cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic investigation of stellacyanin mutants: axial ligand interactions at the blue copper site.

Detailed electronic and geometric structural descriptions of the blue copper sites in wild-type (WT) stellacyanin and its Q99M and Q99L axial mutants have been obtained using a combination of XAS, resonance Raman, MCD, EPR, and DFT calculations. The results show that the origin of the short Cu−S(Cys) bond in blue copper proteins is the weakened axial interaction, which leads to a shorter (based on EXAFS results) and more covalent (based on S K-edge XAS) Cu−S bond. XAS pre-edge energies show that the effective nuclear charge on the copper increases going from O(Gln) to S(Met) to no axial (Leu) ligand, indicating that the weakened axial ligand is not fully compensated for by the increased donation from the thiolate. This is further supported by EPR results. MCD data show that the decreased axial interaction leads to an increase in the equatorial ligand field, indicating that the site acquires a more trigonally distorted tetrahedral structure. These geometric and electronic structural changes, which result f...
Method of creating microscale prototypes using SLM based holographic lithography

A method of generating arbitrary structures using spatial light modulator (SLM) based holograms with multiphoton absorption is presented. Current methodologies for designing 3D prototyping, such as G-code, are not ideally suited for holographic lithography and therefore limit its functionality or requires additional complex processing. The process outlined here allows a microstructure to be fabricated based on designs from commercially available CAD software. CAD software enables the microstructures to be designed and then realized using dynamic holographic lithography methods enabling designers a simple, quick, and robust method of fabricating novel microstructures. Holographic patterning routines such as raster scans of one or multiple focal points, holograms encoded with two or three dimensional spatial information, or a combination of both techniques may be utilized with this methodology. The process described allows for the development of complex structures that would be difficult to otherwise program using traditional methods. No limitations are placed on the form or function of the designed components, enabling undercut and interlocking features to be fabricated. This methodology also enables the location and orientation of the structures to be controlled dynamically simplifying the process of creating multi-scaled structures or complex arrays of arbitrary structures. As a proof of concept demonstration, a simple cantilever beam was modeled and fabricated.
Alcohol and drug comorbidity among survivors of physical injuries receiving mandated screening and brief intervention at a level-I trauma center

The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS/COT) has mandated alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI) for all level-I trauma centers. Few investigations have assessed alcohol and drug comorbidity among patients receiving mandated alcohol SBI at trauma centers. In this study, 878 randomly selected level-I trauma center inpatients were systematically screened for alcohol and drug use problems with blood and urine toxicology laboratory results and self-report questionnaire items. Patients were systematically screened for alcohol use by blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing and administration of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C). Screening for stimulant use (i.e., amphetamines and cocaine) included urine toxicology testing and single-item self-report. Screening for marijuana use included urine testing and single-item self-report. Screening for prescription and nonprescription opioid use included single-item self-report only. Fifty percent of patients (435/878) screened positive for problem alcohol use. Approximately 20% screened positive for cocaine use, 7.7% for amphetamine use, 7.5% for opioid use, and 37% for marijuana use. Among the 50% of patients who screened positive for problem alcohol use, 61.1% had one or more drug comorbidities. Of all 878 patients in the sample, 166 were seen by the trauma center’s addiction intervention service for mandated alcohol SBI. Of these, 33% were positive for problem alcohol use only, 44% were positive for alcohol and other drug use, 12% were positive for marijuana, stimulants, or opioid use only, and 11% screened negative for both alcohol and drugs. The majority of patients receiving mandated alcohol SBI at a level-I trauma center screened positive for comorbid use of one or more drugs. Clinical SBI research protocols that realistically account for alcohol and drug comorbidity are needed to inform the development of ACS/COT SBI guidelines.
Spectroscopic, cyto-, and photo-toxicity studies of substituted piperidones: potential sensitizers for two-photon photodynamic therapy

Two-photon photodynamic therapy has the advantages of being highly localized in its effects and allows for deeper tissue penetration, when compared to one-photon photodynamic therapy. N-alkylated 3,5-bis(arylidene)-4-piperidones, with a donor-pi-acceptor-pi-donor structure, have the potential to be useful two-photon sensitizers. We have measured two-photon cross sections (using femtosecond excitation), fluorescence quantum yields, fluorescence lifetimes, and xray crystal structures for a number of these compounds. Most two-photon cross sections are comparable to or larger than that of Rhodamine B. However, the fluorescence quantum yields are low (all less than 10%) and the fluorescence lifetimes are less than 1 ns (with one exception), suggesting that there may be a significant energy transfer to the triplet state. This would encourage singlet oxygen formation and increase cellular toxicity. Results of dark cyto-toxicity studies with several human cancer cell lines are presented. White light photo-toxicity results are also presented, and suggest that increasing the number of double bonds, from one to two, in the piperidone wings increases the photo-toxicity with little corresponding change in the dark cyto-toxicity.
Initial effects of fire and mechanical thinning on soil enzyme activity and nitrogen transformations in eight North American forest ecosystems

