cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Control of cell fate in C. elegans by a GLP-1 peptide consisting primarily of ankyrin repeats

THE homologous proteins GLP-1 and LIN-12 are required for cell interactions during nematode development1–5. glp-1 and lin-12 are members of a gene family that includes Drosophila Notch and several vertebrate homologues6. The members of this family have a single transmembrane domain and a similar arrangement of repeated amino-acid motifs (see Fig. 1). The mechanism by which proteins in this family function is not understood. One hypothesis is that these proteins are receptors, each with an extracellular domain that binds a ligand and an intracellular domain that influences the activity of downstream cell fate regulators. Here we report that a region of the GLP-1 intracellular domain, consisting primarily of six ankyrin repeats, is sufficient to direct cell fate. The cell fate transformations seen are similar to transformations caused by gain-of-function mutations in either glp-1 or lin-12 and do not rely on endogenous lin-12 or glp-1 activity. We propose that the ankyrin repeat region of GLP-1 is responsible for controlling downstream regulators of cell fate.
Toll signaling: RIPping off the TNF pathway.

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) use multiple downstream signaling pathways. New data suggest that components of the tumor necrosis factor receptor signaling pathway are involved in signal transduction by certain TLR family members.
Interchain polaron tunneling in trans-polyacetylene

The tunneling of a polaron between two chains of polyacetylene chains due to harmonic phonons is studied within the adiabatic approximation. The Franck-Condon factor for the tunneling is calculated to be 0.1, yielding a perpendicular polaron bandwidth of $(0.1)4{t}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}\ensuremath{\sim}0.03$ eV. The quantum correction to the polaron energy, $\ensuremath{\delta}{E}_{P}$, is found to be $\ensuremath{\delta}{E}_{P}\ensuremath{\sim}\ensuremath{-}\frac{{E}_{P}}{6}$, where ${E}_{P}=0.6$ eV is the energy of the polaron.
Chemistry of the crater lake during the 1971–1972 Soufrière eruption

Abstract During the 1971–1972 eruption of Soufriere volcano on St. Vincent Island, a lava mass was extruded subaqueously in the crater lake. An investigation of the chemistry of the lake indicates that over 50,000 tons of dissolved solids were taken into solution during the eruption, in addition to 9000 tons of iron precipitated as ferric oxide in syngenetic metalliferous sediments on the crater floor. Leaching of hot disintegrating lava and volcanic glass is the principal source of cations dissolved in the lake (Na, Ca, Mg, Si and K), whereas chlorine and sulfur were introduced during injection of acid volcanic gases from the submerged lava mass. Concentrations of the common cations in the lake are not affected by mineral solubility, except in the case of Fe3+, but rather by the rate of leaching, evaporation, and water-rock reactions. Variations in Cl/Na, total Cl and acidity have aided in identification of distinct fumarolic phases during the eruption, which may correlate with observed increase in frequency of minor volcanic tremors in the crater. Accumulation of ferric oxide in sediments on the crater floor is thought to be due to leaching of ferrous iron at high temperature from the lava mass, followed by oxidation and precipitation of hematite in the cooler lake.
Gallium arsenide-phosphide: Crystal, diffusion and laser properties

Abstract Crystal growth, diffusion, and fabrication conditions which yield Ga(AsP) junction lasers with threshold current densities as low as 3000 A/cm2 are described. A slow vapour transport method of crystal growth results in uniform quality material, while deep junctions diffused under excess As vapour pressure are adequately planar. A study of Zn diffusion into n-type Ga(As1−xPx) shows that p-n junction depths depend on the usual diffusion parameters and significantly on the crystal composition of Ga(As1−xPx) and the surface preparation of the wafers prior to diffusion. Zinc diffusion occurs via simultaneous interstitial and substitutional mechanisms with the interstitial mechanism predominating in degenerately-doped n-type material. A linearly increasing activation energy with increasing GaP composition is suggested. Radiative recombination in Ga(AsP) junction lasers which is found to occur on the p side of the junction results from electron transitions from smeared conduction band states to Zn acceptor states. Laser threshold current is found to decrease with increasing depletion region width and reverse breakdown voltage. Successful laser operation at temperatures up to 255°K is reported, with threshold currents for Ga(As0.70P0.30) following approximately a T3 temperature dependence in the range between 100 and 200°K. The shift in emission energy in this range is approximately 3.1 × 10−4 eV/°K. Variation of index of refraction with wavelength is calculated from the spacing of Fabry-Perot modes in laser spectra and yields a value of d n d λ ≈ −1.6 × 10 −4 / A . For Ga(As1−xPx) with x > 0.33, the proximity of the indirect 〈100〉 conduction band minima to the direct [000] minimum causes relatively deep donor states associated with the 〈100〉 minima to lie near or below the direct band edge, which in turn at reduced temperature leads to carrier freeze-out and increased threshold currents. Consistent with the donor ionization energies observed in GaP, the effective direct-indirect transition in Ga(As1−xPx) is shown to occur at a value of x less for the deeper donor S than that for the shallower donor Te. The peculiarities of the direct-indirect transition are used to estimate the position of the indirect donor levels of Te, Se, and S in Ga(AsP).
A possible difficulty with a nanoflare-heated corona

