cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
NMR as a Tool to Investigate the Processes of Mitochondrial and Cytosolic Iron-Sulfur Cluster Biosynthesis

Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters, the ubiquitous protein cofactors found in all kingdoms of life, perform a myriad of functions including nitrogen fixation, ribosome assembly, DNA repair, mitochondrial respiration, and metabolite catabolism. The biogenesis of Fe-S clusters is a multi-step process that involves the participation of many protein partners. Recent biophysical studies, involving X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), have greatly improved our understanding of these steps. In this review, after describing the biological importance of iron sulfur proteins, we focus on the contributions of NMR spectroscopy has made to our understanding of the structures, dynamics, and interactions of proteins involved in the biosynthesis of Fe-S cluster proteins.
Missed Opportunities for Screening and Surveillance of Barrett's Esophagus in Veterans with Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is the premalignant lesion of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and is the target of early detection and prevention efforts for EAC. We sought to evaluate what proportion and temporal trends of EAC patients had missed opportunities for screening and surveillance of BE. Our study included 182 patients with EAC at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas, between 02/2005 and 09/2017. We conducted a retrospective audit of patients’ medical records for any previous upper endoscopies (EGDs) for screening or surveillance of BE prior to their EAC diagnosis. The mean age of the cohort was 67.3 years (SD = 9.5); 99.5% of patients were male, and 85.2% were white. Only 45 patients (24.7%) had EGD at any time prior to the cancer diagnosing EGD, of whom 29 (15.9% of all EAC cases) had an established BE diagnosis. In the 137 patients with no prior EGD, most (63.5%) had GERD or were obese or ever smokers. There were no changes in patterns over time. For the 29 patients with prior established BE, 22 (75.8%) were diagnosed with EAC as a result of surveillance EGD. Patients with prior established BE were more likely to be diagnosed at 0 or I stage (p < 0.001) and managed with endoscopic or surgical modalities (p < 0.001) than patients without prior BE. Despite having established risk factors for BE, the majority of EAC patients had no prior EGD to screen for BE. BE screening may represent the largest missed opportunity to reduce EAC mortality.
DECONSTRUCTING DELIRIUM: RETHINKING THE ROLE OF BIOMARKERS AND DIAGNOSTIC ANOMALIES: Session 401

Abstract The DSM-5 definition for delirium relies solely on clinical criteria. Recent developments in the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer's Association (NIA-AA) research framework have challenged clinicians to reflect on their approach for major and mild neurocognitive disorders, particularly with regards to biomarkers and preclinical Alzheimer's disease. The implications of the NIA-AA research framework for delirium have not been fully explored. Given the overlap between delirium and dementia (major neurocognitive disorder), this is a crucial area of future study. Furthermore, there has been growing recognition of the clinical significance of a number of diagnostic entities that do not neatly fit within the DSM-5 criteria. These include patients who are at high risk for developing delirium, comorbid delirium and catatonia, and long-term cognitive impairment from delirium. This presentation will cover the role of biomarkers in delirium and perioperative cognitive disorders and these diagnostic anomalies. Finally, there will be audience-driven discussion on how future research can incorporate our current knowledge of delirium biomarkers into the current NIA-AA research framework, whether the discussed diagnostic anomalies should challenge clinicians to rethink the DSM-5 criteria for delirium, and how our current knowledge about biomarkers and diagnostic anomalies may change clinical practice.
Experimental Investigation of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Bat Carcasses after Collision with a Wind Turbine

Abstract. Large number of bat fatalities have been reported in wind energy facilities in different parts of the world. The wind farm regulators are required to monitor the bat fatalities by conducting carcass survey in the wind farms. Previous studies have implemented ballistic model to characterize the carcass fall zone after strike with turbine blades. Ballistic model contains the aerodynamic drag force term which is dependent upon carcass drag coefficient. The bat carcass drag coefficient is highly uncertain and of which no measurement is available. This manuscript introduces a new methodology for bat carcass drag coefficient estimation. Field investigation at Macksburg wind farm resulted in the discovery of three bat species: Eastern Red bat (Lasiurus borealis), Hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus) and Evening bat (Nycticeius humeralis). Carcass drop experiments were performed from a dropping platform at finite height and carcass position time series data was recorded using a high-speed camera. Falling carcasses were subjected to aerodynamic drag and gravitational force. Carcasses were observed to undergo rotation; often rotating around multiple axes simultaneously and lateral translation. The carcass complex fall dynamics along with drop from limited height prohibits it from attaining the terminal velocity. Under this limitation, drag coefficient can be estimated by fitting ballistic model to the measured data. A new multivariable optimization algorithm was performed to find the best-fit of the ballistic model to the measured data resulting in an optimized drag coefficient estimate. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated significant variation in drag coefficient with small a change in initial position highlighting the chaotic nature of carcass fall dynamics. Based on the limited sampling, the bat carcass drag coefficient range was found to be between 0.70–1.23.
Imaging of Abnormal Air in the Abdomen and Pelvis

