cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of pantothenic acid addition on H2S production by Saccharomyces under fermentative conditions

Abstract The impact of addition of pantothenic acid at different times during alcoholic fermentation by two different strains of Saccharomyces under fermentative conditions was studied. Two strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae , EC1118 and UCD522, were inoculated into synthetic grape juice media containing either 50 or 250 μg/l pantothenic acid. To those media containing 50 μg/l pantothenic acid, an additional 200 μg/l of the vitamin was added either 48 or 96 h after yeast inoculation. While yeast viabilities and fermentation rates were similar for all treatments, H 2 S production varied depending on yeast strain and time of addition of the vitamin. In general, H 2 S production was significantly higher for UCD522 compared to EC1118. Furthermore, adding pantothenic acid to deficient musts containing 50 μg/l resulted in a cessation of H 2 S production within 24 h of addition. Based on these findings, pantothenic acid can be added before or during alcoholic fermentation as a means to reduce problems such as the formation of H 2 S.
Divergence between GLUT4 mRNA and protein abundance in skeletal muscle of insulin resistant rats.

Summary Hyperglycemia and skeletal muscle insulin resistance coexist in uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus. Similar defects in insulin action were observed in glucose-infused, normal rats, a model of glucose toxicity. In these rats insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle was decreased due to a post-receptor defect. We investigated whether the impaired glucose uptake resulted from a decrease in the abundance of the predominant muscle glucose transporter (GLUT4) mRNA and/or protein. GLUT4 protein abundance in the hyperglycemic rats was not different from the control group despite a 50% decrease in muscle glucose uptake. GLUT4 mRNA abundance was 2.5-fold greater in the hyperglycemic rats as compared to the control animals. We conclude that the coexistence of hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia results in (1) a defect in GLUT4 compartmentalization and/or functional activity and (2) a divergence between GLUT 4 mRNA levels and translation.
Solar enery data collection, editing, and compression

Problems concerning the use of solar energy data are considered as follows: 1. collection, 2. editing, 3. compression. Special note is made of methods of estimating missing or bad data points. Recommendations are made concerning data distributions.
Worker Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds in the Vehicle Repair Industry

This study evaluated exposures among vehicle repair technicians to hexane, acetone, toluene, and total volatile organic compounds (VOCs). On randomly selected workdays, we observed a characteristic pattern of solvent use among 36 technicians employed in 10 repair shops, each of which used an aerosol solvent product. We obtained quantitative exposure measurements from a subset of nine technicians (employed in three of these shops) who used an aerosol product containing hexane (25–35%), acetone (45–55%), and toluene (5–10%). The time-weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration for task-length breathing zone (BZ) samples (n = 23) was 36 mg/m 3 for hexane, 50 mg/m 3 for acetone, and 10 mg/m 3 for toluene. The TWA area concentrations (n = 49) obtained contemporaneously with BZ samples ranged from 25% to 35% of the BZ concentrations. The solvent emission rate (grams emitted/task time) was correlated with the total VOC exposure concentration (R 2 = 0.45). The proportions of VOCs in the BZ samples were highly c...
Control of Type II Transforming Growth Factor-β Receptor Expression by Integrin Ligation

Ectopic expression of the alpha5 integrin subunit in cancer cells with little or no endogenous expression of this integrin often results in reduced proliferation as well as reduced malignancy. We now show that inhibition resulting from ectopic expression of alpha5 integrin is due to induction of autocrine negative transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) activity. MCF-7 breast cancer cells do not express either alpha5 integrin or type II TGF-beta receptor and hence are unable to generate TGF-beta signal transduction. Ectopic expression of alpha5integrin expression enhanced cell adhesion to fibronectin, reduced proliferation, and increased the expression of type II TGF-beta receptor mRNA and cell surface protein. Receptor expression was increased to a higher level in alpha5 transfectants by growth on fibronectin-coated plates. Induction of type II TGF-beta receptor expression also resulted in the generation of autocrine negative TGF-beta activity because colony formation was increased after TGF-beta neutralizing antibody treatment. Transient transfection with a TGF-beta promoter response element in tandem with a luciferase cDNA into cells stably transfected with alpha5 integrin resulted in basal promoter activities 5-10-fold higher than those of control cells. Moreover, when alpha5 transfectants were treated with a neutralizing antibody to either TGF-beta or integrin alpha5, this increased basal promoter activity was blocked. Autocrine TGF-beta activity also induced 3-fold higher endogenous fibronectin expression in alpha5 transfectants relative to that of control cells. Re-expression of type II receptor by alpha5 transfection also restored the ability of the cells to respond to exogenous TGF-beta and led to reduced tumor growth in athymic nude mice. Taken together, these results show for the first time that TGF-beta type II receptor expression can be controlled by alpha5beta1 ligation and integrin signal transduction. Moreover, TGF-beta and integrin signal transduction appear to cooperate in their tumor-suppressive functions.
A model for visualizing sentence complexity

