cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anisotropy and strong-coupling effects on the critical-magnetic-field curve of elemental superconductors

An empirical method of separating strong-coupling effects from anisotropy effects in critical-magnetic-field curves of elemental superconductors is presented. Using Clem's critical-field expressions for a weak-coupling anisotropic superconductor, together with an empirical scaling of the superconducting energy gap, a set of relations is derived which allows an independent determination of the mean-squared energy-gap anisotropy parameter $〈{a}^{2}〉$ and a strong-coupling scaling parameter $\ensuremath{\delta}$. These parameters depend on the experimental determination of two quantities, $2\ensuremath{\pi}\ensuremath{\gamma}{(\frac{{T}_{0}}{{H}_{0}})}^{2}$ and ${(\frac{\mathrm{dh}}{\mathrm{dt}})}_{t=1}$, where ${T}_{0}$ is the zero-field superconducting transition temperature, ${H}_{0}$ is the zero-temperature critical magnetic field, $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is the temperature coefficient of the normal electronic specific heat, and ${(\frac{\mathrm{dh}}{\mathrm{dt}})}_{t=1}$ is the initial slope of the critical-field curve expressed in reduced variables. Values of $〈{a}^{2}〉$ are calculated using published critical-field data and are compared with those values obtained by independent means.
Influence of Taxonomic Relatedness and Chemical Mode of Action in Acute Interspecies Estimation Models for Aquatic Species

Ecological risks to aquatic organisms are typically assessed using acute toxicity data for relatively few species and with limited understanding of relative species sensitivity. We developed a comprehensive set of interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) models based on acute toxicity data for aquatic organisms and evaluated three key sources of model uncertainty: taxonomic relatedness, chemical mode of action (MOA), and model parameters. Models are least-squares regressions of acute toxicity of surrogate and predicted species. A total of 780 models were derived from acute values for 77 species of aquatic organisms and over 550 chemicals. Cross-validation of models showed that accurate model prediction was greatest for models with surrogate and predicted taxa within the same family (91% of predictions within 5-fold of measured values). Recursive partitioning provided user guidance for selection of robust models using model mean square error and taxonomic relatedness. Models built with a single MOA were m...
A20 Modulates Lipid Metabolism and Energy Production to Promote Liver Regeneration

Background Liver Regeneration is clinically of major importance in the setting of liver injury, resection or transplantation. We have demonstrated that the NF-κB inhibitory protein A20 significantly improves recovery of liver function and mass following extended liver resection (LR) in mice. In this study, we explored the Systems Biology modulated by A20 following extended LR in mice. Methodology and Principal Findings We performed transcriptional profiling using Affymetrix-Mouse 430.2 arrays on liver mRNA retrieved from recombinant adenovirus A20 (rAd.A20) and rAd.βgalactosidase treated livers, before and 24 hours after 78% LR. A20 overexpression impacted 1595 genes that were enriched for biological processes related to inflammatory and immune responses, cellular proliferation, energy production, oxidoreductase activity, and lipid and fatty acid metabolism. These pathways were modulated by A20 in a manner that favored decreased inflammation, heightened proliferation, and optimized metabolic control and energy production. Promoter analysis identified several transcriptional factors that implemented the effects of A20, including NF-κB, CEBPA, OCT-1, OCT-4 and EGR1. Interactive scale-free network analysis captured the key genes that delivered the specific functions of A20. Most of these genes were affected at basal level and after resection. We validated a number of A20's target genes by real-time PCR, including p21, the mitochondrial solute carriers SLC25a10 and SLC25a13, and the fatty acid metabolism regulator, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha. This resulted in greater energy production in A20-expressing livers following LR, as demonstrated by increased enzymatic activity of cytochrome c oxidase, or mitochondrial complex IV. Conclusion This Systems Biology-based analysis unravels novel mechanisms supporting the pro-regenerative function of A20 in the liver, by optimizing energy production through improved lipid/fatty acid metabolism, and down-regulated inflammation. These findings support pursuit of A20-based therapies to improve patients’ outcomes in the context of extreme liver injury and extensive LR for tumor treatment or donation.
The Role of Housing: A Comparison of Front-Line Provider Views in Housing First and Traditional Programs

Purpose Within the mental health system, there are two distinct service models for adults who have severe mental illness and are homeless: one prioritizes treatment before accessing permanent housing (Treatment First) while the other provides permanent housing upfront followed by clinical support (Housing First). Investigating front-line providers working within these two models affords an opportunity to learn more about their implementation from an insider perspective, thus shedding light on whether actual practice is consistent with or contrary to these program models’ contrasting philosophical values.
The Relationship of Albumen Hydrogen Ion Concentration and Haugh Units of Newly-Laid Eggs

Abstract Eggs from hens which had been laying for 365 days and for 105 days were used. All eggs were kept under refrigeration from gathering time (3 times per day) until pH values and Haugh units were determined. All eggs were examined within 24 hours after gathering. A statistical analysis found no correlation between Haugh units and the pH value of the albumen. Haugh units were significantly higher for eggs from the younger hens. The pH values were not significantly different for the albumen of eggs from the two different age groups.
Creating a faculty development office in an academic pediatric hospital: challenges and successes

