cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Criminal Procedure: Adversarial and Inquisitorial Legal Systems

This article explains the historical development of the two main types of court procedures used in criminal, and to a lesser extent in civil, cases around the world. The adversarial system developed from the English jury trial and envisions a passive judge and an active role for the parties. The inquisitorial system sees the judge as active investigator of the truth and mistrusts lay participation. A third tradition, that of consensual resolution of cases and plea bargaining, grew not only out of the adversarial tradition but also, through its inducement of pleas of guilty, smacks of the inquisitorial tradition.
Surgical Approaches and 30-Day Complications of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Repair Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric.

Abstract Background This study aims to outline the 30-d complications of different velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) correction techniques using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric. Methods Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric, VPI cases from 2012 to 2015 were identified. Patients were subdivided into two cohorts: (1) palatal procedures and (2) pharyngeal procedures, with the latter being subdivided into (1) pharyngeal flap and (2) sphincter pharyngoplasty. Patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared using Pearson's chi-squared or Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and independent t-tests, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, or analysis of variance for continuous variables. Results: A total of 767 VPI cases were identified: 191 (24.9%) treated with palatal procedures and 576 (75.1%) with pharyngeal procedures, of which 444 were pharyngeal flap and 132 were sphincter pharyngoplasty. Patients who underwent palatal procedure had longer anesthesia (152.41 min) and operating time (105.72 min), whereas patients who underwent pharyngeal procedure had longer length of stay (1.66 d). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups, nor were there significant differences in outcomes between pharyngeal flap and sphincter pharyngoplasty subgroups. Patients who experienced complications were younger, shorter, inpatient, and having a shorter operation time, longer anesthesia time, or longer length of stay. Plastic surgeons performed the majority of palatal procedures (62.3%), whereas pharyngeal procedures were most often performed by otolaryngologists (48.8%). Conclusions: As per national data, both palatal and pharyngeal procedures for repair can be performed with comparable 30-d complications. The chosen technique may be based on patient presentation and on the surgeon comfort level.
Thyroid cancer histological subtypes based on tumor size: National perspective.

BACKGROUND Thyroid tumor size is an important prognostic factor. The aim of this study is to examine the histological subtypes and management of thyroid cancer based on tumor size (≤4 cm vs >4 cm). METHODS Retrospective cohort study utilizing the National Cancer Database, 2004-2014. RESULTS A total of 152 387 patients were included, 13 614 (8.9%) of whom had a tumor size >4 cm. Histological subtypes of tumors >4 cm were: 69.6% papillary thyroid carcinoma, 17.5% FTC, 7.9% HCC, and 2.8% medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). High-volume hospitals for thyroid surgery were less likely to perform two-stage thyroidectomy, particularly for tumors ≤4 cm. Low-volume hospitals had a higher risk of staged thyroidectomy for MTC ≤4 cm (19.8%) compared with high-volume hospitals (8.7%) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS This study describes the prevalence of thyroid cancer subtypes. In the era of a conservative approach to differentiated thyroid carcinoma, there could be a potential increase in the risk of staged thyroidectomy.
Underutilization of primary medical care among men presenting for fertility evaluation

Objective To determine the proportion of men presenting for fertility evaluation who reported having an established primary care physician (PCP). Design Retrospective, observational study. Setting Academic health center. Patient(s) All men presenting for initial male factor infertility consultation with a single reproductive urologist between 2002 and 2018. Intervention(s) Men were asked to provide the name of their PCP at the time of initial visit. Main Outcome Measure(s) Descriptive statistics characterized the proportion of men with a PCP at the time of evaluation and associations between PCP status and clinical characteristics. Result(s) Among 4,127 men presenting for initial fertility consultation, 844 (20.5%) reported having an established PCP, 480 (11.6%) reported no PCP, and 2,803 (67.9%) did not have data available. Among 1,302 men who had a prior primary care visit within our healthcare system, 414 (31.8%) had been seen within 1 year before their fertility evaluation. Men with an established PCP were slightly older than those without a PCP, with higher body mass index, and lower systolic blood pressure. Hormonal profiles were similar across groups, but men with an established PCP had a significantly higher total motile sperm count than those without a PCP, median 53 (interquartile range, 11–109) versus 35 (interquartile range, 8–98). Conclusion(s) More than one third of men presenting for fertility evaluation did not have an established PCP. Reproductive urologists are uniquely positioned to facilitate the critical relationship between young men and PCPs, which should be a key component of the male fertility treatment paradigm.
Integrating genomics into conservation management.

