cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Convergence of Multiple Nuclear Receptor Signaling

This chapter will describe the actions of the xenosensors peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), pregnane X receptor (PXR), arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) (NF-E2)-related factor-2 (Nrf2) that regulate gene expression of the foreign compound-metabolizing enzymes. In this chapter, we provide evidence that they also interact with other signaling pathways that control nutrient metabolism. We have described the potential mechanisms through which regulation of intermediary metabolism converges with the regulation of foreign compound metabolism. The xenosensors regulate foreign compound metabolism directly through transcriptional activation of target genes and indirectly by interacting with other transcription factors to alter function, by competing for binding to cis-acting elements, or by endocrine disruption through metabolism of ligand precursors and clearance of ligand activators, thereby terminating their biological function. Cross talk between the xenobiotic and metabolic nuclear receptors suggests coordinate regulation between nutrient and foreign compound metabolism. Newly identified functional interactions with key metabolic regulators, including the forkhead transcription factors, steroid regulatory element binding protein (SREBP), and others, suggest that metabolic disorders such as starvation, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes that alter metabolic homeostasis also alter foreign compound metabolism and vice versa. Foreign compound exposure may predispose individuals to metabolic disease through these mechanisms of interaction.
Thermophysics of Mineral and Rock Systems

The present decade may almost be described as that in which geoscientists “discovered” thermodynamics and the application thereof to the genesis and stability of mineralogical and petrological structures.
Columbia Mental Maturity Scale: Third Edition, 1972. Bessie B. Burgemeister, Lucille Hollander Blum, and Irving Lorge

(1973). Columbia Mental Maturity Scale: Third Edition, 1972. Bessie B. Burgemeister, Lucille Hollander Blum, and Irving Lorge. Measurement and Evaluation in Guidance: Vol. 6, No. 3, pp. 189-191.
The Origins of PostScript

Introduced by Adobe Systems in 1984, PostScript was a unique device-independent approach to describing the appearance of a printed page, for the first time allowing pages to be printed on a range of devices of different resolutions. From 1984 to 1987, the use of PostScript by printer manufacturers grew to the point that it became the de facto standard.
Rapid LC-MS/MS quantification of cancer related acetylated polyamines in human biofluids.

Abstract Increased urinary acetylated polyamines (APs) are reported as cancer biomarkers in many studies. N1,N12-diacetylspermine has been proposed as a biomarker indicative of different cancers in urine and plasma. N1-Acetylspermine has previously been found to be increased in the saliva of patients with breast cancer; however, in plasma this metabolite was too low abundant to be detected by previous analytical methods. In addition, no method has been reported to perform AP analysis on the level of speed, robustness and sensitivity required for daily clinical routines. Here we describe a high-throughput sample preparation and LC-MS/MS method for the fast, accurate and precise quantification of three APs: N8-acetylspermidine, N1-acetylspermine, and N1,N12-diacetylspermine in plasma, urine and saliva. Stable isotope labeled N1,N12-diacetylspermine was used as internal standard. Robustness was validated by intra- and inter-day reproducibility. Precision and accuracy of the method were tested at six concentration levels from 0.0375 to 750 ng/mL resulting in less than 15% relative standard deviation and less than 15% percent error in quantification. Using 96-well plates, the assay described herein allows for preparing, analyzing, and quantifying 240 samples per day for a single researcher to quantify three APs commonly related to cancer status.
Taxonomic evaluation of the three “type” specimens of the fringe-footed shrew, Sorex fimbripes Bachman, 1837 (Mammalia: Soricidae) and recommended nomenclatural status of the name

Abstract.— John Bachman (1837:391) described the “fringe-footed shrew,” Sorex fimbripes Bachman, 1837, in his landmark monograph on the North American Soricidae (Mammalia: Eulipotyphla), in which he recognized 13 uniquely New World species. Characters he attributed to S. fimbripes resulted in its being interpreted as a tiny, semi-aquatic species and contributed to the complexity of its subsequent taxonomic history. The status and location of the holotype, which should aid in resolving questions about the nature of S. fimbripes, instead have added to the confusion. Originally studied by Bachman in South Carolina, the holotype was later thought to have been identified in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (ANSP), and it is currently considered to be in the National Museum of Natural History (USNM), Washington, D.C. To clarify the identity of the species and its holotype, I compared descriptions of the holotype and the ANSP type with the USNM specimen and with eight species of eastern North Amer...
REBT with Clients with Disabilities

The World Health Organization (2011) estimates that more than a billion people world-wide live with some form of disability, i.e., 15% of the world’s population (WHO, 2011, p. 7). In the United States, over 60 million people have one or more disabilities (www.cdc.gov/disabilities, 2017). The rate of disability increases with increasing age. In the United States, nearly 34% of those over 75 years of age are disabled.
Native Chemical Automata and the Thermodynamic Interpretation of Their Experimental Accept/Reject Responses

