cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical report and biochemical analysis of a patient with fumarate hydratase deficiency

Fumarate hydratase deficiency (FHD) is a rare metabolic disease caused by two defective copies of the FH gene, which encodes the Krebs cycle enzyme fumarase. FHD is associated with brain and developmental abnormalities, seizures, and high childhood mortality. We describe the symptoms and treatment of a patient with FHD. While infantile spasms are common in FHD, the patient presented with epileptic spasms later in childhood. Also unexpectedly, the patient responded excellently to lacosamide for her non-convulsive status epilepticus and epileptic spasms after three first-line medication trials failed. We biochemically analyzed the patient's two fumarase variants (E432Kfs*17 and D65G). While E432Kfs*17 was extremely enzymatically defective, D65G exhibited only a mild defect, possibly playing a role in the patient's longer survival.
Recommendations from a Geriatric Assessment (GA) Guided Multidisciplinary Clinic (MDC) in Older Patients for Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplant (autoHCT)

Introduction AutoHCT recipients age 70+ who attended a GA-guided MDC had favorable outcomes with 0% 1-yr non-relapse mortality (NRM). We now examine vulnerabilities and outcomes in all older autoHCT candidates undergoing MDC, including HCT utilization rates. Methods An HCT MD, advanced practice provider, dietician, PT/OT, social worker, ID MD, and geriatric MD comprised the MDC. All pts received GA-informed optimization. Pts were classified by MDC recommendation: ‘Decline' if unlikely to realize benefits of HCT, ‘Defer' if significant optimization necessary before HCT, and ‘Proceed' if autoHCT could proceed without delay. We compared autoHCT recipients (AR, n=62) to non-autoHCT recipients (non-AR, n=29). Results Differences by ‘Defer' (n=25) vs ‘Proceed' (n=61) included more impairments (median HCT-CI 3 vs 2, p=0.01; more frail 4-meter walk times, 48% v 14%, p=0.001) and more lymphoma (52% vs 30%, p=0.01). AutoHCT occurred in 49/61 (80%) ‘Proceed', 13/25 (52%) ‘Defer', and 0/5 ‘Decline'. AutoHCT recipients (AR) vs non-AR did not differ by age but had fewer impairments as shown in table 1. AR vs non-AR was enriched for plasma cell dyscrasia (PCD, 77% vs 48%, p=0.008). AR had longer OS compared to non-AR (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11-0.57, p=0.0012). No AR pts experienced NRM. Within AR, MDC ‘Defer' pts had a longer time from MDC to HCT compared to ‘Proceed' pts (median 41 vs 20 days, p=0.001). Although ‘Defer' AR pts at DC had more frail 4-meter walk times (38% vs 10%, p=0.03) and worse Mental Health Index-5 (p = 0.03), length of hospitalization, readmission rate, skilled nursing facility admission, and mortality did not differ relative to the ‘Proceed' AR group (see figure). 1-yr OS for ‘Defer' AR (n=13) vs ‘Defer' Non-AR (n=12) was 92% vs 60% (p = 0.07); 3-yr OS 55% vs 48% (p = 0.8). Conclusion A GA guided MDC deferred around 27% of older autoHCT candidates likely due to significant impairments, and half went on to receive HCT. Pts pursuing autoHCT after MDC achieved excellent outcomes, even among those initially deferred. Employing GA earlier in the disease trajectory to inform early referral to a GA-guided MDC should be tested to increase utilization and improve outcomes in older autoHCT candidates.
Use of a segmented cell for the combinatorial development of platinum group metal-free electrodes for polymer electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract The development of novel platinum group metal (PGM)-free catalysts is a challenging task, particularly when coupled with the integration into a cathode catalyst layer (CCL). The optimization of such PGM-free electrode structures is often non-linear and iterative, making it a demanding task due to the high number of parameters that affect performance. To accelerate both materials discovery and electrode development, this work demonstrates the application of a high-resolution segmented cell (SC) with 121 segments of 0.413 cm2 size for combinatorial high-throughput PGM-free catalyst screening and CCL optimization. The approach utilizes three flow-field strips with active areas of 4.45 cm2 each, distributed over 11 segments. Electrodes with identical catalyst material and fabrication method result in reproducible data with typically less than 10% variation between each segment and match in performance with differential single cell data. High throughput testing of combinatorial sample sets, with varied PGM-free electrocatalyst materials or electrode composition, demonstrated the ability to rapidly discern high performing outliers, and establish or confirm trends in electrode optimization. The results indicated significant performance benefits of electrodes with ionomer content of 45 wt% over lower values, and of water rich inks with 82% water content over those with 50%.
An atypical complicated left-sided bronchopleural fistula presenting more than seven months after lobectomy.

