cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nature’s reach: narrow work has broad impact

A scientific paper today is inspired by more disciplines than ever before, shows a new analysis marking the journal’s 150th anniversary. A scientific paper today is inspired by more disciplines than ever before, shows a new analysis marking the journal’s 150th anniversary.
Color discrimination and preference in the fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren

Ants generally use chemoreception more than vision to obtain information about their environment. However, available genome sequences suggest that color vision is possibly widespread in ants. In this study, responses of workers of the fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren in dual choice conditions for differently colored glass bead pairs were tested. Workers from ten colonies were randomly selected and allowed to perform digging behavior in an apparatus filled with colored glass beads in paired choice tests for 1 h. In the experimental group, workers dug in light conditions, while in the control group, workers dug in the dark. Glass beads consisted of five colors: blue, green, yellow, orange, and red. The number of glass beads brought to the surface was recorded and used as indication of preference of workers. Results indicated that workers significantly preferred one or more colors over alternatives and they had a general preference for relatively longer wavelengths compared to shorter wavelengths. Comparison of the estimated absorbed light intensity with the bead choices showed that workers generally preferred beads that transmitted less light. However, although the absorbed intensity was the same for blue and green beads, the workers had a significant preference for green beads, thereby clearly showing color discrimination. It was also observed that workers dug more in the light compared to the dark conditions. Results of this study can be used to improve the attractiveness of fire ant baits by exploiting their color preferences. The possibility of S. invicta using color vision and areas to further explore are discussed.
"That Sure Is Racist": Classroom Race Talk as Resistance.

This work analyzed three grade 9 English Language Arts classroom discussions and contributions by Black youth as resistance acts. Using a framework of resistance based on an indigenous understandin...
More than a Comedian: Exploring Cybermourning and Parasocial Relationships the Night Hollywood Star Robin Williams Died

Using thematic analysis, the researcher studied 1,299 condolences posted on the obituary website Legacy.com to come up with themes that opened the window to cybermourning and parasocial relationships on the night worldly-famous comedian and actor Robin Williams hanged himself, August, 11, 2014. In addition to the themes that emerged, loss, appreciation and celebration, the study revealed that a majority of cybermourners had developed a deep parasocial relationship with Williams and viewed him as more than a comedian. They saw him as a close friend or relative who had died. The deeply emotional posts outnumbered two to one the posts from cybermourners whose condolences were respectful, short and generic. Fans also shared intimate life struggles associated with drug and alcohol abuse and mental illness with their virtual “close” friend Williams who was also struggling with the same demons. This paper discusses cybermourning, parasocial relationships and the pros and cons of such online relationships.
A New Section of Anthurium: Section Cordato-punctatum (Araceae), Restricted to Central America

Molecular studies have recently shown that a predominantly Mexican clade of Anthurium Schott species with ovate-cordate to ovate-sagittate leaf blades with glandular punctations on the lower (abaxial) surface is distinct from all other groups of Anthurium. This new section, Cordato-punctatum Croat & Carlsen, is one of three sections of Anthurium essentially restricted to Central America, and it contains six taxa. In this article, we describe and typify this new section, characterize its morphology, compare it to other Central American clades, and provide a current species list with geographic distributions.
In-and-Beyond State Power: How Political Equality Moderates the Economic Growth-CO2 Emissions Relationship, 1990-2014

This study tests whether greater political equality at the nation-state level moderates economic growth’s association with production-based and consumption-based CO2 emissions. Based on data for 10...
Certificate-of-Need State Laws and Elective Posterior Lumbar Fusions: Is It Time to Repeal the Mandate?

Objectives Our study aimed to assess whether elective posterior lumbar fusions (PLFs) performed in states with Certificate-of-Need (CON) laws versus states without CON laws had lower utilization rates, lower costs, and better quality of care. Methods The 2005–2014 100% Medicare Standard Analytical File was queried to identify patients undergoing elective 1- to 3-level PLF. Differences in per-capita utilization, 90-day reimbursements, and proportion of high-volume between CON and No-CON states were reported. Multivariate analyses were used to analyze 90-day complications and readmissions. Results A total of 188,687 patients underwent an elective 1- to 3-level PLF in a CON state and 167,642 patients in a No-CON state during 2005–2014. The average per capita utilization of PLFs was lower in CON states as compared with No-CON states (14.5 vs. 15.4 per 10,000 population; P Conclusions The presence of CON laws was associated with lower utilization of elective 1- to 3-level PLFs and a greater number of high-volume facilities. However, their effect on quality of care, via reduction of 90-day readmissions and 90-day complications, is minimally significant.
Some fixed point theorems for tree-like continua

