cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Utilization of Purified Pertinent Fungal Enzymes for Development of Probes to Identify Genes Responsible for Aflatoxin Biosynthesis

AbstractThe observation that O-methylsterigmatocystin (OMST) is a metabolite in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway between sterigmatocystin (ST) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) led to the discovery of two enzyme activities responsible for the late stages of aflatoxin synthesis: 1) a methyltransferase (MT) catalyzing the conversion of ST to OMST, and 2) an oxidoreductase (OR) which converts OMST to AFB1. The anionic MT (168 KDa; two subunits, 110 KDa and 58 KDa) has been purified to homogeneity and well characterized. The oxidoreductase has been partially purified. Polyclonal antibodies against MT have been prepared and amino acid composition of MT determined. A cDNA library, constructed from mRNA isolated from Aspergillus parasiticus mycelia during the onset of AFB1 biosynthesis, is screened by a standard Hybrid Select Translation procedure to identify the genes responsible for the biosynthetic steps at the terminus of the aflatoxin pathway.
Cloning and characterization of class B adenoviruses Ad3 and Ad7 DNA.

Abstract BamHI restriction enzyme fragments of Class B adenovirus serotype 3 (Ad3) and serotype 7 (Ad7)have been cloned using pBR322 as a vector. Selected cloned fragments containing DNA encoding the three leader segments of the late adenoviral RNA transcripts and/or several late genes have been oriented and further characterized by restriction enzyme mapping and by electron microscopic analysis of RNA: DNA heteroduplexes.
Organized thrombus in left main coronary artery in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

A neonate is reported in whom, during Norwood stage I correction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome with mitral stenosis, an organized thrombus was found to protrude from the left coronary ostium into the aortic root. With ventricular assist device support the patient survived despite severe left ventricular ischemia. The presumed origin of the thrombus is from left ventriculocoronary arterial connections that serve to decompress the blind left ventricular cavity.
Development of a low-cost, adaptive, clinician-friendly virtual rehabilitation system

Despite its significant benefits, clinical adoption of virtual rehabilitation is slow. One reason is that current systems are typically constrained to providing therapy for one specific motor deficit with a limited number of pre-defined therapeutic game exercises. Any adjustments to these exercises require high-level programming knowledge beyond the therapists' skill level. With our adaptive MATLAB-based VR system using the Microsoft Kinect, a clinician can easily develop therapeutic game exercises for in-home rehabilitation as well as in the clinical setting. By overcoming these limitations, our adaptive, clinician-friendly system is preparing the ground for widespread adoption of virtual rehabilitation in the future.
INDICATIONS OF HEREDITARY, SPATIAL REARRANGEMENT OF ANTIGEN COMPLEXES, IN THE INFLUENZA VIRUS.

During passage in mice which had been vaccinated with the homologous, and with closely related strains of influenza virus, the passage strain developed a lessened susceptibility to the deleterious effects of the "immune" environment, concommittant with which was a developed capacity to evoke antibodies which reacted with earlier strains of virus—a capacity which was inapparent in the parent strain. However, the parent strain exhibited a relatively broad range of surface reactivity which was not apparent in the derived strain. The data are interpreted to mean that the hereditary change resulted from spatial rearrangement and quantitative redistribution of antigens in the virus particle (in which the surface is viewed as being distinct from the inner bulk), and are viewed as enhancing the idea that influenza virus variation ( i.e ., "mutation") may result from a rearrangement of existing hereditary elements.
Transcription: Enhancers make non-coding RNA

Genomes don't just encode protein-coding RNAs. They also give rise to various groups of RNAs that can regulate gene expression. Short RNAs that form from enhancer sequences might be one such class of regulatory RNA. Regulatory proteins bind non-coding DNA either close to a gene's mRNA transcription start site at a promoter, or further away on the genome at an enhancer. Enhancers act by helping to recruit the RNA polymerase to the promoter. Now a genome-wide sequencing study of more than 10,000 enhancers that respond to electrical activity in neurons shows that the regulatory process also brings the polymerase to the enhancers themselves, where it transcribes non-coding RNAs. This 'enhancer RNA' (eRNA) synthesis occurs only at enhancers actively engaged in promoting mRNA synthesis from a promoter. The results suggest that at least in the brain, enhancers play a more active 'promoter-like' role in regulating gene expression than previously appreciated.
Characterization of reversed-phase liquid chromatographic stationary phases using solvatochromism and multivariate curve resolution

