cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unraveling Allosteric Mechanisms of Enzymatic Catalysis with an Evolutionary Analysis of Residue–Residue Contact Dynamical Changes

The evolution of protein conformational dynamics contains important information about protein function and regulation. Here, we describe an approach to dynamical-evolution analysis based on multiple microsecond molecular dynamics simulations and residue–residue contact analysis. We illustrate our approach by comparing three human cyclophilin isoforms, cyclophilin A, D, and E, which belong to a family of enzymes catalyzing peptidyl-prolyl cis–trans isomerization. Our results reveal that despite distinct overall equilibrium conformations between cyclophilins under substrate-free conditions, functional dynamical changes resembling substrate-binding and catalytic processes tend to be conserved. Key residues displaying either concerted or specific dynamical changes among isoforms during the reactions are identified, which delineate two distinct allosteric pathways for cyclophilin function consistent with recent nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. A sequence-based coevolution analysis is also employed for f...
Phenylhydrazones are active against non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis

There is an urgent need for the development of shorter, simpler and more tolerable drugs to treat antibiotic tolerant populations of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We previously identified a series of phenylhydrazones (PHY) active against M. tuberculosis. We selected six representative compounds for further analysis. All compounds were active against non-replicating M. tuberculosis, with two compounds demonstrating greater activity under hypoxic conditions than aerobic culture. Compounds had bactericidal activity with MBC/MIC of
A review of the sponge increase hypothesis for Caribbean mesophotic reefs

Sponges are major components of benthic ecosystems, particularly on Caribbean reefs, where their importance in carbon cycling and ecosystem function is only beginning to be understood. There is a recurring statement in the literature, herein called the “sponge increase hypothesis,” asserting that the biomass and diversity of sponges increase with depth on Caribbean reefs through the mesophotic zone (to 150 m). We reviewed evidence for the sponge increase hypothesis, beginning with electronically searchable contributions to the literature, then working backward in time through the bibliographies of more recent citations. We found 17 studies that report one or more metrics associated with sponge abundance or diversity as a function of depth through all or part of the mesophotic zone. None of these studies reported data on either overall sponge biomass or diversity as a function of reef surface area. Among abundance metrics, including cover and density, patterns as a function of depth were disparate across sites and locations. We conclude that there is no evidence to support the sponge increase hypothesis for Caribbean mesophotic reefs and suggest that patterns of sponge abundance as a function of depth are likely to vary for a number of reasons, including substratum type, slope, and orientation. General theories of sponge abundance and diversity as a function of depth await more sophisticated survey studies that employ standardized methods for relating sponge biomass and diversity to reef surface area.
Fluid property investigation by impedance characterization of quartz crystal resonators: Part II: Parasitic effects, viscoelastic fluids

In the concluding part of this communication, we examine the influence of parasitic effects on the performance of thickness-shear mode (TSM) quartz crystal resonators (QCR). To achieve this, we characterized the increase in energy dissipation and associated loss in crystal performance due to mounting in a liquid-tight cell, a type of which is often necessary for fluid property investigation. The results show that while this approach may be satisfactory for most common fluids, alternative approaches may be required for device operation in highly lossy media. Subsequently, we report on a series of TSM QCR contacted by viscoelastic fluids (poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) melts). These were studied using frequency response analysis, at the fundamental and accessible harmonic modes. The results show, in agreement with theory presented earlier, that the effect of fluid elasticity is a reduction in the equivalent resistance relative to that of a purely Newtonian reservoir with identical density and viscosity equal to the zero-shear rate viscosity of the viscoelastic bulk. A similar effect is shown in relation to the inductance. The results also show a correlation between the mechanical response of the crystal as shown by its resonance frequency shift upon damping, and its impedance response, via the shift in the equivalent motional resistance.
Der neue Ford-Duratec-1,6-l-Ti-VCT-Motor

Eine neue Variante des aus Fiesta und Focus bekannten 1,6-l-Duratec-Ottomotors mit variabler Ventilsteuerung ermoglicht eine nochmals gesteigerte Effizienz. Die Ti-VCT-Ausfuhrung des Motors (Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing) ermoglicht einen geringeren Verbrauch, eine fulligere Drehmomentcharakteristik und eine gesteigerte Nennleistung. Der vorliegende Bericht stellt den konstruktiven Aufbau dieses Motorkonzepts vor. Weiterhin wird auf die Besonderheiten der thermodynamischen Entwicklung naher eingegangen.
Aristotle’s Way Out

Aristotle, like Plato, tried to save knowledge from the Heraclitean attack by accepting, in the main, Plato’s belief that the true objects of knowledge are universals. At the same time he rejected the metaphysicals aspect of Plato’s Ideas while accepting their evaluative function.
Examining dispatching practices for Interagency Hotshot Crews to reduce seasonal travel distance and manage fatigue.

Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) are a crucial firefighting suppression resource in the United States. These crews travel substantial distances each year and work long and arduous assignments that can cause accumulated fatigue. Current dispatching practices for these crews are supposed to send the closest resource while adhering to existing fatigue-management policies. In this research, we designed a simulation process that repeatedly implements an optimisation model to assign crews to suppression requests. This study examines the potential effects of using an optimisation approach to shorten seasonal crew travel distances and mitigate fatigue. We also examine the potential benefits of coordinating crew-dispatch decisions to meet multiple requests. Results indicate there is substantial room for improvement in reducing travel distances while still balancing crew fatigue; coordinating crew dispatching for multiple requests can increase the assignment efficiency, particularly when both fatigue mitigation and travel distances are jointly optimised. This research indicates implementing an optimisation model for dispatching IHCs is promising.
De-escalating Angry Caregivers: A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Communication Curriculum for Pediatric Residents

Abstract Objective Medical providers struggle when communicating with angry patients and their caregivers. Pediatric residents perceive communication competencies as an important priority for learning, yet they lack confidence and desire more training in communicating with angry families. Few curricula exist to support trainees with de-escalation skill development. We developed, implemented, and evaluated the impact of a novel de-escalation curriculum on pediatric resident communication skills. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial of a 90-minute de-escalation curriculum for pediatric residents from August to September 2016. Trained standardized patient (SP) actors rated residents’ communication skills following 2 unique encounters before and after the intervention or control sessions. Residents completed a retrospective pre/post communication skills self-assessment and curriculum evaluation. We used independent and paired t-tests to assess for communication improvements. Results Eighty-four of 88 (95%) eligible residents participated (43 intervention, 41 control). Residents reported frequent encounters with angry caregivers. At baseline, interns had significantly lower mean SP-rated de-escalation skills than other residents (P = .03). Intervention residents did not improve significantly more than controls on their pre/post change in mean SP-rated de-escalation skills; however, intervention residents improved significantly on their pre/post mean self-assessed de-escalation skills (P ≤ .03). Conclusions Despite significant self-assessed improvements, residents’ SP-rated de-escalation skills did not improve following a skills-based intervention. Nevertheless, our study illustrates the need for de-escalation curricula focused on strategies and peer discussion, suggests optimal timing of delivery during fall of intern year, and offers an assessment tool for exploration in future studies.
Robotic Thoracic Surgery Training for Residency Programs: A Position Paper for an Educational Curriculum

ObjectiveRobotic-assisted surgery is increasingly being used in thoracic surgery. Currently, the Integrated Thoracic Surgery Residency Program lacks a standardized curriculum or requirement for tra...
Safety and Efficacy of the Pipeline Embolization Device Use in the Outside Circle of Willis Located Intracranial Aneurysms: A Single-Center Experience.

Background The use of Pipeline Embolization Device (PED) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat aneurysms located between the petrous and superior hypophyseal segments of the internal carotid artery. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of treating aneurysms outside the FDA approved anatomical locations. Furthermore, we analyze the safety of our antiplatelet protocol. Methods Data on all patients treated with PED at our center from March 2015 to December 2017 were reviewed. Only patients with aneurysms treated with PED as off label use were included. Procedural complications and long-term functional outcome measured by modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were recorded. Tirofiban maintenance infusion was administered intravenously after PED deployment. None of the patients had platelet function testing. Results A total of 36 patients harboring 36 aneurysms were included in the study. Mean age was 58.2 years ±14.6. Nineteen were women (52.8%) and most aneurysms were unruptured (80.6%). There were no intraoperative complications. Five patients experienced postoperative complications - 4 ischemic strokes and one groin hematoma. None led to any significant disability at follow-up. Thirty-one patients (86.1%) achieved an mRS of 0-2 at follow-up. A Raymond-Roy classification of 1 was achieved in 78.9% of patients. Conclusion The use of PED to treat aneurysms located outside the circle of Willis is feasible and effective. Our novel antiplatelet protocol did not require platelet function assay testing and did not lead to a higher rate of thrombo-embolic events compared to what has been previously reported.
Adaptation and Maladaptation of the Heart in Diabetes: Part I: General Concepts

Diabetes mellitus (type 2 diabetes) is as much a disease of modern lifestyle as it is a disease of genetic predisposition. Worldwide, there are about 143 million patients with diabetes, almost 5 times more than estimates of 10 years ago.1,2⇓ Heart disease, often presenting as cardiomyopathy, is the leading cause of death among patients with diabetes mellitus (Figure 1).3 Like diabetes, the prevalence of heart failure also continues to rise in Western countries.4 Diabetes, in turn, is the largest comorbidity of patients with heart failure and adversely affects outcomes of cardiovascular disease.5 The trend is unmistakable; both insulin resistance and heart failure have emerged as major worldwide epidemics. It is therefore timely to take a fresh look at the effects of diabetes on the heart. Figure 1. Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT). Age-adjusted cardiovascular disease death rates (per 10 000 person-years) by presence of number of risk factors in men with and without diabetes. Reproduced with permission from Stamler et al.3 Copyright 1993 American Diabetes Association ( Diabetes Care . 1993;16:434–444). Reprinted with permission from the American Diabetes Association. The difficulties in making a causal connection between diabetes and heart failure are formidable. Some simple definitions remain elusive. For example, the distinction between the insulin-deficient (type 1) and insulin-resistant (type 2) forms of diabetes on the one hand, and the distinction between systolic and diastolic dysfunction as causes of heart failure, on the other hand, are hard to define. The known trophic and hemodynamic effects of insulin in healthy individuals,6 the well-described endothelial dysfunction, the deposition of advanced glycation end products, and an accelerated progression of atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes add further complexities to the clinical picture of heart failure in diabetes. Nonetheless, diabetes as a primary cause for heart failure …
Has the prose quality of science textbook improved over the past decade? A linguistic perspective

