cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of aortopulmonary window: a 40-year experience

Objectives: An aortopulmonary window (APW) is a communication between the pulmonary artery (PA) and the ascending aorta in the presence of two separate semilunar valves. The purpose of this review is to describe the evolution of surgical techniques and results of surgical correction of APW at a single center over a 40-year time period. Methods: Between 1961 and 2001, 22 patients underwent repair of APW. Age ranged from 11 days to 13 years (median 0.3 years). Associated cardiac lesions included interrupted aortic arch (IAA) (four), right PA origin from the aorta (four), ventricular septal defect (three), atrial septal defect (one), tetralogy of Fallot (one), and transposition of the great arteries (one). Mean preoperative pulmonary vascular resistance was 5.4 U/m 2 ðn ¼ 17Þ. Two patients had attempted ligation without cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), one patient had division and oversewing of the APW between clamps on CPB. Ten patients had the APW divided on CPB with primary aortic closure. Three patients had circulatory arrest for APW division, IAA repair, and anastomosis right PA to main PA. Most recently, six patients have had open transaortic patch closure (one of these had simultaneous arterial switch, one had simultaneous IAA repair). Follow-up in operative survivors ranges from 1 month to 26 years (median 8 years). Results: There were five early deaths and one late death (pulmonary hypertension) in the first 16 patients where the primary strategy was APW division (37% mortality). There have been no deaths in the most recent six patients having transaortic patch closure. The patients with transaortic patch closure at a maximum of 8 years follow-up are demonstrating normal PA and aortic growth. Conclusions: Early correction of APW with a transaortic patch and repair of all other associated cardiac anomalies at the time of diagnosis is advised. q 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.
Evidence for the Effects of Psychological Maltreatment

Abstract Psychological maltreatment has been recognized as a major form of child abuse and neglect, standing alone in some cases and almost always embedded within or accompanying other forms of maltreatment. Expert opinion and research, particularly during the last 15 years, have provided sufficient clarification of theoretical orientations to and definitions of acts of psychological maltreatment to establish a common base from which researchers and practitioners can work toward greater understanding of this phenomena. Further progress requires increases in knowledge of the impact of psychological maltreatment on child victims. This article reviews research which has revealed possible and probable consequences of psychological maltreatment in its discrete forms and when associated with other types of child maltreatment. The broad range of findings is organized to clarify the types of impact found and special attention is given to their implications for the argument that psychological maltreatment is the c...
Report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

Subjects of the past decade in the dental literature are reflected in this year's Committee report. We note the decrease in the prevalence of caries, the influence of dental implants, the advancements in dental materials, and the continued efforts to control adhesive events in the oral cavity. This year we included comments from and about many significant review articles published this past year. The Committee continues to be concerned about the quality of some of the work reported and the quality of the reporting. We have attempted to select the distinguished work, that which provides new information to our profession. The subjects covered include pulp biology, caries prevention, periodontics, implants, craniomandibular function and dysfunction, occlusion, and dental materials.
Conducting Polymers and Their Applications in The Film Industry — Polyaniline/Polyimide Blended Films

Conducting polymers have been widely investigated for both academic and industrial purposes over two decades. Their attractive electrical and optical properties provide a lot of potential applications in the film industry. However, their poor mechanical properties and instability limit some industry applications. Thus, considerable attention has been given to produce polyaniline/polyimide blended films by a solution blending technique. The percolation levels of the polymer blended system were studied and their film morphology and properties were well characterized by various instruments such as TEM, INSTRON, and X-ray diffractometer. The excellent film properties have generated great interest in several industry applications.
Beyond Holding Hands: The Modern Role of the Professional Doula

This article illustrates the five main aspects of the doula's role: providing specific labor support skills; offering guidance and encouragement; assisting mothers to cover gaps in their care; building a team relationship; and encouraging communication between patient, nursing staff, and medical caregivers. The roles of both nurses and doulas are discussed, including the complementary nature of their roles, and also strategies for preventing conflict between doulas and nurses. A modern perspective on birth plans and the doula movement are included.
The place of the school in community mental health services for children: A necessary interdependence

While a great deal of attention has focused on community-based delivery services for children with mental health needs, the potential of integrating school-based services, such that a comprehensive system of care is implemented, has been largely unrealized. As the school is a significant place for all children and a service delivery setting of great magnitude, this article discusses the necessary interdependence of school and community mental health service systems, especially in light of recent federal, state, and independent initiatives. An analysis of these initiatives is presented, and recommendations toward integrated services are suggested.
Field Theory for the Statistics of Branched Polymers, Gelation, and Vulcanization

