cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Frasnian-Famennian transition in western Thailand: conodonts, biofacies, eustatic changes, extinction

The biofacies of the Lower Palmatolepis rhenana Biozone to Palmatolepis triangularis Biozone in the Mae Sariang section, northwestern Thailand, are marked by alternations of Palmatolepis-dominated biofacies and Polygnathus-dominated biofacies related to fluctuations in seawater depth. Fine-grained limestone accumulated through the Lower Palmatolepis rhenana Biozone, Upper Palmatolepis rhenana Biozone, Palmatolepis linguiformis Biozone, Palmatolepis subperlobata Biozone, and Palmatolepis triangularis Biozone. A regression in the Upper rhenana Zone was followed by a recovery transgression that extended up through the linguiformis Zone. Conodont faunas increased until near the end of the linguiformis Zone, but in the overlying subperlobata Zone and triangularis Zone, conodont numbers dropped and most conodont species disappeared. It is possible the event coincides with a glacially forced regression, but there is no evidence of this in the section apart from a positive spike in δ13C. Another possible cause of the global marine extinction event is toxic levels of metals resulting from widespread volcanism. New taxa in this paper are Palmatolepis chaemensis new species, Palmatolepis thamensis new species, and Polygnathus tenellus surinensis new subspecies.UUID: http://zoobank.org/f2b55ba8-fe49-46f6-a2d5-bfd0208f1460
Growth and excitability at synapsin II deficient hippocampal neurons.

Abstract Synapsins are neuronal phosphoproteins that fine-tune synaptic transmission and suppress seizure activity. Synapsin II (SynII) deletion produces epileptic seizures and overexcitability in neuronal networks. Early studies in primary neuronal cultures have shown that SynII deletion results in a delay in synapse formation. More recent studies at hippocampal slices have revealed increased spontaneous activity in SynII knockout (SynII(−)) mice. To reconcile these observations, we systematically re-examined synaptic transmission, synapse formation, and neurite growth in primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. We find that spontaneous glutamatergic synaptic activity was suppressed in SynII(−) neurons during the initial developmental epoch (7 days in vitro, DIV) but was enhanced at later times (12 and18 DIV). The density of synapses, transmission between connected pairs of neurons, and the number of docked synaptic vesicles were not affected by SynII deletion. However, we found that neurite outgrowth in SynII(−) neurons was suppressed during the initial developmental epoch (7 DIV) but enhanced at subsequent developmental stages (12 and18 DIV). This finding can account for the observed effect of SynII deletion on synaptic activity. To test whether the observed phenotype resulted directly from the deletion of SynII we expressed SynII in SynII(−) cultures using an adeno-associated virus (AAV). Expression of SynII at 2 DIV rescued the SynII deletion-dependent alterations in both synaptic activity and neuronal growth. To test whether the increased neurite outgrowth in SynII(−) observed at DIV 12 and18 represents an overcompensation for the initial developmental delay or results directly from SynII deletion we performed “late expression” experiments, transfecting SynII(−) cultures with AAV at 7 DIV. The late SynII expression suppressed neurite outgrowth at 12 and 18 DIV to the levels observed in control neurons, suggesting that these phenotypes directly depend on SynII. These results reveal a novel developmentally regulated role for SynII function in the control of neurite growth.
How Did September 11TH Affect Students

There has been much speculation about how the terrorists attacks on September 11th affected everyone, including students on our campuses. At Michigan State University, the assistant director of res...
Putting crip in the script: a critical communication pedagogical study of communication theory textbooks

ABSTRACTThis critical communication pedagogy study consists of a cripistemological analysis of two prominent communication theory textbooks to better understand the nondisableist assumptions embedd...
Pulmonal verursachte Herzerkrankungen

Das Herz wird uber die Lungen hauptsachlich durch Veranderungen des pulmonalen Gefasbetts mitgeschadigt. Dabei bestehen gegenseitige Wechselwirkungen. Einerseits konnen Herzkrankheiten die Lungengefase (Venen, Kapillaren, Arteriolen) beeintrachtigen und dadurch eine Schadigung des Lungenparenchyms auslosen, andererseits wirken Erkrankungen des Lungenparenchyms ebenfalls auf die Lungengefase und somit auch auf das Herz, wobei hauptsachlich der rechte Ventrikel betroffen ist. Die pulmonalen Gefase konnen selbst primarer Sitz der Erkrankung sein. Beispiele sind: Schistosomiasis (Bilharziose), primare pulmonale Hypertonie, pulmonale Arteriovenose Fistel und Lungenembolie. Die Auswirkungen von Lungenembolien hangen entscheidend von einer gleichzeitig bestehenden Herzerkrankung ab. Die Lungen besitzen uber die A.pulmonalis sowie uber die Bronchialarterien eine doppelte Blutversorgung. Normalerweise entsteht somit bei Verschlus einer Pulmonalarterie kein Lungeninfarkt. Bei Vorliegen einer Herzerkrankung mit pulmonaler Stauung kommt es im Falle einer Lungenembolie zur hamorrhagischen Infarzierung des betroffenen Lungenbezirks.
Love as Intimacy

