cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Substantial portions of the 5′ and intercistronic noncoding regions of cowpea chlorotic mottle virus RNA3 are dispensable for systemic infection but influence viral competitiveness and infection pathology

Abstract Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV) has a tripartite, positive strand RNA genome. Genomic RNA3 (2.2 kb) encodes the 3a nonstructural protein and the coat protein, which are dispensable for viral RNA synthesis in protoplasts, but required for systemic infection of whole plants. In protoplasts, portions of the 5′ and intercistronic noncoding regions of CCMV RNA3 are also dispensable for RNA3 replication and for transcription of the subgenomic coat protein mRNA. To determine whether these noncoding sequences are required for systemic infection, a series of 5′ and intercistronic deletions in RNA3 were tested for their effects on the infection of cowpea plants, a natural host of CCMV. The results refine the mapping of the subgenomic mRNA promoter and show that at least 144 bases in the 5′ noncoding region and at least 125 bases in the intercistronic noncoding region of CCMV RNA3 are dispensable for systemic infection. For mutants with deletions within these regions, no differences were noted in the rate of infection spread, and the level of virus accumulation in systemically infected tissue 10–14 days postinoculation was 60–100% of wild type (wt). However, the largest viable intercistronic deletion transformed the nearly symptomless appearance of wt CCMV infections to an extensive, bright yellow chlorosis, showing that infection pathology can be altered by mutations with a regulatory rather than a protein-coding character. In addition, neither 5′ nor intercistronic deletion mutants competed effectively with wt CCMV in whole plant co-infection experiments; i.e., such mutants were not detectable in systemically infected tissue after co-inoculation with wt CCMV. Thus, although substantial portions of both the 5′ and the intercistronic noncoding regions of CCMV RNA3 are dispensable for individual systemic infection, these segments contribute to the competitive fitness of the virus and influence interaction with the host, as evidenced by symptom response.
Essential trace metals and specific organ weights in diet-restricted and ad lib-fed rats.

Manganese, copper, iron, zinc, and specific organ weights (relative to body weight) of the heart, liver, and kidney were compared between a 65% diet-restricted group and an ad lib-fed control group of young male Sprague-Dawley rats. Elevated concentrations of Cu (12%) in the liver, and of Mn (12–26%) and Fe (17–69%) in all three organs, occurred in the diet-restricted group. Specific heart weight was unchanged despite the 40% difference in group body weights. Specific liver weight decreased 13% and specific kidney weight increased 13%.
Quantum well and quantum dot based detector arrays for infrared imaging applications

A mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) 1024x1024 pixel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane arrays (FPAs) have been demonstrated with excellent imagery. MWIR FPA has given noise equivalent differential temperature (NEΔT) of 19 mK at 95K operating temperature and LWIR FPA has given NEΔT of 13 mK at 70K operating temperature. In addition, epitaxially grown self-assembled InAs/InGaAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) are exploited for the development of large-format FPAs. The QD devices were fabricated into the first LWIR 640x512 pixel QDIP FPA, which has produced excellent infrared imagery with NEΔT of 40 mK at 60K operating temperature.
Thiazide diuretics normalize urinary calcium in spontaneously hypertensive male rats.

Thiazide diuretics normalize urinary calcium in spontaneously hypertensive male rats. The role of the thiazide-sensitive distal convoluted tubule (DCT) in the hypercalciuria of the spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) strain was examined by determining (a) the renal density of the thiazide diuretic receptor with 3 H-metolazone, and (b) the renal response to a maximal dose of bendroflumethiazide (BFTZ). We confirm that the renal thiazide receptor density was greater in SHR than WKY (0.936 ± 0.026 vs. 0.797 ± 0.045 pmol/mg protein; P = 0.02). Prior to BFTZ the urinary excretion of calcium (0.525 ± 0.061 vs. 0.274 ± 0.049 µmol per µmol creatinine, P P P = 0.519) from WKY (0.225 ± 0.032). Surprisingly, BFTZ increased chloride excretion to a greater extent in WKY than in SHR ( P = 0.008). We postulate that hypercalciuria in SHR is a manifestation of incomplete uptake of calcium from the tubule lumen across the apical cell membrane in the DCT of the SHR nephron.
Conformational changes in rhodopsin. Movement of helix f detected by site-specific chemical labeling and fluorescence spectroscopy

A recent proposal for the formation of functionally active rhodopsin has placed critical importance on a movement of one of its transmembrane helices (Farrens, D. L., Altenbach, C., Yang, K., Hubbell, W. L., and Khorana, H. G. (1996) Science 274, 768-770). We investigated this hypothesis using a series of eight rhodopsin mutants containing single reactive cysteine residues in the region (helix F) where movement was previously detected. The cysteine mutants were studied in two ways, by measuring their reactivity to a cysteine-specific reagent (PyMPO-maleimide), and by labeling the cysteines with a fluorescent label (monobromobimane) followed by fluorescence spectroscopic analysis. The chemical reactivity data showed sequence-specific variations in reactivity for the mutants in the dark state, resulting in a pattern suggestive of an alpha helix. Interestingly, only upon photoactivation to the MII form did residues found on the inner "face" of this helix react with the PyMPO-maleimide. The ability of the dark state mutants to react with the fluorescent label monobromobimane followed a similar pattern. Furthermore, fluorescence measurements indicate that a bimane label on the inner face of the helix (at V250C) detects changes in the polarity of its environment and accessibility to a fluorescence quenching agent upon MII formation. Viewed together, the data provide further direct evidence that rhodopsin activation involves a conformational change at helix F.
Transcriptional regulation of the Menkes copper ATPase (Atp7a) gene by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF2α) in intestinal epithelial cells