ABSTRACTTextbooks are a central pedagogical resource for science teachers. As such, they have been a subject of enduring interest in science education research, with many questioning whether their ...
Agreement between the Open Barbell and Tendo Linear Position Transducers for Monitoring Barbell Velocity during Resistance Exercise

To determine the agreement between the Open Barbell (OB) and Tendo weightlifting analyzer (TWA) for measuring barbell velocity, eleven men (19.4 ± 1.0 y) performed one set of 2–3 repetitions at four sub-maximal percentage loads, [i.e., 30, 50, 70, and 90% one-repetition maximum (1RM)] in the back (BS) and front squat (FS) exercises. During each repetition, peak and mean barbell velocity were recorded by OB and TWA devices, and the average of the 2–3 repetitions was used for analyses. Although the repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significantly (p ≤ 0.005) greater peak and mean velocity scores from OB across all intensities, high intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,K = 0.790–0.998), low standard error of measurement (SEM2,K = 0.040–0.119 m·s−1), and coefficients of variation (CV = 2–4%) suggested consistency between devices. Positive (r = 0.491–0.949) Pearson correlations between averages and differences (between devices) in peak velocity, as well as associated Bland-Altman plots, showed greater differences occurred as the velocity increased, particularly at low-moderate intensity loads. OB consistently provides greater barbell velocity scores compared to TWA, and the differences between devices were more apparent as the peak velocity increased with low-to-moderate loads. Strength coaches and athletes may find better agreement between devices if the mean velocity scores are only considered.
Targeting and Attacking America

Hating America – and targeting or killing Americans – at times seems like a mandatory activity for terrorists, yet only a small minority of known terrorist organizations target or attack American interests. Under what circumstances do terrorist organizations choose to target American citizens and interests? When do they actually commit such attacks? To answer these questions, we leverage data from the Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism’s database on terrorist organizations and attacks. Our statistical analysis finds that the factors that drive an organization to target US interests are not completely co-terminus with those factors that help to explain the pattern of actual attacks. The propensity to target and to attack US interests are both related to alliance connections and basing of US troops in authoritarian countries that host a given terrorist organization.
Is oral isotretinoin treatment contraindicated for patients with known peanut allergies

The criterion standard for the treatment of severe nodular cystic acne, oral isotretinoin, contains soybean oil, which is contraindicated in patients with a soy immunoglobulin E–mediated allergy. Given the possibility of soy–peanut cross-reactivity, isotretinoin leaflets in the United Kingdom and Australia indicate that the drug is contraindicated in patients who have allergies to peanut or soy.1, 2, 3 This has been discussed in European dermatologic literature. We recently had a patient who was initially denied access to isotretinoin because of his peanut allergy, and we briefly report our findings in the American dermatologic literature.
Artificial Intelligence and Orthopaedics: An Introduction for Clinicians.

➤ Artificial intelligence (AI) provides machines with the ability to perform tasks using algorithms governed by pattern recognition and self-correction on large amounts of data to narrow options in order to avoid errors. ➤ The 4 things necessary for AI in medicine include big data sets, powerful computers, cloud computing, and open source algorithmic development. ➤ The use of AI in health care continues to expand, and its impact on orthopaedic surgery can already be found in diverse areas such as image recognition, risk prediction, patient-specific payment models, and clinical decision-making. ➤ Just as the business of medicine was once considered outside the domain of the orthopaedic surgeon, emerging technologies such as AI warrant ownership, leverage, and application by the orthopaedic surgeon to improve the care that we provide to the patients we serve. ➤ AI could provide solutions to factors contributing to physician burnout and medical mistakes. However, challenges regarding the ethical deployment, regulation, and the clinical superiority of AI over traditional statistics and decision-making remain to be resolved.
Immediate Weight-Bearing and Range of Motion After Internal Fixation of Selected Malleolar Fractures: A Retrospective Controlled Study.

