cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robotics for space and marine sciences

Neil Jacobstein James Bellingham Guang-Zhong Yang The human body evolved with a very specialized and narrow set of system parameters, such as atmospheric pressure at sea level of 101.3 kPa, gravity of 9.807 m/s2, internal temperature of 37°C, a blood pH of 7.4, radiation exposure of 620 mrem (milli–roentgen-equivalent-man)/year, and an atmospheric mix of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, and 0.039% carbon dioxide. We operate in environments where the electromagnetic spectrum allows imaging and communications at great ranges and high bandwidths. Our comfort and safety parameters mean that humans operating in environments with significantly different parameters, such as those commonly found in space or marine environments, require extensive and expensive redundant life support systems found on submarines and spacecraft designed specifically for humans. In contrast, robots are already able to operate cost-effectively and with high precision in extremely harsh marine environments and in space. For example, small Arctic robots can image …
Suspension rates of students with autism or intellectual disabilities in Maryland from 2004 to 2015

Background Little research exists on suspension of students with autism or intellectual disabilities. We examined suspension rates of students with autism or intellectual disability in Maryland from 2004 to 2015 to understand whether race and disability status predicted the odds of being suspended. Method We used school enrollment data and school suspension data in Maryland for analysis. Descriptive statistics by race and disability category were calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine differences in odds of suspension by race and by disability (ID and autism) each year. Results Suspension rates in Maryland decreased overall from 2004 to 2015, but African American students with intellectual disability or no disability were significantly more likely to be suspended. White students with autism and White students with intellectual disability had significantly higher odds of suspension than White students without a disability. Conclusions Overall risk for suspension in Maryland decreased over time. African American students with autism or intellectual disability, as well as white students with autism or intellectual disability, experienced significantly higher odds of suspension when compared to their White students without a disability. This relatively unexplored issue commands attention from researchers and policymakers alike.
Results of balloon pulmonary valvoplasty in children with Noonan’s syndrome

Pulmonary valve stenosis is common in patients with Noonan’s syndrome. The response to balloon valvoplasty varies.We assessed the correlation between re-intervention rate, immediate response, and the progress of the valve gradient over time after intervention.MethodsThis is a retrospective study conducted from 1995 to 2014.ResultsOf 14 patients identified, seven had re-intervention 28±54 months (range 3–149, median 3.3) after valvoplasty. These patients did not have a significant decrease in gradient after intervention. Their gradient subsequently decreased during follow-up and then became static before increasing years after intervention. In contrast, the gradient of patients not requiring further intervention continually reduced over time. Demographics did not differ between these groups.ConclusionWe could not identify predisposing factors for long-term success of pulmonary valvoplasty in Noonan’s patients, but the trajectory of gradients differs significantly between patients needing re-intervention from those who remain free from re-intervention.
The Interpretation of Moment Tensor Inversions

The moment tensor formalism provides a concise means of expressing the body force equivalents for a variety of simple point sources; consequently, it is ideally suited for use in the forward problem of generating synthetic seismograms for most sorts of natural and artificial sources. Furthermore, this straightforward approach for the computation of synthetic seismograms would indicate a relatively simple inverse problem. However, it is the very generality of the method which poses potential problems when trying to interpret the relationship between the elements of the moment tensor determined from the inverse problem and the physical reality or model of the source. The very same a priori knowledge and assumptions that permitted a simple construction of the moment tensor will provide the stumbling block that precludes a facile implementation of an automated analysis system. The root of the problem lies in the inability of a rote technique to duplicate the complex chain of reasoning which led to the imposition of the a priori constraints and the adoption of an idealized earth model. In those cases where the inversion has been limited to determining the magnitude and orientation of the best double couple, the difficulties alluded to above are not restrictive. In the more complex situation wherein one seeks to compare source models or to investigate the existence of a particular source type, these constraints may present quite formidable obstacles.
Discrete Sampling of Bedload and Suspended Load

This aspect of the program included the development of fluorescent sand tracer and suspended sediment sampling devices and procedures for their use in measuring the transport rate of sand. These devices and procedures were employed at Torrey Pines Beach and at Leadbetter Beach.
“Jeopardy” in the Inorganic Classroom - Teaching Descriptive Chemistry Using a Television Game Show Format

Descriptive chemistry is difficult to teach in the traditional manner. However, it is an important topic in any chemist’s training, as it is at the heart of many important processes and applications such as: Industrial Processes, Analytical Applications, the Environment, Health, Consumer Products, Atmospheric Cycles, Geochemical Cycles, Biological Cycles, etc. Descriptive chemistry forms the historical basis of the periodic table. Nevertheless, it is often omitted from many undergrad-uate courses. The approach described herein allows the instructor to teach descriptive chemistry without “teaching” in the traditional manner. It has been adapted effectively using a series of weekly quizzes. This talk describes an alternative approach based on the format of the TV game show “Jeopardy.” This not only enlivens the classroom, but it also provides opportunities for instant feedback and elaboration on topics covered. The rules of the game are modified so that points are awarded, rather than cash, and all students have an opportunity to earn points for all questions.
Mixed adenoneuroendocrine tumor of the perianal skin

Mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MANEC) of the intestinal tract, is relatively rare and with a poor prognosis. The majority of literature to date has documented the rare occurrence of this tumor within the colon or rectum, but not within the anal canal or verge. We report our case of a female patient identified with a MANEC tumor of the perianal skin extending into the anal canal.
Company Type 6: Solvers

Solvers are those who see business as a way to solve problems of deep personal concern. The two major subtypes differ substantially. Direct solvers view solving problems as the challenge and raison d’etre for their businesses. For example, an entrepreneur might start and run a company to find a cure for a disease that has personal meaning to him or her. In contrast, indirect solvers create and run businesses to contribute to solving bigger problems. Businesses might enable indirect solvers to develop technical knowhow, acquire financial strength, and develop large networks of people to eventually solve large problems. Many successful internet startups have evolved to work on riskier and tougher problems that have little relationship with their original core businesses. What differentiates solvers is that they pursue solutions to problems that are personally important. This stands in contrast to athletes, for whom the problems themselves are not critical, just the difficulty in finding solutions to them. Solvers treat profit as a secondary concern at best and tend to be devoted to finding solutions at all costs.
IEEE 1547-2018 Based Interoperable PV Inverter with Advanced Grid-Support Functions

Grid integration of photovoltaic (PV) inverters has been increasing in the past decade. As a result of the uncertainties introduced with high penetrations of PV, better monitoring and control of the PV inverters becomes crucial for improving overall system stability. This paper focuses on the communications capability of the inverter controller and on enabling interoperability. Multiple standards are available to enable interoperability in PV inverters. In this paper, an interoperable controller, enabled by Distributed Network Protocol 3 (DNP3) communications protocols, is developed for a grid-connected, three-phase PV inverter. The DNP3 server for the PV inverter is programmed on the real-time layer of the field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based inverter controller. Set points for advanced inverter control functions, such as volt/VAr curves, ride-through curves, are sent from a DNP3 client, a simulated distribution management system application, to the PV inverter through DNP3. This communications capability of the inverter controller is validated using a controller-hardware-in-the-loop experimental setup. The code developed to achieve the interoperability is available in the public domain through open-source software licensing. This interoperability will enable smoother grid integration of smart PV inverters with advanced grid-support functions as well as allow better monitoring and control of PV inverters for grid stability.
DELAYED NEUROTOXICITY OF PHENYLPHOSPHONOTHIOATE INSECTICIDES

Delayed neurotoxic effects of EPN (0-ethyl 0-4-nitrophenyl phenylphosphonothioate], has been studied following the administration of a single oral large dose and daily oral small doses to hens and compared with the delayed neurotoxicity of leptophos [0-(4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl) 0-methyl phenylphosphonothioate], another phenylphosphonothioate insecticide. Single oral doses of EPN ranging between 25 and 500 mg/kg of technical (85%) EPN caused delayed neurotoxicity in hens. The single dose 25 mg/kg of EPN was a “threshold dose” below which no delayed neurotoxicity was produced as compared to 180 mg/kg for leptophos. Also, daily oral administration of small doses of EPN to hens caused delayed neurotoxic effects, with the dose 0.1 mg/kg being a “threshold dose” in comparison to 1.0 mg/kg of leptophos. Severity of the clinical condition following EPN and leptophos injection depended on the size of the dose; hens given small doses showed only ataxia while those treated with large doses progressed to paralysis and death. Both compounds cause a prolonged inhibition of plasma cholinesterase in treated hens. Histological examination revealed marked axon and myelin degeneration of the sciatic nerve and spinal cord, with less severe changes seen in medulla. Delayed neurotoxicity seems to be a characteristic feature of phenylphosphonothioate insecticides.
Endotrophin: Nominated for best supporting actor in the fibro-inflammatory saga.

As the population ages, more individuals are at risk of developing age-related chronic diseases, often leading to death. Identifying individuals most at risk for developing multiple co-morbidities could help tailor health care strategies in this growing population. Fibrosis and inflammation are key biological processes involved in the development and progression of a myriad of diseases, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Coleofasciculaceae, a monophyletic home for the Microcoleus steenstrupii complex and other desiccation-tolerant filamentous cyanobacteria

Cyanobacteria classified as Microcoleus steenstrupii play a significant role as pioneers of biological soil crusts (biocrusts), but this taxon is recognized to constitute a diverse complex of strains and field populations. With the aim of clarifying its systematics, we conducted a polyphasic characterization of this and allied taxa. A 16S ribosomal gene meta-analysis of published environmental sequences showed that the complex encompasses a variety of well supported genus-level clades with clade-specific environmental preferences, indicating significant niche differentiation. Fifteen strains in the M. steenstrupii complex were selected as representative of naturally occurring clades and studied using 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, morphology, and niche delineation with respect to temperature and rainfall. Bayesian phylogenetic reconstructions within a comprehensive, curated database of long 16S rRNA cyanobacterial sequences (1,000 base pairs or more) showed that they all belonged in a monophyletic, family-level clade (91.4% similarity) that included some other known genera of desiccation-resistant, largely terrestrial, filamentous, nonheterocystous cyanobacteria, including Coleofasciculus, the type genus for the family Coleofasciculaceae. To accommodate this biodiversity, we redescribe the Coleofasciculaceae, now composed of 11 genera, among which six are newly described herein (Funiculus, Parifilum, Arizonema, Crassifilum, Crustifilum, and Allocoleopsis), and five were previously recognized (Porphyrosiphon, Coleofasciculus, Pycnacronema, Potamolinea, and Wilmottia). We provide an evaluation of their respective niches and global distributions within biocrusts based on published molecular data. This new systematics treatment should help simplify and improve our understanding of the biology of terrestrial cyanobacteria.
Artefakte und Strahlschäden

