cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Deletion of four genes in Escherichia coli enables preferential consumption of xylose and secretion of glucose.

Abstract Overcoming carbon catabolite repression presents a significant challenge, largely due to the complex regulatory networks governing substrate catabolism, even in microbial cells. In this work, we have engineered an E. coli strain, which we have named X2G, that not only exhibits a reversed substrate preference for xylose over glucose, but also demonstrates an unusual ability to produce significant amounts of glucose. We obtained this non-intuitive phenotype by deleting four genes in upper central metabolism: ptsI, glk, pfkA, and zwf, which respectively encode Enzyme I of the phosphotransferase system, glucokinase, the dominant isozyme of phosphofructokinase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The deletion of ptsI and glk blocks glucose uptake in E. coli, while the deletion of pfkA and zwf prevents the reassimilation of carbons through glycolysis and the oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, respectively. Our strain X2G is capable of converting 34% of the carbon it takes up as xylose into exported glucose. This corresponds to a glucose production rate of 1.4 ± 0.3 mmol/gDW/h at a specific growth rate of 0.25 ± 0.03 h−1, or about 1.8 ± 0.1 mM of glucose accumulated for every unit increase in OD600. Despite a 22% decrease in xylose uptake rate, a 33% decrease in biomass yield, and a 52% decrease in acetate production rate relative to the wild-type, the intracellular flux profile and cofactor allocation of X2G remain largely unperturbed, as elucidated through 13C-metabolic flux analysis. Further quantification of the pool sizes of key intracellular metabolites revealed that glucose secretion by X2G is likely driven by the substantial accumulation of intracellular glucose 6-phosphate, fructose 6-phosphate, glucose and fructose at levels greater than 20x of that in wild-type E. coli. Combined, our results shed light on the flexibility of central metabolism, and the opportunities this affords for producing value-added pentose- and hexose-derived products from lignocellulosic feedstocks.
Intracellular Degradation of Helicobacter pylori VacA Toxin as a Determinant of Gastric Epithelial Cell Viability

Helicobacter pylori VacA is a secreted pore-forming toxin that induces cell vacuolation in vitro and contributes to the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. We observed that purified VacA has relatively little effect on the viability of AGS gastric epithelial cells, but the presence of exogenous weak bases such as ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) enhances the susceptibility of these cells to VacA-induced vacuolation and cell death. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that NH4Cl augments VacA toxicity by altering the intracellular trafficking of VacA or inhibiting intracellular VacA degradation. We observed VacA colocalization with LAMP1- and LC3-positive vesicles in both the presence and absence of NH4Cl, indicating that NH4Cl does not alter VacA trafficking to lysosomes or autophagosomes. Conversely, we found that supplemental NH4Cl significantly increases the intracellular stability of VacA. By conducting experiments using chemical inhibitors, stable ATG5 knockdown cell lines, and ATG16L1 knockout cells (generated using CRISPR/Cas9), we show that VacA degradation is independent of autophagy and proteasome activity but dependent on lysosomal acidification. We conclude that weak bases like ammonia, potentially generated during H. pylori infection by urease and other enzymes, enhance VacA toxicity by inhibiting toxin degradation.
Role of Evolutionary Selection Acting on Vaccine Antigens in the Re-Emergence of Bordetella Pertussis

Pertussis (“whooping cough”) is a re-emerging disease with increasing incidence among fully vaccinated individuals. We explored the genetic diversity of five Bordetella pertussis proteins used to generate the subunit vaccine across ancestral and newly emergent strains using immunoinformatics and evolutionary selection measurements. The five subunits of pertussis toxin (Ptx1–Ptx5) were highly conserved with regard to sequence, predicted structure, predicted antigenicity, and were under purifying selection. In contrast, the adhesin proteins pertactin (Prn) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) were under statistically significant (p < 0.01) diversifying selection. Most heavily diversified sites of each protein fell within antigenic epitopes, and the functional adhesin motifs were conserved. Protein secondary structure was conserved despite sequence diversity for FHA but was changeable in Prn. These findings suggest that subunit vaccine-derived immunity does not impact Ptx1–Ptx5 but may apply evolutionary pressure to Prn and FHA to undergo diversifying selection. These findings offer further insight into the emergence of vaccine-resistant strains of B. pertussis.
Modeling bacterial attenuation in on-site wastewater treatment systems using the active region model and column-scale data

Bacterial attenuation in porous media is often higher in columns than in the field. This study investigates whether this inconsistency could be attributed to finger flow, as assessed by the active ...
Building Socio-technical Systems to Support Data Management and Digital Scholarship in the Social Sciences

This chapter draws upon a variety of expert technical perspectives—in preservation, data management, metadata, and digital scholarship—to examine digital data and digital scholarship in terms of how libraries are positioned to support scholarly needs. We consider the technical needs of scholarship through a socio-technical—people, policies, communities, and technologies together—lens for data and digital scholarship in anthropology and the social sciences. There are concerns of working with living people, ethical standards, anonymity, privacy, and so forth for data and digital scholarship. Working from case studies of the University of Florida, we situate questions on technical aspects of data management, metadata, preservation, and digital scholarship in relation to the retrieval, dissemination, and presentation of digital scholarship and data, in regards to the current, new, and evolving infrastructure in libraries for data management and digital scholarship.
Chapter 1 – Synthesis and Characterization of Superconducting Thin Films

