cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of visna virus nucleic acid

Abstract 1. Nucleic acid was extracted from radioactively labeled visna virus particles and analyzed by equilibrium zonal centrifugation in glycerol density gradients. 2. The major component recovered from virions has a sedimentation coefficient of 60–70 S; it is single-stranded RNA as shown by its complete sensitivity to ribonuclease and density after isopycnic gradient centrifugation in Cs 2 SO 4 . The virion also contains a slowly sedimenting 5-7-S nucleic acid species. 3. Visna virions contain nucleic acids that resemble in size and composition those present in RNA oncogenic viruses.
Two alternative roles for the school psychologist in the treatment of emotionally disturbed and autistic children

This paper will describe two alternative roles for the school psychologist working with programs for autistic children or programs for emotionally disturbed children. The first approach is concerned with behavior management of children either by consultation to program staff or by direct work with the child, as well as support of staff through continuous feedback of classroom behavior management techniques. The second approach encompasses all of the first approach, in addition to the psychologist serving as corrdinator for the program and thereby assuming greater responsibility for cooperation between the school and the home, as well as for ongoing program development. A major difference in these two roles of the school psychologist, compared to the traditional role, is an intense involvement with a small number of children and a high level of input into the management, structure, and techniques used in a small number of classrooms. The paper will present a model for both of the two alternative approaches for the school psychologist. The model will include: a format for ongoing behavior assessment, suggestions for the structure of teacher-psychologist feedback sessions, methods of school and home cooperation, and a proposal for a horizontal administrative structure of programs for emotionally disturbed and for autistic children. The concept that is advocated is a team of professionals (teacher and psychologist) planning for the holistic development of the child.
The Hidden Effects of Particle Shape and Criteria for Evaluating the Upconversion Luminescence of the Lanthanide Doped Nanophosphors

The dependences of upconversion luminescence (UCL) on the particle size, shape, and inorganic−ligand interface of the hexagonal (β)-phase NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanophosphors (β-UCNPs) were studi...
Specific heat of monoclinic se at low temperatures

Specific heats of α monoclinic Se have been measured from 2 to 20 K. Excess specific heat was noted.
Heuristic reduction of gyro drift in IMU-based personnel tracking systems

The paper pertains to the reduction of measurement errors in gyroscopes used for tracking the position of walking persons. Some of these tracking systems commonly use inertial or other means to measure distance traveled, and one or more gyros to measure changes in heading. MEMS-type gyros or IMUs are best suited for this task because of their small size and low weight. However, these gyros have large drift rates and can be sensitive to accelerations. The Heuristic Drift Reduction (HDR) method presented in this paper estimates the drift component and eliminates it, reducing heading errors by almost one order of magnitude.
Native Architecture Encodes Cooperativity and Specificity in RNA Folding Intermediates

Structured RNA molecules are involved in numerous cellular processes that depend on the unique native structure. On the other hand, RNA chains are prone to misfolding due to their rugged energy landscapes. How do natural RNAs avoid local energy minima and fold specifically to the native conformation?We addressed this problem by studying the role of native tertiary interactions in the folding of the Azoarcus group I ribozyme. Previous small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and pre-steady state activity showed that thermodynamic cooperativity between tertiary interactions emerges in folding intermediates, earlier than expected. Furthermore, these results indicated that native tertiary interactions in the core and periphery of the structure form concomitantly and suppress non-native folds.To investigate how the evolved architecture of the ribozyme leads to cooperative folding, we studied the equilibrium folding of wild type and mutant ribozymes at single residue resolution using hydroxyl radical footprinting. The results confirmed the collapse transition of the wild type ribozyme is specific, producing native-like interactions. Footprinting experiments on mutants lacking one or more tertiary contacts showed that perturbations to the network of tertiary interactions change the outcome of the initial collapse transition, increasing the population of non-native intermediates. For instance, weakening the central triple helix changed the assembly pattern of the three helical domains and impaired docking of the substrate binding domain with the rest of the structure. Perturbation of a peripheral interaction, on the other hand, caused partial misfolding of the active site after the initial collapse.Our results suggest that natural selection of architectures conducive to cooperativity in the collapse transition may be a general mechanism to ensure folding specificity in evolved RNAs.
Idea, Reality and Play ‐ Acting in Der Tor und der Tod

AIewyn recognized Iong ago that Death as he appears in Hof-mannsthal's Der Tor und der Tod is not equivalentto death as a real event but rather has the character of an idea in Claudio's con-sciousness, and this, taken together with the servant's testimony to Death's objective reality, forms the central paradox on which the play is constructed. This unbridgeable gap between death as idea and as reality has the effect of presenting us with death as a mys-tery, which isalso the effect of the doctrine, derivable from Death's explicit vision of a fundamentally chaotic universe, thatthe whole positive character of human existence is an arbitrary human creation, a kind of play-acting. But the mysteriousness of Death in this sense is presented with equal directness and in the same way to both Claudio and the audience, whence it follows that insofar as the play succeeds, the audience is meant to identify with Claudio, not regard him critically.
EGO UTILITY, OVERCONFIDENCE, AND TASK CHOICE

