cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural and ligand binding analyses of the periplasmic sensor domain of RsbU in Chlamydia trachomatis support a role in TCA cycle regulation.

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular bacteria that undergo dynamic morphologic and physiologic conversions upon gaining an access to a eukaryotic cell. These conversions likely require the detection of key environmental conditions and regulation of metabolic activity. Chlamydia encodes homologs to proteins in the Rsb phosphoregulatory partner-switching pathway, best described in Bacillus subtilis. ORF CT588 has a strong sequence similarity to RsbU cytoplasmic phosphatase domain but also contains a unique periplasmic sensor domain that is expected to control the phosphatase activity. A 1.7 A crystal structure of the periplasmic domain of the RsbU protein from C. trachomatis (PDB 6MAB) displays close structural similarity to DctB from Vibrio and Sinorhizobium. DctB has been shown, both structurally and functionally, to specifically bind to the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate succinate. Surface plasmon resonance and differential scanning fluorimetry of TCA intermediates and potential metabolites from a virtual screen of RsbU revealed that alpha-ketoglutarate, malate and oxaloacetate bound to the RsbU periplasmic domain. Substitutions in the putative binding site resulted in reduced binding capabilities. An RsbU null mutant showed severe growth defects which could be restored through genetic complementation. Chemical inhibition of ATP synthesis by oxidative phosphorylation phenocopied the growth defect observed in the RsbU null strain. Altogether, these data support a model with the Rsb system responding differentially to TCA cycle intermediates to regulate metabolism and key differentiation processes.
Self-Efficacy and Kinematics: Establishing a Relationship between Kinematics and Task Challenge of a Goal Directed Reaching Task in Unimpaired Adults

The recovery of Upper Extremity (UE) motor function is essential for activity of daily living (ADL) performance in individuals with impairment post-stroke. During this recovery process, task difficulty may cause individuals to avoid certain behaviors beneficial to their rehabilitation. Because most ADL performance occurs in the home, monitoring task performance and task difficulty in the ambient setting is a necessary aspect of identifying and correcting UE motor deficits. In this study, we focus on determining relationships between a kinematic measure of performance and task challenge. Ten non-disabled participants completed a reaching task and target dependent self-efficacy assessments based on a validated goal directed paradigm. The participants also completed assessments of UE motor function, which were used to establish initial, task specific self-efficacy. The results of this study suggest that position pulse width is a kinematic indicator of relative task challenge in our goal directed reaching task. The results do not support a relationship between average pulse width and initial performer confidence level. These results may have implications for the eventual monitoring of participant confidence in ambient settings.
Healing of Bilateral Nipple Areolar Complex Necrosis by Secondary Intention.

Complete necrosis of the nipple, areola, or both is a uncommon complication of reduction mammaplasty, especially if it happens bilaterally. This case involving a young, black female illustrates that, in a large open wound of the breast, it would be ideal to leave it to heal by secondary intention as adding a skin graft would only speed up the healing process and not improve the result with the additional risk of keloid at the donor site. This open wound of the breast was treated with progressive surgical debridement while assessing the affected area in order to preserve as much tissue as possible due to the sensitive nature of the wound along with wet to dry dressing changes and antibiotic solution treatment. Our report suggests an additional approach to the standard of care involving a free flap to improve aesthetic outcomes.
Data on Gun Violence: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It?

In this chapter, we review the main sources of federal data on guns and gun violence and identify some of the fundamental gaps in available data. We also make recommendations for filling data gaps that can inform gun violence prevention.
Programmed Death Ligand 1 and Immune Cell Infiltrates in Solitary Fibrous Tumors of the Pleura.

Background Approximately 10% to 15% of patients with solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura (SFTP) have recurrence after resection. Many are not candidates for reresection and lack effective treatments. We explored the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a biomarker for candidacy for treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Methods We reviewed the medical records of 52 patients with primary SFTP and 5 with recurrent SFTP. We performed immunohistochemistry on tumor tissue to determine the expression of PD-L1 and infiltration by cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8)-positive immune cells. Results Any PD-L1 expression was observed in 11 primary SFTP (21.2%). Overall, PD-L1 expression level was less than 1% in 10 patients (19.2%) and greater than 1% in 1 (1.9%). Tumor infiltration by CD8-positive immune cells was absent or rare in 13 patients (25%), less than 5% in 31 (59.6%), and 5% to 25% in 8 (15.4%). There were no associations between PD-L1 expression or immune cell infiltrates and known risk factors for recurrence or a prognostic risk score classification. Time to recurrence was strongly associated with the risk score classification (P Conclusions A small subset of SFTP express PD-L1 at low levels (
Technology CAD for Dual-Bit Non-volatile Flash Memory to Enhance Storage Capability