Abstract We show that certain tree-like continua, that can be realized as inverse limits on [ 0 , 1 ] with set-valued bonding functions, must have the fixed point property. In this class of tree-like continua, one result involves inverse limits for which the bonding functions are interval-valued and their graphs are trees, and another result involves inverse limits whose partial graphs are dendrites.
Characterization, bio-uptake and toxicity of polymer-coated silver nanoparticles and their interaction with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in medical applications due to their antibacterial and antiviral properties. Despite the extensive study of AgNPs, their toxicity and their effect on human health is poorly understood, as a result of issues such as poor control of NP properties and lack of proper characterization. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined characterization, bio-uptake, and toxicity of well-characterized polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-coated AgNPs in exposure media during exposure time using primary human cells (peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)). AgNPs were synthesized in-house and characterized using a multimethod approach. Results indicated the transformation of NPs in RPMI medium with a change in size and polydispersity over 24 h of exposure due to dissolution and reprecipitation. No aggregation of NPs was observed in the RPMI medium over the exposure time (24 h). A dose-dependent relationship between PBMC uptake and Ag concentration was detected for both AgNP and AgNO3 treatment. There was approximately a two-fold increase in cellular Ag uptake in the AgNO3 vs the NP treatment. Cytotoxicity, using LDH and MTS assays and based on exposure concentrations was not significantly different when comparing NPs and Ag ions. Based on differential uptake, AgNPs were more toxic after normalizing toxicity to the amount of cellular Ag uptake. Our data highlights the importance of correct synthesis, characterization, and study of transformations to obtain a better understanding of NP uptake and toxicity. Statistical analysis indicated that there might be an individual variability in response to NPs, although more research is required.
Flow and wake characteristics associated with large wood to inform river restoration.

Wood is an integral part of a river ecosystem and the number of restoration projects using log placements is increasing. Physical model tests were used to explore how the wood position and submergence level (discharge) affect wake structure, and hence the resulting habitat. We observed a von-Karman vortex street (VS) for emergent logs placed at the channel center, while no VS formed for submerged logs, because the flow entering the wake from above the log (sweeping flow) inhibited VS formation. As a result, emergent logs placed at the channel center resulted in ten times higher turbulent kinetic energy compared to submerged logs. In addition, both spatial variation in time-mean velocity and turbulence level increased with increasing log length and decreasing submergence level. Submerged logs and logs placed at the channel side created a greater velocity deficit and a longer recirculation zone, both of which can increase the residence time in the wake and deposition of organic matter and nutrients. The results demonstrate that variation in log size and degree of submergence can be used as a tool to vary habitat suitability for different fish preferences. To maximize habitat diversity in rivers, we suggest a diverse large wood placement.
Along-Strike Rapid Structural and Geomorphic Transition From Transpression to Strike-Slip to Transtension Related to Active Microplate Rotation, Papua New Guinea

The area of southeastern Papua New Guinea includes three active microplates - the Trobriand, Woodlark, and Solomon Sea plates – that are being deformed by regional convergence between the much larger Pacific and Australian Plates. The landward extent of the plate boundary between the Trobriand and Australian Plates corresponds to the Owen-Stanley Fault Zone (OSFZ), a 510 km-long left-lateral strike-slip fault that forms a linear, intermontane valley within the elongate Owen-Stanley Range (OSR) and extends into a 250 km-long low angle normal fault along the margins of Goodenough and Woodlark basins. Modern GPS geodesy reveals that the Trobriand microplate has undergone rapid counter-clockwise rotation since the Late Miocene (8.4 Ma) and that this rotation about a nearby pole of rotation predicts transpressional deformation along the 250 km-long northwestern segment of the OSFZ, strike-slip motion along a 100 km-long central segment, and transtension along the 270 km-long ESE-trending southeastern segment of OSFZ. In order to illustrate the along-strike variations in neotectonic uplift resulting from the changing structure of the OSFZ, we delineated a river network of 3903 river segments in the northeastern side of OSR drainage divide and derived river longitudinal profiles along each river segment. Normalized steepness indices (ksn) and knickpoint clusters are highest and most concentrated, respectively, for the northwestern transpressional segment of the OSR, moderately high and concentrated along the southeastern segment of the OSR, and lowest and least concentrated along the central strike-slip segment extending southeast into transtension. These geomorphological indices indicate the most areas of plate boundary uplift occur along the transpressional and transtensional segments that are connected by the central strike-slip zone that is characterized by less vertical fault movements. Within this overall pattern of structural variation, abrupt changes in the azimuth of the OSFZ create more localized anomalies in the geomorphological indices.
Quantal Response Statistical Equilibrium: A New Class of Maximum Entropy Distributions

