cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Geochemical factors promoting die-back gap formation in colonizing patches of Spartina densiflora in an irregularly flooded marsh

Circular (RP) and ring-shape (RP) patches of vegetation in intertidal flats have been associated with the radial expansion of tussock growth forms and die-back gap in older central stands, respectively. RP formation has not yet been sufficiently explained. We accomplished a comparative geochemical study of CP and RP structures of Spartina densiflora within a single saltmarsh in a microtidal estuary (<0.5 m). The pore water under these structures demonstrated distinctive physical-chemical properties by marked seasonal changing in water level and salinity. During high-water period dissolved H2S was frequently low in pore waters of S. densiflora structures due to reactive-Fe, which scavenge the sulfide from solution and form solid sulfides. During less flooded-brackish water period, pore water pH goes down below 4 inside the vegetated bordering areas of RP. In these locations the concentration of soluble sulfides dramatically increases up to 140 μM L−1. The high concentration of protons in pore water is the result of solid sulfides atmospheric oxidation to sulfuric acid. High dissolution of H2S, along with the low pH, creates a toxic environment for S. densiflora and die-back central gap formation in RP. CP structure was 5 cm higher in the intertidal than RP but shows frequent presence of a water layer, less severe oxidation of sulfides and limited building-up of toxic condition to plants. Development of S. densiflora RP probably indicates the uplift of sediment by this bioengineer grass and/or periodic lowering of the water surface below a certain critical level.
Childhood Adversity and the Continued Exposure to Trauma and Violence Among Adolescent Gang Members

This study investigates interfaith groups from across the United States to understand how these religious settings may serve as mediating structures to facilitate individual political action. Based on a multilevel modeling analysis with 169 individuals from 25 interfaith groups, we found that core activities of the group, such as group members sharing community information (e.g., announcing upcoming events, political meetings, community issues) or sharing religious information (e.g., educating members about their religion) positively and negatively predicted individual political action as a result of group participation, respectively. Moreover, a sense that the interfaith group served as a community to work for local change, but not trust within the group, predicted political action as a result of group participation. However, this effect for a sense the group served as a community to work for local change was stronger and more positive as the degree of community information sharing in the group increased. These results show that a core activity of sharing community information may enhance the ability of a group to mediate political action. Overall, these findings demonstrate the potential role of interfaith groups to mediate political action, and show the importance of considering both individual and group characteristics when understanding these religious settings. Limitations and directions for future research are also discussed.
Lovastatin may have reduced the risk for cardiovascular events

Source Citation Furberg CD, Adams HP, Applegate WB, et al. Effect of lovastatin on early carotid atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Circulation. 1994 Oct;90: 1679-87.
Adverse events occurring on mental health units

Abstract Objective While the study of suicide on mental health units has a long history, the study of patient safety more generally is relatively new. Our objective was to determine the type and relative frequency of adverse events occurring on Veterans Health Administration (VHA) mental health units; the primary root causes for these events; and make recommendations for abating or mitigating these events. Methods We searched our national database for any reported adverse event that occurred on an inpatient mental health unit between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016. We found 87 Root Cause Analysis (RCA) reports and 9780 safety reports. The safety reports were coded for type of event and the RCAs were further coded for underlying causes and severity. Results Of the 87 RCA reports, there were 31suicide attempts, 16 elopements, 10 assaults, 8 events involving hazardous items on the unit, 7 falls, 6 unexpected deaths, 3 overdoses and 6 cases coded as “other”. For the 9780 safety reports falls were the most common event, followed by medication events, verbal assaults, physical assaults, medical problems and hazardous items on the unit. Conclusions As with medical units, patients on mental health units are at risk for many types of adverse events. The same focus on patient safety is just as important for our mental health patients as for our medical patients. Mental health unit staff should undertake a structured assessment of all risk on their units. This broad approach may be more successful than focusing on a particular event type.
Skeletal Stem Cells/Bone Marrow Stromal Cells

It is now clear that the bone/marrow organ contains a multipotent skeletal stem cell (SSC) that is able to recreate cartilage, bone, hematopoiesis-supportive stroma, and marrow adipocytes. Based on their ability to form bone, and to control osteoclastogenesis (at least in part), they are central mediators of skeletal homeostasis. As such, mutations that affect their biological activities can have a profound effect on the skeleton, and even on hematopoiesis due to their participation in the hematopoietic stem cell niche. Furthermore, the fate choices of SSCs in the postnatal organism into osteogenic and adipogenic progeny are highly influenced by changes in the microenvironment in which they reside, and are mediated by numerous signaling pathways, genomic, and epigenetic processes. Lastly, SSCs are an essential ingredient for any process aimed at enduring regeneration, bone regeneration by the cells themselves due to their ability to mediate bone turnover.
Angles on Listening

