cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease have increased DNA damage and reduced angiogenesis that can be modified by hypoxia

Adipose-derived MSC (AMSCs) possess angiogenic and immunomodulatory properties that may modulate kidney regeneration. Whether these properties are retained in older patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease is poorly understood. Hypoxic conditions are known to modify properties and growth characteristics of AMSCs. We tested the hypothesis that AMSCs from older patients with atherosclerotic renovascular disease (RVD) differ from normal kidney donors, and whether hypoxia changes their functional and molecular properties to promote angiogenesis. AMSCs from 11 patients with RVD (mean age =74.5 years) and 10 healthy kidney donors (mean age = 51.2 years) were cultured under normoxia (20 % O2) and hypoxia (1 % O2) for 3–4 days until they reached 80 % confluency. We analyzed expression of genes and microRNAs using RNA sequencing and real-time quantitative rt-PCR. Protein expression of selected angiogenic factors (VEGF, IGF, HGF and EGF) were quantified in conditioned media using ELISAs. Apoptosis was tested using Annexin IV staining. Normoxic AMSC from RVD patients grew normally, but exhibited increased DNA damage and reduced migration. VEGF protein secretion was significantly lower in the RVD AMSCs (0.08 vs 2.4 ng/mL/ cell, p <0.05) while HGF was higher. Both trends were reversed during growth under hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia upregulated pro-angiogenic mRNAs expression in AMSCs (VEGF, FGF, STC and ANGPTL4), and downregulated expression of many miRNAs (e.g., miR-15a, miR-16, miR-93, miR-424, 126, 132, 221) except miR-210. Thus, although AMSC from patients with RVD had increased DNA damage and reduced migration, hypoxia stimulated pro-angiogenic responses via increased expression of angiogenic genes, VEGF secretion and induction of the hypoxia-inducible miR-210, while downregulating angiogenesis-related miRNAs.
Hydrology: Indo-Gangetic Groundwater Threat

Increasing groundwater extraction supports hundreds of millions of people across the Indo-Gangetic Basin. Data suggests that despite the increase in withdrawals, groundwater depletion is localized and the most widespread threat is contamination.
A New Approach to Transmission Congestion Cost Calculation

Transmission congestion cost represents the costs associated with re-dispatching of schedules to avoid transmission line limit constraints violations. Re-dispatching of units cause the increase of total generation cost. The increase of cost for congestion alleviation required to be born by lines or loads responsible for it. This paper is an effort to rationalize and systematize the procedures for calculation of transmission congestion cost, based on security constrained optimal power flow. Subsequently, total congestion cost is distributed among the congested lines. Proposed method assumes that initial base case network solution, which is input to optimal power flow, is determined by the state estimator from the real time measurements of SCADA.
High-k metal gate poly opening polish at 28nm technology polish rate and selective study

A robust poly opening polish (POP) CMP for replacement metal gate (RMG) application has been developed to meet the criteria of High-k metal gate (HKMG) devices at 28nm technology node. From the previous performance of POP CMP, the uniformity and loading was an important factor of product with HKMG. The polish rate and selective of platen 2, which were key physical characters, was taken to study by recipe and film type tuning. As the results, the platen and head rotate speed (rpm) can influence the selective of SiN and oxide remove rate. In addition, the SiN remove rate was been changed by different slurry shelf life.
From Quest to Conquer: Traversing General Education at a Diverse Alaskan University to Integrate and Assess Transferable Information Literacy Skills in Foundational Courses

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is an open enrollment university that offers vocational, academic, and professional degrees in a northern region. UAA serves a culturally and demographically diverse population. Given this diversity, students display varying levels of information literacy (IL) competencies. Library Professors Anna Bjartmarsdottir and Deborah Mole partner with faculty teaching composition and communication courses to create increasingly sophisticated and transferable IL learning opportunities. Strategies include: assessing students’ IL competencies; creating engaging activities; integrating IL throughout the semester; developing reflection opportunities to reinforce IL skills. UAA librarians, partnered with faculty, integrate and scaffold IL activities in foundational GE courses to develop increasingly sophisticated, transferable IL skills and knowledge practices. From team-based learning application exercises to workshops for teaching assistants, students learn how creativity partnered with initiative has helped to integrate transferable IL skill education at this diverse arctic university.
A Companion Dog Increases Prosocial Behavior in Work Groups

