cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plant litter quality affects the accumulation rate, composition, and stability of mineral-associated soil organic matter

Abstract Mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM) is a relatively large and stable fraction of soil organic matter (SOM). Plant litters with high rates of mineralization (high quality litters) are hypothesized to promote the accumulation of MAOM with greater efficiency than plant litters with low rates of mineralization (low-quality litters) because litters with high rates of mineralization maximize the synthesis of microbial products and most MAOM is microbial-derived. However, the effect of litter quality on MAOM is inconsistent. We conducted four repeated short-term incubations (46-d each) of four plant litters (alfalfa, oats, maize and soybean) in two low-carbon subsoils (sandy loam and silty loam) with and without nutrient addition. Our short-term incubations focused on the initial stage of litter decomposition during the time when litter quality has a measureable effect on mineralization rates. Plant litter quality had a much greater effect on litter-C mineralization rate and MAOM-C accumulation than did soil type or nutrient addition. Soils amended with high-quality oat and alfalfa litters had greater MAOM-C accumulation than soils amended with low-quality maize and soybean litters. However, soils amended with high-quality litters also had greater litter-C mineralization than soils amended with low-quality litters. As a result, the accumulation of MAOM-C per unit of litter-C mineralization was lower in soils amended with high-vs. low-quality litters (0.65 vs. 1.39 g MAOM-C accumulated g−1 C mineralized). Cellulose and hemicelluose indices of accumulated MAOM were greater for maize and soybean than oats and alfalfa, however, most carbohydrates in MAOM were plant-derived regardless of litter quality. At the end of the incubations, more of the accumulated MAOM-N was potentially mineralizable in soils amended with high quality litters. Nevertheless, most of the litter-C remained as residual litter; just 12% was mineralized to CO2 and 13% was transferred to MAOM. Our results demonstrate several unexpected effects of litter quality on MAOM stabilization including the direct stabilization of plant-derived carbohydrates.
Formation of spindle fibers, kinetochore orientation, and behavior of the nuclear envelope during mitosis in endosperm

The formation of kinetochore (chromosomal) and continuous fibers, and the behavior of the nuclear envelope (NE) was described in studies combining light and electron microscopy. Microtubules (MTs) “push” and “pull” the NE which becomes progressively weaker before breaking. It breaks to a certain extent due to mechanical pressure. Clear zone MTs penetrate into the nuclear area as dense bundles and form continuous fibers. These MTs also attach to some kinetochores during this process. Some kinetochore fibers seem to be formed by the kinetochores themselves which are also responsible for further development and changes of kinetochore fibers. Formation of kinetochore fibers is asynchronous for different chromosomes and even for two sister kinetochores. Often temporary “faulty” connections between different kinetochores or the polar regions are formed which usually break in later stages. This results in movements of chromosomes toward the poles and across the spindle during prometaphase. The NE, whose fine structure has been described, breaks into small pieces which often persist to the next mitosis. Old pieces of NE are utilized in the formation of new NE at telophase. Several problems concerning the mechanism of chromosome movements, visibility of the NE, etc., have also been discussed.
Greenhouse gas fluxes under drought and nitrogen addition in a Southern California grassland

Abstract Climate and regional air quality models predict that Southern California will experience longer and more severe droughts, and possibly wetter, more intense storms and changing nitrogen (N) deposition. We investigated how the three major soil greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes respond to 4–6 years of exposure to a full-factorial experiment of reduced and augmented precipitation crossed with increased N in a semi-arid grassland in Irvine, CA, USA. The mean emission fluxes across all treatments were 249.8 mg CO2 m−2 h−1, -16.41 μg CH4 m−2 h−1, and 2.24 μg N2O m−2 h−1. Added N plots released 3.5 times more N2O than ambient N plots, and N treatment and soil moisture interacted, such that volumetric soil moisture in added N plots correlated positively with N2O release. Soil moisture, which was higher in the added water plots, correlated positively with respiration. CH4 consumption increased with soil moisture in the drought treatment, an opposite trend to that observed in most other studies. Our data suggest that CH4 consumption, N2O production, and soil respiration will decline if Southern California grasslands experience more frequent and extreme droughts. However, when drought is followed by high rainfall, the additional moisture will likely increase CH4 consumption and N2O release in periodic pulses. Overall, climatic shifts in this ecosystem may lead to a decrease in overall soil GHG emissions to the atmosphere. However, increased N deposition to Southern California will likely lead to increased N2O release and a shift in the dominant N loss pathway toward gaseous release of N. If N deposition continues to increase along with severity and duration of drought, our data predict a decrease in global warming potential (GWP) of 17.2% from this ecosystem.
Clinicopathological features and outcomes of fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma

Background: Clinicopathological features and the outcomes of patients with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma (FLHCC) are not clearly defined. Methods: Data were collected by retrospective chart review on 42 patients with FLHCC treated between 1990 and 2017 at Mayo Clinic. Results: Of 42 patients (median age at diagnosis 22 years), 10 patients (23.8%) had stage I disease and 32 patients (76.2%) had stage II to IVB disease. All 10 patients with stage I disease and 21 of 32 patients with stage II–IVB disease underwent resection at presentation. In stage I patient group, 6 patients experienced recurrence with a median time to recurrence of 30.5 months and a 5-year overall survival (OS) of 86%. Patients with stage II to IVB disease who underwent resection (n=21) upfront had a median OS of 32.5 months and 5-year OS of 44%. In the upfront surgery group, 71% of patients experienced recurrence. The median OS of patients with unresectable disease (n=11) was 10 months. Four out of nine patients treated with sorafenib had stable disease and one patient with programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expressing tumor had a near complete response after 2 months of therapy with nivolumab. Conclusions: In FLHCC, surgical resection was associated with prolonged OS; although most patients had a disease recurrence regardless of disease stage and resection margin status. The response to kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, was variable. In select cases, therapy with a checkpoint inhibitor may provide a viable treatment option.
Toward a Cultural Sociology of Immigration Control: A Call for Research:

The criminalization of immigration has garnered a great deal of attention in the United States and abroad. Most research, however, examines the political and legal shifts that produced the contempo...
Stimulating Type 1 Angiotensin Receptors on T Lymphocytes Attenuates Renal Fibrosis.

Most forms of chronic kidney disease culminate in renal fibrosis that heralds organ failure. In contrast to the protective effects of globally blocking type 1 angiotensin (AT1) receptors throughout the body, activating AT1 receptors directly on immune cells may serve protective functions. However, the effects of stimulating the T-cell AT1 receptor on the progression of renal fibrosis remain unknown. In this study, mice with T-cell–specific deletion of the dominant murine AT1 receptor isoform Lck-Cre Agtraflox/flox [total knockout (TKO)] and wild-type (WT) controls were subjected to the unilateral ureteral obstruction model of kidney fibrosis. Compared with WT controls, obstructed kidneys from TKO mice at day 14 had increased collagen 1 deposition. CD4+ T cells, CD11b+Ly6Chi myeloid cells, and mRNA levels of Th1 inflammatory cytokines are elevated in obstructed TKO kidneys, suggesting that augmented Th1 responses in the TKO mice may exaggerate renal fibrosis by driving proinflammatory macrophage differentiation. In turn, T-bet deficient (T-bet knockout) mice lacking Th1 responses have attenuated collagen deposition after unilateral ureteral obstruction. We conclude that activating the AT1 receptor on T cells mitigates renal fibrogenesis by inhibiting Th1 differentiation and renal accumulation of profibrotic macrophages.
Processes, Potential Benefits, and Limitations of Big Data Analytics: A Case Analysis of 311 Data from City of Miami

As part of the open government movement, an increasing number of 311 call centers have made their datasets available to the public. Studies have found that 311 request patterns are associated with personal attributes and living conditions. Most of these studies used New York City 311 data. In this study, we use 311 data from the City of Miami, a smaller local government, as a case study. This study contributes to digital government research and practices by making suggestions on best practices regarding the use of big data analytics on 311 data. In addition, we discuss limitations of 311 data and analytics results. Finally, we expect our results to inform decision making within the City of Miami government and other local governments.
Work–family conflict in the sales force redux: A compendium of influencers

AbstractSelling is a primary function of channels of distribution with sales managers and salespeople markedly influencing channel success. Recently, salesperson work–family conflict has become a m...
Managing Supplier Social and Environmental Impacts with Voluntary Versus Mandatory Disclosure to Investors

A buying firm might in the future incur costs associated with a supplier’s carbon dioxide emissions, safety violations, or other social or environmental impacts. Learning about a supplier’s impacts...
Chapter 190 – Parasitoids

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the parasitoids, insects with a parasitic larval stage that develops by feeding on the body of a single host insect or other arthropod. Feeding by the larval parasitoid invariably results in the death of its host, and the resulting adult parasitoid is a free living insect. Thus parasitoids occupy an intermediate position between predators and true parasites; in contrast to parasites, they kill their host like a predator, but in contrast to predators, they require only a single host to complete their development as is the case for parasites. Nearly 10% of described insect species are parasitoids and, as they often belong to poorly known groups of insects, it has been suggested that they are more likely to represent 20%–25% of all insect species. Since the first accounts of insect parasitism at the beginning of the 18th century, parasitoids have attracted considerable attention because of their potential to regulate the abundance of insect hosts in both natural and managed ecosystems. Numerous insect pests have been effectively controlled through releases of insect parasitoids in biological control programs around the world. Although not always applicable or successful, biological control continues to provide some dramatic examples of sustained long-term control of invasive insect pests. As a result of the research conducted through biological control programs, parasitoids have also become important model organisms for the study of ecology, behavior, and evolution.
Bacteriology of pediatric breast abscesses beyond the neonatal period.

