cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Interaction of spin-labeled silver hake parvalbumin with metal ions and model membranes

Abstract The precise physiological function of parvalbumins is not yet known. As part of the search for functional relevance, it is logical to examine the interaction between parvalbumins and various cellular components, including interactions with other intracellular proteins, biological metal ions (such as Ca2+ and Mg2+), and membranes. In this paper, interactions of the major silver hake parvalbumin isotype with metal ions and with two types of model biological membranes (i.e., 1,2- D i-O- H exadecyl-rac-glycero-3- P hospho C holine, DHPC, vesicles and sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, micelles) are revealed by means of spin-label electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. (Up until a few years ago it was generally assumed that parvalbumins do not interact with cell membranes.) Our EPR results will clearly show that spin-labeled tyrosine silver hake parvalbumin-B interacts with both vesicles and micelles in the absence and in the presence of Ca2+ ions, although the interaction is significantly greater in the absence of Ca2+. Our results support the findings of Permyakov et al. (E. A. Permyakov, D. I. Kreimer, L. P. Kalinichenko, A. A. Orlova, and V. L. Shnyrov, Cell Calcium 10, 71 (1989)), based on gel-chromatography, electron microscopy, intrinsic protein fluorescence, and microcalorimetry methods, that parvalbumin (especially in the absence of Ca2+) interacts with model biological membranes.
Designing a periodical collection with the patron in mind: Serials and users at the University of Michigan's Hatcher Library

Houbeck is head of the Serials Division, U n i versi ty of Michigan L ib ra ry , Ann Arbor . Several years ago when the Univers i ty of Michigan L ibra ry merged a technical service and a public service serials unit into a single body, our goals were to el iminate duplicat ion of recording, realize a net gain in reader space, and improve serials service to our patrons. 1 The first two goals we accompl ished immediate ly . But what about patron service? How did we plan to improve patron service? And did we? Located within the l ibrary 's Technical Services Depar tmen t and called Serials Services and Records (SSR), the new unit had two ma jo r functions: to mainta in the Ha tcher Gradua te L ibra ry ' s serials collection and to receive and record all Univers i ty L ib ra ry serials. As the name of the new unit implies, we sought to improve patron access both to the serials in our collections and to in format ion about those serials. We focused on four major endeavors.
Insulin receptor transmembrane signaling: evidence for an intermolecular oligomerization mechanism of activation.

AbstractTo evaluate the mechanism of ligand activation of the insulin receptor we have generated mutant receptor cDNAs which encode proteins with oligopeptide linkers between the carboxy terminus of the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain of the molecule. Mutant cDNAs encoding a rigid α helical insert (HIR NQDVD) or a flexible polyglycine insert (HIR G12) were expressed in CHO KI cells. Both basal and insulin stimulated autophosphorylation in vitro and in vivo of the expressed receptors were indistinguishable from those of wild type receptor expressed in the same cells. These findings suggest that ligand binding can activate the insulin receptor by an intermolecular dimerization mechanism.
Interpenetrative and transverse growth process of self-catalyzed ZnO nanorods

Beside longitudinal growth along the length, we show that ZnO nanorods also exhibit transverse growth, which is responsible for the formation of interpenetrative nanorods. The longitudinal growth is lead by the catalytically active Zn-terminated (0001) surface, while the oxygen-terminated ð000 1Þ surface is catalytically inactive, resulting in the formation of ‘pencil’ or ‘bullet’ shaped nanostructures. q 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. PACS: 61.46
Characterizing nitrogen dynamics, retention and transport in a tropical rainforest stream using an in situ15N addition

1. This study was part of the Lotic Intersite Nitrogen eXperiment (LINX); a series of identical 15NH4 tracer additions to streams throughout North America. 15NH4Cl was added at tracer levels to a Puerto Rican stream for 42 days. Throughout the addition, and for several weeks afterwards, samples were collected to determine the uptake, retention and transformation pathways of nitrogen in the stream. 2. Ammonium uptake was very rapid. Nitrification was immediate, and was a very significant transformation pathway, accounting for over 50% of total NH4 uptake. The large fraction of NH4 uptake accounted for by nitrification (a process that provides energy to the microbes involved) suggests that energy limitation of net primary production, rather than N limitation, drives N dynamics in this stream. 3. There was a slightly increased 15N label in dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) the day after the 15NH4 addition was stopped. This DO15N was < 0.02% of DON concentration in the stream water at the time, suggesting that nearly all of the DON found in-stream is allochthonous, or that in-stream DON production is very slow. 4. Leptophlebiidae and Atya appear to be selectively feeding or selectively assimilating a very highly labelled fraction of the epilithon, as the label found in the consumers became much higher than the label found in the food source. 5. A large spate (>20-fold increase in discharge) surprisingly removed only 37% of in-stream fine benthic organic matter (FBOM), leaves and epilithon. The fraction that was washed out travelled downstream a long distance (>220 m) or was washed onto the stream banks. 6. While uptake of 15NH4 was very rapid, retention was low. Quebrada Bisley retained only 17.9% of the added 15N after 42 days of 15N addition. Most of this was in FBOM and epilithon. Turnover rates for these pools were about 3 weeks. The short turnover times of the primary retention pools suggest that long-term retention (>1 month) is minimal, and is probably the result of N incorporation into shrimp biomass, which accounted for < 1% of the added 15N.
Hydromorphone-OROS formulation.

