cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On a Class of Integral Operators

In this paper we consider the space $$L^{p}({\mathbb{C}}^{n}, dv_{s})$$ where dv s is the Gaussian probability measure. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the boundedness of some classes of integral operators on these spaces. These operators are generalizations of the classical Bergman projection operator induced by kernel function of Fock spaces over $${\mathbb{C}}^n$$ .
Building a print on demand web service

There is considerable effort underway to digitize all books that have ever been printed. There is need for a service that can take raw book scans and convert them into Print on Demand (POD) books. Such a service definitely augments the digitization effort and enables broader access to a wider audience. To make this service practical we have identified three key challenges that needed to be addressed. These are: a) produce high quality image images by eliminating artifacts that exist due to the age of the document or those that are introduced during the scanning process b) develop an efficient automated system to process book scans with minimum human intervention; and c) build an eco system which allows us the target audience to discover these books.
Atomic resolution structures of DNA and DNA modified by Carcinogens

We have developed new search techniques to deal with the multiple minimum problem in the computation of energy-minimized structures of DNA and DNA modified by carcinogens. These techniques have yielded atomic resolution views that agree with experimental results, and have permitted prediction of novel structures where data are lacking. In one strategy, wide searches of con formation space are employed in combination with sub unit buildup methods. The second strategy narrows the conformation space search to domains actually occupied by the molecule by means of measured distances that are employed as constraints in first-stage minimizations, but are finally released to yield unconstrained structures that are within bounds of the data. Such experimental structures are then also useful as starting forms for en ergy minimizations of chemically related substances for which no data are available. Structures for unmodified B and Z DNA and for DNA modified by benzoapyrene diol-epoxides, which agree with experimental data, as well as structures of DNA modified by carcinogenic aro matic amines, for which detailed data are not available, have been computed by these methods.
Geochemistry of Salt Water Beneath the Rolling Plains, North‐Central Texasa

Sodium-chloride brine underlies the shallow subsurface and discharges at numerous surface locations in the Rolling Plains of north-central Texas. According to the ratios of Na/Cl and Br/Cl, and supported by the contribution of other chemical constituents, two major brine types can be distinguished: (1) brine derived from dissolution of halite by fresh ground water, and (2) brine derived from discharge of deep-basin brine aquifers. All salt-spring brines as well as shallow subsurface brines in the northern and western parts of the Rolling Plains represent halite-dissolution brine, whereas deep-basin brine is represented by samples in the shallow subsurface in the south. The oxygen and hydrogen isotopic composition of the halite-dissolution brines indicates a local, meteoric origin for these brines. Shallow subsurface samples from the southeastern Rolling Plains graphically include deep-basin brine values and meteoric-water values as end points, suggesting mixing of deep-basin brine with local meteoric ground water.
AFFORESTATION AND SOIL REACTION

Summary An investigation is described of the pH relationships between the soil, litter, and tree leaves at ten experimental areas from 17 to 50 years after planting. At each of these areas a number of different tree species has been established. From the results of 6,900 pH measurements taken in 13 unplanted and 1OO forest plots some general relationships in the pH of tree leaves, litter, and soil are recognized. When a number of tree species are grown under identical conditions the acidity of their leaves and litter layers differs considerably between species. Soil pH is modified differentially by afforestation, largely depending upon the nature of the established tree species and for the ten series of plots it has been possible to prepare a list of tree species graded according to their effect on soil pH. Since the results have been obtained from only ten areas the detailed conclusions must be regarded as tentative. It is suggested that there is a need to establish experiments where the influence of tree species on site conditions can be critically studied. The application of these observations to problems of land use is discussed.
TPNH and pyridoxal-5′-phosphate: Activators of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase of Escherichia coli B

Abstract TPNH and pyridoxal-5-P have been found to be potent activators of E. coli B ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase. The concentrations required for 50% maximal activation was 0.15 mM TPNH and 8 μM pyridoxal-5-P. These values compare favorably to the value of 0.13 mM found previously for the activator, fructose diP. Kinetic evidence is presented to suggest all three activators bind to the same site(s) on the enzyme. PLP-activated ADP-glucose synthesis is less sensitive to 5′-adenylate inhibition than is TPNH-activated synthesis. The physiological functions of these activations with respect to glycogen storage is discussed.
Moving gating charges through the gating pore in a Kv channel voltage sensor