Abstract Background Bronchopleural fistulas (BPF) are abnormal sinus tracts connecting the bronchi and pleural cavity and form after surgical resection of a lung lobe. It is a complication with potentially disastrous sequelae including, failure of the bronchial stump to heal, ischemia of the affected area, and/or infection of the stump. Bronchopleural fistulas caused by surgical intervention most commonly present on the right side and within 7–12 days post-operatively, i.e., subacutely. While the fistula may initially be asymptomatic, they carry a mortality rate of 25–71% in the absence of other comorbidities. Case presentation A 60-year-old female developed a BPF more than seven months after a left lower lobe lung lobectomy for non-small cell adenocarcinoma is presented. She was seen at our hospital on multiple occasions after her lobectomy with no evidence of a developing fistula on chest computer tomography (CT) during those visits. During her most recent presentation, roughly 7 months postoperatively, she was noted on imaging to have a new left-sided bronchopleural fistula. Bronchoscopy with lavage and culture of the fistula grew Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, for which she received appropriate treatment. Further surgical interventions were deferred due to poor prognosis. Her presentation differed from the typical BPF presentation in that it was left-sided and occurred out of the window of its usual occurrence. Conclusion Late-onset BPF is an important diagnosis to consider in patients who have undergone lung resection, regardless of the type of surgery or postoperative duration, especially when patients are known to have multiple predisposing factors.
Using Patient-Reported Outcomes to Describe the Patient Experience on Phase I Clinical Trials.

Background Symptoms are common among patients enrolled in phase I trials. We assessed the validity of Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) items in relation to previously validated assessments of quality of life and psychological distress. We used data from a randomized trial testing a palliative care support intervention for patients enrolled on phase I trials. Methods Patients (n = 479) were accrued to the parent study prior to initiating a phase I clinical trial with data collected at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks. We determined the correlation of PRO-CTCAE with distress level, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - General (FACT-G) total, and subscale domain scores. Results Patients were predominantly female (56.8%) and older than age 60 years, and 30.7% were from minority populations. The correlation coefficient for distress level for all PRO-CTCAE items was small to moderate (Pearson r = 0.33-0.46). Pearson correlation coefficient for FACT-G total was moderate (r = -0.45 to -0.69). Stronger associations were noted for mood items of the PRO-CTCAE only (with distress level, r = 0.55-0.6; with FACT-G, r = -0.54 to -0.6). PRO-CTCAE symptom interference scores had the strongest correlation with distress level (Pearson r = 0.46) and FACT-G total (Pearson r = -0.69). Correlations between PRO-CTCAE items and corresponding FACT-G (total and subscales) and distress levels reached statistical significance for all items (P Conclusion Evidence demonstrates validity of PRO-CTCAE in a heterogeneous US sample of patients undergoing cancer treatment on phase I trials, with small to moderate correlations with distress level for all PRO-CTCAE items and moderate correlations with quality of life as measured by FACT-G total.
Impact of ethanol, succinic acid, and the combination thereof at levels produced during sponge fermentation on hard wheat, soft wheat, and durum wheat farinograph rheology

Abstract The sponge and dough mixing process is one of the most common in the world, yet the mechanistic understanding of this process has yet to be sufficiently explored. In this study, aqueous solutions of ethanol, succinic acid, and their combination were prepared at concentrations intended to replicate fermentation times of 3, 4 and 6 h. These solutions were added to a farinograph mixer to make dough using hard wheat, soft wheat, and durum wheat flour. The results indicate that these yeast metabolites (ethanol, succinic acid) impact the mixing resistance, peak mixing value, and dough mixing stability in each of the flour types, likely primarily affected by the ratios of gliadin to glutenin and LMW glutenin in each flour type. Results suggest a stabilizing non-covalent interaction imparted by gliadin at peak mixing time, a stabilizing effect of HMW glutenin during break down, and synergistic effects of ethanol and succinic acid that leads to a faster rate of breakdown in later stages of mixing. It also suggests an increase in mixing resistance when acidulants are added to durum wheat dough. Taken together, this study adds new insights on the sponge and dough mixing process in a way that has not previously been conducted.
Surgical management of small bowel-small bowel intussusception in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura

Abstract Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is the most common vasculitis seen in children. It is characterized by rash, joint pain, and renal disease. Abdominal findings requiring surgical intervention are uncommon. A 13-year-old male presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, new onset bilious emesis, and rash after three weeks of flu-like symptoms. Five days prior, he received treatment for strep pharyngitis from his primary care provider. A diagnosis of HSP was made after abdominal CT scan revealed signs of duodenal inflammation and a non-obstructing small bowel-small bowel intussusception. His abdominal pain persisted, and repeat ultrasound revealed persistence of the intussusception with concerns for decreased blood flow to the intussuscepted bowel. He was taken to the operating room for reduction of the intussusception. Vasculitic lesions were visualized within the duodenal mucosa and on the serosa of the small and large bowel. These rare operative images are presented below. The intussusception was reduced without need for resection. In HSP, intramural hemorrhage and submucosal inflammation can create lead points that trigger small bowel intussusceptions to occur. These intussusceptions are typically managed supportively and rarely require surgery. We present a case of HSP requiring surgery with depictions of both mucosal and serosal based vasculitis lesions.
Hedge fund vs. non-hedge fund institutional demand and the book-to-market effect

