cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural Dynamics Underlying Pip2 Modulation of Kir Channels Revealed by Single Molecule FRET

Ion channels are gated by a multitude of electrical, chemical and mechanical stimuli, and thereby play key roles in many physiological processes. Static crystal structures and dynamic electrophysiological studies have generated invaluable molecular insights into channel gating, but the time trajectory of conformational changes has been unattainable. KirBac1.1 is a model for one of the three main K channel families. In the present study, we have successfully (1) labeled purified tetrameric protein molecules with single FRET donor and acceptor fluorophore pairs at specific locations; (2) functionally reconstituted the proteins into liposomes; (3) examined the dynamics of channel structure in liposomes with single molecule FRET techniques. Our results indicate that the amphipathic 'slide helices' of KirBac1.1 that surround the channel gate immediately below the membrane, move toward each other to narrow the pore in the presence of PIP2, which closes the channel; the cytoplasmic domain resides at two major structural states, but demonstrates an overall shift away from the pore axis upon PIP2 inhibition; the extracellular loop of KirBac1.1, adjacent to the selectivity filter, is structurally rigid and does not move during PIP2 gating. Both slide helix and cytoplasmic domain structures become less dynamic when the channel is inhibited by PIP2, which implies that PIP2 acts as a 'lock' to confine the structural fluctuations of the channel protein. We further probed the relative motions of the KirBac1.1 transmembrane domain versus the cytoplasmic domain. The results indicate that the entire cytoplasmic domain moves away from the transmembrane domain during PIP2 inhibition, which may result from a rigid body motion coupled to TM2 bending. In summary, we provide direct observations of dynamic structures of an ion channel within a lipid membrane environment, revealing dynamic structural rearrangements KirBac1.1 upon PIP2 inhibition.
Obesity and morbid obesity are associated with a greater conversion rate to open surgery for standard but not hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.

Purpose: We noted that the impact of obesity on renal laparoscopy may vary with the specific surgical approach.Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent standard and hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy at our institution were categorized by body mass index as nonobese—body mass index less than 30, obese—30 to 39.9 and morbidly obese—40 kg/m2 or greater. We assessed the association of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes with body mass index for standard and hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy.Results: Of 350 patients who underwent standard (196) or hand assisted (154) laparoscopic radical nephrectomy 36% were obese and 12% were morbidly obese. Patients who underwent hand assisted laparoscopic radical nephrectomy had a greater body mass index, more frequent assignment of American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3 or 4 and larger masses than those who underwent standard laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Despite this fact conversion to open surgery from hand assisted laparos...
Regulation of Nox1 Activity via Protein Kinase A-mediated Phosphorylation of NoxA1 and 14-3-3 Binding

Nox activator 1 (NoxA1) is a homologue of p67phox that acts in conjunction with Nox organizer 1 (NoxO1) to regulate reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by the NADPH oxidase Nox1. The phosphorylation of cytosolic regulatory components by multiple kinases plays important roles in assembly and activity of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase (Nox2) system, but little is known about regulation by phosphorylation in the Nox1 system. Here we identify Ser172 and Ser461 of NoxA1 as phosphorylation sites for protein kinase A (PKA). A consequence of this phosphorylation was the enhancement of NoxA1 complex formation with 14-3-3 proteins. Using both a transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cell Nox1 model system and endogenous Nox1 in colon cell lines, we showed that the elevation of cAMP inhibits, whereas the inhibition of PKA enhances, Nox1-dependent ROS production through effects on NoxA1. Inhibition of Nox1 activity was intensified by the availability of 14-3-3ζ protein, and this regulatory interaction was dependent on PKA-phosphorylatable sites at Ser172 and Ser461 in NoxA1. We showed that phosphorylation and 14-3-3 binding induce the dissociation of NoxA1 from the Nox1 complex at the plasma membrane, suggesting a mechanism for the inhibitory effect on Nox1 activity. Our data establish that PKA-phosphorylated NoxA1 is a new binding partner of 14-3-3 protein(s) and that this forms the basis of a novel mechanism regulating the formation of ROS by Nox1 and, potentially, other NoxA1-regulated Nox family members.
A NON-HOMOGENEOUS POISSON PROCESS MODEL OF SKIN CONDUCTANCE RESPONSES INTEGRATED WITH OBSERVED REGULATORY BEHAVIORS FOR AUTISM INTERVENTION

Early intervention in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can improve core and associated symptoms and facilitate skills that increase social opportunities. However, determining effective intervention success in this population, and the mechanisms that produce it, is currently restricted to observable behavior. The need of therapy assessment metrics beyond traditional behavioral criteria, led to the use of physiological signals for capturing child-therapist internal dynamics during an intervention session. Internal physiological states were measured through Electrodermal Activity (EDA) and modeled in relation to observed self- and co-regulatory behaviors. A common measure of EDA, Skin Conductance Response (SCR), was the primary signal of interest and assumed to form a non-homogeneous Poisson Process whose rate function is determined by observed regulatory behaviors. Through likelihood and residual goodness of fit analysis, statistical tests and classification tasks, our results indicate that SCR changes and observable behavior in child-therapist dyads are temporally associated and the estimated model parameters can be linked to the types of regulation stimuli.
Deformable image registration of sliding organs using anisotropic diffusive regularization