ABSTRACTAlthough organizations use a variety of interventions to improve group functioning, getting people to work effectively with each other remains challenging. Because the presence of a dog has been shown to have positive effects on mood and dyadic interaction, we expected that the presence of a companion dog would also have positive effects on people in work groups. One reason for this is that a companion dog is likely to elevate positive emotions, which often promote prosocial behavior. In study 1 (n = 120) and study 2 (n = 120), participants were randomly assigned to either a dogpresent or dog-absent four-person group. Three friendly companion dogs were randomly assigned to the dog-present groups; only one dog at a time was used during any given experimental session. In study 1, groups worked on an interactive problem-solving task; participants in the dog-present group displayed more verbal cohesion, physical intimacy, and cooperation. Study 2 was identical except that participants worked on a deci...
Ventilation with lower tidal volumes as compared with traditional tidal volumes for acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Background Traditional approaches to mechanical ventilation use tidal volumes of 10 to 15 ml per kilogram of body weight and may cause stretch-induced lung injury in patients with acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome. We therefore conducted a trial to determine whether ventilation with lower tidal volumes would improve the clinical outcomes in these patients. Methods Patients with acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome were enrolled in a multicenter, randomized trial. The trial compared traditional ventilation treatment, which involved an initial tidal volume of 12 ml per kilogram of predicted body weight and an airway pressure measured after a 0.5-second pause at the end of inspiration (plateau pressure) of 50 cm of water or less, with ventilation with a lower tidal volume, which involved an initial tidal volume of 6 ml per kilogram of predicted body weight and a plateau pressure of 30 cm of water or less. The primary outcomes were death before a patient was discharged home and was breathing without assistance and the number of days without ventilator use from day 1 to day 28. Results The trial was stopped after the enrollment of 861 patients because mortality was lower in the group treated with lower tidal volumes than in the group treated with traditional tidal volumes (31.0 percent vs. 39.8 percent, P=0.007), and the number of days without ventilator use during the first 28 days after randomization was greater in this group (mean [+/-SD], 12+/-11 vs. 10+/-11; P=0.007). The mean tidal volumes on days 1 to 3 were 6.2+/-0.8 and 11.8+/-0.8 ml per kilogram of predicted body weight (P Conclusions In patients with acute lung injury and the acute respiratory distress syndrome, mechanical ventilation with a lower tidal volume than is traditionally used results in decreased mortality and increases the number of days without ventilator use.
Neonatal mortality in East Africa and West Africa: a geographic analysis of district-level demographic and health survey data

Under-five child mortality declined 47% since 2000 following the implementation of the United Nation's (UN) Millennium Development Goals. To further reduce under-five child mortality, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) will focus on interventions to address neonatal mortality, a major contributor of under-five mortality. The African region has the highest neonatal mortality rate (28.0 per 1000 live births), followed by that of the Eastern Mediterranean (26.6) and South-East Asia (24.3). This study used the Demographic and Health Survey Birth Recode data (http://dhsprogram.com/data/File-Types-and-Names.cfm) to identify high-risk districts and countries for neonatal mortality in two sub-regions of Africa - East Africa and West Africa. Geographically weighted Poisson regression models were estimated to capture the spatially varying relationships between neonatal mortality and dimensions of potential need i) care around the time of delivery, ii) maternal education, and iii) women's empowerment. In East Africa, neonatal mortality was significantly associated with home births, mothers without an education and mothers whose husbands decided on contraceptive practices, controlling for rural residency. In West Africa, neonatal mortality was also significantly associated with home births, mothers with a primary education and mothers who did not want or plan their last child. Importantly, neonatal mortality associated with home deliveries were explained by maternal exposure to unprotected water sources in East Africa and older maternal age and female sex of infants in West Africa. Future SDG-interventions may target these dimensions of need in priority high-risk districts and countries, to further reduce the burden of neonatal mortality in Africa.
Dynamics of Exciton–Mn Energy Transfer in Mn-Doped CsPbCl3 Perovskite Nanocrystals

Recent success in Mn2+ ion doping in cesium lead halide (CsPbX3) nanocrystals opened the door to exploring new optical, magnetic and charge carrier transport properties mediated via exciton–dopant exchange coupling in this new family of semiconductor nanocrystals. Here, we studied the dynamics of energy transfer from exciton to Mn2+ ions in Mn-doped CsPbCl3 nanocrystals to gain an insight into the relative strength of exciton–Mn exchange coupling compared to more extensively studied Mn-doped II–VI quantum dots. The comparison of exciton–Mn energy transfer times in CsPbCl3 nanocrystals and CdS/ZnS core/shell quantum dots suggests that exciton–Mn exchange coupling in CsPbX3 is not far behind that of CdS/ZnS despite the lack of quantum confinement. With further progress in the synthesis of Mn-doped CsPbX3 nanocrystals, such as imposing quantum confinement and expanding the range of host chemical composition, one could fully benefit from many properties of CsPbX3 superior to those of other semiconductor nanoc...
Posttraumatic Distress and Growth: An Empirical Study of Police Officers

Few studies have examined the experience of posttraumatic growth, among police officers following traumatic incidents. Additionally, research examining the relationship between posttraumatic distress (e.g., posttraumatic symptoms) and posttraumatic growth among various populations has been inconsistent. Consistent with the need to gain enhanced understanding in the area of posttraumatic growth, this study investigated the relation between posttraumatic distress (using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised) and posttraumatic growth (using the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory) among 183 police officers. Results of Pearson Correlations showed that posttraumatic distress was significantly and positively related to the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory full-scale and all sub-scale scores. Multiple regression analyses revealed that being involved in a duty-related shooting was the most significant predictor of posttraumatic growth. Implications for mental health providers are discussed.
Live high + train low: thinking in terms of an optimal hypoxic dose.

