cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Routine Identification of Clinically Relevant Gram-Negative Bacteria by Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry and the Bruker Biotyper

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) might complement and one day replace phenotypic identification of bacteria in the clinical microbiology laboratory, but there is no consensus standard regarding the requirements for its validation prior to clinical use in the United States. The objective of this study was to assess the preanalytical variables influencing Gram-negative identification by use of the Bruker Biotyper MALDI-TOF MS system, including density of organism spotting on a stainless steel target plate and the direct overlay of organisms with formic acid. A heavy smear with formic acid overlay was either superior or equivalent to alternative smear conditions. Microbiological preanalytical variables were also assayed, such as culture medium, growth temperature, and use of serial subculture. Postanalytical analysis included the application of modified species-level identification acceptance criteria. Biotyper identifications were compared with those using traditional phenotypic methods, and discrepancies were resolved with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Compared to the recommended score cutoffs of the manufacturer, the application of optimized Biotyper score cutoffs for species-level identification increased the rate of identification by 6.75% for the enteric Gram-negative bacteria and 4.25% for the nonfermenting Gram-negative bacteria. Various incubation temperatures, growth medium types, and repeat subcultures did not result in misidentification. We conclude that the Bruker MALDI Biotyper is a robust system for the identification of Gram-negative organisms in the clinical laboratory and that meaningful performance improvements can be made by implementing simple pre- and postanalytical techniques.
A Conceptual Model for Understanding Convective Heat Transfer

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model (boxcar model) for teaching and explaining convective heat transfer, and to present three engineering examples of where and how the model can be used. One application for the model would be to explain the fundamentals of convective heat transfer. Another would be to explain and resolve heating, ventilation and air-conditioning problems. The boxcar model provides the engineer with a visualization of simple to complex engineering applications as well as a method for enhancing the teaching to mechanical engineering students of topics involving convective heat transfer and heat exchangers.
Properties of 1.3 μm InGaNAs laser material grown by MBE using a N2/Ar RF plasma

Abstract InGaNAs single quantum well laser diodes were grown on GaAs substrates using solid-source molecular beam epitaxy with N 2 /Ar gas mixtures in an radio-frequency (RF) plasma cell. The structures employ GaNAs barriers which reduce the quantum confinement and extend the room temperature stimulated emission wavelength to 1.36 μm. Test quantum well structures were grown with and without these barriers to demonstrate the significant redshift in emission (∼36 meV) resulting from the change in potential barrier height. We also demonstrate the temperature dependence of post-deposition rapid thermal annealing, and show that the optimal temperature is near 800 °C for both types of test structure. Likewise, the blueshift with annealing is similar in both cases. The broad-area, ridge-waveguide laser diodes exhibit internal quantum efficiencies and internal losses of η i =53±7% and α i =9.8±4.0 cm −1 , with a transparency current density of 304±17 A cm −2 . These results demonstrate the potential of the N 2 /Ar RF plasma technique for device-quality MBE layers.
Invisible or Pathologized? Racial Statistics and Violence Against Women of Color

This article applies Tukufu Zuberi's (2001) analysis of racial statistics to the issue of violence against women of color. Data from several national surveys are discussed in terms of the potential for drawing needed attention and resources to women of color and the simultaneous danger of reinforcing stereotypes of pathological communities. I argue for the importance of history and social context as well as qualitative narratives, particularly with regard to rates of violence against African American and American Indian women. Brief narratives from two women are offered to demonstrate the complexities of women's lives that are invisible in statistical data.
COLORATION OF GLASS BY GOLD, SILVER, AND COPPER*

A discussion of hypotheses concerning the development of gold ruby, silver yellow, and copper ruby colors in silicate glass is presented. Experiments are described which were designed to determine whether gold dissolves in molten silicate glasses in an oxidized (ionic) state or as uncombined metal. Results are believed to prove that gold dissolves as ions rather than in the metallic state. Similar conclusions apply to silver and copper. The metal coloration results from reduction of the metal ions to insoluble metal at low temperatures, the reducing agent being Sn+2, or other polyvalent ions, as postulated by Badger, Weyl, and Rudow and by Dietzel.
Marketing the University to Student-Athletes: Understanding University Selection Criteria

ABSTRACT As competition for top athletes intensifies, and as challenges associated with recruitment increase, universities must develop and employ recruiting strategies based upon attributes that student-athletes identify as important to their decision-making process. The study investigates college choice decision attributes of student-athletes, identifies key choice criteria, and examines gender and ethnicity issues related to student-athlete college choice. Three of the four decision attributes identified as being most important focused on academic characteristics of the university. Male student-athletes placed a higher value on athletic characteristics of the university as compared to female student-athletes, and females placed a higher value on academic characteristics as compared to male student-athletes.
Economic growth, foreign loans, and debt servicing capacity of developing countries

