cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strategic Hydrogen Refueling Station Locations with Scheduling and Routing Considerations of Individual Vehicles

A hydrogen refueling station siting model that considers scheduling and routing decisions of individual vehicles is presented. By coupling a location strategy of the set covering problem SCP and a routing and scheduling strategy of the household activity pattern problem, this problem falls into the category of location routing problems. It introduces a tour-based approach to refueling station siting, with tour-construction capability within the model. There are multiple decision makers in this problem: the public sector as the service provider and the collection of individual households that make their own routing decisions to perform a given set of out-of-home activities together with a visit to a refueling location. A solution method that does not require the full information of the coverage matrix is developed to reduce the computational burden. Compared to the point-based SCP the results indicate that the minimum infrastructure requirement may be overestimated when vehicle refueling demand-infrastructure refueling supply interactions with daily out-of-home activities are excluded.
Hand preferences in captive gorillas, orang-utans and gibbons

Hand preference was assessed in 12 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla), 13 orang-utans (Pongo pygmaeus abelii), and 9 gibbons (Hylobates lar) by using a floor retrieval task and a mesh retrieval task. Hand preference was also assessed in 8 gorillas and 8 orang-utans by using a task involving the unfastening of a hasp. A bipedal requirement during testing (mesh retrieval task) facilitated detection of hand preferences. A significant left-hand preference was found for the gibbons with 6 of 6 gibbons preferring their left hand on the mesh retrieval task. Similarly, a significant right-hand preference was found for the gorillas with 10 of 12 gorillas preferring their right hand on the mesh retrieval task. The data for the orang-utan suggest a bimodal distribution on all tasks. Since the gibbon and gorilla in the wild engage in bipedal locomotion more frequently than the orangutan, one possible interpretation for these results correlates the degree of bipedal behavior of a species in its natural environment with its readiness to exhibit a unilateral population-level hand preference.
Calculation of the thermodynamic properties and relative stabilities of aqueous acetic and chloroacetic acids, acetate and chloroacetates, and acetyl and chloroacetyl chlorides at high and low temperatures and pressures

Abstract The standard partial molal thermodynamic properties of aqueous CH 2 ClOOH, CHCl 2 COOH, CCl 3 COOH, CH 2 ClCOO − , CHCl 2 COO − , CCl 3 COO − , CH 3 COCl, CH 2 ClCOCl, CHCl 2 COCl, and CCl 3 COCl at high temperatures and pressures can be calculated from the relatively few experimental data available in the literature for these species at 25°C and 1 bar by taking advantage of the systematics of group additivity contributions to their thermodynamic properties. These systematics are consistent with the law of corresponding states and a linear dependence of the standard partial molal properties of chloroacetic acids, chloroacetates, and chloroacetyl chlorides on the number of moles of Cl in the methyl group per mole of the species (N Cl ). Equations of state parameters for the revised HKF equations of state were estimated from correlation algorithms. These parameters were then used to compute the relative stabilities of the species for N Cl = 0, 1, 2, and 3 at temperatures and pressures to 300°C and 1 kb. the calculations indicate that aqueous chloroacetic acids, chloroacetates, and chloroacetyl chlorides may be present in substantial concentrations in surface and near-surface waters where the fugacity of O 2 is relatively high. However, at deeper depths where the fugacity of O 2 is low, all of these species should react to form hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, and acetate. The latter species should then predominate by many orders of magnitude over their chlorinated counterparts. By analogy, similar behavior would be expected for other halogenated organic species, including aqueous chlorofluorocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls, which should break down at depth to hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, and methane, and hydrochloric acid and phenyl benzene, respectively.
The Impact of Childhood Cancer on Adult Survivors' Interpersonal Relationships

A mixed-method design examined the impact of surviving childhood cancer on later adult relationships with peers and siblings. One hundred and eleven adult survivors of childhood cancer (ages 18-45) completed a survey. Age at diagnosis was significantly related to adult relationships with peers. The number of physical changes due to chemotherapy was significantly related to adult relationships with siblings. Factors perceived to be most influential for overall health in adulthood included lifestyle factors, fertility issues, employment discrimination, and passing the disease onto children. Intimate relationships are sometimes difficult due to fear of relapse. Self-consciousness about scars was an issue, especially for those who were diagnosed at a later age. Suggestions for counselling children and adolescents are discussed.
Intranasal Immunization with Inactivated Influenza Virus Enhances Immune Responses to Coadministered Simian-Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Like Particle Antigens

