cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exacerbated endothelial activation and type 1 immune responses, but impaired type 2 responses, contribute to severe scrub typhus (MPF7P.706)

Dysregulated immune responses can contribute to pathogenesis of severe scrub typhus, a neglected tropical disease caused by Gram/LPS-negative Orientia tsutsugamushi bacteria. However, the molecular basis of immune alterations is poorly defined. We have developed a murine model of severe scrub typhus and examined innate regulators in O. tsutsugamushi -infected mice. We found a selective impairment in type 2 cytokines (IL-4, -7, -13), but a significant activation of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, IFN-γ, as well as CXCR3- and CXCR1-related chemokines at 2, 6, and 10 days in the lungs, liver and spleen. The elevated angiopoietin (Ang)-2 expression and Ang2/Ang1 ratios suggested the presence of excessive inflammation and the loss of endothelial integrity. These alterations, together with extensive recruitment of myeloperoxidase (MPO)-expressing neutrophils and an influx of T cells, contributed to pronounced apoptosis and acute tissue damage and death. However, targeted depletion of CXCR3 by itself was insufficient to offset progressive disease, although lung edema and vascular leakage were much attenuated in CXCR3 -/- mice. We believe that this is the first report of endothelial dysregulation and selective alterations in a panel of immune regulators during early O. tsutsugamushi infection in intravenously inoculated C57BL/6 mice. Our findings shed new light on the pathogenic mechanisms associated with severe scrub typhus and suggest potential targets for therapeutic investigation.
Bioavailable iron production in airborne mineral dust: Controls by chemical composition and solar flux

Abstract A large part of oceanic biological production is limited by the scarcity of dissolved iron. Mineral dust aerosol, processed under acidic atmospheric conditions, is the primary natural source of bioavailable iron to oceanic life. However, synergistic and antagonistic effects of non-Fe-containing minerals on atmospheric processing of Fe-containing minerals and Fe solubilization are poorly understood. The current study focuses on mineralogical influences of non-Fe-bearing semiconductor minerals, such as titanium dioxide (TiO2), on the dissolution of iron in selected natural mineral dust aerosols under atmospherically relevant conditions. Further, the role of elevated Ti concentrations in dust is evaluated using magnetite, a proxy for Fe(II) containing minerals, under both dark and light conditions. Our results highlight that relatively higher Ti:Fe ratios, regardless of their total Fe content, enhances the total iron dissolution in mineral dust aerosols as well as in magnetite. Moreover, elevated Ti percentages also yield high Fe(II) fractions in mineral dust systems under dark conditions. Upon irradiation however, dissolved Fe(II) is suppressed by high Ti levels due to the involvement of photochemical redox cycling reactions with hydroxyl radicals (•OH). These synergistic and antagonistic effects of Ti are further evaluated by altering the chemical composition of natural dusts with artificially added anatase (TiO2) and synthetic amorphous titania. The current study reveals important mineralogical controls by non-Fe-bearing minerals on dust iron dissolution to better understand global iron mobilization.
Mapping and QTL analysis of horticultural traits in a narrow cross in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.) using random-amplified polymorphic DNA markers

An 80-point genetic map [77 random-amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPD), F (female sex expression), de (determinate), and ll (little leaf)] was constructed from a narrow cross in cucumber using the determinate, gynoecious, standard-sized leaf line G421 and the indeterminate, monoecious, little leaf line H-19. The map defined nine linkage groups and spanned ca. 600 cM with an average distance between markers of 8.4 ± 9.4 cM. The RAPD loci BC-551 and BC-592 were found to flank ll at 3.4 and 12.2 cM, respectively. The locus OP-L18-2 was linked (16 cM) to de, and the F locus was flanked by markers at 44 and 31 cM. One-hundred F3 families were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for sex expression, main stem length, number of lateral branches, days to anthesis, fruit number and weight, fruit length and diameter, and fruit length: diameter ratio in two replicated test locations (Wisconsin and Georgia). QTL on linkage group B explained major portions (R2 = ca. 2 to 74%) of the variation observed for sex expression, main stem length, lateral branch number, and fruit diameter (LOD = 2.1 to 29.8). Although ca. 62 to 74% of the variation for sex expression was associated with a putative QTL spanning the F locus (OP-AJ-2 to F and F to de), other regions (three) of the genome were important for the determination of sex in the F3 families examined depending upon environment. The number of genomic regions affecting main stem length (five) and number of lateral branches (three) coincided with expectations as determined by calculations of minimum number of genes in previous studies. Evaluation of QTL associated with several fruit number determinants of early, first-harvest yield demonstrating additive genetic variance (i.e., sex expression, main stem length, and number of laterals) suggests that marker-assisted selection may have utility for the development of determinate, multiple lateral branching germplasm suited for once-over mechanical harvesting in this population.
Measuring dark matter-neutrino relative velocity on cosmological scales