Publisher Summary Since the discovery of the high-transition temperature (Tc) superconductors, much effort has been devoted to experiments exploring their superconductivity and device applications of these new materials. However, the success of this work depends on the availability of high-quality thin-film samples and careful characterizations of the structural and superconducting properties. Many physical properties of epitaxial thin films are comparable to or even better than those of available single crystals in spite of the presence of many defects in the samples. Thin films have very well defined and controllable dimensions. The width of the bridges can be made easily by photolithographic techniques with chemical etching or ion milling down to 1 μm, and down to 0.2 μm by electron beam lithography or focused ion beam etching. On the other hand, the deposition conditions can be maintained very far from equilibrium where it is conceivable that metastable phases exist and can be obtained by quenching. It thus seems likely that there is potential for the discovery of new phases by using vapor phase deposition methods in creative ways. Furthermore, it is possible to grow artificially layered multilayer structures and to control film orientations. Therefore, thin films are the most useful form of the material for both model experiments and super conducting device applications.
CARs need a jump start to get going

CAR T cells are engineered to recognize tumor-specific antigens and kill tumor cells. A study of CAR T cell activation using single-molecule microscopy reveals that CARs fail to efficiently convert antigen binding into early T cell signaling events.
Germline Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease.

Gene editing to cure several inherited diseases is quickly moving to the forefront of clinical medicine since the discovery of CRISPR-Cas technology. Somatic genome editing for therapeutic purposes...
Phonon heat transfer across the quantum vacuum

Quantum mechanics states that quantum fields are never at rest but constantly fluctuate even at zero temperature. These fluctuations lead to extraordinary physical consequences such as spontaneous emission and Hawking radiation. In this talk, we show experimentally that quantum fluctuations of electromagnetic field can induce phonon coupling between nearby objects and thus transfer heat across a vacuum. We use nanomechanical systems to realize strong Casimir phonon coupling, and observe thermal energy exchange between individual phonon modes by monitoring their thermal Brownian motions. Our experiment reveals a new mechanism of heat transfer in addition to the conventional conduction, convection and thermal radiation. It opens up new opportunities to study nanoscale energy transport and quantum thermal dynamics.
The "Sick-but-not-Dead" Phenomenon Applied to Catecholamine Deficiency in Neurodegenerative Diseases

The catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine are key central neurotransmitters that participate in many neurobehavioral processes and disease states. Norepinephrine is also the main neurotransmitter mediating regulation of the circulation by the sympathetic nervous system. Several neurodegenerative disorders feature catecholamine deficiency. The most common is Parkinson's disease (PD), in which putamen dopamine content is drastically reduced. PD also entails severely decreased myocardial norepinephrine content, a feature that characterizes two other Lewy body diseases-pure autonomic failure and dementia with Lewy bodies. It is widely presumed that tissue catecholamine depletion in these conditions results directly from loss of catecholaminergic neurons; however, as highlighted in this review, there are also important functional abnormalities in extant residual catecholaminergic neurons. We refer to this as the "sick-but-not-dead" phenomenon. The malfunctions include diminished dopamine biosynthesis via tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and L-aromatic-amino-acid decarboxylase (LAAAD), inefficient vesicular sequestration of cytoplasmic catecholamines, and attenuated neuronal reuptake via cell membrane catecholamine transporters. A unifying explanation for catecholaminergic neurodegeneration is autotoxicity exerted by 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL), an obligate intermediate in cytoplasmic dopamine metabolism. In PD, putamen DOPAL is built up with respect to dopamine, associated with a vesicular storage defect and decreased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity. Probably via spontaneous oxidation, DOPAL potently oligomerizes and forms quinone-protein adducts with ("quinonizes") α-synuclein (AS), a major constituent in Lewy bodies, and DOPAL-induced AS oligomers impede vesicular storage. DOPAL also quinonizes numerous intracellular proteins and inhibits enzymatic activities of TH and LAAAD. Treatments targeting DOPAL formation and oxidation therefore might rescue sick-but-not-dead catecholaminergic neurons in Lewy body diseases.
The Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) Captures the Ecohydrologic Sensitivity of a Semiarid Mixed Conifer Forest