The solvatochromic method has been used to probe the solid/solution interface of bare silica and two modified silica surfaces-phenyl bonded and C 18 bonded-in mobile-phase mixtures of methanol-water and acetonitrilewater. Spectral measurements of solvatochromic dye solutions in different mobile-phase compositions and of slurries wetted by these same solutions have been recorded and used to characterize the different solid/ solution interfaces. Multivariate curve resolution has been employed to resolve the spectra collected into the contributions due to the different solvated species of the dye, i.e., those related to the dye associated with the stationary phase and those related to the dye solvated by the different species present in the mobile phase. Spectral profiles of the dyes solvated by a methanol-water complex in the presence of stationary phase have been resolved for the first time. Chromatographic capacity factors (k') have been measured, and they have complementary information about how the retention of the dye changes with the mobile-phase composition on the different silica surfaces. The validity of the spectral studies performed to characterize real chromatographic environments, which are usually under much higher pressures, has been investigated. In a wide range going from atmospheric pressure to values higher than 100 bar, no significant variations of the capacity factors were observed for the dyes used, and therefore, the information about retention mechanisms and solid/solution interface properties obtained from the spectral studies can be safely extrapolated to the real chromatographic systems. The results obtained indicate that the phenyl bonded silica shows a dipolarity/ polarizability very similar to that of bare silica. For these two silica surfaces, the interactions of the dye and the stationary phase are independent of the mobile-phase composition. The C 18 bonded silica has a significantly lower polar character and evidences two retention mechanisms depending upon the mobile-phase composition.
Bi-objective optimization design of functionally gradient materials

In this paper, a procedure for bi-objective optimization design of functionally gradient materials (FGM) is presented. Different microstructures formed by two primary materials are evaluated by a micromechanical analysis method. Macroscopically, FGMs are optimally designed by using these microstructures. Instead of using conventional simply assumed power law material distribution functions, a generic material distribution function is used. The bi-objective FGM optimization design procedure is highlighted by a flywheel example. A parametric formulation is used for both the geometric representation and the optimization procedure.
Kinetics of Drug Action in Disease States XII: Effect of Experimental Liver Diseases on the Pharmacodynamics of Phenobarbital and Ethanol in Rats

This investigation was designed to determine if liver diseases can modify the pharmacodynamics of the central nervous system depressants phenobarbital and ethanol. Two experimental models of liver diseases in rats were used: extrahepatic cholestasis produced by bile duct ligation and hepatic necrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride administration. Phenobarbital (both models) or ethanol (cholestasis model only) was infused slowly intravenously until the rats lost their righting reflex. Drug concentrations in serum, brain, and cerebrospinal fluid at that time were determined in the diseased animals as well as in sham-operated or solvent-treated controls. Phenobarbital concentrations at the onset of action were not significantly different between controls and either 5-d or 12-d cholestatic rats, except for total serum concentrations which were lower in the cholestatic groups due to reduced protein binding. Ethanol concentrations were slightly but statistically significantly lower in 12-d cholestatic rats as compared with controls. Neither 5-d nor 12-d carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic dysfunction had any significant effect on phenobarbital concentrations at the onset of loss of righting reflex, except for a marginal decrease in the cerebrospinal fluid concentration of rats that had been treated for 5 d with the hepatotoxin. It was concluded that, under the experimental conditions, the hepatic diseases investigated did not have appreciable effects on the central nervous system response to the hypnotic action of phenobarbital and ethanol.
Results of consecutive training procedures in pediatric cardiac surgery

This report from a single institution describes the results of consecutive pediatric heart operations done by trainees under the supervision of a senior surgeon. The 3.1% mortality seen in 1067 index operations is comparable across procedures and risk bands to risk-stratified results reported by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons. With appropriate mentorship, surgeons-in-training are able to achieve good results as first operators.
The pedagogy of tax evasion: Its extent and its determinants

This pedagogical note develops a model of individual choice and a comprehensible and functionally realistic framework that explains how the size of the underground economy or the extent of aggregate income tax evasion can be estimated. It also describes three models for estimating the size of the underground economy for the U.S. and provides a formal but easily understood analytical model of determinants of the extent of aggregate income tax evasion. The latter model is useful in serving as the basis for empirical estimates of determinants of income tax evasion and is useful in enhancing student understanding economic behavior through student projects.
Gradient Descent Interference Avoidance with Target SIR Matching

In this paper we present a new algorithm for joint codeword and power adaptation in the uplink of code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, in which codewords are adjusted using gradient-descent interference avoidance, and powers are updated to match target signal-to-interference plus noise-ratio (SINR) values. The proposed algorithm is analyzed and illustrated with numerical examples obtained from simulations.
15 years of heart-failure trials: what have we learned?

