cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lignin demethylation and polysaccharide decomposition in spruce sapwood degraded by brown rot fungi

Abstract The organic residues produced in the brown-rot (BR) of wood by many basidiomycetes fungi are ubiquitous on most coniferous forest floors. This degraded wood tissue is characterized by low levels of polysaccharides and a high proportion of demethylated lignin with minor glycerol side chain oxidation. Because of the selective enrichment in an aromatic dihydroxy-rich lignin residue, the chemical and biological reactivity of BR degraded wood will be distinctly different from white rot, the other primary class of fungal wood decay, which typically produces oxidized, lignin-depleted residues. The biochemical mechanism by which BR fungi perform this distinctive degradative chemistry is only starting to become known, and molecular studies which examine the chemical changes imparted to lignin over the long-term decay process are lacking. Using 13C-labeled tetramethylammonium hydroxide thermochemolysis (13C-TMAH) and solid state 13C NMR, we investigated the relationship between lignin oxidation/demethylation and polysaccharide metabolism in a 32-week time series study of spruce sapwood inoculated with either of two BR fungi (Postia placenta and Gloeophyllum trabeum). Our findings demonstrate a close relationship between lignin demethylation and polysaccharide loss and suggest demethylation may play a mechanistic role in polysaccharide loss, possibly by assisting in Fenton reactions where catechol/quinone oxidation and cycling aids in iron reduction. The residue remaining after 16 weeks of decay is devoid of polysaccharides, in contrast to the 68% polysaccharide carbon present in the initial spruce, and exhibits an increased aromatic dihydroxy content (resulting from demethylation of the 3-methoxyl carbon) of up to 22% of the lignin, as determined by 13C-TMAH thermochemolysis. In a typical soil or porewater environment these chemical changes would make BR residues highly reactive toward redox sensitive polyvalent metals (e.g. ferric iron) and likely to adsorb to metal hydroxide surfaces.
Nanoindentation testing of separators for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract We describe herein a method for quantifying and ranking the puncture resistance of lithium-ion battery separators, which can be used as a quality-control tool for determining the in-plane uniformity of their mechanical properties. Mechanical properties were probed over length scales comparable to the size of electrode active material particles. We determined the elastic modulus and hardness of four polymeric and four organic–inorganic composite separators through nanoindentation, and examined their morphology with scanning electron microscopy. Our results show that ceramic-enhanced separators can have improved mechanical properties compared to polymeric separators (3× increase in elastic modulus, 2× increase in hardness). Composite separators made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and fumed alumina displayed the highest hardness. The results also indicate that the mechanical properties of ceramic-enhanced separators depend strongly on materials choices and processing conditions (in particular, their thermal history). Furthermore, inclusion of ceramics into a separator does not guarantee improved mechanical properties.
Effect of dietary protein level on mature and aged rats in the presence and absence of trauma

Abstract The effect of dietary protein level on reducing body protein losses following trauma was studied in two age groups. Mature (4-month old) and aged (24-month old) Fischer 344 male rats were given a 20% casein diet for 7 days before traumatization by laparotomy under sodium pentobarbital anaesthesia. After surgery, the rats were given 5, 10, 20 or 40% casein diets. Nitrogen balance studies (N intake-N output in urine, feces and hair) were carried out during the last 3 days pre-trauma and 5 days post-trauma periods. Traumatization by laparotomy significantly reduced N retention of rats. Aged rats retained significantly less N than mature ones during both pre- and post-trauma periods. As the casein level of the diet increased, N retention of rats increased linearly. Except in non-traumatized mature rats, those given a 20% casein diet retained significantly more N than rats given a 10% casein diet; the difference in N retention between the rats consuming the 20% and 40% casein diets was not significant, except for the non-traumatized mature rats. The results show that a relatively high protein level during the post-trauma period reduces body protein losses and that aging compounds the effect of trauma with respect to N loss.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of 5-chloro-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-fluorouridine (935U83) following oral administration of escalating single doses in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults.

