cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Development of a Rapid Response Riverine Oil–Particle Aggregate Formation, Transport, and Fate Model

AbstractThe aftermath of the Kalamazoo River oil spill in 2010, which resulted in years of cleanup efforts, showed that research needs to be done regarding oil–particle aggregate (OPA) formation an...
Fetal Growth: Obstetric Implications

The objective of this chapter is to provide the reader with a review of certain aspects of fetal growth as they relate to obstetric management. The term “obstetric ” has been used in a narrow sense, which has limited the scope of discussion to clinical issues. Emphasis has been placed upon the gross morphologies of the fetus as they relate to obstetric management because functional development has already been covered in detail by other contributors to this volume.
The Coordination Chemistry of Boron-Nitrogen Compounds

The borazines and aminoboranes are examples of compound types that are isoelectronic with benzene and ethylene, respectively. Although the preparation, reaction (predominantly substitution and addition reactions), and physical properties of these boron-nitrogen systems have been extensively studied (1,2) little has been done toward investigating their electronic nature with respect to the reactions or subtle interactions that are characteristic of the corresponding carbonoid systems where electron delocalization is known to occur.
Cluster dynamics simulation of uranium self-diffusion during irradiation in UO2

Abstract As fission fragments pass through UO2 nuclear fuel, a considerable concentration of Frenkel pair defects (i.e. vacancies and interstitials) are created. The steady-state concentration of these defects leads to enhanced uranium self-diffusion, one of several fundamental kinetic parameters that control key engineering properties such as creep and fission gas swelling in UO2 nuclear fuel. A cluster dynamics method to track point defects and defect clusters has been implemented in the MARMOT phase-field code in order to predict as-measured out-of-pile and irradiation enhanced thermal diffusivity. The calculated uranium self-diffusion coefficient compares well with non-irradiated fuel measurements, and shows similar trends to those observed in irradiated fuel, which is a good result given the complexities introduced by non-stoichiometric compositions.
The cell cycle-regulated DNA adenine methyltransferase CcrM opens a bubble at its DNA recognition site

The Caulobacter crescentus cell cycle-regulated DNA methyltransferase (CcrM) methylates the adenine of hemimethylated GANTC after replication. Here we present the structure of CcrM in complex with double-stranded DNA containing the recognition sequence. CcrM contains an N-terminal methyltransferase domain and a C-terminal nonspecific DNA-binding domain. CcrM is a dimer, with each monomer contacting primarily one DNA strand: the methyltransferase domain of one molecule binds the target strand, recognizes the target sequence, and catalyzes methyl transfer, while the C-terminal domain of the second molecule binds the non-target strand. The DNA contacts at the 5-base pair recognition site results in dramatic DNA distortions including bending, unwinding and base flipping. The two DNA strands are pulled apart, creating a bubble comprising four recognized base pairs. The five bases of the target strand are recognized meticulously by stacking contacts, van der Waals interactions and specific Watson-Crick polar hydrogen bonds to ensure high enzymatic specificity.
Thermoelectric generators for wearable body heat harvesting: Material and device concurrent optimization

Abstract Body heat harvesting systems based on thermoelectric generators (TEGs) can play a significant role in wearable electronics intended for continuous, long-term health monitoring. However, to date, the harvested power density from the body using TEGs is limited to a few micro-watts per square centimeter, which is not sufficient to turn on many wearables. The thermoelectric materials research has been mainly focused on enhancing the single parameter zT, which is insufficient to meet the requirements for wearable applications. To develop TEGs that work effectively in wearable devices, one has to consider the material, device, and system requirements concurrently. Due to the lack of an efficient heatsink and the skin thermal resistance, a key challenge to achieving this goal is to design systems that maximize the temperature differential across the TEG while not compromising the body comfort. This requires favoring approaches that deliver the largest possible device thermal resistance relative to the external parasitic resistances. Therefore, materials with low thermal conductivity are critically important to maximize the temperature gradient. Also, to achieve a high boost converter efficiency, wearable TEGs need to have the highest possible output voltage, which calls for a high Seebeck coefficient. At the device level, dimensions of the legs (length versus the base area) and fill factor are both critical parameters to ensure that the parasitic thermal resistances are again negligible compared to the resistance of the module itself. In this study, the concurrent impact of material and device parameters on the efficiency of wearable TEGs is considered. Nanocomposite thermoelectric materials based on bismuth telluride alloys were synthesized using microwave processing and optimized to meet the requirements of wearable TEGs. Microwave energy decrystallized the material leading to a strong reduction of the thermal conductivity while maintaining a high zT at the body temperature. A comprehensive quasi-3D analytical model was developed and used to optimize the material and device parameters. The nanocomposite TEG produced 44 μW/cm2 under no air flow condition, and 156.5 μW/cm2 under airflow. In comparison to commercial TEGs tested under similar conditions, the nanocomposite based TEGs exhibited 4–7 times higher power density on the human body depending on the convective cooling conditions.
Pro-efferocytic nanoparticles are specifically taken up by lesional macrophages and prevent atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the process that underlies heart attack and stroke. A characteristic feature of the atherosclerotic plaque is the accumulation of apoptotic cells in the necrotic core. Prophagocytic antibody-based therapies are currently being explored to stimulate the phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells; however, these therapies can cause off-target clearance of healthy tissues, which leads to toxicities such as anaemia. Here we developed a macrophage-specific nanotherapy based on single-walled carbon nanotubes loaded with a chemical inhibitor of the antiphagocytic CD47-SIRPα signalling axis. We demonstrate that these single-walled carbon nanotubes accumulate within the atherosclerotic plaque, reactivate lesional phagocytosis and reduce the plaque burden in atheroprone apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice without compromising safety, and thereby overcome a key translational barrier for this class of drugs. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis reveals that prophagocytic single-walled carbon nanotubes decrease the expression of inflammatory genes linked to cytokine and chemokine pathways in lesional macrophages, which demonstrates the potential of ‘Trojan horse’ nanoparticles to prevent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Single-walled carbon nanotubes can restore phagocytotic properties of macrophages in artherosclerotic plaques to promote plaque clearance and combat artherosclerosis.
Dynamic Implicit Solvent Coarse Grained Models of Lipid Bilayer Membranes : Fluctuating Hydrodynamics Thermostats

