cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid binding profile of the liver X receptor α

Liver X receptor (LXR)α is a nuclear receptor that responds to oxysterols and cholesterol overload by stimulating cholesterol efflux, transport, conversion to bile acids, and excretion. LXRα binds to and is regulated by synthetic (T-0901317, GW3695) and endogenous (oxysterols) ligands. LXRα activity is also modulated by FAs, but the ligand binding specificity of FA and acyl-CoA derivatives for LXRα remains unknown. We investigated whether LXRα binds FA or FA acyl-CoA with affinities that mimic in vivo concentrations, examined the effect of FA chain length and the degree of unsaturation on binding, and investigated whether FAs regulate LXRα activation. Saturated medium-chain FA (MCFA) displayed binding affinities in the low nanomolar concentration range, while long-chain fatty acyl-CoA did not bind or bound weakly to LXRα. Circular dichroic spectra and computational docking experiments confirmed that MCFA bound to the LXRα ligand binding pocket similar to the known synthetic agonist of LXRα (T0901317), but with limited change to the conformation of the receptor. Transactivation assays showed that MCFA activated LXRα, whereas long-chain FA caused no effect. Our results suggest that LXRα functions as a receptor for saturated FA or acyl-CoA of C10 and C12 in length.
Properties of NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase from human neutrophils

An NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity of ca. 170 nmole ferricyanide reduced/min/10(7) cells is present in the membrane fraction of human neutrophils. This membrane-bound activity constitutes ca. 85% of the total NADH-ferricyanide reductase activity that is present in these cells. The enzyme(s) readily utilize(s) purified cytochrome-b5 from beef liver as an electron acceptor. No other physiologic electron acceptors tested (e.g., ubiquinone-30, menadione) were active. The specificities of electron donors (e.g., NADH congruent to deamino-NADH much greater than NADPH) and acceptors (e.g., Fe(CN)6-3 greater than 2,6-dichlorophenol-indophenol much greater than O2) for the enzyme(s) in unfractionated membranes, along with action of inhibitors (e.g., ADP, p-chloromercuribenzoate) and the pH optimum, indicate that virtually all of the membrane-bound ferricyanide reductase activity in these cells is NADH-cytochrome-b5 reductase. This reductase, however, is only slightly solubilized (ca. 10%) by a phosphate buffer extraction procedure that is effective with the liver enzyme.
Agapeic Theism: Personifying Evidence and Moral Struggle

The epistemology of monotheism offered by philosophers has given inadequate attention to the kind of foundational evidence to be expected of a personal God whose moral character is agapeic , or perfectly loving, toward all other agents. This article counters this deficiency with the basis of a theistic epistemology that accommodates the distinctive moral character of a God worthy of worship. It captures the widely neglected agonic , or struggle-oriented, character of a God who seeks, by way of personal witness and intentional action, to realize and manifest agape among humans who suffer from selfishness. In doing so, the article identifies the overlooked role of personifying evidence of God in human moral character formation. In agreement with some prominent New Testament themes, the new perspective offered ties the epistemology of monotheism to robust agapeic morality in a way that makes such epistemology ethically challenging for inquirers about God’s existence. Accordingly, such theistic epistemology will no longer be a candidate for ethically neutral, spectator reflection.
Reanalyses Depictions of the Arctic Atmospheric Moisture Budget

The atmospheric hydrologic cycle over the Arctic basin has significant relevance to a variety of research interests. Variability in the sources and sinks of the Arctic freshwater budget has received increased attention as a result of recent studies which suggest the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation as a potential climatic change mechanism. North Atlantic conditions are intimately related to the Arctic via ice and freshwater discharges through the Fram Strait [1]. Modeling studies have also suggested that the Arctic is a location of enhanced sensitivity to possible anthropogenic influences (e.g. Kattenberg et al. [2]). The monitoring of high latitude atmospheric moisture parameters has thus received a high priority from research organizations (e.g. Walsh [3]).
A Modular Microfluidic System for Cell Pre-concentration and Genetic Sample Preparation

A modular system containing mixers, incubation unit, and cell capture unit has been developed using polymer microfluidic chips. A custom interfacing scheme has been used to assemble individual chips into the functional system. This system has been used to perform cell pre-concentration from a complex sample matrix allowing for carrying out assays on rare cell targets appearing in low concentrations in the analyzed sample. We demonstrate that 2 ml of the sample can be processed in a cell capture modular system with cell capture efficiency of 53 and 37% for PBS- and blood-based samples, respectively. We also show that these capture rates are strongly dependent on the effectiveness of pre-capture mixing between the cell containing sample and bead-antibody complexes.
Chemoselective Reduction of Phosphine Oxides by 1,3-Diphenyl-Disiloxane.

