cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NONLINEAR PROCESS CONTROL: AN ADAPTIVE APPROACH WHICH USES PHYSICAL MODELS

In this paper we develop a simple stabilizing control system for the Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR). A physically based argument is used to develop a Lyapunov function which is related in a positive manner to the internal energy of the system. This property appears in many chemical process control systems and it is the key in developing the stabilizing controller. The proposed control design methodology leads to a feedback-feedforward controller. The feedback element simply consists of a PD controller while feedforward terms are used to compensate for the nonlinear effects and decouple the response. Accurate expressions for the kinetic mechanisms and values for the physical parameters describing the process are not explicitly needed since an adaptive strategy can be implemented. Implementation aspects of the nonlinear adaptive controller are discussed briefly.
Cerebral Hemodynamics and Stroke Risk in Patients with Complete Carotid Artery Occlusion: Is There a Role for Cerebral Revascularization?

Patients with complete carotid artery occlusion comprise approximately 15% of those with carotid territory transient ischemic attacks or infarction [1, 2, 3]. Prevention of subsequent stroke in patients with carotid artery occlusion remains a difficult challenge. The overall risk of subsequent stroke is 7% per year and the risk of stroke ipsilateral to the occluded carotid artery is 5.9% per year [4]. These risks persist in the face of platelet inhibitory drugs and anticoagulants [5]. The importance of hemodynamic factors in the prognosis of carotid occlusion and the role of surgical re-vascularization in the treatment of these patients has been a subject of controversy for many years. The technique of extracranial-intracranial (EC/IC) arterial bypass surgery was developed in the late 1960’s and applied to patients with carotid occlusion in an attempt to prevent subsequent stroke by improving the hemodynamic status of the cerebral circulation distal to the occluded vessel. The results of an international multicenter randomized trial to determine the efficacy of EC/IC arterial bypass for the prevention of subsequent stroke was reported in 1985. Among 808 patients with symptomatic carotid occlusion who were randomized, no benefit of superficial temporal artery — middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass surgery could be demonstrated [6]. Based on the results of this trial, EC/IC bypass was generally abandoned as a treatment for symptomatic carotid artery occlusion.
READING WITH AND WITHOUT EYE MOVEMENTS

The rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) method allows for simulation of some of the properties of normal eye fixations; for example, text can be displayed in successive units for 250 msec durations to a common location on a computer-controlled screen. Text presented in this way can be read relatively normally, but without the need for eye movements. Research has shown that optimal RSVP conditions include successive units that average about two to three words in length and reflect some level of syntactic structure. These conditions result in levels of comprehension that, at least for some readers, are superior to those obtained from reading pages of text with normal eye movements.
Meanings of Nature Seen in Children's Stories

Abstract To explore meanings that nature holds for children, study participants were asked to write stories in response to photographs of natural and human-made (built) scenes. The task was intenti...
Developing a Production Function for Small-Scale Farm Operations in Central Minnesota

Local food advocates promote direct-to-consumer food sales, arguing that such sales yield a variety of positive effects, including that smaller, direct-to-consumer producers have a greater economic impact compared to larger producers selling via wholesale channels. In this research study, we examine this claim by exploring the relative economic contribution of small-scale, direct-to-consumer vegetable operations versus larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale vegetable operations in Central Minnesota. In this article, we detail the methods used to define the project, gather primary data, and construct the two production functions following the methods developed for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service’s Eco­nomics of Local Foods Systems Toolkit. In our analysis, we constructed two production functions for vegetables. The first was the default production function of vegetable operations from the input-output model IMPLAN. The second production function was constructed from detailed farm finan­cial data on the purchasing patterns of 11 small vegetable operators in a 13-county area of Central Minnesota. Our results illuminate variations in relative impacts, but also in specific aspects of operational expenditures. The production function for the sampled farms predicted a higher per dollar economic impact than the default IMPLAN production function. Our findings indicate that the small-scale, direct-to-consumer vegetable operations may have a greater positive impact on regional businesses than larger-scale, direct-to-wholesale operations, per dollar of output. Our results inform both farm business planning and economic development decision-making in rural regions. See the press release for this article.
Decolonising Indian classical dance? Projects of reform, classical to contemporary

ABSTRACTNow contained under the rubric ‘classical’, several dance practices in India underwent significant ‘reconstruction’ in the heyday of twentieth-century anti-colonial politics reliant upon th...
Increased prevalence of neural monitoring during thyroidectomy: Global surgical survey