The link between a simple aggregate model of growth and external debt, and an empirical formula for debt servicing capacity are examined. While fairly detailed development plans are designed for the medium-terms, the period of indebtedness and the buildup of debt service problems are of a longer time span. Thus, simple development models should be designed to cover the period beyond the medium run. While they might consequently become cruder, they could still flag inconsistencies and potentially risky situations. More quantitative work is also needed to improve on existing knowledge of the relation between debt servicing capacity and economic variables. Such work would contribute to better planning. Development planning that specifically concerns itself with maintenance of a reasonable debt servicing capacity is to the benefit of both borrowers and lenders. Charts and tables are provided. 17 references.
The optimal unicyclic graphs for pair-connected reliability

Abstract We consider the standard network reliability model in which each edge of a graph fails, independently of all others, with probability q = 1 − p (0 ≤ p ≤ 1). The pair-connected reliability of the graph is the expected number of pairs of vertices that remain connected after the edge failures. The optimal graphs for pair-connected reliability in the class of unicyclic graphs (connected ( n , n ) graphs) are completely characterized. The limiting behavior of the intervals of optimality are studied as n → ∞.
A Cross-Validation Bandwidth Choice for Kernel Density Estimates with Selection Biased Data

This paper studies the risks and bandwidth choices of a kernel estimate of the underlying density when the data are obtained fromsindependent biased samples. The main results of this paper give the asymptotic representation of the integrated squared errors and the mean integrated squared errors of the estimate and establish a cross-validation criterion for bandwidth selection. This kernel density estimate is shown to be asymptotically superior to many other intuitive kernel density estimates. The data-driven cross-validation bandwidth is shown to be asymptotically optimal in the sense of Stone (1984,Ann. Statist.12, 1285?1297). The finite sample properties of the cross-validation bandwidth are investigated through a Monte Carlo simulation.
Consumer and Manufacturer Design Factors for Use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in American Automobiles

Despite significant research and development during the past quarter century, there has been an insignificant transition to use of compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Although CNG automobiles reduce harmful emissions and reduce consumption of foreign oil, the nation has not successfully transitioned away from gasoline and diesel fuels. Therefore, the pros and cons of owning and operating CNG vehicles are explored from the consumer’s perspective. Included in this paper are isentropic compression models for single stage, 4 stage isentropic, and 4 stage with a constant temperature increase between cylinders. The models are then used to predict charging times for both residential and industrial compressors for an energy basis of 1MMBtu (1.055 GJ). The impact of CNG vehicles on US air emissions is discussed, with qualitative comparisons of CNG and oil-based emissions.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
A human erythropoietin receptor gene mutant causing familial erythrocytosis is associated with deregulation of the rates of Jak2 and Stat5 inactivation

The erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) has been previously shown to contain a cytoplasmic C-terminal negative regulatory domain, experimental deletion or mutation of which leads to increased sensitivity of expressing cells to the effects erythropoietin (Epo). We have studied a naturally occurring C-terminal truncation mutant of the human EpoR by stably transfecting the growth factor-dependent hematopoietic tissue culture cell line 32D with expression plasmids containing either the wildtype or mutant human EpoR cDNA, thus rendering the cells dependent on Epo for viability and proliferation. In Epo dose-response assays, cells expressing the mutant EpoR displayed hyperresponsiveness to Epo compared with cells expressing comparable numbers of the wild-type EpoR cultured in the presence of fetal bovine serum. We investigated whether enhanced Epo sensitivity of cells expressing the truncated EpoR is associated with alteration in Epo receptor-mediated activation of Stat5, which could have a role in Epo-induced proliferation. Although maximal Stat5 activation in response to a given concentration of Epo was comparable in 32D cells expressing the wild-type or truncated EpoRs, the time course of Epo-induced Stat5 activation was very different. Gel-mobility shift studies revealed the presence of Stat5 DNA-binding activity in nuclear and cytoplasmic extracts of cells expressing the truncated EpoR for a significantly longer time than that observed in similar extracts of cells expressing the wild-type EpoR consistent with decreased rate of inactivation of Stat5 in cells expressing the mutant EpoR. Epo-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of both Stat5 and Jak2 was also substantially prolonged in cells expressing the truncated EpoR. These results suggest a role for Stat5 in regulation of Epo-mediated cell growth and implicate altered kinetics of Epo-induced Jak2 and Stat5 activation in the pathogenesis of familial erythrocytosis associated with this naturally occurring EpoR gene mutation.
In situ transmission electron microscopy studies of shear bands in a bulk metallic glass based composite

In situ straining transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments were performed to study the propagation of the shear bands in the Zr56.3Ti13.8Cu6.9Ni5.6Nb5.0Be12.5 bulk metallic glass based composite. Contrast in TEM images produced by shear bands in metallic glass and quantitative parameters of the shear bands were analyzed. It was determined that, at a large amount of shear in the glass, the localization of deformation occurs in the crystalline phase, where formation of dislocations within the narrow bands are observed.
Superior Mesenteric Artery (Wilkie's) Syndrome as a Result of Cardiac Cachexia