The presence of abnormal air collection on an imaging study is quite often the reason as well as the solution to a diagnostic dilemma. The purpose of this review article is to develop an understanding of anatomical localization and determine etiology of abnormal air collections in the abdomen and pelvis. Abnormal air collections are commonly encountered on imaging studies on a daily basis, and this article will help familiarize the interpreting radiologist with the pathophysiology of these collections and help solve various diagnostic challenges and avoid potential pitfalls.
“It’s Not Just Us . . . We Ain’t Doin’ It Alone”: Development of the Solution-Focused Wellness for HIV Intervention for Women:

To address health disparities in HIV care for women, we developed Solution-Focused Wellness for HIV (SFWH), an evidence-based intervention that capitalizes on strengths to improve overall wellness....
Rinf Regulates Pluripotency Network Genes and Tet Enzymes in Embryonic Stem Cells.

Summary The Retinoid inducible nuclear factor (Rinf), also known as CXXC5, is a nuclear protein, but its functions in the context of the chromatin are poorly defined. We find that in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), Rinf binds to the chromatin and is enriched at promoters and enhancers of Tet1, Tet2, and pluripotency genes. The Rinf-bound regions show significant overlapping occupancy of pluripotency factors Nanog, Oct4, and Sox2, as well as Tet1 and Tet2. We found that Rinf forms a complex with Nanog, Oct4, Tet1, and Tet2 and facilitates their proper recruitment to regulatory regions of pluripotency and Tet genes in ESCs to positively regulate their transcription. Rinf deficiency in ESCs reduces expression of Rinf target genes, including several pluripotency factors and Tet enzymes, and causes aberrant differentiation. Together, our findings establish Rinf as a regulator of the pluripotency network genes and Tet enzymes in ESCs.
Bioenergetics underlying single-cell migration on aligned nanofiber scaffolds.

Cell migration is centrally involved in a myriad of physiological processes, including morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair, and metastatic growth. The bioenergetics that underlie migratory ...
Strip-planting Rhizoma Peanut into Grazing Systems

Nitrogen (N) is one of the major off-farm inputs in livestock systems, either in the form of N fertilizer or purchased feed. Fortunately, you can reduce those expenses by growing your own nitrogen using forage legumes. Rhizoma perennial peanut (RPP) is a legume adapted to the Florida environment that grows well in mixtures with bahiagrass. This 4-page fact sheet discusses varieties, establishment, weed management, grazing management, and the cost-share program. Written by Jose Dubeux, Lynn Sollenberger, Joao Vendramini, Marcelo Wallau, Ann Blount, Liza Garcia-Jimenez, Erick Santos, and David Jaramillo, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, July 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ag421
Dancing with Giants: How Small Women- and Minority-Owned Firms Use Soft Power to Manage Asymmetric Relationships with Larger Partners

We explore how minority- and women-owned suppliers lacking hard power manage asymmetric relationships with larger, more powerful buyers in the context of supplier diversity relationships. We examin...
CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF GLASS-FORMING ASYMMETRIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS: 1:2 DIPHENYLBENZENE* AND RELATED COMPOUNDS

The crystallization kinetics and morphology of 1:2 Diphenylbenzene has been studied over 75° of undercooling. The growth rate passes through a maximum at about 40°C. A faceted interface is observed, and there is a kinetic upper limit to growth. All analyses are consistent with the concept of a two-dimensional nucleation process in accord with results on other small molecules. All rate data can be fitted to a “universal” curve.
Exploring DNA Alignment-in-Memory Leveraging Emerging SOT-MRAM

In this work, we review two alternative Processing-in-Memory (PIM) accelerators based on Spin-Orbit-Torque Magnetic Random Access Memory (SOT-MRAM) to execute DNA short read alignment based on an optimized and hardware-friendly alignment algorithm. We first discuss the reconstruction of the existing sequence alignment algorithm based on BWT and FM-index such that it can be fully implemented leveraging PIM functions. We then transform SOT-MRAM array to a potential computational memory by presenting two different reconfigurable sense amplifiers to accelerate the reconstructed alignment-in-memory algorithm. The cross-layer simulation results show that such PIM platforms are able to achieve a nearly ten-fold and two-fold increases in throughput/power/area measure compared with recent ASIC and processing-in-ReRAM designs, respectively.
Supermodularity and valid inequalities for quadratic optimization with indicators.

We study the minimization of a rank-one quadratic with indicators and show that the underlying set function obtained by projecting out the continuous variables is supermodular. Although supermodular minimization is, in general, difficult, the specific set function for the rank-one quadratic can be minimized in linear time. We show that the convex hull of the epigraph of the quadratic can be obtaining from inequalities for the underlying supermodular set function by lifting them into nonlinear inequalities in the original space of variables. Explicit forms of the convex-hull description are given, both in the original space of variables and in an extended formulation via conic quadratic-representable inequalities, along with a polynomial separation algorithm. Computational experiments indicate that the lifted supermodular inequalities in conic quadratic form are quite effective in reducing the integrality gap for quadratic optimization with indicators.
No Longer out of Reach: Blended Competency-Based College Models for Accelerating Higher Education for Refugee Students

