cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergent evolution of p38/MAPK activation in hormone resistant prostate cancer mediates pro-survival, immune evasive, and metastatic phenotypes

Adaptation of cancer cells to targeted therapy follows ecological paradigms observed in natural populations that encounter resource depletion and changing environments, including activation of pro-survival mechanisms, migration to new locations, and escape of predation. We identified the p38 MAPK pathway as a common molecular driver of these three responses during the adaptation to hormone therapy resistance in prostate cancer. The p38 pathway is activated in therapy-resistant cells and mechanistically drives these three convergent responses through sustained AR activity, enhanced invasion and metastasis, and immune evasion. Targeting p38 signaling may represent a new therapeutic strategy to treat men with metastatic, hormone therapy-resistant prostate cancer.
Autoclave sterilization and ethanol treatment of re-used surgical masks and N95 respirators during COVID-19: impact on their performance and integrity.

Summary Background An exceptionally high demand for surgical masks and N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic has considerably exceeded their supply. These disposable devices are generally not approved for routine decontamination and re-use as a standard of care, while this practice has widely occurred in hospitals. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention allowed it “as a crisis capacity strategy”. However, limited testing was conducted on the impact of specific decontamination methods on the performance of N95 FFRs and no data was presented for surgical masks. Aim We evaluated common surgical masks and N95 respirators with respect to the changes in their performance and integrity resulting from autoclave sterilization and a 70% ethanol treatment; these methods are frequently utilized for re-used filtering facepieces in hospitals. Methods The filter collection efficiency and pressure drop were determined for unused masks and N95 FFRs, and for those subjected to the treatments in a variety of ways. The collection efficiency was measured for particles of approximately 0.037–3.2 μm to represent aerosolized single viruses, their agglomerates, bacteria and larger particle carriers. Findings The initial collection efficiency and the filter breathability may be compromised by sterilization in an autoclave and ethanol treatment. The effect depends on a protective device, particle size, breathing flow rate, type of treatment and other factors. Additionally, physical damages were observed in N95 respirators after autoclaving. Conclusion Strategies advocating decontamination and re-use of filtering facepieces in hospitals should be re-assessed considering the data obtained in this study.
Scientometric evaluation and visual analytics of the scientific literature production on entrepreneurship, small business ventures, and innovation

This study offers the first scientometric analysis, visual analytics, and visualization of the documents published in the Journal of Small Business and Entrepreneurship (JSBE). The paper utilizes b...
Quantitative measurement of nanoparticle release from rubber composites during fabrication and testing

Carbon black has been a key ingredient in high-performance composites, such as tire rubber, for over a hundred years. This reinforcing filler increases rubber rigidity and reduces tire wear, among many other useful effects. New nanomaterials, such as graphene and carbon nanotubes, may bring new performance improvements. However, their usefulness cannot be evaluated unless worker safety is assured by demonstrating that the nanoparticles are not released at harmful concentrations during manufacture and testing. Here, we present a flexible, general method for the quantitative evaluation of nanoparticle release from rubber nanocomposites. We evaluate manufacturing steps such as powder handling, uncured rubber milling, and curing. We also evaluate particle emission during cured rubber abrasion as an aggressive example of the testing rubber goods are subjected to. We quantify released nanoparticle concentrations for clay nanoparticles, graphene-like materials, and carbon nanotubes. We also describe a mechanistic framework based on the balance of adhesive and kinetic energies, which helps understand when nanoparticles are or are not released. This method contributes to the assessment of workers’ exposure to nanoparticles during the various stages of the industrial process, which is an essential step in managing the risk associated with the use of nanomaterials in manufacturing.
Hypergeometric Functions over Finite Fields and Modular Forms: A Survey and New Conjectures

Hypergeometric functions over finite fields were introduced by Greene in the 1980s as a finite field analogue of classical hypergeometric series. These functions, and their generalizations, naturally lend themselves to, and have been widely used in, character sum evaluations and counting points on algebraic varieties. More interestingly, perhaps, are their links to Fourier coefficients of modular forms. In this paper, we outline the main results in this area and also conjecture 13 new relations.
User Interactions With Health Insurance Decision Aids: User Study With Retrospective Think-Aloud Interviews

