cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of a temperature-sensitive mutant of Escherichia coli with a lesion in the acylation of lysophosphatidic acid.

A temperature-sensitive mutant of E. coli with a defect in acyl-CoA: monoacylglycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferase has been isolated. The acyl-CoA: glycerophosphate acyltransferase and CTP:phosphatidic acid cytidyltransferase of this mutant grown at or below 35C showed an abnormally high ratio of unsaturated plus cyclopropane to saturated fatty acids. The synthesis of phospholipids, RNA, and DNA was rapidly shut off in the mutant exposed to 42C, while protein synthesis continued for at least one hour. After one hour at 42C more than 80% of the cells died rapidly.
Production of fertilizer-pesticide mixtures

This paper discusses methods of combining fertilizers and pesticides for simultaneous application. The following are two reasons for the growing interest in producing and applying fertilizer-pesticide mixtures: 1. It saves time, energy, and money by reducing the number of separate application operations. 2. The scarcity of farm labor and the need for accurate and uniform application, especially of pesticides, cause farmers to use custom application rather than buy and maintain increasingly expensive application equipment. Since only a small quantity of active pesticide is usually recommended, compared with several hundred times this amount for fertilizers per hectare, dry fertilizers are usually coated with either powdered or fluid pesticides, to provide adequate ground coverage, rather than mixed with granular pesticides. The powders must be stuck to the fertilizer to prevent segregation and dusty, nonuniform application. Fluids used for sticking agents may be the pesticide or. pesticide carrier. This fluid should not overwet the fertilizer since this will cause a sticky or nonapplicable mixture. With fluid fertilizers it is necessary to make sure that the fertilizer and pesticide are physically compatible. A four-step procedure for testing physical compatibility is outlined. Whether applied separately or in a fertilizer-pesticide mixture, pesticides should always be used according to the instructions on the pesticide label.
Indefinite Detention for Mega-Terrorists?

How we should fight terrorism is a question that has consumed the United States since the attacks of September 2001 (9/11). One important part of that question is another: What rules should apply? Before 9/11, the prevailing view was that terrorism should be dealt with primarily through the criminal-justice system, much like drug trafficking and other international crimes. After 9/11, it was war—Pres. George W. Bush immediately announcing a “war
Gay but not queer: Toward a post-queer study of sexuality

Le but de l'A. est de proposer une etude de la sexualite en general, et de l'homosexualite en particulier, qui reconnaisse les limites du post-structuralisme et accorde un role central aux institutions et a la socialisation dans l'organisation de la sexualite. Pour ce faire, il met en evidence deux tensions presentes dans la theorie queer, censee representer une version post-moderne de la critique sexuelle : le deconstructionnisme radical et la subversion radicale. Selon l'A., ces deux approches sous-estiment la persistance de la dimension institutionnelle de la sexualite
Parental abduction from the perspective of the victims: Implications for counselors

Parental Abduction from the Perspective of the Victims: Implications for Counselors By Mary Jo L. Gibbs Dr. Paul Jones, Examination Committee Co-Chair Professor of Educational Psychology University of Nevada, Las Vegas Dr. Shannon Smith, Examination Co-Chair Professor of Counselor Education University of Nevada, Las Vegas This is a descriptive study that examined parental abductions from the perspective of the abductee. The results will help counseling professionals better to understand the psychological consequences of parental abduction, coping mechanisms that were used by the abducted children and counseling techniques and strategies that helped the children through this difficult time and after being returned to the left-behind parent. A 32 multiple choice and short answer questionnaire was developed for this study. The survey consists of 12 closed answer (Yes or No) questions, three open ended questions, and seventeen demographic questions. The questionnaire was given through a phone interview which took approximately 20-60 minutes depending on the participants' responses. The instrument began with closed answer personal questions about the
ESTIMATION OF HIGH-SPIN CYTOCHROME P-450 IN MICROSOMES AT ROOM TEMPERATURE FROM THE ABSOLUTE OXIDIZED SPECTRUM OBTAINED BY THE LINOLEIC ACID HYDROPEROXIDE (LAHP) DELETION METHOD

The absolute oxidized spectrum of P–450 obtained by selectively destroying microsomal P–450 with LAHP can be used to determine the high–spin P–450 in hepatic microsomes Evidence is presented that microsomes contain a high–spin form of P–450 that may not interact with exogenous substrates.
Land-assembly and externalities: How do positive post-development externalities affect land aggregation outcomes?

