cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploiting transcriptomic data in genome-scale metabolic networks: new insights into obesity

Systems Biology is a holistic approach, based on the integration of multiscale models and different kinds of data, aimed at studying the underlying mechanisms of complex biological systems. A GEnome-scale metabolic Model (GEM) is the representation of the metabolic structure of a cell in terms of chemical reactions, involved metabolites, and associated genes. GEMs provide a functional scaffold for constraint-based mathematical methods aimed at simulating and predicting metabolic fluxes in living organisms. The most widely used constraint-based method is the Flux Balance Analysis (FBA), that exploits the stoichiometric matrix, a mathematical representation of the relations between substrates and products of all the reactions in the GEM. Recently, the increasing availability of large amounts of high-throughput sequencing data has fostered the research of new approaches in which the structural information described by GEMs is integrated with the knowledge coming from omics data, with the aim to build more accurate descriptions of metabolic states. Here we propose to use a recently published method, in which transcriptomic data are integrated into genome-scale metabolic models through the maximization of the correlation between the steady-state pattern of the predicted fluxes and the corresponding absolute gene expression data generated under the condition of interest. This approach has the interesting property that no cell growth function must be minimized to execute the model. We used this methodology to simulate a novel GEM of the human adipocyte (iAdipocytes1809), with the aim of getting new insights into the metabolic mechanisms underlying obesity and its relationships with cancer. Obesity is a complex disorder associated with an increased risk of developing several comorbid chronic diseases, ranging from cardiovascular alterations to diabetes, hypertension and cancer. In particular, weight increase and obesity have been identified as the most important risk and prognostic factors for breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women. We discuss some preliminary results obtained with this approach, hilighting the importance of data integration, and the need for developing new methods that could help in improving our interpretation of biological phenomena.
Willful Ignorance and the Death Knell of Critical Thought

Independent, critical thought has never been more important in the United States. In the Age of Trump, political officials spout falsehoods called “alternative facts” as if they were on equal footi...
Impact of frailty on complications in patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal fracture.

Abstract Objectives It is well-documented that geriatric patients are at risk for serious injuries after fracture due to pre-existing medical conditions, physical changes of aging, and medication effects. Frailty has been demonstrated to be a predictor of morbidity and mortality in inpatient head and neck surgery, and for surgical intervention for adult spinal deformity and degenerative spine disease. However, the impact of frailty on complications following thoracolumbar/thoracic fractures are unknown and has not been previously assessed in the literature, particularly in a nationwide setting. Patients and Methods This was a retrospective study of the prospectively-collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement database for the years 2007 through 2012. Patients who underwent spinal decompression (+/− fusion) or an alternative intervention, defined as vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (VP/KP) for thoracic or thoracolumbar fracture were identified. Frailty status was determined using a modified frailty index from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Frailty Index, with frailty defined as a score = 0.27. 30-day morbidity and mortality were compared between frail and non-frail patients in each treatment group. Results A total of 303 patients were included in this study. Of these, 38% of patients had VP/KP and 62% underwent surgery. Within the VP/KP cohort, 26% were frail. The proportion of these patients who developed at least one complication was 3.3% versus 3.6% for non-frail patients (p = 1.0). The 30-day mortality for frail versus not frail patients in this cohort was 0% versus 2.4% (p = 1.0). Among the surgical group, 13% were frail. In contrast, the likelihood of complications was 33.3% among frail patients and 4.2% for non-frail patients (p Conclusion Frailty and surgical intervention are correlated with a higher 30-day complication rate in patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar fracture. This finding is an important consideration for surgical decision-making and patient counseling on treatment options.
Mental Health Services Research and Community Psychiatry

Whether you’re a mental healthcare administrator, a medical director of a clinic, or a clinician, questions regarding the quality, cost, and the consumer’s perception of the value of your services are (or should be) of great importance to you.
Novel and Romance 1700-1800 (Routledge Revivals) : A Documentary Record

The documents collected in this volume, first published in 1970, trace the development of novel criticism during one of the most formative periods in the history of fiction: from 1700-1800. The material includes prefaces to collections, translations and original novels; essays written for journals modelled on the Spectator; passages taken from miscellanies and from books written primarily for some purpose unconnected with the novel; reviews from the monthly reviews; and introductions to the collected works of certain authors. This volume covers 100 years of criticism and creative writing, and the materials are arranged chronologically. Each of the documents is headed by an Introductory Note and the Editor has provided an important historical introduction.
Hypermobile upper lip is highly prevalent among patients seeking treatment for gummy smile.