This paper presents a field theory for the statistics of branched polymers and for the gelation transition. The gelation transition with ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{p}{\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{L}=m$, where ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{p}$ and ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{L}$ are the fugacities for polymer number and loop number, is shown to be in the same universality class as the $m$-state Potts model. A new fixed point governing the statistics of branched polymers in the dilute limit (${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}_{p}=0$) in $6\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ dimensions with $\ensuremath{\nu}=\frac{1}{2}+0.092\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ and $\ensuremath{\eta}=\ensuremath{-}0.073\ensuremath{\epsilon}$ is located. An old result of Zimm and Stockmayer for the radius of gyration of a Gaussion branched polymer is rederived.
Monte carlo study of a simple model for micelle structure

Abstract A simple lattice model for a micelle is formulated and studied by Monte Carlo numerical methods. Results are presented for aggregates of 20, 30, and 50 chain molecules. The density profiles are much broader than is usually assumed in conventional pictures of micelle structure and the average shape found to be distinctly aspherical.
On the boundedness and local stability of

We show that every positive solution of the difference equation in the title is bounded whenever and . This confirms a conjecture posed by Amleh et al.. We also establish local asymptotic stability properties of the difference equation.
Implications of Day Temperature for a High-Pressure-Turbine Blade's Low-Cycle-Fatigue Life Consumption

H IGH-PERFORMANCE aircraft used in modern aviation, especially for military purposes, are complex in design and are required to operate under severe stresses and temperatures [1]. Thus, designer and users of these aircraft continually seek greater reliability, increased availability, enhanced performance, improved safety, and low life-cycle costs. Any extensions of the life expectations of aeroengines directly lower the life-cycle cost and depend upon the types of mission undertaken, operating conditions experienced, and rate of in-service engine deterioration. Significant adverse effects of in-service aeroengine deterioration have been already established by earlier investigations [2–4]. However, as the result of a comprehensive literature review, it was realized that in addition to aeroengine deterioration, the condition of incoming airstream is also expected to have significant effects on an aeroengine’s overall performance. In a country such as Pakistan, variation of day temperature over the year (i.e., from 0 to 50 C) significantly alters the condition of the incoming airstream. Any change in day temperature affects the quality of the incoming airstream for aeroengine operation as well as that of the air surrounding the air vehicles, thereby affecting the performance of both by altering atmospheric and aerodynamic characteristics [5]. As a result, an aeroengine will seek a different steady operating point, thereby resulting in a variation of the high-pressure spool speed (HS) for providing the same thrust to keep the aircraft’s performance invariant. Any rise in the HS results in greater low-cycle-fatigue (LCF) damage for the hot-end components and thereby higher engine life-cycle costs. Possessing a better knowledge of the impacts of day temperature upon the LCF life consumption of an aeroengine’s hot-end components helps the users to take wiser management decisions. Hence, this investigation was undertaken. There are many components in an aeroengine, but its performance is highly sensitive to changes in only a few. Among these, the highpressure turbine (HPT) blades are the most sensitive components, because they are subjected to both the highest rotating speeds and gas temperatures [2], and so they were selected for the present investigation.
Liquid cooling system for the vibro-tactile threshold device

Vibrotactile threshold testing has been used to investigate activation of human somatosensory pathways. A portable vibrotactile threshold testing device called the Vibrotactile Threshold Evaluator for the Workplace (VTEW) was designed for screening of carpal tunnel syndrome in the workplace, and initially contained a small fan for cooling. During subject testing, the device is operated intermittently, which causes the linear actuator to warm the tactile probe. The probe causes discomfort for some subjects. During testing, the probe heated to 42°C within 90 seconds of continuous operation. A liquid cooling system was implemented to dissipate heat from the probe. The liquid cooling system maintains a steady state temperature of 36°C for continuous actuation of the probe. The liquid cooling system is capable of maintaining a safe operating temperature, without adding erroneous vibrations to the device. However, the cooling system deters the portability of the device. Further research will investigate how to make the liquid cooling system portable and implements vibrotactile threshold testing in the workplace to quickly evaluate whether or not a person has early symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Altered DNA conformations detected by mung bean nuclease occur in promoter and terminator regions of supercoiled pBR322 DNA

Abstract Mung bean nuclease was used to probe for recognizable DNA unwinding and unpairing in the plasmid pBR322. In negatively supercoiled DNA, but not relaxed DNA, cleavages occurred preferentially in non-coding regions of the genome. The types of nucleotide sequences cleaved and which non-coding regions were cleaved depended upon environmental conditions. At 37 degrees C, cleavages occurred in an 84 bp A+T-rich sequence in the terminator region of the ampicillin-resistance gene. Recognition is likely based on a novel DNA conformation which occurs in the longest, most dA+dT-rich region of pBR322. In the presence of 1 mM Mg2+, cleavages occurred in inverted repeated sequences in the promoter regions of the RNA primer for DNA replication and ampicillin- and tetracycline-resistance genes as well as the terminator of RNA-1. Potential loops of hairpin (cruciform) structures were cleaved. At 27 degrees C, cleavages occurred near a promoter activated by cAMP receptor protein in vitro and in the 3' non-coding region of the tetracycline-resistance gene. Thus, in supercoiled pBR322 DNA, recognizable DNA unwinding and unpairing occurs preferentially in regulatory regions for transcription and DNA replication.
An anomalous distance dependence of intraprotein chlorophyll-carotenoid triplet energy transfer

