cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ammonium transport in Escherichia coli: localization and nucleotide sequence of the amtA gene.

Summary: Escherichia coli expresses a concentrative ammonium (methylammonium) transport system which is strongly repressed under conditions of nitrogen excess. We have previously reported the cloning of a structural gene (amtA) for this transporter by complementation. In this study, a 3·4 kb HindIII-BamHI fragment containing amtA was cloned into the pBluescript KS(+) vector, and unidirectional nested deletions from each end of this 3·4 kb fragment were generated by exonuclease III digestion. The deletions were analysed by complementation of the structural gene mutation produced by Tn10 insertion. This allowed amtA to be localized within a 1·4 kb region which spans the site of the mutation. By application of the Sanger dideoxy method, we sequenced the region containing amtA. The gene contains an open reading frame which encodes a protein with a predicted molecular mass of 27 kDa. The open reading frame is preceded by a putative Shine—Dalgarno sequence and followed by an inverted repeat which might function as a simple transcription terminator. Hydropathic analysis of the inferred amino acid sequence of the gene product predicts that amtA encodes a cytoplasmic component of the ammonium transport system.
The transition to a sustainable society.

Abstract Transitions in dealing with the root causes of environmental problems are advocated to achieve environmental sustainability. These transformations include (i) a demographic transition, (ii) a technology transition that includes the "green" automobile, (iii) an economic transition to one in which prices reflect full environmental costs, (iv) a transition in social equity, and (v) an institutional transition to different arrangements among governments, businesses, and peoples. Businessmen and environmentalists are urged to work together in the next decade to make the environment a personal issue, to call for government action, to recognize the environmental challenges, and to commit to accountability in order to leave a legacy of hope to the twenty-first century.
Blue (ZnSe) and green (ZnSe0.9Te0.1) light emitting diodes

Abstract We report the successful fabrication of ZnSe p–n junction light emitting diodes in which Li and Cl are used as p-type and n-type dopants, respectively. These p-on-n structures emit blue light at room temperature. Double heterostructures in which the active region is either a ZnSe 0.9 Te 0.1 layer or a ZnSe-ZnSe 0.9 Te 0.1 multilayer have also been fabricated by molecular beam epitaxy. These structures emit green electroluminescence over a wide temperature range.
Black feminism and the challenge of black heterosexual male desire

(2000). Black feminism and the challenge of black heterosexual male desire. Souls: Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 32-37.
Germination and initial growth of microsporon audouinii from infected hairs

1. The germinating spores ofMicrosporon audouinii on infected hairs appear to require thiamine, riboflavin and nicotinic acid or its amide for initial growth. They show complete independence for inositol and pyridoxine.
Outcomes of a multifaceted physical activity regimen as part of a diabetes self-management intervention.

Background: Physical activity (PA) is important for management of diabetes, yet practical interventions that achieve sustained behavior change are rare.Purpose: The goals of this research were to evaluate the effectiveness of a multifaceted PA intervention for people with type 2 diabetes that emphasized participant choice in activity selection. Baseline activity patterns were examined to determine whether they predicted changes in PA at 2 months.Methods: Three hundred thirty-five participants were recruited from 42 primary care physicians and then randomized to either a computer-assisted, tailored self-management intervention (N = 174) or health risk appraisal with feedback control (N = 161). Primary outcome measures included the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Questionnaire, diet, and psychosocial assessments at baseline and 2 months.Results: For 301 participants who completed the 2-month follow-up, the intervention significantly improved all PA (p 3.0, p < .01) relative to controls. Baseline cluster analyses grouped participant activity patterns into three categories. At 2 months, cluster assignment differentially predicted change in calories expended in moderate, rote, sport, and lifestyle PA.Conclusions: A computer-assisted, multifaceted approach to PA demonstrated improvement after 2 months. The results suggest that individuals are capable of adjusting their activity patterns to maximize their PA.
Abstract 28: Chemoprevention strategies to target abnormal imprinting in high-risk African American women who do or do not carry a BRCA1 mutation