Vasodilators The first major heart-failure trial, the Veterans Administration Heart Failure Trial (V-HeFT-I), 1 a randomised survival trial of hydralazine plus isosorbide dinitrate and prazosin compared with placebo, was published in 1986. This landmark study showed the feasibility of mortality trials for heart failure and, for the first time, suggested that survival could be improved with drug treatment. The mechanism of benefit was assumed to be haemodynamic, with hydralazine and nitrates leading a balanced decrease in left-ventricular afterload and preload. It has, however, subsequently become clear that directacting vasodilators are not consistently beneficial for symptoms or survival in heart-failure patients, as became apparent with the calcium antagonists, which worsened outlook in patients with heart failure or left-ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction. ~'3 Even a vasoselective agent, amlodipine, failed to improve survival, 4 although the absence of an adverse effect in patients with advanced heart failure makes this agent a therapeutic option for angina. The worsening survival seen with two other vasodilators, fiosequinan and epoprostenol, was noteworthyfl '6 since these agents had previously been found to improve haemodynamic measurements, symptoms, and exercise tolerance. The V-HeFT-I results, therefore, represent the only evidence of vasodilator benefit in heart failure, which raises the concern that vasodilators may not be as beneficial as once thought and shows that improved outcomes are not likely to be mediated exclusively by haemodynamic effects.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant for Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome

Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sezary syndrome (SS) are common types of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Early-stage MF has a favorable prognosis and responds well to skin-directed regimens. Patients with advanced-stage MF, transformed MF, and SS are treated with combined systemic and skin-directed therapies. However, the disease is incurable with standard regimens, and frequent relapses are common. Owing to the lack of improvement in overall survival with standard regimens, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) has been explored as a potential curative option. This article reviews the role of HSCT in MF/SS and discusses data regarding conditioning regimens, treatment-related complications, and outcomes.
Factoring a real value of cargo in port investment and funding decisions

Ports are marine gateways to economic activities. Ports’ ability to perform services depends on their facilities, harbor conditions, and other factors. Generally, ports have control over their facilities but must compete for funding to improve them. As for waterways, in the U.S., a Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund was established to fund dredging, which levies a 0.125% cargo value tax on most shippers using U.S. coastal and Great Lakes harbors. Yet, commonly, a gross tonnage metric is used to allocate the fund’s resources, resulting in under-maintenance of some harbors. This, reportedly, deters additional port funding and hinders valuable commerce. Supplemental economic metrics, such as value of commerce or cargo, can improve port financing decisions, but such data is not readily available. Container ports collect cargo value data in nominal terms, but bulk ports do not. When making economic decisions, however, real values must be used. Further, when allocating resources, decision-makers must be able to asse...
Decision-level information fusion to assess threat likelihood in shipped containers

A significant challenge in the distribution of goods is assessing the potential threat that an individual shipping container poses. Due to the high volume of shipped goods, a primary concern is balancing accuracy and container scan time. The application of information fusion to the problem enables automated threat determination and the presentation of relevant data to an operator, in a decision support capacity, in order to maintain a sufficient level of processing. This paper outlines an approach to container threat assessment that combines data from multiple sources in order to reliably score the likelihood that a given container holds a threat. Fused data is also leveraged as a tool to optimize the routing of containers through a scanning system comprised of multiple data acquisition stations and providing data in multiple modes. Furthermore, we propose methods for the consolidated presentation of fused data to an operator in order to both minimize the time expended in container evaluation and maximize the accuracy of the assessment.
AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Regulation and Biological Actions in the Heart

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a stress-activated kinase that functions as a cellular fuel gauge and master metabolic regulator. Recent investigation has elucidated novel molecular mechanisms of AMPK regulation and important biological actions of the AMPK pathway that are highly relevant to cardiovascular disease. Activation of the intrinsic AMPK pathway plays an important role in the myocardial response to ischemia, pressure overload, and heart failure. Pharmacological activation of AMPK shows promise as a therapeutic strategy in the treatment of heart disease. The purpose of this review is to assess how recent discoveries have extended and in some cases challenged existing paradigms, providing new insights into the regulation of AMPK, its diverse biological actions, and therapeutic potential in the heart.
Cation stacking faults in lithium ferrite spinel

Extended stacking faults were found in flux grown LiFe5O8 single crystals, using high voltage electron microscopy. The faults lie on {110} planes and have a displacement vector of 1/4 〈110〉 which is always perpendicular to the fault plane. The faults often form three-fold junctions but can also be terminated by a dislocation with Burgers vector b = 1/4 〈110〉. From geometric and energetic arguments, it has been shown that for a 1/4 〈110〉 fault, the plane perpendicular to the displacement vector will have the lowest surface free energy in a stoichiometric spinel. The influence of non-stoichiometry is discussed. In aus der Schmelze gezogenen LiFe5O8-Einkristallen wurden im Hochspannungselektronenmikroskop ausgedehnte Stapelfehler gefunden. Die Fehler liegen auf {110}-Ebenen und haben einen Verschiebungsvektor 1/4 〈110〉, der stets senkrecht zur Stapelfehlerebene ist. Die Fehler bilden oft dreifache Verzweigungen, konnen jedoch auch durch eine Versetzung mit Burgersvektor b = 1/4 〈110〉 beschrieben werden. Mit geometrischen und energetischen Argumenten wird gezeigt, das fur einen 1/4 〈110〉-Stapelfehler die zum Verschiebungsvektor senkrechte Ebene die niedrigste freie Energie der Oberflache in einem stochiometrischen Spinell besitzt. Der Einflus von Nichtstochiometrie wird diskutiert.
Simple algorithms for solving steady-state frictional rolling contact problems in two and three dimensions

