cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear colony extension of Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum.

Fungal colonies initially extend exponentially and reach a constant linear extension rate determined solely by their growth in the peripheral zone. However the radial extension rates of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and S. minor accelerate over time on PDA. Experiments were conducted to analyze the variable extension rates of the two Sclerotinia species and compare them with those of Verticillium dahliae and Cladosporium sp. In addition, the effects of starter disk size, disk position in the parent colony, the age of the parent colony, the concentration of potato dextrose broth and of incubation temperature also were determined. While the growth of Cladosporium sp. and V. dahliae followed established linear trends, the radial extension of S. sclerotiorum and S. minor colonies continuously accelerated over time until they reached the edge of the (150 mm diam) Petri dish. A polynomial model fitted the radial extension of colonies of Sclerotinia spp. Furthermore the accelerating colony extension rate was partly d...
Longitudinal changes in sexual risk behavior among HIV+ and HIV- male injecting drug users.

Injecting drug users (IDUs) play a prominent role in the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), particularly in urban areas such as New York City, where they comprise nearly half of all adult acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cases. Intervention studies have demonstrated that IDUs are responsive to safer sex messages, but sexual behavior appears to be more resistant to change than drug use behavior. This multidisciplinary study (without an intervention component) assesses changes in sexual risk behavior as a function of time, HIV status, and disease progression in a cohort of HIV+ and HIV− male IDUs (N = 144) for 4 years. Results: For HIV+ and HIV− men, there were increases in abstinence and monogamy, with decreases in the frequency of unprotected vaginal/anal sex and sexual risk index scores. With the exception of monogamy, HIV+ men reported lower levels of risk. Although there was also a decline in substance use, this accounted for only some of the decline in sexual risk behavior. A...
A comparison of linear and mixture models for discriminant analysis under nonnormality

Methods for discriminant analysis were compared with respect to classification accuracy under nonnormality through Monte Carlo simulation. The methods compared were linear discriminant analyses based both on raw scores and on ranks; linear logistic discrimination; and mixture discriminant analysis. Linear discriminant analysis and linear logistic discrimination were suboptimal in a number of scenarios with skewed predictors. Linear discriminant analysis based on ranks yielded the highest rates of classification accuracy in only a limited number of situations and did not produce a practically important advantage over competing methods. Mixture discriminant analysis, with a relatively small number of components in each group, attained relatively high rates of classification accuracy and was most useful for conditions in which skewed predictors had relatively small values of kurtosis.
The Application of Persuasion Research to Consultation in School Psychology.

Abstract Consultation in school psychology has been widely recognized to be an interpersonal influence process. The research literature on factors influencing persuasive effects offers a potential resource for addressing social-influence problems faced by consultants. This article discusses some guidelines for effective persuasion derived from this research, and illustrates their application to problems of consultation. The discussion is focused on three broad tasks that a persuader faces: the task of identifying the potential bases of resistance, the task of constructing effective messages aimed at such bases, and the task of following up after the initial persuasive effort. For each of these tasks, the existing literature on persuasive effects suggests general principles concerning effective persuasion.
Environmental effects on poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole fibers. I. Mechanisms of degradation

This is the first of a two-part series investi- gating the degradation mechanisms of PBO fiber and approaches to alleviating degradation and improving fiber properties. Poly-p-phenylenebenzobisoxazole (PBO) fiber is a high strength and modulus fiber with remarkable ther- mal stability. Recent in-service failures of this fiber have revealed that the fiber degrades rapidly in relatively mild environmental conditions of moisture and heat. In this work the mechanisms of degradation due to moisture, the presence of acid, and the effect of radiation from the UV-vis spectrum are investigated. It is found that expo- sure to moisture results in the loosening of the fiber morphology leading to an increase in the number and size of defects. The presence of aqueous acid causes both loosening of the fiber structure and hydrolysis of the oxa- zole ring structure. The effect of UV-vis radiation is pri- marily hydrolysis of the material near the fiber surface with attendant formation of amide linkages. 2006 Wiley
Increased erythrocyte C4D is associated with known alloantibody and autoantibody markers of antibody-mediated rejection in human lung transplant recipients.

