cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pediatric biliary interventions in the native liver

Biliary disease in infants and children frequently presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Pediatric interventional radiologists are often involved in the multidisciplinary teams who care for these patients. This article reviews several notable causes of biliary disease in children who have not undergone liver transplantation, describes the role of percutaneous interventional procedures in managing these conditions, and details applicable biliary interventional techniques.
Redefining Virulence of Bacterial Pathogens: Measuring bacterial gene expression and metabolism during infections provides a more comprehensive view of virulence in action

Investigators identifying virulence genes at first did so by examining transposon mutants or individual gene mutations. Mutants of bacterial pathogens were then assessed in animals, whose symptoms mimicked human disease. Later, genome-wide screens were developed whereby genes and proteins that influence virulence could be identified, including via signature-tagged mutagenesis (STM), in vivo expression technology (IVET), and in vivo-induced antigen technology (IVIAT). Investigators then began to use RT-PCR to measure expression of individual genes, including within infected tissues. Microarray technology enables us to estimate global gene expression under defined culture conditions such as nitrogen limitation, oxygenation, and osmotic stress.
Using Naïve Bayesian Analysis to Determine Imaging Characteristics of KRAS Mutations in Metastatic Colon Cancer

Genotype, particularly Ras status, greatly affects prognosis and treatment of liver metastasis in colon cancer patients. This pilot aimed to apply word frequency analysis and a naive Bayes classifier on radiology reports to extract distinguishing imaging descriptors of wild-type colon cancer patients and those with v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. In this institutional-review-board-approved study, we compiled a SNaPshot mutation analysis dataset from 457 colon adenocarcinoma patients. From this cohort of patients, we analyzed radiology reports of 299 patients (> 32,000 reports) who either were wild-type (147 patients) or had a KRAS (152 patients) mutation. Our algorithm determined word frequency within the wild-type and mutant radiology reports and used a naive Bayes classifier to determine the probability of a given word belonging to either group. The classifier determined that words with a greater than 50% chance of being in the KRAS mutation group and which had the highest absolute probability difference compared to the wild-type group included: “several”, “innumerable”, “confluent”, and “numerous” (p < 0.01). In contrast, words with a greater than 50% chance of being in the wild type group and with the highest absolute probability difference included: “few”, “discrete”, and “[no] recurrent” (p = 0.03). Words used in radiology reports, which have direct implications on disease course, tumor burden, and therapy, appear with differing frequency in patients with KRAS mutations versus wild-type colon adenocarcinoma. Moreover, likely characteristic imaging traits of mutant tumors make probabilistic word analysis useful in identifying unique characteristics and disease course, with applications ranging from radiology and pathology reports to clinical notes.
The Tale of Two Counties United by Their Pursuit of the Best Interest of Children Through Trauma-Informed Practice

This chapter identifies innovative implementation for developing trauma-informed child welfare systems. Two counties are profiled, one from a centralized child welfare system and the other from a decentralized system, and their efforts to infuse trauma-informed practices to address the impact of trauma to children, families and communities. Each offers a systemic model that demonstrates positive outcomes in reducing out-of-home placements, increasing permanency and simultaneously addressing child well-being. These two models demonstrate the necessity for leadership, workforce resiliency and moving beyond training into actual implementation that moves toward evidence-based child welfare practices.
A Longitudinal Study of the Effect of Computers on the Cognitive Development of Low-Income African American Preschool Children

Research Findings: The current study examined the impact of daily classroom computer use on the cognitive development of preschool children in 14 urban Head Start classrooms. The sample consisted o...
Occurrence and variability of tactile interactions between wild American crows and dead conspecifics

Observations of some mammals and birds touching their dead provoke questions about the motivation and adaptive value of this potentially risky behaviour. Here, we use controlled experiments to determine if tactile interactions are characteristic of wild American crow responses to dead crows, and what the prevalence and nature of tactile interactions suggests about their motivations. In Experiment 1, we test if food or information acquisition motivates contact by presenting crows with taxidermy-prepared dead crows, and two species crows are known to scavenge: dead pigeons and dead squirrels. In Experiment 2, we test if territoriality motivates tactile interactions by presenting crows with taxidermy crows prepared to look either dead or upright and life-like. In Experiment 1, we find that crows are significantly less likely to make contact but more likely to alarm call and recruit other birds in response to dead crows than to dead pigeons and squirrels. In addition, we find that aggressive and sexual encounters with dead crows are seasonally biased. These findings are inconsistent with feeding or information acquisition-based motivation. In Experiment 2, we find that crows rarely dive-bomb and more often alarm call and recruit other crows to dead than to life-like crows, behaviours inconsistent with responses given to live intruders. Consistent with a danger response hypothesis, our results show that alarm calling and neighbour recruitment occur more frequently in response to dead crows than other stimuli, and that touching dead crows is atypical. Occasional contacts, which take a variety of aggressive and sexual forms, may result from an inability to mediate conflicting stimuli.This article is part of the theme issue 'Evolutionary thanatology: impacts of the dead on the living in humans and other animals'.
Book Review: Meraj Ahmed Mubarki, Filming Horror: Hindi Cinema, Ghosts and Ideologies and Meheli Sen, Haunting Bollywood: Gender, Genre, and the Supernatural in Hindi Commercial Cinema:

Meraj Ahmed Mubarki, Filming Horror: Hindi Cinema, Ghosts and Ideologies. Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2016, 216 pp., US$45 (Hardback). ISBN: 978-9-3515-0872-4.Meheli Sen, Haunting Bollywood: Gender, ...
Emancipated foster youth’s experiences and perceptions of the transition to adulthood

Using a grounded theory approach, this study evaluated narratives from a sample of 170 emancipated foster youth (66.5% female; 84.6% non-white) as they reflected on their experiences between the ag...
Causation-by-Ideation Theory:Subjective Idealism in Mahāyāna Buddhist Thought

As we have just seen, the scholastic theories of Hīnayāna Buddhism reduce reality to a flux of “factors” for conscious experience. In so doing they foreshadow the doctrines of the British empiricists, especially David Hume’s denial of substantial personality and self-identity. The dharmas are the pluralistic factors of conscious experience whereby an apparent permanent subject stands in correlation to its world-object. This apparently self-abiding, continuous subject is the illusory effect resulting from the in-itself-discrete, quantum-like sequence of homogeneous dharma-elements of subjective awareness called vijnāna (discriminative consciousness) as they appear in coordination with their concomitant “objective” dharmas. The dharmas are spatio-temporally discrete and discontinuous; they manifest themselves as congeries or aggregates brought forth under the influence of sets of causal conditions. These causal conditions arise through the concurrence of a number of principal and subordinate causes (hetu-pratyaya). This pluriform conception of causality runs parallel to the pluralistic nature of the dharmas themselves.
Epistemology and Political Economy: From Philosophy to Social Theory

With the growing rationalization and fragmentation of the academy in the past years, with the separation of the humanities from the social sciences, philosophy from sociology, there has been a corresponding separation between 19th- and 20th-century social theory. Getting back to the classical period is getting correspondingly more difficult with the passage of time, resulting in a loss for everyone. The previous chapters on the relationships between the social theory of Karl Marx, 19th-century German epistemology, and modern philosophy of science have revealed the need to rethink the relationships between areas and disciplines and ultimately, the nature of the liberal arts education itself. The contemporary divisions within the academy are no longer tenable, if they ever were. Questions about subjectivity and objectivity, concepts and reality, science and truth, freedom and self-realization, and class inequality and social justice have shown us that they are all fundamentally questions about the nature of social interaction and social structures with central emphasis on political economy. That is, the central concepts of Western philosophy from the time of the Greeks to the present cannot be viewed as separate from the more historical and sociological questions about the nature and structure of society.
A Method to Increase the Capacity of a Millimeter Wave Radio-over-Fiber System

We propose a W-band wavelength division multiplexed (WDM)-over-optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) radio-over-fiber system operating at various frequencies within the E-band and the performance measurements are presented. The system offers an extended capacity for millimeter wave signals by incorporating optical encoding with WDM technique. The millimeter wave signal is generated in a tandem dual-electrode Mach Zehnder Modulator. Two optical tones, having a frequency difference equal to the millimeter wave frequency of choice are selected from the output spectrum of the tandem modulators. One frequency component is data-modulated and optically encoded while the other tone is kept unmodulated and uncoded. Both optical tones are then transmitted through an optical fiber to the receiver. At the receiver, two tones are heterodyned at a photodiode to generate the millimeter wave signal at the E-band. The performance of the system is measured with software simulation of three channels each carrying six users’ encoded data. The outcome of this study is depicted in bit-error-rate and eye-diagram figures. The best result is achieved for channel three with BER of 10−6 for a received power of 6.9 μW. The obtained results are analyzed for each wavelength channel. Finally, the analysis of the obtained results is presented.
Frugal Medical Technologies and Adaptive Solutions: Field-Based Applications

