cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of GRP1-catalyzed ADP Ribosylation Factor Guanine Nucleotide Exchange by Phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-Trisphosphate

Cellular levels of phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) are rapidly elevated in response to activation of growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases. This polyphosphoinositide binds the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of GRP1, a protein that also contains 200 residues with high sequence similarity to a segment of the yeast Sec7 protein that functions as an ADP ribosylation exchange factor (ARF) (Klarlund, J., Guilherme, A., Holik, J. J., Virbasius, J. V., Chawla, A., and Czech, M. P. (1997) Science 275, 1927-1930). Here we show that dioctanoyl PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 binds the PH domain of GRP1 with a Kd = 0.5 microM, an affinity 2 orders of magnitude greater than dioctanoyl-PtdIns(4,5)P2. Further, the Sec7 domain of GRP1 is found to catalyze guanine nucleotide exchange of ARF1 and -5 but not ARF6. Importantly, PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, but not PtdIns(4,5)P2, markedly enhances the ARF exchange activity of GRP1 in a reaction mixture containing dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine micelles, 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonic acid, and a low concentration of sodium cholate. PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-mediated ARF nucleotide exchange through GRP1 is selectively blocked by 100 microM inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate, which also binds the PH domain of GRP1. Taken together, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that selective recruitment of GRP1 to PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 in membranes activates ARF1 and -5, known regulators of intracellular membrane trafficking.
Role of Simulation in US Physician Licensure and Certification

The evolution of simulation from an educational tool to an emerging evaluative tool has been rapid. Physician certification has a long history and serves an important role in assuring that practicing physicians are competent and capable of providing a high level of safe care to patients. Traditional assessment methods have relied mostly on multiple-choice exams or continuing medical education exercises. These methods may not be adequate to assess all competencies necessary for excellence in medical practice. Simulation enables assessment of physician competencies in real time and represents the next step in physician certification in the modern age of healthcare. Mt Sinai J Med 79:140–153, 2012.© 2012 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Scanning tunneling microscopy of the subsurface structures of tungsten ditelluride and molybdenum ditelluride.

The surface structure of the van der Waals faces of tungsten ditelluride (${\mathrm{WTe}}_{2}$) and molybdenum ditelluride (2H-${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$) have been studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The hexagonal symmetry observed on the 2H-${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$ surface is similar to that observed previously on other transition-metal dichalcogenides. On ${\mathrm{WTe}}_{2}$, which has a distorted layered structure due to the pairing of the metal atoms, the scanning tunneling micrographs distinctly show the dominance of the metal. Buckled, zig-zag chains of paired atomic rows, which are the signature of the tungsten layer, are observed. These results show for the first time that subsurface atoms can be imaged with the STM. The corrugated surface tellurium layer could not be identified unambiguously in two-dimensional scans. These results are surprising because a first-principles pseudofunction calculation of the surface-electronic charge density around the Fermi energy of the ${\mathrm{WTe}}_{2}$ surface shows that the calculated spatial distribution of the charge density at the surface has the characteristics of the topmost Te atoms. The experimental observations suggest that, unlike the case of graphite images, a direct comparison of the STM image of this surface with calculated surface charge density is not possible. These observations further suggest that the hexagonal symmetry observed in ${\mathrm{MoTe}}_{2}$ and other transition-metal dichalcogenides is also due to the metal layer rather than the surface chalcogenides.
Chairman's corner IEEE SAC

Much of the brilliant success of Potentials is due to the excellent service of its student editor, Ruth Dolenga, whose ideas and energy add greatly to the student personality of the magazine. She spends many hours conducting surveys, soliciting articles on topics of particular interest to students, and otherwise helping to make the magazine meaningful and vital. As she nears the end of her two-year term in office, we of the Student Activities Committee express again our sincere appreciation. We fully expect that Ruth will continue to contribute to Potentials, student activities, and the IEEE in general as she pursues her professional career. Thanks, Ruth, for a job well done.
A Prospective Randomized Comparison in Humans of Biphasic Waveform 60-μF and 120-μF Capacitance Pulses Using A Unipolar Defibrillation System

Background Improving unipolar implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) effectiveness has favorable implications for ICD safety, efficacy, and size. Advances in defibrillation efficacy would accelerate ICD ease of use by decreasing device size and by minimizing morbidity and mortality related to an improved defibrillation safety margin. The specific purpose of the present study was to determine whether unipolar defibrillation efficacy could be improved further in humans by lowering biphasic waveform capacitance. Methods and Results We prospectively and randomly compared the defibrillation efficacy of a 60-μF and a 120-μF capacitance asymmetrical 65% tilt biphasic waveform using a unipolar defibrillation system in 38 consecutive cardiac arrest survivors before implantation of a presently available standard transvenous defibrillation system. The right ventricular defibrillation electrode had a 5-cm coil located on a 10.5F lead and was used as the anode. The system cathode was the electrically active 108-...
Clinical decision tool for optimal delivery of liver stereotactic body radiation therapy: Photons versus protons