This chapter reviews the experience of intimacy in love, its various interpretations and value in different cultures. It also discusses the Western and Eastern ways of expression of intimacy, as well as the cultural variety of specific norms of expression of intimacy. Among those, the most studied in cross-cultural research are closeness, communication, self-disclosure, and self-expression. The role of cultural parameters, such as individualism vs. collectivism, gender equality, is discussed. The cross-cultural studies of self-disclosure and expressions are reviewed in detail.
Sicherheit im Motorsport

In den ersten Jahrzehnten des Motorsports war der Begriff Sicherheit fur alle Beteiligten ein Fremdwort, und der Tod war ein mehr oder weniger akzeptierter Begleitumstand des Motorsports. Selbst der Tod eigentlich am Rennen unbeteiligter Zuschauer fuhrte in der Regel nur zu einer kurzzeitig aufflammenden Emporung. Sogar die tragischen Ereignisse wahrend der 24 Stunden von Le Mans im Jahr 1955, bei dem nach offiziellen Angaben der Mercedes-Fahrer Pierre Levegh und 83 Zuschauer ums Leben kamen, fuhrten nicht zu einem Umdenken beim Thema Sicherheit. Von dem gerade mal 10 Jahre zuruckliegenden Zweiten Weltkrieg waren die Menschen schlimmeres Leid gewohnt. Lediglich die auf offentlichen Strasen ausgetragene Mille Miglia wurde, nachdem im Jahr 1957 zwei Fahrzeuginsassen und 11 Zuschauer bei einem Unfall ums Leben kamen, verboten. Eine vergleichbare Tragodie spielte sich 1962 beim Grosen Preis von Italien in Monza ab, bei dem der Ferrari-Fahrer Wolfgang Berghe von Trips und 15 Zuschauer getotet wurden. Begunstigt wurden derartige Unfalle durch den Umstand, dass auf den damaligen Rennstrecken keinerlei bauliche Trennungen zwischen Fahrbahn und Boxenanlagen oder angrenzenden Waldgebieten sowie Zuschauerrangen existierten.
P769 A systematic review on alternative treatments for maternal syphilis

Background Maternal syphilis leads to preventable adverse fetal health outcomes. The recommended treatment is benzathine penicillin, which is challenging due to shortages, drug allergies and inability to administer the injection. We conducted a literature review to identify potential treatment options for maternal syphilis. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from January 1, 1970 to December 31, 2018. The search terms “syphilis” AND (“maternal” OR “pregnancy” OR “congenital”), AND “treatment” NOT (“screening”) were used. Additional articles were identified from the references. We included studies in English, with full text, on humans and women. Successful treatment was defined as maternal RPR titer decline and congenital syphilis prevention. Results Of the 70 articles, 8 case series were included. 11 pregnant women were successfully treated with intramuscular ceftriaxone 250 mg: 7-day course for primary syphilis or 10-day course for secondary syphilis, repeated at 28-weeks gestation. One patient was successfully treated with amoxicillin 6g and probenecid 1g daily for 14 days, and another was successfully treated with a 6-day course of amoxicillin followed by ceftriaxone 2g intravenously for 8 days. In response to ampicillin 2g intravenously intrapartum, one mother and one neonate developed the Jarish-Herxheimer reaction in cases of undiagnosed syphilis. Macrolides failed to prevent congenital syphilis: 5 patients treated with azithromycin 1g orally for 1–10 days, one case report of erythromycin 750 mg orally QID for 12 days and one case report of two failed 15-day courses of oral erythromycin 750–800 mg QID until penicillin desensitization was initiated. One case of clindamycin decreased maternal RPR titers, but failed to prevent congenital syphilis. Conclusion Overall, 23 patients were treated with penicillin alternatives (15 with beta-lactam antibiotics, 7 with macrolide antibiotics, 1 with clindamycin), and 13 were treated successfully. Clinical research should evaluate amoxicillin and cephalosporins. Our review does not support the use of macrolide antibiotics. Disclosure No significant relationships.
René Gerónimo Favaloro (1923–2000): A Man Who Struggled with Matters of the Heart:

Rene Geronimo Favaloro prided himself on being a "simple country doctor." Born in La Plata, Argentina, Dr. Favaloro had an interest in Argentina's sociopolitical and healthcare systems beginning at a young age. He began his medical education at La Universidad Nacional de La Plata, graduating in 1949 with plans to continue his medical education in the field of surgery; however, in 1950, Dr. Favaloro temporarily resigned from his position as a surgeon to work as a country doctor in a small province of La Pampa, Argentina. It was during this time that Dr. Favaloro became acutely aware of the overwhelmingly poor state of the healthcare system in Argentina. In 1962, Dr. Favaloro redirected his focus back to his surgical interests and moved to the United States to work at the Cleveland Clinic, where he discovered the use of the saphenous vein graft for revascularization of the coronary arteries. Despite a productive medical career in the United States, Dr. Favaloro eventually brought his work back to Argentina, where his heart had always remained. Throughout the incredible milestones of his life, Dr. Rene Geronimo Favaloro consistently remained a humble, gracious, and simple country doctor.
Falling Through the Cracks: Stress and Coping in Migration and Resettlement Among Marginalized Hmong Refugee Families in the United States

