cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Where old meets new: An ecosystem study of methanogenesis in a reflooded agricultural peatland.

Reflooding formerly drained peatlands has been proposed as a means to reduce losses of organic matter and sequester soil carbon for climate change mitigation, but a renewal of high methane emissions has been reported for these ecosystems, offsetting mitigation potential. Our ability to interpret observed methane fluxes in reflooded peatlands and make predictions about future flux trends is limited due to a lack of detailed studies of methanogenic processes. In this study we investigate methanogenesis in a reflooded agricultural peatland in the Sacramento Delta, California. We use the stable-and radio-carbon isotopic signatures of wetland sediment methane, ecosystem-scale eddy covariance flux observations, and laboratory incubation experiments, to identify which carbon sources and methanogenic production pathways fuel methanogenesis and how these processes are affected by vegetation and seasonality. We found that the old peat contribution to annual methane emissions was large (~30%) compared to intact wetlands, indicating a biogeochemical legacy of drainage. However, fresh carbon and the acetoclastic pathway still accounted for the majority of methanogenesis throughout the year. Although temperature sensitivities for bulk peat methanogenesis were similar between open-water (Q10 = 2.1) and vegetated (Q10 = 2.3) soils, methane production from both fresh and old carbon sources showed pronounced seasonality in vegetated zones. We conclude that high methane emissions in restored wetlands constitute a biogeochemical trade-off with contemporary carbon uptake, given that methane efflux is fueled primarily by fresh carbon inputs.
Abstract A47: The immunoproteosome mediates resistance to natural killer cell killing

We identified the immunoproteosome as a mediator of resistance to natural killer (NK) cell killing through a genome-wide activation CRISPR screen. The immunoproteosome is a modified proteolytic complex composed of a catalytic 20S core and a regulatory 11S component. An essential function of the immunoproteosome is to degrade intracellular proteins that are eventually presented as antigens on the cell surface by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) I. We validated several subunits that play a critical role in regulating responses to NK cells, specifically, PSMA1, PSMB6 and PSME1, which encode the alpha subunit of the 20S catalytic proteosome, the beta subunit of the 20S proteosome, and the alpha subunit of the 11S regulator, respectively. While several studies have reported that proteasome inhibitors sensitize cancer cells to NK cell killing, the exact mechanisms of these inhibitors are not well understood. Our data indicate that these proteasome components may be attractive targets to improve cancer cell response to NK cell-based therapies. Note: This abstract was not presented at the conference. Citation Format: Joyce Pasion, Hans Guido Wendel. The immunoproteosome mediates resistance to natural killer cell killing [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A47.
Transcriptional interference at tandem lncRNA and protein-coding genes: an emerging theme in regulation of cellular nutrient homeostasis.

Tandem transcription interference occurs when the act of transcription from an upstream promoter suppresses utilization of a co-oriented downstream promoter. Because eukaryal genomes are liberally interspersed with transcription units specifying long non-coding (lnc) RNAs, there are many opportunities for lncRNA synthesis to negatively affect a neighboring protein-coding gene. Here, I review two eukaryal systems in which lncRNA interference with mRNA expression underlies a regulated biological response to nutrient availability. Budding yeast SER3 is repressed under serine-replete conditions by transcription of an upstream SRG1 lncRNA that traverses the SER3 promoter and elicits occlusive nucleosome rearrangements. SER3 is de-repressed by serine withdrawal, which leads to shut-off of SRG1 synthesis. The fission yeast phosphate homeostasis (PHO) regulon comprises three phosphate acquisition genes - pho1, pho84, and tgp1 - that are repressed under phosphate-replete conditions by 5' flanking lncRNAs prt, prt2, and nc-tgp1, respectively. lncRNA transcription across the PHO mRNA promoters displaces activating transcription factor Pho7. PHO mRNAs are transcribed during phosphate starvation when lncRNA synthesis abates. The PHO regulon is de-repressed in phosphate-replete cells by genetic manipulations that favor 'precocious' lncRNA 3'-processing/termination upstream of the mRNA promoters. PHO lncRNA termination is governed by the Pol2 CTD code and is subject to metabolite control by inositol pyrophosphates.
Lignin induced iron reduction by novel sp., Tolumonas lignolytic BRL6-1

