cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shifting habitats expose fishing communities to risk under climate change

Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on the distribution, abundance and diversity of marine species globally1,2. These ecological impacts of climate change will affect human communities dependent on fisheries for livelihoods and well-being3. While methods for assessing the vulnerability of species to climate change are rapidly developing4 and socio-ecological vulnerability assessments for fisheries are becoming available5, there has been less work devoted to understanding how impacts differ across fishing communities. We developed a linked socio-ecological approach to assess the exposure of fishing communities to risk from climate change, and present a case study of New England and Mid-Atlantic (USA) fishing communities. We found that the northern part of the study region was projected to gain suitable habitat and the southern part projected to lose suitable habitat for many species, but the exposure of fishing communities to risk was strongly dependent on both their spatial use of the ocean and their portfolio of species caught. A majority of fishing communities were projected to face declining future fishing opportunities unless they adapt, either through catching new species or fishing in new locations. By integrating climatic, ecological and socio-economic data at a scale relevant to fishing communities, this analysis identifies where strategies for adapting to the ecological impacts of climate change will be most needed. Climate change is projected to directly impact fishing communities through changes to habitat for marine species. A socio-ecological approach is developed to assess fishing community exposure to climate change risk and applied to New England and Mid-Atlantic (USA) fishing communities.
The Tenth Muse: Cinema / A décima Musa: Cinema

Abstract: In Classical Antiquity, the nine Muses were the patron goddesses of all arts and sciences and the inspiration for creative minds, especially poets. With the march of technology until today, their realm has significantly expanded. Jean Cocteau, among others, added a tenth Muse to the original nine: that of the cinema. This article surveys various films in which one or more of the Muses play major parts; it also pays homage to the actresses who portray them and to others who may be regarded as their screen relatives. Keywords: classical mythology; films about antiquity; Hesiod; Homer; Muses in film; Polyhymnia; Terpsichore. Resumo: Na Antiguidade Classica, as nove Musas eram as deusas patronas de todas as artes e ciencias e a inspiracao para as mentes criativas, especialmente a dos poetas. Com o desenvolvimento da tecnologia ate hoje, seu reino se expandiu significativamente. Jean Cocteau, entre outros, adicionou uma decima Musa as nove originais: o cinema. Este artigo inspeciona varios filmes nos quais uma ou mais das Musas tem um papel representativo; e tambem homenageia as atrizes que as interpretam e as que podem ser vistas como suas parentes na tela. Palavras-chave: mitologia classica; filmes sobre a antiguidade; Hesiodo; Homero; Musas no cinema; Polimnia; Terpsicore.
Experiments in particle resuspension and transport for the assessment of terrestrial-borne biological contamination of the samples on the mars 2020 mission

Abstract A collection of first-principles models of all known contamination vectors has been developed to assess our ability to meet the stringent requirements for the biological contamination of the soil and rock samples that will be collected during the Mars 2020 mission. The largest contributors to the contamination are the vectors associated with the dislodgement and transport of terrestrial particles from the rover to the surrounding soil, since such particles can carry biological signatures. In this article, we report on the results of particle resuspension experiments performed to both guide and validate these models. In the experiments we employed several pairs of particles and substrates that included idealized microspheres, dust, and biological particles, on surfaces made of glass, kapton or aluminium. We also used a substrate coated with white paint, which exhibited the highest average surface roughness compared to all other substrates. We found that despite the higher relative roughness associated with 40–80 ​μm dust particles on any of the substrates, the removal fractions of ~70-μm glass microspheres from a glass substrate were the highest when they were subjected to the same (lateral) aerodynamic shear stress. We also found that when we exposed ~1-μm biological and non-biological particles to the same aerodynamic shear stresses no removal occurred from a glass substrate. The shear stresses to which these particles were exposed were over three orders of magnitude higher than those associated with the mean wind speeds on Mars.
Amounts, forms, and management of nitrogen and phosphorus export from agricultural peatlands

Peatlands provide a setting that is well suited for cranberry agriculture in the Northeastern United States. However, misconceptions exist about the amounts and forms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) export from cranberry farms. In this study, we report inorganic and organic forms of N and P export from five peatlands cultivated for cranberry production in southeastern, Massachusetts, United States. We then compare N loading rates among cranberry farms in southeastern Massachusetts, row crop farms in the Midwestern United States, and uncultivated peatlands in the United States and United Kingdom. Based on a fluvial mass balance analysis, we find that nonriparian cranberry farms export 2.56 kg of P ha⁻¹ year⁻¹of total P and 12.1 kg of N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹of total N. Total N export from riparian or “flow through” farms is two times higher than nonriparian farms due to less retention of N fertilizer in the vadose zone of riparian farms. Gross total N export from riparian and nonriparian cranberry farms consists of 35% particulate organic N, 26% dissolved organic N, 31% ammonium (NH₄⁺), and 8% nitrate (NO₃⁻). The low proportions of NO₃⁻ export (13% of total dissolved N [TDN]) for cranberry farms differ from NO₃⁻ export for row crop farms (75% of TDN; p < .001) but not for uncultivated peatlands (17% of TDN; p = .61). Despite being highly modified by fertilizers and artificial drainage, low NO₃⁻ export (2.2 kg of N ha⁻¹ year⁻¹) from cranberry farms is consistent with field measurements of rapid N turnover in uncultivated peatlands. This finding suggests that state‐funded wetland restoration efforts to restore denitrification in retired cranberry farms may be limited by NO₃⁻ rather than soil moisture or organic matter.
Survival of Salmonella enterica and shifts in the culturable mesophilic aerobic bacterial community as impacted by tomato wash water particulate size and chlorine treatment.

