cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Penetration of the mosquito midgut is not required for Brugia pahangi microfilariae to avoid the melanotic encapsulation response of Armigeres subalbatus.

Insect vectors of disease have the capacity to respond to, and prevent further development of, parasites and pathogens using a response known as melanotic encapsulation. The naturally-occurring Armigeres subalbatus-Brugia spp. system provides an excellent way to investigate melanotic encapsulation and immune recognition in a mosquito host, because Brugia malayi microfilariae (mf) acquired via a blood meal are rapidly melanized in the body cavity of Ar. subalbatus, but Brugia pahangi mf evade or suppress the immune response and develop normally into infective stage larvae. Previous studies have suggested that B. pahangi mf are changed in some manner in the process of exiting the mosquito gut, thereby facilitating escape from, or suppression of, the melanotic encapsulation response. By inoculating mosquitoes with parasites, thus circumventing the midgut, we show that ∼88% of B. pahangi mf escape the melanotic encapsulation response while approximately 90% of inoculated B. malayi mf are melanized. Methods to isolate parasites for this procedure are described. These results mimic those observed in Ar. subalbatus against Brugia spp. mf that are ingested following blood feeding, and demonstrate that midgut penetration is not required for B. pahangi mf to avoid the melanotic encapsulation response of Ar. subalbatus.
Flexible automation investments: a synthesis of two multi-objective modeling approaches

Abstract In this paper, an economic evaluation methodology based on the synthesis of two multi-objective modeling approaches is presented for flexible automation investments. The procedure combines a general mixed integer goal programming (GP) formulation with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to utilize both optimization and evaluation capabilities. The problem involves deriving the optimal implementation sequence for new, CNC modules and tooling, replacement schedule for current equipment, as well as production plans for transition and later periods in the planning horizon. Several types of flexibility are considered in the model, which attempts to meet several, conflicting financial and strategic goals of the firm.
Disruption of Potential α-Helix in the G Loop of the Guinea: Pig 5-Hydroxytryptamine2 Receptor Does Not Prevent Receptor Coupling to Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis

Heterogeneity of the 5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2) receptor across species has been implicated in several pharmacological and physiological studies. Although 5-HT2 receptors in the rat have been linked to increases in phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis, little evidence exists to support the association of guinea pig 5-HT2 receptors with PI hydrolysis, the second messenger generally linked with 5-HT2 receptors. In the present study, we have taken a molecular and biochemical approach to determining whether species differences in brain 5-HT2 receptors exist between rat and guinea pig. First, we isolated partial cortical 5-HT2 receptor cDNA clones that encompassed the third intracellular loop, a receptor area putatively important in receptor-effector coupling. The amino acid sequences deduced from the cDNA clones for rat and guinea pig brain 5-HT2 receptor were 97% homologous. However, the guinea pig 5-HT2 receptor had two tandem substitutions that disrupted a potential alpha helix in the region of the third cytoplasmic loop, which theoretically could alter the intracellular coupling of the guinea pig cortical 5-HT2 receptor. Because of these molecular differences, we examined further the pharmacological activation of the brain 5-HT2 receptor from guinea pig. 5-HT and the 5-HT2 receptor agonist alpha-methyl-5-HT increased PI hydrolysis in guinea pig cortical slices whereas the 5-HT1C receptor agonist 5-methyltryptamine was significantly less potent. In addition, the 5-HT2 receptor antagonists LY53857, ketanserin, and spiperone blocked 5-HT-stimulated PI hydrolysis. These pharmacological data suggested that activation of the 5-HT2 receptor in guinea pig cortical slices was associated with PI hydrolysis. Thus, although areas of the guinea pig brain 5-HT2 receptor that influence receptor-effector coupling were different from the rat, such differences were not critical to receptor-effector coupling because, as in the rat, guinea pig brain 5-HT2 receptors were also coupled to PI hydrolysis.
Evaluation of Lolium temulentum as a model grass species for the study of salinity stress by PCR-based subtractive suppression hybridization analysis

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses responsible for reduced persistence, yield and biomass accumulation in many crops including forage grass. Forage grass species are generally polymorphic, obligate out-crossers, that are self-incompatible. Because of their high genetic diversity, the mechanisms of salt tolerance are poorly understood. Consequently, the development of a useful model grass plant for the study of abiotic stresses is of great importance. We propose the use of Lolium temulentum L. (Darnel ryegrass), a diploid self-fertile species with a short life cycle (2–3 months), as a model system for the study of forage/turf grass species. To evaluate the utility of L. temulentum as a model grass species to study salt stress, a PCR-based subtractive suppression hybridization library was generated and sequenced. A total of 528 unique sequences were identified, among which 167 corresponded to orthologs of previously identified plant stress response genes. The expression patterns in leaf, crown and root tissues of selected genes were analyzed by Northern blot analysis, demonstrating salinity depended regulation of gene expression. These preliminary studies provide proof of concept supporting the use of L. temulentum as a model forage grass for molecular genetic analyses of salinity stress.
Thermal expansion of the heavy fermion borocarbide YbNi2B2C

