cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Biophysical Principles of Specificity and Stability of Protein-DNA Interactions: Application to RNA Polymerase (Eσ70)-Promoter Interactions

Protein-DNA interactions are competitive noncovalent interactions. The rate and extent of complex formation at a specific site is affected not only by macromolecular concentration variables but also by the concentrations of low molecular weight competitors, especially electrolyte ions (Record and Mossing, 1987). Given this situation, how can one characterize the contributions of various noncovalent interactions to the stability and specificity of these complexes and to their mechanisms of formation and/or dissociation? What is the relevance of this information to understanding the regulation of these interactions in the control of gene expression? Regulation may occur at either a kinetic or thermodynamic level. For example, the control of initiation of transcription by E. coli RNA polymerase (Eσ70) occurs at the level of the kinetics of formation of open complexes at these promoters (kinetic control) (cf. McClure (1985) and references therein). The control of expression of the lac operon by lac repressor in conjunction with specific effectors (inducers) apparently occurs at the thermodynamic level (thermodynamic control): the equilibrium degree of occupancy of the operator site by repressor is thought to be the key factor regulating transcription of the lac genes (cf. vonHippel, 1979; Sellitti et al., 1987).
Growth hormone secretion in children and adolescents at high risk for major depressive disorder.

Background: Decreased growth hormone (GH) response to pharmacologic stimulation has been found in children and adolescents during an episode of major depressive disorder and after recovery. In this study, we sought to determine whether GH secretion is similarly altered in children and adolescents who had never experienced depression but were at high risk of developing depression. Methods: Subjects were 8 through 16 years of age and selected for high- and low-risk status according to familial loading for mood disorders. Sixty-four high-risk and 55 low-risk healthy subjects participated in the study, which assessed the following GH measures: (1) GH before growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) infusion, every 15 minutes for 30 minutes; (2) GH response after intravenous infusion of GHRH (0.1 µg/kg), every 15 minutes for 90 minutes; and (3) nocturnal GH every 20 minutes from 9 PM until morning awakening. Results: After stimulation with GHRH, the high-risk subjects secreted significantly less GH compared with the low-risk healthy controls (effect sizes for mean and peak GH, 0.52 [P= .007] and 0.40 [P= .04], respectively). In contrast, there were no betweengroup differences in the pre-GHRH and nocturnal GH secretion levels. Exposure to recent stressors was not associated with GH secretion. Conclusions: Taken together with previous evidence of decreased GH after GHRH infusion in acutely depressed and recovered children, these results indicate that the decreased GH response found in high-risk subjects may represent a trait marker for depression in children and adolescents.
Body Odor: The International Student and Cross-Cultural Communication

This article examines body odor and the cultural values that come into play in determining the limits of acceptability in body odor, as well as the issue confronting the person identified as 'the source of the problem'. A brief review of the literature is presented to acquaint the reader with values and meanings associated with odors. Detweiler's category width construct is used to examine intolerance to body odor. Neurological factors of smell are also discussed. Finally, a number of suggestions are presented to assist in making cross-cultural conflicts about body odor into worthwhile learning experiences about ethnocentrism.
Key Distribution Using Dual Quantum Channels

Quantum key distribution has been a relatively recent addition to data security and integrity. It is based on advanced ideas that emanate from quantum theory. Additionally, the optical network and the quantum photon provide a formidable basis for the application of quantum key distribution. We propose a new way of distributing encryption keys over quantum channels. The proposed method takes advantage of dual quantum channels between the communicating entities and complementary measuring bases in order to improve the efficiency with which the keys can be exchanged.
Constraints on cardiac hypertrophy imposed by myocardial viscosity

Laplace's law constrains how thin the ventricular wall may be without experiencing excessive stress. The present study investigated constraints, imposed by myocardial viscosity (resistance to internal rearrangement), on how thick the wall may be. The ventricle was modeled as a contracting, spherical shell. The analysis demonstrated that viscosity generates stress and energy dissipation with inverse fourth- and eighth-power dependence, respectively, on distance from the cavity center. This result derives from the combination of squared dependence of viscous forces on shearing velocity gradients and the greater shear rearrangement required for inner layers of a contracting sphere. These predictions are based solely on geometry and fundamentals of viscosity and are independent of material properties, cytoskeletal structure, and internal structural forces. Calculated values of energy and force required to overcome viscosity were clearly large enough to affect the extent of thickening of the left ventricle. It is concluded that load-independent viscous resistance to contraction is an important factor in cardiac mechanics, especially of the thickened ventricles of concentric hypertrophy.
Shame in Depression and Hysteria

