cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agronomic Biofortification with Selenium

Although the essentiality of selenium (Se) has been known for five decades, the most effective method of Se delivery to cattle is unclear. Se may be administered as an injection or in feed and mineral supplements, with Se usually provided as inorganic sodium selenite. One limitation of inorganic Se is the apparent short duration of Se storage in the body. Natural Se sources in plants are organic forms, namely selenomethionine, selenocysteine, or Se-methylselenocysteine. Organic Se accumulates in muscle as selenoproteins, and subsequently becomes available during dietary inadequacy or during stress conditions when the Se requirement is increased but feed consumption is decreased. Agronomic biofortification is defined as increasing the bioavailable concentration of an essential element in edible portions of crop plants through the use of fertilizers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate Se status in beef cattle after short-term exposure to high-Se-fertilized forage vs a commonly used mineral supplement containing inorganic sodium selenite.
Entanglement Effect and Angular Momentum Conservation in a Non-separable Tunneling Treatment

The important, and often dominant, role of tunneling in low temperature kinetics has resulted in numerous theoretical explorations into the methodology for predicting it. Nevertheless, there are still key aspects of the derivations that are lacking, particularly for non-separable systems in the low temperature regime, and further explorations of the physical factors affecting the tunneling rate are warranted. In this work we obtain a closed-form rate expression for the tunneling rate constant that is a direct analog of the rigid-rotor-harmonic-oscillator expression. This expression introduces a novel "entanglement factor" that modulates the reaction rate. Furthermore, we are able to extend this expression, which is valid for non-separable systems at low temperatures, to properly account for the conservation of angular momentum. In contrast, previous calculations have considered only vibrational transverse modes and so effectively employ a decoupled rotational partition function for the orientational modes. We also suggest a simple theoretical model to describe the tunneling effects in the vicinity of the crossover temperature (the temperature where tunneling becomes the dominating mechanism). This model allows one to naturally classify, interpret, and predict experimental data. Among other things, it quantitatively explains in simple terms the so-called "quantum bobsled" effect, also known as the negative centrifugal effect, which is related to curvature of the reaction path. Taken together, the expressions obtained here allow one to predict the thermal and $E$-resolved rate constants over broad ranges of temperatures and energies.
Feasibility of Using an Ultrashort Lifestyle Questionnaire to Predict Future Mortality Risk among Patients with Suspected Heart Disease

Adverse health behaviors are potent drivers of chronic disease and premature mortality. This has led to the development of various lifestyle scores to predict clinical risk, but their complexity makes them impractical for use in clinical settings. Thus, there is a need to develop a brief lifestyle score that can assess factors such as exercise and diet within the constraints of routine medical practice. Accordingly, we assessed 19,081 patients undergoing coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning between September 1, 1998 and December 30, 2016. Each patient completed a questionnaire that included a two-item lifestyle scale regarding patients' frequency of exercise and adherence to a low saturated fat diet. Patients' responses were used to generate a lifestyle score which ranged from very low risk to high risk. Patients were followed for a median of 11.0 years for all-cause mortality. A stepwise relationship was noted between worse lifestyle scores and increased frequency of hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, waist/hip ratio, and resting heart rate and blood pressure. Among patients with zero CAC scores, mortality risk was low regardless of lifestyle score, but as CAC abnormality increased, a stepwise relationship emerged between worse lifestyle scores and mortality. The lifestyle score was more predictive of mortality than conventional CAD risk factors according to multivariable Chi-square analysis. Thus, our results establish the practicality of an ultrashort lifestyle questionnaire that could be employed in nearly all clinical settings. Within our study, our two-item lifestyle scale showed a stepwise relationship to known CAD risk factors and predicted future mortality.
Mean centering helps alleviate “micro” but not “macro” multicollinearity

There seems to be confusion among researchers regarding whether it is good practice to center variables at their means prior to calculating a product term to estimate an interaction in a multiple regression model. Many researchers use mean centered variables because they believe it’s the thing to do or because reviewers ask them to, without quite understanding why. Adding to the confusion is the fact that there is also a perspective in the literature that mean centering does not reduce multicollinearity. In this article, we clarify the issues and reconcile the discrepancy. We distinguish between “micro” and “macro” definitions of multicollinearity and show how both sides of such a debate can be correct. To do so, we use proofs, an illustrative dataset, and a Monte Carlo simulation to show the precise effects of mean centering on both individual correlation coefficients as well as overall model indices. We hope to contribute to the literature by clarifying the issues, reconciling the two perspectives, and quelling the current confusion regarding whether and how mean centering can be a useful practice.
PRUEBA DE CONOCIMIENTOS PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DEL NÚMERO EN FUTURAS MAESTRAS DE EDUCACIÓN INFANTIL TEST OF KNOWLEDGE FOR TEACHING NUMBER IN PRESERVICE TEACHERS IN CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