Reduction of phosphine oxides to the corresponding phosphines represents the most straightforward method to prepare these valuable reagents. However, existing methods to reduce phosphine oxides suffer from inadequate chemoselectivity due to the strength of the P=O bond and/or poor atom economy. Herein, we report the discovery of the most powerful chemoselective reductant for this transformation to date, 1,3-diphenyl-disiloxane (DPDS). Additive-free DPDS selectively reduces both secondary and tertiary phosphine oxides with retention of configuration even in the presence of aldehyde, nitro, ester, α,β-unsaturated carbonyls, azocarboxylates, and cyano functional groups. Arrhenius analysis indicates that the activation barrier for reduction by DPDS is significantly lower than any previously calculated silane reduction system. Inclusion of a catalytic Bronsted acid further reduced the activation barrier and led to the first silane-mediated reduction of acyclic phosphine oxides at room temperature.
Three aspecific ATPase in Trichomonas vaginalis

1. Three aspecific ATPases were found in the sedimentible fractions of Trichomonas vaginalis. 2. One, with a pH optimum of 5.5, was equally activated by Ca2+ or Mg2+, moderately stable, preferred nucleotide diphosphates as substrates, and was inhibited by vanadate, oligomycin, nitrate and Na+. 3. A second, with a pH optimum of 7.5, was activated by Mg2+, preferred guanosine diphosphate as substrate, and was the least stable and most subject to inhibitors (vanadate, oligomycin, NEM, NBD-Cl, azide and Cl-). 4. The third, pH optimum 8.0, was activated by Ca2+, was latent and the most stable, reacted equally well with nucleotide tri- or diphosphates, and was the least susceptible to inhibitors (vanadate and NEM). 5. All exhibited proton-translocating ability.
Choosing alternative treatments for children.

Balancing parents' rights to raise their children and a state's duty to protect children is no easy task. Even though most states have religious exemptions to child abuse or neglect laws, courts have ruled in favor of both parents and states, depending on the circumstances.
Evaluation of the Competitive Environment for White Pine (Pinus strobus L.) Seedlings Planted on Prescribed Burn Sites in the Southern Appalachians

We evaluated the competitive environment around planted white pine (Pinus strobus L.) seedlings and monitored the response of seedling growth to competition from naturally regenerating herbaceous and woody species for 2 yr after prescribed burning. We eval- uated the ability of distance-independent and distance-dependent competition indices to predict resource availability, determined if white pine seedlings responded to resource reduction by competitors, and identified species-specific contributions to the competitive environment through canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Distance-independent measures of competition were not as well correlated with pine seedling growth as were distance-dependent measures. In 1991, competition was less important in 1991 than in 1992, and ordinating the species with CCA failed to improve the predictability of the competitive environment. By 1992, competition became more important, and individual species had differing effects on pine growth; we found that light was the most important resource limiting diameter growth and that the tall tree species were responsible for reduced light availability to pine seedlings. F OR . %I. 41(3):513-530.
Reworking the Template: The Financial Crisis and Housing Transitions of Older Americans

This chapter highlights the impact of the global financial crisis on older Americans who were planning to voluntarily relocate in its aftermath, illustrating how the instability of the world economy played out in the individual lives of older adults within different social, environmental, and economic contexts. Older Americans are “reworking the template,” or reassessing their approaches to analyzing their housing options. Drawing from an ethnographic study (January 2009–May 2012) of older Americans relocating (n = 81), this chapter shows the various ways this population addresses housing concerns including (1) reconfiguring relationships between sellers and buyers (2) rethinking home ownership (3) reconsidering moving and (4) redirecting resources. As the effects of the recession may be long-term and continue to influence actions of older Americans in particular ways, the chapter concludes with suggestions for professionals working with older Americans who are facing these concerns and decisions.
Roles and Sources of Calcium in Synaptic Exocytosis

Ca2+ triggers neurotransmitter release. The release rate is supralinearly related to Ca2+ concentration. The sources of Ca2+ triggering synaptic vesicle fusion include influx through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane and release from the endoplasmic reticulum through ryanodine receptors. Mitochondria may also play a role in regulating presynaptic Ca2+ concentration. This chapter addresses the roles of Ca2+ in evoked and spontaneous neurotransmitter release, the relationship between neurotransmitter release rate and Ca2+ concentration, the sources of Ca2+ at the presynaptic nerve terminal, and the mechanisms by which the Ca2+ concentrations necessary for triggering synaptic exocytosis are achieved at the presynaptic site.
History of vascular graft development

Synthetic vascular grafts developed beginning in the 1950s as a consequence of observations of Voorhees in the late 1940s and early 1950s that a synthetic fabric made from Vinyon "N" became coated with a smooth, relatively nonthrombogenic surface when implanted in the dog's aorta. Earlier efforts to modify human and other mammalian aortas-denaturation, freeze drying, and the like, were unsuccessful because of gradual breakdown and aneurysm formation. Desirable qualities of a graft included that it was bloodtight after interstitial clotting, would have an adequate pore size to permit fibroblast reorganization, be conformable to the tissues around it, and would be biologically inert. Great success was achieved with such grafts in large diameter arteries with high flow rates and low resistance, but satisfactory grafts for smaller vessels have been disappointing because of incomplete healing in the human. All synthetic grafts and modified grafts of biologic origin fail to develop an endothelial lining. Anastomotic hyperplasia, chiefly of smooth muscle cells, gradually reduces flow, leading to retrograde thrombosis and failure. For better grafts to be developed, a greater understanding of the cellular, humoral, and enzymatic aspects involved in graft/host healing mechanisms in the circulating blood/graft interface is necessary.
Heavier but Healthier - Diabetes and Smoking Cessation.