Intranasal immunization with inactivated influenza virus vaccine can provide protective immunity, whereas many other antigens are less effective when used for mucosal immunization. To determine whether influenza virus could enhance immune responses to an antigen coadministered to a mucosal surface, we studied the intranasal immunization of mice with a mixture of simian-human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) virus-like particles (VLPs) and inactivated influenza virus. Compared to mice immunized with SHIV VLPs alone, mice coimmunized with SHIV VLPs and inactivated influenza virus showed significant increases in serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and mucosal IgA antibodies specific to the human immunodeficiency virus envelope protein, neutralizing activities, numbers of gamma interferon- and interleukin 4-secreting lymphocytes, and cytotoxic-T-lymphocyte activities. The levels of enhancement of immune response by coimmunization with inactivated influenza virus were equivalent to those induced by inclusion of immunostimulatory CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG DNA). We also observed that SHIV VLPs bind to influenza virus virions, forming mixed aggregates. These results indicate that inactivated influenza virus can play a role as a mucosal adjuvant to coadministered antigens.
Huron Moose Hair Embroidery

As pointed out by Dr Boas, forms of this hair technique are found ranging from Siberia to the lower St Lawrence in Canada with remarkable continuity, among the Koryak,1 the Chukchee,2 the Eskimo of Alaska,3 the Indians of the Mackenzie area,4 those of the Great Lakes, both Iroquois' and Algonkians, and those of the St Lawrence valley6 and New England.' No general or comparative studies in this form of art seem as yet to have been made; nothing
Thresholds and breakpoints in ecosystems with a multiplicity of stable states

Theory and observation indicate that natural multi-species assemblies of plants and animals are likely to possess several different equilibrium points. This review discusses how alternate stable states can arise in simple 1- and 2-species systems, and applies these ideas to grazing systems, to insect pests, and to some human host–parasite systems.
On the contradiction of bang-bang-bang surfaces in differential games

The recently reported phenomenon ofbang-bang-bang surfaces (BBBS) appears to contradict the known theory of differential games. This paper indicates what seems to be the mathematical basis for removing this contradiction, as it applies to the example used by Isaacs to introduce the notion of BBBS. Also, a novel example of multiple candidates for solutions to a differential game is presented.
Almonds vs complex carbohydrates in a weight reduction program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of an almond-enriched (high monounsaturated fat, MUFA) or complex carbohydrate-enriched (high carbohydrate) formula-based low-calorie diet (LCD) on anthropometric, body composition and metabolic parameters in a weight reduction program. DESIGN: A randomized, prospective 24-week trial in a free-living population evaluating two distinct macronutrient interventions on obesity and metabolic syndrome-related parameters during weight reduction. SUBJECTS: In total, 65 overweight and obese adults (age: 27–79 y, body mass index (BMI): 27–55 kg/m2). INTERVENTION: A formula-based LCD enriched with 84 g/day of almonds (almond-LCD; 39% total fat, 25% MUFA and 32% carbohydrate as percent of dietary energy) or self-selected complex carbohydrates (CHO-LCD; 18% total fat, 5% MUFA and 53% carbohydrate as percent of dietary energy) featuring equivalent calories and protein. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Various anthropometric, body composition and metabolic parameters at baseline, during and after 24 weeks of dietary intervention. RESULTS: LCD supplementation with almonds, in contrast to complex carbohydrates, was associated with greater reductions in weight/BMI (−18 vs −11%), waist circumference (WC) (−14 vs −9%), fat mass (FM) (−30 vs −20%), total body water (−8 vs −1%) and systolic blood pressure (−11 vs 0%), P=0.0001–0.05. A 62% greater reduction in weight/BMI, 50% greater reduction in WC and 56% greater reduction in FM were observed in the almond-LCD as compared to the CHO-LCD intervention. Ketone levels increased only in the almond-LCD group (+260 vs 0%, P<0.02). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased in the CHO-LCD group and decreased in the almond-LCD group (+15 vs −6%, P=0.05). Glucose, insulin, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and LDL-C to HDL-C ratio decreased significantly to a similar extent in both dietary interventions. Homeostasis model analysis of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) decreased in both study groups over time (almond-LCD: −66% and CHO-LCD: −35%, P<0.0001). Among subjects with type 1 diabetes, diabetes medication reductions were sustained or further reduced in a greater proportion of almond-LCD as compared to CHO-LCD subjects (96 vs 50%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that an almond-enriched LCD improves a preponderance of the abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome. Both dietary interventions were effective in decreasing body weight beyond the weight loss observed during long-term pharmacological interventions; however, the almond-LCD group experienced a sustained and greater weight reduction for the duration of the 24-week intervention. Almond supplementation of a formula-based LCD is a novel alternative to self-selected complex carbohydrates and has a potential role in reducing the public health implications of obesity.
Dynacortin, a Genetic Link between Equatorial Contractility and Global Shape Control Discovered by Library Complementation of a Dictyostelium discoideum Cytokinesis Mutant

