cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Mauriceville retroplasmid reverse transcriptase initiates cDNA synthesis de novo at the 3' end of tRNAs

The Mauriceville retroplasmid of Neurospora mitochondria encodes a novel reverse transcriptase that initiates cDNA synthesis de novo (i.e., without a primer) at the 3' CCA of the plasmid transcript's 3' tRNA-like structure (H. Wang and A. M. Lambowitz, Cell 75:1071-1081, 1993). Here, we show that the plasmid reverse transcriptase also initiates cDNA synthesis de novo at the 3' end of tRNAs, leading to synthesis of a full-length cDNA copy of the tRNA. The use of tRNA templates in vivo was suggested previously by the structure of suppressive mutant plasmids that have incorporated mitochondrial tRNA sequences (R. A. Akins, R. L. Kelley, and A. M. Lambowitz, Cell 47:505-516, 1986). The in vitro experiments show that efficient de novo initiation on tRNA templates requires an unpaired 3' CCA and occurs predominantly opposite position C-2 of the 3' CCA sequence, the same position as in the plasmid transcript. In other reactions, the plasmid reverse transcriptase synthesizes cDNA dimers by template switching between two tRNA templates and initiates at an internal position in a tRNA by using the 3' end of the tRNA as a primer. Finally, we show that template switching between the tRNA and the plasmid transcript in vitro gives rise to hybrid cDNAs of the type predicted to be intermediates in the generation of the suppressive mutant plasmids. The ability of the plasmid reverse transcriptase to initiate at the 3' end of tRNAs presumably reflects the recognition of structural features similar to those of the 3' tRNA-like structure of the plasmid transcript. The recognition of tRNAs or tRNA-like structures as templates for cDNA synthesis may be characteristic of primitive reverse transcriptases that evolved from RNA-dependent RNA polymerases.
A computational breadboard model for TD-FD analysis of guiding structures

A TD-FD (time-domain finite-difference) computational breadboard model (of a homogeneous rectangular waveguide) is proposed as a preliminary checking step for convergence before a huge TD-FD simulation effort is applied to a specific guiding structure. The breadboard model is proposed for TD-FD applications to shielded guiding structures. The properties of phase linearity and nondissipativity of the leapfrog scheme can be verified in the breadboard model. The two properties provide not only convergence criteria for the finite differenced approximation, but also permit the selection of the optimum input pulse shape for wideband TD-FD application to guiding structures. Once convergence is confirmed, the other error sources can be evaluated. >
Conformally Invariant Quantization of the Liouville Theory.

The Liouville theory is quantized with use of Fock space methods, an infinite set of charges L/sub n/, n = 0, +- 1,..., is constructed which represents the conformal algebra in two dimensions, and consequences of this algebra are discussed. It is then argued, with use of variational methods in Fock space, that the spectrum of the Liouville Hamiltonian is continuous, and that there exist energy eigenstates obeying the constraints L/sub n/Vertical BarE> = 0, n>0.
Variable phase shifter design for analog predistortion power amplifier linearization system

This paper presents a variable phase shifter (VPS) designed and fabricated for an analog predistortion (APD) power amplifier (P A) linearization system. In this system, there are special demands on the VPS, which haven't been typical concerns in conventional VPS design. In our study, we focused on developing a VPS customized for APD linearization systems. This VPS has been fabricated in IBM 5PAE 0.35-μm SiGe BiCMOS process, and its area is 0.594 x 0.240 mm2. Measured results show that it has 90° of total phase control from 0.7 GHz to 2.7 GHz, and shows a phase control curve with error less than ±1° over a minimum 55.54° tuning range. Also, the maximum frequency of phase control signal that can be modulated on an RF signal is 115 MHz, enabling a correction bandwidth up to 115 MHz in APD linearization systems.
Young Adults' Intergenerational Communication Schemas in Taiwan and the USA

The present research systematically examines cognitive representations of stereotypes of old age and young adults' and older adults' perceptions of their own communication accommodative behaviors, ...
Mitochondrial permeability transition in rat hepatocytes after anoxia/reoxygenation: role of Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial formation of reactive oxygen species

