and has continued since. During the past ten years exciting new developments have occurred, and this work reviews these developments. Two distinct theoretical approaches for describing the medium energy scattering process are discussed. The first is nonrelativistic and is based on approximate solutions to the many-body Schrodinger equation. The second is relativistic and is based on covariant meson exchange theory and the Dirac equation. A pedagogical discussion of nonrelativistic multiple scattering formalisms is presented, followed by a description of the approximation schemes used in numerical applications of the theory. Recent theoretical developments in the nonrelativistic approach, including medium corrections to the effective projectile-target nucleon interaction, off-shell contributions, and full integration (“full-folding”) of the nucleon-nucleus optical potential are discussed in detail. The historical development of the relativistic scattering models for the nucleon-nucleus system is reviewed and each of the principal models developed during the past ten years is explained, starting with the original relativistic impulse approximation model. We show direct comparisons, some previously unpublished, between the predictions of the best available nonrelativistic and relativistic scattering models and the data. A number of specific proton-nucleus elastic scattering cases are considered, including p+ 16 O, 40 Ca and 208 Pb at incident proton laboratory energies of 200, 500 and 800 MeV. Both relativistic and nonrelativistic approaches provide surprisingly similar and fairly good overall descriptions of the data. Finally, possible areas of further theoretical work in this field are discussed.
Modeling the Effect of Vesicle Traps on Mass Transfer and Traffic Jam Formation in Fast Axonal Transport

This paper simulates effects of structural changes in the microtubule (MT) system on mass transfer in an axon. Understanding this process is important for understanding the underlying reasons for many neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. In particular, it is investigated how the degree of polar mismatching in an MT swirl affects organelle trap regions in the axon and inhibiting transport of organelles down the axon. The model is based on modified Smith-Simmons equations governing molecular-motor-assisted transport in neurons. It is established that the structure that develops as a result of a region with disoriented MTs (the MT swirl) consists of two organelle traps, the trap to the left of the swirl region accumulates plus-end oriented organelles and the trap to the right of this region accumulates minus-end oriented organelles. The presence of such a structure is shown to decrease the transport of organelles toward the synapse of the axon. Four cases with a different degree of polar mismatching in the swirl region are investigated; the results are compared with simulations for a healthy axon, in which case organelle traps are absent.© 2010 ASME
The effects of capillarity on electrical resistivity during boiling in metashale from scientific corehole SB-15-D, The Geysers, California, USA

Abstract Metashale cores from The Geysers Coring Project were tested under laboratory-simulated geothermal-reservoir conditions; their electrical resistivity — with and without pore-pressure control, with confining pressures up to 100 bar, and between 20 and 150°C — strongly suggests that boiling occurs gradually, rather than suddenly, as pore pressure is reduced. Gradual boiling is modeled as an effect of capillarity in the fine pores (submicron diameter) of the cores. Model results suggest that boiling in vapor-dominated systems is controlled by temperature and pressure and by pore-size distribution. These experimental results suggest that changes in reservoir conditions can be monitored by surface or borehole electrical-resistivity surveys.
Structural aspects of the coding problem.

Abstract At several instances the important question has been raised as to the manner in which the amino acyl transfer RNA interacts specifically with the codon by virtue of its amino acid component or by virtue of an anti-codon acting as an adaptor. Even though the former hypothesis might have more merit than the latter one, structural proposals in regard to the adaptor hypothesis are developed in this note: a model for stacking and base pairing of codon-anti-codon was built.
Going Deeper: Metagenome of a Hadopelagic Microbial Community

