cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mini review on bioreactor configurations and gas transfer enhancements for biochemical methane conversion

Abstract Methane is an essential component of the global carbon cycle and one of the most powerful greenhouse gases (GHGs), yet it is also a rich source of carbon and energy. Methanotrophs that use methane as their sole carbon and energy source have drawn renewed interest due to their capability of converting methane under ambient conditions in an environmentally benign fashion. In this work, we provide a mini review on recent progress in process development, particularly on bioreactor design and gas transfer enhancements for biological methane conversion. Bioreactor configurations reported in recent research papers and patents are tabulated, together with their key characteristics, performances, pros and cons. Bioreactor configurations for gas feed with high concentration of methane (e.g., natural gas) and that with low methane concentrations (e.g., anthropogenic emission) are reviewed. For gas transfer promoting agents, recent results on using vectors, polymers, nanoparticles, electrolytes, and non-ionic surfactants to enhance mass transfer of methane are reviewed and summarized with a table. Process safety and future research directions are also briefly discussed.
How Crisis Journalists Can Magnify the Voices of Poor, Marginalized Communities of Color

In light of the historical animus that exists between poor, marginalized communities of color and members of law enforcement, this manuscript will focus on the role of crisis journalists in helping bridge this divide. Research abounds regarding the many physical, psychological, financial, legal, and social inequities between poor, marginalized communities of color, and as such, members of this group have come to accept that: (1) no one wants to hear about their experiences; (2) no one cares about their experiences; or (3) no change will come from voicing their experiences. Given these realities, I will provide specific ways that crisis journalists can encourage members of this group to share their experiences, why it would be advantageous for crisis journalists to offer their findings to law enforcement and members of the judiciary to provide a deeper (gives a contextual understanding of the lives of poor, marginalized communities of color). Furthermore, I discuss how crisis journalists can work with other professionals (researchers, practitioners) to create a Community of Care.
Sacral Neuromodulation: Improving Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction in Children

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is a Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for bowel and bladder dysfunction in adults, but use in the pediatric population remains an “off-label” indication. We aim to summarize the indications for and clinical outcomes of SNM in children. A PUBMED® and MEDLINE® search was conducted for articles involving pediatric patients using the keywords “sacral neuromodulation” and “sacral nerve stimulation.” We identified 14 articles; all were reviewed and the results included in this article. Refractory bowel and bladder dysfunction (BBD) was the most common indication for SNM. The S3 nerve root is the most common anatomical location for lead placement. There were no standardized methods of reporting success in the literature. In general, approximately 60–90% of patients had improvement in symptoms, and there were significant decreases in the number of bladder and bowel-related medications used with SNM therapy. Significant improvements in quality of life (QOL) were also reported. The most important reported complication was reoperation, the frequency of which tended to increase with longer duration of therapy. SNM is an effective therapy for refractory BBD in the carefully selected child. Patients and families should be counseled regarding the risk of reoperation, which tends to increase with time.
Asynchrony in individual and subpopulation fecundity stabilizes reproductive output of an alpine plant population.

Population-wide outcomes such as abundance, reproductive output, or mean survival can be stabilized by non-synchronous variation in the performance of individuals or subpopulations. Such "portfolio effects" have been increasingly documented at the scale of subpopulations and are thought to play an important role in generating stability of population phenomena in the face of environmental variation. However, few studies quantify the strength and origin of portfolio effects at the finer scale of individuals. We used 16 yr of fruit production and climate data for an alpine plant to dissect the scale of portfolio effects in reproduction, as well as the contribution of individual traits including size and flowering time in driving reproductive output. Asynchrony in reproductive success substantially reduces variation in population-level reproductive output, with approximately one-fourth of this stabilizing effect arising from individual differences, mostly not those characterized by measured traits, and approximately three-fourths from asynchrony across subpopulations. These results emphasize the different scales and causes of portfolio effects. The decomposition for portfolio effects we provide can facilitate similar breakdowns of the strength and causes of these effects in other systems.
Vasoplegia in the Postoperative Period After Cardiac Transplantation

Vasoplegia syndrome is a distinct pathologic process that occurs following cardiac surgery. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass and the propagation of circulating inflammatory cytokines is believed to be a key mediator in the development of this vasodilatory shock. Heart transplantation is a known risk factor for vasoplegia, and remains a relevant concern in a vulnerable population particularly susceptible to the morbidity related to severe hemodynamic aberrations. The treatment of this complex phenomenon following cardiac transplantation can be challenging, as it is often refractory to conventional critical care. Additional strategies have been evaluated in the management of vasoplegia syndrome. Multiple trials have identified low dose arginine vasopressin infusion (0.03 U/min) as a useful treatment option in mitigating this global vasodilatory state, with a growing number of studies indicating its efficacy as a prophylactic agent as well. Investigation of methylene blue (2 mg/kg) has also demonstrated encouraging results when employed in similar circumstances. Based on the cumulative results of available studies, the use of arginine vasopressin or methylene blue is recommended in heart transplant patients without contraindications to therapy who exhibit vasoplegia syndrome refractory to conventional management techniques. In patients with multiple preoperative risk factors for vasoplegia, arginine vasopressin or methylene blue may additionally be considered as a prophylactic pharmacologic option.
Emotion Regulation Difficulties and Social Cognitions Predicting PTSD Severity and Quality of Life Among Treatment Seeking Combat Veterans

