cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Negotiated Truth: The Franco–German Historians Agreement of 1951 and the Long History of Cultural Demobilization After the First World War

This chapter demonstrates the difficulties of re-building the academic world in the aftermath of the Great War and also the ways in which the time frames for demobilization extended well into the post-First World War period. Siegel focuses on the efforts of French and German historians to come to an agreement about the content of textbooks dealing with the history of the war. Questions about the culpability for the outbreak of war remained deeply divisive for decades after the war and required multiple attempts by German and French historians to reach a consensus. This chapter investigates the negotiations which began in 1935 and only reached an agreement in 1951.
Wire detection using synthetic data and dilated convolutional networks for unmanned aerial vehicles

Wire detection is a key capability for safe navigation of autonomous aerial vehicles and is a challenging problem as wires are generally only a few pixels wide, can appear at any orientation and location, and are hard to distinguish from other similar looking lines and edges. We leverage the recent advances in deep learning by treating wire detection as a semantic segmentation task, and investigate the effectiveness of convolutional neural networks for the same. To find an optimal model in terms of detection accuracy and real time performance on a portable GPU, we perform a grid search over a finite space of architectures. Further, to combat the issue of unavailability of a large public dataset with annotations, we render synthetic wires using a ray tracing engine, and overlay them on 67K images from flight videos available on the internet. We use this synthetic dataset for pretraining our models before finetuning on real data, and show that synthetic data alone can lead to pretty accurate detections qualitatively as well. We also verify if providing explicit information about local evidence of wiry-ness in the form of edge and line detection results from a traditional computer vision method, as additional channels to the network input, makes the task easier or not. We evaluate our best models from the grid search on a publicly available dataset and show that they outperform previous work using traditional computer vision and various deep net baselines of FCNs, SegNet and E-Net, on both standard edge detection metrics and inference speed. Our top models run at more than 3Hz on the NVIDIA Jetson TX2 with input resolution of 480×640, with an Average Precision score of 0.73 on our test split of the USF dataset.
Factors associated with seeking preventive dental care: an integrative model exploration of behaviors in Mexican immigrants in Midwest America.

Mexican immigrants in the United States suffer from poor oral health. The objective of the current study was to explore the utility of applying theory-based factors associated with seeking preventive dental care in a sample of Mexican American adults. Data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of a sample of 157 people of Mexican origin (64% female; age 34 ± 11 years) recruited primarily from church congregations and lay community organizations in Central Indiana. Using the Integrative Model of Behavioral Prediction as the guiding framework, structural equation modeling was used to test factors associated with intention to seek preventive dental care. Attitude towards seeking preventive dental care (estimate = 0.37; p < .0001) and self-efficacy for seeking preventive dental care (estimate = 0.68; p < .0001) were associated with intention to seek preventive dental care. The association between dental beliefs and intention to seek preventive dental care was mediated by attitude and self-efficacy (indirect effect = 0.26, p = .002), and the association between past behavior and intention to seek preventive dental care was mediated by self-efficacy (indirect effect = 0.26, p = .003). These findings suggest that interventions to increase preventive dental care seeking behavior among Mexican Americans should focus on changing attitudes toward seeking preventive dental care and on increasing self-efficacy to seek preventive dental care. Findings also support the use of interventions to influence dental beliefs.
ORGANIZATION AND EXPRESSION OF MOUSE λ LIGHT CHAIN IMMUNOGLOBULIN GENES

ABSTRACT The four λ light chain constant region (C) genes have been cloned from BALB/c mouse embryo DNA. The Cλ 1 gene segment was previously analyzed (1,2). Each Cλ gene carries its own J segment approximately 1.3 kilobases to its 5′ side which contrasts with both the kappa (K) and heavy (H) chain immunoglobulin gene systems with a cluster of four functional joining (J) sequences 5′ to the constant gene segment(s). The four Cλ genes occur in two clusters: 5′J 3 C 3 J 1 C 1 3′ and 5′J 2 C 2 J 4 C 4 3′. The J DNA segments of λ 2 , λ 3 and λ 4 were sequenced and compared with that of λ 1 . Sequence homology (particularly in the non-coding regions) was greatest between J 1 and J 4 and between J 2 and J 3 which suggests, along with the similar organization of JCJC and crosshybridization of C 1 and C 4 and of C 2 and C 3 , that the two clusters are products of a duplication event. A single variable region (V)λ gene, 5′ of each JCJC cluster, was probably part of this duplication unit. We have confirmed that there are only two Vλ genes in mouse (Vλ 1 and Vλ 2 ), and we have also shown that the Vλ 1 gene segment is joined productively to Cλ 3 in a λ 3 myeloma. Vλ 1 has been found associated only with Cλ 3 or Cλ 1 and in most cases Vλ 2 joins with Cλ 2 (the exceptions allow us to deduce a probable organization of the total λ locus). From these data and from the analysis of germ line and rearranged Vλ genes in myelomas, the two Vλ genes must be interspersed by a JCJC cluster if the looping-out and deletion model is generally used for V-J joining. The organization of the λ locus is most likely: 5′V 2 -J 2 C 2 J 4 C 4 -V 1 -J 3 C 3 J 1 C 1 3′. The λ 4 gene is probably not functional since the J 4 sequence does not contain a valid splice site and has a 2-bp deletion in the signal heptamer sequence 5′ to J 4 . The signal nonamer sequence 5′ to J 3 differs from that of J 1 in two consecutive base pairs and may account for the lower level of λ expression as compared with λ 1 in mouse lymphocytes.
Nonlinear System Modelling and Analysis from the Volterra and Wiener Perspective

