cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Colonization and degradation of polyurethane coatings by Pseudomonas protegens biofilms is promoted by PueA and PueB hydrolases

Abstract The ability of bacteria and fungi to degrade polymeric substrates is often assessed in liquid-based assays conducted by exposing polymers to planktonic cells, or cell-free supernatants or enzymes generated from them. These assessments miss the opportunity to specifically examine the role of biofilm formation and physiology in degradative processes. In a previous study, we examined the ability of cell-free supernatants from wildtype and hydrolase-deficient Pseudomonas protegens Pf-5 strains to degrade a commercial polyester polyurethane (PU). In this study, we developed the methodology to conduct spatial-temporal analysis of both biofilm colonization and degradation of polyester PU coatings using the same strains. Wild-type Pf-5 grew as confluent biofilms that produced tendrils containing viable cells; in contrast, Pf-5ΔpueAB, a mutant lacking PueA and PueB hydrolases, colonized the PU only by growing as a confluent biofilm but lacked tendril expansion. Degradation of PU by the wild-type hydrolases may alter the substrata, facilitating colonization by the biofilm. Chemical analysis by in situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopies revealed the polyester block of the PU was preferentially degraded to varying degrees by the wild-type Pf-5 and mutant biofilms, and showed degradation due to PueB that was undetectable in liquid-based assays. Raman spectroscopy analysis of biofilms of Pf-5ΔpueAB grown on PU revealed a detectable, but the lowest, level of PU degradation relative to other strains. Degradation of PU by this mutant had previously been undetectable and this study revealed the existence of biofilm-associated hydrolytic mechanisms other than those driven by PueA and PueB. Taken together, our data suggest that both PueA and PueB hydrolases play a role in the colonization and degradation of a model polyester PU by P. protegens biofilms. This study demonstrates the importance of using biofilm-based assays to identify mechanisms of microbiologically-influenced degradation.
Systems-level network modeling of Small Cell Lung Cancer subtypes identifies master regulators and destabilizers

Abstract Adopting a systems approach, we devise a general workflow to define actionable subtypes in human cancers. Applied to small cell lung cancer (SCLC), the workflow identifies four subtypes based on global gene expression patterns and ontologies. Three correspond to known subtypes, while the fourth is a previously undescribed neuroendocrine variant (NEv2). Tumor deconvolution with subtype gene signatures shows that all of the subtypes are detectable in varying proportions in human and mouse tumors. To understand how multiple stable subtypes can arise within a tumor, we infer a network of transcription factors and develop BooleaBayes, a minimally-constrained Boolean rule-fitting approach. In silico perturbations of the network identify master regulators and destabilizers of its attractors. Specific to NEv2, BooleaBayes predicts ELF3 and NR0B1 as master regulators of the subtype, and TCF3 as a master destabilizer. Since the four subtypes exhibit differential drug sensitivity, with NEv2 consistently least sensitive, these findings may lead to actionable therapeutic strategies that consider SCLC intratumoral heterogeneity. Our systems-level approach should generalize to other cancer types. Author summary Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an extremely aggressive disease with poor prognosis. Despite significant advances in treatments of other cancer types, therapeutic strategies for SCLC have remained unchanged for decades. We hypothesize that distinct SCLC subtypes with differential drug sensitivities may be responsible for poor treatment outcomes. To this end, we applied a computational pipeline to identify and characterize SCLC subtypes. We found four subtypes, including one (termed “NEv2”) that had not previously been reported. Across a broad panel of drugs, we show that NEv2 is more resistant than other SCLC subtypes, suggesting that this subtype may be partly responsible for poor treatment outcomes. Importantly, we validate the existence of NEv2 cells in both human and mouse tumors. Reprogramming the identity of NEv2 cells into other subtypes may sensitize these cells to existing treatments. However, deciphering global mechanisms that regulate different subtypes is generally unfeasible. To circumvent this, we developed BooleaBayes, a modeling approach that only infers local regulatory mechanisms near stable cell subtypes. Using BooleaBayes, we found master regulators and master destabilizers for each subtype. These findings predict targets that may destabilize a particular subtype, including NEv2, and lead to successful therapy, by either knocking out master regulators or turning on master destabilizers.
Comparison of Vasopressor Duration in Septic Shock Patients With and Without Cirrhosis

BackgroundPatients with cirrhosis have immune dysfunction, altered inflammatory response, and hemodynamic changes which increase risk of septic shock and potentially prolong management with fluids,...
At the Intersection of Homeless Encampments and Heroin Addiction: Service Use Barriers, Facilitators, and Recommendations from the City of Philadelphia's Encampment Resolution Pilot.