Background: Genomic imprinting is an inherited form of parent-of-origin-specific epigenetic gene regulation that is dysregulated by poor prenatal nutrition and environmental toxins. KCNK9 encodes TASK3, a pH-regulated potassium channel membrane protein that is overexpressed in 40% of breast cancer. KCNK9 gene amplification accounts for increased expression in Methods/Results: Here we show that KCNK9 has imprinted expression in breast tissue and provide the first identification of the KCNK9 DMR and DMR-associated open chromatin. Our studies show that loss of KCNK9 regulatory methylation and imprinted expression occurs in 75% of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and loss of methylation occurs in non-cancerous tissue from high-risk women. Functional studies show that TASK3 protein regulates mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis-sensitivity. In live TNBC cells and non-cancerous mammary epithelial cells from high-risk women, loss of KCNK9 DMR methylation predicts increased mitochondrial membrane potential (p=0.007). African American women have a significantly higher frequency of loss of KCNK9 imprinting than do risk-matched Caucasian women (p=0.005). African American women with BRCA1 mutation have the highest frequency of loss (p Clinical Prevention: This is the first identification of the KCNK9 DMR and demonstration that loss of methylation and overexpression of TASK3 increases mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes apoptosis resistance. Low-toxicity inhibitors of TASK3 are in clinical use and can be readily re-purposed to provide cost effective chemoprevention. These inhibitors include K+ inhibitors (developed for cardiac indications) and Schwann Pepper. Our studies identify TASK3 as a “drugable”, low-toxicity target that can be readily employed as a novel target for prevention and treatment of TNBC, particularly in high-risk African American women. Citation Format: Victoria Seewaldt, David Skaar, Eric Dietze, Shraddha Desai, Randy Jirtle. Chemoprevention strategies to target abnormal imprinting in high-risk African American women who do or do not carry a BRCA1 mutation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Cancer Susceptibility and Cancer Susceptibility Syndromes; Jan 29-Feb 1, 2014; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(23 Suppl):Abstract nr 28. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.CANSUSC14-28
Vitamin D deficiency decreases the expression of VDR and prohibitin in the lungs of mice with allergic airway inflammation.

Aims Asthma is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases of the airways. Calcitriol exerts its action through Vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is a high affinity nuclear receptor. VDR is a transcription factor that alters the transcription of target genes which are involved in a wide spectrum of biological responses. Lower serum vitamin D levels are associated with airway hyperresponsiveness and increased asthma severity. Prohibitin is a ubiquitously expressed protein localized to the cell and mitochondrial membranes and the nucleus.
Developing a sourcing strategy for IS: a behavioral decision process and framework

A framework and process are developed for considering outsourcing, insourcing, internal markets and strategic alliance alternative sourcing strategies for information systems (IS) activities. The framework is behavioral in nature in that it mimics the way in which people actually make decisions. An activity whose sourcing is to be evaluated is initially assessed in terms of two criteria: critical success factor and core competency, which, respectively, reflect the traditional industrial economics paradigm and the more-recent resource-based theory of the firm. The two criteria, each at three possible levels, suggest a preliminary strategy that is used to begin a decision-making process for which the framework suggests consequences, both direct and unintended, that may be used to comprehensively evaluate the "working" strategy. The framework suggests consequences and issues for consideration that are derived from "lessons learned" from many real sourcing situations as well as research results. These issues are also intended to be suggestive of other issues that may apply to the particular decision situation. The framework and process should permit the comprehensive evaluation of a sourcing strategy for an IS activity in a fashion that uses rigorous theory-based criteria to support a judgmental decision process.
Partitioning behavior of erythrocytes in aqueous two-phase systems containing hydroxypropyl starch and polyethylene glycol.

Abstract The partitioning behavior of erythrocytes in Reppal PES 200 (a hydroxypropylstarch produced by Reppe Glykos AB, Vaxjo, Sweden) —polyethylene glycol (PEG) and in dextran (Dx)—PEG aqueous phase systems made isotonic with phosphate is similar in a number of ways: (i) There is a correlation between the relative electrophoretic mobilities and partition ratios, P , of red blood cells from different species; (ii) The cell P is reduced when, at constant polymer concentrations, phosphate is systematically replaced by sodium chloride (with the total concentration isotonic); (iii) The cell P is increased with reduced polymer concentrations (decreased interfacial tensions); (iv) Treatment of erythrocytes with neuraminidase results in a reduced P value; (v) Rat red cells of different ages can be fractionated by counter-current distribution; and (vi) Differences between red blood cells from genetically distinct rats or between humans can be detected. Aquaphase (a hydroxypropyl starch marketed by Perstorp AB, Lund, Sweden) has been tested as in ii–iv above with analogous results. The partitioning behavior of erythrocytes in PES—PEG and Dx—PEG aqueous phase systems containing sodium chloride differs in a number of ways: (vii) The correlation, apparent in Dx—PEG systems, between the P value of red blood cells from different species and the ratio of their membrane poly- to monounsaturated fatty acids is absent in PES—PEG systems. It is replaced by a correlation as in i; (viii) The increase in P value in Dx—PEG observed from red blood cells after treatment with neuraminidase is replaced by a decrease in P value in PES—PEG or Aquaphase—PEG systems. We conclude that PES (and Aquaphase) can be substitutes for dextran in cell partitioning studies when charge-sensitive phases are used ( e.g. , those containing phosphate) while separations based on properties reflected by Dx—PEG systems containing sodium chloride are not duplicated by PES—PEG (and probably not by Aquaphase—PEG). The hydroxypropyl starch—PEG systems containing sodium chloride, unlike the analogous Dx—PEG systems, have a significant electrostatic potential difference between the phases.
Experimental Study of Structure-Electrical Transport Correlation in Single Disordered Carbon Nanowires

