cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PC-SAFT/UNIQUAC model assesses formation condition of methane hydrate in the presence of imidazolium-based ionic liquid systems

Abstract One of the major problems in flow assurance, especially in the case of deep subsea pipelines, is the accumulation of gas hydrates that leads to significant issues such as pipe plugging and cracking. Utilization of thermodynamic inhibitors is an effective method to prevent hydrate formation in pipelines. Recently, ionic liquids (ILs) have been recognized as new hydrate inhibitors due to their strong electrostatic charges, which form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. In this work, the capability of the PC-SAFT/UNIQUAC model combined with the van der Waals-Platteeuw theory is assessed for estimation of the methane hydrate dissociation temperatures in the presence of various IL solutions. Five pure-component parameters of PC-SAFT EOS for ILs are fitted by using experimental data of liquid density. Furthermore, vapour-liquid and hydrate equilibria experimental data are employed to adjust the binary interaction parameters of the PC-SAFT EOS ( k ij ) and the UNIQUAC model ( u ij ), respectively. Methane hydrate dissociation temperatures are successfully forecasted by using the proposed model for ten (10) IL systems with different concentrations in which the overall average absolute deviation for temperature (AADT %) of the model is lower than 1.5%. The results clearly demonstrate that the developed thermodynamic model is capable of precisely obtaining the methane hydrate dissociation temperatures in the presence of IL solutions, though, for [EMIM][Cl] solutions with a concentration of more than 30 wt%, the model overestimates the methane hydrate conditions. The proposed thermodynamic modeling strategy can assist to screen suitable IL solutions with an optimal composition for hydrate formation inhibition in terms of technical, economic, and environmental prospectives.
Cytomorphologic findings of low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma.

Introduction Low-grade fibromyxoid sarcoma (LGFMS) is a rare fibroblastic tumor characterized by a prolonged clinical course and malignant biological behavior. Given its deceptively bland cytomorphology, a diagnosis can be quite challenging notably on fine-needle aspiration (FNA). In an attempt to shed light on some of the distinctive cytomorphologic characteristics, this study was conducted to review all cases of LGFMS in our database, correlating available clinical data, immunohistochemical findings, and molecular analysis. Materials and methods This series included 20 FNAs from 18 patients with a histologically confirmed LGFMS diagnosis from 3 large academic institutions. Detailed cytomorphologic analysis for each case was documented in conjunction with corresponding clinical characteristics and provided ancillary testing. Results Out of 14 adequate FNA samples, 9 (64.2%) demonstrated a mixture of fibrous and myxoid pattern; the majority of cases were composed of deceptively bland tumor cells with rare nuclear pleomorphism and nuclear membrane irregularities. A MUC4 immunostain was performed on 5 specimens; all tested positive (100%). FUS rearrangement was detected in 4 out of 5 cases (80%). Follow-up information revealed 5-year recurrence in 1 case and metastatic disease in 2 cases, to the lung/pleura (8 years) and fourth rib (1 year), respectively. Conclusions The presence of bland spindle cells and associated with myxoid matrix material, in the appropriate clinical setting, can suggest LGFMS and direct additional confirmatory testing. A definitive diagnosis of LGFMS on FNA requires adequate sampling, familiarity with key cytomorphologic features, acquisition of diagnostic material for a cell block preparation and ancillary testing, and clinicoradiologic correlation.
Functional Multi-Connectivity: A Novel Approach To Assess Multi-Way Entanglement Between Networks and Voxels

The interactions among brain entities, commonly computed through pair-wise functional connectivity, are assumed to be manifestations of information processing which drive function. However, this focus on large-scale networks and their pair-wise temporal interactions is likely missing important information contained within fMRI data. We propose leveraging multi-connected features at both the voxel- and network-level to capture “multi-way entanglement” between networks and voxels, providing improved resolution of interconnected brain functional hierarchy. Entanglement refers to each brain network being heavily enmeshed with the activity of other networks. Under our multi-connectivity assumption, elements of a system simultaneously communicate and interact with each other through multiple pathways. As such we move beyond the typical pair-wise temporal partial or full correlation. We propose a framework to estimate functional multi-connectivity (FMC) by computing the relationship between system-wide connections of intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs). Results show that FMC obtains information which is different from standard pair-wise analyses.
Health and Housing: The Medicalization of America's Affordability Crisis

This article examines the problem of affordable housing from a public health perspective. It documents the strong connection between quality housing and community health, and concludes that market solutions in and of themselves are unlikely to satisfactorily address problems of shortfalls in housing supply. Instead, the article argues for a comprehensive approach that includes the deployment of public funds to ensure affordable housing for all populations. Of particular importance is restructuring government expenditures on housing programs to devote additional resources to low-income families. This builds on America’s strong tradition of communal altruism aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor. At the same time, the article emphasizes the need for housing policies that go beyond the “selective, conditional altruism” that has historically “identified some but not other populations as worthy recipients of housing assistance.”
Sequential implementation of the EQUIPPED geriatric medication safety program as a learning health system