We provide an overview of the pilot and evaluation measures used for an independent evaluation of the Encampment Resolution Pilot (ERP) wherein the City of Philadelphia closed two homeless encampme...
Asp f I CD4+ TH2-like T-cell lines in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Abstract Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity lung disease caused by bronchial colonization with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) characterized by elevated serum total and Af -specific IgE levels and eosinophilia. In order to examine T-cell reactivity to Af antigens, six T-cell lines were established from the peripheral blood of patients with ABPA to Asp f I, an 18 kd protein purified from Af extracts. The Asp f I-specific T-cell lines, analyzed by flow cytometry, were 100% CD3 + CD4+. Lymphoproliferative responses of the T-cell lines were specific for Asp f I stimulation, 28,999 cpm (stimulation index=12.2), and showed no response to tetanus toxoid stimulation, 2178 cpm (stimulation index=1.1) ( p Asp f I-stimulated lymphoproliferation was inhibited in two experiments by monoclonal anti-interleukin (IL)-4 antibody in a dose-response fashion, 78% and 84% inhibition at 5% concentration of anti-IL-4. In contrast, anti-IL-2 antibody did not inhibit Asp f I-stimulated proliferation. Asp f I-stimulated T-cell lines synthesized predominantly IL-4 (mean, 21.5 ng/ml) after 48 hours of culture, and nondetectable quantities of interferon-γ and IL-2. In summary, Asp f I-specific T-cell lines established from patients with ABPA were characterized as being CD4+ T H2 -like in their cytokine synthesis pattern, and secreted IL-4 behaved in an autocrine fashion, stimulating proliferation.
Determining the active catalytic palladium species under hydrodeoxygenation conditions

Abstract The molecular, homogeneous catalyst 2,6-bis(4-isopropyl-2-oxazolinyl)pyridine palladium(II) was examined for the ability to perform selective hydrodeoxygenation of benzyl alcohol. Reaction conditions and substrate were chosen to mimic conditions used to depolymerize lignin biomass and subsequently convert the lignin-derived monomers into useful biofuels. The molecular catalyst exhibited moderate catalytic activity in methanol solvent with complete selectivity towards hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of benzyl alcohol under mild conditions, including room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the molecular catalyst decomposed into solid particles. These particles were characterized with XPS and contained metallic palladium, which also exhibited catalytic HDO activity. The particles also achieved complete selectivity towards hydrodeoxygenation over aromatic ring hydrogenation, but only at temperatures above 200 °C. Recycling the solid particle catalysts over multiple reaction cycles, led to the leaching of the catalytically active species back into solution and the eventual deactivation of the solid particles.
Impact of temperature and SO42- on electrostatic controls over carbonate wettability

Abstract The use of modified salinity and modified composition brines (MSMC), referred to as smart water, to alter carbonate surface wettability at different temperatures has gained enormous popularity. However, an effective way to quantify the geochemical, thermodynamic and electrostatic factors responsible for wettability alteration have still not been fully developed. In this work, a surface complexation model (SCM) based on geochemical and thermodynamic interactions at calcite and oil surfaces was used to investigate the effect of temperature, pH, and sulfate on electrostatic interactions. SCM’s for calcite and oil surfaces were validated against zeta potential data at high temperatures and used to interpret improved oil recovery data from spontaneous imbibition experiments. The SCM was correlated to calcite wettability through the calculation of the bond product sum (BPS); a measure of the strength of the electrostatic bond linkages between calcite and oil surfaces. Increasing temperature increased the zeta potential towards more positive values for positive polarities and towards more negative values for negative polarity at both the calcite and oil surfaces. BPS decreased with increasing temperature due to the weakening of [>CO3–][‒NH+] electrostatic bonds, indicating an increase in water-wetness, consistent with the existing literature. Increasing the sulfate ion concentration in seawater brine reduced the BPS, indicating an increase in water wetness. This was attributed to the reduction in [>CaOH2+][‒COO–] associated bonds as sulfate concentration increased. Spontaneous imbibition experiments confirmed the BPS analysis, whereby oil recovery increased as sulfate concentration and temperature increased.
Relative Age Effect on Problematic Alcohol Use in Adolescents.

Objective: Relative age refers to a difference in age between peers in the same academic year. Although younger age of alcohol use is associated with a higher risk of lifetime problematic alcohol u...
Behavior change, health, and health disparities 2021: Rural addiction and health

This Special Issue of Preventive Medicine (PM) is the 8th in a series on behavior change, health, and health disparities. This is a topic of critical importance to improving U.S. population health. There is broad consensus that personal behavior patterns or lifestyle such as substance abuse, poor food choices, physical inactivity, and non-adherence with medical regimens are among the most important modifiable causes of chronic disease and premature death and contributors to recent decreases in U.S. longevity. While no U.S region is free of these problems, they disproportionately impact rural communities. As in prior Special Issues in this series, we devote considerable space to the ongoing U.S. opioid epidemic while also examining selected issues in rural health disparities involving tobacco use, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Across each of these topics we have recruited contributions from accomplished investigators, clinicians, and policymakers to acquaint readers with recent advances while also noting knowledge gaps and unresolved challenges.
Analysis of U.S. Supreme Court Employment Law Decisions