The theory of computation is based on abstract computing automata which can be classified into a three-class hierarchy: Finite Automata (FA), Push-down Automata (PDA) and the Turing Machines (TM). Each class corresponds to grammar/language classes. The function of the automata consists on recognizing words in a language generated by some grammar and expressed with letters from an alphabet. Such automata are, in principle, abstract entities and with suitable combinations of them we can represent any computation, no matter how complex. Their physical implementations are possible in any information carrying and recognition contexts and media, such as electrons in semiconductors, certain biomolecules in biology or even non-biological molecules. Here we describe and build non-biochemistry (inorganic chemistry) examples of a FA, PDA and TM computations carried out by specific laboratory realizations of the automata. For each of the three realizations we find a thermodynamic metric, based on enthalpy for the FA and PDA, and on the Gibbs free energy for the TM, to both assess the results of computation and as a first step towards quantifying the energetic cost of such computations.
Emergence of Epidural Electrical Stimulation to Facilitate Sensorimotor Network Functionality After Spinal Cord Injury

Background Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts signaling pathways between the brain and spinal networks below the level of injury. In cases of severe SCI, permanent loss of sensorimotor and autonomic function can occur. The standard of care for severe SCI uses compensation strategies to maximize independence during activities of daily living while living with chronic SCI-related dysfunctions. Over the past several years, the research field of spinal neuromodulation has generated promising results that hold potential to enable recovery of functions via epidural electrical stimulation (EES). Methods This review provides a historical account of the translational research efforts that led to the emergence of EES of the spinal cord to enable intentional control of motor functions that were lost after SCI. We also highlight the major limitations associated with EES after SCI and propose future directions of spinal neuromodulation research. Results Multiple, independent studies have demonstrated return of motor function via EES in individuals with chronic SCI. These enabled motor functions include intentional, controlled movement of previously paralyzed extremities, independent standing and stepping, and increased grip strength. In addition, improvements in cardiovascular health, respiratory function, body composition, and urologic function have been reported. Conclusions EES holds promise to enable functions thought to be permanently lost due to SCI. However, EES is currently restricted to scientific investigation in humans with SCI and requires further validation of factors such as safety and efficacy before clinical translation.
Ligand-Mediated Release of Halides for Color Tuning of Perovskite Nanocrystals with Enhanced Stability

The rich chemistry of metal halide perovskites has enabled various methods of band structure control and surface passivation. Here we report a highly facile and efficient post-treatment approach fo...
Constitutive relations of nonlinear elastic continua.

Abstract A general macroscopic constitutive model for the analysis of nonlinear isotropic elastic materials is proposed. The strain energy function of the proposed model is given in terms of a real power series of the invariants of the right Cauchy-Green deformation tensor. A scheme for the determination of the model parameters using nonlinear optimization is outlined where data from shear, tension, compression and Poynting effect are included simultaneously in a single residual function. Several examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and generality of the proposed approach.
Debugging and detecting numerical errors in computation with posits

Posit is a recently proposed alternative to the floating point representation (FP). It provides tapered accuracy. Given a fixed number of bits, the posit representation can provide better precision for some numbers compared to FP, which has generated significant interest in numerous domains. Being a representation with tapered accuracy, it can introduce high rounding errors for numbers outside the above golden zone. Programmers currently lack tools to detect and debug errors while programming with posits. This paper presents PositDebug, a compile-time instrumentation that performs shadow execution with high precision values to detect various errors in computation using posits. To assist the programmer in debugging the reported error, PositDebug also provides directed acyclic graphs of instructions, which are likely responsible for the error. A contribution of this paper is the design of the metadata per memory location for shadow execution that enables productive debugging of errors with long-running programs. We have used PositDebug to detect and debug errors in various numerical applications written using posits. To demonstrate that these ideas are applicable even for FP programs, we have built a shadow execution framework for FP programs that is an order of magnitude faster than Herbgrind.
Licensing with skill acquisition

Abstract Licensing is often viewed as a tool to enforce guild-like practices and restrict access to certain professions. I consider an activity that requires a license because it causes an externality. When individuals cannot increase their competency beyond their intrinsic ability, social welfare is maximized by a licensing standard that sorts individuals optimally. But when individuals can acquire skill to increase their competency, I show that any licensing standard that increases social welfare must be higher than the one that sorts individuals optimally conditional on their competency. In this sense, standards that are higher than what ex-post optimal sorting prescribes are often socially optimal and are not necessarily indicative of guild-like practices.
Postoperative outcomes of ventral hernia repair in veterans.