Background Immune responses to mismatched donor human leukocyte antigens (HLA) are important in the pathogenesis of chronic rejection. This study evaluated whether erythrocyte-bound C4d (E-C4d) is associated with known alloimmune and autoimmune markers of antibody-mediated rejection after human lung transplantation (LTx). Methods Flow cytometry was used to analyze 22 LTx recipients and 15 healthy individuals for E-C4d. Development of antibodies to donor-mismatched HLA (donor-specific antibody [DSA]) and antibodies to HLA were determined using the solid-phase method by Luminex. Development of antibodies to self-antigens, K-α-1-tubulin (KA1T) and collagen V (Col-V), were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. C3d deposition in lung biopsy specimens was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Results Percent E-C4d (%E-C4d) levels were 19.9% in LTx patients vs 3.7% in healthy individuals ( p = 0.02). DSA+ patients had higher E-C4d levels than DSA− patients (34.1% vs 16.7%, p = 0.02). In 5 patients with preformed anti-HLA, E-C4d levels were not significantly different vs 13 patients without detectable anti-HLA ( p = 0.1). E-C4d levels were higher in patients who developed antibodies to KA1T ( p = 0.02) and Col-V ( p = 0.03). Recipients with C3d-positive tissue deposition had higher E-C4d levels than patients with C3d-negative biopsy results ( p = 0.01). Conclusions Increased %E-C4d levels are found in patients with positive DSA, high antibody titers to KA1T and Col-V, and have C3d+ lung biopsy findings. Therefore, %E-C4d can serve as a potential marker for antibody-mediated rejection after LTx.
Precursor/incubation of multi-scale damage state quantification in composite materials: using hybrid microcontinuum field theory and high-frequency ultrasonics

A systematic framework for incubation of damage- state quantification in composites is almost absent in the current practice. Identification and quantification of the material state at its early stage has become significantly important in the field of structural health monitoring. Interaction between the intrinsic material state and ultrasonic wave signals, e.g., nonlinear ultrasonic, higher harmonic generation, etc., in metals are quite well known and well documented in the literature. However, it is extremely challenging to quantify the precursor to damage state in composite materials. Thus, in this paper, a comparatively simple but efficient novel approach is proposed to quantify the "incubation of damage" state using scanning acoustic microscopy. The proposed approach exploits the hybrid microcontinuum field theory to quantify the intrinsic (multi-scale) damage state. Defying the conventional route of bottom-up multi-scale modeling methods, a hybrid top-down approach is presented, which is then correlated to the ultrasonic signature obtained from the materials. A parameter to quantify incubation of damage at meso-scale has been identified in this paper. The intrinsic length-scale-dependent parameter called "damage entropy" closely resembles the material state resulting from fatigue, extreme environments, operational hazards or spatio-temporal variability, etc. The proposed quantification process involves a fusion between micromorphic physics and high-frequency ultrasonics in an unconventional way. The proposed approach is validated through an experimental study conducted on glass-fiber reinforced polymer composites which are mechanically fatigued. Specimens were characterized under a scanning acoustic microscope at 50 and 100 MHz. The imaging data and the sensor signals are characterized to quantify the incubation of damage state by the new parameter damage entropy.
Task sequence planning using fuzzy Petri nets

This paper discusses the problem of representation and planning of operations sequences in a robotic system using fuzzy Petri nets. In the fuzzy Petri net representation, objects whose internal states are altered during a process are termed soft objects, and the process steps where alterations may occur are labeled key transitions. A correct sequence is defined as a sequence which is feasible, complete, and satisfies precedence relations. In this formulation, the internal state of an object is represented by a global fuzzy variable attached to the token related to the degree of completion of the process. All correct operations sequences must satisfy process sequence constraints imposed by transition reasoning rules. The correct precedence relationships and the characteristics of completeness for operations in all feasible sequences are guaranteed by the prime number marking algorithm which marks the fuzzy Petri net. The use of transition reasoning rules in this application simplifies the representation and search problems for task planning where correct sequences do not depend on exact knowledge of internal states, but only their precedence relations. >
Prediction equation to estimate dead space to tidal volume fraction correlates with mortality in critically ill patients

Abstract Objective The measurement of dead space to tidal volume fraction (Vd/Vt) using various methodologies has been shown to be a reliable predictor of mortality in critically ill patients. In this study, we evaluated the correlation of a validated equation using clinically available information to predict calculation of Vd/Vt with clinically relevant outcome parameters in patients requiring mechanical ventilation. Methods Calculations of Vd/Vt were obtained based upon a previously published prediction equation for dead space ventilation fraction: Vd/Vt = 0.320 + 0.0106 (Pa co 2 − end-tidal carbon dioxide measurement) + 0.003 (respiratory rate per minute) + 0.0015 (age in years) on study days 1, 3 to 4, 6 to 9, and 14 after initiation of mechanical ventilation in adult patients who satisfied 1 of the 3 study defined diseases: (1) acute bacterial pneumonia, (2) acute respiratory distress syndrome, or (3) cystic fibrosis. Results Using the final/last available time point calculation of Vd/Vt, a significant difference was observed between survivors and nonsurvivors both in relation to mean and median values (56.5% vs 71.2% and 56.0% vs 65.0%, respectively). In addition, sequential analyses of Vd/Vt calculations over time also demonstrated a statistically significant difference between survivors and nonsurvivors for days 6 to 9. Conclusion In this study-specific population of critically ill patients, the prediction equation of Vd/Vt using clinically available parameters correlates with mortality. In addition, we provide a simple method to estimate Vd/Vt that can be potentially applicable to all critically ill intensive care unit patients.
Distribution of adsorbed antigen in mono-valent and combination vaccines.

