cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Myocyte [Na+]i Dysregulation in Heart Failure and Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

By controlling the function of various sarcolemmal and mitochondrial ion transporters, intracellular Na+ concentration ([Na+]i) regulates Ca2+ cycling, electrical activity, the matching of energy supply and demand, and oxidative stress in cardiac myocytes. Thus, maintenance of myocyte Na+ homeostasis is vital for preserving the electrical and contractile activity of the heart. [Na+]i is set by the balance between the passive Na+ entry through numerous pathways and the pumping of Na+ out of the cell by the Na+/K+-ATPase. This equilibrium is perturbed in heart failure, resulting in higher [Na+]i. More recent studies have revealed that [Na+]i is also increased in myocytes from diabetic hearts. Elevated [Na+]i causes oxidative stress and augments the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak, thus amplifying the risk for arrhythmias and promoting heart dysfunction. This mini-review compares and contrasts the alterations in Na+ extrusion and/or Na+ uptake that underlie the [Na+]i increase in heart failure and diabetes, with a particular emphasis on the emerging role of Na+ - glucose cotransporters in the diabetic heart.
Cellular fatty acid level regulates the effect of tolylfluanid on mitochondrial dysfunction and insulin sensitivity in C2C12 skeletal myotubes.

Abstract Previous research suggests that the endocrine disrupting chemical tolylfluanid (TF) may promote metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance in humans. The potential impact of TF on skeletal muscle metabolism has yet to be fully investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether TF can promote insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction in mammalian skeletal muscle cells. C2C12 murine skeletal myotubes were exposed to 1 ppm TF for 24 h. To examine the potential effect of cellular fatty acid levels on TF-dependent regulation of mitochondrial metabolism and insulin signaling, we treated skeletal myotubes with 0.25 mM or 1.0 mM oleic acid (OA) during TF exposure trials. Tolylfluanid (1–10 ppm) reduced lipid accumulation by approximately 20% in 0.25 and 1.0 mM OA treated cells. The addition of 0.25 mM OA completely inhibited the TF-dependent reduction in maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate (OCR) while 1.0 mM OA exacerbated the TF-dependent reduction in mitochondrial OCR. Exposing skeletal myotubes to 1 ppm TF promoted an 80% reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, which was completely inhibited by 0.25 mM OA and partially inhibited by1.0 mM OA. The addition of 0.25 mM OA promoted a TF-dependent increase in insulin-dependent P-Akt (Ser473). In contrast, the addition of 1.0 mM OA promoted a significant reduction in insulin-dependent P-Akt (Ser473). Further, the addition of 1 ppm TF significantly reduced insulin-dependent mTORC1 activity regardless of OA concentration. Finally, TF significantly reduced insulin-dependent protein synthesis in the 1 mM OA treated cells only. Our results demonstrate that the effect of 1 ppm TF on mitochondrial function and insulin-dependent protein synthesis in skeletal myotubes was largely dependent upon cellular fatty acid levels.
Passport to Discovery: A Library Adventure

Abstract Schaffer Library's long-standing summer orientation activity and partnership with the Academic Opportunity Program/Higher Education Opportunity Program has taken many incarnations over the years. The present passport format encourages our students to see the library as a destination for discovery and requires participants to engage with their surroundings and the resources within the library, providing them with a way to keep and take away the information they learned. It also incorporates the concept of authentic learning, which has been proven to lead to a more robust educational experience. In addition, the connections made during the orientation activity can prove to be useful in increasing the likelihood that students will return to the library and readily engage with library staff.
Protective action of semi-fluorinated perfluorocyclobutyl polymer coatings against corrosion of mild steel

This study examines perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aromatic ether polymers and demonstrates, for the first time, their potential as corrosion-resistant coatings. PFCB polymers are a distinct class of semi-fluorinated polymers that are based on thermal cyclopolymerization of aromatic trifluorovinyl ethers. They combine the flexibility and thermal stability of aromatic ethers with strong fluorocarbon linkages. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic scans reveal that PFCB coatings display protective barrier properties against corrosion attack nearly equal to that of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) coatings. The PFCBs also show excellent adhesion to metal surfaces and nonstick properties comparable to that of PVDF. Combined with their high thermal resistance, PFCBs may lead to new corrosion-resistant coatings in marine, oil and gas, and other applications.
A Method for Quantifying Foliage-Dwelling Arthropods

Terrestrial arthropods play an important role in our environment. Quantifying arthropods in a way that allows for a precise index or estimates of density requires a method with high detection probability and a known sampling area. While most described methods provide a qualitative or semi-quantitative estimate adequate for describing species presence, richness, and diversity, few provide an adequately consistent detection probability and known or consistent sampling areas to provide an index or estimate with adequate precision to detect differences in abundance across environmental, spatial, or temporal variables. We describe how to quantify leaf-dwelling arthropods by sealing the leaves and end of branches in a bag, clipping and freezing the bagged material, and rinsing the previously frozen material in water to separate arthropods from the substrate and quantify them. As we demonstrate, this method can be used at a landscape scale to quantify leaf-dwelling arthropods with adequate precision to test for and describe how spatial, temporal, environmental, and ecological variables influence arthropod richness and abundance. This method allowed us to detect differences in density, richness, and diversity of leaf-dwelling arthropods among 5 genera of trees commonly found in southeastern deciduous forests.
MRI demonstration of gadolinium deposition in bone after monthly triple-dose gadopentetate dimeglumine and correlation with frequency of hypophosphatemia

