cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CONFLICTING MANAGEMENT GOALS: MANATEES AND INVASIVE COMPETITORS INHIBIT RESTORATION OF A NATIVE MACROPHYTE

Vallisneria americanais a native macrophyte in freshwater and oligohaline ecosystems, often forming meadows that significantly affect ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling and provide structural habitat. Vallisneria has declined in abundance in several Florida lakes, rivers, and estuaries. We conducted an 11-month field experiment in Kings Bay, Florida, USA, to determine factors that might affect successful transplantation of Vallisneria and to guide potential future restoration efforts by water resource management agencies. To determine the effects of herbivores and other primary producers on Vallisneria production, we conducted a 2 3 2 factorial experiment at three sites in which we allowed or denied: (1) relatively large herbivores ( .3 cm) and (2) other primary producers (e.g., Myriophyllum spicatum, Hydrilla verticillata, Lyngbya sp.) access to 1.5 3 1.5-m trans- planted plots of Vallisneria. Within one month, Vallisneria disappeared from 80% of her- bivore-access plots due primarily to consumption by manatees. Vallisneria density was reduced a variable amount (0-50%) in response to competitors, due to site-specific variation in natural abundance of other primary producers (at two sites, we observed extensive colonization by other primary producers and a strong treatment effect). Most of this com- petitive effect was attributable to Eurasian watermilfoil ( Myriophyllum spicatum); after pooling Vallisneria density data across sites, we observed a negative exponential relation- ship between shoot density of Vallisneria and stem density of Myriophyllum for every sampling date. We observed variable recruitment of Vallisneria transplants into larger size classes among sites, but not between treatments, and large, established plants grew at similar rates whether in monospecific or mixed stands, with evidence for reduced mass-specific growth in dense stands. Hence, a probable mechanism by which Myriophyllum reduces Vallisneria occurs via space limitation, and reduction in Vallisneria densities and/or re- cruitment and growth of new shoots. We conclude that two different management goals (restoration of Vallisneria and protection of manatees) are in conflict and must be simul- taneously considered to devise effective and sustainable ecosystem management scenarios. Due to the highly managed nature of freshwater systems worldwide, the limitations of extrapolating experimental results and the importance of site-specific pilot experiments should also be recognized.
Mammary Gland Expression of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Is Regulated by a Novel Element in the Long Terminal Repeat

Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infects both lymphoid tissue and lactating mammary gland during its infectious cycle, but some endogenous MMTVs are transcribed only in lymphoid cells. We found a lymphoid cell-specific endogenous MMTV that was converted to a milk-borne, infectious virus through recombination with an exogenously transmitted MMTV. The changed expression pattern correlated with the alteration of a single base pair in the long terminal repeat of the lymphoid cell-specific virus. Transgenic mice with the element from either the milk-borne or lymphoid cell-specific virus upstream of the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene showed the same pattern of expression as the virus from which the regulatory sequences were derived. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with mammary cell extracts showed that the site from the milk-borne virus was preferentially bound by a prolactin-inducible factor that poorly bound the altered site from the lymphoid cell-specific virus. The complex that formed on the milk-borne virus-specific oligonucleotide supershifted with anti-Stat5b antibody. Mice lacking either Stat5a or Stat5b had dramatically reduced levels of MMTV transcripts in mammary gland but not in lymphoid tissue. Thus, a member of the STAT family of transcription factors is involved in the tissue-specific expression of mouse mammary tumor virus in vivo. This is the first example of the involvement of a member of the STAT family of transcription factors in the control of tissue-specific expression.
Transplantation: Biomedical and Ethical Concerns Raised by the Cloning and Stem‐Cell Debate

Transplantation is becoming an increasingly more common approach to treatment of diseases of organ failure, making organ donation an important means of saving lives. Most world religions find organ donation for the purpose of transplantation to be acceptable, and some even encourage members to donate their organs as a gift of love to others. Recent developments, including artificial organs, transplants from nonhuman species, use of stem cells, and cloning, are inspecting the field of transplantation. These new approaches should be discussed with bioethical considerations in mind, particularly the notion of human beings as a unity of body and spirit.
On the optimal efficiency of split-phase induction motors under light load conditions

It is a known fact that when operating at light load condition, the efficiency of induction motors can be improved by reducing the supply voltage. This paper investigates the optimal efficiency of split-phase motors when loaded below their horsepower rating. An accurate equivalent circuit model that takes into account stray load loss and rotational loss, in addition to core loss, is proposed for efficiency calculations. The model is used to determine optimal values of the source voltage for different shaft output powers. The process involves solving a set of nonlinear equations at each load level. When neglecting rotational losses, however, the optimal solution becomes straightforward as this is reduced to constant power factor operation. The work is illustrated by both simulations and laboratory measurements on a commercial 1/3 hp motor.
The future is today: emerging drugs for the treatment of erectile dysfunction

