cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scalable Production of Functionally-Encoded Nanowires for Applications in Photonics

We demonstrate how particle stabilized double emulsion droplets prepared by simple batch emulsification can be used to generate microreactors for the scalable production of functionally-encoded semiconductor nanowires for applications in large-scale photonics (e.g., large-area absorbers/emitters/detectors, tunable thermal radiation coatings).
Value of Urinary Free Light Chain Testing for Monitoring of Bence Jones Proteinuria.

To the Editor: Detection of monoclonal immunoglobulin proteins is performed by protein electrophoresis, with the identity of any bands in serum and urine characterized by immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE)1. In urine, evidence of abnormal production of monoclonal immunoglobulin is found as monoclonal κ and λ free light chains (FLC), also referred to as Bence Jones protein (BJP). Urine protein electrophoresis (uPEP) for quantification of BJP lacks analytical sensitivity and demonstrates variable assay performance across laboratories. Urine IFE (uIFE) is more sensitive for detection of BJP, but it is not accurate for quantification of monoclonal …
Prediction of minimum achievable NOx levels for fuel-staged combustors

Abstract While lean-premixed (LPM) combustors are used widely in combined cycle power plants, their NOx emissions rise drastically at the high firing temperatures required for increased combined cycle efficiencies, e.g., >60 ppm at 1975 K, the target for 65% thermal efficiency. The axially staged combustor architecture is a promising approach to increase temperature without a thermal NOx penalty. A chemical reactor network model in a design optimization framework is used to investigate the minimum theoretical NOx achievable by a high-pressure, staged combustor under CO emission constraints, as well as the corresponding optimum configuration, e.g., fuel splits and post-secondary injection residence times. Under ideal conditions, minimum NOx favors the most fuel-lean main burner that can autoignite the secondary stage, and the shortest secondary stage residence time that allows sufficient oxidation to achieve the CO constraint. Compared to the theoretical minimum emissions of standard LPM approaches, the staged combustor architecture is capable of achieving dramatically lower NOx levels, e.g., ∼1 ppm corrected to 15% excess oxygen at 1975 K, with greater relative NOx reductions as firing temperature increases. In fact, the minimum NOx levels are relatively insensitive to combustor firing temperature and overall residence time. As an added advantage, the main LPM burner can be optimized for a single operating condition. The results also demonstrate that the low NOx entitlement levels achievable for single-point designs are also valid for a fixed architecture, staged combustor required to operate over a range of firing temperatures.
Diversity in Seed Production Characteristics within the USDA-ARS Limnanthes alba Germplasm Collection

Meadowfoam (L. alba) seeds are a source of long-chain fatty acids which are stable under diverse conditions. The fatty-acid composition makes this seed oil valuable for use in cosmetics, lubricants, rubber additives, and plastics. While a few meadowfoam cultivars have been developed, high-yielding germplasm is required for further crop improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate potential seed production and associated morphological and phenological characteristics of 24 L. alba germplasm accessions maintained by the U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. The average seed yield varied from 39.3 to 221.3 g plot –1 and was signifi cantly different among years in this evaluation. The average number of seeds fl oret –1 under pollination by naturally occurring insects was similar to the number of seeds developed without presence of pollinators. The number of days from sowing to fi rst 10 and 50% bloom, as well as to the fi rst and last seed maturity, varied signifi cantly among years and accessions. Seed yield was positively correlated with 100-seed weight, the interval between fi rst 10 and 50% bloom, and longest seed-bearing stem. The number of seeds fl oret –1 was not signifi cantly correlated with seed yield. Signifi cant interaction between accessions and years was observed for number of seeds fl oret –1 developed without insect pollinators, the interval between fi rst 10 and 50% bloom, longest seed-bearing stem, number of days from sowing to fi rst and last harvest, and harvest spread. Some germplasm accessions evaluated in this study had a higher seed yield than yields reported in the literature and exhibited advantageous characteristics applicable in meadowfoam improvement.
Rare top decays as probes of flavorful Higgs bosons

We study a version of Two Higgs Doublet Models with non-standard flavor violation in the up quark sector. We find branching ratios for the rare top decays $t\to hc$ and $t\to hu$ that are within reach of current and future colliders, while other flavor constraints from rare $B$ decays and neutral $D$ meson mixing, as well as constraints from Higgs signal strength measurements remain under control. The most prominent collider signature of the considered setup is $pp \to t H \to tt \bar c$, providing continued motivation to search for same-sign tops at the LHC as well as a simple framework to interpret these searches. As a byproduct of our study, we provide updated SM predictions for the rare top decays BR$(t \to h c)_\text{SM} = (4.19^{+1.08}_{-0.80} \pm 0.16) \times 10^{-15}$ and BR$(t \to h u)_\text{SM} = (3.66^{+0.94}_{-0.70} \pm 0.67) \times 10^{-17}$ with the main uncertainties coming from higher order QCD and CKM matrix elements.
An Unusual Case of Left Sinus of Valsalva Rupture Into Right Atrium.

