cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Not all nitrogen atoms are equal: contribution of peripheral versus internal amines to the observed reactivity and capture properties of melamine dendrons on SBA-15

The role of different nitrogen atoms in melamine dendrons tethered to SBA-15 is elucidated. For the nitroaldol (Henry) reaction all nitrogen atoms of the capping group participate in the reaction. For metal binding, uptake correlates with the diamine content indicating interior amines are accessible. Carbon dioxide uptake properties are dictated by the presence of the peripheral amines with little interior contribution. The results show that different nitrogen atoms contribute to different processes including catalysis, metal sequestration, and gas separations.
A new species of Clidicus with asymmetrical parameres (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).

Clidicus Laporte, 1832 currently comprises 27 species distributed in India (Karnataka, Tamil Nadu), Sri Lanka, Indonesia (Java, Kalimantan, Sumatra), Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak), Laos, Vietnam, the Philippines (Mindanao), China (Hainan) and Australia (Queensland). Some species have conspicuously large adults reaching 8.5 mm, and they represent the largest known Scydmaeninae. Species of Clidicus were relatively poorly known until recently, when Orousset (2014) revised a large portion of this genus and described several new species. Other major studies include Besuchet (1971), who described Sri Lankan species, Jaloszynski et al. (2003) who recorded four new species from Vietnam and Laos, Jaloszynski (2009) with the first description of a Philippine species, and Zhou Li (2015), who discovered the first species in China. Another new species, representing the second Clidicus occurring in the Philippines, is described below.
Sum sequences modulo n

Abstract A sum sequence modulo n is a sequence S = ( s 1 , s 2 , … , s d ) of elements in Z / n Z such that every x ∈ Z / n Z can be represented as s i + s j , i j , in the same number λ of ways. For example, ( 0 , 1 , 2 , 4 ) is a sum sequence modulo 6 with λ = 1 . We examine polynomials associated with sum sequences using tools from number theory, combinatorics and Galois theory. In particular, we give a complete characterization of sum sequences and their associated polynomials. We also describe some variations on these ideas and mention several possible generalizations to arbitrary finite groups.
Evidence for an Inhomogeneous Distribution of Reaction Centers on the Timescale of the Primary Electron Transfer Events

At its simplest, overall charge separation in the bacterial reaction center (RC) involves two known electron transfer reactions: the first from the lowest excited singlet state of the bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) dimer (P) to a neighboring bacteriopheophytin (BPhL) molecule roughly 10 A away (edge-to-edge), followed by electron transfer over about the same distance from the BPhL anion to the primary quinone (QA) The determination of the three-dimensional structure of the bacterial RC [1–3] ushered in a new era of research directed toward the elucidation of a microscopic description of these light-driven primary electron transfer reactions. Substantial theoretical effort has been devoted to explaining and/or predicting various RC properties in finer and finer detail [4–10]. Both in these and experimental studies [11–15] particular emphasis has been placed on understanding the mechanism of the initial charge separation reaction, P* → P+BPhL − especially in regard to whether the BChlL monomer serves as an intermediary electron carrier, or serves in a superexchange capacity.
Comparison of waste combustion and waste electrolysis - A systems analysis

A steady state model of a closed environmental system has been developed which includes higher plant growth for food production, and is designed to allow wastes to be combusted or electrolyzed. The stoichiometric equations have been developed to evaluate various trash compositions, food items (both stored and produced), metabolic rates, and crew sizes. The advantages of waste electrolysis versus combustion are: (1) oxygen is not required (which reduces the load on the oxygen producing system); (2) the CO2 and H2 products are produced in pure form (reducing the load on the separators); and (3) nitrogen is converted to nitrate (which is directly usable by plants). Weight tradeoff studies performed using this model have shown that waste electrolysis reduces the life support weight of a 4-person crew by 1000 to 2000 kg.
Steiner Routing for 3D IC

In this chapter, we study a performance and thermal-aware Steiner routing algorithm for 3D stacked ICs. Our algorithm consists of two steps: tree construction and tree refinement. Our tree construction algorithm builds a delay-oriented Steiner tree under a given thermal profile. We show that our 3D tree construction involves minimization of two-variable Elmore delay function. In our tree refinement algorithm, we reposition the through-silicon-vias (TSVs) used in existing Steiner trees while preserving the original routing topology for further thermal optimization under performance constraint. We employ a novel scheme to relax the initial NLP formulation to ILP and consider all TSV from all nets simultaneously. Our tree construction algorithm outperforms the popular 3D-maze routing by 52% in terms of performance at the cost of 15% wirelength and 6% TSV count increase for four-die stacking. In addition, our TSV relocation results in 9% maximum temperature reduction at no additional area cost. We also provide extensive experimental results including (i) the wirelength and delay distribution of various types of 3D interconnects, (ii) the impact of TSV RC parasitics on routing and TSV relocation, and (iii) the impact of various bonding styles on routing and TSV relocation. Lastly, we provide results on two-die stacking.
Protein Aggregation Mediated by Cysteine Oxidation During the Stacking Phase of Discontinuous Buffer SDS-PAGE