Voltage sensor domains (VSDs) regulate ion channels and enzymes by transporting electrically charged residues across a hydrophobic VSD constriction called the gating pore or hydrophobic plug. How the gating pore controls the gating charge movement presently remains debated. Here, using saturation mutagenesis and detailed analysis of gating currents from gating pore mutations in the Shaker Kv channel, we identified statistically highly significant correlations between VSD function and physicochemical properties of gating pore residues. A necessary small residue at position S240 in S1 creates a “steric gap” that enables an intracellular access pathway for the transport of the S4 Arg residues. In addition, the stabilization of the depolarized VSD conformation, a hallmark for most Kv channels, requires large side chains at positions F290 in S2 and F244 in S1 acting as “molecular clamps,” and a hydrophobic side chain at position I237 in S1 acting as a local intracellular hydrophobic barrier. Finally, both size and hydrophobicity of I287 are important to control the main VSD energy barrier underlying transitions between resting and active states. Taken together, our study emphasizes the contribution of several gating pore residues to catalyze the gating charge transfer. This work paves the way toward understanding physicochemical principles underlying conformational dynamics in voltage sensors.
Networks in Contemporary Public Administration: A Discourse Analysis

Network concepts and theories have been of increasing interest to public administration scholars over the past twenty years. We frame organizations, inter-and intra-organizational collaborations, and theories of public policy processes in network terms; we use techniques of network analysis to examine the functioning of public organizations, and as a measure of the success of public-private collaborations; we also frame governance issues in network terms and search for effective mechanisms for network management. However, it is not clear that public administration scholars share a common understanding of network concepts, nor a common language for talking about networks. In this dissertation, I analyze the discourse on the concept of network in the contemporary public administration literature, identify characteristics used to define and discuss networks, and propose that by drawing from those characteristics already in use in the literature researchers will be able to communicate their specific interests in networks clearly and relate their work to a larger body of related scholarship.
Longevity of Microwave-Treated (2.45 Ghz Continuous Wave) Honey Bees in Observation Hives

Adult honey bees were exposed for 30 min to 2.45 GHz of continuous wave microwave radiation at power densities ranging from 3 to 50 mW/cm/sup 2/. After exposure, bees were returned to glass-walled observation hives, and their longevity was compared with that of control bees. No significant differences were found between microwave- and sham-treated bees at any of the power densities tested.
Polyethylene glycol-based homologated ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors

A homologous series of polyethylene glycol (PEG) monomethyl ethers were conjugated with three ligand series for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Conjugates of acetylaminocholine, the cyclic analog 1-acetyl-4,4-dimethylpiperazinium, and pyridyl ether A-84543 were prepared. Each series was found to retain significant affinity at nicotinic receptors in rat cerebral cortex with tethers of up to six PEG units. Such compounds are hydrophilic ligands which may serve as models for fluorescent/affinity probes and multivalent ligands for nAChR.
New directions for research in personality and aging: A comprehensive model for linking levels, structures, and processes ☆

A comprehensive lifespan model of personality is proposed that is based in developmental systems theory. The model integrates processes and structures within a level-of-analysis framework. The model builds on McAdams' (1995) delineation of three levels of personality but adds what is seen as necessary process constructs at each of the three structural levels he has identified. At Level I, the trait level, the parallel process construct is that of states. Level II constructs, or personal concerns, have their parallel in self-regulatory processes in service of individual goals. The Level III construct, the life story, has its process counterparts in social cognitive activities related to recounting life narratives, such as remembering, reminiscence, and storytelling. A brief overview of these six foci of personality demonstrates that each are firmly anchored in the aging research literature. It is argued that personality is most clearly revealed in later life and that this model allows examination of personality from both nomothetic and idiographic perspectives.
Subcellular distribution of intraportally injected 125I-labeled insulin in rat liver

