cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fungal Infections of the Central Nervous System

Fungal infections of the central nervous system have manifold presentations and courses that depend largely on both host and organism characteristics. Although subjects with impaired immunity are generally at higher risk for severe disease, several fungal organisms are considered primary pathogens and can also cause disease in otherwise immunocompetent individuals. Herein, we describe the epidemiology, presentation, diagnosis, and management of central nervous system complications of several fungal pathogens.
A G-Band multi-chip MMIC T/R module for radar applications

In this paper, we describe the design and measurements of a MMIC amplifier-based multi-chip transmit/receive (T/R) Module for radar applications in G-band (140-220 GHz). The module is design with InP HEMT MMIC power amplifiers for the transmit channel and InP MMIC low noise amplifiers for the receive channel. Arrays of these 150 GHz T/R modules could be used for applications such as automotive radar and landing radar.
Oxidation of Methanol to Formaldehyde on Vanadia Films Supported on CeO2(111)

The reaction of methanol to formaldehyde on both V2O3 and V2O5 films supported on CeO2(111) was studied by temperature programmed desorption (TPD). Methanol was found to react on monolayer and submonolayer vanadia films to produce formaldehyde, while multilayer films were found to be inactive for this reaction. The kinetics and mechanism of the dehydrogenation of adsorbed methoxides was found to be dependent on the oxidation state of the vanadium cations in the supported vanadia layer. On films that contained V3+ (i.e., V2O3), adsorbed methoxy species produced via dissociative adsorption of methanol underwent dehydrogenation to formaldehyde at 600 K. In contrast, on films that contained predominantly V5+ (i.e., V2O5), adsorbed methoxy species underwent dehydrogenation to produce formaldehyde at 540 K. Kinetic parameters for the methoxide dehydrogenation to formaldehyde on both V2O3 and V2O5 films were determined from the TPD data. The TPD results also provide insight into the thermal stability of supporte...
Spectator cations and catalysis with sulfonated phosphines. The role of cations in determining reaction selectivity in the aqueous phase hydroformylation of olefins

The hydroformylation of 1-hexene was carried out under two phase conditions with the water soluble catalyst, HRh(CO) (TPPTS)3. The addition of different salts as a means to increase the solution ionic strength has a strong influence on reaction activity and selectivity. With monovalent cations the reaction activity decreases as ionic strength increases, while the selectivity, as measured by nb ratios, increases as the solution ionic strength increases. The size and the charge on the cation also influence the selectivity. For example the cations Li+, Na+, Cs+ have a positive influence on reaction selectivity compared to catalysts without additional salt. In contrast Al3+ has a negative influence on the reaction selectivity. It is proposed that cations play a role in determining the coordination geometry of catalytic intermediates which contributes to the diverse influence on reaction selectivity.
Three unusual cases of parasystole.

Abstract Three cases of parasystole with simple interference of two rhythms showing unusual features are described. In the first case the ectopic center was situated in the auriculoventricular bundle above the bifurcation. Combination beats were absent. Both rhythms were occasionally united when the protection of the ectopic center towards normal sinus stimuli disappeared. This phenomenon is explained by a supernormal phase of excitability of the ectopic center. The two other observations concern “intermittent parasystole” in which an ectopic center periodically appears and disappears. The first ectopic beat of each series is coupled to the preceding sinus beat and apparently elicited by the latter. Case 2 shows a parallel variation of the sinus rate and the rate of the ectopic center. Case 3 shows an interesting intraventricular disturbance of conduction following interpolated beats. It is emphasized that the term “protective block” is not applicable because we are not dealing with a zone of unidirectional block. The protection of the ectopic center against conducted stimuli is fully explained by its diminished excitability. Periodic changes of this excitability may cause the appearance and disappearance of parasystole. All three observations show temporary disappearance of the protection of a parasystolic center. This leads to hitherto unknown disturbances of rhythm and permits a better understanding of the mechanism of parasystole.
Analyses of multidrug efflux pump-like proteins encoded on the Staphylococcus aureus chromosome.

Drug resistance is a therapeutic challenge in Staphylococcus aureus infections, and efflux is an important component of it. The activity of efflux proteins (pumps) can reduce susceptibility to important antimicrobial agents, predispose the bacterium to target-based mutations, enhance environmental
Site directed substitution of 5-hydroxymethyluracil for thymine in replicating øX-M4am3 DNA via synthesis of 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate

Abstract 5-hydroxymethyluracil (HmUra) is formed in DNA as a product of oxidative attack on the methyl group of Thy. It is removed from DNA by HmUra-DNA glycosylase. To determine whether the replacement of Thy by HmUra is mutagenic, which might explain the repairability of HmUra, a HmUra residue was substituted for Thy in a target (amber) codon by in vitro extension of an oligonucleotide primer annealed to phi X-174am3 virion DNA. This was accomplished by synthesizing HmdUTP and using DNA polymerase to effect primer extension. E. coli spheroplasts were transfected with the HmUra-containing DNA and the yield of revertant phage determined following replication in the bacterial host. Since E. coli do not express HmUra-DNA glycosylase activity, mutagenesis could be assessed in the absence of repair. chi 2c analysis showed that replacing Thy with HmUra did not result in an increase in revertant phage. These data indicate that the oxidation of Thy to HmUra in cellular DNA probably does not result in substantial mutagenesis.
Design considerations for stand-alone haptic interfaces communicating via UDP protocol

