cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid discovery of drug target engagement by isothermal shift assay

Identifying protein targets directly bound by drug molecules within living systems remains challenging. Here we present the isothermal shift assay, iTSA, for rapid identification of drug targets. Compared with thermal proteome profiling, a prevailing method for target engagement, iTSA offers a simplified workflow, 4-fold higher throughput, and multiplexed experimental designs with higher replication. We demonstrate application of iTSA to identify targets for several kinase inhibitors in lysates and living cells.
Quantifying relationships between environmental factors and power dissipation on the most prolific days in the largest tornado “outbreaks”

An outbreak can occur as a single day or a multi-day event characterized by many tornadoes associated with specific regional scale environmental factors. The objective of this research is to quantify the relationship between environmental factors and tornado activity using big tornado days that occur in the largest multi-day groups in the United States. First, the largest groups across space and time are identified as those with at least 30 tornadoes. Then, all days with ten or more tornadoes are extracted from the largest groups. Seasonally big days in large outbreaks occur most often during April, May, and June. Accumulated tornado power (ATP) is defined as a metric of big day severity. Finally, linear mixed effect models are used to statistically examine the relationship between ATP and environmental factors including convective available potential energy and shear. Results show an upward trend in ATP at 5% per year and an increase of 124% for every 10 m/s increase in the magnitude of bulk shear. Results show an increase in ATP of 29% for every 1000 J/kg increase in CAPE. Residuals from the regression model show no regional difference. However, the number of tornadoes per unit area is larger on days when the model under-predicts ATP.
Kidney and Tumor Segmentation using U-Net Deep Learning Model

Medical Image Segmentation is a challenging field in the area of Computer Vision. In this paper U-Net deep learning model was used for semantic segmentation. The reason for shortlisting U-Net was its suitability on small data set and also it was originally designed for Biomedical Image segmentation process. Visual representations of the predicted results have shown promising results using U-Net. Experimental results were computed on two different cases. Case No 1, includes testing the method on images for which labelled information was available and considering only those slices where the presence of kidney was detected. Case No 2, involves testing the method on those images who’s labelled information was not available and applying the method on all the CT slices with respect to a patient. Experimental results was based on a metric called IOU (Intersection over Union) score which is one of the most commonly used metric in semantic segmentation.
CORDIALIDADE BRASILEIRA: hábitos, práticas e coronavírus

From the interpretation of key categories of Brazilian Social Thought, such as cordiality, Brazilian way and trickery, this article aims to understand the impact of the coronavirus and the social isolation in a society of the environment marked by relational mobility. How to manage the suspension of face-to-face contact in a society where it plays a major role? The methodology used was qualitative, with a bibliographic research to survey the references and the material was read with a critical analytical perspective.
Surface structure of linear nanopores in amorphous silica: Comparison of properties for different pore generation algorithms.

We compare the surface structure of linear nanopores in amorphous silica (a-SiO2) for different versions of “pore drilling” algorithms (where the pores are generated by the removal of atoms from the preformed bulk a-SiO2) and for “cylindrical resist” algorithms (where a-SiO2 is formed around a cylindrical exclusion region). After adding H to non-bridging O, the former often results in a moderate to high density of surface silanol groups, whereas the latter produces a low density. The silanol surface density for pore drilling can be lowered by a final dehydroxylation step, and that for the cylindrical resist approach can be increased by a final hydroxylation step. In this respect, the two classes of algorithms are complementary. We focus on the characterization of the chemical structure of the pore surface, decomposing the total silanol density into components corresponding to isolated and vicinal mono silanols and geminal silanols. The final dehyroxylation and hydroxylation steps can also be tuned to better align some of these populations with the target experimental values.
Microtubule-dependent pushing forces contribute to long-distance aster movement and centration in Xenopus laevis egg extracts.

In this work, we demonstrate that microtubule asters are able to center in a variety of cell geometries and can do so over long distances, even when the activity of cytoplasmic dynein is inhibited....
G599(P) Design and implementation of a database for real-time reporting and analytics of paediatric allergy outpatient clinic attendances and outcomes in the north west of England and North Wales