A flash memory cell may store a single bit (single-level cell-SLC) or multi-bit binary data (multi-level cell-MLC). MLC devices are of less cost and allowed for higher storage density. Here, a dual-bit storage flash memory cell is presented which is capable to store two bits of information. It consists of two floating gates. One is present at the drain side, and the other one is present at the source side. The floating gates are electrically isolated from all the other electrodes by an inter-gate dielectric. The control gate and floating gate are separated by the control oxide layer, and the floating gate and substrate are separated by the tunnel oxide layer. Programming of the memory can be achieved by hot-carrier injection or F-N tunneling while erasing of the memory can be achieved by F-N tunneling.
Challenges and Opportunities in Using Data Science for Homelessness Service Provision

Homelessness service provision, a task of great societal relevance, requires solutions to several urgent problems facing our humanity. Data science, that has recently emerged as a potential catalyst in addressing long standing problems related to human services, offers immense potential. However, homelessness service provision presents unignorable challenges (e.g., assessment methods and data bias) that are are seldom found in other domains, requiring cross-discipline collaborations and cross-pollination of ideas. This work summarizes the challenges offered by homelessness service provision tasks, as well as the problems and the opportunities that exist for advancing both data science and human services. We begin by highlighting typical goals of homelessness service provision, and subsequently describe homelessness service data along with their properties, that make it challenging to use traditional data science methods. Along the way, we discuss some of the existing efforts and promising directions for data science, and conclude by discussing the importance of a deep collaboration between data science and domain experts for synergistic advancements in both disciplines.
Gaming the Classroom Viewing Learning Through the Lens Self Determination Theory

Educators, designers and curriculum creators are interested in developing educational experiences that replicate the fun aspect of video games to increase student intrinsic motivation. This aspect, which compels players to engage with the game and persist despite failing, has the potential to increase student academic success. Researchers used mixed-methods to investigate the results of an instructional design that attempted to replicate the fun aspect of video games in a remedial algebra class. The study offered insight on the ways in which student motivation might be better developed and refined in educational settings using game-based approaches. Results indicated that some students enjoyed the freedom of choosing their own quests to complete while others felt lost in the new environment. It is important to game and instructional designers to scaffold the transition from traditional classroom to a game-based classroom.
Design and implementation of high-speed symmetric crossbar schedulers

Crossbar architectures are widely used to implement high-performance network switches and routers. A crossbar switch can transfer cells between multiple ports simultaneously by closing multiple cross points. This crossbar configuration must be determined by an intelligent centralized scheduler that can ensure fairness and high utilization. In this paper, we describe the design and implementation of two symmetric scheduling algorithms for configuring crossbars in input-queued switches that support virtual output queueing. Our target is a fast packet switch that can support 32 ports, each operating at 20 Gbps. Using a 0.35 /spl mu/m CMOS process, the faster of the two schedulers is capable of configuring a 32/spl times/32 crossbar once every 12.61 ns. Our scheduler designs are based on a two-dimensional ripple carry arbiter architecture. To ensure fairness, both architectures support a round robin priority rotation scheme. Based on network simulations, we show that our arbiter designs can achieve near optimal system performance.
Providing Effective Feedback

The article explains how professors can provide effective feedback to students in the context of an individualized meeting. To be effective, feedback must build on the student's current abilities. Feedback should also be specific and positive, explaining exactly what the student should do, rather than focusing on what the student shouldn't do. Only a manageable amount of feedback should be given at any one time, but feedback must be frequent, allowing the student to incorporate the feedback into his or her work.
Empowerment, the Medical Model, and the Politics of Clienthood

The relationship among clienthood, autonomy, community, and derivatives of the medical model found in the human services is critically analyzed. Its influence on the concept of empowerment, which has become a common but vaguely defined ideal in human service theory, is examined. Implications for human service practitioners are discussed.
Ball Busters: How the IRS Should Tax Record-Setting Baseballs and Other Found Property under the Treasure Trove Regulation

Currently, a vital debate has the country split in two - a debate that tears at the very fabric of America's tradition and culture: how should the IRS tax the catcher of a record-setting baseball? This question has raised the ire of Congress, confounded the IRS, and riled up tax geeks across the country. There are two prevalent conflicting views on the proper tax treatment when someone catches a record-setting baseball and does not immediately return it. The view that comports with the tax code requires the taxpayer to recognize gain on the record-setting ball, for its fair market value, in the year the taxpayer acquires undisputed possession. The taxpayer-friendly view is to allow the taxpayer to defer tax on the record-setting ball until (and only if) the taxpayer sells it. Aside from the fact that this issue involves taxing America's pastime, taxing record-setting baseballs is important for two reasons. First, the principles behind taxing record-setting baseballs apply to all found property. Second, taxing record-setting baseballs is highly publicized, perhaps more than any other taxation issue. This issue reaches mainstream America and is largely on a level that the average taxpayer can comprehend. Thus, taxing record-setting baseballs is incredibly important for the IRS to maintain and manage taxpayer morale. This Article begins in Part I with an overview of relevant income taxation fundamentals, focusing primarily on accession to wealth and realization of income. Part II discusses the potential tax consequences of catching a record-setting baseball. The discussion begins with the comparatively straightforward scenario whereby the person who catches the record-setting ball (the "catcher") returns it to the club or batter. The discussion then turns to the two primary taxation theories implicated when the catcher does not immediately return the ball: ignore the treasure trove regulation and tax only upon sale, or tax immediately because the ball is an accession to wealth and thus realized income. Additionally, this part will conclude by looking at several variations that could have significantly different tax consequences. Part III discusses the tax implications of destroying a record-setting ball. Part IV concludes with a proposed solution: tax the catcher of the record-setting ball immediately on the retail price of the baseball, then treat the increase in value as unrealized gain, and tax the catcher on that gain if the catcher sells the ball.
Optical instrumentation for science and formation flying with a starshade observatory

