cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Application of Gaussian Electrostatic Model (GEM) Distributed Multipoles in the AMOEBA Force Field

We present the inclusion of distributed multipoles obtained from the Gaussian Electrostatic Model (GEM) into the AMOEBA force field. As a proof of principle, we have reparametrized water and alanine di-peptide. The GEM distributed multipoles (GEM–DM) have been obtained at the same levels of theory as those used for the original AMOEBA parametrization. The use of GEM allows the derivation of the distributed multipoles from the analytical fit to the molecular density or the numerical fit to the molecular electrostatic potential (mESP). In addition, GEM–DM are intrinsically finite of the highest order of the auxiliary basis used for the GEM fit. We also present the fitting of multipoles for the di-methyl imidazolium/chloride (DMIM+–Cl–) ionic liquid pair. Results for intermolecular Coulomb for all test systems show very good agreement. MD simulations for a reparametrized AMOEBA water model with GEM–DM provide results on par with the original AMOEBA force field for a series of bulk properties including liquid...
Production cross sections of elements near the N = 126 shell in Ca 48 -induced reactions with Gd 154 , Tb 159 , Dy 162 , and Ho 165 targets

Excitation functions for shell-stabilized evaporation residues produced in $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$-induced reactions with $^{154}\mathrm{Gd},^{159}\mathrm{Tb},^{162}\mathrm{Dy}$, and $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}$ targets have been measured in experiments performed at the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A University. The examined energy range predominantly covers the $3n$ and $4n$ evaporation channels with higher cross sections measured for the $4n$ products. The ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{4n}$ are nearly invariant within experimental uncertainty in reactions with $^{159}\mathrm{Tb},^{162}\mathrm{Dy}$, and $^{165}\mathrm{Ho}$ with the maxima at 12.6 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.9, 12.6 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.7, and 9.4 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1.3 mb, respectively. For the reaction with $^{154}\mathrm{Gd}$, the maximum is slightly lower at 4.0 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.6 mb. A simple model to describe the measured production cross sections was employed. Capture was estimated by using the ``diffused barrier formula'' from the ``fusion by diffusion'' model proposed by \ifmmode \acute{S}\else \'{S}\fi{}wi\k{a}tecki et al. [Phys. Rev. C 71, 014602 (2005)]. The fusion probability was estimated by using a phenomenological expression presented by Siwek-Wilczy\ifmmode \acute{n}\else \'{n}\fi{}ska et al. [Int. J. Mod. Phys. E 17, 12 (2008)]. The survival probability was calculated according to the formula of Vandenbosch and Huizenga [Nuclear Fission (Academic, New York, 1973)], derived from transition-state theory. The best agreement is reached between calculation and experiment upon inclusion of collective effects in the calculation of the survival probability, shown previously to be important for production of weakly deformed nuclei. This, in turn, challenges the expectation that strong shell stabilization benefits the production cross section. The present data are compared with earlier studies on production of neutron-deficient nuclei in Ca-induced reactions with lanthanide targets.
Aposematic coloration does not deter corallivory by fish on the coral Montastraea cavernosa

Predation on corals by visual predators is a significant source of partial or total mortality on coral reefs, and corals have evolved strategies, including chemical defenses, to deter predation. One mechanism that organisms use to communicate the presence of chemical defenses is aposematic coloration, or the display of bright coloration as a warning to visual predators such as fish. Corals exhibit multiple colors, and it has been hypothesized that one role for this variability in coloration is as an aposematic warning of adverse palatability. Here, we test green and orange color morphs of the Caribbean coral Montastraea cavernosa for the presence of chemical defenses and whether their differences in coloration elicited different feeding responses. While M. cavernosa is chemically defended, there is no difference in feeding deterrence between color morphs; thus, the different color morphs of this coral species do not appear to represent an example of aposematic coloration.
Simulating Replica Exchange: Markov State Models, Proposal Schemes, and the Infinite Swapping Limit.

Replica exchange molecular dynamics is a multicanonical simulation technique commonly used to enhance the sampling of solvated biomolecules on rugged free energy landscapes. While replica exchange is relatively easy to implement, there are many unanswered questions about how to use this technique most efficiently, especially because it is frequently the case in practice that replica exchange simulations are not fully converged. A replica exchange cycle consists of a series of molecular dynamics steps of a set of replicas moving under different Hamiltonians or at different thermodynamic states followed by one or more replica exchange attempts to swap replicas among the different states. How the replica exchange cycle is constructed affects how rapidly the system equilibrates. We have constructed a Markov state model of replica exchange (MSMRE) using long molecular dynamics simulations of a host–guest binding system as an example, in order to study how different implementations of the replica exchange cycle...
Monitoring on the Antibody Level of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Among the Healthy Population,Liupanshui City,2013