Spectral line profiles associated with the nanoflare model of coronal heating are computed. It is shown that the reconnection jets associated with this heating model lead to Doppler shifts or line broadening of coronal spectral lines in excess of those observed. Some possible resolutions of the problem are suggested.
RF characterisation of fully depleted SOI MOSFET with Si substrate removed

Silicon-on-insulator MOSFETs with Si substrate completely removed were characterised. The removal of the substrate, resulting in a 4.8 µm of wafer thickness, significantly reduced parasitic capacitance while retaining the device RF performance. This experiment demonstrates that RF circuits can be incorporated in a new three-dimensional integration technology.
Yemen: Exchange Rate Policy in the Face of Dwindling Oil Exports

This paper investigates the likely implications of declining oil production on Yemen's equilibrium exchange rate, and discusses policy options to ensure a smooth transition to a nonoil economy. The empirical results suggest that, as oil production and foreign exchange earnings fall, the Yemeni rial will have to adjust downward in real effective terms to keep pace with the equilibrium exchange rate. In light of strong pass-through from exchange rate depreciation to domestic inflation, this could entail a substantial depreciation in nominal terms. Given the nature of the adjustment, a floating exchange rate regime appears to be the best option, if supported by appropriate macroeconomic policies. However, given public fixation on a exchange rate stability, a softly managed float would be a better option for Yemen whereby the central bank may have to lead the market toward the equilibrium exchange rate.
Serum profiling and biomarker discovery of rat mammary tumors using mass-coded abundance tags (MCAT)

Advances in Mass-spectrometry techniques allow for the rapid processing and evaluation of complex biological mixtures such as blood/serum. These samples represent a protein rich environment as well as a sentinel monitoring system of the entire organism. The central tenet of these studies is that changes in the microenvironment of a tissue, brought about by a disease process, will lead to sufficient changes in the protein and peptide pattern of the serum, such that the differences can be accurately detected and correctly associated with a particular disease state. Using mass-spectrometry approaches we have developed techniques that allow us to compare samples from tumor-free and tumor present serum samples simultaneously to find biomarkers that indicate the presence of cancer. To examine potentially important but less abundant proteins, ultrafiltration (UF) was used to eliminate the more abundant proteins and combine this with the non-isotopic peptide tags (S-methylthioacetimidate and S-methyl thiopropionimidate) described by Beardsley and Reilley (J. Proteome Res. 2: 15-21, 2003) to differentiate our samples. Use of these mass-coded abundance tags (MCAT) allows for simultaneous evaluation of serum samples from tumor present, and tumor free animals. Using an oa time-of-flight mass-spectrometer (Q-tof) with electrospray ionization we produce high quality spectrums to screen for peptides that have only one tag. Specificity of tagging increases the likelihood that the peptide resulted from a protein unique to either the control or conditioned state. Using the ms/ms function of the Q-tof we sequence the peptide and identify the parent protein. Specifically, our lab is using UF, MCAT and the Q-tof to evaluate rat models of chemically-induced tumors. By using animal models we overcome much of the variability that may exist in human serum samples due to differences in gender, diet and cancer initiation. We have shown that these systems allow for the identification of both small molecules such as Alpha S1 casein precursor (24 kDa) as well as proteins greater than the MCO such as Fibrinogen alpha/alpha E precursor and Coagulation factor 2 (86 and 70 kDa, respectively). With positive sequence identification we can now evaluate the tumors themselves to determine if the proteins are over-expressed in the tumor vs. normal tissues. Using this method of “bottom-up” analysis provides information on the nature and composition of our samples to more rapidly identify those proteins that are unique to the tumor state of the animals.
Reflections on Attending the WAC Ethics Committee Workshop

This short piece recalls my expectations for the Ethics Committee Workshop, reflects on how refreshing and stimulating it was to see all my expectations tumble, and concludes with further puzzlement about how to proceed.
Foot and ankle injuries in the industrial setting

I have long had a fascination with foot and ankle injuries in the industrial setting. The spectrum of work related foot injury is enormous. What is far more of a challenge than the foot and ankle pathology however, is taking care of the patient, and their timely return to work. We and others have repeatedly noted how difficult it is to return these patients to work in an expeditious manner. For many patients, the pain and difficulties with returning to an occupation which is demanding on the lower extremity can be difficult, if not impossible. However, there is a substantial percentage of patients who are able to resume work albeit of a lesser capacity, but who are not willing to do so. Motivation, issues of compensation, chronic pain, and secondary gain are all factors which we as the clinician must take into consideration. We have noted that if the injured worker is not returned to work following a calcaneus fracture within one year, the likelihood of them ever obtaining and maintaining gainful employment is markedly reduced. (Myerson M, Quill GE, Jr. Late complications of fractures of the calcaneus. J Bone Joint Surg 75A: 331–341, 1993). The problem however is that post-traumatic conditions, for example deformity and arthritis may develop, precluding the ability to rapidly return to work. For this reason, I have tried to be far more aggressive with the management of these conditions. For example if subtalar arthritis occurs following a calcaneus fracture, one should not wait indefinitely to ‘‘see how the patient does’’ with therapy and immobilization. I would advocate a subtalar arthrodesis as soon as the diagnosis is made to facilitate as rapid a return to work as possible. Dr. Conti has done a superb job of organizing this issue. The manuscripts contained are all well presented, and are a thorough overview of industrial injury. From a personal standpoint, I have found the paper by Dr. Harper particularly
How Electoral Reform Might Affect the Number of Political Parties in The Netherlands

