cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon Tetrachloride Degradation: Effect of Microbial Growth Substrate and Vitamin B12 Content

Microbial degradation kinetics of carbon tetrachloride (CT) under reducing conditions were investigated for different cultures, fed with 1,2-propanediol, dextrose, propionaldehyde, or acetate and nitrate, in the anaerobic step of an anaerobic/aerobic operation sequence. Methanogenesis was inhibited due to the aerobic step. CT biodegradation rates followed first-order kinetics with respect to CT concentration and biomass and were not affected by the presence of growth substrate. CT degradation rates increased linearly with higher intracellular vitamin B12 content. The culture fed 1,2-propanediol had the highest vitamin B12 content, which was 3.8, 4.7, and 16 times that of the propionaldehyde-, dextrose-, and acetate-fed cultures, respectively, and its first-order degradation rate constant was 2.8, 4.5, 6.0 times that for those cultures, respectively. No CT degradation occurred with culture liquid, suggesting that intracellular factors were responsible for CT degradation. The propanediol culture was able to...
Estrogen receptor-dependent and estrogen receptor-independent pathways for tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen-induced programmed cell death

Abstract The therapeutic efficacy of tamoxifen (TAM) in cancer therapy is thought to arise primarily from its ability to compete with estrogens for binding to the estrogen receptor (ER). We show that TAM and its active metabolite, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT), can actively induce programmed cell death through distinct ER-dependent and ER-independent pathways. The ER-independent pathway is activated by 10–20 μmTAM and OHT and by 10–20 μm 17β-estradiol and raloxifene, and occurs in ER-negative cells. The ER dependence of a second pathway, caused by submicromolar concentrations of TAM and OHT, was demonstrated by the ability of the ER ligands 17β-estradiol, raloxifene, and ICI 182,780 to effectively block the cell death-inducing effects of TAM and OHT. Because the p38-specific inhibitor SB203580 blocks OHT·ER-induced cell death, stress kinase pathways are likely involved. ER-independent cell death triggers classic caspase-dependent apoptosis. However, although OHT·ER triggers some hallmarks of apoptosis, including Bax translocation and cytochrome c release, the absence of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage or DNA laddering indicates that the death pathway involved is caspase-independent. The OHT·ER-dependent cell death pathway appears to diverge from classical apoptosis at the level of caspase 9 activation. The ability to promote ER-dependent programmed cell death represents a novel activity of TAM and OHT.
Equatorial Circulation of a Global Ocean Climate Model with Anisotropic Horizontal Viscosity

Abstract Horizontal momentum flux in a global ocean climate model is formulated as an anisotropic viscosity with two spatially varying coefficients. This friction can be made purely dissipative, does not produce unphysical torques, and satisfies the symmetry conditions required of the Reynolds stress tensor. The two primary design criteria are to have viscosity at values appropriate for the parameterization of missing mesoscale eddies wherever possible and to use other values only where required by the numerics. These other viscosities control numerical noise from advection and generate western boundary currents that are wide enough to be resolved by the coarse grid of the model. Noise on the model gridscale is tolerated provided its amplitude is less than about 0.05 cm s−1. Parameter tuning is minimized by applying physical and numerical principles. The potential value of this line of model development is demonstrated by comparison with equatorial ocean observations. In particular, the goal of producing ...
A perceptually-based model of children's earliest productions

Abstract A model is proposed to account for processes underlying the initial extraction and representation of words. The model incorporates perceptual salience into a framework provided by autosegmental phonology. In one study, predictions of the model were tested in a corpus of utterances obtaind from three children in the one-word speech period. Analyses of the corpus supported the predictions, suggesting that salience of elements such as stressed and final syllables may contribute to the form of early productions and, specifically, to the form of utterances containing filler syllables and full or partial reduplications. Because the data for this study were children's productions, and the model concerns children's representations, a second study was carried out to investigate representations somewhat more directly. That study also explored the possible influence of an additional prosodic factor on the form of early words. A word-learning task with 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds and adults assessed whether children would attend to stress pattern or segmental sequence in identifying the referent for a word. As expected, children did rely on prosody in their word choices far more frequently than did adults, suggesting that one prosodic component, stress pattern, may in some cases be prominent in a child's representation for a word. The results of the two studies provide support for the utility of the autosegmental framework, as well as additional evidence for the perceptual salience of stressed and final syllables and of stress pattern.
mTOR Activation Induces Tumor Suppressors that Inhibit Leukemogenesis and Deplete Hematopoietic Stem Cells after Pten Deletion

