cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cu-promoted intramolecular hydroxylation of CH bonds using directing groups with varying denticity.

Abstract In this research article, we describe the Cu-promoted intramolecular hydroxylation of sp2 and sp3 C H bonds using directing groups with varying denticity (bi-, tri- and tetradentate) and natural oxidants (O2 and H2O2). We found that bidentate directing groups, in combination with Cu and H2O2, led to high hydroxylation yields. On the other hand, tetradentate directing groups did not form the hydroxylation products. Our mechanistic investigations suggest that bidentate directing groups allow for generating reactive mononuclear copper(II) hydroperoxide intermediates while tetradentate systems form dinuclear Cu2O2 species that do not oxidize C H bonds. Our findings might shed light on the reaction mechanism(s) by which Cu-dependent metalloenzymes such as particulate methane monooxygenase or lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase oxidize strong C H bonds.
Being Moved: Motion and Emotion in Classical Antiquity and Today:

Efforts to identify in the expression “being moved” a new emotion have found a hospitable environment in the recent turn to the body in emotion and cognitive studies, exemplified herein affect theo...
Neural Networks Enforcing Physical Symmetries in Nonlinear Dynamical Lattices: The Case Example of the Ablowitz-Ladik Model

In this work we introduce symmetry-preserving, physics-informed neural networks (S-PINNs) motivated by symmetries that are ubiquitous to solutions of nonlinear dynamical lattices. Although the use of PINNs have recently attracted much attention in data-driven discovery of solutions chiefly to partial differential equations, we demonstrate that they fail at enforcing important physical laws including symmetries of solutions and conservation laws. Through the correlation of parity symmetries in both space and time of solutions to differential equations with their group equivariant representation, we construct group-equivariant NNs which respect spatio-temporal parity symmetry. Moreover, we adapt the proposed architecture to enforce different types of periodicity (or localization) of solutions to nonlinear dynamical lattices. We do so by applying S-PINNs to the completely integrable Ablowitz-Ladik model, and performing numerical experiments with a special focus on waveforms that are related to rogue structures. These include the Kuznetsov-Ma soliton, and Akhmediev breather as well as the Peregrine soliton. Our numerical results demonstrate the superiority and robustness of the proposed architecture over standard PINNs.
Temozolomide Rechallenge in Patients With Recurrent High-Grade Glioma Treated With Re-Irradiation

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) To evaluate the clinical role of temozolomide rechallenge (TMZ) in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma (HGG) treated with re-irradiation (re-RT) regardless of surgical status. MATERIALS/METHODS Single-center retrospective review of patients with a primary diagnosis of World Health Organization (WHO) Grade III anaplastic astrocytoma or Grade IV GBM treated from 2008 to 2016 for disease recurrence with re-RT (35 Gy in 10 fractions) with and without temozolomide rechallenge. Baseline characteristics were analyzed with pairwise tests. OS/PFS were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable cox regression models for OS. RESULTS Two hundred and thirty patients were treated with re-irradiation (n = 67 with and n = 163 without concurrent TMZ), with a median follow-up of 13.4 months. Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. TMZ rechallenge did not improve OS (HR 0.81 [0.51-1.3] P = 0.39). Univariate regression analysis showed that higher KPS both at diagnosis and recurrence correlated with improved survival, whereas increasing histology grade of initial and recurrent disease and volume of recurrence were correlated with worse OS. Multivariate regression analysis showed primary tumor location to be a significant predictor of OS (P = 0.004) with occipital lobe lesions (P < 0.001) and in-field recurrence (P < 0.001) to be most favorably correlated with OS. CONCLUSION TMZ rechallenge in patients with recurrent HGG treated with re-irradiation offered no survival benefit. Our findings suggest that patient selection may be important in TMZ rechallenge. Further studies in identifying this group of patients are warranted. AUTHOR DISCLOSURE M.M. Basree: None. A. Ali: None. S. Garg: None. J. Glass: None. L. Kim: None. C. Farrell: None. J. Evans: None. K. Judy: None. D.W. Andrews: None. W. Shi: Independent Contractor; Wenyin Shi. Research Grant; Novocure, Brainlab, Regeneron. Consultant; Varian, Brainlab, Zai lab. M. Werner-Wasik: Advisory Board; ASTRA Zeneca. Stock; Illumina. leading operations of the committee; NRG Oncology. J.D. Palmer: Research Grant; Varian Medical Systems, The Kroger Company. Consultant; Huron Consulting. Speaker's Bureau; Varian Medical Systems, Depuy Synthes. Advisory Board; Novocure. Member of panel; NCCN.
Comparison of bacteriologic culture results for skin wound swabs and skin wound biopsy specimens.