Importance of the field: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common male sexual dysfunction presented for treatment affecting between 10 and 20% of men. PDE type 5 inhibitors (PDE5I) now account for the largest segment of the ED market. While these drugs are highly efficacious for many men, a relatively large subset of ED patients who do not respond to PDE5I is increasingly recognized.Areas covered in this review: In this review, we discuss clinical and preclinical evidence supporting various emerging compounds that regulate penile erection both centrally (clavulanic acid, dopamine and melanocortin receptor agonists) and peripherally (novel PDE5I, soluble and particulate guanylil cyclase activators, rho-kinase inhibitors and maxi-K channel openers).What the reader will gain: The reader will gain a broad understanding of erectile (patho-)physiology and gain insights in the mechanisms of action, efficacy and adverse events of various compounds under development for the treatment of ED.Take home message: W...
Chondrocalcinosis in elderly persons.

Fifty-eight elderly people were surveyed for chondrocalcinosis with knee, hip and pelvic roent-genograms using Type M industrial x-ray film. Chondrocalcinosis was found in 16 subjects (27.6%), an incidence greater than reported in previous studies. Roentgenograms of the knees alone showed the presence of chondrocalcinosis in 15 subjects. Varus deformity of the knees, increased wrist complaints and wrist involvement with clinical arthritis were significantly more common in subjects with chondrocalcinosis. Symptoms associated with acute inflammatory arthritis were not more common in people with chondrocalcinosis.
Accuracy and predictors of basal cell carcinoma diagnosis.

background. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer in the United States. Therefore, prospective assessment of dermatologists' acumen in diagnosing BCC is important but, unfortunately, is lacking. objective. We sought to determine the positive predictive value (PPV) for clinically diagnosing BCC based on how confident the physician is of the diagnosis. We also sought to determine which clinical and historical factors most influence a dermatologist's perception that a tumor is a BCC and to determine which factors are correlated with a lesion being a BCC. methods. Dermatology attending faculty at the University of Miami performing biopsies on their patients in whom BCC was a consideration were asked to complete a questionnaire. They recorded how confident they were of their clinical diagnosis of BCC. They also recorded various clinical and historical factors about the patients and the lesions biopsied. results. The PPV for clinically diagnosing BCC when the clinician was most confident was 80%. Age (> 64 years) and the presence of pigmentation, telangiectasias, and a pearly border were statistically associated with a greater confidence level and a histologic diagnosis of BCC. Sunscreen use was associated with fewer diagnoses of BCCs. conclusion. This is the first study to determine a relevant PPV for the clinical diagnosis of BCC because the PPV was based on clinical confidence level. These results highlight the role of diagnostic biopsies, could improve patient referral, and may help increase the PPV in the future.
History of Spinal Deformity Surgery Part II: The Modern Era

Spinal deformity is one of the oldest known diseases that date back thousands of years in human history. It appears in fairy tales and mythologies in association with evil as its dramatic appearance in patients suffering from the disease easily lent itself to be thought of as a form of divine retribution. The history of spinal deformity dates back to prehistoric times. The early attempts to treat patients suffering from this disease started from Hippocrates age. Side traction or axial traction and cast immobilization were the only possible option prior to the discovery of anesthesia. The first surgical attempts to correct scoliosis occurred in the mid 19 th century with percutaneous myotomies of the vertebral musculature followed by postoperative bracing, which outcomes were very quite horrifying. Hibbs’ fusion operation had become a realistic treatment option to halt the progression of deformity in the early 20th century. Harrington’s introduction of the internal fixation device to treat paralytic scoliosis in 1960’s started revolution on deformity correction surgery. Luque developed a segmental spinal using sublaminar wiring technique in 1976 and Cotrel developed Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) instrumentation, which was a posterior segmental instrumentation system that used pedicle and laminar hooks on either thoracic or lumbar spine and pedicle screws on the lumbar spine.
Constraints Imposed by Cosmic Evolution Towards the Development of Life

The probability of terrestrial-týpe life emerging in any other place of the universe will depend on the constraints imposed by cosmic evolution on that particular place. A systematic examination of cosmic constraints, which in the case of the Earth must have provided the necessary and sufficient conditions for the origin and evolution of life on our planet, shows that they are concerned with the nature of the central star, the planetary system, and the specific life-bearing planet, as well as with the chemical and biological evolution processes involved. These constraints or universal requirements for life, are briefly described below.
Managerial and Organizational Communication in Terms of the Conduit Metaphor

Linguistic conceptions regarding what Reddy (1979) calls the “conduit metaphor” are applied to the teaching and practice of organizational communication. The argument is advanced that in “everyday” discourse and even current management textbooks, organizational communication frequently is explicated in terms of the conduit metaphor. Furthermore, it is suggested that the conduit metaphor implicitly engenders the assumption that successful communication is easy and requires little effort. The practical and research implications of this argument are examined.
Dominant effects of the Huntington's disease HTT CAG repeat length are captured in gene-expression data sets by a continuous analysis mathematical modeling strategy

