cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Total synthesis of (-)-kendomycin.

An enantioselective synthesis of (−)-kendomycin is described and is based on the application of the organosilane-based [4 + 2]-annulation strategy for the assembly of the C1a−C10 fragment. An underutilized samarium(II) iodide-assisted cyclization (intramolecular Barbier-type reaction) is employed to afford the protected macrocycle.
Favorable results after sleeve lobectomy or bronchoplasty for bronchial malignancies.

Abstract Background . Sleeve lobectomy and bronchoplasty are established alternatives to pneumonectomy for bronchial malignancies involving a main bronchus. However, potential bronchial anastomotic complications have deterred the general application of these types of resection. Some reports have contained a mixture of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and tumors of low-grade malignancy, making it difficult to assess the long-term results of these procedures as an alternative to pneumonectomy for lung cancer. Methods . We retrospectively reviewed our experience with sleeve lobectomy and bronchoplasty for bronchial malignancies from January 1988 to September 1998 separating NSCLC (n = 58) from tumors of low-grade malignancy (n = 19). We compared the overall results between sleeve lobectomy and pneumonectomy (n = 142) performed for NSCLC over the same time interval. Results . For NSCLC, after sleeve lobectomy, the operative mortality was 5.2% (3 of 58 patients) and the overall 5-year actuarial survival was 37.5%. After pneumonectomy, the operative mortality was 4.9% (7 of 142 patients) and the overall 5-year actuarial survival was 35.8%. For tumors with low-grade malignancy, there was no operative mortality after sleeve lobectomy or bronchoplasty and the 5-year actuarial survival was 100%. Major bronchial anastomotic complications occurred in 3 patients among the 77 patients who underwent sleeve resection. Conclusions . Sleeve resection can be performed with a low risk of bronchial anastomotic complication. The long-term survival after sleeve resection for NSCLC is similar to pneumonectomy. Excellent results are obtained after sleeve resection for low-grade malignancies.
Cationic Bis-cyclometalated Iridium(III) Diimine Complexes and Their Use in Efficient Blue, Green, and Red Electroluminescent Devices

A series of cationic Ir(III) complexes with the general formula (C∧N)2Ir(N∧N)+PF6- featuring bis-cyclometalated 1-phenylpyrazolyl-N,C2‘ (C∧N) and neutral diimine (N∧N, e.g., 2,2‘-bipyridyl) ligands were synthesized and their electrochemical, photophysical, and electroluminescent properties studied. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the highest occupied molecular orbital of the compounds is comprised of a mixture of Ir d and phenylpyrazolyl-based orbitals, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital has predominantly diimine character. The oxidation and reduction potentials of the complexes can be independently varied by systematic modification of either the C∧N or N∧N ligands with donor or acceptor substituents. The electrochemical redox gaps (Eox − Ered) were adjusted to span a range between 2.39 and 3.08 V. All of the compounds have intense absorption bands in the UV region assigned to 1(π−π*) transitions and weaker charge-transfer (CT) transitions that extend to the visible region....
Experiences with the Denelcor HEP

Three FORTRAN codes, each typical of a class of simulation problems at Los Alamos National Laboratory, have been converted to execute on the Denelcor HEP. The codes are (i) PIC, a particle-in-cell code; (ii) SIMPLE, a two-dimensional Lagrangian hydrodynamics program, and (iii) TRAC, a nuclear reactor simulation. The programming paradigm that was used and the algorithmic nature of the concurrency are discussed. Speedups as a function of number of processes are given.
Decolorization by acids and alkalis of amoebocytes and of filter paper stained by neutral red

SummaryAcid and alkali behave oppositely as far as their extracting power towards an acid and an alkaline dye is concerned. Addition of NaCl inhibits the extracting power of stronger concentrations of acid and in certain cases also that of alkali towards neutral red. Neutral NaCl solutions on the other hand extract neutral red better than water. How far in these effects the dissociation depressing action of NaCl or other actions of NaCl are concerned is uncertain. These experiments demonstrate that there exists a certain similarity between the action of acid and alkali on amcebocytes on the one hand, and on filter paper on the other hand; but this simlarity is incomplete. It therefore appears probable that the conditions determining the staining of cell granules by neutral red differ in some essential respects from those determining the staining of filter paper.
A New Approach to an Old Question: On the Characters of Manzoni's I PROMESSI SPOSI

The article engages in the critical debate on the interpretation of the system of characters in Alessandro Manzoni's I promessi sposi (1840). After a summary of some well-known schematic representations of the novel based on the function that the characters have in the development of the story (i.e., Italo Calvino 1973, Franco Fido 1974, Feruccio Ulivi 1974, and Angelo Marchese 1987), the article suggests a different approach to the question, based on the analysis of the occhiello, the illustration embellishing the title page of the 1840 edition of I promessi sposi. The image — based on an original drawing by the painter Francesco Gonin — is interpreted as a metaphorical representation of the relationships among characters developed by Manzoni.After an analytical description of the illustration, proposing its ideal subdivision into vertical and horizontal axes that serve to connect characters and narrative episodes, the article concludes on the importance of the occhiello as part of the set of engravings ...
Reproduction by Binary and Multiple Fission in Gigantomonas