A fundamental activity of modern science is the development and analysis of models. A scientific model is just a representation of a phenomenon. It is desired because it can be used to obtain new insights concerning a phenomenon and also to predict the outcome of experiments involving the phenomenon [5]. System theory, which is the theory of models, is thus fundamental to science. An important problem in system theory is the development of nonlinear models of phenomena.
Commercially Available Friction-Reducing Patient-Transfer Devices Reduce Biomechanical Stresses on Caregivers' Upper Extremities and Low Back.

Objective:The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of commercially available friction-reducing patient-transfer devices in reducing biomechanical stresses on caregivers and patients.Backg...
Factors influencing amount of guidance in the operating room during laparoscopic cases.

Abstract Background Identifying factors associated with resident autonomy may help improve training efficiency. This study evaluates resident and procedural factors associated with level of guidance needed in the operating room. Methods Intraoperative performance and yearly performance on Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) tasks from 74 general surgery residents were retrospectively reviewed. The effect of post-graduate year (PGY), procedure complexity, case difficulty, intraoperative performance, and FLS task performance were analyzed using a mixed-effects model. Results PGY level, procedure complexity, case difficulty, operative technique, and operative knowledge were significantly associated with level of intraoperative guidance. In PGY2-4 residents, ratings of medical knowledge and communication were also significantly associated with guidance. There was no significant association between FLS performance and level of guidance for any PGY level. Conclusions The amount of intraoperative guidance is influenced by many factors, including resident performance and case characteristics. FLS tasks performance was not significantly associated with intraoperative guidance.
Antibiotic Prescription Patterns in Hospitalized Pediatric Community Acquired Pneumonia with Utilization of Orders Sets

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infection in children. Clinical practice guidelines for CAP were published in 2011 by the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society which recommend preferred empiric antibiotic choices. Narrow-spectrum antibiotics (e.g. ampicillin, amoxicillin) are recommended as the first-line therapy for children presenting with mild to moderate CAP. Despite these guidelines, variability exists in antibiotic prescribing patterns which could potentially increase microbial resistance patterns in the future. Usage of clinical decision support by way of “order-sets” can potentially reduce this variability. A comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR) was …
Solution-Processed Bismuth Halide Perovskite Thin Films: Influence of Deposition Conditions and A-Site Alloying on Morphology and Optical Properties

Bismuth-based halide perovskites have been proposed as a potential nontoxic alternative to lead halide perovskites; however, they have not realized suitable performance. Their poor performance has ...
Vaginal Breech Delivery

Abstract In the properly selected patient, a vaginal breech delivery may be attempted. The fetus is allowed to delivery spontaneous to the level of the scapula. Then, the obstetrician rotates the fetus to deliver the arms and flexes the neck to deliver the head. Techniques to facilitate difficult delivery of the fetal head include Piper forceps and the creation of Duhrssen incisions.
Invite Their Languages In: Community-Based Literacy Practices with Multilingual African Immigrant Girls in New York City

This three-year qualitative case study examined how an African community-based organization, Sauti Yetu’s Girl’s Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (GELI), leads, bolsters, and transforms the literacy development of African immigrant girls who are identified as English Language Learners (ELLs) and Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE) in New York City schools. In particular, the study addresses how community-based literacy practices mobilize multilingual African immigrant girls to strengthen their communities. The study drew upon critical perspectives of literacy and community-based practices to examine the approaches GELI has implemented to address the academic and social needs of African immigrant girls in public schools.
In vivo optical coherence tomography of a mouse model of spontaneous ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, but can be addressed with early detection. We investigate optical coherence tomography for imaging ovarian cancer, finding that tissue changes can be detected through quantitative analysis.
Charimen’s Overview on Carcinogen-Induced Modification in DNA

Carcinogen-induced modifications in DNA deserve consideration as endpoints in carcinogenicity testing because of the evidence implicating genetic determinants in carcinogenesis; e.g., inherited differences in susceptibility to cancer (6), the common and sometimes specific occurrence of chromosomal abnormalities in cancer cells (8), the frequent correlation in chemicals between genotoxicity and carcinogenicity (7), and the transforming activity of oncogenic nucleotide sequences (2). At the same time, however, the kinetics of carcinogenesis in vivo and of cell transformation in vitro imply that neoplastic transformation usually involves sequential genetic changes, which may vary with the carcinogenic stimulus in question, the stage in the cancer process affected, the target cells at risk, and the capability of affected cells to repair or modify carcinogen-induced alterations in DNA (3,5,10).
Hidden Identities Shape Student Perceptions of Active Learning Environments