To listen at an angle, Audrey Thompson explains, is to be touched. Sometimes touch is reassuring. Listening at an angle, however, is like being punched in the gut. The other touches us in a way that exposes our entrenched assumptions and reveals our understanding to be “fragmentary, broken, sometimes trustworthy and sometimes not.” Our very being can feel broken and thrown when we engage in this kind of listening.
MESH: A free electromagnetic solver for far-field and near-field radiative heat transfer for layered periodic structures

Abstract We describe MESH (M ultilayer E lectromagnetic S olver for H eat transfer), a free software that combines rigorous coupled wave analysis (RCWA) and scattering matrix formalism to simulate the radiative heat transfer both in the near-field and far-field regimes for layered three-dimensional structures made of planar layers. Each layer can have in-plane one-dimensional or two-dimensional periodicity. In this paper, we provide detailed discussions of the algorithms of MESH, which enables it to be a flexible tool for different types of radiative heat transfer simulations. We also discuss aspects of the codes related to parallelization and user scripting. Program summary Program Title: MESH Program Files doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.17632/zx9v3bf3hf.1 Licensing provisions: GNU General Public License 3 (GPL) Programming language: C, C++. External routines: Lua[1], Python[2] and LAPACK and BLAS linear-algebra software[3], and optionally MPI message-passing interface[4]. Armadillo[5] is already contained in MESH. Nature of problem: Far-field and near-field radiative heat transfer in layered periodic structures. Solution method: Fourier modal method (rigorous coupled wave analysis) and the scattering matrix method. [1] R. Ierusalimschy, L.H. de Figueiredo, W.C. Filho, Lua an extensible extension language, Software: Practice and Experience 26 (1996) 635652. http://www.lua.org . [2] Python Software Foundation. Available at http://www.python.org [3] MKL: https://software.intel.com/en-us/intel-mkl [4] T.M. Forum, MPI: A Message Passing Interface, in: Supercomputing 93, Portland, OR, 878883, 1993 [5] Conrad Sanderson and Ryan Curtin. Armadillo: a template-based C++ library for linear algebra. Journal of Open Source Software , Vol. 1, pp. 26, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.21105/joss.00026
Space-time Green functions for diffusive radiation transport, in application to active and passive cloud probing

Clouds are a feast for the eye but, when contemplating their fluid beauty, it is important — at least for scientists — to bear in mind that they are also key elements of the Earth’s climate system. They are indeed the first-order regulators of the intake in solar energy: What portion goes back to space? What reaches the surface (then warms the ground, drives photosynthesis, etc.)? Clouds also contribute strongly to the vertical distribution of solar heating and, from there, the thermal balance of the atmosphere. These are well-known and relatively well-understood/modeled climate roles of clouds, as can be expected for such naturally occurring components of the atmosphere. We note that these roles involve radiative transfer across the electromagnetic spectrum. What is far less understood about clouds is how they interact microphysically, chemically and thermo-hydrodynamically, with other natural and anthropogenic constituents, especially aerosols. These are known as cloud feedback mechanisms in the parlance of climate science, and have been identified as the single most resilient roadblock in the way of reducing uncertainty in future climate prediction [1], an enterprise that relies heavily on models to explore various scenarios in global greenhouse gas emissions.
Seizure Frequency as Treatment Effect Parameter in Epileptic Patients: A Critical Appraisal of the Clinimetric Approach

In the proposed “Guidelines for clinical evaluation of antiepileptic drugs” from the Commission on Antiepileptic Drugs of the International League Against Epilepsy (1987) “Seizure frequency” is one of the evaluation parameters from late phase I studies onwards. In phase II studies other seizure related parameters are added such as length of seizure-free intervals, seizure duration and seizure pattern.
90 – Sexually Transmitted Infections in Men and Women

This chapter discusses the current state of knowledge of the association of biologic sex with the manifestations, complications, and epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), biologic and behavioral factors for both men and women that modify susceptibility, and considerations for STI prevention and control. In addition to anatomic differences between men and women, many subtle biologic differences influence the relative risk of STI acquisition and transmission. In men, biologic risk factors associated with STIs remain relatively constant throughout life, although behavioral factors such as condom use may change dramatically. Male circumcision status is one of the most important characteristics associated with variable risk of STI. In women, the biologic susceptibility to STIs varies throughout their reproductive life cycle. The chapter discusses the changes that occur in the female genital tract from birth through menopause, and examines studies on these changes in relation to STI acquisition.
Semantics-first natural language processing

There is no consensus on how syntax and semantic/ pragmatics should interact in natural language processing. This paper focuses on one issue concerning interaction: order of processing. Two approaches are compared empirically: an interleaved syntax-first approach, in which semantic interpretations is performed at intermediate points during parsing; and a semantics-first approach, in which semantic considerations drive the rule selection process during parsing. The study provides empirical evidence that the semantics-first approach is more efficient than the syntax-first approach in processing texts in narrow domains.
Nanoparticle Delivery of TWIST Small Interfering RNA and Anticancer Drugs: A Therapeutic Approach for Combating Cancer

