cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular insight for the role of key residues of calreticulin in its binding activities: A computational study.

Abstract Calreticulin (CRT) is localized to and has functions in multiple cellular compartments, including the cell surface, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the extracellular matrix. Mutagenesis studies have identified several residues on a concave β-sheet surface of CRT critical for CRT binding to carbohydrate and other proteins/peptides. How the mutations of these key residues in CRT affect the conformation and dynamics of CRT, further influencing CRT binding to carbohydrates and other proteins to signal the important biological activities remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effect of three key point mutations (C105A, C137A and W319A) on CRT conformation and dynamics via atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. Results show that these three key residues mutations induced the changes of CRT local backbone flexibility and secondary structure of CRT N-domain, which could further affect CRT’s binding activity. C137A mutation led to dramatic decrease of the overall size of CRT due to the P-domain fold back to the globular domain and formed new inter-domain contacts, which can cause blockage of CRT’s binding with other large substrates. Furthermore, for CRT concave β-strand surface patch containing lectin binding site, CRT C105A, C137A and W319A point mutation resulted in the changes in solvent accessible surface area, key residues’ side chain atom positions and dynamical correlated motions between residues. All these changes could directly affect CRT binding behavior. Results of this study provide molecular and structural insights into understanding the role of key residues of CRT in its binding behavior.
Sanitation of rural drinking water and endemic fluorosis in Hunyuan county of Shanxi province: an analysis of monitoring results

Objective To investigate the sanitary status of rural drinking water in Hunyuan county, evaluate the effect of water improvement project to reduce fluoride in high fluoride areas, and to provide the basis for rural drinking water safety. Methods Between 2008 and 2010, in accordance with the "Rural water supply project implementation plan entral grant special funds for public health in Shanxi province", in Hunyuan county, 54 monitoring sites were selected, collected water samples. Water sample sensory properties, chemical, microbiological and other 19 indicators were tested. Forty project villages from 17 townships in Hunyuan county were selected to test water fluoride. June 2009 in Hunyuan county 3 high fluoride villages were chosen, all children aged 8 to 12 in the villages were examined of dental fluorosis (Dean method), and children's urine samples were collected to measured urinary fluoride. Water fluoride of the 3 villages was determined. Water and urinary fluoride were measured by fluoride ion-selective electrode method. Results In three years, a total of 188 samples were detected,with a pass rate of 35.1%(66/188), the main indicators that exceeded the standard were colony count(109 items), total coliforms (47 items), heat-resistant coliform bacteria(39 items) and fluoride(21 items). A total of 160 water samples in the 40 villages from the 17 townships were tested, the water fluoride excessive rate was 12.50%(20/160). A total of 522 children aged 8 to 12 were examined dental fluorosis, dental fluorosis rate was 7.66%(40/522), dental fluorosis index was 0.16; a total of 74 urinary fluoride of children aged 8 to 12 were measured, geometric mean was 1.17 mg/L, urinary fluoride range was 0.31 - 3.92 mg/L. Conclusions The drinking water improvement project in Hunyuan county rural areas has been successful, but sanitary conditions is poor. Water quality monitoring should be strengthened to ensure safe drinking water in the areas. Key words: Water; Data collection; Fluorosis, Dental
Aligning missions: nuclear technical assistance, the IAEA, and national ambitions in Pakistan

Drawn from the archives of the International Atomic Energy Agency, the British National Archives, and other sources, the present essay analyzes nuclear technical assistance in central Asia, focusin...
Identification of Two-Dimensional Layered Dielectrics from First Principles

To realize effective van der Waals (vdW) transistors, vdW dielectrics are needed in addition to vdW channel materials. We study the dielectric properties of 32 exfoliable vdW materials using first principles methods. We calculate the static and optical dielectric constants and discover a large out-of-plane permittivity in GeClF, PbClF, LaOBr, and LaOCl, while the in-plane permittivity is high in BiOCl, PbClF, and TlF. To assess their potential as gate dielectrics, we calculate the band gap and electron affinity, and estimate the leakage current through the candidate dielectrics. We discover six monolayer dielectrics that promise to outperform bulk HfO2: HoOI, LaOBr, LaOCl, LaOI, SrI2, and YOBr with low leakage current and low equivalent oxide thickness. Of these, LaOBr and LaOCl are the most promising and our findings motivate the growth and exfoliation of rare-earth oxyhalides for their use as vdW dielectrics. Developments in the field of two-dimensional van der Waals materials offer big promise for device applications. This study reports a first-principle investigation on the dielectric properties of 32 exfoliable two-dimensional layered dieletrics for assessing the prospects of these materials in devices.
Physical activity for blood glucose control in gestational diabetes mellitus: rationale and recommendations for translational behavioral interventions

