cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization and proteomic analysis of outer membrane vesicles from a commensal microbe, Enterobacter cloacae.

Abstract Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are membrane-enclosed spherical entities released by gram-negative bacteria and are important for bacterial survival under stress conditions. There have been numerous studies on OMVs released by gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, but an understanding of the functions and characteristics of the OMVs produced by commensal microbes is still lacking. Enterobacter cloacae is a gram-negative commensal bacterium present in the human gut microbiome, but this organism can also function as an opportunistic pathogen. Understanding the OMV-mediated communication route between bacteria-bacteria or bacteria-host is essential for the determination of the biological functions of the commensal bacterium in the gut and delineating between benign and virulent characteristics. In this study, we have described a proteome of E. cloacae OMVs, which are membrane vesicles in a size range of 20–300 nm. Proteomic analysis showed the presence of membrane-bound proteins, including transporters, receptors, signaling molecules, and protein channels. The physical and proteomic analyses also indicate this bacterium uses two mechanisms for OMV production. This study is one of the few existing descriptions of the proteomic profile of OMVs generated by a commensal Proteobacteria, and the first report of OMVs produced by E. cloacae. Significance This study prioritizes the importance of understanding the vesicular proteome of the human commensal bacterium, Enterobacter cloacae. We demonstrate for the first time that the gram-negative bacterium E. cloacae ATCC 13047 produces outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). The proteomic analysis showed enrichment of membrane-bound proteins in these vesicles. Understanding the cargo proteins of OMVs will help in exploring the physiological and functional role of these vesicles in the human microbiome and how they assist in the conversion of a bacterium from commensal to pathogen under certain conditions. While EM images reveal vesicles budding from the bacterial surface, the presence of cytoplasmic proteins and genomic DNA within the OMVs indicate that explosive cell lysis is an additional mechanism of biogenesis for these OMVs along with outer membrane blebbing. This research encourages future work on characterizing membrane vesicles produced by commensal bacterial and investigating their role in cell to cell communication.
Open science as a path to education of new psychophysiologists.

Abstract There is a pressing need for resources to train the next generation of psychophysiologists. Psychophysiology, and especially the subfield of cognitive electrophysiology, poses challenges for educators because it requires an understanding of complex concepts and experimental design, advanced analysis and programming skills, and access to specialized software and equipment. These challenges are common to other STEM fields as well. We present PURSUE (Preparing Undergraduates for Research in STEM Using Electrophysiology – www.PursueERP.com ) as an example initiative that engages open educational practices to create and share freely available electrophysiology training materials. This model uses evidence-based pedagogy to create accessible and flexible materials, an open database with supporting lab-based training resources, and also provides instructor support during implementation. This model can be used for other areas within STEM. We review benefits and challenges of using open science research and publishing practices for training. Open science resources have benefits for both course-based undergraduate research experiences and other types of training by increasing access to publications, software, and code for conducting experiments and analyses, as well as access to data for those who do not have access to research equipment. Further, we argue that coordinated open educational practices are necessary to take full advantage of open science resources for training students. Open educational practices such as open educational resources, collaborative course building, and implementation support greatly enhance the ability to incorporate these open science resources into a curriculum.
Effects of transdermal flunixin meglumine on pain biomarkers at dehorning

Dehorning is a common procedure performed on over 90% of dairy farms. The increasing awareness of animal welfare and pain mitigation have made the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) common and desirable at the time of dehorning. Recently, a novel formulation of flunixin meglumine has been developed and approved in the European Union. This novel formulation is designed for topical application and transdermal absorption of the active ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic effects of topical flunixin meglumine when given at the time of dehorning on pain biomarkers.
New series and parallel 3D Cartesian right circularly corner-filleted flexible hinges

Abstract This work introduces a three-dimensional (3D) right circularly corner-filleted flexible hinge composed of four planar segments that are serially connected and located in two planes of the global Cartesian frame. The 3D hinge configuration realizes full load-displacement coupling in terms of the six degrees of freedom (DOF) at its free end, enhancing thus the motion capability, range and versatility. A linear analytical compliance model is developed to describe the load-deformation behavior of this hinge using matrix formulation. Thorough finite element simulation confirms the analytical model results. A comprehensive study is performed based on the analytical model to identify the influence of the hinge geometric parameters on its deformation response. A parallel-connection hinge is also introduced, which consists of three identical 3D Cartesian hinges joined to a rigid link and resulting in a tripod stage. A prototype stage is manufactured and experimentally tested whose results validate the analytical model predictions. Further analysis studies the static regular and parasitic behavior of the stage in terms of its defining geometry.
Practice Patterns and Training Needs Among Physicians Certifying Patients for Medical Marijuana in Florida.

