cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
736–4 Time Course of Sudden Death and Heart Failure Death in Patients with Third Generation Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators

Thirty seven cardiac deaths (12.2%) occurred in 301 pts with third generation implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) during a mean followup of 26 ± 15 months. There were 17 (5.6%) heart failure deaths (HFD) and 20 (6.6%) sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). Baseline variables including age, gender, cardiac diagnosis, index or induced arrhythmia, and left ventricular ejection fraction were similar for HFD and SCD; mean NYHA class at ICD implant was lower in the SCD group (p = 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival rates for each group were not different(Figure, p = 0.22). Download : Download high-res image (90KB) Download : Download full-size image Time-dependent multivariate analysis revealed ejection fraction and NYHA class were the only variables independently related to time until death: Independent variable Time-dependent variable p-value Ejection fraction Total cardiac death 0.01 Heart failure death 008 Sudden cardiac death 0.04 NYHA heart failure class Total cardiac death 0.10 Sudden cardiac death 0.10 Conclusions Sudden death and heart failure death occur at similar rates in ICD pts. Ejection fraction and NYHA heart failure class are the most important baseline determinants of time to death regardless of mechanism.
Infrared radiation properties of methane at elevated temperatures

Abstract The spectral absorptivity of the v3 and v4 fundamental and the v1 + v4 combination bands of methane have been measured at low resolution for temperatures between 290 and 850 K. Spectral mean (narrow-band) parameters for the fundamental bands have been correlated from the Elsasser model, while total band absorptance data for all three bands have been correlated using the Edwards exponential wide band model. A total emissivity chart has been developed, based on the wide band absorption models.
Analysis of genome organization, composition and microsynteny using 500 kb BAC sequences in chickpea.

The small genome size (740 Mb), short life cycle (3 months) and high economic importance as a food crop legume make chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) an important system for genomics research. Although several genetic linkage maps using various markers and genomic tools have become available, sequencing efforts and their use are limited in chickpea genomic research. In this study, we explored the genome organization of chickpea by sequencing approximately 500 kb from 11 BAC clones (three representing ascochyta blight resistance QTL1 (ABR-QTL1) and eight randomly selected BAC clones). Our analysis revealed that these sequenced chickpea genomic regions have a gene density of one per 9.2 kb, an average gene length of 2,500 bp, an average of 4.7 exons per gene, with an average exon and intron size of 401 and 316 bp, respectively, and approximately 8.6% repetitive elements. Other features analyzed included exon and intron length, number of exons per gene, protein length and %GC content. Although there are reports on high synteny among legume genomes, the microsynteny between the 500 kb chickpea and available Medicago truncatula genomic sequences varied depending on the region analyzed. The GBrowse-based annotation of these BACs is available at http://www.genome.ou.edu/plants_totals.html. We believe that our work provides significant information that supports a chickpea genome sequencing effort in the future.
A flexible volumetric comparison of protein cavities can reveal patterns in ligand binding specificity

Conformational flexibility is an underlying cause of error in all comparisons of protein structure. Using flexible representations, some comparison algorithms can identify subtle functional similarities among distantly related proteins even when they exhibit different backbone conformations. The same techniques are not designed to identify subtle variations among closely related proteins that might cause differences in specificity. In such cases, molecular flexibility obscures structural details that influence the specific recognition of similar but non-identical ligands.To enhance the analysis of ligand binding specificity, this paper presents FAVA (Flexible Aggregate Volumetric Analysis), a conformationally robust tool for comparing similar binding cavities with different binding preferences. FAVA examines a large number of conformational samples to characterize local flexibility using Constructive Solid Geometry. Using molecular dynamics simulations as a source for conformational samples, we used FAVA to analyze a nonredundant sample of serine protease and enolase structures. Different snapshots from the same proteins exhibited significant variations in binding cavity shape. Nonetheless, analysis with FAVA revealed subfamilies with different binding preferences. FAVA also identified amino acids associated with differences in binding preferences, predicting established experimental results. These results illustrate a new approach to flexible comparison that uses sampled conformational data. It reveals that detailed comparisons of very similar proteins, such as those within small ligand binding cavities, are possible even in the presence of conformational flexibility. Identifying influences on specificity in this manner points to new applications of protein engineering and drug design.
An acellular human amnionic membrane model for in vitro culture of type ii pneumocytes: The role of the basement membrane in cell morphology and function

