cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dissociation between spontaneously emitted and apomorphine-induced stereotypy in Peromyscus maniculatus bairdii

Stereotyped behavior is repetitive, topographically invariant motor activity that lacks an obvious function. We have previously characterized the spontaneous and persistent stereotypies that occur in deer mice housed in standard laboratory cages. Providing these animals with enriched environments markedly reduces their vulnerability to develop stereotypic behavioral repertoires, thus enabling us to generate behaviorally distinct (stereotypic and nonstereotypic) mice of the same species. As stereotypic behaviors are readily induced by systemic administration of a dopamine (DA) agonist, the present study tested whether apomorphine would induce stereotypies in environmentally enriched (nonstereotypic) deer mice that were topographically similar to the stereotypies that are spontaneously emitted by standard-caged (stereotypic) deer mice. The effects of apomorphine were also evaluated in the standard-caged (stereotypic) deer mice. DA agonist-induced behaviors in nonstereotypic mice included stereotypies that were largely topographically distinct from spontaneously emitted stereotypies; apomorphine failed to produce statistically significant elevations in two of the three stereotypic behaviors typical of standard-caged deer mice. Furthermore, there was no evidence of increased DA receptor sensitivity in stereotypic mice. Thus, environmentally related stereotypy is distinct from systemically administered DA agonist-induced stereotypy, and is not exacerbated by such drug treatment. The results obtained do provide support, however, for a limited involvement of the DA system in the mediation of these behaviors.
Short Communication: No Evidence of Occult SHIV Infection as Demonstrated by CD8+ Cell Depletion after Chemoprophylaxis-Induced Protection from Mucosal Infection in Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT Preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with antiretroviral drugs constitutes a promising strategy for HIV prevention. Potent PrEP regimens with reverse transcriptase inhibitors can prevent detectable SHIV infection in a repeated low-dose macaque model that resembles human transmission, supporting plans to quickly move this approach into human trials. However, the possibility remains that extremely low levels of virus replication could nonetheless occur during PrEP and seed viral reservoirs in tissues. Therefore, seemingly protected macaques may harbor occult virus that may be initially contained by cytotoxic T cells, but could emerge later. To explore this possibility, we studied whether CD8+ cells suppress viremia in four rhesus macaques apparently protected by daily or intermittent Truvada (FTC and tenofovir) during 14 low-dose, rectal SHIVSF162P3 challenges and during a subsequent drug washout period. CD8+ cells were efficiently ablated with antibodies in these and two additional control macaques that...
Deficits and Cycles

Abstract This paper shows that periodic equilibria may arise in a simple overlapping generations model with capital. If the government follows a policy of fixing the value of the deficit, rather than fixing the value of government debt, then the difference equation that describes competitive equilibria may posses complex roots in the neighborhood of the golden rule stationary state. One may show that if there exist parametric families of economies for which these roots change stability then, locally, there exists an invariant closed curve. The paper provides two simple examples that generate such equilibria, and it solves these examples numerically.
Effect of pressure on crystallization kinetics of cordierite glass

Abstract The effect of pressure on the crystal growth rate and bulk nucleation rate of cordierite (2MgO·2Al 2 O 3 ·5SiO 2 ) in glass of the stoichiometric composition was measured. The crystal nucleation barrier was eliminated by seeding the surface of the cordierite glass with crystals. Crystal growth kinetics were determined independently from the nucleation kinetics by comparing the amount of surface seeded crystal growth and bulk-nucleated growth. Time dependence of crystal growth changes from linear at low pressure (0–2 kbar) to square root of time at high pressure (> 5 kbar). In both regimes of growth, increasing pressure was found to retard the crystal growth rate and increase bulk nucleation time. The pressure effect is discussed in terms of structure and transport properties in cordierite and in other silicates melts and glasses.
Boundary element method for calculating electron and phonon states in quantum wires and related nanostructures

Abstract Here we present a class of efficient techniques to calculate the electronic states and the phonon modes of semiconductor quantum wires and quantum dots of general shape. In it, the differential equations and boundary conditions which determine these excitations are shown to lead to integral equations over the interfaces of the nanostructures which can be solved straightforwardly by matrix techniques. Examples are given of electron and phonon states of several quantum wire and dot structures.
Asphyxiation of adult rhesus monkeys.

Abstract Asphyxiation of rhesus monkeys in nitrogen containing 5 per cent carbon dioxide carried to the point of cardiac arrest resulted in no observable disturbance of neurological function, nor histological change in the brain. Repeated asphyxial episodes likewise produced no brain damage. The heart of the young adult monkey appears to be less resistant to asphyxia than is brain tissue. Cardiac resistance to asphyxia decreases from late fetal to adult life in the monkey, possibly due in some measure to a reduction in cardiac glycogen reserves.
Management of difficult denture patients

Abstract A denture service for the management of the difficult denture patient is suggested. The service consists of three parts: the preliminary service, the construction of “lend dentures,” and the corrective functional refit of the lower denture. In the preliminary stage, there is an opportunity to become thoroughly familiarized with the patient. We gain an insight into his emotions and tolerances, establish a rapport with the patient, and gain his confidence. We may, for reasons which become apparent during this period, decide not to make final dentures for this patient at this time. By providing “lend dentures” for the patient, many hazards that follow the insertion of “completed” dentures are avoided. The corrective functional refit of the lower denture provides a refinement in dentures to which the patient has already become accustomed. This three stage procedure helps to provide an adequate service for the difficult denture patient.
Metabolic observations in a case of thyrotoxicosis with hypercalcemia.

