cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in alternating copolymers: The synthesis, modification, and applications of precision polymers

Abstract Alternating copolymers represent a special class of copolymers, in which the two comonomers copolymerize in a regular alternating sequence along the chain. Their interesting physical and chemical properties, as well as the underlying mechanism, have attracted significant attention in both academia and industry. The electron-donor benzylidene monomers -- styrene and stilbene, readily form alternating copolymers with the electron-acceptor monomers – maleic anhydride and N-substituted maleimides. The rich chemistry of the substitution groups on these monomers offers enormous combinations for the synthesis of alternating copolymers for different applications. In this paper, we aim to provide a general overview of recent publications on the specific field of these benzylidene-containing alternating copolymers, and the emphasis is placed on the synthetic progress, structure-property relationships, and the applications of these copolymers.
Potentially reversible acute cerebellar toxicity associated with Minnelide

Minnelide is an experimental antineoplastic agent that is currently the subject of a phase 1 clinical trial for the treatment of pancreatic and gastrointestinal malignancies. In this study, we documented two cases of reversible acute cerebellar toxicity (REACT) associated with Minnelide and compared its radiological manifestations with other cerebellotoxic agents. Both patients had histories of progressive metastatic cancer and participated in a phase 1 clinical trial with Minnelide. They had an MRI examination including T2WI, FLAIR and SWI, axial and coronal DWI, and ADC map on admission and follow up. In each patient, the initial MRI demonstrated increased signal on FLAIR and restricted diffusion in the cerebellar cortex without involvement of deep cerebellar nuclei or supratentorial areas. The presenting symptoms and the majority of imaging findings resolved on follow up MRI. To our knowledge, Minnelide has shown an uncommon radiologic pattern of isolated cerebellar cortical involvement compared to other causes of cerebellar toxicity. Since this is a new medication, physicians’ familiarity with the presenting symptoms and its temporal association with the imaging findings is important.
NEEWS: A novel earthquake early warning model using neural dynamic classification and neural dynamic optimization

Abstract An Earthquake Early Warning System (EEWS) can save lives. It can also be used to manage the critical lifeline infrastructure and essential facilities. Recent research on earthquake prediction towards the development of an EEWS can be classified into two groups based on a) arrival of P waves and b) seismicity indicators. The first approach can provide warnings within a timeframe of seconds. A seismicity indicator-based EEWS is intended to forecast major earthquakes within a time frame of weeks. In this paper, a novel seismicity indicator-based EEWS model, called neural EEWS (NEEWS), is presented for forecasting the earthquake magnitude and its location weeks before occurrence using a combination of a classification algorithm (CA) based on machine learning concepts and a mathematical optimization algorithm (OA). The role of the CA is to find whether there is an earthquake in a given time period greater than a predefined magnitude threshold and the role of the OA is to find the location of that earthquake with the maximum probability of occurrence. The model is tested using earthquake data in southern California with a combination of four CAs and one OA to find the best EEWS model. The proposed model is capable of predicting strong disastrous events as long as sufficient data are available for such events. The paper provides a novel solution to the complex problem of earthquake prediction through adroit integration of a machine learning classification algorithm and the robust neural dynamics optimization algorithm of Adeli and Park.
Nonlinear Parameter Estimation in Water Quality Modeling

The quality of water in streams, lakes and estuaries is generally measured in terms of the dissolved oxygen concentration and biochemical oxygen demand. Mathematical models for describing the behavior of BOD and DO are briefly reviewed in this paper. Three specific models are examined and parameters in these models are estimated using a nonlinear parameter estimation technique. Statistical analysis is carried out on the results obtained by calculating the residuals and F ratios for equality of variances. The results show that a model with a nonlinear decay term for BOD fits the data better than does the frequently used model with a linear decay term.
Single visit surgery for pediatric ambulatory surgical procedures: a satisfaction and cost analysis

Abstract Background Single visit surgery (SVS) consists of same-day pre-operative assessment and operation with telephone post-operative follow-up. This reduces family time commitment to 1 hospital trip rather than 2–3. We began SVS for ambulatory patients with clear surgical indications in 2013. We sought to determine family satisfaction, cost savings to families, and institutional financial feasibility of SVS. Methods SVS patients were compared to age/case matched conventional surgery (CS) patients. Satisfaction was assessed by post-operative telephone survey. Family costs were calculated as the sum of lost revenue (based on median income) and transportation costs ($0.50/mile). Results Satisfaction was high in both groups (98% for SVS vs. 93% for CS; p =0.27). 40% of CS families indicated that they would have preferred SVS, whereas no SVS families indicated preference for the CS option ( p Conclusions SVS provides substantial cost savings to families while maintaining patient satisfaction and equivalent institutional reimbursement. SVS is an effective approach to low-risk ambulatory surgical procedures that is less disruptive to families, facilitates access to pediatric surgical care, and reduces resource utilization. Type of study Cost Effectiveness Study. Level of evidence Level II.
Novelties in Costa Rican Pityrogramma (Pteridaceae): A New Species and a New Hybrid from the Osa Peninsula