AbstractThe current study was conducted to increase understanding of how emotion dysregulation influences postcombat functioning. We hypothesized that more severe difficulties with emotion regulati...
Disturbances of the Temporomandibular Joint Apparatus

This chapter focuses on diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) including myofascial pain disorder (MPD) and disorders of the joint itself. Noninvasive treatments include physical therapy, pharmacotherapy, massage, thermotherapy, and occlusal appliance therapy. Lastly minimally invasive procedures such as arthrocentesis and arthroscopy as well as surgical procedures such as arthroplasty and total joint replacement will be discussed.
Electrical resistance as a tool in determining the failure of fibres in a nicalon-reinforced LAS glass-ceramic with Ta2O5 additions

The electrical resistance of a Nicalon-reinforced lithium aluminosilicate glass-ceramic with Ta2O5 additions was used as an indicator of fibre and TaC/Carbon coating fracture during flexural testing. The resistivities of fibres in the composite were significantly lower than the free fibres owing to the high conductivity carbon and TaC coatings which formed during hot pressing. Hot-pressing times beyond 0.5 h resulted in a degradation of flexural strength via the formation of a strongly bonded TaC layer at the expense of the carbon debond layer.
Phosphinate-containing rhodol and fluorescein scaffolds for the development of bioprobes

A series of phosphinate-containing rhodol and fluorescein dyes are disclosed. These new fluorophores increase the color palette of phosphinate-based xanthenes in the far-red spectral region. The new chemical functionality of these scaffolds is leveraged to produce a sensitive, no-wash imaging probe for cellular esterase activity. The reported phosphinate-containing dyes provide platforms for the further development of imaging probes and self-reporting delivery vehicles.
Predictors of Discontinuation of Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Before 30 Months of Use by Adolescents and Young Women

Abstract Purpose The purpose of the article was to describe adolescent and young women's rates of discontinuation of intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, the extent to which discontinuation is predicted by baseline factors, reasons for discontinuation, and subsequent contraceptive initiation. Methods We recruited English-speaking women, aged 13–24 years, from a family planning clinic serving clients Results From 2011 to 2013, 775 young women completed surveys and initiated IUD or implant use. We determined 30-month discontinuation status of 633 women (81.7%). Among those with known outcome, fewer IUD than implant initiators had discontinued use (36.3% vs. 45.4%, p = .02). Mean duration of use was 733 days (95% confidence interval 702–763 days) for the IUD and 697 days (95% confidence interval 666–728 days) for the implant. Participants who stated at baseline that it was “very important” to avoid pregnancy were about half as likely to discontinue use. The most common reasons for discontinuation were pain (IUD) and bleeding (implant). Most participants initiated alternate contraception after discontinuing their original method. Conclusions Adolescents and young women who initiate an IUD or implant make decisions for discontinuation based on weighing high contraceptive effectiveness with other reproductive health values and preferences.
Responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Health Short Form in Outpatients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Objective To evaluate the longitudinal responsiveness (sensitivity to change) of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS® ) global health short form (PROMIS10) in outpatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods SLE outpatients receiving care at an academic medical center completed PROMIS10 at two visits a minimum of one month apart. Responsiveness of PROMIS10 global physical and mental health domains was evaluated in patients with improvement or deterioration of health status as measured by standard validated instruments. Effect sizes of changes in PROMIS10 scores between visits were evaluated using Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Two hundred twenty-three SLE patients enrolled and completed baseline surveys, with 186 (82%) completing a second set of questionnaires. PROMIS10 demonstrated mild to moderate responsiveness to patient-reported improvement (effect size 0.29) and worsening (effect sizes -0.27 and -0.54) of health status for both global physical health and global mental health. Changes in PROMIS10 correlated poorly with changes in physician-reported measures of disease activity. Conclusion PROMIS10 showed responsiveness over time to patient-reported, but not physician-assessed changes in lupus health status. These data suggest that PROMIS10 can be used to efficiently measure and monitor important aspects of the patient experience of lupus not captured by standard physician-derived metrics. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of PROMIS10 in optimizing longitudinal disease management in SLE and to determine its responsiveness in other chronic health conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Childhood maltreatment, neuropsychological function and suicidal behavior.