OBJECTIVES To present the three-site EQUIPPED academic health system research collaborative, which engaged in sequential implementation of the EQUIPPED medication safety program, as a learning health system; to understand how the organizations worked together to build resources for program scale-up. DESIGN Following the Replicating Effective Programs framework, we analyzed content from implementation teams' focus groups, local and cross-site meeting minutes and sites' organizational profiles to develop an implementation package. SETTING Three academic emergency departments that each implemented EQUIPPED over three successive years. PARTICIPANTS Implementation team members at each site participating in focus groups (n = 18), local meetings during implementation years, and cross-site meetings during all years of the projects. INTERVENTION(S) EQUIPPED provides Emergency Department providers with clinical decision support (education, order sets, and feedback) to reduce prescribing of potentially inappropriate medications to adults aged 65 years and older who received a prescription at time of discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Implementation process components assembled through successive implementation. RESULTS Each site had clinical and environmental characteristics to be addressed in implementing the EQUIPPED program. We identified 10 process elements and describe lessons for each. Lessons guided the compilation of the EQUIPPED intervention package or toolkit, including the EQUIPPED logic model. CONCLUSIONS Our academic health system research collaborative addressing medication safety through sequential implementation is a learning health system that can serve as a model for other quality improvement projects with multiple sites. The network produced an implementation package that can be vetted, piloted, evaluated, and finalized for large-scale dissemination in community-based settings.
Accommodations and Interventions to Decrease Unnecessary ED Utilization in Patients with Limited English Proficiency

The purpose of this article is to explore the frequency with which mobile health (mHealth) interventions designed to keep patients out of the emergency department (ED) cater to low English proficiency (LEP) patients and whether there is an association between LEP accommodations and success of the intervention. This rapid review, a simplified version of a systematic review, captures trends in mHealth interventions with regard to inclusion of LEP patients. The authors selected studies that measured the effect of mHealth interventions on ED utilization through searches of PubMed and Scopus between January 2009 and May 2020. Subgroup comparisons were run for various study characteristics (e.g., participant demographics, mHealth features, outcomes, etc.) between the two subsets (LEP vs. non-LEP) using chi-square analysis. Assessment of ED utilization was categorical (i.e. increased, decreased, or no change) based on the index study analysis. A total of 78 articles were included. LEP studies reported certain patient demographics (e.g., ethnicity, income, education, etc.) more frequently than non-LEP studies. LEP studies also described a focus on underserved patient populations more than their counterparts and their mHealth interventions were more successful in achieving their ED utilization goals (80% vs. 45%, P = 0.04). Results show that most mHealth applications designed to decrease ED utilization do not include accommodations for LEP patients and that improved ED utilization is more common amongst interventions that contain LEP accommodations. This is key since LEP patients are disproportionately underserved, and thus, use the ED for non-acute care due to barriers in accessing other medical services. More research is needed on the capacity of mHealth to meet the unique needs of LEP patients which should be done through collaborations with software developers, providers, and patients from diverse backgrounds.
Solid state core-exciton dynamics in NaCl observed by tabletop attosecond four-wave mixing spectroscopy

Nonlinear wave mixing in solids with ultrafast x-rays can provide insight into complex electronic dynamics of materials. Here, tabletop-based attosecond noncollinear four-wave mixing (FWM) spectroscopy using one extreme ultraviolet (XUV) pulse from high harmonic generation and two separately timed few-cycle near-infrared (NIR) pulses characterizes the dynamics of the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$ ${L}_{2,3}$ edge core-excitons in NaCl around 33.5 eV. An inhomogeneous distribution of core-excitons underlying the well-known doublet absorption of the ${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$ $\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ point core-exciton spectrum is deconvoluted by the resonance-enhanced nonlinear wave mixing spectroscopy. In addition, other dark excitonic states that are coupled to the XUV-allowed levels by the NIR pulses are characterized spectrally and temporally. Approximately $l10\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{fs}$ coherence lifetimes of the core-exciton states are observed. The core-excitonic properties are discussed in the context of strong electron-hole exchange interactions, electron-electron correlation, and electron-phonon broadening. This investigation successfully indicates that tabletop attosecond FWM spectroscopies represent a viable technique for time-resolved solid state measurements.
Migration and Self-Determination

Free international migration has enormous benefits. But many argue that governments can legitimately restrict migration in order to protect the supposed “self-determination” of natives. Some claims of this type are based on group rights theories, which hold that members of a particular racial, ethnic, or cultural group are the “true” owners of a particular territory, or that democratic self-government inherently requires a right to exclude immigrants. Others are based on notions of individual freedom of association, which analogize the rights of national governments to those of private property owners or members of a private club. This article criticizes both collective and individual rights theories that purport to justify a power to exclude migrants. It also critiques claims that the governments of migrants’ countries of origin can rightfully curtail emigration by forcing them to stay. I address these issues in much greater detail in my book Free to Move: Foot Voting, Migration, and Political Freedom, on which this article is in part based.
Backbone guided local search for maximum satisfiability

