cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Physiological roles of glycerol-transporting aquaporins: the aquaglyceroporins

A subclass of aquaporin (AQP) water channels, termed aquaglyceroporins, are also able to transport glycerol and perhaps urea and other small solutes. Although extensive data exist on the physiological roles of aquaporin-facilitated water transport, until recently the biological significance of glycerol transport by the mammalian aquaglyceroporins has been unknown. There is now compelling evidence for involvement of aquaglyceroporin- facilitated glycerol transport in skin hydration and fat cell metabolism. Mice deficient in AQP3 have dry skin, reduced skin elasticity and impaired epidermal biosynthesis. Mice lacking AQP7 manifest progressive adipocyte fat accumulation and hypertrophy. These skin and fat phenotypes are attributable to impaired glycerol transport. A potential implication of these findings is the possibility of modulation of aquaglyceroporin expression or function in the therapy of skin diseases and obesity.
The detection and characterization of bacteria-sized protists in “Protist-free” filtrates and their potential impact on experimental marine ecology

Nuclepore filters of 0.6–1.0μm pore size have been used to prepare “protist-free” water for a number of studies in microbial ecology. This procedure has been called into question by a recent study claiming that a significant portion of bacterial loss in filtrates could be due to uncharacterized predators passing through 0.6μm filters. We were unable to directly observe protists in 0.6μm filtrates using phase contrast, epifluorescence, or transmission electron microscopy. Using the culture techniques of rice grain enrichment and most probable number, however, we were able to observe and quantify several species of bacterivorous nanoflagellates that developed not only in 0.6μm, but also in 0.4μm seawater filtrates. The ability of predacious nanoflagellates to squeeze through bacteria-sized pores questions studies of bacterial production and chemical cycling that have assumed protist-free filtrates.
Elbow medial ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction: clinical relevance and the docking technique.

Introduction Elbow ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction has become the standard of care for the throwing athlete with a symptomatic ruptured or insufficient ligament and the desire to resume competitive play. Since Jobe's initial description of UCL reconstruction, the technique has evolved. A novel modification was the "docking" technique developed by Altchek. Subsequently, the docking technique as originally described was slightly modified. Arthroscopy is no longer routinely performed, and in some cases, a 3-strand graft is used. Materials and methods We treated 21 overhand athletes with clinical and radiographic evidence of UCL insufficiency with ligament reconstruction using a modified version of the docking technique using a 3-strand graft. There were 5 professional, 11 college, and 5 high school baseball players in the reconstructed group. Athletes were evaluated postoperatively by use of the Conway Scale. Results Of the 21 patients who underwent the modified docking technique with a three-strand graft, 19 (90%) had excellent results. There were 2 good results and no complications. Discussion UCL reconstruction can successfully treat athletes with UCL insufficiency. Several different reconstruction techniques have been described. By use of the docking and modified docking techniques, good to excellent results can be achieved in the majority of cases with a low complication rate.
Bimorphisms and synchronous grammars

We tend to think of the study of language as proceeding by characterizing the strings and structures of a language, and we think of natural-language processing as using those structures to build systems of utility in manipulating the language. But many language-related problems are more fruitfully viewed as requiring the specification of a relation between two languages, rather than the specification of a single language. In this paper, we provide a synthesis and extension of work that unifies two approaches to such language relations: the automatatheoretic approach based on tree transducers that transform trees to their counterparts in the relation, and the grammatical approach based on synchronous grammars that derive pairs of trees in the relation. In particular, we characterize synchronous tree-substitution grammars and synchronous tree-adjoining grammars in terms of bimorphisms, which have previously been used to characterize tree transducers. In the process, we provide new approaches to formalizing the various concepts: a metanotation for describing varieties of tree automata and transducers in equational terms; a rigorous formalization of tree-adjoining and tree-substitution grammars and their synchronous counterparts, using trees over ranked alphabets; and generalizations of tree-adjoining grammar allowing multiple adjunction.
The spinal accessory nerve in childhood hemiplegia.

• Fifteen of 17 children with hemiplegia were found to have weakness of the trapezius muscle but a normally functioning sternocleidomastoid muscle. Very few other cranial nerve-mediated deficits were found. The difference between the two muscles, both supplied by the spinal accessory nerve, may depend on a phylogenetic basis, with the former behaving like an appendicular muscle and the latter like an axial muscle.
PCR to identify specific clones of interest for DNA sequencing.