Captive populations play a vital role in conservation, supporting both in situ and ex situ conservation projects. A healthy, self-sustaining captive population serves as valuable insurance against extinctions and a source of individuals for reintroduction into the wild. Genetic and genomic data can advance conservation and management across a range of scenarios. Although expanding, genomic data do not exist for most captive populations and there remain few examples of how these data can be integrated directly into conservation efforts. In this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Humble et al. (2020) present a chromosomal-level genome assembly for the extinct-in-the-wild scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), and resequencing data to survey genetic variation across captive populations. These data are exciting for reintroduction planning by offering guidance for selecting source populations to maximize global genetic variation and valuable resources for effective post-release monitoring. The genomic resources generated also are valuable tools with the power to yield novel and important insights into the evolution of scimitar-horned oryx and other antelope species.
Decreasing High-risk Exposures for Healthcare Workers Through Universal Masking and Universal Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Testing on Entry to a Tertiary Care Facility.

We describe the impact of universal masking and universal testing at admission on high risk exposures to SARS-CoV-2 for healthcare workers. Universal masking decreased the rate per patient day of high risk exposures by 68%, and universal testing further decreased those exposures by 77%.
Hyperglycemia minimally alters primary self-renewing human colonic epithelial cells while TNFα-promotes severe intestinal epithelial dysfunction.

Hyperglycemia is thought to increase production of inflammatory cytokines and permeability of the large intestine. Resulting intestinal inflammation is then often characterized by excess secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα). Thus, hyperglycemia in hospitalized patients suffering from severe trauma or disease is frequently accompanied by TNFα secretion, and the combined impact of these insults on the intestinal epithelium is poorly understood. This study utilized a simple yet elegant model of the intestinal epithelium, comprised of primary human intestinal stem cells and their differentiated progeny, to investigate the impact of hyperglycemia and inflammatory factors on the colonic epithelium. When compared to epithelium cultured under conditions of physiologic glucose, cells under hyperglycemic conditions displayed decreased mucin-2 (MUC2), as well as diminished alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Conditions of 60 mM glucose potentiated secretion of the cytokine IL-8 suggesting that cytokine secretion during hyperglycemia may be a source of tissue inflammation. TNFα measurably increased secretion of IL-8 and IL-1β, which was enhanced at 60 mM glucose. Surprisingly, intestinal permeability and paracellular transport were not altered by even extreme levels of hyperglycemia. The presence of TNFα increased MUC2 presence, decreased ALP activity, and negatively impacted monolayer barrier function. When TNFα hyperglycemia and ≤30 mM glucose and were combined, MUC2 and ALP activity remained similar to that of TNFα alone, although synergistic effects were seen at 60 mM glucose. An automated image analysis pipeline was developed to assay changes in properties of the zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)-demarcated cell boundaries. While hyperglycemia alone had little impact on cell shape and size, cell morphologic properties were extraordinarily sensitive to soluble TNFα. These results suggest that TNFα acted as the dominant modulator of the epithelium relative to glucose, and that control of inflammation rather than glucose may be key to maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
Local Interactions with the Glu166 Base and the Conformation of an Active Site Loop Play Key Roles in Carbapenem Hydrolysis by the KPC-2 β-lactamase

The Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-2 (KPC-2) is a common source of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacterial infections. KPC-2 is a class A β-lactamase that exhibits a broad substrate profile and hydrolyzes most β-lactam antibiotics including carbapenems owing to rapid deacylation of the covalent acyl-enzyme intermediate. However, the features that allow KPC-2 to deacylate substrates more rapidly than non-carbapenemase enzymes are not clear. The active-site residues in KPC-2 are largely conserved in sequence and structure compared with non-carbapenemases, suggesting that subtle alterations may collectively facilitate hydrolysis of carbapenems. We utilized a nonbiased genetic approach to identify mutants deficient in carbapenem hydrolysis but competent for ampicillin hydrolysis. Subsequent pre–steady-state enzyme kinetics analyses showed that the substitutions slow the rate of deacylation of carbapenems. Structure determination via X-ray diffraction indicated that a F72Y mutant forms a hydrogen bond between the tyrosine hydroxyl group and Glu166, which may lower basicity and impair the activation of the catalytic water for deacylation, whereas several mutants impact the structure of the Q214-R220 active site loop. A T215P substitution lowers the deacylation rate and drastically alters the conformation of the loop, thereby disrupting interactions between the enzyme and the carbapenem acyl-enzyme intermediate. Thus, the environment of the Glu166 general base and the precise placement and conformational stability of the Q214-R220 loop are critical for efficient deacylation of carbapenems by the KPC-2 enzyme. Therefore, the design of carbapenem antibiotics that interact with Glu166 or alter the Q214-R220 loop conformation may disrupt enzyme function and overcome resistance.
An evaluation and annotation methodology for product category matching in e-commerce

Abstract Product category matching is an important task in digital marketplaces and e-commerce, helping to power better search and recommendations in an online context. While variants of the problem have received some attention in academia, there is no documented guidance on how to efficiently acquire annotations for evaluating multiple (current and future) models, many of which rely on modern machine learning techniques such as neural representation learning. In this paper, we motivate and formalize the problem of product category matching in e-commerce, and present a rigorously designed set of guidelines and methodology for acquiring annotations in a cost-effective and reliable manner. We also present a methodology for using the annotations to compare solutions of two or more product category matching methods, including comparing models both before and after annotation. Three widely used e-commerce product category taxonomies, and multiple metrics, are used to demonstrate the utility of our proposals.
Environmental and occupational pesticide exposure and human sperm parameters: An updated review

