cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inorganic dust exposure causes pulmonary fibrosis in smokers: analysis using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.

Smoking is alleged to cause pulmonary fibrosis, but the role of inorganic dust particulates has not been adequately examined. The authors hypothesize that inorganic dust exposure is an independent risk factor for the development of fibrosis in smokers. They studied a prospective series of 34 subjects with open lung biopsies, 18 of whom had adequate lung parenchyma for evaluation. They also examined the relationships between smoking (pack-years), respiratory bronchiolitis (RB), inorganic dusts, and interstitial fibrosis. They graded RB, fibrosis, and particulate dust by means of light microscopy. They performed a semiquantitative analysis of dust burden by using scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A logistic regression analysis demonstrated a significant association between smoking and RB (p = .03), but not between smoking and fibrosis or between RB and fibrosis. Fibrosis was significantly associated with silica (pp = .004) and titanium (pp = .0006) concentrations. The r...
The natural history of tree nut allergy

Background Although 20% of children outgrow peanut allergy, the natural history of tree nut (TN) allergy has not been well studied. Objective The goals of the study were to estimate the proportion of children who outgrow TN allergy and examine predictors of outgrowing it. Methods Patients with TN allergy, defined as a history of reaction on ingestion and evidence of TN-specific IgE (TN-IgE) or positive TN-specific IgE level but no history of ingestion, were evaluated. If all current TN-IgE levels were less than 10 kilounits of antibody (kU A )/L, double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenges were offered. Patients who had undergone open TN challenges as part of routine clinical care were also included. Results Two hundred seventy-eight patients with TN allergy were identified. One hundred one (36%) had a history of acute reactions, 12 (12%) of whom had reactions to multiple TNs and 73 (63%) of whom had a history of moderate-to-severe reactions. Nine of 20 patients who had previously reacted to a TN passed challenges, so that 9 (8.9%; 95% CI, 4% to 16%) of 101 patients with a history of prior TN reactions outgrew TN allergy. Fourteen of 19 who had never ingested TNs but had detectable TN-specific IgE levels passed challenges. One hundred sixty-one did not meet the challenge criteria, and 78 met the criteria but declined challenges. Looking at specific TN-IgE cutoffs, 58% with TN-IgE levels of 5 kU A /L or less and 63% with TN-IgE levels of 2 kU A /L or less passed challenges. Conclusions Approximately 9% of patients outgrow TN allergy, including some who had prior severe reactions. Although ideal cutoffs for challenge cannot be firmly recommended on the basis of these data, patients aged 4 years or older with all TN-IgE levels of 5 kU A /L or less should be considered for challenge.
Free Radical Destruction by Gamma-irradiation at 77°K

Free radicals destruction rates by gamma irradiation at 77 K measured as first order function of dosage, using electron spin resonance spectroscopy
Temperature dependence of the intersubband transitions of doped quantum wells

Numerical calculations are presented for the temperature dependence of the intersubband transition energies of uniformly doped quantum wells. Both the Hartree and exchange interactions cause the transition energy ${\mathit{E}}_{12}$ between the two lowest conduction subbands to depend on the dopant density. For a chosen dopant density, ${\mathit{E}}_{12}$ initially decreases with increasing temperature T. This decrease in ${\mathit{E}}_{12}$ as T increases compares well with the shift observed in the peak position of the infrared absorption coefficient (a blueshift as the temperature is decreased) of Si-doped GaAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$As multiple quantum wells. Our calculations also show an interesting dependence of the intersubband transition energies due to the competition between the exchange and Hartree interactions as a function of the dopant density within the quantum well.
A singular perturbation canonical form of invertible systems: determination of multivariate root-loci

A new canonical form of multivariable invertible systems is given. This form is suitable for the singular perturbation analysis of such singular problems as multi-variable asymptotic root-loci under high-gain feedback, cheap control, state variable estimation with weak measurement noise, etc. Appropriate selection and decomposition of state variables into slow and fast changing groups is a key feature that loads to well-defined singular perturbation models. The selection of state variables is accomplished without explicitly calculating any eigenvalues of the given system but by knowing the direct relationship of the output and its differential coefficients with the input. The use of the canonical form to characterize the multivariable root-loci under high-gain feedback is demonstrated.
Proactive Criminal Thinking and the Transmission of Differential Association A Cross-Lagged Multi-Wave Path Analysis

The purpose of this study was to determine whether proactive criminal thinking mediated the relationship between peer delinquency and future serious offending better than peer delinquency mediated the relationship between proactive criminal thinking and future serious offending. Participants in this study were 1,027 ten- to eighteen-year-old British youth (458 boys, 569 girls) from the four-wave Offending, Crime and Justice Survey (OCJS). Prior delinquency was controlled by confining the sample to individuals who denied pre-existing delinquency involvement. In line with the main hypothesis, the peer delinquency → proactive criminal thinking → serious offending path achieved a significantly stronger effect than the proactive criminal thinking → peer delinquency → serious offending path. These findings provide support for a synthesis of social learning and criminal thinking theories in which peer delinquency helps shape proactive criminal thinking, and proactive criminal thinking effectively mediates the relationship between peer delinquency and serious offending. Keywords: Juvenile justice Language: en
A Muse of Fire or a Winter of Discontent? Teaching Shakespeare in the Leadership Course:

This article describes an attempt to use Shakespeare's plays to teach management principles in a leadership course. Henry V and Richard III provided contrasting examples of leadership behavior. Brief synopses of the plays, videos, a quiz, and student group presentations helped to convey the leadership principles in the plays. A survey of student opinion indicated that the preparatory materials aided student understanding, and the plays were well received.
Ethnicity and persistent symptom burden in breast cancer survivors.

Introduction Relatively few studies of breast cancer survivors have included nonwhite women or women who do not speak English.
The shuttle-avoidance response chains of rats

Three female hooded rats received free-operant avoidance training that incorporated a shuttle requirement. The rats’ activities during the final portions of Sessions 5, 10, and 15 were systematically analyzed. The rats showed minimal within- and between-subject differences in their shuttle-avoidance response chains: They walked across and beyond the midline, paused, turned, and again walked across and beyond the midline. Comparisons between shuttle- and leverpress-avoidance response chains are offered.
Mathematical Modeling of Amyloid Beta Fibril Formation: Equilibria & Stability

Protein misfolding and concomitant aggregation towards amyloid formation is the underlying biochemical commonality among a wide range of human pathologies. Amyloid formation involves the conversion of proteins from their native monomeric states (intrinsically disordered or globular) to well-organized, fibrillar aggregates in a nucleation-dependent manner. Understanding the mechanism of aggregation is important not only to gain better insight into amyloid pathology but also to simulate and predict molecular pathways. One of the main impediments in doing so is the highly stochastic nature of interactions that complicates the development of meaningful insights. In this study, we have utilized a well-characterized intermediate along the amyloid-β peptide aggregation called ‘protofibrils' as a model system to investigate the molecular pathways by which they form fibrils using stability and perturbation analysis. Investigation of protofibril aggregation limits both the number of species to be modeled (monomers, and protofibrils), as well as the reactions to two (elongation by monomer addition, and protofibril-protofibril lateral association). Our new model is a reduced order four species model grounded in mass action kinetics. Our prior study required 3200 reactions, which makes determining the reaction parameters prohibitively difficult. using this model, along with a linear perturbation argument, we rigorously determine stable ranges of rate constants for the reactions and ensure they are physically meaningful. This was done by finding the ranges in which the perturbations vanish in a five-parameter sweep, which includes the monomer and protofibril equilibrium concentrations and three of the rate constants. These results are presented and discussed.
OBSERVATIONS ON THE EFFECT OF VACUUM HEAT-TREATMENT (UP TO 4000°F) ON DISPERSIONS OF VARIOUS OXIDES, NITRIDES, AND BORIDES IN MOLYBDENUM*

The compatibility between molybdenum and several refractory compounds present as dispersed phases in the 3000-4000°F (1650–2210°C) temperature range has been evaluated. Compounds included in the study were BN, ZrN, HfN, LaB6, ZrB2, TaB2, Y2O3, MgO, ZrO2, and ThO2. Hot-pressed alloys, consisting of nominally 2.5 vol.%, of the refractory phase in a molybdenum matrix, were vacuum-annealed to determine elevated-temperature stability. The evaluation was based on changes in grain size, dispersed-phase morphology, hardness, and gross macroscopic deterioration. The materials HfN, ZrO2, and ThO2 showed promise for dispersion-strengthening and were recommended for further development.
Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in indoor dust

Human exposure to indoor dust enriched with endocrine-disrupting chemicals released from numerous indoor sources has been a focus of increasing concern. Longer residence times and elevated contaminant concentrations in the indoor environment may increase chances of exposure to these contaminants by 1000-fold compared to outdoor exposure. To investigate the occurrence of semi-volatile endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), phthalates, pyrethroids, DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and its metabolites, and chlordanes, indoor dust samples were collected from household vacuum cleaner bags provided by 10 apartments and 1 community hall in Davis, California, USA. Chemical analyses show that all indoor dust samples are highly contaminated by target analytes measured in the present study. Di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the most abundant (104-7630 microg/g) in all samples and higher than other target analytes by 2 to 6 orders of magnitude. PBDEs were also found at high concentrations (1780-25,200 ng/g). Although the use of PCBs has been banned or restricted for decades, some samples had PCBs at levels that are considered to be concerns for human health, indicating that the potential risk posed by PCBs still remains high in the indoor environment, probably due to a lack of dissipation processes and continuous release from the sources. Although the use of some PBDEs is being phased out in some parts of the U.S., this trend may apply to PBDEs as well. We can anticipate that exposure to PBDEs will continue as long as the general public keeps using existing household items such as sofas, mattresses, and carpets that contain PBDEs. This study provides additional information that indoor dust is highly contaminated by persistent and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Short-interval estimation of proliferation rate using serial diffusion MRI predicts progression-free survival in newly diagnosed glioblastoma treated with radiochemotherapy