El presente articulo presenta el diseno y validacion de un instrumento sobre el “ conocimiento para la ensenanza del numero en futuras maestras de educacion infantil”. El instrumento se fundamenta en tres componentes teoricos referidos al conocimiento docente: i) los conceptos logico matematicos asociados a la construccion del numero, ii) la organizacion de la ensenanza y iii) las etapas del aprendizaje de nociones de logica y numero. El instrumento plantea dos situaciones de aula de educacion infantil para suscitar el conocimiento docente. Los resultados muestran que el instrumento posee validez de contenido y validez de constructo, alcanzando una consistencia interna de 0.72. Se concluye que el instrumento validado para medir el saber de las maestras para la ensenanza del numero puede ser de utilidad en programas de formacion docente en educacion infantil.
Scanning acoustic microscopy for characterization of coatings and near-surface features of ceramics

Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAcM) has been widely used for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) in various fields such as material characterization, electronics, and biomedicine. SAcM uses high-frequency acoustic waves (60 MHz to 2.0 GHz) providing much higher resolution (up to 0.5 {micro}m) compared to conventional ultrasonic NDE, which is typically about 500 {micro}m. SAcM offers the ability to non-destructively image subsurface features and visualize the variations in elastic properties. These attributes make SAcM a valuable tool for characterizing near-surface material properties and detecting fine-scale flaws. This paper presents some recent applications of SAcM in detecting subsurface damage, assessing coatings, and visualizing residual stress for ceramic and semiconductor materials.
Rapid current switching with an endovascular electrode configuration significantly decreases implantable defibrillator thresholds

This study sought to demonstrate that defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) for electrical defibrillation of the heart could be reduced significantly with entirely endovascular electrode placements by switching current rapidly between electrode sets. A left ventricular (LV) electrode and custom defibrillator were built. A commercial defibrillation catheter was implanted in 9 swine with shocking coils in the right ventricle (RV) and superior vena cava (SVC). A pectoral (Can) electrode was implanted over the left pectoral muscle. The custom LV electrode was inserted into the middle cardiac vein. Defibrillation thresholds were determined for a control configuration (biphasic shock, RV/sup -/ /spl rarr/ SVC/sup +/ + Can/sup +/), and for two experimental configurations. One configuration (2/2) split the current between two current paths (RV/sup -/ /spl rarr/ SVC/sup +/ + Can/sup +/, LV/sup -/ /spl rarr/ SVC/sup +/ + Can/sup +/) and another (3/3) distributed the current between three current paths (RV /spl rarr/ SVC/sup +/ + Can/sup +/, SVC/sup -/ + Can/sup -/ /spl rarr/ LV/sup +/, LV/sup -/ /spl rarr/ RV/sup +/). DFT energy levels were more than 41.7% lower (p= 0.016) for the 2/2 configuration, and more than 42.7% lower (p=0.008) for the 3/3 configuration.
Detection of Carbamate as a Product of the Carbamate Kinase-catalyzed Reaction by Stopped Flow Spectrophotometry

Using a new assay procedure for carbamate which utilizes stopped flow spectrophotometry, it is shown that the reaction between carbamyl phosphate and ADP, catalyzed by Streptococcus faecalis D10 carbamate kinase at pH 9.1, 25°, yields carbamate as the primary reaction product. This observation validates the designation of the enzyme as a carbamate kinase.
Social context modulates singing-related neural activity in the songbird forebrain.

Birdsong is a complex vocal behavior learned during early life in a process similar to the learning of human speech1. Like speech, singing is a social behavior—male songbirds often use it in courtship or in territorial defense2. Here we show that, in the adult zebra finch, the pattern of singing-related neural activity in several high-level brain areas specialized for song learning is dependent on whether a bird sings by itself or to another bird; thus, this activity can indicate not only that a bird is singing but also the social context of the song.
Kinematics of large elastoplastic damage deformation

Abstract In this paper the kinematics of damage for finite strain, elasto-plastic deformation is introduced using the fourth-order damage effect tensor through the concept of the effective stress within the framework of continuum damage mechanics. In the absence of the kinematic description of damage deformation leads one to adopt one of the following two different hypotheses for the small deformation problems. One uses either the hypothesis of strain equivalence or the hyphothesis of energy equivalence in order to characterize the damage of the material. The proposed approach in this work provides a general description of kinematics of damage applicable to finite strains. This is accomplished by directly considering the kinematics of the deformation field and furthermore it is not confined to small strains as in the case of the strain equivalence or the strain energy equivalence approaches. In this work, the damage is described kinematically in both the elastic domain and plastic domain using the fourth order damage effect tensor which is a function of the second-order damage tensor. The damage effect tensor is explicitly characterized in terms of a kinematic measure of damage through a second-order damage tensor. Two kinds of second-order damage tensor representations are used in this work with respect to two reference configurations. The finite elasto-plastic deformation behavior with damage is also viewed here within the framework of thermodynamics with internal state variables. Using the consistent thermodynamic formulation one introduces seperately the strain due to damage and the associated dissipation energy due to this strain.
PREFERENTIAL SYNTHESIS OF α-AMYLASE BY BACILLUS STEAROTHERMOPHILUS IN THE PRESENCE OF 5-METHYL-TRYPTOPHAN

