cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nitroalkynes: A Unique Class of Energetic Materials

Forty-five years after their first preparation, nitroalkynes retain interest for their unique chemical behavior and their potential as energetic materials. This review encompasses the physical and spectral properties, synthesis, reactivity, metal complexes, and theoretical studies of nitroalkynes not previously reviewed, and those prepared after 1973. 1 Introduction 2 Physical Properties of Nitroalkynes 3 Spectral Properties of Nitroalkynes 4 Syntheses of Nitroalkynes 4.1 Unsuccessful Attempts 4.1.1 Nitration 4.1.2 Elimination 4.1.3 Retrocycloaddition 4.2 Successful Strategies 4.2.1 Nitration 4.2.2 Elimination 4.2.3 Nucleophilic Displacement 4.2.4 From Triazoles 4.3 Attempts at the Synthesis of Dinitroacetylene 5 Reactions of Nitroalkynes 5.1 Thermal Decomposition 5.2 Nucleophilic Addition 5.3 Cycloaddition 6 Metal Complexes 7 Theoretical Studies 8 Conclusion
Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Versus Applanation Tonometry in Evaluation of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) often develop atherosclerosis at an early age. In the subclinical stage of the process, minimal/non-morphological changes can be noticed, but the arterial wall function can be impaired. Applanation tonometry allows to assess the arterial tree stiffness; however, the Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking (2DST) is an increasingly accepted alternative. This study evaluated arterial wall stiffness using these 2 techniques in children with T1DM. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed applanation tonometry and carotid arteries sonography with evaluation of the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and use of the 2DST in 50 children with T1DM and in 50 healthy sex- and age-matched controls. We also assessed the reliability of 2DST in 10 random subjects. RESULTS Children with T1DM had increased arterial wall stiffness, which was confirmed by tonometry (PWV: p=0.0386) and 2DST (Strain: p=0.0004; Strain rate: p=0.0081). There was no significant difference in cIMT between groups (0.45±0.06 vs. 0.43±0.05, p=0.073 in children with T1DM and controls, respectively). 2DST presented good intraclass correlation coefficient between researchers and within a single researcher. CONCLUSIONS Children with T1DM presenting with subclinical stage of atherosclerosis were found to have arterial wall stiffening. The 2DST, the same as applanation tonometry, allows to recognize this condition but in a more accessible and reproducible manner.
Non-Destructive Dielectric Constant Measurement of Low-Loss Dielectric Slabs Using Wideband Autocorrelation Radiometry

In this paper, a novel technique for measuring the dielectric constant of a low-loss layer without the need for sample preparation is presented. This technique inspired by a passive microwave remote sensing method, known as wideband autocorrelation radiometry (WiBAR), which remotely measures the microwave propagation time difference of multipath microwave emission from low-loss layered surfaces such as dry snowpack and freshwater icepack. This time delay is dependent on the incident angle. Using the measured time delay at two different incident angles, the real part of the dielectric constant and the thickness of the loss-less slab can be directly measured. An X-band instrument fabricated from commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components are used to characterize the freshwater lake ice at the University of Michigan Biological Station. The measurements were performed in H-pol configuration for a lake icepack of about 36 cm from nadir to 59°.
A review of serial coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) to assess plaque progression and therapeutic effect of anti-atherosclerotic drugs

Change in coronary artery plaque on serial catheter intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is an established technique to monitor the therapeutic effect of drugs on coronary atherosclerosis. Recent advances in coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) now allow for non-invasive assessment of change in coronary plaque. Because coronary CTA is noninvasive, it enables clinical trials with lower-risk populations, higher retention rates, and lower costs. This review presents an overview of serial coronary CTA as a noninvasive imaging technique to gauge the therapeutic effect of anti-atherosclerotic therapies. Furthermore, it reviews the increasing use of serial CTA as an imaging endpoint in completed and ongoing clinical trials.
Temporomandibular Disorders and Headache

Temporomandibular disorders and headaches represent two common conditions that afflict a large portion of the population. Their relationship and interaction are controversial. Because the trigeminal nerve serves as the sensory conduit for both disorders, central sensitization may be an important component in explaining how the two disorders interact. It is important that the clinician treating headache and orofacial pain understands that when present together, both the headache and temporomandibular disorder must be addressed to obtain a successful outcome. Discussion of the coexisting relationship is explored with an emphasis on management.
Stratification Risk Analysis in Bridging Patients to Lung Transplant on ECMO: The STABLE Risk Score.

