cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uroporphyrinogen oxidation catalyzed by reconstituted cytochrome P450IA2

Abstract Previous work suggested that the oxidation of uroporphyrinogen to uroporphyrin is catalyzed by cytochrome P450IA2. Here we determined whether purified reconstituted mouse P450IA1 and IA2 oxidize uroporphyrinogen. Cytochromes P450IA1 and IA2 were purified from hepatic microsomes from 3-methylcholanthrene (MC)-treated C57BL/6 mice, using a combination of affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Reconstituted P450IA1 was more active than P450IA2 in catalyzing ethoxyresorufin- O -deethylase (EROD) activity, whereas P450IA2 was more active than P450IA1 in catalyzing uroporphyrinogen oxidation (UROX). Both reactions required NADPH, NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, and either P450IA1 or IA2. Ketoconazole competitively inhibited both EROD and UROX activities, in microsomes from MC-treated mice. Ketoconazole also inhibited UROX catalyzed by reconstituted P450IA2. In contrast, ketoconazole did not inhibit UROX catalyzed by xanthine oxidase in the presence of iron-EDTA. Superoxide dismutase, catalase, and mannitol inhibited UROX catalyzed by xanthine oxidase/ iron-EDTA, but did not affect UROX catalyzed by either microsomes or reconstituted P450IA2. These results suggest that UROX catalyzed by P450IA2 in microsomes and reconstituted systems does not involve free reactive oxygen species. Two known substrates of cytochrome P450IA2, 2-amino-3,4-dimethylimidazole[4,5- f ]quinoline and phenacetin, were shown to inhibit the microsomal UROX reaction, suggesting that uroporphyrinogen binds to a substrate-binding site on the cytochrome P450.
Molecular Phylogeography of Domesticated Barley Traces Expansion of Agriculture in the Old World

Barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare) was first cultivated 10,500 years ago in the Fertile Crescent and is one of the founder crops of Eurasian agriculture. Phylogeographic analysis of five nuclear loci and morphological assessment of two traits in >250 domesticated barley accessions reveal that landraces found in South and East Asia are genetically distinct from those in Europe and North Africa. A Bayesian population structure assessment method indicates that barley accessions are subdivided into six clusters and that barley landraces from 10 different geographical regions of Eurasia and North Africa show distinct patterns of distribution across these clusters. Using haplotype frequency data, it appears that the Europe/North Africa landraces are most similar to the Near East population (FST = 0.15) as well as to wild barley (FST = 0.11) and are strongly differentiated from all other Asian populations (FST = 0.34–0.74). A neighbor-joining analysis using these FST estimates also supports a division between European, North African, and Near East barley types from more easterly Asian accessions. There is also differentiation in the presence of a naked caryopsis and spikelet row number between eastern and western barley accessions. The data support the differential migration of barley from two domestication events that led to the origin of barley—one in the Fertile Crescent and another farther east, possibly at the eastern edge of the Iranian Plateau—with European and North African barley largely originating from the former and much of Asian barley arising from the latter. This suggests that cultural diffusion or independent innovation is responsible for the expansion of agriculture to areas of South and East Asia during the Neolithic revolution.
Construction of a 3-chlorobiphenyl-utilizing recombinant from an intergeneric mating

Abstract Recombinant Pseudomonas sp. strain CB15, which grows on 3-chlorobiphenyl (3CB), was constructed from Pseudomonas sp. strain HF1, which grows on 3-chlorobenzoate, and from Acinetobacter sp. strain P6, which grows on biphenyl, by using a continuous amalgamated culture apparatus. DNA from strains CB15 and HF1 hybridized very strongly to each other, while hybridization between both parental strains, HF1 and P6, was negligible. However, DNA from the recombinant CB15 hybridized moderately to strongly with three specific fragments of parental strain P6. Strains HF1 and P6 did not grow on 3CB, but recombinant strain CB15 mineralized this compound and released inorganic chloride. When growing on 3CB, strain CB15 accumulated brown products, one of which was identified as 3-chloro-5-(2'-hydroxy-3'-chlorophenyl)-1,2-benzoquinone by mass spectrometry. Emulsification and mechanical fragmentation greatly increased the rate of 3CB mineralization by strain CB15. At least three methods of inhibition from catecholic intermediates may account for slow growth on 3CB. The meta fission of 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl (the nonchlorinated analog of the metabolic intermediate 3-chloro-2',3'-dihydroxybiphenyl) was affected by substrate inhibition (Vmax = 359 nmol.min-1.mg-1, Km = 114 microM, Kss [the inhibition constant] = 951 microM) and was also inhibited by 3-chlorocatechol. The ortho fission of 3-chlorocatechol, a degradation product, followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics (Vmax = 365 nmol.min-1.mg-1, Km = 1 microM), but the addition of 2,3-dihydroxybiphenyl inhibited the reaction (Ki = 0.87 microM).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Update on prostate cancer chemoprevention.