Many Implicit-Solvent Coarse-Grained (IS-CG) models have been recently introduced for investigating the equilibrium properties of lipid bilayer membranes. We introduce extended IS-CG models for dynamic studies by developing fluctuating hydrodynamic thermostats. We present results for the dynamic properties of self-assembled bilayer sheets and vesicles.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on telehealth research in cancer prevention and care: A call to sustain telehealth advances.

History has shown that we must adapt and learn from crises so that we can improve how we deliver care and conduct research to improve clinical outcomes. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has expedited work regarding virtual research methods and serves as an opportunity to evaluate how to initiate, implement, and sustain cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment research going forward.
Biosimilars for Psoriasis

Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of numerous conditions. While the therapeutic benefit of biologics has been dramatic, the development of these agents has been accompanied by significant increases in healthcare costs. Recently there has been growing interest in the development of biosimilar agents, which have the potential to decrease costs and improve access to this powerful class of medications. In this chapter, we discuss the legislative, regulatory, and scientific framework for the development and approval of biosimilars. We also review the current state of the biosimilars market as it relates to psoriasis, and examine current barriers to widespread utilization of biosimilar agents in clinical practice.
Sex differences in hippocampal connectivity during spatial long-term memory

Sex differences in brain activity have been reported across various types of long-term memory. To our knowledge, sex differences in functional connectivity during long-term memory have not been investigated. A previous study on the structural connectome identified that female brains have a greater degree of interhemispheric connectivity than males, whereas males have a greater degree of intrahemispheric connectivity than females. The aim of the current investigation was twofold: (a) identify which brain regions were functionally connected to the hippocampus during spatial long-term memory, and (b) determine if there were sex differences in the functionally connected regions. During the study phase, abstract shapes were presented to the left or right of fixation. During the test phase, abstract shapes were presented at fixation and participants classified each item as previously on the "left" or "right". A hippocampal region of interest (ROI) was identified by contrasting spatial memory hits and misses. The peak coordinate from this ROI was used to define the center of a sphere that was used as the seed for the functional connectivity analysis. The connectivity analysis produced many connected activations including the medial posterior frontal cortex, lateral posterior frontal cortex, left inferior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and caudate/putamen. Although there were no regions with greater connectivity in females than males, the male versus female comparison produced connected activations in the medial posterior frontal cortex, anterior prefrontal cortex, precuneus, and cingulate sulcus. Females also had greater interhemispheric connectivity than males. The current findings suggest collapsing across sex in cognitive neuroscience studies may not be warranted.
First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis: A Narrative Review of Fixation Constructs and Their Evolution.

First metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis is a surgical procedure in which the first metatarsal head is fused to the proximal phalanx of the great toe in order to permanently stiffen the first MTP joint. It was originally proposed as a treatment for severe cases of hallux valgus deformity, but the procedure's indications and utilization have expanded since its initial development. Despite a wide variety of indications, first MTP arthrodesis has been shown to have reliable, satisfactory outcomes. As a result, the development of a wide array of surgical approaches, joint preparation techniques, and fixation devices used in the procedure has occurred. In this narrative review, we highlight the evolution of fixation constructs used in first MTP arthrodesis in order to provide a frame of reference for the various types of fixation constructs available.
Safe havens: The intersection of family, religion, and community in black cultural landscapes of the southeastern United States