Abstract Background Limited data exist regarding the presentation and bacteriology of nonneonatal pediatric breast abscess. Objective: To determine the bacteriology and characteristic presentation of pediatric breast abscesses in a tertiary care center. Methods: Cross-sectional study of patients age 1 month to 21 years admitted to a pediatric Emergency Department (ED) between 1996 and 2018 with a breast abscess. Patients with pre-existing conditions were excluded. Records were reviewed to determine demographics, history, physical exam findings, wound culture results, imaging and ED disposition. We used descriptive statistics to describe prevalence of different bacteria. Results: We identified 210 patients who met study criteria. Median age was 13.6 years [IQR 6.6, 17.4], and 91% (191/210) were females. Ninety-two patients (43.8%) were ‘pre-treated’ with antibiotics prior to ED visit, and 33/210 (16%) were febrile. Ultrasound was obtained in 85 patients (40.5%), 69 patients had a single abscess and 16 had multiple abscesses. Most patients were treated with antibiotics and 100 had a surgical intervention, of these 89 had I&D and 11 a needle aspiration. Admission rate was 45%. Culture results were available for 75 (75%). Thirty-three (44%) had a negative culture, or grew non-aureus staphylococci or other skin flora. Culture were positive for MSSA 21 (28%), MRSA 13 (17%), Proteus mirabilis 2 (2.6%), Serratia 1 (1.3%). Other organisms include Gram-negative bacilli, group A Streptococcus and enterococcus. Conclusions: Non-neonatal pediatric breast abscess bacteriology is no different than data published on other skin abscesses. MRSA coverage should be considered based on local prevalence in skin infections.
A patient-centered digital scribe for automatic medical documentation.

Objective We developed a digital scribe for automatic medical documentation by utilizing elements of patient-centered communication. Excessive time spent on medical documentation may contribute to physician burnout. Patient-centered communication may improve patient satisfaction, reduce malpractice rates, and decrease diagnostic testing expenses. We demonstrate that patient-centered communication may allow providers to simultaneously talk to patients and efficiently document relevant information. Materials and Methods We utilized two elements of patient-centered communication to document patient history. One element was summarizing, which involved providers recapping information to confirm an accurate understanding of the patient. Another element was signposting, which involved providers using transition questions and statements to guide the conversation. We also utilized text classification to allow providers to simultaneously perform and document the physical exam. We conducted a proof-of-concept study by simulating patient encounters with two medical students. Results For history sections, the digital scribe was about 2.7 times faster than both typing and dictation. For physical exam sections, the digital scribe was about 2.17 times faster than typing and about 3.12 times faster than dictation. Results also suggested that providers required minimal training to use the digital scribe, and that they improved at using the system to document history sections. Conclusion Compared to typing and dictation, a patient-centered digital scribe may facilitate effective patient communication. It may also be more reliable compared to previous approaches that solely use machine learning. We conclude that a patient-centered digital scribe may be an effective tool for automatic medical documentation.
Deep embedding and alignment of protein sequences

Protein sequence alignment is a key component of most bioinformatics pipelines to study the structures and functions of proteins. Aligning highly divergent sequences remains, however, a difficult task that current algorithms often fail to perform accurately, leaving many proteins or open reading frames poorly annotated. Here, we leverage recent advances in deep learning for language modelling and differentiable programming to propose DEDAL, a flexible model to align protein sequences and detect homologs. DEDAL is a machine learning-based model that learns to align sequences by observing large datasets of raw protein sequences and of correct alignments. Once trained, we show that DEDAL improves by up to two- or three-fold the alignment correctness over existing methods on remote homologs, and better discriminates remote homologs from evolutionarily unrelated sequences, paving the way to improvements on many downstream tasks relying on sequence alignment in structural and functional genomics.
Pitch rate and pitch-axis location effects on vortex breakdown onset

Computational results are presented for the onset of vortex breakdown above a 75-deg sweep delta wing subject to a ramp-type pitch maneuver to high angle of attack. The flows are simulated by solving the full threedimensional unsteady NavierStokes equations on a moving grid using the implicit Beam-Warming algorithm. An assessment of the effects of numerical resolution, and comparison with experiment are employed to validate the computational approach. The effects of pitch rate and pitch-axis location are examined. For a range of these parameters, it is found that either increasing pitch rate or moving the axis downstream results in a larger angular delay of vortex bursting. These effects are correlated with the motion-induced effective incidence along the wing. For fixed pitch rate, the change in pivot location is equivalent to a shift in time without significant alteration of the flow structure.
Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Confirmatory factor analysis is a statistical technique used when investigating the structure of multivariate data. Each of a set of n observed variables is represented as a linear combination of m (m < n) unobserved latent variables or factors, plus an independent error term. The n × n covariance matrix corresponding to the n-dimensional observed variables contains the individual variable variances on the diagonal, and the covariances for all pairs of the individual observed variables in the corresponding off-diagonal positions. A matrix equation, called the covariance equation, relates this n × n covariance matrix to the matrix whose n rows correspond to the coefficients of the m latent factors referred to as factor loadings, and the covariance matrices of the unobserved latent factors and the errors. Confirmatory factor analysis is used to test whether a hypothesized structure is appropriate for multivariate data. The hypothesized structure constrains the matrices appearing in the covariance equation. Individual covariances among the latent factors or among the error terms can be assumed equal or set to zero. Likewise, selected variances (diagonal entries) may be presumed to be equal within each of these matrices. Also, selected factor loadings may be set to zero. A random sample of multivariate observations is used to estimate the corresponding sample covariance matrix with and without the constraints imposed by the hypothesized structure. The “constraint free” covariance matrix is the matrix containing the typical sample descriptive statistics. Maximum likelihood estimation is typically used to determine estimates, with the constraints imposed, of the covariance matrices of the latent factors and errors, and the matrix of factor loadings. A statistical test is conducted to determine whether the hypothesized structure fits the data by comparing the sample covariance matrix to its counterpart produced from the covariance equation using the matrices estimated by maximum likelihood (constraints imposed). Keywords: confirmatory factor analysis; covariance; maximum likelihood estimation; goodness of fit; latent factors
Synthesis of sulfate and selenate sodalites and cancrinites with T-atom variations