Abstract Purpose Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treatment of liver tumors is often limited by liver dose constraints. Protons offer potential for more liver sparing, but clinical situations in which protons may be superior to photons are not well described. We developed and validated a treatment decision model to determine whether liver tumors of certain sizes and locations are more suited for photon versus proton SBRT. Methods and materials Six spherical mock tumors from 1 to 6 cm in diameter were contoured on computed tomography images of 1 patient at 4 locations: dome, caudal, left medial, and central. Photon and proton plans were generated to deliver 50 Gy in 5 fractions to each tumor and optimized to deliver equivalent target coverage and maximal liver sparing. Using these plans, we developed a hypothesis-generating model to predict the optimal modality for maximal liver sparing based on tumor size and location. We then validated this model in 10 patients with liver tumors. Results Protons spared significantly more liver than photons for dome or central tumors ≥3 cm (dome: 134 ± 21 cm 3 , P = .03; central: 108 ± 4 cm 3 , P = .01). Our model correctly predicted the optimal SBRT modality for all 10 patients. For patients with dome or central tumors ≥3 cm, protons significantly increased the volume of liver spared (176 ± 21 cm 3 , P = .01) and decreased the mean liver dose (8.4 vs 12.2 Gy, P = .01) while offering no significant advantage for tumors Conclusions When feasible, protons should be considered as the radiation modality of choice for dome and central tumors >3 cm to allow maximal liver sparing and potentially reduce radiation toxicity. Protons should also be considered for any tumor >5 cm if photon plans fail to achieve adequate coverage or exceed the mean liver threshold.
Acculturative Stress Among Hispanics: A Bidimensional Model of Ethnic Identification

This study was an attempt to examine the effects of two components of social identification (i. e., ethnic and mainstream) on stress related to both cultural disparity and perceived discrimination. Results based on a sample of 164 Hispanics indicated the independence of these two dimensions of social identification. As hypothesized, lack of mainstream acceptance was associated with acculturative stress. Furthermore, among individuals with a high level of ethnic identification, poor identification with the mainstream resulted in more stress than high mainstream identification. These findings suggested that the bipolar model, in which ethnic and mainstream affiliation are considered opposites of each other, should be revised.
School-age children talk about chess: does knowledge drive syntactic complexity?

Purpose This study examined language productivity and syntactic complexity in school-age children in relation to their knowledge of the topic of discussion—the game of chess. Method Children (N = 3...
Use of a 35.5 kDa cell membrane composition of Pasteurella multocida and an anti-idiotype antibody to induce protective immunity in leghorn chickens

Abstract Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis, a 35.5 kDa cell membrane composition of Pasteurella multocida ATCC 11039 was identified as a dominant epitope of the bacterium. Mice inoculated with inactivated whole bacteria produce antisera primarily reactive with the 35.5 kDa component (Pm35.5) in Western blot analysis. The outer membrane component was composed primarily of protein but did have lipopolysaccharide present at 133 μg mg −1 protein. In challenge trials (Trial 2), groups of white leghorn chickens vaccinated with Pm35.5 or an anti-idiotypic antibody (using Pm35.5 as the original antigen) had significant difference in mortality of 3.2% and 48.3%, respectively, when compared with unvaccinated controls (99%). Mortality in a group of chickens receiving a commercially available bacterin (9.2%) was higher but not significantly different from the mortality of the Pm35.5 vaccinated group (3.2%).
Neuroprotective role of hydralazine in rat spinal cord injury-attenuation of acrolein-mediated damage

Acrolein, an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde and a reactive product of lipid peroxidation, has been suggested as a key factor in neural post-traumatic secondary injury in spinal cord injury (SCI), mainly based on in vitro and ex vivo evidence. Here, we demonstrate an increase of acrolein up to 300%; the elevation lasted at least 2 weeks in a rat SCI model. More importantly, hydralazine, a known acrolein scavenger can provide neuroprotection when applied systemically. Besides effectively reducing acrolein, hydralazine treatment also resulted in significant amelioration of tissue damage, motor deficits, and neuropathic pain. This effect was further supported by demonstrating the ability of hydralazine to reach spinal cord tissue at a therapeutic level following intraperitoneal application. This suggests that hydralazine is an effective neuroprotective agent not only in vitro, but in a live animal model of SCI as well. Finally, the role of acrolein in SCI was further validated by the fact that acrolein injection into the spinal cord caused significant SCI-like tissue damage and motor deficits. Taken together, available evidence strongly suggests a critical causal role of acrolein in the pathogenesis of spinal cord trauma. Since acrolein has been linked to a variety of illness and conditions, we believe that acrolein-scavenging measures have the potential to be expanded significantly ensuring a broad impact on human health. The pathological role of acrolein in spinal cord injury (SCI) is demonstrated through its prolonged elevation and subsequent reduction by hydralazine, an acrolein scavenger, which leads to amelioration of tissue damage, motor deficits, and neuropathic pain. Acrolein injection into the spinal cord caused similar SCI pathologies that further support its role as an effective therapeutic target in SCI.
Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis: Classification, Pathogenetic Mechanisms, and Therapy