Abstract While land loss is a central narrative in the story of the black cultural landscape of the southeastern United States, some black families have held the land since Emancipation. Black-owned landholdings today are geophysical and ecological spaces where social, political, cultural, and economic worlds intersect and where the past (often painful) is being both honored and renegotiated in ways that create opportunities for the future. Three dominant themes emerged from our research as key elements of the black cultural landscape today: 1) the importance of family history, (2) the ways that religious beliefs guide understanding of land ownership, and (3) the importance of land ownership to the broader black community. These three components are so intertwined that it is difficult to tease them apart, and their intersubjectivities create a cultural and social system that is not just superimposed upon, but deeply rooted in and enmeshed with, an ecological one.
Coupled kinetic Boltzmann electromagnetic approach for intense ultrashort laser excitation of plasmonic nanostructures

We propose a multiphysical computational approach that allows for efficient coupling of full-vector Maxwell-based propagation codes with kinetic Boltzmann equations to investigate the spatial dynamics of non-equilibrium processes in plasmonic nanostructures upon intense laser excitation. Accessing the energy-resolved electron distribution provides a direct path towards multidimensional modeling of transient optical, electron emission, and electron transport processes. Simulations are performed for a gold nanoparticle upon infrared ultrashort-pulse excitation close to the melting threshold, evidencing the interplay between strong intrinsic and (non)thermal nonlinearities and accessing simultaneously the non-equilibrium thermal and propagation dynamics. While delivering the results within a reasonable simulation time and while being open to further extensions, the proposed approach can serve as a reliable compromise between point quantum and space-dimensional classical models.
Correction: Performance and limits of 2.0 eV bandgap CuInGaS2 solar absorber integrated with CdS buffer on F:SnO2 substrate for multijunction photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical water splitting devices

We report on the electrical properties of 2.0 eV bandgap (EG) CuInGaS2 (CIGS) solar absorbers integrated on SnO2:F (FTO) substrates and interfaced with CdS buffer layers for multijunction solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting devices. The averaged short-circuit photocurrent density measured on nine ITO/ZnO/CdS/CIGS/FTO cells was 10.0 mA cm−2, a value corresponding to 70% of the optical limit for a 2.0 eV-bandgap absorber. However, the averaged power conversion efficiency was low (avg.: 2.4%) and for the most part limited by modest open circuit voltage values (avg.: 587 mV). Solid-state analyses performed at low temperatures revealed poor energetic alignment at the CdS/CIGS top interface. An activation energy (1.1 eV) for the dominant recombination mechanism significantly lower than the CIGS bandgap was measured, implying that recombination takes place near the CdS/CIGS interface. This finding is supported by the large difference found between the quasi Fermi level splitting of the bare absorber (1.17 eV) and the open circuit voltage of the device. Complementary theoretical calculations identified Fermi level pinning as a possible cause for the poor interface energetics through Cd incorporation on both the Cu and the group-III sites, resulting in a large conduction band offset (∼0.9 eV) at the CdS/CIGS interface. This work underlines the need for new EG-tunable buffers coupled with optimized CIGS surface energetics (e.g. ordered vacancy compounds) for future chalcopyrite-based multijunction solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting devices.
Identification of a Paraquat-Resistant Goosegrass (Eleusine indica) Population from a Central Alabama Vegetable Production Field

A goosegrass [Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.] population uncontrolled by paraquat (R) in a vegetable production field in St. Clair County, AL, was collected in summer 2019. Research was conducted to assess the level of resistance of the suspected resistant population compared with three populations with no suspected paraquat resistance (S1, S2, and S3). Visual injury at all rating dates and biomass reduction at 28 d after treatment (DAT) of S populations occurred exponentially to increasing paraquat rates. S biotypes were injured more than R at 3 DAT, with biomass recovery at 28 DAT only occurring at rates <0.28 kg ha−1. Plant death or biomass reduction did not occur for any rate at any date for R. Paraquat rates that induced 50% or 90% injury or reduced biomass 50% or 90% compared with the non-treated (I50 or I90, respectively) ranged from 10 to 124 times higher I50 for R compared with S and 54 to 116 times higher I90 for R compared with S biotypes. These data confirm a paraquat-resistant E. indica biotype in Alabama, providing additional germplasm for study of resistance to photosystem I electron-diverting (PSI-ED) resistance mechanisms.
Adolescents, Families, and Social Development: How Teens Construct Their Worlds

Preface vi 1 Introduction: Perspectives on Adolescents and Their Families 1 2 Studying Adolescent-Parent Relationships from the Lens of Developmental Psychology 13 3 Conflicts and Their Vicissitudes 31 4 Parents' Voices: Conflicts and Social Conventions 43 5 Adolescents' Voices: Autonomy and the Personal Domain 66 6 Autonomy, Conflict, Connectedness, and Culture 96 7 Adolescent Relationships and Development within and between Cultures 120 8 Adolescent-Parent Relationships in African American Families 139 9 Beliefs about Parental Authority 172 10 Parenting Styles and Practices 193 11 Disclosure and Secrecy in Adolescent-Parent Relationships 216 12 Coordinations and Change in Social Development 249 13 Life beyond Adolescence: Transitions to Adulthood 271 References 279 Author Index 306 Subject Index 313
Assessing the effects of monetized food aid on