We have developed a system for performing interaction genetics in Dictyostelium discoideum that uses a cDNA library complementation/multicopy suppression strategy. Chemically mutagenized cells were screened for cytokinesis-deficient mutants and one mutant was subjected to library complementation. Isolates of four different genes were recovered as modifiers of this strain's cytokinesis defect. These include the cleavage furrow protein cortexillin I, a novel protein we named dynacortin, an ezrin-radixin-moesin-family protein, and coronin. The cortexillin I locus and transcript were found to be disrupted in the strain, identifying it as the affected gene. Dynacortin is localized partly to the cell cortex and becomes enriched in protrusive regions, a localization pattern that is similar to coronin and partly dependent on RacE. During cytokinesis, dynacortin is found in the cortex and is somewhat enriched at the poles. Furthermore, it appears to be reduced in the cleavage furrow. The genetic interactions and the cellular distributions of the proteins suggest a hypothesis for cytokinesis in which the contraction of the medial ring is a function of spatially restricted cortexillin I and myosin II and globally distributed dynacortin, coronin, and RacE.
Ambient Pollution and Blood Pressure in Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients

Background— Multiple studies have demonstrated a consistent association between ambient particulate air pollution and increased risk of hospital admissions and deaths for cardiovascular causes. We investigated the associations between fine particulate pollution (PM2.5) and blood pressure during 631 repeated visits for cardiac rehabilitation in 62 Boston residents with cardiovascular disease. Methods and Results— Blood pressure, cardiac risk factor, and exercise data were abstracted from records of rehabilitation visits between 1999 and 2001. We applied mixed-effect models, controlling for body mass index, age, gender, number of visits, hour of day, and weather variables. For an increase from the 10th to the 90th percentile in mean PM2.5 level during the 5 days before the visit (10.5 μg/m3), there was a 2.8-mm Hg (95% CI, 0.1 to 5.5) increase in resting systolic, a 2.7-mm Hg (95% CI, 1.2 to 4.3) increase in resting diastolic, and a 2.7-mm Hg (95% CI, 1.0 to 4.5) increase in resting mean arterial blood pres...
Generation of Induced Neuronal Cells by the Single Reprogramming Factor ASCL1

Direct conversion of nonneural cells to functional neurons holds great promise for neurological disease modeling and regenerative medicine. We previously reported rapid reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) into mature induced neuronal (iN) cells by forced expression of three transcription factors: ASCL1, MYT1L, and BRN2. Here, we show that ASCL1 alone is sufficient to generate functional iN cells from mouse and human fibroblasts and embryonic stem cells, indicating that ASCL1 is the key driver of iN cell reprogramming in different cell contexts and that the role of MYT1L and BRN2 is primarily to enhance the neuronal maturation process. ASCL1-induced single-factor neurons (1F-iN) expressed mature neuronal markers, exhibited typical passive and active intrinsic membrane properties, and formed functional pre- and postsynaptic structures. Surprisingly, ASCL1-induced iN cells were predominantly excitatory, demonstrating that ASCL1 is permissive but alone not deterministic for the inhibitory neuronal lineage.
A 5-year experience with influenza prevention and containment in a program of all-inclusive care for elderly adults.

Background Influenza causes mortality and morbidity in the frail elderly population. Influenza prevention and mitigation models need to be developed for this population. Methods An observational study at a Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) during years 1999-2004. Participants were frail elderly adults who meet the state Medicaid requirements for nursing home placement. Results Over 91% of participants have been immunized yearly since the beginning of the program. Employee immunization has increased yearly from 61% to 90%, and caregivers known to be immunized increased from 9% to 62% over the last 4-year period. During 2 influenza seasons, we placed all our participants on ramantidine prophylaxis within a 2-week period. Conclusions The incentives and flexibility offered by PACE have allowed our participants to enjoy much higher influenza immunization rates than experienced by other elderly adults while also prophylaxing employees and caregivers. Our systems have allowed us to prophylax all our participants within a short time during 2 influenza seasons. Nonetheless, many questions remain regarding the optimal way to decrease the burden of influenza in frail elderly adults. With adequate integration and supplementary financing, PACE programs throughout the United States could serve as laboratories to test candidate interventions.
Conversion of 92MeV/u 38Ca/37K projectile fragments into thermalized ion beams

Abstract The results of tests for stopping and extraction of energetic, 92 MeV/ u , short-lived 38Ca and 37K fragments of 0.5% and 0.1% full-width of momentum spread with the first version of the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) gas cell are reported. The projectile fragments were thermalized in 51 cm of helium at 1 bar and were transported by electric fields and gas flow into an expansion chamber through a supersonic nozzle, guided by an radio frequency quadrupole (RFQ) guide and collected on a metallic wire. The extraction efficiency was measured for different implantation rates, different electrical field distributions inside the gas cell, and different values of beam degrader thicknesses. The extraction measurements were compared with the experimental stopping efficiency and measurement of ionization induced in the helium gas. Mechanisms responsible for ion losses were identified and possible improvements of the gas cell performance were discussed.
Habitat expansion among polychaetous annelids repopulating a defaunated marine habitat