In the light-harvesting chlorophyll pigment-proteins of photosynthesis, a carotenoid is typically positioned within a distance of ∼4 A of individual chlorophylls or antenna arrays, allowing rapid triplet energy transfer from chlorophyll to the carotenoid. This triplet energy transfer prevents the formation of toxic singlet oxygen. In the cytochrome b6f complex of oxygenic photosynthesis that contains a single chlorophyll a molecule, this chlorophyll is distant (14 A) from the single β-carotene, as defined by x-ray structures from both a cyanobacterium and a green alga. Despite this separation, rapid (<8 ns) long-range triplet energy transfer from the chlorophyll a to β-carotene is documented in this study, in seeming violation of the existing theory for the distance dependence of such transfer. We infer that a third molecule, possibly oxygen trapped in an intraprotein channel connecting the chlorophyll a and β-carotene, can serve as a mediator in chlorophyll-carotenoid triplet energy transfer in the b6f complex.
Mutations in the juxtamembrane domain of c-KIT are associated with higher grade mast cell tumors in dogs.

Mast cell tumors are among the most commonly seen tumors of the skin in dogs and are more highly aggressive than mast cell tumors of other species. Some breeds display a markedly higher incidence of mast cell tumor development than others and appear to have some genetic predisposition. Recently, mutations have been found in canine mast cell tumor tissues and cell lines within the juxtamembrane domain of the protooncogene c-KIT. In previous studies utilizing a small number of cases, no association between the presence of a mutation and the breed of dog or grade of the tumor could be identified. An expanded study with a larger sample set was performed to explore this possibility. The juxtamembrane domain of c-KIT was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction from genomic DNA preparations of 88 paraffin-embedded mast cell tumors from selected breeds. Mutations, consisting of duplications and deletions, were found in 12 of the tumors. A significant association was found between the presence of a mutation and a higher grade of tumor but not between breed and grade or between breed and the presence of a mutation.
Early power elevations and adverse events with the HeartMate II left ventricular assist device: An unsettled issue.

2 hours to 1 hour, leading to faster recovery as well as preservation of the sternum. This technique may also be applied with the next generation of pumps—the HeartMate III and HeartWare MVAD. Contraindications with use of our technique are the same as those described by Strueber and colleagues. However, in the case of redo surgery, tunneling of the graft to the opposite side of the body may be difficult. In such cases we prefer a single left lateral thoracotomy approach with graft anastomosis to the descending aorta. Less invasive surgical approaches are the future. Newgeneration LVADs are small, allowing an individually tailored and, when appropriate, less invasive surgical approach in every patient, to target the best possible outcome. Disclosure statement
Whole-genome comparative annotation and regulatory motif discovery in multiple yeast species

In [13] we reported the genome sequences of S. paradoxus, S. mikatae and S. bayanus and compared these three yeast species to their close relative, S. cerevisiae. Genome-wide comparative analysis allowed the identification of functionally important sequences, both coding and non-coding. In this companion paper we describe the mathematical and algorithmic results underpinning the analysis of these genomes.We developed statistical methods for the systematic de-novo identification of regulatory motifs. Without making use of co-regulated gene sets, we discovered virtually all previously known DNA regulatory motifs as well as several noteworthy novel motifs. With the additional use of gene ontology information, expression clusters and transcription factor binding profiles, we assigned candidate functions to the novel motifs discovered.Our results demonstrate that entirely automatic genome-wide annotation, gene validation, and discovery of regulatory motifs is possible. Our findings are validated by the extensive experimental knowledge in yeast, confirming their applicability to other genomes.
The influence of water content and leaf anatomy on carbon isotope discrimination and photosynthesis in Sphagnum

