cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro fusion catalyzed by the sporulation-specific t-SNARE light-chain Spo20p is stimulated by phosphatidic acid.

Sec9p and Spo20p are two SNAP25 family SNARE proteins specialized for different developmental stages in yeast. Sec9p interacts with Sso1/2p and Snc1/2p to mediate intracellular trafficking between post-Golgi vesicles and the plasma membrane during vegetative growth. Spo20p replaces Sec9p in the generation of prospore membranes during sporulation. The function of Spo20p requires enzymatically active Spo14p, which is a phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase D that hydrolyzes PC to generate phosphatidic acid (PA). Phosphatidic acid is required to localize Spo20p properly during sporulation; however, it seems to have additional roles that are not fully understood. Here we compared the fusion mediated by all combinations of the Sec9p or Spo20p C-terminal domains with Sso1p/Sso2p and Snc1p/Snc2p. Our results show that Spo20p forms a less efficient SNARE complex than Sec9p. The combination of Sso2p/Spo20c is the least fusogenic t-SNARE complex. Incorporation of PA in the lipid bilayer stimulates SNARE-mediated membrane fusion by all t-SNARE complexes, likely by decreasing the energetic barrier during membrane merger. This effect may allow the weak SNARE complex containing Spo20p to function during sporulation. In addition, PA can directly interact with the juxtamembrane region of Sso1p, which contributes to the stimulatory effects of PA on membrane fusion. Our results suggest that the fusion strength of SNAREs, the composition of organelle lipids and lipid–SNARE interactions may be coordinately regulated to control the rate and specificity of membrane fusion.
Enzymatic catalysis of formation of Z-aspartame in ionic liquid - An alternative to enzymatic catalysis in organic solvents.

We present the first report of enzymatic catalysis in an ionic liquid. The virtually nonexistent vapor pressure makes ionic liquids an exciting new alternative for enzyme-catalyzed syntheses in environmentally friendly environments. Z-aspartame was synthesized in a thermolysin-catalyzed reaction of carbobenzoxy-L−aspartate and L−phenylalanine methyl ester hydrochloride in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BP6). Ionic liquids such as BP6 are thermally stable and have a remarkable range of temperatures over which they remain liquid (300 °C). With an initial rate of 1.2 ± 0.1 nmol min−1 mg−1, we observed a competitive rate in comparison to that of enzymatic synthesis in organic solvent. Additionally, the enzyme exhibits outstanding stability, which would normally require immobilization.
A comparative analysis of short stays versus long stays in adult day health care programs.

Abstract The purpose of this study is to identify challenges to continual use of adult day services. Individuals who stayed in five adult day health care programs for four weeks or less are compared to those who stayed enrolled more than four weeks. Data were gathered from new intake files recorded 1, 1999 to December 31, 2000 at five adult day programs operating in central Ohio. This study is based on 143 clients who disenrolled during this study period. Short stay participants were significantly different from long stay participants in race, educational level, mental health, and in financial and social resources. The findings support the important partnerships between informal and formal care resources in the utilization of adult day services and ultimately community-based living.
Sensitivity of US Air Quality to Mid-Latitude Cyclone Frequency and Implications of 1980–2006 Climate Change

We show that the frequency of summertime mid-latitude cyclones tracking across eastern North America at 40°–50° N (the southern climatological storm track) is a strong predictor of stagnation and ozone pollution days in the eastern US. The NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis, going back to 1948, shows a significant long-term decline in the number of summertime mid-latitude cyclones in that track starting in 1980 (−0.15 a −1 ). The more recent but shorter NCEP/DOE Reanalysis (1979–2006) shows similar interannual variability in cyclone frequency but no significant long-term trend. Analysis of NOAA daily weather maps for 1980–2006 supports the trend detected in the NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis 1. A GISS general circulation model (GCM) simulation including historical forcing by greenhouse gases reproduces this decreasing cyclone trend starting in 1980. Such a long-term decrease in mid-latitude cyclone frequency over the 1980–2006 period may have offset by half the ozone air quality gains in the northeastern US from reductions in anthropogenic emissions. We find that if mid-latitude cyclone frequency had not declined, the northeastern US would have been largely compliant with the ozone air quality standard by 2001. Mid-latitude cyclone frequency is expected to decrease further over the coming decades in response to greenhouse warming and this will necessitate deeper emission reductions to achieve a given air quality goal.
Reclassification of the Caliciviridae into distinct genera and exclusion of hepatitis E virus from the family on the basis of comparative phylogenetic analysis