Abstract With a view to manipulating S and Se clusters in SOD, which produce the blue, green and red colors in this zeolite, the T-atoms in the conventional blue aluminosilicate have been systematically replaced by Ga and Ge to give the additional combinations Ga/Si, Ge/Si, Al/Ge and Al/Ga. Experiments run at 100 °C, 150 °C and 180 °C generally produce SOD or CAN, but FAU, LTA and other phases were also observed. Unlike the “control” Na/TMA-aluminosilicate -SOD, no color was observed in any of the other calcined SOD products. Several experiments yielded unusually large single crystals of SOD and CAN.
Poly[bis-(4-amino-pyridinium) deca-oxotrimolybdate(VI)]

The hydro­thermally synthesized title compound, {(C5H7N2)2[Mo3O10]}n, contains [Mo3O10]n2n− chains, which are generated through inversion symmetry. An extensive N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding network is observed between the C5H7N2+ cations and the chains.
The Failure of Frances’s Live Skepticism

In his Scepticism Comes Alive , Bryan Frances contends that his “live skepticism” poses a genuine challenge to claims of knowledge in a way that classic “brain-in-a-vat” skepticism does not. This is mistaken. In this paper, I argue that Frances’s live skepticism dies on the horns of a dilemma: if we interpret a key premise in Frances’s skeptical argument template sociologically, then it undercuts itself, showing that there is no reason to accept it and the argument fails. If we interpret that premise normatively, then the difference in the epistemic threat posed by live hypotheses compared to that of their moribund cousins evaporates, and with it, the purported distinctiveness of the live skeptical argument.
Startup of the Leonhard Center for enhancement of engineering education

An endowed Center to stimulate innovations in engineering education was established in 1992. Similar centers have been set up at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Georgia Tech, and the Polytechnic University of New York, with others under consideration. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into how the Penn State Center started, its problems, failures and successes, and future directions, so that similar centers can build on the knowledge gained.
Cells, sales, and royalties: the patient's right to a portion of the profits.

For approximately seven years, John Moore underwent diagnosis, treatment, and care for "hairy cell leukemia." In the course of treatment, doctors at UCLA Medical Center drew Moore's blood, blood components, by-products, and genetic material, and removed bodily tissues and spleen. Although the primary purpose of this medical care was to cure his cancer, the doctors received his consent to use his blood and bodily substances in research unrelated to treating Moore's illness. Dr. David Golde and Shirley Quan, a technician and inventor, eventually used Moore's unique cells as the basis for the development of the "Mo-cell Line,"1 which they patented and sold to biotechnology companies for considerable profit.2 Dr. Golde has stated that "to our knowledge, this is the only human cellline that produces these factors."3 Moore brought suit against Golde and Quan, the Regents of the University of California, the UCLA Medical Center, and a host of genetic, biomedicai, and bioengineering firms, some known and some yet unknown to the plaintiff.4 He claims that had he known
Recent progress in fiber dispersion compensators

This paper reviews the progress in fiber dispersion compensators. Different dispersion compensation technologies including dispersion compensation fibers, fiber Bragg gratings, virtual image phased array and planar waveguide-based devices are discussed with the focus on new developments in dispersion and dispersion slope compensation fibers.
Management of Tomato Ringspot Virus in Red Raspberry with Crop Rotation

Abstract Tomato ringspot virus (ToRSV) is an important disease of red raspberry which is vectored by the dagger nematode, Xiphinema americanum. A field study was conducted to evaluate crop rotation as an alternative to soil fumigation for the management of ToRSV. The effects of treatments on nematode population densities and ToRSV were evaluated for 18 months during growth of rotation crops, and for 36 months after replanting raspberries. Treatments included the rotational crops rapeseed (Brassica napus) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) (nonhosts for ToRSV), clean fallow, fumigation with methyl bromide, and controls in which raspberries followed raspberries. At planting, X. americanum densities were highest in fescue and control plots and lowest in fumigated plots, but densities decreased and remained low in all plots after planting ‘Meeker’ raspberries. Raspberry leaves were collected in each plot and assayed for ToRSV with ELISA for 3 years. ToRSV was detected only in the control plots. Rotations w...
The effects of ozone/limonene reactions on indoor secondary organic aerosols