The marginalization process of refugees during resettlement has rarely been explored empirically due to the challenges in identifying and accessing the population. To understand how stress and copi...
Seismic facies classification using supervised convolutional neural networks and semisupervised generative adversarial networks

ABSTRACTMapping of seismic and lithologic facies from 3D reflection seismic data plays a key role in depositional environment analysis and reservoir characterization during hydrocarbon exploration ...
Reactive ion etching of PbSe thin films in CH4/H2/Ar plasma atmosphere

Abstract In this work, we reported a reactive ion etching of PbSe thin films on silicon in CH4/H2/Ar plasma atmosphere. Various etching parameters that affect dc self-bias, the etching rate and the etching smoothness of the surface and sidewalls, including rf power, gas ratio, and process pressure, have been systematically investigated. It is found that the dc self-bias has an approximate linear relationship with rf power, but it decreases as the process pressure increases. The etching rate increases with increasing rf power and decreasing process pressure. Additionally, the etching rate increases to the maximum as CH4 percentage increases to 40%, beyond which it decreases with further increasing CH4 percentage due to formation of polymer. Furthermore, SEM results show that for all investigated samples except one etched in atmosphere with 60% CH4, the etched surfaces are smooth, and the sidewalls are vertical. The etched profile of sample etched in atmosphere with 60% CH4 is very rough, which should be attributed to formation of polymer as well.
Effectiveness of the fun for wellness online behavioral intervention to promote well-being actions in adults with obesity or overweight: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Fun For Wellness (FFW) online intervention to increase well-being actions in adults with obesity in the United States in relatively uncontrolled settings. The FFW intervention is guided by self-efficacy theory. The study design was a large-scale, prospective, double-blind, and parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Data collection occurred at baseline, 30 days after baseline, and 60 days after baseline. Participants (N = 667) who were assigned to the FFW group (nFFW = 331) were provided with 30 days of 24-hr access to FFW. Supportive evidence was provided for the effectiveness of FFW in real-world settings to promote, either directly or indirectly, three dimensions of well-being actions: community, occupational, and psychological. This study shows that theory-based intervention may be effective in promoting well-being actions in adults with obesity in the United States.
From the Trenches to the Writer’s Desk: Establishing a Collection of Children’s Books Authored by Military Veterans in an Academic Library

Kansas State University possesses a collection of juvenile literature to aid Education and English Department programs. K-State is also the university with the largest military population in the st...
Sheaves of Modules

An important concept in topology is a vector bundle, which is, roughly, a locally trivial parametric family of vector spaces indexed by a topological space. It is possible to think of a vector bundle as its total space with extra structure, or the sheaf of its sections. Both points of view still exist in schemes, but the sheaf-theoretical point of view is more fundamental, and reveals some additional features. In particular, taking kernels a cokernels, one gets the abelian category of coherent sheaves. Coherent sheaves are more general than algebraic vector bundles, including, for example, sheaves of ideals, which correspond, for Noetherian schemes, to closed subschemes. A particularly important application of sheaves of ideals is the theory of blow-ups, a construction which allows us, for example, to replace a point with a subscheme of codimension 1, while not disturbing (and, in fact, often even improving) smoothness.
The Inside Job: Share Pledges by Insiders and Earnings Management

The study creates the first comprehensive database of share pledges by insiders in the U.S. to reveal the prevalence of this practice and its role in encouraging earnings management. I find that during the fiscal years 2006 to 2014, insiders at one of every three S&P1500 firms pledged their ownership in the firm as collateral to obtain loans at least once. I exploit a 2012 market-wide advisory against share pledges by Institutional Shareholder Services, the largest proxy advisory firm, as a quasi-natural experiment. A difference-in-differences estimation reveals that, after the shock, insiders curtailed share pledge activity by approximately 40% and firms with share pledges reduced earnings manipulation by an average 15% of their reported profits. The results suggest that share pledges distort the incentives of insiders and motivate them to inflate earnings.
Identifying Failing Companies: A Re-Evaluation of the Logit, Probit and Mda Approaches

This paper examines the causes of bankruptcy for a sample of 949 publicly quoted companies in the UK between 1987-94. The most important determinants of bankruptcy are profitability, leverage, cashflow, company size, industry sector and the economic cycle. In contrast to previous studies, this paper argues that well specified logit and probit models can identify failing companies more accurately than discriminant analysis (DA). Tests for mis specification also reveal that cashflow and leverage have non linear effects on the probability of bankruptcy. Taking account of these non-linear effects significantly improves the explanatory power of the bankruptcy model.
Adherence to oral oncolytics filled through an internal health-system specialty pharmacy compared with external specialty pharmacies.