Background. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in American men. Its high rate of occurrence and long lead time to clinically significant disease make prostate cancer an ideal disease for pharmacologic or nutritional chemoprevention. Methods. To identify the various chemoprevention strategies for prostate cancer, a MEDLINE search (from 1967–2005) and bibliographic search of the English-language literature were conducted. Results. Epidemiologic and retrospective studies have assessed the effect of carotenoids (e.g., lycopene), vitamins, selenium, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the rate of occurrence of prostate cancer. The few published prospective trials evaluated prostate cancer as a secondary end point. Lycopene (as β-carotene) and selenium supplementation have been associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer in nested case-control studies, but only in subgroups of men with low baseline plasma lycopene (or β-carotene) and selenium levels respectively. The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial prospectively evaluated finasteride, a 5-α-reductase inhibitor, as chemoprevention. The results showed a 25% relative risk reduction in prostate cancer, albeit at an increased risk of invasive tumors. Conclusion. Data regarding lycopene, vitamin E, and selenium as chemoprevention for prostate cancer appear promising. Prospective trials such as the Selenium and Vitamin E Cancer Prevention Trial (SELECT) will clarify the role of these agents in prostate cancer prevention. The role of NSAIDs is unclear, and the long-term toxicity associated with NSAIDs may limit their usefulness. Although finasteride has decreased overall prostate cancer occurrence, the risk of invasive tumors may outweigh the benefit of this agent. The continuing Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial may help define a role for the 5-α-reductase inhibitors in cancer chemoprevention. At this time, nothing has been proven effective as chemoprevention against clinically significant prostate cancer.
Electrostatically shielded quantum confined stark effect inside polar nanostructures.

The effect of electrostatic shielding of the polarization fields in nanostructures at high carrier densities is studied. A simplified analytical model, employing screened, exponentially decaying polarization potentials, localized at the edges of a QW, is introduced for the ES-shielded quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE). Wave function trapping within the Debye-length edge-potential causes blue shifting of energy levels and gradual elimination of the QCSE red-shifting with increasing carrier density. The increase in the e−h wave function overlap and the decrease of the radiative emission time are, however, delayed until the “edge-localization” energy exceeds the peak-voltage of the charged layer. Then the wave function center shifts to the middle of the QW, and behavior becomes similar to that of an unbiased square QW. Our theoretical estimates of the radiative emission time show a complete elimination of the QCSE at doping densities ≥1020 cm−3, in quantitative agreement with experimental measurements.
Improved activation maps via the elimination of motion effects through time-domain mixing of data in conventional gradient echo functional MRI

To date, most functional imaging centers have relied on ultra-fast imaging approaches such as echo-planar imaging (EPI) techniques for acquiring functional brain activation data. These methods require specialized hardware and are not yet installed widely on clinical MR imagers, thus limiting the application of functional MR imaging at many sites. EPI is used to limit motion artifacts and to collect multiple images under different task paradigms in order to distinguish reliably true signal changes from noise. However, it suffers from poor signal to noise ratio because of the high sampling bandwidth employed. This work presents an approach for increasing the efficiency of functional studies that use conventional gradient echo imaging. In this approach, small numbers of image data sets are acquired and recombined to generate composite datasets with minimized motion artifacts. The technique is introduced, and several algorithms for combining the data are explored. A receiver operator characteristic analysis and in vivo studies are performed to examine the efficacy of this approach for improving functional MR imaging studies.
Explanation-Driven Inquiry: Integrating Conceptual and Epistemic Scaffolds for Scientific Inquiry

Science education reforms consistently maintain the goal that students develop an understanding of the nature of science, including both the nature of scientific knowledge and methods for making it. This paper articulates a framework for scaffolding epistemic aspects of inquiry that can help students understand inquiry processes in relation to the kinds of knowledge such processes can produce. This framework underlies the design of a technology-supported inquiry curriculum for evolution and natural selection that focuses students on constructing and evaluating scientific explanations for natural phenomena. The design has been refined through cycles of implementation, analysis, and revision that have documented the epistemic practices students engage in during inquiry, indicate ways in which designed tools support students' work, and suggest necessary additional social scaffolds. These findings suggest that epistemic tools can play a unique role in supporting students' inquiry, and a fruitful means for studying students' scientific epistemologies. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed88:345–372, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/.sce10130
Oxide cathodes produced by plasma deposition

Summary form only given. The best oxide cathodes have been capable of long life and high-current-density. The problem has been the ability to consistently reach maximum performance. The complex chemistry of the deposition and activation process have made consistent performance unrealizable. SLAC, UCD, and LBL are developing a plasma deposition process that eliminates the problems with binders, carbonate reduction, peeling, and porosity. The emission layer is deposited using plasma deposition of metallic barium in vacuum with an oxygen background gas. An applied bias voltage drives the oxide plasma into the nickel surface. Since the oxide is deposited directly, it does not have problems with poisoning from hydrocarbon binder. The density of the oxide layer is increased from the 40% to 50% for standard oxide cathodes to nearly 100% for plasma deposition. It is expected that the repeatable process, increased density, and elimination of poisoning agents will provide a long-life, high-current-density cathode for a variety of applications.
Provenance Tracking with Bit Vectors