Background No clinically validated tool exists to predict in-hospital mortality in patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to lung transplantation. We generated a quantitative risk assessment tool for these patients. Methods Of 822 patients in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database who required ECMO as bridge to lung transplant between 2004 and 2018, 630 were included in the analysis after exclusion for age Results Six recipient-specific, pretransplant variables were translated into a 24-point score. STABLE scores in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database ranged from 0 to 21, and each point increased the odds of in-hospital mortality by 22.0% (95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.29, P Conclusions The STABLE score is a novel, internally cross-validated tool for risk stratification of patients on ECMO as a bridge to transplant. Its predictive power and accuracy may aid clinical decision-making and improve posttransplant outcomes.
Do Suicidal Behaviors Increase the Capability for Suicide? A Longitudinal Pretest–Posttest Study of More Than 1,000 High-Risk Individuals:

Despite the prominence of the capability-for-suicide construct in suicide research, fundamental hypotheses about its nature and development remain largely untested. In this study, we tested the pri...
Successful biological control of the ambermarked birch leafminer, Profenusa thomsoni (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), in Anchorage, Alaska: Status 15 years after release of Lathrolestes thomsoni (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)

Abstract In Anchorage, Alaska, larvae of the invasive ambermarked birch leafminer (AMBLM), Profenusa thomsoni Konow (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae), are parasitized in leafmines by Lathrolestes thomsoni Reshchikov and L. soperi Reshchikov (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae). The first species was introduced to Alaska from Alberta and the Northwest Territories of Canada beginning in 2004 after it was noted to be associated with the collapse of an outbreak of AMBLM in Alberta. The second species, L. soperi, was described in 2010 after it was found attacking AMBLM larvae in mines in Anchorage. In previous studies, we documented that after the release of L. thomsoni in Anchorage, AMBLM densities declined from 70% leaves mined in 2006, to 19% in 2011, and that parasitism of AMBLM larvae in mines by the two Lathrolestes species combined rose from 8% in 2006 to 32% in 2011. Here we conduct another post-release survey and find that the percentage of leaves mined has been reduced even further to 9%, and that parasitism rates by the Lathrolestes species have reached 70% in 2019. We then used DNA sequencing to determine the relative dominance of the two species of Lathrolestes by dissecting out individual parasitoid eggs or larvae from 249 parasitized AMBLM larvae collected in August 2019. In total, 207 parasitoid eggs or larvae were successfully sequenced and identified from 200 leafminer larvae, of which seven were supernumerary larvae in four host larvae. DNA sequencing indicated that of AMBLM larvae that were parasitized, 71% (n = 142) were parasitized by L. thomsoni, and 29% (n = 58) were parasitized by L. soperi. AMBLM now appears to be at non-pest densities at most sites in Anchorage, with the majority of biological control services provided by the introduced L. thomsoni.
Checkpoint Inhibition Therapy in Transplant-Ineligible Relapsed or Refractory Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma

The checkpoint inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab are principal treatment options for relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma. In patients who decline autologous stem-cell transplantation or who are unsuited for high-dose chemotherapy and subsequent autologous stem-cell transplantation because of comorbidities, the use of checkpoint inhibitors may improve overall survival and have a manageable side effect profile. This clinical review provides an evidence-based summary to guide practicing oncologists in the use of checkpoint inhibitors in relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma and includes checkpoint inhibitor efficacy and adverse effect profiles. We highlight the use of checkpoint inhibitors in the management of relapsed or refractory classic Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who are ineligible for an autologous stem-cell transplant with the goal of improving disease control while limiting adverse events.
Effect of Increasing Dietary High Protein Distillers Dried Grains on Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Performance

This study evaluated high-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG; 40% CP) as a direct replacer for fishmeal (herring FM; 72%CP) in juvenile Yellow Perch (YEP) Perca flavescens diets in a 105-day f...
Avoiding Misdiagnosis of Abdominal Vascular Catastrophes

Abdominal vascular emergencies are an uncommon entity in emergency medicine, but when they present, they are often catastrophic. These time-sensitive and life-threatening diagnoses are often hidden in nonspecific complaints such as nausea, vomiting, or flank pain, so the emergency physician must remain diligent and consider these in the differential diagnoses. The following is an overview of the more common of these abdominal vascular emergencies, in the hope that they help the Emergency Physician avoid the misdiagnosis and subsequent vascular catastrophe that would follow.
Concentration and mindfulness meditations: unique forms of consciousness?

Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings from 19 scalp recording sites were used to differentiate among two posited unique forms of mediation, concentration and mindfulness, and a normal relaxation control condition. Analyzes of all traditional frequency bandwidth data (i.e., delta 1-3 Hz; theta, 4-7 Hz; alpha, 8-12 Hz; beta 1, 13-25 Hz; beta 2, 26-32 Hz) showed strong mean amplitude frequency differences between the two meditation conditions and relaxation over numerous cortical sites. Furthermore, significant differences were obtained between concentration and mindfulness states at all bandwidths. Taken together, our results suggest that concentration and mindfulness "meditations" may be unique forms of consciousness and are not merely degrees of a state of relaxation.
Molecular defect in factor IXBm Lake Elsinore. Substitution of Ala390 by Val in the catalytic domain.