Learning how write and communicate effectively is a common challenge that spans most academic disciplines. "Can a model be developed that visually captures the structural and linguistic complexity of text?" This paper proposes a model for visualizing sentence complexity.
DNA mismatch repair and cancer

The genetic basis of cancer involves certain classes of genes, particularly oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, and DNA mismatch repair genes. Originally identified in bacteria and yeast, the human homologues of DNA mismatch repair genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndromes, as well as a variety of different sporadic cancers. An appreciation of their role in cancer is predicated on an understanding of their function in the processes of DNA repair. This article reviews the recent developments and advances in the biology of the human DNA mismatch repair genes and their involvement in the pathogenesis of cancer.
Fermilab multicore and GPU-accelerated clusters for lattice QCD

As part of the DOE LQCD-ext project, Fermilab designs, deploys, and operates dedicated high performance clusters for lattice QCD (LQCD) computations. We describe the design of these clusters, as well as their performance and the benchmarking processes that were used to select the hardware and the techniques used to handle their NUMA architecture. We discuss the design and performance of a GPU-accelerated cluster that Fermilab deployed in January 2012. On these clusters, the use of multicore processors with increasing numbers of cores has contributed to the steady decrease in price/performance for these calculations over the last decade. In the last several years, GPU acceleration has led to further decreases in price/performance for ported applications.
Resveratrol improves renal microcirculation, protects the tubular epithelium, and prolongs survival in a mouse model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury

The mortality rate of patients who develop acute kidney injury during sepsis nearly doubles. The effectiveness of therapy is hampered because it is usually initiated only after the onset of symptoms. As renal microvascular failure during sepsis is correlated with the generation of reactive nitrogen species, the therapeutic potential of resveratrol, a polyphenol vasodilator that is also capable of scavenging reactive nitrogen species, was investigated using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) murine model of sepsis-induced acute kidney injury. Resveratrol when given at 5.5h following CLP reversed the decline in cortical capillary perfusion, assessed by intravital microscopy, at 6h in a dose-dependent manner. Resveratrol produced the greatest improvement in capillary perfusion and increased renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate without raising systemic pressure. A single dose at 6h after CLP was unable to improve renal microcirculation assessed at 18h; however, a second dose at 12h significantly improved microcirculation and decreased the levels of reactive nitrogen species in tubules, while improving renal function. Moreover, resveratrol given at 6, 12, and 18h significantly improved survival. Hence, resveratrol may have a dual mechanism of action to restore the renal microcirculation and scavenge reactive nitrogen species, thus protecting the tubular epithelium even when administered after the onset of sepsis.
Analysis and Optimization of Thermal Effect on STT-RAM Based 3-D Stacked Cache Design

Spin-Transfer Torque Random Access Memory (STT-RAM) has been proved a promising emerging nonvolatile memory technology suitable for many applications such as cache memory of CPU. Simulation results show that the switching time of Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ), which is the core element of the STT-RAM cell, varies when the temperature changes. In this paper, we study the thermal effect on switching time of STT-RAM cell, and it is showed that when temperature changes from 300K to 375K, the required write pulse period to achieve 1E-8 bit error rate (BER) increases from 10.02ns to 15.04ns under 45nm technology. When STT-RAM is used as 3-D stacked L3 cache, the required write pulse period ranges from 11.42ns to 14.68ns due to temperature variation caused by the CPU core layer. If the thermal effect is not considered, the BER of the hottest region will significantly increase to 1E-4. Based on these observations, an optimization design with Dynamic Temperature Aware Write Access is proposed, to increase the efficiency of accessing a 3-D stacked STT-RAM cache, as well as achieve the target BER. Compared to a conventional design, the proposed scheme can improve the CPU performance by 3.8% and reduce the write energy consumption of the STT-RAM cache by 4.8%.
Genetic upregulation of BK channel activity normalizes multiple synaptic and circuit defects in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome

Single-channel recordings in CA3 pyramidal neurons revealed that large-conductance calcium-activated K(+) (BK) channel open probability was reduced by loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) and that FMRP acts on BK channels by modulating the channel's gating kinetics. Fmr1/BKβ4 double knockout mice were generated to genetically upregulate BK channel activity in the absence of FMRP. Deletion of the BKβ4 subunit alleviated reduced BK channel open probability via increasing BK channel open frequency, but not through prolonging its open duration. Genetic upregulation of BK channel activity via deletion of BKβ4 normalized action potential duration, excessive glutamate release and short-term synaptic plasticity during naturalistic stimulus trains in excitatory hippocampal neurons in the absence of FMRP. Genetic upregulation of BK channel activity via deletion of BKβ4 was sufficient to normalize excessive epileptiform activity in an in vitro model of seizure activity in the hippocampal circuit in the absence of FMRP. Loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) causes fragile X syndrome (FXS), yet the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of FXS are incompletely understood. Recent studies identified important new functions of FMRP in regulating neural excitability and synaptic transmission via both translation-dependent mechanisms and direct interactions of FMRP with a number of ion channels in the axons and presynaptic terminals. Among these presynaptic FMRP functions, FMRP interaction with large-conductance calcium-activated K(+) (BK) channels, specifically their auxiliary β4 subunit, regulates action potential waveform and glutamate release in hippocampal and cortical pyramidal neurons. Given the multitude of ion channels and mechanisms that mediate presynaptic FMRP actions, it remains unclear, however, to what extent FMRP-BK channel interactions contribute to synaptic and circuit defects in FXS. To examine this question, we generated Fmr1/β4 double knockout (dKO) mice to genetically upregulate BK channel activity in the absence of FMRP and determine its ability to normalize multilevel defects caused by FMRP loss. Single-channel analyses revealed that FMRP loss reduced BK channel open probability, and this defect was compensated in dKO mice. Furthermore, dKO mice exhibited normalized action potential duration, glutamate release and short-term dynamics during naturalistic stimulus trains in hippocampal pyramidal neurons. BK channel upregulation was also sufficient to correct excessive seizure susceptibility in an in vitro model of seizure activity in hippocampal slices. Our studies thus suggest that upregulation of BK channel activity normalizes multi-level deficits caused by FMRP loss.
A near real-time satellite-based global drought climate data record

Reliable drought monitoring requires long-term and continuous precipitation data. High resolution satellite measurements provide valuable precipitation information on a quasi-global scale. However, their short lengths of records limit their applications in drought monitoring. In addition to this limitation, long-term low resolution satellite-based gauge-adjusted data sets such as the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) one are not available in near real-time form for timely drought monitoring. This study bridges the gap between low resolution long-term satellite gauge-adjusted data and the emerging high resolution satellite precipitation data sets to create a long-term climate data record of droughts. To accomplish this, a Bayesian correction algorithm is used to combine GPCP data with real-time satellite precipitation data sets for drought monitoring and analysis. The results showed that the combined data sets after the Bayesian correction were a significant improvement compared to the uncorrected data. Furthermore, several recent major droughts such as the 2011 Texas, 2010 Amazon and 2010 Horn of Africa droughts were detected in the combined real-time and long-term satellite observations. This highlights the potential application of satellite precipitation data for regional to global drought monitoring. The final product is a real-time data-driven satellite-based standardized precipitation index that can be used for drought monitoring especially over remote and/or ungauged regions.
Comparative effectiveness of infraclavicular and supraclavicular perineural catheters for ultrasound-guided through-the-catheter bolus anesthesia.

Objectives Using a through-the-needle local anesthetic bolus technique, ultrasound-guided infraclavicular perineural catheters have been shown to provide greater analgesia compared to supraclavicular catheters. A through-the-catheter bolus technique, which arguably "tests" the anesthetic efficacy of the catheter before initiating an infusion, has been validated for infraclavicular catheters but not supraclavicular catheters. This study investigated the through-the-catheter bolus technique for supraclavicular catheters and tested the hypothesis that infraclavicular catheters provide faster onset of brachial plexus anesthesia. Methods Preoperatively, patients were randomly assigned to receive either a supraclavicular or an infraclavicular catheter using an ultrasound-guided nonstimulating catheter insertion technique with a mepivacaine bolus via the catheter and ropivacaine perineural infusion initiated postoperatively. The primary outcome was time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia in the ulnar and median nerve distributions. Secondary outcomes included procedural time, procedure-related pain and complications, and postoperative pain, opioid consumption, sleep disturbances, and motor weakness. Results Fifty patients were enrolled in the study; all but 2 perineural catheters were successfully placed per protocol. Twenty-one of 24 (88%) and 24 of 24 (100%) patients in the supraclavicular and infraclavicular groups, respectively, achieved complete sensory anesthesia by 30 minutes (P= .088). There was no difference in the time to achieve complete sensory anesthesia. Supraclavicular patients reported more sleep disturbances postoperatively, but there were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes. Conclusions Both supraclavicular and infraclavicular perineural catheters using a through-the-catheter bolus technique provide effective brachial plexus anesthesia.
Managing the Biting Child.

The purpose of this article is to provide parents and professionals with a greater understanding of the child's point of view and aspects of child development as they relate to biting behavior. Presented is a discussion of the management of biting within a framework which considers the developmental level and needs of the child, the influence of the child's environment(s), and the role of the adults in the child's life. Also discussed are the skills needed to manage and lessen assertive behaviors in a group setting, focusing on the need to nurture every child's self‐concept, including the biting child.
Structure of a Conserved Retroviral RNA Packaging Element by NMR Spectroscopy and Cryo-Electron Tomography