Abstract Time course studies revealed that at 30 s after intraportal injection of 200 μU of 125I-labeled insulin per 100 g rat 47.9 ± 2.8% of the injected radioactivity was recovered from the liver homogenate by precipitation with trichloroacetic acid. Trichloroacetic acid precipitable radioactivity declined to very low levels during the next 30 min whereas trichloroacetic acid soluble radioactivity reached a peak value of 9.56 ± 1.9% at 5 min and declined gradually thereafter. At 30 s mean peak accumulations ±SE of 6.83 ± 0.42, 5.06 ± 0.27, 14.90 ± 1.85, and 3.58 ± 0.58% of injected radioactivity were recovered in trichloroacetic acid precipitates from the 700g (nuclei + debris), 10,000g (mitochondria + lysosome), 105,000g (microsomes), and supernatant (cytosol) subfractions, respectively. Mean peak values of 0.72 ± 0.08, 0.12 ± 0.02, and 1.11 ± 0.16% of injected radioactivity were recovered in the partially purified mitochondrial fraction, purified nuclei, and plasma membranes, respectively, as trichloroacetic acid precipitable material. Most of the trichloroacetic acid precipitable activities in the subfractions were immunoprecipitable. Trichloroacetic acid soluble radioactivity was found mainly in the cytosol and microsomal fractions. Peak specific activity (percentage of injected dose/mg protein × 10−3) was highest in the microsomes, intermediate in the plasma membranes, and very low in the purified nuclei and partially purified mitochondrial fraction. The specific activity of the microsomes remained at or near peak levels for 5 min after 125I-labeled insulin injection and then declined, whereas specific activity of the plasma membranes dropped precipitously to 25% of peak values at 5 min. Sephadex gel filtration of the radioactivity in the deoxycholate soluble fraction of microsomes at 5 min after 125I-labeled insulin injection resulted in the elution of a major peak (Peak I) in the region of 125I-labeled insulin and a minor peak (Peak II) in the region of the labeled A and B chains. Incubation of the fraction for 30 min at 37 °C with 3 m m reduced glutathione and 15 m m EDTA resulted in a reciprocal fall in Peak I and rise in Peak II. The data suggest that intraportally injected 125I-labeled insulin is rapidly internalized and concentrated in the rat liver microsomes. The time courses of appearance and disappearance of trichloroacetic acid precipitable radioactivity in plasma membrane and microsomes further suggest, although do not prove, that insulin binds to plasma membranes before it is internalized. They also provide presumptive evidence suggesting that the sequential degradative pathway is operative in vivo.
A translocation breakpoint at chromosome band 12q13 associated with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders are frequently associated with an extra copy of chromosome 12. This well-documented acquired anomaly is one of the most specific numerical chromosome alterations to occur in human hematological malignancies. We have cytogenetically characterized bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from a patient with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) having a unique acquired translocation involving chromosomes 6 and 12, t(6;12)(p21.3;q13), which implicates band 12q13 as the site of the gene(s) important in this lymphoproliferative B-cell disorder. Aneuploidy, in the form of trisomy of chromosome 12, is not a requirement for neoplastic transformation in B-cell CLL, but gene rearrangement (present case) or nondisjunctional acquisition of additional copies of defective genes on chromosome 12 at band q13 may be involved in the genesis or progression of this disorder.
The high cost of living

Abstract American Association for Cancer Research Special Conference: Endogenous Sources of Mutations, Fort Myers, Florida, USA, 11–15 November 1998
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Implications for its Validity as a Dsm-III—R Clinical Syndrome:

A sample of 258 college students responded to three items in Likert-format designed by the authors to elicit information relating directly to the three criteria for body-dysmorphic disorder described in DSM-III-R (1987). 70% of the participants endorsed some agreement with an item regarding dissatisfaction with some aspect(s) of their bodies. 46% indicated some preoccupation with this aspect of their appearance, and 48% indicated some exaggeration of their perceived body image. Sex differences were significant on all three items. 28% of the sample endorsed all three of the items taken together. These results raise questions about the utility of a diagnosis which, as it is currently defined, could conceivably apply to a large percentage of the population and which disproportionately targets women.
Three dimensional imaging, visualization, and displays: Advances and new applications

In this paper, we present an overview of our work in 3D imaging, visualization, and display, including applications in bio-medicine and healthcare.
Scheduling Divisible Loads on Bus Networks with Start-Up Costs by Utilizing Multiple Data Transfer Streams: PORI

The problem of scheduling divisible loads on a distributed bus network with start-up costs is considered. In this paper, we present a novel algorithm to obtain one-round installment load distribution solutions by utilizing multiple data transfer streams. We demonstrate how our proposed algorithm works by means of multiple illustrative examples. We compare the makespan generated by our proposed algorithm with the others in difference cases. We conclude that our proposed algorithm can generate better makespans than others. The analysis provides deeper understanding of scheduling divisible loads in the more realistic model, which will allow us to design more efficient algorithms.
Negative impact of cardiac evaluation before vascular surgery.

The optimal preoperative evaluation of cardiac risk in patients with peripheral vascular disease is controversial. In developing a paradigm for preoperative cardiac workup, potential adverse effect...
The discovery of Type-IV binary fluid phase behavior

The computer analysis by Scott and Van Konynenburg of the Van der Waals binary mixture for constant excluded volume uncovered the Type-IV phase diagram as a transition between Type-II and Type-III phase diagrams. The common boundary of the regions of Type-II and Type-III is a locus of tricritical points. The tricritical locus meets the common boundary of regions of Type-II and Type-IV at what Meijer coined the Van Laar point in 1989. The present paper shows, however, that as early as 1905 the Dutch chemist Van Laar produced Type-II and Type-III phase diagrams for the geometric-mean Van der Waals binary mixture, and found the exact coordinates of what we call the Van Laar point, but he did not notice tricriticality explicitly. He postulated and proved the existence of the Type-IV phase diagram. Aspects of his proof are discussed.
Coping Skills and Exposure Therapy in Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia: Latest Advances and Future Directions