The resolution of complex protein mixtures by discontinuous buffer SDS-PAGE is accomplished by their concentration into thin bands in the stacking gel, followed by their separation during migration through the resolving gel. Recombinant human interferon-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), a 10-kDa C-X-C chemokine with four cysteines, aggregated during the stacking phase of SDS-PAGE and generated a band with an apparent molecular mass of 18 kDa. This aggregation depended on the presence of reduced sulfhydryl residues on IP-10, on the amount of loaded protein, and on the concentration of the ammonium persulfate used to polymerize the stacking gel. The aggregation of IP-10 could be prevented by reduction of its sulfhydryls with dithiothreitol followed by irreversible blockade with iodoacetamide. These methods may be useful in the prevention of aggregation of sulfhydryl-containing proteins during SDS-PAGE, especially when large quantities are analyzed to assess their purity.
Field Theoretical RG

The field theoretical RG, developed to eliminate divergences in relativistic quantum field theories, has been a very effective calculational tool in critical thermodynamics. Usually, a thermodynamic system can be characterized by least two characteristic lengths: the correlation length ξ and the lattice cell size a ∝ Λ−1. However, in the critical region one has the inequality ξ ≫ a, which leaves only one characteristic length in the problem. At the critical point, the interesting region of wave vectors in the correlation functions satisfies the condition q ≪ Λ. This means that one may just as well consider the limit Λ → ∞. Nonetheless, this limit should be treated carefully, as the temperature renormalization and some factors in the correlation functions diverge with increasing Λ. The conventional approach to this problem is to consider diverging coefficients as finite experimental quantities in all measurable values. Such an approach is essentially the same as the procedure for the elimination of divergent terms in quantum field theory. As in the field theory, this procedure, applied to the phase transition theory, introduces some freedom. This freedom can be restricted with the help of adding counter-term to the Hamiltonian. These counter-terms should have the same structure as particular terms of the zero-order Hamiltonian (renormalization of T c and field operators) and with the interaction Hamiltonian (renormalization of interaction constant).
Aerothermodynamic Measurement Techniques Employed in NASA Langley Hypersonic Facilities

Measurement techniques routinely used at the NASA Langley Research Center to obtain qualitative and quantitative global and discrete values of heat transfer rate to the surface of models tested in conventional-type hypersonic wind tunnels and an impulse facility (NASA Hypulse at the General Applied Science Laboratory) are presented. The application of thin-film resistance gages for discrete measurements in conventional and impulse facilities is discussed along with the relative-intensity two-color thermographic phosphor technique, which has “revolutionized” experimental aerothermodynamics at Langley, and the absolute intensity infrared emission technique. Experimental aerothermodynamics at Langley over the last decade is reviewed, present capabilities discussed, and a look into the future is made.
18F-FDG PET/CT for Monitoring of Ipilimumab Therapy in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now commonly used to treat patients with metastatic malignant melanoma. Although concerns have been raised that the inflammatory response induced by ICIs may limit the ability of 18F-FDG PET/CT to assess tumor response, systematic analyses on the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in this setting are mostly lacking. Thus, we set out to evaluate the association between tumor response on 18F-FDG PET/CT and prognosis in patients with metastatic malignant melanoma treated with ipilimumab. Methods: We analyzed 60 consecutive patients with metastatic melanoma who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans both before and after treatment to evaluate treatment response after completion of ipilimumab therapy. Tumor response was assessed by the change in the sum of SULpeak (voxels with the highest average SUL [SUV normalized to lean body mass]) of up to 5 lesions according to PERCIST5. New lesions on PET that appeared suggestive of metastases were considered progressive metabolic disease (PMD). Because immunotherapy may cause new inflammatory lesions that are detectable on 18F-FDG PET/CT, we also evaluated an immunotherapy-modified response classification (imPERCIST5). In this classification, new lesions do not define PMD per se; rather, PMD requires an increase in the sum of SULpeak by 30%. The correlation between tumor response according to these 3 definitions and overall survival (OS) was evaluated and compared with known prognostic factors. Results: In responders and nonresponders, the 2-y OS was 66% versus 29% for imPERCIST5 (P = 0.003). After multivariate analysis, imPERCIST5 remained prognostic (hazard ratio, 3.853; 95% confidence interval, 1.498–9.911; P = 0.005). New sites of focal 18F-FDG uptake occurred more often in patients with PMD (n = 24) by imPERCIST5 than in those with stable metabolic disease (n = 7) or partial metabolic response (n = 4). In patients with partial metabolic response, 2 of 4 isolated new lesions regressed spontaneously during follow-up. Conclusion: In patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab, tumor response according to PERCIST was associated with OS. Our data suggest that PMD should not be defined by the appearance of new lesions, but rather by an increase in the sum of SULpeak.
Defining Success Criteria for Spartina alterniflora Restoration Projects in Southwestern Louisiana