Lewis’s work on the role of shame and guilt in personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy draws from psychoanalytic theory, experimental psychology, and a wealth of personal experience as a practitioner and teacher of psychotherapy. In this chapter, she begins by elucidating the long-standing problems in distinguishing between shame and guilt as separate and important motivational conditions. She shows how the problem began when Freud failed to distinguish between the ego and self and explained the superego solely in terms of instinctual drives (especially the working of the death instinct), emphasizing the role of the affective state of guilt. Within this framework, Freud saw no place for shame in superego functioning, nor did he see a role for shame in depression. Hartman included cognitive and social learning components in his conception of superego functioning, but the impact of his contribution on affect theory was simply to strengthen the role of guilt.
21.3 A 200nA single-inductor dual-input-triple-output (DITO) converter with two-stage charging and process-limit cold-start voltage for photovoltaic and thermoelectric energy harvesting

Energy harvesting has been considered to be a good solution to power many IoE applications [1–3]. Some applications require regulated supply voltage, while on the other hand, any extra energy should be stored in the storage element, such as a rechargeable battery, to maximize the total system efficiency. As the power delivery density is small in the energy-harvesting application, using a single inductor to transfer the power from the harvester to multiple outputs is achievable and efficient. The DITO architecture has three outputs as shown in Fig. 21.3.1: one is the regulated voltage output REG_OUT, the second is the unregulated voltage output SYS and the third is the rechargeable battery BAT. Due to the unpredictable environment conditions, the harvester could be in an environment without a corresponding energy source available for a long time. In order to keep the system operation without the harvester input VIN, the backup battery at BACK_UP is necessary, which would be the second power input of the system. The control scheme should make sure the backup battery only delivers power to the system when necessary in order not to waste any energy in the backup battery.
Real-Time American Sign Language Recognition System Using Surface EMG Signal

Sign Language Recognition (SLR) system is a method which allow deaf people to communicate with society. In this study, Real-Time Sign Language recognition system was proposed by using the surface Electromyography (sEMG). To this purpose, sEMG data acquired from subject right forearm for all twenty six American Sign Language gestures. Raw sEMG data was filtered, feature extracted and fed into classification. Support Vector Machine (SVM) with one vs. all approach was used for multi class classification. The experiment result of offline system is reaching a recognition rate of 91.% accuracy and real-time system has a recognition rate of 82.3% accuracy. The results of the proposed system shows that sEMG signal can be used for Real-Time SLR systems.
REVERSIBILITY IN EVOLUTION: A MAXIMUM LIKELIHOOD APPROACH TO CHARACTER GAIN/LOSS BIAS IN PHYLOGENIES.

Statistical methods are used to test the hypothesis that rate of gain is equal to rate of loss for a single character on a cladogram. Ancestral character states are used as input for maximum likelihood (ML) rate estimation. Two markovian models of character evolution are considered: one has equality of rate across branches; the other permits variation in rate according to predetermined weights for branches. ML estimates are derived for both models, and their properties in large and small trees are investigated. Bias and error are significant in small trees. Error is greatest for characters in which rate of gain is low, and is greater for the loss estimate than for the gain estimate. Likelihood ratio (LR) tests of the null hypothesis of equality of gain/loss rate are derived, and their properties investigated. The distribution of -2 log LR is close to χ2 with 1 df with as few as 32 taxa. However, the power of the test is low unless the character is evolving rapidly. Methods for increasing power are examined, including selection of rapidly evolving subsets of characters, and pooling across characters. A goodness of fit test is presented to determine if pooling is justified. An example using published restriction site data on the Asteraceae demonstrates significant deviation from the null model in the direction predicted on the basis of the molecular biology of restriction enzyme site recognition, but only for one large subset of the data in which pooling is warranted.
Properties of Intrinsic a-Si Films Deposited from Higher Order Silanes by Chemical Vapor Deposition

Amorphous silicon films have been deposited by chemical vapor deposition using disilane at temperatures between 360 and 525°C at growth rates up to 50 A/s. Intrinsic films have the following properties: σp less than 5 × 10−6 (Ω-cm)−1; σd less than 5 × 10−11 (Ω-cm)−1 with Ea = 0.7 to 0.8 eV; diffusion length around 0.1 µm; Urbach energy 48 to 55 meV; and mid-gap density of states greater than 5 × 1016 cm−3 eV−1. Boron compensation improved collection efficiency by lowering the mid-gap density of states, not by improving the μτ product. Pin cells with efficiencies of 4% and Jsc = 10.9 mA/cm2 (87.5 mW ELH) were fabricated.
ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT IN OFFICE PRACTICE.