We present experimental results characterizing the changes in electrical transport of single disordered carbon nanowires (diameter 150–250 nm) to the changes in microstructure within the nanowires induced by synthesis temperature. The material system studied is a nanoporous, semiconducting disordered carbon nanowire obtained from the pyrolysis of a polymeric precursor (polyfurfuryl alcohol). Unlike the other allotropes of carbon such as diamond, graphite (graphenes) and fullerenes (CNT, buckyballs), disordered carbons lack crystalline order and hence can exhibit a range of electronic properties, dependent on the degree of disorder and the local microstructure. Such disordered carbon nanowires are therefore materials whose electronic properties can be engineered to specifications if we understand the structure-property correlations. Using dark DC conductivity tests, measurements were performed from 300K to 450K. The charge transport behavior in the nanowires is found to follow an activation-energy based conduction at high temperatures. The conductivity for nanowires synthesized from 600°C to 2000°C is calculated and is linked to changes in the microstructure using data obtained from SEM, TEM and Raman spectroscopy. The electrical properties of the nanowire are shown to be linked intrinsically to the microstructure and the degree of disorder, which in turn can be controlled to a great extent just by controlling the pyrolysis temperature. This ability to tune the electrical property, specifically conductivity, and map it to the structural changes within the disordered material makes it a candidate material for use in active/passive electronic components, and as versatile transducers for sensors.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Update on the Role of Z-Joint Injection and Radiofrequency Neurotomy for Cervicogenic Headache

Cervicogenic headache is a common secondary headache that typically is referred from the upper cervical spine, that is, segments C3-C4 and rostral. Diagnostic injections to one or more of these segmental joints (including the atlanto-occipital joint, atlanto-axial joint, and C2-C3 and C3-C4 zygapophysial joints [z-joints]) frequently are used to establish the pain generator in the cervical spine that is responsible for the radiation of pain into the head. Therapeutic interventions used to alleviate pain include corticosteroid injections into the z-joint (ie, C2-C3 and C3-C4) or bony articulations (ie, C0-C1 and C2-C2), and percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) neurotomy at the C2-C3 and C3-C4 z-joints. RF neurotomy may provide the most sustained relief of headache symptoms although the relief typically is not permanent. Pulsed RF, a nondestructive modality, may also have benefit for cervicogenic headaches.
Trisannulated Benzene Derivatives by Acid Catalyzed Aldol Cyclotrimerizations of Cyclic Ketones. Methodology Development and Mechanistic Insight

Several factors that contribute to the success of aldol cyclotrimerizations have been clarified as part of an effort to shed light on the inner workings of this century old reaction. The use of 4,7-di-tert-butylacenaphthenone (11) as a mechanistic probe molecule has led to intriguing discoveries about temperature, solvent, and solubility effects. Solvents that are both polarizable and somewhat polar, e.g., o-dichlorobenzene (ODCB), work best for the aromatic ketones examined. Certain Bronsted acids were found to work better than Lewis acids as catalysts for the archetypal aldol cyclotrimerization of indanone (2) in aprotic solvents, and a strong dependence on the pKa of the acid was observed. A standardized protocol, using p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, is shown to work well in a number of test cases.
Techniques for the thin film growth of La1−xSrxCrO3 for solid state ionic devices

Abstract Thin films of LaCrO 3 and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CrO 3 were prepared using RF magnetron sputtering, electron beam evaporation and pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The films were prepared from both oxide targets and from targets consisting of Cr metal and lanthanum and strontium fluorides. Subsequent anneal of the fluoride/metal composite films in humidified Ar produced an oxide film. Direct growth of the perovskite from oxide targets via sputtering was usually accompanied by second phases with Cr in valance states higher than 3+. Single-phase La–Sr–Cr–O films could not be prepared from a single oxide target electron beam evaporation. However, thick, stoichiometric films were prepared at 400 °C using an electron beam/thermal evaporation dual source method but inconsistently. Single-phase lanthanum chromate films, based on the limited results obtained in this work, could not be prepared using PLD from either oxide or fluoride precursors under conditions similar to those used in the other techniques. However, films prepared by the intermediate fluoride process via off-axis RF magnetron sputtering process produced high quality thin films with density, microstructure and phase purity very similar to bulk La 0.8 Sr 0.2 CrO 3 using a film growth temperature as low as ambient ( T sub 0.8 Sr 0.2 CrO 3 prepared by sintering ceramic powders at 1650 °C in air and, based on previous work, should be suitable for mixed potential sensor applications.
TEXTURE SEGMENTATION: AN UNSUPERVISED APPROACH

The segmentation of scenes into perceptually meaningful partitions has been a basic problem in image understanding, especially when unsupervised methodology has been desired. A novel unsupervised segmentation approach based on texture is developed. The texture model is based on sets of gray level cooccurence (GLC) matrices rather than measures extracted from them. The algorithmic constituents for the segmentation scheme: choice of seed regions, normalized match distances between texture models, region homogeneity, and aggregation criteria are systematically developed. The unsupervised algorithm works so that “seed” regions are discovered by an image search process. Initial estimates of the texture model prototypes are automatically computed for each “seed” region, and classification thresholds are based on the variance of the model over the “seed” region. An aggregation process then results in regions being successively classified and segmented “out” of the image. This recursive process of segmentation is continued until all pixels are classified. The segmentation strategy was tested successfully on natural texture mosaics. The results are analytically presented. These experiments demonstrate that the unsupervised process can correctly identify the perceptual constituents of the image based on texture.
Limitations of temperature measurements with holographic interferometry in the presence of pressure variations