This study assessed the first-year effect of three ecosystem restoration treatments (prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, and their combination) on soil enzyme activity, soil N transformations, and C:N ratios of soil organic matter and mineral soil in eight North American forested ecosystems. The ecosystems we studied were part of the larger Fire and Fire Surrogate (FFS) network, and all had a history of frequent fire that has been altered by almost a century of organized fire suppression. Across all eight sites there were no statistically significant effects of the three manipulative treatments on phosphatase activity or chitinase activity; in contrast, at the network-scale phenol oxidase activity was reduced by fire alone, relative to the control. There was no significant network-scale effect of the three treatments on net N mineralization or net nitrification. Soil C:N ratio increased modestly after mechanical thinning, but not after prescribed fire or the combination of fire and thinning. There was a statistically significant reduction in forest floor C:N ratio as a result of all three treatments. Ordination of the differences between the treated and control areas indicated that fire alone resulted in greater changes in phenol oxidase activity and net nitrification than did the other two treatments. Large-scale restoration treatments such as those utilized in this study produce modest proximate effects on soil microbial activity and N transformations.
Cloning of cDNA sequences for an Artemia salina hnRNP protein: evidence for conservation through evolution.

Abstract A cDNA clone was isolated for Artemia salina protein HD40, a component of heterogenous nuclear ribonucleoproteins. Enriched Artemia 15S poly(A)+ RNA was used as a template and double-stranded cDNA sequences were inserted into the Pst I restriction endonuclease site of E. coli plasmid pBR322. Recombinant colonies were analyzed by positive hybrid selection of poly(A)+ RNA that directs the synthesis of protein HD40 in an in vitro assay. In vitro translation of the mRNA selected by recombinant clone 87HD yields a protein that is immunoprecipitated by anti-HD40 antibodies and that comigrates with authentic HD40 on gel electrophoresis. Partial proteolysis of protein HD40 and the in vitro translated product selected by clone 87HD produces the same peptide patterns. The size of the cloned insert is about 820 bp. The length of HD40 mRNA as determined by Northern blot analysis, is about 1500 nucleotides. Southern blot analysis performed with DNA of different species (plant, avian, mammal) shows cross-hybridizing bands when probed with clone 87HD DNA suggesting that the HD40 gene is evolutionarily conserved.
Traveling waves of the human scalp-recorded somatosensory evoked response: effects of differences in recording technique and sleep on somatosensory and somatomotor responses.

Abstract The effect of differences in techniques of recording somatomotor and somatosensory evoked responses (SERs) from the human scalp was studied by comparing bipolar and right ear reference recordings. Somatomotor responses were attenuated in close bipolar anterior-posterior (A-P) and biparietal recordings and were not recorded in sleeping subjects. SER components were often increased or reduced in amplitude, altered in peak latency, reversed in direction or vanished in bipolar leads compared with reference recordings. This was due to differences in the wave form characteristics of the SER at any two scalp recording sites. An important cause of these differences was due to differences in the latencies of individual components. Some components progressively increased or decreased in peak latency from anterior to posterior recording locations. In coronal recordings peak latencies of certain components were different at recording locations on the same side of the scalp and over the two sides. These progressive latency shifts in both the A-P and coronal planes gave the appearance of migratory activity. The mechanism which underlies this “traveling” is uncertain. Progressive SER A-P latency differences recorded when subjects were awake persisted during sleep. In some subjects response latencies of certain components increased with sleep and they sometimes increased more at post-central than at pre-central recording locations. In some sleeping subjects certain components vanished, others appeared and later components sometimes became more widely distributed and showed latency differences which were not apparent when the subjects were awake. These findings demonstrate the difficulties which arise when comparing bipolar and reference recordings and emphasize the complex nature of the neuronal substrate which underlies the SER in man.
Clenbuterol retards loss of motor function in motor neuron degeneration mice

Motor neuron degeneration (mnd) mice exhibit lysosomal accumulation of lipofuscin-like material that is associated with progressive loss of motor function and strength. Motor dysfunction scores at 8.5-9 months of age were highly correlated with the occurrence of abnormal spinal motor neurons with eccentric nuclei, although the total numbers of motor neurons were not significantly reduced. Nuclear eccentricity is a characteristic of the axon reaction that results from injury and subsequent compensatory axonal sprouting indicating axonal/synaptic dysfunction in mnd motor neurons. Treatment with clenbuterol, a beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist that can enhance regeneration of motor neuron axons, opposed the development of motor deficits in parallel with a reduced proportion of motor neurons with eccentric nuclei consistent with improved synaptic function. Clenbuterol also opposed decreases in grip strength and muscle mass suggesting beta(2)-agonist treatment as a potential therapeutic modality for lipofuscinoses.
JIVE: java interactive visualization environment