BACKGROUND Excessive gingival display (EGD), or a gummy smile (GS), is a mucogingival deformity that can be of concern to patients. The prevalence of GS etiologies, such as altered passive eruption (APE) and hypermobile upper lip (HUL), has not been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of APE and HUL in patients seeking to correct their GS, and to determine possible prevalence differences among patients with different gingival display (GD) levels. METHODS During clinical screening of patients interested in participating in a GS treatment study, GD diagnosis, GD level, and presence of APE and/or HUL were determined. Descriptive statistics were calculated for APE, HUL, and GD group prevalence. Fisher's exact test was used to determine difference in frequency of etiologies between GD groups. RESULTS Fifty-six patients were clinically screened (27.2 ± 7.2 years old; 85.7% females; 94.6% with GD, 5.4% without GD). Among patients having GD, 75.5% presented with GD≥4 mm and 24.5% with GD<4 mm. Prevalence of etiologies was: 20.8% APE alone, 45.3% HUL alone, and 34% APE and HUL. The prevalence difference between GD≥4 mm and GD<4 mm groups was statistically significant (p<0.0001); for ≥4 mm GD: 5% presented with APE alone, 50% HUL alone, and 45% APE and HUL; for <4 mm GD: 69.2% presented with APE alone and 30.8% HUL alone. CONCLUSION Among patients seeking GS treatment, HUL is the most predominant etiology and it is often present in combination with APE.
Outcomes of Revision Anterior Cruciate Ligament Surgery in Adolescents.

Background:Although primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions have been well studied in children and adolescents, the literature lacks information about revision ACL reconstructions ...
Spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase ablation impacts tauopathy-induced polyamine stress response.

Tau stabilizes microtubules; however, in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and tauopathies, tau becomes hyperphosphorylated, aggregates, and results in neuronal death. Our group recently uncovered a unique interaction between polyamine metabolism and tau fate. Polyamines exert an array of physiological effects that support neuronal function and cognitive processing. Specific stimuli can elicit a polyamine stress response (PSR), resulting in altered central polyamine homeostasis. Evidence suggests that elevations in polyamines following a short-term stressor are beneficial; however, persistent stress and subsequent PSR activation may lead to maladaptive polyamine dysregulation, which is observed in AD, and may contribute to neuropathology and disease progression. Male and female mice harboring tau P301L mutation (rTg4510) were examined for a tau-induced central polyamine stress response (tau-PSR). The direct effect of tau-PSR byproducts on tau fibrillization and oligomerization were measured using a thioflavin T assay and a N2a split superfolder GFP-Tau (N2a-ssGT) cell line, respectively. To therapeutically target the tau-PSR, we bilaterally injected caspase 3-cleaved tau truncated at aspartate 421 (AAV9 Tau ΔD421) into the hippocampus and cortex of spermidine/spermine-N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT), a key regulator of the tau-PSR, knock out (SSAT-/-), and wild type littermates, and the effects on tau neuropathology, polyamine dysregulation, and behavior were measured. Lastly, cellular models were employed to further examine how SSAT repression impacted tau biology. Tau induced a unique tau-PSR signature in rTg4510 mice, notably in the accumulation of acetylated spermidine. In vitro, higher-order polyamines prevented tau fibrillization but acetylated spermidine failed to mimic this effect and even promoted fibrillization and oligomerization. AAV9 Tau ΔD421 also elicited a unique tau-PSR in vivo, and targeted disruption of SSAT prevented the accumulation of acetylated polyamines and impacted several tau phospho-epitopes. Interestingly, SSAT knockout mice presented with altered behavior in the rotarod task, the elevated plus maze, and marble burying task, thus highlighting the impact of polyamine homeostasis within the brain. These data represent a novel paradigm linking tau pathology and polyamine dysfunction and that targeting specific arms within the polyamine pathway may serve as new targets to mitigate certain components of the tau phenotype.
Consensus Building and Collaboration for Students and for Faculty Using GoogleDocs and Blogs

Consensus, collaboration, and multiple authorship are often problematic for students. Some frequent problems include finding a common time to meet face-to-face, circulating and editing multiple versions of a document, upload & download, and document formatting, to name just a few. Googledocs provides one format, one place for a document that can be edited and co-authored by people from their own office or home at their convenience. Student team work is facilitated during and after class sessions by having one document that can be asynchronously created, developed, and editedâ€¦ eliminating multiple drafts. In Googledocs a â€˜revision historyâ€™ is maintained, so nothing from previous versions of the document is lost. This session should appeal to GMU faculty who have class assignments that call for team problem solving, consensus building, or collaboration. I will present the results of using Googledocs as a consensus building & collaborative tool for students in classes. Coming from the College of Education, I will identify what worked and what didn't for students in my classes who are classroom teachers, then provide some guidance and lessons learned. Models and exemplars will be shared, and faculty will have an opportunity to â€˜try outâ€™ the collaboration tool in the workshop. Googledocs can also assist faculty with work outside of classes. Faculty committee and department work is facilitated during and after meetings by having a place for documents that can be asynchronously created, developed, and editedâ€¦ eliminating multiple drafts. A discussion of this additional application of the technology should appeal to GMU faculty for their department meetings and committee work â€“ anytime working documents are involved. The session closes with peer-to-peer discussion and Q&A regarding potential applications of the technology.
Befunde der empirischen Untersuchung