Abstract A 19-year-old college athlete presented with dyspnea and was found to have left sinus of Valsalva rupture into the right atrium on a transesophageal echocardiogram that was verified on coronary angiogram and computed tomography heart scan. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)
Complete Genome Sequence of Shelby, a Siphophage Infecting Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a commonly antibiotic-resistant human pathogen. This report describes the complete genome sequence and important features of Sin4, a siphophage infecting carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae By its genome size, predicted packaging mechanism, protein similarity, and classification given to its closest relatives, Sin4 was determined to be a T1-like phage.
Ebola and the narrative of mistrust

### Summary box > They who have put out the people’s eyes, reproach them of their blindness. > > –John Milton, Apology for Smectymnuus (1642)In March 2019, The Lancet Infectious Diseases published data from a population-based survey conducted by Vinck and colleagues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The study suggests that the inhabitants of eastern DRC actively avoided medical care and Ebola vaccination because they did not believe Ebola virus was real.1 International media outlets soon reported the findings and reinforced a narrative that people suffering from Ebola virus disease (EVD) may blame their own false beliefs for the outbreak’s spread. In the following months, we observed how this narrative of mistrust circulated among members of the media, the academy, health ministries and frontline response teams, reinforcing a particular paradigm of causality in the spread of Ebola that obscured the structural determinants of health. There are many reasons that conclusions like those presented in The Lancet Infectious Diseases come to be widely reported and referenced. Analyses that attempt to isolate phenomena like ‘trust’ and ‘belief’ as measurable facts simplify complex social, political and epidemiological dynamics into fungible units that are easy to comprehend. In attributing disease transmission to things like ‘culture’, ‘misinformation’ and ‘conspiracy theories’—as if these are spontaneously arising social forces that lead people in faraway places to act in unexpected ways—these studies offer a form of discussion that is easily engaged and circulated. …
Association between Uranium Exposure and Thyroid Health: A National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis and Ecological Study.

Besides specific, incidental radiation exposure, which has been associated with increased thyroid cancer risk, the effects of exposure to background radiation from uranium, a naturally occurring, radioactive, and ubiquitous element, on the thyroid gland has not been widely studied. We therefore investigated the association between uranium exposure and thyroid health in the US. Using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we assessed the association between urinary uranium levels and thyroid-related antibodies, including thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO), in the general population. Secondly, we performed an ecological study of age-adjusted thyroid cancer incidence rates per state and sources of uranium exposure. We included 3125 eligible participants from the NHANES and found a significant association between increased TgAb and increased urinary uranium levels when analyzed as quartiles (p = 0.0105), while no association was found with anti-TPO. In addition, although no significant correlation was found in the ecological study, certain states had high age-adjusted thyroid cancer incidence rates and a high number of uranium activity locations and high uranium concentrations in water. The present study suggests that uranium exposure may affect thyroid health, which warrants increased sampling of soil and water in high-risk states.
Air Quality Index forecasting using parallel Dense Neural Network and LSTM cell

Air pollution is a growing threat towards society and various measures are being taken recently to control it. The problem of concern which remains is the efficient prediction of air pollution to work in the right direction for reducing the same. Since the AQI follows a periodic pattern, deep learning models can be used to effectively predict the future AQI values. LSTM being a prominent time series forecasting model can be integrated with a separate DNN model to effectively add the impact of weather, temperature and other factors that can affect the future AQI values. The paper also explores the impact of having a parallel DNN to the LSTM cell instead of using the cell alone.
SV-HotSpot: detection and visualization of hotspots targeted by structural variants associated with gene expression

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has enabled the discovery of genomic structural variants (SVs), including those targeting intergenic and intronic non-coding regions that eluded previous exome focused strategies. However, the field currently lacks an automated tool that analyzes SV candidates to identify recurrent SVs and their targeted sites (hotspot regions), visualizes these genomic events within the context of various functional elements, and evaluates their potential effect on gene expression. To address this, we developed SV-HotSpot, an automated tool that integrates SV candidates, copy number alterations, gene expression, and genome annotations (e.g. gene and regulatory elements) to discover, annotate, and visualize recurrent SVs and their targeted hotspot regions that may affect gene expression. We applied SV-HotSpot to WGS and matched transcriptome data from metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer patients and rediscovered recurrent SVs targeting coding and non-coding functional elements known to promote prostate cancer progression and metastasis. SV-HotSpot provides a valuable resource to integrate SVs, gene expression, and genome annotations for discovering biologically relevant SVs altering coding and non-coding genome. SV-HotSpot is available at https://github.com/ChrisMaherLab/SV-HotSpot .
Secondary analysis of gut hormone data from children with and without in utero exposure to gestational diabetes: Differences in the associations among ghrelin, GLP-1, and insulin secretion.