Importance to the field: Hydromorphone is a semi-synthetic opioid approved in the USA for the treatment and relief of moderate to severe pain and postoperative pain. However, the compound is short-acting, and there is no extended-release formulation clinically available. A previous hydromorphone extended-release formulation that successfully came to market was subsequently withdrawn on account of safety concerns. Clinical need supports the presence of an extended-release formulation of hydromorphone.Areas covered in this review: Medline articles showing from a search of ‘hydromorphone and OROS’ were included in the review. In addition, searches were done relating to published data regarding regulatory affairs dealing with this specific topic. Physicians prescribing information for hydromorphone was also reviewed.What the reader will gain: The reader will gain an increased understanding of the use of an extended-release formulation of hydromorphone using the OROS technology and will appreciate that this te...
A New (Heat) Shocking Player in Cardiac Hypertrophy

Hypertrophic growth of cardiac myocytes is a common result of different physiological and pathological stresses. It remains a subject of considerable debate whether hypertrophy is a compensatory process that becomes maladaptive in diseased hearts or a direct contributor to the pathogenesis of heart failure. Nevertheless, many types of stressors, mechanical or neural/hormonal, induce hypertrophy and this phenoytpe is an independent risk factor in heart failure. Therefore, much effort has been devoted to uncovering mechanisms of hypertrophic growth with the expectation that intercepting this process clinically may halt the disease progression of heart failure. It is firmly established that hypertrophic growth involves alterations in gene regulation, excitation-contractile coupling, extracellular matrix remodeling and energy metabolism.
Physical Rehabilitation of Patients in the Intensive Care Unit Requiring Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Small Case Series

Background and Purpose Neuromuscular weakness and impaired physical function are common and long-lasting complications experienced by intensive care unit (ICU) survivors. There is growing evidence that implementing rehabilitation therapy shortly after ICU admission improves physical function and reduces health care utilization. Recently, there is increasing interest and utilization of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support patients with severe respiratory failure. Patients receiving ECMO are at great risk for significant physical impairments and pose unique challenges for delivering rehabilitation therapy. Consequently, there is a need for innovative examples of safely and feasibly delivering active rehabilitation to these patients. Case Description This case report describes 3 patients with respiratory failure requiring ECMO who received physical rehabilitation to illustrate and discuss relevant feasibility and safety issues. Outcomes In case 1, sedation and femoral cannulation limited rehabilitation therapy while on ECMO. In the 2 subsequent cases, minimizing sedation and utilizing a single bicaval dual lumen ECMO cannula placed in the internal jugular vein allowed patients to be alert and participate in active physical therapy while on ECMO, illustrating feasible rehabilitation techniques for these patients. Discussion Although greater experience is needed to more fully evaluate the safety of rehabilitation on ECMO, these initial cases are encouraging. We recommend systematically and prospectively tracking safety events and patient outcomes during rehabilitation on ECMO to provide greater evidence in this area.
A Picture of an Old Country Store: The Construction of Folklore in Everyday Life

This brief essay provides a close reading of a photograph taken by Frank Hohenberger, an Indiana photojournalist. The image is of the “Old Country Store” a store adjacent to the Nashville House, a tourist destination in Nashville, Indiana. Through tracing the history of this site and the photograph of it, I probe the constructed imagery of these two related artifacts with the aim of understanding a portion of their complex production. This paper is not a search for the authentic or a critique of the fake, but rather an exploration of the art of authentication as a complex social process embedded in particular historical and intercultural settings
Prototype and Proposed "ISABELLE" Dipoles

Data are presented on the latest dipole prototypes to update the operational parameters possible for ISABELLE. This data base will constantly expand until the start of construction of the storage rings. The data will include field quality, stray field magnitudes, quench temperature and propagation times, protection capabilities singly and in multiple units, maximum central fields obtained and training behavior. Performance of the dipoles versus temperature and mode of refrigeration will be discussed. The single layer cosine ? turns distribution coils' parameters are better than those required for the operation of the 200 × 200 GeV version of ISABELLE. The double layer prototype has exceeded the magnetic field performance and two dimensional quality of field needed for the 400 × 400 GeV version of ISABELLE.
Maitotoxin‐Induced Release of γ‐[3H]Aminobutyric Acid from Cultures of Striatal Neurons