Higher education offers a pathway to gain or recuperate professional credentials, particularly after experiencing forced displacement. Yet only 1% of refugees pursue postsecondary studies due, in part, to numerous obstacles on that path to college. The purpose of this study was to understand how a competency-based college program facilitates access to college for students from refugee backgrounds. This paper details the findings from a qualitative case study with refugee-background students enrolled in a college program that combines a competency-based model with in-person support. Using the ecological model of college readiness, we found that refugee students benefited from a combination of the project-based program format coupled with in-person support.
Nanotechnology in Chemical Industry

Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular scale. Integrating chemistry and materials science, Nanotechnology is emerging as a primary driver of technology, delivering significant impacts in many areas of society. Nanotechnology is now used in chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. This paper provides a brief introduction to the use of nanotechnology in the chemicals industry.
Neonatal right mini thoracotomy for repair of critical pulmonary stenosis

Over the last few decades, due to evolving surgical techniques and medical management, there has been a significant decrease in the rate of mortality and complications for neonates born with critic...
Twisted Bilayer Dielectric Photonic Crystal Slabs

We design twisted bilayer photonic crystal slabs that introduce Moire flat-bands and localized modes. The flat-bands have a quality factor of 106 and a high density-of-states of 0.967 THz−1μm−2.
DESARROLLO INTRAMARSUPIAL DE BRAGA PATAGONICA SCHIODT & MEINERT, 1884 (ISOPODA: CYMOTHOIDAE)

Las etapas de desarrollo intramarsupiales de Braga patagonica Schiodt & Meinert, 1884 colectadas de peces en un lago de planicie amazonica, fueron indagadas. Las hembras gravidas fueron seleccionadas de acuerdo a su etapa de gestacion. Sus huevos, embriones y larvas fueron medidos y dibujados. Seis estadios intramarsupiales fueron identificados, a saber, la masa de huevo, el huevo, la diferenciacion de embriones I, diferenciacion de embriones II, larva Pullus I, larva Pullus II mas uno Manca III post- marsupial infecciosa nadadora libre.
Contribution of Bidirectional Transcellular Routes to Lipoxin Biosynthesis

Cell-cell interactions can trigger the transcellular metabolism of lipoxygenase (LO)-derived products (1). Thus, transcellular eicosanoid biosynthesis may not only serve to amplify the levels of eicosanoids within a local milieu but are likely to lead to the generation of novel bioactive products in complex tissues in vivo. Along these lines, studies with human platelets and leukocytes coincubated in vitro have revealed several models of transcellular eicosanoid biosynthesis (1–5). Human platelets, for example, a cell type rich in 12-lipoxygenase activity, have been shown to generate both the peptidoleukotrienes (5) and lipoxins (2, 6) from leukocyte-derived leukotriene A4 (LTA4). The lipoxins (LX: lipoxygenase interaction products) contain a conjugated tetraene structure and display a spectrum of bioactions that distinguish this series from other bioactive products derived from arachidonate (see refs. 7 and 8 for recent reviews).
Effects of Hemorrhagic and Catecholamine Shock on Canine Forelimb Transcapillary Fluid Fluxes and Segmental Vascular Resistances

Although the literature on transvascular fluid movement in shock is conflicting, considerable evidence suggests that filtration of fluid from blood to tissue in hemorrhagic and catecholamine shock may be an important determinant in the development of irreversibility [Haddy, Overbeck, and Daugherty (1968); Bloch, Pierce, and Lillehei (1966); Chien (1967)]. This conclusion regarding filtration of intravascular fluid is based largely on measurements of blood volume with dilution techniques and/or hematocrit, and plasma protein determinations in dogs. However, in primates including man the available evidence, while sparse, suggests that hypovolemic shock is associated with hemodilution due to continuous fluid reabsorption [Chien (1967)]. If this apparent discrepancy between dog and man is true it would appear that the dog is a poor shock model. It is generally agreed that in the dog filtration of fluid does occur in the intestine. However, Porciuncula and Crowell (1963) and Smith, Crowell, Moran, and Smith (1967) reported that the volume of fluid lost via the intestinal route in dogs is relatively small, and that atropine administration prevents the hemorrhagic enteritis but has little effect on survival rate or time and on the hemodynamics of the shock state. This intestinal fluid loss appears to be a pecularity to dogs only for it does not occur in primates. Dilution measurements of blood volume may be misleading in states associated with profound vasoconstriction because of inadequate mixing of tracer substances. While the changes in hematocrit and plasma protein concentrations in dogs are compatable with transvascular fluid loss, no light is shed on the mechanism of their occurrence. For example, the dog has a large spleen and contraction of this organ will itself increase hematocrit significantly. Finally other investigators employing dilution techniques in dogs have failed to observe progressive blood volume loss [Chien (1967)]. Mellander and Lewis (1963) and Lundgren, Lundwall, and Mellander (1964) reported that in cats (utilizing organ volume as an index of transvascular fluid fluxes), hemorrhage is associated with fluid filtration in skeletal muscle. However, the question arises as to whether this is simply another species peculiarity. With this is mind we began a systemic study of the direction and possible mechanism of transcapillary fluid movement in the dog utilizing a gravimetric technique. The forelimb was selected as the test organ because it contains skin and skeletal muscle which compromises over 60 percent of body weight. Hence, transvascular fluid movement in these tissues, if representative of all skin and skeletal muscle, must be of paramount importance in shock states initially as a compensatory attempt to restore blood volume (reabsorption) and possibly later in the development of the irreversible shock state (filtration). This paper summarizes our work on transvascular fluid movement and segmental vascular resistances in hemorrhagic and catecholamine shock.
Exchangeable arbitrator behavior

