cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
From climate change to molecular response: Redox proteomics of ozone-induced responses in soybean

• Ozone (O₃) causes significant agricultural losses, with soybean (Glycine max) being highly sensitive to this oxidant. Here we assess the effect of elevated seasonal O₃ exposure on the total and redox proteomes of soybean. • To understand the molecular responses to O₃ exposure, soybean grown at the Soybean Free Air Concentration Enrichment facility under ambient (37 ppb), moderate (58 ppb), and high (116 ppb) O₃ concentrations was examined by redox-sensitive thiol labeling, mass spectrometry, and targeted enzyme assays. • Proteomic analysis of soybean leaf tissue exposed to high O₃ concentrations reveals widespread changes. In the high-O₃ treatment leaf, 35 proteins increased up to fivefold in abundance, 22 proteins showed up to fivefold higher oxidation, and 22 proteins increased in both abundance and oxidation. These changes occurred in carbon metabolism, photosynthesis, amino acid synthesis, flavonoid and isoprenoid biosynthesis, signaling and homeostasis, and antioxidant pathways. • This study shows that seasonal O₃ exposure in soybean alters the abundance and oxidation state of redox-sensitive multiple proteins and that these changes reflect a combination of damage effects and adaptive responses that influence a wide range of metabolic processes, which in some cases may help mitigate oxidative stress.
Cysts of the anterior horn lateral meniscus and the ACL: is there a relationship?

Parameniscal cysts have a very high association with meniscal tears in all locations except the anterior horn lateral meniscus (AHLM). The common insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the AHLM root may provide a pathway for disease. The purpose of our study was to determine if cysts of the ACL are the origin of cysts adjacent to the AHLM. Radiology reports of all magnetic resonance (MR) examinations of the knee over a 7-year period were searched for “cyst”, “ganglion”, and “ganglia”. Two fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists independently reviewed those MR examinations reported to have a possible cyst of the AHLM and/or the ACL. The study group consisted of those patients with a cyst located adjacent to the AHLM but no meniscal tear of the adjacent meniscus. The ACL in each of these patients was evaluated for the presence of a cyst. Comparison with age- and gender-matched controls was performed. Of 708 cases that contained the word “cyst”, “ganglion”, or “ganglia”, 121 reports indicated a possible cyst of the ACL or AHLM. Twelve individuals had a cyst located adjacent to the AHLM with no meniscal tear. Six (50%) of these individuals had a cyst of the ACL; no ACL cysts were identified in the control group (p = 0.014). Interreader agreement for AHLM parameniscal cysts and AHLM tears was substantial. Our results suggest that cysts adjacent to the AHLM may in part be explained by cysts or ganglia of the ACL.
Differentiated Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Physiological Responses during Aerobic Dance Steps by Impact/Type of Arm Movement:

Overall ratings of perceived exertion, i.e., undifferentiated RPE, are often used as indicators of exercise intensity during walking, jogging, and cycling; however, conflicting results concerning RPE during aerobic dance exercise have been reported, and the use of differentiated RPE, i.e., local RPE and central RPE, has not been investigated. The purposes of this study were to assess local, central, and over-all RPE, and physiological responses [heart rate (HR); % HRmax; absolute and relative VO2;% VO2 max, ventilation (VE), ventilatory equivalent (VE.VO2(-1); and oxygen pulse] during aerobic dance exercise varied by Arm Movement (Static Arm vs Dynamic Arm) and Impact (High vs Low). Trained women (N = 25; max VO2 = 50.4 +/- 7.5 ml.kg-1.min.-1) completed four aerobic dance steps. No RPE were significantly correlated with heart rate or VO2; however, for all steps all RPE were significantly (r = .40-.62) correlated with VE.VO2(-1) or VE. No interactions were present for RPE or physiological variables, and main effects were noted for Impact and Arm Movement. All RPE were greater for High Impact and for Static Arm Movement. Because VE and VE.VO2(-1) were correlated with Overall RPE for all steps, this may suggest that participants "attended to" perceived changes in respiratory phenomena during aerobic dance exercise. It appears that during combined arm-and-leg aerobic dance exercise the use of Overall RPE is sufficient to assess perceptual sensations associated with the intensity of the exercise. Changes in Overall RPE were proportionate to objective measures of exercise intensity, i.e., HR and VO2; however, it is recommended that both HR and Overall RPE be used to assess fully a participant's objective and subjective responses during aerobic dance exercise.
Perineural invasion on prostate needle biopsy does not predict biochemical failure following brachytherapy for prostate cancer