Cell invasion, motility, and proliferation level estimate (CIMPLE) mapping is a new imaging technique that provides parametric maps of microscopic invasion and proliferation rate estimates using serial diffusion MRI data. However, a few practical constraints have limited the use of CIMPLE maps as a tool for estimating these dynamic parameters, particularly during short-interval follow-up times. The purpose of the current study was to develop an approximation for the CIMPLE map solution for short-interval scanning involving the assumption that net intervoxel tumor invasion does not occur within sufficiently short time frames. Proliferation rate maps created using the "no invasion" approximation were found to be increasingly similar to maps created from full solution during increasingly longer follow-up intervals (3D cross correlation, R (2) = 0.5298, P = 0.0001). Results also indicate proliferation rate maps from the "no invasion" approximation had significantly higher sensitivity (82 vs. 64%) and specificity (90 vs. 80%) for predicting 6 month progression free survival and was a better predictor of time to progression during standard radiochemotherapy compared to the full CIMPLE solution (log-rank; no invasion estimation, P = 0.0134; full solution, P = 0.0555). Together, results suggest the "no invasion" approximation allows for quick estimation of proliferation rate using diffusion MRI data obtained from multiple scans obtained daily or biweekly for use in quantifying early treatment response.
The squirt-flow mechanism: Macroscopic description

We introduce a poroelasticity model that incorporates the two most important mechanisms of solid/fluid interaction in rocks: the Biot mechanism and the squirt-flow mechanism. This combined Biot/squirt (BISQ) model relates compressional velocity and attenuation to the elastic constants of the drained skeleton and of the solid phase, porosity, permeability, saturation, fluid viscosity and compressibility, and the characteristic squirt-flow length. Squirt-flow length is a fundamental rock property that does not depend on frequency, fluid viscosity, or compressibility and is determined experimentally. We find that the viscoelastic response of many sandstones is dominated by the squirt-flow component of the BISQ mechanism and that the viscoelastic properties of these rocks can be expressed through a single dimensionless parameter omega R 2 /kappa , where omega is angular frequency, R is the characteristic squirt-flow length, and kappa is hydraulic diffusivity. The Biot mechanism alone does not give an adequate explanation of the observed velocity dispersion and attenuation, and the viscoelastic behavior of many sandstones.
Reactive sputter deposition of yttria-stabilized zirconia

Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films are synthesized using reactive de magnetron sputter deposition. A homogeneous alloy of Zr-Y is synthesized and processed into a planar magnetron target which is reactively sputtered with an Argon-Oxygen gas mixture to form Zr-Y-0 films. The sputtering conditions of gas flow, gas pressure, deposition rate and substrate temperature are determined in order to produce the cubic phase of zirconia as verified with x-ray diffraction. A higher rate of deposition is achievable when the sputtering mode of the Zr-Y alloy target is metallic as opposed to oxide. The Zr-Y composition of the planar magnetron target is designed for optimium oxygen-ion conductivity in the YSZ films, at elevated temperature for potential use in solid-oxide fuel cells. The oxygen concentration of the as-deposited films is measured using Auger electron spectroscopy and found to principally vary as a function of the sputter deposition rate. A fuel cell is produced with the reactive deposition process using Pt electrodes from which the growth morphology of the YSZ layer is characterized using scanning electron microscopy.
THE SUPREME COURTS POST‐MIRANDA RULINGS: Impact on Local Prosecutors

Beginning in 1971, the Burger Court issued a series of rulings which chipped away at the Miranda v. Arizona ruling. This article analyzes the impact of this series of rulings on prosecuting attorneys from countries with a population of 100,000 or more. The results indicate that prosecutors perceive that the Court has changed the degree with which police must comply with Miranda and that prosecutors approve of this, but that prosecutors are not more likely to prosecute in cases where police committed alleged violations than they had been before 1971. This seems due to the fact that prosecutors take their cues more from local courts, which reportedly requires strict compliance with Miranda, than from the Supreme Court.
Siblings with somatoform disorders in childhood and adolescence.