Background Little is known about the clinical training or practice experiences among physicians who certify patients for medical marijuana. The objective of this study was to determine information sources, factors influencing recommendations, clinical practices in patient assessment, communications, and recommendations, and priority areas for additional training among physicians who certify patients for medical marijuana. Methods A cross-sectional state-wide anonymous survey of registered medical marijuana physicians in Florida between June and October 2020 was administered. Numerical responses were quantified using counts and percentages. The frequencies for "often" and "always" responses were aggregated when appropriate. Results Among 116 respondents, the mean (standard deviation) age was 57 (12) years old, and 70% were male. The most frequently used information sources were research articles (n = 102, 95%), followed by online sources (n = 99, 93%), and discussions with other providers and dispensary staff (n = 84, 90%). Safety concerns were most influential in patient recommendations (n = 39, 39%), followed by specific conditions (n = 30, 30%) and patient preferences (n = 26, 30%). Ninety-three physicians (92%) reported they "often" or "always" perform a patient physical exam. Eighty-four (77%) physicians provided specific administration route recommendations. Half (n = 56) "often" or "always" provided specific recommendations for Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol: cannabidiol ratios, while 69 (62%) "often" or "always" provided specific dose recommendations. Online learning/training modules were the most preferred future training mode, with 88 (84%) physicians "likely" or "very likely" to participate. The top 3 desired topics for future training were marijuana-drug interactions (n = 84, 72%), management of specific medical conditions or symptoms (n = 83, 72%), and strategies to reduce opioids or other drugs use (n = 78, 67%). Conclusions This survey of over 100 medical marijuana physicians indicates that their clinical practices rely on a blend of research and anecdotal information sources. While physicians report clinical factors as influential during patient recommendation, patient assessment practices and treatment regimen recommendations vary substantially and rely on experimental approaches. More research is needed to inform evidence-based practice and training, especially considering details on drug interactions, risk-benefit of treatment for specific clinical conditions, and strategies to reduce opioid use.
A Multi-Input Solar Converter Interface for AC Microgrid Architecture

AC microgrids are considered the most compatible method for integration of renewable energy sources and energy storage systems into the existing power grid. Photovoltaic (PV) systems are among the most popular renewable energy sources. However, due to the DC nature of their produced power, power electronics converters are required to process their harvested energy. This paper proposes a power electronics-based solution named solar converter unit (SCU) that operates as an interface between the PVs modules and the AC microgrid. The modularity of the proposed topology improves the reliability of power conversion process. Moreover, this topology benefits from a modified hysteresis band control algorithm that provides regulated and high-quality waveform at the consumer side with maximum of 6% error margin. Furthermore, a THD value of 0.72% is recorded for the consumer side. Various integration scenarios using SCU are discussed comprehensively in this paper and a scenario selection algorithm is proposed. Simulations are conducted for key functions of SCU to demonstrate its capabilities and functionality. The simulation results show that the proposed SCU converts and manages the power in the AC microgrid properly.
Reflections on Bodily Change: The Lived Experience of Disability

My interest in the phenomenology of illness and disability has grown out of my own experience as a person living with multiple sclerosis, an incurable, progressively disabling disease of the central nervous system. Over the past twenty-eight years (since the age of 30) my physical capacities have altered in a startling number of ways. At one time or another my illness has affected my ability to see, to feel, to move, to hear, to stand up, to sit up, to walk, to control my bowels and my bladder, and to maintain my balance. Some abilities, such as sensing the position of a limb, I have lost abruptly and then slowly regained. Some, such as clear vision in one or the other eye, I have lost and regained numerous times. Other physical capacities have disappeared and never returned. I can, for example, no longer walk because I am unable to lift my legs. This latter change has, however, been gradual. For a number of years, although the muscles in my legs gradually weakened, I was able to get around “on my own two feet” using first a cane, then crutches, and finally a walker for support. Several years ago I was forced to give up the walker and begin full-time use of a wheelchair for mobility.
“You Can Make a Tower”: Using Conversation Analysis to Understand a Math Tutoring Session

A recent article in the New York Times (Spencer, 2011) described a series of well-attended workshops on how to encourage children to play effectively with wooden blocks. At first glance, the idea of teaching children to play seems somewhat absurd. And yet, if we think about learning via play rather than learning to play, it is reasonable to ask how adults can encourage mathematical and verbal complexity in children’s games and activities. By looking closely at what parents and teachers say to children during play sessions, we can perhaps better understand the kind of language that supports intellectual development in the context of child-directed play. In this brief paper, I attempt to show how one teacher uses language to bring together learning and play in a math tutoring session. Specifically, I discuss an instance where the teacher finds a moment in a student’s self-directed game where it would be appropriate to introduce beginning math concepts.
"Compact" nuclear domains: reconsidering the nucleolus.

The nucleolus is among the most striking cell components when viewed by phase contrast microscopy and yet, previous studies have revealed it to possess a lower molecular density than anticipated. A surprising new report demonstrates that the nucleolus accommodates the assembly of a virus, this amidst building ribosomes and performing other host cell functions.
Mechanisms in the interconversion of ribose-5-phosphate and hexose-6-phosphate in human blood. I. Isomerization of ribose-5-phosphate in human hemolysates.