Background: Two barriers to effective enrollment decisions are low health insurance literacy and lack of knowledge about how to choose a plan. To remedy these issues, digital decision aids have been used to increase the knowledge of plan options and to guide the decision process. Previous research has shown that the way information is presented in a decision aid can impact consumer choice, and existing health insurance decision aids vary in their design, content, and layout. Commercial virtual benefits counselors (VBCs) are digital decision aids that provide decision support by mimicking the guidance provided by an in-person human resources (HR) counselor, whereas more traditional HR websites provide information that requires self-directed navigation through the system. However, few studies have compared how decision processes are impacted by these different methods of providing information. Objective: This study aims to examine how individuals interact with two different types of health insurance decision aids (guided VBCs that mimic conversations with a real HR counselor and self-directed HR websites that provide a broad range of detailed information) to make employer-provided health insurance decisions. Methods: In total, 16 employees from a local state university completed a user study in which they made mock employer-provided health insurance decisions using 1 of 2 systems (VBC vs HR website). Participants took part in a retrospective think-aloud interview, cued using eye-tracking data to understand decision aid interactions. In addition, pre- and postexperiment measures of literacy and knowledge and decision conflict and usability of the system were also examined. Results: Both the VBC and HR website had positive benefits for health insurance knowledge and literacy. Previous health insurance knowledge also impacted how individuals used decision aids. Individuals who scored lower on the pre-experiment knowledge test focused on different decision factors and were more conflicted about their final enrollment decisions than those with higher knowledge test scores. Although both decision aids resulted in similar changes in the Health Insurance Literacy Measure and knowledge test scores, perceived usability differed. Website navigation was not intuitive, and it took longer to locate information, although users appreciated that it had more details; the VBC website was easier to use but had limited information. Lower knowledge participants, in particular, found the website to be less useful and harder to use than those with higher health insurance knowledge. Finally, out-of-pocket cost estimation tools can lead to confusion when they do not highlight the factors that contribute to the cost estimate. Conclusions: This study showed that health insurance decision aids help individuals improve their confidence in selecting and using health insurance plans. However, previous health insurance knowledge plays a significant role in how users interact with and benefit from decision aids, even when information is presented in different formats.
A Review of Behavioral Foundations of Effective Autism Treatment

Behavior analysts must base their practices on both the conceptual foundations and the validated technologies of our field. In recognition of these important facets of effective practice, Mayville and Mulick (2011) have produced an edited book aimed at “developing the conceptually sound and procedurally innovative behavior analysts that are so badly needed” (p. x) within the burgeoning field of autism treatment. We summarize the content of this book and evaluate its utility to practitioners working with people with autism spectrum disorders.
Case pack quantity's effect on retail market share: An examination of the backroom logistics effect and the store‐level fill rate effect

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of a key logistics and distribution variable, case pack quantity, on a consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing firm's performance. The paper builds theory with respect to case pack quantity's dichotomous impact on the retail shelf replenishment process and subsequent impact on market share depending on product rate‐of‐sale (ROS).Design/methodology/approach – The study empirically tests the case pack quantity phenomenon using monthly in‐store data collected over a two year time period, market share data and data provided by a leading US CPG manufacturer in the ready‐to‐eat cereal category. Regression analysis is used to determine if case pack quantity significantly impacts firm market share.Findings – According to compelling theoretical and empirical evidence, the number of units per retail shipping container (case pack quantity) has a significant impact on retail market share. The evidence indicates that the effect of case pack quantity ...
Pattern Formation Via Resonant Interactions in Fluid Flows

Pattern formation is a familiar element in the laminar-transition mechanism in fluid flows. Patterns also are clearly present in the disordered states existing in fully developed turbulent flows, where they are known as “coherent structures” Pattern formation is best understood in “closed flows” the prototype being thermal convection in fluid layers heated from below, because such problems are set in closed spatial domains in physical space and are therefore simpler mathematically than “open flows” which are typically set in domains idealized to be spatially infinite Nevertheless, the experimental evidence of patterning is incontrovertible-even striking-in both closed and open flows, with the prototypical examples of the latter type being boundary layer flows or mixing layer flows. In the case of boundary layers and channel flows, the existence and importance of Tollmien-Schlichting waves has long been known. Helical waves are their analogues in rotating pipe flows. The dynamics leading to pattern formation dominate the characteristics of preturbulent flows, including the physically and technologically important transfer properties of the flow (such as heat, momentum, and mass transfer). In this presentation we describe some computational and analytical investigations of transition sequences and coherent structures in two classes of fluid flows, (i) rotating pipe flows, (ii) transitional boundary layers and channel flows.
Neural Circuits Underlying Chemical Perception

The olfactory circuit in fruit flies is mapped out by combining genetic tools with in vivo measurements of neural activity.
Giftedness and Intelligence: One and the Same?