The paucity of sequence data from pelagic deep-ocean microbial assemblages has severely restricted molecular exploration of the largest biome on Earth. In this study, an analysis is presented of a large-scale 454-pyrosequencing metagenomic dataset from a hadopelagic environment from 6,000 m depth within the Puerto Rico Trench (PRT). A total of 145 Mbp of assembled sequence data was generated and compared to two pelagic deep ocean metagenomes and two representative surface seawater datasets from the Sargasso Sea. In a number of instances, all three deep metagenomes displayed similar trends, but were most magnified in the PRT, including enrichment in functions for two-component signal transduction mechanisms and transcriptional regulation. Overrepresented transporters in the PRT metagenome included outer membrane porins, diverse cation transporters, and di- and tri-carboxylate transporters that matched well with the prevailing catabolic processes such as butanoate, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. A surprisingly high abundance of sulfatases for the degradation of sulfated polysaccharides were also present in the PRT. The most dramatic adaptational feature of the PRT microbes appears to be heavy metal resistance, as reflected in the large numbers of transporters present for their removal. As a complement to the metagenome approach, single-cell genomic techniques were utilized to generate partial whole-genome sequence data from four uncultivated cells from members of the dominant phyla within the PRT, Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes. The single-cell sequence data provided genomic context for many of the highly abundant functional attributes identified from the PRT metagenome, as well as recruiting heavily the PRT metagenomic sequence data compared to 172 available reference marine genomes. Through these multifaceted sequence approaches, new insights have been provided into the unique functional attributes present in microbes residing in a deeper layer of the ocean far removed from the more productive sun-drenched zones above.
Self-care--new challenge to individual health.

We are beginning to recognize that further improvements in health care are best achieved through the development of the lay resource in health in contrast to the professional resource. Recent research has shown that the vast proportion of health care still remains in the hands of lay people, and that efforts aimed at improving this resource can have a powerful effect on health and the health care industry. It is important now that health professionals recognize a new public interest in demystifying medicine and deprofessionalizing health care. With this increased recognition we can begin the road back to establishing a health competent society, less dependent on unnecessary professional intrusion. We can also look forward to a broader-based perspective on health and health care, which may very well involve new concepts of health that are at variance with present professional views and practices. We can also expect to achieve a new level of equity in responsibility for the production of health car...
Implications of the mechanisms of action of tea polyphenols as antioxidants in vitro for chemoprevention in humans.

Considerable evidence points to the health benefits of the phytochemical constituents of fruit, vegetables, beverages, and grains in protection against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. T...
MIF-I suppresses deprivation-induced fluid consumption in rats.

Abstract Rats were injected IP with a 0.1 mg/kg dose of MIF-I, naloxone, dynorphin, [D-Phe 4 ]-Met-enkephalin, [D-Ala 2 , F 5 Phe 4 ]-Met-enkephalin-NH 2 , or the diluent vehicle, placed in their home cages for ten minutes, and then given ad lib access to either 20% sucrose, 10% sucrose, water, 0.01% quinine, or 0.02% quinine in a repeated measures design with solutions counter-balanced over five days. Fluid consumption was measured every hour for 4 hours. A mixed analysis of variance yielded significant results for all main effects and the peptides by fluid and hours by fluid interactions. For the 4-hr test period, naloxone and [D-Phe 4 ]-Met-enkephalin produced reliable increases in consumption while MIF-I produced a reliable decrease. Differences were obtained only with sucrose solutions, and the results clearly suggest that peptides modulate fluid consumption at positive levels of incentive motivation. To reconcile the findings of increased consumption after naloxone with the many studies suggesting a decrease in such paradigms, 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 mg/kg of naloxone and MIF-I were administered as before but to independent groups of rats and intake was measured every 30 min. These results replicate and extend the above findings by showing that during the first 30-min period, both naloxone and MIF-I suppressed intake in a dose-dependent fashion, with MIF-I being more effective at each dose. The 0.1 mg/kg naloxone group, however, increased consumption over time and achieved a total consumption greater than control animals but comparable to that observed in the first study. It appears that at very low doses naloxone increases consumption over time, but at more commonly tested higher doses it has a suppressant effect. The results support the concept that in many situations MIF-I can produce the same effects as naloxone.
The Resistivity and Hall Effect of Germanium at Low Temperatures

An experimental investigation of the Hall effect and the resistivity of germanium alloys at temperatures from room temperature down to the liquid helium temperature range is reported. Germanium samples with different kinds of impurity and different concentrations were used. At higher temperatures, satisfactory agreement between theory and experiment was found. The activation energy of the impurity states was found to be of the order of 10 millivolts. The scattering of the carriers in the conduction and filled bands consists mainly of lattice scattering and ionized impurity scattering. At low temperatures, however, anomalies in the Hall curves were observed. The Hall curve for every sample measured went through a maximum as the temperature was lowered. At the same time the resistivity approached a saturation value. The Hall curves of low resistivity samples finally became flat at very low temperatures. These anomalies are explained on the assumption of small but finite mobility of carriers in the impurity states. This conduction in the impurity states assumes importance at low temperatures when the concentration of carriers in the conduction band becomes very low. When this simultaneous conduction in the conduction band and the impurity band is considered, the behaviors in the Hall and the resistivity curves are satisfactorily explained. The mobility in the impurity band is found to increase with the impurity concentration, but is rather temperature-independent.
Infant mortality and diminished entelechy in three European countries