In our previous chapter, we explore the various innovation processes that comprise frugal innovation as well as novel innovation paradigms including open and reverse innovation. Importantly, we not only define the theoretical dimensions of these innovation processes but also the functional outputs in the form of tangible technologies/devices. But while the intellectual components of these processes are critical, what does this mean for the future of humanitarian medicine and innovation? The fact of the matter is that the deployment of innovation processes in conflict and crisis situations will likely consist of an amalgam of these processes that is utilized as a catalyst for high-functioning problem-solving in the field. The reality is that crisis and conflict situations are not black and white; thus the solutions developed in the field are likely to reflect this. This is where we examine the field-based applications of these technologies and their specific capacities to preserve human life. But before we delve into these medical devices, who are these devices meant for? There are three critical stakeholders in any humanitarian healthcare operation: humanitarian practitioners (i.e., doctors, nurses, aides, relief workers), community health workers (i.e., frontline public health workers from indigenous communities), and crisis-stricken communities themselves. While the scope and capacity to utilize devices varies among these groups, nonetheless, it is vital that each one of these stakeholders be properly retrofitted with the most basic of equipment, technology, and devices. In this book we take this a step further and examine how we can not only enhance the retrofitting of humanitarian operators but also their respective problem-solving and innovation processes to create “adaptive solutions.” We define these as high-utility, unconventional solutions that are derived in resource-poor settings. The reality is that while we can provide frugal devices to individuals, how do we stimulate continued innovation and the implementation of adaptive solutions on the ground? The innovation process is just as important as the device itself—a paradigm that is often overlooked.
Piloting Applicant-Initiated 101 Deferral Through A Randomized Controlled Trial

Responding to frustration with the Supreme Court’s patentable subject matter (PSM) decisions, the Federal Circuit has issued clarifying decisions, the USPTO has released new guidance and Senators Coons and Tillis have been holding roundtables, regarding 101.This short essay proposes a complementary approach that aims to conserve agency and applicant resources even while policymakers work to clarify the law. It builds on the idea of deferring 101 subject matter until other issues are exhausted first proposed by Robert Merges and Dennis Crouch, but with some important modifications. Deferral would be at applicant’s option, not mandatory, and the USPTO should roll out this intervention through a controlled trial with randomization, as the agency has done previously. The case for deferring subject matter builds on the insight that 101 is rarely the single dispositive issue – among office actions prior to abandonment, less than 15% of TC36BM and medical diagnostic applications and 2% applications overall are “only 101.” Yet 101 is controversial – the rate of ex parte decisions addressing 101 has also shot up, from less than 10% to over 80% in 2018 in medical diagnostic and software technology areas, and to 26% overall. Deferring 101 would borrow from Supreme Court and executive acts of avoidance, and allow cases to resolve on other, more-settled bases of patentability. Implementing the policy as a pilot with radomization allow the USPTO to determine the practice’s impact on metrics like 101 appeals and rejections, which have all risen following Alice and Mayo, particularly within impacted technology areas. The piece explores the rationale, evidence, and experimental design of a structured 101 deferral pilot.
Surviving an Oxygen Atmosphere: DNA Damage and Repair.

As a consequence of life’s coexistence with the reactive diradical O2, cells have adapted biochemical defense mechanisms for protection from oxidative damage. Nevertheless, it is estimated that each cell’s genomic DNA undergoes thousands of oxidative hits per day, and even more under conditions of stress. Unrepaired oxidative damage to DNA leads to mutations that underlie cancer, aging and neurological disease. Recent studies have helped unravel the oxidation chemistry of the DNA bases, and the myriad biochemical responses of DNA processing enzymes that battle against mutation. On the positive side, oxidative damage to nucleobases may accelerate the evolution of genomes and could have played a role in the ancestry of redox-active nucleoside cofactors as well as the adaptation of early life to changes in the environment.
Cinematography and filmmaking research: Reflections on a practice-led doctoral process

This paper offers an overview of a recent practice-led doctoral enquiry which examined lighting techniques used by cinematographers and more widely amongst practitioners working with moving imagery. This research was completed in the Digital Cultures Research Centre at UWE Bristol and funded by the AHRC 3d3 Centre for Doctoral Training. The paper specifically reflects on three strands of enquiry which existed in dialogue with one another, showing how the mutual interaction and reinforcement between scholarly activity, collaborative film production and independent creative experimentation were fundamental to the approach and direction of the research. Amongst a wider contribution, this doctoral research can be seen as methodologically innovative, providing a more detailed first-hand investigation into lighting processes than is currently available by using autoethnographic methods to capture practical knowledge that is deployed in situ during moving image production. The paper discusses this novel use of autoethnography within practice-research and also explains how the resulting evidence was incorporated in the thesis through a layered approach to writing.
Inverse-Designed Broadband All-Dielectric Electromagnetic Metadevices

This paper presents a platform combining an inverse electromagnetic design computational method with additive manufacturing to design and fabricate all-dielectric metadevices. As opposed to conventional flat metasurface-based devices that are composed of resonant building blocks resulting in narrow band operation, the proposed design approach creates non-resonant, broadband (Δλ/λ up to >50%) metadevices based on low-index dielectric materials. High-efficiency (transmission >60%), thin (≤2λ) metadevices capable of polarization splitting, beam bending, and focusing are proposed. Experimental demonstrations are performed at millimeter-wave frequencies using 3D-printed devices. The proposed platform can be readily applied to the design and fabrication of electromagnetic and photonic metadevices spanning microwave to optical frequencies.
Comparative analysis of circuit performance for photocurrent estimation