Repopulation of the polychaete fauna of a defaunated, marine, intertidal habitat was studied for 2 years.Monthly quantitative samples from 4 stations, from just below mean high water to approximately 10 m below mean low water, were analyzed for species composition, density and distributional relationships. Repopulation occurred most rapidly at the highest tide levels, with slower rates of colonization at lower tide levels. Two species, Apoprionospio pygmaea (Hartman) and Magelona pettiboneae Jones, were density dominants for all but the first month of study. These species partitioned the transect spatially, with M. pettiboneae concentrated at the higher tidal levels, and A. pygmaea concentrated at the lower levels. First-year density dominants, Eteone heteropoda Hartman, Gyptis vittata Webster and Benedict, Nereis succinea Frey and Leuckart, and Paraprionospio pinnata (Ehlers), acted opportunistically by arriving early, quickly increasing their populations, and expanding their habitat distributions.Second-year density dominants, Capitita ambiseta Hartman, Minuspio cirrifera (Wiren), and Travisia sp., arrived much later, took longer to significantly increase their densities, and did not show habitat expansion.
The relation between di-neutron cluster model and shell model configurations in 11Li

Abstract It is shown that the (0+2)ℏω shell model wave function for the 11Lig.s. has a dominant L=0 di-neutron cluster structure, so that the large neutron radius predicted in the two models has similar origins. However, a realistic description of the soft El resonance requires a cluster basis which includes coupling of the di-neutron to several excited states of the 9Li core, in which case the cluster predictions for the El strengths are considerably less enhanced.
Evaluating effects of deforestation, hunting, and El Niño events on a threatened lemur

Madagascar ranks as one of the world's top extinction hotspots because of its high endemism and high rate of habitat degradation. Global climate phenomena such as El Nino Southern Oscillations may have confounding impacts on the island's threatened biota but these effects are less well known. We performed a demographic study of Propithecus edwardsi, a lemur inhabiting the eastern rainforest of Madagascar, to evaluate the impact of deforestation, hunting, and El Nino on its population and to re-evaluate present endangerment categorization under the IUCN. Over 18 years of demographic data, including survival and fecundity rates were used to parameterize a stochastic population model structured with three stage classes (yearlings, juveniles, and adults). Results demonstrate that hunting and deforestation are the most significant threats to the population. Analysis of several plausible scenarios and combinations of threat revealed that a 50% population decline within three generations was very likely, supporting current IUCN classification. However, the analysis also suggested that changing global cycles may pose further threat. The average fecundity of lemurs was over 65% lower during El Nino years. While not as severe as deforestation or hunting, if El Nino events remain at the current high frequency there may be negative consequences for the population. We suggest that it is most critical for this species continued survival to create more protected areas, not only to thwart hunting and deforestation, but also to give this endangered lemur a better chance to recover from and adapt to altered climate cycles in the future.
An investigation of the possible presence of an aggregation pheromone in the milkweed bugs, Oncopeltus fasciatus and Lygaeus kalmii

. The presence of an aggregation pheromone was studied in two species of milkweed bugs. The nymphs, young adults and old adults of Oncopeltus fasciatus were tested for their aggregation in response to acetone extracts of themselves and each other. The O. fasciatus nymphs were also tested for their response to odour from live O. fasciatus nymphs, as well as to Lygaeus kalmii nymphal extract, and the response of L. kalmii nymphs towards O. fasciatus nymph extract was tested. It was found that there is an aggregation pheromone in the nymphs and young adults and that there may be an alarm pheromone in the old adult O. fasciatus. A preliminary chemical analysis performed on the aggregation pheromone revealed it probably to be a polar non-aromatic compound of high molecular weight.
Soil density, elasticity, and the soil-water characteristic curve inverted from field-based seismic P- and S-wave velocity in shallow nearly saturated layered soils

ABSTRACTSoil density, porosity, elastic moduli, and the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) are important properties for soil characterization. However, geotechnical and laboratory tests for soil properties are costly and limited to point sampling sites. Seismic surveys can provide laterally continuous, seismic soil property values that may complement geotechnical borehole tests with less cost. We have developed a workflow to invert for soil properties and the SWCC from seismic P- and S-wave velocity-versus-depth profiles interpreted from shallow ( 99%). The inversion is performed by using the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy to search automatically for optimal input soil property values by minimizing the misfit between field-based velocity profiles and predicted velocity profiles based on the Hertz-Mindlin and Biot-Gassmann theories. The results from seismic soil property inversion are validated by comparis...
Filamentous particle formation by human parainfluenza virus type 2.

Some paramyxoviruses form long filamentous virus particles: however, the determinants of filament formation and the role of such particles in virus transmission and pathogenicity are not clearly defined. By using conventional immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that human parainfluenza virus type 2 (HPIV2) forms filamentous particles ranging from 5 to 15 microm in length in virus-infected, polarized epithelial cells. The formation of filamentous particles was found to be virus type-specific and was not observed when the same cell types were infected with parainfluenza virus type 3 or Sendai virus, suggesting that different paramyxovirus genera exhibit distinct morphological properties. HPIV2 filamentous particle formation was found to be inhibited by cytochalasin D (CD) or jasplakinolide treatment in a dose-dependent manner. In the presence of 4 microg/ml CD or 1 microM jasplakinolide, the formation of filamentous particles was completely abolished, although similar haemagglutination and p.f.u. titres of virus were found to be released into the culture medium at 24 h post-infection. These observations indicate that host cell components, including the actin microfilament network, are important determinants of the morphology of parainfluenza viruses. The predominance of filamentous particles in polarized epithelial cells may reflect specific pathogenic roles of these particles in infection of human epithelial tissues.
The APOE ɛ4/ɛ4 genotype potentiates vascular fibrin(ogen) deposition in amyloid-laden vessels in the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients.

