cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The response of longwave radiation at the South Pole to electrical and magnetic variations: Links to meteorological generators and the solar wind

Abstract An increasing body of evidence supports the conclusion that electrical variations in the Polar Regions influence atmospheric radiative properties. These influences can be transmitted (1) by the global electric circuit from remote thunderstorms and electrified shower clouds; (2) from local electric fields associated with ionospheric currents that generate magnetic activity, and (3) from local penetration of the solar wind electric field. A regression-based analysis reveals a positive relationship between downwelling longwave radiation observed during the dark portion of the year at the South Pole and the vertical electric field measured at the Antarctic stations Vostok and Concordia from 1998 to 2011, component (1). An increase in the electric field of 22.4 Vm-1, equal to one standard deviation of the nighttime mean, is followed one day later by a longwave irradiance 2.78 ± 1.90% larger than would exist otherwise. In addition, a significant negative correlation with a lag of two days exists between longwave irradiance recorded from late 1993 to mid-2017 and the Ap index, which measures temporal variations in the surface magnetic field associated with electric fields of ionospheric origin, component (2). There is a weaker, less-definitive, positive correlation of longwave irradiance with the interplanetary magnetic field index By which is associated with the solar wind electric field, component (3). These results are consistent with previous work using visible radiation, and with the hypothesis that the ionosphere-earth current density influences the microphysics of polar clouds, with consequences for radiative processes and meteorological variables such as surface pressure.
Not all primary total hip arthroplasties are equal—so is there a difference in reimbursement?

Background: Relative value units (RVUs) are a physician reimbursement model based on the effort required, or value, in providing a procedure or service for a patient. Procedures such as conversion total hip arthroplasties (THAs) can be compared to primary THAs, but many studies have revealed increased difficulties in conversion cases. Despite the increased time and effort for conversion THA, it is unknown if this is reflected in the RVU compensation model. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the: (I) mean operative times; (II) mean RVUs; (III) RVU/minute for primary and conversion THAs; and (IV) perform an individualized idealized surgeon annual cost difference analysis. Methods: A total of 103,702 primary THA patients were identified using CPT code 27130 and 2,986 conversion THA patients were identified using CPT code 27132 using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The mean RVUs, operative times (minutes), and RVU/minute were calculated and compared. An annualize cost analysis of dollar amounts per case, day, and the year was also performed. Results: The mean operative times for the primary and conversion THA cohorts were 94 vs . 146 minutes (P vs . 25.68 (P vs . 0.21, P vs . conversion THAs. Conclusions: Even though conversion THA can be considered to a more complex and demanding procedure, based on RVUs per minute of surgery, orthopaedic surgeons are reimbursed better for primary THA cases. This data could be used by orthopaedic surgeons to administer their practices better to yield the highest return on time.
Effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure and luminescence of LuAG:Pr ceramics

Abstract The effects of the sintering temperature on the microsctruture and luminescence of Lu 3 Al 5 O 12 :Pr (LuAG:Pr) ceramics was investigated by density, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), grain size, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FTIR), photoluminescence (PL), radioluminescence (RL), and thermoluminescence (TL) measurements. A Czochralski-grown single crystal was used as reference. The increase of the sintering temperature promoted progressive structural modifications toward the characteristics of the single crystal. The presence of an amorphous phase was strongly detrimental to the luminescence of LuAG:Pr, with its elimination leading to enhanced RL and reduced TL emission. Evidence of synergism between the F-related defects and the Pr 3+ 4f - 4f and 4f - 5d transitions was also found with the presence of these defects being detrimental to the 5 d - 4 f scintillation.
Predictors of Cardiac Surgery Patients Who Tolerate Blood Conservation in Cardiac Surgery.

Background Whether there is a cardiac surgical patient population that does not incur harm from blood conservation is unknown. This study aimed to identify patient characteristics associated with patients who safely tolerate blood conservation. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery or isolated aortic valve replacement, or concomitant coronary artery bypass graft surgery and aortic valve replacement between 2011 and 2016, during which blood conservation intervention took place. Logistic regression derived from the preintervention cohort was applied to the postintervention cohort to identify patient characteristics associated with those predicted to be transfused in the preintervention era but were not in the postintervention era. Results In this series of 2,701 adult patients undergoing cardiac operations, blood conservation intervention in 2014 led to a 52% reduction in red blood cell transfusion. Between preintervention and postintervention cohorts, there was no significant difference in the measured outcomes. A regression model derived from the preintervention cohort was applied to the postintervention cohort to identify predictors of cohort that do not derive benefit from liberal transfusion. This model demonstrated such patient characteristics to be age more than 75 years (odds ratio [OR] 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09 to 2.68, p = 0.033), body mass index less than 30 kg/m2 (OR 1.5, 95% CI: 1.02 to 2.20, p = 0.044), lowest intraoperative hematocrit between 22 and 25 (OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.68, p Conclusions Blood conservation can successfully yield reduction in perioperative blood product use, with associated decrease in the risk of postoperative renal failure. A select patient population who may tolerate blood conservation safely was identified, and that may guide a targeted blood conservation effort.
Divergence in natural diversity studies: The need to standardize methods and goals