The potent marine toxin, maitotoxin, induced the release of gamma-[3H]aminobutyric acid (GABA) from reaggregate cultures of striatal neurons in a dose-dependent manner. Maitotoxin-induced release occurred following a lag period of several minutes and was persistent. Release induced by 70 mM K+ on the other hand was immediate and transient in nature. Co2+ (3 mM) and Cd2+ (1 mM) inhibited maitotoxin-induced release of GABA as did removal of extracellular Ca2+. However, the organic calcium antagonists nisoldipine, nitrendipine, and D-600 at concentrations of 10(-6) M did not block maitotoxin-induced or 70 mM K+-induced release. High concentrations of D-600 (10(-4) M) partially blocked both maitotoxin- and 70 mM K+-induced release. The dihydropyridine calcium agonist BAY K8644 (10(-6) M) did not enhance maitotoxin-induced or 70 mM K+-induced release. Replacement of Na+ in the incubation medium with choline led to an increased basal output of GABA and an apparent inhibition of the effect of maitotoxin. These data are discussed with reference to the hypothesis that maitotoxin can directly activate voltage-sensitive calcium channels.
Multiuser CDMA with a chip-level interference cancellation technique

Multiple-access interference (MAI) limits the performance of CDMA systems using the conventional receiver, but the optimal receiver is too complex for practical implementation. This paper demonstrates a numerically efficient technique for reducing MAI in CDMA systems. The technique, a nonlinear approach inspired by the Kalman filter, uses decoupled filters to estimate symbols for each user while accomplishing interference cancellation in the innovation term. The filter technique developed here provides a computationally practical approach to multiuser detection for asynchronous long code systems, which significantly outperforms the conventional receiver. Kalman filter approaches to multiuser detection have been applied before (Lim and Ma 2000, Lim et. al. 1998) to binary phase shift keying through implementation of a standard Kalman filter approach. Unfortunately, this leads to high computational complexity. Here, we instead consider a formulation in which the spreading codes are viewed as random and their properties are used to decouple the Kalman filter for each user. Interference cancellation is then implemented through the innovations. A binary minimum mean squared error estimate is made, which results in a nonlinear estimator. The new nonlinear technique is shown to significantly outperform an optimized partial parallel interference cancellation approach, which is the current state of the art technique for asynchronous long code systems. System capacity is then significantly increased.
Networks of Collaborating Criminals: Assessing the Structural Vulnerability of Drug Markets:

Uncovering the resiliency of ties between individuals involved in criminal enterprise will contribute to our understanding of how illicit markets function. To examine activities along the entire drug market commodity chain, this study extracted information about individuals involved or associated with trafficking (1,998 people) from police intelligence reports generated from 2004 to 2006. Significant differences were found for centrality and cohesion across market niches. Results show that the highest fragmentation potential lies with individuals who are involved with smuggling, supply, and financing, particularly when these individuals are also involved in other niches. Variability in small-world and scale-free properties suggest that interdiction strategies must be tailored to niche characteristics.
The Highest Good

The highest good is like water. Water gives life to the ten thousand things and does not strive. It flows in places men reject and so is like the Dao.
2-Aminoacrylate Stress Induces a Context-Dependent Glycine Requirement in ridA Strains of Salmonella enterica.

ABSTRACT The reactive enamine 2-aminoacrylate (2AA) is a metabolic stressor capable of damaging cellular components. Members of the broadly conserved Rid (RidA/YER057c/UK114) protein family mitigate 2AA stress in vivo by facilitating enamine and/or imine hydrolysis. Previous work showed that 2AA accumulation in ridA strains of Salmonella enterica led to the inactivation of multiple target enzymes, including serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GlyA). However, the specific cause of a ridA strain9s inability to grow during periods of 2AA stress had yet to be determined. Work presented here shows that glycine supplementation suppressed all 2AA-dependent ridA strain growth defects described to date. Depending on the metabolic context, glycine appeared to suppress ridA strain growth defects by eliciting a GcvB small RNA-dependent regulatory response or by serving as a precursor to one-carbon units produced by the glycine cleavage complex (GCV). In either case, the data suggest that GlyA is the most physiologically sensitive target of 2AA inactivation in S. enterica. The universally conserved nature of GlyA among free-living organisms highlights the importance of RidA in mitigating 2AA stress. IMPORTANCE The RidA stress response prevents 2-aminoacrylate (2AA) damage from occurring in prokaryotes and eukaryotes alike. 2AA inactivation of serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GlyA) from Salmonella enterica restricts glycine and one-carbon production, ultimately reducing fitness of the organism. The cooccurrence of genes encoding 2AA production enzymes and serine hydroxy-methyltransferase (SHMT) in many genomes may in part underlie the evolutionary selection for Rid proteins to maintain appropriate glycine and one-carbon metabolism throughout life.
Management of Fulminant Colitis

The treatment of fulminant ulcerative colitis initially depends on the response to corticosteroids, but calculating the pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index (PUCAI) of days 3 and 5 may identify patients who should receive second-line therapy. A PUCAI greater than 45 on day 3 identifies children who are likely to fail corticosteroid therapy, whereas children with a PUCAI greater than 70 on day 5 should receive another medication or surgery. In 70 % of patients with toxic megacolon, a precipitating event such as anticholinergics, opiates, barium enema, or colonoscopy was identified. A multidisciplinary approach that includes stress management and support for the patient and family is essential in order to provide optimal care for children with fulminant colitis.
A Reappraisal of Agricultural Exports and Economic Development