Caliciviridae and Picornaviridae belong to the same subphylum and genera within Picornaviridae are well characterized. Until 1998, Caliciviridae included one genus Calicivirus, containing strains with distinct structural and genomic features. Phylogenetic analyses of capsid genes revealed five clusters within Caliciviridae corresponding to differences in genome organization. In order to determine to what taxonomic level these clusters correspond, genomic sequences of caliciviruses, picornavirus prototypes, and two togavirus strains were analyzed. Distance and maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate the phylogenetic relationships among strains. Analysis of the capsid gene revealed separation of five main clusters (Norwalk-like, and Sapporo-like human caliciviruses, hepatitis E virus, vesicular exanthem of swine-like, and lapine caliciviruses) and distances corresponding to those observed among picornavirus genera. Utilizing more conserved (presumed helicase and polymerase) regions for the analyses, only major groups of caliciviruses were separated with confidence, with distances also comparable to those separating picornavirus genera. Analysis in these regions that included togavirus sequences moved HEV strains out of the calicivirus cluster. Our findings support the reclassification of caliciviruses into four genera. The phylogenetic position of hepatitis E virus, by analysis of non-structural genes, is outside of the caliciviruses, in an uncertain taxonomic position.
Resonant electron capture to high Rydberg states by F ions at low energies

A systematic study of resonant electron capture by Fz+ ions at low energies is carried out, where Z = 4, 5, 6, and 7, corresponding to the number of electrons N = 5, 4, 3, and 2, respectively in the initial ions. Contributions of the metastable states in the initial ion beam are also studied, especially for the N = 2 case where 1s2s 1.3S states are involved. The doubly excited states formed by the 2s → 2p intrashell excitation and the capture of the incoming electrons to high Rydberg states are treated explicitly for n ≤ 12 and by extrapolation in the principal quantum number n for n ≥ 13. In addition, excitation transitions involving parent core states of the same configuration but with different total spins are also studied. The Z-dependence of this isonuclear sequence is used in the construction of empirical rate formulas.
Task-driven attentional mechanisms for auditory scene recognition

How do humans attend to and pick out relevant auditory objects amongst all other sounds in the environment? Based on neurophysiological findings we propose two task oriented attentional mechanisms acting as Bayesian priors which act on two separate levels of processing: a sensory mapping stage and object representation stage. The former sensory stage is modeled as a high dimensional mapping which captures the spectrotemporal nuances and cues of auditory objects. The latter object representation stage then captures the statistical distribution of the different classes of acoustic scenes. This scheme shows a relative improvement in performance by 81% compared to a baseline system.
Product comprehension and promotional strategies

Reviews and critiques literal views of product comprehension which rely on recall of key product claims to measure “correct” comprehension. Presents a constructive view of comprehension where product comprehension is seen as the process of forming personal interpretations of a product′s self‐relevance. Promotional strategies should be designed to suggest, encourage, and facilitate personal interpretations of the self‐relevance and positive consequences of product use. Marketers can use protocol probing procedures to obtain feedback about the personal interpretations consumers form during product comprehension.
Catalytic Ignition of Ethanol-Oxygen-Nitrogen Mixtures Over 90% Platinum - 10% Rhodium in Comparison With Pure Platinum

Prior research of the catalytic ignition of renewable transportation fuels was conducted with pure platinum (Pt), an oxidation catalyst with mechanical properties that change at the temperatures expected in internal combustion engines. This study was undertaken to compare and contrast the ability of grain-hardened 90% platinum - 10% rhodium (Pt-Rh) to serve as an ignition catalyst. The temperature required to initiate surface reactions and the rate of heat generated from the reactions of ethanol-oxygen-nitrogen mixtures on Pt-Rh and Pt were obtained using a microcalorimeter. Catalyst wires were exposed to reacting flows in a plug-flow reactor and heated though electrical resistance until surface reactions occurred. The process was repeated for fixed fuel molar percentages of ethanol ranging from 1% to 3% and fuel-oxygen equivalence ratios (Φ) ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 at a constant total volumetric flow rate of 5 L/min, thus testing the effect of both the absolute and relative fuel content. Because of its lower coefficient of thermal resistance, Pt-Rh initiated surface reactions in fuel-oxygen mixtures at temperatures about 45 K higher than pure Pt; 3% ethanol mixtures ignited at an average ignition temperature of 512 K on Pt-Rh with very little variation with Φ while those on Pt ignited at temperatures ranging from a low of 450 K (Φ = 0.5) to a high of 473 K (Φ = 1.0), suggesting fuel-first coverage of the surface for these conditions. Also at 3% ethanol, reactions on Pt-Rh generated heat at an average rate of 5.5 W/cm2 while those on pure Pt generated 19.6 W/cm2 . Pt-Rh did not exhibit significant seasoning at the conditions tested whereas Pt seasoned over time and became more reactive (initiating surface reactions at lower temperatures than an unseasoned surface), a phenomenon observed in prior research. This data will aid in the design and understanding of catalytic igniters used with alternative transportation fuels in internal combustion engines.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Mathematical Modeling and Analysis of Flutter in Long-Span Suspension Bridges and in Blood Vessel Walls