Purpose: To determine if the presence of perineural invasion (PNI) predicts biochemical recurrence in patients who underwent low-dose-rate brachytherapy for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Methods and Materials: A retrospective case control matching study was performed. The records of 651 patients treated with brachytherapy between 1996 and 2003 were reviewed. Sixty-three of these patients developed biochemical failure. These sixty-three patients were then matched in a one-to-one ratio to patients without biochemical failure, controlling for biopsy Gleason score, clinical stage, initial prostate-specific antigen, age, and the use of androgen deprivation. The pathology of the entire cohort was then reviewed for evidence of perineural invasion on initial prostate biopsy specimens. The biochemical relapse free survival rates for these two groups were compared. Results: Cases and controls were well matched, and there were no significant differences between the two groups in age, Gleason grade, clinical stage, initial prostate-specific antigen, and the use of androgen deprivation. PNI was found in 19 (17%) patients. There was no significant difference in the rates of PNI between cases and controls, 19.6% and 14.3% respectively ( p = 0.45). PNI did not correlate with biochemical relapse free survival ( p = 0.40). Conclusion: Perineural invasion is not a significant predictor of biochemical recurrence in patients undergoing brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Reactive synthesis from signal temporal logic specifications

We present a counterexample-guided inductive synthesis approach to controller synthesis for cyber-physical systems subject to signal temporal logic (STL) specifications, operating in potentially adversarial nondeterministic environments. We encode STL specifications as mixed integer-linear constraints on the variables of a discrete-time model of the system and environment dynamics, and solve a series of optimization problems to yield a satisfying control sequence. We demonstrate how the scheme can be used in a receding horizon fashion to fulfill properties over unbounded horizons, and present experimental results for reactive controller synthesis for case studies in building climate control and autonomous driving.
Trust and Rule: TRUST AND DEMOCRATIZATION

History performed a nasty experiment in Ireland. Through English arms and anglophile landlords' exploitation, it produced two colonies where colonizers and subjects shared broadly similar culture, language, and genetic heritage, where the vast bulk of the population lacked political voice, where religious divisions formed part of governmental structure, but where in two separate regions those divisions produced contrasting alignments vis a vis rulers across the Irish Sea. Centuries before Irish independence, differences between mainly Protestant Ulster and Ireland's overwhelmingly Catholic remainder deeply marked Irish politics. In both regions, trust networks formed chiefly within channels of religious affiliation. In Ulster, Scottish settlers had planted a Presbyterian church that still retains a substantial following. During the sixteenth century, English conquerors established the Church of Ireland, a counterpart to the Church of England, and granted it the right – like its English counterpart – to draw revenues from the entire population. (For convenience and as a reminder of its special standing, I will call the Church of Ireland “Anglican.”) In Ulster and elsewhere, the rest of the population stuck mainly with the Roman Catholic Church. Starting with England's sixteenth-century conquests, vitriol and violence flowed in both directions across Irish regional and religious boundaries. On one side occurred extensive integration of Protestants into the system of rule; on the other, enforced segregation of Catholics.
The high binding affinity of human ribosomal protein S3 to 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine is abrogated by a single amino acid change

Previous studies have shown that human ribosomal protein S3 (hS3) has a high apparent binding affinity for 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) residues in DNA and interacts with the human base excision repair (BER) proteins OGG1 and APE/Ref-1. We used a combination of computational and experimental approaches to understand the role of hS3 in BER and its potential to hinder repair of 8-oxoG lesions by OGG1 and APE/Ref-1. Sequence analysis was employed to identify hS3 residues likely to be involved in binding to 8-oxoG. One putative site, lysine 132 (K132), located in a helix-hairpin-helix DNA binding motif, was mutated to alanine (K132A). The hS3-K132A mutant retained the ability to cleave abasic DNA, but its capacity to bind 8-oxoG was abrogated completely. The ability of OGG1 to cleave an 8-oxoG-oligonucleotide substrate pre-incubated with hS3 or hS3-K132A was also tested. Pre-incubations with wild-type hS3 and 8-oxoG-containing oligonucleotides completely prevented the subsequent removal of 8-oxoG by OGG1. On the other hand, OGG1 incubations combined with hS3-K132A stimulated cleavage of 8-oxoG in excess of two-fold, confirming previous observations that hS3 positively interacts with OGG1, but only under conditions in which the binding of hS3 to 8-oxoG is limited. Overall, the ability of OGG1 to repair 8-oxoG is compromised when hS3 is bound to 8-oxoG sites. Conversely, in the absence of DNA binding, hS3 interacts positively with OGG1 to produce a more robust removal of 8-oxoG residues in DNA.
Preterm Delivery and Age of SIDS Death

Purpose The aim of the study is to (i) reexamine risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and (ii) describe the relationship between length of gestation and age at death from SIDS. Methods To evaluate risk factors for SIDS, we used multivariable logistic regression and included maternal demographic characteristics, maternal health and behavioral factors, and infant characteristics, including fetal growth, using US national linked birth and death files from 1996 to 1998. We used multivariable linear regression with mean postnatal age of death as the outcome of interest, controlling for the factors listed (referent length of gestation, 40 to 41 weeks). Results The crude SIDS rate was 0.7 deaths/1000 live births (8199 deaths). Length of gestation was a strong risk factor for SIDS, with the adjusted odds ratio (OR) greatest at shorter gestations: 28 to 32 weeks (OR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 2.6–3.2). Infants with gestations of 22 to 27 and 28 to 32 weeks died at mean ages of 20.9 (SD = 0.8) and 15.3 (SD = 0.5) weeks, respectively ( p ≤ 0.002). Term infants (40 to 41 weeks) died of SIDS at an adjusted mean age of 14.5 (SD = 0.4) weeks. Conclusions Preterm birth continues to be a strong risk factor for SIDS after controlling for fetal growth. With increasing gestational age, mean age of SIDS death decreases considerably, with the postnatal age of death of very preterm infants 6 weeks later than that of term infants.
A comparison of neural network and nearest-neighbor classifiers of handwritten lower-case letters

