cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Platelet Activation Promotes Formation of Platelet-Leukocyte Conjugates (PLC) in Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (AF).

Abstract Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with thromboemboli, which is due to blood stasis in the left atrium and hypercoagulability. Several studies have shown that both platelet and leukocyte activation are increased in AF. Formation of platelet-leukocyte conjugates (PLC) is an important mechanism by which leukocytes contribute to thrombosis. Increased levels of P selectin expression in platelets and platelet-leukocyte conjugates (PLC) have been correlated with the risk of cerebral infarction in AF (Circulation . 1998; 98:1721–7). The mechanisms driving the formation of PLC in AF is unclear. We investigated the levels of PLC, platelet expression of P selectin, and leukocyte activation in patients with non-valvular AF. Methods. Patient population : Fourteen patients with chronic AF (8 men and 6 women; mean age = 62±9 years) were studied. AF was documented by a 12-lead electrocardiogram and all patients underwent an echocardiogram to assess cardiac function and rule out valvular AF. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 49±16%. Comorbidities included hypertension (85%), diabetes mellitus (21%), coronary artery disease (35%) and congestive heart failure (28%). The mean heart rate was 80±13 bpm. The mean BP was 127±9 / 75±6 mmHg. All patients were anticoagulated with warfarin and 78% were taking aspirin. Since we have previously shown that digitalis use is associated with platelet activation in this population, patients taking digitalis were excluded. Laboratory methods : Venous blood from patients with AF and from healthy volunteers was examined by flow cytometry using fluorescent mAbs. We measured platelet expression of P selectin and leukocyte expression of CD11b. Coexpression of CD41 and CD45 was used to measure PLC. Results: Patients with AF had markedly increased levels of P selectin (22.1 vs 5.0 fluorescence units; p=0.008), PLC (61.2±13.6% vs 43.1±21.6%; p=0.001) and CD11b expression in leukocytes (16.4 vs. 7.9 fluorescence units; p=0.0003). PLC strongly correlated with P selectin expression (R= 0.80; R2=0.64; p=0.0006) but not with leukocyte activation as measured by CD11b expression (R=0.41; R2= 0.17; p=0.14). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that (1) Patients with AF demonstrate increased levels of platelet and leukocyte activation; (2) Increased PLC formation occurs in AF; (3) Levels of PLC closely correlate with platelet activation but not with leukocyte activation, suggesting than PLC formation is driven by platelet activation rather than by leukocyte activation in this population. Aspirin has been shown to be only marginally effective to prevent thromboembolism in AF. Clopidogrel, but not aspirin, has been shown to decrease the formation of PLC (J Am Coll Cardiol 2004; 43(11):1982–8). Our data suggests that aspirin use in AF patients would not be anticipated to normalize platelet activation and PLC formation in AF patients, but other therapies aimed at decreasing PLC formation might decrease the thrombotic risk in AF.
An in vitro comparison of estrogenic equivalents per serving size of some common foods.

The public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, while other foods are presumed "safe" or nonestrogenic. Here, we investigate these assumptions by assessing the relative estrogenic activity of a serving size of four foods: skim milk (8 oz), rice (48 g dry wt) in cooking bag, ground beef patties from steers raised with or without hormone implantation (quarter lb each, 114 g), and tofu burgers (isocaloric to beef burger, 198 g), using an in vitro assay (E-Screen). Mean picogram (pg) estradiol equivalents (E2Eqs) on a serving basis were as follows: skim milk 120; rice 400; rice prepared in cooking bag 370; rice boiling bag alone 4 pg per bag, ground beef burger (obtained from the tissue of cattle that had received no hormone implants) 389, beef burger (obtained from cattle that had received hormone implant) 384, and tofu burger 1,020,000. Rice E2Eqs were highly variable, but the plastic cooking bags provided by the manufacturer added negligible E2Eqs. The source of estrogenic activity in rice may have been due to contamination with the mycotoxin zearalenone. The E-Screen E2Eqs of tofu burger extracts agreed with those predicted based on chemical concentrations of the most estrogenic component times their E2Eq factor. While a tofu burger contained around three times the estrogenic activity of a daily dose of estrogen replacement therapy (125 mg, Premarin®, 303,000 pg); the other foods--a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750-fold less estrogenic. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: When consuming the recognized serving size of a food, how much estrogenic activity can we expect? While the public assumes that some foods, such as milk and ground beef from cattle receiving steroidal implants, are associated with estrogenic hormones, other foods are presumed "safe" or nonestrogenic. Using one assay, a tofu burger contained three times the estrogenic activity of a dose of hormone replacement therapy commonly prescribed for women after hysterectomy or menopause (Premarin®); while other foods--a quarter pound ground beef burger at approximately equal calorie count, a serving of milk, or rice, were all at least 750-fold less estrogenic.
Evidence for reliability and validity of parent reports of twin children’s birth information