Maximum satisfiability (Max-SAT) is more general and more difficult to solve than satisfiability (SAT). In this paper, we first investigate the effectiveness of Walksat, one of the best local search algorithms designed for SAT, on Max-SAT. We show that Walksat is also effective on Max-SAT, while its effectiveness degrades as the problem is more constrained. We then develop a novel method that exploits the backbone information in the local minima from Walksat and applies the backbone information in different ways to improve the performance of the Walksat algorithm. We call our new algorithm backbone guided Walksat (BGWalksat). On large random SAT and Max-SAT problems as well as instances from the SATLIB, BGWalksat significantly improves Walksat's performance.
Firm Characteristics as Cross-sectional Determinants of Adverse Selection

We analyze the role of firm characteristics in determining the extent of adverse selection, and therefore liquidity, in securities markets. After controlling for the effects of the well-established determinants of adverse selection, we find evidence that a firm's ratio of plant, property, and equipment to total book assets and its status as a public utility have additional explanatory power. To the extent that these variables are reasonable proxies for the firm's transparency of assets and regulatory environment, we assert these factors contribute to the adverse selection cost of transacting for our sample of NYSE listed S&P 500 firms.
Lacosamide-Responsive Status Epilepticus And Epileptic Spams In Fumarase Deficiency (P2.186)

OBJECTIVE: We present a 12 year old girl with refractory seizures, including epileptic spasms, secondary to fumarase deficiency who presented with status epilepticus that was successfully treated with lacosamide after no response to lorazepam, fosphenytoin, and levetiracetam. BACKGROUND: Fumarase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of the Krebs cycle in which deficiency in the enzyme fumarate hydratase results in energy metabolism failure and accumulation of fumaric acid. It is characterized by progressive neurological abnormalities including global developmental delay, cerebral abnormalities, hypotonia and seizures. Electroencephalograms in patients with fumarse deficiency have shown multifocal spike-wave discharges, generalized slowing, disorganized background rhythm and status epilepticus. Infantile spasms with hypsarhythmia have also been described, but there are no reports of epileptic spasms beyond infancy. Lacosamide has been reported as a treatment option for status epilepticus in adult patients but has not been well described in pediatrics. DESIGN/METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 12 year old girl with developmental delay and medically refractory epilepsy (typically tonic seizures and epileptic spasms) secondary to fumarase deficiency presented with increased seizure frequency and multiple generalized tonic-clonic seizures on the morning of admission. On admission, physical examination was significant for staring, right gaze deviation, right head version and tonic posturing. Electroencephalography showed continuous rhythmic (2-3 Hz) generalized epileptiform discharges with highest amplitude in the posterior quadrants. Treatment with lorazepam, fosphenytoin and levetiracetam did not abort the seizures. Lacosamide 200mg IV was given one hour after a loading dose of levetiracetam and within 35 minutes, the electroencephalogram showed resolution of status epilepticus. CONCLUSIONS: Epileptic spasms beyond infancy have not been previously described in patients with fumarase deficiency. This is a case of a child with fumarase deficiency and refractory epilepsy, including spasms, presenting with refractory status epilepticus that was successfully treated with lacosamide after failure of multiple IV antiepileptic medications. Disclosure: Dr. Fung has nothing to disclose. Dr. Musolino has nothing to disclose. Dr. Thibert has nothing to disclose.
Performance analysis of downhole acoustic communication in multiphase flow

There is a growing demand for wireless communication in oil & gas industry to improve well performance and overcome challenges in exploration, drilling, and production. One of the important challenges for the next generation of smart well completions is downhole wireless communication. This article investigates performance analysis of acoustic communication through a multiphase flow in a pipeline. A laboratory test setup was built to investigate acoustic propagation through multiphase flow. Effect of various flow and communication parameters (multiphase flow regimes, transmission frequency, and modulation techniques) on acoustic data communication were studied. The pipeline acts as an acoustic waveguide in which the frequency content and spectrum of the transmitted acoustic signal affects the bit rata and communication range. A multiphase acts as a frequency dependent fading channel, where a water-air interface acts as a reflector and scatters the incoming acoustic wave and introduces severe reverberations and energy loss. Also, it is observed that multiphase channel has a dispersive and non-linear nature, where received signal can have time spreading and frequency shift from original transmitted waveform. To reduce distortion phenomena and achieve better communication in multiphase flow over short range, a number of signal processing and communication techniques are proposed.
Revised crustal architecture of the southeastern Carpathian foreland from active and passive seismic data

