cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shallow-water benthic and pelagic metabolism: evidence of heterotrophy in the nearshore Georgia Bight

Pelagic primary production and benthic and pelagic aerobic metabolism were measured monthly at one site in the estuarine plume region of the nearshore continental shelf in the Georgia Bight. Benthic and water-column oxygen uptake were routinely measured and supplemented with seasonal measures of total carbon dioxide flux. Average respiratory quotients were 1.18:1 and 1.02:1 for the benthos and water column, respectively. Benthic oxygen uptake ranged from 1.23 to 3.41 g O2 m-2 d-1 and totalled 756 g O2 m-2 over an annual period. Water column respiration accounted for 60% of total system metabolism. Turnover rates of organic carbon in sediment and the water column were 0.09 to 0.18 yr-1 and 6.2 yr-1, respectively. Resuspension appeared to control the relative amounts of organic carbon, as well as the sites and rates of organic matter degradation in the benthos and water column. Most of the seasonal variation in benthic and pelagic respiration could be explained primarily by temperature and secondarily by primary productivity. On an annual basis, the shelf ecosystem appeared to be heterotrophic; primary production was 73% of community metabolism, which was 749 g C m-2 yr-1. The timing of heterotrophic periods through the year appeared to be closely related to both river discharge and the periodicity of growth and death of marsh macrophytes in the adjacent estuary. The results of this study support the estuarine “outwelling” hypothesis of Odum (1968).
Ossification of the Proximal and Middle Phalangeal Condyles: Radiographic Aid in Phalangeal Neck Fracture Reduction.

Background Phalangeal neck fractures are commonly dorsally displaced and angulated. Surgical treatment is often necessary to restore the retrocondylar recess. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographic landmarks can serve as a reference tool for assessing phalangeal neck fracture alignment based on age and sex. Methods In total, 1061 lateral finger radiographs that were interpreted as "normal" by pediatric radiologists in children aged 1 to 18 years were retrospectively reviewed. The proximal and middle phalanges of each digit had a line drawn along the volar cortex [termed the volar phalangeal line (VPL)] and a second perpendicular line was drawn at the level of the phalangeal condyle. A ratio of the anterior to posterior aspects of the phalangeal condyle was determined at the intersection of these lines. Sex of the patients was noted to determine whether it influenced the temporal course of ossification. A linear regression model was utilized to determine the annual coefficient of growth for the phalangeal condyles. Results There is a temporal course of ossification of the proximal and middle phalangeal condyles. As children increase in age, the VPL will intersect the phalangeal condyle more dorsally due to the eccentric ossification. In children above 9 years of age, the VPL will reliably intersect the middle one third of the phalangeal condyle. No clinically significant difference exists between the ratios of the proximal and middle phalanges. Sex was not associated with a difference in growth. The greatest growth increase was observed in the 8 to 9-year-old interval. Conclusions The phalangeal condyles ossify in an eccentric manner and the VPL will intersect the phalangeal condyle more dorsally with increasing age. The VPL and knowledge of where it should intersect the phalangeal condyle can be used as a reference guide for evaluating the reduction of proximal and middle phalangeal neck fractures in children. Level of evidence Level III.
We are in this together: How the presence of similarly stereotyped allies buffer against identity threat

Abstract Past research has demonstrated that ingroup experts buffer against the negative effects of identity threat on working memory as they are believed to be less likely to hold negative stereotypes about ingroup members. The present research examined, for the first time, whether the presence of a stigmatized outgroup expert whose stereotype content is similar to women's, but not a stigmatized outgroup experts whose stereotype content is dissimilar to women's, mitigates the cognitive interference stemming from identity threat for White women, and identifies a novel individual difference variable, stigma solidarity, which facilitates identification of such allies. Across six studies we demonstrated that White women perceived a Black male expert as less likely than White men to hold negative stereotypes about women's intelligence (Study 1, 2), especially if women were high in stigma solidarity (Study 3, 6), mitigating cognitive interference (Study 2, 4). Further, an outgroup expert who was not similarly stereotyped (i.e., Asian male) did not mitigate these identity threat effects (Study 5, 6). Thus, we contend that White women, especially those high in stigma solidarity, perceive similarly stereotyped outgroup experts as less likely to hold negative stereotypes about their intelligence, buffering against identity threats in such settings. This adds to a growing literature identifying the conditions under which intraminority relations can serve to expand contextual cues that signal identity safety.
Hylomorphism and the Construct of Consciousness