Lignin is the second most abundant carbon polymer on earth and despite having more fuel value than cellulose, it currently is considered a waste byproduct in many industrial lignocellulose applications. Valorization of lignin relies on effective and green methods of de-lignification, with a growing interest in the use of microbes. Here we investigate the physiology and molecular response of the novel facultative anaerobic bacterium, Tolumonas lignolytica BRL6-1, to lignin under anoxic conditions. Physiological and biochemical changes were compared between cells grown anaerobically in either lignin-amended or unamended conditions. In the presence of lignin, BRL6-1 accumulates higher biomass and has a shorter lag phase compared to unamended conditions, and 14% of the proteins determined to be significantly higher in abundance by log2 fold-change of 2 or greater were related to Fe(II) transport in late logarithmic phase. Ferrozine assays of the supernatant confirmed that Fe(III) was bound to lignin and reduced to Fe(II) only in the presence of BRL6-1, suggesting redox activity by the cells. LC-MS/MS analysis of the secretome showed an extra band at 20 kDa in lignin-amended conditions. Protein sequencing of this band identified a protein of unknown function with homology to enzymes in the radical SAM superfamily. Expression of this protein in lignin-amended conditions suggests its role in radical formation. From our findings, we suggest that BRL6-1 is using a protein in the radical SAM superfamily to interact with the Fe(III) bound to lignin and reducing it to Fe(II) for cellular use, increasing BRL6-1 yield under lignin-amended conditions. This interaction potentially generates organic free radicals and causes a radical cascade which could modify and depolymerize lignin. Further research should clarify the extent to which this mechanism is similar to previously described aerobic chelator-mediated Fenton chemistry or radical producing lignolytic enzymes, such as lignin peroxidases, but under anoxic conditions.
Genetic aetiology of primary adrenal insufficiency in Chinese children.

Background Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is life-threatening, and a definitive aetiological diagnosis is essential for management and prognostication. We conducted this study to investigate the genetic aetiologies of PAI in South China and explore their clinical features. Methods Seventy children were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Clinical information was collected, and combined genetic tests were performed according to the children's manifestations. Statistical analysis was performed among the different groups. In silico or in vitro experiments were applied to determine the pathogenicity of novel variants. Results Among the 70 children, 84.3% (59/70) were diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) was genetically confirmed in 91.5% of these cases. Salt wasting (SW), simple virilization (SV), and non-classic (NC) CAH accounted for 66.1% (39/59), 30.5% (18/59), and 3.4% (2/59) of the cases, respectively. The 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and testosterone (TES) levels were significantly higher in children with SW than with SV. The 17-OHP and cortisol levels in female SW patients were significantly higher than those in males. The 17-OHP, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and TES levels in female SW patients were significantly higher than those in female SV patients. Additionally, 72.7% (8/11) of uncharacterized PAI patients had positive genetic findings. Among all the patients, two novel variants in the CYP21A2 gene (c.833dupT and c.651 + 2T > G) were found. A microdeletion (Xp21.2-21.3) and five novel variants, including 2 in the NR0B1 gene (c.323-324CG > GA and c.1231_1234delCTCA), 2 in the AAAS gene (c.399 + 1G > A and c.250delT) and 1 in the NNT gene (c.2274delT), were detected. The novel variant c.399 + 1G > A in the AAAS gene was further confirmed to lead to exon 4 skipping during mRNA transcription and produce a truncated ALADIN protein. Conclusions We found ethnicity-based differences in the CYP21A2 gene variant spectrum among different study populations. Female 21-OHD patients tended to have higher 17-OHP and TES levels, which warrants caution in relation to the effects of virilization. Novel gene variants detected in the CYP21A2, NR0B1, AAAS and NNT genes expanded the genetic spectrum of PAI, however, further improvement of genetic testing tools beyond our protocol are still needed to uncover the complete aetiology of PAI in children.
High repetition rate detection with dual-comb Vernier frequency division in Microresonators

A Vernier frequency division method is reported in this work to detect sub-THz microresonator soliton rep-rate. Our method vastly reduces the electrical bandwidth for rep-rate detection, and we stabilized 200 GHz rep-rate to a 1 GHz reference.
Perceptual-Motor Control Strategies for Left-Turn Execution

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the perceptual-motor strategies used by drivers during left-turn execution as a means of identifying potential causes of such accidents and to inform the design of left-turn warnings. Twenty-one participants executed a series of left turns in a driving simulator. The initial distance (D) and time to intersection (TTI) of an oncoming vehicle were varied orthogonally to present drivers with a range of different safety margins. The initial distance values ranged from 50 to 150m, and the TTI values ranged between 4 to 12 sec. Accidents occurred on roughly 3% of the trials, with large individual differences in performance. The most common conditions for accidents to occur involved a large value of D(>=100) and a medium-short value of TTI(<=6). The timing of left-turn initiation was significantly affected by both the TTI and the distance of the oncoming vehicle. On average, left turns were initiated at a shorter TTI when the distance was large. The authors conclude that since there were several instances in which drivers used the unsafe strategy of basing their decision to turn on the distance of the oncoming vehicle, a left-turn warning that is based on temporal information alone (e.g., Nowakowski, 2006) will likely be unreliable, because the decision to turn is not solely based on temporal information.
Fatigue Fracture Surface Appearance

Fatigue fracture surface macroscopic and microscopic appearance as affected by prevailing stress intensity conditions at moving crack tip
Comparison of the Secondary Structures of Human Class I and Class II MHC Antigens by Ftir and CD Spectroscopy