Data provenance (information about the origin of data items and the transformations that they have gone through) can be a useful security tool, particularly for forensic investigation. Provenance information can also be used to enforce information assurance concepts like integrity and authenticity. The current techniques for finding data source and lineage information are annotations and query inversion. Annotations lack scalability and require additional space for storing and querying provenance information, while query inversion incurs more time and processing overhead. In this paper, we offer fast and scalable models for computing source information, each of which are based on associating bit vectors with data sources.
Architecture-independent global image processing

A specialized language, called Adapt, for local and global image processing on parallel processors is presented. Adapt is based on a split and merge model. The input image is split into sections, which are processed separately on different processors, and the results are merged using a function written by the user. This model is quite general; any image processing operation that can be computed from top to bottom or from bottom to top on an image can be computed with it. The use of Adapt is illustrated with several programs for important global operations, including histogram, Hough transform, minimum bounding rectangle, and connected components. A preliminary implementation of Adapt exists on the Carnegie Mellon Warp machine. Performance figures from this implementation are provided. A description of how Adapt can be implemented on other architectures is given. >
A sensor simulation and animation system

A shaded computer graphics system for sensor simulation and animation must possess extensive capabilities. Sensor simulation involves scenes that are viewed, environments that produce tones in the scenes, and sensors that image the scenes. Animation centers on image generation, but data input, motion specification, and tone specification routines are very important for an effective system.A unique system has been developed that models a variety of scenes, environments, and sensors. It possesses a balance of data input, motion and tone specification, and frame generation routines. The system possesses several user languages for data input. User defined sections of the scene can move. Visible, infrared, laser radar, and radar sensors have been modeled. The frame generator possesses advanced aliasing controls, textured shading, and a very fast list priority hidden surface algorithm. The system is used as a test bed for training simulators and sensor-based system simulation.
Admittance of infinitely long cylindrical wire and finite conductivity and magnetic-frill excitation

The Fourier-transform method is employed to develop expressions for the current distribution on an infinitely long cylindrical wire with finite conductivity and magnetic-frill excitation. Some numerical results are presented.
Distribution of the Cleveland Black Shale in Ohio

The authors present evidence that the variable thickness of the Cleveland Shale (Late Devonian) from northern to southern Ohio displays a pattern resulting from the entry into a black mud environment of some clastic sediments introduced by distributing currents flowing westward from the Catskill delta.
Context-dependent Changes in Functional Circuitry in Visual Area MT

Animals can flexibly change their behavior in response to a particular sensory stimulus; the mapping between sensory and motor representations in the brain must therefore be flexible as well. Changes in the correlated firing of pairs of neurons may provide a metric of changes in functional circuitry during behavior. We studied dynamic changes in functional circuitry by analyzing the noise correlations of simultaneously recorded MT neurons in two behavioral contexts: one that promotes cooperative interactions between the two neurons and another that promotes competitive interactions. We found that identical visual stimuli give rise to differences in noise correlation in the two contexts, suggesting that MT neurons receive inputs of central origin whose strength changes with the task structure. The data are consistent with a mixed feature-based attentional strategy model in which the animal sometimes alternates attention between opposite directions of motion and sometimes attends to the two directions simultaneously.
The Method of Unweighted Means in Unbalanced Analysis of Variance

For factorial experiments with unbalanced data the method of unweighted means is an alternate method of analysis which is computationally simpler than likelihood ratio based F-tests. The quality of the null approximation to the F-distribution of the statistic for the method of unweighted means and the power of this test relative to the likelihood ratio test are discussed. Recommendations are made of when in the course of data analysis the superior operating characteristics of the likelihood ratio test may not outweigh the computational simplicity of the method of unweighted means test.
Note on the von Neumann stability of explicit one-dimensional advection schemes

Abstract There is a wide-spread belief that most explicit one-dimensional advection schemes need to satisfy the condition that the Courant number, c = uΔt/Δx, must be less than or equal to 1, for stability in the von Neumann sense. This puts severe limitations on the time-step in high-speed, fine-grid calculations and is an impetus for the development of implicit schemes, which often require less restrictive time-step conditions for stability, but are more expensive per time-step. However, it turns out that, if explicit schemes are formulated in a consistent flux-based conservative finite-volume form, von Neumann stability analysis does not place any restriction on the allowable Courant number. Any explicit scheme that is stable for c G (c) , can be easily extended to arbitrarily large Courant number. The complex amplitude ratio is then given by exp (—ιNθ) G (Δc) , where N is the integer part of c, and Δc = c - N (
Real-world educational experience through project-oriented graduate classes in collaboration with industry

