cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A secretagogue–small interfering RNA conjugate confers resistance to cytotoxicity in a cell model of Sjögren's syndrome

Objective Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is characterized by xerophthalmia and xerostomia resulting from loss of secretory function due to immune cell infiltration in lacrimal and salivary glands. Current therapeutic strategies for SS use secretagogues to induce secretion via muscarinic receptor stimulation. The purpose of this study was to create a secretagogue–small interfering RNA (siRNA) conjugate to deliver siRNA into cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis, thereby altering epithelial cell responses to external cues, such as proinflammatory or death signals, while simultaneously stimulating secretion. Methods Based on our expertise with type 3 muscarinic receptor (M3), we used carbachol, a ligand specific for muscarinic receptor, as the secretagogue. Carbachol was synthesized with an active choline group and was conjugated with an siRNA that targets caspase 3. A human salivary gland (HSG) cell line was used to test the efficacy of this secretagogue–siRNA conjugate. Results Lipofectamine transfection of the conjugate into HSG cells resulted in a 78% reduction in the expression of the caspase 3 gene, while external conjugate treatment of HSG cells resulted in intracellular calcium release and induction of endocytosis at levels similar to those of carbachol stimulation, indicating that the siRNA and carbachol portions of the conjugate retained their function after conjugation. HSG cells treated with conjugate (without Lipofectamine transfection) exhibited a 50% reduction in caspase 3 gene and protein expression, indicating that our conjugate was effective in delivering functional siRNA into cells via receptor-mediated endocytosis. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor α–induced apoptosis was significantly reduced in conjugate-treated cells. Conclusion Our secretagogue–siRNA conjugate prevented cytokine-induced apoptosis in salivary gland epithelial cells, which is critical to maintaining fluid secretion and potentially reversing the clinical hallmark of SS.
Autonomic responsivity and reaction time under fixed and variable signal schedules.

Heart rate (HR), palmar skin conductance (PSC), galvanic skin responses (GSRs), and reaction time (RT) were measured while Ss detected critical signals which occurred at either fixed or variable intervals. Ss were required to make responses in order to detect the signals. The results showed that: (1) RT was significantly faster with a fixed signal schedule; (2) HR was significantly higher with a variable interval (VI) schedule than with the fixed interval (FI); (3) PSC and GSRs were significantly higher with FI than with VI. It was suggested that the term “improved expectancies” (Adams & Boulter, 1964) he adopted to explain the reason for superior RT performance with FI patterning. The findings concerning HR were interpreted within the framework of the Lacey et al. concept (Lacey, Kagan, Lacey, & Moss, 1963) that acceleration of HR occurs in tasks involving cognitive activities, while deceleration is observed in situations involving primarily perceptual functioning. It was suggested that PSC and GSRs represent physiological correlates of expectancy, and that their elevated level may reflect readiness to respond when critical signals occur at regular intervals.
Intraday relationships among index arbitrage, spot and futures price volatility, and spot market volume: A transactions data test☆

Abstract This paper examines intraday temporal relationships among arbitrage spreads, cash and futures price volatility, and cash trading volume, using transactions data for the Major Market Index futures contracts and the component stocks of the index. Results indicate that changes in the spread have a significant impact on cash and futures price volatility as well as on cash trading volume. The impact of the spread, however, is attenuated by the short-sale restriction in the cash market. Contrary to popular beliefs, a more volatile market leads to subsequent decreases in the spread, probably because of increases in the supply of arbitrage services or faster price adjustments.
“Nichts besonderes, nur unvergeßlich”: Zur zäsurthematik in der diaristischen prosa Sarah Kirschs

Sarah Kirsch, who in the wake of the Biermann scandal moved from East to West Germany in 1977, is arguably the most talented living German lyric poet. But she is also a prose writer. It seems that since her break with the GDR in 1977 and the breakup of the GDR in 1989, this particular genre has gained in importance in her literary output. Her diarylike prose-often called “lyrical prose”-records and blends intense reactions to events of change or collapse: political, historical, environmental, existential, and personal. The volumes La Pagerie (1980), Allerlei-Rauh (1988), Spreu (1991), Schwingrase (1991), and Das simple Leben (1994), all of which could be called “diaries,” increasingly evoke the impression of “scattered notes,” of fleetingness, deliberate vagueness, or lack of structure. Kirsch's predilection for this particular prose genre suggests her uncertainty and pessimism about the possibility of artistically and philosophically restructuring or controlling socio-political and environmental realities.
Impact strength and melt viscosity of bisphenol-a polycarbonate and styrene-maleic-anhydride copolymer blends