To determine whether a preformed basement membrane contributes to the maintenance of morphology and function of type II pneumocytes, we cultured isolated adult rat type II pneumocytes on the basement membrane and stromal surfaces of an acellular human amnionic membrane and on plastic. The presence of lamellar bodies on transmission electron microscopy and epithelial morphology in culture and a characteristic phospholipid profile after incubation with 3H-acetate identified the cells as type II. When type II cells were cultured on a preexisting basement membrane, they formed a well-organized monolayer with polarity, centrally located surface microvilli, and more basally located nuclei. Individual cells maintained a cuboidal morphology for 8-10 days. Intracellularly, there were numerous mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and lamellar bodies. The cells secreted a new basal lamina of their own. When cultured on the stromal side of the amnion, the cells became flattened within 48-60 hours, formed small lamellar bodies, and had scanty surface microvilli; they formed clumps and appeared less ordered. These cells did not secrete a visible basement membrane, and the majority detached from the stromal surface after 7-8 days in culture. In addition, culture on the basement membrane aspect of the amnion prevented the rapid decline in the percentage of 3H-acetate label incorporated in phosphatidylcholine after 72 hours of culture. We conclude that a preformed basement membrane influences the function and morphology of type II pneumocytes, organizes them into a monolayer in culture, and influences deposition of a visible basal lamina. Thus, the acellular human amnion provides an excellent model for the systematic study of basement membrane influence on the biology and pathology of these cells.
Recrystallization and grain growth in Ni3Al with and without boron

Abstract The recrystallization and grain growth of boron-free and boron-doped (500 ppm by weight) Ni3Al polycrystals were investigated in the temperature range 700–1000°C. The levels of deformation were 17% reduction in length in compression for both alloys and 40% rolling reduction applied only to the boron-doped alloy. For alloys with or without boron, the Kolmogorov-Johnson-Mehl-Avrami relationship holds, with the Avrami exponent near unity, and the recrystallization rate is very slow. The activation energies for recrystallization are respectively 480 and 492 kJ/mol for boron-free and boron-doped to 40%. The grain growth kinetics obey a power law with the time exponent ranging from 0·2 to 0·4. The boron effect at 500 ppm was found to be small on both recrystallization and grain growth in Ni3Al.
Development and the Evolving Foreign Policy Orientations of Middle East Regimes

The linkage between political development and foreign policy is analyzed. Elements of Egyptian, Israeli, and Syrian foreign policies are examined in search of "pragmatism", the defining trait of a modern state's foreign relations. Contrary to conventional wisdom, less politically-developed Arab states have displayed growing pragmatism since 1967, while the modern Israeli polity has produced governments with less pragmatic foreign policies in recent years. Middle East foreign policies have evolved largely independent of political development, although domestic political conditions do influence these nations' foreign policies. More transitory, non-structural phenomenon have a pervasive effect on the level of pragmatism in these nations' foreign policies.
Financing port infrastructure

Port infrastructure is essential for the conduct of trade and tourism between countries. This paper aims at investigating the financial strategies used for port projects, project financing, and cash flow techniques used by Los Angeles Airport and Seaport and Long Beach Seaport and European airports and seaports in England, The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Greece, and Turkey.
The effects of inosine and aminoimidazole carboxamide upon the ethionine fatty liver

Abstract The administration of inosine or 5-amino-4-imidazole carboxamide to female rats is as effective as adenine or ATP in preventing the fatty liver induced by ethionine. Hadacidin, an antibiotic known to prevent the amination of inosinic acid to adenylic acid, counteracts the effect of inosine. Inosine is also very effective in preventing the mortality of female rats after ethionine administration. Aminoimidazole carboxamide is as effective as adenine, ATP, or inosine in returning the hepatic ATP level to normal 2 hr after ethionine administration. The results of this study strengthen further the hypothesis that the ethionine-induced fatty liver is secondary to a more basic interference with ATP metabolism in the rat liver.
The effect of turbulence on heat transfer from heated cylinders

Abstract Data were obtained on the effect of free-stream turbulence on heat transfer from heated cylinders placed normal to an air stream. Tests were conducted for a Reynolds number range from 109 000 to 302 000 at values of turbulence intensity from 0·40 to 14·20 per cent. The diameters of the test cylinders used were 4·5 and 7·6 in respectively and the ratio of cylinder diameter to test section width were 0·075 and 0·127. The ratio of turbulence scale to cylinder diameter ranged from 0·015 to 0·095. The scale of turbulence varied from 0·113 to 0·426 in during the study. The structure of the free-stream is characterized and the effects of the artificially induced turbulence on both the local and overall heat transfer are determined. The data are discussed and compared with results of previous studies where appropriate. The results are explained in part by available theory and also indicate areas that require further investigation. A correlation equation is presented that enables the stagnation point heat transfer as a function of turbulence intensity to be determined. The augmentation of heat transfer through the laminar boundary layer as a function of turbulence intensity is also determined. Attempts to determine the effect of turbulence intensity on the overall or average heat transfer were partially successful. A correlation equation for predicting the overall heat transfer as a function of turbulence intensity over a narrow range of correlation parameters is presented.
Countertransference disclosure and the asymmetry/mutuality dilemma