Jive represents a novel approach to runtime visualization and analysis of Java programs. It facilitates program understanding and interactive debugging, featuring: multiple, customizable views of object structure; representation of execution history via sequence diagrams; interactive queries on runtime behavior; forward and reverse interactive execution. JIVE uses standard JVM and compilers.
Distribution of Allergen Composition in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and Wild Progenitor (Arachis) Species

Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 3 are the major allergens found in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seed. We analyzed 60 accessions in the core of the U.S. peanut core collection, along with 88 Florida peanut breeding program lines, by quantification of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) patterns. The core of the core collection showed a wider range of allergen content than the Florida breeding lines; however, average levels of the allergens were the same for both germplasm sources. Geographic origin of the accession had no bearing on the levels of allergens measured. The accession PI 288210 from India had the lowest level of Ara h 1 (7.0%). Accession PI 372305 from Nigeria had the highest level of Ara h 1 (18.5%), but the lowest level of Ara h 2 (6.2%). Accession P) 494795 from Zambia had the highest level of Ara h 2 (13.2%), but the lowest level of Ara h 3 (21.8%). Null mutants for the major allergens were not detected; however, two accessions, 20 lines, and two peanut cultivars (Florunner and Georgia fled) contained no or little of a 36 kDa Ara h 3 isoform, Ara h 3-im. Comparing the seed protein profiles of the putative progenitors X of the peanut A and B genomes, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis, respectively, to the commercial cultivar Georgia Green, allowed the subgenome origin of each allergen polypeptide to be determined. Collectively, these results indicate that eliminating all of the major allergens to create a hypoallergenic peanut is limited with the peanut germpfasm currently available and would benefit from reverse genetic approaches.
Understanding family functioning in a changing America

As a response to the changing structure of the American family, the present study identifies themes of family functioning from individual family members' personal narratives. Analysis was guided by the previous work of Stinnett (1979; Stinnett & DeFrain, 1985). Eight themes were generated from participants' personal narratives: loving‐supportive environment, communication, family rituals and togetherness, stability, abuse, parental roles and responsibilities, individual issues, and external factors. These dimensions support and extend Stinnett's characteristics of strong families. Findings also indicated that, overall, individuals used the terms “perfect” and “dysfunctional” to describe opposite ends of the family functioning continuum. A descriptive framework of family functioning is suggested, focusing on parental roles and responsibilities as a key dimension leading to positive family experiences.
Concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for locoregionally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.

Purpose: To perform a retrospective review of laryngeal/hypopharyngeal carcinomas treated with concurrent chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods and Materials: Between January 2002 and June 2005, 20 laryngeal and 11 hypopharyngeal carcinoma patients underwent IMRT with concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy; most patients had Stage IV disease. The prescription of the planning target volume for gross, high-risk, and low-risk subclinical disease was 70, 59.4, and 54 Gy, respectively. Acute/late toxicities were retrospectively scored using the Common Toxicity Criteria scale. The 2-year local progression-free, regional progression-free, laryngectomy-free, distant metastasis-free, and overall survival rates were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: The median follow-up of the living patients was 26 months (range, 17–58 months). The 2-year local progression-free, regional progression-free, laryngectomy-free, distant metastasis-free, and overall survival rate was 86%, 94%, 89%, 92%, and 63%, respectively. Grade 2 mucositis or higher occurred in 48% of patients, and all experienced Grade 2 or higher pharyngitis during treatment. Xerostomia continued to decrease over time from the end of RT, with none complaining of Grade 2 toxicity at this analysis. The 2-year post-treatment percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-dependency rate for those with hypopharyngeal and laryngeal tumors was 31% and 15%, respectively. The most severe late complications were laryngeal necrosis, necrotizing fascitis, and a carotid rupture resulting in death 3 weeks after salvage laryngectomy. Conclusion: These preliminary results have shown that IMRT achieved encouraging locoregional control of locoregionally advanced laryngeal and hypopharyngeal carcinomas. Xerostomia improved over time. Pharyngoesophageal stricture with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy dependency remains a problem, particularly for patients with hypopharyngeal carcinoma and, to a lesser extent, those with laryngeal cancer. Strategies using IMRT to limit the dose delivered to the esophagus/inferior constrictor musculature without compromising target coverage might be useful to further minimize this late complication.
Telepsychiatry in Correctional Facilities: Using Technology to Improve Access and Decrease Costs of Mental Health Care in Underserved Populations

