cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intravenous adenovirus expressing a multi-specific, single-domain antibody neutralizing TcdA and TcdB protects mice from Clostridium difficile infection.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common cause of antibiotic associated diarrhea and colitis in developed countries. The disease is mainly mediated via two major exotoxins TcdA and TcdB secreted by the bacterium. We have previously developed a novel, potently-neutralizing, tetravalent, and bi-specific heavy-chain-only single domain (VHH) antibody to both TcdA and TcdB (designated as ABA) that reverses fulminant CDI in mice (Yang et al, JID, 2014).Since ABA has a short serum half-life, in this study a replication-deficient recombinant adenovirus expressing ABA was generated and the long-lasting expression of functional ABA was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo . Mice transduced with one dose of the adenovirus displayed high levels of serum ABA for more than one month and were fully protected against systemic toxin challenges. More importantly, the ABA delivered by the adenovirus protected mice from both primary and recurrent CDI. Thus, replication-deficient adenoviral vector may be used to deliver neutralizing antibodies against the toxins in order to prevent C. difficile infection and recurrence.
Local Public Services Costs and the Geography of Development: Evidence from Florida Counties

Theory suggests that the spatial distribution of development within a local jurisdiction affects the costs of providing local public services. We use GINI coefficients to characterize these distributions at the county level and estimate the effects on real per capita expenditures from reductions in the spatial concentration of all buildings and nine alternative types of development. We also estimate the effect on expenditures from expansions in the developed area of a county. The results obtained from a panel of Florida counties confirm our theory and suggest that the geography of development within a county affects public services costs.
Continuous administration of low-dose GnRH in mares II. Pituitary and ovarian responses to uninterrupted treatment beginning near the autumnal equinox and continuing throughout the anovulatory season.

We tested the hypothesis that continuous subcutaneous treatment with low-dose GnRH, administered to mares from late September/early October through March, would prevent the development of seasonal anovulation. Quarter Horse mares (n = 20) were stratified by age and body condition score and assigned randomly to either a saline control (n = 9) or a GnRH (n = 11) treatment group. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone was delivered continuously via osmotic minipumps, with sham pumps placed in control mares. Initial pumps were inserted on Day 3 following ovulation or during the follicular phase if the next anticipated ovulation did not occur by 9 October. Delivery rate of GnRH was 2.5 μg/h (60 μg/day) for the first 60 days, followed by 5.0 μg/h (120 μg/day) thereafter. Pumps were replaced every 30 days. Eighty and 100% of all mares had become anovulatory by 1 November and 1 December, respectively, and remained anovulatory through the end of February. Neither serum concentrations of LH throughout the study nor total releasable pools of LH in March differed between groups. Although control mares that exhibited ovulatory cycles after study onset had greater (P < 0.05) mean concentrations of LH during the follicular phase and metestrus compared to GnRH-treated mares, neither size of ovulatory follicles nor interovulatory intervals differed between groups. Serum concentrations of FSH were not affected by treatment, but were lowest (P < 0.05) from November through January. Continuous infusion of low-dose GnRH, beginning soon after autumnal equinox and continuing until just after vernal equinox, failed to prevent the occurrence of or to hasten transition from seasonal anovulation.
Abstract 557: Human S100/calgranulin Accelerates Ectopic Cardiac Calcification and Promotes Cardiac Hypertrophy in Transgenic Mice with Chronic Kidney Disease in a RAGE Dependent Manner

Purpose Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with accelerated cardiovascular disease. Elevated serum S100A12 predicts cardiovascular mortality in patients with end stage renal disease. We test the hypothesis that human S100/calgranulin transgenic mice exposed to the metabolic changes of CKD would develop accelerated cardiovascular disease. Methods A novel humanized mouse with transgenic expression of human S100/calgranulin (hBAC-S100) was generated by expression of a bacterial artificial chromosome of the human S100/calgranulin gene cluster containing genes and regulatory elements for S1008/9 and S100A12 (60kb) in C57BL6/J mice. The hBAC-S100 mice were crossed with the RAGE KO mice (same C57BL6/J strain, gift from Ann Marie Schmidt, NYU) and F4 animals were used for the experiment. CKD was induced in hBAC-S100 and wild type (WT) littermate mice with intact or lacking RAGE signaling by surgical ligation of the ureters. The heart and aorta were analyzed after 10 weeks of elevated blood urea nitrogen. Results hBAC-S100 mice express human S100A12 in circulating myeloid cells and S100A12 was present in the serum of hBAC-S100 mice (25 ng/ml serum), but was not detected in WT mice. Importantly, serum hS100A12 was increased in hBAC-S100 mice with CKD compared to sham operated hBAC-S100 mice (42±17 ng/ml and 25±7 ng/ml, p=0.04). Moreover, hBAC-S100 mice with CKD exhibited ectopic cardiac calcification in fibroblast-rich annulus of the mitral and aortic valves upon Alizarin Red staining. In vivo ECHO showed abnormal mitral valve doppler flow with reduced ratio of early (E) to atrial (A) filling in hBAC-S100 mice with CKD compared to WT-CKD mice (1.17 ±0.1 vs 1.35 ±0.1, p=0.003), indicating diastolic dysfunction. Notably, hBAC-S100 mice with CKD develop cardiac hypertrophy as evidenced by increased heart weight/ body weight ratio and elevated gene expression of hypertrophic and fibrotic markers, such as ANP, β-MHC, TGF-β, CTGF, and Col 1a1. This phenotype was not observed in hBAC-S100 mice lacking RAGE, despite exposure to the same degree of CKD. Conclusion Circulating myeloid derived human S100/calgranulin is associated with the development of ectopic cardiac calcification and cardiac hypertrophy in chronic kidney disease in a RAGE dependent manner.
USE OF LACE INDEX TO PREDICT THE RISK OF READMISSION IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE DECOMPENSATED HEART FAILURE IN A PREDOMINANT HISPANIC POPULATION

