cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Decomposition of added and native organic carbon from physically separated fractions of diverse soils

There have been increasing efforts to understand the dynamics of organic carbon (OC) associated with measurable fractions of bulk soil. We compared the decomposition of native OC (native C) with that of an added substrate (glucose) on physically separated fractions of a diverse suite of soils. Five soil orders were selected from four contrasting climate zones (Mollisol from temperate, Ultisol and Oxisol from tropics, Andisol from sub-arctic, and Gelisol from arctic region). Soils from the A horizon were fractionated into particulate OC (POC) and mineral-associated OC (MOC) by a size-based method. Fractions were incubated at 20 °C and 50 % water-holding capacity in the dark after the addition of unlabeled d-glucose (0.4 mg C g−1 fraction) and U–14C glucose (296 Bq g−1 fraction). Respiration of glucose 14C indicated 64 to 84 % of added glucose 14C which was respired from POC and 62 to 70 % from MOC within 150 days of incubation, with more than half of the cumulative respiration occurring within 4 days. Native C respiration varied widely across fractions: 12 to 46 % of native C was respired from POC and 3 to 10 % was respired from MOC fractions. This suggested that native C was more stabilized on the MOC than on the POC, but respiration from the added glucose was generally similar for MOC and POC fractions. Our study suggests a fundamental difference between the behavior of freshly added C and native C from MOC and POC fractions of soils.
REPAIR REPLICATION OF DNA IN BACTERIA: IRRELEVANCE OF CHEMICAL NATURE OF BASE DEFECT.

The repair of ultraviolet (UV) damaged DNA in certain UV-resistant strains of bacteria has been shown to be initiated by the excision of intrastrand thymine dimers (Setlow & Carrier, 1964; Boyce & Howard-Flanders, 1964a) and other photoproducts (Setlow, Carrier & Bollum, 1965). Direct physical evidence that a subsequent step in the repair process consists in the replacement of the excised segments with normal bases has been obtained by Pettijohn and Hanawalt (1964b). The fact that the relative sensitivities of resistant (Br) and sensitive (Bs−1) E. coli strains are similar for nitrogen mustard (HN2) and UV inactivation was taken to imply that defects other than pyrimidine dimers might be repaired by the same mechanism (Haynes, Patrick, & Baptist, 1964; Haynes, 1964). [The predominant chemical reaction of HN2, a bifunctional alkylating agent, with DNA consists in attack at the 7-nitrogen position of guanine (Brookes & Lawley, 1961)]. In the present communication it is shown that a non-conservative mode of DNA replication follows treatment of UV-resistant bacteria with HN2. Thus, it would appear that a general biochemical mechanism exists for the repair of a variety of DNA structural defects.
Lymph node involvement by direct extension in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Absence of classic embolic lymph node metastasis.

Thirty-four cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma seen at the University of Virginia Hospital from 1946 to 1974 were reviewed, with special emphasis on lymph node involvement by tumor. Lymph node involvement was found in three cases of primary tumors of the submaxillary gland, and all of the affected lymph nodes were in the immediate vicinity of the primary tumor. Two lymph nodes were involved in two of the cases, and one node was involved in the third case. In all of these lymph nodes, adenoid cystic carcinoma was present in the soft tissue surrounding the node, and the tumor extended into the node. No metastatic tumors were observed in 46 lymph nodes removed incidentally at the time of local excision of the primary tumors in 10 additional cases or in 212 lymph nodes examined after unilateral radical neck dissections in six other cases. Five autopsies in this series showed no lymph node metastases. In this series of cases adenoid cystic carcinoma only invades lymph nodes in the immediate vicinity of the primary tumor. When lymph node involvement does occur, it does not result from embolic lymph node metastatsis; rather, a direct invasion of the lymph node from tumor in the perinodal soft tissue occurs. Obviously, this small study does not completely exclude the possibility of embolic metastasis; however, if it does occur, it must be extremely rare.
A short note on a new method for polynomial real root isolation

The purpose of this short note is to make known to our community some of the results of my Ph.D. Dissertation [1]. More details can also be found elsewhere [2], [3].
Hadronic Contributions to the Muon g−2 from the Lattice

We present the most recent lattice results for the lowest-order hadronic contribution to the muon anomalous magnetic moment using 2+1 flavor improved staggered fermions, including simulations with a new light quark mass. A precise fit to the low-q2 region of the vacuum polarization is necessary to accurately extract the muon g−2. To obtain this fit, we use staggered chiral perturbation theory with the inclusion of the vector particles as resonances, to evaluate the vacuum polarization. We discuss the preliminary fit results and attendant systematic uncertainties, paying particular attention to the relative contributions of the pions and vector mesons.
Some differences among figural aftereffects, apparent motion, and paracontrast*

It has been suggested that figural aftereffects, apparent motion, and paracontrast may be produced by very similar or equivalent processes. The empirical functions relating figural aftereffect to the duration of the inspection figure and the interfigural distance are significantly different from the corresponding apparent motion and paracontrast functions. The functions relating paracontrast to the interstimulus interval are significantly different from the corresponding figural-aftereffect and apparent-motion functions. Thus, it is unlikely that the processes underlying the three phenomena are the same. Researchers who attempt to study feature analyzers in the human visual system should consider using more than one dependent variable, since none of the three phenomena contains all of the available information. Within-Ss designs should be avoided because a strong response bias exists between figural-aftereffect and apparent-motion tasks.
Another View: In Defense of Vigor over Rigor in Classroom Demonstrations.

Scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) demands greater empirical rigor on the part of authors and the editorial process than ever before. Although admirable and important, I worry that this in...
Monitoring Object Orientation: Effects of Layout Complexity, Viewpoint Changes, and Object Function

Abstract Studies of spatial representations have typically limited their analysis to memory for object location. Three experiments examined whether another spatial feature, object orientation, could be monitored and represented in a similar fashion. In Experiment 1, an adaptation of the change detection paradigm of Simons and Wang (1998), we found that, whereas unitary location or identity changes were readily noticed, generalized orientation changes were not. Experiment 2 showed that orientation monitoring is strongly affected by layout complexity, viewpoint changes, and the extent of array modifications. Finally, Experiment 3 suggested that an object's behavioral relevance may selectively enhance its orientation processing.
Self-Discrepancies and Affect: Incorporating the Role of Feared Selves

The authors examined ought, ideal, and feared self-discrepancies as predictors of agitation- and dejection-related affects. Overall, discrepancy from feared selves predicted anxiety and guilt, preempting the role of discrepancies from ought selves; ideal and feared discrepancies both predicted depression. Further analyses revealed interactions between actual-ought and actual-feared discrepancies in predicting anxiety and guilt. Among participants who were relatively near their feared selves, discrepancies from ought selves were unrelated to these affects. In contrast, among those whose feared selves were more distant, ought discrepancies did predict agitation-related affect, consistent with self-discrepancy theory. Discussion centers on a view in which an avoidance motive (feared self) dominates anxiety and guilt if the feared element is nearby but in which an associated approach motive (ought self) dominates anxiety and guilt if the feared element is more remote.
Amplitude distribution of acoustic emission produced during martensitic transformation

Amplitude distribution analyses were made of acoustic emission signals produced during martensitic transformation in Fe16Ni1C and Fe1.3C (where the compositions are given in weight per cent), which exhibit microcracking, and in Fe30Ni which does not microcrack. For each composition the amplitude distribution followed the power law model proposed by Pollock, n(Vi) = kVi−b. The distribution parameter b for Fe16Ni1C and Fe1.3C was larger than for Fe30Ni. The value of b continuously increased with volume fraction ƒ transformed for Fe30Ni whereas, for Fe16Ni1C, b increased with ƒ up to ƒ = 0.4 and decreased thereafter. These results are interpreted as evidence that some microcracking occurs during the formation of high carbon martensite.
Effects of hypoxia and toxicant exposure on adenylate energy charge and cytosolic ADP concentrations in abalone.

Abstract Many studies have used adenylate energy charge (AEC) as an index of an organism's metabolic state under conditions of imposed stress, either through natural or xenobiotic stressors. AEC is a linear measure of the ratio of ATP concentration to total adenylate concentration, which ranges in value from 1 in the fully charged state to 0. Paradoxically, high values of AEC are often associated with high toxicant exposures, and low AEC values with low exposures. These discrepancies may be caused by the inability of AEC measurements to adequately evaluate cytosolic adenylate concentrations, which are the critical parameters in enzymatic regulation. Consequently, the goal of this study was to compare AEC values, as measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), to free adenosine diphosphate (ADP free ) concentrations, as measured using the arginine kinase equilibrium reaction and in vivo 31 P-NMR, in red abalone ( Haliotis rufescens ) in response to either hypoxia or toxicant (pentachlorophenol, or sodium azide) exposure. AEC values remain essentially constant when compared with control animals during periods of stress exposure and recovery. In contrast, calculated ADP free concentrations are approximately a third of those determined by HPLC and nearly double in response to stress exposure. The physiologic importance of this response is demonstrated by increases in ATP formation via arginine kinase. These results are discussed in light of the pertinent mammalian literature.
Fish Assemblages in Three Northwest Florida Urbanized Bayous before and after Two Hurricanes

Abstract A 6-year survey (1993–1998) is summarized for fish collected from chemically contaminated, urbanized bayous in northwest Florida. Fifty-two monthly collections (January–November) using trawls and seines occurred at 22 sites located in three adjacent bayous associated with the Pensacola Bay Estuary. Hurricanes Erin (Category 2) and Opal (Category 3) made landfall near the study area, and a state-wide entanglement net ban was initiated during the survey period. Approximately 585,000 fish were collected, which represented 80 species and 66 genera. The assemblages were dominated by estuarine-dependent and resident species similar to those commonly found in several nearby estuaries. Of these, Leiostomus xanthurus, Brevoortia patronus, Anchoa mitchilli, Lagodon rhomboides, and Menidia peninsulae composed 95% or more of the total catch. The total number of species for each collection ranged from 8 to 23, total abundances varied from 140 to 14,315 individuals, and Shannon diversity index values (H′) were...
Persistent retinal macrocyst following pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

