cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Metabolic patterns in experimentally induced muscular dystrophy.

Summary1. A study has been made of the metabolic patterns of rabbits with muscular dystrophy due to vit. E-deficiency and to chronic overdosage with cortisone. Both conditions are characterized by an increased urinary excretion of creatine, nitrogen, potassium and calcium. These urinary losses are quantitatively greater in cortisone induced dystrophy, although the clinical symptoms of muscular weakness and diminished life span were most marked in vit. E-deficiency. 2. The effect of pituitary growth hormone administration on both types of experimental muscular dystrophy was studied. Combined with cortisone in large doses, it exacerbated the metabolic abnormalities. Smaller doses partially curtailed the increase in nitrogen excretion. Superimposed on vit. E-deficiency, growth hormone was without effect clinically and mildly active with respect to nitrogen storage for a few days. 3. Both cortisone and growth hormone were diabetogenic in the rabbit.
Satisfaction with Outcome Distributions Studies from Two Small Communities

Brickman's (1975) laboratory finding that an equal distribution is preferred over a positively skewed distribution is found to also hold for Morawetz's (1977) real-world study of two Israeli moshavim. However, the hedonic calculus derived from adaptation level theory which seemed to explain Brickman's laboratory results is shown to be invalid for the real-world data. In particular, the generally assumed positive relation between individual satisfaction and income level did not hold for the Israeli community studied by Morawetz. The discrepancy between the two studies is interpreted as suggesting that the moral desirability of the general distribution may be a term in the utility functions of individuals in at least some social groups.
Transcription factor expression uniquely identifies most postembryonic neuronal lineages in the Drosophila thoracic central nervous system

Most neurons of the adult Drosophila ventral nerve cord arise from a burst of neurogenesis during the third larval instar stage. Most of this growth occurs in thoracic neuromeres, which contain 25 individually identifiable postembryonic neuronal lineages. Initially, each lineage consists of two hemilineages - ‘A’ (NotchOn) and ‘B’ (NotchOff) - that exhibit distinct axonal trajectories or fates. No reliable method presently exists to identify these lineages or hemilineages unambiguously other than labor-intensive lineage-tracing methods. By combining mosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker (MARCM) analysis with gene expression studies, we constructed a gene expression map that enables the rapid, unambiguous identification of 23 of the 25 postembryonic lineages based on the expression of 15 transcription factors. Pilot genetic studies reveal that these transcription factors regulate the specification and differentiation of postembryonic neurons: for example, Nkx6 is necessary and sufficient to direct axonal pathway selection in lineage 3. The gene expression map thus provides a descriptive foundation for the genetic and molecular dissection of adult-specific neurogenesis and identifies many transcription factors that are likely to regulate the development and differentiation of discrete subsets of postembryonic neurons.
Direct selection of binding proficient/catalytic deficient variants of BamHI endonuclease

Variants of BamHI endonuclease in which the glutamate 113 residue has been changed to lysine or the aspartate 94 to asparagine were shown to behave as repressor molecules in vivo. This was demonstrated by placing a BamHI recognition sequence, GGATCC, positioned as an operator sequence in an antisense promoter for the aadA gene (spectinomycin resistance). Repression of this promoter relieved the inhibition of expression of spectinomycin resistance. This system was then used to select new binding proficient/cleavage deficient BamHI variants. The BamHI endonuclease gene was mutagenized either by exposure to hydroxylamine or by PCR. The mutagenized DNA was reintroduced into E. coli carrying the aadA gene construct, and transformants that conferred spectinomycin resistance were selected. Twenty Spr transformants were sequenced. Thirteen of these were newly isolated variants of the previously identified D94 and E113 residues which are known to be involved in catalysis. The remaining seven variants were all located at residue 111 and the glutamate 111 residue was shown to be involved with catalysis.
Bounded Recursive Decomposition: A Search-Based Method for Belief-Network Inference Under Limited Resources

This paper presents a new inference algorithm for belief networks that combines a search-based algorithm with a simulation-based algorithm. The former is an extension of the recursive decomposition (RD) algorithm proposed by Cooper, which is here modified to compute interval bounds on marginal probabilities. We call the algorithm bounded-RD. The latter is a stochastic simulation method known as Pearl's Markov blanket algorithm. Markov simulation is used to generate highly probable instantiations of the network nodes to be used by bounded-RD in the computation of probability bounds. Bounded-RD has the anytime property, and produces successively narrower interval bounds, which converge in the limit to the exact value.
Crack Origins and Microcracking in Delayed Fracture of Alumina

A fluorescent dye penetrant technique is used to study the onset of slow crack growth in a dense alumina. Interaction and coalescence of nearby flaws, after a very small amount of crack extension from individual flaws, appears to be the dominant mode of failure.
Mothers in the Motherland: Stalinist Pronatalism in Its Pan-European Context

Beginning in the nineteenth century and coming to fruition after the First World War, there developed a new way of thinking about population resources and their importance to national power. Previously, management of reproduction had been unthinkable, because it had been regarded as a natural phenomenon. But with the rise of demography, statistics (censuses), sociology, and other social sciences, reproduction became a subject of rational study and scientific management.
Maintaining LU factors of a general sparse matrix

