cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptor α activation enhances its cell surface localization and improves myocardial redox status in ovariectomized rats

Abstract Aims Little is known about the role of subcellular trafficking of estrogen receptor (ER) subtypes in the acute estrogen (E 2 )-mediated alleviation of oxidative stress. We tested the hypothesis that ERα migration to the cardiac myocyte membrane mediates the acute E 2 -dependent improvement of cellular redox status. Main methods Myocardial distribution of subcellular ERα, ERβ and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) was determined in proestrus sham-operated (SO) and in ovariectomized (OVX) rats, acutely treated with E 2 (1 μg/kg) or a selective ERα (PPT), ERβ (DPN) or GPER (G1) agonist (10 μg/kg), by immunofluorescence and Western blot. We measured ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities to evaluate myocardial antioxidant/redox status. Key findings Compared with SO, OVX rats exhibited higher myocardial ROS and MDA levels, reduced catalase and SOD activities, along with diminished ERα, and enhanced ERβ and GPER, localization at cardiomyocyte membrane. Acute E 2 or an ERα (PPT), but not ERβ (DPN) or GPER (G1), agonist reversed these responses in OVX rats and resulted in higher ERα/ERβ and ERα/GPER ratios at the cardiomyocytes membrane. PPT or DPN enhanced myocardial Akt phosphorylation. We present the first evidence that preferential aggregation of ERα at the cardiomyocytes plasma membrane is ERα-dependent, and underlies E 2 -mediated reduction in oxidative stress, at least partly, via the enhancements of myocardial catalase and SOD activities in OVX rats. Significance The findings highlight ERα agonists as potential therapeutics for restoring the myocardial redox status following E 2 depletion in postmenopausal women.
Outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis: 19 cases (2002-2016).

SummaryBackground Contaminated or septic navicular bursitis has been reported to have a guarded prognosis after surgical treatment with navicular bursotomy only. In our experience, the use of navicular bursotomy for the treatment of this disease in combination with systemic and local delivery of antimicrobials can provide a good prognosis, even in horses with chronic disease. Objective To report the outcome of horses undergoing navicular bursotomy for the treatment of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis. Study design Descriptive case series. Methods Navicular bursotomy was performed in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies. Medical records (2002–2016) were reviewed. Follow-up information was obtained from owners or referring veterinarians. Horse outcome was divided into two groups. A successful outcome (Group 1) was assigned to horses that were able to return to the same level of use or performance as before contamination/infection. A satisfactory outcome (Group 2) was assigned to horses that survived but did not return to their previous function or level of performance. Results All horses survived to hospital discharge. Follow-up was obtained from 4 months to 12.75 years after surgery. Sixteen horses were able to return to their previous level of use (84.2%) and three horses were able to return to a lower level of performance or were pasture sound (15.8%). All 19 owners were satisfied with the outcome. Main limitations Small sample size and retrospective nature of the study. Follow-up was limited to telephone contact with owners and referring veterinarians, and there is potential for recall bias. Conclusions Navicular bursotomy in combination with systemic and local antimicrobial therapies is an effective treatment for contaminated or septic navicular bursitis. The success rate in this population makes navicular bursotomy worthy of consideration in cases of contaminated or septic navicular bursitis, especially with chronicity and/or where equipment or expertise for bursoscopy is unavailable.
Salivary cotinine levels in children with otolaryngological disorders.

Abstract Objective To determine if salivary cotinine, a biomarker for tobacco smoke exposure, is elevated more often or to a higher degree in children meeting criteria for tonsillectomy or tympanostomy tube insertion. Methods Saliva samples were obtained from 3 groups of children for salivary cotinine measurement. Group 1 served as healthy controls. Group 2 consisted of subjects meeting tympanostomy tube criteria. Group 3 consisted of patients meeting tonsillectomy criteria. Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure was defined as a salivary cotinine concentration ≥1.0 ng/mL. Demographic data, smoke exposure history, and co-morbidities were also determined. Results 331 patients were included, with 112 in Group 1, 111 in Group 2, and 108 in Group 3. No differences were encountered for smoke exposure by history or smoker's identity, salivary cotinine level, or frequency of positive cotinine results. 42.6% of Group 1 had positive salivary cotinine compared to 51.8% of Group 2 and 47.7% of Group 3. Group 1 had a mean salivary cotinine level of 2.42 ng/mL compared to 2.54 ng/mL in Group 2 and 2.60 ng/mL in Group 3. The frequency of positive cotinine levels was higher than expected based on parental history. Among subjects with positive cotinine levels, 93 had no ETS exposure, and 64 had ETS exposure by history. Conclusion Approximately 50% of children who undergo tonsillectomy and tympanostomy tube insertion have objective evidence of ETS exposure. Parental history underestimates passive smoke exposure, which can impact perioperative care.
Metformin Exerts Beneficial Effects in Hemorrhagic Shock in An AMPKα1-Independent Manner.