Hyperthyroidism characteristically causes excessive urinary and fecal excretion of calcium and, rarely, hypercalcemia. These abnormalities were studied in a 58-year-old thyrotoxic male. The investigation consisted of a 125-day balance study as the patient became euthyroid and a similar 50-day balance study during a recurrence of the thyrotoxicosis. The excessive urinary and fecal loss of calcium bore little relationship to the calcium or caloric content of the diet or to the level of nitrogen balance. A high phosphate diet ameliorated the metabolic abnormality and corrected the hypercalcemia. Successful treatment of the thyrotoxicosis produced similar changes in calcium metabolism. Hypercalcemia was not present during recurrence of the thyrotoxicosis. The metabolic observations in this case and those previously reported strongly suggest that the excessive urinary and fecal excretion of calcium in thyrotoxicosis is due to a direct effect of thyroid hormone on osseous metabolism. The hypercalcemia is probab...
G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase GRK2 Is a Phospholipid-dependent Enzyme That Can Be Conditionally Activated by G Protein βγ Subunits

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) mediate agonist-dependent phosphorylation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) and initiate homologous receptor desensitization. Previously, we reported that charged phospholipids directly interacted with the two GRK isoforms, GRK2 and GKR3, via a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain to regulate GRK activity (DebBurman, S. K., Ptasienski, J., Boetticher, E., Lomasney, J. W., Benovic, J. L., and Hosey, M. M. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270: 5742-5747). Here, evidence is provided to support the hypothesis that charged phospholipids are required for agonist-dependent phosphorylation of receptors by GRK2. In the absence of charged phospholipids, the purified human m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (hm2mAChR) reconstituted in pure phosphatidylcholine vesicles or in a noninhibitory detergent was not a substrate for GRK2. However, these receptor preparations were stoichiometrically phosphorylated in an agonist-dependent manner upon addition of charged phospholipids. The known ability of G protein βγ subunits to stimulate mAChR phosphorylation also was found to be absolutely dependent on the presence of charged phospholipids, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). Phospholipids also regulated GRK-mediated phosphorylation of casein, a nonreceptor-soluble substrate. Among lipids tested, lipid inositol phosphates, PIP2 and phosphatidylinositol 4-monophosphate, were found to be the most potent activators of GRK2 and were the only lipids that regulated GRK2 in a complex biphasic manner. At low µM concentrations, PIP2 activated GRK2 via an interaction with the GRK pleckstrin homology domain; however, at high µM concentrations, PIP2 inhibited GRK2, apparently via another mechanism. PIP2-mediated inhibition could be partly relieved by increasing ATP. The results support the hypothesis that GRK2 is a lipid-dependent protein kinase that requires charged phospholipids for enzyme activation, for regulation by Gβγ subunits, and potentially for membrane association.
A new feature front based stereo correspondence technique

There is a continual need for faster and accurate stereo vision algorithms. While scan-line based algorithms are fast they are less accurate and algorithms based on probabilistic models are accurate but more time consuming. In this work, a new scan-line based algorithm that defines feature fronts according to the level set method is introduced. The feature fronts are matched using a new matching criterion that also compares the feature strengths in addition to an end-point SAD score. Feature fronts are sorted based on their strengths and strongest fronts are matched first. The algorithm seeks to identify visible fronts where a front is defined to be visible if it turns out to be its match's match. Continuity of feature fronts is imposed by requiring neighboring feature fronts in one image match to neighboring feature fronts in the other image or to no front.
Parasitic diseases of the heart II: Toxoplasmosis and other protozoan and helminthic diseases

Toxoplasmosis Toxoplusma gondii is an apicomplexan obligate intracellular parasite with worldwide distribution, capable of causing several syndromes. It is one of the most common protozoan infections of man, In the United States the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in adults varies from 20% to 70% depending on geographic area. Although most cases of acute toxoplasmosis are asymptomatic, a small number of acute infections result in clinically evident disseminated disease involving multiple organs (1). If a pregnant women is infected for the first time with T. gondii during her pregnancy, her child may acquire congenital toxoplasmosis (2). Iatrogenie immunosuppression associated with chemotherapy and transplantation has resulted in reactivation of latent toxoplasmosis with the development of clinical disease (3). With the advent of the HIV epidemic, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of patients with Toxoplasma encephalitis that may also be associated with dissemination to other organs (4,s). T. gondii has three morphologic forms: tachyzoite, bradyzoite (tissue cyst), and the oocyst. The definitive hosts for T. go&i are members of the cat family (6). Gametogony occurs only in the small intestines of cats resulting in the production of infectious oocysts. Humans and other animals become infected by ingesting oocysts contaminating food or
Characterization of the mRNA for herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase by cell-free synthesis of active enzyme