A review of several research directions in the area of mathematical analysis of the flutter phenomenon is presented in the present study. Flutter is known as a structural dynamical instability, which occurs in a solid elastic structure interacting with a flow of gas or fluid and consists of violent vibrations of the structure with rapidly increasing amplitudes. The focus of this review is a collection of models of fluid-structure interactions, for which precise mathematical formulations are available. The main objects of interest are analytical results on such models, which can be used for flutter explanation, qualitative, and even quantitative treatments of the models. This study does not pretend to be a comprehensive review of the enormous engineering literature on analytical, computational, and experimental aspects of the flutter problem. The entire survey provides a brief exposition of the results obtained in several selected papers or groups of papers on the following topics: (1) Bending-torsion vibrations of coupled beams; (2) flutter in transmission lines; (3) flutter in rotating blades; (4) flutter in hard disk drives; (5) flutter in suspension bridges; and (6) flutter of blood vessel walls. The last topic of the review is devoted to the most well-known cases of flutter, i.e., flutter in aeroelasticity. Namely, the precise analytical results obtained in the author’s several recent papers on a specific aircraft wing model in a subsonic, inviscid, incompressible airflow are discussed.
Host‐Lattice Effects in the EPR Spectra of Gd3+ Doped Hydrated Single Crystals of Rare‐Earth Chlorides, Nitrates, and Sulphates

Large amount of X-band EPR data, for external field orientations in both, the zx and xy planes, are obtained for Gd3+ ion doped rare-earth trichloride hexahydrate (RCH), rare-earth trisulfate octahydrate (RSO), and rare-earth trinitrate hexahydrate (RNH) single crystals. A rigorous least-squares fitting procedure is used to evaluate the spin Hamiltonian parameters g‖, g⊥ and b (including those with negative m values). Approximate linear dependences upon the host rare-earth ion radius is found on both, the parameters b and b within each family of the isostructural hosts investigated. De tres nombreuses donnees RPE en bande X ont ete recueillies sur les echantillons d'ion Gd3+ dopant monocristaux de hexahydrate de trichloride de terre-rare (RCH), de octahydrate de trisulfate de terre-rare (RSO), et de hexahydrate de trinitrate de terre-rare (RNH). Les parametres de l'Hamiltonian de spin g‖, g⊥, et b (incluant ceux dont les valeurs de m sont negatives) sont evalues rigoreusement en utilisant la methode des moindres carres. Quant aux systematiques, on trouve une dependence approximativement lineaire du rayon d'ion terre-rare pour les deux parametres b et b dans chaque famille d'hǒtes isostructuraux.
Vismodegib An Inhibitor of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Objective: To review vismodegib, the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway inhibitor, in the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Data Sources: MEDLINE and PubMed were searched using the terms vismodegib, GDC-0449, RG3616, and basal cell carcinoma for relevant clinical trials through September 2013. The FDA Web site, the National Clinical Trials registry, and abstracts from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) were also evaluated to identify unpublished data and future clinical trials. Study Selection/Data Extraction: All identified clinical and preclinical studies published in the English language were assessed, including selected references from the bibliographies of articles. Data Synthesis: Activation of the Hh signaling pathway is well documented in BCC. Vismodegib is a small-molecule inhibitor of Hh signaling that acts by antagonizing the protein Smoothened (SMO), thereby preventing downstream transcriptional activation of genes in...
Determinants of eukaryal cell killing by the bacterial ribotoxin PrrC