Pityrogramma hirsuta Testo is described from a secondary lowland rain forest on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. It is distinguished from all other Costa Rican Pityrogramma species by a combination of once-pinnate-pinnatifid laminae, abundant whitish hairs on the petiole, rachis, and laminar surface, and complete lack of farina on the abaxial laminar surface. A hybrid between this species and Pityrogramma calomelanos (L.) Link, Pityrogramma ×watkinsii Testo is also described. It is morphologically intermediate to its progenitors and is characterized by an indument of whitish hairs on the petiole, rachis, and laminar surface, and sparse white farina on the abaxial surface of the lamina. The new species and hybrid are each known only from the type collections. Relationships to other species of Pityrogramma are discussed, and a key to Central American Pityrogramma is presented.
THE CHEMICAL ENGINEER IN THE 1990'S: AN INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVE

The chemical process industries in the United States are going through a significant change in their character. This has been brought about by a number of factors including (a) the reduced price of petroleum, (b) the shift from commodities to specialty products on the part of major manufacturers, and (c) a plethora of mergers, divestitures and restructurings within the industry. As a result the need for chemical engineers in their traditional roles has been reduced. To meet these changes, the chemical engineer in the 1990's will have to assume a broader, more flexible role. To achieve this will require changes in the educational system in both the curriculum and course content.
Impact of Glycosylation on the Local Backbone Flexibility of Well-Defined IgG1-Fc Glycoforms Using Hydrogen Exchange-Mass Spectrometry.

Abstract We have used hydrogen exchange–mass spectrometry to characterize local backbone flexibility of 4 well-defined IgG1-Fc glycoforms expressed and purified from Pichia pastoris, 2 of which were prepared using subsequent in vitro enzymatic treatments. Progressively decreasing the size of the N-linked N297 oligosaccharide from high mannose (Man8-Man12), to Man5, to GlcNAc, to nonglycosylated N297Q resulted in progressive increases in backbone flexibility. Comparison of these results with recently published physicochemical stability and Fcγ receptor binding data with the same set of glycoproteins provide improved insights into correlations between glycan structure and these pharmaceutical properties. Flexibility significantly increased upon glycan truncation in 2 potential aggregation-prone regions. In addition, a correlation was established between increased local backbone flexibility and increased deamidation at asparagine 315. Interestingly, the opposite trend was observed for oxidation of tryptophan 277 where faster oxidation correlated with decreased local backbone flexibility. Finally, a trend of increasing C'E glycopeptide loop flexibility with decreasing glycan size was observed that correlates with their FcγRIIIa receptor binding properties. These well-defined IgG1-Fc glycoforms serve as a useful model system to identify physicochemical stability and local backbone flexibility data sets potentially discriminating between various IgG glycoforms for potential applicability to future comparability or biosimilarity assessments.
Performance of a Two-Way Shape Memory Microgripper Actuator

AbstractA numerical simulation is carried out in this study to assess the performance of a shape memory microgripper operating under the nonconventional zero-load two-way shape memory effect (TWSME...
AN IMPROVED CETANE NUMBER PREDICTOR FOR ALTERNATIVE FUELS

The complexity of and expense involved in determining the cetane number of diesel fuels using a standard test engine have led to the development and widespread use of the ASTM cetane index. However the cetane index was not intended for use with alternative or unusual diesel fuels; its use with such fuels can lead to large errors. Using a database of alternative diesel fuel properties, a new cetane number prediction equation has been developed for use with alternative fuels, including alcohols. Compared with the cetane index, the average error in predicted cetane number is reduced by 40% and the number of cases where the error exceeds 5 cetane numbers is reduced by 30%. The significance of the various terms in the equation is discussed.
Characteristic classes and differentiable manifolds

These lectures might be more accurately titled “The application of characteristic classes to geometric problems on manifolds.” In particular we will be interested in studying vector fields on manifolds. This first lecture gives the basic definitions we will need throughout the course.
Gallium Species Electrochemistry in Room Temperature Chloroaluminate Melts

Constant potential and current electrolyses have been used to study Ga(I) ions in room temperature chloroaluminate melts. A potentiometric analysis of Ga(I) ion, produced by anodization in 1.5:1 mole fraction A1C13:1-butylpyridinium chloride (BPC) system, 35°C, gave E° Ga(I)/Ga(0)=+0.339 V vs. Al(2:l) reference and one-electron Nernst slope. Potentiometry of Ga(I) species, produced by anodization and by reduction of added GaCl3, as a function of melt acidity, indicates that GaCl2~ ion may be the predominant lower valence gallium species in the basic regime. Little, if any, dependence of Ga(I) was found on melt acidity at acidic melt compositions. Deposition of Ga(0) was possible from acidic but not basic melts. A small voltammetric wave, assigned to A1 underpotential deposition on Ga, is reported for slow scans in acidic melts. Prospects for depositing pure films of the compound semiconductor GaAs are discussed briefly.
Evaluation methodology for query-based scene understanding systems