In conjunction with a space telescope of modest size, a starshade enables observation of small exoplanets close to the parent star by blocking the direct starlight while the planet light remains unobscured. The starshade is flown some tens of thousands of kilometers ahead of the telescope. Science instruments may include a wide field camera for imaging the target exoplanetary system as well as an integral field spectrometer for characterization of exoplanet atmospheres. We show the preliminary designs of the optical instruments for observatories such as Exo-S, discuss formation flying and control, retargeting maneuvers and other aspects of a starshade mission. The implementation of a starshade-ready WFIRST-AFTA is discussed and we show how a compact, standalone instrument package could be developed as an add-on to future space telescopes, requiring only minor additions to the telescope spacecraft.
Sulfiredoxin Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis through a Novel Mechanism of Enhancing EGFR Signaling

Sulfiredoxin (SRXN1/Srx) is a multifunction enzyme with a primary antioxidant role of reducing the overoxidized inactive form of peroxiredoxins (Prxs). The function and mechanisms of Srx in cancer development are not well understood. Here, Srx is preferentially expressed in human colorectal cancer cells but not in normal colon epithelial cells. Loss-of-function studies demonstrate that knockdown of Srx in poorly differentiated colorectal cancer cells not only leads to the inhibition of colony formation and cell invasion in vitro, but also reduces tumor xenograft growth and represses metastasis to distal organs in a mouse orthotopic implantation model. Notably, exactly opposite effects were observed in gain-of-function experiments when Srx was ectopically expressed in well-differentiated colorectal cancer cells. Mechanistically, expression of Srx enhances the activation of MAPK signaling through increasing the C-terminal tyrosine phosphorylation levels of EGFR. This function of Srx is mediated through its inhibition of EGFR acetylation at K1037, a novel posttranslational modification of EGFR in human colorectal cancer cells identified by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI/MS-MS) proteomic analysis. Furthermore, abolishment of K1037 acetylation in human colorectal cancer cells by site-specific mutagenesis leads to sustained activation of EGFR–MAPK signaling. Combined, these data reveal that Srx promotes colorectal cancer cell invasion and metastasis through a novel mechanism of enhancing EGFR signaling. Implications: Sulfiredoxin is a critical oncogenic protein that can be used as a molecular target to develop therapeutics for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 13(12); 1554–66. ©2015 AACR.
Natural Resources and Economic Development: Does water availability constrain economic development?

The previous two chapters of Part II focused on the economic factors and conditions determining land conversion in developing countries. This chapter is concerned with the problem of freshwater availability and use, which was highlighted in Chapter 1 as an important “stylized fact” of the role of natural resources in economic development for many low- and middle-income economies.
Understanding salespeople's learning experiences through blogging: A social learning approach

Abstract Social media has changed the way many salespeople work and interact with their customers and coworkers. We examined 200 salespeople's blogs using netnography method. Drawing on social learning theory and real salespeople's blogs, we illustrate how and why salespeople can learn by reading and writing blogs. Our findings show that writing and reading blogs can be a helpful learning tool for many salespeople and the findings also suggest that companies should consider using blogging as a sales training tool. Our research contributes to marketing and sales literature two ways. First, our study provides a theoretical foundation for future work on social learning theory and online learning in areas of marketing, sales, and business education. Second, our study confirms the importance and usefulness of netnography method beyond its current usage in marketing and sales management. We conclude our paper with avenues for future research.
Low-temperature solvent fractionation of corn oil and calculation of its glyceride structure

Corn oil was subjected to a low-temperature solventfractionation process and separated into 19 glyceride fractions; the glyceride structures of the fractions were calculated and added to obtain the glyceride structure of the oil. The experimentally obtained glyceride structure was compared to the structures calculated according to the mono-acid triglyceride, random, even, and partial random schemes and was found to agree most closely with the partial random system.
Characterization of a Rickettsia rickettsii DNA fragment analogous to the firA-ORF17-lpxA region of Escherichia coli