We present a new method to measure neutrino masses using the dark matter-neutrino relative velocity. The relative motion between dark matter and neutrinos results in a parity-odd bispectrum which can be measured from cross-correlation of different cosmic fields. This new method is not affected by most systematics which are parity even and not limited by the knowledge of optical depth to the cosmic microwave background. We estimate the detectability of the relative velocity effect and find that the minimal sum of neutrino masses could be detected at high significance with upcoming surveys.
VARIATIONAL AND EXACT STUDIES OF THE BOUND STATE OF THREE HELIUM ATOMS

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the variational and exact studies of the bound state of three helium atoms. It presents the preliminary results from an extensive and ongoing theoretical study of trimers. If the helium atoms can be regarded as separate entities interacting through two-body, central potentials, then (4He)3 molecular system constitutes the simplest of three-body systems, three nonrelativistic, identical, spinless entities interacting pairwise through a central, local potential. The sophisticated and powerful battery of three-nucleon techniques, embodied in variational and exact, Faddeev methods, can be brought to bear on this physically interesting problem. Subtle but important differences should be expected in the treatment of trimer and trinucleon systems. These should be analogous to the ones that occur between liquid-helium and nuclear-matter calculations and are a reflection of the differing well-shapes and strengths of the basic two-body interaction. The nuclear force supports a bound two-body system, and the interatomic potential for helium does not support. The equivalent two-body method is particularly effective for three-boson systems and, for limited purpose of determining the existence of 4He trimers, serves well.
The abiotic reductive removal and subsequent incorporation of Tc(IV) into iron oxides: a frontier review

This narrowly focused but deeply elaboraed review on the incorporation mechanisms of the technetium-99 (Tc) radioisotope into iron oxides and oxyhydroxides presents discussion on two main subjects: the predominant form of reduced Tc(IV) oxide in iron oxidation products; and Fe(II)/Fe(III) substitution with Tc(IV) in magnetite lattices. Detailed analysis of the most relevant studies on abiotic Tc reduction by iron oxides and oxyhydroxides is given in support of the first subject, and a comparative review of EXAFS results is presented to scrutinize the mechanism of Tc(IV) incorporation into magnetite. Considering the risks related to the environmental mobility of radiological materials, e.g. Tc (a highly mobile beta emitter under aerobic conditions), the possibility of the sequestration and immobilization of Tc into lattices of iron minerals has been intensively investigated, but several discrepancies exist between different studies. This review systematizes the main studies conducted on the topic and addresses the limitations of common premises, e.g., the importance of atomic radii similarities for substitution mechanisms, and the ambiguity of EXAFS interpretations relating to iron oxides and oxyhydroxides.
Risk factors for 30-day readmission and indication for ERCP following laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective NSQIP cohort study

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the safest, most commonly performed surgical procedures, but postoperative complications including bile leak, retained stone, cholangitis, and gallstone pancreatitis following LC occur in up to 2.6% of cases and may require readmission with possible endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) intervention. There is a paucity of literature on factors predictive of need for ERCP following LC. The goal of this study is to describe the prevalence and risk factors for readmission with indication for ERCP. We queried the ACS/NSQIP 2012–2017 Participant User Files for patients who underwent LC. Patient demographics, comorbidities, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for readmission with indication for ERCP intervention. Of 275,570 patients, 11,010 (4.00%) were readmitted within the 30-day postoperative period. Among these, 930 (8.44%) were admitted with indication for ERCP intervention. On multivariate regression, readmissions were more likely in older patients, inpatients, and patients with baseline comorbidities, acute preoperative morbidity, and those discharged to care facilities. The use of intraoperative cholangiogram was associated with lower odds of readmission. Less than 10% of readmitted patients had an indication for ERCP. Those who were readmitted with an indication for ERCP were more likely to have undergone emergency surgery, experienced longer operative times, and had elevated preoperative LFTs or gallstone pancreatitis prior to surgery. The risk of 30-day mortality was significantly higher among patients who experienced any complications after their surgery (OR 13.03, 95% CI 10.57–16.07, p < 0.001). Older patients, patients with greater preoperative morbidity, and those discharged to care facilities were more likely to be readmitted for any reason following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, whereas patients with evidence of complicated gallstone disease were more likely to be readmitted with an indication for ERCP, even when controlling for the use of intraoperative cholangiogram. Initiatives aimed at reducing readmission with indication for ERCP should focus on these patient subgroups.
How do soil microbial communities respond to fire in the intermediate term? Investigating direct and indirect effects associated with fire occurrence and burn severity.