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is associated with adverse health outcomes during pregnancy and beyond. Previous randomized controlled trials of exercise interventions have demonstrated that exercise, conducted primarily during supervised sessions, improves maternal glycemic control in women with GDM. However, additional research is needed to develop physical activity interventions that are easily implemented in healthcare settings (e.g., recommendations and strategies to increase non-supervised physical activity). This narrative review presents: current physical activity recommendations for pregnancy and women with GDM; the scientific literature to date on physical activity, particularly walking, and blood glucose control in GDM; rationale for physical activity interventions targeting women with GDM that are appropriate for translation to the clinical setting (e.g., lifestyle interventions that include behavioral counseling with a health coach); and the strategies employed by previous, successful lifestyle interventions for pregnant and postpartum women that were based in clinical settings. Most previous exercise interventions for blood glucose control in women with GDM have included supervised exercise sessions, and will thus be difficult to translate to the health care system. However, lifestyle interventions for weight maintenance (i.e., healthy diet and physical activity) set in the health care system and delivered by health coaches have been successfully implemented in pregnant and postpartum populations. Therefore, we suggest that future trials examine lifestyle interventions that promote unsupervised walking with evidence-based behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, monitoring, and feedback) and consider incorporating the use of physical activity tracking devices to support these strategies.
Transcriptomic analysis of atopic dermatitis in African Americans is characterized by Th2/Th17-centered cutaneous immune activation

Atopic dermatitis (AD) often presents more severely in African Americans (AAs) and with greater involvement of extensor areas. To investigate immune signatures of AD in AAs with moderate to severe pruritus, lesional and non-lesional punch biopsies were taken from AA patients along with age-, race-, and sex-matched controls. Histology of lesional skin showed psoriasiform dermatitis and spongiotic dermatitis, suggesting both Th2 and Th17 activity. Gene Set Variation Analysis showed upregulation of Th2 and Th17 pathways in both lesional versus non-lesional and lesional versus control (p < 0.01), while Th1 and Th22 upregulation were observed in lesional versus control (p < 0.05). Evidence for a broad immune signature also was supported by upregulated Th1 and Th22 pathways, and clinically may represent greater severity of AD in AA. Furthermore, population-level analysis of data from TriNetX, a global federated health research network, revealed that AA AD patients had higher values for CRP, ferritin, and blood eosinophils compared to age-, sex-, and race-matched controls as well as white AD patients, suggesting broad systemic inflammation. Therefore, AA AD patients may feature broader immune activation than previously thought and may derive benefit from systemic immunomodulating therapies that modulate key drivers of multiple immune pathways.
The Rise of Plain Language Laws

When lawmakers enacted 778 plain language laws across the United States, no one noticed. Apart from a handful, these laws went untracked and unstudied. Without study, large questions remain about these laws’ effects and utility, and about how they inform the adoption or rejection of plain language. This Article creates a conceptual framework for plain language laws to set the stage for future empirical research and normative discussions on the value of plain language. It unveils the first nationwide empirical survey of plain language laws to reveal their locations, coverages, and standards. In doing so, the Article creates a systematic method to find these laws. Then it coins categories and terminology to describe their coverage and standards, thus creating a timely launchpad for future scholarship on domestic and international plain language laws. Along the way, the Article exposes the previously unknown scope of these laws—from election ballots and insurance contracts to veterans housing and consumer contracts to regulatory drafting and governor reports. That scope underscores the pervasive influence of plain language across public and private sectors, and over lawyers and non-lawyers alike. More, the survey reveals significant intrastate and interstate variations and trends in coverages and standards. With this knowledge, for the first-time empirical research can more precisely measure the benefits and costs of plain language laws while controlling for variables. Plus, the Article sets the stage for a forthcoming series of normative assessments on the role and design of plain language laws. Ultimately, the Article reignites a lively discourse on plain language amongst lawmakers, practitioners, and academics.
What Are the Audit-Related Implications of Firm Profitability?

This study examines the implications of firm profitability, as a potential indication of audit-related risk, to audit quality, auditor reporting, auditor continuance decisions, and audit pricing in the post-SOX environment. Using a sample of non-financial public companies over the period 2005 – 2017, I find that profitability: is an important determinant of audit quality among profit firms; informs auditor reporting decisions such that when firm profitability is lower, auditors are more likely to report internal control weaknesses and express substantial doubt about the client’s ability to continue as a going concern; and, is an important consideration in audit pricing only for profit firms. These inferences continue to hold when I address the potentially endogenous nature of firm profitability, use first difference estimation that captures changes in firm profitability, and assess the importance of profitability relative to other predictors. I contribute to practice and to the auditing literature by providing a focused, contemporary examination of firm profitability in the audit setting. My results suggest that low firm profitability may not be as timely and reliable of an indication of risk as predominantly believed.
In vitro receptor specificity of the 5HT1A selective phenylpiperazine, LY165163.

