cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Naturally occurring intrauterine growth retardation and adult blood pressure in rats.

In humans, infants who are born small have been reported to have higher blood pressure in adulthood than do larger infants. This suggests that factors in the intrauterine environment that affect fetal growth can program the individual for hypertension later in life. The present study determined whether there is a similar, naturally occurring relationship between birth weight and adult blood pressure in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats bred in our colony were fed a normal diet during pregnancy. On the day of delivery, any pups that weighed <90% of the mean pup weight for the litter were identified as runts. For each runt, a sex-matched littermate of normal weight was also identified and assigned to this study. These pairs were chronically instrumented at ∼20 wk of age. Mean arterial pressure was significantly higher in runt male and female offspring compared with their normal birth weight littermates (males: 149 ± 7, runts versus 129 ± 4 mm Hg, controls; females: 128 ± 1, runts versus 119 ± 2 mm Hg, controls). Although the runts had smaller body weights at study than did their littermate controls, the kidney-to-body weight ratio and renal function normalized to kidney or body weight were not different. These studies indicate that adult blood pressure is related to birth weight in rats, as it is in humans. The relative hypertension in runt animals is not due to gross differences in renal function but may be related to more subtle renal structural and/or functional differences.
The elastic constants of rubidium

Abstract The elastic constants of single crystal rubidium have been measured at 80 ± 3°K using the ultrasonic pulse echo method at a frequency of 15 mc. The elastic constants (in units of 1010 dyn cm 2 ) are c11 = 2.96, c12 = 2.44, c44 = 1.60. Five wave velocities were measured, allowing the computation of the three independent elastic constants with two internal checks. Single crystal rubidium has an anisotropy indicated by the ratio (c 11 −c 12 ) 2c 44 = 0.14 .
Elastic source selection for in vivo imaging of neuronal ensembles

Advances in microscopy and biochemistry now allow investigators to image the calcium dynamics of hundreds to thousands of neurons in awake behaving animals. However, as speed and resolution of such techniques rapidly increase, so do the dimension and complexity of the data collected. ICA has been widely employed to reveal independent non-Gaussian sources underlying large data sets consisting of mixed sources. We apply a recently developed sparse regression method, the Elastic Net (ENET), to the columns of the mixing matrix of a Independent Component Analysis (ICA) procedure. This regression method automatically selects only those columns of the mixing matrix relevant to a dependent variable of interest. Further, because ICA is a linear operator, we can easily project the “relevance filtered” data back into the native data space for interpretation. We demonstrate the utility of this method on 3D calcium imaging data collected from the optic tectum of an awake behaving larval zebrafish watching a prey-like stimulus.
A lossless algorithm for BSSGP flow control in GPRS and EDGE

In a GPRS or EDGE system, fluctuations in the wireless link rate can cause the buffer in the BSS to either overflow or underflow if the data flow into the BSS buffer from the SGSN is not controlled properly. Currently available algorithms for controlling this data flow rely on imperfect estimates of the wireless link rate and cannot ensure that the BSS buffer will never overflow or underflow. We present a new low-complexity algorithm that ensures that the BSS buffer will never overflow or underflow, without requiring any estimate of the wireless link rate. If there is no feedback delay between the SGSN and BSS, the algorithm is optimal: among all algorithms that ensure that the BSS buffer will never overflow or underflow, it requires the smallest amount of buffering in the BSS. The algorithm also has a fixed point, i.e. if the wireless link rate remains constant, the BSS buffer remains in equilibrium and no flow control updates are required.
Characterization of the Impact of Wheat Stem Sawfly, Cephus cinctus Norton, on Pigment Composition and Photosystem II Photochemistry of Wheat Heads

Impact of the wheat stem sawsy, Cephus cinctus Norton (Hymenoptera: Cephidae), feeding injury on chlorophyll content and photosystem II (PSII) photochemistry in heads of wheat, Triticumaestivum L., at the grain-Þlling developmental stage was evaluated by biochemically assessing the total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a (Chla), chlorophyll b (Chlb), chlorophyll a/b ratio (Chla/b), and carotenoid concentrations in the glumes in combination with a chlorophyll a suorescence test. C. cinctusÐinfested stems had altered head glume pigment composition and photochemistry. Chlo- rophyll content, Chla, Chlb, Chla/b, and total chlorophyll, and the photochemical efÞciency of PSII were greater for glumes of heads developing on infested stems. Chlorophyll a suorescence was also affected byC.cinctus. In this study, wheat plants in a controlled environment were able to compensate for injury imposed by C. cinctus. The mechanism underlying the compensatory processes seems to involve the alteration of wheat head physiology. Based on our results, either the photochemical efÞciency of heads on infested stems was greatly improved or their senescence was delayed.
Impact of North Carolina’s Early Childhood Initiatives on Special Education Placements in Third Grade:

This study examines the community-wide effects of investments in two early childhood initiatives in North Carolina (Smart Start and More at Four) on the likelihood of a student being placed into sp...
Trends in stage-specific incidence rates for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder in the United States: 1988 to 2006.