Onset of the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) is the penultimate event leading to lethal cellular ischemia-reperfusion injury, but the mechanisms precipitating the MPT after reperfusion remain unclear. Here, we investigated the role of mitochondrial free Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pH- and MPT-dependent reperfusion injury to hepatocytes. Cultured rat hepatocytes were incubated in anoxic Krebs-Ringer-HEPES buffer at pH 6.2 for 4 h and then reoxygenated at pH 7.4 to simulate ischemia-reperfusion. Some cells were loaded with the Ca2+ chelators, BAPTA/AM and 2-[(2-bis-[carboxymethyl]aono-5-methoxyphenyl)-methyl-6-methoxy-8-bis[carboxymethyl]aminoquinoline, either by a cold loading protocol for intramitochondrial loading or by warm incubation for cytosolic loading. Cell death was assessed by propidium iodide fluorometry and immunoblotting. Mitochondrial Ca2+, inner membrane permeability, membrane potential, and ROS formation were monitored with Rhod-2, calcein, tetramethylrhodamine methylester, and dihydrodichlorofluorescein, respectively. Necrotic cell death increased after reoxygenation. Necrosis was blocked by 1 μM cyclosporin A, an MPT inhibitor, and by reoxygenation at pH 6.2. Confocal imaging of Rhod-2, calcein, and dichlorofluorescein revealed that an increase of mitochondrial Ca2+ and ROS preceded onset of the MPT after reoxygenation. Intramitochondrial Ca2+ chelation, but not cytosolic Ca2+ chelation, prevented ROS formation and subsequent necrotic and apoptotic cell death. Reoxygenation with the antioxidants, desferal or diphenylphenylenediamine, also suppressed MPT-mediated cell death. However, inhibition of cytosolic ROS by apocynin or diphenyleneiodonium chloride failed to prevent reoxygenation-induced cell death. In conclusion, Ca2+-dependent mitochondrial ROS formation is the molecular signal culminating in onset of the MPT after reoxygenation of anoxic hepatocytes, leading to cell death.
Advances in millimeter-wave and sub-millimeter-wave devices and circuits, Si to III-Vs

This paper addresses the recent advances in InP-, GaN-, and Si/SiGe-based devices, monolithic integrated circuits, and subsystem integration at millimeter-wave (mmW) and sub-millimeter-wave (sub-mmW) frequencies. Current performance status and limitations, and future trend of technology development will be presented.
Ensuring Equal Access to Technology: Providing Assistive Technology for Students with Disabilities.

With the passage of landmark federal laws, equal access to technology for all students, regardless of their abilities, has been getting increasing attention in the field of education. Although considering a continuum of assistive technology (AT) items and services for individuals with disabilities is a mandated practice, education and rehabilitation professionals are faced with challenges of providing effective AT service delivery due to lack of clear legal and practical guidelines. This article presents an overview of current AT services including service delivery models, universal design, effects of AT devices on students with disabilities, and issues and challenges in providing AT services. An embedded preliminary case study that explored how some of the education and rehabilitation agencies deliver AT services indicated that funding is the major issue, followed by lack of family participation, availability of devices, and lack of AT qualified personnel.
Autoinhibition and phosphorylation-induced activation of phospholipase C-γ isozymes.

Multiple extracellular stimuli, such as growth factors and antigens, initiate signaling cascades through tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of phospholipase C-γ (PLC-γ) isozymes. Like most other PLCs, PLC-γ1 is basally autoinhibited by its X–Y linker, which separates the X- and Y-boxes of the catalytic core. The C-terminal SH2 (cSH2) domain within the X–Y linker is the critical determinant for autoinhibition of phospholipase activity. Release of autoinhibition requires an intramolecular interaction between the cSH2 domain and a phosphorylated tyrosine, Tyr783, also located within the X–Y linker. The molecular mechanisms that mediate autoinhibition and phosphorylation-induced activation have not been defined. Here, we describe structures of the cSH2 domain both alone and bound to a PLC-γ1 peptide encompassing phosphorylated Tyr783. The cSH2 domain remains largely unaltered by peptide engagement. Point mutations in the cSH2 domain located at the interface with the peptide were sufficient to constitutiv...
A Previously Unknown Oxalyl-CoA Synthetase Is Important for Oxalate Catabolism in Arabidopsis

Oxalate is produced by several catabolic pathways in plants. The best characterized pathway for subsequent oxalate degradation is via oxalate oxidase, but some species, such as Arabidopsis thaliana, have no oxalate oxidase activity. Previously, an alternative pathway was proposed in which oxalyl-CoA synthetase (EC 6.2.1.8) catalyzes the first step, but no gene encoding this function has been found. Here, we identify ACYL-ACTIVATING ENZYME3 (AAE3; At3g48990) from Arabidopsis as a gene encoding oxalyl-CoA synthetase. Recombinant AAE3 protein has high activity against oxalate, with Km = 149.0 ± 12.7 μM and Vmax = 11.4 ± 1.0 μmol/min/mg protein, but no detectable activity against other organic acids tested. Allelic aae3 mutants lacked oxalyl-CoA synthetase activity and were unable to degrade oxalate into CO2. Seeds of mutants accumulated oxalate to levels threefold higher than the wild type, resulting in the formation of oxalate crystals. Crystal formation was associated with seed coat defects and substantially reduced germination of mutant seeds. Leaves of mutants were damaged by exogenous oxalate and more susceptible than the wild type to infection by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which produces oxalate as a phytotoxin to aid infection. Our results demonstrate that, in Arabidopsis, oxalyl-CoA synthetase encoded by AAE3 is required for oxalate degradation, for normal seed development, and for defense against an oxalate-producing fungal pathogen.
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination among Native American elders in a primary care practice.