Als Artefakte bezeichnet man in der angewandten Elektronenmikroskopie Bildkontraste, die nicht von Objekteigenschaften herruhren, sondern auf das Praparationsverfahren zuruckzufuhren sind. Werden diese Kontrasterscheinungen irrtumlicherweise als zum Objekt gehorig betrachtet, so fuhren Artefakte unter Umstanden zu schwerwiegenden Fehlinterpretationen elektronenmikroskopischer Aufnahmen. Allerdings last sich der Begriff „Artefakt“ nur schwer exakt formulieren. An der Grenze des Auflosungsvermogens eines Abdruckverfahrens treten z.B. in jedem Falle Kontrasterscheinungen auf, die sich nicht auf das Objekt zuruckfuhren lassen, sondern die dem speziellen Praparationsverfahren eigentumlich sind. Dennoch spricht man in diesem Falle nicht von Artefakten, da diese Erscheinungen bekannt sind und daher kaum Gefahr besteht, das sie zu Fehlinterpretationen fuhren. Von Artefakten spricht man vielmehr immer dann, wenn bei Vergroserungen, die dem jeweiligen Praparations- oder Beobachtungsverfahren durchaus angemessen sind, Erscheinungen auftreten, deren Herkunft zunachst unbekannt ist und die deshalb Objekteigenschaften vortauschen, die nicht vorhanden sind.
Conclusions and Looking Forward

This book concludes by looking at additional market leaders and how they are further integrating technology for workflows as well as adapting and converging.
Fluorine-18 radiolabeling of SCK nanoparticles via copper-free click chemistry

569 Objectives Shell Crosslinked Knedel-like nanoparticles (SCK-NPs) have controllable size, shape, flexibility, and functionality, and offer unique opportunities for achieving very high specific activity and effective molecular targeting activity required for the detection and quantification of low abundance biological targets using nuclear imaging. The goal of this project is to [18F]-radiolabel SCK-NPs with high specific activity by a two-step reaction using copper-free click chemistry. Methods A dibenzylcyclooctyne (DBCO) derivative for copper-free click chemistry was labeled with F-18 via a two-step procedure using DBCO-amine, available commercially, and [18F]F(CH2CH2O)3Ts, prepared from the di-tosyl precursor under typical labeling conditions. The copper-free click chemistry was carried out in aqueous DMSO solution using HPLC purified [18F]-DBCO compound and SCK-NPs having the core functionalized with azide groups. The [18F]-labeled SCK-NPs were purified by passage over a Zeba® desalting column, and were analyzed by radio-FPLC and TLC. Results [18F]-labeled DBCO analogue was made in 80% yield (TLC). [18F]-SCK-NPs was confirmed by FPLC. Unlike copper(I)-catalyzed click reactions, which require the simultaneous presence of azide, alkyne and copper (I) in the lipophilic core of SCK-NPs, the copper-free reaction of [18F]-DBCO and SCK-NPs is advantageous not only because it is a two-component reaction but because in aqueous solution the very lipophilic [18F]-DBCO is driven into the hydrophobic core of the SCK-NP. Preliminary results showed up to 60% of F-18 activity becomes attached to the nanoparticles by the click reaction, with little activity due to non-covalent sequestration of [18F]-DBCO in the core. Conclusions SCK-NPs have been successfully radiolabeled in the core with F-18 using a copper-free click reaction. Optimization of this labeling is in progress to achieve high specific activity in large scale reactions. Research Support DOE # ER64671
Intrinsic unfoldase/foldase activity of the chaperonin GroEL directly demonstrated using multinuclear relaxation-based NMR

The prototypical chaperonin GroEL assists protein folding through an ATP-dependent encapsulation mechanism. The details of how GroEL folds proteins remain elusive, particularly because encapsulation is not an absolute requirement for successful re/folding. Here we make use of a metastable model protein substrate, comprising a triple mutant of Fyn SH3, to directly demonstrate, by simultaneous analysis of three complementary NMR-based relaxation experiments (lifetime line broadening, dark state exchange saturation transfer, and Carr–Purcell–Meinboom–Gill relaxation dispersion), that apo GroEL accelerates the overall interconversion rate between the native state and a well-defined folding intermediate by about 20-fold, under conditions where the “invisible” GroEL-bound states have occupancies below 1%. This is largely achieved through a 500-fold acceleration in the folded-to-intermediate transition of the protein substrate. Catalysis is modulated by a kinetic deuterium isotope effect that reduces the overall interconversion rate between the GroEL-bound species by about 3-fold, indicative of a significant hydrophobic contribution. The location of the GroEL binding site on the folding intermediate, mapped from 15N, 1HN, and 13Cmethyl relaxation dispersion experiments, is composed of a prominent, surface-exposed hydrophobic patch.
Special Functions and Group Theory in Theoretical Physics