In this work, we offer a high level view of the difference in performance of three circuit architectures for estimating slowly changing current: the transimpedance amplifier, linear integrator, and integrate and fire. When considering a portable or IoT (Internet of Things) using a microprocessor-based system, we determine architecture trade-offs in performance fo a low-cost implementation. Given the constraints and capabilities of available microprocessor technologies, we provide a comparative analysis of the different architectures’ strengths and weaknesses.
Heparin vs bivalirudin anticoagulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) induces hemostatic alterations that may contribute to hematological complications. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the mainstay antithrombotic in ECMO and depends on antithrombin III (AT III) to exhibit its actions. However, it bears the risk for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Bivalirudin is a direct thrombin inhibitor and is inherently not dependent on AT III. Aim of the study To assess the efficacy and safety profiles of UFH compared with bivalirudin during ECMO support. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 52 adult patients who were supported by ECMO from 1 January 2013 to 1 September 2018. Among them, 33 received UFH and 19 received bivalirudin. We analyzed their 7-day rate of composite thrombotic, bleeding, and mortality episodes while on anticoagulation. Results There were no statistical differences in the 7-day rate of composite thrombosis (33.3% vs 26.3%; P = 0.60), major bleeding (18.2% vs 5.3%; P = .24), 30-day mortality, (42.4% vs 26.3%; P = .37), or in-hospital mortality (45.5% vs 36.8%; P = .58). The percentage of time activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was within the therapeutic range was higher with bivalirudin (50% vs 85.7%; P = .007). Conclusions This study suggests that UFH and bivalirudin are associated with similar rates of thrombosis, major bleeding, and mortality events in patients supported by ECMO. However, it was observed that bivalirudin consistently maintained aPTT within the therapeutic range in comparison to UFH.
Insurance Coverage after Job Loss - The Importance of the ACA during the Covid-Associated Recession.

Insurance Coverage after Job Loss Widespread layoffs amid the Covid-19 pandemic threaten to cut off millions of people from their employer-sponsored health insurance plans at a time when insurance ...
Bowel perforation in a pediatric patient with congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4

Abstract Congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects adipocyte development. Presentation varies based on type. A 12-year old female with CGL type 4, developed a sigmoid colon perforation in the setting of colonic wall hypertrophy after colonoscopy. She presented to the emergency room (ER) with several days of worsening abdominal pain and fevers. The initial evaluation was concerning for infectious versus inflammatory colitis. She was admitted for gastroenterology (GI) consultation for the complaint of abdominal pain. The patient had an established history of constipation management with laxatives. Full GI evaluation, including infectious panel as well as esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy, was negative. During the colonoscopy some difficulty with passage of the colonoscope past 25 cm was reported and therefore a gastroscope was used. She met criteria to start a clear liquid diet following the procedure. Two days after the colonoscopy, she had pneumoperitoneum on abdominal radiographs and was taken to the operating room for exploratory laparotomy. At the time of surgery, copious fibrinopurulent exudate was found throughout the abdominal cavity, as well as a thickened sigmoid colon/rectum and perforation with a contained abscess at the rectosigmoid junction. Sigmoid colectomy and end colostomy were performed. Pathologic examination demonstrated diffuse colonic wall thickening, a serosal defect that did not extended to the mucosa and several early diverticula. The pathology report stated that the presence of microscopic perforations could not be ruled out. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery. Congenital generalized lipodystrophy type 4 is a rare disease. We suspect an association between the muscular hypertrophy and the clinical presentation of bowel wall thickening and stricture. Given the rare nature of this disorder, clinicians that evaluate patients with CGL type 4 for constipation should have a suspicion for the possibility of colonic strictures. Rarely the condition can advance to perforation.
Isomorphism of borel full groups

Suppose that G and H are Polish groups which act in a Borel fashion on Polish spaces X and Y. Let E_G^X and E_H^Y denote the corresponding orbit equivalence relations, and [G] and [H] the corresponding Borel full groups. Modulo the obvious counterexamples, we show that [G] ≅ [H] ⇔ E_G^X ≅_B E_H^Y
Acute myocardial infarction with normal and near normal coronary arteries. Documentation with coronary arteriography within 12 1/2 hours of the onset of symptoms in two cases (three episodes).

