cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
p21 is dispensable for AID-mediated class switch recombination and mutagenesis of immunoglobulin genes during somatic hypermutation.

In B cells, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) induces somatic hypermutation (SHM) at rearranged immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V) regions. Previous studies have shown that both monoubiquitination of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and translesional DNA polymerase activity are important for inducing mutagenesis during SHM. Regulation of PCNA ubiquitination by p21, also known as Cdkn1a and p21Cip1/Waf1, is an important mechanism that controls mutation loads in mammalian cells. In this study, we have assessed whether p21 has an in vivo function in regulating mutagenesis in B cells by analyzing SHM frequency in p21-deficient mice. Our results show that p21 is dispensable for SHM. This suggests that, during SHM of Ig genes, p21 does not act to regulate mutagenesis load. We also show that p21 transcript levels are the same in both wildtype and AID-deficient B cells during B cell activation, and that AID-mediated class switch recombination (CSR) is not affected by p21 deficiency; thereby indicating that p21 regulation in B cells is not altered by AID-induced DNA damage and that p21 has no affect on AID-dependent Ig gene diversification. Our results suggest that regulation of p21 in activated B cells is probably more important for maintaining proper cell cycle progression as opposed to promoting SHM of Ig genes.
Temperature modification of respiratory metabolism and caloric intake of Pandalus borealis (Krøyer) first zoeae

Abstract Oxygen consumption rates ( Q O 2 ) of laboratory reared stage one zoeae of Pandalus borealis (Kroyer) at 1.5, 3, 4.5, 6, and 9°C were 1.5, 2.2, 2.6, 3.6 and 4.1 μ O 2 · mg −1 · h −1 , respectively. These values of Q O 2 correspond to 0.26, 0.38, 0.44, 0.60, and 0.70 μl O 2 · individual −1 · h −1 . At 10.5 °C oxygen consumption rates decreased suggesting thermally induced respiratory stress. The equation log 10 Q O 2 = 0.55 log 10 T °C + 0.086 describes the relationship between Q O 2 ( μl O 2 · mg −1 · h −1 ) and sea-water temperature between 1.5 and 9°C. Corresponding values of Q O 2 for an individual ( μl O 2 · h −1 ) exhibited the relationship log 10 Q O 2 = 0.55 log 10 T °C −0.686. The minimum daily metabolic caloric requirements for an individual zoea ranged from 0.04 at 3 °C to 0.07 calories per day at 8 °C. The number of calories ingested daily ranged from 0.4 to 0.5 at 3 to 8 °C.
Full-waveform inversion of plane-wave seismograms in stratified acoustic media: Applicability and limitations

A nonlinear waveform inversion procedure derived from Tarantola and Valette’s inversion formalism has been implemented in the horizontal slowness and intercept time (p-τ) domain. It infers simultaneously the velocity (bulk modulus) and density profiles of layered acoustic media. An arbitrary partition of the full wavefield information, i.e., an arbitrary selection of traces (and time ranges) of the whole p-τ seismic section is used as input to the inversion procedure. To explore its applicability and limitations, the algorithm has been tested against a series of “noise‐free” and noisy minimum‐phase band‐limited p-τ data sets synthesized from models of many microlayers which are meant to emulate the behavior of well logs. For a given data covariance, we confirmed that the specification of the starting model covariance determines the “generalized” damping factor which predicts the resolution of the final inverted model and the convergence rate of the inversion procedure. We found three major obstacles in th...
Elevated blood lead levels associated with the consumption of moonshine among emergency department patients in Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract Study objectives In February and March 2000, 4 adult emergency care patients were identified with potentially lethal lead toxicity at Grady Memorial Hospital, an urban Atlanta, GA, hospital. All were moonshine drinkers, prompting concern that lead exposure from moonshine was underrecognized in this setting. Methods We conducted a 2-phased, nested, cross-sectional study throughout a 14-day period in the emergency care center of Grady Memorial Hospital. The prevalence phase consisted of demographic data collection, eligibility screening, and a brief interview pertaining to alcohol and moonshine consumption. During the nested phase, a full interview and blood lead analyses were conducted on all consenting moonshine drinkers and a time-matched comparison group of non–moonshine drinkers. Results In the prevalence phase, of 581 patients interviewed, 8.6% reported consuming moonshine in the past 5 years. Moonshine drinkers were predominantly men between the ages of 40 and 59 years. In the nested phase, the median blood lead levels among moonshine drinkers and nondrinkers were 11.0 μg/dL (0.531 μmol/L) and 2.5 μg/dL (0.121 μmol/L), respectively. Moonshine drinkers were significantly more likely to have blood lead levels of 10 μg/dL (0.483 μmol/L) or greater (odds ratio [OR] 10.94; 95% confidence interval 3.76 to 31.85). Patients who consumed moonshine in the previous week were significantly more likely to have a blood lead level of 10 μg/dL (0.483 μmol/L) or greater than were individuals who reported less recent consumption. Patients who consumed moonshine more than once a month were significantly more likely to have a blood lead level of 10 μg/dL (0.483 μmol/L) or greater than were those reporting less frequent use. Moonshine users were more likely to report heavy alcohol use. Conclusion Moonshine consumption was more prevalent than expected in our patient population and was strongly associated with elevated blood lead levels, particularly among recent moonshine drinkers.
The Colorado Journey Towards Optimal Outcomes for Children With Hearing Loss