SYNOPSIS. Gigantomonas usually exists in the multinucleate stage. Hence, multiple fission is more common than binary fission. In its flagellate as well as its aflagellate state it is always an amoeboid cell which possesses from one to several large, clear pseudopodia. Fairly often in the multinucleate, as well as the uninucleate, stage no extranuclear organelles are present except large plain centrioles, two of which are always closely associated with each nucleus. During nuclear reproduction four centrioles, two old ones and two new ones, are always present with each nucleus. During all nuclear reproductions, regardless of the number of nuclei present, extranuclear organelles, such as flagella, axostyle, undulating membrane, and costa when present are discarded. If they are renewed, it is by the new centrioles at the same time that the old ones produce new central spindles, two always cooperating in the process. Thus, Gigantomonas, like other genera of the Devescovinidae, the family to which it belongs, never has for each nucleus present more than one set of extranuclear organelles, a characteristic which Devescovinidae and Lophomonadidae have in common. It is the only genus of Devescovinidae without a parabasal body. Owing to the liquidness of the cytoplasm, the central spindle, which becomes very long indeed, often extends beyond the cytoplasm and thus pushes the nucleus fastened to this end of it completely out of the cell. Mainly because of this situation, multinucleate forms with an odd number of nuclei occur often; otherwise the nuclear numbers would be 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, etc., because, no matter how many nuclei are present, they all reproduce simultaneously or nearly so. An unusual situation occurs in which Gigantomonas ingests and digests a small species of Holomastigotoides, while several hundred individuals of the latter become attached to and destroy Gigantomonas.
A comparison of structural characteristics between old‐growth and postfire second‐growth hemlock–hardwood forests in Adirondack Park, New York, U. S. A.

1 This study compares the structural characteristics of 12 old-growth and six postfire second-growth hemlock–northern hardwood stands in north central Adirondack Park, New York, in order to test the null hypothesis that there are no differences in species composition, size structure, age structure and attributes such as dead wood and canopy gaps between old-growth stands and this type of second-growth forest. 2 The second-growth forests of this study regenerated following widespread logging-related fires in either 1903 or 1908; the old growth and second growth have similar environmental settings. 3 Estimates of stand ages, derived from an increment core of the oldest tree in each stand, range from 88 to 390 years. 4 Structural attributes are related to stand age (i.e. stage of development). In comparison with the second-growth forests of this study, older stands are characterized as (a) a larger average diameter of canopy trees; (b) a greater basal area of trees; (c) a lower density of canopy trees and of all trees ≥ 10 cm d.b.h.; (d) a higher density of eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere) trees; (e) a higher density of large trees (≥ 50 cm d.b.h.); (f) larger canopy gaps; and (g) a greater volume of coarse woody debris (both logs ≥ 20 cm d.b.h. and snags ≥ 10 cm d.b.h.). 5 Despite differences between old growth and second growth, especially in species composition, it appears from observations of the 18 stands that second-growth forests are developing some structural characteristics of old growth. 6 Structural attributes of the old-growth forests are similar to characteristics of the same forest type in geographically distant areas in eastern USA.
Cover to provide an inert atmosphere for XRD sample changers

A cover for Scintag's six and twelve-position sample changers was designed and constructed to provide an inert atmosphere for samples during diffraction batch runs. The cover is equipped with inlet and outlet gas ports and fits over the top of the sample changer. Using dry nitrogen gas fed into the inlet of the cover, a sample of lithium bromide was protected from atmospheric moisture for greater than 18 h. The cover uses a thin Mylar window that gives greater than 95% transparency for copper K-alpha X-rays. The cover is a simple device that allows our lab to run multiple moisture-sensitive samples in a batch mode. The simple approach and materials used in the construction of the cover could be applied to other brands of powder diffractometers.
Dynamic and equilibrium studies on adsorption of Cr(VI) ions onto binary bio-polymeric beads of cross linked alginate and gelatin

Abstract Static and dynamic adsorption studies of Cr(VI) have been undertaken at fixed pH and ionic strength taking binary bio-polymeric beads of cross linked alginate and cross linked gelatin as adsorbents. The adsorption data were applied to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations and various static parameters were calculated. The dynamic nature of adsorption was quantified in terms of several kinetic constants such as rate constants for adsorption (k1), Lagergreen rate constant (kad), interparticle diffusion rate constant (kp) and pore diffusion coefficient (D). The influence of various experimental parameters such as solid to liquid ratio, pH, temperature, presence of salts and chemical composition of bio-polymeric beads were investigated on the adsorption of dichromate ion. Various thermodynamic parameters were also calculated.
Patient and clinic factors associated with adolescent human papillomavirus vaccine utilization within a university-based health system