This paper models behavior when a decision maker cares about and manages her self-image. In addition to having preferences over material outcomes, the agent derives “ego utility” from positive views about her ability to do well in a skill-sensitive, “ambitious,” task. Although she uses Bayes’ rule to update beliefs, she tends to become overconfident regarding which task is appropriate for her. If tasks are equally informative about ability, her task choice is also overconfident. If the ambitious task is more informative about ability, she might initially display underconfidence in behavior, and, if she is disappointed by her performance, later become too ambitious. People with ego utility prefer to acquire free information in smaller pieces. Applications to employee motivation and other economic settings are discussed. (JEL: D83, D11)
A modification of regular solution theory to incorporate an improved approximation for pair distribution functions in mixtures

The radial distribution functions for pairs in a fluid mixture can be closely approximated from known data on pair distribution functions pure components evaluated at a mean density determined by a properly defined average of molecular interaction parameters in the mixtures. This approximation has been used to replace the assumption about structure in mixtures inherent in the traditional regular solution theory. The result is a modified regular solution theory which gives an improvement in predicting excess thermodynamic functions and activity coefficients in mixtures involving appreciable differences in molecular size and shape.
Regulation of CTnDOT Conjugative Transfer Is a Complex and Highly Coordinated Series of Events

CTnDOT is a 65-kb conjugative transposon that is found in Bacteroides spp., which are one of the more abundant members within the lower human gastrointestinal tract. CTnDOT encodes resistance to the antibiotics erythromycin and tetra- cycline (Tc). An interesting feature of CTnDOT is that exposure to low levels of Tc induces a cascade of events that ultimately results in CTnDOT conjugative transfer. However, Tc is apparently not a switch that activates transfer but rather a signal that appears to override a series of negative regulators that inhibit premature excision and transfer of CTnDOT. In this minireview, we summarize over 20 years of research that focused on elucidating the highly coordinated regulation of excision, mobilization, and transfer of CTnDOT. IMPORTANCE Bacteroides spp. are abundant commensals in the human colon, but they are also considered opportunistic patho- gens, as they can cause life-threatening infections if they should escape the colon. Bacteroides spp. are the most common cause of anaerobic infections and are rather difficult to treat due to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance within this genus. Today over 80% ofBacteroides are resistant to tetracycline (Tc), and a study looking at both clinical and community isolates demonstrated that this resistance was specifically due to the conjugative transposon CTnDOT.
Using Google Street View to Audit the Built Environment: Inter-rater Reliability Results

Background Observational field audits are recommended for public health research to collect data on built environment characteristics. A reliable, standardized alternative to field audits that uses publicly available information could provide the ability to efficiently compare results across different study sites and time.
Absolute magnetometry of small particles using electron holography

A new method for the absolute measurement of magnetic microstructure at nanometer spatial resolution in magnetic materials has been developed by implementing off-axis electron holography in a scanning transmission electron microscope. The absolute spatial resolution of a few nanometers and absolute sensitivity to 10/sup -15/ emu are utilized to examine the magnetic structure in small particles.
Unwarping Encoder Ripple in Low Cost Haptic Interfaces

This paper describes a technique for unwarping encoder ripple in a low cost haptic interface prototype. We previously demonstrated how using a low-resolution optical encoder to electrically commutate a stepper motor can produce high torque levels with low ripple. The optical encoder scheme produces a pair of quadrature voltages that are approximately sinusoidal functions of rotor position. However, because of variations in the optical return from the low-precision encoder disk, quadrature phasing and signal amplitude vary over a mechanical turn. In this paper, we discuss an effective self-calibration technique for unwarping the encoder ripple. The technique is used in a one degree-of-freedom haptic interface prototype, and experiment results quantifying the improved performance due to encoder unwarping are presented.
A nonlinear resonance (eigenvalue) approach for computing elastic collapse pressure of a moderately thick cross-ply imperfect ring