Background: In recent decades, global sperm counts have declined, and this has coincided with a proliferation of chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties to which humans are frequently expose...
Implicit Approach and Avoidance Motivational Changes in GAD Patients Treated with Emotion Regulation Therapy

Abstract Approach and avoidance motivational changes over the course of Emotion Regulation Therapy (ERT) were assessed at pre-, mid-, and post-treatment using an Approach-Avoidance variant of the Implicit Association Test (AAIAT) that specifically targeted implicitly-held action tendencies about approach/avoidance in the context of positively and negatively valenced word stimuli. We expected implicit associations would be demonstrated by reduced AAIAT Total scores from mid- to post-treatment potentially reflecting increased approaching of contexts regardless of valence. We hypothesized that: (1) AAIAT performance would be responsive to ERT during the second half of treatment when the intervention is specifically focused on exposure to approach-avoidance conflict; (2) changes in AAIAT performance during this period would be associated with changes in clinical outcomes; (3) changes in clinical outcomes during the first half of treatment would not be associated with changes in AAIAT performance occurring in the second half. As expected, AAIAT performance significantly changed from mid- to post-treatment, reflecting an increased likelihood of approaching contexts regardless of valence. These changes were related to improvements in quality of life, functional impairment, and negative emotional intensity. ERT shows promise in changing maladaptive approach/avoidance motivational tendencies for individuals with distress disorders, particularly during the second half, when treatment is focused on approach-avoidance content. This study underscores the value of implementing behavioral tasks as complementary tools to self-report measures in furthering our understanding of core mechanisms (e.g., motivation) implicated in the psychopathology and treatment of distress disorders.
Amine and Peptide Modulation of a Voltage-Sensitive, Plasma Membrane Ca2+-Channel in Crayfish Skeletal Muscle

A large conductance channel in the plasma membrane of the crayfish tonic flexor muscle is modulated by the peptide proctolin. Proctolin alone has no effect on the channel, but renders it capable of sustained activity following a step depolarization. After depolarization induces activity, the open probability of the channel increases about 20 fold due to a marked decrease in the mean closed time at all voltages. Proctolin modulation occurs via an intracellular messenger, possibly cAMP. Modulation of the channel by proctolin varies seasonally, disappearing in the winter. Proctolin enhancement of channel activity can be restored in muscles from winter animals by pre-treating the muscles with octopamine.
Building Advantage: Designing The Right Structure For Knowledge Services

It is well recognized that value-added solutions to customer priorities is dependent on knowledge that is scattered throughout the reaches of the organization. However, the issue of how people find out who has exchangeable knowledge worth pursuing, particularly those in possession of tacit knowledge is a major challenge for managers in knowledge services. Traditional 20 th century hierarchies are incapable of addressing this issue. In this chapter, a novel organization architecture, which is termed the “proventure structure”, is presented which is designed to support the location and exchange of knowledge for more effectively generation value-added solutions to customer priorities. The proventure architecture is a new form of organizing and is presented as an investment and exchange forum for the generation of solution and the building of knowledge stocks within the services organization.
Experimental production of atherosclerosis in mice

Summary In the present study gross and microscopic findings due to the effects of various atherogenic and high-fat diets, together with various chronic and acute X-irradiation doses were compared in CFi male mice. The synthetic diets utilized in the present studies, high-fat synthetic control diet (C), Thomas (D), Fillios (E), or Wilgram (F), produced severe pathological disturbances in non-irradiated and irradiated animals. The weight of the liver and spleen in particular was decreased in mice fed atherogenic or synthetic control diets. Chronic radiation exposure either alone or in combination with diet C, F, or B caused marked decrease in the testis weights. Arterial lesions were easily produced in mice which were fed Wilgram diet and were similar to those described by him in rats. This appeared to be the first induction of atherosclerosis in mice using this diet. Comparison of the histopathological findings described in rats by Fillios, Thomas and Hartroft was impossible in mice because of their short survival. Without modification these diets appeared to be unsuitable for mouse experimentation. Lipid deposition within the smooth muscle cells was observed in the aorta, coronary and renal arteries in the mice fed diet F. In the mice fed atherogenic diets (D, F) severe atrophy of smooth muscle cells was seen and calcification of media of the aorta, coronary, renal and pulmonary arteries was frequent and severe. In addition, patchy calcified necrotic areas of myocardium were observed. However, the combination of the chronic irradiation exposure and diet F decreased the degree of lipid deposition and resulted in less calcification of the blood vessels. The same combination increased incidence of thrombosis. In using only chronic X-irradiation, mild hyalinization of collagen fibers in the aorta and calcification of coronary and testicular arteries were observed. Intimai lipid deposition was present in coronary arteries, as well as focal mononuclear infiltration, patchy necrosis and calcification in the myocardium. Acute radiation resulted in loss of smooth muscle cells and calcification of aortic media, calcification and hyalinization of the pulmonary arteries and mononuclear infiltration, necrosis and calcification of the myocardium. The combination of atherogenic diets with acute X-irradiation did not lead to any decrease in sudanophilia or calcification of blood vessels.
Chocolate and Cocoa