Abstract There has been considerable interest in geodiversity and pedodiversity studies over the last approximately 30 years. Pedodiversity is considered part of geodiversity, but in practice they involved different experts and traditions. There are many common aspects that could be shared by all natural diversity studies, however, these common aspects have not been adequately studied and debated. Quantitative techniques that were developed and refined by biodiversity researchers over multiple decades of biodiversity studies should also be applicable to geodiversity and pedodiversity studies. Soil scientists studying pedodiversity followed the same techniques as mathematical ecologists, but geologists studying geodiversity focused on the implementation of proposals aimed at preserving geological heritage and popularising it among the general public. Therefore, pedodiversity and geodiversity diverged and it is not currently possible to compare the results of geodiversity and pedodiversity research. To reach a point where these research results could be compared, it will be necessary to (i) follow uniform mathematical procedures in both these fields and their subfields and (ii) develop universal taxonomies that will be followed for each of the natural resources (fossils, landforms, minerals, soils, etc.) being investigated. Geodiversity studies should move beyond the objective of proposing projects to preserve natural areas of geological value for economic and social purposes (geoparks, geotourism) and extend to attempts to quantify and compare biotic and abiotic diversity and its consequences. If we want to move forward, with a view to achieving a more mature discipline and a true new paradigm, both communities of experts must act synergistically.
Corticotropin Releasing Factor Type 1 and 2 Receptor Signaling in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Modulates Binge-Like Ethanol Consumption in C57BL/6J Mice

Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) signaling via limbic CRF1 and 2 receptors (CRF1R and CRF2R, respectively) is known to modulate binge-like ethanol consumption in rodents. Though CRF signaling in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) has been shown to modulate anxiety-like behavior and ethanol seeking, its role in binge ethanol intake is unknown. Here, we used “drinking-in-the-dark” (DID) procedures in male and female C57BL/6J mice to address this gap in the literature. First, the role of CRF1R and CRF2R signaling in the mPFC on ethanol consumption was evaluated through site-directed pharmacology. Next, we evaluated if CRF1R antagonist reduction of binge-intake was modulated in part through CRF2R activation by co-administration of a CRF1R and CRF2R antagonist. Intra-mPFC inhibition of CRF1R and activation of CRF2R resulted in decreased binge-like ethanol intake. Further, the inhibitory effect of the CRF1R antagonist was attenuated by co-administration of a CRF2R antagonist. We provide novel evidence that (1) inhibition of CRF1R or activation of CRF2R in the mPFC reduces binge-like ethanol intake; and (2) the effect of CRF1R antagonism may be mediated via enhanced CRF2R activation. These observations provide the first direct behavioral pharmacological evidence that CRF receptor activity in the mPFC modulates binge-like ethanol consumption.
Applying a Model of Teamwork Processes to Emergency Medical Services.

Author(s): Fernandez, William G.; Benzer, Justin K.; Charns, Martin P.; Burgess, James F. | Abstract: Introduction: Effective teamwork has been shown to optimize patient safety. However, researchcentered on the critical inputs, processes, and outcomes of team effectiveness in emergency medicalservices (EMS) has only recently begun to emerge. We conducted a theory-driven qualitative studyof teamwork processes—the interdependent actions that convert inputs to outputs—by frontline EMSpersonnel in order to provide a model for use in EMS education and research.Methods: We purposively sampled participants from an EMS agency in Houston, TX. Full-timeemployees with a valid emergency medical technician license were eligible. Using semi-structuredformat, we queried respondents on task/team functions and enablers/obstacles of teamwork in EMS.Phone interviews were recorded and transcribed. Using a thematic analytic approach, we combinedcodes into candidate themes through an iterative process. Analytic memos during coding and analysisidentified potential themes, which were reviewed/refined and then compared against a model ofteamwork processes in emergency medicine.Results: We reached saturation once 32 respondents completed interviews. Among participants, 30(94%) were male; the median experience was 15 years. The data demonstrated general support forthe framework. Teamwork processes were clustered into four domains: planning; action; reflection;and interpersonal processes. Additionally, we identified six emergent concepts during open coding:leadership; crew familiarity; team cohesion; interpersonal trust; shared mental models; and proceduralknowledge.Conclusion: In this thematic analysis, we outlined a new framework of EMS teamwork processes todescribe the procedures that EMS operators employ to convert individual inputs into team performanceoutputs. The revised framework may be useful in both EMS education and research to empiricallyevaluate the key planning, action, reflection, and interpersonal processes that are critical to teamworkeffectiveness in EMS.
Aircraft Weight Estimation During Take-off Using Declarative Machine Learning