Abstract This paper presents simple, yet robust and efficient algorithms for solving steady-state, frictional, rolling/sliding contact problems, in two and three dimensions. These are alternatives to powerful, well established, but in particular instances, possibly ‘cumbersome’ general-purpose numerical techniques, such as finite-element approaches based on constrained optimization. The cores of the solvers rely on very general principles: (i) resolving motional conflicts, and (ii) eliminating unacceptable surface tractions. The proposed algorithms are formulated in the context of small deformations and applied to the cases of a rigid cylinder and a rigid sphere rolling on a linear viscoelastic layer of finite thickness, in two and three dimensions, respectively. The underlying principles are elucidated, relevant mathematical expressions derived and details given about corresponding implementation techniques. The proposed contact algorithms can be extended to more general settings involving a deformable indenter, material nonlinearities and large deformations.
Influence of systems biology response and environmental exposure level on between-subject variability in breath and blood biomarkers.

To explain the underlying causes of apparently stochastic disease, current research is focusing on systems biology approaches wherein individual genetic makeup and specific ‘gene–environment’ interactions are considered. This is an extraordinarily complex task because both the environmental exposure profiles and the specific genetic susceptibilities presumably have large variance components. In this article, the focus is on the initial steps along the path to disease outcome namely environmental uptake, biologically available dose, and preclinical effect. The general approach is to articulate a conceptual model and identify biomarker measurements that could populate the model with hard data. Between-subject variance components from different exposure studies are used to estimate the source and magnitude of the variability of biomarker measurements. The intent is to determine the relative effects of different biological media (breath or blood), environmental compounds and their metabolites, different concentration levels, and lev els of environmental exposure control. Examples are drawn from three distinct exposure biomarker studies performed by the US Environmental Protection Agency that studied aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, trichloroethylene and methyl tertiary butyl ether. All results are based on empirical biomarker measurements of breath and blood from human subjects; biological specimens were collected under appropriate Institutional Review Board protocols with informed consent of the subjects. The ultimate goal of this work is to develop a framework for eventually assessing the total susceptibility ranges along the toxicological pathway from exposure to effect. The investigation showed that exposures are a greater contributor to biomarker variance than are internal biological parameters.
Implementing and sustaining school-located influenza vaccination programs: perspectives from five diverse school districts.

Local health departments have typically led school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs, assuming resource-intensive roles in design, coordination, and vaccination. This level of involveme...
Passive ankle stiffness in subjects with diabetes and peripheral neuropathy versus an age-matched comparison group.

Background and Purpose. Patients with diabetes mellitus and peripheral neuropathy (DM and PN) often complain of joint stiffness. Although stiffness may contribute to some of the impairments and functional limitations found in these patients, it has not been quantified in this population. The purpose of this study was to quantify and compare passive ankle stiffness and dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion in subjects with DM and PN versus an age-matched comparison group. Subjects. Thirty-four subjects were tested (17 subjects with DM and PN and 17 subjects in an age-matched comparison group). There were 10 male subjects and 7 female subjects in each group. Methods. A Kin-Com dynamometer was used to measure passive plantar flexor torque as each subject's ankle was moved from plantar flexion into dorsiflexion at 60°/s. The following variables were compared using a Student t test: initial angle (angle of onset of plantar flexor torque), maximal dorsiflexion angle, plantar flexor muscle excursion (difference between initial angle and maximal dorsiflexion angle), slope of the first half of the plantar flexor torque curve (stiffness 1 measurement), and slope of the second half of the plantar flexor torque curve (stiffness 2 measurement). Results. The subjects with DM and PN group had smaller maximal dorsiflexion angles and less plantar flexor muscle excursion than the comparison group. There was no difference in initial angle, stiffness 1 measurement, or stiffness 2 measurement. Conclusion and Discussion. Although the subjects with DM and PN had less dorsiflexion range of motion than did the comparison group, there was no difference in stiffness between the groups. This finding suggests that people with DM and PN have “short” versus “stiff” plantar flexor muscles.
Protein Difference Between Competent and Noncompetent Cultures of a Group H Streptococcus

Acidified phenol extracts prepared from competent cultures of a group H Streptococcus strain Wicky made competent with competence factor derived from cultures of another group H Streptococcus , strain Challis, showed a difference in polyacrylamide-gel protein patterns when compared to extracts prepared from noncompetent cultures of strain Wicky. The prominent single protein band difference did not appear when Wicky cells were simultaneously treated with competence factor and chloramphenicol, an inhibitor of the development of competence. Chloramphenicol had no effect on transformation nor the appearance of the “new” protein band when added to fully competent cells. This new protein, which is associated with the appearance of competence, seems to be synthesized as a result of induction by competence factor; its exact role, however, is as yet unknown. Images
Multitasking algorithms for optimization of space structures

Various multitasking approaches are investigated for optimization of large space structures. Judicious combination of microtasking, macrotasking, and autotasking is explored with the goal of achieving a vectorized and multitasked algorithm for optimization of a large structure with maximum speedup performance. Speedup results are presented and compared for three space truss structures with 526, 1046, and 3126 members. >
Acne: current concepts.