Evaluation of success in salt-marsh restoration is often driven by subjective measures. By defining success criteria (SC), project effectiveness can be measured quantitatively. Herein, we quantify SC for an existing Spartina alterniflora (Smooth Cordgrass) restoration program. We selected stem density as an indicator of primary production and canopy structure—2 important salt-marsh functions. We established SC through use of stem densities from the literature and prior restoration projects and calculated a coefficient of variation (CV) for reference groups. By using the CV, we determined the strength of a particular reference group for SC formulation. We calculated success criteria for reference groups with CV ≤ 0.25. Three reference groups met the CV requirement. Only 1 project met the SC of the strongest reference group (CV = 0.04). Four of 5 projects met the SC of the weakest reference group (CV = 0.21). Reference sites with low variation in the target indicator should be selected for SC formulation.
Multi-Armed Bandit On-Time Arrival Algorithms for Sequential Reliable Route Selection under Uncertainty:

Traditionally vehicles act only as servers in transporting passengers and goods. With increasing sensor equipment in vehicles, including automated vehicles, there is a need to test algorithms that ...
Designing with Very Thin Optical Films

Indices of refraction for very thin layers (<30 nm) change widely with the layer thickness, the bounding materials, and the processes used to produce the films. The tools to design with these layers are described.
Nanomaterial-Enabled Flexible and Stretchable Sensing Systems: Processing, Integration, and Applications

Nanomaterial-enabled flexible and stretchable electronics have seen tremendous progress in recent years, evolving from single sensors to integrated sensing systems. Compared with nanomaterial-enabled sensors with a single function, integration of multiple sensors is conducive to comprehensive monitoring of personal health and environment, intelligent human-machine interfaces, and realistic imitation of human skin in robotics and prosthetics. Integration of sensors with other functional components promotes real-world applications of the sensing systems. Here, an overview of the design and integration strategies and manufacturing techniques for such sensing systems is given. Then, representative nanomaterial-enabled flexible and stretchable sensing systems are presented. Following that, representative applications in personal health, fitness tracking, electronic skins, artificial nervous systems, and human-machine interactions are provided. To conclude, perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in this burgeoning field are considered.
Positron emission tomography as an adjuvant diagnostic test in the evaluation of checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute interstitial nephritis

Acute interstitial nephritis is an immune-related adverse event that can occur in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Differentiating checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute interstitial nephritis from other causes of acute kidney injury in patients with cancer is challenging and can lead to diagnostic delays and/or unwarranted immunosuppression. In this case report, we assess the use of 18F-flourodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography imaging as an alternative diagnostic modality in the evaluation of potential acute interstitial nephritis. A 55-year-old woman with metastatic vulvar melanoma underwent treatment with two cycles of ipilimumab plus nivolumab, followed by seven cycles of nivolumab combined with radiation therapy. During her treatment, she developed non-oliguric acute kidney injury to a creatinine of 4.5 mg/dL from a baseline of 0.5 mg/dL. A clinical diagnosis of acute interstitial nephritis was made, and steroids were initiated, with rapid improvement of her acute kidney injury. Retrospectively, four positron-emission tomography scans obtained for cancer staging purposes were reviewed. We found a markedly increased 18F-flourodeoxyglucose uptake in the renal cortex at the time acute interstitial nephritis was diagnosed compared to baseline. In three cases of acute kidney injury due to alternative causes there was no increase in 18F-flourodeoxyglucose uptake from baseline. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing increased 18F-flourodeoxyglucose uptake in the renal cortex in a patient with checkpoint inhibitor-associated acute interstitial nephritis. Our findings suggest that 18F-flourodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography may be a valuable test for diagnosing immune-mediated nephritis, particularly in patients where timely kidney biopsy is not feasible.
In Situ Regulated Dopamine Transporter Trafficking: There's No Place Like Home

Dopamine (DA) is critical for motivation, reward, movement initiation, and learning. Mechanisms that control DA signaling have a profound impact on these important behaviors, and additionally play a role in DA-related neuropathologies. The presynaptic SLC6 DA transporter (DAT) limits extracellular DA levels by clearing released DA, and is potently inhibited by addictive and therapeutic psychostimulants. Decades of evidence support that the DAT is subject to acute regulation by a number of signaling pathways, and that endocytic trafficking strongly regulates DAT availability and function. DAT trafficking studies have been performed in a variety of model systems, including both in vitro and ex vivo preparations. In this review, we focus on the breadth of DAT trafficking studies, with specific attention to, and comparison of, how context may influence DAT's response to different stimuli. In particular, this overview highlights that stimulated DAT trafficking not only differs between in vitro and ex vivo environments, but also is influenced by both sex and anatomical subregions.
The influence of range hood mounting height on capture efficiency

A new test procedure for determining capture efficiency (CE) of domestic range hoods (ASTM-E3087.18) was used to investigate how the range hood mounting height above a stove influences CE. Previous...
A Privacy Preserving Model-Free Optimization and Control Framework for Demand Response from Residential Thermal Loads