Giftedness, like other rare phenomena, is often explained by principles beyond those used to explain the normal variation of mental ability. Before parsimony is abandoned and additional principles are invoked, the following five points should be considered. (1) Gifted samples often have restricted ranges, reducing correlations with intelligence and making standard tests insensitive to relationships that may exist. Though this is an obvious point, it is frequently overlooked. (2) Theories of intelligence that view g as a single global ability are inadequate. Intelligence is better seen as a complex system of independent but interrelated parts. Measures of g are global ratings of system functioning, but global measures do not explain mental ability in terms of either more basic cognitive abilities or underlying brain functioning. More basic explanations of intelligence are essential for understanding giftedness. (3) Correlations among intellectual abilities are lowest for persons of high intelligence. Specific skills will be less highly correlated among the gifted. (4) Heritability of cognitive abilities may differ across the intelligence range, though evidence on this point is mixed. (5) Achievement and intelligence are different things. Discrepancies between intelligence and achievement are due to environment. Such a finding is consistent with the idiosyncratic development of giftedness.
Dependence of electron-impact dissociative excitation cross sections on the initial vibrational quantum number in H[sub 2] and D[sub 2] molecules: [ital X] [sup 1][Sigma][sub g][sup +][r arrow]B [sup 1][Sigma][sub u][sup +] and [ital X] [sup 1][Sigma][sub g][sup +][r arrow]C [sup 1][Pi][sub u] transitions

Electron-impact dissociative cross sections for ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ vibrationally excited molecules have been calculated in the frame of the impact-parameter method for dissociative processes involving direct dissociation ${\mathit{M}}_{2}$(X $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$,${\mathit{v}}_{\mathit{i}}$)+e-g${\mathit{M}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$(B $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{u}}^{+}$, $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}_{\mathrm{u}}$)+e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2M+e and radiative cascade ${\mathit{M}}_{2}$(X $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$,${\mathit{v}}_{\mathit{i}}$) +e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{M}}_{2}^{\mathrm{*}}$(B $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{u}}^{+}$,${\mathit{C}}^{1}$${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Pi}}}_{\mathit{u}}$)+e\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\mathit{M}}_{2}$(X $^{1}\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Sigma}}_{\mathit{g}}^{+}$)+e+h\ensuremath{\nu}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}2M+e+h\ensuremath{\nu} (${\mathit{M}}_{2}$ represents a hydrogen or deuterium molecule). The results show that direct dissociation cross sections strongly depend on the initial vibrational state of the molecule, while an opposite behavior is found in the case of dissociation by radiative cascade. Moreover, for this last process, the fraction of molecules that undergoes dissociation has been evaluated with respect to the total cascade process, yielding in general quite small values in both the ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ and ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$ cases.
Quantum mechanical effects on the shock Hugoniot

Calculations of the locus of shock Hugoniot states of aluminum, using two equations of state that either omit or include a quantum mechanical treatment for the material's electronic excitations, will be presented. The difference between the loci will be analyzed in the context of a comparison between an ab initio quantum mechanical model and a semiclassical treatment of the electronic states. The theoretical results are compared with high pressure (4--300 Mbars) data. 5 refs., 2 figs.
EXTRACTION AND PURIFICATION OF ENDOTOXIN FROM ENTEROBACTERIACEAE: A COMPARISON OF SELECTED METHODS AND SOURCES

Fukushi, K. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Rocky Mountain Laboratory, Hamilton, Mont.), R. L. Anacker, W. T. Haskins, M. Landy, K. C. Milner, and E. Ribi. Extraction and purification of endotoxin from Enterobacteriaceae: a comparison of selected methods and sources. J. Bacteriol. 87:391-400. 1964.-Endotoxins containing only 0.2% N (accounted for by amino sugars) and 2% ester- and amide-linked fatty acids (calculated as palmitic acid) were prepared from Salmonella enteritidis. These products were of high biological potency, and were rapidly destroyed by acid hydrolysis. Equally potent acid-susceptible products were derived from different strains of Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens. No correlation was evident between potency and content of nitrogen, fatty acids, and hexosamine; however, low values for carbohydrate were invariably associated with reduced endotoxic activity. Factors such as strain, method of cultivation, and extraction procedure markedly affected the chemical composition and activity of primary extracts. Results are given which demonstrate significant advantages in the use of cell walls for the isolation and purification of endotoxins.
Effects of jet fuel spills on the microbial community of soil.

Hydrocarbon residues, microbial numbers, and microbial activity were measured and correlated in loam soil contaminated by jet fuel spills resulting in 50 and 135 mg of hydrocarbon g of soil−1. Contaminated soil was incubated at 27°C either as well-aerated surface soil or as poorly aerated subsurface soil. In the former case, the effects of bioremediation treatment on residues, microbial numbers, and microbial activity were also assessed. Hydrocarbon residues were measured by quantitative gas chromatography. Enumerations included direct counts of metabolically active bacteria, measurement of mycelial length, plate counts of aerobic heterotrophs, and most probable numbers of hydrocarbon degraders. Activity was assessed by fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis. Jet fuel disappeared much more rapidly from surface soil than it did from subsurface soil. In surface soil, microbial numbers and mycelial length were increased by 2 to 2.5 orders of magnitude as a result of jet fuel contamination alone and by 3 to 4 orders of magnitude as a result of the combination of jet fuel contamination and bioremediation. FDA hydrolysis was stimulated by jet fuel and bioremediation, but was inhibited by jet fuel alone. The latter was traced to an inhibition of the FDA assay by jet fuel biodegradation products. In subsurface soil, oxygen limitation strongly attenuated microbial responses to jet fuel. An increase in the most probable numbers of hydrocarbon degraders was accompanied by a decline in other aerobic heterotrophs, so that total plate counts changed little. The correlations between hydrocarbon residues, microbial numbers, and microbial activity help in elucidating microbial contributions to jet fuel elimination from soil.
Violent neoliberalism: development, discourse and dispossession in Cambodia