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome is a rare acquired disorder in which acute angulation of SMA causes compression of the third part of the duodenum between the SMA and the aorta, leading to obstruction. Loss of fatty tissue as a result of a variety of debilitating conditions is believed to be the etiologic factor causing the acute angulation. We report a case of an 86-year-old man with prolonged congestive heart failure and aortic stenosis in which SMA syndrome developed as a result of cardiac cachexia. Because of poor functional status and comorbidities, he was not a suitable candidate for decompressive surgery. Conservative treatment using a gastrostomy tube with jejunal extension led to improvement in nutritional status and resolution of symptoms.
Supplemental l-Arginine Shortens Gestation Length and Increases Mare Uterine Blood Flow before and after Parturition

Supplementing diets with l-Arginine (Arg) improves female reproductive performance and reproductive blood flow in other species. The objectives of this study were to investigate uterine artery blood flow changes before and after parturition, and evaluate blood flow in Arg supplemented and control mares by Doppler ultrasonography. Sixteen light-horse mares began Doppler ultrasonography evaluation, 21 days before expected foaling date (EFD) and continued until day 7 postparturition. The mares under treatment (n = 8) were supplemented with 100 g Arg, once daily, beginning with 21 days before EFD. Blood flow measurements were calculated as pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI) for both uterine arteries, either ipsilateral or contralateral; to uterine horn of established pregnancy; defined gravid uterine artery (GUA) and non-gravid uterine artery (NGUA), respectively. The mares under treatment had a shorter gestation length (337 ± 1.7 days) as compared to control (345 ± 2.1 days; P ≤ .05). No differences in gestation length were observed between groups when examined by age, parity, EFD, or sex of foal. Both GUA and NGUA uterine artery diameter decreased from the day before parturition to day 7 after parturition (P ≤ .001). During this time period, both PI and RI increased (P ≤ .01); indicating less blood flow. A treatment effect was observed with Arginine-treated mares having greater blood flow prepartum in the NGUA (P ≤ .001) and postpartum in the GUA (P ≤ .05), for both indices. The data demonstrated that supplementing mares with Arg shortened gestation length and increased uterine arterial blood flow before and after parturition.
You Trained at Mayo Clinic? Wow!

These were more than statementsdthey were proud pronouncements, often accompanied by accolades. As a boy growing up in rural western Ohio, it was clear tome that physicians in our small city, a county seat in a dairy heartland, were respected by most as stalwart citizens and revered by many for their extraordinary skills. They still made house calls; they prescribed sulfa drugs andpenicillin; they cast broken bones; they delivered our best friends’ baby sisters and brothers; and they operated and removed or repaired just about anything that might ail a person. In my mind’s eye, I still perceive it as a near-idyllic medical environment in which the physicians were highly supportive of the citizenry and vice versa. As kids, my brothers, friends, and I all knew of townsfolk who were sick. Small towns are like that. If people were really sick, they would go to one of Dayton, Ohio’s, big hospitals or, perhaps, even over to Ohio State University in Columbus. But if they were really, really sick or no one knew what was wrong with them, they would mystically disappear for a few weeksdto somewhere called “the Mayo.” Most of us kids did not know much about “the Mayo” or that it was more than 600 miles away. However, we did know that when someone went there, it was extra special and triggered adult discussions, often after we kids were otherwise occupied and supposedly out of hearing range. “Trained at the Mayo” was a mark of distinction that signified quality and judgment among physicians in my small city and countless other towns like them. I had faith that Mayo Clinicetrained physicians were excellent; almost everyone surely seemed to think
DIMENSIONS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMPETENCE

Although a considerable amount of research has been devoted to how people learn in an environment, relatively little has looked at learning about the environment. A factor analysis of the responses of 136 men and women yielded six dimensions of environmental competence. The factors were used to obtain six reliable and valid scales: Conscientious, Outdoor Skills, Wayfinding, Knowledge, Practical Skills, and Resource Conservation. Men and women were significantly different in their responses to three of the scales: men were less competent in Conscientious and more competent in Outdoor Skills and Wayfinding.
Hamartoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium

A 9-year-old boy had a unilateral ocular lesion characterized by a broadly elevated mass at the level of the retinal pigment epithelium. The mass showed hyperpigmented borders, overlying retinal constracture, retinal vessel tortuosity, and vitreous condensations. Electrophysiologic testing revealed an abnormal electrooculogram.
Dynamic hybrid fault models and the applications to wireless sensor networks (WSNs)