The subject of special functions, even where restricted to the narrower subject of special functions in theoretical physics, is far too broad for one to attempt any meaningfully complete survey. Our aim is accordingly rather more limited: we will attempt to review the important main themes in the subject and then show how recent advances, some to be presented at this conference, have generalized, broadened and extended these themes.
Changes in myocardial mechanics in patients with obesity following major weight loss after bariatric surgery

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate myocardial mechanics in obese subjects using 2D-speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE). Design and Methods 63 obese individuals, including 28 who underwent bariatric surgery for weight loss (BMI 51 ± 9 kg/m2) and 35 managed conservatively (BMI 43 ± 7 kg/m2) were included. Changes in strain (S) and strain rate (SR) measured by 2D-STE. Mean follow-up was 23 ± 10 months. Results The surgery group had a significant weight loss (BMI 37 ± 10 kg/m2, P < 0.0001), but no change was noted in the nonsurgery group (BMI 42 ± 7 kg/m2, P = 0.1). For the surgery group, S and SR in early diastole (SRe) improved significantly in the longitudinal left ventricle (LV) (S: P = 0.0004, SRe: P = 0.02) and right ventricle (RV) (S: P = 0.02, SRe: P = 0.009), whereas no changes were seen in LV ejection fraction (LVEF). In the nonsurgery group, there was no change in S, SR, or body weight. For all patients, weight changes correlated significantly with changes in LV S (r = 0.43, P = 0.0005). Conclusions The improvement of S after bariatric surgery suggests that weight loss could improve myocardial performance, despite the lack of change in LVEF.
The shaking-B2 mutation disrupts electrical synapses in a flight circuit in adult Drosophila.

The shaking-B 2 mutation was used to analyze synapses between haltere afferents and a flight motoneuron in adult Drosophila . We show that the electrical synapses among many neurons in the flight circuit are disrupted in shaking-B 2 flies, suggesting that shaking-B expression is required for electrical synapses throughout the nervous system. In wild-type flies haltere afferents are dye-coupled to the first basalar motoneuron, and stimulation of these afferents evokes electromyograms from the first basalar muscle with short latencies. In shaking-B 2 flies dye coupling between haltere afferents and the motoneuron is abolished, and afferent stimulation evokes electromyograms at abnormally long latencies. Intracellular recordings from the motoneuron confirm that the site of the defect in shaking-B 2 flies is at the synapses between haltere afferents and the flight motoneuron. The nicotinic cholinergic antagonist mecamylamine blocks the haltere-to-flight motoneuron synapses in shaking-B 2 flies but does not block those synapses in wild-type flies. Together, these results show that the haltere-to-flight motoneuron synapses comprise an electrical component that requires shaking-B and a chemical component that is likely to be cholinergic.
Changes in white matter integrity follow excitatory rTMS treatment of post-stroke aphasia.

Purpose In this study, we examine whether an excitatory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) protocol called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) applied to the affected left hemisphere leads to changes in white matter fractional anisotropy (FA).
Microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins in resting and mitogenically activated normal human peripheral blood T cells.

Abstract The binding of an appropriate ligand to its specific receptor on the membrane of T cells triggers a cascade of events involved in T cell activation. An important yet unanswered question is how the mitogenic signals are transmitted through the cytoplasm and into the nucleus. The present study was carried out to determine changes in the microtubule (MT) system, following T cell activation. Fluorescence microscopy was employed to examine the organization of the microtubule network in human peripheral blood T cells in response to four different mitogens (phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, anti-CD3, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate). The microtubules increase in length, number, and complexity of distribution 20 h after mitogenic stimulation. Using an in situ direct analysis protocol consisting of selective extraction of cells with detergent and Ca2+, 11 protein species, which fulfill the operational definition of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs), were identified in resting human T cells. Alterations in the expression of these protein species were studied following mitogenic stimulation. These alterations in MAPs expression were also found in purified blast cell fractions indicating that they were specific changes occurring in activated T cell populations. These observations suggest a role for MT and MAPs in the cascade of human T cell activation.
Explaining the Cosmos to the People

Victorian Popularizers of Science . Designing Nature for New Audiences. By Bernard Lightman . University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2007. 563 pp. $45, £23.50. ISBN 9780226481180. The author provides a scholarly, detailed consideration of the bloom of books by writers and journalists who presented science to the British public through the second half of the 19th century
Capacitance of graphene bilayer as a probe of layer-specific properties