The relative effect of diffusional resistance due to water films (r wf ) and leaf anatomy (r p ) on rates of net photosynthesis and on-line measures of carbon isotope discrimination (Δ = Δδ 13 C) was investigated in Sphagnum. Sphagnum species differ in the exposure of photosynthetic cells at the leaf surface. In S. affine, photosynthetic cells are widely exposed at the surface, whereas in S. magellanicum, photosynthetic cells are enclosed within water-filled hyaline cells. This difference is expected to lead to variation in diffusive resistance within leaves (r P ). Net photosynthesis and on-line A were measured at two water contents : greenhouse water content (wet) and blotted dry (dry). Without correcting for respiration, on-line A values differed significantly between wet (23.7‰) and dry (30.9‰) plants. However, there was no significant difference between species means and no species x water content interaction. Corrections for respiration lowered Δ values by approximately 8.1‰ and reduced the mean difference to 3.1‰, but did not alter the rank order of treatments. Net photosynthesis also decreased by 16% in wet plants, but there was no significant difference between the two species. In addition, five populations of S. affine and S. magellanicum grown in a common garden were analysed for their organic matter carbon isotope composition (δ 13 C). These values varied more within each species (0.9-1.2‰) than between the two species (0.6‰). Therefore, we conclude that variation in surface water films leads to a greater difference in resistance to CO 2 uptake and carbon isotope discrimination than that due to variation in leaf anatomical properties in Sphagnum.
Structure and function of human and murine receptors for IgG.

The basic mechanisms by which phagocytes recognize foreign organisms have been known for more than 80 years. In 1903, Wright & Douglas (1) showed that human serum contains heat-stabile and heat-labile factors that bind to the bacteria and thus dramatically enhance the ability of blood phagocytes to ingest Staphylococcus. These factors, IgG and complement, trigger phagocytosis via specific receptors for IgG and complement. Recep­ tors for the Fc portion of IgG (FcyR), play a central role in cellular immune defenses and are, in addition, responsible for stimulating the release of mediators of inflammation and hydrolytic enzymes involved in the patho­ genesis of autoimmune diseases. This review focuses on the current state of knowledge of the structure and function of the heterogeneous family of the FCyRs of mouse and human. The existence of Fc receptors for IgG (FcyR) has been appreciated since the early studies of Berken & Benacerraf (2). However, the recent rapid progress in this field is due in large part to the isolation of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for different receptors. The FCyR family prob­ ably evolved in parallel with the immunoglobulins; indeed, recent cloning studies (3-5) show that FCyRs form a subgroup of the immunoglobulin supergene family. The FCyRs provide a crucial link between the phagocytic effector cells and the lymphocytes that secrete Ig, since the macro­ phage/monocyte, polymorphonuclear leukocyte, and NK cell FCyRs confer an element of specific recognition mediated by IgG. Phagocytic cells thus have several recognition mechanisms whereby friend can be distinguished
Ligand-Independent Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor β1 Expression and Cell Cycle Progression by the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates the toxic effects of its xenobiotic ligands and acts as an environmental checkpoint during the cell cycle. We expressed stably integrated, Tet-Off-regulated AHR variants in fibroblasts from AHR-null mice to further investigate the AHR role in cell cycle regulation. Ahr+/+ fibroblasts proliferated significantly faster than Ahr−/− fibroblasts did, and exposure to a prototypical AHR ligand or deletion of the ligand-binding domain did not change their proliferation rates, indicating that the AHR function in cell cycle was ligand independent. Growth-promoting genes, such as cyclin and cyclin-dependent kinase genes, were significantly down-regulated in Ahr−/− cells, whereas growth-arresting genes, such as the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) gene, extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor genes, were up-regulated. Ahr−/− fibroblasts secreted significantly more TGF-β1 into the culture medium than Ahr+/+ fibroblasts did, and Ahr−/− showed increased levels of activated Smad4 and TGF-β1 mRNA. Inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling by overexpression of Smad7 reversed the proliferative and gene expression phenotype of Ahr−/− fibroblasts. Changes in TGF-β1 mRNA accumulation were due to stabilization resulting from decreased activity of TTP, the tristetraprolin RNA-binding protein responsible for mRNA destabilization through AU-rich motifs. These results show that the Ah receptor possesses interconnected intrinsic cellular functions, such as ECM formation, cell cycle control, and TGF-β1 regulation, that are independent of activation by either exogenous or endogenous ligands and that may play a crucial role during tumorigenesis.
Improving the system/software engineering interface for complex system development

At the 2004 Engineering of Computer Based Systems (ECBS) Technical Committee meeting, the ECBS Executive Committee agreed that a guideline on Integrated System and Software Engineering would be beneficial to engineers working at the interface, and they agreed to work on such a guideline. This paper is written in the hope that it serves as a basis for a discussion group, initiating such a guideline. This paper seeks to improve the integrated system/software engineering process during the phases when system and software developers work most closely together. These phases are system problem definition, software requirements analysis and specification, system solution analysis, and process planning. Lessons learned during twenty years, while working with system and software engineers to define requirements and solutions on aerospace projects are summarized. During this time, problems were noted and their cause determined. As a result, advice is provided.
Association of endothelial lipase gene (LIPG) haplotypes with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions and apolipoprotein AI plasma levels in Japanese Americans