Aim Outpatient workload for paediatric specialities across a region, let alone within a specific centre is usually difficult to gauge. We aimed to develop an online database for recording and assessing workload in real-time. Method The University of Manchester in conjunction with the North West Paediatric Allergy Network developed and implemented a secure database utilising an online-system of live recording and collation of the workload and outcomes of children with allergies presenting to 21 paediatric secondary and tertiary centres across the whole North West of England and North Wales seeing children with allergies. Results In a 9-month period from January to September 2019, 3,600 patient events were recorded across the two regions. 34% were new patients, 53% follow-up patients, 5% telephone consultations and 8% did not attend their appointments. Eighty one percent of children had suffered immediate hypersensitivity reactions, of which 85% were children with food allergies. The ‘big four’ food allergies accounting for 81% of all children with food allergies were milk, egg, peanut and tree nuts. Only 19% of patients were discharged after their clinic appointment, while the remainder were followed up, 19% of whom were put forward for a formal food challenge to confirm their allergies. Fourteen percent of children were either on oral immunosuppressants or biologics (1%) or immunotherapy (oral immunotherapy for food allergies (9%), subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy for aeroallergies (4%)). Conclusion Our online system for recording and collating of clinical workload and outcomes allows for immediate review of the number and types of allergies children suffered across the regions. Comparisons in terms of efficiency and outlies were easily detected. The data allowed us to develop business cases to meet current demands, as well as management pathways to streamline allergy management.
A-type antiferromagnetic order in MnBi 4 Te 7 and MnBi 6 Te 10 single crystals

${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$ and ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{6}{\mathrm{Te}}_{10}$ are two members with $n=2$ and 3 in the family of ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2n}{\mathrm{Te}}_{3n+1}$ where the $n=1$ member, ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$, has been intensively investigated as the first intrinsic antiferromagnetic topological insulator. Here we report the A-type antiferromagnetic order in these two compounds by measuring magnetic properties, electrical and thermal transport, specific heat, and single-crystal neutron diffraction. Both compounds order into an A-type antiferromagnetic structure as does ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$ with ferromagnetic planes coupled antiferromagnetically along the crystallographic $c$ axis. While no evidence for any in-plane ordered moment is found for ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$ or ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{6}{\mathrm{Te}}_{10}$, weak reflections at half-$L$ positions along the [0 0 $L]$ direction are observed for ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$ suggesting an in-plane ordered moment around $0.15{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{B}/\mathrm{Mn}$. The ordering temperature, ${T}_{N}$, is 13 K for ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{4}{\mathrm{Te}}_{7}$ and 11 K for ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{6}{\mathrm{Te}}_{10}$. The magnetic order is also manifested in the anisotropic magnetic properties. For both compounds, the interlayer coupling is weak and a spin-flip transition occurs when a magnetic field of around 1.6 kOe is applied along the $c$ axis at 2 K. As observed in ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$, when cooling across ${T}_{N}$, no anomaly was observed in the temperature dependence of thermopower. On the other hand, critical scattering effects are observed in thermal conductivity although the effect is less pronounced than that in ${\mathrm{MnBi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}$.
Assessing acceptability and patient experience of a behavioral lifestyle intervention using fitbit technology in older adults to manage type 2 diabetes amid COVID-19 pandemic: A focus group study.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) contributes to reduced quality of life in older adults, especially in those with comorbidities such as being overweight or obese. Personal fitness technology (Fitbit ®) has the potential to improve the management of T2D. Using a semi-structured interview guide, focus groups were conducted to explore participants' acceptability and experiences following a behavioral lifestyle intervention that integrated Fitbit in overweight/obese older adults with T2D amid the COVID-19 pandemic which began during the time of this study. Focus group transcripts were transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Eighteen (18) of the 20 participants completed the program and focus group interviews. Overall, we observed high acceptability of the program, and participants reported favorable experiences such as increased knowledge of health behaviors, improved diabetes management, and improved quality of life following the behavioral lifestyle intervention, even under stressful life circumstances from COVID-19.
Bone lesions on baseline staging rectal MRI: prevalence and significance in patients with rectal adenocarcinoma

A T1 sequence on routine baseline staging rectal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is thought to help detect bone lesions. Our primary aim was to evaluate the incidence of bone lesions encountered on baseline staging rectal MRI, particularly the prevalence of bone metastases. This retrospective study included patients with rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent baseline rectal MRI at our institution between January 2010 and December 2017. The MRI report was reviewed for presence of bone lesions. When found, lesion type, presence of axial T1 non-fat-suppressed sequence, primary tumor T-stage, and presence of other organ metastases were recorded. In the absence of bone biopsy, the reference standard was follow-up imaging via computed tomography (CT), MRI, and/or positron emission tomography/CT (PET/CT) ≥ 1 year after the baseline MRI. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Fisher's exact test were used to compare clinicopathologic data of patients with malignant or benign bone lesions. A total of 1197 patients were included. 62/1197 patients (mean age 56.8 years (SD: 13.8), with 39 men) had bone lesions on baseline imaging, with 6 being bone metastases (0.5%, 95% CI 0.2%–1.1%). Of the 6 patients with bone metastases, 5/6 had other metastases (i.e., liver, lung) at baseline. Bone metastases on baseline rectal MRI performed for rectal adenocarcinoma are extremely rare. Furthermore, bone metastases without other organ (i.e., liver, lung) involvement is extremely rare.
Design Principles of Large-Scale Neuromorphic Systems Centered on High Bandwidth Memory