We have measured the thermal expansion of the heavy fermion borocarbide YbNi2B2C from room temperature to about 0.5 K using a capacitive dilatometer. The thermal expansion is anisotropic, is consistent with a crystal-field splitting on the order of 120 K, and with intermediate-valence behavior at low temperatures. The effective Gruneisen parameter is temperature dependent and we estimate its value at T = 0 to be about -7, consistent with a moderately enhanced heavy fermion state.
Effects of acute stressors on itch- and pain-related behaviors in rats

Many acute stressors reduce pain, a phenomenon called stress-induced antinociception (SIA). Stress also is associated with increased scratching in chronic itch conditions. We investigated effects of acute stressors on facial itch and pain using a recently introduced rat model. Under baseline (no-swim) conditions, intradermal (id) cheek microinjection of the pruritogen serotonin (5-HT) selectively elicited hindlimb scratch bouts, whereas the algogen mustard oil (allyl isothiocyanate [AITC]) selectively elicited ipsilateral forepaw swipes, directed to the cheek injection site. To test effects of swim stress, rats received id cheek microinjection of 5-HT (1%), AITC (10%), or vehicle, and were then subjected to one of the following swim conditions: (1) weak SIA (W-SIA), (2) naltrexone-sensitive SIA (intermediate or I-SIA), or (3) naltrexone-insensitive SIA (strong or S-SIA). After the swim, we recorded the number of hindlimb scratch bouts and forelimb swipes directed to the cheek injection site, as well as facial grooming by both forepaws. Under S-SIA, AITC-evoked swiping and 5-HT-evoked scratching were both reduced. I-SIA reduced AITC-evoked swiping with no effect on 5-HT-evoked scratching. Facial grooming immediately post-swim was suppressed by S-SIA, but not I- or W-SIA. W-SIA tended to equalize scratching and swiping elicited by 5-HT and AITC compared with no-swim controls, suggesting altered itch and pain processing. Exercise (wheel-running), novelty, cold exposure, and fear (shaker table), key components of swim stress, differentially affected tail-flick latencies and 5-HT-evoked swiping and scratching behavior. Thus, itch and pain can be simultaneously suppressed by a combination of acute stress-related factors via an opioid-independent mechanism.
CHARACTERIZATION OF A BOVINE SYNOVIAL FLUID LUBRICATING FACTOR. I. CHEMICAL, SURFACE ACTIVITY AND LUBRICATING PROPERTIES

A lubricating glycoprotein (PSLF) with an apparent molecular weight of 280 kDa was purified from bovine synovial fluid by anion exchange, molecular sieve chromatography, and density gradient centrifugation. Lubrication was measured under boundary conditions as lowering of the coefficient of friction (μ) between oscillating natural latex and polished glass. Lubricating ability was first observed at a concentration of 200 μg/ml and became maximal at 260 μg/ml. Hydrophobic interfacial tension measurements indicated that at the former concentration, monolayers of PSLF formed. Sugar digestions showed that lubricating ability depends upon the terminal galactose of the molecule. PSLF is similar if not identical to lubricin. It is proposed that a repulsive hydration force is the molecular mechanism for lubricating activity.
The importance of customizing computer-assisted education software to meet the particular needs of learners

In recent years computer-assisted education (CAE) has provided exciting new ways to present anatomical ideas. Several multimedia software programs for medical education have recently entered the marketplace. Alternatively, we developed a system that allows the faculty unfamiliar with the computer to convert a set of class notes into a multimedia lecture presentation easily. The program template was designed to organize lecture materials and easily display relevant text, graphics, video and interactive questions. Using Asymetrix Toolbook®, we can use animation, still images or full motion video of prosections to illustrate fundamental ideas. Students had access to the award winning ADAM® program versus our course-individualized multimedia program. Our program correlated with the learning objectives established by the instructors of the class. Results of the student surveys showed that students gave higher ratings for the course-individualized Toolbook® program and laserdisc presentations over the ADAM® pro...
hERG1a N-terminal eag domain-containing polypeptides regulate homomeric hERG1b and heteromeric hERG1a/hERG1b channels: a possible mechanism for long QT syndrome.