Persistent retinal macrocyst following pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
SU‐FF‐T‐338: Dose Shadowing and Diode Consistency in Small Electron Fields

Purpose: To investigate the appropriateness of using diodes for in‐vivo dosimetry for small electron cutouts in terms of output factor accuracy, reproducibility and disturbance of the dosimetry.Methods and Materials: Electron cutouts with diameters from 1.5cm–4cm in 0.5cm increments were measured using a 6×6 cone for electron energies of 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18MeV. Measurements were obtained by placing a pinpoint ionization chamber in solid water at dmax corresponding to the electron energy. The measurements were taken at 100cm SSD to the top of solid water with sufficient solid water to account for backscatter. A diode was placed on top of the solid water in the center of the cutout. Ion chamber readings were collected for 6 cutouts at 5 electron energies with and without the diode in place. A smaller subset of ion chamber measurements for the 1.5cm cutout at all energies was collected by replacing the diode with a MOSFET.Results: The output factor measured with diode over that with pinpoint chamber fluctuates from 0.07–0.79 for 1.5–2.5cm cutouts. The ion chamber reading was significantly decreased with diode on‐top. This effect was greatest for lower energies and smaller cutouts. The percentage decrease ranged from 37%–19% for 6MeV at various cutout diameters and 21%–10% for 18MeV. The MOSFET produced much smaller dose perturbation; with the smallest cutout, the ion chamber measurements decreased by ⩽5% for all energies. Conclusions: Using diodes in a clinical setting to measure dose from small electron fields is unlikely to provide consistent results. For small electron fields, the dose behind the diode is significantly decreased for all energies. From these observations, we don't recommend the usage of diodes for in‐vivo dosimetry for electrons using cones smaller than 6cm×6cm. Although diode accuracy improves for cutouts >3.5cm, the dose shadowing effect is significant for all cutouts considered.
The tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes and is associated with hamartoma formation in multiple organ systems. The neurological manifestations of TSC are particularly challenging and include infantile spasms, intractable epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, and autism. Progress over the past 15 years has demonstrated that the TSC1 or TSC2 encoded proteins modulate cell function via the mTOR signaling cascade and serve as keystones in regulating cell growth and proliferation. The mTOR pathway provides an intersection for an intricate network of protein cascades that respond to cellular nutrition, energy levels, and growth-factor stimulation. In the brain, TSC1 and TSC2 have been implicated in cell body size, dendritic arborization, axonal outgrowth and targeting, neuronal migration, cortical lamination, and spine formation. Antagonism of the mTOR pathway with rapamycin and related compounds may provide new therapeutic options for TSC patients.
A Categorical Model of Cognition and Biased Decision Making

There is a wealth of research demonstrating that agents process information with the aid of categories. In this paper we study this phenomenon in two parts. First, we build a model of how experiences are sorted into categories and how categorization affects decision making. Second, in a series of results that partly characterize an optimal categorization, we show that specific biases emerge from categorization. For instance, types of experiences and objects that are less frequent in the population tend to be more coarsely categorized and lumped together. As a result, decision makers make less accurate predictions when confronted with such objects. This can result in discrimination against minority groups even when there is no malevolent taste for discrimination. However, such comparative statics are highly sensitive to the particular situation; optimal categorizations can change in surprising ways. For instance, increasing a group's population, holding all else constant, can lead a decision maker to make less accurate predictions about that group.
Precursors of Urinary Pregnanediol and Their Influence on the Determination of the Secretory Rate of Progesterone

In an attempt to measure the secretory rate of pregnenolone and progesterone, 3H-labeled pregnenolone and 14C-labeled progesterone were administered intravenously to various normal individuals. The results indicate that pregnenolone (and/or possibly pregnenolone sulfate) is secreted in significant amounts and that this compound may contribute in a quantitatively important manner to the urinary level of pregnanediol. As a consequence of this contribution, the secretory rate of progesterone cannot be estimated from the specific activity of urinary pregnanediol following administration of labeled progesterone alone. Moreover, the results also demonstrate that, even if both labeled progesterone and pregnenolone are injected, the secretory rate of neither progesterone nor pregnenolone can be determined.
Acculturative stress and personal adjustment among hispanic adolescent boys