A hitherto unavailable nonlinear resonance (eigenvalue) based semi-analytical solution technique for prediction of the elastic mode 2 collapse pressure of a moderately thick cross-ply ring, weakened by a modal or harmonic type imperfection, is presented. A von Karman type iterative nonlinear analysis, that is based on the assumptions of transverse inextensibility and first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT), is utilized for computation of hydrostatic collapse pressure of the imperfect cross-ply ring. Numerical results pertaining to the effect of modal imperfection on the hydrostatic collapse pressure of a moderately thick cross-ply ring and comparison with its perfect counterpart are also presented. These results further demonstrate that the present iterative analysis for solving a nonlinear eigenvalue problem reduces to the linearized buckling (linear eigenvalue) analysis, associated with the conventional bifurcation theory, for a perfect moderately thick cross-ply ring.
Immunostimulatory Activity of Major Membrane Protein II from Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Previously, we observed that both major membrane protein II of Mycobacterium leprae (MMP-ML) and its fusion with M. bovis BCG (BCG)-derived heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) (Fusion-ML) are immunogenic and that recombinant BCG secreting either of these proteins effectively inhibits the multiplication of M. leprae in mice. Here, we purified M. tuberculosis-derived major membrane protein II (MMP-MTB) and its fusion with HSP70 (Fusion-MTB) in a lipopolysaccharide-free condition and evaluated their immunostimulatory abilities. Both MMP-MTB and Fusion-MTB activated monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) in terms of phenotype and interleukin-12 (IL-12) production, but Fusion-MTB more efficiently activated them than MMP-MTB did. The IL-12 production was a consequence of the ligation of those recombinant proteins with Toll-like receptor 2. The M. tuberculosis-derived and M. leprae-derived recombinant proteins activated naive T cells of both CD4 and CD8 subsets, but M. tuberculosis-derived proteins were superior to M. leprae-derived proteins and fusion proteins were superior to MMP, regardless of the origin of the protein. Memory-type CD4+ T cells obtained from BCG-vaccinated healthy individuals seem to be primed with MMP-MTB by the vaccination, and both M. tuberculosis-derived recombinant proteins produced perforin-producing CD8+ T cells from memory-type CD8+ T cells. Further, infection of DC and macrophages with M. tuberculosis H37Ra and H37Rv induced the expression of MMP on their surface. These results indicate that M. tuberculosis-derived MMP, as a sole protein or as part of a fusion protein, may be useful for developing new vaccinating agents against tuberculosis.
Colonoscopy for Colorectal Cancer Screening: Current Challenges and Future Directions

It is estimated that over 50,000 people will die from colorectal cancer (CRC) in 2014, making CRC the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA. During the last decade, we gained a better understanding of CRC pathophysiology and improved techniques for CRC prevention. Colonoscopy, as a cancer prevention measure, is essential in this task. Our article will review several aspects of colonoscopy and its use in CRC prevention. In addition, we will cover non-technical aspect such as quality measures, improving colonoscopy uptake, new bowel preparation formulations, sedation, and quality metrics. Next, we will discuss advances in technology and techniques including water immersion, new colonoscopes, and new imaging methods. Finally, we will cover two areas of major recent interest, “resect and discard” and sessile serrated polyps.
Capacitance studies of a-SiGe:H p-i-n solar cells

An equivalent circuit model was used to fit the measured conductance (G) and capacitance (C) of a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H p-i-n and Schottky diodes using E/sub A/, g/sub 0/, and v as the main fitting parameters. The midgap density of states (MGDOS) was determined using steady-state admittance measurements on typical a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H p-i-n solar cells, C and G were measured as a function of temperature and frequency. The junction and bulk were each modeled by a capacitor and resistor, and the lumped equivalent circuit was analyzed. Good agreement is found between measured and predicted values of both C and G with the MGDOS and E/sub F/, as fitting parameters. Analysis of Schottky and p-i-n cells indicates that the influence of space charge in doped layers is negligible and that the p-i-n cell can be represented by a single space charge region in series with the bulk. The MGDOS values derived from the circuit model for a-Si:H and a-SiGe:H are in good agreement with those from other measurements. >
Regulation of c‐myc expression by IFN‐γ through Stat1‐dependent and ‐independent pathways

Interferons (IFNs) inhibit cell growth in a Stat1‐dependent fashion that involves regulation of c‐ myc expression. IFN‐γ suppresses c‐ myc in wild‐type mouse embryo fibroblasts, but not in Stat1‐null cells, where IFNs induce c‐ myc mRNA rapidly and transiently, thus revealing a novel signaling pathway. Both tyrosine and serine phosphorylation of Stat1 are required for suppression. Induced expression of c‐ myc is likely to contribute to the proliferation of Stat1‐null cells in response to IFNs. IFNs also suppress platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐induced c‐ myc expression in wild‐type but not in Stat1‐null cells. A gamma‐activated sequence element in the promoter is necessary but not sufficient to suppress c‐ myc expression in wild‐type cells. In PKR‐null cells, the phosphorylation of Stat1 on Ser727 and transactivation are both defective, and c‐ myc mRNA is induced, not suppressed, in response to IFN‐γ. A role for Raf‐1 in the Stat1‐independent pathway is revealed by studies with geldanamycin, an HSP90‐specific inhibitor, and by expression of a mutant of p50 cdc37 that is unable to recruit HSP90 to the Raf‐1 complex. Both agents abrogated the IFN‐γ‐dependent induction of c‐ myc expression in Stat1‐null cells.
Increased egg-laying in Orius insidiosus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) fed artificial diet supplemented with an embryonic cell line