Abstract This article describes the methodology and findings of a study undertaken to assess whether the monetization of non-emergency food aid has adversely influenced national family planning program efforts in Honduras. Due to time constraints, an ex-post, non-equivalent group design was the strongest feasible study design. In the study, women receiving food aid in the form of cash coupons were compared with women receiving food rations and a third group of comparable women who were not food aid recipients on three types of outcomes: recent fertility, fertility preferences, and contraceptive use (both current and intended). A ‘sample selection’ model was used in the analysis to control for unobserved differences between comparison groups. No compelling evidence for either adverse demand- or supply-side effects was observed.
Gradual Information Diffusion and Asset Price Momentum

Gradual information diffusion model predicts that as private information travels across the population, pricing accuracy would improve and asset prices would exhibit momentum as a result. In laboratory markets I investigate the market’s aggregation capacity in response to varying proportions of informed traders as a consequence of information diffusion. The results demonstrate that pricing errors are high when private information is dispersed and that, as the information spreads, the market gradually revise the errors and manifest momentum. Analysis suggests that aggregation under dispersed information conditions is hampered by three factors: equilibrium multiplicity, slow arrival of myopic traders, and anonymous trading.
Microwave radiometric scenes and images of oceanic surface phenomena

The concept of 2D computer simulation of microwave radiometric images (MIs) of the ocean surface is developed. The oceanic scene is modeled by a statistical ensemble of the microwave contributions from different hydrophysical factors (HF). In particular, the physically-based electromagnetic models of surface roughness and foam/whitecap are used. As a result, simulated MIs represent multi-gradational compositional images, containing a set of local and/or extended bright objects and fields. So-called "flat" and "thin" structures occur on the images. The features may be associated with wind wave-generated processes. Some examples of the image modeling are presented. The computer tool can be applied for analysis of high-resolution microwave aircraft imagery.
ets-1 in astrocytes: expression and transmitter-evoked phosphorylation

The ets-1 protein has been primarily studied as a sequence-specific transcriptional regulator that is predominately expressed in lymphoid cells. In this report, we show that ets-1 is also expressed in astrocytes and astrocytoma cells and is regulated during both signal transduction and differentiation. Both isoforms of ets-1, p51 and p42, were found in astrocytes and astrocytoma cells, but whereas expression of p51 was strong, p42, the alternate splice product previously shown to lack the phosphorylation domain, was difficult to detect and was present at a level 10- to 40-fold lower than that of p51. This differed by roughly an order of magnitude from the ratio generally observable in T cells and thymocytes. In two astrocytoma lines of human origin, CCF and 1321N1, ets-1 phosphorylation was stimulated by bradykinin and carbachol, respectively. Glutamate, norepinephrine, and bradykinin elicited phosphorylation of p51 in cultures of primary rat type 1 astrocytes. ets-1 phosphorylation was dramatically blocked by KT5926, an inhibitor of myosin light-chain kinase, suggesting that this kinase may be involved in phosphorylation of ets-1 in vivo. Investigations of retinoic acid-induced differentiation in P19 cells provided further support for a strong correlation of ets-1 with the pathway for astrocyte differentiation.
Regulation of intracellular pH by immortalized human intrahepatic biliary epithelial cell lines

We have produced continuous cell lines using retroviral transduction of SV40 large T antigen into human intrahepatic biliary epithelial (IBE) cells from three different normal individuals. These IBE cell lines grow in a hormone-supplemented medium in the presence of NIH/3T3 fibroblast coculture. These cells maintain their epithelial appearance and are positive for the biliary-specific markers cytokeratins 7 and 19 and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase while being negative for the hepatocyte markers albumin and asialoglycoprotein receptor. To evaluate ion transport pathways in IBE cell lines, we utilized intracellular pH (pHi) measurements obtained using the intracellular fluorescent indicator 2',7'-bis(2-carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein. In the absence of HCO3(-)-CO2, an amiloride-sensitive Na(+)-H+ exchanger participated in the regulation of basal pHi. In the presence of HCO3(-)-CO2, a 4,4'-diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DIDS)-sensitive, Na-, Cl-, and HCO3(-)-dependent acid extrusion mechanism accounted for approximately 60% of pHi recovery from acidic pHi; this mechanism is most consistent with the presence of a Na-dependent Cl-HCO3- exchanger (Na+HCO3(-)-Cl-H+). Under basal conditions, Cl- depletion revealed a DIDS-sensitive alkalinization consistent with a Na-independent Cl(-)-HCO3- exchanger. These model systems will allow the opportunity to study the normal mechanisms of IBE function and to study the pathobiology of IBE processes in disease states.
U.S. Business: Tort Liability for the Transnational Republisher of Leaked Corporate Secrets