This work was motivated by the need for high speed communication between a stand-alone haptic interface and a computer running haptic rendering algorithms. This paper describes our recent work on the use of User Datagram Protocol (UDP) over Ethernet as a communication channel between a remote computer and a custom embedded controller built for a 3 DOF force-feedback haptic interface (the 3-DOF ministick). The results and observations from three experiments designed to test the use of detailed timing diagrams representing theoretical models are contrasted with experimental data in order to isolate potential problems and verify predicted models. Details of the hardware that enabled a haptic update rate of 3800 Hz are presented. Important information learned through the testing process is presented to the reader in order to help reduce development time for other systems in which Ethernet is desired as a communication channel.
Pharmacist Monitoring of QTc Interval–Prolonging Medications in Critically Ill Medical Patients: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND:No data exist regarding the value of pharmacist monitoring of drugs associated with QTc interval prolongation.OBJECTIVE:To assess the capability, clinical impact, and economic impact of pharmacists monitoring for drug-induced QTc interval prolongation in critically ill medical adult patients.METHODS:In a prospective, parallel-group study, 149 consecutive medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients prescribed a QTc interval–prolonging drug at the Los Angeles County + University of Southern California Medical Center were assigned on alternating days to an intervention group (clinical pharmacist on physician team monitored drugs using a standardized algorithm) or a standard care group (team without pharmacist using an algorithm). The monitoring algorithm used daily assessments of electrocardiograms and laboratory data to generate pharmacotherapeutic recommendations. The primary endpoint was the frequency of QTc interval prolongation (>500 msec at any time or an increase ≥60 msec over baseline). Sec...
Reconstitution of Arabidopsis Casein Kinase II from Recombinant Subunits and Phosphorylation of Transcription Factor GBF1

In contrast to the well-defined tetrameric structure of animal and yeast casein kinase II (CKII), plant CKII is found in two forms: a monomeric form and an oligomeric form whose subunit composition is not well defined. The Arabidopsis homologs of the catalytic subunit alpha (CKA1) and the regulatory subunit beta (CKB1) of CKII were expressed in Escherichia coli to examine their ability to form complexes, the effect of CKB1 on the catalytic activity, and the relationship of the recombinant enzymes to those isolated from plant material. Both subunits were found mainly in the inclusion body fraction in the bacterial expression strains, and they were solubilized and renatured with the recovery of catalytic (CKA1) and stimulatory (CKB1) activities. The combination of purified CKA1 and CKB1 proteins resulted in up to 100-fold stimulation of casein kinase activity compared with the CKA1 activity alone, showing that CKB1 has biochemical properties similar to those of the beta subunit from animals. CKA1 and CKB1 spontaneously assembled into a tetrameric complex, CKA1(2)CKB12, which had properties very similar to those of the oligomeric CKII form isolated from broccoli. However, the properties of the catalytic subunit CKA1 alone differed from those of the broccoli monomeric form of CKII-like activity. Phosphorylation of transcription factor GBF1 with the reconstituted CKA1(2)CKB1(2) enzyme resulted in stimulation of its DNA binding activity and retardation of the protein-DNA complex; these results are identical to those obtained previously with isolated nuclear CKII from broccoli.
Spring to summer northward migration of high O3 over the western North Atlantic

[1] Tropospheric O3 columns retrieved from OMI and MLS measurements, NO2 columns from OMI, and upper tropospheric O3 concentrations from TES over North America and the western North Atlantic from April to August 2005 are analyzed using the Regional chEmical and trAnsport Model (REAM). Large enhancements of column and upper tropospheric O3 over the western North Atlantic comparable to those over the eastern United States are found in the satellite measurements and REAM simulations. The O3 enhancement region migrates northward from spring to summer. Model analysis indicates that the northward migration is driven by seasonal shifts of O3 transported from the stratosphere and that produced through photochemistry from surface emissions and lightning NOx. As their uncertainties improve, satellite measurements of O3 and its precursors will be able to provide more quantitative constraints on pollutant outflow from the continents.
Daptomycin mediated reorganization of membrane architecture causes mislocalization of essential cell division proteins