We reviewed clinical and billing data from a university-based health system to assess HPV vaccine utilization among 9-18-year-old girls by individual, visit and medical specialty characteristics. Our sample included 10,082 adolescent patients with 27,928 visits to outpatient family medicine (FM), pediatric and gynecology clinics between January 2007 and March 2008. Vaccine series completion was low among eligible adolescents (15%), with important disparities in vaccine utilization by medical specialty, age, race and insurance status. Missed opportunities for vaccination were common. Our findings may help to target future interventions aimed at increasing adolescent HPV vaccine utilization.
Electronic structure and ordering of aromatic molecules on Au(111)

Aromatic molecules, such as pentacene, sexiphenyl and naphtho[2,3-a]pyrene, adsorbed on Au(111) surfaces are studied with x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). All the molecules developed a strong interface dipole indicative of charge transfer from the molecule to the substrate. At monolayer coverages or less a variety of two-dimensional ordered structures were discovered. Naphtho[2,3-a]pyrene, a 2D chrial adsorbate, forms chiral domains rater than a 2D racemic unit cell.
Emergence of Nonmotor Symptoms as the Focus of Research and Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: Introduction to the Special Section on Nonmotor Dysfunctions in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally characterized by the cardinal motor symptoms of tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and impairments of posture, gait, and balance. A relatively new focus of research and treatment is the nonmotor symptoms of the disease, following from recent understanding of the neuropathological stages. Disruptions of arousal, mood, sleep, and autonomic function before the first motor signs of PD implicate the lower brainstem, which is affected before the substantia nigra and dopaminergic system. In later stages of the disease, the pathology extends to the cortex, accompanied by impairments in cognition and perception. The articles in this special section advance our knowledge of the brain bases of the nonmotor symptoms of PD, including disrupted visual perception, impaired cognition across a range of domains, and psychiatric and artistic manifestations. Subtypes under investigation include those described by side of disease onset (left or right body side), predominant cognitive profile, and gender. Taken together, the articles in this special section reflect the field's growing focus on the nonmotor symptoms of PD, their brain bases, and the corresponding potential for their treatment.
Ferrous iron uptake by bifidobacteria in the absence of glucose

Abstract Bifidobacterium breve and Bifidobacterium thermophilum, grown in metal-poor media under anaerobic conditions, were used to investigate ferrous iron uptake in their non-energized (glucose-free) states at pH 5.0. Considerable uptake was observed in the absence of glucose, which was relatively unaffected by Mg 2+ and was decreased by increasing the medium pH to 6.5. Surface-bound iron accounted for 20% to 30% of total iron taken up. By determining soluble iron concentrations inside the cells, it was calculated that iron was concentrated some 14–16-fold with respect to exterior (100 and 200 μM). Ferric iron failed to enter the cell in any significant amounts as did ferrous iron when both the energized and nonenergized cells had been grown on iron-replete medium or heated. It was concluded that ferrous iron enters the nonenergized bifidobacterial cell as a result of a potential difference across the bacterial membrane (negative inside) created by a proton concentration difference. This provides an opportunity for bifidobacteria to participate in the nutritional immunity phenomenon even when a carbon source is lacking in their environment.
Robust colon residue detection using vector-quantization-based classification for virtual colonoscopy

We present an automatic and robust tagged-residue detection technique using vector quantization based classification. This technique enables electronic cleansing even on poorly tagged datasets, leading to more effective virtual colonoscopy. In order to reduce the sensitivity towards intensity variation among the tagged residual material, we use a multi-step technique. First, we apply classification using an unsupervised and self-adapting vector quantization algorithm. Then, we sort the resultant classes by their average intensities. We apply thresholding on these classes based on a conservative threshold. This helps us in differentiating soft tissue inside tagged material from poorly tagged region or noise.
What is a file

For over 40 years the notion of the file, as devised by pioneers in the field of computing, has been the subject of much contention. Some have wanted to abandon the term altogether on the grounds that metaphors about files can confuse users and designers alike. More recently, the emergence of the 'cloud' has led some to suggest that the term is simply obsolescent. In this paper we want to suggest that, despite all these conceptual debates and changes in technology, the term file still remains central to systems architectures and to the concerns of users. Notwithstanding profound changes in what users do and technologies afford, we suggest that files continue to act as a cohering concept, something like a 'boundary object' between computer engineers and users. However, the effectiveness of this boundary object is now waning. There are increasing signs of slippage and muddle. Instead of throwing away the notion altogether, we propose that the definition of and use of files as a boundary object be reconstituted. New abstractions are needed, ones which reflect what users seek to do with their digital data, and which allow engineers to solve the networking, storage and data management problems that ensue when files move from the PC on to the networked world of today.
Testing Excess Returns on Event Days: Log Returns vs. Dollar Returns

The results of academic and practitioners’ event studies are often translated from excess log returns into excess dollar returns. The prior literature argues for a difference between the statistical significance of excess log returns and that of excess dollar returns. In contrast, we show analytically and using simulations that specifying event study hypotheses in terms of excess dollar returns is equivalent to specifying them in terms of excess log returns. The prior literature’s result was due to a bias in their estimator of expected excess dollar returns, an incorrect assumption that it is approximately normally distributed, and a misapplication of the delta method.
Seasonal trends in leaf photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of drought stressed and nonstressed pearl millet as associated to vapor pressure deficit.