Abstract A theoretical model developed in this paper seeks to compare the optimal conventional arbitration awards of arbitrators deliberately seeking to replicate the behavior of past arbitrators with those who do not. The implications suggest that the optimal awards under both strategies will be the same.
Dairy consumption and pre-school, school-age and adolescent obesity in developed countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary Childhood obesity, the primary health problem affecting children in developed countries, has been attributed in part to changes in dietary patterns. Secular trends suggest a decrease in childhood dairy consumption coinciding with the rise in obesity prevalence. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to consider evidence of associations between dairy intake and adiposity in pre-schoolers, school-age children and adolescents in developed countries. Of 36 studies included in the systematic review, sufficient data for effect size estimation and inclusion in the meta-analysis were obtained from 22 studies. No significant association was found between dairy intake and adiposity in the aggregated data, although statistical heterogeneity was high (I2 = 0.72). Among adolescents, however, dairy intake was inversely associated with adiposity (effect size −0.26, [−0.38, −0.14], P < 0.0001). Effect size was not predicted by exposure variable (milk vs. dairy), study design, statistical methods, outcome variables or sex. Interpretation of results was complicated by variability in study methods and insufficient adjustment for relevant confounders, particularly dietary reporting accuracy, sweetened beverage intake and pubertal development. Despite limitations, available data suggest a neutral effect of dairy intake on adiposity during early and middle childhood and a modestly protective effect in adolescence.
Mechanical behavior of sea ice

This review deals with properties of sea ice that are relevant to mechanical behavior on a fairly small scale. The main concern is with polycrystalline ice that is more or less intact. This sets the lower limit of scale not far below 0.1 m, and the upper limit around 10 m. However, the discussion is extended to cover the behavior of fragmented ice over broader areas. The latter discussion is intended to bridge the gap between this review, which relates to small-scale natural processes and engineering problems, and companion reviews, which deal with the mechanics of sea ice over very large areas.
Cocrystalline Solids of Telaprevir with Enhanced Oral Absorption

A combination of coformer screening and modeling, followed by characterization using calorimetry, structure elucidation, and solubility led to the identification of novel crystalline forms of the hepatitis C protease inhibitor, telaprevir. The lead crystalline form, a cocrystalline solid of telaprevir with 4-aminosalycilic acid, was identified among the list of possible cocrystals via modeling and confirmed by initial screening. It displayed the most significant aqueous solubility improvement over the neat crystalline form. Enhancement of in vivo performance was further demonstrated: a 10-fold increase in bioavailability was achieved for the cocrystal in comparison to the neat nanocrystalline telaprevir and it was found to be not statistically different from the lead amorphous spray-dried formulation.
Viewpoint: Replication in economics

This examination of the role and potential for replication in economics points out the paucity of both pure replication - checking on others' published papers using their data - and scientific replication - using data representing different populations in one's own work or in a comment. Several controversies in empirical economics are used to illustrate how and how not to behave when replicating others' work. The incentives for replication are examined, and proposals aimed at journal editors and authors are advanced that might stimulate an activity that most economists applaud but few perform.
Optimization of Contrast-to-Tissue Ratio Through Pulse Windowing in Dual-Frequency "Acoustic Angiography" Imaging.

Abstract Early-stage tumors in many cancers are characterized by vascular remodeling, indicative of transformations in cell function. We have previously presented a high-resolution ultrasound imaging approach to detecting these changes that is based on microbubble contrast agents. In this technique, images are formed from only the higher harmonics of microbubble contrast agents, producing images of vasculature alone with 100- to 200-μm resolution. In this study, shaped transmit pulses were used to image the higher broadband harmonic echoes of microbubble contrast agents, and the effects of varying pulse window and phasing on microbubble and tissue harmonic echoes were evaluated using a dual-frequency transducer in vitro and in vivo . An increase in the contrast-to-tissue ratio of 6.8 ± 2.3 dB was observed in vitro using an inverted pulse with a cosine window relative to a non-inverted pulse with a rectangular window. The increase in mean image intensity resulting from contrast enhancement in vivo in five rodents was 13.9 ± 3.0 dB greater for an inverted cosine-windowed pulse and 17.8 ± 3.6 dB greater for a non-inverted Gaussian-windowed pulse relative to a non-inverted pulse with a rectangular window. Implications for pre-clinical and diagnostic imaging are discussed.
Solving combinatorial problems: the 15-puzzle.