Fires transform soil microbial communities directly via heat-induced mortality and indirectly by altering plant and soil characteristics. Emerging evidence suggests the magnitude of changes to some plant and soil properties increases with burn severity, but the persistence of changes varies among plant and soil characteristics, ranging from months to years post-fire. Thus, which environmental attributes shape microbial communities at intermediate time points during ecosystem recovery, and how these characteristics vary with severity, remains poorly understood. We identified the network of properties that influence microbial communities three years after fire, along a burn severity gradient in Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest. We used phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and bacterial 16S-rDNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbial community in mineral soil. Using structural equation modelling, we applied a systems approach to identifying the interconnected relationships among severity, vegetation, soil, and microbial communities. Dead tree basal area, soil pH, and extractable phosphorus increased with severity, whereas live tree basal area, forest floor mass, and the proportion of the ≥53 μm soil fraction decreased. Forest floor loss was associated with decreased soil moisture across the severity gradient, decreased live tree basal area was associated with increased shrub coverage, and increased dead tree basal area was associated with increases in total and inorganic soil nitrogen. Soil fungal abundance decreased across the severity gradient, despite a slightly positive response of fungi to lower soil moisture in high severity areas. Bacterial phylogenetic diversity was negatively related to severity and was driven by differences in nutrients and soil texture. The abundance of Bacteroidetes increased and the abundance of Acidobacteria decreased across the severity gradient due to differences in soil pH. Overall, we found that the effects of burn severity on vegetation and soil physicochemical characteristics interact to shape microbial communities at an intermediate time point in ecosystem recovery.
Relevance of Evidence-Based Cybersecurity in Guiding the Financial Sector’s and Efforts in Fighting Cybercrime

Evidence-based cybersecurity is an approach aiming to support security professionals’ and policymakers’ decision-making processes regarding the deployment of security policies and tools, by calling for rigorous scientific investigations of the effectiveness of these policies and tools in achieving their goals in the wild. This approach focuses on the human players, who use cyberspace for various purposes and seek to guide the configuration/design of computer environments, which could mitigate the consequences of cybercrime against key targets and critical infrastructures. In addition to strengthening the rigor of interdisciplinary cybersecurity research, a crucial component of evidence-based cybersecurity is the translation of research findings into a format that is accessible and easy to digest for cybersecurity professionals in the field. This chapter aims to discuss concrete suggestions and evidence from past and ongoing scientific efforts, which could guide the financial sector’s efforts in addressing cybercrime incidents against financial institutions.
Comparison of woven and stitched out-of-autoclave E-glass/epoxy composites subjected to quasi-static and cyclic tensile loads:

Tensile quasi-static and fatigue behaviors of out-of-autoclave, quasi-isotropic, E-glass/epoxy composites with woven and stitched fiber architectures are compared. Some specimens were cyclically lo...
United Technologies Corporation Buys Rockwell Collins, Inc.

A senior industry analyst focused on aviation and aerospace at an investment advisory firm in Northern Virginia, pondered the potential implications of the acquisition by United Technologies Corporation of Rockwell Collins for aviation around the world. It was certain that the deal would impact not only the two companies involved, but it would also have a substantial impact on their customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and others. Excerpt UVA-C-2415 Oct. 26, 2018 United Technologies Corporation Buys Rockwell Collins, Inc. Margaret Cortez, a senior industry analyst focused on aviation and aerospace at an investment advisory firm in Northern Virginia, pondered the potential implications of the acquisition by United Technologies Corporation (UTC) of Rockwell Collins for aviation around the world. The biggest acquisition in aerospace history had recently been announced, although many had speculated it might be forthcoming. No doubt the deal would impact not only the two companies involved, but it would also have a substantial impact on their customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, and others. In its official press release announcing the acquisition, UTC Chairman and CEO Greg Hayes indicated: This acquisition adds tremendous capabilities to our aerospace businesses and strengthens our complementary offerings of technologically advanced aerospace systems. Together, Rockwell Collins and UTC Aerospace Systems will enhance customer value in a rapidly evolving aerospace industry by making aircraft more intelligent and more connected. The integrated companies' expertise in developing electrical, mechanical, and software solutions will allow us to deliver more innovative products and services and provide greater value to our customers and shareowners. Due to the complementary product offerings, the deal gave UTC “control over manufacturing of airline parts from ‘nose to tail.'” The price tag had been steep. UTC would pay $ 23billion for the company ($ 30billion including the assumption of around $ 7billion of Rockwell Collins' debt). Cortez decided that the potential impact of this acquisition might warrant some reflection. She wanted to start by looking at the effects of the acquisition on UTC's consolidated financial statements. . . .
Validation of a method for estimating peak skin dose from CT-guided procedures.

A method for estimating peak skin dose (PSD) from CTDIvol has been published but not validated. The objective of this study was to validate this method during CT-guided ablation procedures. Radiochromic film was calibrated and used to measure PSD. Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in this study, and measured PSD were collected for 46 procedures. CTDIvol stratified by axial and helical scanning was used to calculate an estimate of PSD using the method [1.2 × CTDIvol (helical) + 0.6 × CTDIvol (axial)], and both calculated PSD and total CTDIvol were compared to measured PSD using paired t-tests on the log-transformed data and Bland-Altman analysis. Calculated PSD were significantly different from measured PSD (P < 0.0001, bias, 18.3%, 95% limits of agreement, -63.0% to 26.4%). Measured PSD were not significantly different from total CTDIvol (P = 0.27, bias, 3.97%, 95% limits of agreement, -51.6% to 43.7%). Considering that CTDIvol is reported on the console of all CT scanners, is not stratified by axial and helical scanning modes, and is immediately available to the operator during CT-guided interventional procedures, it may be reasonable to use the scanner-reported CTDIvol as an indicator of PSD during CT-guided procedures. However, further validation is required for other models of CT scanner.
Research tools, survey responses, and interview analysis from a case study of onboarding software teams at Microsoft