In Huntington's disease (HD), the size of the expanded HTT CAG repeat mutation is the primary driver of the processes that determine age at onset of motor symptoms. However, correlation of cellular biochemical parameters also extends across the normal repeat range, supporting the view that the CAG repeat represents a functional polymorphism with dominant effects determined by the longer allele. A central challenge to defining the functional consequences of this single polymorphism is the difficulty of distinguishing its subtle effects from the multitude of other sources of biological variation. We demonstrate that an analytical approach based upon continuous correlation with CAG size was able to capture the modest (∼21%) contribution of the repeat to the variation in genome-wide gene expression in 107 lymphoblastoid cell lines, with alleles ranging from 15 to 92 CAGs. Furthermore, a mathematical model from an iterative strategy yielded predicted CAG repeat lengths that were significantly positively correlated with true CAG allele size and negatively correlated with age at onset of motor symptoms. Genes negatively correlated with repeat size were also enriched in a set of genes whose expression were CAG-correlated in human HD cerebellum. These findings both reveal the relatively small, but detectable impact of variation in the CAG allele in global data in these peripheral cells and provide a strategy for building multi-dimensional data-driven models of the biological network that drives the HD disease process by continuous analysis across allelic panels of neuronal cells vulnerable to the dominant effects of the HTT CAG repeat.
An open trial of Omega-3 fatty acids for depression in pregnancy*

Objective: In this flexible-dose, open-label trial, we examined the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for the treatment of depression during pregnancy. Methods: Fifteen pregnant women with major depressive episodes participated. Subjects initially received two capsules per day [0.93 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)]; the dose could be increased by one capsule per day every 2 weeks to a maximal dose of 2.8 g. Subjects were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). Results: Average duration of participation in this treatment trial was 8.3 weeks (SD ± 7.1). Average final dose of EPA + DHA in this flexible dose trial was 1.9 g per day (±0.5). The mean reduction in EPDS scores was 40.9% (SD ± 21.9); the mean decrease in HRSD score was 34.1% (SD ± 27.1). Conclusions: This open trial provides data to support the need for randomized controlled dose-finding trials of omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive episodes during pregnancy.
HYDROXYL TIME-SCALE CORRELATIONS IN TURBULENT COUNTERFLOW NONPREMIXED FLAMES

Abstract Time-series measurements of OH concentration have been obtained in turbulent counterflow nonpremixed H2/CH4/air flames to study the influence of turbulence parameters on the dynamics of such flames by independently varying the Reynolds number (Re) and global strain rate (SR). The autocorrelation functions from the measured time series are found to be self-similar and can be fully characterized by their integral time scales. The integral time scale displays a power law dependence on both Re and SR. At lower strain rates, fluctuations in the OH layer are nearly independent of Reynolds number. An increase in SR changes the spatial displacement of OH, paving the way for faster fluctuations of the OH layer at higher Reynolds numbers. Both the bulk strain rate and Reynolds number scale linearly with the jet exit velocity (U). Furthermore, the combined effect of SR and Re on the integral time scale behaves approximately as U−1.35 in these counterflow nonpremixed flames. Hence, the Re−1.4 dependency prev...
A novel radioactive particle tracking facility for measurement of solids motion in gas fluidized beds

Measurements of solids motion in a fluidized bed have been made in a computer-aided particle tracking facility. A radioactive tracer particle, dynamically identical to the solid particles to be studied, was mixed with the solids in thebed. The gamma radiation from the tracer was continuously monitored by a large number of scintillation detectors located around the bed, providing information on the tracer's instantaneous location. Prudent use was made of the purposely introduced redundant distance data to achieve improved accuracy. The recognition of the existence of secondary emission due to the interaction of the primary radiation and other system materials and the subsequent devising of a scheme to mitigate its effect contribute much to the success. Results for a bed with a uniform air distributor plate show the existence of two counter-rotating toroidal vortices whose relative sizes and strengths vary with the fluidizing velocity. Fluctuating motions at low frequencies ranging from 1.6 to 16 Hz have been observed at various locations in the bed.
DIFFERENCES IN SIZE AND DEPTH FOR TWO MORPHS OF DIAULULA SANDIEGENSIS (COOPER, 1863)

Diaulula sandiegensis (Cooper, 1863) has long been known to vary in dorsal coloration, with a ground color ranging from cream to dark brown, overlain by either rings or irregular blotches (Behrens, 1991; Smith & Carlton, 1975). Some morphs previously considered to be separate species (Diaulula sp. 1, Doris s. l.) have recently been combined into D. sandiegensis (Behrens & Valdes, 2001; Behrens, 2004). However, other morphs may actually be separate species (Dayrat, 2010). I investigated whether morphs common in British Columbia showed consistent differences in size or depth of occurrence. There are at least two common forms, though each shows variation in characters, and some individuals are ambiguous in their markings (Table 1, Fig. 1). The “ring” form has few brown rings symmetrically distributed and offset from the midline, typically on a light background (Fig. 1A). These rings may be complete or broken and relatively light or dark. The “spotted” form has multiple, irregular, dark patches similar to leopard spots in that they are surrounded by a ring of different (in this case, lighter) value, and they often grade into this color towards the center. These spots are often asymmetrically MALACOLOGIA, 2013, 56(1 2): 351 354
What are the correlates of substance abuse treatment counselor salaries