A FTER completing a recent tour of South America, Mikesell stated that the question most frequently raised was, "Why don't the United States government and the international assistance agencies concentrate their efforts on stabilizing the prices of our exports? This would mean more for Latin America's economic development than all of the loans and technical assistance we are likely to receive."' In this case as with other questions about commodity stabilization, the issues are discussed in qualitative terms and the answers are usually left begging for lack of quantitative substance on which to build answers.2 While this paper does not pretend to have the final answers, it does present some preliminary quantitative research on the changes in the nature and sources of instability of foreign exchange earnings from agricultural exports. However, the primary objective is to suggest that quantitative analysis can and should be applied in this area and that analytical models should be used to check the logic of the qualitative essays on primary commodity stability.
Delta Opioids in Protection of the Heart and Brain

Delta opioids have actions both centrally and peripherally to produce cell protection. This chapter will focus on the role of delta opioid receptors in protection of the heart and brain, the classic and non-classic molecular pathways involved, and considerations to clinical translation. We will consider trigger, mediator and end effectors involved in acute protective pathways in heart and brain. Non-classic pathways will assess the role of delta opioid in remote and postconditioning, hibernation, sustained ligand activated protection, flavonols as opioid like ligands, and membrane microdomains in modulating delta opioid protective pathways.
A Veblenian articulation of the monetary theory of production

The article presents a further articulation of the monetary theory of production inspired by the writings of Thorstein Veblen. Particularly I offer a formulation of the monetary theory of production as part of broader theorizing about social provisioning and the life process. This includes an analytical focus on non-commodities; an extension of the Veblenian dichotomy to non-market activities; discussion of Veblen’s theory of social valuation in connection to monetary theory of production and class; delineation of as social processes that constitute social provisioning and their commodity and non-commodity aspects. The goal is bridging the gap between monetary theory of production and analysis of “the social”.
Infectious Ulcerative Keratitis Following Retinopathy of Prematurity Treatment.

PURPOSE To report the complication of infectious ulcerative keratitis after laser photocoagulation and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS A retrospective chart review of infants treated for ROP with plus disease between 2004 and 2013 at University Hospital, Newark, New Jersey. RESULTS Of the 110 eyes (55 patients) that underwent treatment for ROP, 8 (7.27%) eyes were noted to develop infectious ulcerative keratitis in 4 neonates (4 eyes after laser photocoagulation and 4 eyes after PPV). All 8 eyes that developed ulcerative keratitis had a preceding corneal epithelial defect followed by corneal stromal haze. Seven of 8 eyes developed epithelial defect within 8 days of the procedure. All epithelial defects progressed to ulcerative keratitis within 7 days. A total of 10 (9.1%) eyes developed postoperative epithelial defects, and 8 (80%) of these eyes were ultimately diagnosed as having ulcerative keratitis. Four (4.08%) of 98 eyes treated with laser photocoagulation alone developed infective ulcerative keratitis, compared to 4 (33.33%) of 12 eyes treated with PPV. Because keratitis healed, corneal opacification ensued and covered 10% to 90% of the corneal surface area. Five of the 8 eyes had positive culture of corneal scrapings: 2 grew coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Stenotrophamonas; 1 grew coagulase-negative Staphylococcus; 1 grew Streptococcus viridans, and 1 grew Staphylococcus hominis, Streptococcus mitis, and Streptococcus viridans. All 8 eyes were treated with antibiotic eye drops. CONCLUSIONS Infectious ulcerative keratitis developed in a small, but significant, percentage of patients undergoing treatment for ROP. Postoperative corneal epithelial defects with subsequent corneal haze appear to be involved in the progression to ulcerative keratitis.
Running the American Corporation

This article presents a review of the book “Running the American Cooperation,” edited by William R. Dill.
Pyridoxine Inhibition of a Symbiotic Streptococcus

A symbiotic, alpha-hemolytic streptococcus that showed satellitism about a Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from blood cultures of a patient with endocarditis. Previously reported as being required for growth of symbiotic streptococci, pyridoxine hydrochloride was found to inhibit the growth of this organism.
A Stranding in Strange Places

Salah el Moncef's novel The Offering tells a story of multiple displacements in the life of Tariq Abbassi, a forty-year-old Tunisian man residing in France. These displacements layer the novel almo...
Effects of Antiplatelet Drugs and Inhibition of CD40 Signaling on Atherosclerosis