Background More than 2 million Native Americans (ie, Native Americans and Native Alaskans) live in the United States; 60% reside in cities. This population, especially its elders, is especially susceptible to respiratory diseases; yet, adherence to guidelines for influenza and pneunococcal immunizations is unknown. Objectives To evaluate how frequently older and high-risk adults received vaccinations for influenza and pneumoncoccal infection and to identify patient characteristics associated with adherence to published recommendations. Methods Retrospective medical record review of 550 Native American elders seen in an urban primary care practice defined using a culturally appropriate age threshold (≥50 years) and standard criteria (≥65 years). Univariate analyses examined demographic and clinical information by vaccination status. Logistic regressions identified factors associated with adherence to immunization guidelines. Results Among patients aged 50 years and older with any indication according to published recommendations, rates were low for influenza (31%) and pneumococcal (21%) immunizations. Likewise, few subjects at least 65 years of age had been immunized appropriately against influenza (38%) or pneumococcus (32%). Younger age and alcohol use were significantly associated with less frequent immunization; Medicare insurance, depression, and more health problems and taking more medications predicted significantly higher immunization rates. Aged 65 years or older and having cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus were specific indications significantly correlated with receipt of influenza and pneumococcal vaccine. Conclusions Regardless of age or risk, inadequate vaccination rates were observed in elderly Native Americans. Our findings suggest the need to identify obstacles to immunization and to conduct prospective and elderly intervention studies in Native American populations.
Scanning probe optical microscopy using an integrated submicron organic photodetector

A high-resolution scanning optical microscopy technique is developed by using focused ion beam milling and vacuum thermal evaporation to fabricate an organic photodetector with sub-micron size on a scanning probe cantilever. Optical and topographic data are recorded simultaneously and demonstrate sub-micron resolution. Potential applications of the probe include materials characterization, biology, and nanophotonics, and are aided by the fact that the probe is compatible with conventional atomic force microscopy (AFM) systems and does not suffer some of the practical difficulties of existing near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) systems.
2.3.3 Uniting Three Families of Risk Management–Complexity of Implementation × 3

This case study presents how a government agency overcame difficult challenges to establish a solid foundation for the management of its three families of risk- program, enterprise, and joint enterprise. Establishing an efficient and effective risk management process in a single development program is very challenging- culture resistance to change and unwillingness to share information viewed as negative prevail. There is additional complexity convincing people to adopt a process that is part of the bigger organization and sharing information regarding their ability to achieve program objectives. Now convince two different organizations to share information with each other. The outcomes show how the process can be scaled, adapted, integrated and adopted across the complex systems and diverse organizations and enable program teams to identify, assess, and mitigate complex risks. For an organization aspiring to establish an internal or joint enterprise risk management program, these findings are a head start.
Exudative lung injury is associated with decreased levels of surfactant proteins in a rat model of meconium aspiration.

OBJECTIVE Meconium aspiration syndrome remains a common cause of respiratory failure in neonates. The acute effects of meconium aspiration are inactivation of lung surfactant in vivo and in vitro. This study investigated the delayed effects of meconium on alveolar surfactant phospholipids and protein levels in spontaneously breathing animals. METHODS Twenty-two adult rats were given 4.3 mg of dry weight human meconium after endotracheal intubation. Rats were briefly mechanically ventilated in room air, extubated, then killed after 16 (n = 6), 24 (n = 6), 48 (n = 6), and 72 hours (n = 4). Control animals received the same volume of normal saline (n = 7) or no meconium (n = 7). Bronchoalveolar lavage and tissue specimens were evaluated for inflammatory cells, total proteins, surfactant phospholipids, and surfactant proteins. RESULTS Meconium caused exudative lung injury that was reflected in increased cell counts and proteins in alveolar lavage fluid. The peak injury occurred at 16 hours after instillation, whereas recovery occurred by 72 hours. Although total lavage fluid phospholipids did not change over time, phospholipid and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine in large aggregates tended to decrease at 24 hours. Western blot analysis demonstrated time-dependent qualitative decreases in surfactant proteins A and B (SP-A, SP-B) in meconium-instilled animals compared with the controls. ELISA for SP-B confirmed the Western blot findings with total SP-B in large aggregate decreasing from 25 +/- 4 microg in controls to 6.6 +/- 0.8 microg at 24 hours of injury. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that the exudative lung injury with meconium instillation is associated with decreased levels of SP-A and SP-B in the large aggregate fraction of lung surfactant. We speculate that decreased secretion and/or increased degradation accounts for lower levels of SP-B in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.
Interface‐tailored and nanoengineered polymeric materials for (opto)electronic devices

For plastic (opto)electronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), photovoltaic (PV) cells and field-effect transistors (FETs), the processes of charge (hole/electron) injection, charge transport, charge recombination (exciton formation), charge separation (exciton diffusion and dissociation) and charge collection are critical to enhance their performance. Most of these processes are relevant to nanoscale and interfacial phenomena. In this review, we highlight the state-of-the-art developments of interface-tailored and nanoengineered polymeric materials to optimize the performance of (opto)electronic devices. These include (1) interfacial engineering of anode and cathode for polymer LEDs; (2) nanoengineered (C60 and inorganic semiconductor nanoparticles) π-conjugated polymeric materials for PV cells; and (3) polymer and monolayer dielectrics/interfaces for FETs and light-emitting and nano-FETs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Can the process indicators for emergency obstetric care assess the progress of maternal mortality reduction programs? An examination of UNFPA Projects 2000–2004