5-Chloro-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-fluorouridine (935U83) is a nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitor that has demonstrated selective anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activity in vitro and favorable safety profiles in monkeys and mice. A phase I study was conducted to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of six escalating single oral doses of 935U83 in 12 HIV-infected adults. The effect of a high-fat meal on the oral bioavailability of 935U83 was also assessed. The volunteers enrolled had CD4+ cell counts ranging from < 50 to 753 cells per mm3 (median, 198). In the dose range of 100 to 1,500 mg 935U83 was well tolerated by all subjects with no drug-related adverse events reported. No significant clinical or laboratory abnormalities were observed throughout the study. 935U83 was rapidly and well absorbed following oral administration with peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) occurring at 0.8 to 1.3 h postdosing. Mean Cmax and AUC0-infinity values of 935U83 were nearly dose proportional in the 100- to 1,500-mg dose range (from 2.4 to 30 micrograms/ml and from 3.4 to 59 h.micrograms/ml, respectively). Elimination of 935U83 from the plasma was rapid, with an apparent half-life of 1.3 to 1.7 h which was independent of the dose level. Administration of 935U83 with a high-fat meal decreased the rate of 935U83 absorption (mean Cmax decreased by approximately 50% and mean time to Cmax increased by approximately 1 h) but did not affect the extent of oral bioavailability (AUC0-infinity) of 935U83. The 5'-O-glucuronide conjugate was the principal metabolite of 935U83 and was present in the plasma of all volunteers at concentrations lower than 935U83. The molar AUC0-infinity ratio (935U83 glucuronide to the parent compound) was similar across all dose levels (mean, 21 to 27%). At least 60% of the 935U83 dose was absorbed, and approximately an equal percentage of the dose (approximately 30%) was excreted as unchanged 935U83 and as 935U83 glucuronide. Systemic exposure to 935U83 at levels exceeding its average in vitro antiretroviral 50% inhibitory concentration (approximately 0.5 microgram/ml or 1.8 microM) can be achieved after a single oral dose.
Antarctic Collembolans Use Chemical Signals to Promote Aggregation and Egg Laying

Terrestrial arthropods that reside in Antarctica are exposed to considerable periods of environmental stress, thus factors that promote identification of favorable microhabitats are extremely important. In this study, we report the presence of chemical cues that induce oviposition and aggregation in two species of Antarctic collembolans, Cryptopygus antarcticus and Friesea grisea. Responses of the Collembola were enhanced by low temperatures but were not altered by humidity. One of the major physiological benefits derived from an aggregation was a substantial reduction in water loss rates. Although F. grisea and C. antarcticus were commonly found in cross-species aggregations, we found no evidence to suggest cross-species attraction. When individuals were exposed to areas previously occupied by groups of Collembola, more eggs were laid. Thus, chemicals released by the collembolans appear to induce both aggregation and oviposition in these Antarctic species.
Detection of fluorescence dye-labeled proteins in 2-D gels using an Arthur 1442 Multiwavelength Fluoroimager.

Labeling of proteins with SYPRO  Orange, SYPRO Red, and SYPRO Ruby after 2-D polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using plastic-backed immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips and precast SDS polyacrylamide gels was tested. Protein spots were detected using an Arthur 1442 Multiwavelength Fluoroimager. The labeling methods described allow detection of proteins both after isoelectric focusing (IEF) and PAGE with a sensitivity higher than or comparable to standard silver staining methods. In addition to the post-labeling methods mentioned above, pre-labeling with the cysteine-specific fluorophore monobromobimane before 2-D PAGE is a sensitive, fast, and cost-effective alternative to existing staining protocols.
Reconnaissance of Cenozoic Sedimentary Rocks of Nevada

Throughout Nevada the most reliable stratigraphic datum in sequences of non-marine Cenozoic sedimentary rocks is a distinctive suite of tuffaceous upper Miocene to middle Pliocene deposits. For convenience of discussion these rocks are referred to as the vitric tuff unit. In eastern Nevada and adjacent Utah the vitric tuff unit is locally underlain by red and tan Paleozoic-pebble conglomerate, some of which is as old as Cretaceous. Scattered outcrops of lower Cenozoic (largely Eocene) limestone and associated reddish brown conglomerate in east-central Nevada and western Utah probably are equivalent to the Wasatch formation in Utah. A distinctive sequence of limestone and oil shale found locally in northeastern Nevada probably is Oligocene in age. Over an extensive part of southern, central, and western Nevada, as well as locally in the northeastern part of the state, rocks below the vitric tuff unit are essentially rhyolitic to dacitic agglomerate and coarse tuff, welded tuff, and lava. This sequence apparently accumulated principally between Oligocene and late Miocene time and was associated in a general way with important deformation of the region that faulted and tilted older Cenozoic sequences. Following a middle Cenozoic episode of deformation and erosion, the vitric tuff unit, consisting chiefly of soft unaltered tuff, bentonitic mudstone, sandstone, limestone, and diatomite, began to accumulate in late Miocene time in southern, central, and western Nevada while deposits of limestone, carbonaceous and bituminous shale, sandstone, and conglomerate, containing partly altered tuffaceous debris, formed in northeastern Nevada. In early Pliocene time, during an episode of extensive aggradation accompanied by eruption of the younger Sierran and southern Cascade andesitic rocks, the vitric tuff facies accumulated throughout most of the state, and it continued to accumulate locally in middle Pliocene time. End_Page 2801------------------------------ Important uplift of the Sierra Nevada accompanied large-scale block-faulting and regional uplift that began in later Pliocene time and produced the present structual and topographic pattern of Nevada. Even though a middle Cenozoic and a post-early to middle Pliocene episode of deformation may have predominated throughout much of the state, local areas had varying tectonic and depositional histories during the Cenozoic era.
Second-order optimal estimation of slip state for a simple slip-steered vehicle