“Live high-train low” (LH+TL) altitude training allows athletes to “live high” for the purpose of facilitating altitude acclimatization, as characterized by a significant and sustained increase in endogenous erythropoietin and subsequent increase in erythrocyte volume, while simultaneously enabling them to “train low” for the purpose of replicating sea-level training intensity and oxygen flux, thereby inducing beneficial metabolic and neuromuscular adaptations. In addition to natural/terrestrial LH+TL, several simulated LH+TL devices have been developed including nitrogen apartments, hypoxic tents, and hypoxicator devices. One of the key issues regarding the practical application of LH+TL is what the optimal hypoxic dose is that is needed to facilitate altitude acclimatization and produce the expected beneficial physiological responses and sea-level performance effects. The purpose of this review is to examine this issue from a research-based and applied perspective by addressing the following questions: ...
New incriminating evidence against IGF2.

This Editorial refers to ‘ Cancer cell-secreted IGF2 instigates fibroblasts and bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells to promote cancer progression ’ by Xu et al ., Nature Communications (2017) (1).
Toxic properties of d-limonene in insects and the earthworm Eisenia fetida

25 INTRODUCTION 26 MATERIALS AND METHODS 28 Acute Topical Toxicity 28 Fumigant Activity 28 Oral Toxicity 29 Repellency 31 Residual Activity 31 Ovicldal and Larvicidal Properties 32 RESULTS 34 Acute Topical Toxicity 34
First human use of the tau radiopharmaceutical [18F]T807 by microfluidic flow chemistry

1246 Objectives Despite extensive preclinical imaging with radiotracers prepared by continuous-flow microfluidics, there is still no published PET radiopharmaceutical prepared for human use by such methods. The goal of this proof of concept study was to validate the synthesis of the tau radiopharmaceutical [18F]T807 prepared by microfluidic methods, and perform a first human scan. Methods [18F]T807 was synthesized by our modified one-step method (J. Labelled Compd. Radiopharm. 2013, 56, 736). The reaction was optimized to suit a commercial microfluidic flow chemistry module (NanoTek®; Advion, Inc) that was integrated to a GE Tracerlab FXFN unit to carry out semi-preparative HPLC purification and formulation. Results Three consecutive productions of [18F]T807 were carried out to validate this radiopharmaceutical for human use. Uncorrected radiochemical yields of 17 ± 1% of crude [18F]T807 (ca. 500 mCi, radiochemical purity 95%) were obtained from the microfluidic device. The crude material was then purified using the GE Tracerlab FXFN and >100 mCi of the final formulated material was obtained in an overall uncorrected radiochemical yields of 5 ± 1% (n = 3) relative to starting [18F]fluoride, with high specific activities (6 Ci/μmol) in 75 minutes. Formulated [18F]T807 was found to be stable over 6 h. No long lived impurities were detected and the product was free of endotoxins and sterile. Residual solvents were below the lower limit of detection. A human subject suspected of having traumatic brain injury was successfully imaged with [18F]T807 prepared by this method. Conclusions The synthesis and validation of [18F]T807 for imaging tau protein was achieved with a commercial continuous-flow microfluidics device. This work represents the first human imaging study with [18F]T807 prepared by this technology. Research Support Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Grant #20121103 (NV)
Effects of Insulin-Like Growth Factors on Chromaffin Cells

In 1966, Levi-Montalcini and her colleagues reported that insulin stimulates RNA and lipid synthesis in sensory ganglia (Angeletti et al., 1966). Because these workers used high concentrations of insulin in their studies, the significance of their observations was not clear. The subsequent discovery of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and IGF receptors, and the recognition that high concentrations of insulin can activate IGF-I receptors, raised the possibility that the actions of insulin on sensory ganglia may have been due to the stimulation of IGF-I receptors in these ganglia. Other neural crest-derived cells may also be targets of IGF action. Wilson et al. (1985) have reported that high concentrations of insulin increase the content of opioid peptides and enhance catecholamine secretion in adrenal chromaffin cells; these actions of insulin may reflect a physiological role of IGF-I in the adrenal medulla. The finding of IGF mRNA (Han et al., 1987) and IGF-I like immunoreactivity (Hansson et al., 1988) in the adrenal gland suggests that IGF-I may function as an autocrine or paracrine regulatory factor in this tissue.
LBBB-RELATED FUNCTIONAL MITRAL REGURGITATION IN PRESERVED EJECTION FRACTION SUCCESSFULLY TREATED WITH CARDIAC RESYNCHRONIZATION THERAPY

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) can cause mitral regurgitation (MR) through papillary muscle dyssynchrony and left ventricular remodeling. While this type of functional MR is more common in reduced ejection fraction (EF), it can also be seen in preserved EF and potentially treated with cardiac
Formulation of a maximum principle satisfying a numerical scheme for traffic flow models

We consider a non-local traffic flow model with Arrhenius look-ahead dynamics. In recent times, a maximum principle satisfying local conservation framework has been getting much attention, yet conventional numerical approximation scheme may lead to a breakdown of the maximum principle. In this paper, we construct a maximum principle satisfying a numerical scheme for a class of non-local conservation laws and present numerical simulations for the traffic flow models. The technique and the idea developed in this work are applicable to a large class of non-local conservation laws.
Ketamine in depression and electroconvulsive therapy.