Iron homeostasis-related genes (e.g., Dmt1 and Dcytb) are upregulated by hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF2α) during iron deficiency in the mammalian intestine. Menkes copper ATPase (Atp7a) gene exp...
ADVERSE CONTRACT INCENTIVES AND INVESTMENT BANKER REPUTATION: TARGET FIRM TENDER OFFER FEES

I measure the potential economic importance of fee-contract incentives and investment banker reputation as factors that can mitigate conflicts of interest between investment bankers and their target firm clients in tender offers. I find that the fee contracts used between target firms and their investment bankers contain incentives that can create substantial conflicts of interest. Simulated losses from these adverse incentives can be large—up to 16.7 percent of target firm value. I also find, however, that when investment banker reputation capital is included in the simulation, losses are substantially reduced.
Hyperhomocysteinemia attenuates angiogenesis through reduction of HIF-1α and PGC-1α levels in muscle fibers during hindlimb ischemia

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is associated with elderly frailty, skeletal muscle injury and malfunction, reduced vascular integrity and function, and mortality. Although HHcy has been implicated in the impairment of angiogenesis after hindlimb ischemia in murine models, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. We hypothesized that HHcy compromises skeletal muscle perfusion, collateral formation, and arteriogenesis by diminishing postischemic vasculogenic responses in muscle fibers. To test this hypothesis, we created femoral artery ligation in wild-type and heterozygous cystathionine β-synthase (CBS+/−) mice (a model for HHcy) and assessed tissue perfusion, collateral vessel formation, and skeletal muscle function using laser-Doppler perfusion imaging, barium angiography, and fatigue tests. In addition, we assessed postischemic levels of VEGF and levels of its muscle-specific regulators: hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α. The observations indicated dysregulation of VEGF, HIF-1α, and PGC-1α levels in ischemic skeletal muscles of CBS+/− mice. Concomitant with the reduced ischemic angiogenic responses, we also observed diminished leptin expression and attenuated Akt signaling in ischemic muscle fibers of CBS+/− mice. Moreover, there was enhanced atrogene, ubiquitin ligases that conjugate proteins for degradation during muscle atrophy, transcription, and reduced muscle function after ischemia in CBS+/− mice. These results suggest that HHcy adversely affects muscle-specific ischemic responses and contributes to muscle frailty.
Survival After Recurrence of Ewing’s Sarcoma Family of Tumors

Purpose The overall survival (OS) of patients with relapsed Ewing’s sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) is poor, and the relative benefit of high-dose therapy (HDT) is controversial. Patients and Methods We retrospectively identified 55 consecutive ESFT patients with adequate medical records for review, who were treated at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center and who developed disease recurrence between January 1, 1985 and December 31, 2002. Results The median relapse-free interval (RFI) from diagnosis to first recurrence was 17 months (range, 5 to 90 months). Most recurrences were metastatic only (39 patients) or local and metastatic (10 patients). Twenty-seven patients (49%) achieved a partial or complete response to second-line treatment, with a median duration of response of 27 months (range, 5 to 119+ months). The 5-year OS rate for all relapsed patients was 23% (95% CI, 11% to 35%). By univariate analysis, improved OS was associated with response to second-line treatment versus no response (4...
The role of gestural phasing in Western Andalusian Spanish aspiration.

Abstract This study examines the phenomenon of post-aspirated voiceless stops in Western Andalusian Spanish in /s/+voiceless stop sequences. Previous analyses have proposed that the post-aspiration arises through a reorganization of the glottal spreading gesture for /s/ and the oral constriction gesture for the stop. This theory is tested by steadily increasing speakers' production rate, which has been shown to trigger spontaneous changes in gestural organization in speech and other motor activities. Results from the study support the initial hypothesis. There is a switch from productions with preaspiration and short VOT to those with long VOT as rate increases. Additionally, there is a tradeoff between VOT and pre-closure aspiration, indicating they may result from the same gesture. Lastly, the variability in production shows a number of hallmarks of phase transitions in human coordination. In sum, a change in gestural organization provides a simple explanation for post-aspirated stops in this dialect.
An integrated environment for software reliability modeling

This paper introduces an integrated environment for software reliability modeling. The environment consists of three major components: (1) a software reliability modeling tool SMERFS adapted to fit our development environment; (2) a general data analysis environment in S-PLUS customized for software reliability modeling; and (3) some supporting programs written in C and AWK. This environment has been successfully used in the IBM Programming Systems Toronto Lab. >
Lipids in fast foods