Two opposing trends provide a point and counterpoint for the health of the public. The good news is that the prevalence of smoking among adults in the United States has dropped to a provisional mod...
Human pDCs express the C-type Lectin receptor Dectin-1 and uptake and kill Aspergillus fumigatus spores in vitro (MPF4P.734)

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the body’s most potent producers of type-1 IFNs, and are key responders to viruses like HIV, serving as an important link between the innate and adaptive immune responses. Although they are mainly anti-viral, evidence suggests pDCs also play an integral part in anti-fungal immunity. We demonstrated that human pDCs express the C-type Lectin receptor (CLR), Dectin-1, and that it is further upregulated after stimulation with HSV, Influenza, and the synthetic DNA ODN, CpG-A. In contrast, we did not find expression of Dectin-2, another CLR, on pDCs. Dectin-1 recognizes β-linked glucans, a component of the cell wall of opportunistic fungi like Aspergillus, Pneumocystis, and Candida, and is involved in immune functions including the uptake of fungi, induction of cytokine production, and direction of T-helper cell differentiation. Using Fluorescent Aspergillus Reporter (FLARE)-labelled A. fumigatus spores, which allow us to detect and differentiate between live and dead spores using flow cytometry, we showed that human pDCs can phagocytose and kill Aspergillus spores in vitro within a six-hour time frame. We hypothesize that Dectin-1 is the receptor responsible for this uptake. Although pDCs are classically considered IFN producers, stimulation with spores did not result in IFN-α production by pDC. Results from this ongoing study will shed further light on the role of human pDCs in anti-fungal immunity.
Reconsidering the nature of voice

Voices play essential roles in human experience, and carry many kinds of meaning. At present, the study of voice is consistently tied to the speech chain model, so that voice production, acoustics, and perception are treated as separate, independently studied stages. Such studies provide no insight into how meaning in voice is constructed, and create a situation where voice comprises something different to everyone who studies it. This paper presents empirical and theoretical arguments leading to the conclusion that voice must be viewed as a single integral process, and not as a concatenation of separate stages. We argue that voice production, acoustics, aeroacoustics, biomechanics, perception, and all the rest, are conceptually inseparable, and that none can be understood without knowing how its relationship to the others contributes to its structure and function. We submit that development of such a comprehensive theory of voice should be the primary goal of voice research, whatever the discipline. Such a theory would form a basis on which to build realistic explanations of how voice functions socially and communicatively, how it has evolved, and how it conveys meanings of all sorts, leading to a deeper understanding of what it means to be human and to communicate.
A Contract Archivist For A Brief Project In A Health Sciences Library: Case Study And Management Implications

AbstractIn advance of loss of archival space, a health sciences library developed a plan to weed and organize its archives. Working with the health sciences center foundation and campus academic af...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Frequent Skin Abscesses

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is caused by a genetic defect in one of the five glycoproteins in the NADPH oxidase complex
Hermann Weyl and “First Philosophy”: Constituting Gauge Invariance

The current vogue of naturalism – whether of a pragmatist, instrumentalist or realist variety – in philosophy of physics is largely attributable to a fiction promulgated by logical empiricism, but surviving the latter's demise. It states that relatively theory (especially general relativity) comprised a decisive refutation of Kant, and transcendental idealism more broadly. A closer look at the early years of general relativity reveals a considerably different picture. Here we trace how transcendental idealism informed Weyl's construction of a “purely infinitesimal geometry” whose additional (gauge) degrees of freedom enabled incorporation of electromagnetism into the spacetime metric.
Implementing California Senate Bill 493 in an Outpatient Pharmacy Within an Integrated Health System: Evaluation of the Operational and Clinical Effect of Pharmacist-Ordered Laboratory Tests.