The unique capabilities of capacitance measurements in bilayer graphene enable probing of layer-specific properties that are normally out of reach in transport measurements. Furthermore, capacitance measurements in the top-gate and penetration field geometries are sensitive to different physical quantities: The penetration field capacitance probes the two layers equally, whereas the top-gate capacitance preferentially samples the near layer, resulting in the ``near-layer capacitance enhancement'' effect observed in recent top-gate capacitance measurements. We present a detailed theoretical description of this effect and show that capacitance can be used to determine the equilibrium layer polarization, a potentially useful tool in the study of broken symmetry states in graphene, stemming from the interplay between interlayer screening, disorder, and the inverse-square-root van Hove singularity particular to the bilayer graphene band structure. We show how capacitance experiments can be used to probe the ground-state layer polarization, a potentially useful tool in the study of broken symmetry states in graphene.
Energy metabolism in African Americans: potential risk factors for obesity

Background: Recent reports have identified a lower resting metabolic rate in African Americans than in whites, but most studies included only females and used short-term measurements with ventilated-hood systems. Objective: Our objective was to compare 24-h measurements of energy metabolism between African American and white women and men using a respiratory chamber. Design: Thirty-eight African American (x ± SD: 32 ± 7 y of age, 24 ± 10% body fat) and 288 white (31 ± 7 y of age, 26 ± 12% body fat) subjects spent 24 h in a respiratory chamber for measurement of 24-h energy expenditure (24EE), sleeping metabolic rate (SMR), 24-h respiratory quotient (24RQ), and substrate oxidation rates. Results: After adjustment for sex, age, and body composition (by hydrodensitometry), African Americans had lower SMR (-301 ± 105 kJ/d; P < 0.01) and higher 24RQ (0.014 ± 0.004; P < 0.001) than whites, whereas 24EE was similar. A sex-specific analysis, using a subset of 38 whites with an equal sex distribution and similar age and body weight, revealed that African American women had lower SMR (-442 ± 182 kJ/d; P < 0.05) and lower 24EE (-580 ± 232 kJ/d; P < 0.05), but similar 24RQ values compared with white women. African American men tended to have lower SMRs than white men (-355 ± 188 kJ/d; P = 0.07), but had higher 24RQ values, accounting for a 992 ± 327-kJ/d lower 24-h fat oxidation rate (P < 0.005). Conclusions: These data not only confirm the findings of a lower metabolic rate in African American than in white women, but also suggest that fat oxidation is lower in African American men than in white men.
PROGRESSIVE CONFIGURATIONAL CHANGES, DURING CELL DIVISION, OF CELLS WITHIN THE APICAL MERISTEM.

During the past several decades the three-dimensional shapes of cells which are ;entially undifferentiated morphologically have been studied by a number of instigators. Many different organisms have been used. Some research has also en done on configurational changes, during cell division, in epidermal layers. lus far, however, no analysis has been made anywhere of the shape changes, step step, which take place during the course of cell division. Furthermore, no study latever, from this standpoint, has heretofore been carried out on cells deep within ,issue. In view of the increased emphasis, both morphological and physiological, iced upon terminal and lateral plant meristems, the internal cells, within the im apex, were chosen for this study of the progressive shape changes of dividing Is.
The rapid loss of viability of Azotobacter in aqueous solutions.

When a low number ofAzotobacter vinelandii 12837 log phase vegetative cells (2 × 103 cells/ml) were removed from the culture liquid to water of the same temperature, a rapid loss of viability occurred depending on the procedure of washing and suspending. Death was not accompanied by visible lysis and the rate of loss of viability was less at lower temperatures, and in the presence of salts or cell-free filtrates from heavy cell suspensions in water. The die-off was erratic at increased cell concentrations and was accelerated by utilizable energy sources. Cells standing in a favorable ionic solution (0.1% NaCl) do not lose their viability while cells washed by a series of centrifugations with the same ionic solution show a progressive loss of viability with each washing. Phospholipids were found to leach from the cells into the aqueous solutions. Such cell death suggests instability of the cell membrane and the loss of osmotic or ionic control in the cells.
Single‐Antenna GPS‐Based Aircraft Attitude Determination