The 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs) of all gammaretroviruses contain a conserved “double hairpin motif” (ΨCD) that is required for genome packaging. Both hairpins (SL-C and SL-D) contain GACG tetraloops that, in isolated RNAs, are capable of forming “kissing” interactions stabilized by two intermolecular G-C base pairs. We have determined the three-dimensional structure of the double hairpin from the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MoMuLV) ([ΨCD]2, 132-nucleotides, 42.8 kDaltons) using a 2H-edited NMR spectroscopy-based approach. This approach enabled the detection of 1H-1H dipolar interactions that were not observed in previous studies of isolated SL-C and SL-D hairpin RNAs using traditional 1H-1H correlated and 1H-13C-edited NMR methods. The hairpins participate in intermolecular cross-kissing interactions (SL-C to SL-D’ and SLC’ to SL-D), and stack in an end-to-end manner (SL-C to SL-D and SL-C’ to SL-D’) that gives rise to an elongated overall shape (ca. 95 A by 45 A by 25 A). The global structure was confirmed by cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), making [ΨCD]2 simultaneously the smallest RNA to be structurally characterized to date by cryo-ET and among the largest to be determined by NMR. Our findings suggest that, in addition to promoting dimerization, [ΨCD]2 functions as a scaffold that helps initiate virus assembly by exposing a cluster of conserved UCUG elements for binding to the cognate nucleocapsid domains of assembling viral Gag proteins.
Spontaneous corneal perforation in a patient with unusual unilateral pellucid marginal degeneration

A 56-year-old man presented with acute loss of vision and tearing in his left eye. Slitlamp examination demonstrated peripheral corneal edema extending between the 2 and 6 o'clock positions as well as a perforation located inferiorly. The right eye was unremarkable. An emergent crescentic lamellar keratoplasty was performed. The patch graft remained clear during the 30-month follow-up, and visual acuity improved significantly. No changes occurred in the right eye. This case represents an unusual, unilateral corneal ectatic disorder, most likely pellucid marginal degeneration.
FAST (focused assessment with sonography in trauma) accurate for cardiac and intraperitoneal injury in penetrating anterior chest trauma.

Objective. To evaluate the FAST (focused assessment with sonography in trauma) examination for determining traumatic pericardial effusion and intraperitoneal fluid indicative of injury in patients with penetrating anterior chest trauma. Methods. An observational prospective study was conducted over a 30-month period at an urban level I trauma center. FAST was performed in the emergency department by emergency physicians and trauma surgeons. FAST results were recorded before review of patient outcome as determined by 1 or more of the following: thoracotomy, laparotomy, pericardial window, cardiologic echocardiography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, computed tomography, and serial examinations. Results. FAST was undertaken in 32 patients with penetrating anterior chest trauma: 20 (65%) had stab wounds, and 12 (35%) had gunshot wounds. Sensitivity of FAST for cardiac injury (n = 8) in patients with pericardial effusion was 100% (95% confidence interval, 63.1%-100%); specificity was 100% (95% confidence interval, 85.8%-100%). The presence of pericardial effusion determined by FAST correlated with the need for thoracotomy in 7 (87.5%) of 8 patients (95% confidence interval, 47.3%-99.7%). One patient with a pericardial blood clot on cardiologic echocardiography was treated nonsurgically. FAST had 100% sensitivity for intraperitoneal injury (95% confidence interval, 63.1%-100%) in 8 patients with views indicating intraperitoneal fluid but without pericardial effusion, again with no false-positive results, giving a specificity of 100% (95% confidence interval, 85.8%-100%). This prompted necessary laparotomy in all 8. Conclusions. In this series of patients with penetrating anterior chest trauma, the FAST examination was sensitive and specific in the determination of both traumatic pericardial effusion and intraperitoneal fluid indicative of injury, thus effectively guiding emergent surgical decision making.
Are the Acute Effects of Particulate Matter on Mortality in the National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study the Result of Inadequate Control for Weather and Season? A Sensitivity Analysis using Flexible Distributed Lag Models

Time-series studies have linked daily variations in nonaccidental deaths with daily variations in ambient particulate matter air pollution, while controlling for qualitatively larger influences of weather and season. Although time-series analyses typically include nonlinear terms for weather and season, questions remain as to whether models to date have completely controlled for these important predictors. In this paper, the authors use two flexible versions of distributed lag models to control extensively for the confounding effects of weather and season. One version builds on the current approach to controlling for weather, while the other version offers a new approach. The authors conduct a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the particulate matter-mortality relation by applying these methods to the recently updated National Morbidity, Mortality, and Air Pollution Study database that comprises air pollution, weather, and mortality time series from 1987 to 2000 for 100 US cities. They combine city-specific estimates of the short-term effects of particulate matter on mortality using a Bayesian hierarchical model. They conclude that, within the broad classes of models considered, national average estimates of particulate matter relative risk are consistent with previous estimates from this study and are robust to model specification for weather and seasonal confounding.
A Scanning Electron-Microscope Study of Starches: Part II : Cereal Starches

A scanning electron microscope was used to study the shape and surface details of six cereal starches—five corn varieties, oat, barley, rice, sorghum varieties, and wheat. Considerable information ...
Using neuroscience and behavioural data to tailor visual environments for infants and children