Considerable evidence exists that the structures of class I and class II histocompatibility antigens are similar. Most of the evidence (summarized in Kappes and Strominger, 1988 and Brown et al., 1988) is based on sequence homologies and similarities in domain structure at both the protein and DNA levels. In addition, some T cells that are specific for either class I or class II molecules use the same receptor (Rupp et al, 1985; Marrack and Kappler, 1986). However, the secondary structures of purified class I and class II antigens have not been directly compared.
FII Flows to India: Nature and Causes

Since the beginning of liberalization FII flows to India have steadily grown in importance. In this paper we analyze these flows and their relationship with other economic variables and arrive at the following major conclusions: * While the flows are highly correlated with equity returns in India, they are more likely to be the effect than the cause of these returns; * The FIIs do not seem to be at an informational disadvantage in India compared to the local investors; * The Asian Crisis marked a regime shift in the determinants of FII flows to India with the domestic equity returns becoming the sole driver of these flows since the crisis.
Carbon-carbon bond formation employing organoiron reagents : Syntheses of lavandulol and red scale pheromone

Abstract Some aspects of the chemistry of (η 1 -allyl)Fp complexes [Fp =η 5 -C 5 H 5 Fe(CO) 2 ] are briefly reviewed, especially the means available for their elaboration. The range of electrophiles which react with (η 1 -allyl)Fp complexes has been enlarged to include allyl iodides. Two examples of this reaction are given, the first leading to lavandulol 9 , the second providing a short synthesis of the red scale pheromone ( R , S - 15 ).
Hsien Wu and the First Theory of Protein Denaturation (1931)

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the paper by Hsien Wu, who was the first scientist to grasp the fundamental relations between the native and the denatured state of protein molecules. It also provides a brief account of his life. In the course of formulation of his protein denaturation, he had experimented with almost all the modes of denaturing proteins. The critical point of Wu's theory is that a native protein molecule is a highly compact and well-ordered structure, held together primarily by interactions between polar groups in the main chain and in polar side chains. The molecule, therefore, can be thought of as a sort of submicroscopic crystal, and the forces that hold the native protein molecule together in a defined configuration are the same as those causing the protein molecules to pack together in a macroscopic crystal. When the protein becomes denatured, and the molecule unfolds into a more or less open chain, it can assume an enormous number of possible configurations (or conformations, in the terminology of today) and specificity is lost, although it can be restored by reversal.
Association with HLA DQ of early onset myasthenia gravis in Southeast Texas region of the United States

Forty-four Caucasian American myasthenia gravis (MG) patients from Southeast Texas underwent high resolution HLA DQ analysis. For the majority of patients who were late onset or male, no significant associations with DQ were observed. However, associations with DQ increased in female patients and early onset patients. At the allele level, DQB1 *0503, *0604, *0502 and *0402 collectively contributed to a positive association of the DQ locus with early onset MG (EOMG), while individually failing to show significant association. At DQ level, the novel haplotype DQA1*0401:DQB1*0201 was the primary factor in the association of combined DQ loci with early onset. In addition, *0104:*0503, *0102:*0604, *0102:*0502 and *0303:*0402 collectively contributed to the positive association of the haplotype loci. DR3-DQ2.5cis, a well known risk factor for MG in Western Eurasia, was not found associated with disease in any group. For typical EOMG [early onset, no thymoma, anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody (Ab) positive] no association with DQA1 locus was found, however DQB1*0604 demonstrated an 'uncorrected' positive association. A few DQ haplotype (DQA1:DQB1) were positively associated with typical EOMG; a positive individual association for *0401:*0201 was complimented by the contributions of *0102:*0604 and *0303:*0402 haplotypes. A small minority of patients that were atypical and EOMG had a strong genetic association with DQA1*0104:DQB1*0503, the group included an anti-MuSK Ab positive and an anti-AChR negative patient. This report finds common ground with European studies regarding MuSK association; however similarities in association for typical early onset disease resembled HLA risk factors in East Asia and Southern Europe.
Effects of nitrogen and phosphorus availability on the expression of the coccolith-vesicle V-ATPase (subunit c) of Pleurochrysis (Haptophyta)

The coccolithophores Emiliania and Pleurochrysis demonstrate increased coccolith production when growth is reduced by nitrate or phosphate limitation. The function of enhanced coccolith production under these conditions and its regulation have not been resolved. Studies at the molecular level are ideally suited to determine the exact relationship between calcification and other cellular functions. In a previous study we provided evidence for the presence of a vacuolar H+-ATPase on coccolith vesicle membranes of P. carterae. These trans-Golgi-derived vesicles are the sites of coccolith production, with each vesicle containing one coccolith. In this study, expression of the vap gene, encoding subunit c of the vacuolar H+-ATPase, was investigated. Our objective was to explore potential relationships between vap expression, nutrient-dependent growth, and calcification. Specifically, we monitored vap expression relative to two genes, fcp and pcna, whose expression was previously shown to vary with growth conditions; fcp encodes a fucoxanthin chl a/c-binding protein, and pcna encodes the proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Relative to the expression of pcna and fcp, vap expression was highest at nutrient concentrations where growth curves and chl a patterns indicated arrest of cell division. Our results indicate that the level of vap expression does not decrease when cell growth diminishes.
Digital PWM controller and current estimator for a low-power switching converter