BACKGROUND Bladder cancer is notable for a striking heterogeneity of disease-specific risks. Among the approximately 75% of incident cases found to be superficial to the muscularis propria at the time of presentation (non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer), the risk of progression to the lethal phenotype of muscle-invasive disease is strongly associated with stage and grade of disease. Given the suggestion of an increasing percentage of low-risk cases in hospital-based registry data in recent years, the authors hypothesized that population-based data may reveal changes in the stage distribution of early-stage cases. METHODS Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) data were used to examine trends for the stage-specific incidence of bladder cancer between 1988 and 2006, adjusted for age, race, and sex, using Joinpoint and nonparametric tests. RESULTS The adjusted incidence rate of papillary noninvasive (Ta) predominantly low grade (77%) disease was found to increase from 5.52 to 9.09 per 100,000 population (P < .0001), with an average annual percentage change of +3.3. Over the same period, concomitant, albeit smaller, decreases were observed for flat in situ (Tis) and lamina propria-invasive (T1) disease (2.57 to 1.19 and 6.65 to 4.61 per 100,000 population [both P < .0001]; average annual percent change of −5.0 and −1.6, respectively). The trend was most dramatic among patients in the oldest age strata, suggesting a previously unappreciated cohort phenomenon. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the current study should motivate further epidemiological investigations of differential associations of genetic and environmental factors with different bladder cancer phenotypes as well as further scrutiny of clinical practice guideline recommendations for the growing subgroup of predominantly older patients with lower-risk disease. Cancer 2014;120:86–95. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Authentication without Elision: Partially Specified Protocols, Associated Data, and Cryptographic Models Described by Code

Specification documents for real-world authentication protocols typically mandate some aspects of a protocol's behavior but leave other features optional or undefined. In addition, real-world schemes often include parameter negotiations, authenticate associated data, and support a multiplicity of options. The cryptographic community has routinely elided such matters from our definitions, schemes, and proofs. We propose encompassing them by explicitly modeling the presence of unspecified protocol functionality. To demonstrate, we provide a new treatment for mutual authentication in the public-key setting, doing this in the computational cryptographic tradition. In our model, compactly described in pseudocode, a protocol core (PC) will call out to protocol details (PD), but, for defining security, such calls will be serviced by the adversary. Parties accepting an authentication exchange will output a string of associated data, the value of which may be determined by the PD calls. We illustrate the approach by re-proving security for the Needham-Schroeder-Lowe public-key protocol, but extended in a manner that would be typical were the mechanism embedded in a real-world standard.
SOCIAL DISORGANIZATION OUTSIDE THE METROPOLIS: AN ANALYSIS OF RURAL YOUTH VIOLENCE*

In order to extend the study of community social disorganization and crime beyond its exclusive focus on large urban centers, we present an analysis of structural correlates of arrest rates for juvenile violence in 264 nonmetropolitan counties of four states. Findings support the generality of social disorganization theory: Juvenile violence was associated with rates of residential instability, family disruption, and ethnic heterogeneity. Though rates of poverty were not related to juvenile violence, this is also in accord with social disorganization theory because, unlike urban settings, poverty was negatively related to residential instability. Rates of juvenile violence varied markedly with population size through a curvilinear relationship in which counties with the smallest juvenile populations had exceptionally low arrest rates. Analyses used negative binomial regression (a variation of Poisson regression) because the small number of arrests in many counties meant that arrest rates would be ill suited to least-squares regression.
Dementia: From Diagnosis to Management—a Functional Approach, by Michelle S. Bourgeois and Ellen M. Hickey

Professor Audrey Holland's preface to this superb reference tool comments that it is the “most comprehensive compilation of functional and behavioral treatment material available” (p. xiv). Surely,...
Optically-cascaded, multistage switching operation of a multifunctional binary optical/optoelectronic switch

Optically cascadable and multifunctional binary optical switches consisting of AlGaAs-GaAs vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), and p-i-n photodetectors (PINs) have been realized. Each switching element consists of a pair of PIN/HBT/VCSEL switches that can perform optical switching and routing at a data rate of 100 Mb/s, and optoelectronic signal conversion at a data rate of 100 Mb/s, while achieving a peak dc optical gain of 18 and an ac optical gain of 4. Optically-cascaded, multistage switching operation has been demonstrated using two linear arrays of HBT/PIN/VCSEL switches, with an overall cascaded dc optical gain of 50 and an ac gain of 8.
Analysis of the Lactobacillus casei supragenome and its influence in species evolution and lifestyle adaptation