In this paper, we introduce a new concept termed dynamic hybrid fault models together with the mathematic models and approaches for applying the new concept to reliability and fault tolerance analyses. It extends the traditional hybrid fault models and their relevant constraints in agreement algorithms with survival analysis and evolutionary game theory. The new dynamic hybrid fault models (i) transform hybrid fault models into time and covariate dependent models; (ii) make real-time prediction of reliability more realistic and allows for real-time prediction of fault-tolerance; (iii) set the foundations for integrating hybrid fault models with reliability and survivability analyses by introducing evolutionary game modeling; (iv) extend evolutionary game theory in its modeling of the survivals of game players. The application domain is wireless sensor network (WSN), but the large part of the modeling architecture also applies to general engineering reliability and network survivability.
Beyond the Vernacular: New Sources of Cells for Bone Tissue Engineering

Background: Recent developments in stem cell biology have led to the discovery of new sources of adult stem cells with potential for osteogenic differentiation. Methods: In this article, the authors review the active field of research into new cell sources that are being investigated for use in bone tissue engineering. These include adipogenic, muscle, intraoral, dermal, and peripheral blood stem cells. The concept of "cell guidance," where cells are induced to home into a scaffold without the need for prior cell seeding, is also discussed. Results: These new cell sources have the advantages of decreased morbidity during harvesting from patients and increased availability compared with traditional sources of cells for bone tissue engineering, such as end organ-derived osteoblasts, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and periosteal progenitor cells. Conclusion: The move beyond common sources of cells is perhaps the single most important recent development in bone tissue engineering research.
Autonomic symptom burden is associated with MS-related fatigue and quality of life.

Abstract Background Nonspecific symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), even in patients with normal exams. Little is known about the relationship of autonomic dysfunction with these symptoms and quality of life. Objective Assess the association of autonomic symptom burden with fatigue, clinical status and quality of life. Methods Subjects completed an autonomic symptom (COMPASS-31), quality of life (MSQOL-54) and fatigue (FSS) questionnaire at their routine MS clinic follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the medical record. Pearson correlations were assessed between autonomic symptoms and fatigue, quality of life, disability and disease duration. Results One-hundred subjects completed the study (mean age 48 years; 78% female; 84% relapsing-remitting), mean disease duration was 14.7 years and mean EDSS 2.5. MSQOL-54 composite scores were 58 physical and 65 mental. COMPASS-31 correlated with MSQOL-54 (Physical R = −0.60; Mental −0.54; p R =0.51; p R =0, p =0.97) or disease duration ( R = −0.02, p =0.84). Conclusions Autonomic symptom burden is correlated with decreased quality of life and increased fatigue. Autonomic symptoms are present early in the disease and at low disability and may reflect aspects of disease burden that are not well-captured by current disability measures.
Familial Aggregation of Phonological Disorders: Results From a 28-Year Follow-Up

This investigation is a follow-up to a longitudinal speech and educational outcome study involving approximately 400 normally developing children that was initiated in 1960. From this database, two groups of subjects (now aged 32-34), their spouses, and all of their offspring over the age of 3:0 (years:months) completed a battery of cognitive-linguistic and interview measures. One group (probands) consisted of 24 adults with a documented history of a moderate phonological-language disorder that persisted through at least the end of the first grade. The other group (controls) consisted of 28 adults who were known to have had normal articulation abilities as children. Results of this study demonstrated that, in comparison to the children of controls, the children of the proband subjects performed significantly more poorly on all tests of articulation and expressive language functioning and were significantly more likely to have received articulation treatment. There was, however, no evidence that specific misarticulations or phonological processes traveled within proband families. These results are in agreement with those of most previous family studies that have demonstrated an increased rate of occurrence of speech-language disorders of unknown origin in families including a first-degree relative who is similarly affected.
Getting to the Right Question

In this series, a clinician extemporaneously discusses the diagnostic approach (regular text) to sequentially presented clinical information (bold). Additional commentary on the diagnostic reasoning process (italics) is integrated throughout the discussion.
WINTER ANNUAL VEGETATION FOLLOWING A NUCLEAR DETONATION IN THE NORTHERN MOJAVE DESERT (NEVADA TEST SITE)

Abstract Winter annual vegetation and environmental phenomena were observed and measured through the growing seasons of 1962–65, on 3 sites in north-eastern Yucca Flat within 2 miles of the “Sedan” underground thermonuclear detonation in July 1962. Cumulative γ-radiation recorded was of the magnitude of 4000–13,000 R. As a result of the regional precipitation regime in the autumn of 1962, there were no winter annuals present in the Sedan area, or in most other parts of the Test Site, during the growing season 1962–63. Seedlings of the first post Sedan populations, which appeared following September 1963 rains, were the largest and most vigourous of populations observed in any region of the Test Site. The exceptional size and vigour continued through the period of anthesis in May 1964, and were corroborated by measurements of average height, cover, biomass and survival of the spring populations, as compared with those on seven other sites in central and northern Yucca Flat. In the next generation, which germinated in the spring of 1965 following record precipitation (4–5 in.), there was neither higher survival of the Sedan populations nor exceptional development at any stage during the several-week growing season. The unusual vigour of the winter annual populations in the 1963–64 season is inferred to have been in part a “stimulatory” effect of the ionizing radiation to which the embryos in the seeds were exposed from July 1962 until time of germination in September 1963. Abnormal morphological development of frequent individuals of Chaenactis stevioides , the dominant winter annual on the Sedan sites, may also have been an effect of seed irradiation.
The Effect of Light and Temperature on Molting in Turkeys

