cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus transcription mediated by sequences flanking the transcription consensus sequence

Abstract In our studies of murine coronavirus transcription, we continue to use defective interfering (DI) RNAs of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) in which we insert a transcription consensus sequence in order to mimic subgenomic RNA synthesis from the nondefective genome. Using our subgenomic DI system, we have studied the effects of sequences flanking the MHV transcription consensus sequence on subgenomic RNA transcription. We obtained the following results. (i) Insertion of a 12-nucleotide-long sequence including the UCUAAAC transcription consensus sequence at different locations of the DI RNA resulted in different efficiencies of subgenomic DI RNA synthesis. (ii) Differences in the amount of subgenomic DI RNA were defined by the sequences that flanked the 12-nucleotide-long sequence and were not affected by the location of the 12-nucleotide-long sequence on the DI RNA. (iii) Naturally occurring flanking sequences of intergenic sequences at gene 6–7, but not at genes 1–2 and 2–3, contained a transcription suppressive element(s). (iv) Each of three naturally occurring flanking sequences of an MHV genomic cryptic transcription consensus sequence from MHV gene 1 also contained a transcription suppressive element(s). These data showed that sequences flanking the transcription consensus sequence affected MHV transcription.
Staff members' perceptions of an animal-assisted activity.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To examine the perceptions of staff members toward the implementation of an animal-assisted activity (AAA) in an outpatient regional cancer center. DESIGN Quasi-experimental, post-test design. SETTING An adult outpatient regional cancer center in northern California. SAMPLE 34 facility staff members. METHODS Self-report questionnaire following four weeks of AAA visitation. Visits took place three times a week for a total of 12 visits. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Perceptions of the AAA. FINDINGS Previous perceptions toward AAA influenced the perceptions of the visitation's efficacy. Direct and indirect interaction with the visiting AAA teams was positively associated with perceptions of the AAA. A disagreement occurred that the AAA had caused extra stress or work for staff. Enjoyment of interacting with the dog handler was not significantly different from interacting with the dog; however, it was more positively correlated to acceptance of the AAA. CONCLUSIONS The study provided evidence that the AAA was generally accepted by staff members. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Individual staff members' perceptions of dogs and AAAs can influence their receptivity to AAA interventions. Interaction with AAA teams should be voluntary and available for patients and staff members. KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION AAA may be introduced into facilities without creating the perception of extra stress or work for staff members. Providing staff the opportunity to interact with visiting AAA teams may be beneficial for the success of such programs. The human handler in AAA teams may play a vital role in the staff acceptance of such programs.
Comparison of Several Equations and Derivation of a New Equation for Calculating Basal Metabolic Rate in Obese Children

Objectives: To compare basal metabolic rate (BMR) calculated by the Harris-Benedict, Ravussin, Cunningham, World Health Organization (WHO) and Schofield equations to BMR determined in an obese pediatric population. The second objective is to derive a new equation, based on measured BMR in obese children, for calculating BMR in obese pediatric patients.Methods: The study included 110 (50 male/60 female) healthy obese subjects (BMI>28) (11.7 ± 2.8 years, 73 ± 27 kg, 152 ± 14 cm and 38 ± 6% fat) who had preprandial BMR determined by indirect calorimetry. These results were compared to BMR calculated with the five above mentioned equations. Fat-free mass was determined by bioelectrical impedance and body composition was calculated using the appropriate equation. The age groups analyzed were as follows: males 3 to 10 and 11 to 18 years old; females 3 to 10 and 11 to 18 years old. A new equation was derived by stepwise multiple regression analysis using 100 randomly selected subjects from our test group and tes...
Posterior Interosseous Artery Distal Radius Graft for Ulnar Nonunion Treatment

The aim of our study was to describe a dorsal distal radius vascularized bone graft pedicled on the posterior interosseous artery (PIA), and its clinical application in 2 cases of ulnar nonunion. We studied the surgical technique in 5 freshly injected cadavers. The 4th extensor compartment artery originates from the anastomotic arch between the posterior division of the anterior interosseous artery and the PIA and provides periosteal branches to supply the dorsal distal radius metaphysis. A 2-cm vascularized bone graft can be harvested from the radius, and dissection of the PIA enables a long pedicle with a wide arc of rotation able to reach the ulnar diaphysis. The approach is limited to the forearm and distal radius and has minimal donor morbidity.
The echinos model of cluster electronic structure: What is angle strain?