Abstract : The authors describe a set of procedures for computing and updating an LU factorization of a sparse matrix A, where A may be square (possibly singular) or rectangular. The procedures include a Markowitz factorization and a Bartels-Golub update, similar to those of Reid (1976, 1982). The updates provided are addition, deletion or replacement of a row or column of A, and rank-one modification. (Previously, column replacement has been the only update available). Various design features of the implementation (LUSOL) are described, and computational comparisons are made with the LA05 and MA28 packages of Reid (1976) and Duff (1977). Keywords: Sparse matrix; LU factors, matrix factorization, matrix updates, rank-one modification, Fortran software, lower and upper triangular.
A Comparison of Choral and Individual Responding: A Review of the Literature

This article aimed to review the literature and examine and compare the effects of choral and individual responding. Six studies met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Participants in the study comprise students with various disabilities, male and female, and between pre-K and 12th grade. Results indicate a generally positive relationship between using choral responding versus individual responding on student variables such as active student responding, on-task behavior, and correct responses. Recommendations for practice include using choral responding during whole-group instruction. Because of the small number of studies results of this review should be viewed as preliminary.
Angiotensin II Signal Transduction in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells: Role of Tyrosine Kinases

Originally known to be a vasoconstrictor and thought to play a critical role in hypertension, angiotensin II has recently emerged to be important in inflammation, atherosclerosis and congestive heart failure. The expanding role of angiotensin II implies that multiple signal transduction pathways are likely to be activated in a tissue-specific manner. Recent data show that angiotensin II stimulates not only cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases including c-Src, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and Janus kinases (JAK2 and TYK2), but also may transactivate receptor tyrosine kinases such as Axl and PDGF by as yet undefined autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. Finally, tyrosine kinases, which mediate tyrosine phosphorylation of key signal mediators such as Shc, Raf, and phospholipase C-gamma following angiotensin II stimulation, remain to be defined. These tyrosine kinases, activated by angiotensin II, appear to be required for angiotensin II effects such as vasoconstriction, proto-oncogene expression, protein synthesis, and cell proliferation. Thus, it is important to understand angiotensin II-mediated signaling events, especially those related to tyrosine kinase activity, to develop new therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
Robust synthesis technique for single-stage servo systems in HDD

This paper presents a new technique for track-following control in hard disk drives, in order to achieve high tracking precision of magnetic read-write heads uniformly for a large number of disk drives. The main contribution of this paper is to propose a new technique to specify the uncertainty bound for voice-coil-motor and an iterative design procedure to design an optimal controller with robust stability.
DAMAGE TO THE ALBINO RAT RETINA PRODUCED BY LOW INTENSITY LIGHT

—Continuous exposure of albino rats to low intensity light causes progressive deterioration of the photoreceptor cells. Losses in ERG (b-wave) sensitivity which accompany this ‘light damage’ are directly related to lowered rhodopsin levels in the retina. The same relationship has been observed in light adaptation studies in which the retina is not damaged. Thus, it appears that the production of b-wave responses is not seriously altered when photoreceptor morphology is disrupted.
Correlation of poststenotic hyperemic coronary flow velocity and pressure with abnormal stress myocardial perfusion imaging in coronary artery disease

Abstract The functional significance of coronary stenoses is frequently determined by adjunctive noninvasive myocardial perfusion imaging. Poststenotic coronary flow velocity and pressure can be measured directly during routine cardiac catheterization. The aim of this study was to correlate poststenotic (distal) flow velocity and pressure with stress perfusion imaging in patients. Quantitative angiography, basal and hyperemic transstenotic coronary flow velocities, and pressure gradients were measured in 50 patients within 1 week of exercise (n = 29) or of pharmacologic (n = 21) stress perfusion imaging. Twenty-two of 25 patients (88%) with reversible perfusion abnormalities had diminished distal coronary flow velocity reserves (CFVR) of ≤2.0 × baseline, whereas 22 of 25 (88%) with normal perfusion imaging studies had a normal distal CFVR of > 2.0 (p = 0.0001). Thirteen of 25 patients (52%) with reversible perfusion abnormalities had transstenotic gradients ≥ 20 mm Hg, whereas 20 of 25 (80%) with normal perfusion studies had gradients
Fingernail drill in bone surgery

The fingernail drill is useful in bone surgery. It is useful in aiding the excision of bone and in the stimulation of granulation tissue in exposed cranial bone. The drill is safe, efficient, and easy to operate.
Dental Caries Experience in Institutionalized Mongoloid and Nonmongoloid Children in North Carolina and Oregon