Abstract The purpose of this paper was to assess the reliability and validity of birth information provided by parents and to determine if the age of the child affects the reliability of information collected. This study used data from 105 families of typically developing twin and triplet children whose parents provided this information as part of a larger survey. Families originally participated in a longitudinal study at least once when children were between the ages of 1 and 5 years and were re-tested at least once subsequently between the ages of 2 and 17 years. A subset of 57 families (mean age = 2.58 years, sd = 2.41) also released hospital birth information to compare to parent report to assess validity. Repeated measures MANCOVAs were used to test for significant differences between parent reports at each time point. No differences were found between parent reports provided at different points in time regardless of the age of the child when reports were collected or length of time between collections. Thus, the method of using parent reports to collect data on neonatal birth complications appears to show acceptable test-retest reliability. Correlation analyses comparing parent reports to hospital records showed that parent reports were highly valid, with all correlations highly significant except minor birth complication scores for second born children. These findings have far-reaching implications for data collection in research and clinical work because they suggest that obtaining parent reports of birth complications, even many years after birth, is an acceptable method for assessing this information.
Why Didn’t P. Oslington’s Invisible Hand (the ‘Providential Hand of God’) Prevent the Destruction of the Scottish Macro Economy by the Projectors, Imprudent Risk Takers, and Prodigals in 1772 after the Ayr Bank Collapse?

P. Oslington’s (2012) Invisible Hand (the ”providential hand of God”) is viewed by him as the providential hand of God, who is watching over the macro economy of Scotland to make sure that nothing evil befalls the Scottish economy. The problem is that Oslington is completely oblivious to the collapse of the Ayr bank in 1772, which resulted from massive financial speculation in land engaged in by British East India Company connected borrowers whose bubble collapsed in 1772, ushering in a four year depression in Scotland and a worldwide recession. Oslington never mentions the national and international, coercive economic power of the British East India Company, which dominated the English economy for well over 200 years. Oslington never mentions Smith’s great concerns about the very negative economic impacts on society as a whole of the prodigals, imprudent risk takers, and projectors that Smith discussed extensively on pages 279-341 of the Modern Library (Canaan) edition of the Wealth of Nations with the foreword of Max Lerner. Oslington never mentions the Ayr bank collapse, a direct result of extensive land speculation by British East India Company borrowers, which resulted in the collapse of the Scottish economy from 1772-1776. G. Kennedy made it quite clear that it is simply impossible for any type of “Invisible Hand” to be operating to maximize economy wide benefits for all in the face of such groups of upper income class citizens, such as the prodigals, imprudent risk takers, and projectors, unless their economic activities are heavily constrained or suppressed by government action by a government that is independent of entities such as the British East India Company. The idea of an Invisible Hand is a necessary condition for the acceptance of Laissez Faire. Nowhere in the Wealth of Nations (WN;1776) is there a single mention of “laissez faire”, a concept Smith was well aware of from his interactions with the French Physiocrats in the 1760’s. The reason why there is no mention of laissez faire is because Smith rejected completely any kind of metaphysical, as opposed to metaphorical, view of a Invisible hand as some kind of Wizard of Oz.
miRinGO: Prediction of biological processes indirectly targeted by human microRNAs

MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that are known for their role in post-transcriptional regulation of target genes. Typically, their functions are predicted by first identifying their target genes and then finding biological processes enriched in these targets. Current tools for miRNA functional analysis use only genes with physical binding sites as their targets and exclude other genes that are indirectly targeted transcriptionally through transcription factors. Here, we introduce a method to predict gene ontology (GO) annotations indirectly targeted by microRNAs. The proposed method resulted in better performance in predicting known miRNA-GO term associations compared to the canonical approach. To facilitate miRNA GO enrichment analysis, we developed an R Shiny application, miRinGO, that is freely available from GitHub at https://github.com/Fadeel/miRinGO
Heterologous expression and purification of the bicarbonate transporter BicA from Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803.

Abstract The high-flux/low-affinity cyanobacterial bicarbonate transporter BicA is a member of sulfate permease/solute carrier 26 (SulP/SLC26) family and plays a major role in cyanobacterial inorganic carbon uptake. In order to study this important membrane protein, robust platforms for over-expression and protocols for purification are required. In this work we have optimized the expression and purification of BicA from strain Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (BicA6803) in Escherichia coli. It was determined that expression with C43 (DE3) Rosetta2 at 37 °C produced the highest levels of over-expressed BicA6803 relative to other strains screened, and membrane solubilization with n-dodecyl-β- d -maltopyranoside facilitated the purification of high levels of stable and homogenous BicA6803. Using these expression and purification strategies, the final yields of purified BicA were 6.5 ± 1.0 mg per liter of culture.
Homeless women self-advocates: The quest from liminal to full citizenship