The lipid composition of food items from 3 hamburger-type fast food chains (Burger Chef, Burger King and McDonald's) was analyzed following chloroform/methanol extraction. Total fat, fatty acids, plant sterols, cholesterol and tocopherols were determined by gas chromatography in french fries and hamburgers. The fatty acid composition of a vanilla shake (Burger Chef), apple pie (McDonald's) and cheeseburger (Burger King) was also analyzed. Low amounts of cis-polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were observed, as was the ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (P/S). Cholesterol averaged 12.1 mg per serving in french fries and 34.9 mg in hamburgers. Only the vanilla shake contained no vegetable fat. The Double Beef Whopper with Cheese, a specialty sandwich from Burger King, contained more calories from fat (54.7%) than any other item. Cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol were found in all foods. The addition of condiments may increase the lipid content of these meals even further
AAMFT ETHICAL CODE: “DUAL RELATIONSHIPS”

The current American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) Code of Ethical Principles prohibits an apparently wide, but vaguely defined, range of nonsexual, and presumably nonromantic dual relationships between therapists and clients, supervisers, employees and students. We suggest that this extension of the dual relationship prohibition is undesirable, for a variety of reasons. The most important of these is that attempting to make relationships simple by legislation, rather than dealing with inevitable complexity, prepares students poorly for the work they must do. Instead, we propose that training and supervision include serious emphasis on relationship complexity, and issues of exploitation and power, within the therapy relationship and within the training program or supervision itself.
Low colloid osmotic pressure in very low birthweight infants receiving assisted ventilation.

Plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) was measured in three groups of very low birthweight infants. Babies in Group 1 (n = 8) were breathing spontaneously and had no respiratory disease. Those in Group 2 (n = 9) received assisted ventilation for hyaline membrane disease (HMD), and those in Group 3 (n = 7) received assisted ventilation for other reasons (five apnoea, two pneumonia). Both assisted ventilation groups had lower mean COP values than spontaneously breathing infants. Mean values (s.e.m.) for Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, were: 15.3 (0.6), 11.3 (0.4) and 11.9 mmHg (0.5) (P less than 0.001) on Day 1; and 15.2 (0.4), 12.9 (0.4) and 12.8 mmHg (0.3) (P less than 0.001) on Day 2. The increase from Day 1 to Day 2 was significant for those with HMD (P less than 0.05). Colloid osmotic pressure correlated with mean blood pressure (r = 0.51; P less than 0.001) but not with birthweight, gestation, crystalloid fluid intake or pH. The role of low COP in the pathogenesis of acute respiratory failure in infants with uncomplicated HMD is unclear, but such low COP may contribute to development of pulmonary oedema as a complication, particularly if the ductus arteriosus is still patent and the infants are given high volume intravenous fluids.
Evidence for “Pre-recruitment” as a New Mechanism of Transcription Activation in Escherichia coli: The Large Excess of SoxS Binding Sites per Cell Relative to the Number of SoxS Molecules per Cell

In response to the oxidative stress imposed by redox-cycling compounds like paraquat, Escherichia coli induces the synthesis of SoxS, which then activates the transcription of approximately 100 genes. The DNA binding site for SoxS-dependent transcription activation, the "soxbox," is highly degenerate, suggesting that the genome contains a large number of SoxS binding sites. To estimate the number of soxboxes in the cell, we searched the E. coli genome for SoxS binding sites using as query sequence the previously determined optimal SoxS binding sequence. We found approximately 12,500 sequences that match the optimal binding sequence under the conditions of our search; this agrees with our previous estimate, based on information theory, that a random sequence the size of the E. coli genome contains approximately 13,000 soxboxes. Thus, fast-growing cells with 4-6 genomes per cell have approximately 65,000 soxboxes. This large number of potential SoxS binding sites per cell raises the interesting question of how SoxS distinguishes between the functional soxboxes located within the promoters of target genes and the plethora of equivalent but nonfunctional binding sites scattered throughout the chromosome. To address this question, we treated cells with paraquat and used Western blot analysis to determine the kinetics of SoxS accumulation per cell; we also determined the kinetics of SoxS-activated gene expression. The abundance of SoxS reached a maximum of 2,500 molecules per cell 20 min after induction and gradually declined to approximately 500 molecules per cell over the next 1.5 h. Given that activation of target gene expression began almost immediately and given the large disparity between the number of SoxS molecules per cell, 2,500, and the number of SoxS binding sites per cell, 65,000, we infer that SoxS is not likely to activate transcription by the usual "recruitment" pathway, as this mechanism would require a number of SoxS molecules similar to the number of soxboxes. Instead, we propose that SoxS first interacts in solution with RNA polymerase and then the binary complex scans the chromosome for promoters that contain a soxbox properly positioned and oriented for transcription activation. We name this new pathway "pre-recruitment."
Field emission from low-work function cathode coatings