The cytoplasmic mRNA which codes for the herpes simplex virus specific thymidine kinase (TK) is polyadenylated and is 14.5s in size. This corresponds to an RNA of 1400 nucleotides. The TK polypeptide is about 42,000 daltons, which requires 1100 nucleotide. We conclude that the cytoplasmic mRNA is monocistronic. The reticulocyte lysate cell-free translation system synthesizes enzymatically active HSV-TK which can be assayed with high specificity and sensitivity by use of 125I-iododeoxycytidine as a substrate.
A mathematics, science and technology interdisciplinary lively application of mathematics at the United States Military Academy

ABSTRACT This paper reports on an Interdisciplinary Lively Application Project (ILAP) that was administered at the United States Military Academy to assess cadet progress towards the attainment of the Academy's mathematics, science, and technology Academic Program goal. Included is a general outline of the project, an overview of student performance, and some directions for the future.
Calculational models for the treatment of pulsed/intermittent activation within fusion energy devices

Abstract Two calculationally efficient methods have been developed to compute the induced radioactivity due to pulsed/intermittent irradiation histories as encountered in both magnetic and inertial fusion energy devices. The numerical algorithms are based on the linear chain method (Bateman Equations) and employ series reduction and matrix algebra. The first method models the case in which the irradiated materials are present throughout a series of irradiation pulses. The second method treats the case where a fixed amount of radioactive and transmuted material is created during each pulse. Analytical solutions are given for each method for a three nuclide linear chain. Numerical results and comparisons are presented for a select number of linear chains.
The BEST-CLI trial: a multidisciplinary effort to assess whether surgical or endovascular therapy is better for patients with critical limb ischemia

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease and is associated with a risk of limb loss. This vascular condition is currently treated with limb revascularization by surgery or endovascular intervention performed by a variety of specialists. Because both open vascular bypass and the less invasive endovascular therapy can be performed in selected patients with CLI, there exists significant disagreement as to which therapy should be performed first and which is more successful. The paucity of comparative effectiveness data to guide treatment of CLI has prompted a multidisciplinary effort to organize the Best Endovascular Versus Best Surgical Therapy in Patients With CLI (BEST-CLI) trial. The BEST-CLI trial is a pragmatic, multicenter, open-label, randomized trial that compares best endovascular therapy with best open surgical treatment in patients eligible for both treatments. BEST-CLI aims to provide urgently needed clinical guidance for CLI management by using a pragmatic design comparing the effectiveness of established techniques while allowing for the introduction of newer therapies as they become available; a novel primary endpoint that includes limb amputation rates, repeat intervention, and mortality; a multidisciplinary structure that fosters cooperation among interventional cardiologists, interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and vascular medicine specialists; and novel techniques to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and quality-of-life outcomes of the two treatment strategies being tested.
Native aortic valve enterococcal endocarditis with myocardial paravalvular abscess.

INTRODUCTION Enterococcal endocarditis accounts for 10 to 20% of all cases of bacterial endocarditis. Organisms belonging to the genus Enterococcus are the third most common cause of endocarditis after Streptococcus viridans and Staphylococcusaureus. Enterococcus faecalis causes approximately 90% of all enterococcal infections, and Enterococcus faecium about 10%. Enterococcal infections are most common in older men after a genitourinary tract manipulation or in women of childbearing age. Enterococcal endocarditis may affect both native and prosthetic valves. The aortic valve is affected more often than the mitral valve, and enterococcal endocarditis may be complicated by abscess. Enterococcal endocarditis is most often left sided, even in intravenous drug users, and most commonly presents subacutely. Fever and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are present in 90% of patients. Fatality rates average less than 20% and relapse occurs in less than 10%. Complications include stroke, congestive heart failure, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The occurrence of a paravalvular abscess in the course of an acute endocarditis of the aortic valve indicates an advance stage of the infection and complicates endocarditis in 20 to 30% of cases. In one report, 27 of 95 patients at autopsy, with a native valve endocarditis had paravalvular abscess. Myocardial abscess occurs in approximately 5% of cases of enterococcal endocarditis. We report a case of an enterococcal endocarditis complicated by a large posterior aortic cusp paravalvular abscess, diagnosed by transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE).
Effect of Gelatinizing Dietary Starch Through Feed Processing on Zero- to Three-Week Broiler Performance and Metabolism