Abstract Twelve families in which two siblings shared a DSM-III diagnosis of a Somatoform Disorder were studied prospectively. Female relatives showed high rates of Somatoform Disorders, whereas males were likely to abuse alcohol. The children were found to exhibit somatic symptoms in a context of threatened or real object loss, sexual conflicts, and sexually stressful events. Family models for learning and imitation are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis and treatment of these disorders.
Degradation kinetics and colour of anthocyanins in aqueous extracts of purple- and red-flesh potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract The effect of pH and temperature on the stability and visual colour of aqueous anthocyanin (ACY) extracts from purple- and red-flesh potatoes was evaluated and compared to commercial ACY extracts from grape and purple carrot. Extracts from purple carrot and red-flesh potatoes showed higher stability than grape and purple-flesh potato extracts. Stability to pH (⩽3) and thermal degradation of extracts (pH 3) followed first-order kinetics. Changes in lightness and hue followed zero-order kinetics, while changes in chroma followed first-order kinetics. Degradation parameters such as t 1/2 , k -, D -, z - and Q 10 -values were determined. Extracts from red- and purple-flesh potatoes at pH 3 showed similar hues to FD&C Red #40 and red cabbage extracts, respectively. The visual colour of both potato ACY extracts was also affected by tinctorial strength. The use of purple- and red-flesh potatoes as a source of natural colorants shows potential use in the pH region around 3.
Low metabolic cost of locomotion in ornate box turtles, Terrapene ornata.

Evolution has produced a wide range of body plans, but for a given body mass, the energetic cost of transport (COT) of terrestrial animals falls in a relatively narrow range. Previous research indicates that the COT depends on the proficiency of minimizing mechanical work performed, efficiency of performing that work, and cost of generating force to support weight. Turtles are unique in that their protective shell and shoulder-girdle articulation may eliminate the need for the `muscular sling'. In addition, turtles have slower, more efficient muscles than other vertebrates. However, slow locomotion may raise the COT by confounding mechanical-energy conservation via the inverted-pendulum mechanism. Our goal was to determine the metabolic COT and efficiency of a terrestrial turtle species during locomotion. We studied 18 ornate box turtles, Terrapene ornata . Walking speed was extremely slow (0.07±0.005 m s–1). The average minimum COT was 8.0±0.70 J kg–1 m–1 attained at∼ 0.1 m s–1. Ornate box turtles consume only half the energy predicted by the allometric relationship for all terrestrial animals (15.9±0.35 J kg–1 m–1), and, thus, appear to be very economical walkers. When walking up a 24 deg. incline turtles moved significantly slower (0.04±0.004 m s–1), but performed the extra work required to walk uphill with very high efficiencies (>49%). It appears that the co-evolution of a protective shell, the associated shoulder morphology, and very slow, efficient muscles produce both economical level walking and efficient uphill walking.
Functional analysis of LjSUT4, a vacuolar sucrose transporter from Lotus japonicus

Sucrose transporters in the SUT family are important for phloem loading and sucrose uptake into sink tissues. The recent localization of type III SUTs AtSUT4 and HvSUT2 to the vacuole membrane suggests that SUTs also function in vacuolar sucrose transport. The transport mechanism of type III SUTs has not been analyzed in detail. LjSUT4, a type III sucrose transporter homolog from Lotus japonicus, is expressed in nodules and its transport activity has not been previously investigated. In this report, LjSUT4 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes and its transport activity assayed by two-electrode voltage clamping. LjSUT4 transported a range of glucosides including sucrose, salicin, helicin, maltose, sucralose and both α- and β-linked synthetic phenyl glucosides. In contrast to other sucrose transporters, LjSUT4 did not transport the plant glucosides arbutin, fraxin and esculin. LjSUT4 showed a low affinity for sucrose (K0.5 = 16 mM at pH 5.3). In addition to inward currents induced by sucrose, other evidence also indicated that LjSUT4 is a proton-coupled symporter: 14C-sucrose uptake into LjSUT4-expressing oocytes was inhibited by CCCP and sucrose induced membrane depolarization in LjSUT4-expressing oocytes. A GFP-fusion of LjSUT4 localized to the vacuole membrane in Arabidopsis thaliana and in the roots and nodules of Medicago truncatula. Based on these results we propose that LjSUT4 functions in the proton-coupled uptake of sucrose and possibly other glucosides into the cytoplasm from the vacuole.
Multi-organ system model of O2 and CO2 transport during isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxia

Abstract A multi-organ systems model of O2 and CO2 transport is developed to analyze the control of ventilation and blood flow during hypoxia. Among the aspects of the control processes that this model addressed are possible mechanisms responsible for the second phase of the ventilatory hypoxic response to mild hypoxia, i.e., hypoxic ventilatory decline (HVD). Species mass transport processes are described by compartmental mass balances in brain, heart, skeletal muscle, and “other tissues” connected in parallel via the circulation. In pulmonary and systemic capillaries and in the vasculature connecting the systemic tissues, species transport processes are represented by a one-dimensional, convection-dispersion model. The effects of bicarbonate acid-base buffering, hemoglobin, and myoglobin on the transport processes are included. The model incorporates feedback control mechanisms through a cardiorespiratory control system in which peripheral and central chemoreceptors sense O2 and CO2 partial pressures. Model simulations of the ventilatory responses to isocapnic and poikilocapnic hypoxia show two phases with distinct dynamics. A fast phase is discernable immediately after switching from normoxic to hypoxic conditions, while a delayed slow phase (HVD) typically becomes manifested after several minutes. Model simulations allow quantitative evaluation of several proposed mechanisms to account for HVD. Under isocapnic hypoxia, simulations indicate that an increase in brain blood flow has no effect on HVD, but that HVD can be entirely described by central ventilatory depression (CVD). Under poikilocapnic hypoxia, the hypocapnia caused by hypoxic hyperventilation has no effect on HVD.
Quantitative ranking criteria for PEMFC contaminants

