cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Targeting, Import, and Dimerization of a Mammalian Mitochondrial ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) Transporter, ABCB10 (ABC-me)

ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters are a diverse superfamily of energy-dependent membrane translocases. Although responsible for the majority of transmembrane transport in bacteria, they are relatively uncommon in eukaryotic mitochondria. Organellar trafficking and import, in addition to quaternary structure assembly, of mitochondrial ABC transporters is poorly understood and may offer explanations for the paucity of their diversity. Here we examine these processes in ABCB10 (ABC-me), a mitochondrial inner membrane erythroid transporter involved in heme biosynthesis. We report that ABCB10 possesses an unusually long 105-amino acid mitochondrial targeting presequence (mTP). The central subdomain of the mTP (amino acids (aa) 36-70) is sufficient for mitochondrial import of enhanced green fluorescent protein. The N-terminal subdomain (aa 1-35) of the mTP, although not necessary for the trafficking of ABCB10 to mitochondria, participates in the proper import of the molecule into the inner membrane. We performed a series of amino acid mutations aimed at changing specific properties of the mTP. The mTP requires neither arginine residues nor predictable alpha-helices for efficient mitochondrial targeting. Disruption of its hydrophobic character by the mutation L46Q/I47Q, however, greatly diminishes its efficacy. This mutation can be rescued by cryptic downstream (aa 106-715) mitochondrial targeting signals, highlighting the redundancy of this protein's targeting qualities. Mass spectrometry analysis of chemically cross-linked, immunoprecipitated ABCB10 indicates that ABCB10 embedded in the mitochondrial inner membrane homodimerizes and homo-oligomerizes. A deletion mutant of ABCB10 that lacks its mTP efficiently targets to the endoplasmic reticulum. Quaternary structure assembly of ABCB10 in the ER appears to be similar to that in the mitochondria.
Blunting of immune responses to adenoviral vectors in mouse liver and lung with CTLA4Ig

Adenoviral vectors deleted of E1 are attractive vehicles for in vivo gene therapy because efficient gene transfer can be achieved. Immune responses to the vector and vector-transduced cells lead to destruction of target cells, inflammation and difficulties with vector readministration. Immune effectors have been identified as CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes, which destroy vector-transduced cells, as well as B cells which secrete neutralizing antibodies and block repeated gene transfer. The central role of CD4+ T cells in the activation of both of these effector functions has focused immunosuppressive strategies towards blockade of costimulatory molecules. We describe in this study a strategy which aims to inhibit CD4+ T cell activation by transiently administering an inhibitor of the CD28/B7 pathway, ie CTLA4Ig, at the time an E1-deleted adenovirus is administered to liver or lung. In lung, CTLA4Ig treatment significantly blocked the formation of neutralizing antibodies, allowing efficient readministration of virus, whereas transgene expression was only moderately prolonged. In contrast, CTLA4Ig did not suppress neutralizing antibody formation in the context of liver gene therapy, but resulted in more stable gene expression. In vitro assays revealed suppression of T cell activation in either organ. This observation suggests that transient inhibition of the CD28/B7 pathway at the time of virus instillation can partially interfere with both arms of the immune response to adenovirus-mediated gene transfer circumventing the need for chronic immune suppression.
Mitigation of Electromagnetic Noise in a Shunt Active Power Filter Using Random PWM

Shunt active power filters (APF) are commonly used for the reduction of current harmonics and improvement of the power factor in power systems with nonlinear loads, such as diode rectifiers. A PWM power converter constitutes the main component of the APF. The low-order harmonics of the line current are attenuated, but the switch-mode operation of the converter results in electromagnetic interference (EMI) spreading to the grid. Specifically, clusters of harmonics appear in the frequency spectra of voltages and currents of the converter at multiples of the switching frequency. In this paper, transferring the discrete spectral power of those harmonics to the continuous spectral power density is proposed as means for mitigation of the EMI. It is accomplished by randomization of the switching periods using a novel random PWM method, RPWM II. In contrast to the existing random PWM methods, in RPWM II the sampling frequency of the digital modulator is constant and equal to the average switching frequency. Computer simulations and experimental investigation of an APF designed for shipboard power systems are described, and the results are presented. They demonstrate significant reduction of the EMI, a feat achieved at practically no expense.
Chordomas and chondrosarcomas of the cranial base: results and follow-up of 60 patients.