tRNA damage inflicted by the Escherichia coli anticodon nuclease PrrC (EcoPrrC) underlies an antiviral response to phage T4 infection. PrrC homologs are present in many bacterial proteomes, though their biological activities are uncharted. PrrCs consist of two domains: an N-terminal NTPase module related to the ABC family and a distinctive C-terminal ribonuclease module. In this article, we report that the expression of EcoPrrC in budding yeast is fungicidal, signifying that PrrC is toxic in a eukaryon in the absence of other bacterial or viral proteins. Whereas Streptococcus PrrC is also toxic in yeast, Neisseria and Xanthomonas PrrCs are not. Via analysis of the effects of 118 mutations on EcoPrrC toxicity in yeast, we identified 22 essential residues in the NTPase domain and 11 in the nuclease domain. Overexpressing PrrCs with mutations in the NTPase active site ameliorated the toxicity of wild-type EcoPrrC. Our findings support a model in which EcoPrrC toxicity is contingent on head-to-tail dimerization of the NTPase domains to form two composite NTP phosphohydrolase sites. Comparisons of EcoPrrC activity in a variety of yeast genetic backgrounds, and the rescuing effects of tRNA overexpression, implicate tRNALys(UUU) as a target of EcoPrrC toxicity in yeast.
Evaluating dimensional accuracy of denture bases with a modified comparator

Abstract A method of comparing the contours of the inner surface of dentures with the contours of a master impression has heen developed in conjunction with certain modifications of the comparator. These contours are reproduced in graph form, and the accuracy of fit of the denture for any point which has been recorded may be determined by measuring the shortest distance between the contour lines. A series of heat-cured dentures were processed under nearly identical conditions, and from their contours, a representative median contour line was drawn. This contour line has been compared with the contour of the master impression and will be used for future comparisons with dentures processed from other materials and by other methods.
Are There Religious Variations in Domestic Violence

Religious variations in domestic violence remain understudied. Arguments are developed linking aspects of religious affiliation, practice, theology, and couples' religious (dis)similarities with domestic violence. These relationships are then examined via gender-specific models of data from the first wave of the National Survey of Families and Households (NSFH-1). The authors find that regular attendance at religious services is inversely associated with self-reported perpetration of domestic violence for men and women. Denominational homogamy (i.e., same-faith vs. mixed-faith relationships) has little bearing on the likelihood of abuse. Other forms of religious dissimilarity do appear to heighten the risk of abuse. In particular, men who hold much more conservative theological views than their partners are especially likely to perpetrate domestic violence. The implications of these and other findings are discussed, and several promising directions for further research are identified.
The Bacterial Cytoskeleton

In recent years it has been shown that bacteria contain a number of cytoskeletal structures. The bacterial cytoplasmic elements include homologs of the three major types of eukaryotic cytoskeletal proteins (actin, tubulin, and intermediate filament proteins) and a fourth group, the MinD-ParA group, that appears to be unique to bacteria. The cytoskeletal structures play important roles in cell division, cell polarity, cell shape regulation, plasmid partition, and other functions. The proteins self-assemble into filamentous structures in vitro and form intracellular ordered structures in vivo. In addition, there are a number of filamentous bacterial elements that may turn out to be cytoskeletal in nature. This review attempts to summarize and integrate the in vivo and in vitro aspects of these systems and to evaluate the probable future directions of this active research field.
Connexin Membrane Protein Biosynthesis Is Influenced by Polypeptide Positioning within the Translocon and Signal Peptidase Access

We reported previously (Falk, M. M., Kumar, N. M., and Gilula, N. B. (1994) J. Cell Biol. 127, 343–355) that the membrane integration of polytopic connexin polypeptides can be accompanied by an inappropriate cleavage that generates amino-terminal truncated connexins. While this cleavage was not detected in vivo, translation in standard cell-free translation/translocation systems resulted in the complete cleavage of all newly integrated connexins. Partial cleavage occurred in heterologous expression systems that correlated with the expression level. Here we report that the transmembrane topology of connexins generated in microsomal membranes was identical to the topology of functional connexins in plasma membranes. Characterization of the cleavage site and reaction showed that the connexins were processed by signal peptidase immediately downstream of their first transmembrane domain in a reaction similar to the removal of signal peptides from pre-proteins. Increasing the length and hydrophobic character of the signal anchor sequence of connexins completely prevented the aberrant cleavage. This result indicates that their signal anchor sequence was falsely recognized and positioned as a cleavable signal peptide within the endoplasmic reticulum translocon, and that this mispositioning enabled signal peptidase to access the cleavage sites. The results provide direct evidence for the involvement of unknown cellular factors in the membrane integration process of connexins.
Age differences in credibility judgments of online health information