Abstract Large-scale developments often require developers to aggregate multiple parcels of land to proceed with construction; this process is known as land assembly. Frequently, developers fail to assemble land due to a key landowner, or holdout, who seeks to extract monopoly rents. While, the holdout problem has been studied extensively in the literature, an additional and equally important source of friction involves positive post-development externalities. These externalities manifest when a developer successfully aggregates land, but only affect the price of unsold, neighboring properties. Using a series of laboratory experiments, we show that post-development externalities reduce aggregation rates relative to a baseline with no externality, when buyers cannot capitalize the externality into their offers. Externalities also reduce the expected surplus for developers and increase bargaining times. When the transaction surplus is sufficient to cover the externality, landowners capitalize roughly 65% of the externality and aggregation rates improve to baseline levels.
Safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/Aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technically challenging procedure rarely associated with severe postprocedure complications. Hormonal changes during pregnancy promote cholelithiasis, but there are limited clinical data available on the outcomes of ERCP in pregnant women. ERCP techniques without irradiation were recently introduced as potential alternative. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the safety of ERCP in pregnancy and to compare outcomes of radiation versus nonradiation ERCP. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Medline/Ovid, Web of Science, and Google Scholar through April 18th, 2018 using PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines identified 27 studies reporting the outcomes of ERCP in pregnancy. Random effects pooled event rate and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Heterogeneity was measured by I2, and meta-regression analysis was conducted. Adverse outcomes were divided into fetal, maternal pregnancy-related, and maternal nonpregnancy-related. Results: In all, 27 studies reporting on 1,307 pregnant patients who underwent ERCP were identified. Median age was 27.1 years. All results were statistically significant (P Conclusions: ERCP done by experienced endoscopists is a safe procedure during pregnancy. Radiation-free techniques appear to reduce the rates of nonpregnancy-related complications, but not of fetal and pregnancy-related complications.
The Impact of Affordable Learning Open Textbook on Computing Education

As part of the Affordable Learning Georgia's (ALG) Textbook Transformation Grants, this project aims to develop open text course material for a Java Programming Course (Programming Fundamentals). This initiative also targets other schools that may benefit from the course material developed and replace their current traditional textbooks with a free textbook as well as with more affordable and flexible digital learning sources customized to the needs of students. In this poster, we will share how we evaluated currently available open source materials, targeting the subject by using student reviews, student pre-post surveys, faculty surveys, and analytics. We will present how we decided whether to utilize these sources. This project had a major impact on students' learning processes. All students registering for the course have access to a free up-to-date textbook and to additional affordable, supportive instructional materials. This access is expected to lead to improved student academic performance in the targeted courses and to improve student knowledge retention.
Pushing the Envelope: Skin-Only Mastopexy in Single-Stage Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy with Direct-to-Implant Breast Reconstruction.

Background Despite advances in skin envelope reduction techniques and experienced nipple-sparing mastectomy flap procedures, the rate of nipple malposition and secondary revision in these patients remains high and eligible candidates are limited. In this article, the authors present a novel technique combining skin reduction nipple-sparing mastectomy surgery with single-stage skin-only mastopexy and direct-to-implant reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was performed at a single institution from 2015 to 2018. All patients were operated on using this technique consecutively, by a breast and plastic surgeon team (A.F. and A.M.). Surgical technique and outcomes were compared with the currently accepted literature. Results Twenty-six patients (40 breasts) underwent this technique; all were single-stage direct-to-implant reconstructions. The average body mass index was 31 kg/m2. A Wise pattern was used in 35 breasts (87.5 percent) and prepectoral placement was used in 25 breasts (62.5 percent). Overall complications included seroma [n = 6 (15 percent)], vertical/T-junction dehiscence [n = 4 (10 percent)], skin necrosis [n = 4 (10 percent)], superficial or partial nipple necrosis [n = 4 (10 percent)], with no total nipple-areola complex lost and no reconstructive failures at 18.7 months' average follow-up. Conclusions In this article, the authors share a novel reconstructive technique in which the skin envelope is reduced, the nipple-areola complex is repositioned, and a direct-to-implant reconstruction is performed in a single stage at the time of mastectomy. Consideration of pearls and pitfalls accompanies a review of the authors' experienced complication profile, and is discussed in the context of current literature. Clinical question/level of evidence Therapeutic, IV.
Two Dimensional CFD Analysis and Flow Optimization of Transmission Cooling Scoop for Longitudinal Powertrain Applications

Two dimensional finite area method simulation was conducted to optimize the convective cooling performance of a transmission cooling scoop for longitudinal vehicle powertrain applications. Cooling of the transmission in an automobile is important to prevent premature wear or sudden failure caused by prolonged overheating of internal transmission components. The most common method for transmission cooling requires a small energy input for powering a pump to cool the transmission by circulating transmission fluid through a heat exchanger. An alternative cooling method was designed utilizing a simple scoop geometry to induce forced convection from ambient air to cool the transmission with no energy input requirement. Two dimensional simulation of this alternative cooling method was conducted in ANSYS Fluent. Fluid flow and heat transfer performance were analyzed for three proposed cooling scoop designs. Further flow optimization was achieved with parametric study regarding angle at which the cooling scoop is positioned relative to the transmission. Three dimensional simulation was conducted for improved observation of the physical model. Based on the simulation results, optimal geometry and future design improvements have been determined. A peak simulated heat transfer of 11.14 kW/m^2 was achieved with scoop angle of 45 degrees. Future research investigating the effects of induced turbulence to improve convective heat transfer would be beneficial.
Investigating the Genomic Distribution of Phylogenetic Signal with CloudForest