Although cognitive-behavioral treatments for panic disorder have demonstrated efficacy, a considerable number of patients terminate treatment prematurely or remain symtpomatic. Cognitive and biobehavioral coping skills are taught to improve exposure therapy outcomes but evidence for an additive effect is largely lacking. Current methodologies used to study the augmenting effects of coping skills test the degree to which the delivery of coping skills enhances outcomes. However, they do not assess the degree to which acquisition of coping skills and their application during exposure therapy augment outcomes. We examine the extant evidence on the role of traditional coping skills in augmenting exposure for panic disorder, discuss the limitations of existing research, and offer recommendations for methodological advances.
A Framework for Developing an As-built Virtual Environment to Advance Training of Crane Operators

Although hands-on practices are considered as the most effective training method for crane operators, they are always expensive and dangerous to be performed in the real world. As an alternative, virtual reality and simulator technology provide a close-to-reality experience in lifting operation while minimizing costs and hazards. However, the virtual environment in current training systems are static and designed ahead of time rather than representing an as-built construction site with its dynamic construction resource (workers, equipment, materials). Such drawback greatly limits the effectiveness of virtual training systems. To advance virtual training for crane operators, this research presents a framework towards constructing as-built virtual training environments by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) and real-time location tracking technology in a virtual environment. Implementing the proposed framework, a virtual training system for lifting tasks at an actual construction site was developed. The results of a pilot test show that such approach can effectively construct as-built work scenarios and potentially assess and improve operator proficiency in a virtual training environment.
Doctors for Democracy. Health Professionals in the Nepal Revolution

Doctors for Democracy. Health Professionals in the Nepal Revolution. Vincanne Adams. New York: Cambridge University Press. 1998.252 pp.
A vibrational analysis of cyclopentadiene

Abstract Some revisions in the assignment of fundamentals in the vibrational spectrum of cyclo pentadiene are proposed. The suggested assignments are consistent with the results of a normal coordinate analysis of the molecule and permit interpretation of the cyclo pentadiene spectrum in the 4000 cm −1 to 10,000 cm −1 region. The force constants compare favorably with the molecular model. Numerical values of the torsional force constants demonstrate the rigidity for twisting about single bonds in systems with delocalized π-electrons as suggested by Pauling.
The methodological benefits of social media: “studying up” in Brazil in the Facebook age

While conducting research on the organizational cultures of elite nonprofit organizations in Rio de Janeiro, the author encountered many access issues identified in the current literature: in particular, difficulty in encountering research subjects due to the transitional nature of educational nonprofits and the role of secretaries and administrators as gatekeepers. This article explores two previously undeveloped methodological innovations utilized by the author to overcome these difficulties with regard to access: namely, the use of social media as a participant recruitment tool and the use of an organization's online marketing presence as an alternative data source.
Optimal binary spreading for block OFDM on multipath fading channels

We study the use of block spreading in a multicarrier system to gain diversity advantage over multipath fading channels. The main idea is to split the full set of subcarriers into smaller blocks and spread the data symbols across these blocks via unitary spreading matrices in order to gain multipath diversity across each block at the receiver. We extend the recent work of Bury et. al. (2003), by posing the problem as a finite dimensional optimization problem in which the asymptotic error is minimized over unitary spreading matrices. This formulation allows us to find explicit solutions for the optimal spreading matrices.
Foundations of satisfiability modulo theories

Satisfiability Modulo Theories (SMT) studies methods for checking the (un)- satisfiability of first-order formulas with respect to a given logical theory T . Distinguishing features of SMT, as opposed to traditional theorem proving, are that the background theory T need not be finitely or even first-order axiomatizable, and that specialized inference methods are used for each theory of interest. By being theory-specific and restricting their language to certain classes of formulas (such as, typically but not exclusively, quantifier-free formulas), these methods can be implemented into solvers that are more efficient in practice than general-purpose theorem provers.
An investigation of contributions to carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxtion in amino acids and peptide hormones

Carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation times have been measured in glycine and the tripeptide pro-leu-gly-NH2. These times are compared with those measured in the same compounds where the glycine α-carbon has been deuterated. In this manner evidence is obtained which indicates that mechanisms other than dipolar interactions with covalently bonded protons may contribute to carbon-13 spin-lattice relaxation. The effect of these additional mechanisms is found to be non-negligible for the carbonyl carbon of glycine and the glycine α-carbon of the tripeptide. The implication of these findings for deducing motional information from carbon-13 relaxation measurements is briefly discussed.
Building States and Markets After Communism: The Pace and Consistency of Reform

We hoped for the best, but it turned out as usual. Russian prime minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, 1999 The great diversity of economic and institutional outcomes in the postcommunist world over the past twenty years invites explanation. In this chapter, I test the argument developed in the previous chapter using data from twenty-five postcommunist countries between 1990 and 2004, and three results emerge from the analyses. First, the effects of democracy on the pace and consistency of economic and institutional reform are conditional on the level of political polarization. While democracies exhibit faster and more consistent reform when polarization is absent, each increase in polarization reduces the positive impact of democracy. In addition, autocracies conduct slower and less consistent reforms than nonpolarized democracies. Second, a similar dynamic is at work in transfer payments. Democracies with low polarization provide generous transfers, while democracies with high polarization and autocracies are much stingier. These results are not only consistent with the argument developed in the preceding chapter; they also shed light on the puzzling coexistence of rapid reforms and generous transfer payments in the postcommunist cases. Third, while countries with better initial conditions experienced more rapid and consistent economic and institutional reform, there is little evidence that the impact of initial conditions exhibits increasing or decreasing returns. This suggests that a simple form of path dependence is not at work in reform outcomes in the cases at hand.
Abdominal wall reconstruction: a case series of ventral hernia repair using the component separation technique with biologic mesh.