OBJECTIVES We retrospectively analyzed data of the BECOME trial to investigate whether serial administration of triple-dose (3-dose) gadopentetate dimeglumine would result in the development of T1 signal-to-noise (S/N) changes in the cranial diploic space and whether S/N changes correlated with on-study hypophosphatemia. METHODS Signal intensity analysis was performed on the first year's data of the BECOME trial using 3-dose Gd (14 months, maximum number of doses, 39, mean: 36). Routine blood and urine tests were obtained each month for safety monitoring. Linear mixed regression modeling with random intercept was used to analyze monthly signal-to-noise ratio (S/N = Bone/Air) using an ROI of the diploic space created from T2W images and overlaid on T1FS (T1 fat-saturated) images. Incidence of phosphate abnormalities was analyzed using the general estimation equation; correlation of phosphate and S/N change was achieved with type 3 test of fixed effects. RESULTS Cranial diploic space T1FS S/N increased over 14 months: S/N = 0.039 mean monthly increase (S.E. 0.008; p < 0.0001). Subjects with consistently normal phosphate levels (n = 32) experienced more of a S/N increase than patients with at least one episode of hypophosphatemia (n = 35) (0.057 vs. 0.023, respectively, p = 0.037). Those with moderate hypophosphatemia demonstrated no significant S/N increase. CONCLUSION Monthly administration of 3-dose gadopentetate dimeglumine is associated with development of increased S/N on T1FS imaging in the cranial diploic space, suggesting Gd retention in bone. Our data suggests MRI could be used as a noninvasive method of tracking Gd retention in bone, which was more pronounced in patients with normal phosphate levels.
GERALD D. SCHMIDT, HELMINTHOLOGIST

In 1960, when Gerald D. Schmidt received the A.B. degree in biology and began graduate work at Colorado State University, the discipline of helminthology was following in the tradition of Rudolf Leuckart, as instituted in North America by Henry Baldwin Ward. The helminthologists of that time devoted themselves to taxonomy and systematics, elucidation of cycles, and experimental investigation of the interactions of helminths and their hosts. To the lasting benefit of his many students and colleagues, Gerald D. Schmidt was motivated to pursue scholarly inquiries in that tradition-to concentrate his remarkable energies on the study of helminths at the organismal level. In his acceptance of the H. B. Ward Medal, in 1973, Gerald Schmidt credited his introduction to parasitology to Maynard Stamper, former chairman of the Department of Biology at Colorado State College (now the University of Northern Colorado). Dr. Stamper encouraged him to apply for admittance to graduate study at Colorado State University, with Dr. O. Wilford Olsen.
Perspectives of scientists on disseminating research findings to non-research audiences.

Background: Little is known about practices used to disseminate findings to non-research, practitioner audiences. This study describes the perspectives, experience and activities of dissemination & implementation (D&I) scientists around disseminating their research findings. Methods: The study explored D&I scientists’ experiences and recommendations for assessment of dissemination activities to non-research audiences. Existing list serves were used to recruit scientists. Respondents were asked three open-ended questions on an Internet survey about dissemination activities, recommendations for changing evaluation systems and suggestions to improve their own dissemination of their work. Results: Surveys were completed by 159 scientists reporting some training, funding and/or publication history in DI 1b) funding requirements and 1c) lack of acknowledgement of dissemination activities. Question 2 on recommended changes generated the themes of: 2a) dissemination as a requirement of the academic promotion process; 2b) requirement of dissemination plan and 2c) dissemination metrics. Question 3 on personal changes to improve dissemination generated the themes of: 3a) allocation of resources for dissemination activities; 3b) emerging dissemination channels and 3c) identify and address issues of priority for stakeholders. Conclusions: Our findings revealed different types of issues D&I scientists encounter when disseminating findings to clinical, public health or policy audiences and their suggestions to improve the process. Future research should consider key requirements which determine academic promotion and grant funding as an opportunity to expand dissemination efforts.
A Cultura na Trilha dos Guaianás - Uma Inspiração Etnofotográfica no Caminho do Ouro

