cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Device-Related Infections

Device-related infection is responsible for a quarter of all health care-associated infections and can even compromise device function. These infections are caused by the colonization of microorganisms during the implantation processes. Unfortunately, the treatment option for device-related infection is limited. To make the situation worse, some of these organisms form biofilms that cover the device surface notably weakening the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments. This chapter summarizes our current understanding of the pathogenesis of device-related infection. It also discusses our knowledge of the processes governing the formation, regulation, and resistance of biofilms. Finally, we introduce several new methods developed for diagnosing and treating biofilm infections on medical devices.
Chapter 1 – Endocrinology, Brain, and Pituitary Gland

To understand the biology of reproduction, we must first meet the cast of characters involved in this fascinating process. In Chapters 2 and 4 Chapter 2 Chapter 4, we will study the anatomical components of the female and male reproductive systems. However, you will discover that, to function properly, these systems require chemical instructions. In fact, nearly every aspect of reproductive biology is regulated by internal molecular messengers called hormones. Reproductive hormones signal the reproductive structures to grow and mature. For example, as a boy approaches puberty, circulating levels of hormones called androgens rise and cause his reproductive tract to mature. In addition, these hormones induce muscle growth, cause changes in the vocal cords that lower the young man's voice, and initiate adult patterns of body hair growth. Hormones also regulate the timing of reproductive events. In women, the coordinated release of several female hormones orchestrates ovulation, the release of an egg from the ovary, approximately every 28 days. This chapter will introduce you to the endocrine system, focusing on how the brain and pituitary gland regulate reproductive hormones. Your efforts in studying this material will be repaid as you read further in the text, as an understanding of this topic is essential for you to grasp the information in subsequent chapters.
An evaluation of Redeploy Illinois on juvenile reoffending

The Redeploy Illinois (RI) program was created to provide services to nonviolent, moderate to high-risk youth who were likely to be committed to the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ), ...
Resident and stakeholder perceptions of ecosystem services associated with agricultural landscapes in New Hampshire

Abstract Converting non-agricultural land to agricultural uses can result in trade-offs in ecosystem services. As provisioning services increase on new agricultural land, supporting, regulating, and cultural services may decrease. An improved understanding of how stakeholders value different land use types in terms of their perceived ecosystem services, as well as the relative visual appeal of different agricultural landscape features, could assist policymakers and land use planners in decision-making related to agricultural land use in New England, USA. We surveyed two survey samples in New Hampshire, food system stakeholders (e.g., farmers, public health professionals, and technical assistance providers) and the general population, to explore how perception of the visual appeal of specific farmland use types and importance of ecosystem services specifically related to agricultural land might differ between survey samples. Our objectives were to (1) explore how New Hampshire residents perceive the importance of seven ecosystem services, (2) evaluate how two groups of New Hampshire residents—the general public and those who indicated working with or in a food systems sector (food system stakeholders)—perceive these ecosystem services provided by specific agricultural landscapes and determine how those perceptions relate to the visual appeal of each landscape, and (3) assess how eight socio-economic factors may account for the differences between each survey sample in terms of their landscape perception and preference. Roughly 600 New Hampshire residents completed the survey, including 494 individuals from the public and 103 food system stakeholders. From a list of seven ecosystem services, clean water was ranked as the most important across both survey samples, with no significant difference between samples, while food production was ranked significantly higher by the food system stakeholders (p ≤ 0.001). Likewise, on a scale of most (4) to least (1) appealing, food system stakeholders ranked photorealistic visualizations of cropland higher than the public (p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, food system stakeholders ranked the appeal of forestland lower than the public (p = 0.007). Our findings suggest that there are differences in landscape preferences and perception of ecosystem service benefits between the general public and those who work with or in the food system. Future research is needed to determine how these differences in perception might affect land use planning and policymaking related to agricultural expansion and forestland preservation.
Tutorial 3: Tell the Story

TU3: Tutorial 3: "Tell the Story" from Tue, January 12, 2021 10:45 until 11:45 (1st paper) in A (session 60 min.) by Gordana Velikic, University of Rochester, USA. No abstract or record of the tutorial was made available for publication as part of the conference proceedings.
Nitrogen Species Specific Phosphorus Mineralization in Temperate Floodplain Soils

As an essential component of enzymes, higher N availability from agricultural runoff to forest soils may boost the activity of phosphatase, increasing the bioavailability of phosphate. The objective of this study was to evaluate P mineralization rates in temperate floodplain soils as a function of inorganic N species (i.e., ammonium and nitrate) and amendment rate (1.5-3.5 g N kg-1). Accordingly, the soil was amended with nitrate and ammonium, and P dynamics were monitored during a 40-day incubation. The addition of ammonium significantly boosted acid and alkaline phosphatase activity by 1.39 and 1.44 µmol p-nitrophenol P (pNP) g-1 h-1, respectively. The degree of increase was positively correlated with the amendment rate. Likewise, the P mineralization rate increased by 0.27 mg P kg-1 in the 3.5 g N kg-1 ammonium treatment. 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis further supported the reduction in organic orthophosphate diesters on day 30. Meanwhile, the addition of nitrate promoted P mineralization to a lesser degree but did not increase phosphatase activity. While floodplain soils have great potential to sequester anthropogenic P, high availability of inorganic N, especially ammonium, could promote P mineralization, potentially increasing P fertility and/or reducing P the sequestration capacity of floodplain soils.
Constitutive activities of estrogen-related receptors: Transcriptional regulation of metabolism by the ERR pathways in health and disease