SUMMARY Feed manufacturing produces physical and chemical changes in ingredients, including the gelatinization of starch. The effect of gelatinized starch on animal metabolism and subsequent performance has been inconsistent in past research. In the current study, corn was processed through different procedures (pelleting and extrusion) and substituted for unprocessed corn at varying levels (one-third, two-thirds, and three-thirds) in complete diets. Complete diets were not further processed. The objective of the study was to evaluate different levels of starch gelatinization produced by different processes on broiler performance through 3 wk of age. Pelleted and extruded corn had analyzed starch gelatinizations of 29 and 92%, respectively. Each of the 6 processed corn diets and a control diet (ground unprocessed corn) was fed to 8 replicate pens of 10 male broilers. A second experiment determined AMEn of each diet. Broilers fed diets containing pelleted corn had lower feed intake (P = 0.0439) and higher gain to feed (G:F, P = 0.0028) than broilers fed diets containing extruded corn. Gain-to-feed ratio was not affected when pelleted or extruded corn was increased in diets. The AMEn of diets increased as pelleted or extruded corn inclusion increased (P = 0.0331 and 0.0009, respectively). Diets containing pelleted or extruded corn pooled by inclusion level did not improve AMEn or G:F compared with the control diet. However, diets containing pelleted or extruded corn pooled by inclusion level increased live weight gain (LWG, P = 0.04 and 0.0038, respectively) compared with the control in part due to increased feed intake.
Comparative efficacy of family and group treatment for adolescent substance abuse.

Due to the continuing prevalence of adolescent substance abuse, promising treatment models need to be developed and evaluated. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two promising models, Strengths Oriented Family Therapy (SOFT) and The Seven Challenges 1 (7C). Adolescents who qualified for outpatient treatment and agreed to participate in our study were randomly assigned to one of the two treatments and assessed at 3 and 6-months following baseline. Using a two-part, random-effects model, we examined the odds of achieving abstinence or full symptom remission between treatments and over time. For those not achieving full abstinence or full problem remission, we investigated whether frequency of use or symptom severity were reduced at follow-up. Participants in both SOFT and 7C demonstrated significant reductions in substance use and related problems, but treatments did not differ at 3 and 6 months following baseline. Overall, treatment services were delivered as planned. Both SOFT and 7C were efficacious with adolescents who abuse substances, as participants in both conditions were significantly more likely to be in symptom remission or abstinent at follow-up interviews versus at baseline. Replication studies are needed that address this study’s limitations. (Am J Addict 2006;15:131–136)
Antenna Advancement Techniques and Integration of RFID Electronics on Organic Substrates for UHF RFID Applications in Automotive Sensing and Vehicle Security

In this paper, design requirements and advanced approaches for improved performance UHF radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are presented. Organic substrates are examined as highly potential candidates for RFID fabrications. An inkjet-printed tag on paper substrate is realized for ultra-low- cost mass production. RFID with sensor integration is also demonstrated for automotive sensing and vehicle security applications. Measurements are performed for RFID tags embedded in tires. These results show that proper designed RFID can serve for the purpose of tire pressure/temperature monitoring.
"Where's My Parade?": Margaret Cho and the Asian American Body in Space

Margaret Cho rose to fame as the star of the Þrst television sitcom to feature an all Asian American cast. Her one-woman show, I'm the One That I Want, recounts that disastrous experience, as it also maps American culture as a series of segregated spaces. Lee's article explores Cho's construction of her bodily excesses—her dirty vagina, collapsed bladder, inability to be decidable as either gay or straight—and theorizes these bodily tactics in terms of a spatial rather than temporal dialectic.
Calling in Work: Secular or Sacred?.

Recent scholarship indicates that people who view their work as a calling are more satisfied with their work and their lives. Historically, calling has been regarded as a religious experience, although modern researchers frequently have adopted a more expansive and secular conceptualization of calling, emphasizing meaning and personal fulfillment in work. The assumption that calling can be easily secularized and applied has not been tested. Therefore, we tested whether calling was related to psychological adjustment and positive work attitudes of both highly religious and less religious college students (N = 242). We also tested whether these positive relations were mediated by people’s intrinsic religiousness or by a broader, secular construct, meaning in life. Moderation-mediation analyses supported views of calling centering on people’s experience of meaning in their work rather than more constrained religious views. Implications for future research and practical applications of calling to positive wor...
SNR estimation for non-constant modulus constellations

We propose a new technique to estimate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) over the flat-fading channel. This is a non-data-aided, envelope-based estimator that can be applied to non-constant modulus constellations which is a feature not found in the existing approaches. We also analyze the performance of our estimators for both PSK and non-PSK constellations by deriving their asymptotic variances and comparing it with the Cramer-Rao bounds (CRBs). Moreover, we discuss how the SNR estimates can be used to approximate the bit error rate (BER) and how the accuracy of the SNR estimate is related to that of the BER estimate, which justifies the necessity for the accurate estimation of SNR. The analytical performance is shown for both PSK and non-PSK constellations, such as 8 QAM. and 16 QAM. Monte Carlo simulation results corroborate our analysis.
Human Capital Gains Associated With Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Pyeloplasty in Children Compared to Open Pyeloplasty