Three instances (in two patients) of acute myocardial infarction associated with arteriographically normal or near normal coronary arteries are reported. One patient with a lateral infarction had a normal coronary arteriogram and hypokinesia of the lateral wall. Another patient had two infarctions: (1) a transmural inferior-lateral infarction associated with occlusion of the most distal segment of the posterior descending branch of the right coronary artery, and (2) a transmural anterior-lateral-superior infarction associated with occlusion of the most distal segment of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Neither occlusion was consistent with the extent of infarction. Although coronary arteriography was performed as early as 12 12, 3 34 and 11 23hours, respectively, after the onset of symptoms of infarction in these three instances, the pathophysiologic features of the infarctions are obscure. Temporary occlusion of an epicardial coronary artery by spasm or platelet aggregates, or both, is suggested as a possible mechanism of the acute event.
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW LATE MIOCENE AMERICAN BADGER (TAXIDIINAE) UTILIZING HIGH-RESOLUTION X-RAY COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

: Chamitataxus avitus gen. et sp. nov. is a primitive American badger recovered from late Miocene fossil-bearing sediments of the Chamita Formation in northern New Mexico, USA. The holotype and only known specimen is an almost complete skull with left and right I1-M1. Description of Chamitataxus avitus is facilitated by high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (HRXCT), which provides non-destructive visualization of the internal morphology. Features such as the hollowing of the mastoid region and the septate and greatly inflated tympanic bulla of Chamitataxus avitus are made visible and provide evidence supporting Taxidiinae. The invasion of the nasal bone by a small sinus, the nasoconchal sinus, is documented for the first time in both Taxidea taxus and Chamitataxus avitus. The HRXCT data complement information obtained from external and more traditional examination of the skull. The P4 does not exhibit the development of a medial shelf and hypocone observed in Pliotaxidea and Taxidea. This is evidence for the acquisition of a P4 medial shelf and hypocone by taxidiine badgers independent from that of meline (Eurasian) badgers. The morphological information obtained from this study provides new insight into the evolution and ecomorphology of taxidiine badgers.
A Knapsack Type Public Key Cryptosystem Based On Arithmetic in Finite Fields (preliminary draft)

We introduce a new knapsack type public key cryptosystem. The system is based on a novel application of arithmetic in finite fields, following a construction by Bose and Chowla. Appropriately choosing the parameters, we can control the density of the resulting knapsack. In particular, the density can be made high enough to foil “low density” attacks against our system. At the moment, we do not know of any attacks capable of “breaking” this system in a reasonable amount of time.
Detection of agents associated with bioterrorism.

In this current age of continued threat of large-scale infectious disease outbreaks, whether intentional or natural, the importance of quickly identifying and characterizing the causes of the outbreaks has never been greater. This chapter provides a brief look at the issues and needs related to biothreat detection and the systems and technology developed, or under development, to address them. While anthrax is the most visible and perhaps most likely biothreat disease, others are predicted to have high biothreat potential as well. Real-time PCR has become one of the most widely used tools in diagnostics and biothreat pathogen detection. The focus of confirmatory testing for select agents is real-time PCR technology. BioWatch is an environmental surveillance system set up to continuously monitor air samples for biothreat agents, with the purpose of providing an early-warning system for public policy, safety, and health officials at the local level. There have been a number of positive results reported in the news media, although these are generally classified as background noise from naturally occurring pathogens. There are multiple approaches to next-generation sequencing, but two of the most promising (SOLiD and Illumina GA) are based on very short read lengths that are still suitable for whole-genome genotyping.
Manipulating Gene Expression in Projection‐Specific Neuronal Populations Using Combinatorial Viral Approaches

The mammalian brain contains tremendous structural and genetic complexity that is vital for its function. The elucidation of gene expression profiles in the brain, coupled with the development of large-scale connectivity maps and emerging viral vector-based approaches for target-selective gene manipulation, now allow for detailed dissection of gene-circuit interfaces. This protocol details how to perform combinatorial viral injections to manipulate gene expression in subsets of neurons interconnecting two brain regions. This method utilizes stereotaxic injection of a retrograde transducing CAV2-Cre virus into one brain region, combined with injection of a locally transducing Cre-dependent AAV virus into another brain region. This technique is widely applicable to the genetic dissection of neural circuitry, as it enables selective expression of candidate genes, dominant-negatives, fluorescent reporters, or genetic tools within heterogeneous populations of neurons based upon their projection targets.
Human dental plaque: Stimulation of bone resorption in tissue culture

Abstract Soluble extracts of plaque from adults with periodontitis and children without evidence of destructive periodontal disease stimulated bone resorption in tissue culture. This effect was associated with the formation of osteoclasts. The extracts did not stimulate resorption of heat-devitalized bones. The bone resorptive factor in plaque behaved the same as purified endotoxin by two criteria: resistance to boiling and non-dialysability.
Methyl Anthranilate Content of Citrus Honey

SUMMARY A photometric method for determination of methyl anthranilate (MA) was adapted for honey. Twenty-one citrus honeys from 3 states and 5 crops averaged 2.87 μg/g (range 0.84–4.37). For 12 non-citrus honeys, apparent MA content averaged 0.07 μg/g (range 0.00–0.28).
AMPHIREGULIN CARBOXY-TERMINAL DOMAIN IS REQUIRED FOR AUTOCRINE KERATINOCYTE GROWTH