Faculty in academic medical centers are challenged by demands for excellence and productivity in clinical care, research, and teaching. The increased competition for National Institutes of Health grants, the creation of new medical school curricula and residency competencies, and the multitude of quality and cost measures for clinicians have resulted in new stresses among academic faculty of all ranks. The expectations for productivity often conflict with the desire of young faculty to achieve a work-life balance and can jeopardize faculty “vitality.”1–3 The dramatic increase in women graduating from medical schools in the past 2 decades has resulted in increasing percentages of women at the lowest academic ranks but with only a modest change in the percentage of women at professorial rank, which is currently 16% across US medical schools.4 Although female scientists and medical faculty in general face a number of barriers related to childbearing and bias,5–7 the future of academic pediatrics is likely to be particularly affected because of the high percentage of women entering this specialty. As of 2003, 70% of pediatric residents and 63% of pediatricians who took the boards for the first time were women.6,8 In contrast, 37% of current pediatric subspecialists are women.8 In a survey of women faculty at Stanford in 2001–2002, McGuire et al7 found that the highest-ranked needs were for a flexible work environment without adverse consequences for women with children (including part-time appointments, child care, ability to attend school events, etc); a 3-month sabbatical from administrative and clinical duties to write grants and papers; mentoring; and administrative support for manuscript preparation. Indeed, the authors of 2 commentaries in Pediatrics recently called for significant changes to make pediatric careers more family-friendly9 and to provide part-time options, child care, flexibility … Address correspondence to Sarah Jean Emans, MD, Office of Faculty Development and Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Ave, LO 637, Boston, MA 02115. E-mail: jean.emans{at}childrens.harvard.edu or ofd{at}childrens.harvard.edu
Improving Shift Schedule and Work-Hour Policies and Practices to Increase Police Officer Performance, Health, and Safety:

Fatigue among police patrol officers arising from departmental policies and practices may degrade individuals' abilities and hence the performance of organizations. Few U.S. police departments have established comprehensive shift, work-hour, and fatigue management policies despite the well understood, long-standing, and profound influences that round-the-clock schedules have on worker health, safety, performance, job satisfaction, and family life. After reviewing the sources, costs, and impacts of fatigue as well as recent research into the prevalence of fatigue among police, the authors discuss policies and practices that police executives, managers, and supervisors can employ to minimize officer fatigue.
In-system timing extraction and control through scan-based, test-access ports

We present circuits and techniques which allow the extraction of fine-grained timing information using a simple, scan-based, test-access port such as the JTAG/IEEE 1149 standard. We go on to show how these techniques can be combined with other simple circuits for post-fabrication timing control. These techniques open up opportunities to perform timing oriented tests through TAP control. Further, they allow in-system timing adaptation which can be exploited to achieve high system performance.
A fluorescent resonant energy transfer–based biosensor reveals transient and regional myosin light chain kinase activation in lamella and cleavage furrows

Approaches with high spatial and temporal resolution are required to understand the regulation of nonmuscle myosin II in vivo. Using fluorescence resonance energy transfer we have produced a novel biosensor allowing simultaneous determination of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) localization and its [Ca2+]4/calmodulin-binding state in living cells. We observe transient recruitment of diffuse MLCK to stress fibers and its in situ activation before contraction. MLCK is highly active in the lamella of migrating cells, but not at the retracting tail. This unexpected result highlights a potential role for MLCK-mediated myosin contractility in the lamella as a driving force for migration. During cytokinesis, MLCK was enriched at the spindle equator during late metaphase, and was maximally activated just before cleavage furrow constriction. As furrow contraction was completed, active MLCK was redistributed to the poles of the daughter cells. These results show MLCK is a myosin regulator in the lamella and contractile ring, and pinpoints sites where myosin function may be mediated by other kinases.
Umbodinium crustov gen. et sp. nov., a peridinioid dinoflagellate with two intercalaries from the Albian of Kansas

Abstract A peridinioid dinoflagellate with just two intercalary paraplates is reported from the basal several meters of the upper Albian Kiowa Formation in southern Kansas. Umbodinium crustov gen. et sp. nov. is a single‐walled, subspherical cyst with a combination apical and intercalary archeopyle. Interpreted epicystal paratabulation is 4’, 2a, 7”;. This tabulation pattern has modern thecal representatives among both marine and freshwater dinoflagellates, respectively Protoperidinium (subgenus Archaeperidinium), and the Peridinium umbonatum and P. palatinum groups. Peridinioid plate patterns are reassessed in relation to a primary hypothetical pattern and proposed subsequent plate divisions and migrations, with symmetry considered as an important through‐going theme. It is suggested that intercalary plates could have resulted from latitudinal division of pre‐equatorial primary plates, except in the Diplopsalis group where they more likely derived from division of a polar plate.
Fostering Empowerment, Building Community: The Challenge for State-Funded Feminist Organizations