Most chocolate and cocoa products consist of blends of roasted cocoa beans chosen for flavor and color characteristics. Cocoa may be blended in the bean, nib, or liquor state before going on to the chocolate making or pressing phase. Pressing separates the liquor into cocoa powder and cocoa butter, ∼ 50:50. The ingredients used for making chocolate are cocoa liquor, cocoa butter, sugar, lecithin, and vanillin for dark chocolate, plus milk solids for milk chocolate. These ingredients are mixed and then refined so the particle size of the ingredients is reduced to make the resultant chocolate smooth. After refining, the chocolate is conched, during which changes to viscosity, flavor, and texture occur. After conching, the product is standardized to fat content and viscosity, is tempered to obtain the correct form of fat crystal, and is deposited into molds to form the final shape. The chocolate is removed from the molds after cooling and then is wrapped and packaged ready for shipment to the customer. Keywords: Cocoa; Chocolate; Standards; Cocoa beans; Chocolate liquor; Cocoa powder; Cocoa butter; Sweet chocolate; Milk chocolate; Theobromine; Caffeine; Nutritional properties
Compact Convex Sets and Continuous Function Spaces

The present section is concerned with a cycle of theorems in all of which D. I. Mil’man had a part. They were originally stated for the w*-topology of a conjugate space, but the proofs adapt without difficulty to locally convex spaces.
Spore Appendages and Taxonomy of Clostridium sordellii

Twenty-five strains of Clostridium sordellii were divided into two groups on the basis of spore fine structure. Sixteen strains formed spores with smooth tubular appendages, and nine strains formed spores which lacked appendages. The other properties of the 25 strains were relatively constant. Since the minor strain variability which was encountered did not correlate with spore appendage status, fragmentation of this species on the basis of spore appendage status is not advocated. Images
When comparative valence frame affects brand extension evaluations: the moderating role of parent-extension fit

This research examines how comparative valence frame influences brand extension acceptance when parent-extension fit matters. The results of this research show that a positive comparison-framed ad message elicits more favourable extension evaluations and greater purchase intentions than a negative comparison-framed ad message under the similar extension condition, while both positive and negative comparison-framed ad messages contribute equally to brand extension evaluations and purchase intentions under the dissimilar extension condition. The findings also suggest that perceived extension risk serves as a critical mediator that underlies the interactive impact of comparative valence frame and parent-extension fit on brand extension evaluations. Theoretical and practical implications for advertising message strategies in brand extensions are discussed.
Attribute Networking: A Sociolinguistic Technique for Modeling Subjective Social Space

0. Introduction Recent approaches to studying the social meaning of linguistic variation have given a central role to speakers’ subjective experiences and locally recognized social categories, relying heavily on ethnographic methods. While such approaches have made great strides toward explaining individualand community-level linguistic performance, they sacrifice some of the objectivity and systematicity of “first-wave” approaches, in Eckert’s (2002) terms. This paper introduces a network-based technique, attribute networking, as an attempt to represent subjective conceptions of local social structures in a way that facilitates quantitative analysis, as the social networks framework does. The approach aims to find empirical justifications for delineating subjective social categories and abstracting from them. It also takes steps toward modeling perceived connections between local, concrete social facts and broader structures (cf. Milroy and Milroy 1992, Eckert 2000). It is not intended to replace but to complement existing methods. The technique is first described and then illustrated with a study of /l/ vocalization in Worthington, Ohio, a Columbus suburb.
Cutting edge: MyD88 is required for resistance to Toxoplasma gondii infection and regulates parasite-induced IL-12 production by dendritic cells.

Host resistance to the intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is highly dependent on early IL-12 production by APC. We demonstrate here that both host resistance and T. gondii-induced IL-12 production are dramatically reduced in mice lacking the adaptor molecule MyD88, an important signaling element used by Toll-like receptor (TLR) family members. Infection of MyD88-deficient mice with T. gondii resulted in uncontrolled parasite replication and greatly reduced plasma IL-12 levels. Defective IL-12 responses to T. gondii Ags (soluble tachyzoite Ag (STAg)) were observed in MyD88−/− peritoneal macrophages, neutrophils, and splenic dendritic cells (DC). In contrast, DC from TLR2- or TLR4-deficient animals developed normal IL-12 responses to STAg. In vivo treatment with pertussis toxin abolished the residual IL-12 response displayed by STAg-stimulated DC from MyD88−/− mice. Taken together, these data suggest that the induction of IL-12 by T. gondii depends on a unique mechanism involving both MyD88 and G protein-coupled signaling pathways.
A Chinese text-to-speech synthesis system based on an initial-final model