Abstract We describe a rapid method for identifying specific clones of interest for the purpose of sequencing. The method essentially is polymerase chain reaction using one internal primer and one vector specific primer. The procedure is particularly useful when relatively large numbers of clones are to be examined either to established the nucleotide sequence of a full-length cDNA or to find a specific section of a large DNA. The relative orientation of inserts in different clones can also be determined using the same procedure.
Subcellular localization of the F5 protein to the neuronal membrane‐associated cytoskeleton

F5 was identified originally as an interleukin-2-regulated gene in the murine helper T-lymphocyte clone L2. Subsequent studies demonstrated high levels of F5 mRNA and protein in mature neurons in adult mouse central and peripheral nervous systems. The F5 protein was present in dendrites and perikarya but not in axons. In the present studies, the intracellular localization of the F5 protein in adult mouse brain was determined by subcellular fractionation and Western blotting. Although the deduced F5 sequence predicts a soluble protein, virtually no F5 immunoreactivity was found in the cytosol. The F5 protein was restricted to the P2 crude mitochondrial and P3 crude microsomal particulate fractions. Within the P2 fraction, F5 protein was enriched in the P2B synaptosomal subfraction. The results of temperature-dependent phase separation with Triton X-114 and alkaline extraction with sodium carbonate of the P2 and P3 fractions were consistent with the F5 protein being an extrinsic membrane-associated protein. Although essentially all of the F5 protein in the P3 fraction was membrane-associated, a substantial proportion of P2-associated F5 protein and nearly all of the synaptosomal F5 protein was detergent-insoluble. Direct isolation and subfractionation of brain cytoskeleton confirmed colocalization of F5 immunoreactivity with the membrane-associated cytoskeleton and postsynaptic densities. These studies suggest that the F5 protein, which has a large number of potential phosphorylation sites, plays a role in membrane-cytoskeletal interactions and in dynamic aspects of synaptic structure or function.
Influence of the St. Marys River Plume on Northern Lake Huron Phytoplankton Assemblages

Analysis of phytoplankton samples from the Straits of Mackinac region yielded high species diversity and species richness values at the outfall of the St. Marys River due to entrained benthic diatoms. Epilithic, psammonic, epipelic, and epiphytic diatoms originating in the St. Marys River and Detour Passage area were removed from their primary habitats and transported into northern Lake Huron. Southward movement of the St. Marys River plume, as determined from suspended benthic diatom distribution and abundance, was strongly indicated for 3 km. Moderate influence of the plume was noted at 6 km and weaker association with the plume was detected for as far as 32 km. Apparently, loss of suspended riverine species from the upper water column in this area was primarily due to sinking. Sinking, calculated from residence times based on river discharge data, was estimated to range between 0.76 and 5.99 m/day. Total phytoplankton abundance and chlorophyll a values were lower near the rivermouth. Conversely, 14C uptake was significantly greater near the river. Benthic populations comprised as much as 40% of the assemblage and an additional amount of dead and fragmentary diatoms was also observed. Viable benthic diatoms may contribute as much as 25% of the algal assemblage on a cell volume basis. Upon death and decomposition, they may constitute an important source of carbon and nutrients in the immediate vicinity.
Cointegration, error correction and Granger causality: an application with Latin American stock markets

This paper offers an empirical investigation of the presence of a long run relationship in stock prices in six Latin Emerging Markets. We find evidence of a long run relationship among all of these countries in a bivariate framework. Results indicate the presence of bidirectional rather than unidirectional causality suggesting the absence of weak exogeneity among their stock prices.
Management of Asymptomatic Coin Ingestion

Although the evidence-based management of pediatric coin ingestion has evolved over the past 20 years, several important questions remain. Among the most important of these questions is: Can previously healthy children who are asymptomatic after coin ingestion be safely managed with home observation, or should they have radiographs to rule out retained esophageal coins?1–3 Because a tremendous number of children swallow coins each year,4 many of whom are asymptomatic, this is an important public health question. The prospective comparison of immediate versus delayed endoscopic esophageal coin removal by Waltzman et al5 in this issue of Pediatrics provides important additional information toward answering this question. Their work is especially useful because it focuses on the clinical dilemma of the radiographically positive but asymptomatic child. In the past, hospital-based studies, typically retrospective case series, have suggested that although most children with coins lodged in the esophagus have suggestive signs or symptoms (eg, drooling, dysphagia, pain, foreign-body sensation), a substantial minority of children with esophageal coins are asymptomatic.1,6–7 Because unrecognized esophageal coins may lead to important, even life-threatening complications over time, these studies suggested that all children who swallow a coin, regardless … Address correspondence to Gregory P. Conners, MD, MPH, MBA, FAAP, Departments of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 655, Rochester, NY 14642. E-mail: gregory_conners{at}urmc.rochester.edu
Advances in text comprehension: commentary and final perspective

