cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constitutive stimulatory G protein activity in limb mesenchyme impairs bone growth

GNAS mutations leading to constitutively active stimulatory G protein alpha-subunit (Gsα) cause different tumors, fibrous dysplasia of bone, and McCune-Albright syndrome, which are typically not associated with short stature. Enhanced signaling of the parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor, which couples to multiple G proteins including Gsα, leads to short bones with delayed endochondral ossification. It has remained unknown whether constitutive Gsα activity also impairs bone growth. Here we generated mice expressing a constitutively active Gsα mutant (Gsα-R201H) conditionally upon Cre recombinase (cGsαR201H mice). Gsα-R201H was expressed in cultured bone marrow stromal cells from cGsαR201H mice upon adenoviral-Cre transduction. When crossed with mice in which Cre is expressed in a tamoxifen-regulatable fashion (CAGGCre-ER™), tamoxifen injection resulted in mosaic expression of the transgene in double mutant offspring. We then crossed the cGsαR201H mice with Prx1-Cre mice, in which Cre is expressed in early limb-bud mesenchyme. The double mutant offspring displayed short limbs at birth, with narrow hypertrophic chondrocyte zones in growth plates and delayed formation of secondary ossification center. Consistent with enhanced Gsα signaling, bone marrow stromal cells from these mice demonstrated increased levels of c-fos mRNA. Our findings indicate that constitutive Gsα activity during limb development disrupts endochondral ossification and bone growth. Given that Gsα haploinsufficiency also leads to short bones, as in patients with Albright's hereditary osteodystrophy, these results suggest that a tight control of Gsα activity is essential for normal growth plate physiology.
The Role of Informal Caregivers for Frail Elders in Disasters

This chapter is designed to introduce disaster management professionals to informal caregivers who provide support for frail elders living in community settings. Informal, unpaid, caregivers—spouses, adult children, siblings, and other non-kin companions—are the persons who are likely to find themselves executing an evacuation plan or a “shelter in place” scenario in a disaster. Informal caregivers are an important but poorly characterized component of long-term supports and services for vulnerable frail elders in the United States. In this chapter, we summarize what is known about informal, unpaid caregivers in the context of a disaster. This knowledge is useful for crafting caregiver training and support that can have positive effect in disaster situations. We believe that pre-disaster preparedness training can be significantly improved by (1) increasing knowledge about informal caregivers and (2) considering ways to mobilize and support informal caregivers.
A Protoplast System for Populus Which will Support Genetic Engineering Research of Tree Species

The use of genetic engineering is an appropriate technology for the improvement of tree crops because breeding by classical methods has been difficult. Of the 2 main avenues for plant transformation, the Agrobacterium vector system has been successfully used to insert an economically important gene into a commercial forest tree (Populus) [1]. The protoplast-based transformation systems (eg. fusion, microinjection, direct gene transfer), however, have not been tested in woody plants because of the lack of suitable methods to recover whole plants from protoplasts of most tree genotypes.
Volatile anaesthetics and postoperative delirium in older surgical patients—A secondary analysis of prospective cohort studies

Background Volatile Anaesthetics (VAs) may be associated with postoperative delirium (POD). However, to date, the effects of VAs on POD are not completely understood. The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence of POD in different VA groups. Methods A secondary analysis was conducted using a database created from prospective cohort studies in patients who underwent elective major noncardiac surgery. Patients who received general anaesthesia with desflurane, isoflurane, or sevoflurane were included in the study. POD occurring on either of the first two postoperative days was measured using the Confusion Assessment Method. Results Five hundred and thirty-two patients were included in this study, with a mean age of 73.5 ± 6.0 years (range, 65-96 years). The overall incidence of POD on either postoperative day 1 or 2 was 41%. A higher incidence of POD was noted in the desflurane group compared with the isoflurane group (Odds Ratio = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.54-7.28). The incidence of POD between the sevoflurane and isoflurane or desflurane group was not statistically significant. Conclusion Each VA may have different effects on postoperative cognition. Further studies using a prospective randomized approach will be necessary to discern whether anaesthetic type or management affects the occurrence of postoperative delirium.
The Personality of Chinese Gamblers