The estrogen-related receptors (ERRs) comprise a small group of orphan nuclear receptor transcription factors. The ERRα and ERRγ isoforms play a central role in the regulation of metabolic genes and cellular energy metabolism. Although less is known about ERRβ, recent studies have revealed the importance of this isoform in the maintenance of embryonic stem cell pluripotency. Thus, ERRs are essential to many biological processes. The development of several ERR knockout and overexpression models and the application of advanced functional genomics have allowed rapid advancement of our understanding of the physiology regulated by ERR pathways. Moreover, it has enabled us to begin to delineate the distinct programs regulated by ERRα and ERRγ that have overlapping effects on metabolism and growth. The current review primarily focuses on the physiologic roles of ERR isoforms related to their metabolic regulation; therefore, the ERRα and ERRγ are discussed in the greatest detail. We emphasize findings from gain- and loss-of-function models developed to characterize ERR control of skeletal muscle, heart and musculoskeletal physiology. These models have revealed that coordinating metabolic capacity with energy demand is essential for seemingly disparate processes such as muscle differentiation and hypertrophy, innate immune function, thermogenesis, and bone remodeling. Furthermore, the models have revealed that ERRα- and ERRγ-deficiency in mice accelerates progression of pathologic processes and implicates ERRs as etiologic factors in disease. We highlight the human diseases in which ERRs and their downstream metabolic pathways are perturbed, including heart failure and diabetes. While no natural ligand has been identified for any of the ERR isoforms, the potential for using synthetic small molecules to modulate their activity has been demonstrated. Based on our current understanding of their transcriptional mechanisms and physiologic relevance, the ERRs have emerged as potential therapeutic targets for treatment of osteoporosis, muscle atrophy, insulin resistance and heart failure in humans.
The Power of Presence: Strategic Response to Displayed Emotions in Negotiations

This chapter extends research on strategic display of emotions (Kopelman, Rosette, & Thompson, 2006) and investigates how negotiators can optimize both relational and economic outcomes through strategic response to displayed emotions. First, we consider what information can be gained from observing the emotional display of the other party. Next we review what the negotiation literature suggests one should do when faced with a party displaying emotion. We end by depicting a research program that accounts for both the behavioral tactics a negotiator employs and the personal qualities of the negotiator. We suggest that the recommendations in the existing literature overemphasize tactics and underemphasize the person employing those tactics. We argue that the success or failure of a strategic response to displayed emotions pivots on the responding negotiator's ability to balance strategic tactics with his or her authentic presence.
The Importance of Romantic and Work Relations on Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use Among Adults

Drawing from Sampson and Laub's age-graded theory, we examine whether the presence and quality of social bonds influences nonmedical usage of prescription drugs (opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants). We analyze data from a large and nationally representative sample of adults from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Results from a series of logistic regression models indicate that married individuals are significantly less likely to use prescription drugs nonmedically than non-married persons. However, romantic relational satisfaction is also salient; cohabiters who are highly satisfied with their romantic unions are less likely to report misuse than cohabiters who are less satisfied in their relationships. Additionally, being highly satisfied at work predicts a lower likelihood of misuse, but only among cohabiters. Overall, age-graded theory is useful for understanding nonmedical prescription drug use, although romantic relationship bonds are generally more con...
Adverse Events in Multimodal Treatment Therapies for High-Grade Gliomas

T reatment for malignant glioma continues to evolve, and with each new advance in treatment modality there is a slight increase in overall and progression-free survival. armustine wafer treatment and systemic temozolomide plus adiotherapy have both been shown to increase patient survivorhip (8, 9). However, it is important to analyze the adverse events nd potential complications that may occur with combined treatent modalities. Initial placebo-controlled trials with carmustine afers reported numerous adverse events, the most frequent eing new onset seizures, cerebral edema, wound healing abormalities, and intracranial infection (7). Many studies are now sing carmustine wafer implantation in combination with radiaion therapy and adjuvant temozolomide chemotherapy, although vidence that this triple combination is effective is still anecdotal. n addition, the full extent of the adverse events associated with uch a combination has not been explored. In this issue, Della uppa et al. (2) in their article, “Carmustine Wafers Implantation hen Surgical Cavity Is Communicating With Cerebral Ventriles: Technical Considerations on a Clinical Series,” explore one f the lesser mentioned adverse events associated with carmusine wafers, hydrocephalus.
Some disconjugacy criteria for differential equations with oscillatory coefficients

