cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vector competence of Virginia mosquitoes for Zika and Cache Valley viruses

Vector-borne diseases are a major public health concern and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Zika virus (ZIKV) is the etiologic agent of a massive outbreak in the Americas that originated in Brazil in 2015 and shows a strong association with congenital ZIKV syndrome in newborns. Cache Valley virus (CVV) is a bunyavirus that causes mild to severe illness in humans and ruminants. In this study, we investigated the vector competence of Virginia mosquitoes for ZIKV and CVV to explore their abilities to contribute to potential outbreaks. To determine vector competence, mosquitoes were fed a blood meal comprised of defibrinated sheep blood and virus. The presence of midgut or salivary gland barriers to ZIKV infection were determined by intrathoracic inoculation vs oral infection. After 14-days post-exposure, individual mosquitoes were separated into bodies, legs and wings, and saliva expectorant. Virus presence was detected by plaque assay to determine midgut infection, dissemination, and transmission rates. Transmission rates for Ae. albopictus orally infected (24%) and intrathoracically inoculated (63%) with ZIKV was similar to Ae. aegypti (48% and 71%, respectively). Transmission rates of ZIKV in Ae. japonicus were low, and showed evidence of a midgut infection barrier demonstrated by low midgut infection and dissemination rates from oral infection (3%), but increased transmission rates after intrathoracic inoculation (19%). Aedes triseriatus was unable to transmit ZIKV following oral infection or intrathoracic inoculation. CVV transmission was dose-dependent where mosquitoes fed high titer (ht) virus blood meals developed higher rates of midgut infection, dissemination, and transmission compared to low titer (lt) virus blood meals. CVV was detected in the saliva of Ae. albopictus (ht: 68%, lt: 24%), Ae. triseriatus (ht: 52%, lt: 7%), Ae. japonicus (ht: 22%, lt: 0%) and Ae. aegypti (ht: 10%; lt: 7%). Culex pipiens and Cx. restuans were not competent for ZIKV or CVV. This laboratory transmission study provided further understanding of potential ZIKV and CVV transmission cycles with Aedes mosquitoes from Virginia. The ability for these mosquitoes to transmit ZIKV and CVV make them a public health concern and suggest targeted control programs by mosquito and vector abatement districts.
Chapter 17 – Aging and Insulin Secretion

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews new and emerging information about important changes in the regulation of insulin secretion that occur during aging. Findings from animal models and from humans are presented and reviewed. The glucose level is known to be a key regulator of insulin secretion The effects of glucose appear to be multiple and complex. For example, exposure of pancreatic islets in vitro or in vivo to a constant glucose stimulus leads to a complex multiphasic insulin secretory response. This response includes an acute phase occurring within minutes, thought to be largely due to an immediate release of preformed insulin granules that are available near the cell surface of pancreatic beta cells, and a more prolonged second phase of insulin secretion that gradually increases in magnitude over time and is dependent on new protein synthesis. In addition to being a direct insulin secretagogue, glucose can potentiate many other factors that can contribute to insulin secretion. Thus, nutrients such as some amino acids and fatty acids can stimulate insulin secretion, but only in the presence of adequate amounts of glucose. In addition, this chapter links the agerelated changes in regulation of insulin secretion to the high risk for development of diabetes mellitus observed in populations of older adults.
Flint Kids Cook: positive influence of a farmers' market cooking and nutrition programme on health-related quality of life of US children in a low-income, urban community.

Objective: To examine changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among youth who participated in Flint Kids Cook, a 6-week healthy cooking programme for children, and assess whether changes in HRQoL were associated with changes in cooking self-efficacy, attitude towards cooking (ATC) and diet. Design: Pre-post survey (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, Block Kids Food Screener, 8-item cooking self-efficacy, 6-item ATC) using child self-report at baseline and programme exit. Analysis involved paired sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlations. Setting: Farmers’ market in Flint, Michigan, USA. Participants: Children (n 186; 55·9 % female, 72·6 % African American) participated in Flint Kids Cook from October 2017 to February 2020 (mean age 10·55 ± 1·83 years; range 8–15). Results: Mean HRQoL summary score improved (P < 0·001) from baseline (77·22 ± 14·27) to programme exit (81·62 ± 14·43), as did mean psychosocial health summary score (74·68 ± 15·68 v. 79·04 ± 16·46, P = 0·001). Similarly, physical (P = 0·016), emotional (P = 0·002), social (P = 0·037), and school functioning (P = 0·002) improved. There was a correlation between change in HRQoL summary score and change in ATC (r = –0·194, P = 0·025) as well as change in cooking self-efficacy (r = –0·234, P = 0·008). Changes in HRQoL and psychosocial health summary scores were not correlated with dietary changes, which included decreased added sugar (P = 0·019) and fruit juice (P = 0·004) intake. Conclusions: This study is the first to report modest yet significant improvements in HRQoL among children and adolescents who participated in a healthy cooking programme. Results suggest that cooking programmes for youth may provide important psychosocial health benefits that are unrelated to dietary changes.
The Effects of Clear Speech on American English Listener Perception of Spanish-Accented and Native English Speech