Abstract Recent studies have documented that institutional investors trade contrary to the predictions of the book-to market anomaly. We examine whether a prominent sub-group of institutional investors, namely hedge funds, differ from other institutions in terms of their trading behavior with respect to the book-to-market effect. We find that hedge funds significantly alter their trading preferences with respect to growth and value stocks, after book-to-market values become public information. More importantly, we show that hedge funds are better able to identify overpriced growth stocks compared to other institutions. Our results contribute to the literature on institutional investors’ trading with respect to stock return anomalies.
Robust Autonomous Driving with Human in the Loop

This chapter presents a reinforcement-learning-based shared control design for semi-autonomous vehicles with a human in the loop. The co-pilot controller and the driver operate together and control the vehicle simultaneously. To address the effects of human driver reaction time, the interconnected human–vehicle system is described by differential-difference equations. Exploiting the real-time measured data, the adaptive optimal shared controller is learned via adaptive dynamic programming, without accurate knowledge of the driver and vehicle models. Adaptivity, near optimality and stability are ensured simultaneously when the data-driven shared steering controller is applied to the human-in-the-loop vehicle system, which can handle the potential parametric variations and uncertainties in the human–vehicle system. The efficacy of the proposed control strategy is validated by proofs and demonstrated by numerical simulations.
An assessment of methane gas production from natural gas hydrates: Challenges, technology and market outlook

Natural gas hydrates are enormous energy resources occurring in the permafrost and under deep ocean sediments. However, the commercial or sustained production of this resource with currently available technology remains a technical, environmental, and economic challenge, albeit a few production tests have been conducted to date. One of the major challenges has been sand production due to the unconsolidated nature of hydrate bearing formations. This review presents progress in methane gas production from natural gas hydrate deposits, speciﬁcally addressing the technology, ﬁeld production and simulation tests, challenges, and the market outlook. Amongst the production techniques, the depressurization method of dissociating natural gas hydrates is widely accepted as the most feasible option and it has been used the most in ﬁeld test trials and simulation studies. The market for natural gas hydrates looks promising considering the increasing demand for energy globally, limited availability of conventional fossil fuels, and the low carbon footprint when using natural gas compared to liquid and solid fossil fuels. The major market setback currently is cheap gas from shale and conventional oil and gas reservoirs. Cited as: Shaibu, R., Sambo, C., Guo, B., Dudun, A. An assessment of methane gas production from natural gas hydrates: Challenges, technology and market outlook. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2021, 5(3): 318-332, doi: 10.46690/ager.2021.03.07
MOVING QUEER VISIBILITIES INTO IDENTITY-SUSTAINING PRACTICES IN CYC: TOWARD QUEER(ED) FUTURES

This essay aims at connecting child and youth care (CYC) to U.S. teacher education, educator pathways, and schooling in the United States. Further, this essay addresses Wolfgang Vachon’s call to push the boundaries of CYC, specifically in queering the field. I offer ways U.S. teacher education contexts and practices might be considered as guidance in supporting queer identities in CYC. I posit that there is a corporeal pedagogy that queer CYC practitioners enact that is effected beyond simple visibilities, and that they sustain their own identities and survival in CYC spaces through this practice. I also offer a testimonio of my practice as an out genderqueer, Chinese Mexican teacher educator who works in U.S. field-based teacher training and after-school CYC spaces. Further, I argue for critical engagement with curricula and field work in our training programs and make a call for training programs to support CYC practitioners in sustaining their queer identities. Finally, I argue for a need to continue to archive — and perhaps rescue — the practices and collective memories of queer CYC practitioners in order to advance a meaningful sustaining of queer identities in CYC.
Doing that thing that scientists do: A discovery‐driven module on protein purification and characterization for the undergraduate biochemistry laboratory classroom

In traditional introductory biochemistry laboratory classes students learn techniques for protein purification and analysis by following provided, established, step-by-step procedures. Students are exposed to a variety of biochemical techniques but are often not developing procedures or collecting new, original data. In this laboratory module, students develop research skills through work on an original research project and gain confidence in their ability to design and execute an experiment while faculty can enhance their scholarly pursuits through the acquisition of original data in the classroom laboratory. Students are prepared for a 6-8 week discovery-driven project on the purification of the Escherichia coli cytidylate kinase (CMP kinase) through in class problems and other laboratory exercises on bioinformatics and protein structure analysis. After a minimal amount of guidance on how to perform the CMP kinase in vitro enzyme assay, SDS-PAGE, and the basics of protein purification, students, working in groups of three to four, develop a protein purification protocol based on the scientific literature and investigate some aspect of CMP kinase that interests them. Through this process, students learn how to implement a new but perhaps previously worked out procedure to answer their research question. In addition, they learn the importance of keeping a clear and thorough laboratory notebook and how to interpret their data and use that data to inform the next set of experiments. Following this module, students had increased confidence in their ability to do basic biochemistry techniques and reported that the "self-directed" nature of this lab increased their engagement in the project.
Protection by international transport charges: Analysis by stage of fabrication