Congestive heart failure (CHF) affects more than 5 million Americans and is considered the main cause of hospital readmissions in the adult population (134,500 readmissions). Screening for patients who are in risk to be readmitted may help healthcare providers and organizations to target resources
Catalytic Reactions of NO over 0–7 mol% Ba/MgO Catalysts: I. The Direct Decomposition of NO

Abstract A series of catalysts composed of barium oxide supported on magnesium oxide with Ba loadings up to 7 mol% has been studied for NO and N 2 O decomposition. Nitrous oxide is an intermediate in the decomposition of nitric oxide; however, the rate of N 2 O decomposition is much greater than that of NO decomposition so that the selectivity for N 2 formation approaches 100% at T >700°C. Over 4 mol% Ba/MgO catalyst, the rate of N 2 formation at 800°C was 0.22 μmol g −1 s −1 for a gas stream containing 1% NO in He. When the inhibiting effect of O 2 is properly accounted for, the reaction order with respect to NO is two. This order is consistent with a mechanism in which gas-phase NO reacts with a surface NO x species that is probably present in an ionic form, considering the temperatures at which the reaction occurs. In situ Raman spectroscopy has demonstrated the presence of nitrate and nitrite ions on the surface, but the exact nature of the surface intermediate is not known.
Personality and Psychopathic Changes

Sleep deprivation significantly affects cerebral functioning within many areas, including the prefrontal cortex, a region that is critical for the modulation of emotional processes and basic personality functioning. Research suggests that sleep deprivation may affect a variety of cognitive capacities, but some of its most profound and reliable effects appear to be on mood and emotional processing. Sleep deprivation appears to lead to worsening of mood, degraded emotional intelligence, reduced constructive thinking capacities, and suppressed frustration tolerance. There is also evidence that sleep deprivation is associated with a subclinical increase in self-rated symptoms of psychopathology such as somatization, anxiety, depression, and paranoid feelings of persecution and resentment. Paradoxically, among clinically depressed patients, sleep deprivation can actually have short-lived mood-elevating effects.
Surgical correction of laryngotracheal stenoses in children.

Laryngotracheal stenoses are increasing in frequency owing to the advances in anesthesiology and neonatology, giving even newborns with severe respiratory problems a chance of survival. Thus, congenital malformations of the laryngotracheal region are dealt with, but acquired stenoses are then observed (Banfai 1976; Tucker 1975, 1978). Sooner or later a tracheostomy becomes necessary in either congenital or acquired stenosis. A small child with a tracheal cannula, however, is exposed to disturbances in general development, and the cannula is also an enormous burden, both physically and psychologically, for the whole family. Therefore, the earliest possible removal of cannulas in such children has been a major aim for some years in Zurich.
Aging of mesenchymal stem cells: Implication in regenerative medicine

Abstract Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a great candidate for various clinical applications including regenerative medicine. However, aging both in vivo and in vitro can significantly compromise MSC characteristics and performance. This paper highlights current thoughts on senescence-induced damage to MSCs that should be considered prior to their use for regeneration of different cells, tissues or organs.
The Power of Humanitarian Narratives: A Domestic Coalition Theory of Justifications for Military Action:

Conventional wisdom assumes the best way to mobilize public support for military action is through the lens of national security. Humanitarian justifications provide a helpful substitute when US in...
Generating Isoform-Specific Antibodies : Lessons from Nucleocytoplasmic Glycoprotein Skp1

Antibodies that discriminate protein isoforms differing by modifications at specific amino acids have revolutionized studies of their functions. Skp1 is a novel nucleocytoplasmic glycoprotein that is hydroxylated at proline-143 and then O-glycosylated by a pentasaccharide attached via a GlcNAcα1, 4(trans)- hydroxyproline linkage. Skp1 isoform-specific antibodies were successfully obtained by immunizing mice or rabbits with KLH-coupled synthetic peptides bearing either unmodified Pro, 4(trans)-hydroxyproline, or D-GlcNAcα1,4 (trans)-hydroxyproline, and screening with corresponding BSA-conjugates or by Western blotting toward a panel of Skp1 isoforms. Antibodies specific for Skp1 or HO-Skp1 were not found in exhaustive murine trials, yet monospecific polyclonal antibodies were readily achieved in rabbits without crossadsorption. In all cases, antibodies were specific at the protein but not the peptide level, which suggests that conformation comprises part of the basis for recognition and which should be considered when developing screening strategies.
State of Change: Concept Metaphor of Pauline Principalities and Powers for a Political Theology of Peacebuilding