We determine conditions on the coefficients of both second and fourth order differential operators which give disconjugacy. The conditions exploit the change of sign of the coefficients to show how the change of sign enhances disconjugacy. An application is given to the stability of solutions of equations with periodic coefficients. Focal point and other boundary conditions are considered as well, and sufficient conditions are given which imply the nonexistence of nontrivial solutions of the differential equations satisfying the boundary conditions. Some open problems are stated for the minimization of certain nonlinear functionals. (© 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effects of end groups on thermodynamics of polymer blends III LCST phase diagrams

Abstract The effect of end group substitution on the phase behavior of blends of poly(styrene) (PS) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME) is characterized by determination of experimental cloud point curves. Incorporation of a fluorosilane end group on PS increases the lower critical solution temperature by 10 °C indicating enhanced miscibility. The end group effect is modeled by a modification of Sanchez–Lacombe–Balazs (SLB) theory that employs binary interaction theory to account for the end group effect. The increased miscibility is quantitatively predicted by the modified theory when binary interaction parameters are calculated by group contribution methods. SLB theory is also compared to phase diagrams of PS/PVME blends previously reported by Halary et al., and Yang et al., but fails to reproduce the observed behavior over the entire molecular weight range. Optimal fits of these data yield interaction energy parameters that are molecular weight dependent, suggesting that the SLB theory may require molecular weight dependent equation of state parameters in order to reproduce the phase behavior of polymer blends.
Cyclic AMP in the plasma of chronic schizophrenics, before and after treatment

Abstract 1. 1. Concentrations of cAMP in plasma were measured by a protein binding method in a selected group of 10 chronic schizophrenics before and after pimozide treatment. Subjects were hospitalized for a mean period of 23.7 years and had not received any physical treatment for 1–10 years. Ten age-matched volunteers from the hospital staff, served as controls. 2. 2. Before treatment, cAMP in the patient group was not significantly different from control values. After pimozide (8 mg/day for one month) there was a striking decrease of cAMP by far exceeding normal levels (p 3. 3. The “overshooting” effect of pimozide on cAMP provides evidence of inadequate mechanisms of compensation in schizophrenia.
Modeling and forecasting the time series of US fertility: age distribution, range, and ultimate level.

Abstract To develop high-low bounds for population projections, traditional demographic forecasts assume fertility is always high or always low. Such bounds are related to bounds on average annual fertility up to year t rather than to individual year bounds in time series forecasts, and so the autocorrelation of time series forecast errors is important in practical applications. This paper develops methods for using time series methods to make constrained long term forecasts of fertility. Specifically, age-time variations in fertility are modeled with a single time-varying parameter, or fertility index; upper and lower bounds on the total fertility rate are imposed by forecasting an inverse logistic transform of the fertility index; the long run level of the fertility forecast is also constrained to equal a prespecified level. The principal interest is in the variance and the autocorrelation structure of the forecast errors. Based on these for the USA we conclude: (1) the probability interval for average fertility up to time t begins to contract after about 50 years, but only very slightly: (2) the probability interval for average fertility up to year 2065 is about three-fifths as wide as that for single year fertility in 2065, but is still far wider than the band for official forecasts; (3) realizations of the simple ARMA (1,0,1) forecast model exhibit long fluctuations something like actual fertility in industrial nations; (4) the model of fertility age patterns fits poorly at older ages, but may be adequate for present purposes.
The recidivism of mental patients: a review of past studies.

A review of studies on readmission of patients to mental hospitals uncovered only one variable that consistently predicted the rehospitalization of mental patients: the number of previous admissions. It is suggested that the tendency of the psychiatric profession to search for a determinant of rehospitalization in diagnostic and psychopathological terms results in too narrow a focus, and that social processes contribute in large measure to patient readmission rates.
The management of hyponatremia in HIV disease

Hyponatremia is reported to be the most common electrolyte abnormality encountered in clinical prac- tice. Diagnosis and principles of management of hy- ponatremia are everyday issues in patient care. Inter- est has also been generated by its association with adverse prognosis from studies in specific disease groups. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease are living longer and medical diseases similar to the general population are more frequently encountered in them. Hyponatremia has been ob- served to be widely prevalent in both hospitalized and outpatient HIV patients, although population-based estimates are not known. From case series, these pa- tients appear to be at greater risk for the development of hyponatremia from pathomechanisms encountered in the non-HIV population. In addition, certain HIV- specific mechanisms from infectious etiologies, endo- crine causes, and medications are unique to them. Us- ing an illustrative case as an example, in the following review, we discuss the varied etiologies, pathogenetic mechanisms , clinical features, diagnosis, and outline the management of hyponatremia in HIV patients.
Abdominal distention and renal failure in a neonate

A term male neonate presented to his paediatrician for a routine follow-up after hospital discharge. Prenatal care had been excellent and labour and delivery had been unremarkable. He had been feeding, gaining weight and was not in distress though significant abdominal distention was noted. Lab tests revealed electrolytes derangements, metabolic acidosis and renal failure. An ultrasound revealed severe unilateral hydronephrosis and echogenic kidneys. A voiding cystourethrogram revealed the definitive diagnosis which was posterior urethral valves.
The metH gene from Salmonella typhimurium LT2: cloning and initial characterization