OBJECTIVE To investigate intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) use among thyroid surgeons. METHODS A 25-question survey was used to assess attitudes regarding IONM use. Surveys were sent to surgeons registered to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, International Association of Endocrine Surgeons, and American Head and Neck Society. RESULTS Among 1,015 respondents, 83% reported using IONM (65.1% always using IONM and 18.1% reporting selective use). For selective users, a majority reported using IONM for reoperative cases (95.1%) and in cases with preoperative vocal cord paralysis (59.8%). When comparing location, there was a significant difference in IONM implementation (P < 0.001), with 70.4% of North American responders using it ubiquitously compared to 27.4% of non-North American responders. Preoperative laryngeal exam was performed more universally by North American surgeons and more selectively by non-North American surgeons (P < 0.001). Other attitudes toward their implementation and the postoperative laryngeal exam were similar. Surgeons ≤45 years of age and those with ≤15 years of practice used IONM more than their peers (P < 0.001). Thyroid surgery volume, fellowship training, and type of practice had no bearing on IONM use. CONCLUSION The prevalence of IONM in thyroid and parathyroid surgeries has increased significantly over the past decade, with 83% of surgeons using IONM in some or all cases. Although IONM use may be more ubiquitous in North America, attitudes toward its implementation and pre- and postoperative laryngeal exams are fairly uniform. IONM use is more prevalent among younger surgeons, whereas its use has no correlation with thyroid surgery volume or type of practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1097-1104, 2020.
The Practice of Argumentation: Effective Reasoning in Communication

This book uses different perspectives on argumentation to show how we create arguments, test them, attack and defend them, and deploy them effectively to justify beliefs and influence others. David Zarefsky uses a range of contemporary examples to show how arguments work and how they can be put together, beginning with simple individual arguments, and proceeding to the construction and analysis of complex cases incorporating different structures. Special attention is given to evaluating evidence and reasoning, the building blocks of argumentation. Zarefsky provides clear guidelines and tests for different kinds of arguments, as well as exercises that show student readers how to apply theories to arguments in everyday and public life. His comprehensive and integrated approach toward argumentation theory and practice will help readers to become more adept at critically examining everyday arguments as well as constructing arguments that will convince others.
moonbow o color is a code // arco de luna o color es un código

A poem entitled "moonbow o color is a code." Resumen Poema titulado "moonbow o color is a code".
Prompting Deliberation about Nanotechnology: Information, Instruction, and Discussion Effects on Individual Engagement and Knowledge

Deliberative (and educational) theories typically predict knowledge gains will be enhanced by information structure and discussion. In two studies, we experimentally manipulated key features of deliberative public engagement (information, instructions, and discussion) and measured impacts on cognitive-affective engagement and knowledge about nanotechnology. We also examined the direct and moderating impacts of individual differences in need for cognition and gender. Findings indicated little impact of information (organized by topic or by pro-con relevance). Instructions (prompts to think critically) decreased engagement in Study 1, and increased it in Study 2, but did not impact post-knowledge. Group discussion had strong positive benefits for self-reported cognitive-affective engagement across studies. Also, for some types of engagement, effects were more positive for women than men. When predicting knowledge, there also was some evidence that discussion was more positive for women than men. Finally, need for cognition positively predicted engagement and knowledge gains, but rarely moderated the experimental effects. Given these mixed results, future research should continue to test theoretical assumptions about the effects of specific deliberative design features.
Use of Amitriptyline in the Treatment of Headache After Traumatic Brain Injury: Lessons Learned From a Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES The primary outcome of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of preventive treatment with amitriptyline on headache frequency and severity after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). BACKGROUND Despite the fact that headache is the most common and persistent physical symptom after TBI, there has been little research on the longitudinal course or pharmacologic treatment of this disorder. Of those who have headache after injury, about 60% continue to complain of headache at 3 months post injury, with higher levels of disability than those without headache. There have been no prospective, randomized, controlled trials of a pharmacologic agent for headache after TBI. Additionally, a brain-injured population may be more susceptible to side effects of medication. DESIGN This is a single-center phase II trial of amitriptyline to prevent persistent headache after an mTBI. Medication dose was gradually increased from 10 to 50 mg daily. RESULTS Fifty participants were enrolled and 33 who completed the 90-day assessment were included in the final analysis. In order to detect a possible cognitive impact of the study drug, 24 participants were randomly assigned to start amitriptyline immediately after study enrollment and 26 were assigned to start 30 days after enrollment. Forty-nine percent (18/37) of those assigned to take medication took none throughout the study period, with less compliance in younger participants with mean ages of 32.7 in those who did not take any medication, 33.4 who were less than 80% compliant, and 42.3 who were compliant (P = .013). Compliance in keeping a daily headache diary was low, with 29/50 participants (58%) meeting daily entry completion, and only 10 participants maintaining 100% diary completion. No differences were found between those who started medication immediately vs at day 30 in headache frequency or severity. CONCLUSIONS While headache is the most common symptom following mTBI, current evidence does not support a specific treatment. No differences were noted in headache frequency compared to our prior study. However, the current sample had significantly lower headache severity (15% vs 36% with pain rating of 6 or above, P = .015) compared to our prior study. Our current study was not able to determine whether there is any benefit for the use of amitriptyline as a headache preventive because of difficulty with study recruitment and compliance. The challenges with recruitment and retention in the mTBI population were instructive, and future research in this area will need to identify strategies to improve recruitment, diary compliance, and medication adherence in this population.
Marsh Plants Enhance Coastal Marsh Resilience by Changing Sediment Oxygen and Sulfide Concentrations in an Urban, Eutrophic Estuary