Using a case study methodology this paper explores specific ways in which the battered women's movement in Texas was affected by state funding. State funding of movement organizations is a mixed blessing. It allows movement activists to stabilize the funding of their organizations and to have a wider political and social impact. At the same time, state funding expands the organizational field based on available resources, not common ideology. This expansion has the potential to threaten the ideological and political cohesion of the movement. The affects of state funding are mitigated when the movement's leadership has a feminist vision and engages in feminist practices that challenge the bureaucratic and hierarchical practices of the state's decision making structures by empowering movement participants to work together collectively towards common goals.
Postsynaptic Scaffolds of Excitatory and Inhibitory Synapses in Hippocampal Neurons: Maintenance of Core Components Independent of Actin Filaments and Microtubules

The mechanisms responsible for anchoring molecular components of postsynaptic specializations in the mammalian brain are not well understood but are presumed to involve associations with cytoskeletal elements. Here we build on previous studies of neurotransmitter receptors (Allison et al., 1998) to analyze the modes of attachment of scaffolding and signal transducing proteins of both glutamate and GABA postsynaptic sites to either the microtubule or microfilament cytoskeleton. Hippocampal pyramidal neurons in culture were treated with latrunculin A to depolymerize actin, with vincristine to depolymerize microtubules, or with Triton X-100 to extract soluble proteins. The synaptic clustering of PSD-95, a putative NMDA receptor anchoring protein and a core component of the postsynaptic density (PSD), was unaffected by actin depolymerization, microtubule depolymerization, or detergent extraction. The same was largely true for GKAP, a PSD-95-interacting protein. In contrast, the synaptic clustering of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII)alpha, another core component of the PSD, was completely dependent on an intact actin cytoskeleton and was partially disrupted by detergent. Drebrin and alpha-actinin-2, actin-binding proteins concentrated in spines, were also dependent on F-actin for synaptic localization but were unaffected by detergent extraction. Surprisingly, the subcellular distributions of the inhibitory synaptic proteins GABA(A)R and gephyrin, which has a tubulin-binding motif, were unaffected by depolymerization of microtubules or actin or by detergent extraction. These studies reveal an unsuspected heterogeneity in the modes of attachment of postsynaptic proteins to the cytoskeleton and support the idea that PSD-95 and gephyrin may be core scaffolding components independent of the actin or tubulin cytoskeleton.
Test–retest reliability of an fMRI paradigm for studies of cardiovascular reactivity

We examined the reliability of measures of fMRI, subjective, and cardiovascular reactions to standardized versions of a Stroop color-word task and a multisource interference task. A sample of 14 men and 12 women (30–49 years old) completed the tasks on two occasions, separated by a median of 88 days. The reliability of fMRI BOLD signal changes in brain areas engaged by the tasks was moderate, and aggregating fMRI BOLD signal changes across the tasks improved test–retest reliability metrics. These metrics included voxel-wise intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and overlap ratio statistics. Task-aggregated ratings of subjective arousal, valence, and control, as well as cardiovascular reactions evoked by the tasks showed ICCs of 0.57 to 0.87 (ps < .001), indicating moderate-to-strong reliability. These findings support using these tasks as a battery for fMRI studies of cardiovascular reactivity.
Waist-Worn Actigraphy: Population-Referenced Percentiles for Total Activity Counts in U.S. Adults.

Background: Accelerometer-derived total activity count is a measure of total physical activity (PA) volume. The purpose of this study was to develop age- and gender-specific percentiles for daily total activity counts (TAC), minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and minutes of light physical activity (LPA) in U.S. adults. Methods: Waist-worn accelerometer data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used for this analysis. The sample included adults >20 years with >10 hours accelerometer wear time on >4 days (N = 6093). MVPA and LPA were defined as the number of 1-minute epochs with counts >2020 and 100 to 2019, respectively. TAC represented the activity counts acquired daily. TAC, MVPA, and LPA were averaged across valid days to produce a daily mean. Results: Males in the 50th percentile accumulated 288 140 TAC/day, with 357 and 22 minutes/day spent in LPA and MVPA, respectively. The median for females was 235 741 TAC/day, with 349 and 12 minutes/day s...
Regarding driving after drug and alcohol use among us high school seniors

We read with interest the article by O'Malley and Johnston examining trends in the proportion of US high school seniors who drive after using drugs or ride in vehicles whose driver has used drugs.(1) We commend the authors for investigating the correlates of these behaviors; however, we have some concerns. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print February 13, 2014: e1. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2013.301839). Language: en
Glasses and glass ceramics for sealing to aluminum alloys

Abstract We have developed alkali alkaline earth phosphate glasses which hermetically seal to aluminum alloys. They have coefficients of thermal expansion greater than 200 × 10−7 °C−I and glass transition temperature below 400°C. The relatively low fracture toughness values (KIC) of the glasses, 0.43 to 0.53 MPa (m) 1 2 , (KIC of silica = 0.9 MPa 1 2 ) increase by approximately 25% when the glasses are converted into glass ceramics. Depending upon parent glass compositions and heat treatment, crystal phases of sodium metaphosphate, sodium trimetaphosphate, sodium barium phosphate, or sodium calcium phosphate may develop. DC electrical resistivities of the glasses are 106 to 1010 ohm-cm at 230°C.
Identification of Epi64, a Tbc/Rabgap Domain–Containing Microvillar Protein That Binds to the First PDZ Domain of Ebp50 and E3karp