We report experiments and analysis of field emission from copper knife-edge (CKE) cathodes, both bare and coated with low work function (2.6 eV) Lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) thin films. The bare CKE cathode exhibits evidence of space charge limited emission currents at high field strengths. The LaB6 coated cathodes exhibit a nonlinear Fowler-Nordhiem (FN) type emission. An intermediate saturation region is observed from field emission data, which is more prominent at elevated (185 C) temperature. Surprisingly, the LaB6 coated cathodes are observed to emit less current than the higher work function (> 4 eV) bare CKE cathode. A hypothesis and corresponding model including both field emission and solid state electron transport from the Cu substrate, through the LaB6 thin film, is proposed to explain the experimental observations.
Anarchism and the Mexican Revolution: The Political Trials of Ricardo Flores Magón in the United States

Ricardo Flores Magon (1873-1922) occupies a unique position as both a hero in the revolutionary mythology of modern Mexico and a forerunner of the political and social activism of twentieth-century Mexican-Americans. Colin MacLachlan, through his analysis of court records, tells the tragic, fascinating story of this important revolutionary and anarchist who died in Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary, the victim of judicial repression."
Genomic DNA as a cohybridization standard for mammalian microarray measurements

A persistent design problem for ratiometric microarray studies is selecting the ‘denominator’ RNA cohybridization standard. The ideal standard should be readily available, inexpensive, invariant over time and from laboratory to laboratory, and should represent all genes with a uniform signal. RNA references (both commercial ‘universal’ and experiment-specific types), fall short of these goals. We show here that mouse genomic DNA is a reliable microarray cohybridization standard which can meet these criteria. Genomic DNA was superior in universality of coverage (>98% of genes from a 16 000 feature mouse 70mer microarray) to the Stratagene Universal Mouse Reference RNA standard. Ratios for genes in very low abundance in the Stratagene standard were more unstable with the Stratagene standard than with genomic DNA. Genes with mid-range, and therefore presumably optimal RNA denominator values, showed comparable reproducibility with both standards. Inferred ratios made between two different experimental RNAs using a genomic DNA standard were found to correlate well with companion, directly measured ratios (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.98). The advantage in array feature coverage of genomic DNA will likely increase as newer generation microarrays include genes which are expressed exclusively in minor tissue or developmental domains that are not represented in mixed tissue RNA standards.
On Being a Virtual World Librarian: “Hello, can I help?” – Managing Virtual Volunteers

The reference desk that the Alliance Virtual Library operates in the virtual world of Second Life has no ready equivalent to any traditional desk because of one major factor: our staff is not paid ...
IGF-I-dependent upregulation of ZEB1 expression drives EMT in human prostate cancer cells in vitro

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 12-16, 2008; San Diego, CA 3585 The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for the migration and invasion of many epithelial tumors including prostate cancer. Although it is known that ZEB1 overexpression promotes EMT primarily through down-regulation of E-cadherin in a variety of cancers, the soluble ligands responsible for the activation of ZEB1 have yet to be identified. In the present study, we investigated the role of IGF-I in the regulation of ZEB1 during EMT associated with prostate tumor cell migration. We found that ZEB1 is expressed in highly aggressive prostate cancer cells and in poorly differentiated human prostate tumors. IGF-I upregulates ZEB1 expression in prostate cancer cells exhibiting an epithelial phenotype. Conversely, in prostate cancer cells displaying a mesenchymal phenotype, ARCaPM, ZEB1 inhibition reverses the suppression of E-cadherin protein and down-regulates the expression of the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and fibronectin. Furthermore, ZEB1 blockade decreases migratory and invasive potential in ARCaPM compared to the control. These results identify ZEB1 as a key transcriptional regulator of EMT in prostate cancer and suggest that the aberrant expression of ZEB1 in prostate cancer cells occurs in part in response to IGF-I stimulation.
Ice detection on metal surfaces using the degree of polarisation of diffusely reflected light

A technique for ice detection on a metal surface is demonstrated using polarised light illumination and polarisation difference imaging. Submillimetre ice layers on a metal surface are detected and imaged using this method.
Long Term Functional Outcome of Tibial Tuberosity Advancement vs. Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy and Extracapsular Repair in a Heterogeneous Population of Dogs.

Objective To determine a long term function of tibial tuberosity advancement (TTA) for treatment of ruptured cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) in dogs, and to compare this to the long term function of previously reported tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO), extracapsular reconstruction (ECR), and a population of normal dogs. Study Design Prospective clinical trial. Animals Dogs with unilateral ruptured CCL treated with TTA (n = 14), TPLO (n = 15), and ECR (n = 23), and normal adult dogs (control, n = 80). Materials and Methods Force plate gait analysis was performed at 1 time point for the normal control group and preoperatively, and at 2 and 8 weeks and 6 and 12 months postoperatively for the treatment groups. Using serial force plates, symmetry indices (SI) were calculated between the operated and unoperated pelvic limbs for peak vertical force (PVF), contact time (CT), and vertical impulse (VI). Ground reaction forces (GRF) of the treatment and control group were compared using a general linear model. Results Walk SI for dogs with TTA were not significantly different from the control group at 12 months postoperatively. At the trot, neither TTA nor ECR achieved normal GRF. SI of the TPLO group were not different from the normal control group by 6–12 months postoperatively. Conclusion At the walk, TTA achieves normal function by 12 months; however, at the trot TTA is indistinguishable from ECR. TPLO resulted in operated limb function that was similar to the control population by 6–12 months postoperatively at the walk and the trot.
Arsenic trioxide for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome: An experience from India

