cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DIETARY SILVER NANOPARTICLES REDUCE FITNESS IN A BENEFICIAL, BUT NOT PEST, INSECT SPECIES

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have antimicrobial and insecticidal properties and they have been considered for their potential use as insecticides. While they do, indeed, kill some insects, two broader issues have not been considered in a critical way. First, reports of insect-lethal AgNPs are often based on simplistic methods that yield nanoparticles of nonuniform shapes and sizes, leaving questions about the precise treatments test insects experienced. Second, we do not know how AgNPs influence beneficial insects. This work addresses these issues. We assessed the influence of AgNPs on life history parameters of two agricultural pest insect species, Heliothis virescens (tobacco budworm) and Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper) and a beneficial predatory insect species, Podisus maculiventris (spined soldier bug), all of which act in agroecosystems. Rearing the two pest species on standard media amended with AgNPs led to negligible influence on developmental times, pupal weights, and adult emergence, however, they led to retarded development, reductions in adult weight and fecundity, and increased mortality in the predator. These negative effects on the beneficial species, if also true for other beneficial insect species, would have substantial negative implications for continued development of AgNPs for insect pest management programs.
Current Issues and Evolving Trends

In this final chapter, current issues and implications for the future of DQ will be discussed. Evolving trends that are relevant to leadership and career development with regard to diversity will also be examined.
An architecture for the cooperation of heterogeneous operating systems

The DAC Network Operating System (DACNOS) was designed to support resource sharing in a world of interconnected heterogeneous computing systems. The prototype implementation demonstrates that it is feasible to add powerful and flexible means for distributed cooperation to an operating system without affecting its existing individual interfaces and applications. The authors describe the important design issues of DACNOS and their experiences with the implementation and performance of a prototype. Particular emphasis is put on the portability of the NOS software and on the design of the interface to the NOS kernel that provides the facilities for distributed cooperation. It is shown by an example how this set of facilities eases the implementation of distributed applications by taking most of the burden of distribution, access protection, resource management and data representation away from the programmer. >
First and second trimester gestational weight gains are most strongly associated with cord blood levels of hormones at delivery important for glycemic control and somatic growth.

Abstract Background Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes for mothers and offspring. Early, mid, and late pregnancy GWGs have different associations with fetal growth and later life adiposity, but associations with cord blood hormones, which might predict later health, are not well studied. Methods In 978 pregnant women from the pre-birth Project Viva cohort, we calculated trimester-specific GWG using clinically recorded prenatal weights. Outcomes were levels of umbilical cord blood hormones related to fetal and postnatal growth. We used linear regression models adjusted for maternal race/ethnicity, pre-pregnancy BMI, parity, education, pregnancy smoking status and child sex; 2nd and 3rd trimester models were additionally adjusted for GWG in prior trimesters. Results Mean ± SD pre-pregnancy BMI was 24.9 ± 5.5 kg/m 2 , 30% were non-white, and 63% were college graduates. Mean ± SD cord blood hormone levels were insulin-like growth factor [IGF]-1 (56.4 ± 24.3 ng/mL), IGF-2 (408.5 ± 92.7 ng/mL), IGFBP-3 (1084 ± 318 ng/mL), insulin (6.5 ± 7.2 uU/mL), C-peptide (1.0 ± 0.6 ng/mL), leptin (9.0 ± 6.6 ng/mL) and adiponectin (28.7 ± 6.8 μg/mL). Mean ± SD 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester GWG rates were 0.22 ± 0.22, 0.49 ± 0.19 and 0.46 ± 0.22 kg/wk. Greater 1st trimester GWG (per 0.2 kg/wk) was associated with higher insulin (0.5 uU/mL; 95% CI 0.1, 0.9) and C-peptide (0.06 ng/mL; 95% CI 0.02, 0.09) and lower adiponectin (−0.4 μg/mL; 95% CI − 0.9, 0.0). Greater 2nd trimester GWG (per 0.2 kg/wk) was associated with higher IGF-1 (2.3 ng/mL; 95% CI 0.6, 4.0), IGF-2 (7.9 ng/mL; 95% CI 1.2, 14.6), IGFBP-3 (41.6 ng/mL; 95% CI 19.4, 63.7) and leptin (0.9 ng/mL; 0.4, 1.4). 3rd trimester GWG was not associated with cord blood hormones. Conclusion 1st trimester weight gain appears to matter more for cord blood hormones related to offspring glucose/insulin regulation, whereas 2nd trimester gain matters more for hormones related to growth and adiposity.
Strategies for Translating Evidence-Based Medicine in Lung Cancer into Community Practice

The landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment has rapidly evolved over the past decade. This is exemplified by the use of molecular targeted agents, immunotherapies, and newer technologies such as stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT). As the translation of preclinical discoveries into clinical practice continues, the effective dissemination and implementation of evidence-based treatment of NSCLC will remain a foremost challenge for oncologists. To further extend evidence-based medicine into the community setting, community oncologists are being engaged on multiple fronts including leadership and participation in national clinical trials and utilization of internet-based resources.
Abstract 288: Mice With Disruptive Egfr Signaling In The Aortic Valves Develop Calcific Aortic Valve Stenosis