Wikileaks, the web enterprise responsible for the unprecedented publication of hundreds of thousands of classified government records, is reshaping fundamental notions of the freedom of information. Meanwhile more than half of records held by Wikileaks are from the private sector, and the organization has promised blockbuster revelations about major commercial players such as big banks and oil companies. This paper examines the potential liability under U.S. business-tort law for Wikileaks as a transnational republisher of leaked corporate secrets. The paper examines the paradigm for criminal liability under the Espionage Act to imagine a construct of civil liability for tortious interference with prospective economic relations, considering key problems of scienter, jurisdiction, and constitutionality. This paper concludes that prospects for civil liability are dim.
As Americans, We Should Get This Right

To the Editor: After reading just a fraction of the many articles published on the long-QT syndrome, I became confused about the correct spelling of the distinctive polymorphic ventricular tachycardia identified in this disease. I have seen the following spellings: torsade de pointe, torsades de pointe, torsades de pointes, and torsade de pointes. In the November 24, 1998, issue of Circulation , in the wonderful article by Drs Shimizu and Antzelevitch,1 the term “torsade de pointes” was used. In search of the correct way to spell this disorder, I consulted with French medical colleagues. They have informed me that “torsades de pointes” is the right way. The English language dominates so much of medical writings and is usually the …
Kripke logical relations and PCF

Abstract Sieber has described a model of PCF consisting of continuous functions that are invariant under certain (finitary) logical relations, and shown that it is fully abstract for closed terms of up to third-order types. We show that one may achieve full abstraction at all types using a form of "Kripke logical relations" introduced by Jung and Tiuryn to characterize λ-definability.
Synthesis of medium-chain length (C6–C10) fuels and chemicals via β-oxidation reversal in Escherichia coli

The recently engineered reversal of the β-oxidation cycle has been proposed as a potential platform for the efficient synthesis of longer chain (C ≥ 4) fuels and chemicals. Here, we demonstrate the utility of this platform for the synthesis of medium-chain length (C6–C10) products through the manipulation of key components of the pathway. Deletion of endogenous thioesterases provided a clean background in which the expression of various thiolase and termination components, along with required core enzymes, resulted in the ability to alter the chain length distribution and functionality of target products. This approach enabled the synthesis of medium-chain length carboxylic acids and primary alcohols from glycerol, a low-value feedstock. The use of BktB as the thiolase component with thioesterase TesA’ as the termination enzyme enabled the synthesis of about 1.3 g/L C6–C10 saturated carboxylic acids. Tailoring of product formation to primary alcohol synthesis was achieved with the use of various acyl-CoA reductases. The combination of AtoB and FadA as the thiolase components with the alcohol-forming acyl-CoA reductase Maqu2507 from M. aquaeolei resulted in the synthesis of nearly 0.3 g/L C6–C10 alcohols. These results further demonstrate the versatile nature of a β-oxidation reversal, and highlight several key aspects and control points that can be further manipulated to fine-tune the synthesis of various fuels and chemicals.
On the biosynthesis of L-fucose and L-fucose metabolism in man.

Studies of the biosynthesis and metabolism of L-fucose in man have been performed. The 14C labeling pattern of L-fucose in human milk subsequent to the intravenous administration of [6-14C]glucose is compatible with the conversion of the intact hexose carbon chain of D-glucose to L-fucose. These results parallel those observed previously in studies of the bacterial synthesis of L-fucose. [I-14C]fucose administered intravenously to a human subject was found to be rapidly and extensively converted to 14CO2.
High temporal and spatial variability of dissolved oxygen and pH in a nearshore California kelp forest

Abstract. Predicting consequences of ocean deoxygenation and ocean acidification for nearshore marine ecosystems requires baseline dissolved oxygen (DO) and carbonate chemistry data that are both high-frequency and high-quality. Such data allow accurate assessment of environmental variability and present-day organism exposure regimes. In this study, scales of DO and pH variability were characterized over one year in a nearshore kelp forest ecosystem in the Southern California Bight. DO and pH were strongly, positively correlated, revealing that organisms on this upwelling shelf are not only exposed to low pH but also to low DO. The dominant scale of temporal DO and pH variability occurred on semidiurnal, diurnal and event (days–weeks) time scales. Daily ranges in DO and pH at 7 m water depth (13 mab) could be as large as 220 μmol kg−1 and 0.36 units, respectively. Sources of pH and DO variation include photosynthesis within the kelp forest ecosystem, which can elevate DO and pH by up to 60 μmol kg−1 and 0.1 units over one week following the intrusion of high-density, nutrient-rich water. Accordingly, highly productive macrophyte-based ecosystems could serve as deoxygenation and acidification refugia by acting to elevate DO and pH relative to surrounding waters. DO and pH exhibited greater spatial variation over a 10 m increase in water depth (from 7 to 17 m) than along a 5 km stretch of shelf in a cross-shore or alongshore direction. Over a three-month time period, mean DO and pH at 17 m water depth were 168 μmol kg−1 and 7.87, respectively. These values represent a 35% decrease in mean DO and 37% increase in [H+] relative to near-surface waters. High-frequency variation was also reduced at depth. The mean daily range in DO and pH was 39% and 37% less, respectively, at 17 m water depth relative to 7 m. As a consequence, the exposure history of an organism is largely a function of its depth of occurrence within the kelp forest. With knowledge of local alkalinity conditions and high-frequency temperature, salinity, and pH data, we estimated pCO2 and calcium carbonate saturation states with respect to calcite and aragonite (Ωcalc and Ωarag) for the La Jolla kelp forest at 7 m and 17 m water depth. pCO2 ranged from 246 to 1016 μatm, Ωcalc was always supersaturated, and Ωarag was undersaturated at the beginning of March for five days when pH was less than 7.75 and DO was less than 115 μmol kg−1. These findings raise the possibility that the benthic communities along eastern boundary current systems are currently acclimatized and adapted to natural, variable, and low DO and pH. Still, future exposure of coastal California populations to even lower DO and pH may increase as upwelling intensifies and hypoxic boundaries shoal, compressing habitats and challenging the physiological capacity of intolerant species.
The heart–joints connection: atherosclerosis and inflammation