Abstract LY165163, a ligand reported to be selective for the 5HT 1A subtype of serotonin receptor, was examined for its ability to interact with 5HT 2 receptors in the rat jugular vein and α-receptors in the rat aorta. In these smooth muscle preparations, no agonist activity of LY165163 occured in concentrations up to 10 −5 M. However, LY165163 was an antagonist of serotonin-induced contractions in the jugular vein and of norpinephrine-induced contractions in the rat aorta. The dissociation constant calculated for LY165163 at 5HT 2 receptors in the rat jugular vein was 10 −8 M and at α-receptors in the rat aorta was 2 × 10 −7 M. Thus, LY165163 is a relatively potent antagonist at vascular 5HT 2 sites and possesses appreciable affinity at α-receptors. Based on these data, the multiple receptor interactions of LY165163 must be taken into consideration when utilizing this agent as a probe for the 5HT 1A subtype of serotonin receptor.
Biodegradation of atrazine by Agrobacterium radiobacter J14a and use of this strain in bioremediation of contaminated soil

We examined the ability of a soil bacterium, Agrobacterium radiobacter J14a, to degrade the herbicide atrazine under a variety of cultural conditions, and we used this bacterium to increase the biodegradation of atrazine in soils from agricultural chemical distribution sites. J14a cells grown in nitrogen-free medium with citrate and sucrose as carbon sources mineralized 94% of 50 microgram of [14C-U-ring]atrazine ml-1 in 72 h with a concurrent increase in the population size from 7.9 x 10(5) to 5.0 x 10(7) cells ml-1. Under these conditions cells mineralized the [ethyl-14C]atrazine and incorporated approximately 30% of the 14C into the J14a biomass. Cells grown in medium without additional carbon and nitrogen sources degraded atrazine, but the cell numbers did not increase. Metabolites produced by J14a during atrazine degradation include hydroxyatrazine, deethylatrazine, and deethyl-hydroxyatrazine. The addition of 10(5) J14a cells g-1 into soil with a low indigenous population of atrazine degraders treated with 50 and 200 microgram of atrazine g-1 soil resulted in two to five times higher mineralization than in the noninoculated soil. Sucrose addition did not result in significantly faster mineralization rates or shorten degradation lag times. However, J14a introduction (10(5) cells g-1) into another soil with a larger indigenous atrazine-mineralizing population reduced the atrazine degradation lag times below those in noninoculated treatments but did not generally increase total atrazine mineralization.
Fractures of the ipsilateral femur after hip arthroplasty. A statistical analysis of outcome based on 487 patients.

Abstract A complete review of the literature revealed 487 patients in 26 published reports with ipsilateral femur fractures occurring about the femoral prosthetic stem. This review included general surveys, multicenter studies, and case reports. Based on these studies, the authors divided the fractures into six types: type 1, intertrochanteric; type 2, proximal femur; type 3, spanning the prosthesis tip; type 4, distal to the prosthesis tip; type 5, comminuted blowout; and type 6, supracondylar. Type 1–5 fractures were stratified into the following treatment groups: traction, casting and partial weight bearing, cerclage wiring, screw/plate fixation, long-stem revision with plus/minus supplementation fixation or bone-graft, and other less frequently reported techniques. A statistical analysis of each type of fracture in terms of the various treatments used and the clinical outcome was performed. The best results based on the literature would be cerclage wiring or long-stem revision for types 2, 3, and 5 fractures ( P P
Residues in the Fat of Ewes Grazing on Soil Contaminated with Halogenated Hydrocarbons

Three halogenated hydrocarbon compounds were applied to the surface of each of two .57 ha bluegrass plots in October. Each plot was stocked with 10 mature ewes 6 mo after application. Supplemental feed was not offered. Five ewes remained on the plots for 180 d, whereas the other five were removed and replaced at 60-d intervals. Average soil residues for the period of grazing were 13.3, 3.8, 29.3 and 32.8 mg/m2 HCB (hexachlorobenzene), DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bi(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene), DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) and PBB (polybrominated biphenyls), respectively, for plot 1 and 16.5 and 48.0 mg/m2 DDE and PBB, respectively, for plot 2. Average concentrations of residue in body fat of the five ewes grazing for 180 d were .37, .30 and .30 micrograms/g HCB, DDE and PBB, respectively, for plot 1 and 2.41 and .79 micrograms/g DDE and PBB, respectively, for plot 2. Average residue concentrations in ewes that grazed 60-d subperiods were nearly as great, which indicated that steady state residue levels were reached in less than 180 d. A second trial and was conducted 3 yr later after plowing and reseeding the plots, but only PBB was measured. Polybrominated biphenyl was distributed throughout the top 16 cm of soil but the quantity presentmore » had not changed appreciably from the first trial. After seven ewes/plot grazed 136 d, residues were detected in only one of the seven on plot 1, but were detected in all seven on plot 2 with an average concentration of only .032 micrograms/g. It is concluded that concentration of residue in body fat of ewes depended on the concentration of chemical at the soil surface and the amount of soil ingested.« less
Effects of a 6-month trial of weight-loss diet plus aerobic exercise versus matched (by dose/intensity) exercise alone on glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in subjects with pre-diabetes (117.2)

The Diabetes Prevention Program first demonstrated benefits of lifestyle interventions for delaying progression of pre-diabetes. Our study examines the separate effects of a weight-loss diet plus e...
Corn Stover Nutrient Removal Estimates for Central Iowa, USA