Abstract The insidious flower bug, Orius insidiosus (Say) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), can be reared on an artificial diet absent of insect components, but yolk production is reduced and resultant rates of oviposition and egg production are poor. Supplementing the artificial diet with cells from an embryonic cell line, IPLB-(PiE) of Plodia interpunctella (Hubner), enhanced oviposition rates. Ovipositional rates were evaluated using a short 7-day bioassay. Cells were separated from Grace’s medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum, washed several times in Grace’s medium alone, and then homogenized before they were incorporated into the diet. In addition to the cell-supplemented diet, several control diets were also tested: diet supplemented with Grace’s medium alone, Grace’s medium with fetal bovine serum, and conditioned Grace’s medium (i.e., the medium the cells were cultured in). Adult predators were placed on the diets the third day after eclosion and allowed to feed for 6 days and provided with an oviposition substrate for 24 h on day 7. Egg production was significantly increased only in the cell-supplemented diet, a similar result that occurred when cumulative egg production was recorded during the life span of the females. Oviposition increased incrementally with the increase in concentration of cells added to the diet and was significantly better than control diet at 0.25 ml homogenized cells/1.2 ml diet (1.123 × 105 cells, 31 μg protein) to 1.0 ml cells/1.2 ml diet (1.86 × 106 cells, 124 μg protein). Although the cell line enhanced the rate of oviposition at a relatively low concentration of protein, we do not know if the protein or some other nutritional components of the cells were responsible for the increased oviposition rate. The cell line may be used to directly supplement the described diet for O. insidiosus and/or serve as a source of material that could simplify purification and identification of the cell component(s) responsible for stimulating oviposition. Additionally, the 7-day bioassay may be used to expedite identification of active fractions during chemical analysis of the cell line.
The heart in sarcoidosis.

Two cases of primary sarcoid involvement of the heart are presented, each of which demonstrates an uncommon feature of the disease. In the first, there was clinically significant hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. In the second, there was regression of episodes of ventricular tachycardia, and atrioventricular and intraventricular block, on corticosteroid therapy. The manifestations and treatment of sarcoidosis primarily involving the heart are reviewed and discussed.
Clustering of cancer tissues using diffusion maps and fuzzy ART with gene expression data

Early detection of a tumorpsilas site of origin is particularly important for cancer diagnosis and treatment. The employment of gene expression profiles for different cancer types or subtypes has already shown significant advantages over traditional cancer classification methods. Here, we apply a neural network clustering theory, Fuzzy ART, to generate the division of cancer samples, which is useful in investigating unknown cancer types or subtypes. On the other hand, we use diffusion maps, which interpret the eigenfunctions of Markov matrices as a system of coordinates on the original data set in order to obtain efficient representation of data geometric descriptions, for dimensionality reduction. The curse of dimensionality is a major problem in cancer type recognition-oriented gene expression data analysis due to the overwhelming number of measures of gene expression levels versus the small number of samples. Experimental results on the small round blue-cell tumor (SRBCT) data set, compared with other widely used clustering algorithms, demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed method in addressing multidimensional gene expression data.
Balance in architectural design

We introduce a performance metric, normalized time, which is closely related to such measures as the area-time product of VLSI theory and the price / performance ratio of advertising literature. This metric captures the idea of a piece of hardware “pulling its own weight,” i.e. contributing as much to performance as it costs in resources. We then prove general theorems for stating when the size of a given part is in balance with its utilization, and give specific formulas for commonly found linear and quadratic devices. We also apply these formulas to an analysis of a specific processor element, and discuss the implications for bit-serial vs word-parallel, RISC vs CISC, and VLIW designs.
A Data-Driven Approach to Modeling Choice

We visit the following fundamental problem: For a 'generic' model of consumer choice (namely, distributions over preference lists) and a limited amount of data on how consumers actually make decisions (such as marginal preference information), how may one predict revenues from offering a particular assortment of choices? This problem is central to areas within operations research, marketing and econometrics. We present a framework to answer such questions and design a number of tractable algorithms (from a data and computational standpoint) for the same.
Lichenoid eruption following hepatitis B vaccination: first North American case report.