OBJECTIVE To compare bacteriologic culture results for superficial swab and tissue biopsy specimens obtained from dogs with open skin wounds. ANIMALS 52 client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES For each dog, 1 wound underwent routine preparation prior to collection of 2 specimens, 1 by superficial swab (Levine) technique and 1 by tissue biopsy. Specimens were processed for bacteriologic culture. Two observers determined whether any detected difference in culture results for the 2 types of specimen would have resulted in differing treatment plans. RESULTS Culture results of swab and tissue biopsy specimens were identical in 11/52 (21.2%) cases. Tissue biopsy specimen and swab cultures yielded positive results for 44 (84.6%) and 40 (76.9%) wounds, respectively. With regard to mean recovery rates of bacteria from wounds with positive culture results, both the biopsy specimens and swabs yielded 3.4 bacterial species/wound. All wounds for which swab cultures yielded no growth also had negative culture results for biopsy specimens. Biopsy specimen and swab culture results were in agreement with regard to the most common bacteria cultured. In 7/52 (13%) wounds, the observers would have treated the patient differently on the basis of the results of the 2 cultures. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that culture of a swab collected by the Levine technique is an appropriate noninvasive alternative to culture of a tissue biopsy specimen. A negative result obtained from culture of a swab is likely to be reliable. Disagreement between the results of swab and tissue biopsy specimen cultures is likely of low clinical importance.
A Cohort-Based Data Structure Design for Analyzing Crash Risk Using Naturalistic Driving Data

Although naturalistic driving studies (NDS) have become more prevalent in recent years, many challenges remain in analyzing the data. One challenge is inclusion of exposure in modeling crash risk. While this is a potential strength of NDS, comparatively few studies have emphasized exposure-based analyses. A second challenge is the formulation of analysis methods that include driver attributes, event attributes, and driving environment in a structured formulation. A third challenge is the formulation of baseline hazard to frequently accompany the identification of NDS "events" (e.g. crashes, near crashes and/or safety critical events). This paper reports on a cohort-based data structure design to address these three challenges. Collision warning alert frequency data from University of Michigan Transportation Institute (UMTRI)’s Roadway Departure and Curve Warning System (RDCW) Field Operation Test (FOT) are used to demonstrate this approach. The paper concludes with a discussion of applications which include crash and other NDS-observed events, including potential applications to road safety management through the development of enhanced safety performance functions.
Chapter 17 Mesoderm Induction

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses mesoderm induction. Perturbation of known signal systems may provide information on the intermediate steps in mesoderm induction pathways. Regulation of gene expression is a major consequence of induction; studies of early response genes and of the control of expression of tissue-specific genes indicate directions that will continue to yield useful results. An early response to induction is a change in cell shape and adhesiveness, followed by tissue deformation. These observations suggest that studies on cell adhesion molecules and, possibly, cytoskeletal components during induction are likely to be illuminating. It is noted that mesoderm-inducing factor (MIF) from chick embryos, named vegetalizing factor, has long been reported to induce endoderm in addition to mesoderm. The chapter also describes MIFs. Several members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family have mesoderm inducing activity, with bFGF, aFGF, and kFGF having similar potency, whereas the distantly related int-2 product is less effective.
On-line FFT faradaic admittance measurements: An application of broadband admittance spectral data to more unambiguous characterization of quasi-reversible systems

Abstract Frequency domain rate laws for the quasi-reversible faradaic process with nernstian d.c. behavior reduce to an algebraically simple high frequency limiting law for the faradaic admittance peak potential and magnitude. This result has been infrequently exploited because of experimental difficulties with obtaining accurate data at sufficiently high frequencies to obtain this limiting condition. However, on-line computerized FFT faradaic admittance measurement techniques now enable convenient, automated broadband data collection which encompasses the high frequency limit for all but the most facile electrode reactions. It is shown that results from the low and high frequency regions of the faradaic admittance spectrum yield consistent results with several known quasi-reversible systems. A procedure is recommended which makes use of the broadband data to permit two independent assays of the rate parameters, one from conventional phase angle cotangent analysis at low and moderate frequencies, and one from the high frequency limiting behavior. Consistent results from the two approaches imply greater certainty in mechanism and rate parameter evaluation than the routine methods which invoke a truncated examination of the response spectrum.
Inactivation of ethanolamine ammonia-lyase by 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid): Further evidence for the involvement of sulfhydryl groups in adenosylcobalamin-dependent rearrangements

Treatment of the adenosylcobalamin-requiring enzyme ethanolamine ammonia-lyase (EC 4.3.1.7) with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (Nbs2) discloses three classes of -SH groups: a rapidly reacting class (2 -SH groups/enzyme molecule), a slowly reacting class (6 -SH groups/molecule) and a class which does not react unless the enzyme is denatured (7 -SH groups/molecule (Kaplan, B.H. and Stadtman, E.R. (1968) J. Biol. Chem. 243, 1794)). The enzyme is inactivated by Nbs2 at a rate similar to the rate at which Nbs2 reacts with the slowly reacting class of -SH groups. Inactivation of the enzyme is retarded by adenosylcobalamin but not by ethanolamine. Once inactivated, the enzyme cannot be reactivated with mercaptoethanol. These observations provide further evidence for the importance of -SH groups in catalysis by adenosylcobalamin-requiring enzymes.
Helicobacter pylori and gastric adenocarcinoma