The authors apply k-nearest-neighbor classifiers, fully-connected networks, and networks of an architecture devised by LeCun to the problem of recognizing handwritten (cursive) lower-case letters. Results reported differ from those of studies involving hand-printed characters. LeCun networks give higher accuracy (77%) than fully-connected networks (74%), which in turn give higher accuracy than k-nearest neighbor classifiers (71%). It is observed that training with an error criterion based on the L/sup 10/ norm allows LeCun networks to avoid some local minima encountered when the squared error (L/sup 2/) criterion is used. >
Effect of nicotine on brain activation during performance of a working memory task

Nicotine influences cognition and behavior, but the mechanisms by which these effects occur are unclear. By using positron emission tomography, we measured cognitive activation (increases in relative regional cerebral blood flow) during a working memory task [2-back task (2BT)] in 11 abstinent smokers and 11 ex-smokers. Assays were performed both after administration of placebo gum and 4-mg nicotine gum. Performance on the 2BT did not differ between groups in either condition, and the pattern of brain activation by the 2BT was consistent with reports in the literature. However, in the placebo condition, activation in ex-smokers predominated in the left hemisphere, whereas in smokers, it occurred in the right hemisphere. When nicotine was administered, activation was reduced in smokers but enhanced in ex-smokers. The lateralization of activation as a function of nicotine dependence suggests that chronic exposure to nicotine or withdrawal from nicotine affects cognitive strategies used to perform the memory task. Furthermore, the lack of enhancement of activation after nicotine administration in smokers likely reflects tolerance.
Human factors studies for injectable combination products: from planning to reporting.

Interest in human factors usability testing has seen a sharp increase from manufacturers bringing new injectable pharmaceutical combination products to market and from regulators reviewing and approving submissions. This paper highlights the special regulatory considerations in the planning, execution, and reporting of human factor usability studies for injectable combination products. The paper describes recent human factors examples that capture and convey important sponsor learning for drug/device combination products. Special emphasis is placed on the recent focus across U.S. Food and Drug Administration centers, offices, and divisions in issuing new draft guidance outlining expectations in the execution and reporting of usability testing. Insight is provided into how the new guidance has been put into practice in the development and review of injectable combination products, and some of the unwritten recommendations/expectations that have been gleaned from these regulatory interactions are identified. The paper also describes future areas of opportunity for regulatory guidance based on reflections from over two dozen recent combination product human factor studies covering from early design development and testing through to the reporting of human factors results in the final submission. LAY ABSTRACT: Human factors is the study of the interaction of people and technology to ensure the safety and effectiveness of that interaction and to improve human/device compatibility, including the user interface, instructions, and training programs to avoid use error. The enhanced focus on human factors usability assessments for injectable combination products is an acknowledgement by regulators and industry that the device mechanics are typically quite reliable and that device risk hazards are likely due to device usability. Use errors can occur when the device is not being used as intended or the design features are less than optimal. Human factors testing, analysis, and validation helps to identify and eliminate use errors by informing appropriate mitigation strategies to ensure the device design provides the optimum use of injectable drug/device combination products.
The Aspect Transition Graph: An Affordance-Based Model

In this work we introduce the Aspect Transition Graph (ATG), an affordance-based model that is grounded in the robot’s own actions and perceptions. An ATG summarizes how observations of an object or the environment changes in the course of interaction. Through the Robonaut 2 simulator, we demonstrate that by exploiting these learned models the robot can recognize objects and manipulate them to reach certain goal state.
An Economist with Attitude on Steroids: Remembering Gordon Tullock

Most people saw Gordon and me as opposites. I was the opposition.1 I was an out-of-sync economist with leftish leanings, whereas Gordon was the out-of-sync economist with rightish leanings. Actually, right and left are far too one-dimensional to capture political leanings and our political views were much closer than it seemed on the surface; both of us were in the Classical liberal tradition, with me leaning a bit more toward Mill and Gordon leaning a bit more toward Hayek. But the fact that we were both out of sync created a bond between us that papered over the few differences in normative views that we might have had in terms of politics.
Description of parallel imaging in MRI using multiple coils

A general formulation for parallel imaging using multiple coils is derived from the Fourier transform of coil sensitivity functions. This formulation provides a unified account for developed parallel imaging techniques such as subencoding, simultaneous acquisition of spatial harmonics (SMASH), and sensitivity encoding (SENSE), and indicates a guideline for coil configuration and k-space sampling in parallel imaging. The views that can be acquired simultaneously in parallel imaging have to be contained in the spatial frequency band of coil sensitivity functions.
2-D ray‐based tomography for velocity, layer shape, and attenuation from GPR data