Mixtures of 90, 80, and 70 percent by weight bisphenol-A-polycarbonate (PC) and 10, 20, and 30 percent by weight styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) copolymer were melt-blended in a single screw extruder. Differential scanning calorimetry (DCS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to determine the miscibility of the blends. The viscosity, as a function of shear rate and temperature, was measured by an Instron capillary viscometer. The notched impact strength as a function of temperature was measured by an Izod impact tester. The results of DSC showed two glass transition temperatures which merged slightly towards each other, indicating marginal miscibility of these blends. There was a decrease in viscosity as the fraction of SMA copolymer was increased. The most significant decrease occurred with the initial addition of SMA copolymer. The viscosity also decreased with increases in temperature. The impact strength of the blends was also dependent on SMA copolymer content. The blends showed six to ten times lower impact strengths at room temperature than the 100 percent polycarbonate. SEM analysis helped to determine the reason why the impact strength was lower for the blends. High magnification showed the presence of SMA copolymer inclusions dispersed throughout the PC matrix. These inclusions, which increased in size as SMA copolymer content was increased, acted as defects in the system.
Traumatic pseudoaneurysm of the superficial temporal artery in a pediatric patient: a case report.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries of the soft tissues of the face and scalp regions frequently. These injuries often result from blunt or penetrating trauma to the head and neck. One of the injuries not seen commonly is a pseudoaneurysm. In the head and neck region, pseudoaneurysms can arise in the superficial temporal artery (STA). This report describes a pediatric patient with a pseudoaneurysm of the anterior division of the STA secondary to trauma. A brief discussion of the etiology, diagnosis, and possible treatment options will also be presented.
Thermal infrared emission from biased graphene

Infrared radiation from biased graphene transistors can be used to extract the temperature distribution, carrier densities and spatial location of the Dirac point in the graphene channel.
A comparison of motor cortex effects on slow and fast muscle innervations in the monkey.

Abstract Descending volleys were evoked by single-pulse stimulation of the precentral gyrus in the “pyramidal” monkey preparation. The effects of these volleys were determined on the soleus, the gastrocnemius, or the tibialis anterior monosynaptic reflex. Both cortical facilitation and inhibition were found in all motoneuron populations studied. Inhibition predominated in the soleus motoneuron population whereas facilitation was the principal motor cortex influence observed in gastrocnemius and flexor motoneuron nuclei. It was also shown that soleus motoneurons have a quantitatively greater response to tonic muscle stretch than was observed for the synergistic gastrocnemius and antagonistic flexor motoneurons. The results of these experiments suggest that the output from the motor cortex may be organized to curtail the activity of tonic postural muscles during cortically initiated movement.
Do Metal–Metal Multiply‐Bonded “Ligands” Have a trans Influence? Structural and Magnetic Comparisons of Heterometallic CrCr···Co and MoMo···Co Interactions

Reported here are two new compounds containing either a CrCr···Co [1, CrCrCo(dpa)4Cl2, dpa = 2,2′-dipyridylamide] or a MoMo···Co [2, MoMoCo(dpa)4Cl2] framework both having a multiply-bonded unit (CrCr in 1, MoMo in 2) in close proximity to the Co2+ ion and trans to a Co–Cl bond. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal 1 to have a temperature-dependent spin equilibrium between a low-spin (S = 1/2) and high-spin (S = 3/2) state, whereas the Co2+ ion in 2 exists solely in its high-spin state. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined. Variable temperature crystallographic data of 1 at 100 K and at room temperature reveal that the spin-transition affects not only the Co–ligand bond lengths but also the terminal Cr–ligand bond lengths. Whereas the Cr···Co distance becomes shorter by 0.13 A in the low-spin form, the Co–Cldistance becomes longer by 0.2 A. These observations,along with the crystal structure of 2, suggest that the multiply-bonded MM group has a trans influence on the Co2+ ion.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Intravascular ultrasound assessment of the relation between early and late changes in arterial area and neointimal hyperplasia after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and directional coronary atherectomy.

Abstract Previous serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analysis after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty or directional coronary atherectomy showed (1) early (within 1 month) increase in arterial area, (2) late (1- to 6-month) decrease in arterial area, and (3) an increase in plaque area from immediately to 6 months after intervention. To further understand these findings, we used serial IVUS to study the relations between changes in arterial and plaque area during the follow-up period after coronary intervention. Serial IVUS was performed before intervention and immediately, 24 hours, 1 month, and 6 months after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (n = 35) or directional coronary atherectomy (n = 26) in 57 patients. Arterial, lumen, and plaque areas were measured at the lesion site with the smallest preintervention and follow-up lumen areas at all time points. The increase in plaque area in the first month after intervention was accompanied by an equal or greater increase in arterial area (r = 0.670, p
Serum Concentrations and Adverse Effects of Chloramphenicol in Pediatric Patients

Chloramphenicol serum concentration is often monitored to assure efficacy and prevent toxicity. We studied the relationship between steady-state chloramphenicol serum concentration and hematologic adv
Catecholamine toxicity in aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency

This report presents the case of an adult male with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency who developed serious cardiac rhythm disturbances during treatment with intravenous dopamine and norepinephrine for severe hypotension. Three weeks later, he spontaneously developed atrial fibrillation while not receiving exogenous catecholamines. He died suddenly after several months. We presume cardiac arrhythmia was the most likely cause of his death. Patients with aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency may be prone to cardiac arrhythmias at rest and also may be exceptionally sensitive to exogenous catecholamines. Therefore, close cardiac monitoring is indicated at baseline and during treatment with pressors.
23.4: Augmented Edge Enhancement for Vision Impairment using Google Glas

Google Glass provides a unique platform for low vision aids. We have implemented an augmented vision enhancement with Glass, by overlaying enhanced edge information over wearer's real world view. Contrast enhanced central vision can be naturally scanned over the ambient scene. 1. Objective and Background Most people with impaired vision experience reduced visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS). These reduced visual functions have a large impact on their quality of life (1, 2, 3). Various augmented vision - head mounted display (HMD) systems have been proposed and prototyped as aids for a variety of vision impairments (4). Luo and Peli developed a see-through HMD for people with restricted peripheral vision by displaying a minified and cartoonized edge view of the scene on the HMD (5). The device was shown to significantly improve wearer's search performance (e.g. reducing search time up to 74%). Using similar hardware configuration, they also developed a see-through augmented image enhancement device that superimposed edge image over a wearer's see-through view (6). Visibility enhancement depends on the high contrast edges being aligned precisely with the see-through view. However, because the camera and HMD's virtual display do not share the same axis, parallax makes alignment of edges for different distances difficult. On-axis HMD-camera configuration was prototyped and achieved good alignment across a range of distances (7). However, the brightness of the augmented edges was severely reduced by the optical combination system, such that the edges were too dim to provide significant visibility boost. Commercial HMD type vision aids were usually bulky, requiring separate image processor and battery/power units, were not comfortable to wear, and were not attractive. For that reasons, these systems were not widely embraced by people with visual impairments. Google Glass provides a unique development platform (both hardware and software) that can be easily extended to vision enhancement devices for visually impaired people, in a package that is attractive and substantially more comfortable than prior HMDs, and more suitable to social interactions. Google Glass has a wide angle camera, a narrow see-through display, and enough mobile CPU/GPU power to handle required image processing. Although a Glass specific API has not been provided yet, the android based operating system supports OpenGL ES and camera API. We explored the possibility of using the Google Glass, as a visual aid for people with impaired vision, by providing augmented edge enhancement. 2. Results
Propagation in random media--Cumulative effect of weak inhomogeneities

The effect of weak, random inhomogeneities on wave propagation is studied. Of particular concern is the case of long distance propagation where the nature of the wave is significanfly affected by the inhomogeneities. Conventional perturbation techniques such as geometrical optics and the Born and Rytov approximations cannot be applied in this realm. The approximation technique employed is basically a selective summation technique of the type utilized in other areas of physics such as quantum electrodynamics and the theory of many-body interactions. Results are obtained for the average value and two-point correlation function of an arbitrary, initial wave. A physical interpretation of the results in terms of coherent and incoherent scattering and the classical theory of dielectrics is given. Wave statistics and the application of the results to the problem of determining the effect of the atmosphere on coherent optical communication are discussed.
An Aid to Empowerment: A Caregiver Well-Being Scale

To aid medical social workers in the promotion and support of well-being among older family caregivers, a simple, valid, and reliable scale was developed. This scale has two subscales, one that assesses the extent to which a caregiver's basic human needs are being met and one that assesses the extent to which a caregiver can satisfactorily meet his or her predictable activities of daily living. Developed from a model that focuses on a person's strengths, this tool was created to help social work practitioners enable caregivers to become more in touch with their own abilities. Both subscales had high internal reliability and construct validity. This scale may have value in other areas of caregiving. Implications for using this scale in practice are presented.
In Vivo Biomechanical Mapping of Normal and Keratoconus Corneas

Corneal mechanical strength is critical to withstanding intraocular pressure and maintaining normal shape1,2. In keratoconus, the mechanical stability is compromised3, and this may lead to progressive morphological changes. Therefore, a noninvasive technique capable of accurately measuring the mechanical properties of the cornea may help understand the mechanism of keratoconus development and improve detection and intervention in keratoconus. We have previously developed Brillouin microscopy based on light scattering from inherent acoustic waves in tissues4 and shown that this technique can provide quantitative estimates of local longitudinal modulus5, which correlate to the Young's/shear moduli of the cornea2,6. Using a clinically viable instrument, for the first time to our knowledge, here we mapped the elastic modulus of normal and keratoconus patients in vivo. We found distinctive biomechanical features that differentiate normal and keratoconic corneas and, therefore, have potential to serve as diagnostic metrics for keratoconus.
Depression scale scores in 8–17-year-olds: effects of age and gender

Background: The excess of unipolar depression in females emerges in adolescence. However, studies of age effects on depression scale scores have produced divergent estimates of changes from childhood to adolescence. Method: We explored possible reasons for this discrepancy in two large, longitudinal samples of twins and singletons aged 8–17. Results: There were no differences between twins and singletons in their scores on the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ), a 13-item self-report depression scale. SMFQ scores for boys fell over this age-range, while those for girls fell from age 9 to age 11 and then increased from age 12 to age 17. The mean scores of girls under 12 and those 12 and over differed by only around one-fifth of a standard deviation. However, given the non-normal distribution of the scores, a cut point that selected the upper 6% of scores created the expected female:male ratio of 2:1. Conclusions: Implications for future research on adolescent depression are discussed.
Evidence-based systematic review: effects of oral motor interventions on feeding and swallowing in preterm infants.

