cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Murine leukemia virus with a primer-binding site complementary to tRNALys,3 adapts to select new tRNAs for replication following extended in vitro culture.

The preference of MuLV for the selection of tRNAPro as a replication primer was investigated by altering the primer-binding site (PBS) to be complementary to tRNALys,3. MuLV-based vectors with a PBS complementary to tRNALys,3 were found to be approximately 2-fold less infectious than vectors with the wild-type PBS complementary to tRNAPro. MuLV with a PBS complementary to tRNALys,3 was replication competent and maintained the PBS during early stages of in vitro culture. Upon extended culture, PBS were isolated which were complementary to tRNAArg. A second MuLV was generated in which the region upstream of the PBS which is predicted to form an RNA stem loop structure was altered so that the nucleotide sequence within the loop would be complementary to the anticodon of tRNALys,3. The virus with both the U5 and PBS complementary to tRNALys,3 was also replication competent. Upon extended in vitro culture though, this virus reverted to utilize tRNALys1,2. Analysis of the infectivity and replication of the wild-type and mutant viruses revealed that tRNAPro was the preferred tRNA for high-level replication. Viruses with a PBS complementary to tRNAArg or tRNALy1,2 replicated at levels approximately 30% and 10% as effective as the wild-type virus, while virus with a PBS complementary to tRNALys,3 had the slowest replication kinetics and least infectivity. Comparison of the virion tRNA content of the wild-type and mutant viruses revealed similar ratios with respect to levels of tRNAPro, tRNAArg and tRNALys. Modeling of the U5-PBS region revealed that the predicted RNA structure for the virus that selected tRNAArg was more similar to the wild type virus that uses tRNAPro than the virus which use tRNALys1,2 or tRNALys,3; the virus that uses tRNALys,3 had the most profound disruption in the predicted RNA structure. The results of these studies demonstrate that MuLV has evolved to preferentially select tRNAPro for high-level replication and are discussed with respect to common features of the primer selection process between MuLV and other retroviruses.
Managing alcoholic medical patients: The psychiatrist's role

Abstract Medical patients who are alcoholics frequently present management problems; and hospital staff members may be hampered in dealing with them by their personal experiences with alcoholics as well as their professional inexperience in the area of alcoholism. The consultation-liaison psychiatrist can help the staff to improve self-awareness and can serve as an educator and empathizer. Effective intervention can occur at the level of patient, staff, family, or social environment, as illustrated here in two case reports.
Current&#8212;Voltage and capacitance&#8212;Voltage characteristics of modulation-doped field-effect transistors

A model describing I-V and C-V characteristics of modulation doped FET's is developed and used to predict the performance of Al x Ga 1-x As/GaAs FET's in good agreement with our experimental results. It is shown that the change in the Fermi energy with the gate voltage changes the effective separation between the gate and the two-dimensional electron gas by about 80 A. Current-voltage characteristics were calculated using a two piece as well as a three piece linear approximation for the electron velocity and compared with experimental results. At 300 K, the two piece model overestimates the current predicted by the three piece model only by approximately 10-20 percent. At 77 K, however, the three piece linear approximation for the velocity field characteristic should be used since the electron mobility decreases very abruptly at about 200 V/cm. The effect of the nonlinear source resistance is also discussed along with the gate-to-source and gate-to-drain capacitances, parameters of paramount importance in determining device performance. These capacitances are calculated as functions of gate-to-source and drain-to-source voltages below saturation.
A TRANSISTORIZED CONSTANT CURRENT CONVERTER.

Abstract The circuit for a constant-current converter is presented. This provides a practical method for correcting the distortions of the stimulus current pulse resulting from variations in electrode impedance.
Amino acid limitation induces down-regulation of WNT5a at transcriptional level.

An aberrant WNT signaling contributes to the development and progression of multiple cancers. WNT5a is one of the WNT signaling molecules. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that amino acid deprivation induces changes in the WNT signaling pathway in colon cancer cells. Results showed that targets of the amino acid response pathway, ATF3 and p21, were induced in the human colon cancer cell line SW480 during amino acid limitation. There was a significant decrease in the WNT5a mRNA level following amino acid deprivation. The down-regulation of WNT5a mRNA by amino acid deprivation is not due to mRNA destabilization. There is a reduction of nuclear {beta}-catenin protein level by amino acid limitation. Under amino acid limitation, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was increased and the blockage of ERK1/2 by the inhibitor U0126 partially restored WNT5a mRNA level. In conclusion, amino acid limitation in colon cancer cells induces phosphorylation of ERK1/2, which then down-regulates WNT5a expression.
The evolving narrative of the Darfur conflict as represented in The New York Times and The Washington Post, 2003–2009