1. 1. Ribose-5-phosphate added to the hemolysate undergoes a rapid isomerization to a mixture of isomers. 2. 2. The mixture of isomers consists predominently of ribulose- and xylulose-5-phosphate, and probably of closely related compounds which after dephosphorylation yield ribulose and xylulose. 3. 3. The ratio between the two ketopentose phosphates was found to be much higher than that calculated from the equilibrium constants of the ribose-5-phosphate isomerase from other tissues and epimerase from lactobacillus pentosus. These results suggests that xylulose-5-phosphate is either present in two different forms in the equilibrium mixture, namely as the ester of the keto sugar and that of its hydrate or that another 5-carbon ester closely related to xylulose-5-phosphate is present in addition to this latter ester. 4. 4. In addition to the two ketopentose esters, the presence was demonstrated by paper chromatography of small amounts of another ester which reduces iodine at pH 5 at room temperature, and when added to the hemolysates is rapidly converted to an equilibrium mixture of pentose, phosphate esters which, on the basis of its extinction coefficients in Bial's orcinol and phloroglucinol reactions is assumed to be a mixture of ribose-5-phosphate and its isomers.
βL-βM loop in the C-terminal domain of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channels is important for Gβγ subunit activation

The activity of G protein-activated inwardly rectifying K+ channels (GIRK or Kir3) is important for regulating membrane excitability in neuronal, cardiac and endocrine cells. Although Gβγ subunits are known to bind the N- and C-termini of GIRK channels, the mechanism underlying Gβγ activation of GIRK is not well understood. Here, we used chimeras and point mutants constructed from GIRK2 and IRK1, a G protein-insensitive inward rectifier, to determine the region within GIRK2 important for Gβγ binding and activation. An analysis of mutant channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes revealed two amino acid substitutions in the C-terminal domain of GIRK2, GIRK2L344E and GIRK2G347H, that exhibited decreased carbachol-activated currents but significantly enhanced basal currents with coexpression of Gβγ subunits. Combining the two mutations (GIRK2EH) led to a more severe reduction in carbachol-activated and Gβγ-stimulated currents. Ethanol-activated currents were normal, however, suggesting that G protein-independent gating was unaffected by the mutations. Both GIRK2L344E and GIRK2EH also showed reduced carbachol activation and normal ethanol activation when expressed in HEK-293T cells. Using epitope-tagged channels expressed in HEK-293T cells, immunocytochemistry showed that Gβγ-impaired mutants were expressed on the plasma membrane, although to varying extents, and could not account completely for the reduced Gβγ activation. In vitro Gβγ binding assays revealed an ∼60% decrease in Gβγ binding to the C-terminal domain of GIRK2L344E but no statistical change with GIRK2EH or GIRK2G347H, though both mutants exhibited Gβγ-impaired activation. Together, these results suggest that L344, and to a lesser extent, G347 play an important functional role in Gβγ activation of GIRK2 channels. Based on the 1.8 A structure of GIRK1 cytoplasmic domains, L344 and G347 are positioned in the βL–βM loop, which is situated away from the pore and near the N-terminal domain. The results are discussed in terms of a model for activation in which Gβγ alters the interaction between the βL–βM loop and the N-terminal domain.
Amnesty, Enforcement and Tax Policy

Amnesties are widely used in society to rehabilitate past sinners, to collect resources, such as library books, that would otherwise be unrecoverable, and to make enforcement easier by reducing the ranks of delinquents. Over the past four years, tax amnesties have emerged as a major instrument of state revenue policy. Twenty states conducted amnesties. Record collections were made by New York ($360 million) and Illinois (income tax amnesty dollars 3.4% of collections). Amnesties took in dollars that would probably have escaped otherwise, and tax rolls were bolstered. Tax amnesties also have costs, however. They may anger honest taxpayers, diminish the legitimacy of the tax system by pardoning past evasion, and decrease compliance by making future amnesties seem more likely. Shou1.d the federal government, aswirl in tax reform and suffering from an estimated $100 billion tax evasion problem, now offer an amnesty of its own? What type of federal program would most likely be offered? What would it be likely to accomplish? State tax amnesties have generally bean coupled with enhanced enforcement efforts, a feature intended to preserve the legitimacy of the tan system. The amnesty/enforcement combination twists the penalty schedule, lowering it non raising it later, in that way encouraging prompt payment. With no past sins to hide, future compliance also becomes less costly, hence more probable. Any federal amnesty, we predict, would be accompanied by a strengthening of enforcement. After reviewing the state experience, we speculatively estimate that a federal amnesty/enforcement to annual revenues on the order of $10 billion.
Relationship of thyrotropin to exophthalmos-producing substance. Formation of an exophthalmos-producing substance by pepsin digestion of pituitary glycoproteins containing both thyrotropic and exophthalmogenic activity.