This essay explores how homeless women produce advocacy to gain full and substantive citizenship. Homeless women's attempts to gain recognition as full members of the society require them to transf...
Vacuum Steam Treatment Effectiveness for Eradication of the Thousand Cankers Disease Vector and Pathogen in Logs From Diseased Walnut Trees

Logs of high-value eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) are commonly exported from the United States for production of veneer and lumber. Veneer logs are not debarked to minimize degradation of wood quality and reduce moisture loss. Thousand cankers disease (TCD) is caused by the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman) and the fungal pathogen, Geosmithia morbida M. Kolarik, E. Freeland, C. Utley and N. Tisserat sp. nov., which colonize the inner bark of Juglans species. Effective eradication of these organisms by heat or chemical fumigation treatment is required for walnut logs prior to export. Because vacuum steam is an effective and efficient means of heating round wood, its use in eliminating the TCD causal agents was evaluated using Juglans logs (12- to 44-cm small end diameter and 1.7- to 1.9-m length) from TCD-symptomatic trees in Oregon and Washington State. Five replicate trials with three logs per load were conducted in a portable vacuum chamber to test two treatment schedules: 60°C for 60 min and 56°C for 30 min. Complete elimination of P. juglandis and G. morbida was achieved when using a minimum of 56°C at 5-cm targeted depth from bottom of bark furrow into the sapwood and held for 30 min. Treatment cycle time ranged from 298 to 576 min depending on log diameter and initial log temperature. Artificial inoculation of J. nigra trees with G. morbida within the TCD range in Pennsylvania was minimally successful in producing adequately colonized logs for experimental trials.
“My mindset has completely shifted from asking what to asking why and how”: Influence of two effective and expert teachers’ value orientations on their curricula and pedagogies:

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of two effective and expert physical education (PE) teachers’ value orientations on the curricula they delivered and the pedagogies they emp...
480. Outbreak of COVID-19 Among School Auction Attendees: Was it a “Silent Auction” or “Silent Transmission”?

Background: One day after the pandemic was announced, Tennessee declared a state of emergency on March 12, 2020 with implementation of a stay-at-home order on March 23, 2020 Data regarding the routes and patterns of community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 are limited We initiated an investigation after clusters of confirmed COVID-19 cases attended a large social gathering Methods: We were notified of clinical providers who attended a “Silent School Auction” on March 7, 2020, of which several confirmed-cases were identified as targeted participants To derive a standardized REDCap web-survey, we conducted a hypothesis-generating interview with three confirmed attendees to collect event details Once finalized, enrollment included collecting sociodemographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data Attendees were classified as: 1) confirmed if they had a positive SARS-CoV-2 test;2) suspected if they developed symptoms 21-days before or after the auction;and 3) asymptomatic if no symptoms were noted Results: From March 20-June 16, 100/166 (60%) of attendees were enrolled, with a median age of 41 years, 54% female, and 99% white Of those, 34 and 32 were confirmed- and suspect-cases, respectively Table 1 compares sociodemographic behaviors of all attendees, with the majority of confirmed-cases eating late in the evening From March 6 to March 8, 58 participants reported attending other social events, of which three (i e , church service, women's retreat, and a birthday party) were common among 43 attendees and five individuals reported onset of mild respiratory symptoms prior to the event (Figure 1) Confirmed-cases were more likely to report having shortness of breath, chest tightness, loss of taste, loss of smell, and fever compared to suspect-cases (Figure 2) and no one required hospitalization Dining tables from the school auction depicted a clustering of cases occurring at each table, with some individuals visiting more than one table during the event (Figure 3) Conclusion: We identified several COVID-19 cases from a single event that occurred prior to social mitigation strategies Our investigation highlights the importance of staying home when sick and the significance of social distancing to halt transmission of COVID-19 (Table Presented)
Introducing New Users to an Old Poison: The Tobacco Industry’s Efforts to Thwart the FDA’s Regulation of E-Cigarettes

This essay seeks to identify the particular threat of E-Cigarettes to create life-long addicts and how the influence of the tobacco companies in Congress continues to hamper regulatory efforts to protect the public from the number one cause of preventable death in the U.S. From a legal and public health perspective, it explicates the contradictions, evasions, and distortions being used to characterize E-Cigarettes as a safe alternative to conventional smoking and as an attractive and exciting activity for young adults.
Using landslide-inventory mapping for a combined bagged-trees and logistic-regression approach to determining landslide susceptibility in eastern Kentucky, USA