Single leaf photosynthesis (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Cg) of drought stressed and nonstressed pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke] were measured across growth stages to determine if a pattern exists in Pn and Cg during the growing season and to evaluate the influence of air vapor pressure deficit (VPDa) on the seasonal variations of Pn and Cg. Leaf photosynthesis and Cg were measured independently on pearl millet plants grown at the driest (drought stressed) and wettest (nonstressed) ends of a line-source irrigation gradient system. Well defined and predictable variations in both Pn and Cg were found across two growing seasons. Leaf photosynthesis of the nonstressed plants declined from a maximumof 25.8 μmol m−2 s−1 at the flag leaf emergence (48 days after planting, DAP) to a minimum of 14.5 μmol m−2 s−1 at physiological maturity. Stomatal conductance of the nonstressed plants peaked at the flowering and early grain fill stages and declined as plants approached maturity. In contrast, Pn and Cg of the stressed plants declined from a maximum at flag leaf emergence to a minimum at flowering and increased as plants approached maturity. High VPDa during the flowering and grain fill stages induced stomatal closure and decreased Pn in the stressed plants. High mid-season VPDa did not induce stomatal closure and did not reduce leaf photosynthesis in nonstressed plants. The lack of sensitivity of Pn to VPDa in the nonstressed treatment suggests large air VPD such as that prevalent in southern Arizona does not limit the growth of irrigated pearl millet by limiting CO2 assimilation.
No Impact Man (2009). Directed by Laura Gabbert & Justin Schein. 93 min

Distributed by Oscilloscope Laboratories (http://oscilloscope.net). As the self-styled No Impact Man, Colin Beavan is the star of his own blog, his book, a documentary film, and a flurry of media c...
Poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticle Agglomerates as Carriers in Dry Powder Aerosol Formulation of Proteins

A dry powder aerosol drug delivery system was designed with both nano- and microstructure to maximize the protein loading via surface adsorption and to facilitate delivery to the deep lung, respectively. Ovalbumin was employed as a model protein to adsorb to and controllably flocculate DOTAP-coated PLG nanoparticles into “nanoclusters” possessing low density microstructure. The mechanism of nanoparticle flocculation was probed by evaluating the effects of ionic strength, shear force, and protein concentration on the geometric and aerodynamic diameters of the nanoclusters as well as the protein adsorption efficiency. Salt ions were found to compete with ovalbumin adsorption to nanoparticles and facilitate flocculation; therefore, formulation of nanoclusters for inhaled drug delivery may require the lowest possible ionic strength to maximize protein adsorption. Additional factors, such as shear force and total protein−particle concentration can be altered to optimize nanocluster size, suggesting the possibi...
Productive ageing is likely to become a major policy discussion in China

The Center for Social Development (CSD) at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St Louis, USA, along with our partners, is pleased to have conceived and organiz...
Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 inhibitors: a patent review (2006-present).

Introduction: Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the serine protease inhibitor (serpin), binds to and inhibits the plasminogen activators—tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) and the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). This results in both a decrease in plasmin production and a decrease in the dissolution of fibrin clots. Elevated levels of PAI-1 are correlated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and have been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, the pharmacological suppression of PAI-1 might prevent or treat vascular disease. Areas covered: This article provides an overview of the patenting activity on PAI-1 inhibitors. Patents filed by pharmaceutical companies or individual research groups are described, and the biological and biochemical evaluation of the inhibitors, including in vitro and in vivo studies, is discussed. An overview of patents pertaining to using these inhibitors for treating various diseases is also included. Expert opinion: Although ...
A Reply to William Becker

I am of course pleased that Professor Becker finds my view of the character and sources of early twentieth-century American economic policy to be “well supported” by the evidence. I value the fact that he does not regard as heresy my failing to call the American economy “corporate” and regulation “corporatist” or “corporate liberal.” And I appreciate his recognition that my book deals with more than that old standby big-business-and-antitrust: that it talks about the impact of new technology (radio, the movies, airplanes, telephones, electricity, motor vehicles) on regulatory policy; about the regulation of farm prices and natural resources; about urban housing and zoning; about labor and taxation and tariffs and banking and investment—in short, about a complex and rapidly changing regulatory order, and not just government and big business.
Third-party liability insurance and space launches