Gastric cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. A large body of evidence supports a causal role of Helicobacter pylori in the majority of gastric malignancies. Great strides have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of this relationship, but much remains to be learned. Moreover, because of the high prevalence of infection, the lack of definitive trials, and the challenges of H. pylori treatment, there remains no consensus on the role of routine screening and treatment of this infection to prevent cancer. This article reviews the current knowledge on H. pylori and gastric cancer and presents some of the clinical and public health challenges associated with this pathogen.
Plutonium Silicate Alteration Phases Produced by Aqueous Corrosion of Borosilicate Glass

Borosilicate glasses loaded with {approx}10 wt % plutonium were found to produce plutonium-silicate alteration phases upon aqueous corrosion under a range of conditions. The phases observed were generally rich in lanthanide (Ln) elements and were related to the lanthanide orthosilicate phases of the monoclinic Ln{sub 2}SiO{sub 5} type. The composition of the phases was variable regarding [Ln]/[Pu] ratio, depending upon type of corrosion test and on the location within the alteration layer. The formation of these phases likely has implications for the incorporation of plutonium into silicate alteration phases during corrosion of titanate ceramics, high-level waste glasses, and spent nuclear fuel.
A Singing Citizenry: Popular Music and Civil Religion in America

American popular music, politics, and religion have all, in some combination, inspired thorough research. However, there has been little investigative effort regarding the important co-relationships among the three areas. One convenient site for such study is located in the idea of civil religion, where faith and patriotism converge—as Robert Bellah wrote in 1967—in a cultural network of “beliefs, symbols, and rituals.” This essay offers a contextual examination of two popular patriotic songs in relation to the dynamic state of civil religion from World War II to the Iraq War, from Tin Pan Alley to American Idol. Behind the endurance of songs like “God Bless America” and “God Bless the U.S.A.” lies a relentless need to define Americanness in civil-religious terms. And as the nation, and the nation-state, are reshaped in the currents of globalization, appreciation of these songs contributes to the crucial understanding of why America sings.
Chromosome 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Associated with Sclerocornea

Sclerocornea Gil Binenbaum, Brian J. Forbes, Donna M. McDonald-McGinn, William V Anninger; Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA Introduction: The chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome encompasses disorders previously called DiGeorge Syndrome (DGS) (85% have the deletion), velocardiofacial syndrome (VCFS) (100% have the deletion), Takao (conotruncal-anomaly-face) syndrome, and CATCH syndrome. Clinically, 22q11.2 deletion is characterized by congenital heart anomalies, thymus and parathyroid hypoplasia with T-cell deficiency and hypocalcemia, palatal abnormalities, characteristic facial dysmorphisms, and learning difficulties. We present six 22q11.2 patients with sclerocornea, a finding previously unreported in the literature. Methods: Multicenter case series. Results: Four boys and two girls were identified with sclerocornea, systemic DGS/VCFS findings, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)-confirmed microdeletion at chromosome 22q11.2. FISH diagnosis was perinatal in five cases but at 2 years of age in one child. Sclerocornea was bilateral in five patients. Findings included descemetocele (five eyes), microophthalmos (one eye), iridocorneal adhesions (one bilateral case), and severe anterior segment dysgenesis (one eye). Two patients underwent bilateral penetrating keratoplasty (PKP); a third was scheduled for unilateral PKP. Follow-up ranged from 2 to 30 months. Discussion: Reported ocular findings in 22q11.2 deletion have included posterior embryotoxon, retinal vascular tortuosity, eyelid hooding, strabismus, and astigmatism. Sclerocornea is a novel finding; it suggests that a genetic locus at 22q11.2 may be involved in anterior segment embryogenesis. In most of our cases, the diagnostic process was underway, but in one patient 22q11.2 deletion was not suspected until after the child had already been undergoing treatment for sclerocornea for 2 years. Conclusions: Sclerocornea should be added to the clinical manifestations of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Ophthalmologists diagnosing sclerocornea in children with systemic findings suggestive of 22q11.2 deletion should ensure appropriate genetic referral.
Effect of cold pressor stimulation on plasma norepinephrine, dopamine-β-hydroxylase, and renin activity

Abstract Changes in plasma levels of norepinephrine, dopamine-β-hydroxylase (DβH), and renin activity were observed in nine healthy volunteers during cold pressor stimulation. Increases in mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate during cold stimulation were accompanied by a sharp rise in plasma norepinephrine, while plasma DβH and renin activity showed little or no change. The results indicate that plasma norepinephrine accurately reflects acute activation of the sympathetic nervous system in contrast to plasma DβH and renin activity.
Optimization studies of self-sensing composites

The demand for real-time or in situ structural health monitoring has stimulated efforts to integrate self and environmental sensing capabilities into structural composite materials. Essential to the application of smart composites is the issue of the mechanical coupling of the sensor to the host material. In this study various methods of embedding sensors within the host composite material are examined. Quasi-static three-point bending (short beam) and fatigue three-point bending (short beam) tests are conducted in order to characterize the effects of introducing the sensors or suitable simulated sensors. The sensors that are examined include simulated sensors in the form of chip resistors with the original packaging geometry and thin film sensors (PVDF). The sensors are integrated into the composite either by placement between the layers of prepreg or by placement within precision punched cut-outs of the prepreg material. Thus, through these tests we determine the technique that optimizes the mechanical properties of the host composite material.
Anticoagulant therapy in children with prosthetic valves