Traditional deformable image registration imposes a uniform smoothness constraint on the deformation field. This is not appropriate when registering images visualizing organs that slide relative to each other, and therefore leads to registration inaccuracies. In this paper, we present a deformation field regularization term that is based on anisotropic diffusion and accommodates the deformation field discontinuities that are expected when considering sliding motion. The registration algorithm was assessed first using artificial images of geometric objects. In a second validation, monomodal chest images depicting both respiratory and cardiac motion were generated using an anatomically-realistic software phantom and then registered. Registration accuracy was assessed based on the distances between corresponding segmented organ surfaces. Compared to an established diffusive regularization approach, the anisotropic diffusive regularization gave deformation fields that represented more plausible image correspondences, while giving rise to similar transformed moving images and comparable registration accuracy.
Electron tunneling in single crystals of Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurins.

Rates of reduction of Os(III), Ru(III), and Re(I)^* by Cu(I) in His83-modified Pseudomonas aeruginosa azurins (M−Cu distance ∼17 A) have been measured in single crystals, where protein conformation and surface solvation are precisely defined by high-resolution X-ray structure determinations: 1.7(8) × 10^6 s^(-1) (298 K), 1.8(8) × 10^6 s^(-1) (140 K), [Ru(bpy)_2(im)^(3+)-]; 3.0(15) × 10^6 s^(-1) (298 K), [Ru(tpy)(bpy)^(3+)-]; 3.0(15) × 10^6 s^(-1) (298 K), [Ru(tpy)(phen)^(3+)-]; 9.0(50) × 10^2 s^(-1) (298 K), [Os(bpy)2(im)^(3+)-]; 4.4(20) × 10^6 s^(-1) (298 K), [Re(CO)_3(phen)^(+*)] (bpy = 2,2‘-bipyridine; im = imidazole; tpy = 2,2‘:6‘,2‘ ‘-terpyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The time constants for electron tunneling in crystals are roughly the same as those measured in solution, indicating very similar protein structures in the two states. High-resolution structures of the oxidized (1.5 A) and reduced (1.4 A) states of Ru(II)(tpy)(phen)(His83)Az establish that very small changes in copper coordination accompany reduction but reveal a shorter axial interaction between copper and the Gly45 peptide carbonyl oxygen [2.6 A for Cu(II)] than had been recognized previously. Although Ru(bpy)_2(im)(His83)Az is less solvated in the crystal, the reorganization energy for Cu(I) → Ru(III) electron transfer falls in the range (0.6−0.8 eV) determined experimentally for the reaction in solution. Our work suggests that outer-sphere protein reorganization is the dominant activation component required for electron tunneling.
Causes of neuromuscular weakness in the intensive care unit: A study of ninety‐two patients

The spectrum of neuromuscular disorders among intensive care unit (ICU) patients has shifted toward disorders acquired within the ICU and away from "traditional" neuromuscular disorders that lead to ICU admission. We sought to assess this spectrum by determining the causes and relative frequencies of neuromuscular disorders that led to electromyography (EMG) examinations in our ICU population. Ninety-two patients were studied over a 4 1/2-year period. Twenty-six (28%) had neuromuscular disorders (mainly Guillain-Barre syndrome, myopathy, and motor neuron disease) that led to ICU admission. Among patients who developed weakness in the ICU, there was a predominance of organ transplant patients and patients with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome and multiorgan dysfunction. Thirty-nine (42%) developed acute myopathy (consistent with critical illness myopathy in most), and 13% developed acute axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy (mainly critical illness polyneuropathy). Patients with acute myopathy and acute axonal sensorimotor polyneuropathy had similar functional outcomes. We conclude that among patients who underwent EMG in our ICU population, acute myopathy is three times as common as acute axonal polyneuropathy, and the outcomes from acute myopathy and acute axonal polyneuropathy may be similar.
A Preliminary RCT of CBT-AD for Adherence and Depression Among HIV-Positive Latinos on the U.S.-Mexico Border: The Nuevo Día Study

We conducted a preliminary RCT among 40 HIV-positive Latinos of Mexican descent on the U.S.-Mexico border who indicated imperfect adherence and depressive symptomatology. Participants were randomly assigned to culturally adapted cognitive-behavioral therapy for adherence and depression with an alarmed pillbox or usual care. Outcomes were depressive symptoms (self-report and blind clinician ratings), adherence (self-report and electronic pillbox), and biological markers. The intervention, delivered in English and Spanish, proved feasible and acceptable. Generalized estimating equations in intent-to-treat analyses showed some effects of "moderate" to "large" size, with maintenance over time. For example, intervention (vs. control) participants demonstrated at post-intervention a greater drop in BDI scores (OR = -3.64, p = 0.05) and greater adherence according to the electronic pillbox (OR = 3.78, p = 0.03). Biological markers indicated some relative improvement for CD4 count but not VL. The promising results suggest a larger trial to determine efficacy is warranted.
Obesity and Mammography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Obese women experience higher postmenopausal breast cancer risk, morbidity, and mortality and may be less likely to undergo mammography.
A stopping rule for threshold learning