Abstract This article discusses a number of issues related to the US commercial expendable launch vehicle (ELV) industry and government's role in ensuring its competitiveness, particularly third-party liability insurance for space launches. The author finds that the space insurance industry has become a major constraint on the commercial development of space. The future implications are considered of US government involvement with the launch services industry, initially through providing third-party insurance itself. The author concludes that, for a stable commercial ELV industry, it will be necessary for the USA either to establish fair-trade agreements with other space-capable nations, or to maintain a significant government involvement to support the industry.
Headaches caused by nasal and paranasal sinus disease

Headache and rhinosinusitis are 2 of the most common conditions seen in clinical practice. In general, chronic and disabling headaches, especially if migraine features are present, are not due to sinus abnormalities. In suspected cases of bacterial sinusitis, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are both effective in demonstrating the infection. Although most cases of sinusitis are fairly easy to diagnose, sphenoid sinusitis may be overlooked, and can present with progressive or thunderclap headache in adults. Contact-point headache should be considered in patients with focal headaches and a contact point on the lateral nasal wall.
Sialyltransferase of bovine serum: age- and hormone-related changes.

Abstract 1. 1. Sialyltransferase activity of bovine serum with the acceptor asialofetuin exhibits a pH optimum at 6.0–6.5, no divalent cation dependence, and a Km for CMP-sialic acid of 0.05 mM. 2. 2. Although a 2-fold increase in sialyltransferase activity with the acceptor asialofetuin is observed in serum samples from 2-day-old vs 20-day-old calves, the relative activity towards other glycoprotein acceptors is not different between the groups. 3. 3. With the acceptor lactose, the major product (> 95%) for all samples is 3′-sialyllactose, suggesting that the elevated levels of sialyltransferase in 2-day-old calves are due to Gal-R (α2–3) sialyltransferase.
Familiarity accentuates gaze cuing in women but not men

Gaze cuing, the tendency to shift attention in the direction other individuals are looking, is hypothesized to depend on a distinct neural module. One expectation of such a module is that information processing should be encapsulated within it. Here, we tested whether familiarity, a type of social knowledge, penetrates the neural circuits governing gaze cuing. Male and female subjects viewed the face of an adult male looking left or right and then pressed a keypad to indicate the location of a target appearing randomly left or right. Responses were faster for targets congruent with gaze direction. Moreover, gaze cuing was stronger in females than males. Contrary to the modularity hypothesis, familiarity enhanced gaze cuing, but only in females. Sex differences in the effects of familiarity on gaze cuing may reflect greater adaptive significance of social information for females than males.
The effect of dietary carbohydrate on genes for fatty acid synthase and inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissues from lean and obese subjects.

Background Hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is markedly stimulated in humans by low-fat diets enriched in simple sugars. However, the dietary responsiveness of the key enzyme controlling DNL in human adipose tissue, fatty acid synthase (FAS), is uncertain.
E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Activity and Targeting of BAT3 by Multiple Legionella pneumophila Translocated Substrates

ABSTRACT The intracellular bacterial pathogen Legionella pneumophila modulates a number of host processes during intracellular growth, including the eukaryotic ubiquitination machinery, which dictates the stability, activity, and/or localization of a large number of proteins. A number of L. pneumophila proteins contain eukaryotic-like motifs typically associated with ubiquitination. Central among these is a family of five F-box-domain-containing proteins of Legionella pneumophila. Each of these five proteins is translocated to the host cytosol by the Dot/Icm type IV protein translocation system during infection. We show that three of these proteins, LegU1, LegAU13, and LicA, interact with components of the host ubiquitination machinery in vivo. In addition, LegU1 and LegAU13 are integrated into functional Skp-Cullin-F-box (SCF) complexes that confer E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. LegU1 specifically interacts with and can direct the ubiquitination of the host chaperone protein BAT3. In a screen for additional L. pneumophila proteins that associate with LegU1 in mammalian cells, we identified the bacterial protein Lpg2160. We demonstrate that Lpg2160 also associates with BAT3 independently of LegU1. We show that Lpg2160 is a translocated substrate of the Dot/Icm system and contains a C-terminal translocation signal. We propose a model in which LegU1 and Lpg2160 may function redundantly or in concert to modulate BAT3 activity during the course of infection.
An algorithm for triangulating multiple 3D polygons

We present an algorithm for obtaining a triangulation of multiple, non-planar 3D polygons. The output minimizes additive weights, such as the total triangle areas or the total dihedral angles between adjacent triangles. Our algorithm generalizes a classical method for optimally triangulating a single polygon. The key novelty is a mechanism for avoiding non-manifold outputs for two and more input polygons without compromising optimality. For better performance on real-world data, we also propose an approximate solution by feeding the algorithm with a reduced set of triangles. In particular, we demonstrate experimentally that the triangles in the Delaunay tetrahedralization of the polygon vertices offer a reasonable trade off between performance and optimality.
Possible cytotoxic effects of the dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum, on juvenile bivalve molluscs