Abstract This study employs the effective protection model to evaluate the incidence of ad valorem transport charges (freight factors) on U.S. imports at various stages in the production process, with special emphasis on their impact upon the development of manufacturing activities in LDC's. Freight factors, unlike tariffs, are not found to display a widespread tendency to escalate by fabrication stage, and do not appear to bear more heavily on products of major export interest to LDC's than on U.S. imports from industrial nations. Results suggest forces other than transport charges are primarily responsible for inhibiting the growth of manufacturing export industries in LDC's.
Formation of α-Pal/Max Heterodimers Synergistically Activates the eIF2-α Promoter

The transcription factor alpha-Pal recognizes two tandem palindromic repeats within the promoter of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2-alpha). Whereas both binding sites have the same "core domain" sequence (CGCATGCG), they differ with respect to their flanking sequences. Of the two sites, the 5'-cap proximal site has a higher binding affinity for alpha-Pal than does the 5'-cap distal site (Jacob, W. F., Silverman, T. A., Cohen, R. B., and Safer, B. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 20372-20384). The well characterized transcription factor Max binds to sequences that are remarkably similar to the core domain that alpha-Pal recognizes. To date, all of the Max heterodimer partners lack DNA binding domains and are thus dependent on Max interacting with DNA. Here we report that the two alpha-Pal sites have very different binding activities with respect to the E-box-binding protein Max. The 5'-cap distal or low alpha-Pal affinity site binds both alpha-Pal and Max. Furthermore, both heterodimers and homodimers of each of these proteins bind to this site. In contrast to the low affinity site, the high affinity site does not bind Max as a homodimer. This is the first documented case where Max heterodimerizes with a transcription factor that has affinity for DNA independent of Max.
Tissue Engineering Options for Ligament Healing

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of five ligaments in the knee that are important for stability and kinematics. It is also the most commonly injured ligament of the knee and due to its poor healing potential, severe damage warrants surgical intervention including complete replacement. Ligaments are longitudinally arranged, complex tissues; the mechanical properties of ligaments are a direct result of their components and the arrangement of these components in the tissue. It is these mechanics that have made ligaments so difficult to replace. Past ACL replacements have had many limitations that prevented their extensive use. These limitations range from mechanical fatigue over time to fraying of the device after implantation. In light of these problems, investigators have begun to pursue a host of new techniques to create a range of viable options for the repair, replacement, and/or regeneration of the ACL. These options include tissue engineered scaffolds with novel designs and specially treated transplanted tissues. In this article, the composition, arrangement, and mechanics of the ACL will be discussed in order to elucidate important aspects of ACL repair; past replacements will also be discussed. Afterwards, novel replacement options that look to solve problems faced by older replacement options will be presented. These devices use a wide variety of materials and designs to replicate ligament mechanics and allow for new tissue regeneration.
On the mechanism of erythropoietin-induced differentiation. XV. Induced transcription restricted by cytosine arabinoside.

Abstract We have examined the role of DNA synthesis in the induced differentiation of erythropoietin-responsive cells (ERC) by using cultured marrow cells from plethoric rats. In such marrow cell populations there are minimal numbers of differentiated erythroid cells permitting the study of erythropoietin action on the non-differentiated primitive ERC. Cytosine arabinoside (10−4 M) and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine (10−7 M) were used for inhibition of DNA synthesis. The data indicate that DNA synthesis is not required for the early steps in the initiation of RNA synthesis or hemoglobin synthesis by erythropoietin. The evidence suggests, however, that ERC may be sensitive to erythropoietin only in a cell cycle phase after S. This period, presumably in G2, is approx. 85 min long. The full response to erythropoietin, therefore, requires DNA synthesis both to replenish the G2 compartment and to permit amplification divisions of induced cells.
Profiling open digital repositories in the atmospheric and climate sciences: An initial survey

As digital research data proliferate and expectations for sharing data escalate, the landscape of open data repositories is becoming more complex. Data sharing is especially important in the atmospheric and climate sciences, where data integration and reuse can have significant impact on the advancement of research on climate change. This study analyzed 38 open digital repositories in the atmospheric and climate sciences using 55 criteria to characterize the repositories based on content analysis of the repository websites. The resulting repository profiles offer systematic descriptions of capabilities, services, and other characteristics for identifying specific repository features and comparing them across repositories. The profiles are of value for data curation education, researchers in the geosciences, and librarians and others providing data services in the sciences.
Neural networks-based in-process surface roughness adaptive control system in turning operations

Using a back-propagation neural networks algorithm and accelero-meter sensor technique, this research developed an in-process surface roughness adaptive control (IPSRAC) system in turning operations. This system not only can predict surface roughness in real time, but can also provide an adaptive feed rate change in finishing turning to ensure the surface roughness can meet requirements.
A Pliocene-Pleistocene stack of 57 globally distributed benthic δ18O records