Purpose of review The antidepressant effect of subanesthetic doses of ketamine was recognized 20 years ago. This review briefly summarizes the current understanding of the antidepressant mechanisms and the available clinical research on the use of racemic ketamine and enantiomer esketamine for depression. Recent findings The antidepressant effect of subanesthetic doses of ketamine is currently considered to be predominantly mediated by improved neuroplasticity in cortico-limbic areas in the brain. Single dose of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine infused intravenously over 40 min, or single intranasal dose of esketamine cause rapid antidepressant and antisuicidal effects within hours of administration, and the antidepressant effect may last up to a week. Repeated administration of nasal spray esketamine is considered to prevent relapse of depression. Longitudinal studies are currently insufficient. When used in various doses for anesthetic induction for electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine improves seizure quality and may possibly diminish posttherapy cognitive impairment. Summary A rapid onset antidepressive effect of ketamine and esketamine has been proven conclusively. The results of extensive basic science research of the mechanism of action of low-dose ketamine doses has led to an alternative hypothesis of the pathophysiology of depression and the development of a novel neurotrophic concept of depression. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the safety and efficacy of repeated administration of ketamine and its analogs to prevent relapse and recurrence of depression.
Abstract 23: Overexpression Of Tbx20 In Adult Cardiomyocytes Promotes Cardiomyocyte Proliferation And Improves Cardiac Function Post Myocardial Infarction

Background: Adult mammalian cardiomyocytes (CM) have the potential to proliferate, but this is not sufficient to compensate for the massive loss of functional CMs after myocardial infarction (MI), which remains a leading cause of death in the US. During embryonic heart development, the transcription factor Tbx20 is required for CM proliferation, and Tbx20 overexpression promotes fetal characteristics in adult CMs when initiated before birth in mice. We hypothesize that Tbx20 overexpression (Tbx20OE), when induced in adult CMs after injury, improves cardiac function and repair via dedifferentiation of CMs, thus promoting cell cycle re-entry and repair in mice post-MI. Methods and Results: αMHCMerCreMer (STG) and the inducible cardiomyocyte-specific Tbx20 transgenic (αMHCMerCreMer/CAG-CAT-Tbx20, DTG) mice were subjected to MI or sham surgeries. Tbx20OE was induced 3 days post-surgery via tamoxifen to specifically target cardiac repair post-MI. In sham-operated mice, no difference in cardiac function or morphology was observed between DTG and STG groups. However, more proliferating CMs as labeled by Ki67 were found in DTG sham myocardium compared to STG. Expression of cyclin D1, E1 (cell cycle markers) and IGF1 mRNA was increased, while p21 (cell cycle inhibitor) and Meis1 (negative regulator of proliferation) were decreased, in DTG sham hearts compared to STG controls. In mice subjected to MI, cardiac function, as measured by echocardiography, was significantly improved, and the infarct scar size was smaller (58.1% vs 38.3%) in the DTG group compared to STG controls 2 and 4 weeks post-MI. Myocardial hypertrophy determined by heart to body weight ratio and myocyte diameter was also significantly reduced in DTG heart compared to STG 4 weeks post-MI. Thus, induction of Tbx20OE post-MI injury leads to improved cardiac performance, decreased scar size, and decreased maladaptive cardiac remodeling. Ongoing studies will determine if proliferation indices (Ki67, pHH3, aurora kinase B) and cytokinesis of CM post-MI are increased in myocardium and isolated adult cardiomyocytes with Tbx20OE. Conclusions: Tbx20OE in adult CM activates cell proliferation markers and also improves cardiac function and repair in mice when induced post-MI.
Use of inexpensive dyes to calibrate and adjust your microarray printer.

A critical factor in the preparation of cDNA microarrays is the calibration and adjustment of the array printer to optimize spotting. Here are a couple techniques to help you detect the quality of your print, the proper calibration, and the condition of your printing pins. A simple way to determine the quality of the array spots is to examine the salt deposits remaining after the droplet of printer material has dried. However, this method does not necessarily reflect the morphology of the nucleic acid on the array because of the drying effects. Another common method includes the use of free Cy3-dCTP/dUTP or Cy5dCTP/dUTP dyes (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ, USA) or dyes containing oligonucleotides, followed by fluorescence scanning (1). Here, we describe an inexpensive alternative to using expensive fluorescent probes for the calibration and adjustment of pin-type array printers. Using a Stanford cDNA microarray printer (http://cmgm.stanford.edu/pbrown/ mguide/index.html) with ChipMaker 3 spotting pins (TeleChem International, Sunnyvale, CA, USA), we compared the results of printing under two conditions, with and without DNA. The goal of the calibration and adjustment steps is to obtain uniform and consistent spots. We used plain red and blue food coloring dye in 1:1000 dilution of 3× standard saline citrate (SSC) with sheared salmon sperm DNA at 0.25 mg/mL to mimic the actual printing conditions. All fluorescent scans were performed on a Packard/GSI Lumonics 3000 scanner (GSI Lumonics, Northville, MI, USA), with 85% laser and 90% PMT settings (Figure 1). The quality of the DNA spots was further examined with DNA binding dyes (data not shown). In the future, with the help of food coloring dye, we are going to compare different types of printing buffers such as 50% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with and without DNA, formamide, and a new printing buffer that recently became available from Mosaic Technologies (Waltham, MA, USA) and Clontech Laboratories (Palo Alto, CA, USA). REFERENCES
Reoperation after initial treatment of endometriosis with conservative surgery.