This paper describes design and implementation of a digital controller for an experimental low-power converter in a battery-powered system with power management. Multiple operating modes are used to maintain high efficiency over wide ranges of input voltages and loads. A current estimation technique to perform load-dependent mode switching is proposed and tested. A digital PID regulator design example is described, with emphasis on practical limitations imposed by the fixed-point arithmetic and the delay due to sampling and processing.
The new evolution

Dr. Poole outlines a strategy for acquainting gifted elementary school students with the acceptance of, and decisions relating to coping with the future. The author believes that these basic survival skills will allow children to meet the future with confidence and survive “as the fittest.” Included are curriculum decisions, teaching strategies, and research results. The results are applicable to teacher training programs and useful to professionals in the field.
Effective Procedure for Selective Ammonolysis of Monosubstituted Oxiranes: Application to E7389 Synthesis

A highly effective procedure is reported to synthesize 1,2-aminoalcohols by regio- and chemo-selective ammonolysis of monosubstituted epoxides. Additive- and concentration-effects were studied, revealing that: (1) methanesulfonic acid is most effective among the additives tested and (2) formation of bis-adducts is practically eliminated at [C] </= 40 mM. The optimum condition thus identified was successfully applied to the final step of the synthesis of potent anti-tumor compound E7389.
Multiple factors shape development of olfactory glomeruli: insights from an insect model system

The antennal system of the moth Manduca sexta is a useful model for studies of the development of olfactory glomeruli, the complex synaptic structures that typically underlie the initial processing of olfactory input in vertebrates and invertebrates. In this review, we summarize cellular events in the construction of glomeruli in Manduca and highlight experiments that reveal factors that influence glomerulus development. By methodically manipulating each of various cell types, both neuronal and glial, that contribute to glomerular architecture, we have found that: olfactory receptor axons lay a template for developing glomeruli, stabilization of the template by glial cells is necessary to permit subsequent steps in development of the glomeruli, and the hormone that regulates adult development causes production of adequate numbers of glial cells. Neither electrical activity nor the presence of a serotonin-containing neuron that persists throughout development is required for a glomerular pattern to develop; these factors might, however, influence the synaptic organization of individual glomeruli.
Models of Understanding: Historical Constructions of Breast Cancer in Medicine and Public Health.

The era of technical and scientific progress ushered in with the twentieth century brought new medical knowledge such as the Halstead ‘radical’ mastectomy, which promised a cure for breast cancer. These advances in medical knowledge were premised on an epidemiological model of disease, which shaped the treatment and public understanding of breast cancer through most of the twentieth century—to be replaced by a systemic model of breast cancer in the later years of the century. This article traces how this shift was both influenced by and influential on public understandings of medicine and disease. The author argues that, while the epidemiological model of disease shaped treatment options and public health campaigns through most of the century, current treatment regimes and health campaigns are shifting to reflect changes in the underlying model of disease (toward a systemic model).
Distribution of the putative vesicular transporter for acetylcholine in the rat central nervous system

Abstract In order to develop another selective marker for cholinergic cell bodies and fibres, we have raised a highly specific polyclonal antibody against a peptide derived from the C-terminus of a recently cloned putative vesicular acetylcholine transporter. This antibody recognizes the vesicular acetylcholine transporter protein on Western blots of membranes from transfected monkey fibroblast COS cells as well as from various rat brain regions but not from untransfected COS cells or rat liver. In separate mapping studies, the antibody was found to stain cell bodies and fibres in all of the regions of the nervous system known to be cholinergic, including (i) the various nuclei of the basal nuclear complex and their projections to the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebral cortex, (ii) the caudate–putamen nucleus, accumbens nucleus, olfactory tubercle, and islands of calleja complex, (iii) the medial habenula, (iv) the mesopontine cholinergic complex and its projections to the thalamus, extrapyramidal motor nuclei, basal forebrain, cingulate cortex, raphe and reticular nuclei, and some cranial nerve nuclei, and (v) the somatic motor and autonomic nuclei of the cranial and spinal nerves. In many of these cholinergic neurons, it is possible to detect immunoreactivity for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter in proximal portions of processes and their branches, as well as in numerous puncta in close association with them. Some of these puncta are large and surround cell bodies and processes of neurons in several regions, including the somatic motor neurons of cranial nerve nuclei in the brainstem and in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Double immunofluorescence studies indicated that neurons positive for the vesicular acetylcholine transporter also stained for the biosynthetic enzyme of acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase. We conclude that antibody against the C-terminus of the putative vesicular acetylcholine transporter provides another marker for cholinergic neurons that, unlike in situ hybridization procedures, labels terminals as well as cell bodies. Therefore this antibody has the potential to reveal changes in number and morphology of cholinergic cell bodies and their terminal varicosities that occur in both physiologic and pathologic conditions.
The Air is Always Cleaner on the Other Side: Race, Space, and Ambient Air Toxics Exposures in California