Abstract It is possible for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to attain language development comparable to their hearing peers, but these outcomes are not guaranteed. The population of child...
Foodborne Botulism in the Republic of Georgia

Foodborne botulism is a potentially fatal, paralytic ill- ness that can cause large outbreaks. A possible increase in botulism incidence during 2001 in the Republic of Georgia prompted this study. We reviewed surveillance data and abstracted records of patients with botulism who were hos- pitalized from 1980 to 2002. During this period, 879 botu- lism cases were detected. The median annual incidence increased from 0.3 per 100,000 during 1980 to 1990 to 0.9 per 100,000 during 1991 to 2002. For 706 botulism patients hospitalized from 1980 to 2002, 80% of their cases were attributed to home-preserved vegetables. Surveillance evaluation verified that botulism incidence varied greatly by region. Georgia has the highest nationally reported rate of foodborne botulism in the world. A strategy addressing indi- vidual behaviors in the home is needed to improve food safety; developing this strategy requires a deeper under- standing of why botulism has increased and varies by region.
Modulating cGMP in heart failure by novel natriuretic peptides

An emerging concept in cardiorenal therapeutics is the design and synthesis of chimeric drugs that are single-chemical entities that combine structural and biological components of different molecules resulting in novel agents possessing highly desirable properties. Such a strategy optimizes favorable actions of a least two different molecules and often reduces unwanted adverse effects. We recently reported the design, synthesis and biological actions of a novel chimeric natriuretic peptide (NP) fusing the 22-amino acid (AA) sequence of mature C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), a member of the NP family that is highly conserved among species, with the 15-AA C-terminus of Dendroaspis natriuretic peptide (DNP) that was isolated from the venom of the eastern green mamba snake (Dendroaspis angusticeps). The rationale of the design of this novel chimeric NP was based upon our knowledge that CNP, principally an endothelial cell derived peptide, has favorable venorelaxing properties that would unload the heart in states of volume overload but when compared to atrial NP (ANP), B-type NP (BNP) or urodilatin (URO), which are marked arterial vasodilators, would be less hypotensive thus better preserving renal perfusion pressure. Such hemodynamic properties are a consequence of CNP activation of the NP receptor-B (NPR-B) that is highly expressed in veins as compared to arteries. In contrast, ANP and BNP which function via the NP receptor-A (NPR-A) principally vasorelax arteries where NPR-A is highly expressed. A therapeutic limitation of the use of CNP in volume overload states is that in contrast to ANP and BNP, CNP lacks renal actions limiting its utility in states of sodium and water retention or altered glomerular function. The second principle in the design of CD-NP was based upon our understanding of DNP. Indeed, previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated that DNP is potently natriuretic and diuretic but also markedly hypotensive. More recently, studies have established that DNP like ANP and BNP is a ligand for NPR-A. Further, Lisy et al have reported that the 15-AA C-terminus of DNP possessed mild natriuretic and diuretic actions, which provided the rationale for the hypothesis that the C-terminus of DNP in a chimeric design would provide CNP with the ability to activate NPR-A and transform CNP into a natriuretic and diuretic peptide lacking significant hypotensive actions. Indeed, in recent studies in cells overexpressing either NPR-A or NPR-B, CD-NP activated both NPR-B and NPR-A with predominate stimulation being NPR-B. Specifically, CD-NP was able to activate in cells expressing either NPR-A or NPR-B the generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that is the second messenger for both NP receptors. Here we will review both preclinical development and the first clinical studies including first in humans and studies in human heart failure.
Extending the Shelf-Life of Chicken Broiler Meat

Abstract Microorganisms involved in the spoilage of poultry meat stored at —2, 4, and 15 C were identified. The numbers of spoilage organisms on poultry meat after storage for different time periods at the above temperatures were determined. Attempts were made to extend the shelf-life of poultry meat by treatment with two solutions containing citric acid, potassium sorbate, and modified cornstarch. Solution 1 consisted of 10% citric acid, 6% potassium sorbate, and 34% modified cornstarch in water (pH 3.2). Solution 2 consisted of 20% citric acid, 6% potassium sorbate, and 24% modified cornstarch in water (pH 2.4). Chicken broiler wings were dipped in boiling water for 10 sec, dipped in Solution 1 or 2 for 60 sec, drained for 3 sec, and packaged individually in polyethylene bags. Untreated poultry meat samples (portion of wing consisting of ulna and radius with attached skin and muscle) had a shelf-life of less than 1 day at 15 C, 7 days at 4 C, and 14 days when stored at —2 C. Wings treated with Solution 1 had a shelf-life of 4 days at 15 C and 14 days at 4 C. Wings treated with Solution 2 had a shelf-life of 6 days at 15 C and longer than 28 days when stored at 4 C. Wings treated with Solution 1 remained acceptable for 1 day when stored at 25 C, whereas those dipped in Solution 2 were acceptable after 2 days. Pseudomonads were identified as the major organisms responsible for spoilage of both treated and untreated samples. Throughout the study, samples treated with Solution 2 had lower microbial counts than samples treated with Solution 1. Treatment of thighs with Solution 1 had no adverse effect on the sensory characteristics of barbecued samples. Samples treated in Solution 2 were scored lower but were not undesirable. Barbecuing consisted of oven baking and basting with a spicy tomato base sauce.
Perceived Sufficiency of Full-Field Digital Mammograms With and Without Irreversible Image Data Compression for Comparison with Next-Year Mammograms