Objective To understand the antibody level of the hepatitis B surface antigen among the healthy population in Liupanshui city,evaluate the vaccination effect and the immune status,so as to provide scientific basis for working out strategies for hepatitis B prevention and control. Methods Serum samples of healthy people were selected with stratified random sampling and simple random sampling method.The antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Results A total of 459 serum samples were detected in 2districts(counties)and the average positive rate of the antibody was 66.01%.The positive rate of HBsAb was dropping along with increasing ages in the healthy population(P 0.01).The positive rate of HBsAb in the healthy population with hepatitis B vaccination was higher than whose without vaccination(P0.05). Conclusion The antibody level of the hepatitis B surface antigen is significantly rising among the healthy population in Liupanshui city,since the hepatitis B vaccination is brought into EPI.
Identification of Differential ER-Alpha Versus ER-Beta Mediated Activation of eNOS in Ovine Uterine Artery Endothelial Cells

Endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production is partly responsible for maintenance of uterine vasodilatation during physiologic states of high circulating estrogen levels, e.g., pregnancy. Although 3%-5% of estrogen receptors (ER-alpha/beta) localize to the endothelial plasmalemma, these receptors are responsible for the nongenomic vasodilator responses. Estradiol induces endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation to increase NO production; however, it is unknown if eNOS regulation is dependent on both ERs. We hypothesize that ER-alpha and/or ER-beta are capable of changing eNOS phosphorylation and increasing NO production in uterine artery endothelial cells (UAECs). UAECs were 1) treated with vehicle or increasing concentrations (0.1-100 nM) or timed treatments (0-30 min) of estradiol and 2) pretreated with the inhibitors ICI 182,780 (nonspecific ER), 1,3-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methyl-5-[4-(2-piperidinylethoxy)phenol]-1H-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP; ER-alpha specific), or 4-[2-phenyl-5,7-bis(trifluoromethyl)pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-3-yl]phenol (PHTPP; ER-beta specific) followed by estradiol to analyze the changes in eNOS stimulatory (Ser1177)eNOS and (Ser635)eNOS versus inhibitory (Thr495)eNOS via Western blot analysis. UAECs were also pretreated with MPP, PHTPP, or MPP + PHTTP followed by estradiol or treated with the agonists estradiol, 4,4',4″-(4-propyl-[1H]-pyrazole-1,3,5-triyl)trisphenol, 2,3-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionitrile, or ATP to quantify total NOx levels (NO2+NO3). Estrogen and ER-alpha activation induced an increase in (Ser1177)eNOS and (Ser635)eNOS, a decrease in (Thr495)eNOS, and an increase in NOx levels. In contrast, ER-beta activation only reduced (Thr495)eNOS without changes in (Ser1177)eNOS or (Ser635)eNOS. However, ER-beta activation increased NOx levels. Lastly, the antagonism of both receptors induced a reduction in basal and stimulated NOx levels in UAECs. These data demonstrate that 1) eNOS phosphorylation changes occur via ER-alpha- and ER-beta-dependent mechanisms and 2) ER-alpha and ER-beta can both increase NO levels independently from each other.
The Clinical Value of B-type Natriuretic Peptide Assays in Differentiating Cardiac from Non-cardiac Dyspnea

Objective Through study sensitivity,specialty and accuracy of B-type natriuretic peptide levels in differentiating cardiac and noncardiac dyspnea,to investigate the clinical value of B-type natriuretic peptide levels.Methods BNP Levels were obtained in 279 patients with dyspnea.Two independent cardiologists were blinded to BNP levels and asked to review the data and evaluate which patients presented with heart failure.Results the levels of serum BNP in CHF group were(1050.3±75.5)pg/ml,which were much higher than non-cardiac group;the cutoff value of BNP for diagnosing of CHF was 100 pg/ml.The sensitivity,specialty and accuracy in diagnosing of CHF was 92%.87% and 83%,respectively.In multiple regression analysis,BNP measurement was a more independent and important predictor than other variables for CHF.Conclusion BNP levels is an effective way to identify cardiac and non-cardiac dyspnea.
Power-Optimal Module Allocation and Binding

A number of researches have addressed the problem of minimizing power dissipation during module allocation and binding [RJ94] [KC97], scheduling and allocation [MC95], register allocation and binding [RJ94] [CP95a] and trading area for lower power through pipelining or parallelization combined with voltage scaling [GOC94] [CPRR92], scheduling using multiple supply voltages [CP96a, CP97] [RS95] [JR96].
Extrusion and Low-Dose Irradiation Effects on Destruction of Clostridium sporogenes Spores in a Beef-Based Product

The effects of extrusion cooking alone or in combination with electron beam radiation (3.5 kGy) on vacuum-packaged beef-based snack sticks containing beef cardiac muscle were investigated. During formulation, Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores were added to achieve a concentration of 4 log CFU/g. Twin-screw extrusion cooking at 72°C reduced aerobic plate counts (APCs) by 3.63 log cycles and C. sporogenes viable cell counts by 2.02 log cycles for the inoculated product. After irradiation (3.5 kGy), APCs were decreased to 1 log CFU/g when compared to 0 kGy counterparts receiving 0 kGy. Spores were not detected in irradiated inoculated samples, which contained C. sporogenes PA 3679 at levels of 3.17 to 3.50 log CFU/g after extrusion cooking.
Hyperphosphorylation amplifies UPF1 activity to resolve stalls in nonsense-mediated mRNA decay