The broad ecological distribution of L. casei makes it an insightful subject for research on genome evolution and lifestyle adaptation. To explore evolutionary mechanisms that determine genomic diversity of L. casei, we performed comparative analysis of 17 L. casei genomes representing strains collected from dairy, plant, and human sources. Differences in L. casei genome inventory revealed an open pan-genome comprised of 1,715 core and 4,220 accessory genes. Extrapolation of pan-genome data indicates L. casei has a supragenome approximately 3.2 times larger than the average genome of individual strains. Evidence suggests horizontal gene transfer from other bacterial species, particularly lactobacilli, has been important in adaptation of L. casei to new habitats and lifestyles, but evolution of dairy niche specialists also appears to involve gene decay. Genome diversity in L. casei has evolved through gene acquisition and decay. Acquisition of foreign genomic islands likely confers a fitness benefit in specific habitats, notably plant-associated niches. Loss of unnecessary ancestral traits in strains collected from bacterial-ripened cheeses supports the hypothesis that gene decay contributes to enhanced fitness in that niche. This study gives the first evidence for a L. casei supragenome and provides valuable insights into mechanisms for genome evolution and lifestyle adaptation of this ecologically flexible and industrially important lactic acid bacterium. Additionally, our data confirm the Distributed Genome Hypothesis extends to non-pathogenic, ecologically flexible species like L. casei.
2.3 kW cryogenically cooled Yb:YAG laser

We present our 2.3-kW Yb:YAG master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) which has shown optical wall-plug efficiencies above 30-% with excellent beam quality. In addition, we will present our allcryogenic Yb:YAG laser.
Control of Retinoid Nuclear Receptor Function and Expression

Vitamin A and its physiological metabolites (collectively known as retinoids) are important regulators of embryogenesis, cell growth and differentiation, vision, and reproduction (Hofmann and Eichele, 1994; Eskild and Hansson, 1994; DeLuca, 1991; Wald, 1968; Thompson et al., 1964). Deficiency of vitamin A leads to well-described defects in vision, fertility, and, in animals, increased susceptibility to carcinogenesis (Chambon, 1994; Sporn et al., 1976; Wilson et al., 1953). Retinol (vitamin A) is metabolized by cells to form a number of biologically active compounds (Napoli et al., 1993). These include all-trans retinoic acid, 9-cis retinoic acid, and didehydroretinoic acid. Retinol is first converted to retinal, which is then metabolized by a retinal dehydrogenase leading to production of all-trans retinoic acid (Posch et al., 1992, 1991). The metabolic pathway which generates 9-cis retinoic acid has yet to be elucidated. Didehydroretinoic acid is produced from 3,4-didehydroretinol by a pathway that is similar to that which converts retinol to all-trans retinoic acid (Thaller and Eichele, 1990). Dietary sources of vitamin A are β-carotene from plant sources and retinyl ester from animal sources. Vitamin A from these sources is either stored in the liver as retinyl esters, or packaged with retinol-binding protein together with transthyretin for export to the circulatory system (Blaner, 1989).
Parenteral nutrition. XI. Studies with stable and unstable fat emulsions administered intravenously.

SummaryBoth stable and unstable emulsions of fat have been administered intravenously to rats. The stable emulsions caused a moderate increase in total lipids of the spleen, liver, and lungs; whereas, a very marked increase was observed when unstable emulsions were given. Much of the increase due to the latter type of emulsion was caused by large extracellular fat globules. The removal of the excess fat in the tissues has been studied and found to be rapid in the case of stable emulsions, and slower but definite in the case of the unstable emulsions.
Recent developments in the pathology of renal tumors: morphology and molecular characteristics of select entities.

Abstract Context.—Renal cell carcinoma is a heterogeneous group of tumors with distinct histopathologic features, molecular characteristics, and clinical outcome. These tumors can be sporadic as well as familial or associated with syndromes. The genetic abnormalities underlying these syndromes have been identified and were subsequently found in corresponding sporadic renal tumors. Objective.—To review the recent molecular and genetic advancements relating to sporadic and familial renal carcinomas as well as those related to Xp11.2 translocation– associated renal cell carcinoma and renal medullary carcinoma. Data Sources.—Literature review, personal experience, and material from the University of Chicago. Conclusions.—Molecular genetic diagnostic techniques will continue to introduce new biomarkers that will aid in the differential diagnosis of difficult cases. The identification of specific signaling pathways that are defective in certain renal tumors also makes possible the development of new therapies t...
The Growth Of Cause Marketing: Past, Current, And Future Trends

When American Express launched a campaign in 1984, pledging to donate a penny to the Statue of Liberty restoration project for each cardmember transaction, the promise of cause marketing caught the attention of both nonprofits with fundraising needs, as well as marketers seeking to enhance corporate image while maximizing sales and profits. Since that time, cause marketing (also known as cause-related marketing, cause-brand partnerships, or cause tie-ins) has been the subject of continuing debate and change, while growing in importance and prevalence. The current paper provides an examination of the debate as it has evolved, of the methods and strategies that have been popularized and criticized, and of the outlook for the future of cause marketing. All of these topics will be considered from the varying perspectives of the parties involved in cause marketing: the consumer, the corporation, and the nonprofit organization. In particular, the implications of some newly identified developments will be discussed, together with an assessment of specific opportunities and obstacles that lie ahead.
Role of procurement-related injury in early saphenous vein graft failure after coronary artery bypass surgery.