This article identifies and measures the key correlates of substance abuse treatment (SAT) counselor salaries. The data come from the 2002-2003 wave of the National Treatment Center Study that consists of approximately 1,500 full-time counselors from nationally representative samples of public and private SAT facilities. We used interval regression models to estimate the relationship between annual salary and numerous counselor and organizational characteristics. We found that counselor characteristics associated with annual salary include education, tenure in the SAT field, licensure, race, recovery status, and administrative responsibilities above and beyond duties as a full-time counselor. Organizational characteristics associated with counselor salary include accreditation status, hospital ownership, and the population density of the county where the facility is located. Taken together, these factors explain approximately 50% of the total variation in SAT counselor salaries.
Single-cell analysis of mast cell degranulation induced by airway smooth muscle-secreted chemokines.

Background Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by narrowed airways, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, mucus hyper-secretion, and airway remodeling. Mast cell (MC) infiltration into airway smooth muscle (ASM) is a defining feature of asthma, and ASM regulates the inflammatory response by secreting chemokines, including CXCL10 and CCL5. Single cell analysis offers a unique approach to study specific cellular signaling interactions within large and complex signaling networks such as the inflammatory microenvironment in asthma.
ANCHORING A REVISIONIST ACCOUNT OF MORAL RESPONSIBILITY

Revisionism about moral responsibility is the view that we would do well to distinguish between what we think about moral responsibility and what we ought to think about it, that the former is in some important sense implausible and conflicts with the latter, and so we should revise our concept accordingly. In this paper, I assess two related problems for revisionism and claim that focus on the first of these problems (the reference-anchoring problem) has thus far allowed the second (the normativity-anchoring problem) to go largely unnoticed. Here I develop this new objection to revisionism and argue that, while revisionists can successfully respond to the reference-anchoring problem, the normativity-anchoring problem poses a serious objection to the view. In particular, the methodological commitments used to motivate revisionism make it uniquely difficult for revisionists to justify our continued participation in the practice of moral praising and blaming. I conclude by briefly addressing a potential objection based on a common charge against revisionism: that there is no real difference between the view and its conventional competitors and thus the normativity-anchoring problem is of little interest in the broader dialectic. I argue that both of these claims are false.
Datafication: threat or opportunity for communication in the public sphere?

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider the threats and potential of Big Data for strategic communication. It explains the concepts of datafication and Big Data and establishes the social and cultural context of Big Data from the way those constructing algorithms superimpose their value systems and cultural references onto the data. It links Big Data and strategic communication through the segmentation devices and strategies both use and propose discourse analysis as a valid method for the critique of Big Data. The importance of strategic communication for the public sphere suggests that Big Data can pose a serious threat to public discourse. Design/methodology/approach – This is a conceptual and theoretical paper that first explains and interprets various new terms and concepts and then uses established theoretical approaches to analyze these phenomena. Findings – The use of Big Data for the micro-segmentation of audiences establishes its relationship with strategic communication. Big Data ana...
Racial Diversity and Union Organizing in the United States, 1999–2008:

Does racial diversity make forming a union harder? Case studies offer conflicting answers, and little large-scale research on the question exists. Most quantitative research on race and unionization has studied trends in membership rather than the outcome of specific organizing drives and has assumed that the main problem is mistrust between workers and unions, paying less attention, for example, to the role of employers. The author explores the role of racial and ethnic diversity in the outcomes of nearly 7,000 organizing drives launched between 1999 and 2008. By matching the National Labor Relations Board’s information on union activity with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s surveys of large establishments, the author reconstructs the demographic composition of the work groups involved in each mobilization. The study finds that more diverse establishments are less likely to see successful organizing attempts. Little evidence is found, however, that this is because workers are less interested...
Examples of Hybrid Dynamic Models Combining Experimental and Finite Element Substructures