One of the most frequent producer-asked questions to those persons striving to secure sustainable corn (Zea mays L.) stover feedstock supplies for Iowa's new bioenergy conversion or other bio-product facilities is "what quantity of nutrients will be removed if I harvest my stover?" Our objective is to summarize six years of field research from central Iowa, U.S.A. where more than 600, 1.5 m 2 samples were collected by hand and divided into four plant fractions: vegetative material from the ear shank upward (top), vegetative material from approximately 10 cm above the soil surface to just below the ear (bottom), cobs, and grain. Another 400 stover samples, representing the vegetative material collected directly from a single-pass combine harvesting system or from stover bales were also collected and analyzed. All samples were dried, ground, and analyzed to determine C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Al, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. Mean concentration and dry matter estimates for each sample were used to calculate nutrient removal and estimate fertilizer replacement costs which averaged $25.06, $20.04, $16.62, $19.40, and $27.41 Mg −1 for top, bottom, cob, stover, and grain fractions, respectively. We then used the plant fraction estimates to compare various stover harvest scenarios and provide an answer to the producer question posed above.
Extensible Processing For Archives and Special Collections: Reducing Processing Backlogs by Daniel A. Santamaria: Chicago, Illinois: Neal-Schuman, 2015, 235 pp., ISBN: 978-0-8389-1257-7, $75.00.

In this compact monograph Daniel Santamaria (Director of Digital Collections & Archives at Tufts University) addresses the decades old problem of the perpetual backlog. This is a topic particularly...
Emerging lattice approach to the K-Unitarity Triangle

Abstract It has been clear for the past several years that new physics in the quark sector can only appear, in low energy observables, as a perturbation. Therefore precise theoretical predictions and precise experimental measurements have become mandatory. Here we draw attention to the significant advances that have been made in lattice QCD simulations in recent years in K → π π , in the long-distance contribution to indirect CP violation in the Kaon system ( e ) and in rare K -decays. Thus, in conjunction with experiments, the construction of a unitarity triangle purely from Kaon physics should soon become feasible. We want to emphasize that in our approach to the K -unitarity triangle, the ability of lattice QCD methods to systematically improve the calculation of the direct CP-violation parameter ( e ′ ) plays a pivotal role. Along with the B-unitarity triangle, this could allow, depending on the pattern of new physics, for more stringent tests of the Standard Model and tighter constraints on new physics.
MANAGING TO GROW WITH ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

[Bis article relates growth management to the framework of environmental justice. The conceptual and policy linkages that can be made between managing growth and enhancing environmental quality for all segments of the community, including low-income and minority groups, are examined. Local examples are used to analyze three areas of local policy: managing urban environments, guiding development and managing infrastructure. The examples and analysis suggest that integrating environmental justice into the broad question of how growth should be managed, helps move toward a more comprehensive approach to protecting and enhancing urban environments for the entire community.
Predictive ADME-Tox London, UK, 27 -- 28 April 2005.

The Predictive ADME-Tox conference brought together scientists responsible for innovative in vitro and in silico screens to predict particular chemical liabilities. Oral bioavailability without adverse effects requires good absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion (ADME) and minimal toxicity. Traditionally, these properties are measured late in development, when sufficient material is available for classical assays. Although these assays remain the gold standard, the conference focused on novel methods to predict liabilities early in the development pipeline, when a course change has less impact in the development timeline. Emerging themes from the meeting were i) integration – of data from a number of predictive assays into a ‘profile’ of a new class, and of safety scientists into discovery teams, in order to guide interpretation of the profile and identify tests to include in the hit-to-lead process; and ii) collaboration. As in silico predictive models are increasingly accepted, from reactivi...
Indicator-Dilution Curves During Methoxamine Infusion jn Patients with Mitral Valvular Disease

This report describes the time-concentration components and the contour of indicator-dilution curves recorded from the femoral artery after injection of radioactive iodinated (I131) human serum albumin into the pulmonary artery before and during methoxamine infusion in nine patients with predominant mitral stenosis, and seven patients with predominant mitral insufficiency. During methoxamine infusion, the changes were as follows: (a) The forward cardiac output was uniformly reduced in both groups. The changes in the total and "central" blood volumes were inconsistent in both groups. In all cases, there was prolongation of the appearance and mean transit times. (b) There was a significantly greater prolongation of the reciprocal of the downslope and the disappearance time in patients with mitral insufficiency than in those with mitral stenosis. By means of a simple formula, we allowed for alteration in forward cardiac output and "central" blood volume during methoxamine infusion, and a satisfactory discrimination between mitral stenosis and mitral insufficiency was achieved by comparing the change in 1/S. Comparison of the ratio of spread time to appearance time (Ts/TA) before and during methoxamine infusion also effected an excellent separation between the two groups. It is postulated that the characteristic changes of the indicator-dilution curves during methoxamine infusion in patients with mitral insufficiency were due to augmentation of regurgitant stroke volume, increase in the force of the regurgitant jet, or both.
Virulence of wild-type E. coli uroisolates in experimental pyelonephritis