Abstract Background: In view of the disappointing progress made in the last 20 years in reducing maternal mortality in low-income countries and before going to scale in implementing the new evidence-based strategies, it is crucial to review and assess the progress made in pilot countries where maternal mortality reduction programs focused on emergency obstetric care. Objective: To review the process indicators recommended for monitoring emergency obstetric care and their application in field situations, examining the conditions under which they can be used to assess the progress of maternal mortality reduction programs. Methods: Five of the six UN recommended process indicators were monitored annually for 5 years in selected districts of Morocco, Mozambique, India and Nicaragua. Trends are presented and discussed. Results: With specific variations due to different local situations in the four countries and in spite of variations in quality of data collection, all indicators showed a consistent positive trend, in response to the inputs of the programs. Conclusions: The UN process indicators for emergency obstetric care should continue to be promoted, but with two important conditions: (1) data collection is carefully checked for quality and coverage; (2) efforts are made to match process and outcome indicators (maternal and perinatal mortality, incidence of complications).
Scalable opto-electronic network (SOENet)

In applications such as processor-memory interconnect, I/O networks, and router switch fabrics, an interconnection network must be scalable to thousands of high-bandwidth terminals while at the same time being economical in small configurations and robust in the presence of single-point faults. Emerging optical technology enables new topologies by allowing links to cover large distances but at a significant premium in cost compared to high-speed electrical links. Existing topologies do not cost-effectively exploit these optical links. In this paper we introduce SOENet, a family of topologies that exploits emerging high-speed optical and electrical links to provide cost effective scalability, and graceful degradation in the presence of faults. We show that SOENet scales more economically than alternative topologies. For networks scalable to 32,000 nodes, a 32-node SOENet costs 4x less than a 3-D torus. Finally we investigate the fault tolerance properties of these networks and show that they degrade more gracefully in the presence of faults than alternative topologies.
Developing Passenger Car Equivalency Factors for Heavy Vehicles During Congestion

The Highway capacity manual (HCM) utilizes passenger car equivalency (PCE) factors to estimate the effect of heavy vehicles on traffic stream behavior under free-flow conditions. However, these factors have been (mistakenly) used by professionals to conduct analyses for all traffic conditions, i.e., free-flow as well as forced-flow conditions. Recent empirical evidence suggests that the PCE factors for free-flow conditions largely underestimate the effect of heavy vehicles after the onset of congestion. The current study aims at developing PCE factors for heavy vehicles on freeways and multilane highways during congestion. The study utilizes empirical data and microscopic traffic simulation to develop a set of PCE factors on level terrain and specific upgrades during congestion. The format of the proposed PCE factors is very similar to that of the HCM PCE factors for free-flow conditions. It is believed that the use of the proposed PCE factors for oversaturated conditions will help to largely improve the ...
Ordinary Least Squares Estimation of Parameters in Exploratory Factor Analysis With Ordinal Data

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) is often conducted with ordinal data (e.g., items with 5-point responses) in the social and behavioral sciences. These ordinal variables are often treated as if they were continuous in practice. An alternative strategy is to assume that a normally distributed continuous variable underlies each ordinal variable. The EFA model is specified for these underlying continuous variables rather than the observed ordinal variables. Although these underlying continuous variables are not observed directly, their correlations can be estimated from the ordinal variables. These correlations are referred to as polychoric correlations. This article is concerned with ordinary least squares (OLS) estimation of parameters in EFA with polychoric correlations. Standard errors and confidence intervals for rotated factor loadings and factor correlations are presented. OLS estimates and the associated standard error estimates and confidence intervals are illustrated using personality trait ratings from 228 college students. Statistical properties of the proposed procedure are explored using a Monte Carlo study. The empirical illustration and the Monte Carlo study showed that (a) OLS estimation of EFA is feasible with large models, (b) point estimates of rotated factor loadings are unbiased,
Enabling dynamic market-managed QoS interconnection in the next generation internet by a modified BGP mechanism

We propose a market-managed QoS (quality of service) interconnection model for heterogeneous networking environments. The deployment of this model will help autonomous systems to reduce the cost of their network services as well as increase social welfare. We describe a technical solution for a next generation Internet, where networks are managed based on either technology requirements (QoS networks) or market principles (market-managed networks). Our solution requires two technologies: BMP (bandwidth management point) and a modified version of BGP (border gateway protocol). The modified version of BGP, as proposed in this paper, provides additional routing exchange information such as price and QoS level specifications. Both technologies are discussed with regard to the impact on routing, QoS provisioning, and charging. In order to show the benefit of our approach for inter-domain routing and interconnection, we present some analytical and simulation results, showing the significant increase in network service revenue as well as the increase in social welfare. These results draw important implications for designing the next generation Internet with regard to investment in QoS networks.
Conditioning and Evidence

included in the other. Thus [0.3, 0.5] and [0.4, 0.7] conflict, as do [0.1, 0.5] and [0.8, 1.0] ,b ut[0.5, 0.6] and [0.4, 0.6] do not, nor do [0.5, 0.5] and [0.0, 1.0] conflict.
CHARACTERIZATION OF ALKALI‐EXTRACTED PROTEIN PREPARED FROM DEBONED TURKEY RESIDUE