Resumo: Este ensaio fotografico inspira-se na Etnofotografia proposta pelo arquiteto e fotografo italiano Sandro Spini. As fotos e o texto de abertura da chamada Trilha Guaiana, que compoe a chamada Estrada Real ou Caminho do Ouro. Percorrer Trilha Guaiana atraves de imagens permite explorar o imaginario das relacoes entre o passado e o presente das populacoes pre-colombianas e da colonizacao europeia e significa experimentar um percurso de ritmos e referencias espaciais dissonantes com a experiencia de vida moderna. Palavras-chave: Caminho do Ouro. Trilha dos Guaianas. Etnofotografia CULTURE IN THE TRAIL OF THE GUAIANAS - AN ETNOPHOTOGRAPHICAL INSPIRATION IN THE "CAMINHO DO OURO" Abstract: This photographic essay is inspired by the Etnophotography method proposed by the Italian architect and photographer Sandro Spini. The photos and the opening text address the Guaiana Trail, which makes up the "Estrada Real" (Royal Road) or “Caminho do Ouro" (Gold Way). Walking the Guaiana Trail through images allows to explore the imaginary of the relations between the past and the present of pre-Columbian populations and European colonization and means experiencing a journey of rhythms and spatial references that distune with the experience of modern life. Keywords : Caminho do Ouro. Guaiana Trail. Etnophotography
Numerical modeling and behavior of ductile short-grouted reinforcing bar-to-foundation connections for precast concrete structures

Abstract This paper presents the nonlinear finite element modeling and behavior of a short-grouted connection for ductile deformed steel reinforcing bars across gap-opening joints in seismic precast concrete structures. Uniaxial monotonic tension modeling of five previously tested ductile-bar connection specimens were conducted to: (1) analyze the different deformation components that contributed to the ductility of the connection in tension; and (2) investigate the effect of the connection sleeve taper angle and surface corrugations on the behavior of the connection. Straining of the connection bar had by far the largest contribution to the total joint separation (gap opening), while the grout-to-sleeve interface slip and grout deformation (straining) components had smaller but non-negligible contributions to the total joint separation. In comparison, bond slip of the bar had relatively small contribution to the joint separation. Increased taper angle of the connection sleeve provided more effective confinement of the grout by limiting the interface slip with respect to the sleeve and reducing the amount of cracking in the grout. The use of a straight, corrugated sleeve also reduced the slip (through interface friction), but also resulted in the largest grout deformations as compared with the tapered sleeves and more concentrated grout cracking in the top half of the connection. The largest tension stresses in the foundation concrete developed closest to the top of the connector, consistent with regions where hairline cracks were seen at the top of the foundation in the experimental program.
Medial olivocochlear reflex effects on amplitude growth functions of long- and short-latency components of click-evoked otoacoustic emissions in humans

The auditory efferent system, operating at moderate to high sound levels, may improve hearing in background noise and provide protection from noise damage. We used otoacoustic emissions to measure ...
Oxygenation measurement of placenta tissue during pregnancy using near infrared spectroscopy

We have developed a wearable Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) device to measure the placental oxygenation. The device comprises of six source-detector distances to probe the oxygenation at different tissues. We have measured NIRS signals and tissue thickness in 12 healthy, singleton, pregnant volunteers (week 33.3±3.6 pregnancy). The placental oxygenation calculated for this group ranges from 68% to 89%. However, we found that the calculated placental oxygenation is positively correlated with the thickness of the fat layer. Hence, we are now performing a Monte Carlo simulation on a five-layer model to correct the effect of fat on placental oxygenation.
Giant-Planet Chemistry: Ammonium Hydrosulfide (NH4SH), Its IR Spectra and Thermal and Radiolytic Stabilities

Here we present our recent studies of proton-irradiated and unirradiated ammonium hydrosulfide, NH4SH, a compound predicted to be an important tropospheric cloud component of Jupiter and other giant planets. We irradiated both crystalline and amorphous NH4SH at 10-160 K and used IR spectroscopy to observe and identify reaction products in the ice, specifically NH3 and long-chained sulfur-containing ions. Crystalline NH4SH was amorphized during irradiation at all temperatures studied with the rate being the fastest at the lowest temperatures. Irradiation of amorphous NH4SH at approximately 10-75 K showed that 60-80% of the NH4 + remained when equilibrium was reached, and that NH4SH destruction rates were relatively constant within this temperature range. Irradiations at higher temperatures produced different dose dependence and were accompanied by pressure outbursts that, in some cases, fractured the ice. The thermal stability of irradiated NH4SH was found to be greater than that of unirradiated NH4SH, suggesting that an irradiated giant-planet cloud precipitate can exist at temperatures and altitudes not previously considered.
A 7 GHz 1.5-V Dual-Modulus Prescaler in 0.18 μm Copper-CMOS Technology

A dual-modulus prescaler using True-Single-Phase-Clock (TSPC) logic is implemented in a 0.18 mm copper CMOS technology. With careful design and optimization the prescaler is able to operate at frequency up to 7.14 GHz at 1.5 V supply voltage. The high-speed operation is attributed to the adoption of the TSPC dynamic logic, and the all copper interconnect CMOS process which has much less interconnect parasitics than conventional aluminum technology. The design facilitates the implementation of a fully integrated RF CMOS phase-locked loop for applications in the 5.8 GHz ISM band such as wireless LAN.
One-to-many propensity score matching in cohort studies