Purpose: Robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty is an emerging, minimally invasive alternative to open pyeloplasty in children for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. The procedure is associated with smaller incisions and shorter hospital stays. To our knowledge previous outcome analyses have not included human capital calculations, especially regarding loss of parental workdays. We compared perioperative factors in patients who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic and open pyeloplasty at a single institution, especially in regard to human capital changes, in an institutional cost analysis.Materials and Methods: A total of 44 patients 2 years old or older from a single institution underwent robotic assisted (37) or open (7) pyeloplasty from 2008 to 2010. We retrospectively reviewed the charts to collect demographic and perioperative data. The human capital approach was used to calculate parental productivity losses.Results: Patients who underwent robotic assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty had a signi...
Apparatus function of a prism-grating double monochromator.

The slit function of a double monochromator has been studied using a dye laser and a few ion laser lines. The value of the slit function is about 9 orders of magnitude below the peak at 300 nm from the line center. The difference between the slit function obtained by the monochromator scanning over a fixed spectral line and that obtained by tuning a spectral line through a fixed monochromator setting is found to be negligible for all but the most demanding applications. Also reported is a prominent structure in the slit function which is attributed to the intermediate slit of the instrument.
Infinite paths in planar graphs I: Graphs with radial nets

Let G be an infinite 4-connected planar graph such that the deletion of any finite set of vertices from G results in exactly one infinite component. Dean et al. proved that either G admits a radial net or a special subgraph of G admits a ladder net, and they used these nets to show that G contains a spanning 1-way infinite path. In this paper, we show that if G admits a radial net, then G also contains a spanning 2-way infinite path. This is a step towards a conjecture of Nash-Williams. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 47: 147–162, 2004
Biological warfare : A historical perspective

The deliberate use of microorganisms and toxins as weapons has been attempted throughout history. Biological warfare has evolved from the crude use of cadavers to contaminate water supplies to the development of specialized munitions for battlefield and covert use. The modern development of biological agents as weapons has paralleled advances in basic and applied microbiology. These include the identification of virulent pathogens suitable for aerosol delivery and industrial-scale fermentation processes to produce large quantities of pathogens and toxins. The history of biological warfare is difficult to assess because of a number of confounding factors. These include difficulties in verification of alleged or attempted biological attacks, the use of allegations of biological attacks for propaganda purposes, the paucity of pertinent microbiological or epidemiologic data, and the incidence of naturally occurring endemic or epidemic diseases during hostilities. Biological warfare has been renounced by 140 nations, primarily for strategic and other pragmatic reasons. International diplomatic efforts, including the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention, have not been entirely effective in preventing the enhancement and proliferation of offensive biological warfare programs. The threats posed by biological weapons are likely to continue into the future.
Social Studies Teachers’ Perspectives of Technology Integration

This qualitative research investigated the perspectives and experiences of 17 social studies teachers following technology integration training. The research indicated that the teachers held a variety of views of technology integration. These views influenced their use of technology in the classroom. Four major categories of technology-related activities were observed among participants: (a) teacher-centered, (b) structured inquiry, (c) teacherstudent negotiated, and (d) student-centered. Most teachers were willing to use technology, expressed positive experiences with technology integration training, increased their use of technology in the classroom, and used technology more creatively. Despite all the advantages provided by technology, the research found that willingness to use technology and positive experiences were related to teachers' increased use of technology and to more creative use of technology, but they did not ensure that teachers would replace their teaching with technology.
Association of the family environment with behavioural and cognitive outcomes in children with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Background Children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) are at risk for social-behavioural and neurocognitive sequelae throughout development. The current study examined the impact of family environmental characteristics on social-behavioural and cognitive outcomes in this paediatric population. Method Guardians of children with 22q11DS were recruited through two medical genetics clinics. Consenting guardians were asked to complete several questionnaires regarding their child's social, emotional and behavioural functioning, as well as family social environment and parenting styles. Children with 22q11DS were asked to undergo a cognitive assessment, including IQ and achievement testing, and measures of attention, executive function and memory. Results Modest associations were found between aspects of the family social environment and parenting styles with social-behavioural and cognitive/academic outcomes. Regression models indicated that physical punishment, socioeconomic status, parental control and family organisation significantly predicted social-behavioural and cognitive outcomes in children with 22q11DS. Conclusion Characteristics of the family social environment and parenting approaches appear to be associated with functional outcomes of children with 22q11DS. Understanding the impact of environmental variables on developmental outcomes can be useful in determining more effective targets for intervention. This will be important in order to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by 22q11DS.
Strange Data: When the Numbers Just Aren't Normal

Many statistical tests assume that the populations from which we draw our data samples roughly follow a given probability distribution. Here, I review what these assumptions mean, why they are important, and how to deal with situations where the assumptions are not met.
Binding Site Recognition by Rns, a Virulence Regulator in the AraC Family