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and complications of several types of anticoagulant therapy in children with prosthetic valves. During a 7-year period ending April 1985, 130 children aged 1 to 19 years underwent left-sided valve replacement. Operative mortality was 3%, 5%, and 9%, respectively, for aortic, mitral, and aortic and mitral valve replacement. Among the 123 survivors, 32 (26%) had had aortic, 71 (58%) had had mitral, and 20 (16%) had had aortic and mitral valve replacement. Follow-up ranged from 2 months to 8.2 years, a total of 544 patient-years. The survivors were divided into three groups based on anticoagulant treatment: warfarin sodium, aspirin plus dipyridamole, and no anticoagulants. Among the patients who had aortic valve replacement, thromboembolic complications developed in 2.5% (2.5/100 patient-years) of the aspirin plus dipyridamole group and 5% of the group given no anticoagulants. Only the warfarin group (4%) experienced bleeding complications. Among the patients having mitral valve replacement, thromboembolic complications developed in 4% of the warfarin group, 3% of the aspirin plus dipyridamole group, and 11% of the no anticoagulant group. In addition, 2% of patients in the warfarin group experienced severe bleeding. Two fatal cerebrovascular accidents occurred, both in the aspirin plus dipyridamole group. Patients who received a mitral heterograft were not prescribed any anticoagulant medications, and no thromboembolic complications developed. Among patients having double-valve replacement, complications developed in 5% of the warfarin group and 27% of the group given no anticoagulants.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Autosomal Recessive Pericentral Pigmentary Retinopathy

A brother and sister, born to consanguineous parents, had pigmentary retinopathy in a pericentral distribution. The retinopathy was noted in infancy when the siblings were examined for strabismus. The optic disks, maculae, and retinal vessels were normal. There was mild reduction in amplitude of both scotopic and photopic electroretinographic responses. Both patients had moderate hyperopic astigmatism and esotropia. The fundus and visual acuity remained unchanged over periods of nine and 13 years in the brother and sister, respectively. Results of ocular examinations on the father, mother, and an older sister were normal. These findings support an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in this family with pericentral pigmentary retinopathy.
Pickleworm: effect of temperature on development, fecundity, and survival.

The durations of the egg, pupal, and larval stages of the pickleworm, Diaphania nitidalis (Stoll), were determined at 8 temperatures. Survival at all stages declined at temperatures >29.4°C. Pickleworm pupae were sensitive to cold; LD 50's at 4.4°, −1.0°, and −6.7°C were 134.9, 6.0, and 1.3 h, respectively. Mean fecundity ranged from 300 – 400 eggs at 26.7° and 21.1° to only 83.2 eggs at 32.2°C.
Mixing and matching: Prospective financial sector mergers and market valuation

Abstract Which types of mergers are likely to be most productive for banks and other financial firms in the US? From a management perspective, mixing disparate firms may be difficult, but may offer significant gains from diversification. The opposite applies to matching similar firms. This paper considers life insurance, property and casualty insurance, securities, and commercial firms as potential matches for banks. It examines a measure of diversification gains from potential consolidation, based on option pricing, and a model of the “building blocks” of the industries, based on arbitrage pricing theory. The results identify potential diversification gains from virtually all combinations involving banking and insurance, which arise because common factors are combined in different ways and because insurance is already well diversified.
The Use of Force Sensing Resistors in Ergonomic Tool Design

With more leisure time and greater reliance on the fix-it-yourself approach, more and more people, will be using hand tools. The proper ergonomic design, as related to grip force exerted and fatigue generated, is an important consideration for these tools. To measure grip force distribution, Force Sensing Resistors were calibrated appropriately, placed on two different grip type (wood and foam) and interfaced to a personal computer. Results of a lopping task, indicated a very uneven distribution in grip pressure. In all cases, grip force decreased with time while forearm flexor muscle EMG increased with time, indicating fatigue buildup. Forearm EMG for the foam grip was significantly lower than for the wooden grip. Most subjects also strongly preferred the foam grip.
Complete basis set ab initio computational study of ionization potential, electron affinity and the C-F bond dissociation energy for perfluorinated methane derivatives

A computational study of perfluorinated methane derivatives was performed with complete basis set ab initio methods. The total energies for their neutral, cation, and anionic states were computed. From these values, the energy gaps between different electronic states, ionization potentials, electron affinities, and C-F bond dissociation energies were calculated. The computed values are compared with experimental data and the reliability of complete basis set ab initio methods is discussed. New values for C-F bond dissociation energies are suggested.
Kinetics of thermal depolymerization of trimethylsiloxy end-blocked polydimethylsiloxane and polydimethylsiloxane-N-phenylsilazane copolymer

