cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teachers' perceptions concerning the relative values of personal and clinical characteristics and their influence on the assignment of students' clinical grades

Summary. Twenty senior teachers were asked to rank, in order of influence, the seven clinical and five personal characteristics used to grade third-year medicine clerks. Seventeen perceived themselves to be more influenced by clinical characteristics when assigning grades. Independently, the actual ratings completed over a 3-year period by these same teachers were analysed to measure the congruency between their perceived and actual grading behaviour. When actually rating students only nine raters were more influenced by clinical characteristics and just one half of the teachers displayed a congruency between their perceived and actual rating behaviour. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Extinct mammalian biodiversity of the ancient New World tropics.

The origins of mammalian biodiversity in the New World tropics extend back >25 million years, represented by clades that were originally endemic to South America, North America or Africa. Since then, these mammalian clades have been greatly affected by climatic, physiographical and biological changes. The Isthmian land bridge, which formed ∼4 million years ago between North and South America, resulted in the maximum diversity of 17 New World tropical mammalian orders during the Great American Interchange. This diversity was subsequently reduced to 12 orders as a result of competition, climate change and human impacts. Here, I discuss how the fossil record is now providing a rich archive of past biodiversity, presenting unique evidence of the origins, macroevolution, macroecology and extinction of New World tropical mammals.
Symbolic synthesis of parallel processing systems

The authors derive high-level parallel processing arrays for matrix computations using symbolic transformations. They propose a graphical language MGD (Mesh Graph Descriptor) as the basis for the transformations. The input to the synthesis system is the single-assignment form of matrix algorithms and the output is a structure of the synthesized parallel arrays. The synthesized arrays produced range from fully-parallel systolic arrays to limited-size parallel arrays. The approach is concise, verifiable, and easy to use. An example of LU decomposition illustrates the approach. >
The Feasibility of Data Whitening to Improve Performance of Weather Radar

The problem of efficient processing of correlated weather radar echoes off precipitation is considered. An approach based on signal whitening was recently proposed that has the potential to significantly improve power estimation at a fixed pulse repetition rate/scan rate, or to allow higher scan rates at a given level of accuracy. However, the previous work has been mostly theoretical and subject to the following restrictions: 1) the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the process must be known precisely and 2) infinite signal-to-noise ratio is assumed. Here a computational feasibility study of the whitening algorithm when the ACF is estimated and in the presence of noise is discussed. In the course of this investigation numerical instability to the ACF behavior at large lags (tails) was encountered. In particular, the commonly made assumption of the Gaussian power spectrum and, therefore, Gaussian ACF yields numerically ill-conditioned covariance matrices. The origin of this difficulty, rooted in the violation of the requirement of positive Fourier transform of the ACF, is discussed. It is found that small departures from the Gaussian form of the covariance matrix result in greatly reduced ill conditioning of the matrices and robustness with respect to noise. The performance of the whitening technique for various meteorologically reasonable scenarios is then examined. The effects of additive noise are also investigated. The approach, which uses time series to estimate the ACF from which the whitener is constructed, shows up to an order of magnitude improvement in the mean-squared error of the estimated power for a range of parameter values corresponding to typical meteorological situations.
Sex chromosome complement affects nociception and analgesia in newborn mice.

Abstract In animal studies of nociception, females are often more sensitive to painful stimuli, whereas males are often more sensitive to analgesia induced by μ-agonists. Sex differences are found even at birth, and in adulthood are likely caused, at least in part, by differences in levels of gonadal hormones. In this report, we investigate nociception and analgesia in neonatal mice and assess the contribution of the direct action of sex chromosome genes in hotplate and tail withdrawal tests. We used the 4 core genotypes mouse model, in which gonadal sex is independent of the complement of sex chromosomes (XX vs XY). Mice were tested at baseline and then injected with μ-opioid agonist morphine (10 mg/kg) or with the κ-opioid agonist U50,488H (U50, 12.5 mg/kg) with or without the N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist MK-801 (0.1 mg/kg). On the day of birth, XX mice showed faster baseline latencies than XY in tail withdrawal, irrespective of their gonadal type. Gonadal males showed greater effects of morphine than gonadal females in the hotplate test, irrespective of their sex chromosome complement. U50 and morphine were effective analgesics in both tests, but MK-801 did not block the U50 effect. The results suggest that sex chromosome complement and gonadal secretions both contribute to sex differences in nociception and analgesia by the day of birth. Perspective Sex differences in pain may stem not only from the action of gonadal hormones on pain circuits but from the sex-specific action of X and Y genes. Identification of sex chromosome genes causing sex differences could contribute to better pain therapy in females and males.
Outcomes-based assessment for comprehensive curriculum development in mechatronics