Abstract The fuel cell performance effects of many contaminants originating from multiple sources such as air, fuel, and system materials release need to be determined to reduce risks associated with market introduction. A significant amount of time and resources are required to test the performance effects of all possible contaminants because contaminant impacts develop slowly at concentrations reflecting practical operation. Thus, a two tiered down selection process was proposed to identify specific contaminants for more detailed studies. The methodology used to generate the second tier down selection is presented and discussed in relation to a specific contaminant, sulfur dioxide. Two quantitative criteria were derived based on parameters defined using the cell performance response to a temporary contaminant injection. These quantitative criteria were applied to sulfur dioxide data to investigate the effects of different operating conditions and determine the most relevant selection criterion. Results showed that the method which considered the ratio of the energy lost during contaminant exposure to the energy recovered subsequent to the contaminant exposure is preferable in this case because values are less dependent on operating conditions. Furthermore, the energy lost to energy recovered ratio is also preferable because high values not only identify the contaminants with the most significant performance loss and least performance recovery but also identifies contaminants with a performance recovery that exceeds the performance loss.
Sexual compliance: gender, motivational, and relationship perspectives

This paper provides a systematic review of research on sexual compliance in heterosexual relationships. Three perspectives shed light on which individuals are the most likely to comply with a sexually interested partner's desire for sex and why. A gender perspective highlights the common male-female asymmetry in compliant sexual behavior and identifies factors that contribute to women's greater likelihood of being the sexually compliant partner. A motivational perspective distinguishes between approach and avoidance motives for compliance and considers the possible consequences of these motives for emotional reactions, sexual risk taking, and sexual violence. A relationship maintenance perspective views sexual compliance as illustrative of broader patterns of sacrifice in committed relationships. Each perspective suggests important new directions for empirical research.
Formation and Fate of a Complete 31-Protein RNA Polymerase II Transcription Preinitiation Complex

Whereas individual RNA polymerase II (pol II)-general transcription factor (GTF) complexes are unstable, an assembly of pol II with six GTFs and promoter DNA could be isolated in abundant homogeneous form. The resulting complete pol II transcription preinitiation complex (PIC) contained equimolar amounts of all 31 protein components. An intermediate in assembly, consisting of four GTFs and promoter DNA, could be isolated and supplemented with the remaining components for formation of the PIC. Nuclease digestion and psoralen cross-linking mapped the PIC between positions −70 and −9, centered on the TATA box. Addition of ATP to the PIC resulted in quantitative conversion to an open complex, which retained all 31 proteins, contrary to expectation from previous studies. Addition of the remaining NTPs resulted in run-off transcription, with an efficiency that was promoter-dependent and was as great as 17.5% with the promoters tested. Background: Analyses of pol II transcription are hampered by the difficulty of preparing an abundant functional preinitiation complex (PIC). Results: We reconstituted milligram quantities of a complete 31-subunit PIC. Conclusion: An intermediate comprising TBP, TFIIE, TFIIH, and DNA could be isolated and combined with TFIIB and pol II-TFIIF to generate the PIC. Significance: The results enable definitive biochemical and structural studies of the transcription initiation machinery.
The isolation and characterization of glutamic dehydrogenase from corn leaves

Abstract The isolation of glutamic dehydrogenase from corn leaves is described together with the conditions for its spectrophotometric assay. The partially purified enzyme has a pH optimum of 8.1, a coenzyme specificity for DPN, and a substrate specificity for l -glutamate. Michaelis constants for DPNH, NH4+, and α-ketoglutarate were determined. The enzyme was not inhibited by cyanide, hydroxy acids, or o-iodosobenzoate. Inhibition by p-chloromercuribenzoate was reversed by glutathione. Activity was not decreased by dialysis against cyanide.
Perceptions and Practices: Biology graduate teaching assistants’ framing of a controversial socioscientific issue

Graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) are gaining increasing responsibility for the instruction of undergraduate science students, yet little is known about their beliefs about science pedagogy or subsequent classroom practices. This study looked at six GTAs who were primary instructors in an introductory biology laboratory course. Teaching assistants taught a lesson about the potential social, health, and environmental impacts of genetically modified crops. Through classroom observations and in‐depth interviews, the researchers examined how instructors chose to frame their lessons and what GTAs perceived as important for students to know about this particular socioscientific issue (SSI). Results showed a disconnect between the relatively mature conceptualizations of effective SSI instruction that emerged during interviews and classroom practice.
Reconstructing human origins in the genomic era

Analyses of recently acquired genomic sequence data are leading to important insights into the early evolution of anatomically modern humans, as well as into the more recent demographic processes that accompanied the global radiation of Homo sapiens. Some of the new results contradict early, but still influential, conclusions that were based on analyses of gene trees from mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome sequences. In this review, we discuss the different genetic and statistical methods that are available for studying human population history, and identify the most plausible models of human evolution that can accommodate the contrasting patterns observed at different loci throughout the genome.
Hand-carried echocardiography for assessment of left ventricular filling and ejection fraction in the surgical intensive care unit.