Calcific aortic valve stenosis is a major health problem. Despite its clinical importance, the pathogenesis of this condition remains illusive. Aortic valves are made of endothelial cells and interstitial cells, both are derived from the endocardial cells of the heart during development. We have developed a new mouse model, Nfatc1-Cre, to specifically study the biology of the valve cells during valve development. In this study, we deleted epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) in the aortic valves using the Nfatc1-Cre and showed by histological and biochemical analyses that this deletion caused a spectrum of pathological characteristics of human calcific aortic valve stenosis. They include increased proliferation and dedifferentiation of the valve interstitial cells, abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, bone-like formation and calcification. The null mice eventually developed the left ventricular dysfunction, presumably secondary to the stenotic aortic valves. We also revealed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT-PCR the changes in gene expression involved in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or osteogenic activities. Altogether, these results demonstrate that Egfr signaling in the valve endothelial and interstitial cells regulates the homeostasis of the aortic valves and suggest that patients with mutations or medications affecting the Egfr signaling may be at the risk to develop calcific aortic valve stenosis. Our study also provides the proof-of-principle data showing that the Nfatc1-Cre is a useful genetic tool to elucidate the valve-specific gene function involved in the valve homeostasis and disease.
Predicting neutron damage using TEM with in situ ion irradiation and computer modeling

Abstract We have constructed a computer model of irradiation defect production closely coordinated with TEM and in situ ion irradiation of Molybdenum at 80 °C over a range of dose, dose rate and foil thickness. We have reexamined our previous ion irradiation data to assign appropriate error and uncertainty based on more recent work. The spatially dependent cascade cluster dynamics model is updated with recent Molecular Dynamics results for cascades in Mo. After a careful assignment of both ion and neutron irradiation dose values in dpa, TEM data are compared for both ion and neutron irradiated Mo from the same source material. Using the computer model of defect formation and evolution based on the in situ ion irradiation of thin foils, the defect microstructure, consisting of densities and sizes of dislocation loops, is predicted for neutron irradiation of bulk material at 80 °C and compared with experiment. Reasonable agreement between model prediction and experimental data demonstrates a promising direction in understanding and predicting neutron damage using a closely coordinated program of in situ ion irradiation experiment and computer simulation.
Emissive Synthetic Cofactors: An Isomorphic, Isofunctional, and Responsive NAD+ Analogue.

The synthesis, photophysics, and biochemical utility of a fluorescent NAD+ analogue based on an isothiazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine core (NtzAD+) are described. Enzymatic reactions, photophysically monitored in real time, show NtzAD+ and NtzADH to be substrates for yeast alcohol dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase, respectively, with reaction rates comparable to that of the native cofactors. A drop in fluorescence is seen as NtzAD+ is converted to NtzADH, reflecting a complementary photophysical behavior to that of the native NAD+/NADH. NtzAD+ and NtzADH serve as substrates for NADase, which selectively cleaves the nicotinamide’s glycosidic bond yielding tzADP-ribose. NtzAD+ also serves as a substrate for ribosyl transferases, including human adenosine ribosyl transferase 5 (ART5) and Cholera toxin subunit A (CTA), which hydrolyze the nicotinamide and transfer tzADP-ribose to an arginine analogue, respectively. These reactions can be monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy, in stark contrast to the correspond...
When creek meets river: Exploiting high-bandwidth circuit switch in scheduling multicast data

Data multicast is an important data traffic pattern in today's data center running big data oriented applications. The physical layer multicast capability enabled by the emerging technologies used to build circuit switches exhibits huge benefit in transferring multicast data. This paper tackles the problem of scheduling multicast data transfer in high-bandwidth circuit switch. The scheduler aims at minimizing the average demand completion time to deliver the most benefit to the applications. Our algorithm exhibits up to 13.4× improvement comparing with the state-of-the-art solution.
Electronic medical record use and perceived medical error reduction

Purpose The purpose of this article is to present the findings of a research study conducted to find the perceptions of medical professionals about reduction in medical errors using electronic medical records (EMR). It presents the relationship between EMR use in medical facilities and reduction in medical errors. The use of EMR can lead to competitive advantages in the healthcare environment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based upon perceptions of 99 medical professionals who use EMR in their practice in Arizona, USA. Findings The paper presents the medical professionals who use EMR reduced medical errors, wrong site surgery, improper dosage delivery to a patient, wrong medication, etc. by 50 to 60%. Research limitations/implications This paper is limited to perceived reductions in medical errors because the actual number of errors is either unavailable or medical professionals are unwilling to provide. Future research should seek conducting database searches to find medical malpractice lawsu...
Spillover Effects of Medicare Fee Reductions: Evidence from Ophthalmology