SYNOPSIS IN INTERLINGUAEXPERIENTIA DE CARIE DENTAL IN INSTITUTIONALISATE JUVENILES MONGOLOIDE E NON-MONGOLOIDE IN NORD-CAROLINA E OREGON.—Valores numeric del experientia de carie dental esseva obtenite pro le dentes permanente de institutionalisate juveniles mongoloide e non-mongoloide. Tanto le numero medie de dentes erumpite como etiam le numero medie de dentes DMP(= decadite-mancante-plumbate) esseva plus basse pro le mongoloides que pro le non-mongoloides. Esseva construite un appropriate modello mathematic pro le obtention de estimationes del differentias relative in dentes DMP inter subgruppos del juveniles post adjustationes pro differentias de etate, de sexo, de diagnose, numero de dentes erumpite, e stato de domicilio. Le adjustation pro le duration del exposition del dentes, mesurate indirectemente per le numero del dentes erumpite, non sufficeva completemente pro explicar le plus basse valor numeric de dentes DMP in le juveniles mongoloide.
Thermal analysis in SPICE

A discussion is presented of the implementation of thermal analysis in SPICE that analyzes the circuit by computing stability temperatures for each device at operating point in DC analysis. Conditions for thermal instability or thermal runway are discussed along with a critique of the current temperature models for some of the devices in SPICE. Thermal instability analysis, also implemented in SPICE, points out the specific devices in the circuit that lead to thermal instability. >
Thermal evaluation of SiC GTOs for pulsed power applications

For applications which require high peak current and fast rise time, silicon carbide (SiC) material is ideal due to its ability to tolerate high localized temperatures generated during switching. This research was performed to investigate SiC devices for pulse power applications and to analyze the failure of the devices. Seven 2 mm times 2 mm SiC gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) manufactured by Cree were evaluated. The devices were tested at single shot and under repetitive stress using a ring-down capacitor discharge circuit. The current pulse width was 2 mus with a peak current of 1.4 kA (current density of 94.6 kA/cm2) and a maximum di/dt of 2.36 kA/mus. The maximum power dissipated within the devices was 240 kW. Thermal modeling of these devices was done using ANSYS to analyze the heating and cooling. The model used was a 2-D model that included the device package, and bonding materials. The maximum amount of power dissipated was calculated from the 1000 A, 2 mus pulse. No further power input: was added to the model and the heat transfer was plotted on an exponential scale. It was found that heat applied to a 2 mum thick region of the fingers yielded a maximum temperature of 2,500 degC in the device. It took 1.0E-02 seconds for this heat to dissipate and for the device to return to 23C. The minimum and maximum stresses were found to be -2.83E+09 Pa and 4.06E+08 Pa, respectively. It was also found that the thickness of the heat generation region did not affect the final time to cool, but did affect the maximum temperature reached
Dynamic bulk modulus of various elastomers

The dynamic bulk modulus of elasticity has been measured for 14 different rubbery elastomers: three natural rubbers, five neoprenes, three polyurethanes, and one each of butyl, nitrile, and butadiene types. The measurements ranged in temperature from −10 to +40°C, at frequencies from 5 to 3000 Hz, but mostly in the range 100–1000 Hz, at 2.5 MPa pressure. Values of the real (storage) part of the modulus fell within 35% of the mean value of 2.9 GPa for all elastomers, whereas loss moduli were a few percent of the storage moduli. Master curves were obtained for two neoprenes, a polyurethane, and a butyl rubber. These were fitted by hyperbolic functions with four adjustable parameters. Effects of room-temperature aging in artificial sea water were also studied. Aging versus time profiles fell into two distinct forms. Natural rubbers were least stable, neoprenes were intermediate, and urethanes proved most stable in bulk modulus.
Is Pax6 Critical for Neurogenesis in the Human Fetal Brain

Transcription factor Pax6 plays an important role in fate determination of neural progenitor cells in animal models, yet, its distribution and role in the human developing brain have not been reported. Here we demonstrated that Pax6 was strongly expressed in dorsal and ventral proliferative zones, mainly in proliferating radial glia (RG) cells, some neuronal and intermediate progenitors, and sporadic deep cortical plate neurons. In contrast to reports in rodents, Pax6 in the human fetal brain occasionally colocalized with ventral transcription factor Olig2 in progenitor cells. Transfection with short interfering RNA abolished Pax6 expression in the cell cultures of human fetal RG, and significantly decreased the number of neurons generated from Pax6 knock-down cells. Hence, Pax6 has a critical role in neurogenic regulation of RG cells in the human forebrain, similar to reports in rodents. What is different in human forebrain is that Pax6 seems to regulate not only the genesis of cortical pyramidal neurons, but also a subpopulation of interneurons from both dorsal and ventral sources. Thus, regional distribution, colocalization with Olig2, and the role of Pax6 in neurogenesis of both projection and interneurons, suggest that developmental regulation by transcription factors may differ in primates and nonprimate mammals.
Injuries associated with law enforcement use of force

Prehospital personnel and physicians working in acute care settings need to be cognizant of the issues related to law enforcement use of force in order to properly evaluate and manage these patients. Types of force used by law enforcement range along a spectrum from physical presence to lethal use of firearms. Although the vast majority of use of force incidents does not lead to significant injury, certain weapons and situations may require more extensive evaluation and higher levels of concern. Language: en
Research-Note: An Examination of the Effect of Black Isolation on White Homicide and Robbery Arrest Rates:

There are two common themes in research that examines the link between segregation and race-specific crime (whether measured by racially disaggregated arrest rates, offending, or victimization). First, the majority of this research focuses on the theoretical link between segregation and black crime. While the research may include race-specific arrest rates from the Uniform Crime Reports or offending/victimization data from the Supplementary Homicide Reports, there is usually no expectation for a relationship between the segregation of the black community and the measure of white crime. Second, the dissimilarity index is the most commonly used measure of segregation in this type of research, as opposed to other measures such as the isolation index. The present study adds to the current literature in two ways. First, it presents a hypothesis that the segregation of African-Americans may benefit the white community by reducing white homicide and robbery arrest rates. Second, it replaces the dissimilarity ind...
Implementation of Possession Laws and the Social Ecology of Tobacco Control

The objective of this evaluation research was to assess the impact of programs intended to support the enforcement component of a comprehensive youth tobacco control. The research method was a survey of a randomly stratified cluster sample of law enforcement officers. Results of the evaluation showed that the enforcement behaviors of officers were increased through the state programs to support tobacco enforcement activities. The study showed that support for implementing a policy is important to achieve the objectives of a policy. The results of a study of the enforcement component of a Florida tobacco control program are reported and discussed within the ecological context of previously reported enforcement-linked decreases in youth tobacco use and funding and defunding of the Florida Tobacco Control Program.
Social stratification and science education: A longitudinal analysis, 1981–1986, of minorities' integration into the scientific talent pool

It is common knowledge that scientists are those persons who have the unique attributes required to perform in the role, but contrary to what is widely believed, scientists might also be those who have had access to resources of which other members of the population have been deprived. This study investigates the effectiveness of interventions designed to mediate the negative influence of ascription (race and ethnicity) on the scientific talent pool (students having interest and ability in science). Minorities refers to participants representing the major ethnic and racial groups in the New York City school system: Blacks and Hispanics. Cross-tabulations showed that urban underachieving public high school students take significantly more mathematics and science classes, more frequently graduate from high school and more often enroll in college as compared with students of the same population, who were not exposed to the program. These findings on the effectiveness of tutoring, career counseling, exposure to industrial and academic research sites and to scientist role models, and after-school and weekend classes in mathematics and science, reinforce the observations of Thomas (1986) of the importance of prerequisites for increasing participation of minorities in the natural and technical sciences and mathematics. They extend knowledge of factors which lessen the effects of ascription on educational attainment, and which promote meritocratic conditions for achieving a scientific occupation.
Transcriptome analysis identifies novel responses and potential regulatory genes involved in seasonal dormancy transitions of leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.)

Dormancy of buds is a critical developmental process that allows perennial plants to survive extreme seasonal variations in climate. Dormancy transitions in underground crown buds of the model herbaceous perennial weed leafy spurge were investigated using a 23 K element cDNA microarray. These data represent the first large-scale transcriptome analysis of dormancy in underground buds of an herbaceous perennial species. Crown buds collected monthly from August through December, over a five year period, were used to monitor the changes in the transcriptome during dormancy transitions. Nearly 1,000 genes were differentially-expressed through seasonal dormancy transitions. Expected patterns of gene expression were observed for previously characterized genes and physiological processes indicated that resolution in our analysis was sufficient for identifying shifts in global gene expression. Gene ontology of differentially-expressed genes suggests dormancy transitions require specific alterations in transport functions (including induction of a series of mitochondrial substrate carriers, and sugar transporters), ethylene, jasmonic acid, auxin, gibberellic acid, and abscisic acid responses, and responses to stress (primarily oxidative and cold/drought). Comparison to other dormancy microarray studies indicated that nearly half of the genes identified in our study were also differentially expressed in at least two other plant species during dormancy transitions. This comparison allowed us to identify a particular MADS-box transcription factor related to the DORMANCY ASSOCIATED MADS-BOX genes from peach and hypothesize that it may play a direct role in dormancy induction and maintenance through regulation of FLOWERING LOCUS T.
Parameter estimation errors in Buckingham's grain shearing model

A compilation of 54 sets of geoacoustic measurements of marine sediments was reviewed in order to bound estimates of parameters for use in Buckingham's grain shearing (GS) theory of acoustic propagation. These data, for unconsolidated sands (siliciclastic and carbonate) with grain sizes between 0.0156 mm and 0.57 mm, were all made in shallow water (maximum depth of 60 m) sites at diverse locales. In each data set, measurements of the speed and attenuation of the compressional wave at high frequency, the shear wave speed at 1 kHz, porosity, and bulk density are sufficient to calculate the three free parameters in GS theory (a material exponent, a compressional coefficient and a shear coefficient). The spread of the values calculated for GS parameters, combined with a sensitivity analysis, do not support the use of a single material exponent value for all sediments. Nor do they support the notion that the material exponent be 1, which would be the case if elastic and viscous forces at grain contacts are equal. Finally, it is suggested that, given the sensitivity to spot measurements, the GS parameters be estimated simultaneously from a full range of compressional and shear wave measurements.
Microbiology: Electrical signalling goes bacterial.