Daptomycin is a lipopeptide antibiotic used clinically for the treatment of certain types of Gram-positive infections, including those caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Details of the mechanism of action of daptomycin continue to be elucidated, particularly the question of whether daptomycin acts on the cell membrane, the cell wall, or both. Here, we use fluorescence microscopy to directly visualize the interaction of daptomycin with the model Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. We show that the first observable cellular effects are the formation of membrane distortions (patches of membrane) that precede cell death by more than 30 min. Membrane patches are able to recruit the essential cell division protein DivIVA. Recruitment of DivIVA correlates with membrane defects and changes in cell morphology, suggesting a localized alteration in the activity of enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis that could account for previously described effects of daptomycin on cell wall morphology and septation. Membrane defects colocalize with fluorescently labeled daptomycin, DivIVA, and fluorescent reporters of peptidoglycan biogenesis (Bocillin FL and BODIPY FL-vancomycin), suggesting that daptomycin plays a direct role in these events. Our results support a mechanism for daptomycin with a primary effect on cell membranes that in turn redirects the localization of proteins involved in cell division and cell wall synthesis, causing dramatic cell wall and membrane defects, which may ultimately lead to a breach in the cell membrane and cell death. These results help resolve the longstanding questions regarding the mechanism of action of this important class of antibiotics.
The role of mechatronics in a pediatric training cup design process

This paper applies new experimental systems to support research for children with swallowing disorders. Specifically, the transition to cup drinking will be explored. A user centered approach is utilized to determine a foundation for the design criteria. Further criteria are established using a novel experimental set up. Experimental equipment and methods are presented. Flow rate and suction pressure results for state of practice training cups are presented and show a wide degree of variability. The concept for an adjustable cup designed for transition to open cup drinking is presented.
Hybrid analog-digital backscatter platform for high data rate, battery-free sensing

This paper presents a hybrid analog-digital backscatter platform for high data rate battery free wireless sensing. A digital RFID platform (WISP) has been integrated with an analog sensor (microphone) to develop a digitally addressable RFID tag which uses analog backscatter for high data rate transmission of sensor data (audio). The hybrid WISP operates in two modes: digital mode (default mode) to transmit and receive digital data (as per EPC Gen 2 RFID protocol) and analog mode (activated by Gen 2 READ command) to backscatter audio sensor data. We report an operating range of more than 4 meters for the digitally addressable, battery free wireless audio sensor.
A Novel Continuously Variable Delay Line

A novel scheme for preducing continuously variable time delay is proposed. The scheme makes use of two dispersive delay lines and spectral inversion to achieve dispersionless variable delay. Experimental results obtained at 1 to 2 GHz are presented.
Joint inversion of gravity and arrival time data from Parkfield: New constraints on structure and hypocenter locations near the SAFOD drill site

[1] Taking advantage of large datasets of both gravity and elastic wave arrival time observations available for the Parkfield, California region, we generated an image consistent with both types of data. Among a variety of strategies, the best result was obtained from a simultaneous inversion with a stability requirement that encouraged the perturbed model to remain close to a starting model consisting of a best fit to the arrival time data. The preferred model looks essentially the same as the best-fit arrival time model in areas where ray coverage is dense, with differences being greatest at shallow depths and near the edges of the model where ray paths are few. Earthquake locations change by no more than about 100 m, the general effect being migration of the seismic zone to the northeast, closer to the surface trace of the San Andreas Fault.
Assessing Single Particle Soot Photometer and Integrating Sphere/Integrating Sandwich Spectrophotometer measurement techniques for quantifying black carbon concentration in snow

Abstract. We evaluate the performance of the Single Particle Soot Photometer (SP2) and the Integrating Sphere/Integrating Sandwich Spectrophotometer (ISSW) in quantifying the concentration of refractory black carbon (BC) in snow samples. We find that the SP2 can be used to measure BC mass concentration in snow with substantially larger uncertainty (60%) than for atmospheric sampling (
Missing links in social cognition: The continuum from nonhuman agents to dehumanized humans.

In geology, the “missing link” popularly names a transitional fossil that fills an evolutionary gap between life forms, especially between apes and humans. In social psychology, Heider and Simmel (1944) demonstrated that humans are not the only targets perceived to be agents; people are ready to impute human characteristics even to geometric figures in nonrandom motion. Until recently, however, social cognition research has been focusing almost exclusively on perceptions of humans. This special issue demonstrates beyond a doubt the myriad ways that perceiving nonhuman agents and dehumanizing human agents can inform the boundaries of social cognition concerning people, providing missing links at both ends of social perception. One important way is by further illuminating “social” perception processes. Human perceivers often attribute human personality characteristics, autonomous will, and intentionality to nonhuman agents (anthropomorphism). And equally, human perceivers attribute nonhuman characteristics to other human agents (dehumanization). Interpersonal perception cannot be studied completely in isolation from the perception of nonhuman and dehumanized targets. The way we see other humans is inextricably intertwined with the way we see nonhumans. These complementary processes—anthropomorphism and dehumanization—provide conceptual bookends for social cognition research and theory.
Reducing nonpayment for public utilities: Experimental evidence from South Africa