Ten cases with direct impact on labor and employment law were decided during the October 2000 term, and two other cases have potential indirect impact on labor and employment practice. Two of these cases involved the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), two cases involved title VII of the Civil Rights Act, one arose from a National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) representation dispute, four cases were related to arbitration, and one involved Employment Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) preemption. When I classify these cases as employee and union wins or employer wins I am sure there is room for argument on this I come up with five wins for employees and unions, four for employers, and one that defies classification. Let me start with the Americans with Dis-
Is Your Accounting Firm Truly Marketing Oriented? A Checklist

The authors demonstrate how a firm can determine whether it is really marketing oriented, i.e., following the marketing concept, the philosophy that considers satisfying the customer the major purpose of the organization. A nine-question checklist is provided for a firm to use in evaluating whether it is indeed doing its best to satisfy clients.
An Electrodynamic Instability in Thunderstorms

Presently, there are only two fundamentally different proposed mechanisms of field growth in clouds. Thunderstorm charging currents in the first mechanism arise as a consequence of differential fall speeds of selectively charged particles. In the second, charging currents are due to convective transport of charge provided initially by the sub-cloud fair-weather electric structure and later by the response of the cloud environment and surface to the macroscopic field of the mature storm. A third possibility exists which requires microscopic segregation of charge in the cloud but does not require selective charging of large and small particles. Instead, all that is required is a system of large and small particles with different terminal speeds and a process whereby the cloud elements carry positive or negative charge. Thus, even though the large and small particle families are each electrically neutral in the bulk, the dynamical interaction between the counter-streaming charged particles coupled by the electric forces is found to be unstable to small perturbations in the electric field. The instability, which results in a rapid growth of a macroscopic electric field from a basic state of zero field is similar in many respects to two well-known analogies. The first is the resistive-wall amplifier in which an oscillator (here the inertially-dominated large drops) moves relative to a damping agent (the viscosity-dominated small droplets). The second analogy, applicable in the case of inertially-dominated large and small families, is the two-stream electron-beam plasma instability.
Transfer of materials across the human placenta.

Abstract A tentative classification of transport mechanisms across the human placenta is proposed, based upon (a) the primary physiologic significance of the substances transferred, (b) the relative rates of transfer, (c) the actual mechanisms of transport, and (d) the equality or inequality of distribution. The proposed schema, together with some examples, is as follows: Group I.—Substances concerned with the maintenance of biochemical homeostasis or protection against sudden fetal death. Rates of transfer: Milligrams per second. Predominant mechanism of transport: Rapid diffusion. 1.1.1. Equilibrium attained.Examples: Water and electrolytes. 1.2.2. Unequal distribution due to differences in rates of removal and/or different disassociation constants of complexes formed.Examples: Oxygen and carbon dioxide. 1.3.3. Unequal distribution due to destruction by the placenta.Example: Amines. Group II.—Substances concerned primarily with fetal nutrition. Rates of transfer: Measured in milligrams per minute. Predominant mechanism of transport: Carrier systems (plus diffusion). 2.1.1. Carrier systems operating equally in both directions.Example: Glucose. 2.2.2. Carrier systems operating against the concentration gradient.Example: Amino acids. 2.3.3. Unequal distribution with resultant molecular alteration during active transport.Example: Riboflavin. Group III.—Substances concerned primarily with modifications of fetal growth and the maintenance of pregnancy. Rates of transfer: Measured in milligrams per hour. Predominant mechanism: Slow diffusion.Examples: Steroid and protein hormones of maternal or placental origin. Group IV.—Substances of immunologic importance only. Rates of transfer: Measured in milligrams per day. Mechanisms of transport: Leakage through large pores; droplet transfer by pinocytosis(?). 4.1.1. Cell transfer.Example: Red blood cells. 4.2.2. Pinocytosis (?).Example: Plasma proteins.
A formal proof of absence of deadlock for any acyclic network of PCI buses

The Delayed Transaction mechanism introduced in version 2.1 of the PCI protocol includes rules for deadlock avoidance which are known to be incomplete in the design community. We have formalized a more complete set of rules as fairness constraints on the behavior of PCI devices and bridges. We present a mathematical proof that these fairness constraints are sufficient to guarantee absence of deadlock for an arbitrary acyclic network of PCI buses, using a novel notion of deadlock-freedom which is generally applicable to any transaction processing system. This verification problem falls outside of the scope of decision procedures based on model checking.
Intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive complaints, and cancer-related distress in prostate cancer survivors.