While the 2008 financial crisis may have been the first time European critics of neoliberalism were ever confronted in any immediate sense with an experience of the authoritarian consensuality of c...
Soy Protein Supports Cardiovascular Health by Downregulating Hydroxymethylglutaryl-Coenzyme A Reductase and Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding protein-2 and Increasing Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Rats With Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Mild Systemic Inflammation

Animal and human studies have indicated that the presence of soy in the diet improves cardiovascular health. Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, little is known about how dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)–induced systemic inflammation impacts overall heart health and, correspondingly, how soy protein modulates risk of CVD development in DSS-induced systemic inflammation. We hypothesized that soy protein–fed rats would have a lower risk of CVD by beneficial alteration of gene expression involving lipid metabolism and antioxidant capacity in DSS-induced systemic inflammation. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: casein, casein + DSS, soy protein, and soy protein + DSS. After 26 days, inflammation was induced in one group from each diet by incorporating 3% DSS in drinking water for 48 hours. Soy protein–fed rats had lower final body weights (P = .010), epididymal fat weights (P = .049), total cholesterol (P < .001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .001). In regard to gene expression, soy protein–fed rats had lower sterol regulatory element-binding protein–2 (P = .032) and hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase (P = .028) levels and higher low-density lipoprotein receptor levels (P = .036). Antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase was higher among the soy protein groups (P = .037 and P = .002, respectively). These results suggest that soy protein positively influences cardiovascular health by regulating serum lipids through modified expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein–2 and its downstream genes (ie, hydroxymethylglutaryl–coenzyme A reductase and low-density lipoprotein receptor) and by promoting the antioxidant enzyme activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase.
Cold-Temperature Plastic Resin Embedding of Liver for DNA- and RNA-Based Genotyping

The standard practice of tissue fixation in 10% formalin followed by embedding in paraffin wax preserves cellular morphology at the expense of availability and quality of DNA and RNA. The negative effect on cellular constituents results from a combination of extensive cross-linking and strand scission of DNA, RNA, and proteins induced by formaldehyde as well as RNA loss secondary to ubiquitous RNase activity and negative effects of high temperature exposure during paraffin melting, microscopic section collection, and tissue adherence to glass slides. An effective strategy to correlate cellular phenotype with molecular genotype involves microdissection of tissue sections based on specific histopathological features followed by genotyping of minute representative samples for specific underlying molecular alterations. Currently, this approach is limited to short-length polymerase chain reaction amplification (
PVDF-based Polymer Blend Films for Fuel Cell Membranes

We report the preparation and characterization of binary blend films of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and poly(1- ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium trifluoromethylsulfonylimide) (PVIm + TFSI-) derived from ionic liquid imidazolium monomers and doped with TFSI- salt. The potential utility of such materials in capacitive electronic devices and in proton exchange membrane fuel cells is of particular interest. Thin PVDF/ PVIm + TFSI- films were fabricated from solutions of dimethly formamide (DMF) by doctor blading. The nature of the PVDF crystalline polymorph and degree of crystallinity were evaluated as a function of the volume fraction of imidazolium polymer and thermal treatment. The morphology, thermal and mechanical characteristics and crystallinity of PVDF, in semicrystalline blend films was studied by wide angle X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. In these materials, conditions such as choice of solvent, drying conditions, and thermal treatment affect the crystal phase, crystallite size, and degree of crystallinity of PVDF as well as the distribution of the minor component, the vinylimidazolium polymer. The polar beta phase of PVDF crystals dominates in as-cast films, while the non-polar alpha phase is observed after cooling from the melt. PVDF imparts mechanical strength and chemical stability to the composite films, and because of its high crystal melting point (Tm > 160 °C), serves to improve the high temperature stability of resulting films.
An exploratory study of the relationship of family support and coping with adjustment: Implications for college students with a chronic illness.