The articles in this special issue present data, theory and applications of the field of Discourse Processes. This commentary identifies some of the challenges this field has faced in its attempt to understand the mechanisms of discourse comprehension and production to scale up the research to applications. The prevailing models emphasize the interaction between data-driven and conceptually driven processes and the importance of representational constraints in guiding discourse processing. The field embraces a wide range of methodologies that are illustrated in this special issue, including brain imaging, eye tracking, thing aloud protocols, reading times, recall, summarization and question answering. The tasks include text comprehension, search through large repositories of electronic texts and learning from advanced multimedia environments. The major claim in the commentary is that researchers need to conduct deeper analyses of the information in the materials (texts, tasks) and world knowledge before they can offer defensible generalizations about cognitive processes and real world applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
O-methylation, the Principal Route of Metabolism of Epinephrine in Man

Evidence is presented which indicates that the principal pathway of metabolism of epinephrine in man is O-methylation to metanephrine. The extent of the conLversion to metanephrine, a physiologically inactive compound, indicates that the enzyme responsible for this reaction, catechol-O-methyl transferase, is the enzyme mainly involved in the termination of action of epinephrine in man.
Represent and destroy: rationalizing violence in the new racial capitalism

Jodi Melamed's Represent and Destroy articulates a bold new argument about the origin, evolution and continuing hegemony of regimes of racial violence and supremacist abjection that persist as form...
A refraction method to detect reservoir velocity and anisotropy

Since its inception in the early 1980s, detection of fractures and stress using P-wave reflection amplitudes and traveltimes has proved to be challenging. A significant amount of theory has been developed, but convincing and calibrated applications of the theory to field data have been lacking. This is mainly because of the physical limitation that P-wave reflection amplitudes sample only a small areal region (Fresnel zone) of the reservoir. Similarly, P-wave reflection traveltimes sample only a limited thickness (twice near-vertical reservoir thickness) compared with total traveltime from the source to the receiver. As a result, estimation of reservoir anisotropy from P-wave reflection data is inherently limited. A new method is used to detect fracturing and stress in addition to reservoir velocity. When available, the use of refracted P-wave traveltimes from a target of interest can provide robust information on reservoir velocity and anisotropy caused by fractures and horizontal stress variations. This is because refracted waves travel horizontally inside the medium under investigation and sample a large section of the target, integrating the anisotropic variation along different azimuths. Azimuthal variation of refraction traveltimes from the investigated medium can be used to invert for velocity and anisotropy. This traveltime method is applied to the highly fractured Joanne reservoir in the U. K. sector of the Central North Sea.
COLLEGE STUDENTS AND BINGE DRINKING: AN EVALUATION OF SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY

ABSTRACT Although binge drinking is a prevalent and often problematic behavior among college students, there has been relatively little sociological research on this phenomenon. This study evaluates the applicability of social learning theory (Akers 1985 2000) to the binge drinking of a sample of approximately 1,500 students enrolled at four institutions of higher education. The social learning model explains approximately 45% of the variance in the binge drinking of these students. The results indicate that differential peer associations are by far the best predictor of this behavior. Other significant predictors include the definitions that students hold about binge drinking as well as their perceptions of the direct effects of alcohol consumption. These social learning variables also mediate the effects of demographic variables (i.e., gender, race, fraternity/sorority membership) on binge drinking. The results are discussed with respect to programs designed to prevent binge drinking. Possible direction...
Forests of label‐increasing trees

Label-increasing trees are fully labeled rooted trees with the restriction that the labels are in increasing order on every path from the root; the best known example is the binary case—no tree with more than two branches at the root, or internal vertices of degree greater than three—extensively examined by Foata and Schutzenberger in A Survey of Combinatorial Theory. The forests without branching restrictions are enumerated by number of trees by Fn(x) = x(x + 1)…(x + n − 1), n >1 (F0(x) = 1), whose equivalent: Fn(x) = Yn(xT1,…, xTn), Fn(1)= Tn + 1 = n!, is readily adapted to branching restriction.
Improving quality of communications in emergency radiology with a computerized whiteboard system

In the past decades, there has been a steady increasein patient visits to emergency departments (EDs) in theUS. According to the US National Hospital AmbulatoryMedical Care Survey (NHAMCS), there were approxi-mately 119.2 million ED visits (or 40.5 visits per 100persons) during 2006. When compared with data of1996, the ED visit rates have increased on an average of32%.
Non-native grass invasion suppresses forest succession