Objective Prostate cancer survivors have reported cognitive complaints following treatment, and these difficulties may be associated with survivors' ongoing cancer-related distress. Intolerance of uncertainty may exacerbate this hypothesized relationship by predisposing individuals to approach uncertain situations such as cancer survivorship in an inflexible and negative manner. We investigated whether greater cognitive complaints and higher intolerance of uncertainty would interact in their relation to more cancer-related distress symptoms. Methods This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study included 67 prostate cancer survivors who were 3 to 5 years post treatment. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses tested the extent to which intolerance of uncertainty, cognitive complaints, and their interaction were associated with cancer-related distress (measured with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised; IES-R) after adjusting for age, education, physical symptoms, and fear of cancer recurrence. Results Intolerance of uncertainty was positively associated with the IES-R avoidance and hyperarousal subscales. More cognitive complaints were associated with higher scores on the IES-R hyperarousal subscale. The interaction of intolerance of uncertainty and cognitive complaints was significantly associated with IES-R intrusion, such that greater cognitive complaints were associated with greater intrusive thoughts in survivors high in intolerance of uncertainty but not those low in it. Conclusions Prostate cancer survivors who report cognitive difficulties or who find uncertainty uncomfortable and unacceptable may be at greater risk for cancer-related distress, even 3 to 5 years after completing treatment. It may be beneficial to address both cognitive complaints and intolerance of uncertainty in psychosocial interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudogenes and Their Evolution

Pseudogenes are relics of former genes that no longer possess biological functions. They are abundant in the genomes of complex organisms such as vertebrates and flowering plants and provide a useful resource for studying mutation rates and neutral evolutionary patterns. Processed pseudogenes can be regarded as fossilised footprints of past gene expression, permitting a peek into ancient transcriptomes. Occasionally adaptive, pseudogenisation is usually a neutral process. Yet, it can have a substantial impact on future evolution by limiting or opening certain evolutionary possibilities. Studies of pseudogenisation may help date key phenotypic changes in evolution and understand the genetic basis of phenotypic evolution. Recent studies found some pseudogenes to possess apparent functions in gene regulation, creating a difficulty in defining pseudogenes. Key Concepts: Pseudogenes are relatives of functional genes that have lost their functions. Most pseudogenes arise from degenerated replicates of functional genes produced by either DNA-mediated gene duplication or RNA-mediated retroposition. Processed pseudogenes arise from retroposition and their copy numbers are positively correlated with the germline expression levels of their parent genes. Thus, they may be regarded as fossilised footprints of past gene expression for studying ancient transcriptomes. Most pseudogenes evolve neutrally and thus have been used to study the rates and patterns of mutations. The human and mouse genomes contain nearly as many pseudogenes as functional genes. The number of pseudogenes in a genome, compared to that of functional genes, varies substantially among organisms. Pseudogenisation is usually a neutral process; yet, it can have significant impacts on future evolution by either limiting or opening certain evolutionary possibilities. Pseudogenisation may occasionally be adaptive when the expression of a gene becomes deleterious, due to changes of the genetic background or environment. Some apparent pseudogenes have been found to possess regulatory functions, causing a difficulty in defining pseudogenes. Keywords: pseudogene; pseudogenisation; gene loss; evolution; gene regulation
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

ABSTRACT We give examples of group problems that excite and motivate students. We also present a method for employing these problems within an undergraduate mathematics class.
Thermodynamic relations among olivine, spinel, and phenacite structures in silicates and germanates: II. The systems NiOZnOGeO2 and CoOZnOGeO2

Activity-composition relations along the orthogermanate joins of the systems NiOZnOGeO2 and CoOZnOGeO2 at 1050°C have been determined from the phase diagrams and the location of conjugation lines between oxide and orthogermanate phases. In each system, a second distinct spinel phase near XZn2GeO4 = 0.5 is observed in addition to the terminal spinel and phenacite solid solution. The free energies of transformation from the spinel to the phenacite structure are estimated to be +23, +12.7, and −12.6 kcal/mole for Ni2GeO4, Co2GeO4, and Zn2GeO4, respectively.
Ammonium Nitrate-Magnesium Propellant Combustion and Heat Transfer Mechanisms

Microthermocouples and fiber optics were used to investigate the mechanisms of heat transfer and combustion in magnesium-ammonium nitrate (AN) composite propellants. It was found that a liquid layer at 300 ± 30°C covers the surface of both the AN and binder regions during combustion. The magnesium burns near the propellant surface in a dual vapor and surface mode producing both fine smoke and large-scale MgO ash. With no magnesium, conductive heat feedback from the partially premixed AN/binder gas flame drives the combustion of the propellant. The temperature of this flame varies with space and time, ranging between 1000°C and 160()°C. The spatial and temporal variations of the local flame temperature correspond to the local concentration fluctuations of the gas mixture above the propellant, which, in turn, correlate with the macroscopic heterogeneity established by the coarse AN prills and the binder-fine-AN-fill region. Burning rate was found to increase significantly with increasing magnesium loading due to conductive and radiative heat feedback from burning magnesium particles that were retained near the propellant surface by large-scale ash and due to condensedphase heat release from magnesium oxidation.
Clinical applications of centrally acting agents in male sexual dysfunction