13156 Background: Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of clonal diseases of the haematopoietic stem cells. The hallmark of the disease is ineffective haematopoiesis characterize...
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Older Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Recipients Using a Pacemaker versus a Defibrillator

CRT-P versus CRT-D OutcomesBackground Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is commonly used to manage heart failure, yet published guidelines do not distinguish between recommendations for pacemakers (CRT-P) and defibrillators (CRT-D) despite significant differences in size, longevity, and cost between these devices. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes between elderly recipients of CRT-P and CRT-D. Methods and Results Data from 512 patients (405 CRT-D, 107 CRT-P) aged ≥75 years with LV ejection fraction ≤35% and QRS duration >120 milliseconds were retrospectively analyzed for baseline characteristics and followed to the primary outcome of all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for possible confounders. Results were further validated through propensity matching cohorts. Compared to CRT-D recipients, CRT-P patients were older (83 years vs. 81 years, P < 0.001) and had more comorbid conditions (Charlson index = 5 [3–6] vs. 4 [3–5], P = 0.007). During 40.8 months of follow-up, there were 280 deaths. Compared to CRT-D patients, CRT-P recipients had higher unadjusted mortality (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15–2.08, P = 0.004). However, this difference lost significance after adjusting for baseline differences between the groups (HR 1.18, 95% CI 0.78–1.77, P = 0.435). Conclusion Higher all-cause mortality in older CRT-P versus CRT-D patients is largely explained by baseline clinical and demographic differences between the two groups, which are likely the drivers of device selection in real-world clinical practice, where the published guidelines remain ambiguous. There is a need for randomized studies to determine optimal CRT device selection.
Influence of focal growth conditions on the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome.

Patients with toxic shock syndrome (TSS) had sequestered focal sites colonized or infected with Staphyloccoccus aureus significantly more frequently than did patients with scalded skin syndrome. Growth conditions within the infected foci of four patients with TSS included nearly physiological levels of pH, pOi, pCOi, protein, calcium, and magnesium. Two strains of S. aureus had typical TSS phenotypes (production of TSS toxin-1 [TSST-1] and protease), which were optimally expressed in vitro under conditions similar to those documented in vivo (6^0 CO2, pH 7.0, aerobic, high levels of protein). Altering any one of these growth factors significantly decreased production of TSST-1. In proteincontaining media, depletion of divalent cations had a less-profound effect on organism growth and TSST-1 production. The unique in vivo environment in patients with nonmenstrual TSS is similar to conditions associated with tampon use during menstruation. Growth conditions may play an important role in the expression of S. aureus phenotype and the pathogenesis of TSS.
Use of Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Studies of the Circulation

In summary, CPB provides a complex set of physiological circumstances during which the patient is subjected to severe physiological alterations with surprisingly few adverse sequelae. Our ultimate goal in performing medical research is to provide scientific insights that improve patient care. Results of studies of animal models may not always be applicable to man. Although CPB possesses faults inherent to any experimental model, it nonetheless provides a unique opportunity to study safely and effectively a variety of physiological and pharmacological variables that affect cardiovascular functions in man.
Iridium–Gold Cluster Compounds: Syntheses, Structures, and an Unusual Ligand-Induced Skeletal Rearrangement

The new iridium–gold complex Ir4(CO)11(Ph)(μ-AuPPh3), 1 was obtained from the reaction of the tetrairidium anion [Ir4(CO)11(Ph)]− with [Au(PPh3)][NO3]. Two new iridium–gold complexes Ir4(CO)10(AuPPh3)2, 2, and Ir4(CO)11(AuPPh3)2, 3, were obtained from the reaction of [HIr4(CO)11]− with [Au(PPh3)][NO3]. Compounds 1–3 were structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compound 2 adds CO reversibly to form compound 3. In this process, the octahedral Ir4Au2 cluster of 2 is converted into the Au(PPh3)-capped Ir4Au trigonal bipyramidal cluster found in 3. Compounds 2 and 3 have been investigated by DFT computational analyses in order to understand the metal–metal bonding and the mechanism of their interconversion by CO addition and elimination. Compound 2 adds PPh3 to form the compound Ir4(CO)10(PPh3)(AuPPh3)2, 4, which is structurally similar to 3. Compound 4 loses CO and benzene when heated to form the compound Ir4(CO)9(μ3-PPhC6H4)(AuPPh3)2, 5, which contains a triply bridging PPhC6...
Enhancing the Power Handling Capacity of Micro Mirrors: An Experimental and Numerical Investigation

In this paper we present three techniques to improve optical power handling capacity of micro-mirrors: (a) improving flexure conduction, (b) improving reflectivity of micro-mirrors and (c) using silicon carbide as MEMS structural material. Mirrors fabricated in Multi-User MEMS Processes (MUMPs) are used as prototype models. It is shown numerically that these three techniques can improve the power handling capacity of the mirrors by factors of 1.25, 4–13 and 7 respectively. Further enhancement can be achieved by using the combination of these methods. Numerical work in this paper was done using Coventorware® while experiments were carried out using an 808 nm center wavelength laser diode with maximum power of 1 W.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
84 MULTIPLE BENIGN MYOEPITHELIOMAS OF THE LUNG: A CASE REPORT.