Summary Pten deficiency depletes hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) but expands leukemia-initiating cells, and the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, blocks these effects. Understanding the opposite effects of mTOR activation on HSCs versus leukemia-initiating cells could improve antileukemia therapies. We found that the depletion of Pten -deficient HSCs was not caused by oxidative stress and could not be blocked by N-acetyl-cysteine. Instead, Pten deletion induced, and rapamycin attenuated, the expression of p16 Ink4a and p53 in HSCs, and p19 Arf and p53 in other hematopoietic cells. p53 suppressed leukemogenesis and promoted HSC depletion after Pten deletion. p16 Ink4a also promoted HSC depletion but had a limited role suppressing leukemogenesis. p19 Arf strongly suppressed leukemogenesis but did not deplete HSCs. Secondary mutations attenuated this tumor suppressor response in some leukemias that arose after Pten deletion. mTOR activation therefore depletes HSCs by a tumor suppressor response that is attenuated by secondary mutations in leukemogenic clones.
Cotical granule exocytosis in sea urchin eggs is inhibited by drugs that alter intracellular calcium stores

In sea urchin eggs fertilization is accompanied by cortical granule exocytosis, a secretory event thought to be initiated by release of intracellularly sequestered calcium. We have examined the effect of two drugs on this process: chlortetracycline (CTC), a known chelator of intracellular calcium, and 8-(N,N-diethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate (TMB-8), an antagonist of intracellular calcium release in both skeletal and smooth muscle. Preincubation of eggs for 10 min with either CTC or TMB-8 blocked sperm entry, inhibited the burst of 45Ca2+ efflux normally seen postinsemination, and prevented fertilization envelope elevation. Half-maximal inhibition occurred with 200 microM CTC and 60 microM TMB-8. Electron microscopy confirmed that cortical granule exocytosis had been blocked, although inhibition was not due to a direct effect on exocytosis. CTC and TMB-8 had no effect on Ca2+-stimulated granule fusion in isolated egg cortices. Rather, these drugs block the early events in egg activation: sperm incorporation and triggering of exocytosis. These two effects appear to be independent since addition of either drug just before insemination permits sperm entry but inhibits calcium release and cortical granule exocytosis.
Vascular anomalies of the male genitalia

Abstract Purpose Vascular tumors and malformations of the male genitalia can affect urinary, sexual, reproductive, and emotional function. Methods Male patients with a genital lesion evaluated or treated at our center from 1995 to 2010 were reviewed to analyze presentation, diagnosis, treatment modalities, and outcome. Results Of the 3889 male patients, 117 had a vascular anomaly of the genitalia: 12 tumors and 105 malformations. The referring diagnosis was accurate in 72.7% of patients with a tumor, whereas 46.3% of malformations were misdiagnosed. Tumors included infantile hemangioma (n = 10) and kaposiform lymphatic anomaly (n = 2). Common vascular malformations were lymphatic (n = 46), venous (n = 33), and capillary-lymphatic-venous (n = 16). Presenting signs for tumors included ulceration (33.0%) and ambiguous genitalia (25.0%). Malformations manifested with swelling (40.0%), fluid leakage (16.2%), and pain (16.2%). Treatment was necessary for 69.9% (79/113) of patients. The remaining lesions (34/113) were observed. Tumor management included observation, pharmacotherapy, and excision. Malformations were largely treated with sclerotherapy and/or surgical procedures. Conclusions Vascular anomalies of the male genitalia are uncommon and frequently misdiagnosed. Accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment can be instituted based on presentation, natural history, and radiographic imaging. Observation and pharmacotherapy are the mainstays of tumor management. Malformations require sclerotherapy and/or resection. Interdisciplinary care optimizes outcomes for males with these often-disfiguring vascular lesions.
mGluR5 positive allosteric modulation and its effects on MK-801 induced set-shifting impairments in a rat operant delayed matching/non-matching-to-sample task.

Rationale Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR5) exert pro-cognitive effects in animal models of various neuropsychiatric diseases. However, few studies to date have examined ability of mGluR5 PAMs to reverse cognitive deficits in operant delayed matching/non-matching-to-sample (DMS/DNMS) tasks.
Cholesterol Biosensor Based on Nanodiamond-Polypyrrole Conducting Nanocomposite Membrane

In this work we present the synthesis, characterization and application of the nanodiamond- polypyrrole nanocomposite films as electrochemical active electrode for sensing cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidase and esterase have been covalently attached to the surface of the films. Results showed that the inclusion of nanodiamond to the polymeric matrix increment the surface area and provide carboxylic groups capable to perform reaction with the amide groups present in the enzymes. Further, the sensitivity of the electrode to the cholesterol content have been examined.
Differential mTOR and ERK pathway utilization by effector CD4 T cells suggests combinatorial drug therapy of arthritis

The signaling pathways utilized by naive and experienced effector CD4 T cells during activation and proliferation were evaluated. While inhibition of either mTOR or MAPK alone was able to inhibit naive T cell proliferation, both mTOR and MAPK (ERK) pathway inhibition was required to efficiently block experienced, effector CD4 T cell proliferation. This was demonstrated both in vitro, and in vivo by treating mice with collagen-induced arthritis using mTOR and/or ERK inhibitors. The combination of mTOR and ERK inhibition prevented or treated disease more efficiently than either agent alone. These data illustrate the different requirements of naive and experienced effector CD4 T cells in the use of the mTOR and MAPK pathways in proliferation, and suggest that therapies targeting both the mTOR and MAPK pathways may be more effective than targeting either pathway alone in the treatment of CD4 T cell-mediated autoimmunity.
Inter-Vendor Dynamic Spectrum Sharing: Feasibility Study and Performance Evaluation