At the seasonal timescale, daily photochemical reflectance index (PRI) measurements track changes in photoprotective pigment pools as plants respond to seasonally variable environmental conditions. As such, remotely‐sensed PRI products present opportunities to study seasonal processes in evergreen conifer forests, where complex vegetation dynamics are difficult to capture due to small annual changes in chlorophyll content or leaf structure. Because PRI is tied explicitly to short and long term changes in photoprotective pigments that are responsible for regulating stress, we hypothesize that PRI by extension could serve as a proxy for stomatal response to seasonally changing hydroclimate, assuming plant functional responses to stress covary in space and time. To test this, we characterized PRI in a semi‐arid, montane mixed conifer forest in the Madrean sky islands of Arizona, USA during the monsoon growing season subject to precipitation pulse dynamics. To determine the sensitivity of PRI to ecohydrologic variability and associated changes in gross primary productivity (GPP), canopy spectral measurements were coupled with eddy covariance CO₂ flux and sap flow measurements. Seasonally, there was a significant relationship between PRI and sap flow velocity (R²=0.56), and multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated a PRI response to dynamic water and energy limitations in this system. We conclude that PRI has potential to serve as a proxy for forest functional response to seasonal ecohydrologic forcing. The coordination between photoprotective pigments and seasonal stomatal regulation demonstrated here could aid characterization of vegetation response to future changes in hydroclimate at increasing spatial scales.
Coronal Plane Guided Growth of the Lower Extremity

Congenital or acquired limb deformities in skeletally immature patients may be corrected with reversible hemiepiphysiodesis or “guided growth”. This involves temporary surgical implantation of an extra-periosteal implant which tethers one side of a growing physis. This fulcrum retards longitudinal physeal growth on the implanted side, allowing for preferential growth on the opposite. Multiple generations of implants have evolved for this purpose, and currently, the tension-band plate construct is the most widely used, most biomechanically sound, and does not involve direct trauma to the physis.
The Association between Gait Speed and Falls in Community Dwelling Older Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

(1) Background: Falls are common in older adults and result in injuries, loss of independence, and death. Slow gait is associated with falls in older adults, but few studies have assessed the association between gait speed and falls among those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). (2) Methods: The association between gait speed and falls was assessed in 2705 older adults with and without MCI participating in the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study. Gait speed was measured via a 15-foot walk test and fall history through self-report. We used data collected at the 12-month (2001–2003) and 18-month visits (2002–2004). (3) Results: Participant average age was 78.5 years (sd = 3.2); 45% were female, and 14% had MCI at baseline. The average gait speed was 0.93 m/s (sd = 0.20). Sixteen percent (n = 433) and 18% (n = 498) reported at least one fall at the 12-month and 18-month visits, respectively. Faster gait speed was associated with decreased risk of falling (RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.99) for every 10 cm/s increase in gait speed adjusted for age, gender, study arm, site, and MCI status. (4) Conclusions: The relationship between gait speed and risk of falling did not vary by MCI status (interaction p-value = 0.78).
Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports Thulium Laser Prostatectomy

The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on safety and efficacy of minimally invasive thulium laser procedures for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Recent studies have confirmed long-term safety and efficacy of thulium laser prostatectomy. There has been recent literature published from around the world confirming safety and efficacy in treatment of large prostates, obese patients, and in patients taking oral anticoagulation. Newer thulium laser systems use a wavelength of 1.9μm instead of 2 μm. Thus far, no clinical differences have been seen in outcomes of thulium laser procedures done with this wavelength. The high-power thulium laser was first introduced in 2005 for treatment of BPH [1]. Thulium vapoenucleation (ThuVEP), thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP), thulium laser enucleation (ThuLEP), and thulium vaporization (ThuVP) are techniques for thulium laser prostatectomy that have been described. Studies using the 70W to 200W thulium laser systems demonstrated good efficacy of these procedures with low morbidity and few complications in prostates of small to medium sizes [2]. Comparative studies have been published comparing thulium laser prostatectomy to monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP, and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) [1]. In general, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to have longer operative times, shorter catheterization times, shorter hospital stay, and lower transfusion rates compared to standard and bipolar TURP. Outcomes of HoLEP and thulium enucleation techniques appear to be similar. Overall, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to be very safe and effective with low morbidity [3].
A biological Indian Ocean Dipole event in 2019.

The 2019 positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event in the boreal autumn was the most serious IOD event of the century with reports of significant sea surface temperature (SST) changes in the east and west equatorial Indian Ocean. Observations of the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) onboard the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) between 2012 and 2020 are used to study the significant biological dipole response that occurred in the equatorial Indian Ocean following the 2019 positive IOD event. For the first time, we propose, identify, characterize, and quantify the biological IOD. The 2019 positive IOD event led to anomalous biological activity in both the east IOD zone and west IOD zone. The average chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration reached over ~ 0.5 mg m-3 in 2019 in comparison to the climatology Chl-a of ~ 0.3 mg m-3 in the east IOD zone. In the west IOD zone, the biological activity was significantly depressed. The depressed Chl-a lasted until May 2020. The anomalous ocean biological activity in the east IOD zone was attributed to the advection of the higher-nutrient surface water due to enhanced upwelling. On the other hand, the dampened ocean biological activity in the west IOD zone was attributed to the stronger convergence of the surface waters than that in a normal year.
Internal oligo(dT) priming in bulk and single cell RNA sequencing