Aircraft sensors measure physical quantities to help pilots and flight automation systems with situational awareness and decision making. Unfortunately, some important quantities of interest (QoI), e.g., aircraft weight, cannot be directly measured by sensors. This may lead to accidents, exemplified by Tuninter 1153 and Cessna 172R N4207P, where the airplanes were underweight (not enough fuel) and overweight (6% over maximum gross weight) respectively. Learning models to infer QoI from other aircraft sensor data is thus critical to safety through analytical redundancy. In this paper, we extend PILOTS, our declarative programming language for stream analytics, to learn models from data. We illustrate the supervised machine learning extensions to PILOTS with an example where we use take-off speed profiles under different density altitudes and runway conditions to estimate aircraft weight. Using data collected from the X-Plane flight simulator for a Cessna 172SP, we compare the results of several models on accuracy and timeliness. We also consider ensemble learning to improve the accuracy of weight estimation during takeoff from 94.3% (single model) to 97% (multiple models). Given that the average length of a take-off is 26.75s, this model was able to converge within 10% of the correct weight after 10.7s and converge within 5% after 17.7s. On August 25th, 2014, a Cessna 172R, N4207P, crashed killing the pilot and three passengers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report calculated the aircraft to be 1.06 times the maximum gross weight. We simulated the take-off in X-Plane using information from the report. We were able to estimate within 5% error after 8s, which is less than 200ft down the runway, and at the point of take-off, 27s, had an error of 3%. This implies that our model could have alerted the pilot of an overweight condition well before the aircraft became airborne, leaving more than 2000ft of runway to come to a stop. If this system were to be implemented in any fixed wing aircraft, it would create a larger safety net. Pilots would have a greater chance of catching errors thus increasing the probability of survival for crew and passengers.
A New Target for Temple Volumization? An Anatomical and Ultrasound-Guided Study of the Intermediate Temporal Fat Pad.

Background Current techniques for temple volumization primarily focus on deep or superficial targets. Further anatomical exploration of intermediate injection targets is warranted. Objectives The purpose of this study was to examine the anatomy of the intermediate temporal fat pad (ITFP) as it relates to filler injection procedures and to explore the utilization of ultrasound technology for clinical localization. Methods Ultrasound technology was utilized to identify and inject red dyed hyaluronic acid filler into the ITFP in 20 hemifacial fresh cadavers. Cross-sectional dissection was performed to confirm injection accuracy and document pertinent anatomical relationships. The same technique was performed in a single clinical patient case employing ultrasound guidance and injectable saline. Results The ITFP is a quadrangular structure located in the anterior-inferior bony trough. The ITFP is supplied by a middle temporal artery branch and encased between the superficial and deep layers of deep temporal fascia. In 18 of 20 (90%) injections performed under ultrasound guidance, the injected product was accurately delivered to the substance of the ITFP, and in 2 of 20 (10%), the product was found immediately below the deep layer of deep temporal fascia within the temporalis muscle. In the single clinical case, saline was successfully injected in the ITFP under ultrasound guidance. Conclusions The ITFP is a consistent anatomical structure in the anterior-inferior trough of the temporal fossa. Ultrasound technology can be utilized to identify and inject the fat pad. Further clinical evaluation will determine the role of this fat pad as a potential intermediate injection target for temple volumization procedures.
Androgens regulate ovarian gene expression by balancing Ezh2-Jmjd3 mediated H3K27me3 dynamics

Conventionally viewed as male hormone, androgens play a critical role in female fertility. Although androgen receptors (AR) are transcription factors, to date very few direct transcriptional targets of ARs have been identified in the ovary. Using mouse models, this study provides three critical insights about androgen-induced gene regulation in the ovary and its impact on female fertility. First, RNA-sequencing reveals a number of genes and biological processes that were previously not known to be directly regulated by androgens in the ovary. Second, androgens can also influence gene expression by decreasing the tri-methyl mark on lysine 27 of histone3 (H3K27me3), a gene silencing epigenetic mark. ChIP-seq analyses highlight that androgen-induced modulation of H3K27me3 mark within gene bodies, promoters or distal enhancers have a much broader impact on ovarian function than the direct genomic effects of androgens. Third, androgen-induced decrease of H3K27me3 is mediated through (a) inhibiting the expression and activity of Enhancer of Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase that promotes tri-methylation of K27 and (b) by inducing the expression of a histone demethylase called Jumonji domain containing protein-3 (JMJD3/KDM6B), responsible for removing the H3K27me3 mark. Androgens through the PI3K/Akt pathway, in a transcription-independent fashion, increase hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) protein levels, which in turn induce JMJD3 expression. Furthermore, proof of concept studies involving in vivo knockdown of Ar in the ovary and ovarian (granulosa) cell-specific Ar knockout mouse model show that ARs regulate the expression of key ovarian genes through modulation of H3K27me3.
COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy in Hispanics and African-Americans: A Review and Recommendations for Practice.

