cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diffusional and Internal Rotation in Single and Linked Trinuclear Bis(carbyne) Cluster Complexes Determined by 13C NMR Relaxation Time Measurements

Carbon-13 NMR relaxation times have been measured as a function of temperature for a family of bis(carbyne) cluster complexes: (CpCo)3(μ3-CPh)2 (1a), (CpCo)3(μ3-CH)(μ3-CPh) (1b), and X(1,4-C6H4)Y with X = Y = (CpCo)3(μ3-CPh)(μ3-C−) (2); X = (CpCo)3(μ3-CPh)(μ3-C−), Y = −C⋮CPh (3); or X = Y = −C⋮CPh (4). These molecules can be regarded as symmetric top molecules in which the phenyl rings are adjacent to zero, one, or two Cp3Co3 metal cluster units. Molecular rotational diffusion coefficients about the different axes of the molecules (D⊥and Ds) obtained from the relaxation times indicate that the motions of the molecules are highly anisotropic. Rapid internal rotation of the phenyl rings described by the rotation rates R contributes significantly to that anisotropy. Phenyl rings adjacent to an alkyne group rotate at a rate comparable to that of free benzene whereas phenyl rings bound to a (CpCo)3 group through a μ3-carbyne ligand show significantly reduced rates of rotation. The observed difference in rotat...
Mechanisms of hind foot reversal in climbing mammals.

Many climbing mammals are able to reverse normal hind foot posture to effect the grip necessary to descend headfirst or to hang upside down. Such hind foot reversal is known in sciurids, procyonids, felids, viverrids, tupaiids, prosimians, and marsupials. The joint movements involved, however, have never been documented unequivocally although various interpretations (some contradictory) have been made. We report here radiographic data from species of the genera Didelphis, Felis, Nasua, Nycticebus, Potos, Sciurus, and Tupaia. In the six eutherians studied, three joints are involved, and there is a common pattern in the mechanism: crurotalar plantarflexion, subtalar inversion, and transverse tarsal supination. Hind foot reversal represents the development of an unusual degree of excursion at these joints, rather than the appearance of any new type of movement. In Didelphis the mechanism is quite different: a bicondylar, spiral tibiotalar joint is the principal site of inversion/abduction movements. This specialization is characteristic of didelphids and phalangerids, and occurs in the extinct multituberculates as well; it is not found in macropodids (which are like eutherians in crurotalar joint structure) or other marsupial families. This diversity in pedal structure and function is evidently the result of parallel evolution from the type of tibiotalar joint of cynodonts and early mammals. In Morganucodon the bulbous, hemispheroidal proximal surface of the talus bears two tibial facets. These facets are represented in didelphids and multituberculates as sulci, whereas in macropodids and eutherians they developed as the proximal and medial surfaces of the talar trochlea. Among living mammals, the primitive hemispheroidal joint is retained among monotremes as a ball and socket joint.
Compacton solutions and nonlinear dispersion

In this paper we study compacton structures for nonlinear dispersive equations. We show that the purely nonlinear dispersive equations, where the nonlinear dispersion interact with nonlinear convection, generate compacton solutions: solitons free of exponential wings. We also show that the defocusing branches generate solitary patterns solutions.
Cardiac mri is useful in icd patients undergoing ablation for ventricular tachycardia

Catheter ablation is used to control ventricular arrhythmias (VT/VF) in a multitude of substrates. MR can delineate regions of scar and may guide ablation procedures, however the presence of an ICD has been an issue both for safety and MR image quality. Recent studies have demonstrated acceptable safety for scanning of device patients in certain circumstances, but efficacy has not been evaluated.
Sleep, appetite, and obesity--what is the link?

There is a well known relationship between short sleep duration and high body mass index. A new study suggests that the missing link could be the appetite regulating hormones leptin and ghrelin.
The statistical sign test.

Abstract This paper presents and illustrates a simple statistical test for judging whether one of two materials or treatments is better than the other. The data to which the test is applied consist of paired observations on the two materials or treatments. The test is based on the signs of the differences between the pairs of observations. It is immaterial whether all the pairs of observations are comparable or not. However, when all the pairs are comparable, there are more efficient tests (the t test, for example) which take account of the magnitudes as well the signs of the differences. Even in this case, the simplicity of the sign test makes it a useful tool for a quick preliminary appraisal of the data. In this paper the results of previously published work on the sign test have been included, together with a table of significance levels and illustrative examples.
P84: The impact of laparoscopic bariatric surgery on components of metabolic syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are commonly found in morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on the resolution of MS and NAFLD. Methods: Two hundred and sixty three patients who underwent bariatric surgery and had at least one follow up were included in our study. Clinical and laboratory data were available. Results: Of this cohort, 27.0% underwent malabsorptive surgery, 57.0% underwent restrictive surgery and 16.0% combination restrictive-malabsorptive surgery. The majority (98.5%) of the surgical procedures were performed laproscopically. Mean weight loss after surgery was 33.7 20.1 kg after restrictive surgery (follow up period 298 271 days), 39.4 22.9 kg after malabsorptive surgery (follow-up period 306 290 days) and 28.3 14.1 kg after combination surgery (follow up period 281 239 days). Regardless of the type of bariatric surgery, significant improvements were noted in DM (p-values from 0.0001-0.0005), MS (p-values from 0.0001-0.01), waist circumference (p-values 0.0001), BMI (p-values 0.0001), fasting serum triglycerides (p-values 0.0001 to 0.001), and fasting serum glucose (p-values 0.0001). Additionally, a significant improvement in AST/ALT ratio (p-value 0.0002) was noted only in those with restrictive surgery. Multivariate analysis showed that patients who underwent a malabsorptive bariatric procedure experienced a significantly greater percent weight loss of excess body weight (PWLEBW) than patients who underwent a restrictive procedure (p-value 0.0451). PWLEBW increased with longer post-operative follow-up (p-value 0.0001). Conclusion: Weight loss after bariatric surgery is associated with a significant improvement in MS and factors associated with NAFLD.
Complications of varicella zoster virus reactivation