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore (a) the effect of clear speech on intelligibility, ease of understanding, and accentedness in Spanish-accented and native English speakers of Americ...
Shape of optimal active flagella

Many eukaryotic cells use the active waving motion of flexible flagella to self-propel in viscous fluids. However, the criterion governing the selection of particular flagellar waveforms among all possible shapes has proved elusive so far. To address this question, we derive computationally the optimal shape of an internally forced periodic planar flagellum deforming as a travelling wave. The optimum is here defined as the shape leading to a given swimming speed with minimum energetic cost. To calculate the energetic cost, we consider the irreversible internal power expended by the molecular motors forcing the flagellum, only a portion of which is dissipated in the fluid. This optimization approach allows us to derive a family of shapes depending on a single dimensionless number quantifying the relative importance of elastic to viscous effects: the Sperm number. The computed optimal shapes are found to agree with the waveforms observed on spermatozoon of marine organisms, thus suggesting that these eukaryotic flagella might have evolved to be mechanically optimal.
Where’s the Diplomacy in Diplomacy? Using a Classic Board Game in “Introduction to International Relations”

One of the challenges of teaching American undergraduates in an “Introduction to International Relations” course is finding a way to make topics and themes seem relevant to students. This article recounts the author’s experiences using the board game “Diplomacy” in his course. The game places students in the role of decision makers in the international arena and simulates the international politics of pre-World War I Europe. In addition to being a powerful simulation of the difficulties of international relations, the game teaches students about one of the most debated wars in the history of the discipline.
Secretory products of the corpus luteum and preeclampsia

Background Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), there are still many unknowns and controversies in the field. Women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium have been found to have an unexpected increased risk of PE compared to women who receive embryos in a natural FET cycle. The differences in risk have been hypothesized to be related to the absence or presence of a functioning corpus luteum (CL). Objective and rationale To evaluate the literature on secretory products of the CL that could be essential for a healthy pregnancy and could reduce the risk of PE in the setting of FET. Search methods For this review, pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline (updated June 2020) using common keywords applied in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, CL physiology and preeclampsia. We also screened the complete list of references in recent publications in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for study selection or appraisal were utilized. Outcomes The CL is a major source of multiple factors regulating reproduction. Progesterone, estradiol, relaxin and vasoactive and angiogenic substances produced by the CL have important roles in regulating its functional lifespan and are also secreted into the circulation to act remotely during early stages of pregnancy. Beyond the known actions of progesterone and estradiol on the uterus in early pregnancy, their metabolites have angiogenic properties that may optimize implantation and placentation. Serum levels of relaxin are almost undetectable in pregnant women without a CL, which precludes some maternal cardiovascular and renal adaptations to early pregnancy. We suggest that an imbalance in steroid hormones and their metabolites and polypeptides influencing early physiologic processes such as decidualization, implantation, angiogenesis and maternal haemodynamics could contribute to the increased PE risk among women undergoing programmed FET cycles. Wider implications A better understanding of the critical roles of the secretory products of the CL during early pregnancy holds the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of ART based on programmed FET cycles.
Combinatorial enumeration of stereo, chiral and position isomers of polysubstituted halocarbons: applications to machine learning of proton and 35Cl NMR spectroscopy of halocarbons

Combinatorial enumerations of stereo, chiral and position isomers including meso compounds are considered for polysubstituted halocarbons, persistent environmental pollutants that are the causes of ozone layer depletion and hepatotoxicity in humans. Combinatorial techniques developed are generalizations of Sheehan’s version of Pόlya’s theorem to all irreducible representations of the generalized wreath product groups of the nonrigid halocarbons. The combinatorial chemistry provides a database of these isomers which can then be studied further for toxicity predictions and other properties. We have also applied these techniques for the prediction of NMR and multiple quantum NMR spectral patterns and thus pave the way for machine learning of spectroscopic signatures of halocarbons.
What are the drivers and barriers for green business practice adoption for SMEs