Abstract According to Molecular Orbital Valence Bond (MOVB) theory (based on a fusion of MO and VB concepts) a molecule can be viewed as a composite of two or more fragments and the total wavefunction is a linear combination of substates, called bond diagrams, each of which is a pictorial representation of a distinct, symmetry-consistent way of connecting fragments by bonds or antibonds. In any cluster, the atomic orbitals (AOs) can be partitioned into radial and tangential AOs with the former interacting to produce the symmetry adapted MOs of the needle (N) fragment and the latter interacting to yield the symmetry adapted MOs of the surface (S) fragment. A cluster is then a species in which electrons are deposited in the needle and surface fragments with coordinate-type bonds connecting these two fragments and with ligands attaching themselves on the composite NS system via covalent bonds. This MOVB Echinos (Greek sea urchin) model is applied to the problem of “angle strain”. Contrary to common intuition, it is concluded that cyclopropane is strained relative to cyclohexane because, while overall bonding is stronger in cyclopropane, the amount of atomic excitation needed for bond making is disproportionately large. The reason behind this is an odd-even distinction of rings which originates from the fact that odd members have coupled Huckel and Mobius, whereas even members have coupled Huckel and Huckel needle and surface AO rings, respectively. The implication is that σ bonds are not system-invariant, i.e. the CC and CH bonds of cyclopropane and cyclohexane are completely different from one another. MOVB theory explains the interplay of atom excitation (investment) and bond making (return) which is actually what determines “stability”, and can be used to answer some vexing questions. Why is cubane so much more strained than cyclopropane? Why does replacement of C by Si sometimes increase (e.g. cyclopropane) and sometimes decrease (e.g. cubane) strain? Why is tetrahedral N4 so unstable but tetrahedral P4 a stable allotrope? Why do metal atoms form stable three-dimensional clusters, i.e. why does strain disappear in metallic systems? What is wrong with current approaches which have failed to provide us with a clear understanding of strain, as is now well recognized?
Bootstrap Conditions from Unitarity at High Energy

The unitarity relation for the high-energy scattering of two particles is investigated under the assumption that the production amplitudes which enter the unitarity sum are given by a single Regge-pole exchange; the further assumption of multi-Regge exchange is not made. It is seen that the unitarity sum can be expressed as an integral involving the particle-Reggeon scattering amplitude (which may be defined in terms of the six-point function), and by representing this amplitude by Regge exchange, one obtains an equation which leads to self-consistency conditions on the Regge parameters. Solutions to this equation have, in addition to Regge poles, Regge cuts which interfere destructively with the poles. Comparisons are made with related models, in particular, the multi-Regge model. It is suggested that, while the Regge cuts calculated by the multi-Regge method are model dependent, the bootstrap condition on the Regge pole is more general.
Radiosensitization of Yeast Cells by Inhibition of Histone H4 Acetylation

Abstract Song, S., McCann, K. E. and Brown, J. M. Radiosensitization of Yeast Cells by Inhibition of Histone H4 Acetylation. Radiat. Res. 170, 618–627 (2008). Deletion of genes for proteins involved in histone H4 acetylation produces sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents in both Saccharomyces cerevisiae and mammalian cells. In the present studies, we show that treating wild-type yeast cells with histone acetyl transferase (HAT) inhibitors, which are chemicals that cause a global decrease in histone H4 acetylation, sensitizes the cells to ionizing radiation. Using HAT inhibitors, we have placed histone H4 acetylation into the RAD51-mediated homologous recombination repair pathway. We further show that yeast cells with functionally defective HAT proteins have normal phospho-H2A (γ-H2A) induction after irradiation but a reduced rate of loss of γ-H2A. This argues that HAT-defective cells are able to detect DNA double-strand breaks normally but have a defect in the repair of these lesions. We also show that cells...
INFLUENCE OF CELL CONFIGURATION AND POTENTIAL ENERGY EQUILIBRIA IN ROULEAU PHENOMENA

ABSTRACT It can be shown that the mutual attraction between red cells is strongest when they face each other in the flat parallel disc position, so that rouleau formation is energetically the mont favored configuration for red cell aggregation. Nevertheless, rouleaux can only be stabilized through interaction with large asymmetrical polymers; the most plausible mechanism for that interaction is polymer binding. It can also be demonstrated that the segregated rouleau formation observed in interspecies (e.g., human and rabbit) red cell populations is due to differences in the energies of attraction at the secondary minima of cells of different species. Finally, it Is argued that the formation of double and triplet clusters among isolated lymphocytes is due to the same mechanism that causes rouleaux in red cells. However, no polymers are required for the consolidation of lymphocyte clusters: it is probable that the microvilli protruding from these cells fulfill the same stabilizing function as asymmetrical p...
Examining the role of microvesicles to develop prognostic and diagnostic assays.

Early disease detection is a logical, imperative goal necessary to improve dramatically the patient's odds for successful treatment strategies, survival and overall increase the quality of life. Given the continuous increase in health care cost mostly due to therapy focused on end stage sequelae of diseases rather than prevention and early detection, it has become increasingly clear that existing methods are limited and falling short of these goals. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop new prognostic and diagnostic assays that can detect initial stages of disease, predict accurately high and low risk patients as well as early patient response to therapy. The increased knowledge of microvesicle biology and the ability of
Amorphous&#8212;Crystalline heterojunction transistors