Abstract The firA and lpxA genes, as well as an ORF coding for a putative 16-kDa protein of unknown function, have been identified and characterized in the obligate intracellular bacterium, Rickettsia rickettsii . This is the first description of these genes, which code for enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of lipid A, in a species outside of the Enterobacteriaceae. The deduced amino acid (aa) sequences of FirA, ORF16 and LpxA of R. rickettsii , when compared to their Escherichia coli analogs, exhibited 35, 44 and 41% aa identity, respectively. In addition, the order of genes in R. rickettsii , firA ORF16- lpxA , was identical to that found in E. coli ; however, the spacing between the rickettsial genes was greater. Interestingly, the R. rickettsii FirA and LpxA deduced proteins retain an unusual hexapeptide repeat pattern found in E. coli and Salmonella typhimurium FirA/Ssc and E. coli LpxA, as well as other acyltransferases, providing additional support for the importance of this structure.
Antithyroid activity of some naturally occurring isothiocyanates in vitro

Abstract Allyl-, methyl-, and butyl-isothiocyanate profoundly depressed the iodination of amino acids by rat thyroid lobes in an in vitro system. Allylisothiocyanate, being the most soluble of the three, was studied in concentrations up to 10 −1 M. At higher concentrations, allylisothiocyanate depressed thyroidal iodide concentration as well as thyroidal biosynthesis. The effect of high concentrations was probably due to non-specific toxicity since it was not removed by leaching. Allylisothiocyanate, but not butylisothiocyanate, rapidly decomposed in aqueous solution.
Optical Artifacts in Digital Video Microscopy

The limits of digital video microscopy due to optical artifacts are explored. In particular, the contribution of out-of-focus layers in a bulk crystal to the optical image of an in-focus monolayer was investigated.
Religious coping and hospital admissions among adults with sickle cell disease

Although a well-established literature implicates religiosity as a central element of the African American experience, little is known about how individuals from this group utilize religion to cope with specific health-related stressors. The present study examined the relation between religious coping and hospital admissions among a cohort of 95 adults with sickle cell disease—a genetic blood disorder that, in the United States, primarily affects people of African ancestry. Multiple regression analyses indicated that positive religious coping uniquely accounted for variance in hospital admissions after adjusting for other demographic and diagnostic variables. Specifically, greater endorsement of positive religious coping was associated with significantly fewer hospital admissions (β = −.29, P < .05). These results indicate a need for further investigation of the roles that religion and spirituality play in adjustment to sickle cell disease and their influence on health care utilization patterns and health outcomes.
Internal Equatorial Planetary-Scale Waves in Shear Flow

Abstract The theory of internal equatorial Planetary-scale waves as developed by Matsuno and by Lindzen is extended to include the effects of shear in the basic state. By means of a numerical study we find that both the equatorial Kelvin wave (the gravest symmetric westerly mode) and the Yanai wave (the gravest anti- symmetric easterly wave), the two most commonly observed internal equatorial waves, are absorbed shortly before reaching critical levels where their frequencies are Doppler shifted to zero. Away from such levels, these waves retain their identity within shear zones. However, they become more closely confined to the equator as their Doppler-shifted frequencies are reduced. It is found, moreover, for a given frequency and vertical wavelength, that the vertical group velocity of the Yanai wave is smaller than that of the Kelvin wave. In addition, as the Doppler-shifted frequency ωˆ is reduced, the vertical group velocity of the Yanai wave diminishes as ωˆ3 while the vertical group velocity of Ke...
Vasovagal fainting: Deconditioning an autonomic syndrome

(continued) Regardless of its cause, fainting results from a complex series of physiologic interactions. Wright and asso­ ciates l reviewed the most frequently encountered types of fainting, one of which is particularly associated with an imbalance within the autonomic nervous system. This imbalance is precipitated by imagined or real exposure to bodily harm, to certain medical or surgical procedures, or to the sight of blood. Since it is mediated by the autonomic nervous system, this type of fainting has long been referred to as "vasovagal syncope" or "vasovagal syndrome."2 The syndrome begins with giddiness, pallor, sweat­ ing, increased respiration, and nausea, and if unop­ posed by corrective action leads to loss of conscious­ ness. This series of physiologic events represents a two-phase response. 3 Following an aversive situation, there is an initial sympathetically mediated increase in blood pressure and in heart rate. In the service of homeostasis, parasympathetic impulses are mobilized, only to lead to overshooting in the opposite direction. This second phase of the reaction consists of a decrease in heart rate, a marked fall in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. The present case report deals with an attempt to modify an example of this syndrome by covertly de­ sensitizing the autonomic nervous system response on which it is based.
Response to Letter by Tsuda Regarding Article, “Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Subclinical Carotid Atherosclerosis: The Northern Manhattan Study”