The paper describes a comprehensive assessment plan that was carried out as part of an NSF-funded effort to integrate principles of mechatronics throughout the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering curricula at the University of Detroit Mercy. The project team consists of faculty members from three departments: Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Education. The focus of the article is a description of how the assessment results have been used to refine one curricular component of the project: the senior-level course in mechatronics. We present an overview of the project, a summary of the assessment framework, initial results of the formative assessment of the mechatronics course, and an evolving model of outcome based curriculum development.
Response of red alder seedlings to CO enrichment and water stress

summary Red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) is a nitrogen-fixing pioneer tree species of the Pacific Northwest of North America. We investigated the response of different seed sources of red alder to elevated atmospheric CO2 and to varied levels of water stress. Seeds were stratified, germinated and grown for up to 147 d under ambient (350 //.I I−1) or elevated (700 ftl I−1) CO2. There were no significant interactions of seed source latitude with either treatment, although seedlings from more northerly sources were larger. Elevated CO2 and low moisture stress resulted in larger plants with more leaf area; effects of the two factors appeared additive. Effects of both factors on biomass allocation, including root: shoot ratios, were small or nonsignificant. Elevated CO2 decreased specific nitrogenase activity and generally increased photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (g). The ratio A: g, potential water use efficiency, also increased when plants were under water stress. Elevated CO2 appears to improve drought tolerance in red alder. Overall, these results indicate that red alder would benefit in total plant growth from increased ambient CO2 and could tolerate changes in precipitation.
Outcome measures in the lung

The indolent progression of lung disease in SSc has caused great difficulty in therapeutic studies as outcome measures need to be sensitive. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) has been more widely studied and can usefully be extrapolated to SSc, but is more rapidly progressive. In IPF, forced vital capacity (FVC) trends are the most accurate serial surrogate for mortality. Serial gas transfer trends have a lower prognostic value in IPF and may be confounded by pulmonary vascular disease in SSc. Unresolved issues include the optimal time interval between pulmonary function tests and the mode of expression of change (percentage change from baseline vs absolute change). It has yet to be determined whether changes in pulmonary function variables are best analysed continuously or categorically (i.e. according to whether a threshold for 'significant change' has been reached). The 6-min walk distance has proved disappointing as an outcome variable due to major inter-test variability over the course of therapeutic studies, ascribable to extra-pulmonary factors. Serial CT is promising in principle but an optimal scoring system has proved elusive. Dyspnoea and quality of life scales provide useful ancillary information as to the likelihood that pulmonary function trends are clinically significant. For the time being, serial change in FVC appears to be the best primary end-point.
Personal radio antennas

The trend toward personalizing vehicular radio sets has been accompanied by major engineering problems. Of these, one of the most challenging is that of designing an efficient antenna to occupy a small space. Due to these size limitations, personal radio antennas will be referred to as small antennas. This paper will describe a series of tests made under laboratory conditions followed by a coverage study made under service conditions in city streets to evaluate the relative performance of small antennas and accumulate propagation data for system design. The laboratory measurements included a study of the properties of ferrite loop antennas, coils, whips and short wire antennas. The field measurements covered actual recorded field strength data from personal carried transmitters using reference quarter-wave whips. It was concluded that ¾-wave whips even when working against as poor a ground plane as the set chassis offered the best performance. However, the 20 to 25 db of shadow loss found in city streets plus a 10 to 15 db antenna loss even with whips will severely restrict the coverage of personal transmitters. Other steps may be necessary if adequate areas are to be reliably covered.
Body fat percentile curves for U.S. children and adolescents.

Background To date, several studies have been published outlining reference percentiles for BMI in children and adolescents. In contrast, there are limited reference data on percent body fat (%BF) in U.S. youth. Purpose The purpose of this study was to derive smoothed percentile curves for %BF in a nationally representative sample of U.S. children and adolescents. Methods Percent fat was derived from the skinfold thicknesses of those aged 5–18 years from three cross-sectional waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) IV (1999–2000, 2001–2002, and 2003–2004; N=8269). The LMS (L=skewness, M=median, and S=coefficient of variation) regression method was used to create age- and gender-specific smoothed percentile curves of %BF. Results Growth curves are similar between boys and girls until age 9 years. However, whereas %BF peaks for boys at about age 11 years, it continues to increase for girls throughout adolescence. Median %BF at age 18 years is 17.0% and 27.8% for boys and girls, respectively. Conclusions Growth charts and LMS values based on a nationally representative sample of U.S. children and adolescents are provided so that future research can identify appropriate cut-off values based on health-related outcomes. These percentiles are based on skinfolds, which are widely available and commonly used. Using %BF instead of BMI may offer additional information in epidemiologic research, fitness assessment, and clinical settings.
Three-dimensional in vitro cancer spheroid models for Photodynamic Therapy: Strengths and Opportunities