Evidence indicates a critical role for cerebrovascular dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology. We have shown that fibrin(ogen), the principal blood-clotting protein, is deposited in the AD neurovasculature and interacts with beta-amyloid (Ab), resulting in increased formation of blood clots. As apolipoprotein E (ApoE), a lipid-transporting protein with three human isoforms (E2, E3, and E4), also binds to Ab, we hypothesized that ApoE and fibrin(ogen) may have a combined effect on the vascular pathophysiology in AD. We assessed whether APOE genotype differentially influences vascular fibrin(ogen) deposition in postmortem brain tissue using immunohistochemistry. An increased deposition of fibrin(ogen) was observed in AD cases compared with non-demented controls, and there was a strong correlation between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) severity and fibrin(ogen) deposition. Moreover, brains from AD cases homozygous for APOE e4 showed increased deposition of fibrin(ogen), specifically in CAA- and oligomeric Ab-positive vessels compared with AD APOE e2 and e3 allele carriers, an effect that was not directly linked to CAA severity and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis. These data further support a role for fibrin(ogen) in AD pathophysiology and link the APOE e4/e4 genotype with increased thrombosis and/or impaired fibrinolysis in the human AD brain. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow & Metabolism (2013) 33, 1251–1258; doi:10.1038/jcbfm.2013.76; published online 8 May 2013
Noncoercive Problems in Nonlinear Elasticity with Stored Energies Having Fast Or Slow Growth: Orlicz-Sobolev Space Setting

This paper is concerned with a noncoercive unilateral problem in nonlinear elasticity with stored energy function having fast or slow growth. We prove an existence result for the associated minimization problem by using a recession approach in Orlicz—Sobolev space.
Characterization of Ion Implanted Silicon Annealed with a Graphite Radiation Source

A Varian IA-200 isothermal annealer has been used to anneal ion implantation damage and electrically activate dopants in As and B implanted silicon with minimal redistribution of the impurity. The anneal occurs in vacuum using infrared radiation from a resistively heated sheet of graphite. Good quality anneals of /sup 11/B implanted samples have been obtained with minimal boron diffusion. Arsenic implanted wafers have also be annealed with excellent results except for a substantial loss of As which occurs unless the wafer has an SiO/sub 2/ cap. The anneal quality of (100) wafers was independent of dose, however, the anneal quality of the (111) wafers improved with increasing As dose.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells Biology, Pathophysiology, Translational Findings, and Therapeutic Implications for Cardiac Disease

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a prototypical adult stem cell with capacity for self-renewal and differentiation with a broad tissue distribution. Initially described in bone marrow, MSCs have the capacity to differentiate into mesoderm- and nonmesoderm-derived tissues. The endogenous role for MSCs is maintenance of stem cell niches (classically the hematopoietic), and as such, MSCs participate in organ homeostasis, wound healing, and successful aging. From a therapeutic perspective, and facilitated by the ease of preparation and immunologic privilege, MSCs are emerging as an extremely promising therapeutic agent for tissue regeneration. Studies in animal models of myocardial infarction have demonstrated the ability of transplanted MSCs to engraft and differentiate into cardiomyocytes and vasculature cells, recruit endogenous cardiac stem cells, and secrete a wide array of paracrine factors. Together, these properties can be harnessed to both prevent and reverse remodeling in the ischemically injured ventricle. In proof-of-concept and phase I clinical trials, MSC therapy improved left ventricular function, induced reverse remodeling, and decreased scar size. This article reviews the current understanding of MSC biology, mechanism of action in cardiac repair, translational findings, and early clinical trial data of MSC therapy for cardiac disease.
THE USE OF PENICILLAMINE IN THE TREATMENT OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND SCLERODERMA

The use of penicillamine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and scheroderma is reviewed. Much of the worlds literature was collected including both open studies and control studies. Both types with over 1300 patients in the open trials and as one would expect, a smaller group in the control trials, showed about 64 percent of the patients having good results. Side effects range from one quarter to one third of the treated patients. This seems to show penicillamine as an effective drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis though with a multiplicity of side effects. Its use in the treatment of scleroderma is still uncertain. Because of the rarity of the disease the number of patients treated has been small and the data is conflicting.
The developmental neurotoxicity of fipronil: notochord degeneration and locomotor defects in zebrafish embryos and larvae.