Im Folgenden werden die Befunde der empirischen Untersuchung anhand der Forschungsheuristik dargestellt, die den komplexen Institutionalisierungsprozess der Untersuchung zuganglich macht und dafur die Dimensionen Artefakte, Arbeitsroutinen und Arbeitsregeln, Beziehungsnetzwerke und Koordination sowie sprachbasierte Sinnwelten unterscheidet. Um die Befunde zu den beiden untersuchten Organisationen sinnvoll aufeinander zu beziehen, werden die Organisationen nicht einzeln besprochen und anhand der vier Dimensionen durchdekliniert. Es wird stattdessen andersherum vorgegangen und innerhalb der Analysedimensionen die Befunde beider Organisationen dargestellt.
Traveler's Next Activity Predication with Location-Based Social Network Data

The rise of technology and the internet provides powerful means for people from all around the world to communicate and connect with one another. Online social network platforms become go-to places for users to express and share their individuality, which includes choice of activities, locations and associated timestamps. In turn, their opinions affect the point of view of others, who are in their online friendship circle. Users' increasing usage of social networks help accumulate massive amount of data that can be further explored. Particularly, this type of data attracts and allows researchers, who are interested in studying and understanding how social factors and previous experience influence user behavior in term of activity-related travel choice. In this paper, the goal is to utilize such rich data sources to build a model that predicts user next activity. Such model contributes a powerful tool for integrating the location prediction with transportation planning and operations process. Besides, it is valuable in commercial applications to create better recommendation system with higher accuracy and ultimately attract more customers to partnering businesses. By studying the dataset, which contains millions of historical check-ins from thousands of users, it is possible to derive information that are useful in predicting user next activity. The proposed approach applies machine learning techniques on the collected features to deliver highly accurate prediction results with fast training and prediction time.
Transverse Flow in a River Due to Earth's Rotation

Transverse circulation due to the earth’s rotation in straight uniform channels with turbulent flow was investigated and evaluated. No previous direct measurements are known. This lack of evidence was the main reason for the uncertainty which prevailed regarding its existence and significance. The measurement is reported of a transverse circulation in a straight section of the St. Lawrence River, which is concluded to be created chiefly by the rotation of the earth. The results are judged to be both qualitatively and quantitatively in agreement with the theory which is similar to that for transverse circulation in bends. The analysis demonstrates that the intensity of the circulation relative to the axial flow depends, not only on the latitude, but primarily on the numerical value of the ratio of depth to the mean current velocity.
Spectroscopy of Palladium Nanoparticle Synthesis: Tailoring Nanoparticle Growth Parameters for Hydrogen Storage

Using palladium for hydrogen storage requires palladium (Pd) particles exhibiting specific parameters, including surface area, particle size, and particle shape, with increased interest in palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs). In order to routinely monitor the synthesis of these particles a spectroscopic method is being developed using infrared (IR), Raman, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. By monitoring the production of Pd NPs, the growth of the NPs can be controlled to ensure quality of the product to match the desired finished particle specifications. For the reaction presented, the conversion of the intermediate tetraamminepalladium(II) chloride (PTC) to diamminepalladium(II) chloride (PDC) can influence the Pd NPs properties. This study is first being developed in lab bench scale quantities to allow ultimate control of the Pd NPs.
Mindfulness-based strengths practice improves well-being and retention in undergraduates: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

Objective: With high rates of mental health concerns on college campuses, effective positive psychology interventions could greatly improve student well-being and academic outcomes. Participants: W...
Stress Fractures of the Lumbar Spine

Stress fractures of the lumbar spine, or defects of the pars interarticularis, cause acute and chronic low back pain in athletes and are a common complaint to physicians and surgeons alike. Given the often insidious onset, many athletes self-treat with rest, delaying appropriate care. Evaluations should involve a thorough history and physical examination to be correlated with indicated imaging. Newer imaging techniques and advancements in MRI and CT have often replaced bone scans and oblique X-rays. Conservative treatment and rest from play are first-line treatment modalities and usually resolve symptoms. However, patients who have persistent or worsening symptoms, or develop neurologic compromise, should be correctly indicated for surgical intervention. Fortunately, the natural history and long-term outcomes are favorable.
Implementing Smoking Cessation Interventions in a Preoperative Clinic