Abstract Background Sixty-eight consecutive patients from October 2008 until February 2012 were selected for this retrospective review. Methods A midline fascial closure with component separation was completed using biologic mesh onlay in all cases. Recurrence rates of the hernias, complication rates, patient satisfaction, and time to return to work/normal activities were investigated. Results The recurrence rate was 1.5% (n = 65) with ongoing follow-ups (mean = 20 months). The average age was 57 years, and the average body mass index was 36 kg/m 2 (range 22 to 60). The average hernia defect was 20 cm (range 12 to 26) transversely. Wound infection and/or breakdown occurred in 32%, and seroma formation occurred in 9% of patients. Patient satisfaction was 3.63 of 4. The average time to return to work/normal activities was 16 weeks (range 1 to 76 weeks). Conclusions Large complex ventral hernias can be reliably repaired using the component separation technique. The short-term recurrence rate is significantly reduced in this case series using a biologic mesh onlay.
MICROPENIS IN HYPOGONADOTROPIC HYPOGONADISM: RESPONSE OF THE PENILE ANDROGEN RECEPTOR TO TESTOSTERONE TREATMENT

AbstractPurpose: We determine whether testosterone therapy alters penile androgen receptor expression within the hypogonadotropic hypogonadal (HPG) micropenis.Materials and Methods: In protocol 1 a strain of mice with micropenis due to congenital HPG and wild type litter mates were divided into testosterone treated and untreated groups. Treatment was initiated on day 15 of life. On day 90 of life (day 75 of treatment) the mice were sacrificed, and the penises were removed and weighed. In protocol 2 microphallic mice treated with testosterone were sacrificed on days 0, 6, 30, 60 and 75 after the initiation of treatment. Untreated HPG and wild type litter mates served as controls. At autopsy the penis was removed and weighed, and androgen receptor content was determined by Western immunoblotting.Results: Testosterone treatment resulted in 6-fold up regulation in HPG penile androgen receptor, approximately 1.4-fold higher than in the normal wild type pubescent penis. Testosterone induced and wild type pubesc...
High Performance Elliptic Curve Cryptographic Co-processor

For an equivalent level of security, elliptic curve cryptography uses shorter key sizes and is considered to be an excellent candidate for constrained environments like wireless/mobile communications. In FIPS 186-2, NIST recommends several finite fields to be used in the elliptic curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA). Of the ten recommended finite fields, five are binary extension fields with degrees ranging from 163 to 571. The fundamental building block of the ECDSA, like any ECC based protocol, is elliptic curve scalar multiplication. This operation is also the most computationally intensive. In many situations it may be desirable to accelerate the elliptic curve scalar multiplication with specialized hardware.
Preparation and structural characterization of Os(II) and Ru(II) complexes, MCl2(vdpp)2 [M = Os or Ru, vdpp = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethene]

Abstract A reaction between Os 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 Cl 2 and vdpp [vdpp = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethene] was investigated. When the reactants, in the presence of LiCl, were heated in toluene OsCl 2 (vdpp) 2 , 1 , was formed. In a similar reaction Ru 2 (O 2 CCH 3 ) 4 Cl with vdpp afforded RuCl 2 (vdpp) 2 , 2 . The molecular structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated using X-ray crystallography. Single crystals of 1 and 2 grown from dichloromethanehexane crystallize in the space group P 2 1 / c with these cell dimensions: a = 11.046(2)A, b = 18.168(3)A, c = 12.678(3)A, β = 110.24(2)° and V = 2387(2)A 3 for 1 and a = 11.055(1)A, b = 18.199(3)A, c = 12.693(2)A, β = 110.16(1)°, V = 2392(1)A 3 for 2 . The molecules of 1 and 2 are isostructural. Metal atoms reside on inversion centers relating the two halves of the molecules. The complexes are six-coordinate with two four-membered chelate rings and trans chlorine atoms. For RuCl 2 (vdpp) 2 the P M P angle in the chelate ring is 73.13(2)° and the P C P angle in the chelate ring is 98.6(1)°. These values are 72.74(3)° and 97.9(2)°, respectively, for OsCl 2 (vdpp) 2 . There is a disordered dichloromethane solvent molecule present in the lattice and there are no unusual intermolecular contacts.
Design and preliminary characterization of a two-stage plasma cathode for space applications