Abstract Particulates of harvest debris are common in tomato packinghouse dump tanks, but their role in food safety is unclear. In this study we investigated the survival of Salmonella enterica and the shifts in relative abundance of culturable mesophilic aerobic bacteria (cMAB) as impacted by particulate size and interaction with chlorine treatment. Particulates suspended in grape tomato wash water spanned a wide size range, but the largest contribution came from particles of 3–20 μm. Filtration of wash water through 330 μm, applied after 100 mg/L free chlorine (FC) wash, reduced surviving cMAB by 98%. The combination of filtration (at 330 μm or smaller pore sizes) and chlorinated wash also altered the cMAB community, with the survivors shifting toward Gram-positive and spore producers (in both lab-simulated and industrial conditions). When tomatoes and harvest debris inoculated with differentially tagged Salmonella were washed in 100 mg/L FC for 1 min followed by filtration, only cells originating from harvest debris survived, with 85 and 93% of the surviving cells associated with particulates larger than 330 and 63 μm, respectively. This suggests that particulates suspended in wash water can protect Salmonella cells from chlorine action, and serve as a vector for cross-contamination.
The Influence of Military Service Experiences on Current and Daily Drinking.

Background: An extensive public health literature associates military service with increased alcohol consumption and problematic drinking. However, few well-controlled population-based studies comp...
Unpacking the complexities of teacher identity: Narratives of two Chinese teachers of English in China:

This study explores the complexities of teacher identity formation for two Chinese teachers of English in China, who represent two growing groups of English teachers: Alice, who worked in a private...
Animal Model Prescreening: Pre-exposure to SARS-CoV-2 impacts responses in the NHP model

COVID-19 presents herculean challenges to research and scientific communities for producing diagnostic and treatment solutions. Any return to normalcy requires rapid development of countermeasures, with animal models serving as a critical tool in testing vaccines and therapeutics. Animal disease status and potential COVID-19 exposure prior to study execution may severely bias efficacy testing. We developed a toolbox of immunological and molecular tests to monitor countermeasure impact on disease outcome and evaluate pre-challenge COVID-19 status. Assay application showed critical necessity for animal pre-screening. Specifically, real-time PCR results documented pre-exposure of an African Green Monkey prior to SARS-CoV-2 challenge with sequence confirmation as a community-acquired exposure. Longitudinal monitoring of nasopharyngeal swabs and serum showed pre-exposure impacted both viral disease course and resulting immunological response. This study demonstrates utility in a comprehensive pre-screening strategy for animal models, which captured the first documented case of community-acquired, non-human primate infection.
RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF IATROGENIC CUSHING SYNDROME IN A PATIENT ON RITONAVIR: THE ADVERSE METABOLIC CONSEQUENCE OF TOPICAL STEROID USE

ABSTRACT Objective: Topical steroid use is common, but its association with Cushing syndrome is rare. We report the rapid development of iatrogenic Cushing syndrome in a patient on ritonavir who ap...
The genie in the bottle-magnified calcium signaling in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex

Neurons in the association cortices are particularly vulnerable in cognitive disorders such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease, while those in primary visual cortex remain relatively resilient. This review proposes that the special molecular mechanisms needed for higher cognitive operations confer vulnerability to dysfunction, atrophy, and neurodegeneration when regulation is lost due to genetic and/or environmental insults. Accumulating data suggest that higher cortical circuits rely on magnified levels of calcium (from NMDAR, calcium channels, and/or internal release from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum) near the postsynaptic density to promote the persistent firing needed to maintain, manipulate, and store information without "bottom-up" sensory stimulation. For example, dendritic spines in the primate dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) express the molecular machinery for feedforward, cAMP-PKA-calcium signaling. PKA can drive internal calcium release and promote calcium flow through NMDAR and calcium channels, while in turn, calcium activates adenylyl cyclases to produce more cAMP-PKA signaling. Excessive levels of cAMP-calcium signaling can have a number of detrimental effects: for example, opening nearby K+ channels to weaken synaptic efficacy and reduce neuronal firing, and over a longer timeframe, driving calcium overload of mitochondria to induce inflammation and dendritic atrophy. Thus, calcium-cAMP signaling must be tightly regulated, e.g., by agents that catabolize cAMP or inhibit its production (PDE4, mGluR3), and by proteins that bind calcium in the cytosol (calbindin). Many genetic or inflammatory insults early in life weaken the regulation of calcium-cAMP signaling and are associated with increased risk of schizophrenia (e.g., GRM3). Age-related loss of regulatory proteins which result in elevated calcium-cAMP signaling over a long lifespan can additionally drive tau phosphorylation, amyloid pathology, and neurodegeneration, especially when protective calcium binding proteins are lost from the cytosol. Thus, the "genie" we need for our remarkable cognitive abilities may make us vulnerable to cognitive disorders when we lose essential regulation.
Anisotropy evolution of elastomeric foams during uniaxial compression measured via in-situ X-ray computed tomography