Abstract Homogeneous bovine pituitary glycoproteins with both thyrotropic and exophthalmogenic activity have been subjected to limited proteolysis by pepsin. One fraction lost 90% of its thyrotropin action, but only 15% of its exophthalmogenic activity, when incubated with a 1% weight ratio of pepsin at pH 2.2 and at 37°. Analytical disc gel analyses showed that the decrease in thyrotropin activity could be correlated with the destruction of the glycoprotein originally in this fraction and with the appearance of several new protein-staining bands. One of the digestion products was an oligosaccharide-containing derivative with terminal galactose on at least one of its carbohydrate moieties. After isolation by electrofocusing, this derivative was shown to have exophthalmogenic activity but to be without significant thyrotropin action; the residual thyrotropin activity of limited digests remained associated with nondigested glycoproteins containing both activities. The exophthalmogenic derivative had an isoelectric point at pH 6.9 and exhibited a single component on analytical disc gels. It had a molecular weight of 20,000 to 22,000 when evaluated by electrophoresis on gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate, but appeared to be composed of two polypeptide units, one with a molecular weight of approximately 14,000 and the other with a molecular weight of approximately 6,000. The results indicate that limited proteolysis of a homogeneous pituitary glycoprotein with both thyrotropic and exophthalmogenic activity can yield a derivative uniquely active as an exophthalmos-producing substance.
Problems in Graph Theory from Memphis

This is a summary of problems and results coming out of the 20 year collaboration between Paul Erdős and the authors.
Adolescent Bariatric Surgery

The prevalence of severe obesity among children and adolescents continues to increase and poses a serious healthcare challenge both in the United States and worldwide. With 17 % of the US pediatric and adolescent population being categorized as obese (BMI >95th percentile) and up to 4 % as extremely obese (BMI >99th percentile), the medical community is facing a concurrent increase in the number and severity of numerous obesity-related comorbid illnesses (i.e., hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, polycystic ovary disease, dyslipidemia, fatty liver disease, etc.) that were previously believed to only affect the adult population. In response to disappointing outcomes related to nonsurgical weight-loss treatment strategies as well as mounting evidence demonstrating a high association between the development of juvenile-onset childhood obesity and persistent severe obesity into adulthood, there has been a recent rise in the use of bariatric surgical intervention in an effort to obtain durable weight loss and abrogate the potential long-term physiological burden of chronic obesity. In this chapter, we will review recent data regarding the development and progression of several commonly encountered obesity-related comorbid illnesses in the pediatric population, which serve as an important foundation in support of the argument for adolescent surgical weight reduction (i.e., “early intervention”). In addition, this chapter will review the current evidence-based recommendations regarding use of specific bariatric procedures, including discussion of longitudinal outcomes and associated complications as well as a brief review of the current recommendations for the multidisciplinary care of the adolescent bariatric patient.
RGS14 is a bifunctional regulator of Gαi/o activity that exists in multiple populations in brain

Members of the regulators of G protein signaling (RGS) family modulate Gα-directed signals as a result of the GTPase-activating protein (GAP) activity of their conserved RGS domain. In addition to its RGS domain, RGS14 contains a Rap binding domain (RBD) and a GoLoco motif. To define the cellular and biochemical properties of RGS14 we utilized two different affinity purified antisera that specifically recognize recombinant and native RGS14. In brain, we observed two RGS14-like immunoreactive bands of distinct size (60 kDa and 55 kDa). Both forms are present in brain cytosol and in two, biochemically distinct, membrane subpopulations: one detergent-extractable and the other detergent-insensitive. Recombinant RGS14 binds specifically to activated Gαi/o, but not Gαq/11, Gα12/13, or Gαs in brain membranes. In reconstitution studies, we found that RGS14 is a non-selective GAP for Gαi1 and Gαo and that full-length RGS14 is an approximately 10-fold more potent stimulator of Gα GTPase activity than the RGS domain alone. In contrast, neither full-length RGS14 nor the isolated RBD domain is a GAP for Rap1. RGS14 is also a highly selective guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) for Gαi but not Gαo, and this activity is restricted to the C-terminus containing the GoLoco domain. These findings highlight previously unknown biochemical properties of RGS14 in brain, and provide one of the first examples of an RGS protein that is a bifunctional regulator of Gα actions.
An improved understanding of the natural resonances of moonpools contained within floating rigid-bodies: Theory and application to oscillating water column devices

Abstract The fundamental interactions between waves, a floating rigid-body, and a moonpool that is selectively open to atmosphere or enclosed to purposefully induce pressure fluctuations are investigated. The moonpool hydrodynamic characteristics and the hydrodynamic coupling to the rigid-body are derived implicitly through reciprocity relations on an array of field points. By modeling the free surface of the moonpool in this manner, an explicit hydrodynamic coupling term is included in the equations of motion. This coupling results in the migration of the moonpool׳s natural resonance frequency from the piston frequency to a new frequency when enclosed in a floating rigid-body. Two geometries that highlight distinct aspects of marine vessels and oscillating water column (OWC) renewable energy devices are analyzed to reveal the coupled natural resonance migration. The power performance of these two OWCs in regular waves is also investigated. The air chamber is enclosed and a three-dimensional, linear, frequency domain performance model that links the rigid-body to the moonpool through a linear resistive control strategy is detailed. An analytic expression for the optimal linear resistive control values in regular waves is presented.
Circuit for Generating Circular Traces of Different Frequencies on an Oscillograph