Abstract An indoor air quality model was used to predict dynamic particle mass concentrations based on homogeneous chemical mechanisms and partitioning of semi-volatile products to particles. The ozone–limonene reaction mechanism was combined with gas-phase chemistry of common atmospheric organic and inorganic compounds and incorporated into the indoor air quality model. Experiments were conducted in an environmental chamber to investigate secondary particle formation resulting from ozone/limonene reactions. Experimental results indicate that significant fine particle growth occurs due to the interaction of ozone and limonene and subsequent intermediate by-products. Secondary particle mass concentrations were estimated from the measured particle size distribution. Predicted particle mass concentrations were in good agreement with experimental results—generally within ∼25% at steady-state conditions. Both experimental and predicted results suggest that air exchange rate plays a significant role in determining secondary fine particle levels in indoor environments. Secondary particle mass concentrations are predicted to increase substantially with lower air exchange rates, an interesting result given a continuing trend toward more energy efficient buildings. Lower air exchange rates also shifted the particle size distribution toward larger particle diameters. Secondary particle mass concentrations are also predicted to increase with higher outdoor ozone concentrations, higher outdoor particle concentrations, higher indoor limonene emission rates, and lower indoor temperatures.
Performance and physiological measures in abuse liability evaluation

Abuse liability testing involves an evaluation of the likelihood of drug-self-use and also an evaluation of the harmful effects of drug use. This paper reviews the rationale and utility of examining performance a physiological measures in clinical abuse liability evaluation
Fractionation of Lipids by Countercurrent distribution

The application of countercurrent distribution to the fractionation of lipids both for analytical and preparative purposes, is presented. The method has been applied to the separation of a wide variety of lipids including: fatty acids, methylesters of fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, derivatives of phospholipids, complex lipid mixtures and non-lipid contaminants.
Evaluation of three methods for culturing alginate throat swabs from cystic fibrosis patients

Deep throat swabs are usually cultured for potential respiratory pathogens in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who do not produce sputum. Using alginate swabs, three methods were examined in the present study: (i) semiquantitative processing (direct plating); (ii) mere elution of swabs in Ringer's lactate followed by plating of the eluate; and (iii) complete quantitative processing (elution plus two-step dilution series). Throat swabs from 56 CF patients yielded 122 isolates of potential respiratory pathogens. Semiquantitative processing (n = 101 isolates) was not significantly inferior to elution (n = 104) and quantitative processing (n = 113; p > 0.05). Since semiquantitative processing is the simplest method, it is to be preferred, provided that alginate swabs are used.
Pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide in man

Abstract 1. The pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide were investigated in cancer patients. The data can be characterized by a two-compartment open model. The half life of the elimination phase of the drug ranged between 3 and 11 hours. 2. Extensive tubular reabsorption of the drug resulted in the excretion of only a small percentage of the administered dose. The mean renal clearance was 10·7 ml/minute. 3. The calculated fraction of the dose of drug which was metabolized averaged 88%.
Comparison of energy-budget evaporation losses from two morphometrically different Florida seepage lakes

Abstract Evaporation was computed by the energy-budget method for two north Florida lakes with similar surface areas but different depths, for the period May 1989 to December 1990. Lake Barco, in north-central Florida, is shallow, with an average depth of 3 m; Lake Five-O, in the Florida panhandle, is considerably deeper, with an average depth of 9.5 m. As a result, the thermal regime and seasonal evaporation rates of the lakes are different. Evaporation from the shallower lake was higher than that from the deeper lake in the winter and spring. In the late summer and autumn, however, the situation is reversed. Evaporation from the shallow lake is directly related to the amount of incoming shortwave radiation because of its limited ability to store energy. The lag in evaporation at the deeper lake is a function of the greater amount of heat that it seasonally stores and releases. The difference in annual evaporation between Lake Barco (151 cm year −1 ) and Lake Five-O (128 cm year −1 ) is related to differences in regional climatic conditions between the two sites. Additionally, higher than normal evaporation rates at the two lakes are probably related to drought conditions experienced in north Florida during 1990, which resulted in higher temperatures and more incoming radiation. Monthly evaporation at Lake Barco could usually be estimated within 10% of the energy-budget evaporation using a constant pan coefficient. This lake may be representative of other shallow lakes that do not store considerable heat. Monthly evaporation at Lake Five-O, however, could not be estimated accurately by using an annual pan coefficient because of the large seasonal influence of change in stored heat. Monthly mass-transfer evaporation compared well with energy-budget evaporation at Lake Barco, but did not compare well at Lake Five-O. These errors may also be associated with changes in heat storage. Thus, the thermal regime of the lake must be considered to estimate accurately the seasonal evaporation rates from a deep lake.
Ethacrynic acid and kidney cell metabolism