Environmental justice advocates have recently focused attention on cumulative exposure in minority neighborhoods due to multiple sources of pollution. This article uses U.S. EPA’s National Air Toxi...
Solving pattern nesting problems with genetic algorithms employing task decomposition and contact detection

A hierarchical approach for nesting two-dimensional shapes based on genetic algorithms is described. For the higher-level search, a representation that facilitates genetic search based on recombination is developed. An alternatiye to overlap computation based on assembly of polygons is used at the lower level of search. Two implementations to find minimum-area enclosures for polygons, with and without a cohstraint on the width of stock, are discussed. Sample output illustrating the effectiveness of the approach is provided.
Static compiler analysis for workflow provenance

Data provenance is the lineage of an artifact or object. Provenance can provide a basis upon which data can be regenerated, and can be used to determine the quality of both the process and provenance itself. Provenance capture from workflows is comprised of capturing data dependencies as and when a workflow executes. We propose a layered provenance model which identifies and stores provenance at different granularities statically by analyzing the source code of programs. We use this model to capture provenance from both workflows and modules within workflows. This paper contributes a static compile time analysis methodology that includes a logical layered provenance model to convert workflow provenance from black box to white box, where the precise mapping between the inputs and outputs of a task can be known.
Influence of Staging on Re-Entry Trajectory Characteristics

a = acceleration B = ballistic coefficient, weight/(drag coefficient) (reference area) D = constant in heating rate expression, Eq. (21) g = acceleration of gravity K = (exponential approximation for py=0/po) n = exponent in heating rate expression, Eq. (21) qQ = cold-wall, stagnation-point heating rate V = velocity y = altitude p = constant in density approximation, p c^ KpQe~Py y = flight path angle referenced to the local horizon p = density Po = U.S. Standard Atmosphere sea level density %£$ = functions defined by Eqs. (2, 12, and 17), respectively
Competitive Exclusion in Herbaceous Vegetation

IN maintaining or reconstructing types of herbaceous vegetation in which the density of flowering plants exceeds 20 species/m2—the so-called “species-rich” communities, success is often frustrated by competitive exclusion. Here I describe an attempt to identify criteria with which to assess or anticipate the effect of competitive exclusion both at individual sites and in different types of vegetation.
Bjork Surgery for Tricuspid Atresia—Revisited

We present a 19-year-old college student completely asymptomatic who underwent successful Bjork surgery (right atrium-to-right ventricle connection) in infancy with excellent results. Surgical approach for tricuspid atresia is done in three stages. Blalock Tuassig shunt soon after birth or pulmonary artery band depending on the size of the ventricular septal defect (VSD) and the main pulmonary artery, Glenn surgery (bidirectional cavopulmonary shunt) at 3–6 months of age, and Fontan surgery at 2–3 years age. There are many short- and long-term complications after Fontan surgery and patients require multiple medications throughout life. For tricuspid atresia with normally related great arteries, large VSD, and normal pulmonary valve, Bjork surgery offers the advantages of right ventricular growth, biventricular function, and good outcome without any medications.
Amphotericin B deoxycholate nasal spray administered to hematopoietic stem cell recipients with prior fungal colonization of the upper airway passages is associated with low rates of invasive fungal infection

Background Invasive fungal infections cause major problems during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fungal colonization of the upper airway passages occurs frequently, and may serve as a portal of entry for potentially life-threatening fungal infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. Methods A clinical practice was instituted at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago in 2005, to administer amphotericin B deoxycholate nasal spray (ABNS) 0.5% to all HSCT recipients with fungal colonization of their nasal passages, in addition to standard oral antifungal prophylaxis. Results Among 1945 HSCT patients treated during the study period, 109 patients were identified with positive fungal surveillance cultures. Conclusion Breakthrough fungal infections occurred in only 2 patients (2%), thus in this select group of HSCT recipients, ABNS administration is associated with a very low rate of breakthrough infection.
Can We Alter Survival in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure

Objective. —To assess the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy in improving survival in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) in the context of recent investigational studies having mortality as an end point. Data Sources. —Data were obtained from English-language articles that reported both randomized and retrospective studies assessing the efficacy of pharmacologic therapy in the treatment of patients with CHF. The review included articles indexed under the termscongestive heart failure and drug therapyin the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE database. Study Selection. —Studies selected for detailed review were those having mortality as a primary or secondary end point. Data Extraction. —Guidelines for assessing data quality and validity included study size, double-blind and randomized design, the number of end points, the sensitivity and specificity of objective measurements, and the validity of the statistical analysis. Data Synthesis. —Review of the existing literature demonstrates that pharmacologic agents that improve resting hemodynamics or exercise duration in patients with CHF may not necessarily prolong survival. However, recent studies demonstrate that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prolong survival in patients with symptomatic CHF, while at the same time improving exercise capacity and left ventricular performance. Although less well tolerated, the combination of hydralazine hydrochloride and isosorbide dinitrate therapy also improves survival, but to a lesser degree. New agents show promise, but definitive assessment requires the results of large, randomized and double-blind studies having mortality as an end point. Conclusions. —Mortality is an important end point in assessing the efficacy of drugs for the treatment of CHF. (JAMA. 1992;267:1956-1961)
Video-Photo Slit Lamp