Significant advances in RNA sequencing have been recently made possible by the use of oligo(dT) primers for simultaneous mRNA enrichment and reverse transcription priming. The associated increase in efficiency has enabled more economical bulk RNA sequencing methods as well as the advent of high throughput single cell RNA sequencing, now already one of the most widely adopted new methods in the study of transcriptomics. However, the effects of off-target oligo(dT) priming on gene expression quantification have not been fully appreciated. In the present study, we describe the extent, the possible causes, and the consequences of internal oligo(dT) priming across multiple publicly available datasets obtained from a variety of bulk and single cell RNA sequencing platforms. In order to explore and address this issue, we developed a computational algorithm for identification of sequencing read alignments that likely resulted from internal oligo(dT) priming and their subsequent removal from the data. Directly comparing filtered datasets to those obtained by an alternative method reveals significant improvements in gene expression measurement. Finally, we infer a list of genes whose expression quantification is most likely to be affected by internal oligo(dT) priming.
Should We Be Targeting Self-Esteem in Treatment for Offenders: Do Gender and Race Matter in Whether Self-Esteem Matters?

Abstract Self-esteem has long been a subject of discussion regarding its effects on problem behaviors including crime and recidivism. The current literature suggests that low self-esteem is not related to crime for male offenders and perhaps it is inflated self-esteem that is to blame for violence and crime. The literature on females and crime still suggests, however, that low self-esteem plays a part in the etiology of crime. This study sought to uncover the differences in the effects of self-esteem on recidivism in a sample of 280 offenders, both men and women, and black and white. This study found that while self-esteem was not related to recidivism for the sample as a whole and there was no difference in the effects of self-esteem on recidivism for men and women, there was a race effect. That is, as the levels of self-esteem increased, the likelihood of arrest for African Americans increased, regardless of gender. The opposite was true for white offenders. As self-esteem levels for white offenders inc...
The aqueous solubility product of solid solutions

Abstract The solubility product of a compound, including a solid solution, must contain nonfractional exponents based on the structure of the unit cell, according to Lippmann. Lippmann introduced the concept of partial solubility products, analogous to partial vapor pressures. The concept of stoichiometric saturation of Thorstenson and Plummer is accepted, but an alternative mathematical description is substituted. A rational basis for Lippmann's formulation of the total aqueous solubility product of a solid solution is developed. A complete description of the solubility is obtained from the statement of a saturation condition (stoichiometric saturation), which is independent of thermodynamic equilibrium, combined with an equilibrium condition derived from the solubility products of the pure end-members. Calculations of stoichiometric saturation are compared with thermodynamic saturation on a ternary diagram. The method presented gives more realistic results than the alternative method which utilizes fractional exponents for the solubility product of binary solid solutions.
AIR BAGS FOR SMALL CARS

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted a number of research projects which examined the need and concern for occupants of small cars. These projects include the demonstration of air bags in small cars at crash severities equal to or greater than the 30 mph test required by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) 208. The results from these projects showing the protective capability of the air bag are reviewed. Factors influencing air bag performance such as amount of vehicle crush and the time available for air bag inflation are examined. Existing technology for providing air bag protection to occupants in small cars is discussed. The issue concerning the safety of out-of-position child passengers is addressed including a number of technical options for dealing with the out-of-position occupant.
School Choice Among Competing “Catholic” Philosophies

Is there an identifiably Catholic position on school choice? As pilot programs proliferate in the United States, serious consideration of some philosophical issues seems in order. This article explores two competing moral philosophies and their relationship to parental sovereignty in the public sector. The authors conclude by articulating a Catholic position on the question.
Homelessness and Distrust of Medicine

It is well established that trust is essential for the successful delivery of health care and to the support of one's health. Scholars consider it a collective good that is necessary for an effective health care system. And, as trust is in part geographic and related to proximity, it would follow that those most socially disenfranchised would suffer the health effects of poor trust the greatest. Homelessness is not only a social disaster; it is also a public health catastrophe. How trust impacts the uphill challenge to remain healthy while homeless is profound, and contributes to these poor outcomes at every point of contact with health care. There are many contributors to homeless individuals’ distrust for the health care system and health care providers. Many of the causes of mistrust are the same for domiciled populations. However, there are additional reasons for homeless individuals to lose (or never have had) trust in health care systems and practitioners. Also, homeless persons are mistrustful from previous encounters with society, the health care system, and providers. There are many ways to foster and rebuild the trust of homeless persons, some more attainable than others. Keywords: physician–patient interaction; race and ethnicity; socioeconomic status; trust
Endocrine control of clutch size in reptiles. IV. Estrogen-induced hyperemia and growth of ovarian follicles in the lizard Anolis carolinensis.