Response: We are grateful to Dr Tsuda for his interest in our work demonstrating an association between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels and thicker carotid plaque and carotid intima-media thickness. Raising the possibility that low bone mineral density (BMD), hypertension, stroke, and vitamin D deficiency may be related, he questions whether 25OHD levels are associated with blood pressure or BMD in our study. Although BMD was not measured in this cohort, low 25OHD levels are known to be associated with lower BMD and higher fracture rates.1 We found no association between 25OHD and hypertension. Those with and without hypertension had similar 25OHD levels (mean±SD 22.3±10 vs 22.3±11 ng/mL; P =1.0). Likewise, 25OHD deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was not associated with the presence of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5–1.4). There …
Five aspects of engineering complex systems emerging constructs and methods

This paper introduces and describes a five aspect framework for the engineering of complex systems. The framework serves three purposes: (1) characterizing and elaborating engineering methods to ensure coverage of essential aspects; (2) providing an organizing taxonomy for research initiatives related to developing methods and practices; and (3) providing a focusing framework to develop management and innovation strategies for complex systems. The framework has been useful in structuring an engineerig methods research program and assessing the balance of methods under development both within each of the aspects, as well as in combination. This paper describes the use of the framework for the first two purposes, with illustration of its use for descriptive purposes, and as applied to development of a comprehensive research portfolio for evolving advanced engineering methods.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN ANAESTHETIC TOXICITY: FLUROXENE AND TRIFLUOROETHANOL IN MICE

SUMMARY A sex difference in postanaesthetic mortality after fluroxene anaesthesia was found in Swiss Webster mice. More males succumbed than females. This toxicity was biotransformation-dependent and could be reversed by pretreatment with “opposite” sex hormones. The toxicity of the fluroxene metabolite trifluoroethanol also was more marked in male mice, but was only partially influenced by microsomal enzyme inhibitors or stimulators, or by sex hormones.
Cushing's disease after surgical resection and radiation therapy for nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma.

ABSTRACT Objective To describe a patient with an aggressive nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma in whom Cushing’s disease developed after two resections of tumor and radiation therapy. Methods We present a case report, with serial laboratory and immunohistochemical data, and summarize information about similar patients described in the medical literature. Results A 48-year-old woman had irregular menstrual periods, decreased peripheral vision, headaches, and weight gain. Laboratory and radiologic investigation revealed a large nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma. Transsphenoidal subtotal resection of the tumor improved her vision. Results of immunohistochemical studies were positive for β-follicle-stimulating hormone and β-luteinizing hormone. She had radiation therapy 1 year postoperatively for rapidly enlarging residual tumor. Bifrontal craniotomy was done 3 months later because of worsening vision. The pituitary adenoma from the second surgical procedure stained negatively for all pituitary hormones. Postoperatively, she received tapering doses of prednisone for 4 months. Two months after the last dose of prednisone, she had signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism. Inferior petrosal sinus venous sampling studies for plasma corticotropin confirmed the presence of Cushing’s disease. She did not tolerate medical therapy. Bilateral adrenalectomy led to remission of hypercortisolism. Conclusion Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors often come to clinical attention when they are large and cause symptoms associated with hypopituitarism or invasion of parasellar structures. In contrast, functioning pituitary tumors may have few compressive symptoms if they manifest with complaints attributable to excessive pituitary hormones. (Endocr Pract. 2002;8:292-295)
Constrained age of Glacial Lake Narragansett and the deglacial chronology of the Laurentide Ice Sheet in southeastern New England

The lack of radiocarbon ages and correlated varve sequences in southeastern New England has left the deglacial chronology of the region poorly constrained. A 265-year varve series from Glacial Lake Narragansett was constructed from eight continuous sediment cores collected from the Providence River, Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. This varve series could not be correlated with either the North American Varve Chronology or other varve sequences from southern New England or southeastern New York. The uncorrelated varve sequences presented here represent the minimum time of deposition within the northern segment of Glacial Lake Narragansett. These sequences, used in conjunction with the calibrated North American Varve Chronology and cosmogenic exposure ages from recessional end moraines, provide minimum (>19,400 cal BP) and maximum (<20,500 cal BP) ages for Glacial Lake Narragansett. Correlations with the updated Greenland (NGRIP and GRIP) ice core records suggest that cold periods associated with moraine formation are 200–250 years older than the cosmogenic exposure ages. Whereas many studies refer to the last glacial maximum occurring from 20,000 to 18,000 cal BP, the constrained age of Glacial Lake Narragansett suggests that at least for the southeastern portion of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, deglaciation was well underway by this time.
Pause induced early afterdepolarizations in the long QT syndrome: a simulation study.