The distribution of alpha-casein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), myoglobin and recombinant protective antigen (rPA) in mono-valent and combination vaccines containing aluminum hydroxide adjuvant was studied by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Green and red fluorescent probes were conjugated to the antigens. Adsorption isotherms of the fluorescently labeled proteins to aluminum hydroxide adjuvant demonstrated that incorporation of the fluorescent probe did not significantly affect the adsorption. In mono-valent vaccine systems, antigen adsorption occurred within one minute and uniform surface coverage of the adjuvant aggregates was observed within 1 h. Content uniformity was achieved through a cycle of de-aggregation and re-aggregation of the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant aggregates caused by mixing. For combination vaccines, two antigens were adsorbed separately to the aluminum hydroxide adjuvant prior to combination. Following combination, cycles of de-aggregation and re-aggregation occurred due to mixing, which led to uniform distribution of both antigens. The results of this study indicate that content uniformity should not be an issue during the production of mono-valent or combination vaccines as long as adequate mixing procedures are followed. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
New substrates for cholinesterases.

SummaryCholinesterase (“true” cholinesterase) from human erythrocytes and snake venoms is capable of catalyzing the hydrolysis of ethoxyethanol acetate, desoxycorticosterone acetate, ketopropanol acetate, phenylacetate, p-nitrophenol acetate and acetylsalicylic acid. The first mentioned ester is attacked more effectively by e-cholinesterase than by s-cholinesterase (“pseudo”-cholinesterase).
Automation of surface treatment in construction by using a robot

A multifunctional construction robot is proposed for various surface treatment tasks in construction. The proposed multifunctional construction robot has the capability of performing both spraying and cleaning tasks and is able to adapt to changes in both the environment and task conditions. Another feature is the force control scheme which is added to the widely used PID position controller of a factory robot to achieve its multifunctionality. The proposed robot needs little change in both hardware and software and can be applied to automate numerous spraying and cleaning tasks regardless of the nature of the surface. >
On-Chip High Quality Factor CMOS-MEMS Silicon-Fin Resonators

An in-plane CMOS-MEMS fully differential silicon-fin resonator (SiFR), operating as a cantilever beam at free-clamp mode with a center frequency of 8.04 MHz, quality factor (Q) of 3589, and insertion loss of 33.6 dB is introduced. The resonator was fabricated directly on a conventional CMOS substrate with an on-chip differential amplifier. To enhance the Q, a 2-step silicon etch is employed to harness the high material Q of silicon substrate resulting in more than three times Q enhancement than that of previous CMOS-MEMS resonators.
The influence of anesthesia on heart rate complexity during elective and urgent surgery in 128 patients.

Abstract Background As an emerging "new vital sign," heart rate complexity (by sample entropy [SampEn]) has been shown to be a useful trauma triage tool by predicting occult physiologic compromise and need for life-saving interventions. Sample entropy may be confounded by anesthesia possibly limiting its value intraoperatively. We investigated the effects of anesthesia on SampEn during elective and urgent surgical procedures. We hypothesized that SampEn is reduced by general anesthesia. Methods With institutional review board–approved waiver of informed consent, 128 patients undergoing elective or urgent general surgery were prospectively enrolled. Real-time heart rate complexity was calculated using SampEn through electrocardiogram recordings of 200 consecutive beats in a continuous sliding-window fashion. We recorded SampEn starting 10 minutes before induction until 10 minutes after emergence from anesthesia. The time before induction of anesthesia was categorized as period 1, the time after induction and before emergence as period 2 (intraoperative), and the time after emergence as period 3. We analyzed SampEn changes as patients moved between the different periods and made 3 comparisons: from period 1 with period 2 (comparison A), from period 2 with period 3 (comparison B). We also compared period 1 with period 3 SampEn (comparison C). Results The mean SampEn value for all patients before induction of anesthesia was 1.55 ± 0.58. In each 1 of the 3, comparisons there was a decline in SampEn. Comparison A had a mean decrease of 0.53 ± 0.55 ( P P P Conclusion Sample entropy decreases after induction of anesthesia and continues to decrease even immediately after emergence in patients without any immediately life-threatening conditions. This finding may complicate interpretation low complexity as a predictor of life-saving interventions in patients in the perioperative period.
Computed tomography of the normal mesentery

Thirty patients were studied to evaluate the CT appearance of the normal mesentery and its vasculature. Mesenteric vessels were identified by determining their relations to segments of the small bowel and colon in the 30 patients. Jejunal and ileal branches supplying small bowel were identified in all patients. The ileocolic and right colic branches of the ascending colon were identified in 27 and 26 patients, respectively; middle colic vessels were identified in 29 patients. Left colic branches were identified in only 14 patients; sigmoid branches were identified in 23 patients. The vessels showed a characteristic wavy appearance as they coursed through mesenteric fat. The average attenuation of the mesenteric fat was -117.4 +/- 7.9 H. Normal lymph nodes were not routinely identified within the mesentery. Various pathologic processes altered the normal appearance of the components of the mesentery.
Bowel Ischemia Following Pneumonia in Compromised Children