Electric propulsion (EP) systems and plasma contactors usually rely on thermionic emitters as primary electron sources. The most frequently used device is the hollow cathode assembly (HCA). The HCA employs a barium-impregnated tungsten insert to generate a plasma within an orifice, from which electron current is extracted. While HCAs are efficient electron sources, the presence of the thermionic emitter in contact with the plasma places a constraint on the device lifetime, due to barium depletion and ion bombardment of the insert. In many applications, the HCA lifetime is sufficient, but for long-term EP missions to the outer planets or permanent plasma contactor installations, a long-lived alternative would prove useful.
Aberrant gene expression in the Arabidopsis SULTR1;2 mutants suggests a possible regulatory role for this sulfate transporter in response to sulfur nutrient status

†SUMMARY Sulfur is required for the biosynthesis of cysteine, methionine and numerous other metabolites, and thus is critical for cellular metabolism and various growth and developmental processes. Plants are able to sense their physiological state with respect to sulfur availability, but the sensor remains to be identified. Here we report the isolation and characterization of two novel allelic mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, sel1-15 and sel1-16, which show increased expression of a sulfur deficiency-activated gene b-glucosidase 28 (BGLU28). The mutants, which represent two different missense alleles of SULTR1;2, which encodes a high-affinity sulfate transporter, are defective in sulfate transport and as a result have a lower cellular sulfate level. However, when treated with a very high dose of sulfate, sel1-15 and sel1-16 accumulated similar amounts of internal sulfate and its metabolite glutathione (GSH) to wild-type, but showed higher expression of BGLU28 and other sulfur deficiency-activated genes than wild-type. Reduced sensitivity to inhibition of gene expression was also observed in the sel1 mutants when fed with the sulfate metabolites Cys and GSH. In addition, a SULTR1;2 knockout allele also exhibits reduced inhibition in response to sulfate, Cys and GSH, consistent with the phenotype of sel1-15 and sel1-16. Taken together, the genetic evidence suggests that, in addition to its known function as a high-affinity sulfate transporter, SULTR1;2 may have a regulatory role in response to sulfur nutrient status. The possibility that SULTR1;2 may function as a sensor of sulfur status or a component of a sulfur sensory mechanism is discussed.
SAGUARO (CARNEGIEA GIGANTEA, CACTACEAE) GROWTH RATE OVER ITS AMERICAN RANGE AND THE LINK TO SUMMER PRECIPITATION

Abstract Using an index of saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) growth rate, relative growth was compared among multiple saguaro populations and mapped across the American range of the species. Relative growth at 10 sites was strongly linked to summer precipitation. This is the first study of relative growth and the first to link growth rate to environmental variables in multiple populations. Resumen Usando un indice de la tasa de crecimiento del saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), se comparo el crecimiento relativo entre poblaciones multiples de saguaro y se ilustro a traves del rango americano de la especie. El crecimiento relativo en 10 sitios fue fuertemente ligado a la precipitacion de verano. Este es el primer estudio de crecimiento relativo y el primero en ligar la tasa de crecimiento a variables ambientales en poblaciones multiples.
Microfluidic Flow Cytometry for Single-Cell Protein Analysis

Flow-cytometric (FC) detection of proteins in single cells is a rapid, quantitative method for single-cell protein analysis. Recent advancements in microfluidic technologies have leveraged miniaturization and automation to adapt flow cytometry for analyzing single cell protein profiles both for cell surface and intracellular proteins. Here, we describe the method for microfluidic FC, along with instructions to build a microfluidic platform capable of automated cell culture, cell surface receptor immunostaining, intracellular phosphoprotein and intracellular cytokine immunostaining, and analysis using micro-flow cytometry. As a demonstration of our platform and protocol, we detail the profiling of TLR4 receptor activation, ERK1/2 phosphorylation, and TNFα production in LPS stimulated macrophages using the microfluidic platform.
Improving the evaluation of left ventricular systolic function with intravenous perfluorocarbon ultrasound contrast: will suboptimal echocardiograms become an endangered species?∗

Over the past five years, intravenous ultrasound contrast imaging has gone from a technique that had a few limited right-sided applications (e.g., detecting a patent foramen ovale) to one that has the potential to become an all-encompassing imaging technique for both the determination of global and
Dynamics of Metal-SiOx and SiOx–Si Interfaces and the Associated Instabilities in Practical Metal/Insulator/Semiconductor Structures