Purpose To conduct an evidence-based systematic review and provide an estimate of the effects of oral motor interventions (OMIs) on feeding/swallowing outcomes (both physiological and functional) a...
Foraging behavior of Tufted Tit-Tyrants (Anairetes parulus) in semiarid northcentral Chile.

Abstract We studied foraging behavior of Tufted Tit-Tyrants (Anairetes parulus) in Matorral (shrubland) habitat of northcentral Chile. This species is a generalist insectivore feeding in most shrubs of Matorral habitat at our study site, although they favored three of the dominant plant species. Their foraging is typical of small tyrannid flycatchers, using rapid perch gleans coupled with hover gleans and supplemented by flycatching. They use relatively long search periods (3–5 sec) followed by rapid gleans, which is typical for small tyrannids. Their active foraging (3.1 ± 1.8 prey attacks/min) coupled with a longer search time distinguishes them from parids or regulids of the Holarctic with which they often are compared. They generally forage singly or in pairs and aggressively defend what appears to be foraging territories in winter and summer. Densities of Tufted Tit-Tyrants at our study site were higher than reported in other studies from Chile and Argentina, presumably reflecting resource availability.
Calcineurin activation influences muscle phenotype in a muscle-specific fashion.

The calcium activated protein phosphatase 2B, also known as calcineurin, has been implicated as a cell signaling molecule involved with transduction of physiological signals (free cytosolic Ca2+) into molecular signals that influence the expression of phenotype-specific genes in skeletal muscle. In the present study we address the role of calcineurin in mediating adaptations in myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression and muscle mass using 3-month old wild-type (WT) and transgenic mice displaying high-level expression of a constitutively active form of calcineurin (MCK-CN* mice). Slow muscles, e.g., soleus, were significantly larger (by ~24%), whereas fast muscles, e.g., medial gastrocnemius (MG) and tibialis anterior were significantly smaller (by ~26 and ~16%, respectively) in MCK-CN* mice compared to WT. The masses of mixed phenotype muscles, such as the plantaris and the extensor digitorum longus, were not significantly changed from WT. The soleus, plantaris, MG and diaphragm displayed shifts toward slower MHC isoforms, e.g., soleus from WT mice contained ~52% MHC-I, ~39% MHC-IIa, and ~9% MHC-IIx, whereas MCK-CN* mice had ~67% MHC-I, ~26% MHC-IIa, and ~7% MHC-IIx. The specific isoforms that were either up or down-regulated were muscle-specific. For instance, the proportion of MHC-IIa was decreased in the soleus and diaphragm, but increased in the plantaris and MG of MCK-CN* mice. Also, the proportion of MHC-IIx was unchanged in the soleus, decreased in the diaphragm and increased in the plantaris and MG of MCK-CN* relative to WT mice. Fast to slow shifts in fiber type proportions were evident for the plantaris, but not the soleus. Fast, but not slow, plantaris fibers of MCK-CN* mice had higher oxidative and lower glycolytic properties than WT. These data suggest that calcineurin activation can influence muscle phenotype and that the specific influence of calcineurin activation on the phenotypic and mass characteristics of a muscle is dependent upon the original phenotypic state of the muscle.
Membrane adhesion and the formation of heterogeneities: biology, biophysics, and biotechnology

Membrane adhesion is essential to many vital biological processes. Sites of membrane adhesion are often associated with heterogeneities in the lipid and protein composition of the membrane. These heterogeneities are thought to play functional roles by facilitating interactions between proteins. However, the causal links between membrane adhesion and membrane heterogeneities are not known. Here we survey the state of the field and indicate what we think are understudied areas ripe for development.
Managing Inventory in Supply Chains with Nonstationary Demand

Many companies experience nonstationary demand because of short product life cycles, seasonality, customer buying patterns, or other factors. We present a practical model for managing inventory in a supply chain facing stochastic, nonstationary demand. Our model is based on the guaranteed service modeling framework. We first describe how inventory levels should adapt to changes in demand at a single stage. We then show how nonstationary demand propagates in a supply chain, allowing us to link stages and apply a multiechelon optimization algorithm designed originally for stationary demand. We describe two successful applications of this model. The first is a tactical implementation to support monthly safety stock planning at Microsoft. The second is a strategic project to evaluate the benefits of using an inventory pool at Case New Holland.
Erosion of artificial endothelia in vitro by pulsed ultrasound: acoustic pressure, frequency, membrane orientation and microbubble contrast agent dependence.