Abstract Earlier studies with factor IXBm Lake Elsinore (IXBmLE), a nonfunctional variant of factor IX, suggested that the defect in this protein may reside in the catalytic domain of the molecule (Usharani, P., Warn-Cramer, B. J., Kasper, C. K., and Bajaj, S. P. (1985) J. Clin. Invest. 75, 76-83). In this report, genomic DNA fragments from normal IX and IXBmLE alleles were cloned into phage lambda EMBL3 and the recombinant phage identified using normal IX cDNA and synthetic oligonucleotides. Exons VI, VII, and VIII of normal IX and IXBmLE gene were also amplified using a newly developed primer-directed polymerase chain reaction method. All eight exons and flanking regions of the normal IX and IXBmLE gene were sequenced by the dideoxy chain termination method. Comparison of the normal IX and IXBmLE sequences revealed a single base substitution (C----T) in the exon VIII of the BmLE variant, which results in the replacement of Ala390 by Val in the variant molecule. Although this mutation is in the catalytic domain of the molecule, purified factor IXaBmLE is indistinguishable from normal IXa in its activity toward a small synthetic substrate, L-tosylarginine methyl ester. These data, coupled with the previous data, identify a region (around residue 390) in the normal factor IXa which appears to play a major role in the extended macromolecular substrate binding site.
Multidimensional attitudes of medical residents and geriatrics fellows toward older people.

Objectives: To examine dimensions of a validated instrument measuring geriatric attitudes of primary care residents and performances on these dimensions between residents and fellows. Design: Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Setting: An academic medical center. Participants: Two hundred thirty-eight primary care residents (n=177) and geriatrics fellows (n=61) participated in the study from 1995 to 2000. Measurements: A 14-item, 5-point Likert scale previously validated for measuring primary care residents' attitudes toward older people and geriatric patient care was used. Results: Factor analysis showed four dimensions of the scale, labeled Social Value, Medical Care (MC), Compassion (CP), and Resource Distribution, which demonstrated acceptable reliability. Both groups of subjects showed significantly (P 3) attitudes across the dimensions and times, except for residents, who had near-neutral (mean=3) attitudes on MC. Residents' mean attitude scores on the overall scale and the MC and CP subscales were significantly (P<.001) lower than those of fellows over time. Residents and fellows showed different change patterns in attitudes over time. Residents' attitudes generally improved during the first 2 years of training, whereas fellows' attitudes declined slightly. Personal experience was a strong predictor of residents' attitudes toward older patients. Ethnicity, academic specialty, professional experience, and career interest in geriatrics were also associated with residents' attitude scores. Conclusion: The multidimensional analysis of the scale contributes to better understanding of medical trainees' attitudes and sheds light on educational interventions.
Using automated reasoning to connect mathematics with computer science: conference workshop

A certain island contains two types of people: knights who always tell the truth and knaves who always lie. You land on the island and meet three inhabitants, Al, Bob, and Charlie. You ask Al, "Are you a truth-teller or a liar?" He mumbles something that you cannot make out. You ask Bob what Al said. Bob replies, "Al said he is a liar". Charlie then volunteers, "Dont't believe Bob, he's lying!" What type of people are Al, Bob, and Charlie?
Satisfaction, length of residence, and per capita multiplier models.

Several observers have suggested that the "turnaround migration stream" may have significant impacts upon nonmetropolitan communities. As the population of these communities grows, the demands on the public sector for goods and services also increases, ...
Extracellular polysaccharide is required for wild-type virulence of Pseudomonas solanacearum.

Several Pseudomonas solanacearum strains which produced no detectable extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) in planta had been reported to remain highly virulent when tested at high inoculum concentrations (P. Xu, M. Iwata, S. Leong, and L. Sequeira, J. Bacteriol. 172:3946-3951, 1990; P. Xu, S. Leong, and L. Sequeira, J. Bacteriol. 170:617-622, 1988). Two of these mutants, KD700 and KD710, have now been molecularly and genetically mapped to the EPSI gene cluster described by Denny and Baek (Mol. Plant-Microbe Interact. 4:198-206, 1991). When a range of inoculum concentrations was used, these two mutants and all other EPS-defective mutants tested were found to be reduced in virulence to eggplants and tobacco relative to the wild-type strain. Thus, EPS consistently is required for the wild-type level of virulence in P. solanacearum. Images
Two-level JPDA-NN and NN-JPDA tracking algorithms

Two-level joint probabilistic data-association (JPDA)-nearest neighborhood (NN) and NN-JPDA target tracking algorithms are presented in this paper. Computational efficiency is achieved and advantages of both JPDA and NN are combined.
Pathologic quiz case: a 30-year-old man with recurrent pneumonia. Intralobar bronchopulmonary sequestration.