This repository contains the supplementary material for our paper "A Case Study of Onboarding in Software Teams: Tasks and Strategies" at ICSE 2021. It contains interview guides, surveys, anonymized survey responses, and interview analysis and quotes. We have removed open-ended questions from survey responses to protect participants' privacy. All artifacts are publically available at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4455936.
A Satellite-Based Model for Estimating Latent Heat Flux From Urban Vegetation

The impacts of extreme heat events are amplified in cities due to unique urban thermal properties. Urban greenspace mitigates high temperatures through evapotranspiration and shading; however, quantification of vegetative cooling potential in cities is often limited to simple remote sensing greenness indices or sparse, in situ measurements. Here, we develop a spatially explicit, high-resolution model of urban latent heat flux from vegetation. The model iterates through three core equations that consider urban climatological and physiological characteristics, producing estimates of latent heat flux at 30-meter spatial resolution and hourly temporal resolution. We find strong agreement between field observations and model estimates of latent heat flux across a range of ecosystem types, including cities. This model introduces a valuable tool to quantify the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation cooling benefits across the complex landscape of cities at an adequate resolution to inform policies addressing the effects of extreme heat events.
Education for Health Sciences Librarians: Past, Present and Future Possibilities

The Medical Library Association (MLA) celebrates its centennial in 1998, so health sciences librarianship has been recognized as a distinct area of specialization in North America for 100 years. Course work in health sciences librarianship has been offered as part of a degree program in several schools of library (and information) science (LIS) since 1939, when Thomas P. Fleming first taught a course at Columbia University School of Library Service. MLA has been influential through its credentialing and continuing education (CE) programs over several decades1 and its two recent policy documents on education and research.2,3 The National Library of Medicine (NLM) has also played an important role in furthering education through its post-master’s internships (since 1957), its support for educational programs through grant funds, the 1995 recommendations of its Planning Panel on the Education and Training of Health Sciences Librarians,4 and the subsequent award of seven planning grants.5 This paper considers the past, present and future possibilities of education for health sciences librarians from a North American perspective, but with the recognition that technologies for distance learning may enable more global collaboration.
Spinal toxins can have persistent adverse effects.

The present case report by Carroll et al. [1] provides a clear documentation of an inadvertent delivery of approximately 0.5–1 cc of a solution of bupivacaine 0.5%—Botulinum toxin B (500 U/mL) in a woman receiving paraspinal “trigger point” injections that ameliorated the back spasms that were part of her clinical presentation. Over periods of days to weeks, the individual reported the development of somatotopically limited dysesthesias of the lower limbs that persisted through 6 months and which then began to resolve. The paresthesias were constituted by “buzzing, tingling, vibration sensation with a component of burning”; and by a shooting pain from the lumbar spine. This well-presented case provides several interesting points of discussion. Botulinum toxins have been of considerable interest because of their toxicity when ingested (e.g., botulism), for their clinical utility in regulating transmitter release, and for their use as a tool to study the complexly choreographed linkages that relate terminal depolarization, the increase in intracellular calcium, and the mobilization of synaptic vesicles for transmitter release. There are numerous isoforms of these proteases that act to cleave at various …
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for older adults with worry symptoms and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction.

Background Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has the potential to reduce worry and improve cognitive functioning. Objectives In this treatment development project, we examined MBSR in older adults with worry symptoms and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction. We examined (i) acceptability of MBSR, (ii) whether MBSR needs to be lengthened providing more repetition, (iii) MBSR's benefits for worry reduction and cognitive improvements, and (iv) continued use of MBSR techniques during follow-up. Methods Two sites (St. Louis and San Diego) enrolled individuals aged 65 years or older with significant anxiety-related distress plus subjective cognitive dysfunction, into traditional 8-session MBSR groups and 12-session groups that had the same content but more repetition of topics and techniques. We examined measures of mindfulness, worry, and a neuropsychological battery focused on memory and executive function before and after the MBSR program, and we followed up participants for 6 months after the completion of MBSR regarding their continued use of its techniques. Results Participants (N = 34) showed improvements in worry severity, increases in mindfulness, and improvements in memory as measured by paragraph learning and recall after a delay, all with a large effect size. Most participants continued to use MBSR techniques for 6 months post-instruction and found them helpful in stressful situations. There was no evidence that the extended 12-week MBSR produced superior cognitive or clinical outcomes, greater satisfaction, or greater continuation of MBSR techniques than 8-week MBSR. Conclusions These preliminary findings are promising for the further testing and use of MBSR in older adults suffering from clinical worry symptoms and co-occurring cognitive dysfunction. These are common problems in a broad range of older adults, many of whom have anxiety and mood disorders; therefore, stress reduction intervention for them may have great public health value. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CREATING CHANGE FROM THE INSIDE: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WITHIN A YOUTH COMMUNITY ORGANIZING PROGRAM