Objectives We studied the safety of immediate weight bearing as tolerated (IWBAT) and immediate range of motion (IROM) following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of selected malleolar ankle fractures (defined as involving bony or ligamentous disruption of two or more of the malleoli or syndesmosis without articular comminution), and attempted to identify risk factors for complications. Design Retrospective case-control study SETTING:: Level 1 Urban Trauma Center and multiple community hospitals, orthopedic specialty hospitals, and outpatient surgicenters within one metropolitan area PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:: Out of 268 patients at our level 1 trauma center who underwent primary ORIF of a selected malleolar fracture from 2013-18, we identified 133 (49.6%) who were selected for IWBAT and IROM. We used propensity-score matching to identify 172 controls who were non-weight bearing (NWB) and no range of motion for 6 weeks post-operatively. The groups did not differ significantly in age, BMI, Charleston Comorbidity Index, smoking status, diabetes status, malleoli involved, percentages undergoing medial malleolus (60.9% IWBAT vs. 51.7% NWB), posterior malleolus (24.1% IWBAT, 26.7% NWB), or syndesmosis fixation (41.4% IWBAT, 42.4% NWB, p=0.85). Intervention IWBAT and IROM after ankle ORIF vs. non-weight bearing for 6 weeksMain Outcome Measurements: post-operative complications, including delayed wound healing, superficial or deep infection, and loss of reduction RESULTS:: There was no significant difference in total complications (p=0.41), nonoperative complications (p=0.53), or operative complications, including loss of reduction (p=0.89). We did not identify any factors associated with increased complication risk, including posterior malleolus or syndesmosis fixation, diabetes, age, or pre-injury assisted ambulation. Conclusions We failed to demonstrate a difference in complications in general and loss of reduction in particular when allowing immediate weight bearing/ROM in selected cases of operatively treated malleolar fractures, suggesting this may be safe. Future prospective randomized studies are necessary to determine if immediate weight bearing/ROM is safe and whether it offers any benefits to patients with operatively treated malleolar fractures. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Sequence determinants in the cathelicidin LL-37 that promote inflammation via presentation of RNA to scavenger receptors.

Cathelicidins such as the human 37-amino acid peptide (LL-37) are peptides that not only potently kill microbes but also trigger inflammation by enabling immune recognition of endogenous nucleic acids. Here, a detailed structure-function analysis of LL-37 was performed to understand the details of this process. Alanine scanning of 34-amino acid peptide (LL-34) showed that some variants displayed increased antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and group A Streptococcus. In contrast, different substitutions clustered on the hydrophobic face of the LL-34 alpha helix inhibited the ability of those variants to promote type 1 interferon expression in response to U1 RNA or to present U1 to the scavenger receptor (SR) B1 on the keratinocyte cell surface. Small-angle X-ray scattering experiments of the LL-34 variants LL-34, F5A, I24A, and L31A demonstrated that these peptides form cognate supramolecular structures with U1 characterized by inter-dsRNA spacings of approximately 3.5 nm, a range that has been previously shown to activate toll-like receptor 3 by the parent peptide LL-37. Therefore, while alanine substitutions on the hydrophobic face of LL-34 led to loss of binding to SRs and the complete loss of autoinflammatory responses in epithelial and endothelial cells, they did not inhibit the ability to organize with U1 RNA in solution to associate with toll-like receptor 3. These observations advance our understanding of how cathelicidin mediates the process of innate immune self-recognition to enable inert nucleic acids to trigger inflammation. We introduce the term "innate immune vetting" to describe the capacity of peptides such as LL-37 to enable certain nucleic acids to become an inflammatory stimulus through SR binding prior to cell internalization.
An implicit constitutive relation for describing the small strain response of porous elastic solids whose material moduli are dependent on the density

In this short note, we develop a constitutive relation that is linear in both the Cauchy stress and the linearized strain, by linearizing implicit constitutive relations between the stress and the ...
Ferrihydrite enrichment in the rhizosphere of unsaturated soil improves nutrient retention while limiting arsenic and uranium plant uptake.

Abstract Improvement of nutrient use efficiency and limiting trace elements such as arsenic and uranium bioavailability is critical for sustainable agriculture and food safety. Arsenic and uranium possess different properties and mobility in soils, which complicates the effort to reduce their uptake by plants. Here, we postulate that unsaturated soil amended with ferrihydrite nanominerals leads to improved nutrient retention and helps reduce uptake of these geogenic contaminants. Unsaturated soil is primarily oxic and can provide a stable environment for ferrihydrite nanominerals. To demonstrate the utility of ferrihydrite soil amendment, maize was grown in an unsaturated agricultural soil that is known to contain geogenic arsenic and uranium. The soil was maintained at a gravimetric moisture content of 15.1 ± 2.5%, typical of periodically irrigated soils of the US Corn Belt. Synthetic 2-line ferrihydrite was used in low doses as a soil amendment at three levels (0.00% w/w (control), 0.05% w/w and 0.10% w/w). Further, the irrigation water was fortified (~50 μg L-1 each) with elevated arsenic and uranium levels. Plant dry biomass at maturity was ~13.5% higher than that grown in soil not receiving ferrihydrite, indicating positive impact of ferrihydrite on plant growth. Arsenic and uranium concentrations in maize crops (root, shoot and grain combined) were ~ 20% lower in amended soils than that in control soils. Our findings suggest that the addition of low doses of iron nanomineral soil amendment can positively influence rhizosphere geochemical processes, enhancing nutrient plant availability and reduce trace contaminants plant uptake in sprinkler irrigated agroecosystem, which is 55% of total irrigated area in the United States.
Further Refinement of a Methodology for Fatigue Life Estimation in Resistance Spot Weld Connections

