cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laminar origin of evoked ECoG high-gamma activity

High-gamma (Hγ) activity from electrocorticography (ECoG) is a common-used signal for understanding the human brain, but its interpretation is impeded by a lack of spatial localization. To address this, we developed a novel recording approach to simultaneously record µECoG cortical surface electrical potentials (CSEPs) and laminar multiunit activity (MUA). We demonstrate that stimulus evoked CSEPs carry a multi-modal frequency response, peaking in the Hγ range. Laminar MUA responses exhibited similar tuning to CSEP Hγ directly over the intracortical recording site, suggesting a functional relationship. We fit CSEP Hγ to the simultaneously-recorded laminar MUA using a state-of-the-art sparse multi-linear regression model to identify laminar contributions to cortical surface Hγ. Our results indicate that CSEP Hγ recorded by ECoG reflects spiking activity from neurons in layer 3. These results provide initial insight into localizing the sources of CSEPs, which will guide clinical and BMI device decisions.
Amicus Brief of 29 IP, Internet Law, & Antitrust Professors in 1-800 Contacts v. F.T.C.

This amicus brief supports the FTC's position in the 2d Circuit appeal of 1-800 Contacts v. FTC. The brief was joined by 29 intellectual property, Internet law, and antitrust professors. The case involves 1-800 Contacts' settlement agreements with its online competitors in which they agreed not to bid on each other's trademarks as keywords for search engine advertising. The FTC held that 1-800 Contacts' conduct violated antitrust law. The brief makes two main points. First, the brief shows how game theory explains 1-800 Contacts' use of settlement agreements for anticompetitive purposes. Second, the brief explains how trademark law provided only pretextual justification for 1-800 Contacts' settlement campaign.
Implementing Health Policy Initiatives: An Effective Breastfeeding Teaching Strategy for Prelicensure Nursing Students.

Background Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is recommended by all health professional organizations. However, women cite lack of support from health professionals as a barrier to breastfeeding. Foundational nursing education does not prepare students (future nurses) to support breastfeeding women. Therefore, an evidence-based breastfeeding curriculum "toolkit" supporting health policy was developed and implemented. Objective The study was performed to determine the effectiveness of the toolkit education compared with standard education in an associate degree nursing program. Methods A pretest-posttest survey design with intervention and comparison groups was used. Students (N = 102) completed pre- and posttests. A 15-item survey derived from Marzalik's (2004) instrument was used to measure nursing student knowledge about breastfeeding. Results The mean number of pretest questions correct were statistically the same for the control and intervention groups. Both groups showed growth in their posttest scores, however the intervention group scored significantly higher on the posttest (intervention mean = 12.34, control mean = 10.73, t value (100 df) = -4.12, p Conclusion The toolkit provides a curriculum that demonstrated enhanced student learning about breastfeeding. Implications for nursing Use of a reliable intervention like this breastfeeding toolkit is essential in the development of nurses who can provide effective breastfeeding support.
Digital foot care—leveraging digital health to extend ulcer-free days in remission

Abstract Failure to heal a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a leading cause of hospitalization worldwide, amputation, disability, and death among people with diabetes. Unfortunately, even after the resolution of a foot ulcer, recurrence is common and is estimated to be 40% within 1 year. Therefore our efforts should be not only toward rapid healing of open wounds but also maximizing ulcer-free days for the patient in diabetic foot remission. Fortunately, recent exciting developments in digital health have opened an opportunity for creative solutions to prevent this devastating condition and promote ulcer-free days. These technologies could allow care providers to deliver timely and personalized care and empower patient’s central role and responsibility in enabling an optimized health-care ecosystem for better management of DFUs and their recurrence. This chapter overviews the development of digital health, wearables, Internet of Things, and voice-activated command technology for improvement of managing DFUs.
Lp and weighted estimates for barred derivatives

Abstract We generalize the basic L 2 inequality for barred derivatives that holds on bounded pseudoconvex domains. The analogue in L p -Sobolev norms is established for smooth, bounded pseudoconvex domains of finite type with comparable Levi eigenvalues. A weighted L 2 version and L p estimates with loss are obtained on any smooth bounded weakly q-convex domain, where the weights are fractional powers of the distance to the boundary.
American Association of Obstetricians, Gynecologists and Abdominal Surgeons Fifty-third Annual Meeting, September 26 to 28, 1940Herpes gestationis

A case of recurrent herpes gestationis, an exanthematous manifestation of a toxemia of pregnancy, is reported. Efforts to modify the course of the disease by the use of hormonal (estrogenic and corpus luteum) and chemotherapeutic (sulfanilamide and sulfapyridine) measures have failed.
Effect of anion in diluted imidazolium-based ionic liquid/buffer electrolytes for CO2 electroreduction on copper