Tomographic inversion for near‐surface structure from multioffset ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) reflection data is implemented. The model is parameterized as layers with constant velocity and constant attenuation. The solution is divided into two parts. First, the velocity and shape of each layer are estimated from the observed reflection traveltimes; then using this geometry and the corresponding ray paths, the attenuation of each layer is estimated from the observed relative amplitudes. Solution of both tomographic problems is performed by singular value decomposition of the sensitivity matrix (to compute information density, resolution, and covariance matrices as well as the solution). Tests on synthetic data, for which the solution is known, show that the algorithm converges efficiently to the neighborhood of the correct solution. Inversion of multichannel field data in a GPR line from a fluvial/eolian environment produces a model that is consistent with structural images and velocity estimates obtai...
Variable Geometry Capacitive Probes for Multipurpose Sensing

A capacitive array for robotic proximity and feature sensing has been designed, modeled, and tested. The basic probe consists of alternating metallic strip electrodes. One set of strips makes up the drive plate. The other set consists of tiny receivers. Both sum and differential modes of operations are used to allow one to detect proximity and features, respectively. Modeling has encompassed calculation of admittance changes (ΔY) due to the introduction of materials with simple geometric configurations. The theory is developed in detail using the Lorentz reciprocity theorem. The relationship between the spatial frequency of the probe electrodes and the interrogation field penetration is also discussed. Testing has involved scanning a two-port configured probe system over a test piece with known features and flaws. Four capabilities of the probe have been examined: distance ranging, edge detection, field optimization (changing the electric field pattern of the probe to enhance output signal), and complex pattern recognition (filtering). Both dielectric and metal objects have been investigated.
Morphoproteomic and Molecular Concomitants of an Overexpressed and Activated mTOR Pathway in Renal Cell Carcinomas

CCI-779 (temsirolimus), an ester of rapamycin and an inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is currently in phase II trials for treatment of patients with solid cancers. The mTOR functions as a checkpoint for cell proliferation, with upstream Akt and downstream p70S6K serving as its most important mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and activation of the Akt-mTOR-p70S6K pathway in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), seeking to strengthen the rationale for targeted therapy of RCC using rapamycin or a rapamycin analogue. Tissue microarray sections containing 128 primary RCCs, 22 metastatic RCCs, and 24 non-neoplastic (normal) kidneys (NK) were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies to phosphorylated (p)-Akt (Ser473), p-mTOR (Ser2448), and p-p70S6K (Thr389). Western blotting was performed on 3 cases of clear cell RCC (CRCC) and the corresponding non-neoplastic (normal) renal tissues using the same antibodies. The immunostain scoring system included: (a) location; (b) distribution; and (c) intensity. The normal kidneys provided baseline scores for comparison. Expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K was seen in 100% (n = 24) of NKs and nearly 100% (n = 150) of both primary and metastatic RCCs. The p-p70S6K was located in the nucleus in both NKs and RCCs. The p-Akt was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of NKs and in the nucleus and cytoplasm/ membrane (plasmalemma) of RCCs. The p-mTOR was identified in the membrane of NKs and the membrane/nucleus of RCCs. The levels of expression of p-p70S6K, p-mTOR, and p-Akt were significantly higher in RCC than in NK in the overall pattern (intensity and distribution, p <0.05). Western blotting also showed higher expression of p-p70S6K, p-mTOR, and p-Akt in RCCs compared to the corresponding normal kidney tissues (p <0.05). These findings indicate that correlative over-expression and activation of p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K are commonly observed in RCCs. After considering these findings in the context of other established protein circuitries and pathways in RCC, we propose therapeutic approaches that incorporate rapamycin-like agents and other small molecule inhibitors in a combinatorial fashion in future clinical trials for RCC.
Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with an allograft conduit in non-ross patients: risk factors for allograft dysfunction and failure.