Multiple factors can affect the process of forest succession including seed dispersal patterns, seedling survival, and environmental heterogeneity. A relatively understudied factor affecting the process of succession is invasions by non-native plants. Invasions can increase competition, alter abiotic conditions, and provide refuge for consumers. Functional traits of trees such as seed size and life history stage may mediate the effects of invasions on succession. We tested the effects of the forest invader Microstegium vimineum on planted and naturally regenerating trees in a multi-year field experiment. We established plots containing nine species of small- and large-seeded tree species planted as seeds or saplings, and experimentally added Microstegium to half of all plots. Over 3 years, Microstegium invasion had an overall negative effect on small-seeded species driven primarily by the effect on sweetgum, the most abundant small-seeded species, but did not affect large-seeded species such as hickory and oak species, which have more stored seed resources. Natural regeneration was over 400% greater in control than invaded plots for box elder, red maple, and spicebush, and box elder seedlings were 58% smaller in invaded plots. In contrast to the effects on tree seedlings, invasion did not affect tree sapling survival or growth. Microstegium may be directly reducing tree regeneration through competition. Invaded plots had greater overall herbaceous biomass in 2006 and 2008 and reduced light availability late in the growing season. Indirect effects may also be important. Invaded plots had 120% more thatch biomass, a physical barrier to seedling establishment, and significantly greater vole damage to tree saplings during 2006 and 2007. Our results show that two tree functional traits, seed size and life history stage, determined the effects of Microstegium on tree regeneration. Suppression of tree regeneration by Microstegium invasions may slow the rate of forest succession and alter tree species composition.
Electrophysiologic antagonism of quinidine and bretylium tosylate

Abstract Interactions of quinidlne (5 mg/liter) and bretylium tosylate (20 mg/ liter) were studied in isolated perfused rabbit hearts by recording transmembrane potentials from the atrial fibers, the atrioventricular (A-V) junction and the ventricular fibers. The following observations were made on ventricular fibers. As expected, administration of quinidine prolonged action potential duration and reduced the maximal rate of depolarization. Subsequent addition of bretylium to quinidine shortened action potential duration and tended to restore the maximal rate of depolarization. The membrane resting potential, the action potential amplitude and overshoot showed no significant changes. With respect to A-V conduction, bretylium alone shortened intraatrial and His-Purkinje conduction times but prolonged intranodal conduction time. With quinidine, intraatrial and His-Purkinje conduction times were markedly prolonged and intranodal conduction time was only slightly increased. Addition of bretylium to quinidine shortened intraatrial and His-Purkinje conduction times but significantly prolonged intranodal conduction time, resulting in a further prolongation of the total A-V interval. The possible clinical implications of these findings are stressed.
Energy and Performance of Smartphone Radio Bundling in Outdoor Environments

Most of today's mobile devices come equipped with both cellular LTE and WiFi wireless radios, making radio bundling (simultaneous data transfers over multiple interfaces) both appealing and practical. Despite recent studies documenting the benefits of radio bundling with MPTCP, many fundamental questions remain about potential gains from radio bundling, or the relationship between performance and energy consumption in these scenarios. In this study, we seek to answer these questions using extensive measurements to empirically characterize both energy and performance for radio bundling approaches. In doing so, we quantify potential gains of bundling using MPTCP versus an ideal protocol. We study the links between traffic partitioning and bundling performance, and use a novel componentized energy model to quantify the energy consumed by CPUs (and radios) during traffic management. Our results show that MPTCP achieves only a fraction of the total performance gain possible, and that its energy-agnostic design leads to considerable power consumption by the CPU. We conclude that not only there is room for improved bundling performance, but an energy-aware bundling protocol is likely to achieve a much better tradeoff between performance and power consumption.
Coverage of a Planar Point Set With Multiple Robots Subject to Geometric Constraints

This paper focuses on the assignment of N discrete points among K geometrically constrained robots and determination of the order in which the points should be processed by the robots. This path planning problem is directly motivated by an industrial laser drilling system with two robots that are constrained to translate along a common line while satisfying collision avoidance constraints. The points lie on a planar base plate that translates normal to the axis of motion of the robots. The geometric constraints on the motions of the robots lead to constraints on points that can be processed simultaneously.We use a two step approach to solve the path planning problem: (1) Splitting Problem: Assign the points to the K robots, subject to geometric constraints, to maximize parallel processing of the points. (2) Ordering Problem: Find an order of processing the split points by formulating and solving a multidimensional Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) in the if-tuple space with an appropriately defined metric to minimize the total travel cost. For K = 2, we solve the splitting problem optimally in O(N3) time by converting it to a maximum cardinality matching problem. Since this is too slow for large datasets, we also provide a greedy O(N log N) algorithm. We provide computational results showing that the greedy algorithm solution is very close to the optimal solution for large datasets. For the ordering problem we present local search based heuristics to improve the multidimensional TSP tour. We give computational results for the ordering problem and for the overall performance gain obtained (over a single robot system) by using our algorithm. Finally, we extend our approach to a K-robot system and give computational results for K = 4.
Youth Tobacco Access Restrictions: Time to Shift Resources to Other Interventions?:

There is limited data to guide policy makers as to whether youth tobacco access restriction is an effective strategy. Analysis of the limited data on youth access restriction suggests that (a) scalable models for access restriction are lacking, (b) enforcement of access restriction would be cost prohibitive, (c) the leaky commercial supply of cigarettes combined with the capacity of youth to tap into a “social supply” of cigarettes would hamper all but the most rigorously enforced efforts to restrict access to tobacco, and (d) access restriction may paradoxically increase allure of cigarettes for some youth. Although youth tobacco access restriction does not face strong political or industry opposition, the authors' analysis reveals that youth tobacco access restriction is likely to remain a failed strategy to control tobacco use in the United States.
Lack of Establishment of the Mediterranean Tamarisk Beetle Diorhabda elongate (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) on Athel (Tamarix aphylla) (Tamaricaceae) in South Texas1