This paper introduces a dynamic spectrum sharing scheme applied across vendors (service providers such as wireless companies). A spectrum allocation server (SAS) equipped with cognitive radio senses the surrounding environment and acquires spectrum utilization information in its coverage area. Upon request, the SAS allocates the available spectrum to the overloaded vendors. The paper mainly studies the feasibility of the proposed technique in terms of the probability-of-sharing across vendors, and analyzes the impact of correlation of traffic rates on the performance of inter-vendor spectrum sharing.
Design, fabrication, and characterization of THz Bragg reflectors

We have designed, fabricated and measured the first THz Bragg reflectors based on periodic air slots formed on Si wafers. For three air slots, we have achieved a peak reflectivity as high as 91%.
IL-6 Promotes Cardiac Graft Rejection Mediated by CD4+ Cells

IL-6 mediates numerous immunologic effects relevant to transplant rejection; however, its specific contributions to these processes are not fully understood. To this end, we neutralized IL-6 in settings of acute cardiac allograft rejection associated with either CD8+ or CD4+ cell-dominant responses. In a setting of CD8+ cell-dominant graft rejection, IL-6 neutralization delayed the onset of acute rejection while decreasing graft infiltrate and inverting anti-graft Th1/Th2 priming dominance in recipients. IL-6 neutralization markedly prolonged graft survival in the setting of CD4+ cell-mediated acute rejection and was associated with decreased graft infiltrate, altered Th1 responses, and reduced serum alloantibody. Furthermore, in CD4+ cell-dominated rejection, IL-6 neutralization was effective when anti–IL-6 administration was delayed by as many as 6 d posttransplant. Finally, IL-6–deficient graft recipients were protected from CD4+ cell-dominant responses, suggesting that IL-6 production by graft recipients, rather than grafts, is necessary for this type of rejection. Collectively, these observations define IL-6 as a critical promoter of graft infiltration and a shaper of T cell lineage development in cardiac graft rejection. In light of these findings, the utility of therapeutics targeting IL-6 should be considered for preventing cardiac allograft rejection.
Minimal cohesive basic sets

A basic set (formerly basic sequence ) ℬ is a set of pairs ( a, b ) of positive integers satisfying (1) if ( a, b ) ∈ ℬ, then ( b, a ) ∈ ℬ, (2) ( a, bc ) ∈ ℬ if and only if ( a, b ) ∈ ℬ and ( a, c ) ∈ ℬ, (3) (1, k ∈ ℬ, k = 1, 2, …. Some familiar examples of basic sets are , where S k = {(1, k ), ( k , 1)}, = {( a, b )| a and b are relatively prime positive integers}, ℒ = {( a, b )| a and b are any positive integers}.
A multidisciplinary student-centered laboratory

In this paper we describe a student-centered laboratory developed by the Department of Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and partially supported by a National Science Foundation CCLI Program grant (DUE-9950839). This laboratory is utilized by students, freshmen to graduate level, as an active learning laboratory. These are students from several disciplines including computer sciences, mathematics, geographical information systems, engineering technology, and educational technology. The laboratory is centered around a computer-controlled model railroad system and a range of simple to sophisticated robotic platforms. The laboratory equipment and layout encourage "near-peer" teaching activities such as presentations and group projects. The student projects move beyond basic theory verification by requiring students to practice higher-level thinking, and students are able to physically observe the results of their own computational solutions to problems. The student projects encourage students to reorganize knowledge, understand computation in the context of larger systems, and discover the connections among several disciplines.
An examination of intraspinal sprouting in dorsal root axons with the tracer horseradish peroxidase

Postdeafferentation reorganization in the central terminal fields of spared dorsal root axons was evaluated by examining the intraspinal distribution of horseradish peroxidase-labeled sciatic nerve afferent fibers at various intervals following the removal of several lumbar dorsal root ganglia. The sciatic projection to the spinal cord, as determined by the pattern and density of intraspinal reaction product, was remarkably stable following the ganglionectomies. For as long as 3 months later, there was no evidence that sciatic afferent fibers had formed anomalous connections either with new spinal segments or in denervated areas within normal segments of entry. These findings cast doubt upon the existence of anatomic reorganization within the spinal cord following its partial deafferentation and suggest that physiological processes other than new axonal growth underlie observations such as postdenervation alterations in the response properties of dorsal horn neurons and the recovery of behavioral function.
FPGA implementation of low-power 3D ultrasound beamformer