News media influence local to global interactions between people, societies, and governments by producing place images. Representations of Africa in Western news media are heavily imbued with colonialist notions of cultural geography. In particular, Western news media have represented conflicts in Africa as ‘tribal’, a trope that erases geographic and historical context, and discourages actions that could prevent or reduce violent conflict. To determine if ‘tribalism’ remains important in coverage of African conflict, we use framing analysis to evaluate news on Sudan’s Darfur region in The New York Times and The Washington Post during 2003–2009. We find that these newspapers predictably relied on stereotypes related to tribalism to simplify Darfur’s geography and make the conflict meaningful to intended readers. Tribal portrayal of African war is inherently political, and, problematically, neither newspaper recognized that their use of the tribal narrative was parallel to the views of both the Sudanese government and external observers that challenged the actions of the Sudanese government. However, we also found that stereotypical representations became less prominent over time, apparently because reporters found that the initial, simplistic framing of the conflict did not match their encounters with geographic reality. We emphasize the decline in stereotypical tropes, because this suggests behind-the-scenes negotiation about representations in these news organizations. Recognizing voices that challenge stereotypical portrayals is necessary to developing place images that are geographically more accurate.
747-3 Automatic Correction of Overestimation of Mitral Regurgitation Caused by the Proximal Flow Constraint: Digital Analysis of the Proximal Flow Convergence

We have previously shown that an adjacent proximal wall (AW) constrains the converging flow causing overestimation of mitral regurgitation calculated by the proximal flow convergence method (PFC). In this study we investigated a correction factor to overcome this overestimation. We hypothesized that the convergence angle is a function of wall distance (d) and proximal velocity contour at radius r from orifice and can be approximated as: π + 2tan-1d/r. Method Steady flow rates (32–285 mils) were produced through circular orifices with areas of 0.1 to 1.0 cm2and peak velocities of 310–510 cm/s. Different degree of wall constraint were studied with the AW at 1, 3, 5, and 10 from the orifice. True flow (Qt) was measured by timed collection. Digital color Doppler images (HP 1500) were transferred to a Pc. The centerline velocity profiles were plotted against distance from the orifice. Flow rate (Q) was calculated as Q = 2πr2v at velocities v between 5–10% of peak orifice velocity, assuming hemispheric flow convergence. Flow rate was also calculated using the corrected convergence angle as: Qc = (π + 2tan-1d/r)r2v (Fig. A). Results Without AW Q correlated closely with Qt(r = 0.95 p l 0.005 Q/Qt = 1.03 ± 0.08). However, with an AW velocity-distance profiles were shifted right and upward (Fig. B) leading to significant overestimation of Qt(Q/Qt = 1 50 ± 0.53). Using the convergence angle function almost completely corrected this overestimation with Qc/Qt = 1.06 ± 0.25. Conclusion 1) AW caused significant overestimation of Q calculated by PFC. 2) Adjusting the convergence angle as a function of wall distance and velocity contour almost completely corrected the overestimation. 3) This algorithm is suitable for automatization and will improve the application of PFC in a wider range of clinical situations. Download : Download high-res image (78KB) Download : Download full-size image
A quantum-mechanical method for calculating level widths and shifts, applicable to type I unimolecular predissociation

A quantum mechanical approach to type I unimolecular predissociation is developed in terms of Feshbach's optical potential. The resulting method is formally applicable to many cases of molecular breakup caused by the crossing of coupled bound and dissociative electronic surfaces. These include cases in which multiple bound and/or dissociative channels are accessible. There are two restrictions : (1) coupling among dissociative channels should be negligible, and (2) only two product fragments are allowed, of fixed atomic composition regardless of internal state. A harmonic oscillator coupled to a dissociative infinite-step or hard-sphere potential is used in comparing the usual perturbation theory results to the present approach.
The “Appropriate Bargaining Unit” Problem

I. Origin and scope of the problem, 93. — II. Two types of cases, 96. — Comparison with the Railway Labor Act, 96. — Policy of the Labor Board, 97. — III. Criticisms of the Board's administration of Section 9(b), 102. — The Supreme Court's decision, 105. — Three broad questions of social policy now seen to be involved, 106.
Transversely bounded DFB lasers

Bounded distributed-feedback (DFB) lasers are studied in detail. Threshold gain and field distribution for a number of configurations are derived and analyzed. More specifically, the thin-film guide, fiber, diffusion guide, and hollow channel with inhomogeneous-cladding DFB lasers are considered. Optimum points exist and must be used in DFB laser design. Different-modes feedback and the effects of the transverse boundaries are included. A number of applications are also discussed.
EXACT SOLUTIONS FOR ISING-MODEL CORRELATIONS IN THE 3-12 (EXTENDED KAGOME)LATTICE