Abstract IT IS a common observation in this locality that turkeys show the presence of a considerable number of new feathers in their plumage throughout the early fall months. Such new feathers are not completely removed during ordinary dressing procedures, and the black pulp left in the feather follicles detracts from the appearance and quality of the dressed bird. Early hatched turkeys show many pinfeathers and partially grown feathers at 28 weeks of age, while birds of the same strain hatched late in the season are relatively free from pinfeathers when 28 weeks old. It has not been known whether such differences between the maturity of feathers in early and late hatched poults are conditioned by light, by temperature, or by both of these environmental factors. Host (1942) studied the effect of light conditions on plumage molts in the Willow Ptarmigan. In that species, feathers of different colors normally are present . . .
The dynamic range tester: a multipurpose "real-world" signal simulator for correlator testing and other applications

The dynamic range tester (DRT) is a patented prototype system that functions as a dual-channel, precision signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) generator. It was designed for testing high-speed acousto-optic correlators, and can be used for many applications requiring "real-world" test signals. The DRT is a convenient tool for generating two highly isolated, noisy test signals from a single signal source, to simulate two antennas receiving the same signals. By splitting a user-supplied signal into two copies and adding wideband, random noise to each portion, the DRT generates two noisy test signals, one in each channel. The noise generated in one channel of the DRT is uncorrelated and isolated from the noise generated in the other channel by approximately 90 dB. The correlated (signal) and uncorrelated (noise) parts of the test signals are each variable over a wide dynamic range. The DRT is useful for a variety of testing and demonstration purposes: generally, for evaluating a system's tolerance to noisy inputs and specifically, for making measurements of dynamic range, processing gain, and frequency resolution of a correlator, spectrum analyzer, or other signal processing system. The DRT can also use two signal sources, one in each noisy channel, to simulate two antennas receiving different signals. This configuration of the DRT may be useful for performing interference and bandwidth testing of signal processing hardware. The patented design is extendible to all frequency ranges, perhaps for producing useful instrumentation in such fields as telecommunications, telemetry, biomedical engineering, etc.
Nitrogen variations in the Little Tallapoosa River of west Georgia: The effect of seasonality, land usage, withdrawals, and point and nonpoint sources on water quality

Nitrogen as nitrite-nitrate-N, ammonia-N, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen was determined in surface waters of streams in the Little Tallapoosa watershed in the Piedmont province of west Georgia. Within the watershed are extensive pastures, hay fields, and forests. There are also four small- to medium-sized urban areas, rapidly growing housing developments, one landfill, five sewage treatment facilities, and one sewage spray application site near the Little Tallapoosa River. Nitrogen concentration data were determined weekly for nine sample stations on the Little Tallapoosa River and monthly to weekly for 24 sample stations on tributary streams in 2001 as part of the West Georgia Watershed Assessment. Results indicate that nitrite-nitrate-N levels reach their highest during late summer and early fall. The highest nitrogen levels occur in a tributary that heads in a cattle pasture inside a city that discharges treated sewage into the stream. Twelve-hour sampling at two additional sample stations following rain events in 2002 indicates that increases in ammonia-N closely follow significant rainfalls (>0.5 in.; >1.3 cm). Water withdrawals of more than 8 million gal/day (30,000 m3/day) by four major public suppliers from streams in the Little Tallapoosa watershed had no effect on nitrogen concentrations in the streams in 2001.
Database state generation via dynamic symbolic execution for coverage criteria

Automatically generating sufficient database states is imperative to reduce human efforts in testing database applications. Complementing the traditional block or branch coverage, we develop an approach that generates database states to achieve advanced code coverage including boundary value coverage(BVC) and logical coverage(LC) for source code under test. In our approach, we leverage dynamic symbolic execution to examine close relationships among host variables, embedded SQL query statements, and branch conditions in source code. We then derive constraints such that data satisfying those constraints can achieve the target coverage criteria. We implement our approach upon Pex, which is a state-of-the-art DSE-based test-generation tool for .NET. Empirical evaluations on two real database applications show that our approach assists Pex to generate test database states that can effectively achieve both BVC and LC, complementing the block or branch coverage.
Structural basis for UTP specificity of RNA editing TUTases from Trypanosoma brucei