Abstract A series of ILs containing the same cation (1‑butyl‑3-methylimidazolium ([BMIM]+)) but different anions (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([NTF2]−), triflate ([OTF]−), acetate ([Ac]−), chloride ([Cl]−), and dicyanamide ([DCA]−)) were used to study the effect of anion in diluted imidazolium-based ionic liquid/buffer electrolytes on product selectivity and activity of copper electrodes in CO2 electroreduction. The onset potential shifted to more positive potentials by adding ILs to the CO2-saturated electrolytes. Faradaic efficiency (FE%) of formate for all ILs (except for [BMIM][DCA]) increased compared to the electrolyte without any IL at all potentials. The maximum FEformate (38.7%) was observed for [BMIM][NTF2] at -0.92 V. [BMIM][DCA] had the highest FE% for hydrogen and the lowest FE% for hydrocarbons. By using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the maximum amount of IL adsorbed on the surface was obtained for [BMIM][DCA] which had the highest hydrophilicity and lowest CO2 affinity. These results underscore the importance of anions when using ILs for CO2 electroreduction.
Caenorhabditis elegans processes sensory information to choose between freeloading and self-defense strategies

Abstract Hydrogen peroxide is the preeminent chemical weapon that organisms use for combat. Individual cells rely on conserved defenses to prevent and repair peroxide-induced damage, but whether similar defenses might be coordinated across cells in animals remains poorly understood. Here, we identify a neuronal circuit in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans that processes information perceived by two sensory neurons to control the induction of hydrogen-peroxide defenses in the organism. We found that catalases produced by Escherichia coli, the nematode’s food source, can deplete hydrogen peroxide from the local environment and thereby protect the nematodes. In the presence of E. coli, the nematode’s neurons signal via TGFβ-insulin/IGF1 relay to target tissues to repress expression of catalases and other hydrogen-peroxide defenses. This adaptive strategy is the first example of a multicellular organism modulating its defenses when it expects to freeload from the protection provided by molecularly orthologous defenses from another species.
Substance Use in Youth: What Could an Ounce of Prevention Be Worth?

* Abbreviations: CPSTF — : Community Preventive Services Task Force USPSTF — : US Preventive Services Task Force Risk for substance use disorders begins early in life. Approximately 65% of adults in treatment of opioid use disorder report that their first use occurred before the age of 251; for adult daily smokers, the estimate is 90%.2 As experimental use of substances transitions to regular use and problematic use, and ultimately to a use disorder, abstinence becomes increasingly difficult to achieve; many risks, including unintentional injury, damaged relationships, and even lasting alterations to a youth’s developing brain, have likely already occurred. For these reasons, preventing substance use among children, adolescents, and young adults is critical. For substance use prevention efforts to have meaningful population health impacts, clinical preventive services (typically defined as interventions deployed in health care settings that are used to either prevent illness or detect it in a more treatable stage) cannot be the sole, or even primary, pathway to improved population-level substance use outcomes. Such clinical services, even when evidence-based themselves, need to be deployed in the context of public health–minded communities and sound policy environments, with attention given to both the … Address correspondence to Caroline Kistin, MD, MSc, Division of General Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, 801 Albany St, Boston, MA, 02119. E-mail: caroline.kistin{at}bmc.org
Reduced false positives in autism screening via digital biomarkers inferred from deep comorbidity patterns

Here, we develop digital biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), computed from patterns of past medical encounters, identifying children at high risk with an area under the receiver operatin...
The Young Lords: revolution, feminism, and the pursuit of emancipatory politics: The New York Young Lords and the Struggle for Liberation, by Darrel Wanzer-Serrano, Philadelphia, PA, Temple University Press, 2015, 248 pp., $30.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-1-4399-1203-4The Young Lords: A Radical History, by Johanna Fernández, Chapel Hill, NC, University of North Carolina Press, 2020, 480 pp., $30.00 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-4696-5344-0

The 1960s was a time of social change in the United States (US). Racism, sexism, police violence, and an absence of equitable health care were prominent issues that characterized the period and ins...
Bridge Pier Scour: An overview of factors affecting the phenomenon and comparative evaluation of selected models

Abstract Scour, defined by the loss of geomaterials surrounding a foundation support system, is a primary cause of bridge failure in the United States and worldwide. Work herein presents a comprehensive review of the current state of knowledge on geotechnical aspects of erodibility, factors influencing pier scour, factors complicating pier scour assessment, and databases available on erodibility and pier scour. A summary of deterministic pier scour models, developed since 1990, is presented in view of the factors affecting scour rate and equilibrium magnitude. The study discusses challenges in the predictive approaches reviewed in the paper. In addition, advancements in probabilistic pier scour models, and observation-based models are summarized. Four pier scour models, namely Wilson (1995) model, Melville (1997) model, Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18 (2012) model, and Briaud (2014) model are comparatively applied to data from laboratory pier scour database. Error statistics and accuracy, precision, and probabilistic distribution of predictions from these models are presented and discussed.
Carbon-dioxide absorption spectroscopy with solar photon counting and integrated lithium niobate micro-ring resonator