Cigarette smoking has negative health implications for surgical patients. Smoking cessation before surgery reduces complications; however, information on the risks of smoking and benefits of quitting on surgical outcomes are not regularly provided to patients. It is especially important for smokers to quit now because they are at increased risk of serious complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The purpose of this project was to develop and implement a program for smoking cessation in a preanesthesia clinic associated with a southwestern medical center to increase motivation to quit smoking. The evidence-based program involved development of a provider toolkit, a referral process, provider education, and program evaluation. After provider education, the program commenced. Of the 134 current smokers encountered over a 16-week period, most were ready to quit within 30 days (n = 92, 68.66%). Of the smokers who were ready to quit, 50 (37.31%) accepted referral for smoking cessation counseling, treatment, or both. Only 13 (9.70%) of the 134 smokers were already receiving treatment. This program enabled providers to feel more comfortable discussing the implications of smoking, advising smokers to quit, providing education materials, and offering referral services at the appropriate stage of readiness for behavior change.
Printability and performance of 3D conductive graphite structures

Abstract Direct ink writing (DIW) of graphite-epoxy composites has gained significant importance in a number of applications in fabricating highly conductive free-standing 3D structures. Processing of the composite inks, which consist of highly loaded graphene nanoplatelets, first involves a detailed understanding of the underlying rheological properties. However, little is known about the effect of processing/print parameters, e.g., print speed has on the orientation of such 2D particles during the printing process and how this subsequently influences the macroscopic properties of the final cured composite. In this work, inks with solid loadings of 7−18 wt% were dispersed into a low viscosity epoxy resin (EPON 862) to form a shear thinning, viscoelastic material. The optimal GNP loading for printing is determined through rheological measurements, and the electrical properties are measured as a function of particle concentration and print speed. The results show a sharp increase in conductivity by a factor of ten as the print speed is increased from 5 to 40 mm/s, and all printed samples had conductivities higher than 10−3 S/cm. We attribute this change in conductivity to the shear stresses generated during the deposition of the ink, resulting in a shift in the orientation of the 2D platelet-like fillers. Such results showcase the ability to tune the electrical properties of a printed structure with a constant loading of filler. The present work helps develop design rules for processing of graphene-based 3D structures with enhanced properties (electrical) using additive manufacturing. We envision the use of such structures in a number of applications such as thermal interface materials, shielding materials for electronic devices, and light-emitting devices, to name a few.
Measuring the effectiveness of online preparation videos and questions in the second semester general chemistry laboratory

Chemistry laboratory experiences provide students the opportunity to engage all three domains of learning: psychomotor, cognitive and affective. However, they are often stressful environments where students are expected to quickly learn new laboratory techniques, and collect data in a short amount of time. In principle, providing additional preparation activities should help students be better prepared to successfully complete the lab. These activities should lead to more meaningful interactions with the lab instructor and better performance on lab outcomes. In this study, we report the usefulness and effectiveness of online preparation activities for students that include video lectures demonstrating the labs that the students will participate in, and preparation questions that mimic data analysis for the lab. These online prelab activities were implemented in the second semester general chemistry laboratory at a large Hispanic serving institution in the southwestern United States. Over three semesters, students enrolled in this course were surveyed using the Meaningful Learning in the Laboratory Instrument (MLLI) to assess their lab expectations as well as author generated post-lab surveys to assess the usefulness of the prelab activities. Additionally, lab instructors were surveyed on their perception of the efficacy of the additional preparation activities. Findings suggest that both students and instructors agree that having access to these materials as a part of a portfolio of resources, including the lab manual, help them better prepare for the lab. Although students’ expectations on the cognitive domain decreased after a semester of instruction, questions related to comfort with lab equipment show improvements in the affective domain for students with access to the additional preparation activities. Lastly we found that both students and instructors see a lot of value and benefits in having these types of prelab activities available as a way to help prepare students for the upcoming laboratory sessions. In general, the potential benefits that prelab activities had on students outweigh the modest effort to create these materials.
Nonlinear Normal Mode backbone estimation with near-resonant steady state inputs

Abstract This work presents a new technique for nonlinear system identification that utilizes near-resonant steady-state harmonically excited vibration measurements to estimate the Nonlinear Normal Mode backbones. The algorithm is based on the previously proposed Single Nonlinear Resonant Mode formula and uses it in a new and more effective way to estimate one point on the nonlinear mode from only one steady-state measurement collected near the resonance. A by-product of this work is a derivation of a novel formula expressing how the damping ratio changes with the motion amplitude. Several measurements at various forcing amplitudes can be combined to estimate the nonlinear mode and damping as a function of amplitude, which can be further used to predict the forced steady-state response of the structure in the vicinity of the mode of interest. Compared to existing phase resonance methods, the proposed technique can reduce the time required to obtain measurements and avoids difficulties due to e.g. the premature jump phenomenon. The algorithm assumes that the modes are well-separated and no internal resonances are present in the system. Additionally, it requires the accurate identification of linear modes in the low-amplitude vibration tests and it assumes that the nonlinear normal mode shape does not change significantly with response amplitude The method is first evaluated numerically using reduced models of clamped–clamped flat and curved beams that exhibit both stiffening and softening–stiffening responses, respectively. Then the method is employed experimentally to measure the NNM backbones of beams that were manufactured from polylactide using a 3D printer and experience significant eigen-frequency shifts when the motion amplitude increases. The results are validated against measurements collected using the traditional phase resonance testing approach.
Built on Uneven Ground: How Masculine Defaults Disadvantage Women in Political Leadership