Abstract We have characterized the three-dimensional evolution of microstructural anisotropy of a family of elastomeric foams during uniaxial compression via in-situ X-ray computed tomography. Flexible polyurethane foam specimens with densities of 136, 160 and 240 kg/m 3 were compressed in uniaxial stress tests both parallel and perpendicular to the foam rise direction, to engineering strains exceeding 70%. The uncompressed microstructures show slightly elongated ellipsoidal pores, with elongation aligned parallel to the foam rise direction. The evolution of this microstructural anisotropy during deformation is quantified based on the autocorrelation of the image intensity, and verified via the mean intercept length as well as the shape of individual pores. Trends are consistent across all three methods. In the rise direction, the material remains transversely anisotropic throughout compression. Anisotropy initially decreases with compression, reaches a minimum, then increases up to large strains, followed by a small decrease in anisotropy at the largest strains as pores collapse. Compression perpendicular to the foam rise direction induces secondary anisotropy with respect to the compression axis, in addition to primary anisotropy associated with the foam rise direction. In contrast to compression in the rise direction, primary anisotropy initially increases with compression, and shows a slight decrease at large strains. These surprising non-monotonic trends and qualitative differences in rise and transverse loading are explained based on the compression of initially ellipsoidal pores. Microstructural anisotropy trends reflect macroscopic stress-strain and lateral strain response. These findings provide novel quantitative connections between three-dimensional microstructure and anisotropy in moderate density polymer foams up to large deformation, with important implications for understanding complex three-dimensional states of deformation.
Nocardiosis and elevated beta-d-glucan in solid organ transplant recipients

Beta-D-glucan (BDG) testing can expedite the diagnosis of invasive fungal infections in immunocompromised hosts. Elevated BDG levels have been reported in both in-vitro studies assessing cross-reactivity with Nocardia spp. and published cases of patients with nocardiosis, but there is little data on this association in solid organ transplantation (SOT) recipients. To explore this association, we conducted a case series of SOT recipients with culture-proven nocardiosis and BDG testing who received their care at our institution between 2016 and 2021. We found thirteen cases of nocardiosis in SOT recipients, of which three cases met our case definition of an elevated BDG. Their clinical courses are detailed in the present report. We found that BDG may be elevated in SOT with nocardiosis with no identified cause of false positive BDG, though a causal association cannot be determined. Future prospective studies that better evaluate the association between nocardiosis and BDG are warranted, as are studies that better characterize the possible variability in reactivity amongst Nocardia spp.
COVID-19 bereavement, depressive symptoms, and binge drinking

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the death of over half a million Americans, leaving in its wake widespread grief and despair. Using national survey data (n ​= ​1998) and a treatment-weighting strategy, this study examines how COVID-19 bereavement associates with depressive symptoms and binge drinking. After adjustment for non-random exposure to COVID-19 bereavement, I find that respondents who have lost someone close to them to the virus report greater depressive symptomology and more frequent binge drinking. Among essential workers, the loss of a close tie to COVID-19 exacerbates these associations, with bereavement posing stronger effects for depressive symptoms and binge drinking for members of this group. The implications of these findings for the long-term mental health of the bereaved and those most vulnerable to the virus are discussed.
Identifying children at risk of death within 30 days of surgery at an NSQIP pediatric hospital

Background Informed consent for operative procedures performed on children relies on the ability of the surgeon to estimate and describe accurately the risks and benefits of the planned operation to the parents. Understanding patient-specific risks is also an important prerequisite for surgeons and hospital administrators who wish to change hospital processes and improve patient safety. This study tests the feasibility of estimating the risk of death within 30 days of surgery using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)-Pediatric data from a single children's hospital. Study design Patient data submitted to NSQIP-Pediatric from our hospital were analyzed to identify variables predictive of death within 30 days of operation. A multiple logistic regression model was constructed using 3 years of data and validated using data submitted the following year. The model was then tested using the participant use file provided by NSQIP-Pediatric for 2012. Results The model identified 7 variables predictive of death: neonatal status, respiratory support, inotropic support, having a blood disorder, cerebrovascular injury, previous cardiac intervention, and the work relative value unit for the procedure. The resulting final model had a c statistic = 0.97. Conclusion It is possible for a participating children's hospital to use NSQIP-Pediatric data to develop risk models for patient mortality occurring within 30 days of operation at their institution. The model presented may be generalizable to other institutions, but needs further testing and refining.
The Natural Dynamic of Carbon in Forest Ecosystems