A stopping rule is derived for time-varying training procedures operating on trainable signal detectors and single-feature pattern classifiers. It is assumed that the statistical description of the environment is partially unknown. The stopping rule is baaed on a recently-developed technique for obtaining a bounded-length confidence interval for the expected value of a non-stationary random variable. Training is stopped when this interval falls inside specified limits, thereby assuring a specified minimum performance at a desired confidence level. The rule is illustrated by a numerical example in which the two classes of obser vations overlap. An expression is obtained for the limit to which the probability of acquiring the stopping criterion converges in probability.
Rapid autotuning for crystalline specimens from an inline hologram.

We derive a simple to implement method to approximately measure the aberration function for a crystalline specimen from an inline hologram. We demonstrate measurement of aberrations up to third order for a scanning transmission electron microscope from both dynamical simulations and experimental Ronchigrams. This method should allow rapid fine-tuning on a variety of crystalline specimens and represents a key step towards adaptive optics for electron microscopy.
Global Civil Society and Ethnic Social Movements in the Contemporary World

Studies on ethnic movements have largely overlooked the global dimensions of ethnic social movements. Drawing on social movement theories and the world culture approach, I argue that linkage to global civil society gives rise to ethnic mobilization because it diffuses models of claim-making based on human rights ideas, while intergovernmental networks suppress ethnic mobilization as they enhance state power and authority. Tobit analyses on violent and nonviolent ethnic mobilizations show that, controlling for domestic factors, linkage to global civil society raises the potential for ethnic social movements, while intergovernmental networks do not have a strong impact on ethnic mobilization.
Enhanced optical tuning of modified-geometry resonators clad in blue phase liquid crystals

Active optical tuning of silicon racetrack resonators clad in dye-doped blue phase liquid crystals (BPLCs) is experimentally demonstrated. An adiabatic racetrack resonator geometry that allows for enhanced tuning is presented and analyzed. The resonance shift of an unmodified geometry racetrack is Δλ=0.7 nm, while an adiabatic racetrack achieves a Δλ=1.23 nm resonance shift because of a greater mode overlap with the cladding. The calculated refractive index change of the BPLC is Δn=0.0041 for both geometries.
Measurement of microwave dielectric properties using the parallel‐plate dielectric resonance technique

A modified field model of the parallel‐plate open dielectric resonator is adopted to measure the dielectric constants and loss tangents of low loss materials. The measurement accuracy using this model is justified by comparing the results with those measured by other techniques.
Abstract 2327: Structural and kinetic characterization of crizotinib with wild-type and mutant anaplastic lymphoma kinase

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Dysregulation of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK), primarily through gene translocations, has been shown to be involved in a variety of cancers. Crizotinib, an orally available small molecule inhibitor of the ALK tyrosine kinase has demonstrated marked efficacy in clinical trials of NSCLC patients harboring the EML4-ALK oncogenic gene rearrangement. Mutation of some residues within the ALK kinase domain have been reported to confer acquired or de novo resistance to crizotinib. To understand the binding of crizotinib to ALK and the mechanism of resistance of specific mutations we generated and kinetically characterized wild-type (WT) and mutant ALK kinase domains (KD). Additionally, ALK KD crystal structures were determined of the WT nonphosphorylated apoenzyme and complexes with crizotinib bound to WT and a L1196M gatekeeper mutation. No large protein conformational changes are necessary for crizotinib to bind to unliganded ALK. The interactions which crizotinib makes with ALK are similar to its binding to c-Met with the exception of notable differences in the position of the activation loop between ALK and c-Met. Mutation of the L1196 gatekeeper residue to methionine results in a ∼8-fold increase in catalytic efficiency of phosphorylation of an activation loop peptide and also more rapid enzyme auto-phosphorylation. In addition, inhibition of L1196M ALK by crizotinib was reduced ∼9-fold, compared to wild-type enzyme, from Ki determinations. The crystal structures show that L1196 or M1196 make direct contact with crizotinib. The diminished activity of crizotinib against L1196M ALK is therefore likely due to both higher intrinsic kinase activity and a subtle change in the ALK-crizotinib binding interactions. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2327. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2327
Determination of water "bound" by soluble subcellular components during low-temperature acclimation in the gall fly larva, Eurosta solidagensis.