Problems associated with the large file sizes of digital mammograms have impeded the integration of digital mammography with picture archiving and communications systems. Digital mammograms irreversibly compressed by the novel wavelet Access Over Network (AON) compression algorithm were compared with lossless-compressed digital mammograms in a blinded reader study to evaluate the perceived sufficiency of irreversibly compressed images for comparison with next-year mammograms. Fifteen radiologists compared the same 100 digital mammograms in three different comparison modes: lossless-compressed vs 20:1 irreversibly compressed images (mode 1), lossless-compressed vs 40:1 irreversibly compressed images (mode 2), and 20:1 irreversibly compressed images vs 40:1 irreversibly compressed images (mode 3). Compression levels were randomly assigned between monitors. For each mode, the less compressed of the two images was correctly identified no more frequently than would occur by chance if all images were identical in compression. Perceived sufficiency for comparison with next-year mammograms was achieved by 97.37% of the lossless-compressed images and 97.37% of the 20:1 irreversibly compressed images in mode 1, 97.67% of the lossless-compressed images and 97.67% of the 40:1 irreversibly compressed images in mode 2, and 99.33% of the 20:1 irreversibly compressed images and 99.19% of the 40:1 irreversibly compressed images in mode 3. In a random-effect analysis, the irreversibly compressed images were found to be noninferior to the lossless-compressed images. Digital mammograms irreversibly compressed by the wavelet AON compression algorithm were as frequently judged sufficient for comparison with next-year mammograms as lossless-compressed digital mammograms.
Experimental evidences of nitric oxide‐dependent vasodilatory activity of nebivolol, a third‐generation β‐blocker

Nebivolol is a new and selective beta1-adrenergic receptor antagonist whose haemodynamic profile is different from that of classical beta-blockers. The blood pressure lowering effects of nebivolol are, at least partially, due to the direct vasodilation as a result of nitric oxide (NO) release from endothelial cells. Several in vitro studies unequivocally show that, at least in certain vascular districts (particularly in small diameter, non-conduit vessels) and in platelets, nebivolol can stimulate an increase of endothelial NO, which becomes available at the smooth muscle layers and induces vasorelaxation. Nebivolol appears to interact with the endothelial NO pathway in two complementary ways: it increases NO synthase (NOS) activity and reduces the NO-scavenging radical superoxide anion, by re-directing deranged NOS activity, from superoxide to NO production. Nebivolol appears also to possess a complementary antioxidant activity, through which the pathological ROS-induced depression of intracellular NO levels can be prevented. Depending on the studies, evidences for a role of different receptors have been obtained. Although the interaction of nebivolol with cell receptors and the mechanisms of signal transduction into eNOS activation are not yet fully delineated, that nebivolol increases NO production and extracellular release has been proved not only by confirming its inhibition by NOS blockers, but also by measuring NO levels in mediums and cells in several different experimental settings.
Max Weber, The Theory of Asian Society, and the Study of Thailand

(1971). Max Weber, The Theory of Asian Society, and the Study of Thailand. The Sociological Quarterly: Vol. 12, No. 4, pp. 525-530.
On reversible Markov chains and maximization of directed information

In this paper, we consider a dynamical system, whose state is an input to a memoryless channel. The state of the dynamical system is affected by its past, an exogenous input, and causal feedback from the channel's output. We consider maximizing the directed information between the input signal and the channel output, over all exogenous input distributions and/or dynamical system policies. We demonstrate that under certain conditions, reversibility of a Markov chain implies directed information is maximized. With this, we develop achievability theorems for channels with (infinite) memory as well as optimality conditions for sequential estimation of Markov processes through dynamical systems with causal feedback. We provide examples, which includes the exponential server timing channel and the trapdoor channel.
A review of materials, fabrication methods, and strategies used to enhance bone regeneration in engineered bone tissues

Over the last decade, bone engineered tissues have been developed as alternatives to autografts and allografts to repair and reconstruct bone defects. This article provides a review of the current technologies in bone tissue engineering. Factors used for fabrication of three-dimensional bone scaffolds such as materials, cells, and biomolecular signals, as well as required properties for ideal bone scaffolds, are reviewed. In addition, current fabrication techniques including rapid prototyping are elaborated upon. Finally, this review article further discusses some effective strategies to enhance cell ingrowth in bone engineered tissues; for example, nanotopography, biomimetic materials, embedded growth factors, mineralization, and bioreactors. In doing so, it suggests that there is a possibility to develop bone substitutes that can repair bone defects and promote new bone formation for orthopedic applications.
Biogenesis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pheromone a-Factor, from Yeast Mating to Human Disease