The LIPG gene on chromosome 18 encodes for endothelial lipase, a member of the triglyceride lipase family. Mouse models suggest that variation in LIPG influences high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism, but only limited data are available in humans. This study examined associations of LIPG haplotypes, comprising a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region (-384A>C), and a nonsynonymous SNP in exon 3 (Thr111Ile or 584C>T), with lipoprotein risk factors in 541 adult Japanese Americans. A marginal association was found between LIPG diplotypes and HDL cholesterol (p=0.045). Stronger associations were seen for HDL3 cholesterol (p=0.005) and Apolipoprotein AI plasma levels (p=0.002). After adjustment for age, gender, smoking and medications, individuals homozygous for the minor allele at both SNPs (*4 haplotype) had a more favorable risk factor profile, compared to other haplotype combinations. No relationship was seen for plasma triglyceride levels or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) size, but the homozygous *4 diplotype was also associated with lower Apolipoprotein B and LDL cholesterol levels (p=0.001 and 0.015, respectively). In conclusion, this community-based family study of Japanese Americans demonstrates that LIPG variants are associated with HDL related risk factors, and may play a role in susceptibility to cardiovascular disease in this population.
Assessing Suitability of Nontraditional Development in Roadside Right-of-Way

A decision framework was developed for context-sensitive planning in the roadside right-of-way (ROW). The primary component of this framework was a roadside suitability assessment model that supported decisions related to ROW use and development, particularly those that were nontraditional in nature. The model accommodated a broad range of potential types of development while a diverse range of roadside contextual features, including land use (current and future), land cover, environment, natural resources, and plant and animal habitats was considered. The primary function of the model was to identify the areas along a highway corridor that were most (or least) suitable for development in the roadside ROW. After the model parameters were calibrated to satisfy local conditions, a roadside suitability index was computed for each area along the selected corridor with available geospatial data as the primary model inputs. The roadside suitability index provided a relative indication of the overall suitability...
Verminephrobacter eiseniae gen. nov., sp. nov., a nephridial symbiont of the earthworm Eisenia foetida (Savigny).

A Gram-negative, flagellated, heterotrophic, catalase-negative, rod-shaped bacterium previously identified as an earthworm symbiont was isolated from nephridia of the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Comparisons of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated its relatedness to the betaproteobacterial genus Acidovorax and the novel isolates shared 92–94 % sequence similarity with recognized species of this genus. Gene sequence phylogenies revealed that the group of earthworm symbionts formed a cohesive and independent clade. The DNA G+C content was 67.0±0.2 mol%. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0, C16 : 1 ω7c and C17 : 0 cyclo. While capable of growing in fully aerated media, all isolates favoured low oxygen concentrations and all required biotin or a mix of amino acids in order to grow on defined mineral media. Based on phylogenies inferred from three housekeeping gene sequences (gap, recA and rpoC), DNA–DNA hybridization values, the unique ecology and the distinct physiology of the novel strains, the new genus Verminephrobacter gen. nov. is proposed for the earthworm nephridial symbionts. The name Verminephrobacter eiseniae sp. nov. is proposed for the type species with strain EF01-2T (=ATCC BAA-1489T=DSM 19286T) as the type strain of the type species.
Runaway Greenhouse Effect in a Semigray Radiative–Convective Model

The effects of the nongray absorption (i.e., atmospheric opacity varying with wavelength) on the possible upper bound of the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) emitted by a planetary atmosphere have been examined. This analysis is based on the semigray approach, which appears to be a reasonable compromise between the complexity of nongray models and the simplicity of the gray assumption (i.e., atmospheric absorption independent of wavelength). Atmospheric gases in semigray atmospheres make use of constant absorption coefficients in finite-width spectral bands. Here, such a semigray absorption is introduced in a one-dimensional (1D) radiative‐ convective model with a stratosphere in radiative equilibrium and a troposphere fully saturated with water vapor, which is the semigray gas. A single atmospheric window in the infrared spectrum has been assumed. In contrast to the single absolute limit of OLR found in gray atmospheres, semigray ones may also show a relative limit. This means that both finite and infinite runaway effects may arise in some semigray cases. Of particular importance is the finding of an entirely new branch of stable steady states that does not appear in gray atmospheres. This new multiple equilibrium is a consequence of the nongray absorption only. It is suspected that this new set of stable solutions has not been previously revealed in analyses of radiative‐convective models since it does not appear for an atmosphere with nongray parameters similar to those for the earth’s current state.
A manual for the C4 fan club