How can we understand and rectify gender disparities in United States political leadership? We argue that the culture of U.S. political leadership is rooted in biases that prioritize and center ste...
Guns, violence, politics: the gyre widens

Inter-related sustained upward trends in firearm purchasing, violence, and political extremism are converging to put the USA at risk for disaster and threaten our future as a democracy. This narrative review provides a critical assessment and call to action. It explores each trend separately, considers the effects of their likely and imminent convergence, and suggests possibilities for collective and individual action to prevent or at least reduce those effects.
Obituary: A Remembrance of Karl Robert Hamson MD (1963–2014)

Karl. R. Hamson MD, member of the Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons®, (ABJS) passed away peacefully surrounded by his children, parents, and siblings on October 31, 2014 at the age of 51.
Elementary Reactions in Polynuclear Ions and Aqueous–Mineral Interfaces: A New Geology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the elementary reactions in polynuclear ions and aqueous–mineral interfaces. Because mineral transformations are often governed by surface phenomena, geologists are only now beginning to resolve surface structures at a sufficiently fine scale to think about potential molecular-level processes. For interfacial systems, potential functions should ideally be transferrable from the gas-phase to the condensed phase. Aqueous–mineral interfaces are not in the gas phase, but both the water molecules and the atoms/ions in the substrate are in contact with an environment that is very different from their bulk environment. The easiest “different environment” to test, especially when comparing with electronic structure calculations, is a vacuum, so there is likely to be a great deal of information available on either the surface of the solid or the gas-phase polynuclear ion or the gas-phase aquo complex. The gas-phase transferability requirements on potential functions are challenging, but it is difficult to imagine constructing “effective” potential functions for such systems without using gas-phase systems in the construction process. In addition, earth's atmosphere, one of the most pressing scientific problems of the time, show why geology must become focused more strongly at the molecular level. Exploration of the molecular-level details of the record of isotopes preserved in minerals and, ultimately, being able to sample isotope distributions at a site-specific level will require application of the best experimental and computational tools available.
The Empowered Singer: Singing Your Best When It Matters Most

Music, and song specifically, can move us like nothing else. The power of song is undeniable. If words alone could express what we wanted and needed to express, we would merely say them. But no, combining the words with music is what enables us to express more accurately what is deep within us, what we desire to share with others—the ineffable nature of being human. If this sounds heavy, it is. Musicians go through a rigorous preparatory and training process to become performers. They learn the skills necessary to sing with ease and expressivity. This process is fraught with ups and downs of a musical sort and much attention is paid to learning and refining technique, diction, style, and performance practice. In contrast, very little attention is paid to dealing with the ups and downs of the mental sort—the psychological aspects of musical performance. In this paper, I will address the psychological aspects that often stand in the way of performers’ abilities to sing their best when it matters most and will discuss effective ways to cope with these aspects. Mental challenges that performers face often fuel performance anxiety and include worrying too much about what others think, experiencing fears that adversely affect performance, doubting themselves and their skills, over-analyzing in an attempt to perform perfectly, and lacking trust in learned skills. Singers can learn to cope effectively with these challenges by cultivating and practicing specific mental skills that will greatly improve their ability to sing as well or better than they practice, increase or reclaim the joy in their performing, and empower them to perform ‘in the moment’ to experience and communicate the expressive elements through song and singing.
Why don't you die when I sneeze? Biochemical analysis of hypermutational targeting by wild type and mutant AID

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 46, 2005 SY35-3 The synthesis of high affinity antibodies requires activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) to initiate somatic hypermutation (SHM), targeting the variable region of immunoglobulin genes, and class-switch recombination (CSR). We have investigated AID-catlyzed deamination of C → U on single-stranded DNA and actively transcribed closed double-stranded DNA. Mutations are initially favored at canonical WRC (W = A or T, R = A or G) SHM hotspot motifs, but over time mutations at neighboring non-hotspot sites increase creating random clusters of mutated regions, in a seemingly processive manner. N-terminal AID mutants and appear less processive and have altered mutational specificity compared to wild type AID. In contrast, a C-terminal deletion mutant defective in CSR in vivo , but normal for SHM, closely resembles wild type AID. A mutational spectrum generated during transcription of closed circular double-stranded DNA indicates that AID retains its specificity for WRC hotspot motifs within the confines of a moving transcription bubble while introducing clusters of multiple deaminations predominantly on the non-transcribed strand. A model involving the discrete action of dimeric AID subunits is proposed to account for the accumulation of random clusters of mutations.
A study of resonance production in 7 GeV/c\(\pi ^ + p\) interactionsinteractions