Advances in basic and clinical sciences have established the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction is the initial event, which is followed by lipid oxidation, atheroma formation and rupture, as well as the formation of a thrombus, leading to a clinical event. A decreased survival due to accelerated atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatic diseases has been demonstrated; this cannot be fully explained by traditional cardiovascular risk factors, suggesting that disease-related factors are also operative. Aggressive antirheumatic therapies may impact favorably not only on the activity of these diseases but also on the cardiovascular-associated risk factors, resulting in better outcomes.
Five-dimensional taxonomy to relate human errors and technological interventions in a human factors literature database

One of the main factors in all aviation accidents is human error. Therefore, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) has identified several human factors safety technologies to address this problem. Some technologies directly address human error either by attempting to reduce the occurrence of errors or by mitigating the negative consequences of errors. However, new technologies and system changes may also introduce new error opportunities or even induce different types of errors. Consequently, a thorough understanding of the relationship between error classes and technology "fixes" is crucial for the evaluation of intervention strategies outlined in the AvSP so that resources can be effectively directed to maximize the benefit to flight safety. This article summarizes efforts to map intervention technologies onto error categories and describes creation of a conceptual framework, identification of applicable taxonomies for each dimension of the framework, and construction of a usable prototype database. The framework consists of a three-dimensional matrix with axes for the human operator, the task, and the environment. Human errors and technologies cohabit molecules in the matrix linking them. The database allows for taxonomic development in all three areas pertaining to human performance by keeping the taxonomies dynamic. Language: en
Detection of common carotid artery stenosis using duplex ultrasonography: A validation study with computed tomographic angiography

Background Severe stenosis of the common carotid artery (CCA), while uncommon, is associated with increased risk of transient ischemic attack and stroke. To date, no validated duplex ultrasound criteria have been established for grading the severity of CCA stenosis. The goal of this study was to use receiver-operating curve (ROC) analysis with computed tomographic angiography as the reference standard to establish duplex ultrasound criteria for diagnosing ≥50% CCA stenosis. Methods The study cohort included 64 patients (42 men, 22 women) with a mean age of 65 ± 12 years (range, 16-89 years) who had CCA peak systolic velocity (PSV) ≥150 cm/sec and underwent computed tomographic angiography (CTA) of the cervical and intracerebral vessels within 1 month of the duplex examination. One study was excluded because the CTA was technically inadequate, whereas another was excluded because the patient underwent bilateral CCA stenting. The CCA ipsilateral to any of the following was excluded from the analysis: innominate artery occlusion (n = 1), previous stenting of the ICA or CCA (n = 7), carotid endarterectomy (n = 1), or carotid-to-carotid bypass (n = 1). Thus, the data set included 62 patients and 115 vessels. Bland-Altman analysis was used to examine the agreement between two measures of luminal reduction measured by CTA: percent diameter stenosis and percent area stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine optimal PSV and EDV thresholds for diagnosing ≥50% CCA stenosis. Results Severity of CCA stenosis was 182 cm/sec was the most accurate with a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 88% ( P P P = NS). ROC analysis of different EDV thresholds for detecting CCA stenosis ≥50% showed that >30 cm/sec was the most accurate with a sensitivity of 54% and a specificity of 74% ( P Conclusions Duplex ultrasonography is highly sensitive, specific, and accurate for detecting CCA lesions in the mid and distal CCA. Use of peak systolic velocity may lead to improved detection of CCA disease and initiation of appropriate therapy to reduce the risk of stroke.
Density‐Dependent modulatioon of vascular smooth muscle α‐actin biosynthetic processing in differntiated BC3H1 myogenic cells