An experimental text-to-speech software system has been developed. The principle of the system is based on an initial-final model. Under this model, only 58 phonemes and semisyllables are needed for synthesizing unrestricted Chinese words. The standard Pin-Yin system is used for input through a conventional keyboard. Since tone information is an essential acoustic feature of each spoken Chinese word, four basic tonal variation patterns have been developed and are incorporated into the synthesis process. Some principal sandhi rules are also considered. For improving the intelligibility and quality of the output sound, mixed excitation is used for unaspirated fricatives. Also "zeros" of the spectrum are added into the vocal tract model when appropriate for nasals and some consonants.
An automated system for oxygen-18 water recovery and fluorine-18 delivery

Abstract BNL has recently purchased an EBCO TR-19 cyclotron for routine isotope production. A system has been built to recover oxygen-18 enriched water from the fluorine-18 target, and then transport the F-18 a distance of 50 m to a shielded dose splitter. The remotized system provides the operator with feedback on flow rates and radiation levels during processing. Recovery of the 2.6 mL of enriched water and transport of the F-18 to the radiochemistry labs takes under 10 min, with more than 80% of the activity arriving in the chemistry lab.
Learner Subjects in Study Abroad: Discourse of Immersion, Hierarchy of Experience and Their Subversion through Situated Learning.

This article investigates different kinds of learner subjects that study-abroad programs produce. It is based on discourse analysis and ethnographic fieldwork in May–September 2011, involving three students from a US college studying abroad short term in Europe. The discourse of immersion in study abroad valorizes a learning-by-doing, individual, reflective learner subject who learns alone by gaining everyday experience outside the classroom and by reflecting on it. Some students subverted this discourse and became group and classroom-based learner subjects; nonetheless, they all became reflective learner subjects. This article proposes critical analysis of the discourse and links that reflectivity to critical pedagogy.
On the Structure of Atoms in Strong Magnetic Fields

The problem of a multi-electron atom in a strong magnetic field is treated within the framework of a new statistical model. Here, the charge density n is required to have axial symmmetry. The partial factorization ansatz, n(ϱ, z) = nϱ(ϱ) · nz(ϱ;z), when introduced into Kadomtsev's equation, leads to a second-order, non-linear partial differential equation for nz that is valid over an important range of field strengths. Analytical solutions for two limiting approximations are consistent with earlier qualitative studies. Some illustrative, numerical solutions for a less restrictive approximation reveal atomic structures analogous to accurate hydrogenic results, already in the literature.
Lewis and ABH substances in amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis.

Extract: When eight amniotic fluid samples obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis at various ages of gestation (15–38 weeks) were tested, Lewis substances were present in considerable concentration as early as 15 weeks of gestation. The amniotic Lewis substances found corresponded to the Lewis and secretor phenotypes of the fetus ascertained by determination of the erythrocyte and salivary phenotypes of the mother-infant pairs after delivery. These findings indicate strongly that the amniotic Lewis substances are exclusively of fetal origin. Although not conclusive, the data also indicate that the amniotic ABH substances are the expression of the fetal ABH and secretor status. Speculation: This preliminary study shows that the fetal Lewis and secretor phenotype can be determined antenatally by amniocentesis. This information could be clinically significant in the prenatal detection of hereditary conditions exhibiting linkage to the Lewis and secretor loci. In further research on this subject, Lewis phenotypes of erythrocytes in infants should be determined at appropriate postnatal age with due consideration for the maturation process and differential tissue expressivity of the Lewis and secretor gene systems. Amniotic fluid samples should be obtained preferably by transabdominal amniocentesis to avoid contamination by maternal secretions and saliva from infants should be obtained several days postnatally.
Phosphorylation of the Cytosolic Domain of Peptidylglycine α-Amidating Monooxygenase

Peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM) is a bifunctional enzyme that catalyzes the COOH-terminal α-amidation of neural and endocrine peptides through a two-step reaction carried out sequentially by its monooxygenase and lyase domains. PAM occurs in soluble and integral membrane forms. Metabolic labeling of stably transfected hEK-293 and AtT-20 cells showed that [32P]PO43− was efficiently incorporated into Ser and Thr residues of membrane PAM but not into soluble PAM. Truncation of integral membrane PAM proteins (which terminate with Ser976) at Tyr936 eliminated their phosphorylation, suggesting that the COOH-terminal region of the protein was the site of phosphorylation. Recombinant PAM COOH-terminal domain was phosphorylated on Ser937 and Ser937 by protein kinase C (PKC). PAM-1 protein recovered from different subcellular fractions of stably transfected AtT-20 cells was differentially susceptible to calcium-dependent, staurosporine-inhibitable phosphorylation catalyzed by endogenous cytosolic protein kinase(s). Although phorbol ester treatment of hEK-293 cells expressing PAM-1 stimulated the cleavage/release of a bifunctional 105-kDa PAM protein, the effect was an indirect one since it was also observed in hEK-293 cells expressing a truncated PAM-1 protein that was not phosphorylated. AtT-20 cells expressing PAM-1 lacking one of the PKC sites (PAM-1/Ser937→Ala) exhibited an altered pattern of PAM•PAM antibody internalization, with the mutant protein targeted to lysosomes upon internalization. Thus, phosphorylation of Ser937 in the COOH-terminal cytosolic domain of membrane PAM plays a role in a specific step in the targeting of this protein.
Factor V Leiden mutation: a treatable etiology for sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss.