Abstract To examine the role of family support and coping in the adjustment of adolescents with chronic illness (CI) transitioning into college, college freshmen and sophomores ( N chronic illness =32, N primarily negative life event =53, N primarily positive life event =16) were administered standard measures. CI group reported more anxiety and a trend towards more depression than the primarily positive life events group (PLE). Coping strategy (active and passive) was positively associated with anxiety in CI group, whereas, family support was negatively associated with depression and anxiety in the primarily negative life events group (NLE), and passive coping was positively associated with depression in PLE. Development of adaptive coping should be the focus of programs aimed at supporting students with CI as they transition to college.
A new lanthanide paramagnetic shift reagent containing fully fluorinated side chains

Abstract This work describes the application of a new europium complex, europium decafluoroheptanedione, to the clarification of complex NMR spectra, i.e., it reports a new paramagnetic shift reagent. This new reagent is superior to the older, partially fluorinated complex, Eu(fod)3, in that there is no interference from side-chain protons of the shift reagent, itself. Furthermore, due perhaps to the smaller bulk of this new reagent, relative to Eu(fod)3, larger shifts are observed for the protons remote from the complexing site of the substrate. We also qualitatively describe the shift capacities of other lanthanide decafluoroheptanediones.
Friction Pressure Correlations for Oilfield Polymeric Solutions in Eccentric Annulus

Polymer fluids are utilized extensively in the petroleum industry for viscosity enhancement and friction pressure reduction during turbulent flow. Selection of the appropriate correlation for the desired fluid and flow regime is very important for the accurate determination of frictional pressure losses. A range of correlations has been published for predicting frictional losses under annular flow conditions. All these correlations are based on certain assumptions, which limit their application under different operating conditions. This paper presents the results of an experimental study carried out to develop a reliable frictional pressure loss correlation for polymeric solutions in a fully eccentric annulus. Fluids investigated include Water, Guar, Xanthan, and Welan gum under conditions typically encountered in drilling and completion operations. The frictional pressure losses of these polymeric fluids exhibiting drag-reducing characteristics are investigated and analyzed as a function of generalized Reynolds number for each fluid. The experimental set-up includes 200 ft of 1 1/2-in. straight tubing, and 200 ft of (3 1/2-in. × 1 3/4-in.) fully eccentric annuli. Data analysis enabled the development of an improved correlation for polymer solutions in a fully eccentric annulus. Fluids apparent viscosity at 511 sec−1 , generalized Reynolds number, and diameter ratio, all of which can be easily determined in the field, were selected as independent variables for the new correlation. Experimental data show that the new correlation estimates friction pressure losses in fully eccentric annuli much better than previously published equations.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Further studies on a novel animal model of depression: Therapeutic effects of a tricyclic antidepressant

Abstract We have previously shown that rats given stress before open field testing have elevated activity in comparison with unstressed rats. This acute behavioral response may be eliminated by chronic stress and restored by pretreatment with the monoamine oxidase inhibitor pargyline. The present study replicated previous findings upon the effects of acute and chronic stress and extended results upon treatment to the class of tricyclic antidepressant drugs, using imipramine as a prototypic tricyclic antidepressant. Imipramine also restored both behavioral and psychoendocrine activity which was otherwise altered by chronic stress.
Volunteers: The Life-Line of Hospice

Volunteers are an important component of hospice programs. They perform a variety of functions which are an essential part of the multi-dimensional approach to care. This study examined hospice volunteers' characteristics, motivations, preparedness, performance, satisfaction, and attitudes toward death. The volunteers were relatively young, well educated, in good health, and had a wide range of family incomes. They were motivated by their religious beliefs and personal experiences, and they saw their role as instrumental to the functioning of the program. After a training program, nearly two-thirds felt completely prepared for their jobs, and after some on-the-job experience, 86 percent felt capable of performing all of their duties. They were very satisfied with volunteering, but were most satisfied with assignments which involved direct contact with patients and families and with work in the hospital. They had a strong belief in life after death, and felt that grief and mourning rituals were very important.
Isotopic measurement of atmospheric nitrogen compounds

A short review of nitrogen isotope studies as related to atmospheric compounds is presented. Methods utilized for the collection and conversion of various nitrogen containing compounds found in the atmosphere to N2 suitable for mass spectrometric measurement are described. Preliminary results obtained on the concentration of and 15 N/ 14 N ratio in N 2 from NH 4 + , NO 3 ? , N 2 O and NO 2 in air and other samples are given and the results with respect to NH 4 + and NO 3 ? in precipitation are discussed briefly. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1974.tb01963.x
Material modifications of the noise properties of gain-guided semiconductor microlasers

This paper describes a noise theory for semiconductor microlasers which combines a microscopic description of the semiconductor medium and also macroscopic field propagation effects. Such a model is particularly apt for gain-guided systems whose noise properties can show significant deviations from sipmle plane-wave models.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The quality of the surface-consistency assumption in short-wavelength static correction