We demonstrate a spectroscope using single-photon counters and a chip-integrated lithium niobate micro-ring filter to measure the atmospheric CO2 absorption spectrum passively. By thermo-optically sweeping the filter over 150 pm and referencing the resulting photon counts to a bypass channel, we sample the absorption spectrum at an ultrahigh-resolution of 6 pm. Incorporating it into a ground-based field system, we characterize the CO2 absorption through the atmosphere by counting the solar photons across the absorption line around 1572.02 nm, which agrees well with its transmission spectrum at standard atmospheric pressure. Our results highlight the potential of adopting integrated photonics and single-photon counting in remote sensing systems for high detection sensitivity, superior resolution, and significantly reduced size, weight, and power.
Transactive memory systems in virtual teams: Opportunities post COVID-19

[...]a more experientially heterogeneous team with more experts, made possible by advantages characteristic to virtual teams, will yield higher salience of each team member’s expertise in relation to the group. [...]a functioning TMS requires a shared mental model formation and ongoing development among team members. [...]pressures among team members to hold themselves and each other accountable become normative.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Objectively Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Among Overweight Young Adults: Yearlong Longitudinal Analysis

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted multiple aspects of daily living, including behaviors associated with occupation, transportation, and health. It is unclear how these changes to daily living have impacted physical activity and sedentary behavior. Objective: In this study, we add to the growing body of research on the health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by examining longitudinal changes in objectively measured daily physical activity and sedentary behavior among overweight or obese young adults participating in an ongoing weight loss trial in San Diego, California. Methods: Data were collected from 315 overweight or obese (BMI: range 25.0-39.9 kg/m2) participants aged from 18 to 35 years between November 1, 2019, and October 30, 2020, by using the Fitbit Charge 3 (Fitbit LLC). After conducting strict filtering to find valid data on consistent wear (>10 hours per day for ≥250 days), data from 97 participants were analyzed to detect multiple structural changes in time series of physical activity and sedentary behavior. An algorithm was designed to detect multiple structural changes. This allowed for the automatic identification and dating of these changes in linear regression models with CIs. The number of breakpoints in regression models was estimated by using the Bayesian information criterion and residual sum of squares; the optimal segmentation corresponded to the lowest Bayesian information criterion and residual sum of squares. To quantify the changes in each outcome during the periods identified, linear mixed effects analyses were conducted. In terms of key demographic characteristics, the 97 participants included in our analyses did not differ from the 210 participants who were excluded. Results: After the initiation of the shelter-in-place order in California on March 19, 2021, there were significant decreases in step counts (−2872 steps per day; 95% CI −2734 to −3010), light physical activity times (−41.9 minutes; 95% CI −39.5 to −44.3), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity times (−12.2 minutes; 95% CI −10.6 to −13.8), as well as significant increases in sedentary behavior times (+52.8 minutes; 95% CI 47.0-58.5). The decreases were greater than the expected declines observed during winter holidays, and as of October 30, 2020, they have not returned to the levels observed prior to the initiation of shelter-in-place orders. Conclusions: Among overweight or obese young adults, physical activity times decreased and sedentary behavior times increased concurrently with the implementation of COVID-19 mitigation strategies. The health conditions associated with a sedentary lifestyle may be additional, unintended results of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The effect of a relationship-centered communication program on patient experience and provider wellness.

Abstract Objectives Despite evidence of the central importance of communication to patient experience, health outcomes, and provider wellness, communication training for clinicians is not a standard part of clinical education. The study explores the impact of an 8-hour relationship-centered communication (RCC) training program on patient experience and provider wellness. Methods 636 healthcare providers participated in 48 workshops conducted January-August 2018. 481 (76%) agreed to participate in research. Participants completed a pre/post assessment that included a wellness survey, the Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI). We conducted chi-squared analyses comparing wellness data immediately prior to the course to 3 months following course participation. Patient experience, assessed using Press Ganey likelihood to recommend care provider (PG-LTR CP) scores, were examined prior to an individual’s course participation and following participation up to September 2019. Results 104 participants completed the three-month PFI (22% response rate). Participants demonstrated marked improvements in professional wellness after 3 months. In bivariate analyses, PG-LTR CP significantly increased and persisted more than 7 months following program completion. Conclusions The RCC training program, a low-cost communication intervention, led to significant, beneficial changes in provider wellness and patient experience. Practice implications Implementing a RCC course for providers may improve patient experience and provider wellness.
Electrical signature of heterogeneous human mesenchymal stem cells