3D ultrasound is common for non-invasive medical imaging in cardiology and OB-GYN because of its accuracy, safety, and real-time ease of use. However, high bandwidth requirements and extreme computational complexity have precluded hand-held and low-power 3D systems, limiting 3D applications. In previous work, we presented Sonic Millip3De, a hardware design that can efficiently handle the high computational demand of real-time 3D synthetic aperture beamforming, even in handheld and mobile applications. The design combines a custom, highly parallel hardware system with a novel delay approximation method to quickly produce high quality 3D image data within an estimated 15 W full-system power budget. Prior evaluations of the design relied on software prototypes; this work extends previous evaluations with an FPGA implementation of the beamforming accelerator, validating the results of earlier prototypes. In particular, we carry out image quality analyses of our beamforming architecture using simulated 3D echo data (from Field II) and 2D artificial tissue phantom data acquired using a Verasonics V-1 system and Philips P4-1 probe. We compare results from the FPGA implementation to an ideal software beamformer and prior software prototypes of the Sonic Millip3De design.
Adaptive calibration of multiple quantization oversampled A/D converters

Multiple quantization delta-sigma modulators for oversampled A/D conversion are known to suffer from performance degradation in the presence of analog imperfections in the implementation, such as finite gain of the amplifiers and capacitor ratio mismatches. We present algorithms and architectures for on-line and off-line digital correction of such analog imperfections. The digital correction compensates for incomplete cancellation of quantization noise from individual delta-sigma stages, and for gain and spectral distortion of the signal transfer function. Simulation results demonstrate that a simple off-line calibration method is effective to achieve neat-perfect digital correction of analog sources of error and spectral distortion. We discuss on-line extensions of the calibration procedure in a multiplexed or multi-rate arrangement with multiple oversampled converters operating in parallel.
Path-based next trace prediction

The trace cache has been proposed as a mechanism for providing increased fetch bandwidth by allowing the processor to fetch across multiple branches in a single cycle. But to date predicting multiple branches per cycle has meant paying a penalty in prediction accuracy. We propose a next trace predictor that treats the traces as basic units and explicitly predicts sequences of traces. The predictor collects histories of trace sequences (paths) and makes predictions based on these histories. The basic predictor is enhanced to a hybrid configuration that reduces performance losses due to cold starts and aliasing in the prediction table. The Return History Stack is introduced to increase predictor performance by saving path history information across procedure call/returns. Overall, the predictor yields about a 26% reduction in misprediction rates when compared with the most aggressive previously proposed, multiple-branch-prediction methods.
On asymptotics of certain sums arising in coding theory

T. Klove (see ibid., vol.41, p.298-300, 1995) analyzed the average worst case probability of undetected error for linear [n, k; q] codes of length n and dimension k over an alphabet of size q. The following sum: S/sub n/=/spl Sigma//sub i=1//sup n/(/sub i//sup n/)(/sup i///sub n/)/sup i/((1-i)/n)/sup n-i/ arose, which also has applications in coding theory, average case analysis of algorithms, and combinatorics. Klove conjectured an asymptotic expansion of this sum, and we prove its enhanced version. Furthermore, we consider a more challenging sum arising in the upper bound of the average worst case probability of undetected error over systematic codes derived by Massey (1978). Namely S/sub n,k/=/spl Sigma//sub i=1//sup n/(/sub i//sup n-k/)(/sup i///sub n/)/sup i/((1-i)/n)/sup n-i/ for k/spl ges/0. We obtain an asymptotic expansion of S/sub n,k/, and this leads to a conclusion that Massey's bound on the average worst case probability over all systematic codes is better for every k than the corresponding Klove's bound over all codes [n, k; q]. The technique used belongs to the analytical analysis of algorithms and is based on some enumeration of trees, singularity analysis, Lagrange's inversion formula, and Ramanujan's identities. In fact, S/sub n/, turns out to be related to the so-called Ramanujan's Q-function which finds many applications (e.g. hashing with linear probing, the birthday paradox problem, random mappings, caching, memory conflicts, etc.).
The effects of moderate exercise training on psychological well-being and mood state in women☆

The relationship between moderate exercise training (five 45 min sessions/week, brisk walking at 62 beta +/- 2% VO2max for 15 weeks, psychological well-being and mood state was investigated in a group of 35 sedentary, mildly obese women. A 2 (exercise (EX) (N = 18), and nonexercise (NEX) (N = 17) groups) x 3 (baseline, 6-week, 15-week testing sessions) factorial design was used with data analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA. Four psychological tests were administered: Daily Hassles Scale (DHS), General Well-being Schedule (GWB), Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory (S-Anxiety), and Profile of Mood States (POMS). The EX and NEX groups had significantly different patterns of change over time for GWB total scores [F(2,66) = 5.72, p = 0.005] and the GWB subscales 'energy level' and 'freedom from health concern or worry'. Scores for the EX group were elevated at both 6 and 15 weeks. General well-being total scores and subscale 'energy level' scores were significantly correlated with improvement in submaximal cardiorespiratory fitness (r = -0.41, p = 0.014; r = -0.40, p = 0.017, respectively). Exercise training also had a significant effect on frequency but not intensity of DHS scores, and S-Anxiety, with a significant decrease seen in the EX group at 6 weeks but not 15 weeks. Profile of Mood States scores were not significantly related to exercise training. These data support the results of other studies that have reported improvement in general psychological well-being with exercise training.
Ivermectin 20 years on: maturation of a wonder drug