Abstract In recent years oscillatory flows have shown to be a promising strategy to enhance heat transfer. However, the mechanisms underlying oscillatory heat transfer enhancement are not yet completely understood. One problem, when investigating heat transfer in oscillatory flows experimentally, is to resolve the temperature distribution as a function of time. This is one reason that most studies reported in the literature so far were restricted to frequencies of a few hertz. As shown in this paper, an appropriate tool to investigate oscillatory heat transfer phenomena at higher frequencies (∼1000 Hz) is real time holographic interferometry (HI) combined with high-speed cinematography. In the present paper HI was applied to study acoustically driven flow. To apply HI to such a physical situation it was necessary to expand its applicability to cases where changes in the refractive index are caused not only by temperature changes but also by pressure variations. For this purpose a new evaluation formula that accounts for pressure variations was derived. On the example of the acoustic field, we discuss the impact of the pressure variations on temperature measurements. Additionally, an image processing algorithm was developed that allows the measurement of time dependent temperature distributions. The uncertainties of the temperature measurements introduced by the image processing algorithm were found to be in the range of thermocouple measurements.
Temperature dependent properties of a kinesin-3 motor protein from Thermomyces lanuginosus

Kinesins are cytoskeletal motor proteins that share a common mechanochemical motor domain, and are responsible for trafficking macromolecules. Here we report the cloning and characterization of a monomeric, kinesin-3 (TKIN) from Thermomyces lanuginosus. TKIN displayed a maximum rate of ATP hydrolysis at approximately 55 degrees C; the K(m)(ATP) was also significantly greater at 50 degrees C. Gliding motility rates reached a maximum of 5.5 microms(-1) at 45 degrees C, which is among the highest rates reported for kinesin. Arrhenius energy barriers were calculated to be approximately 103 kJmol(-1), nearly twofold greater than other mesophilic kinesin motors. The enthalpy of activation and entropy activation of TKIN were also significantly greater when compared to other mesophilic kinesins. A thermally induced aggregation of TKIN, which could be moderated by the addition of ATP, was observed at temperatures above 45 degrees C. Together, these results illustrate the kinetic response and stability of this unique motor protein at elevated temperatures.
Calibration of satellite sensors after launch

A simple and accurate method for the postflight calibration of satellite Visible Infrared Spin-Scan Radiometers (VISSR) is presented, and the results of inflight testing are reported. The calibration source for the VISSR with its effective wavelength of 610 nm is the radiance of sunlight, measured in calibrated reflectance units, scattered by the atmospheric gas above ocean which is far from land. Only the lowest 20 percent of the full-scale VISSR response is calibrated. VISSR testing aboard two geostationary operational evironmental satellites between 1980 and 1983 showed significant calibration coefficient variations of only + or - 12 percent and + or - 2 percent. Good agreement was found between values of aerosol optical thickness measured by VISSR and those measured from the ground.
The influence of chimpanzee predation on group size and anti-predator behaviour in red colobus monkeys

Abstract The extent to which predation influences the grouping patterns and behavioural ecology of non-human primates is a matter of continuing debate, but there are few field studies in which predation has been observed frequently enough to test the hypothesis that predation is an important influence. Group size and anti-predator behaviour of red colobus monkeys, Colobus badius tephrosceles, were studied in relation to predation by chimpanzees, Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii, in Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Predation by Gombe chimpanzees had a major impact on red colobus group size and structure. Mean group size of red colobus living in the core hunting area of their chimpanzee predators was 46% smaller than the mean size of groups living in the periphery of the chimpanzees' hunting range. Chimpanzees fed mainly upon immature red colobus monkeys at Gombe, and predation by chimpanzees was the likely limiting factor on red colobus group size and population size. Despite high levels of predation, there were few differences between large and small groups in likely predator avoidance behaviour: foraging and resting height, or nearest-neighbour proximity, for any age/sex class when they were not in the proximity of chimpanzees. When parties of chimpanzees were present the spatial positioning of colobus changed; females and immatures increased their nearest-neighbour scores to adult males, and adult males decreased their nearest-neighbour distances as a part of their communal defence tactics. Predation by chimpanzees elicits different detection and defence strategies from red colobus than do aerial (raptors) or terrestrial (felids) ambush predators. This appears to be owing to the social nature of chimpanzee hunting and the effect of chimpanzee party size and composition on hunting success.
Smog chamber study of H2O2 formation in ethene?NOx and propene?NOx mixtures

Hydrogen peroxide formation in the photooxidation of CO−NO x , ethene−NO x , and propene −NO x mixtures has been determined in the TVA 31 cubic meter smog chamber under the following conditions: [NO x ] ca. 22-46 ppb; ethene=0.22-1.1 ppm, [propene]=0.12-0.97 ppm; [H 2 O] ca.8×10 −3 ppm. Ethene, propene, NO, NO x , PAN, HCHO, and CH 3 CHO were also monitored. Computer modeling was performed using the gas phase ethene and propene mechanism of the Regional Acid Deposition Model. There is good between the model predicted and observed H 2 O 2 cencentrations. However, to successfully model all the propene−NO x experimental results, organic nitrate formation from the reaction of peroxy radicals with NO must be included in the mechanism
Experiences building PlanetLab