Abstract. Adult Mediterranean tamarisk beetles, Diorhabda elongate (Brulle), a defoliator of exotic saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), were released into four field cages containing small saltcedar trees or closely-related exotic athel trees (Tamarix aphylla (L.) Karsten) and onto uncaged beneficial mature athel trees at sites in south Texas. In field cages, egg, larval, and adult densities per meter of green foliage were equal on saltcedar and athel in the first 8 weeks after release, but numbers of eggs, larvae, and adults were at least two-fold more on saltcedar. During this time, the beetles reduced green foliage by 50% on athel and by 20% on saltcedar. However, athel green foliage recovered after 10 weeks, while saltcedar foliage continued to decline. At two roadside field sites containing mature athel and no saltcedar, D. elongata adults were released in bagged athel branches in July 2006 and May 2007 and produced larvae that defoliated the branches by the third week after infestation. A few larvae and adult...
Estimation of ultrasound tissue attenuation along the propagation path by applying multiple filters to the backscattered echoes

Quantifying the correlation length of the tissue microstructure has shown potential for diagnosing between benign and malignant tumors. In order to implement these advances in the clinic, the total frequency dependent attenuation along the propagation path must be determined on a patient specific basis. Previously, an algorithm was developed to estimate this attenuation using echoes from multiple sources. In this study, the developed algorithm was extended to echoes from a single source by filtering the echoed signal into multiple frequency bands. This step was needed because it would be challenging to scan exactly the same tissue region using multiple sources in the clinic. Computer simulations were conducted to verify the attenuation could be determined by filtering the echoes from a single source. The simulations utilized a spherically focused single element source (5 cm focal length, f/4, 14 MHz center frequency, 50% bandwidth) exposing a homogeneous tissue region. The simulated tissue had Gaussian scattering structures with effective radii of 5 to 55 µm (one size per simulated case) placed at a density of 250/mm3 (∼5 scatterers/resolution cell for 14 MHz transducer). The attenuation of the tissue was also varied from 0.1 to 0.9 dB/cm-MHz. The simulations explored the dependence on scatterer size, attenuation, and region of interest (ROI) size. The computer simulations confirmed that the total attenuation along the propagation path can be determined by appropriately applying multiple filters to the backscattered echoes from a single source.
Agile manufacturing: A taxonomic framework for research

In today's world of increased global competition, companies have to respond quickly to customer demands by introducing products the customer wants at lowest possible prices in the shortest possible time. Lean principles enable companies to streamline their operations by eliminating wastes. Mass customization principles enable companies to introduce customized products at costs comparable to mass production. Agility integrates lean principles and mass customization and provides the necessary framework to implement mass customization. In this work, we take a look at the current state of art in research in the area of agile manufacturing and propose a taxonomic framework for the literature in this area. We conclude by presenting potential directions for future work in this area.
Systematics of Ti isotopes in carbonaceous chondrite whole‐rock samples

Titanium isotopic compositions in whole-rock samples are reported for meteorites from all four carbonaceous chondrite classes. Characteristic isotopic patterns are derived for each class, since meteorites in a given class usually, though not always, give the same pattern. No anomalies are resolved at the 47/46 and 48/46 ratios, but small 50 excesses are prevalent [e(50/46) mean values are CI=+1.0±0.8; CM=+2.4±0.6; CO=+3.0±0.5; CV=+3.3±0.5]. Among the three classes where Ti anomalies are clearly present, the mean values for the 50 excesses are the same within the uncertainties. In contrast, the CI class gives just a hint of a 50 excess. Available data, including analyses of Murchison (CM) density separates, suggest that anomalous Ti is not confined to phases in refractory inclusions. Kakangari, a petrologically and chemically peculiar meteorite, shows a clear deficit of 50, thereby supporting a previous suggestion that it is a unique carbonaceous chondrite.
Notes on eigenvalue distribution of Toeplitz matrices

The author investigates the asymptotic eigenvalue distributions of degenerate Toeplitz matrices. A Toeplitz matrix is degenerate if its rank remains constant while its dimension increases. This type of Toeplitz matrix can arise as the covariance matrix of a degenerated harmonic process. He shows that asymptotically the individual eigenvalues of the degenerate Toeplitz matrix converge to the amplitude of corresponding harmonic components. This is a stronger result than previously developed. >
The Myths of Data Exclusivity