The principle of maximum entropy has been applied fruitfully to many economic and social situations. One limitation of such applications, however, is the tendency neglect of the joint determination of social outcomes and the actions that shape them in the formal modeling despite the fact that both dimensions of the problem are typically articulated in the theoretical exposition. The fact that closed-form marginal distributions are good model candidates for many economic variables in statistical equilibrium based on fit has the unfortunate consequence of leading to economic rationalization based on mathematical necessity of the constraints. From the Principle of Maximum Entropy perspective the use of closed-form distributions is premature. While there may be good reasons to rely on such distributions for modeling statistical equilibrium in some situations, in general this limits inference to an arbitrary subset of models. This research explores an alternative approach to modeling economic outcomes based on the Principle of Maximum Entropy called the quantal response statistical equilibrium (QRSE) model of social interactions. The QRSE model provides a behavioral foundation for the formation of aggregate economic outcomes in social systems characterized by negative feedbacks. It can approximate a wide range of commonly encountered theoretical distributions that have been identified as economic statistical equilibrium and displays qualitatively similar behavior to the Subbotin and Asymmetric Subbotin distributions that range from the Laplace to the Normal distribution in the limit. Asymmetry in the frequency distributions of economic outcomes arises from the unfulfilled expectations of entropy-constrained decision makers and asymmetric impacts of actions. The logic of the model is demonstrated in an application to US stock market data, firm profit rate data, and the distribution of income from a classical perspective.
Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Baseplate Stability in Superior Bone Loss With Augmented Implant

BackgroundGlenoid bone loss is commonly encountered in cases of rotator cuff tear arthropathy and can create challenges during reverse shoulder arthroplasty. In this study, we sought to investigate...
Circadian Control of Sodium and Blood Pressure Regulation

The attention for the control of dietary risk factors involved in the development of hypertension, includes a large effort on dietary salt restrictions. Ample studies show the beneficial role of limiting dietary sodium as a lifestyle modification in the prevention and management of essential hypertension. Not until the past decade or so have studies more specifically investigated diurnal variations in renal electrolyte excretion, which led us to the hypothesis that timing of salt intake may impact cardiovascular health and blood pressure regulation. Cell autonomous molecular clocks as the name implies, function independently to maintain optimum functional rhythmicity in the face of environmental stressors such that cellular homeostasis is maintained at all times. Our understanding of mechanisms influencing diurnal patterns of sodium excretion and blood pressure has expanded with the discovery of the circadian clock genes. In this review, we discuss what is known about circadian regulation of renal sodium handling machinery and its influence on blood pressure regulation, with timing of sodium intake as a potential modulator of the kidney clock.
Multiplexity as a lens to investigate the cultural meanings of interpersonal ties

Abstract A typical assumption in formal studies of social networks is that interpersonal ties classified under the same label carry the same cultural connotation. As cultural meanings matter for the construction of ties, this premise can be problematic when labels attributed to relationships sustain the simultaneous coexistence of disparate meanings. I argue that the measurement and analysis of multiplexity is a useful tool for testing the validity of this assumption and exploring the cultural meanings of ties using traditional survey data. Employing loglinear models and a datamining technique called ‘association rules’, I analyze data from the 2004 social networks component of the General Social Survey, which gave subjects the option to classify confidants into multiple relational categories. Contrary to standard assumptions, I find that, subjects report viewing their ties multiplexly a little less than half the time. Familial labels are either perceived as intrinsically meaningful or more broadly as ‘friends’ and ‘advisors.’ Spouses are likely to be described as ‘friends’ only when they are also classified as ‘coworkers’ or ‘group members.’ ‘Friend’ and ‘advisor’ also display complex layering alongside other labels indicative of flexibility. I discuss implications of my findings for network structure and the cultural meanings of close personal ties.
Self-Reported Antihypertensive Medication Class and Temporal Relationship to Treatment Guidelines.

The greater antihypertensive responses to initial therapy with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) or thiazide-type diuretics than renin-angiotensin system blockers as initial therapy in non-Hispanic B...
A Review of Research: Economies of Size and Impacts of Declining Enrollment on School Costs

Over the last decade lower birth rates and population migration have caused declining school enrollments not only in Iowa, but in many parts of the country. - For this reason^ many state and local leaders^ school officials and students of school finance have studied these trends. Such studies have focused on effects of declining, enrollment on school management and expenditures and economies of size in school organization. Studies of each type.are reviewed in turn.
A disordered rock-salt Li-excess cathode material with high capacity and substantial oxygen redox activity: Li1.25Nb0.25Mn0.5O2

Abstract A disordered rocksalt Li-excess cathode material, Li 1.25 Nb 0.25 Mn 0.5 O 2 , was synthesized and investigated. It shows a large initial discharge capacity of 287 mAh g − 1 in the first cycle, which is much higher than the theoretical capacity of 146 mAh g − 1 based on the Mn 3+ /Mn 4+ redox reaction. In situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrates that the compound remains cation-disordered during the first cycle. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) suggests that Mn and O are likely to both be redox active, resulting in the large reversible capacity. Our results show that Li 1.25 Nb 0.25 Mn 0.5 O 2 is a promising cathode material for high capacity Li-ion batteries and that reversible oxygen redox in the bulk may be a viable way forward to increase the energy density of lithium-ion batteries.
The KdpD Sensor Kinase of Escherichia coli Responds to Several Distinct Signals To Turn on Expression of the Kdp Transport System