At the patient9s initial visit an assessment of general medical health and degree, type, and extent of acne is made. A careful history is obtained to determine possible aggravating factors, such as the ingestion of hormones or drugs, or the use of moisturizing or corticosteroid creams. If the patient has a few comedones and papules, benzoyl peroxide alone may be adequate. If comedones are large and numerous, retinoic acid plus benzoyl peroxide is useful. If there are a significant number of deep pustules and nodules, tetracycline or erythromycin orally can be prescribed. The dosage of antibiotic should be tapered and the drug discontinued as soon as the inflamniatory lesions subside. The patient should be informed that topical medications must be used indefinitely even when the eruption improves because the medications will prevent formation of new lesions. The patient should also be told that acne responds over a period of weeks, not days, and that improvement may not be noticed for four to eight weeks. Provision of a realistic time frame helps the adolescent to maintain confidence in the peeling medications which, at times, will cause irritation and redness of the face. Frequency of cleansing and appropriate cleansing agents and shampoos should be discussed. Dietary facts and fictions should also be mentioned, and, in some instances, parents should be included to preveiit confrontations at home. Girls who feel the need to cover blemishes should be advised to avoid greasy foundations and substitute one of the many cosmetically acceptable water-based formulations now available. Patient compliance will increase if a brief explanation of the pathogenesis of acne lesions and the effects of therapeutic agents is provided. Above all, the teenager should be told that the outlook for improvement is good, that acne can be treated successfully, and that for most patients, excellent control can be achieved if there is cooperation and interest on the part of both physician and patient.
Anatomical considerations of subcoracoid neurovascular structures in anterior shoulder reconstruction

Anterior shoulder surgery, using open or arthroscopic technique, places subcoracoid neurovasculature at risk. This study examines the relationships of the brachial plexus and axillary artery to four bony landmarks and provides clinical correlations for anterior shoulder surgery. The musculocutaneous nerve (MN), posterior cord (PC), lateral cord (LC), and axillary artery (AA) were identified in 27 shoulders. Minimum distances (mm) were measured between neurovasculature and the coracoid tip, anterior midglenoid, inferior surface of the midclavicle, and anteromedial aspect of the acromioclavicular joint. Average distances from the coracoid to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 69.7 ± 31.6, 50.5 ± 9.2, 41.8 ± 9.4, and 60.0 ± 8.0 mm, respectively; from the glenoid equator to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 61.5 ± 38.5, 37.0 ± 6.1, 35.2 ± 8.7, and 45.2 ± 7.1 mm, respectively; from the midclavicle to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 114.1 ± 33.9, 62.0 ± 13.6, 56.0 ± 19.7, and 69.9 ± 7.8 mm, respectively; and from the AC joint to the MN, PC, LC, and AA were 112.7 ± 36.5, 87.9 ± 10.6, 84.0 ± 12.0, and 100.9 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. The lateral cord was the closest structure to each bony landmark. The musculocutaneous nerve was the furthest structure from each bony landmark. Open procedures using a deltopectoral approach with the shoulder in the anatomical position, such as the Neer capsular shift and Warner capsular reconstruction, can use these results to prevent direct or retraction injuries. Results indicate a potential safe zone of 30 mm in diameter around the anteromedial coracoid tip for anteroinferior portal placement.
Heterologous regulation of the cardiac Ca2+ channel alpha 1 subunit by skeletal muscle beta and gamma subunits. Implications for the structure of cardiac L-type Ca2+ channels

High threshold L-type Ca2+ channels of skeletal muscle are thought to consist of a complex of alpha 1, alpha 2 delta, beta, and gamma subunits. Expression of the cloned alpha 1 subunit from skeletal and cardiac muscle has established that this protein is the dihydropyridine-sensitive ion-conducting subunit. However, the kinetics of the skeletal muscle alpha 1 alone expressed in mouse L-cells were abnormally slow and were accelerated to within the normal range by coexpression with the skeletal muscle beta subunit. The kinetics of cardiac muscle alpha 1 were also slowed but to a lesser extent and were not altered by coexpression with skeletal muscle alpha 2. We show here that coexpression of the skeletal muscle beta subunit with the cardiac alpha 1 subunit in Xenopus laevis oocytes produced: 1) an increase in the peak voltage-sensitive current, 2) a shift of the peak current-voltage relationship to more hyperpolarized potentials, and 3) an increase in the rate of activation. Coexpression of the skeletal muscle gamma subunit did not have a significant effect on currents elicited by alpha 1. However, when gamma was coexpressed with beta and alpha 1, both peak currents and rates of activation at more negative potentials were increased. These results indicate that rather than simply amplifying expression of alpha 1, heterologous skeletal muscle beta and gamma subunits can modulate the biophysical properties of cardiac alpha 1.
The SecA2 secretion factor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis promotes growth in macrophages and inhibits the host immune response