30-year-old African American man presented to the hospital with a 2-week history of a productive cough, shortness of breath, chills, hemoptysis, and pleuritic chest pain in the left posterior chest. His past medical history was significant for moderate alcohol consumption, recurrent pneumonias, smoking one-half pack of cigarettes per day for 15 years, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis exposure with positive purified protein derivative. Physical examination revealed an area of dullness to percussion in the left lower lung field with diminished breath sounds. No wheezes, rales, or rhonchi were noted. Laboratory workup, including complete blood count and electrolyte levels, was within normal limits. Pulmonary function testing showed severe restriction of forced and slow vital capacities with superimposed airflow obstruction. Chest radiographs were obtained that revealed near complete whiteout of the left lower lung field. Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic scan of the chest revealed an enhancing, inhomogeneous lesion, 7.5 3 6 cm in size, in the left lower lobe (Figure 1, white arrow) with what appeared to be a branch of the aorta penetrating the mass (Figure 1,
Storage area network applications

A complimentary approach to SANs known as network attached storage (NAS) relies on IP protocols like Gigabit Ethernet to interconnect application servers with storage appliances. NAS does not segregate storage traffic from other types of IP data, and is typically optimized for smaller data packet transfers, using file protocols rather than block protocols (the maximum data block size for Gigabit Ethernet is 9 kilobytes using jumbo frames). The principle benefit of NAS is its flexibility and ease of installation; storage appliances are designed to "plug and play" on existing local area networks (LANs) with a minimum of effort.
Evaluation of critical structural elements of UDP-sugar substrates and certain cysteine residues of a vertebrate hyaluronan synthase

Abstract The hyaluronan (HA) synthases catalyze the addition of two different monosaccharides from UDP-sugar substrates to the linear heteropolysaccharide chain. To accomplish this task, the HA synthases must be able to bind and to transfer from both UDP-sugar substrates. Until now, it has been impossible to distinguish between these two abilities. We have created a mutant of xlHAS1, a HA synthase from Xenopus laevis, that allows for the examination of the enzyme's ability to bind substrate only. The ability of different compounds to protect the xlHAS1(C337S) mutant enzyme from loss of activity due to treatment with N-ethylmaleimide, a cysteine-modifying reagent, yields information on the relative affinity of a variety of nucleotides and nucleotide-sugars. We have observed that the substrate binding selectivity is more relaxed than the specificity of catalytic transfer. The only attribute that appears to be absolutely required for binding is a nucleotide containing two phosphates complexed with magnesium ion. The role of certain cysteine residues in catalysis was also evaluated. Cys307 of xlHAS1 may play a role in catalysis or in maintaining structure. Mutation of Cys337 raises the UDP-GlcUA Michaelis constant (K m), suggesting that this residue participates in UDP-GlcUA substrate binding or in catalytic complex formation.
Metabolic engineering of lactate dehydrogenase rescues mice from acidosis

Acidosis causes millions of deaths each year and strategies for normalizing the blood pH in acidosis patients are greatly needed. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) pathway has great potential for treating acidosis due to its ability to convert protons and pyruvate into lactate and thereby raise blood pH, but has been challenging to develop into a therapy because there are no pharmaceutical-based approaches for engineering metabolic pathways in vivo. In this report we demonstrate that the metabolic flux of the LDH pathway can be engineered with the compound 5-amino-2-hydroxymethylphenyl boronic acid (ABA), which binds lactate and accelerates the consumption of protons by converting pyruvate to lactate and increasing the NAD(+)/NADH ratio. We demonstrate here that ABA can rescue mice from metformin induced acidosis, by binding lactate, and increasing the blood pH from 6.7 to 7.2 and the blood NAD(+)/NADH ratio by 5 fold. ABA is the first class of molecule that can metabolically engineer the LDH pathway and has the potential to have a significant impact on medicine, given the large number of patients that suffer from acidosis.
Hydrogen production in photosynthetic microbial mats in the Elkhorn Slough estuary, Monterey Bay.

Hydrogen (H2) release from photosynthetic microbial mats has contributed to the chemical evolution of Earth and could potentially be a source of renewable H2 in the future. However, the taxonomy of H2-producing microorganisms (hydrogenogens) in these mats has not been previously determined. With combined biogeochemical and molecular studies of microbial mats collected from Elkhorn Slough, Monterey Bay, California, we characterized the mechanisms of H2 production and identified a dominant hydrogenogen. Net production of H2 was observed within the upper photosynthetic layer (0–2 mm) of the mats under dark and anoxic conditions. Pyrosequencing of rRNA gene libraries generated from this layer demonstrated the presence of 64 phyla, with Bacteriodetes, Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria dominating the sequences. Sequencing of rRNA transcripts obtained from this layer demonstrated that Cyanobacteria dominated rRNA transcript pyrotag libraries. An OTU affiliated to Microcoleus spp. was the most abundant OTU in both rRNA gene and transcript libraries. Depriving mats of sunlight resulted in an order of magnitude decrease in subsequent nighttime H2 production, suggesting that newly fixed carbon is critical to H2 production. Suppression of nitrogen (N2)-fixation in the mats did not suppress H2 production, which indicates that co-metabolic production of H2 during N2-fixation is not an important contributor to H2 production. Concomitant production of organic acids is consistent with fermentation of recently produced photosynthate as the dominant mode of H2 production. Analysis of rRNA % transcript:% gene ratios and H2-evolving bidirectional [NiFe] hydrogenase % transcript:% gene ratios indicated that Microcoelus spp. are dominant hydrogenogens in the Elkhorn Slough mats.
Emerging role of alpha-lipoic acid in the prevention and treatment of bone loss