Although plants possessing the C4 photosynthesis pathway account for less than 5% of the world's higher plant species (-8000 of 250 000), their economic and ecological importance, particularly in the tropics, is disproportionately large. This volume, C4 Plant Biology edited by Rowan E Sage and Russell K. Monson, is a testament to that importance and its impact on fields as diverse as plant physiology, ecology, geology, and anthropology, to name a few. Indeed, readers from the entire spectrum of plant biology are likely to find at least a few chapters of interest in this book, which is divided into five sections on various aspects of C4 plant biology: perspectives, structure-function, ecology, evolution, and human interactions. The perspectives section contains an excellent chapter by Sage on the evolutionary constraints that were likely important drivers in the evolution of this pathway. The other chapter in this section, a historical overview by Marshall Hatch, reviews the events and key players in the discovery of C4 photosynthesis. Hatch also provides a context for much of the subsequent biochemical research into the pathway he helped elucidate in the 1960s. Some of the individuals he cites for their key roles also contributed chapters to this volume. The structure-function section focuses on the biochemical and morphological features of the C4 syndrome. Gerald Edwards, one of the workers highlighted by Hatch, co-authored a chapter with Ryuzi Kanai on the biochemistry of C4 photosynthesis. They describe the biochemical workings that underpin the whole-plant responses to CO, light, and temperature, which play a central role in the book's subsequent chapters on the ecology of C4 plants. Readers who are not expert in the details of C4 photosynthesis should start here, as a careful reading will enhance an understanding of the concepts advanced in later chapters. Other chapters in this section address regulation of the pathway (Leegood and Walker), leaf structure and development (Dengler and Nelson), and modeling C4 photosynthesis. The last chapter, by Suzanne von Caemmerer and Robert Furbank, is a nice summary of the key aspects of this pathway and how they can be captured in a small set of equations. Though much of the material in this section of the book concerns topics that were generally understood by about 1980, all of the chapters effectively integrate older and newer information, establishing a strong background for the book's other sections. The next section of the book concerns the ecology of C4 photosynthesis, in particular how the biochemical and anatomical adaptations of this pathway influence plant performance in the environment. A chapter by Steve
Targeting sirtuin-1 alleviates experimental autoimmune colitis by induction of Foxp3+ T-regulatory cells (MUC2P.818)

Induced Foxp3+ T-regulatory cells (iTreg) are essential to gastrointestinal immune homeostasis and play an important role in preventing autoimmune colitis. We have previously shown that inhibiting sirtuin-1 (Sirt1) can augment Treg function and hypothesized that targeting of Sirt1 might enhance iTreg development and thereby represent a potential therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We adoptively transferred CD4+CD25-Foxp3- T effector (TE) cells from wild-type (C57BL/6) or fl-Sirt1/CD4cre mice into B6/Rag1-/- mice and monitored the mice until they lost 10-15% of their weight. Adoptive transfer of TE cells lacking Sirt1 to B6/Rag1-/- mice resulted in increased iTreg formation compared to mice receiving wild-type TE cells (2.3 ±1.6%, vs. 6.2 ±3%, in wild type and fl-Sirt1/CD4cre TE recipients, respectively, p
Effect of thermal maturity on elastic properties of kerogen

ABSTRACTWe have performed spatially continuous nanodynamic mechanical analysis on four organic-rich shale samples with different thermal maturities to extract the elastic modulus of the kerogen particles. Aliquots were rigorously prepared, and three scans were acquired from each aliquot. Subcritical nitrogen adsorption pore characterization was performed to determine the abundance of kerogen-hosted porosity. To fully characterize the pore system of samples from the oil window, toluene and then chloroform extraction were performed to remove the pore-filling hydrocarbons prior to nitrogen adsorption. The statistical distribution of the measured modulus values was analyzed to extract the properties of the shale particles. In mature samples from the peak oil generation or gas window, the kerogen porosity was the dominant pore morphology. We found that significant lowering of the kerogen particle modulus resulted from intraparticle kerogen porosity. The kerogen particle modulus in mature samples was measured a...
Racial and gender variation in use of diagnostic colonic procedures in the Michigan Medicare population.

Background. There is accumulating evidence that screening programs can alter the natural history of colorectal cancer, a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in the US. Understanding how the technology to diagnose colonic diseases is utilized in the population provides insight into both the access and processes of care. Method. Using Medicare Part B billing files from the state of Michigan from 1986 to 1989 we identified all procedures used to diagnose colorectal disease. We utilized the Medicare Beneficiary File and the Area Resource File to identify beneficiary-specific and community-sociodemographic characteristics. The beneficiary and sociodemographic characteristics were, then, used in multiple regression analyses to identify their association with procedure utilization. Results. Sigmoidoscopic use declined dramatically with the increasing age cohorts of Medicare beneficiaries. Urban areas and communities with higher education levels had more sigmoidoscopic use. Among procedures used to examine the entire colon, isolated barium enema was used more frequently in African Americans, the elderly, and females. The combination of barium enema and sigmoidoscopy was used more frequently among females and the newest technology, colonoscopy, was used most frequently among White males. Conclusion. The existence of race, gender, and socioeconomic disparities in the use of colorectal technologies in a group of patients with near-universal insurance coverage demonstrates the necessity of understanding the reason(s) for these observed differences to improve access to appropriate technologies to all segments in our society.
Hodgkin lymphoma: 2016 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification, and management