Abstract One hundred and fifty-three patients with pelvic endometriosis met the study criteria of infertility, tissue diagnosis, treatment with conservative surgery, and adequate follow-up. The extent of disease was classified according to Acosta and associates. 6 Pregnancy rates were 10 to 100 per cent in various subclassifications of patients; these pregnancy rates were related to the extent of disease and the existence of concurrent infertility factors. One hundred and seventeen patients were followed up for three years. Reoperation in this group was carried out in 28 patients for recurrent pain and/or persistent infertility. Each patient had diagnostic laparoscopy preceding relaparotomy. The reoperation rate was 40.6 per cent in those patients who remained infertile, whereas this rate was only 3.7 per cent in those patients who conceived following initial operation. The incidence of conception after a second conservative procedure was 12 per cent. However, an equal number of patients in this group required total abdominal hysterectomy as a third procedure for control of recurrent pain. Thus, repeat conservative surgery should play a secondary role in the treatment of patients with infertility and recurrent endometriosis.
H -matrices for convection-diffusion problems with constant convection

Hierarchical matrices provide a technique for the sparse approximation and matrix arithmetic of large, fully populated matrices. This technique has been proven to be applicable to matrices arising in the boundary and finite element method for uniformly elliptic operators with L∞-coefficients. This paper analyses the application of hierarchical matrices to the convection-dominant convection-diffusion equation with constant convection. In the case of increasing convection, the convergence of a standard H-matrix approximant towards the original matrix will deteriorate. We derive a modified partitioning and admissibility condition that ensures good convergence also for the singularly perturbed case.
Taxes and Torts in the Redistribution of Income

This paper, presented as the Coase Lecture at the University of Chicago Law School, summarizes in a non-technical fashion the recent literature on the use of legal rules to redistribute income. The argument, as made in prior literature, is that the tax system is likely to be superior to legal rules for redistribution of income because it focuses directly on the relevant margins.
Purchasing Electronic Resources

As libraries move more closely to developing electronic libraries, librarians and staff who acquire materials for their organization should be cognizant of their role in purchasing computer- based ...
A fully polynomial approximation algorithm for collaborative relaying in sensor networks under finite rate constraints

We take an algorithmic approach to a well-known communication channel problem and develop several algorithms for solving it. Specifically, we develop power control algorithms for sensor networks with collaborative relaying under bandwidth constraints, via quantization of finite rate (bandwidth limited) feedback channels. We first consider the power allocation problem under collaborative relaying where the tradeoff between minimizing ones own energy expenditure and the energy for relaying is considered under the constraints of packet outage probability and bandwidth constrained (finite rate) feedback. Then we develop bandwidth constrained quantization algorithms (due to the finite rate feedback) that seek the optimal way of quantizing channel quality and power values in order to minimize the total average transmission power and satisfy the given probability of outage. We develop two kinds of quantization protocols and associated quantization algorithms. For separate source-relay quantization, we reduce the problem to the well-known k-median problem [1] on line graphs and show a a simple O((KJ)2N) polynomial time algorithm, where log2KJ is the quantization bandwidth and N is the size of the discretized parameter space. For joint quantization, we first develop a simple 2-factor approximation of complexity O(KJN + N logN). Then, for Ɛ > 0, we develop a fully polynomial approximation scheme (FPAS) that approximates the optimal quantization cost to within an 1+Ɛ-factor. The running time of the FPAS is polynomial in 1/Ɛ, size of the input N and also ln F, where F is the maximum available transmit power.
Characterization of Mycoplasma Strains from Cats

Mycoplasma strains (B1, B2, CS, and S1A) were isolated from the saliva of normal cats. These were compared with a strain (CO) isolated from the eye of a cat with severe conjunctivitis. On the basis of morphology, biochemical reactions, and antigenic composition, two distinct species were recognizable. Strains CO, B1, and B2 were antigenically unrelated to the other species tested; strains CS and S1A possessed antigenic components in common with Mycoplasma arthritidis, M. salivarium, M. hominis, type 1, and M. orale, types 1 and 2. It was tentatively suggested that the two cat species be called M. felis and M. gateae, respectively. Images
Native oxide technology for III-V optoelectronic devices

This paper reviews the status of the III-V native oxide formed by steam oxidation of Al(Ga)As and its use in device fabrication. The paper presents progress on understanding the processing chemistry, material properties, and edge-emitting laser diodes, vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, optical waveguides, field effect transistors, and other novel device structures. Particular emphasis is placed on its use in vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers, since to date the impact of the native oxide has been greatest for these devices.
Capacity of bacterial cables via Electron-transfer under full-CSI