In order for neuromorphic computing to attain full throughput capacity, its hardware design must mitigate any inefficiencies that result from limited bandwidth to neural and synaptic information. In large-scale neuromorphic systems, synaptic memory access is typically the defining bottleneck, demanding that system design closely analyze the interdependence between the functional blocks to keep the memory as active as possible. In this paper, we formulate principles in memory organization of digital spiking neural networks, with a focus on systems with High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) as their bulk memory element. We present some of the fundamental steps and considerations required when designing a highly efficient HBM-centric system, and describe parallelization and pipelining solutions which serve as a foundational architecture for streamlined operation in any multi-port memory system. In our experiments using the Xilinx VU37P FPGA, we demonstrate random, short burst-length memory read bandwidths in excess of 400 GBps (95% relative to sequential-access peak bandwidth), supporting dynamically reconfigurable sparse synaptic connectivity. Therefore, the combination of our proposed network model with practical results suggest a promising path towards implementing highly parallel large-scale neuromorphic systems centered on HBM.
Human-in-the-Loop Business Modelling for Emergent External Factors

In the face of emergent external factors (e.g., supply chain disruptions or public health crises like COVID-19), businesses must adapt their business model quickly in order to ensure service continuity. However, providing recommendations regarding changes should be made to the business model is a challenging problem. First, it requires details of interactions between different components of the business (e.g., service offerings, inventory, staffing, demand) to understand what possible courses of action will have the most business impact. Second, automated models may provide recommendations on changes required in the business operations. However, with lack of human insight, it will be hard to verify the feasibility of these recommendations. Third, a generic model may not be able to provide good recommendations for diverse set of business models. Fourth, the model may not have enough features or training data to provide good recommendations.In this paper, we propose a novel approach to provide actionable items that can be recommended to business users given their business features and recommendations given to businesses in similar domain. Here we first use clustering to find the business domain and similar feature set of the domain. Then, we build a machine-learning model with explainable insights to provide recommendations on different business actions that can be taken to ensure business operations in the face of emergent external factors. Next we augment our approach with human-in-the-loop to improve its performance. Finally, we federate the machine-learning model in a similar domain to add more explainable and trusted insights and recommendations by other businesses. We describe our method, illustrate its utility with results from our implementation, and discuss areas for future work.
Black Patients Have Unequal Access to Listing for Liver Transplantation in the United States.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score may have eliminated racial disparities on the waitlist for liver transplantation (LT), but disparities prior to waitlist placement have not been adequately quantified. We aimed to analyze differences in patients who are listed for LT, undergo transplantation, and die from end-stage liver disease (ESLD), stratified by state and race/ethnicity. APPROACH AND RESULTS We analyzed two databases retrospectively, the Center for Disease Control Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (CDC WONDER) and the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) databases, from 2014 to 2018. We included patients aged 25-64 years who had a primary cause of death of ESLD and were listed for transplant in the CDC WONDER or UNOS database. Our primary outcome was the ratio of listing for LT to death from ESLD-listing to death ratio (LDR). Our secondary outcome was the transplant to listing and transplant to death ratios. Chi-squared and multivariable linear regression evaluated for differences between races/ethnicities. There were 135,367 patients who died of ESLD, 54,734 patients who were listed for transplant, and 26,571 who underwent transplant. Patients were mostly male and White. The national LDR was 0.40, significantly lowest in Black patients (0.30), P < 0.001. The national transplant to listing ratio was 0.48, highest in Black patients (0.53), P < 0.01. The national transplant to death ratio was 0.20, lowest in Black patients (0.16), P < 0.001. States that had an above-mean LDR had a lower transplant to listing ratio but a higher transplant to death ratio. Multivariable analysis confirmed that Black race is significantly associated with a lower LDR and transplant to death ratio. CONCLUSIONS Black patients face a disparity in access to LT due to low listing rates for transplant relative to deaths from ESLD.
Employee quality and financial reporting outcomes

Abstract We examine the association between employee quality and financial reporting outcomes. Using the average workforce education level in MSA(s) where the firm operates as a proxy for employee quality, we find that firms with a high-quality workforce exhibit higher accruals quality, fewer internal control violations, and fewer restatements. These firms also issue superior management forecasts, in terms of frequency, timeliness, accuracy, precision, and bias. Employees located at the firm's headquarters primarily drive our findings. Our evidence suggests employee quality, particularly at a firm's headquarters, is associated with both mandatory and voluntary disclosure quality.
Compute-in-Memory Upside Down: A Learning Operator Co-Design Perspective for Scalability