Ivermectin has been on the veterinary market for almost a quarter of a century and has been approved for human use for 18 years. Its use has revolutionized the treatment of nematode and arthropod parasites in animals and has provided hope for the control or even eradication of filariases in humans. Although much remains to be learned about how the drug works and how resistance to it will develop, it has earned the title of "wonder drug".
Energy Drinks: An Assessment of Their Market Size, Consumer Demographics, Ingredient Profile, Functionality, and Regulations in the United States

The consumption of energy drinks is rapidly increasing, as demonstrated by their large market growth. The targeted demographic group is teenagers, young adults, 18 to 34 y old; although expansion into nontraditional markets is also occurring. It is claimed that energy drinks can offer an increased energy boost related to their ingredient profile of caffeine, taurine, herbal extracts, and vitamins. Research suggests that energy drink formulations, in addition to increasing energy utilization, may also improve mood, enhance physical endurance, reduce mental fatigue, and increase reaction time. However, in most cases, the corresponding mechanisms of action are not clear. In addition, concerns have been raised over their safety and with a currently weak regulatory environment, efforts need to be made to ensure consumer safety. The objective of this article is to review the current U.S. energy drink market with emphasis on its market size, target demographic, active ingredients, potential benefits, safety, and regulations.
Extending An Accounting Information System Learning Aid To Firm Valuation

This article reports a case on firm valuation. Students are required to determine the fair market value of a company’s stockholders’ equity by projecting the company’s earnings and then discounting the projected earnings to a present value. The case extends an earlier case on the accounting information system and allows students to visualize the effects of future earnings and cost of capital on firm valuation. Student perceptions of the case were very favorable.
An Analog Light Scattering Experiment of Hexagonal Icelike Particles. Part I: Experimental Apparatus and Test Measurements

An experimental apparatus to measure the scattering properties of hexagonal icelike particles in the analog manner at the helium neon laser wavelength of 0.633 mm has been designed and built. The instrument consists of an array of 36 highly sensitive and linear photodiode detectors that are positioned to measure the light between the scattering angles of 2.88 and 177.28 in approximately 2.58 increments and at any desired azimuthal angle. This array is calibrated such that the retrieved light signals are corrected to the actual light seen by the detectors to within approximately 6% at all applicable scattering and azimuthal angles. A system of electro-mechanical positioners places the sample at the desired and known position. A glass sphere and a glass fiber configured to scatter light like an infinite cylinder was used to test the operational effectiveness and calibration of the experimental apparatus. The phase functions for the parallel and perpendicular components determined from the experimental results match closely with the results computed from Mie theory.
Investigation of statistical decision rules for sequential hematologic laboratory tests

A statistical data processing program for identifying patients who are likely to have abnormalities on various hematologic laboratory tests is described. The prediction of abnormal levels of serum vitamin B12, serum folate, transferrin saturation, and reticulocyte counts is based on a statistical analysis of the patient’s age, sex, and routine blood cell measurements. The program was developed using data from normal-value studies and data from patients who had these laboratory abnormalities. The sensitivity and specificity of the program were evaluated in a controlled prospective study of about 5,000 ambulatory adult patients. The program’s predictions also were compared with the laboratory tests requested by the patients’ attending physicians. The program was most sensitive for predicting low serum vitamin B12 (74%) and low transferrin saturation (78%). In the prospective evaluation, the predictive values varied from 11% for predicting low serum folate to 65% for predicting low transferrin saturation.
Techniques to aid pulmonary valve preservation during repair of tetralogy of Fallot

From the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Mass. Disclosures: Author has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Feb 12, 2016; accepted for publication Feb 13, 2016; available ahead of print March 23, 2016. Address for reprints: Aditya K. Kaza, MD, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Boston Children’s Hospital, Bader 273, BCH 3084, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115 (E-mail: aditya.kaza@cardio.chboston.org). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2016;151:1759 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2016 by The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.02.032
Role of the pons in the carotid sympathetic chemoreflex

The mass discharges of the splanchnic sympathetic (SND) and phrenic nerves (PND) were recorded in urethananesthetized rats with resected vagal and aortic nerves. Carotid chemoreceptor (CC) stimulation with N2 inhalation (4-12 s) or cyanide (50-100 micrograms/kg iv) activated SND in bursts synchronized with the postinspiratory phase (mean SND increase: 105 +/- 8%), raised AP, and increased PND rate and amplitude (n = 40). Brain transection at superior collicular level produced no effect. The sympathetic (SChR) and respiratory chemoreflexes (RChR) were reduced after transections through the pons. Lesions of the dorsolateral pons (dl-pons) produced CO2-dependent apneusis and/or tachypnea at rest. After such lesions, CC stimulation produced expiratory apnea and a 30% increase in SChR due to tonic activation of SND. In contrast, bilateral lesions of the ventrolateral pons (vl-pons) reduced the SChR by 54-76%. Muscimol (Mus) injections (bilateral, 175 pmol/side) into vl-pons did not change resting SND, MAP, baroreflex, and RChR but reduced the SChR (54-82%). In conclusion, under anesthesia: 1) the pathway of the carotid chemoreflex is confined to the pons and medulla, 2) the dl-pons exerts indirect control over the SChR via its role in respiratory rhythmogenesis, and 3) neurons in the vl-pons contribute selectively to the SChR but not to PND activation during CC activation.
Li3N as a Cathode Additive for High-Energy-Density Lithium-Ion Batteries