In this contribution, it is argued that introducing districts in a proportional system with a single nationwide district — thereby creating a mixed-member proportional system — will have an effect on the party system only if a chain of conditions all hold: first, small parties must view district campaigns as important in driving up their list votes; second, small parties must believe that viable district candidates, with a personal stake in the success of their campaigns, will be significantly more effective at generating list votes than hopeless candidates; and third, small parties must reckon that merger is superior in boosting list votes to alliance. The plausibility of these conditions is considered, but there is not much empirical evidence directly pertinent to assessing them.
Recoarctation of the aorta—Eighteen years' clinical experience

Abstract Recoarctation of the aorta has occurred in 20 (8.5 per cent) of 235 patients with adequate follow-up study after repair of coarctation of the aorta. All 20 patients were reoperated upon (4 had the first procedure performed elsewhere). Twelve were boys. The subjects ranged in age from 2 weeks to 15 years at the time of the first operation; significantly, however, 15 were 3 years or less. In 9 cases signs of recoarctation developed within five months of the procedure and were rapidly progressive in 6 cases. Sixteen patients had a technically satisfactory second procedure; I did not have repair because of anatomic limitations; 3 patients died during reoperation. One additional death occurred 40 days postoperatively because of rupture of a false aneurysm at the suture line. Of the 16 survivors, only 3 had evidence of recurrent obstruction, which was of significant degree in 2 patients. Recoarctation was attributed to insufficient resection of the coarcted segment in 1 patient, residual ductal tissue in 1, kinking of a left subclavian artery in 1 and thrombosis of a graft in another; fibrosis at the suture line was a significant factor in 8 cases. In the remaining cases the cause was not readily identifiable, but may possibly have been a result of failure of adequate growth at an anastomosis performed with a continuous suture. In 6 patients, obstruction proximal to the anastomosis may have played an important role in the development of the recoarctation. Indications for reoperation are progressive signs and symptoms of obstruction, with a difference in blood pressure between the upper and lower limbs of at least 40 mm. Hg. Aortography should confirm a significant narrowing, and a gradient of 40 mm. Hg or more should be substantiated by catheterization. If recoarctation is associated with reappearance of refractory heart failure, reoperation should be prompt. If recoarctation is slowly progressive, reoperation can wait until a fair-sized anastomosis can be achieved; however, procrastination until adult age should be avoided, thus minimizing the need for a prosthesis.
Analysis of abrB Mutations, Mutant Proteins, and Why abrB Does Not Utilize a Perfect Consensus in the −35 Region of Its σA Promoter

The Bacillus subtilis global regulator AbrB is a DNA-binding protein composed of six identical monomers of 96 amino acids that shows specificity to the promoter regions of its target genes including its own. We have sequenced thirteen previously uncharacterized abrB mutations. Four mutant AbrB proteins were purified, and their DNA-binding properties and multimeric structures were examined. AbrB23 (R25S) had no appreciable DNA binding activity but retained a hexameric structure, indicating that Arg25 is important in DNA interactions. Three other mutant proteins, AbrB1 (C56Y), AbrB19 (Gln83-->termination codon), and AbrB100 (L69P), showed decreased DNA binding and altered multimeric interactions. Analysis of the expression and AbrB binding affinities of mutant abrB promoters demonstrated that a consensus -35 region is incompatible with proper autoregulation of the abrB gene.
Enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein RNA response to fornix transection in aged mice.

: The effects of age on basal and lesion-induced changes in astrocyte RNA messages reported to respond to neurodegeneration were examined in the mouse brain. The first study found an age-related increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein RNA throughout the brain. Other astrocyte RNAs remained generally stable with age. We hypothesize this increase is due to astrocytes undergoing a mild reaction to the small amount of synaptic degeneration occurring with usual aging. To test this theory, we used an experimental model of modest synaptic loss in the hippocampus by transecting the fimbria/fornix bundle in mice and examined the same series of messages. In situ hybridization revealed the expected increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein RNA after the lesion; however, we unexpectedly found that aged mice showed a greater magnitude of this response, which appeared to develop more slowly. There was no significant change in the hippocampus for any of the other messages, although responses were observed at the site of transection. This study supports the idea that the age-related increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein may be secondary to modest synaptic degeneration. We also demonstrated an exaggerated reactive astrocytic response in aged mice, which may be associated with age-related deficits in reactive synaptogenesis and behavioral recovery in normal aging.
Pain in ovarian cancer patients. Prevalence, characteristics, and associated symptoms