Abstract 1. 1. The water of hydration, or bound water, associated with soluble subcellular components was estimated using a microbalance drying technique and correlated with acclimation temperature in the overwintering, freezing-tolerant larva of the goldenrod gall fly, Eurosta solidagensis. 2. 2. Total water bound by soluble components of E. solidagensis increased as the temperature of acclimation decreased from 0.193 g/g dry wt in larvae acclimated to 22 °C to a maximum of 0.633 g/g dry wt in larvae acclimated to −30 °C. 3. 3. Using dialysis (membrane molecular weight cutoff = 12,000 daltons), low-molecular-weight, “dialyzable” components were separated from high-molecular-weight “nondialyzable” soluble components. Both fractions were found to contribute to the increase in water bound with decreased acclimation temperature. The increase was 2.5-fold for the nondialyzable fraction and four fold for the dialyzable fraction between 22 and −30 °C. 4. 4. Total water bound increased as a function of time at a constant acclimation temperature, and this increase was found to be due solely to an increase in water bound by the nondialyzable fraction. 5. 5. The molecular basis of water binding by both the dialyzable and nondialyzable fractions of E. solidagensis is discussed and the role of bound water as a mechanism of overwintering freezing-tolerance is evaluated.
Theory of laser action in scattering gain media.

A laser model based on feedback produced by scattering has been developed to explain the narrow linewidth emission and input–output behavior observed in scattering gain media. The model is based on the transient two-level laser equations and includes the detailed spectral properties of the dye gain system. Monte Carlo methods were employed to calculate the threshold gain required for modeling the input–output and linewidth emission characteristics.
In vitro differentiation of chick embryo bone marrow stromal cells into cartilaginous and bone-like tissues

Bone marrow stromal cells, progenitor cells involved in repair of bone and cartilage, can potentially provide a source for autologous skeletal tissue engineering. We investigated which factors were required to induce in vitro differentiation of avian bone marrow stromal cells into three-dimensional cartilaginous and bone-like tissues. Bone marrow stromal cells from embryonic chicks were expanded in monolayers, seeded onto biodegradable polyglycolic acid scaffolds, and cultured for 4 weeks in orbitally mixed Petri dishes. Cell-polymer constructs developed an organized extracellular matrix containing glycosaminoglycans and collagen, whereas control bone marrow stromal cell pellet cultures were smaller and consisted predominantly of fibrous tissue. Bone marrow stromal cells expanded with fibroblast growth factor-2 and seeded onto polymer scaffolds formed highly homogeneous three-dimensional tissues that contained cartilage-specific molecular markers and had biochemical compositions comparable with avian epiphyseal cartilage. When cell-polymer constructs were cultured in the presence of beta-glycerophosphate and dexamethasone, the extracellular matrix mineralized and bone-specific proteins were expressed. Our work shows that cell expansion in the presence of fibroblast growth factor-2 and cultivation on a three-dimensional polymer scaffold allows differentiation of chick bone marrow stromal cells into three-dimensional cartilaginous tissues. In the in vitro system studied, the same population could be selectively induced to regenerate either cartilaginous or bone-like tissue.
Effect of αs1-, β- and κ-Casein Polymorphs on the Stability of Calcium Caseinate Micelles in Model Systems

Abstract Six samples of a s1 + β-caseins representing all known polymorphs, except α s1 A and βC were prepared and purified. Four samples each of κA, κB, κAB were also prepared and purified. Interactions occurred in model systems containing .02 to .22 kappa/α s1 + β-casein ratios, and .02m Ca, at pH 6.80 and stability was measured in percentage soluble α s1 + β-casein. Alpha s1 B+βB, α s1 B+βAB produced more stable micelles than did α s1 B+βA in presence of all κ-casein polymorphs. Replacement of α s1 B with α s1 C or α s1 BC generally resulted in significant reduction in micelle stability. In most cases κAB was the most effective micelle stabilizer followed closely by κB whereas κA was the least effective. The effectiveness was markedly influenced by the α s1 +β-casein polymorphs present and the κ/α s1 +β casein ratio. At high Ca concentration, (up to .12m), κB produced the least stable micelles in presence of all polymorphs of α s1 +β-casein. Generally, α s1 B+βB produced the most stable micelles, under these conditions, whereas those produced by α s1 B+/βA were the least stable.
The Ricci curvature of finite dimensional approximations to loop and path groups

Abstract Let W ( G ) and L ( G ) denote the path and loop groups respectively of a connected real unimodular Lie group G endowed with a left-invariant Riemannian metric. We study the Ricci curvature of certain finite dimensional approximations to these groups based on partitions of the interval [ 0 , 1 ] . We find that the Ricci curvatures of the finite dimensional approximations are bounded below independent of partition iff G is of compact type with an Ad -invariant metric.
Processing of materials derived from sweet sorghum for biobased products