In this paper, we are proposing a method for the principled evaluation of scene understanding systems in a query-based framework. We can think of a query-based scene understanding system as a generalization of typical sensor exploitation systems where instead of performing a narrowly defined task (e.g., detect, track, classify, etc.), the system can perform general user-defined tasks specified in a query language. Examples of this type of system have been developed as part of DARPA’s Mathematics of Sensing, Exploitation, and Execution (MSEE) program. There is a body of literature on the evaluation of typical sensor exploitation systems, but the open-ended nature of the query interface introduces new aspects to the evaluation problem that have not been widely considered before. In this paper, we state the evaluation problem and propose an approach to efficiently learn about the quality of the system under test. We consider the objective of the evaluation to be to build a performance model of the system under test, and we rely on the principles of Bayesian experiment design to help construct and select optimal queries for learning about the parameters of that model.
Low dietary protein intake during pregnancy differentially affects mitochondrial copy number in stromal vascular cells from subcutaneous versus visceral adipose tissue in the offspring

The present study examined the influence of protein intake during pregnancy on mitochondrial metabolism in stromal vascular cells from subcutaneous (SVSu) and visceral (SVVi) adipose tissue of offs...
Evaluation of infection rates with narrow versus broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens in civilian gunshot open-fracture injury.

Abstract Introduction Civilian gunshot open-fracture injuries portray a significant health burden to patients. Use of antibiotics is endorsed by guideline recommendations for the prevention of post-traumatic infections, however, antimicrobial selection and their associated outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, we sought to compare infectious and other clinical outcomes between three antimicrobial cohorts in patients with gunshot-related fractures requiring operative intervention. Materials and methods Patients were identified by retrospectively querying the University of Kentucky Trauma Registry for gunshot wound victims. A narrow regimen, an expanded gram-negative regimen, and a regimen containing a fluoroquinolone antimicrobial were identified for comparison. The primary outcome was a composite of infections at or before 14 days of hospitalization. Secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay, incidence of multidrug resistant bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization, number of drug-related adverse events, number of Clostridium difficile infections, and 30-day mortality. Results 252 patients were selected for inclusion: 126 in the narrow regimen, 49 in the expanded gram-negative regimen, and 77 in the fluoroquinolone-based regimen. There were no statistical differences in the primary endpoint of early infectious outcomes between groups (p = 0.1797). The expanded gram-negative regimen was associated with increased hospital length of stay, and increased incidence of multi-drug resistant bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the remaining secondary endpoints. Conclusion In this study evaluating civilian gunshot trauma, broad spectrum antibiotic coverage was not associated with improvements in post-traumatic infections. A randomized trial is needed to confirm these results.
Evaluation of the Neonatal Airway: Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy

This chapter is designed to provide instruction on neonatal airway evaluation. The difficulty of this task was well described in 1838 by Porter who said “There is perhaps no kind of disease covered by greater darkness or posing more difficulties to the practitioner than those of the larynx and the trachea” [Heinrich D. Becker. A short history of bronchoscopy: introduction to bronchoscopy. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; 2009. p. 1–16]. Fortunately, as instrumentation and visualization techniques have improved so has our ability to directly evaluate the structural anatomy, function, and physiology of the neonatal airway. In evaluating the neonatal airway, a comprehensive history and complete physical examination are critical. Evaluation of the neonatal patient including history and physical examination, imaging, and direct examination are very different than in an adult patient. Once the history and physical point to potential airway pathology it is crucial to determine the area of obstruction so as best to correct it. Operative endoscopy and flexible fiberoptic endoscopy are indispensable tools for providing diagnostic information as well as allowing access for treatment.
Seeking New Metaphors: Gender Identities in Tunisia and Lebanon

This chapter explores the creation of alternative spaces of deliberation for sexual minorities during political transitions, focusing on the role of social media and collective action of lesbian gay bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists. Given the unyielding, repressive politics in Tunisia and Lebanon, the author explores the question of why and how respective LGBT communities were able to consolidate their human rights advances despite the sociopolitical challenges. This study is based on Foucauldian concepts of spaces, notably the paradigm of heterotopia, so-called spaces of otherness. Drawing on heterotopias that are simultaneously physical and mental spaces, the author presents new findings on the difficulties connected with generating spaces of collective identities and advocating for minority rights. The research draws from social media content analysis and in-depth interviews with activists and other stakeholders to map the creation of new spaces for these minorities. It maps different types of activities to illustrate how during this process, art served as a medium to create innovative spaces of deliberation. The author argues that the creation of this new fragile spatiality is challenged by several factors, including narratives and memories of secularist and Islamist traditions.
Pediatric cholesterol screening practices in 9- to 11-year-olds in a large midwestern primary care setting.