BACKGROUND Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. Childhood maltreatment, neuropsychological dysfunction and psychopathology have each been shown to increase risk for suicidal behavior. However, few studies have examined their interactions and the effects of those interactions on suicidal behavior. METHODS Across two sites, a total of 382 offspring of depressed parents underwent neuropsychological assessments. This high-risk sample included nearly equal numbers of males and females. Average age at the time of neuropsychological assessment was 18.5 years. The most prevalent lifetime psychiatric disorders were mood (43%), anxiety (37%) and alcohol and substance use disorders (21%). Childhood maltreatment was reported by 44% of offspring. Participants underwent extensive neuropsychological testing assessing the following domains: attention, memory, executive function, working memory, language fluency, and impulse control. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of reported childhood maltreatment, neuropsychological functioning, psychopathology and their interactions with suicidal behavior. Bonferroni correction was used to adjust for multiple comparisons. RESULTS Maltreatment was associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior with odds ratios ranging between 2.40 and 4.43. Moderation analyses found that adaptive neuropsychological functioning was not protective against childhood maltreatment's effect on suicidal risk. While lifetime history of mood disorder was strongly associated with suicidal behavior, higher scores in working memory (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.09, 0.45; p < .001) and executive function (OR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.05, 0.43; p < .001) were protective against suicidal behavior even in the presence of a lifetime history of mood disorder. CONCLUSIONS Further research is needed to determine how neuropsychological capacity protects depressed patients against the risk of suicidal behavior.
No Evidence of Cis-Acting SNPs In Immune Response Genes Previously Associated with Factor VIII Inhibitors: The San Antonio Family Heart Study

Abstract Abstract 4422 Background/Aims: FVIII gene (F8) mutation type is a risk factor for FVIII inhibitors, which develop in ~20-30% of hemophilia A patients following FVIII replacement therapy. Studies have investigated immune response genes to determine why FVIII is immunogenic in some, but not all, patients with the same F8 abnormality. While some studies have found associations between inhibitor status and promoter polymorphisms in CTLA4, TNFA, and/or IL10, others have not. If these promoter polymorphisms influence inhibitor development, their alleles could modulate transcription initiation rates. The goal of this study was to investigate cis-acting genotype-specific differences in mean steady state mRNA levels. Method: We examined the relationship of lymphocyte CTLA4, TNFA, and IL10 mRNA levels with the genotypes of 49 SNPs located across their structural loci in 1189 Mexican American participants of the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS). Expression profiles were generated using Illumina's HWG-6 BeadChips and genotypes came from the Illumina Human HapMap 550 SNP panel. Measured genotype association analyses that accounted for non-independence of family members and employed an additive model were performed using the software package SOLAR. Result: Except for C(-13780)A, located upstream of CTLA4, which was modestly associated with CTLA4 mRNA levels (p Conclusion: We observed little evidence for cis-regulation of CTLA4, TNFA, and IL10 in Mexican Americans. It is possible that cis-acting functional variants are rare and not well-represented by the common GWAS SNPs used for these analyses. Because previously implicated polymorphisms were not included in this analysis and linkage disequilibrium patterns between markers are population-specific, we are currently genotyping these SNPs in the SAFHS. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Maximizing the grafting of zwitterions onto the surface of ultrafiltration membranes to improve antifouling properties.

Abstract Superhydrophilic zwitterions have been extensively exploited for surface modification to improve antifouling properties. However, it remains challenging to form layers of
Review: Silk, Slaves, and Stupas: Material Culture of the Silk Road, by Susan Whitfield

Susan Whitfield, Silk, Slaves, and Stupas: Material Culture of the Silk Road . Berkeley: University of California Press, 2018. 376 pp., 8 color photos, 10 color maps. ISBN 9780520281783. $85.00. Susan Whitfield's book offers a history of cultural exchange in premodern Afro-Eurasia through ten key objects, beginning with earrings and ending with slaves. It is less a continuous narrative than a collection of cross-referenced essays on materials, technologies, styles, beliefs, and ideas that embody or concrete, in one way or another, pivotal moments of cultural encounter. Spanning East Asia to Western Europe over more than a millennium and engaging nine separate media with as many distinct contexts of use and patterns of circulation, this study vastly exceeds current disciplinary and field categories. Inevitably, it relies significantly on secondary studies in English and specialist interlocutors acknowledged by Whitfield throughout the text. The major exception is the sections involving Chinese history, Whitfield's (and the present reviewer's) primary field of specialization. The wager in venturing so far beyond standard field boundaries is nothing short of fundamentally reappraising Afro-Eurasian cultural history and, moreover, challenging the idea that at the root of modern categories for human belonging such as ethnicity and nationality are self-contained cultures with discrete histories by which we should or can carve up the globe. To effect such a reappraisal, Whitfield, like proponents of the material turn across the humanities, explicitly seeks to challenge the authority of texts. Whitfield's investment in broad, heterogeneous representation emerges in her careful selection of the book's ten key objects. The first chapter addresses a pair of earrings made of gold, jade, and other semiprecious stones from a ca. second-century BCE tomb. This first, catalyzing object already evinces, Whitfield demonstrates, mature forms of exchange between two rival empires, the Xiongnu and the Han. Taken seriously as historical documents, the earrings sharply counter the bias in textual records toward conflict and ecological division between imperial China and its steppes neighbors, the latter of whom in this case did …
Cloud based tool for analysis of chemical kinetic mechanisms