BACKGROUND: Under California Senate Bill 493, pharmacists can order patient laboratory tests (labs). Currently, it is unknown if this service affects patient outcomes or pharmacy operations. Does l...
The roles of stewardship and socioeconomic status in geographic variation in antibiotic prescribing: an observational study

Abstract Importance Reducing geographic disparities in antibiotic prescribing is a central public health priority to combat antibiotic resistance, but the drivers of this variation have been unclear. Objective To measure how differences in outpatient visit rates per 1,000 individuals (‘observed disease’) and in antibiotic prescribing rates per outpatient visit (‘stewardship’) each contributed to a gap in monthly antibiotic prescriptions per 1,000 individuals in Boston vs. the rest of Massachusetts, and to identify spatial correlates of the medical conditions that contributed most to the gap. Design We conducted an observational study of medical insurance claims collected between January 2011 and September 2015. Setting Outpatient visits in Massachusetts. Participants 5,028,609 Massachusetts residents under the age of 65 with at least one full month of primary medical insurance during the study period. Exposures Residence in Boston vs. the rest of Massachusetts. Main outcomes (1) The proportion of the gap in antibiotic prescribing rate between Boston and the rest of Massachusetts attributable to observed disease vs. stewardship for 20 medical conditions previously associated with antibiotic prescribing; and (2) geographic correlations between childhood vaccination, air pollution, density of children, and social deprivation index with the medical conditions that best explain the gap in prescribing. Results The average monthly antibiotic prescribing rate per 1,000 individuals in Boston was 51.8 (IQR 43.4, 57.5) vs. 65.2 (IQR 54.8, 74.5) in the rest of Massachusetts. Geographic differences in outpatient visit rates accounted for 56.0% of the gap in antibiotic prescribing between Boston and the rest of the state, while differences in stewardship accounted for just 19.8% of the gap. Geographic differences in outpatient visit rates for sinusitis, pharyngitis, and suppurative otitis media accounted for 43.3% of the gap in prescribing between Boston and the rest of Massachusetts. Social deprivation index best explains the geographic variation in outpatient visit rates for respiratory illness, with fewer visits in census tracts with higher social deprivation index. Conclusions and relevance Interventions aimed at reducing geographic disparities in antibiotic prescribing should target the drivers of outpatient visits for respiratory illness and should account for possible under-utilization of health services in areas with the lowest antibiotic consumption. Our findings challenge the conventional wisdom that prescribing practices are the main driver of geographic disparities in antibiotic use.
Cytology and Curetting Diagnosis of Endocervical Adenocarcinoma

Introduction Papanicolaou testing is effective in identifying squamous intraepithelial lesions of the cervix. Endocervical adenocarcinoma (EAC) and adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) are far less commonly identified. Endocervical curettings (ECCs) are usually obtained after colposcopic biopsy, sample the endocervical canal, and aid in the detection of endocervical glandular lesions. Here, we examine the utility of Papanicolaou testing and endocervical curetting for detecting AIS and EAC. Materials and methods Cases from 2007 to 2019 with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of AIS and EAC were identified and the clinical data and diagnostic material, including the cytology and surgical specimens, obtained. Results A total of 108 cases of AIS and EAC were identified, Papanicolaou tests were performed in 97 of these cases, and ECC in 87. AIS or EAC were detected in 46.4% of Papanicolaou tests; 41.4% of ECC showed AIS or EAC. A total of 92.7% of cases were positive for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and concurrent squamous intraepithelial lesion was present in 53.3% of cases. AIS or EAC were more commonly identified in cases without concurrent squamous intraepithelial lesions. Conclusions Papanicolaou testing and endocervical curettings have a low detection rate for AIS and EAC. The majority of AIS and EAC cases test positive for high-risk HPV. Papanicolaou test and ECC show different detection rates and are complementary tools in patients with AIS and EAC. In some settings, an ECC can increase the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the pathologic diagnosis.
Lateral Wall Decompression

Consecutive or worsened strabismus is the most serious complication after orbital decompression surgery. Our interest in the lateral wall of the orbit is precipitated by a continual search for techniques that minimize the risk of new-onset or worsened double vision [1]. Traditional lateral orbital decompression involves removal of the anterior portion of the lateral orbital wall and is limited in the degree of orbital expansion that can be achieved [2]. For more decompression effects, the sphenoid can be drilled to the dura of the middle cranial fossa [3].
The impact of diabetology consultations on length of stay in hospitalized patients with diabetes.

Introduction Both hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia in hospitalized patients have been shown to be associated with a longer length of stay, higher readmission rates, and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. With 25%-30% of all hospitalized patients carrying a diagnosis of diabetes, it is important to optimize glycaemic control. Current guidelines for care of inpatients with diabetes now suggest consulting a specialized diabetes team for all patients when possible. Aim This study was a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the impact of an inpatient diabetology consult within 48 hours of admission on patients' length of stay. Methods All patients admitted to the general medicine service between 2013 and 2018 with a diagnosis of diabetes in their medical record were included, which consisted of 11 477 inpatient stays. We looked at the effect of an inpatient diabetology consultation within the first 48 hours on length of stay, complications and 30-day readmission rates. Results We found that patients whose care included a diabetology consult within 48 hours of admission had a statistically significant shorter length of stay by 1.56 days compared to the remainder of the group. There was no difference in complications or 30-day readmission rates between the groups. Conclusion Among general medicine patients with a diagnosis of diabetes, timely diabetology consultations reduced patients' length of stay and have the potential to improve their care and lessen the economic impact.
Treatment of Empyema in Children