Personality refers to a person’s consistent patterns of feeling, thinking, and behaving (Pervin et al. 2005). In the 1980s, researchers in addiction proposed that there are certain types of personality and attributes that predispose a person to substance and behavioral addictions. Among these researchers, Alan Lang (1983) put forward the concept of addictive personality. In his description, individuals with this personality style have an inborn and genetic propensity to addictive behaviors. Their notable behavioral characteristics include introversion and enjoyment of solitary pursuits, impulsiveness, and risk-taking. This proposition, though intriguing, is deterministic in nature as the model places the origins and etiology of addictive disorders on the genetic dispositions of a person. It neglects environmental influences, including the roles and attitudes of a person’s family and friends. More importantly, the assertion disregards one’s personal choices and discretion in governing one’s gambling behavior. Scientific studies validating the concept of addictive personality have been very few (Myrseth 2011; Petry 2005). On this issue, Blaszczynski (Blaszczynski and Tempel 2008), in his keynote address at the National Association of Gambling Studies (NAGS), argued that an individual should have control over his/her gambling behavior and decisions. In this vein of thought, the responsibility of gambling should rest upon the judgment and decisions of the gambler rather than the genetic predisposition the person may have. In reviewing the literature on the personality of gamblers, Chan et al. (2016), in their recent book Problem Gambling in Hong Kong and Macao: Etiology, Prevalence and Treatment, came to the conclusion: “Bearing in mind that problem gamblers often come from diverse backgrounds with different motivations for gambling, there should not be one single type of addictive personality as Lang (1983) has proposed” (p. 71). The authors analyzed the personality and development of gamblers from Blaszczynski and Nower’s (2002) model and presented a detailed account on the personality development of gamblers from an ecological-social-cognitive perspective. Nonetheless, the book failed to discuss the similarities and differences between Chinese gamblers and Western gamblers. The current chapter thus intends to fill this gap. Our purposes are to understand the personality characteristics of Chinese gamblers and the empirical differences in personality patterns, if any, between the Chinese gamblers and Western gamblers.
The in-between spaces of capital and wealth: creating and sustaining academic success for English learners in middle school

Yosso’s community cultural wealth (CCW) shifted conversations about educational inequality from deficit perspectives to those that acknowledge the assets People of Color bring to school. CCW repres...
A single centre experience with an evolving approach for the repair of coarctation of the aorta.

BACKGROUND Isolated coarctation of the aorta can be repaired by either lateral thoracotomy or sternotomy approach with end-to-end anastomosis. Most commonly, neonates with coarctation of the aorta also have hypoplasia of the arch, requiring median sternotomy and extended end-to-side anastomosis with arch augmentation. The aim of this study was to describe our experience as the institution adopted the median sternotomy approach for repair, by reviewing complications, mortality, and reintervention. METHODS Retrospective chart review of 66 patients aged 0-1 year who had arch repair performed by a single surgeon over an 8-year period was performed. Median age at surgery was 22 days (4-232) and median weight was 3.08 kg (1.25-8.0). Forty-one (62%) patients underwent median sternotomy. RESULTS There was 1 death from a noncardiac cause. Eighteen per cent of our patients were ≤2.5 kg. Vocal cord paresis occurred in 16% of patients under 2.5 kg and 9.5% of patients 2.5 kg or above at the time of surgery. Hypertension at 6-month follow-up was greater in patients under 2.5 kg (44%) than patients 2.5 kg or above (15%). Total surgical reintervention rate was 6%. For patients above 2.5 kg, the surgical reintervention rate was 5.4% and for patients below 2.5 kg, the surgical reintervention rate was 8.3%. CONCLUSION We concluded that for neonates with coarctation of the aorta and hypoplastic arch, median sternotomy is a safe surgical approach with low morbidity and mortality with the possible advantage of reduced surgical re-intervention and mortality in the population below 2.5 kg.
Peroxide-Promoted Disassembly Reassembly of Zr-Polyoxocations

Zr/Hf aqueous-acid clusters are relevant to inorganic nanolithography, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), catalysis, and nuclear fuel reprocessing, but only two topologies have been identified. The (Zr4) polyoxocation is the ubiquitous square aqueous Zr/Hf-oxysalt of all halides (except fluoride), and prior-debated for perchlorate. Simply adding peroxide to a Zr oxyperchlorate solution leads to a striking modification of Zr4, yielding two structures identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Zr25, isolated from a reaction solution of 1:1 peroxide/Zr, is fully formulated [Zr25O10(OH)50(O2)5(H2O)40](ClO4)10·xH2O. Zr25 is a pentagonal assembly of 25 Zr-oxy/peroxo/hydroxyl polyhedra and is the largest Zr/Hf cluster topology identified to date. Yet it is completely soluble in common organic solvents. ZrTd, an oxo-centered tetrahedron fully formulated [Zr4(OH)4(μ-O2)2(μ4-O)(H2O)12](ClO4)6·xH2O, is isolated from a 10:1 peroxide/Zr reaction solution. The formation pathways of ZrTd and Zr25 in water were described by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), pair distribution function (PDF), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Zr4 undergoes disassembly by 1 equiv of peroxide (per Zr) to yield small oligomers of Zr25 that assemble predominantly in the solid state, an unusual crystal growth mechanism. The self-buffering acidity of the Zr-center prevents Zr25 from remaining intact in water. Identical species distribution and cluster fragments are observed in the assembly of Zr25 and upon redissolution of Zr25. On the other hand, the 10:1 peroxide/Zr ratio of the ZrTd reaction solution yields larger prenucleation clusters before undergoing peroxide-promote disassembly into smaller fragments. Neither these larger cluster intermediates of ZrTd nor the smaller intermediates of Zr25 have yet been isolated and structurally characterized, and they represent an opportunity to expand this new class of group IV polycations, obtained by peroxide reactivity and ligation.
NRAS associated RASopathy and embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma

RASopathies are a group of phenotypically overlapping disorders that arise from dysregulation of the RAS/MAPK pathway. These disorders include Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, and neurofibromatosis-Type 1. While somatic mutations in the three human Ras genes (KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS) are a common finding in a variety of cancers, germline mutations in each of the these genes cause developmental RASopathy phenotypes with mutations in specific genes typically correlating with specific phenotypes. We present the case of a germline heterozygous NRAS mutation producing a severe phenotype involving embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, severe intellectual disability, and numerous melanocytic nevi in addition to more typical manifestations of Noonan syndrome. Additionally, the specific p.G12R NRAS mutation in this case is a common somatic mutation in cancer cells, and analysis of previously reported NRAS-RASopathy cases suggests that mutations at traditionally oncogenic codons are associated with elevated cancer risk not present with mutations at other sites.
States of Strain and Stress-Strain Relations

The six components ex, ey, ez, γxy, γxz, and γyz of the state of strain at a point in terms of a given cartesian coordinate system were defined in Chapter 2. The definition of plane strain and the derivation of relations for the strain components ex′, ey′ and γx′y′ as functions of θ are presented which are entirely analogous to the corresponding results for plane stress. A description is given of the strain gauges commonly used for measuring normal strains. A set of three strain gauges measuring normal strains in three different directions near a given point are known as a strain-gauge rosette. The results can be used to determine the state of plane strain, including the shear strain, at the point. Determination of the maximum and minimum normal strains and the maximum magnitude of the shear strain is discussed. The application of Mohr’s circle to states of plane strain, altogether equivalent to the process for states of stress, is described. The stress-strain relations of a linear elastic material and the concept of isotropy are introduced. A relationship for the shear modulus in terms of the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio is derived. The bulk modulus of a material is defined and given as an expression in terms of the modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio.
Patient Assessment and Chronic Pain Self-Management in Ethnomedicine: Seasonal and Ecosystemic Embodiment in Ayurvedic Patient-Centered Care

Background: Ayurveda's preventive focus complements its strength with the interventionist approach of the biomedical in chronic pain self-management. Patient-centered care (PCC) using ethnomedicine promises greater patient self-management; however, few studies have examined environmental relationships and PCC in self-management of chronic pain through Ayurveda. Objective: To examine how Ayurveda's philosophical focus on whole system frameworks describes the integration of the individual and the ecological in tailoring an integrative patient-centered diagnostic and prognostic approach to chronic pain management. Methods: This qualitative case study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews of Ayurvedic physicians from India (N = 10) and a qualitative inductive content analytic approach. Findings: The diagnostic and interpretational framework of the doshas supports the integration of the individual and the ecological through (a) the circadian and seasonal cycles relating mind-body awareness with diet, lifestyle (e.g., yoga), and breath (e.g., pranayama), and (b) biogeographical and ecosystemic regions relating the biogeographical and the ecological (e.g., desh) with the regulatory principle of pain and its physiological and anatomical perception (vata) in an approach that goes beyond treating pain etiology to a whole person PCC approach. Conclusions: The study highlights how circadian and seasonal cycles and evolutionary spatial-temporal factors of biogeographical and ecological regions are employed in patient assessment and self-management to support patient involvement. Recommendations for PCC in integrative chronic pain management include supporting patient ownership of their care through the dosha framework that relates the individual and the ecological in the patient's own life-context and supports co-creation of a collaborative plan of care using an ethnomedical framework.
Costs and Benefits of Land Use Regulations: A Theoretical Survey

This article presents a survey of standard microeconomic models that are designed to be used in the cost-benefit analysis of local land use decisions at the individual parcel or block level. The mo...
Desorption in Ammonia Manufacture from Stranded Wind Energy

Ammonia made with hydrogen from sustainable wind energy can be separated from unreacted hydrogen and nitrogen by absorption in magnesium chloride. The absorption is rapid, but desorption can be slo...
Genetic testing of dogs predicts problem behaviors in clinical and nonclinical samples