Immunopathologic studies over the past two decades have demonstrated that rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) can result from glomerular deposition of anti-GBM antibody, immune complexes, or from some as yet undefined mechanism that does not involve glomerular antibody deposition. The latter process may be cell mediated and resembles a small vessel vasculitis. Most cases of idiopathic RPGN are not accompanied by pathogenic glomerular immunoglobulin deposition. Recent experimental studies of immune mechanisms of glomerular injury have identified several new processes that can induce damage to the capillary wall sufficient to result in crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). These include direct effects of anti-GBM antibody alone and of the complement C5b-9 (membrane attack) complex, nephritogenic effects of inflammatory effector cells that involve reactive oxygen species and glomerular halogenation, and injury mediated by sensitized lymphocytes independently of antibody deposition. Macrophages have been shown to participate in both intracapillary and extracapillary fibrin deposition and crescent formation as well as to mediate capillary wall damage. The role of resident glomerular cells and cell-cell interactions in glomerulonephritis is still under active investigation. Despite these several advances in understanding immune injury to the glomerulus, therapy for RPGN remains largely empiric. Although the prognosis in RPGN has clearly improved over time, no form of disease-specific therapy has been clearly shown yet to be beneficial in a controlled study. Interpretation of the existing literature on therapy is complicated by the availability of only historical rather than concurrent controls, lack of attention to several variables known to affect disease outcome, and uncertainty regarding bias in favor of reporting positive results. Available data suggests that optimal outcomes may be achieved in anti-GBM nephritis by treatment with steroids, immunosuppression and plasma exchange, particularly when therapy is directed at patients with mild but rapidly progressive disease before oliguria or severe azotemia develop. Pulse steroids are probably the most cost-effective therapy for the idiopathic form of RPGN, but treatment with cytotoxic agents should be considered if clinical or histologic evidence of vasculitis is present.
Free amino acids and glutathione of normal and syphilitic rabbit testes.

SummaryA method for separating the free amino acids from proteins and other large molecules, and from interfering reduced glutathione has been devised. The strongly acidic exchange resin Amberlite IR-105 (H) has been employed for the adsorption of the free amino acids and ammonium hydroxide for their elution. The ammonia was removed in vacuo. The final purified concentrates were put in 10% isopropyl alcohol and subjected to 2-dimensional filter paper chromatography. The ninhydrin developed amino acid spots were measured by the densitometric method. The major amino acid components present in normal rabbit testes were aspartic acid, glutamic acid, serine, glycine, lysine, cystine, alanine, and glutamine. There were also present a trace of threonine, methionine, asparagine, and leucine (or isoleucine). In syphilis, during the most virulent stage of infection, there is a significant decrease in the free glutamine content of testes. Reduced glutathione, as determined by the quantitative nitroprusside test on p...
Competitive superhelical transitions involving cruciform extrusion

A DNA molecule under negative superhelical stress becomes susceptible to transitions to alternate structures. The accessible alternate conformations depend on base sequence and compete for occupancy. We have developed a method to calculate equilibrium distributions among the states available to such systems, as well as their average thermodynamic properties. Here we extend this approach to include superhelical cruciform extrusion at both perfect and imperfect inverted repeat (IR) sequences. We find that short IRs do not extrude cruciforms, even in the absence of competition. But as the length of an IR increases, its extrusion can come to dominate both strand separation and B-Z transitions. Although many IRs are present in human genomic DNA, we find that extrusion-susceptible ones occur infrequently. Moreover, their avoidance of transcription start sites in eukaryotes suggests that cruciform formation is rarely involved in mechanisms of gene regulation. We examine a set of clinically important chromosomal translocation breakpoints that occur at long IRs, whose rearrangement has been proposed to be driven by cruciform extrusion. Our results show that the susceptibilities of these IRs to cruciform formation correspond closely with their observed translocation frequencies.
Trypanosoma lewisi: oxygen uptake of rat liver mitochondria.