Human ether-a-go-go–related gene (hERG) potassium channels are critical for cardiac action potential repolarization. Cardiac hERG channels comprise two primary isoforms: hERG1a, which has a regulatory N-terminal Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain, and hERG1b, which does not. Isolated, PAS-containing hERG1a N-terminal regions (NTRs) directly regulate NTR-deleted hERG1a channels; however, it is unclear whether hERG1b isoforms contain sufficient machinery to support regulation by hERG1a NTRs. To test this, we constructed a series of PAS domain–containing hERG1a NTRs (encoding amino acids 1–181, 1–228, 1–319, and 1–365). The NTRs were also predicted to form from truncation mutations that were linked to type 2 long QT syndrome (LQTS), a cardiac arrhythmia disorder associated with mutations in the hERG gene. All of the hERG1a NTRs markedly regulated heteromeric hERG1a/hERG1b channels and homomeric hERG1b channels by decreasing the magnitude of the current–voltage relationship and slowing the kinetics of channel closing (deactivation). In contrast, NTRs did not measurably regulate hERG1a channels. A short NTR (encoding amino acids 1–135) composed primarily of the PAS domain was sufficient to regulate hERG1b. These results suggest that isolated hERG1a NTRs directly interact with hERG1b subunits. Our results demonstrate that deactivation is faster in hERG1a/hERG1b channels compared to hERG1a channels because of fewer PAS domains, not because of an inhibitory effect of the unique hERG1b NTR. A decrease in outward current density of hERG1a/hERG1b channels by hERG1a NTRs may be a mechanism for LQTS.
Noninvasive estimation of left ventricular filling pressure by E/e' is a powerful predictor of survival after acute myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of a noninvasive measure of left ventricular diastolic pressure (LVDP) early after acute myocardial infarction (MI). BACKGROUND The early diastolic velocity of the mitral valve annulus (e') reflects the rate of myocardial relaxation. When combined with measurement of the early transmitral flow velocity (E), the resultant ratio (E/e') correlates well with mean LVDP. In particular, an E/e' ratio >15 is an excellent predictor of an elevated mean LVDP. We hypothesized that an E/e' ratio >15 would predict poorer survival after acute MI. METHODS Echocardiograms were obtained in 250 unselected patients 1.6 days after admission for MI. Patients were followed for a median of 13 months. The end point was all-cause mortality. RESULTS Seventy-three patients (29%) had an E/e' >15. This was associated with excess mortality (log-rank statistic 21.3, p 15 improved the prognostic utility of a model containing clinical variables and conventional echocardiographic indexes of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS E/e' is a powerful predictor of survival after acute MI. An E/e' ratio >15 is superior, in this respect, to other clinical or echocardiographic features. Furthermore, it provides prognostic information incremental to these parameters.
Rapid characterization of parametric distributions using a multi-meter

We present a technique for fast characterization of the statistical mean and sigma of parametric variations. The technique uses a scan chain to sequentially cycle through a device array, creating a periodic waveform that can be directly measured using a multi-meter. The DC and RMS values of the waveform directly give the mean and sigma of the parameter distribution. We show the technique is sufficiently general and can be applied to wide range of characterization strategies. A VTH characterization array was implemented in a 65 nm bulk CMOS process where we compare traditional individual device measurements for calculating statistics with the direct mean and sigma measurement technique using the multi-meter.
Analysis of coding variants in the betacellulin gene in type 2 diabetes and insulin secretion in African American subjects

Betacellulin is a member of the epidermal growth factor family, expressed at the highest levels predominantly in the pancreas and thought to be involved in islet neogenesis and regeneration. Nonsynonymous coding variants were reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes in African American subjects. We tested the hypotheses that these previously identified variants were associated with type 2 diabetes in African Americans ascertained in Arkansas and that they altered insulin secretion in glucose tolerant African American subjects. We typed three variants, exon1 Cys7Gly (C7G), exon 2 Leu44Phe (L44F), and exon 4 Leu124Met (L124M), in 188 control subjects and 364 subjects with type 2 diabetes. We tested for altered insulin secretion in 107 subjects who had undergone intravenous glucose tolerance tests to assess insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. No variant was associated with type 2 diabetes, and no variant altered insulin secretion or insulin sensitivity. However, an effect on lipids was observed for all 3 variants, and variant L124M was associated with obesity measures. We were unable to confirm a role for nonsynonymous variants of betacellulin in the propensity to type 2 diabetes or to impaired insulin secretion.
Priority queueing strategies for traffic control at an ATM integrated broadband switching system

Discusses the problem of furnishing an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) based broadband integrated service digital network (B-ISDN) with two bearer services supporting different grades of transfer quality. This is achieved by dynamically allocating network resources (bandwidth and buffers) using priority classes. The focus is on priority bandwidth and buffer management in the ATM communications nodes. The authors consider several loss priority queueing strategies, differing in the degrees of resource sharing. A rather general multichannel system model queue taking the possible correlation between the two traffic classes into account, is developed for performance evaluation of these schemes. It is observed that several orders of magnitude improvement in the loss probability can be achieved for the high-priority class with little impact on the low-priority class. >
On the numerical instability of the saturable transformer component in EMTP

Numerical instability of the EMTP built-in model, the saturable transformer component for the three-winding case, has been the topic of interest of the EMTP community for the past twenty years. This paper identifies the source of the numerical instability of the component through theoretical analysis and computer simulation. A simple modification of the structure of the component is suggested, and the numerical instability is eliminated. The modification is supported by theoretical analysis.
Sensory inputs control the integration of neurogliaform interneurons into cortical circuits