Disease overview: Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is an uncommon B-cell lymphoid malignancy affecting 9,050 new patients annually and representing approximately 11.2% of all lymphomas in the United States. Diagnosis: HL is composed of two distinct disease entities; the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte predominant HL. Nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte-rich HL are subgroups under the designation of classical HL. Risk stratification: An accurate assessment of the stage of disease in patients with HL is critical for the selection of the appropriate therapy. Prognostic models that identify patients at low or high risk for recurrence, as well as the response to therapy as determined by positron emission tomography (PET) scan, are used to optimize therapy. Risk-Adapted Therapy: Initial therapy for HL patients is based on the histology of the disease, the anatomical stage and the presence of poor prognostic features. Patients with early stage disease are typically treated with combined modality strategies utilizing abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation therapy, while those with advanced stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy often without radiation therapy. Management of relapsed/refractory disease: High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) followed by an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is the standard of care for most patients who relapse following initial therapy. For patients who fail HDCT with ASCT, brentuximab vedotin, PD-1 blockade, nonmyeloablative allogeneic transplant or participation in a clinical trial should be considered. Am. J. Hematol. 91:435–442, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms of Venous Occlusion During Canine Penile Erection: An Anatomic Demonstration

Abstract Hemodynamic studies have clearly demonstrated that intracorporeal injection of papaverine causes an increase of venous outflow resistance, and we therefore undertook a study of the venous drainage of the canine penis to delineate the anatomic changes in the venular structure during papaverine-induced erection. In 11 dogs, the corpora cavernosa were examined by corrosion casting in six and serial trichrome staining and histologic sectioning in five. Low-power scanning electron microscopy of the corrosion casts demonstrated the existence of a venular plexus interposed between the tunica albuginea and the sinusoidal spaces. After papaverine injection, this subalbugineal venular plexus is compressed between the dilated sinusoids from below and the tunica albuginea from above, such that venous drainage is effectively impeded. Examination of two cadaveric human penile corrosion casts by lowpower scanning electron microscopy revealed evidence of a similar subalbugineal venular plexus draining into the emissary veins along the shaft of the penis. Based on the above, a model for the anatomic basis of venous occlusion during penile erection is outlined. Along with arteriolar and sinusoidal smooth-muscle relaxation, this can account for the three basic hemodynamic changes necessary for erection: increased arterial inflow, increased intrncorporeal pressure, and increased venous outflow resistance.
Tuberculin skin testing. Can it contain the impending tuberculosis epidemic

Tuberculosis is on the increase around the globe. Practicing physicians must be vigilant in identifying persons at risk and those who are infected with tubercle bacilli so isoniazid prophylaxis can be promptly instituted. The tuberculin skin test is a simple, inexpensive, and sensitive method of diagnosing infection; it should be used routinely and not reserved for high-risk patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new guidelines for interpreting results depending on the size of induration and presence of risk factors.
Bipolar illness and the family.

The purpose of this article is to introduce family systems therapy and “family focused treatment” to clinicians working with patients who are diagnosed with bipolar illness. The characteristic traits of healthy family functioning are identified as a template for the clinician to work with the family toward management of bipolar illness. Nathan Ackerman's model of how families handle crises and Carter's and McGoldrick's work with family life cycles provide a guide to understanding family systems work. The focus is on the family system and not just the patient. The issues of bipolar illness are addressed in the family context. Based on the research of Goldstein and Miklowitz and others, treatment of bipolar illness is differentiated from other chronic mental illnesses. Family focused treatment is offered as a model to manage dynamics off bipolar illness. An essential component of therapy with the patient and the family is addressing grief. Interventions and treatment suggestions are offered.
A Metaphysical Framework: Voluntary Agency, Emergence and Downward Causation

In 1977, Karl Popper gave the first Darwin Lecture at Cambridge University. Popper picked an interesting topic. He discussed the idea that human beings—and, with them, certain mental attributes—are, along with other phenomena, ‘emergent’. In contrast with William Paley’s theory that, initially, a Creator individually fashioned every kind of living thing through a special act of creation, Popper paints a picture of a universe in which, over the course of time, certain things, occurrences and states come together in new ways giving rise to ‘new things’ within ‘new levels’ of organisation. In other words, these new things, which include living things, ‘emerge’ as certain things, occurrences and states come together in new ways. As Popper states: There is on the first level, the theory of the emergence of heavy atomic nuclei in the centre of big stars, and on a higher level, the evidence for the emergence somewhere in space of organic molecules.
Capturing Regulatory Reality: Stigler’s The Theory of Economic Regulation