BACKGROUND Intrauterine exposure to gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) increases risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Ghrelin and GLP-1 have opposite functions in nutritional homeostasis and are associated with insulin secretion, but it is not known if individuals exposed to GDM exhibit dysregulation in these associations. OBJECTIVE Test the hypothesis that children exposed to GDM in utero will exhibit dysregulation among ghrelin, GLP-1, and C-peptide (reflecting insulin secretion). METHODS Data from N = 43 children aged 5 to 10 years were included in this secondary analysis of ghrelin, GLP-1, and C-peptide response to a liquid meal test. Repeated measures mixed model analyses were used to measure associations among hormones. RESULTS The association of ghrelin and GLP-1 was moderated by GDM group (P < .01), such that ghrelin was inversely associated with GLP-1 in children without GDM exposure, but not for those exposed to GDM. GLP-1 was positively associated with C-peptide in both groups, but the association was stronger in those exposed to GDM (estimate = 1.06 vs 1.01). CONCLUSIONS Differences in the associations among ghrelin, GLP-1, and C-peptide displayed here suggest novel lines of research about whether the regulation of gut hormones and insulin secretion contribute to obesity and risk for T2D in children exposed to GDM.
Bleeding Associated with Connective Tissue Disorders

The interaction of platelets and coagulation proteins with subendothelial collagen at site of vessel injury is an essential part of the hemostatic pathway. For this reason, bleeding is common in some connective tissue disorders wherein the collagen protein structure is abnormal. This chapter reviews the bleeding manifestations in Ehlers-Danlos and related hypermobility disorders, Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta.
P92 Implementation of physiotherapy led paediatric respiratory clinics

Introduction The adult BTS bronchiectasis guidelines recommend patients have access to a physiotherapist to teach airway clearance, and that this is reviewed every 3 months (Hill et al 2019). While there are no guidelines for children, Chang et al(2018) reports that mild Bronchiectasis in children can be reversed if treated early enough. Although airway clearance is paramount in bronchiectasis, respiratory physiotherapy service provision for children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis is variable across UK centers. Often these children are seen in general respiratory clinics by a single clinician. We describe the outcomes of a novel pathway-based respiratory physiotherapist clinic for children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis at a tertiary Children’s Hospital in the UK. Method A physiotherapy led clinic was established to run twice a week, with follow ups based on a scoring of low/medium/high priority. Prospective data collected between September 2012 and September 2013 is compared to data collected one year after implementing the new clinic, between April 2017 and April 2018. Data for clinic utilization, demographic information and waiting times was collected and analysed. Results 157% increase in children seen in the clinic, from 90 up to 231 72% increase in children seen with Bronchiectasis, from 36 to 62 82% of new patients are now given a review within 3 months, this was previously only 5% Slot utilisation has improved by 17%, meaning there are fewer DNA’s. Discharges increased from 27 to 42 patients Positive feedback has been received from families Conclusion Patients requiring airway clearance were seen in a physiotherapy led clinic in a timely fashion and follow up was based on a priority scoring system. This approach has streamlined the care of children and young people with a variety of respiratory conditions, especially those with suspected or confirmed bronchiectasis. Regular access to appropriate airway clearance minimises the number of exacerbations (BTS 2019). This prevents further damage, optimises lung development and as a result less medical intervention is needed (Chang et al 2018). References Chang A, Bush A and Grimwood K. Bronchiectasis in children: diagnosis and treatment. The Lancet 2018;392(10150);pp. 866–879 Hill A, et al. 2019. BRITISH THORACIC SOCIETY GUIDELINE FOR BRONCHIECTASIS IN ADULTS. Thorax, [Online]. 74/1, 1–69. Available at: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/[Accessed 30 September 2019].
Large-eddy simulation/filtered mass density function of non-premixed and premixed colorless distributed combustion

Turbulent mixing and combustion in non-premixed and premixed colorless distributed combustion (CDC) systems are simulated with a hybrid large-eddy simulation/filtered mass density function (LES/FMDF) model. The CDC systems have low (NOx and hydrocarbon) emissions, stable combustion, and low-pressure drop and noise. They are also characterized by distributed combustion as opposed to thin flamelets, seen in ordinary combustion systems. The two parts of hybrid LES/FMDF model, i.e., the Eulerian gas dynamics finite-difference solver and the Lagrangian stochastic FMDF solver are shown to be fully consistent and computationally robust and accurate for both nonreacting and reacting flows. The LES/FMDF results are also shown to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. The numerical results show that the variation in inflow air temperature or the air to fuel jet momentum ratio has a significant effect on the turbulent flow, mixing, and combustion. They also indicate the importance of the flow configuration in the CDC combustors.
Genomic Resources for Breeding in Alfalfa: Availability, Utility, and Adoption