Individual-level research reports that adverse environmental conditions during infancy increase the risk of mortality later in life. Extending this model to populations implies what we call the "diminished entelechy" hypothesis in which birth cohorts subjected to virulent environmental insults early in life experience increased mortality at older ages and do not realize their otherwise expected lifespan. Controversy remains as to whether the individual-level findings generalize to populations. We test the "diminished entelechy" hypothesis by measuring the association between infant mortality and life expectancy at age one for males and females born in Sweden (1751-1912), Denmark (1835-1913), and England and Wales (1841-1912). Time-series methods control for trends and other forms of autocorrelation that could confound the associations. Results support diminished entelechy in Sweden and England and Wales, but not in Denmark, in that environmental insults during infancy appear associated with reduced cohort lifespan. We then explored when in the life course the sequelae of infancy appear most salient. We examined cohort associations between infant mortality and mortality during childhood (1-4 years), youth (5-19 years), adulthood (20-54 years), and old-age (55-79 years). We generally find that infant cohort effects appear to "program" the mortality experience in youth, but not in adulthood or old-age. These findings conflict with the notion that improved conditions during infancy shaped the historical decline of old-age mortality.
Equilibrium geometries of transition metal complexes. A comparison of approximate molecular orbital theory and experiment

Abstract Optimized metal—ligand bond distances have been obtained for fifteen transition metal complexes using PRDDO, an approximate molecular orbital method. Of the twenty-nine unique distances, only six are in error by more than 0.05 A, and the average error is ≈0.03 A.
Vapor-liquid equilibria in the nitrogen + carbon dioxide + propane system from 240 to 330 K at pressures to 15 MPa

Vapor−liquid equilibria were measured for the nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and propane ternary system and its constituent binaries over the temperature range 240 K to 330 K. The binary systems were measured at 240, 270, and 330 K, and the ternary system was studied at 240 K for 2.0 and 13.0 MPa, 270 K for 2.0, 6.0, and 13.0 MPa, and 330 K and 5 MPa. The Peng−Robinson equation of state was used to model the system.
Dynamics of a Closed-Loop Thermosyphon Incorporating Thermal Storage

The coupling between a natural-convection thermosyphon loop and a thermal storage device is analyzed numerically for a charging process in which energy is added to the system at a fixed rate. Since energy accumulates in the storage component, the driving buoyant force is continually altered and the behavior is inherently transient. The undesirable consequence is a less than uniform charge of the storage volume. Relevant dimensionless parameters are identified which enable improvement in the shape of the charge profile. The results indicate that a more uniform charge profile is obtained by targeting the frictional losses to a flow regime most strongly proportional to flow rate and by decreasing the relative vertical height over which heat input occurs.
Arctic Environmental Data Workshop

Under the auspices of the Arctic Research and Policy Act of 1984, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) cosponsored a 4-day workshop on the question of how to establish an Arctic environmental data system. The meeting was held in Boulder, Colo., March 21–24, 1988. Approximately 60 individuals from Canadian and U.S. governmental agencies and universities attended the workshop. The first part of the meeting was devoted to presentations describing various government and nongovernment Arctic data holdings and systems. This was followed by 2 days of intensive discussion in four subgroups devoted to the following topics: how to create an on-line and hard copy Arctic environmental data directory identification of next steps which interested organizations can and should take to create an Arctic data system technological problems and solutions associated with the development of a data system identification of key Arctic environmental parameters which should be montiored for the purpose of studying global and Arctic mesoscale change
Methyl green is a substitute for distamycin A in the formation of distamycin A/DAPI C-bands

The DA/DAPI technique has been found to be useful in the identification of specific chromosomal regions on human chromosomes. The realization that distamycin A (DA) is no longer commercially available has necessitated the development of an alternative technique. We describe a technique, MG/DAPI, which substitutes the AT-specific dye methyl green for distamycin A and gives results identical to those of the DA/DAPI technique.