: Lichen planus is often found in association with a variety of underlying conditions. In particular, liver diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B have been implicated in cutaneous lichen planus. Of interest, there is mounting evidence that lichen planus-like eruptions can occur following administration of the hepatitis B vaccine, which has recently become a routine immunization in many parts of the world. We present what we believe to be the first North American case of lichenoid drug eruption associated with the hepatitis B vaccine and provide a brief review of other reported cases of lichenoid eruption seen following hepatitis B vaccination.
Evaluation of optimal constant-volume control for irrigation canals

Abstract A lumped-parameter model was used for stimulating the dynamics of an irrigation canal using the concepts of optimal control theory. Using the state-space approach presented by Corriga , the problem was formulated as a discrete optimal control problem, and the solutions for gate opening in the presence of known variations in water withdrawal rates were obtained by solving the algebraic Riccati equation. An example problem was considered, and the variations in the depth of flow obtained by using the optimal control theory were compared with the results obtained from an unsteady open-channel flow model. For small and slow changes in the flow rates, the difference between the two models in predicting the changes in water surface elevation was not significant. However, as the variations in withdrawal rates increased, the accuracy of the optimal control model (which is based upon small perturbations around the uniform flow) in predicting the water surface elevations decreased.
Phase-based road detection in multi-source images

The problem of robust automatic road detection in remotely sensed images is complicated by the fact that the sensor, spatial resolution, acquisition conditions, road width, road orientation and road material composition can all vary. A novel technique for detecting road pixels in multisource remotely sensed images based on the phase (i.e., orientation or directional) information in edge pixels is described. A very dense map of edges extracted from the image is separated into channels, each containing edge pixels whose phases lie within a different range of orientations. The edge map associated with each channel is de-cluttered. A map of road pixels is formed by re-combining the de-cluttered channels into a composite edge image which is itself then separately de-cluttered. Road detection results are provided for DigitalGlobe and TeiraServerUSA images. Road representations suitable for various applications are then discussed
Autonomic Query Allocation based on Microeconomics Principles

In large federations of autonomous database systems, automatic distribution of the query workload to those systems is a critical issue. We examine this problem under the perspective of microeconomics theory and show how the latter can be used to construct an efficient decentralized mechanism that maximizes system throughput. In particular, we introduce a solution that is based on the notion of query markets. We examine the properties of these markets and show that they result in Pareto-optimal allocations of resources to queries. An extensive set of experiments with both a simulator and an actual implementation on top of a commercial DBMS demonstrate significant improvements in the overall system throughput when our technique is used.
Reducing the Effect of Hot Spots by Using a Multipath Network

One type of interconnection network for a medium to large-scale parallel processing system (i.e., a system with 26 to 216 processors) is a buffered packet-switched multistage interconnection network (MIN). It has been shown that the per formance of these networks is satisfactory for uniform network traffic. More recently, several studies have indicated that the performance of MINs is degraded significantly when there is hot spot traffic, that is, a large fraction of the messages are routed to one particular destination. A multipath MIN is a MIN with two or more paths between all source and destination pairs. This research investigates how the Extra Stage Cube multipath MIN can reduce the detrimental effects of tree satura tion caused by hot spots. Simulation is used to evaluate the per formance of the proposed approach. The objective of this evaluation is to show that, under certain conditions, the perfor mance of the network with the usual routing scheme is severely degraded by the presence of hot spots. With the proposed approach, although the delay time of hot spot traffic may be increased, the performance of the background traffic, which constitutes the majority of the network traffic, can be significantly improved.
Linkage Mapping of Domestication Loci in a Large Maize–Teosinte Backcross Resource

An ultimate objective of QTL mapping is cloning genes responsible for quantitative traits. However, projects seldom go beyond segments <5 cM without subsequent breeding and genotyping lines to identify additional crossovers in a genomic region of interest. We report on a QTL analysis performed as a preliminary step in the development of a resource for map-based cloning of domestication and improvement genes in corn. A large backcross (BC)1 population derived from a cross between maize (Zea mays ssp. mays) and teosinte (ssp. parviglumis) was grown for the analysis. A total of 1749 progenies were genotyped for 304 markers and measured for 22 morphological traits. The results are in agreement with earlier studies showing a small number of genomic regions having greater impact on the morphological traits distinguishing maize and teosinte. Despite considerable power to detect epistasis, few QTL interactions were identified. To create a permanent resource, seed of BC1 plants was archived and 1000 BC2S6 BC1-derived lines are in development for fine mapping and cloning. The identification of four BC1 progeny with crossovers in a single gene, tb1, indicated that enough derived lines already exist to clone many QTL without the need to generate and identify additional crossovers.
The effects of a single injection of monosodium glutamate on the reproductive neuroendocrine axis of the female hamster.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was injected into the neonatal hamster to determine whether it was possible to produce a discrete lesion of the accurate nucleus to study the effects of this lesion on ovarian histology hypothalamic neurohistochemistry and plasma and pituitary levels of gonadotropins and to study the response of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis to ovariectomy. MSG was administered in a dose of 8 mg/gm body weight on Day 6 7 8 9 or 10 of the neonatal period and decapitated 6 or 12 hours later. The brains were prepared for histological study. A lesion of the arcuate nucleus o fteh hypothalamus was induced by injection of MSG on Days 6-8. When injection was performed on Day 9 or 10 the lesion was still prominent but less severe. Animals treated on Day 8 of the neonatal period were examined beginning on Day 30 for postovulatory vaginal discharge. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured. Histochemical study of catecholamines was performed on a small piece of the diencephalon. Ovaries and uteri were removed and weighed. A 2nd group of hamsters treated on Day 8 with either saline or MSG were ovariectomized on Day 60. 7 days later the pituitary was removed and gonadotropin determinations made. Postovulatory vaginal discharges in MSG-treated hamsters were absent. Organ and body weights were significantly lower in the treated hamsters and histological evaluation of the ovaries suggested inhibition of follicular maturation. This may have been due to altered levels of LH and FSH found in the plasma of treated animals. Partial destruction of the tubero-infundibular catecholaminergic pathway was confirmed by histofluorescence technique.
Role of steroids in the treatment of bacterial keratitis