The hard problem of consciousness has held center stage in the philosophy of mind for the past two decades. It claims that the phenomenal character of conscious experiences—what it’s like to be in them—cannot be explained by appeal to the operation of physiological subsystems. The hard problem arises, however, only given the assumption that hylomorphism is false. Hylomorphism claims that structure is a basic ontological and explanatory principle. A human is not a random collection of physical materials, but an individual composed of physical materials with a structure that accounts for what it is and what it can do—the powers it has. What is true of humans is true of their activities as well. The latter are not random physiological changes, but structured ones: we engage in them by coordinating the ways our parts manifest their powers. Structured activities include perceptual experiences. Consequently, everything about a perceptual experience, including its phenomenal character, can be explained by describing the perceiver’s perceptual subsystems, the powers of those subsystems, and the coordination that unifies their activities into the activity of the perceiver as a whole. Conscious experiences thus fit unproblematically into the natural world—just as unproblematically as the phenomenon of life. Even exponents of the hard problem of consciousness agree that there is no hard problem of life. Consequently, if hylomorphism is true, there can be no hard problem of consciousness. To insist that there is such a problem, then, is implicitly to reject hylomorphism. The concept of consciousness that motivates the hard problem is as much a theoretical construct, therefore, as the concept of life that motivates an obstinate vitalist.
A GaN-Based High-Efficiency Solar Optimizer with Reduced Number of Power Devices

In this paper, a high-efficiency solar optimizer with a new modulation method is proposed for wide range regulation. The converter is designed as a series resonant converter under nominal-input condition where the voltage step-up ratio is entirely determined by transformer. A new modulation method with fixed switching frequency is proposed to gain a higher voltage step-up ratio for low-input conditions. The proposed modulation method does not add any auxiliary power switches compared with previous works while it yields wide range regulation. A 300-W hardware prototype using Gallium-Nitride devices is built to verify the performance of the proposed solar optimizer.
Clinical Studies of Methionine-Restricted Diets for Cancer Patients

Methionine (MET) restriction (MR) has been shown to arrest cancer growth and sensitizes tumors to chemotherapy. MR total parenteral nutrition (MR TPN) with a chemotherapy-containing amino acid solution ("AO-90") (lacking both MET and L-cysteine[CYS]) showed synergistic effects with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tumor-bearing rats and in a Phase I clinical trial with gastrointestinal tract cancers compared to 5-FU in a MET-containing TPN. All gastric cancer patients underwent gastrectomy. Resected tumors in the AO-90 group showed significant reduction of cancer histologically, while almost no effect was seen in the control group. A Phase II clinical trial of dietary MR combined with cystemustine treatment for melanoma or glioma was carried out. Twenty-two patients (20 with metastatic melanoma and 2 with recurrent gloma) received a median of four cycles of the combination of a 1-day MR diet with cystemustine (60 mg/m2) every 2 weeks. This combination was well tolerated (toxicity and nutritional status). The median disease-free survival was 1.8 months and the median survival was 4.6 months, with two long-duration stabilizations. MET depletion in plasma was 40%. In another study, eight patients with a variety of metastatic solid tumors were enrolled in a Phase I clinical trial of a commercially available MR medical food. Participants remained on the experimental diet for an average of 17.3 weeks. Plasma methionine levels fell from 21.6 to 9 μm within 2 weeks, a 58% decline. The only side effect was weight loss of approximately 0.5 kg per week. A feasibility study combining dietary MR with a FOLFOX regimen in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer was carried out. The plasma MET concentration was reduced by dietary MR by 58% on the first day of the MR diet. Among the four patients evaluable for response, three experienced a partial response and one patient had disease stabilization. The results of the above-described clinical trials indicate the clinical potential of MR.
Using Phenomenological Inquiry in Pharmacy Education Research

Background: Qualitative research is a process of inquiry bounded by specific methodologies, such as phenomenology and ethnography. While there are common elements, each approach has a distinct focus, research questions and methods. Qualitative methods are useful in pharmacy education research and should be explored. Recently, pharmacy educators have shown increased interest in using these methodologies, and pharmacy education journals have published articles providing overviews of qualitative research methodology. Still there is need for detailed description of specific approaches. Objectives: This article describes phenomenological inquiry - the systemic study of the life world with the goal of uncovering research participants’ experiences. The reader will gain important knowledge about phenomenological inquiry including: (1) theoretical orientation, (2) essential elements of phenomenological inquiry, and (3) publishing phenomenological studies. During phenomenological inquiry, the researcher grounds the methodology in assumptions associated with an interpretive theoretical perspective. Through specific methods, meaning is captured, and through reflective writing, text is created. The text centers around the research question and is full of substantial description. Significance: A thorough illustration of phenomenological inquiry is valuable for pharmacy educators who want an explicit qualitative approach in education research. Pharmacy educators are faced with a plethora of broadly defined phenomena, which can be operationally defined through phenomenological inquiry. These phenomena, plus new and elevated educational expectations in Standards 2016, provide a wealth of phenomenological research opportunities for pharmacy education researchers.
Data Compression for Optimization of a Molecular Dynamics System: Preserving Basins of Attraction.