Abstract The size and complexity of chemical kinetic models used to simulate combustion of hydrocarbon fuels continue to increase with our improved understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms, along with the improved ability to utilize such models as the result of increased computational power and efficiency. As mechanisms grow beyond thousands of species and tens of thousands of reactions, it becomes increasingly difficult to manually check for errors and physical inconsistencies. We present several automated methods to check for such issues in the specification of chemical reaction models. First, we demonstrate how discontinuities in thermodynamic data can cause simulation difficulties manifested as long wall-clock times and convergence failures. To correct this type of problem, we describe an automated method for refitting thermodynamic parameters. We also outline several methods to check the timescales of reaction rate coefficients to ensure physical consistency. All the methods are made available through a web-based tool ( https://combustiontools.llnl.gov ) intended to aid mechanism developers and users to improve the accuracy and performance of fuel models used by the combustion community.
A Longitudinal Study Investigating the Effects of Workload and Exposure on 3D Gestural Human Computer Interaction

3D gestural input technology has the ability to expand human-computer interaction (HCI) beyond traditional input modalities. It is known that context and domain expertise are influential to gesture...
Predicting octanol/water partition coefficients using molecular simulation for the SAMPL7 challenge: comparing the use of neat and water saturated 1-octanol

Blind predictions of octanol/water partition coefficients at 298.15 K for 22 drug-like compounds were made for the SAMPL7 challenge. The octanol/water partition coefficients were predicted using solvation free energies computed using molecular dynamics simulations, wherein we considered the use of both pure and water-saturated 1-octanol to model the octanol-rich phase. Water and 1-octanol were modeled using TIP4P and TrAPPE-UA, respectively, which have been shown to well reproduce the experimental mutual solubility, and the solutes were modeled using GAFF. After the close of the SAMPL7 challenge, we additionally made predictions using TIP4P/2005 water. We found that the predictions were sensitive to the choice of water force field. However, the effect of water in the octanol-rich phase was found to be even more significant and non-negligible. The effect of inclusion of water was additionally sensitive to the chemical structure of the solute.
Fine-tuned thermally cross-linkable 6FDA-based polyimide membranes for aggressive natural gas separation

Abstract Glassy 6FDA-based polyimides are attractive membrane materials for many industrially important gas separations; however, plasticization in aggressive natural gas often causes significant loss in CO2/CH4 selectivity. In this study, a family of thermally cross-linkable 6FDA-based polyimides containing carboxyl groups were synthesized and cross-linked as dense films via decarboxylation-induced thermal crosslinking. As well as chemical structure, crosslinking temperatures above and below Tg are shown to be synergistic tools. Our results demonstrate that structure evolution during the decarboxylation-induced crosslinking process is affected significantly by the 3,5-diaminobenzoic acid (DABA) content in the polymer backbone. Even for a 50/50 CO2/CH4 binary mixture with feed pressure up to 800 psia, decarboxylation-induced crosslinking provides attractive gas separation performance and plasticization resistance. Combined facile structure tunability, crosslinkability and high asymmetric fiber spinnability make the cross-linkable 6FDA-based polyimides a versatile platform for diverse aggressive natural gas feeds encountered in practice. Our study provides insights into material design of thermally cross-linkable polymer membranes for such a broad spectrum of aggressive gas separations.
CTCF and transcription influence chromatin structure re-configuration after mitosis.

During mitosis, transcription is globally attenuated and chromatin architecture is dramatically reconfigured. We exploited the M- to G1-phase progression to interrogate the contributions of the architectural factor CTCF and the process of transcription to genome re-sculpting in newborn nuclei. Depletion of CTCF during the M- to G1-phase transition alters short-range compartmentalization after mitosis. Chromatin domain boundary re-formation is impaired upon CTCF loss, but a subset of boundaries, characterized by transitions in chromatin states, is established normally. Without CTCF, structural loops fail to form, leading to illegitimate contacts between cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Transient CRE contacts that are normally resolved after telophase persist deeply into G1-phase in CTCF-depleted cells. CTCF loss-associated gains in transcription are often linked to increased, normally illegitimate enhancer-promoter contacts. In contrast, at genes whose expression declines upon CTCF loss, CTCF seems to function as a conventional transcription activator, independent of its architectural role. CTCF-anchored structural loops facilitate formation of CRE loops nested within them, especially those involving weak CREs. Transcription inhibition does not significantly affect global architecture or transcription start site-associated boundaries. However, ongoing transcription contributes considerably to the formation of gene domains, regions of enriched contacts along gene bodies. Notably, gene domains emerge in ana/telophase prior to completion of the first round of transcription, suggesting that epigenetic features in gene bodies contribute to genome reconfiguration prior to transcription. The focus on the de novo formation of nuclear architecture during G1 entry yields insights into the contributions of CTCF and transcription to chromatin architecture dynamics during the mitosis to G1-phase progression. Higher-order chromatin structure is temporarily disrupted during mitosis. Here the authors show that loss of the architectural factor CTCF results in failure to form structural loops and leads to inappropriate cis-regulatory contacts and alterations of compartmental interactions after mitosis. Furthermore, they show global 3D architecture is set up without transcription, but that transcription contributes to proper gene domain formation.
Opioid-Associated Anorectal Dysfunction in Chronic Constipation.