The discovery that potassium ion channels are involved in electrical signalling between bacterial cells may help to unravel the role of ion channels in microbial physiology and communication. See Article p.59 Gurol Suel and colleagues show that ion channels in bacterial biofilms, which have no known functional role, conduct long-range electrical signals within the biofilm community through the propagation of potassium ions. Metabolic coordination between spatially segregated cells in a Bacillus subtilis biofilm is shown to be dependent on ion channel activity. Metabolic limitation triggers activation of the YugO potassium channel, which also propagates the extracellular potassium signal within the biofilm, resulting in a wave of depolarization that coordinates metabolic states among cells in the interior and periphery of the biofilm. Using a simple mathematical model the authors demonstrate that YugO channel gating is sufficient to promote efficient electrical communication between distant cells.
Contribution of Structural Neuroimaging to the Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease

There is compelling evidence for the early involvement of the hippocampal formation in the natural history of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The evidence comes from recent neuropathology, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging studies. AD-type histopathologic changes limited to the hippocampus have been described and may be seen in normal aging subjects. The sites of maximal neuronal loss in the hippocampal formation are in the CA1, subiculum, and entorhinal cortex. Minimally cognitively impaired (MCI) individuals (defined by ratings of functional capacity and psychiatric symptomatology) exhibit a neuropsychological profile that is distinct from that of the unimpaired elderly. Pathologic evidence suggests that most of these cases already have AD brain changes accentuated in the hippocampal region, and our own longitudinal studies reveal that 70% of this group develop dementia within a 4-year period. We have developed a negative-angle axial view designed to cut parallel to the anterior-posterior plane of the hippocampus. Using this modified axial plane of section in conjunction with computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we estimated the prevalence of hippocampal atrophy in normal aging and across severity levels of cognitively impaired elderly patients. Longitudinal study shows that hippocampal atrophy is a sensitive and specific predictor of future AD for patients with MCI. MRI volume study of AD patients, controls, and MCI patients shows specific hippocampal volume loss in MCI. We conclude that the atrophic changes associated with early AD can be visualized using qualitative techniques and are readily quantifiable with volumetry. This article is not intended to be comprehensive, but to provide an overview of some of the structural neuroimaging data from our laboratory.
Gluconeogenesis from Alanine in Normal Postabsorptive Man: Intrahepatic Stimulatory Effect of Glucagon

Although the stimulatory effect of glucagon on gluconeogenesis has been well demonstrated in certain systems in vitro, this effect has never been established in man. The present study was undertaken, therefore, to determine whether glucagon could stimulate gluconeogenesis from alanine in normal fasting man. Glucagon might stimulate this process by increasing the hepatic alanine uptake and/or by shunting the extracted alanine within the liver into the gluconeogenic pathway. In order to be able to examine these two aspects of gluconeogenesis, we combined the hepatic veinbrachial artery catheterization technic with an isotopic infusion of alanine- 14 C. Alanine- 14 C specific activity was measured in whole blood and plasma by use of a rapid chromatographic technic. Since plasma contributed 93 per cent of the alanine extracted by the splanchnic bed with a specific activity three times that of the red blood cells, plasma alanine specific activity was used to study the conversion of alanine to glucose. A constant infusion of alanine- 14 C achieved a relatively stable arterial specific activity by forty minutes. The administration of glucagon by constant infusion (15–50 ng./kg./min.) had no effect on the splanchnic extraction of alanine. Net splanchnic glucose- 14 C production, however, doubled during the glucagon infusion, and the conversion of alanine to glucose increased from 30 ± 2 to 58 ± 9 μmol/min. These data (1) demonstrate that in normal man fasted twelve to fourteen hours, glucagon at supraphysiblogic levels can double the rate of gluconeogenesis from alanine and (2) indicate that this stimulatory effect of glucagon is exerted within the liver by shunting the extracted alanine toward new glucose formation rather than by increasing the hepatic extraction of alanine.
Becoming an OFW: Renegotiations in Self-Concept Among Filipino Factory Workers in Taiwan

This study focuses on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and probes into how their migration experiences shape self construction. Data for the study came from surveys, key informant interviews, Twenty Statement Tests (TST), and observations in field studies conducted in Taiwan in 2003 and 2007. Analysis of self-concept statements on the TST showed that among women OFWs the self became more individualized and less embedded in the social roles in Taiwan than when they were in the Philippines. In contrast, the few male workers in the study registered a slight increase in their social roles. In general, OFWs found little opportunity to become integrated into Taiwanese society. In the face of exclusion in the host society, we argue that OFWs exercised social creativity, reinforcing their national identity as Filipinos and embracing the role as “modern-day heroes” of the Philippines.
Monolayer purification: a rapid method for isolating protein complexes for single-particle electron microscopy.