We present a series of experiments in which human subjects were tested with a well-known combinatorial problem called the15-puzzle and in different-sized variants of this puzzle. Subjects can solve these puzzles reliably by systematically building a solution path, without performing much search and without using distances among the states of the problem. The computational complexity of the underlying mental mechanisms is very low. We formulated a computational model of the underlying cognitive processes on the basis of our results. This model applied a pyramid algorithm to individual stages of each problem. The model’s performance proved to be quite similar to the subjects’ performance. Partial support for this research was provided by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
Studies on the specificity of acetylaminoacyl- peptide hydrolase

In a continuing attempt to explore the types of specificity determinants that may affect protein-protein (peptide) interactions, a number of short (2-5 residues) acetylated peptides have been compared as substrates for the enzyme acetylaminoacyl-peptide hydrolase (EC 3.4.19.1). The reference substrate was Ac-AAAA, and most of the other substrates were derived from this basic structure by single amino acid substitutions. The Km and kcat for the different substrates were determined by standard steady-state kinetics, and the corresponding delta delta GT++ value derived from kcat/Km was used for the comparison, setting delta detal GT++ for Ac-AAAA equal to 0. The best substrates were found to be those containing negative charges (Asp > Glu) or aromatic residues in positions 1', 2', or 3' (delta delta GT++ values of 2-5 kJ); the negative charge provided by the C-terminus of the substrate also appears to be important, since the amide and O-Me ester derivatives caused a change in delta delta GT++ values of -7 to -8 kJ from the reference peptide. The stimulating effect of the negative charges is consistent with the inhibitory effect of positive charges in similar peptides (Krishna RG, Wold F, 1992, Protein Sci 1:582-589), and the proposed active site model incorporates subsites for both charge-charge and hydrophobic interactions. In assessing all the data, it is clear that the properties of the individual substrates reflect the total make-up of each peptide and not only the effect of a single residue in a given position.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Calvin and Natural Rights

This article applauds the recent rise of scholarly attention to studying the relation of religion to natural rights in general and Calvinism in particular. Against the strong belief in some quarters that appeals to nature, including the idea of rights, do not play a significant role in Calvin's thought, the article concurs with recent (and some not so recent) work to the contrary, arguing that such appeals do occupy an important, if ambiguous, place for Calvin. However, the article resists explaining the variations in his thought as the result of changing interpretations over time. Rather, it is contended that these matters were a source of tension throughout Calvin's career. He struggled not so much with the question of the natural knowledge of rights, but of the ability to choose to act on that knowledge. In conclusion, the article hints that Calvin's ambivalence on this issue sowed the seeds for significant divergence among his descendants.
Innovative contract incentive features for construction

Incentive plans used by owners and contractors can be valuable contract administration tools to enhance project success. This article outlines many of the strategic choices available for designing and administering incentivized construction contracts. The project conditions that facilitate use of particular features and some of the pitJalls associated with each are also discussed. Cost effectiveness of incentive plans is also estimated, based on empirical experience from a number of plans. The importance of owner sincerity is stressed, as is the indirect impact on project perjormance because of more disciplined use of project control systems.
The stereochemistry of reduced proaporphines

Abstract Controlled catalytic hydrogenation of the proaporphine (+)-stepharine ( 1 ) proceeded by preferential approach of the catalyst from the side opposite H-6a to provide (+)-8,9-dihydrostepharine ( 3 ), accompanied by smaller amounts of (-)-11,12-dihydrostepharine ( 4 ) and (+)-tetrahydrostepharine ( 5 ). NaBH 4 reduction of 5 led to (+)-α- and (+)- β-hexahydrostepharine ( 6 and 7 ). Complete spectral and optical data were obtained for all reduction products, thus supplying reliable standards for the characterization of reduced proaporphine alkaloids.
Prevalence and Correlates of Alcohol Use in a Survey of Rural Elementary School Students: The New Hampshire Study

Alcohol use by 1190 fourth, fifth and sixth grade students was assessed in a survey of four rural New Hampshire school districts. Half the students surveyed (596) drank, but not regularly; 5 percent (59) were regular drinkers, and an additional 2 percent (19) were regular drinkers and had been drunk at least once. Reported alcohol use increased with both grade and age, and males drank more than females. The child's attitude toward drinking, perceived family attitudes towards drinking, the number of drinking friends, and self-perceived wrongdoing by the child were four factors strongly related to alcohol use. Increased alcohol use was also associated with experimental and current use of cigarettes, marijuana, and smokeless tobacco. Language: en
Species-Specific Regions of Occludin Required by Hepatitis C Virus for Cell Entry