Three dimensional, in vitro spheroid cultures offer considerable utility for the development and testing of anticancer photodynamic therapy regimens. More complex than monolayer cultures, three-dimensional spheroid systems replicate many of the important cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that modulate treatment response in vivo. Simple enough to be grown by the thousands and small enough to be optically interrogated, spheroid cultures lend themselves to high-content and high-throughput imaging approaches. These advantages have enabled studies investigating photosensitizer uptake, spatiotemporal patterns of therapeutic response, alterations in oxygen diffusion and consumption during therapy, and the exploration of mechanisms that underlie therapeutic synergy. The use of quantitative imaging methods, in particular, has accelerated the pace of three-dimensional in vitro photodynamic therapy studies, enabling the rapid compilation of multiple treatment response parameters in a single experiment. Improvements in model cultures, the creation of new molecular probes of cell state and function, and innovations in imaging toolkits will be important for the advancement of spheroid culture systems for future photodynamic therapy studies.
The effects of proteins on the proton N.M.R. transverse relaxation time of water

The changes in water proton transverse relaxation behaviour induced by aggregation of Bovine serum albumin are explained in terms of the simple molecular processes of diffusion and chemical exchange without recourse to invoking changes in ‘bound’ water or the ‘state’ of water in the system. It is proposed that the main effect of aggregation is to reduce the protein proton transverse relaxation time because dipole-dipole interactions between protein protons are no longer as efficiently averaged by rotational motions, this in turn causes a reduction in water proton transverse relaxation time since water protons are in fast chemical exchange with protein protons. Diffusive exchange between water molecules then spatially averages the water proton signal to an extent that depends on the morphology of the aggregate-water system. The diffusive averaging process can give rise to multi-exponential relaxation.
Technique and Artistic Imitation and Invention

Contrary to the general belief that modernist art and architecture reflect the technological society, Jacques Ellul maintains in his L’empire du non-sens that they are justifications for the integration of humankind into what he called the technicist complex. Modernism in art and architecture meant that every product must be qualified by a technological character. This unassailable belief exerted some far-reaching influences on symbolic thought, on artistic expression, on architectural character. If imitation and invention were the two inseparable concepts through which art and architecture were produced and symbolized, it is because they operate on a certain transparency between an exemplar and a work of art. By contrast, in the mentality of technique, artistic production operates based on a certain opacity to meanings outside of itself. Imitation and invention were separated. Thus, one of the principal beliefs in modernism, that art and architecture symbolize the technological society is actually one of...
HABITAT DURATION, LENGTH OF LARVAL PERIOD, AND THE EVOLUTION OF A COMPLEX LIFE CYCLE OF A SALAMANDER, AMBYSTOMA TEXANUM.

In many organisms, genotypic selection may be a less effective means of adapting to unpredictable environments than is selection for phenotypic plasticity. To determine whether genotypic selection is important in the evolution of complex life cycles of amphibians that breed in seasonally ephemeral habitats, we examined whether mortality risk from habitat drying in natural populations of small-mouthed salamanders (Ambystoma texanum) corresponded to length of larval period when larvae from the same populations were grown in a common laboratory environment. Comparisons were made at two levels of organization within the species: 1) among geographic races that are under strongly divergent selection regimes associated with the use of pond and stream habitats and 2) among populations within races that use the same types of breeding habitats. Morphological evidence indicates that stream-breeding A. texanum evolved from pond-breeding populations that recently colonized streams. Larvae in streams incur heavy mortality from stream drying, so the upper bound on length of larval period is currently set by the seasonal duration of breeding sites. We hypothesized that selection would reduce length of larval period of pond-breeders that colonize streams if their larval periods are inherently longer than those of stream-breeders. The results of laboratory experiments support this hypothesis. When grown individually in a common environment, larvae from stream populations had significantly shorter larval periods than larvae from pond populations. Within races, however, length of larval period did not correlate significantly with seasonal duration of breeding sites. When males of both races were crossed to a single pond female, offspring of stream males had significantly shorter larval periods than offspring of pond males. Collectively, these data suggest that differences in complex life cycles among pond and stream-breeders are due to genotypic selection related to mortality from habitat drying. Stream larvae in the common-environment experiment were significantly smaller at metamorphosis than pond larvae. Yet, the evolution of metamorphic size cannot be explained readily by direct selection: there are no intuitively obvious advantages of being relatively small at metamorphosis in streams. A positive phenotypic correlation was observed between size at metamorphosis and length of larval period in most laboratory populations. A positive additive genetic correlation between these traits was demonstrated recently in another amphibian. Thus, we suspect that metamorphic size of stream-breeders evolved indirectly as a consequence of selection to shorten length of larval period.
Central and peripheral effects of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor.