Abstract The erosion of cells from fibroblast monolayers simulating the vascular endothelium by 20 μs pulses of ultrasound at 500 Hz PRF was studied in relation to the peak negative acoustic pressure (P−; 0.0–2.5 MPa), ultrasound (US) frequency (1.0, 2.1 or 3.5 MHz), orientation of the monolayer (i.e., simulating the sites of ultrasound entry/exit from a blood vessel) and the presence or absence of a microbubble contrast agent (3 Vol% Albunex®). The a priori hypotheses were that erosion of the monolayers would: 1. arise due to insonation treatment, 2. arise as a consequence of cavitation activity and, thus, increase with increasing P− at constant frequency, and decrease with increasing frequency at constant P−, 3. be significantly increased by the presence of a microbubble contrast agent, and 4. have a weak dependence on monolayer orientation. The data support these hypotheses. Under the most severe exposure conditions used, most of the affected cells appeared to have been lysed; however, a substantial number of viable cells were dislodged from the monolayer surface.
On Some Elasmus Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea from India

Abstract This paper deals with nineteen species of Elasmus from India, of which fifteen are described as new. Additional descriptive notes, with figures, are included for four known species. A key to the species is appended. All the material, including types, is retained for the present in the School of Entomology.
John Knox and the Covenant Tradition

Modern scholarship on John Knox has tended to ignore his development of the covenant concept and his place in the covenant tradition. This is especially surprising because of the significance of the covenant idea for seventeenth-century Scottish history. The covenant, moreover, became a basic theme of English and American Puritan thought in the century following Knox's death. During the early years of the formulation of the covenant concept in English Puritanism, Knox was a revered figure. Following his various preaching activities in Edwardian England and his association with English exiles on the Continent during Mary's reign, he continued to maintain his interest in and contact with English Protestants, even while playing a major role in the establishment of the Reformed faith in Scotland. In 1568–9, for example, he was called upon to give advice respecting the question of separation from the Church of England. It is, thus, quite possible that his views on the covenant influenced English Puritan thought, as well as the thought of the Scottish Protestants. A study of Knox's views on the covenant is also important because of the place of the covenant in the development of his position on the legitimacy of active rebellion against tyrannical, idolatrous sovereigns. Finally, an examination of Knox's covenant thought is significant because it reveals that he was not as dependent on John Calvin as has been commonly supposed.
Burning Buried Sunshine: Human Consumption of Ancient Solar Energy

Fossil fuels developed from ancient deposits of organic material, and thus can be thought of as a vast store of solar energy from which society meets >80% of its current energy needs. Here, using published biological, geochemical, and industrial data, I estimate the amount of photosyntheti- callyfixed and stored carbon that was required to form the coal, oil, and gas that we are burning today. Today's average U.S. Gallon (3.8 L) of gasoline required approximately 90 metric tons of ancient plant matter as precursor material. The fossil fuels burned in 1997 were created from organic matter containing 44 × 10 18 gC , which is>400 times the net primary productivity (NPP) of the planet's current biota. As stores of ancient solar energy decline, humans are likely to use an increasing share of modern solar resources. I conservatively estimate that replacing the energy humans derive from fossil fuels with energy from modern biomass would require 22% of terrestrial NPP, increasing the human appropriation of this resource by ∼50%.
Salinity Affects Crayfish PMCA and NCX Expression

Exposure to elevated external Ca2+ resulted in upregulation of PMCA3 and NCX in both gill and kidney; however, expression in liver remained unchanged. Gill and kidney appear to respond to elevated apical Ca2+ entry with increased basolateral efflux. The liver may be pre-adapted to handle Ca2+ load in the diet and, as such, does not need to increased expression of basolateral export mechanisms when environmental levels are elevated. We will further explore these trends through protein analysis.
The Lawyer-Witness Rule

When may a lawyer ethically serve as a witness in a matter in which the lawyer is also representing a client? This question arises when some part of a case involves communications that occurred between the lawyer and another party as would be true in a dispute about settlement discussions or a dispute relating to the negotiation of a contract. The attorney is a fact witness and thus a potentially important element in his or her client's matter. This article discusses the applicable rule of professional responsibility.
XoxF Acts as the Predominant Methanol Dehydrogenase in the Type I Methanotroph Methylomicrobium buryatense