We consider the problem of optimizing the cost of procuring electricity for a large collection of homes managed by a load serving entity, by pre-cooling or pre-heating the thermal inertial loads in the homes to avoid procuring power during periods of peak electricity pricing. We would like to accomplish this objective in a completely privacy-preserving and model-free manner, that is, without direct access to the state variables (temperatures or power consumption) or the dynamical models (thermal characteristics) of individual homes, while guaranteeing personal comfort constraints of the consumers. We propose a two-stage optimization and control framework to address this problem. In the first stage, we use a long short-term memory (LSTM) network to predict hourly electricity prices, based on historical pricing data and weather forecasts. Given the hourly price forecast and thermal models of the homes, the problem of designing an optimal power consumption trajectory that minimizes the total electricity procurement cost for the collection of thermal loads can be formulated as a large-scale integer program (with millions of variables) due to the on-off cyclical dynamics of such loads. We provide a simple heuristic relaxation to make this large-scale optimization problem model-free and computationally tractable. In the second stage, we translate the results of this optimization problem into distributed open-loop control laws that can be implemented at individual homes without measuring or estimating their state variables, while simultaneously ensuring consumer comfort constraints. We demonstrate the performance of this approach on a large-scale test case comprising of 500 homes in the Houston area and benchmark its performance against a direct model-based optimization and control solution.
How to Successfully Publish and Present Your Research

Conducting research allows physicians to explore the unknown and contribute to their chosen field. The process of successfully publishing begins with preparatory steps. For example, finding a research mentor is extremely valuable. Other initial steps include finding an area of research interest and picking a research project. After the chosen project is completed, systematically approaching the writing of your manuscript is also important. After the manuscript is complete, it is time to submit the work. Many times, one or more revisions are necessary before the paper is finally accepted. And, unfortunately, manuscript rejection is another possible outcome. Presenting completed work is also an important aspect of the medical research process and includes practice, on-site preparation, and answering audience questions. In summary, this chapter discusses helpful strategies when navigating the process of publishing and presenting research in ophthalmology.
Dielectric screening and relaxation dynamics of excited electrons in oxide materials

Electronic excitations and their real-time dynamics are critical for how we use optical materials in applications and how we probe carrier thermalization and energy transfer between electrons and ions. Recent experimental advances allow us to do so with unprecedented accuracy and time resolution, however, their interpretation relies on detailed theoretical understanding. This can be provided by first-principles theoretical-spectroscopy, based on many-body perturbation theory and time-dependent density functional theory. This talk will briefly discuss how we use quantum-mechanical first-principles simulations, based on the GW+BSE approach, to provide an accurate description of optical properties for oxide materials. I will then show how different dielectric screening contributions affect this description: More specifically, we compare screening due to free carriers for doped systems, electronic interband screening, and lattice polarizability. The first effect can be modeled using a Thomas-Fermi description of free electrons, and the latter can be described using the Froehlich model. Incorporating these into our simulations, allows us to quantify how exciton binding energies are reduced by additional screening and how optical and excitonic properties of various transparent conducting oxides are impacted. Finally, we explore carrier dynamics emerging in ZnO after an initial optical excitation by imposing occupation numbers on electron and hole Kohn-Sham states. The resulting temperature-dependent optical spectra allow us to draw conclusions about contributions from band-gap renormalization, Burstein-Moss shift, and inter-band transitions in excellent agreement with experiment.
Cancer Is an Independent Risk Factor for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Critically Ill Patients: A Single Center Retrospective Cohort Study

Background:Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a frequent cause of respiratory failure in intensive care unit (ICU) patients and results in significant morbidity and mortality. ARDS often...
The Impact of Cigarette Pack Anti-Littering Messages

Abstract Objective Tobacco butts are the most littered item worldwide and pose a critical environmental and public health hazard. Given the positive impact of required graphic warnings on smoking, we sought to assess the impact of a policy requiring cigarette pack anti-littering messages on smokers’ littering intentions. Methods We randomly assigned US adult smokers (n = 719) to receive labels on the side of their cigarette packs for three weeks: anti-littering messages or messages about chemicals in cigarette smoke. Results Anti-littering messages elicited higher intentions to refrain from littering in the next month compared to chemical messages (p Conclusions Policies requiring anti-littering messages on cigarette packs would raise awareness about the problem of cigarette butt litter and bolster intentions to not litter.
THE NAVAL SHIP DESIGN/PRODUCTION INTERFACE

The paper discusses, from a ship designer's perspective, some of the current topics and issues relating to the interface between naval ship design and production. The current environment within which naval ship design activity is taking place is described. Notable current views on Navy ship design and how it might be improved are summarised. Navy design topics pertinent to improving ship producibility, operability, maintainability and survivability are discussed and examples from recent ship designs are presented. Issues which result from apparent conflicts in current design initiatives and critiques of the Navy ship design process are highlighted and discussed. Finally, some general conclusions are drawn.
New York State Barge Canal System

Canal system and its effect on economy of State and Nation as whole are analyzed; total mileage of Canal system is 527 mi with 151 mi of artificial land cut channels and 376 mi of canalized rivers, lakes and streams; river locks, gates and bridge type movable dams are described.
Sedative and cardiorespiratory effects of dexmedetomidine and buprenorphine administered to cats via oral transmucosal or intramuscular routes.