Objective: It is unclear if telepsychiatry, a subset of telemedicine, increases access to mental health care for inmates in correctional facilities or decreases costs for clinicians or facility administrators. The purpose of this investigation was to determine how utilization of telepsychiatry affected access to care and costs of providing mental health care in correctional facilities.
Quantum efficiency of a microwave photon detector based on a current-biased Josephson junction

We analyze the quantum efficiency of a microwave photon detector based on a current-biased Josephson junction. We consider the Jaynes-Cummings Hamiltonian to describe coupling between the photon field and the junction. We then take into account the coupling of the junction and the resonator to the environment. We solve the equation of motion of the density matrix of the resonator-junction system to compute the quantum efficiency of the detector as a function of detection time, bias current, and energy relaxation time. Our results indicate that junctions with modest coherence properties can provide efficient detection of single microwave photons, with quantum efficiency in excess of $80%$.
Factorial Validity of the KeyMath-Revised.

This study examined the construct validity of the KeyMath-Revised by testing the factorial model proposed by the test author through the use of confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis. The results of this study failed to confirm the proposed factorial model and suggested that the KeyMath-Revised assesses two distinct domains rather than the three proposed by the test author.
Cepheid distances from blue main-sequence companions

The absolute visual magnitudes of main-sequence Cepheid companions are here determined from their effective temperatures. The latter are obtained by comparing the measured relative energy distributions with model atmosphere energy distributions. Assuming an average Galactic extinction law, it is found that the distance moduli for the Cepheids should be smaller by Delta (mv-Mv) = -0.5 as compared to the Sandage-Tammann relation.
Absorption and Backscattering in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas

[1] Bio-optical observations were made during August 2000 in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Chlorophyll a concentration (Chl) ranged from 0.068 to 18.5 mg chl m−3. Both total particulate and phytoplankton absorption at 443 nm were closely correlated with chlorophyll concentration. Linear spectral relationships were observed for phytoplankton absorption. The chlorophyll-specific absorption of phytoplankton at 443 nm was nearly constant at 0.013 m2 (mg chl)−1, but particulate absorption due to nonpigmented particulates at 443 nm was highly variable. There was no strong correlation between chlorophyll concentration and absorption by soluble materials or nonpigmented particulates. Absorption, scattering, and attenuation all show strong first-order spectral relationships. Robust relationships between backscattering and chlorophyll and backscattering and remote sensing reflectance were evident. These relationships can be used to construct absorption-based algorithms to retrieve various optical constituents.
Behavioral modeling and simulation of a parametric power amplifier

Parametric amplification is a well known technique for achieving power gain at microwave frequencies. By modulating a nonlinear reactance using a large (pump) signal, a smaller (source) signal is up-converted with gain. The ideal gain predicted by the Manley-Rowe relations are theoretically limited by the ability to suppress the pump signal and unwanted mixing products of the nonlinear reactance. When using ideal nonlinear reactances (i.e. infinite Q) parametric amplification is lossless, resulting in 100% conversion efficiency of the pump signal power to the desired mixing product. In this paper we develop a behavioral model to predict limitations in gain driven by changes in a nonlinear capacitance, which enables practical circuit design. The model is validated by circuit simulations, and by a breadboard parametric mixer.
Isolated pediatric pancreatic transection secondary to ocean-related trauma

Context Isolated pancreatic transection is a rare but well-recognized complication following blunt trauma of the abdomen. Diagnosis at presentation may be difficult and delayed due to subtle initial symptoms and evolving nature of the injury. Case report We describe an isolated complete pancreatic transection in a 14-year-old female secondary to a previously unreported and highly unusual mechanism (being tossed by a wave). Diagnosis was obtained by computed tomography scan 24 hours following initial trauma. She was managed operatively with an open distal pancreatectomy with splenic preservation and no subsequent complications. Conclusions The force sustained from the blunt abdominal trauma of being tossed by a wave can be significant. The management of pancreatic injuries in children, particularly in the context of ductal transection, is controversial. Timely recognition and management is critical to optimal outcomes. Early operative intervention may help to avoid complications such as abscess or pseudocyst formation. Image: CT scan of the abdomen demonstrating complete transection of the pancreas.
Varicella Vaccine For Immunocompromised Children: Results Of Collaborative Studies In The United States And Canada

Varicella vaccine in immunocompromised children was clinically evaluated in 575 US and Canadian children with leukemia in remission by the Varicella Vaccine Collaborative Study. Most children had chemotherapy stopped 1 week before and 1 week after immunization. Steroids were stopped for 3 weeks (1 week before to 2 weeks after vaccination). Varicella vaccine was safe, immunogenic, and effective in leukemic children at risk for serious disease or death from chickenpox. The major side effect was mild rash in 50% approximately 1 month after immunization. About 40% of children who developed rash were treated with acyclovir. Vaccine efficacy was judged by the degree of protection after a household exposure to varicella; of 123 exposed children, 17 (14%) developed a mild form of varicella. The vaccine protected completely against severe varicella. Leukemic vaccines were less likely to develop zoster than were comparable children with leukemia who had wild type varicella. Thus, varicella vaccine, administered carefully with close follow-up, is extremely beneficial for leukemic children.
Morbidity Profiles of Centenarians: Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers

Background The compression of morbidity hypothesis predicts that, in order to achieve their extreme old age, centenarians markedly delay or even escape diseases that would otherwise be lethal at younger ages. Phenotypic studies have not adequately characterized the prevalence and timing of age-related illnesses among those who achieve exceptional old age. Thus, we conducted a retrospective cohort study of centenarians to explore the timing of such diseases among centenarians. Methods Health history questionnaires were completed by 424 centenarians (aged 97-119 years) or their proxies. Lifetime (to-date) diagnoses of 10 major lethal illnesses (hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, nonskin cancer, skin cancer, osteoporosis, thyroid condition, Parkinson's disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and one ocular disease (cataracts) that befall the elderly population, approximate age of diagnosis, level of alcohol and tobacco use, and presence or absence of cognitive impairment were assessed. Because of the retrospective nature of the study, the typically imprecise age of onset of cognitive impairment negated the ability to include age of onset of cognitive impairment in this aspect of the analyses. Results Examining the ages of onset for the 10 age-associated diseases and excluding cognitive impairment, we found that the centenarians fit into three morbidity profiles-Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers. 24% of male subjects and 43% of female subjects fit the Survivor profile, or those who had a diagnosis of an age-associated illness prior to the age of 80. Delayers were individuals who delayed the onset of age-associated illness until at least the age of 80, and 44% of male and 42% of female subjects fit this profile. Escapers were individuals who attained their 100th year of life without the diagnosis of common age-associated illnesses, and 32% of male and 15% of female subjects fit the Escaper profile. When examining only the most lethal diseases of the elderly population, heart disease, nonskin cancer, and stroke, we found that 87% of male and 83% of female subjects delayed or escaped these diseases. Subjects with and without cognitive impairment did not differ in terms of the profile to which they belonged. Conclusions These results suggest there may be multiple routes to achieving exceptional longevity and that there are sex differences according to which route is taken. These routes represent different phenotypes and thus likely different genotypes of centenarians. The identification of three types of centenarians, Survivors, Delayers, and Escapers, provides direction for future study into the factors that determine exceptional longevity.
To Each His Own

Planarians are among the most complex animals with the ability to regenerate complete organisms from small tissue pieces. This ability allows them to reproduce by splitting themselves into a head and a tail piece, making them a rare example of asexual reproduction via transverse fission in multi-cellular organisms. Due to the stochastic nature of long reproductive cycles, which range from days to months, few and primarily qualitative studies have been conducted to understand the reproductive behaviors of asexual planarians. We have executed the largest long-term study on planarian asexual reproduction to date, tracking more than 23,000 reproductive events of three common planarian species found in Europe, North America, and Asia, respectively: Schmidtea mediterranea, Dugesia tigrina, and Dugesia japonica. This unique data collection allowed us to perform a detailed statistical analysis of their reproductive strategies. Since the three species share a similar anatomy and mode of reproduction by transverse division, we were surprised to find that each species had acquired its own distinct strategy for optimizing its reproductive success. We statistically examined each strategy, associated trade-offs, and the potential regulatory mechanisms on the population level. Interestingly, models for cell cycle length regulation in unicellular organisms could be directly applied to describe reproductive cycle lengths of planarians, despite the difference in underlying biological mechanisms. Finally, we examined the ecological implications of each strategy through intra- and inter-species competition experiments and found that D. japonica outcompeted the other two species due to its relatively equal distribution of resources on head and tail pieces, its cannibalistic behaviors and ability to thrive in crowded environments. These results show that this species would pose a serious threat to endogenous planarian populations if accidentally introduced in their habitats.
Global analysis of phase locking in gene expression during cell cycle: the potential in network modeling

Background In nonlinear dynamic systems, synchrony through oscillation and frequency modulation is a general control strategy to coordinate multiple modules in response to external signals. Conversely, the synchrony information can be utilized to infer interaction. Increasing evidence suggests that frequency modulation is also common in transcription regulation.
Thermochemistry of sulfide liquids IV: density measurements and the thermodynamics of O–S–Fe–Ni–Cu liquids at low to moderate pressures