Relatively little research has examined physicians' supply responses to Medicare fee cuts especially whether fee reductions for specific procedures have "spillover" effects that cause physicians to increase the supply of other services they provide. In this study we investigate whether ophthalmologist changed their provision of non-cataract services to Medicare patients over the time period 1992-1994, when the Medicare Fee Schedule (MFS) resulted in a 17.4% reduction in the average fee paid for a cataract extraction. Following the McGuire-Pauly model of physician behavior (McGuire and Pauly, 1991), we estimated a supply function for non-cataract procedures that included three price variables (own-price, a Medicare cross-price and a private cross-price) and an income effect. The Medicare cross-price and income variables capture spillover effects. Consistent with the model's predictions, we found that the Medicare cross-price is significant and negative, implying that a 10% reduction in the fee for a cataract extraction will cause ophthalmologists to supply about 5% more non-cataract services. Second, the income variable is highly significant, but its impact on the supply of non-cataract services is trivial. The suggests that physicians behave more like profit maximizing firms than target income seekers. We also found that the own-price and the private cross-price variables are highly significant and have the expected positive and negative effects on the volume of non-cataract services respectively. Our results demonstrate the importance of evaluating volume responses to fee changes for the array of services the physician performs, not just the procedure whose fee has been reduced. Focusing only on the procedure whose fee has been cut will yield an incomplete picture of how fee reductions for specific procedures affect physician supply decisions.
Isoforms (conformations?) of turkey gizzard myosin light chain kinase: separation by anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography.

Myosin light chain kinase illustrates well how an enzyme simultaneously affects and is affected by interlocking pieces in the puzzle of smooth muscle regulation. Coincident with binding calcium-calmodulin (Ca2+-CaM), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) is apparently released from pseudosubstrate inhibition and allowed to phosphorylate its substrate, the regulatory myosin light chain (MLC) (Pearson et al., 1988). These events at least facilitate (Sobieszek, 1977; Persechini et al., 1981), and probably trigger, (Itoh et al., 1989) the initiation of contraction in smooth muscle.
Healthy Stepfamily Functioning

Stepfamilies are the fastest growing family form in the country. Although clinicians note the need for different family patterns for stepfamilies, those differences have not been identified and emp...
Profiling of transcription factor activation by androgen receptor in androgen dependent and androgen independent xenograft prostate tumors

4517 Acquisition of resistance to androgen ablation therapy by prostate tumors during androgen deprivation remains a major obstacle to the effective treatment of prostate cancer. One of the reasons for development of androgen-independent prostate tumors following anti-androgen therapy is abnormal functioning of the androgen receptor (AR) as a nuclear receptor. The complexity of androgen-mediated regulation of gene transcription is developed from the ability of the AR to modulate transcription of a variety of genes through activation or inactivation of a number of transcription factors. To identify transcription factors that are activated or inactivated in response to androgen treatment or deprivation, we used human xenograft prostate tumors at different stages of androgen sensitivity or refractoriness. We used a novel protein-DNA interaction based method, TranSignal protein-DNA array, to profile activation status of transcription factors. We used crude nuclear extracts of five human prostate xenograft CWR22 tumors and a prostate cancer cell line to monitor the binding ability of transcription factors to specific response elements upon activation from a pool of 54 unique transcription factor binding sequences. Various CWR22 tumors include tumors from a) intact mice (Ctr), b) from castrated mice (Cstr), c) from castrated mice with androgen pellets implanted (CstrA), d) mice injected with androgen-independent human tumor cells (R), and e) mice exhibiting relapsed tumors after castration (RUI). We also used PC3AR cells, a stably transfected PC3 cell line capable of expressing androgen receptor and PSA, with or without treatment with DHT. Our studies using CWR22 human prostate cancer xenograft tumors showed differential activation of a number of transcription factors between tumors from castrated and androgen supplemented castrates. This includes AP-2 (1), CREB, E2F, GATA-1-binding protein, GRE, NF-1, NFATc, NF-E1, NF-E2, NFkB, Pit1, Sp1, TRDR4 and USF-1 transcription factors following androgen treatment. Direct binding of some of the transcription factors to their cognate response elements are validated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. The overall pattern of the response element occupancy indicates a higher number of transcription factors are DNA-bound in Ctr, CstrA and RUI tumors compared to the Cstr tumor, which suggests possible induction of transcription of specific genes involved in progression of tumor growth in response to androgen. Increased activation of transcription factors in RUI tumors, whereas, reflects possible onset of an androgen-independent mechanism mediated by either AR or through an AR bypass mechanism.
Fabrication of a Temperature Monitoring System

Here we present the fabrication of a compact resistance temperature detector (RTD) for temperature measurement applications that would benefit from a small-scale temperature sensor. The RTD was developed by photopatterning chromium/nickel (Cr/Ni) film on a glass substrate as the sensing element. The resulting device was designed to exhibit a resistance of $100 \ \Omega$ at 20 °C. An Anderson loop circuit was used to supply a constant current source to the RTD, wherein its voltage was measured and used as an indicator of resistance. This voltage reading was then fed into a microcontroller, where the analog signal was converted to a digital signal using an Analog-to-Digital Converter before final transmission via a built-in transceiver to a second microcontroller. The received ADC signal was then fed into the temperature-resistance mapping function, and a temperature was determined. The fabricated RTD sensor can operate in a linear dynamic range of 24 °C to 60 °C with a sensitivity of 1 mV/°C. The measurement capability and sensitivity of this sensor makes it particularly applicable for point-wise mapping of environmental conditions for advanced process control in museums.
NEW CONCEPTS IN THRUST AUGMENTOR EJECTORS