Background. The prevalence, characteristics, and impact of pain and other symptoms have not been studied systematically in women with ovarian cancer. Anecdotally, pain has been associated with the onset of the disease and is a common problem among those with advanced cancer; symptoms other than pain appear to be highly prevalent. Given the profound influence of pain and other symptoms on quality of life, the evaluation of these phenomena could provide data relevant to the clinical management of these patients and advance quality of life research in the area of symptom assessment. Methods. Questionnaires were completed by 111 inpatients and 40 outpatients with ovarian cancer who were undergoing treatment at a cancer center. Measures included a comprehensive pain questionnaire; the Rand Mental Health Inventory, Functional Living Index–Cancer; and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale. Results. The sample (N = 151) represented 74% of the eligible patients. The median age was 55 years (range, 23-86), 82% had Stage III or IV disease at presentation, and 69% had active disease at the time of the survey. Pain, fatigue, and psychologic distress were the most prevalent symptoms. Sixty-two percent (N = 94) described a pain syndrome that preceded the onset or recurrence of the disease, and 42% (N = 63) reported “persistent or frequent pain” during the preceding 2 weeks. The latter pain had a median duration of 2 weeks (range, less than 1 to 756 weeks) and usually was in the abdominopelvic region (80%), frequent or almost constant (66%), and moderate to severe. Most patients reported moderate or greater painrelated interference with various aspects of function, particularly activity (68%), mood (62%), work (62%), and overall enjoyment of life (61%). Performance status, inpatient status, and unmarried status were significant predictors of pain presence or intensity, and both performance status and extent of tumor were significant predictors of pain interference with function. Conclusions. Among those with ovarian cancer, greater than 40% experienced pain that substantially undermined function in one half to two thirds of these patients. Impaired performance status is associated most strongly with pain. The onset or recurrence of disease often is heralded by a stereotypic pain syndrome.
Structural and immunological studies of the Haemophilus influenzae type d capsular polysaccharide

Employing a combination of chemical and spectroscopic techniques, the structure of the Haemophilus influenzae type d capsular polysaccharide was found to be leads to 4)-beta-D-GlcNAc-(1 leads to 3)-beta-D-ManNAcA-(1 leads to. L-Alanine, L-serine, and L-threonine, in the molar ratios of approximately 1.0:1.0:0.3, were linked to C-6 of the D-mannosyluronic residue as amides; the (serine + alanine + threonine) to ManNAcA ratio was approximately 0.95:1.0. Removal of the amino acids by mild hydrolysis with sodium hydroxide resulted in a material that was cross-reactive with the native, type d polymer. The base-treated, type d polysaccharide was not observed to cross-react with either the H. influenzae type e or Escherichia coli K7 capsular polysaccharide, both of which are structurally similar to type d.
Heat stress reduces barrier function and alters intestinal metabolism in growing pigs

High ambient temperature exposure can cause major reductions in intestinal function, pig performance, and, if severe enough, mortality. Therefore, our objective was to examine how acute heat stress (HS) alters growing pig intestinal integrity and metabolism. Individually penned crossbred gilts and barrows (46 ± 6 kg BW) were exposed to either thermal neutral (TN; 21°C; 35 to 50% humidity; n = 8) or HS conditions (35°C; 24 to 43% humidity; n = 8) for 24 h. All pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water. Rectal temperature (Tr), respiration rates (RR), BW, and feed intake (FI) were measured. Pigs were killed after 24 h of environmental exposure and freshly isolated ileum and colon samples were mounted into modified Ussing chambers. Segments were analyzed for glucose and glutamine nutrient transport and barrier integrity [transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled dextran transport]. As expected, pigs exposed to HS had an increase in Tr (39.3 vs. 40.9°C; P < 0.01) and RR (52 vs. 119 breaths per minute; P < 0.05). Heat stress decreased FI (53%; P < 0.05) and BW (-2.2 kg; P < 0.05) compared to TN pigs. Compared to TN pigs, mucosal heat shock protein 70 increased (101%; P < 0.05) whereas intestinal integrity was compromised in the HS pigs (ileum and colon TER decreased 52 and 24%, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, serum endotoxin concentrations increased 200% due to HS (P = 0.05). Intestinal glucose transport and blood glucose were elevated due to HS (P < 0.05). However, ileal sucrase and maltase activities decreased in HS pigs (30 and 24%, respectively; P < 0.05). Altogether, these data indicate that high ambient heat loads reduce intestinal integrity and increase circulating endotoxin and stress in pigs. Furthermore, glucose transport and digestive capacity are altered during acute HS.
A Web of Interactions at the Ends

The synthesis of telomeric DNA by telomerase entails repeated cycles of reverse transcription on a short RNA template. In this issue of Molecular Cell, Robart and Collins (2011) describe a set of interactions between human telomerase RNA, protein domains, and the substrate DNA that drives the intricate reaction cycle.
Osteosarcoma extraóseo retroperitoneal