Neuronal microcircuits in the superficial layers of the mammalian cortex provide the substrate for associative cortical computation. Inhibitory interneurons constitute an essential component of the circuitry and are fundamental to the integration of local and long-range information. Here we report that, during early development, superficially positioned Reelin-expressing neurogliaform interneurons in the mouse somatosensory cortex receive afferent innervation from both cortical and thalamic excitatory sources. Attenuation of ascending sensory, but not intracortical, excitation leads to axo-dendritic morphological defects in these interneurons. Moreover, abrogation of the NMDA receptors through which the thalamic inputs signal results in a similar phenotype, as well as in the selective loss of thalamic and a concomitant increase in intracortical connectivity. These results suggest that thalamic inputs are critical in determining the balance between local and long-range connectivity and are fundamental to the proper integration of Reelin-expressing interneurons into nascent cortical circuits.
High implant fracture incidence with sutter silicone metacarpophalangeal joint arthroplasty

We performed a retrospective review of Sutter silicone metacarpophalangeal (MP) joint arthroplasties in 34 patients (42 hands, 168 implants) with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients were evaluated at an average of 27 months (minimum follow-up period, 12 months). Twenty percent of the implants were shown to be definitely fractured on final follow-up examination, and 45% followed for more than 3 years were definitely fractured. At the final follow-up examination, the average ulnar drift in intact implants was 11 ° and in the fractured implants, 23 ° . However, there was no correlation between implant fracture and patient satisfaction. Eighty percent of patients said they would undergo the procedure again. Because of a significantly higher implant fracture incidence at a relatively shorter follow-up period than that of most studies of silicone MP implants of the Swanson design, we have abandoned the use of the Sutter implant.
Fuzzy logic unmanned air vehicle motion planning

There are a variety of scenarios in which the mission objectives rely on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) being capable of maneuvering in an environment containing obstacles in which there is little prior knowledge of the surroundings. With an appropriate dynamic motion planning algorithm, UAVs would be able tomaneuver in any unknown environment towards a target in real time. This paper presents a methodology for two-dimensional motion planning of a UAV using fuzzy logic. The fuzzy inference system takes information in real time about obstacles (if within the agent's sensing range) and target location and outputs a change in heading angle and speed. The FL controller was validated, and Monte Carlo testing was completed to evaluate the performance. Not only was the path traversed by the UAV often the exact path computed using an optimal method, the low failure rate makes the fuzzy logic controller (FLC) feasible for exploration. The FLC showed only a total of 3% failure rate, whereas an artificial potential field (APF) solution, a commonly used intelligent control method, had an average of 18% failure rate. These results highlighted one of the advantages of the FLC method: its adaptability to complex scenarios while maintaining low control effort.
The Human c-Fes Tyrosine Kinase Binds Tubulin and Microtubules through Separate Domains and Promotes Microtubule Assembly

The c-Fes protein-tyrosine kinase (Fes) has been implicated in the differentiation of vascular endothelial, myeloid hematopoietic, and neuronal cells, promoting substantial morphological changes in these cell types. The mechanism by which Fes promotes morphological aspects of cellular differentiation is unknown. Using COS-7 cells as a model system, we observed that Fes strongly colocalizes with microtubules in vivo when activated via coiled-coil mutation or by coexpression with an active Src family kinase. In contrast, wild-type Fes showed a diffuse cytoplasmic localization in this system, which correlated with undetectable kinase activity. Coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence microscopy showed that the N-terminal Fes/CIP4 homology (FCH) domain is involved in Fes interaction with soluble unpolymerized tubulin. However, the FCH domain was not required for colocalization with polymerized microtubules in vivo. In contrast, a functional SH2 domain was essential for microtubule localization of Fes, consistent with the strong tyrosine phosphorylation of purified tubulin by Fes in vitro. Using a microtubule nucleation assay, we observed that purified c-Fes also catalyzed extensive tubulin polymerization in vitro. Taken together, these results identify c-Fes as a regulator of the tubulin cytoskeleton that may contribute to Fes-induced morphological changes in myeloid hematopoietic and neuronal cells.
Advances and limitations of atmospheric boundary layer observations with GPS occultation over southeast Pacific Ocean