The role of anorectal and defecatory dysfunction in opioid-related constipation is unclear. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between opioid use and rectal sensation, defecatory function, and balloon expulsion on anorectal physiology testing. This was a retrospective cohort study of consecutive adults undergoing high-resolution anorectal manometry (HRAM) at a tertiary center for constipation. Clinical characteristics, medication use, and HRAM findings were obtained. Statistical analyses were performed using Fisher-exact/student t-test for univariate analyses and logistic/general linear regression for multivariable analyses to compare patients with no opioid use, recent ( 3 months) use. 424 patients (49.8 ± 17.2 years; 85.6% female) were included. Compared to those without opioid history, patients with recent use had increased volumes for first rectal sensation (70.4 mL vs 59.4, p = 0.043), urge (120.5 mL vs 101.5, p = 0.017), and maximal tolerance (170.2 mL vs 147.2, p = 0.0018), but not patients with distant use. Recent opioid use was associated with increased risk of dyssynergic defecation (DD) (61.8% vs 46.4%, p = 0.035), but not failed balloon expulsion. On multivariable models controlling for potential confounders, recent opioid use, but not distant use, remained independently correlated with increased volumes for first rectal sensation (β-coefficient 9.78, p = 0.019), urge (β-coefficient 16.7, p = 0.0060), and maximal tolerance (β-coefficient 22.9, p = 0.0032), and higher risk for DD (aOR = 2.18, p = 0.026). Recent opioid use was an independent risk factor for rectal hyposensitivity and DD on HRAM in patients with constipation, but that effect may decrease with discontinuation of use. Anorectal physiology testing should be considered in patients with opioid-associated constipation.
Quantitative aspects of drug-receptor interactions. I. Ca2+ and cholinergic receptor activation in smooth muscle: a basic model for drug-receptor interactions.

Abstract An attempt has been made to devise a general model of drug-receptor interactions as it relates to the initiation of mechanical responses. A key feature of this model is the regulatory role played by membrane-bound Ca 2+ (Ca mem 2+ ). The effects on the mechanical responsiveness of guinea pig ileal longitudinal muscle of four muscarinic agonists derived from and including the highly active cis -2-methyl-4-dimethylaminomethyl-1, 3-dioxolane methiodide have been studied. The concentration-response (isotonic contraction) curves of these four agonists at normal Ca ext 2+ -levels show evidence of cooperativity ( n H > 1) and this was found to increase dramatically with decreasing [Ca ext 2+ ]. A three step model has been proposed, based on that previously advanced by Hurwitz & Suria (1971) , in which activation of the acetylcholine receptor initiates a Ca 2+ translocation mechanism supplying the contractile machinery with Ca 2+ . Arguments are advanced to suggest that two sources of Ca 2+ are thus utilized: membrane-bound (Ca mem 2+ ) and free extracellular (Ca ext 2+ ), the former being responsible for the initial phasic contraction and the latter for the slower phase of contractile development. Analysis of the theoretical model shows that the cooperativity of the concentration-response relationships derives not from the initial agonist-receptor interaction but from the subsequently initiated Ca 2+ translocation step so that [Ca int 2+ ] ∝ [Ca ext 2+ ] n . The limiting value of n is found to be 6 and to be the same for agonists and partial agonists. According to this model intrinsic activity is determined by the linkage between the agonist-receptor complex and the Ca 2+ translocation process. The general findings of this work are discussed in terms of an equilibrium between Ca 2+ -associated and Ca 2+ -dissociated membrane states. The similarities to other Ca 2+ dependent processes are emphasized.
Structural Equation Modeling: An Innovation for Doctoral Social Work Curricula

Abstract This article offers guidelines for learning and teaching structural equation modeling (SEM). The essential ingredients of an introductory course are presented on the basis of the authors' experience teaching SEM over the past two years. Also discussed are successful and unsuccessful methods of instruction, a practical way to organize the course, and a means to integrate this material into doctoral social work curricula. Teaching SEM can be a practical and worthwhile way to ensure that the profession will have well-trained researchers.
Properties of pure acyl phosphatase from bovine brain.

