cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coarctation of the Aorta Stent Trial (COAST): Study design and rationale

Background Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) accounts for 4% to 5% of congenital cardiac abnormalities. Stent therapy has become an accepted alternative to surgery for older children and adults, although there are no balloon-expandable stents approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the aorta. The Cheatham-Platinum (CP) stent was designed for CoA therapy and is widely used outside the United States. We have designed the first prospective trial of stent therapy for CoA to serve as the pivotal trial for Food and Drug Administration approval of the CP stent. Methods The COAST study is a prospective, multicenter, single-arm clinical study. The population includes patients with native or recurrent CoA. Four primary outcome variables were defined. For each variable, the stent will be compared to performance guidelines derived from surgical experience. The first efficacy outcome is reduction in arm-leg systolic blood pressure gradient, and the second is reduction in hospital length of stay. Safety outcomes include the following: the occurrence of any serious or somewhat serious adverse event attributed to the stent or implantation procedure and the occurrence of postprocedure paradoxical hypertension. A total of 105 patients treated with the CP stent will be enrolled. Discussion To ascertain the effectiveness and safety of an interventional device, randomized controlled trials have been offered as the criterion standard. However, these trials are not well suited to study rare conditions such as CoA, especially once the therapy in question has received acceptance within the medical community. New clinical trial and statistical approaches are needed to evaluate such therapies. The COAST study is an example of this kind of innovative trial design.
An obstetric approach to the prevention of early-onset group B β-hemolytic streptococcal sepsis

Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus is one of the most common causes of neonatal sepsis. Despite its relationship to neonatal morbidity and mortality, no consensus exists for an approach to its prevention. Several characteristics of the organism such as high maternal carriage rates, the intermittent nature of this carriage, and the failure of antibiotics to permanently eliminate carriage have limited the success of proposed intervention protocols. In this clinical opinion we review characteristics of the organism and previously suggested intervention protocols. Then, based on this review and an analysis of recently published data, a protocol focusing on preterm births is presented. This proposal favors intrapartum treatment of all mothers who are delivered of preterm infants and who are either carriers of group B beta-hemolytic streptococci or whose carriage status is unknown. A comparison of the costs and benefits of this and other approaches is made.
Teaching Portfolios and Portfolio Conversations for Teacher Educators and Teachers.

Abstract In this paper, we discuss our experiences as university faculty members and teacher educators in constructing portfolios of our teaching and in holding portfolio-based conversations with colleagues in order to enhance our effectiveness as teachers. Based on these experiences, we describe guidelines that others might follow as they participate in a similar process. In particular, if (a) portfolio conversations focus on teaching artifacts and teachers' questions about their own practice, (b) the sessions are efficiently run, (c) the portfolio review group is carefully organized, and (d) the portfolio contents are built around a specific and extended teaching enterprise, then portfolio conversations may help teachers improve practice. We also discuss the implications of our experiences for teacher education.
Sterol metabolism in normal and tobacco mosaic virus-infected tobacco plants.

Abstract A study was made of the sterols in normal and virus-infected tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum , var. Samsun). Analysis by gas liquid chromatography and thin-layer chromatography indicates that the major sterols present are cholesterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol. Although the sterol fraction varies qualitatively and quantitatively with plant part, virus infection does not appear to have any effect on sterol biosynthesis or distribution.
The Use of Kernel Estimators in Describing Human T Lymphocyte Proliferation Induced by Phorbol Esters and Ca2+ Ionophore

A nonparametric method for analyzing the mitogenic count data generated from in vitro T cell stimulation by phorbol dibutyrate (PDBu) and ionomycin (I) is described. Antigen receptor initiated T cell activation is transduced by the combined second messenger actions of phospholipid metabolites diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol triphosphate (IP3). DAG activates protein kinase C, and IP3 serves to elevate cytosolic Ca2+ levels. Pharmacological agents, such as phorbol esters and the Ca2+ ionophore ionomycin, mimic DAG and IP3, respectively. Consequently, they can be used to initiate T lymphocyte activation and subsequent proliferation. Given mitogenic count data measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation, a kernel estimate of the proliferative response surface is used to develop a confidence region for the optimal combination level of PDBu and ionomycin for maximum T cell proliferation. The experimental data analysis was validated with a small computer simulation study. The resulting confidence regions have high ...
Development of a new correlation for binary gas phase diffusion coefficients

Abstract In the present investigation a simple and widely applicable correlation for the estimation of binary gas phase diffusion coefficient has been developed. The correlation needs only well known parameters and therefore is easier to use in comparison with other correlations available which need parameters and factors not known for many substances and therefore need experimental determination first.
Role of digitalis-like substance in the hypertension of streptozotocin-induced diabetes and simulated weightlessness in rats

