cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Proton transfers in the photochemical reaction cycle of proteorhodopsin.

The spectral and photochemical properties of proteorhodopsin (PR) were determined to compare its proton transport steps to those of bacteriorhodopsin (BR). Static and time-resolved measurements on wild-type PR and several mutants were done in the visible and infrared (FTIR and FT-Raman). Assignment of the observed CO stretch bands indicated that Asp-97 and Glu-108 serve as the proton acceptor and donor, respectively, to the retinal Schiff base, as do the residues at corresponding positions in BR, but there are numerous spectral and kinetic differences between the two proteins. There is no detectable dark-adaptation in PR, and the chromophore contains nearly entirely all-trans retinal. Because the pKa of Asp-97 is relatively high (7.1), the proton-transporting photocycle is produced only at alkaline pH. It contains at least seven transient states with decay times in the range from 10 μs to 200 ms, but the analysis reveals only three distinct spectral forms. The first is a red-shifted K-like state. Proton r...
Food of freshwater drum in western Lake Erie

The abundance of freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) suggests they play an important role in the Lake Erie ecosystem. Our analysis of freshwater drum digestive tracts and macrobenthic samples collected from western Lake Erie indicates that drum were selective feeders. Planktonic cladocerans and larval midges (Chironomidae) were the primary prey organisms eaten by drum. Young-of-the-year fed mostly on cladocerans, while yearling and older drum ate both cladocerans and midge larvae. Decapods, pelecypods, and fish were found only in the digestive tracts of drum longer than 250 mm. While the most abundant organisms in benthic samples were cladocerans (ephippial) and oligochaetes (89.5% by number), they constituted less than 1% of the diet. An evaluation of food selectivity, using Ivlev's index of electivity for benthic organisms, indicated that adult drum preferred midges to any other benthic food.
Intersection of ChIP and FLIP, genomic methods to study the dynamics of the cohesin proteins.

The evolutionarily conserved cohesin proteins Smc1, Smc3, Rad21 (Mcd1), and Scc3 function in the cohesin complex that provides the basis for chromosome cohesion and is involved in gene regulation. Understanding how these proteins link together the genome requires the use of whole-genome approaches to study the molecular mechanisms of these essential proteins. While chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by DNA microarray (ChIP-chip) studies have provided a snapshot in time of where these proteins associate with various genomes, the cohesin proteins are dynamic in their localization and interactions on chromatin. Study of the dynamic nature of these proteins requires approaches such as live cell imaging. We present evidence from fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) experiments in budding yeast that the decay constant of each cohesin subunit is ∼60–90 s in interphase. The decay constant on chromatin increases from G1 to S phase to metaphase, consistent with the interaction with chromatin becoming more stable once chromosomes are cohered. A small population of Smc3 at a position consistent with centromeric location has a longer decay constant than bulk Smc3. The characterization of the interaction of cohesin with chromatin, in terms of both its position and its dynamics, may be key to understanding how this protein complex contributes to chromosome segregation and gene regulation.
Constitutive Activation of Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in the Chicken Mutant talpid2: Shh-Independent Outgrowth and Polarizing Activity

We have examined the developmental properties of the polydactylous chicken mutant, talpid(2). Ptc, Gli1, Bmp2, Hoxd13, and Fgf4 are expressed throughout the anteroposterior axis of the mutant limb bud, despite normal Shh expression. The expression of Gli3, Ihh, and Dhh appears to be normal, suggesting that the Shh signaling pathway is constitutively active in talpid(2) mutants. We show that preaxial talpid(2) limb bud mesoderm has polarizing activity in the absence of detectable Shh mRNA. When the postaxial talpid(2) limb bud (including all Shh-expressing cells) is removed, the preaxial cells reform a normal-shaped talpid(2) limb bud (regulate). However, a Shh-expressing region (zone of polarizing activity) does not reform; nevertheless Fgf4 expression in the apical ectodermal ridge is maintained. Such reformed talpid(2) limb buds develop complete talpid(2) limbs. After similar treatment, normal limb buds downregulate Fgf4, the preaxial cells do not regulate, and a truncated anteroposterior deficient limb forms. In talpid(2) limbs, distal outgrowth is independent of Shh and correlates with Fgf4, but not Fgf8, expression by the apical ectodermal ridge. We propose a model for talpid(2) in which leaky activation of the Shh signaling pathway occurs in the absence of Shh ligand.
The Bottom Fauna of Lake Huron

Abstract The examination of 63 bottom samples, collected in Lake Huron in 1952 and 1956, revealed that Pontoporeia affinis was the dominant organism in both deep and shallow water. The next most abundant organisms in deep water were oligochaetes, fingernail clams, and midge larvae. Midge larvae were more numerous than either oligochaetes or fingernail clams in shallow water. The number of organisms per square meter was similar to that determined from a similar study on Lake Michigan.
III-V heterojunction field effect transistor using indium alloys