The cortical scaffolding proteins EBP50 (ERM-binding phosphoprotein-50) and E3KARP (NHE3 kinase A regulatory protein) contain two PDZ (PSD-95/DlgA/ZO-1–like) domains followed by a COOH-terminal sequence that binds to active ERM family members. Using affinity chromatography, we identified polypeptides from placental microvilli that bind the PDZ domains of EBP50. Among these are 64- and/or 65-kD differentially phosphorylated polypeptides that bind preferentially to the first PDZ domain of EBP50, as well as to E3KARP, and that we call EPI64 (EBP50–PDZ interactor of 64 kD). The gene for human EPI64 lies on chromosome 22 where nine exons specify a protein of 508 residues that contains a Tre/Bub2/Cdc16 (TBC)/rab GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain. EPI64 terminates in DTYL, which is necessary for binding to the PDZ domains of EBP50, as a mutant ending in DTYLA no longer interacts. EPI64 colocalizes with EBP50 and ezrin in syncytiotrophoblast and cultured cell microvilli, and this localization in cultured cells is abolished by introduction of the DTYLA mutation. In addition to EPI64, immobilized EBP50 PDZ domains retain several polypeptides from placental microvilli, including an isoform of nadrin, a rhoGAP domain–containing protein implicated in regulating vesicular transport. Nadrin binds EBP50 directly, probably through its COOH-terminal STAL sequence. Thus, EBP50 appears to bind membrane proteins as well as factors potentially involved in regulating membrane traffic.
Reflections on Political Engagement and Voluntary Association Governance

This article explores the nexus between political engagement and voluntary association member participation with the intention of strengthening the ability of nonprofit organizations to prepare people for active citizenship roles. The article examines the reports of participation declines made my two literatures and some of their suggestions for change. It critiques these suggestions but builds on those of Skocpol and Berry to advocate improving voluntary organization governance by positing democratic governance as a prerequisite for federal tax deductible status.
Probing the Origins and Stratigraphic Signature of Salt Pools from North-Temperate Marshes in Maine, U.S.A

Abstract Salt pools (shallow, water-filled depressions) are common landforms in north-temperate salt marshes. Despite their widespread distribution, the origin of pools as primary or secondary features of salt marshes remains uncertain and their description in the geologic record unclear. This study combines analyses of modern sediments and cores to determine pool origin and describe pool deposits. We collected samples from tidal-flat, tidal-creek, salt-pool, low-marsh, and high-marsh environments and 23 Dutch cores through extant and paleopools from salt marshes in Ogunquit, Wells, Brunswick, Gouldsboro, Addison, and Lubec, Maine. Salt-pool sediment is a dark gray, high-water-content mud with intermediate total organic carbon values (2.21–9.08) and typically lower carbon-to-nitrogen ratios than low- and high-marsh sediments. Pool sediment contains a suite of biological macrofossils; most common are drupes of the submerged aquatic plant Ruppia maritima and the gastropod Hydrobia totteni. Microfossil analy...
The impact of advanced technologies on treatment deviations in radiation treatment delivery.

Purpose To assess the impact of new technologies on deviation rates in radiation therapy (RT). Methods and Materials Treatment delivery deviations in RT were prospectively monitored during a time of technology upgrade. In January 2003, our department had three accelerators, none with "modern" technologies (e.g., without multileaf collimators [MLC]). In 2003 to 2004, we upgraded to five new accelerators, four with MLC, and associated advanced capabilities. The deviation rates among patients treated on "high-technology" versus "low-technology" machines (defined as those with vs. without MLC) were compared over time using the two-tailed Fisher's exact test. Results In 2003, there was no significant difference between the deviation rate in the "high-technology" versus "low-technology" groups (0.16% vs. 0.11%, p = 0.45). In 2005 to 2006, the deviation rate for the "high-technology" groups was lower than the "low-technology" (0.083% vs. 0.21%, p = 0.009). This difference was caused by a decline in deviations on the "high-technology" machines over time ( p = 0.053), as well as an unexpected trend toward an increase in deviations over time on the "low-technology" machines ( p = 0.15). Conclusions Advances in RT delivery systems appear to reduce the rate of treatment deviations. Deviation rates on "high-technology" machines with MLC decline over time, suggesting a learning curve after the introduction of new technologies. Associated with the adoption of "high-technology" was an unexpected increase in the deviation rate with "low-technology" approaches, which may reflect an over-reliance on tools inherent to "high-technology" machines. With the introduction of new technologies, continued diligence is needed to ensure that staff remain proficient with "low-technology" approaches.
Mitotic Exit and Separation of Mother and Daughter Cells

Productive cell proliferation involves efficient and accurate splitting of the dividing cell into two separate entities. This orderly process reflects coordination of diverse cytological events by regulatory systems that drive the cell from mitosis into G1. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, separation of mother and daughter cells involves coordinated actomyosin ring contraction and septum synthesis, followed by septum destruction. These events occur in precise and rapid sequence once chromosomes are segregated and are linked with spindle organization and mitotic progress by intricate cell cycle control machinery. Additionally, critical parts of the mother/daughter separation process are asymmetric, reflecting a form of fate specification that occurs in every cell division. This chapter describes central events of budding yeast cell separation, as well as the control pathways that integrate them and link them with the cell cycle.
Combinatorics of the Triangle Inequality: From Straws to Experimental Mathematics for Teachers