Abstract. The typical atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over the southeast (SE) Pacific Ocean is featured with a strong temperature inversion and a sharp moisture gradient across the ABL top. The strong moisture and temperature gradients result in a sharp refractivity gradient that can be precisely detected by the Global Positioning System (GPS) radio occultation (RO) measurements. In this paper, the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere & Climate (COSMIC) GPS RO soundings, radiosondes and the high-resolution ECMWF analysis over the SE Pacific are analyzed. COSMIC RO is able to detect a wide range of ABL height variations (1–2 km) as observed from the radiosondes. However, the ECMWF analysis systematically underestimates the ABL heights. The sharp refractivity gradient at the ABL top frequently exceeds the critical refraction (e.g., −157 N-unit km−1) and becomes the so-called ducting condition, which results in a systematic RO refractivity bias (or called N-bias) inside the ABL. Simulation study based on radiosonde profiles reveals the magnitudes of the N-biases are vertical resolution dependent. The $N$-bias is also the primary cause of the systematically smaller refractivity gradient (rarely exceeding −110 N-unit km−1) at the ABL top from RO measurement. However, the N-bias seems not affect the ABL height detection. Instead, the very large RO bending angle and the sharp refractivity gradient due to ducting allow reliable detection of the ABL height from GPS RO. The seasonal mean climatology of ABL heights derived from a nine-month composite of COSMIC RO soundings over the SE Pacific reveals significant differences from the ECMWF analysis. Both show an increase of ABL height from the shallow stratocumulus near the coast to a much higher trade wind inversion further off the coast. However, COSMIC RO shows an overall deeper ABL and reveals different locations of the minimum and maximum ABL heights as compared to the ECMWF analysis. At low latitudes, despite the decreasing number of COSMIC RO soundings and the lower percentage of soundings that penetrate into the lowest 500-m above the mean-sea-level, there are small sampling errors in the mean ABL height climatology. The difference of ABL height climatology between COSMIC RO and ECMWF analysis over SE Pacific is significant and requires further studies.
Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Time for a Change?

Diagnosis and treatment of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is rapidly changing. Cellular pathways that involve the polycystins are being mapped and involve the primary cilium, intracellular calcium and cAMP regulation, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. With the use of new imaging approaches, earlier diagnosis of hepatic cystic disease is possible, and measurement of kidney and cystic growth as well as kidney blood flow is possible over relatively short periods. PKD gene type, gender, proteinuria, and the presence of hypertension relate to the rate of kidney growth in ADPKD. On the basis of risk factors for progression to ESRD and the pathogenic roles that intracellular cAMP and mTOR play in cystogenesis, novel therapies are now being tested, including maximal inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system, inhibition of renal intracellular cAMP using vasopressin V2 receptor antagonists, and somatostatin analogues, as well as inhibitors of mTOR. This review addresses the current understanding of the pathogenesis and the natural history of ADPKD; accuracy and reliability of diagnostic approaches in utero, childhood, and adulthood; the value of reliable magnetic resonance imaging to measure disease progression early in the course of ADPKD; and novel therapeutic approaches that are being evaluated in ADPKD.
Imaging studies in partial epilepsy in children and adolescents.

Summary: We reviewed the results of imaging studies on 111 children and adolescents with partial epilepsy to determine which imaging procedure had the greatest sensitivity and specificity for partial epilepsy in this age range. All cases were classified as idiopathic, lesional, and cryptogenic epilepsy based on the 1989 International League Against Epilepsy Classification. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 98 also had computed tomography (CT). Thirty patients with negative CT had MRI lesions that were most likely the cause of the epilepsy, and the initial diagnosis of cryptogenic partial epilepsy was changed to lesional partial epilepsy. We concluded that CT use is unwarrantedly common. MRI should be considered the procedure of first choice. CT has a complementary role, and functional neuroimaging should be encouraged.
Crystal structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteriophytochrome: Photoconversion and signal transduction

Phytochromes are red-light photoreceptors that regulate light responses in plants, fungi, and bacteria via reversible photoconversion between red (Pr) and far-red (Pfr) light-absorbing states. Here we report the crystal structure at 2.9 A resolution of a bacteriophytochrome from Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an intact, fully photoactive photosensory core domain in its dark-adapted Pfr state. This structure reveals how unusual interdomain interactions, including a knot and an "arm" structure near the chromophore site, bring together the PAS (Per-ARNT-Sim), GAF (cGMP phosphodiesterase/adenyl cyclase/FhlA), and PHY (phytochrome) domains to achieve Pr/Pfr photoconversion. The PAS, GAF, and PHY domains have topologic elements in common and may have a single evolutionary origin. We identify key interactions that stabilize the chromophore in the Pfr state and provide structural and mutational evidence to support the essential role of the PHY domain in efficient Pr/Pfr photoconversion. We also identify a pair of conserved residues that may undergo concerted conformational changes during photoconversion. Modeling of the full-length bacteriophytochrome structure, including its output histidine kinase domain, suggests how local structural changes originating in the photosensory domain modulate interactions between long, cross-domain signaling helices at the dimer interface and are transmitted to the spatially distant effector domain, thereby regulating its histidine kinase activity.
Electron Transfer and Energy Transduction in Photosynthesis: An Overview

The intent of this book is to provide readers with a comprehensive view of the activities, structure, and molecular biology of the components of the photosynthetic apparatus in chloroplast thylakoid membranes. The sections that follow provide coverage of major topics that represent foci of active research investigations. In this introductory chapter we provide a brief overview of thylakoid properties and a guide to our readers to appropriate chapters in the following sections of this book, where our colleagues have provided in-depth coverage of the topics outlined in this overview chapter. We outline the activities of the two photoreactions (Photosystems I and II) and discuss the electron carriers that mediate transfer of electrons between these light-driven enzyme systems. Thylakoid energy transduction is described in terms of the origins of the protonmotive force and its subsequent utilization by the chloroplast ATP synthase, CF1 Finally, we provide some comments on the molecular biology and evolution of the eukaryotic photosynthetic apparatus.
Developing Systems for API Governance