Abstract Data are presented suggesting that local, intrafollicular diffusion of estrogen stimulates ovarian follicular hyperemia and subsequent follicular growth in the lizard Anolis carolinensis. Hypophysectomized animals with inactive ovaries were treated with saline or folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), alone and in combination with estradiol dosages. FSH alone stimulated growth of larger follicles, and estradiol enhanced the growth effects of FSH on follicles at or above about 2.0 mm diameter. Also, hypophysectomized animals possessing large, preovulatory follicles were treated with saline, FSH, estradiol, and progesterone, alone or in various dosage combinations. Estradiol alone stimulated growth of larger follicles over that obtained after saline or even FSH treatment. Progesterone, on the other hand, inhibited FSH-induced maintenance of larger follicles. Finally, intrafollicular implantation of estradiol crystals led to local follicular hyperemia and selective enhancement of follicular growth. Cholesterol implantation or surgery alone had no such effect.
Novel interactions of the TRTK12 peptide with S100 protein family members: specificity and thermodynamic characterization.

The S100 protein family consists of small, dimeric proteins that exert their biological functions in response to changing calcium concentrations. S100B is the best-studied member and has been shown to interact with more than 20 binding partners in a calcium-dependent manner. The TRTK12 peptide, derived from the consensus binding sequence for S100B, has previously been found to interact with S100A1 and has been proposed to be a general binding partner of the S100 family. To test this hypothesis and gain a better understanding of the specificity of binding for the S100 proteins, 16 members of the human S100 family were screened against this peptide and its alanine variants. Novel interactions were found with only two family members, S100P and S100A2, indicating that TRTK12 selectively interacts with a small subset of the S100 proteins. Substantial promiscuity was observed in the binding site of S100B thereby accommodating variations in the peptide sequence, while S100A1, S100A2, and S100P exhibited larger d...
Computing faculty tenure and promotion requirements at USA and Canadian post-secondary institutions

As a first step in understanding whether computing faculty are receiving the support necessary for them to achieve promotion and tenure at U.S. and Canadian institutions, we address the question of what requirements exist at such institutions. Via a survey created and sent to approximately 7500 computing faculty at the 256 institutions that participate in the annual Taulbee Survey, we examined characteristics of and differences in promotion and tenure requirements at U.S. and Canadian institutions. Our results identify several hidden tenure and promotion requirements that can be important for computing faculty to know. Our results also show significant differences in requirements for the number of publications, venue ranking and scope, refereed conferences and non-refereed journals, and collaborative publications and grants across various types of institutions. This work provides a basis for further study of whether faculty receive support congruent with their promotion and tenure requirements and allows computing administrators and faculty to compare institutional requirements to requirements in the broader community.
Correction of frequency errors in wattmeters

Wattmeter readings taken at low power factors or at higher frequencies should be corrected for frequency errors to insure the accuracy of which the instrument is capable. In addition to the error caused by the voltage circuit self-reactance, there exists an error due to the mutual reactance between the two circuits of a wattmeter. A practical method of correcting wattmeter readings for this error is presented and its use demonstrated. Wattmeter readings which have been corrected for the mutual reactance error in this way may be corrected for the voltage circuit self-reactance error by using the customary tables or correction factors in the conventional manner. Curves are shown of the two frequency errors as functions of the frequency and the deflection for a typical commercial low power-factor wattmeter.
ADAPTIVE ADVANTAGES OF MIXED‐SPECIES FEEDING FLOCKS AMONG SEED‐EATING FINCHES IN COSTA RICA

Summary The feeding ecology of three Costa Rican finches occurring in mixed flocks, Tiaris olivacea, Sporophila aurita corvina and Sporophila torquella, was investigated by measuring both behavioural and ecological variables. Observations on foraging height, rate of hopping and pecking rate, as well as the identity, proximity and number of nearest neighbours were recorded. In addition the duration of all feeding and perching episodes were timed. Comparisons were also made between the abundances of food items (grass seeds) consumed and those potentially available for consumption. The analysis of variance of the feeding behaviour revealed that the presence or absence of neighbouring birds, whether of the same or different species, influenced the duration of feeding bouts more significantly than did either differences in habitat or species-characteristic behaviour. In addition the dietary comparisons revealed overlap in both species and size of seed consumed. Such similarities suggest that these species are not partitioning fields in the classical sense. We propose that the increase in the duration of the feeding bout associated with the presence of mixed species aggregations leads to increased feeding efficiency and is the result of intra- and inter-specific social learning. Certainly flocking is often advantageous, since searching in a group facilitates finding clumped resources; mixed species flocking, by increasing exposure to a diversity of foraging places and patterns, can further augment feeding efficiency.
A Model for Thinking Critically about Ethical Issues

Students learned to use a five-part model of critical thinking by applying it to ethical issues related to psychology. During an interdisciplinary course on ethical reflection, 24 senior-level students learned to identify a claim, the evidence for that claim, a general rule that connects the claim and evidence, a rebuttal to the claim, and a qualifier indicating the strength of the argument. The students applied the model to a variety of ethical issues during the semester to gain skill in using the model. Scores on the Cornell Critical Thinking Tests (Ennis, Millman, & Tomko, 1985) were significantly higher at the end of the course than at the beginning of the course. Application of this model to other courses is suggested.
Fetal macrocrania: diagnosis, delivery and outcomes