Background Benign myoepithelioma (ME), an uncommon soft tissue tumor, usually involves salivary glands and other soft tissue sites. Rarely, the tumor has involved the lung; however, multiple benign ME tumors involving an organ have not been reported. We describe a patient with recurrence of multiple benign myoepitheliomas involving the lung. Case A 65-year-old female was found on routine chest x-ray to have an asymptomatic 2 cm solitary pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe. A wedge resection was performed on 10/25/2000 with histology revealing benign spindle cells arranged in a whorled pattern. The cells were positive for both cytokeratin and smooth muscle actin, which corresponded to the presence of tonofilaments and myofilaments that were identified ultrastructurally. There was no perivascular or perineural invasion by the tumor cells and there was no significant cellular atypia or mitoses present. She did well for 4 years until a subsequent CXR demonstrated multiple lung nodules. She had no associated symptoms. CT scan of the chest demonstrated 4 noncalcified pulmonary nodules involving both lungs and measuring up to a maximum of 18 mm. Wedge resection of the right upper lobe lesion revealed benign myoepithelioma with histology and immunohistochemistry identical to the original lesion. Subsequent CT scan follow-up has demonstrated no interval change in the remaining 3 lesions. Conclusion Myoepithelioma is a rare tumor that can recur, albeight rarely, with multiple lesions, suggesting that the tumor may have metastatic potential. Despite recurrence, it appears the tumors will follow a benign course and aggressive therapy should be limited to symptomatic patients.
Plasma interleukin-6 concentrations, metabolic dysfunction, and asthma severity: a cross-sectional analysis of two cohorts

Summary Background Severe asthma is a complex heterogeneous disease associated with older age and obesity. The presence of eosinophilic (type 2) inflammation in some but not all patients with severe asthma predicts responsiveness to current treatments, but new treatment approaches will require a better understanding of non-type 2 mechanisms of severe asthma. We considered the possibility that systemic inflammation, which arises in subgroups of obese and older patients, increases the severity of asthma. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction, and we aimed to explore the association between IL-6 concentrations, metabolic dysfunction, and asthma severity. Methods In this cross-sectional analysis, patients were recruited from two cohorts: mainly non-severe asthmatics from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and mainly severe asthmatics from the Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP). We generated a reference range for plasma IL-6 in a cohort of healthy control patients. We compared the clinical characteristics of asthmatics with plasma IL-6 concentrations above (IL-6 high) and below (IL-6 low) the upper 95% centile value for plasma IL-6 concentration in the healthy cohort. We also compared how pulmonary function, frequency of asthma exacerbations, and frequency of severe asthma differed between IL-6 low and IL-6 high asthma populations in the two asthma cohorts. Findings Between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2014, we recruited 249 patients from UCSF and between Nov 1, 2012, and Oct 1, 2014, we recruited 387 patients from SARP. The upper 95th centile value for plasma IL-6 concentration in the healthy cohort (n=93) was 3·1 pg/mL, and 14% (36/249) of UCSF cohort and 26% (102/387) of the SARP cohort had plasma IL-6 concentrations above this upper limit. The IL-6 high patients in both asthma cohorts had a significantly higher average BMI (p 1 ) was significantly lower in IL-6 high than in IL-6 low patients (mean percent predicted FEV 1 =70·8% [SD 19·5] vs 78·3% [19·7]; p=0·002), and the percentage of patients reporting an asthma exacerbation in the past 1–2 years was higher in IL-6 high than in IL-6 low patients (66% [73/111] vs 48% [85/178]; p=0·003). Among non-obese asthmatics, FEV 1 values and the frequency of asthma exacerbations within the past 1–2 years were also significantly worse in IL-6 high than in IL-6 low patients (mean FEV 1 66·4% [SD 23·1] vs 83·2% [20·4] predicted; p vs 34% [108/320]; p=0·01). Interpretation Systemic IL-6 inflammation and clinical features of metabolic dysfunction, which occur most commonly in a subset of obese asthma patients but also in a small subset of non-obese patients, are associated with more severe asthma. These data provide strong rationale to undertake clinical trials of IL-6 inhibitors or treatments that reduce metabolic dysfunction in a subset of patients with severe asthma. Plasma IL-6 is a biomarker that could guide patient stratification in these trials. Funding NIH and the Parker B Francis Foundation.
Inferential Rationality and Internalistic Scarecrows

Abstract In a recent paper, Manuel Perez Otero attempted to turn the tables on Paul Boghossian's claim that content externalism is incompatible with the 'a priority of our logical abilities'. In reply, Boghossian argued that Perez Otero's criticism misses the main point of his argument through concentrating on the semantics of singular (as opposed to general) terms. I elaborate on Boghossian's reply by showing that even taken on its own terms Perez Otero's paper fails to engage with internalism through systematically misrepresenting what a truly internalistic account of the semantics of singular terms should be.
Elemental anion thermal injection synthesis of nanocrystalline marcasite iron dichalcogenide FeSe2 and FeTe2