Visualizing macromolecular complexes by single-particle electron microscopy (EM) entails stringent biochemical purification, specimen preparation, low-dose imaging, and 3D image reconstruction. Here, we introduce the “monolayer purification” method, which employs nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid (Ni-NTA) functionalized lipids for simultaneously purifying His-tagged complexes directly from cell lysates while producing specimens suitable for single-particle EM. The method was established by using monolayers containing Ni-NTA lipid to specifically adsorb His-tagged transferrin–transferrin receptor (Tf-TfR) complexes from insect and mammalian cell extracts. The specificity and sensitivity of the method could be improved by adding imidazole to the extracts. The monolayer-purified Tf-TfR samples could be vitrified and used to calculate a 3D reconstruction of the complex. Monolayer purification was then used to rapidly isolate ribosomal complexes from bacteria by overexpressing a single His-tagged ribosomal subunit. The resulting monolayer samples allowed calculation of a cryo-EM 3D reconstruction of the Escherichia coli 50S ribosomal subunit.
Pakistan in 2012: An Assertive Judiciary in a Pre-Election Year

In the lead up to Pakistan’s national elections scheduled for 2013, the judiciary and the legislature have clashed over the reopening of corruption cases against President Zardari. Prime Minister Gilani was forced from office, and the crisis abated due to his successor’s actions. The Supreme Court ruled that military intelligence illegally interfered with an earlier election. Fiscal crises, sectarian violence, insurgency, and slow economic growth continue to pose serious challenges. U.S. aid was resumed after NATO supply lines were re-opened, but tensions remain over U.S. drone strikes. The Pakistani rupee sank to a record low. The country’s democratic transition is still young, and consolidation may promote solvency and improve governance.
Pretreatment of Biomass for Thermochemical Biomass Conversion

Developers of microbiological processes to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels recognized long ago that pretreatments were needed prior to fermentation or enzyme reactions, if high rates and yields are to be achieved.1,2 Microorganisms and enzymes have difficulty in depolymerizing crystalline polymers, such as cellulose, and hydrophobic molecules, such as lignin and triglycerides. Furthermore, biomass constituents frequently conspire to form complexes that are difficult for microbes or enzymes to break apart. Because of these problems, numerous pretreatment methods have been developed to aid in microbiological processing by disrupting the lignocellulose complex, facilitating the depolymerization of polymers, and removing protective extractives.
Functionality of a Reduced Proboscis: Fluid Uptake by Phigalia strigataria (Minot) (Geometridae: Ennominae)

ABSTRACT. The structure and functionality of the reduced proboscis of males of P. strigataria was studied. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a proboscis structurally similar to functional proboscises of other lepidopteran species, including chemo- and mechanosensilla and a tip-region with larger spaces between the dorsal legulae. Drops of red food coloring applied to the dorsal legulae entered the proboscis. Subsequent dissections exposed a complete and functional gut containing food coloring. We suggest that Lepidoptera with reduced proboscises might rely on capillarity as an initial step for fluid to enter the proboscis for subsequent uptake. Field observations are needed to determine if P. strigataria, and other Lepidoptera with reduced proboscises, feed in their natural habitats.
Nonlinear transient growth in a vortex column

Growth of optimal transient perturbations to an Oseen vortex column into the nonlinear regime is studied via direct numerical simulation (DNS) for Reynolds number, Re (≡ circulation/viscosity), up to 10000. An optimal bending-wave transient mode is obtained from linear analysis and used as the initial condition. (DNS of a vortex column embedded in finer-scale turbulence reveals that optimal modes are preferentially excited during vortex–turbulence interaction.) Tilting of the optimal mode's radial vorticity perturbation into the azimuthal direction and its concomitant stretching by the column's strain field produces positive Reynolds stress, hence kinetic energy growth. Modes experiencing the largest growth are those with initial vorticity localized at a ‘critical radius’ outside the core, such that this perturbation vorticity resonantly induces core waves. Resonant forcing leads to growth of perturbation energy concentrated within the core. Moderate-amplitude (~5%) perturbations cause significant distortion of the core and generate secondary filament-like spiral structures (‘threads’) outside the core. As the mode evolves into the nonlinear regime, radially outward self-advection of thread dipoles accelerates growth arrest by removing the perturbation from the critical radius and disrupting resonant forcing. With increasing Re, the evolving vorticity patterns become more chaotic, more turbulent-like (finer scaled, contorted vorticity), and persist longer. This suggests that at typical Re (~106), nonlinear transient growth may indeed be able to break up, hence induce rapid decay of, column vortices – highly relevant for addressing the aircraft wake hazard crisis and the looming air traffic capacity crisis. In addition, we discover a regenerative transient growth scenario in which threads induce secondary perturbations closer to the vortex column. A parent–offspring regenerative mechanism is postulated and verified by DNS. There is a clear trend towards stronger regenerative growth with increasing Re. These results, showing an important role of transient growth in turbulent vortex decay, are highly relevant to the prediction and control of vortex-dominated flows.
Liquid Organic Salt Phases for Gas Chromatography

Revue des phases et de leurs proprietes: sels d'ammonium, thiocyanates, toluenesulfonates, etc.
Long-Term Results from Unsaturated Durability Testing of Actinide-Doped DWPF and WVDP Waste Glasses