No single issue illustrates more clearly the interpersonal therapist's struggle between asymmetry and mutuality than countertransference disclosure. On a theoretical plane, all versions of interpersonal psychoanalysis share a comfortable tolerance for a central dynamic tension between the mutual influence of the participants and the asymmetry inherent in a relationship that emphasizes understanding the motivations of only one participant. This same marriage of concepts has, however, been a source of considerable confusion within the area of technique. The practitioner is charged with the technical implementation of the theory and must define the line between asymmetry and mutuality in everyday interactions with patients. Difficulty tolerating the ambiguity caused by the tension between asymmetry and mutuality results in the understandable urge to seek a definitive and unwavering position on countertransference disclosure. Dimensions of the therapist's struggle include complex decisions concerning the prim...
The unit of selection: what do reinforcers reinforce?

We begin by stipulating three central points upon which we and the broad consensus of commentators agree. First, the effects of reinforcers on behavior can be readily demonstrated under conditions in which the antecedents of behavior are not identified. That is, orderly functional relations emerge between operants and reinforcers when the experimental analysis of the effects of antecedents is impossible or impractical. Second, response-contingent reinforcers most commonly alter the control of responses by their antecedents. That is, discriminative control of responding is ‘‘practically inevitable’’ (Skinner, 1937, p. 273). Third, the manipulated antecedents of behavior are typically environmental events in cases that are amenable to experimental analysis, but may include covert or private (intraorganismic) events as well. Covert events (characterized behaviorally or neurally) invariably accompany environment–behavior relations and indispensably contribute to scientific interpretation. Where we differ from some commentators (but fewer than we might have supposed) is with respect to whether control by antecedents is inescapable, including on those occasions in which the antecedents cannot be manipulated (i.e., those in which functional relations between antecedents and behavior
Clinical outcomes in patients with renal artery stenosis treated with stent placement with embolic protection compared with those treated with stent alone

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcomes in patients with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) and renal artery stenosis (RAS) following renal artery (RA) stent placement with and without embolic protection device (EPD) usage. Materials and Methods: Eighteen patients who had RA stent placement with EPD were matched to control patients (RA stent only). Blood pressure, number of hypertensive medications, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 3 months before the procedure and after 12 months were determined. An increase of ≥ 20% in eGFR at 12 months from baseline was defined as “improvement,” decrease of ≥20% as “deterioration,” and an eGFR change between those values as “stabilization” at 12 months. Results: At 12 months, stage 4 patients treated with EPD had significantly higher eGFR than controls (P = .01). There was no statistical difference in blood pressure outcomes between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Patients with stage 4 CRI did significantly better with EPD than those treated without it.
Advanced generation control with economic dispatch

A new approach for the automatic generation control (AGC) of electric power networks is introduced. This approach also supports an economic dispatch feature which operates at a slower time scale and interacts with the AGC frequency stabilization function. AGC is separated into two subtasks: frequency regulation and tie-line flow control, and a hierarchy of controls are formulated to realize these two functions. The frequency regulation level, called secondary control, is decentralized, and optimized with respect to both frequency offset and change in generator governor controls. The tie-line flow control level, called tertiary control, is centralized, and works on a slower time scale than secondary control. Tertiary control compensates for inadvertent flows between areas by momentarily offsetting generator frequencies. These frequency offsets shift the phase angles found at tie-line terminals, and eventually realize the desired line flows. The role of economic dispatch (ED) is to reschedule the entire system to minimize overall generation cost. The proposed version of ED is centralized, and invoked at an even slower rate than tertiary tie-line regulation.
Eliminating the cervical esophagogastric anastomotic leak with a side-to-side stapled anastomosis

Abstract Background: Although the acute postoperative complications of a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis are less than those with an intrathoracic esophageal anastomosis, the long-term sequelae of a cervical anastomotic leak are not as minor as initially reported. Nearly 50% of cervical anastomotic leaks result in an anastomotic stricture, and the subsequent need for chronic dilatations negates the merits of an operation intended to restore comfortable swallowing. Objective: This study was undertaken to determine whether construction of a side-to-side stapled cervical esophagogastric anastomosis after transhiatal esophagectomy could reliably eliminate the majority of anastomotic leaks. Methods: In 114 consecutive patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy, a functional side-to-side cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was constructed with the Auto Suture Endo-GIA II stapler (United States Surgical Corporation, Auto Suture Company Division, Norwalk, Conn) applied directly through the cervical wound. This side-to-side stapled anastomosis has 3 rows of staples. Early postoperative anastomotic morbidity, subsequent need for anastomotic dilatations, and patient satisfaction with swallowing were evaluated. Results: Before the side-to-side stapled anastomosis, the incidence of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis leak in over 1000 patients undergoing transhiatal esophagectomy having a manually sewn anastomosis varied from 10% to 15%. Among the 111 survivors of transhiatal esophagectomy and a side-to-side stapled anastomosis, there were 3 (2.7%) clinically significant anastomotic leaks. This lowered incidence of leaks has contributed to reduction in the average length of stay after an uncomplicated transhiatal esophagectomy to 7 days and has provided more comfortable swallowing, ease of subsequent esophageal dilatations, and greater patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Construction of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with a side-to-side stapled anastomosis greatly reduces the frequency of anastomotic leaks and later strictures. The side-to-side stapled anastomosis is a major technical advance in the progression of refinements of transhiatal esophagectomy and a cervical esophagogastric anastomosis. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:277-88)
Efficient high-dimensional indexing by superimposing space-partitioning schemes