An investigation of both an experimental and theoretical nature has been conducted into the use of a subsonic conventional ejector as a thrust augmentor. A new effectiveness performance parameter, EN, was derived in this investigation and has proved a useful tool in comparing different thrust augmentor designs. Moderate ejector diffuser area ratios, around 1.5:1, were round to he more favourable for thrust augmentation. This dis(')very proves a new concept in ejector augmentor design which is more suitablc in airfield applications.
Ribosomal subunits affected by antibiotic resistance mutations at seven chloroplast loci in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Mutations at seven recombinationally distinct chloroplast loci confer antibiotic resistance on chloroplast ribosomes of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Assays of polynucleotide-directed amino acid incorporation by ribosomes reconstituted from mutant and wild type subunits demonstrate that streptomycin, neamine/kanamycin and spectinomycin resistance mutations specifically affect the small ribosomal subunit, whereas mutations to erythromycin resistance affect the large subunit. Although in each case the subunit site of antibiotic resistance is the same as that observed in analogous mutations in Escherichia coli, the number of loci conferring resistance to a given antibiotic differs in the two organisms. We have previously shown that streptomycin resistance mutations in Chlamydomonas map at five discrete loci (one nuclear and four chloroplast), and that mutations to neamine/kanamycin and spectinomycin resistance appear to define a single chloroplast locus. Results presented here confirm our previous report that all chloroplast erythromycin resistance mutations isolated to date fall into two recombinationally distinct loci, and indicate that mutants at one of these loci may be further divided on the basis of their level of cross resistance to other macrolide antibiotics.
Punctal Disorders, Malpositions, and Management

The superior and inferior lacrimal puncta are the gatekeepers to the lacrimal excretory system. The relationship of the puncta to the ocular surface and the tear lake is paramount for proper functioning of the lacrimal apparatus. Proper clinical evaluation of the anatomy is outlined, including important considerations of punctal patency and apposition to the globe. The role and potential complications of punctal plugs for dry eye are also discussed. Congenital, acquired, and iatrogenic causes of punctal disorders are outlined, with surgical management highlighted for the most common conditions that distort the structure and function of the lacrimal puncta.
A Novel Deployable Compact Lens Antenna Based on Gradient-Index Metamaterials

With the advent of small-scale satellite technologies, there has been significant interest in developing deployable antennas for CubeSat and SmallSat projects. This paper introduces a novel concept of deployable lenses based on impedance matching gradient index (GRIN) metamaterials. The three-dimensional lens antenna consists of multi-layer microstrip square-ring units of variable sizes distributed on planar substrates to satisfy the required refractive index distribution. The attractiveness of this new lens is its high performance and low-profile. Developing lenses within this paradigm opens the door for many new applications which require compact and high-gain antennas.
PD-1 signaling promotes control of chronic viral infection by restricting type-I-interferon-mediated tissue damage

Immune responses are essential for pathogen elimination but also cause tissue damage, leading to disease or death. However, it is unclear how the host immune system balances control of infection and protection from the collateral tissue damage. Here, we show that PD-1-mediated restriction of immune responses is essential for durable control of chronic LCMV infection in mice. In contrast to responses in the chronic phase, PD-1 blockade in the subacute phase of infection paradoxically results in viral persistence. This effect is associated with damage to lymphoid architecture and subsequently decreases adaptive immune responses. Moreover, this tissue damage is type I interferon dependent, as sequential blockade of the interferon receptor and PD-1 pathways prevents immunopathology and enhances control of infection. We conclude that PD-1-mediated suppression is required as an immunoregulatory mechanism for sustained responses to chronic viral infection by antagonizing type-I interferon-dependent immunopathology.
Exploring the impact of resident proximity to wildfires in the northern Rocky Mountains: Perceptions of climate change risks, drought, and policy

Abstract Wildfire disaster risks are being heighted globally due to climate change. Here, we present a United States-based wildfire case study of the northern Rocky Mountains to investigate links between wildfire experience, knowledge, and perceived risk due to climate change and potential policy support for two internationally relevant strategies: land management and private/public collaboration. The 2017 fire season was one of the worst on record in the northern Rocky Mountains resulting in billions of dollars in damage and multiple casualties warranting exploration. In order to inform wildfire policy pertaining to forest land management and private/public collaboration, a survey (N = 1154) was conducted in August of 2017 among residents of 34 counties in the northern Rocky Mountains who had either experienced a close proximate large wildfire (n = 611) or had not (n = 543). Consistent with construal level theory, residents who perceived climate change is occurring had a clearer understanding of the link between climate change and local conditions (e.g., drought). Those who experienced a wildfire were more likely to support adaptive policies (i.e., land management changes, increased private/public collaboration). Residents who experienced a wildfire but did not perceive climate change risks (experienced/no risk) were less likely to attribute wildfires to drought conditions and more likely to support land management initiatives. Residents who experienced a wildfire and perceived climate change risks (experienced/risk) were more supportive of collaboration, but not land management initiatives. Theory application and implications are discussed.
Influence of hydrogen on dwell-fatigue response of near-alpha titanium alloys