A central focus of evolutionary biology is inferring the historical relationships among species and using this context to learn about how evolution has shaped diverse organisms. These historical relationships are represented by phylogenetic trees, and the methods used to infer these trees have been an active area of research for several decades. Despite this attention, phylogenetic workflows have changed little, even though extraordinary advances have occurred in the scale and pace at which genomic data have been collected in the past 20 years. Modern phylogenomic datasets have also raised fascinating new questions. Why do different parts of a genome often support different relationships among species? How are these different signals distributed across chromosomes? We developed a new computational framework, CloudForest, to tackle such questions. CloudForest is flexible, efficient, and tightly integrates a diverse set of tools. Here, we briefly describe the architecture of CloudForest, including the advantages it provides, and use it to investigate the distribution of phylogenetic signal along the entire X chromosome of 24 cat (Felidae) species.
Alternative 2070: Mitigating the effects of projected sea level rise and urbanization on Florida black bear and Florida panther habitat

Abstract Historically ubiquitous throughout the state, Florida’s only two extant large carnivores, the federally endangered Florida panther and black bear, are now geographically restricted with small populations. Rapid human population growth and sea level rise (SLR) threaten to diminish these species’ habitats. To aid landscape-scale conservation efforts, we estimated changes in habitat across a set of alternative future land-use and SLR projections. Intermediate-high (0.9 m) to extreme (1.8 m) SLR projections inundated 2.2–4.8% of panther and 3.3–5.4% of bear habitat by 2070. Unmitigated urban sprawl with minor protection policies (a Trend 2070 land-use projection) eliminated 8.8% of panther and 11.3% of bear habitat but increased protected habitat by 3.3%. In contrast, increased urban densities coupled with extensive land protection policies (an Alternative 2070 land-use projection) eliminated 4.1% of panther and 7.3% of bear habitat, and it increased protected habitat 52.1% for panther and 64.1% for bear. In combination, the Trend 2070 and extreme SLR projections reduced protected habitat 3.4% for panther and 6.6% for bear. However, the Alternative 2070 projection offset habitat area lost to extreme SLR, increasing protected habitat 45.3% for panther and 51.6% for bear. Protecting land along the Caloosahatchee River may accommodate panther dispersal to large habitat patches in northern Florida, while protecting inland habitat corridors may compensate for black bear habitat connectivity lost to inundation along the Gulf Coast. These alternative future projections prognosticate the impacts of climate and land-use change on the viability of Florida’s two large carnivores.
Transplantation by Microinjection

The vertebrate neural crest is an embryonic structure which gives rise to cells of the peripheral nervous system as well as many other cell types. Because of the diversity of derivatives and the extensive migratory ability of neural crest cells, this structure serves as an important model system for exploring questions of cell migration and differentiation.
Multiple sulfur isotope fractionation and mass transfer processes during pyrite precipitation and recrystallization: An experimental study at 300 and 350 °C

Abstract Equilibrium multiple sulfur isotope fractionation factors (33S/32S and 34S/32S) between aqueous SO4, H2S, and coexisting pyrite under hydrothermal conditions were determined experimentally at 300–350 °C and 500 bars. Two different experimental techniques were used to determine the fractionation factors and the rate of S isotope exchange between pyrite and constituent aqueous species, H2S and SO4; (1) closed system gold capsule pyrite−H2S exchange experiments and (2) complimentary time-series experiments at 300 and 350 °C, 500 bars using flexible gold cell hydrothermal equipment, which allowed monitoring the multiple S isotope composition of dissolved S species during pyrite precipitation and subsequent recrystallization. The three isotope technique was applied to the multiple S isotope data to demonstrate equilibrium S isotope fractionation between pyrite and H2S. Results at 350 °C indicate ln 34 α Pyrite / H 2 S = −1.9‰ and ln 33 α Pyrite / H 2 S = −1.0‰. The ln 34 α Pyrite / H 2 S is not only different in magnitude but also in sign from the commonly used value of 1‰ from Ohmoto and Rye (1979) . This experimental study also demonstrated initial S isotope disequilibrium amongst the aqueous S-species and pyrite during rapid precipitation, despite aqueous speciation indicating pyrite saturation at all stages. Textural, crystallographic, and S isotope interpretations suggest that pyrite formed by means of the FeS pathway. The initial S isotope disequilibrium between formed pyrite and dissolved S-species was effectively erased and approached isotopic equilibrium upon recrystallization during the course of 4297 h. Interpretation of seafloor hydrothermal vent sulfides using the revised equilibrium 34S/32S fractionation between pyrite and H2S suggests that pyrite is close to S isotope equilibrium with vent H2S, contrary to previous conclusions. The experimental data reported here broaden the range of pyrite formation mechanisms at seafloor hydrothermal vents, in that mineral formation pathway and equilibration rates need to be considered to account for the well-recognized S isotope variability that often characterizes these systems.
Functional Interpretation of the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Map of the 30S Ribosomal Subunit from Escherichia coli