The problem of accessing data in high-dimensional spaces has attracted considerable scientific interest. Multidimensional access methods typically employ a space-partitioning strategy whose goal is to direct the search toward relevant parts of the space. Unfortunately, monolithic partitioning, whether it is static, dynamic or some hybrid scheme, has serious limitations in high-dimensional situations. This work presents a new family of indexing techniques that superimposes static partitioning over a dynamic partitioning scheme in order to improve the search performance in high-dimensional spaces. A comprehensive set of experiments shows that, in realistic scenarios, the proposed solutions are usually much more efficient and more scalable than the multidimensional access methods based on monolithic partitioning.
REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV-1) INFECTION

Infection with HIV leads to profound immunosuppression, infection, and malignancy that has wide ranging implications on reproduction in both males and females, which will be explored in this review
Rapid, Membrane-Initiated Actions of 1,25 Dihydroxyvitamin D: What Are They and What Do They Mean?

Vitamin D is a conditionally required nutrient traditionally thought to influence physiology as the metabolite 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2) D] by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and stimulating the transcription of genes through direct VDR-DNA interactions. However, over the past 15 y research has demonstrated that 1,25(OH)(2) D, as well as other steroid hormones, can rapidly stimulate ion fluxes and activate protein kinases by transcription-independent mechanisms. This review summarizes recent research on the rapid actions of 1,25(OH)(2) D and identifies questions that remain to be answered in this area.
Higher-Order Staggered and Subiteration Free Algorithms for Coupled Dynamic Aeroelasticity Problems

We overview two sequential and parallel partitioned procedures that are popular in computational nonlinear aeroelasticity, and address their limitation in terms of accuracy and numerical stability. We propose two alternative serial and parallel staggered algorithms for the solution of coupled transient aeroelastic problems, and demonstrate their superior accuracy and computational efficiency with the flutter analysis of the AGARD Wing 445.6. We contrast our results with those computed by other investigators and validate them with experimental data.
Effect of Post‐Planting Residue Applications and Tillage on Nitrogen Accumulation and Partitioningin Maize (Zea mays L.)

Effects of a tillage-surface crop residue combination on nitrogen (N) accumulation by maize were examined using a replicated field experiment. Crop residues, < 70 % surface cover, were applied a few days aftei planting conventional- and ridge-tillage treatments. With < 30 % surface cover, total accumulated-N decreased from about 4 to 2 g plant−1 as the plant population density (PPD) increased from 4 to 7 plants m−2 With < 70 % surface cover, total N accumulated averaged about 3 g plant−1 over the PPD range of 4 to / plants m−1. At a PPD of about 5.5 plants m−2, equal amounts of N were accumulated by plants in al treatments. Nitrogen accumulation was periodically monitored and fitted to a diphasic tanh(k[time]) model About 1.8 to 2.6 g of N and about 0.70 to 1.4 g of N were accumulated before and after anthesis respectively. Maximum N accumulation rates averaged about 92 and 60 mg plant−1 day−1 during vegetativt and reproductive growth-stages, respectively. Total N accumulation during the vegetative growth-stag declined exponentially as PPD increased; this may reflect a crop demand-soil supply relationship.
Phylogenetic analysis of developmental and postnatal mouse cell lineages

Fate maps depict how cells relate together through past lineage relationships, and are useful tools for studying developmental and somatic processes. However, with existing technologies, it has not been possible to generate detailed fate maps of complex organisms such as the mouse. We and others have therefore proposed a novel approach, "phylogenetic fate mapping," where patterns of somatic mutation carried by the individual cells of an animal are used to retrospectively deduce lineage relationships through phylogenetic inference. Here, we have cataloged genomic polymorphisms at 324 mutation-prone polyguanine tracts for nearly 300 cells isolated from a single mouse, and have explored the cells' lineage relationships both phylogenetically and through a network-based approach. We present a model of mouse embryogenesis, where an early period of substantial cell mixing is followed by more coherent growth of clones later. We find that cells from certain tissues have greater numbers of close relatives in other specific tissues than expected from chance, suggesting that those populations arise from a similar pool of ancestral lineages. Finally, we have investigated the dynamics of cell turnover (the frequency of cell loss and replacement) in postnatal tissues. This work offers a longitudinal study of developmental lineages, from conception to adulthood, and provides insight into basic questions of mouse embryology as well as the somatic processes that occur after birth.
Spatial attention decorrelates intrinsic activity fluctuations in Macaque area V4