Substructuring methods have been used for many years to reduce the size of FE dynamic models and maintain satisfactory response for a limited bandwidth of interest. However, experimental substructures have been used only in a very limited number of cases, generally where there was only a single connection point idealized to six connection degrees of freedom. This is because it is difficult to experimentally characterize the moments and rotations at multiple connection points. Mayes and Allen developed a method to practically characterize continuity and equilibrium at multiple connection points through the instrumentation of a flexible fixture. The instrumented fixture is transformed into a force and response sensor that is expressed in terms of the modal connection forces and modal connection responses of the fixture. The sensor is called the transmission simulator. Two previous results of the method for coupling R&D pieces of hardware are given. The primary emphasis of this paper is on a set of representative system hardware, for which two designs of a transmission simulator are compared with the view to discover design characteristics that optimize the sensor effectiveness. Frequency response functions (FRF) from the assembled system hardware are measured and designated as the truth against which to compare. The accuracy of the experimental substructure is evaluated by attaching it to a finite element substructure and predicting full system response FRFs which are compared against the truth FRFs. The result is that the transmission simulator design is relatively robust to the stiffness chosen, although the stiff transmission simulator appears to be a slightly better choice in the structure evaluated in this work. Substructure modes tend to maintain the shapes of the bare transmission simulator if it is stiff. A one piece transmission simulator design with no joints is easier to model accurately, which is of value in this methodology.
Nitric oxide synthase inhibition attenuates hypoglycemic cerebral hyperemia in piglets

We tested the hypothesis that nitric oxide (NO) mediates hypoglycemia-induced cerebral vasodilation in piglets. Piglets (1-2 wk old) were made hypoglycemic with insulin (200 U/kg i.v.) with and without an NO synthase inhibitor, N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 40 mg/kg i.v.). Electroencephalogram (EEG), cerebral O2 consumption (CMRO2), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were measured before L-NAME and insulin and for 180 min after insulin. Hypoglycemia led to isoelectric EEG earlier after L-NAME (87 +/- 8 min) than without L-NAME pretreatment (132 +/- 13 min). CBF increased in all brain regions during hypoglycemia at the onset of isoelectric EEG and was associated with increased CMRO2.L-NAME prevented the increase in CMRO2 and attenuated vasodilation in forebrain (154 +/- 37 vs. 400 +/- 60%), cerebellum (251 +/- 52 vs. 386 +/- 52%), and cortical gray matter (183 +/- 47 vs. 524 +/- 93%) but had no effect on CBF responses in brain stem, thalamus, caudate, or hippocampus. We conclude that NO or a NO-containing compound mediates cerebral vasodilation induced by profound insulin-hypoglycemia in piglets and that this vasodilation plays an important role in the adaptation of immature brain to hypoglycemia.
3D fingerprint analysis using transmission-mode multi-wavelength digital holographic topography

The analysis of fingerprints is important for biometric identification. Two-wavelength digital holographic interferometry is used to study the topography of various types of fingerprints. This topography depends on several conditions such as the temperature, time of the day, and the proportions of eccrine and sebaceous sweat. With two-wavelength holographic interferometry, surface information can be measured with a better accuracy compared to single-wavelength phase-retrieving techniques. Latent fingerprints on transparent glass, a forensically relevant substrate are first developed by the deposition of 50–1000-nm-thick columnar thin films, and then analyzed using the transmission-mode two-wavelength digital holographic technique. In this technique, a tunable Argon-ion laser (457.9 nm to 514.5 nm) is used and holograms are recorded on a CCD camera sequentially for several sets of two wavelengths. Then the phase is reconstructed for each wavelength, and the phase difference which corresponds to the synthetic wavelength (4 μm to 48 μm) is calculated. Finally, the topography is obtained by applying proper phase-unwrapping techniques to the phase difference. Interferometric setups that utilize light reflected from the surface of interest have several disadvantages such as the effect of multiple reflections as well as the effects of the tilt of the object and its shadow (for the Mach-Zehnder configuration). To overcome these drawbacks, digital holograms of fingerprints in a transmission geometry are used. An approximately in-line geometry employing a slightly tilted reference beam to facilitate separation of various diffraction orders during holographic reconstruction is employed.
Abstract 11: Predicting Angina for Stable Coronary Patients with or Without Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Background: Relief of angina and improvement in quality of life is the most common indication for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in stable ischemic heart disease (SIHD). Given that there are alternative strategies for treating angina, (e.g. intensifying optimal medical therapy (OMT) or PCI), predicting angina severity as a function of alternative treatment options can serve as a foundation for shared decision-making and the elicitation of patients’ preferences. Methods: Using data from the 2,287 SIHD patients in COURAGE trial, where PCI was randomized, we built multivariable linear regression models of Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ)-assessed angina, physical function and quality of life at 6 and 12 months, using baseline SAQ scores, treatment, and all demographic and clinical characteristics available at the time of randomization. Results: At baseline, there were no significant differences between PCI and OMT groups for any SAQ domain. The strongest predictors of 6- and 12-month SAQ scores were patients’ baseline scores. Different characteristics had different degrees of association with angina, physical function and quality of life domains, with PCI being associated with 1.9-5.3-point greater improvement in SAQ scores, depending upon the domain and time frame. The adjusted R2 of final models varied from 0.38-0.62. The results (regression coefficients with standard errors and adjusted R2) of patients characteristics associated with SAQ scores for 6-month and 1-year are presented in table. Conclusions: Prediction models can be created to estimate patient-centered health status outcomes and could be used as an evidence-based foundation for supporting shared medical decision-making in SIHD. The impact of such models on treatment decisions needs to be assessed in future studies. View this table: Patient Characteristics associated with Seattle Angina Questionnaire Scores1
The Performance of Security as a Site of Biopolitical Struggle

The “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign was and is a performance of security. It is a campaign that attempts to shape what commuters see and respond to. It is a campaign that attempts to...
Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture with Compartment Syndrome

A 34-year-old man sustained a closed right tibial plateau fracture as the passenger in a golf cart rollover accident. He was transferred from an outside hospital and evaluated in the emergency room 6 h after injury. At the time, his leg compartments were but compressible, with normal distal sensation and pulses, and no pain with passive stretch.
Fatty acid hydrolysis of acyl marinobactin siderophores by Marinobacter acylases.