ABSTRACTTHE MANAGEMENT OF chordomas and chondrosarcomas involving the cranial base remains controversial. The options for therapy include biopsy, partial resection, radical resection, and various forms of radiotherapy. In this article, we analyze the outcome of 60 patients with cranial base chordoma
Orientation of signed graphs

A graph with signed arcs is oriented by directing each end of each arc in accordance with a sign-compatibility rule. We prove that the regions of the hyperplane representation of a signed graph ∑ , as well as the vertices of the convex hull of all degree vectors of orientations of ∑ , are in natural one-to-one correspondence with the cyclic orientations of ∑ The proof uses the oriented matroid of a signed graph. For use elsewhere, we also develop the relationships between orientations and hyperplane representations of a signed graph and those of its double covering graph.
Microbial pollution of well water in southeastern Minnesota

Abstract Groundwater contamination is a growing problem in southeastern Minnesota. This region is characterized by karst topography which is responsible for the formation of sinkholes, subsurface cracks, and underground rivers. These features enhance transportation of surface contaminants into groundwater. The present study was conducted to determine the presence of coliforms, fecal coliforms and coliphages in private rural wells situated in this region. Another purpose was to study the occurrence of drug resistance in bacteria isolated from ground‐water. Well water from 18 sites was tested monthly for a period of 16 months. Seventeen of 18 sites sampled showed detectable levels of indicator bacteria. A total of 161 samples were tested for the presence of coliphages. Of these, 13 samples from 7 sites were found positive. On two occasions, coliphages were isolated from samples in which coliforms were undetectable. Water from 10 sites yielded drug resistant indicator bacteria. Twenty‐five of 38 (65.8%) tota...
Strain Modification of Epitaxial SrRuO3 Films Using Structural Transitions of Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Substrate

Electrical conduction and magnetic behavior of ferromagnetic SrRuO3 (bulk Tc= 160 K) were tuned systematically using the structural transitions of ferroelectric BaTiO3 as the growth template. Abrupt resistivity changes of SrRuO3 were observed at the structural transition temperatures of the BaTiO3substrate. The observed effect appears to originate from the lattice changes of BaTiO3 (cubic to tetragonal at 393K, tetragonal to orthorhombic at 278K, and orthorhombic to rhombohedral at 183K) induced by an expansion of spontaneous polarization axis. The observed phenomenon will be very useful for the fabrication of novel perovskite oxide devices.
Bioprosthetic Valves and Laudable Inflammation

In this issue of Circulation , Dr Manji and colleagues1 from the University of Alberta (Canada) report a series of animal experiments designed to test the mythic role of gluteraldehyde in preventing recognition of bioprosthetic heart valve antigenicity with subsequent rejection and failure. Gluteraldehyde–cross-linked xenograft tissues (initially porcine) have been used in the manufacturing of stented (and now stentless) heart valves since 1970. Original theories for the clinical efficacy of gluteraldehyde were based on its ability to irreversibly cross-link collagen and thus to increase mechanical strength and durability over fresh untanned cardiovascular tissues. Porcine valve leaflets, bovine pericardium, equine pericardium, and bovine jugular vein, among other structures, have been treated this way for clinical applications. Since its introduction, however, limitations and unexpected consequences of gluteraldehyde and similar chemical treatments have been recognized clinically. As pointed out by the authors, durability is quite variable, tending to be better in older patients whereas younger patients suffer early deterioration, calcification, and fibrocalcific failure.2,3 The good news has been that the failures tend to be progressive rather than catastrophic, leading to semielective reoperations. Additionally, the xenograft bioprostheses have been extremely helpful in avoiding warfarin in the very young and the very old, reducing the risk of thromboembolism. The traditional explanation for the fibrocalcific degeneration of the nonvital gluteraldehyde-treated bioprosthetic heart valves has been a combination of physical and chemical effects leading to calcification and a fixation of the structural proteins that prevent protein recycling and renewal. Mechanical theories of fatigue-induced wear resulting in calcification have been proposed, especially along the flexion lines of the cusps. Others have proposed that the gluteraldehyde has serendipitously “masked” the antigenicity of xenograft proteins, retained cells, and cellular debris, thus prolonging the period to calcification. This well-designed series of studies buttresses other studies demonstrating that gluteraldehyde fixation …
The SASSYS LMFBR systems analysis code

Abstract The main purpose of the SASSYS code is to analyze the consequences of failures in the shutdown heat removal system of a liquid metal cooled fast breeder reactor. The code is also capable of analyzing a wide range of transients, from mild operational transients through severe hypothetical core disruptive accidents. Some important features of the code include a detailed multi-channel core thermal hydraulics treatment with transient flow redistribution between assemblies, a model for boiling of sodium in the fuel assemblies, a general thermal hydraulics treatment for an arbitrary arrangement of components in the primary and intermidiate heat transport loops, and a fast-running steam generator model. The numerical methods mainly use semi-implicit or fully implicit time differencing to provide large time step sizes and rapid calculations.
The self-consistent determination of the ion and neutral molecule wavefunctions in a theory of electron affinities and ionization potentials

Abstract In this paper, we discuss the validity of our earlier derivation of a theory of molecular electron affinities and ionization potentials. We show how one can improve upon our original derivation, which was not entirely consistent, by iteratively calculating both the ion and neutral molecule wavefunctions. Most importantly, we demonstrate that the electron affinities and ionization potentials which are obtained by using our original theory are correct through third order, even though the derivation of this theory contains an inconsistency.
Stability and vibration of thin rectangular plates by simplified mixed finite elements

Abstract Rectangular finite elements based on a Reissner type variational statement for plate bending are applied to stability and free vibration of rectangular plates. The finite elements are constructed from the weak statements of the two normal moments-displacement relations and the moment equilibrium equation in terms of the two normal moments. These finite elements are algebraically simple and yield better accuracies for the critical loads and natural frequencies when compared to conventional finite elements. Linear and quadratic rectangular finite elements are used to calculate frequencies and buckling loads of rectangular plates with various edge conditions.
Mepivacaine local anaesthetic duration in equine palmar digital nerve blocks.