ABSTRACTThis essay responds to the need for a constructive account of the state that does not over-determine religious community-state relationships in peacebuilding scholarship and practice becaus...
Tectonic and Cryospheric Excitation of the Chandler Wobble and A Brief Review of the Secular Motion of Earth’s Rotation Pole

I had originally planned to focus this talk on two novel sources of Chandler wobble excitation: tectonic, associated with aseismic processes occurring for example at subduction zones; and cryospheric, associated with the transient oceanic responses to episodes of ice-cap melting. I was also asked by the conference convenors to present a brief historical review of the secular motion of Earth’s rotation pole. In the course of preparing that review, I was struck by the exceedingly controversial nature of the topic, from beginning to end; as a result, the review will be somewhat lengthy, and I will not have time to discuss cryospheric excitation of wobble.
Regeneration of dorsal spinal cord neurons after injury via in situ NeuroD1-mediated astrocyte-to-neuron conversion

Abstract Spinal cord injury (SCI) often leads to impaired motor and sensory functions, partially because the injury-induced neuronal loss cannot be easily replenished through endogenous mechanisms. In vivo neuronal reprogramming has emerged as a novel technology to regenerate neurons from endogenous glial cells by forced expression of neurogenic transcription factors. We have previously demonstrated successful astrocyte-to-neuron conversion in mouse brains with injury or Alzheimer’s disease by overexpressing a single neural transcription factor NeuroD1 via retroviruses. Here we demonstrate regeneration of dorsal spinal cord neurons from reactive astrocytes after SCI via adeno-associated virus (AAV), a more clinically relevant gene delivery system. We find that NeuroD1 converts reactive astrocytes into neurons in the dorsal horn of stab-injured spinal cord with high efficiency (~95%). Interestingly, NeuroD1-converted neurons in the dorsal horn mostly acquire glutamatergic neuronal subtype, expressing spinal cord-specific markers such as Tlx3 but not brain-specific markers such as Tbr1, suggesting that the astrocytic lineage and local microenvironment affect the cell fate of conversion. Electrophysiological recordings show that the NeuroD1-converted neurons can functionally mature and integrate into local spinal cord circuitry by displaying repetitive action potentials and spontaneous synaptic responses. We further show that NeuroD1-mediated neuronal conversion can occur in the contusive SCI model, allowing future studies of evaluating this reprogramming technology for functional recovery after SCI. In conclusion, this study may suggest a paradigm shift for spinal cord repair using in vivo astrocyte-to-neuron conversion technology to generate functional neurons in the grey matter.
Chapter 22 – Genomic Imprinting

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses genomic imprinting. Genomic imprinting is often described as an exclusively mammalian phenomenon, yet parental effects on gene expression were documented in insects and plants long before the discovery of imprinted mammalian genes. Genomic imprinting was once perceived as a bizarre characteristic of plants, insects, and a handful of mammalian genes; it has since become the focus of intensive research, which has produced numerous implications for development, disease, and evolution. Genomic imprinting may also explain the long-standing mystery of reciprocal interspecies hybrids, which produce progeny with dramatically different phenotypes. Genomic imprinting manifests in monoallelic silencing according to parental lineage. Because a second allele may provide genetic diversity and mask undesirable traits, it is somewhat counterintuitive to find functionally haploid genes in complex diploid species. Genomic imprinting arose in mammalian evolution, which implies that monoallelic expression is not necessarily detrimental to genetic fitness. The underlying mechanisms of genomic imprinting—such as DNA methylation, chromatin modification, and ncRNAs—are well conserved across diverse taxa and may theoretically be traced to common origins. It is likely that diverging species independently recruited these mechanisms, and evolved modes of imprinting that fundamentally differ while retaining striking similarities.
Single-Phase Active-Clamped Isolated SEPIC PFC Converter with Partial Power Processing Output Stage

A single-phase, single-stage, isolated active-clamped SEPIC PFC converter with a partial power processing (PPP) output stage is presented. The PPP stage is implemented with an extra winding in the isolation transformer, low voltage rating diode and MOSFET and a series coupling capacitor. This converter features zero-voltage switching (ZVS) for the main switch and the clamp switch in the main power stage, and zero- current switching (ZCS) for the auxiliary switch in the PPP stage. The output PPP stage enables output voltage regulation, double line frequency ripple cancellation and fast dynamic response for the output voltage. The double line frequency ripple in the output voltage is reduced significantly with the PPP stage, which translates into significant output filter capacitance reduction and power density improvement for the single-phase PFC converter. The performance of the proposed converter is verified with experimental results.
How Rural Public Libraries Support Local Economic Development in the Mountain Plains

Economic and societal challenges continue to impact rural areas across the United States. This is especially true in the western mountain and plains states where populations are small. Towns are of...
A Nutrition Counseling Curriculum to Address Cardiovascular Risk Reduction for Internal Medicine Residents