Abstract The thermal degradation of Me3SiO end-blocked polydimethylsiloxane (eb-PDMS) and polydimethylsiloxane-N-phenylsilazane (eb-PDMS-NPhSz) copolymer was studied. For both polymers, relative degree of polymerization( DP / DP 0 ) as a function of conversion (C = 1 − W/W0) data were obtained. For eb-PDMS with three different molecular weights, the results were consistent with a mechanism involving a rate-determining random siloxane bond cleavage initiation step followed by a rapid and complete depropagation of the active fragments evolving volatile cyclic oligomers. Rate constants for initiation were obtained at four temperatures from plots of DP −1 vs. time for eb-PDMS of M n = 6.83 × 10 4 . An Arrhenius activation energy of ∼ and is consistent with a SiOSi scission transition state. The degradation of eb-PDMS-NPhSz appears to follow the same depolymerization process evolving cyclic oligomers. Although DP / DP 0 vs. C data suggest a random cleavage-complete depolymerization mechanism, an Arrhenius plot suggests a more complex degradation mechanism. The role of impurities as degradation catalysts is discussed.
Anomalous amide I infrared absorption of purple membrane

Infrared absorption of purple membrane reveals an amide I frequency that falls outside the range normally found for alpha helices. This may indicate along with x-ray diffraction the existence of bacteriorhodopsin alpha helices with unusual structure.
Trimming the fat: obesity and hematopoietic cell transplantation

Obesity, increasing worldwide, is common in patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This complex physiological state may alter the outcome of cancer therapies by many mechanisms including direct effects on pathogenesis, host responses to disease and altered pharmacology of chemotherapy. Obesity has been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes. Reports of obese patients undergoing HCT are challenging to interpret because of the heterogeneity of obesity definitions, underlying diseases, graft sources and chemotherapy regimens employed. Compared with normal-weight patients, it appears that obese patients undergoing allogeneic HCT have a higher risk of non-relapse mortality and inferior survival whereas those receiving autologous HCT appear to have equivalent outcomes. These findings are also difficult to interpret because there is no consistent standard for calculating chemotherapy dose in this group and future studies on specific regimens in this population are urgently needed. Patients who have undergone bariatric surgery may be at risk for unexpected events because of impaired nutritional state and altered pharmacokinetics of oral drugs. We recommend that future studies utilize more consistent and biologically relevant definitions of obesity and that the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of specific conditioning regimens be studied. Until more evidence is available, a rationale is presented for dosing based on adjusted body weight. Moreover, recommendations are provided to guide future research efforts based on more definitive measurements of body fat and its distribution available through modern quantitative imaging techniques using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry or magnetic resonance imaging scanning.
Doctrine of Scripture in Lutheran Theology—Its Missional Thrust: A Response to Lamin Sanneh's Hein-Fry Lecture 20081

Abstract: In this article, I argue that Lutheran doctrine of Scripture is rooted in a christological centre, a centre that is coherent with Lamin Sanneh's thesis that the missionary experience must encompass both the work of the missionary who comes from ‘outside’ and, more especially, the reflections of the ‘indigenous’ peoples on Scripture in its witness to God's coming in Jesus Christ. This essential mutuality of ‘receiving’ and ‘giving’ in reading Scripture christologically undercuts imperial biblical hermeneutical practices that privilege certain cultures, languages, ethnic, racial, and class groupings as bearers of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reply [to “Comment on ‘Sea level rise shown to drive coastal erosion’”]

We pointed out in our paper that the two-dimensional Bruun model of beach erosion is controversial; the intensity of the controversy is amply illustrated by the responses printed in this Forum section of Eos. For example, at one end of the spectrum, Cyril Galvin derides beach erosion caused by sea-level rise as an article of faith, if not fact, while Pilkey et al. state that it is intuitive that sea-level rise is the primary factor causing shoreline retreat. Pilkey et al. assert that we erred in confining our attention to the active beach profile rather than to the much flatter coastal plain. They claim that …we should expect rates of shoreline recession 10,000 times the rate of sea-level rise through simple innundation of the shoreline. We merely point out the obvious; such dramatic beach retreat has not occurred in the last 100 years, during which relative sea level has risen 20–40 cm along the U.S. east coast. In contrast to the Pilkey et al. assertions, we know of no U.S. barrier beaches that have retreated 2,000–4,000 m in the past century; we have the historical maps, and even crude comparisons show nothing approaching this magnitude of change! Many barrier beaches (for example, Nauset Spit, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Ocean City, Maryland) are only a thousand meters wide or less and would have long eroded away or been sitting on the mainland shore if this were even close to being true.
The Transition to a Market Economy: Pitfalls of Partial Reform

We present a theory of a partial economic reform of a planned economy, similar to the one that took place in Russia since 1988 and in China earlier. In such a reform, some markets are liberalized in the sense that producers can sell output to whomever they want, including private firms, at free prices, but at the same time must sell to state firms at state prices. We show that such a reform can result in a substantial diversion of subsidized inputs away from state firms and toward private firms even when state firms value these inputs more. The result may be a reduction of total output. The simple analysis sheds light on many consequences of the Soviet reform, such as breakdown of coordination of production, increased state policing of delivery quotas, prohibitions of trading cooperatives, and opposition to privatization. The model also explains why partial reform failed in Russia but worked in China.
Clinical Experience With Aztreonam for Treatment of Infections in Children