Background Among the large number of cohort studies that employ propensity score matching, most match patients 1:1. Increasing the matching ratio is thought to improve precision but may come with a trade-off with respect to bias. Objective To evaluate several methods of propensity score matching in cohort studies through simulation and empirical analyses. Methods We simulated cohorts of 20 000 patients with exposure prevalence of 10%–50%. We simulated five dichotomous and five continuous confounders. We estimated propensity scores and matched using digit-based greedy (“greedy”), pairwise nearest neighbor within a caliper (“nearest neighbor”), and a nearest neighbor approach that sought to balance the scores of the comparison patient above and below that of the treated patient (“balanced nearest neighbor”). We matched at both fixed and variable matching ratios and also evaluated sequential and parallel schemes for the order of formation of 1:n match groups. We then applied this same approach to two cohorts of patients drawn from administrative claims data. Results Increasing the match ratio beyond 1:1 generally resulted in somewhat higher bias. It also resulted in lower variance with variable ratio matching but higher variance with fixed. The parallel approach generally resulted in higher mean squared error but lower bias than the sequential approach. Variable ratio, parallel, balanced nearest neighbor matching generally yielded the lowest bias and mean squared error. Conclusions 1:n matching can be used to increase precision in cohort studies. We recommend a variable ratio, parallel, balanced 1:n, nearest neighbor approach that increases precision over 1:1 matching at a small cost in bias. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE PREVALENCE OF TRACHEOBRONCHOMALACIA IN PATIENTS WITH ASTHMA OR CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Background and Objective:Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is an under-diagnosed condition presenting with nonspecific symptoms. Patients are often diagnosed with “ difficult to treat” asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), especially in a community setting. Prevalence studies showing wide ranges have been based on selective populations. Computed tomography (CT) is a useful non-invasive test that can detect excessive collapse of the central airways. This study aims to determine the prevalence of TBM with compatible features incidentally noted on CT in patients hospitalized for asthma or COPD in a community setting. Methods:A retrospective analysis of CT scans of the chest in patients with a diagnosis of asthma or COPD from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2007 was conducted. Images were assessed for excessive collapse of central airways between the thoracic inlet and carina. We defined a 50% reduction in the airway lumen diameter as criteria to diagnose TBM. Results:638 patients with a clinical diagnosis of asthma or COPD were admitted during the study period. Twenty-five patients (8.8%) met the criteria for TBM. The prevalence of TBM between the two groups was not statistically different. Radiology reports from index hospitalization described central airway collapse in only 5 patients in our cohort (1.8% vs 8.8%, p< 0.001). Conclusions:A significant number of patients with a diagnosis of obstructive airways disease have findings also compatible with TBM on computed tomography. TBM is under-diagnosed in the community setting. There is no difference in the prevalence of TBM among patients with asthma or COPD.
Improving telemetry data accessibility

The existing telemetry archiving system stores data in flat files using APL's internal data format. Data in this format are non-decommutated data. Every time the data is accessed by the user, it has to be decommutated using other tools, which requires a considerable amount of time and resources. The data results from the decommutating process are stored in CSV (comma separated values) format files. Then the user will have to configure and use other analysis tools to do further analysis of the data. To avoid repeating the decommutation process for frequently accessed data, and to provide the user with a single point of access to the existing tools, we designed and implemented a second level archive system to store decommutated telemetry values of critical points needing extensive analysis in a relational database and a Web interface to provide a single point of access to the data and tools.
Regulation of DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase in rat pancreas: II. Age-dependent changes in glucocorticoid control

Abstract The effect of glucocorticoid on DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase in the rat pancreas of stable mass has been studied in order to elucidate the mode of control of DNA metabolism in the tissue whose increase in DNA content has reached a steadystate. The DNA synthesis was assessed by the pulse-labeling method using radio-active thymidine as the precursor. The polymerase activity was assayed by measuring the amount of [ 3 H]TTP incorporated in vitro into the acid insoluble fraction in the presence of activated calf thymus DNA. In the pancreas which has ceased to accumulate DNA, the effect of glucocorticoid is monophasic: administration of glucocorticoid inhibits DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activities, but it does not elicit the subsequent stimulation of DNA synthesis and DNA polymerase activities such as that observed in the actively growing pancreas. The absence of the stimulatory effect in the older animals is an age-dependent alteration in the tissue-response to the steroid observed for the first time.
Membrane recycling in the neuronal growth cone revealed by FM1-43 labeling.