This article demonstrates the importance of skills in asking questions and the value of spreadsheets in seeking answers in the spirit of experimental mathematics. This is accomplished through an activity with straws recommended for lower elementary mathematics classrooms that was expanded to a combinatorial inquiry into the triangle inequality. Whereas the article is a reflection on a mathematics content and methods course taught by the author to elementary teacher candidates, combinatorial explorations motivated by an unexpected question by one of the candidates can be recommended for mathematics education courses of higher ranks. As a result of these explorations, a family of integer sequences (not included into the OEIS®) has been introduced.
OPTICAL AND MAGNETO-OPTICAL PERFORMANCE OF OPTIMIZED DISK STRUCTURES

We explore the relative magneto-optic readback performance of three magnetic materials for erasable optical data storage. We modeled the system signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of optimal film structures incorporating either TbFeCo, a Co/Pt multilayer, or BiDy-substituted FeGa garnet as a function of the wavelength of the reading light beam. The complex indices of refraction and Voigt parameters of the three magnetic storage materials were determined experimentally over the spectral range 300-800 nm by regression fitting of data from variable angle of incidence ellipsometry and normal incidence Kerr spectroscopy to an appropriate optical model. Making specific comparisons of the read back performance at 450, 550, and 800 nm, we find that for the MO materials we have characterized, the performance of TbFeCo is superior to that of either Co/Pt or the garnet at 550 and 800 nm. Only at 450 nm did the Co/Pt give slightly higher SNR than the TbFeCo. The garnet showed improving SNR in passing from 800 nm to the shorter wavelengths, but it had lower performance than the metal films.
Modes of Prophecy and Production: Placing Nature in History

Donald Worster is surely right when he asserts that environmental history, at its most basic level, "deals with the role and place of nature in human life." And yet even so seemingly straightforward a definition suggests the difficult challenge this new field poses for scholars. Environmental historians perform a delicate interdisciplinary balancing act in trying to reconcile the insights of their colleagues in history, ecology, geography, anthropology, and several other fields. Like ecologists, they are more committed than most historians to the proposition that the natural world has an autonomous place in history. For them, the story of the prairie bluestem, for instance, or the smallpox virus, or the common barnyard pig, may be no less important than the story of a presidential administration or a war. And yet unlike most ecologists, they share with other historians the belief that nature can only exist in time, that the particulars of historical environmental change are no less important than the timeless abstractions of ecological processes. To make matters worse, they understand that the very term they use to describe the environment nature is itself an astonishingly complex human construction: as Raymond Williams once remarked, "the idea of nature contains, though often unnoticed, an extraordinary amount of human history."' This historical complexity of nature may be why Donald Worster's "Transformation of the Earth" leaves me feeling both excited and uneasy. Like everything else Worster has written in his distinguished career as a founder of environmental history, the essay is bold and richly suggestive. Its general research agenda I can embrace wholeheartedly, and I would be loath to critique it if my remarks tended to
‘NuMex Heritage Big Jim’ New Mexican Chile Pepper

The New Mexico State University Chile Pepper Breeding and Genetics Program announces the release of ‘NuMex Heritage Big Jim’ chile pepper (Capsicum annuum L.). ‘NuMex Heritage Big Jim’ is an openpollinated, improved, New Mexican pod-type cultivar. The name was chosen to distinguish the newly selected cultivar from the original cultivar, NuMex Big Jim, while retaining its association. ‘NuMex Heritage Big Jim’ has superior flavor, a uniform and higher heat level, greater plant and pod uniformity, and higher yield as compared with the current commercially available ‘NuMex Big Jim’ chile pepper. There is a renewed interest in heirloom vegetables in the United States because of the variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and, most importantly, the flavor they provide (Creasy, 1999; McLaughlin, 2010). There is no official definition for what constitutes an heirloom vegetable. Most sources agree that heirloom cultivars, also called heritage or vintage cultivars, should be open-pollinated and have a well-established history (Harris, 2007; Iannotti, 2012). One such heirloom legacy is ‘NuMex Big Jim’. The New Mexican-type chile pepper cultivar, NuMex Big Jim, was released by New Mexico State University in 1975 (Nakayama, 1975). It is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as producing the world’s largest pepper pod at 33.75 cm (13.5 inches) long (Coon et al., 2008). Because of the large pods, the cultivar is a favorite of home gardeners and chefs for making chile relleno, a stuffed chile pepper pod. Changes have occurred to the original ‘NuMex Big Jim’ that includes yield, maturity date, plant habit, and fruit characteristics. Growers state that ‘NuMex Big Jim’ fruit is much milder than it was in the past. Also, when released in 1975, one of the complaints about the original ‘NuMex Big Jim’ was that the heat level (pungency) varied greatly from one plant to the next. It has been reported that ‘California Wonder’, another heirloom cultivar, is so variable that is should not be used as a control in experiments (Votava and Bosland, 2002). Selection within an heirloom cultivar to recreate as close as possible the original cultivar is termed a ‘‘rehabilitation’’ of the heirloom variety (Idlebrook, 2011). Therefore, a program was initiated to ‘‘rehabilitate’’ the current, commercially available cultivar NuMex Big Jim. Growers requested our breeding program to rehabilitate the commercially available ‘NuMex Big Jim’ by selecting for a more uniform heat level, maturity date, plant habit, and increased yield. A similar request was given for ‘New Mexico 6-4’ and culminated in the release of ‘NuMex Heritage 6-4’ (Bosland, 2012).
Initiation and Propagation Processes of Electrical Tree in Silicone Rubber