Saphenous vein graft thrombosis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery is a poorly understood problem that lessens the benefits of this procedure. Recent studies highlight the importance of injury sustained at the time of saphenous vein graft procurement in the pathogenesis of acute graft thrombosis. In particular, damage to the graft endothelium that occurs secondary to ex vivo pressure distention, a common practice during vein harvest, leads to a loss of antithrombotic factors and increased activity of subendothelial prothrombotic factors. The prothrombotic potential of damaged grafts is further exacerbated by an ischemic storage interval and subsequent exposure to arterial flow conditions after grafting. A clearer understanding of the mechanisms by which endothelial disruption leads to acute saphenous vein graft thrombosis may result in interventions for improving our procurement techniques, interrupting the downstream effects of the damaged saphenous vein graft and/or discriminating damage that is...
Destructive periodontal disease in adults 30 years of age and older in the United States, 1988-1994.

Background: Accurate information on the prevalence and extent of periodontal diseases in the United States adult population is lacking. This study estimated the prevalence and extent of periodontal disease in the United States using data from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Methods: A nationally representative sample was obtained during 1988 to 1994 by a stratified, multi-stage probability sampling design. A subsample of 9,689 dentate persons 30 to 90 years old who received a periodontal examination was used in this study, representing approximately 105.8 million civilian, non-institutionalized Americans in 1988 to 1994. Periodontal attachment loss, probing depth, and furcation involvement were assessed in 2 randomly selected quadrants per person. Attachment loss and probing depth were assessed at 2 sites per tooth, the mesiobuccal and mid-buccal surfaces. The periodontal status of each subject was assessed by criteria based on the extent and severity of probing de...
Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 expands, but does not activate, CD11b+ gr-1+ splenocytes in vivo

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (HV-68) is an efficient pathogen, capable of infecting and establishing lifelong latency in rodents. While many studies have demonstrated the ability of this viral infection to modulate immune responses, a unifying mechanism for HV-68-induced subversion of a protective host response remains elusive. We questioned whether infection with HV-68 could expand a population of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) as one mechanism for altering protective immunity. Mice were infected with HV-68, with viral latency being established in these animals. At varying times post-infection, cells were isolated for detection of viral genomes, phenotyping of myeloid cell populations, and ex vivo analysis of suppressor activity of myeloid cells. CD11b + Gr-1+ myeloid cells accumulated in the spleens, but not the bone marrow, of HV-68 infected mice. These cells were predominantly Gr-1+ Ly-6 G+, and could be found to contain viral genomes. Increased levels of serum S100A8/A9 produced during viral infection were consistent with the expansion of these CD11b + Gr-1+ myeloid cells. Despite their expansion, these cells exhibited no increased arginase 1 or iNOS activity, and did not have the ability to suppress anti-CD3 antibody activated T lymphocyte responses. We concluded that HV-68 infection was capable of expanding a population of myeloid cells which were phenotypically similar to MDSC. However these cells were not sufficiently activated during the establishment of viral latency to actively suppress T cell responses.
Impedance Control Network Resonant DC–DC Converter for Wide-Range High-Efficiency Operation

This paper introduces a new resonant converter architecture that utilizes multiple inverters and a lossless impedance control network (ICN) to maintain zero-voltage switching and near zero-current switching across wide operating ranges. Hence, the ICN converter is able to operate at fixed frequency and maintain high efficiency across wide ranges in input and output voltages and output power. The ICN converter architecture enables increase in switching frequency (hence reducing size and mass), while achieving very high efficiency. Three prototype 200-W 500-kHz ICN resonant converters, one with low-Q, one with medium-Q, and one with high-Q resonant tanks, designed to operate over an input voltage range of 25 to 40 V and an output voltage range of 250 to 400 V are built and tested. The low-Q prototype ICN converter achieves a peak efficiency of 97.1%, maintains greater than 96.4% full power efficiency at 250 V output voltage across the nearly 2:1 input voltage range, and maintains full power efficiency above 95% across its full input and output voltage range. It also maintains efficiency above 94.6% over a 10:1 output power range across its full input and output voltage range owing to the use of burst-mode control.
Contribution of pancreatic hormone responses to the elevation in carbohydrate metabolism with reduced PaO2.