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have gained traction in transplantation therapy due to their immunomodulatory, paracrine, immune-evasive, and multipotent differentiation potential. Given the heterogeneous nature of hMSCs, therapeutic treatments and robust in vivo and in vitro experiments require additional biomarkers to ensure reproducibility when using these stem cells. In this work, we utilized dielectrophoresis (DEP), a label-free electrokinetic phenomenon, to investigate and quantify the heterogeneity of hMSCs derived from the bone marrow (BM) and adipose tissue (AD). Through computer simulation, we identified that the transient slope of the DEP force spectra can be used as a metric of heterogeneity. The electrical properties of BM-hMSCs were compared to homogeneous mouse fibroblasts (NIH-3T3), human fibroblasts (WS1), and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293). BM-hMSCs DEP profile was most different from HEK-293 cells. We compared the DEP profiles of BM-hMSCs and AD-hMSCs and found they have similar membrane capacitances, differing cytoplasm conductivity, and transient slopes. Inducing both populations to differentiate into adipocyte and osteocyte cells revealed they behave differently in response to differentiation-inducing cytokines. Histology and RT-qPCR analyses of the differentiation-related genes revealed differences in heterogeneity between BM-hMSCs and AD-hMSCs. The differentiation profiles correlate well with the DEP profiles developed and indicate that these BM-hMSCs have higher differentiation potential than AD-hMSCs. Our results demonstrate using DEP, membrane capacitance, cytoplasm conductivity, and transient slope can uniquely characterize the inherent heterogeneity of hMSCs to guide robust and reproducible stem cell transplantation therapies.
The history of life

“Nothing is gayer than the persistence of memory.“ “Soft Watches, biologically speaking, are the giant Dalinian DNA molecules which constitute the factors of eternity.” —Salvador Dali, ca. 1961 (as quoted in ref. 1)
The Ribosome Cycle in Mammalian Protein Synthesis III. EVIDENCE THAT THE NONRIBOSOMAL PROTEINS BOUND TO THE NATIVE SMALLER SUBUNIT ARE INITIATION FACTORS

Abstract This report presents evidence bearing on the function of the nonribosomal protein that we find associated with the smaller ribosomal subunits found free in the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In our previous work, two forms of these native 40 S subunits have been identified, both containing more protein than the corresponding subunits isolated from ribosomes. Treating the native 40 S subunits with 0.5 m KCl removes the associated proteins, yielding particles that couple readily with derived larger subunits, whereas the native forms remain dissociated. Since bacterial initiation factors bind to the smaller subunit, are removed by 0.5 m KCl, and serve as dissociation factors, we have sought to determine whether the mammalian 40 S subunit-associated proteins might also be initiation factors. Although the 40 S subunit-associated proteins have not yet been purified sufficiently to permit direct comparison with mammalian initiation factors, we have obtained indirect evidence indicating that the two groups of proteins have functional properties in common. (a) A crude preparation containing the mammalian initiation factors (the KCl wash fraction) contains proteins which bind specifically to 40 S subunits and convert ribosome-derived 40 S subunits to forms having the same amounts of extra protein as the two native forms. (b) Removal from the KCl wash of the proteins which bind to the 40 S subunit largely inactivates the wash with respect to its ability to stimulate initiation. (c) The subunit-associated protein confers upon the subunit the ability to bind a synthetic mRNA, poly(U), a property that one would expect to be conferred by an initiation factor. It appears likely, then, that the 40 S subunit-associated factors are initiation factors, which combine with the smaller subunits released at peptide chain termination, thereby blocking direct coupling with the larger subunit and promoting initiation complex formation.
Salmonella Locus Affecting Phosphoenolpyruvate Synthase Activity Identified by a Deletion Analysis

Strain leu-4017, derived from Salmonella typhimurium LT2, cannot utilize acetate, pyruvate, or citric acid cycle intermediates as sole sources of carbon. The mutation in this strain extends from the A cistron of the leucine operon to some point between leu and azi, presumably deleting one or more loci involved in the utilization of these compounds. One of these loci is required for phosphoenolpyruvate synthase activity.
The vector-ballot approach for online voting procedures

Looking at current cryptographic-based e-voting protocols, one can distinguish three basic design paradigms (or approaches): (a) Mix-Networks based, (b) Homomorphic Encryption based, and (c) Blind Signatures based. Each of the three possesses different advantages and disadvantages w.r.t. the basic properties of (i) efficient tallying, (ii) universal verifiability, and (iii) allowing write-in ballot capability (in addition to predetermined candidates). In fact, none of the approaches results in a scheme that simultaneously achieves all three. This is unfortunate, since the three basic properties are crucial for efficiency, integrity and versatility (flexibility), respectively. Further, one can argue that a serious business offering of voting technology should offer a flexible technology that achieves various election goals with a single user interface. This motivates our goal, which is to suggest a new “vector-ballot” based approach for secret-ballot e-voting that is based on three new notions: Provably Consistent Vector Ballot Encodings, Shrink-and-Mix Networks and Punch-Hole-Vector-Ballots. At the heart of our approach is the combination of mix networks and homomorphic encryption under a single user interface; given this, it is rather surprising that it achieves much more than any of the previous approaches for e-voting achieved in terms of the basic properties. Our approach is presented in two generic designs called “homomorphic vector-ballots with write-in votes” and “multi-candidate punch-hole vector-ballots”; both of our designs can be instantiated over any homomorphic encryption function.
Protein folding from 1961 to 1982.