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is an exclusively human neurotropic alphaherpesvirus. Primary infection causes varicella (chickenpox), after which virus becomes latent in ganglionic neurons along the entire neuraxis. With advancing age or immunosuppression, cell-mediated immunity to VZV declines and virus reactivates to cause zoster (shingles), which can occur anywhere on the body. Skin lesions resolve within 1–2 weeks, while complete cessation of pain usually takes 4–6 weeks. Zoster can be followed by chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia), cranial nerve palsies, zoster paresis, meningoencephalitis, cerebellitis, myelopathy, multiple ocular disorders and vasculopathy that can mimic giant cell arteritis. All of the neurological and ocular disorders listed above may also develop without rash. Diagnosis of VZV-induced neurological disease may require examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and/ or ocular fluids. In the absence of rash in a patient with neurological disease potentially due to VZV, CSF should be examined for VZV DNA by PCR and for anti-VZV IgG and IgM. Detection of VZV IgG antibody in CSF is superior to detection of VZV DNA in CSF to diagnose vasculopathy, recurrent myelopathy, and brainstem encephalitis. Oral antiviral drugs speed healing of rash and shorten acute pain. Immunocompromised patients require intravenous acyclovir. First-line treatments for post-herpetic neuralgia include tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, pregabalin, and topical lidocaine patches. VZV vasculopathy, meningoencephalitis, and myelitis are all treated with intravenous acyclovir.
Opinions of Seventh to Twelfth Graders regarding the Effectiveness of Pro- and Anti-Smoking Messages

This study examined the opinions of 3,100 seventh to twelfth grade students regarding the perceived effectiveness of various components of both pro-smoking and anti-smoking messages. The volunteer subjects were enrolled in twenty-eight junior and senior high schools throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.Survey results indicated that most teenagers were exposed to anti-smoking information and materials in schools. The materials were preceived to be of good quality, and most students understood the information which was presented. Anti-smoking messages were supportive in helping non-smokers maintain their abstinence, but only one-third of smokers reported that anti-smoking messages influenced their choice to smoke or not to smoke. Statistically significant differences existed between smokers and non-smokers in their receptivity to anti-smoking messages. Non-smokers found anti-smoking messages to be interesting and they wanted to know more about smoking, while smokers often found anti-smoking messages ...
Biochemical basis of regulation of human copper-transporting ATPases

Copper is essential for cell metabolism as a cofactor of key metabolic enzymes. The biosynthetic incorporation of copper into secreted and plasma membrane-bound proteins requires activity of the copper-transporting ATPases (Cu-ATPases) ATP7A and ATP7B. The Cu-ATPases also export excess copper from the cell and thus critically contribute to the homeostatic control of copper. The trafficking of Cu-ATPases from the trans-Golgi network to endocytic vesicles in response to various signals allows for the balance between the biosynthetic and copper exporting functions of these transporters. Although significant progress has been made towards understanding the biochemical characteristics of human Cu-ATPase, the mechanisms that control their function and intracellular localization remain poorly understood. In this review, we summarize current information on structural features and functional properties of ATP7A and ATP7B. We also describe sequence motifs unique for each Cu-ATPase and speculate about their role in regulating ATP7A and ATP7B activity and trafficking.
Effect of low-dose thiazide diuretics on plasma lipids: results from a double-blind, randomized clinical trial in older men and women.