Reduced O2 availability, as might occur under some physiological and pathological conditions, stimulates insulin and glucagon release and increases glucose fluxes and muscle carbohydrate metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the role of reduced PO2, independent of changes in glucagon and insulin. In six dogs, in paired studies separated by 2 wk, glucagon and insulin levels were fixed throughout by infusion of somatostatin with basal intraportal glucagon and insulin replacement. A control period was followed by 90 min of breathing 21% (NO) or 8% (LO) O2. Isotopic and arteriovenous methods were used to assess carbohydrate metabolism. Measured variables were constant over time in NO. Arterial PO2 (Pao2) was approximately 100 mmHg in NO and approximately 30 mmHg in LO, resulting in a 50% fall in O2 content. Insulin, glucagon, and catecholamine levels were similar in NO and LO. Cortisol was significantly increased in LO. Arterial glucose was unchanged in both groups. In the last 45 min of the experimental period in LO, 1) glucose production (14 +/- 1 to 18 +/- 1 mumol.kg-1.min-1), glucose disappearance (15 +/- 1 to 17 +/- 1 mumol.kg-1.min-1), and net hepatic glucose output (11 +/- 1 to 15 +/- 1 mumol.kg-1.min-1) rose, 2) limb pyruvate oxidation (11 +/- 2 to 24 +/- 5 mumol/min) and estimated glycogenolysis (9 +/- 3 to 42 +/- 9 mumol/min) increased, 3) percentages of CO2 from limb pyruvate and glucose increased, and percentage of lactate from blood glucose decreased, and 4) arterial blood lactate was approximately 100% more, although net limb and hepatic lactate balances were unaltered, which suggests that neither liver nor muscle is the source of increased blood lactate. Comparison of these results with our previous study [Zinker et al. Am. J. Physiol. 266 (Endocrinol. Metab. 29): E921-E929, 1994] shows that the response to reduced PaO2, although present, is reduced when glucagon and insulin levels are fixed at basal. The majority of stimulation of glucose production by decreased PaO2 is still present when pancreatic hormones are clamped at basal, while the response by the hindlimb tissues is greatly reduced.
Abstract 62: Inhibition ofMen1-deficient tumor growth by inactivation of the Rbp2 histone demethylase

Abstract: Mutation of the tumor suppressor gene MEN1 causes both human inherited and somatic tumors in multiple endocrine tumors. Dissection of mechanism on MEN1 tumor model will shed light on tumor biology and the targeting therapies on neuroendocrine tumors lacking Men1. Loss of tumor suppressor menin may be tumorigenic because it leads to decreased histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation and therefore decreased expression of specific genes such as CDKN1B. Reversing the tumorigenesis caused by menin deficiency might therefore be achieved by inhibition of histone H3 lysine 4 demethylation. Rbp2 (also known as KDM5A) is an excellent candidate for such a demethylase because loss of the Rbp2 gene leads to increased expression of CDKN1B. Using a tissue-specific knockout approach, I have disrupted Men1 alone or both Men1 and Rbp2 in mouse pancreatic islets through RIP-Cre transgene (RIP = “rat insulin promoter”) and have observed that loss of Rbp2 dramatically inhibits tumor growth in Men1-deficient islets. Histological assays have found that 100 percent of Men1 f/f RIP-Cre mice (13 out of 13) at 10 months old or older harbor tumors of the pancreatic islets, whereas only 7 out of 21 Men1 f/f ; Rbp2 f/f RIP-Cre mice contain tumors or large hyperplastic islets. Furthermore, Inactivation of Rbp2 extends the life span of Men1-deficient mice. The median survival age of Men1 f/f RIP-Cre mice in this cohort is 313 days, the median survival age of Men1 f/f ; Rbp2 f/f RIP-Cre (n=72) is 486 days (p Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 62. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-62
Ectoparasite Behavior and its Effects on Avian Nest-Site Selection: Corrections and Comment

With this forum, I correct several errors in a recent article (Loye, J. E., and S.P. Carroll. 1998). Ectoparasite behavior and its effects on avian nest site selection. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 91: 159-163) that detract from the important message that there are conservation implications of ignoring ectoparasites and the potentially important role they may play in affecting nest-site quality in solitary, cavity-nesting birds.
Sysnoise Simulation of Noise for UHV Series Capacitor Compensation Device

The idea and implementation method of utilizing Sysnoise to conduct simulation calculation of noise of capacitor is put forward in this paper,and simulation calculation and noise field analysis are carried out on UHV series compensation capacitor.Firstly,the theoretical basis of utilizing Sysnoise to calculate the noise of capacitor is described and the calculation procedure for such simulation is given.Then,the experimental measurement system measuring vibration velocity of capacitor steel is introduced to determine boundary conditions of vibration velocity.The result noise field distribution of the device is obtained by the use of the method in the calculation of UHV series compensation capacitor.It is indicated through analysis that the noise field of UHV series compensation capacitor has obvious attenuation and interference characteristics with distance,and the total noise level is low.
Folding Dynamics of B1 Domain of Protein G using Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy

The B1 domain of protein G is a well-studied model system of protein folding that has a mixed secondary structure, high stability and relatively slow folding kinetics. However recent measurements on the sub-millisecond timescale show significant complexity before final folding step at ∼1ms which depends on how folding is observed. Since protein folding is still a poorly understood process, different denaturants have been put into experiment to better understand the folding process of various proteins. Applying force is one natural method for denaturing proteins in order to observe the process of refolding in detail, but the time resolution of standard instruments typically make investigation of fast folding proteins difficult. In this study, two alkyne-containing unnatural amino acid residues were added to both N and C termini of GB1 and connected via click chemistry to double stranded DNA handles. The protein-DNA chimeras were then suspended between a pair of polystyrene beads held in high-resolution dual optical traps and reversible folding/unfolding events were observed both during force-extension pulling/relaxation experiments as well as under constant force feedback conditions. Results presented here show that since GB1 structure undergoes rapid switching between intermediate states of varied extension, thus a two-state model is not appropriate for understanding full folding path of this domain.
How about the new antiepileptic drugs