This paper presents a comparative analysis of the effects of acculturation and acculturative stress on the self-esteem of Hispanic/Latino adolescents. The study is comparative in that it focuses on variations among both immigrant and native-born Hispanics. The data were derived from a longitudinal study of adolescents (n = 6,760) being conducted in Miami, Florida. The sample for this paper (n = 4,296) consisted of all the adolescents of Hispanic heritage. A complex patterning of acculturative strains was found for US.-and foreign-born adolescents. Acculturation strains and family pride have more powerful effects on self-esteem as acculturation increases among the foreign born, but the opposite is true for the U.S. born. The proportion of variance explained by the acculturation strains and family pride is greater for the U.S.-born adolescents (range = 21% to 29%) than for those who are foreign born (range = 15% to 19%). The findings indicate that much of the research on this subject has failed to reflect the differential processes of psychosocial adjustment faced by immigrant and nonimmigrant adolescents. There are differences in the types of strains reported, as well as in the effects of the strains on self-esteem. Low acculturation adolescents who are U.S. born have an especially problematic profile of strain, whereas bicultural adolescents born in the United States appear to have the best profile. The results suggest a need to advance from simple linear explanations to multifactorial stress models that will increase our understanding of the acculturative process.
α 1 -MICROGLOBULIN - A POTENTIAL MARKER FOR EARLY RENAL DYSFUNCTION IN CHILDREN WITH ELEVATED BLOOD LEAD CONCENTRATIONS. † 2175

Background: Studies of the long term effects of childhood plumbism disagree on the significance of renal abnormalities. One early study found no evidence of renal dysfunction in patients who had experienced lead poisoning 9-17 years, but in a more recent report survivors of childhood lead poisoning had increased risk of hypertension developing in the setting of supranormal creatinine clearance. In adult males chronically exposed to lead N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and α1-microglobulin(α1M) were the most sensitive indicators of lead-induced changes in the nephron. Aim: To determine whether NAG, α1M, andβ2-microblobulin (β2M) are useful markers of early renal dysfunction in children with elevated blood lead concentrations(CPB). Methods: Twenty patients (mean age 47.2 mos, range 13-94 mos) with elevated CPB (>8.0 μg/dL), no history of renal disease, and who were followed in the Lead Clinic of The Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters (CHKD) were studied. Twenty children with normal renal function (serum creatinine 0.40 mg/dL). The meanβ2M Index of those 5 patients was significantly higher than their matched controls (0.17 vs. 0.12, p = 0.043), and the other 15 clinic patients (0.17 vs. 0.11, p = 0.04). The maximum CPB of the 5 patients was also higher than the other clinic patients (33.7 μg/dL vs. 22.8 μg/dL, p = 0.091), although statistical significance was not achieved due to limited sample size. Conclusion: Urinaryα1M and β2M Index may be useful markers of early renal dysfunction in children exposed chronically to elevated CPB.
Impact of Perceived Weight Discrimination on Patient Satisfaction and Physician Trust

Fat patients may perceive weight discrimination from their physician or the support personnel with whom they interact. This in turn may harm the physician-patient relationship. Physician trust and patient satisfaction are two domains in which the effect of perceived weight discrimination can be assessed. The authors assessed whether size as measured by body mass index (BMI) is related to patient satisfaction and physician trust, and whether this relationship is mediated by perceived weight discrimination. Eighty-nine men and women of all weight classes were recruited to participate in the study. Participants completed an online survey of healthcare perceptions. The relationship between BMI and accessibility and convenience satisfaction was fully mediated by perceived weight discrimination, suggesting that measures to reduce perceived weight discrimination may be warranted in medical care settings.
Characterization of germline antibody libraries from human umbilical cord blood and selection of monoclonal antibodies to viral envelope glycoproteins: Implications for mechanisms of immune evasion and design of vaccine immunogens

We have previously observed that all known HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) are highly divergent from germline antibodies in contrast to bnAbs against Hendra virus, Nipah virus and SARS coronavirus (SARS CoV). We have hypothesized that because the germline antibodies are so different from the mature HIV-1-specific bnAbs they may not bind the epitopes of the mature antibodies and provided the first evidence to support this hypothesis by using individual putative germline-like predecessor antibodies. To further validate the hypothesis and understand initial immune responses to different viruses, two phage-displayed human cord blood-derived IgM libraries were constructed which contained mostly germline antibodies or antibodies with very low level of somatic hypermutations. They were panned against different HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins (Envs), SARS CoV protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), and soluble Hendra virus G protein (sG). Despite a high sequence and combinatorial diversity observed in the cord blood-derived IgM antibody repertoire, no enrichment for binders of Envs was observed in contrast to considerable specific enrichments produced with panning against RBD and sG; one of the selected monoclonal antibodies (against the RBD) was of high (nM) affinity with only few somatic mutations. These results further support and expand our initial hypothesis for fundamental differences in immune responses leading to elicitation of bnAbs against HIV-1 compared to SARS CoV and Hendra virus. HIV-1 uses a strategy to minimize or eliminate strong binding of germline antibodies to its Env; in contrast, SARS CoV and Hendra virus, and perhaps other viruses causing acute infections, can bind germline antibody or minimally somatically mutated antibodies with relatively high affinity which could be one of the reasons for the success of sG and RBD as vaccine immunogens.
Ultrastructure of Symbiotic Bacteria in Normal and Antibiotic-Treated Blastocrithidia culicis and Crithidia oncopelti†