It was 1961. Anfinsen1 had shown that the correct disulfide bonds of ribonuclease A (RNaseA) form spontaneously upon oxidation in air, driven by the free energy of folding. The central dogma of molecular biology, DNARNAProteins, was being analyzed step by step and the factors (especially enzymes) needed to make each step take place in vitro were being discovered. Anfinsen's work illuminated the point that the chemical process of RNA translation yields an unfolded polypeptide chain and the chain must fold before it becomes a biologically active protein. Previously some proteins, such as RNase A and chymotrypsinogen had been shown to denature and renature reversibly when their disulfide bonds were left intact. But how are the disulfide bonds formed? Most proteins containing disulfide bonds unfold when these bonds are reduced to the form present in the nascent polypeptide chain. Straightforward calculations had shown that the probability of forming the correct bonds in the fully unfolded state is close to zero for a protein such as RNase A, whose eight Cys residues form four disulfide bonds. In addition to demonstrating that folding drives disulfide bond formation, Anfinsen found that some incorrect disulfide bonds are formed initially but are reduced and reshuffled, provided a suitable reducing agent is present; moreover, an enzyme, protein disulfide isomerase, achieves this reshuffling in vivo2, 3. Through this work, Anfinsen connected the new science of molecular biology with the established field of protein chemistry, and he focused the attention of scientists in both fields on solving the mechanism of protein folding.
Protein kinase C binding to isolated nuclei and its activation by a Ca2+/phospholipid-independent mechanism.

Abstract The direct interaction of protein kinase C with the nucleus was examined utilizing endogenous protein phosphorylation and [3H]PDBu binding to detect the enzyme. Rat brain nuclei were relatively rich in phorbol ester receptors whereas liver nuclei contained less than 10% of their brain counterpart. Purified protein kinase C from rat brain could bind to purified rat liver nuclei at 4°C or at 24°C reaching apparent equilibrium by 20 min. The binding was linearly dependent on protein kinase C concentration and required free Ca2+ with an EC50 of 0.5 μM. Chelation of Ca2+ with EGTA resulted in rapid loss of phorbol ester receptors from nuclei. Differential extraction experiments with Triton X-100 and NaCl suggested that about 50% of the acquired phorbol ester receptors were bound to chromatin and 25% were associated with the nuclear matrix. Protein Kinase C bound to nuclei was also able to phosphorylate several endogeneous nuclear substrates in a Ca 2+ phospholipid -independent reaction. These data suggest that protein kinase C can associate with nuclear components leading to the phosphorylation of nuclear substrates.
Attenuation of nonlinearly state-dependent uncertainties: robust control design and its application to robotic manipulators

Attenuation of nonlinear uncertainties using robust control is considered. A system under investigation has a linear nominal part and a nonlinear lumped uncertainty. Robust control is designed using Lyapunov direct method. It is shown that the proposed control is continuous, guarantees global stability without knowledge of nonlinear dynamics expect their size bounding function, and ensure a finite upper bound on attenuation performance index over infinite horizon. As an application, it is shown that the proposed control can directly applied to robotic manipulators and many other nonlinear systems.
Necessary but Not Sufficient: The Respective Roles of Single and Multiple Influences on Individual Development

Necessary but not sufficient - the problem of individual outcomes variability evolutionary and ecological influences genetic, neural and hormonal influences biomedical and nutritional influences phenotypic influences proximal environmental influences distal environmental influences linkages among multiple influences temporal and specificity processes but not sufficient from principles to practice.
Determinants of blood pH in health and disease.

An advanced understanding of acid–base physiology is as central to the practice of critical care medicine, as are an understanding of cardiac and pulmonary physiology. Intensivists spend much of their time managing problems related to fluids, electrolytes, and blood pH. Recent advances in the understanding of acid–base physiology have occurred as the result of the application of basic physical-chemical principles of aqueous solutions to blood plasma. This analysis has revealed three independent variables that regulate pH in blood plasma. These variables are carbon dioxide, relative electrolyte concentrations, and total weak acid concentrations. All changes in blood pH, in health and in disease, occur through changes in these three variables. Clinical implications for these findings are also discussed.
Quantitation of circulating wild-type alpha-1-antitrypsin in heterozygous carriers of the S and Z deficiency alleles.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT) deficiency disease results from mutations in the A1AT gene. Controversy exists in regards to treatment of heterozygous carriers of the S and Z deficiency alleles. Quantitation of allelic expression has not been possible with standard laboratory methods. Here we show that the recently described method for liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis of A1AT tryptic peptides can differentiate between mutated (S and Z) and wild-type (non-S and non-Z) proteins allowing for quantitation of circulating allelic expression in heterozygous patients. Serum (244 M/M, 61 M/Z, and 63 M/S) was combined with isotopically labeled peptide standards, digested with trypsin, and quantitated by LC-MS/MS. Total and allele-specific A1AT quantitation was performed by comparison of peptide peak height ratios to a standard curve for each peptide. Linear regression was used to compare results and central 95th percentile intervals were calculated using parametric analysis. Quantitation of circulating wild-type A1AT based on the proteotypic and allelic (non-S and non-Z) peptides was validated in M/M patients. Proteotypic peptide concentrations correlated linearly with quantitation by non-Z and non-S peptides [slopes (Spearman correlation coefficient) of 1.09 (0.89) and 0.98 (0.80), respectively]. Allele-specific quantitation showed significant differences in wild-type protein expression in M/Z and M/S patients. Although average total A1AT concentration was lower for M/Z patients, the percentage of wild-type protein in M/Z patients was significantly higher at 82 % (55- > 95 %) compared to 63 % (43-83 %) for M/S heterozygotes. In a cohort of M/Z patients with sufficient total A1AT (≥80 mg/dL), half had insufficient wild-type protein that could have clinical implications for pulmonary dysfunction. For the first time, a method to quantitate A1AT allele protein expression is described. Given the wide range of circulating wild-type protein observed in heterozygous patients, this method has the potential to reveal correlations between allele concentration and development and/or severity of clinical symptoms.
Permeation of chemicals through the skin