Abstract Very little is known about the etiology of personality and psychiatric disorders. Because the core neurobiology of many such traits is evolutionarily conserved, dogs present a powerful model. We previously reported genome scans of breed averages of ten traits related to fear, anxiety, aggression and social behavior in multiple cohorts of pedigree dogs. As a second phase of that discovery, here we tested the ability of markers at 13 of those loci to predict canine behavior in a community sample of 397 pedigree and mixed-breed dogs with individual-level genotype and phenotype data. We found support for all markers and loci. By including 122 dogs with veterinary behavioral diagnoses in our cohort, we were able to identify eight loci associated with those diagnoses. Logistic regression models showed subsets of those loci could predict behavioral diagnoses. We corroborated our previous findings that small body size is associated with many problem behaviors and large body size is associated with increased trainability. Children in the home were associated with anxiety traits; illness and other animals in the home with coprophagia; working-dog status with increased energy and separation-related problems; and competitive dogs with increased aggression directed at familiar dogs, but reduced fear directed at humans and unfamiliar dogs. Compared to other dogs, Pit Bull-type dogs were not defined by a set of our markers and were not more aggressive; but they were strongly associated with pulling on the leash. Using severity-threshold models, Pit Bull-type dogs showed reduced risk of owner-directed aggression (75th quantile) and increased risk of dog-directed fear (95th quantile). Our findings have broad utility, including for clinical and breeding purposes, but we caution that thorough understanding is necessary for their interpretation and use.
Assessing model equifinality for robust policy analysis in complex socio-environmental systems

Abstract Equifinality—a situation in which multiple plausible explanations exist for a single outcome—presents a challenge for socio-environmental systems modeling. When equifinality is ignored in model calibration, subsequent policy analyses may mis-estimate the range of potential policy effects. In this paper, we present and demonstrate an approach—called DMC-RPA—for generating a set of diverse model calibrations (DMC) to enable more robust policy analysis (RPA). The optimization-based approach maximizes diversity in the model parameters and/or structural configurations to efficiently represent any equifinality in the model set. We demonstrate the approach for an agent-based model that is used to compare resilience-enhancing strategies in a smallholder farming system. Results over the set of diverse model calibrations demonstrate consistent policy effects, enabling stronger conclusions than a single model analysis. Going forward, this approach can be applied in the development of socio-environmental systems models to facilitate more robust policy analysis and inference.
Parsec-scale X-ray flows in high-mass star-forming regions

We present Chandra ACIS images of several highmass star-forming regions. The massive stellar clusters powering these H II regions are resolved at the arcsecond level into hundreds of stellar sources, similar to those seen in closer young stellar clusters. However, we also detect diffuse X-ray emission on parsec scales that is spatially and spectrally distinct from the point source population. For nearby regions (e.g., M17 and Rosette) the emission is soft, with plasma temperatures less than 10 million degrees, in contrast to what is seen in more distant complexes (e.g., RCW49, W51). This extended emission most likely arises from the fast O-star winds thermalized either by wind-wind collisions or by a termination shock against the surrounding media. We have established that only a small portion of the wind energy and mass appears in the observed diffuse X-ray plasma; in the blister H II regions, we suspect that most of it o ws without cooling into the low-density interstellar medium through blow-outs or ssures in the surrounding neutral material. These data provide compelling observational evidence that strong wind shocks are present in H II regions.
Fetal sex and maternal postpartum depressive symptoms: findings from two prospective pregnancy cohorts

Fetal sex is known to modify the course and complications of pregnancy, with recent evidence of sex-differential fetal influences on the maternal immune and endocrine systems. In turn, heightened inflammation and surges in reproductive hormone levels associated with pregnancy and parturition have been linked with the development of perinatal depression. Here, we examined whether there is an association between fetal sex and maternal depression assessed during the prenatal and postnatal periods. The study included two multi-ethnic, prospective pregnancy cohorts that enrolled women from prenatal clinics in the Northeastern United States between 2001 and 2018. Maternal depressive symptoms were measured during the prenatal and postnatal periods using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and newborn sex was reported by the mother following delivery. We used logistic regression to examine associations between fetal sex and maternal depressive symptoms (EPDS > 10) during the prenatal period only, postnatal period only, or both periods versus no depressive symptoms during either period. We considered both unadjusted models and models adjusted for a core set of sociodemographic and lifestyle variables. In adjusted models using PRISM data (N = 528), women pregnant with a male versus female fetus had significantly greater odds of depressive symptoms during the postnatal period compared to women without depressive symptoms during either period (odds ratio [OR] = 5.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.93, 14.21). The direction of results was consistent in the ACCESS cohort, although the findings did not reach statistical significance (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 0.86, 4.93). Significant associations were not observed in either cohort among women with prenatal symptoms only or women with prenatal and postnatal symptoms. Male fetal sex was associated with the onset of depressive symptoms during the postnatal period.
Noninvasive Imaging of Cancer Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of several malignancies. Notwithstanding the encouraging results, many patients do not respond to treatments. Evaluation of the efficacy of treatments is challenging and robust methods to predict the response to treatment are not yet available. The outcome of immunotherapy results from changes that treatment evokes in the tumor immune landscape. Therefore, a better understanding of the dynamics of immune cells that infiltrate into the tumor microenvironment may fundamentally help in addressing this challenge and provide tools to assess or even predict the response. Noninvasive imaging approaches, such as PET and SPECT that provide whole-body images are currently seen as the most promising tools that can shed light on the events happening in tumors in response to treatment. Such tools can provide critical information that can be used to make informed clinical decisions. Here, we review recent developments in the field of noninvasive cancer imaging with a focus on immunotherapeutics and nuclear imaging technologies and will discuss how the field can move forward to address the challenges that remain unresolved.
Irreconcilable differences and political reality in these dark ages.