Author(s): Ott, Susan M; LaCroix, Andrea Z; Ichikawa, Laura E; Scholes, Delia; Barlow, William E | Abstract: OBJECTIVES:To determine the effects of low doses of hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) on plasma lipids in healthy older men and women. DESIGN:Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial for 3 years followed by a 1 year extension without medication. SETTING:Research clinic of a nonprofit health maintenance organization. PARTICIPANTS:Two hundred five women and 115 men aged 60 to 79 with normal blood pressure, bone density within two standard deviations of mean for age, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels less than 190 mg/dL. INTERVENTION:Placebo or HCTZ 12.5 or 25 mg/d. MEASUREMENTS:Plasma cholesterol, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides. RESULTS:There were no significant differences in the change in the plasma lipids between placebo and either group. The mean changes +/- standard deviation in LDL-C after 3 years in men were -5.2 +/- 3.9 mg/dL (placebo), -4.6 +/- 3.7 (12.5 mg), and 1.1 +/- 3.8 (25 mg) and in women were 1.3 +/- 2.8 (placebo), -1.1 +/- 2.8 (12.5 mg), and -6.8 +/- 2.8 (25 mg). No significant differences were seen when analysis was done only for subjects who adhered to study medication. CONCLUSION:This study provides evidence that low doses of thiazide diuretics have minimal effects on cholesterol metabolism in healthy older adults. Therefore, effects on lipid levels need not limit use of thiazides for prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
3-D Woodpile Photonic Crystal Fabrication Using a One Step Scaffold Inversion Method

3-D photonic crystals can be fabricated in one step through HSQ scaffolds patterned by e-beam lithography and inversed by thin film deposition. A defect-free Si woodpile is demonstrated with transmission dip of 70% near IR.
Four Oral Motor Disorders: Bruxism, Dystonia, Dyskinesia and Drug-Induced Dystonic Extrapyramidal Reactions

This article reviews four of the involuntary hyperkinetic motor disorders that affect the orofacial region: bruxism, orofacial dystonia, oromandibular dyskinesia, and medication-induced extrapyramidal syndrome-dystonic reactions. It discusses and contrasts the clinical features and management strategies for spontaneous, primary, and drug-induced motor disorders in the orofacial region. The article provides a list of medications that have been reported to cause drug-related extrapyramidal motor activity, and discusses briefly the genetic and traumatic events that are associated with spontaneous dystonia. Finally, it presents an approach for management of the orofacial motor disorders. The contraindications, side effects, and usual approach for medications and injections are covered. An overview of the indications, contraindications, and complications of using botulinum toxin as a therapeutic modality is discussed briefly.
Primary carnitine deficiency due to a failure of carnitine transport in kidney, muscle, and fibroblasts.

CARNITINE (β-hydroxy-γ-trimethylaminobutyric acid) is an essential cofactor for the oxidation of fatty acids by mitochondria. It serves to carry long-chain fatty acids in the form of their acyl-car...
Analyzing the evolution of the opioid/orphanin gene family.

Advances in molecular biology have made it possible to rapidly obtain the amino acid sequence of neuropeptide precursors-either by cloning and sequencing the cDNA that encodes the precursor, or by reconstructing the arrangement of exons and introns in a neuropeptide-coding gene through genomic approaches. The databases generated from these molecular approaches have been used to design probes to identify the cells that express the gene, or to ascertain the rate of expression of the gene, and even to predict the post-translational modifications that can generate functional neuropeptides from a biologically inert precursor. Although the power of these approaches is substantial, it is appreciated that a gene sequence or an mRNA sequence reflects the potential products that may be assembled in a secretory cell. To understand the functional capabilities of the secretory cell, the molecular genetics approaches must be combined with procedures that actually characterize the end-products generated by the secretory cell. Recent advances in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry now make it possible to analyze neuropeptides from a relatively small amount of tissue. These procedures can reveal novel end-products, tissue-specific endoproteolytic cleavage events, and developmental shifts in post-translational processing schemes. A gene family that illustrates all of these processes and the advantages of combining genomics with proteomics is the opioid/orphanin gene family.
The early signs of vitamin A deficiency in albino rats

Summary 1. In a group of experimental animals, it is shown that by examination of secretions of the genitourinary tract, vitamin A deficiency may be recognized in a considerable number of instances early in its course. Diagnosis on this basis may at times be made before the cessation of growth and the appearance of ophthalmia, which are the usual criteria of diagnosis in rats. 2. The vaginal smear method may not be applicable to children, but it does prove the fact that an examination of secretions is a logical approach to diagnosis. Examinations of urine for an increase in the epithelial cells may be a valuable aid in the early recognition of the disease. Examinations should be repeated several times in order to give this test the most diagnostic value. 3. As judged by the freezing point of urine and the excretion of creatinine, there is no impairment of kidney function in the course of vitamin A deficiency.
Setting Aside the “Wise Latina?”: Postracial Myths, Paradoxes, and Performing Enculturation in the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings

Discourses of “postracialism” surfaced after the 2008 election and continue to percolate in public discussion. Yet, whiteness discourses persist in reifying centered and marginalized positions in American society through the prism of race. Through critical rhetorical analysis, this essay examines the confirmation hearings of Justice Sonia Sotomayor to argue that while celebrated for her achievements, Sotomayor is directed to “set aside” her Latina heritage. Consequently, she performs her own enculturation into the court, a stark contrast to her previous statements regarding the role of race on the bench. We offer the concepts of performative enculturation and joint improvisation as how Sotomayor utilized her hybridized identity to be confirmed.
Relative Susceptibility of Four Strains of Summer Steelhead to Infection by Ceratomyxa shasta

Abstract All the summer steelheads Salmo gairdneri from the Siletz, an Oregon coastal river in which Ceratomyxa shasta does not occur, died when they were exposed to waters containing the infectious stage of C. shasta. In contrast, three strains of summer steelhead from tributaries of the Columbia River where C. shasta is endemic were resistant to ceratomyxosis. These results, together with previous work on other species, indicate that salmonids from populations living in waters free of the infective stage of C. shasta should not be stocked in waters containing the pathogen. The resistance to this disease among strains of summer steelhead from the Columbia River is believed to be a result of natural selection. Received December 3, 1982 Accepted April 20, 1983
X-ray crystal structure of a xanthine oxidase complex with the flavonoid inhibitor quercetin.