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. As HCV infects only human and chimpanzee cells, antiviral therapy and vaccine development have been hampered by the lack of a convenient small-animal model. In this study we further investigate how the species tropism of HCV is modulated at the level of cell entry. It has been previously determined that the tight junction protein occludin (OCLN) is essential for HCV host cell entry and that human OCLN is more efficient than the mouse ortholog at mediating HCV cell entry. To further investigate the relationship between OCLN sequence and HCV species tropism, we compared OCLN proteins from a range of species for their ability to mediate infection of naturally OCLN-deficient 786-O cells with lentiviral pseudoparticles bearing the HCV glycoproteins. While primate sequences function equivalently to human OCLN, canine, hamster, and rat OCLN had intermediate activities, and guinea pig OCLN was completely nonfunctional. Through analysis of chimeras between these OCLN proteins and alanine scanning mutagenesis of the extracellular domains of OCLN, we identified the second half of the second extracellular loop (EC2) and specific amino acids within this domain to be critical for modulating the HCV cell entry factor activity of this protein. Furthermore, this critical region of EC2 is flanked by two conserved cysteine residues that are essential for HCV cell entry, suggesting that a subdomain of EC2 may be defined by a disulfide bond.
Inhibition of the erbB-2 Tyrosine Kinase Receptor in Breast Cancer Cells by Phosphoromonothioate and Phosphorodithioate Antisense Oligonucleotides

Antisense activity against erbB-2 of a variety of sulfur-modified oligonucleotides was examined in a breast cancer cell line which overexpresses this oncogene. Using a 15 base anti-erbB-2 sequence previously shown to be effective, various backbone configurations containing phosphoromonothioate or phosphorodithioate linkages were evaluated for antisense activity by a two-color flow cytometric assay. This sequence was effective in inhibiting the production of erbB-2 protein when it was configured as a monothioate at each linkage and as an alternating dithioate/phosphodiester. Both of these compounds were also able to specifically inhibit erbB-2 mRNA expression, indicative of RNase H-mediated activity. The same sequence protected by either three dithioate or three monothioate linkages at each end was ineffective as an antisense reagent, suggesting that endonuclease activity is a significant determinant of the stability of oligonucleotides. Finally, the erbB-2 sequence target was shifted in an effort to improve antisense activity. A new lead sequence was identified that was significantly more effective in inhibiting erbB-2 protein levels and retained activity at lower concentrations.
Decision theory model of the emergency medical triage process

The major objective of this research project was to apply the scientific discipline of decision-making to the problem of identifying the appropriate receiving hospital for persons injured in accidents. This problem, which is usually referred to as the prehospital triage process, is enormously important in terms of maximizing the critically injured patient's chances for survival. The long term objective of this research program, for which this project was a pilot study, is to develop an interactive computer system to support decisions regarding triage of patients at the scene of medical emergencies. The completed system will offer guidance to the paramedic in deciding whether to transport the emergency victim to the nearest hospital for stabilization and further evaluation or directly to the hospital best equipped to deal with the specific conditions of the victim.
Effect of orbital angular momentum on valence-quark helicity distributions.

We study the quark helicity distributions at large $x$ in perturbative QCD, taking into account contributions from the valence Fock states of the nucleon which have nonzero orbital angular momentum. We find that the quark orbital angular momentum contributes a large logarithm to the negative helicity quark distributions in addition to its power behavior, scaling as $(1\ensuremath{-}x{)}^{5}{log﻿}^{2}(1\ensuremath{-}x)$ in the limit of $x\ensuremath{\rightarrow}1$. Our analysis shows that the ratio of the polarized over unpolarized down quark distributions, $\ensuremath{\Delta}d/d$, will still approach 1 in this limit. By comparing with the experimental data, we find that this ratio should cross zero at $x\ensuremath{\approx}0.75$.
Metabolism and pharmacokinetics of a single oral dose of O-4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl O-methyl phenylphosphonothiaote (leptophos) in hens

Abstract The metabolism and pharmacokinetics of a subneurotoxic dose of leptophos were determined in laying hens following a single oral dose of 50 mg/kg (0.9 μCi/hen) of [phenyl 14 C]leptophos ( O -4-bromo-2,5-dichlorophenyl O -methyl [ 14 C]phenylphosphonothioate). This study adds confirmatory evidence to the hypothesis that species selectivity for delayed neurotoxicity is related to interspecies differences in pharmacokinetics and metabolism. Oral leptophos was metabolized and excreted slowly in hens. The major portion of the radioactivity (86.5%) was excreted during the 20-day experiment. Significant amounts of the dose were deposited in egg albumen and yolk—3.4 and 2.5%, respectively. Only 1.3% was excreted in expired CO 2 . Radioactivity in tissues reached a peak of 14.6% of the dose 12 hr after administration; radioactivity decreased to 6.2% after 20 days (42.6% of peak value). The highest 14 C concentration was present in the bile, followed by the gall bladder, kidney, adipose tissue, and liver. Brain, spinal cord, and sciatic nerve, which are affected by the neurotoxicity of leptophos, had smaller but constant concentrations throughout the experiment. Following the oral administration of [ 14 C]leptophos the change in the 14 C body burden with time was biexponential. The physiological disposition of leptophos may therefore be defined in terms of a two-compartment open-system model. Radioactivity was excreted at a slow rate, β value of 0.05 day −1 , corresponding to a half-life of 12.0 days. Leptophos was the only compound identified in nerve tissues, muscle, fat, and blood. Most of the radioactive substances in the excreta and liver were identified as unchanged leptophos with minor amounts of polar metabolites. The metabolic fate of leptophos can be explained on the basis of its physical properties of lipid solubility and tissue binding, and the predominant biliary secretion and gastrointestinal excretion of the compound.
Evaluation of recycled wastewater for dairy flush systems