Despite therapeutic advances in hemorrhagic shock, mortality from multiple organ failure remains high. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is involved in cellular energy homeostasis. Two catalytic subunits, α1 and α2, have been identified, with α1 subunit largely expressed in major organs. Here, we hypothesized that genetic deficiency of AMPKα1 worsens hemorrhage-induced multiple organ failure. We also investigated whether treatment with metformin, a clinically used drug for metabolic homeostasis, affords beneficial effects. AMPKα1 wild-type (WT) and knock-out mice (KO) were subjected to hemorrhagic shock by blood withdrawing followed by resuscitation with shed blood and Lactated Ringer’s solution and treatment with vehicle or metformin. Mice were sacrificed at 3 hours after resuscitation. Compared to vehicle-treated WT animals, KO animals exhibited a more severe hypotension, higher lung and liver injury and neutrophil infiltration, and higher levels of plasma inflammatory cytokines. Metformin treatment ameliorated organ injury and mean arterial blood pressure in both WT and KO mice, without affecting systemic cytokine levels. Furthermore, metformin treatment reduced liver lipid peroxidation and increased levels of complex II co-substrate FAD and levels of ATP in WT and KO mice. Beneficial effects of metformin were associated with organ-specific nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling and activation of liver kinase B1 and AMPKα2. Thus, our data suggest that AMPKα1 is an important regulator of hemodynamic stability and organ metabolic recovery during hemorrhagic shock. Our data also suggest that metformin affords beneficial effects, at least in part, independently of AMPKα1 and secondary to AMPKα2 activation, increase of Complex II function and reduction of oxidative stress.
Sub-Doppler infrared spectroscopy of resonance-stabilized hydrocarbon intermediates: ν3/ν4 CH stretch modes and CH2 internal rotor dynamics of benzyl radical

Highly reactive benzyl radicals are generated by electron dissociative attachment to benzyl chloride doped into a neon-hydrogen-helium discharge and immediately cooled to Trot = 15 K in a high density, supersonic slit expansion environment. The sub-Doppler spectra are fit to an asymmetric-top rotational Hamiltonian, thereby yielding spectroscopic constants for the ground (v = 0) and first excited (v = 1, ν3, ν4) vibrational levels of the ground electronic state. The rotational constants obtained for the ground state are in good agreement with previous laser induced fluorescence measurements (LIF), with vibrational band origins (ν3 = 3073.2350 ± 0.0006 cm-1, ν4 = 3067.0576 ± 0.0006 cm-1) in agreement with anharmonically corrected density functional theory calculations. To assist in detection of benzyl radical in the interstellar medium, we have also significantly improved the precision of the ground state rotational constants through combined analysis of the ground state IR and LIF combination differences. Of dynamical interest, there is no evidence in the sub-Doppler spectra for tunneling splittings due to internal rotation of the CH2 methylene subunit, which implies a significant rotational barrier consistent with partial double bond character in the CC bond. This is further confirmed with high level ab initio calculations at the CCSD(T)-f12b/ccpVdZ-f12 level, which predict a zero-point energy corrected barrier to internal rotation of ΔEtun ≈ 11.45 kcal mol-1 or 4005 cm-1. In summary, the high-resolution infrared spectra are in excellent agreement with simple physical organic chemistry pictures of a strongly resonance-stabilized benzyl radical with a nearly rigid planar structure due to electron delocalization around the aromatic ring.
Nucleon Spectroscopy with CLAS

Meson photoproduction is an important tool in the study of nucleon resonances. The spectrum of broad and overlapping nucleon excitations can be greatly clarified by use of polarization observables. The N* program at Jefferson Lab with the CEBAF Large Acceptance Spectrometer (CLAS) includes experimental studies with linearly- and circularly-polarized tagged-photon beams, longitudinally- and transversely-polarized nucleon targets, and recoil polarizations. Selected results from these experimental studies will be presented.
Acidosis mediates recurrent hypoglycemia-induced increase in ischemic brain injury in treated diabetic rats

Abstract Objectives Cerebral ischemia is a serious possible manifestation of diabetic vascular disease. Recurrent hypoglycemia (RH) enhances ischemic brain injury in insulin-treated diabetic (ITD) rats. In the present study, we determined the role of ischemic acidosis in enhanced ischemic brain damage in RH-exposed ITD rats. Methods Diabetic rats were treated with insulin and mild/moderate RH was induced for 5 days. Three sets of experiments were performed. The first set evaluated the effects of RH exposure on global cerebral ischemia-induced acidosis in ITD rats. The second set evaluated the effect of an alkalizing agent (Tris-(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane: THAM) on ischemic acidosis-induced brain injury in RH-exposed ITD rats. The third experiment evaluated the effect of the glucose transporter (GLUT) inhibitor on ischemic acidosis-induced brain injury in RH-exposed ITD rats. Hippocampal pH and lactate were measured during ischemia and early reperfusion for all three experiments. Neuronal survival in Cornu Ammonis 1 (CA1) hippocampus served as a measure of ischemic brain injury. Findings Prior RH exposure increases lactate concentration and decreases pH during ischemia and early reperfusion when compared to controls. THAM and GLUT inhibitor treatments attenuated RH-induced increase in ischemic acidosis. GLUT inhibitor treatment reduced the RH-induced increase in lactate levels. Both THAM and GLUT inhibitor treatments significantly decreased ischemic damage in RH-exposed ITD rats. Conclusions Ischemia causes increased acidosis in RH-exposed ITD rats via a GLUT-sensitive mechanism. Exploring downstream pathways may help understand mechanisms by which prior exposure to RH increases cerebral ischemic damage.
Deformation Twinning in Nanocrystalline fcc Copper and Aluminum