Active-learning pedagogies represent one suite of tools commonly thought to promote greater classroom inclusivity. However, the social aspects of many active-learning techniques, such as in-class group work, may differentially impact students who feel pressure to conceal certain aspects of their identity, such as sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religion. We used a post-course survey of over 1300 students at a large midwestern University to ascertain which aspects of a student’s identity are most salient in their experiences in active-learning environments, especially with respect to group work. Using path analysis, we show that students who are politically conservative, religious, or who commute to campus perceive lower inclusion in active-learning environments, while students who identify as queer report negative experiences in groups. These and other findings lead us to conclude that targeted efforts to improve classroom climate, such as equitable teaching strategies, will benefit students who might feel marginalized in peer-learning environments.
A paradigm shift to OOP has occurred…implementation to follow

This paper reflects on the discussions concerning the first year programming sequence that have transpired at the last few national symposiums in Computer Science Education and at other computer education conferences in the past two years. Both paper and birds-of-a-feather sessions suggest that computer science educators are deep into the transition from the procedural to object approach as the preferred basis for the design and implementation of software. This transition has become evident in the introductory textbooks, but it is more evident in the struggles of a faculty that has grown up with structured programming and now has to overcome that deeply entrenched mind-set. The author reflects on the characteristics of this struggle by comparing it to academic worldview struggles that have been termed “paradigm shifts.” Such struggles have been studied in other scientific disciplines and the pattern observed there is emphasized in the author's interpretation of recent events in computer science education.
A CD24-p53 axis contributes to African American prostate cancer disparities.

BACKGROUND Using a functional analysis of prostate cancer cells, we found a CD24-dependent inactivation of mutant p53, but the clinical significance of this observation remained uncertain. Here, we validated these results with samples of human prostate cancer and explored the role of a CD24-p53 axis in racial disparities of prostate cancer. METHODS Samples of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded prostate cancer from 141 European Americans (EAs) and 147 African Americans (AAs) in two independent sample cohorts were assessed for protein expression of CD24, mutant p53, mouse double minute 2 human homolog (MDM2), and cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (ARF) using immunohistochemical analyses. All samples were analyzed for TP53R175H and TP53R273H . RESULTS CD24, mutant p53, MDM2, and ARF proteins were expressed in 55%, 24%, 39%, and 68% of prostate cancer samples, respectively. CD24 and mutant p53 were present more frequently in late-stage and metastatic prostate cancer. The presence of CD24 was associated with a greater than fourfold risk of metastasis, which included lymph node and distant metastases. H score analysis showed positive correlations of CD24 expression with mutant p53 (r = .308, P < .001) and MDM2 (r = .227, P = .004). There was a negative correlation for CD24 with ARF (r = -.280, P < .001). A racial disparity was evident for CD24 (AAs/EAs: 64% vs 47%; P = .004) but not for mutant p53 (AA/EA: 28% vs 21%; P = .152). In 32 CD24+ /mutant p53+ cases, a TP53R273H mutation was found in five cases, but no TP53R175H mutation was found. CONCLUSION The CD24-p53 axis may contribute to aggressive and metastatic prostate cancers, especially those of AAs. This observation enhances understanding of the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and its associated racial disparities.
Behavior and Limit States of Long-Span Composite Floor Beams with Simple Shear Connections subject to Compartment Fires: Experimental Evaluation.

AbstractThis paper presents the results of compartment fire experiments on four 12.8-m-long composite floor beams with various end support conditions. Specimens were constructed as partially compos...
Stress Experienced and Meaning-Making of Couples with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Phenomenological Study

Couples who have a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder experience more stress than parents of neurotypical children. The purpose of this study is to understand the stress experiences of c...
SARS-CoV-2-related outcomes after surgical procedures on SARS-CoV-2-positive patients in a large, urban, safety net medical center.