We report a hot-injection colloidal method for the synthesis of nanocrystalline (NC) iron diselenide (FeSe2), and iron ditelluride (FeTe2) derived from iron(II) bromide as the iron (Fe) precursor. These highly crystalline iron chalcogenides are synthesized by injecting elemental selenium (Se) or tellurium (Te), complexed with oleylamine, into a reaction flask containing the iron precursor. NC FeSe2 and FeTe2 films have been characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy. Both FeSe2 and FeTe2 NC particles exhibit marcasite phase with orthorhombic crystal structure. The as-synthesized NC FeSe2 and FeTe2 show irregular shapes with consistent stoichiometric ratio. In addition, we discuss these iron chalcogenides with regard to their thin film electronic properties including sheet resistance, resistivity, majority carrier type, and their possible device applications.
Genetic Factors in Cushing Disease Pathogenesis

Abstract Cushing disease (CD), the clinical manifestation of excess endogenous glucocorticoids derived from the adrenal glands, is caused by increased ACTH secretion from pituitary corticotroph adenomas. Cell signaling, tumor suppressor genes, and cell cycle regulators are implicated in the pathogenesis of ACTH-secreting tumors, as well as some rare familial syndromes. Tumors typically present clinically as microadenomas caused by effects of excess glucocorticoids and rarely as macroadenomas owing to pituitary compressive symptoms. Discovery of novel treatment options is challenging, especially since patient numbers are limited. Accordingly, animal models recapitulating human CD are ideal to study pituitary corticotroph tumor pathogenesis.
Getting It Out on the Net: Decentralized Networked Learning Through Online Pre-publication

This chapter explores challenges facing humanities and social science scholars contemplating pre-publication of their scholarly work in an online network. Situated within the framework of critical theory and works of Ivan Illich, it develops the idea that pre-publication networks offer higher education a bottom-up, decentralized networked learning alternative to business-modelled e-learning and technology-enhanced learning. The theoretical part of the chapter defines pre-publication, describes the process of posting, publishing, and distributing, and links pre-publication networks with Illich’s work, open source, and open access. Moving on to practice, the chapter shares two stories of the author’s experience, explores the main drawbacks of pre-publishing, and identifies three main reasons to pre-publish exposure-networking, feedback-improvement, and dialogue-discovery. On that basis, it arrives at the conclusion that if learners would only embrace this more anarchical medium, appreciating writing for pre-publication as a process of open-ended discovery rather than product delivery, then the networked learning approach to knowledge creation and dissemination could become an exciting new reality. The chapter’s methodology is a combination of normative-theoretical analysis and small sample case study based on the author’s personal and professional experiences. While the generalizability or external validity of the conclusions is limited, the author hopes to motivate further inquiry into the connection between online pre-publication and networked learning.
Mechanisms of Adaptive Immunity to Plasmodium Liver-Stage Infection: The Known and Unknown

The potential of vaccine-induced adaptive immune responses to limit Plasmodium liver-stage infection has been appreciated for decades, but to date, there are no licensed vaccines that induce sterilizing immunity. The most potent vaccine-induced immune mediators of protection have been determined to be antibodies and CD8 T cells targeting sporozoite and liver-stage antigens. Most of this information was generated through evaluation of whole sporozoite vaccination (WSV) approaches, but application of WSV to human vaccination in the field is complicated. To date, subunit vaccination approaches in humans have not led to similar success in protection as WSV. Here, we highlight the protective attributes of anti-Plasmodium antibodies, CD8 T cells, and CD4 T cells learned primarily through mouse models of malaria and WSV as well as targeted subunit vaccination approaches. Finally, we suggest future areas of research that may reveal pertinent information in order to improve adaptive immune responses and protection from Plasmodium through subunit vaccine approaches.
Essential oil composition of purple basils, their reverted green varieties (Ocimum basilicum) and their associated biological activity

Abstract Essential oils provide the characteristic aroma notes to basil varieties and are partially responsible for basil biological activities. The search for new aromas and biological activities are important steps to find new applications for industrial crop and products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition of the essential oils from purple basil varieties and their progeny that reverted to green varieties, and to compare the composition of these oils with other nonpigmented basil varieties. This work also evaluated selected biological activities of some of these green and basil varieties in search of new biological activities. The green purple varieties derived from Dark Opal and Osmin Purple varieties exhibited a remarkable similarity, suggesting that these plants reverted to the same green ancestor. Their aromatic volatile oils and their main components exhibited a wide range of antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with several chemotypes (Sweet, Osmin Purple basils) expressing high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Some of the reverted green types, showed higher levels phenylpropanoids (e.g. higher in eugenol) compared with their parent types (Purple Ruffles). These biological activities of the aromatic oils appear to be related to their phenolic constituents and concentration of the oils (e.g. eugenol, methyleugenol). The results showed that the essential oils of these basils have a number of additional attributes and applications for the nutraceutical industry in addition to their aroma and flavor impact.
Health-Related Social Control and Risk Perceptions in Emerging Adults:

Health behaviors decline during emerging adulthood, and social network members may attempt to influence or regulate emerging adults’ health behaviors using various health-related social control str...
Integrating automated single, double and triple in situ molecular detection with imaging for the analysis of inter- and intracellular events in the seminiferous tubule

The seminiferous tubule of the testis represents a unique organoid. The dynamics of its microenvironment are strictly controlled, where somatic cells (peritubular myoid and Sertoli cells) provide for the needs of the germ cells. All cellular components work together synchronously to execute spermatogenesis and sperm genesis. As a result of the precisely controlled partnership of the cellular components of the tubule during the adult life, strictly programmed mitotic divisions generate undifferentiated spermatogonia. The majority of these cells progress along differentiation, before acquiring competency to enter meiosis and giving rise to millions of mature spermatozoa, constantly produced and released.
The principle of double effect and proportionate reason.

Health care providers can apply the principle of double effect and proportionate reasoning to assess whether or not some medical treatments are morally justifiable. Virtual Mentor is a monthly bioethics journal published by the American Medical Association.
Ornithological Features of Skadar Lake

This paper presents the variety of habitats on Skadar Lake, one of the best known ornithological sites in the Mediterranean. It is characterised by marshy areas and their zonal distribution. Colonies of swamp birds, their distribution on the lake as well as their dynamics have been described. The problems regarding pollution, disturbance and poaching have also been tackled.
Evaluation of preconditions affecting symptomatic human error in general aviation and air carrier aviation accidents

Abstract Human error remains the leading cause of accidents in the aviation industry, as technological reliability and system safety have undergone significant improvements. Improved methods are required to model the events resulting in human error incidents. In this study, aviation accident data are evaluated to model the association between the latent and symptomatic causal factors resulting in aviation mishaps. We comparatively analyze National Transportation Safety Board accident data for general aviation and air carrier pilots in order to evaluate potential causal factors. The demonstrated methodology leverages previous work in causal relationships by using multiple-variable logistic regression to model the relationships among latent causal factors, symptomatic causal factors, and accident severity. The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System is applied to define a framework intended to identify focal areas for the safety community to mitigate similar future system failures. The results demonstrate an effective methodology for evaluating the quantitative relationships between symptomatic and latent causal factors, which are not readily apparent based solely on occurrence rates. Furthermore, the results also clarify the differences in causal factors between the selected general aviation and air carrier pilot operations. The usefulness of the framework, transferability to other domains, and possibilities for future research are discussed.
Birthmothers and Subsequent Children: The Role of Personality Traits and Attachment History

Fifty-five women who had surrendered their first child for adoption and went on to have subsequent children, and 32 women who had surrendered their first child for adoption and did not have more children were given the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and the Attachment History Questionnaire. Women who had more children scored significantly higher on the Extroversion scale of the NEO-PI-R. Women who did not have more children were more apt to never marry and, when there was marriage, more apt to divorce. Women who had more children reported more pressure from family to relinquish their child. Attachment History Questionnaire results showed women who did not have more children reported “Friends” as significant support figures more often than women who did have more children.
Applications of Multiple Objectives to Water Resources Problems

The importance of multiple criteria for decision making problems has been recognized at an increasingly frequent rate in the past decade in the United States. This is most evident in the field of water resources planning in which governmental guidelines for project evaluation and the growing number of applications of systems analysis reflect a concern with multiple planning objectives.
Non-infectious Palisading Granulomatous Dermatitis

There are many causes of granulomatous dermatitis, many are caused by infectious organisms. This chapter focuses on the three distinct types of non-infectious palisading dermatitis. Sarcoidosis is included as an example of non-infectious granulomatous dermatitis that is rarely palisading.
Effect of limited feed intake on growth of subcutaneous adipose tissue layers and on carcass composition in swine.

Little is known about the function of individual backfat layers in swine. Our objective in this study was to evaluate differential growth of each backfat layer in pigs fed different amounts of the same diet. Relationships of growth of backfat layers to deposition of carcass protein and ether extract were also studied. Feed intake levels were ad libitum, 92.5% of ad libitum, and 85% of ad libitum for 36 barrows averaging 95 d of age and 37.8 kg of weight at the start of the study. Chemical composition of the carcass soft tissue was determined at the end of the 84-d study. Daily gain tended to decrease (P less than .10) and conversion of feed to gain improved (P less than .15) as feed intake decreased. The daily depositions (g/d) of protein and ether extract were 62.9 and 205 for the ad libitum group, 61.1 and 176 for the 92.5% intake group, and 59.3 and 153 for the 85% intake group, respectively. The compositional effect of limiting feed intake for 84 d was to produce less carcass soft tissue of greater lean content. Overall backfat depths were 31.5, 29.6, and 27.8 mm for the ad libitum, 92.5, and 85% intake groups, respectively. The outer backfat layer differed among groups; the 92.5 and 85% groups were thinner than the ad libitum group. Relative to the ad libitum group, the change in depth of the middle backfat layer was 86 and 75% for the 92.5 and 85% intake groups (P less than .01). The inner backfat layer was not affected significantly by level of feed intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)