[1] We present a 5.3-Myr stack (the “LR04” stack) of benthic δ18O records from 57 globally distributed sites aligned by an automated graphic correlation algorithm. This is the first benthic δ18O stack composed of more than three records to extend beyond 850 ka, and we use its improved signal quality to identify 24 new marine isotope stages in the early Pliocene. We also present a new LR04 age model for the Pliocene-Pleistocene derived from tuning the δ18O stack to a simple ice model based on 21 June insolation at 65°N. Stacked sedimentation rates provide additional age model constraints to prevent overtuning. Despite a conservative tuning strategy, the LR04 benthic stack exhibits significant coherency with insolation in the obliquity band throughout the entire 5.3 Myr and in the precession band for more than half of the record. The LR04 stack contains significantly more variance in benthic δ18O than previously published stacks of the late Pleistocene as the result of higher-resolution records, a better alignment technique, and a greater percentage of records from the Atlantic. Finally, the relative phases of the stack's 41- and 23-kyr components suggest that the precession component of δ18O from 2.7–1.6 Ma is primarily a deep-water temperature signal and that the phase of δ18O precession response changed suddenly at 1.6 Ma.
Application of remote-sensing techniques to the study of seasonal snow cover

This paper discusses the measurement of important snow properties using electromagnetic radiation. Snow areal extent can be measured using manual, optical, electronic, or digital techniques from data supplied by visible and near-visible light sensors carried on Earth resources and meteorological satellites, but these techniques cannot routinely detect snow under clouds or a forest canopy. Gamma-ray techniques used at stations or from low-flying aircraft permit measurement of water equivalent of snow (depth times density). Active or passive microwave systems may permit this to be done over larger areas, but the physics of this possible technique is not yet sufficiently understood. Wetness or temperature, of a snow surface is measurable with thermal infrared radiometers; wetness throughout a snow pack may be measurable with microwave radiometers. Much research needs to be done on the electrical (including scattering) properties of snow before efficient, all-weather, remote-sensing systems can be designed.
Synthesis and Protonation Studies of Molybdenum(0) Bis(di­nitrogen) Complexes Supported by Diphosphine Ligands ­Containing Pendant Amines†

A series of molybdenum bis(dinitrogen) complexes of the formula trans-[Mo(N2)2(PEtNRPEt)2] (PEtNRPEt = Et2PCH2N(R)CH2PEt2; R = phenyl (1), 2,6-difluorobenzyl (2), 3,5-difluorobenzyl (3), CH2CH2NMe2 (4), CH2-o-Py (5)] were synthesized and characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. Protonation studies with stoichiometric amounts of triflic acid (HOTf) were performed, and the protonated products were characterized by NMR and in situ IR spectroscopic methods. Products formed in the stepwise protonation reactions included, for example, a mixture of the seven-coordinate molybdenum bis(dinitrogen) hydride, trans-[Mo(H)(N2)2(PEtNPhPEt)2]+ [1H]+, and the Mo-hydrazido triflate complex, trans-[Mo(NNH2)(OTf)(PEtNPhPEt)2]+ [1(NNH2)]+. Complex 2, with more basic pendant amines, can be protonated up to three times, affording the highly-charged molecule, trans-[Mo(H)(N2)2(PEtN2,6-F2-Bn(H)PEt)2)]3+ [2H(PN(H)P)2]3+.
Nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States Part III-injuries to the upper extremities

Abstract This is the third part of the three-part paper on nonfatal occupational injuries in the United States. This part focuses on injuries to the upper extremities. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics were used to examine injury statistics to different regions of the upper extremities including the arms, the fingers, and the wrists. Injuries to these different regions of the upper extremities are categorized by common measures of magnitude such as the number of cases and the incidence rates; by major US industrial classifications; by different types of events or exposures such as contact with objects, slip and fall accidents, overexertion injuries, etc.; by different sources of injuries such as parts or materials, worker motion, healthcare patient, etc.; by different US occupations such as service, technical, sales and administrative support, etc.; by age of the injured; by ethnic origin of the injured; by gender of the injured; by length of service of the injured with the employer; and by the number of lost workdays. Relevance to industry This paper provides focused information on the upper extremity injuries in the United States. Knowledge of upper extremity injury trends is essential for instituting efforts to control them.
Bounds for the solution set of linear complementarity problems

Abstract We give here bounds for the feasible domain and the solution norm of Linear Complementarity Problems (LCP). These bounds are motivated by formulating the LCP as a global quadratic optimization problem and are characterized by the eigenstructure of the corresponding matrix. We prove boundedness of the feasible domain when the quadratic problem is concave, and give easily computable bounds for the solution norm for the convex case. We also obtain lower and upper bounds for the solution norm of the general nonconvex problem.
Representations of the moon in children’s literature: An analysis of written and visual text

This review focused on the written and visual representation of the moon in 80 children’s books, including Caldecott Medal and Honor books over the past 20 years. Results revealed that many of these books misrepresent the moon and even reinforce misconceptions about lunar phases. Teachers who use children’s literature that misrepresents the moon may unwittingly promote or reinforce alternative conceptions. Thus, teachers, parents, and library media specialists should be aware of common misconceptions about the moon appearing in children’s literature. Such misconceptions may cause students to develop misunderstandings about scientific concepts. Examples of errors in children’s literature are discussed.
Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale North American Field Isolates Express a Hemolysin-Like Protein