ABSTRACT Kdp, one of three saturable K+ uptake systems in Escherichia coli, is the system with the highest affinity for K+ and the only one whose expression is strongly controlled by medium K+ concentration. Expression is controlled by a two-component system of KdpD, the sensor kinase, and KdpE, the response regulator. There is general agreement that expression occurs when the growth rate of cells begins to become limited by K+ availability. How K+ limitation results in expression has been controversial. Studying the roles of the major components of the growth medium shows that KdpD senses at least two distinct signals inside the cell, those of Na+ and NH4+, and it probably senses other monovalent cations in the cell. KdpD does not sense turgor. IMPORTANCE The expression of the Kdp K+ transport system of E. coli occurs when cells become limited in their growth rate by the availability of K+. Cells sense limited K+ and try to compensate by taking up other monovalent cations, particularly Na+ and NH4+. These cations are sensed in the cytoplasm by the KdpD response regulator, presumably to stimulate its kinase activity. It is shown that KdpD does not sense turgor, as was suggested earlier.
An Employment Contract 'Instinct with an Obligation': Good Faith Costs and Context

This article arises from a symposium sponsored by Pace University School of Law celebrating the ninetieth anniversary of the famous decision of Wood v. Lucy, Lady Duff-Gordon, 118 N.E. 214, 214 (N.Y. 1917). This case, amongst other advances, popularizes a particular notion of good faith in contracts as an "instinct with an obligation". This article examines the implications of the good faith doctrine as borne from the Wood decision in the employment context. Three challenges exist to the orderly development of the good faith doctrine in employment law. First, the meaning of good faith remains far from certain. Courts have intermingled good faith with other employment doctrines thereby hindering its widespread acceptance. Second, the good faith covenant in employment lacks mutuality. Usually bilateral in the contractual context, the covenant remains an obligation that usually runs only from the employer to the employee. The questions of whether the covenant should obligate employers and what the consequences of such an obligation could be remain unaddressed. Finally, and perhaps most interestingly, there is a limited understanding of the costs of the good faith duty. The emerging empirical work studying the effects of wrongful discharge law, of which the duty of good faith is a part, reveals potential economic costs of this important doctrine articulated by Judge Cardozo ninety years ago.
Social Functioning in Youth with Tourette Syndrome (P4.066)

OBJECTIVE: To investigate differences in social functioning between children with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and matched controls. BACKGROUND: TS is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and phonic tics, often accompanied by psychiatric comorbidities and challenges in socialization. Peak tic severity occurs in early teen years, coinciding with a critical period for social development. Identification of social dysfunction risk factors will facilitate targeted clinical intervention. DESIGN/METHODS: 93 TS and 101 control children ages 6-17 years were recruited with a parent. Each parent-child pair completed assessments of social functioning (Social Skills Rating System), tics (Yale Global Tic Severity Scale), family functioning (Family Assessment Device), and comorbidities (Child Behavior Checklist). TS versus control comparisons of social functioning were conducted using Mann-Whitney U Tests. The relationship between SSRS score and possible mediating factors was assessed using Spearman rank order correlation. RESULTS: SSRS scores of TS children were lower than controls (U = 2131.0, z = -6.00913, p < .0001). Among TS children, positive correlation between family functioning and social functioning was found (rs= -.509, p < .05). Internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and tic impairment were negatively correlated with social functioning (rs = -0.525, p < .05, rs = -.649, p < .05, rs = -.376, p < .05 respectively). No relationship was detected between tic severity and social functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Children with TS are more likely than peers to encounter difficulties in social functioning. ADHD and OCD type behaviors were identified as risk factors, whereas better family functioning was protective. Tic severity assessed by the interviewing clinician was not associated with social dysfunction. However, patient reported tic impairment was negatively associated with social functioning. These findings point to specific risk factors that can be identified in clinical setting while highlighting the importance of eliciting the subjective patient experience of tics. Study Supported by: CDC U01DD000510 Disclosure: Dr. Aronow-Werner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Adams has received personal compensation for review of documents pertaining to a legal case. Dr. Adams has received research support from Biomarin. Dr. Vierhile has received personal compensation for activities with Pfizer Inc. and Lundbeck Research USA, Inc. Dr. Vierhile has received research support from Eisai Inc. and UCB Pharma. Dr. Thatcher has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mink has received personal compensation for activities with Edison Pharmaceuticals and Medtronic, Inc. Dr. Mink has received personal compensation in an editorial capacity for Neurology. Dr. Augustine has nothing to disclose.
Are regional trading arrangements trade creating?: An application of extreme bounds analysis