A circuit is described which enables two circular timing traces to be placed on a cathode-ray oscillograph. Switching from one trace to the other is effected at a superflicker rate so they are viewed "simultaneously." The circle frequencies normally are in the ratio of five or ten to one; thus, when the same transient is viewed on both scales, the slow sweep gives a general picture of the phenomenon being studied and the fast sweep allows a more detailed examination of a chosen portion of the transient. The analysis of the circuit yields the information needed for element design.
The provenance of alveolar and parabronchial lungs: insights from paleoecology and the discovery of cardiogenic, unidirectional airflow in the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis).

Abstract Birds and mammals evolved greater aerobic abilities than their common ancestor had. This required expansion of the cardiopulmonary system’s capacity for gas exchange, but while directional selection for this expanded capacity resulted in extremely similar avian and mammalian hearts, strikingly different lungs arose, and the reasons for this divergence in lung morphology are not understood. In birds, gas exchange occurs in the lungs as air moves through small tubes (parabronchi) in one direction; in mammals, air flows tidally into and out of the alveoli. Here, I present a scenario for the origin of both the alveolar and parabronchial lungs that explains when and how they could have arisen by a gradual sequence of steps. I argue that (1) the alveolar lung evolved in the late Paleozoic, when high levels of atmospheric oxygen relaxed selection for a thin blood‐gas barrier within the lung; (2) unidirectional flow originated in the ectothermic ancestral archosaur, the forerunner of birds and crocodilia...
An upper limit on the mass of exotic fermions in superstring inspired E(6) models

Abstract We show that in a large class of superstring inspired E(6) models considered in the literature the requirement of perturbative unification implies that the lightest neutral exotic fermion (≠ ν c ) is lighter than 115 GeV. In many models this fermion may be considerably lighter and may even be the lightest supersymmetric particle. It is argued that such a particle is compatible with all known experiments and with cosmology. Some phenomenological implications are also discussed.
Synergistic Activation of theN-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Subunit 1 Promoter by Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2C and Sp1

Abstract The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor plays important roles in neuronal development, plasticity, and cell death. NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NR1) is an essential subunit of the NMDA receptor and is developmentally expressed in postnatal neurons of the central nervous system. Here we identify on the NR1 promoter a binding site for myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), a developmentally expressed neuron/muscle transcription factor found in cerebrocortical neurons, and study its regulation of the NR1 gene. Co-expression of MEF2C and Sp1 cDNAs in primary neurons or cell lines synergistically activates the NR1 promoter. Disruption of the MEF2 site or the MEF2C DNA binding domain moderately reduces this synergism. Mutation of the Sp1 sites or the activation domains of Sp1 protein strongly reduces the synergism. Results of yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation experiments reveal a physical interaction between MEF2C and Sp1 proteins. The MEF2C DNA binding domain is sufficient for this interaction. Dominant-negative MEF2C interferes with expression of NR1 mRNA in neuronally differentiated P19 cells. Growth factors, including epidermal growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor, can up-regulate NR1 promoter activity in stably transfected PC12 cells, even in the absence of the MEF2 site, but the Sp1 sites are necessary for this growth factor regulation, suggesting that Sp1 sites may mediate these effects.
Paclitaxel (Taxol) : An inhibitor of angiogenesis in a highly vascularized transgenic breast cancer

Paclitaxel (Taxol), a promoter of microtubule polymerization and a radiosensitizing agent, is one of the more active anticancer drugs in the current treatment of solid tumors. In this study, we show that paclitaxel possesses an antiangiogenic property associated with a down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a highly-vascularized transgenic murine breast cancer (Met-1). Paclitaxel, at non-cytotoxic doses of 0, 3 and 6 mg/kg/day, was administered intraperitoneally for 5 days to nude mice bearing the Met-1 breast tumor. Extent of intratumoral angiogenesis, as indicated by microvessel tortuosity and microvessel density, was significantly reduced by paclitaxel in a dose-dependent manner. Paclitaxel also suppressed expression of VEGF in the Met-1 cells transplanted in nude mice or maintained in cell culture. These results indicate that antiangiogenesis associated with a down-regulation of VEGF is an additional mode of action of paclitaxel.
Delay From Symptom Onset to Hospital Presentation for Patients With Non–ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

confidence interval [CI], 1.08-1.30), 0.91 (95% CI, 0.831.00), 0.77 (95% CI, 0.69-0.88), and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.811.00), respectively. Conclusions: Long delay times are common and have not changed over time for patients with non-STEMI. Becausepatientscannotdifferentiatewhethersymptomsare due to STEMI or non-STEMI, early presentation is desirable in both instances.
A rare nonvalvular left ventricular papillary fibroelastoma: A case report.