The characteristics of a new hybrid amorphous-crystalline three-terminal device are described in detail. The device uses a threshold-switching-type chalcogenide glass as the emitter, with a p-type crystalline-silicon base and an n-type silicon collector. When the amorphous emitter is in the off state, the small-signal current gain is significantly smaller than unity. However, once the voltage across the glass is sufficient to produce the on state, the device operates as a transistor with gains well in excess of unity. (Small-signal gains of up to 15 have already been observed in unoptimized configurations.) Under certain conditions, the high-gain on state can be preserved after the switching pulse is removed, suggesting memory-type applications. Previous results on amorphous-crystalline heterojunctions are used to construct a band model for the transistor. This model is used to analyze the steady-state and pulsed-mode characteristics of the device. Recent studies of the on-state current density and carrier concentration are used to calculate the expected gain as a function of current and base doping concentration, with results in good agreement with the experimental data. The behavior of the devices provides another confirmation of the electronic nature of threshold switching in chalcogenide glasses.
Meniscal regeneration with copolymeric collagen scaffolds: In vitro and in vivo studies evaluated clinically, histologically, and biochemically

We sought to create a regeneration template for the meniscal cartilage of the knee to induce complete men iscal regeneration, and to develop the technique for implanting the prosthetic appliance in vivo. We de signed a resorbable collagen-based scaffold and con ducted in vitro and in vivo studies. In vivo, the scaffold was implanted in the knees of immature swine and mature canines and evaluated clinically, histologically, and biochemically. Because the canine stifle joint me niscus is more clinically relevant to the human menis cus, this paper emphasizes those results.We studied 24 mixed breed dogs (14 males and 10 females) with an average weight of 25.5 kg (range, 20 to 35) that were obtained from a USDA-licensed sup plier. The dogs were deemed clinically and radiograph ically skeletally mature. None of the dogs had a preex isting knee joint abnormality. All dogs underwent an 80% subtotal resection of the medial meniscus bilater ally. A collagen template was implanted in one stifle (N = 24). The contral...
Round pneumonia in a 50-year-old man.

Round pneumonia is a term referring to round or oval densities on chest x-ray. Round pneumonias have rarely been reported. First recognized in children, round pneumonias were due to Streptococcus pneumoniae or Haemophilus influenzae . Round pneumonias are probably frequently undiagnosed in the adult
Sub-Millisecond RNA Collapse Observed in a Microfluidic Mixer

Measuring the fast collapse of RNA molecules can elucidate the first steps of RNA folding. The P5abc sub-domain of the Tetrahymena ribozyme is an example of an RNA molecule that folds rapidly following the addition of Mg2+ ions. We studied changes in truncated-P5abc (tP5abc) RNA as reported by Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) in a microfluidic mixing device using confocal microscopy. With sub-millisecond time resolution, we measured the ion species and valence dependent collapse timescales of tP5abc. In this presentation, we discuss differences between collapse times of tP5abc and those of a mutant which does not fully fold in the presence of magnesium ions. We also discuss experimental issues that arise when using an internally labeled fluorophore to report changes in RNA conformation. To account for changes in the FRET efficiency we consider results of fluorescence anisotropy measurements, as well as fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements.
Recovery and enrichment of heavy metals using new hybrid Donnan dialysis systems combining cation exchange textile and solvent impregnated resin

The purpose of this work is to apply Donnan dialysis coupled with the cation exchange membrane (CMX), the cation exchange grafted textile (CET) and the solvent impregnated resin (SIR) for recovery and enrichment of heavy metal ions from dilute solutions. The influence of some analytical parameters was investigated. The transport results show that the three barriers enhance the diffusion of silver, lead and copper, but the osmosis phenomenon is limited when the transport is carried out through CET and the SIR. The results of enrichments indicate that SIR and CET in- crease the enrichment factor of less hydrated ions. For instance, and for a volume ratio equal to 10, the values of silver enrichment factor obtained for (CMX/CMX/CMX), (CMX/CET/CMX) and (CMX/SIR/CMX) are equal to 2.5, 8.92 and 4.98, respectively. In addition, the use of SIR improves the enrichment of lead, whereas the CET improves the silver's one.
Interrelationship of Body Weight, Production, and Egg Weight

Abstract BODY WEIGHT, annual egg production per bird, and average weight of eggs produced are important considerations from a practical standpoint in poultry raising. Many attempts have been made to show that these factors have value in predicting performance in pullets. There is some difference of opinion in regard to the relationship of these factors. Robertson (1931) reported extensive data indicating that the average body weight of pullets is correlated with their annual egg record, while Jull (1924), Platt (1926), Sherwood (1922), and Hervey and Lewis (1924) reported work that showed that little or no correlation existed between body weight and annual egg production. Platt (1926), Marble (1930), and Upp and Thompson (1927) published data that showed that a correlation existed between body weight and egg weight. DATA This study embraces 914 Single Comb White Leghorn pullets from the Fifth Georgia Egg Laying Contest, and the Second, Third, and Fourth Louisiana . . .
Regulation of a Bacteroides Operon That Controls Excision and Transfer of the Conjugative Transposon CTnDOT