Abstract Purpose To better define the reliability of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular filling, as determined by either hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) or formal transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), in the critically ill surgical patient. Materials and Methods Prospective cross-sectional study of 80 surgical intensive care unit patients with concomitant ( Results Bland-Altman plot analysis of LVEF estimates revealed good interobserver agreement between HCU and formal TTE (% LVEF mean bias, −2.2; with 95% limits of agreement, ±22.1). This was similar to agreement between independent echocardiography observers (% LVEF mean bias, 1.3; with 95% limits of agreement, ±21.0). However, assessments of left ventricular filling demonstrated only fair to moderate interobserver agreement ( κ = 0.22-0.40). Of note, a greater percentage of the 5 standard acoustic windows were obtainable using formal TTE (72% vs 56%). Conclusions Formal TTE offers no advantage over HCU for determination of LVEF in critically ill surgical patients, even though the former allows for a more complete examination. However, estimations of left ventricular filling only demonstrate fair to moderate interrater agreement and thus should be interpreted with care when used as markers of volume responsiveness.
Why are medical students 'checking out' of active learning in a new curriculum?

Objectives The University of Virginia School of Medicine recently transformed its pre-clerkship medical education programme to emphasise student engagement and active learning in the classroom. As in other medical schools, many students are opting out of attending class and others are inattentive while in class. We sought to understand why, especially with a new student-centred curriculum, so many students were still opting to learn on their own outside of class or to disengage from educational activities while in class. Methods Focus groups were conducted with students from two classes who had participated in the new curriculum, which is designed to foster small-group and collaborative learning. The sessions were audio-recorded and then transcribed. The authors read through all of the transcripts and then reviewed them for themes. Quotes were analysed and organised by theme. Results Interview transcripts revealed candid responses to questions about learning and the learning environment. The semi-structured nature of the interviews enabled the interviewers to probe unanticipated issues (e.g. reasons for choosing to sit with friends although that diminishes learning and attention). A content analysis of these transcripts ultimately identified three major themes embracing multiple sub-themes: (i) learning studio physical space; (ii) interaction patterns among learners, and (iii) the quality of and engagement in learning in the space. Conclusions Students' reluctance to engage in class activities is not surprising if classroom exercises are passive and not consistently well designed or executed as active learning exercises that students perceive as enhancing their learning through collaboration. Students' comments also suggest that their reluctance to participate regularly in class may be because they have not yet achieved the developmental level compatible with adult and active learning, on which the curriculum is based. Challenges include helping students better understand the nature of deep learning and their own developmental progress as learners, and providing robust faculty development to ensure the consistent deployment of higher-order learning activities linked with higher-order assessments.
Using high speed networks to enable distributed parallel image server systems

We describe the design and implementation of a distributed parallel storage system that uses high-speed ATM networks as a key element of the architecture. Other elements include a collection of network-based disk block servers, and an associated name server that provides some file system functionality. The implementation is based on user level software that runs on UNIX workstations. Both the architecture and the implementation are intended to provide for easy and economical scalability. This approach has yielded a data source that scales economically to very high speed. Target applications include online storage for both very large images and video sequences. This paper describes the architecture, and explores the performance issues of the current implementation. >
Novel Indole-2-Carboxamide Compounds Are Potent Broad-Spectrum Antivirals Active against Western Equine Encephalitis Virus In Vivo