This paper discusses the potential of model-hardware co-design to simplify the implementation complexity of compute-in-SRAM deep learning considerably. Although compute-in-SRAM has emerged as a promising approach to improve the energy efficiency of DNN processing, current implementations suffer due to complex and excessive mixed-signal peripherals, such as the need for parallel digital-to-analog converters (DACs) at each input port. Comparatively, our approach inherently obviates complex peripherals by co-designing learning operators to SRAM's operational constraints. For example, our co-designed implementation is DAC-free even for multibit precision DNN processing. Additionally, we also discuss the interaction of our compute-in-SRAM operator with Bayesian inference of DNNs. We show a synergistic interaction of Bayesian inference with our framework, where Bayesian methods allow achieving similar accuracy with much smaller network size. Although each iteration of sample-based Bayesian inference is computationally expensive, the cost is minimized by our compute-in-SRAM approach. Meanwhile, by reducing the network size, Bayesian methods reduce the footprint cost of compute-in-SRAM implementation, which is a crucial concern for the method. We characterize this interaction for deep learning-based pose (position and orientation) estimation for a drone.
Comparison of waste plastic fuel, waste cooking oil biodiesel, and ultra-low sulfur diesel using a Well-to-Exhaust framework

The conversion of plastic solid waste and waste cooking oil into useful alternative fuels, e.g., waste plastic fuel and biodiesel, respectively, helps mitigate waste accumulation and minimize the dependence on fossil fuels, like ultra-low sulfur diesel (aka diesel). This study aims to assess the potential environmental impacts of both waste-derived fuels with the help of a scalable Well-to-Exhaust life-cycle analysis (functional unit = 1 kg of fuel) conducted within a university campus (control volume) with well-defined boundaries. The performance of both fuels is assessed on a Well-to-Pump (fuel fabrication) and Pump-to-Exhaust (end-use) basis, and their summation is used to present the life cycle impact of each fuel comparative to diesel. The findings reveal that diesel worsens the local air quality and significantly contributes to global warming. In contrast, waste plastic fuel appears to have a relatively lower impact on the air quality index and global warming, suggesting that its production near urban areas could help mitigate plastic waste accumulation and environmental pollution while boosting the local economy. On the other hand, biodiesel emerges as a relatively cleaner fuel and shows significantly lower emissions, especially during its fabrication. Therefore, its manufacture and end-use can be decoupled to enhance the economics of the process. Finally, its lowest overall carbon dioxide emissions hint that its use could be instrumental in lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Two-Stage Approaches to Accounting for Patient Heterogeneity in Machine Learning Risk Prediction Models in Oncology

PURPOSEMachine learning models developed from electronic health records data have been increasingly used to predict risk of mortality for general oncology patients. But these models may have subopt...
Kauper's 'Judicial Examination of the Accused' Forty Years Later—Some Comments on a Remarkable Article

OR a long time before Professor Paul Kauper wrote "Judicial Examination of the Accused" in 1932, and for a long time thereafter, the "legal mind" shut out the de facto inquisitorial system that characterized American criminal procedure. Paul Kauper could not look away. He recognized the "naked, ugly facts" (p. 1224) and was determined to do something about them -more than thirty years before Escobedo v. Illinoisl or Miranda v. Arizona.2
Religion and mental health from the catholic perspective

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the relationship between the religion and mental health from the catholic perspective. Catholic patients can be referred to as “religious patients.” “Religious or spiritual issues” cannot be separated from other aspects of the person's history and psychological development. A religious tradition is a complex phenomenon composed of doctrine, community identity, structure, stories, and rituals. A person raised with a Catholic formation may possess many beliefs that are supportive to the person or that are a source of pain and conflict. There are other beliefs and messages that are a source of enormous comfort for people. A growing body of research indicates that there is evidence that religion has positive effects on mental health. However, the relationship may only be known in the context of treatment as therapists become more at ease with the respectful exploration of religious material. One discovers a paucity of clinical material and research while reviewing the literature on mental health and Catholicism or on treatment issues and Catholicism.
CHESS—Changing Horizon Efficient Set Search: A Simple Principle for Multiobjective Optimization

This paper presents a new concept for generating approximations to the non-dominated set in multiobjective optimization problems. The approximation set A is constructed by solving several single-objective minimization problems in which a particular function D(A, z) is minimized. A new algorithm to calculate D(A, z) is proposed. No general approach is available to solve the one-dimensional optimization problems, but metaheuristics based on local search procedures are used instead. Tests with multiobjective combinatorial problems whose non-dominated sets are known confirm that CHESS can be used to approximate the non-dominated set. Straightforward parallelization of the CHESS approach is illustrated with examples. The algorithm to calculate D(A, z) can be used in any other applications that need to determine Tchebycheff distances between a point and a dominant-free set.
Field-portable smartphone microscopy platform for wide-field imaging and sizing of single DNA molecules