Paciente de sexo masculino de 54 anos de edad, con cuadro de 1 mes de evolucion de dolor abdomi-nal asociado a masa palpable de rapido crecimiento. La tomografia computada (TC) de abdomen y pel-vis que mostro a nivel retroperitoneal gran tumor (Figura 1) que presentaba dos componentes, uno hipodenso y otro calciﬁ cado irregular heterogeneo (Figura 2). Se realizo laparotomia exploradora con reseccion macroscopica completa del tumor, el cual no presentaba ﬁ jacion a hueso ni periostio, tenia un
Preferential repair of ultraviolet light-induced DNA damage in the transcribed strand of the human p53 gene.

Mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene have been found in most human tumors. Analyses of the spectrum of p53 mutations in certain tumor types have shown a bias for mutations originating from lesions presumed to be in the untranscribed strand of the gene. This implies strand specificity for the formation or repair of DNA damage. We measured the induction and repair of ultraviolet light-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD) in each strand of the human p53 gene in a normal human lung fibroblast cell line using quantitative Southern hybridization. We found that the removal of CPD from the transcribed strand was more rapid than that from the untranscribed strand of this gene, although the frequency of CPD induction was similar in both strands. Preferential repair of the transcribed strand of the p53 gene may account for the mutational spectra of this gene in human tumors. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Quantifying Molecular Transport through Lipid Electropores Induced by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields

High amplitude, nanosecond-duration, pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) induce the formation of nanometer-diameter pores in cell membranes. These transient lipid electropores facilitate the transport of normally impermeant ions and small molecules across the membrane. Quantitative measurements of molecular transport through lipid electropores are essential for the validation of electroporation models and for optimizing the nsPEF dose for application-specific responses. We calibrated the fluorescence intensity of the membrane integrity marker dye YO-PRO-1 in dense cell lysates using a fast confocal microscope in order to quantify the time-dependent molecular influx of YO-PRO-1 into living cells after nsPEF exposure. Using this method we were able to measure the number of YO-PRO-1 molecules that enter U-937 human histiocytic lymphoma cells following electropermeabilization by a single 6 ns, 20 MV/m pulse.
Blood-brain barrier: selective changes during maturation.

Abstract The penetration of substances relative to freely-diffusible antipyrine was determined in regions of the maturing chick brain. Two amino acids were studied: tyrosine, which is essential to the brain and is a neurotransmitter precursor, and proline, a non-essential amino acid. During maturation the barrier toward proline developed to a much greater extent than that toward tyrosine. The penetrance of d -glucose, the main energy source for the brain, increased during maturation, while the penetrance of l -glucose, a metabolically inert stereoisomer of d -glucose, decreased. The results suggest differing rates of development of the blood-brain barrier to various substances.
Real or Illusory Growth in an Oil-Based Economy: Government Expenditures and Private Sector Investment in Saudi Arabia

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to determine whether and to what extent “Dutch Disease” effects have offset the potentially positive Hirschman-type inducements provided by massive government expenditures intended to stimulate private sector investment in Saudi Arabia. The main finding is that in Saudi Arabia at least infrastructure investment does not appear to have played a strong role in stimulating private sector investment. Instead, the private investors appear to be much more sensitive to shorter run current conditions created by government expenditures.
Toward a rapid and robust attachment strategy for vertical climbing

This paper is an update on the investigation of Distributed Inward Gripping (DIG) as a rapid and robust attachment mechanism for vertical and inverted climbing. DIG is implemented on an 18-DOF hexapod, DIGbot, with onboard power and control system. Passive compliance in the foot, which is inspired by the flexible tarsus of the cockroach, increases the robustness of the adhesion strategy and enables DIGbot to execute large steps and stationary turns while walking vertically on mesh screen. Results of vertical climbing are shown.
Peculiarities of structures and meltinglike transition in gold clusters

Structural and dynamical properties of gold clusters are derived from a Gupta-type potential using numerical simulations and are compared to features of nickel clusters derived from the same potential. The major implication of the comparison is that the properties of clusters mimicked by this many-body potential depend, in general, on the values of its parameters.
Late Outcome of Survivors of Intervention for Neonatal Aortic Valve Stenosis