The depletion of natural resources as a byproduct of widespread, global economic growth has urged entrepreneurs to think about the environment when starting or conducting business. However, several of these smaller-sized firms struggle with implementing environmentally conscious business practices, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which represent more than 95% of all private sector firms. This study uses a survey method to assess and better comprehend the key drivers and barriers of green business practices by SMEs in the State of Ohio (USA). Results from our study show that a majority of respondents reported that they have implemented green practices, broadly defined, within their business. The two main drivers for deciding to engage in such practices are internal motivations and the opportunity to obtain a better public image. However, respondents also noted a lack of capital as the central barrier to implementing green business practices. We also observe that smaller firms, and firms located in urban areas, are more familiar with green business practices than larger firms and firms that are located in rural areas. Our results can be used by government and business actors alike, especially in states comparable to Ohio, as a benchmark to consider better strategies, programs, and policies for implementing green business techniques. Overall, this research helps to better discern best practices and ways to develop more prosperous SMEs without undermining the quality of the environment.
Distributed merge forest: a new fast and scalable approach for topological analysis at scale

Topological analysis is used in several domains to identify and characterize important features in scientific data, and is now one of the established classes of techniques of proven practical use in scientific computing. The growth in parallelism and problem size tackled by modern simulations poses a particular challenge for these approaches. Fundamentally, the global encoding of topological features necessitates interprocess communication that limits their scaling. In this paper, we extend a new topological paradigm to the case of distributed computing, where the construction of a global merge tree is replaced by a distributed data structure, the merge forest, trading slower individual queries on the structure for faster end-to-end performance and scaling. Empirically, the queries that are most negatively affected also tend to have limited practical use. Our experimental results demonstrate the scalability of both the merge forest construction and the parallel queries needed in scientific workflows, and contrast this scalability with the two established alternatives that construct variations of a global tree.
Microscale tracking of unconstrained moving multiphase contact lines via a capacitance sensor array

Abstract The ability to track the spatial location of a moving multiphase contact line in time significantly enhances understanding into the fundamental physics behind biological processes, condensation- and evaporation-based heat transfer, and a host of other important phenomena. In this work, we present a capacitance-based microdevice capable of tracking a moving phase interface at the microscale for an unconstrained liquid droplet. The microdevice is comprised of an array of planar interdigitated electrodes beneath a thin insulating polymer layer. Monitoring changes in capacitance with time facilitates sensing of the multiphase contact line location and speed as it passes over each capacitance sensor in turn. This capacitive sensing scheme is designed to be highly sensitive and noninvasive to the droplet under study. Results show the speed and location of moving multiphase contact lines for advancing and receding water droplets are indeed able to be detected through the change in capacitance signals in the sensor array. It is also shown that the array can be used to measure the advancing and receding contact angles of unconstrained droplets.
Nuclear lamins: building blocks of nuclear structure and function

The cell nucleus is surrounded by a complex membranous envelope which separates the nucleoplasm from the cytoplasm. Unlike the cytoplasm, the nucleoplasm is not subdivided into membrane-bound compartments, which allows for the efficient segregation of a wide range of complex metabolic activities. In the absence of such membrane compartmentalization, the nucleus is faced with the daunting task of efficiently segregating and interconnecting an enormous array of critically important functions. These include the assembly of the large multi-component complexes or 'factories' involved in DNA replication and transcription. These structures are dynamic as they are assembled and disassembled both spatially and temporally at different times, implying the existence of an infrastructure or nucleoskeleton responsible for establishing and maintaining a complex nuclear architecture. There is increasing evidence that the nuclear lamins are essential elements of this nuclear infrastructure, and that their proper assembly and organization are required for numerous essential nuclear functions. Our goal has been to determine the roles of the nuclear lamins in vital nuclear processes including DNA replication and transcription. The hypothesis directing our investigations is that the lamins form a 3D network that courses throughout the nucleoplasm providing an infrastructure for the assembly and distribution of numerous multicomponent complexes involved in a wide range of nuclear functions.
Phosphatidylinositol Kinase or an Associated Protein Is a Substrate for the Insulin Receptor Tyrosine Kinase

The tyrosine kinase activity intrinsic to the insulin receptor is thought to be important in eliciting the intracellular responses to insulin; however, it has been difficult to determine the biochemical functions of the proteins which are substrates for this receptor. Treatment of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells overexpressing the human insulin receptor (CHO.T) with insulin results in a 38 +/- 11 (mean +/- S.E., n = 9)-fold increase in a phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) kinase activity in anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates of whole cell lysates. One minute of treatment of cells with insulin causes a dramatic increase in the PtdIns kinase activity in the anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates; the activity peaks within 5 min and remains elevated for at least 60 min after addition of insulin to the cells. This response is only slightly delayed compared with the time course we observe for activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase. The insulin dose-response curves are also very similar for the activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity and for the appearance of PtdIns kinase in the anti-phosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates. Stimulation of the endogenous insulin receptor of CHO cells also results in the association of PtdIns kinase activity with phosphotyrosine-containing proteins. However, CHO cells are less sensitive to insulin than CHO.T cells, and the maximal PtdIns kinase activity in antiphosphotyrosine immunoprecipitates from CHO cells is one-sixth that of CHO.T cells. In contrast, immunoprecipitates from CHO.T cells made with anti-insulin receptor antibodies do not contain significant levels of PtdIns kinase activity. This demonstrates that the PtdIns kinase is either a substrate for the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase or is tightly associated with another tyrosine phosphoprotein, which is not the insulin receptor.
Liberty and moral ambivalence: Postsocialist transitions, refugee hosting, and bodily comportment in the Republic of Guinea