Results from durability drip tests designed to simulate the unsaturated conditions in the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository are reported for two actinide-doped glasses used as model waste forms. These tests are being conducted with reference glass compositions doped with neptunium, plutonium, and americium from the Defense Waste Processing Facility (DWPF) and the West Valley Demonstration Project (WVDP), and have been ongoing for over 8 years. Solution compositions, including transuranics, have been periodically determined, and selected analyses of colloid formation and composition, glass corrosion layers, and solid alteration phases have been obtained by scanning and analytical transmission electron microscopies. The importance of integrated testing has been demonstrated, as complex interactions among the glass, the groundwater, and the sensitized stainless steel have been observed. The cumulative releases of both glass-forming and dopant elements are presented along with identification of reaction phases and their partitioning between solution and solid phases. Alteration phases, including smectite clay, iron silicates, uranium silicates, and calcium thorium phosphate, have been observed forming on the glass and stainless steel and have occasionally been found suspended in solution as colloids. Actinides, except neptunium, concentrate into alteration phases or sorb onto the stainless steel. The subsequent transport of the actinides is then controlled by these phases.
Determination off Sodium Phenobarbital in Animal Chow by High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography

An analytical procedure is described for determining residues of sodium phenobarbital in animal chow at levels as low as 0.14 ppm. The methanol extract is subjected to a liquid-liquid cleanup at pH 13 and 1, further cleaned up on a silica gel column and assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography by using an ultraviolet absorption detector at 210 nm. Data concerning extraction efficiency, partition values and stability of the chemical in animal chow are also presented.
Can a stepwise steady flow computational fluid dynamics model reproduce unsteady particulate matter separation for common unit operations

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is emerging as a model for resolving the fate of particulate matter (PM) by unit operations subject to rainfall-runoff loadings. However, compared to steady flow CFD models, there are greater computational requirements for unsteady hydrodynamics and PM loading models. Therefore this study examines if integrating a stepwise steady flow CFD model can reproduce PM separation by common unit operations loaded by unsteady flow and PM loadings, thereby reducing computational effort. Utilizing monitored unit operation data from unsteady events as a metric, this study compares the two CFD modeling approaches for a hydrodynamic separator (HS), a primary clarifier (PC) tank, and a volumetric clarifying filtration system (VCF). Results indicate that while unsteady CFD models reproduce PM separation of each unit operation, stepwise steady CFD models result in significant deviation for HS and PC models as compared to monitored data; overestimating the physical size requirements of each unit required to reproduce monitored PM separation results. In contrast, the stepwise steady flow approach reproduces PM separation by the VCF, a combined gravitational sedimentation and media filtration unit operation that provides attenuation of turbulent energy and flow velocity.
252 MODULATION OF THE INTERLEUKIN-13 SIGNALING PATHWAY IN THE RAT ALCOHOLIC LUNG.

Chronic alcohol exposure in rats induces oxidative stress in the lung via the angiotensin II pathway and elicits an increase in expression of the profibrotic mediator, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). In addition, fibronectin expression is increased in the lungs of alcohol-fed rats. These data strongly suggest that profibrotic mechanisms are activated in response to chronic alcohol exposure, and if true, this would suggest that alcohol abuse might increase the risk of fibrotic lung diseases. Consistent with this hypothesis, we have recently determined that alcohol ingestion increases TGF-β1 expression and collagen deposition in an experimental model of obliterative bronchiolitis (OB) following tracheal transplantation in rats. Another profibrotic cytokine, interleukin-13 (IL-13), has been shown to be an important mediator of tissue remodeling/fibrosis in the lung and may act upstream of the TGF-β1 pathway. We hypothesized that alterations in the expression of IL-13 or its receptors could contribute to alcohol-mediated amplification of profibrotic mediators in the alcoholic lung. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed whole lungs and type II alveolar epithelial cells isolated from alcohol-fed rats, as well as mouse lung fibroblasts exposed to alcohol in vitro, for various components of the IL-13 signaling pathway. Gene expression of IL-13, along with the α1 and α2 subunits of its receptor (IL-13Rα1 and IL-13Rα2), was examined by assessing mRNA levels by RT-PCR. In parallel, IL-13Rα2 protein expression was determined by immunostaining. We found that IL-13Rα2 protein was expressed in the whole lung, lung fibroblasts, and type II epithelial cells. RT-PCR analyses indicated that whole lung expresses all three components of the IL-13 signaling pathway. Although lungs from alcohol-fed rats displayed decreased IL-13 mRNA expression, IL-13Rα1 expression was increased, and a marked elevation in IL-13Rα1mRNA expression was observed in alcohol-treated primary lung fibroblasts. Associated with the increase in IL-13Rα1 mRNA in lung fibroblasts was an increase in α-smooth muscle actin protein expression, suggesting fibroblast transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts, which is a cardinal feature of fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and bronchiolitis obliterans. These data suggest that IL-13 and its receptors play a role in alcohol-mediated activation of profibrotic mechanisms. In particular, we speculate that alcohol abuse increases IL-13Rα1 expression, which could heighten the response of cells in the lung to IL-13, thereby amplifying TGF-β1-induced fibroblast activation and subsequent tissue remodeling.
Navigating the challenges of Internet of Things (IoT) for power and energy systems