The in vitro activity, pharmacokinetics, bactericidal activity, and tissue penetration of aztreonam suggest that it may play a role in therapy for serious gram-negative bacterial infections in children. Several thousand children throughout the world received aztreonam during open or comparative clinical trials for treatment of infections including pyelonephritis, bacteremia, meningitis, skeletal infection, pneumonia, and peritonitis. Cure rates have ranged from 92% to 100%, with relapses seen mainly in children with obstructive renal lesions and those with infections caused by Salmonella. A comparative trial of aztreonam for treatment of neonatal sepsis showed it to be at least as effective as amikacin for this infection. Aztreonam yielded clinical results comparable to those of conventional combined therapy for pulmonary infection in patients with cystic fibrosis. Adverse effects in pediatric trials have been uncommon; fever, diarrhea, or rash occurred in less than 2% of treated children. Reversible laboratory abnormalities have occasionally been noted. On the basis of these data, aztreonam is considered an appropriate alternative agent for the treatment of serious gram-negative bacterial infections in neonates and children. Further comparative clinical trials will delineate specific indications.
Preparation of Platinum/Carbon Aerogel Nanocomposites Using a Supercritical Deposition Method

Platinum/carbon aerogel (Pt/CA) nanocomposites were synthesized using a supercritical deposition method. Dimethyl(1,5-cyclooctadiene)platinum (II) (CODPtMe2) was dissolved in supercritical CO2 (scCO2) and impregnated into porous organic and carbon aerogels. The impregnated aerogels were converted to Pt/CA composites by heat treatment ranging from 300 to 1000 °C in the presence of nitrogen gas. Both conventional and high-resolution TEM micrographs showed a good distribution of fairly monodisperse Pt particles throughout the bulk of all the aerogel supports used. The nature and crystallinity of the particles were confirmed using XRD. Increasing the reduction temperature increased both the crystal size and the polydispersity. Crystallite sizes as small as 1 nm were obtained at low reduction temperatures and the particles were single-crystalline. Particle sizes obtained from H2 and CO chemisorption measurements are consistent with those measured from TEM images, indicating the accessibility of the surface of ...
Microfibrous mesh coated with titanium dioxide: a self-sterilizing, self-cleaning filter.

Abstract The utility of metal microfibrous mesh coated with titanium dioxide as a self-sterilizing, self-cleaning filter for air is explored. The low-cost mesh is produced via a roll-to-roll process similar to paper manufacturing. The titanium dioxide is applied by spraying an aqueous suspension of the photocatalyst on the surface of the mesh using an airbrush. Photocatalytic activity comparable to a powder layer is achieved at one quarter of the mass loading. The coating enhanced the separation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) from aqueous suspension, but also led to an increase in pressure drop in an air stream flowing through the mesh. The self-cleaning property of the coated mesh is established by recovery of pressure drop performance lost due to biofilm buildup. This is accomplished via a photocatalytic regeneration process involving exposing the mesh to ultraviolet light in air. Oxidation is confirmed by monitoring CO2 evolution during the regeneration. Scanning electron photomicrographs also provide v...
Sulfide-oxide minerals in eclogite from Stockdale Kimberlite, Kansas

The opaque minerals in eclogite xenoliths from Stockdale Kimberlite are rutile, ilmenite, and a complex polysulfide assemblage. Rutile shows exsolutions of ilmenite and spinel. Discrete ilmenite contains up to 10 wt % MgO in solid solution and is a primary mineral, but not of kimberlitic origin. Pyrrhotite containing exsolved pentlandite is the major sulfide mineral, and is usually rimmed by chalcopyrite which may display exsolution of cubanite. A veneer of monosulfide solid solution (12 wt % Ni and 5 wt % Cu) forms a rim on the chalcopyrite-pyrrhotite masses.
How does care differ for neurological patients admitted to a neuro-ICU versus a general ICU? The Greater New York Hospital Association ICU Prevalence Survey

Outcomes research suggests that neurological patients cared for in specialized neuro-ICUs have lower mortality and better outcomes compared with general ICUs. However, little is known about how the process of care differs in these two types of units.
High‐angle wave instability and emergent shoreline shapes: 1. Modeling of sand waves, flying spits, and capes

[1] Contrary to traditional findings, the deepwater angle of wave approach strongly affects plan view coastal evolution, giving rise to an antidiffusional “high wave angle” instability for sufficiently oblique deepwater waves (with angles between wave crests and the shoreline trend larger than the value that maximizes alongshore sediment transport, ∼45°). A one-contour-line numerical model shows that a predominance of high-angle waves can cause a shoreline to self-organize into regular, quasiperiodic shapes similar to those found along many natural coasts at scales ranging from kilometers to hundreds of kilometers. The numerical model has been updated from a previous version to include a formulation for the widening of an overly thin barrier by the process of barrier overwash, which is assumed to maintain a minimum barrier width. Systematic analysis shows that the wave climate determines the form of coastal response. For nearly symmetric wave climates (small net alongshore sediment transport), cuspate coasts develop that exhibit increasing relative cross-shore amplitude and pointier tips as the proportion of high-angle waves is increased. For asymmetrical wave climates, shoreline features migrate in the downdrift direction, either as subtle alongshore sand waves or as offshore-extending “flying spits,” depending on the proportion of high-angle waves. Numerical analyses further show that the rate that the alongshore scale of model features increases through merging follows a diffusional temporal scale over several orders of magnitude, a rate that is insensitive to the proportion of high-angle waves. The proportion of high-angle waves determines the offshore versus alongshore aspect ratio of self-organized shoreline undulations.
Proteins P24 and P41 Function in the Regulation of Terminal-Organelle Development and Gliding Motility in Mycoplasma pneumoniae