Founded on the assumption of surface consistency, reflection-based residual-statics correct for the time distortions in seismic data arising from rapid near-surface variations. The assumption is founded on a vertical-path, ray-theoretical model of wave propagation in the near surface. Since ray theory does not hold for models with rapid spatial variation, we resort to finite-difference modeling to study the influence of wave-theoretical aspects on the character of time distortions and the validity of the surface-consistency assumption. For near-surface models that are admittedly simple and idealized, we find that the character of time distortions is highly influenced by a wavefront-healing phenomenon whose strength depends on the ratio of the size of the frequency-dependent Fresnel zone to the wavelength of lateral variation in the model. As experienced in practice, the quality of the surface-consistency assumption degrades with increasing ratio of spreadlength to reflector depth. The validity of the assumption is best for longer-wavelength anomalies in a weathering layer that is relatively thin. Wavefront healing, however, limits significantly the time-distortion problem where the weathering layer is relatively thick. Interestingly, wavefront healing also helps to reduce the size of the time-distortion problem when the velocity in the surface layer is large relative to that in the layers beneath, such as in areas of permafrost.
Free Play Meets Gameplay: iGotBand, a Video Game for Improvisers

ABSTRACT The author presents an experimental musical video game called iGotBand. Fans are central to the game's narrative, capturing a feedback loop in which the audience shares responsibility for performance.
Department store advertising in newspapers, radio, and television, 1920‐1960

Purpose – Focusing on the early development of the three major forms of local advertising employed by independent department stores across the USA – newspapers, radio, and television – this paper examines continuity in the industry's commercial use of new technologies.Design/methodology/approach – The research draws on different types of primary sources, including department store financial records and correspondence, retailing trade literature, industry publications, newspaper advertisements, and radio advertisement transcripts.Findings – The local and regional markets of the independent department store, and to some extent, department store chains, required local advertising, something best served by newspapers in the period under study. While many retailers embrace the commercial potential of radio and television as they appear in the 1920s and late 1930s, respectively, others are reluctant to divert their advertising budget away from newspapers. Trade writers for the department store industry and radi...
Cellular immunodeficiency and autoimmunity in long-term mineral oil administration.

Background Subcutaneous mineral oil injection is an old-fashioned practice used mostly for cosmetic purposes. Infection, ulceration, subcutaneous nodules, and autoimmune activation are among the known adverse effects. Immunodeficiency has not been previously reported in association with mineral oil injection. Objective To report the case of a 43-year-old woman who performed long-term self-administration of mineral oil and was found to have both cellular immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Methods We performed an immunological evaluation. Throat, induced sputum, urine, and blood cultures were examined for microorganisms. Pelvic computed tomography, inguinal lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, and liver biopsy were also performed. Results Laboratory results revealed peripheral lymphopenia, very low absolute numbers of lymphocyte subpopulations, and a markedly impaired lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens (phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A) and recall antigens (mumps, Candida albicans , purified protein derivative, and tetanus toxoid). The cultures were negative for microorganisms. The pelvic computed tomogram demonstrated areas of diffuse oil-density signals throughout the subcutaneous tissue in the gluteal area and proximal lower extremities, as well as bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy. A lymph node biopsy specimen showed lipid granulomas and necrotizing lymphadenitis. A bone marrow biopsy specimen demonstrated hypercellular marrow with normal trilineage hematopoesis. Increased serum transaminase levels, hypoalbuminemia, positive anti-extractable nuclear antigen and anti-Ro antibodies, and plasma cells in the liver suggested an autoimmune process. Conclusions Mineral oil administration may be associated with both cellular immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. Patients who have received long-term administration of a foreign substance should undergo a comprehensive immunological evaluation.
Label-free SERS detection of microRNA based on affinity for an unmodified silver nanorod array substrate

A silver nanorod array has been used for the intrinsic SERS detection of microRNAs based on different binding affinities of ssRNA, thiolated ssDNA, and the RNA:DNA duplex, eliminating the need for a labelling step.
The Relationship Between Frequency of Participation in Play Activities and Kindergarten Readiness

This correlational study examined the relationship between the frequency of participation in specific play activities prior to the kindergarten year and the performance of school readiness skills as measured by the Daberon-2 Screening Device for School Readiness. A researcher-adapted Kindergarten Questionnaire was used to elicit information from parents about the frequency of their child's engagement in 19 different play activities. Ten of the play activities, most notably those considered fine motor in nature, correlated significantly with subsections of the Dabron-2. Although constraints in the design of the study limit generalization to other populations, the results suggest that frequent engagement in specific types of play is associated with enhanced performance of kindergarten readiness skills.
Spinal projections of the A5, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A7 noradrenergic cell groups in rats.