Ultraviolet light sources have both diagnostic and therapeutic value and are useful adjuncts to the physician's office equipment. The long ultraviolet rays produced by black light or Wood's light are of significant aid in diagnosing ringworm of the scalp, erythrasma and porphyria. Natural sunlight, hot and cold quartz lamps, mercury vapor lamps and fluorescent sun lamps produce the therapeutically active shorter rays. The advantages and disadvantages of these sources of ultraviolet light, the diseases that will respond to them, the general technics for their use, and the value and dangers of actinic exposures are discussed. Patients should be warned of the danger of repeated nontherapeutic sun bathing, which causes significant cutaneous damage that may lead to skin cancer.
Man-Induced Changes of Middle Mississippi River

The objectives of the 150 yrs of development along the Middle Mississippi River have been to provide flood protection to people and property on the flood plain and to provide a suitable channel for navigation. The River has been leveed to protect the people and property from floods and it has been contracted to provide the navigation channel. The objectives of flood protection and year-round river navigation have been met to a great extent in the Middle Mississippi River. However, the developments for flood protection and river navigation have produced a new river morphology and a different river behavior. The history of channel positions, riverbed areas, cross-sectional areas, and channel bed elevations describe how the river morphology has been changing. The variations in water and sediment discharge, stages, and stage versus discharge indicate how the river behavior has been changing.
The use of the volumetric respirometer in the determination of plasma carbon dioxide.

Abstract The results reported in this paper indicate that the volumetric respirometers introduced by Scholander and associates, can be employed for plasma CO 2 analyses. The volume of sample required is 0.1 ml. It is possible to accomplish 24 to 32 determinations in one hour. The accuracy for a single determination is about 2 per cent which corresponds to 0.3 mM per liter. This method has also been adapted to analyze plasma CO 2 in the presence of ether with about the same degree of accuracy.
Mining-Related Sediment and Soil Contamination in a Large Superfund Site: Characterization, Habitat Implications, and Remediation

Historical mining activity (1850-1970) in the now inactive Tri-State Mining District provided an ongoing source of lead and zinc to the environment including the US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund site located in Cherokee County, southeast Kansas, USA. The resultant contamination adversely affected biota and caused human health problems and risks. Remediation in the Superfund site requires an understanding of the magnitude and extent of contamination. To provide some of the required information, a series of sediment and soil investigations were conducted in and near the Superfund site to characterize lead and zinc contamination in the aquatic and floodplain environments along the main-stem Spring River and its major tributaries. In the Superfund site, the most pronounced lead and zinc contamination, with concentrations that far exceed sediment quality guidelines associated with potential adverse biological effects, was measured for streambed sediments and floodplain soils located within or downstream from the most intensive mining-affected areas. Tributary streambeds and floodplains in affected areas are heavily contaminated with some sites having lead and zinc concentrations that are an order of magnitude (or more) greater than the sediment quality guidelines. For the main-stem Spring River, the streambed is contaminated but the floodplain is mostly uncontaminated. Measured lead and zinc concentrations in streambed sediments, lakebed sediments, and floodplain soils documented a persistence of the post-mining contamination on a decadal timescale. These results provide a basis for the prioritization, development, and implementation of plans to remediate contamination in the affected aquatic and floodplain environments within the Superfund site.
Pressure effects on the relaxation of an excited hydrogen peroxyl radical in an Argon bath

.Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study the effect of pressure on the vibrational deactivation of HO 2 embedded in an Ar bath gas at 800 K and at pressures ranging from 10 atm to 400 atm. The time dependent decay of vibrational energy is found to be poly-exponential for all of the simulated pressures. Plots of the relaxation rate constants as a function of density show deviation from the expected linear dependence at ∼250 atm. A combinatorial multi-bath-gas collisional model suggests this deviation is due to the breakdown in the isolated binary collision approximation. Comparisons to studies with similar findings and additional considerations for understanding this behavior are discussed.
Practical real-time imaging stereo matcher

A binocular-stereo-matching algorithm for making rapid visual range measurements in noisy images is described. This technique is developed for application to problems in robotics where noise tolerance, reliability, and speed are predominant issues. A high speed pipelined convolver for preprocessing images and an unstructured light technique for improving signal quality are introduced to help enhance performance to meet the demands of this task domain. These optimizations, however, are not sufficient. A closer examination of the problems encountered suggests that broader interpretations of both the objective of binocular stereo and of the zero-crossing theory of Marr and Poggio [Proc. R. Soc. Lond. B 204, 301 (1979)] are required. In this paper, we restrict ourselves to the problem of making a single primitive surface measurement for example, to determine whether or not a specified volume of space is occupied, to measure the range to a surface at an indicated image location, or to determine the elevation gradient at that position. In this framework we make a subtle but important shift from the explicit use of zero-crossing contours (in bandpass-filtered images) as the elements matched between left and right images, to the use of the signs between zero crossings. With this change, we obtain a simpler algorithm with a reduced sensitivity to noise and a more predictable behavior. The practical real-time imaging stereo matcher (PRISM) system incorporates this algorithm with the unstructured light technique and a high speed digital convolver. It has been used successfully by others as a sensor in a path-planning system and a bin-picking system.
Tractive Resistance of Cohesive Channels

Report of laboratory study on tractive resistance characteristics of some cohesive soil samples taken from canal beds in order to discover set of characteristics useful in estimating resistance to erosion for soils in which waterways are proposed.
Bison Bison Remains at Murray Springs, Arizona