Forest Ecosystems exchange energy, water, and nutrients and, in particular, carbon (C) with surrounding ecosystems, and play a major role in the global C cycle. Forests are major terrestrial C sinks, have large C densities and sequester large amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). By various natural processes, C is entering forest ecosystems in dissolved, gaseous and particulate form. The C is temporarily stored, and sequestered in above- and belowground pools in vegetation, detritus and soil. Efflux processes result in C losses to adjacent ecosystems. This chapter describes C in- and efflux processes, the C turnover within forest ecosystems and how C is sequestered in the different forest ecosystem pools with a focus on processes occurring in trees and soil.
Highly active layered double hydroxide-derived cobalt nano-catalysts for p-nitrophenol reduction

Abstract Replacing precious noble-metal catalysts with non-precious metal ones is a well-recognized strategy for reducing the cost of catalytic water treatment. The implementation of this strategy is, however, challenging. To reduce the cost by using non-precious metal catalysts, the reactivity ratio between non-precious and precious metal catalysts must exceed their price ratio. Here, we report for the first time that the parity condition has been surpassed for cobalt (Co), in comparison to the most active precious metal catalyst made of palladium, in the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol with borohydride. This is achieved by affixing Co nanoparticles on two-dimensional layered double oxide (LDO) nano disks through thermal phase transformation of cobalt-magnesium–aluminum layered double hydroxide precursors. We show that the catalytic activity of LDO–Co is a function of Co molar fraction among metal cations. The highest reactivity is achieved at a molar fraction of 28%, giving a pseudo first order rate constant of 86(±3) min−1 at 25 °C for a catalyst dose of 1 g L−1 (as Co) and an initial p-nitrophenol concentration of 0.2 mM. Compared to other Co nano-catalysts described in the literature, the LDO–Co design has improved the reactivity of cobalt by at least 49 times. We further show that the high reactivity of LDO–Co remains after repeated reuse as well as after borohydride is replaced by formate, a moderate reductant and hydrogen donor. We propose that the high reactivity and superior longevity of LDO–Co are results of the heteroepitaxial fixation of cobalt on LDO through cobalt–oxygen bonds that are similar to those in spinel cobalt oxide.
Using atypical neuroleptic drugs to treat agitation in patients with a brain injury: a review

Agitation during brain injury rehabilitation remains a significant impediment to expedient and effective care. While health care providers differ in their definition of agitation, it is agreed that treatment is usually best achieved using an interdisciplinary approach inclusive of: physiatry, psychiatry and rehabilitation professionals. Neuroleptic drugs have been used to effectively treat agitation but have a side effect profile that may have long-term consequences on cognition and motor recovery. This literature review presents the typical and atypical neuroleptics used to treat agitation, research in support of their use, guidelines for drug selection, and special considerations for trauma-related agitation in the elderly brain injured population.
Endocannabinoid system and proopiomelanocortin gene expression in peripartal bovine liver in response to prepartal plane of nutrition.

Summary Endocannabinoids are fatty acid amides (FAE; oleoylethanolamide and anandamide) which have orexigenic, anorexigenic or anti-inflammatory properties. We examined mRNA expression via qPCR of endocannabinoid receptors (CNR1 and CNR2), enzymes that synthesize FAE (HRASLS5 and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D), enzymes that degrade FAE [fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), N-acylethanolamine acid amidase (NAAA) and monoglyceride lipase (MGLL)], and the hormone precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in liver at −14, 7, 14 and 30 days around parturition from cows fed with a control (CON; NEL = 1.34 Mcal/kg) or moderate-energy (OVER; NEL = 1.62 Mcal/kg) diet during the dry period. Expression of CNR2 and POMC was greater at 7 days in cows fed with OVER because of a decrease in expression between −14 and 7 days in cows fed with CON. Cows fed with CON had an increase in expression of FAAH, HRASLS5, NAA, MGLL and POMC between 7 and 14 days; for FAAH and HRASLS5, such response led to greater expression at 14 days vs. cows fed with OVER. Cows fed with OVER vs. CON had a approximately twofold increase in expression of MGLL between −14 and 7 days followed by a gradual decrease through 30 days at which point expression was still greater in OVER vs. CON. FAAH, MGLL and HRASLS5 were the most abundant genes measured. Expression of the hepatic endocannabinoid system and POMC was altered by plane of dietary energy prepartum particularly during the first 2-week postpartum. Such responses may play a role in the physiological adaptations to the onset of lactation, including energy balance and feed intake.
Foreign Affairs Originalism in Youngstown's Shadow