Abstract Objective To determine if buprenorphine plus dexmedetomidine administered via the oral transmucosal route produces sufficient sedation in cats so that students can insert intravenous catheters. Study Design Prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial. Animals Eighty‐seven shelter‐owned female cats aged 4–48 months, weighing 1.1–4.9 kg. Methods Cats were randomly allocated to two treatment groups based on route of drug administration: oral transmucosal (OTM), or intramuscular (IM). Buprenorphine (20 μg kg −1 ) plus dexmedetomidine (20 μg kg −1 ) were administered as pre‐medicants via one of these two routes. Prior to and 20 minutes after drug administration, heart and respiratory rates, systolic arterial pressure, and posture were measured and recorded. Twenty minutes after drug administration the same variables plus each cat’s response to clipper sound, clipping, and restraint were recorded; higher scores indicated more sedation. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups prior to pre‐medication. Within each treatment group heart rate was significantly lower 20 minutes after treatment, but it did not differ significantly between the two groups. Twenty minutes after treatment, respiratory rate was significantly less in the OTM group, but did not differ significantly between the two groups. Systolic arterial pressure did not differ within or between the two groups at either time. Scores for posture increased significantly within both groups, and cats in the IM group had higher scores after treatment. Twenty minutes after treatment, cats in the IM group had higher scores for clipping and restraint than OTM cats. Ketamine (IM) was necessary to facilitate catheterization in 25% and 16% of cats in the OTM and IM groups, respectively, but this was not significantly different. Conclusions and clinical relevance Administration of dexmedetomidine plus buprenorphine by the OTM route is easy to perform, but produces less sedation than the IM route for IV catheterization in cats.
Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis with concurrent allergic bronchopulmonary Aspergillus: Report of a case

Abstract A 42-year-old female patient with previously diagnosed seasonal allergic rhinitis, anaphylactic food sensitivity, and exertional asthma is described who developed concomittant allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis and allergic aspergillus sinusitis. We believe that the present article is the first fully documented case in which these two syndromes coexist in the same patient.
Gender Differences in Gifted Adolescents' Math/Verbal Self- Concepts and Math/Verbal Achievement: Implications for the STEM Fields

The current study investigated the gender differences of gifted adolescents' math/verbal self-concept and math/verbal ability by examining the Internal/External Frame of Reference Model (I/E model;...
Antigenic Relationships Among Newcastle Disease Virus Mutants Obtained from Laboratory Strains and from Recent California Isolates

The antigenic relationship between pairs of plaque mutants of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) derived from laboratory strains and from isolates from the 1971-72 California epizootic were examined by kinetic neutralization test. Comparing four sets of mutants from laboratory strains by both kinetic neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition tests, a similarity was found in the antigenic relationship expressed as an r value with both tests. However, kinetic neutralization was the more precise as well as sensitive assay. Antigenic diversity was greatest between pairs of mutants from different strains, but distinctions could also be made between mutants from the same strains such as Herts-L and Herts-S with an r value of 36%. Examination of mutants from the California epizootic isolated from separate locations and at different times showed antigenic divergence which was greatest between two red-plaque mutants with an r value of 39%. Antigenic distinctions were found between a red- and clear-plaque mutant obtained from isolates taken from brain and tracheal swabs of one infected chicken. In addition to antigenic divergence found between pairs of some mutants, two of the clear-plaque mutants reacted more avidly with antibody than did the corresponding red-plaque partner. Thus, both differences in antigenicity and avidity can be found among these NDV mutants. The antigenic variation found among these mutants is similar to that found within a serotype. This would imply that at the present NDV is a single serological type.
Engineering the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa for lipid production from lignocellulosic biomass.

Microbially produced triacylglycerol (TAG) is a potential feedstock for the production of biodiesel, but its commercialization will require high yields from low-cost renewable feedstocks such as lignocellulose. The present study employs a multi-gene approach to increasing TAG biosynthesis in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We demonstrate the redirection of carbon flux from glycogen biosynthesis towards fatty acid biosynthesis in a glycogen synthase deletion strain (Δgsy-1). Furthermore, combining Δgsy-1 with an enhanced TAG biosynthetic strain (acyl-Coenzyme A synthase; Δacs-3) of N. crassa yielded a twofold increase in total fatty acid accumulation over the control strain. The cellulose degrading potential of this double deletion strain was improved by deleting of the carbon catabolite regulation transcription factor (Δcre-1) to create the triple deletion strain Δacs-3 Δcre-1; Δgsy-1. This strain exhibited early and increased cellulase expression, as well as fourfold increased total fatty acid accumulation over the control on inhibitor-free model cellulose medium. The Δcre-1 mutation, however, was not beneficial for total fatty acid accumulation from pretreated lignocellulose. Conversion of dilute-acid pretreated Miscanthus to TAG was maximum in the constructed strain Δacs-3; Δgsy-1, which accumulated 2.3-fold more total fatty acid than the wild-type control strain, corresponding to a total fatty acid yield of 37.9 mg/g dry untreated Miscanthus.
Thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism: a large-scale clinical trial is overdue.