SUMMARY Attention typically amplifies neuronal responses evoked by task-relevant stimuli while attenuating responses to task-irrelevant distracters. In this context, visual distracters constitute an external source of noise that is diminished to improve attended signal quality. Activity that is internal to the cortex itself, stimulus-independent ongoing correlated fluctuations in firing, might also act as task-irrelevant noise. To examine this, we recorded from area V4 of macaques performing an attention-demanding task. The firing of neurons to identically repeated stimuli was highly variable. Much of this variability originates from ongoing low-frequency (<5 Hz) fluctuations in rate correlated across the neuronal population. When attention is directed to a stimulus inside a neuron’s receptive field, these correlated fluctuations in rate are reduced. This attentiondependent reduction of ongoing cortical activity improves the signal-to-noise ratio of pooled neural signals substantially more than attention-dependent increases in firing rate.
Redundant binary Booth recoding

We investigate the efficiencies attainable pursuing Booth recoding directly from redundant binary input with limited carry propagation. As a digit conversion problem we extend the important result that each radix 4 Booth recoded digit can be determined from 5 consecutive input signed bits to obtain that each radix 2/sup k/ Booth recoded digit can be determined from 2k+1 consecutive input signed bits and prove this to be the minimum possible for any k/spl ges/2. Analysis of alternative bit pair encodings of signed bits yields the improved result that each radix 2/sup k/ Booth recoded digit can be determined from only 2k encoded bit pairs employing sign and magnitude bit encoding, a result which does not extend to conventional borrow-save or carry-save redundant binary digit encodings. Radices 4 and 8 gate level designs are illustrated for alternative encodings, with our signed bit design shown to yield smaller depth and fewer gates than existing redundant binary Booth recoding circuits from the literature. >
Quantitative plasma biomarker analysis in HDI exposure assessment.

Quantification of amines in biological samples is important for evaluating occupational exposure to diisocyanates. In this study, we describe the quantification of 1,6-hexamethylene diamine (HDA) levels in hydrolyzed plasma of 46 spray painters applying 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI)-containing paint in vehicle repair shops collected during repeated visits to their workplace and their relationship with dermal and inhalation exposure to HDI monomer. HDA was detected in 76% of plasma samples, as heptafluorobutyryl derivatives, and the range of HDA concentrations was ≤0.02–0.92 μg l−1. After log-transformation of the data, the correlation between plasma HDA levels and HDI inhalation exposure measured on the same workday was low (N = 108, r = 0.22, P = 0.026) compared with the correlation between plasma HDA levels and inhalation exposure occurring ∼20 to 60 days before blood collection (N = 29, r = 0.57, P = 0.0014). The correlation between plasma HDA levels and HDI dermal exposure measured on the same workday, although statistically significant, was low (N = 108, r = 0.22, P = 0.040) while the correlation between HDA and dermal exposure occurring ∼20 to 60 days before blood collection was slightly improved (N = 29, r = 0.36, P = 0.053). We evaluated various workplace factors and controls (i.e. location, personal protective equipment use and paint booth type) as modifiers of plasma HDA levels. Workers using a downdraft-ventilated booth had significantly lower plasma HDA levels relative to semi-downdraft and crossdraft booth types (P = 0.0108); this trend was comparable to HDI inhalation and dermal exposure levels stratified by booth type. These findings indicate that HDA concentration in hydrolyzed plasma may be used as a biomarker of cumulative inhalation and dermal exposure to HDI and for investigating the effectiveness of exposure controls in the workplace.
Sharing-aware algorithms for virtual machine colocation

Virtualization technology enables multiple virtual machines (VMs) to run on a single physical server. VMs that run on the same physical server can share memory pages that have identical content, thereby reducing the overall memory requirements on the server. We develop sharing-aware algorithms that can colocate VMs with similar page content on the same physical server to optimize the benefits of inter-VM sharing. We show that inter-VM sharing occurs in a largely hierarchical fashion, where the sharing can be attributed to VM's running the same OS platform, OS version, software libraries, or applications. We propose two hierarchical sharing models: a tree model and a more general cluster-tree model. Using a set of VM traces, we show that up to 67% percent of the inter-VM sharing is captured by the tree model and up to 82% is captured by the cluster-tree model. Next, we study two problem variants of critical interest to a virtualization service provider: the VM Maximization problem that determines the most profitable subset of the VMs that can be packed into the given set of servers, and the VM packing problem that determines the smallest set of servers that can accommodate a set of VMs. While both variants are NP-hard, we show that both admit provably good approximation schemes in the hierarchical sharing models. We show that VM maximization for the tree and cluster-tree models can be approximated in polytime to within a (1 - 1/e) factor of optimal. Further, we show that VM packing can be approximated in polytime to within a factor of O(log n) of optimal for cluster-trees and to within a factor of 3 of optimal for trees, where n is the number of VMs. Finally, we evaluate our VM packing algorithm for the tree sharing model on real-world VM traces and show that our algorithm can exploit most of the available inter-VM sharing to achieve a 32% to 50% reduction in servers and a 25% to 57% reduction in memory footprint compared to sharing-oblivious algorithms.
The Calcium-Binding Activity of a Vacuole-Associated, Dehydrin-Like Protein Is Regulated by Phosphorylation