[1] Integration of active and passive source seismic data is employed in order to study the nature of the relationships between crustal seismicity and geologic structures in the southeastern (SE) Carpathian foreland of Romania and the possible connection with the Vrancea Seismogenic Zone (VSZ) of intermediate-depth seismicity, one of the most active earthquake-prone areas in Europe. Crustal epicenters and focal mechanisms are correlated with four deep industry seismic profiles, the reprocessed Danube and Carpathian Integrated Action on Process in the Lithosphere and Neotectonics (DACIA PLAN) profile and the Deep Reflection Acquisition Constraining Unusual Lithospheric Activity II and III (DRACULA) profiles in order to understand the link between neotectonic foreland deformation and Vrancea mantle seismicity. Projection of crustal foreland hypocenters onto deep seismic profiles identifies several active crustal faults in the SE Carpathian foreland and suggests a mechanical coupling between the mantle located VSZ and the overlying foreland crust. The coupled associated deformation appears to take place on the Trotus Fault, the Sinaia Fault, and the newly detected Ialomita Fault. Seismic reflection imaging reveals the absence of west dipping reflectors in the crystalline crust and a slightly east dipping to horizontal Moho in the proximity of the Vrancea area. These findings argue against previously purported mechanisms to generate mantle seismicity in the VSZ including oceanic lithosphere subduction in place and oceanic slab break off, furthermore suggesting that the Vrancea seismogenic body is undetached from the overlying crust in the foreland.
EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS FOR HIERARCHY TRAVERSAL IN RAY TRACING

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses efficiency improvements for hierarchy traversal in ray tracing. One common scheme for accelerating ray tracing is using a hierarchical set of bounding volumes. In this scheme, a tree structure is formed in which the root is a bounding volume enclosing all objects in the scene, and each child is an object or a bounding volume containing more objects or volumes. Such a hierarchy can be formed manually or by various algorithms. The hierarchy is accessed by testing a ray against the root volume. If it hits, the volume is opened up and the objects or volumes within are tested for intersection. This process continues until the entire tree is traversed, at which time the closest intersection is returned. This chapter also describes improved tree traversal techniques. One simple improvement is to use the current closest intersection distance as an upper bound on how far the ray travels.
Metabolic labeling of glycoproteins with chemical tags through unnatural sialic acid biosynthesis

Publisher Summary The importance of protein glycosylation is becoming apparent, and much effort has been directed to the investigation of glycoproteins with the aim of identifying the biological functions of the pendant glycans. Chemical synthesis provides access to oligosaccharides and their analogs for structure-function analyses in vitro . The function of cell surface glycoproteins can depend on the spatial context of their presentation. Thus, biological investigations of isolated glycoprotein molecules and those displayed on a cell surface can show different results. So, the extension of a chemical modification route to cell surface oligosaccharides is a valuable addition to the tools of cell surface biochemistry. The chapter describes the strategy for the metabolic introduction of ketone groups into cell surface sialoglycoconjugates, using the unnatural sialic acid precursor N -levulinoylmannosamine (ManLev). ManLev is converted to N -levulinoyl sialic acid (SiaLev) in cultured cells, permitting the chemical attachment of hydrazide- or aminooxy-derivatized probes to cell surface glycoproteins.
Modeling Galaxy Clustering with Cosmological Simulations

I review recent progress in understanding and modeling galaxy clustering in cosmological simulations, with emphasis on models based on high-resolution dissipationless simulations. During the last decade, significant advances in our understanding of abundance and clustering of dark matter halos allowed construction of accurate, quantitative models of galaxy clustering both in linear and non-linear regimes. Results of several recent studies show that dissipationless simulations with a simple, non-parametric model for the relation between halo circular velocity and luminosity of the galaxy they host predict the shape, amplitude, and luminosity dependence of the two-point correlation function in excellent agreement with the observed galaxy clustering in the SDSS data at z~0 and in the DEEP2 samples at z~1 over the entire probed range of projected separations. In particular, the small-scale upturn of the correlation function from the power-law form in the SDSS and DEEP2 luminosity-selected samples is reproduced very well. At z~3-5, predictions also match the observed shape and amplitude of the angular two-point correlation function of Lyman-break galaxies (LBGs) on both large and small scales, including the theoretically predicted strong upturn at small scales. This suggests that, like galaxies in lower redshift samples, the LBGs are fair tracers of the overall halo population and that their luminosity is tightly correlated with the circular velocity (and hence mass) of their dark matter halos.
Introduction to Tissue Engineering

In this chapter we introduce the field of tissue engineering and provide a working definition for tissue engineering. We describe seminal publications in the field and look at closely related fields like cell transplantation, regenerative medicine and reparative. We describe the building blocks of tissue engineering, which include cells, biomaterials and bioreactors. We provide an eight step process for tissue and organ fabrication and discuss scientific and technological challenges in the field. We describe the collaborative research for tissue engineering and discuss drivers for growth in the field.
BEND3 represses rDNA transcription by stabilizing a NoRC component via USP21 deubiquitinase

Ribosome biogenesis dictates the translational capacity of cells. Several mechanisms establish and maintain transcriptional output from eukaryotic ribosomal DNA (rDNA) loci. rDNA silencing is one such mechanism that ensures the inactivity and hence the maintenance of a silenced state of a subset of rRNA gene copies. Whereas oncogenic agents stimulate rRNA gene transcription, tumor suppressors decrease rRNA gene transcription. We demonstrate in mammalian cells that BANP, E5R, and Nac1 (BEN) domain 3 (BEND3), a quadruple BEN domain-containing protein, localizes in nucleoli and binds to ribosomal RNA gene promoters to help repress rRNA genes. Loss of BEND3 increases histone H3K4 trimethylation and, correspondingly, decreases rDNA promoter DNA methylation, consistent with a role for BEND3 in rDNA silencing. BEND3 associates with the nucleolar-remodeling complex (NoRC), and SUMOylated BEND3 stabilizes NoRC component TTF-1–interacting protein 5 via association with ubiquitin specific protease 21 (USP21) debiquitinase. Our results provide mechanistic insights into how the novel rDNA transcription repressor BEND3 acts together with NoRC to actively coordinate the establishment of rDNA silencing.
Price of fairness in kidney exchange