BACKGROUND: Oral oncolytics are becoming increasingly common in the treatment of solid and hematological malignancies. Medication adherence is especially important to ensure adequate drug levels to...
Olfactory lures in predator control do not increase predation risk to birds in areas of conservation concern

Abstract Context Lethal control of predators is often undertaken to protect species of conservation concern. Traps are frequently baited to increase capture efficacy, but baited traps can potentially increase predation risk by attracting predators to protected areas. This is especially important if targeted predators can escape capture due to low trap success. Snake traps using live mouse lures may be beneficial if traps effectively remove snakes in the presence of birds and do not attract additional snakes to the area. Aims The present study evaluated whether mouse-lure traps in areas occupied by birds (simulated by deploying bird-lure traps) could influence predation risk from an invasive snake on Guam. Methods Snake traps were used, with Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as a proxy for predation risk, to assess if an adjacent trap with a mouse (Mus musculus) would attract brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) to a focal area and increase contact between an invasive snake and avian prey. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) at stations containing either a bird-lure trap, mouse-lure trap or pair of traps (i.e. one bird-lure and one mouse-lure trap) was evaluated. Key results Bird-lure traps paired with mouse-lure traps did not differ in CPUE from isolated bird-lure traps. At paired stations, CPUE of snakes in mouse-lure traps was 2.3× higher than bird-lure traps, suggesting mouse lures were capable of drawing snakes away from avian prey. Bird-lure traps at paired stations experienced a decay in captures over time, whereas CPUE for isolated bird-lure traps increased after 9 weeks and exceeded mouse-lure traps after 7 weeks. Conclusions Mouse lures did not increase the risk of snakes being captured in bird-lure traps. Instead, mouse-lure traps may have locally suppressed snakes, whereas stations without mouse-lure traps still had snakes in the focal area, putting avian prey at greater risk. However, snakes caught with bird lures tended to be larger and in better body condition, suggesting preference for avian prey over mammalian prey in larger snakes. Implications Strategic placement of olfactory traps within areas of conservation concern may be beneficial for protecting birds of conservation concern from an invasive snake predator.
In Reply: A Different Position on Postural Drainage

Dr. Kravath is absolutely correct in pointing out our error. The affected lobes are placed in a nondependent (or antidependent) position during the treatment. We employ positioning of the patient as outlined in the Guide to Diagnosis and Management of Cystic Fibrosis.1 Probably Dr. Kravath9s thoughts on antimatter were inspired by the 12 children in our series from whom the foreign body was not retrieved yet who recovered. Was the foreign body annihilated? Could be.
Large Deflections of Structures Subjected to Heating and External Loads

The method of direct formulation of the stiffness matr ix 1 3 is extended to include the effects of nonuniform heating and large deflections. The purpose is to develop an analytical tool for the treatment of actual structures. In the solution of aeroelastic problems the relations between forces and deflections must be determined. The usual stiffness matrix formulation of this relationship is limited to small temperature changes and small deflections. For large temperature changes additional terms are required. Also the problem becomes geometrically nonlinear when large deflections are involved. To overcome the inherent difficulties of the nonlinear problem for practical structures either an iterative or a step-bystep procedure must be used. The force-deformation relations necessary for this step-by-step or iterative approach are derived for an axially loaded member and for a plate element including the effects of thermal strains.
The nature of goals

I have said that utility is the degree to which goals are achieved. But what is a goal? And are all goals relevant? In this chapter, I discuss the nature of goals. My purpose is to show that the idea of utility as goal achievement is at least coherent and possibly superior to alternative views, such as the idea of utility as preference satisfaction. The concept of goal achievement that I shall present is designed to be consistent with the approach to utilitarianism that I have presented so far. Namely, our goals are what we want to achieve, so that we want others to follow rules that will allow or help us to achieve them. In asking whether something is a relevant goal, then, I shall have recourse to the criterion of whether we would want to endorse norms for others’ decision making that would facilitate (or not hinder) the achievement of the goal in question.
Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibition and the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Publisher Summary Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) plays an important role in the metabolism of the dopamine precursor, l -dopa, and of dopamine. Inhibitors of COMT could alter the metabolism of L-dopa and dopamine to therapeutic advantage by a number of mechanisms in L-dopa-treated patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The introduction of entacapone and tolcapone, reversible inhibitors of COMT that are well absorbed and well tolerated, has permitted investigation of the clinical importance of COMT in Parkinson's disease. Entacapone is primarily a peripheral inhibitor of COMT; tolcapone penetrates the blood brain barrier and inhibits brain COMT as well as peripheral COMT. This chapter discusses l -dopa absorption. COMT is in high concentration in the gut and liver and may contribute to first-pass metabolism of levodopa. Inhibition of gut and liver COMT would then be expected to increase the bioavailability of orally administered l -dopa. Pharmacokinetically, this should be manifest by an increase in peak concentration of plasma l -dopa and a decrease in the time-to-peak concentration. Neither entacapone nor tolcapone increases the peak concentration of levodopa or shortens the time-to-peak concentration in subjects with PD. These results are in contrast to the effect of inhibition of first-pass decarboxylation of l -dopa; the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitors, carbidopa and benserazide, markedly increase the peak plasma L-dopa concentrations. These observations argue that first-pass O-methylation of l -dopa is not quantitatively important. To the extent that dyskinesia and, perhaps, some mental effects are related to peak concentrations of l -dopa, this lack of effect on peak concentrations by COMT inhibitors may be beneficial. The chapter also discusses L-dopa elimination, Antiparkinsonian effects of COMT inhibition, l -dopa transport into brain and inhibition of brain COMT. Potential benefit of inhibition of brain COMT is sparing of S- adenosylmethionine, the methyl donor for O-methylation reactions. Low cerebrospinal fluid S-adenosylmethionine concentrations have been linked to depression and dementia.
Chronic inflammation and pathogenesis of GI and pancreatic cancers.