Many gene expression factors contain repetitive phosphorylation sites for single kinases, but the functional significance is poorly understood. Here we present evidence for hyperphosphorylation as a mechanism allowing UPF1, the central factor in nonsense-mediated decay (NMD), to increasingly attract downstream machinery with time of residence on target mRNAs. Indeed, slowing NMD by inhibiting late-acting factors triggers UPF1 hyperphosphorylation, which in turn enhances affinity for factors linking UPF1 to decay machinery. Mutational analyses reveal multiple phosphorylation sites contributing to different extents to UPF1 activity with no single site being essential. Moreover, the ability of UPF1 to undergo hyperphosphorylation becomes increasingly important for NMD when downstream factors are depleted. This hyperphosphorylation-dependent feedback mechanism may serve as a molecular clock ensuring timely degradation of target mRNAs while preventing degradation of non-targets, which, given the prevalence of repetitive phosphorylation among central gene regulatory factors, may represent an important general principle in gene expression.
Today's confrontation Cause (after Crawford and Melendez-Diaz)

In the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the Confrontation Clause states that, “[i]n all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right . . . to be confronted with the witnesses against him.” In recent years the Supreme Court of the United States’s understanding of the meaning of this Clause may well be the single part of constitutional law - certainly of criminal procedure - that has undergone the most radical change.This Article is about this sharp turn in the law of the Confrontation Clause. After a brief discussion of the history of the Court’s understanding of the Clause, the Article settles into a discussion of its new understanding, as found primarily in the Court’s opinion in 2004’s Crawford v. Washington and its 2009 opinion in Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts - a discussion of where the Court’s understanding sits today and where it may be headed. Throughout, the Article deals with the details of the coverage of the Confrontation Clause - when the right attaches and what the Clause requires when the right does attach.It begins with a brief history of the Court’s treatment of the Confrontation Clause. It continues with a discussion of the following: Justice Thomas’s understanding of the Clause, important because it supplies the fifth vote for the majority’s new understanding; the elements foundational to the attachment of the confrontation right (testimonial statements, offered in a criminal prosecution, offered against the accused, and offered to prove the truth of the matter asserted; the importance of raising Confrontation Clause issues before the start of the trial; situations where the right attaches and might at first glance appear to be infringed, but on a closer look is not; inefficiencies created by the right to confront, how the inefficiencies are not as great as they may at first glance seem, and how, in any event, whether the right is inefficient or not is largely irrelevant; various ways to handle the traumatized victim who will be further traumatized if made to testify against the accused; forfeiture and waiver of the right to confront; and the harmless error rule as it applies to the confrontation right.
Ancient twined garments of fur, feather, and fiber: Context and variation across the American Desert West

Abstract Ancient perishable textiles, once overlooked in favor of other material classes, now are recognized as revealing indicators of style, function, and technology, importantly shaped by complex social and economic processes. With adequate preservation and concerted dating efforts aimed specifically at textiles, archaeologists are asking new questions about technological and stylistic variations and their ability to highlight once obscure social forces, such as learning modes, idiosyncratic behaviors, social interactions and identities, population mobility, and more. Here, I review potential sources of variation in the production and use of fur, feather and fiber open-twined robes/blankets (and their associated cordage components) by ethnohistoric and prehistoric mobile foragers, and semi-settled and sedentary farmers of the American Desert West. With a qualitative approach, I assess the proposition that patterned variation within and between foraging and farming cultures, each with different mobility patterns and diverse social structures, is observable in the mechanical details of such textiles, and that such variation can inform us at different scales of inquiry. Examining limited samples of preserved textiles from dry caves, cliff dwellings, and pueblos, now housed in western museum collections, I consider evidence for variation and regularity in cordage and twined textile production mechanics at the level of the individual, site, community, and region. Finally, I note the persistence and relevance of ancient textile traditions in contemporary contexts of identity.
Pyloroplasty Offers Relief of Postfundoplication Gastroparesis in Patients Who Improved After Botulinum Toxin Injection.

Abstract Background: Endoscopic intrapyloric Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A; Allergan Pharmaceuticals) injections can improve postfundoplication gastroparesis, but responses are not durable. Surgical pyloroplasty may relieve gastroparetic symptoms, but patient selection criteria are poorly defined. We hypothesize that pyloroplasty provides durable improvement in patients whose symptoms improved after Botox injection. Study Design: A retrospective chart review was performed of patients with postfundoplication gastroparesis who improved after Botox injection and then underwent pyloroplasty. Gastric emptying studies (GES), Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index (GCSI) score, symptoms, and outcomes were reviewed. Results: Ten patients received Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty after reporting improvement with Botox injection. The mean operative time was 114 minutes (range 55–234 minutes). Three of 10 patients required conversion to open surgery, and the median length of stay was 3 days. Gastroparesis symptom improvemen...
Systematic discovery of novel eukaryotic transcriptional regulators using sequence homology independent prediction