Currently available agents for erectile dysfunction (ED) share the same mechanism of action and pharmacologic properties. Therefore, they share the same limitations, including a principal focus on erection as an end-organ process. One of the relatively unexplored areas of research has been the potential for centrally acting agents to improve male sexual response. A variety of neurohormones and neurotransmitter systems are involved in the male sexual response, including testosterone, dopamine, serotonin and the melanocortin systems. Investigations to determine the utility of centrally acting agents as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in men with ED or other forms of sexual dysfunction are underway. Bremelanotide, a melanocortin agonist, has been tested in men with ED and may prove to be one of the first centrally acting agents to have clinical utility in male sexual dysfunction.
Design, Synthesis and Discovery of Picomolar Selective α4β2 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands

Developing novel and selective compounds that desensitize α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) could provide new effective treatments for nicotine addiction, as well as other disorders. Here we report a new class of nAChR ligands that display high selectivity and picomolar binding affinity for α4β2 nicotinic receptors. The novel compounds have Ki values in the range of 0.031–0.26 nM and properties that should make them good candidates as drugs acting in the CNS. The selected lead compound 1 (VMY-2-95) binds with high affinity and potently desensitizes α4β2 nAChRs. At a dose of 3 mg/kg, compound 1 significantly reduced rat nicotine self-administration. The overall results support further characterizations of compound 1 and its analogues in preclinical models of nicotine addiction and perhaps other disorders involving nAChRs.
Letter Regarding Article by Wang et al, “Nesiritide Does Not Improve Renal Function in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure and Worsening Serum Creatinine”

To the Editor: I read with interest the study by Wang et al1 examining the effect of nesiritide on renal function in patients with decompensated heart failure and elevated serum creatinine concentrations. The failure of nesiritide to improve renal function in this study is both surprising and disappointing because previous studies of nesiritide have demonstrated significant natriuretic and diuretic effects, as well as diminution of the untoward effects of loop diuretics.2–4 More research is needed to fully understand the renal effects of nesiritide in patients with heart failure. In the meantime, the potential limitations of the study by Wang and associates should be taken into account to help design future studies. These limitations include the possibility that the study was underpowered to detect differences because the power calculation was based on an estimated mean initial glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 50 mL · min−1 · 1.73 m−2 and a standard deviation (SD) of 7. The mean GFR on enrollment …
The action of tetraethylammoniumchloride (TEA) on the stimulation of the hypothalamus and on the action of adrenalin and nor-adrenalin.

1. The effect of hypothalamic stimulation with condenser discharges producing a rise in blood pressure and a contraction of the n. m. is abolished by i. v. injection of TEA (10 mg/kilo). This effect is believed to be due to the blocking of autonomic synapses. 2. At the same time the blood pressure rises following the injection of isopressor concentrations of adrenalin and nor-adrenalin are greatly augmented. This reaction as well as the changes in pulse rate appear to be due to a temporary elimination of sino-aortic depressor reflexes. 3. The responses of the normal and acutely denervated n. m. to adrenalin and nor-adrenalin are not increased in 76 out of 91 trials in which the blood pressure response to adrenalin was greatly augmented.
An Interdisciplinary Group for Parents of Children With Hemangiomas

Parents are shocked by the unexpected appearance and growth of hemangiomas, the most common benign tumors of childhood, yet parents' psychosocial needs are largely ignored. A psychoeducational/self-help pilot group) for parents is described in this article. The Mental Health Inventory and a 44-item questionnaire were used to gather pertinent biopsychosocial data. Parents were more distressed and had less of a sense of well-being than the general population. Medical complications were significantly associated with the couple's distress (P
The Main Personality Factors in Questionnaire, Self-Estimate Material

(1950). The Main Personality Factors in Questionnaire, Self-Estimate Material. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 31, No. 1, pp. 3-38.
Introduction: The Symposium and Its Authors

Abstract This symposium addresses the question “Has public administration grown up?” as a provocative vehicle for free-ranging inquiry into the state of the field. Its articles originated from a panel of the same name held at the 2003 national conference of the American Society for Public Administration. The authors, each of whom make a quite different response, consist of the panel's original five members plus four participants from the audience who later contributed their ideas in written form.
Controlled Atmosphere Treatments for Control of Sweetpotato Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Stored Tropical Sweet Potatoes

Adult sweet potato weevils, Cylas formicarius elegantulus (Summers), or sweet potato roots, Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.), infested with immature stages of the sweet potato weevil were exposed to controlled atmospheres containing low oxygen (O2) and increased concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) with a balance of nigrogen (N2) for up to 10 d at 25° and 30°C. Adult sweet potato weevils were killed within 4–8 d when exposed to 8% O2 plus 40–60% CO2 at 30°C. At 25°C, exposure to 2 or 4% O2 plus 40 or 60% CO2 at 25°C killed all the adult insects within 2-8 d. Exposure of sweet potato roots infested with weevils to 8% O2 plus 30–60% CO2 for one week at 30°C failed to kill all the sweet potato weevils. However, no adult sweet potato weevils emerged from infested roots treated with either 4% O2 plus 60% CO2 or 2% O2 plus 40 or 60% CO2 for one week at 25°C.
Galileo Earth-Venus trajectory correction maneuver design