Four experimental protocols were completed to study the respiratory activity of isolated mitochondria from rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi.
723 PERIANAL STREPTOCOCCAL CELLULITIS

Group A beta hemolytic streptococci can cause perianal cellulitis. First described by Amrert et al, (AJDC 112:546, 1966), this infection receives little attention in subsequent literature. This study describes 14 patients with perianal streptococcal cellulitis evaluated from 1975 to 1984. Characteristically, the infection caused painful defecation and constipation with an intensely erythematous, well-demarcated perianal rash and blood-streaked stools. The average age of patients was 3.9 years (range 1-10 yrs.); the male:female ratio was 3.7:1. Seven of the 14 children had rectal bleeding, 5 had anal fissures, 6 had constipation. The mean duration of symptoms before diagnosis was 6.2 months (range 1-12 months). Often, previous evaluation included multiple diagnostic tests and local therapies. Mis-diagnoses included simple anal fissure, inflammatory bowel disease, psychogenic stool holding, psoriasis and moniliasis. We established the diagnosis in all patients by culture of affected perianal skin and plating on 5% sheep-blood agar plates. Treatment with oral penicillin resulted in rapid resolution of the rash and disappearance of all complaints. Recrudescence of infection was not uncommon, necessitating a repeat course of oral antibiotics. On followup examination no patient had underlying gastrointestinal or systemic disease.
Concept-Based Relevance Models for Medical and Semantic Information Retrieval

Relevance models provide an important approach for estimating probabilities of words in the relevant class. However, the associated bag-of-words assumption breaks dependencies between words, especially between those within a phrase. If such dependencies could be preserved, it would permit matching the query terms with document terms having the same dependencies. Additionally, during the estimation of relevance, relevance models are unable to distinguish relevant and non-relevant information in a feedback document, and hence take the entire document into account, which potentially hurts the accuracy of estimation. In this paper, we define the notion of "concept", and design a concept-based information retrieval framework. Using this framework, we transform documents and queries from term space into concept space, and propose a concept-based relevance model for improved estimation of relevance. Our approach has three advantages. First, this approach only assumes independence between concepts, so is able to keep the strong dependencies between the words of a concept. Second, it unifies synonyms or different surface forms of a concept, leading to reduced dimensionality of the space, increased sample size of a concept, and consequently more accurate and reliable estimates of the relevance. Third, when knowledge bases are available, our approach enables the semantic analysis of query concepts, and thus identifies concepts related to the query, from which a more accurate distribution of relevance can be estimated. This work is aligned with semantic search methods. We apply our concept-based relevance model to information retrieval in the medical domain, where concepts are abundant and their variations are numerous. We compare with relevance models, BM25 with pseudo relevance feedback, and the state of the art conceptual language models, on several data collections. The proposed model demonstrates consistent and statistically significant improvements across collections, outperforming top benchmark conceptual language models by at least 9% and up to 20% on a number of metrics.
Distinct cellular effects and interactions of the Rho-family GTPase TC10

Abstract Background: Rho-family GTPases have central roles in cytoskeletal organization, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. Multiple factors possessing overlapping specificities for Rho GTPases have been identified. The Rho GTPases Cdc42 and Rac share many regulators and effectors, yet produce different phenotypes when expressed as gain-of-function mutants in cells. The Rho-family member TC10 has remained almost completely uncharacterized, so it was of interest to determine whether TC10 has unique cellular effects and interacts with the same targets as Cdc42 and Rac. Results: A gain-of-function TC10 mutant protein expressed in fibroblasts induced cell rounding, loss of stress fibers and formation of peripheral extensions. The extensions were longer than those induced by the analogous Cdc42 mutant protein. Cells expressing TC10 also possessed fewer membrane ruffles and stress fibers than those expressing Cdc42. TC10 mRNA was most highly expressed in heart and skeletal muscle. The GTPase activity of TC10 was lower than that of Cdc42, and TC10 possessed a lower affinity for, but greater responsiveness to, the p50Rho GTPase-activating protein (p50RhoGAP) than did Cdc42. TC10 stimulated Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p21-activated kinase (PAK) activities and interacted with a set of effectors ( α -, β - and γ PAK, MRCK α / β , MLK2, N-WASP and MSE55) that overlaps with those for Cdc42 and Rac. TC10 did not interact with MLK3 or WASP, and interacted only weakly with ACK-1. Conclusions: TC10 possesses distinct features, but exhibits a phenotype most closely related to that of Cdc42. It interacts with a similar subset of effectors to Cdc42 but not with MLK3, WASP or ACK-1. It is regulated differentially by p50RhoGAP.
On the Revised Principle of Alternate Possibilities

L'A. essaie de demontrer qu'une personne peut etre moralement responsable d'une action meme si elle ne l'a faite que parce qu'elle ne pouvait pas faire autrement au moment ou l'action a ete effectuee. Il propose, donc, que le compatibilisme dans des circonstances d'inevitabilite soit construit de facon plus generale que H. Frankfurt et d'autres le suggerent
Deciphering the dynamics of segregation: The role of schools in the housing choice process

This paper examines the ways in which segregation in schools contributes to the perpetuation of residential segregation, and the ways in which metropolitan-wide school desegregation supports housing integration. An empirical analysis of real estate advertising practices in fourteen American cities is outlined, and supplemented by a discussion of the character of real estate agent advice to homeseekers. Conclusions are drawn about the differences in the housing choice process in communities with segregated as opposed to desegregated schools. Finally, implications for urban policy are presented.
Problems and methods in the genetics of primitive groups.