Virulence of wild-type E. coli uroisolates in experimental pyelonephritis. This study was designed to analyze the colonizing and invasive properties of wild-type bacteriuric E. coli possessing a variety of phenotypic characteristics in experimental nonobstructive pyelonephritis (P and Type 1 [T] fimbriae, hemolysin [Hly], presence of K capsules, flagella [H], serotype, biotype, human and mouse serumcidal resistance). Special emphasis was on the role of Gal-Gal adhesin (P fimbriae) of non-genetically engineered uroisolates. It was shown that organisms that are P+ or T+ or Hly+ are more likely to colonize bladders than strains negative for those parameters (P + strains were more often associated with kidney histopathology than P - E. coli (P E. coli urovirulent. These phenotypic characters may simply represent associated or serologic markers with the host serving as the dominant determinant of susceptibility to urinary infection. The findings emphasize the inherent limitations in relating and extrapolating colonizing and invasive properties of genetically engineered strains to those of naturally occurring, wild-type E. coli human uroisolates causing pyelonephritis.
Using Citation Analysis to Pursue a Core Collection of Journals for Communication Disorders

A citation analysis from a purposive sample of two leading journals is employed to build a tentative core collection of journals in communication disorders. A core collection is defined for this study as those journals that provide 80% of the sample’s article citations. The bibliometric concept of “success-breeds-success” is reviewed, and its application to this sample of journals is quantified. The special problems of defining a core collection in a multidisciplinary field are discussed. Data is also provided on the types of publications cited, and the age distribution of cited journals.
IRS-1-Mediated Inhibition of Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity in TNF-α- and Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an important mediator of insulin resistance in obesity and diabetes through its ability to decrease the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor (IR). Treatment of cultured murine adipocytes with TNF-α was shown to induce serine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) and convert IRS-1 into an inhibitor of the IR tyrosine kinase activity in vitro. Myeloid 32D cells, which lack endogenous IRS-1, were resistant to TNF-α-mediated inhibition of IR signaling, whereas transfected 32D cells that express IRS-1 were very sensitive to this effect of TNF-α. An inhibitory form of IRS-1 was observed in muscle and fat tissues from obese rats. These results indicate that TNF-α induces insulin resistance through an unexpected action of IRS-1 to attenuate insulin receptor signaling.
Behavioural and neurochemical effects of scurvy in gulo knockout mice

A study was conducted to measure some of the behavioural and neurochemical changes that occur in the brain during a scorbutic episode in mice. The aim of the study was to model some of the behavioural changes reported in humans suffering from scurvy in the mice, and relate these to alterations in vitamin C level in the brain, along with cellular damage and decreases in neurotransmitter levels. It was found that during a scorbutic period, vitamin C-deprived mice exhibited physical weaknesses and declines in voluntary locomotor activity, but that these deficits were corrected following resuscitation of vitamin C levels. Additional changes were also seen in social relationships among the mice, and preference for a highly palatable food reward during vitamin C deficiency. These altered behaviours were accompanied by extreme depletion of brain vitamin C levels and oxidative damage to lipids and proteins within the brain. Furthermore, normal function and recycling of neurotransmitter levels was also adversely a...
Symptoms of gallstone disease

Abstract The most certain symptomatic manifestation of gallstones is episodic upper abdominal pain. Characteristically, this pain is severe and located in the epigastrium and/or the right upper quadrant. The onset is relatively abrupt and often awakens the patient from sleep. The pain is steady in intensity, may radiate to the upper back, be associated with nausea and lasts for hours to up to a day. Dyspeptic symptoms of indigestion, belching, bloating, abdominal discomfort, heartburn and specific food intolerance are common in persons with gallstones, but are probably unrelated to the stones themselves and frequently persist after surgery. Many, if not most, persons with gallstones have no history of pain attacks. Persons discovered to have gallstones in the absence of typical symptoms appear to have an annual incidence of biliary pain of 2–5 % during the initial years of follow-up, with perhaps a declining rate thereafter. Gallstone-related complications occur at a rate of less than 1% annually. Those whose stones are symptomatic at discovery have a more severe course, with approximately 6–10% suffering recurrent symptoms each year and 2% biliary complications. The far higher rates of symptom development reported in a few studies raise the possibility that these incidence estimates may be too low. The best predictors of future biliary pain are a history of pain at the time of diagnosis, female gender and possibly obesity. The risk of acute cholecystitis appears to be greater in those with large solitary stones, that of biliary pancreatitis in those with multiple small stones, and that of gallbladder cancer in those with large stones of any number. Drugs that inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins may now be the treatment of choice in patients with gallstones who are suffering acute pain attacks. Persistent dyspeptic symptoms occur frequently following cholecystectomy. A prolonged history of such symptoms prior to surgery and evidence of significant psychological distress appear to be the best predictors of unsatisfactory outcome.
Thermodynamic investigation of trisodium uranium(V) oxide (Na3UO4) IV. Mass spectrometric study of the Na + U + O system