We present the results of a series of density experiments in the system O–S–Fe–Ni–Cu. These experiments were designed to extend our understanding of the physical properties of sulfide liquids, and to extend one-bar thermochemical models for sulfide liquids to apply to low to moderate pressures. Density measurements indicate both positive and negative deviations from linear mixing of partial molar volumes across this five-dimensional composition space. In terms of the homogeneous speciation model of Kress (in Contrib Mineral Petrol 154:191–204, 2007), the best fit to experimental data can be achieved by starting with a model where the volume of formation reaction for associated species initially is set to zero. Further refinement of this first-order fit yields a volume mixing model which reproduces experimental data to within nearly the estimated experimental uncertainty. Experimental ultrasonic and X-ray absorption data from the literature, along with the bulk modulus–volume relation of Anderson and Nafe (J Geophys Res 16:3951–3963, 1965), allow the estimation of the pressure dependence of partial molar volumes for sulfide liquid species. The resulting combined thermochemical model should be valid to about 2,000 K and 3 GPa. Application of this thermochemical model in a simple adiabatic magma ascent scenario confirms earlier work suggesting that the pressure dependence of sulfur solubility in sulfide-saturated magma will decrease with increasing pressure along geologically reasonable paths in P–T– $$f_{{\rm O}_{2}}$$ – $$f_{{\rm S}_{2}}$$ space.
The Evolving Challenges of Helicobacter pylori Disease, Diagnostics, and Treatment, Part I

Abstract Helicobacter pylori infects half of the world's population; is associated with several severe gastric illnesses, including peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer; and causes significant morbidity in its host. Several trends in the field of H. pylori have evolved recently, drastically changing the way that these infections are managed. Part I of this article reviews the current challenges facing H. pylori disease management and provides both clinicians and laboratorians with a concise overview of its pathogenesis, epidemiology, and testing strategies. Part II of this article will be published in the next issue of Clinical Microbiology Newsletter (Vol. 35, No. 4) and will address treatment strategies and issues concerning medical reimbursement.
Secondary amyloidosis as a life‐ending event in multifocal motor neuropathy

Multifocal motor neuropathy (MMN) is a disorder of peripheral nerve often associated with a high monosialoganglioside (GM1) antibody and multifocal conduction block. It has a chronic, indolent course with involvement of predominantly peripheral motor nerves, usually in an asymmetric fashion. There have been few reported cases of progression to frank quadriplegia. Secondary amyloidosis refers to the deposition of amyloid in various tissues due to an underlying chronic inflammatory state. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of a patient with MMN associated with high titer of GM1 antibody who developed acute paraplegia with both cranial nerve and worsening sensory involvement associated with multiorgan compromise due to a secondary amyloidosis involving the myocardium.
Formulation of a Dry Green Tea-Apple Product: Study on Antioxidant and Color Stability

A dry apple product enriched with green tea (GT) extract was designed as a novel food to deliver relevant amounts of catechins. The target water activity (a(w)) range between 0.11 and 0.32 was chosen for the GT-fortified apple, since it corresponds to low water mobility and, consequently, maximum stability of dehydrated apples. The GT-fortified product and a control dehydrated apple product were stored in air, at 30 degrees C, and evaluated for color, antioxidant contents (monomeric flavan 3-ols, total procyanidins, ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid and dihydrochalcones), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging capacity. After 1 mo of storage at the lowest a(w) level (0.11), the GT-fortified product retained 80 and 100% of the initial contents of the monomeric flavan 3-ols and total procyanidins, respectively. With increasing a(w) level to 0.32, the stability of antioxidants slowly decreased. The addition of GT to the apple product increased the FRAP value and the DPPH scavenging capacity by 3.6-fold and 4.6-fold respectively, which remained almost unchanged during storage. The GT-fortified product was similar in color to commercially available dehydrated apples. Results highlighted some advantages of using dehydrated apples as a target for green tea fortification, which deserve further trials to investigate potential applications for fortification of other dehydrated fruits.
THE GEAC ACQUISITIONS SYSTEM AS A SOURCE OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

The University of Houston-University Park Libraries have been using the Geac Acquisitions System since September 1984. The system supplies management information in the areas of fund accounting, vendor performance, collection development, order control, and system management. Benefits, such as comprehensive versus summary reports, as well as shortcomings, such as length and paging of reports, were noted.
Does your organization use gender inclusive forms? Nurses' confusion about trans* terminology

Aims and objectives To describe nurses confusion around trans* terminology and to provide a lesson in Trans* 101 for readers. Background Of the estimated 9 million persons in the United States of America who are identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, about 950,000 (0·2–0·5% of adult population) are identified as trans* (a term that encompasses the spectrum, including transgender, transsexual, trans man, trans woman and other terms). The Institute of Medicine (2011, The health of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: Building a foundation for better understanding. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC) identified transgender persons as an understudied population with significant need for health research, yet the nursing literature contains little guidance for educating nurses on trans* issues. Design This is a mixed methods structured interview design with nurse key informants. The scripted interview was based on the Health Care Equality Index, which evaluates patient-centred care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients and families. These data were part of a larger research study that explored the current state of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-sensitive nursing practice. Method Undergraduate nursing students recruited and interviewed 268 nurse key informants about gender inclusive forms (capable of identifying trans* patients) at their agencies. Results Only 5% reported use of gender inclusive forms, 44% did not know about inclusive forms, 37% did not understand what a gender inclusive form was and 14% confused gender with sexual orientation. Conclusion The study demonstrated a critical need for education in gender identity and sexual orientation terminology. Relevance to clinical practice The lack of understanding of concepts and terminology may affect basic care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender patients especially those who identify as transgender.
Efficient search space exploration for HW-SW partitioning