High-resolution LiDAR-derived datasets from a 1.5 m digital elevation model and a detailed landslide inventory (n ≥ 1000) for Magoffin County, Kentucky, USA were used to develop a combined machine-learning and statistical approach to improve geomorphic-based landslide-susceptibility mapping. An initial dataset of 36 variables was compiled to investigate the connection between slope morphology and landslide occurrence. Bagged trees, a machine-learning random-forest classifier, was used to evaluate the geomorphic variables, and 12 were identified as important: standard deviation of plan curvature, standard deviation of elevation, sum of plan curvature, minimum slope, mean plan curvature, range of elevation, sum of roughness, mean curvature, sum of curvature, mean roughness, minimum curvature and standard deviation of curvature. These variables were further evaluated using logistic regression to determine the probability of landslide occurrence and then used to create a landslide-susceptibility map. The performance of the logistic-regression model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve, area under the curve, which was 0.83. Standard deviations from the probability mean were used to set landslide-susceptibility classifications: low (0–0.10), low–moderate (0.11–0.27), moderate (0.28–0.44), moderate–high (0.45–0.61) and high (0.62–1.0). Logistic-regression results were validated by using a separate landslide inventory for the neighbouring Prestonsburg 7.5-minute quadrangle, and running the same regression function. Results indicate that 74.9% of the landslide deposits were identified as having moderate, moderate–high or high landslide susceptibility. Combining inventory mapping with statistical modelling identified important geomorphic variables and produced a useful approach to landslide-susceptibility mapping. Supplementary material: The statistical data used in the combined machine-learning functions are available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5351313.v3 Thematic collection: This article is part of the Digitization and Digitalization in engineering geology and hydrogeology collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/digitization-and-digitalization-in-engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology
Unexpected decline in pediatric asthma morbidity during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly impacted health care utilization. We evaluated asthma-related emergency department (ED) and inpatient health care utilization by a county-specific Medicaid population, ages 2-18, during the COVID-19 pandemic and compared it to utilization from a 3-year average including 2017-2019. All-cause ED utilization and asthma medication fill rates were evaluated during the same timeframes. Relative to the 2017-2019 3-year average, cumulative asthma-related ED visits from January through June decreased by 45.8% (p = .03) and inpatient admission rates decreased by 50.5% (p = .03). The decline in asthma-related ED utilization was greater than the reduction of overall ED use during the same time period, suggesting that the decline involved factors specific to asthma and was not due solely to avoidance of health care facilities. Fill rates for asthma controller medications decreased during this time (p = .03) and quick relief medication fill rates had no significant change (p = .31). Multiple factors may have contributed to the decrease in acute asthma health care visits. Locally, decreased air pollution and viral exposures coincided with the "Stay-at-home" order in Ohio, and increased utilization of telehealth for assessment during exacerbations may have impacted outcomes. Identification of the cause of the decline in visit rates could spur new interventions to limit the need for ED and inpatient visits for asthma patients, leading to both economic and health-associated benefits.
Abstract P094: Food Insecurity And Elevated Blood Pressure In The Eastern Caribbean

Background: Food insecurity (FI), an economic or social condition of limited or uncertain access to adequate food, has emerged as a contributing factor in the development and poor management of chr...
Phosphorylated tau fluid biomarker sites recognize earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels in the postmortem Alzheimer’s disease brain

Abstract Alzheimer’s disease (AD) biomarkers have become increasingly more reliable in predicting AD pathology. While phosphorylated tau fluid biomarkers have been studied for over 20 years, there is a lack of deep characterization of these sites in the postmortem brain. Neurofibrillary tangle-bearing neurons, one of the major neuropathologic hallmarks of AD, undergo morphologic changes that mature along a continuum as hyperphosphorylated tau aggregates. To facilitate interpretation of phosphorylated tau sites as an early fluid biomarker, our goal was to characterize which neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels (pretangle, intermediary 1, mature tangle, intermediary 2, and ghost tangle) they recognize. We queried the Florida Autopsied Multi-Ethnic (FLAME) cohort for cases from Braak stages I-VI. We excluded non-AD pathologies and tauopathies. A total of 24 cases, 2 males and 2 females for each Braak stage, were selected. We performed immunohistochemistry on the posterior hippocampus using antibodies directed towards phospho (p) threonine (T) 181, pT205, pT217, and pT231. Slides were digitized to enable quantification of tau burden. To examine differences in regional vulnerability between CA1 and subiculum, we developed a semi-quantitative system to rank the frequency of each neurofibrillary tangle maturity level. We identified all neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels at least once for each phosphorylated tau site. Primarily earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels (pretangle, intermediary 1, mature tangle) were recognized for all phosphorylated tau sites. There was an increase in tau burden in the subiculum compared to CA1; however, this was attenuated compared to thioflavin-S positive tangle counts. On a global scale, tau burden generally increased with each Braak stage. These results provide neurobiologic evidence that these phosphorylated tau fluid biomarker sites are present during earlier neurofibrillary tangle maturity levels. This may help explain why these phosphorylated tau biomarker sites are observed before symptom onset in fluids.
A multistate transition model for statin-induced myopathy and statin discontinuation