Bison bison remains in Quaternary geological or archaeological context are rare in Arizona. Less than a dozen such occurrences have been reported. The Murray Springs locality is the only geological occurrence yet reported in Arizona.
Nephroprotective strategies in septic shock: the VANISH trial

In the August issue of JAMA , Gordon and colleagues compared the outcomes of renal failure in septic shock between early vasopressin and norepinephrine treatment (1).
B12 Deficiency Is a Cause of Reversible Autonomic Failure: A Case Report (P5.111)

OBJECTIVE To report a case of reversible autonomic failure (AF) associated with B12 deficiency having comprehensive autonomic evaluation BACKGROUND AF associated with B12 deficiency is an uncommon cause of orthostatic hypotension (OH) and falls. A case report with comprehensive autonomic evaluation and autonomic reflex screening test (ARS) before and after the treatment with B12 supplement was not found. DESIGNS/METHODS A case report RESULTS A 66-year-old female patient presented with recurrent orthostatic lightheadedness, syncope and falls while walking for 7 months prior to evaluation. She had well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus for 10 years. Physical exam was unremarkable. Blood tests revealed serum B12 <50 pg/ml, elevated serum methylmalonic acid, small amount of IgG kappa, normal hemoglobin and MCV, negative parietal cell antibody, negative paraneoplastic antibodies including acetylcholine ganglionic antibody and HgA1C 5.7[percnt]. Electrophysiologic studies were normal. ARS showed severe generalized autonomic failure affecting postganglionic sudomotor, cardiovagal and adrenergic functions associated with OH on head-up tilt (total CASS=9). Supine and upright serum norepinephrine was 1224 and 2504 pg/ml respectively. 24-hour urine sodium was 63 mmol. She was treated with daily followed by monthly intramuscular B12 injection, midodrine and fludrocortisone and became asymptomatic. Midodrine and fludrocortisone were stopped once her serum B12 level normalized. Follow-up ARS 10 and 14 months after the start of B12 supplement and the patient not taking midodrine or fludrocortisone were normal. Last serum B12 was 662 pg/ml. Hematologic evaluation showed that her monoclonal protein was benign monoclonal gammopathy. Gastrointestinal evaluation showed that intestinal bacterial overgrowth was the cause of B12 deficiency. The patient remained asymptomatic at last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS B12 deficiency is a cause of reversible AF. AF associated with B12 deficiency can present without peripheral neuropathy or macrocytic anemia. It is potentially treatable and important to recognize to prevent further injury from falls related to OH. Disclosure: Dr. Thaisetthawatkul has nothing to disclose.
History of the Book: Field Notes of a Curator

First of all I want to establish that I am approaching the history of the book from the point of view of an academic librarian. Now this is a role in which I am constantly conscious of the larger teaching and research enterprise of which I am a part. My services are not an end in themselves but always regarded as part of the support system the university deems necessary for its central missions of graduate and undergraduate education as well as advanced research. As we are told by the public press, almost on a daily basis, change is being . . .
A Cartographic Mapping Practice: Environmental Education, the Material/Discursive, and a New Materialist Praxis

“A Cartographic Mapping Practice” serves as a theoretical literature review, a tracing of the stories that make up and shape environmental education (EE), their modes of storytelling, as well as an inquiry into narrative practices of normalization. The chapter illustrates a mapping praxis, a cartography, attempting to move away from EE as a practice of teaching “about” nature, by understanding how the current capitalistic, hyper-modern society has created complex modes of control, requiring new analytical tools to deconstruct, critique, and outmaneuver their coercive powers. Gathering up the discursive practices of the post-structuralists, the chapter explores New Materialist theories hoping to find alternative figurations and schemes of representation to account for the multiple complex locations and overlapping territories of teaching, learning, and research.
Clinical Presentation of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease whose identification hinges upon characteristic lesion morphology, anatomic location, and a recurrent, chronic clinical course. The meaning of ‘hidradenitis suppurativa’ gives multiple clues to its clinical presentation. ‘Hidraden-’ refers to sweat glands, and although the disease is no longer thought to be a disease of apocrine glands, the disease distribution mimics that of apocrine gland bearing skin; ‘-itis’, referring to inflammation; and ‘suppurativa’, or pus, another key clinical sign of this disease.
Stability of Stochastic Neural Networks with Delays

Abstract In this paper the stochastic stability of a network of neurons connected in feedback under the assumption that all neurons exhibit an unknown time delay between stimuli and response is considered. The analysis is based on the Lyapunov-Krasovskii theory for time delay systems, and yields sufficient conditions for stochastic stability independent of the delay. These are in the form of the existence of certain positive definite matrices satisfying an algebraic Riccati equation. It is shown that in the presence of random input perturbations an unstable network may become stable.
A case-control evaluation of fungiform papillae density in burning mouth syndrome.