Cross-linked polyethylene power cables are more and more widely used, but they still have electrical tree break-down happened in cable accessories occasionally, while the mechanism of electrical treeing's initiation and propagation needs further research. Therefore, through material and calculative analyses, we described the microscopic structure of silicone rubber quantitatively, and obtained the channel characteristics and partial discharge characteristics during the initiation stage of electrical treeing. It is shown that the microscopic structure of silicone rubber includes a large number of physical crosslinking comprising the crosslinking in silicone rubber together with chemical crosslinking; The breakdown of physical crosslinking structure makes microscopic crack zones become larger, which further causes the electrical tree initiation. Meanwhile, channels of electrical trees have good insulation properties, and the trees' growth depends on the tearing effect of gas heat expansion or electromagnetic force under strong partial discharge mainly. Improving the mechanical properties, especially improving the tear characteristics, can enhance the silicone rubber's ability against electrical trees. The research on the initiation and propagation of electrical trees in silicon rubber provides theoretical basis for the proper application of silicone rubber in cable accessories.
Cockroach antigen specific IgE detection and analysis in allergic children

Objective To understand the age distribution of children allergic to cockroach,and diseases sources in Guangzhou.Methods Cockroach antigen specific IgE was detected by modified RAST assay.The positive results of January 2010 to December 2012 were analyzed.Results Among 9 821 serum samples,245 cases were positive for cockroach antigen specific IgE detection,with a positive rate of 2.49%.The top five symptoms in children positive for cockroach specific IgE were urticaria (59 cases,30.10%),allergic rhinitis(45 cases,22.96%),asthma (35 cases,17.86%),Henoch-Schonlein Purpura(21 cases,10.71%),and conjunctivitis (11 cases,5.61%).The age distribution of these patients was mainly concentrated in the 4 to 10 years of age,of which 10.57% was 4 years old,13.82% was 5 years old,11.38% was 6 years old,12.20% was 7 years old,and 10.98% was 8 years old.Male to female ratio was 2.77∶1.Conclusions Cockroach allergen was one of the major allergens for children in Guangzhou.Allergies were occurs primarily in children with allergic rhinitis and urticaria.The age distribution of patients was mainly in 4 to 10 years old.The positive rate of male was higher than that of female.
Phenotypic plasticity in the intercalated cell : the hensin pathway

The collecting duct of the renal tubule contains two cell types, one of which, the intercalated cell, is responsible for acidification and alkalinization of urine. These cells exist in a multiplicity of morphological forms, with two extreme types, α and β. The former acidifies the urine by an apical proton-translocating ATPase and a basolateral Cl/HCO3 exchanger, which is an alternately spliced form of band 3. This kidney form of band 3, kAE1, is present in the apical membrane of the β-cell, which has the H+-ATPase on the basolateral membrane. We had suggested previously that metabolic acidosis leads to conversion of β-types to α-types. To study the biochemical basis of this plasticity, we used an immortalized cell line of the β-cell and showed that these cells convert to the α-phenotype when plated at superconfluent density. At high density these cells localize a new protein, which we term “hensin,” to the extracellular matrix, and hensin acts as a molecular switch capable of changing the phenotype of th...
“Brain-Paradox” and “Embeddment” – Do We Need a “Philosophy of the Brain”?

Present discussions in philosophy of mind focuson ontological and epistemic characteristics ofmind and on mind-brain relations. In contrast,ontological and epistemic characteristics ofthe brain have rarely been thematized. Rather,philosophy seems to rely upon an implicitdefinition of the brain as "neuronal object''and "object of recognition'': henceontologically and epistemically distinct fromthe mind, characterized as "mental subject'' and"subject of recognition''. This leads to the"brain-paradox''. This ontological and epistemicdissociation between brain and mind can beconsidered central for the problems of mind andmind-brain relations that have yet to beresolved in philosophy. The brain itself hasnot been thematized epistemically andontologically, leading to a "brain problem''.The epistemic and ontological dissociationbetween brain and mind presupposes an"isolated'' picture of the brain, characterizedby context-independence (i.e. "isolation'' frombody and environment). We can describe thisview as an extrinsic relationship betweenbrain, body and environment. However, based onrecent empirical findings about body image andphantom sensations, we can no longer considerthe brain as context-independent or "isolated''from its bodily and environmental context.Instead, the brain must be considered"embedded''. Within the context of 'embeddment',brain and bodily/environmental context seemmutually to determine each other, and hence bereciprocally dependent on each other. We candescribe this as an intrinsic relationshipbetween brain, body and environment.Defining the brain as "embedded'' undermines theepistemic and ontological dissociation betweenbrain and mind and consequently resolves the"brain-paradox''. This resolution sheds novellight on problems of mind and mind-brainrelations by relativizing both. It is thereforeconcluded that philosophy should thematizeontological and epistemic characteristics ofthe brain, thereby taking into account the"brain problem'' and developing a "philosophy ofthe brain''. This approach not only opens a newfield in philosophy but also extends the focusof empirical investigation in the neurosciencesto take into account the intrinsic relationshipbetween brain, body and environment.
Raced ways of seeing O.J.