We have examined the role of plasma Na+-K+ pump inhibitor (SPI) in the hypertension of streptozotocin induced insulin dependent diabetes (IDDM) in reduced renal mass rats. The increase in blood pressure (BP) was associated with an increase in extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), and SPI and a decrease in myocardial Na+,K+ATPase (NKA) activity, suggesting that increased SPI, which inhibits cardiovascular muscle (CVM) cell NKA activity, may be involved in the mechanism of IDDM-hypertension. In a second study, using prolonged suspension resulted in a decrease in cardiac NKA activity, suggesting that cardiovascular deconditioning following space flight might in part result from insufficient SPI.
Power budget analysis for high altitude airships

The High Altitude Airship (HAA) has various potential applications and mission scenarios that require onboard energy harvesting and power distribution systems. The energy source considered for the HAA s power budget is solar photon energy that allows the use of either photovoltaic (PV) cells or advanced thermoelectric (ATE) converters. Both PV cells and an ATE system utilizing high performance thermoelectric materials were briefly compared to identify the advantages of ATE for HAA applications in this study. The ATE can generate a higher quantity of harvested energy than PV cells by utilizing the cascaded efficiency of a three-staged ATE in a tandem mode configuration. Assuming that each stage of ATE material has the figure of merit of 5, the cascaded efficiency of a three-staged ATE system approaches the overall conversion efficiency greater than 60%. Based on this estimated efficiency, the configuration of a HAA and the power utility modules are defined.
Decomposition and hybrid simulated annealing heuristics for the parallel-machine total tardiness problem

A polynomial decomposition heuristic is developed for the parallel-machine tardiness problem (PsT) by extending the decomposition principle embedded in the single-machine tardiness problem (1&sol/T) to a parallel-machine setting. The subproblems generated by the decomposition are solved by an effective heuristic that yields solutions such that the schedule on any individual machine satisfies the single-machine decomposition principle. A hybrid simulated annealing heuristic tailored to the P&sol/T problem is also presented. Computational results demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of the decomposition heuristic. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Maple syrup urine disease.

Summary An example of “maple syrup urine”disease was confirmed by amino acid chromatography; its description is accompanied by a summary of the clinical features found in other reported cases. The characteristic pattern is that of an infant who, after thriving for the first few days of life, begins to nurse poorly, develops progressive depression of respiration, and exhibits rigidity, often intermittent or alternating with periods of remarkable flaccidity and depression. The downward course ends in death at from 2 weeks to 20 months of age. Though a peculiar odor has always been present in the urine, it may occur late and may not be easily identifiable as “maple syrup”.
Extending the Eros Effect: Sentience, Reality, and Emanation

This article provides three theoretical extensions to George Katsiaficas's understanding of the “eros effect,” which is a concept for explaining mass political awakenings and spontaneous rebellions. Katsiaficas argues that moments of mass revolt ignite the human need for justice and universal solidarity. That solidarity then radiates outward, alluring people into revolt and creating a groundswell of radicalism. Katsiaficas's heuristic is used here as a springboard for further theorizing. To begin, the eros effect is grounded in the sentient body—that is, the body's ability to feel itself and the world in ways that precede and exceed not only perception and language, but any and all oppressive conditions. It is also argued that the sentient body is a reality-creating organism that is inhibited and/or hindered by various oppressive conditions. This tension between creation and oppression produces the conditions of mass revolt. Lastly, the phenomenon of bodily emanation is introduced to explain the magnetic ...
Effect of magnetic field exposure on anchorage-independent growth of a promoter-sensitive mouse epidermal cell line (JB6).

The anchorage-independent growth of mouse epidermal cells (JB6) exposed to 60-Hz magnetic fields (MF) was investigated. Promotion-responsive JB6 cells were suspended in agar (10(4)cells/plate) and ...
Phonon dispersion curves of GaAs-AlAs superlattices grown in the [111] and [110] directions

Phonon dispersion curves of GaAs-AlAs superlattices grown in the [111] and [110] directions are studied within a rigid-ion model which takes into account both the short-range interaction and the long-range Coulomb interaction. The anisotropic behavior of the optical phonons at the zone center and the interface modes are studied in detail and are compared with those for GaAs-AlAs superlattices grown along the [100] direction. It is shown that the interface modes at finite wave vectors for superlattices grown along different directions are substantially different and depends sensitively on whether the dynamic matrix has reflection symmetry.
Ambient atmosphere bonding of titanium foil to a transparent conductive oxide and anodic growth of titanium dioxide nanotubes

Titania nanotubes were fabricated by anodization of titanium foil bonded to fluorine-doped tin oxide-coated glass (FTO) by an adhesion layer of low-melting-temperature metals. The bonding layer characteristics depended on pressure and ambient environment. The bonding composition is similar to lead-free solder and the addition of antimony improved wetting further. This process presents a rapid, low-cost method for obtaining high-quality, anodizable Ti foil on FTO.
Isolation of DNA and DNA polymerase from MC29 tumor virus