Abstract A dairy holding lot was divided into sub-lots, one of which was flushed with recycled dairy lagoon wastewater from the third cell and the other flushed with domestic water. The sub-lots were sampled at 7 am and 11 am on each of two consecutive days in July and September. Samples were tested for total plate count (TPC), total coliform (TC), fecal coliform (FC), fecal streptococcus (FS), Salmonella, Shigella, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus (S) and other streptococci. Analyses of log-transformed data showed no difference in TPC, TC or S between water sources. A similar trend was seen for FS and other streptococci. There was a marked reduction in TPC and S after 4 h of exposure to sunlight but there was no difference in TC. Swabs of cows' teats showed no difference for TPC, TC, FS, S or other streptococci between water sources. Recycled third-cell wastewater did not increase enteric indicator organisms or add other potential pathogens to the feedlot environment.
Care coordination to enhance management of long-term enteral tube feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis was completed to summarize care delivery models that used care coordination and/or team approach methods in the management of patients requiring long-term enteral tube feeding. Our aim was to evaluate team composition, implementation strategies, and the effectiveness of these methods. Methods: We conducted a broad search of 7 databases from inception to May 2012, cross-referenced clinical reviews and medical guidelines, and consulted clinical experts. Independent reviewers screened eligible studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Results: Fifteen studies enrolling 2145 patients were included in this review. The studies described multidisciplinary teams composed of primary care physicians, specialists, nurses, dietitians, and language or speech specialists. Patients and their families/caregivers were also an important part of the care team. The interventions were multifaceted and employed multiple simultaneous strategies that particularly inclu...
Apolipoprotein A-I lysine modification: effects on helical content, lipid binding and cholesterol acceptor activity.

Abstract We examined the role of the positively charged lysine residues in apoAI by chemical modification. Lysine modification by reductive methylation did not alter apoAI's net charge, secondary or tertiary structure as observed by circular dichroism and trytophan fluorescence, respectively, or have much impact on lipid binding or ABCA1-dependent cholesterol acceptor activity. Acetylation of lysine residues lowered the isoelectric point of apoAI, altered its secondary and tertiary structure, and led to a 40% decrease in cholesterol acceptor activity, while maintaining 93% of its lipid binding activity. Exhaustive lysine acetoacetylation lowered apoAI's isoelectric point, profoundly disrupted its secondary and tertiary structure, and led to 90% and 82% reductions in cholesterol acceptor and lipid binding activities, respectively. The dose-dependent acetoacetylation of an increasing proportion of apoAI lysine residues demonstrated that cholesterol acceptor activity was more sensitive to this modification than lipid binding activity, suggesting that apoAI lysine positive charges play an important role in ABCA1 mediated lipid efflux beyond the role needed to maintain α-helical content and lipid binding activity.
Delayed hemorrhage after cervical conization unmasking severe Factor XI deficiency

Background Factor XI deficiency, a rare bleeding disorder found most commonly in patients of Ashkenazi Jewish background, may be present in patients with a history of abnormal bleeding after elective surgery. Case A patient of Ashkenazi Jewish descent presented 12 days after cervical conization for adenocarcinoma in situ with severe vaginal bleeding requiring multiple transfusions and uterine artery embolization. After a thorough workup, a severe factor XI deficiency was found. The patient ultimately required modified radical hysterectomy for treatment of early cervical cancer. With appropriate perioperative management, the patient underwent abdominal surgery without further bleeding complications. Conclusion Factor XI deficiency can present with severe bleeding episodes after elective surgery. Adequate preoperative assessment and perioperative management are necessary to prevent bleeding complications in these patients.
Derivative corrections for quadrature formulas

In this paper, we develop corrected quadrature formulas by approximating the derivatives of the integrand that appear in the asymptotic error expansion of the quadrature, using only the function values in the original quadrature rule. A higher order convergence is achieved without computing additional function values of the integrand.
Work values: An integrative framework and illustrative application to organizational socialization

This article examines the work values and ethics literatures with the goal of integrating these diverse and independent research streams. The vocational behaviour literature and the management and organizational behaviour literature on work values, the Protestant Work Ethic construct, and business ethics theory are first reviewed and discussed, demonstrating how insights from these diverse research areas can inform each other. I propose a comprehensive definition of work values and a structural framework that reflects the central elements of the construct and reduces confusion over its conceptual boundaries. The framework consists of a two-by-two dimensional structure, with one continuum ranging from personal to social consensus-type values, and the other axis corresponding to moral versus preference values. The contents of each resulting quadrant and the relationships between quadrants are examined. Implications of this proposed structure for organizational socialization are discussed to illustrate its potential application.
Washington's Yard Sales: Women's Work, But Not for the Money