The 3-12 (or extended kagom\'e) lattice is a three-coordinated irregular planar lattice having physical applications. Viewing its sites as the decoration sites of a doubly decorated honeycomb lattice, one proves via local star-triangle and double decoration-decimation transformations that 3-12 Ising correlations can be conveniently represented as linear combinations of honeycomb Ising correlations. Existent knowledge of all honeycomb Ising correlations upon a select (spatially compact) 10-site cluster is thus sufficient to determine all 3-12 Ising correlations upon an associated 18-site cluster. The total number of 3-12 Ising correlations defined upon this 18-site cluster is exceedingly large, but their actual count is less significant than the realization that each can now be found in a systematic and efficient fashion. Examples of resulting exact solutions for both even- and odd-number multisite correlations of the 3-12 Ising ferromagnet are presented at all temperatures. A simple scaling relationship is established between the asymptotic forms of the pair correlation in the 3-12 and honeycomb Ising models. Besides providing relatively direct derivations (no explicit magnetic fields or field derivatives) for the spontaneous magnetization and internal energy of the 3-12 Ising model, the mapping methods may be repeated recursively to secure Ising multisite correlations upon various other irregular planar lattices.
Posterior malformations in Dact1 mutant mice arise through misregulated Vangl2 at the primitive streak

Mice homozygous for mutations in Dact1 (also called Dapper or Frodo) phenocopy human malformations involving the spine, genitourinary system and distal digestive tract. We traced this phenotype to disrupted germ-layer morphogenesis at the primitive streak. Notably, heterozygous mutation of Vangl2, a transmembrane component of the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway, rescued recessive Dact1 phenotypes, whereas loss of Dact1 reciprocally rescued semidominant Vangl2 phenotypes. We show that Dact1, an intracellular protein, forms a complex with Vangl2. In Dact1 mutants, Vangl2 was increased at the primitive streak, where cells ordinarily undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition. This is associated with abnormal E-cadherin distribution and changes in biochemical measures of the PCP pathway. We conclude that Dact1 contributes to morphogenesis at the primitive streak by regulating Vangl2 upstream of cell adhesion and the PCP pathway.
A controlled environment study of the effect of leaf physiological age on the movement of apterous Myzus persicae on sugar-beet plants

SUMMARY Apterous Myzus persicae were found to move frequently from leaf to leaf on sugar-beet plants in controlled environment conditions. It is suggested that aphid movement can be related to changes in the rate and content of translocate flow during leaf development. These changes make newly-emerged leaves nutritionally favourable to colonising aphids and make expanding leaves slowly wane in favourability during the process of ‘sink to source’ conversion leading to aphid dispersal from the leaf. Variation in temperature was not found to alter the rate of aphid movement or the period (measured in thermal time) that aphids spent on particular leaves. However, the lower temperature was found to increase the rate of aphid development, aphid size and fecundity; these effects could also be due to nutritional factors. This dispersal behaviour may be a tactic to maximise food intake by a polyphagous aphid and increase the probability that nymphs are deposited on nutritionally-favourable leaves. The implications of the interleaf dispersal of apterous M. persicae for within- and between-plant spread of beet yellows virus (BYV) and beet mild yellowing virus (BMYV) are discussed.
A study of aluminum speciation in aluminum chloride solutions by small angle x-ray scattering and 27Al NMR

Aluminum ions may exist in one of several different types of polynuclear species depending upon the degree to which it is hydrolyzed. The hydrolysis of aluminum can be explained by a metastable equilibrium among Al(H2O)3+6, Al(OH)(H2O)2+5, Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)7+12, and an oligomer. We have made small angle x-ray scattering and 27Al NMR measurements on 0.3 M aluminum chloride solutions over a range of OH/Al ratios. 27Al NMR shows two sharp peaks corresponding to the monomer Al(H2O)3+6 and the tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum in Al13O4(OH)24(H2O)7+12, and a broad peak due to the octahedrally coordinated aluminum in the oligomer. The observed radius of gyration (Rg) of the species in solution increases from 3.0 to 3.6 A, and the intensity at zero angle (which is proportional to the weight average molecular weight of the species) also increases as the OH/Al ratio increases from 1.0 to 2.2. The oligomer has an Rg of approximately 3.3 A, a hydrolysis ratio close to 2.0, and may be a six-membered ring with a structure similar to that of a gibbsite layer.
An overview of sexually transmitted diseases. Part II

Sexually transmitted diseases are a persistent problem in the United States and throughout the world. Many of these infections involve the skin and may be encountered in the field of dermatology. This 3-part review highlights the cutaneous features, diagnosis, and treatment of 11 of the most commonly encountered sexually transmitted diseases, other than AIDS. However, this review does not cover sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, which do not regularly have cutaneous manifestations. Part 1 focuses on syphilis, disseminated gonococcal infection, chancroid, lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale, and genital herpes. Additional features, such as epidemiology and transmission of the organism, are discussed when applicable.
Feed intake in channel catfish: is there a genetic component?