Older adults are a notable group among the exponentially growing population of online health information consumers. In order to better support older adults’ health-related information seeking on the Internet, it is important to understand how they judge the credibility of such information when compared to younger users. We conducted two laboratory studies to explore how the credibility cues in message contents, website features, and user-generated comments differentially impact younger (19 to 26 years of age) and older adults’ (58 to 80 years of age) credibility judgments. Results from the first experiment showed that older adults were less sensitive to the credibility cues in message contents and those in website features than younger adults. Verbal protocol analysis revealed that these differences could be caused by the higher tendency of older adults to passively accept web information, and their lack of deliberation on its quality and attention towards contextual web features (e.g., design look, source identity). In the second experiment, we studied how credibility cues from user reviews might differentially impact older and younger adults’ credibility judgments of online health information. Results showed that consistent credibility cues in user reviews and message contents could facilitate older adults’ credibility judgments. When the two were inconsistent, older adults, as compared to younger ones, were less swayed by highly appraising user reviews given to low credibility information. These results provided important implications for designing health information technologies that better fit the older population.
Cells Lacking NF-κB or in Which NF-κB Is Not Activated Vary with Respect to Ability To Sustain Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication and Are Not Susceptible to Apoptosis Induced by a Replication-Incompetent Mutant Virus

Earlier we reported that NF-kappaB is activated by protein kinase R (PKR) in herpes simplex virus 1-infected cells. Here we report that in PKR(-/-) cells the yields of wild-type virus are 10-fold higher than in PKR(+/+) cells. In cells lacking NF-kappaB p50 (nfkb1), p65 (relA), or both p50 and p65, the yields of virus were reduced 10-fold. Neither wild-type nor mutant cells undergo apoptosis following infection with wild-type virus. Whereas PKR(+/+) and NF-kappaB(+/+) control cell lines undergo apoptosis induced by the d120 (Deltaalpha4) mutant of HSV-1, the mutant PKR(-/-) and NF-kappaB(-/-) cell lines were resistant. The evidence suggests that the stress-induced apoptosis resulting from d120 infection requires activation of NF-kappaB and that this proapoptotic pathway is blocked in cells in which NF-kappaB is not activated or absent. Activation of NF-kappaB in the course of viral infection may have dual roles of attempting to curtain viral replication by rendering the cell susceptible to apoptosis induced by the virus and by inducing the synthesis of proteins that enhance viral replication.
Relationship between awareness and middle latency auditory evoked responses during surgical anaesthesia

Background Some studies support the view that meaningful auditory input can be processed by the brain during apparent surgical anaesthesia. Consequently, patients may be able to remember some information implicitly after anaesthesia as well through a ‘dream-like process’ (subconscious awareness). The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of subconscious awareness during anaesthesia and to examine its relationship to the mid-latency auditory evoked responses (MLAERs). Methods We studied 40 patients, ASA I–II, undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. General anaesthesia was induced with thiopental 5 mg kg−1, fentanyl 3 µg kg−1, and vecuronium 0.08 mg kg−1. For the maintenance of anaesthesia, patients were randomly assigned to one of four anaesthetic regimen groups: sevoflurane+air in oxygen 40%; sevoflurane+nitrous oxide 60%; isoflurane+air in oxygen 40%; and isoflurane+nitrous oxide 60%. MLAERs were recorded before anaesthesia, at 1 MAC of inhaled anaesthetic and then 30 min after awakening. An audiotape with one of four stories was played immediately after intraoperative MLAER recording. Explicit and implicit memory was assessed 24 h after awakening. Results None of the patients had explicit recall. One of the patients from the isoflurane–air group showed implicit memory of listening to the audiotape. A dream-like process, in which they remembered implicitly the story played during anaesthesia, occurred in one of the patients from the sevoflurane–nitrous oxide group. In the patients with subconscious awareness, MLAERs were similar to that of the awake state with a Pa latency increase of less than 8.87. When there was a marked increase in Pa latency during anaesthesia, no subconscious awareness was observed. No statistically significant differences were found between Pa latency before and after anaesthesia. Conclusions MLAERs may help to predict subconscious cerebral processing of auditory inputs during anaesthesia. Br J Anaesth 2003; 90: 630–5
AMBIGUITY AND AMBIVALENCE IN THE VOTING BOOTH AND BEYOND A Social-Psychological Perspective on Racial Attitudes and Behavior in the Obama Era