Two severely compromised children developed bowel necrosis in the context of severe pneumonia, presumably secondary to ischemia. No other obvious etiology for the abdominal pathology could be ascertained.
Structure and density of basaltic melts at mantle conditions from first-principles simulations

The origin and stability of deep-mantle melts, and the magmatic processes at different times of Earth’s history are controlled by the physical properties of constituent silicate liquids. Here we report density functional theory-based simulations of model basalt, hydrous model basalt and near-MORB to assess the effects of iron and water on the melt structure and density, respectively. Our results suggest that as pressure increases, all types of coordination between major cations and anions strongly increase, and the water speciation changes from isolated species to extended forms. These structural changes are responsible for rapid initial melt densification on compression thereby making these basaltic melts possibly buoyantly stable at one or more depths. Our finding that the melt-water system is ideal (nearly zero volume of mixing) and miscible (negative enthalpy of mixing) over most of the mantle conditions strengthens the idea of potential water enrichment of deep-mantle melts and early magma ocean. Our understanding of the origin and stability of deep-mantle melts depends on our knowledge of the component silicate liquids. Here, the authors model the effects of iron and water on melt structure and density, with results that support potential water enrichment of deep-mantle melts and an early magma ocean.
Optimizing The Expression And Purification Of Eukaryotic Cdc25c In E. Coli

Cdc25C is a member of the dual specific protein phosphatase family capable of dephosphorylating both phospho-Tyr and phospho-Ser/Thr residues. In vertebrates, there are three isoforms of the Cdc25 enzyme (Cdc25A, Cdc25B and Cdc25C). The N-terminal (regulatory domain) region of these three enzymes is highly divergent (~20-25% identity) while the C-terminal (catalytic domain) region is more conserved (~60% identity). The Cdc25C isoform is of particular importance because it dephosphorylates Cdc2, which is part of the Cdc2/Cyclin B complex, allowing the cell to transition into mitosis. We want to gain further insight into how Cdc25C interacts with its substrate Cdc2. One way to do this is to utilize the ability of E. coli to heterologously express recombinant Cdc25c. This will allow us to obtain large amounts of the protein for in vitro characterization. First, several E. coli cell lines were tested (each with unique properties; e.g. expression of toxic protein, expression of disulfide rich proteins) for their ability to overexpress Cdc25C. The cell line and expression condition having the highest yield of full-length protein was chosen and purified using a single immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) column that will bind a 6xHis affinity tag fused to the N-terminus of Cdc25C or a tandem approach that utilizes two affinity tags (an N-terminal 6xHis affinity tag and a C-terminal StrepII tag). The pure protein will then be subjected to a variety of chromatography techniques such as UV-Vis spectroscopy and circular dichrosim (CD) to characterize structural changes the protein undergoes when binding to its zinc cofactor. Site directed mutagenesis will be used to create mutations in the zinc binding region of Cdc25C and these proteins will also be characterized for their ability to bind or not to bind the zinc cofactor.
Oversign on the Dotted Line: The National Letter of Intent as a Contract and Problems Concerning the Effectiveness of and Compliance with the NCAA's 2012 Oversigning Regulation

Signing more players to an NLI than a school has available on their roster, or over-signing, as it is commonly referred to, has become increasingly scrutinized at some major college football programs in recent years. Though the NCAA and most conference rules permitted over-signing, many pundits focused on the negative consequences of over-signing, often claiming them to be morally reprehensible. Specifically, over-signing led to the retraction of scholarships to returning players, the practice of "grayshirting" some recruits, and the general hoarding of athletes without respect to their individual welfare. Because of such extreme criticism, the NCAA adopted a proposal to cap football signings at twenty-five beginning in August 2012. What remains to be seen, however, is whether the new legislation will be successful at curbing over-signing, and whether football programs can maximize competitive recruiting advantages while remaining in compliance with this new NCAA rule.This article argues that the NCAA’s cap on football signings is misguided and ineffective, because it fails to remedy the problems created by over-signing. Further, this article claims that the NCAA could better serve its aims by following the Big Ten Conference’s model, which limits the total number of scholarships, rather than focusing on the size of individual recruiting classes.Part I of this article gives a brief history and description of the NLI program, as well as its contractual implications to schools and student-athletes. Part II examines the phenomenon of oversigning, weighing the pros and cons of the issue, and discussing rules that conferences have enacted to curtail over-signing. Part III describes the recently adopted NCAA proposal to limit NLI signings to twenty-five student-athletes. Part IV assesses the practical problems for college athletic departments in the implementation of the NCAA’s new rule, and considers whether the rule will achieve its stated goal of reducing over-signing. Finally, the article concludes in Part V by offering a set of solutions that will assist in implementing the new rule, as well as alternatives that would more successfully achieve the rule’s stated aims.
TAG—Is It It?: Improving Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography With the Isotemporal Transluminal Contrast Attenuation Gradient