The SecA protein is present in all bacteria, and it is a central component of the general Sec-dependent protein export pathway. An unusual property of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the presence of two SecA proteins: SecA1, the essential “housekeeping” SecA, and SecA2, the accessory secretion factor. Here, we report that a ΔsecA2 mutant of M. tuberculosis was defective for growth in the early stages of low-dose aerosol infection of C57BL/6 mice, a time during which the bacillus is primarily replicating in macrophages. Consistent with this in vivo phenotype, we found that the ΔsecA2 mutant was defective for growth in macrophages from C57BL/6 mice. The ΔsecA2 mutant was also attenuated for growth in macrophages from phox−/− mice and from NOS2−/− mice. These mice are defective in the reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI)-generating phagocyte oxidase and the reactive nitrogen intermediate (RNI)-generating inducible nitric oxide synthase, respectively. This indicated a role for SecA2 in the intracellular growth of M. tuberculosis that is independent of protecting against these ROIs or RNIs. Macrophages infected with the ΔsecA2 mutant produced higher levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6, RNI, and gamma interferon-induced major histocompatibility complex class II. This demonstrated a function for M. tuberculosis SecA2 in suppressing macrophage immune responses, which could explain the role of SecA2 in intracellular growth. Our results provide another example of a relationship between M. tuberculosis virulence and inhibition of the host immune response.
Nonlinear Transition Shift and Write Precompensation in Perpendicular Magnetic Recording

The read-write process in perpendicular magnetic recording channels includes a number of nonlinear effects. Nonlinear transition shift (NLTS) arising from previously written transitions is one of these. The signal distortion induced by NLTS is reduced by use of write precompensation during data recording. In this paper, we numerically evaluate the effect of NLTS on the read-back signal by using the model proposed by Bertram and Nakamoto. By means of computer simulation, we examine the effectiveness of two write precompensation schemes in combating NLTS effects in a channel characterized by both transition jitter noise and additive white Gaussian electronics noise. We numerically optimize the precompensation schemes according to channel bit-error-rate, as well as more computationally tractable criteria. Our results suggest that a write-precompensation technique with as few as two adjustable parameters can be very effective against NLTS effects.
Imaging of Herpesvirus Infections of the CNS.

OBJECTIVE. Herpesviridae are a family of DNA viruses remarkable for their ability to both promote acute infection and enter a latent phase with potential of reactivation. Herpes infections are ubiquitous throughout the human life span, regardless of the degree of immunocompetence. CONCLUSION. We review the virology and clinical manifestations of each herpesvirus, with emphasis on recent advances in knowledge and characteristic neuroimaging findings important for diagnosis and appropriate clinical management.
American Policing Under Fire: Conflict & Reform

A cluster of recent police killings of African American men has sparked an unprecedented amount of public debate regarding policing in the United States. Critics and protesters have made sweeping allegations about the police; a presidential commission has been formed to study police misconduct; and reforms are being debated. These events provide a backdrop for this article’s review of recent poll data and discussion of research regarding police relations with African Americans, Latinos, and whites.
Chest trauma in children

Case Report Bobbi, a 5-year-old, was playing "catch" on the lawn of his surburban home. When he went to fetch the ball that had rolled into the street, he was struck by an automobile traveling about 25 miles per hour. Witnesses reported that Bobbi9s body was lifted up by the car and thrown about 12 feet onto the pavement. A neighbor responded immediately and noted that Bobbi was responsive to verbal commands and had a large bump on the front of his head and a swollen right thigh. The Emergency Medical Services System was activated, and within 10 minutes he was transported to the emergency department at the local community hospital. Bobbi was in obvious pain but was awake and responded to questions. He knew his sister9s and teachers9 names, but did not remember being struck by the car. His vital signs were: respirations 35/min; pulse, 100/min; blood pressure, 98/68 mm Hg; and temperature, 36.5°C. Physical examination was remarkable for a large hematoma on the right frontal and parietal areas of the skull and a swollen tender right thigh. Bobbi9s spine was normal upon physical examination, and the neurologic examination was normal except for some retrograde amnesia. There was no spinal swelling or tenderness, and cervical spine radiographs were normal
Poisson Ratio and Piezoresistive Sensing: A New Route to High‐Performance 3D Flexible and Stretchable Sensors of Multimodal Sensing Capability