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of bronchitis and atypical pneumonia in humans. This cell wall-less bacterium has a complex terminal organelle that functions in cytadherence and gliding motility. The gliding mechanism is unknown but is coordinated with terminal-organelle development during cell division. Disruption of M. pneumoniae open reading frame MPN311 results in loss of protein P41 and downstream gene product P24. P41 localizes to the base of the terminal organelle and is required to anchor the terminal organelle to the cell body, but during cell division, MPN311 insertion mutants also fail to properly regulate nascent terminal-organelle development spatially or gliding activity temporally. We measured gliding velocity and frequency and used fluorescent protein fusions and time-lapse imaging to assess the roles of P41 and P24 individually in terminal-organelle development and gliding function. P41 was necessary for normal gliding velocity and proper spatial positioning of new terminal organelles, while P24 was required for gliding frequency and new terminal-organelle formation at wild-type rates. However, P41 was essential for P24 function, and in the absence of P41, P24 exhibited a dynamic localization pattern. Finally, protein P28 requires P41 for stability, but analysis of a P28− mutant established that the MPN311 mutant phenotype was not a function of loss of P28.
Whitman, Warner, and the American Men of Letters Series

Uses a letter written from Charles Dudley Warner to the editors of Houghton Mifflin to answer the question of why it took until 1906 for Bliss Perry's Walt Whitman to appear in the American Men of Letters Series.
Repair of bilateral complete cleft lip and nasal deformity--state of the art.

Abstract Objective: Dissatisfaction with the stigmata of repaired bilateral cleft lip has stimulated surgeons to change conventional operative strategies. The old staged labial repairs, one side and later the other, have been replaced by simultaneous closure. For nasal correction, most surgeons no longer believe that the columella is deficient, and thus there is no need to recruit tissue from the lip or nostril sills as a secondary procedure. The columella is concealed in the nose. The new strategy is to construct the columella and nasal tip by anatomic positioning of the alar cartilages and sculpting the investing skin. Furthermore, nasal correction is done at the time of bilateral labial repair and, whenever possible, the alveolar clefts are closed as well. The goal is primary repair of the primary palate. Conclusion: Although the principles of synchronous repair of the bilateral complete cleft lip and nasal deformity are established, the techniques continue to evolve. Bilateral nasolabial repair requir...
Development of a Pfs25-EPA malaria transmission blocking vaccine as a chemically conjugated nanoparticle.

Abstract Successful efforts to control infectious diseases have often required the use of effective vaccines. The current global strategy for control of malaria, including elimination and eradication will also benefit from the development of an effective vaccine that interrupts malaria transmission. To this end, a vaccine that disrupts malaria transmission within the mosquito host has been investigated for several decades targeting a 25 kDa ookinete specific surface protein, identified as Pfs25. Phase 1 human trial results using a recombinant Pfs25H/Montanide ISA51 formulation demonstrated that human Pfs25 specific antibodies block parasite infectivity to mosquitoes; however, the extent of blocking was likely insufficient for an effective transmission blocking vaccine. To overcome the poor immunogenicity, processes to produce and characterize recombinant Pfs25H conjugated to a detoxified form of Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoprotein A (EPA) have been developed and used to manufacture a cGMP pilot lot for use in human clinical trials. The Pfs25-EPA conjugate appears as a nanoparticle with an average molar mass in solution of approximately 600 kDa by static light scattering with an average diameter 20 nm (range 10–40 nm) by dynamic light scattering. The molar ratio of Pfs25H to EPA is about 3 to 1 by amino acid analysis, respectively. Outbred mice immunized with the Pfs25-EPA conjugated nanoparticle formulated on Alhydrogel ® had a 75–110 fold increase in Pfs25H specific antibodies when compared to an unconjugated Pfs25H/Alhydrogel ® formulation. A phase 1 human trial using the Pfs25-EPA/Alhydrogel ® formulation is ongoing in the United States.
Sensor deployment planning for unattended ground sensor networks

Networks of unattended ground sensors are fast becoming a reality, but little attention has been paid to date to the problem of how to plan an effective deployment of these sensors. Since the performance of the networked sensors depends on weather, target type, communications, terrain, and on how the sensors cooperate, the problem of planning a deployment is a very complex one. We will show how these factors can be included in a deployment planning tool that allows the warfighter to plan a deployment of acoustic sensors in near-real time. This tool can also be used as a health-monitor for the network of sensors, allowing the warfighter to maintain the network of sensors at a level of effectiveness needed to meet the mission goals.
In and out of the ethical: The realist liberalism of Bernard Williams

In his later writings, the British philosopher Bernard Williams increasingly turned his attentions to issues concerning practical politics and in political theory. He advanced a moderately sceptical and realist liberalism that features distinctive views concerning the appropriate relations among moral, ethical and political theory, and concerning legitimacy, freedom and equality, and democracy. This article examines these and related features of his thinking and locates them in the context of currently influential formulations of liberalism.
Mapping of powdery mildew resistance gene Pm53 introgressed from Aegilops speltoides into soft red winter wheat