Modulation-doped field effect transistors (MODFET's) using Al,GaAs and GaAs have shown interesting but limited improvements in performance over those of GaAs metal semiconductors field effect transistors (MESFET's). The use of indium alloys can be made to improve the properties of the active channel and the barrier confining the electrons. When indium is alloyed into GaAs the electron transport along the active channel is improved. An excellent example is that of Ga .47 In .53 As active channel grown lattice-matched on InP. The low-field mobility of electrons is raised by 50% at room temperature, and for .25 micron gate length, the electron average transit velocity is also raised by about this much at room temperature. Very high potential barriers of .5 eV can be achieved for electrons on this active layer by using Al .48 In .52 As, helping to confine energetic electrons. It is also possible to grow thin In x Ga 1-x As layers with x y Ga 1-y AS is used to confine electrons to GaAs (or In x Ga 1-x As), any necessary Si donors in the Al y Ga 1-y As have a sharp increase in ionization energy for y ≥ .20 or so. The potential barrier is only .16-eV in the conduction band for Al .2 Ga .8 As. If (Al z Ga 1-z ) .51 In .49 P is grown lattice matched to GaAs, the donor ionization energy is low up to z = .3, where the conduction band potential barrier for electrons is .32 eV. Thus even GaAs MODFET's will yield improved performance, due to better electron confinement, when indium alloy barriers are used. Predictions of MODFET f T values of over 100 GHz for active channel of lattice mismatched In x Ga 1-x As on GaAs and over 120 GHz for In .53 Ga .47 As on InP are made for .25 µm gates at room temperature, compared to ≥ 80 GHz f T values achieved for Al, GaAs/GaAs MODFETs. Structures for improved performance of the various MODFETs for switching and microwave operation are presented.
Correlation of potential and fiber type in extraocular muscle

EMG potentials were recorded simultaneously with spontaneous intracellular multifocus slow potentials in the rabbit superior rectus under general anesthesia. Those EMG potentials which were synchronous with such intracellular potentials, are essentially monophasic and at least 4 msec in duration, clearly different from spike potentials. It was verified, that the fibers which produce such spontaneous intracellular multifocus slow potentials are indeed multiply innervated. The study of such slow potential activity in human extraocular muscles may be profitable.
Bring Your Love: Therapeutic and Effective End-of-Life Discussions:

This article is to assist healthcare providers promote unconditional love, with the intention of the highest good and peace in the dying patient and their loved ones. It is intended to help them pe...
TLR ligands that stimulate the metabolism of vitamin D3 in activated murine dendritic cells can function as effective mucosal adjuvants to subcutaneously administered vaccines

Summary Cathelicidin production by human myeloid cells stimulated through toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/1, the migration of human CD8 + T cells to inflamed skin sites, and the ability of murine dendritic cells (DCs) to migrate from skin sites of vaccination to mucosal lymphoid organs all occur via calcitriol-dependent mechanisms. Herein, we report that murine DCs exposed to TLR3/TLR4 ligands upregulate their expression of 1α-hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts circulating 25(OH)D 3 to calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3. TLR3/TLR4 ligands injected subcutaneously affect DC migration in vivo , allowing their trafficking to both draining and non-draining systemic and mucosal lymphoid organs. Subcutaneously delivered vaccines containing TLR3/TLR4 ligands and antigen stimulate the induction of both systemic and mucosal immune responses. Vaccines containing TLR9 ligands fail to stimulate 1α-hydroxylase protein expression, are incapable of redirecting DC migration into Peyer's patches and do not induce mucosal immune responses. These findings support a hypothesis that active metabolites of vitamin D3 produced locally are able to affect various aspects of innate and acquired immune responses.
Is cyclic AMP the regulator of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase activity

The role of cyclic AMP in the regulation of hepatic ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in the rat was studied in the whole animal and in the perfused organ. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP or butyrate given to intact rats increased ODC activity; this increase was abolished by hypophysectomy 1 h prior to administering ether compound. Administration of 1 mg l-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIX) to intact rats increased ODC activity within 4 hours whereas hypophysectomy 1 h before treatment prevented this increase. No change in hepatic cyclic AMP content was seen in either intact or hypophysectomized rats following MIX. Perfusion with 0.5 mM dibutyryl cyclic AMP decreased ODC activity in isolated livers whereas perfusion with 0.5 mM 8-bromocyclic GMP produced a small increase in ODC activity. These data suggest that the effect of dibutyryl cyclic AMP in intact animals may be a property of the butyrate and that this action as well as the action of MIX may be mediated through the permissive effect of pituitary and/or adr...
What's in a Name? A Comparison of Instructional Systems Design, Organization Development, and Human Performance Technology/Improvement and Their Contributions to Performance Improvement