Trypanosomatids are pathogenic protozoa that undergo a unique form of post-transcriptional RNA editing that inserts or deletes uridine nucleotides in many mitochondrial pre-mRNAs. Editing is catalyzed by a large multiprotein complex, the editosome. A key editosome enzyme, RNA editing terminal uridylyl transferase 2 (TUTase 2; RET2) catalyzes the uridylate addition reaction. Here, we report the 1.8 A crystal structure of the Trypanosoma brucei RET2 apoenzyme and its complexes with uridine nucleotides. This structure reveals that the specificity of the TUTase for UTP is determined by a crucial water molecule that is exquisitely positioned by the conserved carboxylates D421 and E424 to sense a hydrogen atom on the N3 position of the uridine base. The three-domain structure also unveils a unique domain arrangement not seen before in the nucleotidyltansferase superfamily, with a large domain insertion between the catalytic aspartates. This insertion is present in all trypanosomatid TUTases. We also show that TbRET2 is essential for survival of the bloodstream form of the parasite and therefore is a potential target for drug therapy.
The Effect of Ca, Sr, and Ba Doping on the Ionic Conductivity and Cathode Performance of LaFeO3

bKorea Institute of Energy Research, Daejeon 305-343, Korea The influence of ionic conductivity on the performance of solid oxide fuel cell cathodes was studied for electrodes prepared by infiltration of 40 wt % La0.8Ca0.2FeO3 LCF ,L a0.8Sr0.2FeO3 LSF, and La0.8Ba0.2FeO3 LBF into 65% porous yttria-stabilized zirconia YSZ. The ionic conductivities of LCF, LSF, and LBF, measured between 923 and 1073 K using permeation rates in a membrane reactor, showed that LSF exhibited the highest ionic conductivities, followed by LBF and LCF. When electrodes were calcined to 1123 K, the performance characteristics of each composite were essentially identical, exhibiting current-independent impedances of 0.2 cm2 at 973 K. When the composites were calcined to 1373 K, the open-circuit impedances were much larger and showed a strong dependence on current density. The open-circuit impedances followed the ionic conductivities, with LSF‐ YSZ electrodes showing the lowest impedance and LCF‐YSZ electrodes the highest. Scanning electron microscopy images and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller surface areas indicate that calcination at 1373 K causes the perovskites to form dense layers over the YSZ pores. A model is proposed in which diffusion of ions through the perovskite film limits the performance of the composite electrodes calcined at 1373 K.
Angiotensin II and New Vessel Formation: Aiming for the Right Oxidative Window

New vessel formation is a critical component of homeostatic adaptation to ischemia and infarction. Well-developed collateral circulation confers a better prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction and stable coronary artery disease.1,2 However, approaches used to manipulate vessel growth in animal models have had limited success when translated into new therapies for patients with cardiovascular disease. See page 61 As an agonist of the NADPH oxidase, angiotensin II (Ang II) has long been recognized as a prooxidant, a feature that is central to its role as a proinflammatory agent in cardiovascular pathophysiology.3 Like other proinflammatory stimuli,4 Ang II has been reported to have an almost paradoxical effect in inducing new vessel formation. The growth-stimulatory effects of Ang II on the vasculature are well documented and potentially entirely consistent with a positive effect on new vessel formation. However, the ultimate effect of Ang II on new vessel formation is controversial as it has been reported to both stimulate and inhibit vessel growth.5 One possible explanation for these conflicting data includes the differences in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of the various …
Aspects of diagnostic rules for manufacturing systems: generation, generalization and reduction

The diagnostic step of the error recovery process in manufacturing systems is considered, and theories for evaluating the redundancy of failure knowledge in such systems are developed. The work is based on a diagnostic knowledge structure called the action-error-feature data set. Previously derived theories and a simple computational operation, called the covering analysis, for determining and testing N-multiple-error diagnosability of the data set are further developed to improve the efficiency of the diagnostic steps. Methods for evaluating and deleting redundant features in the data set are obtained, resulting in a qualitative measure for the embedded diagnostic knowledge in terms of the ability to diagnose the number of multiple simultaneous errors and a quantitative measure in terms of the redundant features in the system. Diagnostic rules for a specific error are generated, generalized, and encoded soon after the error is diagnosed at the first occurrence. The generalized rules can be applied in similar cases for a specific error and improve efficiency. >
The Integration of Process Heat Applications to High Temperature Gas Reactors

A high temperature gas reactor, HTGR, can produce industrial process steam, high-temperature heat-transfer gases, and/or electricity. In conventional industrial processes, these products are generated by the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, resulting in significant emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Heat or electricity produced in an HTGR could be used to supply process heat or electricity to conventional processes without generating any greenhouse gases. Process heat from a reactor needs to be transported by a gas to the industrial process. Two such gases were considered in this study: helium and steam. For this analysis, it was assumed that steam was delivered at 17 MPa and 540°C and helium was delivered at 7 MPa and at a variety of temperatures. The temperature of the gas returning from the industrial process and going to the HTGR must be within certain temperature ranges to maintain the correct reactor inlet temperature for a particular reactor outlet temperature. The returning gas may be below the reactor inlet temperature, ROT, but not above. The optimal return temperature produces the maximum process heat gas flow rate. For steam, the delivered pressure sets an optimal reactor outlet temperature based on the condensation temperature of the steam. ROTs greater than 769.7°C produce no additional advantage for the production of steam.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A novel RARα/CAR-mediated mechanism for regulation of human organic solute transporter-β gene expression