The formation of a solid-electrolyte interphase on the anode surface of an Li-ion battery using an organic liquid electrolyte robs Li+ irreversibly form the cathode on the initial charge if the cells are fabricated in the discharged state. In order to increase the cathode capacity, the use of Li3N as a sacrificial source of Li+ on the initial charge has been evaluated chemically and electrochemically as an additive to an LiCoO2 cathode. Li3N is shown to be chemically stable in a dry atmosphere as small particles with fresh surfaces and can increase the reversible capacities of a full cell without compromising the rate capability of the cells.
Formaldehyde as a carbon and electron shuttle between autotroph and heterotroph populations in acidic hydrothermal vents of Norris Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park

The Norris Geyser Basin in Yellowstone National Park contains a large number of hydrothermal systems, which host microbial populations supported by primary productivity associated with a suite of chemolithotrophic metabolisms. We demonstrate that Metallosphaera yellowstonensis MK1, a facultative autotrophic archaeon isolated from a hyperthermal acidic hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) spring in Norris Geyser Basin, excretes formaldehyde during autotrophic growth. To determine the fate of formaldehyde in this low organic carbon environment, we incubated native microbial mat (containing M. yellowstonensis) from a HFO spring with (13)C-formaldehyde. Isotopic analysis of incubation-derived CO2 and biomass showed that formaldehyde was both oxidized and assimilated by members of the community. Autotrophy, formaldehyde oxidation, and formaldehyde assimilation displayed different sensitivities to chemical inhibitors, suggesting that distinct sub-populations in the mat selectively perform these functions. Our results demonstrate that electrons originally resulting from iron oxidation can energetically fuel autotrophic carbon fixation and associated formaldehyde excretion, and that formaldehyde is both oxidized and assimilated by different organisms within the native microbial community. Thus, formaldehyde can effectively act as a carbon and electron shuttle connecting the autotrophic, iron oxidizing members with associated heterotrophic members in the HFO community.
Chemosensitivity of lymphocytes from patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia to chlorambucil, fludarabine, and camptothecin analogs

Chemosensitivity of B lymphocytes, obtained from 65 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), Rai stages 0 through IV, was determined using the MTT assay. The results were expressed by the drug concentration required for 50% inhibition of cell viability (IC50). The cytotoxicity of chlorambucil (CLB) was compared with that of fludarabine and the DNA topoisomerase I inhibitors, camptothecin, 9-aminocamptothecin, 10,11-methylenedioxy-20(S)-camptothecin (10,11-MDC) and 9-amino-10,11-methylenedioxy-20(S)-campthothecin (9-A-10,11-MDC), and topotecan. Considerable heterogeneity in sensitivity to CLB was observed, with a median IC50 of 40.5 mumol/L in untreated patients. B-CLL cells from patients treated with CLB had a significantly higher median IC50 of 86.0 mumol/L (P or = 61.0 mumol/L were designated as "resistant." After baseline assays, 15 untreated patients received CLB; after treatment, the IC50 increased in B-CLL lymphocytes from 13 of 15 patients. The response to CLB treatment, determined by its effect on the absolute lymphocyte count and by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group clinical criteria, was significantly better in patients whose lymphocytes had an IC50 CLB of less than 61.0 mumol/L before therapy (P < .01). B-CLL lymphocytes also had a variable degree of sensitivity in vitro to each of the other drugs. There was significant cross-resistance between CLB and fludarabine (P < 0.01). Whereas only 29% of CLB-resistant B-lymphocyte specimens obtained from individual patients were sensitive to fludarabine in vitro, 52% and 67% of CLB-resistant lymphocyte samples were sensitive to 10,11-MDC and 9-A-10,11-MDC, respectively. We have previously reported that p53 gene mutations were associated with aggressive B-CLL and a poor prognosis. B lymphocytes from seven patients with these mutations were resistant to CLB, and five of six were resistant to fludarabine. Lymphocytes from four of seven were resistant to 10,11-MDC, and three of four were resistant to 9-A-10,11-MDC. This study implies that the MTT assay may be useful in identifying subsets of CLL patients resistant to conventional chemotherapy. However, definitive conclusions can not be drawn in view of the small number of patients studied prospectively. In addition, these results suggest the potential of camptothecin-based therapy for patients unresponsive to standard treatment.
Postreinforcement pause duration on fixed-interval and-fixed time schedules of food reinforcement