While there is great public interest in how the design of personal living spaces might affect mental and physical health, to date, there has been little focus on children. Here, we set up a proposal for creating tailored visual environments (TVEs), based on psychological/behavioural and neuroscientific research, to facilitate children's well-being, beneficial moods, and visual development. We begin with a discussion of infants during a period when the visual system is developing rapidly (ages 0–3 years), where the main design goal is to create visual interiors that are easily discernible and preferred by infants, with the ultimate goal of facilitating visual development. We then move to a discussion of older children (ages 3–17 years), where the main design goal is to use TVEs to counteract ‘problematic temperament’. As a first step, we propose that the success of these TVEs be measured behaviourally, asking whether visual perception is enhanced in infants, and whether mood is improved in children, after ...
The Loose Coupling of Jobs

There are many changes under way in organizations and employment that pro-foundly affect the nature of society. Organizations are said to be increasingly knowledge-based (i.e., populated by highly educated and technically trained workers; Drucker, 1988), boundaryless (i.e., open and permeable; Hirschhorn and Gilmore 1992), interconnected (via partnerships, alliances, and networks; Hamel, Doz, and Prahalad 1989; Johnston and Lawrence 1988; Kanter 1989), engaged in customized production (the flexible organization; Piore and Sabel 1984), both global and diverse (Ohmae 1995; Reich 1991), and subject to continuous discontinuous change (Limerick and Cunnington 1993). In other words, organizational hierarchy is being dismantled and decoupled—“de-differentiated” according to Clegg (1990; see also Heckscher 1995). Furthermore, global enterprise webs spill out of formal organizational boundaries (Granovetter 1985; Miles and Snow 1986; Orton and Weick 1990; Reich 1991), creating new issues regarding accountability and evaluation. Limerick and Cunnington (1993); call this the “new” organization.
Ocular abnormalities in patients treated with a novel anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody, hu14.18K322A

Purpose To determine the incidence of and factors associated with the development of mydriasis and impaired accommodation in patients with refractory or recurrent neuroblastoma receiving the anti-GD2 antibody hu14.18K322A. Methods The medical records of eligible patients with refractory or recurrent neuroblastoma who received escalating doses of hu14.18K322A, ranging from 2 to 70 mg/m 2 /dose for 4 consecutive days every 28 days, were retrospectively reviewed to identify ocular abnormalities arising during the treatment period. Results A total of 38 patients (median age, 7 years; 23 males) were included. All patients underwent comprehensive eye examinations prior to each course of therapy. Mydriasis was seen in 13 patients (34%), and impaired accommodation was seen in 9 (24%), indicating a dose-related effect between hu14.18K322A and both mydriasis ( P = 0.021) and impaired accommodation ( P = 0.029). Age and sex were not associated with ocular abnormalities. Ocular symptoms resolved in the majority of patients after the drug was discontinued. Conclusions Side effects of mydriasis and impaired accommodation have a dose-dependent relationship with hu14.18K322A. These side effects do not warrant discontinuation of treatment, as they usually resolve after completion of therapy. Management of ocular side effects should focus on treating symptoms with manifest refraction, bifocals, or tinted spectacles.
Visual learning by evolutionary feature synthesis

In this paper, we present a novel method for learning complex concepts/hypotheses directly from raw training data. The task addressed here concerns data-driven synthesis of recognition procedures for real-world object recognition task. The method uses linear genetic programming to encode potential solutions expressed in terms of elementary operations, and handles the complexity of the learning task by applying cooperative coevolution to decompose the problem automatically. The training consists in coevolving feature extraction procedures, each being a sequence of elementary image processing and feature extraction operations. Extensive experimental results show that the approach attains competitive performance for 3-D object recognition in real synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery.
Hindlimb of a giant terrestrial bird from the upper Eocene, Fayum, Egypt

Eremopezus eocaenus Andrews, 1904 is a giant groundbird from upper Eocene deposits of the Fayum, Egypt, which has hitherto been known from non-diagnostic fragmentary material. New fossils collected from quarry L-41 of the Jebel Qatrani Formation include two well-preserved distal tarsometatarsi and an associated whole tarsometatarsus and distal tibiotarsus that allow a more precise evaluation of the phylogenetic position and tarsal function of Eremopezus. Unlike most ratites, the distal tarsometatarsus has a patent distal foramen and a slight hallucal digit. The trochlea for digits II and IV are only slightly reduced in size, are splayed to the right, and the heads lack deep grooving. These features resemble the condition seen in BalaenicepsSagittarius, suggesting active use of the toes in grasping or manipulation, rather than the condition in graviports and cursors, which have reduced medial and lateral trochleae often with distinct grooving of the heads. The limb is relatively long and gracile, another difference from graviports. There is no compelling evidence to link Eremopezus to any known ratite lineage, to the Phorusrhacoidea, or to the extinct predatory birds of the Eocene (e.g. Diatryma, Gastornis). We suggest that Eremopezus represents an endemic African group that independently attained large size and flightlessness.
Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare and potentially fatal complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy that often presents with abdominal pain, anemia, hemobilia, and liver function elevations. The authors report a case of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm diagnosed by abdominal computed topography in a 54-year-old man who had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy the previous month. Definitive treatment was angiography with embolization.
An enhanced bayesian network model for prediction of students' academic performance in engineering programs