CTnDOT is a conjugative transposon (CTn) that is found in many Bacteroides strains. Transfer of CTnDOT is stimulated 100- to 1,000-fold if the cells are first exposed to tetracycline (TET). Both excision and transfer of CTnDOT are stimulated by TET. An operon that contains a TET resistance gene, tetQ, and two regulatory genes, rteA and rteB, is essential for control of excision and transfer functions. At first, it appeared that RteA and RteB, which are members of a two-component regulatory system, might be directly responsible for the TET effect. We show here, however, that neither RteA nor RteB affected expression of the operon. TetQ, a ribosome protection type of TET resistance protein, actually reduced operon expression, possibly by interacting with ribosomes that are translating the tetQ message. Fusions of tetQ with a reporter gene, uidA, were only expressed at a high level when the fusion was cloned in frame with the first six codons of tetQ. However, out of frame fusions or fusions ending at the other five codons of tetQ showed much lower expression of the uidA gene. Moreover, reverse transcription-PCR amplification of tetQ mRNA revealed that despite the fact that the uidA gene product, β-glucuronidase (GUS), was produced only when the cells were exposed to TET, tetQ mRNA was produced in both the presence and absence of TET. Computer analysis of the region upstream of the tetQ start codon predicted that the mRNA in this region could form a complex RNA hairpin structure that would prevent access of ribosomes to the ribosome binding site. Mutations that abolished base pairing in the stem that formed the base of this putative hairpin structure made GUS production as high in the absence of TET as in TET-stimulated cells. Compensatory mutations that restored the hairpin structure led to a return of regulated production of GUS. Thus, the tetQ-rteA-rteB operon appears to be regulated by a translational attenuation mechanism.
Introduction to Parasympathetic and Sympathetic Monitoring

This introductory section starts with a review of the “Old School” information commonly taught in medical school, including the anatomy of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its two branches, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems; the biochemistry of the ANS; general physiology associated with the two ANS branches; and methods of measuring the ANS. Measuring the ANS includes older noninvasive measures and the newer method to be the basis of this book. This section concludes by answering the “So What?” question behind the development of a newer method of measuring the ANS, specifically, a general introduction to why it is important to specifically measure the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, independently (in a mathematical sense) and simultaneously. The newer method removes many of the assumptions and approximations required by the older methods, improving specificity, sensitivity, reliability, and repeatability and thereby improving patient outcomes.
Sima Tan and the Invention of Daoism, “Legalism,”et cetera

Here's a short version: The “-ism” we invoke when we posit things like “Daoism” was glimpsed for the first time by Sima Tan . (d. 110 b.c.e.), lord grand astrologer (taishigong) to the Han court. His essay “Yaozhi” (Essential points), included in the final chapter of his son Sima Qian's Taishigong, analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of six approaches to governance:Yinyang ,Ru (known to us as Confucians),Mo (the Mohists),Fajia (called Legalists),Mingjia (called Sophists), andDaojia (or Daode , the supposed Daoists).
Mitigating the Dangers of a Single Story Creating Large-Scale Writing Assessments Aligned With Sociocultural Theory

The dangers of a single story in current U.S. large-scale writing assessment are that assessment practice does not align with theory and this practice has negative effects on instruction and students. In this article, I analyze the connections or lack of connections among writing theory, writing assessment, and writing instruction, critique the construct and consequential validity of direct writing assessment and portfolio assessment, and reframe reliability as local consensus among experts. A new vision of large-scale sociocultural writing portfolios in K–12 education is offered that builds on the practices of past large-scale portfolio assessment but also encourages students to write in multiple languages/dialects and modes for multiple purposes. Another key feature of sociocultural portfolios is that students are encouraged to write for impact. These additional components will mitigate the dangers of a single story by ensuring that (a) assessment practice matches sociocultural writing theory, resulting...
Would an Obese Person Whistle Vivaldi? Targets of Prejudice Self-Present to Minimize Appearance of Specific Threats

How do targets of stigma manage social interactions? We built from a threat-specific model of prejudice to predict that targets select impression-management strategies that address the particular threats other people see them to pose. We recruited participants from two groups perceived to pose different threats: overweight people, who are heuristically associated with disease and targeted with disgust, and Black men, who are perceived to be dangerous and targeted with fear. When stereotypes and prejudices toward their groups were made salient, overweight people (Studies 1 and 2) and Black men (Study 2) selectively prioritized self-presentation strategies to minimize apparent disease threat (wearing clean clothes) or physical-violence threat (smiling), respectively. The specific threat a group is seen to pose plays an important but underexamined role in the psychology of being a target of prejudice.
Ab initioMODPOT/VRDDO/MERGE calculations on energetic compounds. III. Nitroexplosives: Polyaminopolynitrobenzenes (including DATB, TATB, and tetryl)†