Protein solutions having a yellow color on the L-a-b scale were prepared from mechanically deboned turkey residue by alkali extraction. Dry protein extracts were prepared from the solution by either acid-precipitation and drying to form the extract named “IEP” or by concentration using ultrafiltration and drying to form another extract named “PH8”. Both extracts contained high levels of potassium, phosphorous, magnesium and calcium, but had low water holding and fat binding capacities. The protein and fat contents of “IEP” were higher than those of “PH8” while the opposite was true for their ash contents. “PH8” was more soluble in water than “IEP” between pH 4 and 10, and also in a 2% sodium chloride solution. The amount of water held on specific sites in “PH8” and “IEP” were 3.84 and 4.46 g moisture/g extract, respectively. The emulsion capacity of “PH8” was significantly higher than that of “IEP” at pH 4, 7 and 10, and was lowest at pH 7 for both samples.
Phylogeography of the Western Lyresnake (Trimorphodon biscutatus): testing aridland biogeographical hypotheses across the Nearctic–Neotropical transition

The Western Lyresnake ( Trimorphodon biscutatus ) is a widespread, polytypic taxon inhabiting arid regions from the warm deserts of the southwestern United States southward along the Pacific versant of Mexico to the tropical deciduous forests of Mesoamerica. This broadly distributed species provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a priori biogeographical hypotheses spanning two major distinct biogeographical realms (the Nearctic and Neotropical) that are usually treated separately in phylogeographical analyses. I investigated the phylogeography of T. biscutatus using maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from across this species’ range. Phylogenetic analyses recovered five well-supported clades whose boundaries are concordant with existing geographical barriers, a pattern consistent with a model of vicariant allopatric divergence. Assuming a vicariance model, divergence times between mitochondrial lineages were estimated using Bayesian relaxed molecular clock methods calibrated using geological information from putative vicariant events. Divergence time point estimates were bounded by broad confidence intervals, and thus these highly conservative estimates should be considered tentative hypotheses at best. Comparison of mtDNA lineages and taxa traditionally recognized as subspecies based on morphology suggest this taxon is comprised of multiple independent lineages at various stages of divergence, ranging from putative secondary contact and hybridization to sympatry of ‘subspecies’.
Break-Even Cost for Incorporating Photovoltaic Generation into the TVA Power System

The conditions and timetable under which TVA would consider installing and/or integrating photovoltaic systems into its generation mix were examined. It was found that a central station PV plant could be justified in a given year if its initial installed system cost was equal to or less than the "breakeven" values given in Tables I and II. These values were based on given amortization, OM and $1.52 per installed peak watt for tracking flat plate systems. Optimal geographic location in the TVA region of such a plant could increase the breakeven prices about 10 percent.
Abstract 46: Differential Gene and Transcription Factor Binding Site Expression Between the Intima and Media Drives Intimal Hyperplasia

Background: Vein grafts (VG) fail due to rapid intimal expansion in the weeks to months following implantation. Histologically, this results in a metabolically active intima juxtaposed to a quiescent medial layer. In this study, we leverage this dichotomy to identify the key genes that control intimal growth and the critical transcription factors (TF) that drive their activation. Methods: Microsurgical techniques were used to separate the intima and media of rabbit carotid VGs harvested at 1 (n=4), 3 (n=6), and 6 (n=4) months (m) following implantation. Each layer was independently analyzed for differential mRNA expression using a whole-genome microarray. rVista and TRANSFAC were used to identify TF binding sites within 5000 bp of differentially expressed genes. Results: Early growth of the intima was driven by an enhanced proliferative response and an accumulation of cell mass (Fig). During this early hyperplastic phase, substantial differences in intimal and medial gene expression were observed (197 genes at 1m and 346 at 3m, p Conclusion: Corresponding to the most active phase of intimal growth, smooth muscle cells demonstrated marked up-regulation of an array of genes that modulate cell proliferation and migration, with these genes under the control of a discrete set of TFs. While previous attempts at modifying TF binding (via an E2F decoy) in the initial days following VG implantation have been unsuccessful, manipulation of a broader set of TFs in the time frame of weeks to months may prove a more promising strategy.
CONVERSATION ANALYSIS.Numa Markee. Mahwah, NJ:Erlbaum, 2000. Pp. xv + 216. $45.00 cloth, $22.50 paper.