We tested the hypothesis that the endogenous nitric oxide synthetase (NOS) inhibitor, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), regulates cardiovascular function by central mechanisms. In in vivo studies, rats received intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of isotonic saline, ADMA (1 mg), l-arginine (3 mg), and N omega-nitro-l-arginine methylester (l-NAME, 1 mg). Baroreflex function was then assessed by intravenous (i.v.) injection of phenylephrine. Central application of exogenous NOS inhibitor, l-NAME, increased mean arterial blood pressure and decreased heart rate. However, application of the endogenous NOS inhibitor, ADMA, decreased mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate simultaneously (-39 +/- 6 mm Hg and -50 +/- 8 beats/min, respectively). Both l-NAME (i.c.v.) and ADMA (i.c.v.) significantly inhibited the baroreflex function, indicating a regulatory role of central nitric oxide in controlling baroreflex function. In contrast to the central effect, intravenous injection of ADMA caused dose-dependent increases in mean arterial blood pressure that could be blocked by l-NAME pretreatment. In vitro studies using aortic rings demonstrated that ADMA (10(-4)M) significantly increased the concentration of acetylcholine for the threshold response (EC15) and half-maximal response (EC50). This indicates that ADMA inhibits the constitutive isoform of NOS in the endothelium. ADMA may have functional importance in regulating cardiovascular function by mechanisms in addition to the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis.
Flight maps : adventures with nature in modern America

* List of Illustrations * Introduction * Missed Connections: The Passenger Pigeon Extinction * When Women Were Women, Men Were Men, and Birds Were Hats * A Brief Natural History of the Plastic Pink Flamingo * Looking for Nature at the Mall: A Field Guide to The Nature Company * Roadrunners Cant Read: The Greening of Television in the 1990s * Notes * Acknowledgments * Index
Quantifying the Sources of Kinetic Frustration in Folding Simulations of Small Proteins.

Experiments and atomistic simulations of polypeptides have revealed structural intermediates that promote or inhibit conformational transitions to the native state during folding. We invoke a concept of “kinetic frustration” to quantify the prevalence and impact of these behaviors on folding rates within a large set of atomistic simulation data for 10 fast-folding proteins, where each protein’s conformational space is represented as a Markov state model of conformational transitions. Our graph theoretic approach addresses what conformational features correlate with folding inhibition and therefore permits comparison among features within a single protein network and also more generally between proteins. Nonnative contacts and nonnative secondary structure formation can thus be quantitatively implicated in inhibiting folding for several of the tested peptides.
Eosinophils promote immune responses that preserve parasitic nematode larvae (P3086)

We have shown that eosinophils protect, rather than attack Trichinella spiralis larvae during primary infection in the skeletal muscle. Accumulation of Th2 cells at sites of infection is also impaired in the absence of eosinophils. Here we further elucidated the mechanism underlying this effect. Intravenous infection with T. spiralis newborn larvae specifically and rapidly induced the recruitment of eosinophils to skeletal muscle. The presence of eosinophils only during the earliest stages of muscle infection was sufficient to support parasite growth and survival, suggesting that eosinophils are required to be present at the time newborn larvae first arrive in the muscle, when the local immune response is first engaged. Transfer of MHCII-/- eosinophils also supported parasite growth and survival, showing that antigen presentation by eosinophils is not required. Furthermore, the numbers of myeloid dendritic cells in cervical lymph nodes and skeletal muscles were reduced in eosinophil-ablated, infected mice and improved when eosinophils were restored. The reduction in myeloid dendritic cells correlated with decreased numbers of proliferating Th2 cells in cervical lymph nodes, indicating that eosinophils promote accumulation of myeloid dendritic cells, which may promote Th2 responses. Taken together, our findings suggest that eosinophils exert their influence at the very early stages of the immune response that preserves T. sprialis larvae.
Efficacy of three kinds of insecticides against Blattella germanica

Objective To study the efficacy of Youshi,Responsar and Vedei against Blattella germanica. Methods Forcibly contacting.The efficacy of three insecticides and continuing efficacy after 60 days and 120 days were determined. Results When the dosages of Youshi,Responsar and Vedei were all 5～20 ai mg/m~2,most of Blattella germanica were knocked and killed on glass and ceramic tile.The 72 h mortality were above 90% after 120 days. Conclusion The mortality of three insecticides on paint were poor.The dosages should increase when the insecticides were used on paint.Youshi,Responsar and Vedei had good efficacy against Blattella germanica.
Essential amino acid deprivation induces monocytic differentiation of the human HL-60 myeloid leukemia cell line