A preliminary investigation of resonance production in 7 GeV/c $$\pi ^ + p$$ interactions indicates that the production rates and characteristics of the A1, the A2, and the B mesons are similar to those observed at lower energies. The cross-section for the channelN *(1238)+A2 is comparable in size to that for p+A 2 + (∼200 μb). Small A1 and B enhancements are evident in our data. A model which considers the peripheral nature of the pion-nucleon interaction is found to be only partially successful in accounting for the A1 and the B on the basis of their being kinematic reflections.
TV: An nMOS Timing Analyzer

TV is a timing analyzer for nMOS designs. Based on the circuit obtained from existing circuit extractors, TV determines the minimum clock duty and cycle times and verifies that the circuit obeys the MIPS clocking methodology. The delay analysis is an event driven simulation that only uses the values stable, rise, fall, as well as information about clock qualification. TV stresses fast running time, small user input requirements, and the ability to offer die user valuable advice. It calculates as much as possible statically, including the direction of signal flow, use, and clock qualification of all transistors.
P-450 Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid in the Control of Cardiovascular Function

Recent studies have indicated that arachidonic acid is primarily metabolized by cytochromeP-450 (CYP) enzymes in the brain, lung, kidney, and peripheral vasculature to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic ac...
Inhibition of transcription of cytosine-containing DNA in vitro by the alc gene product of bacteriophage T4.

Abstract The alc gene product (gpalc) of bacteriophage T4 inhibits the transcription of cytosine-containing DNA in vivo. We examined its effect on transcription in vitro by comparing RNA polymerase isolated from Escherichia coli infected with either wild-type T4D+ or alc mutants. A 50 to 60% decline in RNA polymerase activity, measured on phage T7 DNA, was observed by 1 min after infection with either T4D+ or alc mutants; this did not occur when the infecting phage lacked gpalt. In the case of the T4D+ strain but not alc mutants, this was followed by a further decrease. By 5 min after infection the activity of alc mutants was 1.5 to 2.5 times greater than that of the wild type on various cytosine-containing DNA templates, whereas there was little or no difference in activity on T4 HMdC-DNA, in agreement with the in vivo specificity. Effects on transcript initiation and elongation were distinguished by using a T7 phage DNA template. Rifampin challenge, end-labeling with [gamma-32P]ATP, and selective initiation with a dinucleotide all indicate that the decreased in vitro activity of the wild-type polymerase relative to that of the alc mutants was due to inhibition of elongation, not to any difference in initiation rates. Wild-type (but not mutated) gpalc copurified with RNA polymerase on heparin agarose but not in subsequent steps. Immunoprecipitation of modified RNA polymerase also indicated that gpalc was not tightly bound to RNA polymerase intracellularly. It thus appears likely that gpalc inhibits transcript elongation on cytosine-containing DNA by interacting with actively transcribing core polymerase as a complex with the enzyme and cytosine-rich stretches of the template.
P BLOOD GROUP ANTIGENS AND SUSCEPTIBILITY TO HUS IN AN INUIT POPULATION.2178

Introduction: Enteric infection by verotoxin (VT) producingEscherichia coli results in Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) in some children (≈10%). The erythrocyte glycosphingolipid Gb3 is lower in infected children who develop HUS than in those who do not (J Infect Dis 168:476, 1993), and Gb3 varies with P blood group type. The Inuit population of Arviat, NWT, Canada displayed unusually high susceptibility to HUS during an outbreak of VT E. coli (J Pediatr 124:21, 1994).
Single crystals of poly(tetramethylene adipate)

Abstract Single crystals of poly(tetramethylene adipate) (PTMA,-[O-(CH2)4-O-CO-(CH2)4-CO]n-) have been prepared by precipitation from solution and by epitaxial deposition on suitable substrates. The crystals grown from solution exhibited two distinct morphologies: most of the crystals were diamond-or truncated diamond-shaped, but a few were approximately hexagonal. These two morphologies yielded different diffraction patterns from which the polymorphic structures could be identified. Comparison of the electron diffraction patterns with the equatorial d spacings in the x-ray fiber diagrams indicated that the diamond and hexagonal morphologies correspond to β-and α-PTMA, respectively. The growth faces are the 110 planes for the β single crystals and both the 010 and 110 planes for the α single crystals. Epitaxial crystals were produced by deposition from the melt on trioxane and both from the melt and from solution on potassium halide crystals. The electron diffraction patterns of these crystals indicate th...
The Mouse Angiogenin Gene Family: Structures of an Angiogenin-Related Protein Gene and Two Pseudogenes