Fipronil is a phenylpyrazole insecticide designed to selectively inhibit insect gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Although fipronil is often used in or near aquatic environments, few studies have assessed the effects of this neurotoxicant on aquatic vertebrates at sensitive life stages. We explored the toxicological effects of fipronil on embryos and larvae using the zebrafish (Danio rerio) experimental model system. Embryos exposed to fipronil at nominal concentrations at or above 0.7mM (333 mg/l) displayed notochord degeneration, shortening along the rostral-caudal body axis, and ineffective tail flips and uncoordinated muscle contractions along the body axis in response to touch. This phenotype closely resembles zebrafish locomotor mutants of the accordion class and is consistent with loss of reciprocal inhibitory neurotransmission by glycinergic commissural interneurons in the spinal cord. Consistent with the hypothesis that notochord degeneration may be due to abnormal mechanical stress from muscle tetany, the expression patterns of gene and protein markers specific to notochord development were unaffected by fipronil. Moreover, the degenerative effects of fipronil (1.1mM) were reversed by coexposure to the sodium channel blocker MS-222 (0.6mM). The notochord effects of fipronil were phenocopied by exposure to 70mM strychnine, a glycinergic receptor antagonist. In contrast, exposure to gabazine, a potent vertebrate GABAA antagonist, resulted in a hyperactive touch response but did not cause notochord degeneration. Although specifically developed to target insect GABA receptors with low vertebrate toxicity, our results suggest that fipronil impairs the development of spinal locomotor pathwaysinfishbyinhibitingastructurallyrelatedglycinereceptor
U/Th-dating living and young fossil corals from the central tropical Pacific

This study evaluates the accuracy of U/Th dates for young (6 a few thousand years old) reef corals, both living and fossil, and explores strategies for refining those dates. The high precision of the U/Th method ( 0 1^2%) for dating young corals is well-established. Earlier studies have demonstrated the method’s accuracy for select samples of known age. However, these studies have focused on typical samples that have extremely low 232 Th concentrations (tens of pg/ g). Here we study the dating systematics of young corals that have low but significant amounts of 232 Th (up to 1000 pg/g), indicating the presence of small fractions of non-radiogenic 230 Th (i.e. 230 Th not generated by in situ U decay). We report U/Th ages for living and subaerially exposed fossil corals from Palmyra Island, located in the central tropical Pacific, that range from 50 to 700 yr old. The Palmyra corals contain varying amounts of 232 Th and small fractions of associated non-radiogenic 230 Th. Uncertainty associated with the correction for non-radiogenic 230 Th can lead to significant errors in U/Th dates. We have characterized non-radiogenic 230 Th/ 232 Th values, ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr ,a s a means of minimizing this source of error. We calculate ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr values ranging from 0 to 2U10 35 for the Palmyra living corals by comparing measured U/Th dates to absolute dates for the living coral, whose chronology is well-established. For the fossil corals, we employ three different approaches to arrive at ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr estimates. First, we compare measured U/Th dates to absolute dates in samples from a young fossil coral that overlaps the living coral. Next, we use the firm relative dating constraints imposed by five overlapping fossil corals from the 14th^15th centuries to calculate ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr values. Finally, we attempt to anchor the 14th^15th century floating coral chronology to an absolute chronology by correlating the climate signals in the coral records to those in absolutely dated climate proxy records. All lines of evidence point to a range of ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr for fossil corals that overlaps the range determined for the living coral, suggesting that most of the thorium is primary or is added while the coral is still alive. Our work also demonstrates the utility of multiple ( 230 Th/ 232 Th)nr estimates. Most importantly, we demonstrate a method by which accurate ( 0 5 yr) U/Th-based chronologies can be obtained for young fossil corals with significant 232 Th concentrations.
Solicitor General Influence and Agenda Setting on the U.S. Supreme Court

Do Solicitors General (SGs) influence how justices vote? Years of scholarship suggests that the answer is yes but has largely failed to examine what influence means and just how much influence the SG wields. The authors examine SG influence during the Court’s agenda-setting stage. They find, first, that justices follow SG recommendations even when they are completely opposed to them and, second, that law exerts a strong independent influence. Justices are significantly less likely to follow SG recommendations that contravene important legal factors.
Formation of seep bubble plumes in the Coal Oil Point seep field

The fate of marine seep gases (transport to the atmosphere or dissolution, and either bacterial oxidation or diffusion to the atmosphere) is intimately connected with bubble and bubble-plume processes, which are strongly size-dependent. Based on measurements with a video bubble measurement system in the Coal Oil Point seep field in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, which recorded the bubble-emission size distribution (Φ) for a range of seep vents, three distinct plume types were identified, termed minor, major, and mixed. Minor plumes generally emitted bubbles with a lower emission flux, Q, and had narrow, peaked Φ that were well described by a Gaussian function. Major plumes showed broad Φ spanning very small to very large bubbles, and were well described by a power law function. Mixed plumes showed characteristics of both major and minor plume classes, i.e., they were described by a combination of Gaussian and power law functions, albeit poorly. To understand the underlying formation mechanism, laboratory bubble plumes were created from fixed capillary tubes, and by percolating air through sediment beds of four different grain sizes for a range of Q. Capillary tubes produced a Φ that was Gaussian for low Q. The peak radius of the Gaussian function describing Φ increased with capillary diameter. At high Q, they produced a broad distribution, which was primarily described by a power law. Sediment-bed bubble plumes were mixed plumes for low Q, and major plumes for high Q. For low-Q sediment-bed Φ, the peak radius decreased with increasing grain size. For high Q, sediment-bed Φ exhibited a decreased sensitivity to grain size, and Φ tended toward a power law, similar to that for major seep plumes.
BANDGAP ENGINEERING OF CARBON ALLOTROPES