Guinean hosts viewed Liberian refugees with the same ambivalence and fascination that many held for their own children, who were embracing the consumerist ethos of Guinea's postsocialist 1990s. Loma-speaking farmers’ categories for evaluating historical change and refugee comportment grew out of metaphors of embodied agency and morality. These categories challenge some aspects of both Guinean elites’ and contemporary anthropologists’ understandings of the meaning of post–Cold War social change. [subaltern historiography, embodiment, Guinea, West Africa, fast capitalism, postsocialism]
Abstract 1751: Preclinical development of a novel multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, MG516, for the treatment of sarcoma

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key regulators of tumor development as well as metastasis, aiding in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration and angiogenesis. RTK signaling pathways such as VEGFR, PDGFR, and c-Met have been shown to be critical for cell survival, proliferation and metastasis in sarcomas. RTK inhibitors have been used with moderate success to block tumor cell survival and proliferation, however, internal compensatory signaling pathways give rise to drug resistance in a majority of cases. MG516, is a novel multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks RTK signaling pathways including c-Met, Ephrin receptors (Eph), and VEGFR with low nanomolar IC50 values. We evaluated the RTK inhibition profile and anti-proliferative effect of MG516 in a diverse panel of sarcoma cell lines including malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST), Ewing's sarcoma (A673) and leiomyosarcoma (SKLMS). MG516 inhibits tumor cell proliferation in vitro in a dose dependent manner with IC50s ranging from 500 to 2500 nM. We used a human phopho-RTK array kit, which allows the screening of 49 different phosphorylated human RTKs, in a panel of sarcoma cell lines. Our data indicates that MG516 provides robust blockade of a wide panel of RTKs including c-Met, EphB3, EphA10, PDGFR-β, Axl and IGF1-R at nanomolar to low micromolar concentrations. Western blot analysis showed a significant blockade of downstream effectors including p-AKT, p-FAK and p-STAT3. These results demonstrate the efficacy of MG516 in blocking RTKs and their downstream signaling pathways. Since PDGFR-β, c-Met and IGF1-R have been shown to be involved in tumor initiation, development and metastasis in a variety of sarcoma subtypes, our data would strongly support further development of MG516 as a novel agent in the treatment of sarcomas. Citation Format: Kathryn S. Ivy, Parag P. Patwardhan, Gary K. Schwartz. Preclinical development of a novel multi-targeted kinase inhibitor, MG516, for the treatment of sarcoma. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1751. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1751
Doublet-Point Method for Supersonic Unsteady Lifting Surfaces.

A method to predict unsteady aerodynamic forces on lifting surfaces in supersonic flow is presented. The wing is divided into small segments in which the lift force is expressed by a single-point doublet of the acceleration potential. This is the same concept as the doublet-point method developed by the authors for subsonic flows. In order to avoid sensitiveness to the Mach number, the upwash due to the point doublet is calculated by averaging over small areas. The integration is done analyticaly so that it requires no numerical quadrature. Pressure distributions are directly obtained as the unknowns of the algebraic equation. The results are compared with those obtained by other methods for various wing geometries, including the AGARD wing-tail configuration.
A Case Study of the Process of an Adult Female Learning to Sing in a Senior Chorus

The purpose of this study is to examine, over nine months, the perceptions and processes of an adult female who is learning to sing with a chorus for adults over 50 years old. The three-part process is as follows: 1) exploring the history of her life story with respect to previous singing experiences, perceptions, and frustrations, 2) assessing her vocal skills with respect to vocal range, body alignment, breath management, and pitch accuracy, and 3) developing her ability to match pitch with other singers and to sing harmony with the chorus. The following research questions guided the investigation: 1) Why did this particular person not learn to sing while growing up? 2) How does not singing earlier in her life affect her self-identity and her selfperception? 3) What elements of her individual and group singing practice help and hinder her ability to sing with the chorus? And 4) How does learning to sing with the chorus affect her selfidentity and her self-perception? This embedded case study (Yin, 2003) employed a grounded theory qualitative methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). Data collection included written reflections from three music teachers who alternately worked with the singer twice per week, vocal range, duration of a singing a middle C on “loo,” written reflections from the singer, in-depth interviews with the singer, and direct observation. Open, selective, and axial coding were used for data analysis and theory generation. Findings and implications for choral music education are described. Further research directions and studies are suggested.
Pyrrolopyrimidine nucleotides and protein synthesis.