Abstract Acyl phosphatase has been purified 25,000-fold from bovine brain. The enzyme is more than 97% pure by acrylamide gel disc electrophoresis. The calculated molecular weight from gel filtration measurements on Sephadex G-75 was 12,-100; the value calculated from the amino acid composition was 8,732. Independent determinations of free —SH groups and tyrosine content were in agreement with the amino acid analysis. Lysine is the COOH-terminal amino acid residue. There is no detectable NH2-terminal amino acid residue, suggesting that the α-amino group of the NH2-terminal amino acid residue is substituted.
Cytology and physiology of silverleaf whitefly-induced squash silverleaf

Abstract Squash silverleaf is a disorder of certain cultivars of Cucurbita which results from feeding by the silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia argentifolii (formerly, Bemisia tabaci , biotype B), but not by the sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Biotype A ( B. tabaci -A). Because squash silverleaf aetiology is unknown, we compared the symptomology, cytology and physiology of Cucurbita pepo plants fed upon by B. argentifolii and B. tabaci -A to find the mechanism of squash silverleaf induction. B. argentifolii induced rapid-onset, 100% (of upper leaf surface) expression of squash silverleaf regardless of the season, whereas B. tabaci -A induced some intervenal chlorosis but did not induce full expression of squash silverleaf. Cytology of silvered tissue revealed large intercellular air spaces between deformed mesophyll palisade cells and the adaxial epidermis. The chloroplast in the palisade cells and the plasmalemma around some of the vascular cells showed minor ultrastructural damage. Cellular autolysis, similar to other homopteran-induced phytotoxemias, was observed in tissue where the whitefly nymphs had fed and this damage was not due to direct stylet penetration. Ultrastructural examination of squash silverleaf-affected plants did not reveal any viral particles or inclusion bodies. Both whiteflies caused reductions in chlorophyll content, but the loss was greater with B. argentifolii . Two new intercellular fluid proteins were induced in silvered leaf tissue and the constitutive expression of another protein was suppressed. Enzyme assays performed on the intercellular fluid proteins indicated it exhibited reduced activities of chitinase and peroxidase. Similarities between this insect-induced host response and pathogen-induced responses are discussed.
Changes in the in vitro metabolism of estradiol by human endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract Slices of human endometrial curettings were superfused with buffer solutions of labeled steroids, and concentrations of labeled precursors and products were measured in perfusate and tissue. Significant differences were found among various types of endometria when labeled estradiol (E 2 ) was perfused. The tissue to medium ratio (T/M), the ratio of intracellular concentrations of labeled estrone (E 2 ), and E 2 (E 1 /E 2 ), and intracellular clearance (IC) were 1.2 ± 0.7, 14 ± 5.5, and 18 ± 6.2 respectively, in secretory endometrium and 9.5 ± 4.7, 2.0 ± 0.9, and 2.9 ± 1.7, respectively, in proliferative endometrium. Measurements of rates of entry and interconversion of E 1 and E 2 by a two-tracer technique indicated that these results cannot be attributed to permeability changes but may be due to increasing interconversions of E 2 and E 1 throughout the menstrual cycle. T/M values were independent of concentrations of E 1 in the perfusion medium (0.1 to 5,000 ng. per milliliter) when corrected for the amount of hormone tightly bound to nuclei. No significant differences in these parameters between proliferative and secretory endometria were observed when labeled E 1 or progesterone were perfused.
Charles Maurras: The Beginnings of the Action Française

“L’Action Francaise est nee de l’Affaire Dreyfus,” wrote Leon de Montesquiou of the origins of the most resilient, if not the most controversial, political movement in contemporary France.1 Avowedly Catholic, royalist, and ultranationalist, the Action Francaise has survived in turn the ban of the Papacy, the repudiation of the House of France, and the condemnation of its leader to national degradation for “intelligence with the enemy” during World War II. To be sure, after 1945 the movement represented little more than a shadow of its former self, and it took on all the aspects of “une chapelle.” Yet the flame continued to flicker, and in the late 1950’s the movement even showed signs of rejuvenation. The domestic career of the Action Francaise was a stormy one to say the least, and the second generation of Maurrassians has been true to its elders in this as in other ways. Under the Fourth Republic, Maurras’ heritage was bitterly fought over by two weeklies, Aspects de la France and La Nation Francaise.
Education Beyond Institutionalization: Learning Outside of the Formal Curriculum

Education is a concept that can be as limited, or as expansive, as the current mindset of the individual or group who is involved seeks to realize, understand, define, undergo, use, or take in any given context. It is within the mindset of expansiveness, that this article seeks to explore the concept of education as it takes place outside of the formal, institutionalized curriculum—as well as how it relates to the formal curriculum. This theoretical exploration will begin by investigating the relevance of the topic. It will then consider a variety of meanings constructed around the concepts of formal education, informal education and non-formal education. The article concludes by addressing the need for rethinking the status of learning that emerges from outside the formal curriculum and discussing the potential affects of a more expansive approach to envisioning education.
Effect of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on mitochondrial metabolism.