In An Originalism for Foreign Affairs?, Professor Ingrid Wuerth argues that originalism, under a number of different conceptualizations, is an awkward fit in the field of foreign affairs. In one sense, as Professor Wuerth suggests, originalism fails to answer many of the central questions of foreign affairs scholarship. In another sense, certain foreign affairs questions may, in her words, undermine the positive case for originalism. Either way, Professor Wuerth concludes, originalists should pay more attention to foreign affairs, and foreign affairs scholars should pay more attention to the competing methodologies of contemporary constitutional interpretation. Rather than take up Professor Wuerth's thesis on its terms, in this short response, I want to focus on foreign affairs originalism and the courts, notwithstanding Professor Wuerth's quite accurate observation that a good deal of constitutional interpretation vis-a-vis foreign affairs takes place outside the courtroom. The question I want to ask (and hopefully answer) is whether, in those few instances where the courts do get involved in resolving the types of disputes here at issue, Professor Wuerth's careful analysis might actually make a difference. Put another way, is there a there, there? I suspect that one could easily take from Professor Wuerth's article the sentiment that originalism is, ultimately, of exceedingly little help to contemporary courts in resolving serious and difficult foreign affairs questions, especially in the context of conflicts between the legislative and executive branches. But my thesis is that the real culprit behind this difficulty is neither originalism as an interpretive method nor foreign affairs as a body of constitutional law. Rather, the reason why the case for foreign affairs originalism may ultimately be so unconvincing is the movement toward functionalism as a means of resolving separation-of-powers conflicts, particularly in cases implicating foreign affairs. Thus, whatever may be said about the suitability or theoretical utility of originalism generally, or in the field of foreign affairs specifically, it is hard to square any case for foreign affairs originalism with the methodological framework at the heart of the Supreme Court's contemporary separation-of-powers jurisprudence.
A Review of Transgender Jurisprudence: Dysphoric Bodies of Law

This is a book review of Andrew Sharpe's "Transgender Jurisprudence: Dysphoric Bodies of Law." The Author discusses the contribution Sharpe makes to the transgender rights movement as invaluable for two reasons. First, it provides the first in-depth and full-length comprehensive treatment of the topic of transgender jurisprudence, and emerges as the foundational work by which others will be measured. Second, it exposes the homophobia underlying many of the key decisions, particularly in the area of marriage and family law, and provides an important link between the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender movements which should not be ignored by activists from both worlds. The Author reports the book is broken down into three parts. In Part I, 'Approaching Transgender Bodies', Sharpe provides a comprehensive medical history of transgender in order to set the stage for the analysis of the non-marriage cases that follow, cases that take on the legal question of male/female status. In Part II, 'Homophobia as Subtext', Sharpe exposes the homophobia that serves as the subtext in cases involving marriages of trans gender people. In Part III, 'Sex: From Designation to Discrimination', Sharpe analyses cases involving discrimination against transgender litigants in which the court need not answer the question of what someone's sex is but rather whether transgender people fit into non-discrimination law. The Author concludes that Sharpe's most valuable contribution to transgender law is setting forth models by which virtually all transgender cases involving legal determinations of sex can be classified.
Bovine pyruvate kinase isozymes and hybrid isozymes. Electrophoretic studies and tissue distribution.

Abstract Electrophoresis of various bovine tissue extracts revealed, in addition to the three major homotetrameric isozymes of pyruvate kinase (K 4 , L 4 , and M 4 ), numerous intermediate bands that behave electrophoretically as hybrid isozymes. Kidney, for example, contains both K-L and K-M hybrid sets. Representative hybrids from each set, tentatively identified as K 2 L 2 and K 3 M, were isolated from kidney by ionexchange chromatography and their subunit compositions were confirmed by dissociation and subsequent reassociation into new hybrid sets. All of the tissues examined that contain type K 4 also have substantial quantities of K-M hybrids, establishing the presence of the type M isozyme in a great many tissues other than striated muscle and brain, where it is most abundant. In addition, small quantities of K subunits apparently are produced even in striated muscle, which previously had been thought to contain only M 4 . The pattern of hybrids and enzyme specific activities differ markedly within tissues from the same organ, as shown by dissection of the heart and great vessels. Aortic smooth muscle has a fairly uniform distribution of K-M hybrids, while cardiac muscle has mostly M 4 with a little KM 3 . Connective tissue from heart valves, on the other hand, has a five-membered set dominated by K 3 M, while Purkinje fibers have a five-membered set dominated by KM 3 . The occurrence of K-M hybrids in these and many other tissues indicates that the distribution of mammalian pyruvate kinase isozymes is much more complex than previously reported.
Calcium Influx via the NMDA Receptor Induces Immediate Early Gene Transcription by a MAP Kinase/ERK-Dependent Mechanism