Starting from the graphene layer, the bandgap engineering of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) is described by applying an appropriate boundary condition. Linear E-k relationship of graphene transforms to a parabolic one as momentum vector in the tube direction is reduced to dimensions smaller than inverse of the tube diameter of a CNT. Similar transition is noticeable for narrow width of a GNR. In this regime, effective mass and bandgap expressions are obtained. A CNT or GNR displays a distinctly 1D character suitable for applications in quantum transport.
Hypocalcemia in trauma patients receiving massive transfusion

Abstract Background Massive transfusion protocol (MTP) is increasingly used in civilian trauma resuscitation. Calcium is vital for coagulation, but hypocalcemia commonly occurs during massive transfusion due to citrate and serum calcium chelation. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of hypocalcemia and severe hypocalcemia in trauma patients who receive massive transfusion and to compare characteristics of patients with severe versus nonsevere hypocalcemia. Materials and methods This was a retrospective study of trauma patients who received massive transfusion between January 2009 and November 2013. The primary outcome was the incidence of hypocalcemia (ionized calcium [iCa] Results There were 156 patients included; 152 (97%) experienced hypocalcemia, and 111 (71%) had severe hypocalcemia. Patients were stratified into iCa ≥ 0.90 (n = 45) and iCa 1.12. Conclusions Hypocalcemia is common during MTP, and vigilant monitoring is warranted. Research is needed to effectively manage hypocalcemia during massive transfusion.
Colonic vasculopathy and perforation in the initial presentation of adult dermatomyositis in a patient with improving muscle weakness

A 63-year-old woman with diabetes presented with 8 weeks of proximal muscle weakness and change in bowel habits. Muscle biopsy confirmed myositis, and serological studies were consistent with dermatomyositis (DM), without evidence of overlapping connective tissue disease or malignancy. On day 12 of prednisone therapy and after receiving one dose of IVIG with improvement in muscle strength, the patient developed abdominal pain and was diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) perforation and peritonitis requiring emergent colectomy. The pathology revealed diffuse mucosal ulceration, prominent lymphoplasmacytic infiltration, venous occlusion and arterial hyperplasia. Although GI manifestations due to GI vasculopathy are rare in adult DM and are often a delayed complication, in this patient, it was one of the initial manifestations of this condition. In addition to being a fatal complication, clinicians should be aware of these complications, as immunosuppression used to control the muscular and cutaneous inflammation may not control the GI vasculopathy.
Supporting and Assessing Complex Biology Learning with Computer-Based Simulations and Representations

Biology learning is, by its very nature, complex. Living systems are composed of systems nested within systems, each of which has components that interact to produce the emergent behavior of that system and interact in the next larger system. Living system components can be as small as ions and can participate in systems as large as the biosphere of Earth. This chapter summarizes a body of research conducted on the use of computer-based simulations and representations for instruction and assessment in human body systems, genetics, and ecosystems. The strategic use of these representations for fostering and assessing model-based learning, reasoning, and inquiry are discussed, as are the tasks that students can perform with these representations and the evidence that can be gathered when students perform these tasks. This chapter also presents a theoretical framework that integrates model-based learning with evidence-centered design and describes how it is used to guide the design of simulation-based representations in assessment. This framework has the potential to transform the experiences and outcomes of biology learning by enabling learners to develop richly connected, useful, and extensible understandings of living systems.
Effects of Radiotransmitters and Fluorescent Powders on Activity of Wild House Mice (Mus musculus)

The effects of radiotransmitters and fluorescent powders on the exercise-wheel-running activity of wild house mice ( Mus musculus ) were measured. Numbers of wheel revolutions run by 160 house mice at 6, 24, and 96 h, were recorded after they were exposed to one of five treatments (control, collar-control, powder-control, radiocollar, and powder). Control groups exhibited equal activity at the three time intervals. Radiocollared mice and those covered with fluorescent powders exhibited reduced activity at 6 h; radiocollared mice exhibited a reduction in activity that persisted at least 96 h.
Abstract CN15-03: Targeting APC-deficient cells for apoptosis: a therapeutic approach for colorectal cancer prevention