ABSTRACT Many methylotrophic taxa harbor two distinct methanol dehydrogenase (MDH) systems for oxidizing methanol to formaldehyde: the well-studied calcium-dependent MxaFI type and the more recently discovered lanthanide-containing XoxF type. MxaFI has traditionally been accepted as the major functional MDH in bacteria that contain both enzymes. However, in this study, we present evidence that, in a type I methanotroph, Methylomicrobium buryatense, XoxF is likely the primary functional MDH in the environment. The addition of lanthanides increases xoxF expression and greatly reduces mxa expression, even under conditions in which calcium concentrations are almost 100-fold higher than lanthanide concentrations. Mutations in genes encoding the MDH enzymes validate our finding that XoxF is the major functional MDH, as XoxF mutants grow more poorly than MxaFI mutants under unfavorable culturing conditions. In addition, mutant and transcriptional analyses demonstrate that the lanthanide-dependent MDH switch operating in methanotrophs is mediated in part by the orphan response regulator MxaB, whose gene transcription is itself lanthanide responsive. IMPORTANCE Aerobic methanotrophs, bacteria that oxidize methane for carbon and energy, require a methanol dehydrogenase enzyme to convert methanol into formaldehyde. The calcium-dependent enzyme MxaFI has been thought to primarily carry out methanol oxidation in methanotrophs. Recently, it was discovered that XoxF, a lanthanide-containing enzyme present in most methanotrophs, can also oxidize methanol. In a methanotroph with both MxaFI and XoxF, we demonstrate that lanthanides transcriptionally control genes encoding the two methanol dehydrogenases, in part by controlling expression of the response regulator MxaB. Lanthanides are abundant in the Earth9s crust, and we demonstrate that micromolar amounts of lanthanides are sufficient to suppress MxaFI expression. Thus, we present evidence that XoxF acts as the predominant methanol dehydrogenase in a methanotroph.
Study on Single-Phase Reclosing Issues for 1000 kV UHVAC Transmission Pilot Project

The problems such as secondary arc current,reclosing time and overvoltage of 1000kV AC power transmission pilot project from Southeast Shanxi via Nanyang to Jingmen in China are studied.By means of simulation,the secondary arc current and recovery voltage level of this 1000kV AC power transmission pilot project are obtained,on this basis,the reclosing time is analyzed,then it is pointed out that the reclosing time of single-phase reclosure should be not less than 0.6 sencond.Besides,such problems as the overvotage caused by clearing earth fault,overvoltage during reclosure and overvoltage on caused by small neutral reactor are also analyzed,and analysis results show that these switching overvoltages are within allowable range and the insulation level of small neutral reactor can meet the demand of reclosure.Conclusions of this study conform to the system commissioning results.
Tolerance to marijuana: Heart rate and subjective “high”

In a 94-day supervised study of 30 subjects smoking marijuana, with drug-free periods interspersed, mean heart rate and subjective "high" decreased over the smoking period. Light smokers had greater chronotrophic and subjective effects than heavy smokers, but both demonstrated evidence of tolerance. Cumulation and minor withdrawal effects were noted.
Transfusion-transmitted HTLV-I/II infection in patients undergoing open- heart surgery

Sera from 5,244 blood donations collected between 1979 and 1987 were screened for antibody to HTLV-I with an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) whose result was confirmed with a two-step procedure including Western blot (WB) and radio immunoprecipitation. Of 20 repeatedly reactive samples, two were confirmed positive for HTLV-I infection. These blood units were transfused to patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Both recipients of the confirmed anti-HTLV-I positive units were infected with HTLV-I as evidenced by antibody seroconversion. In contrast, six recipients of EIA positive, WB indeterminate blood and nine recipients WB negative blood were not infected with HTLV-I. These results confirm a low prevalence of HTLV-I infection in US blood donors, the capacity of infected units to transmit the virus to recipients, and the importance of an appropriate confirmatory assay.
Finite Elements for the Reissner–Mindlin Plate

Key words: mixed method, ﬁnite element, elasticity, plate1 Introduction 12 A variational approach to dimensional reduction 33 The Reissner–Mindlin model 64 Properties of the solution 75 Regularity results 86 Finite element discretizations 107 Abstract error analysis 118 Applications of the abstract error estimates 149 Some rectangular Reissner–Mindlin elements 2810 Extension to quadrilaterals 3011 Other approaches 3212 Summary 37References 37
Epidemiological characteristics and pathogens attributable to hand, foot, and mouth disease in Shanghai, 2008–2013

Introduction: Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness caused by enteroviruses. A passive surveillance system has been implemented in Shanghai Pudong since 2008 and etiology surveillance since 2009.We characterized the epidemiology and the etiology of HFMD in Pudong from 2008–2013. Methodology: Health care providers were required to report any clinically diagnosed HFMD to Pudong District Center for Disease Control and Prevention. For all severe cases and randomly selected mild HFMD cases, throat or rectal swabs or feces were collected for enterovirus detection by real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: A total of 50,149 cases were reported, with average 8,508 per year (range: 3,577–13,202) and average incidence of 167.5/100,000 persons (range: 81.4–254.1/100,000 persons). HFMD was more likely to occur in children under five years of age (85.6%), while severe cases were more likely to happen in children under three years of age (63.9%). Every year in May or June, HFMD peaked in the region; two peaks were observed from 2011 to 2013.The most common etiologic agents are EV71 and CA16.Different types of enterovirus circulate in different years. EV71 was the predominant pathogen in severe cases. The proportions of EV71 in severe cases was higher than in mild cases at the children’s medical center (p<0.001). Conclusions: HFMD remains an important public health issue in Shanghai. HFMD pathogen surveillance is required for more types of enteroviruses besides EV71 and CA16, which would give a better picture of the etiology of HFMD.
The Civil War Regime