Hardware/software (HW-SW) partitioning is a key problem in the codesign of embedded systems, studied extensively in the past. One major open challenge for traditional partitioning approaches -- as we move to more complex and heterogeneous SOCs -- is the lack of efficient exploration of the large space of possible HW/SW configurations, coupled with the inability to efficiently scale up with larger problem sizes. In this paper, we make two contributions for HW-SW partitioning of applications represented as procedural call-graphs: 1) we prove that during partitioning, the execution time metric for moving a vertex needs to be updated only for the immediate neighbours of the vertex, rather than for all ancestors along paths to the root vertex; consequently, we observe faster run-times for move-based partitioning algorithms such as Simulated Annealing (SA), allowing call graphs with thousands of vertices to be processed in less than a second, and 2) we devise a new cost function for SA that allows frequent discovery of better partitioning solutions by searching spaces overlooked by traditional SA cost functions. We present experimental results on a very large design space, where several thousand configurations are explored in minutes as compared to several hours or days using a traditional SA formulation. Furthermore, our approach is frequently able to locate better design points with over 10% improvement in application execution time compared to the solutions generated by a Kernighan-Lin partitioning algorithm starting with an all-SW partitioning.
Phylogeny of microorganisms populating a thick, subaerial, predominantly lithotrophic biofilm at an extreme acid mine drainage site.

ABSTRACT An unusually thick (∼1 cm) slime developed on a slump of finely disseminated pyrite ore within an extreme acid mine drainage site at Iron Mountain, near Redding, Calif. The slime was studied over the period of 1 year. The subaerial form of the slime distinguished it from more typical submerged streamers. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed a diversity of sequences that were mostly novel. Nearest relatives to the majority of sequences came from iron-oxidizing acidophiles, and it appears that iron oxidation is the predominant metabolic characteristic of the organisms in the slime. The most abundant of the 16S rRNA genes detected were from organisms related toLeptospirillum species. The dominant sequence (71% of clones) may represent a new genus. Sequences within theArchaea of the Thermoplasmales lineage were detected. Most of these were only distantly related to known microorganisms. Also, sequences affiliating withAcidimicrobium were detected. Some of these were closely related to “Ferromicrobium acidophilus,” and others were affiliated with a lineage only represented by environmental clones. Unexpectedly, sequences that affiliated within the delta subdivision of the Proteobacteria were detected. The predominant metabolic feature of bacteria of this subdivision is anaerobic sulfate or metal reduction. Thus, microenvironments of low redox potential possibly exist in the predominantly oxidizing environments of the slime. These results expand our knowledge of the biodiversity of acid mine drainage environments and extend our understanding of the ecology of extremely acidic systems.
Changes in The Floodplain Forest Vegetation of The Lower Wisconsin River Over The Last Fifty Years

ABSTRACT Over the last five decades, the floodplain forests along the Lower Wisconsin River have experienced several events capable of shifting forest structure and composition, including river regulation, Dutch elm disease and increased levels of herbivory. This study analyzes changes in the structure and composition of the vegetation in the floodplain forests over the previous 50 y by comparing forest survey data collected in 2001 with data collected on the same sites by John Curtis in the 1950s. The results suggest that the forests are shifting to a previously unrecorded later successional stage, dominated increasingly by silver maple, hackberry and bitternut hickory, a possible result of river regulation. Early-successional stages, particularly those dominated by black willow and cottonwood, are disappearing. Disturbances, such as timber harvests, may be increasing the rate of this transition. Further, the forests have shown a large increase in the dominance of two thorny shrubs, prickly ash and Europ...
Care bundles for management of obstetrical hemorrhage

Peripartum hemorrhage is one of the most preventable causes of maternal mortality worldwide. Much effort has been directed toward creating programs that address deficits in maternity care responsible for preventable hemorrhage-related morbidity and mortality. To have a significant impact on outcomes, such programs must address both providers and processes involved in the delivery of maternity care. At the core of a successful program, are standardized care bundles integrating medical and surgical techniques for managing hemorrhage with principles of transfusion medicine and critical care. In this article, we review the components of the safety bundle for obstetric hemorrhage developed by ACOG District II Safe Motherhood Initiative.
Characterization of Landsat-7 to Landsat-8 reflective wavelength and normalized difference vegetation index continuity