Abstract DNA polymerase was separated from viral nucleic acids by centrifuging detergent-solubilized virions through a CsCl density gradient. DNA polymerase from avian myeloblastosis virus and MC29 virus banded at a density of 1.25–1.27 g/cm 3 . Enzyme isolated in this manner required the addition of nucleic acid primer for DNA synthesis. The sedimentation coefficient of the primer-free DNA polymerase isolated from avian myeloblastosis virus was 7.4 S. The sedimentation rate of the polymerase from avian myeloblastosis virus was unaltered by changing the isolation procedure. Nucleic acids from the virion were recovered in the pellet fraction from the CsCl density gradient. This nucleic acid fraction from purified MC29 virus contained a detectable amount of material which banded at a density of 1.73 g/cm 3 in CsCl. This component of the viral nucleic acid appeared to be DNA that was linked in some manner to RNA since treating the nucleic acid fraction with ribonuclease caused the buoyant density of the nucleic acid to shift to a density of 1.70 g/cm 3 .
Oncolytic herpes simplex virus expressing yeast cytosine deaminase: relationship between viral replication, transgene expression, prodrug bioactivation.

Oncolytic Herpes simplex virus expressing yeast cytosine deaminase: relationship between viral replication, transgene expression, prodrug bioactivation
Use of aspirating syringes for local anesthesia

A common source of adverse reactions in administration of anesthetics is injection into a blood vessel. The dentist can lessen the chance of such an accident by using an aspirating-type syringe, which allows him to check for blood before injection.
Search for the excitation of the giant dipole state by direct inelastic 3He scattering

Abstract The direct inelastic scattering of 41 MeV 3He ions was studied for nuclear excitations in the vicinity of the giant dipole resonance (around 20 MeV). The targets studied were 24Mg, 26Mg, 50Cr, 60Ni and 90Zr. An upper limit of only several μb/sr was placed on the differential cross sections — lower than the yield observed for 182 MeV protons by a factor of 103. By the use of DWBA calculation, this striking decrease was ascribed to the strong nuclear absorption of the 3He projectiles.
Dietary Factors in the Prevention and Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer and Melanoma

background. The endogenous antioxidant system of the skin scavenges reactive oxygen species and combats ultraviolet induced oxidative skin damage. Supporting this cutaneous defense system with topical or oral antioxidants may provide a successful strategy for the treatment and prevention of skin cancer. objective. Review evidence regarding treatment and prevention of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers through dietary and topical antioxidants, vitamins, and herbal supplements. methods. Literature review. results. Review of the literature demonstrates that the administration of synthetic retinoids has not proved beneficial for otherwise healthy patients with nonmelanoma skin cancer. Selenium supplementation has reduced the incidence of several internal malignancies but not of nonmelanoma skin cancer. Synergistic use of β-carotene with vitamins C and E has demonstrated prophylaxis against reactive oxygen radicals involved in nonmelanoma skin cancer and reduced sunburn reactions significantly. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 analog CB1093 has demonstrated promise as a therapeutic agent in the regression of the early stages of melanoma in specific cell lines. conclusion. Delivery of exogenous antioxidants in combination appears to be a more successful strategy for enhancing the cutaneous antioxidant system than the administration of isolated antioxidants alone. Vitamin D analogs may have a role in the medical therapy of melanoma. However, avoiding exposure to ultraviolet light appears to be the only true panacea against the development of melanoma and NMSC.
Andrew as a multiparadigm environment for visual languages

Despite numerous innovations in visual languages, relatively little effort has been devoted to integrating visual languages with each other and with textual languages so each can be used for those purposes for which it is best suited. This paper advances a model for multiparadigm language environments which utilizes text in two roles, visual program organization and compiler input. The paper further shows that the Andrew User Interface System is a convenient framework for building language systems on this model. The approach is exemplified with a visual language for specification of string patterns. >
Review papers : Graphical displays:

This paper selectively reviews the field of scientific and medical graphics. Examples are provided using world health statistics and several new methods of presenting multiveriate data are introduced.
Differences in duration of Huntington’s disease based on age at onset

OBJECTIVES Data from a sample of 2494 patients affected with Huntington’s disease (HD), collected as part of the National Research Roster for Huntington Disease Patients and Families, were examined to determine if there was a relation between age at onset and duration of illness. METHODS Sufficient data for inclusion in analysis was available from 2068 patients, of whom 828 were deceased and 1240 were living. The median duration of disease was 21.4 years with a range of 1.2 to 40.8 years. Patients were categorised into one of four groups based on their age at onset. RESULTS Significant differences in duration based on the age at onset were found (p CONCLUSIONS Duration of disease is influenced by the age at symptom onset with juvenile and late onset patients having the shortest duration.
Design of a robotic rig for testing bicycle transmissions