Background Early diagnosis and treatment of familial hypercholesterolemia reduces patient morbidity and mortality associated with coronary heart disease. Despite guidelines recommending screening of all pediatric patients aged 9 to 11 years, universal screening rates are reportedly low. Evaluating current screening practices provides key insights to inform and improve screening rates in the future. Objective The objective of the study was to assess universal cholesterol screening rates for a large cohort of pediatric patients within one healthcare system and at the individual provider and clinic levels. Methods A retrospective review of more than 50,000 electronic health records of children aged 9 to 11 years seen at 46 primary care clinics in a large Midwestern healthcare system between 2011 and 2016 was completed. Descriptive statistics of cholesterol screening status, lipid test results, and patient demographics were used for comparisons of factors influencing screening rates. Results Between 2011 and 2016, 4.0% of eligible pediatric patients were screened in the healthcare system. A majority of clinics and providers screened 4.0% or fewer of eligible patients. Six of the 333 providers (1.8%) screened >10% of eligible patients and completed a majority of the screening at the three higher screening clinics. Conclusion Rates of universal cholesterol screening for pediatric patients were low. Low guideline adherence may be an issue in more than one large healthcare system and state. A small number of physicians appear to be driving screening in clinics with higher screening rates. Further investigation into the motivations of these higher screening providers and the barriers faced by low-screening providers may help inform efforts to improve cholesterol screening rates.
Design Intention Inference for Virtual Co-Design Agents

We address the challenge of inferring the design intentions of a human by an intelligent virtual agent that collaborates with the human. First, we propose a dynamic Bayesian network model that relates design intentions, objectives, and solutions during a human's exploration of a problem space. We then train the model on design behaviors generated by a search agent and use the model parameters to infer the design intentions in a test set of real human behaviors. We find that our model is able to infer the exact intentions across three objectives associated with a sequence of design outcomes 31.3% of the time. Inference accuracy is 50.9% for the top two predictions and 67.2% for the top three predictions. For any singular intention over an objective, the model's mean F1-score is 0.719. This provides a reasonable foundation for an intelligent virtual agent to infer design intentions purely from design outcomes toward establishing joint intentions with a human designer. These results also shed light on the potential benefits and pitfalls in using simulated data to train a model for human design intentions.
Prevalence of Municipal-Level Policies Dedicated to Transportation That Consider Food Access.

INTRODUCTION Local governments can address access to healthy food and transportation through policy and planning. This study is the first to examine municipal-level transportation supports for food access. METHODS We used a nationally representative sample of US municipalities with 1,000 or more persons from the 2014 National Survey of Community-Based Policy and Environmental Supports for Healthy Eating and Active Living (N = 2,029) to assess 3 outcomes: public transit availability, consideration of food access in transportation planning, and presence of demand-responsive transportation (DRT). We used χ2 tests to compare prevalences by municipal characteristics including population size, rurality, census region, median educational attainment, poverty prevalence, racial and ethnic population distribution, and low-income low-access to food (LILA) status. RESULTS Among municipalities, 33.7% reported no public transit and 14.8% reported having DRT. Both public transit and DRT differed by population size (both P < .001) and census region (both P < .001) and were least commonly reported among municipalities with populations less than 2,500 (46.9% without public transit; 6.6% with DRT) and in the South (40.0% without public transit; 11.1% with DRT). Of those with public transit, 33.8% considered food access in transportation planning; this was more common with greater population size (55.9% among municipalities of ≥50,000 persons vs 16.8% among municipalities of <2,500 persons; P < .001), in the West (43.1% vs 26.8% in the Northeast, 33.7% in the Midwest, 32.2% in the South; P = .003), and municipalities with 20% or more of the population living below federal poverty guidelines (37.4% vs 32.2% among municipalities with less than 20% living in poverty; P = .07). CONCLUSION Results suggest that opportunities exist to improve food access through transportation, especially in smaller and Southern communities, which may improve diet quality and reduce chronic disease.
Particulars and Pixels: Quantizing and Theorizing Color in William Blake's Illuminated Books

William Blake printed and re-printed his illuminated books many times over his lifetime, using watercolors to make both slight and significant alterations to each of his plates. Built by the Yale D...
Unfair Trade Injury: A Competition-Based Approach

Americans like to believe that they believe in competition, whether on the playing field, at the factory, in the boardroom, or in the classroom. The most ringing affirmation of that belief in the American legal system is the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890,1 which the Supreme Court once described as the "Magna Carta of free enterprise."2 The free enterprise competitive system is so important that the Court has repeatedly stressed that the antitrust laws protect "competition, not competitors."3 If an individual firm loses market share, or even goes out of business, because others have bested it in a fair fight, this is a sign that the system is working as it should. In the end, everyone benefits from this system: Consumers benefit from the greatest selection of goods and services at the lowest prices, and producers benefit from the efficient production methods and the incentives to innovate inherent in a competitive marketplace. The antitrust laws are not, however, the only U.S. statutes that regulate competition. My immediate topic is the other principal set of competition laws, known loosely as the trade statutes.4 When the
The effects of folate intake on DNA and single-carbon pathway metabolism in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster compared to mammals