Summary: The mating pheromone a-factor secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a farnesylated and carboxylmethylated peptide and is unusually hydrophobic compared to other extracellular signaling molecules. Mature a-factor is derived from a precursor with a C-terminal CAAX motif that directs a series of posttranslational reactions, including prenylation, endoproteolysis, and carboxylmethylation. Historically, a-factor has served as a valuable model for the discovery and functional analysis of CAAX-processing enzymes. In this review, we discuss the three modules comprising the a-factor biogenesis pathway: (i) the C-terminal CAAX-processing steps carried out by Ram1/Ram2, Ste24 or Rce1, and Ste14; (ii) two sequential N-terminal cleavage steps, mediated by Ste24 and Axl1; and (iii) export by a nonclassical mechanism, mediated by the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter Ste6. The small size and hydrophobicity of a-factor present both challenges and advantages for biochemical analysis, as discussed here. The enzymes involved in a-factor biogenesis are conserved from yeasts to mammals. Notably, studies of the zinc metalloprotease Ste24 in S. cerevisiae led to the discovery of its mammalian homolog ZMPSTE24, which cleaves the prenylated C-terminal tail of the nuclear scaffold protein lamin A. Mutations that alter ZMPSTE24 processing of lamin A in humans cause the premature-aging disease progeria and related progeroid disorders. Intriguingly, recent evidence suggests that the entire a-factor pathway, including all three biogenesis modules, may be used to produce a prenylated, secreted signaling molecule involved in germ cell migration in Drosophila. Thus, additional prenylated signaling molecules resembling a-factor, with as-yet-unknown roles in metazoan biology, may await discovery.
Myopic Social Prediction and the Solo Comparison Effect

Four experiments explored the psychological processes by which people make comparative social judgments. Each participant chose how much money to wager on beating an opponent on either a difficult or a simple trivia quiz. Quiz difficulty did not influence the average person's probability of winning, yet participants bet more on a simple quiz than on a difficult quiz in the first 3 experiments. The results suggest that this effect results from a tendency to attend more closely to a focal actor than to others. Experiment 4 directly manipulated focusing; when participants were led to focus on the opponent instead of themselves, the effect was reversed. The discussion relates the results to other literatures including overly optimistic self-evaluation, false consensus, overconfidence, and social comparison.
A Distance Based Comparison of Optimal Power Allocation to Distributed Sensors in a Wireless Sensor Network

This paper addresses the optimal power allocation issue in a distributed sensor network assuming imperfect communication between the fusion center and the sensors. Noisy orthogonal channels are considered and optimal power allocation is achieved by maximizing statistical distance measures between the probability densities of the received signal under each of two hypotheses. While J-divergence measure has been considered in [1], its lack of closed form expression and complexity in calculation motivates the need to investigate other measures for mixture densities. We evaluate two statistical distance measures with closed form expressions and compare their performance with that of J-divergence for the system model introduced in [1]. Specifically, we consider elemental J-divergence and elemental L2 distance as candidate performance metrics. We illustrate that power allocation using the proposed measures is less complex relative to power allocation considering J-divergence as given in [1].
A Systematic Investigation of p -Nitrophenol Reduction by Bimetallic Dendrimer Encapsulated Nanoparticles.

We demonstrate that the reduction of p-nitrophenol to p-aminophenol by NaBH4 is catalyzed by both monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). We also demonstrate a straightforward and precise method for the synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles using poly(amido)amine dendrimers. The resulting dendrimer encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) are monodisperse, and the size distribution does not vary with different elemental combinations. Random alloys of Pt/Cu, Pd/Cu, Pd/Au, Pt/Au, and Au/Cu DENs were synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for p-nitrophenol reduction. These combinations are chosen in order to selectively tune the binding energy of the p-nitrophenol adsorbate to the nanoparticle surface. Following the Bronsted-Evans-Polanyi (BEP) relation, we show that the binding energy can reasonably predict the reaction rates of p-nitrophenol reduction. We demonstrate that the measured reaction rate constants of the bimetallic DENs is not always a simple average of the properties of the constituent metals. In particular, DENs containing metals with similar lattice constants produce a binding energy close to the average of the two constituents, whereas DENs containing metals with a lattice mismatch show a bimodal distribution of binding energies. Overall, in this work we present a uniform method for synthesizing pure and bimetallic DENs and demonstrate that their catalytic properties are dependent on the adsorbate's binding energy.
Towards an empirical relationship between root length density and root number in windbreak-grown cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) trees