What are the similarities and differences between instructional systems design, organization development, and human performance technology/improvement (HPT/HPI)? This article defines these fields and highlights how they contribute to the performance improvement domain. With Rossett's view of HPT as a “perspective, or habit of mind, that inclines us towards data, analysis, systems, alignment and partnerships” (A. Rossett, personal communication, October 28, 2012), HPT/HPI will be presented as the overarching framework for selecting and measuring instructional systems design or organization development interventions.
An examination of recycled Portland cement concrete rich in dolomite and low in calcite obtained from various locations in Ohio

Thermal analysis is used to investigate 30 year old samples of concrete. In this study, thermal analysis data is combined with XRD data. The contents of these concrete samples are identified in terms of portlandite, calcite, dolomite, gypsum, and quartz. However, the calcium carbonate comes from the carbonation of the portlandite, from the fine and coarse aggregate used in the preparation of the concrete, and also from the second stage of the thermal decomposition of the dolomite. In the present study, samples of recycled Portland cement concrete are investigated which were low in calcite but high in dolomite content. The original presence of slag in these samples influences the long term leaching potential of the concrete. Leaching experiments reveal the presence of both calcium and magnesium ions in the leachate.
Atrial fibrillation and its relationship to dental care.

ABSTRACT Background The number of Americans diagnosed with and treated for atrial fibrillation, or AF, continues to rise. Types of Studies Reviewed To determine how AF may affect the provision of dental care, the author conducted a literature search, using terms such as “atrial fibrillation” and “dental care.” He found a lack of information on these combined topics. Therefore, the author extrapolated information from scientific peer-reviewed articles on AF, medical and surgical management of AF, and dental care to determine appropriate guidelines for dental treatment of patients with AF. Results The author found that complications can arise from AF and that medical management of AF can affect the delivery of dental care. Dentists should determine the underlying cause of AF to decide if antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated. Patients who are receiving anticoagulation therapy may not need to alter their therapy schedules for minor oral surgery procedures. Anxiety as a result of AF may require use of anxiety-reducing protocols before dental treatment. Clinical Implications To reduce potential complications associated with dental care, dental practitioners should be familiar with AF and its treatment. Dental management of patients with AF may require treatment modifications, but generally will not deviate significantly from routine standards.
Repetitive Antigen Stimulation Induces Stepwise Transcriptome Diversification but Preserves a Core Signature of Memory CD8+ T Cell Differentiation

Repetitive antigen stimulation by prime-boost vaccination or pathogen reencounter increases memory CD8(+) T cell numbers, but the impact on memory CD8(+) T cell differentiation is unknown. Here we showed that repetitive antigen stimulations induced accumulation of memory CD8(+) T cells with uniform effector memory characteristics. However, genome-wide microarray analyses revealed that each additional antigen challenge resulted in the differential regulation of several hundred new genes in the ensuing memory CD8(+) T cell populations and, therefore, in stepwise diversification of CD8(+) T cell transcriptomes. Thus, primary and repeatedly stimulated (secondary, tertiary, and quaternary) memory CD8(+) T cells differed substantially in their molecular signature while sharing expression of a small group of genes and biological pathways, which may constitute a core signature of memory differentiation. These results reveal the complex regulation of memory CD8(+) T cell differentiation and identify potential new molecular targets to dissect the function of memory cells generated by repeated antigen stimulation.
Turf toe and sesamoiditis: what the radiologist needs to know ☆ ☆☆

The first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint complex is a critical weight-bearing structure important to biomechanics. An acute dorsiflexion injury, named "turf toe," is common among American football and soccer players. "Sesamoiditis" is a name often given for pain arising from the hallux sesamoids in the absence of acute trauma, and may result from a variety of causes. The first MTP joint complex can also be affected by degenerative or inflammatory arthritis, infarct, and infection. This review article will cover the anatomy and biomechanics of the first MTP joint complex, its patterns of injury and pathology, imaging techniques, and management.
Putting prevention into daily practice

Epidemiologic research has identified several major risk factors for coronary heart disease and peripheral atherosclerotic disease. Basic research studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that control and modification of the major risk factors can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these cardiovascular diseases. Current understanding is that therapeutic benefits are derived from improvements in endothelial function, prevention of ulceration and thrombosis of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, and a general decrease in the further progression of atherosclerosis, all resulting from the control of risk factors. This article reviews evidence, largely gathered from randomized, clinical trials, that supports the efficacy of primary and secondary prevention, summarizes the evidence and the reasons for lack of implementation of preventive therapies, explores strategies and opportunities to develop prevention programs, and highlights developments in the managed care industry that should result in widespread emphasis on and support for primary and secondary prevention.
X-ray topographic analysis of dislocations and growth bands in a melt grown gadolinium gallium garnet crystal

A melt grown crystal of gadolinium gallium garnet containing dislocations with a density of about 3 × 103 / cm2 was analyzed by X-ray diffraction topography. Most of the dislocations appear to have Burgers vectors in the 〈111〉 direction parallel to the growth axis. These dislocations make relatively small angles with the growth axis so they are predominantly screw in character. Some evidence for the existence of decorated edge dislocations was found. In addition, anisotropy of growth band contrast was observed. This effect is interpreted in terms of elastic stresses between bands of different lattice parameter.
Interface reaction studies of B4C/B and SiC/B fiber-reinforced Ti3Al matrix composites