Objective:To evaluate the effects of antiplatelet drugs,anti-CD40L antibody and their combination on athemsclerosis. Methods:Male apolipoprotein E gene knockout mice were divided into untreated control group (n=10),antiplatelet drugs group(n=10,aspirin+clopidogrel),anti-CD40L antibody group.(n=8),and combined group(n=9,aspirin+clopidogrel+ anti-CD40L antibody).Serum lipids,soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intercellular adhension molecule-1 were detected.The aortas were taken for histomorphometry observation.The positive percentage of macrophage cells,smooth muscle cells were determined by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 was mensurated by Western blotting. Results:Antiplatelet treatment and anti-CD40L treatment could lower serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and soluble intercellular adhension molecule-1 (P0.01),reduced extent of atherosclerosis (P0.05).They also reduced the amount of macrophage cells,increase the amount of smooth muscle cells (P0.05).It had no impact on serum lipid (P0.05).Combination of antiplatelet drugs and anti-CD40L antibody had better effect(P0.05).The expression of matrix metal- loproteinase-9 was decreased in anti-CD40L antibody group and combined group(P0.01).Antiplatelet treatment had not this effect. Conclusion:Antiplatelet treament and anti-CD40L antibody could decrease vascular inflammation,prevent development of atherosclerosis,and make the lesions more stable.Their combination had better effect.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage in the Diagnosis of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia: To Quantitate or Not, That Is the Question

Quantitative bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is used to diagnose ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We prospectively compared semiquantitative (SQ) and quantitative (Qu) culture of BAL for VAP diagnosis. Ventilated patients suspected of VAP underwent bronchoscopic BAL. BAL fluid was examined by both Qu (colony-forming units [CFUs]/mL) and SQ culture (none, sparse, moderate, or heavy) and results were compared. VAP was defined as 10⁵ CFU/mL or greater on Qu culture. Over 36 months, 319 BALs were performed. Sixty-three of 319 (20%) showed diagnostic growth by Qu culture identifying a total of 81 organisms causing VAP. All 63 specimens showed growth of some organism(s) on SQ culture with 79 of 81 causative organisms identified and two (Pseudomonas, one; Corynebacterium, one) not identified. The remaining 256 specimens did not meet the threshold for VAP by the Qu method. Among these, 79 did not show any growth on SQ culture. Among the 240 specimens showing some growth on SQ culture, a total of 384 organisms were identified. VAP rates in relation to strength of growth on SQ culture were: sparse, 10 of 140 (7%); moderate, 24 of 147 (16%); and heavy, 45 of 97 (46%). Sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive (PPV), and negative (NPV) predictive values of SQ culture of BAL fluid for the diagnosis of VAP were 97, 21, 21, and 97 per cent, respectively. Nonquantitative culture of BAL fluid is fairly accurate in ruling out VAP (high Sn and NPV). It however has poor Sp and PPV and using this method will lead to unnecessary antimicrobial use with its attendant complications of toxicity, cost, and resistance.
DENTURES AND DENTURE CARE

It is unfortunate that some of us are unable to maintain our natural teeth for our entire lives. Loss may occur because of diseases we have, medicines we are taking, or the basic lack of good oral hygiene program. Some patients feel that dentures will make oral care easier, with little or nothing to do since cavities are no longer a threat. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Proper cleaning of your dentures and mouth and regularly scheduled visits to your dentist can keep your mouth healthy and the dentures fitting properly for a long time to come.
Evolution of the Role of Women in the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists

The role of women in the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists has evolved during the past 100 years. In the early years of the Society, the role of women was largely limited to assisting men in research and administration. One exceptional woman was Helen Thompson Gaige, a herpetologist at the University of Michigan, who served as Editor-in-Chief of Copeia for most of the period from 1937 to 1950. Women have become more visible and engaged in all aspects of the Society only during the past few decades. Of note, the first woman President, Marvalee Wake, was not elected until 1982, and since then, just five more women, three herpetologists and two ichthyologists, have been elected to that Society leadership position. We offer comments from our own experiences to show how our engagement with the Society has influenced our careers.
Assessment and Treatment of Adolescent Substance Use Disorders: Alcohol Use Disorders

Alcohol drinking in childhood and adolescence is a serious public health concern. Adolescence is a vulnerable period for risk-taking tendencies. Understanding the influences of problematic alcohol use is important for evolving interventions. Alcohol use in early years foreshadows a lifetime risk for psychiatric and substance use disorders. Early screening and assessment can alter tragic sequelae. We discuss clinical aspects such as confidentiality, differential levels of care, and criteria for best fitting treatments. Given the prevalence of drinking and its impact on psychiatric and substance use disorders, the need for further study and prevention are emphasized.
For Church, Crown and Empire

When property became the basis for political representation in nineteenth-century Britain, its role in the conferment of the franchise was already being challenged by a new concept of citizenship originated in the ‘enlightenment’ of the eighteenth century: that all people born and residing within the boundaries of a state are citizens of that state, with citizenship rights and duties. The scope, privileges and obligations of citizenship were endlessly debated. In particular, were women citizens1 and should the franchise be considered a right of citizenship? Philosophically, it was difficult (though not impossible) not to answer both questions affirmatively.
Aluminum-ion batteries for medium- and large-scale energy storage

This chapter reports on the development of rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries. The possible concept of a rechargeable aluminum/aluminum-ion battery based on a low-cost, earth-abundant Al anode, ionic liquid EMImCl:AlCl3 (1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloroaluminate) electrolytes, and an MnO2 cathode has been proposed. The Al anode has been reported to show good reversibility in acidic EMImCl:AlCl3 melts. However, due to the problems in demonstrating the reversibility in cathodes, alternate battery cathodes and battery concepts have also been discussed.
Strain Differences in a Murine Model of Air Pollutant-induced Nonatopic Asthma and Rhinitis.