This study presents the results of a collaborative community-based research project evaluating Youth Force, a youth community organizing program. Participants included urban youth in middle school and high school from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds. Employing a mixed methods research design, the study investigated the impacts of the program on youth participants, as well as the processes through which program experiences influenced youth outcomes. Results indicated that youth community organizing programs influence a range of youth development outcomes, including the development of skills, knowledge, civic engagement, empowerment, and positive changes in self-concept.
Trans fat bans. The next regulatory taking

Since the creation of artificial trans fat in 1903, the estimated daily total energy intake of trans fat in the average American diet has risen to 2.3%. 1 Trans fat has been identified as the cause...
Structure of oligosaccharides on Saccharomyces SUC2 invertase secreted by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.

Saccharomyces SUC2 invertase, secreted by the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris and purified to homogeneity from the growth medium by DE-52 chromatography, appeared on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as a diffuse ladder of species at 85-90 kDa, while the secreted Saccharomyces form migrated as a broad band from 100 to 150 kDa. Endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H released the Pichia invertase carbohydrate generating a 60-kDa protein with residual Asn-linked GlcNAcs and oligosaccharides separated on Bio-Gel P-4 into Man8-11GlcNAc. Nearly 75% of the oligosaccharides were equally distributed between Man8,9GlcNAc, while 17% were Man10GlcNAc and 8% were Man11GlcNAc. Oligosaccharide pools were analyzed for homogeneity by high-pH anion-exchange chromatography, and structures were assigned using 500 MHz one- and two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy. Pichia Man8GlcNAc was the same isomer as found in Saccharomyces, which arises by removing the alpha 1,2-linked terminal mannose from the middle arm of the lipid-oligosaccharide Man9GlcNAc (Byrd, J. C., Tarentino, A. L., Maley, F., Atkinson, P. H., and Trimble, R. B. (1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 14657-14666). The Man9GlcNAc pool was 5% lipid-oligosaccharide precursor and 95% Man8GlcNAc isomer with a terminal alpha 1,6-linked mannose on the lower-arm alpha 1,3-core-linked residue (Hernandez, L. M., Ballou, L., Alvarado, E., Gillece-Castro, B. L., Burlingame, A. L., and Ballou, C. E. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 11849-11856). An alpha 1,2-linked mannose on the new alpha 1,6-linked branch in Man9GlcNAc provided 80% of the Man10GlcNAc, which is the structure on Saccharomyces invertase (Trimble, R. B., and Atkinson, P. H. (1986) J. Biol. Chem. 261, 9815-9824). A minor Man10GlcNAc (12%) and the principal Man11GlcNAc (82%) were the major Man9,10GlcNAc with novel alpha 1,2-linked mannoses on the preexisting alpha 1,2-linked termini. Although Pichia glycans did not have terminal alpha 1,3-linked mannoses as found on Saccharomyces core oligosaccharides, over 60% of the structures were isometric configurations unique to lower eukaryotes.
Evolving combinational logic circuits using a hybrid quantum evolution and particle swarm inspired algorithm

In this paper, an algorithm inspired from quantum evolution and particle swarm to evolve combinational logic circuits is presented. This algorithm uses the framework of the local version of particle swarm optimization with quantum evolutionary algorithms, and integer encoding. A multi-objective fitness function is used to evolve the combinational logic circuits in order obtain feasible circuits with minimal number of gates in the design. A comparative study indicates the superior performance of the hybrid quantum evolution-particle swarm inspired algorithm over the particle swarm and other evolutionary algorithms (such as genetic algorithms) independently.
CEMRA in neonatal and pediatric congenital vascular diseases at 1.5T and 3.0T: comparison of an intravascular contrast agent (Gadofosveset) with an extracellular agent (Gadopentetate Dimeglumine)