In this study we examine the effects of amino acid deprivation on the growth and differentiation of the human HL-60 myeloid leukemia cell line. The HL-60 cell line was chosen for study because of its ability to differentiate along either a granulocytic or monocytic pathway under appropriate culture conditions. Differentiation was determined by changes in cell morphology, nonspecific esterase (NSE) content, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production, and expression of the cell surface differentiation antigens LeuM3 (CD14) and OKM1 (CD11). Using a model system in which HL-60 cells were cultured in medium that selectively lacked one amino acid (AA), it was seen that deprivation of HL-60 cells for essential (but not nonessential) AAs results in decreased cell growth and viability and in differentiation of 30% to 60% of the surviving population of cells specifically along the monocytic pathway. This differentiation is irreversible as well as time- and dose- dependent. Culture of HL-60 cells in essential AA-deficient medium potentiated the differentiative effects of recombinant human interferon- gamma (IFN-gamma), recombinant human tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and dihydroxyvitamin D3 (D3), all of which have previously been shown to induce monocytic differentiation of HL-60 cells. Differentiated cells had decreased DNA and RNA synthesis, but protein synthesis was unchanged compared with control cells. The protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide prevented differentiation, indicating the necessity of protein synthesis in this process. Cell cycle analysis revealed that an increased proportion of cells cultured in AA-deficient medium was arrested in G0-G1 (80% and 50% for AA-deficient and control cells, respectively). These results suggest that alterations of AA metabolism and subsequent perturbations in DNA and RNA synthesis may be important in initiating differentiation or in augmenting cytokine-induced differentiation of HL-60 cells into more mature, nonreplicating, monocyte-like cells.
The Economics of Bidder Collusion

This Paper highlights many features of collusion at auctions that distinguish it from collusion in posted price markets, including private information by participants as well as the role of the auctioneer as a player in the game. The Susceptibility of different auction schemes to collusion, including multi-unit auctions, is explored. The design of auctions so as to be robust to collusion is also discussed.
Effects of Risk Communication

In a perfect world, once physicians explain the benefits, risks, and directions for how to use a therapy, patients merely utilize the treatment, get better, and remain satisfied with the physician, the treatment, and their condition. Unfortunately, the world is far from perfect and the anticipation that problems may result from improper risk communication is a driving force that influences the flow of information between doctor and patient. In Boyle’s (1983) survey, physicians were asked how frequently patients had problems with drug therapy. The great majority of physicians (95%) said that patients frequently or occasionally terminated taking medication prematurely, 89% said that patients frequently or occasionally neglected the proper dosage schedule, 72% said that patients frequently or occasionally suffered suggestion-induced side effects, and 69% said that patients frequently or occasionally resisted drug therapy.
Renal Papillary Necrosis Caused by Protein C Deficiency Leading to Recurrent Hydronephrosis

Abstract A patient with history of a solitary functioning kidney and protein C deficiency (PCD) presented with recurrent severe hydronephrosis causing acute kidney injury upon chronic kidney disease. Work-up with endoscopic evaluation revealed renal papillary necrosis (RPN) and sloughed renal papillae to be the true cause of the recurrent obstruction. Pathologic evaluation of the sloughed tissue confirmed the diagnosis of RPN. This is the first case reported in the literature illustrating the unique presentation of RPN in the setting of PCD.
Seth Jacobowitz, Writing Technology in Meiji Japan: A Media History of Modern Japanese Literature and Visual Culture

Seth Jacobowitz’s new book Writing Technology in Meiji Japan is a rich re-appraisal of the Japanese scene of literary writing in the late nineteenth century. The book crafts a fresh image of the na...
Using economics to combat the tobacco disease epidemic

New report is a must read for those charged with protecting the public health A new publication, The Economics of Tobacco and Tobacco Control ,1 reminds us that “tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of death in the world.” It is a reminder we need to contemplate seriously. Too many people in affluent countries think of tobacco as yesterday’s problem, one that, for all intents and purposes, has been solved. Smoking is no longer a factor in their lives. They don’t smoke. Their friends don’t smoke. They don’t see it in their workplaces, or in the places where they dine and drink. Yet a billion of their fellow citizens continue to light up daily. Of lifetime smokers, half will die as a result, losing 20 years of life expectancy on average.2 Worldwide, nearly six trillion cigarettes are consumed annually, and they kill six million people each year, a number that will grow …
Pulling Cancer Cells Apart with a Net of Nanofibers

In this issue of Chem , Li et al. of the Zhang group demonstrate a mechanical approach to cancer therapy based on molecular self-assembled nanofibrils. The nanofibrils capture membrane dynamicity, suppressing cancer cell migration and invasion, and provide an effective physical approach to normal-cell-sparing targeted cancer treatment.
Inotuzumab ozogamicin (CMC-544) compared to chemotherapy in patients (pts) with relapsed/refractory (R/R) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL): A retrospective comparison.

7095 Background: Modern multi-agent chemotherapy (CT) regimens result in complete remission (CR) rates of 80-90% and long-term survival rates of 40% in pts with ALL. The most common reason for treatment failure is relapse of the disease. Post-relapse therapies lead to second CR in 30-40% of pts with a 5-year survival of 90% of pts with ALL. Inotuzumab ozogamicin (IO) is a CD22 monoclonal antibody bound to a toxin, calecheamicin. We reported overall response rate of 57% with single-agent IO in R/R ALL (Kantarjian, Lancet Oncology 2012). Methods: We analyzed the outcomes of patients with R/R ALL treated with single-agent IO (n=90) vs. historical controls (n=292) treated with combination CT at our institution from 1990-2008. IO was dosed at 1.8 mg/m2 every 3-4 weeks (first 41 pts), and later weekly dosing (0.8 mg/m2 day 1, 0.5 mg/m2 on days 8 and 15, every 3-4 weeks). Fifty-percent of historical controls were treated with hyper-CVAD CT (n=147). Results: The median age in the ...
Cysteine Addition Promotes Sulfide Production and 4-Fold Hg(II)–S Coordination in Actively Metabolizing Escherichia coli