A 19-kb EcoRI DNA fragment carrying the metH gene of Salmonella typhimurium LT2 was cloned into plasmid vector pACYC184 and propagated in Escherichia coli K-12. The size of the metH gene product was observed to be approx. 120 kDa, as determined by SDS-polyacrylamide gel analysis of plasmid-specific polypeptides synthesized in a minicell system. The direction of transcription of the metH gene relative to the cloned fragment was determined, and the positions of translation initiation and termination were estimated.
Acetaldehyde decreases the antitryptic activity of α1-proteinase inhibitor

Abstract The trypsin-inhibiting activity of human serum is lowered upon addition of formaldehyde or acetaldehyde thereto. Acetaldehyde reacts with α −1 -proteinase inhibitor ( α 1 -PI) to decrease its trypsin-inhibiting ability. Acetaldehyde has only a slight effect on the tryptic hydrolysis of benzoyl-dl-arginine-p-nitroanilide. It did not decrease the inhibitory activity of the Kunitz inhibitor (Aprotinin) or soybean trypsin inhibitor. Since aldehydes form covalent products with primary amines, primary amides, arginine, tyrosine, and tryptophan in protein, as well as methylene bridges thereby crosslinking functional groups, it is proposed that one or more such interactions affect α 1 -PI activity. It is further suggested that chronically high levels of acetaldehyde, as a metabolic product of ethanol, may be a contributory factor to the generation of pancreatitis in alcoholics by possibly lowering the effective α 1 -PI level which is a natural protective element from proteolysis by trypsin.
Impact of cardiac growth on Doppler tissue imaging velocities: a study in healthy children.

Abstract Background Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) is a useful modality to quantitatively assess regional myocardial function. Studies attempting to establish reference values for DTI velocities in healthy children have been limited by small sample sizes and limited age distribution. In addition, the clinical effect of cardiac growth and other demographic and echocardiographic parameters on DTI velocities during childhood has not been adequately evaluated. Methods Pulsed wave DTI velocities were obtained in 325 healthy children at the lateral mitral annulus, interventricular septum, and lateral tricuspid annulus during early diastole, late diastole, and ventricular systole and were compared with demographic and echocardiographic study variables. Results In healthy children, parameters of cardiac growth, most notably left ventricular end-diastolic dimension, have the most significant correlation with the majority of DTI velocities. Age was also significantly correlated with most DTI velocities whereas sex, heart rate, and other echocardiographic parameters demonstrated minimal or no correlation. Conclusions This study establishes reference values for DTI velocities and demonstrates the important clinical effects of cardiac growth and age on DTI velocities in neonates and children.
University Professors' Self-Descriptions of Left-Right Confusability: Sex and Handedness Differences:

In a group of 364 university faculty members, frequency of self-reported confusion in left-right orientation was related to sex and handedness: among women, reports were statistically more common among left-handers than right-handers; among men, no relationship to handedness was evident. Over-all, women reported experiencing confusion more often than men did.
Effectiveness in Catalyzing Carboalumination Can Be Inferred from the Rate of Dissociation of M/Al Dimers

The rate constants for the dissociation of AlMe3 from [2][B(C6F5)4] and related M/Al dimers have been determined by selective population inversion (1H NMR). The results predictcorrectlythat (EBI)ZrMe+ will be a better carboalumination catalyst than (EBTHI)ZrMe+.
Exploratory data analysis of the multilevel anthropogenic copper cycle.

A comprehensive multilevel contemporary cycle for stocks and flows of copper is analyzed by the tools of exploratory data analysis (EDA). The analysis is performed at three discrete spatial levelscountry (56 countries or country groups that comprise essentially all anthropogenic stocks and flows of copper), eight world regions, and the planet as a whole. Among the most interesting results are the following: (1) EDA is employable and valuable for use in the analysis of material flows, especially those across multiple spatial levels; (2) All distributions of country-level stock and flow data are highly skewed, a few countries having large magnitudes, many having small magnitudes; (3) Rates of fabrication of copper-containing products for the countries are poorly correlated with rates of extraction, reflecting the fact that many countries that extract copper do not fabricate products from copper to any significant degree and vice versa; (4) Virtually all countries are adding copper to stock (in pipe, wire, ...
Differential effect of pertussis toxin on adenosine and muscarinic inhibition of cyclic AMP accumulation in canine ventricular myocytes