Membrane dynamics within the chick ciliary neuronal growth cone were investigated by using the membrane-impermeant dye FM1–43. A depolarization-evoked endocytosis was observed that shared many properties with the synaptic vesicle recycling previously described at the presynaptic terminal. In addition, in the absence of depolarization a basal level of constitutive endocytotic activity was observed at ∼30% of the rate of evoked endocytosis. This constitutive endocytosis accounted for large amounts of membrane retrieval: the equivalent of the entire growth cone surface area could be internalized within a 30 min period. Endosomes generated via constitutive and evoked processes were highly mobile and could move considerable distances both within the growth cone and out to the neurite. In addition to their different requirements for formation, evoked and constitutive endosomes displayed a significant difference in release properties. After a subsequent depolarization of labeled growth cones, evoked endosomes were released although constitutive endosomes were not released. Furthermore, treatment with latrotoxin released evoked endosomes, but not constitutive endosomes. Although the properties of evoked endosomes are highly reminiscent of synaptic vesicles, constitutive endosomes appear to be a separate pool resulting from a distinct and highly active process within the neuronal growth cone.
Nonmedication Treatments for Adult ADHD: Evaluating Impact on Daily Functioning and Well-Being

Presents a comprehensive review of the status of nonmedication interventions available for adults with ADHD. This title covers research on the various treatments discussed. It identifies uses of nonmedical treatments for adult ADHD as a promising field for future research.
Monsters in the Italian Literary Imagination

Reviewed Medium: book Year: 2001 Pages: 325 Publisher: Wayne State University Press Prices: $34.95 US(hard cover).
Generalizing Core-Guided Max-SAT

Recent work has shown the value of using unsatisfiable cores to guide maximum satisfiability algorithms (Max-SAT) running on industrial instances [5,9,10,11]. We take this concept and generalize it, applying it to the problem of finding minimal correction sets (MCSes), which themselves are generalizations of Max-SAT solutions. With the technique's success in Max-SAT for industrial instances, our development of a generalized approach is motivated by the industrial applications of MCSes in circuit debugging [12] and as a precursor to computing minimal unsatisfiable subsets (MUSes) in a hardware verification system [1]. Though the application of the technique to finding MCSes is straightforward, its correctness and completeness are not, and we prove both for our algorithm. Our empirical results show that our modified MCS algorithm performs better, often by orders of magnitude, than the existing algorithm, even in cases where the use of cores has a negative impact on the performance of Max-SAT algorithms.
Spaceflight alters immune cell function and distribution

Experiments are described which were performed onboard Cosmos 2044 to determine spaceflight effects on immunologically important cell function and distribution. Results indicate that bone marrow cells from flown and suspended rats exhibited a decreased response to a granulocyte/monocyte colony-stimulating factor compared with the bone marrow cells from control rats. Bone marrow cells showed an increase in the percentage of cells expressing markers for helper T-cells in the myelogenous population and increased percentages of anti-asialo granulocyte/monocyte-1-bearing interleulin-2 receptor bearing pan T- and helper T-cells in the lymphocytic population.
Maximizing speedup through self-tuning of processor allocation

Addresses the problem of maximizing application speedup through run-time self-selection of an appropriate number of processors on which to run. Automatic run-time selection of processor allocations is important because many parallel applications exhibit peak speedups at allocations that are data- or time-dependent. We propose the use of a run-time system that: (a) dynamically measures job efficiencies at different allocations, (b) uses these measurements to calculate speedups, and (c) automatically adjusts a job's processor allocation to maximize its speedup. Using a set of 10 applications that includes both hand-coded parallel programs and compiler-parallelized sequential programs, we show that our run-time system can reliably determine dynamic allocations that match the best possible static allocation, and that it has the potential to find dynamic allocations that outperform any static allocation.
INCORPORATION OF ACETATE-1-C14 INTO TESTOSTERONE AND 3β-HYDROXYSTEROLS BY THE CANINE TESTIS1

Acetate-1-C14 was infused into the spermatic arteries of dogs at a constant rate before and after human chorionic gonadotropin was injected into the spermatic circulation to one testis. The blood from the spermatic vein was collected and the amounts and specific radioactivities of testosterone in successive samples were determined. In several experiments gonadotropin-stimulated and unstimulated testes were removed at the end of the collection, the various particulate fractions separated by high speed centrifugation and the specific activity of the digitonin-precipitable material in each determined. The specific activity of the testosterone rose very soon after the introduction of the gonadotropin. In most cases the output of testosterone also increased, but even in those cases where this did not occur the specific activity was higher. The pool of intermediates between acetate and testosterone, therefore, seemed to be quite small in the actively secreting testis and the point of action of human chorionic g...
Influence of tungsten alloying additions on the mechanical properties and texture of tantalum

Tantalum, like all bcc metals, exhibits deformation behavior which is substantially influenced by alloying, temperature, and strain rate. Recently, the mechanical response, in particular the high-strain-rate response, of tantalum and tantalum alloys has received increased interest for ballistic applications. In this paper, recent results on the influence of tungsten alloying additions on the mechanical response and starting crystallographic texture of tantalum-tungsten alloys are presented. The stress-strain behavior of three tantalum alloys containing 2.5, 5, and 10 wt.% W has been investigated as a function of loading path, tension and compression, and strain rate, 10−3 to 8000 s−1. The yield strength and work-hardening rate were found to increase with increasing tungsten alloying content compared to unalloyed-Ta. Based on measurements of the surface and centerline textures of the Ta-W alloys, no systematic effect of tungsten content on texture was documented. However, due to variations in mechanical behavior between through-thickness and in-plane properties the need for complete through-thickness texture measurements is indicated.
Discrete and structurally unique proteins (tāpirins) mediate attachment of extremely thermophilic Caldicellulosiruptor species to cellulose.