We present a method to optimally estimate when a slip state transition occurs for a slip-steered vehicle. A slip-steered vehicle's contact state with the ground must slip sideways in order for the vehicle to turn. This slipping generates uncertainties for an autonomous controller. These uncertainties can be be reduced if an estimate of when the vehicle switches between slipping and sticking is provided to the controller. We present an estimator that optimally determines when a switch between slipping and sticking occurs by comparing simulations of the slip-steered vehicle with its measured configurations. We demonstrate that steepest descent-based optimization has slow convergence and show how this issue can be rectified by using Newton's Method. This is a primary stress of our paper. The paper concludes with the introduction of an algorithm that uses second-order optimization in a manner that is appropriate for online implementation.
Estimation and Application of Dynamic Speed-Density Relations by Using Transfer Function Models

Deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and availability of a vast amount of online data are opening new opportunities for researchers and practitioners. Many of the previously established methods and applications must be revisited in light of the availability of real-time data. Traffic flow models, particularly speed-density relations, lie at the core of a wide range of applications in almost all areas of traffic engineering and control. In simulation applications and continuum traffic flow models, first-order models use a steady-state or static speed-density relation, whereas higher-order models, with additional terms and parameters, are usually driven by the deviation of speed from this steady-state value. In calibrating speed-density relations using time series data, the existence of serial correlation and other dynamic effects in the data has largely been ignored in previous studies. In this study, transfer function methods (bivariate time series models) are used to specify and estimate dynamic speed-density relations from typical detector data from an advanced traffic management system control center. First the deviation of speed from an equilibrium static relation is estimated, and later the method is extended to directly estimate speed without explicit specification of an equilibrium speed-density relation. The robustness of the model temporally and spatially is investigated. In all cases considered, the method exhibits good performance and robustness in application. Furthermore, since the method is based on the use of online information, it has the capability of being adaptive and adjusting its parameters online.
THE VALUE OF FLEXIBILITY IN ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A REAL OPTIONS ANALYSIS OF INVESTMENTS IN COASTAL DEFENSE

Adaptation to climate change is likely to be a significant challenge for developing countries. We examine whether a real options approach that recognizes uncertainty and maintains future flexibility can provide an improved adaptation investment strategy. We use a Monte Carlo model to test four strategies for defending against sea level rise. Two of the strategies are inflexible, with the coastal defense fully specified in the first year of analysis. The other two strategies are flexible real options that allow adjustments in the coastal defense over time. We emphatically show that a real options strategy has the potential to increase the benefits of proactive adaptation. Our results prove to be location-dependent, underscoring the need for location-specific analysis. We find that the quality of the information obtained over time has an important bearing on option value and that a country's institutional capability and the specific mechanisms of international development assistance may affect implementation.
The influence of various factors on the uptake of iodine by the thyroid.

THE mechanism of thyroidal concentration of iodide is unknown. A thyroid-iodide/serum-iodide concentration ratio of 25:1 occurs in normal rat thyroid and may increase to 200–300:1 during chronic administration of an antithyroid agent (1). Various factors influence this iodide-concentrating mechanism. The quantity of iodine per 100 grams of thyroid tissue has been demonstrated to have an inverse relationship to the thyroidal iodide-concentrating ability (2), and a high concentration of serum iodide decreases the thyroidserum iodide ratio (1). Hypophysectomy results in a reduction of the concentrating ability, which is restored by thyrotropin (3). This effect of thyrotropin seems to be enhanced by propylthiouracil, but the administration of propylthiouracil alone in the hypophysectomized animal has an inconstant effect on the iodide concentration gradient (4). The thyroid-serum iodide ratio in hypophysectomized animals may be lowered still further by the administration of thyroxine (4). Potassium thiocyanat...
Landau-like damping in rotating pure electron plasmas

A numerical solution of the two-dimensional (2-D) linearized incompressible fluid equations has been used to study the response of a cylindrical pure electron plasma to an externally applied pulse. The plasma response to the pulse exhibits a nondissipative decay process. This decay is due to differential rotation of the plasma at different radii and is clearly shown by computer-generated displays of the perturbed density.
Order-of-magnitude enhancement of intersubband photoresponse in a plasmonic quantum dot system

The unprecedented ability of metallic subwavelength structures to confine and concentrate light into subwavelength spaces has led to new physics and exploration of novel devices. In this Letter, we demonstrate a 20 times enhancement of intersubband photoresponse in a InAs quantum dot (QD) system due to evanescently coupled plasmonic field. The resulting enhancement is accompanied by significant narrowing of photoresponse linewidth. The strong enhancement is attributed to efficient coupling of incident field to surface modes and to QDs, the presence of polarization-dependent absorption from QDs, and a fairly strong plasmon–QD interaction.
Explaining the sawtooth: latitudinal periodicity in a circadian gene correlates with shifts in generation number.