Background The comparison of gadofosveset (Ablavar, Lantheus Medical) at a dose of 0.06 mmol /kg with gadopentetate dimeglumine (Magnevist, Bayer-Schering Inc.) at a dose of 0.2 mmol /kg for CEMRA in pediatric patients with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD) at 1.5T and 3.0T. Methods Twenty-eight pediatric patients with CCHD underwent CEMRA at 3.0T (n=16) or at 1.5T (n=12). Sixteen patients were imaged with gadofosveset; 9 at 3.0T (age 1.00 ± 1.58 months; weight 2.38 ± 1.13 kg) and 7 at 1.5T (age 8.00 ± 7.83 months; weight 5.06 ± 3.09 kg). Twelve patients were imaged with gadopentetate; 7 at 3.0T (age 1.00 ± 1.41 months; weight 3.02 ± 1.59 kg) and 5 at 1.5T (age 6.60 ± 8.62 months; weight 5.23 ± 2.93 kg). High resolution CEMRA was performed in two phases with strictly comparable imaging parameters, acquisition times and contrast agent infusion periods. Two independent observers scored the studies blindly on a four point scale for image quality, artifacts and vessel definition. Results At 3.0T, overall image quality (IQ) was good to excellent (3<=IQ<=4) in all patients and similar for gadofosveset and gadopentate. At 1.5T, IQ was also good to excellent, but higher for gadofosveset than gadopentetate. Cardiac motion or pulsation artifact was found in all studies at both field strengths but appeared more severe at 3.0T than 1.5T. Parallel acquisition artifact was noted in all studies at 3.0T, but in no studies at 1.5T. Vessel definition scores were higher for gadofosveset at both field strengths and both contrast phases, but lower for gadopentetate in the venous phase at 3.0T and in both phases at 1.5T. SNR and CNR was higher at 3.0T than 1.5T in the aortic arch, pulmonary artery, inferior vena cava and superior vena cava. SNR and CNR was higher for gadofosveset than gadopentetate during the arterial phase in the aortic arch and pulmonary artery. Conclusions
Metabolites of dihydrotachysterol3 in target tissues.

Abstract Metabolites of [1,2-3H]dihycrotachysterol3 have been described in blood, bone, and intestinal mucosa of vitamin D-deficient rats following the intrajugular injection of 0.65, 6.5, and 65 nmoles per rat. In all cases studied, 25-hydroxy-dihydrotachysterol3 is the major metabolite of dihydrotachysterol3, achieving concentration of 51 pmoles per ml of serum and 28 pmoles per g of intestinal mucosa 24 hours after a 65-nmole dose, and approximately 170 pmoles per g of bone cells 24 hours following a 6.5-pmole dose. Four metabolites more polar than 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol, designated metabolites A and B (blood) and C and D (intestine), were demonstrated. At doses of dihydrotachysterol3 which induce mobilization of bone mineral in vivo, no metabolites more polar than 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol could be detected in the bone, leading to the conclusion that 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol is likely the metabolically active metabolite in this system. At doses which promote intestinal calcium transport, two polar metabolites, 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 and metabolite D can be considered the possible metabolically active forms in the intestine. The action of 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 in enhancing intestinal calcium transport is not affected by prior bilateral nephrectomy. A 62.5 pmole per rat dose of 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 is more potent in bilateral nephrectomy than 62.5 pmoles of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol. Therefore, the active dihydrotachysterol metabolite, in contrast to 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the active vitamin D metabolite in intestine, does not require a kidney transformation (presumably one hydroxylation) for biological activity. The postulate is presented that 25-hydroxydihydrotachysterol3 or metabolite D serves as a substitute for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol in the intestine, and as such, functions as a D vitamin.
Liquid crystalline polymers containing heterocycloalkanediyl groups as mesogens, 1. Liquid crystalline polymethacrylates and polyacrylates containing 1,3-dioxane-2,5-diyl groups as mesogens in the side chain

Polymethacrylates and polyacrylates containing 4-[5-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-dioxan-2-yl]-phenol moieties as mesogenic units and an aliphatic spacer containing eleven methylene units were synthesized. Their phase behavior was studied by differential scanning calorimetry and optical polarizing microscopy, and compared with the phase behavior of the corresponding polymethacrylates and polyacrylates containing 4′-methoxy-4-biphenylol as mesogens. All polymers present smectic mesomorphism. The substituted 2,5-diphenyl-1,3-dioxane mesogen resembles a terphenyl mesogen in which the internal phenyl ring is hydrogenated. Even so, when compared with polymers containing biphenyl moieties, the glass transition temperatures of the polymers containing 1,3-dioxane moieties are lower, although their isotropization occurs at higher temperatures.
Factors influencing the electrochemical properties of high-voltage spinel cathodes: Relative impact of morphology and cation ordering

In order to achieve consistent electrochemical properties essential for the commercialization of the high-voltage spinel cathode LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4, a deeper fundamental understanding of the factors contributing to capacity fade is required. Specifically, the relationship between cation ordering, impurity phases present, and particle morphology must be elucidated. We present here a comparison of stoichiometric LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 cathodes with a 3:1 Mn/Ni ratio prepared by different methods with varying morphologies and degrees of cation ordering. Careful structural, chemical, and electrochemical characterizations illuminate the relative influence of the various factors on the electrochemical cycling stability and high-rate performance. It is found that although an increase in the degree of cation ordering decreases the rate capability, the crystallographic planes in contact with the electrolyte have a dominant effect on the electrochemical properties.
Career Decision Ambiguity Tolerance Scale: Construction and initial validations