Hypothesis It has been hypothesized that high fungiform papillae density may be a risk factor for developing the taste and pain alterations characteristic of burning mouth syndrome. Objective Evaluate whether fungiform papillae density, taste sensitivity, and mechanical pain sensitivity differ between burning mouth syndrome cases and controls. Study Design This case-control study compared cases diagnosed with primary burning mouth syndrome with pain-free controls. Methods Participants (17 female cases and 23 female controls) rated the intensity of sucrose, sodium chloride, citric acid, and quinine applied separately to each side of the anterior tongue and sampled whole mouth. Mechanical pain sensitivity was assessed separately for each side of the tongue using weighted pins. Digital photographs of participants' tongues were used to count fungiform papillae. Results Burning mouth syndrome cases had increased whole mouth taste intensity. Cases also had increased sensitivity to quinine on the anterior tongue, as well as increased mechanical pain sensitivity on the anterior tongue. Fungiform papillae density did not differ significantly between cases and controls. Fungiform papillae density on the left and right sides of the tongue were correlated in controls; however, there was no left/right side correlation in cases. Conclusion Cases had increased pain and taste perception on the anterior tongue. The lack of correlation between left and right fungiform papillae density in cases may be an indication of asymmetrical lingual innervation in these patients. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 2017
Liver Scaffolds Support Survival and Metabolic Function of Multilineage Neonatal Allogenic Cells.

Organ scaffold bioengineering is currently limited by the inability to effectively repopulate the scaffold with appropriately distributed functional cells. We examined the feasibility of a decellularized liver scaffold to support the growth and function of multilineage allogenic cells derived from either adult or neonatal liver cells. Cell slurries from neonatal and adult rat livers containing hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and endothelial cells were introduced into decellularized adult rat liver scaffolds via the bile duct. Recellularized grafts were perfused with cell growth medium through the portal vein for 7 days. Concurrently, the same cell slurries were incubated on culture dishes. Albumin levels were measured from graft perfusates and cell culture media. Immunofluorescent assays were used to verify the colocalization of cholangiocytes, hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells in the recellularized grafts by using anti-CK7, anti-hepatocyte antigen, anti-CD34, and anti-CD68, respectively. Mor...
Computational Exploration of Concerted and Zwitterionic Mechanisms of Diels-Alder Reactions between 1,2,3-Triazines and Enamines and Acceleration by Hydrogen-Bonding Solvents.

The mechanisms of Diels–Alder reactions between 1,2,3-triazines and enamines have been explored with density functional theory computations. The focus of this work is on the origins of the different reactivities and mechanisms induced by substituents and by hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) solvent. These inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions of triazines have wide applications in bioorthogonal chemistry and natural product synthesis. Both concerted and stepwise cycloadditions are predicted, depending on the nature of substituents and solvents. The nature of zwitterionic intermediates and the mechanism by which HFIP accelerates cycloadditions with enamines are characterized. Our results show the delicate nature of the concerted versus stepwise mechanism of inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reactions of 1,2,3-triazines, and that these mechanisms can be altered by electron-withdrawing substituents and hydrogen-bonding solvents.
Modeling Thermodynamic Properties of Isomeric Alkanes with a New Branched Equation of State

In this paper we present an extension of the statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT) for branched molecules with a Lennard-Jones dimer reference fluid (SAFTD-LJ-Branch). The theory successfully predicts how branched architecture affects the attraction and repulsion between molecules. SAFTD-LJ-Branch takes a form similar to SAFTD-LJ with an additional parameter NB introduced to account for the branching effect. We propose an approach relating NB to the number of different types of articulation segments. The theory is used to study the effect of chain architecture on the thermodynamic properties of isomeric alkanes. SAFTD-LJ-Branch accurately predicts the phase diagram of pure butane, pentane or hexane isomers. Further, vapor pressures of n-triacontane and squalane are predicted without further fitting and shown to be in semiquantitative agreement with experimental data. Finally, SAFTD-LJ-Branch is demonstrated to be well applicable to mixtures as we model the vapor–liquid coexistence of binary alkane m...
Clinical outcomes of different surgical approaches for proximal descending thoracic aneurysm involving the distal arch

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of different approaches to patients with proximal descending thoracic aneurysm (DTA) involving the distal arch. Methods From January 2002 to December 2016, 229 consecutive patients with proximal descending aorta aneurysm involving the distal arch underwent surgery using different approaches: total arch and DTA replacement via sternotomy (TAR group; n = 98), hemiarch and DTA replacement via thoracotomy (DTR group; n = 84), or hybrid arch repair (HAR group; n = 47). We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of the 3 groups with a mean follow-up duration of 60.2 months. Results The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.1% (3/98) in the TAR group, 11.9% (10/84) in the DTR group, and 4.3% (2/47) in the HAR group ( P = .04). The TAR group had a lower incidence of stroke (3.1%, 3/98) compared with the DTR (13.1%, 11/84) and HAR (10.6%, 5/47) groups ( P = .03). The overall survival rate at 10 years was 82.8% ± 5.6% for the TAR group, 61.0% ± 8.6% for the DTR group, and 55.9% ± 9.0% for the HAR group (vs DTR [ P = .03] and HAR [ P P Conclusions The sternotomy approach showed better outcomes in terms of operative mortality, stroke, and long-term survival compared with the thoracotomy or hybrid approaches. This study suggests that the sternotomy approach is the superior option for patients with proximal descending aneurysm involving the distal arch.
Preliminary Results of Dual Polarized Radar Sea Scatter