Objective We hypothesized that the thrombophilic G1691A factor V Leiden (FVL) gene mutation was a common, significant, and treatable cause of sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Design We compared the frequency of the FVL mutation in 141 women with ≥1 pregnancy and 1 sporadic pregnancy loss (308 live births, 141 pregnancy losses), 44 women with ≥1 pregnancy and ≥3 pregnancy losses (105 live births, 180 pregnancy losses), and 638 women with ≥1 live birth pregnancy and 0 pregnancy loss (1553 live births). Setting Outpatient Clinical Research Center. Patient(s) A total of 823 caucasian women with consecutive measures of the FVL mutation. Main Outcome Measure(s) We used polymerase chain reaction techniques to characterize the thrombophilic FVL G1691A gene mutation. Result(s) Of the 638 controls, 47 (7.4%) had FVL heterozygosity versus 16 heterozygous and 2 homozygous FVL cases (18/141, 12.8%) in 141 women with 1 sporadic pregnancy loss versus 9/44 RPL cases (20.5%, 8 heterozygous and 1 homozygous FVL). The FVL frequency in cases with 1 sporadic pregnancy loss (18/141, 12.8%) did not differ from RPL cases (9/44, 20.45%). Conclusion(s) After unexplained sporadic pregnancy loss, as well as after RPL, to provide the option to prospectively optimize subsequent live birth outcomes with low-molecular-weight heparin thromboprophylaxis, we suggest that measurements be done of the FVL mutation, a treatable etiology for sporadic pregnancy loss as well as for RPL.
Neutron-photon multigroup cross sections for neutron energies ⩽ 400 MeV (revision 1)

Abstract Multigroup cross sections (66 neutron groups and 22 photon groups) are described for neutron energies from thermal to 400 MeV. The elements considered are hydrogen, 10B, 11B, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, sulfur, potassium, calcium, chromium, iron, nickel, tungsten, and lead. The cross section data presented are a revision of similar data presented previously. In the case of iron, transport calculations using the earlier and the revised cross sections are presented and compared, and significant differences are found. The revised cross sections are available from the Radiation Shielding Information Center of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Early developments and clinical applications of total parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: This article recounts the conditions and status of surgical nutrition support in the 1960s and the antecedent basic and clinical investigational work leading to the development of a practical and efficacious method of adequate nourishment entirely by vein in Beagle puppies; describes the subsequent clinical application of the knowledge, techniques, and technology to the first successful long-term total parenteral nutrition (TPN) support of critically ill pediatric and adult patients; and admonishes nutritionists of all backgrounds that some need for parenteral nutrition will likely always exist and that it is incumbent upon everyone to continue endeavors to advance the germinal methodology to perfection. METHODS: The relevant indications, limitations, hindrances, motivational factors, and studies regarding the development of TPN are reviewed, and the fundamental investigational work culminating in the first successful growth and development of Beagle puppies and a human infant fed entirely by ...
Fine-scale temporal and spatial distributions of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) on a western Gulf of Maine spawning ground

Abstract We utilized a combination of acoustic telemetry and archival data storage tags (DSTs) to study the fine-scale temporal and spatial distributions of spawning Atlantic cod in Ipswich Bay, located in the western Gulf of Maine. Pre-spawning cod were tagged (200 DSTs, 26 acoustic tags) as they neared a known spawning ground. Fish equipped with acoustic tags were relocated by a receiver array and a boat-mounted directional receiver over the following eight weeks. Group activity was analyzed by minimum convex polygon (MCP), and individual kernel distribution estimates were created for 13 fish. Individual cod utilized spawning areas 2 in size (mean 41 km 2 ) with a high degree of spatial overlap. Activity was distributed along a roughly V-shaped “corridor” bounded by elevated bottom features. Cod aggregated around specific humps and ridges, and there were two separate weeks during the two-month study when the majority of cod converged on a single aggregation “hot-spot.” The last detection date for each cod was used as a proxy for departure date. Seven cod were tracked making rapid departures across the spawning ground in 100 m) shifts occurring 23–50 days after tagging. Data from three cod equipped with both an acoustic transmitter and a DST showed concurrence between last detections and deep-water shifts. Our findings demonstrate that coastal cod in the western Gulf of Maine aggregate around fine-scale bathymetric features on the spawning ground, utilize relatively small areas during spawning, are highly mobile within those areas, and tend to move as a group.
Muscle Cell Fate Choice Requires the T-Box Transcription Factor Midline in Drosophila