In the turbulent effort to restore the Union and ultimately eradicate slavery, the political leaders of the executive and legislative branches of the federal government struggled to establish coherent tax policies. As would be the case in the major wars of the twentieth century, crisis conditions strengthened the power of these leaders, and the tax systems that they implemented further enhanced their influence. Political leaders mobilized party government and administrative techniques, including professional expertise, to expand the capacity and productivity of the federal tax system. To be sure, there was always tension between executive and legislative leaders over tax policy, and both the president and Congress had to address the demands of local interests. But during the Civil War and the wars that followed in the twentieth century, the common partisan loyalties and shared social values of the nation's political leaders largely overcame the pressures that tended to fragment American government. By 1861 the modern fiscal state as it had developed in the United States rested on three legs: buoyant demand for imported goods that kept revenues from low tariffs strong; a rich domain of public lands held in trust by the federal government for the American people; and a vibrant partnership among federal, state, and local governments. The prospect of war, and the war itself, threatened all three legs. First, the war disrupted international trade and threatened the national unity that had played a crucial role in generating tax revenues and, even more important, in making the nation powerful within the Atlantic trading world. Second, the breakup of the Union put at risk the ownership and management of the nation's rich landed domain. Third, the pro-slavery and states-right goals of the Confederacy, along with the threats to the public lands, clouded the future of state and federal fiscal relations. It was in the context of these threats that the Union government constructed a new tax regime. The new regime employed all the taxes that Alexander Hamilton had contemplated and added others that the framers of the Constitution had not visualized. As republican leaders forged the modern American nation-state during the war, they greatly enhanced the scale and scope of public finance. In the postwar era, the core of their wartime system of finance became an expression of national strength and power.
Quem eram os gregos.

The main goal of this article is to trace the ways followed by the Greeks in building up their own identity. The Author assumes that ethnicity is very much a matter of internal perceptions and that the ethnic group is defined not by the sum of objectively observable differences but only by those differences that members themselves regard as significant. The role of Herodotus in this construct is stressed by the Author.
Ground effects on separated laminar flows past an inclined flat plate

The appearance of a ground surface can play an important role in the flow structures for the flows past a flat plate. We conduct two-dimensional numerical simulations on viscous flows past a flat plate inclined at an angle of attack of $$20^\circ $$ with ground effects using a finite-volume method. Results show that the effects on the separated flow from the ground are highly dependent on the gap (G) between the plate and the ground. As the gap decreases, the strength of vortices generated from the trailing edge is restrained, which is consistent with experimental observations. Further decrease in the gap even eliminates the vortex shedding and yields a steady flow. It is also found that the flow between the gap can either be accelerated at large gap ratios ( $${G/L >1}$$ , G is the gap, L is the plate length), or be decelerated at small gap ratios ( $${G/L <1}$$ ). Furthermore, the numerical results show that the wake flow behind the plate can significantly change the distribution of surface shear stress on the ground. Specifically, the mean shear stress on the ground in the downstream region at a gap ratio $$G/L = 2.0$$ is one order of magnitude larger than that at a small gap ratio $$G/L = 0.3$$ , and the length of the downstream region where the shear stress can be effectively changed is much larger than the plate length, which provides a guideline to manipulate the ground wall surface shear stress using an inclined plate in the vicinity of the wall.
Increasing HPV vaccination and eliminating barriers: Recommendations from young men who have sex with men

Abstract Background There is a disparity in HPV vaccination rates in particular among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and until very recently there has been a dearth of research examining factors related to HPV vaccination for YMSM. The purpose of this study was to elicit YMSM’s beliefs about HPV and the HPV vaccine as well as describe perceived barriers and facilitators of vaccine initiation and completion. Methods A qualitative, descriptive study that utilized a focus group design was conducted among an urban and racially diverse sample of YMSM. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and focus group data were analyzed using content analysis. Findings 34 YMSM with a mean age of 20.8 years participated. The sample was diverse, with the largest proportion of youth identifying as Black (35.4%). Over 90% reported having an annual exam each year, 61.8% reported obtaining a flu vaccine during the past year, and 58.8% reported initiating the HPV vaccine 3-dose series. Themes identified included low HPV knowledge and awareness, positive vaccine beliefs, perceived stigmas, and HPV vaccine facilitators. Participants identified 3 ways health providers/ researchers could facilitate vaccination: creative use of mobile technology, bundling vaccination with other health services, and increasing HPV and HPV vaccine awareness. Conclusions Our findings point to some clear avenues to pursue in research and practice to improve HPV vaccination rates among YMSM, including increased use of mobile health strategies, making HPV vaccination a co-occurring part of other health-related services (e.g., HIV testing), and providing information on the relevance of HPV and HPV vaccination to YMSM.
In Situ Analysis of the Interface