COVID-19 vaccines were approved for use in the general American public by late 2020 and early 2021. Media reports started highlighting COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in racial and ethnic minorities. However, little is known about the extent of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in racial and ethnic minorities and whether there are unique sociodemographic and cognitive correlates associated with vaccine hesitancy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to review all nationwide studies on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among African-Americans and Hispanics (the largest minority groups in the U.S.). A comprehensive review of the published literature was conducted to search for national studies and a final pool of 13 studies (n=107,841 participants) was included in this review. The overall pooled prevalence rate of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy for adult Americans across all studies was 26.3% (95%Ci=17.3-36.4). In contrast, the overall pooled prevalence rate of COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy for African-Americans was 41.6% (95%Ci=34.4-48.9) and for Hispanics, it was 30.2% (95%Ci=23.2-37.7). The major predictors of vaccine hesitancy in African-Americans and Hispanics were: sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender, income, education, and household size); medical mistrust and history of racial discrimination; exposure to myths and misinformation, perceived risk of getting infected with COVID-19; beliefs about vaccines and past vaccine compliance, and concerns about the safety, efficacy, and side effects from the COVID-19 vaccines. Given the high COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy rates in racial/ethnic minorities and the unique factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in African-Americans and Hispanics, several clinic-based and community-oriented practice recommendations have been included in this article.
QR decomposition and Parallel Factor-based Model for Two-Dimensional Direction of Arrival Angle Estimation

Two-dimensional (2D) Direction-of-Arrival (DOA) estimation for elevation and azimuth angles assuming non-coherent and coherent sources is proposed. Most of the existing schemes have drawbacks in estimating 2D DOA for multiple sources including; use of large number of snapshots and complex pair matching methods. The proposed method uses QR decomposition in conjunction with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) in estimating the elevation (θ) and azimuth (ϕ) angles.Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Also, simulation results are shown against the Cramer-Rao Bound (CRB) as the reference.
Qualitative research within the Deaf community in Northern Ireland: A multilingual approach

Abstract In this methodology article, the authors illustrate how they conducted multilingual qualitative research in an exploration of the barriers that Deaf people in Northern Ireland face when attempting to access the system of justice. The authors’ research practices are informed, to the extent possible, by the principles of community-based participatory research (CBPR). They explore the challenges of conducting research in American Sign Language (ASL), British Sign Language (BSL), and Irish Sign Language (ISL), and spoken English, facilitated by sign language interpreters fluent in BSL and ISL. Centering the research on the lived experiences of Deaf people who navigate the system of justice, the authors implemented CBPR-informed research methods, which ultimately led to sustained discussion and joint action by the authors and members of the Northern Ireland Deaf community aimed at the removal of barriers that Deaf people face when interacting with the justice system. By writing about their methodological approach in Northern Ireland, the authors wish to be transparent about their work in the hope that other researchers can replicate their successes and avoid the limitations of conducting this work in partnership with members of the Deaf community in other countries.
David Oliver: When doctors are accused of faking covid experiences.

In the pandemic we’ve seen repeated instances in social media, radio phone-ins, and newspapers where some members of the public, with little healthcare experience or specialist knowledge, deny point blank and challenge the stories and professional expertise of clinical staff who have cared for patients with covid-19. It’s part of a wider pattern described by leaders of the clinical royal colleges as a “sinister tide of abuse” towards NHS clinical staff,1 compounded by violence.2 Among the people admitted to hospital with severe respiratory failure from covid-19 pneumonia who have subsequently died, some had previously held strong …
Apolipoprotein Mimetics in the Amelioration of Respiratory Inflammation

Asthma induces chronic inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, collagen deposition, and airway remodeling. Left unchecked, it can lead to progressive and irreversible lung damage. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been hypothesized to play causal roles in asthma. Interestingly, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I, the major anti-inflammatory apolipoprotein of HDL, which are well recognized for protecting against atherosclerosis, have recently been shown to play important roles in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the lung. Typically, asthma is treated with inhaled corticosteroids. However, chronic corticosteroid therapy induces side effects that reduce their appeal as a long-term therapeutic. Accordingly, there is a great need for the development of new strategies for inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation in asthma that does not rely on corticosteroids. In this chapter, we review the cell biology of HDL and apoA-I in the lung and the mechanisms by which apolipoprotein mimetics reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the asthmatic lung.
Finite bisimulations of controllable linear systems

Finite abstractions of infinite state models have been critical in enabling and applying formal and algorithmic verification methods to continuous and hybrid systems. This has triggered the study and characterization of classes of continuous dynamics which can be abstracted by finite transition systems. In this paper, we focus on synthesis rather than analysis. In this spirit, we show that given any discrete-time, linear control system satisfying a generic controllability property, and any finite set of observations restricted to the boolean algebra of Brunovsky sets, a finite bisimulation always exists and can be effectively computed.
Why Bioethics Needs the Philosophy of Medicine: Some Implications of Reflection on Concepts of Health and Disease