Xanthine oxidase catalyzes the sequential hydroxylation of hypoxanthine to uric acid via xanthine as intermediate. Deposition of crystals of the catalytic product uric acid or its monosodium salt in human joints with accompanying joint inflammation is the major cause of gout. Natural flavonoids are attractive leads for rational design of preventive and therapeutic xanthine oxidase inhibitors due to their beneficial antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities in addition to their micromolar inhibitory activities toward xanthine oxidase. We determined the first complex X-ray structure of mammalian xanthine oxidase with the natural flavonoid inhibitor quercetin at 2.0 A resolution. The inhibitor adopts a single orientation with its benzopyran moiety sandwiched between Phe 914 and Phe 1009 and ring B pointing toward the solvent channel leading to the molybdenum active center. The favorable steric complementarity of the conjugated three-ring structure of quercetin with the active site and ...
Recursive least-squares problems on distributed-memory multiprocessors

Abstract We discuss implementations of block algorithms for recursive least squares (RLS for short) problems on ring distributed-memory multiprocessors. We consider the sliding rectangular window case which involves triangularization followed by updating and downdating of the data matrix. We compare several schemes for computing the current least-squares solution, including a direct back-substitution scheme and a scheme where the previous solution vector is updated to the current solution vector by adding the so-called Kalman gain vector. The techniques are implemented on a linear array of transputers and on the Intel iPSC/2 hypercube, and evaluated with respect to their execution time and numerical accuracy.
Microwave-Plasma-Coupled Re-Ignition of Methane-and-Oxygen Mixture Under Auto-Ignition Temperature

The re-ignition phenomenon is observed when fuel/oxidizer is re-introduced into an atmospheric-pressure plasma discharge generated by cutting off the gas flow in a re-entrant microwave-plasma applicator system used for plasma-assisted ignition and combustion research works. Results indicate that, for re-ignition to occur, the electric field must be strong enough to fully establish a weakly ionized and self-sustained plasma discharge, and with elevated radical concentrations. The re-ignition was possible at gas flow speeds higher than typical flame propagation rates, and temperature measurements (thermocouple and N2 emission) reveal that re-ignition occurs under auto-ignition temperatures. The high-speed imaging of the flame propagation shows that it is a two step process of initiating a fast pyrolysis flame, which, in turn, stabilizes and starts the direct coupling process of the plasma energy into the flame for full re-ignition to occur.
Effect of Cu(0) Particle Size on the Kinetics of SET-LRP in DMSO and Cu-Mediated Radical Polymerization in MeCN at 25 °C

In order to estimate the effect of Cu(0) particle size in SET-LRP, a comparative analysis of Cu(0)/Me6-TREN-catalyzed polymerization of MA initiated with methyl 2-bromopropionate at 25 °C was performed in DMSO, a solvent that mediates the disproportionation of Cu(I)X, and in MeCN, a solvent in which Cu(I)X does not disproportionate Cu(I)X. Decreasing the Cu(0) particle size results in a marked increase in the apparent rate constant of propagation (kpapp). Decreasing the Cu(0) particle size from 425 to 0.05 μm (50 nm) increases the kpapp by almost an order of magnitude. Regardless of the Cu(0) particle size used, in DMSO a perfect SET-LRP occurs with a first-order polymerization in growing species up to 100% conversion. However, in MeCN the polymerization is not first order in growing species. The results presented here demonstrate that, in addition to the disproportionation of Cu(I)X/L into Cu(0) and Cu(II)X2/L, the particle size of Cu(0) plays a strong role in the kinetics during the entire polymerization.
Increased Radiographic Contrast And Dynamic Range By Combining A Rapid Multiple Scanning Beam Device With A Wide Latitude Receptor And Digital Enhancement