Human testing of bicycle equipment can be subjective. It is often more desirable to establish objective measures of a system's performance. A bicycle transmission must withstand varying loads placed upon it by the rider and the riding conditions. It must also reliably shift between speeds through numerous cycles. This paper describes the design of a robotic rig for testing bicycle transmissions. The test rig simulates the pedaling and shifting of a human and allows for programmed resistance to simulate riding conditions. The test rig can be programmed to perform numerous shifting sequences under varied operating conditions for tests lasting several hours. Shifts can be performed every 1.5 seconds to accelerate the lifecycle of the transmission. This paper describes each of the systems of the test rig and highlights the design considerations in its development.
SELLING SPARE PARTS AND RENTING USEFUL SPACES

In the late summer and fall of 1983 articles appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Fortune Magazine, and Science News telling of attempts to set up an agency for the selling of kidneys from living donors. The shortage of organs, especially of kidneys where the transplantation success has increased quite markedly over the past decade, has become something of a crisis. A situation of increased need and inadequate supply is also becoming a problem for such substances as human bone marrow, for use in the treatment of immune and blood diseases, and large quantities of human plasma for use by hemophiliacs. Obtaining a kidney for a patient in renal failure was difficult in the past because adequate matching is likely only between very close relatives. Now with new immunosuppressant drugs such as cyclosporine, close matches have become less important. Cadaver organs or marrow from unrelated living donors can be used with far greater success. The supply problem is still immense and the literature is filled with suggestions for appropriate and efficient means of organ acquisition. One of the latest suggestions involves a system of salvaging based on implied consent of deceased donors. The organs would be taken without asking directly for permission from family. The relatives would have the right to object to the organ removal, but unless they did so, the organ would be taken when needed.
Disposition of orally and intravenously administered methyltetrahydrofuran in rats and mice.

The disposition of [14C]methyltetrahydrofuran (14C-MTHF) in rats and mice was determined by following changes in the radioactivity in tissue and excreta with time after dosing. MTHF administered orally (1, 10, or 100 mg/kg) or intravenously (1 mg/kg) to either rats or mice was rapidly metabolized and excreted with <8% (mice) or 8–22% (rats) of the dose remaining in the body after 24 h (1 and 10 mg/kg doses) or 72 h (100 mg/kg dose). Based on recovery of radioactivity in excreta (other than feces) and tissues (other than the gastrointestinal [GI] tract), absorption of orally administered MTHF was essentially complete (93–100%). There were no overt signs of toxicity observed at any dose studied. The major route of excretion in mice was in urine followed by exhaled CO2. In rats the major route of excretion was exhaled CO2 followed by urinary excretion. The excretion of exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOC) was dose-dependent in both species; at lower doses exhaled VOC represented 1–5% of dose, but at the ...
Mechanisms and Methods in Ecoimmunology: Integrating Within-Organism and Between-Organism Processes

Ecoimmunology utilizes techniques from traditionally laboratory-based disciplines--for example, immunology, genomics, proteomics, neuroendocrinology, and cell biology--to reveal how the immune systems of wild organisms both shape and respond to ecological and evolutionary pressures. Immunological phenotypes are embedded within a mechanistic pathway leading from genotype through physiology to shape higher-order biological phenomena. As such, "mechanisms" in ecoimmunology can refer to both the within-host processes that shape immunological phenotypes, or it can refer the ways in which different immunological phenotypes alter between-organism processes at ecological and evolutionary scales. The mechanistic questions ecoimmunologists can ask, both within-organisms and between-organisms, however, often have been limited by techniques that do not easily transfer to wild, non-model systems. Thus, a major focus in ecoimmunology has been developing and refining the available toolkit. Recently, this toolkit has been expanding at an unprecedented rate, bringing new challenges to choosing techniques and standardizing protocols across studies. By confronting these challenges, we will be able to enhance ecoimmunological inquiries into the physiological basis of life-history trade-offs; the development of low-cost biomarkers for susceptibility to disease; and the investigation of the ecophysiological underpinnings of disease ecology, behavior, and the coevolution of host-parasite systems. The technical advances in, and crossover technologies from, disciplines associated with ecoimmunology and how these advances can help us understand the mechanistic basis of immunological variability in wild species were the focus of the symposium, Methods and Mechanisms in Ecoimmunology.
Generalized Serial Search Code Acquisition: The Equivalent Circular State-Diagram Approach

A simple circular state-diagram method has been recently proposed [2] for the modeling, analysis and optimization of straight serial search code acquisition in spread spectrum systems. Herein, the approach is generalized to arbitrary serial strategies, such as the Z-search, expanding window search etc. The basic idea is the construction of equivalent circular state-diagrams, wherefrom the transform-domain description of the stochastic acquisition process is derived. The method circumvents any complicated time-domain combinatorial arguments, is readily systematized and includes recent results as special cases.
Particle cycling rate constants from nutrient particle and thorium isotope data in the NW Atlantic Ocean