Because windbreaks are planted for sustainable agriculture but may lower crop yields near them due to competition, suitable competi- tion mitigation methods must be applied at the windbreak-crop interface to increase crop yields. Effective underground competition management requires information on important root variables such as preferential root growth direction and root length density (RLD, root length per unit volume of soil). This study examined root isotropy (i.e., uniformity in all directions) in windbreak- grown cadaghi (Corymbia torelliana) trees in south Florida and developed an empirical relationship between RLD and number of roots (N) per unit of surface of soil exiting the trench face. Numbers of roots exiting the frontal face parallel to the windbreak (NX), vertical face perpendicular to the frontal face (NY), and basal horizontal face (NZ) of 10 x 10 x 10 cm soil cubes were counted. Cadaghi roots were anisotropic and had horizontal growth preference. Average root numbers were ranked NX>NY>NZ. Both NX and the average root number exiting X, Y and Z faces of the soil cube (NAVG) were significant variables for estimating RLD. The coefficients of NX and NAVG were 1.1 and 3.1. These results should be helpful to manage underground competition effectively at the windbreak-crop interface to improve crop yields.
Review: inactivated vaccines provide the greatest protection against influenza in healthy persons.

Source Citation Demicheli V, Rivetti D, Deeks JJ, Jefferson TO. Vaccines for preventing influenza in healthy adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2001;(4):CD001269 (latest version 3 Aug 2001). 11687102
Experimental method for quantifying acid diffusion in chemically amplified resists

The detailed structure of the 3D relief image formed upon processing a chemically amplified (CA) resist film is the result of a complex interplay of the projected optical image, the resist optical and photochemical properties, and the chemistry and physics of post-exposure thermal processing. During post-expose heating,the initial latent image of photogenerated acid is transformed into a developable chemical latent image of deprotected polymer whose form is governed by the kinetics of both a thermally- activated chemical deprotection reaction and the diffusion of photo-generated acid within the polymer film. WHile there have been recent advances in characterizing the chemistry and kinetics of deprotection in CA resist films, at present our fundamental quantitative understanding of photo-acid diffusion remains poor.
Anisotropy in reflected GPS measurements of ocean winds

The probability density function (PDF) of the ocean surface slope can be estimated from the code-correlation waveform of reflected GPS signals. Anisotropy in this PDF is found to correspond to the local near surface wind direction, suggesting the ability to resolve this direction using scattered signals from two or more GPS satellites. A two-stage estimation process was applied to sets of waveform data collected from an airborne delay-mapping GPS receiver. First, an isotropic normal distribution was assumed for the PDF. The mean square slope (MSS) was fit to the measured waveform data for each satellite independently. Differences between the MSS estimates from two satellites at different azimuths were observed. In the second step, a bidirectional normal PDF was used with MSS constrained to that obtained in the first step, and an assumed value was given for the ratio of upwind to crosswind slopes. The direction of the principal axes was then varied to minimize the total residuals for both satellites. The results were compared with buoy recordings of the local wind direction.
BODY CONDITION AND PARASITE LOAD PREDICT TERRITORY OWNERSHIP IN THE GALÁPAGOS HAWK

Abstract We tested for associations between body condition, territory ownership, and permanent parasite load of Galapagos Hawks (Buteo galapagoensis) on Isla Marchena, Galapagos. Two louse species were collected from most of the 26 hawks sampled: the amblyceran Colpocephalum turbinatum and the ischnoceran Degeeriella regalis. Nonterritorial hawks were in significantly poorer body condition than territorial hawks. Body condition was negatively correlated with the abundance of C. turbinatum. Nonterritorial hawks had significantly higher mean abundances, mean intensities, and median intensities of both louse species than territorial hawks. The amblyceran's mean abundance and intensity were significantly higher than the ischnoceran's. Abundances of the two lice were positively related when the population size of C. turbinatum was 100 individuals. Parasite load and body condition both predicted territory ownership well. La Condicion Corporal y la Carga Parasitaria...
Applying robot-in-the-loop-simulation to mobile robot systems

Simulation-based study plays important roles in robotic systems development. This paper describes robot-in-the-loop simulation, which is a novel simulation method that we developed to allow real robots and robot models to work together for system-wide measurement and test. To support robot-in-the-loop simulation, a simulated virtual environment is developed. Several kinds of sensor/actuator interface models are defined to allow real robots to interact with the virtual environment. To demonstrate the capability of robot-in-the-loop simulation, three mobile robot examples were developed and are presented in the paper in an incremental way. These examples illustrate the usages and configurations of robot-in-the-loop simulation under different situations
Advances in physiologic lung assessment via electron beam computed tomography

Commercially available CT scanners are capable of volumetric data acquisition in a breath-hold, and electron beam CT is capable of stop-action imaging of the heart and lungs in a single or a few slices. Static, volumetric imaging of the lung is inadequate in that much of lung pathology is a dynamic phenomenon and, thus, is only detectable if the lung is imaged as air and blood are flowing. There remains the requirement for an X-ray CT scanner with the capability of obtaining 1 mm contiguous sections spanning the apical to basal extent of the lung with, ideally, 15 line pairs per centimeter resolution and a 50 msec scan aperture for a full volumetric compliment of sections. This paper presents our laboratory's current state-of-the-art in dynamic CT imaging with a look to the future.
Equity for all? Potential impact of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Act of 2008.