Background Allograft conduits (AC) are used for reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) in children with RVOT hypoplasia or atresia and for pulmonary valve replacement in children undergoing Ross aortic valve replacement (AVR). Children undergoing the Ross AVR are generally older and have their AC inserted in the orthotopic position as opposed to the heterotopic position used for most cases of complex RVOT obstruction. The orthotopic position of the AC combined with the fact that the AC in the Ross patients are larger and can be oversized are the three factors that increase the right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit durability in the Ross AVR group. A retrospective evaluation of our experience with use of AC in non-Ross patients for reconstruction of the RVOT was conducted to determine the risk factors for failure. Methods Between January 1985 and December 2003, 117 non-Ross patients received AC (94 pulmonary and 23 aortic) for RVOT reconstruction. Median age at implantation was 8 months (mean 4.3 ± 7.1 years; range, 6 days to 43 years). There were 57 children (49%) less than 12 months of age. Endpoints were AC failure (valve explant, balloon dilatation), and AC dysfunction (AC stenosis >40 mm Hg and AC insufficiency more than 2+). There were no device-related deaths. Results Overall patient survival was 80% at 15 years. Freedom from AC failure was 60% at 5 years and 43% at 15 years. Freedom from failure was worse in infants (42% and 34% at 5 and 15 years, respectively). Freedom from AC dysfunction was 40% at 5 years and 23% at 15 years. Freedom from dysfunction was worse in infants (21% and 16% at 5 and 15 years, respectively). Univariate analysis identified younger patient age, smaller AC size, diagnosis of truncus arteriosus, and the presence of aortic AC as risk factors for AC dysfunction and failure. Multivariate analysis identified smaller AC size and the presence truncus arteriosus as risk factors for AC dysfunction and failure. Conclusions Right ventricular outflow tract reconstruction with an AC in non-Ross patients has poor performance at midterm follow-up with AC dysfunction and failure of, respectively, 60% and 40% for the entire group and 79% and 58% in the infant group at 5 years. An alternate conduit for this application must be considered.
Comparison between the analgesic efficacy of transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and placebo in open retropubic radical prostatectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

Abstract Study Objective To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided tansversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with placebo for postoperative analgesia after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP). Design Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study. Setting Tertiary-care Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. Patients ASA physical status 1, 2, and 3 patients scheduled for RRP. Interventions Patients were randomized to two groups: the TAP group and the control group. All patients underwent an ultrasound-guided TAP block procedure after induction of general anesthesia and received either local anesthetic (TAP group) or normal saline (control group). Measurements Opioid use and verbal analog pain scores at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after surgery were recorded, as was the frequency of side effects. Times to ambulation and first oral intake also were recorded. Main Results The TAP block group had lower pain scores and required less total opioid in the first 24 hours after surgery. Time to first oral intake and time to ambulation were similar between the two groups. Conclusion The TAP block has early benefits in postoperative analgesia after RRP.
Grain Enhancement of Thin Silicon Layers Using Optical Processing

We describe a new technique for producing large-grain, poly-Si thin films on low-cost glass substrates for solar cell applications. A layer of fine-grain poly-Si is deposited on metal-coated substrate followed by a grain enhancement using optical/thermal annealing at low temperatures (∼ 500 °C). The results show that in thin-layer silicon, less than 3 microns, grains can be formed in a short time (few minutes) with grain sizes larger than the film thickness. The possible mechanisms involved in this process are also presented.
Noninvasive leakage power tomography of integrated circuits by compressive sensing

We introduce a new methodology for noninvasive post-silicon characterization of the unique static power profile (tomogram) of each manufactured chip. The total chip leakage is measured for multiple input vectors in a linear optimization framework where the unknowns are the gate leakage variations. We propose compressive sensing for fast extraction of the unknowns since the leakage tomogram contains correlations and can be sparsely represented. A key advantage of our approach is that it provides leakage variation estimates even for inaccessible gates. Experiments show that the methodology enables fast and accurate noninvasive extraction of leakage power characteristics.
Molecular cloning of human hic‐5, a potential regulator involved in signal transduction and cellular senescence

By using differential display, we cloned the human counterpart of the murine gene Hic-5 from senescent human keratinocytes. The full-length cDNA contained a short GC-stretch proceeding a consensus Kozak sequence followed by a single open reading frame of 1338 bp encoding a 461–amino acid protein with a predicted molecular weight of 50 kDa. The expression of this gene was prominent in cells of epithelial origin but low or absent in lymphoid tissues and hematopoietic cells. The deduced protein contained four LIM domains at the carboxyl-terminal end and four LD motifs at the amino-terminal half, sharing high similarities with the focal adhesion protein paxillin. Hic-5 may therefore function, like paxillin, as a potential adapter for the recruitment of structural and signaling molecules to certain subcellular sites or in focal adhesions. Isolation of the genomic sequence revealed that the gene covered a segment of 6 kb and spanned 11 exons from the translation initiation site ATG to the termination signal TGA. Fluorescent in situ hybridization by using a human Hic-5 specific probe localized the gene to human chromosome 16p11. Mol. Carcinog. 27:177–183, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Metabolomics, Stable Isotopes, and A−β+ Ketosis-Prone Diabetes