Deformation twins have been oberved in nanocrystalline (nc) Al processed by cryogenic ball-milling and in nc Cu processed by high-pressure torsion at room temperature and very low strain rates. They were found formed by partial dislocations emitted from grain boundaries. This paper first reviews experimental evidences and molecular simulation results on deformation twinning and partial dislocation emissions from grain boundaries, and then discusses recent analytical models on the nucleation and growth of deformation twins. These models are compared with experimental results to establish their validity and limitations.
A Spatial Analysis of Homicides in Saint Louis: The Importance of Scale

The current study examines the social, racial, and economic determinants of homicide rates in the City of St. Louis using census tracts and 1000-m raster grids as geographic units for analysis. We used a meso and micro-level geographic scale to evaluate potential impacts associated with the modifiable areal unit problem. Using spatial interpolation, we generated redistributed values, based on area weighting, for explanatory variables. We applied spatial dependence regression models to assess the relationship with social, economic, and racial determinants in the analysis of homicide rates. At the census tract level, we do not find significant relationships between social, racial, and economic explanatory variables and homicide rates. Significant relationships are observed at the 1000-m grid level with income inequality, public assistance, and racial diversity and homicide rates. The results indicate a trade-off between the explanatory power of the census tract and the precision of the 1000-m raster grid.
Wideband radar cross section reduction of a microstrip antenna with square slots

This paper proposes a new radar cross section (RCS) reduced microstrip antenna incorporating 475 square slots on the patch. The proposed antenna achieves wideband RCS reduction with radiation performance sustained. The modified and reference antenna are simulated and analyzed in radiating and scattering mode, respectively. Prototypes of two antennas are fabricated and measured. Compared with the reference antenna, the simulated result shows the modified antenna RCS reduced in the frequency range 1.1–2.6 GHz, which contains the in-band and out-of-band frequency band simultaneously. And the maximum RCS reduction is 7.6dB at the frequency of 1.19GHz. Besides, the modified antenna can achieve the antenna RCS reduction in the case of oblique incidence. The prototypes of two antennas are fabricated and measured, and the accuracy of the simulation is proved by the measured result. Due to its advantages of simplicity, wideband RCS reduced, broad-angle RCS reduced, the method in this paper is suitable for wideband antenna RCS reduction in space-limited environment.
Association of Marijuana Laws With Teen Marijuana Use: New Estimates From the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys

This study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys to assess the association between marijuana laws and use among youth.
Time optimal entrainment control for circadian rhythm

The circadian rhythm functions as a master clock that regulates many physiological processes in humans including sleep, metabolism, hormone secretion, and neurobehavioral processes. Disruption of the circadian rhythm is known to have negative impacts on health. Light is the strongest circadian stimulus that can be used to regulate the circadian phase. In this paper, we consider the mathematical problem of time-optimal circadian (re)entrainment, i.e., computing the lighting schedule to drive a misaligned circadian phase to a reference circadian phase as quickly as possible. We represent the dynamics of the circadian rhythm using the Jewett-Forger-Kronauer (JFK) model, which is a third-order nonlinear differential equation. The time-optimal circadian entrainment problem has been previously solved in settings that involve either a reduced-order JFK model or open-loop optimal solutions. In this paper, we present (1) a general solution for the time-optimal control problem of fastest entrainment that can be applied to the full order JFK model (2) an evaluation of the impacts of model reduction on the solutions of the time-optimal control problem, and (3) optimal feedback control laws for fastest entrainment for the full order Kronauer model and evaluate their robustness under some modeling errors.
Skin bacteria provide early protection for newly metamorphosed southern leopard frogs (Rana sphenocephala) against the frog-killing fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis

Abstract An important concern for conservation biologists is the continuing loss of global biodiversity. This is especially true for amphibians, which are disappearing at an alarming rate. The emerging fungal pathogen, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd ), causes the skin disease chytridiomycosis and is a major contributor to amphibian population declines. Recent studies suggest that symbiotic skin bacteria provide some protection against Bd . Possible mitigation strategies include skin microbiome manipulation and bioaugmentation with potentially beneficial bacteria. Such approaches may employ a method to reduce resident bacteria on the skin to allow for new colonization. Using the southern leopard frog, Rana ( Lithobates ) sphenocephala , we show here that the skin of this species harbors a rich array of culturable bacterial species that inhibit Bd growth in␣vitro . Use of a potent antibiotic cocktail dramatically reduced culturable skin bacteria within 48 h. Reduction of bacteria on post-metamorphic juvenile skin using this antibiotic cocktail resulted in an increased Bd skin burden within two weeks of Bd exposure and a higher Bd burden in those frogs that died. However, efforts to maintain a normal bacterial skin community using a semi-natural mesocosm-derived source of microbes failed to provide long term protection of these vulnerable frogs. Regardless of presence or absence of mesocosm-derived bacteria, Bd loads decreased over time in surviving frogs, suggesting the development of an adaptive immune defense. In this species, development of an antimicrobial peptide defense is delayed, and thus, the microbial community and adaptive immune defenses may provide protection at this critical period of development.
Reducing Pediatric Tracheostomy Wound Complications: An Evidence-Based Literature Review.

Objective To discuss prevention strategies that can mitigate the frequency of tracheostomy-related wound complications. Data sources A systematic literature review of PubMed between 2010 and 2019. Study selection Full-text articles written in English language and studying human participants younger than 18 years. Data extraction The primary outcome was the rate of tracheostomy-related skin complications after implementation of a given intervention. Secondary outcomes included rates of accidental decannulation or other complications. Data synthesis A total of 348 studies were identified and 6 met inclusion criteria. There were 1,607 children included with interventions designed to reduce peristomal and cervical wound complications in 1,174 (73.1%). Strategies considered safe and effective included protective skin barriers, reducing prolonged pressure, and early wound identification protocols. Conclusions Wound complications after pediatric tracheostomy can be reduced using a multifaceted approach by providers committed to making skin care a priority.
Surrogate Satisfaction with Decision Making After Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Surrogate decision makers for patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are frequently asked to make difficult decisions on use of life-sustaining treatments. We explored ICH surrogate satisfaction with decision making and experience of decision regret using validated measures in a prospective multicenter study. Cases of non-traumatic ICH were enrolled from three hospitals (September 2015–December 2016), and surrogate decision makers were invited to complete a self-administered survey. The primary outcome was the 10-item decision-making subscale of the Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit scale (FSICU-DM, range 0–100, higher is greater satisfaction), and the secondary outcome was the decision regret scale (range 0–100, higher is greater regret). Linear regression models were used to assess the association between satisfaction with decision making and pre-specified covariates using manual backward selection. A total of 73 surrogates were approached for participation (in person or mail), with 48 surrogates returning a completed survey (median surrogate age 60.5 years, 63% female, 77% white). Patients had a median age of 72.5, 54% were female, with a median admission Glasgow coma scale of 10, in-hospital mortality of 31%, and 56% with an in-hospital DNR order. Physicians commonly made treatment recommendation (> 50%) regarding brain surgery or transitions to comfort measures, but rarely made recommendations ( 0.25). Decision regret scores were generally low (median 12.5, IQR 0–31.3). Considering the severity and abruptness of ICH, it is reassuring that surrogate satisfaction with decision making was generally high and regret was generally low. However, more work is needed to define the appropriate outcome measures and optimal methods of recruitment for studies of surrogate decision makers of ICH patients.
Feasibility and acceptability of an online ECHO intervention to expand access to medications for treatment of opioid use disorder, psychosocial treatments and supports

Buprenorphine combined with psychosocial support is the standard of care for treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD) in office-based primary care settings. However, uptake of this treatment has been...
A new metric to control nucleation and grain size distribution in hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites by tuning the dielectric constant of the antisolvent

In perovskite research, there is a widely exploited but poorly explained phenomenon in which the addition of “antisolvents (ATS)” to precursor solutions results in higher-quality films. We explain the mechanism and driving force underlying an antisolvent-driven solvent extraction process. Density functional theory calculations uncover the defining effects of antisolvent choice on the extent of complexation between a lead salt and a methylammonium cation in solution. We experimentally validate the computational results using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and 207Pb nuclear magnetic spectroscopy of methylammonium lead iodide solutions, containing both a processing solvent and an antisolvent. Furthermore, we uncover, and subsequently identify, the appearance of new species in solution as a result of the addition of the antisolvent. We observe that the choice of antisolvent has a substantial effect on the nature of the complexation of the methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI3) precursor species, whose origin we explain at an atomic level; specifically, the lower the dielectric of the antisolvent, the stronger the intermolecular binding energy between methylammonium cation (MA+) cation and PbI3− plumbate, independent of the solvent or antisolvent interaction with the lead salt. Thin films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy; images of the films show how the addition of an antisolvent influences and, importantly, can be used to alter thin-film grain size. Grain size and distribution in thin films is reflected by the choice of antisolvent, promoting slower nucleation rates, a lower nucleation density, and hence larger final grain size.
Elastic constants of cubic boron phosphide and boron arsenide