Thrombolysis for acute pulmonary embolism (PE) remains a debatable indication because inadequate data exist to provide definitive management guidelines.1 As cardiologists, we have relied on large-scale randomized clinical trials to determine that thrombolysis benefits patients with ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (MI). Yet, no clinical investigations similar in scope have been undertaken for pulmonary thromboembolism, even though this illness afflicts ≥100 000 patients annually in the United States2 and has a high case fatality rate.3 Intuitively, thrombolysis makes sense, especially for massive PE with cardiogenic shock. Nevertheless, only one small randomized controlled trial of 8 patients has tested this strategy among these desperately ill PE patients.4 The thrombolytic regimen was streptokinase, given in the MI dose of 1 500 000 U administered over a period of 1 hour. All 4 patients receiving thrombolysis plus heparin survived, whereas none were treated successfully with anticoagulation alone. Although the investigators originally intended to enroll 40 patients, they halted their trial for ethical reasons after the first 8 patients yielded such disparate results between the 2 groups. Despite these dramatic differences between the 2 groups, we should not craft treatment policy on the basis of an 8-patient trial. Shockingly, there are only 9 randomized trials of PE thrombolysis versus heparin, with a total of 100 patients. The first trial, the Urokinase Pulmonary Embolism Trial, enrolled 160 patients who were randomized to thrombolysis plus heparin or heparin alone.5 This has been the largest trial to date. The thrombolytic agent was urokinase, a drug that is currently not available. The investigators tested a 24-hour continuous-infusion dosing regimen of urokinase that we now know predisposes to major hemorrhage. Urokinase dissolved pulmonary arterial clot more rapidly than heparin alone and, in some patients, …
Congenital osseous anomalies of the upper and lower cervical spine in children.

Mutations of homeobox genes may be responsible for congenital osseous anomalies of the cervical spine. Congenital osseous anomalies of the cervical spine may herald congenital malformations of other organ systems, such as those of the kidney and heart. Most congenital anomalies of the cervical spine are innocuous and may go undetected throughout life. Translational instability of adjacent vertebral bodies in a congenitally stenotic cervical spinal canal has serious implications. No existing prognostic classification system can predict which patients with a congenital osseous anomaly of the cervical spine are at risk for future neurologic injury. Congenital osseous anomalies of the upper and lower cervical spine are rare, yet their detection and treatment are important, as these deformities often set the stage for cervical spine instability and potential neurologic injury. Many of these conditions are associated with various syndromes and are, in part, developmental conditions. The presence of a congenital osseous anomaly in any part of the cervical spine often heralds congenital malformations in other organ systems. This factor is of paramount importance to the treating physician, whose main attention may be directed toward the patient’s neck. However, the vast majority of congenital anomalies pose no problems for the patient and thus go undetected. The current review focuses on the description, radiographic examination, physical findings, and treatment of these anomalies. Homeobox, or Hox, genes are a family of genes that regulate, among other things, the differentiation processes of the axial and appendicular skeletons1,2. These genes regulate the embryonic differentiation and segmentation of the craniocaudal axis by activation and repression of DNA sequences that encode the transcription factors and proteins affecting the order and direction of development of the axial skeleton3. Mutations of the homeobox genes may be responsible for congenital anomalies of the cervical spine4 …
Nature of the dominant deep trap in amorphous silicon nitride.

We observe a strong correlation between changes in the density of paramagnetic silicon-``dangling-bond'' centers and changes in the space-charge density in amorphous silicon nitride films subjected alternately to positive and negative charge injection and optical illumination. Our results provide, for the first time, direct experimental evidence associating a specific point defect with the trapping phenomena in amorphous silicon nitride. We also demonstrate both directly and for the first time the amphoteric nature of the silicon nitride silicon-dangling-bond center.
Comment on the use of the electron temperature concept for nonlinear transport problems in semiconductor p-n junctions

We discuss the influence of a built-in electric field on electron heating, and compare the phenomenological equations of Blotekjaer and Stratton which use the electron temperature concept. We comment on the appropriate forms of these equations to be used in device related problems, and an attempt is made to clarify the physical processes underlying the phenomenological equations. Furthermore, a criterion is proposed for determining the bias conditions under which electrons are heated in a p-n junction.
Pentachlorophenyl organomercury compounds

Abstract The following pentachlorophenyl derivatives of mercury have been prepared; (C6Cl5)2Hg, C6Cl5HgCl, C6Cl5HgCH3 and C8Cl5HgC6H5. Acid attack on the latter two species leads to scission of the C5Cl5Hg and C6H5Hg bonds respectively, in agreement with the C6F5-Hg compounds. Like the latter, these pentachlorophenyl derivatives have a very high thermal stability. The ease of preparation and cost-differential compared to the flourine derivative and the possibility for metal—ring hahalogen interaction suggest this grouping as deserving of further investigation.
Adjuvant trastuzumab: does time really matter?