A vacuole membrane-associated calcium-binding protein with an apparent mass of 45 kD was purified from celery (Apium graveolens). This protein, VCaB45, is enriched in highly vacuolate tissues and is located within the lumen of vacuoles. Antigenically related proteins are present in many dicotyledonous plants. VCaB45 contains significant amino acid identity with the dehydrin family signature motif, is antigenically related to dehydrins, and has a variety of biochemical properties similar to dehydrins. VCaB45 migrates anomalously in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis having an apparent molecular mass of 45 kD. The true mass as determined by matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time of flight was 16.45 kD. VCaB45 has two characteristic dissociation constants for calcium of 0.22 ± 0.142 mm and 0.64 ± 0.08 mm, and has an estimated 24.7 ± 11.7 calcium-binding sites per protein. The calcium-binding properties of VCaB45 are modulated by phosphorylation; the phosphorylated protein binds up to 100-fold more calcium than the dephosphorylated protein. VCaB45 is an “in vitro” substrate of casein kinase II (a ubiquitous eukaryotic kinase), the phosphorylation resulting in a partial activation of calcium-binding activity. The vacuole localization, calcium binding, and phosphorylation of VCaB45 suggest potential functions.
The Evolution of M Proteins of Group A Streptococci

Protection of the human host against infection by the Group A streptococcus is mediated by antibodies directed against the M protein, a molecule found on the bacterial surface (Lancefield, 1962; Swanson et al, 1969). This protein is a dimeric coiled-coil (Phillips et al, 1981) attached to the bacterial cell by its carboxy terminus (Fischetti et al, 1985) (Fig. 1). So far, over 80 different antigenic types of M protein have been identified with specifically absorbed antisera, and additional strains have been isolated for which no specific antisera have been developed. The M proteins appear to be the most important virulence determinants for the group A streptococci because they protect the organism against phagocytosis. In a polyclonal antiserum directed against one streptococcal strain, some anti-M antibodies are opsonic and thus overcome the protection that the M protein provides (Lancefield, 1962). The opsonic antibodies are thought to be largely type-specific, because little cross-opsonization is observed, at least with the available standardized typing antisera.
The effects of lactic acid bacteria inoculants on biogenic amines formation in sauerkraut

Sauerkrauts were prepared in three laboratory experiments from three white cabbage varieties by initial fermentation at 22°C for 14 days, then stored at 5–6°C and analysed after six months. Six variants were observed: a spontaneously fermented one as control and inoculated ones with commercial strains of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Enterococcus faecium and mixed Microsil preparative, all at dose 5×106 CFU g−1 of cabbage. Seven biogenic amines were extracted with perchloric acid and determined as N-benzamides by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography. Sauerkraut quality parameters, pH value, total acidity, lactic acid, acetic acid, ammonia, alpha-amino groups and ethanol, were also determined. Histamine, tryptamine, spermidine and spermine concentrations were usually below 10 mg kg−1 and sometimes below detection limits. Formation of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine, whose total concentrations were from 450 to 780 mg kg−1 in control variants, was significantly (P<0.005) suppressed by L. plantarum and Microsil. Similarly, these inoculants also significantly lowered (P<0.005) formation of acetic acid, ammonia and alpha-amino groups. The effects of the other inoculants were limited.
Supporting Transition-Age Youth With and At Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders at the Secondary Level: A Need for Further Inquiry

Although the task of intervening with transition-age youth with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) may be daunting, this area of inquiry is sorelyneed ed. In this introductory article, the authors discuss the scarcity of available research involving students with EBD at the secondary level and the importance of meeting these students' educational needs to promote success during and beyond high school and overview the focus of this special series on secondary school-age youth with or at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders.
Preparation of [3H]-labelled benzphetamine photoaffinity probes for cytochrome P-450