Dr. Neuringer believes that behavior analysts and psychologists can stop squabbling, bury their differences, and learn to live together happily. Neuringer's assessment of this case is that the fault lies with behavior analysts, who are too arrogant and doctrinaire. His recommendation is for behavior analysts to relax, to become more accepting of diversity, to stop insisting so stubbornly on their point of view, and to start doing some serious capitulating. I am happy to provide a second opinion on this case.
The CDC response to antibiotic and antifungal resistance in the environment

Antibiotic resistance challenges public health on many fronts, and it is increasingly clear that it must be addressed in the environment to control emerging resistance and infections in humans and animals. Here, we outline how the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is addressing antibiotic resistance in the environment.
The role of spatial embedding in mouse brain networks constructed from diffusion tractography and tracer injections.

Abstract Diffusion MRI tractography is the only noninvasive method to measure the structural connectome in humans. However, recent validation studies have revealed limitations of modern tractography approaches, which lead to significant mistracking caused in part by local uncertainties in fiber orientations that accumulate to produce larger errors for longer streamlines. Characterizing the role of this length bias in tractography is complicated by the true underlying contribution of spatial embedding to brain topology. In this work, we compare graphs constructed with ex vivo tractography data in mice and neural tracer data from the Allen Mouse Brain Connectivity Atlas to random geometric surrogate graphs which preserve the low-order distance effects from each modality in order to quantify the role of geometry in various network properties. We find that geometry plays a substantially larger role in determining the topology of graphs produced by tractography than graphs produced by tracers. Tractography underestimates weights at long distances compared to neural tracers, which leads tractography to place network hubs close to the geometric center of the brain, as do corresponding tractography-derived random geometric surrogates, while tracer graphs place hubs further into peripheral areas of the cortex. We also explore the role of spatial embedding in modular structure, network efficiency and other topological measures in both modalities. Throughout, we compare the use of two different tractography streamline node assignment strategies and find that the overall differences between tractography approaches are small relative to the differences between tractography- and tracer-derived graphs. These analyses help quantify geometric biases inherent to tractography and promote the use of geometric benchmarking in future tractography validation efforts.
Ice-core dating and chemistry by direct-current electrical conductivity

Although quantitative interpretation of the low-frequency electrical conductivity of ice cores from central Greenland is complicated by temperature variations of the measured core, annual layers can be recognized in sections of the core that are not impacted by non-seasonal features. Ambiguities in counting of annual layers can be minimized by comparing the electrical conductivity measurements to measurements of dust concentration and visual stratigraphy. A non-linear relationship between applied voltage and the current measured across two electrodes complicates the quantitative comparison of measurements made with different equipment, but does not affect the overall shape of the observed features.
Antecedents and Consequences of Web Advertising Credibility

ABSTRACTRapid growth in online advertising revenues indicates the viability of World Wide Web advertising as an alternative to that of traditional media. Practitioners and academicians recognize that building credibility is important in this relatively new environment. To date, no academic research has explored the interplay of vehicle and advertiser source credibility in determining advertising effects on the web. The present study explores antecedents and consequences of online advertising credibility and examines the effects of (1) website credibility, (2) ad relevance (the advertised product’s relevance to website content), and (3) advertiser credibility on ad credibility, ad and brand attitudes, and product purchase intentions. Structural equation modeling systematically tested and refined a model representing interrelated relationships among the relevant variables. The results suggest that source credibility is vital to understanding web advertising effectiveness. Managerial implications and directi...
Design of multidimensional Shinnar-Le Roux radiofrequency pulses.