As scalable information technology evolves to a more cloud-like model, digital assets (code, data and software environments) that increasingly form the basis of research and education require curation as web-accessible services. “Serviceizing” digital assets consists of encapsulating assets in software that exposes them to web and mobile applications via welldefined, network accessible, application programming interfaces (APIs). The stability, maintenance, and lifecycle of these APIs is critical to the utility of the digital assets they serve. Our work focuses on the development methodologies and technologies for API governance – policy, implementation, and deployment functions for IT management of APIs at scale. This paper presents our view of API governance in a technology landscape that is trending towards reliance on web services. It also outlines some early results generated by our investigation of a prototype we are developing for implementing API governance at scale.
Comic Books, Video Games, and Transmedia Storytelling: A Case Study of The Walking Dead

This article illuminates the transmedia storytelling techniques in The Walking Dead comic book and video game. Telltale Games' The Walking Dead localizes itself within the comic book world of The Walking Dead by acting as a transmedia storytelling device and using intertextuality comics to assist game players with meaning-making. By participating in the game, Telltale rewards players with additional information about The Walking Dead universe, as well as creating a contingent but separate narrative that expands upon the existing Walking Dead world. This exploration of The Walking Dead offers insights into the specific methods that are being employed by creators to further engage the audience in the transmedia storyworld.
Chain of Command: Information Sharing, Law Enforcement and Community Participation

Information sharing among law enforcement officers and between law enforcement officers and the public is crucial to creating safe neighborhoods and developing trust between members of society. Since the terrorist attacks on the US in 2001 the US government has implemented a program called the information sharing environment: for both national security agencies and local law enforcement communication and sharing information is a top priority. Human information behavior and human information interaction research has been conducted in a variety of environments yet there is little research related to law enforcement and the public. This note presents early case study research in to this complex information sharing environment. The work builds on the strong tradition of research in information science related to information behavior and hopes to bridge the gap between security and law enforcement conceptions of information sharing and that of information science. This research is being conducted with the collaboration of a major metropolitan police department in the southern United States. The diverse research team brings together an academic, a law enforcement consultant and a constable from Toronto, Canada. While one deliverable of the project is to provide the law enforcement agency with a strategic communication and social media plan; the larger goal is to begin a multiple case research project to develop our understanding of information sharing with these types of unique stakeholders and in these complex environments.
Optimization of individual adaptation and disability-related factors: considerations for the case manager.

PURPOSE The purpose of this article is to review the literature on individual adaptation to physical-related disabilities. A majority of the literature reviewed focuses on lifestyle issues of the physically disabled or individuals with chronic illnesses. These include coping, adaptation, personal control, and the ability to achieve an optimal level of functioning. Optimal health and well-being are correlated with adaptation and individual characteristics which influence coping mechanisms. Socioeconomic, psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs are all associated with adaptation. Adaptation is a continuous, individualized, long-term, and often-complex process that has an unpredictable outcome. Each individual has different perceptions of how to optimize his or her health and well-being. Case managers of all disciplines must be prepared to be effective, clinical resources who can evaluate individual adaptation and disability-related factors. Coping mechanisms vary and individual outcomes are optimized by setting goals in the most effective manner possible. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTING Multidisciplinary collaboration among individuals in medical, nursing, and social work environments such as acute care facilities, long-term care, subacute rehabilitation, and managed care organizations. FINDINGS/CONCLUSION As case managers, it is inevitable that we will encounter adaptation and disability. Understanding our patient's individual descriptions of optimal health and well-being can help facilitate positive outcomes. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE Multidisciplinary case managers are on the forefront of assisting individuals with adaptation and disability-related factors. Implementation strategies must include knowledge of, and utilization of, resources, and intercollaborative and intracollaborative networking. Further exploration is needed to assist in eliminating or minimizing nonadherence to coping with disability.
Influence of alpha-ketoacids on the respiration of brain in vitro.

Summary1. The effects of L-leucine, L-valine, L-phenylalanine, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, phenylpyruvic acid, and phenylacetic acid on oxygen consumption by slices or homogenates of rat brain were measured. 2. None of these substrates significantly inhibited oxygen uptake by rat brain homogenates. 3. L-leucine, L-valine, and L-phenylalanine were also found not to significantly depress oxygen uptake by brain slices. 4. On the other hand, alpha-ketoisocaproic acid, alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, phenylpyruvic acid, and phenylacetic acid (at concentrations of 0.01 sc > m did depress oxygen utilization by brain slices to the extent of 10-27% of control values. 5. It is suggested that the central nervous system dysfunction observed in patients with certain hereditary diseases characterized by defects in amino acid metabolism may be related to the accumulation of alpha-ketoacids which occurs in these diseases.
Politics in Apocalyptic Times: Machiavelli’s Savonarolan Moment