This paper reports our experiences building PlanetLab over the last four years. It identifies the requirements that shaped PlanetLab, explains the design decisions that resulted from resolving conflicts among these requirements, and reports our experience implementing and supporting the system. Due in large part to the nature of the "PlanetLab experiment," the discussion focuses on synthesis rather than new techniques, balancing system-wide considerations rather than improving performance along a single dimension, and learning from feedback from a live system rather than controlled experiments using synthetic workloads.
Epoxy resins: Effect of extent of mixing on properties

Inhomogeneities observed in cured epoxy resins by several workers appear to be related to the effectiveness of mixing the reactants. This mixing effectiveness also has an effect on the softening temperature Tg, of DETA cured resins, of as much as 10°C. Improved mixing of both DETA and Versamid 140 cured systems resulted in substantial ultimate strength improvement, in agreement with other recent results. Samples were mixed by hand, by a concentric cylinder mechanical mixer, and by application of an electrical filed between the cylinders of the mechanical mixer while mechanical mixing was in progress.
R2 and R2/R1 hybrid non-autonomous retrotransposons derived by internal deletions of full-length elements

R2 is a non-long terminal repeat (non-LTR) retrotransposable element that inserts site specifically into the 28S genes of the ribosomal (r)RNA gene loci. Encoded at the 5' end is a ribozyme that generates the precise 5' end by self-cleavage of a 28S gene cotranscript. Sequences at the 3' end are necessary for the R2 protein to bind RNA and initiate the target primed reverse transcription (TPRT) reaction. These minimal RNA requirements suggested that if recombination/DNA repair conjoined the 5' and 3' ends of R2, the result would be a non-autonomous element that could survive as long as autonomous R2 elements supplied the TPRT activity. A PCR-based survey of 39 Drosophila species aided by genomic sequences from 12 of these species revealed two types of non-autonomous elements. We call these elements SIDEs (for ‘Short Internally Deleted Elements’). The first consisted of a 5' ribozyme and a 3' end of an R2 element as predicted. Variation at the 5' junctions of the R2 SIDE copies was typical for R2 insertions suggesting their propagation by TPRT. The second class of SIDE contained sequences from R1 elements, another non-LTR retrotransposon that inserts into rRNA gene loci. These insertions had an R2 ribozyme immediately upstream of R1 3' end sequences. These hybrid SIDEs were inserted at the R1 site with 14 bp target site duplications typical of R1 insertions suggesting they used the R1 machinery for retrotransposition. Finally, the survey revealed examples of U12 small nuclear (sn)RNA and tRNA sequences at the 5' end of R2 elements suggesting the R2 reverse transcriptase can template jump from the R2 transcript to a second RNA during TPRT. The R2 SIDE and R2/R1 hybrid SIDEs are rare examples of non-autonomous retrotransposons in the Drosophila genome. Associated non-autonomous elements and in vivo template jumps are two additional characteristics R2 shares with other non-LTR retrotransposons such as mammalian L1s. Analysis of the hybrid SIDEs provides supporting evidence that R1 elements, like R2 elements, recognize their 3' untranslated region (UTR) sequences and, thus, belong to the stringent class of non-LTR elements.
TraceViz: "brushing" for location based services

The popularization of Location Based Services (LBS) has created new challenges for interaction designers in validating the design of their applications. Existing tools designed to play back GPS location traces data streams have shown potential for testing LBS applications and for supporting rapid and reflective prototyping. However, selecting a useful set of location traces from among a large collection remains a difficult task. In this paper, we present TraceViz, the first system that is aimed specifically at supporting LBS designers in exploring, filtering, and selecting location traces. TraceViz employs dynamic queries and "brushing" to allow LBS designers to flexibly adjust their trajectory filter criteria to find location traces of interest. An evaluation performed with eight LBS designers and developers indicates that TraceViz is helpful for rapidly locating useful traces and also highlights areas for future improvement.
Is ‘GOLD’ standard for the management of COPD in clinical practice?