Germund Hesslow has argued that concepts of health and disease serve no important scientific, clinical, or ethical function. However, this conclusion depends upon the particular concept of disease he espouses; namely, on Boorse’s functional notion. The fact/value split embodied in the functional notion of disease leads to a sharp split between the “science” of medicine and bioethics, making the philosophy of medicine irrelevant for both. By placing this disease concept in the broader context of medical history, I shall show that it does capture an essential part of modern medical ideology. However, it is also a self-contradictory notion. By making explicit the value desiderate of medical nosologies, a reconfiguration of the relation between medicine, bioethics, and the philosophy of medicine is initiated. This, in turn, will involve a recovery of the caring dimensions of medicine, and thus a more humane practice.
As Tecnologias na Educação: uma questão somente técnica?

This paper investigates the uses of technology in education, with reference to the dialogic resignification of senses and the socio-political and cultural relations of technologies in the constitution of the pedagogic discourse. It concerns to the investigation of the emblematic issues of the technology field used in education, glimpsing an education model that is sensitive to the prevention of the naive incorporation of technology in education. The study reviews conceptions to recognize the plurality and objectivity that have grounded pedagogical practices, elucidating how technological elements promote curiosity and interfere directly in the cultural formation, learning, language and all dimensions of human rationality.
Impacts of Expanded Ethanol Production on Southern Agriculture

This study analyzes the potential impacts of expanded ethanol production on southern agriculture. Results of regression analysis suggest that acreage planted for field crops (corn, cotton, soybeans, and wheat) is inelastic with respect to relative prices. The results provide statistical evidence of potential significant acreage shifts favoring corn over cotton, soybeans, and wheat. Simulations indicate that higher corn prices will increase corn acreage, but the South continues to be a deficit corn region. U.S. corn production is capable of supplying domestic demand for ethanol, feed for livestock and poultry, and other uses, while maintaining exports at more than 2 billion bushels annually.
Multimedia Networking and IEEE 802.12 Demand Priority

This paper introduces the 100VG-AnyLAN LAN technology that is being standardised in the IEEE 802.12 committee. The network is designed as a low-cost 100 Mb/s upgrade for IEEE-802.3 10Base-T or IEEE-802.5 and key features of the network are discussed such as its support for installed Category 3 cable and cascading to cover campus areas without bridges. The access protocol, Demand Priority, supports two priorities and the paper presents how this can be used to provide guaranteed bandwidth and delay services for emerging applications such as real-time multimedia. Finally some of the areas of work under consideration in the new IEEE 802.1 working group on multimedia are described.
Falling through the Cracks: Psychodynamic Practice with Vulnerable and Oppressed Populations, by Joan Berzoff (Ed.)

The new book Falling through the Cracks: Psychodynamic Practice with Vulnerable and Oppressed Populations edited by Joan Berzoff fills a significant gap in the social work literature on psychodynam...
CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells Control Innate Immune Reactivity after Injury

Major injury initiates a systemic inflammatory response that can be detrimental to the host. We have recently reported that burn injury primes innate immune cells for a progressive increase in TLR4 and TLR2 agonist-induced proinflammatory cytokine production and that this inflammatory phenotype is exaggerated in adaptive immune system-deficient (Rag1(-/-)) mice. The present study uses a series of adoptive transfer experiments to determine which adaptive immune cell type(s) has the capacity to control innate inflammatory responses after injury. We first compared the relative changes in TLR4- and TLR2-induced TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 production by spleen cell populations prepared from wild-type (WT), Rag1(-/-), CD4(-/-), or CD8(-/-) mice 7 days after sham or burn injury. Our findings indicated that splenocytes prepared from burn-injured CD8(-/-) mice displayed TLR-induced cytokine production levels similar to those in WT mice. In contrast, spleen cells from burn-injured CD4(-/-) mice produced cytokines at significantly higher levels, equivalent to those in Rag1(-/-) mice. Moreover, reconstitution of Rag1(-/-) or CD4(-/-) mice with WT CD4(+) T cells reduced postinjury cytokine production to WT levels. Additional separation of CD4(+) T cells into CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD4(+)CD25(-) subpopulations before their adoptive transfer into Rag1(-/-) mice showed that CD4(+)CD25(+) T cells were capable of reducing TLR-stimulated cytokine production levels to WT levels, whereas CD4(+)CD25(-) T cells had no regulatory effect. These findings suggest a previously unsuspected role for CD4(+)CD25(+) T regulatory cells in controlling host inflammatory responses after injury.
Effect of ocean acidification on growth and otolith condition of juvenile scup, Stenotomus chrysops

Increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) from human industrial activities are causing changes in global ocean carbonate chemistry, resulting in a reduction in pH, a process termed “ocean acidification.” It is important to determine which species are sensitive to elevated levels of CO2 because of potential impacts to ecosystems, marine resources, biodiversity, food webs, populations, and effects on economies. Previous studies with marine fish have documented that exposure to elevated levels of CO2 caused increased growth and larger otoliths in some species. This study was conducted to determine whether the elevated partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) would have an effect on growth, otolith (ear bone) condition, survival, or the skeleton of juvenile scup, Stenotomus chrysops, a species that supports both important commercial and recreational fisheries. Elevated levels of pCO2 (1200–2600 μatm) had no statistically significant effect on growth, survival, or otolith condition after 8 weeks of rearing. Field data show that in Long Island Sound, where scup spawn, in situ levels of pCO2 are already at levels ranging from 689 to 1828 μatm due to primary productivity, microbial activity, and anthropogenic inputs. These results demonstrate that ocean acidification is not likely to cause adverse effects on the growth and survivability of every species of marine fish. X‐ray analysis of the fish revealed a slightly higher incidence of hyperossification in the vertebrae of a few scup from the highest treatments compared to fish from the control treatments. Our results show that juvenile scup are tolerant to increases in seawater pCO2, possibly due to conditions this species encounters in their naturally variable environment and their well‐developed pH control mechanisms.
Openness, Web 2.0 Technology, and Open Science:

This article begins by examining the dimensions of open science including the ethics of science and the peer review system before defining open science in terms of ‘wiki science’ or ‘science 2.0’. ...
Pt/TiO2 (Rutile) Catalysts for Sulfuric Acid Decomposition in Sulfur-Based Thermochemical Water-Splitting Cycles

Abstract Thermochemical cycles consist of a series of chemical reactions to produce hydrogen from water at lower temperatures than by direct thermal decomposition. All the sulfur-based cycles for water splitting employ the sulfuric acid decomposition reaction. This work reports the studies performed on 1 wt% Pt/TiO 2 (rutile) catalysts submitted to flowing concentrated sulfuric acid at 1123 K and atmospheric pressure for different times on stream between 0 and 548 h. Catalyst activity showed an initial decrease that lasted for about 66 h, followed by a slight recovery of activity between 66 and 102 h TOS, and a period of slower deactivation after 102 h TOS. Catalyst sulfation did not seem to be detrimental to catalyst activity. The activity profile suggested that a complex dynamic situation, involving platinum sintering, volatilization, and oxidation, along with TiO 2 morphological changes, affected catalyst activity in a non-monotonic way.
Culture and characterization of thymic epithelium from autoimmune NZB and NZB/W mice.

Abstract Autoimmune NZB and NZB/W mice display early abnormalities in thymus histology, T cell development, and mature T cell function. Abnormalities in the subcapsular/medullary thymic epithelium (TE) can also be inferred from the early disappearance of thymulin from NZB. It has also been reported that NZB thymic epithelial cells do not grow in culture conditions that support the growth of these cells from other strains of mice. In order to study the contribution of TE to the abnormal T cell development and function in NZB and NZB/W mice, we have devised a culture system which supports the growth of TE cells from these mice. The method involves the use of culture vessels coated with extracellular matrix produced by a rat thymic epithelial cell line, TEA3A1, and selective low-calcium, low-serum medium. In addition TEA3A1 cells have been used as an antigen to generate monoclonal antibodies specific for subcapsular/medullary TE. These antibodies, as well as others already available, have been used to show that the culture conditions described here select for cells displaying subcapsular/medullary TE markers, whereas markers for cortical TE and macrophages are absent.
Haemoglobinopathies and the clinical epidemiology of malaria: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary Background Haemoglobinopathies can reduce the risk of malaria syndromes. We aimed to quantify the relation between different haemoglobin mutations and malaria protection to strengthen the foundation for translational studies of malaria pathogenesis and immunity. Methods We systematically searched the Medline and Embase databases for studies that estimated the risk of malaria in patients with and without haemoglobinopathies up to Sept 9, 2011, and identified additional studies from reference lists. We included studies that enrolled mainly children or pregnant women and had the following outcomes: Plasmodium falciparum severe malaria, uncomplicated malaria, asymptomatic parasitaemia, or pregnancy-associated malaria, and Plasmodium vivax malaria. Two reviewers identified studies independently, assessed quality of the studies, and extracted data. We produced odds ratios (ORs; 95% CIs) for case-control studies and incidence rate ratios (IRRs; 95% CIs) for prospective studies. We did the meta-analysis with a random-effects model when equivalent outcomes were reported in more than one study. Findings Of 62 identified studies, 44 reported data for haemoglobin AS, 19 for haemoglobin AC and CC, and 18 for α-thalassaemia. Meta-analysis of case-control studies showed a decreased risk of severe P falciparum malaria in individuals with haemoglobin AS (OR 0·09, 95% CI 0·06–0·12), haemoglobin CC (0·27, 0·11–0·63), haemoglobin AC (0·83, 0·67–0·96), homozygous α-thalassaemia (0·63, 0·48–0·83), and heterozygous α-thalassaemia (0·83, 0·74–0·92). In meta-analysis of prospective trials only haemoglobin AS was consistently associated with protection from uncomplicated malaria (IRR 0·69, 95% CI 0·61–0·79); no haemoglobinopathies led to consistent protection from asymptomatic parasitaemia. Few clinical studies have investigated β-thalassaemia, haemoglobin E, P vivax malaria, or pregnancy-associated malaria. Interpretation Haemoglobin AS, CC, and AC genotypes and homozygous and heterozygous α-thalassaemia provide significant protection from severe malaria syndromes, but these haemoglobinopathies differ substantially in the degree of protection provided and confer mild or no protection against uncomplicated malaria and asymptomatic parasitaemia. Through attenuation of severity of malaria, haemoglobinopathies could serve as a model for investigation of the mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis and immunity. Funding US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
The Probabilistic Provenance Graph