Kidney exchange provides a life-saving alternative to long waiting lists for patients in need of a new kidney. Fielded exchanges typically match under utilitarian or near-utilitarian rules; this approach marginalizes certain classes of patients. In this paper, we focus on improving access to kidneys for highly-sensitized, or hard-to-match, patients. Toward this end, we formally adapt a recently introduced measure of the tradeoff between fairness and efficiency---the price of fairness---to the standard kidney exchange model. We show that the price of fairness in the standard theoretical model is small. We then introduce two natural definitions of fairness and empirically explore the tradeoff between matching more hard-to-match patients and the overall utility of a utilitarian matching, on real data from the UNOS nationwide kidney exchange and simulated data from each of the standard kidney exchange distributions.
Hornblende geothermometry of amphibolite layers of the Popple Hill gneiss, north‐west Adirondack Lowlands, New York, USA

The exchange reaction tschermakite+2 diopside+2 quartz=tremolite+2 anorthite (HPCQ), in combination with the thermodynamic database TWQ (version 1.02, Berman, 1991), has been evaluated for its usefulness as a geothermometer. This reaction, which is both water conserving (independent of water fugacity) and which does not require the presence of garnet, is well suited for studying pyroxene-bearing amphibolites. As an application of this geothermometer, we have re-examined the amphibolites occurring in the Popple Hill gneiss of the Adirondack Lowlands of New York, USA, to better understand the magnitude of temperature variation preserved in the amphibolites themselves in this classic locality. At an assumed constant pressure of 7 kbar, the temperatures range from 619 to 682 °C from Edwards to Pierrepont and are uncorrelated with either distance along the strike of the region or with modal mineralogical variations. Hornblende exhibits a narrow compositional range suggesting that there has been little or no thermal gradient along the strike of the Lowlands. Temperatures recorded just north of Colton are, however, distinctly higher (694–758 °C). Although it is likely that the Popple Hill gneiss amphibolites experienced some effects of progressive metamorphism, particularly in the vicinity of Colton, the variations in modal mineralogy are most likely the result of such factors as local variations in the bulk chemistry of the protolith and in the fugacity of H2O due to infiltration of diluting species (e.g. CO2, CH4), rather than a regional temperature variation. Temperatures recorded by the HPCQ geothermometer reported here are similar in magnitude and geographic trend to those reported for graphite–calcite carbon-isotope thermometry by Kitchen & Valley (1995), suggesting that peak metamorphism in the Adirondack Lowlands involved laterally extensive and fairly uniform isotherms.
Target selection for a hypervelocity asteroid intercept vehicle flight validation mission

Abstract Asteroids and comets have collided with the Earth in the past and will do so again in the future. Throughout Earth׳s history these collisions have played a significant role in shaping Earth׳s biological and geological histories. The planetary defense community has been examining a variety of options for mitigating the impact threat of asteroids and comets that approach or cross Earth׳s orbit, known as near-Earth objects (NEOs). This paper discusses the preliminary study results of selecting small (100-m class) NEO targets and mission analysis and design trade-offs for validating the effectiveness of a Hypervelocity Asteroid Intercept Vehicle (HAIV) concept, currently being investigated for a NIAC (NASA Advanced Innovative Concepts) Phase 2 study. In particular this paper will focus on the mission analysis and design for single spacecraft direct impact trajectories, as well as several mission types that enable a secondary rendezvous spacecraft to observe the HAIV impact and evaluate it׳s effectiveness.
Gas-particle partitioning of primary organic aerosol emissions: (1) Gasoline vehicle exhaust

Abstract The gas-particle partitioning of the primary organic aerosol (POA) emissions from fifty-one light-duty gasoline vehicles (model years 1987–2012) was investigated at the California Air Resources Board Haagen–Smit Laboratory. Each vehicle was operated over the cold-start unified cycle on a chassis dynamometer and its emissions were sampled using a constant volume sampler. Four independent yet complementary approaches were used to investigate POA gas-particle partitioning: sampling artifact correction of quartz filter data, dilution from the constant volume sampler into a portable environmental chamber, heating in a thermodenuder, and thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of quartz filter samples. This combination of techniques allowed gas-particle partitioning measurements to be made across a wide range of atmospherically relevant conditions – temperatures of 25–100 °C and organic aerosol concentrations of
Conversion of D-Arabinose to D-Erythroascorbic Acid and Oxalic Acid in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