The Rotating Aperture Wheel (RAW) rapid multiple scanning beam device is demonstrating marked contrast improvement in initial clinical trials. Although the RAW device is well suited to the short exposure time requirements of chest radiography, such clinical application has not as yet been attempted because the RAW's efficient scatter reduction only accentuates the inherent dynamic range problem. If a large dynamic range receptor, such as very wide latitude film or a storage phosphor, were used in combination with the RAW and the resulting images were digitally contrast enhanced, a higher signal to noise ratio could be realized across the full range of required exposure in lung, subdiaphragmatic, and mediastinal fields. We have recently begun such a study using a system combining the RAW, wide latitute film, and film digitization with scanning microdensitometer facilities for evaluating images of a chest phantom. Computer enhanced RAW images compared to those obtained using a conventional 12:1 grid show: a) no loss in feature identification in the lung field, b) better visualization of low contrast nodules as well as rib detail in the subdiaphragmatic region, and c) generally better contrast in the mediastinal region. The results clearly encourage further quantitative studies of phantoms as well as preparation for clinical application using larger image matrices.
Systematic spectroscopic-factor discrepancy in heavy-ion proton-pickup reactions on /sup 40/Ca

The differential cross sections of proton-pickup reactions on /sup 40/Ca initiated by various heavy-ion projectiles have been uniformly analyzed in a distorted-wave Born-approximation model. There appears to be a spectroscopic-factor inconsistency depending on whether an odd-odd or an even-even nucleus (projectile or ejectile) participated in the reaction.
Ethnic and geographic variations in corpus uteri cancer burden: evidence based on data from 29 states and the District of Columbia. CI5 IX, X and SEER data (1998–2010)

Purpose To assess the pattern of corpus uteri cancer (CUC) in individual states of the USA according to ethnicity.
Low temperature heat capacity of Pr(OH)3

Abstract The heat capacity of Pr(OH)3 has been measured between 0.45 and 4.2 K. A sharp peak indicates a three dimensional phase transition at 1.21 K, consistent with earlier electric susceptibility measurements. Estimates of the entropy indicate the presence of a low-lying electronic state with an energy of about 7 cm−1.
Interactions among buffelgrass, phenanthrene and phenanthrene-degrading bacteria in gnotobiotic microcosms

An experiment was undertaken in gnotobiotic microcosms to determine the role of buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and a phenanthrene-degrading bacterium (strain PM600) in the degradation of phenanthrene. The Gram-negative bacterium was identified as a Sphingomonas sp. by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and as S. paucimobilis by biochemical tests (API 20 NE strips). Its yellow pigment corresponded to nostoxanthin and its cellular fatty acids were typical of the genus Sphingomonas. Moreover, it was devoid of lipopolysaccharides. Strain PM600 was tested for growth on mineral medium supplemented with No. 2 diesel, hexadecane, mineral oil, pristane, phenanthrene, and pyrene as single carbon sources. It was capable of utilizing phenanthrene only. In the gnotobiotic microcosms silica sand was either or not supplemented with 150 mg of phenanthrene kg− 1 sand, inoculated with strain PM600, and planted to sterile young seedlings of buffelgrass. After 28 days, 67% of the reduction of the phenanthrene concentration was...
Dying for Conversion: Faith, Obedience, and the Tlaxcalan Boy Martyrs in New Spain

On 6 May 2001, at the shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Pope John Paul II announced the beatification of three young indigenous boys from the central Mexican state of Tlaxcala, calling them ‘heroi...
Coronary Computed Tomographic Angiography and Incidental Pulmonary Nodules

Incidental findings are an important topic in diagnostic imaging. Because of the comprehensive nature of computed tomography (CT) scanning, incidental findings are seemingly found on almost every CT scan performed for a wide variety of reasons in a radiology department. Many of these incidental findings such as a liver cyst are benign and immediately dismissed. Other findings require more extensive interpretation and management. In regard to coronary CT angiography (CCTA), a similar problem exists. Even though we have a primary interest in the heart, the CT scanner delivers radiation to all tissues of the chest such as the bones, lung parenchyma, and breast tissue. Extracardiac findings are reported to occur in 15% to 67% of CCTA examinations,1 and the vast majority (≈80%) represent pulmonary nodules. Article see p 668 For diagnostic radiologists, evaluation of all tissues in the x-ray path has long been the standard of care. If an x-ray of the shoulder includes the lateral lung fields, the diagnostic radiologist evaluates that portion of the lung for an infiltrate or lung mass. Similarly, for CT scanning, if the primary request is to evaluate for pulmonary embolus (pulmonary arteries) or lymphadenopathy (mediastinum), we also expect the radiologist to evaluate all tissues that are exposed to the x-ray beam, including the lungs. Cardiologists who interpret CCTA examinations may not have training that allows diagnostic evaluation of all tissues within the field of view of the x-ray beam. This results in 2 different strategies to deal with extracardiac tissues beyond the coronary arteries: 1. The CCTA images can undergo a separate evaluation by a radiologist for interpretation of extracardiac tissues. This approach requires additional time and effort that may not be fully reimbursed. Some office-based practices may not have radiology expertise available. A potential solution is to acquire sufficient training to allow …
Genetic Characterization of a Single Bifunctional Enzyme for Fumarate Reduction and Succinate Oxidation in Geobacter sulfurreducens and Engineering of Fumarate Reduction in Geobacter metallireducens