Previous provenance models have assumed that there is complete certainty in the provenance relationships. But what if this assumption does not hold? In this work, emaiwe propose a probabilistic provenance graph (PPG) model to characterize scenarios where provenance relationships are uncertain. We describe two motivating examples. The first example demonstrates the uncertainty associated with the provenance of an email. The second example demonstrates and characterizes the uncertainty associated with the provenance of statements in documents.
Outpatient vascular access surgery: impact of a dialysis unit-based surgical facility

The present report describes a novel approach to vascular access surgery based on the philosophy that a readily available operating room, staffed by nurses familiar with the unique problems of dialysis patients and their therapy, would reduce dialysis delays and maintain the quality of surgical care. Based on a 28-month experience with more than 1,000 access cases, we conclude that a traditional surgical setting is not necessary for either quality access graft placement or the management of access complications.
Characteristics and satisfaction of the patients of male versus female dentists

With rising numbers of women entering dental practice, and relatively little known about these practices, this study seeks to characterize the practices of female dentists. Characteristics and satisfaction differences of patients between male and female practitioners were examined. A matched-pair design of 13 men and 13 women in general private practice in Connecticut was conducted. Questionnaires, designed to evaluate satisfaction and patient sociodemographics, were distributed to 25 patients from each practice. Patients were similar to utilizers as described by the US National Health Interview Survey, and scored slightly higher on the Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire than a national sample. Few differences were found between the patients of male and female dentists, but significant differences were found in patient incomes, satisfaction with cost, and satisfaction with access, with the patients of women giving more favorable satisfaction ratings on cost and access. These findings are encouraging to women entering private practice as they are perceived by patients to deliver care equal in quality to their male counterparts.
The health consequences in African-Americans of each component of the metabolic syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is founded on two principles: first, it is most likely to occur in insulin-resistant individuals and second, it predicts the development of both cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Two key features of the metabolic syndrome are hypertension and diabetes. When the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was determined in the USA, investigators were surprised to find that even though African–Americans are more insulin resistant and have a higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease than Caucasians, African–Americans have a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. This article explores the reasons for the underdiagnosis of the metabolic syndrome in African–Americans. In addition, it is emphasized that in African–Americans the absence of the metabolic syndrome should not detract from the need to commit resources to achieve early detection and treatment of hypertension and hyperglycemia.
Generation of the primary antibody repertoire in rabbits: expression of a diverse set of Igk-V genes may compensate for limited combinatorial diversity at the heavy chain locus

In mouse and human, generation of combinatorial diversity through use of different heavy and light chain variable region genes in immunoglobulin rearrangements can be a major contributor to the primary antibody repertoire. In rabbits, the contribution of the combinatorial mechanism to heavy chain diversity is minimal, as only a few Igh-V genes are rearranged and expressed. To investigate the contribution of combinatorial diversity toward generation of the rabbit V(kappa) repertoire, we constructed five genomic libraries from rabbit kidney DNA and 1 cDNA library from the bone marrow of a 1-day-old rabbit using a series of polymerase chain reaction-based strategies. Our analyses indicate that most of the sequences that we recovered from our libraries belong to a single family and some are extremely similar. The actual number of germline Igk-V genes is potentially greater than our conservative estimate of at least 39, 28 of which we found expressed as mRNA. The germline Igk-V genes display different lengths of the coding region 3' of Cys 88 ranging from 7 to 12 amino acids, resulting in CDR3 length heterogeneity among functional V(kappa)J(kappa) sequences ranging from 8 to 15 amino acids. Some of the V(kappa)J(kappa) junctions had N and P nucleotide additions. Thus, in contrast to limited combinatorial diversity of its heavy chain, the rabbit can draw upon a diverse set of germline Igk-V genes. The kappa light chain has the potential to be a major contributor toward generation of the antibody specificities of the rabbit pre-immune repertoire.
Zonal organization of flocculo-vestibular connections in rats.