Introduction Primary care providers play a critical role in reducing patients' risk for cardiovascular disease, including providing dietary counseling. However, few physicians feel adequately train...
Posco and Quick Six Sigma

POSCO was a South Korean company that manufactured and sold products such as hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel, stainless steel plates, wire rods, and silicon steel sheets. Along with other steelmaking companies, it faced the dilemma of the excessive waste inherent in its industry. In 2005, POSCO had initiated QSS (Quick Six Sigma or Quick and Smart Solution), which was extremely successful and had continuously contributed to waste reduction. Having achieved laudable goals, including overall efficiency in its workplace environment, was there a way that POSCO and Chung could use the QSS program to help the community and society at large? Excerpt UVA-E-0396 May 7, 2014 POSCO AND QUICK SIX SIGMA POSCO, along with other steelmaking companies, faced the dilemma of the excessive waste inherent in its industry. Byproducts of steelmaking included slag—waste matter that was separated from metals during the smelting or refining process—dust, and sludge. Depending on the specific process used, production of one ton of steel could result in anywhere from 440 to 881 kilograms of byproducts. In addition, industry waste included machine breakdown and malfunction (e.g., oil leakage, belt disconnects, and overloading). In 2005, POSCO had initiated QSS (Quick Six Sigma or Quick and Smart Solution), which was extremely successful and had continuously contributed to waste reduction. Since then, QSS had become the symbol of a culture of improvement in manufacturing. For instance, in 2012, POSCO's coking plant reduced costs by about $ 800,000 by improving machinery performance and reducing malfunction rates through QSS activities. In 2009, POSCO Chairman Joon-yang Chung, intrigued by the effectiveness of QSS within the company, expressed an interest in using it to help POSCO's various stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, partners, and the community. How could QSS, which had been applied to the logistics and mechanics of the steelmaking factories, be applied to the local community, or even society at large? Could this tool be transferred successfully from the production line to the stakeholders beyond the factory walls? POSCO . . .
Abstract SY30-02: NK cells remember: Engineering NK cell memory-like responses for cancer immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that protect against infection and mediate anti-tumor immune responses. NK cell immunotherapy is a promising cellular therapy approach for leukemia, lymphoma, and other cancers. Multiple laboratories have advanced our understanding of innate NK cell memory and memory-like responses over the past decade, with a unifying definition of enhanced response to re-stimulation after an initial activation event. We identified that human cytokine-induced memory-like (memory) NK cells differentiate after a brief activation with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 and mediate enhanced responses against leukemia and other cancer targets. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated their enhanced anti-tumor potential in vitro, and in vivo in syngeneic murine models and human xenografts. We translated this concept into a first-in-human clinical trial that demonstrated safe adoptive transfer of donor memory NK cells for patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) resulting in complete remissions. Correlative mass cytometry from this phase 1 study revealed the memory NK cell multidimensional phenotype and identified NKG2A as a major checkpoint for memory NK cell response to AML. Additional clinical trials of donor memory NK cells the HCT setting have demonstrated safety and anti-leukemia activity the immune compatible setting and has provided insights into persistence. Memory NK cells functionally persist for more than 60 days with a unique multidimensional phenotype in two clinical trials in leukemia patients. Further, CITE-seq single cell profiling reveals a unique memory NK cell transcriptomic signature. We have also developed approaches to gene edit and engineer memory-like NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors, expanding the spectrum of cancers for memory-like NK cellular therapy. CAR memory NK cells exhibit enhanced responses, compared with CAR conventional NK cells. Further, pairing with tumor targeting monoclonal antibodies can result in CAR-like responses via CD16/FcγRIIIa, providing additional activating signals that direct memory NK cell response. These studies identify a promising memory NK cell platform for cancer immunotherapy and highlight the importance of correlative studies during clinical trials to advance our understanding of human immunology. Citation Format: Todd A. Fehniger. NK cells remember: Engineering NK cell memory-like responses for cancer immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr SY30-02.
Case 8: Thinking Outside the Box

You have been assigned to work in a medical mission in rural Uganda. Today you are working with a surgeon who is repairing facial deformities. As the only anesthesiologist, you are in charge of the anesthesia equipment. The first patient of the day is a large man (180 kg) for repair of facial deformities. His neck is over 40 cm. You would prefer to do a fiberoptic intubation but the patient is terrified and wants to be asleep. In addition to this, you cannot speak his language and are reliant on a translator.
Artificially Structured Boundary as a Charged Particle Beam Deflector Shield

Abstract The possibility of using a planar artificially structured boundary as a charged particle beam deflector shield is studied via classical trajectory Monte Carlo simulation. The artificially structured boundary (ASB) is formed by a planar array of permanent disk magnets with like poles facing out and creates a spatially periodic magnetostatic field. A mono-energetic beam of charged particles is incident on the ASB, and the conditions under which particles penetrate through the array are determined.
Why Working But Poor? A Capital Explanation and Solution