Quantum chemical ab initioMODPOT/VRDDO calculations have been carried out on the following aminonitrobenzenes for which crystal structures had been determined experimentally: 4-nitroaniline; N,N-dimethyl-p-nitroaniline; 2,4,6-trinitroaniline; 1,3-diamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (DATB—Form I); 1,3,5-triamino-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB); 2,3,4,6-tetranitroaniline; N-methyl-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline (Tetryl); and N-(β,β,β-trifluoroethyl)-N,2,4,6-tetranitroaniline. These quantum chemical calculations were performed on the molecules in their conformations as found in their crystal structures. The calculations were carried out with our own ab initio programs which also incorporate as options several desirable features for calculations on large molecules: ab initio effective core model potentials (MODPOT) which enable calculations of valence electrons only explicitly, yet accurately, and a charge conserving integral prescreening evaluation (which we named VRDDO-variable retention of diatomic differential overlap) especially effective for spatially extended molecules. Aminonitrobenzenes are especially interesting since there are inherent intramolecular ring distortions and deviations from planarity and intramolecular hydrogen bonds as well as intermolecular hydrogen bonds causing further deviations from planarity. The theoretical indices resulting from the quantum chemical calculations are relevant to a number of properties and behavioral characteristics of these molecules, both intramolecular and intermolecular. The charges on the atoms [from the gross atomic populations (GAP's)] are needed for calculation of the atomic multipole–atomic multipole electrostatic contributions (a dominant factor) to the intermolecular interaction energies. These electrostatic interaction energies are part of the input necessary for calculations on the crystal packing and densities of these molecules. These GAP's are also of value in interpreting the experimental photoelectron and ESCA spectra of these molecules. The total overlap populations (TOP's) between atoms are related to the inherent bond strengths and can serve as a quantitative replacement for the old empirical bond length-bond order-bond energy relationship still used by explosives chemists to identify the “target bonds” (the weakest bonds). The TOP's are of considerable value in predicting and tracing initiation and subsequent steps of explosive phenomena. The molecular orbital energies of the lowest unoccupied orbitals are of interest since nitroexplosives have been implicated in testicular toxicity and the initial metabolic activation appears to proceed through a one-electron reduction of the nitroexplosive.
The Role of the Traveler in Emerging Infections and Magnitude of Travel

Travel and trade have grown immensely. Travelers interact with people and microbes during their journeys, and can introduce infectious agents to new areas and populations. Studying illnesses in travelers is a source of knowledge into diseases of resource-poor regions and the control of these diseases. Travel-associated illnesses also serve to detect emerging infections.
Causal inference in longitudinal comparative effectiveness studies with repeated measures of a continuous intermediate variable

We propose a principal stratification approach to assess causal effects in nonrandomized longitudinal comparative effectiveness studies with a binary endpoint outcome and repeated measures of a continuous intermediate variable. Our method is an extension of the principal stratification approach originally proposed for the longitudinal randomized study "Prevention of Suicide in Primary Care Elderly: Collaborative Trial" to assess the treatment effect on the continuous Hamilton depression score adjusting for the heterogeneity of repeatedly measured binary compliance status. Our motivation for this work comes from a comparison of the effect of two glucose-lowering medications on a clinical cohort of patients with type 2 diabetes. Here, we consider a causal inference problem assessing how well the two medications work relative to one another on two binary endpoint outcomes: cardiovascular disease-related hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Clinically, these glucose-lowering medications can have differential effects on the intermediate outcome, glucose level over time. Ultimately, we want to compare medication effects on the endpoint outcomes among individuals in the same glucose trajectory stratum while accounting for the heterogeneity in baseline covariates (i.e., to obtain 'principal effects' on the endpoint outcomes). The proposed method involves a three-step model estimation procedure. Step 1 identifies principal strata associated with the intermediate variable using hybrid growth mixture modeling analyses. Step 2 obtains the stratum membership using the pseudoclass technique and derives propensity scores for treatment assignment. Step 3 obtains the stratum-specific treatment effect on the endpoint outcome weighted by inverse propensity probabilities derived from Step 2.
Closed orbit correction using singular value decomposition of the response matrix

A theory of global orbit correction using the technique of singular value decomposition (SVD) of the response matrix and simulation of its application to the Advanced Photon Source (APS) storage ring are presented. The response matrix relates beam motion at the beam position monitor (BPM) locations to changes in corrector magnet strengths. SVD reconfigures the BPMs and correctors into the same number of "transformed" BPMs (t-BPMs) and "transformed" correctors (t-correctors), each t-BPM being coupled to at most one t-corrector and vice versa with associated coupling strength which determines the efficiency of orbit correction. The coefficients of these linear transformations can be used to determine which BPMs and correctors are the most effective. Decoupling the weakly coupled pairs will enhance the overall correction efficiency at the expense of accuracy. The orbit errors at decoupled t-BPMs are conserved and the strengths of decoupled t-correctors can be adjusted appropriately to optimize the actual corrector strengths. This method allows for estimating the limitation on orbit correction with given sets of BPMs and correctors, as well as optimizing the corrector strengths without overloading the corrector magnet power supplies. >
CpsY Influences Streptococcus iniae Cell Wall Adaptations Important for Neutrophil Intracellular Survival