Welker, N. E. (Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio), and L. Leon Campbell. Preferential synthesis of α-amylase by Bacillus stearothermophilus in the presence of 5-methyl-tryptophan. J. Bacteriol. 87:828–831. 1964.—Washed-cell suspensions of Bacillus stearothermophilus induced with pure maltose preferentially synthesized α-amylase in the presence of 5-methyl-tryptophan (5-MT). 5-MT did not inhibit the formation of active α-amylase or the incorporation of proline-C14 into α-amylase. In contrast, p-fluorophenylalanine inhibited the formation of active α-amylase by 92% and the incorporation of proline-C14 into the enzyme by 95%. p-Fluorophenylalanine and 5-MT inhibited cellular protein synthesis, as measured by proline-C14 incorporation, by 74 and 72%, respectively.
Using the Judas technique to locate and remove wintertime aggregations of invasive common carp

Radio- and acoustic telemetry in three Midwestern lakes demonstrated that common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., aggregate as water temperatures descend below 10 � C. Particularly dense aggregations formed at temperatures <5 � C, and once located, these aggregations could be removed with an efficiency of up to 94% using seine nets. Carp aggregated just below the surface of the ice (approximately 1.5 m) and rarely descended to warmer waters, which extended down to 10 m. Although aggregations consistently formed close to shore, their locations could not be explained by temperature or dissolved oxygen. The aggregations also moved frequently, making radio-tagged fish invaluable to locate them. Coldwater aggregations of carp may reflect a type of shoaling behaviour and can be exploited with the aid of radio-tagged (Judas) fish to control this invasive fish effectively. Similar approaches might be developed for other gregarious invasive fishes.
Microbiology: Exclusive networks in the sea.

The identification of an exchange of nutrients and signalling molecules between a planktonic alga and a bacterium demonstrates that targeted mutualistic interactions occur across domains of life in the oceans. See Letter p.98 Experimental difficulties mean that little is known about the interplay between phytoplankton and bacteria that provides the foundation of marine ecosystems. Here Virginia Armbrust and colleagues use a laboratory model system to characterize a bacterial consortium associated with a globally distributed diatom. They find that in consortium culture experiments Sulfitobacter sp. promote cell division in the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries through secretion of the indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), which is synthesized from both diatom-secreted and endogenous tryptophan. The authors use metabolomics and metatranscriptomics to identify IAA and some of the genes associated with IAA production in the ocean, although further work will be needed to fully investigate the ecological relevance of the pathway identified in the laboratory. This study is among the first to characterize at the molecular level the currency used to support a microbial consortium in the ocean and lays the groundwork for future efforts.
Role of Ia Antigen Expression and Secretory Function of Accessory Cells in the Induction of Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses Against Herpes Simplex Virus

Splenocytes from mice which have been primed in vivo with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) can be restimulated in vitro with infectious or UV-inactivated HSV-1 to generate HSV-specific, H-2-restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). HSV-primed splenocytes which have been depleted of adherent cells by sequential incubation on plastic, nylon wool, and Sephadex G-10 are not able to respond with a CTL response when restimulated in vitro. A variety of Ia-positive and Ia-negative (Ia+ and Ia−) cell populations were assessed for their ability to supply accessory cell functions to spleen cells which had been exhaustively depleted of adherent cells, as measured by the restoration of a CTL response to HSV-1. Of these, only those populations which included Ia+ cells were capable of providing accessory cell function. The ineffective populations were devoid of Ia antigens, except for B lymphocytes, which are Ia+ and still incapable of serving as accessory cells. Splenic adherent cells and resident peritoneal cells were both proficient at restoring anti-HSV CTL responses, although splenic adherent cells were clearly superior at limiting cell numbers. Neither population was capable of accessory cell activity, however, if it was pretreated with anti-Ia antiserum plus complement or if anti-Ia serum was present during induction. Peritoneal cells lose virtually all of their membrane-associated Ia antigen after a brief period of in vitro culture (24 to 48 h). Cultured peritoneal cells, as well as P388D1 cells (normally Ia−), can be induced to express Ia antigens within 48 h if they are cultured with concanavalin A-stimulated spleen cell supernatants. Ia+ P388D1 cells without the extraneous macrophage factor are not able to restore CTL responsiveness to HSV-1 in vitro, whereas Ia+ cultured macrophages are fully competent accessory cells. When Ia+ P388D1 cells were supplemented with the macrophage-derived soluble factor interleukin 1, they displayed a modest, but significant, capacity to restore secondary anti-HSV CTL responses. In addition, glutaraldehyde-fixed, HSV-1-infected Ia+ peritoneal cells, which could not restore the CTL response alone, were capable of providing accessory cell function if extraneous interleukin 1 was provided. In contrast, Ia− cultured peritoneal cells, Ia− P388D1 cells, and various other Ia− cell lines were unable to participate in the generation of CTL even in the presence of interleukin 1. The adherent cell population would therefore appear to be making at least two essential contributions to the process of CTL development, namely, the secretion of interleukin 1 and the presentation of antigen in the context of membrane-associated Ia antigen.
Metathesis Polymerization Processes by Homogeneous Catalysis