Increasing catfish growth is a primary objective of our broodstock improvement programme, and growth is at least partly dependent on voluntary feed intake. Two experiments were conducted to determine the genetic component of feed intake, and the relationship between feed intake and growth in sib-groups of channel catfish. In the first experiment, 10 fish from each of 31 full-sib families from the USDA-103 strain of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), were individually identified with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and distributed into two replicate tanks, five fish from each family to each tank. Fish were fed to apparent satiation with feed labelled with an X-ray opaque marker for one meal, radiographed, and feed intake was quantified for each individual. Genetic effects (broad sense heritability) accounted for approximately 41% of the phenotypic variation in feed intake. These fish were then grown for 5 months and the mean change in weight of the family groups was significantly correlated with mean feed intake (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). A subsequent experiment compared the feed intake of 100 families of catfish with their growth rate over the previous 2 months. Each family was grown in a separate 800 L tank. Fish were fed to apparent satiation daily and mean weight was determined monthly. After the 2 month growth period, fish were fed the labelled feed to apparent satiation, 28–30 individuals from each family/tank were radiographed, and individual feed intake was determined. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.54, P < 0.0001) between mean specific growth rate and mean feed intake (% consumption) was demonstrated. Taken together, these results suggest that individual feed intake has a heritable basis, and should be responsive to selection. Selection for increased feed intake could result in a correlated response of increased growth.
Simulated annealing strategies for molecular dynamics

Abstract We present a convenient implementation of constant-thermodynamic-speed simulated annealing for molecular dynamics calculations. Sample results are shown for finding the ground states of 13-Al and 55-Al clusters by classical molecular dynamics and by ab initio quantum molecular dynamics using the Car-Parrinello formalism.
Experimental Evidence of the Kraichnan Scalar Spectrum at High Reynolds Numbers

AbstractMeasurements of horizontal temperature gradient spectra were carried out in a 25 m × 12 m × 3 m freshwater well mixed swimming pool. The associated flow Reynolds number was found to vary from 4 × 103 to 6 × 103. In all analyzed cases, at large wavenumbers k, the temperature gradient spectra exhibited behavior consistent with the Kraichnan spectral form: ~exp[−(6qk)1/2k] with constant . The measurements are in agreement with direct numerical simulations of a passive scalar flow with of Bogucki et al. and with recent experimental observations of Sanchez et al.
Numbers that count: analytic methods for hospital epidemiology, Part 1.

Abstract The hospital epidemiologist is responsible for generating information that will be used to evaluate and assure high quality, minimal risk medical care. To accomplish this objective, the epidemiologist uses standard epidemiologic methods. Although used primarily in infection control, these methods are also applicable in the analysis of other types of institutional risks and in the assessment of quality of care. This review provides the reader, who we assume has minimal formal training in epidemiology and statistics, with some basic tools for analyzing data and generating useful information. We consider three major topic areas: (1) basic concepts regarding numbers and data, (2) analysis of nominal data, and (3) analysis of discrete and continuous data. Hypothetical problems that may be encountered in the hospital illustrate the application of epidemiologic methods to studies of risk control, quality assurance, and infection control. The infection control practitioner who is adept in using epidemiologic methods to solve infection control problems should be able to adapt these methods to other programs in her or his institution.
Hyperlactataemia syndromes associated with HIV therapy

Summary Hyperlactataemia is seen in 8–18·3% of HIV-infected patients taking nucleoside-analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Recent epidemiological studies suggest that most episodes are transient and subclinical. However, symptomatic and occasionally life-threatening cases accompanied by metabolic acidosis and hepatic steatosis (ie, lactic acidosis syndrome) have also been described. Though yet to be fully elucidated, the proposed mechanism is NRTI-induced inhibition of mitochondrial DNA polymerase culminating in derangements in oxidative phosphorylation and lactate homeostasis. Signs and symptoms range from mild hyperlactataemia accompanied by nausea, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss to severe, intractable lactic acidosis complicated by coma and multi-organ failure. Significant progress has recently been made with regard to the natural history of NRTI-related hyperlactataemia. However, other important aspects of the disorder, such as its pathogenesis, predisposing conditions, and management, remain poorly understood. This article reviews the current published work on these issues, identifies areas of controversy, and addresses directions for future research.
Assessment of adequate safety margin using single coupling interval-upper limit of vulnerability test.

Purpose Upper limit of vulnerability (ULV) testing using T-wave scanning shocks at multiple coupling intervals correlates well with defibrillation threshold (DFT), but remains underutilized in clinical practice. We measured DFT and ULV at a single coupling interval (SCI), with the aim to identify adequate safety margin at a coupling interval that correlates best with DFT. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation underwent simultaneous SCI-ULV and DFT assessment. Following a drive train of 400 ms, a T-wave-coupled shock was delivered. To minimize shocks, patients were randomized to programmed shock at 20 ms before peak (Group I), at peak (Group II), or 20 ms after peak (Group III) of T wave. An initial T-wave test shock at 9 J was followed by ±2 J shocks, until SCI-ULV was ascertained. Device rescue shocks were programmed at test shock +2 J and +4 J shocks followed by external rescue shock. Results There were 200 patients: 66 patients in Group I, 67 patients each in Groups II and III; mean age was 68.9 ± 12.4 years; 75% of patients men, 66% with ischemic heart disease and mean ejection fraction of 27.1 ± 7.1%. Overall, the mean number of ventricular fibrillation induction was 1.39 ± 0.8, mean SCI-ULV energy was 7.97 ± 3.39 J, and mean DFT was 8.68 ± 3.19 J. The correlation between SCI-ULV and DFT improved from Group I to Group III and was best in Group III (r2 = 0.689). There were no major adverse events. Conclusions SCI-ULV measured 20 ms after the peak of the T wave correlates well with DFT for assessment of adequate safety margin.
Investigation of the effect of particle size on the 10 GHz microwave properties of Ba1−xSrxTiO3 / MgO composite ceramics