Abstract The interfacial chemical reactions of the silicon-carbide-coated boron (SiC/B) and boron-carbide-coated boron (B4C/B) fibers with the Ti3Al + Nb matrix were investigated. The microstructure as well as the chemical composition throughout the reaction zone were identified. The reaction kinetics were quantified, and the effect of reaction zone thickness on the fracture behavior of the composites was assessed. It was found that an extensive reaction resulting in complex multilayer reaction products occurred owing to the rapid diffusion of constituent atoms in the fibers and the matrix. The reaction is diffusion controlled with activation energies of 47 and 40 kcal mol−1 for the (SiC/B)-(Ti3Al + Nb) and (B4C/B)-(Ti3Al + Nb) composites respectively. The results reported can be used as guidelines for the selection of processing parameters to avoid the excessive fiber-matrix reaction, determination of service life expectancy and development of ways to control these reactions.
Pain, Pills, and Possibilities: Drug Therapy in Peripheral Vascular Disease

Currently, pharmacologic therapy offers no cures for the patient with vascular disease. Drugs are available, however, to prevent or delay the end organ damage of vascular disease, to keep vessels patent as long as possible, and to provide some relief from the pain associated with vascular disease and cell damage. In this article, the author reviews the drugs used to manage hypertension--diuretics, beta blockers, alpha adrenergic blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, antiadrenergic drugs, and nitroprusside; and drugs used to maintain vessel patency in peripheral vascular disease--peripheral vasodilators and anticoagulants; and reviews one regimen for dealing with the chronic pain of vascular disease--narcotics and tricyclic antidepressants.
An improved version of ISICS : a program for calculating K-, L-and M-shell cross sections from PWBA and ECPSSR theory using a personal computer

The formatting of the M-shell atomic parameters imbedded in file XCSC.H in ISICS has been corrected. The problem only affected cross section calculations for Uranium and heavier elements. The corrected version of ISICS has been re-compiled and is now available.
Silva's Diagnostic Renal Pathology

1. Renal anatomy William A. Clapp 2. Renal biopsy: the nephrologist's viewpoint Robert D. Toto 3. Algorithmic approach to the interpretation of renal biopsy Xin J. Zhou, Zoltan Laszik, and Fred G. Silva 4. Glomerular diseases associated with the nephritic syndrome and proteinuria Michael B. Stokes, Glen S. Markowitz, and Vivette D. D'Agati 5. Glomerular diseases associated primarily with asymptomatic or gross hematuria Randolph A. Hennigar and James A. Tumlin 6. Glomerular diseases associated with nephritic syndrome and/or rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis Thomas D. Rogers, Dinesh Rakheja, and Xin J. Zhou 7. Systematic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune diseases (mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome) Michael B. Stokes, Samih H. Nasr, and Vivette D. D'Agati 8. Renal diseases associated with metabolic and storage disorders Zoltan Laszik and Lukas Harrigan 9. Thrombotic microangiopathies Zoltan Laszik and Fred G. Silva 10. Renal diseases associated with hematopoietic disorders or organized deposits Guillermo A. Herrera 11. Tubulointerstitial diseases Shane M. Meehan and Tibor Nadasdy 12. Hypertension and vascular diseases of the kidney Michael D. Hughson 13. Cystic and developmental diseases Arthur G. Weinberg 14. The aging kidney Xin J. Zhou, Dinesh Rakheja, and Fred G. Silva 15. End stage kidney disease Steven A. Bigler and Michael G. Hughson 16. Pathology of renal transplantation Tibor Nadasdy, Anjali Satoskar, and Gyongyi Nadasdy 17. Tumors of the kidney Satish K. Tickoo, Pedram Argani, and Mahul B. Amin.
Development of polycapillary x-ray optics for scatter rejection

Many medical imaging and industrial applications for x rays require large area optics with good scatter rejection. Preliminary scatter rejection and contrast measurements show that a prototype long borosilicate optic increases the contrast by a factor of 1.7 by decreasing the scatter transmission nearly a factor of 10 at 20 keV. Since borosilicate optics have higher scatter transmissions at high energies, the optics have to be fairly long to give good scatter rejection at high energies. However, long optics are complex to manufacture and have increased defect rates. Lead glass would allow the optic to be much shorter and still give good contrast enhancement, because of the superior absorption of leaded glass. In order to investigate the feasibility of using leaded glass polycapillary optics for these applications, measurements and simulations have been performed on the behavior of leaded glass polycapillary fibers in the 9 - 80 keV energy range.
Contractile Reserve and Calcium Regulation Are Depressed in Myocytes From Chronically Unloaded Hearts