Abstract Background Ventral hernia repair is a common procedure with reported 15% to 37% morbidity and 0.3% to 1.4% mortality rates. This study examines the 30-day morbidity and mortality of open and laparoscopic ventral hernia repair in veterans, along with the impact of body mass index on these outcomes. Methods The Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program was queried for all ventral hernia repairs during the period 2008 to 2015. In this retrospective analysis, we compared outcomes of open ventral hernia repair versus laparoscopic ventral hernia repair and among different body mass index classes. Results A total of 19,883 patients were identified (92.6% male, mean age 59.7, 53.1% obese, and 71.6% with American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III). There were 95 (0.5%) mortalities, and complications occurred in 1,289 (6.5%) patients. Open ventral hernia repair was performed in 60.2%; 14.5% were recurrent, and 3.3% were performed as an emergency operation. When compared with open ventral hernia repair, the laparoscopic ventral hernia repair group had higher mean body mass index, less patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists class ≥III, fewer emergency operations, longer operative time, less complications, decreased mortality, and shorter duration of stay. Body mass index 35.00 to 49.99 was predictive of overall complications in the open ventral hernia repair group. Conclusion Ventral hernia repair can be performed in the veteran population with outcomes comparable to those in the private sector. Morbid obesity has a negative impact on ventral hernia repair outcomes that is most prominent following open surgery. Laparoscopic ventral hernia repair may offer superior outcomes when compared to open ventral hernia repair and may be considered.
Quantifying the effectiveness of a saturated buffer to reduce tile NO3-N concentrations in eastern Iowa

Agricultural drainage tiles are primary contributors to NO3-N export from Iowa croplands. Saturated buffers are a relatively new conservation practice that diverts tile water into a distribution tile installed in a riparian buffer parallel to a stream with the intent of enhancing NO3-N processing within the buffer. In this study, tile NO3-N concentration reductions were characterized through two different saturated buffers at a working farm site in eastern Iowa. Study objectives were to (1) evaluate the hydrogeology and water quality patterns in the saturated buffer and (2) quantify the reduction in tile NO3-N concentration from the saturated buffer installation. Results showed that the two saturated buffers are reducing NO3-N concentrations in tile drainage water from input concentrations of approximately 15 mg/l to levels < 1.5 mg/l at the streamside well locations. The reduction occurs rapidly in the fine-textured and organic-rich alluvial soils with most of the reduction occurring within 1.5 m of the distribution line. Denitrification is hypothesized as being primarily responsible for the concentration reductions based on soil and water chemistry conditions, completion of a geophysical survey (quantifying low potential for N loss to deeper aquifers), and comparisons to other similar Iowa sites. The study provides more assurance to new adopters that this practice can be installed in many areas throughout the Midwestern Cornbelt region.
Gender Bias in STEM Fields Variation in Prevalence and Links to STEM Self-Concept

The current study focuses on girls’ and women’s reported experiences with gender bias in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). In the first set of analyses, I examine...
Union–Intersection Principle

Multivariate analysis is the branch of statistics that involves inferential methods with two or more response (dependent) variables simultaneously. Therefore, multivariate analysis tends to be more complex than univariate analysis (one dependent variable) with respect to its mathematical development and its interpretation. The union–intersection principle is an approach that provides a basic approach for hypothesis testing in certain multivariate situations. We illustrate an application of the union–intersection principle to the situation in which there are pretreatment and posttreatment measurements on p dependent variables for a sample of n experimental units. Keywords: multivariate analysis; Hotelling's T-squared distribution; simultaneous confidence intervals
Full faith and credit for dummies

This article discusses the history of the Full Faith and Credit Clause, the original meaning of the clause, and the courts’ evolving interpretation of the clause. Within this discussion, the author explains the test for whether and how a state can constitutionally apply its own law to cases involving multi-state elements. This test and the Full Faith and Credit Clause are analyzed further through hypotheticals in the context of same-sex marriage. The article ends with an analysis of the effect of DOMA on these issues.
On Finding Solutions to Ethical Problems in Agriculture

This paper distinguishes between two types of ethical problems. A Type I ethical problem is one in which there is no consensus as to what is ethical. A Type II ethical problem is one in which there is a consensus as to what is ethical, but incentives exist for individuals to behave unethically. This paper shows that Type I ethical problems are resolved by making, challenging and reasoning through moral arguments, Type II ethical problems are resolved by changing the institutional environment so that people do not have incentives to behave unethically, and that Type I solutions will not be effective in solving Type II problems. Examples in agriculture and elsewhere are provided to show how distinguishing between Type I and Type II ethical problems will help in the identification of solutions to ethical issues in agriculture.
The valuation of environmental risks and hazardous waste policy

ing Superfund sites usually range from $5 to $10 million per site. Cost estimates such as these are fairly common. Information on the benefits expected from such policies, however, is more elusive. Raucher (1986) first drew attention to these issues by suggesting that in some cases ex ante actions to prevent groundwater contamination would not have been preferred to ex post corrective actions. He also argued that there would be instances when remedial action after
The Grass is Not Always Greener: A Look at National Health Care Systems around the World