To describe fetal macrocrania including prenatal diagnosis, delivery considerations and clinical outcomes. A retrospective case series was developed by reviewing 26 885 ultrasounds performed between 1 March 2003 and 30 June 2007 for the prenatal diagnosis of macrocrania. Medical records of each mother/infant pair were reviewed for demographic information, ultrasound findings, obstetric management and outcomes. Twenty-three fetuses were diagnosed with macrocrania. Median gestational age at diagnosis was 31.1 weeks (range 18.3–38.1) and at delivery was 36.9 weeks (range 30.7–39.9). Fifteen patients (65%) underwent amniocentesis for karyotype; none were aneuploid but one had a duplication on chromosome 7. All the 23 infants were liveborn. Twenty-one deliveries were by Cesarean (91%), with thirteen of these by classical incision (62%). Of the infants, 5 (22%) died shortly after birth, 16 (70%) were stabilized in the neonatal intensive care unit and were discharged alive and 2 (8%) were transferred to another center and subsequently died. Eighteen babies required ventriculoperitoneal shunting (78%). Macrocrania is a diagnosis usually made in children but can also be made prenatally. Fetal macrocrania is usually a result of ventriculomegaly due to an obstructive process to cerebrospinal fluid flow. Abdominal delivery is usually required, often necessitating a classical uterine incision. Targeted ultrasonography, extensive counseling of parents and delivery at a tertiary care center with availability of neurosurgery is recommended.
Secular Change in Reported Surface Wind Speeds over the Ocean.

Abstract The Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set reveals that mean scalar winds decreased between 1854 and 1920 and increased since World War II. The latter increase is due to a change in estimating procedure and to the growing proportion of ships equipped with anemometers. The sign of the earlier decrease is attributed to the transition from sail to steam; although a true secular trend might also contribute, it cannot be isolated.
Conditional deletion of gremlin causes a transient increase in bone formation and bone mass

Gremlin is a glycoprotein that binds bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2, 4, and 7, antagonizing their actions. Gremlin opposes BMP effects on osteoblastic differentiation and function in vitro and in vivo, and its overexpression causes osteopenia. To define the function of gremlin in the skeleton, we generated gremlin 1 (grem1) conditional null mice by mating mice where grem1 was flanked by lox(P) sequences with mice expressing the Cre recombinase under the control of the osteocalcin promoter. grem1 null male mice displayed increased trabecular bone volume due to enhanced osteoblastic activity, because mineral apposition and bone formation rates were increased. Osteoblast number and bone resorption were not altered. Marrow stromal cells from grem1 conditional null mice expressed higher levels of alkaline phosphatase activity. Gremlin down-regulation by RNA interference in ST-2 stromal and MC3T3 osteoblastic cells increased the BMP-2 stimulatory effect on alkaline phosphatase activity, on Smad 1/5/8 phosphorylation, and on the transactivation of the BMP/Smad reporter construct 12xSBE-Oc-pGL3. Gremlin down-regulation also enhanced osteocalcin and Runx-2 expression, Wnt 3a signaling, and activity in ST-2 cells. In conclusion, deletion of grem1 in the bone microenvironment results in sensitization of BMP signaling and activity and enhanced bone formation in vivo.
Relationships among aerosol water soluble organic matter, iron and aluminum in European, North African, and Marine air masses from the 2010 US GEOTRACES cruise

Abstract The atmospheric delivery of soluble and bioavailable iron (Fe) is essential for the biogeochemical functioning of many oceanic ecosystems where Fe is a limiting micronutrient for biological production. Aerosol samples associated with air masses characterized as European-influenced, primarily marine (no continental influence within 5 day back trajectories), or North African-influenced were collected along a cruise track in the eastern North Atlantic Ocean during a 2010 US GEOTRACES cruise. Aerosols were analyzed for total and soluble Fe and aluminum (Al) and organic matter (OM) loadings and OM chemical characteristics, to explore potential relationships between aerosol OM and Fe and Al that contribute to higher Fe and Al solubilities in combustion-influenced aerosols. Similar to the results from previous studies, North African-influenced air masses contained higher aerosol Fe (4.7–86 nmol m − 3 ) and Al (13–240 nmol m − 3 ) total loadings than European-influenced air masses (Fe: 0.63–2.7 nmol m − 3 ; Al: 2.5–5.9 nmol m − 3 ), but Fe and Al relative solubilities were much higher for European (Fe: 2.1–4.6%; Al: 1.9–3.2%) versus North African-influenced aerosols (Fe: 0.22–0.70%; Al: 0.39–1.1%). Water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) to trace metal ratios correlated positively with this trend in Fe and Al relative solubilities, as European-influenced WSOC/trace metal ratios ranged from ~ 2 to 32 while North African-influenced aerosol WSOC/trace metal ratios ranged from 0.04 to 0.51. Aerosols from primarily marine air masses showed the lowest Fe, Al, and OM loadings of all samples and Fe (0.71–2.5%) and Al (0.36–9.2%) solubilities that were variable and did not fit the patterns described for the continentally-influenced samples. Principal component analysis was employed on aerosol water soluble OM (WSOM) solution state 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and revealed the European-influenced aerosol WSOM to be characterized by higher contributions from acetic acid (a common photoproduct of atmospheric OM) and aliphatic hydrogens, while North African-influenced aerosol WSOM was characterized by carbohydrate-like compounds and compounds with unsaturations. The abundance of the acetic acid photoproduct in European-influenced aerosol WSOM suggests this WSOM to be rich in carboxyl groups that are thought to be strong Fe-binding ligands and provides evidence for the potential role of WSOM in maintaining aerosol Fe and Al solubilities.
Bonded InGaAs cells for microsystems enabled photovoltaics