SUMMARY. Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for the sporadic outbreaks of airsacculitis in poultry, accounting for millions of dollars in losses to the poultry industry annually. Although the organism was originally classified as non–b-hemolytic, recent North American field isolates of O. rhinotracheale obtained from pneumonic lungs and air sacs indicated hemolytic activity on blood agar plates upon extended incubation for 48 hr at room temperature in air after initial incubation at 37 C for 48 hr under 7.5% CO2. This report characterizes the b-hemolytic activity of O. rhinotracheale isolates by using in vitro kinetic hemolysis assays with sheep red blood cells, western blotting with leukotoxin-specific monoclonal antibodies, and isobaric tagging and relative and absolute quantitative (iTRAQ) analysis of O. rhinotracheale outer membrane protein digest preparations. The kinetic analyses of the hemolytic activity with red blood cells indicated that the protein is a pore former. iTRAQ analysis with membrane preparations revealed four peptides with homolog yt oMannheimia haemolytica leukotoxin and two peptides with homology to Actinobacillus actinoacetemcomitans leukotoxin. This is the first report that North American field isolates of O. rhinotracheale may express a hemolysin-like activity.
Effects of bPTH fragments (1-34), (3-34) and (7-34) on uterine contraction.

Abstract Synthetic bovine parathyroid hormone containing the NH2 terminal 34 amino acids [bPTH-(1–34)] was recently demonstrated to inhibit oxytocin stimulated uterine contraction in vitro. The parathyroid hormone analogues [Nle8, Nle18, Tyr34]bPTH-(3–34)amide [NTA-(3–34)] and [Tyr34]bPTH-(7–34)amide [NTA-(7–34)] have been reported to act as inhibitors of antagonists of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in numerous assays. In the present study the effects of these PTH analogues on uterine contraction and the ability of these analogues to act as antagonists to the uterine inhibitory action of bPTH-(1–34) in vitro were investigated. The NTA-(3–34) fragment had no effect on oxytocin stimulated uterine contractions. However, the NTA-(3–34) fragment was able to alter the ability of bPTH(1–34) to reduce oxytocin stimulated uterine contraction in a dose-related manner. Bovine PTH(1–34) (0.3 μg/ml) reduced the contractile response obtained with oxytocin (0.5 mU/ml) by 20%. A dose of 15 μg/ml of NTA-(3–34) abolished this inhibitory action of bPTH-(1–34) on oxytocin stimulated uterine contraction. In contrast the NTA-(7–34) fragment itself, stimulated contraction of resting uterine horns in a dose-related manner; 3.0 μg/ml of NTA-(7–34) caused a change in gram tension of +1.5 grams. Bovine PTH-(1–34) was able to reduce the uterine contraction stimulated by NTA-(7–34) and 0.3 μg/ml of bPTH-(1–34) reduced the contractile response obtained with 3.0 μg/ml of NTA-(7–34) by as much as 70%. These results show that shortening of bPTH-(1–34) by two amino acids at the NH2 terminus results in loss of the previously defined uterine inhibitory action of the peptide. However, this fragment is capable of antagonizing the effect of bPTH-(1–34) in the uterine assay. The NTA-(7–34) fragment stimulated uterine contraction and thus had an action completely opposite that of bPTH-(1–34) inhibitory effect.
NAFLD and Cardiovascular Disease: Can the Real Association Be Determined?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents a spectrum of liver diseases ranging from isolated hepatic steatosis (IHS) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) defined by the presence of hepatocellular injury, and may progress to end-stage liver disease and its complications. Mounting evidence also suggests that direct effects on the heart may explain why cardiovascular disease (CVD), comprising coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease, is the leading cause of death among individuals with NASH. CVD and NASH share common risk factors, however NASH may increase atherogenic risk or alter cardiac function independent of these commonalities. A complex interplay between an inflamed visceral fat compartment, the liver and the endothelium creates a pro-inflammatory, pro-coagulant and pro-atherogenic milieu that can contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis and cardiac dysfunction. While new evidence is accumulating that might help close the gap in our understanding of the putative role of NASH in CVD, more prospective data are still needed.
Anal duct/gland cyst: report of a case and review of the literature

Purpose The purpose of this communication is to report a case of anal duct/gland cyst and review cases of perianal and presacrococcygeal mucus-secreting cysts reported in the literature with emphasis on their histopathologic features. Method Our patient presented with coccydynia. An extraluminal retrorectal tumor was felt on rectal examination. A computerized tomographic scan demonstrated a presacrococcygeal mass closely related to the anorectal junction. The tumor and the coccyx were excised using a posterior approach. Cases of perianal and presacrococcygeal mucus-secreting cysts reported in the literature were reviewed. Results In our case, the tumor proved to be an anal duct/gland cyst. Some of the reported cases of presacrococcygeal glandular cysts had histopathologic features suggestive of anal duct/gland origin. Conclusion Diagnosis of anal duct/gland cyst is based on routine histologic features, histochemical characteristics of mucus, and/or the presence of a communication with an anal duct or crypt. Based on these criteria, some of the reported cases of mucus-secreting cysts occurring around the anorectum may prove to be anal duct/gland in origin.
Footdrumming and other anti-predator responses in the bannertail kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis)