We report the room temperature elastic constants of boron phosphide (BP) and boron arsenide (BAs) single crystals derived from Brillouin frequencies measured by picosecond interferometry. The synthesis of BP and BAs with thermal conductivity as high as 540 and $1000\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{W}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{m}}^{\text{--}1}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{K}}^{\text{--}1}$, respectively, has made them promising materials for thermal management. Accurate measurements of elastic constants are needed to assess the accuracy of computational modeling of the lattice dynamics. The crystals are cut and polished in different orientations to access waves traveling along different directions. The surface normal orientations of the crystals are determined using electron backscattering diffraction. We studied the Brillouin frequencies of quasilongitudinal waves in five different orientations of BP and BAs crystals. Quasishear waves were observed in two orientations of BP and one orientation of BAs. The propagation directions and acoustic velocities are used to construct Christoffel equations which are then solved for the elastic constants. We report ${C}_{11}$, ${C}_{12}$, and ${C}_{44}$ values of 354 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5 GPa, 83 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 15 GPa, and 190 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 8 GPa for BP and 291 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 5 GPa, 76 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 13 GPa, and 173 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 6 GPa for BAs. The measured elastic constants for BAs differ by less than 5% and 17% from calculated elastic constants obtained through local density approximation and Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof density functional calculations, respectively. In most cases, the measured elastic constants are larger than the calculated elastic constants.
Striatal Afferent BDNF Is Disrupted by Synucleinopathy and Partially Restored by STN DBS

Preclinical studies show a link between subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) and neuroprotection of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons, potentially through brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. However, the question of whether DBS of the STN can be disease-modifying in Parkinson9s disease (PD) remains unanswered. In particular, the impact of STN DBS on α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation, inclusion-associated neuroinflammation, and BDNF levels has yet to be examined in the context of synucleinopathy. To address this, we examined the effects of STN DBS on BDNF using the α-syn preformed fibril (PFF) model in male rats. While PFF injection resulted in accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn (pSyn) inclusions in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) and cortical areas, STN DBS did not impact PFF-induced accumulation of pSyn inclusions in the SNpc. In addition, nigral pSyn inclusions were associated with increased microgliosis and astrogliosis; however, the magnitude of these processes was not altered by STN DBS. Total BDNF protein was not impacted by pSyn inclusions, but the normally positive association of nigrostriatal and corticostriatal BDNF was reversed in rats with PFF-induced nigrostriatal and corticostriatal inclusions. Despite this, rats receiving both STN DBS and PFF injection showed increased BDNF protein in the striatum, which partially restored the normal corticostriatal relationship. Our results suggest that pathologic α-syn inclusions disrupt anterograde BDNF transport within nigrostriatal and corticostriatal circuitry. Further, STN DBS has the potential to exert protective effects by modifying the long-term neurodegenerative consequences of synucleinopathy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT An increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been linked to the neuroprotection elicited by subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in neurotoxicant models of Parkinson9s disease (PD). However, whether STN DBS can similarly increase BDNF in nigrostriatal and corticostriatal circuitry in the presence of α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions has not been examined. We examined the impact of STN DBS on rats in which accumulation of α-syn inclusions is induced by injection of α-syn preformed fibrils (PFFs). STN DBS significantly increased striatal BDNF protein in rats seeded with α-syn inclusions and partially restored the normal corticostriatal BDNF relationship. These findings suggest that STN DBS can drive BDNF in the parkinsonian brain and retains the potential for neuroprotection in PD.
Probing the Role of bba30, a Highly Conserved Gene of the Lyme Disease Spirochete, Throughout the Mouse-Tick Infectious Cycle.

Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has a complex and segmented genome consisting of a small linear chromosome and up to 21 linear and circular plasmids. Some of these plasmids are essential as they carry genes that are critical during the life cycle of the Lyme disease spirochete. Among these is a highly conserved linear plasmid, lp54, which is crucial for the mouse-tick infectious cycle of B. burgdorferi. However, the functions of most lp54-encoded open reading frames (ORFs) remain unknown. In this study, we investigate the contribution of a previously uncharacterized lp54 gene during the infectious cycle of B. burgdorferi. This gene, bba30, is conserved in the Borrelia genus but lacks any identified homologs outside the genus. Homology modelling of BBA30 ORF indicated the presence of a nucleic acid binding motif, Helix-Turn-Helix (HTH), near the amino terminus of the protein, suggesting a putative regulatory function. A previous study reported that spirochetes with a transposon insertion in bba30 exhibited a non-infectious phenotype in mice. In the current study, however, we demonstrate that the highly conserved bba30 gene is not required by the Lyme disease spirochete at any stage of the experimental mouse/tick infectious cycle. We conclude that the undefined circumstances under which bba30 potentially confers a fitness advantage in the natural life cycle of B. burgdorferi are not factors of the experimental infectious cycle that we employ.
Laboratories of Central Banking