InGaAs solar cells bonded to a Si substrate are demonstrated. These cells are 160 µm to 1300 µm in diameter and designed for integration in microsystems enabled photovoltaic systems. When compared to devices fabricated on substrate no degradation of cell performance was observed due to bonding. Additionally, the short circuit current for the cells correlated well with simulations indicating a low loss optical path through the bonding interface.
Comparison of methods for aflatoxin analysis by high-pressure liquid chromatography.

Abstract Reversed-phase columns packed with octadecyl and phenyl reversed phases did not provide adequate separation of aflatoxins. A pellicular adsorption column provided partial separation, i.e. B 1 and B 2 from G 1 and G 2 , but not B 1 from B 2 nor G 1 from G 2 . A microparticulate adsorption (Micro-A) column completely separated aflatoxins B 1 , B 2 , G 1 , and G 2 . Detection was more selective at 350 nm (or 365 nm) than at 254 nm. A Fluoro Monitor Model 1209 detector (Laboratory Data Control Corp.) was more sensitive for aflatoxins G 1 and G 2 than for B 1 and B 2 . Aflatoxin B 1 at the 30-ppb level in yellow corn was detected with the Micro-A column and the 350-nm photometer. The limit of detection was estimated at about 10 ppb 1 .
Blood eosinophilia: a new paradigm in disease classification, diagnosis, and treatment

Acquired blood eosinophilia is considered either a primary or a secondary phenomenon. Causes of secondary (ie, reactive) eosinophilia include tissue-invasive parasitosis, allergic or inflammatory conditions, and malignancies in which eosinophils are not considered part of the neoplastic process. Primary eosinophilia is classified operationally into 2 categories: clonal and idiopathic. Clonal eosinophilia stipulates the presence of either cytogenetic evidence or bone marrow histological evidence of an otherwise classified hematologic malignancy such as acute leukemia or a chronic myeloid disorder. Idiopathic eosinophilia is a diagnosis of exclusion (ie, not secondary or clonal). Hypereosinophilic syndrome is a subcategory of idiopathic eosinophilia; diagnosis requires documentation of both sustained eosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count ≥1500 cells/µL for at least 6 months) and target organ damage (eg, involvement of the heart, lung, skin, or nerve tissue). Genetic mutations involving the platelet-derived growth factor receptor genes ( PDGFR- α and PDGFR-s ) have been pathogenetically linked to clonal eosinophilia, and their presence predicts treatment response to imatinib. Accordingly, cytogenetic and/or molecular investigations for the presence of an imatinibsensitive molecular target should accompany current evaluation for primary eosinophilia. In the absence of such a drug target, specific treatment is dictated by the underlying hematologic malignancy in cases of clonal eosinophilia; however, the initial treatment of choice for symptomatic patients with hypereosinophilic syndrome is prednisone and/or interferon alfa.
Effect of tillage on cotton plant populations and seedling diseases

Tillage practices can affect the growth of plants and the development of plant diseases. Thai study was conducted to evaluate the effect of tillage on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) stand establishment, seed cotton yield, and seedling diseases. Three tillage practices (conservation, moldboard, and conventional) were evaluated for their effects on plant populations and the development of cotton seedling diseases on a Norwood fine sandy loam soil (fine-silty, mixed, calcareous, thermic Typic Udifluvent). Each tillage plot was divided into two subplots, with and without the application of Temik (2-Methyl-2-(methythio)propanal O-[(methylamino) carbony] oxime] + Terraclor Super X (10% pentachloronitrobenzene [PCNB] + 2.5% etridiazol) (TSX). Plant populations were determined at 4 wk. Seedling disease was assessed at 4 wk by rating 20 surviving seedlings for root/hypocotyl necrosis []
Particle Size Distribution of Mainstream Cigarette Smoke Undergoing Dilution

Mainstream cigarette smoke generated using an automatic smoking machine (SEM-II) and Kentucky 2R1 reference cigarettes was analyzed for particle number concentration and size distribution. About 90% of the smoke was sampled with an Andersen Cascade Impactor after primary dilution (6-, 10-, or 18-fold). The remainder was further diluted 13,600- to 79,000-fold before analysis with an Electrical Aerosol Analyzer and Condensation Nuclei Counter. The primary dilution ratio and compositions of the dilution streams (nitrogen, laboratory air, dry air, or the vapor phase from filtered smoke) were varied in the experiments. Reliability of the experimental system was checked using NaCl aerosols. The composition of the dilution stream did not significantly affect the size distribution of the cigarette smoke for a given primary dilution ratio. The volume distribution was bimodal, with median diameters for the two modes of about 0.25 and 5 μm. The number concentration was typically 109 particles /cm3, and the supermicr...
The Leadership Style of Barack Obama: An Early Assessment