There is a need for a motivated and innovative work force for the U.S. aerospace industry. The education of such engineers and scientists typically revolves around a fundamental knowledge of basic important technologies, such as the mechanics relevant to orbit-design, structures, avionics, and many others. A few years ago, the University of Michigan developed a Masters of Engineering program that provides students with skills that are not taught as part of a typical engineering curriculum. This program is focused on open problem solving, space systems, and space policy, as well as other classes that further their understanding of the connections between technologies and the nontechnical aspects of managing a space mission. The value of such an education is substantially increased through a direct connection to industry. An innovative problem-oriented approach has been developed that enables direct connections between industry and classroom teaching. The class works as a system study group and addresses problems of interest to and defined by a company with a specific application. We discuss such an application, a near-space lidar wind measurement system to enhance weather predictions, as well as the approach taken to link educational rationales.
Microwave remote sensing: a perspective from the last few field experiments

There have been numerous field experiments which have tested the effectiveness of microwave remote sensing, both active and passive under varied land surface conditions. The Southern Great Plains Experiment 1999 (SGP99) was held in Chickasha Oklahoma where winter wheat and rangeland was the predominant land surface type whereas at the Soil Moisture Experiment 2002 (SMEX02) in Walnut River watershed in Ames Iowa it was a mixture of corn, and soyabeans. In the SMEX03 (Soil Moisture Experiment in 2003) in Little River Watershed, the land surface was a mixture of peanuts, vegetables, cotton and pasture and for SMEX04 (Soil Moisture Experiment in 2004) in Walnut Gulch, Arizona, the land surface cover is primarily brush and grass covered rangeland vegetation. Given that microwaves have low sensitivity to soil moisture in the presence of vegetation, these field experiments offer an opportunity to examine observations of sensitivity in the presence of varied (and varying with time) vegetation densities. In addition, in each of these experiments, there were different instruments on aircrafts and satellite sensors that were deployed. In SGP99, we had observations from the PALS (Passive Active L and S band Radar and Radiometer), PSR (Polarimetric Scanning Radiometer) from the C130 aircraft and the TMI (TRMM Microwave Imager) and SSM/I (Special Sensor Microwave Imager) from space. In SMEX02, we had PALS, PSR, AIRSAR (Airborne Synthetic Aperture Radar) from the aircraft platforms and in SMEX03 PSR only. Satellite sensors in SMEX02 and SMEX03 included AMSR (Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer), TMI, and SSM/I. In the recently concluded SMEX04, PSR was used from the aircraft and AMSR, TMI and SSM/I satellite observations were available. We will use these sensors and observations in the microwave channel in conjunction with ground observations of vegetation characteristics and soil moisture to study the sensitivity of microwaves to soil moisture under varied land surface conditions.
What About Us

I have a friend who, before he retired, was a science department chairman at the high school of an upper middle class suburb of Rochester, New York. He was also a deacon in his church, but he had a poster hanging in his office that said, “In the beginning God created evolution.” I never asked him his views on human evolution, although I assume that he accepted it because he attended number of lectures on the subject. There are, however, a number of people who willingly accept evolution but draw the line when it comes to our own descent. They believe that we are too unique to have come from some other form of life. The evidence suggests otherwise.
N-Alkyl Interstitial Spacers and Terminal Pendants Influence the Alkaline Stability of Tetraalkylammonium Cations for Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Current performance targets for anion exchange membrane (AEM) fuel cells call for greater than 95% alkaline stability for 5000 h at temperatures of up to 120 °C. Using this target temperature of 120 °C, we provide an incisive 1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based alkaline degradation method to identify the degradation products of n-alkyl spacer tetraalkylammonium cations in various AEM polymers and small molecule analogues. The operative alkaline degradation mechanisms and rates on benzyltrimethylammonium-, n-alkyl interstitial spacer-, and n-alkyl terminal chain-cations are compared in several architectures. Our findings indicate that benzyltrimethylammonium and n-alkyl terminal pendant cations are significantly more labile than an n-alkyl interstitial spacer cation. Additionally, we found that the alkaline stability of an n-alkyl interstitial spacer cation is enhanced when it is combined with an n-alkyl terminal pendant. At 120 °C, an inverse trend was observed in the overall stability of AEM poly(styrene...
The Effects of Inspector Error on The Operation of a c-Chart

Abstract A model for inspector performance is developed which allows for the possibility that some defects are not observed. It is assumed that the number of defects per inspection unit is Poisson and each defect is missed with probability 1-p. The resulting distribution of observed defects is found to be Poisson with a different parameter. The implications of this model for the operation of a c-chart are discussed. It is shown that when more than one inspector is used, the operating characteristic curve for the chart will be flatter than under error-free inspection.
Low-Density Parity-Check Codes with DC Control

We propose a bit-flipping scheme of constructing low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes with DC control. The proposed scheme can achieve large coding gain by iterative soft decision decoding and good dc suppression.
Efficacy of natural pyrethrum mosquito coil against Culex pipiens pallens