Understanding the evolution of atomistic systems is essential in various fields such as materials science, biology, and chemistry. The gold standard for these calculations is molecular dynamics, which simulates the dynamical interaction between pairs of molecules. The main challenge of such simulation is the numerical complexity, given a vast number of atoms over a long time scale. Furthermore, such systems often contain exponentially many optimal states, and the simulation tends to get trapped in local configurations. Recent developments leverage the existing temporal evolution of the system to improve the stability and scalability of the method; however, they suffer from large data storage requirements. To efficiently compress the data while retaining the basins of attraction, we have developed a framework to determine the acceptable level of compression for an optimization method by application of a Kantorovich-type theorem, using binary digit rounding as our compression technique. Choosing the Lennard-Jones potential function as a model problem, we present a method for determining the local Lipschitz constant of the Hessian with low computational cost, thus allowing the use of our technique in real-time computation.
Molecular Targeting of Immunosuppressants Using a Bifunctional Elastin-Like Polypeptide

Elastin-Like Polypeptides (ELP) are environmentally responsive protein polymers which are easy to engineer and biocompatible, making them ideal candidates as drug carriers. Our team has recently utilized ELPs fused to FKBP12 to carry Rapamycin (Rapa), a potent immunosuppressant. Through high affinity binding to Rapa, FKBP carriers can yield beneficial therapeutic effects and reduce the off-site toxicity of Rapa. Since ICAM-1 is significantly elevated at sites of inflammation in diverse diseases, we hypothesized that a molecularly targeted ELP carrier capable of binding ICAM-1 might have advantageous properties. Here we report on the design, characterization, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution of a new ICAM-1-targeted ELP Rapa carrier (IBPAF) and its preliminary characterization in a murine model exhibiting elevated ICAM-1. Lacrimal glands (LG) of male NOD mice, a disease model recapitulating the autoimmune dacryoadenitis seen in Sjogren's Syndrome patients, were analyzed to confirm that ICAM-1 was significantly elevated in the LG relative to control male BALB/c mice (3.5-fold, p < 0.05, n = 6). In vitro studies showed that IBPAF had significantly higher binding to TNF-α-stimulated bEnd.3 cells which overexpress surface ICAM-1, relative to nontargeted control ELP (AF)(4.0-fold, p < 0.05). A pharmacokinetics study in male NOD mice showed no significant differences between AF and IBPAF for plasma half-life, clearance, and volume of distribution. However, both constructs maintained a higher level of Rapa in systemic circulation compared to free Rapa. Interestingly, in the male NOD mouse, the accumulation of IBPAF was significantly higher in homogenized LG extracts compared to AF at 2 h (8.6 ± 6.6% versus 1.3 ± 1.3%, respectively, n = 5, p < 0.05). This accumulation was transient with no differences detected at 8 or 24 h. This study describes the first ICAM-1 targeted protein-polymer carrier for Rapa that specifically binds to ICAM-1 in vitro and accumulates in ICAM-1 overexpressing tissue in vivo, which may be useful for molecular targeting in diverse inflammatory diseases where ICAM-1 is elevated.
Cancers Arising in Black Skin

Cancerous skin lesions are more difficult to diagnose in black skin. Skin cancer in particular occurs infrequently in black skin but is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, probably because of the rarity of these lesions in black skin and the rarity of these patients in most practices. The aim of this chapter is to aid providers in recognizing skin cancers in black patients.
A Longitudinal Assessment of the Relationship Between Bullying Victimization, Symptoms of Depression, Emotional Problems, and Thoughts of Self-Harm Among Middle and High School Students

This study analyzed the individual and combined effects of bullying victimization and symptoms of depression and emotional problems on thoughts of self-harm in a sample of 112 middle and high school students from one school district located in the southeastern USA. Results indicate that youth who are victims of bullying had greater odds of reporting emotional problems and symptoms of depression, and youth with higher levels of mental health symptoms were more likely to endorse thoughts of self-harm. The findings suggest that school-based intervention programs that target the mental health of students who have experienced bullying may be successful in buffering the longer-term effects of bullying on thoughts of self-harm.
Heterosis for Biomass-Related Traits in Interspecific Triploid Hybrids of Willow (Salix spp.)

Species hybridization is key for the improvement of shrub willow (Salix spp.) bioenergy crops because hybrids often display heterosis for yield. The development of high-yielding genotypes requires numerous broad attempts at hybridization followed by field evaluation and selection for stable performance. Selection of improved shrub willow varieties for use as a bioenergy crop involves evaluation of full-sib progeny in family-based selection trials. Improving the accuracy of evaluation through the use of components of yield would greatly improve the efficiency of selection. Heterosis for biomass yield in intra- and interspecific F1 and F2 shrub willow crosses, made between Salix sections and ploidy, was examined by utilizing a suite of morphological, physiological, and chemical composition traits collected over the course of 12 weeks in the greenhouse and over 3 years in the field. Triploid families generated from diploid S. viminalis and tetraploid S. miyabeana displayed the greatest levels of heterosis for harvestable biomass and biomass-related growth traits in the greenhouse and in the field. While intraspecific S. purpurea diploids exhibited low levels of heterosis for these traits, interspecific diploids produced moderate levels of heterosis in greenhouse experiments. Differences between greenhouse and field trial results can largely be explained by pest damage, which negatively impacted interspecific diploids. Heterosis for the traits that form the basis for biomass yield, including stem growth, foliar, and physiological traits, was quantified, and family-level differences are discussed.
Impact of ShotSpotter Technology on Firearm Homicides and Arrests Among Large Metropolitan Counties: a Longitudinal Analysis, 1999–2016