Background. This study examined the late outcome after intervention for neonatal aortic valve stenosis. Methods. Seventy-three neonates (59 boys and 14 girls) underwent intervention for critical aortic valve stenosis during the first 30 days of life at two institutions, The Hospital for Sick Children, London, and Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina. Procedures performed include closed valvotomy (n = 12), open valvotomy with inflow occlusion (n = 14), open valvotomy with cardiopulmonary bypass (n = 33), balloon valvotomy (n = 12), and other procedures (n = 2). The mean age at the first intervention was 8 ± 1 days. Results. The hospital mortality was 52.1%. The mean duration of follow-up for the hospital survivors (n = 35) was 8.3 ± 1.1 years. The actuarial survival for the hospital survivors was 93.3% ± 4.7% at 10 years and 83.9% ± 9.8% at 15 years, whereas event-free survival (reintervention, endocarditis, or early death) was 61.8% ± 9.3% at 5 years, 34.2% ± 10.8% at 10 years, and 27.4% ± 10.6% at 15 years. Three patients have died and 11 patients have required aortic valve replacement during the follow-up period. The age at the initial intervention, the type of initial intervention, and the year of initial intervention were not predictive of early death or need for reintervention. At last follow-up, 26 of the long-term survivors (n = 32) were in functional class I and 6 were in functional class II. Conclusions. Aortic stenosis in the neonatal period is a difficult problem with a high initial mortality. Late survival and functional class are excellent for patients surviving the initial hospitalization, but most require further intervention within 10 years.
Men as caregivers of the elderly: support for the contributions of sons

Emerging practice research on filial sources of health care support has indicated that there is a growing trend for sons to assume some responsibility for the health care needs of their aging parents. The purpose of this work is to propose that outcomes observed through a secondary analysis of data from a previous mixed methods research project, conducted with a sample of 60 elderly women residing in independent living centers, supports this concept in elder care. The present study is a retrospective interpretation utilizing the original database to examine the new question, “What specific roles do sons play in caregiving of their elderly mothers?” While daughters presently continue to emerge in existing health care studies as the primary care provider, there is a significant pattern in these data for older patients to depend upon sons for a variety of instrumental activities of daily living. As the baby-boomers age, there is more of cohort trend for their families to be smaller, adult daughters to be employed, and for adult children to be more geographically mobile. These factors may combine to make health care support networks more limited for the current aging population, challenging the elderly and their health care providers to revisit the cultural gender norms that are used to identify caregivers.
Computing the 2‐median on tree networks in O(n lg n) time

Location of facilities on tree networks is an important problem in transportation and telecommunication systems. For tree networks, the best-known algorithm to find 2-medians has a time complexity of O(n 2 ). By exploiting the properties relating the 1-median and the 2-medians in tree networks, and the properties inherent in tree structure, an improved algorithm is developed for computing the 2-median. The time complexity of this algorithm is O(n lg n). The details of the algorithm are described along with an illustrative example.
A Model of Mindful Parenting: Implications for Parent-Child Relationships and Prevention Research

This paper introduces a model of “mindful parenting” as a framework whereby parents intentionally bring moment-to-moment awareness to the parent–child relationship. This is done by developing the qualities of listening with full attention when interacting with their children, cultivating emotional awareness and self-regulation in parenting, and bringing compassion and nonjudgmental acceptance to their parenting interactions. First, we briefly outline the theoretical and empirical literature on mindfulness and mindfulness-based interventions. Next, we present an operational definition of mindful parenting as an extension of mindfulness to the social context of parent–child relationships. We discuss the implications of mindful parenting for the quality of parent–child relationships, particularly across the transition to adolescence, and we review the literature on the application of mindfulness in parenting interventions. We close with a synopsis of our own efforts to integrate mindfulness-based intervention techniques and mindful parenting into a well-established, evidence-based family prevention program and our recommendations for future research on mindful parenting interventions.
A measure of effect size for r x c contingency tables.

Summary Goodman and Kruskal's τ measure of categorical association is advanced as a replacement for conventional measures of effect size for r × c contingency tables. Goodman and Kruskal's τ is an asymmetric measure of categorical association which is based entirely on the observed data and possesses a clear interpretation in terms of proportional reduction in error. Comparisons with conventional measures of effect size based on chi-squared such as Pearson's φ2, Tschuprow's T2, and Cramer's V2 demonstrate the advantages of employing τ as a measure of effect size.
An alternative to generating alternative interpretations in social cognitive therapy for psychosis

Background: Generating alternative interpretations is a widely used technique in cognitively-oriented treatments for psychosis, including social cognitive treatments. However, research on judgment and decision-making suggests that this technique may backfire among individuals with cognitive deficits. Aims: Mary/Eddie/Bill (MEB) was developed as an alternative approach to help improve Theory of Mind, attributional bias and Jumping to Conclusions in psychosis. An initial pilot trial was conducted to evaluate the tolerability and potential efficacy of MEB. Method: Twenty-four outpatients with psychotic disorders participated in an uncontrolled trial. Social cognition, social functioning, and participant feedback were assessed. Results: Treatment completers exhibited statistically significant improvements in Theory of Mind, social cognitive overconfidence and self-reported social engagement, and reported positive experiences with MEB. No improvements were observed in attributional bias. Conclusions: Given that there are risks associated with the use of traditional generating-alternatives techniques, the current findings support ongoing development of MEB and similar approaches.
Phosphorylation-independent inhibition of Cdc28p by the tyrosine kinase Swe1p in the morphogenesis checkpoint.