The EGFR ligand amphiregulin (AREG) has been implicated as an important autocrine growth factor in several epithelial malignancies and in psoriasis, a hyperproliferative skin disorder. To characterize the mechanisms by which AREG regulates autocrine epithelial cell growth, we transduced human keratinocytes (KCs) with lentiviral constructs expressing tetracycline (TET)-inducible small hairpin RNA (shRNA). TET-induced expression of AREG shRNA markedly reduced autocrine extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, strongly inhibited autocrine KC growth with an efficiency similar to metalloproteinase and EGFR inhibitors, and induced several markers of KC differentiation, including keratins 1 and 10. Addition of various concentrations of exogenous EGFR ligands to KC cultures reversed the growth inhibition in response to AREG-blocking antibodies but not to shRNA-mediated AREG knockdown. Lentivirus-mediated expression of the full-length AREG transmembrane (TM) precursor, but not of the AREG extracellular domain, markedly reversed the shRNA-mediated growth inhibition and morphological changes, and strongly reduced the induction of multiple markers of KC differentiation. Taken together, our data show that autocrine human KC growth is highly dependent on the AREG TM precursor protein and strongly suggest a previously unreported function of the metalloproteinase-processed carboxy (C)-terminal domain of AREG.
Formation and dehydration enthalpy of gallosilicate zeolites

Abstract Gallosilicate zeolites Ga-NaSOD, Ga-NaFAU, Ga-NaNAT, Ga-KNAT* (a mixture of Ga-KNAT and Ga-KTNU-2), Ga-KLTL and Ga-KTNU-1 have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), microprobe analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC). Generally, the lattice parameters increase after Ga substitution for Al, except for Ga-KNAT*. The formation and dehydration enthalpies of these zeolites were measured by high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. Compared to the analogous aluminosilicate zeolite of similar Si/T 3+, the gallosilicate zeolite has similar dehydration enthalpy per mole of tetrahedra, but has less endothermic dehydration enthalpy per mole of water due to the larger number of H2O molecules in the enlarged unit cell of the Ga zeolite. The dehydration enthalpy per mole of water is a monotonic function of framework density while that per mole of tetrahedra is mainly influenced by cation type. The gallosilicate zeolites have less exothermic formation enthalpies from oxide components than the analogous aluminosilicate zeolites, confirming their lower stability. The formation enthalpies of hydrated and dehydrated gallosilicate zeolites are correlated with Ga/(Ga + Si) ratio and framework density (FD).
Chlamydia Trachomatis Genital Infections in College Women

Abstract The most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States today is due to Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is more common than gonorrhea and causes a broad range of clinical manifestations, some of which are quite serious. Sixty-five women were screened for cervical chlamydia in a college health service. Five (8%) were positive for this infection. The infected women did not differ markedly from noninfected women in age or number of sexual partners. The presence of cervicitis was suggestive of chlamydia infection but not specific for it. Most of the chlamydia positive women were not contacts of a man with a recent diagnosis of nongonococcal urethritis. No cases of gonorrhea were discovered among the women screened.
Interaction of a Kinesin-like Calmodulin-binding Protein with a Protein Kinase

Kinesin-like calmodulin-binding protein (KCBP) is a novel member of the kinesin superfamily that is involved in cell division and trichome morphogenesis. KCBP is unique among all known kinesins in having a myosin tail homology-4 region in the N-terminal tail and a calmodulin-binding region following the motor domain. Calcium, through calmodulin, has been shown to negatively regulate the interaction of KCBP with microtubules. Here we have used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify the proteins that interact with the tail region of KCBP. A protein kinase (KCBP-interacting protein kinase (KIPK)) was found to interact specifically with the tail region of KCBP. KIPK is related to a group of protein kinases specific to plants that has an additional sequence between subdomains VII and VIII of the conserved C-terminal catalytic domain and an extensive N-terminal region. The catalytic domain alone of KIPK interacted weakly with the N-terminal KCBP protein but strongly with full-length KCBP, whereas the noncatalytic region did not interact with either protein. The interaction of KCBP with KIPK was confirmed using coprecipitation assays. Using bacterially expressed full-length and truncated proteins, we have shown that the catalytic domain is capable of phosphorylating itself. The association of KIPK with KCBP suggests regulation of KCBP or KCBP-associated proteins by phosphorylation and/or that KCBP is involved in targeting KIPK to its proper cellular location.
Un tratamiento no convencional: la bacterioterapia fecal

Conozca como el trasplante fecal puede mitigar las infecciones gastrointestinales debidas a Clostridium difficile
Wave Propagation in Rib-Stiffened Structures: Modeling and Experiments