This article accounts for the surprising final chapter of Niccolo Machiavelli’s Prince by situating it in the context of the apocalyptic fervor that gripped Italy at the turn of the sixteenth century. In Florence, the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola was at the center of this enthusiastic movement. The final chapter of The Prince, the article suggests, is an apocalyptic exhortation that reiterates Savonarola’s message in secular terms. Machiavelli gravitates toward this apocalyptic solution because he has failed to render the apparent contingency of the political world intelligible by containing it with analytical categories, ordering it with general rules, or analogizing it with metaphors for fortune. Offering evidence of the failure of The Prince to deliver on these epistemological aspirations, the article argues that the work’s concluding chapter amounts to a final attempt to render the variability and contingency of the city’s political situation intelligible by fashioning it into an apocalyptic st...
Decreased Energy Capacity and Increased Autophagic Activity in Optic Nerve Axons With Defective Anterograde Transport.

Purpose Autophagy is a critical process, compromised in neurodegenerative disease, by which terminally differentiated cells like neurons manage cytoskeletal and organelle turnover. How autophagy relates to associated neurodegenerative pathologies remain unclear. We examined autophagy in optic neuropathy by investigating cytoskeletal degradation, mitochondria, and autophagic vesicles in the DBA2/J mouse model of glaucoma exhibiting differing levels of axon transport functionality. Methods DBA/2J and DBA/2J(wt-gpnmb) control mice 11 to 14 months of age were injected with cholera toxin-B (CTB) to assay anterograde axonal transport. Axonal mitochondria and autophagic vesicles were analyzed with respect to transport integrity in proximal and distal optic nerve using serial block face scanning electron microscopy (3D EM). Results Several indices varied significantly between the DBA/2J and DBA/2J(wt-gpnmb) mice, including mitochondrial volume, average number of autophagic vesicles per axon, and mitochondrial cristae. However, there were no differences in mitochondrial cristae for axons with functional versus dysfunctional CTB transport, suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction precedes overt transport blockade. Anterograde transport failure was accompanied by a dissociation of the relationship between mitochondrial and axon volumes. Autophagic vesicle profiles were significantly increased in optic nerve with transport deficit, consistent with greater autophagic activity. Mitochondria within autophagosomes, indicative of mitophagy, were observed in both proximal and distal axons. Conclusions Loss of anterograde transport in DBA/2J optic nerve is concomitant with diminished mitochondrial volume, increased cytoskeletal breakdown and autophagic activity, and accumulation of autophagic profiles, including signs of mitophagy, in proximal optic nerve. Axons with transport deficit are metabolically underserved, though not necessarily from mitophagy.
Possibilities and Limitations of Micropollutant Removal in Biological and Physical-Chemical Water Treatment

Abstract There is an increasing emphasis in many industrialized countries to produce an effluent of higher quality than has been previously required. Although biological processes are effective in removing most organics, the low residual levels required in some cases cannot be achieved by conventional technology. Alternative technologies involving physical and chemical combinations with biological treatment will usually meet effluent requirements. Depending on the case in question, in-plant controls, modifications to conventional biological treatment, or tertiary treatment technologies may be employed. A protocol for defining the most cost-effective solution to specific industrial wastewaters is discussed.
Reciprocal Altruism Reconsidered

In the preceding part of this volume, we addressed the question of why third parties transmit reputation. In the present part, we will deal with a rather more ambitious question, i.e., what is the evolutionary rationale of reputation. To answer this question, however preliminarily and speculatively, we will turn our attention to evolutionary, namely, sociobiological theories of altruism and reciprocity. We will discuss some evolutionary trajectories to reciprocity as they are found in the literature, and will show that most of them still fail to account for the role of mental processes in the evolution of social behaviour. Hence, the adaptationist view of evolutionary psychologists will be discussed. This will pave the way to evolutionary speculations about reputation, which will be described in the next chapter.
Multimedia Storytelling: How Different Media Use Graphics

Print publications such as newspapers and magazines have, in many ways, pioneered the field of information graphics reporting. And, as technology and software continue to improve, so do the methods graphics reporters use to create visual story packages. In recent years, information graphics have begun to evolve beyond the traditional print format, as newspapers, television stations and other news organizations have begun to make better use of the multimedia storytelling capabilities of the Web. Additionally, with improvements in 3D and animation graphics software, such as Newtek Lightwave and Macromedia Flash, information graphics for broadcast, Web and even print have become more visually rich and realistic.
Pathophysiology of Vascular Head Pain

The mechanism of head pain, provocative stimuli, and receptors involved in drug treatment are reviewed from the Stroke Research Laboratory, Neurosurgery and Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Least-Squares Methods for Hyperbolic Problems