A variety of catalytic and noncatalytic protein domains are deployed by select microorganisms to deconstruct lignocellulose. These extracellular proteins are used to attach to, modify, and hydrolyze the complex polysaccharides present in plant cell walls. Cellulolytic enzymes, often containing carbohydrate-binding modules, are key to this process; however, these enzymes are not solely responsible for attachment. Few mechanisms of attachment have been discovered among bacteria that do not form large polypeptide structures, called cellulosomes, to deconstruct biomass. In this study, bioinformatics and proteomics analyses identified unique, discrete, hypothetical proteins (“tāpirins,” origin from Māori: to join), not directly associated with cellulases, that mediate attachment to cellulose by species in the noncellulosomal, extremely thermophilic bacterial genus Caldicellulosiruptor. Two tāpirin genes are located directly downstream of a type IV pilus operon in strongly cellulolytic members of the genus, whereas homologs are absent from the weakly cellulolytic Caldicellulosiruptor species. Based on their amino acid sequence, tāpirins are specific to these extreme thermophiles. Tāpirins are also unusual in that they share no detectable protein domain signatures with known polysaccharide-binding proteins. Adsorption isotherm and trans vivo analyses demonstrated the carbohydrate-binding module-like affinity of the tāpirins for cellulose. Crystallization of a cellulose-binding truncation from one tāpirin indicated that these proteins form a long β-helix core with a shielded hydrophobic face. Furthermore, they are structurally unique and define a new class of polysaccharide adhesins. Strongly cellulolytic Caldicellulosiruptor species employ tāpirins to complement substrate-binding proteins from the ATP-binding cassette transporters and multidomain extracellular and S-layer-associated glycoside hydrolases to process the carbohydrate content of lignocellulose.
Response To: B. Maison's Discussion of “Evaluation of Modal and FEMA Pushover Analyses: SAC Buildings”:

The authors agree with the discusser that even improved pushover analysis procedures can be inaccurate for buildings deforming far into the inelastic range—in the region of negative post-yield stiffness with significant degradation of lateral capacity. However, estimates of seismic demands obtained by MPA were much better than from FEMA force distribution over a wide range of responses—from essentially elastic response of Boston buildings to strongly inelastic response of Los Angeles buildings. For a wide range of buildings and ground motions, MPA estimates of seismic demands were accurate enough relative to the results of nonlinear RHA to be useful in the seismic evaluation of buildings. The potential and limitations of every approximate analysis procedure, including the NSP used in current practice and MPA, should be documented so that the procedure is not used outside its range of applicability. This was one of the objectives of our paper. Because MPA is based on structural dynamics theory, it offers three theoretical advantages. First, when applied to elastic systems it is equivalent to standard response spectrum analysis (RSA) (Chopra and Goel 2002, 2004) available in commercial software used by the profession. Second, although modal pushover analysis theory is strictly not valid for inelastic systems, the fact that elastic modes are coupled only weakly in the response of inelastic systems to modal inertia forces (Chopra and Goel 2002, 2004) permitted development of MPA, an approximate procedure. Third, the theory and concepts underlying MPA are extendable to unsymmetric-plan buildings (Chopra and Goel 2004). Contrary to the discusser’s interpretation of MPA as ‘‘an intricate ten-step procedure,’’ MPA retains the conceptual simplicity of current NSP with invariant force distribution, now common in structural engineering practice. Because higher-mode pushover analyses are similar to the first-mode analysis, MPA is conceptually no more difficult than procedures now standard in structural engineering practice. Because pushover analyses for the first two or three modal force distributions are typically sufficient in MPA, it requires computational effort that is comparable to the FEMA-356 procedure,
Biosynthesis and secretion of steroids by the canine testis.

Abstract Radioactive pregnenolone ( 14 C or 3 H labeled) was infused at a constant rate via the spermatic artery of the isolated dog testis in order to study the quantitative significance of pathways used for the biosynthesis and secretion of testosterone in this organ. The amount of steroids and their content of radioactivity were estimated in spermatic venous blood during pregnenolone infusion and in the testis tissue at the end of such infusions. During continuous pregnenolone infusion the true specific radioactivity (μC/ mmole) of several steroids in spermatic venous blood plasma was different from the spermatic radioactivity of the same steroids in the infused testicular tissue. This observation supports the view that steroids may be present in different testicular compartments which are not equally supplied with infused pregnenolone and that these compartments do not add to steroid secretion into the spermatic venous blood in a homogeneous fashion. Concomitant infusion of human chorionic gonadotrophin or cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP) with radioactive pregnenolone via the spermatic artery resulted in increased secretion of all known intermediates between pregnenolone and testosterone. The specific radioactivity of all these steroids decreased in such experiments. Thus the major effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin or cyclic AMP on the formation of testicular steroids occurred at step(s) prior to the formation of pregnenolone. The specific radioactivity of dehydroepiandrosterone decreased more than that of pregnenolone or 17α-hydroxypregnenolone, particularly in human chorionic gonadotrophin or cyclic AMP stimulated testes, and it is possible that dehydroepiandrosterone was also formed via metabolic pathways which did not use pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone as intermediates. Dehydroepiandrosterone appeared to be an important steroid for testosterone formation in vivo and metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone to testosterone proceeded both via androstenediol and androstenedione. The present results clearly demonstrate that pregnenolone was converted to testosterone in the canine testis both via a. Δ 4 - and a Δ 5 -pathway.
A composite hollow fiber membrane-based pervaporation process for separation of VOCs from aqueous surfactant solutions