The expression of CS1 pili by enterotoxigenic strains of Escherichia coli is regulated at the transcriptional level and requires the virulence regulator Rns, a member of the AraC family of regulatory proteins. Rns binds at two separate sites upstream of Pcoo (the promoter of CS1 pilin genes), which were identified in vitro with an MBP::Rns fusion protein in gel mobility and DNase I footprinting assays. At each site, Rns recognizes asymmetric nucleotide sequences in two regions of the major groove and binds along one face of the DNA helix. Both binding sites are required for activation of Pcoo in vivo, because mutagenesis of either site significantly reduced the level of expression from this promoter. Thus, Rns regulates the expression of CS1 pilin genes directly, not via a regulatory cascade. Analysis of Rns-nucleotide interactions at each site suggests that binding sites for Rns and related virulence regulators are not easily identified because they do not bind palindromic or repeated sequences. A strategy to identify asymmetric binding sites is presented and applied to locate potential binding sites upstream of other genes that Rns can activate, including those encoding the CS2 and CFA/I pili of enterotoxigenic E. coli and the global regulator virB of Shigella flexneri.
Vengeance and mercy in Anna Karenina

Tolstoy’s famous novel begins with an epigraph, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” which leaves out the purported speaker of these words in Romans 12:19 (“sayeth the Lord”). As a result, these opening words allow for major ambiguities in understanding the motives of the novel’s characters. The Lord’s power to avenge wrongdoing, which asks that human beings strive to be merciful, can become the prerogative of any first-person subject. As is seen in Vronsky’s mother’s harsh condemnation of Anna near the novel’s end, such language allow for pitiless self-righteousness to overwhelm the true goal of humble forgiveness. This paper considers the implications of this ambiguity by examining the dialectic of vengeance and mercy that runs through Tolstoy’s novel. Emphasis falls on Anna and her husband Karenin, but the discussion also includes telling episodes involving Dolly Oblonsky (Anna’s sister-in-law) and Konstantin Lyovin, Anna’s counterpart in the novel’s second plot. The issues explored range from the power of compassionate forbearance and the problematic impact of authoritative words on people’s behavior to social ostracism, the transience of peak experiences, and the anguish of losing one’s capacity to forgive, not just other people, but—tragically—one’s very self.
Stromatolites, Fossil and Recent: A Case History

Stromatolites built by the coccoid cyanophyte Entophysalis major in Shark Bay, W. Australia undergo seasonal lithification by carbonate precipitation within the polysaccharide envelopes of the organism. Mineral incorporation obliterates the biological structures. The lithified stromatolite surface is then colonized by destructive, carbonate penetrating microbial endoliths. Stromatolite growth resumes when Entophysalis recolonizes the surface. Entophysalis stromatolites serve as a direct interpretational model for domal stromatolites built by Eoentophysatis (a silicified microfossil) in Precambrian strata. Eoentophysalis stromatolites occurred worldwide over a period of 1 Ga in the Precambrian (1.9–0.9 Ga). Entophysalis may be its direct descendant.
The Progression and Natural History of Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States. Childhood NAFLD is associated with hepatic and nonhepatic morbidity and mortality. Nonhepatic associations include cardiovascular, metabolic, pulmonary, and psychological disorders. Cardiovascular conditions observed in childhood include left ventricular dysfunction. Furthermore, childhood obesity is associated with greater odds of having hepatocellular carcinoma as an adult. Evidence suggests that NAFLD may begin in utero in children of diabetic mothers. Thus rigorous efforts for structured diagnosis and follow-up are a priority to better develop the understanding of outcomes in pediatric NAFLD.
Efficacy of Various Analgesics on Shoulder Function and Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone Healing in a Rat (Rattus norvegicus) Model

Although relief of postoperative pain is an imperative aspect of animal welfare, analgesics that do not interfere with the scientific goals of the study must be used. Here we compared the efficacy of different analgesic agents by using an established rat model of supraspinatus tendon healing and a novel gait-analysis system. We hypothesized that different analgesic agents would all provide pain relief in this model but would cause differences in tendon-to-bone healing and gait parameters. Buprenorphine, ibuprofen, tramadol-gabapentin, and acetaminophen were compared with a no-analgesia control group. Gait measures (stride length and vertical force) on the operative forelimb differed between the control group and both the buprenorphine (2 and 4 d postsurgery) and ibuprofen (2 d postsurgery) groups. Step length was different in the control group as compared with the tramadol-gabapentin (2 d after surgery), buprenorphine (2 and 4 d after surgery), and ibuprofen (2 d after surgery) groups. Regarding tendon-to-bone healing, the ibuprofen group showed less stiffness at the insertion site; no other differences in tendon-to-bone healing were detected. In summary, the analgesics evaluated were associated with differences in both animal gait and tendon-to-bone healing. This information will be useful for improving the management of postsurgical pain without adversely affecting tissue healing. Given its ability to improve gait without impeding healing, we recommend use of buprenorphine for postsurgical pain management in rats. In addition, our gait-analysis system can be used to evaluate new analgesics.
Type-A behavior and calcium consumption by college students.