A model consisting of three phases — solution, small suspended particles (Ps) and large, sinking particles (PL) has been used to determine particle cycling rate constants as a function of depth in the NW Atlantic (Nares Abyssal Plain). The rate constants were determined by inverting the model using available data on dissolved phosphate, dissolved (Ad) and particulate thorium isotopes (As and AL), suspended particle concentrations, and mass and thorium activity fluxes. The model envisions small particle formation (at a rate β1) in its upper two layers (see figure below). At all depths, small particles decompose (at a rate β-1) and aggregate into large particles (at a rate β2), and large particles disaggregate into small particles (at a rate β-2) and sink with a velocity ω. Thorium adsorbed onto particles behaves in a similar manner. Thorium in solution is adsorbed onto small particles at a rate that is a function of the particle concentration (k1Ps) and desorbed (at a rate k-1). Thorium is produced by a dissolved parent and decays (λ) in each phase. Particles and thorium can be advected, diffused, and change with time. Initial estimates for the rate constants were made based on prior work and the available data. Measured values and initial estimates were weighted for the inversion by the variance associated with each term. The sum of the time dependence and transport terms for each phase are included in the inversion, but assumed equal to zero with a large variance. The rate constants obtained with the inversion (k1=5.1•104 L g-1 y-1; k-1=2 y-1; and 0.1< β-1<42; 3.5<β2<4; 156<β-2<234 y-1) are dependent on the initial estimates, but well within the variance of the initial estimates.
THE ENERGETIC COST OF MAINTAINING LATERAL BALANCE DURING HUMAN RUNNING

To quantify the energetic cost of maintaining lateral balance during human running, we provided external lateral stabilization (LS) while running with and without arm swing and measured changes in ...
MICROWAVE RADIOMETRY AND THE GEOGRAPHER

(1969). MICROWAVE RADIOMETRY AND THE GEOGRAPHER. The Professional Geographer: Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 119-121.
Performance evaluation of metro stations in Shanghai: a service contact perspective

Metro system in Shanghai is not only providing commute services to over two million people every day, but also serving as an effective means to tackle social and environmental problems prevailing in major cities in the People’s Republic of China. As an integral part of the system, metro stations differ in size, structure and general operations, making performances evaluation across stations difficult. We studied the metro system in Shanghai from service contacts perspective and conducted a performance evaluation of selected stations using data envelopment analysis (DEA). In this paper, we present our results and some managerial insights of our analysis.
Baseline Characteristics of the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study Population: Predicting Recognition Acuity at 4.5 Years of Age

PURPOSE To identify patient baseline characteristics that predict recognition acuity at 4.5 years of age in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study, a study of patients with monocular infantile cataracts. METHODS We analyzed baseline characteristics of the 114 infants enrolled in the Infant Aphakia Treatment Study to determine which were most predictive of visual outcome at 4.5 years of age. All infants underwent cataract surgery between 1 and 7 months of age. Monocular acuity was assessed at 4.5 years of age by a traveling examiner using the Amblyopia Treatment Study HOTV protocol. RESULTS Age at cataract surgery was weakly associated with visual acuity (Spearman rank correlation coefficient = 0.19, P = 0.041) with median visual acuity better among the younger patients (28-48 days: 0.50 logMAR, 49-210 days: 1.10 logMAR, P = 0.046). Patients from families with private insurance had significantly better median visual acuity (0.60 vs. 1.40 logMAR, P = 0.0004). No other baseline characteristic revealed a significant bivariate relationship with visual acuity. A multiple linear regression relating visual acuity to all baseline characteristics demonstrated that only the availability of private insurance was statistically significant, accounting for 12% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS This analysis concurs with previous studies that early surgery is important for good visual outcomes in patients with unilateral infantile cataracts. The fact that only one baseline variable (private insurance) contributed to the multivariate analysis, accounting for 12% of the variance, suggests that predicting visual outcome for these patients is complicated at best, and cannot be estimated from baseline characteristics alone. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00212134.).
Dissection of Porphyrin-Induced Conformational Dynamics in the Heme Biosynthesis Enzyme Ferrochelatase

Human ferrochelatase (EC 4.99.1.1) catalyzes the insertion ferrous iron into protoporphyrin IX as the last step in heme biosynthesis, an essential process to most organisms given the vast intracellular functions of heme. Even with multiple ferrochelatase structures available, the exact mechanism for iron insertion into porphyrin is still a matter for debate. It is clear, however, that conformational dynamics are important for porphyrin substrate binding, initial chelation of iron, insertion of iron into the macrocycle, and release of protoheme IX. In this work we characterize conformational and dynamic changes in ferrochelatase associated with porphyrin binding using the substrate mesoporphyrin (MPIX) and backbone amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS). In general, regions surrounding the active site become more ordered from direct or indirect interactions with the porphyrin. Our results indicate that the lower lip of the active site mouth is preorganized for efficient porphyrin bind...
Xylocoris flavipes : Maximum Kill of Tribolium castaneum and Minimum Kill required for Survival of the Predator

Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) was shown to have the potential of being an effective predator of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Under all test conditions the predator killed more eggs than larvae or pupae of the red flour beetle. The mean maximum numbers killed during the lifetime of the predator were 539 eggs, 34 larvae, or 14 pupae when the stages of prey were available separately; the mean minimum numbers on which at least 46% of the predators survived to adulthood were 40 eggs, 9 larvae, or 6 pupae. When all stages of T. castaneum were available, X. flavipes killed a maximum of 405 eggs, 4 larvae, and 8 pupae; the minimum numbers killed were 6 eggs, 2 larvae, and 6 pupae.
Sensitivities of thromboplastins to factor VII deficiency.