Abstract Cyclic AMP regulation by muscarinic and adenosine receptors was investigated in isolated canine ventricular myocytes. Both the muscarinic receptor agonist, carbachol, and the adenosine receptor agonist, phenylisopropyladenosine, decreased isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in a concentration-dependent manner. Carbachol was more potent than phenylisopropyladenosine and had a greater inhibitory effect. At 10−6 m , carbachol reduced isoproterenol-stimulated cyclic AMP by 73 ± 5% while 10−3 m phenylisopropyladenosine was required to decrease cyclic AMP accumulation by 54 ± 8%. Pretreatment of myocytes with pertussis toxin to inactivate the inhibitory guanine nucleotide binding protein, Gi, completely abolished the effect of phenylisopropyladenosine to reduce cyclic AMP stimulation. In comparison, pertussis toxin treatment blunted the response to carbachol and shifted the dose-effect curve to the right but did not eliminate the inhibitory action of carbachol. In toxin-treated myocytes, 10−3 m carbachol produced a 26 ± 6% reduction of isoproterenol-induced cyclic AMP accumulation. This pertussis toxin-insensitive action of carbachol was antagonized by atropine and pirenzepine and was prevented when either of two different phosphodiesterase inhibitors, RO-20-1724 or isobutylmethylxanthine, was included in the incubation medium. The results indicate that adenosine receptor-mediated inhibition of hormone-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulation in ventricular myocytes occurs by a single, Gi-dependent mechanism while muscarinic inhibition appears to involve both Gi-dependent and Gi-independent mechanisms. The Gi-independent mechanism may reflect enhanced phosphodiesterase activity which results from the activation of muscarinic receptors.
A Raman Spectroscopic Study of Vapor Deposited Poly(N,N'- bis(phenoxyphenyl)pyromellitimide) Films

Abstract : Raman spectra have been obtained for thin (ca. 200 nm) poly(N,N'- bis(phenoxyphenyl)pyromellitimide) films produced by co-deposition of 4,4'- oxydianiline and pyrometallic dianhydride onto polycrystalline copper substrates from the vapor phase. It is demonstrated that even severe overdosing with one of the starting materials produces material which, after curing, is spectroscopically identifiable as polyimide. The details of the spectra obtained are, however, variable according to the dosing and curing conditions and, in some cases are substantially different from those characteristic solutions cast films. These differences are attributed to the presence of reaction products formed by the attach on imide carbonyls by unreacted amines in the matrix to form branched polymer chains. Imides.
REVERSIBILITY OF THE LIOUVILLE EQUATION AND THE APPROACH TO EQUILIBRIUM

Abstract Two real solutions for the Liouville equation exist for a system whose number of degrees of freedom N → ∞ and volume V → ∞ with N/V finite. One solution is obtainable from the other by replacing τ, the time elapsed from the initial state by -τ. Reversibility requires the existence of both solutions. One of the solutions converges as τ → ∞. This is the solution which describes the approach to equilibrium in the work of Prigogine's group. The other solution which diverges as τ → ∞ is not allowed physically, in accordance with a causality principle. The admission of only one of the two solutions introduces irreversibility. The convergence of the allowed solution as τ → ∞ results from the continuous character of the spectrum of the Liouville operator in the infinite limit, which gives rise to a Cauchy integral in the distribution function of the infinite system. The result that the distribution function for the entire infinite system converges as τ → ∞ is obtained without the use of perturbation theory. It is an extension of previous work by Prigogine's group demonstrating convergence of reduced distribution functions. The result does not require specific initial conditions or assumptions about the nature of the singularities of the Cauchy integral. The evolution of an infinite system is governed by a Hermitian transformation instead of a unitary transformation as for a finite system. In the infinite limit the Liouville operator becomes anti-Hermitian. Solutions of the adjoint Liouville equation and the inhomogeneous Liouville equation for infinite systems are also described.
Planar Monolithic Fiber Optic Receiver Chip On A Gaas Semi-Insulating Substrate

The fabrication and performance of a monolihtic optical receiver chip consisting of a pin photodiode and a transimpedance preamplifier on a GaAs semi-insulating substrate is reported. The epitaxial layers for the photodiode are grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy and the circuit elements are fabricated by selective ion implantation in the semi-insulating substrate. The integration scheme results in a planar surface which simplifies the processing of optoelectronic integrated chips.
Orexin receptor activity in the basal forebrain alters performance on an olfactory discrimination task

Cholinergic innervation of the prefrontal cortex is critical for various forms of cognition, although the efferent modulators contributing to acetylcholine (ACh) release are not well understood. The main source of cortical ACh, the basal forebrain, receives projections from lateral and perifornical hypothalamic neurons releasing the peptides orexin (orexin A; OxA, and orexin B; OxB), of which OxA is hypothesized to play a role in various cognitive functions. We sought to assess one such function known to be susceptible to basal forebrain cholinergic manipulation, olfactory discrimination acquisition, and reversal learning, in rats following intra-basal forebrain infusion of OxA or the orexin 1 receptor (OxR1) antagonist SB-334867. OxA administration facilitated, while OxR1 antagonism impaired performance on both the acquisition and reversal portions of the task. These data suggest that orexin acting in the basal forebrain may be important for cortical-dependant executive functions, possibly through the stimulation of cortical ACh release.
The method and madness of publishing

Publishing papers involves bureaucratic and clerical challenges. Marwan Azar suggests ways to cope.
Imazaquin Spray Retention, Foliar Washoff and Runoff Losses under Simulated Rainfall