The issue of race has followed Barack Obama since he emerged on the national political scene, continuing unabated throughout his successful 2008 presidential campaign.Although the issue of race is not always explicitly acknowledged or discussed by Obama himself, the implications of his successful candidacy for U.S. politics and the ways people in the United States think about race more generally have been of great interest to media pundits, social scientists, and laypersons alike. Race has been considered a substantial barrier to the electoral success of previous non-White political candidates; therefore Obama’s success requires reconsideration of how race can be expected to influence political outcomes in the future. In addition, his biracial identity also raises questions about how his role as a prominent cultural figure will affect existing racial categories in the United States. A review of social psychological evidence highlights the importance of understanding the ambivalence that characterizes contemporary racial attitudes, as well as the ways in which definitions of race and racial categories may be changing, in order to understand the impact that Obama could have on the future of racial politics. We conclude that Obama’s victory represents a large step in the direction of increasingly positive racial attitudes and more sophisticated public conceptualizations of race, but steady progress in the coming years is not guaranteed. We consider some of the opportunities and obstacles that may affect the trajectory of future gains in the struggle for racial equality in the Obama era.
Local recurrence and survival following nerve sparing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer: 10-year followup.

AbstractPurpose: The efficacy of nerve sparing radical cystoprostatectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer has been evaluated. We reviewed our 10-year experience with this technique to ascertain survival and local recurrence rates.Materials and Methods: The charts of 101 patients treated with nerve sparing cystoprostatectomy between March 1982 and November 1989 were reviewed and updated.Results: The disease-specific 10-year survival rate for all stages of bladder cancer treated was 69 percent and the 10-year survival rate free of local recurrence was 94 percent. Recovery of sexual function following nerve sparing cystectomy correlated with patient age: 62 percent in men to 49 years old, 47 percent in men 50 to 59 years old, 43 percent in men 60 to 69 years old and 20 percent in men 70 to 79 years old.Conclusions: Nerve sparing radical cystoprostatectomy does not compromise cancer control and provides improved postoperative quality of life.
Attractive Faces Are Only Average

Scientists and philosophers have searched for centuries for a parsimonious answer to the question of what constitutes beauty. We approached this problem from both an evolutionary and information-processing rationale and predicted that faces representing the average value of the population would be consistently judged as attractive. To evaluate this hypothesis, we digitized samples of male and female faces, mathematically averaged them, and had adults judge the attractiveness of both the individual faces and the computer-generated composite images. Both male (three samples) and female (three samples) composite faces were judged as more attractive than almost all the individual faces comprising the composites. A strong linear trend also revealed that the composite faces became more attractive as more faces were entered. These data showing that attractive faces are only average are consistent with evolutionary pressures that favor characteristics close to the mean of the population and with cognitive process...
On the Passing of the First-Born Son: Emerson’s “Focal Distancing,” Du Bois’ “Second Sight,” and Disruptive Particularity

Both Ralph Waldo Emerson's and W. E. B. Du Bois' firstborn sons tragically died at very young ages. Drawing from the essays where they write about their grief, I explore Du Bois' “subversion” and “revision” of Emerson's thought by contrasting their visual metaphors: Emerson's “focal distancing” and Du Bois' practice of “second sight” and seeing through “the Veil.” I show how the disruptive particular event of the deaths of their sons causes both to challenge the idealist elements of their respective gazes. I draw upon Theodor Adorno to explore the larger lessons of these reconsiderations. In recognizing the seductive dangers of the idealist gaze and the value of the disruptive particular, Adorno explicitly theorizes what Emerson and Du Bois also come to appreciate, in a less overt way, in their moments of loss.
Defect Structure and Transport in Oxygen excess Cerium Oxide-Uranium Oxide Solid Solutions