The organic solute transporter-α/β (OSTα/β) is a heteromeric transporter that is essential for bile acid and sterol disposition and for the enterohepatic circulation. To better understand the mechanism underlying OST gene regulation, the effects of retinoic acid (RA) on OSTα/β gene expression were investigated. The results show a dose-dependent induction of OSTβ but not OSTα expression in both Huh7 and HepG2 cells by RA treatment. A novel functional RA receptor response element (RARE; so-called DR5) in the promoter of OSTβ gene was identified. The interaction of RARα/RXRα with the RARE was verified by electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays and its functional importance by hOSTβ promoter activation in luciferase reporter assays. The studies demonstrated that the RARE is also a constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) binding site for OSTβ gene regulation. These results suggest that OSTβ is a target of both FXR-mediated (by binding to IR-1 element) and RARα- and CAR-mediated (by binding to DR5 element) gene regulation pathways. In summary, this study has uncovered a novel RARE (DR5) element in the promoter of OSTβ that binds RARα or CAR heterodimerized with RXRα and appears to function synergistically with the IR-1 element to provide maximal induction of OSTβ in response to RA. These findings demonstrate a role for RARα and CAR in controlling OSTβ expression levels.
Teaching Successful "Real-World" Software Engineering to the "Net" Generation: Process and Quality Win!

Software engineering skills are critical for students seeking careers as software developers. However, academic course content often fails to teach practical, "real-world" software engineering as it is done in large organizations. Further, the proclivities of the current generation leave students disinclined to the disciplines of process and quality. Academics seldom use the team software process (TSP), a leading methodology of global industries. Four years of data indicate that student teams using TSP can achieve industry levels of productivity and reasonable quality levels. Further, results from 23 teams and over 200 students indicate that these Net-generation students developed an understanding for the value of discipline, data collection, metrics, and quality measures. The team software process is recommended to other academic programs seeking to bring real-world software engineering into the classroom and improve teaching for the Net generation.
Transaction Cost Economics and the Cognitive Perspective: Investigating the Sources and Governance of Interpretive Uncertainty

We augment transaction cost economics with a cognitive perspective to expand the conceptualization of uncertainty, an important but underexplored concept, to include interpretive uncertainty, which arises from conflicting cognitive frames. Interpretive uncertainty generates different views of the exchange and can lead to unexpected conflict, additional transaction costs, and potential early termination of the transaction. In contrast to traditional transaction cost economics hazards, which are derived from transaction characteristics, interpretive uncertainty is driven by relational characteristics (the attributes of the parties in relation to each other). Additionally, interpretive uncertainty is mitigated by aligning the frames of the exchange partners rather than by traditional safeguards, such as penalty clauses. As a result, effective governance must support the development of a common dominant frame that facilitates the completion of the transaction. In this article we develop propositions exploring...
Cellphone contact dermatitis with nickel allergy

The case: An 18-year-old male presented with pruritic lichenified dermatitis on his lower abdomen and eczematous dermatitis on his extremities, flanks and face that had lasted several weeks. We suspected his belt buckle had led to allergic contact dermatitis with subsequent autoeczematization. Patch
Precision resistors: a review of the techniques of measurement, advantages, disadvantages, and results

The characteristics of the principal resistance measuring systems developed over the last two centuries are reviewed, Also reviewed is their application to measurement of resistance from /spl mu//spl Omega/ to M/spl Omega/. Included in the review are potentiometer systems and their adaptation to computer operation, the Wheatstone bridge, the enhanced Kelvin double-bridge and the current-comparator in both manual and computer operated forms. Methods of establishing ratio from the base 1 /spl Omega/ reference value throughout the range are discussed. Uncertainties attainable at the highest levels of precision are presented.
Cognitive Bias and Irrational Beliefs in Major Depression and Dysphoria

Cognitive theories claim that depression is associated with irrational beliefs (Ellis, 1987) or biased inferential processes (Beck, 1987). Depressed (n = 24), dysphoric (n = 21), and nondepressed (n = 34) adults completed self-reports of hopelessness, optimism, positive and negative affect, and irrational beliefs. In an interview they gave an attribution, and a justification of the attribution, for each of six recent events. Consistent with Beck's theory and Cook and Peterson's (1986) data, depressed people were more biased in justifying negative-event attributions. However, they were less biased than the nondepressed in justifying positive-event attributions. Expected events yield less search for causes; attributions for them may thus be less logical. Consistent with Ellis's theory, depressed people scored higher than the nondepressed on irrational beliefs, controlling for negative affect. Dysphoric people scored between the other groups on all measures.
Feedback Regulation of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling by GRKs and Arrestins