In this study, we use extreme bounds analysis to test the robustness of the hypothesis that regional trading arrangements (RTAs) are trade creating. Extreme bounds analysis provides a more rigorous test of specification uncertainty than traditional econometric theory by incorporating prior information and using a systematic approach to testing the fragility of coefficient estimates. The results show that the trade creation effect of most RTAs is fragile. Using a least squares estimator where all weight is attached to the sampling distribution, eight or more of the twelve RTAs considered are found to be trade creating. When the relative weight in the estimation is shifted from the sampling to the prior distribution, the number of RTAs that are trade creating falls to six at the 95 percent likelihood ellipsoid. Moreover, when we specify that not all RTAs are trade creating, four RTAs increase trade at the 95 percent likelihood ellipsoid. At the extreme bounds, when all weight is attached to the prior distribution, none of the RTAs are found to be trade creating. As a result, we conclude that the pervasive trade creation effect found in the literature reflects not the information content of the data but rather the unacknowledged beliefs of the researchers.
Media Exposure through the Funnel: A Model of Multi-Stage Attribution

Consumers are exposed to advertisers across a number of channels. As such, a conversion or a sale may be the result of a series of ads that were displayed to the consumer. This raises the key question of attribution: which ads get credit for a conversion and how much credit does each of these ads get? This is one of the most important questions facing the advertising industry today. Although the issue is well documented, current solutions are often simplistic; for e.g., attributing the sale to the most recent ad exposure. In this paper, we address the problem of attribution by developing a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) of an individual consumer's behavior based on the concept of a conversion funnel. We apply the model to a unique data-set from the online campaign for the launch of a car. We observe that different ad formats, e.g. display and search ads, affect consumers differently based on their states in the decision process. Display ads usually have an early impact on the consumer, moving him from a disengaged state to an state in which he interacts with the campaign. On the other hand, search ads have a pronounced effect across all stages. Further, when the consumer interacts with these ads (e.g. by clicking on them), the likelihood of a conversion increases considerably. Finally, we show that attributing conversions based on the HMM provides fundamentally different insights into ad effectiveness relative to the commonly used approaches for attribution. Contrary to the common belief that display ads as are not useful, our results show that display ads affect early stages of the conversion process. Furthermore, we show that only a fraction of online conversions are driven by online ads.
Thermal energy storage for industrial waste heat recovery

The potential is examined for waste heat recovery and reuse through thermal energy storage in five specific industrial categories: (1) primary aluminum, (2) cement, (3) food processing, (4) paper and pulp, and (5) iron and steel. Preliminary results from Phase 1 feasibility studies suggest energy savings through fossil fuel displacement approaching 0.1 quad/yr in the 1985 period. Early implementation of recovery technologies with minimal development appears likely in the food processing and paper and pulp industries; development of the other three categories, though equally desirable, will probably require a greater investment in time and dollars.
Modulation of the Cytotoxicity of 3′-Azido-3′-deoxythymidine and Methotrexate after Transduction of Folate Receptor cDNA into Human Cervical Carcinoma Identification of a Correlation between Folate Receptor Expression and Thymidine Kinase Activity

Cervical carcinoma is an AIDS-defining illness. The expression of folate receptors (FRs) in cervical carcinoma (HeLa-IU1) cells was modulated by stable transduction of FR cDNA encapsidated in recombinant adeno-associated virus-2 in the sense and antisense orientation (sense and antisense cells, respectively). Although sense cells proliferated slower than antisense or untransduced cells in vivo and in vitro in 2% (but not 10%) FCS, [ methyl -3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA was significantly increased in sense cells in 10% serum; therefore, the basis for this discrepancy was investigated. The activity of thymidine kinase (TK) was subsequently directly correlated with the extent of FR expression in single cell-derived clones of transduced cells. This elevated TK activity was not a result of recruitment of the salvage pathway based on the presence of adequate dTTP pools, normal thymidylate synthase (TS) activity, persistence of increased thymidine incorporation despite the exogenous provision of excess 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate, and documentation of adequate folates in sense cells. The increase in TK activity conferred significant biological properties to sense cells (but not antisense or untransduced cells) as demonstrated by augmented phosphorylation of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and concomitantly greater sensitivity to the cytotoxic effects of AZT. Conversely, sense cells were highly resistant to methotrexate, but this was reversed by the addition of AZT. The direct correlation of FR expression and TK activity indicates a previously unrecognized consequence of FR overexpression.
Spectral transformation of downwelling radiation by autofluorescent organisms in the sea