Internet of Things (IoT) is the connection of the physical world to the Internet. It is fast emerging as the sustainable solution for providing access to affordable and clean energy all around the world. The utilities with IoT can have real-time feedback capabilities to better understand the customer needs and therefore make intelligent decisions to improve their service experience. With IoT, the electric power networks will be more secure, reliable, resilient and sustainable. IoT certainly opens the door to a lot of opportunities but it also has a few challenges associated with it. Some of these challenges include sensing, power management, cyber security, system complexity, and wireless and cloud connectivity. To grow and develop IoT, it becomes essential to have innovative sensing technology, a broad variety of wire and wireless standards, the lowest power solutions for any application, built-in hardware security technology, IoT solutions for everyone and not just experts, and an ecosystem of cloud partners to enable seamless integration. This paper presents the challenges and the recommended solutions associated with IoT.
Investigation of Keshan disease in Sichuan in 2011～2013

Objective To find out the prevalence of Keshan disease( KD) after the end of the selenium measures, in order to provide evidence for prevention in Sichuan province. Method Based on the uniform surveillance program,the residents in 5 counties such as Mianning,Xichang and Dazhu were surveyed. Results 5 counties( city, district) found no acute and sub acute KD cases in three years. Investigated 14 295 people in the 30 survey spots,in 2011 the chronic KD detection rate was 0. 37%( 19 /5111),latent KD detection rate was 0. 37%( 19 /5111), in 2012 the chronic KD detection rate was 0. 15%( 7 /4596), latent KD detection rate was 0. 20%( 9 /4596),in 2013 the chronic KD detection rate was 0. 11%( 5 /4588), latent KD detection rate was 0.26%( 12 /4588),chronic KD were decreased. In the southwest area,the chronic KD detection rate was 0. 34%( 30 /8947), latent KD detection rate was 0. 30%( 27 /8947),in the east area,the chronic KD detection rate was 0. 02%( 1 /5348), latent KD detection rate was 0. 24%( 13 /5348),the detection rate in the southwest area was high. The high age were more than low age.Gender had no significant effect on the detection. Conclusions Selenium intervention is still feasible prevention measures. The next step should establish and improve the long- term mechanism of KD in the southwest area, gradually establish the prevention network of Keshan disease.
Abstract A132: Multi-parametric profiling of non-small cell lung cancers reveals distinct immunophenotypes

Immune checkpoint blockade improves survival in a subset of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but robust biomarkers that predict response to PD-1 pathway inhibitors are lacking. Furthermore, our understanding of the diversity of the NSCLC tumor immune microenvironment remains limited. To develop a more comprehensive knowledge of the NSCLC tumor immune landscape, we performed comprehensive flow-cytometric immunoprofiling on both tumor and immune cells from 51 NSCLCs and integrated this analysis with clinical and histopathologic characteristics, next generation sequencing, mRNA expression, and PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cytometric profiling identified two main tumor immunophenotypes: an immunologically “hot” cluster with high abundance of CD8+ T cells expressing high levels of the inhibitory receptors PD-1 and TIM-3, and an immunologically “cold” cluster with lower relative abundance of CD8+ T cells and expression of inhibitory markers. The “hot” cluster was highly enriched for expression of genes associated with T cell trafficking and cytotoxic function by mRNA analysis, and high PD-L1 expression by IHC. Within the “hot” cluster there was a small subgroup with high granulocytic infiltrates and lower relative T cell abundance, but with high expression of inhibitory receptors by T cells. There was no correlation between immunophenotype and KRAS or EGFR mutation status, or patient smoking history, but we did observe an enrichment of squamous subtype and tumors with higher mutation burden in the “hot” cluster. Additionally, ∼20% of cases had high B cell infiltrates and we demonstrate that a subset of these cells display characteristics of immunosuppressive IL-10-producing cells. Our results support the use of immune-based metrics to study response and resistance to immunotherapy in lung cancer. Citation Format: Patrick Lizotte, Elena Ivanova, Mark Bittinger, Kwok-Kin Wong. Multi-parametric profiling of non-small cell lung cancers reveals distinct immunophenotypes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Second CRI-CIMT-EATI-AACR International Cancer Immunotherapy Conference: Translating Science into Survival; 2016 Sept 25-28; New York, NY. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2016;4(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A132.
Gated Myocardial Perfusion Spect for Diagnosis and Prognosis of Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

The application of cost-effective strategies for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is a key issue in the practice of cardiology today. Although medical and surgical therapies have led to an overall decrease in mortality from acute coronary events since the 1960s1, myocardial infarction (MI) remains the Ieading cause of death in the United States.2 Significantly, 50% of men and 63% of women dying suddenly from acute coronary events have not previously been identified as having CAD.2 At the same time, many patients with clear signs and symptoms of CAD do not go on to experience acute coronary events.