The performance of flexible and stretchable sensors relies on the optimization of both the flexible substrate and the sensing element, and their synergistic interactions. Herein, a novel strategy is reported for cost-effective and scalable manufacturing of a new class of porous materials as 3D flexible and stretchable piezoresistive sensors, by assembling carbon nanotubes onto porous substrates of tunable Poisson ratios. It is shown that the piezoresistive sensitivity of the sensors increases as the substrate's Poisson's ratio decreases. Substrates with negative Poisson ratios (auxetic foams) exhibit significantly higher piezoresistive sensitivity, resulting from the coherent mode of deformation of the auxetic foam and enhanced changes of tunneling resistance of the carbon nanotube networks. Compared with conventional foam sensors, the auxetic foam sensor (AFS) with a Poisson's ratio of –0.5 demonstrates a 300% improvement in piezoresistive sensitivity and the gauge factor increases as much as 500%. The AFS has high sensing capability, is extremely robust, and capable of multimodal sensing, such as large deformation sensing, pressure sensing, shear/torsion sensing, and underwater sensing. AFS shows great potential for a broad range of wearable and portable devices applications, which are described by reporting on a series of demonstrations.
Electromagnetic scattering by homogeneous, isotropic, dielectric-magnetic sphere with topologically insulating surface states

The Lorenz–Mie formulation of electromagnetic scattering by a homogeneous, isotropic, dielectric–magnetic sphere was extended to incorporate topologically insulating surface states characterized by a surface admittance γ. Closed-form expressions were derived for the expansion coefficients of the scattered field phasors in terms of those of the incident field phasors. These expansion coefficients were used to obtain analytical expressions for the total scattering, extinction, forward scattering, and backscattering efficiencies of the sphere. Resonances exist for relatively low values of γ, when the sphere is either nondissipative or weakly dissipative. For large values of γ, the scattering characteristics are close to that of a perfect electrically conducting sphere, regardless of whether the sphere is composed of a dissipative or nondissipative material and regardless of whether that material supports plane-wave propagation with positive or negative phase velocity.
Insights into the Mechanism of Fengycin, an Antimicrobial Lipopeptide using Multiscale Simulations

Fengycin is a class of antimicrobial fungicide, synthesized by the bacterial family, Bacillus, which functions by damaging the fungus’ cell membrane. Thus it is cumbersome for the bacteria to develop resistance against it. This makes fengycin a potential drug candidate and comprehending its mechanism of action is a crucial step in drug development. Previously, it has been observed in coarse-grained simulations that fengycins form clusters in model fungal membranes (POPC) but not in model bacterial membranes (POPE:POPG). Our hypothesis is that formation of clusters plays a crucial step for fengycin disrupting the fungal membranes. However, most recent all-atom simulations results suggest that preference for the aggregation process in one membrane over the other is not statistically significant, although this may be more due to slow convergence than a true lack of selectivity. Accordingly, we are using enhanced sampling techniques are being used to compute the free energy change during aggregation in the two membrane types. In addition, it is important to study the effects of sterols on fengycin action, since one of the major differences between mammalian and fungal membranes is the presence of cholesterol versus ergosterol in the outer membrane. Therefore, coarse-grained simulations of lipids with cholesterol will show how these sterols can inhibit or promote the action of fengycin. These results will lead us to a more coherent understanding of the function of this unique biological molecule.
Key Pathways to Prevent Posttraumatic Arthritis for Future Molecule-Based Therapy

Joint injuries are common, especially among young adults aged 18 to 44 years. They are accompanied by a cascade of events that increase the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Therefore, understanding of biological responses that predispose to PTOA should help in determining treatment modalities to delay and/or prevent the onset and progression of the disease. The vast majority of the literature pointed to chondrocyte death and apoptosis, inflammation and matrix damage/fragmentation being the earliest events that follow joint trauma. Together these events lead to the development of osteoarthritis-like focal cartilage lesions that if untreated have a tendency to expand and progress to fully developed disease. Currently, the only treatments available for joint trauma are surgical interventions. Experimental biologic approaches involve engineering of cartilage with the use of cells (stem cells or chondrocytes), juvenile or adult cartilage pieces, scaffolds, and various polymeric matrices. The major challenge for all of them is regeneration of normal functional mature hyaline cartilage that can sustain the load, resist compression, and most important, integrate with the host tissue. If the tissue is spontaneously repaired it fails to reproduce original structure and function and thus, may be more susceptible to re-injury. Thus, there is a critical need to develop novel molecular mechanism-based therapeutic approaches to biologic chondral and/or osteochondral repair. The focus of this review is on the earliest molecular and cellular manifestations of injury that can be grouped based on the following therapeutic options for PTOA: chondroprotection, anti-inflammatory, matrix protection, and matrix remodeling/matrix synthesis.
Chemical nature of some substances required for the growth of fibroblasts and epithelial cells.