Three pigeons were studied under three different schedules that arranged equivalent constant minimum-time intervals between food presentations. In the first, a fixed-interval schedule, reinforcement depended on a response after 2 min had elapsed. In the second, a conjunctive fixed-time fixed-ratio 1 schedule, reinforcement depended on an elapsed 2-min interval and a response without regard to order. In the third, a fixed-time schedule, food was presented every 2 min without regard to the bird’s responding. Response rates were much lower under the latter two schedules than under the fixed-interval schedule. Postreinforcement pauses were about equal under all three conditions, provided the duration of the postreinforcement pause for the fixed-time schedule was based only on intervals containing at least one response.
Streptococcal Subdural Empyema as a Complication of Varicella

A 3-month-old male infant who presented with a group A streptococcal subdural empyema on day 5 of a varicella skin rash is reported from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Temperature response of Endogone mycorrhiza on soybean roots.

SUMMARYGrowth of an Endogone sp. on soybean roots was evaluated in autoclaved soil maintained at temperatures ranging from 17 to 41 C. Maximum arbuscular development of Endogone in the root (mean o...
Salvage or Recovery of Failed Targets by Mutagenesis to Reduce Surface Entropy

The success of macromolecular crystallization depends on the protein's ability to form specific, cohesive intermolecular interactions that serve as crystal contacts. In the cases where the protein lacks surface patches conducive to such interactions, crystallization may not occur. However, it is possible to enhance the likelihood of crystallization by engineering such patches through site-directed mutagenesis, targeting specifically residues with high side chain entropy and replacing them with small amino acids (i.e., surface entropy reduction, SER). This method has proven successful in hundreds of crystallographic analyses of proteins otherwise recalcitrant to crystallization. Three representative cases of the application of the SER strategy, assisted by the automated prediction of the mutation sites using the SER prediction (SERp) server are described.
Visualizing Ground-Water-Flow Fields and Contaminant Plumes in an Undergraduate Hydrogeology Course

An undergraduate hydrogeology class used personal computers equipped with numerical modeling and data-visualization software to study ground-water flow and contaminant transport in an aquifer. Hydraulic head and solute concentration matrices from the numerical models were input to visualization software packages, which rendered contaminant isosurfaces and vector plots of ground-water velocity. The isosurfaces and vector plots effectively conveyed the three-dimensional spatial characteristics of contaminant plumes and ground-water-flow fields. Using isosurfaces, students viewed plumes from various perspectives within the context of a three-dimensional coordinate system. This fostered comprehension of physical processes, such as hydrodynamic dispersion, that control the shape of a plume. Vector plots were useful for evaluating alternative pumping schemes to remediate ground-water contamination. The results of this study suggest that three-dimensional visualization methods can effectively augment traditional...
Weather forecasting based intelligent distribution feeder load prediction

Increased penetration of renewable energy based generators throughout modern distribution networks makes it crucial to seek elevated levels of accuracy in forecasting methods. This paper presents a new load forecasting method for residential distribution feeders. It uses, load time series decomposition to distinguish between all types of loads and events on feeder. Then, a generalized regression neural network (GRNN) is used to fit the weather variables for weather dependent load component. Proposed algorithm has been evaluated on residential feeder. Results show very accurate prediction for active power as well as the lighting load peaks.
Research highlights: applications of life-cycle assessment as a tool for characterizing environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials

The upstream and downstream environmental impacts of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly realized, and have motivated research to advance promising applications while precluding adverse impacts. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive tool that considers the entire lifetime of a material, product or process—from raw material acquisition to end-of-life—and can be used to characterize these impacts as various environmental and human health categories. The motivation for this highlight stems from the curiosity of experimentalists and theorists researching the environmental and biological impacts that could result from widespread implementation of nanotechnology. In particular, we are motivated to identify how our research on the nano–bio interface can liaise with the nano-LCA community to advance nano-LCA in a safe and sustainable manner. As such, this highlight focuses on four recent nano-LCA publications that survey across several system levels and address the topics of: (i) upstream impacts from nanoparticle synthesis, (ii) extended lifetimes through the incorporation of ENMs in paints, (iii) integration of nano-specific data into existing life-cycle models, and (iv) the establishment of a nano-specific LCA framework.
Acute Chest Wall Infections: Surgical Site Infections, Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections, and Sternoclavicular Joint Infection

Acute chest wall infections are uncommon and share similar risk factors for infection at other surgical sites. Smoking cessation has been shown to decrease the risk of surgical site infection. Depending on the depth of infection and/or involvement of the organ space, adequate therapy involves antibiotics and drainage. Early diagnosis and debridement of necrotizing soft tissue infections is essential to reduce mortality. Sternoclavicular joint infections require surgical debridement, en bloc resection, and antibiotic therapy. A standard approach to wound closure after resection has yet to be established. Vacuum-assisted closure is a valuable adjunct to standard therapy.
The Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Receiving Concurrent Controlled Substance Prescriptions