A combination video and photographic slit lamp manufactured by Rodenstock with a special light source by Storz has been described. Primarily a research instrument because of the expense of the light source, the video system, when properly adjusted, provides useful records of certain procedures and pathology and is an excellent teaching tool. The photographic attachment provides excellent quality, high resolution 35 mm documentation of anterior segment disease and pathology.
Engineering quantum dot calibration standards for quantitative fluorescent profiling

Fluorescence-based tools, in particular optimized fluorophores, offer useful approaches to map cellular heterogeneity. Applying quantum dot (Qdot) technology towards heterogeneity profiling would be a novel approach for characterizing cellular dispersion and requires sensitive calibration standards. To this end, we have employed biotin–streptavidin chemistry to design improved quantitative, Qdot calibration beads. These calibration beads include commercially available Innovator's Tool Kit (ITK)-streptavidin Qdots (Qdots) conjugated to biotin coated polystyrene beads, providing a laboratory-accessible approach for quantitative calibration. We have engineered Qdot calibration beads at 525 nm, 565 nm, 605 nm, 655 nm, and 705 nm emission spectra. These beads provide calibration standards within the 0.0072–0.72 nM Qdot range, corresponding to an initial estimation of 800–80 000 Qdots per bead. We measured the proportion of Qdot loss during bead isolation steps and determined an accurate relationship between theoretical Qdot levels and actual Qdot levels using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). A linear relationship between fluorescence and Qdot number was observed with estimated concentrations of 1.13 × 10−14 μg Cd/Qdot 525, 2.34 × 10−14 μg Cd/Qdot 565, 1.49 × 10−13 μg Cd/Qdot 605, 1.99 × 10−13 μg Cd/Qdot 655 and 1.65 × 10−13 μg Cd/Qdot 705. We also report the difference in concentration estimates between the fluorescence and ICP-MS methods. This study establishes the optimal conditions for preparing Qdot calibration beads from commercially available Qdots for quantitative, biophotonic applications including measuring cell surface heterogeneity.
Annual Fluctuation in Abundance of the Commercial Fisheries of the Mississippi River and Tributaries

Abstract This report is an attempt to explain the annual variations in fish catches from the Mississippi River basin for the period 1954 to 1976. It analyzes National Marine Fisheries Service catch-effort data for the total basin, four regional sub-basins, and 18 basin states for total catch and for the 7 most important commercial species. Because seasonal flooding, temperature, and floodplain development are the major environmental factors influencing the abundance of fishes in floodplain rivers elsewhere in the world, we examined the relationship between yield and (1) average monthly water temperature, (2) maximum river stage, days above floodstage, day-feet above floodstage, and the Palmer Drought Index as indices of flooding, and (3) the acreage of bottomland hardwoods. No evidence of the influence of seasonal flooding on fish abundance was found, but some evidence for the influence of bottomland hardwood acreage (maximum flooded area) was found. The catch per unit effort per hectare of bottomland har...
Fundamental research in refractory system with a solar furnace—ZrO2CaO system☆

The freezing points of compositions in the ZrO2CaO system were measured from the cooling curves obtained by the specular reflection method with a solar furnace. The quenched specimens from the melt were examined with x-ray technique and a petrographic microscope. Anomalies in the liquidus curve of the system, not reported previously, were on 3.5, 7, and 10 mole percent CaO compositions. The 7 mole percent CaO composition was further examined by high-temperature x-ray diffractometry and infrared absorption spectroscopy. A tentative phase diagram for the ZrO2CaO system at high temperature is presented.
Planewave remittances of an axially excited chiral sculptured thin film with gain

Reflectances and transmittances of chiral sculptured thin films (STFs) with gain qualitatively differ from those of lossless and lossy chiral STFs, chiefly at the edges of the Bragg regime, for normally incident plane waves. The difference is explained in terms of the photonic density of states. A chiral STF with a central twist defect exhibits a reflection hole if there is no gain and emits narrowband radiation if there is gain, provided the thickness is not large. This narrowband feature diminishes as the thickness increases, and is replaced by an ultranarrowband transmission hole only if the chiral STF has neither gain nor loss.
The Functions of Committee Change in State Legislatures

Little research has focused on the changes made in individual legislative committees through time. In this study we do a committee-by-committee analysis to determine the extent to which various com...
Perceptions of Performance Measurement and the Practice of Performance Reporting by Small Cities