The morphogenesis checkpoint in budding yeast delays cell cycle progression in G2 when the actin cytoskeleton is perturbed, providing time for cells to complete bud formation prior to mitosis. Checkpoint-induced G2 arrest involves the inhibition of the master cell cycle regulatory cyclin-dependent kinase, Cdc28p, by the Wee1 family kinase Swe1p. Results of experiments using a nonphosphorylatable CDC28Y19F allele suggested that the checkpoint stimulated two inhibitory pathways, one that promoted phosphorylation at tyrosine 19 (Y19) and a poorly characterized second pathway that did not require Cdc28p Y19 phosphorylation. We present the results from a genetic screen for checkpoint-defective mutants that led to the repeated isolation of the dominant CDC28E12K allele that is resistant to Swe1p-mediated inhibition. Comparison of this allele with the nonphosphorylatable CDC28Y19F allele suggested that Swe1p is still able to inhibit CDC28Y19F in a phosphorylation-independent manner and that both the Y19 phosphorylation-dependent and -independent checkpoint pathways in fact reflect Swe1p inhibition of Cdc28p. Remarkably, we found that a Swe1p mutant lacking catalytic activity could significantly delay the cell cycle in vivo during a physiological checkpoint response, even when expressed at single copy. The finding that a Wee1 family kinase expressed at physiological levels can inhibit a nonphosphorylatable cyclin-dependent kinase has broad implications for many checkpoint studies using such mutants in other organisms.
Arginine Catabolism and the Arginine Succinyltransferase Pathway in Escherichia coli

Arginine catabolism produces ammonia without transferring nitrogen to another compound, yet the only known pathway of arginine catabolism in Escherichia coli (through arginine decarboxylase) does not produce ammonia. Our aims were to find the ammonia-producing pathway of arginine catabolism in E. coli and to examine its function. We showed that the only previously described pathway of arginine catabolism, which does not produce ammonia, accounted for only 3% of the arginine consumed. A search for another arginine catabolic pathway led to discovery of the ammonia-producing arginine succinyltransferase (AST) pathway in E. coli. Nitrogen limitation induced this pathway in both E. coli and Klebsiella aerogenes, but the mechanisms of activation clearly differed in these two organisms. We identified the E. coli gene for succinylornithine aminotransferase, the third enzyme of the AST pathway, which appears to be the first of an astCADBE operon. Its disruption prevented arginine catabolism, impaired ornithine utilization, and affected the synthesis of all the enzymes of the AST pathway. Disruption of astB eliminated succinylarginine dihydrolase activity and prevented arginine utilization but did not impair ornithine catabolism. Overproduction of AST enzymes resulted in faster growth with arginine and aspartate. We conclude that the AST pathway is necessary for aerobic arginine catabolism in E. coli and that at least one enzyme of this pathway contributes to ornithine catabolism.
Comparison of demographics and motivations of highly committed whole blood and platelet donors

To compare donor demographics and motivations for donation, we surveyed 159 consecutive whole blood donors (WD) and 146 consecutive plateletpheresis donors. All donors had donation experiences of at least 2 gallons (i.e., 16 previous donations). Evaluation of answers to fixed-response and open-ended questions revealed no difference between the two groups in age, type of wages, compensation by employer, “time off” for donation, and church or volunteer organization memberships. The two groups differed in that the platelet donor (PD) group had a higher percentage of males than females (PD group 72.6% males and 27.4% females versus WD group 59% males and 41% females [chi-square = .01]). PDs most often began donating platelets because they were asked (22.6%), demonstrating the importance of active recruitment. When asked why they do not donate platelet products by apheresis, highly committed WDs reported lack of time (25%), lack of knowledge (“Don't know about it,” 21%), lack of recruitment (“No one asked,” 18.5%), or lack of awareness (“Never thought about it,” 5%) as reasons. Factors centering on time constraints, lack of knowledge or awareness about platelet donation by apheresis, and lack of active recruitment prohibit highly committed WDs from entering into plateletpheresis programs. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Communication network protocol for real-time distributed control and its LSI implementation

A new token-passing mechanism, priority token passing, which features real-time access and fast detection and recovery of transmission errors, is discussed in detail in comparison with standard token-passing protocols, and its large-scale integration (LSI)-oriented design concept is described. Priority token passing includes only a small performance overhead, due to its switching functions, which can change network topology from ring to broadcast medium. A token-holding node passes the token to another node after determining the successor through priority comparison. Errors occurring during token passing can, thus, be detected and corrected simply and promptly. Priority token passing has a simple hardware implementation, requiring only small additions to the frame control circuitry, and has a small implementation overhead. The priority token-passing protocol and two other important network communication functions, dual ring network reconfiguration and high-level data link control (HDLC) normal response mode-based message transmission, are designed as a single finite-state machine, and implemented into a compact LSI chip. This integrated instrument network (IINET) chip provides complete network communication services and requires only three additional external electronic components for operation.
Regulation of intestinal mucosal growth by amino acids