Abstract The effect of 1,1,1-trichloroethane (TCE) on rat liver (and heart) mitochondrial metabolism was assessed by studying the respiratory control characteristics associated with ATP synthesis from added ADP as well as low level Ca 2+ uptake. With pyridine nucleotide-linked substrates, there is a marked decline in State 3 (ADP) respiration (I 50 = 0.65 μmoles TCE/mg of mitochondrial protein). This respiratory inhibition was found to be due to interruption of electron transfer at the rotenone-sensitive site on the electron transport chain. Interestingly, the ADP/0 ratio is largely unaffected. In contrast, succinate-linked State 3 (ADP) respiration is not inhibited by TCE (in this same concentration range), but there appears to be an apparent uncoupling due to enhanced State 4 (ADP) respiration. This latter effect is due to the release of an ATPase activity dependent on exogenous Mg 2+ . In the absence of exogenous Mg 2+ ATP synthesis and ATPase activity are largely unaffected by TCE. From studies on low level Ca 2+ uptake, the data indicate that the halocarbon alters the passive permeability characteristics of the mitochondrion to Ca 2+ and H + , but the Ca 2+ binding and sequestration mechanisms are unaffected. In conclusion, the data provide a mechanistic basis for the previously described, TCE-induced depression of myocardial respiration and the alteration in myocardial contractility observed during acute exposure to this drug.
Variational formulation for the stationary fractional advection dispersion equation

In this article a theoretical framework for the Galerkin finite element approximation to the steady state fractional advection dispersion equation is presented. Appropriate fractional derivative spaces are defined and shown to be equivalent to the usual fractional dimension Sobolev spaces Hs. Existence and uniqueness results are proven, and error estimates for the Galerkin approximation derived. Numerical results are included that confirm the theoretical estimates. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2005
Compendium of national guidelines for imaging of the pediatric patient

Background Diagnostic imaging plays an integral role in diagnosing and managing many pediatric disorders, but there is growing concern in both the medical community and the general public about the long-term health effects of ionizing radiation in children, as well as utilization of imaging evaluation. These concerns, coupled with increasing pressure to reduce national health care spending, underscore the need for an assessment of readily available guidelines, especially evidence-based guidelines, for imaging in children.
Gall morphology and community composition in Asphondylia flocossa (Cecidomyiidae) galls on Atriplex polycarpa (Chenopodiaceae)

Asphondylia flocossa Hawkins (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its associated community of natural enemies were sampled in galls on Atriplex polycarpa (Torrey) Watson (Chenopodiacedae) at 3 locations north of Phoenix, AZ, between October 1994 and March 1995. Galls collected in the autumn had dramatically smaller diameters and shorter trichomes than galls collected in the spring. Asphondylia flocossa were more likely to emerge from larger than average galls with a thick trichome layer in both the autumn and winter samples. The different species of natural enemies each emerged from galls with different characteristics. There was significant variation among taxa of natural enemies for both gall diameter and trichome depth in both the spring and autumn samples. The community of natural enemies also varied significantly among populations and more markedly between seasons. Both Asphondylia flocossa and Rileya tegularis Gahan (Hymenoptera: Eurytomidae) were much more abundant in spring samples than in autumn samples. In contrast, Torymus cappilaceus (Huber) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) and an undescribed species of Galeopsomyia (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) were abundant in the autumn samples but almost non-existent in the spring samples. The first 2 species tended to emerge from relatively large galls while the latter 2 species tended to emerge from small galls. Torymus umbilicatus (Gahan) (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) was the only parasitoid abundant in samples from both seasons. This species emerged from galls with the widest range of diameters and trichome depths of any species, both within and between seasons. The feeding biology of the individual species coupled with seasonal and temporal covariation in gall morphology makes natural enemy control of gall size unlikely. The data is consistent with the hypothesis that gall morphology influences insect community composition.
Modeling of mesothelioma growth demonstrates weaknesses of current response criteria

Applicability of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) to the geometry of mesothelioma has been recently investigated. A "modified RECIST" measurement technique developed for mesothelioma proposes measurement of tumor thickness rather than maximum diameter. This study evaluated the volumetric consistency of the RECIST response criteria as applied to the modified RECIST measurement technique. Geometric models were developed to simulate mesothelioma growth, and measurements of these models were calculated. Relationships between change in model measurements and corresponding change in model volume were derived and evaluated. Application of the RECIST response criteria to the typical spherical tumor model results in partial response (PR) classification based on a 66% volume decrease and progressive disease (PD) based on a 73% volume increase; for mesothelioma model thickness measurements, the RECIST criteria result in PR classification based on a 30% volume decrease and PD based on a 20% volume increase. Alternative response criteria for mesothelioma thickness measurement (-66% for PR, +74% for PD) achieve volumetric equivalence with the RECIST criteria for spherical tumor measurement. Application of the RECIST response criteria to mesothelioma thickness measurements yields PR and PD classifications based on smaller volume changes than for spherical tumors.
Structural change and poverty in Africa: A decomposition anakysis for Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract This paper provides evidence that economic destabilization and the absence of managed structural change in an economy can be more harmful to the welfare of the poor, than the process of adjustment itself. Evidence comes from four consecutive years of household survey data from Cote d'Ivoire, spanning both a period of adjustment and destabilization. These constitute a unique data base in Africa to assess the impact of structural change on the poor. The analytic methodology used is that of static and dynamic decomposition of poverty measures along policy-relevant dimensions.
New paradigms—old paradigms?