The molecular function of a gene is most commonly inferred by sequence similarity. Therefore, genes that lack sufficient sequence similarity to characterized genes (such as certain classes of transcriptional regulators) are difficult to classify using most function prediction algorithms and have remained uncharacterized. To identify novel transcriptional regulators systematically, we used a feature-based pipeline to screen protein families of unknown function. This method predicted 43 transcriptional regulator families in Arabidopsis thaliana, 7 families in Drosophila melanogaster, and 9 families in Homo sapiens. Literature curation validated 12 of the predicted families to be involved in transcriptional regulation. We tested 33 out of the 195 Arabidopsis putative transcriptional regulators for their ability to activate transcription of a reporter gene in planta and found twelve coactivators, five of which had no prior literature support. To investigate mechanisms of action in which the predicted regulators might work, we looked for interactors of an Arabidopsis candidate that did not show transactivation activity in planta and found that it might work with other members of its own family and a subunit of the Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 to regulate transcription. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of assigning molecular function to proteins of unknown function without depending on sequence similarity. In particular, we identified novel transcriptional regulators using biological features enriched in transcription factors. The predictions reported here should accelerate the characterization of novel regulators.
Arylsulfatase B is reduced in prostate cancer recurrences.

BACKGROUND Arylsulfatase B (ARSB) removes the 4-sulfate group from chondroitin 4-sulfate (C4S) and dermatan sulfate and is required for their degradation. Prior work showed that ARSB immunohistochemical scores were lower in malignant prostate tissue, and were associated with higher Gleason scores and recurrence. OBJECTIVE This study aims to confirm that ARSB immunostaining of prostate tissue obtained at the time of radical prostatectomy is prognostic for prostate cancer recurrence. METHODS Intensity and distribution of ARSB immunostaining were digitally analyzed in a large, well-annotated, prostate cancer tissue microarray (TMA). Scores were calculated for stroma and epithelium and compared for 191 cases, including 36 recurrences, defined as PSA > 0.2 ng/ml. RESULTS Epithelial scores were significantly lower in the recurrences (p= 0.010), and among subgroups with age > 60, initial PSA > 6 ng/ml, or Gleason grade = 7. ARSB score did not improve the prediction of recurrence in multifactorial analysis. CONCLUSIONS Study findings validate previous findings and provide further evidence that lower ARSB is associated with prostate cancer recurrence. Additional studies are required to assess if there are specific cutoff values that may help predict recurrence.
Membrane potential and dynamics in a ternary lipid mixture: insights from molecular dynamics simulations

Transmembrane potential (Vm) plays critical roles in cell signaling and other functions. However, the impact of Vm on the structure and dynamics of membrane lipids and proteins, which are critical for the regulation of signaling, is still an open question. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is emerging as a useful technique to address this issue. Previous atomistic MD simulations of pure or binary model membranes indicated that both ion imbalance and electric field can be used to generate Vm, but both approaches failed to yield structural changes in lipids with statistical significance. We hypothesized that a possible reason for this could be oversimplified membrane composition or limited sampling. In this work, we tested if and how Vm modulates the structure and dynamics of lipids in a physiologically relevant model membrane. Using a detailed side-by-side comparison, we first show that while both ion imbalance and electric field generate Vm in our complex membranes, only the latter could produce physiologically relevant Vm. We further show that double bonds in lipid acyl chains have a relatively large sensitivity to Vm. A single-bilayer model with an electric field showed the highest sensitivity in simulations under the isothermal-isobaric (NPT) ensemble, reproducing expected responses of head-group dipoles to Vm and suggesting that this approach may be more suitable for studying the structural effects of Vm. Our findings also shed light on the relationship between the macroscopic Vm and its atomic-level underpinnings.
Limits to Technology-Based Distance Education in MPA Curricula

The growing capabilities of distance-education technologies, combined with potential cost and efficiency benefits, and the possibility to extend opportunities for higher education to wider, sometim...
Kinetic Analysis of a Urease Electrode

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the membrane concentration profiles in enzyme electrodes (1–17) in order to predict the design parameters for substrate and inhibitor determinations. A urease enzyme electrode is used as an example. Contrary to earlier papers (l3,14), we consider here the complete kinetics of the soluble urease system (18–20) and compare our predictions with previous experimental data (7–11). The earlier enzyme electrode analysis of Callanan (17) is used by substituting urease kinetics for those of glucose oxidase. The availability of experimental urease electrode data offers a much stronger test of the electrode model.
A Picture and a Thousand Words: Visual Scaffolding for Mobile Communication in the Developing World *

Mobile communication is a key enabler for economic, social and political change in developing regions of the world. Today’s internet-enabled, multimedia, and touch-screen mobile smartphones could become the future platform for delivering information and communication technology (ICT) to these regions. We describe Picture Talk, a smartphone application framework designed to facilitate local information sharing in regions with sparse Internet connectivity, low literacy rates and having users with little prior experience with information technology. We argue that engaging citizens in developing regions in information creation and information sharing leverages peoples’ existing social networks to facilitate transmission of critical information, exchange of ideas, and distributed problem solving, all of which can promote economic development.
Effectiveness of Foliar Fungicides by Timing on Northern Leaf Blight and Common Rust on Hybrid Corn