Pediatric empyema continues to be a prevalent disease process in children. This chapter reviews the pathophysiology of fibrinopurulent pleural disease and outlines both the diagnostic and management considerations of simple and complicated parapneumonic effusions. This includes an overview of imaging modalities of chest radiographs (CXR), ultrasonography (US), and computed tomography (CT) in empyema detection. We will provide information on antibiotic duration. Treatment options are summarized including the use of antibiotics and their duration, thoracentesis, tube thoracostomy, and chemical and mechanical debridement.
COVID-19 and severe ENT infections in pediatric patients. IS there a relationship?

Abstract Background Preliminary evidence suggests that children are just as likely to become infected with SARS-CoV-2 as adults but are less prone to developing severe clinical conditions. However, there are pediatric inflammatory conditions that have also been encountered. The aim of this report is to determine whether there is a relationship between COVID-19 and severe infections in the ear, nose, throat, and deep cervical area (ENT) in pediatric populations. Materials and methods A compilation was made of all the cases of ENT area infections in the pediatric population per month attended to at the Nino Jesus University Children's Hospital from January 2010 to June 2020. Endemic channels and dispersion analysis were designed to analyze the incidence presented in the year 2020, compared to what was expected based on historical data from 2010 to 2019. Then, an epidemiological interview was conducted of the close contacts of COVID-19 of the children who presented a severe ENT infection in 2020. Finally, a serological test of IgG antibodies was performed on all of them to find out if they had overcome the COVID- 19. Results 620 patients from 1022 were eligible for the study. We observed a significant outbreak in the incidence of complicated mastoiditis and deep cervical infections with complications in the year 2020 (13 patients) linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. From these patients, 54% had been confirmed or had high suspicion of close contact with COVID-19.15.4% of children were positive in serological tests for IgG antibodies. Conclusion There has been a significant increase in mastoiditis and deep cervical infections with complications in the first four months of 2020, which constitutes an outbreak. A considerable number (54%) of these complicated infections were related to close contact with COVID-19. Still, only 15.4% were positive in serological tests for IgG antibodies, so we cannot establish a direct categorical relationship. The limitations in primary care due to a shortage of human resources in dealing with the pandemic's initial onslaught and changes in help-seeking behavior could explain increased complicated infections.
Parametrization of manual work in automotive assembly for wearable force sensing

Abstract This research aims to model manual assembly processes by parameterizing operator force readings, specifically for engine and coolant hose connections in an automotive manufacturing line. During automotive assembly, many processes are still performed manually by the human operator due to the complexity of automating the process or product with current technology. Processes include completing hose connections and subsequent “push–pull–push” verification testing. Manual work introduces an opportunity for human error because of natural variation when completing tasks; even a slight inconsistency in operation can lead to an incomplete or missed process. These incomplete processes can pass post-production checks, such as a pressure test, but later loosen and fail, causing rework or warranty issues. To minimize human error, operator force is parameterized to provide real-time feedback to the connection status. The operator force was chosen to classify connections and to verify testing quantitatively. The parametrization was completed by partitioning the shear and normal forces using custom fixtures, with shear being the primary force type required by the process. The varying finger and hand engagement for the different connector locations were factored into the parametrization to encompass a broader range of manually completed tasks. It was found that operator forces in finger engagement for manual assembly could be effectively represented by a limited set of measurable parameters.
The Times They Are Rarely A-Changin': Circadian Regularities in Social Media Use

This paper uses geolocated Twitter histories from approximately 25,000 individuals in 6 different time zones and 3 different countries to construct a proper time-zone dependent hourly baseline for social media activity studies. We establish that, across multiple regions and time periods, interaction with social media is strongly conditioned by traditional bio-rhythmic or “Circadian” patterns, and that in the United States, this pattern is itself further conditioned by the ideological bent of the user. Using a time series of these histories around the 2016 US Presidential election, we show that external events of great significance can disrupt traditional social media activity patterns, and that this disruption can be significant (in some cases doubling the amplitude and shifting the phase of activity up to an hour). We find that the disruption of use patterns can last an extended period of time, and in many cases, aspects of this disruption would not be detected without a circadian baseline.
Crystal structure of human cysteamine dioxygenase provides a structural rationale for its function as an oxygen sensor.