A method for synthesizing aircraft attitude information from single-antenna GPS velocity measurements is described. The attitude information consists of flight path angle and roll angle about the aircraft velocity vector axis. This ‘pseudo-attitude’ is compared with the conventional attitude consisting of pitch and roll angle about the body axis. In addition, a pseudo-attitude display is presented that shows flight path angle and roll angle instead of the traditional pitch and roll information, thus yielding direct indications of the actual flight path state. Flight tests in a Piper Arrow aircraft demonstrated that pseudo-attitude is equivalent in performance to conventional attitude, with no subjective or objective differences between the two. The results show that a single-antenna GPS receiver provides a useful source of attitude information and consequently may be used as a backup attitude system or for fault diagnostics in redundant systems.
Clinical and biological aspects of infection caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is an obligatory intracellular bacterium that infects the monocyte-macrophage. E. chaffeensis, which is transmitted to humans by ticks primarily from infected deer, causes human monocytic ehrlichiosis, an acute febrile systemic illness. This paper reviews current knowledge of clinical and biological aspects of infections caused by E. chaffeensis.
Prospective evaluation of ranitidine bismuth citrate-based triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Background : There is a need for effective and inexpensive therapy for Helicobacter pylori with good patient compliance. Aim : To evaluate a simplified twice daily schedule for treating H. pylori. Methods : Patients infected with H. pylori (positive by CLO- and 13C-urea breath tests [UBT]) and not previously treated with anti-H. pylori therapy were treated with ranitidine bismuth citrate (RBC) and two inexpensive antibiotics (metronidazole, tetracycline) twice daily for 14 days in an open-label study. Eradication was established by a negative UBT 4 weeks after ending therapy. Results : Twenty men and 30 women (age 54 ± 14 years, range 26–74) were included in the study. Five patients were prematurely withdrawn (side-effects 2, took additional antibiotics 2 and surgery 1) and one patient was lost to follow-up; therefore, 44 (88%) patients completed the H. pylori eradication protocol. Per protocol (PP) cure rate was 82% (36/44 patients, 95% CI: 68–95%), and intention-to-treat cure rate was 72% (36/50 patients, 95% CI: 58–82%). Five patients (10%) developed side-effects during therapy, most commonly nausea (3 patients). Four weeks after the end of treatment, 78% (PP) of patients were symptomatically improved. Conclusions : A 2-week course of twice-daily RBC-based triple therapy was well tolerated, eradicated H. pylori in 72% (ITT) and 82% (PP) of patients, respectively, and relieved symptoms in 78%.
A Mutational Analysis Defines Vibrio fischeri LuxR Binding Sites

Vibrio fischeri quorum sensing involves the LuxI and LuxR proteins. The LuxI protein generates the quorum-sensing signal N-3-oxohexanoyl-l-homoserine lactone (3OC6-HSL), and LuxR is a signal-responsive transcriptional regulator which activates the luminescence (lux) genes and 17 other V. fischeri genes. For activation of the lux genes, LuxR binds to a 20-base-pair inverted repeat, the lux box, which is centered 42.5 base pairs upstream of the transcriptional start of the lux operon. Similar lux box-like elements have been identified in only a few of the LuxR-activated V. fischeri promoters. To better understand the DNA sequence elements required for LuxR binding and to identify binding sites in LuxR-regulated promoters other than the lux operon promoter, we have systematically mutagenized the lux box and evaluated the activity of many mutants. By doing so, we have identified nucleotides that are critical for promoter activity. Interestingly, certain lux box mutations allow a 3OC6-HSL-independent LuxR activation of the lux operon promoter. We have used the results of the mutational analysis to create a consensus lux box, and we have used this consensus sequence to identify LuxR binding sites in 3OC6-HSL-activated genes for which lux boxes could not be identified previously.
Comments on Terkelsen's "Schizophrenia and the Family: II. Adverse effects of family therapy".

These comments supplement Kenneth Terkelsen's paper by expanding on the ethical and moral issues faced by families of the chronically mentally ill in the current era of deinstitutionalization.
Social Control and Youth Suicidality: Situating Durkheim's Ideas in a Multilevel Framework:

Although the suicide rate among U.S. youth between the ages of 10 to 24 dramatically increased during the past 50 years, little research has examined this outcome within larger social contexts of the adolescent environment. Relying on Durkheim's theory of social integration, we examine the effect of individual- and structural-level social integration on adolescents' suicidality. Using a sample of 6,369 respondents within 314 neighborhoods, we examine the assumptions that high levels of religious, familial, neighborhood, and school integration are associated with fewer suicide attempts among youths. We find support for the traditional Durkheimian assumptions; specifically, the proportion of religiously conservative residents in a neighborhood reduces youths' risk of attempting suicide, as do individual-level controls of school and parental attachment. Moreover, we find evidence for a cross-level interaction between depression and neighborhood level of religiosity. Depression increases youths' risk of attem...
Some acid—base and complexation properties of silica-bound ligands

Abstract Several aspects of the acid-base properties of aminopropyl, aminoethylaminopropyl-, and 8-quinolinol silica gel (APSG, EDSG, and QSG, respectively) are considered. Acid wash of APSG and EDSG reduces the metal-uptake capacity to nearly zero. Following a base wash, most of this capacity is restored. Effective basicity of each silica gel is found to be significantly less than that of the free base analog for APSG and EDSG, but only slightly less for QSG. Hydrogen bonding of the γ-amine group to residual silanols is postulated as at least one cause of lower base-strengths, although dependence of p K b on the degree of neutralization is also a possibility. Solution equilibrium is reached very slowly in potentiometric pH titrations of the three modified silica gels, possibly because of diffusion or other kinetic phenomena. The bound amines possess 2:1 ligand-to-copper(II) stoichiometry. The bound 8-quinolinol exhibits a 1:1 ratio. A lower surface density and steric constraints of bound groups on QSG are possible reasons for the difference between 8-quinolinol and the amines.
The Miami Cooperative Community Study on the Copeland Intraocular Lens (Pseudophakos)