Osteoporosis is a chronic disease associated with decreased bone density that afflicts millions of people worldwide. Current pharmacological treatments are limited, costly, and linked to several negative side effects. These factors are driving current interest in the clinical use of naturally occurring bioactive compounds to mitigate bone loss. Alpha-lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant and essential member of mitochondrial dehydrogenases, has shown considerable promise as an antiosteoclastogenic agent due to its potent reactive oxygen species-scavenging capabilities along with a proven clinical safety record. Collectively, current data indicate that alpha-lipoic acid protects from bone loss via a 2-pronged mechanism involving inhibition of osteoclastogenic reactive oxygen species generation and upregulation of redox gene expression.
The fine structure of the labellar chemosensory hairs of the blowfly, Phormia regina Meig

Abstract By means of electron micrographs it has been clearly demonstrated that there are always at least three nerve fibres present in the small, thick-walled chamber of the chemosensory hair on the blowfly labellum. Where there are four, five, and six nerve cells in the epidermal complex there are three, four, and five fibres in the hair. The trichogen and tormogen cells plus the sense cells make a possibility of eight cells being present in the epidermal cell complex. One of the nerve fibres terminates at the base of the hair, possibly to serve as a mechano-receptor. There is a scolopoid body or cuticular sheath through which the nerve fibres pass as they ascend to the shaft of the hair. The epidermal cell complex associated with each hair is made up of the trichogen, tormogen, and nerve cell bodies. Each epidermal cell complex is surrounded by a syncytial layer of heavily pigmented tissue. The nerve cells and fibres are completely separated from the cytoplasm of the trichogen cell. The entire epidermal cell complex is enclosed in a membrane which is continuous with the proximal nerve fibres. Physiological evidence supports the morphological evidence that more than one species of hair is present on the labellum of the blowfly Phormia regina .
Newborn screening residual dried blood spot use for newborn screening quality improvement

The outcomes of a meeting that focused on the role of the residual dried blood spots from newborn screening for uses in the improvement of newborn screening are reported. Discussions of policy development, such as this one, begin by identifying the problem to be solved; in this case, it is achieving common ground to develop consistent policies for the use of residual dried blood spots, such that their benefits to the public's health and the health of children are amplified, and harms are minimized. Similarly, the issue must be considered contextually. The example of newborn screening for phenylketonuria was used to highlight the issues in the context of the condition with the longest history in newborn screening. Principles and recommendations for the use of the residual dried blood spot were developed.
Effects of four agricultural pesticides on Daphnia pulex, Lemna minor, and Potamogeton pectinatus.

Etude de la toxicite des herbicides glyphosate, alachlor et atrazine et de l'insecticide carbofuranne sur D. p. et L. m. et examen des effets de ces 4 pesticides sur le bourgeonnement et la croissance des tubercules de Potamogeton pectinatus. Toxicite de ces composes en presence ou non de sediments en suspension
Roles for SKN7 response regulator in stress resistance, conidiation and virulence in the citrus pathogen Alternaria alternata.

Abstract “Two-component” histidine kinase (HSK1) is the primary regulator of resistance to sugar osmotic stress and sensitivity to dicarboximide or phenylpyrrole fungicides in the citrus fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. On the other hand, the mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1 confers resistance solely to salts and oxidative stress. We report here independent and shared functions of the SKN7-mediated signaling pathway with HSK1 and HOG1. SKN7, a putative transcription downstream regulator of HSK1, is primarily required for cellular resistance to oxidative and sugar-induced osmotic stress. SKN7, perhaps acting in parallel with HOG1, is required for resistance to H2O2, tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and cumyl peroxide, but not to the superoxide-generating compounds – menadione, potassium superoxide, and diamide. Because of phenotypic commonalities, SKN7 is likely involved in resistance to sugar-induced osmotic stress via the HSK1 signaling pathway. However, mutants lacking SKN7 displayed wild-type sensitivity to NaCl and KCl salts. SKN7 is constitutively localized in the nucleus regardless of H2O2 treatment. When compared to the wild type, skn7 mutants exhibited lower catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities and induced significantly fewer necrotic lesions on the susceptible citrus cultivar. The skn7 mutant exhibited fungicide resistance at levels between the hsk1 and the hog1 mutant strains. Skn7/hog1 double mutants exhibited fungicide resistance, similar to the strain with a single AaHSK1 gene mutation. Moreover, the A. alternata SKN7 plays a role in conidia formation. Conidia produced by the skn7 mutant are smaller and have fewer transverse septae than those produced by wild type. All altered phenotypes in the mutant were restored by introducing and expressing a wild-type copy of SKN7 under control of the endogenous promoter.
Asymmetric aldol condensation as a route to polypropionate derived pheromones