Summary Reasons for performing study: Perineural analgesics are used for lameness diagnosis but the duration of effect, knowledge of which would provide valuable information when performing subsequent blocks, is unknown. Objective: To evaluate the duration of a palmar digital nerve block using force plate measurements. Methods: Ten horses diagnosed with unilateral navicular syndrome were trotted at range of 3 ± 0.15 m/sec over a force plate to record ground reaction forces for 5 trials of each forelimb. Data were recorded before nerve block, and then at 15 mins, 1, 2 and 24 h post nerve block. Results: Before nerve block, peak vertical force (mean ± s.e.) was significantly higher in the contralateral forelimb (CL = 5345 ± 188 N) than in the lame forelimb (L = 4256 ± 204 N; P<0.05). At 15 mins post nerve block there was no significant difference between the 2 forelimbs (CL = 5140 ± 184 N; L = 5126 ± 129 N), and this remained the case for 1 h. By 2 h, the mean score for the lame leg had decreased (L = 4642 ± 182 N) but was still greater than preblock. By 24 h, vertical forces had returned to preblock values. Conclusions: The palmar digital nerve block was fully effective between 15 mins and 1 h. The analgesic effect began to subside between 1 and 2 h but sufficient analgesia persisted to affect gait characteristics beyond 2 h. Potential relevance: When using a palmar digital nerve block, it is important to perform lameness evaluations between 15 mins and 1 h to be sure of effective nerve blockade.
Allergen vial mixing and immunotherapy: Risks of infections and vial contamination.

Objective To study the risks of vial contamination and infection associated with immunotherapy vial mixing and injection. Study Design Retrospective review of patient immunotherapy records from January 2000-June 2006. Setting Tertiary care outpatient otolaryngology clinic. Results Two hundred seventy-two patients were given 26,795 injections (average of 98.5 injections per patient). Three hundred ninety-nine total local reactions were reported by the subjects (1.49%; 95% CI 1.34%-1.63%). The majority (82%) of the local reactions occurred during escalation dosing. There were 23 episodes of wheezing or shortness of breath after injections (9.6 of 10,000). No patients experienced anaphylaxis. There was no documented skin or systemic infections as a result of the allergy injections. None of the patients experienced fever, discharge from the injection site, cellulitis, or required antibiotics. Conclusion This review of immunotherapy records revealed no complications of infection from the preparation and administration of immunotherapy performed in an outpatient clinic.
Intelligent systems modeling with reusable fuzzy objects

In this article, we present a formalism for embedding fuzzy logic into object-oriented methodology in order to deal with the uncertainty and vagueness that pervade knowledge and object descriptions in the real world. We show how fuzzy logic can be used to represent knowledge in conventional objects, while still preserving the essential features of object-oriented methodology. Fuzzy object attributes and relationships are defined and the framework for obtaining fuzzy generalizations and aggregations are formulated. Object's attributes in this formalism are viewed as hybrids of crisp and fuzzy characterizations. Attributes with vague descriptions are fuzzified and manipulated with fuzzy rules and fuzzy set operations, while others are treated as crisp sets. In addition to the fuzzification of the object's attributes, each object is provided with a fuzzy knowledge base and an inference engine. The fuzzy knowledge base consists of a set of fuzzy rules and fuzzy set operators. Objects with a knowledge base and an inference engine are referred to as intelligent objects.
H−D Exchange between N-Heterocyclic Compounds and D2O with a Pd/PVP Colloid Catalyst

A polymer-protected palladium colloid (Pd/PVP, PVP = poly-N-vinylpyrrolidone) has been used to catalyze H−D exchange between the D2O solvent and pyridine, substituted pyridines, and related N-heterocycles. Within a few hours under ambient conditions, significant exchange at the positions adjacent (α) to the endocyclic nitrogen was observed for 4-dimethylaminopyridine, 4-methoxypyridine, 4-methylpyridine, pyridine, and quinoline. H−D exchange was observed also for the methyl group in 4-methylpyridine and for the fused-ring H8 position in quinoline. N-Methylimidazole was rapidly and selectively deuterated at the H2 position. Nonselective deuteration was observed at various ring positions (but not the methyl group) for 3-methylpyridine. The presence of a β substituent in 3-cyanopyridine and nicotinic acid hindered H−D exchange at the adjacent α (H2) site, but significant deuteration was observed for the second α position (H6). Portions of the 2- and 4-vinylpyridine samples underwent rapid hydrogenation to 2-...
A problem in radiobiology: Diffusion and recombination of ions