Abstract The objective of this study is to determine the effect of milling on the X-Band microwave properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 / MgO {wt% MgO= 0 to 60 wt%} composites. At low frequency, the effect of the reduction of the overall particle size of the materials from attritor milling is dependent on the additive oxide content; for samples with oxide content > 5.0 wt%, the dielectric constant, and tunability (%) are decreased. Whereas, milled Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 / MgO[1] {wt% MgO= 0 to 1 wt%} composites exhibit low loss tangents, higher tunabilities, and higher dielectric constants than unmilled samples. The present study is focused on the effect of milling on the dielectric properties of Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3 / MgO composites at microwave frequency. The samples were evaluated in a 10 GHz resonator cavity. Additionally, the effect of barium content and MgO content on the 10 GHz dielectric properties of BaxSr1−xTiO3 (x = 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60) / MgO (MgO = 1 − 60 Wt%) are investigated. These results are correlated with ...
The natural evolution of postpartum fatigue among a group of primiparous women.

A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted to examine the natural evolution of levels of fatigue, as measured by the Visual Analogue Scale-F, among a group of 36 primiparous women during the first 6 weeks postpartum The results revealed that this group of women experienced higher levels of morning fatigue across the 6 weeks than had previously been reported Their morning fatigue peaked at 4 weeks and then slowly decreased At the 6th week, the group mean for morning fatigue was 1.42 points (on a 100-point scale) lower than at the 1st week postpartum. suggesting women do not completely recover from the effects of pregnancy, childbirth, and transition to parenthood by 6 weeks postpartum. Maternal age and length of labor were found to be significantly related to the levels of fatigue and energy at various times during the 6 week postpartum period.
Deceptive Message Intent and Relational Quality

This study examines the popular belief that deception is necessary for maintaining relational quality. A total of 517 undergraduate students involved in close relationships served as research participants in this study. Eighty-nine participants were married, engaged, and/or living together, 200 were seriously dating, 100 were casually dating, and 128 were involved in close friendships. Members of relationships with low suspicion and high relational quality reported less use of deceptive messages and more use of other types of communication strategies to sustain their relationships than those in relationships with higher suspicion and lower relational quality. Additionally, lies told with the intent to protect a partner were related to higher suspicion levels in a relationship, as were lies told with the intent to benefit self or hurt a partner. Other types of messages designed to contribute to a positive relational environment were not strongly related to deceptive messages.
Activating and silencing histone modifications form independent allelic switch regions in the imprinted Gnas gene

Activation and suppression of gene transcription is tightly controlled by epigenetic modifications. The imprinted Gnas1 gene region contains closely juxtaposed maternally expressed (Nesp) and paternally expressed (Nespas, Gnasxl, Exon 1A) transcripts, providing a unique opportunity to study how epigenetic modifications change in nucleosomes from active to silenced promoters. Using 30 polymorphic sites across the Gnas1 gene region in (C57BL/6JxMus spretus) F(1) mice and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays we identified two allelic switch regions (ASRs) that mark boundaries of epigenetic information. We show that activating signals (histone acetylation and methylation of H3 Lys4) and silencing signals (histone methylation of H3 Lys9 and DNA methylation) segregate independently across the ASRs and suggest that these ASRs allow the transcriptional elongation to proceed through the silenced domain of nearby imprinted promoters. We discuss these findings in light of recent progress in the conceptualization of nucleosome remodeling during transcriptional elongation and in the development of histone code.
Promoter Sequences Necessary for High-Level Expression of the Plasmid-Associated ampC β-Lactamase Gene blaMIR-1