Abstract The prior studies have investigated the influence of internal hydrogen on dwell-fatigue behavior of near-α titanium alloys primarily in the lamellar microstructural condition. In the current study, the effects of internal hydrogen, in the range 10–230 ppm (by weight), on the dwell-fatigue behavior of Ti-6242Si alloy were investigated. The examined alloy had a bimodal microstructure comprising approximately 70 vol% primary α grains and 30 vol% transformed β regions. The dwell-fatigue life generally increased with increasing hydrogen content. The dwell-fatigue lives were longer by a factor of as high as 6 for high (≥150 ppm) hydrogen contents than for the low ( 150 ppm) hydrogen contents. Specifically, these facets were inclined at ∼8 – 17° from the basal plane. Therefore, the longer dwell-fatigue lives observed for the alloys with hydrogen contents ≥150 ppm could not be explained on the basis of any differences in crystallography of the facets at crack-initiation sites. The longer dwell-fatigue lives for higher hydrogen contents can be explained within the framework of time-dependent load shedding from the soft microtextured regions (MTRs) to the hard MTRs if the local stress redistribution at the soft MTR/hard MTR boundary due to the hold at maximum load is reduced with increasing hydrogen content.
eB4CAST Approach Improves Science Communication With Stakeholders in a College-Based Health Program

Communicating scientific results with community partners is often lacking in intervention programs, thus eB4CAST was developed to facilitate impact sharing. This article investigated using the eB4CAST dissemination tool to communicate impact from a campus-based obesity prevention program. Data from Get Fruved RCT university sites collected at baseline were used to generate eB4CAST reports. Experts (n = 13) and RCT sites (n = 15) were asked to provide feedback on eB4CAST reports based on appeal, understanding, and clarity. On all Likert items, participants rated above 7 on each (out of 10). Positive responses from open-ended questions included eB4CAST reports being clear, visually appealing, and aid in program understanding. Overall, eB4CAST was successful in relaying data and information for the Get Fruved program, thus a means for science communication that could be used in interventions. Utilizing infographics to report data and information is a feasible way to disseminate and communicate in a cost-effective, timely manner.
Parole Rules in the United States: Conditions of Parole in Historical Perspective, 1956-2020

This article reports the results of our census of standard conditions of parole throughout the United States in 2020. Using in vivo qualitative content analysis, we coded standard conditions of par...
Understanding the environmental impact of phosphorus in acidic soils receiving repeated poultry litter applications.