Abstract Nonpayment for public utilities is an important constraint to expanding service access in developing countries. What are the causes of nonpayment and which policies are effective at addressing them? To study these questions, we implement and evaluate a randomized water education campaign in a low income peri-urban area in South Africa. We estimate substantial short-run treatment effects: on the order of a 25% increase in payments over a three-month period after which the effect dissipates. The evidence shows that the treatment did not operate by increasing consumers’ information, or by creating reminders to pay or a threat of enforcement. Instead, households may have reciprocated the provider’s efforts by paying more. Our findings provide evidence that strategies other than increased enforcement can lower nonpayment.
Genetic Constraints and Selection Acting on Tolerance to Herbivory in the Common Morning Glory Ipomoea purpurea

Tolerance to herbivory minimizes the effects of herbivory on plant fitness. In the presence of herbivores, maximal levels of tolerance may be expected to evolve. In many plant species, however, tolerance is found at an intermediate level. Tolerance may be prevented from evolving to a maximal level by genetic constraints or stabilizing selection. We report on a field study of Ipomoea purpurea, the common morning glory, in which we measured three types of costs that may be associated with tolerance and the pattern of selection acting on tolerance to two types of herbivore damage: apical meristem damage and folivory. We used genetic correlations to test for the presence of three types of costs: a trade-off between tolerance and fitness in the absence of herbivore damage, a trade-off between tolerance and resistance, and genetic covariances among tolerance to different types of damage. We found no evidence that tolerance to apical meristem damage or tolerance to folivory was correlated with resistance, although these two types of tolerance were positively correlated with one another. Tolerance to both types of damage involved costs of lower fitness in the absence of herbivory. Selection acting on tolerance to either type of herbivory was not detected at natural levels of herbivory. Selection is expected to act against tolerance at reduced levels of herbivory and favor tolerance at elevated levels of herbivory. In addition, significant correlational selection gradients indicate that the pattern of selection acting on tolerance depends on values of resistance. Although we found no evidence for stabilizing selection, fluctuating selection resulting from fluctuating herbivore loads may be responsible for maintaining tolerance at an intermediate level.
Can Schools Reduce the Indigenous Test Score Gap? Evidence from Chile

Abstract In Chile, indigenous students obtain lower test scores, on average, than non-indigenous students. Between two cohorts of eighth-graders in the late 1990s, the test score gap declined by 0.1 to 0.2 standard deviations. An Oaxaca decomposition and related descriptive evidence suggest that the most plausible explanation is related to Chile's large-scale school reforms that were targeted at low-achieving schools and students. The paper evaluates and rules out alternate explanations such as relative improvements in indigenous socioeconomic status, and sorting of indigenous students between schools. The results highlight a potential lever for reducing earnings gaps between indigenous and nonindigenous adults.
Managing Motherhood in Prison

Summary The vast majority of the women who are imprisoned in our nation's correctional facilities are mothers. These women face considerable challenges in managing motherhood tasks while incarcerated. The options available for women in placing their children, maintaining contact, and maintaining place in families vary widely and are related to race, ethnicity and other variables. This article examines how motherhood is enacted under the circumstances of incarceration through the use of qualitative research undertaken in a women's prison.
Esophageal Atresia and Tracheoesophageal Fistula

The treatment of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula, although still a challenge, represents one of the true successes of newborn surgery. Thomas Gibson first described the classic form of esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula in 1697 [1]. In 1888, Charles Steele attempted the first surgical repair of a pure esophageal atresia. He carried out a gastrotomy and attempted to pass a steel probe through the suspected esophageal membrane. At autopsy, the probe exited the lower esophageal pouch but the two ends of the esophagus were noted to end blindly with a gap between them of 1.5 inches with no connection that could be identified [2]. Attempted repair of esophageal atresia with a tracheoesophageal fistula employing fistula division and primary anastomosis was first reported by Robert Shaw in Dallas in 1938 [3] but first attempted by Thomas Lanman in Boston in 1936, who later reported it along with 4 other attempts and 27 additional cases of esophageal atresia in 1940 [4]. All of these attempts were unsuccessful, but not all because of technical issues. After 5 failed attempts, the first in 1939, Cameron Haight undertook the first successful primary repair of esophageal atresia in 1941 using a left extrapleural approach, fistula ligation, and a single-layer anastomosis [5]. Over the years, improvements in surgical technique and neonatal care have improved outcomes in the treatment of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula. In 1994, Spitz et al. created a system to stratify outcome based on birth weight (>1,500 g or 1500 g and no cardiac anomalies was similar: 97% in 1994 versus 98.5% in 2006. Survival for babies that weighed <1,500 g at birth, or had a cardiac anomaly, improved from 59% to 82% during that interval. The babies with the worst outcomes, those that weighed <1,500 g at birth and had a cardiac anomaly, improved from 22% in the early era to 50% [7]. In 2009, Okamoto et al. reviewed the Japanese experience, and proposed a modification to the Spitz classification depicted in Table 8.1 [8].
Botulinum Toxin and Muscle Atrophy: A Wanted or Unwanted Effect