This volume, part of a series on research methodologies in second language acquisition (SLA), describes contributions that conversation analysis (CA) makes to the field. Markee argues that CA, which provides microanalyses of moment-by-moment “talk-in-interaction” (Schegloff, 1987), makes visible learners' efforts to speak and understand a new language. He questions the tendency in SLA toward theory-driven and largely experimental research at the expense of theory-building and naturalistic methods.
Loss of somatostatin receptor 2 expression reduces small cell lung cancer growth and alters cellular metabolism

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a high grade poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung responsible for w15% of diagnosed lung cancers and up to 25% of lung cancer deaths. Treatment paradigms in small cell lung cancer have not changed significantly in the last 20 years. Advances in targeted therapies for SCLC are sorely needed. Somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are neuroendocrine associated G protein-coupled receptors associated with multiple tumor types and which have effects on cell cycling, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and growth factors. They canonically signal by inhibition of adenylate cyclase, calcium influx, and act through downstream MAPK and Akt as well as other downstream kinases. We evaluated SSTR2 expression by IHC staining and western blotting of multiple cell lines and tumor tissues and found high expression in multiple neuroendocrine lung carcinomas including classical and variant SCLC lines. Given the high level of SSTR2 expression found in most SCLC lines, we hypothesized that this signaling pathway stimulates growth and survival of these tumor cells. We followed these preliminary studies with an assessment of 98 SCLC patients whose tumor IHC was subdivided into high or low SSTR2 expressing tumors by continuous IHC scoring. Low SSTR2 tumors had a better prognosis with a median survival in limited stage disease of 36 months compared to 12 months in the SSTR2 high expressing SCLCs suggesting that SSTR2 expression has clinical relevance in SCLC progression. The hazard ratio was 0.45 with a p<0.05. This led to further experiment to interrogate the mechanism and function of SSTR2 in SCLC. We established multiple stable SSTR2 shRNA knockdown lines including bronchial carcinoid, and multiple adherent SCLC lines. SSTR2 knockdown led to up to 3 fold changes in cell viability in vitro with reduced proliferation in multiple cell culture lines and constructs as well as apoptosis in H1048 cells. Metabolic testing with Seahorse mito stress kits concurred with significant differences in mitochondrial respiration and metabolic activity in the SSTR2 knockdown cell lines with a slightly increased basal metabolic rate and a significant greater than 75% increase in maximal respiration compared to the control scrambled construct cell line. We are actively pursuing metabolic studies in SCLC and will expand this work to evaluate ADP/ATP and AMP/ATP ratios to determine if aberrant energy homeostasis may contribute to the observed cell death in this metabolically active cell population. Collectively, this data brings new interest to SSTR2 signaling as a pathway target for therapy in a subset of SCLC and suggests potential metabolic targets in SCLC.
Rearing and Occurrence of Xyelid Sawflies on Slash and Longleaf Pines in North Florida (Hymenoptera: Xyelidae)

Soil-filled clay pots, sunk in the ground, were used for rearing Xyela pini Rohwer from mature larvae taken on slash pine ( Pinus elliottii ), and X. minor Norton and X. bakeri Konow from larvae found on both slash pine and longleaf pine ( Pinus palustris ). Some individuals of X. minor and X. bakeri spent a second year as dormant larvae before pupating; others, like all the X. pini that were reared, completed their development in 1 year. Two discrete populations of adult X. pini were noted in the field. One, in January, fed on pollen of slash pines, which produce pollen earlier in the season than other local pine species; the other, in the second half of February, fed on pollen of loblolly pines ( Pinus taeda ). None were found feeding on other pines that produce pollen at intermediate times. Many adult X. minor and X. bakeri were found feeding on pollen of a certain slash pine which produced pollen earlier than neighboring trees of the same species.
Kinetic Investigations of p-Xylene Oxidation to Terephthalic Acid with a Co/Mn/Br Catalyst in a Homogeneous Liquid Phase

Kinetic investigations of the liquid phase oxidation of p-xylene (pX) to terephthalic acid (TPA) with Co/Mn/Br catalyst were performed in a stirred 50 mL Parr reactor at 200 °C and 15 bar pressure under conditions wherein product precipitation is avoided. The oxidant (O2) was introduced by sparging into the liquid phase at constant gas-phase O2 partial pressure. Apparent kinetic rate constants, estimated by regressing experimental conversion data to a pseudo-first order lumped kinetic model, are at least an order of magnitude greater than those reported in the literature for similar catalytic reactions. We attribute this difference to the presence of gas–solid and liquid–solid mass transfer resistances in the previous studies wherein the TPA product precipitates as it forms, trapping intermediate products and slowing down their oxidation rates. Our results also indicate that it is not possible to completely eliminate the gas–liquid mass transfer limitations associated with the fast intermediate oxidation ...
Nitroxide-Mediated Controlled Free Radical Polymerization of the Chelate Monomer 4-Styryl-tris(2-pyridyl)borate (StTpyb) and Supramolecular Assembly via Metal Complexation