The pathogenesis of cancer represents a complex and multifactorial process requiring a number of acquired and genetic defects. It is becoming increasingly apparent that many cancers originate from a chronic inflammatory process. The topic of this review is the inflammatory response and development of gastrointestinal (GI) and pancreatic cancers. Here, we describe the development of various gastric colorectal and pancreatic cancers through an inflammatory process. The tumor microenvironment which predisposes to tissue destruction, subsequent attempts at healing and accumulation of cellular damage with loss of cell cycle control mechanisms is discussed. Components of the tumor microenvironment that are important in the final common pathway leading to cancer include the tumor stroma, tumor-associated macrophages, cytokines and chemokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Common signaling pathways that link inflammation with cancer are described and include the COX-2, NF-κB and phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways. Finally, therapies that can be directed to the inflammatory process as either treatment or prevention of these cancers will be discussed including novel inhibitors of signaling pathways which are currently in development.
Vaccinia virus vectors: new strategies for producing recombinant vaccines.

The development and continued refinement of techniques for the efficient insertion and expression of heterologous DNA sequences from within the genomic context of infectious vaccinia virus recombinants are among the most promising current approaches towards effective immunoprophylaxis against a variety of protozoan, viral, and bacterial human pathogens. Because of its medical relevance, this area is the subject of intense research interest and has evolved rapidly during the past several years. This review (i) provides an updated overview of the technology that exists for assembling recombinant vaccinia virus strains, (ii) discusses the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches, (iii) outlines the areas of outgoing research directed towards overcoming the limitations of current techniques, and (iv) provides some insight (i.e., speculation) about probable future refinements in the use of vaccinia virus as a vector.
Characteristics and Synoptic Environment of Drylines Occurring over the Higher Terrain of Southeastern Wyoming

AbstractCommonly observed over the broadly sloped terrain of the southern Great Plains (SGP), drylines are frequent loci of warm season deep convection and have been the focus of numerous observational, theoretical, and climatological studies over last half century. In this study, a 3-yr (2010–12) analysis of the characteristics and synoptic environment of drylines occurring elsewhere, over the high terrain in southeastern Wyoming just east of the Rocky Mountains, is presented. Observed on ~11% of the days between May and August of the years examined, southeastern Wyoming drylines were often associated with large moisture gradients [~5–10 g kg−1 (100 km)−1], large horizontal virtual potential temperature differences (~2–5 K), and convergent zonal wind flow at the surface. The synoptic conditions leading to their formation and their relationship to thunderstorm activity are also explored in an effort to aid local forecasters in anticipating the development and convective impact of drylines across the regio...
The eosin-sensitized photooxidation of substituted phenylalanines and tyrosines.

— The eosin-sensitized photooxidation of tyrosine and a number of compounds related to tyrosine (substituted phenylalanines) was studied by steady-state kinetic and flash photolysis techniques. In particular, the role of the phenolic group and the amino and carboxyl groups of the alanyl side chain in the photooxidation mechanism was investigated in detail. Several relationships between substrate structure and susceptibility to photooxidation as well as effects of substrate structure on photooxidation mechanisms were found. For example, phenylalanine is not photooxidizable, hut substitution of electron-donating (activating) groups such as-OH (as in tyrosine) or-NH2 (as in p-aminophenylalanine) results in rapidly photooxidized derivatives. However, substituting deactivating groups such as—C1 (as in p-chlorophenylalanine) or weakly activating groups such as - OCH3 (as in 4-methoxyphenylalanine) result in non-photooxidiz-able derivatives. Substitution of additional activating groups to the ring of hydroxy-substituted phenylalanines results in increased rates of photooxidation, whereas additional deactivating groups result in decreased photooxidation rates. The rate-determining step in the photooxidation mechanism is shown to be dependent on the presence and position of an electron-donating substituent on the benzenoid ring. Only minor involvement of the side chain amino and carboxyl groups was found. Both singlet oxygen and hydrogen abstraction mechanisms are involved in the eosin-sensitized photooxidation of hydroxy-substituted phenylalanines (e.g. tyrosine). The hydrogen abstraction mechanism probably predominates at both pH 8 and 11.
Regulators of aerobic and anaerobic respiration in Bacillus subtilis.