Angiogenin, a homologue of pancreatic ribonuclease, is a potent inducer of blood vessel formation. As an initial step toward investigating the in vivo functional role of this protein via gene disruption, we undertook the isolation of the angiogenin gene (Ang) from the 129 strain mouse, which will be used for generating targeting constructs. Unexpectedly, screening of a genomic library with an Ang gene probe obtained previously from the BALB/c strain yielded two new genes closely similar to Ang rather than Ang itself. One of these encodes a protein with 78% sequence identity to angiogenin and is designated "Angrp" for "angiogenin-related protein." The ribonucleolytic active site of angiogenin, which is critical for angiogenic activity, is completely conserved in Angrp, whereas a second essential site, thought to bind cellular receptors, is considerably different. Thus, the Angrp product may have a function distinct from that of angiogenin. The second gene obtained by library screening is a pseudogene, designated "Ang-ps1," that contains a frameshift mutation in the early part of the coding region. Although the Ang gene was not isolated from this library, it was possible to amplify this gene from 129 mouse genomic DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis showed that the 129 strain Ang gene is identical to the BALB/c gene throughout the coding region. PCR cloning also yielded a second Ang-like pseudogene, designated "Ang-ps2." Southern blotting of genomic DNA confirmed the presence of Ang, Angrp, and at least one of the pseudogenes in an individual mouse and suggested that the mouse Ang gene family may contain more than the four members identified here.
Evaluation of the impact of groundwater irrigation on streamflow in Nebraska

Nonparametric techniques were applied to the analysis of streamflow depletion and trends in precipitation and temperature in Nebraska and northwestern Kansas. Fifty years of streamflow data from 110 gauging stations in eight major river basins were examined. Temporal trends of streamflow in Nebraska showed a spatial tendency of decreasing streamflow mostly in the west but was insignificant in the east. This spatial pattern in streamflow depletion is unlikely to be due to a long-term change in precipitation over the entire state because precipitation, based on the records of 28 weather stations from 1948 to 2003, did not indicate a spatial trend. For the Republican River basin, 20 of the 28 gauging stations showed decreasing streamflow. To evaluate the trend of baseflow, the Local Weighted Regression method was used to generate precipitation-adjusted stream discharge. Additional analyses suggested that the local precipitation-adjusted discharge from 17 of the 22 stations decreased since the 1950s in the Republican River basin. This decrease plausibly matches a pattern of an increasing number of irrigation wells and the declines of the groundwater level. Because there was no decreasing trend in precipitation, it is most likely that groundwater withdrawal in this basin was a primary factor in streamflow depletion. Besides Nebraska, where a significant amount of groundwater was withdrawn from the High Plains regional aquifer, irrigators in Kansas and Colorado were the other likely contributors to streamflow depletion in the Republican River.
Emergence of Macrolide Resistance during Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia

To the Editor: The emergence of antibiotic resistance during treatment for pneumococcal infection is exceedingly rare.1 To our knowledge, there is no previous report of a genetically characterized,...
Quantitative analysis of retinal vessel changes in galactose-fed dogs

Retinal vessel changes in 36-month 30% galactose-fed beagles treated with or without aldose reductase inhibitors were quantified using an Olympus Cue-3 color image analysis system. Individual maps of the intact retinal vasculature, isolated by trypsin-digestion, were divided into 24 distinct subregions and measurements of either the endothelial cell to pericyte (E/P) ratio or cell densities, expressed as pericytes per mm capillary length or endothelial cells per mm capillary length, were conducted in 0.1 mm2 areas surrounding the midpoints of 12 subregions associated with the highest incidence of microaneurysms. Significantly increased E/P ratios and decreased pericyte densities were observed with the duration of galactose-feeding. These retinal changes were reduced by aldose reductase inhibitor treatment. Correlations between the E/P ratio and either number of microaneurysms or cataract severity were also observed. These data support the dose-dependent effects of aldose reductase inhibitors in preventing pericyte degeneration and subsequent formation of microaneurysms (Archives Ophthalmol. 108:1301, 1990).
Electrochemical Detection in Stacked Paper Networks

Paper-based electrochemical biosensors are a promising technology that enables rapid, quantitative measurements on an inexpensive platform. However, the control of liquids in paper networks is gene...
An adoption and a cross-fostering study of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Psychopathic Deviate Scale.