COPD is a treatable disease and therapy can improve QoL, the level of symptoms, functionality and life expectancy. Primary therapy remains removal of the toxic agent (in most cases, tobacco smoke). Additional therapy includes bronchodilators (β-adrenergic and antimuscarinic classes). ICS are used to prevent exacerbations and, in carefully selected patients, may have additional benefits due to exacerbation prevention. Long-acting bronchodilators also reduce the risk of exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation, immunizations and, in very severe COPD, long-term oxygen therapy are the conventional COPD therapies. However, COPD is a systemic disease and often requires therapy of its protean-associated morbidities from depression to osteoporosis and muscle-wasting. Despite pessimism from several quarters, COPD is treatable.
The National Ignition Facility: the world's largest laser system for high energy density and inertial confinement fusion science

Summary form only given. The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is a stadium-sized facility containing a 192-beam, 1.8-Megajoule, 500-Terawatt, ultraviolet laser system and a 10-meter diameter target chamber with room for nearly 100 experimental diagnostics
A Peer-Based Substance Abuse Intervention for HIV+ Rural Women: A Pilot Study

Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use plays a major role in the acquisition and spread of HIV, and the majority of women living with HIV are either active or recovering drug users. Forty-six percent of women's cases of HIV infection have been attributed to injection-drug use and 18% to women's heterosexual contacts with injection-drug users. Substance abuse often contributes to noncompliance with HIV treatment. Individuals with multiple diagnoses, such as those with HIV and substance abuse, may not be able to withstand the burden of integrating the different clinical approaches used to treat their substance abuse and other comorbid disorders such as HIV. This article reports the results of an intervention pilot study testing a peer counseling intervention for substance abuse in rural women with HIV. Thirteen women completed the intervention. Although limited by sample size, results suggest that this intervention was effective in helping women to acknowledge problems with their alcohol and drug abuse and to begin taking steps to achieve sobriety.
Effect of light on biomass and community structure of estuarine detrital microbiota.

Comparison of estuarine detrital microbiota grown with and without light in the absence of macroscopic grazing showed shifts in the community structure that enabled correlation between various biochemical measures. Analysis of these biochemical measures showed that growth in light induces the smallest increases in procaryotic attributes such as muramic acid; wall glucosamine; lipid phosphate; total extractable adenosine nucleotides; short-branched, cyclopropane, and cis-vaccenic fatty acids; lipid glucose and mannose; the incorporation of acetate into lipid; and the formation of deoxyribonucleic acid from thymidine. Measures of the microfauna such as lipid inositol and the ..gamma..-linolenic series of polyenoic fatty acids also increased minimally in the light-grown microbiota. Measures of sulfolipid synthesis, lipid glycerol, total extractable palmitate, 18-carbon polyenoic fatty acids, and total polyenoic fatty acids longer than 20 carbons increased to 10- to 15-fold in algae and fungi. Chlorophyll a, lipid galactose, and the 16- and 20-carbon polyenoic fatty acids characteristic of diatoms increased maximally in the light. This increase of diatom measure correlated with the sheets of diatoms detected by scanning electron microscopy.
RECONSIDERING KENNETH BURKE: His Contributions to the Identity Controversy

The social theory of Kenneth Burke is relevant to the contemporary controversy about identity. His theory of identity, developed in the 1930s, addresses several important issues at the heart of contemporary debate. Though not naively, Burke believed that identity can serve as an instrument of social critique. His own defense of this position is, I think, worthy of consideration.
Preferences of Alaska and New Mexico psychiatrists regarding professionalism and ethics training.

Objective To identify the preferences of practicing licensed psychiatrists in two rural states regarding ethics training.
521 Rituximab Improves Survival in Cardiac Allograft Antibody Mediated Rejection: A Single Center Experience

using medical records and transplant databases. Results: Mean age at transplant was 33.2 years (range 19.1-59.9 years). Mean follow up time is now 7.3 years (0.1-22.6). 17 patients (39%) had univentricular and 27 (61%) biventricular physiology. The biggest group was transposition of the great arteries following atrial switch in 12 patients (27%). Six (14%) had no previous surgical intervention. Number of transplants has increased substantially in recent years from 19 in 1988-1999 to 26 in 2000-2010. 16 patients (36%) died, 11 within 30 days. The 5 late deaths were at 86 days, 1.8, 2.4, 2.7 and 7 years. Survival was 78% at 30 days, 70% at 1 year, 62% at 5 years, and 50% at 10 and 15 years. There was a significant reduction in 30 day mortality from 44% in 1988-1994 to 10% in 2003-2010. There have been no deaths 30 days post transplant since 2005. Two patients developed post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease. No survivors have required long term renal replacement therapy. One patient was re-transplanted for cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Conclusions: Transplant numbers for adult congenital heart disease continue to rise with increased demand. Operative mortality has been high but this has improved substantially in the recent era with increasing experience. Long term survival is good and comparable to patients without congenital heart disease.
The exclusion of people with psychiatric disorders from medical research

People with psychiatric disorders are excluded from medical research to an unknown degree with unknown effects. We examined the prevalence of reported psychiatric exclusion criteria using a sample of 400 highly-cited randomized trials (2002-2010) across 20 common chronic disorders (6 psychiatric and 14 other medical disorders). Two coders rated the presence of psychiatric exclusion criteria for each trial. Half of all trials (and 84% of psychiatric disorder treatment trials) reported possible or definite psychiatric exclusion criteria, with significant variation across disorders (p < .001). Non-psychiatric conditions with high rates of reported psychiatric exclusion criteria included low back pain (75%), osteoarthritis (57%), COPD (55%), and diabetes (55%). The most commonly reported type of psychiatric exclusion criteria were those related to substance use disorders (reported in 48% of trials reporting at least one psychiatric exclusion criteria). General psychiatric exclusions (e.g., "any serious psychiatric disorder") were also prevalent (38% of trials). Psychiatric disorder trials were more likely than other medical disorder trials to report each specific type of psychiatric exclusion (p's < .001). Because published clinical trial reports do not always fully describe exclusion criteria, this study's estimates of the prevalence of psychiatric exclusion criteria are conservative. Clinical trials greatly influence state-of-the-art medical care, yet individuals with psychiatric disorders are often actively excluded from these trials. This pattern of exclusion represents an under-recognized and worrisome cause of health inequity. Further attention should be paid to how individuals with psychiatric disorders can be safely included in medical research to address this important clinical and social justice issue.
What the Humean Should Say About Entanglement