Breast and ovarian cancer are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women in the United States with over 232,000 new Breast Cancer (BC) diagnoses expected in 2018 and almost 40,000 deaths and an estimated 239,000 new ovarian cancer (OC) cases and 152,000 deaths worldwide annually. OC is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. This high mortality rate is due to tumor recurrence and metastasis, primarily caused by chemoresistant cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) patients also become resistant to chemotherapy due to recurrence of CSCs. Currently, no ovarian or breast cancer therapies target CSC specifically. TWIST is overexpressed in the majority of chemoresistant cancers resulting in a low survival rate. Our long-term goal is to develop novel treatments for women with ovarian and breast cancer, specifically treatments that sensitize chemoresistant tumors. Despite successful initial surgery and chemotherapy, over 70% of advanced EOC will recur, and only 15-30% of recurrent disease will respond to chemotherapy (Cortez et al., 2017; Berezhnaya, 2010; Jackson et al., 2015). Moreover, drug resistance causes treatment failure in over 90% of patients with metastatic disease (Solmaz et al., 2015). Thus, recurrent metastatic disease is a major clinical challenge without effective therapy. One of the major challenges in the treatment of breast cancer is the presence of a subpopulation of cancer cells that are chemoresistant (CRC) and metastatic. Given that metastasis is the driving force behind mortality for breast and ovarian cancer patients, it is essential to identify the characteristics of these aberrant cancer cells that allow them to spread to distant sites in the body and develop into metastatic tumors. Understanding the metastatic mechanisms driving cancer cell dispersal will open the door to developing novel therapies that prevent metastasis and improve long-term outcomes for patients. In this chapter we assess the feasibility of targeting the Twist and EMT signaling pathways in breast and ovarian cancer. Additional discussions of the pathways that mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process that can give rise to chemoresistance. We review potential treatment strategies for targeting EMT and drug resistance as well as the problems that may arise with these targeted delivery therapeutic approaches. Finally, we examine recent advances in the field, including cancer stem cell targeted nanoparticle delivery and small interference RNA (siRNA) technology, and discuss the impact that these approaches may have on translating much needed therapeutic approaches into the clinic, for the benefit of patients battling this devastating disease.
Preparing student pharmacists to identify opioid misuse, prevent overdose and prescribe naloxone.

Abstract Background and Purpose All 50 states have implemented policies to improve access to naloxone through community pharmacies. Many states require naloxone-based training for pharmacists before participating in these activities. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an opioid misuse and overdose training program on students' knowledge, self-efficacy, and value of pharmacists' role in preventing overdose. Educational Activity and Setting The training program was implemented with third-year professional pharmacy students. Students participated in a 50-min lecture followed by a two-hour hands-on laboratory activity. Students took a pre-survey immediately before the lecture and a post-survey immediately following the laboratory activity. Findings Seventy students completed the pre- and post-surveys. Students showed a significant (p Summary A training program implemented for third-year pharmacy students increases students' knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived value. Specifically, the strong correlation seen between self-efficacy and perceived value after completing the training program is important to note as we prepare future pharmacists for their role in fighting the opioid epidemic.
The genetics of isolated and syndromic clubfoot.

Abstract Purpose Congenital clubfoot is a serious birth defect that affects nearly 0.1% of all births. Though there is strong evidence for a genetic basis of isolated clubfoot, aside from a handful...
Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer’s Disease and Progress in Mitochondria-Targeted Therapeutics

Mitochondria are essential for facilitating energy homeostasis under ever-changing environmental conditions. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been suggested to either play a primary role in the development of multiple human diseases and/or significantly contribute to disease progression. Here, we review recent findings on mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and strategies for the development of mitochondria-targeted therapies. Multiple mechanisms essential for proper mitochondrial functioning including biogenesis and turnover, fission/fusion, trafficking, and bioenergetics are affected in AD. Few therapeutic strategies were developed to address these problems. While a conclusive statement on the causative role of mitochondrial dysfunction in AD remains elusive, the available evidence suggests that improving mitochondrial function via pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions could delay the onset and slow the progression of AD. Further research and outcomes of ongoing clinical trials should extend our understanding and help to validate conclusions regarding causation.
Development of a retroviral construct containing a human mutated dihydrofolate reductase cDNA for hematopoietic stem cell transduction

A double-copy Moloney leukemia virus-based retroviral construct containing both the NeoR gene and a mutant human dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) cDNA (Ser31 mutant) was used to transduce NIH 3T3 and mouse bone marrow (BM) progenitor cells. This resulted in increased resistance of these cells to methotrexate (MTX). The transduced BM progenitor cells were returned to lethally irradiated mice. The recipients transplanted with marrow cells infected with the recombinant virus showed protection from lethal MTX toxicity as compared with mock-infected animals. Evidence for integration of the proviral DNA was obtained by amplification of proviral DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern analysis. Sequencing a portion of the PCR-amplified human DHFR cDNA showed the presence of the mutation. These studies with the human Ser31 mutant DHFR cDNA gave results comparable with those obtained with the mutant murine DHFR cDNA (Leu to Arg22) in developing MTX-resistant BM. The Ser31 mutant human DHFR cDNA is currently being tested for infection of human CD34+ human BM and peripheral blood stem cells in vitro.
Association of Treatment With Metformin vs Sulfonylurea With Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Diabetes and Reduced Kidney Function