Abstract Papillary fibroelastomas are benign cardiac tumors with high embolic potential typically found on the valvular surfaces of the heart. Nonvalvular papillary fibroelastomas are exceedingly rare. We report the case of a 66-year-old Caucasian male with acute bilateral basal ganglia infarctions found to have a mass adherent to the left ventricular septum by transesophageal echocardiography. The mass was identified as a rare nonvalvular cardiac papillary fibroelastoma based on echogenicity, pedunculated nature, and typical motion. Tissue characterization by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated homogeneously hypo-intense signal on T2 weighted imaging and signal hyperintensity after administration of gadolinium contrast, confirming the fibroelastic nature of the mass. Surgical excision was performed via ventriculotomy and histopathologic examination was pathognomonic of a papillary fibroelastoma. We conclude that transesophageal echocardiography provides high diagnostic certainty in patients with cardiac papillary fibroelastomas and can reliably identify atypical locations of these tumors on nonvalvular surfaces. A multimodality imaging approach is not necessarily indicated in all patients with this condition. Learning objective: Papillary fibroelastomas are benign cardiac tumors with high embolic potential typically found on the valvular surfaces of the heart. Nonvalvular papillary fibroelastomas are exceedingly rare. Transesophageal echocardiography readily identifies nonvalvular papillary fibroelastomas based on echogenicity, pedunculated nature, and characteristic motion, and reliably differentiates them from other cardiac masses. A multimodality imaging approach is not indicated in all patients with this condition.>
Experimental determinations of the pre- and postirradiation thermal transport and thermal expansion properties of simulated fuel rods for an HTGR

Abstract The thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, coefficient of thermal expansion, volume, and Seebeck coefficient of simulated fuel rods for a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) have been measured before and after neutron irradiations to 13.5 X 10 25 n / m 2 at nominal irradiation temperatures of 1220 K. These measurements were made as functions of volume particle loading, temperature, and neutron fluence. The thermal conductivities decrease with increasing particle loading at all measurement temperatures. The large difference between the properties of specimens from two fabrication processes (extrusion and slug injection) is attributed to the fact that the densities of the continuous phases within the elements differ by a factor of 2.6. Increases in the thermal conductivity with initial neutron fluence of some of the extruded specimens are attributed to partial ordering of carbonaceous material within the composites, but an unambiguous quantitative analysis is difficult.
László Fuchs’s contributions to commutative ring theory

In commemoration of the 90th birthday of Professor Laszlo Fuchs, this article gives a short account of some of his contributions to commutative ring theory.
All Free String Theories Are Theories of {BRST} Cohomology

Abstract The fully gauge-invariant theory of the free open (super) strings is generalized to treat closed (super) strings in the BRST formalism. It is shown that the actions for all theories can be written in the form ( Φ , Q B Φ ) using the BRST charge Q B and the string functional Φ, if the inner product is interpreted appropriately with necessary ghost insertions. Also is shown that consistent truncations of our actions recover all known covariant formulations of (super) strings.
Conflict between local and global changes in plant diversity through geological time

Reliable measurement of the original diversity of paleovegetation must account for many influences: the amount of time and space represented by the sample, the number of plant parts in the sample, the stature of the paleovegetation in relation to sample area, and the preservational quality of the sample, as well as the number of species in the source community and their relative abundances. Plant compression fossil assemblages from river or delta floodplain environments generally have undergone minimal time and space averaging, which allows species richness to be measured and compared at a variety of temporal and spatial scales. Comparison of late Paleozoic and early Cenozoic wet floodplain vegetation reveals little difference in species richness or diversity at the smallest measurable spatial scale, based on samples of a few square meters representing 0.1-0.5 hectares of source vegetation. Outcrop transects several hundred meters to several kilometers long that sample across minor variations in wet floodplain habitat also show similar levels of diversity in the Paleozoic and Cenozoic, with the exception of one Cenozoic transect with very high diversity. Diversity differences between Paleozoic and Cenozoic sites and transects are far less than would be expected based on global species richness curves for the Devonian through Pleistocene. The small differences in the diversity of wet floodplain vegetation probably relate to several factors, including the number of trees that can coexist in a small area, difficult edaphic conditions on wet floodplains, and perhaps the geologically early colonization and saturation of these habitats. The difficulty of making reliable measures of plant diversity in the fossil record, and the absence of change observed with relatively high quality data, suggest that biological explanations for changes in global species richness through geological time are premature. INTRODUCTION
A common presentation of an uncommon cause of neonatal respiratory distress: Pneumonia alba

While lung involvement is an uncommon presentation of congenital syphilis, respiratory distress is a common leading symptom in sick newborns. We describe an infant who presented with respiratory distress thought to be secondary to congenital syphilis and discuss the findings suggestive of an etiology other than respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
C60 matrix-isolated in Xe: plasmon shifts and polarization effects☆