The regulation of gene expression by neurotransmitters is likely to play a key role in neuroplasticity both during development and in the adult animal. Therefore, it is important to determine the mechanisms of neuronal gene regulation to understand fully the mechanisms of learning, memory, and other long-term adaptive changes in neurons. The neurotransmitter glutamate stimulates rapid and transient induction of many genes, including the c-fos proto-oncogene. The c-fos promoter contains several critical regulatory elements, including the serum response element (SRE), that mediate glutamate-induced transcription in neurons; however, the mechanism by which the SRE functions in neurons has not been defined. In this study, we sought to identify transcription factors that mediate glutamate induction of transcription through the SRE in cortical neurons and to elucidate the mechanism(s) of transcriptional activation by these factors. To facilitate this analysis, we developed an improved calcium phosphate coprecipitation procedure to transiently introduce DNA into primary neurons, both efficiently and consistently. Using this protocol, we demonstrate that the transcription factors serum response factor (SRF) and Elk-1 can mediate glutamate induction of transcription through the SRE in cortical neurons. There are at least two distinct pathways by which glutamate signals through the SRE: an SRF-dependent pathway that can operate in the absence of Elk and an Elk-dependent pathway. Activation of the Elk-dependent pathway of transcription seems to require phosphorylation of Elk-1 by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), providing evidence for a physiological function of ERKs in glutamate signaling in neurons. Taken together, these findings suggest that SRF, Elk, and ERKs may have important roles in neuroplasticity.
Sulfate Reducers Can Outcompete Methanogens at Freshwater Sulfate Concentrations

Acetate and hydrogen metabolism by sulfate reducers and methanogens in the profundal sediments of an oligotrophic lake were examined. Inhibition of sulfate reduction with molybdate stimulated methane production from both hydrogen and acetate. Molybdate did not stimulate methane production in sediments that were preincubated to deplete the sulfate pool. Sulfate reduction accounted for 30 to 81% of the total of terminal metabolism proceeding through sulfate reduction and methane production in Eckman grab samples of surface sediments. The ability of sulfate reducers to effectively compete with methanogens for acetate was related to the sulfate reducers' lower half-saturation constant for acetate metabolism at in situ sulfate concentrations. Processes other than sulfate reduction and methanogenesis consumed hydrogen at elevated hydrogen partial pressures and prevented a kinetic analysis of hydrogen uptake by sulfate reducers and methanogens. The demonstration that sulfate reducers can successfully compete with methanogens for hydrogen and acetate in sediments at in situ sulfate concentrations of 60 to 105 μM extends the known range of sediment habitats in which sulfate reduction can be a dominant terminal process.
The Personal and Political Implications of Machiavelli's The Prince

Machiavelli is praised for the political implications of his writing in The Prince. However, many do not see the personal implications of Machiavelli's work, because the motivations for action are spoken in terms of political domination and the acquisition of power. There are underlying principles that speak of domination not only of cities and nations, but the domination of the opportunities placed before each individual. The Prince can be read in a different manner; as a manual for daily life and the maximization of opportunity. This article is available in Res Publica Journal of Undergraduate Research: http://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/respublica/vol1/iss1/4
Energy of the 14N first-excited state and the 14O 0+ → 14N 0+ ft value

Abstract The energy of the γ-ray from the decay of the first-excited state of 14 N was measured following 14 O( β + ) 14 N superallowed β-decay. The result of 2312.593 ± 0.011 keV corresponds to an excitation energy of 2312.798 ± 0.011 keV for the 14 N first-excited state. This result is combined with a recent 14 N(p, n) 14 O threshold energy measurement to yield a more accurate energy release in the superallowed β-decay 14 O 0 + → 14 N 0 + .
Patient-focused care.

The trend away from a departmental focus and toward "patient-focused" care in hospitals is described; advantages of and barriers to such a change and its effects on pharmacy are discussed. Patient-focused care is characterized by decentralization of services, cross-training of personnel from different departments to provide basic care, interdisciplinary collaboration, various degrees of organizational restructuring, use of "clinical pathways"--recommended components of care for patients with a particular diagnosis, simplification and redesign of work to eliminate steps and save time (e.g., providing care according to predetermined protocols and charting only exceptions to the protocol), and increased involvement of patients in their own care. Its objectives are to use nonclinical and clinical staff more effectively and to improve patients' perceptions of the quality of care and staff members' job satisfaction. It is unrealistic to expect quick reductions in hospital costs through patient-focused care, and workers will worry about job security if an institution overemphasizes this aspect. A 1993 survey of 311 hospitals found that almost half had or planned to have patient-focused care projects. Adoption of patient-focused care projects may be slowed by workers' fear of new responsibilities and new reporting relationships. However, not all patient-focused care models involve radical organizational changes, and reorganizations can be such that pharmacy staff members are still connected to the pharmacy department even if they are supervised by a nonpharmacist. In some institutions patient-focused care projects have given pharmacy its first opportunity for decentralization.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cosyntropin stimulation testing on postoperative day 1 allows for selective glucocorticoid replacement therapy after adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism: Results of a novel, multidisciplinary institutional protocol.