Abstract Cryptography plays a central role in security on the web, as documented by many contributions to this volume. However, sometimes the importance of cryptography is exaggerated. This paper explores the foundations that are needed to provide the basis for cryptographic protection, and for web security in general. We will discuss different paradigms that underpin the use of cryptography and of public-key infrastructures, observing a shift in paradigms as far as the protection requirements are concerned, and a clash of paradigms between communications and computer security. We conclude that assurance, a topic neglected in current discussions of security, is today the weakest link in web security.
Energy optimal control of a residential space-conditioning system based on sensible heat transfer modeling

Nowadays most HVAC systems for residential building in the Unites States use a single-zone, two-position control system which is simple and easy to manage. However, this two-position control system has its disadvantage for its unsatisfactory thermal comfort and energy efficiency. This paper presents a proportional control system for the residential building by seting up the dynamic simulation for the building and the control system. The state-space method is used to model the building system and the simulation code is implemented on MATLABTM. Under this model, optimization of the controller is possible and implemented. The thermal comfort and energy efficiency are compared under the different schemes. It has been found that proportional control is advantageous to the two-position control for the thermal comfort while there is not much difference in energy consumption between two control schemes. However, in this work the furnace was operated without any minimum run time and under continuous data sampling.
Hydroxide and carbonate in rat bone mineral and its synthetic analogues.

Infrared spectral data indicate that both native rat bone mineral and synthetic apatites formed at physiological pH, ionic strength and temperature are extensively deficient in hydroxide ion content; the data also indicate that these biological and synthetic apatites contain considerable internal distortions (lattice defects). In addition, a significant portion of the CO32- ions in rat bone mineral is loosely-structured in either an amorphous or surface environment. Carbonate ions in vacuum-heated bone or solution-ripened synthetic (physiological pH) apatites appear to be in multiple local environments. Internal CO32- in these materials may be substituted in PO43- and (in much lesser amounts) OH− positions, although considerable deviation from or within these sites is probable due to lattice defects. Carbonateapatites produced by thermal conversion (600o) of amorphous calcium phosphates containing 4–9% CO32- exhibit CO32- mainly in OH− environments. Thermal recrystallization of biological and synthetic apatites in an air atmosphere increases OH− content and reorganizes CO32- locales. However, such extremely well-crystallized products are not at all representative of their native apatitic precursors.
Statistical comparison of Pearl rates

Statistical procedures for hypothesis testing and interval estimation of the difference in a pair of Pearl rates are presented. The p value of the test statistic is evaluated exactly from the binomial distribution or approximately from the standard normal distribution. Interval estimation is provided by the test-based method of Miettinen. The procedures are applied to two published data sets, and the conceptual link between the Pearl rate and life-table methods is discussed.
Pediatric brainstem gangliogliomas show overexpression of neuropeptide prepronociceptin (PNOC) by microarray and immunohistochemistry.

Background Gangliogliomas (GGs) primary to brainstem are rare, with the overwhelming majority of GGs occurring in supratentorial, especially temporal lobe, locations. A less favorable prognosis exists for brainstem GGs, despite their usually identical WHO grade I status. Few large clinical series, and limited biological information, exists on these tumors, especially gene expression. Procedure Seven pediatric brainstem GGs, all with classic histological features, seen at our institution since 2000 were identified. Frozen section material was available for gene expression microarray profiling from five of seven brainstem GGs and compared with that from three non-brainstem pediatric GGs. Results Significant upregulation of a number of genes was identified, most of which were involved in pathways of neural signaling, embryonic development, and pattern specification in pediatric brainstem GGs compared to non-brainstem. The single largest upregulated gene was a 256-fold increase in the expression of the neuropeptide prepronociceptin (PNOC); the protein product of this gene has been implicated in neuronal growth. Overexpression was validated by Western blot and by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Strong IHC expression of PNOC was seen in neoplastic neurons of 7/7 brainstem GGs, but was significantly weaker in non-brainstem GGs, and completely negative in normal pediatric autopsy brainstem controls. Conclusions PNOC IHC was often superior to IHC for NeuN, synaptophysin, or neurofilament for highlighting neoplastic neurons. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1173–1179. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.