This article presents a highly distilled account of the formative experiences and political rise of Barack Obama. It draws on the sources that were available at the time of his inauguration. The article concludes by examining Obama’s leadership qualities in the realms of public communication, organizational capacity, political skill, policy vision, cognitive style, and emotional intelligence. The article went into production one month after Obama entered the White House.
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in association with a Taser-induced electrical injury

Various adverse outcomes related to the use of electrical weapons such as the stun gun or the Taser have been described in the literature over the years. Examples include cardiac arrhythmias, blunt and penetrating injuries, seizure activity, and altered mental status. Imaging findings related to electrical injuries have become more frequent with advancing imaging technologies, such as CT or MRI. However, imaging findings and pathophysiology of electrical injuries that result in significant neurological events remain largely unexplored. We report the case of a patient who developed an ischemic stroke following Taser discharge, raising the possibility of association between the electrical injury and the ischemic stroke.
Is the number of prescribing physicians an independent risk factor for adverse drug events in an elderly outpatient population

Abstract Background: Studies indicate that adverse drug events (ADEs) are common and costly. It appears that the elderly are at greater risk of ADEs because they use more medications, have less specific presentations, and have more chronic conditions than younger populations. Objective: The goal of this study was to determine if the number of physicians prescribing medications to an elderly patient was associated with that patient's likelihood of reporting an ADE. Methods: This cohort study was a secondary analysis of data collected from a previous survey of Medicare managed care enrollees aged ≥65 years at the time of enrollment. A telephone survey of residents in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area was conducted. Data included self-reported information on the number of prescribing physicians, chronic conditions, medications, ADEs, and general health status. Results: A total of 405 patients (mean [SD] age, 74 [5.1 ] years) were included in the study. Enrollees had a mean (SD) of 2.9 (1.3) prescribing physicians, and 98 (24%) patients reported having experienced an ADE in the previous 6 months. The mean (SD) number of self-reported chronic medical conditions and number of prescription medications was 4.7 (2.4) and 4.0 (2.8), respectively. In a multivariable logistic regression model, each additional provider prescribing medications increased the odds of reporting an ADE by 29% (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0–1.6). The number of chronic health conditions was also associated with ADEs. Having 4 or 5 self-reported chronic conditions doubled a person's odds of experiencing an ADE (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.0–4.1) and having ≥6 conditions tripled the likelihood of experiencing an ADE (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.6–6.9). The number of prescription medications or taking a potentially contraindicated medication was not significantly associated with self-reported ADEs. Conclusions: In this study population, the number of prescribing physicians was an independent risk factor for patients self-reporting an ADE. More research is needed to confirm and explain this finding. One possibility is poor communication between multiple providers. Physicians should work to ensure more effective coordination of care between providers and communicate information about all medications prescribed to their patients with their colleagues.
A curve crossing approach to carbenic reactivity

Abstract Application of the curve crossing model to singlet carbene addition to alkenes reveals that for electrophilic carbenes the reaction barrier is generated from the avoided crossing of DA, 3 D * 3 A * and D + A − configurations whereas for nucleophilic carbenes the third configuration is D − A + .
Self-similar solution of a distributed model for transcapillary exchange and solute removal by the liver

The partial differential equations describing transcapillary exchange and subsequent removal of solutis from an idealized liver sinusoid are amenable to solution by similarity analysis. The power and utility of this technique, which is not widely appreciated as a method for solving biological models, is illustrated here for a system whose Laplace transforms is difficult to invert.
Appropriateness of antiretroviral therapy in clients of an HIV/AIDS case management organization.

Abstract We sought to assess appropriateness of antiretroviral therapy (ART) reported by clients of an HIV/AIDS case management organization and identify variables associated with appropriate ART receipt. A total of 295 such clients were mailed a survey asking them to identify antiretroviral medications they were taking.Of them 220 (75%) returned surveys; 201 (93%) were taking antiretrovirals. Of these, 159 were on appropriate and 36 on inappropriate ART, as determined by guidelines created by the CDC, the International AIDS Society (USA Panel), and the Panel on Clinical Practices for Treatment of HIV Infection. In unadjusted analyses, age, sex, race, sexual orientation, history of injection drug use, history of sexual risk, and HIV knowledge were associated (p≤0.10) with appropriate ART and entered into one of two logistic regression models. The first model indicated that women (p=0.003) and heterosexuals (p=0.001) were less likely to receive appropriate ART than men and gay/bisexuals (and variables inte...
5'-halogenated analogs of oxymorphindole.

The presence of a 6,7-fused indole group in the indolomorphinans was considered to be responsible for the delta opioid selectivity for this class of ligands. Herein is shown that 5′-halogenated analogs of oxymorphindole are opioids with little selectivity for delta receptors over mu opioid receptors.