The fluorescence emission (685 nm) from chlorophyll in phytoplankton makes a measurable contribution to the upwelling light in the sea. The emissions from other autofluorescing biological sources are not as well described. The photosynthetic accessory pigments (phycoerythnn and phycocyanin) comprise just one additional group of fluorescent substances. Many micro- and macroscopic heteroirophic marine organisms exhibit autofluorescent responses to incident radiation over all or part of their surfaces. The intensity may vary widely, and emission wavelengths span the whole visible spectrum. This paper will present microspectrofluorometric measurements of the fluorescence emission from a variety of marine subjects, ranging from single-celled members of the plankton community to both planktonic and attached invertebrates. As modeling of the underwater light field is refined to greater levels of detail there is a need for information on the precise wavelengths of fluorescence emission that might be introduced by biological sources, and on the abundance and distribution of those sources. The existing catalogue of observations of such sources is influenced by the constraints of epifluorescence microscopy and the widespread use of filter sets designed for optimal detection of chlorophyll. With appropriate measurement technique these limitations can be avoided and the catalogue expanded.
The KCNJ8-S422L variant previously associated with J-wave syndromes is found at an increased frequency in Ashkenazi Jews

J-wave syndromes have been associated with increased risk of ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. Previous studies have identified the KCNJ8-S422L variant in heterozygous form in individuals with J-wave syndromes. Its absence in over 1500 controls, coupled with in vitro analysis, have led to the conclusion that S422L is pathogenic. We previously performed whole-genome sequencing in a family quartet of Ashkenazi Jewish decent with no history of J-wave syndrome. Re-examination of these data reveals that both parents are heterozygous for the S422L variant, while the 12-year old son carries two copies – thus representing the first reported case of a S422L homozygote. In order to examine whether the S422L mutation might segregate at appreciable frequencies in specific populations, we genotyped the variant in a panel consisting of 722 individuals from 22 European, Middle Eastern non-Jewish, Ashkenazi Jewish, and non-Ashkenazi Jewish populations. We found that the S422L allele was at a significantly higher frequency in Ashkenazi Jews (∼4%) compared with other populations in our survey, which have frequencies <0.25%. We also performed ECGs in both male members of the family quartet. The homozygous boy demonstrated no clinically significant ECG abnormalities, while the heterozygous father presented with a subtle J-wave point elevation. Our results suggest that either (a) previous studies implicating S422L as pathogenic for J-wave syndromes failed to appropriately account for European population structure and the variant is likely benign, or (b) Ashkenazi Jews may be at significantly increased risk of J-wave syndromes and ultimately sudden cardiac death.
KATP channels of primary human coronary artery endothelial cells consist of a heteromultimeric complex of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, and SUR2B subunits

Functional ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels can be reconstituted by expression of various combinations of different pore-forming subunits (Kir6.1 and Kir6.2) and sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) subunits. Using dominant negative and gene knockout approaches, Kir6.2 subunits have been identified as required pore-forming components of plasmalemmal K(ATP) channels in ventricular myocytes. Previous data obtained in heterologous expression systems suggest that Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits are capable of forming a functional heteromultimeric channel complex. However, until now the existence of such heteromultimeric Kir6.1/Kir6.2 complexes has not been demonstrated for native K(ATP) channels. The primary aim of this study was to identify the molecular composition of native K(ATP) channels in primary human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) and smooth muscle cells (HCASMC) from human origin. We specifically investigated the potential that heteromultimeric Kir6.1/Kir6.2 channels exist in these cells. Using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we detected the expression of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, and SUR2B in both cell types. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the presence of Kir6.1 protein in both HCAEC and HCASMC; however, Kir6.2 protein was only expressed in HCAEC. Interaction between Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits was demonstrated by reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation of these two subunits in HCAEC. Furthermore, Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 were detected in the immunoprecipitate when using an anti-SUR2 antibody. Confocal microscopy imaging demonstrated Kir6.1 and Kir6.2 subunits to co-localize at the cell surface membrane in HCAEC. In conclusion, our data characterize the molecular composition of primary human coronary smooth muscle and endothelial cells. We demonstrate that human coronary endothelial K(ATP) channels consist of a heteromultimeric complex of Kir6.1, Kir6.2, and SUR2B subunits.
Furrow irrigators response to in-season precipitation and geographic characteristics

Abstract Many factors contribute to the decisions that impact the amount of water furrow irrigators apply annually. Precipitation received during the irrigation season plays an important role in determining seasonal irrigation requirements. The general characterization of the geography in which an irrigator operates may also influence annual irrigation amounts. Records from furrow irrigation systems were analyzed for 312 site-years of studies in the central great plains (USA). The effect of in-season precipitation and geographic characteristics (upland or river valley) were estimated. Furrow irrigators respond to high rainfall years by applying less irrigation water, but do not change water application between low and medium rainfall years. The general geographic class in which an irrigator is located does not appear to affect seasonal irrigation amounts.
Absolute configuration from a redetermination of (+)‐5‐bromo‐1‐[(2R,4S,5R)‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐(hydroxymethyl)oxolan‐2‐yl]pyrimidine‐2,4‐dione at 118 (2) K