Despite considerable efforts to restore coastal wetlands, the ecological mechanisms contributing to the success or failure of restoration are rarely assessed. Accumulation of hydrogen sulfide in sediments may accelerate rates of marsh loss in eutrophic estuaries and is likely driven by complex feedbacks between wetland plant growth and microbial redox reactions. We used a chronosequence of restored marshes in urbanized and eutrophic Jamaica Bay (New York City, USA) to assess how sediment redox conditions change among seasons and over the lifetime of restored marshes. We also compared a stable extant marsh to one that has deteriorated over the past 50 years. We collected seasonal sediment cores from each marsh, and used a motorized microprofiling system to measure the vertical distribution of oxygen and sulfide. We fit a logistic function to each profile to estimate (1) maximum concentrations, (2) rates of increase/decline, and (3) depths of maximum increase/decline. We quantified sediment density, porosity, organic content, and belowground plant biomass, and estimated differences in daily tidal inundation among sites using water-level loggers. We found that minimum oxygen and maximum sulfide concentrations occur during summer. Sulfide concentrations were highest in sites that experienced the longest daily tidal inundation, including the degraded extant marsh and the oldest restored marsh. Spatial patterns in oxygen and sulfide were related to belowground plant biomass, supporting our hypothesis that root growth increases sediment oxygen and partially alleviates sulfide stress. Our data support the growing body of evidence that belowground plant growth may enhance the resilience of marshes to sea-level rise by increasing marsh elevation and facilitating oxygen diffusion into marsh sediments.
Automated CT biomarkers for opportunistic prediction of future cardiovascular events and mortality in an asymptomatic screening population: a retrospective cohort study.

Summary Background Body CT scans are frequently done for a wide range of clinical indications, but potentially valuable biometric information typically goes unused. We aimed to compare the prognostic ability of automated CT-based body composition biomarkers derived from previously developed deep-learning and feature-based algorithms with that of clinical parameters (Framingham risk score [FRS] and body-mass index [BMI]) for predicting major cardiovascular events and overall survival in an adult screening cohort. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, mature and fully automated CT-based algorithms with predefined metrics for quantifying aortic calcification, muscle density, ratio of visceral to subcutaneous fat, liver fat, and bone mineral density were applied to a generally healthy asymptomatic outpatient cohort of adults aged 18 years or older undergoing abdominal CT for routine colorectal cancer screening. To assess the association between the predictive measures (CT-based vs FRS and BMI) and downstream adverse events (death or myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or congestive heart failure subsequent to CT scanning), we used both an event-free survival analysis and logistic regression to compute receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) . Findings 9223 people (mean age 57·1 years [SD 7·8]; 5152 [56%] women and 4071 [44%] men) who underwent CT scans between April, 2004, and December, 2016, were included in this analysis. In the longitudinal clinical follow-up (median 8·8 years [IQR 5·1–11·6]), subsequent major cardiovascular events or death occurred in 1831 (20%) patients. Significant differences were observed for all five automated CT-based body composition measures according to adverse events (p Interpretation Fully automated quantitative tissue biomarkers derived from CT scans can outperform established clinical parameters for presymptomatic risk stratification for future serious adverse events and add opportunistic value to CT scans performed for other indications. Funding Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center.
Model-based fMRI reveals co-existing specific and generalized concept representations

There has been a long-standing debate about whether categories are represented by individual category members (exemplars) or by the central tendency abstracted from individual members (prototypes). Across neuroimaging studies, there has been neural evidence for either exemplar representations or prototype representations, but not both. In the present study, we asked whether it is possible for individuals to form multiple types of category representations within a single task. We designed a categorization task to promote both exemplar and prototype representations, and we tracked their formation across learning. We found evidence for co-existing prototype and exemplar representations in brain in regions that aligned with previous studies: prototypes in ventromedial prefrontal cortex and anterior hippocampus and exemplars in inferior frontal gyrus and lateral parietal cortex. These findings show that, under the right circumstances, individuals may form representations at multiple levels of specificity, potentially facilitating a broad range of future memory-based decisions.
Acoustic characteristics in relation to intelligibility reduction in noise for speakers with Parkinson’s disease

Decreased speech intelligibility in noisy environments is frequently observed in speakers with Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study investigated which acoustic characteristics across the speech sub...
Investigations into Reactions between Sodium Metal and Na3PS4–xOx Solid-State Electrolytes: Enhanced Stability of the Na3PS3O Solid-State Electrolyte