As a result of delays in the Space Shuttle program and a re-evaluation of safety concerns which resulted in cancellation of the Shuttle Centaur Upper Stage program, the Galileo mission to Jupiter has undergone a substantial redesign effort. Use of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) for injection has necessitated a complicated Venus-Earth-Earth gravity assist trajectory in order to reach Jupiter. One flyby of Venus and two flybys of Earth are required to compensate for the lower injection energy available from the IUS. As the spacecraft was not originally designed for the environment within 1 AU of the Sun, modifications to the spacecraft and operating procedures have been developed. This paper describes some of these changes and how they have affected the design and implementation of trajectory correction maneuvers on the Earth-Venus leg of the mission. A strategy of biasing the IUS target at injection to control the statistical velocity distribution of a subsequent trajectory correction maneuver is discussed.
Ventilatory status early after head injury.

The ventilatory status of patients within the first few hours following head injury has not been well established. We prospectively studied 63 patients who presented to an urban trauma center with varying severity of head injury to determine whether any trend toward hypo- or hyperventilation existed within the first two hours following injury. Arterial blood gas analysis done on emergency presentation showed that 14 patients with severe head injury (Glasgow coma scale ⩽ 4) had mean pH values of 7.29 and mean PaCO 2 of 41.86 torr. Twenty patients categorized as moderate head injury (GCS = 5–11) had mean pH values of 7.38 with a mean PaCO 2 of 34.1 torr. Twenty-nine patients with GCS ⩾ 12 had mean pH and PaCO 2 values of 7.4 and 31.8 torr, respectively. These differences in pH and PaCO 2 were statistically significant between the GCS groups with mild and severe head injury (P ⩽ .01 pH), (P = .05 PCO 2 ), and could not be explained on the basis of hypoxemia, blood alcohol level, hypotension, or associated chest injury. It is concluded that patients with severe craniocerebral trauma show an early trend toward hypercapnea and acidosis. Immediate control of airway and assisted ventilation is necessary in order to reduce PaCO 2 to optimal levels in patients with severe head injury.
Thioredoxin-Interacting Protein and Myocardial Mitochondrial Function in Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Cellular metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation are interrelated processes in mitochondria and are implicated in a variety of human diseases including ischemic heart disease. During ischemia, mitochondrial respiration rates fall. Though seemingly paradoxical, reduced respiration has been observed to be cardioprotective due in part to reduced generation of ROS. Enhanced myocardial glucose uptake is considered beneficial for the myocardium under stress, as glucose is the primary substrate to support anaerobic metabolism. Thus, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration and uncoupling oxidative phosphorylation can protect the myocardium from irreversible ischemic damage. Growing evidence now positions the TXNIP/thioredoxin system at a nodal point linking pathways of antioxidant defense, cell survival, and energy metabolism. This emerging picture reveals TXNIP's function as a regulator of glucose homeostasis and may prove central to regulation of mitochondrial function during ischemia. In this review, we summarize how TXNIP and its binding partner thioredoxin act as regulators of mitochondrial metabolism. While the precise mechanism remains incompletely defined, the TXNIP-thioredoxin interaction has the potential to affect signaling that regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics and respiratory function with potential cardioprotection against ischemic injury.
Multichannel blind deconvolution using low rank recovery

We introduce a new algorithm for multichannel blind deconvolution. Given the outputs of K linear time- invariant channels driven by a common source, we wish to recover their impulse responses without knowledge of the source signal. Abstractly, this problem amounts to finding a solution to an overdetermined system of quadratic equations. We show how we can recast the problem as solving a system of underdetermined linear equations with a rank constraint. Recent results in the area of low rank recovery have shown that there are effective convex relaxations to problems of this type that are also scalable computationally, allowing us to recover 100s of channel responses after a moderate observation time. We illustrate the effectiveness of our methodology with a numerical simulation of a passive noise imaging" experiment.
Crust-mantle interaction in continental arcs: inferences from the Mesozoic arc in the southwestern United States