Preliminary results are presented for dual polarized X-band radar sea scatter measurements made at the U.S. Army Field Research Facility instrumented pier at Duck, N.C. Ranges measured extended from the surf zone to deep water. The 30-ns pulse radar data indicated that the radar return was localized about the wave crests, which were tracked in range from relatively deep water through breaking at the shoreline. This ability to track waves allowed a measure of their phase velocity under shoaling conditions. Radar cross sections are presented as a function of depression angle for simultaneous dual-polarized data. Radar cross sections are found to be very similar for plunging breakers, presumably due to specular and volume scatter. Vertically polarized scatter from wave crests over a shoal 300 m off shore was found to be 20 dB or more than that for horizontal polarization, not in disagreement with predictions of the two-scale model.
IRE1B degrades RNAs encoding proteins that interfere with the induction of autophagy by ER stress in Arabidopsis thaliana

Macroautophagy/autophagy is a conserved process in eukaryotes that contributes to cell survival in response to stress. Previously, we found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces autophagy ...
Formation of Baffin Bay Bottom and Deep Waters

Abstract Bourke, R. H. and Paquette, R. G., 1990. Formation of Baffin Bay bottom and deep waters. Evidence is presented for the formation of Baffin Bay bottom and deep waters from an Arctic Intermediate Water issuing from Nares Strait, cooled and made more saline by admixture with winter shelf water. The latter water is produced in the shallows of eastern Smith Sound and southeastern Kane Basin in winter under the partially open water of the North Water. The calculated volume of potential bottom water draining into the basin of Baffin Bay is far higher than age measurements in the bottom water would indicate. Hence, mixing of the descending plume of potential bottom water with ambient waters must involve drastic shedding or “shaving” of the outer layers of the plume.
Homology with Local Coefficients

Let p: X → B be a fibration whose base space is a CW-complex. One may attempt to find a cross-section to p by a stepwise extension process like the one of the last chapter. If f: B n → X is a cross-section over the n-skeleton, the problem of extending f reduces to a family of local problems: for each (n + l)-cell E a of B, the induced fibration over Δ n+1 is fibre homotopically trivial. Its total space may thus be represented as a product Δ n+1 x F α , where F a is the fibre over some point b α of Eα. The cross-section thus defines a map of Δ n+1 into F a , representing an element c(E α ) ∈ n n (F α ) whose vanishing is necessary and sufficient for the cross-section to be extendible over E α . The groups πn (F a , for different cells E a , are all isomorphic; thus it is tempting to regard the function c as a cochain of B with coefficients in the abstract group n n (F). The difficulty is that the isomorphisms π n (F α ) ≈ π n (F β ) are not uniquely defined; they depend on the choice of a homotopy class of paths joining b α and b β .
The management of numerous carcinomatous sequelae of human papilloma virus in an allogeneic stem cell transplant patient with chronic graft versus host disease

The clinical manifestations of human papilloma virus (HPV) infection are vast, ranging from common warts to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). Immunodeficient populations are particularly susceptible to HPV infection in part because of deficiencies of cell-mediated immunity and diminished production of neutralizing antibodies.1 In particular, recipients of allogenic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) exhibit an increased risk for cutaneous SCC (cSCC) development, with a 20-year posttransplant incidence of 3.4%.2 Patients that have chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) are even more dramatically affected, with a risk of cSCC 5 times higher than that of the general population.3
Donor history of malignancy: A limited risk for heart transplant recipients.

Organ donor contraindications are frequently reassessed for impact on recipient outcomes in attempt to meet demand for transplantation. This study retrospectively analyzed the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) registry for adult heart transplants from 1987 to September 2016 to characterize the impact of donor malignancy history in heart transplantation. Kaplan-Meier estimates illustrated 10-year survival. Propensity score matching was utilized for 1:1 matching of donors with and without history of malignancy, and Cox proportional hazards and logistic regressions were used to analyze the matched population. Of 38 781 heart transplants, 622 (1.6%) had a donor history of malignancy. Cox regressions demonstrated that donor malignancy predicted increased 10-year mortality (HR = 1.16 [1.01-1.33]), but this difference did not persist when conditioned upon 1 year post-transplant survival (log-rank = 0.643). Cox regressions of the propensity score-matched population (455 pairs) found no association between donor malignancy and 10-year mortality (HR = 1.02 [0.84-1.24]). Older age and higher rates of hypertension were observed in donors with a history of malignancy whose recipients died within the first year post-transplant. Therefore, increased recipient mortality is likely due to donor characteristics beyond malignancy, creating the potential for expanded donor selection.
Genotype and phenotype concordance for pharmacogenetic tests through proficiency survey testing