Amino acids, especially glutamine (GLN) have been known for many years to stimulate the growth of small intestinal mucosa. Polyamines are also required for optimal mucosal growth, and the inhibition of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the first rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine synthesis, blocks growth. Certain amino acids, primarily asparagine (ASN) and GLN stimulate ODC activity in a solution of physiological salts. More importantly, their presence is also required before growth factors and hormones such as epidermal growth factor and insulin are able to increase ODC activity. ODC activity is inhibited by antizyme-1 (AZ) whose synthesis is stimulated by polyamines, thus, providing a negative feedback regulation of the enzyme. In the absence of amino acids mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is inhibited, whereas, mTORC2 is stimulated leading to the inhibition of global protein synthesis but increasing the synthesis of AZ via a cap-independent mechanism. These data, therefore, explain why ASN or GLN is essential for the activation of ODC. Interestingly, in a number of papers, AZ has been shown to inhibit cell proliferation, stimulate apoptosis, or increase autophagy. Each of these activities results in decreased cellular growth. AZ binds to and accelerates the degradation of ODC and other proteins shown to regulate proliferation and cell death, such as Aurora-A, Cyclin D1, and Smad1. The correlation between the stimulation of ODC activity and the absence of AZ as influenced by amino acids is high. Not only do amino acids such as ASN and GLN stimulate ODC while inhibiting AZ synthesis, but also amino acids such as lysine, valine, and ornithine, which inhibit ODC activity, increase the synthesis of AZ. The question remaining to be answered is whether AZ inhibits growth directly or whether it acts by decreasing the availability of polyamines to the dividing cells. In either case, evidence strongly suggests that the regulation of AZ synthesis is the mechanism through which amino acids influence the growth of intestinal mucosa. This brief article reviews the experiments leading to the information presented above. We also present evidence from the literature that AZ acts directly to inhibit cell proliferation and increase the rate of apoptosis. Finally, we discuss future experiments that will determine the role of AZ in the regulation of intestinal mucosal growth by amino acids.
Strain-tunable optical valves at T-junction waveguides in photonic crystals

We propose to use tunable splitting of a degenerate photon state inside the band gap of a photonic crystal for the design of active tunable photonic crystal circuits. The effect we exploit is analogous to the static Jahn-Teller effect in solids. We demonstrate that effect is tunable by the symmetry and magnitude of the lattice distortion. Using this effect, we design an optical valve that controls the resonant coupling of the photon modes at the corner of a T-junction waveguide structure.
Story Retelling Used with Average and Learning Disabled Readers as a Measure of Reading Comprehension.

While a considerable amount of research has been conducted on learning disabled populations to determine their ability to decode and learn words in isolation, limited research has addressed the rea...
Synthesis of amphiphilic homopolymers with high chain end functionality by SET–LRP

Single electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET–LRP) of two amphiphilic acrylates, 2-methoxyethyl acrylate up to [M]0/[I]0 = 1,000 and di(ethylene glycol) 2-ethylhexyl ether acrylate up to [M]0/[I]0 = 200, is accomplished with good control of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution in 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol at 25 °C using hydrazine activated Cu(0) wire as catalyst, methyl 2-bromopropionate as initiator, and Me6-TREN as ligand. The chain end functionality of the resulting polymers has been analyzed by MALDI-TOF spectrometry to demonstrate the synthesis of perfect or near-perfect chain-end functional amphiphilic homopolymers. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 294–303
Outcomes After Pediatric Kidney Transplantation Improving: How Can We Do Even Better?

Kidney transplant is the treatment of choice for children and adolescents with end-stage renal disease because transplantation improves quality of life and survival to a far greater extent than chronic dialysis.1 Unfortunately, however, transplantation does not completely normalize the excess risks associated with end-stage renal disease nor do transplanted allografts function indefinitely. In this issue of Pediatrics , Van Arendonk et al2 provide valuable information on national trends in outcomes among pediatric kidney transplant recipients. Over a 25-year period, the authors observed remarkable improvements in patient and allograft survival following kidney transplantation after accounting for many changes in donor and recipient characteristics. The greatest improvements for both patient and allograft survival were within the first year, highlighting the need for ongoing improvements in long-term outcomes. How will additional improvements in overall survival be achieved? The causes of death were not specified in the study by Van Arendonk et al,2 precluding greater insight into the reasons for improved survival. Whether improvements were related to reductions in cardiovascular causes, infection, or malignancy are not known but are important to better understand how … Address correspondence to Uptal D. Patel, MD, Duke Clinical Research Institute, 2400 Pratt St, Box 3646, Durham, NC 27705. E-mail: uptal.patel{at}duke.edu
Discordance between T-Cell Receptor Expression and Effector Function in Mice Infected with Histoplasma capsulatum

V beta 10(+) and V beta 14(+) T cells were selectively increased 7 to 14 days following infection in the lungs of naive mice infected with Histoplasma capsulatum. Following secondary challenge of immune mice, V beta 1(+) and V beta 8.1(+) cells were sporadically increased. Elimination of V beta 10(+) and V beta 14(+) cells from naive mice did not alter the course of infection over a period of 21 days. Thus, overexpression of V beta families does not necessarily signify a key role in host defense.