This article contributes to an ongoing academic and public policy dialogue over whether and on what terms U.S. law should provide “data exclusivity” for new medicines. Five years after a new drug has been approved on the basis of an extensive application that may have cost more than one billion dollars to generate, federal law permits submission of a much smaller application to market a duplicate version of the drug. This second application is a different type of application, and it may cost no more than a few million dollars to prepare. A similar sequence is true for biological medicines: twelve years after approval of an application that may have cost over one billion dollars to generate, the law permits approval of a smaller and less expensive application for a duplicate. Scholars, courts, and policymakers use the phrase “data exclusivity” to describe the period before the new pathway opens – a nod to the fact that applications of the second type rely on the research submitted by the first entrant. The primary “myth” of data exclusivity is that it is a benefit provided by the government for the benefit of first entrants. This article reframes data exclusivity instead as a period of time during which all firms are subject to the same rules governing market entry. It uses this insight as the foundation for an exploration of the complex web of legal, regulatory, and practical factors that may influence whether and on what terms firms enter the market with duplicates during and after that period, and for a systematic comparison of the new drug exclusivity and biological product exclusivity schemes in order to propose an approach that could prompt strategic decisions – both during and after that period – that will contribute to dynamic social welfare.
The molecular origin of high DNA-repair efficiency by photolyase

The primary dynamics in photomachinery such as charge separation in photosynthesis and bond isomerization in sensory photoreceptor are typically ultrafast to accelerate functional dynamics and avoid energy dissipation. The same is also true for the DNA repair enzyme, photolyase. However, it is not known how the photoinduced step is optimized in photolyase to attain maximum efficiency. Here, we analyse the primary reaction steps of repair of ultraviolet-damaged DNA by photolyase using femtosecond spectroscopy. With systematic mutations of the amino acids involved in binding of the flavin cofactor and the cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer substrate, we report our direct deconvolution of the catalytic dynamics with three electron-transfer and two bond-breaking elementary steps and thus the fine tuning of the biological repair function for optimal efficiency. We found that the maximum repair efficiency is not enhanced by the ultrafast photoinduced process but achieved by the synergistic optimization of all steps in the complex repair reaction.
Short-term influence of transfer training among full time pediatric wheelchair users: A randomized trial

Objective/Background: To describe a structured, short-term, transfer training intervention for full-time pediatric wheelchair users, investigate the impact of training on transfer skills, and to examine similarities and differences in response to training compared to those seen in adult wheelchair users.Design: Randomized clinical trial.Methods: Participants were first randomized into an intervention (IG) or control group (CG). After completing surveys and demographic intake forms, all participants performed two sets of level transfers (from wheelchair to bench and back to wheelchair = one set) at three time points. Each time point composed of two transfer sets were scored using the Transfer Assessment Instrument (TAI) and averaged to produce a final transfer score per time point. No feedback or training were given to participants prior to time points one and two however the IG received structured training prior to transfer assessment # 3. TAI scores were compared at transfer assessment #3 using a Mann-Wh...
Contributions of R. Tait McKenzie to Modern Concepts of Physical Education

Abstract This historical study reveals the educational leadership of R. Tait McKenzie in the development of some modern concepts of physical education. A summary of the major theories of Dr. McKenzie concerning the role of physical education in daily living, the college curriculum, professional standards, teacher education, and the place and organization of athletics in the educational program is presented.
Rome, Pamphylia and Cilicia, 133–70 B.C.

There has been much debate about the nature and purpose of the Roman intervention in Pamphylia between 102 and 70 B.C., to which a new edge has been given by the discovery of the extensive new fragments of the ‘Piracy Law’ of 101–100. Any solution needs a clear understanding of the strategic geography of the region and its political role within the kingdom of Pergamum that became the province of Asia. This fertile though narrow coastal plain, hemmed in by the western prolongation of the Taurus mountains, between the high massif of Cilicia Aspera in the east and the lower block of Lycia in the west, with the Pisidian chains to the north, is the coastal face of the isolated and difficult country of Pisidia. The deltas of the Pisidian rivers, notably Cestros and Eurymedon, enrich the narrow plain of Pamphylia. Practicable access to the interior for large forces dependant on wheeled transport for supplies is provided by three difficult routes leading through the Pisidian mountains from the coastal harbours: the first goes north-west from Attaleia past Termessus into and through the mountainous Milyas region that lies behind Lycia to Cibyra, and thence to Laodicea on the upper Maeander (Lycus) in Carian Asia. The second and easiest goes northwards from Attaleia to Sagalassus in the heart of Pisidia, and thence to Apamea on the Phrygian plateau—with a difficult branch north-east to Pisidian Antioch and Philomelium—and the third goes north and north-east from Side through the highest section of the Pisidian mountains, passing between the great Lake Caralis and the northern end of the High Taurus into the elevated plateau of Lycaonia: thence, from the communication centre of Iconium, there is easy access to Cappadocia by the central highway that links Apamea, Iconium and Mazaca. Pamphylia thus forms the southern gateway to Pergamene and Roman Asia, and to the Cappadocian kingdom behind the main chains of the Taurus. Hence it was of strategic interest to the Hellenistic kingdoms, which in the past had sought to control it and to found cities in it, and most notably after the Treaty of Apamea, to the kings of Pergamum.
Native aquatic vegetation establishment in the presence of triploid grass carp