We demonstrate a field-portable smartphone-based fluorescence microscopy platform for imaging and sizing of single DNA molecules across ∼2 mm2 field-of-view with <1 kbp length accuracy.
Cause and Conviction: The Role of Causation in § 1983 Wrongful Conviction Claims

The United States criminal justice system convicts, incarcerates, and, in some instances, executes people for crimes of which they are innocent. Although wrongful convictions may be an inevitable consequence of our criminal justice system, it would seem that a person wrongly deprived of his liberty is entitled to a civil remedy to compensate for the mistakes of the criminal system. Yet persons wrongly convicted of crimes who bring actions under 42 U.S.C. section 1983 for an erroneous arrest, detention, or conviction are often denied monetary compensation. This Article considers the role of causation in section 1983 wrongful conviction cases. Although causation is seldom mentioned as an element of a section 1983 claim, it plays two roles in section 1983 litigation. First, causation is an inherent part of the deprivation element of a section 1983 claim. Additionally, causation serves as a link between the defendant's breach and the plaintiff's damages, which I refer to as "damages causation." Wrongful convictions almost never happen for one reason but, instead, are usually the result of several different acts. Hence, they are not easily amenable to causation determinations and courts have used "damages causation" as a way to limit liability in section 1983 wrongful conviction claims. I argue that courts' approaches to damages causation in section 1983 claims unnecessarily and improperly limit defendants' liability in wrongful conviction cases.
Generalized signed-digit multiplication and its systolic realizations

A generalized signed-digit (GSD) number system is a fixed-radix number system, with radix r and digit set {-/spl alpha/, -/spl alpha/+1, ..., /spl beta/-1, /spl beta/}, where /spl alpha//spl ges/O, /spl beta//spl ges/0, and /spl alpha/+/spl beta/+1>r. The redundancy of GSD number systems allows digit-parallel addition, based on which linear-time algorithms for multiplication are devised. Systolic and semisystolic schedules derived from these algorithms lead to the design of one-dimensional and two-dimensional array multipliers that have O(n) latency for n-digit operands. >
Who Gets Early Tracheostomy?: Evidence of Unequal Treatment at 185 Academic Medical Centers

BACKGROUND Although the benefits of early tracheostomy in patients dependent on ventilators are well established, the reasons for variation in time from intubation to tracheostomy remain unclear. We identified clinical and demographic disparities in time to tracheostomy. METHODS We performed a level 3 retrospective prognostic study by querying the University HealthSystem Consortium (2007-2010) for adult patients receiving a tracheostomy after initial intubation. Time to tracheostomy was designated early ( 10 days). Cohorts were stratified by time to tracheostomy and compared using univariate tests of association and multivariable adjusted models. RESULTS A total of 49,191 patients underwent tracheostomy after initial intubation: 42% early (n = 21,029) and 58% late (n = 28,162). On both univariate and multivariable analyses, women, blacks, Hispanics, and patients receiving Medicaid were less likely to receive an early tracheostomy. Patients in the early group also experienced lower rates of mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.79-0.88). CONCLUSIONS Early tracheostomy was associated with increased survival. Yet, there were still significant disparities in time to tracheostomy according to sex, race, and type of insurance. Application of evidence-based algorithms for tracheostomy may reduce unequal treatment and improve overall mortality rates. Additional research into this apparent bias in referral/rendering of tracheostomy is needed.
Cloud Computing Evolution

Cloud computing has emerged as a cost effective alternative to having reliable computing resources without owning any of the infrastructure. The growth of this technology mirrors the growth of computing in general. The options offered by cloud services fit the needs of businesses of all types. As a truly global technology, cloud computing is growing rapidly, albeit without any global standards. The benefits of cloud computing are too numerous to hold back adoption. At present the goal is to meet the business needs and as the technology matures it will accommodate changes emanating from global standards. As the first step in this direction many of the major cloud service providers are joining multiple consortia to develop the standards. This chapter addresses the history of the growth of cloud computing and the three basic service types—SaaS, PaaS, IaaS—that help businesses of all types. We identify the major cloud service providers and the cloud service types that they offer. We discuss the ways in which cloud computing is supporting entrepreneurial activities. Our analysis shows further that the advancements in communications technology is benefiting cloud computing and makes it a truly global service. Moreover, cloud computing technology is making a major contribution to ecommerce.
The Structural Chemistry of Quaternary Chalcogenides of the Type AMM'Q3