BACKGROUND: Chronic cardiac unloading of the normal heart results in the reduction of left ventricular (LV) mass, but effects on myocyte contractile function are not known. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cardiac unloading and reduction in LV mass were induced by heterotopic heart transplantation to the abdominal aorta in isogenic rats. Contractility and [Ca(2+)](i) regulation in LV myocytes were studied at both 2 and 5 weeks after transplantation. Native in situ hearts from recipient animals were used as the controls for all experiments. Contractile function indices in myocytes from 2-week unloaded and native (control) hearts were similar under baseline conditions (0.5 Hz, 1.2 mmol/L [Ca(2+)](o), and 36 degrees C) and in response to stimulation with high [Ca(2+)](o) (range 2.5 to 4.0 mmol/L). In myocytes from 5-week unloaded hearts, there were no differences in fractional cell shortening and peak-systolic [Ca(2+)](i) at baseline; however, time to 50% relengthening and time to 50% decline in [Ca(2+)](i) were prolonged compared with controls. Severe defects in fractional cell shortening and peak-systolic [Ca(2+)](i) were elicited in myocytes from 5-week unloaded hearts in response to high [Ca(2+)](o). However, there were no differences in the contractile response to isoproterenol between myocytes from unloaded and native hearts. In 5-week unloaded hearts, but not in 2-week unloaded hearts, LV protein levels of phospholamban were increased (345% of native heart values). Protein levels of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) ATPase and the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger were not changed. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic unloading of the normal heart caused a time-dependent depression of myocyte contractile function, suggesting the potential for impaired performance in states associated with prolonged cardiac atrophy.
GAP-43: an intrinsic determinant of neuronal development and plasticity.

Abstract Several lines of investigation have helped clarify the role of GAP-43 (F1, B-50 or neuromodulin) in regulating the growth state of axon terminals. In transgenic mice, overexpression of GAP-43 leads to the spontaneous formation of new synapses and enhanced sprouting after injury. Null mutation of the GAP-43 gene disrupts axonal pathfinding and is generally lethal shortly after birth. Manipulations of GAP-43 expression likewise have profound effects on neurite outgrowth for cells in culture. GAP-43 appears to be involved in transducing intra- and extracellular signals to regulate cytoskeletal organization in the nerve ending. Phosphorylation by protein kinase C is particularly significant in this regard, and is linked with both nerve-terminal sprouting and long-term potentiation. In the brains of humans and other primates, high levels of GAP-43 persist in neocortical association areas and in the limbic system throughout life, where the protein might play an important role in mediating experience-dependent plasticity.
A sequential precipitation sampling apparatus

Abstract This report describes the construction and operation of an automated, continuous flow, rainfall pH and conductivity measurement and fraction collection system. Samples are collected sequentially, within an event and examples are shown. The apparatus has been constructed with commercially available components.
Optoacoustic tweezers: a programmable, localized cell concentrator based on opto-thermally generated, acoustically activated, surface bubbles

We present a programmable, biocompatible technique for dynamically concentrating and patterning particles and cells in a microfluidic device. Since our technique utilizes opto-thermally generated, acoustically activated, surface bubbles, we name it “optoacoustic tweezers”. The optoacoustic tweezers are capable of concentrating particles/cells at any prescribed locations in a microfluidic chamber without the use of permanent structures, rendering it particularly useful for the formation of flexible, complex cell patterns. Additionally, this technique has demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and can be conveniently integrated with other microfluidic units. In our experiments, micro-bubbles were generated by focusing a 405 nm diode laser onto a gold-coated glass chamber. By properly tuning the laser, we demonstrate precise control over the position and size of the generated bubbles. Acoustic waves were then applied to activate the surface bubbles, causing them to oscillate at an optimized frequency. The resulting acoustic radiation force allowed us to locally trap particles/cells, including 15 μm polystyrene beads and HeLa cells, around each bubble. Cell-adhesion tests were also conducted after cell concentrating to confirm the biocompatibility of this technique.
Morphogenesis of the right ventricle requires myocardial expression of Gata4

Mutations in developmental regulatory genes have been found to be responsible for some cases of congenital heart defects. One such regulatory gene is Gata4, a zinc finger transcription factor. In order to circumvent the early embryonic lethality of Gata4-null embryos and to investigate the role of myocardial Gata4 expression in cardiac development, we used Cre/loxP technology to conditionally delete Gata4 in the myocardium of mice at an early and a late time point in cardiac morphogenesis. Early deletion of Gata4 by Nkx2-5Cre resulted in hearts with striking myocardial thinning, absence of mesenchymal cells within the endocardial cushions, and selective hypoplasia of the RV. RV hypoplasia was associated with downregulation of Hand2, a transcription factor previously shown to regulate formation of the RV. Cardiomyocyte proliferation was reduced, with a greater degree of reduction in the RV than in the LV. Late deletion of Gata4 by Cre recombinase driven by the α myosin heavy chain promoter did not selectively affect RV development or generation of endocardial cushion mesenchyme but did result in marked myocardial thinning with decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation, as well as double-outlet RV. Our results demonstrate a general role of myocardial Gata4 in regulating cardiomyocyte proliferation and a specific, stage-dependent role in regulating the morphogenesis of the RV and the atrioventricular canal.
Quality of life in low-grade glioma patients receiving temozolomide