Abstract Energy loss features for solid C 60 , matrix-isolated C 60 in Xe, and for small amounts of C 60 on Xe showed differences related to the rare gas environment. In contrast, losses related to on-site π−π ∗ shake-up features were unchanged. The energy of the molecular it plasmon shifts ∼ 0.8 eV to lower binding energy for matrix isolated C 60 due to the dielectric response of the surrounding medium. The work function of solid C 60 is 5.0 eV. Its ionization potential of 7.2 eV shows a reduction by 0.4 eV relative to the gas phase because of dielectric screening.
High-density lipoprotein binding to bovine adrenal cortex membranes

Binding studies were performed with bovine adrenal cortex membranes, human 125I-labelled high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and modified photoactivable derivatives of 125I-labelled HDL, namely 125I-labelled HDL-amidinophenylazide and 125I-labelled HDL-amidopropionyldithiophenylazide. The purity of the apolipoprotein composition of the 125I-labelled HDL and photoactivable 125I-labelled HDL used in the binding studies was determined by Coomassie blue and silver staining, and by measuring 125I-labelled cpm after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. About 45% of the 125I-labelled HDL binding to the membranes occurred in the presence of excess EDTA and only unlabelled HDL competed for the binding site. The 125I-labelled interaction with this binding site on the membranes did not require calcium. In addition, 40% of the 125I-labelled HDL binding was to an EDTA-sensitive site, and unlabelled HDL and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) competed for the binding site. Consequently, adrenal cortex membranes have binding sites which show cross reactivity for both HDL and LDL. Modification of 58% of the apolipoprotein lysine residues of 125I-labelled HDL with methylazidophenylimidate, a reagent which maintains the positive charge at lysine residues, had little affect on binding to EDTA-sensitive and insensitive sites. In contrast, modification of 35% of apolipoprotein lysine residues of 125I-labelled HDL with N-succinimidyl(4-azidophenyldithio)propionate, a reagent which converts charged amino lysines to amide bonds, showed binding properties which were almost totally inhibited by EDTA.
In-Plane Temperature Measurement and Water Droplet Detection of a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Using Phosphor Thermometry: Initial Development

Thermal behavior inside fuel cells plays a significant role in fuel cell performance and durability. Internal temperatures of a proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell govern the ionic conductivities of the polymer electrolyte, influence the reaction rate at the electrodes, and control the water vapor pressure inside the cell. Temperature gradients also influence mass transport due to phase-change-induced flow and thermo-osmosis. Many techniques developed for studying in situ temperatures such as thermocouples sensors either disrupt fuel cell performance or carry unknown accuracy. The objectives of this research are to design and construct thermal sensors based on the principles of the lifetime-decay method of phosphor thermometry to measure temperatures of cathode gas diffusion layer inside a PEM fuel cell with minimal invasion. The sensors also demonstrate the possibility of detecting water droplet formation in the flow channels qualitatively making it possible to experimentally relate local temperature distribution with liquid water formation. Further development is required in order to increase the accuracy and utility of the sensors before conclusive testing can be performed.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Toroidal-spiral particles for codelivery of anti-VEGFR-2 antibody and irinotecan: a potential implant to hinder recurrence of glioblastoma multiforme.

Heterogeneous toroidal-spiral particles (TSPs) were generated by polymer droplet sedimentation, interaction, and cross-linking. TSPs provide a platform for encapsulation and release of multiple compounds of different sizes and physicochemical properties. As a model system, we demonstrate the encapsulation and independently controlled release of an anti-VEGFR-2 antibody and irinotecan for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. The anti-VEGFR-2 antibody was released from the TS channels and its binding to HUVECs was confirmed by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, suggesting active antibody encapsulation and release. Irinotecan, a small molecule drug, was released from the dense polymer matrix of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (MW ∼ 700 g/mol; PEGDA 700). Released irinotecan inhibited the proliferation of U251 malignant glioma cells. Since the therapeutic compounds are released through different pathways, specifically diffusion through the polymer matrix versus TS channels, the release rate can be controlled independently through the design of the structure and material of particle components.
THE GLYCOGEN SYNTHESIS GLUCOSE “PARADOX” IN NEWBORN RATS

In adults glucose (glu) is paradoxically incorporated into liver glycogen (glyc) indirectly via recycling from lactate. To investigate the pathway of neonatal glyc synthesis double labeled glu as 6-3H (nonrecycle), U-14C (recycle) at 1 g/kg glu or saline (Sal) was injected (IP) to fasted 6hr old or 1 day fasted 5-7 d old rats (N=8-15). Glu, glyc and dpm were determined at 15′, 30′, 60′, 120′ and 180′. After IP Sal, glu increased spontaneously in 6 hr pups (5.5 to 10.1mM) while 5-7 day pups had no glycemic response to Sal. After glu IP blood glu increased further to 15.5mM in 6 hr pups while in 5-7 day pups glu increased to 8.5mM at 15′ and then declined. Between 15′-180′ glyc declined spontaneously in 6 hr pups after Sal (218±25 to 107±12 μm/g) while glyc was unchanged in fasted 5-7 day pups (13±2). After IP glu in 6 hr pups glyc was increased compared to Sal IP only at 180′ (143±9 v 107±12, p<0.05). In contrast, in response to IP glu in 5-7 day pups glyc increased over fasting values and was elevated at 60′, 120′ and 180′. The ratio of 3H:14C in glyc relative to the injectate was 0.65±0.03 at 15′ and did not change at 180′ in 6 hr pups suggesting no recycling. In contrast in 5-7 day pups the 3H:14C ratio was 0.69±0.12 and declined to 0.35±0.03, (p<0.01) at times of net hepatic glyc synthesis (120′, 180′). We conclude that the indirect pathway of glyc synthesis through recycling was of greater importance than direct incorporation of glu to glyc in 5-7 day pups. The absence of such an effect in the 6 hr old rats could be due to the limited activity of gluconeogenesis at this time period.
Poster: online spam filtering in social networks