No new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were licensed in the United States from 1978 to 1992. In late 1992, felbamate and gabapentin were recommended for approval, and in early 1993, lamotrigine. In July 1993, felbamate was licensed, and gabapentin and lamotrigine may soon follow. Lamotrigine, vigabatrin and clobazam are in use outside the US. Tiagabine, oxcarbazepine, fosphenytoin, topiramate, vigabatrin and zonisamide are in Phase II clinical testing in the US. All of the new AEDs are effective against partial and tonic-clonic seizures. Few controlled clinical trials have been done in patients with absence and myoclonic seizures. Mechanisms of action of the new drugs have not been clearly defined. The new AEDs will provide an opportunity to improve the care of epileptic patients. Even with optimal management with currently available drugs, some 30% of patients remain refractory to medical management.
Characterization of Key Helicobacter pylori Regulators Identifies a Role for ArsRS in Biofilm Formation.

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori must be able to rapidly respond to fluctuating conditions within the stomach. Despite this need for constant adaptation, H. pylori encodes few regulatory proteins. Of the identified regulators, the ferric uptake regulator (Fur), the nickel response regulator (NikR), and the two-component acid response system (ArsRS) are each paramount to the success of this pathogen. While numerous studies have individually examined these regulatory proteins, little is known about their combined effect. Therefore, we constructed a series of isogenic mutant strains that contained all possible single, double, and triple regulatory mutations in Fur, NikR, and ArsS. A growth curve analysis revealed minor variation in growth kinetics across the strains; these were most pronounced in the triple mutant and in strains lacking ArsS. Visual analysis showed that strains lacking ArsS formed large aggregates and a biofilm-like matrix at the air-liquid interface. Biofilm quantification using crystal violet assays and visualization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that all strains lacking ArsS or containing a nonphosphorylatable form of ArsR (ArsR-D52N mutant) formed significantly more biofilm than the wild-type strain. Molecular characterization of biofilm formation showed that strains containing mutations in the ArsRS pathway displayed increased levels of cell aggregation and adherence, both of which are key to biofilm development. Furthermore, SEM analysis revealed prevalent coccoid cells and extracellular matrix formation in the ArsR-D52N, ΔnikR ΔarsS, and Δfur ΔnikR ΔarsS mutant strains, suggesting that these strains may have an exacerbated stress response that further contributes to biofilm formation. Thus, H. pylori ArsRS has a previously unrecognized role in biofilm formation. IMPORTANCE Despite a paucity of regulatory proteins, adaptation is key to the survival of H. pylori within the stomach. While prior studies have focused on individual regulatory proteins, such as Fur, NikR, and ArsRS, few studies have examined the combined effect of these factors. Analysis of isogenic mutant strains that contained all possible single, double, and triple regulatory mutations in Fur, NikR, and ArsS revealed a previously unrecognized role for the acid-responsive two-component system ArsRS in biofilm formation.
Bayesian model-averaging in unsupervised learning from microarray data

Unsupervised identification of patterns in microarray data has been a productive approach to uncovering relationships between genes and the biological process in which they are involved. Traditional model-based clustering approaches as well as some recently developed model-based mining approaches for integrating genomic and functional genomic data rely on one's ability to determine the correct number of clusters or modules in the data. In this paper we demonstrate that the performance of such methods in general can be significantly improved by accounting for uncertainties inherent to the process of identifying the optimal number of clusters in the data. We demonstrate that the Bayesian averaging approach to clustering via infinite mixture model offers a more robust performance than the traditional finite mixture model in which the optimal number of clusters is determined using the Bayesian Information Criterion. This performance improvement is demonstrated through a simulation study and by the analysis of a relatively large microarray dataset. Finally, we describe the novel heuristic modification of the Gibbs sampler used to fit the infinite mixture mode that effectively deals with issues of slow mixing.
Increasing teacher confidence in teaching and technology use through vicarious experiences within an environmental education context

ABSTRACTProviding teacher candidates opportunities to engage in experiences modeling effective technology integration could improve confidence/comfort in using technology and support skill development and transfer. A purposeful sample of 424 candidates in an educational technology course was administered the Technology and Teaching Efficacy Scale to assess efficacy levels in teaching and use of technology. The course employed environmental education (EE) lessons as foundational curriculum. Findings suggest candidates, who participated in an educational technology course that included repeated exposure to experience-based EE lessons, which mimicked vicarious mastery experiences, gained understanding/awareness of practices in teaching, leading to an increased sense of preparedness and teaching self-efficacy.
P238: Surveillance in geriatrics: what for? Which indicators?