Ozone is an irritating gas found in photochemical smog. Epidemiological associations have been made between the onset of asthma and childhood exposures to increasing levels of ambient ozone (i.e., ...
A dynamic learning model for accelerated pre-matriculation mathematics programs: A work-in-progress

Accelerated pre-matriculation mathematics remediation programs are a popular strategy for improving the placement levels of underprepared students. Although limited assessments of such programs have been reported in the literature, most work is focused either on immediate placement level improvement or longitudinal indicators of student success. While valuable, both techniques offer no insight regarding the learning progression of students while participating in the program, which is of tremendous value in optimizing program policy, such as determining the ideal number of contact hours. The research described herein proposes a first-order dynamic learning model for describing students' content acquisition process within accelerated remediation programs. Details regarding model formulation are presented within this work-in-progress paper. A brief evaluation of model efficacy is also conducted using data gathered from daily ALEKS learning assessments employed within a one-week remediation program for intending engineering students.
Competing causes of death in the head and neck cancer population.

Abstract Purpose/objectives The increasing survivorship of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) comes with a risk of death from other causes, known as competing causes. The demographics of HNSCC are also evolving with increasing incidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated tumors. This study describes competing causes of death for the HNSCC population compared to the general population and identifies associated risk factors. Methods Adult patients with first mucosal HNSCC (2004–2011) were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Result database. Competing causes of death were compared to reference populations using proportion of deaths and Standardized Mortality Ratios (SMR). A multivariable competing risk survival analysis yielded subdistribution hazard ratios (HR) for competing mortality. Results Of 64,598 HNSCC patients, 24,602 (38.1%) were deceased including 7142 deaths (29.0%) from competing causes. The most common were cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and other cancers. All relative mortality rates were elevated, especially liver disease (SMR 38.7; 95% CI: 29.4–49.3), suicide (SMR 37.1; 95% CI: 26.1–48.6), and subsequent primary cancers (SMR 7.5; 95% CI: 6.78–8.32). Demographic and tumor factors independently increased risk of competing mortality, including age (HR per 5 years 1.24; 95% CI: 1.22–1.25), sex (male HR 1.23; 95% CI: 1.16–1.32), race (Black HR 1.17; 95% CI: 1.09–1.26), insurance (uninsured HR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.09–1.50), and marital status (single HR 1.29; 95% CI: 1.21–1.37). Conclusion Nearly one in three HNSCC patients died from competing causes. When developing long term survivorship regimens for HNSCC patients, clinicians should be familiar with this population’s specific risks.
Early Hospitalization of Infants Is Associated With Increased Physician Visits During Early Childhood † 699

Early Hospitalization of Infants Is Associated With Increased Physician Visits During Early Childhood † 699
Role of Microalbuminuria in Predicting Cardiovascular Mortality in Individuals With Subclinical Hypothyroidism.

Abstract Purpose Studies suggest that subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is related to cardiovascular mortality (CVM). We explored the role of microalbuminuria (MIA) as a predictor of long-term CVM in population with and without SCH with normal kidney function. Materials and Methods We examined the NHANES-III database ( n = 6,812). Individuals younger than 40 years, thyroid-stimulating hormone levels ≥20 and ≤0.35mIU/L, estimated glomerular filtration rate 2 and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of >250mg/g in men and >355mg/g in women were excluded. SCH was defined as thyroid-stimulating hormone levels between 5 and 19.99mIU/L and serum T4 levels between 5 and 12µg/dL. MIA was defined as urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 17-250mg/g in men and 25-355mg/g in women. Patients were categorized into the following 4 groups: (1) no SCH or MIA, (2) MIA, but no SCH, (3) SCH, but no MIA and (4) both SCH and MIA. Results Prevalence of MIA in the subclinical hypothyroid cohort was 21% compared to 16.4% in those without SCH ( P = 0.03). SCH was a significant independent predictor of MIA ( n = 6,812), after adjusting for traditional risk factors (unadjusted odds ratio=1.75; 95% CI: 1.24-2.48; P = 0.002 and adjusted odds ratio=1.83; 95% CI: 1.2-2.79; P = 0.006). MIA was a significant independent predictor of long-term all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio=1.7, 95% CI: 1.24-2.33) and CVM (adjusted hazard ratio=1.72, 95% CI: 1.07-2.76) in subclinical hypothyroid individuals. Conclusions In a cohort of subclinical hypothyroid individuals, the presence of MIA predicts increased risk of CVM as compared to nonmicroalbuminurics with SCH. Further randomized trials are needed to assess the benefits of treating microalbuminuric subclinical hypothyroid individuals and impact on CVM.
Abstract 1609: Oncolytic virotherapy for SCLC using immunocompetent mouse models