The synthesis of the polypropionate-derived pheromones sitophilate (1) and sitophilure (2) are described using an asymmetric aldol condensation as the key step to adduct 6; compound 6 was smoothly converted to the antipodes of each pheromone. This procedure can be expanded to more complicated structures with the same type of syn configuration such as stegobinone (3) and serricornin (4).
Attributions of Deviance to Self and Peers by Japanese and U.S. Students

The author examined self-enhancement bias among 5th and 11th graders in the United States and Japan. After listening to stories describing aggressive, depressive, oppositional, and school-phobic behaviors of hypothetical peers, the participants rated the likelihood that they themselves and other students their age would act like the story protagonists. The U.S. students generally showed no greater self-enhancement tendencies than did the Japanese students; in addition, the relationships between positive and negative self-concepts and ratings of self-similarity to deviant exemplars were similar in both samples. In the depressed and oppositional stories, the 11th graders rated themselves less like the deviant characters and more different from their peers than did the 5th graders.
Multiplatform information-based sensor management: an inverted UAV demonstration

This paper describes an experimental demonstration of a distributed, decentralized, low communication sensor management algorithm. We first review the mathematics surrounding the method, which includes a novel combination of particle filtering for predictive density estimation and information theory for maximizing information flow. Earlier work has shown the utility via Monte Carlo simulations. Here we present a laboratory demonstration to illustrate the utility and to provide a stepping stone toward full-up implementation. To that end, we describe an inverted Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) test-bed developed by The General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems (GDAIS) Michigan Research and Development Center (MRDC) to facilitate and promote the maturation of the research algorithm into an operational, field-able system. Using a modular design with wheeled robots as surrogates to UAVs, we illustrate how the method is able to detect and track moving targets over a large surveillance region by tasking a collection of limited field of view sensors.
Representations and Stochastic Processes on Groups of Type-H

Abstract We find realizations of Lie algebras of "type-H" as vectors fields. These are used in a novel approach to representing group elements as products of one-parameter subgroups (splitting formula) and for finding polynomial matrix elements of representations for the Lie group, in particular irreducible representations. Special classes of polynomials, Appell systems, and polynomial solutions to heat equations (via a Feynman-Kac type formula) are found. Additionally, we show that the Lie algebra generates Gaussian random variables. The general form of stochastic processes on the group is given, and Brownian motion is discussed in particular.
A binary-flashing geothermal power plant

Abstract A novel type of binary geothermal installation is analyzed. It would increase the work obtained by more than 20%. This installation utilizes partial evaporation of the secondary fluid and flashing of the remaining liquid. Freon, ammonia and isobutane are examined as secondary fluids for the new installation. They all yield superior thermodynamic performance with respect to a conventional binary unit because the binary-flashing installation optimizes two parameters rather than one only. It also appears that the new installation is economically advantageous over existing installations.
Reflection Mounts For Transmission Holograms: Format Compatibility Issues

Transmission-and reflection-mode holograms each have distinctive characteristics that merit them special roles in holographic imaging applications. For white-light illumination, "rainbow" transmission holograms generally offer brighter and deeper images, with higher resolution, than their reflection analogs. But a significant advantage of reflection holograms is that they can be hung directly on walls, like photographs and paintings, to be illuminated by a simple overhead spotlight. That is, their display format is compatible with established practice in other fine art domains. For non-specialists, especially in homes and small galleries, format familiarity and conservation of space are compelling factors, and severely limit the competitiveness of transmission holograms. Format compatibility also diminishes the "exotic-ness" of holograms, and the visibility of their installation, helping the viewer better appreciate the impact of the holographic three-dimensional image without unnecessary distraction.
Epigenetic aspects of centromere function in plants