Spray retention and foliar washoff of imazaquin in smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.) and sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia (L.) Irwin and Barneby) were investigated. Imazaquin (70 g AI ha -1 ) was applied alone, with nonionic surfactant 'X-77' or organosilicone-based nonionic surfactant 'Kinetic' to plants at two- to five-leaf stage and subjected to 2.5 cm rainfall in 20 min either 1 or 24 h after application. Imazaquin spray retention was higher with adjuvants than without. Retention was similar between adjuvants in smooth pigweed but 'Kinetic' retained twice as much imazaquin as 'X-77' in sicklepod. Rainfall 1 h after application washed off three-quarters of foliar residues regardless of plant species or adjuvant. However, at 24 h after application, foliar washoff was lowest with 'Kinetic' followed by 'X-77' in both species. Imazaquin washoff ranged from 33 to 88% in the two species at 24 h after application. Overall, imazaquin activity was similar with either adjuvant in smooth pigweed but 'Kinetic' was more effective than 'X-77' in sicklepod. Runoff losses from the surface of a Bosket sandy loam (Mollic Hapludalfs) soil in runoff trays (1.2% slope) were also studied. Imazaquin was applied as above to trays with and without smooth pigweed canopy. A 2.5-cm rainfall was applied in 20 min at 24 h after application. Runoff samples collected in one-litre fractions were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sediment (but not water) in runoff was greatly reduced (56%) by pigweed cover as compared to bare trays. Imazaquin in the first litre of runoff was higher than in subsequent runoff fractions regardless of pigweed cover. Total imazaquin lost in runoff was higher in pigweed cover (23%) than bare trays (16% of applied). Imazaquin concentration in 10-20 cm soil depth in pigweed cover trays was higher than in bare trays. These results suggest that imazaquin is vulnerable to foliar washoff and the herbicide washed off could move in the aqueous phase due to shorter contact time with soil for sorption.
What's wrong with contextualism?

This paper addresses two worries that might be raised about contextualism in epistemology and that carry over to its moral analogues: that contextualism robs epistemology (and moral theory) of a proper subject-matter, and that contextualism robs knowledge claims (and moral claims) of their objectivity. Two theses are defended: (1) that these worries are appropriately directed at interest-dependent theories in general rather than at contextualism in particular, and (2) that the two worries are over-stated in any case. Finally, the paper offers some considerations in favour of attributor contextualism over ‘subject-sensitive invariantism’, both in epistemology and in moral theory. But here we note an interesting result: the very considerations that support contextualism as a semantic thesis, threaten to rob that position of its anti-sceptical force.
Acetyl-Coenzyme A Carboxylase Messenger Ribonucleic Acid Metabolism in Liver, Adipose Tissues, and Mammary Glands During Pregnancy and Lactation

In the rat, the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase gene exists as a single copy per haploid chromosome set. However, multiple forms of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA exist, the relative abundance of which varies in a tissue-specific manner under different physiological conditions. In the mammary gland, the major acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA species are of the class 2 type, which are products of promoter II. In parametrial white adipose tissue, the main form of species of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase is of the class 1 type, which are produced by promoter I. Pregnancy and lactation affect the amounts of these acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA. Although the mammary gland acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA species increase dramatically upon parturition, the parametrial white adipose tissue forms decrease precipitously at the same time and are not expressed at all during the lactation period. In the liver of these animals, the only form of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA that is expressed is the FL56 form; this form shows a modest decrease during pregnancy that is slowly reversed during lactation. These observations indicate that the changes in lipogenesis that occur during pregnancy and lactation are determined by the transcriptional activity of the acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase gene. In order to analyze the complex transcriptional activity of this gene in a meaningful way, it is necessary to examine the metabolism of individual isoforms of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase mRNA.
American import policy and the world oil market

Abstract The cartel of the producing nations dams up the great potential oil surplus and is rapidly increasing prices and undermining security of supply. American imports, even as projected, are too small to remove the surplus and should be disregarded; American policy has thus far strengthened the cartel, might change, and should be carefully observed.
Sulfate transport in normal and cystic fibrosis fibroblasts.

Abstract The glycoconjugate component of cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelial secretions is abnormally sulfated. Previous studies have suggested that some but not all CF fibroblasts express this secondary defect. We tested the hypothesis that the major CF mutation ( Δ F 508 Δ F 508 ) is correlated with elevated sulfate transport, by measuring the rates of saturable and nonsaturable [35S]SO42− uptake in skin fibroblasts isolated from CF patients of known genotype. No significant differences were apparent between normal and CF fibroblasts.
Atomic layer deposition of LSM cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells

For solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to succeed as a next-generation, clean energy conversion device, they must be made to run more efficiently at low temperatures < 500 °C. To improve electrode kinetics at these lower temperatures, we investigate using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to fabricate mixed electronic-ionic conducting electrodes of (LaxSr1 − x)MnO3 (LSM). Lanthanum oxide was grown from La(Me4Cp)3 and water with a source temperature of 220 °C with a stoichiometry of La2O3. Strontium oxide was grown from Sr(n-PrMe4Cp)2 and water with a precursor sublimation temperature of 210 °C and a stoichiometry of SrO, with little carbon contamination. Manganese oxide was grown from Mn(Me4Cp)2 at a source temperature of 180 °C and water as oxidant; the stoichiometry was confirmed to be MnO2. LSM was grown at a growth rate of ∼ 3.5 nm/cycle, where one cycle was composed of the following sequence: La/H2O/La/H2O/Mn/H2O/Sr/H2O/Mn/H2O/La/H2O/La/H2O. LSM was crystalline as deposited when grown on crystalline yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates. On fuel cells with LSM as the 95 nm thick, dense cathode, 100 nm thick, dense YSZ as electrolyte, and porous 80 nm thick Pt anode, a peak power density of 0.2 μW/cm2 was achieved at 450 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy shows that low oxygen diffusivity in LSM and slow kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction on LSM were the limiting resistances in the fuel cell, suggesting that LSM is not an optimal low temperature cathode.
On the Limits of Dr. Black's Powers

Evaluation de l'objection opposee par H. Frankfurt a l'inference entre la responsabilite morale et le principe des possibilites alternatives, dans le cadre du debat incompatibiliste sur le determinisme et la liberte. Examinant l'argument du Docteur Black chez Frankfurt, l'A. met en evidence une forme de responsabilite derivee dans l'hypothese d'une intervention du neurologue aupres de son patient, motivee par la volonte, la connaissance et les competences de l'agent.
Evidence for the Existence of Sulfur-Doped Fullerenes from Elucidation of Their Photophysical Properties

Evidence is presented that carbon atoms of the hollow fullerene cage can be replaced by sulfur atoms, as has been suggested theoretically. S-doped fullerenes are obtained by arc-vaporization of graphite in the presence of thiophene or 3-methylthiophene. Mass spectra indicate the dominant processes are the substitutions of pairs of carbon atoms by sulfur atoms with the predominant ratios of sulfur to replaced carbon pairs being 1, 1/3, or 1/4. Fractions that contain a large group of such compounds with a substantial S enrichment can be collected by column chromatography, but no single pure compound can be isolated. Since the mass spectra can be interpreted in alternate ways involving S incorporation as an adduct, evidence was sought for their existence from a detailed study of the fluorescence of these species. The fluorescence emission spectra are red-shifted from and consistent with absorption spectra and can be attributed to the emission from symmetry-broken distorted S-doped derivatives of fullerenes. ...
Population Genetics and Gene Variation in Secondary Screwworm (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Allozyme variation in 4 populations of secondary screwworm, Cochliomyia macellaria (F.), representing North, Central, and South America was examined. Variability was observed in 12 of 13 enzyme loci, and the frequency of the most common allele was <0.95 for 6 loci. Observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.149 and 0.154, respectively. Nei's genetic distances were ≤0.001. Goodness-of-fit statistics for Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and Wright's F IS statistics indicated random mating within populations. Wright's F ST statistics and chi-square contingency analyses indicated homogeneous gene frequencies among the populations. These data suggest that C. macellaria is a panmictic species with high levels of gene flow between populations.
Status and prospects for polarimetry in high energy astrophysics

Abstract The recent detection of linear polarization from GRB120206 has piqued the interest of the community in this relatively unexplored avenue of research. Here, we review the current status and prospects for polarimetry at hard X-ray and soft γ-ray energies. After reviewing the basic principles of making polarization measurements at these energies, we give an overview of the most recent results and present a brief survey of current and planned experiments that are capable of making polarization measurements in the energy range between 30 keV and 30 MeV.
Accumulation of Round-Off Error in Fast Fourier Transforms

The fast Fourier transform (FFT) is an algorithm to compute the discrete Fourier coefficients with a substantial time saving over conventional methods. The finite word length used in the computer causes an error in computing the Fourier coefficients. This paper derives explicit expressions for the mean square error in the FFT when floating-point arithmetics are used. Upper and lower bounds for the total relative mean square error are given. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the actual error observed by taking the FFT of data sequences.
Mechanism of Persistent Protein Kinase D1 Translocation and Activation

Abstract The specificity of many signal transduction pathways relies on the spatiotemporal features of each signaling step. G protein-coupled receptor-mediated activation of protein kinases leads to diverse cellular effects. Upon receptor activation, PKD1 and several C-type protein kinases (PKCs), translocate to the plasma membrane and become catalytically active. Here we show that, unlike PKCs, PKD1 remains active at the membrane for hours. The two DAG binding C1 domains of PKD1 have distinct functional roles in targeting and maintaining PKD1 at the plasma membrane. C1A achieves fast, maximal, and reversible translocation, while C1B translocates partially, but persistently, to the plasma membrane. The persistent localization requires the C1B domain of PKD1, which binds Gαq. We incorporate the kinetics of PKD1 translocation into a three-state model that suggests how PKD1 binding to DAG and Gαq uniquely encodes frequency-dependent PKD1 signaling.
Abstract 4893: USP7 modulates UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitylation by regulating DNA polymerase eta stability