Tim Maudlin has influentially argued that Humeanism about laws of nature stands in conflict with quantum mechanics. Specifically Humeanism implies the principle Separability: the complete physical state of a world is determined by the intrinsic physical state of each space-time point. Maudlin argues Separability is violated by the entangled states posited by QM. We argue that Maudlin only establishes that a stronger principle, which we call Strong Separability, is in tension with QM. Separability is not in tension with QM. Moreover, while the Humean requires Separability to capture the core tenets of her view, there’s no Humean-specific motivation for accepting Strong Separability. We go on to give a Humean account of entangled states which satisfies Separability. The core idea is that certain quantum states depend upon the Humean mosaic in much *Thanks to Sophie Ban, Marco Dees, Cian Dorr, Martin Glazier, Michael Hicks, Tim Maudlin, Michaela McSweeney, Elizabeth Miller, Melissa Schumacher, Erica Shumener, the Rutgers Philosophy of Science reading group, the Thesis Prep seminar at NYU, and an anonymous referee for extremely useful feedback. †Department of Philosophy, New York University
A spatially enabled framework for habitats and species management system: architecture and case study

National Parks represent a natural heritage resource which is monitored through periodical observations of species in their territory and inventories of habitats and species within its boundaries. However, the management of the natural habitats and species is often critical, due to the difficulty of collecting data in a standard and interoperable form and dissemination to other available information systems. This paper is focused on the development of the geospatial architecture framework and applications required for an efficient inventory and mapping of natural habitats and wild species of community interest and undertaking special measures to conserve these species and habitats characteristic to the steppe bioregion. To show the usefulness, efficiency and effectiveness of this spatially enabled applications framework, we present a use case developed and implemented for the decision makers of the "Macin Mountains" National Park Administration and Natura2000 sites: SPA Macin-Niculitel and SCI Macin Mountains.
The Role of Colonic Bacteria in the Metabolism of the Natural Isoflavone Daidzin to Equol

Isoflavones are found in leguminous plants, especially soybeans. They have a structural similarity to natural estrogens, which enables them to bind to estrogen receptors and elicit biological activities similar to natural estrogens. They have been suggested to be beneficial for the prevention and therapy of hormone-dependent diseases. After soy products are consumed, the bacteria of the intestinal microflora metabolize isoflavones to metabolites with altered absorption, bioavailability, and estrogenic characteristics. Variations in the effect of soy products have been correlated with the isoflavone metabolites found in plasma and urine samples of the individuals consuming soy products. The beneficial effects of the soy isoflavone daidzin, the glycoside of daidzein, have been reported in individuals producing equol, a reduction product of daidzein produced by specific colonic bacteria in individuals called equol producers. These individuals comprise 30% and 60% of populations consuming Western and soy-rich Asian diets, respectively. Since the higher percentage of equol producers in populations consuming soy-rich diets is correlated with a lower incidence of hormone-dependent diseases, considerable efforts have been made to detect the specific colonic bacteria involved in the metabolism of daidzein to the more estrogenic compound, equol, which should facilitate the investigation of the metabolic activities related to this compound.
After Backyard Environmentalism Toward a Performance-Based Regime of Environmental Regulation

This article develops a model of environmental regulation that promises to be at once more flexible, democratic, and effective than the familiar methods of central command or market-based control. ...
Effects of computer self-efficacy and system reliability on user interaction with decision support systems

Computer self-efficacy (CSE) has been identified as a major determinant of computer-related ability and usage in organizational contexts. However, there has been little research on the impact of CSE on the use of high level computerized systems such as decision support systems. In order to examine this relationship, participants completed a visual search task with the assistance of an automated decision support system which varied in reliability from moderately reliable (70%) to highly reliable (90%). After completion of the task, a median split was performed on participants' CSE scores to divide participants into high-CSE and low-CSE groups. We examined the relationship between CSE and trust and utilization of the system. High-CSE participants trusted the system more, complied with it more and generated significantly more hits than low-CSE participants, particularly on trials in which the aid was highly reliable. This indicated that high-CSE levels led to a better ability to gauge the true capabilities of the system. However, all participants uniformly underestimated the true reliability of the system at both levels of CSE. This study provides insight into the potential significance of personality factors in shaping human-technology interaction and has implications for designers of automated systems.
Paucity of V-D-D-J rearrangements and VH replacement events in lupus prone and nonautoimmune TdT-/- and TdT+/+ mice.