Over the past decade, large urban counties have implemented ShotSpotter, a gun fire detection technology, across the USA. It uses acoustic listening devices to identify discharged firearms’ locations. We examined the effect of ShotSpotter with a pooled, cross-sectional time-series analysis within the 68 large metropolitan counties in the USA from 1999 to 2016. We identified ShotSpotter implementation years through publicly available media. We used a Poisson distribution to model the impact of ShotSpotter on firearm homicides, murder arrests, and weapons arrests. ShotSpotter did not display protective effects for all outcomes. Counties in states with permit-to-purchase firearm laws saw a 15% reduction in firearm homicide incidence rates; counties in states with right-to-carry laws saw a 21% increase in firearm homicide incidence rates. Results suggest that implementing ShotSpotter technology has no significant impact on firearm-related homicides or arrest outcomes. Policy solutions may represent a more cost-effective measure to reduce urban firearm violence.
Unemployment Insurance and Corporate Takeovers

This paper studies the role of unemployment insurance (UI) in mitigating shareholder-employee conflicts of interests in target firms. Exploiting changes in UI generosity across US states and over time, we find that increases in state-level UI generosity increase the likelihood of firms in the state being acquired. The effect is stronger in firms with stronger labor rights and greater labor intensity. In addition, the acquisition likelihood of target firms with female directors or higher total employee strength is more sensitive to changes in UI generosity, suggesting these boards consider employee unemployment risk in making the decision to accept or reject a takeover bid. UI generosity is positively related to deal synergy and acquirer returns but is not significantly related to target returns. Hence, target shareholders seem to mainly benefit from the higher likelihood of being acquired rather than higher premium. Overall, unemployment insurance help to mitigate the negative impacts of strong labor rights and, in firms that care employees’ unemployment risk, also reduce managerial resistance directly.
Therapeutic Potential for CFTR Correctors in Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Background & aims ARPKD is caused by mutations in PKHD1, encoding FPC [1-4]. Severe disease occurs in perinates[5]. Those who survive the neonatal period face a myriad of comorbidities, including systemic and portal hypertension, liver fibrosis, and hepatosplenomegaly. The goal here is to uncover therapeutic strategies for ARPKD. Methods We used wild-type and an FPC-mutant cholangiocyte cell line in 3-dimenional cysts and in confluent monolayers to evaluate protein expression using western blotting and protein trafficking using confocal microscopy. Results We found that the protein level of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR, was down-regulated. The levels of heat shock proteins were altered in the FPC-mutant cholangiocytes, with HSP27 being downregulated and HSP90, and HSP70 upregulated. FPC-mutant cholangiocytes formed cysts, but normal cells did not. Cyst growth could be reduced by increasing HSP27 protein levels, by HSP90 and HSP70 inhibitor treatments, by silencing HSP90 through mRNA inhibition or by the novel approach of treating the cysts with the CFTR corrector VX-809. In wild-type cholangiocytes, CFTR is present in both apical and basolateral membranes. FPC malfunction resulted in altered colocalization of CFTR with both apical and basolateral membranes. Whereas, treatment with VX-809, increasing Hsp27 or inhibiting HSP70 or 90 restored CFTR localization toward normal values. Conclusions FPC malfunction induces the formation of cysts, which are fueled by alterations in heat shock proteins and in CFTR protein levels and miss-localization. We suggest that CFTR correctors, already in clinical use to treat cystic fibrosis, could also be used as a treatment for ARPKD.
Impact of the acuity circle model for liver allocation on multivisceral transplant candidates.

Liver allocation was updated on February 4, 2020, replacing a Donor Service Area (DSA) with acuity circles (AC). The impact on waitlist outcomes for patients listed for combined liver-intestine transplantation (multivisceral transplantation [MVT]) remains unknown. The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database was used to identify all candidates listed for both liver and intestine between January 1, 2018 and March 5, 2021. Two eras were defined: pre-AC (2018-2020) and post-AC (2020-2021). Outcomes included 90-day waitlist mortality and transplant probability. A total of 127 adult and 104 pediatric MVT listings were identified. In adults, the 90-day waitlist mortality was not statistically significantly different, but transplant probability was lower post-AC. After risk-adjustment, post-AC was associated with a higher albeit not statistically significantly different mortality hazard (sub-distribution hazard ratio[sHR]: 8.45, 95% CI: 0.96-74.05; p = .054), but a significantly lower transplant probability (sHR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.75; p = .008). For pediatric patients, waitlist mortality and transplant probability were similar between eras. The proportion of patients who underwent transplant with exception points was lower post-AC both in adult (44% to 9%; p = .04) and pediatric recipients (65% to 15%; p = .002). A lower transplant probability observed in adults listed for MVT may ultimately result in increased waitlist mortality. Efforts should be taken to ensure equitable organ allocation in this vulnerable patient population.
Prostate Ultrasound Complications and Patient Safety