First described in 1987 by Winter et al. as “atypical diabetes” (1), A−β+ ketosis-prone diabetes (KPD) describes a group of primarily middle-aged individuals brought to medical attention by an episode of spontaneous ketoacidosis (i.e., without evidence of infection, alcohol abuse, etc.) and subsequently diagnosed with diabetes (2,3). Although not exclusive to a particular ethnic group, KPD has primarily been described in individuals of African descent, Hispanics, and groups traditionally classified as ethnic minorities. Experience from our county hospital in Dallas, Texas, suggests that among those who present with new-onset diabetes and ketoacidosis, 60% meet criteria for the diagnosis of KPD (4). These patients generally lack evidence of endocrine pancreas autoimmunity (A−) and experience improved insulin secretory capacity (β+) and sensitivity after near-normalization of glycemia (5). Patients with KPD tend to be male and obese, and they typically have a family history of diabetes (3). Over time, this condition is characterized by a period of near-normoglycemia followed by sustained deterioration in glucose control and episodes of ketoacidosis. The metabolic perturbations that lead to transient β-cell dysfunction and spontaneous ketoacidosis in individuals with KPD remain unclear. Insights on the extreme metabolic phenotype of KPD have the potential to improve our understanding of more subtle metabolic derangements of type 2 diabetes. The fluctuating β-cell function that is characteristic of KPD suggests that acute glucose and fatty acid toxicity may play a role in its pathogenesis. However, recent studies of KPD patients during near-normoglycemic remission demonstrated that a 48-h exposure to excess fatty acids …
Porphyrias: Acute Manifestations

Porphyrias often present with severe and potentially life-threatening manifestations that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. These disorders may be encountered by physicians in any specialty. Most notable in terms of emergent presentations are the neurovisceral attacks that occur in the four acute porphyrias and the rare “hepatic crises” in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Porphyria cutanea tarda causes chronic blistering skin lesions and is an emergent condition only when there is a superimposed bacterial infection. Sensitive screening tests can rapidly diagnose these disorders and enable prompt initiation of specific and effective treatment. Specific therapies for the acute porphyrias are glucose loading and hemin, the latter being more effective. Protoporphyric hepatopathy can respond to medical therapy that includes plasmapheresis and hemin, but often requires liver transplantation.
Is Kindergarten the New First Grade

Recent accounts suggest that accountability pressures have trickled down into the early elementary grades and that kindergarten today is characterized by a heightened focus on academic skills and a reduction in opportunities for play. This paper compares public school kindergarten classrooms between 1998 and 2010 using two large, nationally representative data sets. We show substantial changes in each of the five dimensions considered: kindergarten teachers’ beliefs about school readiness, time spent on academic and nonacademic content, classroom organization, pedagogical approach, and use of standardized assessments. Kindergarten teachers in the later period held far higher academic expectations for children both prior to kindergarten entry and during the kindergarten year. They devoted more time to advanced literacy and math content, teacher-directed instruction, and assessment and substantially less time to art, music, science, and child-selected activities.
Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Effects of Ankle Taping and Bracing.

Objective: An extensive review of clinically relevant research is provided to assist clinicians in understanding the underlying mechanisms by which various ankle-support systems may provide beneficial effects. Strategies for management of different types of ankle ligament conditions are also discussed. Background: Much of the literature pertaining to ankle instability and external support has focused on assessment of inward displacement of the hindfoot within the frontal plane. Some researchers have emphasized the importance of (1) pathologic rotary displacement of the talus within the transverse plane, (2) the frequent presence of subtalar joint ligament lesions, and (3) the interrelated effects of ankle support on deceleration of inversion velocity and facilitation of neuromuscular response. Description: The traditional method for application of adhesive tape to the ankle primarily restricts inward displacement of the hindfoot within the frontal plane. The biomechanical rationale for a method of ankle taping that restricts lower leg rotation and triplanar displacement of the foot associated with subtalar motion is presented. Clinical Advantages: The lateral subtalar-sling taping procedure may limit strain on the anterior talofibular ligament associated with subtalar inversion, restrain anterolateral rotary subluxation of the talus in the presence of ligament laxity, and protect the subtalar ligaments from excessive loading. The medial subtalar sling may reduce strain on the anterior-inferior tibiofibular syndesmosis and enhance hindfoot-to-forefoot force transfer during the push-off phase of the gait cycle.
Ultrasound-Guided Biceps Peritendinous Injections in the Absence of a Distended Tendon Sheath A Novel Rotator Interval Approach

This retrospective study evaluated the technical success rate of a novel injection into the long head of the biceps tendon sheath by a rotator interval approach in 26 patients. A 25-gauge, 1.5-in needle was positioned into the rotator interval from a lateral approach, where a therapeutic injection was performed. Postinjection sonograms images were reviewed to assess for fluid within the sheath to calculate the technical success rate. Fluid distention of the biceps tendon sheath was shown in all 26 cases, corresponding to a 100% technical success rate. In addition, postinjection ultrasound imaging of the anterior shoulder provided additional diagnostic findings in 6 of 26 patients (23%).
Status of the year 2000 health goals for physical activity and fitness