The ability of a pathogen to evade neutrophil phagocytic killing mechanisms is critically important for dissemination and establishment of a systemic infection. Understanding how pathogens overcome these innate defenses is essential for the development of optimal therapeutic strategies for invasive infections. CpsY is a conserved transcriptional regulator previously identified as an important virulence determinant for systemic infection of Streptococcus iniae. While orthologs of CpsY have been associated with the regulation of methionine metabolism and uptake pathways, CpsY additionally functions in protection from neutrophil-mediated killing. S. iniae does not alter neutrophil phagosomal maturation but instead is able to adapt to the extreme bactericidal environment of a mature neutrophil phagosome, a property dependent upon CpsY. This CpsY-dependent adaptation appears to involve stabilization of the cell wall through peptidoglycan O-acetylation and repression of cellular autolysins. Furthermore, S. iniae continues to be a powerful model for investigation of bacterial adaptations during systemic streptococcal infection.
Reprogramming of anaerobic metabolism by the FnrS small RNA

Small RNAs (sRNAs) that act by base pairing with trans-encoded mRNAs modulate metabolism in response to a variety of environmental stimuli. Here, we describe an Hfq-binding sRNA (FnrS) whose expression is induced upon a shift from aerobic to anaerobic conditions and which acts to downregulate the levels of a variety of mRNAs encoding metabolic enzymes. Anaerobic induction in minimal medium depends strongly on FNR but is also affected by the ArcA and CRP transcription regulators. Whole genome expression analysis showed that the levels of at least 32 mRNAs are downregulated upon FnrS overexpression, 15 of which are predicted to base pair with FnrS by TargetRNA. The sRNA is highly conserved across its entire length in numerous Enterobacteria, and mutational analysis revealed that two separate regions of FnrS base pair with different sets of target mRNAs. The majority of the target genes were previously reported to be downregulated in an FNR-dependent manner but lack recognizable FNR binding sites. We thus suggest that FnrS extends the FNR regulon and increases the efficiency of anaerobic metabolism by repressing the synthesis of enzymes that are not needed under these conditions.
Postoperative Central Nervous System Infection: Incidence and Associated Factors in 2111 Neurosurgical Procedures

Background. Postoperative central nervous system infection (PCNSI) in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures represents a serious problem that requires immediate attention. PCNSI most commonly manifests as meningitis, subdural empyema, and/or brain abscess. Recent studies (which have included a minimum of 1000 operations) have reported that the incidence of PCNSI after neurosurgical procedures is 5%–7%, and many physicians believe that the true incidence is even higher. To address this issue, we examined the incidence of PCNSI in a sizeable patient population. Methods. The medical records and postoperative courses for patients involved in 2111 neurosurgical procedures at our institution during 1991–2005 were reviewed retrospectively to determine the incidence of PCNSI, the identity of offending organisms, and the factors associated with infection. Results. The median age of patients at the time of surgery was 45 years. Of the 1587 cranial operations, 14 (0.8%) were complicated by PCNSI, whereas none of the 32 peripheral nerve operations resulted in PCNSI. The remaining 492 operative cases involved spinal surgery, of which 2 (0.4%) were complicated by PCNSI. The overall incidence of PCNSI was 0.8% (occurring after 16 of 2111 operations); the incidence of bacterial meningitis was 0.3% (occurring after 4 of 1587 operations), and the incidence of brain abscess was 0.2% (occurring after 3 of 1587 operations). The most common offending organism was Staphylococcus aureus (8 cases; 50% of infections), followed by Propionibacterium acnes (4 cases; 25% of infections). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage, diabetes mellitus, and male sex were not associated with PCNSI ( ). P 1 .05 Conclusions. In one of the largest neurosurgical studies to have investigated PCNSI, the incidence of infection after neurosurgical procedures was !1%—more than 6 times lower than that reported in recent series of comparable numerical size. Cerebrospinal fluid leak, diabetes mellitus, and male sex were not associated with an increased incidence of PCNSI. The results from this study indicate that the true incidence of PCNSI after neurosurgical procedures may be greatly overestimated in the literature and that, in surgical procedures associated with a high risk of infection, prophylaxis for S. aureus and/or P. acnes infection should be of primary concern.
Basic aseptic technique for medical students: Identifying essential entry-level competencies.

Abstract Purpose Medical students must be competent in basic aseptic technique (BAT) to function effectively in the operating room. However, a comprehensive literature review revealed a deficit of research in standardized BAT training for the operating room in medical school curricula. Methods A modified reactive Delphi technique was used to survey an expert panel of 100 surgical educators. A focus group provided initial responses to key questions, and the panel completed 2 surveys. In the first survey, the panel identified elements for a BAT curriculum for the operating room. In the second survey, the panel received feedback from the first survey and was asked to respond in light of those results. Results An 81% response rate was obtained from the first survey. A 74% response rate was obtained from the second survey. Seven of the 18 essential entry-level competencies (EELCs) identified were ranked as the most important. The top 5 instructional strategies and the top 3 methods for evaluation were also selected. The panel identified the third-year curriculum as the preferred time of training and a nurse preceptor/educator as the preferred instructor. Conclusions These results provide a minimum set of educational objectives that can be used to develop a standardized curriculum in BAT for the operating room for medical students.
Bradykinin-induced mesenteric vasodilation is mediated by B2-subtype receptors and nitric oxide