Juveniles of eight commercially important species of bivalve molluscs (Spisula solidissima, Argopecten irradians, Crassostrea virginica, Mytilus edulis, Mya arenaria, Ostrea edulis, Mercenaria mercenaria, Placopecten magellanicus) were exposed in the laboratory to the commonly occurring dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium aureolum. Histological analyses of gut tissues indicated that the impact of G. aureolum on the shellfish was species-specific. High rates of mortality were noted in the bay scallop, A. irradians, but not in other molluscan species. There were no pathological differences between control animals and animals fed G. aureolum in S. solidissima, M. arenaria, or M. mercenaria. The most severely affected molluscs were C. virginica and A. irradians. C. virginica did not exhibit differences in digestive gland parameters between control and experimental animals; however, several animals did show significant mantle and gill lesions. Bay scallops exhibited decreased height of absorptive cells and increased lumen diameter after exposure to Gyrodinium suggesting, at least, poor food quality of Gyrodinium. Evidence of toxic effects was not identified in the digestive gland. Several bay scallops also showed variable amounts of inflammation in the kidney associated with protozoal infestations and variable amounts of predominately rod-shaped bacteria within the urinary space. Aquaculturists, especially of scallop species, should monitor for the presence of G. aureolum. Given its large size (25-30 μm), G. aureolum could be filtered from incoming water to hatcheries, thus avoiding mass mortalities of spat and juvenile scallops.
Effects of Tai Chi on cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults: A review

As the population of the United States ages, activities to maintain or improve cognitive function will become increasingly important to preserve functional ability, independence and health-related quality of life. This article is a review of recent research on Tai Chi and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Of the 12 studies reviewed, 10 reported improvement in measures of executive function, language, learning, and/or memory. Several design features make comparisons across studies challenging. As a moderate-intensity, low-impact form of exercise, Tai Chi is appropriate for older adults and seems to offer positive cognitive benefits. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Knowledge management, intellectual capital, and technical communication

One of the terms rising to the top of the "hot buzzwords" list is "knowledge management". The idea stems from the emergence of the knowledge economy. If knowledge is a resource, then organizations ought to be able to manage it, just as they manage more traditional resources, like capital, supplies, real estate and personnel. One the challenges of with any hot buzzword is incorporating the underlying concept into business practice. If the buzzword gains sufficient exposure and its promoters show sufficient relevance to the corporate bottom-line, several internal organizations compete for ownership of the implementation: it happened with total quality management earlier in the decade, and it's happening with knowledge management now. The information systems and training communities have laid claim to part or all of this territory, and some technical communicators believe that they, too, should claim ownership. Should they? And if they do, what is it that they are claiming ownership of? In order to discuss these questions, and to draw appropriate conclusions, we need to better understand what knowledge management is and how it contrasts with technical communication, then we need to understand what's already happening in the area of knowledge management.
Differential CD4/CCR5 Utilization, gp120 Conformation, and Neutralization Sensitivity between Envelopes from a Microglia-Adapted Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 and Its Parental Isolate

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infects and induces syncytium formation in microglial cells from the central nervous system (CNS). A primary isolate (HIV-1(BORI)) was sequentially passaged in cultured microglia, and the isolate recovered (HIV-1(BORI-15)) showed high levels of fusion and replicated more efficiently in microglia (J. M. Strizki, A. V. Albright, H. Sheng, M. O'Connor, L. Perrin, and F. Gonzalez-Scarano, J. Virol. 70:7654-7662, 1996). The parent and adapted viruses used CCR5 as coreceptor. Recombinant viruses demonstrated that the syncytium-inducing phenotype was associated with four amino acid differences in the V1/V2 region of the viral gp120 (J. T. C. Shieh, J. Martin, G. Baltuch, M. H. Malim, and F. Gonzalez-Scarano, J. Virol. 74:693-701, 2000). We produced luciferase-reporter, env-pseudotyped viruses using plasmids containing env sequences from HIV-1(BORI), HIV-1(BORI-15), and the V1/V2 region of HIV-1(BORI-15) in the context of HIV-1(BORI) env (named rBORI, rB15, and rV1V2, respectively). The pseudotypes were used to infect cells expressing various amounts of CD4 and CCR5 on the surface. In contrast to the parent recombinant, the rB15 and rV1V2 pseudotypes retained their infectability in cells expressing low levels of CD4 independent of the levels of CCR5, and they infected cells expressing CD4 with a chimeric coreceptor containing the third extracellular loop of CCR2b in the context of CCR5 or a CCR5 Delta4 amino-terminal deletion mutant. The VH-rB15 and VH-rV1V2 recombinant viruses were more sensitive to neutralization by a panel of HIV-positive sera than was VH-rBORI. Interestingly, the CD4-induced 17b epitope on gp120 was more accessible in the rB15 and rV1V2 pseudotypes than in rBORI, even before CD4 binding, and concomitantly, the rB15 and rV1V2 pseudotypes were more sensitive to neutralization with the human 17b monoclonal antibody. Adaptation to growth in microglia--cells that have reduced expression of CD4 in comparison with other cell types--appears to be associated with changes in gp120 that modify its ability to utilize CD4 and CCR5. Changes in the availability of the 17b epitope indicate that these affect conformation. These results imply that the process of adaptation to certain tissue types such as the CNS directly affects the interaction of HIV-1 envelope glycoproteins with cell surface components and with humoral immune responses.
Site-specific modification and RNA crosslinking of the RNA-binding domain of PKR

RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is an interferon-induced, RNA-activated enzyme that phosphorylates and inhibits the function of the translation initiation factor eIF-2. PKR is activated in vitro by binding RNA molecules with extensive duplex structure. To further define the nature of the RNA regulation of PKR, we have prepared and characterized site-specifically modified proteins consisting of the PKR 20 kDa RNA-binding domain (RBD). Here we show that the two cysteines found naturally in this domain can be altered by site-directed mutagenesis without loss of RNA binding affinity or the RNA-regulated kinase activity. Introduction of cysteine residues at other sites in the PKR RBD allows for site-specific modification with thiol-selective reagents. PKR RBD mutants reacted selectively with a maleimide to introduce a photoactivatable cross-linking aryl azide at three different positions in the protein. RNA crosslinking efficiency was found to be dependent on the amino acid modified, suggesting differences in access to the RNA from these positions in the protein. One of the amino acid modifications that led to crosslinking of the RNA is located at a residue known to be an autophosphorylation site, suggesting that autophosphorylation at this site could influence the RNA binding properties of PKR. The PKR RBD conjugates described here and other similar reagents prepared via these methods are applicable to future studies of PKR-RNA complexes using techniques such as photocrosslinking, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and affinity cleaving.
Isolines: energy-efficient mapping in sensor networks

This paper introduces a novel energy efficient data aggregation algorithm that targets spatially correlated data in sensor networks. Isolines aggregation works by detecting isolines which are the lines in a contour map. Energy efficiency is achieved by having only the nodes that detect the isoline report to the sink. Simulation results show that isoline aggregation can lead to significant energy savings (some scenarios reported that no aggregation can send close to 150% more bytes than isolines aggregation) with adequate data accuracy. We also compared isolines against polygon aggregation, our implementation of an approach representing existing spatially-correlated data aggregation mechanisms. Our results report that isolines exhibit higher accuracy with a slight advantage in energy efficiency.
The impact of structure and medium on choice and recall in profile assessment

Electronic expert-finder systems routinely store expert information in profile format. A user can view these profiles to choose the expert he/she wants to work with. In this paper we examine how profile attributes affect a user's choice of an expert. We report the results of an exploratory study in which we manipulated the structure of profiles and the medium of presentation, and measured participant behavior in an IT-Helpdesk recruitment task. We found that the presence of structure in profiles decreases, while the electronic medium (compared to paper) increases the probability of choosing the most qualified candidate.
Effect of surface catalytic activity on stagnation heat-transfer rates.

An experiment was made to determine the effect heterogeneous catalytic surface reactions have on heat-transfer rates in highly frozen low-density stagnation-point boundary layers. Data were obtained in arc-heated facilities that were capable of producing large percentages of chemical energy frozen in a supersonic freestream. The heat-transfer rate to a silicon-dioxide surface was reduced to a minimum value of only one-third of the value obtained on relatively active nickel and platinum surfaces. This is the result of its low catalytic efficiency. Ionization energy was recovered on both the active and the inactive surfaces, indicating that this energy either was released many times faster than the recombination energy or was not controlled by the surface composition.
Wideband waveform optimization for energy detector receiver with practical considerations

This paper deals with waveform optimization problems raised from advanced radio system prototyping conducted recently. Motivated by increasing demands for wireless sensor networks, simple receivers paired with sophisticated transmitters are considered. From a few receiver candidates, the energy detector (or square law) receiver is selected in this paper. The receiver includes a square law device followed by an integrator to generate a decision statistic. To compensate performance loss suffered due to the use of the simple receiver, an optimal waveform with respect to a known channel impulse response is transmitted, given all constraints posed by practical limitations. The optimization goal is to maximize signal energy at the output of the integrator at the receiver. Thanks to the recent technology advanced in semiconductors, waveform level (at multiple of Nyquist sampling rate) arbitrary precoding is possible. However, reduction in quantization and transmitted peak power is still very desirable, being concerned about implementation complexity and power consumption. These motivate us to consider various practical constraints in waveform optimization. A number of solutions are provided in this paper in conjunction with numerical verification using measured data.
Experimental study of the relationship between alterations in tissue perfusion and anastomotic patency.