An overall risk/benefit analysis relative to the use of chemical protective clothing for protection from potentially harmful chemicals must ultimately consider the barrier effectiveness of the skin to the chemicals in question. For example, there may be cases in which some permeation of chemical through the clothing is tolerable if the skin itself is unaffected by and acts as a barrier to the chemical. An overview of the structure of skin, methods for assessing skin permeation, and examples of published data are presented. The article is directed toward those with little or no knowledge of chemical permeation through skin and provides references for further research.
Implicit and explicit weight bias in a national sample of 4,732 medical students: The medical student CHANGES study

Objective To examine the magnitude of explicit and implicit weight biases compared to biases against other groups; and identify student factors predicting bias in a large national sample of medical students. Methods A web-based survey was completed by 4,732 1st year medical students from 49 medical schools as part of a longitudinal study of medical education. The survey included a validated measure of implicit weight bias, the implicit association test, and 2 measures of explicit bias: a feeling thermometer and the anti-fat attitudes test. Results A majority of students exhibited implicit (74%) and explicit (67%) weight bias. Implicit weight bias scores were comparable to reported bias against racial minorities. Explicit attitudes were more negative toward obese people than toward racial minorities, gays, lesbians, and poor people. In multivariate regression models, implicit and explicit weight bias was predicted by lower BMI, male sex, and non-Black race. Either implicit or explicit bias was also predicted by age, SES, country of birth, and specialty choice. Conclusions Implicit and explicit weight bias is common among 1st year medical students, and varies across student factors. Future research should assess implications of biases and test interventions to reduce their impact.
CYP4F18-Deficient Neutrophils Exhibit Increased Chemotaxis to Complement Component C5a.

CYP4Fs were first identified as enzymes that catalyze hydroxylation of leukotriene B4 (LTB4). CYP4F18 has an unusual expression in neutrophils and was predicted to play a role in regulating LTB4-dependent inflammation. We compared chemotaxis of wild-type and Cyp4f18 knockout neutrophils using an in vitro assay. There was no significant difference in the chemotactic response to LTB4, but the response to complement component C5a increased 1.9–2.25-fold in knockout cells compared to wild-type (P < 0.01). This increase was still observed when neutrophils were treated with inhibitors of eicosanoid synthesis. There were no changes in expression of other CYP4 enzymes in knockout neutrophils that might compensate for loss of CYP4F18 or lead to differences in activity. A mouse model of dextran sodium sulfate colitis was used to investigate the consequences of increased C5a-dependent chemotaxis in vivo, but there was no significant difference in weight loss, disease activity, or colonic tissue myeloperoxidase between wild-type and Cyp4f18 knockout mice. This study demonstrates the limitations of inferring CYP4F function based on an ability to use LTB4 as a substrate, points to expanding roles for CYP4F enzymes in immune regulation, and underscores the in vivo challenges of CYP knockout studies.
Assessment of compatibility among Armillaria cepistipes, A. sinapina, and North American biological species X and XI, using culture morphology and molecular biology

Ten single-spore isolates each of Armillar- ia sinapina, A. cepistipes, and North American bio- logical species (NABS)X and XI were paired in all combinations. A second set of ten single-spore iso- lates of each species was likewise paired. Each pairing was duplicated for a total of 3280 pairs. Using the standard morphological criteria (e.g., fluffy, crustose) to assess the pairings, A. sinapina exhibited the fol- lowing compatibility levels: 68% with itself, 5.5% with A. cepistipes, 3.5% with NABS X, and 5% with NABS XI, respectively. Armillaria cepistipes was rated 53%, 6.5%, and 57% compatible with itself and NABS X and XI, respectively. NABS X was 70% selfcompatible and 4.0% compatible with NABS XI. NABS XI was 55% selfcompatible. The intergenic spacer region of the rDNA of each isolate was amplified using poly- merase chain reaction and digested with Alu I. Seven distinct restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) patterns were observed: two in A. cepistipes, two in A. sinapina, one in NABS X, one in NABS XI, and one that was common to NABS XI and A. cep- istipes. By using the RFLP patterns as markers to as- sess the outcome of the pairings, it was determined that, in general, the morphological ratings were an accurate reflection of nuclear combination. Combin- ing the RFLP and pairing results confirms that NABS XI is compatible with A. cepistipes and should be con- sidered conspecific. A. sinapina, NABS X, and A. cep- istipes are compatible to a very limited degree in cul- ture, but not enough evidence exists to warrant re- ducing any to synonomy. Therefore, we believe NABS X should be formally described as a new species of
Electrophysiological properties and chemosensitivity of acutely dissociated trigeminal somata innervating the cornea.