Between 800,000 to 1 million transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsies are performed in the United States each year [1]. Despite the potential benefit of undergoing TRUS biopsy (i.e., diagnosing prostate cancer at an early, treatable stage), the procedure is associated with a wide variety of minor and major complications. Prior to the actual procedure patients can suffer from anxiety and the anxiety may persist for weeks afterwards [2]. The source of the anxiety ranges from worrying about the discomfort of the procedure to the fear of being diagnosed with cancer. The physical consequences from a biopsy procedure include anal pain and discomfort from the insertion of the rectal sonogram probe, as well as pain from the needle punctures for both the anesthetic injection and tissue sampling [3]. Some of the more common complications are relatively mild, usually requiring nothing more than observation and reassurance, and mostly consist of blood in the semen, urine, or per rectum [4–7]. Other, less common, minor complications include irritative voiding symptoms such as dysuria and frequency [8]. Erectile dysfunction has also been documented, sometimes afflicting patients before the procedure, but also occurring after the biopsy and lasting for weeks in some cases [2, 9].
MO-DE-210-06: Development of a Supercompounded 3D Volumetric Ultrasound Image Guidance System for Prone Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI)

Purpose: For early-stage breast cancer, accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI) is a cost-effective breast-conserving treatment. Irradiation in a prone position can mitigate respiratory induced breast movement and achieve maximal sparing of heart and lung tissues. However, accurate dose delivery is challenging due to breast deformation and lumpectomy cavity shrinkage. We propose a 3D volumetric ultrasound (US) image guidance system for accurate prone APBI Methods: The designed system, set beneath the prone breast board, consists of a water container, an US scanner, and a two-layer breast immobilization cup. The outer layer of the breast cup forms the inner wall of water container while the inner layer is attached to patient breast directly to immobilization. The US transducer scans is attached to the outer-layer of breast cup at the dent of water container. Rotational US scans in a transverse plane are achieved by simultaneously rotating water container and transducer, and multiple transverse scanning forms a 3D scan. A supercompounding-technique-based volumetric US reconstruction algorithm is developed for 3D image reconstruction. The performance of the designed system is evaluated with two custom-made gelatin phantoms containing several cylindrical inserts filled in with water (11% reflection coefficient between materials). One phantom is designed for positioning evaluation while the other is for scaling assessment. Results: In the positioning evaluation phantom, the central distances between the inserts are 15, 20, 30 and 40 mm. The distances on reconstructed images differ by −0.19, −0.65, −0.11 and −1.67 mm, respectively. In the scaling evaluation phantom, inserts are 12.7, 19.05, 25.40 and 31.75 mm in diameter. Measured inserts’ sizes on images differed by 0.23, 0.19, −0.1 and 0.22 mm, respectively. Conclusion: The phantom evaluation results show that the developed 3D volumetric US system can accurately localize target position and determine target volume, and is a promising image-guidance tool for prone APBI.
Women in Business: Theory, Case Studies, and Legal Challenges

Part I: An Introduction to Gender Equality 1. An Introduction to Women in the Workplace 2. Occupational Segregation and Gender Discrimination 3. Employment Discrimination Law Part II: Women in the Workplace 4. Career Opportunities: Recruitment, Selection, and Promotion 5. Equal Pay 6. Networks and Mentors 7. Gender and Communication 8. Hostile Work Environments and Sexual Harrassment Part III: Gender Issues: Looking Ahead 9. Work-Life Balance 10. Women Entrepreneurs: Working Their Way 11. Policy and Organizational Practice
Methods for the study of hydrothermal vent microbes

Publisher Summary The chapter discusses various ways in which microbiological samples can be obtained from deep-sea vents, and how these samples are processed for DNA extraction or enrichment culturing. The most challenging aspects of doing deep-sea microbiological research are obtaining a representative and uncontaminated sample. The types of samples that can be collected include high-temperature fluids, diffuse flow (low-temperature, shimmering water) water samples, microbial mats, rock and sulfide mineral samples, epibionts and symbionts associated with animals. Deep-sea hydrothermal vents have been explored to depths of over 3700 m. Pressure, therefore, is a consideration when exploring a microbial sampling strategy. Several laboratories have designed microbial sampling devices that maintain the in situ pressure. A description of one such device that is also an in situ growth experiment is described in this chapter. Two isolates, Thermococcus barophilus and Palaeococcus ferrophilus appear to be moderate barophiles or piezophiles. There will be an increasing need to develop in situ technologies to measure microbial activity and diversity at deep-sea hydrothermal vents..
Teaching parallel computing using Beowulf clusters: a laboratory approach

A Beowulf Cluster is an excellent tool to use to teach the topic of parallel computing. A cluster is inexpensive to buy or build. The concept of a cluster is understandable to students and the coarse granularity makes for ease in teaching concepts of parallelism. Beowulf clusters are becoming increasingly important in the workplace.Using a hands-on approach allows students to use and understand both the hardware and the software of parallel systems.
Evidence for a Covalent Linkage between Heteropolysaccharide and an Hydroxyproline-containing Peptide from Metridium dianthus Connective Tissue