GPCRs are ubiquitous in mammalian cells and present intricate mechanisms for cellular signaling and communication. Mechanistically, GPCR signaling was identified to occur vectorially through heterotrimeric G proteins that are negatively regulated by GRK and arrestin effectors. Emerging evidence highlights additional roles for GRK and Arrestin partners, and establishes the existence of interconnected feedback pathways that collectively define GPCR signaling. GPCRs influence cellular dynamics and can mediate pathologic development, such as cancer and cardiovascular remolding. Hence, a better understanding of their overall signal regulation is of great translational interest and research continues to exploit the pharmacologic potential for modulating their activity.
Preliminary characterization of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) immune MHC II DRB alleles using next-generation sequencing

Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) are of great interest to molecular ecologists due to their role in the immune response and the complex evolutionary mechanisms affecting their abundance and distribution. Next generation sequencing (NGS) offers the best potential for characterizing such genes by overcoming the low throughput constraints associated with traditional cloning and Sanger sequencing. However, available bioinformatics methods to effectively filter MHC data acquired through NGS are complex and have not been widely applied. Here we present a method to sequence MHC II DRB of the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) using semi-conductor sequencing on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) and subsequently analyze the data using a modified UPARSE clustering algorithm. As proof of concept, preliminary characterization of the MHC II DRB alleles of 15 little brown bats was accomplished through PGM sequencing. Analysis identified 24 MHC II DRB alleles overall and a high number of alleles per individual (average 6.8 ± 3.5, range 1 – 12), indicating little brown bats may have among the highest number of MHC DRB loci documented in mammals. Our method provides a framework for studying MHC II DRB diversity in little brown bats, which are experiencing significant population declines in North America due to the recent emergence of white-nose syndrome (WNS).
Reconstruction of Raman Spectra Using Diffusive Light Propagation in 3D

Simulations were completed to determine the effect of the propagation of Raman signal through a rat tibia. Reconstructed data show a shift in the Raman Spectra of less than 1nm as compared to original signal.
Hirschsprung's disease

From 1972 to 1985, 214 patients were treated for Hirschsprung's disease. One patient underwent a Swenson pull-through operation, 13 a Soave procedure, and 195 had modifications of the Duhamel procedure. Six children are newly diagnosed and awaiting definitive therapy. Of the patients in whom a modified Duhamel procedure was performed, 153 were males (78%) and 7 (4%) had Down's syndrome. There was no operative mortality for the procedure, and only 4 late deaths have been observed (3 with Down's syndrome). Fecaloma occurred in 12 of 14 patients who underwent the classic operation described by Duhamel, and postoperative enterocolitis was noted in 4 of 6 patients who had Martin's “long” Duhamel modification for total colonic aganglionosis. No urologic problems or anastomotic leaks were identified, and only 1 patient developed a rectal stricture postoperatively. Growth and development and fecal continence have been excellent in the vast majority of patients. The modified Duhamel pull-through operation is associated with excellent survival and highly acceptable long-term function.
Enterprise and Equity: A Critique of Western Water Law in the Nineteenth Century

became the first American historian to explore water law systematically. For all its flaws, some of which are mentioned in this paper, his work raised vital questions about the adaptation of institutions to the physical environment and the relationship of law to economic development. Unfortunately, historians of the western half of the nation have been slow to follow his lead. Most surveys of the nineteenth-century West pay scant attention to water and none at all to water law. Recently, a handful of scholars have provided good descriptions of many of the laws and have analyzed important legal conflicts. But they have paid inadequate attention to the antecedents, purposes, and economic consequences of western water rights as they evolved in the last century. They have neglected the critical relationship between the law and economic growth.2
Infection Prevalence, Bacterial Loads, and Transmission Efficiency in Oropsylla montana (Siphonaptera: Ceratophyllidae) One Day After Exposure to Varying Concentrations of Yersinia pestis in Blood

Unblocked fleas can transmit Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, shortly (≤4 d) after taking an infectious bloodmeal. Investigators have measured so-called early-phase transmission (EPT) efficiency in various fleas following infection with highly bacteremic blood (≥108 cfu/ml). To date, no one has determined the lower limit of bacteremia required for fleas to acquire and transmit infection by EPT, though knowing this threshold is central to determining the length of time a host may be infectious to feeding fleas. Here, we evaluate the ability of Oropsylla montana (Baker) to acquire and transmit Y. pestis after feeding on blood containing 103 to 109 cfu/ml. We evaluated the resulting infection prevalence, bacterial loads, and transmission efficiency within the early-phase time period at 1 d postinfection. Fleas acquired infection from bacteremic blood across a wide range of concentrations, but transmission was observed only when fleas ingested highly bacteremic blood.