The pontine noradrenergic cell groups, A5, A6 (locus coeruleus), and A7, provide the only noradrenergic innervation of the spinal cord, but the individual contribution of each of these populations to the regional innervation of the spinal cord remains controversial. We have used an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector encoding green fluorescent protein under an artificial dopamine beta-hydroxylase (PRSx8) promoter, to trace the spinal projections from the A5, A6, and A7 groups. Projections from all three groups travel through the spinal cord in both the lateral and ventral funiculi and in the dorsal surface of the dorsal horn, but A6 axons take predominantly the dorsal and ventral routes whereas A5 and A7 axons take a predominantly lateral route. The A6 group provides the densest innervation at all levels, and includes all parts of the spinal gray matter, but it is particularly dense in the dorsal horn. The A7 group provides the next most dense innervation, again including all parts of the spinal cord, but is it denser in the ventral horn. The A5 group supplies only sparse innervation to the dorsal and ventral horns and to the cervical and lumbosacral levels, but provides the densest innervation to the thoracic intermediolateral cell column, and in particular to the sympathetic preganglionic neurons. Thus, the pontine noradrenergic cell groups project in a roughly topographic and complementary fashion onto the spinal cord. The pattern of spinal projections observed suggests that the locus coeruleus might have the greatest effect on somatosensory transmission, the A7 group on motor function, and the A5 group on sympathetic function.
An addition to the effect of treating co-infections on HIV-1 viral load.

1 Modjarrad K, Vermund SH. Eff ect of treating co-infections on HIV-1 viral load: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis 2010; 10: 455–63. 2 Dunne EF, Whitehead S, Sternberg M, et al. Suppressive acyclovir therapy reduces HIV cervicovaginal shedding in HIVand HSV-2-infected women, Chiang Rai, Thailand. J Acquir Immune Defi c Syndr 2008; 49: 77–83. 4 Goodman LB, Loregian A, Perkins GA, et al. A point mutation in a herpesvirus polymerase determines neuropathogenicity. PLoS Pathog 2007; 3: 1583–92. 5 Skoldenberg B, Alestig K, Burman L, et al. Acyclovir versus vidarabine in herpes simplex encephalitis. Randomised multicentre study in consecutive Swedish patients. Lancet 1984; 324: 707–11. 6 Gulliford MC, Chandrasekera CP, Cooper RA, Murphy RP. Acyclovir treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis: experience in a district hospital. Postgrad Med J 1987; 63: 1037–41. 7 Kimberlin DW. Herpes simplex virus infections in neonates and early childhood. Semin Pediatr Infect Dis 2005; 16: 271–81.
Intracranial self-stimulation in female and male rats: no sex differences using a rate-independent procedure

Abstract Given gender differences in human drug use and dependence, this study examined sex differences in reinforcement processes that may underlie such behavior. A psychophysical determination of reinforcement threshold was made using an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) paradigm, electrically activating the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) as it passes through the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Using this response rate-independent procedure, basal reinforcement thresholds were not significantly different in male vs. female rats (119.4±3.3 μ A vs. 110.8±4.0 μ A, respectively; N =8/sex). Further, baseline reinforcement threshold did not fluctuate systematically across stages of the estrous cycle in female rats. The psychostimulants d -amphetamine (0.056–0.56 mg/kg s.c.) and cocaine (1.8–18.0 mg/kg i.p.) dose-dependently lowered reinforcement threshold, with no significant sex difference. The opioid morphine (0.56–5.6 mg/kg s.c.) did not significantly lower reinforcement threshold in either sex. These results contrast those of some previous studies that have used response rate-dependent measures of reinforcement threshold; procedures which are less rate-dependent may be more appropriate when examining subject variables such as sex and stage of estrous.
Chemically mediated site-specific cleavage of proteins [9]

Depro-tection occurs readily by treatment with aqueous iodine at 25 °Cvia a presumed iodolactone intermediate. We reasoned thatanalogous cleavage should take place in proteins containingallylglycine (Figure 1), thus permitting site-specific proteincleavage. While not normally a protein constituent, allylglycineis not dramatically different in physicochemical properties thanleucine, isoleucine, and valine; its incorporation into specific sitesin proteins may be envisioned by readthrough of a nonsensecodon
PCK in Action: Examining one Chemistry Teacher's Practice through the Lens of her Orientation Toward Science Teaching

A teacher's orientation toward science teaching has been proposed as very influential to a teacher's pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and teaching practice. Experienced teachers' orientation toward science teaching and its connections to their practice has not been well explored. Focusing on a unit about the periodic table, this study provides a case study using a respected, experienced high-school chemistry teacher's orientation toward science teaching to make sense of her observed teaching practice. Aspects of her practice, which aligned and misaligned with current recommendations for science teaching, were explored. Using observations, interviews, and class documents, the study concluded that the teacher's orientation toward science teaching was an appropriate way of understanding her teaching practice. While also being shown to be a useful tool for researchers, this case provides an example how a teacher's orientation toward science teaching could help in the development of professional development...
Split-beam echo sounder observations of natural methane seep variability in the northern Gulf of Mexico