Critics of the U.S. health care system frequently point to other countries as models for reform. They point out that many countries spend far less on health care than the United States yet seem to enjoy better health outcomes. The United States should follow the lead of those countries, the critics say, and adopt a government-run, national health care system.However, a closer look shows that nearly all health care systems worldwide are wrestling with problems of rising costs and lack of access to care. There is no single international model for national health care, of course. Countries vary dramatically in the degree of central control, regulation, and cost sharing they impose, and in the role of private insurance. Still, overall trends from national health care systems around the world suggest the following:* Health insurance does not mean universal access to health care. In practice, many countries promise universal coverage but ration care or have long waiting lists for treatment.* Rising health care costs are not a uniquely American phenomenon. Although other countries spend considerably less than the United States on health care, both as a percentage of GDP and per capita, costs are rising almost everywhere, leading to budget deficits, tax increases, and benefit reductions.* In countries weighted heavily toward government control, people are most likely to face waiting lists, rationing, restrictions on physician choice, and other obstacles to care.* Countries with more effective national health care systems are successful to the degree that they incorporate market mechanisms such as competition, cost sharing, market prices, and consumer choice, and eschew centralized government control.Although no country with a national health care system is contemplating abandoning universal coverage, the broad and growing trend is to move away from centralized government control and to introduce more market-oriented features.The answer then to America's health care problems lies not in heading down the road to national health care but in learning from the experiences of other countries, which demonstrate the failure of centralized command and control and the benefits of increasing consumer incentives and choice.
Precision tracking control of a horizontal arm coordinate measuring machine

One of the major sources that affects measurement accuracy and limits the use of high motion speeds in coordinate measuring machines (CMM) is position errors caused by structural vibrations. This research aims to model the dynamics of a horizontal arm CMM by considering drive flexibility at joints and evaluates the characteristics of the system for fine motion control purposes. Design of a precision tracking controller (PTC) to perform superior tracking for enhancing the measurement accuracy and the probing speed in providing less inspection time at high motion speeds on the manufacturing cycle is carried out. A dynamic model for the CMM is developed including drive flexibilities represented with lumped springs at the joints. Due to the non-collocated nature of the control scheme in the flexible CMM dynamics, a non-minimum phase system is observed in the proposed CMM model. Using the derived CMM model with joint flexibilities, tracking motion control simulations are conducted at different probing speeds for the cases of a PI controller and a feedback PTC employed. The comparison of the PI controller with the feedback PTC is also performed. Results demonstrate that the effects of joint flexibilities on the contour error and probing speeds are significant and the PI controller is not capable of providing good accuracy during challenging tasks such as corner tracking. However, the simulation results indicated that by using the proposed feedback precision tracking controller, contour errors in corner tracking that are caused by joint flexibilities can be reduced effectively.
Clinical Prediction Models for Cardiovascular Disease Tufts Predictive Analytics and Comparative Effectiveness Clinical Prediction Model Database

Background—Clinical prediction models (CPMs) estimate the probability of clinical outcomes and hold the potential to improve decision making and individualize care. For patients with cardiovascular disease, there are numerous CPMs available although the extent of this literature is not well described. Methods and Results—We conducted a systematic review for articles containing CPMs for cardiovascular disease published between January 1990 and May 2012. Cardiovascular disease includes coronary heart disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral vascular disease. We created a novel database and characterized CPMs based on the stage of development, population under study, performance, covariates, and predicted outcomes. There are 796 models included in this database. The number of CPMs published each year is increasing steadily over time. Seven hundred seventeen (90%) are de novo CPMs, 21 (3%) are CPM recalibrations, and 58 (7%) are CPM adaptations. This database contain...
Overlapping spheres Xα calculatons of the electron affinities and ionization potentials of ethylene, parabenzoquinone and their perfluoro derivatives

Abstract It is shown that the overlapping spheres MS Xα method is capable of producing values for the electron affinities, the shape resonances and the ionization potentials of ethylene, parabenzoquinone and their perfluoro derivatives which are in good agreement with available experimental data. The interpretation of the negative ion properties utilizes both Rydberg orbitals and valence orbitals whereas previous approaches have considered only antibonding π* orbitals.
Northern Hemisphere ice-sheet responses to past climate warming

During periods of glaciation, the Northern Hemisphere was swathed by large ice sheets. A review of ice-sheet retreat during the last two deglaciations shows that land-based ice sheets responded rapidly to rising summer insolation, whereas marine-based ice sheets underwent a delayed, but more abrupt, response.
The Evolution of Plasticity in Female-Female Desire

Abstract Previous psychological and anthropological research suggests that female-female desires show greater variability and plasticity than do male-male desires. I argue that plasticity in female-female desire has its origins in the evolved independence between female proceptivity (i.e., motivation to initiate sexual activity) and female arousability (i.e., capacity to become aroused to sexual stimuli), which evolved in concert with the loss of a circumscribed and observable period of estrus in higher primates. Proceptivity is an intrinsically cyclical system, peaking during ovulationwhen estrogen levels are highest, whereas arousability is continuous and hormone-independent. Because female proceptivity peaks only a few days per month, a relatively greater proportion of women's day-to-day desires is governed by arousability. The opposite is true for males, who experience continuously high proceptivity mediated by their continuously high androgen levels. Moreover, because arousability is a responsive rat...
The ATPase kinetics of insect fibrillar flight muscle myosin subfragment-1