The overarching goal of this study was to simultaneously model the dynamic relationships among statin exposure, statin discontinuation, and potentially statin-related myopathic outcomes. We extracted data from the Indiana Network of Patient Care for 134,815 patients who received statin therapy between January 4, 2004, and December 31, 2008. All individuals began statin treatment, some discontinued statin use, and some experienced myopathy and/or rhabdomyolysis while taking the drug or after discontinuation. We developed a militate model to characterize 12 transition probabilities among six different states defined by use or discontinuation of statin and its associated myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. We found that discontinuation of statin therapy was common and frequently early, with 44.4% of patients discontinuing therapy after 1 month, and discontinuation is a strong indicator for statin-induced myopathy (risk ratio, 10.8; p < 0.05). Women more likely than men (p < 0.05) and patients aged 65 years and older had a higher risk than those aged younger than 65 years to discontinue statin use or experience myopathy. In conclusion, we introduce an innovative multistate model that allows clear depiction of the relationship between statin discontinuation and statin-induced myopathy. For the first time, we have successfully demonstrated and quantified the relative risk of myopathy between patients who continued and discontinued statin therapy. Age and sex were two strong risk factors for both statin discontinuation and incident myopathy.
Identifying Wrong-Way Driving Incidents from Regular Traffic Videos Using Unsupervised Trajectory-based Method:

Currently, transportation agencies have implemented different wrong-way driving (WWD) detection systems based on loop detectors, radar detectors, or thermal cameras. Such systems are often deployed...
The role of digital libraries as boundary objects within and across communities

Despite increased study of social contexts within information science, it is still unclear if and how digital libraries support and facilitate collaboration, communities, and other social contexts. This poster presents a study that will examine the role of the LibraryThing and Goodreads digital libraries, as social phenomena and boundary objects, in information behaviors and activities taking place within, between, and across multiple existing and emergent communities. The study will focus on the two key phenomena of communities and collaboration, under a theoretical framework drawing from Star’s boundary object theory, Strauss’s social worlds perspective, and Burnett and Jaeger’s theory of information worlds. Data will be collected from the two cases using a sequential, multi-phased mixed methods design employing content analysis, a survey, and interviews. The study should have significant implications for digital library research and practice and for related research on social networking, social media, and social Web services.
The Nature of the Selective Binding of Ions by Polyelectrolyte Gels: Volume and Entropy Change Criteria

The volume, ΔV 0, and entropy, ΔS 0, changes which accompany the selective binding of ions in ion exchange reactions at 25° between aqueous electrolyte mixtures and polyelectrolyte gels are considered in a discussion of the range of applicability of the Katchalsky and Rice-Harris theories. Experimental methods for the estimation of ΔV 0 are reviewed, and dilatometer measurements with soft and hard cationic and anionic gels are reported. Apparent molal volume determinations with aqueous model compound and linear polyeletrolyte-analog solutions also were conducted to elucidate the nature of the hydration of polyelectrolyte gels.
Therapist–Patient Relationship

The therapist–patient relationship is accepted widely as a central aspect of psychotherapy. This article will examine the varying perspectives on the therapist–patient relationship in both historical writings on psychotherapy and in current research and theory. Methodological issues relevant to studies attempting to investigate the therapist–patient relationship will also be delineated, and speculations on future directions for research and theory will be offered. But, the first section will attempt to define the therapist–patient relationship.
Vector Fields on the Sphere

In Chap. 12, Theorem (8.2), we saw that S n −1 has ρ(n) − 1 orthonormal tangent vector fields defined on it. The object of this chapter is to outline the steps required to prove that S n −1 does not have ρ(n) orthonormal tangent vector fields defined on it; in fact, S n −1 does not have ρ(n) linearly independent tangent vector fields; see also Adams [6].
It's about time: use of nonpharmacological interventions in the nursing home.

Purpose: To provide a stronger evidence base for cultural change in the nursing home, this study elicited nursing, recreational therapy, and medical staff perceptions of barriers to the implementation of nonpharmacological interventions for the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Design: Thirty-five staff members (registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurses’ aides, recreational therapists, activity personnel, and medical directors) from six nursing homes located in Pennsylvania and North Carolina participated in the qualitative study. Methods: A focus group methodology was used to capture discussions that were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed using standard methods of content and thematic analysis. Findings: Four broad themes were identified: the changing landscape; resident behaviors; reaching out to the person with dementia; and the educational needs of staff. The concept of time emerged as a key barrier to the use of nonpharmacological interventions for BPSD. Conclusions: Successful use of nonpharmacological interventions requires the right staff with the right education at the right time. The Vulnerability Framework is a model that helped organize these findings into a meaningful perspective. Clinical Relevance: To effect change in the nursing home, the findings indicate a need for: implementation of staffing patterns that allow staff the time to make a difference in the care of residents with BPSD; development of educational programs that promote staff understanding versus control; and design of research studies that answer questions about the influence of time on the selection of interventions for BPSD.
Catabolism of d-Glucaric Acid to α-Ketoglutarate in Bacillus megaterium