This paper responds to two of the questions posed by the 2014 AALS Poverty Law Section’s Call for Papers: (1) “What other solutions can and should be employed [to reduce poverty]?” and (2) “What can legal scholars, lawyers, law schools, legal clinics, and law students do to reduce poverty?” The answer to the first question is to democratize “capital acquisition with the earnings of capital” based on the principles of “binary economics.” This democratization requires extending to poor and middle-class people competitive access to the same government-supported institutions of corporate finance, banking, insurance, reinsurance and favorable tax and monetary policies that are presently available primarily to people and businesses to acquire capital with the future earnings of capital substantially in proportion to their existing wealth. With this democratization, participation in capital acquisition by the vast majority of poor and middle class people would no longer be limited as a practical matter to their meager or even negative net worth. This democratization would transform the existing system of corporate finance (that presently functions primarily to concentrate capital ownership) into an ownership-broadening system of corporate finance. It would require no taxes, redistribution, borrowing, or government command. Corporations would be free to continue to meet their capital requirements as before, but they would have an additional, ownership-broadening, potentially more profitable, market means to do so. This additional means could be voluntarily employed to: 1. reduce poverty, welfare dependence, and fear of poverty by substantially enhancing the earning capacity of poor and middle class people (by supplementing their labor income and any transfer payments they may receive increasingly with capital income); 2. reduce tax rates, taxes, and the need for government expenditures; 3. enhance the earning capacity of the participating companies, their shareholders, their employees, and their customers; 4. reduce unemployment, raise wages, and enhance working conditions; 5. enhance the value of equity investments and retirement plans and reduce the risk of borrowing; 6. promote more sustainable, environmentally friendly growth, and 7. (if implemented globally) enhance the creditworthiness of national governments and their ability to raise revenue.The answer to the second question is for law legal scholars, lawyers, law students, and individuals with responsibility for the curriculum of law schools and activities of legal clinics (1) first to learn and to teach (a) the underlying principles of binary economics, (b) how this democratization with the earnings of capital, based on its understanding, can be practically implemented and (c) how this democratization is a necessary part of any systemic solution to poverty and (2) then to advocate, work for, and facilitate its implementation.
Effect of protein deficiency on the inducibility of the hepatic microsomal drug-metabolizing enzyme system—III: Effect of 3-methylcholanthrene induction on activity and binding kinetics

Abstract Male, weanling rats divided into three groups were maintained for 15 days on a semipurified diet containing either 5% casein fed ad lib. (group 1), 20% casein pair-fed to group 1 (group 2), or 20% casein fed ad lib. (group 3). After each group was further subdivided, animals were injected i.p. on days 13 and 14 with either corn oil or 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) (20 mg/kg) in corn oil. Twenty-four hr after the last injection, animals were decapitated and liver microsomes were prepared. Contents of microsomal protein, phosphatidylcholine and hemoprotein (cytochrome P-450 or cytochrome P-448 or both) were measured and used as the basis of expression for spectral and enzyme kinetic constants; the activities of cytochrome c and P-450 reductases were also determined. Protein deficiency reduced microsomal protein and hemoprotein, but did not alter phosphatidylcholine (PC); 3-MC treatment produced increases in protein, hemoprotein and PC/mg of protein, but a decrease in PC/hemoprotein. In general, 3-MC produced greater percentage increases in the above parameters with protein deficiency, although the absolute amounts remained considerably below that achieved with groups 2 and 3. The 3-MC-induced groups showed the characteristic spectral shift for the P-450-CO complex to 448 nm. Ethylmorphine (EM) metabolism was decreased by both protein deficiency and 3-MC induction, whereas aniline (AN) metabolism was decreased by protein deficiency but increased by 3-MC treatment. Spectral binding ( Δ A max ) of EM was decreased by protein deficiency and unchanged by 3-MC when expressed on a protein basis, but was reduced when expressed on a hemoprotein basis, indicating the loss of the type I site in the 3-MC-induced hemoprotein. Aniline binding, when based on protein, was decreased by protein deficiency but remained unchanged when expressed on a hemoprotein basis, whereas 3-MC treatment increased the Δ A max when expressed on a protein basis, but did not change this parameter when expressed on a hemoprotein basis, indicating the retention of the type II site after 3-MC induction. Protein deficiency reduced both cytochrome c and P-450 reductase activities, whereas 3-MC treatment did not alter these parameters. Based on these and previous data, a role for the type I binding site as a “substrate effector site” was proposed.
Integration of capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis with metabolic and virulence pathways in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

In the developing world, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia in young children, and the total worldwide mortality due to pneumococcal infections is approximately 1 to 2 million per year. The capsule is an integral part of the pneumococcal cell surface. The S. pneumoniae type 3 polysaccharide, as discussed, is not linked to the peptidoglycan but remains cell associated via a membrane lipid linkage or interactions with a membrane protein involved in its synthesis. The synthesis of all polysaccharides begins with the synthesis of nucleotide precursor sugars in the cytoplasm. Global control pathways affecting carbon metabolism may also be involved in the regulation of capsule synthesis. In particular, catabolite control protein A (CcpA) is an important regulator of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system that is the major system for sugar uptake in many bacteria. A mechanism for cleaving the chain has not been demonstrated but is predicted to be enzymatic based on the inability to introduce mechanical breaks without using sonication. The release of capsular polysaccharide may be important in pathogenesis, and the identification of an enzyme involved in this process will be an important step in understanding this role. Analyses of the genetics and biosynthesis of capsule production have yielded many important insights into one of the most important bacterial virulence factors. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms involved in capsule synthesis and release, and their integration with the synthesis of other surface structures, will thus be an important step in understanding the overall metabolism and virulence of the cell.
Production of Ethanol from Synthesis Gas