Abstract Cellular effects of ethacrynic acid were examined in the rabbit and rat kidney. Emphasis was placed on levels of the compound in vitro lower than those employed in earlier studies. In the present study in vitro , ethacrynic acid is without effect on sodium-potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity. When 0.1 mM ethacrynic acid is incubated with rabbit kidney cortex slices, it inhibits the maintenance of intracellular potassium but has no effect on cellular respiration or cell volume. Ethacrynic acid (0.05 mM) inhibits the respiration of isolated mitochondria and suppresses membrane ATPase stimulation of mitochondrial respiration. Ethacrynic acid administered in vivo at a dose sufficient to elicit a diuretic response does not affect kidney mitochondrial respiration or inhibit the sodium-potassium-dependent ATPase activity. Ethacrynic acid labeled with carbon-14 localizes in part in the kidney plasma membrane. About 90 per cent of the plasma membrane-bound ethacrynic acid is found in association with proteins comprising the low molecular weight fraction. The compound is not bound significantly to cell membrane macromolecules associated with the ATPase system.
New motifs in DNA nanotechnology

Recently, we have invested a great deal of effort to construct molecular building blocks from unusual DNA motifs. DNA is an extremely favorable construction medium. The sticky-ended association of DNA molecules occurs with high specificity, and it results in the formation of B-DNA, whose structure is well known. The use of stable-branched DNA molecules permits one to make stick-figures. We have used this strategy to construct a covalently closed DNA molecule whose helix axes have the connectivity of a cube, and a second molecule, whose helix axes have the connectivity of a truncated octahedron. In addition to branching topology, DNA also yields control of linking topology, because double helical half-turns of B-DNA or Z-DNA can be equated, respectively, with negative or positive crossings in topological objects. Consequently, we have been able to use DNA to make trefoil knots of both signs and figure of 8 knots. By making RNA knots, we have discovered the existence of an RNA topoisomerase. DNA-based topological control has also led to the construction of Borromean rings, which could be used in DNA-based computing applications. The key feature previously lacking in DNA construction has been a rigid molecule. We have discovered that DNA double crossover molecules can provide this capability. We have incorporated these components in DNA assemblies that use this rigidity to achieve control on the geometrical level, as well as on the topological level. Some of these involve double crossover molecules, and others involve double crossovers associated with geometrical figures, such as triangles and deltahedra.
Rallying for repression: police terror, “law-and-order” politics, and the decline of Maine’s prisoners’ rights movement

This essay analyzes right-wing activism in Maine’s law enforcement community in relation to the state’s prisoners’ rights movement during the early 1970s. Viewing violent political repression as central to the decline of the radical prisoners’ rights organization, Statewide Correctional Alliance for Reform (SCAR), I argue that vigilante activity and police attacks on prison activists, including Portland Police Officer Edward Foster’s botched attempt to organize a police “death squad” to assassinate local ex-convicts during the summer of 1974, should be understood as the work of a right-wing social movement in 1970s Maine that included activist prison guards, police officers, law enforcement officials, and their supporters. Although most Maine law enforcement agents would never have publicly condoned politically motivated arrests or vigilantism, the above were united in their embrace of a conservative ideology associated with Nixon-era law-and-order politics. Whether acting legally as grassroots community ...
10 Insulin Response to Glucose Predicts Endothelial Dysfunction in Adolescence

Background: Insulin resistance is known to affect endothelial function in adults leading to cardiovascular disease. It is important to assess adolescent changes during puberty and how they relate to carbohydrate and insulin physiology. Design/Methods: Strain gauge plethysmography and radial arterial tonometry were used to determine the percent change in forearm vascular resistance (mean arterial pressure/forearm blood flow; reactive hyperemia; RH) following 5 min of upper arm vascular occlusion after overnight fast in 14 healthy Caucasians (age 14.3±2.0 years; BMI 19.8±3.0 kg/m2; mean SD) the frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test, IVGTT, and minimum model were used to assess insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness (SG) and acute insulin response to glucose (AIRG). Results: The RH was negatively correlated with AIRG (r=-0.74, p=0.022) and tended to positively correlate with log disposition index (AIRGxSI) (r=0.62, p=0.056) (figure 1). No relations between RH and SG or SI. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that Caucasian adolescents with a high acute insulin response have poorer endothelial function. Thus high insulin levels may impair endothelial function and increase risk of cardiovascular disease. The relationship between DI and RH suggest that even in adolescence there is a close relationship between risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Time-Dependence of Epoxy Debonding

Test geometries with well-defined stresses at the initiation of adhesive failure (failure in adhesion) were used to examine debonding of epoxies in controlled ramp and creep tests. Little effect of substrate, curative, or filler content was seen in failure initiation for the variations studied. The time-to-fail in creep tests depended sensitively on the applied load. Sinusoidal shear loads were also applied in both single (zero to max) and double-sided (− max to + max) mode. Whereas the single-sided, oscillatory loaded samples failed much later than samples loaded in creep to the same maximum stress, double-sided times-to-fail were similar to those in creep.
Directional hydrogen bonding in the MM3 force field. I

The MM3 molecular mechanics program calculates a fair representation of hydrogen bonding interactions, but to improve the MM3 hydrogen bond potential, a directional term has been added to the hydrogen bonding function. The resulting total function was reoptimized. Comparisons of the hydrogen bonding potential functions from ab initio, the original MM3, the current MM3(92) force field and the reoptimized MM3 force field MM3(94) for a variety of C,N,O systems are described.
Cognitive task analysis for teaching technical skills in an inanimate surgical skills laboratory.