Many temperate insects take advantage of longer growing seasons at lower latitudes by increasing their generation number or voltinism. In some insects, development time abruptly decreases when additional generations are fit into the season. Consequently, latitudinal ‘sawtooth’ clines associated with shifts in voltinism are seen for phenotypes correlated with development time, like body size. However, latitudinal variation in voltinism has not been linked to genetic variation at specific loci. Here, we show a pattern in allele frequency among voltinism ecotypes of the European corn borer moth (Ostrinia nubilalis) that is reminiscent of a sawtooth cline. We characterized 145 autosomal and sex-linked SNPs and found that period, a circadian gene that is genetically linked to a major QTL determining variation in post-diapause development time, shows cyclical variation between voltinism ecotypes. Allele frequencies at an unlinked circadian clock gene cryptochrome1 were correlated with period. These results suggest that selection on development time to ‘fit’ complete life cycles into a latitudinally varying growing season produces oscillations in alleles associated with voltinism, primarily through changes at loci underlying the duration of transitions between diapause and other life history phases. Correlations among clock loci suggest possible coupling between the circadian clock and the circannual rhythms for synchronizing seasonal life history. We anticipate that latitudinal oscillations in allele frequency will represent signatures of adaptation to seasonal environments in other insects and may be critical to understanding the ecological and evolutionary consequences of variable environments, including response to global climate change.
Upc2p and Ecm22p, dual regulators of sterol biosynthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Sterols, essential for life in most, if not all, eukaryotes, are synthesized by a pathway known variously as the mevalonate pathway, the isoprenoid pathway, or the sterol biosynthetic pathway. Although sterols (which include molecules ranging from cholesterol to steroid hormones) are the major products of the sterol biosynthetic pathway, this pathway also produces many important nonsterol compounds that are necessary for cellular processes such as respiration, glycosylation, protein prenylation and photosynthesis. In the heavily studied mammalian sterol biosynthetic pathway, regulation occurs at both the transcriptional and the posttranscriptional levels. At present, the best-understood aspect of this regulation is the transcriptional response to changes in sterol levels. Sterol depletion in mammalian cells causes activation of the transcription factors known as sterol regulatory element (SRE) binding proteins (SREBPs) (8), encoded by the homologous genes SREBP-1 and SREBP-2. When sterols are abundant, the SREBPs are inactive, tethered to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane by two intrinsic transmembrane helices. When sterol levels drop, regulated proteolysis releases the transcriptional activation domains of the SREBPs from the membrane tether, allowing the activation domains to translocate to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus, these domains activate transcription of genes involved in sterol and fatty acid homeostasis. The SREBPs bind the same DNA sequences in vitro (21). In vivo, the SREBPs activate an overlapping set of target genes but may have slightly different DNA binding specificities and/or activities (8, 22). Hence, differential activation and synthesis of the SREBPs may make it possible for mammalian cells to respond to a demand for different levels of sterol and nonsterol products. Many genes in the sterol biosynthetic pathway in Saccharomyces cerevisiae are transcriptionally regulated in response to changes in sterol levels (6, 13). However, less is known about this regulatory mechanism in yeast. Also, yeast lack convincing homologues of the mammalian SREBPs. This work describes the identification of a yeast SRE shared by many genes involved in sterol biosynthesis and the identification of two SREBPs, Upc2p and Ecm22p, which regulate transcription of the sterol biosynthetic genes. Both Upc2p and Ecm22p are members of the Zn[22]-Cys[6] binuclear cluster family of fungal transcription factors (31). UPC2 was originally identified as a semidominant allele that allows sterol uptake under aerobic conditions (11). Upc2p is also involved in the anaerobic activation of expression of the DAN/TIR mannoproteins (1). The ECM22 gene was identified as a mutant sensitive to the cell wall perturbing agent calcofluor white (20). Our data indicated that both Ecm22p and Upc2p were involved in regulation of sterol biosynthesis and identified ERG2 and ERG3 as targets of both proteins.
Inhibition of glucagon-mediated increases in hepatic cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate by prostaglandin E1 and E2.

The effects of prostaglandin (PG) E1, E2>,A1 and F2α on glucagon-mediated increases in hepatic cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) were examined. In intact, anesthetized rats, intraportal injection of high doses of PGE, and E2, but not PGA, or F2α, modestly increased hepatic cAMP levels (by 60% at 1 min after injection). Upon their simultaneous intraportal administration with glucagon, both stimulatory and much lower, nonstimulatory, doses of PGE1, or E2 significantly suppressed glucagon-induced increases in hepatic cAMP, monitored at 15 sec or 1 min after injectionBy contrast, PGA1, PGF2αand insulin had no detectable effect on this rapid action of glucagon. In rat livers perfused in situ, PGE, also partially inhibited glucagon-mediated alterations in both hepatic cAMP and in glycogen synthetase activity. Studies directed toward identifying the mechanism by which PGE1, modulates the hepatic cAMP response to glucagon were inconclusive. In hepatic homogenates, maximal doses of PGE, enhanced basal ad...
Analysis of grape polyamines from Grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaV-2 and -3) infected vines