Myosin subfragment-1 (S1) has been prepared from the fibrillar flight muscles of the giant water bugLethocerus by chymotryptic digestion of myofibrillar suspensions in the absence of magnesium ions. The S1 obtained has a single light chain and a heavy chain with molecular weights of about 18 kDa and 90 kDa respectively.
Genetic analysis of atherosclerosis and glucose homeostasis in an intercross between C57BL/6 and BALB/cJ apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

Background— Diabetic patients have an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis and related complications compared with nondiabetic individuals. The increased cardiovascular risk associated with diabetes is due in part to genetic variations that influence both glucose homeostasis and atherosclerotic lesion growth. Mouse strains C57BL/6J (B6) and BALB/cJ (BALB) exhibit distinct differences in fasting plasma glucose and atherosclerotic lesion size when deficient in apolipoprotein E ( Apoe −/−). Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed to determine genetic factors influencing the 2 phenotypes. Methods and Results— Female F2 mice (n=266) were generated from an intercross between B6. Apoe −/− and BALB. Apoe −/− mice and fed a Western diet for 12 weeks. Atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root, fasting plasma glucose, and body weight were measured. 130 microsatellite markers across the entire genome were genotyped. Four significant QTLs, Ath1 on chromosome (Chr) 1, Ath41 on Chr2, Ath42 on Chr5, and Ath29 on Chr9, and 1 suggestive QTL on Chr4, were identified for atherosclerotic lesion size. Four significant QTLs, Bglu3 and Bglu12 on Chr1, Bglu13 on Chr5, Bglu15 on Chr12, and 2 suggestive QTLs on Chr9 and Chr15 were identified for fasting glucose levels on the chow diet. Two significant QTLs, Bglu3 and Bglu13 , and 1 suggestive locus on Chr8 were identified for fasting glucose on the Western diet. One significant locus on Chr1 and 2 suggestive loci on Chr9 and Chr19 were identified for body weight. Ath1 and Ath42 coincided with Bglu3 and Bglu13 , respectively, in the confidence interval. Conclusions— We have identified novel QTLs that have major influences on atherosclerotic lesion size and glucose homeostasis. The colocalization of QTLs for atherosclerosis and diabetes suggests possible genetic connections between the 2 diseases.
POSSIBLE MODEL FOR STRONG INTERACTIONS

A model is considered for the strong interactions of pions, K mesons, nucleons, and hyperons. A system of interactions is postulated and several features of the experimental situation are discussed from the new viewpoint. No restrictions are placed upon the coupling parameters involved other than that they characterize a system of strongly interacting particles. (auth)
Consultation from the consultee's perspective

Abstract School-based and other mental health consultants are confronted with consultees who must adjust to the process of consultation by learning the parameters of the interaction. Consultees must learn how to act in this unique setting, must learn to use the consultant and the process for their own ends, and must learn about ways that they, themselves, contribute to problems which assail them. Consultation is successful to the extent that consultees come to a quick understanding of how to proceed. By being aware of what it is that the consultee must learn, the consultant may expedite the necessary insight.
Second Harmonic Generation Imaging of Normal and Diseased States

Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging microscopy is used to examine the morphology and structural aspects of tissues including muscle, bone and tendon. SHG polarization anisotropy and signal processing methods can differentiate normal and diseased states.
Race and Slavery in the Middle East: Histories of Trans-Saharan Africans in Nineteenth-Century Egypt, Sudan, and the Ottoman Mediterranean. Edited by Terence Walz and Kenneth M. Cuno . (Cairo, Egypt: American University Press, 2010. Pp. 264. $39.95.)

Race and Slavery in the Middle East is a well‐researched and eloquently written book about African slavery. The editors, Terence Walz and Kenneth M. Cuno, have drawn on the expertise of specialists...
1232 HYPERKALEMIA AND PACKED RED CELL TRANSFUSIONS IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT (VLBW) INFANTS

The occurrence of hyperkalemia in a VLBW infant (720 gms) following packed red blood cell(PRBC) rapid infusion prompted an investigation into the transfusion procedure and the characteristics of banked PRBC that could affect potassium (K+) levels. Twenty-three premature infants (X Wt 1080 gms) received PRBC (10cc/kg) over two hours for correction of anemia. Serum K+ was measured on blood obtained by warmed heel stick immediately before and within two hours after each transfusion. Age, hematocrit and serum K+ level of the PRBC at the time of infusion was documented.Patients with blood glucose instability or those receiving diuretics were excluded. A positive correlation was found between hematocrit(r=.38,p=.07) and age (r=,47, p=,02) of banked PRBC and serum K+. Following PRBC transfusions, no changes in serum K+ were found; hence it is possible that the duration of infusion may have allowed time for K+ equilibration with the intracellular space. It is worth noting that the range of K+ present in banked PRBC is wider than previously accepted and may createa potential for severe hyperkalemia in the VLBW infant.
Ethylene Dimerization and Butene Isomerization in Nickel-Containing MCM-41 and AlMCM-41 Mesoporous Molecular Sieves: An Electron Spin Resonance and Gas Chromatography Study