Purpose To generalize the conventional Shinnar–Le Roux method for the design of multidimensional radiofrequency pulses. Methods Using echo-planar gradients, the multidimensional radiofrequency pulse design problem was converted into a series of one-dimensional polynomial design problems. Each of the one-dimensional polynomial design problems was solved efficiently. B0 inhomogeneity compensation and design of spatial-spectral pulses were also considered. Results The proposed method was used to design two-dimensional excitation and refocusing pulses. The results were validated through Bloch equation simulation and experiments on a 3.0 T scanner. Large-tip-angle, equiripple-error, multidimensional excitation was achieved with ripple levels closely matching the design specifications. Conclusion The conventional Shinnar–Le Roux method can be extended to design multidimensional radiofrequency pulses. The proposed method achieves almost equiripple excitation errors, allows easy control of the tradeoff among design parameters, and is computationally efficient. Magn Reson Med 73:633–645, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A BT enterprise configuration management system

Enterprise configuration management provides a framework within which to control the growth and complexity of modern large-scale integrated systems. BT is a leader in the field. This paper describes the company‘s design, implementation, and deployment of the Configuration Management Environment — a suite of whole-life, whole organisation, processes and tools needed to support a competitive and dynamic Networks and Systems division.
Biosensors for detecting pathogenic bacteria in the meat industry

Global meat production in 2006 increased 1.6% compared to 2005 (Food and Agriculture Organization [FAO], 2006). According to a September 2007 report by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the U.S. beef and beef variety meat exports worldwide increased 27% in value to $1.42 billion with a volume of 425,394 metric tons (mt) while U.S. pork and pork variety meat exports were up 5% in value to $1.7 billion with a volume of 704,138 mt1. However, with increasing production also comes increasing product recalls, averaging 4,536 mt of meat and poultry every year since 1997 (Teratanavat & Hooker, 2004). For example, in September 2007, a major meat processing company recalled up to 9,843 mt (21.7 million pounds) of ground beef due E. coli O157:H7 contamination, one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history2. This contamination sickened 30 people in eight states. On October 5, 2007, that company announced that it was closing its business3. Contamination of meat products by foodborne pathogens is increasingly a major food safety and economic concerns. Billions of dollars are lost every year in medical costs, productivity, product recalls, and jobs as a result of pathogen-contamination outbreaks. In the United States, there are up to 33 million cases of human illness each year from microbial pathogens in the food supply, with an associated cost of 2–4 billion dollars in 20064. Meat products can be contaminated from a number of sources, including the environment, the animal itself, fecal-contaminated water, or from human contact during the conversion of animal meat into food products. Majority of bacterial contamination in meat is generally harmless to humans however some contaminants are
Phytoextraction and Phytostabilization: Technical, Economic and Regulatory Considerations of the Soil‐Lead Issue

Lead is a common environmental contaminant, produced from multiple anthropogenic sources. The cost of traditional remediation techniques for lead-contaminated soils is prohibitive. As a result, new technologies such as phytoextraction, the removal of contaminants from soil and water sources by plants, and phytostabilization, the immobilization of contaminants in the soil, are being examined as remediation alternatives for lead-contaminated soils. Only a few plant species have been identified so far that can tolerate and accumulate lead partly because lead is relatively immobile in soils and has low phytoavailability. However, lowering the pH or the use of soil amendments or chelating agents such as EDTA can enhance the uptake of lead by plants. Lead is already relatively immobile in most soils, so phytostabilization is a promising remediation strategy. However, phytostabilization leaves the contaminant in the soil (albeit in an insoluble form), so long-term monitoring is required to verify that the contaminant does not become soluble again. Although only limited studies on the economic viability of phytoextraction and phytostabilization have been done, the estimated costs are significantly lower than those of traditional methods. Keywords: lead; soil; phytoremediation; chemical remediation; economic considerations; regulatory issues
Drift and Residuals

In Chapter 6, we have formulated universal kriging for the modeling of an attribute with a systematic trend. In some instances, however, the characteristic of interest is the trend itself rather than the attribute or, even more commonly, it is the residuals resulting from subtracting the drift from the kriging modeling of the attribute.
An appeal for the preservation of habitats in the interests of primate conservation

Based on an evaluation of the populations of primates in Northern Colombia, and upon data showing dramatically different abilities of the different species to survive in small forest remnants or radically altered forest environments, we urge the immediate establishment of adequately sized forest areas to insure the long term survival of vulnerable species. Hunting and trapping are obvious direct threats to a species, but habitat destruction is more insidious in that it exacerbates hunting and trapping pressures and may lead to the extinction of even those species enjoying vigorous protection. Rapid deforestation in the tropics is often a mark of rapid development and whereas none would wish to hinder such national efforts, developmental efforts may be directed so as to preserve selected wildlife refuges for the future benefit of the nation and the world.
Canine and human gastrointestinal stromal tumors display similar mutations in c-KIT exon 11

Background Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are common mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract of humans and dogs. Little is known about the pathogenesis of these tumors. This study evaluated the role of c-KIT in canine GISTs; specifically, we investigated activating mutations in exons 8, 9, 11, 13, and 17 of c-KIT and exons 12, 14, and 18 of platelet-derived growth factor receptor, alpha polypeptide (PDGFRA), all of which have been implicated in human GISTs.
Estimation of the rate of VOC emissions from solvent-based indoor coating materials based on product formulation