This is the first report comparing the free polyamine content of ‘Pinot noir’ grapes from vines infected with Grapevine leafroll associated viruses (GLRaV)-2 or -3, with samples taken from healthy vines. Berries were collected from three different rootstock/scion combinations, and all samples were from commercial vineyards in Oregon. Three free polyamines (putrescine, cadaverine, and spermidine) were found in all ‘Pinot noir’ grapes analysed in this study. Berries from healthy Vitis riparia rootstock/‘Pinot noir’ clone 114 were significantly higher in putrescine (28.6 lmol/l) and total polyamines (41.9 lmol/l), compared to their GLRaV-3 infected samples (20.7 and 33.0 lmol/l, respectively). Vine virus status did not alter total or individual polyamines in berries from the other two rootstock/scion combinations (unknown rootstock/‘Chardonnay’ interstock/‘Pinot noir’ scion [clone unknown] and self-rooted/‘Pinot noir’ clone Pommard). Levels of putrescine, spermidine, and total polyamines varied between berries taken from the healthy vines of the three different rootstock/scion combinations. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Pushouts, Shutouts, and Holdouts: Educational Experiences of Latino Immigrant Young Adults in New York City

This mixed-methods study examines educational experiences of Latino immigrant young adult dropouts in New York City, along with pre- and postmigration factors that impact school participation. Due to age, interrupted schooling, and limited English proficiency, high schools view this population as hard to serve. Increasing numbers of these youth turn to adult and alternative education programs, seeking a pathway to college and job training. Data presented raise questions about the impact of local and federal education policies on educational access for immigrant young adults and contribute to the national conversation about education and career pathways for disconnected and underserved youth.
Consequences of Brief Ischemia: Stunning, Preconditioning, and Their Clinical Implications Part 1

In experimental studies in the dog, total proximal coronary artery occlusions of up to 15 minutes result in reversible injury, meaning that the myocytes survive this insult. The 15 minutes of ische...
Operations management and operations research: a historical and relational perspective

The focus of this research paper is to briefly trace the historical development of Operations Management (OM) and Operations Research (OR). The problems and challenges resulting from the convergence between the two fields in recent years are evaluated and some recommendations are offered to both OM and OR academicians and practitioners.
Markov-Chain Approximation and Estimation of Nonlinear, Non-Gaussian State Space Models

I develop a new method for approximating and estimating nonlinear, non-Gaussian state space models. I show that any such model can be well approximated by a discrete-state Markov process and estimated using techniques developed in Hamilton (1989). Through Monte Carlo simulations, I demonstrate that my method outperforms popular existing methods both in terms of accuracy and computational efficiency for empirically relevant sample sizes. This finding has important implications for the estimation of nonlinear dynamic economic models, many of which are computationally intractable using exisiting methods. I illustrate an empirical application of my method by re-estimating the Wu and Xia shadow rate term structure model. When I calculate the shadow rate using the parameter estimates from my proposed filter, I find that it was as much as 2.2 percentange points lower in July 2012 than previous estimates imply.
Ethnicity and Contraceptive Use in Ghana: An Analysis from a Gender Perspective

This study seeks to examine the role or impact of an individual’s ethnicity in relation to their interest in using contraceptives in Ghana. The study observes how gender affects the relationship between ethnicity and contraception use in Ghana. This study employs a data with the sample size of 11,888 from the 2008 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) on Ghana. The dependent variable of the student is contraceptive usage and the independent variable of the study is ethnicity. The paper controls for gender and education, to determine the role of gender and education in relation to the dependent and independent variable. The results from the study proves that ethnicity strongly influence contraceptive use in Ghana. The study also proves gender also has a strong influence on contraception use in Ghana. In relation to education, the paper proves that persons with Primary, Middle/JSS/JHS and higher education-above Secondary/SSS/SHS school education have a strong relationship with contraceptive use in Ghana.
Oxidation Behavior of Spent UO2 Fuel

To support dry storage technology, oxidation tests were conducted with light water reactor spent fuel. The initial rate of weight gain for spent fuel was up to 50 times greater than the initial rat...
Effect of mercurials on thiamine excretion in patients with congestive heart failure.

SummaryThe effect of mercurials on output of thiamine in the urine was investigated in 9 patients with congestive heart failure. The statistical analysis of the accumulated data indicates that the levels of thiamine excretion following mercurial administration are significantly increased over the levels observed on control days. The data seem to indicate that the mercurial-induced thiamine excretion is not due to the increased diuresis; it is suggested that it may be related to the depressed tubular absorption of the thiamine.
Impact of Neointimal Calcifications on Acute Stent Performance during the Treatment of In-Stent Restenosis

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has become the invasive imaging modality of choice for coronary stent assessment due to its unmatched spatial resolution. Neointimal calcification (NC) is a rare finding, observed in 5-10% of in-stent restenosis (ISR) neointima. The impact of NC on percutaneous coronary intervention of ISR is unknown. We therefore present the outcome of six unique cases of ISR and NC in which OCT was used to evaluate the impact of NC on the quality of stent-in-stent deployment for the treatment of ISR. This series demonstrates for the first time the impact of NC on stent expansion, a finding which might help guiding percutaneous coronary intervention for ISR with NC.
Effects of Substrate Size and Orientation on Quadrupedal Gait Kinematics in Mouse Lemurs (Microcebus murinus).