Cysteamine dioxygenase (ADO) plays a vital role in regulating thiol metabolism and preserving oxygen homeostasis in humans by oxidizing the sulfur of cysteamine and N-terminal cysteine-containing proteins to their corresponding sulfinic acids using O2 as a cosubstrate. However, as the only thiol dioxygenase that processes both small-molecule and protein substrates, how ADO handles diverse substrates of disparate sizes to achieve various reactions is not understood. The knowledge gap is mainly due to the three-dimensional structure not being solved, as ADO cannot be directly compared with other known thiol dioxygenases. Herein, we report the first crystal structure of human ADO at a resolution of 1.78 A with a nickel-bound metal center. Crystallization was achieved through both metal substitution and C18S/C239S double mutations. The metal center resides in a tunnel close to an entry site flanked by loops. While ADO appears to use extensive flexibility to handle substrates of different sizes, it also employs proline and proline pairs to maintain the core protein structure and to retain the residues critical for catalysis in place. This feature distinguishes ADO from thiol dioxygenases that only oxidize small-molecule substrates, possibly explaining its divergent substrate specificity. Our findings also elucidate the structural basis for ADO functioning as an oxygen sensor by modifying N-degron substrates to transduce responses to hypoxia. Thus, this work fills a gap in structure–function relationships of the thiol dioxygenase family and provides a platform for further mechanistic investigation and therapeutic intervention targeting impaired oxygen sensing.
Videodensitometric determination of oxyhemoglobin saturation (SO2) in muscle capillaries.

The transport of oxygen to striated muscle cells is comprised of two principal components: one convective and the other diffusive. To evaluate the convective component it is necessary to quantify the amount of oxygen delivered to the site of exchange. Therefore, one must determine the number of red cells in the delivery vessel, the velocity of the red cells and their level of oxygenation. Oxygen is carried in the blood in two forms. About 98% of the oxygen is bound to red cell hemoglobin at normal hematocrit with the remaining 2% dissolved in the plasma. Therefore, a relatively accurate estimate of the level of oxygenation can he obtained from measurements of oxygen saturation.
Impact of body habitus on fluoroscopic radiation emission during minimally invasive spine surgery.

OBJECT Minimally invasive spine surgeries (MISSs) have gained immense popularity in the last few years. Concern about the radiation exposure has also been raised. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the impact of body habitus on the radiation emission during various MISS procedures. The authors also aim to evaluate the effect the surgeon's experience has on the amount of radiation exposure during MISS especially with regard to patient size. METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of 332 patients who underwent 387 MISS procedures performed at their institution from January 2010 to August 2013 by a single surgeon. The dose of radiation emission available from the fluoroscopic equipment was recorded from the electronic database. The authors analyzed mainly 3 procedure groups: microdiscectomy/decompression (MiDD, n = 211) and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) either with unilateral instrumentation (UnTLIF, n = 106) or bilateral instrumentation (BiTLIF, n = 70). The patients...
Diethylstilbestrol, teratogenesis, and carcinogenesis: medical/legal implications of its long-term sequelae, including third generation effects

The spectrum of teratogenic and carcinogenic effects which can be exerted when the unborn child is exposed to diethylstilbestrol (DES) has been shown to be broad. Animal work indicates the need for vigilance as regards genetic susceptibility to DES sequelae. The emergence of third generation sequelae has been demonstrated in mice, and has been postulated to occur in humans. Given the emergent data establishing problems of infertility in men and women and of relatively late onset cancer, and the possibility that in utero exposure to DES may prime a variety of tissues to noxious environmental influences there is an urgent need for measures to provide just coverage for those harmed by the drug. The DES disaster also raises important ethical and reserch questions which demand attention.
Graphical Model Theory for Wireless Sensor Networks

Information processing in sensor networks, with many small processors, demands a theory of computation that allows the minimization of processing effort, and the distribution of this effort throughout the network. Graphical model theory provides a probabilistic theory of computation that explicitly addresses complexity and decentralization for optimizing network computation. The junction tree algorithm, for decentralized inference on graphical probability models, can be instantiated in a variety of applications useful for wireless sensor networks, including: sensor validation and fusion; data compression and channel coding; expert systems, with decentralized data structures, and efficient local queries; pattern classification, and machine learning. Graphical models for these applications are sketched, and a model of dynamic sensor validation and fusion is presented in more depth, to illustrate the junction tree algorithm.
Yes, 60 years later we are still working hard on vortices

With the excitement generated by this year's Nobel Prize in physics, here I give a brief critical review of current vortex dynamics research activity, using a recent book as the background material. Two directions in which major progresses can be expected are selected: the role of vortex-phonon interaction in low temperature superfluid turbulence and the complete integration of topological method into vortex dynamics. In addition, I would like to call attention to 3 important experiments which have not been fully appreciated in the past: 1) the measurement of vorticity quantization via Magnus force done in Britain; 2) the extensive study of Josephson-Anderson relation carried out in USA; and 3) the direct measurement of Magnus force in superconductors performed in Sweden. They will play an important role in the further development of the field.
Pore‐scale analysis of permeability reduction resulting from colloid deposition

High-energy, synchrotron-based x-ray difference micro-tomography (XDMT) was combined with lattice Boltzmann simulations to assess changes in pore-scale flow patterns and bulk permeability resulting from colloid deposition in a granular porous medium. The detailed structural information obtained from XDMT was used to define internal boundary conditions for simulations of pore fluid flow both with and without colloidal deposits. As colloids accumulated in the pore space, the mean tortuosity increased and the tortuosity distribution became multi-modal, indicating the development of macro-scale heterogeneity. These structural changes also produced large reductions in bulk permeability that were not captured by empirical or semi-empirical estimators based on the first-order geometric properties of the porous medium. This work demonstrates that coupling between fluid flow and particle transport produces heterogeneities at the sub-millimeter scale that greatly affect the hydrogeologic properties of natural porous media.
Bronchocentric granulomatosis with eye involvement.