Centromeres were once thought to be boring structures on the chromosome involved with transmission through mitosis and meiosis. Recent data from a wide spectrum of organisms reveal an epigenetic component to centromere specification in that they can become inactive easily or form over unique DNA as neocentromeres. However, the constancy of centromere repeats at primary constrictions in most species, the fact that these repeats are transcribed and incorporated into the kinetochore, and the phenomenon of reactivation of formerly inactive centromeres at the same chromosomal sites suggests some type of role of DNA sequence or configuration in establishing the site of kinetochores. Here we present evidence for epigenetic and structural aspects involved with centromere activity in plants.
Abstract 3335: The potential role of lateral inhibition in the maintenance of glioblastoma cancer stem cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Glioblastoma (GBM) is a malignant cancer of the central nervous system. Tumor cells are highly resistant to conventional therapies and tumors always recur. Cancer stem cells are thought to be critical for long-term growth and therapeutic resistance of GBM. It is therefore important to understand the signaling mechanisms maintaining GBM cancer stem cells. Notch is known to be an important signaling pathway during neural development, and can promote the maintenance of stem and progenitor cells via the process of lateral inhibition. Lateral inhibition is a contact-dependent signaling mechanism by which some cells within a field remain stem-like while others differentiate. In normal development, Notch ligands initiate this process by binding to the receptor on an adjacent cell, signaling to this neighbor to remain undifferentiated. Although Notch is known to be a critical player in the maintenance of stem-like cancer cells in various tumor types, including GBM, it is not known if the mechanism of lateral inhibition is also conserved in neural cancer stem cells. To test this hypothesis, we engineered a model system where isogenic cells expressing low and high levels of the Jag1 ligand are co-cultured followed by flow-based separation and determination of Notch pathway activity in each respective population. These experiments suggest that lateral inhibition is conserved in GBM. In the GBM neurosphere lines HSR-GBM1 and 040821, co-culture induced expression of Notch targets Hes5 and Hey1 in Jag1-low “signal receiving” cells and inhibited expression of these targets in Jag1-overexpressing “signal sending” isogenic cells. Preliminary experiments suggest that the ligand intracellular domain (ICD) is involved in this process. Our data suggest conservation of a developmental mechanism regulating Notch activation in cancer, and may affect our understanding of how to treat Notch-dependent tumors. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3335. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-3335
Kinetics and cofactor requirements for the nitroreductive metabolism of 1-nitropyrene and 3-nitrofluoranthene by rabbit liver aldehyde oxidase

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are environmental pollutants that have been shown to arise from a variety of sources, including diesel exhaust emissions and urban air. Most of these compounds are mutagenic in in vitro tests, and several have been shown to be carcinogenic in animals. We have investigated the kinetics of the metabolism of two of these compounds, 1-nitropyrene and 3-nitrofluoranthene, using rabbit liver aldehyde oxidase, an enzyme that has been shown to catalyze the bioactivation of 1-nitropyrene. The nitro-reduction of 20 microM [4,5,9,10-3H]1-nitropyrene or 20 microM [4-3H]3-nitrofluoranthene by aldehyde oxidase required the presence of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) or flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), and was inhibited by oxygen in a concentration-dependent manner. In contrast, the aldehyde oxidase oxidation of the electron donor 1-methylnicotinamide did not require FMN or FAD, indicating that the aldehyde oxidase was not isolated as an apoenzyme. The aldehyde oxidase Km and Vmax for 1-nitropyrene were 4.2 microM and 16.3 pmol/min/unit enzyme, while the respective values for 3-nitrofluoranthene nitroreduction were 1.9 microM and 5.4 pmol/min/unit enzyme. The requirement for flavins in the nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene and 3-nitrofluoranthene suggests that reduced free flavins may be required in cytosolic nitroreduction of 1-nitropyrene and 3-nitrofluoranthene. More importantly, the inhibition of nitroreduction by concentrations of oxygen that are representative of intracellular concentrations strongly suggests that the reasons for the apparent lack of 1-nitropyrene nitroreduction in vivo may be due to oxygen-mediated oxidation of a reduced metabolite of 1-nitropyrene.
Gender differences in injury and illness rates on wilderness backpacking trips

Wilderness participation has increased substantially in the last 50 years. The percentage of female wilderness participants has also increased. Females now comprise over 50% of the participants in many backcountry activities. Despite this rise in wilderness participation, limited epidemiological research exists on wilderness injuries and illnesses. Even fewer studies exist which have examined the influence of gender on wilderness injury and illness rates. In this study, self-reported injury and illness data were collected from participants on Colorado Outward Bound School's (COBS) 23-day alpine courses during the spring and summer of 1993. Information was gathered on participant gender, individual injury and illness rates, and individual reporting habits. Of the 343 participants who completed surveys, 85–94% sustained some sort of injury and 69% became ill at some point during their wilderness experience. Although males and females were found to experience similar frequencies of illness, it was found that females experienced a significantly higher rate of injury than males. Males and females did not differ in their likelihood to report an injury or illness. However, males reported significantly fewer injuries to mixed-gender (female/male) leader pairs than to single-gender (male/male or female/female) leader pairs. The results of this study support previous literature in finding that the most common wilderness injuries were soft tissue injuries. These results also suggest that improving current prevention strategies and examining the effect of leadership on wilderness participants' accurate and honest communication of health problems could be advantageous to future programs.
Electron-Optical Investigations on Montmorillonites—I. Cheto, Camp-Berteaux and Wyoming Montmorillonites

Other layer silicates are consistently present as impurities in natural montmorillonite samples. They have a distinctly different morphology from the common montmorillonite particles. The selected area electron diffraction (SAD) of these impurities display unusually sharp spot patterns with triclinic, monoclinic and hexagonal symmetries. These impurities are most likely micas, which are easily detectable with X-rays in the coarser fractions (> 10 µm) of the samples.
Dendrimer molecules with record large two-photon absorption cross section.