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy and ellipsometry measurements were performed at Cr-SiOx, and Yb-SiOx interfaces, which are being considered for metal/insulator/semiconductor (MIS) solar cell applications. These measurements have led to a knowledge of instability mechanisms associated with MIS solar cells. The dynamics of the metal-oxide interface reduce the effective thickness of the insulating SiOx layer. Typically, in a 3 week period after fabrication the oxide thickness decreases by about 2 A for ytterbium MIS structures and by less than 1 A for chromium MIS structures. A structural equilibrium is reached thereafter. To explore further the dependence of MIS Schottky barrier heights on oxide thickness variations (from about 5 to 20 A) a comprehensive charge balance analysis was performed at a general MIS interface. This theoretical study supports experimental data on barrier heights and also on instabilities. In addition, the application of the theoretical model to the experimental barrier heights has yielded quantitative information regarding the density of interface states at the SiOx,–Si interface.
Spontaneous polarization induced electric field in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars

We report on the detection mechanism of spontaneous polarization using electrostatic force microscopy in zinc oxide nanowires and nanostars grown by vapor-liquid-solid technique. Optical and structural properties are investigated in detail to understand the complex ZnO nanostructures comprehensively. Calculations are carried out to estimate the electric field from the change in interleave amplitude induced by the electrostatic force due to the spontaneous polarization effects. Attraction of the probe between the tip and the sample varies for different structures with a stronger attraction for nanostars as compared to nanowires. Strength of electric field is dependent on the orientation of nanowires and nanostars c-axis with measured magnitude of electric field to be ∼107 V/m and 108 V/m respectively. This technique presents a unique detection mechanism of built-in spontaneous polarization and electric field from polar ZnO nanowires with applications in voltage gated ion channels, nano-bio interfaces, opto...
Poultry Integrated Pest Management: Status and Future

Modern commercial poultry production under large companies is expanding worldwide with similar methods and housing, and the accompanying arthropod and rodent pest problems. The pests increase the cost of production and are factors in the spread of avian diseases. The biology, behavior and control of ectoparasites and premise pests are described in relation to the different housing and production practices for broiler breeders, turkey breeders, growout (broilers and turkeys), caged-layers, and pullets. Ectoparasites include Ornithonyssus fowl mites, Dermanyssus chicken mites, lice, bedbugs, fleas, and argasid fowl ticks. Premise pests include Alphitobius darkling beetles, Dermestes hide beetles, the house fly and several related filth fly species, calliphorid blow flies, moths, cockroaches, and rodents. Populations of these pests are largely determined by the housing, waste, and flock management practices. An integrated pest management (IPM) approach, tailored to the different production systems, is required for satisfactory poultry pest control. Biosecurity, preventing the introduction of pests and diseases into a facility, is critical. Poultry IPM, based on pest identification, pest population monitoring, and methods of cultural, biological, and chemical control, is elucidated. The structure of the sophisticated, highly integrated poultry industry provides a situation conducive to refinement and wider implementation of IPM.
Drone Transport of Microbes in Blood and Sputum Laboratory Specimens

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) could potentially be used to transport microbiological specimens. To examine the impact of UAVs on microbiological specimens, blood and sputum culture specimens were seeded with usual pathogens and flown in a UAV for 30 ± 2 min. Times to recovery, colony counts, morphologies, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based identifications of the flown and stationary specimens were similar for all microbes studied.
Playing Detective to Enhance Critical Thinking

Abstract New nurses are expected to critically think and have the ability to quickly identify patient problems at an early stage upon entering the nursing profession. Nurse educators attempt to prepare students to think critically utilizing a multitude of teaching modalities such as clinical experiences, simulation experiences, course assessments, written assignments, and case studies. Although these are useful methods of learning, they do not necessarily initiate the critical thinking process. An innovative teaching strategy such as a reverse case study is one such strategy that initiates critical thinking. Students are given small amounts of information, and then, they identify what is important. They create a concept map, a synopsis, or scenario and apply appropriate interventions specific in meeting the needs of the patient. It makes them critically think, understand the how things are connected, and why certain interventions and actions are appropriate. The method brings together past concepts of learning to current situations, engaging student learning. Using creative and some different approaches will facilitate the critical thinking process.
Refusing the Serious: Authorial Resistance in Ring Lardner’s Prefaces for Scribner’s

Though already famous, wealthy, and squarely established as a popular chronicler of the early twentieth century, humorist Ring Lardner’s foray into a serious literary career with Charles Scribner’s Sons Publishing Company is best characterized as an act of authorial resistance. Rather than evolve into the “serious” author the firm had hoped for, Lardner chose to lampoon himself, authorship, publishing, and serious writers with a series of prefaces written for his Scribner’s titles. In the prefaces to How to Write Short Stories (with Samples) (1924) and The Love Nest and Other Stories (1926), Lardner resisted overtures to rebrand and remarket himself by reminding the public of his strengths: satire, comedy, and manipulation. The result: pieces as textually nonsensical and arbitrary as many of his writings on the surface, yet carefully constructed to expose the underside of socio-cultural mores, the publishing industry, and the fraternity of “serious” writers he never intended to join.
Endometriosis in Hydatid Cysts of Morgagni: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Another Atypical Manifestation of Endometriosis.