Introduction Fungicide use on hybrid corn has increased considerably, primarily due to reports of increased yields, even in the absence of disease and higher corn prices. A number of fungicides are registered for use on corn. The objectives of this project were to 1) assess the effect of timing of application of fungicides on disease, 2) evaluate the yield response of hybrid corn to foliar fungicide application, and 3) discern differences, if any, between fungicide products.
Dilithium (citrate) crystals and their relatives

New compounds of the type LiMHC6H5O7 (M = Li, Na, K, Rb) have been prepared from the metal carbonates and citric acid in solution. The crystal structures have been solved and refined using laboratory powder X-ray diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. The compounds crystallize in the triclinic space group P\overline 1 and are nearly isostructural. The structures are lamellar, with the layers in the ab plane. The boundaries of the layers consist of hydro­phobic methyl­ene groups and very strong inter­molecular O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The O⋯O distances range from 2.666 A for M = Li to 2.465 A for M = Rb. The Li—O bonds exhibit significant covalent character, while the heavier M—O bonds are ionic. The Li atoms are four-, five-, or six-coordinate, while the coordination numbers of the larger cations are higher, i.e. eight for Na and nine for K and Rb. The citrate anion occurs in the trans,trans conformation, one of the two low-energy conformations of an isolated citrate anion. The crystal structure of LiRbHC6H5O7·H2O was also solved and refined. It consists of the same layers as in the anhydrous M = Rb compound, with inter­layer water mol­ecules and a different hydrogen-bonding pattern.
Stress Relaxation and Targeted Nutrition to Treat Patellar Tendinopathy

Patellar tendinopathy is one of the most common afflictions in jumping sports. This case study outlines the rehabilitation of a professional basketball player diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a central core patellar tendinopathy within the proximal enthesis. The player undertook a nutrition and strength-based rehabilitation program combining gelatin ingestion and heavy isometric loading of the patellar tendon designed to produce significant stress relaxation as part of their competition schedule and a whole-body training plan. On follow-up one and a half years into the program an independent orthopedic surgeon declared the tendon normal on MRI. Importantly, the improved MRI results were associated with a decrease in pain and improved performance. This case study provides evidence that a nutritional intervention combined with a rehabilitation program that uses stress relaxation can improve clinical outcomes in elite athletes.
Molecular Investigation of Oxidized Graphene: Anatomy of the Double-Layer Structure and Ion Dynamics

We investigated the influence of surface oxidization of planar graphene electrodes on charge storage and ion dynamics of supercapacitors. Our approach compared two distinct ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes: tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate solvated in acetonitrile (TEA-BF4/ACN) and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide solvated in acetonitrile (EMIm-TFSI/ACN). Both experimental electrochemical tests and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations showed positive, electrolyte-specific influences of hydroxyl-free electrode interfaces on capacitance. In the EMIm-TFSI/ACN system, the hydroxylated surface, because of its strong interaction with anions, impeded surface charge storage. On the other hand, in the case of TEA-BF4/ACN, the distribution and orientation of ACN across the system exerted vital influence on the capacitance, especially on the positive hydroxyl-free electrode. Furthermore, MD simulations of ion mobility with respect to the electrode surface in the lateral and perpendicula...
Root-driven weathering impacts on mineral-organic associations in deep soils over pedogenic time scales

Abstract Plant roots are critical weathering agents in deep soils, yet the impact of resulting mineral transformations on the vast deep soil carbon (C) reservoir are largely unknown. Root-driven weathering of primary minerals may cause the formation of reactive secondary minerals, which protect mineral-organic associations (MOAs) for centuries or millennia. Conversely, root-driven weathering may also transform secondary minerals, potentially enhancing the bioavailability of C previously protected in MOAs. Here we examined the impact of root-driven weathering on MOAs and their capacity to store C over pedogenic time scales. To accomplish this, we examined deep horizons (100–160 cm) that experienced root-driven weathering in four soils of increasing ages (65–226 kyr) of the Santa Cruz marine terrace chronosequence. Specifically, we compared discrete rhizosphere zones subject to root-driven weathering, with adjacent zones that experienced no root growth. Using a combination of radiocarbon, mass spectrometry, 57Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and X-ray spectromicroscopy approaches, we characterized transformations of MOAs in relation to changes in C content, Δ14C values, and chemistry across the chronosequence. We found that the onset of root-driven weathering (65–90 kyr) increased the amount of C associated with poorly crystalline iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) phases, particularly highly disordered nano-particulate goethite (np-goethite). This increase coincided with greater C concentrations, lower Δ14C values, and greater abundance of what is likely microbially-derived C. Continued root-driven weathering (137–226 kyr) did not significantly change the amount of C associated with crystalline Fe and Al phases, but resulted in a decline in the amount of C associated with poorly crystalline Fe and Al phases. This decline coincided with a decrease in C concentrations, an increase in Δ14C values, and a shift toward plant-derived C. In contrast, soil not affected by root-driven weathering showed comparatively low amounts of C bound to poorly crystalline Fe and Al phases regardless of soil age and, correspondingly, lower C concentrations. Our results demonstrate that root-driven formation and disruption of MOAs are direct controls on both C accrual and loss in deep soil. This finding suggests that root impacts on soil C storage are dependent on soil weathering stage, a consideration that is critical for future predictions of the vulnerability of deep soil C to global change.
Understanding Reservoir Operating Rules in the Transboundary Nile River Basin Using Macroscale Hydrologic Modeling with Satellite Measurements