Objective To observe the effi cacy of natural pyrethrum mosquito coil against Culex pipiens pallens by bi oassay.Methods Having experiment in lab according to GB3917.4 -92 and GB/T17322.4-1998,and according to GB 13917.8-92,GB/T17322.11- 1998 in mimic spot.Results In lab,the KT 50was 3.93 min .Mortality of 24 h was 82.5%.In mimic spot,the killing rate of 2 h was 100% and 24 h mortality was 80.4%.Conclusion Natural pyrethrum mos quito coil was safe for use.It had good efficacy and should be given broaden ap plication.
Interactive Living Space Design for Neo-Nomads: Anticipation Through Spatial Articulation

Recent advances in embedded computing technology of microchips and sensors have given rise to computer-mediated, human-centered interactions and emergent mobile lifestyles. Interactive system design driven by embedded computing collaborates with architectural design in the realm of habitable interactive architecture to generate and facilitate human interaction with built environment. However, the potential of interactive technology as a design means in the anticipatory spatial thinking of traditional architecture is still largely unexplored. This paper proposes design possibilities of an interactively modifiable living space that aims to accommodate evolving lifestyles of highly mobile, information age professionals, also referred to as neo-nomads. The proposed design investigates anticipatory dimensions of interactive technology in generating possible spatial articulations through human-space interaction to meet design goals.
Adjunctive radiofrequency ablation for the endoscopic treatment of ampullary lesions with intraductal extension (with video)

Background and study aims: Catheter-based radiofrequency ablation (RFA) delivered during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) may represent a viable treatment option for intraductal extension of ampullary neoplasms, however, clinical experience with this modality is limited. After ampullary resection, 4 patients with intraductal extension underwent adjunctive RFA of the distal bile duct. All patients received a temporary pancreatic stent to reduce the risk of pancreatitis, as well as a plastic biliary stent to prevent biliary obstruction. Three patients were treated for adenoma and 1 for adenoma with a focus of adenocarcinoma. During a short follow-up period, 3 patients experienced complete eradication of the target lesion, whereas the patient with a focus of adenocarcinoma had progression to overt invasive cancer. There were no immediate adverse events. One patient developed a post-RFA bile duct stricture, which has required additional endoscopic therapy. Catheter-based RFA of ampullary lesions that extend up the bile duct is technically feasible. Additional research is necessary to understand the risks and long-term benefits of this technique.
The Resource Curse Puzzle Across Four Waves of Work

While some countries have developed robust economies and high standards of living, along with stable and democratic political systems, others languish in poverty and are bedeviled by endemic corruption, authoritarianism, and violence. What explains this variation? The notion that there is a resource curse is perhaps the most counterintuitive and controversial hypothesis that has been tendered to address this question. Early work on the idea that oil and minerals doom countries to underdevelopment was largely inductive, building from observations made about Middle Eastern nations that experienced economic and political dysfunction in the face of bountiful resource endowments. The second wave includes authors who built stronger theories centered on the fiscal contract model of state building. The third wave saw scholars looking to establish the external validity of past claims about the resource curse using large-n data and statistical inference. Entries in the fourth wave share a strong focus on establishing causal inference. Within this set, a relatively recent group of scholars argues against the prevailing wisdom altogether. They cast doubt on the very existence of a resource curse.
Repeat Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Characteristics, Complications, and Renal Functional Outcomes.

Abstract Introduction: Multifocal and hereditary kidney cancers often require repeated ipsilateral nephron sparing procedures with higher blood loss and complication rates compared to first time renal surgery. Consequently, many surgeons avoid minimally invasive techniques in the setting. We present the characteristics, complications, and short-term renal functional outcomes of patients who underwent a repeat robotic partial nephrectomy (rRPNx). Materials and Methods: A database was retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomies between January 2007 and December 2013. Selection criteria for the rRPNx cohort included patients who had undergone at least two ipsilateral renal surgeries, with the second procedure being an rRPNx. All other patients comprised the initial robotic partial nephrectomy (iRPNx) group. Results: One hundred twenty-four patients who underwent robotic partial nephrectomy during the study period were identified. rRPNx constituted 26 (21%) of the...
Asynchronous recruitment dynamics of snowshoe hares and white spruce in a boreal forest

Abstract Herbivores have the capacity to modify plant community composition and ecosystem structure and function via browsing. For example, moose and snowshoe hare facilitate succession in Alaska’s boreal forest by preferentially browsing early successional species over late successional conifers. Snowshoe hares also eat conifers, including white spruce, and this browsing may affect the pattern of spruce establishment over time. We measured over 800 spruce at 18 locations along the Tanana River floodplain in interior Alaska, USA and demonstrated that the proportion of spruce browsed annually positively correlates with annual hare abundance. Nearly all seedlings sampled had been browsed. Further, we modeled the pattern of spruce establishment over the last 40 years and found that hare abundance, growing season temperature, early season snow depth, and flooding explain the majority of this pattern. This model demonstrated that less spruce established during periods of high hare abundance than during periods of low hare abundance. The extensive browsing of white spruce that occurs during periods of high hare abundance may further compound the negative effects of climate warming on spruce recruitment in these floodplain forests.
Absorption of Cu++ by long-term cultures of Dunaliella salina, D. tertiolecta, and D. viridis.