Understanding the interfacial reactions between sodium metal (SM) and the solid-state electrolyte (SSE) Na3PS4 (NPS) and its oxygen-doped derivatives, Na3PS4–xOx (NPSO), will help develop a strateg...
Characterizing superspreading of SARS-CoV-2: from mechanism to measurement

Superspreading is a ubiquitous feature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics, with a few primary infectors leading to a large proportion of secondary infections. Despite the superspreading events observed in previous coronavirus outbreaks, the mechanisms behind the phenomenon are still poorly understood. Here, we show that superspreading is largely driven by heterogeneity in contact behavior rather than heterogeneity in susceptibility or infectivity caused by biological factors. We find that highly heterogeneous contact behavior is required to produce the extreme superspreading estimated from recent COVID-19 outbreaks. However, we show that superspreading estimates are noisy and subject to biases in data collection and public health capacity, potentially leading to an overestimation of superspreading. These results suggest that superspreading for COVID-19 is substantial, but less than previously estimated. Our findings highlight the complexity inherent to quantitative measurement of epidemic dynamics and the necessity of robust theory to guide public health intervention.
A tumor "personality" test to guide therapeutic decision making.

In this issue of Cancer Cell, Bagaev et al. discover conserved relationships between immune and stroma activity that are prognostic and predictive of response to immunotherapy across cancer types. The authors develop a visualization tool, akin to a tumor personality test, to integrate genomic and microenvironmental profiling and guide therapeutic decision-making.
Patient portal engagement and diabetes management among new portal users in the Veterans Health Administration

Objective The study sought to investigate whether consistent use of the Veterans Health Administration's My HealtheVet (MHV) online patient portal is associated with improvement in diabetes-related physiological measures among new portal users. Materials and methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of new portal users with type 2 diabetes that registered for MHV between 2012 and 2016. We used random-effect linear regression models to examine associations between months of portal use in a year (consistency) and annual means of the physiological measures (hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c], low-density lipoproteins [LDLs], and blood pressure [BP]) in the first 3 years of portal use. Results For patients with uncontrolled HbA1c, LDL, or BP at baseline, more months of portal use in a year was associated with greater improvement. Compared with 1 month of use, using the portal 12 months in a year was associated with annual declines in HbA1c of -0.41% (95% confidence interval [CI], -0.46% to -0.36%) and in LDL of -6.25 (95% CI, -7.15 to -5.36) mg/dL. Twelve months of portal use was associated with minimal improvements in BP: systolic BP of -1.01 (95% CI, -1.33 to -0.68) mm Hg and diastolic BP of -0.67 (95% CI, -0.85 to -0.49) mm Hg. All associations were smaller or not present for patients in control of these measures at baseline. Conclusions We found consistent use of the patient portal among new portal users to be associated with modest improvements in mean HbA1c and LDL for patients at increased risk at baseline. For patients with type 2 diabetes, self-management supported by online patient portals may help control HbA1c, LDL, and BP.
Modeling and Design for Vehicle Pitch and Drop of Body-on-Frame Vehicles

Vehicle pitch and drop play an important role for occupant neck and head injury at frontal impact. The excessive vehicle header drop, due to vehicle pitch and drop during crash, induces aggressive interaction between occupant head and sun visor/header that causes serious head and neck injuries. For most of body-on-frame vehicles, vehicle pitch and drop have commonly been observed at frontal impact tests. It is because the vehicle body is pulled downward by frame rails, which bend down during crash. Hence, the challenges of frame design are not only to absorb crash energy but also to manage frame deformation for minimizing vehicle pitch and drop. In this paper, the finite element method is used to analyze frame deformation at full frontal impact. To ensure the quality of CAE model, a full vehicle FEA model is correlated to barrier tests. In addition, a study of CAE modeling affecting vehicle header drop is performed. The effective factors for vehicle header drop, identified as mesh size, material strain rate, body mount modeling, and weight distribution, are discussed. Furthermore, the root cause of vehicle pitch and drop and the design countermeasures for resolving this issue are discussed.
The role of magnesium therapy in learning and memory

Abstract The old saying “you are what you eat” is becoming increasingly important in the field of neuroscience these days. There is mounting evidence that nutritional factors are beginning to play a major role in cognitive status, or cognitive wellbeing. One of these emerging factors is magnesium (Mg 2+ ). Although the physiological investigation of Mg 2+ has a long history, its role in cognitive function is just starting to emerge. The focus of this chapter is to review the available literature on the effects of Mg 2+ on cognitive function in the healthy and diseased/injured brain. In addition, data from our laboratory will be presented that has investigated the effects of Mg 2+ manipulation on learning and memory tasks in rodents, as well as the ability of Mg 2+ therapy to improve cognitive performance in the damaged brain. Introduction The purpose of this chapter is to provide a review of the literature on the role of Mg 2+ in cognitive function. Although the research on this topic is generally sparse, there is an accumulating body of evidence suggesting that Mg 2+ is vitally important. The role that micronutrients play in maintaining and promoting cognitive ability and neural plasticity has started to receive a good deal of attention. A recent paper has provided an excellent review on how various nutrients promote cognitive performance and neural plasticity (Gomez-Pinilla, 2008).
Intratubal term pregnancy without rupture: review of the literature and presentation of diagnostic criteria.