The purpose of this study was to describe the quality of life (QOL) of low-grade glioma (LGG) patients at baseline prior to chemotherapy and through 12 cycles of temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy. Patients with histologically confirmed LGG with only prior surgery were given TMZ for 12 cycles. QOL assessments by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain (FACT-Br) were obtained at baseline prior to chemotherapy and at 2-month intervals while receiving TMZ. Patients with LGG at baseline prior to chemotherapy had higher reported social well-being scores (mean difference = 5.0; p < 0.01) but had lower reported emotional well-being scores (mean difference = 2.2; p < 0.01) compared to a normal population. Compared to patients with left hemisphere tumors, patients with right hemisphere tumors reported higher physical well-being scores (p = 0.01): 44% could not drive, 26% did not feel independent, and 26% were afraid of having a seizure. Difficulty with work was noted in 24%. Mean change scores at each chemotherapy cycle compared to baseline for all QOL subscales showed either no significant change or were significantly positive (p < 0.01). Patients with LGG on TMZ at baseline prior to chemotherapy reported QOL comparable to a normal population with the exception of social and emotional well-being, and those with right hemisphere tumors reported higher physical well-being scores compared to those with left hemisphere tumors. While remaining on therapy, LGG patients were able to maintain their QOL in all realms. LGG patients' QOL may be further improved by addressing their emotional well-being and their loss of independence in terms of driving or working.
Treatment of pediatric lichen sclerosus with the CO2 laser

Abstract This report evaluates the usefulness of laser therapy in the treatment of childhood lichen sclerosus which has been unresponsive to conventional therapy. The 4 patients treated ranged in age at time of surgery from 4 2/12 to 14 2/12 years. Duration of symptomatology in these children ranged from 2 to 7 years. Laser vaporization was done to the level of the first surgical plane. Follow-up intervals ranged from 4 to 9 months. Three patients showed good-to-excellent amelioration of symptomatology and 1 patient only moderate relief with laser therapy. Conventional treatment of childhood lichen sclerosus can be unsuccessful in abating significant symptomatology and discomfort. Although follow-up intervals are short, this preliminary report indicates that laser therapy has promise in the treatment of severe childhood lichen sclerosus.
Inferring 3D Volumetric Shape of Both Moving Objects and Static Background Observed by a Moving Camera

We present a novel approach to inferring 3D volumetric shape of both moving objects and static background from video sequences shot by a moving camera, with the assumption that the objects move rigidly on a ground plane. The 3D scene is divided into a set of volume elements, termed as voxels, organized in an adaptive octree structure. Each voxel is assigned a label at each time instant, either as empty, or belonging to background structure, or a moving object. The task of shape inference is then formulated as assigning each voxel a dynamic label which minimizes photo and motion variance between voxels and the original sequence. We propose a three-step voxel labeling method based on a robust photo-motion variance measure. First, a sparse set of surface points are utilized to initialize a subset of voxels. Then, a deterministic voxel coloring scheme carves away the voxels with large variance. Finally, the labeling results are refined by a graph cuts based optimization method to enforce global smoothness. Experimental results on both indoor and outdoor sequences demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of our method.
Iron deficiency and infant motor development

Background Iron deficiency (ID) during early development impairs myelination and basal ganglia function in animal models.
Activation barriers for addition of methyl radicals to oxygen-stabilized carbocations.

Activation barriers (ΔHMe⧧) for adding methyl radicals to ions of the general formula CH3CROCH3+ have been measured by looking at the threshold energies for the reverse reaction, dissociative photoionization of ethers of the general formula RC(CH3)2OCH3. Dissociation by loss of a methyl radical has more favorable thermochemistry than loss of R•, yet the onset of R• loss occurs at lower energies than loss of CH3•. In other words, the more endothermic dissociation exhibits a lower appearance energy. Contrathermodynamic ordering of appearance energies is observed for R = Et, nPr, iPr, tBu, and neopentyl. The sum of the appearance energy difference, ΔAE, and the thermochemical difference (ΔΔH, calculated using G3 theory) gives a lower bound for the barrier for adding methyl radical to CH3CROCH3+. More specifically, the difference between that activation barrier and the one for adding R• to (CH3)2COCH3+, ΔHMe⧧ − ΔHR⧧, equals ΔAE + ΔΔH and has values in the range 20−24 kJ mol-1 for the homologous series investi...
Increases in muscle strength and balance using a resistance training program administered via a telecommunications system in older adults.