The overall objective of this research is to develop a general model of fatigue crack propagation in resistance spot-welded joints. An important feature of this development is that the model and accompanying methodology should be accessible to designers evaluating fatigue response of structures containing multiple welds. This objective is achieved by examining the stress state around a resistance spot weld. A general expression for the structural stress around the weld is formulated that is dependent only on the loading immediately surrounding the weld; as such, it is specimen independent. In previous work [1] it was found that structural stress could be successfully used to estimate life for crack initiation and growth to a length of 0.01 in. (0.254 mm) in resistance spot welds, and that this period represents less than 30% of the total life in as-welded joints. It is important to note that estimation of this period is highly dependent on fatigue-related material properties. In Ref 2 it was shown that structural stress can be related to crack propagation life through linear elastic fracture mechanics. Using the resulting relationship between structural stress and life, life estimations were made for a variety of HSLA steel specimens (e.g., tensile-shear, coach peel) in a number of conditions (e.g., as-welded, prestressed) and were compared with experimentally measured lives. Life estimations were within a factor of 3 of measured lives. In the current work, the methodology developed in Ref 2 for estimating propagation life is extended by explicitly considering the effects of axial loading and of load ratio on life estimates. In addition, issues related to creating an appropriate finite element model are addressed, and a number of modeling guidelines are established. Total life estimations are made and compare favorably with experimentally measured lives of welds in mild steels in a variety of specimen configurations.
OPTIMIZATION OF TRIPLOIDY INDUCTION AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF Clarias anguillarias (AFRICAN CATFISH) USING COLD SHOCK

Chromosome manipulation produce polyploidy, which improves fish yield in aquaculture. Triploid hatchlings were obtained from the egg and sperm of Clarias anguillarias fertilized artificially and exposed to cold shock at 50C for 20 minutes, three minutes after fertilization. A total number of 20 juveniles from treatment A:(Diploid) and treatment B: (Triploid) were collected two weeks after hatching. Blood samples for erythrocyte measurements were obtained after cutting the caudal fin of the samples. T-test results was significant (P DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n7p189
Guanine Ribonucleotide Depletion Inhibits T Cell Activation

Mizoribine is an immunosuppressive drug (4-carbamoyl-1-s-Dribofuranosylimidazolium-5-olate, also known as bredinin) which has been demonstrated to be beneficial in organ transplantation. In animal models: canine renal allografts, and rat cardiac and partial lung allografts, mizoribine is synergistic with cyclosporine in prolonging survival1,2. Mizoribine has been proven to be clinically useful for human renal transplantation as part of two or three drug therapy3. The results are comparable or superior to azathioprine; however mizoribine does not cause myelosuppresion or hepatotoxicity. Mizoribine is a nucleoside antibiotic isolated from a soil fungus, Eupenicillum brefeldianum. Mizoribine is phosphorylated to mizoribine monophosphate by adenosine kinase and the monophosphate is postulated to inhibit inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (EC1.2.1.14)4,5. The predicted depletion of guanine ribonucleotides may block T cell proliferation by preventing signal transduction or act at some more distal point in the activation pathway.
Mode II Fatigue Crack Growth Specimen Development

A Mode II test specimen was developed which has potential application in understanding phemonena associated with mixed mode fatigue failures in high performance aircraft engine bearing races. The attributes of the specimen are: it contains one single ended notch, which simplifies data gathering and reduction; the fatigue crack grows in-line with the direction of load application; a single axis test machine is sufficient to perform testing; and the Mode I component is vanishingly small.
CORRELATION OF FLUORESCENT ANTIBODY, HISTOPATHOLOGY, AND CULTURE ON TISSUES FROM 372 ANIMALS EXAMINED FOR HISTOPLASMOSIS AND BLASTOMYCOSIS.

Porter, Billie M. (Communicable Disease Center, Kansas City, Kan.), Barbara K. Comfort, Robert W. Menges, Robert T. Habermann, and Coy D. Smith. Correlation of fluorescent antibody, histopathology, and culture on tissues from 372 animals examined for histoplasmosis and blastomycosis. J. Bacteriol. 89:748–751. 1965.—In a survey in the midwestern United States, tissues from 372 animals including 16 species were examined for Histoplasma capsulatum and Blastomyces dermatitidis. All of the specimens were cultured and studied by use of the fluorescent-antibody (FA) technique, and histopathological studies of tissue sections were done. Among the 372 animals, 300 were negative by all three methods of examination, 34 had blastomycosis, and 21 had histoplasmosis. The remaining 17 were positive for histoplasmosis with the FA technique but were negative by histopathology and culture. An animal was considered to have histoplasmosis or blastomycosis only when the specific fungus was isolated or demonstrated in tissue sections or exudates from cutaneous lesions. Of the 34 blastomycosis cases, 25 (74%) were positive by FA, 32 (94%) by histopathology, and 11 (32%) by culture. Of the 21 histoplasmosis cases, 15 (71%) were positive by FA, 16 (76%) by histopathology, and 14 (67%) by culture. It appeared that FA, histopathology, or culture alone was insufficient for a diagnosis. All three techniques should be employed for the most satisfactory diagnostic results.
Abstract 17318: Defining the Minimal Detectable Within-Person Change in Life’s Simple 7 (LS7) Scores