After the oil supply shocks in the 1970s, research on development of alternative sources of liquid fuels was intensified. The initial emphasis was on processes that used coal as a feedstock, but later investigations were on the direct fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass where the biomass is first treated to convert it to fermentable sugars, followed by the familiar alcoholic fermentation, generally by yeast. Synthesis gas can be fermented or otherwise converted to a number of desired products, including ethanol. It can be chemically converted to liquid fuels. Clostridium carboxidivorans has been shown to ferment 100 mmol of fructose to 23 mmol of ethanol, 81 mmol of acetate, and 4 mmol of butanol. Upon fermentation of an equivalent amount of carbon monoxide (600 mmol), the end products produced shifted to 96 mmol of ethanol, 12 mmol of acetate, and 24 mmol of butanol. The presence of reducing agents alone can shift products of fermentation from acetate to ethanol. The ability to produce butanol from synthesis gas appears to be the most attractive feature of Butyribacterium methylotrophicum. C. ljungdahlii was isolated from chicken yard waste based on its ability to ferment synthesis gas to ethanol. The first commercial fermentation of synthesis gas to ethanol will probably use C. ljungdahlii as the microbial catalyst. C. carboxidivorans can directly ferment biomass, at least the cellulose fraction.
An­hydro­us beclomethasone dipropionate

The an­hydro­us crystal structure of the title compound, 9α-chloro-16β-methyl-3,20-dioxo-1,4-pregna­diene-11β,17,21-triol 17,21-dipropionate, C28H37ClO7, was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry using direct methods. Beclomethasone dipropionate, BDP, is an important pharmaceutical steroid for the treatment of asthma. It is formulated for inhalation delivery either as a solution or as a suspension of crystals in liquefied halogenated-alkanes. The physico-chemical properties of the crystals in suspension are of critical importance. Density will affect suspendability and settling rate, and different crystal forms may have significantly different dissolution rates in vivo. Until now, only the monohydrate form of BDP has been published [Duax et al. (1981). Acta Cryst. B37, 383–387]. This study presents the structure of the an­hydro­us form of BDP. The an­hydro­us form is intermolecularly hydrogen bonded and its efficient packing results in a more dense crystal (1.362 Mg m−3) than the published monohydrate form (1.287 Mg m−3).
Tc-99m MIBI imaging in lymphomas: Comparison with T1-201 and Ga-67 scientigraphy

Tc-99m MIBI has recently been used in the functional imaging of various tumors. This prospective study was performed to evaluate the role of Tc-99m MIBI imaging at the time of the initial staging, assessment of treatment response, follow-up studies and survaillance in Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s Iymphoma. 25 patients (14 with Hodgkin’s and 11 with non-Hodgkin’s Iymphoma) underwent 32 studies. The patient’s age range wa 19-73 years, with a mean age of 41.7 years. All patients underwent whole body planar imaging following intravenous injection of 20-25 mCi Tc-99m MIBI. Comparative imaging with 3 mCi Tl-201 and 10 mCi Ga-67 injection was done. Clinical, radiographic and biopsy correlation was obtained in all cases.
The Shiites: Ritual and Popular Piety in a Muslim Community

Part 1 An introduction to the Shiite tradition in Islam: Shiism - an overview esentials of Islam common to the Shiite and Sunni traditions Shiite "Ta'wil" - the esoteric dimension of Quranic scripture variations on the esoteric tradition in poetry and theosophy - examples form Attar, Hafez, and Suhrawardi of Aleppo the patterns that inform history - Shiite worldviews and the understanding of past and future Shiism in India - historical background and cultural influences representations of Muharram in British fiction and memoirs from the Raj. Part 2 Ritual and popular devotion in a Shiite community - Muharram liturgies of Hyderabad: Shiite shrines of the old city Shiite men's guilds of Hyderabad lamentation rituals - Shiite justifications for "Matam" - liturgical forms of "Matam" the "Majlis" liturgy - sermon topics and Shiite self-definition the role of liturgy in reinforcing communal identity preparations for the Muharram season - rehearsal sessions and the training of the chorus in a Shiite men's guild liturgy as drama - the seventh of Muharram and the bridegroom of Karbala's procession co-operation and competition among the men's guilds criticisms directed against the men's guilds Muharram liturgies and Hindu-Muslim relations in Hyderabad. Part 3 Conclusion: Hyderabad and the world community of Shiite Islam.
Shock waves from preflame reactions in a motored engine