As the smallest living primate, the mouse lemur is a suitable model for reconstructing the locomotor mechanisms by which primate ancestors might have responded to the challenges of an arboreal environment. In this study, we tested the effects of substrate diameter and orientation on quadrupedal gait kinematics in mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Mouse lemurs highly preferred asymmetrical to symmetrical gaits as they moved across a flat board and poles of three diameters (2.5, 1.0, and 0.5 cm), set at horizontal, 30° inclined, and 30° declined orientations. During symmetrical gaits, mouse lemurs used diagonal sequence walking and ambling gaits on the same substrates and at the same duty factors for which some similarly sized nonprimate mammals use lateral sequence gaits, suggesting that reliance on diagonal sequence walking in primates may not be explicitly a response to body size relative to substrate diameter. When using asymmetrical gaits, kinematic adjustments to small diameter and/or nonhorizontal substrates included a preference for transverse gallops over other gaits, the avoidance of whole-body suspensions, increases in limb contact duration, and increases in the time interval between the landing of trailing and leading limbs. All of these adjustments are consistent with increasing locomotor stability by dampening center of mass movements and reducing the forces imparted to the substrate. Like mouse lemurs, small-bodied ancestral primates likely used symmetrical gaits occasionally, but more frequently used asymmetrical gaits that were adjusted in response to challenging substrates. Therefore, asymmetrical gait dynamics should be incorporated into hypotheses addressing early primate locomotor evolution.
Hepatic Calcified Tumor-like Mass Complicating Umbilical Vein Catheterization in a Neonate

Presented is a case of a hepatic calcified mass complicating umbilical vein catheterization in a neonate and diagnosed by wedge biopsy. Wedge biopsy of the hepatic mass, situated in proximity to the falciform ligament, revealed expansion of portal tracts by fibrosis and calcification. Some aggregates of calcified material appeared in ectatic vascular spaces. The biopsy findings accounted for the radiographic appearance of the mass and the constellation of features were deemed indicative of calcification secondary to umbilical vein catheterization. Umbilical vein catheterization in neonates may be complicated by a calcified mass that requires histologic evaluation for distinction from other space-occupying lesions. Such a calcified pseudotumor may develop after an umbilical catheter has been in place for only 5 days.
Histidine Residues Involved in Heme Binding by Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase

Heme is required for the expression of both the peroxidase and cyclooxygenase activities of PGH synthase (1). There are spectral data indicating that the heme moiety of PGH synthase is liganded via two imidazole groups (2, 3). Since heme is required for both cyclooxygenase and peroxidase activities, replacement of a required heme ligand should cause the coordinate loss of both activities. There are thirteen conserved histidine residues in PGH synthase (4). We replaced each of these histidines with glutamine residues and compared the cyclooxygenase and hydroperoxidase activities of the native and mutant PGH synthases (4); in those instances in which the Gin mutant was inactive, we performed a second replacement with a smaller alanine group and again measured enzyme activity. The results seen with the glutamine and alanine mutations were qualitatively the same.
LGBT Ally Training and Counselor Competency: A Mixed-Methods Study

ABSTRACTThis mixed-methods study was designed to explore the effectiveness of a university-sponsored lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) ally training on the LGBT competency of counselors-in-training. Thirty-seven students completed training and pre/posttest assessments to measure LGB competency. The authors found a statistically significant difference in pre/post test scores in Knowledge, Skills, and total scores. Ten students participated in interviews, five themes were identified (self-awareness, professional development, ally development, intersectionality of identities, and transgender clients). Limitations include small sample and lack of a control group. The implications focus on using university and community partnerships to foster competency. Limitations include small sample size, lack of measure to address transgender competency, and absence of control group.
65 – Human Puberty: Physiology, Progression, and Genetic Regulation of Variation in Onset

Puberty is an important developmental process and life stage that leads to sexual maturation and reproductive capability. Although the physiology and progression of puberty is relatively common among individuals, the timing of puberty varies across the normal population and is affected by both genetic and environmental influences. In this chapter, we present a discussion of the physiology and regulation of pubertal development, with emphasis on the recent advances in genetic regulation of variation in pubertal timing. Changes in behavior that relate to puberty are also reviewed briefly.
Arthroscopic Correlates of Subtle Syndesmotic Injury.