Abstract Pepsin-solubilized collagen from the sea anemone Metridium dianthus was prepared and purified by the procedure of Rubin et al. (Biochemistry, 4, 181 (1965)). It contained 8% carbohydrate consisting of 0.3% fucose, 0.02% xylose, 0.35% mannose, 3.2% galactose, 3.8% glucose, 0.1% galactosamine, and 0.4% glucosamine. The collagen (44 g) was digested with Clostridium histolyticum collagenase and fractionated by gel filtration on P-100 and P-30 resins, by ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, and by preparative high voltage paper electrophoresis. A homogeneous peptide was obtained (yield: 0.13% by weight, 3.8% by mannose content). The peptide contained 30% of carbohydrate consisting primarily of fucose, mannose, and glucosamine, and 47 amino acid residues, 4 of which were hydroxyproline. A partial structure was determined by Edman degradation, hydrazinolysis, and by controlled acid hydrolysis. [see PDF for sequence]
Bias analysis for DOA estimation algorithms

A statistical analysis using perturbation expansion is applied to the DOA estimation bias for ESPRIT, state-space realization (TAM), and matrix-pencil algorithms, assuming that only a finite amount of array data is available. The authors have obtained an analytical expression for the bias in a simple and self-contained fashion. The tractable formula provides insight into the algorithms. Simulation results verify the analytically predicted performance. >
Metabolism of Biotin and Analogues of Biotin by Microorganisms III. Degradation of Oxybiotin and Desthiobiotin by Lactobacillus plantarum

Birnbaum, Jerome (University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio), and Herman C. Lichstein. Metabolism of biotin and analogues of biotin by microorganisms. III. Degradation of oxybiotin and desthiobiotin by Lactobacillus plantarum. J. Bacteriol 92:920–924. 1966.—Lactobacillus plantarum growing in excess oxybiotin degraded a portion to products not utilizable by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The loss of activity for the yeast suggested that no vitamers of oxybiotin accumulated during the degradation. The initiation of degrading activity was controlled by the pH of the growth medium and appeared during early stationary phase. Only cells grown in excess oxybiotin could degrade this biotin analogue. Nonproliferating cells grown previously in excess oxybiotin were able to convert biotin to vitamers (active for the yeast) as well as to degrade oxybiotin. Those grown in excess biotin also developed the ability to degrade oxybiotin as well as to convert biotin; however, in this case, the enzymes degenerated more rapidly. Cells grown with excessive amounts of either material were able to degrade desthiobiotin to products not available for the yeast. Both biotin conversion and oxybiotin degradation were found to have the same requirements for Mg and Mn ions. It was concluded that conversion of biotin to vitamers, and the degradation of oxybiotin or desthiobiotin are functions of the same on closely related enzyme systems.
When 'I Do' Becomes 'You Won’t!': Preserving the Right to Homeschool after Divorce

With homeschooling on a sustained, dramatic-growth curve, cases involving divorced parents and child custody disputes are not unique. Indeed, homeschooled families cope with divorce and single parenting like the rest of society. And when separated couples disagree about the decision to homeschool, thorny issues arise, fanned by deeply-held beliefs and strong emotions. This Article addresses those issues and explores how courts decide if homeschooling is in a child’s best interests. The Article examines two crucial defenses raised by homeschooling parents in these cases: a fundamental parental liberty interest, and the right to freely exercise one’s religion under the First Amendment. It considers the “best-interests-of-the-child” standard and critically analyzes six key factors that drive court decisions in these tough custody cases. Finally, the Article discusses strategies used to convince courts to treat homeschooling with the same deference as the decision to send a child to public or private school.
Narratives of quality in qualitative research: Putting them in context

This article is a commentary on ‘Assessing ‘good’ qualitative research in the work psychology field: A narrative analysis’ (Cassell & Symon, 2011).
A review of well-log analysis techniques used to assess gas-hydrate-bearing reservoirs

Gas volumes that may be attributed to a gas hydrate accumulation within a given geologic setting are dependent on a number of reservoir parameters, two of which, sediment porosity and gas-hydrate saturation, can be assessed with data obtained from downhole well logging devices. The primary objective of this paper is to identify and review existing quantitative well-log evaluation techniques, which permit the calculation of sediment porosities and gas-hydrate saturations in gas-hydrate-bearing reservoirs. The well log response modeling section of this paper includes the assessment of existing gas hydrate well-log evaluation techniques used to characterize sediment porosities and gas-hydrate saturations in gas-hydrate-bearing reservoirs. In the field data application section of this paper, the gas hydrate well-log evaluation techniques described in the response modeling section of this review are tested and used to calculate reservoir porosities and gas-hydrate saturations with the downhole log data from two known gas hydrate accumulations.
State-level spending on health care and social services for people living with HIV/AIDS in the USA: a systematic review

Every year for the past decade, approximately 50,000 people have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in the USA, and the incidence of HIV/AIDS varies considerably from state to state. Studies have shown that health care services, most notably treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy, can help people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) live healthier, longer lives, and prevent the spread of HIV from person to person. In addition, social services, such as housing support and provision of meals, have also shown to be important for helping PLWHA adhere to antiretroviral treatment and maintain contact with health care providers for improved health outcomes. Although spending on health care and social services for PLWHA varies across the USA, the relationship between state-level spending on these services and HIV/AIDS-related outcomes is not clear. We therefore conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature to identify studies that explore state-level spending on health care services and/or social services for PLWHA and HIV/AIDS-related health outcomes in the USA.
Cloning and targeted disruption of MLG1, a gene encoding two of three extracellular mixed-linked glucanases of Cochliobolus carbonum.