Background: Beginning on March 16, 2020, non-urgent scheduled operations at a large, urban, safety net medical center were canceled. The purpose of this study was to determine complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection for all operations done from March 16-June 30, 2020. Study Design: This study was a single-institution, retrospective observational analysis of data for all surgical procedures and all SARS-CoV-2 tests done in the medical center from March 16-June 30, 2020. The charts of all SARS-CoV-2-positive patients who had a surgical procedure during the study time period were retrospectively reviewed to assess the outcomes. Results: Of 2,208 operations during that time, 29 (1.3%) patients were SARS-CoV-2-positive and were asymptomatic at the time of their operations. Twenty-four (82.7%) of the 29 required urgent or emergent procedures. The median time between availability of test results and operations for these patients was 0.63 + 1.94 days. With median follow-up of 89 days, none of the 29 patients died from SARS-CoV-2-related causes, and none developed clinically evident thromboembolism or required re-intubation secondary to SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia. Conclusion: By operating on carefully screened, asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, it was possible to eliminate major complications and mortality due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
How do I handle deep vein thrombosis and acute pulmonary embolism from A to Z

Abstract Venous thromboembolism (VTE) manifesting as deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or both occurs in 1–2 people per 1000 annually and is the most preventable cause of death in hospitalized patients in the western world. Although independent risk factors and predictors for VTE have been identified, its occurrence is generally increasing, despite primary and secondary prophylaxis being available. Anticoagulation was and remains the standard of care for treatment, preventing DVT or PE extension or recurrence. Anticoagulation, however, does not dissolve thrombus, but rather prevents its extension while intrinsic thrombolytic pathways are slowly taking over. Eventually, a sizable proportion of survivors of acute DVT or PE are likely to suffer from postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), recurrent VTE, or late PE sequalae including chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Given the limitations of medical therapy, catheter-directed interventions for acute iliofemoral DVT have been increasingly used over the past two decades targeting severe acute symptomatology and PTS prevention or reduction of its severity. The gained knowledge from DVT interventions has been more recently transferred to the PE field as a safer (compared to surgical thrombectomy or systemic thrombolytics) way to prevent decompensation to a higher risk PE, to decrease mortality and potentially mitigate chronic PE manifestations.
Some Comments on the Draft EU Constitution's Exit Proposal

This paper comments on the secession provision of the European Union's draft constitution. The author suggests changes to the language of the current draft that would better protect the rights of individuals who live in a nation that is a member of the EU.
Line-Driven Instability

Line-driven winds are subject to a strong radiation-hydrodynamic instability. We discuss the linear stability analysis and numerical simulations of the fully developed wind structure. The latter show sequences of strong reverse shocks, and two different families of clouds which mutually collide. Possible applications are the X-ray emission from O stars and the formation of dense clouds in broad absorption line quasars.
NMR Studies of Eye Lens Crystallins

The crystallins of the eye lens are highly stable, soluble proteins that generate the refractive index gradient of the lens. In their native context, the crystallins form large soluble oligomers; a loss in solubility due to mutation, UV light damage, or chemical modification results in cataract. There are two broad classes of ubiquitous crystallin proteins; βγ-crystallins, which are purely structural, and the α-crystallins, which additionally play a chaperone role, maintaining solubility of compromised proteins in the lens. NMR methods have been used to investigate many structural and functional properties of both types of crystallins. Structures have been solved for many of the crystallins using both solid-state and solution NMRs, and these detailed molecular pictures have been used as a starting point for investigating conformational dynamics and intermolecular interactions. Keywords: crystallin; eye lens protein; small heat-shock protein; molecular chaperone; solution-state NMR ; magic angle spinning
A highly parallel algorithm for multistage optimization problems and shortest path problems

Abstract It appears that all of the known algorithms for solving multistage optimization problems are based explicitly on standard dynamic programming concepts. Such algorithms are inherently serial in the sense that computation must be completed at the current stage before meaningful computation can begin at the next stage. In this paper we present a technique which recursively divides the original problem into a set of smaller problems which can be solved in parallel. This technique is based on the recursive application of a simple aggregation procedure. For a multistage process with n stages, we show that our new algorithm can achieve a time complexity of O(log n). In contrast, competing algorithms based exclusively on the standard dynamic programming technique can only achieve a time complexity of Φ(n). The new algorithm is designed to operate on a tightly coupled parallel computer. As some important applications, it is shown that our algorithm can serve as a fast and efficient means of decoding convolutional codes, solving shortest path problems, and determining minimum-fuel flight paths.
Effect of slab temperature on deep-earthquake aftershock productivity and magnitude–frequency relations

DEEP earthquakes generally show fewer aftershocks and a larger variability in magnitude–frequency relations than shallow earthquakes1–5. These characteristics and the factors that control them may place constraints on the mechanism of deep earthquakes, which is still uncertain6–8. Here we show that systematic variations in aftershock productivity and magnitude–frequency relations are related to the temperature of the downgoing slab, as inferred from the vertical velocity and age of the subducting lithosphere. Deep earthquakes with substantial aftershock sequences are found only in colder slabs, and earthquakes in warmer slabs consistently show few aftershocks. Magnitude–frequency relations for deep earthquakes also show systematic variations as a function of slab thermal structure, with warmer slabs showing fewer small earthquakes (lower 'b-values'). The statistical properties of deep earthquakes thus appear to be temperature sensitive to an extent not observed for shallow earthquakes, and not adequately explained by simple geometrical limitations on fault width.
Attributing and defining meaning to the built environment: The semiotics of wayfinding