CDR3 regions containing two D segments, or containing the footprints of V H replacement events, have been reported in both mice and humans. However, the 12–23 bp rule for V(D)J recombination predicts that D-D rearrangements, which would occur between 2 recombination signal sequences (RSSs) with 12-bp spacers, should be extremely disfavored, and the cryptic RSS used for V H replacement is very inefficient. We have previously shown that newborn mice, which lack TdT due to the late onset of its expression, do not contain any CDR3 with D-D rearrangements. In the present study, we test our hypothesis that most D-D rearrangements are due to fortuitous matching of the second apparent D segment by TdT-introduced N nucleotides. We analyzed 518 sequences from adult MRL/ lpr - and C57BL/6 TdT-deficient B cell precursors and found only two examples of CDR3 with D-D rearrangements and one example of a potential V H replacement event. We examined rearrangements from pre-B cells, marginal zone B cells, and follicular B cells from mice congenic for the Lbw5 (Sle3/5 ) lupus susceptibility loci and from other strains of mice and found very few examples of CDR3 with D-D rearrangements. We assayed B progenitor cells, and cells enriched for receptor editing, for DNA breaks at the “cryptic heptamer” but such breaks were rare. We conclude that many examples of apparent D-D rearrangements in the mouse are likely due to N additions that fortuitously match short stretches of D genes and that D-D rearrangements and V H replacement are rare occurrences in the mouse.
Pinhole SPECT for imaging In-111 in the head

With the development of targeted radiotherapy techniques, quantitation of radionuclides that emit high-energy photons (>140 keV) by gamma camera scintigraphy has become increasingly important in external imaging applications. The radionuclide In-111 (171 and 245 keV) has been used experimentally with monoclonal antibodies and receptor specific pharmaceuticals to obtain pre-treatment information for various types of brain tumors. Conventional protocols for imaging In-111 utilize parallel-hole collimators designed for medium energy (ME) applications. The performance of ME collimators suffers from decreased spatial resolution and/or sensitivity. Septal penetration can also lead to image degradation. Pinhole collimation can offer improved spatial resolution and/or sensitivity compared with ME collimators when imaging In-111 in objects the size of the head or smaller, especially when restricting the field-of-view to regions near the central plane. Simulation and experimental phantom studies have been used to investigate pinhole SPECT for imaging In-111 in the head. Chang attenuation and dual-window scatter subtraction compensation methods have been evaluated for potential accuracy in pinhole geometry. Results have shown improved image quality with pinhole collimation with a /spl les/15% quantitative accuracy in phantom studies. We demonstrate that pinhole SPECT is a viable alternative to ME collimator imaging of In-111 in objects the size of the head. >
Living Arrangements of Older Adults in China: The Interplay Among Preferences, Realities, and Health:

This article uses the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey to examine the dynamics of living arrangements among the elderly in China. First, the author explores what factors are related to living arrangement preference. In addition, the author looks at a relatively unexplored measure— “living arrangement concordance”—having a match between preferred and actual living arrangements. This article also examines the relationship between concordance, self-rated health, and activities of daily living disability. Living arrangement concordance is high among community-residing elderly, but older Chinese and minority ethnicity are more likely to prefer coresidence with children, while people with higher socioeconomic status and greater family care resources are more likely to prefer living independently. This study gives evidence for person-environment fit theory—older adults with independent living concordance are more likely to have good self-rated health. Older adults who coreside with children, however...
Calcium channel blockers induce preferential coronary vasodilation by an alpha 1-mechanism

The effects of nitrendipine were evaluated on coronary and systemic dynamics in conscious dogs. Nitrendipine (8 micrograms X kg-1 X min-1) decreased late diastolic left circumflex coronary resistance (62 +/- 1.3%) significantly more (P less than 0.01) than total peripheral resistance (54 +/- 1.8%). After propranolol (1 mg/kg) and atropine methyl bromide (0.1 mg/kg) to eliminate reflex increases in myocardial metabolic demand, nitrendipine still reduced late diastolic coronary resistance (56 +/- 1.5%) significantly more (P less than 0.01) than total peripheral resistance (46 +/- 1.4%). However, after adding alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockade with prazosin (1 mg/kg) to beta-adrenergic and cholinergic receptor blockades, nitrendipine no longer reduced late diastolic coronary resistance (40 +/- 2.7%) more than total peripheral resistance (45 +/- 2.1%) and, in fact, reduced late diastolic coronary resistance less than prior to prazosin. Nifedipine and diltiazem also reduced late diastolic coronary resistance more than total peripheral resistance prior to, but not after, alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockade. In contrast, sodium nitroprusside reduced late diastolic coronary resistance more (P less than 0.01) than total peripheral resistance both before and after alpha 1-adrenergic receptor blockade. Thus calcium channel blockers preferentially dilate the coronary bed in comparison with the systemic circulation. Since the preferential effects were abolished by prazosin, an alpha 1-adrenergic mechanism is implicated.