The expression of vasuclar smooth muscle (VSM) α-actin mRNA during BC3H1 myogenic cell differentiation is specifically stimulated by conditions of high cell density. Non-proteolytic dissociation of cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts in post-confluent cultures of BC3H1 myocytes using EDTA promotes loss of the differentiated morphological phenotype. EDTA-dispersed myocytes exhibit an undifferentiated fibroblastoid appearance and contained reduced levels of both VSM and skeletal α-actin mRNA. Muscle α-actin mRNA levels in EDTA-dispersed myocytes were not restored to that observed in confluent myocyte preparations by experimental manipulation of cell density conditions. Pulse-labeling techniques using L-[35S] cysteine to identify muscle actin biosynthetic intermediates revelated that EDTA-dispersed myocytes expressed nascent forms of both the VSM and skeletal muscle α-actin polypetide chains. However EDTA-dispersed myocytes were less effieicent in the post-translational processing of immautre VSM α-actin compared to non-dispersed myocytes. Simple cell-to-cell contact may mediate VSM α-actin processing efficiency since high-density preparations of EDTA-dispersed myocytes processed more VSM α-actin intermediate than myocytes plated at low density. The actin isoform selectivity of the response to modulation of intercellular contacts suggests that actin biosynthesis in BC3H1 myogenic cells involves mehcanisms capable of discriminating between different isoform classes of nascent actin polypetide chains. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Human factors and linguistic considerations: keys to high-speed Chinese character input

With a keyboard and supporting system developed at Cornell University, input methods used to identify ideographs are adaptations of well-known schemes; innovation is in the addition of automatic machine selection of ambiguously identified characters.The unique feature of the Cornell design is that a certain amount of intelligence has been built into the machine. This allows an operator to take advantage of the fact that about 60% of Chinese characters in text are paired with other characters to form two-syllable compounds or phrase words. In speech and writing these pairings eliminate about 95% of the ambiguities created by ambiguously identified syllables.
The projective representations of the hyperoctahedral group

Abstract The hyperoctahedral group (the Weyl group of the root system Bn) has seven distinct nonsplit double covers (for n ⩾ 4), and hence, seven families of projective representations. We give constructions of all the irreducible representations of these seven double covers in terms of symmetric group representations, and determine the associated character tables. As a corollary, we also obtain the irreducible projective representations and characters of the Weyl group of the root system Dn.
The Need for Screening, Assessment, and Treatment for Cognitive Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis: Results of a Multidisciplinary CMSC Consensus Conference, September 24, 2010.

Cognitive dysfunction is observed in about half of people with multiple sclerosis (MS), and MS health-care professionals face the challenge of screening, assessing, and treating patients for cognitive problems. Considering the inconsistent or limited empirical evidence to assist in this task, a multidisciplinary consensus conference of MS experts, sponsored by the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC), was held on September 24, 2010, to address these issues. Key articles from the literature on these topics were distributed prior to the meeting, and CMSC member professionals were surveyed on clinical practices related to screening, assessment, and treatment for cognitive problems. The purpose of the meeting was threefold: 1) to achieve a multidisciplinary perspective on practices for screening, monitoring, evaluating, and treating MS patients for cognitive problems; 2) to propose consensus candidate measures for screening and/or monitoring for cognitive problems in MS that neurologists or nurses ...
A Comparison of the Construct Validity of Three Measures of Negative Affectivity

This study assessed the construct validity of three measures of negative affectivity (NA) by examining their relationships with measures of job stressors, strains, and attitudes. The authors also examined the extent to which controlling for scores on NA attenuated relationships between job stressors and strains differently depending on the NA and strain measures examined. The authors hypothesized that (a) the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-NEM) and the NEO Five Factor Inventory-Neuroticism subscale (NEO-FFI-N) would have higher correlations with measures of somatic, emotional, and psychological distress type strains than with the Strain-Free Negative Affectivity (SFNA) Scale and that (b) greater attenuation between scores on measures of job stressors and somatic, emotional, and psychological type strains would be observed when NA was controlled using scores on the MPQ-NEM and the NEO-FFI-N versus the SFNA Scale. Findings supported these hypotheses.
Left ventricular function curve determined by echocardiography in patients with atrial fibrillation.

The left ventricular function curve was obtained in 14 patients with atrial fibrillation (af) by plotting the left ventricular stroke volume (SV) against end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) measured by echocardiography in 60-100 consecutive beats. Of the 14 patients, 7 had left ventricular failure due to a variety of cardiac abnormalities including CCM, perimyocarditis and AR. The other 7 patients with lone af who had normal LV function were used as normal controlsLV function curves in patients with ventricular failure were shifted downward and to the right of normal control curves. The slopes of LV function curves were decreased significantly in these patientsLV function curves shifted to the left and upwards and the slopes of the LV function curves were increased after treatment with digitalis and diuretics. In a patient with perimyocarditis and large pericardial effusion, LVEDV and SV were increased after treatment with diuretics alone, as a result of improved LV filling after disappearance of effusion. However, the LV function curve showed no shift and was situated on the extension of the curve before treatmentTo know the effect of potentiation on LVEDV-SV relation in af, endsystolic LV pressure-volume ratio was derived approximately from direct brachial artery pressure at dicrotic notch (BAP(DN))/LVESV and com-pared with the relative degree of cycle-length change. There was a significant correlation between BAP(DN)/LVESV and preceding/prepreceding RR interval, representing the possibility that the relation between LVEDV and SV in af was influenced by so-called potentiationAccordingly, LV function curve obtained from LVEDV-SV relation in af could be a modified function curve. Nevertheless, this reflects LV function documented by clinical symptoms and other widely utilized indices very well and is useful for assessing LV function
Elastic electron-nucleus scattering in a relativistic theory of nuclear structure☆

Abstract The transverse elastic form factor of 209 Bi is calculated using a Dirac wave function for the valence proton orbiting a relativistic Hartree 208 Pb core. Comparison is made with a corresponding nonrelativistic calculation, and relativistic interaction effects in the nuclear current operator are discussed.
The glucocorticoid receptor gene, longevity, and the complex disorders of Western societies.