SYNOPSIS. An electron microscope study of diplosomes in Blastocrithidia culicis and bipolar bodies in Crithidia oncopelti has shown that both entities appear to be intracellular symbiotes and have a similar fine structure. They are enclosed by 2 unit membranes which are separated by a large space of very low density. The outer membrane is derived probably from the host cell. The matrix of the symbiotes is composed of dense ribosome-like particles and of areas of low density containing fine fibrillae. The particles are of the same size as ribosomes in bacteria and the fibrils have the characteristics of bacterial DNA. Thus, the lucid areas with fibrillae correspond to the nucleoids in bacteria. These observations suggest that the symbiotes are bacteria. The effect of chloramphenicol (CAP) and penicillin G (PCL) on these symbiotic bacteria was studied by culturing the host flagellates in media containing the antibiotics. The effect was analyzed at different intervals after the treatment by electron microscopy. After single treatment in the blood broth containing 0.08% (w/v) CAP, symbiotes appeared to have enlarged nucleoids, became deformed and eventually degenerated. In Grace's medium (supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum) containing 0.6 or 2.4% (w/v) PCL, symbiotes of C. oncopelti remained unaltered, whereas some symbiotes of B. culicis became pleomorphic. Symbiotes of both species persisted after repeated transfers in PCL media and reverted to normal forms when transferred to PCL-free media. Sensitivity of symbiotes to CAP provides further evidence of their bacterial nature. The effect of PCL on the symbiotes of B. culicis suggests the presence in their cell envelopes of mucopeptide, which probably provides rigidity for maintaining the bacterial shape of the symbiotes.
Anthropometry of the human scaphoid.

Purpose Internal fixation has become a well-established alternative to casting for acute scaphoid fractures. Screw design has evolved, and several different types of screws of varying sizes are now available. The purpose of this study was to establish morphometric data for the human scaphoid, document variation in scaphoid dimensions between genders, and to evaluate symmetry in scaphoid measurements between the two sides. Methods We measured length, width, and morphology of the scaphoid in 30 paired cadaveric specimens with reference to the long axis of the scaphoid from the proximal pole to the distal articular surface. The width of the bone was compared with diameters of commercially available screws. Results When measured along an axis from proximal pole to the distal articular surface, male scaphoids (31.3 mm ± 2.1) were significantly longer than female specimens (27.3 mm ± 1.7). The male scaphoid was also significantly wider than the female specimen when measured perpendicular to the long axis 2 mm from the proximal pole (4.5 mm ± 1.4 vs 3.7 mm ± 0.5) and at the waist (13.6 mm ± 2.6 vs 11.1 mm ± 1.2). There was no significant difference in the distal pole diameter measured 2 mm from the tip between genders (7.2 mm ± 1.0 vs 7.2 mm ± 1.2). The diameters of most commercially available standard screws were larger than the proximal pole of the female scaphoid. Conclusions Allowing for countersinking of the screw 2 mm beneath either pole, our data suggest the usual screw length will be 27 mm and 23 mm for male and female scaphoids, respectively. The small width of the proximal pole of the female scaphoid will not accommodate standard-sized screws from most manufacturers, and consideration must be given to distal to proximal screw placement or use of "mini" screws if the implant is to be inserted in a proximal to distal direction.
A model for fatty acid transport into the brain

A key function of fatty acid (FA) transport into the brain is to supply polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) that are not synthesized in brain cells but are essential signaling molecules and components of the phospholipid membrane. In addition, common dietary FAs such as palmitic acid are also rapidly taken up by the brain and esterified to phospholipids or oxidized to provide cellular energy. Most evidence shows that FA crossing the blood brain barrier (BBB) is derived mainly from FA/albumin complexes and, to a lesser extent, from circulating lipoproteins. Our model proposes that FA diffuse across the lipid bilayer of the BBB without specific transporters to reach brain cells. They cross the luminal and transluminal leaflets of the endothelial cells and the plasma membrane of neural cells by reversible flip-flop. Acyl-CoA synthetases trap FA by forming acyl-CoA, which cannot diffuse out of the cell. Selection of FA is controlled largely by enzymes in the pathways of intracellular metabolism, beginning with the acyl-CoA synthetase.
Clinical outcomes in patients with acute left circumflex/obtuse marginal occlusion presenting with myocardial infarction.