A perturbation treatment is given for the cylindrically symmetrical distribution of ions or their products resulting from the passage of a single ionizing particle, and taking into account ion diffusion and recombination. The results apply to cases in which diffusion is more important than recombination.
Solubility effects in waste-glass/demineralized-water systems

A study was carried out to determine the solubility limits of various elements found in waste glasses in demineralized water as a function of temperature. The work was sponsored by the Office of Nuclear Waste Isolation under contract to the Department of Energy. Solubility measurements were carried out at 35°, 65°, 95°, and 150°C using three nonradioactive waste glass compositions. Subsaturation and supersaturation methods were used to determine the solubility limits. The two methods gave markedly different values for most glass components. The results obtained indicate that it is difficult to assign solubility limits to most glass components without thoroughly describing the glass-water system. This includes not only defining the glass type, and system temperature, but also the glass surface area-to-water volume (S/V) ratio of the system and its thermal history.
Dynamic visual acuity: its place in ophthalmology?

INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE To detect if dynamic visual acuity can be useful in the evaluation of a patient with vague asthenopic complaints including dizziness. METHOD A review of the vestibular system and the vestibular ocular reflex as it relates to dynamic visual acuity. RESULTS Ten patients with asthenopic symptoms and convergence insufficiency were tested with dynamic visual acuity. None were found to have a positive test despite a complaint of dizziness, indicating the lack of vestibular involvement. CONCLUSION Testing for dynamic visual acuity may be useful in the examination of patients with vague complaints of dizziness. Patients who presents with vague asthenopic complaints often include dizziness. Dynamic visual acuity may be helpful in diagnosing vestibular problems so appropriate referral can be made.
Lower serum DHEAS levels are associated with a higher degree of physical disability and depressive symptoms in middle-aged to older African American women

Abstract Background Changes in androgen levels and associations with chronic disease, physical and neuropsychological function and disability in women over the middle to later years of life are not well understood and have not been extensively studied in African American women. Aims The present cross-sectional analysis reports such levels and associations in community dwelling, African American women aged 49–65 years from St. Louis, Missouri. Methods A home-based physical examination and a health status questionnaire were administered to randomly sampled women. Body composition (DEXA), lower limb and hand-grip muscle strength, physical and neuropsychological function and disability levels were assessed. Blood was drawn and assayed for total testosterone (T), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), oestradiol (E2), adiponectin, leptin, triglycerides, glucose, C-reactive protein (CRP) and cytokine receptors (sIL2r, sIL6r, sTNFr1 and sTNFr2). Multiple linear regression modelling was used to identify the best predictors of testosterone, DHEAS and free androgen index (T/SHBG). Results Seventy-four percent of women were menopausal and a quarter of these were taking oestrogen therapy. DHEAS and E2 declined between the ages of 49 and 65 years, whereas total T, SHBG and FAI remained stable. Total T and DHEAS levels were strongly correlated. In this population sample there were no independent associations of either total T or FAI with indicators of functional limitations, disability or clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Unlike total T and FAI, lower DHEAS levels were independently associated with both higher IADL scores (indicating a higher degree of physical disability) and higher CESD scores (indicating a higher degree of clinically relevant depressive symptoms). Conclusion There is an age-related decline in serum DHEAS in African American women. Lower DHEAS levels appear to be associated with a higher degree of physical disability and depressive symptoms in this population.
Parenteral morphine prescribing patterns among inpatients with pain from advanced cancer: a prospective survey of intravenous and subcutaneous use.

Prescribing patterns for parenteral morphine for symptom control in advanced cancer were studied in 50 consecutive hospital admissions (27 men, 23 women, median age, 62 years). Patients were interviewed daily (median time, 9 days) concerning analgesia while they were receiving parenteral morphine. Five major inpatient prescribing patterns were identified: (1) intravenous to oral, (2) intravenous to subcutaneous, (3) intravenous only, (4) subcutaneous only, and (5) mixed. The intravenoustooral group had more stable pain control than the intravenous-to-subcutaneous group. Pain control was good in the mixed group, suggesting that flexibility in the route of administration contributes to better pain control. Patients with neuropathic pain required higher doses of morphine. These patterns of parenteral morphine application reflect the complexity of the challenge presented by the various cancer pain syndromes. Physicians should be knowledgeable about the appropriate and flexible use of different routes of admin...
Service quality: implications for management development

Examines the relationship between perceived service quality and five dimensions of service quality (tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy) identified by Parasuraman for the three types of service (pure service, mixed service and quasi‐manufacturing service) identified in Chase and Tansik’s model. The least squares regression reveals that the reliability dimension is statistically significant for all three types of services. Tangibles is the critical dimension for mixed services while empathy is important for quasi‐manufacturing services. Also provides directions for training and management development efforts for improving the critical dimensions by using focus groups.
Clinical Experiences with the Use of an Automated Perimeter (Otopus) in the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Glaucoma and Neurologic Diseases