At over 40 years, the Landsat satellites provide the longest temporal record of space-based land surface observations, and the successful 2013 launch of the Landsat-8 is continuing this legacy. Ideally, the Landsat data record should be consistent over the Landsat sensor series. The Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) has improved calibration, signal to noise characteristics, higher 12-bit radiometric resolution, and spectrally narrower wavebands than the previous Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper (ETM+). Reflective wavelength differences between the two Landsat sensors depend also on the surface reflectance and atmospheric state which are difficult to model comprehensively. The orbit and sensing geometries of the Landsat- 8 OLI and Landsat-7 ETM+ provide swath edge overlapping paths sensed only one day apart. The overlap regions are sensed in alternating backscatter and forward scattering orientations so Landsat bi-directional reflectance effects are evident but approximately balanced between the two sensors when large amounts of time series data are considered. Taking advantage of this configuration a total of 59 million 30m corresponding sensor observations extracted from 6,317 Landsat-7 ETM+ and Landsat-8 OLI images acquired over three winter and three summer months for all the conterminous United States (CONUS) are compared. Results considering different stages of cloud and saturation filtering, and filtering to reduce one day surface state differences, demonstrate the importance of appropriate per-pixel data screening. Top of atmosphere (TOA) and atmospherically corrected surface reflectance for the spectrally corresponding visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared bands, and derived normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), are compared and their differences quantified. On average the OLI TOA reflectance is greater than the ETM+ TOA reflectance for all bands, with greatest differences in the near-infrared (NIR) and the shortwave infrared bands due to the quite different spectral response functions between the sensors. The atmospheric correction reduces the mean difference in the NIR and shortwave infrared but increases the mean difference in the visible bands. Regardless of whether TOA or surface reflectance are used to generate NDVI, on average, for vegetated soil and vegetation surfaces (0 ≤ NDVI ≤ 1), the OLI NDVI is greater than the ETM+ NDVI. Statistical functions to transform between the comparable sensor bands and sensor NDVI values are presented so that the user community may apply them in their own research to improve temporal continuity between the Landsat-7 ETM+ and Landsat-8 OLI sensor data. The transformation functions were developed using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and were fit quite reliably (r2 values is greater than 0.7 for the reflectance data and greater than 0.9 for the NDVI data, p-values less than 0.0001).
Developments in miRNA gene signaling pathways in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a devastating malignancy that ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Dismal prognosis is mainly attributable to limited knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of the disease. miRNAs have been found to be deregulated in pancreatic cancer, affecting several steps of initiation and aggressiveness of the disease by regulating important signaling pathways, such as the KRAS and Notch pathways. Moreover, the effect of miRNAs on regulating cell cycle events and expression of transcription factors has gained a lot of attention. Recent studies have highlighted the application of miRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic tools. The current review focuses on latest advances with respect to the roles of miRNAs in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma associated signaling pathways and miRNA-based therapeutics.
“Quite a Genteel and Extreamly Commodious House”: Southern Taverns, Anxious Elites, and the British-American Quest for Social Differentiation

When investigated through the tavern space, the processes of social differentiation so often associated with more populated northern “urban crucibles” appear less geographically determined than previously supposed. Colonial elites throughout British North America attempted to impose order and control over society during the eighteenth century. Elites’ quest for social differentiation and public order thus went beyond place. Whether patricians’ efforts occurred in Williamsburg or New York, such endeavors centered around the colonies’ most popular, accessible, and numerous public space—the tavern. This article will use Chesapeake and Low Country taverns to demonstrate, through outwardly broad but nonetheless effective comparisons with taverns in the northern colonies, that colonists throughout the eastern seaboard experienced very similar processes of social differentiation despite living thousands of miles apart. The tavern places Chesapeake and Low Country urban centers on an equal footing with their northern counterparts in their contributions to elites’ attempts at order and control.
Alpha-Galactosidase from Pichia Guilliermondii

Examination of a variety of species of molds and yeasts, including those of the genus Pichia, has revealed significant production of the hydrolytic enzyme α-galactosidase in Pichia guilliermondii. ...
Influence of DDT on Egg-Laying in Spider Mites

It has not been possible to demonstrate an increase in oviposition rate in Tetranychus urticae Koch and T. telarius (L.) owing to DDT treatment. Treatments included direct application, holding on treated bean leaves, rearing on bean plants inserted in water containing DDT or combinations of such treatments. It was not possible to confirm a report that daughters of treated mites produced more eggs than did the parent females. A definite harmful effect is evidenced by early mortality, lowered oviposition rate, and restlessness. The harmful effect is intensified by high temperature.