Can we improve on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA)? Numerous multicenter studies and meta-analyses have found good diagnostic performance for CCTA in the identification of significant coronary stenoses, in comparison with a reference standard defined by percent stenosis on invasive
Pathway-Focused PCR Array Profiling of Enriched Populations of Laser Capture Microdissected Hippocampal Cells after Traumatic Brain Injury

Cognitive deficits in survivors of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are associated with irreversible neurodegeneration in brain regions such as the hippocampus. Comparative gene expression analysis of dying and surviving neurons could provide insight into potential therapeutic targets. We used two pathway-specific PCR arrays (RT2 Profiler Apoptosis and Neurotrophins & Receptors PCR arrays) to identify and validate TBI-induced gene expression in dying (Fluoro-Jade-positive) or surviving (Fluoro-Jade- negative) pyramidal neurons obtained by laser capture microdissection (LCM). In the Apoptosis PCR array, dying neurons showed significant increases in expression of genes associated with cell death, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress compared with adjacent, surviving neurons. Pro-survival genes with pleiotropic functions were also significantly increased in dying neurons compared to surviving neurons, suggesting that even irreversibly injured neurons are able to mount a protective response. In the Neurotrophins & Receptors PCR array, which consists of genes that are normally expected to be expressed in both groups of hippocampal neurons, only a few genes were expressed at significantly different levels between dying and surviving neurons. Immunohistochemical analysis of selected, differentially expressed proteins supported the gene expression data. This is the first demonstration of pathway-focused PCR array profiling of identified populations of dying and surviving neurons in the brain after TBI. Combining precise laser microdissection of identifiable cells with pathway-focused PCR array analysis is a practical, low-cost alternative to microarrays that provided insight into neuroprotective signals that could be therapeutically targeted to ameliorate TBI-induced neurodegeneration.
Effectiveness of engineering practices for the acquisition and employment of robotic systems

This thesis is concerned with the identification of engineering practices that most influence the ability of an organization to successfully acquire and employ a robot. Of specific interest are the matches or mismatches between our technical efforts and achieving robotic systems that are suitable for the intended purpose. From a survey of engineers (n=18) who have advised or performed the acquisition of robots, candidate relations between engineering practices and system success metrics are proposed. Those relationships are then evaluated against a 5 case studies and one mini-study to examine more closely how the practices are implemented as specific engineering methods in context. From those observations, a series project feasibility rationales are proposed to aid engineers and managers evaluate the feasibility of their robotic system acquisition.1 1The views expressed in this report are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the United States Air Force, Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.
The Effect of Immigration on the Tastes and Preferences in Food of the Native-Born Consumer

Abstract First, we survey what the current status of immigration is globally. Next, we examine what impact immigration has had on the U.S., with specific reference to the changing tastes and preferences in food of the native-born population. Following this, we: (a) examine the literature, for as many factors as we can find, that cause changes in the food tastes and preferences in the native-born population, and (b) introduce a body of theory (i.e., “assimilation”) to put the major factors in this list in an organized, systematic context in which they can be understood. Building on this understanding, we suggest: (a) a few propositions for practitioners/academic-researchers in this area to test in the future, along with (b) a methodology, and (c) some databases that might be used to test these propositions. Finally, we conclude by suggesting: (a) what the significance of this change in tastes and preferences are for marketers in the U.S., and (b) what some future directions might be for practitioners/ scho...
Progestins, breast cancer, and the limitations of epidemiology.

Critical comment on the potential impact of progestins on breast cancer is presented. The limitations of epidemiology for identifying small risks are discussed. The response is a commentary on a review of research up to 1980 by Staffa et al. Studying the effect of progestins on breast cancer risk is made difficult by studying combination oral contraceptives (OCs) which have been used in varying doses combinations and durations with 2 different estrogens. The focus on pre-1980 OCs also excludes the study of low-dose OCs which were available only after 1980. Diseases such as cancers have long latent periods which hampers quickly researchable answers about the connections to OCs. Little has been found that connects hormone replacement therapy and the relationship between progestins and breast cancers. Injectable contraceptives such as depomedroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) hold the most promise for clinical epidemiologists. Several case control studies have found no effect. The WHO final report on a massive international case control study on DMPA and breast cancer has shown an insignificant relative risk of 1.21 at a 95% confidence interval level. The interpretation of the relative risks ranging from .8 to 1.5 is that a 20-30% increased risk may be due to selection bias ascertainment bias or confounding factors. Weak associations must be interpreted with caution. The Staffa et al. review was commended for providing P values and other information useful to understanding relative risk. Also appreciated is Staffas commentary on quality of evidence and potential biases. A complex evaluation of risks and benefits is still needed. The Cancer and Steroid Hormone study needs to be repeated for low-dose pills and more time is needed to evaluate progestin replacement therapy. In the meantime DMPA would fill an important need and the evidence to date is strongly positive. Injectables with DMPA offer superior efficacy great convenience low cost and proven safety; 80 countries have already approved its use. The US should approve DMPA while longterm safety studies are being conducted.
Stability and metastability of bromine clathrate polymorphs.