Abstract The separation and recovery of VOCs from surfactant-containing aqueous solutions by a composite hollow fiber membrane-based pervaporation process has been studied. The process employed hydrophobic microporous polypropylene hollow fibers having a thin plasma polymerized silicone (PDMS) coating on the outside diameter, trichloroethylene (TCE) as the model contaminant and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as the surfactant. The feed solution was passed through the fiber bore; the shell side had vacuum. The process operating parameters, e.g., feed flow rate, TCE and SDS concentrations, were varied over a wide range to investigate their effect on the process performance. Depending on the concentration of the surfactant, separation of VOCs can be achieved via two different conditions, namely, wetted pore and non-wetted pore. The resistances-in-series concept successfully applied earlier to the TCE–water system has been extended to the TCE–SDS–water system for both wetted pore and non-wetted pore conditions. Results will be provided also for a more complex feed solution containing alcohols and the hydrophilic polymer, xanthan gum.
Current state of high-risk infant follow-up care in the United States: results of a national survey of academic follow-up programs

High-risk infant follow-up programs have the potential to act as multipurpose clinics by providing continuity of clinical care, education of health care trainees and facilitating outcome data research. Currently there are no nationally representative data on high-risk infant follow-up practices in the United States. The objective of this study is to collect information about the composition of high-risk infant follow-up programs associated with academic centers in the United States, with respect to their structure, function, funding resources and developmental assessment practices, and to identify the barriers to establishment of such programs. Staff neonatologists, follow-up program directors and division directors of 170 Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) associated with pediatric residency programs were invited to participate in an anonymous online survey from October 2009 to January 2010. The overall response rate was 84%. Ninety three percent of the respondents have a follow-up program associated with their NICU. Birth weight, gestational age and critical illness in the NICU were the major criteria for follow-up care. Management of nutrition and neurodevelopmental assessments was the most common service provided. Over 70% have health care trainees in the clinic. About 75% of the respondents have the neurodevelopmental outcome data available. Most of the respondents reported multiple funding sources. Lack of personnel and funding were the most common causes for not having a follow-up program. High-risk infant follow-up programs associated with academic centers in the United States are functioning as multidisciplinary programs providing clinical care, trainee education and facilitating outcomes research.
A 42-year-old woman with septic shock: an unexpected source.

Abstract Background: Dog bites are the most common animal bite injuries occurring in the United States. Estimated infection rates range between 15% and 20%. Polymicrobial infections are most common. Capnocytophaga canimorsus ( C. canimorsus ) is a Gram-negative rod strongly associated with dog bites, and is known to cause life-threatening infection in humans. Objectives: 1) Outline epidemiology of dog bites in the United States; 2) Identify host factors associated with infection, and common pathogens; 3) Discuss microbiology of C. canimorsus ; 4) Discuss common clinical manifestations of C. canimorsus infection; 5) Outline treatment options. Case Report: A 42-year-old woman with a remote history of Hodgkin's lymphoma (treated with irradiation) and thyroid carcinoma, both of which were in remission, presented to the Emergency Department with fever, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. She was found to be in septic shock. She was aggressively resuscitated and administered broad-spectrum antibiotics. Blood cultures grew C. canimorsus in 2/4 bottles. The patient recalled being bitten by the family dog 48 h before her initial presentation. She made an uneventful recovery. She was felt to be "functionally hyposplenic" due to her prior irradiation. Conclusions: C. canimorsus is a rare pathogen strongly associated with dog bites. By eliciting a history of animal bite, clinicians may be able to alert the laboratory of suspected C. canimorsus infection. Prolonged laboratory incubation times may be necessary as the organism is fastidious. Predisposing conditions include, among others, prior splenectomy and alcoholism. The mortality rate from C. canimorsus sepsis is high, so treatment should be promptly initiated.
Relationship between the positive inotropic effect of ouabain and its inhibitory effects on Na+, K+ -ATPase and active transport of Rb+ in the dog heart.