The bacterial uptake of mercury(II), Hg(II), is believed to be energy-dependent and is enhanced by cysteine in diverse species of bacteria under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. To gain insight into this Hg(II) biouptake pathway, we have employed X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) to investigate the relationship between exogenous cysteine, cellular metabolism, cellular localization, and Hg(II) coordination in aerobically respiring Escherichia coli (E. coli). We show that cells harvested in exponential growth phase consistently display mixtures of 2-fold and 4-fold Hg(II) coordination to sulfur (Hg–S2 and Hg–S4), with added cysteine enhancing Hg–S4 formation. In contrast, cells in stationary growth phase or cells treated with a protonophore causing a decrease in cellular ATP predominantly contain Hg–S2, regardless of cysteine addition. Our XAS results favor metacinnabar (β-HgS) as the Hg–S4 species, which we show is associated with both the cell envelope and cytoplasm. Additionally, we observe that added...
The Goals, Values, and Guiding Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation

This chapter reviews the goals, values, and guiding principles of psychiatric rehabilitation (PsyR). Psychiatric rehabilitation is an evolving discipline, so the approaches and strategies used constantly undergo adjustment and change as the field matures and the methods become more refined. These differences are reflected by the wide scope of PsyR practice currently in use. Despite the diversity of practice, you will see that there is agreement about the goals and values of PsyR. This agreement is clearly demonstrated by the similarity among the many formulations of PsyR principles that have been suggested by different groups and authors.
Intelligenz, Denkstufen und Weisheit

Das Wort des Jahres 2016 lautet “postfaktisch”. Die Jury der Gesellschaft fur deutsche Sprache (GfdS) richtete damit ihr Augenmerk auf einen deutlichen Wandel in unserem politisch-wissenschaftlichen Denken. Denn wenn “postfaktisch” zum Wort des Jahres gekurt worden ist, dann zeigt diese Wahl, dass zunehmend Fakten – und damit wissenschaftliche Ergebnisse – gegenuber den Gefuhlen eine untergeordnete Rolle spielen
Targeted Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analyses of "Red Russian" Kale (Brassicae napus var. pabularia) Following Methyl Jasmonate Treatment and Larval Infestation by the Cabbage Looper (Trichoplusia ni Hübner).

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), synthesized in the jasmonic acid (JA) pathway, has been found to upregulate glucosinolate (GS) biosynthesis in plant species of the Brassicaceae family. Exogenous application of MeJA has shown to increase tissue GS concentrations and the formation of myrosinase-mediated GS hydrolysis products (GSHPs). In vitro and in vivo assays have demonstrated the potential health-promoting effects of certain GSHPs. MeJA is also known to elicit and induce genes associated with defense mechanisms to insect herbivory in Brassica species. To investigate the relationship between MeJA-induced GS biosynthesis and insect defense, three treatments were applied to “Red Russian” kale (Brassicae napus var. pabularia) seedlings: (1) a 250 µM MeJA leaf spray treatment; (2) leaf infestation with larvae of the cabbage looper (Trichoplusia ni (Hubner)); (3) control treatment (neither larval infestation nor MeJA application). Samples of leaf tissue from the three treatments were then assayed for changes in GS and GSHP concentrations, GS gene biosynthesis expression, and myrosinase activity. Major differences were observed between the three treatments in the levels of GS accumulation and GS gene expression. The insect-damaged samples showed significantly lower aliphatic GS accumulation, while both MeJA and T. ni infestation treatments induced greater accumulation of indolyl GS. The gene expression levels of CYP81F4, MYB34, and MYB122 were significantly upregulated in samples treated with MeJA and insects compared to the control group, which explained the increased indolyl GS concentration. The results suggest that the metabolic changes promoted by MeJA application and the insect herbivory response share common mechanisms of induction. This work provides potentially useful information for kale pest control and nutritional quality.
Effects of surface tension and viscosity on gold and silver sputtered onto liquid substrates