Clathrate hydrates are crystals in which water forms a network of fully hydrogen-bonded polyhedral cages that contain small guests. Clathrate hydrates occur mostly in two cubic crystal polymorphs, sI and sII. Bromine is one of two guests that yield a hydrate with the tetragonal structure (TS), the topological dual of the Frank–Kasper σ phase. There has been a long-standing disagreement on whether bromine hydrate also forms metastable sI and sII crystals. To date there are no data on the thermodynamic range of stability (e.g., the melting temperatures) of the metastable polymorphs. Here we use molecular dynamics simulations with the coarse-grained model of water mW to (i) investigate the thermodynamic stability of the empty and guest-filled the sI, sII, TS, and HS-I hydrate polymorphs, (ii) develop a coarse-grained model of bromine compatible with mW water, and (iii) evaluate the stability of the bromine hydrate polymorphs. The mW model predicts the same relative energy of the empty clathrate polymorphs an...
A CASE OF LEIOMYOSARCOMA OF THE SMALL HOWEL BRINGS ABOUT THE SEPTIC SHOCK BECAUSE OF THE ABSCESS IN THE CAVITY

It is very rare to encounter the malignancy of the small bowel. Especially leiomyosarcoma is characteristic of both an exoenteric growth and a cavernous formation in the tumor. And that, occasionally fistura may be formed between the cavity in the tumor and the mucosal ulceration. Through this fistura an abscess would be formed in the cavity. A rare case of leiomyosarcoma is reported, who was complicated by abscess formation in the cavity which brought about septic shock.
IMPROVED CONSTRAINTS ON SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS OF PALYGORSKITE DEPOSITS OF THE HAWTHORNE FORMATION, SOUTHERN GEORGIA, FROM A DETAILED STUDY OF A CORE

The sedimentology and mineralogy of a 2.5 m core from a palygorskite deposit of the Miocene Hawthorne Formation, southern Georgia is described. The lithology involves laminated clay-rich sediment composed of ∼90% clay and 10% sand, with six clay-pebble layers present. Sand to pebble-size clasts of phosphate material are common throughout the core. The sand laminations are probably flood-related and the clay-pebble layers are storm deposits, with the pebbles being derived locally from subaerial environments. Phosphate clasts are reworked bone material. The sands are quartz-rich and are subarkosic in composition with average quartz counts of 86.50% and average total feldspar counts of 11.50%. Heavy minerals observed include orthopyroxene, clinopyroxene, amphibole, zircon, rutile, garnet, tourmaline, kyanite, muscovite, biotite, spinels and opaques. Palygorskite fibers dominate the clay-size fraction of the samples and comprise ∼80–90% of sample material with smectite comprising the remainder. Hydroxylapatite comprises ∼3% of sediment volume and occurs as individual euhedral hexagonal crystals and as clusters of crystals. Investigation of this core suggests that the palygorskite deposit represents a dynamic system with regular flooding and storm deposition being common. Mineral composition of sands may be useful for stratigraphic correlation of palygorskite deposits in the Apalachicola Embayment. This study supports the general environmental interpretations of previous workers for the palygorskite deposits of southern Georgia, but provides greater detail.
Differential effect of metabolic fuels on the energy state and Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in isolated cerebral microvessels

Isolated bovine cerebral microvessels (ICMV) were incubated with different metabolic fuels to determine their ability to support microvessel Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase (quantitated as ouabain-sensitive 86Rb+ uptake) and the ATP/ADP ratio. In comparison with ICMV incubated with glucose, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was reduced by 55% after a 3-h incubation in fuel-free medium and by 30-40% after incubation with beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate, or glutamate. However, Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity was not significantly decreased in ICMV incubated with pyruvate or oleate plus carnitine. In contrast, only glucose was able to maintain the ATP/ADP ratio. To evaluate the effect of endogenous fatty acid metabolism on these parameters, ICMV were incubated with bromostearate, an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation. Bromostearate decreased both Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity and the ATP/ADP ratio, even in the presence of glucose. These results indicate that the varying effects of different fuels on Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase in ICMV cannot be explained solely by their effects on the ATP/ADP ratio or on glycolytic ATP generation. They suggest that other fuel-modulated factors play a key role in regulating this enzyme.
Smoking transitions in a sample of Hispanic daily light and intermittent smokers.