Anti-predator behaviors of the bannertail kangaroo rat (Dipodomys spectabilis) toward snake predators were investigated. We induced responses by presenting a live (tethered) snake and an inflatable snake decoy to rats of known ages and sex in their territories. Comparisons of behaviors during spontaneous activity (baseline), naturally occurring snake-rat interactions, and experimental procedures further clarified anti-predator behaviors. The tethered snake immediately induced high rates of footdrumming (the repeated striking of the hind feet on the ground) in all rats (n=24) (Table 2), and individuals of both sexes and all ages footdrummed significantly more at the tethered snake than at the decoy. Other antipredator behaviors included alert postures, jumpback, kicking sand and avoidance. Juvenile rats exhibited more avoidance behavior and alert postures than adults and footdrummed at the decoy only if they experienced the snake first. We conclude that footdrumming functions as an individual alarm signal against predation by snakes in D. spectabilis. The drumming probably informs a snake that it has been detected and may cause it to leave. Because rats did not footdrum in response to aerial predators (owls), we suggest that kangaroo rats use different anti-predator strategies that depend on the kind of threat and the type of predator.
Autostoichiometric vapor deposition: Part II. Experiment

An autostoichiometric vapor deposition method is implemented to achieve deposition of stoichiometric LiTaO3 using LiTa(OButn)6 precursor. Precisely stoichiometric LiTaO3 can be grown by this method. A simple low pressure reactor is used to facilitate the autostoichiometric vapor deposition through hydrolysis polycondensation of double alkoxides in the vapor phase. Typical deposition and annealing conditions are described. X-ray diffraction, SEM, and compositional analyses are performed on the films grown on fused silica, Pt, (100) sapphire, and LiNbO3(001). Rocking curve measurements indicated excellent epitaxial growth of LiTaO3 on (100) sapphire. Compositional analysis by measurement of lattice parameters confirmed that the present method can produce high quality stoichiometric LiTaO3. The nonstoichiometry factor for LiTa(OButn)6 is negligible. Mass spectrometric study of the precursor compound LiTa(OButn)6 suggests that the volatile species is Li2Ta2(OButn)12.
Interpreting Early India

Professor Thapar argues the importance of understanding and positioning various well-established perspectives on the Indian past in order to arrive at an informed understanding of contemporary situations - such as disputes between Hindus and other Indian communities. It is vitally important for historians and informed lay readers to consider the wide range of opinions and views that are available on our past, particularly on religion and society in ancient India. This volume has essays on Durkheim and Weber's views on Indian caste and society; on D.D. Kosambi's contribution to Indian historiography; and on the recent attempts to project a composite Hinduism in early India by ignoring evidence on the existence of multiple communities and diverse identities. (This is a new paperback edition of the earlier hardback published in 1992.)
Peripheral Arterial Disease: Medical Care and Prevention of Complications

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common but under-recognized problem affecting older patients. Intermittent claudication is the most frequent symptom of PAD, although the diagnosis of PAD is often overlooked until the patient presents with limb-threatening ischemia. Importantly, PAD is a marker for generalized atherosclerosis and is closely associated with coronary and cerebrovascular disease. The severity of PAD has been correlated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The recognition and diagnosis of PAD, combined with its appropriate medical management, may well reduce the overall risk of cardiovascular morbidity. When diagnosed early, both exercise and pharmacotherapy can ameliorate symptoms of claudication, augment functional performance, and improve quality of life.
In vivo and in vitro uptake and distribution of C14-labeled glucose by Hymenolepis diminuta.

Abstract 1. 1. The uptake of glucose- U -C 14 by the noninfected rat, by the rat and Hymenolepis diminuta in association, and H. diminuta in vitro was determined. 2. 2. Concentrations of glucose were; 100, 300, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/100·0 ml of substrate. 3. 3. With the exception of the 1000·0 mg per cent concentration, rats infected with two mature worms had a mean uptake less than noninfected rats. The mean uptake of the worms in vitro was less than the mean uptake of those in vivo . In either case the absorption differences were not regarded as highly significant. 4. 4. The total glucose absorbed by the worms remained relatively constant throughout the concentrations studied, while the amount absorbed by the rat increased with increasing concentrations. 5. 5. On the basis of co-chromatography, labeled metabolic intermediates arising from glucose included alanine, aspartic acid and malic, lactic, succinic and fumaric acids. Glucose-C 14 was also present in the worms.
Peptide hormone degradation by a rat mast cell chymase-heparin complex

Abstract Material released from rat mast cells by compound 48 80 gave parallel responses using ACTH and β-endorphin radioimmunoassays. However, incubation of these labeled compounds under conditions of radioimmunoassay with released material and chromatography on Sephadex G-25 provided evidence that neither ACTH nor β-endorphin were present in the material released from mast cells, but represented an artifact produced by the presence of a protease. Analysis of the released enzyme on Sephadex G-75 under non-dissociative conditions yielded an active enzyme complex with a Mr > 150,000. Under dissociative conditions, the Mr of the enzyme was 25,000. The dissociated enzyme reassociated with purified rat mast cell heparin to form the high molecular weight complex. Further investigation of pH, substrate and inhibitor specificity showed that the peptide degradation is due to a chymotrypsin-like protease, the previously described mast cell chymase, which is active in degrading β-endorphin, ACTH, and ACTH1–24.
Clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in a cohort chronically infected with hepatitis B virus