The marine bacteria Marinobacter sp. DS40M6 and Marinobacter nanhaiticus D15-8W produce a suite of acyl peptidic marinobactin siderophores to acquire iron under iron-limiting conditions. During late-log phase growth, the marinobactins are hydrolyzed to form the marinobactin headgroup with release of the corresponding fatty acid tail. The bntA gene, a homologue of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyoverdine acylase gene, pvdQ, was identified from Marinobacter sp. DS40M6. A bntA knockout mutant of Marinobacter sp. DS40M6 produced the suite of acyl marinobactins A–E, without the usual formation of the marinobactin headgroup. Another marinobactin-producing species, M. nanhaiticus D15-8W, is predicted to have two pvdQ homologues, mhtA and mhtB. MhtA and MhtB have 67% identical amino acid sequences. MhtA catalyzes hydrolysis of the apo-marinobactin siderophores as well as the quorum sensing signaling molecule, dodecanoyl-homoserine lactone. In contrast to hydrolysis of the suite of apo-marinobactins by MhtA, hydrolys...
Pulmonary Migration of Coils Inserted for Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Caused by Venous Leakage

Embolization of penile veins by coils and/or detachable balloons has been reported as a possible effective form of treatment of venogenic erectile dysfunction. The major appeal for this avenue of therapy in these patients is the reported low morbidity and negligible rate of complications compared to an open operation. We describe a case of asymptomatic pulmonary migration of a coil placed for venous leakage in a patient in whom the procedure was conducted through the femoral vein rather than the deep dorsal vein. We conclude that patients undergoing coil embolization for venous leakage should be appraised of the potential for coil migration.
Cholinephosphotransferase activity during early development of the sea urchin, Arbacia punctulata

Abstract Cholinephosphotransferase activity was examined during early development of Arbacia punctulata embryos. CMP was rapidly incorporated by enzyme preparation from Arbacia embryos into a compound identified as CDP-choline. Activity was dependent upon the presence of Mg2+, Mn2+, or Co2+, and was maximal in phosphate buffer, pH 7.0, containing 3 × 10−2 M MgCl2 and 2 × 10−5 M CMP. Addition of ATP or egg lecithin had no effect on enzyme activity. The activity was localized in the 1000 g and 10,000 g pellets, with little or no activity in the microsomal fraction. Upon fertilization, cholinephosphotransferase activity decreased rapidly, detectable changes in activity being observed within 2 min after fertilization. After reaching a minimum activity 2 hr after fertilization, the enzyme activity increased up to the gastrula stage, then decreased once more. Possible interference by competing enzymes was examined and found to be negligible.
Psychophysiological Baseline Methods and Usage

There are several different baseline techniques available for completing psychophysiological research, yet no overarching set of guidelines exists to help researchers choose the best method. This review examines several methods used in various fields and highlights the importance and pitfalls of each. As part of this effort we conducted a small study that examines three different baseline techniques. In line with the Law of Initial Value LIV, outcomes signal a strong positive effect for measures when utilizing a resting baseline, a weaker positive effect when utilizing a baseline directly before tasking, and a nominal effect when calibrating using a comprehensive baseline. The authors caution future researchers to fully assess the needs of their experiment before utilizing comprehensive, vanilla, or resting baselines, and to weigh the consequences of the length and number of baselines utilized. Further investigation of low workload and vigilance tasking is needed to determine whether use of vanilla and comprehensive baselines provide better contrast than a resting baseline.
Imaging mass spectrometry reveals loss of polyunsaturated cardiolipins in the cortical contusion, hippocampus, and thalamus after traumatic brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) leads to changes in ion fluxes, alterations in mitochondrial function and increased generation of reactive oxygen species, resulting in secondary tissue damage. Mitochondria play important signaling roles in coordination of multiple metabolic platforms in addition to their well-known role in bioenergetics. Mitochondrial signaling strongly depends on cardiolipin (CL), a mitochondria-specific structurally unusual anionic phospholipid containing four fatty acyl chains. While our previous reports indicated that CL is selectively oxidized and presents itself as a target for the redox therapy following TBI, the topography of changes of CL in the injured brain remained to be defined. Here we present a MALDI imaging study which reports regio-specific changes in CL, in a controlled cortical impact (CCI) model of TBI in rats. MALDI imaging revealed that TBI caused early decreases in CL in the contusional cortex, ipsilateral hippocampus and thalamus with the most highly unsaturated CL species being most susceptible to loss. Phosphatidylinositol was the only other lipid species that exhibited a significant decrease, albeit to a lesser extent than CL. Signals for other lipids remained unchanged. This is the first study evaluating the spatial distribution of CL loss after acute brain injury. We propose that the CL loss may constitute an upstream mechanism for CL-driven signaling in different brain regions as an early response mechanism and may also underlie the bioenergetic changes that occur in hippocampal, cortical and thalamic mitochondria after TBI. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Effect of Antifungal Agents on the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Kluyveromyces fragilis1