Little is known about mechanisms involved in high-level expression of plasmid-associated ampC genes. The sequence for blaMIR-1 has been elucidated, and the gene is not inducible. Although the sequence for the promoter (prA) that drives expression of Enterobacter cloacae chromosomal ampC is present upstream of blaMIR-1, high-level expression from blaMIR-1 is directed from a hybrid promoter (prB) located further upstream of prA. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of each promoter on blaMIR-1 expression and β-lactam resistance. RNA expression by deletion clones with both promoters was measured and compared to that by clones in which −35 and/or −10 elements of prA and/or prB were altered. Primer extension revealed two start sites for blaMIR-1 transcription. Expression of blaMIR-1 in clones with both promoters was 171-fold higher than that in clones carrying only prA. In addition, blaMIR-1 expression from prA increased 11-fold in the presence of the prB −10 element compared to expression driven from prA alone. Ceftazidime and cefotaxime MICs increased 42- and 64-fold, respectively, for the clone expressing blaMIR-1 from both promoters compared to expression from prA alone. The upstream promoter prB of blaMIR-1 is solely responsible for high-level expression required for cefotaxime and ceftazidime resistance. These data suggest that resistance to extended-spectrum cephalosporins mediated by noninducible plasmid-associated ampC genes requires the formation of novel promoter elements that are capable of increasing ampC expression.
Selective non-operative management of solid organ injury following abdominal gunshot wounds☆

Summary Background The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients sustaining a torso gunshot wound with documented solid organ injury. Our hypothesis was that the non-operative management of isolated solid organ injuries is a safe management option for a select group of patients. Methods A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was conducted to identify all patients sustaining a torso gunshot resulting in a solid organ injury undergoing non-operative management over a 5-year period (12/1999–01/2005). Patient demographics, injury details, diagnostic imaging, outcome and follow-up were reviewed. Results Of 644 gunshot wounds to the torso, 144 (22%) underwent non-operative management. Thirteen of these patients (9%) had 16 solid organ injuries (10 liver, 4 kidney and 2 spleen). CT characterisation of the isolated solid organ injury ranged from AAST Grade I–IV. One of 13 patients failed non-operative management and subsequently underwent laparotomy, which was non-therapeutic. Clinical follow-up was available in all patients for an average of 101 days (median 27, range 6–473). The organ salvage rate was 100%. Summary In select haemodynamically stable patients without peritonitis able to undergo serial clinical examination, solid organ injury is not a contra-indication to non-operative management. In the appropriate setting, non-operative management of solid organ injury after gunshot wounding is associated with a high rate of success and organ salvage.
Effect of jejunoileal bypass on plasma and brain amino acids in the rat.

: Liver failure and coma are serious complications of Jejunoileal bypass (JIB) in man. Rats underwent either a 90–95% JIB or a sham operation. Six weeks later all animals were sacrificed, and plasma and brain amino acids were determined. In the plasma of rats with JIB compared with sham operation, the concentrations of valine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, tryptophan, and tyrosine were significantly lower, while in the brain, phenylalanine, tyrosine, histidine, and glutamine were significantly higher. These changes in the brain are similar to those resulting from portalsystemic shunting in the rat.
Stress Fractures of the Sacrum An Atypical Cause of Low Back Pain in the Female Athlete

Low back pain is a common finding in an athletically active premenopausal female population. We describe an unusual cause of persistent low back/sacroiliac pain: a fatigue-type sacral stress fracture. Plain radiographs, bone scans, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging studies were obtained in the female athletes to determine the nature of the pathologic abnormality. The most significant risk factor for fatigue-type sacral stress fractures was an increase in impact activity due to a more vigorous exercise program. Potential risk factors such as abnormal menstrual history, dietary deficiencies, and low bone mineral density were examined. The clinical course was protracted, with an average 6.6 months of prolonged low back pain before resolution of symptoms. Sacral fatigue-type stress fractures did not preclude the athletes from returning to their previous level of participation once healing had occurred.
Active tracking control between a bio-robot and a human subject

This paper discusses the tracking algorithms and approach used to control the Tracking Fluoroscope System. It is a mobile platform equipped with an on-board fluoroscope system to perform real-time imaging of human joints in motion: ankles, knees and hips. In order to record the natural and uninterrupted joint motion, the person has to be able to walk freely while being followed by the robot. It requires independent tracking of the position and orientation of the body with respect to the platform as well as joint positions with respect to the trunk of the body. This paper investigates the problem of tracking position and orientation of a walking person with respect to the following robotic platform.
The effect of perceived body weight on suicidal ideation among a representative sample of US adolescents.

There is no published report on the sex differences in the prospective influence of perceived body weight on suicidal ideation in adolescents. To examine sex differences in the longitudinal relationship between perceived body weight and suicidal ideation among a representative sample of US middle and high school students. Two waves of longitudinal data from 7th–12th grade US adolescents (N = 4,717) in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were analyzed using hierarchical multivariable logistic regression for suicidal ideation 1 year after perceived body weight was measured. Overweight perception significantly increased the risk for suicidal ideation in girls (adjusted odds ratio in the full model = 1.41, p < .05) but not in boys after controlling for previously well-documented risk factors of suicidal ideation. Overweight perception appears to increase the risk for suicidal ideation in girls. It is important to address perceived body weight among girls in suicide prevention interventions.
Air Campaign Duration and the Interaction of Air and Ground Forces