Background:Acuteocclusionofleftcircumflex(LCx)orobtusemarginal(OM)arteriescanpresentasSTelevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). NSTEMI patients (pts) with occlusions have worse outcomes than those without occlusions, but no studies specifically examine outcomes in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) pts with LCx/OM occlusion. This study aims to define the incidence of NSTEMI in pts presenting with LCx/OM occlusion and analyzes clinical characteristics and outcomes in those presenting with NSTEMI compared to STEMI. Methods and Materials: A review of our catheterization and STEMI database was performed to identify AMI pts presenting with LCx or OM occlusion from 1/1/2007 to 7/31/2009 at the Medical College of Virginia. Patients were divided into STEMI and NSTEMI groups, and a chart review was performed. Primary end-points were in-hospital mortality (HM), cardiogenic shock (CS), and in-hospital CHF. Secondary end-points included peak CK-MB and time to catheterization, as well as combined end-points of 1-month mortality, and recurrent AMI and CHF. Results: Fifty-six pts met inclusion criteria, 54% of whom presented with NSTEMI. STEMI pts were significantly more likely to meet the primary end-points, as well as the combined secondary end-points. They had shorter times to catheterization but larger infarct sizes. Patients with left or mixed coronary dominance were more likely to have STEMI. Conclusions: AMI pts with LCx/OM occlusion present with NSTEMI as often as STEMI. Those with NSTEMI have better outcomes, which may be related to right coronary dominance. Summary: Patients with acute LCx or OM occlusion present with NSTEMI as often as STEMI, but those with STEMI have worse outcomes. The difference in presentation may be related to coronary dominance. (J Interven Cardiol 2011;24:27–33)
Argonaute HITS-CLIP decodes microRNA–mRNA interaction maps

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have critical roles in the regulation of gene expression; however, as miRNA activity requires base pairing with only 6-8 nucleotides of messenger RNA, predicting target mRNAs is a major challenge. Recently, high-throughput sequencing of RNAs isolated by crosslinking immunoprecipitation (HITS-CLIP) has identified functional protein-RNA interaction sites. Here we use HITS-CLIP to covalently crosslink native argonaute (Ago, also called Eif2c) protein-RNA complexes in mouse brain. This produced two simultaneous data sets-Ago-miRNA and Ago-mRNA binding sites-that were combined with bioinformatic analysis to identify interaction sites between miRNA and target mRNA. We validated genome-wide interaction maps for miR-124, and generated additional maps for the 20 most abundant miRNAs present in P13 mouse brain. Ago HITS-CLIP provides a general platform for exploring the specificity and range of miRNA action in vivo, and identifies precise sequences for targeting clinically relevant miRNA-mRNA interactions.
A fast algorithm for video parsing using MPEG compressed sequences

Video parsing is a fundamental operation used in many digital video applications such as digital libraries and video servers. The accuracy and execution speed of the parsing algorithm is critical if large amounts of video data are to be processed, particularly in real-time. We present a new algorithm to reconstruct DC coefficient images of a DCT and motion compensation compressed video sequence, e.g. MPEG. The histograms of the DC coefficient images can be used to detect scene changes.
The missing 'P' in pain management: how the current opioid epidemic highlights the need for psychiatric services in chronic pain care.

Abstract Objective The prevalence of opioid therapy for chronic noncancer pain has increased dramatically in recent years, with a parallel increase in opioid abuse, misuse and deaths from accidental overdose. We review epidemiological and clinical data that point to the important roles psychiatric disorders have in the use and abuse of opioids in patients with chronic pain. Method We conducted literature searches on the PubMed with the key phrases "chronic pain" and "opioid therapy" and selected those articles on the epidemiology of comorbidity between chronic pain and psychiatric disorders, the trends in long-term opioid therapy and the clinical trials that involved using opioid therapy for chronic pain or for mental health disorders. We then thoroughly reviewed the bibliography of all relevant articles to identify additional papers to be included in the present review. Results Chronic pain is highly comorbid with common psychiatric disorders. Patients with mental health and substance abuse disorders are more likely to receive long-term opioid therapy for chronic pain and more likely to have adverse outcomes from this therapy. Although opioids may exert brief antidepressant and anxiolytic effects in some patients with depression or anxiety, there is scant evidence for long-term benefit from opioid treatment of psychiatric disorders. Conclusions Opioids may be used in current clinical practice as the de facto and only psychiatric treatment for patients with chronic pain, despite little evidence for sustained benefit. The opioid epidemic thus reflects a serious unmet need for better recognition and treatment of common mental health problems in patients with chronic pain. Psychiatry is the missing P in chronic pain care.
GRAPHICAL ENHANCEMENTS TO THE EXECUTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEM (EIS) FOR THE AVIATION SYSTEM RISK MODEL (ASRM)

An Executive Informat ion System (EIS) provides a methodology to expose high -level knowledge gleamed from models and databases. The EIS in this paper gathers its information from the Aviation System Risk Model or ASRM 1
From hybrid to networked cyber-physical systems