AbstractDick GO, Smith DH, Schad AN, Owens CS. 2016. Native aquatic vegetation establishment in the presence of triploid grass carp. Lake Reserv Manage. 32: 222--233.Balancing techniques used to control nuisance aquatic plants while establishing or preserving beneficial vegetation can be complex. Survival and growth of 10 US native aquatic plant species were examined after transplanting into Hydrilla verticillata infested ponds stocked with 4 triploid grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) densities: control (no fish), low (42 fish per vegetated hectare), medium (77), and high (120). Half of the transplants were protected from grass carp herbivory with exclosures. During the first year establishment phase, individual transplants of most species survived within exclosures, but increased mortality was observed for some species without protection. Unprotected Heteranthera dubia, Potamogeton illinoensis, Eleocharis quadrangulata, and Schoenoplectus pungens did not survive the high density treatment. Two-year po...
Epidemiological Analysis of Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease in Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 2009-2012

[Objective] To describe the epidemiological features of hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) in Pudong New Area of Shanghai from 2009 to 2012 for control and early warning of HFMD in local residents. [Methods] Data of study population and HFMD cases in Pudong New Area were collected during a four-year timeframe(2009-2012) for descriptive epidemiological analysis on incident distribution, clusters, outbreak, and pathogen surveillance of HFMD. [Results] From 2009 to 2012, a total of 37 345 HFMD cases were reported including 149 severe cases and 7 fatalities. The estimated incidence rate of HFMD was 120.49/105 in 2009 and increased to 248.33/105 in 2012. A seasonal variation of HFMD incidence was also found, with a peak from May to July, followed by a minor peak from November to December. The male-to-female ratio was 1.59. Children under five years old accounted for 93.09% of the total reported cases. Children in geographically dispersed families and those in nurseries or kindergartens composed 95.79% of the reported cases. All subdistrcts and towns of Pudong New Area reported HFMD cases, and the highest incidence rate was 207.68/105 among the subdistricts and 294.30/105 among the towns. A total of 1 566 clustered outbreak events of HFMD largely affected children in nurseries and kindergartens. CoxA16 and EV71 were the main pathogens. [Conclusion] The HFMD incidences are increasing with explicit seasonal variation and gender and age preponderance in Pudong New Area during 2009-2012. We should further study early warning and prediction of HFMD based on routine monitoring and laboratory testing.
Analysis of Immune Results of Measles Vaccine and Immune Level in Population of Bao'an District of Shenzhen City

[Objective]To understand the immune level of measles in population and investigate the reason for high incidence in Bao'an district. [Methods]The effect of vaccine in Bao'an District in 2006 was monitored,and the immune level of measles in population was investigated. [Results] The rate in successfully immunization with measles vaccine was 98.04%,the positive rate of measles antibody in general population was 85.23%. The antibody level was related with different region,sexuality and age. [Conclusion]It suggested that we should obtain more professional training,raise the immune rate in fluid population,strengthen immunization in special population and take regularly immune level and immune effect surveillance as the focus of the prevention and treatment of measles at present.
The Effect of a Universal Cervical Length Screening Program on Antepartum Management and Birth Outcomes

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a universal cervical length screening program on the incidence of antepartum interventions. Study Design This retrospective cohort study included women delivering ≥ 20 weeks of gestation with singleton pregnancies before and after implementing universal cervical length screening. Antepartum interventions included admission for threatened preterm birth, ≥ 2 cervical length measurements, cervical cerclage, neonatology consultation, betamethasone, antibiotic administration for preterm premature rupture of membranes, and tocolysis. Results There were 1,131 women—506 before the screening program (unexposed) and 625 afterward (exposed). The screening program resulted in significantly more women screened (3.0 vs. 69.9%, p Conclusion Implementing universal cervical length screening significantly increased the proportion of women undergoing ≥ 1 antepartum intervention. With the exception of a modestly prolonged gestation, other outcomes were unaffected.
Surgery for lung cancer invading the mediastinum

Lung cancer infiltrating the mediastinum is a subset of locally advanced lung tumors for which surgery is not routinely offered. Radical operations that involve removal of adjacent mediastinal structures to obtain free margins may provide a realistic cure. Such extended resections are typically reserved to highly motivated patients seeking more aggressive management, and are only offered following complete evaluation on a case-by-case basis. Positive prognosis depends on complete R0 resection and lack of mediastinal nodal metastases. Careful and exhaustive preoperative planning as well as surgical expertise cannot be overemphasized for successful surgical outcomes. Here we provide a brief summary of the literature as well as our own experience managing these rare and sometimes challenging surgeries.
The DNA Polymerase Gamma R953C Mutant Is Associated with Antiretroviral Therapy-Induced Mitochondrial Toxicity