The reaction of 4-(dibromoboryl)styrene with 2-pyridylmagnesium chloride resulted in the formation of 4-styryl-tris(2-pyridyl)borate free acid (StTypb), a new polymerizable nonpyrazolyl “scorpionate” ligand. StTypb did not undergo self-initiated polymerization under ambient conditions and proved to slowly polymerize through standard radical polymerization at 90 °C. Nitroxide-mediated polymerization (NMP) of StTypb at 135 °C proceeded with good control, resulting in a polymer of Mn = 27400 and PDI = 1.21. The TEMPO-terminated homopolymer successfully initiated the polymerization of styrene, generating an amphiphilic block copolymer with DPn of 1200 and 78 for the PS and the StTypb block, respectively. A similar block copolymer with DPn of 29 and 20 for the PS and the StTypb block respectively was obtained in a reverse polymerization procedure from a PS macroinitiator. The self-assembly of these block copolymers was examined in selective solvents and preliminary metal complexation studies were performed.
Comparison of Methods to Evaluate Bone Mineralization

Abstract Extraction of lipid from tibias of broilers in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists-recommended procedure is often a rate-limiting step in evaluation of bone mineralization. In addition, environmental concerns may limit the use of solvents to extract lipids. A study was conducted to compare various alternative methods of evaluating bone mineralization in young (0 to 21 d) broiler chicks. Male chicks of a commercial broiler strain were fed diets ranging from deficit to surfeit in supplemental phosphorus. At 21 d, all surviving birds were killed. From each bird, the toes were removed from the right leg, and the foot (from the tibiotarsal junction) was removed from the left leg. After drying, these were ashed with no lipid extraction. Tibias from the right leg were taken and subjected to lipid extraction prior to ashing; tibias from the left leg were ashed without lipid extraction. Estimates of phosphorus requirements by nonlinear regression using each of the measurements resulted in similar values. A high correlation existed between each of the alternative measures and values from extracted tibias, with unextracted tibia ash appearing to have the highest relationship (R2 = 0.95) followed by foot ash (R2 = 0.92) and toe ash (R2 = 0.88). Considerations for using any of these alternative methods are the greater amount of organic matter that is burned off in ashing, which might create problems with alarm systems in laboratories, possible differences in lipid metabolism due to nutrition, disease, or other factors, and effect of age of the chick.
The Distribution of the Japanese Beetle in 1930 and 1931, With Special Reference to the Area of Continuous Infestation

The apparent total range of the Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica ) is divisible into an area of continuous and one of discontinuous distribution. The former is alone considered. Maps are given showing the area of continuous distribution in 1930 and in 1931, and indicating the varying degrees of infestation within its limits. The size of the area is given, and it is pointed out that its expansion has not progressed uniformly in all directions. Heavy infestation is typical of open country and is of only local occurrence, or relatively light, in thinly settled and heavily wooded country, as the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Areas of unusually intense, or maximum, infestation no longer coincide with the original center of the range, but each year shift their position farther out into later infested sections. The limits of the general area of continuous infestation and those of the various degrees of infestation considered are approximately defined by citation of localities.
Enumerating parametric global minimum cuts by random interleaving

Recently, Aissi et al. gave new counting and algorithmic bounds for parametric minimum cuts in a graph, where each edge cost is a linear combination of multiple cost criteria and different cuts become minimum as the coefficients of the linear combination are varied. In this article, we derive better bounds using a mathematically simpler argument. We provide faster algorithms for enumerating these cuts. We give a lower bound showing our upper bounds have roughly the right degree. Our results also immediately generalize to parametric versions of other problems solved by the Contraction Algorithm, including approximate min-cuts, multi-way cuts, and a matroid optimization problem. We also give a first generalization to nonlinear parametric minimum cuts.
Assisted Reproductive Technology

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) includes in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT), tubal embryo transfer (TET), and frozen embryo transfer (FET). These techniques also apply to oocyte donation and gestational carriers. In vitro fertilization technique (IVF) involves obtaining mature oocytes from ovarian follicles (egg retrieval, ER) and incubating them with sperm. The embryos are then transferred into the uterine cavity. Since Steptoe and Edwards, of England, performed the first successful IVF,1 significant strides have been made in our understanding of scientific principles underlying this technique. This has enabled many women to conceive where the conventional methods have failed. In the United States, the use of IVF techniques has resulted in 52,041 neonates in 2005 alone.2 However, IVF technology has generated substantial ethical and moral debates around the world. It has also resulted in certain complications of gestation that were unlikely in the past, such as octuplet pregnancy.
The Event Calculus

We present the foundations of the event calculus, a formalism for commonsense reasoning. We review first-order logic and describe some notational conventions. We discuss the basics of the event calculus, and we present two axiomatizations of the event calculus: EC and DEC. We discuss how to choose which axiomatization to use. We present reification, which is needed to represent statements about events and fluents in first-order logic. We discuss unique names axioms, conditions, circumscription, and domain descriptions, and we describe the types of reasoning that can be performed using the event calculus.
Efficacy of Standardized Nursing Fertility Counseling on Sperm Banking Rates in Cancer Patients.