Abstract Engine experiments with an impact pressure detector and a rate of change of pressure indicator demonstrate that preflame reactions are capable of generating impact pressures. Two-stage preflame reactions of normal heptane were observed with both stages developing impact pressures. It is proposed that these impact pressures are due to a shock wave formed by the preflame reaction and that this shock wave may lead to a detonation wave which is the compression ignition process.
Video transcoding for multiple clients

Most previous research efforts on video transcoding have been focused on changing the bit-rate of one pre-encoded bit-stream to another. However, in many applications (e.g. streaming video over a heterogeneous network), it may require to transcode a pre-encoded video bit-stream to multiple bit-streams with different bit-rates and features to support multiple clients with different requirements. In this paper, we discuss the case of point-to-multipoint transcoding. We compare two transcoder architectures in terms of processing speed for H.263 and MPEG-2 transcoding. We show that for point-to-multipoint transcoding, a cascaded video transcoder is more efficient since some parts of the transcoder can be shared by the multiple clients.
Osteosarcoma of the hand: A clinicopathologic study of 12 cases

Background. The incidence of osteosarcoma of the hand is about 0.18% of all osteosarcomas. Methods. This study describes the clinicopathologic profile of 12 patients (3 Mayo Clinic and 9 consultation) with osteosarcoma of the hand (13 tumors). Results. The patients (six male patients, five female, one unknown) were from 16 to 81 years of age (average, 45). Seven tumors were in phalanges and six in metacarpals. Nine tumors were classified as conventional, one as low-grade intraosseous, one as osteoblastoma-like, one as high-grade surface, and one as periosteal osteosarcoma. Recurrent disease developed in all patients in whom the initial operation resulted in intralesional excision or a marginal margin but not in the five patients in whom the initial operation achieved wide margins. Only one patient died of metastatic disease. Conclusions. The findings in this review support the conclusion that surgical treatment with a wide margin provides good results in patients with osteosarcoma of the hand.
Glucocorticoids reduce ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial apoptosis in immature hearts

Abstract Background . Transient myocardial dysfunction often occurs after ischemia-reperfusion with immature myocardium appearing particularly susceptible. Neutrophil adhesion and activation contribute to ischemia-reperfusion injury after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), possibly resulting in cell death. The hypothesis was that glucocorticoids could prevent reperfusion-induced myocardial dysfunction by blunting leukocyte-mediated injury. Methods . Neonatal piglets were cooled with CPB followed by 2 hours of circulatory arrest. Animals were rewarmed, removed from CPB, and allowed to recover for 2 hours. Methylprednisolone (60 mg/kg) was administered in the CPB priming solution to one group (intraoperative glucocorticoids). In another group (preoperative glucocorticoids), 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone was administered 6 hours before CPB in addition to the intraoperative dose (30 mg/kg). Control animals received no glucocorticoids. Results . Apoptotic myocardial cells measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling assay and caspase-3 activity were reduced in animals administered glucocorticoids compared with controls ( p p Conclusions . The reduction of neutrophil adhesion and activation proteins in neonatal myocardium was associated with less apoptotic cell death after glucocorticoid administration. The blunting of apoptosis in glucocorticoid-treated animals was also associated with improved recovery of left ventricular systolic function in neonatal animals after CPB and circulatory arrest. Glucocorticoid attenuation of myocardial apoptosis might have important implications for maintaining long-term ventricular function after ischemia and reperfusion.
Horizons in the study or liver disease

With the aid of newer technics in the study of the finer structure of the liver, such as those of electron microscopy, histochemistry, cytochemistry, and immunocytochemistry, rifts are developing in the clouded horizons of liver disease. The mechanisms of drug injury, cholestasis, hepatic fiber formation, hypergammaglobulinemia, and chronicity in liver disease become gradually better understood. However, therapeutic implications remain vague and await future clarification of the basic mechanisms of intracellular injury.
The thermodynamics of aqueous silver sulphate-lanthanum sulphate solutions

Abstract The solubility of Ag 2 SO 4 has been measured in 0·001, 0·002, 0·004 and 0·01 M La 2 (SO 4 ) 3 solutions to above 100° to continue the study of the solubility in sulphate solutions of increasing valence type. In addition to presenting new solubility data the present study also includes values of the activity coefficient of Ag 2 SO 4 at zero concentration in K 2 SO 4 , MgSO 4 , and La 2 (SO 4 ) 3 solutions.
Surface-potential heterogeneity of reacted calcite and rhodochrosite

Nanostructures can form on mineral surfaces through reactions with H2O or O2 in the natural environment. In this study, nanostructures on the (1014) surfaces of calcite and rhodochrosite are characterized by their surface potentials using Kelvin probe force microscopy. Water-induced nanostructures on calcite have a topographic height of 1.1 (±0.6) nm and an excess surface potential of 126 (±31) mV at 45% relative humidity. The corresponding values for oxygen-induced nanostructures on rhodochrosite at the same RH are 1.3 (±0.7) nm and 271 (±14) mV, respectively. For increasing relative humidity on calcite, the topographic height of the nanostructures increases while their excess surface potential remains unchanged. In comparison, on rhodochrosite the topographic height remains unchanged for increasing relative humidity but excess surface potential decreases. The nonzero excess surface potentials indicate that the nanostructures have compositions different from their parent substrates. The surface-potentia...
On scalable and efficient distributed failure detectors