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT is the use of quantitative indicators to regularly measure the results and efficiency of public programs that clients, cus? tomers, or stakeholders expect (Broom et al. 1998; Hatry 2000). In 1994, the Governmen? tal Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is? sued Concepts Statement No. 2 on Service Efforts and Accomplishment Reporting, which states that performance information should be an integral part of General Purpose External Financial Statements and suggested the pos? sibility of linking performance measurement to state and local financial reporting (GASB 1994, paragraphs 3SM-9, 15-20.) Requiring state and local governments to report perfor? mance measurement results if they adopt gen? erally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) in financial reporting would be a watershed in the historical development of performance measurement.
Lentiviral vectors and gene therapy

Gene therapy is a novel method under investigation for the treatment of genetic, metabolic and neurologic diseases, cancer and AIDS. The primary goal of gene therapy is to deliver a specific gene to a pre-determined target cell, and to direct expression of such a gene in a manner which will result in a therapeutic effect. Retroviral vectors have the ability to integrate in the host cell DNA irreversibly and therefore, are suitable vectors for permanent genetic modification of cells. Retrovirus-mediated gene transfer has been limited, however, by the inability of onco-retroviruses to productively infect non-dividing cells. Lentiviruses are unique among retroviruses because of their ability to infect target cells independently of their proliferation status. This chapter presents an up-to-date description of available lentiviral vectors, including vector design, applications to disease treatment and safety considerations. In addition, general aspects of the biology of lentiviruses with relevance to vector development will be discussed.
Patching Physics and Chemistry Together

The “usual story” regarding molecular chemistry is that it is roughly an application of quantum mechanics. That is to say, quantum mechanics supplies everything necessary and sufficient, both ontologically and epistemologically, to reduce molecular chemistry to quantum mechanics. This is a reductive story, to be sure, but a key explanatory element of molecular chemistry, namely molecular structure, is absent from the quantum realm. On the other hand, typical characterizations of emergence, such as the unpredictability or inexplicability of molecular structure based on quantum mechanics, do not characterize the relationship between molecular chemistry and quantum mechanics well either. A different scheme for characterizing reduction and emergence is proposed that accommodates the relationship between quantum mechanics and molecular chemistry and some initial objections to the scheme are considered.
Effect of Aging on the NOx Storage and Regeneration Characteristics of Fully Formulated Lean NOx Trap Catalysts

Abstract In order to elucidate the effect of washcoat composition on lean NOx trap (LNT) aging characteristics, fully formulated monolithic LNT catalysts containing varying amounts of Pt, Rh and BaO were subjected to accelerated aging on a bench reactor. Subsequent catalyst evaluation revealed that in all cases aging resulted in deterioration of the NOx conversion as a consequence of impaired NOx storage and NOx reduction functions, while increased selectivity to NH3 was observed in the temperature range 250–450 °C. Elemental analysis, H2 chemisorption and TEM data revealed two main changes which account for the degradation in LNT performance. First, residual sulfur in the catalysts, associated with the Ba phase, decreased catalyst NOx storage capacity. Second, sintering of the precious metals in the washcoat occurred, resulting in decreased contact between the Pt and Ba, and hence in less efficient NOx spillover from Pt to Ba during NOx adsorption, as well as decreased rates of reductant spillover from Pt to Ba and reverse NOx spillover during catalyst regeneration. For the aged catalysts, halving the Pt loading from 100 to 50 g/ft3 was found to result in a significant decrease in overall NOx conversion, while for catalysts with the same 100 g/ft3 Pt loading, increasing the relative amount of Pt on the NOx storage components (BaO and La-stabilized CeO2), as opposed to an Al2O3 support material (where it was co-located with Rh), was found to be beneficial. The effect of Rh loading on aged catalyst performance was found to be marginal within the range studied (10–20 g/ft3), as was the effect of BaO loading in the range 30–45 g/L.
Ombudsman rounds revisited--a controlled study of attitudinal change in response to liaison psychiatry teaching.

Abstract The authors tested the hypothesis that the attitudes of interns in internal medicine could be positively altered by a weekly medical-psychiatric conference (ombudsman rounds) that is given for 4 months on the inpatient medical service. In order to diminish the effects of simulation a 48-item question-naire using a Q-sort design was employed. It was given both before and after the PGY-1 year to three groups of house staff: 1) an on-site experimental group (29 subjects), 2) an on-site control group (11 subjects), and 3) an off-site control group from a sister institution (13 subjects). When compared with either control group a statistically significant number of subjects in the experimental group changed positively. When the control groups were combined even greater statistical significance was achieved. The data suggest that attitudes of internal medicine trainees may be favorably altered by medical-psychiatric conferences on inpatient wards.
The Effects of Electric Stimulation and Extended Chilling Times on the Biochemical Reactions and Texture of Cooked Broiler Breast Meat