Abstract Adult rat sensory trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the cornea (cTGNs) were isolated and identified following retrograde dye labeling with FM1-43. Using standard whole-cell patch clamp recording techniques, cTGNs could be subdivided by their action potential (AP) duration. Fast cTGNs had AP durations 1 ms and an inflection on the repolarization phase of the AP. With the exception of membrane input resistance, the passive membrane properties of fast cTGNs were different from those of slow cTGNs (capacitance: 61±4.5 pF vs. 42±2.6 pF, resting membrane potential: −59±0.7 mV vs. −53±0.9 mV, for fast and slow cTGNs respectively). Active membrane properties also differed between fast and slow cTGNs. Slow cTGNs had a higher AP threshold (−25±1.6 mV vs. −38±0.8 mV), a larger rheobase (14±1.9 pA/pF vs. 6.8±1.0 pA/pF), and a smaller AP undershoot (−56±1.7 mV vs. −67±2.5 mV). The AP overshoot, however was similar between the two types of neurons (46±3.1 mV vs. 48±4 mV). Slow cTGNs were depolarized by capsaicin (1 μM, 80%) and 60% of their APs were blocked by tetrodotoxin (TTX) (100 nM). Fast cTGNs were unaffected by capsaicin and 100% of their APs were blocked by TTX. Similarly, cTGNs were also heterogeneous with respect to their responses to exogenous ATP and 5-HT. The current work shows that cTGNs have distinctive electrophysiological properties and chemosensitivity profiles. These characteristics may mirror the distinct properties of corneal sensory nerve terminals. The availability of isolated identified cTNGs constitutes a tractable model system to investigate the biophysical and pharmacological properties of corneal sensory nerve terminals.
Haptic and Auditory Cues for Lane Departure Warnings

Lane departures including run-off-road and head-on collisions accounted for 55 percent of all roadway fatalities in the United States in 2003. Static rumble strips on shoulder and centerline have s...
A Parameterized Linear Array with a Reconfigurable Pipelined Bus System: LARPBS(p)

The linear array with a reconfigurable pipelined bus system (LARPBS) is an optical bus-based theoretical parallel computation model. Many parallel algorithms have been proposed using this model of computation. However, a current limitation of the LARPBS model is that it does not provide for performance prediction of these algorithms running on realistic implementations of the LARPBS model. This paper investigates the parameterization of the LARPBS model so as to overcome this limitation. Specifically, a new parameterized parallel computation model, the LARPBS(p) model, is proposed in this paper. The LARPBS(p) model captures computational costs through six abstract parameters: the number of processors, the communication latency, the communication overhead, the network capacity, the computation time and the synchronization time. The proposed parameters and, subsequently, the cost analysis on the LARPBS(p) model are presented. In addition applications of the cost analysis to some primitive operations and to two matrix multiplication algorithms on the LARPBS(p) are also presented. LARPBS(p) is intended to serve as a basis for a more accurate estimation of execution time of algorithms by providing greater detail of the costs involved on the LARPBS.
Retrieval of water in Jupiter's deep atmosphere using microwave spectra of its brightness temperature

Abstract Despite several spacecraft encounters and numerous groundbased investigations, we still do not know much about Jupiter's deep atmosphere; in fact, the Galileo probe results were so different than anyone had anticipated, that we understand even less about this planet's atmosphere now than before the Galileo mission. We formulate four basic questions in Section 1.3, which, if solved, would help to better understand the chemistry and dynamics in Jupiter's atmosphere. We believe that three out of the four questions (explanation of NH3 altitude profile, characterization of hot spots, altitude below which the atmosphere is uniformly mixed) may be solved from passive sounding of Jupiter's deep (∼ tens of bars) atmosphere via a radio telescope orbiting the planet. Question nr. 4 (the water abundance in Jupiter's deep atmosphere) has been singled out by the Solar System Exploration Decadal Survey as a key question, since the water abundance in Jupiter's deep atmosphere is tied in with planet formation models. In this paper we investigate the sensitivity of microwave retrievals to the composition of Jupiter's deep atmosphere, in particular the water abundance. Based upon present uncertainties in the ammonia abundance and other known and unknown absorbers, including uncertainties in clouds (density and index of refraction), and uncertainties in the thermal structure and lineshape profiles, we conclude that the retrieval of water at depth from microwave spectra (disk-averaged and locally) will be highly uncertain. We show that, if the H2O lineshape profile would be accurately known (laboratory data are needed!), an atmosphere with a near-solar H2O abundance can likely be distinguished from one with an abundance of 10–20×solar O based upon the difference in their microwave spectra at wavelengths ≳ 50 cm . This would be sufficient to distinguish between some proposed scenarios by which Jupiter acquired its inventory of volatile elements heavier than helium. If, in addition, limb-darkening measurements are obtained (again, the H2O lineshape profile should be known), tighter constraints on the H2O abundance can be obtained (see also Janssen et al., 2004, this issue).
Night Airglow Observations from Orbiting Spacecraft Compared with Measurements from Rockets