Abstract The interaction of amino pyrrolopyrimidine nucleotides with enzymes catalyzing different steps in the reaction sequence leading to the incorporation of amino acids into polypeptides has been studied. None of the analogue nucleotides could function as the energy source for activation of amino acids or esterification of transfer RNA (tRNA) by mammalian or bacterial enzymes. Toyocamycin 5'-triphosphate and sangivamycin 5'-triphosphate were competitive inhibitors of the reactions catalyzed by mammalian enzymes. Tubercidin 5'-triphosphate, toyocamycin 5'-triphosphate, and sangivamycin 5'-triphosphate were effective substrates for rabbit liver tRNA with adenosine nucleoside terminus pyrophosphorylase; the corresponding nucleosides were incorporated at the 3' termini of tRNA, and the amino acid acceptor and transfer activities of the analogue-containing polynucleotides were studied. tRNA molecules with tubercidin termini were near normal in these respects, whereas the acceptor activities of tRNA molecules with sangivamycin and toyocamycin termini were greatly diminished. The coding properties of several tubercidin-containing polyribonucleotides were indistinguishable from those of the corresponding polymers containing adenosine.
1,1-Dihydroperoxides

Gem-dihydroperoxides (g-DHPs), often referred to as 1,1-dihydroperoxides, are a class of molecules of interest because of their reactivity as well as their utility as synthetic reagents and intermediates. This review begins with a listing of previous reviews and commercially available g-DHPs, followed by a brief discussion of safety and regulatory issues. The properties of g-DHPs are then overviewed, with an emphasis on the physical properties, biological activity, thermal stability, spectroscopic properties, and behavior on chromatographic media. The remaining sections describe the synthesis and reactions of g-DHPS. The largest of these sections describes the various methods for synthesis of g-DHPs based upon class of catalyst or reagent and compares applications of different reagents selected target skeletons. One of the most significant applications of g-DHPs, their use as precursors for 1,2,4,5-tetraoxanes, is discussed in detail, including tabular comparisons of approaches to selected skeletons. The chapter concludes with a discussion of other important reactions of g-DHPs, including alkylations, nucleophilic and electrophile-promoted additions to alkenes, acetalizations, acylations and acylation-promoted fragmentations, acid-promoted dimerizations and decompositions, silylations, and application as oxygen transfer agents. Keywords: cylation; alkylation; Bronsted acid; 1,1-dihydroperoxide; gem-dihydroperoxide; hydrogen peroxide; Lewis acid; synthesis; silylation; 1,2,4,5-tetraoxane
Chondroma and Chondrosarcoma

A chondrosarcoma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the chest wall. It usually presents on the anterior chest wall arising from the costochondral arches or sternum. It may occur as the result of malignant degeneration of a benign chondroma. Both chondrosarcomas and benign chondromas present as painful, slow-growing, hard, fixed, and nontender anterior chest wall masses. Microscopic differentiation between the two tumors is difficult and the treatment for both tumors is wide excision with a margin of at least 4 cm. Chemotherapy is ineffective and radiation therapy is used only for patients with tumors that are either not amenable to surgical resection or have positive resection margins.
A New Method for Flow Regime Identification in a Fluidized Bed Based on Gamma-Ray Densitometry and Information Entropy

The accurate identification of the boundaries of the main flow regimes in fluidized beds is very important since the degrees of mixing and mass and heat transfer depend on the prevailing flow regime. Both the minimum fluidization velocity Umf (0.103 m·s−1) and the transition velocity Utrans (0.12 m·s−1) to bubbling fluidization regime have been successfully identified based on a newly developed maximum information entropy (IEmax) algorithm applied to gamma photon time series. The latter are recorded by means of gamma-ray densitometry scans performed in an air–polyethylene fluidized bed (0.438 m in ID) operated at ambient conditions. A comparison with the Kolmogorov entropy (KE) algorithm has found that the new approach yielded more accurate transition velocities. The value of Umf is also validated by means of the profiles of both bed pressure drop and bed height, respectively. It has been found, however, that these parameters are not capable of identifying the second transition velocity Utrans. It is demonstrated that the Umf value identified on the basis of IEmax is theoretically predictable. In the bubbling fluidization regime, a simple correlation between both the KE and IEmax values is developed.
Visionary leadership and its relationship to organizational effectiveness

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between visionary leadership and the perception of organizational effectiveness in nonprofit organizations. Leaders with high levels of transformational leadership were predicted to be reported as having more effective organizations. Design/methodology/approach – Data from 135 executive organizational leaders and 221 of their subordinates were collected from 52 various nonprofit organizations across USA. Leaders completed measures of leadership behavior and perceived organizational effectiveness, while followers provided ratings of their perspective leaders’ leadership style, organizational effectiveness, and organizational change magnitude. Findings – Significant relationships were found between visionary leadership and perceived organizational effectiveness. Regression analysis also showed some significant correlations between high leadership behaviors and perceived organizational effectiveness. Visionary leaders with high leadership...
Haemophilus parasuis exhibits IgA protease activity but lacks homologs of the IgA protease genes of Haemophilus influenzae.