Online social networks (OSNs) are popular collaboration and communication tools for millions of users and their friends. Unfortunately, in the wrong hands, they are also effective tools for executing spam campaigns. In this paper, we present an online spam filtering system that can be deployed as a component of the OSN platform to inspect messages generated by users in real-time. We propose to reconstruct spam messages into campaigns for classification rather than examine them individually. Although campaign identification has been used for offline spam analysis, we apply this technique to aid the online spam detection problem with sufficiently low overhead. Accordingly, our system adopts a set of novel features that effectively distinguish spam campaigns. It is highly accurate and confidently drops messages classified as "spam" before they reach the intended recipients, thus protecting them from various kinds of fraud. In addition, the system achieves an average throughput of 1580 messages/sec and an average processing latency of 69.7ms for each message. The high throughput and low latency guarantees that it will not become the bottleneck of the whole OSN platform.
Niemann-Pick C1 Functions in Regulating Lysosomal Amine Content

Mutations in the late endosomal/lysosomal membrane protein Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) are known to cause a generalized block in retrograde vesicle-mediated transport, resulting in the hyper-accumulation of multiple lysosomal cargos. An important, yet often overlooked, category of lysosomal cargo includes the vast array of small molecular weight amine-containing molecules that are substrates for ion trapping in the highly acidic organelle lumen. We show here that the introduction of amine-containing molecules in lysosomes can significantly stimulate NPC1-mediated late endosome/lysosome fusion, and subsequently the secretion of lysosomal cargo. To illustrate the physiological importance of this NPC1-mediated transport pathway, we show that NPC1-deficient cells are more susceptible to the toxic effects of a lysosomotropic polyamine metabolite 3-aminopropanal. Moreover, NPC fibroblasts are shown to have higher levels of polyamine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the formation of 3-aminopropanal. Collectively, these findings provide strong support for a novel functional role for NPC1 and may also provide clues toward understanding NPC disease progression.
Tolerance to morphine at the μ-opioid receptor differentially induced by cAMP-dependent protein kinase activation and morphine

Human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells express endogenous μ-opioid receptor and develop cellular tolerance to morphine after prolonged (≥4 h) treatment with morphine. Treatment with forskolin (25 μM, 12 h), an adenylyl cyclase activator, also desensitized μ-opioid receptor response to morphine (10 μM) by 38% (P<0.001), which was reversed by the cyclic AMP (cAMP) dependent kinase inhibitor N-(2-aminoethyl)-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide (H8) (100 μM). Treatment with both morphine and forskolin appeared to cause an additive effect in desensitizing μ-opioid receptor. In μ-opioid receptor stably transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK-μ) cells, morphine treatment produced cAMP upregulation, yet failed to induce μ-opioid receptor tolerance. However, treatment with forskolin (25 μM) or 8-bromo-cAMP (1mM) led to profound μ-opioid receptor tolerance, which was reversed by H8. These results demonstrate that cAMP-dependent kinase activation causes μ-opioid receptor tolerance. However, morphine-induced μ-opioid receptor tolerance in SH-SY5Y cells is not mediated by cAMP-dependent kinase activation. In addition, our results indicate that cAMP-upregulation does not necessarily lead to μ-opioid receptor tolerance.
Analytic approximations to hamiltonian lattice field theories (I). Periodic gaussian model for U(1) theories

Abstract Periodic gaussian models are introduced for local and global U(1) invariant hamiltonian lattice field theories. The models coincide with standard lattice theories at weak coupling, but the leading non-perturbative contributions to wave functions and physical quantities are exactly calculable. Electric charges are confined and the mass gap is finite if correlations of an integer-valued magnetic field are of infinite range (d = 2 + 1 gauge model). Otherwise, for short-range correlations, the mass gap and the string tension vanish at weak coupling (QED, XY model, etc.)
A learner-centred model for blended learning design

This paper presents a model for blended learning design. The model explains how to balance activities between face-to-face and online learning. It further explains the elements of learning responsible for the success of blended learning. A factual case study with an analysis of students' comments regarding an undergraduate IS/IT senior capstone blended course is presented to further illustrate the application of the proposed model. Recommendations for further research are made.