Alfalfa breeding still relies predominantly on recurrent phenotypic selection and breeder’s experience, but the adoption of breeding strategies relying on genomics information is gaining momentum quickly as tools and knowledge become more accessible. To accelerate alfalfa improvement using genomics, the community needs to establish reliable marker sets that track parental relationships, as well as provide affordable, repeatable genotyping methods to move towards marker assisted selection and genomic selection. However, access to genomic resources is not sufficient to make genotype-based selections. It is crucial that breeders capture phenotypes widely (across desirable and undesirable individuals) and generate such data in large quantities with high quality (not addressed in this chapter). For breeders unfamiliar or new to genomic analyses, the utilization of phenotypic and genotypic data to make decisions is a knowledge gap they may not be able to bridge on their own. Therefore, a public-sector initiative has been put in place to aid breeders and hasten the adoption of new technologies, including high-throughput genotyping, to accelerate breeding and pre-breeding efforts.
Anti-CRMP5-Associated Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndrome Developing in a Patient with Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma During Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment (P5.409)

Objective: To report a case of a paraneoplastic neurological syndrome with a well-characterized onconeural antibody after immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment with anti-programmed cell death protein ligand 1 (PD-L1). Background: Paraneoplastic neuorlogic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of rare disorders in patients with cancer that are thought to be caused by an immune response to shared antigens found on both tumors and components of the nervous system. Neurologic symptoms often precede clinical manifestations of malignancy and sometimes are associated with spontaneous tumor regression. The phenomenon of tumor immunity associated with autoimmunity is being encountered more frequently with broader use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. PD-1/PD-L1 pathway inhibitors have demonstrated antitumor activities across multiple tumor types but also generate immune related adverse events (irAEs), a new family of dysimmune toxicites believed to arise from general immunologic enhancement. The spectrum of neurologic irAEs is not well characterized. Design/Methods: Case Report Results: We report a case of a 73 year-old woman with metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma who developed acute onset cerebellar ataxia and encephalopathy as a neurologic irAE after three doses of anti-PDL1 immunotherapy. Imaging demonstrated complete tumor regression. Paraneoplastic antibody testing revealed high titer anti-CRMP5 antibody in peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid. There was minimal symptom improvement with high dose steroids, IVIG, and cyclophosphamide, however the patient’s symptoms improved after Rituximab was added. Evaluation of an early on-treatment plasma sample taken prior to neurologic symptom onset revealed a pre-existing low-titer anti-CRMP5 antibody. Conclusions: As immune checkpoint inhibitors are used more frequently to treat various tumor types, neurologists should be aware of the potential of these therapies to trigger paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, among other immune related adverse events. In some cases, appropriate management may involve moving beyond steroids and IVIG to second line immunomodulatory treatments. The mechanism of pre-existing antibodies may generalize to other irAE. Disclosure: Dr. Santomasso has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Juno Therapeutics and Kite Pharma. Dr. D9Angelo has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with EMD Serano, Merck.
Data Mining Autosomal Archaeogenetic Data to Determine Minoan Origins

This paper presents a method for data mining archaeogenetic autosomal data. The method is applied to the widely debated topic of the origin of the Bronze Age Minoan culture that existed on the island of Crete from 5000 to 3500 years ago. The data is compared with some Neolithic and early Bronze Age samples from the nearby Cycladic islands, mainland Greece and other Neolithic sites. The method shows that a large component of the Minoan autosomal genomes has sources from the Neolithic areas of northern Greece and the rest of the Balkans and a minor component comes directly from Neolithic Anatolia and the Caucasus.
The role research gap years play in a successful dermatology match.

BACKGROUND A new trend includes taking a dedicated year away from medical school to complete a research fellowship. There is minimal data on the benefit of a gap year. We aimed to identify if a gap year makes a dermatology applicant more successful in The Match. METHODS Dermatology applicants who applied to Mayo Clinic Arizona for the 2018-2019 application cycle and Mayo Clinic Rochester, Arizona, and Florida for the 2019-2020 application cycle were surveyed. RESULTS In total, 291 dermatology applicants completed the initial survey, and 236 completed the follow-up survey. Ninety applicants took a gap year, 198 applicants did not. There was no significant difference in match rates. When comparing match rates at top dermatology residency programs, 40.6% of gap-year applicants matched to these residencies versus 19.0% of no gap-year applicants (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION Applicants should weigh the opportunity costs before pursuing research gap years as they may not be universally helpful. Applicants who want to match at a top dermatology program may benefit from a research gap year. This data may have limited generalizability outside of the United States.
Implementation and evaluation of sepsis surveillance and decision support in medical ICU and emergency department.