Built environments have varying levels of wayfinding ease, and low levels of wayfinding ease matter because difficulty in wayfinding leads to stress and frustration, functional inefficiency, inaccessibility, and poor safety. When individuals are lost or disoriented, they blame themselves, feel stupid, frustrated, and anxious, and they can be angry or resent the environment because of the difficult situation the environment has put them in. There is no cohesive understanding of which information within wayfinding tools successfully assists wayfinders. Gleaning this inherent quality could propel wayfinding theory forward so it could be applied to improve the physical manifestations of wayfinding tools and overall wayfinding ease in a facility. In order to understand which information improves wayfinding ease and what specifically about that information effects the improvement, one would need to understand the meaning(s) a community infers from different forms of wayfinding information. One possibility for wayfinding research lies in semiotics, the study of signs and their meanings. Understanding the meanings wayfinders infer from wayfinding tools is critical to design facilities that can be navigated more effectively and efficiently. This would be possible through research that attempted to understand semiotically which meanings architects, interior designers, and other experts ascribe to wayfinding tools and how this matches or differs from the meanings wayfinders infer from the tools. Understanding this difference may lead to the design of wayfinding tools based on users' pre-existing notions of the meaning(s) of environmental symbols, decreasing feelings of lostness, frustration, and anxiety and increasing user satisfaction with a given built environment.
Developing Culturally Responsive Surveys: Lessons in Development, Implementation, and Analysis From Brazil’s African Descent Communities

Considerable empirical research, along with a growing body of conceptual and theoretical literature, exists on the role of culture and context in evaluation. Less scholarship has examined culturally responsive surveys in the context of international evaluation. In this article, the authors present lessons learned from the development, implementation, and analysis of surveys used to evaluate the struggle of Brazil’s quilombos, or former fugitive slave communities, for land rights and livelihood. The authors begin with a brief review of the culturally responsive evaluation literature, making the case for culturally responsive surveys. Following a brief introduction to quilombo communities, they discuss their survey work, including their efforts to be culturally responsive and the challenges they confronted. The article concludes with the lessons learned for culturally responsive survey inquirers.
Alternative Methods of School Finance: An Empirical Analysis of Cities in San Diego County.

. Two alternatives to the local school property tax are explored using a simulation model: a power equalizing property tax and a state-wide property tax. The effects on residents’tax burdens and service levels are estimated and compared for residents of 13 cities in San Diego County. Under each of the available options shifts in tax burdens would occur. One high income city is a major beneficiary. Three others which would be required to contribute more to education are otherwise dissimilar; one is already taxing itself heavily. When tax effort is considered, cities intended to be prime beneficiaries do benefit but not greatly. The principal gainer is a city with high income and high property values. This analysis does not indicate that these alternative programs are more equitable than the present property tax.
A Nuclear Kinesin-Like Protein Interacts with and Stimulates the Activity of the Leucine-Rich Nuclear Export Signal of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Rev Protein

The Rev protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is essential for the nucleocytoplasmic transport of unspliced and partially spliced HIV mRNAs containing the Rev response element (RRE). In a yeast two-hybrid screen of a HeLa cell-derived cDNA expression library for human factors interacting with the Rev leucine-rich nuclear export sequence (NES), we identified a kinesin-like protein, REBP (Rev/Rex effector binding protein), highly homologous to Kid, the carboxy-terminal 75-residue region of which interacts specifically with the NESs of HIV-1 Rev, human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Rex, and equine infectious anemia virus Rev but not with functionally inactive mutants thereof. REBP is a nuclear protein that colocalizes with Rev in the nucleoplasm and nuclear periphery of transfected cells. Specific, albeit weak, interaction between REBP and Rev could be demonstrated in coimmunoprecipitation assays in BSC-40 cells. REBP can modestly enhance Rev-dependent RRE-linked reporter gene expression both independently and in cooperation with the nucleoporin cofactor Rab/hRIP. Thus, REBP displays the characteristics expected of an authentic mediator of Rev NES function and may play a role in RRE RNA transport during HIV infection.
Looking at Upside-down Faces

Compared memory for faces with memory for other classes of familar and complex objects which, like faces, are also customarily seen only in 1 orientation (mono-oriented). Performance of 4 students was tested when the inspection and test series were presented in the same orientation, either both upri
Molecular Dynamics Study of Thin Water−Acetonitrile Films†

Molecular dynamics simulations are used to generate the composition and orientation profiles for thin, water-acetonitrile films. The liquid−vapor interfaces of the films are found to be acetonitril...
Ca2+-dependent K+ Channels in Bovine Adrenal Chromaffin Cells are Modulated by Lipoxygenase Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid

Fatty acids play an important role in a variety of physiological processes including ion channel modulation and catecholamine release. Using patch-clamp techniques we show that arachidonic acid (AA) is converted to lipoxygenase metabolites (LOMs) to potentiate activity of the Ca2+ and voltage-dependent, large-conductance K+ channel (BK) in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells (BAMCCs). AA and LOM potentiation of BK current and recovery from potentiation were unaffected by the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue AMP-PNP, or by exclusion of nucleotides in excised patch recordings. Also, AA and LOM potentiation of BK channel activity in outside-out patches exposed to strong Ca2+ buffering ruled out cytoplasmic messengers or changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels as causative factors. Lipoxygenase inhibitor attenuated AA, but not LOM potentiation of BK activity in outside-out patches, indicating that lipoxygenase processing of AA is possible in excised membrane patches, possibly via a membrane associated lipoxygenase. AA and LOM release have been implicated in the mechanics of catecholamine secretion from BAMCCs. By limiting action potential duration and thus voltage-gated Ca2+ influx, fatty acid potentiation of BK current may serve an inhibitory feedback function in regulating secretion from BAMCCs.
Response Acceleration in Post-translationally Regulated Genetic Circuits

Abstract Transcription factors must often be chemically modified to perform their functions. Yet, it is not known whether the mechanisms that bring about such modifications impact the quantitative or kinetic properties of gene expression. Phosphorylation controls the activity of regulatory proteins of the two-component system family, which constitutes a prevalent form of bacterial signal transduction. These proteins are phosphorylated/dephosphorylated by cognate sensor proteins in response to specific signals. The phosphorylation level of the regulatory proteins is also modulated by small proteins—termed connectors—that are produced when a cell experiences signals other than those detected directly by the sensors. Here, we explore how differences in the targets (i.e., sensor or regulator) and the mechanisms used by connectors to generate phosphorylated regulatory proteins affect the output of two-component systems. Our mathematical modeling demonstrates that sensor-targeting mechanisms exhibit stronger response acceleration than those where the connector targets the regulator. These differences are robust to perturbations in kinetic parameters but dependent upon the specific sensor-to-regulator ratio and how the ratio is controlled in living cells. In contrast, the steady-state output levels of the circuits are determined primarily by the circuit parameters, and can be adjusted without affecting response acceleration. Likewise, the analyzed connector-mediated circuits exhibit similar noise generation properties. Our results highlight the relationship between the architecture of genetic regulatory circuits and their dynamic properties.
LiSICON – ionic liquid electrolyte for lithium ion battery

Abstract Current lithium-ion batteries (LiB) have limited usefulness in high temperature applications due to the flammability of the organic electrolyte. Alternatively, solid electrolytes can mitigate safety issues and enable high temperature applications. Here, a new solid-state lithium ion battery design is investigated using LiSICON as the electrolyte. To reduce the interfacial resistance between the solid electrolyte and graphite electrode, an ionic liquid was used as the ionic conductor. N-propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (PYR 13 + FSI − ) was used as the ionic liquid due to its high efficiency for lithiation/delithiaion. The cell capacity and efficiency was measured at temperatures from 25 °C to 120 °C. The lithium salt concentration in the ionic liquid was found to change the electrolyte reduction potential. A stable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) was achieved by adjusting the lithium salt concentration in the wetting agent. Impedance spectroscopy was performed to study the cell behavior with different Li salt concentrations at elevated temperature. A carbon anode in a LiSICON cell with 0.75 M LiTFSI/PYR 13 + FSI − had a capacity of 325 mAh g −1 and coulombic efficiency of 99.8% during cycling at 80 °C.
Effect of Culture Temperature on Growth, Survival, and Biochemical Composition of Yellow Perch Perca fiavescens

Juvenile yellow perch Perca fiavescens were evaluated under controlled conditions in tanks for 13 wk to determine the effect of temperature on growth to advanced sizes under intensive culture conditions. Yellow perch weighing 6.6 ± 1.5 g were stocked into nine 4,755-L tanks at 131 fish/m3 (625 perch/tank). There were three replicate tanks per temperature (20, 24, and 28 C). Perch were fed to apparent satiation twice daily using a 45% crude protein diet with 16% crude fat. After 93 d the perch in the 24 C treatment were significantly larger (P < 0.05) than those in the 20 C and 28 C treatments, which were not significantly different (P < 0.05) from each other. Yellow perch raised at 28 C had significantly higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratios and significantly lower (P < 0.05) survival and net protein utilization than perch raised at 20 C or 24 C. Whole body moisture was significantly higher in (P < 0.05) yellow perch raised at 20 C which also had significantly higher levels of arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) and docosohexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3). The ratio of palmitic acid (16:0) and palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-6) had a positive correlation (P < 0.05) with culture temperature. These data indicate that 24 C may be an optimum temperature for yellow perch. At 20 C survival and feed conversion are good but growth rates are reduced. Temperatures near 28 C appear sufficient to represent chronic stress conditions.
EXTENDING THE LIMITS TO ENZYMATIC CATALYSIS : DIFFUSION OF RIBONUCLEASE A IN ONE DIMENSION

Bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A (RNase A) is a distributive endoribonuclease that catalyzes the cleavage of the P-O5' bond of RNA on the 3' side of pyrimidine residues. Here, RNase A is shown to cleave the P-O5' bond of a pyrimidine ribonucleotide faster when the substrate is embedded within a longer tract of poly(adenylic acid) [poly(A)] or poly(deoxyadenylic acid) [poly(dA)]. These data indicate that a ribonuclease can diffuse in one dimension along a single-stranded nucleic acid. This facilitated diffusion is mediated by Coulombic interactions, as the extent is diminished by the addition of NaCl. RNase A is more effective at cleaving a pyrimidine ribonucleotide embedded within a poly(dA) tract than within a poly(deoxycytidylic acid) [poly(dC)] tract. T45G RNase A, which catalyzes the processive cleavage of poly(A) but the distributive cleavage of poly(cytidylic acid) [poly(C)], has the same preference. Apparently, processive catalysis by the T45G enzyme arises from the expanded substrate specificity of the variant superimposed upon an intrinsic ability to diffuse along poly(A). Homologous ribonucleases with cytotoxic activity may rely on facilitated diffusion along poly(A) tails for efficient degradation of the essential information encoded by cellular mRNA.
Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus by Phenolic Phytochemicals of Selected Clonal Herbs Species of Lamiaceae Family and Likely Mode of Action through Proline Oxidation

Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive organism, is responsible for numerous infections ranging in severity from skin and soft tissue infections to endocarditis and septic arthritis. Further, Staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) caused by enterotoxigenic staphylococci is one of the main food-borne diseases. In this study, several single-seed origin clonal lines of herbs from Lamiaceae family were screened for antimicrobial applications against S. aureus. These clonal lines have consistent total phenolic content, phenolic profile and antioxidant activity as opposed to heterogenous phenolic profiles of typical herbal extracts. The clonal extracts of specific herb species were evaluated for anti- S. aureus activity. Water extracts of clonal lemon balm had the highest anti- S. aureus activity followed by clonal extracts of rosemary RoLA, sage, oregano, rosemary Ro-6, rosemary RoK-2 and chocolate mint. The anti- S. aureus activity of the water extracts correlated with gallic acid and caffeic acid content, which...
Biochemical responses during starvation and subsequent recovery in postlarval Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Postlarval shrimp, Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931, were held individually in cages and exposed to two feeding regimes. One group was starved for 12 d and then fed during the following 12 d. A second group was fed throughout the 24 d study. Four individuals were sampled from each of the two groups on Days 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, and 24. Molting and growth among the starved-fed postlarvae stopped after 2 d starvation, while fed postlarvae increased significantly in size throughout the 24 d study. Among the starved-fed postlarvae, water content increased rapidly in response to starvation. DNA and sterol concentrations increased significantly during starvation due to selective catabolism of cellular components. After 12 d, RNA concentration was not significantly different between the fed and starved-fed postlarvae, but became significantly higher in the starved-fed postlarvae 48 h after feeding resumed. Triacylglycerol reserves were severely depleted during the first day of starvation, while protein concentrations began to decrease after the second day of starvation. RNA, protein, and the polyamines spermidine and spermine, when expressed as a ratio to DNA, decreased in response to starvation. Concentrations of all measured parameters in the starved-fed postlarvae returned to levels similar to those in the fed group 8 to 12 d after feeding resumed. Results of this study suggest that triacylglycerol provides energy during short periods of starvation, while protein is utilized during prolonged starvation. The ratios of RNA:DNA, protein:DNA, spermidine:DNA, spermine:DNA, two unidentified amine compounds, and percent water content are all useful indicators of prolonged nutritional stress in postlarval P. vannamei.
Use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of equine Histoplasmosis farciminosi (epizootic lymphangitis)

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was evaluated for the detection of antibody in sera of equine naturally infected with Histoplasma farciminosum ‘epizootic lymphangitis’. Ten sera from naturally infected horses were tested. A hydrogen peroxide ABTS mixture constituted the substrate. The reactions were read as the absorbance values measured at 405 nm using a spectrophotometer. The standard deviation and the average percentage of the absorbance values of the different serum samples were considered in the interpretation of the results. All sera were proved positive with variations in the different samples. Ground preparation of four weeks old growth of the fungus in a phosphate buffer saline was used as antigen. A peroxidase labeled goat anti-equine IgG was used as a conjugate.
Is there a link between mild sleep disordered breathing and psychiatric and psychosomatic disorders

in this issue of Sleep Medicine Reviewsdescribes a theoretical model for a large group of disorders such asfunctional somatic syndromes, anxiety disorders, and substanceabuse. The basic thesis isthatmild sleepdisordered breathing(SDB)is the most likely explanation of all these disorders of “uncertainetiology”. Theoretical models are useful in science and medicine inparticular. Theoretical models include novel ideas and usuallychallengecurrentwisdomandpractice.Suchmodelscanbefertiletothe ﬁeldparticularlyiftheypromote“out of the box” thinking.A basic premise of Gold’s model is the belief that mild SDB, i.e.,upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) or snoring, is verycommon in most of these disorders and may be causally related tothem. However, a careful review of the literature linking SDB tofunctional somatic syndromes and anxiety disorders does notsupport such a statement. Speciﬁcally, the vast majority of studiesthat the author cites are based on self-reported data,
Testing the low latitude/high defense hypothesis for broad-leaved tree species