Nickel-containing mesoporous materials MCM-41 and AlMCM-41 have been prepared by synthesis and ion exchange. These materials are catalytically active for ethylene dimerization and 1-butene isomerization. The catalytic activity for the dimerization reaction is shown to be due to nickel(I) species, while the 1-butene dimerization is dominated by the acidic properties of the MCM-41 materials. The ethylene dimerization activity and product distribution are different in nickel-exchanged Ni-MCM-41 and Ni-AlMCM-41 in contrast to Ni/MCM-41, where Ni(II) was introduced into the synthesis mixture. The activity for ethylene dimerization decreases in the order Ni/MCM-41 > Ni-AlMCM-41 > Ni-MCM-41, which reflects the concentration of the catalytically active nickel(I) species. The product distribution is dominated by the acidity of the MCM-41 materials, which drives the isomerization of the primary reaction product 1-butene into cis- and trans-2-butene. Electron spin resonance studies show that an isolated Ni(I) specie...
Antibacterial and Protective Properties of Monoclonal Antibodies Reactive with Escherichia coli O111:B4 Lipopolysaccharide: Relation to Antibody Isotype and Complement-Fixing Activity

In vitro and in vivo antibacterial and protective properties of murine monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to Escherichia coli O111:B4 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were evaluated in relation to antibody isotype and complement-fixing activity. Six O side chain-specific MAbs, including two IgMs and one of each IgG subclass, were analyzed for quantitative binding and C3 deposition on intact bacteria, complement-mediated bactericidal and opsonophagocytic activity, and protection against intraperitoneal infections in mice. Although C3 was deposited on bacteria in the presence of normal human serum (NHS) alone, LPS-specific MAbs increased C3 attachment in a dose-dependent manner. Bacterial killing occurred only in the presence of both antibody and complement NHS and required an intact alternative pathway. The efficiency of bacterial killing varied by antibody isotype (IgM greater than IgG2a greater than other IgG subclasses) and correlated with C3-fixing capacity. Opsonophagocytic activity of MAbs exhibited a similar isotype-related rank order. Likewise, IgM was more active than IgG, and IgG2a was superior to other IgG subclasses, in MAb-mediated protection against intraperitoneal infection. These data document the interdependent antibacterial and complement-fixing properties of LPS-reactive MAbs and the degree to which both activities are determined by antibody class and isotype.
GFP-tagged balancer chromosomes for Drosophila melanogaster

We constructed green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing balancer chromosomes for each of the three major chromosomes of Drosophila melanogaster. Expression of GFP in these chromosomes is driven indirectly by a Kruppel (Kr) promoter, via the yeast GAL4-UAS regulatory system. GFP fluorescence can be seen in embryos as early as the germ band extension stage, and can also be seen in larvae, pupae, and adults. We show the patterns of GFP expression of these balancers and demonstrate the use of the balancers to identify homozygous progeny.
Anesthetic considerations for the patient with renal failure.

Patients in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and chronic renal failure (CRF) present a number of challenges to the anesthesiologist. They may be chronically ill and debilitated and have the potential for multisystem organ dysfunction. To safely manage these patients we need to understand the benefits and limitations of dialysis and the altered pharmacology of commonly used anesthetic agents and perioperative medications in CRF. We may encounter these patients for renal transplantation, with well-worked-up and managed CRF, or for incidental (and potentially emergent) surgery in an unstable condition. The cause of CRF also has a considerable impact on clinical management. Patients with primary renal disease (e.g., IgA nephropathy) are likely to be younger and have good cardiopulmonary reserve. Older patients with renal failure secondary to diabetes mellitus or hypertension may suffer the ravages of diffuse atherosclerosis and heart disease. CRF secondary to sickle cell anemia, systemic lupus erythematosus, or vasculitis implies multisystem involvement and dysfunction. A number of patients with ESRD may present while still being managed without dialysis. Principles of management of ESRD include assiduous treatment of the underlying primary disease (diabetes, hypertension), dietary restriction of protein and electrolytes, and dietary supplementation with calcium and vitamin D. 18 It is important to recognize that these patients are at very high risk of acute renal failure, which may be precipitated by seemingly innocuous hemodynamic perturbations. Great care must be taken to avoid additional nephrotoxic insults and hypovolemia. Of patients on chronic dialysis therapy in the United States, about 85% receive hemodialysis (HD) and about 15% receive continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Younger patients without uncontrolled systemic disease are candidates for cadaveric or living-related donor renal transplantation.
Synthesis and characterization of Au–Pd/SiO2 bimetallic catalysts prepared by electroless deposition