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is particularly suitable as a feedstock for a variety of bioprocesses, largely because of its high yields of both lignocellulosic biomass and fermentable saccharides. Sweet sorghum is less economically important for refined sugar production than other sugar crops, e.g., sugar beet and sugarcane, but can produce more raw fermentable sugar under marginal conditions than those crops. In this review, the agronomic requirements of sorghum (viz., water, soil, and nutrient requirements), cultural practices, and plant morphology are discussed from a bioprocessing perspective. Historically, sugar extraction from the plant in the form of juice has been of primary interest; these methods, along with modern developments are presented. Recently, the direct yeast fermentation of sorghum juice for ethanol production has been studied. Additionally, the bagasse resulting from the juice extraction has been used for a variety of potential products: forage, silage, combustion energy, synthesis gas, and paper. The bagasse contains high levels of relatively low crystallinity cellulose, along with relatively labile lignin, and so is itself of interest as a fermentation feedstock. Whole sorghum stalk, and its bagasse, have been subjected to studies of a wide array of pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, and fermentation processes. The potential fermentation products of sweet sorghum are wide ranging; those demonstrated include ethanol, acetone, butanol, various lipids, lactic acid, hydrogen, and methane. Several potential native products of the plant, in addition to cellulose for paper production, are also identified: waxes, proteins, and allelopathic compounds, such as sorgoleone.
Machine Learning for the Prediction of Organ Damage from Cancer Radiotherapy

Abstract There are over one million cases of cancer diagnosed each year just in the United States, and many times that number in other countries. About 60% of US cancer patients are treated with radiotherapy, and increasingly complex radiation delivery procedures are being developed in order to improve treatment outcomes. A key goal is to determine appropriate values for a large set of delivery parameters in order to ensure that as large a fraction as possible of the radiation that enters the patient is delivered to the tumor as opposed to depositing it in adjacent non-cancerous organs that can be damaged by radiation (the latter are termed organs-at-risk (OARs)). In the research described here, we address the issue of tissue damage by developing machine learning (ML) frameworks for the prediction of two types of possible OAR complications associated with an advanced form of treatment known as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. Specifically, we show that ML techniques may be used to develop models for the prediction of radiation-induced (1) xerostomia (“dry mouth”, a significant quality-of-life concern associated with radiation damage to the parotid glands) and (2) rectal bleeding. These patient-specific ML models provide accurate complication prediction on the basis of the selected clinician settings for the radiation constraints. This research will thus allow clinicians to determine treatment parameter values that result in appropriate radiation levels for critical organs.
An inexpensive multichannel infusion/withdrawal pump system.

Abstract A six-channel infusion/withdrawal pump system is described. This system is based on readily available, inexpensive, stepping motors and features internal or external rate setting options, with simple event recorder circuit, and may be easily interfaced with a computer for completely automated control.
The retrogradation and gelation of amylopectins from various botanical sources

Abstract The distribution of the chain lengths of amylopectins from wheat, barley, maize, pea, canna, and potato starches were characterized by size-exclusion chromatography. The cereal amylopectins had the shorter average chain-length. The gelation and retrogradation behaviour of the amylopectins, examined using measurements of shear modulus and differential scanning calorimetry, together with studies of the structure of the associated regions in amylopectin gels, indicated that association of the chains in cereal amylopectin gels occurred over shorter segment lengths. The cereal amylopectins have a reduced rate of retrogradation which is linked to their shorter average chain-lengths.
PRENATAL STEROIDS (PNS) REDUCE ERYTHROCYTE TRANSFUSION IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES ≤ 1500 GM. 1396

Prenatal steroids have major effects on the maturation and function of multiple organ systems. Prenatal steroids reduce the incidence and severity of RDS. We previously showed that prenatal steroids decrease insensible water loss and promote kidney function in extremely LBW neonates (Pediatr Res 37:A478, 1995). The purpose of this study was to determine whether prenatal steroids have impact on the erythrocyte transfusion requirements of VLBW infants. Infants whose mothers received a full course of prenatal steroids prior to delivery (n=98) were compared with controls (n=86). All infants were managed according to uniform transfusion guidelines. There were no significant differences between the groups in gestational age (PNS 29 ± 2 v control 29 ± 3 wk), birth weight (1157 ± 247 v 1132 ± 250gm), or Apgar scores. The PNS group had a lower incidence of RDS (48% v 68%, P<0.05), as well as shorter durations of ventilation (8 ± 1 v 14± 25 days, P<0.05) and oxygen therapy (16 ± 2 v 20 ± 2 days) than did controls. LOS was shorter in PNS than in control infants (47± 2 v 57 ± 3 days; P<0.05). The PNS group had significantly lower phlebotomy blood losses (37 ± 4 v 57 ± 6mL, P<0.001), fewer erythrocyte transfusions (2.3 ± 0.3 v 4.3 ± 0.6, P=0.001) and fewer number of random donor exposures (1.2 ± 0.2 v 2 ± 0.2, P=0.01) than did controls. Although transfusion was avoided in twice as many PNS as control infants, this difference did not reach statistical significance(33% v 16%, P=0.08). We conclude that prenatal steroids result in decreased transfusions requirements in VLBW infants. This effect is mediated at least in part by reduction of severity of illness and, thereby, a reduction in phlebotomy requirements.
A new step toward transition metal incorporation in cubic mesoporous materials: preparation and characterization of Ti-MCM-48