Objective: The long QT syndrome (LQTS) is characterized by prolonged repolarization and propensity to syncope and sudden death due to polymorphic ventricular tachycardias such as torsade de pointes (TdP). The exact mechanism of TdP is unclear, but pause-induced early afterdepolarizations (EADs) have been implicated in its initiation. In this study we investigate the mechanism of pause-induced EADs following pacing at clinically relevant rates and characterize the sensitivity of different cell types (epicardial, midmyocardial, and endocardial) to EAD development. Methods: Simulations were conducted using the Luo–Rudy (LRd) model of the mammalian ventricular action potential (AP). Three cell types – epicardial, midmyocardial (M), and endocardial – are represented by altering the channel density of the slow delayed rectifier current, I Ks. LQTS is modelled by enhanced late sodium current (LQT3), or reduced density of functional channels that conduct I Kr (LQT2) and I Ks (LQT1). The cell is paced 40 times at a constant Basic Cycle Length (BCL) of 500 ms. Following a 1500 ms pause, an additional single stimulus is applied. Results: Our results demonstrate that pause-induced EADs develop preferentially in M cells under conditions of prolonged repolarization. These EADs develop at plateau potentials (‘plateau EADs’). Mechanistic investigation shows that prolongation of the plateau phase of the post-pause AP due to a smaller delayed rectifier potassium current, I Ks, and enhancement of the sodium-calcium exchange current, I NaCa, allows for the reactivation of the L-type calcium current, I Ca(L), which depolarizes the membrane to generate the EAD. Conclusions: APD is a very important determinant of arrhythmogenesis and its prolongation, either due to acquired or congenital LQTS, can result in the appearance of EADs. The formation of pause-induced EADs preferentially in M cells suggests a possible role for these cells in the generation of arrhythmias that are associated with abnormalities of repolarization (e.g., TdP). The ionic mechanism of pause-induced EADs involves reactivation of the L-type calcium current during the prolonged plateau of the post-pause AP.
Hydrocarbon budgets for Lake Washington1

Fluxes of hydrocarbons through Lake Washington show that urban stormwater runoff and river runoff are the major sources of petroleum hydrocarbons to the lake. Sedimentation is the primary removal process for these hydrocarbons.
Silicone-induced foreign body reaction and lymphadenopathy after temporomandibular joint arthroplasty

Eight patients with previously placed silicone temporomandibular joint (TMJ) implants were operated on again. Excised tissues from in and around the joint were histologically evaluated. In one case, a parotid lymph node was also examined. All specimens revealed fragmented, amorphous, refractile, but nonbirefringent, irregularly spherical foreign material consistent with fragmented silicone. Granulomatous inflammation and multinucleated giant cells were associated with the silicone material. These findings demonstrated that silicone may not be a totally inert material and that its biomechanical properties are not ideal for use in the TMJ.
A decision-making framework for wildfire suppression

This paper addresses two fundamental issues that arise broadly in human response to natural hazards: the effect on overall costs of the high variability (power laws) in event size statistics and complexities associated with combining disparate sources of information in decision-making. To address these issues in a series of concrete scenarios, we analyse data for California wildfires. We also develop a modelling framework that projects costs based on the combination of a dynamic fire spread model, an economic cost model and population data. Our study uses model-generated fire catalogues to estimate the effect of suppression strategies on fire size, and our cost function incorporates both suppression costs and loss of assets. Together, these yield statistical estimates of the average economic impact of fire response policies. Tradeoffs between resource costs and assets at risk determine the optimal response for an individual fire. We also compare the costs of different policies for division of limited resources between multiple fires using scenarios motivated by the 2003 and 2007 California wildfire seasons.
Infrastructure conundrums: Investment and urban sustainability

Abstract This paper examines the case of electrical capacity for New York City as an example of the relationship between infrastructure, investment, and urban sustainability under conditions of de-regulation. The electrical system is one example of network infrastructures, traditionally regulated or state-owned, that have been subject to recent trends towards de-regulation and privatization. Power system deregulation introduces new investment market dynamics into the development of electrical resources. A game theoretic perspective provides an explanatory model for observed behavior in the New York metropolitan area power market, suggesting that large project development is constrained by uncertainties about other, competing projects and that, as a result, investment decisions may not occur in necessary timeframes to avoid severe capacity shortfalls. Such infrastructure shortfalls can greatly impact the sustainability of a city that competes in regional and global markets. The potential of smaller, demand-side investments is noted for avoiding the investment-decision uncertainties of large supply-side projects; however, the cost-effectiveness of such projects depends on their connection to an established network infrastructure. Reduced ability to control power plant investment in a deregulated market makes the mobilization of demand-side resources a more critical part of market performance in sustaining services over time.
Expression and shedding of CD44 variant isoforms in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Objectives The presence of CD44 isoforms was evaluated in ascitic fluid and serum samples of patients with gynecologic malignancies. Previously, the shedding of tumor-associated cell surface antigens has been demonstrated in the blood and malignant effusions of gynecologic cancer patients. Thus, the shedding of CD44 was also studied in ascitic fluids and sera of these patients, to address variant isofomt expression as a biomarker of gynecologic cancer.
Elite and Peasant During the Taiping Occupation of the Jiangnan, 1860-1864:

This poem, related to Chinese scholars by peasants sometime in the 1950s, captures the sense of expectation with which their forebears throughout south and central China had awaited the arrival of the Taiping rebels a century earlier. As promised in their document The Land System of the Heavenly Dynasty, the Talpings would eliminate the rich and elevate the poor until all were equal in status and wealth. Other folk songs and tales suggest that the peasantry's hopes were not misplaced; they speak repeatedly of rebel prohibitions against rent collection, the expropriation of landlord property and its redistribution to the landless, and the divestment of the elite of its power.' Western scholarship conveys an entirely different impression of life under Taiping rule, maintaining that only in their capital at Nanjing did the rebels attempt in any serious fashion to implement some of the ideals of their movement. Elsewhere, the Talpings, however revolutionary in intent, tended to be very conservative in action. According to Philip Kuhn and Frederic Wakeman, the
THE SYNTHESIS AND REARRANGEMENT OF CIS-M(CO)4(PPH3)CH2I (M = MN, RE)

Abstract Manganese and rhenium iodomethyl complexes, cis-M(CO)4(PPh3)CH2I (1a, M = Mn; 1b, M = Re) have been prepared by treating the corresponding methoxymethyl complexes, cis-M(CO)4(PPh3)CH2OCH3 (2a, M = Mn; 2b, M = Re) with (CH3)3SiI. The attempted alternate synthesis of 1a involving the reaction of cis-Mn(CO)4(PPh3)CHO with aqueous HI in toluene unexpectedly gave [(CO)4(PPh3)MnCH2]2O, 3. The manganese complex 1a undergoes spontaneous ligand rearrangement in solution at room temperature to cis-Mn(CO)4I(CH2PPh3), 4, whereas the rhenium analog 1b, is stable in solution.
Time and the Productivity of Agronomic Crops and Cropping Systems

Economic yield of a crop is always a function of a growth rate expressed over time, but historically plant processes associated with rates probably received more attention than those associated with time. Time influences crop productivity in two ways; the time devoted to the growth of the crop can affect yield, and the time available for plant growth in any environment determines the potential resource capture by the crop. These relationships were investigated using data describing the length of the vegetative and reproductive growth phases of major grain crops. The total growth duration (TGD) of six crop species (n = 83) varied from 62 to 185 d. Vegetative growth averaged 67% of TGD while the reproductive phase accounted for 33%. Total biomass was related to the TGD, and seed yield was related to the length of the reproductive phase. There was a curvilinear relationship between TGD and reproductive phase duration with the maximum reproductive phase occurring at a TGD of ~110 d. Consequently, selecting a longer TGD cultivar does not necessarily increase seed yield, making it difficult to convert the extra resources available in long growing seasons into seed yield. The length of the vegetative phase can be manipulated to enhance yield or production efficiency by, for example, shortening it to place reproductive growth in a more favorable environment or to reduce the irrigation requirement. Involving time as well as rate in efforts to improve yield provides more opportunities to increase food supplies in the future.
Detecting basic topological changes in sensor networks by local aggregation

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can provide real-time information about geospatial environments, and so have the potential to play an important role in the monitoring of geographic phenomena. The research reported in this paper uses WSNs to provide salient information about spatially distributed dynamic fields, such as regional variations in temperature or concentration of a toxic gas. The focus is on topological changes to areas of high-activity that occur during the evolution of the field. Topological changes investigated include region merging and splitting, and hole formation or elimination. Such changes are formally characterized, and an algorithm is developed that detects such changes by means purely of in-network processing. The efficiency of this algorithm is investigated both theoretically and using simulation experiments.
Influence of ormetoprim on the bioavailability, distribution, and pharmacokinetics of sulfadimethoxine in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

1. Half lives of distribution and elimination phases of 14C-sulfadimethoxine following i.v. dosing of sulfadimethoxine/ormetoprim (SDM/OMP, 42/8 mg/kg) were 0.4 and 16.1 hr respectively. The apparent volume of distribution was 503.9 ml/kg. 2. In vitro plasma protein binding of 14C-SDM was not altered by increasing concentrations of unlabeled OMP. Similarly, binding of 14C-OMP was not altered by SDM. 3. Peak plasma concentrations of 14C-SDM following oral administration of SDM/OMP were observed at 20 hr with an apparent bioavailability of 38%. 4. Oral dispositional studies revealed the highest concentrations of 14C-SDM in bile, intestine, liver and fat. 5. Parent SDM and N-acetylated SDM were detected in plasma from i.v. and orally dosed animals. 6. The pharmacokinetics and distribution of 14C-SDM were not influenced by OMP co-administration.
Stable, three-coordinate Ni(CO)(2)(NHC) (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes enabling the determination of Ni-NHC bond energies.