Methods The following surveillance activities are currently carried out: monitoring of patients colonized with MRSA, including sampling and collection of new, non-endemic strains of MRSA, notably carrier of SCCmecII between 3/2011 and 12/2012; epidemiology and investigation of any new proven case of C. difficile infection; investigation of viral infection outbreaks (norovirus since 2008, and influenza since 2011). Compliance with hand hygiene practices is monitored since 2006. In addition, in 2012, we performed an evaluation on indicators of: correct disinfection of multiple-usage medical devices; correct application of specific isolation measures; environmental cleansing along the course of viral gastroenteritis clusters or C. difficile infection.
Metabolic Acclimatization to Cold and Season in Birds

With the prominent role augmented rates of thermogenesis play in the regulation of body temperature by most birds in winter cold, it is of interest to examine the extent to which this process is affected by metabolic acclimatization. Such adjustment affects not only the cold resistance of these animals, but also their energy requirements in a season when food supplies are declining and the time to locate them minimal. We shall emphasize naturally occurring forms of metabolic acclimatization in wild birds, but some consideration also will be given to that associated with exposure to cold in the laboratory. Smaller birds are of primary concern because of their limited capacities for insulative acclimatization, though indications of metabolic acclimatization in larger forms also will be considered. Particular attention will be devoted to indications of acclimatization involving metabolic level, thermogenic capacity, endurance in the cold, extent of energy reserves, and the biochemical correlates of cold resistance. Our goal is to characterize metabolic acclimatization by birds to cold and season to an extent commensurate with current knowledge of this form of compensation.
Primary central nervous system lymphoma: The Cleveland Clinic experience.

2092 Background: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is an uncommon variant of extranodal non-Hodgkin lymphoma that involves the brain, leptomeninges, eyes, or spinal cord without evide...
α-Alkylidene-γ-butyrolactone Formation via Bi(OTf)3-Catalyzed, Dehydrative, Ring-Opening Cyclizations of Cyclopropyl Carbinols: Understanding Substituent Effects and Predicting E/Z Selectivity

A Bi(OTf)3-catalyzed ring-opening cyclization of (hetero)aryl cyclopropyl carbinols to form α-alkylidene-γ-butyrolactones (ABLs) is reported. This transformation represents different chemoselectivity from previous reports that demonstrated formation of (hetero)aryl-fused cyclohexa-1,3-dienes upon acid-promoted cyclopropyl carbinol ring opening. ABLs are obtained in up to 89% yield with a general preference for the E-isomers. Mechanistically, Bi(OTf)3 serves as a stable and easy to handle precursor to TfOH. TfOH then catalyzes the formation of cyclopropyl carbinyl cations, which undergo ring opening, intramolecular trapping by the neighboring ester group, subsequent hydrolysis, and loss of methanol resulting in the formation of the ABLs. The nature and relative positioning of the substituents on both the carbinol and the cyclopropane determine both chemo- and stereoselective outcomes. Carbinol substituents determine the extent of cyclopropyl carbinyl cation formation. The cyclopropane donor substituents de...
Until It Gets Better: A Review of Cigarettes & Wine, J. E. Sumerau (Sense Publishers, 2017)

“To those who embody sexual and gender fluidity in a world that seeks to erase us.…” (Cigarettes & Wine, dedication page)Cigarettes & Wine evokes mind-altering and relaxing substances teens often s...
THE VALIDATION OF NUMERICAL COMPUTATIONS

This chapter discusses the validation of numerical computations. It can never be known with absolute certainty that whether the answers from a numerical computation are correct or not; there is always the possibility that the underlying physical theories are wrong, that the real-world data used are wrong, or that the computer hardware malfunctions. However, the uncertainty substantially can be reduced by using a variety of techniques discussed in the chapter. It is normally expensive to validate the results of a numerical computation. Just to make one reasonable error estimate normally doubles the computational cost. The analysis and checking of a computation for the presence of all types of errors and uncertainties can easily increase the cost by an order of magnitude. There are applications where extreme measures are required, such as nuclear power plant design, air traffic control, manned space flight systems, etc.; in each instance the programmer or user of numerical software should make a conscious decision about the amount of effort to be put into validating the software and its results. Experience shows that time and time again this aspect of computation is slighted. A programmer is so excited when a program finally runs correctly a couple of times that he or she pronounces it finished, completely checked out, and certified. In fact, the program might be such that it gives correct results only about half the time.
Nematode communities on putting greens, fairways, and roughs of organic and conventional cool-season golf courses

Abstract Nematodes are an important component of the golf course ecosystem. Many species provide benefits to turfgrass, while others can cause significant damage. Previous studies on golf courses have focused only on herbivore nematodes, mostly on putting greens. This study aimed to characterize all nematode trophic groups and nematode maturity and ecological indices under different management intensities (depicted by roughs, fairways, and putting greens) of three golf courses representing conventional and organic management types over two seasons in 2013 and 2014. The putting greens on all three golf courses had lower diversity and herbivore (plant-parasitic) index (PPI) values than the other management areas. The relative abundance of herbivores, bacterivores, and structure index (SI) values differed among organic and conventional management. Canonical correspondence and multiple stepwise regression analyses revealed pH, phosphorous, and organic matter were positively related to increased herbivores and negatively related to increased bacterivores. The results of this study can be used to develop alternative management practices aimed at decreasing problematic herbivore populations on putting greens and increasing potentially beneficial bacterivores.
In Situ Generated Palladium on Aluminum Phosphate as Catalytic System for the Preparation of β,β-Diarylated Olefins by Matsuda–Heck Reaction