While the facial rejuvenating effect of botulinum toxin type A is well known and widespread, its use in body and facial contouring is less common. We first describe its use for deliberate muscle volume reduction, and then document instances of unanticipated and undesirable muscle atrophy. Finally, we investigate the potential long-term adverse effects of botulinum toxin-induced muscle atrophy. Although the use of botulinum toxin type A in the cosmetic patient has been extensively studied, there are several questions yet to be addressed. Does prolonged botulinum toxin treatment increase its duration of action? What is the mechanism of muscle atrophy and what is the cause of its reversibility once treatment has stopped? We proceed to examine how prolonged chemodenervation with botulinum toxin can increase its duration of effect and potentially contribute to muscle atrophy. Instances of inadvertent botulinum toxin-induced atrophy are also described. These include the "hourglass deformity" secondary to botulinum toxin type A treatment for migraine headaches, and a patient with atrophy of multiple facial muscles from injections for hemifacial spasm. Numerous reports demonstrate that muscle atrophy after botulinum toxin type A treatment occurs and is both reversible and temporary, with current literature supporting the notion that repeated chemodenervation with botulinum toxin likely responsible for both therapeutic and incidental temporary muscle atrophy. Furthermore, duration of response may be increased with subsequent treatments, thus minimizing frequency of reinjection. Practitioners should be aware of the temporary and reversible effect of botulinum toxin-induced muscle atrophy and be prepared to reassure patients on this matter.
Strain Modulation of Defect Structure in Gadolinia-Doped Ceria

The relationship between the strain and defect structure in gadolinia-doped ceria has been studied with atomistic simulations. It was found that the next nearest neighbor type associations are preferred under zero or tensile applied strains, but the nearest neighbor type defect associations became favorable under compressive strains. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the defect structure can be modulated by strain through oxygen diffusion into or out of the nearest neighbor sites of dopants. The activation energy of such a process was estimated to be 0.82 eV. The decrease or increase in the amount of nearest neighbor associations also causes expansion or contraction, respectively, of the material volume. On the basis of such a mechanism, an explanation of the “chemical strain/stress” phenomenon observed in gadolinia-doped ceria, as well as the benefit of zero or moderate tensile strain for electrolyte applications, is proposed.
Individual Differences in Cognitive Control Circuit Anatomy Link Sensation Seeking, Impulsivity, and Substance Use

UNLABELLED: Individuals vary widely in their tendency to seek stimulation and act impulsively, early developing traits with genetic origins. Failures to regulate these behaviors increase risk for maladaptive outcomes including substance abuse. Here, we explored the neuroanatomical correlates of sensation seeking and impulsivity in healthy young adults. Our analyses revealed links between sensation seeking and reduced cortical thickness that were preferentially localized to regions implicated in cognitive control, including anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus (n= 1015). These associations generalized to self-reported motor impulsivity, replicated in an independent group (n= 219), and correlated with heightened alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use. Critically, the relations between sensation seeking and brain structure were evident in participants without a history of alcohol or tobacco use, suggesting that observed associations with anatomy are not solely a consequence of substance use. These results demonstrate that individual differences in the tendency to seek stimulation, act on impulse, and engage in substance use are correlated with the anatomical structure of cognitive control circuitry. Our findings suggest that, in healthy populations, covariation across these complex multidimensional behaviors may in part originate from a common underlying biology. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Impaired cognitive control may result in a tendency to seek stimulation impulsively and an increased risk for maladaptive outcomes, including substance abuse. Here, we examined the structural correlates of sensation seeking and impulsivity in a large cohort of healthy young adults. Our analyses revealed links between sensation seeking and reduced cortical thickness that were preferentially localized to regions implicated in cognitive control, including anterior cingulate and middle frontal gyrus. The observed associations generalized to motor impulsivity, replicated in an independent group, and predicted heightened alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine use. These data indicate that normal variability in cognitive control system anatomy predicts sensation seeking and motor impulsivity in the healthy populations, potentially increasing risk for substance use disorders.Copyright © 2016 the authors 0270-6474/16/364038-12$15.00/0. Language: en
Anomalous Kinetics of the Trapping Reaction in One Dimension Under Steady State Conditions

We study the A + B → B trapping reaction under steady state conditions for the case in which both A particles and traps(B) are mobile. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we follow the kinetic rate law in one dimension. Anomalies arise due to self-organization of the A particles, which results in a slower steady state reaction rate than is predicted classically. We find a partial order of reaction with respect to trap density of X = 2, and an overall order for the reaction of Z = 3.2. These results are in agreement with other works which predict an exponential rather than an algebraic decay law with respect to the A particle density.
40 p53 MEDIATES PARTICULATE MATTER-INDUCED A549 CELL MITOCHONDRIA-DEPENDENT APOPTOSIS