THIS PAPER EXPLORES the reasons for the proliferation of yard sales in middleclass areas of Washington. The hypothesis that these sales should be regarded as more than an economic activity was confirmed. The sales are seen as a satisfying means of providing a social arena where the business of buying and selling is integrated into an occasion of social interaction. Women are the major actors, both as sellers and buyers, and this is explained as satisfying social bonding goals not as readily available to them as to men. [yard sales, urban sociability, companionship, women's work]
Smoking, respiratory symptoms, and pulmonary function among a population of Hispanic farmworkers.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in the agricultural Central Valley to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, smoking status, and pulmonary function in Hispanic California farmworkers. Of 759 farmworkers completing questionnaires and spirometry, 747 were Hispanic. The prevalences of current, former, and never smokers (29, 17, and 54 percent, respectively) were comparable to rates in other studies of Hispanics, but daily cigarette consumption (median-five for men and three for women) was lower than in comparison populations. Prevalences of chronic cough, chronic phlegm, and persistent wheeze were low (1.6, 5.1, and 2.8 percent, respectively). Current smoking, increased age, female sex, and working ≥8 months per year in agriculture were associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Adjusted lung function was higher than for reference populations. Hispanic California farmworkers have a similar smoking prevalence to other Hispanic populations, but lower respiratory symptom prevalences and higher pulmonary function are consistent with lower daily cigarette consumption and the “healthy worker effect.”
Kinetics of the Microbial Reductive Dechlorination of Pentachloroaniline

The microbial reductive dechlorination kinetics of pentachloroaniline (PCA) and less chlorinated anilines (CAs) were investigated with a mixed, fermentative/methanogenic culture. Batch dechlorination assays were performed with all available CAs at an initial concentration of 3 μM, and an incubation temperature of 22 °C. Dechlorination of PCA, two tetrachloroanilines (2,3,4,5- and 2,3,5,6-TeCA), five trichloroanilines (2,3,4-, 2,3,5-, 2,4,5-, 2,4,6-, and 3,4,5-TrCA), and one dichloroaniline (3,5-DCA; low extent) was observed but none of the five remaining dichloroanilines and three monochloroanilines were dechlorinated by the enrichment culture during batch assays. The dechlorination rates (k‘) and half-saturation coefficients (KC) were measured using nonlinear regression based on the integrated Michaelis−Menten equation under conditions of electron donor saturation and assuming constant biomass concentration over the relatively short batch incubation period. At an initial concentration of CAs of about 3 μ...
RAPID BACTERIAL‐BASED BIOASSAYS FOR QUANTIFYING METHIONINE BIOAVAILABILITY IN ANIMAL FEEDS: A REVIEW

Animal and digestibility assays are the current method to quantitate methionine bioavailability. However, in addition to the costs, the variability and the time response can be hindered by a variety of factors. Ultimately, there is considerable need to develop and to optimize rapid, inexpensive in vitro assays to accurately and consistently measure the amount of digestible methionine that exists in feeds and to correlate them with in vivo assays. Attaining these objectives will allow for an inexpensive and rapid methionine assessment and will ultimately enable a timely assessment of the nutritional profiles of feedstuffs.
Orbiting stellar interferometer for astrometry and imaging.

The orbiting stellar interferometer (OSI) is a concept for a first-generation space interferometer with astrometric and imaging goals. The OSI is a triple Michelson interferometer with articulating siderostats and optical delay lines. Two point designs for the instrument are described. The 18-m design uses an 18-m maximum baseline and aperture diameters of 40 cm; the targeted astrometric performance is a wide-field accuracy of 10 microarsec for 16-mag objects in 100 s of integration time and for 20-mag objects in 1 h. The instrument would also be capable of synthesis imaging with a resolution of 5 marcsec, which corresponds to the diffraction limit of the 18-m base line. The design uses a deployed structure, which would fold to fit into an Atlas IIAS shroud, for insertion into a 900-km sun-synchronous orbit. In addition to the 18-m point design, a 7-m point design that uses a shorter base line in order to simplify deployment is also discussed. OSI's high performance is made possible by utilizing laser metrology and controlled-optics technology.
Rethinking Resistance: The Queer Play of the Women’s National Basketball Association, Visibility Politics and Late Capitalism

Abstract This article employs the methodology of contextual cultural studies to explore the protest strategies of ‘Lesbians for Liberty’, a group of fans who staged a ‘kiss‐in’ during every time‐out of a nationally televised game between the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) New York Liberty and Miami Sol. Designed as a way to challenge homophobia and lesbian invisibility sanctioned by the New York Liberty management, this article suggests the fans’ kissing activism promotes visibility and single‐issue identity politics as strategies for change. While the fans’ actions make lesbian bodies intelligible in a sporting and leisure space that too frequently imagines heteronormativity, a closer analysis reveals the rhetoric of Lesbians for Liberty and the WNBA’s marketing strategies are both complicit with ideologies and shifting processes characteristic of late capitalist profit‐enhancing practices. This article concludes by offering a discussion of queer and feminist writings that attempt to ag...