Recent discoveries of bacterial cables that transfer electrons across centimeter-length scales motivate the study of their information capacity. The bacterial cable is modeled as an electron queue that transfers electrons from the encoder at the electron donor source to the decoder at the electron acceptor sink. The model allows to capture the coupling between the electron signal and the energetic state of the cells via clogging due to local ATP saturation along the cable. Based on the analysis of a discrete-time scheme with asymptotically small time-slot duration, and assuming full causal channel state information (CSI), the optimality of binary input distributions is proved, i.e., the encoder transmits at either maximum or minimum intensity, as dictated by the physical constraints of the cable. It is proved that the optimal binary signal can be determined via dynamic programming, and that it has smaller intensity than that given by the myopic policy, which greedily maximizes the instantaneous information rate but neglects its effect on the steady-state distribution of the cable. This work represents a first contribution towards the design of electron signaling schemes in more complex microbial systems, e.g., biofilms, where the tension between maximizing the transfer of information and guaranteeing the well-being of the overall bacterial community arises, and motivates further research on the design of more practical schemes, where CSI is only partially available.
Neurodevelopmental disabilities in pediatrics and child neurology: Child development training for the future.

In the 1960’s training programs for pediatricians interested in child development and its disorders began to receive formal structure and orientation at what were then University Affiliated Facilities (UAFs) – Maternal and Child Health (MCH) funded centers for multidisciplinary training of professionals interested in developmental disorders in children. A multispecialty/multidisciplinary focus on children with a specific pattern of disabilities (Table 1) was evolving that seemed to pioneers in the field [1] to require subspecialty certification [3]. That the neuroscience knowledge base requisite for leadership in the field transcended that of general pediatrics supported the development of a new subspecialty. A conjoint application for subspecialty recognition of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD) was finally approved by the American Board of Medical Subspecialties (ABMS) in 1999 [2,4]. The Residency Review Committee (RRC) of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in conjunction with the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP) developed training program criteria that were posted by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2002 (Table 2). The certification process and training program components define the relationships among Pediatrics, Psychiatry, Child Neurol-
Fluorescence Measurement of Tetracycline in Model Fermentation Media Samples Containing Streptomyces Aureofaciens Cell Mass

This study describes fluorescence measurements made with a fiber-optic probe on model fermentation media samples containing natural media components, high densities of Streptomyces aureofaciens cell mass, and varying concentrations of tetracycline. Tetracycline, produced commercially from S. aureofaciens, is a highly fluorescent antibiotic, and these measurements were conducted to determine the correlation between the tetracycline content in the media and the observed fluorescence of the samples. Seven separate types of media samples were examined for this study. Each medium contained a nonfluorescent base of nutrients and salts along with one of seven different natural feedstocks at a concentration of 50 g/L. In addition, the samples contained S. aureofaciens cell mass densities of 50 g/L (based on dry cell mass). Excitation wavelengths of 290 nm, 390 nm, and 413 nm were used to probe the fluorescence of the samples, and emission spectra were obtained over the wave-length ranges of 320-360 nm, 420-600 nm, and 440-600 nm, respectively. Background fluorescence observed in the region of 320-360 nm upon 290-nm excitation in the samples was due to tryptophan fluorescence contained in the S. aureofaciens cell mass and was found to decrease dramatically as tetracycline levels increased from 0 to 8000 μg/mL. Plots of fluorescence intensity at a number of emission wavelengths versus tetracycline concentration in the samples clearly revealed strong correlations.
A randomized, placebo-controlled study of outpatient premedication for bone marrow biopsy in adults with lymphoma.

The outpatient bone marrow biopsy and aspiration (BMBA) procedure performed with local anesthetic is often poorly tolerated in adults. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was designed to determine whether oral (p.o.) lorazepam and hydromorphone reduces pain and anxiety during BMBA. Eligible patients had lymphoma, had no prior BMBA, and were > or = 18 years old. Since patients had bilateral BMBA, each served as their own control. Patients were stratified by anxiety level using the Spielberger Trait Anxiety Scale and randomized to: A) placebo for the first BMBA and 2 mg lorazepam and 2 mg hydromorphone p.o. for the contralateral BMBA, or B) placebo for both BMBAS. Changes in pain and anxiety experienced between the first and second BMBA were measured by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Spielberger State Anxiety Scale at the time of the BMBA and 24 hours later. Twenty-seven patients were enrolled and 25 were evaluable; there were 17 males and eight females. The median age was 57 years (range, 28-79 years). Overall, BMBA was reported as painful in both arms, with a median VAS pain score after the second BMBA of 3.9 (scale, 0-10) for arm A and 5.8 for arm B (P = 0.21). There was no difference in the change in pain, anxiety, or recalled anxiety between treatment arms (all P values > 0.05). The difference in the change in recalled pain was of borderline significance (P = 0.07) and consistent with benzodiazepine-induced anterograde amnesia.
Genome engineering: unconventional biochemistry and food security