Airborne particulate matter (PM) increases morbidity and mortality resulting from cardiopulmonary diseases including lung cancer and chronic obstructive lung disease. PM induces alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) DNA damage and apoptosis in part by generating iron-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activating the mitochondria-regulated death pathway. Since p53 is critically involved in the cellular DNA damage response that can result in mitochondrial dysfunction, we determined whether transcriptional activation of p53 is required for PM-induced A549 cell apoptosis. We found that pifithrin (30 μM for 24 h), an inhibitor of p53 transcriptional activation, blocked PM (50 μg/cm2) induced caspase 9 activation and apoptosis, as assessed by annexin V staining and DNA fragmentation (Table). Similar findings were noted in A549 cells overexpressing the E6 oncoprotein, which also blocks p53 transcription (data not shown). Finally, we found that PM caused the translocation of BAX, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family member, from the cytosol to the mitochondrial membrane that was inhibited in cells treated with pifithrin. Thus, p53 mediates PM-induced AEC mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. These data suggest an important role for p53 in the pathogenesis of PM-induced pulmonary toxicity in part by causing mitochondrial dependent apoptosis. Funded by Veterans Affairs Merit Review (D.W.K.); NIH-K08 (G.S.B.).
Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Associated with a Novel Bunyavirus

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a newly recognized pathogen and the first highly pathogenic tick-borne virus reported in the genus Phlebovirus, family Bunyaviridae. Except for some basic knowledge on viral biology and epidemiology as well as the establishment of diagnostics and the description of the clinical disease syndrome, little is known about this emerging pathogen. Currently, there are neither therapeutic approaches nor vaccines available for the treatment and prophylaxis of SFTSV infections. In the absence of more thorough ecology and epidemiology, prevention is based on education targeting towards avoiding exposure through ticks and blood and secretions/excretions of patients. Urgently needed are further studies on the pathogenesis and host responses to infection in order to define targets for therapeutic intervention and strategies for vaccination.
Improvement of the Protein Quality of Seeds by Genetic Engineering

Seeds provide a major source of protein in the diets of humans and livestock. Accordingly, there has long been interest in the structure, amino acid content, and genetic regulation of seed proteins. Unfortunately, the value of seeds as protein sources is lessened by their unbalanced amino acid compositions. Most seed proteins are deficient in one or more of the amino acids that are essential for humans and other monogastric animals.
Sensitivity of GRETINA position resolution to hole mobility

The sensitivity of the position resolution of the gamma-ray tracking array GRETINA to the hole charge-carrier mobility parameter is investigated. The χ2 results from a fit of averaged signal (“superpulse”) data exhibit a shallow minimum for hole mobilities 15% lower than the currently adopted values. Calibration data on position resolution is analyzed, together with simulations that isolate the hole mobility dependence of signal decomposition from other effects such as electronics cross-talk. The results effectively exclude hole mobility as a dominant parameter for improving the position resolution for reconstruction of gamma-ray interaction points in GRETINA.
OUTCOMES OF FRACTIONAL FLOW RESERVE BASED DEFERRAL IN SAPHENOUS VEIN GRAFT LESIONS

Background: Fractional flow reserve (FFR) has been shown to improve clinical decision-making for revascularization in intermediate coronary stenosis in native coronary arteries. Howerver, its use for saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions has not been well validated. We sought to determine the
Drive and secondary reinforcement: Further extensions of Zimmerman’s work

The effects of drive intensity in Sr test and the imposition or withholding of Sr training upon bar pressing were studied in a Zimmerman paradigm. The Ss tested under high drive, with or without Sr training, made significantly more bar presses than satiated Ss. No support was found for an exploratory-manipulatory interpretation of Zimmerman’s results, but the validity of the assumption that intense homeostatic drives interfere with exploratory-manipulatory motivation was questioned. The fact that Ss without Sr training performed as well in test as trained Ss confirmed a previous finding and led to a rejection of Zimmerman’s Sr interpretation of his results.
Permuted successive cancellation decoding for polar codes

Defined through a certain 2 × 2 matrix called Arikan's kernel, polar codes are known to achieve the symmetric capacity of binary-input discrete memoryless channels under the successive cancellation (SC) decoder. Yet, for short block-lengths, polar codes fail to deliver a compelling performance under the low complexity SC decoding scheme. Recent studies provide evidence for improved performance when Arikan's kernel is replaced with larger kernels that have smaller scaling exponents. However, for l×l kernels the time complexity of the SC decoding increases by a factor of 2l. In this paper we study a special type of kernels called permuted kernels. The advantage of these kernels is that the SC decoder for the corresponding polar codes can be viewed as a permuted version of the SC decoder for the conventional polar codes that are defined through Arikan's kernel. This permuted successive cancellation (PSC) decoder outputs its decisions on the input bits according to a permuted order of their indices. We introduce an efficient PSC decoding algorithm and show simulations for two 16 × 16 permuted kernels that have better scaling exponents than Arikan's kernel.
Isotopic shift of the ^5F1°←^3F_2 transition in ^91Zr

Laser-induced fluorescence spectra of Zr atoms sputtered by ion bombardment have been obtained for the 5F1°←3F2transition at 595.5 nm. The isotopic shift of 91Zr is found to be −70 ± 40 MHz relative to the 90Zr peak. A discrepancy in literature values for the hyperfine constants of the 5F1° state is also resolved.
When Clinical Practice Guidelines Collide: Finding a Way Forward