Mixed-linked glucanases (MLGases), which are extracellular enzymes able to hydrolyze b1,3-1,4-glucans (also known as mixed-linked glucans or cereal b-glucans), were identified in culture filtrates of the plantpathogenic fungus Cochliobolus carbonum. Three peaks of MLGase activity, designated Mlg1a, Mlg1b, and Mlg2, were resolved by cation-exchange and hydrophobic-interaction high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mlg1a and Mlg1b also hydrolyze b1,3-glucan (laminarin), whereas Mlg2 does not degrade b1,3glucan but does degrade b1,4-glucan to a slight extent. Mlg1a, Mlg1b, and Mlg2 have monomer molecular masses of 33.5, 31, and 29.5 kDa, respectively. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of Mlg1a and Mlg1b are identical (AAYNLI). Mlg1a is glycosylated, whereas Mlg1b is not. The gene encoding Mlg1b, MLG1, was isolated by using PCR primers based on amino acid sequences of Mlg1b. The product of MLG1 has no close similarity to any known protein but does contain a motif (EIDI) that occurs at the active site of MLGases from several prokaryotes. An internal fragment of MLG1 was used to create mlg1 mutants by transformationmediated gene disruption. The total MLGase and b1,3-glucanase activities in culture filtrates of the mutants were reduced by approximately 50 and 40%, respectively. When analyzed by cation-exchange HPLC, the mutants were missing the two peaks of MLGase activity corresponding to Mlg1a and Mlg1b. Together, the data indicate that Mlg1a and Mlg1b are products of the same gene, MLG1. The growth of mlg1 mutants in culture medium supplemented with macerated maize cell walls or maize bran and the disease symptoms on maize were identical to the growth and disease symptoms of the wild type.
Prenylflavonoids from Humulus lupulus

Abstract Five flavonoids were isolated from the resin part of the female inflorescences of Humulus lupulus , together with four known hop flavonoids, i.e. xanthohumol, 2′,4′,6′,4-tetrahydroxy-3′- C -prenylchalcone, iso-xanthohumol and 6-prenylnaringenin. The new hop compounds were identified as 2′,4′,6′,4-tetrahydroxy-3′- C -geranylchalcone, 5′-prenylxanthohumol, 6″,6″-dimethylpyrano (2″,3″: 3′,4′)-2′,4-dihydroxy-6′-methoxychalcone, its hydrate and 8-prenylnaringenin; apart from 8-prenylnaringenin, these are new flavonoids. Their mass fragmentation patterns were studied by mass spectrometry using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization in combination with collision-activated decomposition. Loss of the isoprenoid substituent in the positive ion mode and retro Diels-Alder fission in both the positive and negative ion modes provided useful information on the substitution patterns of the A and B rings. Nine hop varieties were qualitatively and quantatively characterized by HPLC-mass spectrometry. The flavonoid profiles of the samples examined were uniform and proved to be of little value in hop variety identification. Xanthohumol was the principal flavonoid in all samples (80–90% of the total of flavonoids) and was accompanied by minor amounts of the other eight flavonoids in virtually all samples.
The Partnership Care Delivery Model.

The membership of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, in partnership with its practice partners, has initiated a national effort to create a new nursing role that is more responsive to the realities of a complex, technologically advanced, everchanging healthcare system. This new role is the clinical nurse leader. Nurses in this new role will be prepared at the master's level and will act as the lateral integrators of care, patient advocates over the many components of the care continuum, and information manager to the multiple disciplines involved in care delivery. Practice and education partners are working together to define the curriculum for this role and create a new care delivery model needed to maximize the skills of the clinical nurse leader and other team members to achieve better patient outcomes. In this article, the third of 6, the author presents a summary of system drivers that are mandating the need for change and an overview of the Partnership Care Delivery Model. This model, which is being implemented at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Me, has been developed to provide the necessary support and practice environment for the clinical nurse leader to function as envisioned by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and its practice partners.
Long-acting dihydropyridine calcium antagonists. 9. Structure activity relationships around amlodipine

Abstract The preparation of a range of 1,4-dihydropyridine analogues of amlodipine has been undertaken and their calcium antagonist activities on rat aorta have been evaluated. Increasing the size of the C5 ester group dramatically reduces calcium antagonist activity, a trend which would be compatible with the carbonyl group of that ester binding to the DHP receptor. Amlodipine analogues with extended C3 ester substituents also have lower potency than amlodipine, possibly because of disruption of a favourable interaction between the protonated amino group on the 2-substituent and the DHP receptor. Replacement of the 6-methyl substituent in amlodipine by alkoxyalkyl groups or electron-withdrawing groups is also detrimental to calcium antagonist activity.
Mechanism and management of anemia in malignant disease.