Abstract We have reviewed the literature on intratubal pregnancies without rupture of the tube, occuring at or near term, and have endeavored to establish criteria by which the diagnosis of this condition may be made with precision. This variant of term ectopic gestation is of some importance and should be considered as distinct an entity as is primary ovarian pregnancy and abdominal pregnancy. Forty-five cases of this obstetrical rarity, including our own, were available for review. A fetal mortality of approximately 75 per cent and a maternal mortality in the neighborhood of 10 per cent were calculated. Not all of the cases in our presentation have met the rigid criteria which we propose but in all cases of pregnancy listed in Table II there has, at least, been no gross evidence of tubal rupture and the condition was or would have been susceptible to complete extirpation by localized adnexal surgery. Our primary purpose has been to establish a diagnostic yardstick for subsequent examples of this phenomenon.
Extensive actinomycosis associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device.

A case of thoracic and abdominal actinomycosis as a complication of pelvic actinomycosis associated with an IUD is described. The patient 1st noted a yellowish vaginal discharge and pelvic pain. A hysterogram showed a Dalkon Shield to be intrauterine. 3 weeks after the IUD was removed chest pain fever weight loss and abdominal pain were present. Examination revealed a pelvic mass. Chest X-ray showed fluid on the left side. Kanamycin and penicillin G were given iv. Thoracentesis removed 500 ml of thick yellow fluid. Cultures of this fluid and blood cultures were negative. Chloromycetin was given. A gallium-67 scan revealed abnormal foci in the pelvis thorax and subdiaphragmatic areas. Laparotomy revealed bilateral tuboovarian abscesses. Abdominal hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. Pelvic and subdiaphragmatic abscesses were drained. Sulfur granules were noted in Fallopian tube sections. Actinomyces organisms were found in centrifuged pleural fluid. The organism (Actinomyces israeli) forms yellow particles called sulfur granules. Finding them was an aid in diagnosis. Invasion is facilitated if local tissue damage with or without a foreign body is present. This case probably represents an ascending-route infection. Treatment consists of removal of devitalized tissue draining abscesses and antibiotic therapy. Therapy may require several months. Penicillin is usually used; tetracycline is also effective.
Antecedents of Attributions in an Educational Game for Social Learning: Who's to Blame?

Games are increasingly being used as educational tools, in part because they are presumed to enhance student motivation. We look at student motivation in games from the viewpoint of attribution theory, which predicts more learning by students who make attributions along certain dimensions, and thus may provide a way of examining this claim in more detail. We studied 13 students as they played a game designed to teach negotiation skills in a cultural context. Students' overall attributional style was surveyed, as well as their achievement attributions following each meeting with a game character. Correlational results show that unexpectedly, students' attributional style does not predict in-game attributions. However, characteristics such as gender, negotiation expertise, and frequency of game play are significantly correlated with particular in-game attributions. Because attributions have been show to be causally related to learning, with further study, such results might be used to positively influence educational game design.
Rational linking and contact geometry

In the note we study Legendrian and transverse knots in rationally null-homologous knot types. In particular, we generalize the standard definitions of self-linking number, Thurston–Bennequin invariant, and rotation number. We then prove a version of Bennequin’s inequality for these knots and classify precisely when the Bennequin bound is sharp for fibered knot types. Finally, we study rational unknots and show that they are weakly Legendrian and transversely simple.
Hydrogen Donors for Reduction of RDX, 2,4-DNT, and Nitrate in Groundwater

The Pueblo Chemical Depot, located east of Pueblo, CO, is typical of a number of U.S. facilities that were involved in weapons manufacturing, training and testing, or demilitarization in which the soil and groundwater became highly contaminated with explosives residues and are needing remediation. In this study, soil amendments of Hydrogen Release Compound® (HRC®), sodium lactate and corn syrup were evaluated in bench-scale batch reactors, mimicking in situ treatment, to determine the effectiveness of hydrogen donors on the remediation of soil contaminated with primarily RDX, but also 2,4-DNT, and excessive nitrate. Bench-scale batch reactors made from 55-gallon drums were designed to simulate aquifer conditions with site soil and contaminated groundwater. HRC® and corn syrup achieved the groundwater cleanup levels of 0.25 μ g/L for RDX by day 25 of the study, 0.0885 μ g/L for 2,4-DNT by day 7, and 1.0 mg/L for nitrate by day 7, reducing their average concentrations from 10.48 ± 0.48 μ g/L, 0.34 ± 0.15 μ ...
Physiological significance of the peptidoglycan hydrolase, LytM, in Staphylococcus aureus