Abstract Objective To improve the timely diagnosis and treatment of sepsis many institutions implemented automated sepsis alerts. Poor specificity, time delays, and a lack of actionable information lead to limited adoption by bedside clinicians and no change in practice or clinical outcomes. We aimed to compare sepsis care compliance before and after a multi-year implementation of a sepsis surveillance coupled with decision support in a tertiary care center. Design Single center before and after study. Setting Large academic Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Emergency Department (ED). Population Patients 18 years of age or older admitted to *** Hospital MICU and ED from 09/4/2011 to 05/01/2018 with severe sepsis or septic shock. Interventions Electronic medical record-based sepsis surveillance system augmented by clinical decision support and completion feedback. Measurements and main results There were 1950 patients admitted to the MICU with the diagnosis of severe sepsis or septic shock during the study period. The baseline characteristics were similar before (N = 854) and after (N = 1096) implementation of sepsis surveillance. The performance of the alert was modest with a sensitivity of 79.9%, specificity of 76.9%, positive predictive value (PPV) 27.9%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 97.2%. There were 3424 unique alerts and 1131 confirmed sepsis patients after the sniffer implementation. During the study period average care bundle compliance was higher; however after taking into account improvements in compliance leading up to the intervention, there was no association between intervention and improved care bundle compliance (Odds ratio: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.89; p-value 0.554). Similarly, the intervention was not associated with improvement in hospital mortality (Odds ratio: 1.55; 95% CI: 0.95 to 2.52; p-value: 0.078). Conclusions A sepsis surveillance system incorporating decision support or completion feedback was not associated with improved sepsis care and patient outcomes.
Resilience in small towns: an analysis of economic shocks, social capital, and quality of life

This dissertation examines how small Iowa communities respond to sudden events that significantly impact the local economy (economic shocks). I focus my analysis on two specific types of economic shocks: 1.) internally generated and positive in regards to the local economy and 2.) externally generated and negative in regards to the local economy. As these economic shocks occur, some communities may retain their local quality of life where others do not. I focus on social capital as a pivotal concept in explaining why some communities are better able to retain their quality of life. The literature suggests that quality of life may be affected differently in communities depending on the type of shock(s) and the amount of social capital within the community. Utilizing longitudinal survey data and over 600 key informant interviews I found that social capital offered a greater explanation of quality of life in 2004 and the percent change in quality of life from 1994 2004 in small Iowa towns than the cumulative effects of either type of economic shocks.
The Aortic Ring Model of Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is regulated by a complex cascade of cellular and molecular events. The entire process can be reproduced in vitro by culturing rat or mouse aortic explants in three-dimensional biomatrices under chemically defined conditions. Angiogenesis in this system is driven by endogenous growth factors released by the aorta and its outgrowth. Sprouting endothelial cells closely interact with pericytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts in an orderly sequence of morphogenetic events that recapitulates all stages of angiogenesis. This model can be used to study the basic mechanisms of the angiogenic process and to test the efficacy of proangiogenic or antiangiogenic compounds. Aortic cultures can be evaluated with a range of morphologic and molecular techniques for the study of gene expression. In this chapter we describe basic protocols currently used in our laboratory to prepare, quantify, and analyze this assay.
Parameters of reinforcement and response-class hierarchies

Shabani, Carr, and Petursdottir (2009) examined the effects of a response–response relation (effort) on the development of a response-class hierarchy using a laboratory model. Response–reinforcer relations may have similar influences. Using a similar translational approach, we examined the effects of reinforcer rate, quality, delay, and magnitude in a series of separate experiments conducted with 8 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Response-class hierarchies emerged along the dimension of rate for 3 of 6 subjects, quality for 5 of 5 subjects, delay for 2 of 8 subjects, and magnitude for 5 of 6 subjects.
[25] Protein RNA-binding activity measured by northwestern blot analysis: The interferon-inducible RNA-dependent protein kinase PKR

Publisher Summary The chapter describes the procedure for the analysis of RNA-binding activity by the Northwestern RNA blot assay. The procedure is described with the human RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR). The Northwestern RNA blot assay provides an efficient approach for the identification of regions of a protein responsible for its RNA-binding activity. The strategy for the measurement of RNA-binding activity by Northwestern analysis involves the immobilization of target proteins on a filter membrane. Proteins fractionated by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) are electroblotted onto a nitrocellulose filter membrane by standard techniques. The fiber-bound proteins are then analyzed for RNA-binding activity using a radioactive RNA probe; this RNA-protein blot analysis constitutes the Northwestern assay. Subsequently, a Western immunoblot analysis is carried out using the same filter membrane as is used for the Northwestern analysis to verify that comparable amounts of test proteins are present. The Western analysis is especially important in the cases of proteins that do not register as RNA-binding proteins in the Northwestern assay.
SIR-C/X-SAR investigations of snow properties in alpine region

In hydrological investigations, modeling and forecasting of snow melt runoff requires information about snowpack properties and their spatial variability. This study demonstrates the capabilities of the SIR-C/X-SAR, a multi-frequency and multi-polarization spaceborne synthetic aperture radar (SAR), on deriving snow wetness, and snow water equivalence. In contrast to a single-polarization SAR, this study shows that SIR-C/X-SAR has the capabilities to (1) estimate free liquid water content on the top of snowpack with C-band measurements quantitatively, and (2) infer snow density and ground dielectric and roughness properties with L-band measurements, in addition to map both dry and wet snow cover with the multi-frequency and multi-polarization measurements.
Locus-specific Changes in Cell Wall Composition Characteristic of Osmotic Mutants of Neurospora crassa