The first of two complementary studies compared biological and adoptive parents of teenage adoptees with either high (n=21) or low (n=51) MMPI Psychopathic Deviate (Pd) scale scores. In comparison to biological mothers of the low-Pd adoptees, biological mothers of the high-Pd adoptees obtained significantly higher MMPI scores on six of eight clinical scales. Fewer differences existed between the corresponding groups of adoptive mothers, but adoptive mothers of the high Pd's did obtain significantly higher scores on the Pd and Hypomania scales. Substantial genetic correspondences also existed for Harris-Lingoes content subscales, with fewer correspondences between adoptees and their adoptive mothers. There were indications that adoptive mothers of the high-Pd children had personality traits which may have made them less effective in attenuating early signs of antisocial behavior. The second study employed a cross-fostering design dividing all biological and adoptive mothers (nn=138 each) by their respective median Pd raw scores to examine effects on offspring. Results confirmed the effect of biological mother Pd score, but only a trend suggested an adoptive mother effect, with no hint of an interaction.
Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis: a tale of two common interrelated diseases

Diabetes mellitus (a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia) and periodontitis (a microbially induced inflammatory disorder that affects the supporting structures of teeth) are both common, chronic conditions. Multiple studies have demonstrated that diabetes mellitus (type 1 and type 2) is an established risk factor for periodontitis. Findings from mechanistic studies indicate that diabetes mellitus leads to a hyperinflammatory response to the periodontal microbiota and also impairs resolution of inflammation and repair, which leads to accelerated periodontal destruction. The cell surface receptor for advanced glycation end products and its ligands are expressed in the periodontium of individuals with diabetes mellitus and seem to mediate these processes. The association between the two diseases is bidirectional, as periodontitis has been reported to adversely affect glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus and to contribute to the development of diabetic complications. In addition, meta-analyses conclude that periodontal therapy in individuals with diabetes mellitus can result in a modest improvement of glycemic control. The effect of periodontal infections on diabetes mellitus is potentially explained by the resulting increase in levels of systemic proinflammatory mediators, which exacerbates insulin resistance. As our understanding of the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis deepens, increased patient awareness of the link between diabetes mellitus and oral health and collaboration among medical and dental professionals for the management of affected individuals become increasingly important.
Calculation of the electron electron bremsstrahlung cross-section in the field of atomic electrons

Abstract An accurate expression for the free electron–electron bremsstrahlung (ee-brems) cross-section was derived by Haug in 1975, but unfortunately it must be combined with a rather prosaic correction to account for electron binding in atoms. We report on a numerical calculation of the ee-brems cross-section which include the effect of binding explicitly from the outset. Electron–electron bremsstrahlung occurs when a photon is emitted during the collision of two electrons, and an accurate treatment of ee-brems is well-advised in light elements, where it is significant compared to the nuclear bremsstrahlung process dominating in heavier elements. Our calculation allows us to verify and refine the ee-brems cross-section calculation recommended as part of ICRU Report 37. The results are auspicious in that they confirm the validity of the recommended approximations for electrons with high incident energies and over most of the emitted photon energy range. For incident energies on the order of 1 MeV or lower, however, we find a considerable discrepancy between the ee-brems radiative cross-section obtained with the ICRU calculation and with our more accurate approach. Accordingly, we correct existing cross-section data tables for the EGSnrc radiation transport simulation software.
Raman scattering from three-dimensionally regimented quantum dot superlattices

Abstract We examine the low-energy part of Raman scattering spectrum from a three-dimensional regimented array of GexSi1−x quantum dots on Si. Our analysis is based on a numerical solution of the elasticity equation for the whole quantum dot superlattice. Three-dimensional acoustic phonon folding due to structure regimentation and small feature size leads to unique signatures in Raman spectra, which cannot be predicted using the Lamb-type models for quantum dots or the Rytov model for a quantum well superlattice. We found that symmetry breaking, which is achieved when the inter-dot distances are comparable to the dot dimensions, results in increased intensity of confined phonon modes. It is also shown that changes in dot material composition and alteration of the dot size lead to different Raman spectrum modification. The latter can be used as a tool to distinguish phonon confinement effects on Raman spectra from alloying and strain induced effects.
Influence of osmotic concentration, continuous high frequency ultrasound and dehydration on antioxidants, colour and chemical properties of rabbiteye blueberries

Abstract Rabbiteye blueberries ( Vaccinium ashei Reade) were osmoconcentrated in a sucrose solution for 12 h, and for 3 h, with and without high frequency ultrasound (CHFU). Treated and untreated samples were air-dehydrated (70 °C, 10 h). Osmoconcentration decreased titratable acidity and induced a high loss of anthocyanins and phenolics. Approximately 60% of anthocyanins and phenolics were lost during osmoconcentration for 12 h. Air-dehydration further decreased anthocyanins and phenolics, with a higher negative influence on anthocyanins. Dehydration, after osmotic concentration, produced the largest colour differences in comparison to the control. High frequency ultrasound had a negative influence on anthocyanins and phenolics. Antioxidant activity was lowest in osmoconcentrated and dehydrated berries. Combination of high temperature, high sugar concentration and oxygen availability had the largest negative influence on colour and antioxidant properties (anthocyanins and phenolics) of dehydrated rabbiteye blueberries.