Unprecedented technological advances in biology provide the tools to enhance plant productivity to meet world hunger. The genome sequences of thousands of organisms and their analyses is the blue print of their genome architecture which can now be further improved. New Nucleases offer the opportunity of modifying plant genomes in a way that was not possible only a while ago. Synthetic DNA and methodology of gene assembly further expand Synthetic biology and allow construction of metabolic pathways to produce valuable molecules in Novel hosts. The knowledge of Quorum Sensing (QS), could add to the successful use of biocontrol agents. The technology has no limitations, and excitements in biology will be exploited to meet future energy needs.
lon-1 regulates Caenorhabditis elegans body size downstream of the dbl-1 TGFβ signaling pathway

In Caenorhabditis elegans, two well-characterized TGFβ signaling cascades have been identified: the Small/Male tail abnormal (Sma/Mab) and Dauer formation (Daf) pathways. The Sma/Mab pathway regulates body size morphogenesis and male tail development. The ligand of the pathway, dbl-1, transmits its signal through two receptor serine threonine kinases, daf-4 and sma-6, which in turn regulate the activity of the Smads, sma-2, sma-3, and sma-4. In general, Smads have been shown to both positively and negatively regulate the transcriptional activity of downstream target genes in various organisms. In C. elegans, however, target genes have remained elusive. We have cloned and characterized lon-1, a gene with homology to the cysteine-rich secretory protein (CRISP) family of proteins. lon-1 regulates body size morphogenesis, but does not affect male tail development. lon-1 is expressed in hypodermal tissues, which is the focus of body size determination, similar to sma-2, sma-4, and sma-6. Using genetic methods, we show that lon-1 lies downstream of the Sma/Mab signaling cascade and demonstrate that lon-1 mRNA levels are up-regulated in sma-6-null mutant animals. This provides evidence that lon-1 is negatively regulated by Sma/Mab pathway signaling. Taken together, these data identify lon-1 as a novel downstream target gene of the dbl-1 TGFβ-like signaling pathway.
Restoration of STM images distorted by time-dependent piezo driver aftereffects

Abstract STM images recorded with piezoelectric drivers show characteristics distortions at the boundaries where the tip motion is reversed. Such artifacts can be eliminated by correcting for aftereffect assuming a logarithmic time-dependence. The amplitudes of such terms and the time elapsed between scan direction reversal and scan recording can be estimated by visual inspection of the corrected scan image on a graphics display and by maximizing picture correlation functions. STM images of well ordered clean single-crystal gold and copper surfaces are satisfactorily restored with this procedure.
Optimal impulsive control of compartment models, I: Qualitative aspects

Optimal impulsive control of systems arising from linear compartment models for drug distribution in the human body is considered. A system of linear, time-invariant, homogeneous differential equations is given along with a set of continuous constraints on state and control. The object is to develop a constructive algorithm for the computation of the optimal control relative to a convex cost functional. It is first shown that under suitable hypotheses, satisfying the continuous constraints is equivalent to satisfying the constraints at a finite set of abstractly definedcritical points. Once these critical points have been determined, the solution of the optimal control problem is found as the solution of a finite-dimensional convex programming problem. The set of critical points can often be determineda priori solely from the qualitative behavior of the solutions of the system. A class of such problems, generalizing the so-calledplateau effect, is considered in detail. It is shown that the solution achieving the plateau effect is indeed optimal in certain cases. In a subsequent paper, an iterative algorithm will be given for the solution of these problems when the critical points cannot all be determineda priori.
Synthesis and evaluation of tripeptidyl α-Ketoamides as human rhinovirus 3C protease inhibitors

Abstract We describe herein the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of tripeptidyl α-ketoamides as human rhinovirus (HRV) 3C protease inhibitors. The most potent inhibitor discussed in this manuscript, 4I, exhibited impressive enzyme inhibitory activity as well as antiviral activity against HRV-14.
Langmuir adsorption behavior with cation-induced voltages across bimolecular lipid membranes

Abstract Potentials were induced across bimolecular lipid membranes with asymmetric concentrations of alkali, alkaline earth, Group IIb and some other transition metal chlorides. The transmembrane potential increments decreased with linear increments of cation concentration indicating a Langmuir adsorption behavior. Using the assumptions employed in the Langmuir adsorption equation a voltage adsorption equation was derived for cation adsorption to a membrane site with or without a subsequent transport step through the membrane. Double reciprocal plots of voltage (ordinate) and cation concentration (abscissa) resulted in straight lines with definite voltage maxima obtained at extrapolation to infinite cation concentrations. The abscissa intercepts were interpreted as reciprocal dissociation constants. The monovalent cations showed various voltage maxima in the order of Na + = K + > Cs + > Li + , but displayed the same dissociation constant (4·10 −3 M). Most of the divalent cations showed similar voltage maxima (about 45 mV) and dissociation constants (1·10 −4 M). The voltage maxima and dissociation constants for Ca 2+ showed no variation over a pH range of 5.0 to 8.5. At pH's lower than 5.0 the dissociation increased and the voltage decreased. No voltage was observed below pH 3.5. Equal concentrations of the alkali chlorides on both sides of the membrane repressed the Ca 2+ -induced voltage. The effect was described with a Langmuir-type voltage adsorption equation in which competitive binding of the alkali cations with Ca 2+ occurred.
Synthetic Access to Bent Polycycles by Cation-π Cyclization

The presence of an ether oxygen within a chain undergoing cation−polyene cyclization has a profound influence on the stereochemistry of this important construction, apparently due to nucleophilic participation of oxygen in the cyclization process and formation of an oxonium intermediate, leading to bent fused ring systems.
Behavioral obligation and information avoidance.