We investigated mechanisms mediating bradykinin (BK)-induced anterior mesenteric artery (AMA) vasodilation in anesthetized rats. The velocity of blood flowing (VBF) in the AMA was measured with pulsed Doppler velocimetry, and arterial pressure (BP) was measured with a pressure transducer. Drugs were infused through an intra-aortic catheter positioned proximal to the AMA origin. AMA conductance (C) was calculated from mean VBF/BP and expressed as percent of control C. BK infusion (10-1,000 ng.kg-1.min-1) increased C significantly (Cmax = 201 +/- 18%, ED50 = 100 ng.kg-1.min-1, P < 0.01 for all doses). A B2-subtype receptor antagonist, D-Arg,[Hyp3,Thi5.8,D-Phe7]BK, administered at 10(5) ng.kg-1.min-1 before or during BK infusion, inhibited the vasodilation by 73 +/- 7 and 103 +/- 7%, respectively. A nitric oxide (NO) synthesis inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine, administered at 5.0 mg/kg 15 min before BK, inhibited the hyperemia by 61 +/- 8%. Neither a B1-receptor antagonist nor intrajejunal capsaicin inhibited BK-induced vasodilation. BK-evoked, dose-dependent, mesenteric vasodilation in rats appears to be mediated partly by B2-receptors and endogenous NO generation.
Army nurse readiness instrument: psychometric evaluation and field administration.

The purpose of this study was to construct and evaluate the psychometric properties of an instrument to estimate the level of individual readiness among U.S. Army nurses. This study constitutes phase II of congressionally sponsored research to establish the degree to which Army nurses are prepared for the expectations of deployment. An expert panel established the validity of the initial readiness questionnaire. Changes were then incorporated into the first Readiness Estimate and Deployability Index (READI) questionnaire. Internal consistency and test-retest techniques assessed multiple reliabilities from pilot administrations. The READI was refined based on the results. Analysis of field administrations of the revised READI to three separate groups of nurses replicated earlier reliability results. Principle component analyses appear to support the hypothesized dimensional structure underlying questionnaire attitude items. The READI produced psychometrically stable ratings and results with great utility for the Army and potential adaptation for other military services.
Intelligence and skill in relation to success in singles competition in badminton and tennis.

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the intelligence and skill of 375 college women in relation to their success in round-robin singles competition in badminton or tennis. Intelligence was measured by the Otis quick-scoring mental ability test; skill was determined by the subject's combined T-score on two standardized tests of badminton or tennis skill; and success in tournament play was expressed by the percentage of points won out of the number possible during tournament play. Prior to the competition, subjects were classified on the basis of skill by means of a skill test and placed into leagues of between eight and eleven players each. Tests of equivalence were applied to determine the equality of leagues with respect to skill and intelligence. An analysis of variance employing success as the dependent variable and involving two levels of skill and intelligence (high and low) and two levels of sport (badminton and tennis) resulted in a highly significant F ratio for the skill varia...
Terrorism-Centric Behaviors and Adversarial Threat Awareness*

This article estimates situational awareness in a diverse collection of police officers with respect to their individual ability to identify nine key behaviors that are indicative of terrorism activity. The selected group of police officers was drawn from state, county, and municipal law enforcement organizations. The terrorist-centric behaviors were presented to the test group in multicomponent text-based scenarios that emulate real-world police events and respondents were instructed to rate each scenario component on an 11-point Likert-type suspicion scale. With the exception of terrorist fundraising, law enforcement personnel tended to view all of the terrorist-centric activities and behaviors as at least “somewhat suspicious.” The activities that could also be associated with “conventional” criminality such as weapons acquisition received higher ratings than those activities more exclusively related to terrorism such as recruiting. We also noted statistically significant differences based on agency type, officers’ assignment (patrol or detective), experience, gender, agency size, and education. Race had no effect.
An interview with Stanford University president John Hennessy

Stanford University President John Hennessy discusses his academic and industry experiences in Silicon Valley with UC Berkeley CS Professor David Patterson.
Sleep Disorders and Epilepsy

An investigator from University of Oxford, UK, reviews the effect of sleep disorders on epilepsy and the effects of epilepsy on sleep.
Talk like a Marine: USMC linguistic acculturation and civil–military argument

This study examines the relationship between US Marine discourse and civil–military public argument. A computer-aided semantic analysis of public record speech from senior Marine officers shows a style of cohesion, marked by future-oriented, inclusive, highly certain language. An appraisal theory discourse analysis of interviews with US Marines conducted during an ethnography of communication shows their talk argues discursively for cohesion. This way of speaking may constrain Marines in public argument, as they repeat ways of talking appropriate within the community, even when situationally inappropriate for civilian audiences.
Spectroscopic Techniques for Proximal Hazard Detection

Recent hazards both in the civilian and military settings have exposed the necessity to develop sensor systems with increased sensitivity and selectivity for use at proximal ranges. This talk will examine new efforts dedicated towards these goals.
SEPARATION AND MOLECULAR WEIGHT ESTIMATION OF COAGULATION AND FIBRINOLYTIC PROTEINS BY SEPHADEX GEL FILTRATION.