We have synthesized two tritium labelled photolabile azid-α-desmethylbenzphetamine analogues: N-benzyl-N-methyl-p-azido-phenethylamine ([3H]BP-N3) and N-(p-azidobenzyl)-N-methyl-p-azido-phenethylamine ([3H]N3-BP-N3). These compounds, photoaffinity probes for cytochrome P450 2B1, were prepared in a two step synthetic process. First, the iodinated aminoderivative precursors N-benzyl-N-methyl-4-amino-3,5-diiodophenethylamine and N-(4-amino-3,5-diiodobenzyl)-N-methyl-4-amino-3,5-diiodophenethylamine were subjected to reductive deiodination on a Pd/C catalyst using sodium [3H]borohydride as an in situ generator of tritium gas. Second, resultant radiolabelled amino-compounds were converted into the final [3H]BP-N3 and [3H]N3-BP-N3 compound through their diazoderivatives without separation of their intermediates.
A model for learning global properties

Abstract This paper reports developments in a mathematical model of cognitive learning. The model describes the processes of formation, testing, and revision of hypotheses held by a learner attempting to understand an environment. The fundamental assumption is that learning proceeds by a feedback cycle, where hypotheses are tested for validity against external reality and reweighted according to the outcome. A particular application of this model to the case of a mechanical “beetle”, mapping a geometrical environment, yields results of interest in artificial intelligence and robot design, including results on the computability of several geometrical predicates.
On psychological space.

Western psychology, with a few exceptions (James, 1890; Lewin, 1936; Matte Blanco, 1975), has on the whole ignored any relationship between mind 'and space, no doubt because of the lingering influence of Descartes, who separated the world into the thinking substance of mind as over against the spatially-extended substance of matter. This paper will examine the relationship between mind and space in an experientialphenomenological framework and show that the notion of psychological space can potentially be of great value in helping us to understand the nature of consciousness and the ways in which we create our world,
Frequent Augmented Feedback Can Degrade Learning: Evidence and Interpretations

The role of augmented information feedback for motor learning has been evaluated recently by an examination of its role on performance on transfer or retention tests. Several lines of evidence from various research paradigms show that, as compared to feedback provided frequently (after every trial), less frequent feedback provides benefits in learning as measured on tests of long-term retention. Such effects are of course contrary to most accounts of the learning process in human skills. In this paper, these lines of evidence are first briefly reviewed, and then several interpretations are provided in terms of the underlying processes that are degraded by frequent feedback. These decrements for frequent feedback seem to be caused by feedback’s tendency to generate maladaptive short-term corrections, by a blockage of several sets of information processing activities, or by both of these factors in some combination.
Hysteroscopic Tubal Sterilization

Hysteroscopic sterilization was introduced in 2002 and has become an essential office gynecologic procedure for women who no longer desire fertility. Initially, two approved sterilization systems were introduced to market but only is currently in widespread use: the Essure™ Permanent Birth Control System. This procedure consists of two metal–polymer microinserts which are hysteroscopically placed to transverse the uterotubal junction and allow for tissue in-growth and tubal occlusion over time. The procedure has been extensively studied and has been easily adapted to the office surgery practice. It has superior effectiveness, is relatively pain-free and with few complications. Patient evaluation and preparation as well as procedural technique is reviewed as well as tips on assessing the post-procedure hysterosalpingogram are discussed. In-office hysteroscopic sterilization is a safe, straightforward procedure which is ideally suited for a gynecologic office practice.
Aggregative Business History

One of the pioneers in the historical study of business and entrepreneurship recalls the origins of the two fields and suggests a synthesis as a basis for further research and analysis. The Editors and Dr. Cole welcome comments and discussion of these ideas.
Induction of immunological tolerance to male skin isografts in female mice subsequent to neonatal period.

Summary(1) Acquired tolerance of male skin isografts has been produced in females of inbred A and C57Bl (subline 1) strains, over a wide age range, either by injection of viable male spleen cells or by placing females in parabiosis with males. (2) Attention is directed to the importance of age and degree of histocompatibility difference in susceptibility to induction of acquired tolerance. (3) The implications of these observations are discussed.
Reflections on Justice in the Context of HIV/AIDS

The spread of the HIV and AIDS pandemic in the African context today calls for a critical refl ection on the virtue of justice. The author begins by describing in a broad manner recent perspectives on justice. He then examines the meaning of justice in the context of HIV AIDS, with a limited focus on religious healthcare, especially the Christian tradition that is a major partner in healthcare delivery in Africa.
Crisis in the mediterranean: naval competition and great power politics, 1904–1914

Lord Nelson’s victory over the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805 marked the onset of a century of British domination of the Mediterranean, but the decade preceding the First World War ...
SAXS studies of RNA: structures, dynamics, and interactions with partners

Small-angle X-ray scattering, SAXS, is a powerful and easily employed experimental technique that provides solution structures of macromolecules. The size and shape parameters derived from SAXS provide global structural information about these molecules in solution and essentially complement data acquired by other biophysical methods. As applied to protein systems, SAXS is a relatively mature technology: sophisticated tools exist to acquire and analyze data, and to create structural models that include dynamically flexible ensembles. Given the expanding appreciation of RNA's biological roles, there is a need to develop comparable tools to characterize solution structures of RNA, including its interactions with important biological partners. We review the progress toward achieving this goal, focusing on experimental and computational innovations. The use of multiphase modeling, absolute calibration and contrast variation methods, among others, provides new and often unique ways of visualizing this important biological molecule and its essential partners: ions, other RNAs, or proteins. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:512-526. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1349 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Experimental Assessment of the Equivalent Strain Rate for an Instrumented Charpy Test.