Introduction: In 2010, the AHA developed LS7 as a metric to define ideal cardiovascular (CV) health. LS7 is being used to track health over time. However, data on discriminating within-person change in LS7 scores over time from random variability are limited. Hypothesis: We determined the minimal detectable within-person change in LS7 using data from the subset of Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants who completed two study examinations. Methods: Each LS7 component (cigarette smoking, physical activity, diet, body mass index, blood pressure (BP), cholesterol and glucose) was determined during an interview or study visit and re-assessed at the second clinic examination conducted a median of 17 days later (range 3-48 days). We included 613 participants without a history of CV disease. Each LS7 component was assigned a score of 0 (ideal), 1 (intermediate) and 2 (poor) and these scores were summed to achieve an overall score ranging from 7 (better health) to 21 (worse health). Results: For the overall population, the mean LS7 score was identical at each visit (13.5 SD+2.2). Overall, 54% of participants had no change in their LS7 score and 20%, 5% and Conclusions: In conclusion, within-person changes on LS7 of >3 points over time may represent a real change in health.
Size, Composition, and Structure of the Deoxyribonucleic Acid of Herpes Simplex Virus Subtypes 1 and 2

Studies of the size, composition, and structure of the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of the F and G prototypes of herpes simplex virus (HSV) subtypes 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) showed the following. (i) As previously reported by Good-heart et al. HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA have a buoyant density of 1.726 and 1.728 g/cm 3 , corresponding to 67 and 69 guanine ± cytosine moles per cent, respectively. The difference in guanine plus cytosine content of the DNA species was confirmed by the finding of a 1 C difference in T m . (ii) The DNA from purified virus on cocentrifugation with T4 DNA in neutral sucrose density gradients sedimented at 55 S , corresponding to 99 ± 5 million daltons in molecular weight. HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA could not be differentiated with respect to size. (iii) Cosedimentation of alkali-denatured DNA from purified virus with T4 DNA on alkaline sucrose density gradients consistently yielded several bands of single-stranded HSV DNA ranging from fragments 7 × 10 6 daltons to intact strands 48 × 10 6 daltons in molecular weight.
New Dimensions of Classroom Leadership: Bernie's Path to Becoming a Transformational Teacher

This paper addresses the transformation of a young man named Bernie. Bernie learned a great deal during his dysfunctional childhood and eventually became a transformational teacher. The first section of the paper discussed Bernie's childhood and teen years as he struggled to survive and learn in a dysfunctional family environment. Second, transformational events in Bernie's life are discussed that changed both his spirituality and later his operative paradigm. Third, the primary paradigmatic approaches that impacted Bernie's operative paradigm are analyzed and the paper illustrates how his operative paradigm evolved later in life. Fourth, the primary teaching and learning theories that influenced Bernie's teaching practice are presented and their impacts on his teaching philosophy are presented. Fifth and last, Bernie's transformational teaching and learning philosophy is presented so the reader can observe how all the events in his life have led to this zenith. In summary, the paper is written to demonstrate how Bernie's casual, prescriptive, and paradigmatic assumptions evolved throughout his life. Bernie's epiphany resulted in a greater understanding of teaching and learning theory and a culmination of many paradigmatic perspectives that broadened his effectiveness as both a teacher and a lifelong learner. This culmination of knowledge is reflected in Bernie's teaching and learning philosophy.
Incremental Sorting for Large Dynamic Data Sets

In today's world of pervasive computing, it is straightforward for organizations to generate large amounts of data in support of a variety of business needs. For this reason, it is important to build tools that allow analysts to manage and investigate these data sets quickly and efficiently. One feature needed by these tools is the ability to sort large amounts of data along a number of dimensions to facilitate the search for useful information. In this paper, we describe a new method for incrementally sorting large, multi-dimensional, dynamic data sets. Our particular use case involves sorting large Twitter data sets but our technique can be applied more generally across a variety of data types. Our approach is evaluated with respect to its scalability and by comparing it to several alternatives. It is currently able to efficiently sort data sets consisting of tens of millions of tweets along a variety of dimensions even when the data set is under active collection and new tweets are being added each day. The approach incrementally integrates the new tweets and provides sorted views of all tweets along various dimensions without having to re-sort the previously sorted tweets. The paper presents the benefits of the technique, discusses its limitations, and describes its software engineering contributions.
Chemical composition of the turpentines of some Eastern Mediterranean pines in relation to their classification

Abstract The study is concerned with four eastern Mediterranean pines-Pinus brutia Ten., P. eldarica Medw., P. pityusa Steven, and P. stankewiczii Suk. Their relation to P. halepensis Mill. is indicated and their geographic distribution is discussed. Previous chemical investigations of their turpentines are reviewed and results of more recent original studies are reported. Very little difference was found in turpentine composition of P. brutia, P. eldarica, P. pityusa, and P. stankewiczii. Turpentines of all four, on the other hand, differed strongly from that of P. halepensis, and on this basis it seems that these four pines form a distinctly different group from the latter. The presence of 3-carene in these four pines (other than P. halepensis) suggest their possible relationship with P. sylvestris L., through its eastern Mediterranean form known as P. sylvestris var. hamata Sosn. While P. eldarica, P. brutia, and P. pityusa have levorotatory turpentine, as is that of var. hamata, the P. stankewiczii turpentine is dextrorotatory as is that of P. sylvestris proper.
Financing development assistance in the ITU