AbstractChallenges to manage and secure a sustainable water supply are expected to become more acute in Egypt as the lowermost riparian country of the Nile basin with the construction of new transb...
“Chef recommended” or “most popular”? Cultural differences in customer preference for recommendation labels

Abstract Despite the widespread use of recommendation labels on restaurant menus, no prior research has investigated their impact on diners’ menu decisions. To bridge that gap, this study examines the joint effect of recommendation type (chef recommended vs. most popular) and culture (individualistic vs. collectivistic) on diners’ purchase intention. The results indicate that Indians showed higher levels of purchase intention when the recommendation involved a popularity (vs. expertise) cue, while Americans responded more favorably to an expertise (vs. popularity) cue. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that self-construal is the underlying mechanism explaining the culture effect for popularity cues. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.
Clostridium paraputrificum: An atypical and rare case of septic arthritis mimicking an acute sickle cell crisis

Clostridium paraputrificum is an extremely rare species and constitutes only 1% of all clostridium infections in literature. Septic arthritis from Clostridium paraputrificum is even less documented, and currently there is only one known case report. Specifically, patients with sickle cell disease have a well-documented and increased susceptibility to infections with Salmonella, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilius influenzae, and Enterobacter-klebsiella. Clostridium infection in sickle cell patients has been less studied and described. Here we present a case of septic arthritis from Clostridium paraputrificum in a sickle cell disease patient likely provoked by underlying avascular necrosis of the right shoulder.
Almond Consumption for 8 Weeks Altered Host and Microbial Metabolism in Comparison to a Control Snack in Young Adults

Almond consumption can improve cardiometabolic (CM) health. However, the mechanisms underlying those benefits are not well characterized. This study explored the effects of consuming a snack of almonds vs. crackers for 8 weeks on changes in metabolomic profiles in young adults (clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT03084003). Participants (n=73, age: 18-19 years, BMI: 18-41 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to consume either almonds (2 oz/d, n=38) or an isocaloric control snack of graham crackers (325 kcal/d, n=35) daily for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline prior to and at 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. Metabolite abundances in the serum were quantified by hydrophilic interaction chromatography quadrupole (Q) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS/MS), gas chromatography (GC) TOF MS, CSH-ESI (electrospray) QTOF MS/MS, and targeted analyses for free PUFAs, total fatty acids, oxylipins and endocannabinoids. Linear mixed model analyses with baseline-adjustment were conducted, and those results were used for enrichment and network analyses. Microbial community pathway predictions from 16S rRNA sequencing of fecal samples was done using PICRUST2. Almond consumption enriched unsaturated triglycerides, unsaturated phosphatidylcholines, saturated and unsaturated lysophosphatidylcholines, tricarboxylic acids, and tocopherol clusters (p<0.05). Targeted analyses reveal lower levels of omega-3 total fatty acids (TFAs) overall in the almond group compared to the cracker group (p<0.05). Microbial amino acid biosynthesis, and amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism pathways were also differentially enriched at the end of the intervention (p<0.05). The study demonstrates the differential effects of almonds on host tocopherol, lipid, and TCA cycle metabolism with potential changes in microbial metabolism, which may interact with host metabolism to facilitate the CM benefits.
Unusual low-grade neuroepithelial tumour with novel PDGFRA mutation.

An 8-year-old girl presented with precocious puberty and an otherwise normal examination. MRI of the pituitary was normal; however, an incidental oval, non-enhancing T2 hyperintense lesion in the right temporal subcortical white matter was identified ([figure 1][1]). The neuro-radiographic
Fluids of anorogenic granites: A preliminary assessment

Anorogenic granites are principally associated with alkaline ring complexes or anorthositic suites. Compositional relationships in the granites may be largely the result of variable compositions of fluid phases present during the initial melting and/or later evolution. For example, the negative K2O-SiO2 relationships in granites associated with alkaline rocks is consistent with: (1) evolution of the initial melts in a CO2-rich environment, which causes the product of incongruent melting of biotite to be a prominent component of the derived magmas; and/or (2) crystallization of the granites in a CO2-rich environment, which causes a residual liquid to be rich in biotite component. Limited evidence indicates that granites evolved in fluorine-rich environments are enriched in Na and may have negative relationships between Na2O and SiO2. Fluorine-rich environments may be more characteristic of the silicic rocks in rapakivi-granit e/anorthosite complexes than of granites in alkaline suites.
Toric Differential Inclusions and a Proof of the Global Attractor Conjecture