The osmotic phenotype of Neurospora crassa is characterized by inhibition of growth at high osmolalities of growth medium. Mutations at six osmotic loci of linkage group I were examined to assess the biochemical and physiological effects of these mutants. Isolated cell walls from 23 osmotic strains were compared with the wild type with regard to quantitative levels of the following components: percentage of total dry weight, total glucose, alkali-soluble glucose, nonglucose carbohydrates, amino acids, glucosamine, galactosamine, and a compound tentatively identified as quinovosamine. The last component has not previously been observed in N. crassa cell walls. Although the cell wall dry weight content of osmotic mutants was not altered, walls isolated from all of the osmotic strains had less alkali-insoluble glucose than those from the wild type. In addition, all of the loci except cut exhibited other consistent differences from the wild type. The os-1, os-3, and os-5 mutants had low levels of alkali-soluble glucose. The os-3 and os-5 mutants had high levels of nonglucose carbohydrates, and flm-2 had a low level of nonglucose carbohydrates. The os-4 mutants had low levels of galactosamine and amino acids and high levels alkali-soluble glucose. An os-1 mutant, B135, produced less of the whole alkali-soluble fraction of the cell wall.
Characterization of protective immune responses in local lymphoid tissues after drug-attenuated infections with Ostertagia ostertagi in calves

Abstract In the present study, cell-surface markers and cytokine gene expression of lymphocytes from the local lymph nodes were studied 9 days after primary infection with Ostertagia ostertagi in previously naive calves or in calves previously immunized with multiple, chemically attenuated infections. Changes in lymphocyte populations were assessed by flow cytometry utilizing monoclonal antibodies specific for bovine cell-surface markers. Changes observed in the percentages of lymphoid populations after challenge were similar in animals immunized by either three or five drug-attenuated infections. In both immunized groups, the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio was significantly higher than in naive animals after challenge infections. In addition, both immunized groups showed significantly lower levels of Ig-bearing cells upon experimental challenge when compared to animals with a primary experimental infection. No differences were observed in the number of γδ or interleukin 2 receptor (IL-2R) positive cells. The levels of mRNA for IL-4, IL-10, IL-15, IFN-γ and TGF-β1 were examined by competitive RT-PCR. After challenge, the levels of these cytokines were lower in animals immunized by five drug-attenuated infections, and in the case of IL-4 and TGF-β1, these differences were statistically significant. These results indicate that animals exhibiting protection from reinfection with O . ostertagi do not show a shift to higher percentages of Ig + cells characteristic of a primary infection. In addition, protected animals appear to show a decreased IL4 and TGF-β1 response upon challenge when compared to non-immune animals.
Boiling surface enhancement by electrophoretic deposition of particles from a nanofluid

We explore the electrophoretic deposition of nanoparticles from a high particle volume fraction nanofluid as a convenient surface modification technique for enhanced boiling performance. Using a ZnO–propylene glycol based nanofluid, we demonstrate 200% improvement in the boiling heat transfer coefficient for deionized water boiled on a coated stainless steel surface under atmospheric pressure. Analysis using the Mikic–Rohsenow correlation, SEM imaging, and contact angle measurements of the surface suggests that the measured enhancement is due to an increase in the active nucleation site density.
Hemisphere size asymmetry predicts relative verbal and nonverbal intelligence differently in the sexes: An MRI study of structure—Function relations

Abstract Hemispheric size asymmetry differences as assessed from MRIs of 39 healthy college students were correlated with prorated WAIS-R Verbal IQ minus Performance IQ and Vocabulary minus Block Design scores within subjects. In men, a relatively larger left hemisphere predicted better verbal than nonverbal ability, whereas in women a larger left hemisphere predicted relatively better nonverbal than verbal ability. The results were interpreted as providing evidence for sex differences in brain organization.
Effects of decreased insulin‐like growth factor‐1 stimulation on hypoxia inducible factor 1‐α protein synthesis and function during cutaneous repair in diabetic mice

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (Igf-1), a critical mediator of tissue repair, is significantly decreased in diabetic wounds. Furthermore, decreased levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1alpha) and its target genes are also associated with impaired wound healing in diabetic mice. The aim of our study was to examine whether the reduced levels of Igf-1 are responsible for the reduction in Hif-1alpha protein synthesis and activity in diabetic wounds. We provide evidence that Igf-1 regulates Hif-1alpha protein synthesis and activity during wound repair. In addition, Igf-1 stimulated phosphytidylinositol 3-kinase activity in diabetic fibroblasts, which, in turn, increased activation of the translational regulatory protein, p70 S6 kinase. Moreover, improved healing of diabetic wounds by addition of recombinant IGF-1 protein was associated with an increase in Hif-1alpha protein synthesis and function in vivo.
School and Residential Neighborhood Food Environment and Diet Among California Youth