Abstract Two computational methods are proposed for estimation of the emission rate of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from solvent-based indoor coating materials based on the knowledge of product formulation. The first method utilizes two previously developed mass transfer models with two key parameters – the total vapor pressure and the average molecular weight for total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) – being estimated based on the VOC contents in the product. The second method is based on a simple, first-order decay model with its parameters being estimated from the properties of both the source and the environment. All the model parameters can be readily obtained. Detailed procedures for computing the key parameters are described by using examples. The predictive errors were evaluated with small chamber data, and the results were satisfactory. Thus, the proposed methods provide a way to predict the VOC emissions in the indoor environment without having to conduct costly chamber testing. The two proposed methods work for both TVOCs and individual VOCs. Pros and cons for each method are discussed.
Source water controls on the character and origin of dissolved organic matter in streams of the Yukon River basin, Alaska

[1] Climate warming and permafrost degradation at high latitudes will likely impact watershed hydrology, and consequently, alter the concentration and character of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in northern rivers. We examined seasonal variation of DOC chemistry in 16 streams of the Yukon River basin, Alaska. Our primary objective was to evaluate the relationship between source water (shallow versus deep groundwater flow paths) and DOC chemical composition. Using base cation chemistry and principal component analysis, we observed high contributions of deep groundwater to glacial and clearwater streams, whereas blackwater streams received larger contributions from shallow groundwater sources. DOC concentration and specific ultraviolet absorbance peaked during spring snowmelt in all streams, and were consistently higher in blackwater streams than in glacial and clearwater streams. The hydrophobic acid fraction of DOC dominated across all streams and seasons, comprising between 35% and 56% of total DOC. The hydrophilic acid fraction of DOC was more prominent in glacial (23% ± 3%) and clearwater streams (19% ± 1%) than in blackwater streams (16% ± 1%), and was enriched during winter base flow (29% ± 1%) relative to snowmelt and summer base flow. We observed that an increase in the contribution of deep groundwater to streamflow resulted in decreased DOC concentration, aromaticity, and DOC-to-dissolved organic nitrogen ratio, and an increase in the proportion of hydrophilic acids relative to hydrophobic acids. Our findings suggest that future permafrost degradation and higher contributions of groundwater to streamflow may result in a higher fraction of labile DOM in streams of the Yukon basin.
Hexosamine and hydroxyproline alterations in chronically sun-damaged skin.

Summary1. The upper dermis of chronically sun-damaged human skin contains more hexosamine and less hydroxyproline than the upper dermis from unexposed areas. 2. The increased hexosamine confirms the presence of increased acid mucopolysaccharides seen histologically in sun-damaged skin, but the decreased hydroxyproline does not identify the elastin staining material as either elastin or “degraded” collagen. 3. The upper dermis of sun-damaged skin has higher hexosamine and lower hydroxyproline levels than the lower-most dermis of the same specimen, thus the localization of the biochemical alteration corresponds with the localization of the histologic abnormality.
Compartmentalization of Calcium Extrusion Mechanisms in the Outer and Inner Segments of Photoreceptors

Differential localization of calcium channel subtypes in divergent regions of individual neurons strongly suggests that calcium signaling and regulation could be compartmentalized. Region-specific expression of calcium extrusion transporters would serve also to partition calcium regulation within single cells. Little is known about selective localization of the calcium extrusion transporters, nor has compartmentalized calcium regulation within single neurons been studied in detail. Sensory neurons provide an experimentally tractable preparation to investigate this functional compartmentalization. We studied calcium regulation in the outer segment (OS) and inner segment/synaptic terminal (IS/ST) regions of rods and cones. We report these areas can function as separate compartments. Moreover, ionic, pharmacological, and immunolocalization results show that a Ca-ATPase, but not the Na+/K+, Ca2+ exchanger found in the OSs, extrudes calcium from the IS/ST region. The compartmentalization of calcium regulation in the photoreceptor outer and inner segments implies that transduction and synaptic signaling can be independently controlled. Similar separation of calcium-dependent functions is likely to apply in many types of neuron.
Studies on the properties of 1,N 6 -ethenoadenine derivatives of various coenzymes

Abstract Several fluorescent 1, N 6 -ethenoadenine derivatives were synthesized, including ϵ-AMP's, ϵ-DPN + , and ϵ-FAD, and some of their physicochemical and biological properties were studied in some detail. In contrast to the high fluorescence quantum yields of the mononucleotide derivatives, the dinucleotide derivatives exhibit extremely low quantum yields. NMR data indicate that the intramolecular folding of the ϵ-dinucleotides is not much different from that of the natural coenzymes in solution, and thus cannot account for the low quantum yields of the ϵ-compounds. It is postulated that the discrepancy is caused by dynamic quenching effects. The interaction of the ϵ-dinucleotides with various dehydrogenases causes a much larger quenching of the tryptophan fluorescence than is observed with the natural coenzymes, indicating that the quenching of the protein fluorescence may not be due solely to the nicotinamide moiety but involves the adenine portion of the coenzyme as well. ϵ-DPN + and ϵ-cAMP were shown to be biologically active in a variety of enzymatic systems, and may be useful in kinetic as well as in structural studies of various enzyme systems.
MANAGEMENT OF POSTERIOR TIBIAL TENDINITIS IN THE ATHLETE