Primitive populations seem favorable for studies of genetic structure, especially of isolation by distance in an array of subpopulations. Recent developments in this field are discussed, using pairs of phenotypes, inbreeding coefficients in pedigrees, isonymy, gene frequencies, and even anthropometrics. Of methods to study selection, only specific disease associations appear applicable to primitive populations. Inbreeding and outcrossing effects demand greater precision than has yet been attained in primitive groups. Some of the stated objectives of international biological programs lie far beyond the scope of present methodology.
Analysis of pMA67, a predicted rolling-circle replicating, mobilizable, tetracycline-resistance plasmid from the honey bee pathogen, Paenibacillus larvae.

This work characterizes a recently discovered natural tetracycline-resistance plasmid called pMA67 from Paenibacillus larvae—a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen of honey bees. We provide evidence that pMA67 replicates by the rolling-circle mechanism, and sequence comparisons place it in the pMV158 family of rolling-circle replicons. The plasmid contains predicted rep, cop, and rnaII genes for control of replication initiating at a predicted double-strand origin. The plasmid has an ssoT single-strand origin, which is efficient enough to allow only very small amounts of the single-stranded DNA intermediate to accumulate. The overall efficiency of replication is sufficient to render the plasmid segregationally stable without selection in P. larvae and in Bacillus megaterium, but not in Escherichia coli. The plasmid is expected to be mobilizable due to the presence of a mob gene and an oriT site. The plasmid contains a tetL gene, whose predicted amino acid sequence implies a relatively ancient divergence from all previously known plasmid-encoded tetL genes. We confirm that the tetL gene alone is sufficient for conferring resistance to tetracyclines. Sequence comparisons, mostly with the well-characterized pMV158, allow us to predict promoters, DNA and RNA secondary structures, DNA and protein motifs, and other elements.
Saturated sets of probability measures and stochastic matrices

Abstract A convex compact set K of probability measures is called saturated if K=L(K) ∩P, where L(K) is the closed linear hull of K. We give a geometric characterization of saturated sets. This results in a characterization of stochastic matrices which are “quasi-bipositive.”
Modeling soft error effects considering process variations

This paper addresses the aggregated effects of two types of variations that contribute to the reliability degradation. The first one is the increasing level of process variation; the second one is one particular type of environmental variation - the radiation-induced soft error. Their simultaneous presence can cause large negative performance impact. We present a statistical approach to model the generation and propagation of a transient soft error inside combinational circuits considering the existence of inter-die channel length variation in CMOS digital circuits. Experiment results have demonstrated that channel length variation can significantly aggravate the soft error effect, which can be accurately evaluated using the proposed methodology.
Prevalence and risk factors predisposing to coagulopathy in patients receiving epidural analgesia for hepatic surgery.

Background and Objectives: Patients undergoing liver resection may have marginal preoperative liver function, extensive intraoperative blood loss, and perioperative hepatic dysfunction. We evaluated the prevalence and types of coagulopathic conditions that occur in patients with epidural catheters undergoing hepatic resection. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients undergoing hepatic surgery who received epidural analgesia between June 1995 and September 2003 at our institution. Forty-nine surgical cases had an epidural catheter placed preoperatively. Data were collected included age, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status; preoperative partial thromboplastin time (PTT), international normalized ratio (INR), and platelet count (PLT); estimated blood loss (EBL); and volume of hepatic resection. Results: Forty-nine cases received an epidural catheter before hepatic resection. Preoperative PTT, INR, and PLTs were within reference ranges in 47 of 49 patients. Twenty-three (47%) of 49 patients were coagulopathic in the postoperative period. The most common abnormality was an INR greater than 1.4 in 16 patients. Nine patients had a PLT of less than 100,000/μL, and 4 patients had a PTT of greater than 40 secs. Patients who developed a hemostatic abnormality were likely to have greater median EBL (400 vs 1400 mL; Mann-Whitney = 100.5, P = 0.0004) and have a greater median volume of liver resected (166 vs 1688 cm3; Mann-Whitney = 57.0, P = 0.0004). There was no causal relationship to preoperative laboratory values, age, weight, or American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Discussion: A high prevalence of hemostatic abnormalities in patients undergoing major hepatic resection while receiving epidural analgesia occurred. Important considerations may include discussion with the surgical team, measuring coagulation, and heightened clinical monitoring in the postoperative period.
Treatment of Heart Failure in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes mellitus have an increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease. Both coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure (CHF) are largely responsible for the increased cardiovascular adverse events in patients with diabetes.
Schwinger Mechanism and Stability of Gauge Symmetry

The Schwinger mechanism for dynamical mass generation in a SU(N) non-Abelian field is considered. A simple argument is given to prove the impossibility of such a mechanism.
Exposure to endosulfan in farmers: two case studies.