Importance Before 2016, safety concerns limited metformin use in patients with kidney disease; however, the effectiveness of metformin on clinical outcomes in patients with reduced kidney function remains unknown. Objective To compare major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among patients with diabetes and reduced kidney function who continued treatment with metformin or a sulfonylurea. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study of US veterans receiving care within the national Veterans Health Administration, with data supplemented by linkage to Medicare, Medicaid, and National Death Index data from 2001 through 2016. There were 174 882 persistent new users of metformin and sulfonylureas who reached a reduced kidney function threshold (estimated glomerular filtration rate Exposures New users of metformin or sulfonylurea monotherapy who continued treatment with their glucose-lowering medication after reaching reduced kidney function. Main Outcomes and Measures MACE included hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or cardiovascular death. The analyses used propensity score weighting to compare the cause-specific hazard of MACE between treatments and estimate cumulative risk accounting for the competing risks of changing therapy or noncardiovascular death. Results There were 67 749 metformin and 28 976 sulfonylurea persistent monotherapy users; the weighted cohort included 24 679 metformin and 24 799 sulfonylurea users (median age, 70 years [interquartile range {IQR}, 62.8-77.8]; 48 497 men [98%]; and 40 476 white individuals [82%], with median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 55.8 mL/min/1.73 m2[IQR, 51.6-58.2] and hemoglobin A1clevel of 6.6% [IQR, 6.1%-7.2%] at cohort entry). During follow-up (median, 1.0 year for metformin vs 1.2 years for sulfonylurea), there were 1048 MACE outcomes (23.0 per 1000 person-years) among metformin users and 1394 events (29.2 per 1000 person-years) among sulfonylurea users. The cause-specific adjusted hazard ratio of MACE for metformin was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.75-0.86) compared with sulfonylureas, yielding an adjusted rate difference of 5.8 (95% CI, 4.1-7.3) fewer events per 1000 person-years of metformin use compared with sulfonylurea use. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with diabetes and reduced kidney function persisting with monotherapy, treatment with metformin, compared with a sulfonylurea, was associated with a lower risk of MACE.
My Best Friend, Self-Doubt

Dr. Tristan Clemons completed his PhD in materials chemistry while simultaneously representing Australia as a goalkeeper on the men's field hockey team. Despite these achievements, he often suffered from crippling self-doubt. Tristan talks about the importance of mentors in overcoming his imposter syndrome.
Protostellar mass and angular momentum loss

Recent radio observations have indicated that appreciable, continuing mass loss is occurring from regions of star formation. We investigate the conditions under which massive protostellar objects may exhibit strong, rotationally driven winds. For plausible rotational velocities and magnetic field strengths, ejection of approx.10/sup 4/ M/sub sun/ yr/sup -1/ at speeds approx.10/sup 1/--10/sup 2/ km s/sup -1/ can be maintained for time scales approx.10/sup -4/ yr; these values are insensitive to the protostellar luminosity. An evolutionary scenario is sketched which suggests that protostellar clouds may be expected to be rapidly rotating and to possess substantial magnetic fields when the clouds have contracted to radii approx. 10/sup 14/ cm. The centrifugally driven winds proposed present an alternative to fragmentation for providing the angular momentum loss required in the phase of rapid cloud contraction. Subject headings: stars: formation: stars: mass loss: stars: rotation
Investigating School Racial Climate and Private Racial Regard as Risk and Protector Factors for Black High School Students’ School Engagement:

This investigation examined associations between school racial climate (racial fairness, teacher discrimination, and peer discrimination), private racial regard, and school engagement (behavioral, ...
Safe Tracking Control of an Uncertain Euler-Lagrange System with Full-State Constraints using Barrier Functions

This paper presents a novel, safe tracking control design method that learns the parameters of an uncertain Euler-Lagrange (EL) system online using adaptive learning laws. A barrier function (BF) is first used to transform the full-state constrained EL-dynamics into an equivalent unconstrained dynamics. An adaptive tracking controller is then developed along with the parameter update law in the transformed state space such that the states remain bounded for all time within a prescribed bound. A stability analysis is developed that considers the EL-dynamics’ uncertainty, yielding a semi-globally uniformly ultimately bounded (SGUUB) tracking error and the parameter estimation error. The controller design is validated in simulations using a two-link planar manipulator. The results show the proposed method’s ability to track the reference trajectory while remaining inside each of the predefined state bounds.
Inducing High-Energy-Barrier Tribochemical Reaction Pathways; Acetic Acid Decomposition on Copper