Abstract A mesoporous material containing Ti and Si atoms in the walls, which is isomorphous to the cubic MCM-48 silicate structure has been synthesized by using a gemini surfactant. Characterization (XRD, BET, UV-Visible, IR and Raman) shows that the titanium atoms are well dispersed, probably substituting silicon atoms in the mesoporous walls. Spectral features within the range 980-970 cm−1, observed by Raman and photoacoustic FT-IR spectroscopies, indicate the presence of silanol groups inside the mesoporous channels in both the blank and the Ti containing samples whereas an IR absorption near 960 cm−1, observed only for Ti-MCM-48 samples, is associated with the Ti incorporation.
property relations and productive strategies in pastoral societies

Barth has argued from his analysis of Basseri data that pastoral societies face demographic problems which require making animals private property, a problem non-pastoral societies do not face. In fact, Barth's theory fits some gardening societies better than the Basseri. The reason is that Basseri private property seems to be a response to market opportunities. In non-market pastoral societies, animals are commonly personal property, not private property.
Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) infection: an emerging disease in infliximab-treated patients.

Summary Objectives Infliximab has revolutionized treatment of rheumatologic diseases and inflammatory bowel disease. However, it increases the risk of tuberculosis. Less is known about the development of Mycobacterium other than tuberculosis (MOTT) infection. We review the literature on non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections in infliximab-treated patients and report the first case of disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex in an infliximab-treated patient complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Methods and results MEDLINE search with the keywords mycobacteria and infliximab revealed four cases of MOTT in patients treated with infliximab: fatal Mycobacterium peregrinum pneumonia in a patient with polymyositis and dermatomyositis; a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with skin and soft tissue infection with Mycobacterium abscessus ; Mycobacterium fortuitum in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis; and a case of pulmonary MAC without dissemination. Review of US data from 1998 to 2002 published by Wallis et al. revealed that out of more than 233,000 patients treated with infliximab, 30 developed unspecified mycobacterial species infection. No further data was available regarding these cases. Conclusion MOTT infection is a rare but emerging complication of infliximab therapy. MOTT cases tend to progress rapidly in infliximab-treated patients and withdrawal of infliximab therapy can result in immune reconstitution.
A Continuous Method for Gene Flow

Most modern population genetics inference methods are based on the coalescence framework. Methods that allow estimating parameters of structured populations commonly insert migration events into the genealogies. For these methods the calculation of the coalescence probability density of a genealogy requires a product over all time periods between events. Data sets that contain populations with high rates of gene flow among them require an enormous number of calculations. A new method, transition probability-structured coalescence (TPSC), replaces the discrete migration events with probability statements. Because the speed of calculation is independent of the amount of gene flow, this method allows calculating the coalescence densities efficiently. The current implementation of TPSC uses an approximation simplifying the interaction among lineages. Simulations and coverage comparisons of TPSC vs. MIGRATE show that TPSC allows estimation of high migration rates more precisely, but because of the approximation the estimation of low migration rates is biased. The implementation of TPSC into programs that calculate quantities on phylogenetic tree structures is straightforward, so the TPSC approach will facilitate more general inferences in many computer programs.
Difficult people with simple problems: Asymmetric presbyopia

A contentious middle-age patient inadvertently obstructs the management of a simple presbyopic problem related to asymmetric accommodative loss.
Reworking of amino acid in marine sediments: Stable carbon isotopic composition of amino acids in sediments along the Washington coast

The stable carbon isotopic composition of nine individual amino acids were investigated in phytoplankton and zooplankton, estuarine plankton, terrigenous material, marine fecal material, and clay mineral isolates collected along the Washington coast. The clay fraction was isolated from suspended sediments of the Columbia River (the mineral source) and three shelf and slope stations (mineral deposition sites). In the sediments, terrigenous amino acids were replaced by those of marine origin, and microbial reworking of the amino acids further influenced their d 13 C compositions. Based on changes in isotopic composition, individual amino acids could be roughly divided into three groups. (1) Leucine and proline had isotopic shifts similar to bulk organic matter. On average, 80% of these river-delivered amino acids were replaced by marine-derived material. (2) Alanine, isoleucine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, and phenylalanine had intermediate isotopic shifts. These isotopic compositions are consistent with both the expected isotopic fractionation associated with microbial resynthesis of amino acids using marine substrates and/or preservation of ;50% of the terrigenous component in the marine environment. (3) Glycine and valine exhibited isotopic values outside the range of our sampled end members. Their unusual isotopic compositions are attributed to reworking of their isotopic signal during diagenesis. Microbial resynthesis of amino acids during growth on mixed substrates may account for nearly all the observed variation in amino acid isotopic composition. Similarity between the amino acid isotopic composition of the fecal material and that of the clay isolates suggests that alterations of the isotopic composition of the amino acids might occur while the amino acids are in distinct organicrich debris, prior to long-term association with the sediment.
An empirical performance study for validating a performance analysis approach: PSIM