By means of atomic absorption analysis, the authors measured the effect of salinity on the absorption of copper. They used long term cultures of Dunaliella in order to determine if alterations in plasmalemma permeability occur as a result of adaptation to different osmotic conditions. Since copper appears to affect the mechanisms involved in osmotic resistance with Dunaliella, they hoped to elucidate some of the characteristics of permeability.
Body shape variation within the Southern Cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus (Percopsiformes: Amblyopsidae)

The Southern Cavefish, Typhlichthys subterraneus Girard 1859, is one of the most fascinating stygobionts of the Amblyopsidae because of its undescribed diversity. Previous molecular analysis suggests the presence of at least ten distinct lineages in the Southeastern United States. Morphological variation for this group has not been quantified previous to this study. We quantified differences in body shape within the Southern Cavefish utilizing landmark-based geometric morphometrics. We found significant allometry of body shape (Relative Warps) across all putative lineages. We then performed an allometric correction to develop a size-independent morphospace. Principal components analysis indicated that the major axes of size-independent shape explained variation in relative head length to predorsal length, as well as head size and shape in both lateral and dorsal views. We examined if morphological variation corresponded to putative genetic lineages and three geographic variables (aquifer, HUC subregion, and ecoregion). We found shape differences among groups within some variables, but generally, body shape variation was not well explained by these variables. Instead, the dramatic body shape diversity among individuals was explained by ontogeny. Poor agreement between morphology and lineages, as well as multiple geographic variables may be explained by convergent evolution of cave-adapted morphologies or cryptic morphology (i.e., no morphological characters to define diversity).
Abstract TP404: Transforming From a Primary Stroke Center to a Comprehensive Stroke Center

Background: St. Luke’s Baptist Hospital (SLBH) received certification as a Primary Stroke Center (PSC) in 2009. In 2015 a plan to achieve Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) certification was develop...
Chapter Three – Threonine Aldolases

Threonine aldolases catalyze the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent condensation between small amino acids (principally glycine) and aldehydes such as acetaldehyde. Carbon–carbon bond formation involves forming two adjacent chiral centers. As a rule, threonine aldolases are very stereoselective for α-carbon configuration but show modest selectivity at the β-carbon. On the other hand, these enzymes accept a wide variety of synthetically useful acceptor aldehydes, making them important additions to the synthetic toolkit. This review briefly summarizes the reaction mechanism and then lists all published synthetic reactions by threonine aldolases as of early 2014. The current state of the art in crystallographic and protein engineering studies of these enzymes is also presented.
The influence of particle shape on the results of the electrical sensing zone method as explained by the particle intrinsic conductivity

Abstract The electrical sensing zone (ESZ) particle counting method has been in use for decades. It records a change in resistance when a particle flows in a conducting fluid from a large reservoir through a narrow aperture into another reservoir, where the flow direction is aligned with an applied electric field and the particle is assumed to be much less conductive than the fluid. The measured resistance of the entire system goes through a peak as the particle flows through the aperture, at the center of the aperture, and the height of the peak is assumed to be a measure of particle volume. In this paper, the sensitivity of the ESZ particle counting method is shown to be directly related to the particle intrinsic conductivity, which depends only on particle shape and conductivity relative to the matrix fluid. The intrinsic conductivity is the main parameter that influences the change in conductivity, in the dilute limit, when a particle is added to a conducting matrix. A simple finite element model of an ESZ particle counter, built from cubic voxels, along with a sphere (calibration particle), cube, and ellipsoid of equal volumes, are used to show how particle shape affects the ESZ result. Even though the specific counter geometry can affect the resistance seen, it is shown that the intrinsic conductivity still explains the main influence on the resistance results in these numerical experiments, within certain geometric bounds. Finally, if the particle and fluid conductivity are close to each other, the measurement errors caused by particle shapes that are different from the calibration particle can be in principle be largely eliminated by exploiting the shape-independence of the intrinsic conductivity near this condition, which is analytically known.
Preface for Special Edition Pancreas Cancer.

Dr. Zheng and I are delighted to introduce the second part of a two-part series on pancreas cancer in the Chinese Clinical Oncology Journal , which updates us on a diverse series of topics in this disease. Pancreas cancer is gaining increasing prominence due to the rising incidence and relatively intransigent mortality rates. Nonetheless, there are major improvements in our understanding of the pathophysiology, genomic underpinnings and other critical aspects of this disease.
The ℓ ∞ -Cophenetic Metric for Phylogenetic Trees as an Interleaving Distance.