This article explores the role that ground troops play in aerial campaigns. Specifically, it intends to explain how ground troops affect the duration of aerial bombing campaigns. It distinguishes between the effect of ground troops on the duration of aerial campaigns that are selective and on those that are more general and less discriminate (using newly coded data on aerial strategies). The effect of ground troops may vary depending on how air power is being used. Ground troops may increase the duration of aerial campaigns in cases in which selective strategies are used during the aerial bombing campaign. In these cases, states lose the possibility of quick, “clean” victories once ground troops are introduced. In the cases of the less-discriminate bombing campaigns, the effect of ground troops is the opposite: They shorten the duration of the bombing campaign, possibly through the increased effectiveness of a combined arms approach.
Improved sequential ATPG using functional observation information and new justification methods

Sequential ATPG (Automatic Test Pattern Generation) is a very desirable CAD tool, but to date, the site and complexity of circuits for which sequential ATPG could be performed has been limited. We have discovered a method for collecting functional information which makes fault observation significantly easier. We also propose a new method for state justification which is a combination of function-based methods and structure-based methods. Our sequential ATPG system deals with circuits without a reset state or a synchronizing sequence, and the experimental results show that the proposed method achieves significant improvements over existing sequential ATPG methods. >
Low‐Temperature Synthesis and Phase Equilibria in the Y‐Cu‐O Binary System

The low-temperature phase relations in the Y-Cu-O system were examined using ultrasonically prepared, freeze-dried nitrate precursors. Under 1 atm of oxygen, Y2Cu2O5 was found to be stable above 955 ± 5 K; below this temperature, the component binary oxides CuO and Y2O3 are the only stable phases in the system. The entropy of formation of Y2Cu2O5, with respect to the component oxides, was calculated to be 5.3 ± 2.3 J/(mol.K) at 955 K. Bond valence analyses indicate that the entropy stabilization of this compound is most likely caused by the underbonded character of the copper ions.
The effective medium approximations : Some recent developments

We provide a brief and highly selective review of the Landauer‐ Bruggeman effectivemedium approximation as applied to random composite media. We first discuss this approximation as applied to linear composites, i.e., to those materials in which there is a linear relation between a curl-free electric field and a divergence-free current density. We then describe extensions of this approach to random composites with cubic nonlinearities in addition to a dominant linear term, and to composites in which the components have a fluctuating conductivity (‘conductivity noise’). Finally, we mention one novel application: to conductivity noise in a random composite of normal metal .N/ and perfect conductor .S/. It is shown that the extension of the EMA leads to a prediction of a frequency range in which the conductivity noise has a 1=! frequency dependence, even if the noise in the individual components is frequency independent.
Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation (BiFC) Analysis as a Probe of Protein Interactions in Living Cells

Protein interactions are a fundamental mechanism for the generation of biological regulatory specificity. The study of protein interactions in living cells is of particular significance because the interactions that occur in a particular cell depend on the full complement of proteins present in the cell and the external stimuli that influence the cell. Bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) analysis enables direct visualization of protein interactions in living cells. The BiFC assay is based on the association between two nonfluorescent fragments of a fluorescent protein when they are brought in proximity to each other by an interaction between proteins fused to the fragments. Numerous protein interactions have been visualized using the BiFC assay in many different cell types and organisms. The BiFC assay is technically straightforward and can be performed using standard molecular biology and cell culture reagents and a regular fluorescence microscope or flow cytometer.
A least squares finite element formulation for elastodynamic problems

A residual finite element formulation is developed in this paper to solve elastodynamic problems in which body wave potentials are primary unknowns. The formulation is based on minimizing the square of the residuals of governing equations as well as all boundary conditions. Since the boundary conditions in terms of wave potentials are neither Dirichlet nor Neumann type it is difficult to construct a functional to satisfy all governing equations and boundary conditions following the variational principle designed for conventional finite element formulation. That is why the least squares technique is sought. All boundary conditions are included in the functional expression so that the satisfaction of any boundary condition does not become a requirement of the trial functions, but they should satisfy some continuity conditions across the interelement boundary to guarantee proper convergence. In this paper it is demonstrated that the technique works well for elastodynamic problems; however, it is equally applicable to any other field problem.
Overnight shift work: factors contributing to diagnostic discrepancies

The aims of the study are to identify factors contributing to preliminary interpretive discrepancies on overnight radiology resident shifts and apply this data in the context of known literature to draw parallels to attending overnight shift work schedules. Residents in one university-based training program provided preliminary interpretations of 18,488 overnight (11 pm–8 am) studies at a level 1 trauma center between July 1, 2013 and December 31, 2014. As part of their normal workflow and feedback, attendings scored the reports as major discrepancy, minor discrepancy, agree, and agree--good job. We retrospectively obtained the preliminary interpretation scores for each study. Total relative value units (RVUs) per shift were calculated as an indicator of overnight workload. The dataset was supplemented with information on trainee level, number of consecutive nights on night float, hour, modality, and per-shift RVU. The data were analyzed with proportional logistic regression and Fisher's exact test. There were 233 major discrepancies (1.26 %). Trainee level (senior vs. junior residents; 1.08 vs. 1.38 %; p < 0.05) and modality were significantly associated with performance. Increased workload affected more junior residents' performance, with R3 residents performing significantly worse on busier nights. Hour of the night was not significantly associated with performance, but there was a trend toward best performance at 2 am, with subsequent decreased accuracy throughout the remaining shift hours. Improved performance occurred after the first six night float shifts, presumably as residents acclimated to a night schedule. As overnight shift work schedules increase in popularity for residents and attendings, focused attention to factors impacting interpretative accuracy is warranted.
Parenting stress and child maltreatment: The buffering effect of neighborhood social service availability and accessibility