This work focuses on the analysis of wave propagation in rib-stiffened structures as it is related to Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) methods. Current satellite validation tests involve numerous procedures to qualify the satellite for the vibrations expected during launch, and for exposure to the space environment. SHM methods are being considered in an effort to truncate the number and duration of tests required for satellite checkout. The most promising of these SHM methods uses an active wave-based method in which an actuator propagates a Lamb wave through the structure, which is then received by a sensor. The received waves are evaluated over time to detect structural changes. Thus far, this method has proven effective in locating structural defects in a complex satellite panel; however, the attributes associated with the first wave arrival change significantly as the wave travels through ribs and joining features. Complex isogrid reinforcements within the satellite panel significantly affect any conclusions that can be made about the arriving waves. For this purpose, an experimental and numerical study of wave propagation within rib-reinforced plates has been undertaken. Wave propagation was modeled using finite element software. These results were analyzed for an understanding of dispersion within the structure, particularly how the group velocity and mode conversion are affected by the rib interaction. Experiments were carried out to validate the model and gain further insight into the wave propagation phenomena in the structure. The analysis indicates that mode conversion plays a significant role in the first wave arrival, although this can be accounted for through proper frequency selection, and signal analysis. A range of excitation frequencies which are most appropriate for the structure are presented.
Synthesis and characterization of methylbromoamiloride, a potential biochemical probe of epithelial Na+ channels.

We report the synthesis of a radioactive, methylated analog of bromoamiloride which inhibits the amiloride-sensitive, epithelial Na+ channel reversibly and with high affinity. This synthesis was achieved by methylation of a nitrogen in the acylguanidinium moiety with tritiated methyliodide of high specific activity. This methylated bromoamiloride molecule (CH3BrA) was purified by both thin layer and high performance liquid chromatography. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectroscopy techniques were used to determine the structure of this analog. This compound inhibited both short-circuit current ofin vitro frog skin and22Na+ influx into apical plasma membrane vesicles made from cultured toad kidney cells (line A6) with the same or lower apparent inhibitory dissociation constant as bromoamiloride. Irradiation with ultraviolet light rendered this inhibition irreversible in both A6 vesicles and frog skin. Preparation of radioactive CH3BrA yielded specific activities in excess of 1 Ci/mmol. We suggest that this compound will be useful in the isolation and purification of this ubiquitous Na+ channel.
Acquiring forensic evidence from infrastructure-as-a-service cloud computing: Exploring and evaluating tools, trust, and techniques

Abstract We expose and explore technical and trust issues that arise in acquiring forensic evidence from infrastructure-as-a-service cloud computing and analyze some strategies for addressing these challenges. First, we create a model to show the layers of trust required in the cloud. Second, we present the overarching context for a cloud forensic exam and analyze choices available to an examiner. Third, we provide for the first time an evaluation of popular forensic acquisition tools including Guidance EnCase and AccesData Forensic Toolkit, and show that they can successfully return volatile and non-volatile data from the cloud. We explain, however, that with those techniques judge and jury must accept a great deal of trust in the authenticity and integrity of the data from many layers of the cloud model. In addition, we explore four other solutions for acquisition—Trusted Platform Modules, the management plane, forensics-as-a-service, and legal solutions, which assume less trust but require more cooperation from the cloud service provider. Our work lays a foundation for future development of new acquisition methods for the cloud that will be trustworthy and forensically sound. Our work also helps forensic examiners, law enforcement, and the court evaluate confidence in evidence from the cloud.
Precipitates possessing icosahedral symmetry in a rapidly solidified AlMn alloy

Abstract A precipitate has been observed in rapidly solidified Al-15wt.%Mn, which possesses apparent long-range icosahedral (Ih) symmetry. A twinning model has been proposed to explain this anomaly and preliminary results indicate excellent agreement between the simulated diffraction patterns of the fivefold symmetry axis and the experimentally obtained fivefold pattern.
Participation of different DNA polymerases in mammalian DNA repair synthesis is not related to “patch size”

Several factors hypothesized as being important in determining whether DNA polymerase β or a dideoxythymidine triphosphate-insensitive polymerase participate in DNA repair synthesis were investigated in permeable cells. Involvement of the different DNA polymerases in repair synthesis induced by a variety of DNA damaging agents (nitrosomethyl urea, UV-radiation, γ-radiation, bleomycin and neocarzinostatin) was apparently not related to the patch size of repaired DNA nor to whether DNA damage was initiated in permeable cells or in intact cells. Rather, the results suggest that the actual type of DNA damage may determine which polymerase is utilized in repairing damaged DNA.
THE PHOTOPHYSICS AND PHOTOCHEMISTRY OF THE NEAR-UV ABSORBING AMINO ACIDS–II. TYROSINE AND ITS SIMPLE DERIVATIVES

Abstract— The photophysics and photochemistry of tryptophan and its simple derivatives is comprehensively reviewed with special emphasis on excitation by near-UV radiation. Topics explicitly discussed include the origins of large Stokes shifts in the fluorescence spectra, photoionization, the puzzle of multiple tryptophan fluorescence decay time, photochemical reactions in the presence and absence of oxygen, and the possible mechanisms of these reactions. A separate section reviews the photosensitizing properties of N-formylkynurenine, an important photooxidation product of tryptophan.
Difference density quality (DDQ): a method to assess the global and local correctness of ­macromolecular crystal structures