The absolute configuration of the title compound, C9H11BrN2O5, has been determined. The crystal structure is stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds in which atoms from both the uracil and deoxy­ribose moieties of the mol­ecule participate. The stability of the structure is also affected by several short contacts that are formed by O atoms in the carbonyl groups. The original crystal structure determination [Iball, Morgan & Wilson (1966). Proc. R. Soc. London Ser. A, 295, 320–333] was carried out at room temperature and was refined from data measured by photographic methods. The present crystal structure is of significantly higher precision.
Ocular Syndrome of Pituitary Tumor Complicated by Extraneous Factors

Three cases are here reported from the Mayo Clinic with comments. The pituitary tumor present in each was associated with purulent sphenoiditis in Case 1. chronic simple glaucoma in Case 2, and chronic alcoholism in Case 3. Bitemporal hemianopsia belongs with pituitary tumor and not with such complications. Read at the Colorado Congress of Ophthalmology, Denver, July, 1927.
Managing Public Controversy: What is the Lesson to be Learned?

This case addresses the events that unfolded after a high school teacher displayed a Confederate flag in the classroom as a visual aid to instruction on the causes and effects of the Civil War. Although the curriculum specifically required students to learn the meaning and use of symbols and provided for the use of the flag, and the principals authorized its use, the teacher was subject to disciplinary action for the disruption that its display caused in the community at large. The situation implicates the First Amendment, collective bargaining, employment law, and raises important perspectives on professional leadership competencies as identified by the Interstate Leaders' Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards for administrative practice. The case is designed for use by principals and superintendents and can be used in courses addressing politics, policy, school-community relations, curriculum, and law.
Theory of diffraction tomography for quasi-homogeneous random objects

Abstract The theory of diffraction tomography is extended to the reconstruction of quasi-homogeneous random objects. It is shown that a low-pass filtered version of the degree of spatial correlation of the scattering potential of such an object can be determined from measurements of the cross-spectral density of the scattered field in two planes, one on each side of the scatterer.
A genetic map of reovirus: assignment of the newly defined mutant groups H, I, and J to genome segments.

Abstract Mutants representing three previously undefined reovirus type 3 mutant groups have been isolated following backcross of suppressed pseudorevertants to wild type (R. F. Ramig and B. N. Fields, 1979 , Virology 92 , 155–167; R. Ahmed, P. R. Chakraborty, A. F. Graham, R. F. Ramig, and B. N. Fields, 1980 , J. Virol. 34 , 383–389). The prototype mutant of each of the three new mutant groups was mapped by analysis of genome segment segregation in intertypic recombinants derived from crosses between the type 3 is mutants and is mutants of type 1 or type 2. Segregation analysis revealed the location of the group H prototype mutant tsH( 26 8 ) to be genome segment Ml, that of the group I prototype mutant tsI(138) to be segment L3, and that of the group J prototype mutant tsJ(128) to be segment Sl. Mapping of the group I and J lesions required the identification of suppressed is lesions in some of the intertypic rcombinant clones.
Characterizing and understanding body weight patterns in patients treated with pregabalin

AbstractObjective:We examined patterns of weight change among patients treated with pregabalin for up to 1 year.Methods:Patients with ≥1 pre-treatment weight measurement, ≥2 measurements in Period 1 (day 2–56), and ≥2 during Period 2 (day 57–356) were identified from pooled data of 106 studies including 43,525 patients. Seven patterns were developed and used for exploratory ‘change point’ analyses (day on-treatment when weight-change trend changed from initial trajectory) and to assess patterns of weight change by baseline weight/body mass index (BMI).Results:A total of 3187 patients (from 41 studies) were eligible. 98.9% of patients were described by three of the seven patterns. The majority of patients (2607/3187 [81.8%]) remained within ±7% of baseline weight (‘Pattern 4’). Fewer patients (463/3187 [14.5%]) were ‘delayed weight gainers’ (exceeded 7% weight gain in Period 2 but not Period 1 [‘Pattern 6’]), fewer still (82/3187 [2.6%]) were ‘early weight gainers’ (exceeded ≥7% baseline weight in Period 1...
Popliteal fossa block: Lateral approach to the sciatic nerve *

Abstract Regional anesthesia for foot and ankle surgery in children is usually provided using a caudal blockade. However, there are certain conditions that preclude the use of a caudal block. The use of a sciatic nerve block in addition to a femoral nerve block can provide good analgesia for these procedures. In a sedated or anesthetized child, it may be easier to perform this nerve block with the patient in a supine position. The use of a nerve stimulator and a sheathed needle can assist in locating the nerve. This nerve block may offer the additional advantage of a longer duration of pain relief. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Computing with Time