Performance analysis gains more attention in recent years by researchers who focus their study on the early software development stages to mitigate the risk of redesign as problems emerge later. Previously we proposed PSIM (a performance simulation and modeling tool) that integrated performance properties into software architecture specifications expressed in several major UML diagrams. PSIM models can be transformed into colored GSPN and the colored GSPN models can then be simulated to perform model-based performance evaluation. In this paper we briefly review the PSIM approach and apply it to model a Web-based conferencing system, called M-Net, to derive performance metrics. We then conduct runtime performance testing to the implementation of M-Net and compare the simulation data to runtime testing data. The comparison results show the effectiveness of the PSIM method in predicting system performance and identifying system performance bottlenecks.
An Olive Branch for Lipid Disorders

People who consume a Mediterranean diet have lower rates of cardiac disease and metabolic disorders. The key to this association is olive oil, the main source of dietary fat in the Mediterranean diet—specifically, polyphenols in the oil, which are correlated with beneficial increases in high-density lipoprotein (HDL; healthy cholesterol) levels. However, blood HDL levels are not the whole story, and other properties of HDL contribute to its valuable effects. Therefore, Hernaez et al. wondered whether the polyphenols in olive oil might also alter HDL functional characteristics. Their new results establish a connection between olive oil polyphenols and beneficial properties of HDL beyond blood levels. Hernaez et al. recruited young healthy males for a clinical trial and treated the subjects with a small supplement of olive oils with high and low polyphenol content daily for 3 weeks in a crossover trial design. Indeed, polyphenol consumption caused dose-dependent effects on the biological properties of HDL. The high-polyphenol-content olive oil increased the HDL efflux capacity, a property that allows HDL to recycle excess cholesterol, limiting cholesterol accumulation in the vasculature. The percentage of large HDL particles was also higher, which is consistent with the fact that HDL particles with higher efflux capacity tend to be larger. Both HDL efflux capacity and larger HDL particles are associated with lower cardiovascular risks. The investigators concluded that the polyphenol content from olive oils favorably influences the main anti-atherogenic properties of HDL. The study has limitations, including a small sample size, but is strengthened by a robust crossover design with washout periods between treatments. These results should prompt an examination of the olive’s natural contents in search of the ever-elusive “blockbuster HDL drug.” A. Hernaez et al. , Olive oil polyphenols enhance high-density lipoprotein function in humans: A randomized controlled trial. Arterioscler. Thromb. Vasc. Biol. 10.1161/ATVBAHA.114.303374 (2014). [[PubMed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25060792
What has Galilee to do with Jerusalem? Political aspects of the Jesus movement

Adopting a perspective of class awareness, this study proposes that Jesus and his movements in Palestine did not simply have political implications but were engaged in social-political organising that brought them into political conflict with the Jerusalem and Roman rulers. This disposition has its roots in the distinctiveness of Galilee/Galileans as setting for Jesus and his followers.
Modeling and Simulation of Simple Flux-Trapping FCGs Utilizing PSpice Software

A novel modeling and simulation method for flux-trapping flux-compression generators (FT-FCGs) is presented, which utilizes PSpice circuit-simulation software to solve complex differential equations derived from circuit analysis. The primary motivation for the model development is the desire for a technique to rapidly design and prototype FT-FCGs for use as drivers in high-power microwave sources. The derivation of FT-FCG equations will be given, both in the ideal (lossless) and nonideal cases. For the nonideal case, three flux conservation coefficients are added to the equations to account for intrinsic flux loss in the circuit. Time-varying inductance curves are calculated using zero-dimensional models found in literature and adapted to fit this model. A simple FT-FCG design is used as an example to show the steps taken to complete a simulation. The same design was also fabricated and tested for comparison with predicted results from the model. A comparison of the waveforms acquired through simulation and experiment was found to result in good agreement for a given set of values for the flux conservation coefficients. A discussion of the derived equations, both lossless and nonideal, is given, as well as a discussion on the investigation of the impact of the three flux constants on the circuit. Analysis is offered on the results of this investigation, and conclusions are given on the effectiveness of this model to predict FT-FCG behavior.
An Evidence-Based Approach to Perioperative Nutrition Support in the Elective Surgery Patient:

In surgical practice, great attention is given to the perioperative management of the elective surgical patient with regard to surgical planning, stratification of cardiopulmonary risk, and postoperative assessment for complication. However, growing evidence supports the beneficial role for implementation of a consistent and literature-based approach to perioperative nutrition therapy. Determining nutrition risk should be a routine component of the preoperative evaluation. As with the above issues, this concept begins with the clinician’s first visit with the patient as risk is assessed and the severity of the surgical insult considered. If the patient is an appropriate candidate for benefit from preoperative support, a plan for initiation and reassessment should be implemented. Once appropriate nutrition end points have been achieved, special consideration should be given to beneficial practices the immediate day preceding surgery that may better prepare the patient for the intervention from a metabolic ...
Selective vulnerability of the central nervous system to hyperbaric oxygen.