Normal cardiovascular function is dependent upon adequate calcium intake, and abnormal calcium metabolism is associated with essential hypertension in humans as well as experimental animals (Kolata, 1984). McGarron, Morris, and Cole ( 1982 ) noted hypertensive adults ate less calcium than did a group of normotensive controls matched for age, sex, and race. The authors concluded that "inadequate calcium intake may be a previously unrecognized factor in the development of hypertension" (p. 267). More recently McCarron and Morris (1985) reported a calcium-rich diet reduced blood pressure in 44% of cheir hypertensive sample. Diet had little effect on those with normal blood pressure, although 19% experienced some reduction in systolic pressure.
Defense responses of plant cell wall non-catalytic proteins against pathogens ☆

Abstract Plant cell wall (CW) associated non-enzymatic proteins (CWPs) are composed mainly of glycoproteins containing a polypeptide backbone attached with carbohydrate side chains. These CWPs typically include hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), proline-rich proteins (PRPs), glycine-rich proteins (GRPs), and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). The CWPs have been implicated in plant defense against pathogens. The defense responses appear to be accomplished by several mechanisms. The major mechanisms include: (i) CW hardening through insolubilization and oxidative cross-linking of extensins and PRPs mediated via H2O2 and peroxidases, (ii) secretion and agglutination of AGPs at the sites of pathogenic infection, (iii) degradation of the genetic materials of the pathogens by binding of GRPs to the RNA of the pathogens, and (iv) activation of the pathogenesis-related (PR) gene expression using AGPs as a soluble molecular signal. This review summarizes the aforementioned defense responses, provides an update on classification, and explores future research opportunities of CWPs.
PAPERCLIP Identifies MicroRNA Targets and a Role of CstF64/64tau in Promoting Non-canonical poly(A) Site Usage

Accurate and precise annotation of 3' UTRs is critical for understanding how mRNAs are regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins (RBPs). Here, we describe a method, poly(A) binding protein-mediated mRNA 3' end retrieval by crosslinking immunoprecipitation (PAPERCLIP), that shows high specificity for mRNA 3' ends and compares favorably with existing 3' end mapping methods. PAPERCLIP uncovers a previously unrecognized role of CstF64/64tau in promoting the usage of a selected group of non-canonical poly(A) sites, the majority of which contain a downstream GUKKU motif. Furthermore, in the mouse brain, PAPERCLIP discovers extended 3' UTR sequences harboring functional miRNA binding sites and reveals developmentally regulated APA shifts, including one in Atp2b2 that is evolutionarily conserved in humans and results in the gain of a functional binding site of miR-137. PAPERCLIP provides a powerful tool to decipher post-transcriptional regulation of mRNAs through APA in vivo.
Characterizing gas-particle interactions of phthalate plasticizer emitted from vinyl flooring.

Phthalates are widely used as plasticizers, and improved ability to predict emissions of phthalates is of interest because of concern about their health effects. An experimental chamber was used to measure emissions of di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP) from vinyl flooring, with ammonium sulfate particles introduced to examine their influence on the emission rate and to measure the partitioning of DEHP onto airborne particles. When particles were introduced to the chamber at concentrations of 100 to 245 μg/m3, the total (gas + particle) DEHP concentrations increased by a factor of 3 to 8; under these conditions, emissions were significantly enhanced compared to the condition without particles. The measured DEHP partition coefficient to ammonium sulfate particles with a median diameter of 45 ± 5 nm was 0.032 ± 0.003 m3/μg (95% confidence interval). The DEHP-particle sorption equilibration time was demonstrated to be less than 1 min. Both the partition coefficient and equilibration time agree well with predic...
PTH-265 Outcomes of redo rectopexy with and without resection for recurrent rectal prolapse: are the results comparable to the primary surgery?

Introduction The surgical approach to recurrent full-thickness rectal prolapse is more complicated than for primary full thickness rectal prolapse. However, it has not been reported that redo rectopexy for recurrent full thickness rectal prolapse is as safe and feasible as primary rectopexy. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of redo rectopexy with and without resection for recurrent full thickness rectal prolapse. Method After IRB approval, 144 consecutive patients [138 females; mean age 57 (range, 16–83) years] with primary [n = 112; 108 females, mean age 56 (range, 16–80) years] or recurrent [n = 32; 30 females, mean age 58 (29–83) years] rectal prolapse who underwent rectopexy with and without resection between May 2000 and April 2014 were identified from a prospective database. Perioperative outcomes and reoperation rate due to recurrence were compared between the two groups. Results Both groups had comparable demographics, BMI, ASA scores, type of surgical approach, and comorbidities. Patients with primary rectopexy had a higher percentage of resected colon (60.7%) than did those with redo rectopexy (28.1%; p = 0 .001). Patients had open (75 vs. 25), hand-assisted (3 vs. 1) and laparoscopic (34 vs. 6) surgery in the primary vs. redo rectopexy groups, respectively (p = 0.213). Intraoperative blood loss and length of postoperative stay were similar in both groups. The most common complication was ileus (n = 15). There was no significant difference in the postoperative complication rate (primary rectopexy 30.6% vs. redo rectopexy 37.5%; p = 0 .521). The reoperation rate due to recurrence was significantly higher in redo rectopexy vs. primary rectopexy (12.5% vs. 1.8%; p = 0 .022). The mean interval from primary surgery to reoperation for recurrence was 17.0 (range, 2.5–40.5) months for the redo rectopexy group and 46.8 (range, 30.0–63.7) months for the primary rectopexy. Functional data were not available. Conclusion Redo rectopexy with and without resection can be performed as safely as primary rectopexy in patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse. However, the re-reoperation rate due to recurrence of rectal prolapse is higher in redo rectopexy. Disclosure of interest None Declared.
Liver Coenzyme a Ester Content: Comparison between Reye's Syndrome and Control Subjects