Background Various hypotheses link neighborhood food environments and diet. Greater exposure to fast-food restaurants and convenience stores is thought to encourage overconsumption; supermarkets and large grocery stores are claimed to encourage healthier diets. For youth, empirical evidence for any particular hypothesis remains limited. Purpose This study examines the relationship between school and residential neighborhood food environment and diet among youth in California. Methods Data from 8226 children (aged 5–11 years) and 5236 adolescents (aged 12–17 years) from the 2005 and 2007 California Health Interview Survey were analyzed in 2011. The dependent variables are daily servings of fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, soda, high-sugar foods, and fast food, which were regressed on measures of food environments. Food environments were measured by counts and density of businesses, distinguishing fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, small food stores, grocery stores, and large supermarkets within a specific distance (varying from 0.1 to 1.5 miles) from a respondent's home or school. Results No robust relationship between food environment and consumption is found. A few significant results are sensitive to small modeling changes and more likely to reflect chance than true relationships. Conclusions This correlational study has measurement and design limitations. Longitudinal studies that can assess links between environmental, dependent, and intervening food purchase and consumption variables are needed. Reporting a full range of studies, methods, and results is important as a premature focus on correlations may lead policy astray.
Reaction-Bonded Niobium Carbide on Graphite via a Novel Solution Impregnation Process

A simple and rapid process has been developed that allows the preparation of NbC-C composite rods. Graphite rods are impregnated with an ethanolic solution of NbOCl2 and resistively fired (> 1900°C) under an argon atmosphere. The final composite product is found to contain residual carbon particles within a NbC-C matrix.
Effect of neodymium:YAG laser photodisruption on intraocular lenses in vitro

Abstract Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) based intraocular lenses (IOLs) such as injection-molded PMMA and lathe-cut PMMA IOLs and soft IOLs such as silicone and poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)(polyHEMA) IOLs were tested for vulnerability to Nd:YAG laser photodisruption. The laser beam was focused on the posterior surface and inside of the IOLs in balanced salt solution. Cracks and central defects with radiating fractures were observed in PMMA IOLs; blistered lesions and localized pits were observed in silicone and polyHEMA IOLs, respectively. A molten edge surrounding the large hole, which was an indication of the thermal effect of the laser, was observed in the injection-molded PMMA while only a minute lesion was found in the polyHEMA IOL which contained 38% water. The size of the superficial damage of the IOL increased as tb 2 power of laser irradiation increased and PMMA IOLs showed greater damage than soft IOLs (P
Performance Optimization of Self-Piercing Rivets through Analytical Rivet Strength Estimation

Abstract This paper presents the authors’ work on strength optimization and failure mode prediction of self-piercing rivets (SPRs) for automotive applications. The limit load based strength estimator is used to estimate the static strength of an SPR under a cross-tension loading configuration. Failure modes associated with the estimated failure strength are also predicted. Experimental strength and failure mode observations are used to validate the model. It is shown that the strength of an SPR joint depends on the material and gage combinations, rivet design, die design, and riveting direction. The rivet strength estimator is then used to optimize the rivet strength by comparing the measured rivet strength and failure mode with the predicted ones. Two illustrative examples are used in which rivet strength is optimized by changing rivet design and riveting direction from the original manufacturing parameters.
A Role for Threonine 302 in the Mechanism-Based Inactivation of P450 2B4 by 2-Ethynylnaphthalene☆

Abstract 2-Ethynylnaphthalene (2EN) is a mechanism-based inactivator of P450 2B4 that covalently modifies an amino acid in the peptide Glu273-Met314 with a 2-naphthylacetyl group [Robertset al.(1994)Biochemistry33, 3766–3771]. Truncated 2B4 lacking amino acids 2–27, 2B4 (Δ2–27), was expressed inEscherichia coli,purified, and found to catalyze the oxidation of 2EN to 2-naphthylacetic acid (2NA). The metabolism of 2EN resulted in the inactivation and covalent modification of the protein moiety as we have previously reported with P450 2B4 purified from the livers of phenobarbital-induced rabbits. The rate constants of inactivation of theO-deethylation activity of 7-ethoxy-4-trifluoromethylcoumarin (EFC) were 0.15 ± 0.01 and 0.20 ± 0.05 min−1for the protein purified from rabbit liver and 2B4 (Δ2–27), respectively. A protein in which threonine 302 was replaced with alanine, P450 2B4 (Δ2–27, T302A), was inactivated by 2EN with a much slower rate constant (0.05 ± 0.01 min−1) and formed 1.8-fold more 2NA as compared to P450 2B4 (Δ2–27) over a 10-min incubation. When the formation of 2NA was supported by cumene hydroperoxide, 2B4 (Δ2–27, T302A) formed 30% less product than 2B4 (Δ2–27) over a 5-min incubation. After incubation with [3H]2EN and NADPH, P450 2B4 (Δ2–27) had significant radioactivity associated with the P450 in an NADPH-dependent manner when the incubation mixture was analyzed by SDS–PAGE followed by autoradiography and 10-fold more radioactivity associated with the P450 as compared to P450 2B4 (Δ2–27, T302A) when analyzed by reverse-phase HPLC. Thus, threonine 302 is not required by 2B4 for oxidation of 2EN or EFC but appears to play an important role in the inactivation of P450 2B4 by 2EN and the covalent labeling of the P450 protein by 2EN.
Functional Outcome after Language Mapping for Glioma Resection