An estimated 23 to 30 million adults are severely incapacitated from mental disorders, excluding those relating to substance abuse. 1 Studies show that nearly 15% of the American population uses so...
Sex Workers and HIV/AIDS: Analyzing Participatory Culture-Centered Health Communication Strategies.

An emerging trend in health communication research advocates the need to foreground articulations of health by participants who are at the core of any health campaign. Scholarly work suggests that the culture-centered approach to health communication can provide a theoretical and practical framework to achieve this objective. The culture-centered approach calls for attention to dialogue and locates the agency of cultural participants in the culture being studied. This approach underlines the import of participation of community members in the enunciation of health problems as a step toward achieving meaningful change. Based on the culture-centered approach, this article examines narratives of sex workers to analyze how participatory communicative strategies frame discourses and practices of health, particularly those related to HIV/AIDS.
Aldh7B6 Encodes a Turgor-Responsive Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Homologue That is Constitutively Expressed in Tortula ruralis Gametophytes

Abstract The moss Tortula ruralis is an important experimental system for studying the molecular and biochemical mechanisms of vegetative desiccation tolerance in plants. EST searches have identified a cDNA Aldh7B6 encoding a turgor-responsive aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH7). ALDH7B6, the 516 amino acid deduced polypeptide, is more than 60% identical to homologues from the protein family ALDH7. ALDH7B6 has a predicted molecular mass of 55.1 kDa and predicted pI of 5.87. RNA blot hybridizations were used to analyze expression of Aldh7B6 in response to desiccation, NaCl, altered light levels, ABA, & UV-C. Aldh7B6 steady-state mRNA transcript levels are unchanged in response to all treatments and the gene is constitutively expressed. We propose three conserved signature sequences for ALDH7 protein members: 1) the PR-box PAPKRGEIVRQIGD (residues 83–96), 2) the catalytic box FAAVGTAGQRCTT (residues 297–309), and the C-box (residues 424–515 of the carboxy terminus). We postulate that ALDH7B6 plays an important r...
Coordination Models in P2P Environment: A Genetic Algorithm Approach

Coordination is the art and science of managing interactions and dependencies among activities and agents in multi-agent systems. Since the coordination problems are NP-complete, there is a notorious difficulty in solving them optimally. Therefore, a heuristic approach that offers near-optimal solutions to the problem need to be followed. By their nature, Genetic Algorithms can provide a powerful basis for an efficient heuristic method for coordination problems. In this paper, we develop a Genetic Algorithm-based heuristic model for a self evolutionary Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network, in which agents communicate with each other to locate and download music files available in the network. The agent decision of either becoming a broker or remaining as a file-sharer is endogenized through the use of a well-established economic model of utility maximization. After a sufficient period of time, the proposed algorithm finds the optimal distribution of files for each agent and reveals whether each will become a broker or not, hence discovering the optimal P2P network structure.
The Case for a Flat-Earth Law School

This essay suggests - usually politely - that the American legal academy has been overdoing its push for globalization, and, as a result, education in the basics has suffered. That's a pity because law school graduates need to know the basics to be successful not only in Smalltown USA, but also on a world stage.
More uneven distributions overturn benefits of higher precipitation for crop yields

Climate change is expected to lead to more uneven temporal distributions of precipitation, but the impacts on human systems are little studied. Most existing, statistically based agricultural climate change impact projections only account for changes in total precipitation, ignoring its intra-seasonal distribution, and conclude that in places that will become wetter, agriculture will benefit. Here, an analysis of daily rainfall and crop yield data from across India (1970–2003), where a fifth of global cereal supply is produced, shows that decreases in the number of rainy days have robust negative impacts that are large enough to overturn the benefits of increased total precipitation for the yields of most major crops. As an illustration, the net, mid 21st century projection for rice production shifts from +2% to −11% when changes in distribution are also accounted for, independently of additional negative impacts of rising temperatures.
High-fat diet reduces glucose transporter responses to both insulin and exercise

High-fat diet (HFD) induces skeletal muscle insulin resistance. To investigate associated changes in the plasma membrane glucose transporter, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed either chow [high-carbohydrate diet (HCD)] or HFD for 3 wk. Plasma membrane vesicles were prepared from hindlimb muscle of control, insulin-stimulated (Ins), and acutely exercised (Ex) rats. Maximal vesicle glucose transport activity (Vmax) increased threefold with Ins and Ex treatment compared with controls in HCD rats; in HFD rats, increases were less than twofold. Transporter numbers (measured by cytochalasin B binding, CB) approximately doubled with Ins and Ex in both diet groups. Intrinsic activity (carrier turnover, Vmax/CB) increased significantly with stimulation in HCD but not HFD rats. Therefore, vesicles from HFD rats showed resistance to both exercise and insulin stimulation of muscle glucose transport. Transporter number increased normally, but intrinsic activity in HFD rats did not respond. Two conclusions are discussed: 1) translocation and activation are distinct, separable steps in transporter stimulation and 2) HFD produces effects that resemble the insulin resistance of starvation.
THE PROFESSIONAL LIFE OF CARDIOLOGISTS: INSIGHTS FROM THE THIRD AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY PROFESSIONAL LIFE SURVEY