In Healthy People 2000, the national strategy for improving the health of the American people by the year 2000, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity are major determinants of chronic disease and disability. Despite the documented benefits of exercise in enhancing health and reducing the risk of premature death, only 1 of the 13 physical activity and fitness objectives of Healthy People 2000 has been met or exceeded. Although progress toward 5 objectives for the year 2000 has been made, 3 objectives are actually farther from attainment. Coronary heart disease death rates (Objective 1.1) have declined, and the prevalence of overweight people (Objective 1.2) has increased. Overall physical activity in adults (Objectives 1.3 and 1.4) and strengthening and stretching activities in children (Objective 1.6) have increased, but reduction in the percentage of sedentary persons (Objective 1.5) has showed no change. The proportion of the population adopting sound dietary practices combined with regular physical activity to attain appropriate body weight (Objective 1.7) has declined. Even though participation in daily school physical education (Objective 1.8) has shown a decline during the past several years, students who are enrolled in physical education classes are spending more time performing physical activities (Objective 1.9). The proportion of work sites offering employer-sponsored physical activity and fitness programs (Objective 1.10) has increased substantially, surpassing the year 2000 goal. Data to update progress for increasing physical activity levels of children (Objectives 1.3-1.5), community exercise facilities (Objective 1.11), clinician counseling about physical activity (Objective 1.12), and improvement in personal self-care activities (Objective 1.13) are not yet available.
Conversion of cholest-4-en-3-one to 5alpha-cholestan-3beta-ol by centrifugal fractions of rat liver.

SummaryThe whole homogenate of female rat liver, as well as the centrifugal fraction of mitochondria and microsomes prepared from it, actively converts cholest-4-en-3-one to 5α-cholestan-3β-ol, thereby demonstrating the presence in these fractions of 5α-hydrogenase and 3β-dehydrogenase activities. One or both of these enzymes was absent in the supernatant fraction. A particulate fraction (148,000 X g) prepared from sonically disrupted mitochondria was more active in reducing cholest-4-en-3-one to 5α-cholestan-3β-ol than were the disrupted mitochondria.
Negative feedback in sterol biosynthesis and lipoprotein release by the perfused rat liver.

SummaryA high cholesterol diet (5%) given to rats over a 3- to 4-wk period markedly suppressed incorporation of acetate-2-14C in the perfused liver into both stored hepatic cholesterol and into sterol released into the perfusion medium. Perfused livers from low cholesterol-fed rats incorporated radioacetate into sterols at rates at least 50 times those observed in livers of high cholesterol-fed rats. In all animals, during the 3-hr perfusion period, only a small fraction of newly synthesized sterol was released from liver, the remainder being stored within it. Newly synthesized sterol was not detectable in the circulating perfusate until 45–55 min had elapsed. The data demonstrate the cholesterol feedback phenomenon in the perfusion fluid of the perfused rat liver, the quantitative relationship between stored and released new sterols, and the minimal appearance time required for newly synthesized lipoprotein to appear in the circulation of this perfused system.
Development of Insecticide Resistance in Heliothis zea and Heliothis virescens in North America

The bollworm, Heliothis zea (Boddie), and the tobacco budworm, H. virescens (Fabricius), have emerged as two of agriculture's most serious pests. Problems involving the control of both species are especially acute on cotton. At one time or another both species have developed relatively high levels of resistance to most insecticides available for their control. However, of these two species H. virescens has emerged as the predominant pest on cotton. The status of H. virescens may be due, at least in part, to its lower susceptibility to most insecticides relative to H. zea (Table 1). This reduced susceptibility is the result of inherently higher levels of detoxifying enzyme activity (Plapp 1973, Reed 1974, Bigley and Plapp 1978). Perhaps the innate tolerance of H. virescens toward most insecticides may partially explain why the composition of the Heliothis complex on cotton during the late season in Louisiana, as well as other areas, has shifted from primarily H. zea to H. virescens (Clower et al. 1975, Graves and Clower 1975, Mayeux 1976, Roussel 1976). Thus, because H. virescens is inherently less susceptible to insecticides than H. zea , and because of its predominance during the late season, it now presents one of the major problems in cotton insect control.
ALGORITHM USING SPHERICAL COORDINATES TO CALCULATE DYNAMIC PRESSURE FROM 5-HOLE PRESSURE PROBE DATA

A 5-hole static pressure probe is currently being used to characterize the inflow of the Combined Experiment Rotor experiment. A new algorithm has been developed to calculate dynamic pressure (qx), angle-of-attack (a), and crossflow-angle (0) from the pressure probe data. The new algorithm uses a version of the dynamic pressure calibration surface that has been transformed into spherical coordinates. This simple transformation eliminates the need for an iterative solution process and is computationally stable. Improvements of four to five times in computational speed and the elimination of divergent solutions have been demonstrated.
A Preliminary Report on a Perfect Family of Exclusively Protosexual Yeasts

The new family, Chlamydozymaceae, consists of yeasts that possess both the basic haploid complement of chromosomes and twice this number. Changes in ploidy occur abundantly among vegetative cells. ...
Trust and Distrust Network Accuracy and Career Advancement in an Organization

Although there is some evidence individuals’ knowledge of the organization’s social network can be a valuable resource, providing advantages, it is unclear whether those advantages also relate to e...
Serological detection of desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) adsorbed to formalinized erythrocytes.