Background Endosulfan is not a restricted use organochlorine insecticide and is currently under re-registration review. In 1993, one confirmed case and one possible case of endosulfan poisoning in agricultural workers occurred in two southeastern states. Methods Two cases of suspected endosulfan poisoning were investigated utilizing record reviews, blood samples, a site visit, and clothing analysis. Results Case 1 was fatal; Case 2 resulted in permanent neurological impairment. Additionally, Case 1 mixed and applied two less toxic pesticides, acephate and maleic hydrazide to tobacco plants. Both farm owners had ample opportunity for endosulfan exposure while mixing concentrated endosulfan with water and applying the solution to tobacco with boom sprayers pulled by tractors. Conclusions Estimates of the absorbed dose of endosulfan were not available because methods to determine actual personal exposure that would be found in fat or tissue samples were not used. Health and safety issues associated with endosulfan require a closer examination. A cooperative multi-disciplinary approach to providing timely accurate education is needed to prevent pesticide poisonings. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:643–649, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Historical aspects of botulinum toxin used clinically: Part I: is that the right serotype?

The basis of botulinum toxin use as a neuromedicine started over 40 years ago when the first serotype was chosen for key initial studies in monkeys by Alan Scott and colleagues in the USA. From that point on, the protein has been used extensively and worldwide for treatment of many clinical conditions. But much remains to be documented about the earliest times, the very beginning years when critical choices and decisions were made. This first article in a series looks at the choice of the first botulinum toxin serotype used and why that choice was made.
The scent of a partner: ambrosia beetles are attracted to volatiles from their fungal symbionts.

Invasive fungus-growing ambrosia beetles are an emerging threat to forest ecosystems and fruit industries, but management tools are lacking. Here we explored the potential of beetle symbionts–ambrosia fungi–as a source of attractants. Our focus was the redbay ambrosia beetle, Xyleborus glabratus, and its symbiotic fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, which are devastating lauraceous hosts in the southeastern United States. We also tested three additional co-occurring beetle species and their symbionts. Each beetle species was consistently attracted to the odors of its symbiotic fungal species, occasionally also to symbionts of other species, but never to non-symbiotic Trichoderma. We further confirmed attraction to ethanol (positive control) in some species. Thus, ambrosia fungi produce volatiles attractive to their vector beetles, which may have potential as novel lures for ambrosia beetle management.
Reading Methodologies for African Languages: Avoiding Linguistic and Pedagogical Imperialism

Learning to read and write is a psycholinguistic and social process. That is why mother-tongue speakers of minority African languages find learning to read in the language they speak is a qualitatively better learning experience than learning to read in a language they are unfamiliar with. However, reading methodologies used for teaching reading in sub-Saharan Africa are usually borrowed from other linguistic environments. Having been developed and tested on learners in the West, in European languages, these methodologies reflect their linguistic origins in a way that disadvantages Africans who attempt to use them for mother-tongue literacy learning. This paper argues for matching reading methodologies in Africa to the linguistic characteristics of the learners’ languages. Particular language families have linguistic distinctives that need to be taken into consideration; orthographic distinctives of the various languages must also be considered for the most effective choice of literacy learning methods. T...
Penicillin-Binding Proteins in the Pathogenic Intestinal Spirochete Brachyspira pilosicoli

Penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) of slightly different molecular masses (94, 62 or 68, 42 or 50, 25, and 22 kDa) were identified in one human and two porcine Brachyspira pilosicoli strains. Identification of PBPs of B. pilosicoli provides a basis for characterization of the genes encoding these proteins among pathogenic intestinal spirochetes of humans and animals.
Breaking Down the Social Learning of Domestic Violence

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify reasons domestic violence occurs within intimate relationships. Methods: The target group was female victims and male offenders. The offenders group consisted of 25 men from a batterer’s intervention group. The victims group composed of 9 women from Center Against Spouse Abuse (CASA) intervention group. Results: Domestic violence occurred at a higher rate in intimate relationships where either the victim or offender has been exposed to prior domestic violence. A higher percentage of victimized women were in a lower economic class than male offenders. Conclusion: Domestic violence perpetuates the future cycle of violence.
Nanoscale impedance microscopy-a characterization tool for nanoelectronic devices and circuits

A recently developed conductive atomic force microscopy (cAFM) technique, nanoscale impedance microscopy (NIM), is presented as a characterization strategy for nanoelectronic devices and circuits. NIM concurrently monitors the amplitude and phase response of the current through a cAFM tip in response to a temporally periodic applied bias. By varying the frequency of the driving potential, the resistance and reactance of conductive pathways can be quantitatively determined. Proof-of-principle experiments show 10-nm spatial resolution and ideal frequency-dependent impedance spectroscopy behavior for test circuits connected to electron beam lithographically patterned electrode arrays. Possible applications of NIM include defect detection and failure analysis testing for nanoscale integrated circuits.
Flat-pebble conglomerate: its multiple origins and relationship to metre-scale depositional cycles