Predicting students' academic performance (SAP) provides invaluable information for educational institutes' authorities. This information offers numerous opportunities for instructors and decision makers to improve their quality of services and consequently help the students to succeed in their education. In this paper, we introduce a prediction model to forecast the SAP of the Engineering students. The model is based on the Bayesian networks framework. The model is constructed using a database of the undergraduate engineering students at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). The specific objective of this model is to predict the students' grades in three major courses which most of the students take in their second semester. The grades in these courses have major impact on students' retention rates as many students receive low grades in them. Therefore, predicting students' grades in these courses can be used to identify the students who might receive low grades and hence need extra help from the educational authorities. The proposed model has been tested against the conventional models which have been proposed in the literature and it is proven to outperform them in grade prediction.
Immunoglobulin kappa gene expression after stable integration. I. Role of the intronic MAR and enhancer in plasmacytoma cells.

Abstract Rearranged MOPC41 immunoglobulin kappa gene constructs have been stably introduced into cultured S194 mouse plasmacytoma cells to investigate the effects of deleting the intronic enhancer and/or matrix association region (MAR) on gene expression. Intact single-copy kappa genes containing 1.5 kilobase pairs of upstream and 8.5 kilobase pairs of downstream flanking sequences exhibited sensitivity to chromosome position effects and were expressed at a mean level of 27% relative to the endogenous kappa gene expression or only 6% with respect to the MOPC41 kappa mRNA levels in the tumor. Deletion of the intronic MAR led to a 4-fold decrease in expression, while deletion of both the MAR and enhancer led to an 11-fold decline. These effects were dampened by preselecting for integration into a transcriptionally poised chromatin location as demonstrated by linkage to a selectable marker which lacked both a MAR and an enhancer. Significantly, we found that sequences downstream of the poly(A) addition site compensated 150-fold for deletion of the intronic enhancer.
Imaging in Clinical Oncology

A.D. Gouliamos, J.A. Andreou, and P.A. Kosmidis, eds. New York, NY: Springer, 2014, 609 pages, $229 The recent progress of oncologic imaging has been tremendous, and a multidisciplinary approach to each cancer patient is mandatory to ensure a longer and better life. Imaging specialists play a key
Advertising violent toys in weekly circulars of popular retailers in the United States

Background: Violence is a pervasive problem in the United States. Toys, far from trivial playthings, are a reflection of society, including its beliefs and values. The purpose of this study was to describe the extent to which violent toys are marketed in online weekly flyers of popular retailers, how the violence is manifested, and whether violent toys are marketed differentially to boys and girls. Methods: For this cross-sectional observational study, online circulars from 5 major retailers were downloaded and examined each week for 14 weeks during the fall of 2014. For each retailer, the total number of toys, as well as the total number of violent and non-violent toys, was recorded. In addition, each violent toy was categorized into one of five groups: picturing a figure with a weapon, a figure with intent to strike (with fists drawn or an angry face), a toy with a violent name, a toy that was a weapon itself, or a set of toys that included two or more of these criteria. Results: A total number of 3,459 toys were observed, of which 1,053 (30%) were deemed violent. Of the violent toys, 95% were marketed to boys (n=1,003) versus 5% to girls (n=50). The most prevalent violent category was a figure with a weapon such as a sword, knife or gun (29%), followed by figures with fists out and aggressive faces (26%). Conclusion: Parents should be mindful of toy retailer’s marketing of violent toys, especially toward boys, and the potential for those toys to de-sensitize their children to violence.
Abstract T MP74: The Effect of Elevated Factor VIII on Glycemic Control in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: Elevated Factor VIII (FVIII) levels are associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) and hyperglycemia and are common in acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We sought to investigate if elevated FVIII would be associated with insulin administration during hospitalization for AIS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 219 patients who presented to our center from 07/2008-12/2012 with AIS. Cases were grouped by peristroke FVIII levels (normal: 50-150%; elevated: >150 %;), with a priori subgroup analysis restricted to those with severely elevated FVIII >200%. Per standard orders, glucose is measured at least every 6hrs during the first 48hrs and is treated when >160mg/dl with sliding scale insulin. The odds ratios of receiving various forms of insulin were calculated using logistic regression in four sequentially adjusted models: (1) unadjusted, (2) demographics, (3) added baseline NIHSS and admission glucose and (4) added variables significant in univariate analysis. Results: Patients with elevated FVIII (n=143) were more likely Black, have a history of diabetes and have higher serum glucose and HbA1C’s on admission. Patients with elevated FVIII received more insulin/day than patients with normal FVIII (median 0.71 units vs 0 units, respectively, p=0.0014). In fully adjusted models, insulin use did not differ between normal or elevated FVIII levels. Patients with severely elevated FVIII, however, were 16 times more likely to receive intermediate/long acting insulin to treat hyperglycemia, compared to those with normal FVIII. The presence of severely elevated FVIII elevations did not predict insulin requirements in adjusted models. Conclusion: Our results further support a relationship between FVIII and elevated glucose, particularly in the setting of AIS when hyperglycemia is predictive of poor outcome. Further study is needed to investigate if elevated FVIII levels drive or simply reflect hyperglycemia and may help guide glycemic management in AIS patients.
Lower-extremity arterial disease: tips on diagnosis and therapy.