D-glycero-Pent-2-enono-1,4-lactone (trivial name: D-erythroascorbic acid) occurs in the phytopathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, where it has a potential role as precursor of oxalic acid. On Glc/yeast/malt medium, S. sclerotiorum produces only nominal amounts of D-erythroascorbic acid but even partial replacement of Glc by D-Ara increases production of erythroascorbic acid and oxalic acid. Use of D-[1-14C]-, -[3-14C]-, or -[6-14C]Glc and D-[5-3H]-, -[2-14C,5-3H]-, or -[UL-14C]Ara provide additional information on erythroascorbic acid biosynthesis and cleavage. The latter process resembles that obtained by peroxygenation of erythroascorbic acid in alkaline solution. An unknown erythroascorbic acid-like compound also occurs in both Glc- and Ara-based cultures.
Cytochalasin D abolishes the schistosomicidal activity of praziquantel.

Abstract To test the hypothesis that calcium channels of schistosomes are the targets for the action of praziquantel, we subjected schistosomes in vitro to pharmacological agents capable of interfering with the functioning of calcium channels. After 1-h exposure to these agents, praziquantel was added and incubation continued overnight. Worms were then washed, resuspended in drug-free medium and observed during the following 7–10 days. About 50% of schistosomes pre-exposed to the calcium channel blockers nicardipine and nifedipine were able to survive a praziquantel concentration (3 μM) that normally killed the majority of adult male worms. Since the organization of the actin cytoskeleton controls the activity of calcium channels in a number of different systems, we also pre-exposed schistosomes to the actin depolymerizing agent cytochalasin D. This treatment rendered the parasites completely refractory to the effects of very high praziquantel levels (up to 36 μM). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that schistosome calcium channels are involved in the mechanism of action of praziquantel.
Beam-Assisted CVD of Microelectronic Films

The properties of SiO2 and Si3N4 films deposited by an ArF excimer laser, glow discharge electron beam and conventional plasma-enhanced CVD are compared. The deposition apparatus, technique, and conditions in addition to the physical, chemical and electrical properties of the films are discussed.
Sirolimus activates KATP channels to cause smooth muscle relaxation in human arteries

antigen (p<0.05) were detected in patients CHF with left ventricular aneurism. Conclusions: Abnormalities of endothelial thrombogenicity (increase of vWf and CECs) and thromboresistance (reduction of tPA) contribute to a prothrombotic state in CHF, especially with more severe NYHA class. There were activation of hemostatic potential (elevation of vWf, CECs) and fibrinolisis reduction (decrease of tPA-antigen) in patients CHF with left ventricular aneurism.
Green Justice: Conceptions of Fairness and the Natural World

The natural environment is a topic of increasing importance, and themes of justice are increasingly relevant to that topic. This introduction to the special issue on Green Justice will describe the ways in which justice issues relate to the natural environment. It will discuss some of the overarching questions with regard to justice and the natural environment, as well as suggest some of the ways in which this area can be studied. Finally, it will orient the reader toward the remaining papers in the volume by defining the scheme underlying their order as well as briefly describing each paper.
Deficiency of the type I interferon receptor protects mice from experimental lupus.

Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is diagnosed according to a spectrum of clinical manifestations and autoantibodies associated with abnormal expression of type I interferon (IFN-I)–stimulated genes (ISGs). The role of IFN-I in the pathogenesis of SLE remains uncertain, partly due to the lack of suitable animal models. The objective of this study was to examine the role of IFN-I signaling in the pathogenesis of murine lupus induced by 2,6,10,14-tetramethylpentadecane (TMPD). Methods IFN-I receptor–deficient (IFNAR−/−) 129Sv mice and wild-type (WT) 129Sv control mice were treated intraperitoneally with TMPD. The expression of ISGs was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Autoantibody production was evaluated by immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Proteinuria and renal glomerular cellularity were measured and renal immune complexes were examined by immunofluorescence. Results Increased ISG expression was observed in the peripheral blood of TMPD-treated WT mice, but not in the peripheral blood of TMPD-treated IFNAR−/− mice. TMPD did not induce lupus-specific autoantibodies (anti-RNP, anti-Sm, anti–double-stranded DNA) in IFNAR−/− mice, whereas 129Sv controls developed these specificities. Although glomerular immune complexes were present in IFNAR−/− mice, proteinuria and glomerular hypercellularity did not develop, whereas these features of glomerulonephritis were found in the TMPD-treated WT controls. The clinical and serologic manifestations observed in TMPD-treated mice were strongly dependent on IFNAR signaling, which is consistent with the association of increased expression of ISGs with lupus-specific autoantibodies and nephritis in humans. Conclusion Similar to its proposed role in human SLE, signaling via the IFNAR is central to the pathogenesis of autoantibodies and glomerulonephritis in TMPD-induced lupus. This lupus model is the first animal model shown to recapitulate the “interferon signature” in peripheral blood.
Correlation of measured and calculated substation ground grid resistance

In the past, substation ground grids have been designed by rule-of-thumb methods. There is reason to believe that as a result of this, many were greatly over-designed whereas others gave a sense of security that was questionable.
Bowel rest, intravenous hydration, and continuous high‐dose infusion of octreotide acetate for the treatment of chemotherapy‐induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal carcinoma