SummaryGel filtration of plasma separated coagulation factors into 3 groups: 1) those with molecular weights greater than 200,000: I (fibrinogen), V (proaccelerin), VIII (AHF) and FSF, 2) those with molecular weights between 100,000 and 200,000: pronbrinolysin and XI (PTA), XII (Hage-man) and IX (PTC), and 3) those with molecular weights between 50,000 and 100,-000: II (prothrombin), VII and × (Stuart).
TAVR AGE PARADOX: THE OLDEST PATIENTS HAVE BETTER THAN EXPECTED OUTCOMES IN THE PARTNER STUDY

Advanced age is associated with higher mortality in conventional risk models, leading to reluctance to operate on elderly patients. A retrospective study of 2,621 patients in the PARTNER studies (2007-2012) undergoing TAVR was performed. Patients were stratified by age (<80, 80 to <90, ≥90).
Liquid contacting as a method to study photovoltaic properties of PbS quantum dot solids

This communication describes electrochemical contacting of PbS quantum dot solids with liquid solutions of fast, outer-sphere redox couples to form both rectifying and non-rectifying junctions. Current–voltage data were consistent with junction formation near the semiconductor/liquid interface. The results are important because they show that electrochemical contacting provides a method to probe photovoltaic properties of quantum dot solids over a wide span of contacting energetics.
Stochastic Euler Equations of Fluid Dynamics with Levy Noise

Abstract : In this work we prove the existence and uniqueness of pathwise solutions up to a stopping time to the stochastic Euler equations perturbed by additive and multiplicative Lvy noise in two and three dimensions. The existence of a unique maximal solution is also proved.
How Mediation Principles Can Address the Problem of Epistemic Caution in Litigation Involving Neuroscientific Testimony

The principle of epistemic caution is emblematic of a general problem of communication in the courtroom setting. Our judicial system fosters an adversarial approach to narrative delivery and recept...
Perceived Discrimination, Racial Identity, and Multisystem Stress Response to Social Evaluative Threat Among African American Men and Women.

ABSTRACTObjectiveUnderstanding individual differences in the psychobiology of the stress response is critical to grasping how psychosocial factors contribute to racial and ethnic health disparities. However, the ways in which environmentally sensitive biological systems coordinate in response to acu
Getexample: reducing barriers to entry on shared HPC resources

Studying examples of working code is an excellent way for users of advanced computing resources to understand how to complete a task given a set of resources, constraints and goals. Expert users are adept at searching the Internet for examples that they can use or modify, yet novices can be easily overwhelmed by the quantity and variety of examples available online. Even when a relevant example has been found, it often must be modified in order for the user to use it on a particular advanced computing resource (HPC). Copied examples often fail to work at first, and it can be difficult for novice users to understand the problem: are they using the example incorrectly? Is the example itself broken? Or is the example correct but the parameters need to be adjusted for the specific system being used? This paper presents a simple solution to this challenge: a “getexample” utility that allows users to access working examples of how to complete a variety of tasks on a specific HPC system. While getexample was designed for an HPC system that relies on a command line interface, variations on this theme could easily be developed for other interfaces and resources.
Techno-economic assessment of open microalgae production systems

Abstract Microalgae represents a promising feedstock due to inherent advantages such as high solar energy efficiencies, large lipid fractions, and utilization of various waste streams including industrial flue gas. This study directly evaluates and compares the economic viability of biomass production from two different open cultivation platforms, 1) algal turf scrubbers and 2) open raceway ponds. Modular sub-process models were developed and leveraged for the economic comparison of the systems on the metric of harvested biomass. The system boundary was expanded to include downstream processing for the production of renewable diesel through thermochemical conversion for a comparison of the production platforms on a cost per gallon of fuel. Economic results of the two production pathways show a biomass production cost for the algal turf scrubber of $510 tonne− 1 and $8.34 per gallon for fuel. Open raceway pond results give a biomass cost of $673 tonne− 1 and a fuel cost of $6.27 per gallon. Sensitivity analysis show productivity and culture stability to be critical factors in the economic viability. Multiple scenarios are presented with baseline results directly compared to literature and highlight the need for robust growth modelling.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia-associated pulmonary hypertension

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a complex entity wherein a diaphragmatic defect allows intrathoracic herniation of intra-abdominal contents and both pulmonary parenchymal and vascular development are stifled. Pulmonary pathology and pathophysiology, including pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension, are hallmarks of CDH and are associated with disease severity. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is sustained, supranormal pulmonary arterial pressure, and among patients with CDH (CDH-PH), is driven by hypoplastic pulmonary vasculature, including alterations at the molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, along with pathophysiologic pulmonary vasoreactivity. This review addresses the basic mechanisms, altered anatomy, definition, diagnosis, and management of CDH-PH. Further, emerging therapies targeting CDH-PH and PH are explored.