Haemophilus parasuis, the bacterium responsible for Glasser's disease, is a pathogen of significant concern in modern high-health swine production systems but there is little information regarding the identity or function of its virulence factors. Several important human mucosal pathogens, including the closely related bacterium Haemophilus influenzae, utilize IgA proteases to aid in defeating the host immune response and facilitate disease but it is unknown whether H. parasuis synthesizes any product with IgA protease activity. To investigate potential virulence mechanisms of H. parasuis, we evaluated five strains for their ability to digest purified IgA. Western blotting demonstrated cleavage of swine IgA, but not human IgA1, following incubation with culture supernatants from three strains, two of which are known to cause invasive disease. No genes with homology to the H. influenzae IgA protease genes iga and igaB could be identified in any H. parasuis strain using either PCR or Southern blotting. These results demonstrate that a novel IgA protease produced by some strains of H. parasuis cleaves the swine IgA heavy chain at a site not found in human IgA1.
Reconceptualizing the community of inquiry framework: An exploratory analysis

Abstract Constructs requiring additional conceptualization within the Community of Inquiry framework for online learning include the self- and co-regulatory processes students bring to online learning. This paper extends previous efforts to advance the framework by addressing this gap. Quantitative content analysis and social network analysis were used with online discussions in a doctoral course to identify qualities of the discourse. The analysis focused on the three original presences of the framework (social, teaching, and cognitive presences) and learning presence, a recently proposed addition to the framework. First, frequencies of all four presences were calculated to report patterns in the discussions. Next, correlations were computed to investigate which presences correspond with the modes of critical thinking described in cognitive presence. Finally, students' positions of influence and prestige were analyzed in relation to their expressions of the four forms of presence. Findings raise questions about the framework's scope and point toward its reconceptualization.
In vitro studies of skeletal muscle membranes. Adenylate cyclase of fast and slow twitch muscle and the effects of denervation.

The effects of denervation on the macromolecular components of active monovalent cation transport in skeletal muscle have been studied using purified sarcolemma membranes. A comparison of membrane activities of fast-twitch, slow-twitch, and mixed-fiber muscles was made to determine what role, if any, the motor nerve has in regulating this important aspect of muscle metabolism. A dramatic increase in the basal sarcolemmal Mg++ ATPase activity (three- to fourfold) was found for both major muscle types. An increase in the ouabain-inhibitable (Na++K+)-stimulated enzyme was also found, but the effect was substantially less (1.5- to twofold). [3H]-ouabain binding, as an index of glycoside receptor sites, also increased (two- to threefold) midway in the course of denervation. On the other hand, the phosphorylated intermediate activity, a functional component of the transport system, clearly decreased over the same time course and remained below control values for the remainder of the course. This resulted in a two- to threefold increase in the turnover number, suggesting that active transport of cations should increase dramatically with denervation. The membrane protein patterns on SDS gels were less obvious than the changes observed in the functional components. The major effects appeared after only one week and seemed to be restricted to high molecular weight membrane proteins, especially in the 100,000 to 250,000 daltons range. This effect was more prominent in slow-twitch membranes with an apparent semiquantitative decrease in stain at 240,000 daltons. In gels of membranes from fast-twitch muscles a decreased stain in the range of 100,000 to 110,000 daltons occurred, and this became more obvious with longer periods of denervation. The results suggest that considerable influence on the macromolecular components of active cation transport in skeletal muscle is exerted by the motor nerve. No appreciable difference was found in this effect when the two major types of skeletal muscle, fast-twitch and slow-twitch, were compared, suggesting that motor nerve regulation of this membrane property is qualitatively the same.
Dynamic-MLC leaf control utilizing on-flight intensity calculations : A robust method for real-time IMRT delivery over moving rigid targets