Methods for the evaluation of the accuracy of crystal structures of proteins and nucleic acids are of general importance for structure–function studies as well as for biotechnological and biomedical research based upon three-dimensional structures of biomacromolecules. The structure-validation program DDQ (difference-density quality) has been developed to complement existing validation procedures. The DDQ method is based on the information present in a difference electron-density map calculated with the water molecules deliberately omitted from the structure-factor calculation. The quality of a crystal structure is reflected in this difference map by (i) the height of solvent peaks occurring at physical chemically reasonable positions with respect to protein and ligand atoms and (ii) the number and height of positive and negative `shift' peaks next to protein atoms. The higher the solvent peaks and the lower the shift peaks, the better the structure is likely to be. Moreover, extraneous positive density due to an incomplete molecular model is also monitored, since this is another indicator of imperfections in the structure. Automated analysis of these types of features in difference electron densities is used to quantify the local as well as global accuracy of a structure. In the case of proteins, the DDQ structure-validation method is found to be very sensitive to small local errors, to omitted atoms and also to global errors in crystal structure determinations.
Terahertz laser velocity modulation spectroscopy of ions

Velocity modulation spectroscopy has been investigated in the terahertz region, employing pure rotational transitions of ArH + and rotation-tunneling transitions of H3O + to study the competition between pressure broadening and Doppler broadening on the lineshapes, neutral suppression, and modulation efficiency. Velocity modulation is demonstrated to be effective to frequencies as low as 60 cm � 1 , yielding S/N values for ArH + (770/1) that surpass published terahertz FM results by an order
Pyridine N‐sulfides. Benzisothiazolo[2,3‐a]pyridinium tetrafluoroborates and benzothiopheno[3,2‐b]pyridines. Novel heterocyclic systems

2-(2-Mercaptophenyl)pyridines are prepared from the corresponding phenols and oxidized with N-chloro-succinimide and silver tetrafluoroborate to benzisothiazolo[2,3-a]pyridine salts (4). The latter do not rearrange thermally or photochemically to benzothiopheno[3,2-b)pyridines (19) and are attacked by nucleophiles at sulfur rather than in the pyridine ring, to give the original 2-(2-mercaptophenyl)pyridine back in a reaction involving a dismutation. 19 is prepared by rearranging O-[2-(3-bromo-2-pyridyl)-4-nitrophenyl]dimethylthio-carbamate to the S-aryl compound and heating the latter with strong base.
The challenges of iodine supplementation: a public health programme perspective ☆

An adequate iodine intake during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood is particularly critical for optimal brain development of the foetus and of children 7–24 months of age. While the primary strategy for sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency remains universal salt iodisation, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund recommend a complementary strategy of iodine supplements as a temporary measure when salt iodisation could not be implemented. This article aims to review current evidence on efficacy and implications of implementing iodine supplementation as a public health measure to address iodine deficiency. Iodine supplementation seems unlikely to reach high coverage in a rapid, equitable and sustained way. Implementing the programme requires political commitment, effective and efficient supply, distribution and targeting, continuous education and communication and a robust monitoring system. Thus, universal salt iodisation should remain the primary strategy to eliminate iodine deficiency.
Optical lattices as waveguides and beam splitters for atom interferometry: An analytical treatment and proposal of applications

We provide an analytical description of the dynamics of an atom in an optical lattice using the method of perturbative adiabatic expansion. A precise understanding of the lattice-atom interaction is essential to taking full advantage of the promising applications that optical lattices offer in the field of atom interferometry. One such application is the implementation of large momentum transfer (LMT) beam splitters that can potentially provide multiple order of magnitude increases in momentum space separations over current technology. We also propose interferometer geometries where optical lattices are used as waveguides for the atoms throughout the duration of the interferometer sequence. Such a technique could simultaneously provide a multiple order of magnitude increase in sensitivity and a multiple order of magnitude decrease in interferometer size for many applications as compared to current state-of-the-art atom interferometers.
Crocodile conservation in India

Abstract The accomplishments of the Government of India/UNDP/FAO Project in the conservation of three species of crocodiles during the period 1975 to 1982 are reviewed. Sixteen crocodile rehabilitation centres and eleven crocodile sanctuaries have been established. A total of 879 gharials, 190 estuarine crocodiles and 493 mugger have been released. A viable breeding population of gharials now exists in the National Ghambal Sanctuary. A Crocodile Breeding and Management Training Institute was established by the Government of India in 1980 and has trained 48 managers of crocodile stations. Improvements are required in the management of crocodile sanctuaries and the evaluation of crocodile habitat. Releases of crocodiles in the wild require monitoring of survival and movements. There is a need for educating the public about crocodile conservation.