Mechanisms of vitamin function in non-mammals are poorly understood, despite being essential for development. Folate and cobalamin are B-vitamin cofactors with overlapping roles in transferring various single-carbon units. In mammals, one or both is needed for nucleotide synthesis, DNA methylation, amino acid conversions and other reactions. However, there has been little investigation of the response to folate or cobalamin in insects. Here, we manipulated folate intake and potentially cobalamin levels in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster with chemically-defined diets, an antibiotic to reduce bacterially-derived vitamins, and the folate-interfering pharmaceutical methotrexate, to see if single-carbon metabolites and DNA synthesis rates would be affected. We found that similar to mammals with low folate intake, fruit fly larvae had significantly slower growth and DNA synthesis rates. But changes to single carbon-metabolites did not mirror that of mammals with abnormal folate or given MTX. Five of the nine metabolites measured were not significantly affected (methionine, serine, glycine, methylglycine, and dimethylglycine) and three (cystathionine, methylgycine, and methylmalonic acid) were only decreased in larvae consuming methotrexate. Metabolites expected to be elevated if flies used cobalamin from microbial symbionts were not affected by dietary sulfaquinoxaline. Our data support the role of folate in nucleotide synthesis in D. melanogaster and that microbial symbionts provide functioning folates. We could not confirm how folate intake affects single carbon pathway metabolites, nor whether Drososphila use microbially-derived cobalamin. Further work should explore which cofactors are used in fruit flies in these important and potentially novel pathways.
Interactions of the tripeptide pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) with brain norepinephrine metabolism: evidence for an extrahypophyseal action of TRH on central nervous system function.

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the interaction of the tripeptide pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) with brain norepinephrine metabolism. The ability of the thyrotropinreleasing hormone is to modify the final step in norepinephrine biosynthesis, is assessed in vivo and in vitro. A rapidly expanding body of information has implicated several polypeptides as potent regulators of anterior pituitary function. These compounds are thought to be synthesized within specialized nerve cells in the hypothalamus, and exert their effects by being released into the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system and either stimulating or inhibiting the release of a particular tropic hormone by specific anterior pituitary cells. Assessment of norepinephrine formation in vivo in hypothyroid rats, where levels of endogenous pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide are low, revealed a marked increase compared to control (euthyroid) rats; these effects, again, were confined to hindbrain regions. Thus, microgram quantities of the tripeptide pyroglutamyl-histidyl-proline amide (thyrotropin-releasing hormone, TRH) given to man result in a rapid stimulation of thyrotropin secretion followed by a more prolonged increase in circulating thyroid hormone concentration.
Abstract 16858: Factors Associated With Length of Stay and Cost of the Fontan Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Study

Introduction: We sought to determine factors associated with length of stay (LOS) and cost of the Fontan surgery in a contemporary large multi-institutional cohort. Hypothesis: Independent and modifiable risk factors associated with longer LOS and higher cost will be identified. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of Fontan surgey (1/2004 - 7/2013) using the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) database (40 US children’s hospitals). Outcome parameters were LOS and costs at Fontan surgery. Predictor variables were demographics (race, insurance, region, rural vs city, commute time, surgical volume), cardiac and other diagnoses, Glenn events, readmission between Glenn and Fontan, and age at Glenn and Fontan. Following a stepwise selection procedure, significant predictors of LOS and cost were included in a generalized linear model with the appropriate inverse Gaussian distribution and the log link function with LOS and cost (adjusted to 2012 $ and region) as the dependent variable. Results: For the 2187 patients (62% male) who had Fontan surgery, the median age at surgery was 1146 days (IQR: 943-1369) and at Glenn was 165 days (IQR: 133-208). Following Fontan, the median ICU LOS was 3 days (IQR: 2-6) and total LOS was 9 days (IQR: 7-14). The median total hospital cost was $93, 900 (IQR: 67,800-136,100). Post-operative mortality was 1% (N=21). Region, insurance, race, surgical volume were the predominant factors associated with both cost and LOS (Table 1). Conclusion: This is the largest multicenter contemporary study describing the factors (particularly healthcare delivery factors) associated with resource utilization during the Fontan hospitalization. Health care delivery variables dominated the factors predicting increased resource utilization. Changes in health care policy should target health care delivery risk factors (race, region, insurance, driving distance, surgical volume) to reduce cost in this resource intensive population.
Double-strand cleavage and strand joining by the replication initiator protein of filamentous phage f1.