The surface tribological chemistry of acetic acid on copper is studied using an ultrahigh vacuum tribometer, supplemented by first-principles density functional theory calculations of the surface structure and reaction pathways. Acetic acid forms η2-acetate species on bridge sites at room temperature as identified by reflection–absorption infrared spectroscopy. Rubbing the surface with a tungsten carbide ball reduces the amount of carbon and oxygen in the rubbed region at the same rates to leave some carbon and oxygen on the surface. This is different from the thermal decomposition pathway, where heating to ~ 580 K removes all oxygen, but leave a small amount of carbon on the surface. It is postulated that this arises because sliding along a direction aligned within the plane of the adsorbed acetate species can induce a high-energy-barrier pathway in which the η2-acetate tilts to form an η1-acetate that can react to form a bent CO2δ− species that decomposes to evolve carbon monoxide and deposit atomic oxygen on the surface. Repeated acetic acid dosing and rubbing reduces the total amount of acetic acid that can adsorb on the surface by ~ 50% after ~ 4 cycles, resulting is a stable, low-friction film. At this point, the adsorbed acetic acid is completely tribochemically removed. This suggests that adsorbed acetic acid can form a self-healing film in which any wear of the low-friction film will then allow it to be replenished by shear-induced decomposition of adsorbed acetate species.
Towards Designing Graceful Degradation into Trajectory Based Operations: A Human-Machine System Integration Approach

One of the most fundamental changes to the air traffic management system in NextGen is the concept of trajectory based operations (TBO). With the introduction of such change, system safety and resilience is a critical concern, in particular, the ability of systems to gracefully degrade. In order to design graceful degradation into a TBO envrionment, knowledge of the potential causes of degradation, and appropriate solutions, is required. In addition, previous research has predominantly explored the technological contribution to graceful degradation, frequently neglecting to consider the role of the human operator, specifically, air traffic controllers (ATCOs). This is out of step with real-world operations, and potentially limits an ecologically valid understanding of achieving graceful degradation in an air traffic control (ATC) environment. The following literature review aims to identify and summarize the literature to date on the potential causes of degradation in ATC and the solutions that may be applied within a TBO context, with a specific focus on the contribution of the air traffic controller. A framework of graceful degradation, developed from the literature, is presented. It is argued that in order to achieve graceful degradation within TBO, a human-system integration approach must be applied.
Morphology of chemical immunosuppression.

Publisher Summary The violation of the integrity of the human or animal body by foreign substances of a certain nature is followed by a specific reaction of the injured body called an “immune reaction.” Immunosuppressive agents and cancer chemotherapeutic agents, in general, are synonymous— that is, the therapist must expect immunosuppressive effects when cancer chemotherapeutic drugs are used. This chapter discusses the morphology of chemical immunosuppression. Anatomical studies of immunocompetent tissues provide information about the potential interference of drugs with humoral or cellular immune responses, about the ability of these tissues to recover, and also about the risk of tumor development in these tissues; the last two subjects pertain mainly to long-term investigations. In this chapter, focus is on the morphological lesions caused by immunosuppressive chemicals to familiarize the nonpathologist investigator of cancer and immunosuppressive therapy with this valuable tool of research. The light microscope can provide all information about investigations that are suggested in the chapter.
“I Learned Things That Make Me Happy, Things That Bring Me Down”: Lessons From Romantic Relationships in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Early romantic relationships have been described as the “learning context” and “training ground” for future intimate relationships; however, research has yet to examine the lessons that individuals take away from such relationships. In the present mixed-methods, longitudinal study, 348 adolescents and emerging adults (53% girls/young women) between the ages of 15 and 23 years were asked to reflect on and report the lessons they learned from romantic relationships in which they were involved 1 year ago (Time 1). These lessons were found to reflect the areas of romantic competence proposed by Shulman et al., including social cognitive maturity, romantic agency, and coherence. Quantitative analyses revealed that girls/young women more often referenced all three of the investigated areas of romantic competence than did boys/young men. In addition, emerging adults and individuals whose relationships were still intact at Time 2 more often referenced social cognitive maturity and coherence, whereas adolescents a...
Crystal Structure of Scallop Myosin S1 in the Pre-Power Stroke State to 2.6 Å Resolution: Flexibility and Function in the Head

Abstract We have extended the X-ray structure determination of the complete scallop myosin head in the pre-power stroke state to 2.6 A resolution, allowing an atomic comparison of the three major (weak actin binding) states of various myosins. We can now account for conformational differences observed in crystal structures in the so-called "pliant region" at the motor domain-lever arm junction between scallop and vertebrate smooth muscle myosins. A hinge, which may contribute to the compliance of the myosin crossbridge, has also been identified for the first time within the regulatory light-chain domain of the lever arm. Analysis of temperature factors of key joints of the motor domain, especially the SH1 helix, provides crystallographic evidence for the existence of the "internally uncoupled" state in diverse isoforms. The agreement between structural and solution studies reinforces the view that the unwinding of the SH1 helix is a part of the cross-bridge cycle in many myosins.
Equine conjunctival diseases: A commentary