Abstract A series of Au–Pd/SiO2 catalysts have been prepared by the electroless deposition of Au onto a Pd/SiO2 catalyst. A kinetically stable, electroless bath consisting of Au ( CN ) 2 - and N2H4 (i.e., Au source and reducing agent) was developed and optimized, allowing for incremental coverages of Au on Pd to be obtained, while avoiding deposition onto the SiO2 support. The structural and electronic properties of the catalysts were characterized using hydrogen titration of oxygen-precovered Pd, scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results suggest that Au was deposited on all types of Pd surface sites (e.g., planes, steps, kinks, edges) in a non-discriminatory fashion, with a net electron transfer from Pd to Au. The catalysts were evaluated for propylene hydrogenation, revealing significantly enhanced turnover frequencies at elevated fractional coverage of Au on Pd (θAu ⩾ 0.60). The enhanced catalytic activity can be explained by the disruption of continuous Pd ensembles by Au deposition, which prevents formation of the multiply bonded and less reactive propylidyne, while permitting formation of highly reactive and weakly π-bonded propylene.
Trends in Utilization of Specialty Care Centers in California for Adults With Congenital Heart Disease

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines recommend that management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) be coordinated by specialty ACHD centers and that ACHD surgery for patients with moderate or complex congenital heart disease (CHD) be performed by surgeons with expertise and training in CHD. Given this, the aim of this study was to determine the proportion of ACHD surgery performed at specialty ACHD centers and to identify factors associated with ACHD surgery being performed outside of specialty centers. This retrospective population analysis used California's Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development's discharge database to analyze ACHD cardiac surgery (in patients 21 to 65 years of age) in California from 2000 to 2011. Designation as a "specialty ACHD center" was defined on the basis of a national ACHD directory. A total of 4,611 ACHD procedures were identified. The proportion of procedures in patients with moderate and complex CHD delivered at specialty centers increased from 46% to 71% from 2000 to 2011. In multivariate analysis among those discharges for ACHD surgery in patients with moderate or complex CHD, performance of surgery outside a specialty center was more likely to be associated with patients who were older, Hispanic, insured by health maintenance organizations, and living farther from a specialty center. In conclusion, although the proportion of ACHD surgery for moderate or complex CHD being performed at specialty ACHD centers has been increasing, 1 in 4 patients undergo surgery at nonspecialty centers. Increased awareness of ACHD care guidelines and of the patient characteristics associated with differential access to ACHD centers may help improve the delivery of appropriate care for all adults with CHD.
Methods for measuring utilization of mental health services in two epidemiologic studies

Objectives of Study: Psychiatric epidemiologic studies often include two or more sets of questions regarding service utilization, but the agreement across these different questions and the factors associated with their endorsement have not been examined. The objectives of this study were to describe the agreement of different sets of mental health service utilization questions that were included in the American Indian Service Utilization Psychiatric Epidemiology Risk and Protective Factors Project (AI-SUPERPFP), and compare the results to similar questions included in the baseline National Comorbidity Survey (NCS). Methods: Responses to service utilization questions by 2878 AI-SUPERPFP and 5877 NCS participants were examined by calculating estimates of service use and agreement (κ) across the different sets of questions. Logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with endorsement of specific sets of questions. Results: In both studies, estimates of mental health service utilization varied across the different sets of questions. Agreement across the different question sets was marginal to good (κ = 0.27–0.69). Characteristics of identified service users varied across the question sets. Limitations: Neither survey included data to examine the validity of participant responses to service utilization questions. Recommendations for Further Research: Question wording and placement appear to impact estimates of service utilization in psychiatric epidemiologic studies. Given the importance of these estimates for policy-making, further research into the validity of survey responses as well as impacts of question wording and context on rates of service utilization is warranted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are Dietary Intakes and Eating Behaviors Related to Childhood Obesity? A Comprehensive Review of the Evidence:

The purpose of this article is to comprehensively review studies that have examined the relation between diet and childhood obesity. The review specifically considers the roles of total energy intake and energy density; dietary composition; individual foods, food groups, and dietary patterns; beverage consumption; and eating behaviors. The paper also discusses methodological considerations and future research directions and concludes by summarizing the evidence presented and highlighting the ethical issues surrounding providing dietary advice.
DIMINISHED BACTERIAL DEFENCES WITH INTRALIPID

'Intralipid', a lipid emulsion used in parenteral nutrition, impaired bacterial clearance and enhanced bacterial virulence in mice. In addition it inhibited the chemotaxis of human neutrophils in vitro. Intralipid may enhance the risk of bacterial sepsis in certain patients.
Oxidation of NADH by hypocotyl segments from soybean is stimulated by 2,4-D.