Alkene polymerization reactions proceeding by homogeneous metathesis catalysis are reviewed. Fundamental mechanistic aspects of these reactions are discussed with special emphasis on ring opening metathesis polymerization and acyclic diene metathesis polymerization chemistry. Keywords: homogeneous catalysis; alkene metathesis; ring opening metathesis polymerization; acyclic diene metathesis polymerization; polymerization reactions
Kismet Positively Regulates Glutamate Receptor Localization and Synaptic Transmission at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction

The Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a glutamatergic synapse that is structurally and functionally similar to mammalian glutamatergic synapses. These synapses can, as a result of changes in activity, alter the strength of their connections via processes that require chromatin remodeling and changes in gene expression. The chromodomain helicase DNA binding (CHD) protein, Kismet (Kis), is expressed in both motor neuron nuclei and postsynaptic muscle nuclei of the Drosophila larvae. Here, we show that Kis is important for motor neuron synaptic morphology, the localization and clustering of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, larval motor behavior, and synaptic transmission. Our data suggest that Kis is part of the machinery that modulates the development and function of the NMJ. Kis is the homolog to human CHD7, which is mutated in CHARGE syndrome. Thus, our data suggest novel avenues of investigation for synaptic defects associated with CHARGE syndrome.
Improving the quality of low-wage work: The current American experience

. Despite the recent strength of the United States job market, about one fifth of the private-sector workforce is in poor-quality employment, earning poverty-level wages or less, with scant prospects for improvement. Against this background, the article focuses on demand-side policies, aimed at influencing firms' decision-making in the direction of better quality employment. Describing and evaluating a variety of programmes pursued to that end, the author argues for more policy coherence and a balanced approach combining training and economic development programmes working directly with employers, on the one hand, and increased unionization and better wage and working-time standards, on the other.
Prospore Membrane Formation Defines a Developmentally Regulated Branch of the Secretory Pathway in Yeast

Spore formation in yeast is an unusual form of cell division in which the daughter cells are formed within the mother cell cytoplasm. This division requires the de novo synthesis of a membrane compartment, termed the prospore membrane, which engulfs the daughter nuclei. The effect of mutations in late-acting genes on sporulation was investigated. Mutation of SEC1, SEC4, or SEC8 blocked spore formation, and electron microscopic analysis of the sec4-8 mutant indicated that this inability to produce spores was caused by a failure to form the prospore membrane. The soluble NSF attachment protein 25 (SNAP-25) homologue SEC9, by contrast, was not required for sporulation. The absence of a requirement for SEC9 was shown to be due to the sporulation-specific induction of a second, previously undescribed, SNAP-25 homologue, termed SPO20. These results define a developmentally regulated branch of the secretory pathway and suggest that spore morphogenesis in yeast proceeds by the targeting and fusion of secretory vesicles to form new plasma membranes in the interior of the mother cell. Consistent with this model, the extracellular proteins Gas1p and Cts1p were localized to an internal compartment in sporulating cells. Spore formation in yeast may be a useful model for understanding secretion-driven cell division events in a variety of plant and animal systems.
Hen egg white lysozyme as an inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase

We report a kinetics study on hen egg white lysozyme's (HEWL) inhibitory effect on mushroom tyrosinase catalysis of 3- (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-L-alanine (L-DOPA) or L-tyrosine. For the first time, we demonstrate HEWL as a robust inhibitor against mushroom tyrosinase in catalysis of both substrates. The kinetics pattern matches a mixed (mostly non-competitive) partial inhibition. Ki and ID50 value of HEWL are more than 20-fold lower than that of kojic acid, a well-known chemical inhibitor of mushroom tyrosinase. Ki, a value and b value, are almost identical in both experiments (L L-DOPA and L-tyrosine as substrates, respectively), which suggests this common inhibi- tion mechanism affects both steps. The inhibitory effect increases as both proteins were mixed and pre-incubated for less than 1 h. HEWL-depletion only removed about half of the inhibitory effect. Here we propose a novel function of HEWL, which combines the reversible inhibition and the irreversible inactivation toward mushroom tyrosinase. Discovery of HEWL as an inhibitor to mushroom tyrosinase catalysis may be commercially valuable in the food, medical and cosmetic industries. 2006 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Glutamate dehydrogenase activity in motor cortex neurons during recovery of impaired visual function.

1. Recovery of visual function after a period of visual deprivation results in significant normalization of glutamate dehydrogenase activity in nerve cell bodies and processes of layers III and V of the motor cortex. 2. Enzyme activity changes are accompanied by a significant decrease in neuronal size. 3. The normalization rates of neurons in layer III exceed those of neurons in layer V. 4. The morphochemical changes produced in motor cortex neurons during early deprivation of visual function are specific and reversible.
Characterization of lactate dehydrogenase of Helisoma antrosum (mollusca: basommatophora): Enzyme assays, polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing

Under the described experimental conditions, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of Helisoma antrosum is characterized as follows: 1. 1. At low substrate (lithium lactate) concentrations (0·01–0·03 M), LDH of whole snail homogenates appears to display hyperbolic kinetics. At higher substrate concentrations (0·04–0·16 M), LDH displays sigmoid kinetics. 2. 2. LDH exists as a multiple molecular form displaying five isoenzymes. 3. 3. A Hill plot of the data for whole snail homogenates indicates that at least one of the LDH isoenzymes possesses at least two interacting binding sites. 4. 4. Isoelectric focusing demonstrated four molecular forms of LDH, the isoelectric points (pI) of these forms being 3·8, 5·2, 6·2 and 8·5. 5. 5. The Michaelis constant (apparent Km) of the LDH from whole snail homogenates is 5·5 × 10−2 M. 6. 6. LDH-4, and possibly LDH-5, correspond to a thick band which had been previously demonstrated with amino black (protein stain) and Ponceau red (lipoprotein stain). 7. 7. LDH-4 is the predominant band in acrylamide gels.
Interpretation of the photoelectron spectra of molecularly adsorbed CO

Abstract We have measured the photoemission spectra both for CO adsorbed on Ni and Pd films and for gas phase CO over a wide photon energy range. The comparison of these two sets of measurements lead to the following interpretation of the two observed electronic energy levels of molecularly adsorbed CO. The lower binding energy CO-induced level corresponds to the 1π gas phase level with some admixture of the 5σ level and the higher binding energy level corresponds to the 4σ gas phase level. The h ω-dependence of the photoionization cross section is shown to play a predominant role in determining the surface sensitivity.
High resolution absorption cross section measurements and band oscillator strengths of the (1,0)-(12,0) Schumann-Runge bands of O2

Abstract Cross sections of O 2 at 300 K have been obtained from photoabsorption measurements at various pressures throughout the wavelength region 179.3–201.5 nm with a 6.65 m photoelectric scanning spectrometer equipped with a 2400 lines mm −1 grating and having an instrumental width (FWHM) of 0.0013 nm. The measured absorption cross sections of the Schumann-Runge bands (12, 0) through (1, 0) in this wavelength region are absolute, i.e., independent of the instrumental width, a result not achieved previously. The measured cross sections are presented graphically and are available at wavenumber intervals of > sim; 0.1 cm −1 as numerical complications stored on magnetic tape from the National Space Science Data Center, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD 20771, U.S.A. Band oscillator strengths of the (12, 0) through (1, 0) bands have been determined by direct numerical integration of the measured cross sections.
Effects of Intermittent Reperfusion on Brain pHi, rCBF, and NADH During Rabbit Focal Cerebral Ischemia

Background and Purpose The use of intermittent reperfusion versus straight occlusion during neurovascular procedures is controversial. This experiment studied the effects of intermittent reperfusion and single occlusion on intracellular brain pH (pHi), regional cerebral or cortical blood flow, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) fluorescence during temporary focal ischemia. Methods Twenty fasted rabbits under 1.0% halothane anesthesia were divided into four groups: (1) nonischemic controls, (2) 60 minutes of uninterrupted focal ischemia, (3) 2×30-minute periods of focal ischemia separated by a 5-minute reperfusion, and (4) 4×15-minute periods of focal ischemia separated by three 5-minute reperfusion periods. Focal ischemia was produced by occlusion of both the middle cerebral and ipsilateral anterior cerebral arteries. After the final occlusion, there was a 3-hour reperfusion period in all groups. Regional cerebral and cortical blood flow, brain pHi, and NADH fluorescence were measured with in vi...
Four Tautomers of Isolated Guanine from Infrared Laser Spectroscopy in Helium Nanodroplets

Infrared laser spectroscopy is used to study the four lowest energy tautomers of guanine, isolated in helium nanodroplets. The large number of vibrational bands observed in the infrared spectrum are assigned by comparing the corresponding experimental vibrational transition moment angles with those obtained from ab initio theory. The result is the conclusive assignment of the spectrum to the N9H-Keto, N7H-Keto, N9Ha-Enol(trans), and N9Hb-Enol(cis) tautomers. The dipole moments of these tautomers are also experimentally determined and compared with ab initio theory.
Chemotherapy with Taxanes in Breast Cancer During Pregnancy: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Two patients with breast cancer received docetaxel-containing chemotherapy as adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy during pregnancy. The first pregnant patient began neoadjuvant therapy with doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide at 14 weeks of gestation. After 4 cycles of doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide and surgery, she received adjuvant docetaxel for 4 cycles. The second patient began neoadjvuant therapy with doxorubicin/docetaxel at 14 weeks of gestation and received 6 cycles. The fetus of the first patient had hydrocephalus on ultrasound at 17 weeks of gestation (before docetaxel therapy) that persisted on serial follow-up ultrasounds and spontaneously regressed over several months after delivery. No fetal malformations were detected in the second fetus. These 2 cases add to the existing data on the use of taxanes during pregnancy. Although the data are limited with case reports, pregnant patients with cancer can be treated with chemotherapy including taxanes during the second and third trimesters without significant risks to the fetus. Taxanes should not be excluded, if indicated, in pregnant patients with cancer.
Historical Record of Erect Bryozoan Growth Forms