Context.— As pharmacogenetic testing is incorporated into routine care, it is essential for laboratories to provide accurate and consistent results. Certified laboratories must successfully complet...
A Case Report of Acute Transverse Myelitis Following Novel Coronavirus Infection

Author(s): Sarma, Deesha; Bilello, Leslie A. | Abstract: Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, emergency providers are not only seeing an increasing number of patients with COVID-19 infections, but also associated complications and sequelae of this viral illness.Case Report: We present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who presented after a confirmed COVID-19 infection with lower back pain, bilateral symmetric upper and lower extremity numbness, and urinary retention. The patient was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis. She required intravenous corticosteroids and plasma exchange with significant improvement in symptoms and minimal residual effects.Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of prompt recognition and treatment of sequelae of COVID-19 infections.
The Big Picture: A Survey of the Manhattan Project

To develop an appreciation of how nuclear weapons are designed and function requires some understanding of the basic properties of atoms, nuclei, isotopes, and the process of nuclear fission. Buckle up for a whirlwind tour of the atomic landscape and how the Manhattan Project came to be.
Digest: Investigating reproductive isolation in test tubes*

Reproductive isolation can result from incompatibilities between mutations that arise in different individuals. Wang and Cooper (2020) examined this mechanism of post-zygotic isolation in Escherichia coli experimentally evolved in either glucose or lactose. They formed recombinants from parents evolved in the same or different environments. Both same-environment and different-environment recombinants had lower fitness than the null expectation, but with important exceptions. These results indicate that the development of reproductive isolation is complex and results from incompatibilities that arise when populations are selected in either the same or different environment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The Principle of Maximums: Living With Enough to Give Away More Book Review

Roger Stichter has composed an important book that can change the way you live. The Principle of Maximums flips the idea of non-satiation and materialism on its head. Through the creation of maximums (maximum size of house, maximum type of car, maximum amount of money spent eating out, etc.), the reader is inspired to move their focus from what they can do for themselves toward what they can do for others. The book is important reading for faculty, students, and administrators.
Impact of Layer Thickness and Storage Time on the Properties of 3D-Printed Dental Dies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of printing layer thickness on the repeatability and surface roughness of 3D-printed dies and detect the effect of layer thickness and storage time on the dimensional stability of 3D-printed dies. One stereolithography (STL) file of an upper molar prepared for a full ceramic crown was used to print three groups of dies: 25 µm, 50 µm, and 100 µm. Repeatability was evaluated by linear and area measurements with a digital caliper and a digital metrology microscope. Dimensional stability was analyzed at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year of storage time. Surface roughness parameters were measured with a 3D confocal laser scanning microscope. Statistics were completed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc tests, p < 0.05. Printing time decreased as layer thickness increased. All groups showed high repeatability and comparable surface roughness while showing differences in their linear dimensions and surface areas. At the 3 week storage interval, dimensional changes were observed in all groups. Within this experimental study’s constraints, it can be concluded that changing the 3D-printing layer thickness does not affect the repeatability or the surface roughness of the product; meanwhile, changes to the layer thickness and storage time influence the dimensional stability of 3D-printed dies.
Enzymatic RNA Production from NTPs Synthesized from Nucleosides and Trimetaphosphate

A mechanism of nucleoside triphosphorylation would have been critical in an evolving "RNA world" to provide high-energy substrates for reactions such as RNA polymerization. However, synthetic approaches to produce ribonucleoside triphosphoates (rNTPs) have suffered from conditions such as high temperatures or high pH that lead to increased RNA degradation, as well as substrate production that cannot sustain replication. Previous reports have demonstrated that cyclic trimetaphosphate (cTmp) can react with nucleosides to form rNTPs under prebiotically-relevant conditions, but their reaction rates were unknown and the influence of reaction conditions not well-characterized. Here we established a sensitive assay that allowed for the determination of second-order rate constants for all four rNTPs, ranging from 1.7 x 10 -6 to 6.5 x 10 -6 M -1 s -1 . The ATP reaction shows a linear dependence on pH and Mg 2+ , and an enthalpy of activation of 88 ± 4 kJ/mol. At millimolar nucleoside and cTmp concentrations, the rNTP production rate is sufficient to facilitate RNA synthesis by both T7 RNA polymerase and a polymerase ribozyme. We suggest that the optimized reaction of cTmp with nucleosides may provide a viable connection between prebiotic nucleotide synthesis and RNA replication.
Helpers help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and hypertension to understand their condition and the need to adhere to anti-hypertensive medication.