Abstract The Career Decision Ambiguity Tolerance Scale (CDAT) measures individual evaluations of and responses to ambiguity encountered in career decision making. It was developed and initially validated through two studies of college students. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis consistently showed a three-factor structure for career decision ambiguity tolerance, consisting of preference, tolerance, and aversion. In addition to support for construct validity and subscale reliabilities, the findings also support the scale's incremental validity in predicting career indecision, career decision-making self-efficacy, and career adaptability over and beyond general ambiguity tolerance. The theoretical meaning and practical application of the CDAT were discussed along with its limitations and suggestions for future research.
Factors controlling the binding of two protons per electron transferred through the ubiquinone and cytochrome bc2 segment of Rhodopseudomonas sphaeroides chromatophores

Abstract 1. 1. On every turnover, 2.0 protons can be bound by the membrane for each single electron moving through the Q -b c 2 oxidoreductase. 2. 2. One proton (H+II) binding reaction is, and one (H+I) is not, sensitive to antimycin. 3. 3. The redox states of electron transfer components other than the proton binding agents can affect both the rate of proton uptake and the apparent pK values on the agents binding the protons. 4. 4. The presence of valinomycin under certain well-defined conditions can strongly influence the value of the measured pK on the H+II binding agent.
Colle chirurgicale OMNEX dans la réparation extracorporelle des anévrysmes de l'artère rénale

OMNEX (Ethicon, Inc. ; Somerville, NJ, USA) est une colle chirurgicale synthetique de cyanoacrylate. Jusqu'ici, l'utilisation d'OMNEX a ete seulement decrite dans un nombre limite de procedures de chirurgie vasculaire. Nous presentons les cas de deux malades qui ont eu la cure extracorporelle reussie d'anevrysmes de l'artere renale a l'aide de la colle OMNEX. Ce rapport est la premiere demonstration de l'utilite d'OMNEX en chirurgie reno-vasculaire.
Geophysics in the Affairs of Mankind—A Personalized History of Exploration Geophysics

This book is a second, and a somewhat modified and expanded, edition of an unusual and exceptionally informative volume; the same, main title was published in 1982 by a commercial publisher, and is currently out of print. The authorship is slightly different: L.C. (Lee) Lawyer, Charles C. Bates, and Robert B. Rice for the second edition, and Bates, Thomas F. Gaskell, and Rice for the first. Much of the excellent early history of—to quote from the subtitle—“exploration geophysics and its allied sciences of seismology and oceanography” that is found in the first edition has been left unchanged, or modified to update it through the 1990s. The section on exploration geophysics, in particular, has been significantly expanded and updated.
Naval Postgraduate School PANSAT: Lessons Learned

The Petite Amateur Navy Satellite (PANSAT) was launched aboard the STS-95 Discovery Shuttle on 29 October 1998. PANSAT was inserted into a circular, low-Earth orbit at an altitude of 550 km and 28.45° inclination on 30 October 1998. PANSAT continues to operate and support the educational mission at NPS even after reaching its two-year design life. The research aspect also continues with the analysis of the accumulated telemetry data, in terms of how well the spacecraft operated over the mission design life. However, the store-and-forward mission using direct sequence spread spectrum was never realized. This paper describes the successes of the PANSAT project in developing a functional, low-cost, small satellite; and the lessons learned in designing largely with industrial components. Specifically, the use of commercial, off-the-shelf (COTS) nickel-cadmium batteries, sparse, yet judicious use of radiation-tolerant devices, error-detection-and-correction (EDAC) system RAM, and software design issues are discussed. The inability to realize the spread spectrum communications aspect is also presented.
Surprises from the airway epithelium

The epithelium of the pulmonary airways subserves a wide range of functions, from providing a barrier against inhaled particles and pathogens to transmitting signals to subepithelial cells. Given the central place of the epithelium in respiratory tract pathophysiology, the molecular determinants of epithelial function are appropriately the focus of intense scrutiny. In a recent issue of PNAS, two groups present important and surprising findings arising from primary observations in the airway epithelium. Krane and colleagues (1) demonstrate that mice with a deletion of the aquaporin-5 (AQP5) gene manifest greater airway constriction to cholinergic stimulation than wild-type animals. Huang and colleagues (2) describe compartmentalized signaling at the apical membrane of airway epithelial cells that regulates activity of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Each of these observations will likely prove to be of great interest across a range of scientific disciplines.
Role of triacylglycerols in leaves

Abstract Triacylglycerol (TAG) levels of up to 5 mg (g fresh weight) −1 were identified in leaves of 13 plants. The fatty acid composition of the leaf TAG was distinct from the total leaf fatty acids that predominately arose from galactolipids in the thylakoid membranes and was very similar to the TAG found in the seeds. The exception was in senescent crabapple leaves where the TAG composition was more similar to that of the total leaf suggesting that this TAG might arise from fatty acids released from membrane lipids. In crabapple leaves the TAG was metabolically active with higher levels at the end of the photoperiod than the beginning. 14 C-acetate was also incorporated into leaf TAG more rapidly in the light than dark. The rate of TAG accumulation in the light was about 6% of the net photosynthetic rate. These observations suggest that TAG serves along with carbohydrates as a diurnal photosynthetic store in these plants.
Human aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family