Information compiled from literature on marine bryozoans suggests that erect taxa have had a limited range of repeatedly evolved growth forms, each with characteristic branch widths or surface morphology, through the nearly 500 Ma history of the phylum. The range of erect growth forms among the Bryozoa has been limited to six (with only rare exceptions) that have co-occurred constantly throughout the history of the phylum. Ciliated tentacles of bryozoan lophophores are located just above the surface of colonies and draw a flow of food-bearing water. Outflow of the filtered water is confined to the space between the tentacles and the colony surface, until some point of escape is reached. In almost all erect bryozoans, lophophores are closely spaced and, in extant species, feed simultaneously. Therefore, for broad surface areas to develop, colony margins must be supplemented by other points of outflow (chimneys), commonly situated on surface disruptions, to keep local volume and velocity within manageable bounds. Presence of chimneys apparently permits branch widths to increase beyond certain size limits into less tightly constrained morphospace, and branch widths have been narrowly limited in the various growth forms except where regularly spaced chimneys can be demonstrated or reasonably inferred. It is hypothesized that the observed limits on form, size and surface morphology are derived primarily from the phylogenetic constraint of byrozoan lophophore size and attendant limitations on flow of filtered water across colony surfaces.
On the number of positive integers ≦ x and free of prime factors > y

Abstract Let Ψ(x, y) denote the number of positive integers ≦ x and free of prime factors > y. De Bruijn showed that the relation Ψ(x, x 1 u ) ∼ xϱ(u) holds, as x → ∞, uniformly in the range 1 ≦ u ≦ ( log x) 3 8 − ϵ . We extend this range to 1 ≦ u ≦ log x ( log log x) 5 3 + ϵ , and give a similar, but weaker estimate for the range 1 ≦ u ≦ log x (1 + ϵ) log log x . We also prove a short interval result.
Psychological, physiological and physical characteristics of subjects at risk for essential hypertension

Abstract This study compared characteristics of subjects who had a parental history of hypertension (FH + group, n = 51) with those who did not (FH - group, n = 49). Subjects took personality questionnaires and self-ratings of alcohol use. State effects were measured just before the experiment. Baseline blood pressure (BP) and BP changes in response to a mental arithmetic stress task were recorded. Personality and state affect measures were factor analyzed yielding five factors: state dysphoria (Dys) vs positive affect (PA); sensation seeking (SS)-psychoticism (P); trait anger-anger-out; extraversion (E)-Type A; neuroticism (N)-anger-in. A stepwise discriminant function analysis was used to discriminate female and male FH + and FH - groups. Results indicated that men seem to inherit a specific BP overreactivity to stress compounded with a tendency toward overweight while the genetic link in women may be mediated by more general emotional states and traits.
Laparoscopic hernia complexity predicts operative time and length of stay

Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) is associated with shorter hospitalization and lower complication rates compared to open ventral hernia repair. We sought to determine if hernia-related factors, such as defect size and re-operative status correlate with postoperative complications, operative times and length of stay (LOS). The study is a retrospective review of 30-day perioperative outcomes following LVHR in 91 patients who underwent surgery at a single institution from August 2009 through June 2012. A single surgeon performed all procedures. Indications for surgery were recurrent incisional hernia in 33 % of patients and primary incisional or ventral abdominal hernias in the rest. Coated polyester mesh with an average size of 348 cm2 (±214; range 113–1,036) was used. Mean operative time was 132 min (±66.1; range 53–412). The mean LOS was 4.0 days (±3.5; range 1–22). Complications occurred in 13 patients for overall morbidity of 16.5 % and no mortality. There was one recurrence in 30 days (1.1 %). Patients who had a surgery >120 min or a LOS >1 day were statistically more likely to have multiple hernias, larger defect sizes (>40 cm2), larger mesh sizes (>300 cm2) or a history of recurrent hernia (P < 0.05). No other clinical or demographic variable evaluated in this study correlated with operative time or LOS. LVHR is safe with a low incidence of perioperative complications. Patients with multiple, larger and recurrent hernias have longer operative times and LOS. This information can be used to guide preoperative planning for the patient, surgeon and treating institution.
Computed tomography evaluation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): Imaging of the aortic root and iliac arteries

For patients with severe aortic stenosis, open-heart surgical valve replacement remains the current clinical standard with documented, excellent long-term outcome. Over the past few years, transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has developed into a treatment alternative for high- risk patients with severe aortic stenosis. Because transcatheter valvular procedures are characterized by lack of exposure of the operative field, image guidance is critical. This Pictorial Essay describes the role of 3-dimensional imaging with multidetector row computed tomography for detailed recon- structions of the aortic valve, aortic root, and iliac arteries in the context of TAVI. 2011 Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. All rights reserved.
Monoclonal antibodies to acetylcholine receptor secreted by human x human hybridomas derived from lymphocytes of a patient with myasthenia gravis.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with myasthenia gravis (MG) were fused to the non-secreting human lymphoblastoid line HuNSI to produce human x human hybridomas that secrete monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to acetylcholine receptor (AChR). Screening of hybridomas for antibody production involved an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay with AChR from Torpedo californica (TAChR). 25 of 302 wells tested (8.3%) were positive for anti-AChR antibody production and have been stable in their secretion of mAb for eleven months. Nine lines have been studied in detail. All produced IgM mAb, and most had greater activity against membrane-bound TAChR, than against solubilized TAChR. For anti-AChR clones, the mAb concentration in culture supernatants ranged from 2 to 33 ug/ml. Saturation curves of binding to TAChR performed on 4 lines demonstrated dissociation constants (Kds) estimated to range from 0.1-1.0 nM. The patient whose lymphocytes were used in this study had a serum anti-AChR antibody concentration ...
Troponin Phosphorylation Crosstalk