Reality is not given, not humanly existent, independent of language and towards which language stands as a pale refraction. Rather reality is brought into existence, is produced, by communication; that is, by the construction, apprehension, and utilization of symbolic forms. (Carey 1975, p. 12) Despite an abundance of twists and turns, the road paved with literature on mass media continues to lead to one of two places: to a place where media are assumed to be powerful relative to audience members, or to a place where the opposite view is held to be true. At the former place, scholars argue that media are successful at injecting hegemonic ideas directly into the minds of rather passive audience members (cf. Adorno 1991), or that any audience opposition to specific ideas is in the long run overwhelmed by immersion in a world shaped by dominant ideologies (cf. Althusser 1971). At the latter place, scholars counter that audience members are active interpreters who often overlook or consciously subvert the meanings intended by the creators of media texts (Klapper 1960; Blumler and Katz 1974; Fiske 1987). At stake in this ongoing debate, of course, is our understanding of the degree to which media actually construct “reality.” As Carey (1975) notes in the above quote, what we perceive as “reality” is shaped by an ongoing process of human communication. The ritualistic nature of this process ultimately points to the precariousness of “reality,” the degree to which its coordinates must continually be negotiated and (re)affirmed.
Four R's of radiotherapy

Publisher Summary Radiotherapy given as multiple doses are effective in sterilizing cancers, but the processes whereby the neoplasm is eradicated and the normal tissues are preserved are not fully understood. The differential between normal tissue and tumor response is enhanced by dose fractionation, single doses resulting in severe normal tissue injury when the dose is sufficient to control a proportion of treated tumors. This chapter focuses on the four Rs that influence the outcome of fractionated-dose radiotherapy, one or more of which may account for the relative sparing of normal tissues. These are repair of sublethal injury in normal and neoplastic cells, reoxygenation of the tumor, redistribution through the division cycle, and regeneration of surviving normal and malignant cells between dose fractions. These have been called the four Rs of fractionated radiotherapy. Other factors are involved in the outcome of multifraction radiotherapy—for example, the maintenance of the architectural integrity of the normal tissues, the volume of tissue irradiated, the tumor bed, and the immunocompetence of the host are some other factors that play a significant role in the differential response.
Serum Beta-2 Microglobulin: The Universal Independent Prognostic Factor for Patients with CLL.

Prognostic factors are tools to address heterogeneity in clinical behavior and survival in patients with disease. They are particularly relevant for patients with malignancy, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). There is striking heterogeneity in overall survival (OS) of patients with CLL as well as in response to treatment, time to treatment failure (TTF), and time to progression (TTP) following response. Serum β2 microglobulin (β2M) has previously been reported to correlate with OS and TTP in patients with CLL. We performed a retrospective analysis of 659 Rx-naive and 1062 previously treated patients with CLL enrolled on clinical trials from 5/74 to 7/05 at MD Anderson Cancer Center evaluating for predictors for response to treatment, amount of treatment given, incidence of myelosuppression, TTF, TTP in responders, and OS. Univariate analysis was performed, then significant factors were used to develop multivariate models for these endpoints. Groups were analyzed separately. The clinical factors evaluated included: age, Rai stage, # nodal sites, liver and spleen size, β2M, WBC, ALC, HGB, PLT, serum LDH, Cr, ALB, CD38 expression, and serum Ig levels, and refractoriness to alkylating agents and fludarabine and # prior treatments for previously treated patients. In the Rx-naive group, characteristics (median and range) were as follows: age=57 yrs(17–86); β2M=3.3 mg/L(1.1–16.4); WBC=74.7k/μL(2.1–552); ALC= 63k/μL(1–512); HGB=12.7 g/dL(5.7–18.7); PLT=156 k/μL(8–450); LDH=545 IU/L(103–3600); and IgG=754 mg/dL(45–5000). Patients with Rai stage 0=28; Rai I-II=402; and Rai III-IV=196. In the previously treated group, characteristics (median and range) were as follows: age=61 yrs(25–83); β2M= 4.4 mg/L(1.4–59.4); WBC= 43 k/μL(.6–953); ALC=36 k/μL(0–829); HGB=11.4 g/dL(3.8–17.6); PLT= 121 k/μL(2–703); LDH=597 IU/L(21–4739); and IgG=586 mg/dL(14–5000). Patients with Rai stage 0=37; Rai I-II=392; and Rai III-IV=563. Multivariate models identified the following predictors (p
Machine Learning Versus Standard Techniques for Updating Searches for Systematic Reviews: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study

Machine-learning methods can help decrease the effort involved in updating searches for systematic reviews.
Developmental toxicity assessment of common excipients using a stem cell-based in vitro morphogenesis model.