Two Bacillus subtilis genes, designated resD and resE, encode proteins that are similar to those of two-component signal transduction systems and play a regulatory role in respiration. The overlapping resD-resE genes are transcribed during vegetative growth from a very weak promoter directly upstream of resD. They are also part of a larger operon that includes three upstream genes, resABC (formerly orfX14, -15, and -16), the expression of which is strongly induced postexponentially. ResD is required for the expression of the following genes: resA, ctaA (required for heme A synthesis), and the petCBD operon (encoding subunits of the cytochrome bf complex). The resABC genes are essential genes which encode products with similarity to cytochrome c biogenesis proteins. resD null mutations are more deleterious to the cell than those of resE. resD mutant phenotypes, directly related to respiratory function, include streptomycin resistance, lack of production of aa3 or caa3 terminal oxidases, acid accumulation when grown with glucose as a carbon source, and loss of ability to grow anaerobically on a medium containing nitrate. A resD mutation also affected sporulation, carbon source utilization, and Pho regulon regulation. The data presented here support an activation role for ResD, and to a lesser extent ResE, in global regulation of aerobic and anaerobic respiration i B.subtilis.
Membrane Remodeling by Curvature-Inducing Proteins

A host of membrane-binding proteins are responsible for dynamically remodeling cell membranes during vital cell processes, including endocytosis, exocytosis, cell migration, and morphogenesis. Experiments show that the protein exo70, a component of the exocyst, generates membrane protrusions on cell surfaces. We employ coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations to validate confocal microscopy results which show that dimerization of exo70 is necessary to induce sufficient curvature for tubular invaginations in synthetic vesicles. These simulations provide mechanistic insight into the molecular details of membrane bending by exo70. Calculation of the local three-dimensional stress tensor reveals the shape and depth of the resulting curvature field and this parameter informs a mesoscale for membrane bending which includes the anisotropy of the induced curvature field. We also probe the role of binding to phosphatidylinositol (4,5)bisphosphate (PIP2), a key membrane constituent which binds many other curvature-inducing proteins including epsin and the Bin-Amphyphsin-Rvs (BAR) domains. PIP2 modulates a number of cellular signaling pathways, and anchors curvature-inducing proteins to the membrane via electrostatic interactions. Our simulations also validate experiments which show that a double mutation of positively charged residues in exo70 disrupts the binding to negatively charged PIP2, abolishing membrane binding and the resulting tubular invaginations. These modeling methods are extended to other curvature-inducing proteins, including the epsin N-terminal homology domain (ENTH), which senses and drives membrane curvature during clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Our simulations provide a link between detailed all-atom simulations, which capture the physics of membrane-protein binding and the role of PIP2, with mesoscopic models for membrane sculpting. These simulations provide molecular details for membrane remodeling by exo70 observed by confocal microscopy in synthetic vesicles, and fluorescence microscopy in live cells.
Mesoscale Modal Coupling

Abstract Observations of mesoscale ocean eddies from the 1973 Mid-Ocean Dynamics Experiment (MODE) are used to calculate, by objective analysis, the modal coefficients, which are functions of horizontal position and time, in a representation based on the two most energetic vertical modes—the barotropic and first baroclinic. The gross energy levels associated with these modes are calculated and found to be generally consistent with previous estimates. Modal coupling statistics are also estimated: these are the volume integral modal energy exchange rate and the spatially lagged covariances between modal streamfunction and velocity fields. The former is found to be approximately zero and the latter have significant extrema at lag distances comparable to an eddy radius. Furthermore, the dominant contribution to these coupling signals comes from the time-averaged (over a little more than two months) mesoscale field, which from lengthy moored observations we can identify as an instantaneous realization of the v...
Inflammatory Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm With Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

A 69-year-old woman was transferred to our intensive care unit with concerns of a possible rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). She presented with a 1-week history of sharp left upper quadrant abdominal pain radiating to her back. Her comorbidities included hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a >90 pack-year history of smoking. On examination, she was hemodynamically stable but was cachectic in appearance and had epigastric tenderness. Laboratory evaluation revealed hemoglobin of 11g/dL, white cell count of 12 900 k/uL, and creatinine of 0.4 mg/dL. Both the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and c-reactive protein were elevated (100 mm/h and 6.9 mg/dL, respectively). Computed tomography scan performed at the outside facility demonstrated diffuse aortic plaque with descending thoracic aortic aneurysm measuring 4.2 cm (Figure 1, arrow) and a …
Detection and quantitation of oxalic acid by capillary gas chromatography

Abstract Oxalic acid was extracted from plant tissue and quantified by a rapid and accurate procedure using capillary gas chromatography (GC). Samples derived from leaves, stems, and woody plant tissue were extracted with 3 M hydrochloric acid. Oxalic acid in these extracts was esterified with diazomethane in ether and determined as dimethyl oxalate by capillary GC. Recoveries of oxalates added to plant preparations ranged from 92 to 105% as compared to a range of 96–102% for oxalate standards added to 3 M hydrochloric acid. Oxalate was detected and quantified in cucumber leaves, rhubarb, woody tissue of American chestnut infected with the fungus Endothia parasitica and an agar culture of Endothia parasitica. This is the first report of the presence of oxalate in cucumber foliage. The new procedure using diazomethane does not require time consuming purification of the extracts before capillary GC analysis. Unlike alcoholysis, it results in complete esterification. The determination limit for this method of oxalate quantitation is approximately 500 pg using a flame ionization detector.
Serum-borne H-Y antigen in the fetal bovine freemartin