This is a study of 59 patients, 42 with glaucoma and 17 with neurological disease, to compare the Octopus automated perimeter with the conventional Goldmann and Tubinger perimeters for detection and assessment of visual field defects. We believe the Octopus automated perimeter is an excellent method for screening patients suspected of glaucoma and can be expected to identify over 90% of the patients actually having visual field loss due to glaucoma. In patients with neurological disease, the Goldmann perimeter was superior to either the Octopus or Tubinger perimeters in providing clinically useful information.
Abdominal Multislice CT for Obese Patients: Effect on Image Quality and Radiation Dose in a Phantom Study

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of a modified abdominal multislice computed tomography (CT) protocol for obese patients on image quality and radiation dose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An adult female anthropomorphic phantom was used to simulate obese patients by adding one or two 4-cm circumferential layers of fat-equivalent material to the abdominal portion. The phantom was scanned with a subcutaneous fat thickness of 0, 4, and 8 cm using the following parameters (detector configuration/beam pitch/table feed per rotation/gantry rotation time/kV/mA): standard protocol A: 16 x 0.625 mm/1.75/17.5 mm/0.5 seconds/140/380, and modified protocol B: 16 x 1.25 mm/1.375/27.5 mm/1.0 seconds/140/380. Radiation doses to six abdominal organs and the skin, image noise values, and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) were analyzed. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance, Wilcoxon rank sum, and Student's t-test (P .05). CONCLUSIONS: Using a modified abdominal multislice CT protocol for obese patients with 8 cm or more of subcutaneous fat, image quality can be substantially improved without a significant increase in radiation dose to the abdominal organs.
Non-PCR-dependent detection of the factor V Leiden mutation from genomic DNA using a homogeneous invader microtiter plate assay.

Background : The goal of this study was to compare the Invader technology for the direct detection of the Factor V Leiden mutation from genomic DNA with a conventional polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay. Methods and Results : In the Invader assay, a specific upstream “invading” oligonucleotide and a partially overlapping downstream probe together form a specific structure when bound to complementary DNA template. This structure is recognized and cut at a specific site by the Cleavase enzyme, resulting in release of the 5′ flap of the probe oligonucleotide. This fragment now serves as the “Invader” oligonucleotide with respect to synthetic secondary targets and secondary fluorescently labeled signal probes contained in the reaction mixture, resulting in specific cleavage of the secondary signal probe by the Cleavase enzyme. Fluorescence signal is generated when this secondary probe, labeled with dye molecules capable of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, is cleaved. Genomic DNAs isolated from peripheral blood buffy coats of patients previously tested for the Factor V Leiden mutation by PCR-RFLP were tested using an Invader assay specific for this mutation. In all 48 samples containing sufficient DNA for testing (30 normal, 16 heterozygous, 2 homozygous mutant), the genotype determined by the Invader assay was concordant with the PCR-RFLP results. Conclusion : These results indicate that a simple microtiter plate-based Invader assay can reliably genotype routine clinical patient samples for the Factor V Leiden point mutation without the need for PCR amplification, restriction enzyme digestion, or gel electrophoresis.
A History of the Academic Pediatric Association's Public Policy and Advocacy Initiatives

From the Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass (Drs Palfrey and Schuster), and the Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Md (Dr Cheng) The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. Address correspondence to Judith S. Palfrey, MD, Division of General Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 (e-mail: judith.palfrey@childrens.harvard.edu).
ALLERGIC ESOPHAGITIS (A.E)

Allergic gastroenteropathy (A.G.) is characterized by inflammation and eosinophilic infiltration of the stomach, small intestine,and/or colon. Esophageal involvement has been noted but not extensively studied. We present 6 patients with esophagitis as part of the spectrum of A.G. Esophagitis alone occurred in 2/6. Continual intraesophageal monitoring demonstrated no acid reflux. All patients had elevated IgE levels. (750-5,000 units). 5/6 patients had Rast/skin tests positive to all foods and inhalent allergens. Esophageal biopsies revealed severe esophagitis with marked basal cell hyperplasia, inflammation with eosinophilic predominance. Treatment:5 responded to steroids. 1 responded to diet. Conclusion:1. Esophagitis commonly occurs in A.E. and is not due to GE reflux. 2. A.E. occurs alone or in combination with gastritis/enteritis. 3. Symptoms suggestive of esophagitis are often absent.
New directions in black carbon organic geochemistry

Abstract In the past 30 years, the field of black carbon (BC) research has expanded broadly, stretching from its traditional core in the atmospheric sciences into oceanography, soil science, and even anthropology. Results produced in this period of expansion have been exciting: BC has been detected in many important geochemical pools, and interesting new research directions open as we learn about the role of this byproduct of biomass burning in the carbon cycle. Especially important research directions will be the quantification of BC loss processes (both biotic and abiotic), measurement of BC decomposition products in environmentally relevant reservoirs, and exploration of the interactions between BC and its host organo-mineral matrix, including the role of BC in pedogenesis. However, along with exciting results, we have also seen apparent discrepancies between BC studies. These discrepancies occur at least in part because of a lack of a common language, common methods, and a common model of BC. This paper lays out the framework many BC researchers use to understand the role of BC in the carbon cycle, discussing the ‘combustion continuum’ BC model and the methodological continuum that this model implies.
Maintenance of Gut Mass in Bypassed Bowel of Orally vs Parenterally Nourished Rats