Networked embedded sensing and control systems are increasingly becoming ubiquitous in applications from manufacturing, chemical processes and autonomous robotic space, air and ground vehicles, to medicine and biology. They offer significant advantages, but present serious challenges to information processing, communication and decision-making. This area, called cyber-physical systems, which has been brought to the forefront primarily because of advances in technology that make it possible to place computational intelligence out of the control room and in the field, is the latest challenge in systems and control, where our quest for higher degrees of autonomy has brought us, over the centuries, from the ancient water clock to autonomous spacecrafts. Our quest for autonomy leads to consideration of increasingly complex systems with ever more demanding performance specifications, and to mathematical representations beyond time-driven continuous linear and nonlinear systems, to event-driven and to hybrid systems; and to interdisciplinary research in areas at the intersection of control, computer science, networking, driven by application needs in physics, chemistry, biology, finance.
Effects of Temperature on Gas Exchange and Acid-Base Balance in the Sea Turtle Caretta Caretta at Rest and During Routine Activity

Oxygen consumption, lung ventilation, plasma ion concentrations and osmolality, venous blood acid-base status and gas tensions were measured in unrestrained loggerhead sea turtles in sea water at 10, 15, 20 and 30°C at rest and during routine activity. Moderate activity caused a threefold increase in oxygen consumption, accommodated by a twofold increase in ventilation (the result of increases in breathing frequency) and a 60% increase in lung oxygen extraction. There was an increase in oxygen consumption with temperature (Q10 = 2.4) alsodue primarily to an increase in oxygen extraction (decline in air convection requirement, ACR) since neither the tidal volume nor the breathing frequency changed. Over the temperature range 15–30°C venous blood pH decreased by 0.017 units°C−1, indicating that the maintenance of constant relative alkalinity is not confined to species of low aerobic scope. Venous blood PCOCO2 and POO2 increased with temperature. However, [HCO3−] decreased, suggesting that ventilatory adjustments alone are insufficient for regulating the thermally dependent shifts in blood pH. Plasma [K+] increased with temperature, which may be related to cellular-mediated adjustments in blood pH. Temperature-related adjustments of blood pH in the loggerhead appear to be managed both at the lung (ACR-driven changes in blood PCOCO2) and tissue (ion exchange) levels. This mixed regulation is associated with the unique mode of respiration of the sea turtle.
Spider-silk-like shape memory polymer fiber for vibration damping

In this study, the static and dynamic properties of shape memory polyurethane (SMPU) fiber are reported and compared to those of spider dragline silk. Although the polymeric fiber has a lower strength compared to spider dragline silks (0.2–0.3 GPa versus 1.1 GPa), it possesses much higher toughness (276–289 MJ m �3 versus 160 MJ m �3 ), due to its excellent extensibility. The dynamic mechanical tests reveal that SMPU fiber has a high damping capacity (tan δ=0.10–0.35) which is comparable to or even higher than that of spider silks (tan δ=0.15). In addition, we found that, different programming methods change the shape memory and damping properties of the fiber in different ways and cold-drawing programming is more advocated in structural applications. These results suggest that the SMPU fiber has similar vibration damping and mechanical properties as spider silk, and may find applications in lightweight engineering structures.
Inhibitory effect of synthetic lysine polypeptides on growth of influenza virus in embryonated eggs.

SummaryVarious synthetic high molecular weight lysine polypeptides were found to inhibit the growth of influenza virus in the chick embryo.
Reducing ultraviolet radiation exposure to prevent skin cancer methodology and measurement.

Abstract Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and is also one of the most preventable. This paper builds on an evidence review of skin cancer prevention interventions that was conducted for the Guide to Community Preventive Services ( n =85 studies), and summarizes the state of knowledge about research methodology and measurement in studies of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. As this field advances, researchers should strive to minimize threats to validity in their study designs, as well as to consider the balance between internal and external validity. There is a need for more longer-duration interventions, and follow-up periods that make possible conclusions about the potential of these interventions to affect intermediate markers of skin cancer or at least sustained behavior change. Also, more work is needed to minimize attrition and characterize nonresponders and study dropouts. Verbal report measures of behavior are the most widely used measures of solar protection behavior. Given their limitations, investigators should routinely collect data about reliability and validity of those measures. They should also increase efforts to complement verbal data with objective measures including observations, skin reflectance, personal dosimetry, skin swabbing, and inspection of moles. Measures of environments and policies should incorporate observations, documentation, and direct measures of ambient UVR and shade. This article places the data derived from the evidence review in the context of needs and recommendations for future research in skin cancer prevention.
Mechanism of calponin stabilization of cross-linked actin networks.

The actin-binding protein calponin has been previously implicated in actin cytoskeletal regulation and is thought to act as an actin stabilizer, but the mechanism of its function is poorly understood. To investigate this underlying physical mechanism, we studied an in vitro model system of cross-linked actin using bulk rheology. Networks with basic calponin exhibited a delayed onset of strain stiffening (10.0% without calponin, 14.9% with calponin) and were able to withstand a higher maximal strain before failing (35% without calponin, 56% with calponin). Using fluorescence microscopy to study the mechanics of single actin filaments, we found that calponin increased the flexibility of actin filaments, evident as a decrease in persistence length from 17.6 μm without to 7.7 μm with calponin. Our data are consistent with current models of affine strain behavior in semiflexible polymer networks, and suggest that calponin stabilization of actin networks can be explained purely by changes in single-filament mechanics. We propose a model in which calponin stabilizes actin networks against shear through a reduction of persistence length of individual filaments.
Diagnoses Influence Surgical Site Infections (SSI) in Colorectal Surgery: A Must Consideration for SSI Reporting Programs?