Background Language sites in the cortex of the brain vary among patients. Language mapping while the patient is awake is an intraoperative technique designed to minimize language deficits associated with brain-tumor resection. Methods To study language function after brain-tumor resection with language mapping, we examined 250 consecutive patients with gliomas. Positive language sites (i.e., language regions in the cortex of the brain, 1 cm by 1 cm, which were temporarily inactivated by means of a bipolar electrode) were identified and categorized into cortical language maps. The tumors were resected up to 1 cm from the cortical areas where intraoperative stimulation produced a disturbance in language. Our resection strategy did not require identification of the stimulation-induced language sites within the field of exposure. Results A total of 145 of the 250 patients (58.0%) had at least one site with an intraoperative stimulation-induced speech arrest, 82 patients had anomia, and 23 patients had alexia....
Do you hear what I hear? Auditory context, attention and recognition in six-month-old infants

Recognition of a visual stimulus was assessed under two same- and two different-context conditions. Results indicate: (a) following brief familiarization, recognition of a visual stimulus is context-sensitive regardless of whether contextual cues are visual or auditory, and (b) recognition failure under different-context conditions results from change in context rather than from unfamiliar-cue distraction.
Development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for the detection of monoclonal antibody leakage from immunoaffinity chromatography matrices

Abstract Antibodies can leak from immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) matrices, reducing the working life of the IAC matrix and/or compromising the purity of the product, purified by IAC, for therapeutic use. There is therefore a need to monitor the leakage of antibody from IAC matrices. Antibody leakage from a model IAC system was measured using two-site ‘non-competitive’ ELISAs. Two assays were developed to measure the leakage of intact and fragmented antibody from the IAC matrix. By measuring the leakage of intact and fragmented antibody the mechanisms underlying antibody leakage from solid-supports could be elucidated.
James Edmund Reeves

James Edmund Reeves (1829–1896) presented the article from which these excerpts were taken at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association (APHA) in Detroit, Michigan, November 14, 1883. At the time he was the secretary of the newly formed State Board of Health of West Virginia and the second vice president of APHA. He would assume the presidency of APHA in 1885. He is the only West Virginian to hold the APHA presidency. Reeves was a self-taught son of the American frontier and a man of considerable energy and intellect. Unlike many of his better- known colleagues, he never trained in Europe. He apprenticed with two physicians in Virginia and completed his medical studies at the University of Pennsylvania in 1860. He maintained a busy medical practice until 1888, but he also published a medical journal, four books, and 15 medical articles. Reeves’s interest in public health was lifelong, and the excerpts from his speech show the breadth and prescience of his knowledge. He was active at the local level, helping his sister teach hygiene to mothers during the Civil War; at the community level, serving as the first health officer of the city of Wheeling, West Virginia; at the state level, organizing the Medical Society of West Virginia and serving as its president in 1882 as well as secretary of the State Board of Health (1881–1885); and at the national level, serving as an officer of APHA and as a trustee of the American Medical Association. Reeves was the son of a Methodist preacher and, while considering himself a scientist, often referred to biblical ethics. He felt a man’s worth should be judged by his works, and he considered himself a “strict constructionist” of the American Medical Association’s ethical proscription against self-promotion. For example, he refused to send his biography to professional directories and typically referred to his accomplishments in the third person. Reeves did not tolerate quackery because he felt this was a form of theft (or sometimes murder) against society. This view is reflected in his speech and is part of his legacy. Reeves was a coauthor of the 1881 law creating the West Virginia State Board of Health and was charged as secretary for enforcing the law. In 1882, Frank Dent, who had practiced medicine in Newburg, West Virginia, for six years, was required, under the new law, to present a diploma from a reputable school or pass a licensing examination. Dent presented a certificate from a fraudulent “diploma mill.” Reeves’s board did not find that his certificate provided evidence of graduation from a “reputable” school and had him arrested and fined for practicing without a license. Dent and his uncle, Marmaduke Dent, later a West Virginia supreme court justice, challenged this arrest, citing the Fourteenth Amendment’s “due process” clause. Dent’s case was eventually appealed to the US Supreme Court, which ruled in 1889 in favor of the state. Dent v. West Virginia (129 U.S. 114 [1889]) is the landmark case that established the right of states to regulate the health professions.