Abstract Background The teaching of surgical skills is based mostly on the traditional “see one, do one, teach one” resident-to-resident method. Surgical skills laboratories provide a new environment for teaching skills but their effectiveness has not been adequately tested. Cognitive task analysis is an innovative method to teach skills, used successfully in nonmedical fields. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-hour surgical skills laboratory course on central venous catheterization (CVC), taught by the principles of cognitive task analysis to surgical interns. Methods Upon arrival to the Department of Surgery, 26 new interns were randomized to either receive a surgical skills laboratory course on CVC (“course” group, n = 12) or not (“traditional” group, n = 14). The course consisted mostly of hands-on training on inanimate CVC models. All interns took a 15-item multiple-choice question test on CVC at the beginning of the study. Within two and a half months all interns performed CVC on critically ill patients. The outcome measures were cognitive knowledge and technical-skill competence on CVC. These outcomes were assessed by a 14-item checklist evaluating the interns while performing CVC on a patient and by the 15-item multiple-choice-question test, which was repeated at that time. Results There were no differences between the two groups in the background characteristics of the interns or the patients having CVC. The scores at the initial multiple-choice test were similar (course: 7.33 ± 1.07, traditional: 8 ± 2.15, P = 0.944). However, the course interns scored significantly higher in the repeat test compared with the traditional interns (11 ± 1.86 versus 8.64 ± 1.82, P = 0.03). Also, the course interns achieved a higher score on the 14-item checklist (12.6 ± 1.1 versus 7.5 ± 2.2, P P = 0.046) and showed a trend toward less time to complete the procedure (15.4 ± 9.5 versus 20.6 ± 9.1 minutes, P = 0.149). Conclusions A surgical skills laboratory course on CVC, taught by the principles of cognitive task analysis and using inanimate models, improves the knowledge and technical skills of new surgical interns on this task.
Novel interactions between NFATc1 (Nuclear Factor of Activated T cells c1) and STAT-3 (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-3) mediate G protein-coupled receptor agonist, thrombin-induced biphasic expression of cyclin D1, with first phase influencing cell migration and second phase directing cell proliferation.

Abstract Thrombin, a G protein-coupled receptor agonist, induced a biphasic expression of cyclin D1 in primary vascular smooth muscle cells. Although both phases of cyclin D1 expression require binding of the newly identified cooperative complex, NFATc1·STAT-3, to its promoter, the second phase, which is more robust, depends on NFATc1-mediated recruitment of p300 onto the complex and the subsequent acetylation of STAT-3. In addition, STAT-3 is tyrosine-phosphorylated in a biphasic manner, and the late phase requires NFATc1-mediated p300-dependent acetylation. Furthermore, interference with acetylation of STAT-3 by overexpression of acetylation null STAT-3 mutant led to the loss of the late phase of cyclin D1 expression. EMSA analysis and reporter gene assays revealed that NFATc1·STAT-3 complex binding to the cyclin D1 promoter led to an enhanceosome formation and facilitated cyclin D1 expression. In the early phase of its expression, cyclin D1 is localized mostly in the cytoplasm and influenced cell migration. However, during the late and robust phase of its expression, cyclin D1 is translocated to the nucleus and directed cell proliferation. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time that the dual function of cyclin D1 in cell migration and proliferation is temperospatially separated by its biphasic expression, which is mediated by cooperative interactions between NFATc1 and STAT-3.
REGIONAL AND SEASONAL WATER SUPPLY IN THE TARIM BASIN AND ITS RELATION TO CULTIVATED LAND POTENTIALS

In Communist China's effort to enlarge the support base for her large population, her geologists, geographers, climatologists, agronomists, and engineers have concentrated especially upon irrigation measures. In Sinkiang, as elsewhere in China, much water has gone unused that could have been exploited for irrigation. This article examines the glacial-melt sources for water in the Tarim basin (the most important agricultural region of Sinkiang), the flow data for its fourteen largest streams, and the character of the seasonal flow in various parts of the basin. Since the water must be fresh enough to be usable, the limitations posed by groundwater salinization resulting both from natural processes and from cultivation add to the complexity of the problems. Using the data on river flow, the average requirements of various crops, the reported area already under irrigation, and the considerations of salinization and seepage in reclamation problems, the writer arrives at the conclusion that as of 1963 there remained only sufficient potential water from the fourteen major rivers to irrigate an additional four to five million acres of crop land.
Effects of Ar Vs. O2 Ambient On Pulsed-Laser-Deposited Ga-Doped ZnO