How to differentiate intermittent claudication from pseudoclaudication; key therapeutic interventions.
Recurrent hemorrhage in regional enteritis. Report of 3 cases.

The incidence of recurrent intestinal hemorrhage in a series of 195 patients with regional enteritis confined to the small bowel was 1.5%. An unusual case with more than 100 recurrent hemorrhages was histologically atypical, since superficial ulcerations and chronic nonspecific inflammation were present without granuloma formation, submucous edema, or lymphangiectasia.
Determination of methyl isocyanate in outdoor residential air near metam-sodium soil fumigations.

The soil fumigant metam-sodium (CH3NHCS2Na) produces the bioactive respiratory irritant methyl isothiocyanate (MITC). Recent laboratory gas-phase oxidative studies indicate that MITC rapidly transforms to the more toxic methyl isocyanate (MIC) in the lower atmosphere. Inhalation exposure risks from MITC plus MIC may therefore be an occupational worker and/or bystander health concern. To address this concern, MIC was monitored, along with MITC, in outdoor residential air in Washington state during the peak fall metam fumigation season. XAD-7 cartridges, coated with 1-(2-pyridyl)piperazine, were developed to retain MIC as its stable substituted urea derivative. Of the 68 residential air measurements of MIC, 15 (22%) were observed to be above the California Environmental Protection Agency’s chronic inhalation reference level of 1 μg/m3, with an observed maximum MIC air concentration of 4.4 μg/m3. This study indicates MIC air concentrations can be anticipated along with MITC in residential air where seasonal ...
Contracting with Whom? The Differential Effects of Investment Treaties on FDI

ABSTRACTUnder what conditions can governments use international commitments such as Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to attract foreign direct investment (FDI)? Although numerous studies have attempted to answer this question, none considers how investment treaties may have heterogeneous affects across industry. I argue BIT effect is strongest when the obsolescing bargaining problem between firms and governments is most protracted, namely, when FDI relies on strong contracts between firms and states. Using a time series cross-sectional data set of 114 developing countries from 1985 to 2011, I find BITs are associated with increases in infrastructure investment, an industry particularly reliant on the sanctity of government contracts, but not with total FDI inflows. Moreover, BITs with strong arbitration provisions display the strongest statistical effect on infrastructure investment, while BITs that do not provide investors with such protections are not associated with increased investment. My results...
Notizen: Lysine as the Substrate Binding Site of Porphobilinogen Synthase of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides

The 14C labelled inactive protein obtained by sodium borohydride reduction of the enzyme, porphobilinogen synthase of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides, in the presence of [4-14C]5-aminolevulinic acid, gave on acid hydrolysis and subsequent electrophoresis or two-dimensional chromatography a major radioactive spot which was confirmed to be N-epsilon-[4-(-5aminovaleric acid)]lysine (ALA-lysine) by comparing its co-chromatographic and electrophoretic behaviour with the chemically synthesized ALA-lysine. An epsilon-NH2 group of lysine residue of porphobilinogen synthase, is thus the binding site of the substrate, 5-aminolevulinic acid.
Determination of propionylpromazine hydrochloride in formulation matrixes using reversed-phase ion-pair small bore liquid chromatography

Propionylpromazine hydrochloride (PPZHCl) has been investigated for use with leghold traps to reduce the amount of self-inflicted trauma experienced by animals restrained by these traps. Three types of PPZHCl formulations made with Karo dark syrup, K-Y Jelly, and Vaseline were used in 2 types of tranquilizer trap devices (TTDs). A reversed-phase ion-pair liquid chromatography (LC) method using a small bore C18 column was used to: (1) determine the purity of the PPZHCl material used in these formulations, and (2) to determine the resulting PPZHCl content of each formulation. Analyte quantitation was done using UV absorption at 280 nm. Regression analysis of calibration standard solutions indicated a linear and directly proportional relationship between analyte response and PPZHCl concentration over the range evaluated. Recovery data from: (1) Vaseline formulations containing 38.8, 16.2, and 8.78% PPZHCl were 104, 92.9, and 90.2%, respectively, (2) Karo dark syrup formulations containing 26.5, 18.1, and 10.3% PPZHCl were 97.7, 99.3, and 106%, respectively, and (3) K-Y Jelly formulations containing 33.0, 23.5, and 13.4% PPZHCl were 100, 99.4, and 88.7%, respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) values from triplicate analysis of these formulations ranged from 0.7 to 6.7%. The PPZHCl content from 9 manufactured TTDs, 3 for each formulation type, were analyzed in triplicate and produced RSD values ranging from 0.7-6.8%. These results indicate that the formulation extraction presented could be used to evaluate the PPZHCl content in TTDs prior to field use. The use of a small bore LC column reduced the amount of solvents consumed and hazardous waste generated, compared to sample analysis that uses a more conventional analytical LC column.
Latin American Debt, US Role in the Transmission of North-South Linkages, and World Trade