Crude cell-free extracts of d-glucarate-grown cells of Bacillus megaterium converted d-glucarate to α-keto-β-deoxy-d-glucarate (KDG). Charcoal-treated cell-free extracts or partially purified enzyme preparations converted KDG to an intermediate which was isolated and identified as 2,5-diketoadipate (DKA). This compound was synthesized, and the cell-free extracts of d-glucarate grown cells were found to catalyze the reduction of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) in its presence. In the absence of NAD, the same enzyme preparation catalyzed the decarboxylation of the DKA to α-ketoglutarate semialdehyde (KGS), whereas in the presence of NAD the KGS was subsequently oxidized to α-ketoglutarate by α-ketoglutarate semialdehyde dehydrogenase. Since galactarate-grown B. megaterium contains a galactarate dehydrase forming KDG, the complete pathway for the metabolism of d-glucarate or galactarate to α-ketoglutarate and CO2 is now known in a gram-positive bacterium.
Sound radiation from a flow-excited rectangular plate with visco-elastic supports

A model was developed to predict the vibration response of a rectangular plate mounted on viscoelastic supports. The plate was assumed to be excited by a distributed surface pressure field. The radiated sound was calculated from the transverse velocity of the plates. An assumption that all the vibration energy is constrained at the peak of mode shape wave number spectrum was used for the evaluation of the wave number spectrum. The damping factor, which is frequency dependent was calculated from the assumed mode method results.
Aircraft Flight Control in Wind Shear Using Partial Dynamic Inversion

A flight control law based on partial inversion of the longitudinal dynamics of a twin-jet transport aircraft is presented. The controller is partitioned into a slow-time-scale and a fast-time scale to simplify its design. Three types of controllers are developed: airspeed/climb rate, ground-speed/climb rate, and throttle/climb rate. For microburst encounters during approach to landing, it is found that a combination of airspeed and groundspeed regulation is quite effective for controlling the flight path to touchdown. Regulation of groundspeed to a nominal value in the performance-increasing region of the microburst prevents an inadvertent reduction in thrust, while regulation of airspeed to a nominal value in the performance-decreasing area of the microburst prevents excessive airspeed loss. The throttle/climb rate controller is used for aborted-landing encounters. The combination of groundspeed and airspeed control is used until the decision is made to abort the landing, at which point maximum throttle and a specified positive climb rate are commanded.
To the Glory of God and Profit of the Commonwealth

This article examines exile’s influence on the formation of an English national identity as it is expressed in the religious polemics of William Turner. Whether conscious of it or not, Turner and other exile polemicists define a nascent English nationalism by imagining the religious and political climate they desire to create, which might include a monarch but which emphasizes the commonwealth. In the first part of the article, I argue that Turner’s The Huntyng and Fyndyng Out of the Romishe Fox (1543) identifies and limits political and religious centers of power through the concentration of authority in written texts and through metaphors of texts as a means for disentangling sacred from secular authority. In this way they declare Turner’s own continued loyalty to the nation. The remainder of the article examines Turner’s use of an interior/exterior dichotomy that manifests in metaphors of contamination and infection in A New Booke of Spiritual Physik (1555). Placing Turner’s polemics alongside those of...
Disparate Impact of Teacher Competency Testing on Minorities: Don't Blame the Test-Takers - or the Tests

Spurred by the recent spate of Commission reports that have decried the state of education in America,1 many states have recently enacted legislation to raise educational standards. By 1984, over half of the states had implemented some form of standardized testing requirement to assess the competence of prospective teachers. By 1988, nine more will join their ranks.2 In addition, a number of states have enacted legislation requiring incumbent teachers to prove their competence through standardized examinations.3 The trend toward standardized testing for teacher certification appears to be motivated by a widely held perception that many teacher candidates are ill-prepared to undertake the critical function of edu-
Mood and Cue Reactivity among Smokers with a History of Major Depression: The Role of Rumination and Impulsivity

The present study tested the influence of rumination and impulsivity on experimentally induced negative mood among a sample of smokers with a lifetime history of major depression (MDD Hx+). Participants (N = 40) were categorized into four vulnerability groups: nonvulnerable (low rumination, low impulsivity), ruminative (elevated rumination, low impulsivity), impulsive (low rumination, elevated impulsivity), and vulnerable (elevated rumination, elevated impulsivity). Participants were counterbalanced to four experimental conditions, using a combination of a mood induction (negative mood induction vs. control) and smoking cue (in vivo cigarette vs. control cue). Although all participants reported greater anger responses when exposed to the negative mood induction versus control, vulnerable and ruminative smokers reported significantly greater anger responses than impulsive and nonvulnerable smokers [F(9,87) = 2.93, p = .038, Mse = 79.38]. Implications are discussed. (Am J Addict 2011;20: 1–5)
Rett syndrome: disruption of epigenetic control of postnatal neurological functions

Loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked gene Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2) cause a devastating pediatric neurological disorder called Rett syndrome. In males, these mutations typically result in severe neonatal encephalopathy and early lethality. On the other hand, owing to expression of the normal allele in ∼50% of cells, females do not suffer encephalopathy but instead develop Rett syndrome. Typically females with Rett syndrome exhibit a delayed onset of neurologic dysfunction that manifests around the child's first birthday and progresses over the next few years. Features of this disorder include loss of acquired language and motor skills, intellectual impairment and hand stereotypies. The developmental regression observed in patients with Rett syndrome arises from altered neuronal function and is not the result of neurodegeneration. Maintenance of an appropriate level of MeCP2 appears integral to the function of healthy neurons as patients with increased levels of MeCP2, owing to duplication of the Xq28 region encompassing the MECP2 locus, also present with intellectual disability and progressive neurologic symptoms. Despite major efforts over the past two decades to elucidate the molecular functions of MeCP2, the mechanisms underlying the delayed appearance of symptoms remain unclear. In this review, we will highlight recent findings that have expanded our knowledge of MeCP2's functions, and we will discuss how epigenetic regulation, chromatin organization and circuit dynamics may contribute to the postnatal onset of Rett syndrome.
SPATIALLY AND SPECTRALLY RESOLVED OBSERVATIONS OF A ZEBRA PATTERN IN A SOLAR DECIMETRIC RADIO BURST

We present the first interferometric observation of a zebra-pattern radio burst with simultaneous high spectral (≈1 MHz) and high time (20 ms) resolution. The Frequency-Agile Solar Radiotelescope Subsystem Testbed (FST) and the Owens Valley Solar Array (OVSA) were used in parallel to observe the X1.5 flare on 2006 December 14. By using OVSA to calibrate the FST, the source position of the zebra pattern can be located on the solar disk. With the help of multi-wavelength observations and a nonlinear force-free field extrapolation, the zebra source is explored in relation to the magnetic field configuration. New constraints are placed on the source size and position as a function of frequency and time. We conclude that the zebra burst is consistent with a double-plasma resonance model in which the radio emission occurs in resonance layers where the upper-hybrid frequency is harmonically related to the electron cyclotron frequency in a coronal magnetic loop.
Locus of central depressant action of tybamate.

Abstract Tybamate an analogue of meprobamate has previously been reported to relax skeletal muscle through blockade of spinal polysynaptic reflexes. In this study the three different approaches of ablation stimulation and neuronal recording were used to further define the site of its central depressant action. In midcollicular decerebrate cats polysynaptic (ipsilateral and contralateral extensor) reflexes were reduced or abolished by intravenous administration of tybamate 10–20 mg kg . When the spinal cord was transected at the cervical level during the period of drug-induced depression the ipsilateral reflexes usually became exaggerated but the contralateral reflexes did not recover. In the cats where tybamate was administered only after acute spinal transection comparable doses of the agent were required to block the polysynaptic reflexes. In both preparations the monosynaptic reflexes (knee jerks) were slightly enhanced with doses of tybamate sufficient to block the polysynaptic reflexes. In the stimulation experiments tybamate (5–20 mg kg i.v.) decreased the inhibition of the knee jerks produced by medullary reticular stimulation and had a variable influence on the facilitation of the knee jerks caused by mesencephalic reticular stimulation. The drug depressed both facilitation and inhibition of the knee jerks elicited by sciatic nerve stimulation in acute spinal preparations. Tybamate (2–5 mg kg i.v.) slightly diminished the spontaneous activity of mesencephalic reticular neurons but markedly reduced (approximately 50 %) the polysynaptic contralateral extensor reflex response. Subsequent injection of diazepam (0.1 mg kg i.v.) markedly decreased the activity of the same neurons and further reduced the polysynaptic reflex response. These findings suggest that tybamate acts mainly upon the spinal cord in blocking the spinal polysynaptic reflexes.
Plasmonic photoconductive antennas for significant terahertz radiation enhancement

We present a novel photoconductive antenna which utilizes nanoscale plasmonic electrodes to significantly enhance the efficiency and terahertz radiation power of conventional photoconductive antennas. The terahertz radiation power enhancement results from a significant reduction in the average transport path of photocarriers to reach the device contact electrodes. Thus, the photocurrent levels feeding the terahertz antenna in a sub-picosecond timescale are considerably increased, resulting in significantly higher terahertz radiation power levels. By incorporating the nanoscale plasmonic electrodes into a photoconductive antenna, we experimentally demonstrate up to 50 times higher efficiencies and terahertz radiation powers, compared to a similar conventional photoconductive antenna without the plasmonic electrodes.
Absence of perilipin 2 prevents hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance and ceramide accumulation in alcohol-fed mice.