ABSTRACT—Since its founding in 1913, the central bank of the United States has enjoyed a reputation as an erudite institution. Rigorous, well-resourced, and expansive research has become a hallmark of the Federal Reserve System. Indeed, research is itself a core function of the Fed: it both underpins Fed policy and serves as the vehicle through which the Fed communicates its purpose and aims to the public. Spread across twelve regional Reserve Banks, the research function is also uniquely experimental in its nature. Yet to date, little scholarly attention has been paid to the research function of the Federal Reserve. Consequently, important questions remain unanswered: what are the legal and policy implications of research experimentation at the Reserve Banks, which are in fact private institutions albeit serving public aims? Drawing together primary source documents and a novel data set of nearly 5,000 hand- collected research documents from the twelve Federal Reserve Banks, this Article tells the untold story of the research function of the Federal Reserve—from 1913 through the present day. The historical and empirical narrative demonstrates how the research function dedicated the System to public transparency, and enabled intellectual exploration and experimentation that led to sounder policy. But it also underscores the delicate balance between experimentation among the Regional Reserve Banks and the need for accountability to the Board. In recent years, as the research function has grown in scope and drifted away from the Board’s purview, there exists potential for politicization of the System overall in the pursuit of new agendas.
Fracture Toughness and Fatigue Crack Propagation of Silicon Nitride with Two Different Microstructures

Fracture and fatigue properties of silicon nitride with identical composition and different microstructure were measured. Fracture toughness was determined using indentation fracture toughness and the bridge indentation technique. Static and cyclic fatigue crack propagation rates were determined in 4-pt. bending. The crack propagation rates were significantly lower for the material with the higher fracture toughness. 13 refs.
Generalized Gröbner Bases: Theory and Applications. A Condensation

Zacharias and Trinks proved that it can be constructively determined whether a finite generating set is a generalized Grobner basis provided ideals are detachable and syzygies are solvable in the coefficient ring. We develop an abstract rewriting characterization of generalized Grobner bases and use it to give new proofs of the Spear-Zacharias and Trinks theorems for testing and constructing generalized Grobner bases. In addition, we use the abstract rewriting characterization to generalize Ayoub's binary approach for testing and constructing Grobner bases over polynomial rings with Euclidean coefficient rings to arbitrary principal ideal coefficient domains. This also shows that Spear-Zacharias' and Trinks' approach specializes to Ayoub's approach, which was not known before.
The experiences of Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities.

Objective This qualitative study explored the experiences of Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities.
POSSIBLE MECHANISM FOR SYNAPTAMIDE INDUCED NEURITOGENESIS

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6), an omega-3 long chain fatty acid (LCFA), constitutes the primary structural LCFA of the brain. It is esterified as phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylethanola...
Fifty Years of Script and Written Language Reform in the P.R.C.

The chief goals of language planning in China are given as: (1) to standardize and promote “Mandarin Chinese” (Putonghua) as the common spoken language of the People’s Republic of China (PRC); (2) to develop and promote a “clear speech writing” style (baihuawen) closer to that vernacular spoken language with which to replace the more classical “literary language writing” style (wenyanwen) traditionally used in China; (3) to design and promote a system of phonetic symbols with which to accurately and efficiently express standard modern spoken Chinese; (4) to simplify the forms of Chinese characters; (5) to design and improve writing systems for the languages of China’s many ethnic minorities (Zhou, 2001, p. 9). The tasks of developing and promoting Putonghua as a common spoken language and of designing and improving writing systems for China’s ethnic minorities are explored in depth elsewhere in this volume. Therefore in reviewing the evolution of language planning policy and activities in the PRC, this chapter will focus primarily on the policies and realities of those questions involved in writing modern standard Chinese, that is, on the evolution of policies concerning the simplification of Chinese characters, and the development and status of the official Hanyu Pinyin romanization system now used to express the pronunciation of modern standard Chinese, within the larger context of Chinese language planning in general. As we shall see, beyond the standardization and simplification of the forms of Chinese characters, efforts at standardizing written Chinese have focused mainly on attempts to standardize the use of words and terms, to regularize words written with variant Chinese character combinations (e.g. China, 2001a), as well as to standardize the pronunciation of words and characters. But as noted elsewhere (e.g. Chen, 1999, pp. 111–112) beyond a number of dictionaries incorporating the above standards, there has been no extensive work on standardizing the grammar of written Chinese, or attempts the regulate the baihuawen style(s) in which modern Chinese has been written since the May Movement of 1919.
Effect of botulinum toxin A on urothelial-release of ATP and expression of SNARE targets within the urothelium.