Background. Resistance training programs have been found to improve muscle strength, physical function, and depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults. These programs have typically been provided in clinical facilities, health clubs, and senior centers, which may be inconvenient and/or cost prohibitive for some older adults. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an automated telemedicine intervention that provides real-time guidance and monitoring of resistance training in the home.
A New Formulation Of Synchrotron Radiation Optics Using The Wigner Distribution

It is shown that the Wigner distribution provides a proper framework in which the propagation and imaging characteristics of synchrotron radiation can be analyzed, taking fully into account the effect of diffraction and electron beam emittance. The Wigner distribution can be interpreted as a phase-space density of photon flux, i.e., the brightness, and transforms through a general optical medium in the same way as in the case of collection of geometric rays. The brightness due to a collection of electrons can be calculated by a simple convolution of the brightness of a single electron with the electron phase space distribution function. Expressions for the brightness of bending magnets, wigglers and undulators are given. 11 refs., 3 figs.
Virtual Resource Orchestration Constraints in Cloud Infrastructure as a Service

In an infrastructure as a service (IaaS) cloud, virtualized IT resources such as compute, storage and network are offered on demand by a cloud service provider (CSP) to its tenants (customers). A major problem for enterprise-scale tenants that typically obtain significant amount of resources from a CSP concerns orchestrating those resources in a secure manner. For instance, unlike configuring physical hardware, virtual resources in IaaS are configured using software, and hence prone to misconfigurations that can lead to critical security violations. Examples of such resource orchestration operations include creating virtual machines with appropriate operating system and software images depending on their purpose, creating networks, connecting virtual machines to networks, attaching a storage volume to a particular virtual machine, etc. In this paper, we propose attribute-based constraints specification and enforcement as a means to mitigate this issue. High-level constraints specified using attributes of virtual resources prevent resource orchestration operations that can lead to critical misconfigurations. Our model allows tenants to customize the attributes of their resources and specify fine-grained constraints. We further propose a constraint mining approach to automatically generate constraints once the tenants specify the attributes for virtual resources. We present our model, enforcement challenges, and its demonstration in OpenStack, the de facto open-source cloud IaaS software.
Mixed Feelings About Mixed Schools: Superintendents on the Complex Legacy of School Desegregation

Purpose: This article considers the perspectives of superintendents who attended all-Black segregated schools and examines how their lived experiences informed their views on desegregation policy, programs, and practices. Research Design: This empirical, qualitative study used critical race theory as a methodological and analytical framework for collecting and interpreting participant narratives acquired through in-depth, semistructured interviews and autobiographical and biographical documents and artifacts. Findings: Study findings are presented as counterstories to (a) the inferior all-Black school, (b) equal education, access, and opportunity, and (c) integration, diversity, and inclusion, with implications for the perceived viability of school desegregation in the post- Brown era. Collectively, they reflect what one participant described as “mixed feelings” about school desegregation. Conclusions: The article concludes with implications for educational policy and practice to include support for racial literacy in educational leadership and policy and recommendations for promoting a proper education no matter the school context, separate or mixed.
New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Is an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Medical Intensive Care Unit Patients

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) has been extensively studied in postoperative critically ill surgical patients, but little literature exists to describe the outcomes of patients in the medical intensive care unit (ICU). Objectives: To determine the incidence of new-onset AF in patients admitted to a medical ICU and if new-onset AF was associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study of all adult patients admitted to the medical ICU at an academic medical center for >24 hours between December 2008 and April 2010. Collected data included past medical history, incidence of new-onset AF, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, organ failure, length of stay in the ICU and hospital, and in-hospital and 60-day survival. Results: A total of 741 patients were included. New-onset AF occurred in 53 patients (7.2%). In-hospital mortality was significantly greater for patients with new-onset AF (45% vs 16%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.21, 95% CI ...
Disintegration of the U. S. Industrial Forest Estate: Dynamics, Trajectories, and Questions

In the past decade ownership of the corporate forestry sector in the USA has undergone remarkable transformation. Corporate consolidation, separation of processing capacity ownership from timberland ownership, and disinvestment from timberland ownership altogether have occurred rapidly and on a global scale. Vertically-integrated forest products companies, once the standard model for publically-traded corporations, have all but disappeared. A new class of timberland investors now dominates the timberland estate. These new owners can be viewed as the most recent manifestation of capital from the core seeking rent in the distant periphery. While in this respect they resemble their industrial forestry predecessors, they differ markedly with regard to landholding objectives, time horizons, management capacities and other characteristics. This transformation has created new challenges and opportunities for other forest owners and for rural communities. Many timber processing mills have closed, restricting markets for smallholder wood. While much former industrial timberland remains in industrial-style timber management, some has been subdivided for ‘highest and best use,’ and conservation buyers have assumed control of a few large blocks. Further fragmentation of the industrial forest estate is anticipated, presenting both challenges and opportunities to small-scale forest owners and rural communities. This paper outlines the dynamics of forest ownership restructuring, posits alternative future scenarios for small-scale forestry, and points to potentially useful future research.
Transmitter precoding in synchronous multiuser communications

A synchronous multiuser system operating in an additive white Gaussian noise channel, with or without multipath fading, is considered. It is shown that when either a conventional single user receiver or the RAKE receiver is employed, both multiple access and intersymbol interference can be eliminated by means of a suitable transmitter precoding scheme. Transmitter precoding represents a linear transformation of transmitted signals, such that the mean squared errors at all receivers are minimized. Precoding, with both conventional single user receiver and with the RAKE receiver, results in near-far resistant performance and outperforms considerably the respective schemes without precoding. The crucial assumption, in the multipath case, is that the transmitter knows the multipath characteristics of all channels and that channel dynamics are sufficiently slow so that multipath profiles remain essentially constant over the block of precoded bits.
Evaluating the effects of inpatient palliative care consultations on subsequent hospice use and place of death in patients with advanced GI cancers.