Twelve aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) genes have been identified in humans. These genes, located on different chromosomes, encode a group of enzymes which oxidizes varieties of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes. Metabolic disorders and clinical problems associated with mutations of ALDH1, ALDH2, ALDH4, ALDH10 and succinic semialdehyde (SSDH) genes have been emerged. Comparison of the human ALDHs indicates a wide range of divergency (> 80−< 15 % identity at the protein sequence level) among them. However, several protein regions, some of which are implicated in functional activities, are conserved in the family members. The phylogenic tree constructed of 56 ALDH sequences of humans, animals, fungi, protozoa and eubacteria, suggests that the present-day human ALDH genes were derived from four ancestral genes that existed prior to the divergence of Eubacteria and Eukaryotes. The neighbor-joining tree derived from 12 human ALDHs and antiquitin indicates that diversification within the ALDH1/2/5/6 gene cluster occurred during the Neoproterozoic period (about 800 million years ago). Duplication in the ALDH 3/10/7/8 gene cluster occurred in Phanerozoic period (about 300 million years ago). Separations of ALDH3/ALDH10 and that of ALDH7/ALDH8 had occurred during the period of appearance and radiation of mammalian species.
Climatology of nitric oxide in the upper stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere: 1979 through 1986

The contents of NO in the upper stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere were determined as a function of time and latitude, using spectral scan data for 1979 through 1986 from the solar backscattered UV instrument on Nimbus 7. In that period, the integrated column amount of NO near the equator decreased from 6.4 x 10 to the 14th molecules/sq cm to 3.3 x 10 to the 14th molecules/sq cm. The time dependence of the decrease in NO correlated with solar activity, following the decline in solar activity from a solar maximum in 1979 to solar minimum in 1985-86. At middle and high latitudes, on the other hand, the NO concentration was found to be maximal in 1982-1983, a few years after the solar cycle maximum, and declined thereafter.
Genome instability caused by a germline mutation in the human DNA repair gene POLB.

1Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 2University ofPittsburgh Cancer Institute, Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America, 3Department of Human Genetics, University of PittsburghGraduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
Plastic response to impact of a simply supported beam with a stable crack

Abstract A rigid perfectly plastic model is developed to study the effects of a central crack on the plastic response of a beam subjected to a central transverse impact load. The governing differential equations are expressed in terms of non-dimensional parameters representing the crack size, beam to projectile mass ration, and energy input. The equations are solved numerically to obtain general solutions, and the effects of the parameters on the final permanent deformation are isolated and studied to identify the relative significance of each parameter.
Hand preference, practice order, and spatial assimilations in rapid bimanual movement.

Abstract When subjects make rapid bimanual aiming movements over different distances, spatial assimilations are shown; the shorter distance limb overshoots when paired with a longer distance limb. Recent research has also shown spatial assimilations to be greater in the nonpreferred left limb of right-handed subjects, but it is not known whether the increased spatial assimilations represent a handedness effect or one of hemispheric lateralization of motor control. To determine the nature of the asymmetric effect, left- (n = 32) and right- (n = 60) handed subjects part practiced, then whole practiced short (20°) and long (60°) reversal movements. During whole practice, both groups showed spatial assimilations in the shorter distance limb, particularly when the left limb performed the short movement. This asymmetry was greatest for right-handed subjects, but left-handed subjects showed smaller, but systematic effects, providing moderate support for the hypothesis that the asymmetric effect is due to hemisph...
Acute retention of urine

CUTE retention of urine represents A a highIy significant cIinica1 syndrome as encountered either by the Internist, surgeon or uroIogist. Inabihty to pass any urine per urethram after repeated attempts at voIuntary micturition may sound a danger signa warranting not mereIy reIief of immediate symptoms but careful investigation for underIying pathoIogy. Too often the effect is treated with utter disregard of the cause. Morbidity and mortaIity wouId be markedIy diminished if cause and effect were reveaIed and suitabIe therapy instituted. Any obstructive Iesion of the Iower ‘urinary tract, from interna sphincter to externa1 urethra1 meatus, may account for compIete interruption of the urinary .stream. Apart from the dynamic mechanica1 types, one may encounter adynamic neurogenic Iesions. It wouId be more accurate in defining acute retention of urine to incIude the upper urinary tract. This broader interpretation is expressed as the inabiIity of the renaI peIvis, ureter or bIadder to discharge any of its urinary contents. One should be mindfu1 of the fact that acute inffammation with its attendant edema, either independent of, or superimposed upon anomaIy, neopIasm or caIcuIus of the kidney, renal pelvis, ureter or bIadder, is capabIe of producing acute IocaIized urinary obstruction. Associated with such unilatera1 pathoIogy is the ever-present danger of reflex inhibition of urine on the opposite side, or even absence of the kidney, a finding noted in 0.04 to 0.1 per cent of a11 individuaIs. For purposes of simpIicity, however, we shaI1 confine our presentation to the Iower urinary tract. It is aIso beyond the scope of this paper to discuss chronic retention of urine. In YORK