1. The concentrations of the acid soluble and insoluble coenzyme A (CoA) esters were measured in samples of liver obtained at autopsy from Reye9s syndrome and control subjects because the long chain fatty CoA compounds which make up the bulk of the acid insoluble CoA esters are known to inhibit a number of mitochondrially located enzymes, several of which may be affected in Reye9s syndrome. 2. Concentrations of the acid insoluble esters varied widely in both control and Reye9s liver samples. The difference between the mean values was not statistically significant (1·06 ± sem 0·33 nmol/g wet weight in Reye9s samples vs 0·88 ± 0·21 in control samples). 3. Concentrations of the acid soluble CoA esters, which include the short chain fatty CoA compounds, were higher in Reye9s liver samples than in samples from controls. The mean value for Reye9s samples was 104·8 ± sem 29·4 nmol/g of liver compared with 26·4 ± 10·1 nmol/g for control samples ( P 4. Studies with rats designed to assess postmortem change indicate that the liver concentration of the acid insoluble CoA compounds does not change during a 4 h period at 4°C. This finding suggests that the observations made in Reye9s liver was probably due to a premorbid abnormality. 5. These findings implicate a block in the β-oxidation of fatty acids and could account for the reported relative increase in the concentrations of the short to medium chain fatty acids in the plasma of Reye9s syndrome patients.
Effect evaluation of health literacy interventions for resident in Yangzhong city

Objective:To know about the effect of health literacy intervention for residents in Yangzhong city.Methods: A total number of people surveyed was 100 from urban area and 100 from rural area by random sampling with questionnaires priort and after interventions,respectively.Results: Knowledge rate of health literacy was 59.94% prior to the intervention and 72.39% after the intervention with meaningful statistical differences(P0.01).Conclusion: The level of health literacy has improved and certain effects have achieved in residents of Yangzhong after the intervention.However,the level of health literacy in general was still lower,so variety resources should be used in order to carry out comprehensive health promotion intervention and to further enhance the level of masses′ health literacy.
Synthesis of β-(3,5-Diterbutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) Propionyl Chloride

β-(3,5-Diterbutyl-4-hydroxyphenyl) propionyl chloride is synthesized with 3,5-methyl propionate as raw material via hydrolytic reaction and replacement reaction,and the replacement reaction conditions were explored. The optimal reaction conditions were as follows:chloroform was used as the reaction solvent,3,5-propionyl acid 0.02 mol,sulphoxide diloride 0.054 mol,the reaction temperature 50℃ and the reaction time 5 h. Under these conditions,the yield of product was 98.9%.
The Han Cosmic Board: A Response to Christopher Cullen

This article adduces additional evidence to substantiate the author's ideas regarding the cosmic board shih published in Early China 4. The most essential points in the discussion concern first the relation between the appearance of the Big Dipper on the cosmic board and the role of the Big Dipper in ancient cosmological belief and calendrical theory; and second, the influence of the cosmic board on religious belief and practice beginning in the Han period. Contrary to Cullen's opinion that the expression “main-cay of heaven” which denotes the Big Dipper is merely a figure of speech, passages from a variety of previn and Han texts show that this term accurately reflects the conception of the Big Dipper in ancient cosmological belief. The development of the cosmic board and the system of divination associated with it are best understood in light of this belief and of the major role played by the Big Dipper in ancient calendriil theory. The influence on Han popular belief of the celestial spirits associated with the cosmic board is attested in the Lun Heng. The presence of several cosmic board divination texts dating to the Han and six Dynasties period in the Tao Tsang are evidence of the absorption of the cosmic board system of divinaion into Taoism at that time. In Taoist hagiography the traditional legend of the transmission of cosmic board divination to the Yellow God is also explicitly linked to the Taoist technique of pacing the Dipper, lese facts, combined with a Buddhist description of a mandala modeled on the design of the cosmic board, npy document the role of the cosmic board in Chinese religion.