Arc magmas ranging in composition from basaltic andesites to rhyolites and intrusive equivalents were emplaced into the western margin of the North American craton starting in Late Triassic time giving way to rift0related sedimentation in the Late Jurassic. The region of this study cuts across Proterozoic basements of contrasting Nd model ages, 1.7–1.8 Ga (average ɛNd∼−11) in eastern Arizona and 2.0 to 2.3 GA (average ɛNd∼−18) in western Arizona and eastern California (Bennett and DePaolo 1987). The Mesozoic rocks have initial ɛNd of -3.4 to-6.4 in the eastern part of the study area and -7.1 to -9.2 in the western part. All of the rocks have elevated 87Sr/87Sr initial ratios (>0.706). Trends in initial ɛNd values of Mesozoic arc rocks are directly correlated with the Nd model ages of the basement through which they passed. Simple two-component mixing calculations indicate that recycled continental crust in the arc magmas represents on average about 65%. A minimum of 35% mantle input into continental arc magmas, as recent as the Mesozoic, represents a significant contribution to the growth of the continental crust, in the absence of a return flow of continental material into the mantle of similar magnitude. In a detailed study in the Santa Rita Mountains. Arizona, there is a pattern of increase of ɛNd with time: early basaltic andesites have more negative ɛNd than later felsic rocks. A correlated pattern of depletion with time is also observed with trace element and major element data. We attribute this either to progressive hybridization of the lower crust by repeated injection of mantle magmas, or the progressive thinning of the continental crust during prolonged arc magmatism. The present data do not allow distinction between the two models. Progressive decrease in crustal contribution to arc magmas with time may be an important feature of continental arc evolution. Hybridization of the lower crust due to repeated injection of mantle melts during arc magmatism may help contribute to small-scale heterogeneities in lower crust inferred from seismic and xenolith data. Similarly, whether there is a well defined MOHO or sharp crust-mantle boundary in any given segment of the continental crust may in part depend on the extent of crust modification as a result of continental arc magmatism.
Optically written displays based on up-conversion of near infrared light

Analysis of the process of up-conversion suggest scaling rules for up-conversion based optically written displays. These rules have been demonstrated experimentally and give us confidence in our designs of such displays.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Complex formation between Chromatium vinosum ferric cytochrome c' and bromophenol blue.

Abstract An unusual complex has been observed between the common electrophoresis tracer bromophenol blue (BPB) and the cytochrome c′ from Chromatium vinosum during polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Complex formation results in a shift and increase in the intensity of the visible absorption band of BPB. Differential spectrophotometric titration of BPB with cytochrome c′ indicates that one BPB binds to each of the two subunits of cytochrome c′ with a binding constant of 4.2(0.5) × 10 5 . The absence of a significant effect of ionic strength on the binding constant and the effect of Triton X-100 on the spectrum of BPB suggest that hydrophobic interactions are important to binding. An analysis of the structure of C. vinosum cytochrome c′ shows the presence of a surface hydrophobic patch which may participate in the binding interaction. Many of the hydrophobic amino acids in the patch are well conserved by type among all known sequences of cytochrome c′ and are found in loop elements of the 3D structure, suggesting a functional basis for conservation. It is proposed that the binding of BPB may mimic a relevant interaction involving the cytochrome c′ biological function.
Apoptosis in the Rat Penis After Penile Denervation

AbstractPurpose: Despite the advances in nerve sparing prostatectomy for prostate cancer, some patients develop impotence or subjectively complain of a decrease in penile size. We hypothesized that these clinical observations may be explained by injury to the cavernous nerves resulting in programmed cell death (apoptosis) within the penis. We utilized a rat model of penile denervation in order to demonstrate apoptosis after denervation.Methods and Materials: Fifteen male Sprague Dawley rats underwent abdominal exploration and bilateral cavernous neurotomy. Fifteen sham operations were performed as normal controls. The rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 1, 2, 3, 6, and 10 and their penises were harvested. Messenger RNA was extracted and probed on a northern blot for sulfated glycoprotein-2 (SGP-2). SGP-2 is a gene product reported to be elevated in apoptotic tissues. Separate denervated and sham rats were used for DNA extraction (sacrificed postoperative day #2) in order to demonstrate the internucl...
Evaluation of the New Jersey Digital Highway

The aim of this research is to study the usefulness of the New Jersey Digital Highway (NJDH, www.njdigitalhighway.org) and its portal structure. The NJDH intends to provide an immersive and user-centered portal for New Jersey history and culture. The research recruited 145 participants and used a Web-based questionnaire that contained three sections: for everyone, for educators, and for curators. The feedback on the usefulness of the NJDH was positive and the portal structure was favorable. The research uncovered several reasons why some collections did not want to or could not participate. The findings also suggested priorities for further development. This study is one of the few on the evaluation of cultural heritage digital library.
A molecular perspective on the phylogeny of placental mammals based on mitochondrial 12S rDNA sequences, with special reference to the problem of the Paenungulata

Part of the 12S rDNA gene was amplified and sequenced for 11 placental mammals, 3 marsupials, and 2 monotremes. Multiple alignments for these sequences and nine additional placental sequences taken from GenBank were obtained using CLUSTAL. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using standard parsimony, transversion parsimony, and Lake's method of invariants. All of our analyses uniteLoxodontia withDugong. Procavia, in turn, is a sister group to these taxa, thus supporting the monophyly of the Paenungulata. Perissodactyls are a sister group to paenungulates when transitions and transversions are both included but not when transitions are omitted. Likewise, cetaceans are a sister group to artiodactyls on minimum length trees under standard parsimony but not under transversion parsimony. Rodent monophyly and bat monophyly also receive mixed support, as does a putative alliance between primates and lagomorphs. Interestingly, the percentage divergence between the echidna and the platypus is less than for the rat and mouse.
Scaffolding strategies for supporting middle school students' online inquiry processes