Aims Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) has emerged as an effective treatment of urinary bladder overactivity. Intravesical lipotoxin (BoNT/A delivery using liposomes), which may target the urothelium, is effective in blocking acetic acid induced hyperactivity in animals. The objective of this study was to assess the possible site of toxin action within the urothelium.
Apparent Meningococcemia: Clinical Features of Disease Due to Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis

To determine the etiology of apparent meningococcemia, all cases of sepsis with coagulopathy, purpura, and/or adrenal hemorrhage (Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome) with and without shock occurring over a 12-year period were reviewed. A total of 42 cases were identified; 30 cases were caused by Neisseria meningitidis and 12 cases were caused by Haemophilus influenzae. Compared with patients with disease caused by H influenzae, patients with meningococcal disease were older, more often male, more often contracted the disease in winter-spring, and had a longer duration of antecedent symptoms; however, none of these differences was statistically significant. All patients were febrile (greater than 38 degrees C) and appeared toxic. Similar proportions in each group had shock and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy at the time of admission. Ten of 12 patients with H influenzae infection compared with 15/30 (P less than .05) with meningococcal infection were lethargic or comatose at the time of admission. Nine of 12 patients with H influenzae infection died compared with 5/30 with meningococcal disease (P less than .005); the mean time from onset of symptoms to death with H influenzae infection (20.7 +/- 11.4 [SE] hours) was significantly shorter (P less than .05) than with meningococcal infection (120 +/- 74.4 hours). Children with clinical signs of sepsis and with purpura, petechiae, or coagulopathy may have N meningitidis or H influenzae as etiologic agents. Initial antibiotic therapy should be directed against these pathogens.
Theorems of A.S. Convergence

In this chapter we study the convergence of certain sequences defined in terms of sums of independent random variables. We will chiefly be interested in almost sure convergence, but it will be useful to also consider another weaker type of convergence, called ‘convergence in probability’. The two major results concerning almost sure convergence are the Strong Law of Large Numbers and the Kolmogorov Three-Series Theorem. Other results included in this chapter are three important tools: the Kolmogorov 0–1 Law, the Hewitt-Savage 0–1 Law, and an important inequality, known as the Etemadi Lemma. As an application of the ideas contained in the proof of the Strong Law of Large Numbers, we also determine the asymptotic behavior of the size of the image of a random walk.
Hemispheric asymmetries: Individual-difference measures for aptitude-treatment interactions?☆

Abstract Visual, auditory and bimodal event-related potentials were recorded from 50 males and lateral asymmetry indices were derived. Eleven psychometric tests of different cognitive attributes were also administered to them. Principal factor analysis with Varimax rotation were computed for asymmetry and cognitive measures. Some hemispheric asymmetries and cognitive attributes contributed to the same independent dimensions. Cerebral asymmetries accounted for more variance than cognitive characteristics. Converging support was provided that implicates the importance of lateral asymmetries for instructional research and development. Theoretical and practical propositions are presented which address whether cerebral lateralities can be considered as individual-difference measures within an aptitude-treatment interaction conceptual framework.
The excess gibbs free energy of aqueous nonelectrolyte solutions

Modele thermodynamique pour les solutions aqueuses de non-electrolytes polaires. Il est fonde sur l'agregation des solutes dans un reseau aqueux
Binding of 2-naphthols to D38E mutants of 3-oxo-Delta 5-steroid isomerase: variation of ligand ionization state with the nature of the electrophilic component.

3-Oxo-Δ5-steroid isomerase (KSI) catalyzes the isomerization of a variety of 3-oxo-Δ5-steroids to their conjugated Δ4 isomers. The mechanism involves sequential enolization and ketonization, with Asp-38 acting to transfer a proton from C-4 to C-6 through a dienol(ate) intermediate. We have previously proposed that this intermediate is anionic, with stabilization provided from direct hydrogen bonding from Tyr-14 and Asp-99 to the oxygen of the steroid. In this work, we analyze the binding of substituted 2-naphthols, which are analogues of the intermediate dienol, to the D38E KSI mutant and the corresponding double mutants lacking one of the two electrophilic groups (D38E/Y14F and D38E/D99A). The binding of these naphthols to the mutant KSIs at pH 7 is described by the modified Bronsted equation: log KD = α(pKa) + constant, where KD is the dissociation constant of the complex. The high value of α for D38E (α = 0.87 ± 0.06) indicates that the negative charge in these D38E−naphthol complexes is localized alm...
Phytoplankton bloom dynamics of the western Ross Sea ice edge—I. Primary productivity and species-specific production

During the austral summer in 1983, studies of primary productivity within a phytoplankton bloom associated with a receding ice edge in the western Ross Sea, Antarctica were conducted. Primary production was elevated within the ice-edge bloom, with integrated euphotic zone production averaging 40.1 mg C m−2h−1. The production was elevated in regions where the ice melt had created a strong vertical stability, and was decreased outside the zone of melt-water influence. Microautoradiographic analyses and species abundance data showed that a single species of diatom, Nitzschia curta, a species generally considered to be epontic, contributed up to 93% of the total productivity and 70% of the number of phytoplankton cells. Growth rates determined from autoradiography and carbon estimates based on cell volume as well as those determined from bulk production data agreed well and ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 divisions per day. No difference in growth rates between populations within and from outside the bloom was noted, an observation which we believe reflects the recent mixing of the phytoplankton as vertical stability weakened. We conclude that the bloom was seeded by algae released from melting ice, and that an ice-edge bloom can have substantial impact on the biogeochemical cycles and foodweb dynamics of the Southern Ocean.
Optimization of a metal honeycomb sandwich beam-bar subjected to torsion and bending