Pure strains of fibroblasts or of epithelial cells increase in mass in an unlimited manner, when they are cultivated in plasma and embryonic tissue juice. For 14 years, colonies of a strain of fibroblasts have doubled in size every 48 hours in such a medium. Pavement and thyroid epithelium also have been found to manufacture unlimited amounts of protoplasm from the constituents of embryonic juice. Neither epithelial cells nor fibroblasts multiply in serum proteins, egg albumin, crystallized egg albumin, amino acids from embryonic juice, or artificial mxtures of amino acids for a longer time than in Tyrode solution. So far, embryonic juice is the only material which has been found to maintain epithelial cells and fibroblasts in a conditoti of true cultivation.Investigation of the chemical nature of the nutritive materials in the embryo juice has led to the conclusion that the nitrogenous substance utilized by the tissues is the protein itself. The amino acids and other ultra-filtrable and dialyzable consti...
Goals of ABC Implementation and Means of Attainment

Chapter 6 investigated determinants of ABC implementation success using an overall measure of ABC system effectiveness. Previous studies employ similar composite evaluation scales; however, a limitation of this approach is that it does not permit exploration of multi-dimensional aspects of system effectiveness. One objective of this research is to provide evidence on the criteria that managers use in evaluating ABC systems and to investigate the claim that determinants of ABC project outcomes differ depending on which criteria are considered (e.g., Cooper et al., 1992). Foster and Swenson (1997) describe three evaluation measures that researchers use as components of overall ABC system evaluation. Although the components have logical appeal, they are not predicated on formal scale development methods. The field-research approach of this study allows us to investigate the evaluation criteria used by survey respondents to assess ABC system effectiveness.
A critical appraisal of the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST)

Abstract The presence of ventricular ectopic activity in the post-myocardial infarction patient, especially associated with left ventricular dysfunction, has been associated with a high incidence of sudden cardiac death. To test the PVC hypothesis, that PVC suppression in asymptomatic patients with ventricular arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction might reduce sudden death rate, the cardiac arrhythmia suppression trial (CAST) was performed. In patients treated with encainide or flecainide, total mortality at 10 months was 7.7% compared to only 3% overall mortality on placebo. The increase in mortality and sudden cardiac death with these two drugs raised the question of whether PVC suppression in this group of patients should be attempted. In addition, the extrapolation of the results of this study to other patient groups has resulted in a change of our antiarrhythmic prescription habits. Criticism of the CAST study has included a low placebo mortality, which may have been secondary to entry of low-risk groups of patients, deaths in the open label titration groups not being included, and recent advances in thrombolysis and revascularization. In addition, this low placebo mortality may have been explained by the concept that drug-responsive arrhythmias may have more benign prognosis. The above results suggest that, except for the use of beta blockers, benefits of other anti-arrhythmic drug treatment in the post-infarction patient with asymptomatic benign and potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias is questionable. Flecainide and encainide should be avoided in this group of patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Preserving Peace and Maintaining Order, 1968–1978

Constructions and perceptions of identity are an undeniable part of the most recent Troubles in how terrorism was securitized and how counterterrorism laws were formed.1 In writing about the conflict in 1990, Padraig O’Malley explores the production and reproduction of identity as difference in stating, “[t]he conflict is about permanent identity-in-opposition, requiring every occasion to splice itself, like some feat of genetic engineering, into its tribal components, precluding a shared sense of grieving, the rhetoric of exclusion accommodating only a mutual sense of betrayal.”.2 Toward the end of the 1990s, close to the Peace Process, identifications of belonging and non-belonging continued to play a role in how the situation was understood: for example, “[w]hile 72% of the people of Northern Ireland preferred to remain part of the UK in 1992, only 30% of the British people saw the identity of Northern Ireland in the same light.”.3 Tensions over identity and belonging in the Irish and British context as well as “special powers” from the state have a relatively long history and remain a part of more contemporary relations and relevance. As discussed in Richard English’s seminal work on Irish nationalism, “it is clear that these late-nineteenth-century issues have cast a shadow into the twenty-first century”.4 Early 20th-century discourse present some “Englishmen” as regarding the Irish to be “hostile natives”.5 and notions of the Irish other played a role in British security and identity narratives well before 1968.
A Multi-Level Examination of Organizational Context on Adult Probation Officer Attitudes Toward Evidence-Based Practice:

Currently, both researchers and criminal justice agencies recognize the need to consider evidence-based practices (EBPs) as means to provide effective supervision and reduce recidivism rates. Research documents the importance of organizational characteristics in relation to EBP adoption and implementation, including organizational climate, commitment to the organization, and cynicism for change. Using data collected through surveys of 251 probation staff nested within 12 probation agencies in the United States, the current study utilizes Hierarchical Linear Modeling to examine the association of these important organizational characteristics with probation staff reported attitudes toward EBPs. These findings are critical for understanding how probation staff perceptions relate to the transportability of EBPs and which/how contextual factors influence attitudes toward best practices.
Using Video Analysis to Understand and Improve Technical Quality in Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity. Operative technique for some bariatric procedures can be technically challenging and requires an advanced skill set. Variation in procedure type, operative technique, and surgeon skill can affect outcomes. Most bariatric surgery is performed laparoscopically, allowing for video recording and thus an opportunity to study videos for quality improvement. Current strategies for utilizing surgical videos are discussed herein, along with our early experience and specific areas for future growth.