We reviewed 623 cases of Copeland iris plane implantation in an elderly population. Sixty-three percent of eyes achieved visual acuity of 6/12(20/40) or better. The incidence of significant corneal edema was low. Postoperative problems included cystoid macular edema, membranous-like structures, and iritis.
The Monster in a Dark Room: Frankenstein, Feminism, and Philosophy

It is as a giant that the creature makes his first appearance in Frankenstein. He is the “strange sight” that attracts Walton’s attention, a “being which had the shape of a man but apparently of gigantic stature” and clearly of a different kind from Frankenstein, the wretched, emaciated stranger Walton’s crew pulls aboard the vessel. The creature’s “miserable frame” embodies the omission of infancy and childhood from Frankenstein’s conception. The creature does not come to life as a small, helpless infant in need of the care of others; his height and vigor are exaggerated inversions of the tininess and weakness of newborns. The long period of becoming (human) that follows birth and entails varied and prolonged dependence on others is precluded by the mature form that the creature has at birth. He himself associates the absence of a formative history of dependence and relation with his grossly anomalous physical shape as he describes his developing sense of being “similar [to], yet strangely unlike” human beings: “I was unformed in mind; I was dependent on none, and related to none. . . . My person was hideous and my stature gigantic.”1 The creature’s
Mixing for reaction injection molding. I. Impingement mixing of liquids

The performance of confined impinging jet mixers, commonly used in reaction injection molding, was investigated. A theory is presented which assumes that large scale mixing is always adequate, provided the mixer operates in turbulent flow, and argues that the scale of segregation of the final mixture should depend on the size of the smallest eddies of the turbulent motion. The theory predicts that a length scale describing the quality of the mixture will decrease like the nozzle Reynolds number to the −3/4 power. Flow visualization experiments were used to find the point of transition to turbulent mixing flow. This transition occurs at a nozzle Reynolds number of 140 for directly opposed nozzles and at higher Reynolds numbers for nozzles angled downstream. Other geometric factors have little influence on the transition point. Quantitative mixing experiments using model fluids support the theory. Momentum ratio is shown to have no effect on mixing quality.
Below- and Aboveground Spartina alterniflora Production in a Louisiana Salt Marsh

The monthly variations of below- and aboveground biomass of Spartina alterniflora were documented for a south Louisiana salt marsh from March 2004 to March 2005, and in March 2006 and 2007. The annual production rate above- and belowground was 1821 and 11,676 g m−2, respectively (Smalley method), and the annual production rate per biomass belowground was 10.7 g dry weight−1, which are highs along the latitudinal distributions of the plant’s range. The average root + rhizome/shoot ratio (R&R/S) was 2.6:1, which is lower than the R&R/S ratios of 4 to 5.1 reported for Spartina sp. marshes in the northeastern US. The belowground biomass increased from July to September and fluctuated between October and November, after which it declined until February when the growing season began. The belowground biomass was dominated by rhizomes, which declined precipitously in spring and then rose to a seasonal high in the month before declining again as the late summer rise in inflorescence began. Over half of the root biomass in a 30-cm soil profile was in the upper 10 cm, and in the 10- to 20-cm profile for rhizomes. The maximum March biomass above- and belowground was four to five times that of the minimum biomass over the four sampling years. The net standing stock (NSS) of N and P in live biomass aboveground compared to that in the belowground biomass was about 1.7 times higher and equal, respectively, but the NSS of N and P for the live + dead biomass was about six times higher belowground. The average nitrogen/phosphorous molar ratios of 16:1 aboveground is in agreement with the often tested N limitation of biomass accumulation aboveground, whereas the 37:1 belowground ratio suggests that there is an influence of P on R&R foraging for P belowground. Some implications for management and restoration are, in part, that salt marshes should be evaluated and examined using information on the plant’s physiology and production both below- and aboveground.
Molecular and cytogenetic analyses of a patient with Prader-Willi syndrome who also had the phenotype of Angelman syndrome