Online inquiry, use of the Web as an information resource to inquire into science, has become increasingly common in middle schools in recent years. However, prior research has found that middle school students tend to use the Web in a superficial manner. To address the challenges that students face in online inquiry, we designed the Digital IdeaKeeper, a scaffolded software tool to help students engage in online inquiry through support for inquiry planning, information search, analysis, and synthesis. This study examined the differences between regular and IdeaKeeper-supported online inquiry performed by 8 pairs of sixth graders in naturalistic classroom settings. Analysis of 80 screen videos of students' computer activities and conversations found that IdeaKeeper-supported online inquiry was more integrated, efficient, continuous, metacognitive, and focused. This study has important implications for designing online learning environments for middle school students.
Preparation of TiNi ferroelastic–ferroelectric thin film heterostructures

Abstract Active and adaptive thin film materials for `smart' materials will likely be a heterostructure of several types of applications. In this investigation, TiNi shape memory thin films on Si(100) substrates with BaTiO 3 and PbZr 1− x Ti x O 3 (PZT) as buffer layer were deposited by the pulsed laser deposition method. The critical issues of deposition and processing of shape memory ferroelastic and ferroelectric materials have been addressed to fabricate the thin film sensor–actuator heterostructures. Characterization of the films has been done by using X-ray diffractometer and atomic force microscope techniques. The buffer layer of BaTiO 3 and PZT have been beneficial to grow crystalline quality TiNi films on Si(100) substrates.
Regulation of photoreceptor gene expression by Crx-associated transcription factor network

Rod and cone photoreceptors in the mammalian retina are special types of neurons that are responsible for phototransduction, the first step of vision. Development and maintenance of photoreceptors require precisely regulated gene expression. This regulation is mediated by a network of photoreceptor transcription factors centered on Crx, an Otx-like homeodomain transcription factor. The cell type (subtype) specificity of this network is governed by factors that are preferentially expressed by rods or cones or both, including the rod-determining factors neural retina leucine zipper protein (Nrl) and the orphan nuclear receptor Nr2e3; and cone-determining factors, mostly nuclear receptor family members. The best-documented of these include thyroid hormone receptor beta2 (Tr beta2), retinoid related orphan receptor Ror beta, and retinoid X receptor Rxr gamma. The appropriate function of this network also depends on general transcription factors and cofactors that are ubiquitously expressed, such as the Sp zinc finger transcription factors and STAGA co-activator complexes. These cell type-specific and general transcription regulators form complex interactomes; mutations that interfere with any of the interactions can cause photoreceptor development defects or degeneration. In this manuscript, we review recent progress on the roles of various photoreceptor transcription factors and interactions in photoreceptor subtype development. We also provide evidence of auto-, para-, and feedback regulation among these factors at the transcriptional level. These protein-protein and protein-promoter interactions provide precision and specificity in controlling photoreceptor subtype-specific gene expression, development, and survival. Understanding these interactions may provide insights to more effective therapeutic interventions for photoreceptor diseases.
Characterization of phorbol diester binding to isolated cardiac myocytes

Abstract There are specified and saturable binding sites for [20-3H]phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate on enzymatically dissociated rat cardiac myocytes. At 37 °C, maximal binding occurs within 20 min, with a KD of 3.9 n m and Bmax of 0.275 pmol/mg. [3H]Phorbol dibutyrate binding is blocked by 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate but not by 4α-phorbol or 4α-phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate. Dibucaine, tetracaine, chlorpromazine, and phospholipase C lowered phorbol binding through a competitive mechanism. Similarly, unsaturated (but not saturated) diacylglycerols competed with [3H]phorbol dibutyrate for the binding site. There was a progressive decline in specific binding of phorbol diesters to cardiac myocytes which occurred primarily during the first 3 weeks of postnatal life. Cardiac phorbol diester receptors may mediate protein kinase C-dependent effects on important cellular functions such as Ca2+ transport.
Myocardial metabolism in patients having aortic-valve replacement.

Concentrations of metabolites and electrolytes in arterial and coronary sinus blood were studied in ten patients undergoing whole-body perfusion for aortic valve replacement. The study continued through three postoperative days. A comparison was made between five patients whose hearts were beating d
Enhancement of Shortening Stability by Incorporation of Butteroil

Butteroil, sunflower oil, olive oil, and a blend containing equal portions of the three oils were used for potato frying and examined periodically for oxidative stability. Analysis included measurements of polymers, cyclic monomers, the change in dielectric constant and volatile compounds. The blend exhibited greater stability than expected on the basis of the data obtained from the individual oils. In one frying experiment, for example, the polymers and cyclic monomers formed in the blended oil after 37 hr were 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively, as compared to calculated values of 1.8% and OS%, respectively. The higher stability of the blended shortening against oxidation appeared to reflect the presence in butteroil of a protective agent or agents sufficient to protect other less stable oils.