Bronchocentric granulomatosis is a recently defined entity within the “pulmonary angiitis and granulomatosis” group of lung diseases. Unlike the other granulomatoses, extrapulmonary disease has not...
Extending the Friedman-Sage systems engineering case study framework for enterprise architecture case study research

The concept of enterprise architecture arose as technologies emerged which made it possible to interconnect all the information technology within an enterprise. Before these internetworking technologies existed, systems were stovepiped by necessity. Any connection to another system or component had to be specifically designed and developed. However, once internetworking technologies became widely available and economically feasible, suddenly, stovepiped systems were no longer necessitated by the constraints of technology and economy. If anything can connect to everything, then the range of enterprise solutions becomes vast and there arises an overwhelming need to manage that solution space. Case study research is a proven method for conducting empirical research. This paper presents a general structure of a framework for enterprise architecture concepts and their illustration through related case studies in alignment with earlier systems engineering case study and enterprise systems engineering case study frameworks.
Probability distributions of elevation and curvature of specular points at a statistically rough surface

When a random rough surface is illuminated by light or high-frequency radio waves, the specular reflected points make an ensemble, the statistical properties of which are of great interest not only for a general theory of scattering, but also for many practical applications, ranging from real-time monitoring of man-made surface roughness to sea roughness parameter measurements using sunlight flares at the surface. Apparently, M.S. Longuet-Higgins (see J. Opt. Soc. Am., vol.50, p.838-56, 1960) was the first to employ the theory of random functions for solving this problem. In particular, the explicit equations for the spatial density of extrema and saddle points were derived for Gaussian surfaces, and the fundamental relations between them were established. We use the general theory of random field excursions (Adler, R.J., 1981; Stoyan, D. et al., 1995) to obtain the statistical characteristics of specular points arising on random surfaces at normal incidence.
Hippocampal function is required for feedback control of an internal clock's criterion.

Columbia University A discrete-trial peak-interval procedure was used to evaluate the effects of hippocampal damage on the control of an internal clock's criterion. Rats first received either lesions of the fimbria- fornix or sham operations. Following surgery rats were trained on a 20-s peak-interval procedure and later were transferred to a 10-s peak-interval procedure. Rats with sham operations were maximally responsive about the time that reinforcement was sometimes made available (10 or 20 s) and showed an oscillation of successive peak-time values similar to biological feedback control systems. In contrast, rats with fimbria-fornix lesions were maximally responsive at a time about 20% earlier than the time that reinforcement was made available (8 or 16 s) and showed no control of successive peak-time values. Taken together, these results demonstrate that a fimbria-fomix lesion reduces the remembered time of reinforcement stored in reference memory, interferes with the internal control of temporal criteria stored in working memory, and has no effect on the animal's sensitivity to stimulus duration or the acquisition of a new temporal criterion. One of the behavioral procedures that has been used to investigate the brain mechanisms involved in temporal proc- essing is the discrete-trial peak-interval (PI) procedure, a mod- ification of the standard fixed-interval (FI) procedure. In the PI procedure, after an intertrial interval (ITI) a signal occurs, and the rat is free to make a lever response at any time while the signal is present. On a random half of the trials, the first lever response after a fixed duration has elapsed (e.g., 20 s) terminates the signal and produces food reinforcement. On the remaining trials, no reinforcement is primed, and the signal continues for a relatively long time. The PI procedure is designed to provide independent measures of several proc- esses involved in duration discrimination. On the trials in which there is no reinforcement primed (peak trials), the rat's response rate increases as a function of signal duration until a point near the time that reinforcement is sometimes made available, and then it decreases in a fairly symmetrical man- ner. The time that the response rate is maximal is called the
Time-dependent density-functional theory based on optimized effective potentials for van der Waals forces.