Abstract Posterior tibial tendinitis in the young patient is relatively uncommon. However, when it occurs, it can be debilitatingand considerably limit athletic function. Aggressive nonoperative treatment is indicated initially. If this fails, tenosynovectomy can restore function and relieve pain. If the degree of tendon degeneration is extensive, primary repair and/or augmentation with flexor digitorum longus or flexor hallucis longus transfer will be necessary. While short term results are encouraging in patients overall, little is known about the long-term prognosis or the results in young, high-demand individuals.
Rheology of rat basophilic leukemia cells

Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, decorated with IgE, have been shown to bind irreversibly to antigen-coated sub-strates. In this paper we measured RBL cell deformability and demonstrated that this irreversible binding is not due to a compliant cellular rheology of these cells. The rheological properties of RBL cells were assessed with single-cell micropipette aspiration. Small-sized (G1/G0 phase) cells were found to be more deformable than medium-sized (S phase) cells. No changes in cellular rheology were observed after binding of anti-dinitrophenol IgE to Fce receptors. Furthermore, cytoplasmic viscosity μ showed power-law dependence on mean shear rate $$\dot \gamma _m :\mu = \mu _c (\dot \gamma _m /\dot \gamma _c )^{ - b} $$ , where μc is a characteristic viscosity at characteristic shear rate $$\dot \gamma _c $$ , andb is a material coefficient. All the cells exhibited similar dependence on shear rate (b≈0.5). When $$\dot \gamma _c $$ was set to 1 s−1, μc, 560±40 and 490±10 Pa·s for G1/G0, S cells, and G1/G0 cells treated with the antibody, respectively. In general, RBL cells were much more rigid than normal neutrophils (μc = 130 ± 20 Pa · s,b ≈ 0.05). Thus the biochemistry of the adhesion molecules,not the cellular deformability of the cell, is the cause of the irreversibility of RBL cell adhesion under flow.
The storefront church ministry in African American communities of the urban north during the great migration: The making of an ethnic niche

Abstract An ethnic niche is an occupation or industry into which an ethnic minority group concentrates in order to avoid or overcome its disadvantages in the larger economy. Such a niche is often based upon the special consumer demands of co-ethnics. During the Great Migration, African Americans from the South brought to the urban North a demand for religious services that were traditional, emotional and intimate. The old-line churches of northern African American communities failed to satisfy these demands. Hence, a niche arose for those African Americans who were willing and able to start churches that could accomodate the religious demands of the southern migrants. This niche was relatively easy to enter, and it offered reasonable rewards to its occupants. It was also an important source of social support to many African Americans.
Treatment of claustrophobias and snake/spider phobias: fear of arousal and fear of context

Forty-nine individuals with fears of snakes or spiders, and 21 individuals with claustrophobic fear were assigned randomly to two sessions of either in vivo exposure plus relaxation or in vivo exposure plus disconfirmation of misappraisals of bodily sensations. Behavioral, subjective and physiological assessments were conducted pre and post treatment, and 4 weeks later. As hypothesized, disconfirmation of misappraisals of bodily sensations benefited claustrophobic fear reduction, but had little effect on fears of snakes or spiders. However, differential treatment effects failed to generalize to nontargetted phobic situations, or generalize over time. In addition, the two treatments affected basic beliefs about arousal sensations equally.
Designing Energy-Efficient Servers and Data Centers

Design decisions made at one level of abstraction often conflict with decisions made at other levels, limiting or even eliminating the expected energy-efficiency increase.
Is international business good for companies? The evolutionary or multi-stage theory of internationalization vs. the transaction cost perspective

Abstract and Key Results This paper’s objective is to articulate, more precisely than has occurred in the past, the principal theory rationales underlying the Multinationality/Performance (M/P) link, by examining each claim for the negative or positive benefits of internationalization, from the lens of the theory of the firm and the multinational enterprise. A concurrent objective of this paper is to respond to critiques of M/P theory and discuss methodology and operationalization problems in empirical testing. While international expansion of a firm will not necessarily always improve performance (during the initial international expansion stage, or in cases where a firm may have over-internationalized), for the most part, over the considerable middle range of expansion, net positive benefits accrue from internationalization. Underlying theory rationales are detailed in the paper. The results of over one hundred empirical studies over the past 30 years appear, on superficial examination, to be contradictory, but can be reconciled by the recently proposed 3-stage or S-shaped general theory.