Process groups in distributed applications and services rely on failure detectors to detect process failures completely, and as quickly, accurately, and scalably as possible, even in the face of unreliable message deliveries. In this paper, we look at quantifying the optimal scalability, in terms of network load, (in messages per second, with messages having a size limit) of distributed, complete failure detectors as a function of application-specified requirements. These requirements are 1) quick failure detection by some non-faulty process, and 2) accuracy of failure detection. We assume a crash-recovery (non-Byzantine) failure model, and a network model that is probabilistically unreliable (w.r.t. message deliveries and process failures). First, we characterize, under certain independence assumptions, the optimum worst-case network load imposed by any failure detector that achieves an application's requirements. We then discuss why traditional heart beating schemes are inherently unscalable according to the optimal load. We also present a randomized, distributed, failure detector algorithm that imposes an equal expected load per group member. This protocol satisfies the application defined constraints of completeness and accuracy, and speed of detection on an average. It imposes a network load that differs frown the optimal by a sub-optimality factor that is much lower than that for traditional distributed heartbeating schemes. Moreover, this sub-optimality factor does not vary with group size (for large groups).
Preliminary experience with transluminal laser-induced intrahepatic portacaval shunts.

This study investigated the feasibility of performing an intrahepatic portacaval shunt (IHPCS) by means of transluminal laser angioplasty. In 10 anesthized dogs, a catheter was introduced into a mesenteric vein and threaded into the portal vein (PV). Under fluoroscopy, a Ross needle was passed through the PV catheter, liver, and into the intrahepatic IVC. Following guide-wire exchange, a neodymium YAG laser hot-tip probe (power setting 8 W) was passed over the guidewire to accomplish a transluminal IHPCS. In five animals, an IHPCS could not be accomplished. Initial and subsequent patency was confirmed by fluoroscopy. These early data suggest that transvenous laser-induced intrahepatic portacaval shunts may be feasible as a means of decompressing portal hypertension
Priapism resulting from fluphenazine hydrochloride treatment reversed by diphenhydramine

A chronic schizophrenic patient received 30 mg fluphenazine hydrochloride (Prolixin ® ) PO and developed priapism. Urological examination and subsequent urological workup was negative, indentifying fluphenazine hydrochloride as the cause of the priapism. During the period of priapism evaluation, the patient developed a severe extrapyramidal reaction that was treated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl ® ) 50 mg IV push. There was remission of the extrapyramidal reaction in three minutes followed by resolution of the priapism. The rationale for the treatment of antipsychotic drug-induced priapism with anticholinergic drugs is discussed.
Genetic mechanisms for adapting to a changing environment

INTRODUCTION 630 ANALYSIS OF GENETIC VARIATION IN FUNDULUS HETEROCLITUS: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY EXAMPLE OF CLARKE’S SUGGESTED STRATEGY 632 Genetic Variability in Relation to Latitude 632 Biochemical Analysis of Allelic lsozymes 636 A BRIEF REVIEW OF STEADY-STATE KINETIC 637 LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE: A MODEL FOR ALLELIC ISOZYME 638 Functional Differences at the Cellular Level 646 Physiological Basis for Swimming Endurance Differences 648 Differential Hatching Times 650 Differential Developmental Rates 651 Selection Experiments 652 CONCLUSION A D PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE 655
Miles per Gallon Illusions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy Distortions: When Even Transport Experts Have Trouble

Correctly interpreting the fuel consumption implications of improvements in vehicle fuel economy is important for the optimal selection of policies to achieve greenhouse gas reductions and energy independence. The findings of two surveys of transportation professionals are reported. It was found that transportation professionals—those individuals charged with the design and implementation of transportation policy—correctly interpreted fuel savings of vehicle replacement policies more often when fuel economy was presented in gallons per 100 mi than when it was presented in miles per gallon. By means of a discrete choice model, it was shown that transportation experts were more likely to calculate fuel savings with a linear approach when given fuel economy in miles per gallon. One important implication of this finding can be seen in how the standard fuel economy metrics have resulted in distorted incentives in U.S. corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. It was found that CAFE standards did not dir...
Persistence as an Indicator of Mastery Motivation in Young Children with Cognitive Delays

Goal-directed exploration, as an indicator of mastery motivation, may provide an important avenue of study to enhance learning by children with cognitive delays. Strategies to assess a child's use of mastery behaviors, however, have been based primarily on research conducted with nondelayed infants. It has been suggested that these assessment techniques may not be appropriate for children with cognitive delays, given their inclination to perseverate and to be motivated by easy rather than moderately challenging tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the basis of behaviors that may reflect mastery motivation with a group of young children with moderate and severe cognitive delays. The results supported the application of the mastery motivation model to this group of children. The children used mastery behaviors significantly more often than lower-level exploratory behaviors. The use of mastery behaviors was related to the occurrence of success, and there was a greater-than-chance likelihood th...