The global attractor conjecture says that toric dynamical systems (i.e., a class of polynomial dynamical systems on the positive orthant) have a globally attracting point within each positive linear invariant subspace -- or, equivalently, complex balanced mass-action systems have a globally attracting point within each positive stoichiometric compatibility class. A proof of this conjecture implies that a large class of nonlinear dynamical systems on the positive orthant have very simple and stable dynamics. The conjecture originates from the 1972 breakthrough work by Fritz Horn and Roy Jackson, and was formulated in its current form by Horn in 1974. We introduce toric differential inclusions, and we show that each positive solution of a toric differential inclusion is contained in an invariant region that prevents it from approaching the origin. We use this result to prove the global attractor conjecture. In particular, it follows that all detailed balanced mass action systems and all deficiency zero weakly reversible networks have the global attractor property.
RNA-Mediated Reprogramming of Primary Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts into c-kit+ Cardiac Progenitor Cells

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Heart failure is a common, costly, and potentially fatal condition that is inadequately managed by pharmaceuticals. Cardiac repair therapies are promising alternative options. A potential cardiac repair therapy involves reprogramming human fibroblasts toward an induced cardiac progenitor-like state. We developed a clinically useful and safer reprogramming method by nonintegrative delivery of a cocktail of cardiac transcription factor-encoding mRNAs into autologous human dermal fibroblasts obtained from skin biopsies. Using this method, adult and neonatal dermal fibroblasts were reprogrammed into cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) that expressed c-kit, Isl-1, and Nkx2.5. Furthermore, these reprogrammed CPCs differentiated into cardiomyocytes (CMs) in vitro as judged by increased expression of cardiac troponin T, α-sarcomeric actinin, RyR2, and SERCA2 and displayed enhanced caffeine-sensitive calcium release. The ability to reprogram pa...
Hyperimmune serum from rabbits immunized with potassium thiocyanate extract of Pasteurella multocida protects against homologous challenge.

Abstract Hyperimmune rabbit sera directed to the KSCN extract of 3:A Pasteurella multocida were characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), presolubilized cell radioimmunoprecipitation, and immunoblotting analysis. The results showed that the hyperimmune serum had a very high titer of immunoglobulin G ELISA antibody and a negligible immunoglobulin A ELISA antibody, precipitated 10 different outer membrane protein antigens by radioimmunoprecipitation, and reacted to 10 different membrane vesicle antigens of P. multocida by immunoblotting analysis. The hyperimmune rabbit sera were also evaluated for protective efficacy against experimental rabbit pasteurellosis by homologous challenge. Thirty-six rabbits were divided into four groups. Group 1, 2, and 3 rabbits were inoculated intranasally with hyperimmune rabbit serum, phosphate-buffered saline, or normal rabbit serum, respectively, at 24 h prior to and 24, 48, and 72 h after intranasal challenge with the virulent homologous P. multocida strain. Group 4 rabbits were inoculated with normal rabbit serum without challenge. Necropsies of surviving rabbits were performed 2 weeks postinfection. The mortality rates for groups 1 through 4 were 25% (3 of 12), 67% (8 of 12), 75% (6 of 8), and 0% (0 of 4), respectively. The prevalence and severity of pneumonia were significantly lower in the hyperimmune serum-treated rabbits. The prevalence of P. multocida colonization in lungs was significantly lower in group 1 rabbits, and the geometric mean CFU of P. multocida in lungs was 59,166-fold less in group 1 rabbits than in group 3 rabbits. The geometric mean CFU of P. multocida in nasal cavities of group 1 rabbits was significantly lower than that of group 3 rabbits. All challenged rabbits (groups 1,2, and 3) had elevated nasal immunoglobulin A and pulmonary (lung lavage) immunoglobulin A antibody levels at necropsy (day 14 postinfection). Similarly, all challenged rabbits had elevated levels of ELISA immunoglobulin G antibody in serum at day 14 but not at day 7 postinfection, indicating that rabbits receiving hyperimmune serum can mount a specific humoral immune response against the homologous challenge P. multocida organisms. We concluded that hyperimmune serum directed to the KSCN extract of 3:A P. multocida provides significant protection against homologous challenge in rabbits.
Mapping current and future potential snakebite risk in the new world

Snakebite envenoming is an important public health concern worldwide. In the Americas, ~300,000 bites occur annually, leaving 84,110–140,981 envenomings and 652–3466 deaths. Here, we modeled current and future snakebite risk using ecological niche models (ENMs) of 90 venomous snake taxa. Current snakebite risk predictions were corroborated by incidence data from eight regions/periods with different characteristics. Detailed projections of potential future range shifts on distributions of the medically most relevant species indicated that North American species’ ranges are likely to increase in the future, but mixed results were obtained for Latin American snakes. A likely expansion of overall risk area and an increase of rural population at risk were observed from a consensus model among future scenarios. Our study highlights the capacity of ENMs to provide detailed information on current and future potential distributions of venomous snakes, as well as useful perspectives on snakebite risk, at least broad scales.
SMOKING AND CANCER OF THE UTERINE CERVIX: HYPOTHESIS