Abstract The replication initiator protein (gene II protein (gpII] of bacteriophage f1 is a multifunctional protein that plays central roles in initiation and termination of phage DNA replication. It introduces a nick at a specific site on the (+)-strand of supercoiled replicative form DNA. The 3'-hydroxyl end of the nick serves as the primer for (+)-strand rolling-circle replication. Upon completion of a round of synthesis, gpII cleaves and circulaizes the displaced single strand. When Mn2+ is included in the buffer instead of Mg2+, gpII cleaves both strands. In this paper, we investigate the mechanism of the Mn2+-dependent double-strand cleavage activity of gpII. This reaction, unlike nicking in the presence of Mg2+, does not require superhelicity. The reaction proceeds in two kinetic steps: first nicking of the (+)-strand, and then cleavage of the (-)-strand. The nucleotide sequence requirement for nicking is reduced compared to that in the presence of Mg2+. The product of the double-strand cleavage has an unusual structure. The left end is a telomere-like hairpin since the (+)- and (-)-strands are joined, as demonstrated by base sequencing. The right end has a onebase 3'-overhang. This reaction probably reflects the cleavage-joining activity of gpII in the termination event.
Modeling and stability of production lines based on arrival-to-departure delays

A general production system with L input lines and one output line is studied in terms of the arrival-to-departure delay times of parts being processed by the system. In particular, the degree of stability of the system is defined in terms of the D-stability set which consists of all part interarrival times for which the resulting delays are bounded. Assumptions are then given which result in an equivalence between bounded delays and boundedness of the number of parts in the system. Bounds resembling Little's law are generated for the delay times and the number of parts in, the system. Then a special class of production systems is considered which can be modeled by dynamical equations defined over the max-plus algebra. This leads to the concept of the /spl Gamma/-stability set (corresponding to a type of internal stability) which turns out to be contained in the D-stability set. >
Periodic Surfaces That are Extremal for Energy Functionals Containing Curvature Functions

The following investigation is an expanded version of the author’s lecture at the IMA-Workshop “Statistical Thermodynamics and Differential Geometry of Micro-Structured Material”, January 23, 19911.
Time-limited psychotherapy

Preface PART 1: THE MODEL 1. Time: Conscious and Unconscious 2. The Treatment Agreement and Treatment Guidelines 3. Some Basic Universal Conflict Situations 4. The Sequence of Dynamic Events 5. The Therapist as Participant 6. The Selection of Patients 7. Teaching This Treatment Method PART 2: THE CASE OF THE CONQUERED WOMAN Index
Structure of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa acyl-homoserinelactone synthase LasI.

Summary The LasI/LasR quorum-sensing system plays a pivotal role in virulence gene regulation of the opportunistic human pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we report the crystal structure of the acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) synthase LasI that produces 3-oxo-C12-AHL from the substrates 3-oxo-C12-acyl-carrier protein (acyl-ACP) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine. The LasI six-stranded beta sheet platform, buttressed by three alpha helices, forms a V-shaped substrate-binding cleft that leads to a tunnel passing through the enzyme that can accommodate the acyl-chain of acyl-ACP. This tunnel places no apparent restriction on acyl-chain length, in contrast to a restrictive hydrophobic pocket seen in the AHL-synthase EsaI. Interactions of essential conserved N-terminal residues, Arg23, Phe27 and Trp33, suggest that the N-terminus forms an enclosed substrate-binding pocket for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. Analysis of AHL-synthase surface residues identified a binding site for acyl-ACP, a role that was supported by in vivo reporter assay analysis of the mutated residues, including Arg154 and Lys150. This structure and the novel explanation of AHL-synthase acyl-chain-length selectivity promise to guide the design of Pseudomonas aeruginosa-specific quorum-sensing inhibitors as antibacterial agents.
Introducing a molecular test into the clinical microbiology laboratory: development, evaluation, and validation.

Abstract Context.—In the mid-1980s, the polymerase chain reaction methodology for the amplification of minute amounts of target DNA was successfully developed and then introduced into clinical use; such technology has led to a revolution in diagnostic testing. Despite enormous advances in the detection of infectious agents by amplification methods, there are also limitations that must be addressed. Objective.—To highlight the pertinent steps and issues associated with the introduction of an amplification assay into a clinical microbiology laboratory as well as the subsequent ongoing activities following its introduction into routine laboratory use. Data Sources.—Data were obtained from literature searches from 1990 through September 2002 using the subject headings “polymerase chain reaction,” “molecular assays,” and “amplification” as well as publications of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Data Extraction and Synthesis.—Using the findings obtained from these studies and publicati...
Motivation as a Predictor of College Success1

The present Orientation Inventory and the results obtained from its use are still inadequate when compared to its potentialities. At present its usefulness is primarily limited to indicating areas ...
Psychometric support of the school climate measure in a large, diverse sample of adolescents: a replication and extension.