Autolysins in bacteria are peptidoglycan hydrolases with roles in growth, turnover and cell lysis. LytM was identified as the only autolysin in a previously reported autolysis-deficient (lyt−) strain of Staphylococcus aureus. Purified LytM has been studied in great detail for its lytic properties and its production is elevated in vancomycin-resistant S. aureus. However, the postulated roles of LytM in S. aureus are largely speculative. Studies utilizing a reporter strain where the lytM promoter was cloned in front of a promoterless lacZ gene and fused in S. aureus strain SH1000 suggest that the expression of lytM is the highest during the early exponential phase. Additionally, lytM expression was downregulated in agr− mutants. The expression of lytM was not affected by the presence of cell wall inhibitors in the growth medium. To further determine the significance of LytM in staphylococcal autolysis, the gene encoding LytM was deleted by site-directed mutagenesis. The deletion of lytM, however, did not alter the rate of staphylococcal cell autolysis. Surprisingly, when the lytM mutation was combined with the lyt− mutant, the lytic activity band of the lyt− strain was still apparent in the lytM:lyt− double mutant. Purified full-length His-tagged LytM did not demonstrate any lytic activity against S. aureus cells. Surprisingly, cultures of S. aureus lytM deletion mutant lysed at a significantly faster rate compared with the wild-type S. aureus in the presence of oxacillin. The findings of this study raise questions about LytM as an autolysin and the significance of this protein should thus be investigated beyond its role as an autolysin.
Mapping QTL for Grain Yield under Moisture Stress Environments in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Polygenes (QTLs) for grain yield were mapped on rice chromosomes under two moisture stress environments by multiple interval mapping (MIM) method in a double haploid (DH) population derived from a cross between a deep-rooted japonica and a shallow-rooted indica genotype. In environment 1 (E1), the MIM detected a total of six QTLs for grain yield on chromosomes-two QTLs on chromosome 1 and four QTLs on chromosome 5 along with one additive x additive epistasis. But in environment 2 (E2), the MIM detected five QTLs for grain yield on two chromosomes-three QTLs on chromosome 1 and two QTLs on chromosome 7. One common QTL on chromosome 1 flanked by the markers RG109-ME1014 was detected in both the environments, although the other detected QTLs differed between environments. The magnitude of QTL effect, percent genetic variance and percent phenotypic variance explained by each QTL was also estimated in both environments. The common QTL explained about 26.05 and 13.93% of genetic variance in E1 and E2, respectively. Estimated broad sense heritability for grain yield was 48.01 in E1 and 25.27% in E2.
Computers in behavioral science on a computer program that generates and queries kinship structures

The present work is an exercise to generate complex, inter-related data structures from the simplest possible information source. The organization of the memory is such that updating and retrieval processes are easy to perform. To demonstrate the capabilities of the program, the first fifteen chapters of Robert Graves: The Greek Myths, Volume I were used as data source. One of the interesting results is that, in spite of the rather free mating pattern of the divine participants, Zeus and Aphrodite adhered to a Platonic relationship. Another is that Rhea is Cronus' sister, wife, grand-aunt and daughter-in-law's mother at the same time. The program, written in IPL-V in its present form, can accept a maximum of 500 separate individuals and will process an unlimited number of inquiries in one particular run. Non- perfect information is appropriately treated. Finally, possible extensions are briefly described.
Seroprotection after recombinant hepatitis B vaccination among newborn infants: a review.

Abstract Introduction Hepatitis B vaccination starting at birth provides a safety net for infants exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) during delivery or in early life. Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended in the United States for infants prior to birthing facility discharge, and within the first 12 h of life for infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers. We performed a literature review and summarized the response to recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among infants. Methods Studies published between 1987 and 2011 assessing seroprotection from recombinant hepatitis B vaccine starting within the first 30 days of life were eligible. Seroprotection was defined using an antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) threshold of 10 mIU/mL at series completion. Infant seroprotection was compared in trial arms varying by maternal hepatitis B antigen status (e antigen [HBeAg], HBsAg), hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) administration, birth weight, vaccine dosage, schedule, and age at first dose. Results Forty-three studies were included. The median seroprotection proportion overall was 98% (range 52%, 100%). The final median seroprotection proportions did not vary appreciably by maternal HBsAg status, HBIG administration, or schedule. Higher compared to lower dosage resulted in earlier increases in anti-HBs but not in final seroprotection proportions. Infants with birth weights Conclusion High levels of protection from recombinant hepatitis B vaccine are achieved in term infants vaccinated at birth, effectively preventing transmission of HBV and resultant morbidity and mortality. Implications, if any, for long-term protection are unknown for differences in responses among infants vaccinated at birth compared to ages older than 1 month.
Management of Strabismus with Botulinum A Toxin