Carbonate flat-pebble conglomerate is an important component of Precambrian to lower Palaeozoic strata, but its origins remain enigmatic. The Upper Cambrian to Lower Ordovician strata of the Snowy Range Formation in northern Wyoming and southern Montana contain abundant flat-pebble conglomerate beds in shallow-water cyclic and non-cyclic strata. Several origins of flat-pebble conglomerate are inferred for these strata. In one case, all stages of development of flat-pebble conglomerate are captured within stormdominated shoreface deposits of hummocky cross-stratified (HCS) fine carbonate grainstone. A variety of synsedimentary deformation structures records the transition from mildly deformed in situ stratification to buckled beds of partially disarticulated bedding to fully developed flat-pebble conglomerate. These features resulted from failure of a shoreface and subsequent brittle and ductile deformation of compacted to early cemented deposits. Failure was induced by either storm or seismic waves, and many beds failed along discrete slide scar surfaces. Centimetre-scale laminae within thick amalgamated HCS beds were planes of weakness that led to the development of platy clasts within partly disarticulated and rotated bedding of the buckled beds. In some cases, buckled masses accelerated downslope until they exceeded their internal friction, completely disarticulated into clasts and transformed into a mass flow of individual cm- to dm-scale clasts. This transition was accompanied by the addition of sand-sized echinoderm-rich debris from local sources, which slightly lowered friction by reducing clast– clast interactions. The resulting dominantly horizontal clast orientations suggest transport by dense, viscous flow dominated by laminar shear. These flows generally came to rest on the lower shoreface, although in some cases they continued a limited distance beyond fairweather wave base and were interbedded with shale and grainstone beds. The clasts in these beds show no evidence of extensive reworking (i.e. not well rounded) or condensation (i.e. no rinds or coatings). A second type of flat-pebble conglomerate bed occurs at the top of upward-coarsening, metre-scale cycles. The flat-pebble conglomerate beds cap these shoaling cycles and represent either lowstand deposits or, in some cases, may represent transgressive lags. The clasts are well rounded, display borings and have iron-rich coatings. The matrix to these beds locally includes glauconite. These beds were considerably reworked and represent condensed deposits. Thrombolites occur above the flat-pebble beds and record microbial growth before initial transgression at the cycle boundaries. A third
Performance Evaluation of Latent Variable Models with Sparse Priors

A variety of Bayesian methods have recently been introduced for finding sparse representations from overcomplete dictionaries of candidate features. These methods often capitalize on latent structure inherent in sparse distributions to perform standard MAP estimation, variational Bayes, approximation using convex duality, or evidence maximization. Despite their reliance on sparsity-inducing priors however, these approaches may or may not actually lead to sparse representations in practice, and so it is a challenging task to determine which algorithm and sparse prior is appropriate. Rather than justifying prior selections and modelling assumptions based on the credibility of the full Bayesian model as is commonly done, this paper bases evaluations on the actual cost functions that emerge from each method. Two minimal conditions are postulated that ideally any sparse learning objective should satisfy. Out of all possible cost functions that can be obtained from the methods described above using (virtually) any sparse prior, a unique function is derived that satisfies these conditions. Both sparse Bayesian learning (SBL) and basis pursuit (BP) are special cases. Later, all methods are shown to be performing MAP estimation using potentially non-factorable implicit priors, which suggests new sparse learning cost functions.
Gene expression profiling of the human natural killer cell response to Fc receptor activation: unique enhancement in the presence of interleukin-12.

Traditionally, the CD56dimCD16+ subset of Natural Killer (NK) cells has been thought to mediate cellular cytotoxicity with modest cytokine secretion capacity. However, studies have suggested that this subset may exert a more diverse array of immunological functions. There exists a lack of well-developed functional models to describe the behavior of activated NK cells, and the interactions between signaling pathways that facilitate effector functions are not well understood. In the present study, a combination of genome-wide microarray analyses and systems-level bioinformatics approaches were utilized to elucidate the transcriptional landscape of NK cells activated via interactions with antibody-coated targets in the presence of interleukin-12 (IL-12). We conducted differential gene expression analysis of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells following FcR stimulation in the presence or absence of IL-12. Next, we functionally characterized gene sets according to patterns of gene expression and validated representative genes using RT-PCR. IPA was utilized for biological pathway analysis, and an enriched network of interacting genes was generated using GeneMANIA. Furthermore, PAJEK and the HITS algorithm were employed to identify important genes in the network according to betweeness centrality, hub, and authority node metrics. Analyses revealed that CD56dimCD16+ NK cells co-stimulated via the Fc receptor (FcR) and IL-12R led to the expression of a unique set of genes, including genes encoding cytotoxicity receptors, apoptotic proteins, intracellular signaling molecules, and cytokines that may mediate enhanced cytotoxicity and interactions with other immune cells within inflammatory tissues. Network analyses identified a novel set of connected key players, BATF, IRF4, TBX21, and IFNG, within an integrated network composed of differentially expressed genes in NK cells stimulated by various conditions (immobilized IgG, IL-12, or the combination of IgG and IL-12). These results are the first to address the global mechanisms by which NK cells mediate their biological functions when encountering antibody-coated targets within inflammatory sites. Moreover, this study has identified a set of high-priority targets for subsequent investigation into strategies to combat cancer by enhancing the anti-tumor activity of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells.
Baby Boomers and the United States public library system