This paper extends the boundaries of interdependence analysis beyond the basic North-South or North-North foci to a more global South-North-North perspective. In particular, it focuses on the implications of the Latin American debt crisis for the US economy and US economic policies, and how these in turn affect US affairs with Europe as well as its other OECD partners. Despite the limited direct economic interaction between Latin America and Europe, for example, it will be shown that events and policies in Latin America can have significant impacts on Europe through linkages with the US economy.
Cervical Artery Dissections: A Review

Abstract Background Cervical artery dissection (CeAD) is an infrequent, yet potentially devastating, cause of stroke. While uncommon, CeAD is important for emergency physicians to quickly diagnose and treat because of the potential for cerebral ischemia, stroke, blindness, or death. To our knowledge, no review articles in the emergency medicine literature have been published on CeAD. A literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and other major abstracts in the English language was performed for the following terms: cervical artery, vertebral artery, and carotid artery dissection. The search included all titles from January 1, 2010 to February 28, 2015 and other relevant articles. Objectives We sought to review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation for extracranial CeAD in the adult population, explore recent research on diagnosing this disorder, evaluate the most current research on treatment options, and summarize the prognosis of CeAD. Discussion CeAD is an uncommon but important cause of stroke in the young that is likely caused by multifactorial processes. The diagnosis should be considered in those with underlying risk factors, a remote history of minor trauma, and concerning signs and symptoms. The condition should be pursued via magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography angiography. Treatment should be aimed at preventing additional complications, including recurrent stroke or transient ischemic attack, with antiplatelets, anticoagulants, or even endovascular or surgical therapy. Conclusion Overall, the prognosis of patients with CeAD is good, with relatively low death rates. However, the diagnosis should not be missed, because treatment may help prevent worsening or persistent ischemia, recurrent dissection, and death.
Transformation of Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles from a Diesel Fuel Additive during Combustion in a Diesel Engine

Nanoscale cerium oxide is used as a diesel fuel additive to reduce particulate matter emissions and increase fuel economy, but its fate in the environment has not been established. Cerium oxide released as a result of the combustion of diesel fuel containing the additive Envirox, which utilizes suspended nanoscale cerium oxide to reduce particulate matter emissions and increase fuel economy, was captured from the exhaust stream of a diesel engine and was characterized using a combination of bulk analytical techniques and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The combustion process induced significant changes in the size and morphology of the particles; ∼15 nm aggregates consisting of 5-7 nm faceted crystals in the fuel additive became 50-300 nm, near-spherical, single crystals in the exhaust. Electron diffraction identified the original cerium oxide particles as cerium(IV) oxide (CeO2, standard FCC structure) with no detectable quantities of Ce(III), whereas in the exhaust the ceria particles had additional electron diffraction reflections indicative of a CeO2 superstructure containing ordered oxygen vacancies. The surfactant coating present on the cerium oxide particles in the additive was lost during combustion, but in roughly 30% of the observed particles in the exhaust, a new surface coating formed, approximately 2-5 nm thick. The results of this study suggest that pristine, laboratory-produced, nanoscale cerium oxide is not a good substitute for the cerium oxide released from fuel-borne catalyst applications and that future toxicity experiments and modeling will require the use/consideration of more realistic materials.
Plant Invasions in Protected Landscapes: Exception or Expectation?

While protection may alleviate some concerns within protected areas, should protection also be expected to mitigate the likelihood of invasion by alien species? Plant community dynamics may be thought of as generated by three broad classes of drivers: site availability and history, species availability and species performance. As all plant communities are dynamic and plant invasions may be involved in these dynamics, this framework may be useful in exploring the role of protection in invasion. In reviewing examples of individual drivers of plant community dynamics, the potential for mechanisms that lie outside local control to lead to invasion is found to be great. This suggests that alien plant invasions should be expected in most landscapes, even those with some level of protection. Linkages with management practices are also highlighted.
When Heterosexuality is Questioned: Stifling Suspicion Through Public Displays of Heterosexual Identity.

ABSTRACTThis study examined public heterosexual identity management practices of heterosexual-identified young adults in the United States. Analysis of 415 participants’ written narratives indicate...
Alternative Winter Farrowing Demonstration: A Progress Report

Introduction Development of systems enabling producers to capture premiums offered by niche markets is of great interest to many Iowa farmers. Of key concern is a winter farrowing system that is both economical to operate and meets the criteria of natural pork buyers. This report details the results from the alternative winter farrowing system demonstrated at the ISU Allee Demonstration Farm near Newell during the winter of 2002/2003.