Recently, the everimproving cryo-electron microscopy maps of the 70S ribosome have increased the overall accuracy of the modeling studies. This chapter talks about three important structure-function relationships. First, it briefly reviews the recently published model of interactions between the 16S rRNA decoding site and the mRNAtRNA complex. Second, it discusses the functional implications of the placement of that model in the electron density map. Finally, it identifies regions that the authors believe compose the ‘‘gate’’ that closes to form the channel in which the mRNA is located. The second-generation models incorporate atomic-resolution data for those components whose structures have been determined by crystallography or nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and for selected components the authors have modeled at atomic detail because of their functional significance. The authors therefore predict that the density in the channel will rise when tRNA is bound at the A site. Another interesting aspect of this model is that the axis of the decoding-site RNA lies perpendicular to the long axis of the 30S ribosomal subunit. Cross-linking studies between mRNA and the 16S rRNA also suggest that these two regions of the 16S rRNA are close together in the ribosomal subunit. Multiscale modeling permits investigation of structure-function relationships at atomic detail within the low-resolution framework of those regions that are less well defined and less functionally significant.
Exploring Data Staging Across Deep Memory Hierarchies for Coupled Data Intensive Simulation Workflows

As applications target extreme scales, data staging and in-situ/in-transit data processing have been proposed to address the data challenges and improve scientific discovery. However, further research is necessary in order to understand how growing data sizes from data intensive simulations coupled with the limited DRAM capacity in High End Computing systems will impact the effectiveness of this approach. In this paper, we explore how we can use deep memory levels for data staging, and develop a multi-tiered data staging method that spans bothDRAM and solid state disks (SSD). This approach allows us to support both code coupling and data management for data intensive simulation workflows. We also show how an adaptive application-aware data placement mechanism can dynamically manage and optimize data placement across the DRAM ands storage levels in this multi-tiered data staging method. We present an experimental evaluation of our approach using wolf resources: an Infiniband cluster (Sith) and a Cray XK7system (Titan), and using combustion (S3D) and fusion (XGC1) simulations.
A race-detection and flipping algorithm for automated testing of multi-threaded programs

Testing concurrent programs that accept data inputs is notoriously hard because, besides the large number of possible data inputs, nondeterminism results in an exponentially large number of interleavings of concurrent events. In order to efficiently test shared-memory multithreaded programs, we develop an algorithm based on race-detection and flipping and illustrate how it can be combined with concolic execution (a simultaneous symbolic and concrete execution method) to test multi-threaded programs with data inputs. The goal of our algorithm is to minimize redundant executions while ensuring that all reachable statements in a program are executed. To achieve this, our algorithm explores all distinct causal structures of a multi-threaded program (i.e., the partial order among events generated during an execution). Because our algorithm is based on race-detection, it enables us to report potential data races and deadlocks. We have implemented our algorithm in a tool called jCUTE. We describe the results of applying jCUTE to real-world multi-threaded Java applications and libraries. In particular, we discovered several undocumented potential concurrency-related bugs in the widely used Java collection framework distributed with the Sun Microsystems' JDK 1.4.
Activation of fluorescein-labeled prothrombin.

Abstract Bovine prothrombin can be labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate to produce a fluorescent proenzyme which maintains up to 85% of native prothrombin-specific activity. Other proteins labeled similarly were analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis, and it was found that the chromophores did not affect the molecular weights as determined by the electrophoretic system. Sodium citrate activation of both labeled and unlabeled prothrombin produced molecular weight species consistent with our previously proposed model (Mann, K. G., Heldebrant, C. M., and Fass, D. N. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 6106–6114): prothrombin (72,000), Intermediate 1 (65,000), Intermediate 2 (39,000), and Intermediate 3 (25,000). The thrombins are produced from Intermediate 2 and consist of multichain disulfide-linked structures; α-thrombin (33,000 + 6,000), β-thrombin (18,000 + 10,000), and γ-thrombin (14,000 + 10,000 + 4,000). An analog of the physiological coagulation system was constructed using serum and a phospholipid source. Labeled prothrombin when activated in this mixture yielded products which, by virtue of their fluorescence, could be distinguished from the serum proteins. All precursors of thrombin which are produced during citrate activation are also produced during serum activation. The large thrombin, α-thrombin, is composed of 33,000- and 6,000-dalton chains in both activating systems. These results indicate that prothrombin activation in biological systems produces intermediates and products identical with those formed in highly purified synthetic activation systems. Our studies also indicate that the kinetics of the activation process in serum is demonstrably different from that previously described in highly purified systems.
Statistical goal parameter recognition