In 2015, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) conducted a third Professional Life Survey (PLS) examining cardiologists’ career decisions, family life and satisfaction by gender. PLS was sent to 2,997 female and 6,501 male cardiologists and 2000 fellows-in-training. PLS results are compared by
AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Until recently, chronic daily intravenous infusions of ganciclovir or foscarnet were the only available treatment regimens for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, a sight-threatening complication that has historically affected approximately one-third of all AIDS patients in industrialized countries. In recent years, results of many randomized clinical trials of new treatments for AIDS-related CMV retinitis have been disseminated. These trials have involved four novel treatment modalities (i.e., an oral formulation of ganciclovir, a ganciclovir intraocular device, a combined intravenous ganciclovir/foscarnet regimen and a new agent, cidofovir) that offer better efficacy and/or less inconvenience than standard daily intravenous therapy with either ganciclovir or foscarnet. This review summarizes the main points clinicians should know about the available treatments for CMV disease.
Matrix solid-phase dispersion extraction and gas chromatographic screening of 14 chlorinated pesticides in oysters (Crassostrea virginica)

A multiresidue isolation technique known as matrix solid-phase dispersion (MSPD) is presented for the extraction and subsequent gas chromatographic/electron capture detection (GC/ECD) determination of 14 chlorinated pesticides (alpha-BHC, beta-BHC, lindane, heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, p,p'-DDE, dieldrin, endrin, 4,4'-DDD, endrin aldehyde, p,p'-DDT, endosulfan sulfate, and methoxychlor) from oysters (Crassostrea virginica). Pureed whole oysters (0.5 g aliquots) are fortified with the 14 pesticides and delta-BHC, as an internal standard, and blended with 2 g C18 (octadecylsilyl)-derivatized silica. Pesticides are eluted from an extraction column composed of C18/oyster matrix blend and 2 g activated Florisil by addition of 8 mL acetonitrile-methanol (90 + 10). Then, 2 microL of the eluate is analyzed by GC/ECD. Unfortified blank controls are treated similarly. The eluate contained all the pesticide analytes and was free of interfering coextractants. Correlation coefficients for the standard curves of the 14 extracted pesticides (linear regression analysis) ranged from 0.9849 to 0.9980. Average relative percent recoveries over the range of concentrations examined (66 +/- 12.7% to 84 +/- 25.3%, n = 25 for each pesticide), interassay variability (13.6 +/- 8.8% to 30.2 +/- 9.1%, n = 25 for each pesticide), and intra-assay variability (5.8-11.8%, n = 5 for each pesticide) indicated that the MSPD methodology successfully extracted and determined the 14 chlorinated pesticides in oyster at levels of 31.3-500 ng/g.
Klebsiella pneumoniae: Going on the Offense with a Strong Defense

Klebsiella pneumoniae causes a wide range of infections, including pneumonias, urinary tract infections, bacteremias, and liver abscesses. Historically, K. pneumoniae has caused serious infection primarily in immunocompromised individuals, but the recent emergence and spread of hypervirulent strains have broadened the number of people susceptible to infections to include those who are healthy and immunosufficient. Furthermore, K. pneumoniae strains have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics, rendering infection by these strains very challenging to treat. The emergence of hypervirulent and antibiotic-resistant strains has driven a number of recent studies. Work has described the worldwide spread of one drug-resistant strain and a host defense axis, interleukin-17 (IL-17), that is important for controlling infection. Four factors, capsule, lipopolysaccharide, fimbriae, and siderophores, have been well studied and are important for virulence in at least one infection model. Several other factors have been less well characterized but are also important in at least one infection model. However, there is a significant amount of heterogeneity in K. pneumoniae strains, and not every factor plays the same critical role in all virulent Klebsiella strains. Recent studies have identified additional K. pneumoniae virulence factors and led to more insights about factors important for the growth of this pathogen at a variety of tissue sites. Many of these genes encode proteins that function in metabolism and the regulation of transcription. However, much work is left to be done in characterizing these newly discovered factors, understanding how infections differ between healthy and immunocompromised patients, and identifying attractive bacterial or host targets for treating these infections.
Treatment Overview of an Intensive Group Outpatient Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Youth Anxiety Disorders and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

ABSTRACTEvidence-based outpatient treatment protocols for anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder have been demonstrated to be helpful for about half of children; however, a significant portion of treatment-seeking youth remain symptomatic and with impaired functioning. Innovations in the delivery of cognitive-behavioral treatments may allow for enhanced effectiveness. This article describes the design and implementation of an intensive, group-based cognitive-behavioral therapy program with a focus on exposure and response prevention for youth (ages 7–19) with anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The multicomponent treatment involves psychoeducational groups, graduated in vivo exposure, family sessions, parent guidance groups, and psychopharmacologic consultation. Youth participate in treatment 4 times per week (3 group days and 1 family treatment day), for 2½ to 3 hr per day, for at least 4 weeks. In this article we provide preliminary outcomes and describe plans for evaluatin...
Beliefs about Future Curriculum: How Avoidance Emotions Affect Curriculum Choice in Science