Interfacial phenomena are important in all phases of composite technology. The properties of all components are affected by the nature of their surfaces which in turn significantly affect composite properties. Similarly, interfacial phenomena are important in composite fabrication, testing, and evaluation. Finally, interfacial behavior can strongly affect the response of the composite to the thermal, mechanical, and environmental conditions arising from service application 1–4
Colloidal quantum dots produce current bursts in lipid bilayers

Inorganic semiconductor nanocrystals, also known as quantum dots (QDs), are interesting as as fluorescent labels in biological studies. We have found that introduction of CdSe QDs to the vicinity of black lipid membranes (BLMs) results in current bursts through the membranes with bias voltage. These current bursts resemble those of the peptaibol class of antibiotics such as alamethicin and trichorzins, and are dependent both on voltage level and on concentration of the QDs applied to the membrane. Our data suggest that QDs with dipole moments similar to alamethicin are influenced by an external electric field, which creates a torque promoting insertion into the BLM, and a simple model predicts that at least three QDs can aggregate to form a pore leading to a macroscopic conductance.
Shadows of Slavery, Discourses of Choice, and Indian Indentureship in Amitav Ghosh's Sea of Poppies

In his novel Sea of Poppies, the Indian writer Amitav Ghosh emphasizes the fact that while the indentured laborer was not a slave per se, the indenture of South Asian laborers literally developed in the belly of the plantation slavery. Without conflating the categories of slavery and indenture, the novel demonstrates that rather than “personal ambition and desire”, what prompted the indentured laborer's decision was a desire to survive within a world of shrinking options for the Indian rural peasantry. Indeed, the Indian peasant-turned-indentured laborer faced a reality of choicelessness which, although not reducible to the forced abduction of the African slave, must nonetheless be studied alongside such, within an overarching framework of the epistemic and material violence of a nineteenth century capitalist-imperialist formations. Through his portrayal of the decommissioned slave ship as a central metaphor of capitalist modernity in the novel, around and within which all the social relationships of the novel circulate, Ghosh represents the indenture itself as a form of “decommissioned slavery.” Such a reading enables us to complicate both the readings of the legacies of plantation slavery and territorial colonialisms, by interrogating our notions of both "choice" and "coercion." A meticulous re-appraisal of the liberal-realist novel's narrative strategies, this paper argues, aids Ghosh in this work of complicated historical theorizing through cultural forms
Towards reduced order modelling for predicting the dynamics of coherent vorticity structures within wind turbine wakes

The dynamics of the velocity field resulting from the interaction between the atmospheric boundary layer and a wind turbine array can affect significantly the performance of a wind power plant and the durability of wind turbines. In this work, dynamics in wind turbine wakes and instabilities of helicoidal tip vortices are detected and characterized through modal decomposition techniques. The dataset under examination consists of snapshots of the velocity field obtained from large-eddy simulations (LES) of an isolated wind turbine, for which aerodynamic forcing exerted by the turbine blades on the atmospheric boundary layer is mimicked through the actuator line model. Particular attention is paid to the interaction between the downstream evolution of the helicoidal tip vortices and the alternate vortex shedding from the turbine tower. The LES dataset is interrogated through different modal decomposition techniques, such as proper orthogonal decomposition and dynamic mode decomposition. The dominant wake dynamics are selected for the formulation of a reduced order model, which consists in a linear time-marching algorithm where temporal evolution of flow dynamics is obtained from the previous temporal realization multiplied by a time-invariant operator. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Wind energy in complex terrains’.
Quantum-Chemical Analysis of the Electronic Structures of Inhibiting Complexes of Rhamnolipid with Metals

We perform the numerical analyses of the geometric and electronic structures of rhamnolipid (obtained as a product of biosynthesis of the Pseudomonas sp. PS-17 bacterial strain) based on the quantum-chemical density functional theory (DFT). We obtain the quantum-chemical parameters of the complexes of rhamnolipid with metals (calcium, zinc, aluminum, and copper), including the total energy of complexes, their heat of formation, the energies of the highest occupied molecular orbital and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, the value of the energy gap, ionization potential, distribution of atomic charges according to the Mulliken scheme, and some other derived characteristics. The results of quantum-chemical analyses also demonstrate that complex compounds of rhamnolipid can be formed as a result of its interaction with difficultly soluble calcium phosphate and zinc phosphate with simultaneous release of $$ {\mathrm{PO}}_4^{3-} $$ anions into the solution. It is shown that rhamnolipid molecules may enhance the anticorrosion effect as a result of facilitation of the electrolytic dissociation of difficultly soluble calcium phosphate and zinc phosphate and the increase in the concentration of phosphate ions in the medium. Moreover, we reveal the possibility of formation of stable rhamnolipid complexes with aluminum ions, which can precipitate on the surface of the metal in the form of a barrier organic layer that prevents their corrosion dissolution.