We tested the hypothesis that leaves of broad-leaved tree species are more highly defended at low latitudes than at high latitudes. We used canonical discriminant analysis to compare tree species from Panama (9°N, 39 species), Missouri, USA (38°N, 37 species), and southern Ontario, Canada (44°N, 34 species) with respect to two structural and five nutritional traits, taking into account each species’ tolerance to shade. Trees from the three locations differed significantly, with Panamanian species the most distinct. Defenses of shade-tolerant species were significantly greater than those of shade-intolerant species, but only for the Panamanian sample, which is consistent with the low latitude/high defense hypothesis. Because we sampled many of the same tree species from Missouri and southern Ontario, and many tree species in the same taxonomic families in Missouri and Panama, we were able to control for the potential confounding effects of phylogeny. Overall defense levels, calculated by summing the z-scores for individual traits in each location, were significantly higher for Panama compared to Missouri, and marginally so for Missouri compared to southern Ontario, again consistent with the low latitude/high defense hypothesis. Traits contributing to these differences were mostly structural factors (e.g., fiber) and to a lesser degree nutritional traits, while secondary compounds made no independent contribution to differences in overall defense levels (four traits compared between Panama and Missouri). Contrary to our expectation, the number and types of secondary compounds per species reported in the literature for our species did not differ between temperate and tropical locations, while the diversity of these compounds was greater for the temperate species. Overall, our results provide some support for the hypothesis that leaf defenses against herbivory are better developed in tropical than in temperate trees, but the differences were due to structural and nutritional factors rather than secondary compounds.
Fourier-transform analysis of radiopharmaceutical data

Abstract A modification of a method of Gardner, which employs Fourier-transform techniques, is used to obtain initial estimates for the number of terms and values of the parameters for data which are represented by a sum of exponential terms. New experimental methods have increased both the amount and accuracy of data from radiopharmaceutical experiments. This in turn allows one to devise specific numerical methods that utilize the better data. The inherent difficulties of fitting exponentials to data, which is an ill-posed problem, cannot be overcome by any method. However, we show that the present accuracy of Fourier methods may be extended by our numerical methods applied to the improved data sets. In many cases the method yields accurate estimates for the parameters; these estimates then are to be used as initial estimates for a nonlinear least-squares analysis of the problem.
Magnetism of Celestial Bodies and Gravitation

BLACKETT‘S formula1 involving a relation between mechanical and electromagnetic quantities seems to indicate a new kind of connexion between gravitation and electromagnetism. This appears more distinctly in Wilson‘s relation : where the charge density σ is associated with the mass density ρ by the Newtonian gravitational constant K. There is no room in Newtonian theory for an explanation of (1). The situation is better in the relativistic theory of gravitation.
Theoretical vibrational frequencies for NHX and CHX reactive intermediates on nickel(100) and nickel(111) surfaces

Abstract Theoretical studies have been performed on CH X and NH X species chemisorbed on threefold and fourfold sites of nickel clusters. From this work we have obtained geometries and vibrational frequencies that can be compared with experimental data concerning these species chemisorbed on Ni(100) and Ni(111) surfaces. These results can be used to help assign the observed losses in EELS spectra for CH on the Ni(111) surface.
Medications as risk factors for periodontal disease

As the United States population ages, people will be taking more medications which may benefit their general health but not necessarily their periodontal health. The effects of medications have been grouped into six categories as follows: behavioral alteration of oral hygiene methods, alteration of plaque composition, effect on gingival tissues, effect on alveolar bone, effect on gingival crevicular fluid, and effect on salivary flow. Although most medications discussed in this paper increase the risk for periodontal disease, a few may actually decrease the risk. These include the effect of Phenytoin on alveolar bone, the antibacterial effect of antibiotics, the anticollagenolytic effects of tetracyclines, and the effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on decreasing alveolar bone resorption. J Periodontol 1996;67:1055-1059.
Tales of the Bazaar: Interest-Based Negotiation Across Cultures

Interest-based negotiation, as popularized by Fisher, Ury, and Patton (1991), is a favored negotiation style of many people in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The author, an American attorney who has traveled widely, assesses how that approach works in different cultural contexts. Using illustrations from his own experiences, the author shows how interest-based techniques work successfully, as well as the limitations of this approach in some situations.