Trastuzumab is now the standard of care for metastatic and early breast cancer; however, questions remain regarding the optimal schedule of trastuzumab in the adjuvant setting. This commentary discusses the results from recent clinical trials with regard to the optimal duration of trastuzumab treatment, as well as the benefits of providing trastuzumab sequentially versus concurrently to chemotherapy.
The role of performance–avoidance goals and worry in mediating the relationship between stereotype threat and performance

Abstract To understand the process underlying stereotype threat better, we developed and tested a model integrating the extant stereotype threat research with insights from achievement goal theory. The core tenet of this model is that stereotype threat impairs performance through performance–avoidance goal adoption and worry about one’s performance. To test this model, women under stereotype threat and not under threat reported their test-related achievement goals before completing a difficult math test. In addition, participants reported their state test anxiety, including worry, immediately before or after completing the math test. Results revealed that performance–avoidance goals and worry mediated the effect of stereotype threat on performance. Contributions of this model to the stereotype threat literature are discussed.
An argument for single-author and similar studies using quantitative methods: Is there safety in numbers?

Lack of a critical mass of scholars involved with the computer-assisted analysis of texts (CAAT), coupled with insufficient communication among various sectors of the literary and linguistic disciplines, has led to a skewed notion of computing humanists' work among their colleagues. This paper highlights the gap through examples of misunderstood humanist needs and achievements drawn from both recent media reports and humanities conferences. It suggests that networking and less modesty in manuscript submission can be at least partial solutions. The author cites some of his own published work and work-in-progress on Stendhal and Gobineau in refuting Mark Olsen's thesis that the dominance of single- or dual-author studies must be the cause of CAAT's “failure” to make significant inroads in mainstream literary journals. The author builds a case for the use of both diachronic and synchronic lexico-statistical data in carrying out such studies successfully. He recommends a new “Synthetic Criticism” where relevant quantitative methods would not be absent.
Hubble Space Telescope Absolute Spectrophotometry of Vega from the Far-Ultraviolet to the Infrared

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) has measured the absolute flux for Vega from 0.17–1.01 μm on the Hubble Space Telescope white dwarf (WD) flux scale. These data are saturated by up to a factor of 80 overexposure but retain linearity to a precision of 0.2% because the charge bleeds along the columns and is recovered during readout of the CCD. The signal-to-noise ratio per pixel exceeds 1000, and the resolution R is about 500. A V magnitude of 0.026 ± 0.008 is established for Vega, and the absolute flux level is 3.46 × 10-9 ergs cm-2 s-1 at 5556 A. In the regions of Balmer and Paschen lines, the STIS equivalent widths differ from the pioneering work of Hayes in 1985 but do agree with predictions of a Kurucz model atmosphere, so that the STIS flux distribution is preferred to that of Hayes. Over the full wavelength range, the model atmosphere calculation shows excellent agreement with the STIS flux distribution and is used to extrapolate predicted fluxes into the IR region. However, the IR fluxes are 2% lower than the standard Vega model of Cohen. IUE data provide the extension of the measured STIS flux distribution from 0.17 down to 0.12 μm. The STIS relative flux calibration is based on model atmosphere calculations of pure hydrogen WDs, while the Hayes flux calibration is based on the physics of laboratory lamps and blackbody ovens. The agreement to 1% of these two independent methods for determining the relative stellar flux distributions suggests that both methods may be correct from 0.5–0.8 μm and adds confidence to claims that the fluxes relative to 5500 A are determined to better than 4% by the pure hydrogen WD models from 0.12 to 3 μm.
Analysis of Ge segregation in Si using a simultaneous growth and exchange model

Abstract Ge segregation data is analyzed using a simultaneous growth and exchange model in the limit of infinite surface diffusion. This model is found to predict a longer leading edge, an enlarged surface Ge storage reservoir, and a better temperature dependence than the previously described two-layer model. This suggests that surface diffusion and rearrangement plays a more important role in Ge segregation than believed heretofore.
Quantitative Comparison of Human Parainfluenza Virus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Receptor Binding and Receptor Cleavage

The human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) protein binds (H) oligosaccharide receptors that contain N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and cleaves (N) Neu5Ac from these oligosaccharides. In order to determine if one of HN′s two functions is predominant, we measured the affinity of H for its ligands by a solid-phase binding assay with two glycoprotein substrates and by surface plasmon resonance with three monovalent glycans. We compared the dissociation constant (Kd) values from these experiments with previously determined Michaelis-Menten constants (Kms) for the enzyme activity. We found that glycoprotein substrates and monovalent glycans containing Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-4GlcNAc bind HN with Kd values in the 10 to 100 μM range. Km values for HN were previously determined to be on the order of 1 mM (M. M. Tappert, D. F. Smith, and G. M. Air, J. Virol. 85:12146–12159, 2011). A Km value greater than the Kd value indicates that cleavage occurs faster than the dissociation of binding and will dominate under N-permissive conditions. We propose, therefore, that HN is a neuraminidase that can hold its substrate long enough to act as a binding protein. The N activity can therefore regulate binding by reducing virus-receptor interactions when the concentration of receptor is high.
Cortical projections to the inferior colliculus of the cat.