Abstract Twenty-six male rats (experimental) underwent bypass of more than 70% of their small bowel, and nine rats underwent small bowel transection and reanastomosis. Rats were fed standard laboratory chow for the initial 18 postoperative days and then were switched to an elemental nutrient solution consisting of amino acids, glucose, vitamins, and minerals, either orally or parenterally (TPN) for the next 10 to 13 days. At the end of the experiment, in continuity and bypassed segments from both parenterally and orally fed animals were compared to each other and to similar segments of bowel from control rats. Our data indicate that oral intake and/or digestion and absorption of nutrients by the in continuity alimentary tract provides a stimulus to hyperplasia in the in continuity small bowel and a systemic stimulus that permits maintenance of gut mass in large bypassed segments of small bowel. Such a systemic stimulus is absent when the rat is provided TPN. Bypassed rats, remaining on oral nutrition throughout the 28- to 31-day postoperative period, had bypassed segments that maintained bowel weight, mucosal protein and RNA and DNA content similar to comparable segments of control bowel, while bypassed bowel from the TPN group underwent atrophy. The systemic stimulus does not appear to be gastrin since serum and antral gastrin levels were similar in bypassed and control rats and serum levels were consistent with previously determined fasting gastrin levels.
Experimental studies on auricular flutter and auricular fibrillation.

Abstract Injection of aconitine into the region of the head of the sinus node causes auricular tachycardia with a rate between 200 and 400 per minute. Often auricular fibrillation appears spontaneously or follows vagus stimulation. The change of the auricular tachycardia into fibrillation and vice versa, which was ofter registered, shows that the auricular tachycardia is auricular flutter and not “paroxysmal auricular tachycardia”. Cooling of the focus of injection immediately abolishes the fibrillation which reappears when the cooling is interrupted. These results cannot be explained by the circus movement theory of Lewis. They can only be explained by assuming that auricular flutter and fibrillation are initiated by rapid impulse formation in a single center. As the impulses thus formed move into the larger mass of auricular muscle, islands of refractory tissue appear, which cause a weaving and interweaving of the contraction process that is characteristic of fibrillation. The increase of auricular rate during vagus stimulation in the presence of auricular flutter is caused by a direct action of the vagus on the center of stimulus formation. Shortening of the refractory phase increases the rate of stimulus formation. When flutter originates in the auricular appendices the increase in rate during vagus stimulation is greater than when it originates in the area of the sinus node. The vagus effect on the refractory phase seems to be less pronounced on specific tissue than on auricular muscle.
Language teaching and intercultural education: making critical connections

This essay explores some of the areas in which language teaching and intercultural education overlap. We position language teaching as embedded within sociocultural practices and shaped by attitudes toward bilingualism and native vs. nonnative speaker status. Specifically, we question language practices that exclude or downplay the benefits of developing students’ heritage languages while learning additional languages, and we offer and challenge narrow perceptions of language ownership and native speaker identity. We urge teachers of languages and culture to conceptualize their work as deeply connected to social, economic, cultural, and political activities.
Balancing (yin-yang) hypothesis for assessment of effective apheresis therapies.

: In the past, the therapeutic effects of apheresis were thought to be due to effective removal of pathological macromolecules and leukocytes. However, the removal of these components did not necessarily produce a lower level of these components in circulating blood. Very often a rebound phenomenon took place, particularly in leukocyte kinetics after apheresis procedures, and an increased level of circulating leukocytes was demonstrated. Thus, the assessment of the clinical effects of apheresis procedures was very difficult to discuss in terms of the removal of pathological macromolecules and/or leukocytes alone. A balancing (yin-yang) hypothesis is thus proposed to be able to understand more realistically the clinical efficacy of therapeutic apheresis.
A Laser-Based Measurement Device for Highly Radioactive Specimens

Abstract A laser‐based measurement device was developed so that the dimensions of highly radioactive specimens could be monitored over the span of several years. The device employs two laser curtain and diode detector pairs that are mounted orthogonally to each other. Each pair has its own controller, which is used to obtain 3500 simultaneous measurements of the height and diameter of the specimens. The precision of the measurements is less than 10 µm over a period of more that 2 years. The device was also used to measure various parallelepipeds. It was possible to determine the dimensions of these parallelepipeds and the angle between the sides. Several improvements to the device are recommended.
Microbial community structure varies across soil organic matter aggregate pools during tropical land cover change