O lucocorticoids, one of the most pervasive hormones in humans, contribute greatly to the maintenance of resting and stress-related hoeostasis (1,2). These steroid hormones reach all tissues, ncluding the brain; readily penetrate cell membranes; nd interact with ubiquitous cytoplasmic/nuclear gluocorticoid receptors throughout the body (3). Gluocorticoids exert markedly diverse actions on the exression of the human genome, with affected genes panning almost all tissues, systems, and functions. The ervasiveness of glucocorticoids is underscored by the nding that up to 20% of the expressed genome of a huan leukocyte is responsive to these hormones in either a timulatory or inhibitory fashion (4). In this issue of the Journal, van Rossum et al (5) decribe a convincing association between the ER22/23EK olymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene and ncreased longevity related to a healthier metabolic prole in a population of well characterized, elderly Dutch en. These polymorphisms were previously associated ith subtle relative glucocorticoid resistance (6). The urrent study follows others by using a similar rationale nd examining how glucocorticoid receptor gene polyorphisms relate to other measurements: the response of he hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to a standardzed socioemotional stimulus; arterial blood pressure; ody mass index; markers of the metabolic syndrome, uch as plasma cholesterol, fasting insulin and leptin levls; and bone mineral density (7,8). The findings of this tudy and others like it represent only the tip of an imense iceberg that goes beyond glucocorticoids and their ignaling system and transcends the association of a speific metabolic profile with longevity.
Natural enemies ofLymantria dispar [Lep.: Lymantriidae] eggs in Central Pennsylvania, U.S.A., and a review of the world literature on natural enemies ofL. dispar eggs

We present the results of a survey for natural enemies of eggs of the gypsy moth,Lymantria dispar (L.)(Lep.: Lymantriidae), in central Pennsylvania, along with a review of the world literature on the natural enemies of gypsy moth eggs. In Pennsylvania, the parasites wereOoencyrtus kuvanae (Howard)(Hym.: Encyrtidae) (by far the most abundant),Dibrachys cavus (Walker)(Hym.: Pteromalidae), andPediobius sp.(Hym.: Eulophidae). The predators were primarily ants(Hym.: Formicidae), but other predators included beetle larvae(Col.: Cantharidae, Dermestidae, Trogositidae), lacewing larvae(Neur.: Chrysopidae), bugs(Hem.: Pentatomidae), and mites(Acari). The parasiteO. kuvanae was in turn preyed upon by spiders(Araneida) and aPhymata sp.(Hem.: Phymatidae). Total predation of gypsy moth eggs averaged 11%, occurring at a constant rate of ca 0.6% per week throughout the summer and autumn. The greatest predation occurred nearer the ground with no differences among either aspect on the tree or tree species on which the egg mass was located. A negative association was discovered betweenO. kuvanae andD. cavus, but not betweenO. kuvanae andPediobius sp. Throughout the world, gypsy moth egg parasites and hyperparasites have been recorded from 6 different hymenopterous families; egg predators have been found in 13 families representing 5 orders of arthropods. Vertebrate predators of gypsy moth eggs are in 6 families of birds and 3 families of mammals.
The peptide near the C terminus regulates receptor CAR nuclear translocation induced by xenochemicals in mouse liver.

In response to phenobarbital (PB) and other PB-type inducers, the nuclear receptor CAR translocates to the mouse liver nucleus (T. Kawamoto et al., Mol. Cell. Biol. 19:6318–6322, 1999). To define the translocation mechanism, fluorescent protein-tagged human CAR (hCAR) was expressed in the mouse livers using the in situ DNA injection and gene delivery systems. As in the wild-type hCAR, the truncated receptor lacking the C-terminal 10 residues (i.e., AF2 domain) translocated to the nucleus, indicating that the PB-inducible translocation is AF2 independent. Deletion of the 30 C-terminal residues abolished the receptor translocation, and subsequent site-directed mutagenesis delineated the PB-inducible translocation activity of the receptor to the peptide L313GLL316AEL319. Ala mutations of Leu313, Leu316, or Leu319 abrogated the translocation of CAR in the livers, while those of Leu312 or Leu315 did not affect the nuclear translocation. The leucine-rich peptide dictates the nuclear translocation of hCAR in response to various PB-type inducers and appears to be conserved in the mouse and rat receptors.