There are many metrics available to compare phylogenetic trees since this is a fundamental task in computational biology. In this paper, we focus on one such metric, the l∞-cophenetic metric introduced by Cardona et al. This metric works by representing a phylogenetic tree with n labeled leaves as a point in \(\mathbb {R}^{n(n+1)/2}\) known as the cophenetic vector, then comparing the two resulting Euclidean points using the l∞ distance. Meanwhile, the interleaving distance is a formal categorical construction generalized from the definition of Chazal et al., originally introduced to compare persistence modules arising from the field of topological data analysis. We show that the l∞-cophenetic metric is an example of an interleaving distance. To do this, we define phylogenetic trees as a category of merge trees with some additional structure, namely, labelings on the leaves plus a requirement that morphisms respect these labels. Then we can use the definition of a flow on this category to give an interleaving distance. Finally, we show that, because of the additional structure given by the categories defined, the map sending a labeled merge tree to the cophenetic vector is, in fact, an isometric embedding, thus proving that the l∞-cophenetic metric is an interleaving distance.
Testing an Intervention for Recognizing and Reporting Subtle Gender Bias in Promotion and Tenure Decisions

Women make up the majority of doctoral degree earners yet remain underrepresented in tenure-track positions within the academy. Gender disparities result in part from the accumulation of subtle, ty...
Four-extremity venous duplex ultrasound for suspected deep venous thrombosis is an anachronism.

Abstract Background Duplex ultrasound is the “gold standard” for diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) because of its high specificity, sensitivity, safety, and portability. However, unnecessary testing epitomizes inefficient use of scarce health care resources. Here we hypothesize that the majority of simultaneous four-extremity duplex ultrasound (FED) examinations are unnecessary. By analyzing clinical factors of patients with acute DVT found on FED, we aimed to identify a subset of high-risk patients who may have a valid indication for four-extremity testing. Methods We retrospectively reviewed all venous duplex ultrasound examinations performed in our Intersocietal Accreditation Commission-accredited vascular laboratory from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016. Patients with duplex ultrasound scans of all four limbs were included. DVT risk factors and indication for duplex ultrasound examination were recorded. The primary outcome was finding of acute DVT. Results There were 188 patients who met our search criteria, of whom 31 patients (16.5%) had acute DVT (11 upper extremity, 16 lower extremity, and 4 upper and lower extremity). Fever of unknown origin (FUO) was the main indication for requesting FED (53.7%). Patients who underwent FED for FUO had a significantly lower likelihood of DVT (odds ratio, 0.21; P = .01). DVT was rarely the proximate cause ( Conclusions FED for FUO is inefficient, given that DVT was rarely the proximate cause of fever. Acute upper extremity DVT was found only in patients with an upper extremity CVC, demonstrating that patients without upper extremity CVC do not benefit from upper extremity duplex ultrasound examination. Upper extremity DVT is usually line associated and dependent on the number of cumulative risk factors present, suggesting that only the extremity associated with the CVC in the right clinical context should be imaged. Lower extremity DVT is also dependent on the number of cumulative risk factors present, and testing should be reserved for patients according to the clinical context. Our results indicate that a restrictive strategy can reduce testing inefficiency and health care cost without compromising patients' safety.
Insta-Politicos: Motivations for Following Political Leaders on Instagram:

This study expands uses and gratifications research into the area of political Instagram use. A survey shows the motives for following political leaders on the social media platform and how followe...
Enhancing Therapist Courage and Clinical Acuity for Advancing Clinical Practice

Conventional psychotherapy approaches are currently contending with a prospective client market that is increasingly receptive to intuitive healers, tarot card readers, and extrasensory perception ...
Effects of fertilizer timing and variable rate N on nitrate–N losses from a tile drained corn-soybean rotation simulated using DRAINMOD-NII

Nitrogen (N) from farm fields is a source of pollution to fresh and marine waters. Modifying N fertilizer application rate and timing to consider the spatial and temporal variability in plant N requirements could reduce N losses from farmlands, resulting in improvements to surface water quality. In this study, the field-scale hydrologic and N simulation model DRAINMOD-NII was used to predict nitrate–N losses from fields planted in a corn-soybean rotation at Waseca, Minnesota, USA, over a 15-year period (2003–2017) for two fertilizer application treatments. The N fertilizer treatments simulated included a single uniform fertilizer application in the spring before planting and a variable rate N practice (VRN) where fertilizer was applied as a split pre-plant, side-dress application, based on in-season monitoring of plant N requirements to determine fertilizer rate. Measured discharge (2003–2008) and nitrate–N concentrations in subsurface drainage (2003–2008 and 2016–2017) at the site were used to calibrate discharge and nitrate–N losses in model simulations and validate model performance for uniform vs VRN fertilizer management. Measured nitrate–N concentrations in weekly samples were 13% lower for fields utilizing VRN versus a single spring application in 2016, and 18% lower in 2017. Model predictions of nitrate concentrations based on daily predictions of discharge accurately matched observed data for these years, predicting reductions of 23% and 19% for the years 2016 and 2017, respectively. The results of model simulation for the 15-year period indicated that changing the timing of fertilizer application from a single application to a VRN application could reduce annual N loads lost in drainage by 40%.
Indigenous methodology: An ethical systems approach to arts based work with Native communities in the U.S.