Abstract Two previous reports have indicated that in the dog if sustained positive inotropy without arrhythymias is induced by ouabain infusion, inhibition of myocardial Na+, K+-activated adenosine triphosphatase is not observed. Another previous study has shown that in similar experiments induction of sustained inotropy is accompanied by inhibition of the active uptake of Rb+. To resolve the apparent incosistensis between these findings, we repeated the experiments and measured the inhibition of the enzyme and the inhibition of Rb+ uptake after the induction of sustained inotropy with oubain. Utilizing three different oubain dosage regimens in open-chested dogs, we obtained three different quasi-steady state plasma levels of ouabain. At the highest level, oubain toxicity accompanied by enzyme inhibition and inhibition of Rb+ uptake was observed. With the intermediate level, positive inotropy without significant toxicity was also accompanied by enzyme inhibition and the inhibition of Rb+ uptake. At the lowest ouabain plasma level, sustained positive inotropy without significant inhibition of either enzyme activity or Rb+ uptake was obtained. The data indicate that in this preparation either a small degree of enzyme inhibition, which is difficult to detect, is sufficient to produce pronounced intropy, or that the inhibition of the enzyme is not required for the induction of positive intropy.
Advocacy and the SSSP: An analysis of research articles in social problems

This study examines the extent of advocacy in the research articles appearing in the journalSocial Problems from 1953–1992. The Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) was founded in order to counter the mainstream scientism of the American Sociological Society. Becker’s presidential address to the SSSP in 1966 confronted the issue of advocacy and the consequences associated with research that does not explicitly “take sides.” The present study investigates advocacy inSocial Problems by means of a typology drawn from Becker’s address. The findings indicate that political advocacy has increased sharply over the duration ofSocial Problems. Implications of the findings are discussed in the context of value-neutrality and its relation to social problems research.
An Improved Method for Echographic Detection of Left Atrial Enlargement

Echographic dimensions of the aortic root and left atrium were compared in 170 patients in order to assess dilation of the left atrium with reference to the relatively nondistensible fibrous aortic root. In 50 patients without cause for left atrial or aortic enlargement, the ratio of left atrial/aortic root dimension was 0.87-1.11. In 80 patients with known cause for left atrial enlargement, the left atrial/aortic root ratio was ≥ 1.17. In 40 patients with isolated aortic valve disease, dilation of both the aortic root and the left atrium resulted in a left atrial/aortic root dimension ratio < 1.17 in some patients. Despite this consideration, the comparison of left atrial and aortic root dimension appears to be as specific as, and more sensitive than, previously proposed methods for the evaluation of left atrial enlargement.
Angstrom-Scale Chemical Microscopy: Multicolor Single-Molecule Imaging with Energy Landscape Engineering

We explored physical mechanisms that might allow transducing Angstrom scale chemical information about biomolecules in a solution environment. Here we present multicolor imaging of chemical identities of biomolecules with Angstrom-scale resolution using single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). We first demonstrate that SMFS can probe intrinsically non-equilibrium interactions among short complementary DNA strands whose melting points are below the room temperature. We observed a significant enhancement in the chemical selectivity of these far from equilibrium DNA interactions. The enhanced selectivity allowed us to discriminate molecular identities by designing probes that can hybridize to multiple short DNA targets, with each target creating a unique energy landscape. Due to the small dimensions of these molecules, images based on their interactions exhibited Angstrom scale resolution. Intrinsically non- equilibrium biomolecular interactions are difficult to characterize with methods relying on ensemble averages of equilibrated systems. The presented single-molecule approach harnesses non-equilibrium interactions to discriminate and map chemical identities on the Angstrom scale. The resulting imaging platform holds promise for both sub-molecular chemical characterization like sequencing and protein structure determination, and for studying biomolecular complexes and subcellular structures by using short conjugated DNA strands as Angstrom scale labels.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
f-electron correlations in nonmagnetic Ce studied by means of spin-resolved resonant photoemission

We have studied the spin-spin coupling between two $f$ electrons of nonmagnetic Ce by means of spin-resolved resonant photoemission using circularly polarized synchrotron radiation. The two $f$ electrons participating in the $3{d}_{5∕2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4f$ resonance process are coupled in a singlet while the coupling is veiled in the $3{d}_{3∕2}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4f$ process due to an additional Coster-Kronig decay channel. The identical singlet coupling is observed in the $4d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}4f$ resonance process. Based on the Ce measurements, it is argued that spin-resolved resonant photoemission is one approach to study the correlation effects, particularly in the form of spin, in the rare earths.
Monitoring declining quality of ammunition stockpile under step stress

Most ammunition is produced long before its ultimate consumption and stored in a series of different depots for a considerably long period of time. During storage, the quality of the ammunition stockpile deteriorates proportionally to the condition of the depots. We view different conditions associated with a series of depots as step stress. A random effects logistic regression model is employed to predict the quality of ammunition stockpile in terms of the routing information such as a series of locations and duration of storage of ammunition lots. The resultant prediction model can be used to determine the appropriate time for reorder or renovation of ammunition before the quality becomes substandard. An example is given to illustrate the implementation procedure of the prediction model suggested in this article. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.