Drosophila Midline (Mid) is an ortholog of vertebrate Tbx20, which plays roles in the developing heart, migrating cranial motor neurons, and endothelial cells. Mid functions in cell-fate specification and differentiation of tissues that include the ectoderm, cardioblasts, neuroblasts, and egg chambers; however, a role in the somatic musculature has not been described. We identified mid in genetic and molecular screens for factors contributing to somatic muscle morphogenesis. Mid is expressed in founder cells (FCs) for several muscle fibers, and functions cooperatively with the T-box protein H15 in lateral oblique muscle 1 and the segment border muscle. Mid is particularly important for the specification and development of the lateral transverse (LT) muscles LT3 and LT4, which arise by asymmetric division of a single muscle progenitor. Mid is expressed in this progenitor and its two sibling FCs, but is maintained only in the LT4 FC. Both muscles were frequently missing in mid mutant embryos, and LT4-associated expression of the transcription factor Kruppel (Kr) was lost. When present, LT4 adopted an LT3-like morphology. Coordinately, mid misexpression caused LT3 to adopt an LT4-like morphology and was associated with ectopic Kr expression. From these data, we concluded that mid functions first in the progenitor to direct development of LT3 and LT4, and later in the FCs to influence whichever of these differentiation profiles is selected. Mid is the first T-box factor shown to influence LT3 and LT4 muscle identity and, along with the T-box protein Optomotor-blind-related-gene 1 (Org-1), is representative of a new class of transcription factors in muscle specification.
Mobile robot for inspection of porcelain insulator strings

We transferred an insulator inspection robot from Korea Electric Power Corporation. The robot can inspect suspension insulator strings and tension insulator strings. And it can be operated at the highest voltage level of 345kV live-line. It can measure the resistance and the distribution voltage of the insulator, then judge the status of the insulator according to the detection result. We made some improvements on the basis of the Korean insulator inspection robot. We add the electric field measurement, visible inspection, hydrophobicity inspection functions to the robot. So it can be more comprehensive and objective to judge the insulator status. We improve the robot electromagnetic shielding and control system so that it can inspect insulators on highest voltage level of 1000kV. In order to verify the performance of the robot, we carried out a lot of experimental research.
Creating contextually authentic science in a “low‐performing” urban elementary school

This article reports on a 2½-year collaborate project to reform the teaching and learning of science in the context of Mae Jemison Elementary, the lowest performing elementary school in the state of Louisiana. I outline a taxonomy of authentic science inquiry experiences and then use the resulting framework to focus on how project participants interpreted and enacted ideas about collaboration and authenticity. The resulting contextually authentic science inquiry model links the strengths of a canonically authentic model of science inquiry (grounded in the Western scientific canon) with the strengths of a youth-centered model of authenticity (grounded in student-generated inquiry), thus bringing together relevant content standards and topics with critical social relevance. I address the question of how such enactments may or may not promote doing science together and consider the implications of this model for urban science education. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 43: 695–721, 2006
Exercise Therapy for Claudication: Latest Advances

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) creates a significant national and international healthcare burden. A first line treatment for PAD is supervised walking exercise in hospitals and clinics. Specifically, supervised walking exercise seeks to improve the classic symptom associated with PAD, intermittent claudication (IC), which is characterized by cramping, aching, and pain of the muscles in the lower extremities during walking. While effective, supervised walking exercise is often not prescribed or utilized due to a number of treatment barriers such as lack of transportation to clinical centers and lack of insurance reimbursement. Walking exercise in community settings is an option that has gained attention due to the limitations of supervised walking exercise, as community walking is generally more convenient in terms of a patient’s schedule and may circumvent potential barriers such as treatment cost and transportation difficulties. However, more research is needed to improve the effectiveness of community-based walking programs since far less is known about the optimal structure of such programs. Other exercise therapy options are becoming available for PAD patients in addition to walking exercise. These modalities include but are not limited to leg and arm ergometry, polestriding and resistance training. These exercise therapy options have not to date been as well validated as supervised walking exercise. However, they may potentially be used in the event supervised walking exercise is not feasible or patient preference warrants an alternative exercise strategy.
Hepatic expression of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase reverses muscle, liver and whole-animal insulin resistance

Lipid infusion or ingestion of a high-fat diet results in insulin resistance, but the mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. Here we show that, in rats fed a high-fat diet, whole-animal, muscle and liver insulin resistance is ameliorated following hepatic overexpression of malonyl-coenzyme A (CoA) decarboxylase (MCD), an enzyme that affects lipid partitioning. MCD overexpression decreased circulating free fatty acid (FFA) and liver triglyceride content. In skeletal muscle, levels of triglyceride and long-chain acyl-CoA (LC-CoA)-two candidate mediators of insulin resistance-were either increased or unchanged. Metabolic profiling of 36 acylcarnitine species by tandem mass spectrometry revealed a unique decrease in the concentration of one lipid-derived metabolite, beta-OH-butyrate, in muscle of MCD-overexpressing animals. The best explanation for our findings is that hepatic expression of MCD lowered circulating FFA levels, which led to lowering of muscle beta-OH-butyrate levels and improvement of insulin sensitivity.
Integrating critical thinking strategies into nursing curricula