Study Objective To report on the presence and rate of endometriosis in hydatid cysts of Morgagni found at the time of excision surgery for endometriosis and to describe any association of endometriosis in hydatid cysts of Morgagni with preoperative or operative factors. Design A retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). Setting The Center for Endometriosis at Saint Louis University, a tertiary referral center for endometriosis. Patients Women who underwent optimal excision surgery for suspected endometriosis because of chronic pelvic pain and/or infertility and who also had hydatid cysts of Morgagni removed at the time of surgery when found. Interventions Preoperative and operative data were collected prospectively. Main Outcome Measures The rate of endometriosis in hydatid cysts of Morgagni. Secondary measures included are the rate of hydatid cysts of Morgagni in patients with pelvic pain or infertility with and without endometriosis in the cysts. Results The overall prevalence of endometriosis in hydatid cysts of Morgagni was 11.3%. Patients with pelvic pain had a higher rate (although not statistically significant) of hydatid cysts of Morgagni compared with those without pain (21.1% vs 12.5 %, p = .54). Patients with infertility had a higher rate of hydatid cysts of Morgagni compared with those without infertility (38.1% vs 16.7%, p < .001), and there was a higher rate of endometriosis in the hydatid cysts of Morgagni in patients with infertility compared with those without (11.1% vs 0.0%, p < .001). Conclusions This study is the first known report of endometriosis found within hydatid cysts of Morgagni. With a rate of 11.3% of cysts of Morgagni having endometriosis within them, this study supports a practice of removing hydatid cysts of Morgagni at the time of surgery in order to achieve optimal excision of endometriosis. The rates of hydatid cysts of Morgagni and of endometriosis found within hydatid cysts of Morgagni were higher in patients with infertility. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether excising cysts of Morgagni affects clinical outcomes.
Understanding the Genetic Landscape of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Urinary Bladder and Implications for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Treatment: A Review

Importance Small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the urinary bladder. Although research has been performed since the first case was reported in 1981, most of our understanding of the disease treatments has been extrapolated from small cell carcinoma of the lung. However, current data on patient survival have been stagnant. Observations With the advent of advanced molecular diagnostic methods, a new potential for understanding the origin and treatment of small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder has become evident. Similar to published studies of small cell carcinoma of the lung, collaborative efforts and accessible genome-phenome databases have partially elucidated the genomic landscape. With these efforts, additional potential areas of treatment, such as targeting driver mutations, immunotherapy, stem cell modulation, and novel drug candidates, have been identified. Moreover, identification of novel biomarkers and improved radiological methods may complement our understanding of the course of disease relative to diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and response to treatment. Such early discoveries have been facilitated with novel animal-based models. Conclusions and Relevance The direction of investigation of small cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder using novel methods to understand the genomic landscape for new treatments remains preliminary. However, such studies are maturing and may foster clinical research, with opportunities to enhance the survival and health-related quality of life of individuals with this disease.
The Value of Nursing Care: A Concept Analysis

Aim To report an analysis of the concept of value of nursing care. Background Value-based health care delivery and reimbursement models are focused on value as a product of quality and cost. Nursing care provides tangible and intangible contributions to patient and organizational outcomes. The nursing profession must be able to proactively and effectively communicate the value of nursing care. Design Concept analysis. Data sources Thirty-five separate sources were chosen from database searches of CINAHL Complete and ABI/INFORM Complete. Key terms utilized for the search were "nursing value" OR "nursing care value" OR "value of nursing". Methods Caron and Bowers' (2000) dimensional analysis method was used as a guide for the project. Results Dimensions identified from this concept analysis included: (a) economic, (b) relational, and (c) societal. Conclusion Direct care nurses experience the relational and societal dimensions of the value of nursing care. Patients and/or families experience the relational dimension of value in nursing care. Health care administrators, third-party payers, and nurse researchers interpret value from the economic dimension. Future nursing research should better quantify the economic value of nursing care. Qualitative research which focuses on how patients and families experience the value of nursing care would also contribute to further refinement of this concept.
Cultivating the Therapeutic Self in China.

ABSTRACTFacing intensified market competition and rapid social change, many Chinese are experiencing increased mental distress. In this article, I examine how psychological training and interventions play a vital part in cultivating a new self among urban middle-classes. I ask how the Chinese notion, ziwo (self), is turned into an object of intense inquiry and how therapeutic techniques are deployed for self-development. The new forms of the self, however, continue to intersect with and complicate the existing social nexus, cultural sensibilities, and notions of personhood. My ethnography explores how this therapeutic work contributes to intricate forms of subject-making that challenge such conceptual binaries as the private versus social self, the inner versus outer life, and psychological versus social problems. Thus, what is emerging is not a usual “neoliberalism” story of self-advancement, but a more complicated picture based on assemblages.