Given the ease with which the binary oxides CeO2 and UO2 deviate from stoichiometry, these systems represent the paradigms for non- stoichiometry in the fluorite-related oxides with CeO2 deviating in the direction of oxygen deficiency and UO2 in the direction of oxygen excess. Nevertheless, important information concerning intrinsic ionic disorder in both systems and the defect structure of oxygen excess CeO2 or oxygen deficient UO2 is sorely lacking. In this study we report results of electrical measurements and defect modeling on cerium oxide-uranium oxide solid solutions which traverse the composition range from oxygen excess to oxygen deficiency for a series of isotherms ranging from ∿450–1200°C. The following features will be emphasized. Cerium dioxide may be induced to become oxygen excess under accessible experimental conditions by the addition of as little as 0.1% uranium. The Frenkel product is obtained for this system for the first time experimentally. Values for the electron mobility are obtained in a relatively straightforward manner. Subsequent articles by the authors will deal with (a) results obtained for a much broader range of compositions (including nearly pure UO2), (b) implications of defect ordering on this type of analysis and (c) analysis of electronic carrier transport based on combined electrical conductivity and thermoelectric power measurements.
Effect of Exposure Dose on Ichthyophonus Prevalence and Infection Intensity in Experimentally Infected Rainbow Trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Abstract: This study describes the effect of increasing exposure dose on Ichthyophonus prevalence and infection intensity in experimentally infected rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Specific-pathogen free trout were exposed per os to increasing numbers of Ichthyophonus schizonts obtained from naturally infected donor fish, then sampled after 30 and 60 days post-exposure. Both in vitro explant culture and histology revealed that as the number of schizonts per dose increased there was a proportionate increase in the number of infected fish, as well as an increase in the number of infected organs; parasite density in individual infected organs also increased with dose. Explant culture revealed that all fish exposed to the highest dose (≥2,080 schizonts) became infected, while only 67% of those exposed to the intermediate dose (1,040–1,153 schizonts) were Ichthyophonus-positive after 60 days; Ichthyophonus was not detected in fish exposed to the 2 lowest doses (≤280 schizonts). Histologic examination of i...
A Micro View of MACRA: How the ACC and NCDR Will Help Members Navigate Radical Changes Ahead.

![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] ![Figure][1] “If you're not at the table, you're on the menu.”—Michael Enzi [(1)][2] Most of us used to think of the transformation from volume- to value-based purchasing of health care as “5 years away and always will be.” This is
Static and Continuous-Flow Fast Atom Bombardment

This article provides a brief history of Static and Continuous-Flow Fast Atom Bombardment. It mentions the invention of the Static approach by Barber, et al. and then the development of the Continuous-Flow approach by Caprioli and coworkers. Reference is made to the major discussion of FAB in Volume 6, Chapter 8.
Control of bat wing capillary pressure and blood flow during reduced perfusion pressure

Regulation of blood flow depends on changes in the sum of arterial (Ra) and venous (Rv) resistances, whereas regulation of capillary pressure (Pc) depends on the ratio of Rv to Ra. If the myogenic response of the arterial system (i.e., delta Ra) is the primary mechanism for controlling pressure and flow when perfusion pressure is lowered, then Pc and total flow should be regulated to the same degree under these conditions. This hypothesis was tested by making direct measurements of Pc and flow in skin and skeletal muscle in the wings of unanesthetized bats. The box method was used to reduce perfusion pressure to the wing. Pressures were measured with a servo-null system; flows were computed from measurements of vascular diameters and red cell velocities using intravital microscopy. All branching orders of arterioles dilated significantly during decreases in box pressure (Pb). For 0 less than Pb less than or equal to -30 mmHg, total flow (1st-order arteriolar flow) remained nearly constant, whereas Pc was "regulated" only approximately 60%. These results cannot be explained by changes in arteriolar resistance alone and suggest that changes in Rv may be important. The possible consequences of flow redistribution, capillary recruitment, and micropressure sampling procedures are discussed in relationship to local regulation of capillary pressure and flow.
Three-dimensional culture of small-diameter vascular grafts

In this review we analyze a representative sample of efforts to engineer three dimensional small-diameter (<6 mm) vascular grafts, concentrating on biomaterial substrates, cellular choices, and biomechanical stimulation. Natural or synthetic scaffolds for vascular engineering need to mimic the natural extracellular matrix microenvironment, maintain physiological mechanical properties, be biocompatible and cell adhesive, and control cellular structure and function. Additionally, multicellular culture with stem cells that are highly proliferative and differentiable should be used to better recapitulate native vasculature. Fluid flow and co-culture of perivascular and endothelial cells produce synergistic effects. Also, fluid flow prevents cell disengagement and facilitates appropriate cellular orientation, making bioreactors an auspicious addition to graft culturing techniques. Overall, stem cells, co-culture, and pulsatile flow are important for the rapid and successful development of a viable small-diameter tissue engineered vascular graft for in vivo use.
Technical Report: Rayleigh Scattering Combustion Diagnostic