ABSTRACTBackground: Controlled substance prescription (CSP) use and abuse in the United States has become a public health epidemic. One common and dangerous indicator of abuse involves obtaining CSPs concurrently. Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence and factors associated with individuals receiving potentially inappropriate concurrent CSPs. Methods: This was a retrospective, cohort analysis using data from the 2013–2014 Texas prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP). Descriptive statistics and a multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to examine the individual-level and prescription utilization factors associated with individuals obtaining concurrent CSPs. Results: Among Texas residents, 1,640,015 individuals (6.10% of all Texas residents and 15.99% of all CSP utilizers) were identified with at least one concurrent CSP combination. Concurrent opioid prescriptions were found to be the most prevalent concurrent use combination (n = 1,574,572). Having prescri...
CD161 Expression on Mucosa-Associated Invariant T Cells is Reduced in HIV-Infected Subjects Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy Who Do Not Recover CD4 + T Cells

Background: Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a recently identified class of innate-like T cells that are involved in the mucosal immune response. MAIT cells are characterized by expression of TCR Va7.2 and CD161. In HIV infection, there is a profound early loss of MAIT cells from the circulation that never fully recovers, even after prolonged viral control with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: We analyzed PBMCs from fresh whole blood from HIV-negative or ART-treated HIV-positive donors with full (Immune Success) or impaired (Immune Failure) CD4 + T- cell recovery by flow cytometry for T-cell markers, TCR Va7.2, and CD161. The PBMCs were cultured with or without TCR-mediated stimulation, and CD161 expression was assessed on Va7.2 + T cells. Interferon-g (IFNg) production was assessed by intracellular cytokine staining. Results: We found a decrease in the percentage of CD3 + T cells that expressed CD161 and the percentage of Va7.2 + T cells that expressed CD161, in HIV-infected individuals. We also found a significant increase in the percentage of T cells that were Va7.2 + CD161- in immune failure compared to controls, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of Va7.2 + CD161- T cells that express CD8 + in donors with immune failure, but not immune success. After TCR stimulation in vitro, Va7.2 + T cells reduced expression of CD161, yet Va7.2 + CD161- cells from immune failure donors retained the ability to express IFNg on stimulation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that in immune failure patients, the reduction in peripheral MAIT cells is due, at least in part, to a loss in CD161 expression, and is not merely the result of trafficking into mucosal tissues or cell death. These CD161- cells retain their function.
Tissue Extraction Techniques During Laparoscopic Uterine Surgery

Morcellation allows minimally invasive approaches to surgery even in the presence of large uteri or myomas. Recent restrictions in the use of power morcellation, as well as concerns regarding the potential for morcellation to disseminate malignant tissue, have initiated investigation and innovation to find safer methods. This review examines current techniques for tissue extraction during uterine surgery, with a focus on contained power morcellation and contained manual morcellation via mini-laparotomy or colpotomy. Videos are included to demonstrate these methods.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. The spectrum of disease ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and progression to cirrhosis. Compelling evidence over the past several years has substantiated a significant link between NAFLD and cardiovascular disease ranging from coronary artery disease to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. Close follow up, treatment of risk factors for NAFLD, and cardiovascular risk stratification are necessary to predict morbidity and mortality in this subset of patients.
Xylem Conductivity in terminal stems of 20 species of South American columnar cacti

Cactus plants are mostly present in deserts and arid environments in which water limits plant growth. Tall species of columnar cacti may be particularly sensitive to water availability since for some tall species water must be transported several metres from roots to shoot terminals. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are any generalizations regarding vascular bundles, water conduits and xylem conductivity within terminal stem portions of 20 species of columnar cacti.
Patient-Centered Care in Renal Medicine: Five Strategies to Meet the Challenge

There is growing interest in patient-centered care, defined by the Institute of Medicine as "care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values." Although generally accepted as uncontroversial, the notion of "centering" care on our patients is in fact quite revolutionary. Because medical teaching, research, and practice have traditionally been organized around diseases and organ systems rather than patients, making care more patient centered would require no less than a paradigm shift in how we practice medicine. This would call for a frameshift in how we envision our role as health care providers and fundamental changes to the health care delivery systems in which we practice. Although individual providers may have limited power to change health systems (at least in the short term), there are some simple strategies within our reach that can help make our care more patient centered. These include a willingness to listen, make time, go beyond our job description, re-imagine what it means to provide "good" care, and see value in relationship building. Although putting these practices to work in the complex, specialized, and fragmented health systems in which many of us operate may be challenging, I would argue that this is a "beautiful challenge" with potentially far-reaching benefits for both patients and providers.
Hormonal control of puberty

Abstract The process of puberty is part of an ongoing process that begins during fetal development and ends with sexual maturity. Early in gestation, GnRH secreting neurons gain functionality as a GnRH pulse generator. Pulsatile GnRH secretion results in pulsatile gonadotropin secretion, which ultimately leads to secretion of gonadal steroids. The pulse generator functions at a very low level of activity throughout most of childhood. Prior to pubertal onset, there is a decrease in GnRH inhibition. This results in an increased amplitude of gonadotropin pulses. In response, gonadal steroid levels rise and ultimately result in the development of secondary sexual characteristics.