The rich structural chemistry of compounds of the type AMM'Q3, where A is an s-block alkali- or alkaline-earth metal, M is a d-block transition metal, M' is another d-block metal or an f-block metal, and Q is a chalcogen, is discussed. We briefly consider the syntheses and physical property measurements of these compounds, but our main emphasis is on differences and trends among the seven structure types in which the 160 known, structurally characterized compounds crystallize.
Biosurfactant-enhanced bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Biosurfactants are surface-active compounds synthesized by a wide variety of microorganisms. They are molecules that have both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains and are capable of lowering the surface tension and the interfacial tension of the growth medium. Biosurfactants possess different chemical structures — lipopeptides, glycolipids, neutral lipids, and fatty acids. They are nontoxic biomolecules that are biodegradable. Biosurfactants also exhibit strong emulsification of hydrophobic compounds and form stable emulsions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds that pollute the environment. They are released to the environment as a result of spillage of oil and byproducts of coal treatment processes. The low water solubility of PAHs limits their availability to microorganisms, which is a potential problem for bioremediation of PAH-contaminated sites. Microbially produced surfactants enhance the bioavailability of these hydrophobic compounds for bior...
Secondary prosthetic iris implantation following traumatic total aniridia and pseudophakia

We present 2 pseudophakic patients who had traumatic episodes that resulted in total expulsion of the iris without disturbing the intraocular lens (IOL). Because of intolerable glare, each patient was managed by reopening the fibrosed capsular bag and implanting 2 multi-finned prosthetic iris devices through a small incision, leaving the IOL in place. Following surgery, glare was no longer present and excellent visual acuity was maintained. We believe these are the first pseudophakic patients with traumatic total aniridia to be managed by this approach.
In vitro epoxidation of all-trans-retinoic acid in rat tissue homogenates

Summary Rat tissue homogenates catalyze the epoxidation of all- trans -retinoic acid to 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid. Kidney, intestine, and liver are the most active of the tissues examined. Spleen, testes, and brain have some activity, but muscle and lung have little or no activity. Boiled homogenates do not catalyze the reaction. N-propyl gallate inhibits the reaction. The product has been chemically and physically identified as 5,6-epoxyretinoic acid.
Effect of dietarily provided linoleic and α-linolenic acid on the function of rat peritoneal macrophages

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine whether the function of the macrophage can be influenced by a diet rich in α-linolenic acid, a fatty acid known to lead to a markedly reduced level of prostaglandin synthesis. Rats were fed purified diets containing all essential nutrients and differing only in the source of fat. A diet containing 10% corn oil provided a low ratio of α-linolenic to linoleic acid, while one containing 10% linseed oil provided a high ratio. Two macrophage activities reported to be influenced by prostaglandins, phagocytosis and arginase activity, were examined in peritoneal macrophages. Phagocytic ability, as determined by uptake of yeast and carbon particles, was examined in macrophages from rats fed the diets for 6 weeks after weaning and was found not to differ between the 2 groups. Arginase activity was examined in macrophages from rats fed the diets for 4 weeks after weaning, but which were born to females fed the diets from the time the latter were weanlings. Arginase activity was found to be significantly higher in the corn oil-fed group. This is consistent with reports that prostaglandins are involved in the induction of arginase in peritoneal macrophages.
Induced Folding in RNA–Protein Recognition: More than a Simple Molecular Handshake

Finally, we consider a few possible advantages of using unfolded or partially folded proteins to recognize RNA, though they are by no means restricted to RNA–protein interactions. As described for N, maintaining proteins in an unfolded state provides the opportunity to monitor the bound (or functional) status of a protein, using proteases to regulate protein concentration. Recognition of a disordered protein may allow interactions with multiple partners, each appropriately molding a binding surface to its own needs, as described for nuclear receptor dimerization and as is thought to occur with disordered activation domains of transcription factors. Induced folding or the ability to remodel surfaces can facilitate the ordered addition of components or allow signaling of binding events to other partners; for example, both the N–boxB and Ffh–4.5S RNA complexes provide new recognition surfaces for other proteins or domains. This feature is expected to be especially important for large ribonucleoprotein complexes such as the ribosome or spliceosome, in which many components must be accurately assembled or ordered events must take place. The ability to remodel also might facilitate ordered exchanges with multiple partners, as might occur in pre-mRNA splicing, and the disordered state itself might provide important nonspecific RNA contacts at appropriate times. Some interactions are topologically impossible using two rigid surfaces, and full specificity may be achieved only through induced fit mechanisms. For example, an RNA site cannot be surrounded using a preformed protein structure; in DNA–protein complexes, encircling often is achieved using flexible protein arms. From an evolutionary perspective, many sequences are expected to form disordered domains and some will contain adaptable interaction surfaces. During the transition from an RNA world to a protein-based world, flexible or even unfolded structures might well have provided adequate affinities and specificities to evolve the necessary functions.
CLC-3 Channels Modulate Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Hippocampal Neurons