This paper offers a retrospective assessment of economist George Stigler’s classic article, The Theory of Economic Regulation. Stigler argued that regulation is a product that, just like any other product, is produced in a market, and that it can be acquired from the governmental “marketplace” by business firms to serve their private interests and create barriers to entry for potential competitors. He challenged the idea that regulation arises solely to serve the public interest and demonstrated that important political advantages held by businesses can contribute to industry capture of the regulatory process. Although his argument was largely based on the theoretical framework he developed, Stigler also illustrated his insights with empirical evidence from state-level regulatory schemes, including trucking regulation and occupational licensing. In this paper, we re-examine Stigler’s argument and analysis more than forty years later. Despite the great value of Stigler’s work in illuminating the problem of regulatory capture, his influential article nevertheless did exaggerate the power of business over regulators, as he suggested the existence of nearly an iron law of business control that clearly does not exist. He also confusingly conflated elected legislators with more independent agency bureaucrats, failed to rule out the public interest theory of regulation, and relied in part on unrealistic assumptions about the political economy of regulation. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, Stigler’s ground-breaking theory holds enduring value to both scholars and policymakers, and his innovative use of economic principles and empirical analysis provides a much-needed template for the further study of regulation and regulatory institutions even today.
Temperature-dependent optical properties of lead selenide quantum dot polymer nanocomposites

The optical properties of PbSe quantum dots (QDs) in AB9093 epoxy nanocomposite are examined with respect to temperature over a range of 0°C-80°C, a useful working range for many QD-based sensors and devices, and results are compared to QDs in toluene solution. A complete characterization of QD optical properties is provided as a function of temperature, including the absorption spectrum, first excitonic (1-s) absorption peak intensity and wavelength, fluorescence intensity, and peak wavelength. QD optical properties in toluene were found to be more sensitive to temperature as compared to those in AB9093. Interestingly, 1-s and fluorescence peak wavelength variation with temperature are reversed in AB9093 as compared to those in toluene solution. Results for the fluorescence properties of Lumogen F Red 305 dye in toluene are presented for comparison. The dye was found to have similar sensitivity to temperature to that of the QDs in terms of fluorescence peak wavelength shift, but the fluorescence peak intensity was far less variant. These results can be used to build a temperature sensor or as a guide to building other types of QD-based devices to be more robust against changes in ambient temperature.
Research on control system of truck-mounted rig for coalbed methane

The coal-bed methane (CBM) as a kind energy is clean and efficient, also it can become a security risk in mining process if it could not get out of the coal seam. In view of the current large-scale exploitation of coal-bed methane resources, the development of drilling rig for CBM drilling is needed. The parameters and structures were introduced in the paper. The rig uses a highly integrated approach that integrates the required functions on the chassis of the vehicle to meet the needs of rapid installation and transportation. Drilling control system uses hydraulic control and electro-hydraulic control dual control mode, can achieve short-range and remote control operations. The control system include security circuits and electric control system. Through the field trial, it is shown that the rig can meet the construction of the majority of coalbed methane drilling in the country and the performance is stable and the operation is simple.
Low-Spurious ADC Architectures for Software Radio

Digitization is now about to move into IF for wireless systems. The software-programmable radio offers the technically most challenging tasks to the data acquisition design community. Only high-performance ADCs and DACs, implementable in low-cost VLSI technologies and consuming one order of magnitude less power than current circuits, will make the wide-spread use of software radios feasible. CMOS data converters are not yet in this arena. However, two examples of high-resolution ADCs shown here prove that even CMOS ADCs can move into the 100 MHz range with high resolution if new robust architectures are developed. The current ADC art, estimated by recent works, is projected to achieve a linearity of 15 b to 16 b with a SFDR of over 90 dB at a 100 MHz range in the near future.
An application of geographic mapping

The application of computing technology to manage geographic information and display the resulting maps is essential in enhancing geographic knowledge. The purpose of this project is to learn the technique of geographic mapping through the example of mapping residential properties in Shelby County, Tennessee. The final county map displays the location and real estate value of a set of residential properties. The learning objectives of the project include (1) collecting residential property data and digital county shape maps from publicly available databases, (2) merging residential property data with county shape maps through the geographic mapping process supported by the ArcGIS 10 software program, and (3) summarizing the resultant maps in a format ready for inclusion in PowerPoint presentations. This assignment synthesizes skills students have learned in word processing, database management, and PowerPoint presentations. The entire exercise has been assigned as a capstone project for freshmen taking the course Intro to Micro Computers.