Although knowledge can be powerful and bring a variety of important benefits, people often opt to remain ignorant. We propose that people are particularly inclined to remain ignorant when learning information could obligate undesirable behavior. In three studies, participants completed an online risk calculator and then learned that receiving high-risk feedback from the calculator would obligate them to engage in a behavior that was either highly undesirable (e.g., undergoing a cervical exam and taking medication for the rest of their life) or only slightly undesirable (e.g., having their cheek swabbed and taking medication for 2 weeks). We then offered participants the opportunity to receive risk feedback from the calculator. Across all studies, participants more often avoided feedback when it could obligate highly undesirable behavior compared with mildly undesirable behavior. People decline learning their risk information more often when doing so obligates undesirable behavior in response.
Mental Self-Government: A Theory of Intellectual Styles and Their Development

A theory of mental self-government is presented that proposes a set of intellectual styles as a bridge between intelligence and personality. According to the theory, intellectual styles can be underst
A component of calcium-activated potassium channels encoded by the Drosophila slo locus

Calcium-activated potassium channels mediate many biologically important functions in electrically excitable cells. Despite recent progress in the molecular analysis of voltage-activated K+ channels, Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels have not been similarly characterized. The Drosophila slowpoke (slo) locus, mutations of which specifically abolish a Ca(2+)-activated K+ current in muscles and neurons, provides an opportunity for molecular characterization of these channels. Genomic and complementary DNA clones from the slo locus were isolated and sequenced. The polypeptide predicted by slo is similar to voltage-activated K+ channel polypeptides in discrete domains known to be essential for function. Thus, these results indicate that slo encodes a structural component of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels.
A decade's experience with temporary intravascular shunts at a civilian level I trauma center.

Background A 10-year review of temporary intravascular shunts (TIVS) at a regional trauma center. Methods Retrospective chart review of all patients treated with temporary intravascular shunts from January 1, 1997 to January 1, 2007. Results Seven hundred eighty-six patients were treated for vascular injuries. Sixty-seven (9%) had a total of 101 (72 arterial, 29 venous) TIVS placed to facilitate damage control or to allow for reconstruction of Gustilo IIIc fractures or limb replantation. Seven patients who, on trauma day 0, died or had an extremity which was deemed unsalvageable were excluded. Of 60 patients who met inclusion criteria, seven died from TBI (3%), MOF (3%), sepsis (2%), deceleration of care (2%), and loss of airway (2%), which was deemed preventable. Conclusions TIVS have a shunt thrombosis rate of 5%, amputation rate of 18%, overall survival of 88%, and combination limb/patient survival rate of 73%. TIVS have an established role primarily in patients requiring either "damage control" for exsanguination or temporary vascular conduits during stabilization of Gustilo IIIc fractures. Truncal injuries are associated with the highest mortality likely due to accompanying multisystem trauma.
Synthesis of Cyclopropene α-Amino Acids via Enantioselective Desymmetrization

The preparation of cyclopropene α-amino acids via the enantioselective desymmetrization of cyclopropene bis-carboxylic acid derivatives is described. The amino acids are stable to harsh reaction conditions, and a derivative has been incorporated into a tripeptide using conventional methods for peptide synthesis.
Equity and Access in the Instructional Materials Arena.

In spite of monumental efforts to make the public schools more responsive to the needs and interests of African American and other excluded groups in America, they have remained steadfastly Eurocentric (National Alliance of Black School Educators, 1984; Sizemore, 1988c, p. 203). Eurocentricity is the belief in the centrality of Europe. It exists in a society where the history, culture, and life experiences of Europeans are valued above those of all other peoples. Without doubt, Europe is still the center of our universe here in America in spite of the diversity of our population. Therefore, the schools remain largely responsive to those persons born with or who have acquired Eurocentric values of what is useful and useless, worthy and worthless, good and bad, right and wrong, beautiful and ugly, and so on (Sizemore, 1988c, p. 201). The group that is able to make these kinds of decisions is powerful because it can and does impose its values on other groups. Attitudes and actions that continue to flow in this counterproductive direction retard our nation's progress toward a more democratic society that distributes goods and services in an equitable fashion to all of its people. Although the essential issue is a cultural one, the underlying issue is both political and economic. Education plays a major role in changing attitudes and actions through the knowledge, information, skills, and experiences a person gains while engaged in the processes of training, socialization, and enlightenment. Schools are the places where the culture and its values are transmitted (Sizemore, 1988c, p. 201). Therefore,