Three hundred eight patients with strabismus were treated with botulinum A toxin (Oculinum) chemodenervation; 153 were followed by the authors for at least 6 months. In this study group, 97 received botulinum A toxin injections as the primary method of treatment of their ocular deviation. Fifty-six received injections after traditional extraocular muscle surgery. Botulinum A toxin was useful for management of patients with recent surgical overcorrections and for management of some patients with sixth cranial nerve palsy. Chemodenervation of an extraocular muscle was not as successful as traditional strabismus surgery for treatment of infantile esotropia and other comitant deviations. Botulinum A toxin injection was ineffective in patients who had restrictive strabismus. This drug has limited application in the management of patients with strabismus.
Alterations in hepatic lipogenic capacity in rat pups artificially reared on a milk-substitute formula high in carbohydrate or medium-chain triacylglycerides☆

Abstract The effects of rat milk-substitute formulas that are high in carbohydrates or medium-chain triglycerides were evaluated in artificially reared rat pups by measuring hepatic lipid synthesis and two lipogenic enzymes. Four-day-old pups were fed one of three isocaloric formulas: high-carbohydrate formula (HC), high fat formula containing both long- and medium-chain triglycerides (HF/LCT + MCT), or high fat formula containing medium-chain triglycerides (HF/MCT). Compared with age-matched mother-fed control pups, pups reared artificially on HC formula had significantly enhanced in vitro lipogenic capacity as well as higher activities of hepatic fatty acid synthase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase from postnatal days 6–18. The artificial rearing procedure per se had no effect on hepatic lipogenic capacity because there was no difference between pups reared on the HF/LCT + MCT formula and mother-fed controls in any parameters measured. There was, however, a significant increase in hepatic lipogenic capacity in pups reared on the HC or HF/MCT formula. Plasma insulin levels were increased significantly in the HC group on day 12 compared with the other three groups, suggesting that hyperinsulinemia is not a necessary precondition for elevating hepatic lipogenesis during the suckling period. The mechanism responsible for increased lipogenic capacity in livers of the HF/MCT group appears to be a low level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diet. The lack of difference in body weights of 12-day-old pups reared artificially on any of these three formulas indicates that the total amount, rather than type of calories, is important in determining weight gain at this early postnatal age.
Making connections: the development of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons.

The disorders of two adjacent sets of mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons (MDNs) are associated with two significant health problems: Parkinson's disease and drug addiction. Because of this, a great deal of research has focused on understanding the growth, development and maintenance of MDNs. Many transcription factors and signaling pathways are known to be required for normal MDNs formation, but a unified model of MDN development is still unclear. The long-term goal is to design therapeutic strategies to: (i) nurture and/or heal endogenous MDNs, (ii) replace the affected tissue with exogenous MDNs from in vitro cultivated stem cells and (iii) restore normal connectivity. Recent developmental biology studies show great promise in understanding how MDNs develop both in vivo and in vitro. This information has great therapeutic value and may provide insight into how environmental and genetic factors increase vulnerability to addiction.
Prying Apart Ruddlesden−Popper Phases: Exfoliation into Sheets and Nanotubes for Assembly of Perovskite Thin Films

Protonated Ruddlesden−Popper tantalates and titanotantalates H2[An-1BnO3n+1] (A = Na, Ca, Sr, La; B = Ta, Ti) that have acidic interlayer protons were exfoliated using tetra(n-butyl)ammonium hydroxide (TBA+OH-). H2CaNaTa3O10 forms both single sheets and tubular “scrolls” when reacted to make TBAxH2-xCaNaTa3O10 colloids. In contrast, TBAxH2-xA2Ta2TiO10 and TBAxH2-xALaTi2TaO10 (A = Ca, Sr) form sheets exclusively. The n = 2 tantalate TBAxH2-xSrTa2O7 forms high aspect ratio scrolls, as well as smaller amounts of sheets. In contrast to the analogous tantalates, the Ruddlesden−Popper titanates and titanoniobates have weakly acidic interlayer protons and exfoliate only to a limited extent. TBAxH2-xSrNb2O7 forms sheets exclusively, whereas TBAxH2-xCa2Nb2TiO10 forms both sheets and scrolls. The n = 3 titanate H2La2Ti3O10 exfoliates into sheets using n-butylamine, and Na2La2Ti3O10·xH2O forms sheets when exfoliated with TBA+OH-. When reacted with O-(2-aminopropyl)-O‘-(2-methoxyethyl) polypropylene glycol 500, H2La2...
The propagation of a single shear crack: A displacement discontinuity model