Neurotropic alphaviruses, including western, eastern, and Venezuelan equine encephalitis viruses, cause serious and potentially fatal central nervous system infections in humans for which no currently approved therapies exist. We previously identified a series of thieno[3,2-b]pyrrole derivatives as novel inhibitors of neurotropic alphavirus replication, using a cell-based phenotypic assay (W. Peng et al., J. Infect. Dis. 199:950-957, 2009, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/597275), and subsequently developed second- and third-generation indole-2-carboxamide derivatives with improved potency, solubility, and metabolic stability (J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 55:3535-3545, 2012, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm300214e; J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 56:9222-9241, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm401330r). In this report, we describe the antiviral activity of the most promising third-generation lead compound, CCG205432, and closely related analogs CCG206381 and CCG209023. These compounds have half-maximal inhibitory concentrations of ∼1 μM and selectivity indices of >100 in cell-based assays using western equine encephalitis virus replicons. Furthermore, CCG205432 retains similar potency against fully infectious virus in cultured human neuronal cells. These compounds show broad inhibitory activity against a range of RNA viruses in culture, including members of the Togaviridae, Bunyaviridae, Picornaviridae, and Paramyxoviridae families. Although their exact molecular target remains unknown, mechanism-of-action studies reveal that these novel indole-based compounds target a host factor that modulates cap-dependent translation. Finally, we demonstrate that both CCG205432 and CCG209023 dampen clinical disease severity and enhance survival of mice given a lethal western equine encephalitis virus challenge. These studies demonstrate that indole-2-carboxamide compounds are viable candidates for continued preclinical development as inhibitors of neurotropic alphaviruses and, potentially, of other RNA viruses. IMPORTANCE There are currently no approved drugs to treat infections with alphaviruses. We previously identified a novel series of compounds with activity against these potentially devastating pathogens (J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 55:3535-3545, 2012, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm300214e; W. Peng et al., J. Infect. Dis. 199:950-957, 2009, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/597275; J. A. Sindac et al., J. Med. Chem. 56:9222-9241, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jm401330r). We have now produced third-generation compounds with enhanced potency, and this manuscript provides detailed information on the antiviral activity of these advanced-generation compounds, including activity in an animal model. The results of this study represent a notable achievement in the continued development of this novel class of antiviral inhibitors.
Bioelectrocatalytic generation of directly readable code: harnessing cathodic current for long-term information relay

Here we present an exceptionally stable bioelectrocatalytic architecture for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction using a carbon nanotube electrode as the electron donor and a fungal enzyme as electrocatalyst. Controlling oxygen content in the electrolyte enables generation of a directly readable barcode from monitoring the enzyme response.
Coeval extension and shortening above and below salt canopies on an uplifted, continental margin: Application to the northern Gulf of Mexico

Recent ultradeep exploration in the northern Gulf of Mexico has revealed a broad diffuse zone of salt-cored folding beneath the present continental shelf. This zone is a pillow fold belt, where salt pillows grew halokinetically and were then mildly shortened. Below the Louisiana shelf, a contractional early-to-late Miocene pillow fold belt is separated by a partly welded canopy from an overlying early Miocene–to–Pliocene extensional system. This anomalous juxtaposition raises two paradoxes: (1) Why was mid-Miocene shortening close to the Miocene shelf break, where extension is expected? and (2) Why did shortening below the canopy overlap in time with extension above the canopy? Coastal uplift can explain both paradoxes. Cenozoic uplift and exhumation of the north rim of the Gulf of Mexico created the observed coastal offlap and truncation around the rim. Uplift tilted the continental margin and overpowered the influence of the paleoshelf break, causing shortening much farther updip than before uplift. Physical models confirm that this hypothesis is mechanically sound. Our other models had two stacked detachments, each pinned in different locations. Because of this, deep shortening below the canopy was coeval with shallow extension above the canopy. The deep detachment was pinned far inland, equivalent to the uplifted continental interior. Extension above this deep detachment was partly balanced by shortening far downdip to form a pillow fold belt where a network of thrusts linked the squeezed pillows. In contrast, the shallow extensional system above the canopy was pinned farther seaward, equivalent to the upper continental slope.
Extracellular matrix-induced cyclooxygenase-2 regulates macrophage proteinase expression

Chronic inflammatory diseases are characterized by the persistent presence of macrophages and other mononuclear cells, tissue destruction, cell proliferation, and the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The tissue degradation is mediated, in part, by enhanced proteinase expression by macrophages. It has been demonstrated recently that macrophage proteinase expression can be stimulated or inhibited by purified ECM components. However, in an intact ECM the biologically active domains of matrix components may be masked either by tertiary conformation or by complex association with other matrix molecules. In an effort to determine whether a complex ECM produced by vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) regulates macrophage degradative phenotype, we prepared insoluble SMC matrices and examined their ability to regulate proteinase expression by RAW264.7 and thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. Here we demonstrate that macrophage engagement of SMC-ECM triggers PKC-dependent activation of MAPKerk1/2 leading to increased expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and prostaglandin (PG) E2 synthesis. The addition of PGE2 to macrophage cultures stimulates their expression of both urokinase-type plasminogen activator and MMP-9, and the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 blocks ECM-induced proteinase expression. Moreover, ECM-induced PGE2 and MMP-9 expression by elicited COX-2–/– macrophages is markedly reduced when compared with the response of either COX-2+/– or COX-2+/+ macrophages. These data clearly demonstrate that SMC-ECM exerts a regulatory role on the degradative phenotype of macrophages via enhanced urokinase-type plasminogen activator and MMP-9 expression, and identify COX-2 as a targetable component of the signaling pathway leading to increased proteinase expression.
Lifelong Learning Really Matters for Elementary Education in the 21st Century

This paper introduces the themes developed through the discussions and publications prepared with IFIP TC3 Taskforce on Lifelong Learning developing the proposition that lifelong learning really matters for elementary education in the 21st century. The paper explores the quest for a definition of lifelong learning, the recognition of the changing role of informal learning communities, proposing public policy considerations for those responsible for elementary education and the further develop of information and communications technology.
Evidence against a Cytochrome P450-Derived Reactive Oxygen Species as the Mediator of the Nitric Oxide-Independent Vasodilator Effect of Bradykinin in the Perfused Heart of the Rat