The editorialists discuss the synopsis of the joint U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs/U.S. Department of Defense guidelines on management of type 2 diabetes. They also explore the sources of conf...
Epithelial oestrogen receptor α is dispensable for the development of oestrogen-induced cervical neoplastic diseases

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is required but not sufficient for cervical carcinoma (CxCa) development. Oestradiol (E2 ) promotes CxCa development in K14E7 transgenic mice expressing the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein under the control of the keratin (K14) promoter. E2 mainly functions through oestrogen receptor α (ERα). However, the role of ERα in human CxCa has been underappreciated largely because it is not expressed in carcinoma cells. We have shown that deletion of Esr1 (the ERα-coding gene) in the cervical stroma of K14E7 mice promotes regression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), the precursor lesion of CxCa. Here, we deleted Esr1 in the cervical epithelium but not in the stroma. We found that E2 induced cervical epithelial cell proliferation in epithelial ERα-deficient mice. We also found that E2 promoted the development of CIN and CxCa in epithelial ERα-deficient K14E7 mice and that all neoplastic epithelial cells were negative for ERα. In addition, proliferation indices were similar between ERα- and ERα+ CxCa. These results indicate that epithelial ERα is not necessary for E2 -induced CIN and CxCa. Taking these findings together, we conclude that stromal ERα rather than epithelial ERα mediates oncogenic E2 signalling in CxCa. Our results support stromal ERα signalling as a therapeutic target for the disease. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption and oxidation of 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) and its transformation product (3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-one, ATO) at ferrihydrite and birnessite surfaces.

Abstract The emerging insensitive munitions compound (IMC) 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazole-5-one (NTO) is currently being used to replace conventional explosives such as 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane (RDX), but the environmental fate of this increasingly widespread IMC remains poorly understood. Upon release from unexploded solid phase ordinances, NTO exhibits high aqueous solubility and, hence, potential mobilization to groundwater. Adsorption and abiotic transformation at metal oxide surfaces are possible mechanisms for natural attenuation. Here, the reactions at ferrihydrite and birnessite surfaces of NTO and its biotransformation product, 3-amino-1, 2, 4-triazol-5-one (ATO), were studied in stirred batch reactor systems at controlled pH (7.0). The study was carried out at metal oxide solid to solution ratios (SSR) of 0.15, 1.5 and 15 g kg−1. The samples were collected at various time intervals up to 3 h after reaction initiation, and analyzed using HPLC with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detection. We found no detectable adsorption or transformation of NTO upon reaction with birnessite, whereas ATO was highly susceptible to oxidation by the same mineral, showing nearly complete transformation within 5 min at 15 g kg−1 SSR to urea, CO2(g) and N2(g). The mean surface-area-normalized pseudo-first order rate constant (k) for ATO oxidation by birnessite across all SSRs was 0.05 ± 0.022 h−1 m−2, and oxidation kinetics were independent of dissolved O2 concentration. Both NTO and ATO were resistant to oxidation by ferrihydrite. However, NTO showed partial removal from solution upon reaction with ferrihydrite at 0.15 and 1.5 g kg−1 SSR and complete loss at 15 g kg−1 SSR due to strong adsorption. Conversely, ATO adsorption to ferrihydrite was much weaker than that measured for NTO.
Goal interdependence, subgroup formation, and conflict in Teams

This research investigates subgroup formation as an important mediator in the goal interdependence-intragroup conflict linkage. Specifically, it proposes that subgroup formation will mediate the relationship between cooperative goal interdependence and intragroup conflict, but not for competitive goal interdependence and intragroup conflict. Further, competitive goal interdependence is posited to have direct, positive effects on intragroup conflict. Using structural equation modeling analyses with 79 student project teams, the findings revealed that subgroup formation fully mediated the relationship between cooperative goal interdependence and task and process conflict, but only partially mediated the relationship between cooperative goal interdependence and relationship conflict. As predicted, subgroup formation did not mediate the relationship between competitive goal interdependence and intragroup conflict; however, competitive goal interdependence was negatively, rather than positively, related to intragroup conflict.
Sputum Tests and Exhaled NO in the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Asthma

Since 1987, with the identification of nitric oxide (NO) as the previously uncharacterised endothelial-derived relaxing factor, it has become apparent that this endogenous multifunctional regulatory molecule, which is widely distributed throughout the body, plays a significant role in human physiology [1, 2]. In 1998, Furchgott, Ignarro, and Murad were awarded the Nobel Prize for their work with NO which had, several years earlier, been recognised by Science as 1992s “Molecule of the Year” [3]. In the respiratory system, NO is a neurotransmitter for bronchial non-adrenergic, non-cholinergic neurons and promotes dilation of blood vessels and relaxation of bronchial smooth muscle, thus regulating vascular and bronchial tone [4–6]. Its cytotoxic and bacteriostatic properties play a role in host defense [4–6]. NO also promotes mucus secretion and is instrumental in coordinating the ciliary beat frequency of airway epithelial cells, thus affecting mucociliary clearance [4–6]. The discovery by Gustafsson et al. in 1991 that NO can be detected in the exhaled breath of animals and humans, and the subsequent observation by Alving and coworkers that NO is elevated in the exhaled air of patients with asthma has led to evolving research evaluating the significance of varying concentrations of this molecule in exhaled air in inflammatory airway disease [7, 8].
Was the Michigan Bank Holiday Made in Haste? The Milford Plan, Father Coughlin, and the Looming Threat in Detroit