We present components of a system which uses statistical, corpus-based machine learning techniques to perform instantiated goal recognition — recognition of both a goal schema and its parameter values. We first present new results for our previously reported statistical goal schema recognizer. We then present our goal parameter recognizer. The recognizer is fast (linear in the number of observed actions) and is able to recognize parameter values which were never seen in training. In addition, this is the first system we are aware of that uses statistical methods to recognize goal parameter values.
Dynamics of the CD8 T-Cell Response Revealed by Listeria monocytogenes Infection

This chapter discusses the recent advances in understanding of the dynamics of the CD8 T-cell response as revealed by murine infection with Listeria monocytogenes. A number of studies suggest that the magnitude of expansion of the CD8 T-cell population after L. monocytogenes infection depends on the dose of the infecting pathogen. The expansion phase of the CD8 T-cell response after infection occurs in an environment of substantial inflammation. The peak of the CD8 T-cell response occurs approximately 1 week after infection, but the timing of the peak number of antigen specific CD8 T cells can vary by several days depending on the infection model system evaluated. The factors that determine the timing of peak expansion in antigen-specific CD8 T-cell numbers in these different systems are unknown. The expansion in antigen-specific CD8 T-cell numbers is followed by an abrupt transition, during which the number of these cells begins to decrease in all tissues of the host. Recent studies with the L. monocytogenes model system have begun to shed light on the nature of the input signals that program CD8 T-cell contraction. The infection of mice with L. monocytogenes evokes a defined, robust CD8 T-cell response that can be tracked and analyzed using modern immunological methodology. This host-pathogen interaction has provided important information in the understanding of all phases of the CD8 T-cell response, from initiation to expansion, contraction, and memory generation.
Directory of Publishing Industry Resources

ABSTRACT This report examines the most important online resources covering the publishing industry. It divides resources into three categories: those covering both books and periodicals; those covering books only; and those covering periodicals only. It explores both free and fee-based resources, mostly concerned with quantitative data. The resources concern the global industry, and the U.S. industry specifically.
INORGANIC POLYPHOSPHATE METABOLISM IN CHLOROBIUM THIOSULFATOPHILUM.

Abstract Hughes, D. E. (Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, N.H.), S. F. Conti, and R. C. Fuller. Inorganic polyphosphate metabolism in Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum. J. Bacteriol. 85:577–584. 1963.—Cells of the obligate phototroph Chlorobium thiosulfatophilum, when grown on a normal concentration of inorganic phosphate, accumulated large intracellular metachromatic granules identified as polymetaphosphate. Inorganic phosphate was released from polymetaphosphate by cell-free extracts. This release was adenosine diphosphate-dependent and light-independent. When cells were subcultured through serial transfer in the absence of inorganic phosphate, the production of polymetaphosphate granules was almost completely stopped. After the serial transfer, these cells showed little or no endogenous release of inorganic phosphate or release from added polymetaphosphate. Using such polymetaphosphate-free cells, it has been possible to demonstrate photosynthetic phosphorylation by the naturally occurring photosynthetic macro-molecules isolated from this organism. These particles, of about 100 A in diameter with a molecular weight of approximately 1.5 million, are by far the simplest functional naturally occurring photosynthetic electron-transport units thus far described.
Asymptotic expansion of L 2-norms of solutions to the heat and dissipative wave equations

Let v(t,x) and u(t,x) be solutions of the heat equation vt−Δv = 0 and dissipative wave equation utt+ut−Δu = 0, respectively. The paper finds the asymptotic expansions of the squared L2-norms of v, u and u−v as well as of their derivatives as t → ∞. Suitable conditions on the initial values u(0,x), ut(0,x) and v(0,x) lead to cancellation of the leading terms of the asymptotic expansion of u− v explaining the diffusion phenomenon for linear hyperbolic waves.
Hierarchically structured catalysts for cascade and selective steam reforming/hydrodeoxygenation reactions

We report a hierarchically structured catalyst with steam reforming and hydrodeoxygenation functionalities being deposited in the micropores and macropores, respectively. The catalyst is highly efficient to upgrade the pyrolysis vapors of pine forest product residual, resulting in a dramatically decreased acid content and increased hydrocarbon yield without external H2 supply.
Reframing Serial Murder Within Empirical Research: Offending and Adjudication Patterns of Male, Female, and Partnered Serial Killers

Empirical research on serial murder is limited due to the lack of consensus on a definition, the continued use of primarily descriptive statistics, and linkage to popular culture depictions. These limitations also inhibit our understanding of these offenders and affect credibility in the field of research. Therefore, this comprehensive overview of a sample of 508 cases (738 total offenders, including partnered groups of two or more offenders) provides analyses of solo male, solo female, and partnered serial killers to elucidate statistical differences and similarities in offending and adjudication patterns among the three groups. This analysis of serial homicide offenders not only supports previous research on offending patterns present in the serial homicide literature but also reveals that empirically based analyses can enhance our understanding beyond traditional case studies and descriptive statistics. Further research based on these empirical analyses can aid in the development of more accurate classifications and definitions of serial murderers.
Interactive data-driven search and discovery of temporal behavior patterns from media streams