The troponin (Tn) complex is a critical regulatory and central integrative hub for post-translational modifications (PTM) within the thin filament. There are a number of Tn phosphorylations; however, β-adrenergic-induced protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (TnI) acts as the major sarcomeric modulator of function. Traditionally, individual phosphorylation sites have been studied, yet simultaneous phosphorylation of multiple sites occurs in the heart. To fully understand the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac muscle regulation, Tn phosphorylation must be studied as integrated events. As an initial step towards understanding Tn crosstalk, we employed a two-model phosphomimetic approach using cardiac human Tn. We studied AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) TnI phosphorylation (TnI-S150D) and protein kinase C (PKC) cardiac troponin T (TnT) phosphorylation (TnT-T284E) to investigate the influence of these modifications on the effects exerted by TnI PKA phosphorylation (TnI-S23/24D). The combinatorial effects of these phosphorylation events on TnI-S23/24D was determined by measuring troponin C calcium binding properties in the reconstituted thin filament. Calcium dissociated from TnI-S23/24D thin filaments at 368/s compared to 103/s for wild-type (WT). Results demonstrate that TnI-S150D alone decreases calcium dissociation by 50%, while TnI-S150D integration with TnI-S23/24D blunted TnI-S23/24D kinetics by 15%, demonstrating the intramolecular crosstalk of TnI-S150D to alter the effects of TnI PKA phosphorylation. On the other hand, TnT-T284E calcium dissociation was identical to WT, but when present with TnI-S23/24D calcium dissociation was enhanced 136% compared to TnI-S23/24D alone. This demonstrates an intermolecular influence of TnT phosphorylation on TnI PKA effects. Overall, these findings demonstrate the combinatorial effects of Tn site-specific phosphorylation by AMPK and PKC crosstalk to affect the function of TnI PKA-induced phosphorylation through both intra- and inter- molecular mechanisms. These data further highlight the importance of understanding the role of integrated Tn PTM crosstalk on cardiac contractile regulation.
Isolation of granulocytes and mononuclear cells from the blood of dogs, cats, horses and cattle.

Summary A simple discontinuous Percoll density-gradient technique was adapted for isolation of granulocytes and mononuclear cells from cats, dogs, horses and cattle. Separation was accomplished at low speeds using a standard tabletop centrifuge. Cell purity was 100% for both granulocytes and mononuclear cells and cell viability exceeded 95%. Percent recovery of leukocytes ranged from 69 to 83%.
Identification of a second corticotropin-releasing factor receptor gene and characterization of a cDNA expressed in heart.

Abstract Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF; corticoliberin) regulates the secretion of corticotropin (ACTH) and beta-endorphin and has a broad range of effects on the nervous, endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immune systems. Recently, human, rat, and mouse CRF receptors (CRF-R) have been cloned and functionally and anatomically characterized. We report here the cloning of a second CRF-R cDNA (CRF-RB), which encodes a protein of 431 amino acids, which is 16 amino acids longer and 68% similar to the previously cloned CRF-R, CRF-RA. When transiently expressed in COS-M6 cells, CRF-RB binds CRF with high affinity [Kd = 1.2 (0.57-2.5)nM] and transduces the CRF-stimulated signal of the accumulation of intracellular cAMP, which is inhibited by a CRF antagonist. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of CRF-RB and the previously cloned receptor reveals major differences in the N-terminal domain and in the extracellular loops, whereas the sequences of the intracellular loops are nearly identical. CRF-RB and related transcripts are expressed in the heart, as well as in other tissues, including the gastrointestinal tract, epididymis, and brain.
A tethered catalysis, two-hybrid system to identify protein-protein interactions requiring post-translational modifications

We have modified the yeast two-hybrid system to enable the detection of protein-protein interactions that require a specific post-translational modification, using the acetylation of histones and the phosphorylation of the carboxyl terminal domain (CTD) of RNA polymerase II as test modifications. In this tethered catalysis assay, constitutive modification of the protein to be screened for interactions is achieved by fusing it to its cognate modifying enzyme, with the physical linkage resulting in efficient catalysis. This catalysis maintains substrate modification even in the presence of antagonizing enzyme activities. A catalytically inactive mutant of the enzyme is fused to the substrate as a control such that the modification does not occur; this construct enables the rapid identification of modification-independent interactions. We identified proteins with links to chromatin functions that interact with acetylated histones, and proteins that participate in RNA polymerase II functions and in CTD phosphorylation regulation that interact preferentially with the phosphorylated CTD.
An investigation of atomic diffusion at the interface of explosion welded CuNi couples