A method for positioning and characterizing plumes of bubbles from marine gas seeps using an 18 kHz scientific split-beam echo sounder (SBES) was developed and applied to acoustic observations of plumes of presumed methane gas bubbles originating at approximately 1400 m depth in the northern Gulf of Mexico. A total of 161 plume observations from 27 repeat surveys were grouped by proximity into 35 clusters of gas vent positions on the seafloor. Profiles of acoustic target strength per vertical meter of plume height were calculated with compensation for both the SBES beam pattern and the geometry of plume ensonification. These profiles were used as indicators of the relative fluxes and fates of gas bubbles acoustically observable at 18 kHz and showed significant variability between repeat observations at time intervals of 1 h–7.5 months. Active gas venting was observed during approximately one third of the survey passes at each cluster. While gas flux is not estimated directly in this study owing to lack of bubble size distribution data, repeat surveys at active seep sites showed variations in acoustic response that suggest relative changes in gas flux of up to 1 order of magnitude over time scales of hours. The minimum depths of acoustic plume observations at 18 kHz averaged 875 m and frequently coincided with increased amplitudes of acoustic returns in layers of biological scatterers, suggesting acoustic masking of the gas bubble plumes in these layers. Minimum plume depth estimates were limited by the SBES field of view in only five instances.
Human language technologies for the enterprise of the future

Enormous progress has been made in the area of human language technologies over the last few decades. Originally starting with simple systems that could recognize numbers spoken in isolation, researchers can now accurately recognize fluent conversational speech and automatically translate from one language to another. While many challenges still remain, complex systems can now be built from these component technologies to achieve goals once unthinkable, such as simultaneous translation of spoken language in real time on handheld devices.
Serotonin released from amacrine neurons is scavenged and degraded in bipolar neurons in the retina

The neurotransmitter serotonin is synthesized in the retina by one type of amacrine neuron but accumulates in bipolar neurons in many vertebrates. The mechanisms, functions and purpose underlying serotonin accumulation in bipolar cells remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that exogenous serotonin transiently accumulates in a distinct type of bipolar neuron. KCl-mediated depolarization causes the depletion of serotonin from amacrine neurons and, subsequently, serotonin is taken-up by bipolar neurons. The accumulation of endogenous and exogenous serotonin by bipolar neurons is blocked by selective reuptake inhibitors. Exogenous serotonin is specifically taken-up by bipolar neurons even when serotonin-synthesizing amacrine neurons are destroyed; excluding the possibility that serotonin diffuses through gap junctions from amacrine into bipolar neurons. Further, inhibition of monoamine oxidase A prevents the degradation of serotonin in bipolar neurons, suggesting that monoamine oxidase A is present in these neurons. However, the vesicular monoamine transporter 2 is present only in amacrine cells suggesting that serotonin is not transported into synaptic vesicles and reused as a transmitter in the bipolar neurons. We conclude that the serotonin-accumulating bipolar neurons perform glial functions in the retina by actively transporting and degrading serotonin that is synthesized in neighboring amacrine cells.
Rapidly growing angiosarcoma of the pericardium presenting as hemorrhagic pericardial effusion

Primary angiosarcoma of the heart is exceptionally rare. Angiosarcoma of the heart often go undetected until late in the course of the disease as symptoms are insidious and available non-invasive imaging modalities lack specificity. Recently, we experienced an angiosarcoma of the pericardium that presented hemorrhagic pericardial effusion initially, but progressed rapidly during short period. Our case showed that, when initial diagnosis is not clear, early aggressive diagnostic modality such as surgical exploration or more frequent follow-up examination is needed for earlier detection and chance of targeted therapy. Of particular, unexplained bloody pericardial effusion as observed in our patient should prompt the clinician to continue to search for a malignant etiology for improving survival in this fatal cancer.
The Bvg accessory factor (Baf) enhances pertussis toxin expression in Escherichia coli and is essential for Bordetella pertussis viability

Pertussis toxin expression in the Gram-negative respiratory pathogen, Bordetella pertussis, is regulated by the BvgAS two-component system. Previous studies suggested that an additional gene encoding a Bvg accessory factor (Baf) was required, along with BvgAS, for expression of a ptx-lacZ fusion in Escherichia coli grown in rich medium. However, other studies showed that BvgAS is sufficient for ptx-lacZ expression in minimal medium. Here we show that Baf acts with BvgAS to further increase ptx-lacZ expression in E. coli grown in minimal media and this is concomitant with a two-fold increase in BvgA protein levels. Gene replacement experiments show that baf is essential for viability of B. pertussis, suggesting that Baf affects the expression of other genes in addition to ptx.