Plasma from a factor VII deficient patient was used to compare the sensitivities of thromboplastins from different sources. The results based on time in seconds were compared with those in abnormal control plasmas. The factor VII deficiency was detected with all thromboplastins tested; however, some showed more “sensitivity” than others. Simplastin A was the most sensitive, and the specially prepared brain thromboplastin the least sensitive, to factor VII deficiency.
Constraints on the Genetic and Antigenic Variability of Measles Virus

Antigenic drift and genetic variation are significantly constrained in measles virus (MeV). Genetic stability of MeV is exceptionally high, both in the lab and in the field, and few regions of the genome allow for rapid genetic change. The regions of the genome that are more tolerant of mutations (i.e., the untranslated regions and certain domains within the N, C, V, P, and M proteins) indicate genetic plasticity or structural flexibility in the encoded proteins. Our analysis reveals that strong constraints in the envelope proteins (F and H) allow for a single serotype despite known antigenic differences among its 24 genotypes. This review describes some of the many variables that limit the evolutionary rate of MeV. The high genomic stability of MeV appears to be a shared property of the Paramyxovirinae, suggesting a common mechanism that biologically restricts the rate of mutation.
Is Consciousness Computationally Functional

Consciousness is a major feature of mammalian nervous systems. Recent evidence indicates it may extend from mammals to birds and even cephalopods (Edelman, Seth 2009). Since all major biological adaptations are functional, or sequelae of biofunctions, and since brains perform computations, it would seem that consciousness must have a basic biocomputational function. Biologically, that means of course that consciousness endows nervous systems with one or more adaptive advantages leading to higher gene frequencies for those brains. Given that mammals have existed for some 200 million years, and that mammals share the thalamocortical core that supports conscious states, it is very likely that conscious brains have gathered not just one but many biocomputational functions. That certainly accords with our common sense notions of conscious (as well as unconscious) activities.
An interview with Robert J. Lefkowitz.

Robert J. Lefkowitz, M.D. is James B. Duke Professor of Medicine and Professor of Biochemistry at the Duke University Medical Center. He has been an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute since 1976. Dr Lefkowitz began his research career in the late 1960s and early 1970s, when there was no clear consensus that receptors as conceived of by pharmacologists even existed. His group spent 15 years developing techniques for radioligand binding, solubilization, purification and reconstitution of the four adrenergic receptors known at the time. In 1986, Dr Lefkowitz transformed our understanding of what had become known as G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), when he and his colleagues cloned the gene and cDNA for the b2 adrenergic receptor and recognized its sequence homology with rhodopsin, which thus established them as the first members of a new family of proteins, the seven transmembrane receptors (7TMRs). This superfamily is now known to be the largest, most diverse and most therapeutically accessible. Since then, Dr Lefkowitz has continued to revolutionize the GPCR field through the cloning of eight adrenergic receptor subtypes and the first serotonin (5HT1A) receptor; the discovery and cloning of the G-protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) and barrestins; and the discovery of ‘biased’ signaling through b-arrestins or G proteins. He has received numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Science, the Shaw Prize and the Albany Prize. He was elected to the USA National Academy of Sciences in 1988.
Multisystem Radiologic Manifestations of Erdheim-Chester Disease

Erdheim-Chester Disease is a rare form of multiorgan non-Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis that affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 70 with an equal distribution among males and females. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality that is mostly due to infiltration of critical organs. Some of the sites that Erdheim-Chester Disease affects include the skeletal system, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, lungs, kidneys (retroperitoneum), and skin. The most common presenting symptom of Erdheim-Chester Disease is bone pain although a large majority of patients are diagnosed incidentally during a workup for a different disease process. Diagnosing Erdheim-Chester Disease is challenging due its rarity and mimicry to other infiltrative processes. Therefore, a multimodality diagnostic approach is employed with imaging being at the forefront. As of date, a comprehensive radiologic review of the manifestations of Erdheim-Chester Disease has rarely been reported. Here we present radiologic findings of an individual suffering from Erdheim-Chester Disease.
Initial Intrahospital Care of the Severely Injured Patient: The Early Hours

Priorities, pitfalls, and practical management of the severely injured patient during his first few hours in hospital are described. It is during the initial hours that the margin for error is least, constant clinical surveillance is most crucial, and rapid pragmatic decisions are most often needed.
Structure of the voltage-gated K+ channel Eag1 reveals an alternative voltage sensing mechanism