Background A prospective trial was conducted involving 16 patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma using a regimen of continuous-infusion octreotide acetate (Sandostatin [octreotide acetate], Sandoz, East Hanover, NJ for the treatment of severe diarrhea induced by the weekly schedule of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in combination with leucovorin who were refractory to opiate therapy. Methods Fifteen patients had tissue-documented metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma. An additional patient was treated adjuvantly. Fifteen patients were treated with chemotherapy consisting of 5-FU and high-dose leucovorin. The octreotide acetate regimen used was a continuous infusion of 50 micrograms/h for 12 hours followed by 100 micrograms/h for 12 hours and subsequently 150 micrograms/h for 72 hours. All patients were previous failures of diphenoxylate atropine (Lomotil diphenoxalate], Searle, Chicago, IL) given 2.5 mg orally after each loose bowel movement, but no more than 20 mg in a 24-hour period. Opiate therapy was not continued beyond 48 hours. All patients also were treated with bowel rest (nothing by mouth) and intravenous fluid hydration as well as octreotide acetate. Results Complete resolution of diarrhea was seen in 15 of 16 patients (94%). In 4 patients this was accomplished during the 100 micrograms/h infusion, and in 11 patients during the 150 micrograms/h infusion. Recurrence of diarrhea was seen in two patients after a complete cycle of octreotide acetate. Both patients were restarted at 150 micrograms/h for 72 hours of octreotide acetate with resolution of the diarrhea within 36 hours of the infusion. No toxicity related to octreotide acetate was seen in this trial. Conclusion The continuous-infusion regimen of octreotide acetate 150 micrograms/h is an effective and safe schedule for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea together with bowel rest and intravenous fluid hydration in a group of patients in whom the majority were treated with the weekly schedule of 5-FU and high-dose leucovorin.
Sign Lowering and Phonetic Reduction in American Sign Language

This study examines sign lowering as a form of phonetic reduction in American Sign Language. Phonetic reduction occurs in the course of normal language production, when instead of producing a carefully articulated form of a word, the language user produces a less clearly articulated form. When signs are produced in context by native signers, they often differ from the citation forms of signs. In some cases, phonetic reduction is manifested as a sign being produced at a lower location than in the citation form. Sign lowering has been documented previously, but this is the first study to examine it in phonetic detail. The data presented here are tokens of the sign WONDER, as produced by six native signers, in two phonetic contexts and at three signing rates, which were captured by optoelectronic motion capture. The results indicate that sign lowering occurred for all signers, according to the factors we manipulated. Sign production was affected by several phonetic factors that also influence speech production, namely, production rate, phonetic context, and position within an utterance. In addition, we have discovered interesting variations in sign production, which could underlie distinctions in signing style, analogous to accent or voice quality in speech.
Structures, Intramolecular Rotation Barriers, and Thermochemical Properties: Ethanol, α-Monoethanols, Dichloroethanols, and Corresponding Radicals Derived from H Atom Loss

Structures and thermochemical properties on ethanol, two α-chloroethanols; ethoxy and two α-chloroethoxy radicals; α-hydroxyethyl and α-hydroxychloroethyl radical; and β-hydroxyethyl and two β-hydroxychloroethyl radicals are determined by ab initio and density functional calculations. Molecular structures and vibration frequencies are determined at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) density functional level, with single point calculations for the energy at the B3LYP/6-311+G(3df,2p), QCISD(T)/6-31G(d,p), and CBSQ//B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) levels. The S°298 and Cp(T)'s (300 ≤ T/K ≤ 1500) from vibrational, translational, and external rotational contributions are calculated using the rigid-rotor-harmonic-oscillator approximation based on the vibrational frequencies and structures obtained from the density functional study. Potential barriers for the internal rotations are calculated at the B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level, and hindered rotational contributions to S°298 and Cp(T)'s are calculated by using direct integration over energy level...
Nosocomial Adenovirus Infections: Molecular Epidemiology of an Outbreak Due to Adenovirus 3a

An immunocompromised woman died of disseminated infection due to adenovirus type 3. During her hospitalization and after her death, 38 hospital personnel developed an acute respiratory illness. Adenovirus type 3 infection was documented by culture in 18 of the 38 individuals and by seroconversion in one additional employee. Four of 34 asymptomatic hospital personnel exposed to the index case also seroconverted. Thus, 23 personnel were considered to have confirmed infections, and 22 of these 23 reported direct contact with the index case. Acquisition of infection was associated with the number and type of contacts. Protection against infection was associated with detectable serum-neutralizing antibody in the early serological sample. Restriction enzyme analysis using six different endonucleases indicated that all isolates of virus were type 3a and had identical genetic composition. This study underscores the importance of adenovirus as a cause of nosocomial infection and indicates that genetic analysis of viral DNA is a powerful tool for studying common-source outbreaks.
Predicting the Heat Seal Performance of Ionomer Films