Palliative care consultation was associated with increased hospice use, decreased likelihood of dying in a hospital, and increased likelihood of dying at home.
Marine resources subsidize insular rodent populations in the Gulf of California, Mexico.

Inputs of energy and nutrients from one ecosystem may subsidize consumers in adjacent ones, with significant consequences for local communities and food webs. We used stable isotope and faecal pellet analysis to quantify use of ocean-derived resources by small mammals on islands in the Gulf of California, Mexico. Rodents were live-trapped on grids originating near shore and extending 125–200 m inland to evaluate the extent to which rodents transport marine nutrients inland, and to determine whether marine foods subsidize island populations, permitting higher densities than would be possible based on terrestrial resources alone. Both faeces and stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes revealed that omnivorous mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) consume ocean-derived prey, including littoral and supralittoral invertebrates, and that their diets differed markedly from those of granivorous rodents (Chaetodipus rudinoris). On a small, seabird roosting island, marine prey were important in the diet of mice regardless of their proximity to shore, underscoring the pervasive influence of the ocean on small islands with relatively large coastline area. On a large island, however, consumption of marine foods declined sharply ≥50 m from shore, which suggests that mice are poor conduits of inland movement of energy and nutrients from the sea. Marine resources seemed to act as subsidies for omnivorous rodents: more P. maniculatus were captured near shore than farther inland and there was an inverse relationship between island area and rodent abundance, suggesting that small islands with large amounts of marine inputs support the highest population densities. Patterns of local and island-wide abundance of P. maniculatus are likely the result of several interacting factors, including frustrated dispersal, competition with C. rudinoris, and the absence of predators. We speculate, however, that the availability of marine resources allows P. maniculatus to reach high densities and to persist on small islands in the Gulf despite low and unpredictable terrestrial productivity. Spatial trophic subsidies thus provide a possible mechanistic explanation for the widely reported inverse relationship between population density and island or habitat area.
Transverse Ulnar Bone Transport Osteogenesis: A New Technique for Limb Salvage for the Treatment of Distal Radial Osteosarcoma in Dogs

Objective— To develop instrumentation and a technique for transverse ulnar bone transport osteogenesis in dogs. Study Design— Cadaveric study and in vivo validation (1 dog). Sample Population— Paired cadaveric antebrachii (n=10 dogs) and 1 live dog. Methods— Circular fixator constructs were applied and fitted with reeling or linear motors designed to transport an ulnar segment transversely into a defect created by excising the distal 50% of the ipsilateral radius. A longitudinal osteotomy of the adjacent ulna was created and the segment was transported across the radial defect. Pre- and post-distraction CT scans were used to compare the efficacy of each construct. The procedure was performed unilaterally in a live dog using the reeling motor (RM) construct. Results— Both constructs effectively transported the ulnar segment into the defect. Subjectively, the RMs were easier to apply and operate. No significant differences were observed in the objective measures of efficacy between the 2 construct types. The live dog produced viable regenerate bone after transverse ulnar bone transport. Conclusions— Transverse ulnar bone transport should be considered a potential method for limb salvage in dogs with osteosarcoma (OSA) of the distal radius. The RMs were effective and clinically applicable. Clinical Relevance— Transverse ulnar bone transport osteogenesis affords the benefits of longitudinal radial bone transport osteogenesis, allowing resolution of large longitudinal radial defects in a substantially less time as a result of shortening the transport distance. This would be beneficial when treating conditions such as OSA where minimizing convalescence and maximizing quality of life is a priority.
A numerical model for the cyclic instability of thermally grown oxides in thermal barrier systems

Morphological instability of the thermally grown oxide (TGO) is a fundamental source of failure in some thermal barrier systems. The instabilities occur when initial non-planarity in the TGO grows in amplitude as the system experiences thermal cycling. By numerical means, this study explores how these instabilities are linked to constituent properties. The associated phenomena involve oxidation of the TGO, plastic flow of the bond coat, thermal expansion misfit between the TGO, bond coat and substrate, and stress relaxation in the TGO at high temperature. A key implication of the simulations is that the incidence of reverse yielding upon reheating differentiates between systems that exhibit a systematic increase in imperfection amplitude upon thermal cycling (ratcheting) and those that exhibit shakedown.