Background Colorectal surgery is associated with high rates of surgical site infection (SSI). The National Surgery Quality Improvement Program is a validated, risk-adjusted quality-improvement program for surgical patients. Patient stratification and risk adjustment are associated with Current Procedural Terminology codes and primary disease diagnosis is not considered. Our aim was to determine the association between disease diagnosis and SSI rates. Methods Data from all 2009 National Surgery Quality Improvement Program institutions were analyzed. ICD-9 codes were used to differentiate patients into cancer (colon or rectal), ulcerative colitis, regional enteritis, diverticular disease, and others. Diagnosis-specific SSI rates were compared with benign neoplasm, which had the lowest rate (8.9%). Logistic regression was performed adjusting for age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, wound type, and relative value unit. Results There were 24,673 colorectal procedures, with 1,956 superficial incisional (SSSI), 398 deep incisional (DSSI), and 1,096 organ/space (O/SSSI) infections. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals compared with benign neoplasm diagnosis were computed after adjustment for each diagnosis category. In rectal cancer patients, significantly more SSSI (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3−2.1; p Conclusions We found that SSI type is associated with the underlying disease diagnosis. To facilitate colorectal SSI-reduction efforts, the disease process must be considered to design appropriate interventions. In addition, institutional comparisons based on aggregate or stratified SSI rates can be misleading if the colorectal disease mix is not considered.
'Why is there no NATO in Asia?' revisited: Prospect theory, balance of threat, and US alliance strategies

Why did the US prefer multilateral alliances in Europe, but bilateral alliances in Asia after World War II? Rationalists and constructivists debate the impact of power, institutions, and identities...
Role of taste in the microstructure of quinine ingestion by rats.

The microstructure of the licking behavior of water-deprived rats presented with either water or quinine during 45-min single-bottle tests was analyzed. The chorda tympani (CT) and glossopharyngeal...
Replacing the Traditional Graduate Chemistry Literature Seminar with a Chemical Research Literacy Course

A new graduate chemistry course was introduced in the Department of Chemistry at The University of Alabama. The new course, CH584—Literature and Communication in Graduate Chemistry, replaced a second year graduate student literature seminar requirement. Course topics included chemical information resources, critical analysis, scientific writing, scientific presentations, and peer-review. CH584 was well received by both the chemistry faculty and chemistry graduate students. This article discusses the detailed implementation and content taught in CH584. Moreover, we present our experiences teaching CH584 as well as potential revisions.
FDC-iccosome mediated antigen delivery to germinal center B cells, antigen processing and presentation to T cells.

Antigen trapped by follicular dendritic cells (FDC) is retained for long periods as intact molecules (1). An antigen must be internalized, partially degraded and reexpressed on the surface of an antigen presenting cell to be recognized by T cells (2). Consequently, it was difficult to explain how antigen retained by FDC could be presented to T cells, which are required for germinal center (GC) development (3) and can be demonstrated in GCs (4,5). Recently, antigen specific B cells were shown to process and present antigen in a highly efficient manner in vitro (6-8). Germinal center B cells have the requisite features of good antigen presenting cells, i.e., they are metabolically active, rich in la, and include cells specific for the FDC-trapped antigen. Thus, GC B cells could present antigen obtained from FDC to GC T cells.
Individual differences in human eyelid conditioning

One-hundred Ss were conditioned successively to a tone and then a light. Conditioning performance was found to be highly consistent as shown by the correlation of.84 between the number of CRs given in 80 trials to each of the conditioned stimuli.
Treatment of Peptic Ulcer with Gastric Mucin.

In the literature on gastric secretion, the capacity of mucus to lower the free acid in the stomach is repeatedly suggested. While working on the “Relationship between Gastric Secretion and Basal Secretion of the Stomach” Lim determined that the concentration of the mucus in the stomach is highest at the lower secretion rates. The problem here was to determine the effect of increasing the mucus content of the stomach upon the free HCl. To evaluate the antacid effect of gastric mucin, it was necessary to either stimulate the secretion of mucin or to administer mucin by mouth. In these experiments attempts at stimulation failed to give consistent results, therefore a neutral preparation of hog mucin was prepared. Two ounces of this mucin in the stomach of Pavlov pouch dogs, after stimulation with 1 mgm. of histamine, was found sufficient to keep the stomach free of free HCl despite the fact that the pouches in these dogs showed adequate gastric secretion. Free HCl would always be present if the same experim...