In mammals, ovarian cells that have been exposed to soluble H-Y antigen acquire the H-Y+ cellular phenotype. They absorb H-Y antibody in serological tests. To determine whether masculinization of the bovine freemartin, the synchorial female twin of a bull, could be due to attachment of circulating bull-twin-derived H-Y in the freemartin gonad, we exposed normal fetal ovarian cells to serum from fetal bulls, fetal cows and fetal freemartins. Ovarian target cells became H-Y+ after exposure to serum from fetal bulls or fetal freemartins, but not after exposure to serum from fetal cows. In a new competitive binding radioassay, uptake of Daudi-secreted tritiated H-Y was inhibited in fetal ovarian target cells first exposed to mouse testis supernatant, a demonstrated source of soluble H-Y. It was also inhibited in ovarian target cells exposed to serum from fetal bulls or fetal freemartins; uptake was unaffected by exposure to serum from fetal cows. Since Daudi-secreted H-Y is known to induce precocious testicular organogenesis in XX indifferent gonads in culture, we infer that initial transformation of the freemartin gonad is due to H-Y antigen that is secreted in the fetal bull, transmitted in the common chorionic vasculature and bound by gonadal receptors of the fetal cow.
Targeting Inflammatory Demyelinating Lesions to Sites of Wallerian Degeneration

In Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) infection, an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS), axonal injury precedes inflammatory demyelinating lesions, and the distribution of axonal damage present during the early phase of infection corresponds to regions where subsequent demyelination occurs during the chronic phase. We hypothesized that axonal damage recruits inflammatory cells to sites of Wallerian degeneration, leading to demyelination. Three weeks after TMEV infection, axonal degeneration was induced in the posterior funiculus of mice by injecting the toxic lectin Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA) I into the sciatic nerve. Neuropathology was examined 1 week after lectin injection. Control mice, infected with TMEV but receiving no RCA I, had inflammatory demyelinating lesions in the anterior/lateral funiculi. Other control mice that received RCA I alone did not develop inflammatory lesions. In contrast, RCA I injection into TMEV-infected mice induced lesions in the posterior funiculus in addition to the anterior/lateral funiculi. We found no differences in lymphoproliferative responses or antibody titers against TMEV among the groups. This suggests that axonal degeneration contributes to the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the central nervous system by altering the local microenvironment. In this scenario, lesions develop from the axon (inside) to the myelin (outside) (Inside-Out model).
The sublimation of granular solids

The sublimation rates of cylindrical pellets of camphor, naphthalene and benzoic acid have been measured at various temperatures and absolute pressures. At a certain temperature-difference between the pellet and the hot surface beneath, the vapour generation was sufficient to cause the pellet to float and move across the surface. A theoretical examination of this condition has been made, and an equation derived by which the time required for complete sublimation of the pellet may be calculated. Measured and calculated sublimation rates are found to be in close agreement.
Cross sections and complex phase shifts for the scattering of protons from 12C at the 8.20 MeV and 9.14 MeV anomalies

Abstract Absolute differential cross sections as a function of angle for the elastic scattering of protons from 12 C and for the inelastic scattering reaction 12 C(p, p′) 12 C ∗ ( Q = −4.43 MeV) were measured at incident proton energies of 8.20 MeV and eleven energies between 9.10 and 9.26 MeV. Complex phase shifts were obtained to represent the elastic scattering cross sections and the total inelastic cross sections. The complex phase shift analysis has confirmed the J π = 3 2 − assignment at the 8.20 MeV anomaly and 7 2 − and 5 2 − for the stronger and weaker state at the 9.14 MeV double anomaly, respectively. These assignments were used in a calculation which reproduced the features of the elastic scattering cross sections as a function of energy over the 9.14 MeV doublet. An examination of the behaviour of the phase shifts over the anomaly revealed that the total phase shift for the f 5 2 partial wave does not pass through 90° whereas the total phase shift for the f 7 2 partial wave does pass through 90°.
A Psychology of Religious Plurality: From Intra-Religious Dialogue to Intra-Psychic Reality

Panikkar’s (The intra-religious dialogue, 1978) classic, re-issued by Paulist Press in 1999, grapples with the theological challenges in the disciplines of comparative theology and the theology of religions through what he terms, “intra-religious dialogue.” In this psychology of religious plurality, I use works from a variety of disciplines to highlight the achievements of Panikkar’s intra-religious dialogue, as well as to critique his work in the hope of finding categories of understanding that can be profitably used to face the inter-personal crises of the contemporary world, namely religious terrorism.
Evolution of design competence in UX practice

There has been increasing interest in the adoption of UX within corporate environments, and what competencies translate into effective UX design. This paper addresses the space between pedagogy and UX practice through the lens of competence, with the goal of understanding how students are initiated into the practice community, how their perception of competence shifts over time, and what factors influence this shift. A 12-week longitudinal data collection, including surveys and interviews, documents this shift, with participants beginning internships and full-time positions in UX. Students and early professionals were asked to assess their level of competence and factors that influenced competence. A co-construction of identity between the designer and their environment is proposed, with a variety of factors relating to tool and representational knowledge, complexity, and corporate culture influencing perceptions of competence in UX over time. Opportunities for future research, particularly in building an understanding of competency in UX based on this preliminary framing of early UX practice are addressed.
Thermal degradation of poly‐p‐oxybenzoate under vacuum