It is generally believed that alterations in perfusion which endanger a free flap or replant are directly related to thrombus formation and obstruction of blood flow at the anastomotic site. Recent experimental work in our laboratory suggests that the presence of platelet emboli downstream in the microcirculation might be responsible at least in part for postoperative perturbations in perfusion. To determine whether changes in tissue perfusion can occur in the absence of corresponding changes in anastomotic patency we studied microvascular blood flow in the exposed rat cremaster flap model. We made continuous measurements of both anastomotic patency and downstream microcirculatory perfusion following small vessel repair. Using this approach we found that during one hour after clamp release and reperfusion in the 10 animals studied, pedicle artery blood pressure, which indicates pedicle patency in this model, was functionally normal 97% ± 2 of the time while blood flow in the downstream tissue (cremaster) remained normal an average of only 65% ± 7 of the time. In most cases these flow alterations were associated with the presence of visible platelet emboli in the microcirculation. From these studies we conclude that when flap perfusion failure temporarily occurs, a microsurgeon must consider not only the anastomosis but also the downstream microcirculation when searching for a possible cause. © 1993 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Ocriplasmin for Vitreoretinal Diseases

Fibronectin and laminin are clinically relevant plasmin receptors in the eye. Located at the vitreoretinal interface, they are cleaved by ocriplasmin (Microplasmin, ThromboGenics, Iselin, NJ), a novel ophthalmic medication. A series of clinical trials to study ocriplasmin for the treatment of vitreoretinal diseases such as vitreomacular traction, macular hole, and exudative age-related macular degeneration are underway. The results are promising and may impact patient care.
Bone collagen preservation in the tropics: A case study from ancient Puerto Rico

Abstract Bone collagen is a well-characterized and generally robust protein that plays a key role in both radiometric dating and stable isotopic reconstruction of paleodiet. To be useful for such purposes, however, analyzed collagen must be relatively taphonomically unaltered. To date, little research has been conducted to document the taphonomic fate of bone collagen from archaeological sites in the tropics. In the present work, a large ( n = 298) dataset of archaeological bone samples from sites on the island of Puerto Rico is examined by means of radiometric, chemical, and elemental analyses. The ultimate conclusion of this work is that while collagen loss may be accelerated in the tropics versus that seen in samples from higher latitudes, what collagen remains is typically sufficiently well-preserved and taphonomically unaltered as to make radiocarbon dating and/or stable isotopic analysis worthwhile.
Using Filtered Forecasting Techniques to Determine Personalized Monitoring Schedules for Patients with Open-Angle Glaucoma

Purpose To determine whether dynamic and personalized schedules of visual field (VF) testing and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements result in an improvement in disease progression detection compared with fixed interval schedules for performing these tests when evaluating patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Design Secondary analyses using longitudinal data from 2 randomized controlled trials. Participants A total of 571 participants from the Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study (AGIS) and the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study (CIGTS). Methods Perimetric and tonometric data were obtained for AGIS and CIGTS trial participants and used to parameterize and validate a Kalman filter model. The Kalman filter updates knowledge about each participant's disease dynamics as additional VF tests and IOP measurements are obtained. After incorporating the most recent VF and IOP measurements, the model forecasts each participant's disease dynamics into the future and characterizes the forecasting error. To determine personalized schedules for future VF tests and IOP measurements, we developed an algorithm by combining the Kalman filter for state estimation with the predictive power of logistic regression to identify OAG progression. The algorithm was compared with 1-, 1.5-, and 2-year fixed interval schedules of obtaining VF and IOP measurements. Main Outcome Measures Length of diagnostic delay in detecting OAG progression, efficiency of detecting progression, and number of VF and IOP measurements needed to assess for progression. Results Participants were followed in the AGIS and CIGTS trials for a mean (standard deviation) of 6.5 (2.8) years. Our forecasting model achieved a 29% increased efficiency in identifying OAG progression ( P P = 0.02) than following a fixed yearly monitoring schedule, without increasing the number of VF tests and IOP measurements required. The model performed well for patients with mild and advanced disease. The model performed significantly more testing of patients who exhibited OAG progression than nonprogressing patients (1.3 vs. 1.0 tests per year; P Conclusions Use of dynamic and personalized testing schedules can enhance the efficiency of OAG progression detection and reduce diagnostic delay compared with yearly fixed monitoring intervals. If further validation studies confirm these findings, such algorithms may be able to greatly enhance OAG management.
The rising pandemic of mental disorders and associated chronic diseases and disabilities

Prevalence rates of mental disorders, hypertensive disease, cerebrovascular disease and other chronic conditions are increasing throughout the world. Two mechanisms are responsible for this situation: the large relative increases that are occurring in the number of persons in age groups at high risk for developing these conditions; and the increase in average duration of chronic diseases resulting from the successful application of techniques for arresting their fatal complications and prolonging the lives of affected individuals. In the absence of effective techniques for reducing incidence, the prevalence of such diseases will continue to increase. The chronic mental disorders and conditions related to them are used to illustrate the manner in which these mechanisms are operating. Data are presented to demonstrate the increases likely to occur between 1975 and 2000 in the number of persons with these conditions in the more and less developed regions of the world and in selected countries. These findings set new priorities for future epidemiologic research. Emphasis must be placed on discovering the preventable causes of the conditions which are increasing in prevalence.