Abstract The problem of helping the developing countries of the world establish a viable domestic telecommunications system is a difficult one. Because of an overwhelming need and the recommendations laid down in The Missing Link, many proposals are bound to be made to the Nice Plenipotentiary to increase the amount of technical assistance provided by the ITU. This paper examines the history of the debate over development assistance in the ITU, the structures of the ITU for development assistance activities, and the funding of technical assistance. It concludes that there is a serious threat of the ITU's overall effectiveness becoming weakened if it is forced to stretch too far its resources in funding special development funds.
α-Nitro ketones 7:1 synthesis of conjugated nitrocyclohexenes

Abstract The reduction of 2-nitrocyclohexanones to the 2-nitrocyclohexanols with sodium borohydride followed by treatment of the β-nitroalcohols with sodium hydride and subsequent acidification of the salts leads to the regioselective synthesis of conjugatednitrocyclohexenes from cyclohexanones.
Bioavailability of Calcium Citrate Malate Added to Microbial Phytase‐Treated, Hydrothermally Cooked Soymilk

Effects of microbial phytase on bioavailability of calcium added to corn/soy diets were investigated in chickens. No effect (P > 0.17) of phytase was found for weight gain, feed intake, tibia/body weight, ash%, and ash Ca% when calcium citrate malate (CCM) was added to corn/soybean meal and corn/hydrothermally cooked (HTC) soymilk diets. Using calcium carbonate in corn/HTc soymilk diets, means for weight gain, feed intake, tibia/body weight, and ash% were less (P < 0.05) without phytase. We hypothesize that CCM is less amenable to the formation of calcium phytate complexes than are other calcium salts and, therefore, should be more effective for fortification of soymilk products.
Molecular sieving realized with ZIF-8/Matrimid® mixed-matrix membranes

Abstract Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs), that have the potential for gas separation, were used as additives in mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs). ZIF-8, which exhibits the sodalite topology, is composed of zinc (II) ion clusters linked by imidazolate ligands. The ZIF-8 pore aperture is 3.4 A allowing it to readily absorb small molecules such as H 2 and CO 2 . ZIF-8/Matrimid ® MMMs were fabricated with loadings up to 80% (w/w), which are much higher than the typical loadings achieved with select zeolite materials. Only at the highest loading did the ZIF-8/Matrimid ® MMM show a loss of mechanical strength, leading to a decrease in flexibility. The ZIF-8/Matrimid ® MMMs permeability properties were tested for H 2 , CO 2 , O 2 , N 2 , CH 4 , C 3 H 8 , and gas mixtures of H 2 /CO 2 and CO 2 /CH 4 . The permeability values increased as the ZIF-8 loading increased to 40% (w/w). However, at higher loadings of 50% and 60% (w/w), the permeability decreased for all gases, and the selectivities increased consistent with the influence of the ZIF-8 additive. The ideal selectivities of gas pairs containing small gases, such as H 2 /O 2 , H 2 /CO 2 , H 2 /CH 4 , CO 2 /CH 4 , CO 2 /C 3 H 8 , and H 2 /C 3 H 8 , showed improvement with the 50% (w/w) ZIF-8 loading, demonstrating a transition from a polymer-driven to a ZIF-8-controlled gas transport process. In control experiments using as-synthesized ZIF-8 with filled pores, there was no transition at 50% (w/w) loading. This may be the first example of an MMM wherein molecular sieving is evident and suggests that additive loadings >50% (w/w) may be required to observe this effect in MMMs.
Fuel cell–gas turbine hybrid system design part I: Steady state performance

Abstract The hybridization of gas turbine technology with high temperature fuel cells represents an ultra-high efficiency, ultra-low emission, fuel flexible power generation platform. The performance of past prototypes has been limited by marginal compatibility of the two primary sub-systems. This paper addresses the challenge of selecting compatible hardware by presenting a simple and robust method for bespoke hybrid system design and off-the-shelf component integration. This is the first application of detailed, spatially resolved, physical models capable of resolving off-design performance to the integration analysis of FC–GT hybrids. Static maps are produced for both turbine and fuel cell sub-systems that readily evaluate the compatibility and hybrid performance. Molten carbonate and solid oxide fuel cells are considered for hybridization with recuperated micro-turbines and larger axial flow gas turbine systems. Current state-of-the-art molten carbonate technology is shown to pair well with present micro-turbine technology in an FC bottoming cycle design achieving 74.4% LHV efficiency. Solid oxide technology demonstrates remarkable potential for integration with larger scale axial turbo-machinery to achieve greater than 75% LHV efficiency. This performance map technique closely matches results from detailed integrated hybrid system analyses, and enables quick determination of performance requirements for balance of plant design and optimization.
Identification of a novel role of ZMIZ2 protein in regulating the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