Abstract The Na + U + O system has been investigated by combined mass-loss and mass-spectrometric Knudsen effusion studies. The dissociation of trisodium uranium(V) oxide (Na3UO4) through the vaporization of Na(g) was followed by mass-loss and mass-spectrometric observations. The five three-phase regions traversed by the dissociation of Na2UO4(s) were identified by X-ray diffraction analysis. These three-phase regions are: (1) Na + UO2 + Na3UO4, (2) UO2 + NaUO3 + Na3UO4, (3) NaUO3 + Na4UO5 + Na3UO4, (4) NaUO3 + Na4UO5 + Na2UO4, and (5) NaUO3 + Na2UO4 + Na2U2O7. Sodium pressures as a function of temperature were measured in each three-phase region; the oxygen pressure was too low for direct measurement except in the last-mentioned three-phase region. From these results and appropriate dissociation reactions, oxygen pressures have been calculated for each of the three-phase regions. The calculated values for the Na + UO2 + Na3UO4 region at 1000 and 1200 K are 3.24 × 10−35 and 1.62 × 10−27 atm, respectively. Also, the enthalpies of formation were calculated for five sodium + uranium + oxygen compounds; the values at 1000 K are −(479.0 ± 2.5) kcalth mol−1 (Na3UO4), −(554.9 ± 9.5) kcalth mol−1 (Na4UO5), −(430.9 ± 6.3) kcalth mol−1 (Na2UO4), −(344.2 ± 4.2) kcalth mol−1 (NaUO3), and −734.8 ± 7.5) kcalth mol−1 (Na2U2O7). The standard enthalpy of formation of Na3UO4(s) was found to be ΔHfo(Na3UO4, c, 298.15 K) = −(477.8 ± 3.0) kcalth mol−1.
An assessment of the seasonal mixed layer salinity budget in the Southern Ocean

[1] The seasonal cycle of mixed layer salinity and its causes in the Southern Ocean are examined by combining remotely sensed and in situ observations. The domain-averaged terms of oceanic advection, diffusion, entrainment, and air-sea freshwater flux (evaporation minus precipitation) are largely consistent with the seasonal evolution of mixed layer salinity, which increases from March to October and decreases from November to February. This seasonal cycle is largely attributed to oceanic advection and entrainment; air-sea freshwater flux plays only a minimal role. Both oceanic advection-diffusion and the freshwater flux are negative throughout the year, i.e., reduce mixed layer salinity, while entrainment is positive year-round, reaching its maximum in May. The advection-diffusion term is dominated by Ekman advection. Although the spatial structure of the air-sea freshwater flux and oceanic processes are similar for the steady state, the magnitude of the freshwater flux is relatively small when compared to that of the oceanic processes. The spatial structure of the salinity tendency for each month is also well captured by the sum of the contributions from the air-sea freshwater flux, advection-diffusion, and entrainment processes. However, substantial imbalances in the salinity budget exist locally, particularly for regions with strong eddy kinetic energy and sparse in situ measurements. Sensitivity tests suggest that a proper representation of the mixed layer depth, a better freshwater flux product, and an improved surface salinity field are all important for closing the mixed layer salinity budget in the Southern Ocean.
Benchmarking cellular genetic algorithms on the BBOB noiseless testbed

In this paper we evaluate 2 cellular genetic algorithms (CGAs), a single-population genetic algorithm, and a hill-climber on the Black Box Optimization Benchmarking testbed. CGAs are fine grain parallel genetic algorithms with a spatial structure imposed by embedding individuals in a connected graph. They are popular for their diversity-preserving properties and efficient implementations on parallel architectures. We find that a CGA with a uni-directional ring topology outperforms the canonical CGA that uses a bi-directional grid topology in nearly all cases. Our results also highlight the importance of carefully chosen genetic operators for finding precise solutions to optimization problems.
Measuring Residue Association in Protein Structures Possible Implications for Protein Folding

Abstract We propose a number of distance measures between residues in protein structures based on average, minimum and maximum distances of all atom (backbone and side-chain) coordinates or with respect to side-chain atom coordinates only. The d 1 -distance ( D 1 -distance) refers to the average distance between side-chain (backbone and side-chain) atoms of a residue pair in a given structure. The d m -distance ( D m -distance) refers to the minimum distance between side-chain atoms (non-trivial minimum distance between all atoms of a residue pair). For each distance measure, averaging and normalizing over representative protein structures, association values and closeness orderings for all amino acid types are determined. The expected associations of side-chain interactions between oppositely charged residues, among hydrophobic residues and of cysteine with cysteine are confirmed. Several surprising associations are observed relative to (1) the aromatic residues tyrosine and tryptophan, but not phenylalanine; (2) multiple histidine residues; (3) asymmetries of arginine versus lysine, aspartate versus glutamate, alanine versus glycine, and asparagine versus glutamine; (4) absence of correlations of α-carbon distances with side-chain distances. The all atoms D 1 -distance attractions are dominated by steric relationships, with glycine and alanine significantly close to all amino acids, whereas large residues are under-associated with all residue types. In contrast, for the closeness ordering corresponding to the minimum side-chain d m -distance, glycine and alanine are among the least associated. However, in the d 1 -distance alanine is significantly close to all hydrophobic residues with the exception of tryptophan. The d m -distance preferences display a pervasive attraction for tyrosine by almost all residue types, the prominence of tyrosine and tryptophan in cation-aromatic interactions, and the versatility of histidine in functionality. The principal findings suggest a new perspective on the early and intermediate stages of protein folding.
A simplified and inexpensive swivel for electrical stimulation