BACKGROUND: The School Climate Measure (SCM) was developed and validated in 2010 in response to a dearth of psychometrically sound school climate instruments. This study sought to further validate the SCM on a large, diverse sample of Arizona public school adolescents (N = 20,953). METHODS: Four SCM domains (positive student-teacher relationships, academic support, order and discipline, and physical environment) were available for the analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were established to construct validity, and criterion-related validity was assessed via selected Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) school safety items and self-reported grade (GPA) point average. RESULTS: Analyses confirmed the 4 SCM school climate domains explained approximately 63% of the variance (factor loading range.45-.92). Structural equation models fit the data well χ(2) = 14,325 (df = 293, p CONCLUSIONS: Additional evidence supports the validity and reliability of the SCM. Measures, such as the SCM, can facilitate data-driven decisions and may be incorporated into evidenced-based processes designed to improve student outcomes. Language: en
SU-EE-A3-02: The Potential of FDG-PET in Delineating the Lumpectomy Cavity for Partial Breast Irradiation Patients

Purpose: To investigate the potential of FDG‐PET imaging for delineating the surgical cavity in post‐operative partial breast irradiation patients. Method and Materials: A DCIS breast cancer patient was imaged with a GE Discovery ST PET‐CT scanner approximately 2 weeks post lumpectomy. Following the treatment planningCT, a single‐bed (15 cm) FDG‐PET scan was dynamically acquired in 5‐sec intervals over 15 mins. The raw PET data was combined to form bins ranging from 30 sec to 15 min. These data were reconstructed by the GEscanner through an iterative OSEM algorithm, and hardware fused to the treatment planningCT. The value of PET in visualizing the lumpectomy cavity border was investigated through visual comparisons of fused PET‐CT images, the evolution of PET intensity for various breast points, and signal‐to‐noise measurements across the lesion. Results: The PETimage showed clear signal enhancement near the lumpectomy cavity. This enhancement formed a ring in each axial slice, matching the locations of surgical clips. Enhancement was also apparent where the cavity border was difficult to evaluate by CT density or clips alone. The ring presented a significantly higher SUV than other breast tissue (2.2 vs. <1.4), while the region inside the ring had a lower SUV than the (presumably benign) glandular tissue in the same breast (1.2 vs. 1.4). The SUV values were transient below 5 min, but remained stable thereafter. Conclusion: FDG‐PET may provide useful information for delineating lumpectomy cavity borders by elucidating regions of enhanced radiotracer uptake due to inflammation. The hypointense PET volume enclosed by the high activity ring may represent fluid and non‐viable tissue stemming from post‐surgical changes, explaining its lower FDG uptake and further supporting the suggestion that the ring corresponds to the cavity border itself. On current hardware, five‐minute scans were required to achieve stable SUVs.
Phase II evaluation of oral estramustine, oral etoposide, and intravenous paclitaxel in patients with hormone-sensitive prostate adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Purpose The primary objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of administering etoposide/estramustine/paclitaxel in hormone-sensitive metastatic prostate cancer responding to hormonal therapy. Patients and Methods Eligible patients had metastatic prostate cancer and had received combined androgen blockade for 6-8 months with a ≤ 80% decrease in prostate-specific antigen from pretreatment. They received 4 cycles of chemotherapy consisting of estramustine 280 mg orally 3 times daily, etoposide 50 mg/m 2 orally on days 1-14, and paclitaxel 135 mg/m 2 intravenously for 1 hour on day 2 of each 21-day cycle and were then followed until time to treatment failure (TTF). Results Twenty-six patients were evaluable for response and toxicity. Median TTF was 21.7 months (range, 11.9-64.5 months; 95% confidence interval, 15.3-26.2 months). Median survival from time of initiation of hormone therapy was 5.1 years. Neutropenia was the most common grade 3/4 toxicity, occurring in 3 patients. Significant toxicities were limited to nausea, diarrhea, and febrile neutropenia in 3 patients, respectively. Conclusion The administration of paclitaxel/estramustine/etoposide in this setting is feasible and well tolerated. Although the TTF of 21.7 months by prostate-specific antigen criteria is similar to historical controls in the emergence of clinically evident androgen-independent disease after starting hormone therapy, direct comparisons cannot be made. More trials are needed to investigate the timing of chemotherapy in patients with prostate cancer.
Ophthalmologic Procedures in the Emergency Department—Part III: Slit Lamp Use and Foreign Bodies

The emergency physician (EP) must be familiar with carrying out ophthalmologic procedures for evaluation and treatment of a multitude of eye complaints. This article is the last of three articles addressing ophthalmologic procedures of use by the EP. This article reviews the indications and the techniques for slit lamp examination of the eye and techniques of foreign body removal. Criteria for consultation also are addressed.
v-Src induces Shc binding to tyrosine 63 in the cytoplasmic domain of the LDL receptor-related protein 1

We recently observed that the LDL receptor-related protein 1 (LRP-1) is tyrosine phosphorylated in v-Src-transformed cells. Using a GST-fusion protein containing the cytoplasmic domain of LRP-1, we show that LRP-1 is a direct substrate for v-Src in vitro. To study LRP-1 phosphorylation in vivo, we constructed an LRP-1 minireceptor composed of the beta chain linked at the amino-terminus to a Myc epitope (Myc-LRPbeta). When expressed together with v-Src, Myc-LRPbeta becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine. Of the four tyrosine residues present in the cytoplasmic domain of LRP-1, only Tyr 63 is phosphorylated by v-Src in vivo or in vitro. Using fibroblasts deficient in Src, Yes and Fyn, we were able to show that there are multiple kinases present in the cell that can phosphorylate LRP-1. Tyrosine-phosphorylated LRP-1 associates with Shc, a PTB and SH2 domain containing signaling protein that is involved in the activation of Ras. Binding of the purified Shc PTB domain to Tyr 63 containing peptides shows that the interaction between LRP-1 and Shc is direct. We found that DAB, a PTB domain containing signaling protein that is involved in signaling by LDL receptor-related proteins in the nervous system, did not bind to full-length LRP-1. Our observations suggest that LRP-1 may be involved in normal and malignant signal transduction through a direct interaction with Shc adaptor proteins.
Diode laser induced near infra-red fluorescence detection for high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of indocyanine green in plasma