This article investigates how emotions of avoidance affect curriculum choice in a science classroom and also evaluates a research-based social form of learning for changing emotions of avoidance towards a specific science topic (arachnids) for a population of preservice teachers. It was found that there is a strong invariant structural relationship between emotions of avoidance and beliefs about incorporation of science concepts about arachnids. However, participation in the arachnid learning activities decreased emotions of avoidance and increased beliefs about incorporation into a science classroom. The implications of these findings are that social forms of learning can change avoidance emotions and beliefs of teachers and may even be effective for addressing other classroom topics that are socially sensitive, such as biological evolution or climate change.
Digest: Imperfect convergence in butterfly wing patterns.

Butterfly wing patterns are among the most diverse morphological characteristics in nature, with many of the 18,000 or so described butterfly species readily distinguished by wing pattern alone. Wing pattern serves as one of the primary means of communication among species and is thus subject to strong natural selection for mimicry and warning color (aposematism). Convergent wing patterns are particularly evident across the butterfly genus Adelpha, suggesting this genus may be a good system to study the underlying mechanisms behind mimicry. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
Long term isothermal aging effects on the cyclic stress-strain behavior of Sn-Ag-Cu solders

When exposed to a temperature changing environment, solder joints in electronic assemblies are subjected to cyclic mechanical loading due to the mismatches in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of different assembly materials. Eventually, the cyclic loading results in fatigue failure of solder joints, which is one of the common failure modes in electronic packaging. Aging leads to solder microstructure changes such as grain and phase coarsening, and these effects are closely correlated to the damage that occurs during cyclic loading. In this investigation, we have studied long term isothermal aging effects on the cyclic stress-strain behavior and microstructure of Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) lead free solders. Cylindrical uniaxial specimens were produced using a vacuum suction process and then aged for various aging times up to one year before testing. All the specimens were tested at room temperature (25 °C) using strain controlled cycling method. We have found that aging causes the degradation of solder mechanical properties. The evolution of cyclic stress-strain curve (hysteresis loop) induced by aging has been characterized. Also, the effects of aging on hysteresis loop area, plastic strain range and peak stress have been quantified and modeled for different aging times. Lastly, aging induced microstructural changes in a small fixed region of a single solder sample have been examined, and the coarsening of solder microstructure has been observed.
Closed-loop control of epileptic seizures via deep brain stimulation in a rodent model of chronic epilepsy

We have designed and implemented an automated, just-in-time seizure control scheme using a seizure prediction method coupled with deep brain stimulation in the centromedial thalamic nuclei of epileptic rats. The scheme was tested in terms of its efficacy to control seizures, as well as its effect on synchronization of brain dynamics. The proposed technique of just-in-time stimulation resulted to a significant (>50%) reduction of seizure frequency as compared to a baseline period with no stimulation. Importantly, we show that successful seizure control was highly correlated with desynchronization of brain dynamics. This study provides initial evidence for the efficacy of closed-loop feedback control systems in epileptic seizures combining methods from seizure prediction and deep brain stimulation.
Training and Experience Matter: Improving Athlete ECG Screening, Interpretation, and Reproducibility.

A preparticipation evaluation is recommended before engaging in competitive sports, although debate continues whether to include an ECG in addition to a history and physical examination. The limitations of preparticipation screening by history and physical examination alone for the identification of athletes with disorders at risk for sudden cardiac arrest have been recognized by 2 recent consensus statements within the United States.1,2 ECG screening of young athletes is endorsed by several major medical and sporting organizations, such as the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), International Olympic Committee, and Federation Internationale de Football Association, as a means to improve the identification of conditions predisposing to sudden cardiac arrest. However, accurate implementation of an ECG screening program has many challenges and requires a physician infrastructure with adequate sports cardiology resources and training in contemporary athlete-specific ECG interpretation standards. See Article by Dhutia et al In this issue, Dhutia et al3 examined the reproducibility of ECG interpretation using the 2010 ESC, 2013 Seattle Criteria, and 2014 Refined Criteria by 4 experienced and 4 nonexperienced cardiologists in 400 athletes. The study also analyzed the downstream costs of further testing depending on the experience level of the reader. Not surprisingly, the study found that interobserver reliability was better with experienced versus novice readers and improved for both groups with the newer criteria. This was a small sample, and no follow-up was available so it is unknown if any athlete in this cohort had true disease. Physiological changes in the athlete’s heart have made determination of normal ECG findings in the athlete a challenge. The 2010 …
Physician failure to stratify patients hospitalized with acute pulmonary embolism.

Objectives: In 2011, the AHA recommended risk stratification of patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). Failure to risk stratify may cause under recognition of intermediate-risk PE and its att...