Abstract Ga-doped ZnO films were deposited by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) at 200 °C and 10 mTorr in either pure argon (Ar films) or in oxygen (O 2 films). The bulk resistivity of the Ar films is −4 Ω cm at 300 K, two orders of magnitude lower than that of the O 2 films. In the Ar films, the donor concentration N D as determined by a detailed Hall-effect analysis is close to 100% of the total Ga concentration [Ga] measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), while in the O 2 films N D is less than 50% of [Ga]. Furthermore, the compensation ratio K = N A / N D is >90% for the O 2 films and 2 films have resistivities of about 5×10 −4 Ω cm, approaching those of the Ar films. These results suggest that oxygen-rich environments produce Ga/O complexes that reduce the dopant activation efficiency and thus decrease N D and increase K . Some of these complexes may also contribute to the increase in deep centers observed in photoluminescence.
Variations in semiconducting polymer microstructure and hole mobility with spin-coating speed

The molecular orientation of regioregular poly(3-hexylthiophene) varies from edge-on to plane-on depending on the film drying rate controlled by spin-coating speed. The field effect hole mobility v...
Genetic association of increases in naphthalene, acetanilide, and biphenyl hydroxylations with inducible aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in mice

Abstract The induction of four hepatic monooxygenase activities, naphthalene trans-1,2-dihy-drodiol formation, acetanilide 4-hydroxylase, biphenyl 4-hydroxylase, and biphenyl 2-hydroxylase, by polycyclic aromatic compounds is genetically associated with the induction of aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase activity and cytochrome P 1 -450 in C57BL/6N and DBA/2N inbred mice and among progeny from the appropriate genetic crosses involving these two progenitor strains. These enzyme activities were studied with respect to (i) preferential inhibition by metyrapone, α-naphthoflavone, or Tween 80 in vitro ; (ii) use of the microsomal inducers 3-methylcholanthrene, β-naphthoflavone, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin, or phenobarbital; (iii) apparent K m values; and (iv) heat inactivation. Several lines of evidence suggest that aromatic hydrocarbon-induced naphthalene monooxygenase, acetanilide 4-hydroxylase, biphenyl 4-hydroxylase, and biphenyl 2-hydroxylase activities are, like the induced aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, associated with cytochrome(s) P 1 -450 and that the basal activities of the first three of these enzymes are, like basal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity, associated with one (or more) forms of cytochrome P -450 other than cytochrome(s) P 1 -450. On the other hand, the basal biphenyl 2-hydroxylase activity in mouse liver appears to be associated solely with cytochrome(s) P 1 -450; this finding differs from all other basal monooxygenase activities associated with the Ah locus and studied thus far in a similar manner.
Comparison of breast cancer recurrence risk and cardiovascular disease incidence risk among postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in postmenopausal women. Competing comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), should be considered when individualizing adjuvant therapies for these women. We compared the 10-year predicted breast cancer recurrence risk with CVD risk among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), non-metastatic breast cancer. CVD risk factor data were prospectively collected from postmenopausal women with stage I-III, HR+ breast cancer initiating adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy. We compared predicted 10-year CVD risk, including the composite index heart age, computed from modified Framingham risk score, with predicted 10-year risk of breast cancer recurrence using Adjuvant! Online. We created multivariable logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for greater CVD risk than breast cancer recurrence risk. Among 415 women, mean age and heart age were 60 and 67 years, respectively. Overall, 43% of women had a predicted 10-year CVD risk equivalent to breast cancer recurrence risk and 37% had CVD risk higher than breast cancer recurrence risk. Predicted CVD risk was higher than breast cancer recurrence risk for stage I disease (OR: 6.1, 95% CI: 3.4–11.2) or heart age >65 (OR: 12.4, 95% CI: 7.0–22.6). The majority of postmenopausal women with HR+ early breast cancer had a predicted 10-year CVD risk that was equivalent to or higher than breast cancer recurrence risk. Physicians should weigh competing risks and offer early screening and cardiac prevention strategies for women at a greater risk for CVD.
A Modeling Study of Circulation and Eddies in the Persian Gulf

Abstract The circulation and mesoscale eddies in the Persian Gulf are investigated using results from a high-resolution (∼1 km) Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). The circulation in the Persian Gulf is composed of two spatial scales: basin scale and mesoscale. The progression of a cyclonic circulation cell dominates the basin-scale circulation in the eastern half of the gulf (52°–55°E) during March–July. This is primarily the consequence of density-driven outflow–inflow through the Strait of Hormuz and strong stratification. A northwestward-flowing Iranian Coastal Current (ICC; 30–40 cm s−1) between the Strait of Hormuz and north of Qatar (∼52°E) forms the northern flank of the cell. Between July and August the ICC becomes unstable because of the baroclinic instability mechanism by releasing the potential energy stored in the cross-shelf density gradient. As a result, the meanders in the ICC evolve into a series of mesoscale eddies, which is denoted as the Iranian coastal eddies (ICE). The ICE have a ...