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the conjunctiva or mucous membrane, which covers the posterior aspects of the eyelids and nictitating membrane (palpebral conjunctiva), and the superficial surface of the sclera (bulbar conjunctiva). It is a nonspecific finding of ophthalmic and often systemic diseases, as the eye has limited ways to react to injury (Brooks 2005, 2008; Brooks and Matthews 2007; Plummer 2008). Infectious and noninfectious diseases of the eyelids, cornea, sclera, anterior uvea, nasolacrimal system and orbit commonly result in conjunctivitis in the horse.
Specific entities affecting the craniocervical region: osteogenesis imperfecta and related osteochondrodysplasias: medical and surgical management of basilar impression.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is an inheritable disorder of bone development caused by defective collagen synthesis. The attendant basilar impression or secondary basilar invagination is uncommon but can be devastating. Fifty-two patients with osteochondrodysplasia (28 with OI, six with Hajdu-Cheney syndrome, six with Paget’s disease, and 12 with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia) with basilar impression were evaluated between 1985 and 2005. The male/female ratio in this cohort was 1:1. The mean age at presentation was 12.2 years. Symptoms and signs included headache, lower cranial nerve dysfunction, dysphagia, respiratory embarrassment, weakness, and ataxia. In the earlier part of the series (1985–1995), all patients with hydrocephalus were shunted and a ventral transoral decompression made for ventral compression of the pontomedullary junction followed by a dorsal occipitocervical fusion. As a result of this evaluation, it was felt that most patients would benefit by early bracing after the hydrocephalus was shunted if it existed. However, 20% of patients still required an anterior ventral decompression and the occipitocervical fusion. The results showed that the fusions were stable but over a period of time, there was progressive forward bending with osteogenesis imperfecta as well as with the Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. All patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia had a good strong stable fusion which stood the test of time. In conclusion, we feel that early intervention with occipitocervical bracing can prevent the progressive march of significant basilar impression which leads to mortality.
Stranded Again: The Inadequacy of Federal Plans to Rebuild an Affordable New Orleans After Hurricane Katrina

Hurricane Katrina was the most devastating hurricane to hit the United States in recorded history. The damage in New Orleans was most acutely felt by poor and African-American neighborhoods. One of the most pressing issues for poor residents of New Orleans in the future will be the availability of affordable housing. After the hurricane, Rep. Richard H. Baker (R-La.) proposed that the legislature create a governmentrun corporation with the mission of facilitating the rebuilding of Louisiana communities. His plan took into account community needs and prioritized affordable housing and well-planned development. Baker’s Bill has been rejected by the Bush Administration, which favors a free-market solution enhanced with federal tax incentives for developers and business. During the last session of Congress, Baker‘s Bill never became law. Looking back at previous disasters and forward to new visions of the city, this Note concludes that Baker’s proposal should be reintroduced and the House and Senate should adopt the Baker Bill as soon as possible to provide an innovative plan for rebuilding New Orleans.
Bunching for Shorter Damping Rings for the ILC

A variant rearrangement of the bunch trains for the ILC that enables much shorter damping rings is presented. In a particular example the ∼ 2820 bunches are regrouped into ∼ 550 subtrains of five adjacent bunches. These subtrains are extracted from the damping rings at ∼ 1.8μs intervals, obtaining the 1ms macrobunch length of the baseline TESLA collider scenario. If the baseline damping rf frequency is 325 MHz and the kicker rise and fall times are ∼ 20 ns, a ring circumference of ∼ 5.8km is required. Variations of the scheme could easily reduce the circumference to ∼ 4km, and faster kickers could reduce it even further.
RHEOLOGICAL CHANGES IN REFRIGERATED DOUGH DURING STORAGE IN RELATION TO PROTEINS

Refrigerated dough is a flour-based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7C. The aim of this work was to study the rheological properties of refrigerated dough during storage and determine their correlations with dough proteins. Rheological properties were determined using texture analyzer and dynamic oscillatory rheometry during 34 days of storage. The protein analysis was performed by size-exclusion high performance liquid chromatography. On day 34, Rmax was 93.8% higher than day 0. Both, the G′and G″moduli decreased during storage. Dough exhibited the major decreases on the moduli on day 3 and day 16. By comparing the viscoelastic properties of day 0 and day 16, a 50% decrease on the elastic modulus and a roughly 30% decrease in the loss modulus were observed. Changes in the protein fractions of dough samples were related to their rheological properties. The high and low molecular weight polymeric protein and gliadin were positively correlated to dough extensibility (r > 0.8343). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS By definition, refrigerated dough is a flour-based, unbaked product that is stored between 4 and 7C. Today's refrigerated dough industry traces its origin to a small bakery that started business in Louisville, KY in 1937. The first refrigerated dough product was a chemically leavened biscuit with a shelf life of about 3 weeks. Today, the refrigerated dough market encompasses a wide range of products available in the U.S.A. as well as the international market, including Western Europe and Canada. There are very limited peer review articles on the topic. This study investigated the stability of refrigerated dough during storage. The results obtained in the present work showed that protein composition of dough is altered during storage and these changes affect the rheological properties of dough samples. We believe that the refrigerated dough industry will find the presented research very useful in their applications.
Spatial variations in shear stress in a 3-D bifurcation model at low Reynolds numbers.