With rising global demand of poultry products, a surge in poultry production would warrant safe disposal of waste byproducts such as poultry litter (PL). A dilemma exists over environmental phosphorus (P) loss risk and agronomic utilization of PL in highly weathered soils with high P fixation capacity. The objective of this study was to determine P forms and their distribution in highly weathered Piedmont soils located in high density poultry operation (HDPO) areas and evaluate environmental P loss risk using soil P storage capacity (SPSC) approach. Soil samples from agricultural fields with 10 ± 2 years PL application history were collected from surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm) depths. Approximately 64 ± 11% of total P was in non-reactive P (NRP) form, 35 ± 19% in moderately reactive P (MRP) forms, and < 1% in highly reactive P (HRP) form. Phosphorus sorption index (PSI) was higher in subsurface (316 L kg-1) compared to surface soils (150 L kg-1). The SPSC calculated based on a distinct soil threshold P saturation ratio (PSR; ratio of P/[Al + Fe], all elements expressed in moles) was higher in subsurface (17 mg kg-1) than surface (-150 mg kg-1) soils. Repeated application of PL resulted in P saturation of surface soils (SPSC<0) and represents a source of P to the environment. The NRP form decreased, and MRP forms increased when a) soil test P (STP) rating transitioned from low to extremely high, and b) SPSC changed from positive to negative. Results indicate that P release in soil solution is predominantly controlled by buffering action of MRP forms since HRP was minimal and NRP is mostly unavailable in highly weathered soils. A holistic approach that includes STP for maintaining agronomic productivity along with SPSC to minimize environmental P loss risk will be desirable for sustainable management of PL in HDPO.
Provider Attitudes, Preferences, and Practices Regarding Sexual and Reproductive Health for Adolescents and Young Adults With Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract Purpose With improvements in life expectancy, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with sickle cell disease (SCD) increasingly face sexual and reproductive health (SRH) concerns. As subspecialists often serve as primary care providers for those with chronic disease, this study examines pediatric SCD providers' practices and attitudes related to SRH of AYA women with SCD. Methods We developed an adapted survey to identify SCD provider attitudes and practices in addressing menses, sexual activity, contraception, and pregnancy for their female patients. We electronically distributed this survey to the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology SCD interest group. We used descriptive statistics to analyze results. Results A total of 78 pediatric SCD providers completed the survey. A majority (95%) rated SRH discussions as moderately important or higher, with 89% agreeing this care should be standardized. Most respondents reported discussing SRH, such as menses (78%), teratogenic medications (61%), and contraception (90%), with their female patients with SCD at least annually. Although most refer AYAs with SCD for birth control (83%), 39% endorsed a preferred method, with 33% of these favoring levonorgestrel intrauterine devices in this population and 40% injectable contraception. Approximately half of respondents (57%) reported that the use of combined hormonal contraceptives was unacceptable despite published guidelines that support potential benefits outweighing theoretical risk in AYAs with SCD. Conclusions The range of SRH conversations and contraceptive recommendations for AYAs from pediatric SCD providers is broad. SCD providers and AYAs with SCD would benefit from improved evidence and educational resources related to contraception as well as coordinated SRH counseling.
Walking energetics and fatigue are associated with physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Abstract Background Aberrant biomechanics may influence osteoarthritis-associated physical activity limitations. Our purpose was to evaluate the association of walking energetics, fatigue, and fatigability on physical activity in people with knee osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that using increased energy for walking, experiencing more fatigue, or being more fatigable are associated with less activity, and that fatigue and fatigability mediate the relationships between walking energetics and physical activity. Methods We tested our hypothesis in 30 people with knee osteoarthritis (age 58 ± 9 years, 10 Male/20 Female). Physical activity was assessed using the University of California Los Angeles score. We used a six-minute walk test to predict VO2max. Next we used a portable oxygen exchange system to measure relative energy used (100 * VO2rate/VO2max) and VO2cost during walking at preferred speeds. We used the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale to quantify pain, and the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Instrument System Fatigue survey and a treadmill-based fatigability test to assess fatigue and fatigability. Spearman correlations, regression, and mediation analysis were used to test our hypotheses. Findings Greater energy used during walking, fatigue, and fatigability were all associated with lower physical activity (rho = −0.585 to −0.379, P = 0.001 to 0.043). These associations persisted when incorporating pain into the models. Fatigue and fatigability mediated the associations between walking energetics and physical activity. Interpretation Walking energetics could be a useful target to promote physical activity in people with osteoarthritis. Further, the effect of walking energetics on physical activity may work through its impact on fatigability.
Regulation of Metabolism

Publisher Summary Catecholamines activate β-adrenergic receptors (β-ARs) in the liver and stimulate hepatic glucose production by multiple mechanisms. Glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis are enhanced, whereas glycogen synthesis is inhibited. In addition to stimulating the entry of glucose into the bloodstream, catecholamines decrease plasma glucose clearance by both direct (β)- and indirect (α)-adrenergic mechanisms. These multiple catecholamine effects are synergistic as they all serve to increase plasma glucose concentrations. These mechanisms become physiologically important in the setting of hypoglycemia, the classical stimulus to epinephrine (EPI) secretion by the adrenal medulla. Thus, the autonomic activation associated with hypoglycemia serves the ultimate purpose of mobilizing endogenous substrates for glucose production and increasing glucose concentrations in the bloodstream so that the central nervous system's demand for its obligatory fuel can be met. Catecholamines also act directly on adipose tissue to stimulate fat breakdown. This is a β1-adrenergic effect involving adenyl cyclase-mediated activation of hormone-sensitive triacylglycerol lipase, the enzyme that cleaves triglyceride in the adipose tissue into fatty acids and glycerol. Insulin inhibits catecholamine-induced lipolysis; thus, catecholamine-mediated suppression of insulin secretion is synergistic with the direct catecholamine effects on adipose tissue.
Update on distribution system fault location technologies and effectiveness

Automatic fault location is an area of significant interest and research in the industry. This paper provides an update on the work performed to date with various utilities and the fault location systems. Basic information on the techniques used to locate faults is provided as well as several examples of where these techniques have been deployed.
Chapter 32 Surficial characterization of dioxin in Midland, Michigan, using non-euclidean geostatistics

Abstract Much research has been done characterizing surficial contaminants using geostatistics or other spatial estimation technique. This chapter examines the use of a non-Euclidean distance metric combined with geostatistical techniques to model the surficial distribution of dioxins in Imerman Park near Midland, Michigan. This chapter also examines the applicability of geostatistics to small data sets. An overview of the dioxin sampling in Midland, MI, will be examined, followed by a brief overview of geostatistical theory, variogram modeling, and the use of non-Euclidean distance metrics to capture the geologic processes. Preliminary results of a case study evaluating the surficial dioxin distribution in Imerman Park downstream from the Dow Midland plants will then be presented, comparing the use of a flood plain non-Euclidean distance norm versus a Euclidean distance norm.
The Fund Agreement in the Courts IV