CN15-03 Cancer prevention is generally perceived as long-term process and inevitably associated with adverse effects. Here we report the development of a procedure that specifically targets premalignant tumor cells for apoptosis, potentially making cancer prevention work like therapy. This procedure is based on our finding that deficiency in the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene and subsequent activation of β-catenin leads to repression of cFLIP expression through activation of c-Myc. Independently, retinoid (RA) upregulates tumor necrosis factor alpha-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors and suppresses decoy receptors. Combination of TRAIL and RA results in specific killing of APC-deficient cells without harming normal cells. We further show that co-treatment with TRAIL and RA in APC+/Min mice induces apoptosis specifically in intestinal polyps and strongly inhibits tumor growth. Since mutations in the APC tumor suppressor gene are frequently associated with early stages of colorectal cancer (CRC), these results provide a therapeutic approach for chemoprevention of CRC by targeting APC-deficient cells for apoptosis. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2008;1(7 Suppl):CN15-03.
Abstract 393: Low-dose gamma-irradiation inhibits IL-6 secretion from human lung fibroblasts to suppress bronchial epithelial cell transformation by cigarette smoke carcinogen

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL The relationship between low-dose (<100 mSv) ionizing radiation (LDR) and human cancer risk is controversial. While microenvironment consisting of stromal cells, cytokines and growth factors is modulated by carcinogens to favor carcinogenesis, how LDR impacts this oncogenic process is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the role and mechanism of low-dose ionizing radiation in modulating the response of human lung fibroblasts to carcinogen stimulation and the impacts of which on bronchial epithelial cell transformation. Using a human cytokine antibody array, we found that secretion of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, CXCL1 and CXCL5 from human lung fibroblasts was induced by cigarette smoke carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE), which was inhibited by a low dose of γ-ray irradiation. BPDE induced IL-6 secretion from lung fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner, which was suppressed when the NF-κB and ERK pathways were blocked. LDR effectively inhibited NF-κB but not ERK activated by BPDE, suggesting that NF-κB is the target for LDR in fibroblasts. In addition, conditioned media from BPDE-treated fibroblasts activated STAT3 in the immortalized human bronchial epithelial cell line Beas-2B, which was blocked with an IL-6 neutralizing antibody as well as by pretreating fibroblasts with LDR. Furthermore, IL-6 significantly enhanced BPDE-induced Beas-2B cell transformation in vitro. These results suggest that LDR inhibits cigarette smoke carcinogen-induced lung carcinogenesis through suppressing secretion of protumorigenic cytokines such as IL-6 from fibroblasts in the tumor-prone microenvironment. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 393. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-393
Preference for Discussion in Lecture-Format Courses among College Students

Brubacher (1) has drawn a conceptual linkage between the instructor's orientation toward pedagogy and choice of instructional format. The lecture format is designed for efficient transmission of information with a minimum amount of discussion and group interaction (Brubacher's didactic teaching). On the other hand, the seminar and smallgroup discussion-format emphasizes discourse, conversation, and mutual sharing of information (Brubacher's philetic teaching). Both Ebel ( 2 ) and McKeachie ( 3 ) support the value of group discussion and dialogue for achieving educational objectives. In practice, the lecture format frequently provides for discussion and group experiences to clarify issues, while seminar and discussion groups frequently have some degree of formal lecturing. The present study was based on the premise that choice of instructional format imposes constraints upon student-student and student-instructor communication patterns. The empirical questions were posed: ( a ) How much discussion do college students prefer in lecture-format classes? and ( b ) Is the choice of teaching format related more to the physical size of the class or to the orientation of the instructor? At the end of the Spring semester 1981, the Faculty-Course Evaluation Scale, Form J-20, which has 40 5-point rating scales, was administered to 8502 students enrolled in 365 lecrure classes at the University of Hawaii. Two items for obsewed and preferred format of instruction were scaled: practically all lecture ( I ) , mostly lecture with some group discussion (2 ) , equal amounts of lecture and discussion ( 3 ) , mostly discussion with some lecturing ( 4 ) , and practically all discussion ( 5 ) . The observed format item was related to class size and instructor's orientation ("the instructor actively encouraged discussion of issues among students"). After 15 wk. of instruction. the mean rating on the ob;erved format item was 1.99, or "mostly lecture with some group discussion." On the preferred format item, the mean rating was 2.43 or midway between "mostly lecture with some group discussion" (Scale Value 2.0) and "equal amounts of lecture and discussion" (Scale Value 3.0). t test for correlated means was 48.33 ( d f > 1000, P 1000, p < .001). For 8502 students, preferred format was significantly linked to discussion experiences in the course over a 15-wk. instructional period. Since class enrollment was positively skewed (Range 2 to 271; Ma = 30 students), information on class size was transformed to Loglo values ( 4 ) . Pearson r was computed between Loglo Size and the mean ratings for observed format ("all lecture vs all discussion") and instructor's orientation ("the instructor actively encouraged discussion of issues
Risks of Academic Underachievement in Epilepsy

The relation between neuropsychological functioning and academic achievement and the role of family environment, seizures, and psychosocial variables were examined in 173 children with chronic epilepsy, ages 8 to 15 years, at Purdue School of Science; Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis; and University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine, WI.