Past research suggests that the Michigan bank holiday in February of 1933 might have been made in haste. The holiday spread panic to neighboring states and was a contributing factor in President Roosevelt's decision to declare a national bank holiday in March. Recently discovered archival evidence suggests the holiday was the culmination of smaller, town-level moratoria that had been occurring since January 1932 in Michigan. The moratoria plan had begun in the township of Milford, Michigan and the state had passed legislation to support the local moratoria. Once the threat of the failure of several large banks in Detroit seemed possible, the governor acted promptly in declaring the bank holiday to prevent the spread of depositor panic to the entire state.
From Rescuing Frozen Embryos to Respecting the Limits of Nature: Reframing the Embryo Adoption Debate

In 1985, Gary Trudeau and the Universal Press Syndicate agreed not to run six installments of the comic strip “Doonesbury” which parodied “The Silent Scream,” an anti-abortion film that showed ultrasound images of an abortion of a 12-weekold fetus taking place. The ultrasound images of the abortion depicted in “The Silent Scream” were accompanied by commentary from a physician–narrator, Bernard Nathanson, who had once performed abortions but had become a staunch opponent of abortion. In fact, the film takes its name from a series of images which Nathanson describes as follows:
Euler’s Relation

In the preceding chapter s we became acquainted with methods of generating convex polytopes and with the relations existing among a polytope and its faces or other points of the space. Our interest was mostly centered on positional relationships between a polytope (or its faces) and some other given geometric object.
Riemann and Lebesgue Integrals

In this chapter our measure space will be the Lebesgue measure space \((\mathbb {R}, \mathcal {L}, m)\), where \(\mathcal {L}\) is the Lebesgue σ-algebra and m the Lebesgue measure. We will say that a function f is Lebesgue integrable on some measurable set I if ∫I|f|dm < +∞.
María Zambrano’s and Albert Camus’s communal ethics

ABSTRACTMaria Zambrano and Albert Camus had much in common, especially their sympathy for the Second Spanish Republic and their ethical vision. Both intellectuals employed literary forms to explore...
A Cross-Stacked Radiating Antenna With Enhanced Scanning Performance for Digital Beamforming Multifunction Phased-Array Radars

This contribution presents the results of a dual-polarized radiating element designed to achieve low cross-polarization (lower than −40 dB measured for the E-and H-plane, at least −30 dB in the D-plane based on simulations) and large fractional bandwidth (18%) over wide scanning angles (±60°). The proposed design includes multiple features that enable high isolation between ports, reduction of spurious radiation, highly symmetrical radiated fields, and suppression of diffracted fields between contiguous subarray gaps. To verify the polarimetric requirements for a weather radar, simulated and measured results, including electronic scanning of the array and embedded element patterns of the antenna, are shown.
Constructing an Islamic Nation: National Mosque Building as a Form of Nation-Building

A majority of national mosques were built in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s. Why did national mosque construction become important to Islamic states during this period, when it had not been a priority in earlier decades when many of these states achieved independence? This article suggests that national mosque construction was the result of political elites’ anxieties regarding the threat to regime stability posed by Islamist activists. Drawing on a medium N dataset of all 25 states that recognized Islam as their official religion, the article shows that mosque construction increased after 1979 when political elites adopted a strategy of Islamic nation-building, with one expression of this strategy taking the form of national mosque-building in order to visually manifest the regime’s religious authority. In addition to medium N analysis, the article uses process tracing to examine national mosque building in three case studies, as well as interview data, to evaluate whether mosque construction achieved the desired effect of bolstering regimes’ religious legitimacy in these contexts. The findings have implications for understanding the use of symbolic religious structures as tools for nation-building that have often been overlooked due to the tendency to associate nationalism with secular visions of modernity.
ToF-SIMS analysis of antimony carboxylate EUV photoresists

Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is used to evaluate the composition of nonvolatile photoproducts created by EUV photolysis of antimony carboxylate photoresists [R3Sb(O2CR′)2]. Dozens of potential photoproduct ions were identified using exact mass and 121Sb/123Sb isotopic ratios. Several oxygen-rich antimony ions were found to increase in abundance with exposure. Two methods were employed to identify photoproducts which create solubility contrast. First, samples were analyzed pre- and post-development to examine the effects of EUV exposure and developer solvent on secondary ion intensity. Secondly, changes in intensity of select ions were compared to dissolution contrast over a range of doses. Through these studies, ion intensities were found to correlate with dissolution contrast for several fragments, indicating their active role in creating negative-tone response.