The more common causes of anemia in malignant disease are discussed. Of 78 patients requiring transfusions on the Oncology Service of the University of Wisconsin Medical Center during the period December 1968–May 1969, records were available on 65. Gross blood loss was the most common cause of the anemia (44 cases); next was suppression of the bone marrow by chemotherapy (27 cases) or radiation therapy (8 cases); tumor spread to bone marrow (18 cases); infection (15 cases); uremia (5 cases); and poor nutrition (5 cases). Directions are given for evaluation of the patient. The search for the cause of the anemia should be intensive, for only in this way can the proper diagnosis be made and the appropriate treatment recommended.
Use of scopolamine for dental anesthesia and analgesia techniques

Abstract A review of the English literature on the pharmacologic effects of scopolamine is presented and indications for the current use of the drug in dental anesthesia and analgesia are evaluated. The authors conclude that the role of scopolamine in the production of conscious sedation for outpatient dental surgery should be reevaluated in the light of contemporary findings.
Optical imaging and tomography for biomedical and clinical applications

In recent years, optical imaging has been of significant interest as a non-invasive medical imaging modality for biomedical and clinical applications. Visible and near-infrared light wavelengths have been used for tissue and organ imaging using surface reflectance, transillumination and transmission based methods. Fluorescence optical imaging has shown great potential in molecular imaging with a spectrum of applications including drug discovery. Fluorescence imaging uses ultraviolet light to excite fluorophores and collects emitted light at a higher wavelength. Fluorophores include endogenous and exogenous fluorophores. The former refers to natural fluorophores such amino acid and structural proteins that are distributed in the tissue. The latter usually refers to some polymer nano-particles targeting at specific molecules such as hemoglobin. Recently, fluorescence tomography methods have been developed for investigations for tissue or animal imaging. The fluorescence tomography imaging methods conduct three-dimensional reconstruction of fluorescence bio-distribution in the object with respect to optical heterogeneity and fluorophores. The Optical Coherent Tomography (OCT) makes use of the coherent properties of light in the tissue medium for three-dimensional reconstruction. In an OCT system, light with a low coherence length is divided into two parts. One serves as reference while the other is directed into the tissue. When light travels in the tissue, it encounters mediums with different refractive indices providing partial reflections from the internal structures. The partial reflectance is compared with the reference signal for coherence. The OCT is based on low-coherence interferometry for obtaining sub-surface images at near-microscopic resolution extended to tissue reconstruction. In this talk, recent methods in optical imaging, fluorescence imaging, optical spectroscopy, and optical coherent tomography will be discussed with applications in clinical and therapeutic applications. Optical imaging methods for characterization of skin-lesions for early detection of skin-cancer will also be discussed using multispectral optical transillumination imaging methods.
On Optimal Replacement of Farm Tractors

Two important parameters influencing replacement of farm tractors are (a) the tractor's remaining (terminal) market value and (b) income tax incentives. Peacock and Brake were among the first to estimate remaining value (RV) equations for tractors and other large farm machines. Remaining value equations are also presented in the Agricultural Engineers Yearbook and other recent publications. Chisholm modeled the effects of special income tax investment incentives on optimal replacement ages. Kay and Rister further examined and clarified the tax impacts of the United States. Bates, Rayner, and Custance extended previous studies by investigating the tax effects of inflation on optimal replacement ages. Each of these optimal replacement studies estimated replacement ages for tractors to be seven to fourteen years. This seems to be longer than ages actually used by many U.S. farm tractor owners. Kay and Rister (p. 358) list four possible reasons for the longer estimates: (a) misestimation of the repair-cost time pattern, (b) possible incorrect estimation of opportunity costs of tractor breakdowns, (c) owners' desires to replace with larger tractors, and (d) no consideration for replacing with technically improved machines. Kay and Rister assessed the potential impact of alternative repair and breakdown costs by "generating" alternative data. However, none of the studies examined the impact of using alternative RVs. Both the Kay-Rister study and the Bates-Rayner-Custance study relied upon the Peacock-Brake RV equation; Chisholm's study relied upon a single series of RV observations developed for Australian wheat farms in the 1960s. Also, each study reflected tax regulations existing in 1976 or earlier. With the passage of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 (ERTA-81), many changes were made to stimulate capital investment. Thus, the new tax law may cause more frequent replacement. The research reported in this paper examines the importance of RV forecasts in optimal replacement decisions. An original aspect of the research is the specification and estimation of a more generalized RV equation which includes more situation-specific explanatory variables than previous RV equations. Optimal tractor replacement decisions using forecasts from this generalized equation are compared to decisions based on three other RV equations. In addition, effects of the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 on optimal replacement decisions are examined.