Real-time wall shear stress is difficult to monitor precisely because it varies in space and time. Microelectromechanical systems sensor provides high spatial resolution to resolve variations in shear stress in a 3-D bifurcation model for small-scaled hemodynamics. At low Reynolds numbers from 1.34 to 6.7 skin friction coefficients (Cf) varied circumferentially by a factor of two or more within the bifurcation. At a Reynolds number of 6.7, the Cf value at the lateral wall of the bifurcation along the 270∘ plane was 7.1, corresponding to a shear stress value of 0.0061 dyn/cm2. Along the 180∘ plane, Cf was 13 or 0.0079 dyn/cm2, and at the medial wall along the 90∘ plane, Cf was 10.3 or 0.0091 dyn/cm2. The experimental skin friction coefficients correlated with values derived from the Navier–Stokes solutions.
Effects of grazing on vegetation structure, prey availability, and reproductive success of Grasshopper Sparrows

Populations of Grasshopper Sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) have been declining, and ag- ricultural practices, such as grazing by domestic cattle (Bos taurus), are likely contributing factors. Grazing can alter the composition and structure of vegetation and influence prey availability, and such changes can impact the nesting success of grassland birds. Our objective was to examine the nesting success of Grasshopper Sparrows in grazed and ungrazed habitats on the Blue Grass Army Depot in Madison County, Kentucky. Clutch sizes of female Grasshopper Sparrows nesting in grazed and ungrazed areas differed significantly, with mean clutch sizes of 4.48 in ungrazed areas and 3.91 in grazed areas. In addition, nest success was higher in ungrazed areas (70%) than grazed areas (25%). Insect sweeps revealed that invertebrate biomass in ungrazed areas was greater than in grazed areas, and analysis of vegetation indicated that grazed areas had less litter, more shrubs, and shorter, less dense vegetation than ungrazed areas. Most unsuccessful nests were depredated, and the higher predation rates on nests in grazed areas may have been due to differences in vegetation structure. Shorter, less dense vegetation in grazed areas may make it easer for predators to observe adults and locate nests, while taller, denser vegetation in ungrazed areas may provide greater concealment. While the results of previous studies suggest that light to moderate grazing can produce habitat suitable for Grasshopper Sparrows, more intense grazing, as on our study area (one animal unit/ha), creates habitat less suitable for these sparrows.
Restoration of slow responses in hypoxic heart muscle by alkaline pH.

Abstract Hypoxia, metabolic poisons, and acid pH were shown to depress the inward slow current in myocardial cells. In the present study, the rate of inhibition of the slow responses (dependent on Ca 2+ and Na + ) during hypoxia was determined at different pH values in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles. To study the slow responses, the fast Na + current was first voltage-inactivated by partial depolarization to about −45 mV using an elevated (25 m m ) K + solution. Under these conditions, the muscles became inexcitable and did not contract. Isoproterenol (10 −6 m ) or elevated Ca 2+ (7 m m ) allowed slowly-rising overshooting electrical responses accompanied by contractions to be elicited by electrical stimulation. In normoxia ( P o 2 of 576 ± 18 mmHg), the maximal upstroke velocity ( + V max ) and peak overshoot of the control slow responses recorded at pH 7.4 did not change significantly when the pH was varied to 6.8 or 8.0. Although hypoxia ( P o 2 of 23 ± 1 mmHg) caused slow response blockade irrespective of the pH value used, the rate of blockade was slower at more alkaline pH levels. The times to 90% inhibition were 15 min, 25 min, and 65 min at pH 6.8, 7.4, and 8.0, respectively. The developed tension declined concomitantly with + V max of the slow response. Raising the pH of the hypoxic solution to 8.0 allowed partial (and temporary) restoration of slow responses and contractions that had been blocked at pH 7.4 or 6.8. This effect may be mediated by reversal of the acidosis normally produced by hypoxia. The results suggest that the slow current is depressed only gradually at low P o 2 values if the cells are exposed to alkaline pH, and may explain the well-known fact that alkaline pH improves mechanical performance of ventricular muscle during hypoxia. These findings are consistent with a role of acidosis in inhibition of metabolically-dependent myocardial slow channels under adverse conditions such as hypoxia. However, an additional factor could be a change in K + conductance during hypoxia and acidosis.
The E71A Mutation Alters Selective Ion Permeability in KcsA