Abstract A simplified cable swivel for delivering intra-cranial stimulation (ICS) in free-moving rats is described. The swivel consists of a commercial earphone jack. The swivel is inexpensive, easily modified and prevents cable twisting.
The interactive effects of political skill and future time perspective on career and community networking behavior

Abstract Scholars have suggested that skill (Ferris et al., 2007) and motivation (Forret and Dougherty, 2001) need to be considered in predicting the direction and intensity of networking behaviors. Congruently, the present study argues that skill and motivation operate interactively and assesses the interactive impact of political skill (i.e., the ability to interact effectively with others) and future time perspective on differentially predicting community-based and career-based networking behavior. Results from a sample of managers from a national retail chain ( n = 291) indicated that politically skilled individuals who possessed a deep future time perspective were more involved in career-related networking than politically skilled individuals who perceived a shallow future time perspective. Additionally, politically skilled respondents with shallow organizational time perspectives engaged in higher levels of community-based networking than did their counterparts with deeper organizational time perspectives. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of political skill, social networks, and socioemotional selectivity theory.
Cloudwater deposition as a source of fixed nitrogen in a Hawaiian montane forest

Precipitation, dry deposition, and cloud water deposition of fixed nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium ions) were measured on the Island of Hawaii. The first two were small N inputs, averaging 0.6±0.2 and 0.15±0.08 kg N ha−1 yr−1 respectively. We estimate cloud water deposition to be 8–22 kg inorganic N ha−1 yr−1. If an estimate of organic N is included, it may be as high as 50 kg N ha−1 yr−1. Additionally, cloud water deposition is of hydrological significance as it comprised 37% of the total water input. Cloud water interception was certainly lower in the past, as the developing ecosystem would have had less collection surface area.
Studies on the biosynthesis of valinomycin.

For some time, this laboratory has been exploring the in vitro synthesis of antibiotic polypeptides on polyenzymes; the latter catalyze the reaction between amino acids t ATP yielding aminoacyl adenylates. Eventually, the amino acid residues are transferred to a thioester linkage and a pantetheine carrier protein attached to each polyenzyme collects the amino acids into polypeptides [ 1,2] . In view of these results, we proposed approaching the biosynthesis of valinomycin, a cyclododecadepsipeptide, which contains the thricerepeating sequence of the tetradepsipeptide: LlactylL-valyl-D-a-hydroxyisovaleryl-D-valyl. Earlier reports on its biosynthesis in vegetative cells by MacDonald and Slater [3] suggested that D-cr-hydroxyisovaleric acid is the direct precursor of the D-o-hydroxyisovaleric acid moiety in valinomycin. The Dand L-valyl paits of valinomycin were shown to be derived from L-valine. In 1974, Ristow et al. [4] published briefly on the cell-free synthesis of valinomycin from L-valine using L-threonine or Lalanine as the precursors of lactic acid. We will describe here experiments where, under appropriate conditions, radioactively marked lactic acid is easily, but alanine poorly, incorporated into .valinomycin by living cells. Since we were unable, using the same organism as Ristow et al. [4], to obtain in vitro synthesis in our cell homogenates, after disruption of the bacteria by means of a sonitier or a French-press, we prepared protoplasts which showed a considerably greater activity in forming valinomycin
Usefulness of Pharmacologic Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation During Dofetilide Loading Without the Need for Electrical Cardioversion to Predict Durable Response to Therapy

Conversion of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm is frequently seen during the 3-day in-hospital loading period required during dofetilide initiation, but it is not known whether pharmacologic conversion (PC) without the need for electrical cardioversion (EC) is a predictor of long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm during continued therapy with dofetilide. We sought to test the hypothesis that PC predicts durable maintenance of sinus rhythm and determine additional predictors of long-term maintenance of sinus rhythm on dofetilide. We retrospectively reviewed all elective inpatient admissions for dofetilide loading from 2003 to 2011 at the University of Virginia. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess predictors of maintenance of sinus rhythm after in-hospital dofetilide loading. In all, 101 patients with a current duration of AF lasting for a median of 1.86 months (interquartile range 0.47 to 6.03) were included in the analysis. Forty-seven patients were in the PC group, whereas 54 patients were in the EC group. Patients in the PC group remained longer in sinus rhythm compared with the patients in the EC group (log-rank p = 0.032). The seventy-fifth percentile for the current episode duration in the PC group was 5.77 months, indicating that even long-standing persistent AF frequently converted pharmacologically. Hypertension and a longer duration of the current AF episode were also predictors of recurrence in the multivariate model. In conclusion, PC during in-hospital dofetilide loading is an important predictor of durable response even in long-standing persistent patients, which has important public health implications for choice of therapy.
Practical Approach To Quality Assurance In Computed Tomography