Abstract Partial differential equations (PDE) problems are often intrinsically connected to the unconstrained minimization of a quadratic energy functional. The associated Rayleigh–Ritz variational principles provide an attractive setting for the development of finite element methods. Least-squares finite element methods (LSFEMs) aim to provide a Rayleigh–Ritz-like variational setting for any PDE, even if it is not associated with an unconstrained optimization principle. To this end, LSFEMs depend on an artificial, external energy-type principle (a least-squares principle) defined by summing up the equation residuals measured in suitable Hilbert space norms. In this chapter, we discuss the application of these ideas to the numerical solution of hyperbolic PDEs.
Nonneoplastic Smoking-Related Disorders

Cigarette smoking is responsible for a large percentage of lung disorders. The spectrum of these disorders ranges from airways disease to interstitial scarring.
Three‐dimensional Nitrogen‐Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Catalysts for Vanadium Flow Batteries

The development of vanadium redox flow battery is limited by the sluggish kinetics of the reaction, especially the cathodic VO2+/VO2+ redox couples. Therefore, it is vital to develop new electrocatalysts with enhanced activity to improve the battery performance. Herein, we synthesized the hydrogel precursor by a facile hydrothermal method. After the following carbonization, nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanotube composite was obtained. By virtue of the large surface area and good conductivity, which are ensured by the unique hybrid structure, as well as the proper nitrogen doping, the as-prepared composite presents enhanced catalytic performance toward the VO2+/VO2+ redox reaction. We also demonstrated the composite with carbon nanotube loading of 2 mg/mL exhibits the highest activity and remarkable stability in aqueous solution due to the strong synergy between reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, indicating that this composite might show promising applications in vanadium redox flow battery.
The Pediatric Thyroid Nodule and Papillary Thyroid Cancer Management

Pediatric thyroid cancer is a rare disease with an excellent prognosis. Compared with adults, epithelial-derived differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), which includes papillary (PTC), presents at more advanced stages in children and is associated with higher rates of recurrence. Because of its uncommon occurrence, randomized trials have not been applied to test best care options in children. Even in adults that have a tenfold or higher incidence of thyroid cancer than children, few prospective trials have been executed to compare treatment approaches. We recognize that treatment recommendations have changed over the past few decades and will continue to do so. Reflecting the aggressiveness of pediatric thyroid cancer, high recurrence rates, and the problems associated with decades of long-term follow-up, a premium should be placed on treatments that minimize risk of recurrence and the adverse effects of treatments and facilitate follow-up. We recommend long-term follow-up, since disease can recur decades after initial therapy. Considering the complexity of DTC management and the potential complications associated with therapy, it is essential that pediatric DTC be managed by physicians with expertise in this area.
Tooth manganese as a biomarker of exposure and body burden in rats

Abstract Background Neonates and children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of excess manganese (Mn), but studies of Mn exposure during these developmental periods are hampered by a lack of validated biomarkers. Deciduous teeth may be used to assess Mn exposure during these developmental periods but require further validation to determine the relationship between tooth Mn, Mn in target tissues, and exposure. Objectives To determine the relationship of tooth Mn concentrations with: (i) exposure dose, (ii) the timing/duration of exposure, and (iii) with Mn concentrations in blood, brain and bone. Methods Rats in different treatment groups were orally exposed to 0, 25 or 50 µg/g/day Mn either from postnatal day (PND) 1 – 21 and culled at PND 24, from PND 1 – 21 and culled as adults (>PND 290), or from PND 1 – throughout life and culled at >290 PND. Mn was measured in second molars, femurs, brain and blood by ICP-MS. Results Tooth Mn increased significantly with dose in rats exposed for 21 PND and culled at 24 PND (p 290 PND, tooth Mn increased with exposure duration (p Conclusions Teeth are a sensitive biomarker of active and past Mn exposure and Mn burden in tissues. Unlike blood, teeth retain information on exposure history over the short and long-term.
Soviet Estonian animated science fiction: Avo Paistik's mischievous universes

ABSTRACTThis article investigates three animated science fiction shorts by Avo Paistik – Sunday (Puhapaev, 1977), Vacuum Cleaner (Tolmuimeja, 1978) and Klaabu in Space (Klaabu kosmoses, 1981), focu...
Design of an improved model for marine species movement

Anthropogenic noise is a growing concern for marine species. High intensity acoustic events, such as sonar and offshore drilling, have the potential to harm marine species in the area. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act were passed to address this issue and are the cornerstones of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) mission. The NOAA attempts to regulate the populations of marine species in the US economic zone, and requires any organization that performs offshore acoustic activities to apply for authorization. In order receive this authorization the organization must provide estimates on the number of individuals of each species that could be affected by the acoustic event. The currently accepted approach to calculating these estimates is to model the movement of species in the area during the acoustic event. The largest weakness in these models is that they do not sufficiently account for behavioral responses and available animal movement data is limited. This study attempted to find the optimal approach to simulate the behavior of various marine species based on available modeling techniques. The overall objective is to minimize the uncertainty in the incidental take estimates. This is accomplished through testing various modeling techniques in a previously studied location.