The synthesis and characterization of three- and four-coordinate Ni(CO)n(NHC) (n = 2, 3; NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) complexes are reported. Reactions with CO of the Ni(CO)2(NHC) complexes lead to the quantitative formation of Ni(CO)4. Investigation of this reaction under equilibrium conditions allows for the determination of Ni−NHC bond dissociation energies.
Stabilization of the MDM2 Oncoprotein by Interaction with the Structurally Related MDMX Protein

The MDM2 oncoprotein has transforming potential that can be activated by overexpression, and it represents a critical regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor protein. To identify other factors with a potential role in influencing the expression and/or function of MDM2, we utilized a yeast two-hybrid screening protocol. Here we report that MDM2 physically interacts with a structurally related protein termed MDMX. The results obtained in these studies provide evidence that C-terminal RING finger domains, contained within both of these proteins, play an important role in mediating the association between MDM2 and MDMX. The interaction of these proteins interferes with MDM2 degradation, leading to an increase in the steady-state levels of MDM2. MDMX also inhibits MDM2-mediated p53 degradation, with subsequent accumulation of p53. Taken together, these data indicate that MDMX has the potential to regulate the expression and function of the MDM2 oncoprotein.
Activation of VTA GABA Neurons Disrupts Reward Consumption

The activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine (DA) neurons promotes behavioral responses to rewards and environmental stimuli that predict them. VTA GABA inputs synapse directly onto DA neurons and may regulate DA neuronal activity to alter reward-related behaviors; however, the functional consequences of selective activation of VTA GABA neurons remains unknown. Here, we show that in vivo optogenetic activation of VTA GABA neurons disrupts reward consummatory behavior but not conditioned anticipatory behavior in response to reward-predictive cues. In addition, direct activation of VTA GABA projections to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) resulted in detectable GABA release but did not alter reward consumption. Furthermore, optogenetic stimulation of VTA GABA neurons directly suppressed the activity and excitability of neighboring DA neurons as well as the release of DA in the NAc, suggesting that the dynamic interplay between VTA DA and GABA neurons can control the initiation and termination of reward-related behaviors.
An application of support vector machines and symmetry to computational modeling of perception through visual attention

Abstract Eye movement is connected with attention and visual perception. Our previous research provided a computational model for detection of symmetry, and a case was made for a dynamic model of symmetry detection based on adaptive saccades and visual attention. Here, we present a computational model of saccade target selection and simulate its action in the context of perception of global periodic symmetry of surfaces using local (foveal) symmetry approximations to direct saccadic eye movements. Target selection is modeled via support vector machine regression. The motivation for support vector model finds its justification in the properties of the superior colliculus.
Origin of Support Effects on the Reactivity of a Ceria Cluster

The interaction between an active oxide and an oxide support plays a critical role in controlling the reactivity of oxide-on-oxide catalysts. In the present study, the reactivity of a small ceria cluster (Ce2O4) supported on the reducible monoclinic zirconia and the irreducible γ-alumina was investigated using the first-principles density functional theory method. Our results showed that the binding energies of the Ce2O4 cluster on the supporting ZrO2(111) and γ-Al2O3(100) substrates are −5.32 and −4.06 eV, respectively, indicating a very strong interaction. On the basis of these oxide-on-oxide model catalysts, the effects of supports on the reactivity of Ce2O4 cluster were probed by the adsorption of CO2 and CO. The acidic CO2 molecule chemisorbs at the O sites of the cluster, forming a carbonate-like (CO32−) species through an acid−base interaction. Neither ZrO2(111) nor γ-Al2O3(100) exhibits a significant effect on CO2 adsorption over the supported Ce2O4 cluster. In contrast, the reactive adsorption of...
Pulsed and color Doppler analysis of normal carotid bifurcation flow dynamics using an in-vitro model.

An anatomically accurate model of the human carotid bifurcation was studied by using color Doppler flow mapping and pulsed Doppler signal analysis.In concordance with dye injection studies,a zone of flow separation was clearly demonstrated at the origin of the internal carotid artery opposite the flow divider.
Superoxide-mediated decomposition of biological S-nitrosothiols

Incubation of S-nitrosocysteine or S-nitrosoglutathione (5-100 M) in the presence of a generator of superoxide (xanthine/xanthine oxidase) resulted in a time-dependent decomposition of S-nitrosothiols and accumulation of nitrite/nitrate in reaction mixtures. Quantitatively, the amounts of nitrite/nitrate represented >90% of nitrosonium equivalent of S-nitrosothiols degraded during the incubation. The reaction rates were unaffected by the presence catalase (1 unit/ml). Kinetic analysis showed that the degradation of S-nitrosothiols in the presence of superoxide proceeded at second order rate constants of 76,900 M-1 s-1 (S-nitrosocysteine) and 12,800 M-1 s-1 (S-nitrosoglutathione), respectively, with a stoichiometric ratio of 1 mol of S-nitrosothiol per 2 mol of superoxide. The findings provide the evidence for the involvement of superoxide in the metabolism of S-nitrosothiols. Furthermore, substantially slower reaction rates of superoxide with S-nitrosothiols relative to the reaction rate with NO are consistent with the contention that the transient formation of S-nitrosothiols in biological systems may protect NO from its rapid destruction by superoxide, thus enabling these compounds to serve as carriers or buffers of NO.