The goal of tissue characterization via quantitative computed tomography can only be accomplished with careful control of certain parameters. A quality assurance program is described which includes daily measurement of certain essential elements e.g. Hounsfield conversion, linearity, noise and resolution. Secondary measurements of collimation, bed movement, dose, and sensitivity profiles are performed on a monthly basis. Daily measurements are accomplished in less than 15 minutes while monthly checks take less than 1.5 hr thus minimizing conflict with a busy clinical routine. Examples of rapid recording methods and measurement techniques are included.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Protein arrays on patterned porous gold substrates interrogated with mass spectrometry: Detection of peptides in plasma

Methyl- and carboxy-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were custom-patterned on porous gold substrates with equipment commonly used to print protein arrays, without complex surface chemistry protocols. Proteins were covalently immobilized on hydrophilic carboxy-terminated SAM spots, while the remainder of the surface was superhydrophobic due to the roughened gold surface and the methyl-terminated SAM. The resistance of these patterns to biofouling and the effective containment of MALDI matrix solution within the hydrophilic spot made these surfaces amenable to analyzing protein-peptide binding with mass spectrometry. A model system of the affinity peptides HA, cmyc, and V5 and their corresponding antibodies was used to demonstrate the utility of the patterned porous gold. Mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) spectra and images obtained reflected the effective capture of the affinity peptides directly from spiked bovine plasma.
A Simple Proof of Blackwell's "Comparison of Experiments" Theorem *

Abstract This note presents a simple proof of Blackwell's well-known theorem on the equivalence of two orderings of experiments, one based on the statistical concept of sufficiency, and the other on the economic concept of the value to the decision makers.
Relative NaCl Tolerance of Kentucky Bluegrass, Texas Bluegrass, and Their Hybrids

Government regulations to force water conservation have escalated the use of secondary water high in soluble salts for turfgrass irrigation in the arid and semiarid western USA, thus increasing the need for more salt-tolerant turfgrasses. This study was initiated to determine the variability in salt tolerance within and among two Poa species and their hybrids. Two experiments were conducted during 2000 in the greenhouse at Fort Collins, CO, in solution culture to examine the effects of NaCl on leaf firing and shoot and root growth reduction of nine Kentucky bluegrass (KBG; Poa pratensis L.) cultivars representing three ecotypes, three Texas bluegrass (TBG; P. arachnifera Torr.) accessions, and five of their hybrids (P. pratensis x P. arachnifera). In Exp. I, conducted during late winter through spring 2000, overall salt tolerance based on leaf firing and electrical conductivity (EC) of 50% shoot growth reduction (EC shoot 50) placed seven KBG cultivars in the most tolerant group. In Exp. II, conducted during summer though early fall 2000, overall salt tolerance rankings placed 4 KBG and 3 TBG cultivars in the most tolerant group. On the basis of percentage leaf firing and the salinity levels that caused 25 and 50% shoot growth reduction, compact (low, compact growth habit) and aggressive (aggressive, lateral growth habit) KBG ecotypes showed more salt tolerance than common ecotypes in both Exp. I and II. A broad range of variability in leaf firing and shoot and root growth reduction in response to salinity was found to exist within and among these Poa species and their hybrids, indicating that improvement in the salt tolerance of bluegrasses may be possible. Additionally, differences in salt tolerance of KBG and TBG between Exp. I and Exp. II suggested that environmental conditions could affect bluegrass salt tolerance expression.
Ion beam fusion

Fusion faces three types of challenge: scientific, economic, and environmental. Many scientists believe that both inertial and magnetic fusion can meet the scientific challenge in the sense that th...
The safety profile of Azathioprine (AZA)/6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota

The safety profile of Azathioprine (AZA)/6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): a population-based study in Olmsted County, Minnesota
Intermittent left bundle branch block

Abstract Thirty unselected cases of intermittent left bundle branch block, ten of them with myocardial infarction, were analyzed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the left bundle branch block on the ECG patterns of myocardial infarction and ischemia. The following conclusions were drawn. 1.1. Ischemia of the anteroseptal and/or inferior region plays a very important role in the pathophysiology of intermittent left bundle branch block. 2.2. Persistent QS deflections recorded in the precordial Leads V 1 to V 4 in the presence of left bundle branch block seem to be highly suggestive of anteroseptal myocardial infarction. 3.3. The development of left ventricular conduction defect suppresses the ECG signs of inferior myocardial infarction in most cases. 4.4. Alteration of ventricular gradient was observed in patients with anteroseptal myocardial ischemia during the episodes of left bundle branch block as seen by the appearance of positive T wave in the left precordial leads.