A luminous band around the night-time horizon, observed from orbiting capsules by J. H. Glenn and M. S. Carpenter, and identified as the horizon enhancement of the night airglow, is detected regularly in rocket-borne studies of night airglow. Values of luminance and dip angle of this band derived from Carpenter's observations agree remarkably well with values obtained from rocket data. The rocket results, however, do not support Carpenter's observation that the emission which he saw was largely the atomic oxygen line at 5577 A, but assign the principal luminosity to the green continuum.
Electronic Shearography with Thermal Loading for Detecting Debonds in Thick Polyurethane/Steel Panels for Marine Applications

We demonstrate that electronic shearography with thermal loading can be effectively applied to the nondestructive detection of debonds in thick polyurethane/steel structures usually employed in the hulls of military ships. A compact fiber-optics shearographic interferometer has been developed that allows remote full-field measurements in real time. Three known debonds in a polyurethane/steel test panel are clearly detected by observing their increased deformation as they cool down after the application of a thermal load. It is also shown that the debond edges can be identified. The results obtained indicate that the shearographic interferometer is well-suited for field detection and sizing of debonds in such panels. Future refinements to the system will include the use of high-power, pulsed illumination for the imaging of large areas and consequent real-time mapping of possible debonds.
Analysis of the proton NMR spectrum of thiepin 1,1-dioxide

Abstract The high resolution proton magnetic resonance spectrum of thiepin 1,1-dioxide has been recorded and completely analyzed in terms of chemical shifts and coupling constants. The NMR spectral parameters are discussed in relation to the geometry of the molecule. The experimental results indicate that thiepin 1,1-dioxide maintains in solution the flattened boat conformation found in the solid by X-ray diffraction studies.
Technological Use Histories for Solder Metals

Legislation in Europe as well as industry and consumer pressure has caused a shift from traditional tin-lead solder to lead-free solder. In this work, we examine five metals used or contemplated for use in electronic solders: tin and lead (the traditional solder metals), copper and silver (the metals added to tin in most non-leaded solders), and bismuth (a constituent of some specialty solders). History of use, current use, and potential effects of a transition to lead-free solder are the main topics of discussion
The Influence of Team Size and Communication Modality on Team Effectiveness with Unmanned Systems

This study examines the effects of team size (2 versus 3 operators) and communication modality (audio versus text) on team performance. Performance and workload measures from 112 undergraduate stud...
Evaluation of switching performance of a virtual software router

Software routers are an alternative low-cost and moderate-performance router solutions implemented with general-purpose workstations able to host two or more network interface cards (NICs). Workstations can be programmed to forward packets between different NICs and to participate in routing functions. The value of software routers lies on their low cost and on the flexibility to modifying routing and switching functions. Machine virtualization can be used to model novel protocols or hardware systems, however, implemented in software and without modifications to the host's kernel. This virtualization allows the implementation of not only one but also multiple (and independent) virtual systems. Virtualization of software routers, called virtual software routers, is then a possible application of this technology. However, because of the software platforms, virtualized machines are expected to suffer from performance degradation. In this paper, we investigate the switching performance of a virtual software router and compare it to that of a software router. We present the performance of virtual software routers hosted by different workstations, with single and multiple processing cores.
Simplified techniques for the preparation and use of reversible hydrocolloid impression material

The use of a simple technique with an inexpensive syringe loaded with heavy-body tray material resulted in a savings of preparation time and storage space in the conditioning unit. Only one type of material needs to be liquefied. The use of the heavy-body material in syringe and tray in conjunction with a hydrophilic technique have practically eliminated the annoying problem of tearing of the material in the gingival crevice on removal of the impression. Moisture control is no longer an aggravating problem.
Local heat-transfer characteristics of glaze-ice accretions on an NACA 0012 airfoil

Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted in the subsonic wind-tunnel facility at the University of Kentucky. Experimental convective local heat-transfer coefficients were obtained for a simulated, full-scale, selected set of 0- and 5-min glaze like ice models on an NACA 0012 airfoil. A steady-state heat-flux method was employed. Local Nusselt numbers for a smooth NACA 0012 airfoil at angles of attack a = 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 degj and on a 5-min smooth glaze-ice shape on the same airfoil at a = 4 deg were also obtained. A number of experiments were performed in the Reynolds number range of 7 X 10s to 2 x 106 based on chord. At a = 2, 4, 6, and 8 deg, the average relative increase of the Nusselt number on the suction surface with respect to the pressure surface is 21, 36, 58, and 72%, respectively. For the 5-miri model, the maximum Nusselt number occurs at the tip of the horn, where it is about 51% higher than the rest of the surface, and 25% higher for the same location on the 0-min model. A comparison with published results on an NACA 65, 2-016 airfoil is also presented.