A powdery mildew resistance gene was introgressed from Aegilops speltoides into winter wheat and mapped to chromosome 5BL. Closely linked markers will permit marker-assisted selection for the resistance gene. Powdery mildew of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major fungal disease in many areas of the world, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt). Host plant resistance is the preferred form of disease prevention because it is both economical and environmentally sound. Identification of new resistance sources and closely linked markers enable breeders to utilize these new sources in marker-assisted selection as well as in gene pyramiding. Aegilops speltoides (2n = 2x = 14, genome SS), has been a valuable disease resistance donor. The powdery mildew resistant wheat germplasm line NC09BGTS16 (NC-S16) was developed by backcrossing an Ae. speltoides accession, TAU829, to the susceptible soft red winter wheat cultivar ‘Saluda’. NC-S16 was crossed to the susceptible cultivar ‘Coker 68-15’ to develop F2:3 families for gene mapping. Greenhouse and field evaluations of these F2:3 families indicated that a single gene, designated Pm53, conferred resistance to powdery mildew. Bulked segregant analysis showed that multiple simple sequence repeat (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers specific to chromosome 5BL segregated with the resistance gene. The gene was flanked by markers Xgwm499, Xwmc759, IWA6024 (0.7 cM proximal) and IWA2454 (1.8 cM distal). Pm36, derived from a different wild wheat relative (T. turgidum var. dicoccoides), had previously been mapped to chromosome 5BL in a durum wheat line. Detached leaf tests revealed that NC-S16 and a genotype carrying Pm36 differed in their responses to each of three Bgt isolates. Pm53 therefore appears to be a new source of powdery mildew resistance.
Measurement of head/disk spacing modulation using a two channel fiber optic laser Doppler vibrometer

A two-channel laser Doppler vibrometer system is described for studying spacing modulation of the head/disk interface in a magnetic recording disk file. Three types of sliders, namely a standard two-rail slider, an experimental negative-pressure slider, and a cross-cut slider, are studied. In comparing the results from the single-channel and dual-channel laser Doppler systems, excellent agreement is observed for the resonant frequencies of the air bearing. The single-channel system, however, exhibits problems with offset in the velocity and displacement signals that are absent with the two-channel system. >
Hemodynamic and regional blood flow responses to nicotine at rest and during exercise.

ABSTRACTWe hypothesized that nicotine compromises cardiovascular responses to dynamic exercise. Hemodynamic variables were measured in conscious miniswine before and at 2 min of nicotine infusion (20μg·kg-1·min-1; i.a.; N = 6) during resting conditions. Mean arterial pressure elevations (MAP; 14%) a
An improved assay for proteases and polysaccharidases employing a cartilage proteoglycan substrate entrapped in polyacrylamide particles

Abstract A sensitive colorimetric assay for proteases and certain polysaccharidases is based on the digestion of proteoglycan from bovine nasal cartilage. This high-molecular-weight substrate is trapped in the interstices of a polyacrylamide gel. The gel is then dispersed as small particles. Enzymes can diffuse into these particles and digestion products can diffuse out. Following digestion, the particles are centrifuged off and the digestion products in the supernatant are quantitated by reaction with the metachromatic dye 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue or by assay of their uronic acid content with carbazole reagent. Proteases from each of the four major classes can be quantitated at levels of 1–200 ng. The method is particularly suitable for the study of cartilage proteases that degrade matrix proteoglycans.
On the Diffusion of Fluids Through Solids Undergoing Large Deformations

In this paper, we investigate the problem of diffusion of a Newtonian fluid through a non-linearly elastic solid undergoing large deformations, within the framework of mixture theory. Our aim is to delineate the effect of various boundary conditions on the diffusion process. We find that the results are quite insensitive to the boundary conditions in that the predictions agree exceedingly well with the experiments (whether it is the saturation boundary condition used by Rajagopal, Wineman and Gandhi, the traction splitting boundary condition used by Rajagopal and Tao, the natural boundary condition used by Baek and Srinivasa, or the fact that the chemical potential is continuous across the boundary), provided that an appropriate choice is made for the drag.
Bariatric surgery and the role of the clinical endocrinologist: 2011 update.

ABSTRACT Objective To discuss the emerging roles of bariatric surgery and clinical endocrinology within the context of obesity and diabetes mellitus comprehensive care plans and cost-effective strategies. Methods Relevant literature is reviewed and clinical cases are presented. Results The global obesity epidemic poses many challenges to clinical endocrinologists and has fomented a coordinated effort among specialists to revolutionize management paradigms. Technologic innovation drives the need for accelerated learning and research efforts in bariatric surgery. The national shortage of physicians with expertise in nutritional medicine compounds the management problems for this expanding patient population. Certain issues merit continued attention and research, such as gastric banding for mild obesity, surgery for treatment of diabetes, sleeve gastrectomy, and nutritional and metabolic consequences. Conclusion Clinical endocrinologists should have a central role in the perioperative decision-making for patients undergoing bariatric surgery. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:788-797)