The coronary vasodilator effect of bradykinin (BK) in the rat is independent of NO but dependent on activation of phospholipases with involvement of cytochrome P450 mono-oxygenase (P450) and stimulation of Ca++-activated K+ channels, implicating an unidentified hyperpolarizing factor generated via P450 metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA). Because P450 activity also generates free radicals, such as superoxide, which can lead to the formation of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, which are vasoactive, we addressed the contribution of superoxide to the vasodilator effect of BK in the rat heart. Using rat renal microsomes as a source of P450, we verified that P450-dependent metabolism of AA generated superoxide, as detected by chemiluminescence with lucigenin. The signal was almost abolished by inhibition of P450 with clotrimazole and the superoxide scavenger 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene sulfonic acid. However, base-line superoxide formation, detected by chemiluminescence, in cardiac slices and perfused hearts was unchanged in response to BK or AA. Furthermore, in perfused hearts treated with nitroarginine and indomethacin to eliminate NO and prostaglandins and elevate perfusion pressure, dose-dependent vasodilator responses to BK were unaffected by superoxide dismutase plus catalase, a combination that abolished dilator responses to hydrogen peroxide. Similarly, the superoxide scavengers 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene sulfonic acid and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-noxyl were without effect on vasodilator responses to BK. Thus, the coronary vasodilator action of BK is independent of superoxide or its derivatives, which can be excluded as hyperpolarizing factors mediating NO-independent vasodilation in the rat.
Selecting and implementing an automated technical information production system

An automated technical information production system (ATIPS) is needed to support the development of paperless digital technical publications for an embedded delivery system on a line of automated test equipment. The delivery requirement of these publications called for compliance with the computer-aided acquisition and logistics support (CALS) initiative. The requirements, specification, procurement and implementation of this system are discussed, its configuration is illustrated, and the application and accomplishments are described. It is concluded that the ATIPS is proving to be a cost-effective addition to the Huntsville Center Operations automated tools inventory. The hardware, software, and techniques are increasing productivity dramatically for GE and providing better, less-costly, less bulky documentation to the US DoD. >
The pattern of expression of CD147/neurothelin during human T-cell ontogeny as defined by the monoclonal antibody 8D6

A novel monoclonal antibody termed 8D6 was generated against the human leukemic T-cell line Molt 13 and was found to recognize the neurothelin structure, recently termed CD147. UM8D6 precipitated a single band from HSB2 cells of molecular weight 35 kDa nonreduced and 40 kDa reduced. CD 147 is broadly expressed on human hematopoietic cells and is expressed more intensely on thymocytes than on mature peripheral blood T cells. A clear distinction was found by three-color flow cytometry between antigen density on single positive mature thymocytes subsets compared with the corresponding subset from peripheral blood. The 8D6 antibody did not have direct effects on T-cell activation or apoptosis, and the function of CD147 in development and activation of T cells is not yet clear. Nevertheless, its highly regulated expression during T-cell differentiation and the structural characteristics of this antigen suggest that it has an interesting and important role in T-cell biology.
Radiation effects in nematodes: results from IML-1 experiments.

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was exposed to natural space radiation using the ESA biorack facility aboard Spacelab on International Microgravity Laboratory 1, STS-42. For the major experimental objective dormant animals were suspended in buffer or on agar or immobilized next to CR-39 plastic nuclear track detectors to correlate fluence of HZE particles with genetic events. This configuration was used to isolate mutations in a set of 350 essential genes as well as in the unc-22 structural gene. From flight samples 13 mutants in the unc-22 gene were isolated along with 53 lethal mutations from autosomal regions balanced by a translocation eT1(III;V). Preliminary analysis suggests that mutants from worms correlated with specific cosmic ray tracks may have a higher proportion of rearrangements than those isolated from tube cultures on a randomly sampled basis. Flight sample mutation rate was approximately 8-fold higher than ground controls which exhibited laboratory spontaneous frequencies.
Balloon Photography and Archaeological Excavation

It is a great help to the understanding of a piece of country, a town or a building to get to some high point in the vicinity and look down upon it, and the more nearly vertical one's point of view the more accurate is one's impression. In the ‘nineties, as a boy, I used to spend hours at the top of the spire of Rouen Cathedral gazing down upon the city below, and it was only a step from this to record such a view photographically; but it was some time before I took my first truly vertical photograph. About 1904, a friend who was engineer on the construction of the Rothesay Dock near Glasgow asked me to photograph for him the concrete foundations of a part of this dock: I could not get a proper view of these from anywhere on the ground, so I asked if I might utilize a great crane which stood nearby. It was probably against all the rules of the Clyde Trust, but I was thereupon swung high in the air over my subject, and plate 1 shows the result obtained with a no. 2 Bullseye Kodak.