Background:Arthroscopic criteria for identifying syndesmotic disruption have been variable and subjective. We aimed to quantify syndesmotic disruption arthroscopically using a standardized measurem...
Acute toxicity of Kepone® to four estuarine animals

Recent contamination of the James River estuary, Virginia, with Kepone prompted acute flow-through bioassays to determine the 96-hour toxicity of the insectivide to four estuarine species native to that ecosystem. The species and their 96-hour LC50 values were: grass shrimp (Palaemonetes pugio), 121 μg/liter; blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), >210 μg/liter; sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus), 69.5μg/liter; and spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) 6.6μg/liter. Surviving animals were analyzed for Kepone. Average bioconcentration factors (the concentration of Kepone in tissues divided by the concentration of Kepone measured in seawater) were: grass shrimp, 698; blue crab 8.1; sheepshead minnow, 1,548; and spot, 1,221.
Pathway towards renewable chemicals.

The use of levulinic acid in bioconversion strategies has been limited by the lack of information on the pathways used by microorganisms to degrade it. Now, functional genomics reveals the essential steps for utilization of levulinic acid in Pseudomonas putida.
Adapting to oxygen: 3-Hydroxyanthrinilate 3,4-dioxygenase employs loop dynamics to accommodate two substrates with disparate polarities.

3-Hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (HAO) is an iron-dependent protein that activates O2 and inserts both oxygen atoms into 3-hydroxyanthranilate (3-HAA). An intriguing question is how HAO can rapidly bind O2, even though local O2 concentrations and diffusion rates are relatively low. Here, a close inspection of the HAO structures revealed that substrate- and inhibitor-bound structures exhibit a closed conformation with three hydrophobic loop regions moving toward the catalytic iron center, whereas the ligand-free structure is open. We hypothesized that these loop movements enhance O2 binding to the binary complex of HAO and 3-HAA. We found that the carboxyl end of 3-HAA triggers changes in two loop regions and that the third loop movement appears to be driven by an H-bond interaction between Asn27 and Ile142. Mutational analyses revealed that N27A, I142A, and I142P variants cannot form a closed conformation, and steady-state kinetic assays indicated that these variants have a substantially higher Km for O2 than WT HAO. This observation suggested enhanced hydrophobicity at the iron center resulting from the concerted loop movements after the binding of the primary substrate, which is hydrophilic. Given that O2 is nonpolar, the increased hydrophobicity at the iron center of the binary complex appears to be essential for rapid O2 binding and activation, explaining the reason for the 3-HAA–induced loop movements. Because substrate binding-induced open-to-closed conformational changes are common, the results reported here may help further our understanding of how oxygen is enriched in nonheme iron-dependent dioxygenases.
Genotyping-by-sequencing application on diploid rose and a resulting high-density SNP-based consensus map.

Roses, which have been cultivated for at least 5000 years, are one of the most important ornamental crops in the world. Because of the interspecific nature and high heterozygosity in commercial roses, the genetic resources available for rose are limited. To effectively identify markers associated with QTL controlling important traits, such as disease resistance, abundant markers along the genome and careful phenotyping are required. Utilizing genotyping by sequencing technology and the strawberry genome (Fragaria vesca v2.0.a1) as a reference, we generated thousands of informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. These SNPs along with known bridge simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers allowed us to create the first high-density integrated consensus map for diploid roses. Individual maps were first created for populations J06-20-14-3×“Little Chief” (J14-3×LC), J06-20-14-3×“Vineyard Song” (J14-3×VS) and “Old Blush”×“Red Fairy” (OB×RF) and these maps were linked with 824 SNPs and 13 SSR bridge markers. The anchor SSR markers were used to determine the numbering of the rose linkage groups. The diploid consensus map has seven linkage groups (LGs), a total length of 892.2 cM, and an average distance of 0.25 cM between 3527 markers. By combining three individual populations, the marker density and the reliability of the marker order in the consensus map was improved over a single population map. Extensive synteny between the strawberry and diploid rose genomes was observed. This consensus map will serve as the tool for the discovery of marker–trait associations in rose breeding using pedigree-based analysis. The high level of conservation observed between the strawberry and rose genomes will help further comparative studies within the Rosaceae family and may aid in the identification of candidate genes within QTL regions. A genetic map of rose DNA could help flower breeders develop ornamental crops that are more resistant to disease or have other desirable traits. Rose breeder, David Byrne and molecular geneticist, Patricia Klein along with their colleagues from Texas A&M University in College Station, USA, bred five different strains of ‘diploid’ rose, each with two full sets of chromosomes, to create 234 offspring plants. Using the full genome from strawberry, a closely related species, as a reference, the researchers then looked for sites in the genome where either single DNA letters differed between individual offspring or where short sequences of DNA repeated themselves to create easily identifiable genetic markers. They created genetic maps of each parental cross, and then formed a consensus map that can now serve as a tool for future genetically guided breeding efforts of horticulturally important traits.
Distributed robust execution of qualitative state plan with chance constraints