Abstract Diode laser induced near infra-red fluorescence (DLINIRF) detection has become important in bioanalysis due to the increased sensitivity and selectivity that can be achieved in biological matrices as well as the ruggedness, low cost, stability and portability of diode lasers. Indocyanine green (ICG) is used as a marker in clinical research to measure hepatic blood flow (HBF) and cardiac output. A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method employing a simple protein precipitation sample preparation step and DLINIRF detection has been developed to quantitate ICG in plasma. Comparison with absorbance detection demonstrated an increased detectability of more than two orders of magnitude for the DLINIRF detection method. The analysis of ICG in plasma by both detection methods was selective and demonstrated accuracy and precision within acceptable limits.
Rutherford backscattering and channeling studies of Mg and Fe diffusion at the interface of γ-Fe2O3(001)/MgO(001)

We have investigated the crystalline quality of an epitaxially-grown γ-Fe 2 O 3 (001) film on MgO(001) substrate along with Mg and Fe inter-diffusion using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) and channeling experiments. The channeling effect in the film appears to be reduced compared to an ideal single crystal, with the minimum yield for Fe determined to be in the range 16-18%. Growth at a substrate temperature of 450°C promotes limited Mg out-diffusion into the film. Subsequent annealing results in further Mg out-diffusion, which increases in extent with increasing temperature. A minimum of 4 at.% Mg was detected throughout the film at temperatures below the onset of Fe in-diffusion, which was found to be 800°C. This impurity cation concentration is comparable to the native vacancy concentration in γ-Fe 2 O 3 (4.8 at.%), suggesting that Mg occupies cation vacancy sites, as already established by Auger electron diffraction measurements for this system. The Mg concentration in the film was 8 at.%, while the associated Fe concentration in the substrate was 3.4 at.% after annealing at 800°C. Moreover, these cation impurities were uniformly distributed throughout the film and substrate, with the fraction of substitution in both cases >90% at lower temperatures.
Maladaptive matrix remodeling and regional biomechanical dysfunction in a mouse model of aortic valve disease.

Aortic valve disease (AVD) occurs in 2.5% of the general population and often requires surgical intervention. Aortic valve malformation (AVM) underlies the majority of cases, suggesting a developmental etiology. Elastin haploinsufficiency results in complex cardiovascular problems, and 20–45% of patients have AVM and/or AVD. Elastin insufficient (Eln+/−) mice demonstrate AVM and latent AVD due to abnormalities in the valve annulus region. The objective of this study was to examine extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and biomechanical properties in regional aortic valve tissue and determine the impact of early AVM on late AVD in the Eln+/− mouse model. Aortic valve ECM composition and remodeling from juvenile, adult, and aged stages were evaluated in Eln+/− mice using histology, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and gelatin zymography. Aortic valve tissue biomechanical properties were determined using micropipette aspiration. Cartilage-like nodules were demonstrated within the valve annulus region at all stages identifying a developmental abnormality preceding AVD. Interestingly, maladaptive ECM remodeling was observed in early AVM without AVD and worsened with late AVD, as evidenced by increased MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and activity, as well as abnormalities in ADAMTS-mediated versican processing. Cleaved versican was increased in the valve annulus region of aged Eln+/− mice, and this abnormality correlated temporally with adverse alterations in valve tissue biomechanical properties and the manifestation of AVD. These findings identify maladaptive ECM remodeling in functional AVM as an early disease process with a progressive natural history, similar to that seen in human AVD, emphasizing the importance of the annulus region in pathogenesis. Combining molecular and engineering approaches provides complementary mechanistic insights that may be informative in the search for new therapeutic targets and durable valve bioprostheses.
Refractory fallopian tube carcinoma – current perspectives in pathogenesis and management

Fallopian tube carcinoma (FTC) is considered a rare malignancy, but recent evidence shows that its incidence may have been underestimated. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA)-positive women has provided a unique opportunity to study the pathogenesis of FTC and ovarian carcinomas. Newer data now suggest that most high-grade serous cancers of the ovary originate in the fimbrial end of the fallopian tube. Due to the presumed rarity of FTC, most current and more recent ovarian cancer clinical trials have now included patients with FTC. The treatment guidelines recommend similar overall management and that the same chemotherapy regimens be used for epithelial ovarian cancers and FTC.