The presented thesis work addresses how social scientists may derive patterns of human behavior captured in media streams. Currently, media streams are being segmented into sequences of events describing the actions captured in the streams, such as the interactions among humans. This segmentation creates a challenging data space to search characterized by non-numerical, temporal, descriptive data, e.g., Person A walks up to Person B at time T. We present an approach that allows one to interactively search and discover temporal behavior patterns within such a data space.
Influence of postnatal changes in action potential duration on Na-Ca exchange in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

Cardiac Na-Ca exchanger (NCX) expression and current density are significantly greater in newborn rabbit hearts compared with adults. However, the relatively short action potential (AP) at birth may limit the impact of increased NCX expression by diminishing Ca2+ entry via Na-Ca exchange current (INaCa). To address the interdependence of AP duration and NCX activity, we voltage-clamped newborn (NB, 1–5 day), juvenile (JV, 10–14 day) and adult (AD) rabbit myocytes with a series of APs of progressively increasing duration (APD90: 108–378 ms) under nominally chloride-free conditions. In each age group we quantified an increase in outward (QExout) and inward (QExin) Ni2+-sensitive charge movement in response to AP prolongation. QExout and QExin measured during age-appropriate APs declined postnatally [QEXout: NB (2 day) 0.19 ± 0.02, JV (10 day) 0.10 ± 0.01, AD 0.04 ± 0.002; QEXin: NB –0.2 ± 0.01, JV –0.11 ± 0.02; AD –0.04 ± 0.003 pC/pF] despite the significantly shorter APD90 of newborn myocytes (NB 122 ± 10; AD 268 ± 22 ms). When Ca2+ fluxes by other transport pathways were blocked with nifedipine, ryanodine and thapsigargin, age-appropriate APs elicited contractions in NB and JV but not AD myocytes (NB 4.8 ± 0.5, JV 1.2 ± 0.3% resting length). These data demonstrate that a shorter AP does not negate the impact of increased NCX expression at birth.
"Permanent" records: experience with data migration in radiology information system and picture archiving and communication system replacement.

In the replacement of both a radiology information system (RIS) and a picture archiving and communication system (PACS) archive, data were migrated from the prior system to the new system. We report on the process, the time and resources required, and the fidelity of data transfer. We find that for two PACS archives, both organized according to the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) information model, data may be transferred with full fidelity, but the time required for transfer is significant. Transfer from off-line backup media was found to be faster than transfer from our robotic tape library. In contrast, the RIS replacement required extensive labor to translate prior data between dissimilar information models, and some data were inevitably lost in the translation. Standards for RIS information models are needed to promote the migration of data without loss of content.
TRAF2 Is Essential for JNK but Not NF-κB Activation and Regulates Lymphocyte Proliferation and Survival

TRAF2 is believed to mediate the activation of NF-kappaB and JNK induced by the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily, which elicits pleiotropic responses in lymphocytes. We have investigated the physiological roles of TRAF2 in these processes by expressing a lymphocyte-specific dominant negative form of TRAF2, thereby blocking this protein's effector function. We find that the TNFR superfamily signals require TRAF2 for activation of JNK but not NF-kappaB. In addition, we show that TRAF2 induces NF-kappaB-independent antiapoptotic pathways during TNF-induced apoptosis. Inhibition of TRAF2 leads to splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and an increased number of B cells. These findings indicate that TRAF2 is involved in the regulation of lymphocyte function and growth in vivo.
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC INDICES IN THE NORMAL DOG

Twenty young healthy dogs weighing from 9.8 to 28.6 kg were studied by M-mode echocardiography. Parameters were measured and statistically evaluated to determine whether a correlation to body surface area existed. A statistically significant correlation to body size was found for the aortic, left atrial, left ventricular, septal, and posterior wall dimensions and the mitral valve amplitude of motion. In addition, normal values not correlated to body surface area are presented with their means and standard deviations. These values include velocity of circumferential fiber shortening, ejection time, percent systolic thickening of septum and posterior wall, percent change in minor diameter, selected dimension ratios, and mitral valve velocities
Barriers and facilitators to employment after spinal cord injury: underlying dimensions and their relationship to labor force participation.

Cross-sectional survey. To identify barriers and facilitators to employment after spinal cord injury (SCI) and their relationship with labor force participation. Participants were initially identified through specialty hospitals in the Midwest and Southeastern United States of America. 781 adults with traumatic SCI, at least 1 year post-injury, and between the ages of 18–64, participated. A 30-item instrument on barriers and facilitators to employment was administered. Analyses included exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and comparisons of scores as a function of employment status. EFA indicated six primary themes (root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA)=0.040), including: (a) resources, (b) health status, (c) disability considerations, (d) lack of importance, (e) disincentives and (f) motivation. CFA indicated an acceptable fit (RMSEA=0.078). Univariate analyses indicated each item and factor was significantly different as a function of labor force participation. After controlling for biographical and injury factors, multinomial logistic regression indicated three factors significantly differentiated those never employed, those currently unemployed but had worked since injury and those currently employed. Those employed reported higher scores for resources and motivation and lower scores for lack of importance. Barriers and facilitators were consistently related to labor force participation, with facilitators more highly related to labor force participation than barriers. Although loss of financial and medical benefits (disincentives) as well as health status have been reported as barriers to employment, they were not as highly correlated with labor force participation as were other factors.
Comparative effectiveness of anti-TNF agents for Crohn's disease in a tertiary referral IBD practice.