Pimaricin and nystatin, two antifungal agents, inhibited endogenous respiration and. anaerobic and anaerobic utilization of sugars by Kluyveromyces fragilis. Three sugars, lactose, glucose, and were metabolized by a somewhat similar process as judged by the extent of inhibition caused by the antifungals, both aerobically and anaerobically. The degree of inhibition by the antifungals was more pronounced under anaerobic conditions. There existed a direct, but not proportional, relationship between concentration of antifungals and extent of inhibition. Nystatin impaired carbohydrate metabolism slightly more than did pimaricin. Also, K. fragilis contained lactase which was found to be a constitutive enzyme and was inhibited by the two antifungal agents.
Hydrodynamic Aspects of Urinary Tract Infection

Infection and back pressure are the ultimate agents responsible for urinary tract diseases related to hydrodynamic dysfunction. We have isolated three major hydro-dynamic mechanisms involved in the introduction and perpetuation of bacteria in the urinary tract: 1. surface flow, which washes bacteria downward, 2. backflow, or regurgitation, which moves them retrogradely, and 3. exchange or replacement of the urine residing in the passages with fresh urine from above (Fig. 1). The four levels of the urinary tract utilize one or more of these mechanisms to eliminate bacteria: the urethra, surface flow and backflow; the bladder, exchange; the ureter, pelvis and calyx, backflow and exchange; and the renal tubules, exchange. (The last will not be discussed here because the renal parenchyma is not a topic of this symposium.) This paper relates the hydrodynamic factors to the activities of the several levels of the urinary tract and thus to the movement or the retention of bacteria.
The Effects of the Facial Expression of Beneficiaries in Charity Appeals and Psychological Involvement on Donation Intentions: Evidence from an Online Experiment

To increase the effectiveness of fundraising campaigns, many human-need charities include pictures of beneficiaries in their ads. However, it is unclear when and why the facial expression of these beneficiaries (sad versus happy) may influence the effectiveness of charity ads. To answer these questions, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of the facial expression on donation intentions, while considering the moderating role of psychological involvement with charities. It found that psychological involvement with charities moderated the impact of the facial expression on donation intentions in that seeing a picture of a sad versus happy person increased intentions to give among participants with lower levels of psychological involvement, whereas the reverse was true for highly involved participants. The moderating effect of psychological involvement was fully explained by the perceived efficacy of one's donation. The findings not only contribute to our understanding of the effect of the facial expression of people pictured in charity appeals on donation behavior, but also suggest that nonprofits should tailor their ads to target potential donors with various levels of psychological involvement with charities.
Perceived Causes of Small Business Failures: A Research Note:

A nationwide survey of approximately 1,000 small business owners and managers was conducted to investigate the perceived causes of small business failure. In addition, survey participants were aske...
Voltammetric and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy Investigations of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction in Acid at Nanostructured Ensembles of Ultramicroelectrode Dimensions: Theory and Experiment

Mechanistic studies of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) on nanoelectrode ensembles of ultramicroelectrode dimensions (UME-NEEs) are demonstrated using addressable nanoelectrode membrane arrays (ANEMAs). A kinetic model considering simultaneous occurrence of all elementary steps and the effects of mass transport to/from the UME-NEE surface was developed and used to interpret HER steady-state voltammograms (SSVs). The analysis accounts for the effect of fraction of covered area, f, and roughness factor, fR, of the nanoelectrodes on HER SSVs and illustrates the roles of these parameters in mechanistic studies of electrocatalyzed multistep reactions on UME-NEEs. The behavior of bare Au UME-NEEs was studied in acid solution, and characterization of the HER on these electrodes was performed by SSV and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) in the substrate generation-tip collection mode (SG-TC). The activity of Au NEEs for the HER was found to be similar to that of macrosized polycrystalline Au. Select...
Die Grundlagen der Vererbungslehre