Background Secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI) can occur after unilateral adrenalectomy for adrenal-dependent hypercortisolism. Postoperative glucocorticoid replacement (GR), although given routinely, may not be necessary. We sought to identify factors that, in combination with postoperative day 1 cosyntropin stimulation testing (POD1-CST), would predict the need for GR. Methods We reviewed 31 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism (study patients) or hyperaldosteronism (control patients). A standard POD1-CST protocol was used. Hydrocortisone was started for clinical evidence of AI, basal plasma cortisol ≤5 (μg/dL), or a stimulated plasma cortisol Results A normal POD1-CST was found in all nine control patients and 11 of 22 patients (50%) with Cushing's syndrome; the other 11 study patients (50%) received GR based on the POD1-CST. These patients were younger (51 vs 62 years; P = .017), had a higher body mass index (BMI; 31 vs 29 kg/m 2 ), and smaller adrenal neoplasms (16.9 vs 33.0 g; P = .009) than non–GR study patients. Conclusion After unilateral adrenalectomy for hypercortisolism, only 50% of patients received GR. No preoperative biochemical characteristics were associated with postoperative AI, although patients who received GR were younger, and tended to have a higher BMI and smaller adrenal nodules. Use of this novel protocol for postoperative dynamic adrenal function testing prevented unnecessary GR in 50% of patients and allowed for individualized patient care.
Multiple Group-specific Antigen Components of Avian Tumor Viruses Detected with Chicken and Hamster Sera

Abstract Multiple group-specific (gs) components of the avian leukosis-sarcoma viruses were detected by immunodiffusion (Ouchterlony) tests with sera from hamsters bearing tumors induced by sarcoma viruses and with sera from adult chickens immunized with avian sarcoma or leukosis viruses. Immune hamster sera detected up to four components, whereas chicken sera detected at least one. The hamster and chicken sera identified a similar antigen, as indicated by reactions of identity. Relatively few chicken sera containing neutralizing antibody to avian sarcoma or leukosis viruses reacted in immunodiffusion with the gs antigen. The gs components were released from the virion by various means of disruption, including freezing and thawing. Tests with tissues from normal chickens and from chickens with Marek's disease failed to demonstrate any reactions with hamster or chicken gs antiserum.
CEA Levels in Fluids Bathing Gastrointestinal Tumors

A controlled prospective study was undertaken to determine if fluids which bathe malignancies may contain carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) earlier in the course of gastrointestinal cancer than does plasma of the same patient and may offer a better means for diagnosis. CEA titers were normal (less than 2.5 ng per ml) in the plasma of 42 healthy volunteers.Normal CEA levels were also found in the plasma and in the colonic mucus of 14, the gastric juice of 18, duodenal drainage of 10, and bile of 11 normal control subjects. The colonic mucus of 3 patients with ulcerative colitis, gastric secretions of 5 benign gastric ulcer patients, bile specimens from 11 normal control subjects and from 5 gallstone patients contained CEA at concentrations below 2.5 ng per ml. Positive CEA titers were found in the fluids bathing tumors of all 23 patients with colonic carcinoma, 9 of 17 patients with gastric carcinoma, and all 6 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. In contrast, positive CEA titers were found in the plasma of only 16 of 23 patients with colon carcinoma, 6 of 17 patients with gastric carcinoma, and 4 of 6 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. Among 46 patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, CEA was detected in significant concentrations in the plasma of 26 patients and in fluids bathing tumors of 38 patients. These results indicate a significant association of adenocarcinoma of the colon with CEA-positive colonic mucus (P
Inflation rates, rifts, and bands in a pāhoehoe sheet flow

The margins of sheet flows—pāhoehoe lavas emplaced on surfaces sloping Inflation and rift-band formation is probably cyclic, because the pattern we observed suggests episodic or crude cyclic behavior. Furthermore, some inflation rifts contain numerous bands whose spacing and general appearances are remarkably similar. We propose a conceptual model wherein the inferred cyclicity is due to the competition between the fluid pressure in the flow9s liquid core and the tensile strength of the visco elastic layer where it is weakest—in inflation rifts. The viscoelastic layer consists of lava that has cooled to temperatures between 800 and 1070 °C. This layer is the key parameter in our model because, in its absence, rift banding and stepwise changes in the flow height would not occur.
Comment on “Reinterpretation of 36Cl data: physical processes, hydraulic interconnections and age estimates in groundwater systems” by E. Mazor

Abstract Mazor (1992) has reinterpreted several previous 36 Cl studies. The studies he revised used extensive physical hydrogeological data to aid in interpretation of the 36 Cl measurements. Major ion chemistry and other isotope tracers were considered in order to evaluate the groundwater geochemistry. The studies then used simple geochemical models to account for Cl behavior in the subsurface. The result of these 36 Cl dating studies was in reasonable agreement with both numerical models of the aquifer systems and with independent geochemical studies. Mazor (1992) has reinterpreted these studies based on the assumption that spatial variation in chemical and isotope data should be attributed to unspecified “discontinuities” in the flow regime. The conceptual models of aquifer hydrodynamics resulting from this approach differ radically not only from the previous 36 Cl interpretations, but also from the findings of virtually all previous hydrogeological and geochemical investigations. Although Mazor's “reinterpretations” are provocative, he does not show how they explain the data of the numerous previous studies better than the conceptual models presented by the authors of those studies, nor has he demonstrated that his new models are consistent with the fundamental physical laws governing groundwater flow. Until this is satisfactorily accomplished I will continue to prefer the original 36 Cl interpretations.
Individuality and Identity Exploration: An Autophotographic Study ☆ ☆☆ ★