In National Bank of Belgium v. Bank of the Belgian Congo and National Committee of the Kivu,' the First Chamber of the Belgian Court of Cassation dealt with the question of the legal price of gold in circumstances of unusual interest. The case involved the consideration of Article IV, Section 2, of the Fund Agreement, which was incorporated into Belgian law by the Law of December 26, 1945 approving the Final Act of the Bretton Woods Conference.2 The prices at which the National Bank of Belgium buys and sells gold are determined by the Bank under the authority of the Order of the Council of Ministers No. 6 of May 1, 1944.3 Article 1 of this Order provides that:
Investigation of γ-ray induced polymer formation in the carboranes—VII: Indo calculations of the dipole moment and charge transfer of a series of substituted carboranes

Abstract INDO calculations were carried out on a series of organo-substituted ortho carboranes to determine the dipole moment and its orientation. These calculated values, when compared to the experimentally determined dipole moments, are too large by a factor of two. The dipole moment is oriented toward the mid-point between the C1 and C2 cage carbon positions. These calculations also indicate that the substituted carboranes pump electron density into the cage. The implications of this electron pumping on the radiation-induced polymerization of the substituted carboranes are discussed.
Postnatal development of laminar innervation patterns by monoaminergic fibers in monkey (Macaca fascicularis) primary visual cortex

Immunohistochemical methods are used to characterize the distribution of noradrenergic and serotonergic fibers in primary visual cortex of cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) at various postnatal ages. Previous studies in adult squirrel monkeys have shown that serotonergic fibers are generally restricted to the upper four cortical laminae and are especially dense in layer IV, whereas noradrenergic fibers are especially dense in layers V and VI, moderate in layers I, II, and III, and virtually absent in layer IV (Morrison, J. H., S. L. Foote, M. E. Molliver, F. E. Bloom, and H. G. W. Lidov (1982) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2401–2405; Morrison, J. H., S. L. Foote, D. O'Connor, and F. E. Bloom (1982) Brain Res. Bull. 9: 309–319). Since these monoamines, especially norepinephrine, have been hypothesized to play an essential role in the developmental plasticity of visual cortex organization (e.g., Kasamatsu, T., and J. D. Pettigrew (1976) Science 194: 206–209; Pettigrew, J. D., and T. Kasamatsu (1978) Nature 271: 761–763), the present study examined the postnatal development of these innervation patterns, especially just before and just after the reported “critical period” for visual plasticity. A dense serotonergic innervation of layer IV is present at birth along with sparse innervation of other laminae. The adult pattern of serotonergic innervation, which is similar to that in the squirrel monkey but even more specifically laminated, becomes evident by 6 weeks of age. In the adult pattern, the most dense innervation remains in layers IVb and IVc. A much lower density of noradrenergic than of serotonergic fibers is evident at all ages examined. As with serotonin, the lowest density of fibers is observed at birth. By about 2 months of age these noradrenergic fibers have become more dense, and their laminar distribution is similar to that of adult cynomolgus which is similar to adult squirrel monkey. These studies indicate that: (1) both types of innervation display a continuum of development, with no abrupt changes, (2) serotonergic innervation is more dense than noradrenergic innervation at every age examined, (3) these two transmitter systems exhibit very different laminar innervation patterns as early as birth, and (4) the greater laminar specialization of area 17 in cynomolgus versus squirrel monkeys is accompanied by corresponding enhanced laminar specialization of these monoaminergic afferents.
Comparative Anthropology of Law

This Article reviews the history and current status of Legal Anthropology, a subfield of the general field of Sociocultural Anthropology. It describes successive transformations in the anthropological study of law and law-like systems across cultures and through time.
Miocene‐Pliocene exhumation along the west Salton detachment fault, southern California, from (U‐Th)/He thermochronometry of apatite and zircon

[1] The Salton Trough is the northernmost segment of the active Gulf of California oblique rift system. The main rift-related structure in the western Salton Trough is the low-angle west Salton detachment fault (WSDF). Footwall and hanging wall apatite and zircon (U-Th)/He ages record a significant contrast in thermal history across the WSDF, confirming Pliocene normal slip along the fault. Apatite (U-Th)/He ages record rapid exhumational cooling from ∼5 to ∼2 Ma, consistent with the timing of accelerated tectonic subsidence recorded in WSDF hanging wall sedimentary strata and consistent with the initiation age of dextral plate boundary slip on the southern San Andreas fault in the Salton Trough. Our results indicate that the WSDF caused at least 2.3–4 km of exhumation and >8–10 km of approximately E directed horizontal extension since ∼5 Ma. Slip rate of the WSDF at Yaqui Ridge was likely in the range of ∼2.3–5 km/Ma from ∼7 to ∼2 Ma. The WSDF may have been active well before ∼5 Ma. Middle Miocene apatite (U-Th)/He ages from samples at high elevations have steep age-elevation gradients and suggest that exhumation may have initiated by ∼12 Ma, about when subduction ceased along a large segment of the Baja California margin and consistent with the age of onset of extension in northeastern Baja California.
Laboratory vs. field experimentation in human factors--an evaluation of an experimental self-service airline ticket vendor.