SummaryFormalinized erythrocytes exposed to purified DNA under the proper conditions can then be specifically agglutinated with antiserum, which has been prepared against the DNA-protein complex. Inhibition of the reaction by homologous DNA is strong evidence that agglutination is an antigen-antibody reaction and not merely a non-specific agglutination. The removal of this reactivity by desoxyribonuclease lends further support to the belief that DNA is functioning as the hapten. Trypsin does not alter the agglutination reaction.
Attraction of Tabanus spp. (Diptera: Tabanidae) to Traps Baited with Carbon Dioxide and Other Chemicals

Carbon dioxide (CO2) CO2 in combination with lactic acid or methyl decanoate, and 42 other chemicals were tested in cylindrical sticky traps as attractants for Tabanus spp. CO2-baited traps collected 4 to 9 times as many horse flies as unbaited traps, and the release of 5 cubic feet or more of CO2 per hour significantly increased the attractiveness of the traps to tabanids. None of the other chemicals tested consistently increased the attractiveness of the traps.
Marketing's "Scarlet Letter": The theory and practice of corrective advertising.

Corrective advertising is one of the most controversial regulatory proposals made in recent years. This article provides an in-depth look at this FTC program, analyzes the theory behind FTC's manag...
Extremophiles as sources of inorganic bio-nanoparticles

Industrial use of nanotechnology in daily life has produced an emphasis on the safe and efficient production of nanoparticles (NPs). Traditional chemical oxidation and reduction methods are seen as inefficient, environmentally unsound, and often dangerous to those exposed and involved in NP manufacturing. However, utilizing microorganisms for biosynthesis of NPs allows efficient green production of a range of inorganic NPs, while maintaining specific size, shape, stability, and dispersity. Microorganisms living under harsh environmental conditions, called “Extremophiles,” are one group of microorganisms being utilized for this biosynthesis. Extremophiles’ unique living conditions have endowed them with various processes that enable NP biosynthesis. This includes a range of extremophiles: thermophiles, acidophilus, halophiles, psychrophiles, anaerobes, and some others. Fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and archaea, i.e. Ureibacillus thermosphaericus, and Geobacillus stearothermophilus, among others, have been established for NP biosynthesis. This article highlights the extremophiles and methods found to be viable candidates for the production of varying types of NPs, as well as interpreting selective methods used by the organisms to synthesize NPs.
Modeling and querying multimodal urban transportation networks

This dissertation presents a comprehensive and coherent approach to modeling and querying multimodal urban transportation networks. The time-dependent graph model captures the spatio-temporal aspects of real world transportation systems needed in order to effectively plan trips through the network. The temporal aspects of the model (e.g., transit schedules, current speed of roads) are modeled probabilistically. From the graph model, a relational model is developed in order to facilitate the generation of a new query language—the TRANsportation QUerY Language (TRANQUYL). This language allows for succinct and intuitive expression of complex trip planning queries. In order to facilitate use of TRANQUYL by lay-users, a natural language interface was developed to translate English language queries into TRANQUYL. The approach was shown to be robust with regards to grammatical and vocabulary variation, and capable of translating long, complex queries. The system incorporates self referential language, allowing the user to make references to previously known places of interest as well as generic resources. Much of this functionality is accomplished through the use of ontologies. The efficacy of the system was shown through an intrinsic study.
Phosphorylation of KLHL3 at serine 433 impairs its interaction with the acidic motif of WNK4: a molecular dynamics study

Interaction between the acidic motif (AM) of protein kinase WNK4 and the Kelch domain of KLHL3 are involved in the pathogenesis of pseudohypoaldosteronism type II, a hereditary form of hypertension. This interaction is disrupted by some disease-causing mutations in either WNK4 or KLHL3, or by angiotensin II- and insulin-induced phosphorylation of KLHL3 at serine 433, which is also a site frequently mutated in patients. However, the mechanism by which this phosphorylation disrupts the interaction is unclear. In this study, we approached this problem using molecular dynamics simulation with structural, dynamical and energetic analyses. Results from independent simulations indicate that when S433 was phosphorylated, the electrostatic potential became more negative in the AM binding site of KLHL3 and therefore was unfavorable for binding with the negatively charged AM. In addition, the intermolecular hydrogen bond network that kept the AM stable in the binding site of KLHL3 was disrupted, and the forces for the hydrophobic interactions between the AM of WNK4 and KLHL3 were also reduced. As a result, the weakened interactions were no longer capable of holding the AM of WNK4 at its binding site in KLHL3. In conclusion, phosphorylation of KLHL3 at S433 disrupts the hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between the Kelch domain of KLHL3 and the AM of WNK4. This study provides a key molecular understanding of the KLHL3-mediated regulation of WNK4, which is an integrative regulator of electrolyte homeostasis and blood pressure regulation in the kidney. Significances Statement: WNK4 is an integrative regulator of electrolyte homeostasis, which is important in the blood pressure regulation by the kidney. Interaction between WNK4 and KLHL3 is a key physiological process that is impaired in a hereditary form of hypertension. This study provides substantial new insights into the role of phosphorylation of KLHL3 in regulating the interaction with WNK4, and therefore advances our understanding of molecular pathogenesis of hypertension and the mechanism of blood pressure regulation.