The mechanism of selectivity in potassium channels has been extensively studied using the prokaryotic potassium channel, KcsA. Computational studies suggest that a glutamate-aspartate H-bond behind the selectivity filter in KcsA may play a role in determining the permeation properties of the channel. However, the mutant E71A , which disrupts this H-bond interaction and abolishes pH-dependent inactivation is reported to have either no effect on K+ selectivity (1) or to increase K+ selectivity (2) as measured by reversal potentials. Using an 86Rb+ flux assay, WT KcsA exhibits strong K+ selectivity, such that there are no measurable 86Rb+ fluxes supported by Na+ and Li+. In contrast, both Na+ and Li+ support significant 86Rb+ fluxes in the E71A mutant, indicating an enhanced Na+ and Li+ permeability.In eukaryotic inward rectifying potassium channels (Kir), the E71 equivalent residue is part of a glutamate-arginine salt bridge that, when disrupted dramatically reduces K+ selectivity. KirBac1.1 is a prokaryotic channel that serves as a structural model of eukaryotic Kirs, but contains an H-bond in the equivalent position, similar to KcsA. By patch-clamping giant liposomes, we show that KirBac1.1 is K+-selective (PNa/PK < 0.08) as measured by reversal potentials shifts, but, like KcsA E71A, shows significant Na+ and Li+-driven 86Rb+ fluxes. We also find that the KcsA E71A mutant, similar to WT KirBac1.1. This loss of stability in these channels may suggest that the differences observed in permeation result from a weakened interaction with ions at the selectivity filter. Studies to examine ion permeation in eukaryotic Kir channels by 86Rb+ flux are ongoing.1. H. Choi, L. Heginbotham, Biophys.J. 86, 2137 (2004).2. J. F. Cordero-Morales et al., Nature Structural & Molecular Biology 13, 311 (2006).
Cyclic AMP-induced enhancement of calcium accumulation by the sarcoplasmic reticulum with no modification of the sensitivity of the myofilaments to calcium in skinned fibres from a fast skeletal muscle

Abstract In the presence of low concentrations of total EGTA (5 · 10−4 M) and free Mg2+ (3.6 · 10−5 M) and in the presence of caffeine (8 · 10−3 M), cyclic AMP (5 · 10−6 M) produces a relaxation of the tension developed by skinned fibres from cat caudofemoralis. The relaxation can be attributed to an enhancement of the Ca2+ accumulation by the sarcoplasmic reticulum, since cyclic AMP does not modify the sensitivity of the myofilaments to Ca2+. These results are similar to those previously reported for the effect of cyclic AMP on skinned cardiac cells in the presence of a higher free Mg2+ concentration and in the absence of caffeine. This similarity suggests that the mode of action of cyclic AMP on the sarcoplasmic reticulum is not fundamentally different in cardiac and fast skeletal muscles.
Family Developmental Trajectories: Family Timing and Parent‐Child Relations in Young Adulthood

This article (a) describes a conceptual approach to family development that includes variations in the timing of developmental events, (b) elaborates on the concept of family developmental trajectories, and (c) illustrates the approach through a study of birth timing and parent-child relationships among late adolescents and young adults. The older the mother at first birth, the greater the perceived control of firstborn and only sons and daughters and the greater the perceived control of last-born daughters. The older the father at first birth, the more positive the perceived relationship with his last-born daughter. Implications of these findings are discussed with reference to family developmental trajectories. The courses of these trajectories are influenced by starting point and gender.
Comparison of simultaneous wet milling and enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose in ball mill and attrition mill reactors

Simultaneous wet milling and enzymatic hydrolysis of newsprint in a ball mill reactor (BMR) and in an attrition mill reactor (AMR) were studied. The effect of milling on the enzyme deactivation was also investigated. Variables studied included milling media size, material, and the presence or absence of an air–liquid interface in the reactor. At a reaction temperature of 45°C and a pH of 4.5 and in the presence of an air–liquid interface, the amount of reducing sugars produced by hydrolysis using a BMR was typically 5 to 15%less than the amount produced using an AMR. Without an air–liquid interface there was no significant difference. The effect of an air–;liquid interface on enzyme deactivation without any substrate was also studied. Enzyme activity after six hours of milling ranged from 1 to 85% ofthe starting activity. In both the AMR and the BMR, the extent of enzyme deactivation was 20 to 50% greater with an air–liquid interface present than with the air–liquid interface absent.
Isoflavonoid Changes in Soybean Cell Suspensions when Callenged with Intact Bacteria or Fungal Elicitors

Summary Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv. Mandarin cell suspension cultures did not give a typical hypersensitive response (HR) when challenged with a fungal elicitor or an incompatible strain of the soybean leaf pathogen Pseudomonas syringae cv. glycinea (Psg). Those cultures that darkened showed a small, gradual loss of viability and accumulated the phytoalexin glyceollin. Such cultures had a much higher level of isoflavonoids than those that did not darken or produced glyceollin under biotic stress. Concurrent with the formation of glyceollin, there was a sharp decline in the level of daidzein and genistein. Genistein was identified as a major isoflavonoid of soybean cell suspensions, but occurred only in trace amounts in the intact plant. No correlation was found between the induced levels of glyceollin and constitutive levels of isoflavonoids. While daidzein may be a direct precursor of glyceollin, a high level of daidzein and perhaps genistein appeared to be indicative of a required physiological state of the culture for the stress response. Cell culture levels of isoflavonoids appeared to be elevated by light.