Abstract Soil microorganisms regulate multiple input and loss pathways of soil carbon (C); hence, changes in microbial communities are expected to affect soil organic matter (SOM) cycling and storage. Despite this, very little is known about how microbes respond to changes in soil structure and vegetation with land use and land cover change. This study aimed to identify relationships between microbial community composition and the distribution of SOM among soil aggregate fractions to answer the following research questions: (1) Are different microbial groups associated with different SOM pools? and (2) How do these relationships differ with changes in vegetation during tropical forest succession? We measured microbial composition via phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis and C and nitrogen (N) concentrations on physically separated aggregate fractions of soils from pastures, secondary forests (40 and 90 years old) naturally regrowing on abandoned pastures, and reference or primary forests in Puerto Rico. We found different microbial communities associated with different soil aggregate fractions. Fungal to bacterial ratios decreased and gram-positive to gram-negative bacterial ratios increased with decreasing physical fraction size (from the macroaggregates to the silt and clay fractions). Microbial composition also varied with land cover type and forest successional stage, with consistent trends among soil fractions. These results show that the soil matrix and soil microsite properties play an important role in the spatial distribution of fungal and bacterial-dominated communities. The similarities in land cover effects on microbial communities at different spatial scales suggest similar controls may be influencing microbial composition with potential implications for SOM storage and turnover. In addition, the majority of C and N (relative to total soil C and fraction mass) was isolated in the macroaggregate-occluded silt and clay-sized fractions, suggesting that association with mineral surfaces, and not occlusion of particulate organic matter within aggregates, is the dominant stabilization mechanism for SOM in these highly-weathered, fine-textured soils. These results highlight the importance of soil aggregation in C storage but through mechanisms different than those reported for temperate grassland soils.
The enactment of national health insurance: a Boolean analysis of twenty advanced industrial countries.

The scholarly literature on health care politics has generated a series of hypotheses to explain U.S. exceptionalism in health policy and to explain the adoption of national health insurance (NHI) more generally. Various cultural, institutional, and political conditions are held to make the establishment of some form of national health insurance policy more (or less) likely to occur. The literature is dominated by national and comparative case studies that illustrate the theoretical logic of these hypotheses but do not provide a framework for examining the hypotheses cross-nationally. This article is an initial attempt to address that void by using Boolean analysis to examine systematically several of the major propositions that emerge from the case study literature on the larger universe of twenty advanced industrial democracies. This comparative analysis offers considerable support for the veto points hypothesis while still finding each of the factors examined to be relevant in certain scenarios. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of these findings for future research and for advocates of national health insurance in the United States.
Theory and Fluid Simulations of Boundary Plasma Fluctuations

Theoretical and computational investigations of boundary-plasma microturbulence which take into account important effects of the geometry of diverted tokamaks—in particular, the effect of X-point magnetic shear and the termination of field lines on divertor plates—are presented. We first generalize our previous 'heuristic boundary condition' which describes, in a lumped model, the closure of currents in the vicinity of the X-point region to encompass three current-closure mechanisms. We then use this boundary condition to derive the dispersion relation for low-beta flute-like modes in the divertor-leg region under the combined drives of curvature, sheath impedance and divertor tilt effects. The results indicate the possibility of strongly growing instabilities, driven by sheath boundary conditions, and localized in either the private or common flux region of the divertor leg depending on the radial tilt of divertor plates. We revisit the issue of X-point effects on blobs, examining the transition from blobs terminated by X-point shear to blobs that extend over both the main SOL and divertor legs. We find that, for a main-SOL blob, this transition occurs without a free-acceleration period as previously thought, with X-point termination conditions applying until the blob has expanded to reach the divertor plate. We also derive propagation speeds for divertor-leg blobs. Finally, we present fluid simulations of the C-Mod tokamak from the BOUT edge fluid turbulence code, which show main-SOL blob structures with similar spatial characteristics to those observed in the experiment, and also simulations which illustrate the possibility of fluctuations confined to divertor legs.
Prospective evaluation of adnexal masses with endovaginal gray-scale and duplex and color Doppler US: correlation with pathologic findings.

PURPOSE: To assess the reliability of gray-scale and color and duplex Doppler ultrasound (US) in making a specific diagnosis of malignant ovarian tumor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two women with 50 adnexal masses underwent endovaginal and color and duplex Doppler US. Morphologic characteristics were evaluated with endovaginal US, and flow velocity patterns were evaluated with color and duplex Doppler US. The results were compared with pathologic findings. RESULTS: At pathologic examination, 40 masses (80%) were benign, one (2%) was borderline malignant, and nine (18%) were malignant. Endovaginal US enabled correct diagnosis of 38 of the 40 benign masses (95%) and all nine malignant masses (100%). Color and duplex Doppler US enabled correct diagnosis of 33 benign masses (82%) and seven malignant masses (78%). CONCLUSION: Because there is an overlap in the resistive index (RI) values of benign and malignant masses, RI values alone cannot be relied on. Combining the detailed analysis of internal architectu...
A “microRNA-like” small RNA expressed by Dengue virus?