The heat-seal performance of a flexible plastic package depends on the sealing bar temperature, packaging line speed, film thickness and properties of the sealant resin. For a given sealant, thinner films reach their maximum seal strength at lower bar temperatures and faster line speeds than thicker films. A model is developed that relates these factors to the amount of molecular penetration that develops at the heat-seal interface of ionomer films. A critical value of the penetration is found that corresponds to the ultimate heat-seal strength in laboratory heat-seal data. The results point to how laboratory data may be used to predict the sealing performance of ionomers on high-speed packaging lines.
AN INVESTIGATION OF 3-D CURLED CHIP IN MACHINING-PART 2: SIMULATION AND VALIDATION USING FE TECHNIQUES

Abstract This paper presents a finite element modeling approach for the 3-D curled chip. Four different chip types, with varying complexities are modeled using this approach. The complexities include chip twist, serrations on the inner radius of the chip, thickness variation along the length of the chip, etc. The chip is treated as a 3-D elastic beam and the neutral axis of the chip is modeled as a 3-D spiral with instantaneously varying center and curl radius. Bending and shear stresses generated in the chip show very distinct patterns. Comparisons made between the mechanics-based and finite element models show good correlation in the magnitude and location of the failure stresses. The 3-D chip breaking pattern was also observed using high-speed filming techniques, and comparisons made between the FE model and experimental results show good correlation.
Tritiated thymidine uptake by group G chromosomes of female individuals with Down's syndrome.

Abstract Cultured peripheral blood cells from female individuals afflicted with Down's syndrome were pulse labeled with 3H-thymidine. The cells were trisomic for one pair of group G chromosomes. Incorporation of radioisotope into the five small acrocentric chromosomes of group G was studied by means of autoradiography. The results indicate one pair of group G chromosomes labels during late S phase, one pair labels during early S phase and the extra chromosome is randomly distributed in its time of labeling.
A model of aesthetic experience

In this paper, I argue that the field of technical and professional communication lacks an adequate framework for integrating aesthetics into its pedagogy. I introduce Zangwill's model of aesthetics as a framework for developing the pedagogy of technical and professional communication. I report on the use of the framework in a document design project, and suggest a future direction for involving aesthetics in the pedagogy of technical and professional communication.
Blockade of B7/CD28 in mixed lymphocyte reaction cultures results in the generation of alternatively activated macrophages, which suppress T-cell responses

Blockade of B7/CD28 costimulation allows human haploidentical bone marrow transplantation without graft-versus-host disease. This study shows that blockade of B7/CD28 in anergizing mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) cultures of peripheral blood mononuclear cells results in the generation of alternatively activated macrophages (AAMΦ). In contrast, priming MLR cultures result in generation of classically activated macrophages (CAMΦ). AAMΦ had enhanced expression of CD14, major histocompatibility complex class II, and CD23; produced alternative macrophage activation-associated CC-chemokine 1 (AMAC-1) chemokine; and displayed increased phagocytotic activity but decreased ability for antigen presentation. Suppression subtractive hybridization revealed that although AAMΦ had undergone terminal maturation and differentiation, they entered a distinct gene expression program as compared with CAMΦ and selectively expressed β2-microglobulin, lysozyme, ferritin heavy and light chain, and the scavenger receptors macrophage mannose receptor and sortilin. Anergic T cells isolated from cultures that led to the development of AAMΦ produced low amounts of interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, and interferon-γ, but high amounts of IL-10. Addition of anti–IL-10 neutralizing monoclonal antibody in anergizing cultures reversed the functional characteristics of AAMΦ, indicating that at least one mechanism involved in the generation of AAMΦ was mediated by IL-10. Importantly, when added in MLR cultures, AAMΦ suppressed T-cell responses. Therefore, besides direct inhibition of T-cell costimulation, blockade of B7/CD28 may facilitate induction of T-cell unresponsiveness by generating AAMΦ. Because in healthy individuals, AAMΦ are found in the placenta and lung, where they protect from unwanted immune reactivity, the results suggest that AAMΦ may play a critical role in the induction of transplantation tolerance.
Structural and molecular determinants of HIV-1 Gag binding to the plasma membrane.

Targeting of the Gag polyprotein to the plasma membrane (PM) for assembly is a critical event in the late phase of immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) infection. Gag binding to the PM is mediated by interactions between the myristoylated matrix (MA) domain and PM lipids. Despite the extensive biochemical and in vitro studies of Gag and MA binding to membranes over the last two decades, the discovery of the role of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2) in Gag binding to the PM has sparked a string of studies aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanism of retroviral Gag−PM binding. Electrostatic interactions between a highly conserved basic region of MA and acidic phospholipids have long been thought to be the main driving force for Gag−membrane interactions. However, recent studies suggest that the mechanism is rather complex since other factors such as the hydrophobicity of the membrane interior represented by the acyl chains and cholesterol also play important roles. Here we summarize the current understanding of HIV-1 Gag−membrane interactions at the molecular and structural levels and briefly discuss the underlying forces governing interactions of other retroviral MA proteins with the PM.