Some individuals who are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) eventually lose hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been demonstrated to occur in a few patients after loss of HBsAg. Neither factors associated with loss of HBsAg nor the incidence of HCC thereafter have been clearly elucidated. We performed a prospective population-based cohort study in 1,271 Alaska Native persons with chronic HBV infection followed for an average of 19.6 years to determine factors associated with loss of HBsAg and risk of developing HCC thereafter. HBsAg loss occurred in 158 persons for a rate of HBsAg clearance of 0.7%/year. Older age, but not sex, was associated with clearance of HBsAg, and loss of HBsAg was not associated with any particular HBV genotypes (A, B, C, D, and F) found in this population. Participants were followed for an average of 108.9 months after HBsAg loss. Six patients, two with cirrhosis and four without, developed HCC a mean of 7.3 years after HBsAg clearance (range, 2.0–15.5 years). The incidence of HCC after clearance of HBsAg was 36.8 per 100,000 per year (95% CI 13.5–80.0) which was significantly lower than the rate in those who remained HBsAg-positive (195.7 cases per 100,000 person-years of follow-up [95% CI 141.1–264.5; P < 0.001]). After loss of HBsAg, HBV DNA was detected in the sera of 28 (18%) of those who cleared a median of 3.6 years after clearance. Conclusion: HCC can occur in persons with chronic hepatitis B who have lost HBsAg, even in the absence of cirrhosis. These persons should still be followed with periodic liver ultrasound to detect HCC early. (HEPATOLOGY 2010.)
3H-mannose utilization by fibroblasts of the periodontal ligament.

The synthesis, intracellular translocation, and secretion of mannose-containing glycoproteins(s) by periodontal ligament fibroblasts have been investigated by means of electron microscopic radioautography. Tritiated mannose was administered to young mice via jugular vein, and radioautographs were prepared at 5, 10, 20, and 35 minutes, 4 and 8 hours after injection. Analysis of electron microscopic radioautographs revealed a maximum labeling (94%) with 3H-mannose of the rough endoplasmic reticulum at 5 minutes. Labeling of the Golgi components started to increase from 10 minutes (14%) and reached a maximum level at 20 minutes (31.2%). At 35 minutes, secretion granules, dense bodies, profiles of intracellular collagen, and the cell surface were labeled. At 8 hours, most labelling (79.2%) was extracellular, and associated either with the collagenous matrix (43.7%) or the cell surface (35.5%). Cytoplasmic vesicles containing dense materials around collagen fibrils were also labeled at 8 hours. It is concluded that mannose is directly incorporated into the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER), and that mannose-containing glycoprotein(s) are packaged in the Golgi apparatus into secretory granules. Mannose-containing glycoproteins(s) become distributed on the periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblast cell surface, cytoplasmic dense bodies, and the extracellular matrix.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Clinical Overview

Acute pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) adversely affects the health of 1 million American women annually. The best understood etiologic organisms are Chlamydia trachomatis and Netsseria gonorrhea; however, information regarding the contributions of facultative and causative anaerobes continues to emerge. Chronic PID presents a diagnostic and management challenge to health care providers. Because of morbidity and sequelae the importance of early detection of, and intervention for, upper tract pelvic infections cannot be overemphasized. Nursing interventions in PID prevention, early assessment, accurate diagnosis, and thorough treatment can have a positive impact on women's health.
State Theory in the Political Conjuncture: Henri Lefebvre’s “Comments on a New State Form”

What the “Left,” apart from a few exceptional people, has been proposing for years is the same thing that the government has been proposing (by promising that it will do more and better): a higher rate of growth, fairer distribution of the national income, etc. It has proposed no new concept of society, of the state. The ruling socialist concept is still that of state socialism, with all its defects (including a prodigious boredom, and a monstrous lack of vitality, imagination, or social creativity). Weak when it is without an apparatus, strong when it has one—the Left thus situates itself on the terrain of those against whom it is fighting.
Regulation by Iron: RNA Rules the Rust

Obtaining and maintaining proper levels of iron are major challenges for most organisms (reviews may be found in references [2][1], [9][2], and [10][3]). The redox features that make iron such a versatile and valuable cofactor can also lead to formation of extremely toxic and highly reactive oxygen
Carbon dioxide concentration and temperature in flames by raman spectroscopy

Abstract The interpretation and prediction of high temperature Raman spectra for CO2 in flames requires a more detailed treatment of the upper vibrational states than is required for room-temperature spectra. A method for calculating these upper state contributions is presented and is used to evaluate the results of a series of experiments. Laser Raman CO2 spectra have been obtained for CH4-air, CO2 seeded CH4-air, and CO-air flames. The results indicate that both the high and low temperature CO2 spectra agree with the theoretical predictions. Comparison of the CO2 temperature to the N2 temperature, both measured at the same position in the flames, indicates a better prediction of temperature from the N2 spectrum than from the CO2 spectrum. Accurate values for the CO2 concentrations, however, can be determined from a comparison of the CO2 spectrum with the N2 spectrum.