An algorithm is presented that allows for the control of multileaf collimation (MLC) leaves based entirely on real-time calculations of the intensity delivered over the target. The algorithm is capable of efficiently correcting generalized delivery errors without requiring the interruption of delivery (self-correcting trajectories), where a generalized delivery error represents anything that causes a discrepancy between the delivered and intended intensity profiles. The intensity actually delivered over the target is continually compared to its intended value. For each pair of leaves, these comparisons are used to guide the control of the following leaf and keep this discrepancy below a user-specified value. To demonstrate the basic principles of the algorithm, results of corrected delivery are shown for a leading leaf positional error during dynamic-MLC (DMLC) IMRT delivery over a rigid moving target. It is then shown that, with slight modifications, the algorithm can be used to track moving targets in real time. The primary results of this article indicate that the algorithm is capable of accurately delivering DMLC IMRT over a rigid moving target whose motion is (1) completely unknown prior to delivery and (2) not faster than the maximum MLC leaf velocity over extended periods of time. These capabilities are demonstrated for clinically derived intensity profiles and actual tumor motion data, including situations when the target moves in some instances faster than the maximum admissible MLC leaf velocity. The results show that using the algorithm while calculating the delivered intensity every 50 ms will provide a good level of accuracy when delivering IMRT over a rigid moving target translating along the direction of MLC leaf travel. When the maximum velocities of the MLC leaves and target were 4 and 4.2 cm/s, respectively, the resulting error in the two intensity profiles used was 0.1 +/- 3.1% and -0.5 +/- 2.8% relative to the maximum of the intensity profiles. For the same target motion, the error was shown to increase rapidly as (1) the maximum MLC leaf velocity was reduced below 75% of the maximum target velocity and (2) the system response time was increased.
Timely and Needed Perspectives on Differential Response in Child Protective Services.

This article is an invited commentary and analysis of the authors’ completed systematic evaluation of Child Protective Services (CPS) differential response (DR) models. I write this commentary base...
Hypoglycaemia with Septicaemia: 2 case reports and a review of the literature:

Hypoglycaemia can be associated with a number of clinical conditions in patients without diabetes. It can be associated with severe sepsis and hypoglycaemia complicating septicaemia may not always be recognised. We report two cases of spontaneous hypoglycaemia complicating severe sepsis and summarise the literature.
Vacancy concentrations in quenched binary alloys

Abstract The effect of solute atoms on quenched-in vacancy concentrations has been studied theoretically using a simple model for vacancy annihilation during quenching. The model has been developed in generalized terms, making the results applicable to a wide variety of experimental conditions. For high quench rates, the quenched-in vacancy concentration is limited by the equilibrium concentration of vacancies at the quench temperature and solute effects are small. For low quench rates, the quenched-in vacancy concentration is determined by vacancy losses during quenching and solute effects can be enormous. Quantitative definition of high and low quench rates depends on vacancy properties, quench temperature, solute concentration and other parameters. The calculated results are in excellent accord with experimental results for pure Au and pure Pt.
The Effect of Supination and Pronation on Wrist Range of Motion

Wrist range of motion (ROM) is a combination of complex osseous articulations and intricate soft tissue constraints. It has been proposed that forearm rotation contributes significantly to carpal kinematics. However, no studies have investigated whether supination or pronation influence this course of motion. The purpose of this study is to examine whether supination and pronation affect the mechanical axis of the wrist. After being screened for gross anatomic abnormalities, six upper extremity cadaver specimens (three matched pairs) were fixed to a custom-designed jig that allows 24 different directions of wrist motion. Each specimen was tested in three separate forearm positions: neutral, full supination, and full pronation. Moments of ± 2 Nm were applied, and the applied moment versus wrist rotation data were recorded. Forearm position did not significantly (p > 0.31) affect the ROM values of the wrist. In forearm neutral, supination, and pronation positions the envelope of wrist ROM values was ellipsoidal in shape, consistent with prior neutral forearm biomechanical testing. The major axis of the ellipse was oriented in a radial extension to ulnar flexion direction, with the largest ROM in ulnar flexion. We hypothesized that forearm position would influence wrist ROM. However, our biomechanical testing showed no statistically significant difference in the orientation of the mechanical axis nor the passive ROM of the wrist. The primary passive mechanical axis in all three forearm positions tested (neutral, supination, and pronation) was aligned with radial extension and ulnar flexion. Although it has been shown that forearm position affects various radioulnar, radiocarpal, and ulnocarpal ligamentous tensions and lengths, it appears that wrist ROM is independent of forearm position. Consequently we feel our biomechanical testing illustrates that wrist ROM is primarily dependent on the osseous articulations of the carpus. Additionally, given that no change is observed in wrist ROM relative to forearm position, the significance of the contribution of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) to wrist kinematics is debatable.
Alteration of Pemetrexed Excretion in the Presence of Acute Renal Failure and Effusions: Presentation of a Case and Review of the Literature

Pemetrexed is a multitargeted antifolate approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with mesothelioma and non small cell lung cancer. As this agent is almost exclusively cleared by renal excretion, trials leading to its approval were conducted in patients with normal renal function. However, this cycle active agent often is administered with cisplatin to patients who may have pleural effusions and ascites. As a result, the potential for drug accumulation in effusions and for accompanying renal insufficiency is real. Recommendations for the management of pemetrexed toxicity in the presence of renal failure have not been established. A case of treatment-related acute renal failure following chemotherapy with cisplatin and pemetrexed in a patient with advanced mesothelioma and ascites is presented. Pharmacologic studies in this patient revealed persistent pemetrexed levels in ascites and plasma. This is the first time that significant accumulation of pemetrexed in ascetic fluid has been reported in the literature. Treatment with leucovorin, folate, and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis was initiated. Thymidine and carboxypeptidase were not available. Dialysis was unsuccessful in removing pemetrexed. Theoretical and practical approaches to management of similar cases are presented.
Understandings of Environmental Quality: Ambiguities and Values Held by Environmental Professionals