The mechanism of fumarate reduction in Geobacter sulfurreducens was investigated. The genome contained genes encoding a heterotrimeric fumarate reductase, FrdCAB, with homology to the fumarate reductase of Wolinella succinogenes and the succinate dehydrogenase of Bacillus subtilis. Mutation of the putative catalytic subunit of the enzyme resulted in a strain that lacked fumarate reductase activity and was unable to grow with fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor. The mutant strain also lacked succinate dehydrogenase activity and did not grow with acetate as the electron donor and Fe(III) as the electron acceptor. The mutant strain could grow with acetate as the electron donor and Fe(III) as the electron acceptor if fumarate was provided to alleviate the need for succinate dehydrogenase activity in the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The growth rate of the mutant strain under these conditions was faster and the cell yields were higher than for wild type grown under conditions requiring succinate dehydrogenase activity, suggesting that the succinate dehydrogenase reaction consumes energy. An orthologous frdCAB operon was present in Geobacter metallireducens, which cannot grow with fumarate as the terminal electron acceptor. When a putative dicarboxylic acid transporter from G. sulfurreducens was expressed in G. metallireducens, growth with fumarate as the sole electron acceptor was possible. These results demonstrate that, unlike previously described organisms, G. sulfurreducens and possibly G. metallireducens use the same enzyme for both fumarate reduction and succinate oxidation in vivo.
Seeing Through Organization Exploring the Constitutive Quality of Social Relations

This article reframes the relationship between people and organization to reveal the constitutive quality of social relations. Although agreeing with Karl Weick that organization emerges in interaction, the author theoretically integrates the work of Mary Parker Follett and Bowenian family systems theorists to go beyond Weick's focus on behaviors, examining instead the interpersonal dynamics thatfuel behavior According to this theoretical orientation, people exist in relationship to one another and are made different by their interdependence. The quality of their interaction thus determines the consciousness they bring to the organizing process, and with it, the nature of organization itself
Spatial Localization of the Nucleation Rate in Deeply Undercooled Liquids

In bulk metallic glass forming alloys cooled close to the critical cooling rate for glass formation, the nucleation density is observed to be spatially inhomogeneous; in an amorphous matrix there are spherical clusters with a high density of nanocrystals. This is attributed to the combined effect of recalescence due to the heat of crystallization and the fact that in deeply undercooled liquids the nucleation rate increases with increasing temperature. A linear stability analysis of the non-linear differential equations describing nucleation and growth reveals that in the early stages of crystallization, stability is determined by the temperature dependence of the nucleation rate. When the nucleation rate increases with increasing temperature, fluctuations are amplified, resulting in “hot spots” where both the nucleation rate and the growth rate are higher.
Implicit Contracts Between Regulator And Firms: The Case Of Japanese Casualty Insurance

This paper presents a dynamic model of regulatory protection. The regulator grants the industry rents in exchange for cooperation in an asymmetric information environment as part of an implicit contract enforced by a trigger strategy. At a corner-solution this contract may be stable under gradual changes of society’s preference parameter, while beyond a threshold level further changes may result in drastic deregulation. Both predictions are found to hold in the case of Ministry of Finance regulation in the Japanese casualty insurance industry.
Shoot and floral meristem maintenance in arabidopsis.

▪ Abstract The shoot apical meristem (SAM) of higher plants functions as a site of continuous organogenesis within which a small pool of pluripotent stem cells replenishes the cells incorporated into lateral organs. This article summarizes recent results demonstrating that the fate of stem cells in Arabidopsis shoot and floral meristems is controlled by overlapping spatial and temporal signaling systems. Stem cell maintenance is an active process requiring constant communication between neighboring groups of SAM cells. Information flows via a ligand-receptor signal transduction pathway, resulting in the formation of a spatial feedback loop that stabilizes the size of the stem cell population. Termination of stem cell activity during flower development is achieved by a temporal feedback loop involving both stem cell maintenance genes and flower patterning genes. These investigations are providing exciting insights into the components and activities of the stem cell regulatory pathway and into the interacti...
Housing temperature influences the pattern of heat shock protein induction in mice following mild whole body hyperthermia.

AbstractPurpose: Researchers studying the murine response to stress generally use mice housed under standard, nationally mandated conditions as controls. Few investigators are concerned whether basic physical aspects of mouse housing could be an additional source of stress, capable of influencing the subsequent impact of an experimentally applied stressor. We have recently become aware of the potential for housing conditions to impact important physiological and immunological properties in mice.Materials and methods: Here we sought to determine whether housing mice at standard temperature (ST; 22 °C) vs. thermoneutral temperature (TT; 30 °C) influences baseline expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and their typical induction following a whole body heating.Results: There were no significant differences in baseline expression of HSPs at ST and TT. However, in several cases, the induction of Hsp70, Hsp110 and Hsp90 in tissues of mice maintained at ST was greater than at TT following 6 h of heating (which...
Unsupervised learning of morphology for English and Inuktitut

We describe a simple unsupervised technique for learning morphology by identifying hubs in an automaton. For our purposes, a hub is a node in a graph with in-degree greater than one and out-degree greater than one. We create a word-trie, transform it into a minimal DFA, then identify hubs. Those hubs mark the boundary between root and suffix, achieving similar performance to more complex mixtures of techniques.
Severe Community-Onset Pneumonia in Healthy Adults Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Carrying the Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Genes