Voltage-gated potassium (K v ) channels are gated by the movement of the transmembrane voltage sensor, which is coupled, through the helical S4-S5 linker, to the potassium pore. We determined the single-particle cryo–electron microscopy structure of mammalian K v 10.1, or Eag1, bound to the channel inhibitor calmodulin, at 3.78 angstrom resolution. Unlike previous K v structures, the S4-S5 linker of Eag1 is a five-residue loop and the transmembrane segments are not domain swapped, which suggest an alternative mechanism of voltage-dependent gating. Additionally, the structure and position of the S4-S5 linker allow calmodulin to bind to the intracellular domains and to close the potassium pore, independent of voltage-sensor position. The structure reveals an alternative gating mechanism for K v channels and provides a template to further understand the gating properties of Eag1 and related channels.
Calcium sensor regulation of the CaV2.1 Ca2+ channel contributes to long-term potentiation and spatial learning

Many forms of short-term synaptic plasticity rely on regulation of presynaptic voltage-gated Ca2+ type 2.1 (CaV2.1) channels. However, the contribution of regulation of CaV2.1 channels to other forms of neuroplasticity and to learning and memory are not known. Here we have studied mice with a mutation (IM-AA) that disrupts regulation of CaV2.1 channels by calmodulin and related calcium sensor proteins. Surprisingly, we find that long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission at the Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse in the hippocampus is substantially weakened, even though this form of synaptic plasticity is thought to be primarily generated postsynaptically. LTP in response to θ-burst stimulation and to 100-Hz tetanic stimulation is much reduced. However, a normal level of LTP can be generated by repetitive 100-Hz stimulation or by depolarization of the postsynaptic cell to prevent block of NMDA-specific glutamate receptors by Mg2+ The ratio of postsynaptic responses of NMDA-specific glutamate receptors to those of AMPA-specific glutamate receptors is decreased, but the postsynaptic current from activation of NMDA-specific glutamate receptors is progressively increased during trains of stimuli and exceeds WT by the end of 1-s trains. Strikingly, these impairments in long-term synaptic plasticity and the previously documented impairments in short-term synaptic plasticity in IM-AA mice are associated with pronounced deficits in spatial learning and memory in context-dependent fear conditioning and in the Barnes circular maze. Thus, regulation of CaV2.1 channels by calcium sensor proteins is required for normal short-term synaptic plasticity, LTP, and spatial learning and memory in mice.
A Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Resistant to a Quaternary Ammonium Compound

Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa able to grow in Tryptone glucose yeast extract (TGY) broth containing 750 μg/ml of quaternary ammonium compound (alkyldimethylethylbenzyl ammonium chloride-(QAC) were studied in comparison to sensitive cells unable to grow in such medium to identify factors important in determining the precise degree of resistance. The germicidal activity of QAC solutions against both sensitive and resistant cells in TGY broth was shown to be greatly affected by the concentration of Tryptone and yeast extract, but not by the amount of sugar. The pH of the broth also influenced germicidal activity; both strains were more susceptible under slightly acid conditions. A comparison of the pH range of growth of sensitive and resistant cells demonstrated the abiility of the former to grow in TGY broth at pH 4.5 while the latter could not achieve growth at pH 5.0. A study of the effects of 50 ppm QAC, buffered to various pH values, indicated that susceptibility of resistant cells was nearly the same...
Direct growth of ternary Ni–Fe–P porous nanorods onto nickel foam as a highly active, robust bi-functional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting

To date, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as a new platform to endow electrocatalysts with multi-scale architectures. Herein, we report a universal MOF-based post-treatment strategy to produce carbon-incorporated ternary Ni–Fe–P porous nanorods grown onto nickel foam directly as a non-precious-metal bifunctional electrocatalyst.
AttentiveLearner2: A Multimodal Approach for Improving MOOC Learning on Mobile Devices

We propose AttentiveLearner2, a multimodal mobile learning system for MOOCs running on unmodified smartphones. AttentiveLearner2 uses both the front and back cameras of a smartphone as two complementary and fine-grained feedback channels in real time: the back camera monitors learners’ photoplethysmography (PPG) signals and the front camera tracks their facial expressions during MOOC learning. AttentiveLearner2 implicitly infers learners’ affective and cognitive states during learning by analyzing learners’ PPG signals and facial expressions. In a 26-participant user study, we found that it is feasible to detect 6 types of emotion during learning via collected PPG signals and facial expressions and these modalities are complement with each other.
Weight variability of scored and unscored psychotropic drug tablets split by a uniquely designed tablet splitting device

Tablets of three psychotropic drugs were split using a uniquely designed tablet splitting device, the Tru-Cut Multi-Tablet Cutter, and evaluated for weight variation utilizing criteria based on the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Uniformity of Dosage Units Content Uniformity Criteria. Whole tablets of Risperdal 2 mg and 4 mg, Paxil 20 mg and 40 mg, and Zoloft 100 mg were split by a device that positioned tablets in tablet specific disposable trays for splitting. Each half tablet weight was recorded utilizing a digital electronic balance. Weight variability was determined by comparing actual half tablet weight to theoretical half tablet weight and calculation of the relative standard deviation. Results showed half tablets of all drugs met the weight variation criteria resulting in uniform half tablet dosages as defined by the criteria.
A period of ''wild and fierce fanaticism'': Populism, theo-political militarism, and the crisis of US hegemony