Um die Mitte des vorigen Jahrhunderts sah der stille Garten des Konigsklosters in Brunn gar merkwurdige Dinge. Da hatte Gregor Mendel, der spatere Abt des Klosters, zahllose Erbsenpflanzen ausgesat, aber beileibe nicht fur die Klosterkuche. Die einen bluhten rot und die anderen weis, manche wuchsen hoch, andere niedrig und wieder andere waren sonstwie verschieden. Kam die Zeit der Blute, so bestaubte er sorgsam die Bluten, so wie er es fur richtig hielt, ehe ihm die honigsammelnden Insekten ins Handwerk pfuschen konnten, sammelte spater wieder die Samen und sate sie auf besonderen Beeten im Fruhling wieder aus. Als er das viele Jahre hindurch getan hatte, schrieb er daruber ein kleines Schrift:-chen, das von Zahlen und Formeln wimmelte, in dem er verkundete, das er das Gesetz entdeckt habe, nach dem die Eigenschaften der Pflanzen vererbt werden. Aber fast kein Mensch las es und die jenigen, die es sahen, fanden nichts Bemerkenswertes dahinter. Als der Abt unbekannt nach 20 Jahren starb, hatte es immer noch niemand gelesen. Da kamen um die Wende dieses Jahrhunderts drei Forscher auf die gleiche Fahrte und gruben jenes verlorene Schrift:-chen wieder aus. Heute ziert ein Marmorstandbild Mendels die Stadt Brunn und eine ganze Wissenschaft, der Mendelismus, mit deren Ausbau zahlreiche Junger beschaft:igt sind, fuhrt seinen Namen. Was haben die Erbsen im Klostergarten die Welt gelehrt?
Simple renal cyst manifest by proteinuria in children.

Abstract A case of a large renal cyst of the right kidney presenting as persistent proteinuria in a child is reported. The preoperative differentiation and pathogenesis of the proteinuria are discussed.
III. The Minnesota Vocational Interest Inventory

The development of psychometric instruments for use in counseling is much easier than is the education of counselors. Those who develop such devices for use in counseling should therefore accept th...
Internet of underground things in precision agriculture: Architecture and technology aspects

Abstract The projected increases in World population and need for food have recently motivated adoption of information technology solutions in crop fields within precision agriculture approaches. Internet Of Underground Things (IOUT), which consists of sensors and communication devices, partly or completely buried underground for real-time soil sensing and monitoring, emerge from this need. This new paradigm facilitates seamless integration of underground sensors, machinery, and irrigation systems with the complex social network of growers, agronomists, crop consultants, and advisors. In this paper, state-of-the-art communication architectures are reviewed, and underlying sensing technology and communication mechanisms for IOUT are presented. Moreover, recent advances in the theory and applications of wireless underground communication are also reported. Finally, major challenges in IOUT design and implementation are identified.
Susceptibility of Virulent Yersinia pestis Bacteria to Predator Bacteria in the Lungs of Mice

Multi-drug resistant bacterial infections are a serious threat to global public health. Changes in treatment modalities and prudent use of antibiotics can assist in reducing the threat, but new approaches are also required for untreatable cases. The use of predatory bacteria, such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, is among the novel approaches being considered as possible therapeutics for antibiotic resistant and/or unidentified bacterial infections. Previous studies have examined the feasibility of using predatory bacteria to reduce colony-forming units (CFUs) in the lungs of rats exposed to lethal doses of Klebsiella pneumoniae; here we apply the approach to the Tier 1 select agent Yersinia pestis, and show that three doses of B. bacteriovorus introduced every six hours reduces the number of CFUs of Y. pestis in the lungs of inoculated mice by 86% after 24 h of infection. These experiments further demonstrate that predatory bacteria may serve to combat Gram negative bacterial infections, including those considered potential bioweapon agents, in the future.
Emergency department visits involving opioids in Connecticut, 2011–2015

Background: Opioid abuse has demonstrated an unwavering elevation in the past decade. This study examined emergency department (ED) utilization for this growing public health problem in the state o...
Supine magnetic resonance defecography for evaluation of anterior compartment prolapse: Comparison with upright voiding cystourethrogram

Abstract Purpose To compare utility of supine Magnetic Resonance Defecography (MRD) with upright Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG) for evaluation of cystocele and urethral hypermobility (UHM). Methods This was an IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study of 51 consecutive patients with symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent both upright VCUG and supine MRD. Cystocele height was defined in centimeters with reference to the inferior edge of the pubic bone on VCUG and the pubococcygeal line on MRD. Urethral angle at rest (UAR) and during straining (UAS) was measured in degrees between the urethral axis and a vertical line at the external meatus. Pairedt-test and simple linear regression were applied to compare VCUG and MRD data sets. p Results The mean cystocele extent was 1.58 cm lower (more inferior to the reference point) (95% CI for the mean difference: 1.21, 1.94;p Conclusions Supine MRD demonstrates significantly higher prevalence and degree of cystocele and UHM than upright VCUG, and alters the grade of bladder prolapse in a significant portion of the patient population. Cystocele size on MRD correlates with clinical presence of prolapse symptoms.
Statistical Thinking Activities: Some Simple Exercises with Powerful Lessons

Statistical thinking is required for good statistical analysis. Among other things, statistical thinking involves identifying sources of variation. Students in introductory statistics courses seldo...