Background Perilipin 2 (Plin2) is a lipid droplet protein that has roles in both lipid and glucose homeostasis. An increase in Plin2 in liver is associated with the development of steatosis, glucose intolerance, and ceramide accumulation in alcoholic liver disease. We investigated the role of Plin2 on energy balance and glucose and lipid homeostasis in wildtype and Plin2 knockout (Plin2KO) mice chronically fed a Lieber-DeCarli liquid ethanol or control diet for six weeks. Methods We performed in vivo measurements of energy intake and expenditure; body composition; and glucose tolerance. After sacrifice, liver was dissected for histology and lipid analysis. Results We found that neither genotype nor diet had a significant effect on final weight, body composition, or energy intake between WT and Plin2KO mice fed alcohol or control diets. Additionally, alcohol feeding did not affect oxygen consumption or carbon dioxide production in Plin2KO mice. We performed glucose tolerance testing and observed that alcohol feeding failed to impair glucose tolerance in Plin2KO mice. Most notably, absence of Plin2 prevented hepatic steatosis and ceramide accumulation in alcohol-fed mice. These changes were related to downregulation of genes involved in lipogenesis and triglyceride synthesis. Conclusions Plin2KO mice chronically fed alcohol are protected from hepatic steatosis, glucose intolerance, and hepatic ceramide accumulation, suggesting a critical pathogenic role of Plin2 in experimental alcoholic liver disease.
Attitudes toward Use of Advertising and Various Media Practices by Physicians

Advertising by physicians is a relatively recent phenomenon. The purposes of this study were to determine (a) consumers’ attitudes toward advertising by physicians; (b) whether certain potential consumer demographic variables account for any significant difference in attitudes toward physicians who advertise; and (c) which media consumers feel are appropriate for physicians’ advertising. The intent was to discover information that would be useful to physicians in planning promotional strategies and improving the quality of their advertising. The study seems to confirm the belief of many professionals that advertising and promotion clearly have a place in the future of health care services.
Thermodynamics of the partition of 8-quinolinol between several organic solvents and aqueous buffers.

Abstract The partition coefficients of 8-quinolinol between water and benzene, nitrobenzene, toluene and chloroform have been determined as a function of temperature, and values of ΔH and ΔS determined for each. Values of the dissociation constant for protonated 8-quinolinol are reported as a function of temperature.
Accessible area, packing volumes and interaction surfaces of globular proteins.

I RE-EXAMINE here the recently published empirical equations of Chothia1 for the accessible surface area of 12 monomeric proteins, and demonstrate that accessible surface area of monomeric proteins varies as the 2/3 power of the molecular weight. The total packing volumes of proteins are obtained from the sum of the individual residues, and the approximation of proteins as spheres is used to predict the loss of accessible surface on association of two proteins. The treatment is extended to calculate the proportion of the monomer surface buried in the formation of higher oligomers.
Separation of a supersonic turbulent boundary layer by a forward facing step

The mean flow and fluctuations were measured in the undistributed turbulent boundary layer, the separated flow region and on top of the step. The freestream Mach number was 4.0 and the boundary layer Reynolds number based on momentum thickness was 4,100. The model was large enough to allow reversed flow profile measurements and to insure two-dimensionality of the separated flow. For an aspect ratio (span between fences/step height) of 9.4, the back flow profiles show three-dimensionality effects. The mean flowfield is described in detail. In the “separation region” large normal and axial pressure gradients exist. The angle of the inviscid flow after separation is 12 1/2° In the nearly constant pressure separated flow region the forward velocity profiles up to 2H of the step are similar and nearly similar closer to the step. The entrainment rate of the forward flow λ_e = ρ_0v_0/ ρ_eu_e = .010. Close correspondence of the forward flow with the turbulent boundary layer with injection at the same λ_e was found. The reversed flow velocity reaches 0.37 u_e, close to the step (< 1H) and decays slowly to zero at separation (x/H = 4.25). The center of the recirculating vortex is closer to the step than 0.7H. On top of the step the mean turbulent boundary layer attains nearly similarity shape within one step height wheras the fluctuation distributions lag considerably. In the separated flow region most of the fluctuation energy is in random large scale low frequency fluctuations.
Hologram interferometry in automotive component vibration testing

An ever increasing variety of automotive component vibration testing is being pursued at Ford Motor Company, U.S.A. The driving force for use of hologram interferometry in these tests is the continuing need to design component structures to meet more stringent functional performance criteria. Parameters such as noise and vibration, sound quality, and reliability must be optimized for the lightest weight component possible. Continually increasing customer expectations and regulatory pressures on fuel economy and safety mandate that vehicles be built from highly optimized components. This paper includes applications of holographic interferometry for powertrain support structure tuning, body panel noise reduction, wiper system noise and vibration path analysis, and other vehicle component studies.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.