Abstract Anatomical and electrophysiological evidence has contributed to the hypothesis that microzones in the mammalian flocculus are organized to reflect control of eye movements in the planes of semicircular canals. Adult male Long–Evans rats received iontophoretic injections of FluoroGold and/or tetramethylrhodamine dextran amine (10,000 molecular weight, “FluoroRuby”) into the vestibular nuclei. The distribution of retrogradely labeled Purkinje cells revealed that efferent projections from the dorsal surface of the flocculus and the ventral paraflocculus to the superior vestibular nucleus, rostral medial vestibular nucleus, ventral lateral vestibular nucleus, and caudal aspect of the vestibular nuclear complex (caudal medial vestibular nucleus, inferior vestibular nucleus and nucleus prepositus hypoglossi) tended to correspond to previously identified climbing fiber zones [Ruigrok et al. (1992) J. comp. Neurol. 316, 129–150] in a manner consistent with other mammals. However, vestibular nucleus projections from the ventral surface of the flocculus did not appear to respect climbing fiber zonal boundaries. Rather, climbing fiber zones each contained interdigitated groups of Purkinje cells that project to different vestibular nuclear regions. It is suggested that this pattern of flocculus efferent organization is a specialization for controlling the activity of primary and accessory extraocular muscle pairs to confine vestibulo-ocular reflexes within semicircular canal planes when the “center of regard” is located at different eccentricities.
Quenching of Singlet Oxygen by Oxygen- and Sulfur-Centered Radicals: Evidence for Energy Transfer to Peroxyl Radicals in Solution

Quenching of singlet oxygen luminescence at 1.27 μm by PhS•, PhSO•, and peroxyl radicals PhOO•, t-BuOO•, PhCH2OO•, Ph2CHOO•, and Ph3COO• was studied in liquid solution. The quantum yields of decomposition of different initiators which lead to the formation of free radicals were measured by using nanosecond transient absorption. This allowed determination of singlet oxygen O2(1Δg) quenching rate constants by the radicals. They are <2 × 108 M-1 s-1 for the sulfur-centered radicals and (2−7) × 109 M-1 s-1 for peroxyl radicals in acetonitrile. The rapid quenching is attributed to energy transfer quenching by the peroxyls, which have an n → π* transition leading to a low-lying 2A‘ state above their 2A‘‘ ground state. PhSO• is shown computationally not to have such a low-lying 2A‘ state. There may be a very low-lying 2B1 state, for PhS•, but it is apparently not an efficient acceptor of electronic energy from O2(1Δg).
Tourism and economic development: Which investments produce gains for regions?

Abstract Across three decades numerous metropolitan regions have made substantial investments in different tourist amenity packages. These investments were made to either capture a portion of the growing tourism market or establish an image that attracted the human capital needed to advance economic development. This article analyzes the returns for the tourism industry and for economic development from different amenity packages and finds those related to sports and amusements generated the most significant gains for regions.
Role of calcium in regulating intracellular pH following the stepwise release of the metabolic blocks at first-meiotic prophase and second-meiotic metaphase in amphibian oocytes

Abstract 31 P-NMR has been used to monitor changes in intracellular pH following the sequential release of the block at first-meiotic prophase by hormones and the block at second-meiotic metaphase by fertilization in Rana eggs and oocytes. The broad phosphoprotein signal was eliminated by a combination of spin-echo and deconvolution techniques. pH i was determined from the pH-dependent separation of intracellular P i and phosphocreatine resonances. Agents that release the prophase block (progesterone, insulin, D-600, La 3+ ) increased pH i from 7.38 to 7.7–7.8 within 1–3 h. Noninducers such as 17 β-estradiol were without effect. By second-metaphase arrest (ovulated, unfertilized) the pH i had fallen to 7.1–7.2. pH i underwent a transient increase to about 7.7 within the first 30 min at fertilization, with a slow 0.1–0.2 pH unit oscillation during early cleavage. The progesterone-induced elevation of intracellular pH is not blocked by amiloride and occurs in Na + -free medium. A transient rise in pH i occurs when the prophase-arrested oocyte is transferred to Ca 2+ -free medium or when ionophore A23187 is added to the Ca 2+ -containing medium. Agents that inhibit the resumption of the first meiotic division either block the rise in pH i (procaine, PMSF) or shorten the time-course of the rise in pH i (ionophore A23187). Conditions that elevate intracellular Ca 2+ levels and/or increase Ca 2+ exchange produce an increase in pH i , whereas those conditions that decrease intracellular Ca 2+ levels and/or exchange produce a fall in pH i within 1 h. The time-course of the increase in pH i both following release of the prophase block and at fertilization coincide with a fall in intracellular cAMP and release of surface and/or intracellular Ca 2+ . These results suggest that: (1) pH i is a function of cytosolic free Ca 2+ levels and/or Ca 2+ exchange across the oocyte plasma membrane, and (2) meiotic agonists (progesterone, insulin, D-600) and mitogens (sperm, ionophore A23187) modulate intracellular and/or membrane Ca 2+ with the resulting changes in pH i and cAMP and resumption of the meiotic divisions.