Abstract Various chemical compounds can inflict developmental toxicity when sufficiently high concentrations are exposed to embryos at the critical stages of development. Excipients, such as coloring agents and preservatives, are pharmacologically inactive ingredients that are included in various medications, foods, and cosmetics. However, concentrations that may adversely affect embryo development are largely unknown for most excipients. Here, the lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) to inflict developmental toxicity was assessed for three coloring agents (allura red, brilliant blue, and tartrazine) and three preservatives (butylated hydroxyanisole, metabisulfite, and methylparaben). Adverse impact of a compound exposure was determined using the stem cell-based in vitro morphogenesis model, in which three-dimensional cell aggregates, or embryoid bodies (EBs), recapitulate embryonic processes of body axis elongation and patterning. LOAEL to impair EB morphogenesis was 200 μM for methylparaben, 400 μM for butylated hydroxyanisole, 600 μM for allura red and brilliant blue, and 1000 μM for metabisulfite. Gene expression analyses of excipient-treated EBs revealed that butylated hydroxyanisole and methylparaben significantly altered profiles of developmental regulators involved in axial elongation and patterning of the body. The present study may provide a novel in vitro approach to investigate potential developmental toxicity of common excipients with mechanistic insights.
Understanding forensic psychiatry in healthcare practices and collaboration between legal nurse consultants and physicians

In 2000, the Institute of Medicine stunned many professionals with their published report that noted the vast number of deaths that occur each year in hospitals across the United States which reach as many as 98,000. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the healthcare arena faces litigious issues regularly, with some specialties budgets being significantly impacted by the cost of maintaining liability insurance. Legal Nurse Consultants and forensic physicians working in tandem but who work independently from treating clinicians can carry out forensic independent medical examinations (IME). This can help to assess the validity of malpractice claims, including issues of causation and degree of injuries claimed due to the incident(s) and recommend treatment strategies where appropriate. Reviews can cover a wide range of issues such as a person's past or current testamentary capacity, a prisoner or an accused person's mental health and/or mental impairment where necessary sending them for more assessment or treatment outside prison. This article argues that independent medical reviews are a useful tool that can assist the civil and criminal courts processes.
The Professional Status of Bioethics Consultation

Is bioethics consultation a profession? Withfew exceptions, the arguments andcounterarguments about whether healthcareethics consultation is a profession haveignored the historical and cultural developmentof professions in the United States, the wayssocial changes have altered the work andboundaries of all professions, and theprofessionalization theories that explain howmodern societies institutionalize expertise inprofessions. This interdisciplinary analysisbegins to fill this gap by framing the debatewithin a larger theoretical context heretoforemissing from the bioethics literature. Specifically, the question of whether ethicsconsultation is a profession is examined fromthe perspectives of trait theory, Wilensky'sfive-stage process of professionalization,Abbott's interdependent system of professions,and Haug's deprofessionalization thesis. Whilehealthcare ethics consultation does not meetthe criteria to claim professional status,neither could most professions pass these idealtheoretical standards. Instead of a yes or nodichotomous response to the question, it ismore helpful to envision a professionalizationcontinuum with sales clerks or carpenters atone end and medicine or law at the other. During the past decade healthcare ethicsconsultation has been moving along thiscontinuum toward greater professional status.
A practical approach to dizziness. Questions to bring vertigo and other causes into focus

Evaluation of a patient presenting with dizziness begins with and largely depends on the patient's history. The diagnosis often can be accurately determined in a primary care setting when a stepwise algorithmic approach is used. The first step is getting a detailed account of precisely what the patient means by "dizziness." This helps determine whether the cause is vertigo or another condition, such as orthostatic hypotension. Establishing whether the vertigo is central or peripheral in origin and, if peripheral, how long episodes last further focuses the investigation. Certain clues on physical examination and appropriate use of diagnostic tests help support the diagnosis. Referral should be contemplated when significant central disease is suspected and when vertigo of peripheral origin is persistent or atypical.
Quantum Chromodynamic Corrections to the Gluonic Width of the ϒ Meson

The corrections to the gluonic width of $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$-like mesons in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) through first order in ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$ are calculated, with the result ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{g}={{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{g}}^{0}[1+(3.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}\frac{({M}_{\ensuremath{\Upsilon}})}{\ensuremath{\pi}}]$, using the $\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{MS}}$ scheme definition of ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$, renormalized at ${M}_{\ensuremath{\Upsilon}}$. With this correction, the measured value of the leptonic branching ratio of the $\ensuremath{\Upsilon}$ can be used to determine ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{s}$, or, equivalently, the QCD scale parameter ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{MS}}}$. The result is ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{\stackrel{-}{\mathrm{MS}}}=100$ MeV, with experimental errors of $_{\ensuremath{-}25}^{+34}\mathrm{MeV}$ and comparable theoretical uncertainties. Analysis of the $\ensuremath{\psi}$ and ${\ensuremath{\psi}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ data is consistent with this value.