The adverse effects of hyperoxia on the central nervous system (CNS) have been well known since the 19th century writing of Paul Bert. Acute CNS oxygen toxicity is manisfested by grand mal convulsions and may result in death following status epilepticus. Bean and Seigfried2 reported a delayed or chronic type of oxygen poisoning in rats subjected to repeated brief intermittent exposures to hyperbaric oxygen (HO), which resulted in permanent limb paralysis. The paralyses observed in this type of oxygen toxicity usually affect the forelimbs bilaterally with the animals assuming a kangaroolike posture. Rigidity of the paralyzed limbs is common. Animals capable of locomotion are ataxic. A few rats become quadriplegic.
Noise exposures of rural adolescents.

Purpose: This project was conducted to characterize the noise exposure of adolescents living in rural and agricultural environments. Methods: From May to October, 25 adolescents ages 13 through 17, living either on a farm or a rural nonfarm, were enrolled in the study. Subjects received training on the correct operation and use of personal noise dosimeters and the proper way to record their daily tasks on activity cards. Subjects completed 4 days of self-monitoring noise dosimetry, 2 days in the first round (May-July) and 2 days in the second round (August-October). In addition to dosimetry, subjects completed activity logs of their daily tasks. Results: The mean daily noise exposures of adolescents living on farms and in nonfarm rural homes were between 55.4 dBA (A-weighted decibels) and 103.5 dBA, with 44% of the daily measurements greater than the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Recommended Exposure Level of 85 dBA. Task-based analysis of noise exposures found that activities involving mechanized equipment resulted in the highest exposures, while activities in the home resulted in the lowest exposure. No particular demographic group had a statistically higher noise exposure; therefore, specific factors apart from activities and noise sources could not be identified as risk factors for exposure to hazardous noise levels. Conclusions: The results of this project indicate that rural adolescents complete a variety of activities and are exposed to noise sources with a broad range of decibel levels. While the exposures may change from day to day, there are occasions when exposure to noise exceeds the recommended levels.
Renal transplantation in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis: a multicenter experience.

Pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis remains the most common cause of rapidly progressive renal failure (1). The majority of cases are associated with the presence of circulating antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) (2). The two major subtypes of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) are Wegener’s granulomatosis (WG) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). Notwithstanding the advances in diagnosis and treatment of AAV, 20% to 40% of patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (3–6). Kidney transplantation (KTX) has been shown to improve survival and quality of life among patients with ESRD, and several studies have demonstrated that KTX offers a survival benefit compared with maintenance dialysis (7, 8). Transplanted AAV patients also have lower vasculitis relapse rates compared with those who remain on dialysis (6, 9–12). A mean 10-year graft survival of 65.4% has been reported for patients with WG, which compares favorably with graft survival observed in other nonsystemic inflammatory conditions (13); however, as many as 50% of cases have been said to suffer a vasculitis relapse after KTX, and this may adversely affect allograft outcome (3, 4, 14–21). A pooled analysis of 127 patients reported in 1999 indicated that AAV recurred in 17.3% of patients after KTX (22). The majority of these patients (65%) received cyclosporine. In contrast, a much lower vasculitis relapse rate was observed in two single-center series published in recent years on AAV patients using modern immunosuppressive agents (23, 24). Gera et al. (23), in a single-center series of 35 transplant recipients with diagnoses of AAV reported nonrenal relapses in three patients (8.6%). No clear risk factor to relapse emerged and no detrimental effect to renal function was found. In addition, another single-center analysis of 17 patients with AAV who underwent KTX identified relapses in three patients over a median follow-up of 37 months (24). More recently, Little et al. (25) reported relapses in only 5 of 107 transplanted AAV patients (4.7%). Overall graft survival was 70% after 10 years. ANCA status per se was not significantly associated with graft failure, and the strongest predictor of death was transplantation less than 1 year from the time of vasculitis remission (25). This study included patients transplanted over a 20-year period and did not have details of posttransplant immunosuppression. These discrepancies and the paucity of information regarding long-term transplant outcomes for AAV in the modern era of immunosuppression led us to extend our previous observations by conducting this multicenter study to address questions regarding the influence of waiting period after remission is achieved before KTX, influence of disease subtypes, ANCA status at the time of KTX, and the effect antirejection regimen on graft outcome and vasculitis relapse rate in this patient population.
Copper tolerance and copper uptake of Lotus purshianus (Benth.) Clem. & Clem. and its symbiotic Rhizobium loti derived from a copper mine waste population

SUMMARY Lotus purshianus (Benth.) Clem, and Clem., growing on a copper mine waste in Northern California, exhibits copper tolerance. Effective nitrogen fixation (acetylene reduction) is seen in copper-enriched soils. When subcultured in liquid culture, Rhizobium loti isolated from root nodules of L. purshianus growing on the copper mine, showed considerably greater copper tolerance than did rhizobium isolated from plants growing in a nearby field. No difference was detected in either the pattern of copper uptake or concentration in plant tissue between tolerant and non-tolerant L. purshianus. However, a copper accumulation mechanism associated with copper tolerance was found in the symbiotic rhizobium. The successful colonization of copper enriched soil by this legume species is accomplished by the evolution of copper tolerance in both the legume plant and its symbiont. The copper tolerance of the plant and rhizobium may have evolved independently.