Background: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive subtype of lung cancer with few treatment advances over the past 3 decades and poor survival. Locally targeted oncolytic virotherapy employs a viral vector that has selective cytotoxicity for tumor cells and non-toxic for normal cells and tissues. The therapeutic benefit is proposed to arise from an initial viral cytotoxic phase following by host immune responses. Myxoma Virus (MYXV) has been widely tested in Australia to control rabbit populations with no toxicity to humans. MYXV selectively infects mouse and human tumors cells with no cytotoxicity to normal tissues and is a promising oncolytic virotherapy agent that has not been tested in human lung cancer or in clinical trials. Methods: To study MYXV infection and viral replication in vitro, we utilized human and mouse SCLC cell lines with MYXV engineered with fluorescent reporters. Using an optimized conditional genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) (Ade-CRE mediated p53/Rb1/p130 null) we examined the effects of intrapulmonary MYXV treatment on SCLC tumors at 5 and 30 days post-MYXV treatment. Survival analysis was determined following intranasal MYXV 3 months post-Ade-CRE induction. We also tested intratumoral MYXV in patient derived xenografts (PDX) and subcutaneous syngeneic allografts in immunocompetent mice. Results: We optimized a conditional SCLC GEMM using limiting dilutions of intratracheal Ade-CRE to reduce the SCLC foci to simulate human disease and generated mouse SCLC lines from individual clones. We observed efficient MYXV infection, late viral replication, and cytotoxicity in both human and mouse SCLC in vitro. In contrast, we did not detect productive infection nor cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells. Following intranasal MYXV instillation we observed MYXV localized exclusively within lungs at 3 days and no longer detected by 7 days’ post treatment. TUNEL staining of SCLC lesions showed apoptosis and necrosis at 5 days within SCLC and the effect persisted with discrete foci of tumor necrosis 30 days’ post-treatment. There was no toxicity to any mouse tissues. SCLC GEMM treated with intrapulmonary MYXV (n=30) showed a modest but statistically significant prolongation of survival compared to PBS control mice (n=30) (p Conclusions: We show the potential for MYXV as an oncolytic virotherapy for SCLC with enhanced cytotoxicity in immunocompetent mice suggesting a role for concurrent immune checkpoint therapies. Citation Format: Patrick Kellish, Daniil Shabashvili, Masmudur M. Rahman, Mary Reinhard, Grant McFadden, Frederic Kaye, Maria Zajac-Kaye. Oncolytic virotherapy for SCLC using immunocompetent mouse models [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1609. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1609
On the Rational Polytopes with Chvátal Rank 1

We study the following problem: given a rational polytope with Chvatal rank 1, does it contain an integer point? Boyd and Pulleyblank observed that this problem is in the complexity class NP $$\cap $$ co-NP, an indication that it is probably not NP-complete. It is open whether there is a polynomial time algorithm to solve the problem, and we give several special classes where this is indeed the case. We show that any compact convex set whose Chvatal closure is empty has an integer width of at most n, and we give an example showing that this bound is tight within an additive constant of 1. This determines the time complexity of a Lenstra-type algorithm. However, the promise that a polytope has Chvatal rank 1 seems hard to verify. We prove that deciding emptiness of the Chvatal closure of a rational polytope given by its linear description is NP-complete, even when the polytope is contained in the unit hypercube or is a rational simplex and it does not contain any integer point.
Reproduction: Sperm with Two X Chromosomes and Eggs with None.

A new study shows that the nematode Auanema rhodensis manipulates X chromosome segregation in surprising ways that depend on both the sex of the parent and the type of gamete. The result is a complex mating system that produces unusual sex ratios and inheritance patterns.
An Effective Method for Community Search in Large Directed Attributed Graphs

Recently there is an increasing need for online community analysis on large scale graphs. Community search (CS), which can retrieve communities efficiently on a query request, has received significant research attention. However, existing CS methods leave edge direction and vertex attributes out of consideration, which results in poor performance of community accuracy and cohesiveness. In this paper, we propose DACQ (directed attribute community query), a novel framework of retrieving effective communities in directed attributed graphs. DACQ first supplements attributes according to the topological structure and generate attribute combinations, after which DACQ finds the strongly connected k-cores (k-SCS) with attributes in the directed graph. Finally, DACQ retrieves effective communities, which are cohesive in terms of the structure and attributes. Extensive experiments demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of our proposed algorithms in large scale directed attributed graphs.
Factor VIIa induces anti-inflammatory signaling via EPCR and PAR1