ZMIZ2, also named ZIMP7, is a protein inhibitor of activated STAT (PIAS)-like protein and a transcriptional coactivator. In this study, we investigated the interaction between ZMIZ2 and β-catenin, a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. We demonstrated that the expression of exogenous ZMIZ2 augments TCF (T cell factor) and β-catenin-mediated transcription. In contrast, shRNA knockdown of ZMIZ2 expression specifically represses the enhancement of TCF/β-catenin-mediated transcription by ZMIZ2. Using Wnt3a-conditioned medium, we demonstrated that ZMIZ2 can enhance Wnt ligand-induced TCF/β-catenin-mediated transcription. We also showed a promotional role of ZMIZ2 in enhancing β-catenin downstream target gene expression in human cells and in Zmiz2 null (Zmiz2−/−) mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). The regulatory role of Zmiz2 in Wnt-induced TCF/β-catenin-mediated transcription can be restored in Zmiz2−/− MEFs that were infected with adenoviral expression vectors for Zmiz2. Moreover, enhancement of Zmiz2 on TCF/β-catenin-mediated transcription was further demonstrated in Zmiz2 knockout and Axin2 reporter compound mice. Furthermore, the protein-protein interaction between ZMIZ2 and β-catenin was identified by co-immunoprecipitation and in vitro protein pulldown assays. We also observed recruitment of endogenous ZMIZ2 onto the promoter region of the Axin 2 gene, a β-catenin downstream target promoter, in a Wnt ligand-inducible manner. Finally, a promotional role of ZMIZ2 on cell growth was demonstrated in human cell lines and Zmiz2 knockout MEFs. Our findings demonstrate a novel interaction between ZMIZ2 and β-catenin and elucidate a novel mechanism for PIAS-like proteins in regulating Wnt signaling pathways.
1. The Young Adult Perspective on Health Insurance

THE YOUNG ADULT PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH INSURANCE Charlene A. Wong, MD , David A. Asch, MD , Cjloe M. Vinoya, BS , Carol A. Ford, MD, FSAHM , Tom Baker, JD , Robert Town, PhD , Raina M. Merchant, MD . University of Pennsylvania/The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Perelman School of Medicine and the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; University of Pennsylvania; The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; Penn Law School; The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
Comparisons of hydrogen atom measurements in an arcjet plume with DSMC predictions

Abstract : We present comparisons between hydrogen atom number density, velocity, and temperature measurements with DSMC predictions at nozzle exit for two power levels of a hydrogen arcjet thruster: 1.34 kW and 800 W. Comparisons between model and experiment are also presented in two downstream plume regions. Atomic density peaks at each power are not seen to vary substantially while velocity and temperature maximums decrease with lower-power operation. Changes in profile shapes are noticed at the different powers and similar profile changes are also observed in the model predictions. Differences in overall magnitude are observed at some locations between measured data and predicted results, but in general the model matches the measured data quite well.
CMS as mindtools for enbancing student engagement in advising and assessment: Lessons learned from design of math advisor

What strategies for online, open-ended learning environments can we use to integrate technology into mathematics advising for adult learners and help them assess their current situation? This paper targets communicators, educators, information system developers, and training professionals who are interested in integrating technology into a special-purpose WebCT project. It introduces the topic by providing background on (a) satisfaction reports for online learning; (b) information on student engagement, meaningful learning, and technology; and (c) strategies for using technology in teaching and learning. Then, we describe the Math Advisor project for the five Mercer University Regional Academic Centers: (a) Atlanta; (b) Douglas; (c) Henry County; (d) Eastman; and (e) Macon (residential campus) and our goals for evaluating current skills in mathematics and aligning learning objectives and outcomes. Last, it describes a method for developing a custom, special-purpose course in WebCT and explores lessons learned from the project
Reproductive cloning combined with genetic modification

Although there is widespread opposition to reproductive cloning, some have argued that its use by infertile couples to have genetically related children would be ethically justifiable. Others have suggested that lesbian or gay couples might wish to use cloning to have genetically related children. Most of the main objections to human reproductive cloning are based on the child's lack of unique nuclear DNA. In the future, it may be possible safely to create children using cloning combined with genetic modifications, so that they have unique nuclear DNA. The genetic modifications could be aimed at giving such children genetic characteristics of both members of the couple concerned. Thus, cloning combined with genetic modification could be appealing to infertile, lesbian, or gay couples who seek genetically related children who have genetic characteristics of both members. In such scenarios, the various objections to human reproductive cloning that are based on the lack of genetic uniqueness would no longer be applicable. The author argues that it would be ethically justifiable for such couples to create children in this manner, assuming these techniques could be used safely.
Lecanographa insolita, an unusual new species of Roccellaceae from western North America

Lecanographa insolita is described as new to science based on collections from the Channel Islands of southern California and an isolated coastal redwood forest in central California, U.S.A. Placement of this normally sterile species in the genus Lecanographa is supported by secondary chemistry and the anatomy of sterile ascoma found on a single thallus. The species has a non-filament forming coccoid photobiont rather than Trentepohlia, an apparently unique feature within the genus Lecanographa as well as the broader context of the Roccellaceae. Comparison is drawn to other members of the Roccellaceae that have byssoid thalli.