Bacterial keratitis can lead to severe visual impairment from corneal ulceration, subsequent scarring, and possible perforation. The mainstay of treatment is topical antibiotics, whereas the use of adjunctive topical corticosteroid drops remains a matter of debate. Herein, we review the rationale for and against the use of topical corticosteroids and we assess their effectiveness and safety in the published randomized controlled trials that have evaluated their role as adjunctive therapy for bacterial corneal ulcers. In the largest study to date, the Steroids for Corneal Ulcers Trial, topical corticosteroid drops were neither helpful nor harmful for the 500 participants as a whole. However, subgroup analyses suggested that topical corticosteroids may be beneficial upon early administration (within 2-3 days after starting antibiotics) for more central corneal ulcers with poorer vision at presentation, for invasive Pseudomonas strains, and for non-Nocardia ulcers. These results are discussed within the limitations of the study.
Numerical Modeling of a Soil-Borehole Thermal Energy Storage System

Borehole thermal energy storage (BTES) in soils combined with solar thermal energy harvesting is a renewable energy system for the heating of buildings. The first community-scale BTES system in North America was installed in 2007 at the Drake Landing Solar Community (DLSC) in Okotoks, AB, Canada, and has since supplied >90% of the thermal energy for heating 52 homes. A challenge facing BTES system technology is the relatively low efficiency of heat extraction. To better understand the fluid flow and heat transport processes in soils and to improve BTES efficiency of heat extraction for future applications, a three-dimensional transient coupled fluid flow and heat transfer model was established using TOUGH2. Measured time-dependent injection temperatures and fluid circulation rates at DLSC were used as model inputs. The simulations were calibrated using measured soil temperature time series. The simulated and measured temperatures agreed well with a subsurface having an intrinsic permeability of 1.5 × 10−14 m2, thermal conductivity of 2.0 W m−1 °C−1, and a volumetric heat capacity of 2.3 MJ m−3 °C−1. The calibrated model served as the basis for a sensitivity analysis of soil thermal and hydrological parameters on BTES system heat extraction efficiency. Sensitivity analysis results suggest that: (i) BTES heat extraction efficiency increases with decreasing soil thermal conductivity; (ii) BTES efficiency decreases with background groundwater flow; (iii) BTES heat extraction efficiency decreases with convective heat losses associated with high soil permeability values; and (iv) unsaturated soils show higher overall heat extraction efficiency due to convection onset at higher intrinsic permeability values.
Juvenile Collared Lizards Adjust Tail Display Frequency in Response to Variable Predatory Threat

Antipredator behavioral tactics have evolved in phylogenetically diverse animal clades and often involve prey initiating conspicuous display patterns when encountering potential predators. Using detailed behavioral observations in the field, we report the first description of conspicuous tail displays in juvenile collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris), a species that does not have tail autotomy. When approached in the field, lizards gave four stereotypical displays involving the tail, suggesting that these might function as antipredator signals. To test this hypothesis, we compared the frequency of tail displays given by juveniles during approach experiments relative to control trials involving observation from afar. We then further manipulated the intensity (low threat, high threat) with which we threatened lizards by varying our angle of approach relative to the body-axis orientation of lizards resting on a perch sloping away from the observer. Our results show that juveniles consistently performed all four types of tail displays in response to our approaches, but subjects never displayed during non-threat control trials. Moreover, lizards were more likely to remain emergent and give tail displays when we approached them head-on with their bodies sloping away (low threat), but were more likely to take refuge when approached from the side and behind (high threat). The positive relationship between the frequency of display and risk level suggests that tail displays function to signal that juvenile lizards have detected potential predators, which may deter further pursuit. Together, our results provide the first account of visual displays involving the tail in collared lizards and suggest that these displays function to signal potential predators.
Abstract 197: p300-Based Acetylation Signaling Regulates Cytoskeletal Reorganization and Procoagulant Phenotype of Platelets