This article advocates a new computing paradigm, called computing with time, that is capable of efficiently performing a certain class of computation, namely, searching in parallel for the closest value to the given parameter. It shares some features with the idea of computing with action potentials proposed by Hopfield, which originated in the field of artificial neuron networks. The basic idea of computing with time is captured in a novel distributed algorithm based on broadcast communication called the lecture hall algorithm, which can compute the minimum among n positive numbers, each residing on a separate processor, using only O(1) broadcasts. When applied to sensor networks, the lecture hall algorithm leads to an interesting routing protocol having several desirable properties.
Temperatures of Positive Ions in a Uniformly Ionised Gas

A GAS through which a current is parsing may be considered as a mixture of three gases—neutral molecules, electrons, and positive ions. In regions of relatively small field and space charge, each of these gases will show an approximate Maxwellian distribution of energies among the particles, that is, will be in temperature equilibrium within itself, but each gas will have a different temperature. Even at gas pressures so high as a millimetre of mercury, and in an almost field-free space, the temperature of the positive ions will be very much higher than the temperature of the neutral molecules with which they are continually colliding. The only available source of energy of random motion appears to be the electron gas, which is at a still higher temperature. L. H. Thomas (Proc. Royal Soc., A, 121, 464; 1928) derives formulae for the interchange of energy between particles interacting according to the inverse square law and uses them to explain the rapidity with which a Maxwellian distribution of velocities is set up within an electron gas. They may also be used to calculate the temperature of the positive ions from the temperature of electrons and the pressure of the gas in a field-free space.
The need for cytoprotection

The toxicity associated with chemotherapy is significant and dose limiting. Multiple organ systems can be affected, with both acute and chronic side effects producing adverse effects. The concept of cytoprotection, or the selective protection of normal tissues is a strategy now being investigated in preclinical and clinical models. Systemic approaches have included the use of compounds such as sodium thiosulphate, diethyldithiocarbamate and amifostine. The most promising results have been obtained with the organic thiophosphate compound amifostine (Ethyol®, WR-2721).
Recognizing neurosurgical conditions in the pediatrician's office.

Clinical problems with potential neurosurgical ramifications, such as headache and abnormalities of head size and shape, arise often in genera] pediatric practice. Other neurosurgical issues may manifest themselves less frequently and more insidiously. In either case the pediatrician who is alert to spectrum of the presentations of neurosurgical conditions will direct investigations and referrals efficiently and inspire the confidence of the patient and the family.
Evidence that the inducible phosphoenolpyruvate: D-fructose 1-phosphotransferase system of Aerobacter aerogenes does not require “HPr”

Abstract The constitutive, low-molecular-weight, soluble protein (“HPr”) that is an indispensable component of most phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP):sugar phosphotransferase systems is shown not to be required for the inducible PEP:D-fructose 1-phosphotransferase system of Aerobacter aerogenes. Rather, this system has an absolute requirement for an inducible soluble protein previously termed a “Km factor”.
Structural parameters of communication networks

Certain parameters are defined which roughly characterize the internal structure of networks. A given network structure uniquely determines the values of the parameters, but the reverse is not true. The parameters therefore define certain classes of networks. One of the parameters, thedispersion D(S) gives an indication of the “compactness” of the internal structure. Addition theorems and inequalities are derived relating the dispersions of sub-systems to the dispersion of the complete structure.
Chemical and physical properties of some saline lakes in Alberta and Saskatchewan

Background The Northern Great Plains of Canada are home to numerous permanent and ephemeral athalassohaline lakes. These lakes display a wide range of ion compositions, salinities, stratification patterns, and ecosystems. Many of these lakes are ecologically and economically significant to the Great Plains Region. A survey of the physical characteristics and chemistry of 19 lakes was carried out to assess their suitability for testing new tools for determining past salinity from the sediment record.
Pre-prostatic tissue removed in robotic assisted lymph node dissection for prostate cancer contains lymph nodes.

Objective : The on-going discussion about extent and best template for pelvic lymph dissection (PLND) motivated us to analyse pre-prostatic tissue (PPT) for lymph nodes and metastases. Materials and Methods: From December 2010 to August 2011 PPT was sent for histopathological evaluation during 80 robotic assisted radical prostatectomies (RARP) and one extended staging lymph node dissection. All patients had either a limited (lPLND, n = 44) or an extended lymph node dissection (ePLND, n = 36). Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed and compared to histopathological findings. Results: Lymph nodes were found in PPT in 10/80 (12.5%) patients after RARP and in the one patient after staging ePLND. Mean number of lymph nodes detected in PPT of them was 1.2 (range 1-3). Clinically no differences were found between patients with or without lymph nodes in PPT. In the standard template of either ePLND or lPLND the average number of lymph nodes was 13 (range 2-56). Herein metastases were found in 10 (12.5%) patients after RARP and in the patient after staging ePLND. A metastasis in PPT was only found after staging ePLND. Conclusions: Pre-prostatic tissue might contain lymph nodes that potentially harbour metastases. In the intention to perform the most accurate staging this tissue should be considered for histopathological evaluation.