This paper argues that one key characteristic of the new American populism is its orientation toward global military confrontation with “Islam.” The paper focuses on texts by Michael Anton, Stephen K. Bannon, including Bannon’s film Torchbearer (2016). Comparing their ideological work to Alexander Dugin’s writings on the global order, the authors organize the comparison around the contextual similarity between American and Russian right-wing thinkers. There are substantive affinities, but more important is the similar relation between textual production and imperial context. We conclude by arguing that these new authoritarian movements and regimes combine coherent ideological projects with deliberately chaotic, even incoherent statements and interventions.
Best practices for naming, receiving, and managing cells in culture

One of the first considerations in using an existing cell line or establishing a new a cell line is the detailed proactive planning of all phases of the cell line management. It is necessary to have a well-trained practitioner in best practices in cell culture who has experience in receiving a new cell line into the laboratory, the correct and appropriate use of a cell line name, the preparation of cell banks, microscopic observation of cells in culture, growth optimization, cell count, cell subcultivation, as well as detailed protocols on how to expand and store cells. Indeed, the practitioner should best manage all activities of cell culture by ensuring that the appropriate certified facilities, equipment, and validated supplies and reagents are in place.
A Cooperative Folding Unit as the Structural Link for Energetic Coupling within a Protein

Previously, we demonstrated that binding of a ligand to Escherichia coli cofactor-dependent phosphoglycerate mutase (dPGM), a homodimeric protein, is energetically coupled with dimerization. The equilibrium unfolding of dPGM occurs with a stable, monomeric intermediate. Binding of several nonsubstrate metabolites stabilizes the dimeric native form over the monomeric intermediate, reducing the population of the intermediate. Both the active site and the dimer interface appear to be unfolded in the intermediate. We hypothesized that a loop containing residues 118–152 was responsible for the energetic coupling between the dimer interface and the distal active site and was unfolded in the intermediate. Here, we investigated the structure of the dPGM intermediate by probing side-chain interactions and solvent accessibility of the peptide backbone. By comparing the effect of a mutation on the global stability and the stability of the intermediate, we determine an equilibrium φ value (φeq value), which provides ...
Synthesis and Direct Observation of Thermoresponsive DNA Copolymers

Single-molecule techniques allow for the direct observation of long-chain macromolecules, and these methods can provide a molecular understanding of chemically heterogeneous and stimuli-response polymers. In this work, we report the synthesis and direct observation of thermoresponsive DNA copolymers using single-molecule techniques. DNA-PNIPAM copolymers are synthesized using a two-step strategy based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for generating linear DNA backbones containing non-natural nucleotides (dibenzocyclooctyne-dUTP), followed by grafting thermoresponsive side branches (poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAM) onto DNA backbones using copper-free click chemistry. Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy is used to directly observe the stretching and relaxation dynamics of DNA-PNIPAM copolymers both below and above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM. Our results show that the intramolecular conformational dynamics of DNA-PNIPAM copolymers are affected by temperature, branch d...
The Gut Microbiota Mediates the Anti-Seizure Effects of the Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet (KD) is used to treat refractory epilepsy, but the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective effects remain unclear. Here, we show that the gut microbiota is altered by the KD and required for protection against acute electrically induced seizures and spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures in two mouse models. Mice treated with antibiotics or reared germ free are resistant to KD-mediated seizure protection. Enrichment of, and gnotobiotic co-colonization with, KD-associated Akkermansia and Parabacteroides restores seizure protection. Moreover, transplantation of the KD gut microbiota and treatment with Akkermansia and Parabacteroides each confer seizure protection to mice fed a control diet. Alterations in colonic lumenal, serum, and hippocampal metabolomic profiles correlate with seizure protection, including reductions in systemic gamma-glutamylated amino acids and elevated hippocampal GABA/glutamate levels. Bacterial cross-feeding decreases gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity, and inhibiting gamma-glutamylation promotes seizure protection in vivo. Overall, this study reveals that the gut microbiota modulates host metabolism and seizure susceptibility in mice.
On the applicability of two Newton methods for solving equations in Banach space

In this study we examine the applicability of Newton’s method and the modified Newton’s method for approximating a locally unique solution of a nonlinear equation in a Banach space. We assume that the Newton-Kantorovich hypothesis for Newton’s method is violated, but the corresponding condition for the modified Newton method holds. Under these conditions there is no guarantee that Newton’s method starting from the same initial guess as the modified Newton’s method converges. Hence, it seems that we must always use the modified Newton method under these conditions. However, we provide a numerical example to demonstrate that in practice this may not be a good decision.