Abstract This research examined the relation of identity status and identity style to individuality as portrayed through autophotographic essays of young adults ( N = 399) answering the question “who are you?” It was reasoned that those who have engaged in an identity-exploration process should create richer, more individualistic photo essays than those who have not done so. Study 1 briefly presented a secondary analysis of a previously published study showing that individuals who have experienced an identity crisis (i.e., achieved and moratorium statuses) portray greater individuality and richness in their photo essays than those who have not (i.e., foreclosed and diffusion statuses). Study 2 extended this finding in a new sample by showing that individuals who primarily use a normative style of processing identity-relevant information devised the least individualistic photo essays whereas those with an information-oriented style devised the most individualistic photo essays. In particular, Study 2 showed that individuality of self-depiction was associated with less reliance on a normative style and, replicating past research, with greater openness to experience. Conceptions of identity and individuality are discussed in light of these findings.
Modeling of active transport systems

Transport proteins have critical physiological roles in nutrient transport and may be utilized as a mechanism to increase drug absorption. However, we have little understanding of these proteins at the molecular level due to the absence of high-resolution crystal structures. Numerous efforts have been made to characterize the P-glycoprotein efflux pump, the peptide transporter (PepT1) and the apical sodium-dependent transporter (ASBT) which are important not only for their native transporter function but also as drug targets to increase absorption and bioactivity. In vitro and computational approaches have been applied to gain some insight into these transporters with some success. This represents an opportunity for optimizing molecules as substrates for the solute transporters and providing a further screening system for drug discovery. Clearly the future growth in knowledge of transporter function will be led by integrated in vitro and in silico approaches.
The Aral Sea Crisis and Its Future: An Assessment in 2006

An American geographer and noted international authority on water management problems in Russia and Central Asia presents an account of an expedition, in late 2005 (under the sponsorship of the National Geographic Society) to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, focused on the Aral Sea. The steadily drying inland sea, with a surface area of 67,500 km2 in 1960, had split into two parts and shrunk to 17,380 km2 in 2006. The paper provides an up-to-date overview of the crisis and presents an optimistic scenario of the sea's future, noting development of economic activities (particularly fisheries) in its surrounding settlements. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: O13, Q15, Q25. 6 figures, 1 table, 55 references.
Anti-amyloid-beta to tau-based immunization: developments in immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease

Immunotherapy might provide an effective treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A unique feature of AD immunotherapies is that an immune response against a self-antigen needs to be elicited without causing adverse autoimmune reactions. Current research is focused on two possible targets in this regard. One is the inhibition of accumulation and deposition of amyloid beta 1–42 (Aβ42), which is one of the major peptides found in senile plaques, and the second target is hyperphosphorylated tau, which forms neurofibrillary tangles inside the nerve cell and shows association with the progression of dementia. Mouse models have shown that immunotherapy targeting Aβ42 as well as tau with the respective anti-Aβ or anti-tau antibodies can provide significant improvements in these mice. While anti-Aβ immunotherapy (active and passive immunizations) is already in several stages of clinical trials, tau-based immunizations have been analyzed only in mouse models. Recently, as a significant correlation of progression of dementia and levels of phosphorylated tau have been found, high interest has again focused on further development of tau-based therapies. While Aβ immunotherapy might delay the onset of AD, immunotherapy targeting tau might provide benefits in later stages of this disease. Last but not least, targeting Aβ and tau simultaneously with immunotherapy might provide additional therapeutic effects, as these two pathologies are likely synergistic; this is an approach that has not been tested yet. In this review, we will summarize animal models used to test possible therapies for AD, some of the facts about Aβ42 and tau biology, and present an overview on halted, ongoing, and upcoming clinical trials together with ongoing preclinical studies targeting tau or Aβ42.
Sperm priming reveals specific autoreactive lymphocyte clones

Human spermatozoa from 18 donors were used to prime lymphocytes from 15 donors in a total of 60 different combinations. The sperm primed lymphocytes were tested in second culture against a total of 60 autologous and 180 allogeneic x-ray irradiated cells. We found that lymphocytes primed for 10-12 days in first culture with allogeneic spermatozoa showed highly significant responses in second culture to leukocytes autologous to the responder. The degree of autologous reactivity between specific subjects ranged from weak to significantly higher than the usual preferential primed lymphocyte typing reaction seen in a secondary mixed leukocyte culture reaction. These findings indicate that healthy human volunteers possess a set of self-reactive lymphocytes that can be detected by priming with allogeneic sperm in specific combinations.