Few studies have documented the differences between daily light (DLS; ≤10 cigarettes per day) and intermittent (ITS; nondaily) smokers. The primary aim of this study was to assess the potential transitions (i.e., increased/stayed at same level) between baseline and a 3month follow-up of Hispanic DLS and ITS who were randomly assigned to a control group of a brief cessation intervention. Additionally, potential nicotine addiction differences between groups of smokers (e.g., ITS who became DLS vs. those who did not change) were assessed. Participants were 190 Hispanic DLS/ITS (who represent a subsample from a larger dataset, n=370) with complete data (53.7% female; Mage=38.6years, SD=15.1; range=18-74years) randomized to the control arm of a brief cessation intervention. Participants completed sociodemographics, tobacco use history, and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND; Heatherton, Kozlowski, Frecker and Fagerstrom, 1991). The majority of participants remained DLS (41.1%) or ITS (21.6%). ANCOVA findings indicated significant group differences regarding FTND scores (F [5114]=6.93, p<0.001). Those who remained DLS had significantly higher FTND scores than those who remained ITS and those who converted from ITS to DLS. Within these DLS/ITS who were randomized to a control group, smoking transitions primarily remained stable over time, particularly among DLS (who demonstrated higher nicotine dependence), suggesting the need for low level cessation interventions to continue and include a focus on dependence symptoms.
The adenoviral E1A N-terminal domain represses MYC transcription in human cancer cells by targeting both p300 and TRRAP and inhibiting MYC promoter acetylation of H3K18 and H4K16

Human cancers frequently arise from increased expression of proto-oncogenes, such as MYC and HER2. Understanding the cellular pathways regulating the transcription and expression of proto-oncogenes is important for targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Adenoviral (Ad) E1A 243R (243 aa residues) is a viral oncoprotein that interacts with key regulators of gene transcription and cell proliferation. We have shown previously that the 80 amino acid N-terminal transcriptional repression domain of E1A 243R (E1A 1-80) can target the histone acetyltransferase (HAT) p300 and repress HER2 in the HER2-overexpressing human breast cancer cell line SKBR3. Expression of E1A 1-80 induces death of SKBR3 and other cancer cell lines. In this study, we performed total cell RNA sequence analysis and identified MYC as the regulatory gene for cellular proliferation most strongly repressed by E1A 1-80. By RT-quantitative PCR analysis we show that repression of MYC in SKBR3 cells occurs early after expression of E1A 1-80, suggesting that MYC may be an early responder of E1A 1-80-mediated transcriptional repression. Of interest, while E1A 1-80 repression of MYC occurs in all eight human cancer cell lines examined, repression of HER2 is cell-type dependent. We demonstrate by ChIP analysis that MYC transcriptional repression by E1A 1-80 is associated with inhibition of acetylation of H3K18 and H4K16 on the MYC promoter, as well as inhibition of RNA Pol II binding to the MYC promoter. Deletion mutant analysis of E1A 1-80 suggests that both p300/CBP and TRRAP are involved in E1A 1-80 repression of MYC transcription. Further, E1A 1-80 interaction with p300/CBP and TRRAP is correlated with inhibition of H3K18 and H4K16 acetylation on the MYC promoter, respectively. Our results indicate that E1A 1-80 may target two important pathways for histone modification to repress transcription in human cancer cells.
Simultaneous bilingualism: Early developments, incomplete later outcomes?

Purpose:Research on the language of heritage speakers has shown that in situations of societal bilingualism the functionally restricted language evidences the simplification of some grammatical domains. A frequent question is whether this stage of grammatical simplification is due to incomplete or interrupted acquisition in the early years of a bilingual’s life, or a result of processes of attrition of acquired knowledge of the underused language. This article considers the issue of incompleteness through an examination of the relationship between bilingual children’s developing grammars and the more or less changed bilingual systems of adult second and third generation immigrants (“heritage speakers”) in the USA.Methodology:The issue of incompleteness is examined in two corpora: (1) Recordings of 50 Spanish-English adult Mexican-American bilinguals; and (2) Longitudinal data obtained during the first six years of life of two Spanish-English bilingual siblings.Data analysis:Qualitative and quantitative an...
Workers, peasants, and the crisis of colonialism

In the late 1930s and 1940s, colonial rule choked on the narrowness of the pathways it had created. Trying to confine Africans to tribal cages, seeking to extract from them what export products and labor it could without treating them as “workers,” “farmers,” “townsmen,” or “citizens,” colonial regimes discovered that Africans would not stay in the limited roles assigned to them. Instead, the constriction created the very sort of danger administrators feared. Urban unrest within a very rural continent challenged colonial governments; a small number of wage workers threatened colonial economies; a tiny educated elite undercut the ideological pretenses of colonialism; supposed “pagans” worshiping local gods and ancestors produced Christian and Muslim religious movements of wide scope and uncertain political significance; and commercial farmers – in a continent of “subsistence” producers – made demands for a political voice for themselves and opportunities for their children that colonial systems could not meet. These problems came together in the years after World War II, a war which had exposed the hypocrisy of colonizing ideologies and the weakness underlying the apparent power of colonizing regimes. The conjuncture of diverse forms of African mobilization and the loss of imperial self-confidence produced a crisis in colonial policy and colonial thinking, a crisis that would lead governments, in something of a panic, to swing the pendulum toward an obtrusively reformist conception of their own role. But from the vantage point of the 1940s, it was not clear where all this ferment would end.
The Impact of DSM-5 on Eating Disorder Diagnoses.