The C6 coefficients of van der Waals interactions have been evaluated by the dynamic polarizabilities at imaginary frequencies computed by time-dependent density-functional theory using the optimized effective potentials. The C6 coefficients thus obtained agree accurately with those from the exact-exchange counterpart in ab initio molecular-orbital theory.
Neuronal degeneration is observed in multiple regions outside the hippocampus after lithium pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in the immature rat

Although hippocampal sclerosis is frequently identified as a possible epileptic focus in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, neuronal loss has also been observed in additional structures, including areas outside the temporal lobe. The claim from several researchers using animal models of acquired epilepsy that the immature brain can develop epilepsy without evidence of hippocampal neuronal death raises the possibility that neuronal death in some of these other regions may also be important for epileptogenesis. The present study used the lithium pilocarpine model of acquired epilepsy in immature animals to assess which structures outside the hippocampus are injured acutely after status epilepticus. Sprague-Dawley rat pups were implanted with surface EEG electrodes, and status epilepticus was induced at 20 days of age with lithium pilocarpine. After 72 h, brain tissue from 12 animals was examined with Fluoro-Jade B, a histochemical marker for degenerating neurons. All animals that had confirmed status epilepticus demonstrated Fluoro-Jade B staining in areas outside the hippocampus. The most prominent staining was seen in the thalamus (mediodorsal, paratenial, reuniens, and ventral lateral geniculate nuclei), amygdala (ventral lateral, posteromedial, and basomedial nuclei), ventral premammillary nuclei of hypothalamus, and paralimbic cortices (perirhinal, entorhinal, and piriform) as well as parasubiculum and dorsal endopiriform nuclei. These results demonstrate that lithium pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in the immature rat brain consistently results in neuronal injury in several distinct areas outside of the hippocampus. Many of these regions are similar to areas damaged in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, thus suggesting a possible role in epileptogenesis.
Valveless piezoelectric micropump for fuel delivery in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) devices

Fuel cells are being considered as an important technology that can be used for various power applications. For portable electronic devices such as laptops, digital cameras, cell phone, etc., the direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a very promising candidate as a power source. Compared with conventional batteries, DMFC can provide a higher power density with a long-lasting life and recharging which is almost instant. However, many issues related to the design, fabrication and operation of miniaturized DMFC power systems still remain unsolved. Fuel delivery is one of the key issues that will determine the performance of the DMFC. To maintain a desired performance, an efficient fuel delivery system is required to provide an adequate amount of fuel for consumption and remove carbon dioxide generated from fuel cell devices at the same time. In this paper, a novel fuel delivery system combined with a miniaturized DMFC is presented. The core component of this system is a piezoelectric valveless micropump that can convert the reciprocating movement of a diaphragm activated by a piezoelectric actuator into a pumping effect. Nozzle/diffuser elements are used to direct the flow from inlet to outlet. As for DMFC devices, the micropump system needs to meet some specific requirements: low energy consumption but a sufficient fuel flow rate. Based on theoretical analysis, the effect of piezoelectric materials properties, driving voltage, driving frequency, nozzle/diffuser dimension, and other factors on the performance of the whole fuel cell system will be discussed. As a result, a viable design of a micropump system for fuel delivery can be achieved and some simulation results will be presented as well.
Role of transcriptional interference in the Drosophila melanogaster Adh promoter switch

The Drosophilia melanogaster alcohol dehydrogenase (Adh) gene is transcribed from two closely linked promoters1,2, which are regulated by two upstream enhancers. The proximal promoter is active primarily in first to early third-instar larvae, whereas the distal promoter is active in late third-instar larvae and adults (Fig. 1). The Adh larval enhancer and the proximal promoter are separated by the Adh adult enhancer and the distal promoter. Because the proximal promoter is turned off just as the distal promoter is turned on, we considered the possibility that the distal promoter or adult enhancer has a role in the downregulation of the proximal promoter. We report here that transcription from the distal promoter is required to shut off the proximal promoter. In the absence of the distal promoter, the proximal promoter is active throughout larval development and in adults. The proximal promoter is also aberrantly active in adults when placed upstream of the distal promoter. These results suggest that the developmental switch from proximal to distal promoter is regulated by the stage-specific activation of the distal promoter, and the subsequent repression of the proximal promoter by transcriptional interference3–8.
Optical Discontinuities Produced By Raindrops Falling In The Ocean

In 1875 Reynolds published a paper "On the action of the raindrops to calm the sea" where he showed that raindrops entering a water surface turned into vortex rings which propagated some 10 cm below the surface. In so doing, surface horizontal momentum was transported to lower levels thus reducing the velocity gradient and the tendency for short wave formation. The occurrence of such vortex rings is readily demonstrated as dyed drops ' mm diameter enter a water surface from a height of a few cm. Two aspects of this phenomenon are of importance in carrying over this simple demonstration to real raindrops falling in the ocean. First, raindrops are falling at terminal velocity as they reach the surface of the ocean, which increases with diameter up to a maximum of 9.1 m 5-1 for 6 mm drops; larger drops than this break up (Figure 1, Terminal Velocity). Second, the density of sea water relative to rain is 1.025 so that raindrops may experience upward buoyant force on entry. The purpose of the study reported here was to investigate the mechanism of the splash in relation to propagation of the raindrop as a vortex ring, and to assess the nature and persistence of the resulting optical discontinuity.