Abstract Critical thinking has been a focus in nursing education for more than 20 years. Promoting student competence in critical thinking skills is essential for nurse educators. Fostering critical thinking ability involves planning and implementation of strategies throughout the nursing curriculum. Reflection, concept mapping, and questioning are some of the best practices identified as effective in developing the critical thinking dimension. Developing a framework of best practices for promoting critical thinking in nursing education can assist nurse educators with integrating critical thinking strategies into nursing curricula.
Communication satellites for rural development

Abstract The author points out that telecommunications in rural areas are an essential infrastructure for development, and that appropriately designed satellites could form an important part of rural communications technology. He argues that hybrid systems involving clusters of communities, served by a single ground station and rural radio telephone interconnection, are likely to be lower cost than all-satellite or terrestrial-only systems.
Water, Water Everywhere...but will Everyone Have a Drink?

Not Avaiable DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v13i0.10041 HYDRO NEPAL Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Issue No. 13, July 2013 Page: 52-53 Uploaded date: 3/13/2014
Progression of inner ear pathology in Ames waltzer mice and the role of protocadherin 15 in hair cell development

The Ames waltzer (av) mouse mutant exhibits auditory and vestibular abnormalities resulting from mutation of protocadherin 15 (Pcdh15). Ames waltzer has been identified as an animal model for inner ear pathology associated with Usher syndrome type 1F. Studies correlating anatomical phenotype with severity of genetic defect in various av alleles are providing better understanding of the role played by Pcdh15 in inner ear development and of sensorineural abnormalities associated with alterations in Pcdh15 protein structure as a result of gene mutation. In this work we present new findings on inner ear pathology in four alleles of av mice with differing mutations of Pcdh15 as well as varying alterations in inner ear morphology. Two alleles with in-frame deletion mutations (Pcdh15av-J and Pcdh15av-2J) and two presumptive functional null alleles (Pcdh15av-3J and Pcdh15av-Tg) were studied. Light and electron microscopic observations demonstrated that the severity of cochlear and vestibular pathology in these animals correlates positively with the extent of mutation in Pcdh15 from embryonic day 18 (E18) up to 12 months. Electron microscopic analysis of immature ears indicated early abnormalities in the arrangement of stereocilia and the inner and outer hair cell cuticular plates, stereocilia rootlets, and the actin meshwork within the cuticular plate. In severe cases, displacement of the kinocilium and alterations in the shape of the cuticular plate was also observed. Mice harboring in-frame deletion mutations showed less disorganization of stereocilia and cuticular plates in the organ of Corti than the presumptive functional null alleles at P0–P10. A slower progression of pathology was also seen via light microscopy in older animals with in-frame deletions, compared to the presumptive functional null mutations. In summary, our results demonstrate that mutation in Pcdh15 affects the initial formation of stereocilia bundles with associated changes in the actin meshwork within the cuticular plate; these effects are more pronounced in the presumed null mutation compared to mutations that only affect the extracellular domain. The positive correlation of severity of effects with extent of mutation can be seen well into adulthood.
Linkage between vitamin D-binding protein and α-fetoprotein in the mouse

The albumin gene family consists of four evolutionarily related genes that code for serum transport proteins. In rodents, the genes for albumin, α-fetoprotein, and αALB are physically linked within 100 kilobases of DNA. The fourth gene, Gc, encoding vitamin D-binding protein or group-specific component, maps to the same chromosome as the other family members, but linkage has not been established. This report describes the genetic and physical mapping of Gc in mouse and establishes that, although Gc is genetically linked to the other genes, its physical distance from them extends beyond the resolution range of yeast artificial chromosome cloning and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Interaction between solitons in gauge theories

A systematic method for obtaining asymptotic multisoliton solutions in gauge theories is given. These solutions are used to investigate the interaction between vortex lines in type-I and type-II superconductors, reproducing the known behavior. The application to QCD flux tubes and glueballs obtained from the long-range effective Lagrangian yield the following results: (1) No long-range Van der Waals–type forces exist between these solitons in spite of the fact that the Abelian force law obtained from this model is a linear potential; (2) the interactions between flux tubes and between flux tubes and anti-flux-tubes are identical, being repulsive at long range and strongly attractive at short range. This behavior differs sharply from the superconductor case, and results from the differences between the gauge groups SU(2) and U(1).
Defining dangerous anthropogenic interference

Few would dispute that the nations of the world should collectively do what must be done to avert elevating atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations to the point of “dangerous anthropogenic interference” (DAI) with our climate. However, the devil, as they say, is in the details, details most recently explored by Smith et al. (1) in this issue of PNAS.