Recent studies show that endothelial cell protein C receptor (EPCR) interacts with diverse ligands, in addition to its known ligands protein C and activated protein C (APC). We showed in earlier studies that procoagulant clotting factor VIIa (FVIIa) binds EPCR and downregulates EPCR-mediated anticoagulation and induces an endothelial barrier protective effect. Here, we investigated the effect of FVIIa's interaction with EPCR on endothelial cell inflammation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in vivo. Treatment of endothelial cells with FVIIa suppressed tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α)- and LPS-induced expression of cellular adhesion molecules and adherence of monocytes to endothelial cells. Inhibition of EPCR or protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) by either specific antibodies or small interfering RNA abolished the FVIIa-induced suppression of TNF-α- and LPS-induced expression of cellular adhesion molecules and interleukin-6. β-Arrestin-1 silencing blocked the FVIIa-induced anti-inflammatory effect in endothelial cells. In vivo studies showed that FVIIa treatment markedly suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines and infiltration of innate immune cells into the lung in wild-type and EPCR-overexpressing mice, but not in EPCR-deficient mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that FVIIa treatment inhibited TNF-α-induced ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, NF-κB, and C-Jun activation indicating that FVIIa-mediated signaling blocks an upstream signaling event in TNFα-induced signaling cascade. FVIIa treatment impaired the recruitment of TNF-receptor-associated factor 2 into the TNF receptor 1 signaling complex. Overall, our present data provide convincing evidence that FVIIa binding to EPCR elicits anti-inflammatory signaling via a PAR1- and β-arrestin-1 dependent pathway. The present study suggests new therapeutic potentials for FVIIa, which is currently in clinical use for treating bleeding disorders.
Long-term Career Goals for Professional Women in Agriculture.

Formulation of goals early in a career guides behavior, decisions, and priorities. Although selection of goals limits options, it also lends direction to a career. Women must move toward long-term goals along the same pathways that men have used, but they will probably move down these pathways more slowly than men because they tend to have multiple, rather than single goals. As women pursue career goals, they will hold a series of increasingly responsible positions and must establish professional credentials. Documented evidence of productivity, publication in the reviewed literature, high standards of personal and professional deportment, and "special" personal traits and abilities are all involved in establishment of professional identities. Although women have potential conflicts between career and family responsibilities, careful organization and delegation of some duties and responsibilities will help bring balance between their professional and personal lives. Women bring special strengths such as adaptability, flexibility, and good communication ability to the agronomic workplace and they can use these strong points in building professional credentials. Additional index words: Career guidance, Stress. W are "long-term career goals"? In my late 20s, I never formulated any definite long-term career goals, but I did have a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to be and what I wanted to be involved in when I was 45. Perhaps we can think of "long-term career goals" as being a grown-up version of the child's statement, "I want to be a fireman, or a nurse, or a policeman when I grow up." When some of us leave graduate school, we realize that we are grown up, and we don't have a clear idea of our career goals. At this point in our careers, we should ask ourselves the question, "What do I want to be, who do I want to be like, what do I want to be doing to earn my living when I'm 45?" Then we can establish some long-term goals. As we get older, we expect these vague notions or concepts to become concrete and specific. We expect to be making choices and commitments that will lead us toward a set of goals. As we make these choices, we hope that the goals will come more clearly into focus as we grow older. Luckily the process of setting up long-term goals may be a bit easier for women because they are trained at puberty to think of the long-term consequences of their behavior. They tend to think in 20-year time segments more easily than men do.
The effect of crack front curvature and side-grooving on three point bend specimen fracture toughness measurements

Finite element simulations of the three point bend fracture toughness specimen have been performed to investigate the effect of crack front curvature and side-grooving. Even modest crack front curvature moves the position of maximum energy release rate from the center towards the free surfaces of the specimen. A 30 percent difference between the maximum and minimum crack length can double the maximum energy release rate compared to that calculated for a straight crack of the same average length. A correction curve has been derived from which the curved crack energy release rate can be obtained using two dimensional solutions. Deep side-grooving substantially increases the energy release rate at the root of the groove, but for groove depths no more than 30 percent of the section, an energy release rate can be estimated from the two dimensional ungrooved solution scaled by the ratio of ungrooved to grooved thicknesses.
World Bank Report on the Observance of Standards and Codes in Croatia

This diagnostic assessment is part of a joint initiative by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to prepare Reports on the Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC). The report was prepared by a team from the World Bank on the basis of the findings from a diagnostic review. The World Bank team comprised Mr. Erik van der Plaats and Mr. David Nagy. The Croatian institutional framework has undergone several important changes. However, further capacity building relating to monitoring, enforcing, and strengthening supervision (except for banks) is needed to ensure proper application of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and national accounting standards. Public availability of legally mandated financial statements for companies - other than banks - is limited. This undermines the value added of the financial reporting function in the Croatian market economy and partially reflects a general lack of user demand for financial statements. Except for banks, there is at present no systematic enforcement of the quality of financial statements besides the statutory audit function. The report concludes that Croatia should take further steps in order to achieve its goal of developing a robust financial reporting framework tailored to the needs of the Croatian market economy, and aligned with the acquis communautaire, international standards and best practices.
Use of Synthetic Membrane Models in the Study of Gastric Secretory Processes

Synthetic membrane models have been used in the study of gastric secretory problems for over thirty years. These techniques were employed to elucidate the mechanisms by which ions were secreted in gastric juice. Modern studies of gastric secretory processes began in the 1930’s with the studies of the ionic composition of gastric juice by the late Franklin Hollander (1), a physicalorganic chemist turned physiologist, and the membrane model experiments of Torsten Teorell, a physical chemist interested in physiologic problems.