Background Recent worldwide reports of community-onset skin abscesses, outbreaks of furunculosis, and severe pneumonia associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes and the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV indicate that MRSA infections are evolving into a community-related problem. The majority of cases reported to date involve skin and soft-tissue infections, with severe pneumonia representing a relatively rare phenomenon. During a 2-month period in the winter of 2003-2004, four healthy adults presented to 1 of 2 Baltimore hospitals with severe necrotizing MRSA pneumonia in the absence of typical risk factors for MRSA infection. Methods Patients' MRSA isolates were characterized by strain typing with use of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and SCCmec typing with use of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and detection of PVL genes by PCR. Results All 4 patients' MRSA isolates carried the PVL genes and the SCCmec type IV element and belonged to the USA300 pulsed-field type. These 3 findings are among the typical characteristics of community-onset MRSA strains. In addition, 2 of our patients had concomitant influenza A diagnosed, which likely contributed to the severity of their presentation. Conclusions To our knowledge, these patients represent the first reported North American adults with severe community-onset MRSA pneumonia caused by strains carrying the PVL genes.
20 years after “The ontogeny of human memory: A cognitive neuroscience perspective,” where are we?

In 1995, Nelson published a paper describing a model of memory development during the first years of life. The current article seeks to provide an update on the original work published 20 years ago. Specifically, we review our current knowledge on the relation between the emergence of explicit memory functions throughout development and the maturation of associated brain regions. It is now well established that the brain regions subserving explicit memory functions (i.e. the hippocampal formation) are far from mature at birth, and exhibit important and gradual structural changes during childhood and beyond. Accordingly, explicit memory functions develop progressively. While some functions are present shortly after birth (formerly proposed as pre-explicit memory), others exhibit protracted developmental profiles during the first years of life. We examine the link between the emergence of different memory functions and the maturation of specific hippocampal circuits.
Posterior approach to kidney dissection: An old surgical approach for integrated medical curricula

Integrated medical curricular changes are altering the historical regional anatomy approach to abdominal dissection. The renal system is linked physiologically and biochemically to the cardiovascular and respiratory systems; yet, anatomists often approach the urinary system as part of the abdomen and pelvic regions. As part of an integrated curriculum, the renal system must be covered relatively quickly after the thorax in the cadaver laboratory, often without the opportunity to fully appreciate the rest of the abdominal contents. This article provides dissection instructions that follow one of the historical surgical approaches for nephrectomy, including preservation of the posterior abdominal wall neurovasclature. Dissection procedures were developed for first-year medical students, intending this posterior approach to the kidneys to be their first introduction to the renal system. It has been successfully implemented with the first-year medical students at the University of New England, College of Osteopathic Medicine. Utilizing this posterior approach to the kidney enabled the study of the anatomy of the kidneys, suprarenal glands, and renal vessels, as well as the muscles of the lumbar spine, while maintaining the integrity of the anterior abdominal wall and peritoneal cavity for future gastrointestinal and reproductive system-based dissections.
THE COUNTERFACTUAL CONCEPTION OF COMPENSATION

: My aim in this essay is to remove some of the rubbish that lies in the way of an appropriate understanding of rectificatory compensation, by arguing for the rejection of the counterfactual conception of compensation. Although there is a significant extent to which contemporary theorists have relied upon this idea, the counterfactual conception of compensation (CCC) is merely a popular assumption, having no positive argument in support of it. Moreover, it can make rendering compensation impossible, and absurd notions of compensation can result from its use, results that may themselves constitute injustices. This latter difficulty is most troubling when the CCC is employed in large compensatory cases like the case of rectificatory compensation for the descendants of American slaves. I want to suggest that, taken together, the difficulties with the CCC yield sufficient reason for rejecting it as an acceptable rectificatory notion.
SPADE: a social-spam analytics and detection framework

Social media such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter have become increasingly important for attracting millions of users. Consequently, spammers are increasing using such networks for propagating spam. Although existing filtering techniques such as collaborative filters and behavioral analysis filters are able to significantly reduce spam, each social network needs to build its own independent spam filter and support a spam team to keep spam prevention techniques current. To alleviate those problems, we propose a framework for spam analytics and detection which can be used across all social network sites. Specifically, the proposed framework SPADE has numerous benefits including (1) new spam detected on one social network can quickly be identified across social networks; (2) accuracy of spam detection will be improved through cross-domain classification and associative classification; (3) other techniques (such as blacklists and message shingling) can be integrated and centralized; (4) new social networks can plug into the system easily, preventing spam at an early stage. In SPADE, we present a uniform schema model to allow cross-social network integration. In this paper, we define the user, message, and web page model. Moreover, we provide an experimental study of real datasets from social networks to demonstrate the flexibility and feasibility of our framework. We extensively evaluated two major classification approaches in SPADE: cross-domain classification and associative classification. In cross-domain classification, SPADE achieved over 0.92 F-measure and over 91 % detection accuracy on web page model using Naive Bayes classifier. In associative classification, SPADE also achieved 0.89 F-measure on message model and 0.87 F-measure on user profile model, respectively. Both detection accuracies are beyond 85 %. Based on those results, our SPADE has been demonstrated to be a competitive spam detection solution to social media.
Operative Considerations in Resection of Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma

This article reviews the preoperative evaluation and operative considerations in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. The preoperative evaluation is based on the imaging evaluation of the longitudinal and radial extent of the tumour along and around the hepatic duct confluence. The use of portal vein embolization to increase the safety of extended hepatectomy and the extent of surgical resection (caudate lobe and portal vein) are discussed within the context of recently published series.
SLC polarized beam source ultra-high-vacuum design

The authors describe the design of the ultra-high vacuum system for the beam-line from the 160 kV polarized electron gun to the linac injector in the Stanford Linear Collider (SLC). The polarized electron source is a GaAS photocathode, requiring 10/sup -11/ Torr-range pressure for adequate quantum efficiency and longevity. The photocathode is illuminated by 3 ns-long laser pulses. Photocathode maintenance and improvements require occasional substitution of guns with rapid restoration of UHV conditions. Differential pumping is crucial since the pressure in the injector is more than 10 times greater than the photocathode can tolerate and since electron-stimulated gas desorption from beam loss in excess of 0.1% of the 20 nC pulses may poison the photocathode. The design for the transport line contains a differential pumping region isolated by a pair of valves. Exchange of guns requires venting only this isolated region, which can be restored to UHV rapidly by baking. The differential pumping is performed by nonevaporable getters and an ion pump. >
On the Robustness of the Left Corporatist Model of Economic Growth

Contrary to claims by Jackman, Hicks's revision of the Lange-Garrett model of 1974-1980 economic growth rates receives robust empirical support from regression analyses of Lange and Garrett's original fifteen cases. Jackman's criticisms of Hicks's (1988) "expanded" model founder once statistically appropriate procedures are used to gauge the stability of Hicks's estimates and statistical tests. Jackman's criticisms of Hick's "elementary" model come undone once the expository function of the "elementary" model is clarified and the theoretical and empirical merits of Hicks's "catch-up" specification relative to those of Jackman's "inertial" specification are elaborated. As for Jackman's two principal theoretical criticisms, that based on a majoritarian/consensus conception of government stands up poorly to an examination of the seminal text underlying that conception, while that criticism rooted in the Downsian theoretical tradition appears, at best, precariously supported by that intellectuall lineage.
Heart rate in pediatric trauma: rethink your strategy

Abstract Background The optimal heart rate (HR) for children after trauma is based on values derived at rest for a given age. As the stages of shock are based in part on HR, a better understanding of how HR varies after trauma is necessary. Admission HRs of pediatric trauma patients were analyzed to determine which ranges were associated with lowest mortality. Materials and methods The National Trauma Data Bank was used to evaluate all injured patients ages 1–14 years admitted between 2007 and 2011. Patients were stratified into eight groups based on age. Clinical characteristics and outcomes were recorded, and regression analysis was used to determine mortality odds ratios (ORs) for HR ranges within each age group. Results A total of 214,254 pediatric trauma patients met inclusion criteria. The average admission HR and systolic blood pressure were 104.7 and 120.4, respectively. Overall mortality was 0.8%. The HR range associated with lowest mortality varied across age groups and, in children ages 7–14, was narrower than accepted resting HR ranges. The lowest risk of mortality for patients ages 5–14 was captured at HR 80–99. Conclusions The HR associated with lowest mortality after pediatric trauma frequently differs from resting HR. Our data suggest that a 7y old with an HR of 115 bpm may be in stage III shock, whereas traditional HR ranges suggest that this is a normal rate for this child. Knowing when HR is critically high or low in the pediatric trauma population will better guide treatment.
Other Monogenetic Stroke Disorders

As described throughout this book, most strokes occur secondary to the interaction of multiple genes in combination with both lifestyle and environmental factors, thereby making stroke a prototypical complex disease. While this may be true for most forms of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, there are several established monogenetic disorders (i.e., transmitted via Mendelian inheritance) that may present with stroke. In some situations, stroke can be the predominant clinical feature, while in others, stroke can occur infrequently. In this chapter, we will describe such disorders focusing on clinical manifestations (Table 10.1) and then present details regarding the established genetic and diagnostic testing (Table 10.2) that are available. Given the disparate relationships between these disorders and stroke, the disorders have been classified in Tables 10.1 and 10.2 based upon their predominant etiologic mechanisms, including large arterial diseases, small vessel diseases, hematological diseases, mitochondrial diseases, and connective tissue disorders. The disorders are presented in the same order in both tables. For completeness and ease of reference, we have also included several monogenetic disorders in our tables that have dedicated chapters elsewhere in this book, including MELAS syndrome (see Chap. 8), CADASIL syndrome (see Chap. 6), and sickle cell disease (see Chap. 9).