Abstract Sections cut from regions of cell elongation of hypocotyls of dark-grown soybean seedlings oxidized externally supplied NADH as estimated from the decrease in A 340 measured spectrophotometrically. The oxidation of NADH by 1-cm sections was stimulated 1.5- to 2-fold by 1 μM of the synthetic auxin, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). 2,4-D-Stimulated oxidation of NADH was resistant to cyanide. Stimulations were also given by the naturally occurring auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) but not by the growth inactive 2,4-D analog 2,3-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,3-D) and the growth inactive β-naphthaleneacetic acid (β-NAA). Since NADH is a membrane impermeant substrate, the findings confirm studies with inside-out and right-side-out vesicles that show the 2,4-D-stimulated NADH oxidase to be located at the external cell surface. Cut surfaces are not responsible for the activity as shown by experiments with lanolin-sealed sections. The external NADH oxidase measurements do not require special equipment and exhibit characteristics normally associated with enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
ALFALFA PROTEIN FRACTIONATION BY ULTRAFILTRATION

Ultrafiltration was used to fractionate the chloroplastic and the soluble protein components of alfalfa juice. In agreement with trends predicted by theoretical considerations, permeate volume flux increased with increased feed velocity, pressure and temperature, and decreased with increased feed concentration. The recovery of the protein in the permeate increased with increased feed velocity and decreased temperature and was essentially insensitive to feed concentration. Under conditions of low turbulence, the protein recovery decreased with increased pressure.
PSGL-1 is not required for development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract Adhesion molecules are essential mediators for lymphocyte trafficking through the blood–brain barrier into the CNS in multiple sclerosis and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the role of the selectin molecules and their ligand, P-selectin glycoprotein-1 (PSGL-1) which mediates tethering and rolling of the leukocytes in demyelinating disease remains controversial. This study demonstrates that mice deficient in PSGL-1 are not significantly different in the development and progression of EAE compared to wild type controls. Our observations suggest that PSGL-1–selectin interactions are redundant and not required for the development of EAE. Our data also indicate that other adhesion molecules are necessary for the initial rolling events leading to leukocyte infiltration into the CNS during EAE.
Conversion of mercury(II) into mercury(0), monomethylmercury cation, and dimethylmercury in saltmarsh sediment slurries

Abstract This paper describes conversion of mercury(II) to elemental mercury (Hg), monomethylmercury cation (MeHg+), and dimethylmercury (Me2Hg) in slurries of saltmarsh sediments collected from April to October in 1996. Variables in these mercury conversion studies included nature of nutrient media, reaction time, and anaerobic vs. aerobic conditions. Hgo forms in all spiked experiments and most unspiked controls. MeHg+ occurs in most slurries made from sediments sampled in all months except May and June, while Me2Hg occurred regularly only in slurries of April sediments. The discussion describes how interactions between mercury and sulfur chemistry affect mercury speciation in the slurries, and how seasonal processes in the saltmarsh affect the net production of MeHg+.
Conformational Ensembles in GPCR Activation

Recent advances in G-protein-coupled receptor structural biology have provided only limited insight into the active conformations of these key signaling molecules. A paper from Nygaard et al. reveals the dynamic nature of GPCRs along the activation pathway by complementing NMR experiments with ultralong-timescale molecular dynamics simulations.
Breast cancer study.

In the report "Spacelab-2 plasma depletion experiments for ionospheric and radio astronomical studies" by M. Mendillo et al. (27 Nov., p. 1260), figure 5A (p. 1263) was misplaced with respect to figure 5B so that the scale of figure 5A was incorrectly represented. A correct figure 5 is printed below.
Mathematical methods in the solution of the Hamilton-Darwin and the Takagi-Taupin equations☆

Abstract The diffraction of neutrons by a single crystal is intrinsically a multiple scattering problem. For an ideally imperfect mosaic crystal the Hamilton-Darwin transfer equations describe the coupling of the incident and diffracted beams; whereas, for a perfect crystal one must use the dynamical theory of diffraction, which can be recast in the form of two coupled partial differential equations commonly referred to as the Takagi-Taupin equations. From a mathematical point of view these two problems are equivalent, although the physical manifestations of the solutions are quite different. For the occasion of Professor Shull's seventieth birthday celebration, we bring together in this paper some of the mathematical techniques which we have found useful in elucidating the subtleties of the Bragg diffraction of neutron by crystals.
Design-kit: An object-oriented environment for process engineering

Abstract This paper outlines the structure and implementational features of the DESIGN-KIT, a software support environment developed to aid process engineering activities such as: synthesis of process flowsheets, configuration of control loops for complete plants, planning and scheduling of plant-wide operations and operational analysis. Based on object-oriented and data-driven programming styles, the paper discusses how the DESIGN-KIT is constructed to provide a rich repertory of declarative and procedural knowledge for the development of analytic- or design-oriented knowledge-based expert systems. A series of illustrations describe the construction of knowledge bases, graphic interface support, equation-oriented simulation and design, order-of-magnitude analysis, reasoning strategies and other facilities of the DESIGN-KIT.