Most cases of Prader-Willi syndrome are caused by partial deletion of the paternally derived chromosome 15, while maternally derived chromosome 15 is responsible for Angelman syndrome. We report the results of molecular and cytogenetic analyses of a patient who was given a final diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome, but also had manifestations consistent with Angelman syndrome. The patient was a 15-year-old boy. After birth, PraderWilli syndrome was diagnosedon fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), performed because of muscular hypotonia, failure to thrive, and bilateral cryptorchidism. However, at the age of 2 years, the diagnosis was revised to Angelman syndrome because of atypical absence, characteristic electroencephalographic discharges, mental retardation, and excessive laughter. At the age of 14 years, type 2 diabetes developed, and he is now receivinginsulin glargine and voglibose. The height is 147.0 cm (-3.68 SD), and the body weight is 55.0 kg (body mass index, 25.5 kg/m 2 ). He cannot speak any meaningful words or walk. He has hyperphagia, hypopigmentation, almond-shaped eyes, small hands and feet, and a large mouth and jaw. Chromosomal examination by G-banding stain revealed that the karyotype was a mosaic composed of 45, XY, der(1) t(1;15)(p36.3; q13), -15 and 46, XY, der(1) t(1;15) (p36.3; q13),-15 ,+mar. FISH did not detect signals of UBE3A/D15S10 with the probe for Angelman syndrome or SNRPN for Prader-Willi syndrome on the der(1) chromosome. The marker chromosome was derived from the short arm of chromosome 15. Methylation-specific PCR amplified the SNRPN gene using only primers specific for methylated gene. FISH for 1p36 deletion syndrome did not detect the deletion on the der(1) chromosome. We concluded that his diagnosis was Prader-Willi syndrome caused by the partial deletion of the long arm of chromosome 15, which had translocated onto chromosome 1. The clinical manifestations might have beenmodified by the complicatedstructural changes in chromosomesas well as by possible terminal deletion of the short arm of chromosome 1, which could not be detected on FISH.
Implementing a screening and diagnosis program for dementia in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Primary care physicians are positioned to provide early recognition and treatment of dementia. We evaluated the feasibility and utility of a comprehensive screening and diagnosis program for dementia in primary care. METHODS: We screened individuals aged 65 and older attending 7 urban and racially diverse primary care practices in Indianapolis. Dementia was diagnosed according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 criteria by an expert panel using the results of neuropsychologic testing and information collected from patients, caregivers, and medical records. RESULTS: Among 3,340 patients screened, 434 scored positive but only 227 would agree to a formal diagnostic assessment. Among those who completed the diagnostic assessment, 47% were diagnosed with dementia, 33% had cognitive impairment—no dementia (CIND), and 20% were considered to have no cognitive deficit. The overall estimated prevalence of dementia was 6.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5% to 6.6%) and the overall estimate of the program cost was $128 per patient screened for dementia and $3,983 per patient diagnosed with dementia. Only 19% of patients with confirmed dementia diagnosis had documentation of dementia in their medical record. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia is common and undiagnosed in primary care. Screening instruments alone have insufficient specificity to establish a valid diagnosis of dementia when used in a comprehensive screening program; these results may not be generalized to older adults presenting with cognitive complaints. Multiple health system and patient-level factors present barriers to this formal assessment and thus render the current standard of care for dementia diagnosis impractical in primary care settings.
Time-resolved Lyman α photometry in a chemical kinetic investigation of H + C2H4

Abstract An experiment is described in which reactions of hydrogen atoms, produced by mercury photosensitization, are followed in a real time experiment by time-resolved Lyman α photometry. Application of the technique to the reaction of hydrogen atoms with ethylene is described.
Phase transition and shock-compression parameters to 120 GPa for three types of graphite and for amorphous carbon

Shock-induced graphite-to-diamond phase transition pressures and Hugoniot parameters to 120 GPa are presented for pyrolytic, Ceylon natural, and synthetic graphites. The response of amorphous carbon to shock loading, including a shock-induced phase transition, is reported. Interpretations of discontinuities found in the shock-velocity versus particle-velocity plots are discussed in terms of the carbon phase diagram. Evidence of a solid-to-solid phase transition from diamond to a metallic state at very high pressure is described.
Cardiac Hypotensive Extract: Responses of Single Comb White Leghorn Hens Fed Low- or High-Sodium Diets

Abstract Experiments were conducted to determine if hypotensive responses to chicken cardiac hypotensive extract (CHE) or synthetic rat atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) are affected by dietary sodium. The CHE was significantly more hypotensive in chickens fed high-sodium diets than in chickens fed low-sodium diets. Atrial natriuretic peptide was equally hypotensive in both groups. Experiments were also conducted to determine whether CHE inhibits the hypertensive response to arginine vasotocin (AVT), the avian antidiuretic hormone. The acute hypertensive response to AVT was inhibited by CHE; and CHE reversed the AVT-induced increase in the baseline mean arterial blood pressure.
Comparing two estimations of the quadriceps force distribution for use during patellofemoral simulation

EMG analysis has indicated that the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis contribute less to the quadriceps moment during knee extension than the physiological cross-sectional areas (PCSA's) of the muscles indicate. Both PCSA- and EMG-based quadriceps force distributions were utilized while computationally simulating knee extension. For both distributions, a 10° increase in the Q-angle and a 50% decrease in the force applied by the vastus medialis were simulated, and the influence of these changes on the resultant force and moment applied by the quadriceps muscles and the patella tendon was quantified. For both quadriceps force distributions, increasing the Q-angle increased the lateral force and the moment acting to rotate the distal patella laterally. Due to the relatively large forces initially attributed to the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis for the PCSA-based quadriceps force distribution, decreasing the vastus medialis force created a large force imbalance between these two muscles. For the PCSA-based quadriceps force distribution, decreasing the vastus medialis force increased the lateral rotation moment and the moment acting to tilt the patella laterally. For the EMG-based quadriceps force distribution, decreasing the vastus medialis force produced relatively little change in the tilt and rotation moments. For both quadriceps force distributions, increasing the Q-angle increased the maximum and mean cartilage pressure during flexion, but decreasing the vastus medialis force only increased the cartilage pressures for the PCSA-based quadriceps distribution. The choice of the initial quadriceps distribution can influence the outcome of patellofemoral simulation when manipulating quadriceps muscle forces.