The thermal degradation of poly-p-oxybenzoate invacuo as function of temperature has been studied. The energy of activation of the process up to about 30% volatile formation is 59.6 kcal/mole. The degradation is preceded by induction periods, which have been shown to be due to poor heat conductivity of the polymer powder. CO, CO2, phenol, and an unknown compound of molecular weight larger than 200 are the main degradation products found by chromatographic analysis. Infrared spectra of the original polymer, the polymer residue after degradation and of a degradation product solid at room temperature are presented. The possible reactions taking place have been indicated. The heat stability of the polymer invacuo lies between those of polytetra-fluoroethylene and polyethylene.
Why do people sacrifice to approach rewards versus to avoid costs? Insights from attachment theory

This research provides the first empirical investigation of how attachment orientations contribute to approach and avoidance goals for engaging in sacrifice. Study 1 is a cross-sectional study of individuals in dating relationships, and Study 2 is a 14-day daily experience study of dating couples. Results showed that attachment anxiety was associated with a greater frequency of sacrifice and more willingness to sacrifice for approach goals (particularly self-focused goals) and avoidance goals. Attachment avoidance was associated with a lower frequency of sacrifice, less willingness to sacrifice for approach goals (particularly partner-focused goals), and more willingness to sacrifice for avoidance goals (both self- and partner-focused). Daily sacrifice goals were also associated with the partner’s attachment orientation. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. It’s Saturday night, and you and your partner can’t agree on where to go for dinner. You want to try the trendy new sushi restaurant across town, but your partner is in the mood for a burger and fries. You had a long day at work and just want to curl up with a good book and go to bed, but your partner wants to go out for a night on the town. Situations in which partners have conflicting interests and desires are inevitable in close relationships. As the above examples reflect, these situations are oftentimes as mundane as
Action of substance P and interaction of calcitonin gene-related peptide and substance P on the cat antral circular muscle

The actions of substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and their interaction were examined in vitro in the feline antrum and colon. Circular muscle contraction was seen in the antrum to both peptides, but only to SP in the proximal colon. Antral contraction was enhanced when both peptides were given together. This interaction was inhibited by tetrodotoxin or atropine. SP acted at the antrum via a smooth muscle neurokinin receptor which is not a (NK)-1 receptor. SP binding was displaced by neurokinin A but not by the NK-1 receptor antagonist, CP-96345. The colonic response was inhibited by CP-96345. Immunohistochemistry revealed SP-like immunoreactivity (SP-LI) in fibers in the antral myenteric plexus and circular muscle, while CGRP-like immunoreactivity (CGRP-LI) was seen in the myenteric plexus only, without co-localization. These studies supported the hypothesis that SP acted via the NK-2 receptor at the feline circular muscle in the antrum to induce contraction and at the NK-1 receptor in the proximal colon. CGRP enhanced the effect of SP via a cholinergic pathway.
A MULTIPROCESSOR NETWORK ARRANGING REPLICATED OBJECTS IN PAIRWISE BALANCED COMBINATORIAL DESIGNS

The paper investigates a new type of computer interconnection structure using a combinatorial arrangement with pairwise balanced design property in which the interconnection is organized through replication of corresponding objects. The suggested system provides low access latency and reduces the communication overhead. A simulation study to evaluate the performance of this system is presented. The considered organization provides a direct support of object-oriented constructs in distributed systems.
Influence of terrestrial weathering on ocean acidification and the next glacial inception

[1] Ocean uptake of anthropogenic CO2 causes a decline in seawater pH, a process known as ocean acidification, which may adversely affect marine organisms. We investigate whether continental weathering can mitigate future ocean acidification by sequestering atmospheric CO2. We conducted simulations under a suite of carbon emission scenarios with different weathering parameterizations. The short-term impact of a strong weathering feedback was only notable for large emissions with slow injection. This mitigation by enhanced weathering, however, is an order of magnitude smaller than the expected maximum pH decline based on the default parameterizations. Thus on short timescales, weathering has little effect on future atmospheric CO2 and ocean acidification, regardless of the assumed weathering feedback strength. But on longer timescales and for large emissions, different weathering parameterizations introduce large uncertainties regarding the time when pCO2 will return to climatically relevant levels of, say, 400 μatm in the future.
Instructor attire and student performance: Evidence from an undergraduate industrial organization experiment

Abstract Four classes of the same Industrial Organization class were compared. The test group was taught by the instructor dressed in business attire, while the comparison group was taught by the instructor dressed casually. Results show that the attendance for test students was 8.50 percentage points higher than comparison students and this increase is associated with an improvement in their final exam score of 0.69 percentage points. Final exam scores for test students were 2.33 percentage points higher than comparison students. Together, the indirect and direct effects indicate that the total effect on learning from instructor attire is 3.02 percentage points.
Adapting to the implementation of a medical information system: a comparison of short—versus long—term findings

This study compares short and long-term responses of a panel of hospital employees to the introduction of a Medical Information System. Personality attributes, education, age, and the person's work shift consistently affected the quality of employee adaptation.