Summary It is well established that ligand-gated chloride flux across the plasma membrane modulates neuronal excitability. We find that a voltage-dependent Cl − conductance increases neuronal excitability in immature rodents as well, enhancing the time course of NMDA receptor-mediated miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials (mEPSPs). This Cl − conductance is activated by CaMKII, is electrophysiologically identical to the CaMKII-activated CLC-3 conductance in nonneuronal cells, and is absent in clc-3 −/− mice. Systematically decreasing [Cl − ] i to mimic postnatal [Cl − ] i regulation progressively decreases the amplitude and decay time constant of spontaneous mEPSPs. This Cl − -dependent change in synaptic strength is absent in clc-3 −/− mice. Using surface biotinylation, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, and coimmunoprecipitation studies, we find that CLC-3 channels are localized on the plasma membrane, at postsynaptic sites, and in association with NMDA receptors. This is the first demonstration that a voltage-dependent chloride conductance modulates neuronal excitability. By increasing postsynaptic potentials in a Cl − dependent fashion, CLC-3 channels regulate neuronal excitability postsynaptically in immature neurons.
The NFY transcription factor functions as a repressor and activator of the von Willebrand factor promoter.

Human von Willebrand factor (VWF) gene sequences −487 to +247 function as an endothelial-specific promoter in vitro. Analysis of the activation mechanism of the VWF promoter has resulted in the identification of a number of cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors that regulate its activity. The GATA and Ets transcription factors were shown to function as activators of transcription, whereas NF1 and Oct1 were shown to repress transcription. We have reported the presence of another repressor element in exon 1 that interacted with a protein complex designated “R.” In the absence of NF1 binding, inhibition of this interaction resulted in promoter activation in nonendothelial cells. We have now identified the “R” protein complex as the NFY transcription factor. Using DNA methylation interference assay and base substitution mutation analysis, we show that NFY interacts with a novel DNA sequence corresponding to nucleotides +226 to +234 in the VWF promoter that does not conform to the consensus NFY binding sequence CCAAT. The VWF gene does contain a CCAAT element that is located downstream of the TATA box and we show that the NFY factor also interacts with this CCAAT element. Using antibodies specific against the A, B, and C subunits of NFY, we demonstrate that the NFY complexes interacting with the CCAAT sequence have a composition similar to that of the repressor binding to the first exon sequences. The results of mutation analysis and transfection studies demonstrated that the interaction of NFY with the upstream CCAAT element is required for VWF promoter activation. Based on these results, we hypothesize that NFY can function both as a repressor and activator of transcription and its function may be modulated through its DNA binding sequences.
Strange, But Not Stranger: The Peculiar Visage of Philosophy in Clinical Ethics Consultation

Baylis, Tomlinson, and Hoffmaster each raise a number of critiques in response to Bliton's manuscript. In response, we focus on three themes we believe run through each of their critiques. The first is the ambiguity between the role of ethics consultation within an institution and the role of the actual ethics consultant in a particular situation, as well as the resulting confusion when these roles are conflated. We explore this theme by revisiting the question of “What's going on?” in clinical ethics consultations. Moving from those issues associated with the role of the ethics consultant to those associated with the role of inquiry within the practice of ethics consultation, we then take up the serious challenge that Bliton seems shackled by the assumptions and institutional dispositions embedded in the medical culture in which he is working. This reveals the second theme, namely that there is a risk of co-optation when acting in a role that derives its legitimacy from institutional sources. Finally, we focus on an even more problematic implication stemming from the first two, namely that the focus on institutional power as the crucial factor for determining ethical significance has the effect of distorting, and perhaps obscuring, other forms of relational, interpersonal, and moral meaning.
Use of ultrasonic TDR for real-time noninvasive measurement of compressive strain during membrane compaction

A major limitation in previous compaction studies has been the inability to obtain direct simultaneous measurements of permeate flux and membrane thickness changes in real-time. In this paper we describe the development and application of ultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (TDR) for quantifying membrane compressive strain. The non-invasive nature of the technique allows standard performance data including permeate flux to be simultaneously measured under realistic conditions. Representative data for commercial reverse osmosis membranes are presented to demonstrate the potential benefits of this more complete approach to compaction studies. Results are also described for ultrasonic TDR experiments using cellulose acetate membranes which show the effect on membrane compressive strain behavior of changes in overall porosity and upstream pressure. Additional results show the variation in compressive strain during both the creep and recovery phases of a single pressurization cycle as well as over multiple cycles. Given these capabilities, the use of ultrasonic TDR should enable improved experimental and modeling analyses regarding the effects of operational and structural parameters on membrane performance.
Thermal Desorption Techniques for Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Particulate Matter

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are extracted from atmospheric particulate samples with a thermal desorption technique that circumvents the need for lengthy solvent extraction procedures prior to gas chromatographic analysis. The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are extracted by vacuum-sublimation and collected in a cold trap. The sublimed species are then cryogenically focused at the head of a fused silica capillary column by a thermal purging technique and subsequently analyzed. The technique is applicable to screening tests for selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons when used with a sufficiently specific detector, and has the advantages of simplicity and low cost.
Changes in ureide synthesis, transport and assimilation following ammonium nitrate fertilization of nodulated soybeans.