In PNAS, Hussain and Asgari claim they identified a “microRNA-like” 23-nucleotide RNA expressed by Dengue virus 2 (DENV2), called viral small RNA (vsRNA)-5, in infected mosquito and mammalian cells (1). vsRNA-5, which could also be detected by Northern blot or RT-PCR, was reported to repress DENV2 replication in insect Aag2 cells by ∼10,000-fold, as revealed by inhibition of vsRNA-5 by “RNA oligos with reverse complementarity.” vsRNA-5 was reported to be dependent on insect Argonaute 2 (Ago2), but not Dicer1 or Dicer2, for its biogenesis and was also Ago2-associated. Finally, the authors identify the DENV2 NS1 gene as an mRNA target for vsRNA-5. …
Transport of methotrexate in L1210 cells: effect of ions on the rate and extent of uptake.

Abstract Transport of methotrexate (MTX) in L1210 cells is highly dependent upon the ionic composition of the external medium. Half-maximal rates of MTX transport ( K t values) vary from 0.9 μ m in cells suspended in potassium-Hepes buffer containing Mg 2+ (Hepes-Mg), to 10 μ m in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). At saturating levels of substrate, however, transport rates approach the same maximum velocity ( V ) regardless of the buffering medium. The increased K t value for MTX in PBS is due to the presence of the competitive inhibitors, phosphate ( K i = 0.87 mM) and Cl − ( K i = 46 mM). Concentration gradients for MTX at the steady state are also much lower (about 20-fold) in PBS than in Hepes-Mg; the components of PBS that reduce this uptake parameter are phosphate, Cl − , Ca 2+ , and Na + . Ions that decrease the influx rate or the steady-state level also produce an increase in MTX efflux. Glucose (which increases ATP levels) reduces influx rates and steady-state levels of MTX, and induces efflux in both PBS and Hepes-Mg. Conversely, the combination of azide plus iodoacetate (which reduces ATP levels) stimulates MTX uptake in PBS, but has little effect on MTX transport parameters in Hepes-Mg. The unusually high sensitivity of MTX transport to various anions is consistent with the hypothesis that this system catalyzes the exchange of external MTX for an intracellular anion, and that efflux of the anion down a concentration gradient provides the driving force for active transport of MTX.
The effects of maternal weight and age on pre-eclampsia and eclampsia in Haiti.

AbstractObjective: Patient data from Maison de Naissance (MN), a rural maternity clinic in Haiti, were analyzed to determine the prevalence of pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders and the extent to which maternal weight and age are associated with these disorders in the MN population.Methods: A case-control study design was used with cases defined as pregnant women who were presented at MN with pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders (pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia or eclampsia) and controls defined as those women who delivered babies at MN and were not diagnosed with a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder. The final cohort size was 622 controls and 67 cases. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariate logistic regression.Results: The incidence of pre-eclampsia and eclampsia was 7.0%. Older maternal age at delivery (OR = 3.18; 95%CI: 1.31, 7.76) and higher maternal weight (OR = 3.24; 95%CI: 1.76, 5.98) measured during prenatal care were significantly associated with pregnancy-rel...
Uniting creative applications and asset management systems: New opportunities for developers and DAM vendors

With the proliferation of different media and publishing platforms, the need for DAM systems has never been stronger. Digital assets are an increasingly invaluable part of an organization's intellectual property, yet deploying DAM systems across multiple workgroups and promoting active, productive use of systems is an ongoing challenge. With the release of Adobe Creative Suite 3, Adobe has raised the bar on integration among its desktop creative software applications. What is somewhat less obvious to DAM vendors and developers is that the company has also boosted integration capabilities and opportunities for the content and asset management world. Adobe introduced the Version Cue CS3 open API and software development kit (SDK). These tools enable developers to integrate DAM and publishing systems with Adobe Creative Suite 3 applications. The result is that developers and DAM providers can create custom asset management and workflow solutions that help enterprises simplify their processes and increase productivity across multiple workgroups — all while allowing creative professionals to stay within their desktop applications.
Coupling of electrochemical and mechanical processes in soils under DC fields

Abstract Direct current (DC) electric fields have been applied in several geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering applications, including electro-osmotic dewatering and consolidation, ion injection and contaminant removal. Such applications cause electrochemical effects in the soil, leading to changes in the soil’s physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Some of these changes have been evaluated extensively (such as those occurring under electro-osmotic consolidation) based on the assumption that electrochemical conditions are uniform between the electrodes. However, recent studies have shown that nonlinearity in these conditions develop between the electrodes leading to changes in the chemical, physical and mechanical properties of the soil. This paper evaluates the nonlinear effects on these properties as measured in some specific applications. In particular, the application of DC fields to soft soils is shown to alter the soil in both its mechanical and physical properties. The soil’s undrained shear strength is increased by interparticle cementation brought about by the electrochemical injection of ions into the soil under the DC field. In addition, soils can consolidate or swell under these fields. In both of these cases, the development of a nonlinear voltage distribution across the soil is clearly measured, and can affect the progression of any electrochemical soil treatment as well as the accuracy with which it is modeled.