Purpose – The members of the Baby Boom generation, who comprise a very large, diverse, and outspoken sector of the population, are about to grow older and enter the public library. Are public libraries in the USA ready to accommodate their changing needs? The number of Baby Boomers, soon to be in the older adult category, will be unprecedented. Never before has there been such a sharp increase in the number of older adults. In addition, this group of users will have particular needs of their public libraries. This paper aims to focus on the issues.Design/methodology/approach – This paper explores the specific needs that the Baby Boom generation will have of the US public library system by focusing on three specific, albeit interrelated, categories: social, programming, and technological, and offers methods for keeping these vital members of society engaged with their public libraries.Findings – This paper provides insights into possible solutions for maintaining and enhancing the public library's role as ...
A density functional theory study of the mechanism of free radical generation in the system vanadate/PCA/H2O2.

Experimental studies by Shul'pin and co-workers have shown that vanadate anions in combination with pyrazine-2-carboxylic acid (PCA ≡ pcaH) produce an exceptionally active complex that promotes the oxidation of alkanes and other organic molecules. Reaction of this complex with H2O2 releases HOO• free radicals and generates V(IV) species, which are capable of generating HO• radicals by reaction with additional H2O2. The oxidation of alkanes is initiated by reaction with the HO• radicals. The mechanism of hydrocarbon oxidation with vanadate/PCA/H2O2 catalyst has been studied using density functional theory. The proposed model reproduces the major experimental observations. It is found that a vanadium complex with one pca (PCA ≡ pcaH) and one H2O2 ligand is the precursor to the species responsible for HOO• generation. It is also found that species containing two pca ligands and an H2O2 molecule do not exist in the solution, in contradiction to previous interpretations of experimental observations. Calculated...
Unsupervised Learning of Semantic Relation Composition

This paper presents an unsupervised method for deriving inference axioms by composing semantic relations. The method is independent of any particular relation inventory. It relies on describing semantic relations using primitives and manipulating these primitives according to an algebra. The method was tested using a set of eight semantic relations yielding 78 inference axioms which were evaluated over PropBank.
Intentional action and nearly certain success

Many philosophers have argued that a necessary condition on an action's being intentional is that the agent has the ability to alter the probabilities of the relevant outcome. These philosophers would hold that this condition is what allows us to deny that an agent, for example, intentionally rolls something other than five fives with a set of dice, despite that agent's being virtually sure that this will be the outcome of the roll. The current paper uses some examples to cast this explanation, and the necessity of the associated condition, into doubt. It then suggests that what actually differentiates intentional from unintentional action - in the examples that falsify the hypothesis about control - is to be found in the agent's representation of the processes by which the relevant outcomes are produced. In particular, the agent must represent the outcome as happening because of what she does.
Brown Trout Removal Effects on Short-Term Survival and Movement of Myxobolus cerebralis-Resistant Rainbow Trout

AbstractFollowing establishment of Myxobolus cerebralis (the parasite responsible for salmonid whirling disease) in Colorado, populations of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss experienced significant declines, whereas Brown Trout Salmo trutta densities increased in many locations across the state, potentially influencing the success of M. cerebralis-resistant Rainbow Trout reintroductions. We examined the effects of Brown Trout removal on the short-term (3-month) survival and movement of two crosses of reintroduced, M. cerebralis-resistant Rainbow Trout in the Cache la Poudre River, Colorado. Radio frequency identification passive integrated transponder tags and antennas were used to track movements of wild Brown Trout and stocked Rainbow Trout in reaches where Brown Trout had or had not been removed. Multistate mark–recapture models were used to estimate tagged fish apparent survival and movement in these sections 3 months following Brown Trout removal. A cross between the German Rainbow Trout and Colorad...
A NUMERICAL ESTUARINE FLOW MODEL

Summary A novel estuarine flow model is proposed. It provides some two-dimensional features while using an essentially one-dimensional approach. The model is applied to the Upper Delaware Estuary, and is shown to match available field data with acceptable accuracy. The model is shown to be numerically stable and reasonably mass conservative.