Abstract Electric stimulation has been shown to affect functional and biochemical properties of the Pectoralis major muscle. In this study the effects of stimulating broilers with a pulsed electric current of 200 V alternating current (VAC) 2 s on, 1 s off, during exsanguination on biochemical reactions and objective texture of the meat deboned after 1, 2, or 3 h in the chiller were determined. Broilers (three replications, 18 birds per replication) were either stunned (50 VAC, 10 s) simulating commercial conditions, or stunned and stimulated during exsanguination, processed, and placed in 1 C ice baths. Carcasses were removed after 1, 2, or 3 h and the P. major excised. The R value and pH samples were taken and the deboned muscles were vacuum-bagged and held overnight at 2 C prior to cooking in 85 C water for 30 min. Shear values were determined using a Warner-Bratzler shear. Stimulation and static chilling for 2 and 3 h resulted in significantly higher R values and lower shear values than stunning and static chilling. The largest difference in shear values was noted after the 2 h chill; 7.12 kg for the stunned vs 3.42 kg for the stimulated group.
Forewarning of content and involvement: Consequences for persuasion and resistance to persuasion

Two experiments were conducted to advance our understanding of the effects of forewarning on persuasion. In Experiment 1, personal involvement, warning of message content, and distraction during the forewarning-message interval were manipulated. The results indicated that if warned subjects were personally involved with the attitude issue, they became resistant to the persuasive appeal when they were not cognitively distracted after warning. In contrast, when subjects were not personally involved, they were susceptible to the appeal regardless of levels of warning and distraction. In Experiment 2 manipulation of message strength was added to the three factors of Experiment 1. The results revealed that subjects in high involvement conditions were better able to differentiate the strength of the message (i.e., rate the strong message to be more persuasive than the weak one) than those in low involvement conditions; however, this was true only when the subjects were unwarned, or were warned but distracted. When warning was not followed by distraction, the subjects in high involvement conditions showed resistance to the strong message as well as the weak one. In low involvement conditions subjects were more persuaded in general, but when the warned were not distracted, they seemed to agree more with the strong message than with the weak one. Measurements of postmessage thoughts in both experiments indicated
GENERAL SOLUTION FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL SURFACE STRUCTURES USING DIRECT METHODS

A general method for solving surface structures in three dimensions using surface x-ray-diffraction data coupled with direct methods is outlined. The method exploits the existence of a support constraint normal to the surface, and couples the concepts of projections, operators, and sets used in the image reconstruction literature with statistical operators used in direct methods. The approach presumes nothing beyond the fact that the scattering comes from atoms, and is a true model-independent approach.
Hydrogen exchange reactions in supercritical media monitored by in situ NMR

Abstract Well established, simple NMR techniques are applied to the in situ study of hydrogen exchange reactions in supercritical aqueous solutions and the supercritical alcohols methanol and ethanol. In the case of the rapidly exchanging hydroxyl protons of alcohols and water, changes in the exchange rate are evidenced by the collapse of chemical shift differences (in solutions) and the collapse of J-multiplets. We show that the hydrogen exchange rate can be adjusted by changing pressure (density) at a constant supercritical temperature. Higher pressure at constant temperature increases the exchange rate, indicating that hydrogen exchange at supercritical conditions proceeds via charged intermediates. The pure alcohols at temperatures above 200°C exhibit exchange of hydroxyl protons at a rate of 5 s−1 already at low, gas-like densities. However, the hydrogen exchange rate in the pure and aqueous alcohols is found to be very sensitive to the presence of impurities. The much slower deuteration of aliphatic and aromatic protons in 4-ethylphenol by supercritical D2O was monitored in situ from the time dependence of the resonance intensities. Suitable pressure–temperature conditions are identified for the purpose of selective deuteration of 4-ethylphenol. The corresponding reaction rates are reported.
New views on the degradation and disposition of organic particles as collected by sediment traps in the open sea

Abstract Sharp gradients with depth ( z ) of fluxes ( F ) and concentrations ( C ) of organic particles are present in the upper few 100 m of the open sea. Because of under-determination of the system in the field, the balance of processes that maintain these gradients cannot yet be specified. A new scenario, with both quickly settling ( ∼ 100 m d -1 ), slowly decaying material and slowly sinking ( ∼ 20–33 m d -1 ), labile material that is degraded from within, mimics the observed gradients of F and C . A critique of recent ideas, which minimize decomposition of particles from within, notes that unambiguous interpretation in differences of cumulative particle collection between poisoned and live traps is difficult if daily decomposition rates of ∼ 20 to ∼ 30% prevail; these are claimed here for the labile fraction but have occasionally been observed even in bulk material from traps. The gradients with depth of F or C cannot be modeled as due to a first-order reaction. In addition, the description C = a z b may require b to change below the euphotic zone; quantitative and especially qualitative changes of mesozooplankton (0.2–0.3 mm) with depth are inferred as the cause. Finally, as in the euphotic zone, mesozooplankton might generate substantial amounts of dissolved organic matter at depth, which is presumably degraded by free-living bacteria. Attention to animals is urged for flux studies.