Hypothesizing that squamous cell tumors of various sites will be associated with cigarette smoking and that site-specific cancers with predominant squamous cell histology will be strongly associated it could be expected that cervical cancer will be strongly associated with cigarette smoking. Reports of studies bearing on this association are reviewed concluding that smoking as a risk factor in cervical cancer has not received as much attention as it should and all of the "established" risk factors such as marital instability and age at 1st pregnancy or coitus are unlikely to be very useful for primary prevention at least in the near future. It would thus appear to be useful to reexamine the smoking-site specific cancer associations controlling for tumor cell type.
Mechanistic Detail Revealed via Comprehensive Kinetic Modeling of [rac-C2H4(1-indenyl)2ZrMe2]-Catalyzed 1-Hexene Polymerization

Thorough kinetic characterization of single-site olefin polymerization catalysis requires comprehensive, quantitative kinetic modeling of a rich multiresponse data set that includes monomer consumption, molecular weight distributions (MWDs), end group analysis, etc. at various conditions. Herein we report the results obtained via a comprehensive, quantitative kinetic modeling of all chemical species in the batch polymerization of 1-hexene by rac-C2H4(1-Ind)2ZrMe2 activated with B(C6F5)3. While extensive studies have been published on this catalyst system, the previously acknowledged kinetic mechanism is unable to predict the MWD. We now show it is possible to predict the entire multiresponse data set (including the MWDs) using a kinetic model featuring a catalytic event that renders 43% of the catalyst inactive for the duration of the polymerization. This finding has significant implications regarding the behavior of the catalyst and the polymer produced and is potentially relevant to other single-site po...
The Reliability of Diagnostic and Remedial Decisions of Reading Specialists

This study empirically assessed whether reading specialists' written diagnoses and written remedial plans were reliable and reliably associated. Eight experienced reading specialists, four trained in Michigan and four trained in Illinois, were observed as they diagnosed three simulated cases of reading difficulty. Two of the cases were thinly disguised versions of the same reading problem. The third represented a different reading problem. The study demonstrated that (1) the bulk of the diagnostic and remedial statements/associations for a given case were made only once; identical cases were not diagnosed as such. (2) Examination of common case information led neither to common diagnoses, common remediations, nor common associations between remedia- tion and diagnosis. Only by aggregating diagnostic and remedial statements/associa- tions across clinicians could the outlines of consensus on each case be discerned. (3) Agreement between individual clinicians on diagnostic and remedial statements seen as characterizing a case ranged from very little to none whatever. (4) Clinicians never followed their stated plans regarding information collection procedures and the writing of the diagnosis and remediation. (5) There was no difference in performance between the Michigan-trained and Illinois-trained subjects. The idea that children having difficulty in reading must first be diagnosed before being given special teaching is a twentieth century phenomenon in the United States. The field of remedial reading as reflected in the literature has had at its base the stated belief that diagnosis and remediation are bound together. The diagnosis-treatment model has directed both thought and practice in the field since its origin early this cen- tury within the European medical profession, when congenital alexia, or 'word blind- ness' was described as being the cause of retardation in reading (N. B. Smith, 1967).
Mineral licks as a sodium source for Isle Royale moose

Natural mineral licks and their use by moose (Alces alces) on Isle Royale National Park, Michigan, were studied during 1982–85. The distribution of known licks suggested that they occurred in association with glacial debris, primarily in the western portions of the island. Moose utilized mineral springs extensively during the spring-summer period, and at least 5 licks were used year-round. During summer, a pronounced diel pattern of moose visitation was apparent, with peak use occurring between 0400–0800 h. Although daytime lick use declined by late June, morning and evening use continued to be relatively high throughout the study period. Peak lick use coincided with leaf-emergence in spring. Moose continued to utilize mineral licks despite the availability of ponds containing aquatic plants. Sodium appeared to be the element attracting moose to licks where they ingest copious amounts of water. Observed sodium ingestion rates (0.35 g/min) at licks indicate that licks provide a more concentrated source of sodium compared to aquatic plants (0.023 g/min). Based on the data presented, we reject the conclusions of earlier workers that aquatic plants constitute the only significant source of sodium for Isle Royale moose.
Glucosinolate hydrolysis and bioavailability of resulting isothiocyanates: Focus on glucoraphanin

There is a growing interest in the health benefits of broccoli. Sulforaphane, the major bioactive component in broccoli, is an unstable isothiocyanate stored in the plant as glucoraphanin. Myrosinase enzymes release sulforaphane when the plant is crushed. Extraction during supplement formulation or heat processing can destroy myrosinase. When myrosinase activity is lost, colonic microbiota perform this hydrolysis in vivo. Here we review hydrolysis by myrosinase and microbiota. Myrosinase acts fast to generate a bolus of SF that is rapidly absorbed high in the gut and rapidly excreted. Microbial metabolism is slow and delayed. Sulforaphane absorption, distribution and excretion are discussed.
A low-cost, flexible, high dynamic range test for free-form illumination optics

Software Configurable Optical Test System (SCOTS), a computerized “reverse Hartmann test,” can rapidly quantitatively measure complex 3-D specular surfaces, for instance solar collectors, faceted automotive headlight or free-form surfaces without complex calibrations.