Physically grounded AI systems consisting of multiple mobile agents need to conduct complicated tasks cooperatively in dynamic, uncertain environment. Two important capabilities for such systems are robust kinodynamic path planning and distributed plan execution on a hybrid discrete/continuous plant. For example, a fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) shown in Figure 1, which conducts scientific observations cooperatively for up to 20 hours without human supervision, should ideally navigate themselves to areas of scientific interest according to a game plan provided by scientists. Our plan formalism is Qualitative State Plan (QSP) (Leaute 2005), which specifies the desired evolution of the qualitative state of the system as well as the flexible temporal constraints. This approach elevates the interaction between the human operator and the robotic system, to a more abstract level where the operator is able to qualitatively command the tasks. A centralized model-based QSP executive called Sulu (Leaute 2005) generates optimal path and schedule that is consistent with a given QSP in deterministic environment. Real-world systems, however, are exposed to stochastic disturbances. Stochastic systems typically have a risk of failure due to unexpected events, such as unpredictable tides and currents that affect the AUV’s motion. AUV operators want to limit the risk of losing AUV by colliding with seafloor. Thus the kinodynamic path planning has to be robust in existence of disturbance. The plan executive should ideally be distributed for a number of reasons. First, in many cases such as underwater, the inter-vehicle communication is limited. Second, the leader vehicle that has the centralized plan executive is the single point failure. Third, computation burden concentrates in the leader vehicle. Distributed plan executive makes system more robust and efficient. My research objective is to develop a distributed modelbased QSP executive that is robust in a stochastic environment.
Cholera Toxin and its Subunits as Potential Oral Adjuvants

Cholera toxin (CT) is a protein produced by Vibrio cholerae whose effect on the intestinal epithelial cells is responsible for the copious fluid secretion seen in clinical cholera. Because of this, the biology, immunology, and biochemistry of this molecule have been extensively characterized (Holmgren 1981; van Heyningen 1982). The molecular structure of CT is known and the genes encoding it have been isolated and sequenced (Mekalanos et al. 1983; Lockman and Kaper 1983). CT has two subunits, a 28,000 kD A subunit that has ADP-ribosylating enzymatic activity and an 11,500 kD B or binding subunit which exists as a pentamer in the holotoxin. The receptor molecule for CT is known to be GM1 ganglioside, a constituent of the cell surface membrane of virtually all nucleated cells. The A subunit can be further subdivided into A1 and A2 components which are encoded in the same gene segment and are linked by a disulfide bond. It is the hydrophobic A1 subunit that appears to insert into the membrane and mediate the activation of the adenylate cyclase enzyme.
Observations of Small-Scale Rainfall-Rate Time Variations with Sensitive Rainfall Recording Instruments

A research program involving the study of the attenuation and backscattering by rain of millimeter wavelength radiation has resulted in the requirement for very accurate measurements of rainfall ch...
Impact of marital status on the survival of patients with hematologic malignancies reported to the California Cancer Registry.

6555Background: Married patients with solid tumors experience significantly better survival than unmarried patients. The impact of marital status on survival of patients with hematologic malignanci...
Extending the Lifetime of Organic Flow Batteries via Redox State Management.

Redox flow batteries based on quinone-bearing aqueous electrolytes have emerged as promising systems for energy storage from intermittent renewable sources. The lifetime of these batteries is limited by quinone stability. Here, we confirm that 2,6-dihydroxyanthrahydroquinone tends to form an anthrone intermediate that is vulnerable to subsequent irreversible dimerization. We demonstrate quantitatively that this decomposition pathway is responsible for the loss of battery capacity. Computational studies indicate that the driving force for anthrone formation is greater for anthraquinones with lower reduction potentials. We show that the decomposition can be substantially mitigated. We demonstrate that conditions minimizing anthrone formation and avoiding anthrone dimerization slow the capacity loss rate by over an order of magnitude. We anticipate that this mitigation strategy readily extends to other anthraquinone-based flow batteries and is thus an important step toward realizing renewable electricity sto...
Phonological typology in Optimality Theory and Formal Language Theory: Goals and future directions

Much recent work has studied phonological typology in terms of Formal Language Theory (e.g. the Chomsky hierarchy). This paper considers whether Optimality Theory grammars might be constrained to generate only regular languages, and also whether the tools of formal language theory might be used for constructing phonological theories similar to those within Optimality Theory. It offers reasons to be optimistic about the first possibility, and sceptical about the second.
Nutrient Absorption in the Preterm Neonate

The capability of the gastrointestinal tract to absorb various nutrients depends on its maturity. This article summarizes several aspects of intestinal nutrient absorption as they relate to maturation of the gastrointestinal tract, and integrates the process of membrane digestion and absorption with other reviews of lumenal digestion included in this issue. Intestinal physiology and development are discussed as they pertain to absorption of carbohydrates, protein, lipids, and minerals, and how this information might be used in clinical practice.