Abstract The effect of ammonium nitrate fertilization on ureide synthesis, xylem transport and assimilation was examined in four week old nodulated soybean plants. In nodules the activity of 5‐phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase, a key enzyme of ureide biosynthesis, declined 75%, while enzymes of purine oxidation (xanthine dehydrogenase and uricase) showed no response to nitrogen treatment. Xylem sap concentrations of allantoin and allantoate, as compared to untreated controls, were reduced by about 85% and 65%, respectively. Despite the substantial decline in ureide synthesis and transport, allantoate concentration in leaves of ammonium nitrate treated plants increased by about three‐fold. No ureide accumulation was observed in leaf tissue following a suppression of ureide formation in nodules by allopurinol, an inhibitor of xanthine dehydrogenase. In the pathway of ureide assimilation in leaves, application of inorganic nitrogen had no effect on activity of allantoinase, but caused a 50% drop i...
SHF tunnel diode switching-mode frequency divider

A tunnel-diode switching circuit has been developed which can halve the frequency of signals over a 50 percent fractional bandwidth at center frequencies of at least 4 GHz.
Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro, and show anxiogenic and anticonvulsant effects in vivo, varying with extraction method

Potential mechanisms of Passiflora incarnata extracts and the effect of extraction methods on ingredients and biological effects were explored. Using the same batch of plant material, total flavonoid yields as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) increased substantially with hot versus cold extraction methods. Whole Passiflora extract induced prominent, dose-dependent direct GABA(A) currents in hippocampal slices, but the expected modulation of synaptic GABA(A) currents was not seen. GABA was found to be a prominent ingredient of Passiflora extract, and GABA currents were absent when amino acids were removed from the extract. Five different extracts, prepared from a single batch of Passiflora incarnata, were administered to CF-1 mice for 1 week in their drinking water prior to evaluation of their behavioral effects. Anticonvulsant effects against PTZ-induced seizures were seen in mice that received 2 of the 5 Passiflora extracts. Instead of the anxiolytic effects described by others, anxiogenic effects in the elevated plus maze were seen in mice receiving any of the 5 Passiflora extracts.
P21-PARP-1 Pathway Is Involved in Cigarette Smoke-Induced Lung DNA Damage and Cellular Senescence

Persistent DNA damage triggers cellular senescence, which may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cigarette smoke (CS)-induced lung diseases. Both p21CDKN1A (p21) and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) are involved in DNA damage and repair. However, the role of p21-PARP-1 axis in regulating CS-induced lung DNA damage and cellular senescence remains unknown. We hypothesized that CS causes DNA damage and cellular senescence through a p21-PARP-1 axis. To test this hypothesis, we determined the levels of γH2AX (a marker for DNA double-strand breaks) as well as non-homologous end joining proteins (Ku70 and Ku80) in lungs of mice exposed to CS. We found that the level of γH2AX was increased, whereas the level of Ku70 was reduced in lungs of CS-exposed mice. Furthermore, p21 deletion reduced the level of γH2AX, but augmented the levels of Ku70, Ku80, and PAR in lungs by CS. Administration of PARP-1 inhibitor 3-aminobenzamide increased CS-induced DNA damage, but lowered the levels of Ku70 and Ku80, in lungs of p21 knockout mice. Moreover, 3-aminobenzamide increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity, but decreased the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in mouse lungs in response to CS. Interestingly, 3-aminobenzamide treatment had no effect on neutrophil influx into bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by CS. These results demonstrate that the p21-PARP-1 pathway is involved in CS-induced DNA damage and cellular senescence.
Urbanism in Southern Africa

Abstract Both the cities and the culture region of Southern Africa are actively and passively linked by processes of mutual interrelationship the most prominent of which are the processes of (1) South African urbanization, (2) South African industrialization, (3) acculturation of different racial-cultural groups, and (4) racial segregation or the development of a legal caste society. All four processes influence as well as originate in both the cities and the socio-cultural system of Southern Africa. The investigation of these processes is the central theme of the present study. It is believed that they are the key to the understanding of the peculiar character, functions, and role of the South African cities.