We found a heterozygous C2857T mutation (R953C) in polymerase gamma (Pol-γ) in an HIV-infected patient with mitochondrial toxicity. The R953C Pol-γ mutant binding affinity for dCTP is 8-fold less than that of the wild type. The R953C mutant shows a 4-fold decrease in discrimination of analog nucleotides relative to the wild type. R953 is located on the "O-helix" that forms the substrate deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) binding site; the interactions of R953 with E1056 and Y986 may stabilize the O-helix and affect polymerase activity.
Eye gaze and pupillary response in Angelman syndrome

Abstract Background Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by severe developmental disability, communication impairment, elevated seizure risk, and motor system abnormalities. Aims The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility of social scene eye tracking and pupillometry measures in individuals with AS and to compare the performance of AS participants to individuals with idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typically developing controls (TDC). Methods and procedures Individuals with AS and age- and gender- matched controls completed a social eye tracking paradigm. Neurobehavioral characterization of AS participants was completed via a battery of psychological testing and caregiver behavioral evaluations. Outcomes and results Eight of seventeen recruited AS participants completed the eye tracking paradigm. Compared to TDC, AS subjects demonstrated significantly less preference for social scenes than geometric shapes. Additionally, AS subjects showed less pupil dilation, compared to TDC, when viewing social scenes versus geometric shapes. There was no statistically significant difference found between AS and ASD subjects in either social eye tracking or pupillometry. Conclusions and implications The use of eye tracking and pupillometry may represent an innovative measure for quantifying AS-associated impairments in social salience.
Treatment Strategies for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is recognized as a global health problem and as a common cause of chronic liver disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) carries an increased risk for development of advanced liver disease. Lifestyle modifications with diet and exercise have been the initial management recommendation. However, these changes are difficult to achieve and sustain overtime. There are pharmacologic agents being considered for treatment of NASH. Some target insulin resistance and others focus on oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. There is a great deal of efforts to develop therapeutic regimens for patients with NASH and NASH with significant fibrosis.
Surgical Anatomy of the Sellar Region

In addressing pathology of the sellar region, several approaches have been used, and a detailed knowledge of the associated anatomy is critical for successful surgery and to avoid complications. This chapter will address the anatomy of this region in a logical and detailed manner, focusing on specific approaches to the region and describing potential pitfalls associated with them. In addition, this chapter will describe the critical neurovascular structures associated with this area as a helpful guide when exploring not only the sella but also the perisellar space, which includes the cavernous sinus, suprasellar, and interpeduncular cistern.
Mindfulness and Forgiveness Buffer Distress: Associations With Interpersonal Transgression Blameworthiness

This study examined psychopathological symptom outcomes in victims of interpersonal transgressions (IPTs) based on differences in offender blameworthiness attributions. Mindfulness and forgiveness were hypothesized to serve as protective factors against depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. The results highlight the buffering influence of dispositional mindfulness and forgiveness on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. These results provide initial evidence that mindfulness- and forgiveness-based procedures may have beneficial therapeutic outcomes for individuals who experience psychopathology as the result of IPTs, specifically IPTs deemed intentional by the victim.
Large‐scale restoration increases carbon stability under projected climate and wildfire regimes

Changing climate and increasing area burned pose a challenge to forest carbon (C) storage, which is compounded by an elevated risk of high‐severity wildfire due to long‐term fire suppression in the western US. Restoration treatments that reduce tree density and reintroduce surface fire are effective at moderating fire effects and may help build adaptive capacity to changing environmental conditions. However, treatment implementation has been slow and spatially limited relative to the extent of the area affected by fire suppression. Using model simulations, we quantified how large‐scale restoration treatments in frequent‐fire forest types would influence C outcomes in the Sierra Nevada mountain range under projected climate–wildfire interactions. Our results indicate that large‐scale restoration treatments are an effective means of reducing fire hazard and increasing C storage and stability under future climate and wildfire conditions. The effects of implementation timing suggest that accelerated implementation of large‐scale restoration treatments may confer greater C‐storage benefits, supporting California's efforts to combat climate change.
Coexisting order and disorder within a common 40-residue amyloid-β fibril structure in Alzheimer's disease brain tissue

Fibrils formed by 40- and 42-residue amyloid-β (Aβ40 and Aβ42) peptides exhibit molecular-level structural polymorphisms. A recent screen of fibrils derived from brain tissue of Alzheimer's disease patients revealed a single predominant Aβ40 polymorph. We present solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) data that define its coexisting structurally ordered and disordered segments.