Abstract The current study examines the relationship between aspects of social service availability and child maltreatment. Specifically, the study uses negative binomial regression to estimate whether service availability, accessibility, and receipt are associated with physical child abuse and neglect. Relying on Social Cognitive Theory and Stress and Coping Theory, the moderating effect of the service variables was tested on the relationship between parenting stress and maltreatment. The sample is comprised of 1053 parents who completed a survey in July of 2014. The findings suggest that service availability has a potential protective effect against physical abuse and neglect, and that service accessibility has an additional protective effect above and beyond sheer availability of services for child neglect. Further, the availability of services has a significant moderating effect – it decreased the relationship between parent stress and abuse and neglect. Service receipt had a paradoxical effect — although one might expect receiving social services to reduce maltreatment, there was a positive correlation between the two such that parents reporting receipt of a greater number of services tended to have higher levels of abuse and neglect. Further, service receipt moderated the relationship between parenting stress and neglect, such that the relationship was stronger. The study suggests that efforts to increase service availability and accessibility may prevent child maltreatment.
Biomarkers of Exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Cognitive Function among Elderly in the United States (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2001-2002).

Recent studies report a link between common environmental exposures, such as particulate matter air pollution and tobacco smoke, and decline in cognitive function. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a selected group of chemicals present in particulate matter and tobacco smoke, and measures of cognitive performance among elderly in the general population. This cross-sectional analysis involved data from 454 individuals aged 60 years and older from the 2001–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The association between PAH exposures (as measured by urinary biomarkers) and cognitive function (digit symbol substitution test (DSST)) was assessed using multiple linear regression analyses. After adjusting for age, socio-economic status and diabetes we observed a negative association between urinary 1-hydroxypyrene, the gold standard of PAH exposure biomarkers, and DSST score. A one percent increase in urinary 1-hydroxypyrene resulted in approximately a 1.8 percent poorer performance on the digit symbol substitution test. Our findings are consistent with previous publications and further suggest that PAHs, at least in part may be responsible for the adverse cognitive effects linked to tobacco smoke and particulate matter air pollution.
Targeting of radiolabeled J591 antibody to PSMA-expressing tumors: optimization of imaging and therapy based on non-linear compartmental modeling

We applied a non-linear immunokinetic model to quantitatively compare absolute antibody uptake and turnover in subcutaneous LNCaP human prostate cancer (PCa) xenografts of two radiolabeled forms of the humanized anti-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody J591 (124I-J591 and 89Zr-J591). Using the model, we examined the impact of dose on the tumor and plasma positron emission tomography (PET)-derived time-activity curves. We also sought to predict the optimal targeting index (ratio of integrated-tumor-to-integrated-plasma activity concentrations) for radioimmunotherapy. The equilibrium rates of antibody internalization and turnover in the tumors were derived from PET images up to 96 h post-injection using compartmental modeling with a non-linear transfer rate. In addition, we serially imaged groups of LNCaP tumor-bearing mice injected with 89Zr-J591 antibody doses ranging from antigen subsaturating to saturating to examine the suitability of using a non-linear approach and derived the time-integrated concentration (in μM∙hours) of administered tracer in tumor as a function of the administered dose of antibody. The comparison of 124I-J591 and 89Zr-J591 yielded similar model-derived values of the total antigen concentration and internalization rate. The association equilibrium constant (k a) was twofold higher for 124I, but there was a ~tenfold greater tumoral efflux rate of 124I from tumor compared to that of 89Zr. Plots of surface-bound and internalized radiotracers indicate similar behavior up to 24 h p.i. for both 124I-J591 and 89Zr-J591, with the effect of differential clearance rates becoming apparent after about 35 h p.i. Estimates of J591/PSMA complex turnover were 3.9–90.5 × 1012 (for doses from 60 to 240 μg) molecules per hour per gram of tumor (20 % of receptors internalized per hour). Using quantitative compartmental model methods, surface binding and internalization rates were shown to be similar for both 124I-J591 and 89Zr-J591 forms, as expected. The large difference in clearance rates of the radioactivity from the tumor is likely due to differential trapping of residualizing zirconium versus non-residualizing iodine. Our non-linear model was found to be superior to a conventional linear model. This finding and the calculated activity persistence time in tumor have important implications for radioimmunotherapy and other antibody-based therapies in patients.