In this paper, we study DC magnetron sputtering of gold and silver onto liquid substrates of varying viscosities and surface tensions. We were able to separate the effects of viscosity from surface tension by depositing the metals onto silicone oils with a range of viscosities. The effects of surface tension were studied by depositing the metals onto squalene, poly(ethylene glycol), and glycerol. It was found that dispersed nanoparticles were formed on liquids with low surface tension and low viscosity whereas dense films were formed on liquids with low surface tension and high viscosity. Nanoparticles were formed on both the liquid surface and within the bulk liquid for high surface tension liquids. Our results can be used to tailor the metal and liquid interaction to fabricate particles and films for various applications in optics, electronics, and catalysis.In this paper, we study DC magnetron sputtering of gold and silver onto liquid substrates of varying viscosities and surface tensions. We were able to separate the effects of viscosity from surface tension by depositing the metals onto silicone oils with a range of viscosities. The effects of surface tension were studied by depositing the metals onto squalene, poly(ethylene glycol), and glycerol. It was found that dispersed nanoparticles were formed on liquids with low surface tension and low viscosity whereas dense films were formed on liquids with low surface tension and high viscosity. Nanoparticles were formed on both the liquid surface and within the bulk liquid for high surface tension liquids. Our results can be used to tailor the metal and liquid interaction to fabricate particles and films for various applications in optics, electronics, and catalysis.
Interfacial Phenomena in Hydrometallurgical Liquid-Liquid Extraction Systems

A review is presented of interfacial chemical concepts such as adsorption and interfacial tension, monolayers, and the surface charge on oil drops. The interfacial activity of solvent extraction reagents is discussed in terms of two parameters: the efficiency of adsorption, i.e. the minimum bulk concentration needed to produce a saturated interface, and the effectiveness of adsorption, i.e., the adsorption density of a saturated interface. The effects of the structure and composition of the extractant molecules, the nature of the organic diluent and the nature and composition of the aqueous phase on the efficiency and effectiveness parameters are considered. The role of interfacial activity in metal extraction processes is illustrated with the copper-hydroxyoxime system, and mixed extractant systems containing carboxylic or sulfonic acids in combination with chelating extractants.
State Space and Gleason’s Theorem

We begin this chapter by defining the state space of a general logic. We examine the geometric structure of the state space and use it to define the notions of pure states, mixtures of states, and physical properties. Next we define an observable on a logic, allowing us to consider physical experiments whose outcome sets are more general than the finite subsets of ℜ we saw in Chapter 1. We shall be guided by Lemma 1B.10, however, when we define the expected value of an observable as the integral of the identity function on ℜ with respect to a measure determined by a state on the logic.
Murine Gammaherpesvirus-Associated Tumorigenesis

Murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (MHV68, also known as γHV68 and MHV4) infection of mice has been extensively exploited to characterize basic aspects of gammaherpesvirus pathogenesis. In this chapter, we primarily focus on studies pertaining to MHV68 infection and its association with the development of lymphoma. This includes discussion of previous and ongoing studies that reveal common strategies utilized by both murine and human gammaherpesviruses, in terms of conserved functionality of viral proteins as well as the innate and adaptive host immune responses. We address work examining the role of four major oncogenes conserved between the human, nonhuman primate, and murine γ2-herpesviruses (v-cyclin, v-bcl2, v-GPCR, LANA) in MHV68 infection and tumorigenesis. We also discuss MHV68 proteins with unique sequence yet distinct immunomodulatory functions bearing striking similarity to several human gammaherpesvirus proteins, as well as prooncogenic alterations in cell signaling in response to infection that have not yet been ascribed to a particular viral gene. In addition to this survey of potential viral oncogenes, we include a discussion of the host immune response to MHV68 infection and studies addressing its role in controlling lymphomagenesis. We highlight the strength of the MHV68 system, in particular its value in the study of gammaherpesvirus-associated tumorigenesis as a means to readily examine virus and host mutations in the context of a natural infection. We end with a partial inventory of key underlying issues regarding the relationship between lifelong gammaherpesvirus infection and oncogenic disease, and the potential of the MHV68 model to provide answers to these important questions.
Trends in the quality of data from 5168 oligonucleotide microarrays from a single facility.

Improvements in the quality of gene expression data were investigated based on a database consisting of 5168 oligonucleotide microarrays collected over 3 years. The database includes diverse treatments of human and mouse samples collected from multiple laboratories. The array designs and algorithms used to capture the data have also changed over the 3 years of data collection. All hybridizations and labeling were conducted in the Hartwell Center for Bioinformatics and Biotechnology at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Quality metrics for each human and mouse array were collected and analyzed. Statistical tests, such as ANOVA and linear regression, were applied to test for the effects of array design, algorithm, and time. The quality metrics tested were average background, actin 3′/5′ ratio, Bio B signal, percent present, and scale factor. ANOVA results indicate that both recent algorithms and chip designs significantly correlate with improvements in Bio B, scale factor, percent present, and average background. Significant quality improvements correlated with new chip designs, algorithms, and their interaction. In addition, within one chip type analyzed by the same algorithm significant improving trends were still observed. Scale factor, percent present, and average background significantly improved over time for U133A arrays analyzed by the Affymetrix MicroArray Suite 5.0 algorithm according to linear regression. Proportionally fewer outlier arrays (those with less than 25% present calls) were seen over time. Also, high throughput periods did not increase the proportion of outliers, indicating that laboratory monitoring of quality is successfully preventing failures.
How to Recognize, Avoid, or Get Out of Trouble in Pediatric Interventional Radiology.