Instrumented Charpy test data can be used to obtain estimates of dynamic yield strength, by means of a well-established relationship published by W. Server in 1978. A fundamental issue in comparing measured dynamic tensile properties and Charpy-based estimations is establishing the equivalent uniaxial strain rate for an instrumented Charpy test, typically conducted at ≈ 5.5 m/s. In this investigation, by performing tensile tests at various strain rates and instrumented Charpy tests for 10 different materials, we compared values of dynamic yield strength both measured from tensile tests and estimated by means of Server’s equation. The obtained equivalent Charpy strain rates were found to vary significantly from material to material, and to correlate reasonably with specific values of absorbed energy measured during the impact tests.
336 BRACHYDACTYLY A1: IS IT A SINGLE CONDITION?

Brachydactyly A1 is characterized by shortening or absence of the middle phalanges of all digits. The second and fifth digits are most severely affected. A variety of skeletal findings with brachydactyly have been reported, but in general, this disorder has not been well defined. We present 2 families with brachydactyly A1 and other skeletal abnormalities not previously described. The proband in the first family is a 40-year-old male. His history was significant for short hands and feet in addition to club foot and elbow surgery to remove cartilage. Although he is of normal stature, his arm span/height ratio was decreased and his upper/lower segment ratio was increased, suggesting short limbs. He was noted to have limited dorsiflexion of his ankles and wrists. Skeletal survey showed bilateral shortening of the middle phalanges in the upper extremities with accessory ossicles, scoliosis, spurring and lateral flaring of the iliac wings bilaterally, abnormal tufting of distal phalanges of feet with appearance of absence of mid or proximal phalanges and tarsal fusion. Family history is significant for similar hand findings in multiple family members consistent with autosomal dominant inheritance. The proband in the second family is a 4-year-old girl referred to our clinic for short stature. On exam she was noted to have hallux valgus and syndactyly of her second and third toes. Her skeletal survey revealed marked shortening of the middle phalanges of the second, third, and fourth fingers bilaterally; abnormal overgrowth of the proximal epiphyses of the proximal second and third phalanges bilaterally; and normal long bones and vertebrae. Her mother is also affected with brachydactyly of her hands with syndactyly of her toes and microcephaly. Her films showed symphalangism, a narrow 4th metacarpal, narrowing and irregularity of the IP joint of the thumb and DIP joints, short middle phalanges of the 5th fingers bilaterally, absent middle phalanges over the 4th and 5th toes with fused DIP joints, and shortened 3rd and 4th toes bilaterally. The widely variable findings in these two families suggest that brachydactyly A1 is not a single disorder and that careful clinical and radiographic evaluations are necessary to further delineate the subgroups. Brachydactyly A1 is typically considered to be an isolated finding but can be a heterogeneous disorder with more generalized skeletal manifestations. Better genotype-phenotype correlation is needed. Mutations responsible for brachydactyly A1 have been described involving the Indian hedgehog gene. Testing for our patients is pending at this time. It is possible that different genes may be responsible for the variable phenotypes.
Dynamic cropping systems: an adaptable approach to crop production in the Great Plains

Research to integrate the vast array of information needed by producers to make decisions allowing them to remain sustainable in our ever-changing agricultural environment is in its infancy. Present research has not provided crop production and soils information that is adequately comprehensive and holistic for producers to make critical decisions. We propose a dynamic cropping systems approach to help producers make those critical decisions they need to remain sustainable. Our definition of a dynamic cropping system is a long-term strategy of annual crop sequencing that optimizes crop and soil use options and the attainment of production, economic, and resource conservation goals by using sound ecological management principles. Implicit to this strategy is the need for producers to possess information necessary to respond to continual change. Key factors associated with dynamic cropping systems are diversity, adaptability, reduced input cost, multiple enterprise systems, and awareness of environment and information. Development of a dynamic cropping systems research program involves creating a crop portfolio, crop sequence evaluation, and multidirectional flow of information among research, extension, and producers. Dynamic cropping systems approach relies on responsiveness and provides producers with management flexibility for developing their own long-term sustainable crop, soil, and land use systems.