Abstract Cortical projections to the inferior colliculus were studied in the cat by the Nauta and the Fink and Heimer degeneration techniques. The auditory cortex projects to all parts of the ipsilateral inferior colliculus, with the the terminations especially heavy in the external nucleus and the dorsomedial part of the central nucleus. Projections from the somesthetic, visual, and motor areas of the cortex terminate in various parts of the external nucleus and the medial part of the central nucleus. These connections are discussed as a possible inhibitory function to the inferior colliculus and thus influencing the ascending auditory system. The subdivisions of the inferior colliculus are also discussed.
The new patent foramen ovale occluder FIGULLA in complex septal anatomy: a case series.

Background:The appropriate treatment strategy for secondary stroke prevention in patients with cryptogenic stroke and patent foramen ovale (PFO) remains challenging. The aim of this study was to describe a case series of patients with PFO and complex septal anatomy who underwent percutaneous correction using a FIGULLA (Occlutech®) septal occluder (FSO).Patients:Ten consecutive patients (6 females, 4 males, mean age 41.6 ± 16.0 years, range 17–52 years; Group 1) with cryptogenetic stroke and/or transient cerebral ischemia and complex septal anatomy, as defined by intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) were compared with a group of 25 patients (10 females, 15 males, mean age 43.7 ± 12.3 years; Group 2) with usual tunnel-like PFO anatomy in whom PFO was closed by an Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO; AGA®).Results:No significant differences were noted between Group 1 and Group 2 for immediate success rate, residual intraprosthetic shunt at the end of the procedure, discharge, 1, 6 and 12 months fo...
Thyroid T4 5'-deiodinase activity in normal and abnormal human thyroid glands

To investigate the activity of the thyroid gland to convert T4 to T3, we measured the activity of thyroid T4 5'-deiodinase in the following human thyroid glands: 9 normal glands, 5 Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 13 follicular adenomas, 11 methimazole (MMI)-treated Graves' disease (GD), 11 propranolol iodide-treated GD, and 8 propylthiouracil (PTU)-treated GD. The enzyme activity was determined by the ability of 100,000 X g pellet of the thyroid homogenate to convert T4 to T3 in vitro. Normal thyroids showed the enzyme activity of 1.59 +/- 0.18 (mean +/- SEM) pmol T3/mg protein/min. Euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis displayed the enzyme activity of 1.01 +/- 0.15 pmol T3/mg protein/min, which was similar to the normal thyroid enzyme activity. The hypothyroid gland of Hashimoto's thyroiditis showed the enzyme activity of 1.8 pmol T3/mg protein/min. Follicular adenomas showed a wide range of enzyme activity with the mean level of 3.24 +/- 0.82 pmol T3/mg protein/min that did not differ significantly from that of the normal thyroids. Interestingly, one adenoma, despite TSH suppression that ordinarily decreases enzyme activity, showed the greatest activity of 11.0 pmol T3/mg protein/min. Graves' thyroids following treatment with MMI, PTU, and propranolol-iodide showed enzyme activities of 4.61 +/- 0.53, 3.95 +/- 0.43, and 3.51 +/- 0.46 pmol T3/mg protein/min, respectively; all these values were greater than that of the normal thyroids (P less than 0.01), but did not differ significantly when compared with each other. In summary, thyroid glands with Hashimoto's thyroiditis had activities of T4 to T3 conversion similar to the normal thyroid glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Near versus mid-infrared spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of chlorite treated forages and by-products

The objective of this work was to explore the relative merits of near and mid-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in determining the composition of sodium chlorite treated forages and by-products. Sixteen feedstuffs (174 total samples treated at one of 11 levels of sodium chlorite, 0 to 0.394 g per gram of feedstuff) were examined in the near and mid-infrared spectral regions using diffuse reflectance on a Fourier transform spectrometer, and in the near infrared region using a grating monochromator. Samples were scanned as is and as 5% sample in KBr on the Fourier spectrometer and as is on the grating monochromator. Samples were analysed chemically and spectroscopically for neutral and acid detergent fibre, in vitro digestibility, permanganate lignin, crude protein and lignin nitrobenzene oxidation products. Results showed that diffuse mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy can perform as well as, and sometimes better than, diffuse near infrared reflectance spectroscopy in determining the composition of chlorite-treated forages and by-products. In addition, Fourier near infrared spectroscopy did not perform as well as either near infrared using a grating monochromator or t he Fourier mid-infrared spectrometer. Finally, diluting samples with KBr was often beneficial for mid-infrared based determinations.