Human response times in the experimental Automatic Ticket Vendor (ATV) system were studied first in a laboratory test with simulated operation of some parts of the system and then in a field test at the O'Hare airport in Chicago. Results for human response times were comparable in the two tests, but the field test answered other questions about consumer behavior and subjective reactions that could not be studied in the laboratory. This paper compares the test conditions and results and discusses the relative advantages of the two methods of testing for various purposes.
Antioxidant function of metallothioneins

Since the discovery of metallothionein in 1957, it has been accepted that the primary roles of this protein are: 1) detoxification of heavy metals, and 2) regulation of the metabolism of essential metals. Recently, studies have suggested an additional role for metallothionein as a free radical scavenger. This article reviews in vitro and in vivo evidence which supports the role for metallothionein in modulation of reactive oxygen species. J. Trace Elem. Exp. Med. 11:219–226, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Incorporation of Inorganic Nanoparticles into Mesoporous Carbons Synthesized by Soft Templating

Mesoporous carbon monoliths with embedded alumina and silica nanoparticles were synthesized using phloroglucinol and formaldehyde as carbon precursors and poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) block copolymer as a soft template. While the carbon mesostructure was not significantly affected by embedding silica nanoparticles (∼20 nm), this was not the case for the incorporation of alumina nanoparticles (∼50 nm). In the latter case a gradual reduction in the carbon mesoporosity was observed with increasing loading of alumina nanoparticles. Since various inorganic nanoparticles of different sizes and shapes are available commercially, the soft-templating synthesis route is a very promising way for the design of carbon-based materials with embedded nanoparticles of desired properties.
How Multiserver Queues Scale with Growing Congestion-Dependent Demand

We investigate how performance scales in the standardM/M/n queue in the presence of growing congestion-dependent customer demand. We scale the queue by letting the potential (congestion-free) arrival rate be proportional to the number of servers,n, and lettingn increase. We let the actual arrival rate withn servers be of the form ? n =f(? n)n, wheref is a strictly-decreasing continuous function and ? n is a steady-state congestion measure. We consider several alternative congestion measures, such as the mean waiting time and the probability of delay. We show, under minor regularity conditions, that for eachn there is a unique equilibrium pair (?* n ?* n) such that ?* n is the steady-state congestion associated with arrival rate ?* n, ?* n. Moreover, we show that, asn increases, the queue with the equilibrium arrival rate ?* n is brought into heavy traffic, but the three different heavy-traffic regimes for multiserver queues identified by Halfin and Whitt (1981) each can arise depending on the congestion measure used. In considerable generality, there is asymptotic service efficiency: the server utilization approaches one asn increases. Under the assumption of growing congestion-dependent demand, the service efficiency can be achieved even if there is significant uncertainty about the potential demand, because the actual arrival rate adjusts to the congestion.
Immunomodulation of the Anti-Islet CD8 T Cell Response by B7-2

The absence of diabetes in NOD mice devoid of B7-2 signifies a critical role played by B7-2 in promoting autoimmunity. We asked whether the CD8 T cell compartment is impacted by the absence of B7-2. We found significantly lower expansion of anti-islet CD8 T cells in B7-2KO mice, although their survival and activation states remained unchanged in the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs). CD8 T cells from B7-2KO mice exhibited significantly diminished effector function compared to NOD mice. Adoptive transfer experiments using in vitro activated anti-islet CD8 T cells showed that B7-2 does not control the effector phase of the autoreactive CD8 T cell response. Our data indicate that B7-2 promotes pancreatic autoimmunity by controlling CD8 T cell expansion and effector function, but is dispensable for CD8 T cell activation, survival, and the effector phase of anti-islet CD8 T cell response.
Color image enhancement of low-resolution images captured in extreme lighting conditions

Security and surveillance videos, due to usage in open environments, are likely subjected to low resolution, underexposed, and overexposed conditions that reduce the amount of useful details available in the collected images. We propose an approach to improve the image quality of low resolution images captured in extreme lighting conditions to obtain useful details for various security applications. This technique is composed of a combination of a nonlinear intensity enhancement process and a single image super resolution process that will provide higher resolution and better visibility. The nonlinear intensity enhancement process consists of dynamic range compression, contrast enhancement, and color restoration processes. The dynamic range compression is performed by a locally tuned inverse sine nonlinear function to provide various nonlinear curves based on neighborhood information. A contrast enhancement technique is used to obtain sufficient contrast and a nonlinear color restoration process is used to restore color from the enhanced intensity image. The single image super resolution process is performed in the phase space, and consists of defining neighborhood characteristics of each pixel to estimate the interpolated pixels in the high resolution image. The combination of these approaches shows promising experimental results that indicate an improvement in visibility and an increase in usable details. In addition, the process is demonstrated to improve tracking applications. A quantitative evaluation is performed to show an increase in image features from Harris corner detection and improved statistics of visual representation. A quantitative evaluation is also performed on Kalman tracking results.