The three Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved anti-tumor necrosis factor drugs (anti-TNFs) for Crohn’s disease (CD) have not been directly compared. To compare the efficacy of the three anti-TNFs for CD in clinical practice. Retrospective review of patients initiated on anti-TNF between 2004 and 2008. Disease activity, quality of life, and remission rates were compared between groups over 1 year. Sixty patients with CD were initiated on anti-TNF from 2004 to 2008: 31 on infliximab (IFX) and 29 on adalimumab (ADA) or certolizumab pegol (CTZ). More patients in the ADA/CTZ scores group had prior exposure to anti-TNF (76 versus 10 %, p < 0.01). Mean Harvey–Bradshaw Index (HBI) scores in the IFX group were lower than in the ADA/CTZ group at 12 months (2.72 ± 3.34 versus 5.63 ± 5.33, p = 0.03). At 12 months, more IFX patients were in remission compared with those on ADA/CTZ (88 versus 53 %, p ≤ 0.01). Mean Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (SIBDQ) scores were not different between the IFX and ADA/CTZ groups at 12 months. Stratified analyses and logistic regression based on prior anti-TNF use did not show differences in remission rates at any time point post-baseline between groups. After adjustment for prior anti-TNF there was no difference in remission rates between the IFX and ADA/CTZ groups at any time point post-baseline. This suggests that differences between groups were accounted for by a higher rate of prior anti-TNF in the ADA/CTZ group. Our results should be reviewed with caution given the small sample size.
Effects of single nanoinjections of met-enkephalin in the minimally anesthetized rat brainstem on trigeminal nuclear neurons: differential effects on spontaneous versus evoked activity and noci-evoked versus innocuously-evoked responses

Two separate studies were done on two sets of rats (33 rats, 101 cells in Expt. 1; 16 rats, 25 cells in Expt. 2). In the first study trigeminal nuclear neurons were categorized by adequate stimulus and receptive field. A total of 43.6% responded to light touch and noxious (pinch and heat) stimulation; 27.7% responded only to noxious pinch and/or heat; 8.9% responded exclusively to innocuous touch, and the remainder were non-responsive. Ninety percent of the responsive cells showed increased discharge rates in response to noxious stimulation. In the second study, after characterization of response properties, single nanoinjections of Met-enkephalin (ME) were separately made into midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) and nucleus reticularis paragigantocellularis (PGC). The effects of ME on spontaneous (SD) and evoked (ED) discharge were assessed, and then in 8 cells, the effects were repeated and successfully challenged with naloxone. The major findings were: (1) ME applied either to PAG or PGC causes naloxone-reversible reduction of noci-evoked ED with no effect on SD; and (2) the responses of neurons to innocuous light touch were unaffected by ME.
Nb-Base FS-85 Alloy as a Candidate Structural Material for Space Reactor Applications : Effects of Thermal Aging

The proposed uses of fission reactors for manned or deep space missions have typically relied on the potential use of refractory metal alloys as structural materials. Throughout the history of these programs, a leading candidate has been Nb-1Zr, due to its good fabrication and welding characteristics. However, the less-than-optimal creep resistance of this alloy has encouraged interest in the more complex FS-85 (Nb-28Ta-10W-1Zr) alloy. Despite this interest, only a relatively small database exists for the properties of FS-85. Database gaps include the potential microstructural instabilities that can lead to mechanical property degradation. In this work, changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of FS-85 were investigated following 1100 hours of thermal aging at 1098, 1248, and 1398 K. The changes in electrical resistivity, hardness, and tensile properties between the as-annealed and aged materials are compared. Evaluation of the microstructural changes was performed through optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The development of intragranular and grain-boundary precipitation of Zr-rich compounds as a function of aging temperature was followed. Brittle tensile behavior was measured in the material aged at 1248 K, while ductile behavior occurred in samples aged above and below this temperature. The effect of temperature on the under- and overaging of the grain-boundary particles is believed to have contributed to the mechanical property behavior of the aged materials.
Coronary stenting in patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty during acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Although coronary stenting has been useful in the treatment of patients with suboptimal results, abrupt closure, and threatening occlusion after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), its use in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is controversial because of the presence of intracoronary thrombus. In this study intracoronary stenting was used to treat suboptimal results and complications in 30 patients (35 lesions) undergoing PTCA during AMI. There were 28 men and 2 women, mean age 58 ± 12 years. Thirteen patients (43%) had undergone rescue PTCA because of unsuccessful thrombolysis. Four patients had Killip's grade IV, 5 Killip's grade III, and 21 Killip's grade
Tendon control deployment of tensegrity structures