Numerical studies using the displacement discontinuity method show that a single shear crack under compression propagates in its own direction, because such propagation results in the maximum release of strain energy. The methods of linear elastic fracture mechanics may not be used for such a closed crack, and the stress intensity factors are meaningless in that case. Laboratory observations of propagation by means of “kinks” at an angle of approximately 70° to the crack may be due to heterogeneities, to the effect of a preexisting crack, to end effects, to microcracking, or to some combination of these factors. Such kinks may thus be local phenomena which cannot release most of the strain energy, and are not incompatible with our numerical results which are based on a global energy balance.
3,5-Di­fluoro­benzo­nitrile

The title compound, C7H3F2N, packs with slightly puckered molecular sheets [mol­ecules tilted by 8.1 (1)° with respect to the sheets]. Two of the H atoms in the mol­ecule are in contact with N atoms in adjacent mol­ecules, while the remaining H atom is in contact with two F atoms in adjacent molecules.
Oxidants, transcription factors, and intestinal inflammation

It is now well appreciated that chronic gut inflammation is characterized by enhanced production of reactive metabolites of oxygen and nitrogen. Some of these oxidants are known to modulate the expression of a variety of genes that are involved in the immune and inflammatory responses. For example, certain oxidants are known to activate the nuclear transcription factor kappa B, which regulates the expression of a variety of different adhesion molecules, cytokines, and enzymes. Oxidants are also known to activate another transcription factor, activator protein-1. This transcription factor is composed of products from the fos and jun proto-oncogene family and is believed to be important in regulating cell growth and proliferation. Finally, oxidants are believed to promote intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis, and the B-cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 gene product is believed to inhibit this phenomenon in an antioxidant-dependent manner. Taken together, these observations suggest that nontoxic concentrations of reactive metabolites of oxygen and nitrogen play an important role in regulating the expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response and in modulating apoptosis.
Inhibition of viral growth by salicylhydroxamic acid.

SummaryThe growth of Sindbis, pseudorabies, and vaccinia viruses in primary chick embryo cultures was notably inhibited by 10-2M SHA but this is probably due to a nonspecific toxic effect. At 10-3M SHA selectively inhibited DNA synthesis in uninfected cells and impaired the growth of only the DNA viruses.
Effect of deep flooding on nutrients and non-structural carbohydrates of mature Typha domingensis and its post-flooding recovery

Abstract Vegetation health is a critical factor for the sustainable performance of constructed treatment wetlands. Biomass, growth, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) of Typha domingensis (southern cattail) were examined in response to a six-week flooding period at three depths: 40 (control), 91, and 137 cm above the soil surface, and a subsequent four-week recovery period at a flooding depth of 40 cm. New shoot, root, rhizome, belowground and total biomass, relative growth rate (RGR), and belowground TNC storage of plants significantly decreased with increasing flooding depth. Plants maintained at a 137-cm flooding depth had higher leaf TNC concentration and storage than those growing in the 40- and 91-cm depth treatments. Shootbase total nitrogen (TN) and root total phosphorus (TP) concentrations differed significantly among the three flooding depth treatments, but flooding depth did not significantly affect leaf TN and TP concentrations or N/P ratio. At the end of the four-week recovery period, new shoot, leaf, rhizome, shootbase, total biomass, and RGR were lower in the 137-cm depth treatment than in both the 40- and 91-cm depth treatments, but there were no differences for these variables between the 40- and 91-cm depth treatments. Root biomass was lower in the 91- and 137-cm depth treatments than in the control treatment. Results indicate that impacts in terms of total biomass and RGR reduction, caused by the 91-cm flooding depth, were reversed during the recovery period, while the impacts of the 137-cm depth on biomass and RGR were not reversed. Root and belowground biomass reduction caused by both the 91- and 137-cm flooding treatments were not reversed during the recovery period. At the end of the recovery period, the difference in leaf TNC concentration among plants from the three flooding depth treatments was small, indicating that previously accumulated photosynthetic products in leaves may have been transported to roots, rhizomes, and shootbase for plant recovery. In contrast, the TNC concentration and storage in belowground organs of plants growing in the 91- and/or 137-cm depth treatments were lower than those of the control plants. Therefore, flooding to a 137-cm depth was detrimental to the growth, nutrient uptake, and photosynthate transport of T. domingensis . Establishing flooding depth and duration thresholds for management of T. domingensis -dominated marshes is necessary to minimize deep water impacts to vegetation and thereby maintain a sustainable treatment wetland. In the design of stormwater treatment wetlands in areas influenced by monsoonal climate, it is important to consider using a water regulation tool, such as an upstream reservoir, to store excessive stormwater runoff from the watershed and to avoid hydraulically overloading the wetlands during heavy rainfall events.
Truncus arteriosus communis persistens; a report of three cases.

Summary 1. Three cases of truncus arteriosus communis persistens are presented. 2. Hemodynamograms of the circulation as it existed in life are included,with remarks which speculate on the probable mechanism of death.