Introduction: Reversible acetylation signaling catalyzed by acetyltransferases and deacetylases regulates multiple cellular events. We recently showed a role for deacetylation signaling in platelet function via the actions of the deacetylase enzyme HDAC6. Here we investigate the role of acetylation mediated by the p300 class of acetyltransferase proteins in platelet function. Methods: To test the hypothesis that p300 acetylation signaling controls cytoskeletal remodeling and the exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS) in platelets, we used cell biological and hematological methods, including enzymatic assays, microscopy, cell sorting, aggregometry and in vitro assays of thrombus formation. Results: Platelets express high levels of p300 protein. Upon stimulation with the glycoprotein VI (GPVI) agonist collagen-related peptide (CRP), total platelet acetyltransferase enzyme activity increases. Pre-treatment of platelets with pharmacological inhibitors of p300 blocks agonist-induced acetyltransferase activity and...
Rupture and Ground‐Motion Models on the Northern San Jacinto Fault, Incorporating Realistic Complexity

We use the 3D finite‐element method to conduct dynamic models of rupture and resulting ground motion on the Claremont–Casa Loma stepover of the northern San Jacinto fault. We incorporate complex fault geometry (from the U.S. Geological Survey [USGS] Quaternary Faults Database; see [Data and Resources][1]), a realistic velocity structure (the Southern California Earthquake Center Community Velocity Model‐S), a realistic regional stress field with an orientation taken from seismicity relocation literature, and several stochastic self‐similar shear stress distributions. As we incorporate more types of complexity, the specific effects of any individual factor become less apparent within the overall rupture behavior. We also find that the distribution of high and low shear stress that arises from combining regional and stochastic stress fields has the strongest control over where the rupture terminates. Using a regional stress field alone, as well as with the combined regional and stochastic stress realization, we find that the stepover presents a significant barrier to rupture, regardless of our choice of initial nucleation point and that it is difficult for rupture to propagate the full length of either fault segment. Greater heterogeneity of stresses tends to produce shorter ruptures. Within this result, we find that the Claremont strand is more favorable for long ruptures than the Casa Loma–Clark strand. Low‐frequency ground‐motion intensity and distribution are controlled largely by the velocity structure rather than by stress heterogeneity. The strongest motions produced in these models are in the San Bernardino basin. Although directivity effects do contribute to the low‐frequency ground‐motion distribution, particularly in the near field, they are secondary to the effects of the velocity structure. Online Material: Figures of ground motions from models used to calibrate the stress conditions for dynamic rupture propagation. [1]: #sec-18
Ultrafast Dynamics of Photoexcitations in Pi-Conjugated Polymers and Polymer/Fullerene Blends

The ultrafast dynamics of primary photoexcitations in pi-conjugated polymer films and solutions, and polymer/fullerene blends are studied using the transient polarized photomodulation pump-probe technique in a broad spectral range of 0.2-2.7 eV.
Application of the “Selfish” Algorithm for the Survivability Analysis of Systems with Multiple Loads

The goal of our research is the development of analytical and computational tools for quantifying the survivability of engineering systems with sources and sinks due to the system’s topology. An example of such a system is a satellite power subsystem with multiple power sources and loads. In our previous work, we developed and validated a probabilistic approach for evaluating the topological survivability of systems with multiple sources and a single sink. We also proposed the “selfish” algorithm for reducing the computational cost of survivability analysis of systems with multiple sinks. The current paper reports on a computational implementation of the “selfish” algorithm and its verification.
Stable plumbylene dichalcogenolate monomers with large differences in their interligand angles and the synthesis and characterization of a monothiolato Pb(II) bromide and lithium trithiolato plumbate.

The complexes, Pb(ChArPri4)2 (Ch = O (1), S (2); ArPri4 = C6H3-2,6-(C6H3-2,6-Pri2)2) were synthesized by alcoholysis and salt metathesis routes and represent the first fully characterized monomeric, two-coordinate, lead dichalcogenolates in the solid state. Structural studies showed that the S–Pb–S angle (77.21(4)°) is about 22° narrower than the corresponding O–Pb–O angle. 207Pb NMR and electronic spectroscopy show that the separation between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) decreases from the bisaryloxo plumbylene to the bisthiolato derivative. Reaction of LiSArMe6 with PbBr2 in a 2:1 ratio led not to Pb(SArMe6)2, but to a mixture of the monothiolato lead(II) complex, {Pb(Br)(μ-SArMe6)}2 (3) and the lithium tristhiolato plumbate, LiPb(SArMe6)3 (4). 3 and 4 were isolated and purified by fractional recrystallization, and both were characterized by X-ray crystallography and spectroscopic studies.
Rimbaud’s Poetic Vision as a Clue to Perception in the Later Merleau-Ponty