The terms used to describe and negotiate environmental quality are both ambiguous and value-laden. Stakeholders intimately and actively involved in the management of forested lands were interviewed and found to use ambiguous, tautological, and value-laden definitions of terms such as health, biodiversity, sustainability, and naturalness. This confusing language hinders public participation efforts and produces calls to regulate and remove discretion from environmental professionals. Our data come from in-depth interviews with environmental management professionals and other stakeholders heavily vested in negotiating the fate of forested lands. We contend that environmental science and management will be more effective if its practitioners embrace and make explicit these ambiguous and evaluative qualities rather than ignore and disguise them.
Problems of interpreting radiocarbon dates from dead-ice terrain, with an example from the Puget Lowland of Washington

Radiocarbon dates of organic matter collected from ablation till or from the base of peat bogs in dead-ice deposits may postdate retreat of an active glacier terminus by hundreds or even thousands of years, and therefore provide only minimum estimates for the time of glacial maximum and the beginning of ice recession. Logs incorporated in Vashon till close to the drift border postdate recession of the Puget Lobe of the Cordilleran Ice Sheet by some 1400 years, and probably were buried when drift-mantled stagnant ice melted away, causing collapse of a superglacial forest.
Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase isozymes of the Triticinae: dissociation and recombination of subunits.

A simple procedure has been developed for the dissociation of active molecules of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT: E.C. 2.6.1.1) into protomers and for the reassociation of the subunits into active enzymes. Results of experiments in which the protomers of genetically controlled electrophoretic variants of GOT of Triticum aestivum and of several related species were dissociated and recombined in crude tissue extracts and in partially purified preparations support the hypothesis that the enzyme exists functionally as a dimer in the Triticinae.
Amino acids in the cloned mouse kappa receptor that are necessary for high affinity agonist binding but not antagonist binding

Abstract Opioids exert their biological effects through membrane-bound receptors. We have been interested in examining the domains and specific residues of the opioid receptors involved in ligand binding. In this report we demonstrate the critical roles of two highly conserved aspartate residues in the second and third transmembrane domains (TM2 and TM3) of the κ receptor in ligand binding. Two mutant receptors were generated in which the negatively charged aspartate residues residing in TM2 and TM3 were independently mutated to neutrally charged asparagines (D105N and D138N). These aspartate residues are absolutely required for high affinity κ-selective agonist binding. In addition, we exchanged the region encompassing TM4 and the second extracellular loop between the κ and δ opioid receptors. One of these chimeras, the κ receptor with TM4 and the δ second extracellular loop (κ/δ-2eloop), was unable to bind κ-selective agonists but bound antagonists and nonselective opioids in a manner identical to wild-type κ receptor. The ability of κ-selective agonists to inhibit forskolin-stimulated cAMP accumulation in COS-7 cells transfected with the κ/δ-2eloop chimera was completely abolished, consistent with the loss of binding observed. These results indicate that TM4 and/or the second extracellular loop are involved in κ-selective agonist binding.
Arab American Emerging Adults’ Bicultural Identity, Acculturation Stress, and Perceptions of Parenting

For bicultural individuals in the United States, developing a sense of cultural identity is an important component of self-concept. Such identity exploration is particularly salient for 18- to 30-y...
Automated Environmental Simulation Model Tor Analyzing Wound Fiber Optic Bobbins

The life of optical fibers under stress for an extended period of time is limited by static fatigue caused by stress corrosion in the presence of moisture. In order to predict the life of wound optical fibers, it is necessary to accelerate the aging process by simulating the storage environment (stress, temperature, and humidity) in a short period of time. Existing environmental test systems have been proven useful in the simulation of the storage environment; however, the data is limited due to the manual mode of operation. An automated environmental simulation model is developed to control, collect, process, and analyze optical loss data while measuring temperature and humidity. The environmental conditions for optical fibers wound for various applications are simulated in order to understand the interrelationships between wound fiber parameters including spool composition/design, winding tension, adhesives, and fiber cable design. Experimental investigations are carried out to expose wound optical fiber to simulated environments while monitoring changes in the optical and mechanical characteristics of the fibers. Based on the preliminary results of the data obtained, the automated simulation system is proven acceptable for performing routine modeling and evaluations. The automated system is a valuable instrument to aid in the characterization of optical fibers.