The average clinical practice of most interventional radiologists focuses on the care of adults (for practical purposes, defined as most patients over age 15). However, an increasing number of pediatric patients are being referred to Interventional Radiologists for evaluation and possible treatment. In some cases, these patients may not require significant deviation from the normal procedures of the lab (e.g., a 160 pound 14-year-old), although they may be designated as a pediatric patient by the anesthesia support team. In others, modifications must be made to ensure the safe and effective treatment of these patients (e.g., a 0.5 kg neonate). Unlike the specialty of adult interventional radiology (IR), pediatric interventional radiology (PIR) is relatively nascent. Like adult IR 10–15 years ago, PIR still competes for name recognition and even at the largest of pediatric medical centers, is involved in the political skirmishes that might make the most seasoned adult interventionalist smile (or cringe) in reminiscence. The field of PIR is growing rapidly and demands on these specialized practitioners are increasing. Some hospitals/centers have fellowship-trained Pediatric Interventional Radiologists who can attend to these patients, but others defer to the adult IR practitioners. Herein, we offer some thoughts on how to help the pediatric patient for our PIR and adult IR colleagues. These thoughts focus on preprocedural planning, optimizing intraprocedural success, and minimizing procedural morbidity. Throughout the process of preparing for a pediatric patient, it pays to recall the oft-recited mantra from medical school: "Kids are not just small adults."
A Case Study of a New State Model for Assessing Local Wellness Policies.

BACKGROUND In 2016, the United States Department of Agriculture issued a final rule to strengthen local wellness policies (LWPs). As school districts pursue compliance, states can provide critical guidance by leveraging support from intermediary programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed). After Arizona SNAP-Ed piloted a statewide model for assessing LWPs, we evaluated that model by exploring local SNAP-Ed agency experiences with the pilot. Our case study objectives were to determine the model's feasibility and utility from the perspective of local agencies supporting school districts during LWP review and revision. METHODS We used open-ended semistructured interviews with the 13 local SNAP-Ed agencies who engaged in each LWP assessment phase and analyzed data using constant comparative analysis. RESULTS Participants found the model feasible and useful. Five themes emerged, 3 of which tracked strongly with successful LWP review and revision: local agency staff comprehension, the openness of local agency staff and district/school personnel to the process, and the local agency's engagement of the district/school throughout the process. CONCLUSIONS Leveraging local agency support can be an effective strategy to improving LWPs, given understanding, buy-in, and staff engagement. Findings can inform agencies seeking to engage intermediaries in LWP assessment and revision.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Positive Airway Pressure Adherence Criteria May Limit Treatment to Many Medicare Beneficiaries

Study Objectives:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reimbursement for positive airway pressure (PAP) devices for obstructive sleep apnea treatment is dependent on patients meeting adh...
Developments in Sexual Assault Resistance Education: Combining Risk Reduction and Primary Prevention:

Most sexual assault prevention focuses exclusively on primary prevention programs. Risk reduction strategies, however, have an equally important role to play in prevention efforts. By way of illust...
Improving Simulated Pediatric Airway Management in Community Emergency Departments Using a Collaborative Program With a Pediatric Academic Medical Center.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric airway management is a challenging process at community emergency departments (CEDs) due to lower pediatric volume, a lack of pediatric expertise among staff, and a lack of pediatric-specific equipment and resources. This has contributed to increased mortality in pediatric patients presenting to CEDs in comparison to pediatric academic medical centers (AMCs). We hypothesized that a collaborative program between CEDs and the state AMC would improve the quality of pediatric airway management provided by CEDs in simulated settings and the CEDs9 pediatric emergency readiness scores. METHODS: This prospective, pre- and post-intervention study utilized in situ simulation and was conducted in 10 CEDs in the state of Indiana. A team from the pediatric AMC led a multi-faceted improvement program, which included post-simulation debriefing, addressing pediatric airway management issues, targeted assessment reports, access to pediatric resources, and ongoing communication with the AMC. The primary outcome of the study was improvement of simulated pediatric airway management in the CEDs. The secondary outcome was improvement of the CEDs9 pediatric emergency readiness scores score. RESULTS: A total of 35 multidisciplinary teams participated in pre-intervention sessions, and 40 teams participated in post-intervention sessions. Overall adherence to a critical action checklist improved from 52% at the pre-intervention visits to 71% post-intervention (P = .003). There were significant improvements in the use of appropriate endotracheal tube (ETT) size (from 67% to 100%, P = .02), cuffed ETT (from 8% to 71%, P CONCLUSIONS: A collaborative improvement program between a pediatric AMC and CEDs improved the CEDs9 simulated pediatric emergency airway management. This model can be utilized to improve management of other pediatric critical conditions in these CEDs.