Abstract Background Recent evidence suggests that many adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) do not adequately manage hypertension (HTN) medication. Known risk factors for insufficient prescription filling include age, residential placement, and lack of caregiver support. This is a first report of a randomized intervention trial designed to analyze the relationship of a brief educational intervention with increased knowledge about HTN and improvement in prescription filling for anti-hypertensive medication. Objective/hypothesis The objective was to test whether an educational flyer and regular messages about HTN and the importance of refilling medication would improve scores on knowledge surveys. Participants were Medicaid members with HTN and IDD (Member) or caregivers (Helpers) who chose to participate on behalf of a Member. Methods Recruitment letters explained that either the Member or their Helper could participate (not both). Participants were randomly assigned to the Case or Comparison group, and both were comprised of Members and Helpers. Only Case participants received a flyer and monthly HTN education messages for one year, but all participants completed knowledge surveys at baseline, six, and 12 months. Linear regression and log-binomial models were used to compare responses between groups. Results Case Helpers had statistically significant improvements on HTN knowledge from baseline through the first year, compared to Comparison Members and Comparison Helpers. Regardless of group assignment, Helpers scored better on surveys than did Members. Conclusions This study suggests that it is beneficial to explicitly include Helpers in health care instruction and in management of chronic disease for adults with IDD.
Small Fiber Neuropathy Incidence, Prevalence, Longitudinal Impairments, and Disability.

Background and Objectives: There is limited population-based data on small fiber neuropathy (SFN). We wished to determine SFN incidence, prevalence, comorbidities, longitudinal impairments, and disabilities. Methods: Test-confirmed patients with SFN in Olmsted, Minnesota and adjacent counties were compared 3:1 to matched controls (January 1st, 1998-December 31st, 2017). Results: Ninety-four patients with SFN were identified, incidence 1.3/100,000/year increasing over the study period, prevalence 13.3/100,000. Average follow-up was 6.1 years (0.7-43 years), mean onset age 54 years (range 14–83). Female (67%), obesity (BMI mean 30.4 versus 28.5), insomnia (86% versus 54%), analgesic-opioid prescriptions (72% versus 46%), hypertriglyceridemia (180 mg/dl mean versus 147 mg/dl) and diabetes mellitus (DM) (51% versus 22%, p +1 point/year occurred in only AL-amyloid, hereditary transthyretin-amyloid, Fabry, uncontrolled DM, and Lewy body. Death from symptom onset was higher in patients with SFN 19% versus controls 12%, p Discussion: Isolated SFN is uncommon but increasing in incidence. Most patients do not develop major neurological impairments and disability but have multiple comorbidities, including cardiovascular ischemic events, and increased mortality from SFN onsets. Development of large fiber involvements and DM are common over time. Targeted testing facilitates interventional therapies for DM but also rheumatologic and rare genetic forms.
Rectification of muscle and nerve deficits in paralyzed ryanodine receptor type 1 mutant embryos.

Locomotion and respiration require motor axon connectivity and activation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Through a forward genetic screen for muscle weakness, we recently reported an allele of ryanodine receptor type 1 (Ryr1AG). Here we reveal a role for functional RyR1 during acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster formation and embryonic synaptic transmission. Ryr1AG homozygous embryos are non-motile. Motor axons extend past AChR clusters and enlarged AChR clusters are found under fasciculated nerves. Using physiological and pharmacological methods, we show that contractility can be resumed through the masking of a potassium leak, and evoked vesicular release can be resumed via bypassing the defect in RyR1 induced calcium release. Moreover, we show the involvement of ryanodine receptors in presynaptic release at the NMJ. This data provides evidence of a role for RyR1 on both the pre- and postsynaptic sides of the NMJ.
Case Management in Practice: Lessons from the Evaluation of the RWJ/HUD Homeless Families Program

(1997). Case Management in Practice. Journal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 67-82.
Bacterial multidrug resistance is due to a single membrane protein which functions as a drug pump.

Multidrug transport system in proteoliposomes was reconstituted using the highly purified membrane transport protein responsible for bacterial multidrug resistance. This protein (named Smr, for staphylococcal multidrug resistance) consists of 107 amino acid residues and displays four putative transmembrane domains. The Smr protein was tagged with a FLAG epitope, and the modified protein was expressed, purified, characterized, and reconstituted into proteoliposomes. With this in vitro experimental system, it has been demonstrated that a highly purified multidrug resistance protein functions as a drug pump, which transports methyltriphenylphosphonium actively against a 10(3)-fold concentration gradient. Delta mu H+ was shown to be a driving force, and an electrogenic drug/proton antiport was suggested as the molecular mechanism of the drug transport. Of the 2 Glu residues in putative extramembrane loops of the Smr polypeptide chain, Glu-24 was shown to be involved in determining the specificity of drug resistance. Replacement of both of these Glu residues with Asp produced active Smr. In contrast, Smr was unable to protect cells from multiple drugs when a Glu-13–>Asp-13 replacement was made. We suggest that Glu-13, a unique acidic residue located in the hydrophobic domain of Smr, is directly involved in the drug/proton antiport.