Objective Eating disorder diagnostic criteria were revised from the fourth to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV and −5, respectively). This study examines the impact of these revisions on rates of eating disorder diagnoses in treatment-seeking youth. Method Participants were 651 youth, ages 7–18 years, presenting to an outpatient eating disorders program who met criteria for a DSM-IV eating disorder diagnosis on intake. Patients completed well-validated semi-structured interviews to assess eating disorder psychopathology and psychiatric comorbidity. Results Participants were predominantly female (n = 588; 90.3%) with an average age of 15.28 years (SD = 2.21), mean percent of median Body Mass Index (mBMI) of 101.91 (SD = 31.73), and average duration of illness of 16.74 months (SD = 17.63). Cases of DSM-IV Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS), now most consistent with DSM-5 Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder, decreased from 47.6% to 39.0%, Anorexia Nervosa increased from 29.6% to 33.5%, and Bulimia Nervosa increased from 22.7% to 24.7%. Discussion Consistent with previous studies, and in keeping with the aims of the DSM-5 for eating disorders, the revised diagnostic criteria reduced cases of DSM-IV EDNOS and increased cases of specified eating disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.(Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:578–581)
Synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic activity of N-doped carbonaceous material derived from cellulose in textile dye remediation

Abstract N-doped carbonaceous materials were synthesized by pyrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose and urea at 900 °C. The pyrolyzed materials were characterized via SEM, XPS, STEM/EDX, and FT/IR. Microscopy images revealed wrinkled sheet-like morphology with stacked graphitic layers, and elemental analyses confirmed 7.74% nitrogen content, which was evenly distributed throughout the material. The characteristic peaks of C N and C N bonds in FT/IR indicated N-atom incorporation in the material. The catalytic experiment with alcian blue 8Gx dye under visible light showed higher degradation than in dark, which illustrated the photocatalytic nature of the material. The pH conditions and material ratios were optimized during the photocatalytic experiments. Various dyes were subjected to degradation photocatalytically using the materials at pH 5.5 and recyclability studies indicated multi-cycle use of the material. Additionally, kinetic studies of the photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine showed that the disappearance of the dye followed a first-order kinetics. The significance of adsorption phenomena in the process of degradation was established by comparing the adsorption constant (KLH = 0.898 L mg−1) calculated using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model with that calculated based on the adsorption isotherm model (KL = 0.2457 L mg−1). Degradation products were characterized via various analytical techniques, including GC–MS, ion chromatography, FT/IR, and total organic carbon analyses. Furthermore, the role of oxygen and radical quenchers were studied and it was found that the main species responsible for dye degradation was hydroxyl radical. N-doping of cellulose via a simple pyrolysis method has therefore been proven to be effective in development of photocatalytic materials for pollutant mitigation.
Speech Motor Sequence Learning: Effect of Parkinson Disease and Normal Aging on Dual-Task Performance.

Purpose Everyday communication is carried out concurrently with other tasks. Therefore, determining how dual tasks interfere with newly learned speech motor skills can offer insight into the cognit...
Law Enforcement and Gun Retailers as Partners for Safely Storing Guns to Prevent Suicide: A Study in 8 Mountain West States

Objectives. To examine the extent to which law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and gun retailers are willing to offer voluntary, temporary storage as a part of an overall suicide prevention effort.Methods. We invited all LEAs and gun retailers in 8 US states to respond to questionnaires asking about their willingness to offer temporary gun storage and their recommendations to gun owners about safe storage.Results. We collected data in 2016 from 448 LEAs and 95 retailers (response rates of 53% and 25%, respectively). Three quarters of LEAs (74.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 72.1, 77.5) indicated they already provided temporary storage compared with 47.6% (95% CI = 39.2, 56.0) of retailers. LEAs were most willing to provide storage when a gun owner was concerned about the mental health of a family member. Retailers were more receptive than were LEAs to providing storage when visitors were coming or for people wanting storage while traveling. Both groups recommended locking devices within the home, but LEAs ...
Searching the Tritryp genomes for drug targets.

The recent publication of the complete genome sequences of Leishmania major, Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma cruzi revealed that each genome contains 8300-12,000 protein-coding genes, of which -6500 are common to all three genomes, and ushers in a new, post-genomic, era for trypanosomatid drug discovery. This vast amount of new information makes possible more comprehensive and accurate target identification using several new computational approaches, including identification of metabolic “choke-points”, searching the parasite proteomes for orthologues of known drug targets, and identification of parasite proteins likely to interact with known drugs and drug-like small molecules. In this chapter, we describe several databases (such as GENEDB, BRENDA, KEGG, METACYC, the THERAPEUTIC TARGET DATABASE, and CHEMBANK) and algorithms (including PATHOLOGIC, PATHWAY HUNTER TOOL, AND AUTODOCK) which have been developed to facilitate the bioinformatic analyses underlying these approaches. While target identification is only the first step in the drug development pipeline, these new approaches give rise to renewed optimism for the discovery of new drugs to combat the devastating diseases caused by these parasites.