In this paper we consider the problem of deployment of tensegrity structures. Our idea is to make use of a certain set of equilibria to which the undeployed and deployed configurations belong. In the state space this set is represented by a connected equilibrium manifold and can be completely characterized analytically. The deployment is conducted such that the deployment trajectory is close to the equilibrium manifold and the deployment time is minimized.
Learning the functional significance of mnemonic actions: A microgenetic study of strategy acquisition

Abstract How children learn to use memory strategies in a microgenetic investigation of learning and metacognition is examined. Seven- and eight-year-olds were given two memory trials with 24 pictures on each of 5 consecutive days. Days 1 and 2 were baseline, practice trials; Day 3 included strategy training; and Days 4 and 5 were unprompted tests of strategy maintenance. All children were taught how to label, rehearse, and group the pictures as well as to self-test their own memories and use blocked recall. Half of the children were shown the actions and told to do them; the other half received elaborated feedback on the usefulness and appropriateness of the techniques for remembering. The elaborated instructional group exhibited significantly greater recall, clustering, strategic study behavior, and metamemory regarding the mnemonic techniques than the other group. Path analysis provided evidence of a causal role of training and metacognitive awareness that mediated the use of sorting and higher recall. The study illustrates how learning the significance and utility of mnemonic techniques can influence children's acquisition of the tactics as self-controlled strategies. In addition, the microgenetic method affords patterns of data across time and experience that permit richer interpretations of strategy learning and memory development.
The reaction of US fuel industries to a range of solar energy policies

Abstract One barrier to the increased adoption of solar energy in the USA is the conflict of interests between utilities and consumers. In this article Marc Eichen examines the degree of utility - consumer conflict associated with various policies which might be used to encourage the adoption of solar energy. For each policy option assessments of anticipated conflict were obtained from interviews. The interviews were with high-level decision makers in the US energy industries and reflect the attitude of US energy utilities to solar energy.
Endovascular-first approach is not associated with worse amputation-free survival in appropriately selected patients with critical limb ischemia

Objective Endovascular interventions for critical limb ischemia are associated with inferior limb salvage (LS) rates in most randomized trials and large series. This study examined the long-term outcomes of selective use of endovascular-first (endo-first) and open-first strategies in 302 patients from March 2007 to December 2010. Methods Endo-first was selected if (1) the patient had short (5-cm to 7-cm occlusions or stenoses in crural vessels); (2) the disease in the superficial femoral artery was limited to TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II A, B, or C; and (3) no impending limb loss. Endo-first was performed in 187 (62%), open-first in 105 (35%), and 10 (3%) had hybrid procedures. Results The endo-first group was older, with more diabetes and tissue loss. Bypass was used more to infrapopliteal targets (70% vs 50%, P = .031). The 5-year mortality was similar (open, 48%; endo, 42%; P = .107). Secondary procedures (endo or open) were more common after open-first (open, 71 of 105 [68%] vs endo, 102 of 187 [55%]; P = .029). Compared with open-first, the 5-year LS rate for endo-first was 85% vs 83% ( P = .586), and amputation-free survival (AFS) was 45% vs 50% ( P = .785). Predictors of death were age >75 years (hazard ratio [HR], 3.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-6.6; P = .0007), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (HR, 3.4; 95% CI, 2.1-5.6; P P = .036). Predictors of limb loss were ESRD (HR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.2-5.4; P = .015) and below-the-knee intervention ( P = .041). Predictors of worse AFS were older age (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.13-3.7; P = .018), ESRD (HR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.1-5.11; P P = .0054), and gangrene ( P = .024). Conclusions At 5 years, endo-first and open-first revascularization strategies had equivalent LS rates and AFS in patients with critical limb ischemia when properly selected. A patient-centered approach with close surveillance improves long-term outcomes for both open and endo approaches.
Characterization of plasma and laser conditions for single hot spot experiments

The TRIDENT laser system at the Los Alamos National Laboratory is being used for fundamental experiments which study the interaction of self-focusing, stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) and stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a near-diffraction-limited (single) laser hot spot in order to better understand the coupling between these plasma instabilities. The diffraction limited beam mimics a single hot spot found in speckle distributions that are typical of random or kinoform phase plates (RPP or KPP) used for spatial smoothing of laser beams. A long scale length, hot plasma (∼1 mm, ∼0.6 keV) is created by a separate heater beam, and the single hot spot beam is used to drive parametric instabilities. The focal plane distribution and wave-front of the interaction beam are characterized, and its intensity can be varied between 1014–1016 W/cm2. The plasma density, temperature, and flow profiles are measured using a gated imaging spectroscopy of collective Thomson scattering from the heater beam. Results of the laser and plasma characterization, and initial results of backscattered SRS, SBS, and beam steering in a flowing plasma are presented.