In this paper, we analyze a metal honeycomb sandwich beam/torsion bar subjected to combined loading conditions. The cell wall arrangement of the honeycomb core is addressed in the context of maximizing resistance to either bending, torsion, or combined bending and torsion for given dimensions, face sheet thicknesses and core relative density. It is found that the relative contributions of the honeycomb core to torsion and bending resistances are sensitive to the configuration of cell walls and the optimal properties significantly exceed those of stochastic metallic foams as sandwich beam core materials for this configuration.
Bilateral tachistoscopic word recognition as a function of hemisphere stimulated and interhemispheric transfer time.

Abstract Two experiments tested the hypothesis that right field recognition superiority (RFRS) in bilateral tachistoscopic word recognition is partly determined by the time of arrival of the two stimuli at left hemisphere language centers. The method was to “lead” or “lag” one or the other visual half-field word presentations. Both experiments indicated that allowing earlier left-field word presentation failed to increase left-field recognitions and RFRS obtained in all conditions. Ss who experienced two-thirds of their trials with left-field leads had significantly fewer total recognitions, but the second experiment ruled out the possibility that left-field-led trials have any effect on total recognitions when these trials are interspersed with simultaneous and right-field-led trials. The results extend our previous findings regarding RFRS with bilateral presentation but infirm the hypothesis that temporal factors are importantly involved in this RFRS.
A Quantitative Narrative for the Life Cycle of Bacteriophage Lambda

The goal of my lab is to form a quantitative narrative for the fundamental processes driving the living cell. This narrative is built upon precise measurements performed in individual cells, at the level of individual molecules and discrete events in space and time. To achieve this level of detail, we are using a synthesis of approaches: classical molecular biology and biochemistry; single-cell and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy; advanced image- and data analysis algorithms. By using simple, coarse-grained theoretical models, we are able to distill our result into general principles, which can then be compared across organisms. I will present a few examples from our work, focusing on the study of the life cycle of bacteriophage lambda, a simple paradigm for cellular decision making.
Intestinal Epithelium–Specific Knockout of the Cytochrome P450 Reductase Gene Exacerbates Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis

The potential involvement of intestinal microsomal cytochrome P450 (P450) enzymes in defending against colon inflammation and injury was studied in mice treated with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce colitis. Wild-type (WT) mice and mice with intestinal epithelium (IE)–specific deletion of the P450 reductase gene (IE-Cpr-null) were compared. IE-Cpr-null mice have little microsomal P450 activity in IE cells. DSS treatment (2.5% in drinking water for 6 days) caused more severe colon inflammation, as evidenced by the presence of higher levels of myeloperoxidase and proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β], and greater weight loss, colonic tissue damage, and colon shortening, in IE-Cpr-null mice than in WT mice. The IE-Cpr-null mice were deficient in colonic corticosterone (CC) synthesis, as indicated by the inability of ex vivo cultured colonic tissues from DSS-treated IE-Cpr-null mice (in contrast to DSS-treated WT mice) to show increased CC production, compared with vehicle-treated mice, and by the ability of added deoxycorticosterone (DOC), a precursor of CC biosynthesis via mitochondrial CYP11B1, to restore ex vivo CC production by colonic tissues from DSS-treated null mice. Intriguingly, null (but not WT) mice failed to show increased serum CC levels following DSS treatment. Nevertheless, cotreatment of DSS-exposed mice with DOC, which did not restore DSS-induced increase in serum CC, abolished the hypersensitivity of IE-Cpr-null mice to DSS-induced colon injury. Taken together, our results strongly support the notion that microsomal P450 enzymes in the intestine play an important role in protecting colon epithelium from DSS-induced inflammation and injury, possibly through increased local CC synthesis in response to DSS challenge.
Demonstration of Compression-Ignition Engine Combustion Using Ammonia in Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

This study demonstrated the feasibility of ammonia combustion in compression-ignition diesel engines. Ammonia combustion does not produce carbon dioxide, a known greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. Using this idea, a method was developed to introduce ammonia into the intake manifold and to inject diesel fuel or biodiesel directly into the cylinder to ignite the mixture. This dual-fuel approach was chosen because ammonia has a high resistance to autoignition. This approach was proven successful in a multicylinder, turbocharged diesel engine. The system developed required only a slight modification of the intake to implement the ammonia fuel line. The existing diesel fuel injection system remained unchanged. A liquid ammonia tank was used for fuel storage, and a high pressure relief valve regulated the ammonia flow rate. Engine combustion phasing (e.g., ignition) was controlled by diesel fuel injection. Both experiments and chemical kinetic studies were carried out for different diesel/ammoni...