Abstract The effects of the explosion welding process on the kinetics of diffusion at the explosion weld interface CuNi couples were investigated by electron probe microanalysis and optical and transmission electron microscopy. Commercially roll-bonded composites of CuNi were explosion welded to each other and subjected to diffusion annealing between 500°C and 975°C for ten hours. Diffusion measured at the explosion weld interface was compared with that measured in commercial roll-bonded composites, subjected to similar annealing. Extensive diffusion was observed in the explosion welded samples as compared with the roll-bonded composites. The enhancement of diffusion is attributed to a thermally stable defect structure produced as a result of the intense plastic deformation and metal flow at the explosion weld interface.
Norms, normative principles, and explanation: On not getting is from ought

It seems that hope springs eternal for the cherished idea that norms (or normative principles) explain actions or regularities in actions. But it also seems that there are many ways of going wrong ...
Overlap and interdigitation of cortical and thalamic afferents to dorsocentral striatum in the rat

Dorsocentral striatum (DCS) is an associative region necessary for directed attention in rats. DCS is defined as the main region in which axons from ipsilateral medial agranular cortex (AGm) terminate within the striatum. In this double-labeling study, we placed a green axonal tracer in area AGm and a red one in an additional brain region. We examined the spatial relationship between terminals from area AGm and other portions of the cortical-basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical network involved in directed attention and its dysfunction, hemispatial neglect, in the rat. These include lateral agranular cortex (AGl), posterior parietal cortex (PPC), ventrolateral orbital cortex (VLO), and secondary visual cortex (Oc2M). One important finding is the presence of a dense focus of labeled axons within DCS after injections in cortical area PPC or Oc2M. In these foci, axons from PPC or Oc2M extensively overlap and interdigitate with axons from cortical area AGm. Additionally, retrograde labeling of striatal neurons, along with double anterograde labeling, suggests that axons from cortical area AGm and AGl cross and possibly make contact with the dendritic processes of single medium spiny neurons. Axons from thalamic nucleus LP were observed to form a dense band dorsal to DCS which is similar to that seen following PPC injections, and a significant number of LP axons were also observed within DCS. Projections from thalamic nucleus VL are present in the dense dorsolateral AGm band that abuts the external capsule, are densest in the dorsolateral striatum, and were not observed in DCS. These results extend previous findings that DCS receives input from diverse cortical areas and thalamic nuclei which are themselves interconnected.
On the estimation of a survival function when new is better than used of a specified age

Hollander, Park and Proschan [1] introduced the NBU-{t 0} class of survival functions for modelling lifetime distributions for which the conditional probability of surviving an additional time x, given survival up to time t 0, is less than or equal to the unconditional probability of surviving longer than time x. Reneau and Samaniego [2] proposed a method of estimating an NBU-{t 0} survival function. In this article, we propose a modification of the Reneau-Samaniego estimator with a view to improve its optimally properties. Based on some theoretical investigations and a simulation study, we conclude that the modified estimator has several desirable properties including almost sure consistency, improved goodness-of-fit and reduced mean square error.
High-power beam-based coherently enhanced THz radiation source

We propose a compact Smith-Purcell radiation device that can potentially generate high average power THz radiation with high conversion efficiency. The source is based on a train of short electron bunches from an rf photoemission gun at an energy of a few MeV. Particle tracking simulation and analysis show that, with a beam current of 1 mA, it is feasible to generate hundreds of watts of narrow-band THz radiation at a repetition rate of 1 MHz.
SBA-15-supported ionic liquid compounds containing silver salts: Novel mesoporous π-complexing sorbents for separating polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl esters

Abstract Novel π-complexing sorbents were prepared by covalently immobilizing ionic liquids (ILs) onto mesoporous SBA-15 using a one-pot sol–gel process followed by coating these SBA-15-supported IL compounds with silver salts. The mesoporous π-complexing sorbents were characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), FTIR, TEM, SEM, nitrogen adsorption desorption isotherm, NMR, and nitrogen elemental analysis. Two advantages were obtained using these novel mesoporous π-complexing sorbents versus the traditional π-complexing sorbents formed by directly anchoring silver salts onto silica gel. (1) Higher extraction capacities were found. The extraction capacity for the polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl ester (PUFAME), methyl all-cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoate (20:5 or EPA), was 195 mg/g sorbent using the mesoporous AgBF4/SBA-15 · IL · PF6 sorbent. The capacity decreased to 121 mg/g sorbent with microporous complexing sorbent AgBF4/SiO2 · IL · PF6. (2) Better reusability was also achieved. The supported IL phase immobilized and retained silver salt on SBA-15 due to the interaction between the ionic liquid’s imidazolium cations and silver ions. Eight successive sorption runs with the AgBF4/SBA-15 · IL · PF6 sorbent showed a satisfactory reusability. The traditional π-complexing sorbent has a silver salt directly anchored on silica without the supported ionic liquid phase. Higher silver leaching into organic solution occurred from the AgBF4/SBA-15 sorbent determined by ICP-AES. The combined percentage (wt%) of the omega-3 PUFAMEs: 20:5 and methyl all-cis-4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoate (22:6 or DHA) stripped from the AgBF4/SBA-15 · IL · PF6 by 1-hexene was significantly enriched from 18% in the original cod liver oil to 90.5%.