We report what is to our knowledge a record high value for an intrinsic two-photon absorption (TPA) cross section, σ2=11×10-47 cm4 s photon-1 molecule-1, measured with femtosecond pulses in a new dendrimer molecule comprising 29 repeat units of 4,4′-bis(diphenylamino)stilbene chromophore. We measure the dependence of TPA on excitation wavelength in three consecutive generations of the dendrimer and show that the maximum σ2 value increases faster than the total number of stilbene chromophores. This result indicates that it is possible to obtain even larger σ2 values in higher generations of this dendrimer family.
Effect of propeller slipstream on the drag and performance of the engine cooling system for a general aviation twin-engine aircraft

The pressure recovery of incoming cooling air and the drag associated with engine cooling of a typical general aviation twin-engine aircraft was investigated experimentally. The semispan model was mounted vertically in the 40- by 80-Foot Wind Tunnel at Ames Research Center. The propeller was driven by an electric motor to provide thrust with low vibration levels for the cold-flow configuration. It was found that the propeller slipstream reduces the frontal air spillage around the blunt nacelle shape. Consequently, this slipstream effect promotes flow reattachment at the rear section of the engine nacelle and improves inlet pressure recovery. These effects are most pronounced at high angles of attack, that is, climb condition. For the cruise condition those improvements were more moderate.
Psychological Conditions & Engagement: An Integrated Model of Transformational Leadership

Although transformational leadership scholars have focused on various motivational mechanism through which leaders influence follower performance, this stream of work has yet to fully integrate the...
The nephrotic syndrome of infancy.

. Bouton, J. M., and Coulter, J. B. S. (Departments of Pathology and Child Health, Alder Hey Children's Hospital, Liverpool, England). The nephrotic syndrome of infancy. Acta Paediatr Scand, 63:769, 1974.—Nine cases of the nephrotic syndrome occurring in infancy in the years 1954–70 are presented. Clinical, laboratory and histological data are documented. Although they do not form a homogeneous group an effort is made to group them particularly as to their resemblance to the congenital nephrotic syndrome as found in Finland. The histology of microglomeruli and ectasia of the renal tubules, though distinctive, can be seen in other renal diseases. The mechanism of virtually inevitable death and the suddenness of death is discussed and suggestions are made as to supportive therapy, particularly regular gamma globulin injections, for prophylaxis against infection.
Deciphering whale origins with molecules and fossils

Recent efforts by paleontologists to find fossils that record the origin of whales have yielded an impressive collection of transitional forms from the Eocene. Simultaneously, molecular biologists have dramatically increased the genetic information relevant to whale phylogeny. Combined analyses of the available data indicate areas of congruence but also gross conflict between characters from extinct and extant organisms. The incongruence underscores key areas where data have yet to be collected or merged in a combined phylogenetic framework. Continued synthesis of molecular and paleontological evidence is the strongest test of phylogenetic hypotheses, and provides a solid foundation for scenarios of adaptation related to this remarkable macroevolutionary transformation.
The osmotic behavior and permeability to non-electrolytes of mitochondria.

Abstract The volume changes of rat liver mitochondria exposed to hypotonic solutions or to solutions of penetrating non-electrolytes were studied by direct estimation of mitochondrial volume from photomicrographs and by changes in optical density of mitochondrial suspensions. The data permit the following conclusions about the osmotic behavior and permeability of these particles. 1. 1. Mitochondria undergo reversible volume changes in anisotonic solutions. 2. 2. Minor secondary changes of undetermined origin also occur. 3. 3. Mitochondria obey osmotic (Boyle-van't Hoff) law. 4. 4. They contain a substantial amount (40–50%) of material which does not participate in volume changes. 5. 5. There appears to be little leakage of osmotically active solute from mitochondria during short exposure to hypotonic solutions. 6. 6. A simple, empirical relation between the optical density of a mitochondrial suspension and mitochondrial volume has been established. 7. 7. Non-electrolytes permeate the mitochondria and thereby induce reversible osmotic volume changes. 8. 8. The rate of penetration is correlated with the olive oil/water partition coefficient of the compound. 9. 9. The permeability constants of the substances studied are quantitatively similar to those found for typical cells. 10. 10. Mitochondria possess a semipermeable membrane which probably contains a high proportion of lipide.
Do summaries help

We describe a task-based evaluation to determine whether multi-document summaries measurably improve user performance whe using online news browsing systems for directed research. We evaluated the multi-document summaries generated by Newsblaster, a robust news browsing system that clusters online news articles and summarizes multiple articles on each event. Four groups of subjects were asked to perform the same time-restricted fact-gathering tasks, reading news under different conditions: no summaries at all, single sentence summaries drawn from one of the articles, Newsblaster multi-document summaries, and human summaries. Our results show that, in comparison to source documents only, the quality of reports assembled using Newsblaster summaries was significantly better and user satisfaction was higher with both Newsblaster and human summaries.