Objective To examine the effect of brief nurse counseling on sperm banking rates among patients prior to initiating chemotherapy. Materials and Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for men aged 18-50 with newly diagnosed cancer, from 1998 to 2003, prior to initiation of chemotherapy. A standardized nursing education session including brief fertility counseling was implemented at one institution in 2008 (Institution A). Rates of sperm banking among patients who received counseling were compared to those without counseling at institution A and to those at institution B where a counseling program was never initiated. Results A total of 766 male patients, 402 treated at institution A and 364 at institution B, were included. At institution A, sperm banking rates prior to 2008 were 6.4% and 8.3% after 2008 for those who did not receive counseling. The rate of sperm banking for those patients who did receive counseling was significantly higher at 17.6% ( P = .002). The odds of banking increased 2.9 times for those who received counseling compared to those who did not ( P = .003). At institution B, where counseling was never initiated, rates of banking remained low before and after 2008. Additional analysis revealed that younger patients and those patients who did not have children were more likely to perform sperm banking. Conclusion The rates of sperm banking among cancer patients increased with the receipt of a brief, formalized nurse counseling session prior to initiation of chemotherapy. These findings may validate the use of a formalized fertility counseling prior to initiation of chemotherapy.
Discharge to Inpatient Facilities After Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Associated With Increased Postdischarge Morbidity.

Abstract Background Discharge disposition accounts for significant variability in costs after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). Therefore, institutions must evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes associated with postdischarge care options. The present study intends to characterize the associations between short-term morbidity after primary THA and discharge destination. Methods Primary elective unilateral THA cases performed for osteoarthritis were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry from 2011 to 2014. Propensity scores were used to adjust for selection bias in discharge destination, based on demographics, obesity class, preoperative functional status, modified Charlson comorbidity index, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and the presence of predischarge complications. Propensity-adjusted multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine associations between discharge destination and postdischarge complications, controlling for selection bias based on observable patient characteristics. Results Among 54,837 THA cases included in the study, 40,576 (74%) were discharged home, and 14,261 (26%) were discharged to inpatient facilities. In multivariate propensity-adjusted analyses, patients discharged to continued inpatient care after THA were more likely to have septic complications (odds ratio, 2.34; 95% confidence interval, 1.58-3.45), urinary complications (1.51; 1.21-1.90), readmission (1.44; 1.29-1.59), wound complications (1.31; 1.09-1.57), and respiratory complications (1.93; 1.21-3.07). Conclusion Discharge to continued inpatient care following THA is associated with increased odds of postdischarge morbidity and unplanned readmission, after propensity score adjustment for predischarge characteristics. Additional research is needed on the impact of devoting resources toward facilitating discharge to home after THA.
Aspirin-Mediated Acetylation Protects Against Multiple Neurodegenerative Pathologies by Impeding Protein Aggregation.

Abstract Aims: Many progressive neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease, and Parkinson's disease (PD), are characterized by accumulation of insoluble protein aggregates. In prospective trials, the cyclooxygenase inhibitor aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) reduced the risk of AD and PD, as well as cardiovascular events and many late-onset cancers. Considering the role played by protein hyperphosphorylation in aggregation and neurodegenerative diseases, and aspirin's known ability to donate acetyl groups, we asked whether aspirin might reduce both phosphorylation and aggregation by acetylating protein targets. Results: Aspirin was substantially more effective than salicylate in reducing or delaying aggregation in human neuroblastoma cells grown in vitro, and in Caenorhabditis elegans models of human neurodegenerative diseases in vivo. Aspirin acetylates many proteins, while reducing phosphorylation, suggesting that acetylation may oppose phosphorylation. Surprisingly, a...
How Excessive cGMP Impacts Metabolic Proteins in Retinas at the Onset of Degeneration.

Aryl-hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein-like 1 (AIPL1) is essential to stabilize cGMP phosphodiesterase 6 (PDE6) in rod photoreceptors. Mutation of AIPL1 leads to loss of PDE6, accumulation of intracellular cGMP, and rapid degeneration of rods. To understand the metabolic basis for the photoreceptor degeneration caused by excessive cGMP, we performed proteomics and phosphoproteomics analyses on retinas from AIPL1−/− mice at the onset of rod cell death. AIPL1−/− retinas have about 18 times less than normal PDE6a and no detectable PDE6b. We identified twelve other proteins and thirty-nine phosphorylated proteins related to cell metabolism that are significantly altered preceding the massive degeneration of rods. They include transporters, kinases, phosphatases, transferases, and proteins involved in mitochondrial bioenergetics and metabolism of glucose, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and RNA. In AIPLI−/− retinas mTOR and proteins involved in mitochondrial energy production and lipid synthesis are more dephosphorylated, but glycolysis proteins and proteins involved in leucine catabolism are more phosphorylated than in normal retinas. Our findings indicate that elevating cGMP rewires cellular metabolism prior to photoreceptor degeneration and that targeting metabolism may be a productive strategy to prevent or slow retinal degeneration.