One of the difficulties in understanding the meaning of perception in Merleau-Ponty’s work comes from the ambiguous tone of his descriptions. Therefore, to understand it thoroughly one should question the origin of this tone and inquire about the relationship between perception and language and, more particularly, between philosophy and literature. This is what is at stake in his last courses at the College de France, where Merleau-Ponty envisages perception as being associated with literature and as having a special kinship to the notion of “poetic vision,” which appears in Rimbaud’s first ‘Letter from the Seer’.
SIERRA/Premo-A New General Purpose Compressible Flow Simulation Code

This paper reports on the progress of a new compressible flow simulation code being developed at Sandia National Laboratories. The code called Premo is a CFD module that is part of a much larger multimechanics code framework called SIERRA. The goal of the Premo project is to deliver a general purpose CFD capability for designers and analysts of aerodynamics of flight vehicles. SIERRA provides unstructured mesh data services common to many computational mechanics codes. Utilizing the framework allows for rapid development of physics modules. In addition, the SIERRA framework provides an interface that will make it possible to conduct multiphysics simulations between physics modules to solve such problems as aero-thermal vehicle heating and aero elasticity in the future. Current code capabilities are demonstrated by solving one-, two- and threedimensional flow problems.
Atomic Structures and Defects of As-Grown Nb1+αS2 Platelets on Nb Substrates

The interlocking of Nb 1+α S 2 platelets developed during sulfidation of Nb results in formation of a compact scale. The atomic structure and defects of these platelets were investigated using HREM. The resulting microstructure is very different from conventional microstructure consisting of polygonal grains and polyhedral grain boundaries because of the anisotropy of the crystal structure. The principal phase was identified as 3R-Nb 2+α S 2 intergrown with 2H-Nb 1+α S 2 , or with some other arrangement of S-Nb-S slabs. The -S 6 - octahedral sites between two S-Nb-S slabs provide accommodation for extra Nb or foreign atoms and the large non-stoichiometry of Nb 1+α S 2 . Stacking faults along the c axis account for the high density of planar defect structures observed within almost every platelet. Axial lattice fringe images and streaking in the diffraction pattern indicate that the planar defects are normal to the c direction.
A review on the sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature

With global warming, the response of soil respiration became an important study issue in global change field. It was reported recently that the carbon flux from soil took on positive feedback only within a short period and with totally negative feedback lately. The object of this paper is to provide a brief review on the sensitivity of soil respiration to the temperature on the circumstance of global warming.Among many factors related to soil respiration, the temperature is the most important one. The soil respiration sensitivity to temperature was still an uncertainty because of the diversity of ecosystems and complexity of soil biological processes. There were many models developed to assess the sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature. The simple Q10 model was widely used in modeling the process of soil respiration.However,it was still uncertain to decide the contribution of soil respiration derived from different sources (root, microbial and soil fauna respiration) and the sensitivity of them to temperature. To predict accurately the trend of global change in the future, it is necessary to clarify the mechanism of the sensitivity of soil respiration to temperature. Moreover, the method of the field measurements of soil respiration and temperature should be standardized to quantify the contribution of soil respiration derived from different sources and to understand the heterogeneity of spatial and seasonal variation.
Muscle IL1β Drives Ischemic Myalgia via ASIC3-Mediated Sensory Neuron Sensitization.

Musculoskeletal pain is a significantly common clinical complaint. Although it is known that muscles are quite sensitive to alterations in blood flow/oxygenation and a number of muscle pain disorders are based in problems of peripheral perfusion, the mechanisms by which ischemic-like conditions generate myalgia remain unclear. We found, using a multidisciplinary experimental approach, that ischemia and reperfusion injury (I/R) in male Swiss Webster mice altered ongoing and evoked pain-related behaviors in addition to activity levels through enhanced muscle interleukin-1 beta (IL1β)/IL1 receptor signaling to group III/IV muscle afferents. Peripheral sensitization depended on acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) because treatment of sensory afferents in vitro with IL1β-upregulated ASIC3 in single cells, and nerve-specific knock-down of ASIC3 recapitulated the results of inhibiting the enhanced IL1β/IL1r1 signaling after I/R, which was also found to regulate afferent sensitization and pain-related behaviors. This suggests that targeting muscle IL1β signaling may be a potential analgesic therapy for ischemic myalgia. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Here, we have described a novel pathway whereby increased inflammation within the muscle tissue during ischemia/reperfusion injury sensitizes group III and IV muscle afferents via upregulation of acid-sensing ion channel 3 (ASIC3), leading not only to alterations in mechanical and chemical responsiveness in individual afferents, but also to pain-related behavioral changes. Furthermore, these I/R-induced changes can be prevented using an afferent-specific siRNA knock-down strategy targeting either ASIC3 or the upstream mediator of its expression, interleukin 1 receptor 1. Therefore, this knowledge may contribute to the development of alternative therapeutics for muscle pain and may be especially relevant to pain caused by issues of peripheral circulation, which is commonly observed in disorders such as complex regional pain syndrome, sickle cell anemia, or fibromyalgia.