Abstract Given the context of colonialism, genocide and racism that surrounds Native communities in the U.S., this author suggests that arts-based practitioners consider an Indigenous methodology as an ethical and culturally respectful approach to the needs of Native people. In this article, the author describes Indigenous methodology, which includes a regard for Native sovereignty and critical analysis of systems that may still cause harm in Native community. The author also discusses excerpts and outcomes from applying an Indigenous methodology in collaboration with Native community along with further ethical considerations.
Abstract 3767: Characterization of the protumorigenic role of MSLN in peritoneal metastases in pancreatic cancer

Peritoneal metastases develop in 70-80% of nonresectable patients with pancreatic cancer, and the onset of clinically significant ascites is associated with rapid demise. Mesothelin (MSLN) is a GPI-linked cell-surface glycoprotein expressed in >90% of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) but not in healthy pancreas nor in the parenchyma of other vital organs. Due to this differential expression, multiple therapeutics targeting MSLN have already reached clinic. Overexpression of MSLN has been implicated in increased aggressiveness of PDAC, both in laboratory models and in patients. Here, we have used CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to delete MSLN from the KLM-1 pancreatic cancer cell line (MSLN KO) and have examined the growth of these cells in culture and in nude mice compared to mock deleted cells (WT). The cells were also transduced to express GFP/Luciferase(Luc) in order to allow for monitoring of tumor by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) in the mouse intraperitoneal (IP) cavity. MSLN KO and WT cells grew at the same rate in culture and as subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice. But when cells were inoculated IP, KO cells grew poorly compared to WT cells or did not grow at all. When MSLN KO cells grew, visible tumors were located primarily at the inoculation site. In contrast, WT cells grew extensive metastases throughout the IP cavity. GFP/Luc+ tumor cells adhered to the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum could be detected by BLI and histology as early as 24h post IP injections. By 72h, the MSLN KO tumors had significantly decreased microvascular density as determined by CD31 staining, lower metastatic dissemination and growth as detected by BLI and HE 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3767.
Life course violence: child maltreatment, IPV, and elder abuse phenotypes in a US Chinese population

OBJECTIVES To examine the associations between violence experiences including phenotypes (psychological, physical/sexual abuse, financial exploitation, caregiver neglect) of child maltreatment (CM), intimate partner violence (IPV), and elder abuse (EA). DESIGN Cross-sectional data collected during 2011-2013. SETTING US Chinese community in Chicago, Illinois. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3157 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥60 y). MEASUREMENTS Cases of CM, IPV, and EA. RESULTS Prevalence of violence was 11.4% for CM (physical/sexual = 10.2%; psychological = 2.4%), 6.5% for IPV (psychological = 5.3%; physical/sexual = 2.8%), and 15.2% for EA (caregiver neglect = 11.2%; psychological = 9.8%; financial exploitation = 9.3%; physical/sexual = 1.2%). After adjusting for potential confounding variables, CM psychological was associated with increased risks for IPV psychological (odds ratio [OR] = 7.60; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.29-13.45), IPV physical/sexual (OR = 4.06; CI = 1.71-9.63), EA psychological (OR = 3.79; 95% CI = 2.20-6.51), and EA financial exploitation (OR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.12-3.81). CM physical/sexual was associated with increased risks for IPV physical/sexual (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.02-3.38), EA psychological (OR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.20-2.42), and EA financial exploitation (OR = 2.38; 95% CI = 1.72-3.30). IPV psychological and physical/sexual were associated with 5 to 8 times increased risks for EA psychological, 6 to 9 times increased risks for EA physical/sexual, and 3 times increased risks for EA financial exploitation. CONCLUSION Healthcare professionals working with older adults should be informed that a history of violence might further predispose a person to different types of EA. The cumulative impact of violence should also be considered when providing services or care to violence victims. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:S486-S492, 2019.
Finite-Dimensional Characteristic Functions, Pdfs and Cdfs Based on the Dirac Distribution

Transport pdes for characteristic functions, Pdfs and Cdfs (LMN hierarchy) can be obtained inductively without recourse to the machinery of characteristic functionals using the notions of step function and its distributional derivative called the Dirac pseudo-function (Novikov [1], Lundgren, [2], Kollmann [3], Pope [4], Fox [5]). The pdes in the spatial description for the Cdf and Pdf are derived in the present chapter for turbulent flows of an incompressible fluid plus passive scalars to analyse to role of convection, molecular transport and the pressure.