In-situ generated pallium on aluminum phosphate provides a novel and active catalytic system for the preparation of β ,β -diarylated olefines using the Matsuda-Heck reaction. The reaction conditions of this catalytic protocol were optimized by a Response-Surface-model.
Effect of axial rotation on mutual coupling between helical antennas in a doppler radar

Some amount of mutual coupling between the transmit and receive antennas is required for proper operation of a logarithmic square-law detector in a Doppler radar. The radar performance is shown to be optimized when the mutual coupling magnitude is reduced to equal the magnitude of the target return. If the transmit and receive antennas are same-sense axial mode helical antennas, the mutual coupling reduction can be accomplished by a mechanical rotation of one of the antennas about its axis. This result is verified by electromagnetic simulations and by measurements with a 5.8 GHz Doppler radar and a mechanical honeybee radar cross-section simulator.
The Visual–Inertial Canoe Dataset:

We present a dataset collected from a canoe along the Sangamon River in Illinois. The canoe was equipped with a stereo camera, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a global positioning system (GPS) device, which provide visual data suitable for stereo or monocular applications, inertial measurements, and position data for ground truth. We recorded a canoe trip up and down the river for 44 minutes covering a 2.7 km round trip. The dataset adds to those previously recorded in unstructured environments and is unique in that it is recorded on a river, which provides its own set of challenges and constraints that are described in this paper. The dataset is stored on the Illinois Data Bank and can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.13012/B2IDB-9342111_V1.
Detection of Changes in Cervical Softness Using Shear Wave Speed in Early versus Late Pregnancy: An in Vivo Cross-Sectional Study.

The aim of this study was to assess the ability of shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) to detect changes in cervical softness between early and late pregnancy. Using a cross-sectional study design, shear wave speed (SWS) measurements were obtained from women in the first trimester (5-14 wk of gestation) and compared with estimates from a previous study of women at term (37-41 wk). Two sets of five SWS measurements were made using commercial SWEI applications on an ultrasound system equipped with a prototype catheter transducer (128 elements, 3-mm diameter, 14-mm aperture). Average SWS estimates were 4.42 ± 0.32 m/s (n = 12) for the first trimester and 2.13 ± 0.66 m/s (n = 18) for the third trimester (p <0.0001). The area under the curve was 0.95 (95% confidence interval: 0.82-0.99) with a sensitivity and specificity of 83%. SWS estimates indicated that the third-trimester cervix is significantly softer than the first-trimester cervix. SWEI methods may be promising for assessing changes in cervical softness.
The analytic rewards of materializing the effects of actor-networks:

Objects, documents, and concepts play a central role in everyday practice but are often overlooked as active agents in the formation of the social world. Actor-Network Theory (ANT) is a sociologica...
Medical Liability Issues in Dealing with Critical Care Patients in the End-of-Life Situation

As with almost all issues of medical liability, it is communication that is the critical factor in determining whether something a medical professional does or omits doing will result in a medical malpractice action. While good communication between physician and other health professionals and patients/ families will not guarantee a total absence of lawsuits, poor communication, especially if associated with a less-than-optimal case outcome, will almost assuredly bring the workings of the medical tort system upon one’s head. Such communication involves not only that between the physician and patient (if the critical care patient is mentally competent), but also between all involved health professionals and the extended family of the patient, including not only relatives, but, in some cases, friends and other significant others. Just think of the long-lost relative who, in a preterminal situation, arrives and, by external influence, upsets the proverbial applecart of rapport between health professionals and patient/family, and converts a calm and sensitive situation into sheer chaos — and possibly, a visit to the attorney’s office. Patients and families usually sue health professionals not because of medical damages, but rather because they want to punish the professional for a lessthan-optimal outcome. When good communication exists between professionals and families, the urge to punish is strongly diminished (who would anyone want to punish a friend who was trying to do his/her best for a family member?), and concomitantly, when good communication has resulted in true informed consent and patient/family education, families will not be faced with sudden “surprises” and unexpected loss. When patients/families sue doctors, they usually do so to gain “revenge” for some perceived transgression on the part of the treating personnel, whether this alleged transgression is real or imagined. The doctor who is of borderline technical competence but who has a good emotional rapport with a patient/family is not going to be sued as often, even in the presence of a poor outcome, than is the more competent physician who is perceived as “detached,” uncaring, or otherwise unreachable or “cold.” I have known some doctors who had such powerful rapport with their patients that had those physicians recommended a procedure such as a decapitation, the response might have been, “Sure, doc, anything you say ...”