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA DNA polymerase eta (Polη), a product of the Xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV) gene, plays a unique role in translesion DNA synthesis (TLS). It is a short-lived proteasomally degraded protein and its steady-state level is tightly controlled by multiple pathways. In this study, we have identified the deubiquitylating enzyme ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7) as a novel regulator of Polη stability. Polη and USP7 interact in vitro and in vivo. Overexpression of wild-type USP7, but not its interaction-defective and catalytic mutants, deubiquitylate Polη and increase its steady-state level. The data demonstrate that both physical interaction and catalytic activity of USP7 are necessary for Polη deubiquitylation and stability regulation. Interestingly, knockout of USP7 also increased the steady-state levels and slowed the turnover of both Polη and p53, which is likely caused by destabilizing MDM2, a targeting E3 ligase for ubiquitylation of both Polη and p53. Furthermore, ectopic expression of USP7 upregulated the UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitylation. In contrast, UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitylation was not observed in XPV cells ectopically expressing USP7. Taken together, our results demonstrated that USP7 facilitates UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitylation by directly and indirectly regulating Polη stability. (The work was supported by grants from NIH.) Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Jiang Qian, Qianzhen Zhu, Kyle Pentz, Jinshan He, Qien Wang, Altaf A. Wani. USP7 modulates UV-induced PCNA monoubiquitylation by regulating DNA polymerase eta stability. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 4893. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-4893
The spatial symmetric forms of third-order nonlinear susceptibility

A computer program is developed to generate the spatial symmetric forms of the third-order susceptibility tensor. Mistakes in the trigonal crystal classes (Butcher's "32" and Zhao's "3") were discovered and corrected. A completely corrected table for the third-order susceptibility is presented.
Molecular Rings Around Interstellar Bubbles and the Thickness of Star-Forming Clouds

The winds and radiation from massive stars clear out large cavities in the interstellar medium. These bubbles, as they have been called, impact their surrounding molecular clouds and may influence the formation of stars therein. Here we present James Clerk Maxwell Telescope observations of the J = 3-2 line of CO in 43 bubbles identified with Spitzer Space Telescope observations. These spectroscopic data reveal the three-dimensional structure of the bubbles. In particular, we show that the cold gas lies in a ring, not a sphere, around the bubbles indicating that the parent molecular clouds are flattened with a typical thickness of a few parsecs. We also mapped seven bubbles in the J = 4-3 line of HCO+ and find that the column densities inferred from the CO and HCO+ line intensities are below that necessary for collect and collapse models of induced star formation. We hypothesize that the flattened molecular clouds are not greatly compressed by expanding shock fronts, which may hinder the formation of new stars.
Water sharing among ramets in a desert population of Distichlis spicata (Poaceae).

Clonal growth enables plants to transport resources among separately rooted but connected ramets, a potential advantage in patchy or unpredictable habitats. Nevertheless, clonal plants are relatively scarce in deserts. To test whether clonal integration of water relations can increase plant performance under natural conditions in a desert species, water movement was traced and connection among ramets was manipulated in the rhizomatous grass Distichlis spicata in Death Valley, California. To examine potential costs of clonal growth form, connections were mapped and analyzed for dry mass and nitrogen content. Movement of dye showed potential transport of water among five ramets up to 1.4 m apart. Severance of connecting rhizomes increased mortality and decreased water potential of individual ramets within 36 hr, indicating that water sharing among ramets could be of significant benefit. However, plants had a high investment of mass and nitrogen in underground organs, which might be a cost of clonal growth associated with desert environments. Clonal growth allows plants to transport substances among connected but potentially selfsufficient ramets (Pitelka and Ashmun, 1985;
Poliomyelitis in pregnancy: effect on fetus and newborn infant.

Summary 1. A prospective study was made of the outcome of gestation following the occurrence of poliomyelitis in New York City from 1949 to 1953, inclusive. During this period eighty-seven pregnancies, which resulted in eighty-eight products of gestation, were investigated. Sixty-five fetuses were associated with paralytic poliomyelitis during gestation and twenty-three with nonparalytic poliomyelitis. 2. There was no evidence of an increase in congenital defects, and inconclusive evidence of an increase in prematurity. 3. Fetal deaths were observed in from 35 to 46 per cent of the pregnancies complicated by the onset of poliomyelitis in the first trimester of gestation. Most of these fetal deaths were delivered within two weeks of the onset of clinical infection, and appeared to be directly related to the occurrence of poliomyelitis in the mother. 4. An increase in the incidence of neonatal poliomyelitis was observed which was associated with paralytic maternal infection shortly before delivery. 5. An increase in the neonatal mortality rate was noted which was related to neonatal poliomyelitis and to anoxemia following post-mortem cesarean section in women dying of bulbar poliomyelitis.