A laser Rayleigh scattering (LRS) temperature diagnostic was developed over 8 weeks with the goal of studying oxy-combustion of pulverized coal char in high temperature reaction environments with high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Algorithms were developed to analyze data collected from the optical diagnostic system and convert the information to temperature measurements. When completed, the diagnostic will allow for the kinetic gasification rates of the oxy-combustion reaction to be obtained, which was previously not possible since the high concentrations of high temperature CO2 consumed thermocouples that were used to measure flame temperatures inside the flow reactor where the combustion and gasification reactions occur. These kinetic rates are important for studying oxycombustion processes suitable for application as sustainable energy solutions.
Boron Hydride Fragments as Coordinating Ligands

The diammoniate of borane carbonyl was first prepared by BURG and SCHLESINGER in 1937 (1). Using chemical and spectroscopic methods CARTER and PARRY (2) showed that the closely related bis -methylamine adduct of borane carbonyl is a methyl ammonium salt of a new N -methyl borano -carb — am ate anion: Open image in new window NORDMAN (3) confirmed the above structure by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. All atoms in the anion are essentially planar. The key distances are C-N 1, 45 A; C=O 1,28 A; C-B 1, 60 A; the angle C-N-C in the anion is 125, 5°. If one considers that the oxyacids are coordination compounds in which oxygen atoms serve as ligands coordinated around a central atom, then the boranocarbamate anion represents a carbamate ion in which one coordinated oxygen atom is replaced by a BH3 group. Using this model, a series of new oxyacid analogues can be visualized. Several members of the series have been prepared. The carbonate analogue is of interest.
Addressing the Incommensurable A Research-Based Perspective for Considering Issues of Power and Legitimacy in the Field

The authors argue that technical and professional communication is currently facing an issue of incommensurability due to the diversity of the field. They call for unifying the field around its res...
Effects of Several Types of Insecticides on the Mite Predator, Stethorus punctum (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), Including Insect Growth Regulators and Abamectin

Abamectin, methomyl, several types of insect growth regulators (lGRs), and several organophosphate insecticides were evaluated for toxicity to the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages of the coccinellid mite predator, Stethorus punctum (LeConte). Field-collected eggs were dipped into aqueous solutions to evaluate ovicidal activity; field collected mid-instars and adults were tested by a 24-h dry fl]m exposure method. Multiple mortality readings were done over time. Pupal mortality was evaluated in field plots that received biweekly applications. Fenoxycarb was ovicidal in the laboratory and disrupted the larval-pupal molt in the field. Abamectin was toxic to S. puncturn larvae and adults in the laboratory and methomyl was toxic to adults. Teflubenzuron was toxic to the pupal stage in the field; along with fenoxycarb, this IGR caused late-season increases of phytophagous mite populations in field trials. Tebufenozide was not toxic to all S. punctum stages in the laboratory and field. S. punctum was tolerant to all organophosphate insecticides tested.
Reforming provider payment--the price side of the equation.

Medicare and Medicaid have focused cost-containment efforts on constraining the prices they pay for services. Public payers recognize the limits of this strategy and hope to develop better methods of paying providers that will create incentives for using fewer services.
Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis.

Three cases of Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis in previously healthy patients were diagnosed in one six-month period. The presenting clinical picture was not typical of endocarditis. The initial physical examination and laboratory studies were normal except for hectic fever. Blood cultures were negative until subculture to chocolate agar and incubation in CO2 was done. Antibiotic susceptibility testing in vitro revealed that the penicillins, cephalothin, and gentamicin were active against the organisms isolated. It is recommended that blood cultures be subcultured to chocolate agar and incubated in CO2 whenever endocarditis is expected and the initial cultures are negative. Two of the patients were treated with ampicillin; the third patient received ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline. All patients were treated for six weeks and were cured.
Effects of feeding a return chewing gum/packaging material mixture on performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot cattle.

Seventy-two Simmental-cross growing steers (219 ± 2.4 kg initial BW) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of feeding a return chewing gum/packaging material mixture (G/P) on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, sensory attributes of meat, and mineral content of beef liver and muscle. Animals were allotted by weight to 12 pens (six/pen). Each pen was assigned one of three dietary treatments : 1) 0% G/P (control), 2) 20% G/P, or 3) 30% G/P (% G/P on a DM basis). Steers were fed their respective diets for an 84-d growing phase and a 112-d finishing phase. The G/P replaced corn silage and corn in the growing and finishing phases, respectively. Eighteen steers (six/treatment) were randomly selected for slaughter at the end of the finishing phase, and carcass measurements, sensory attributes of meat, and mineral content of liver and longissimus muscle were measured. During the growing phase, steers fed G/P-containing diets had improved (P .05) on carcass characteristics. Steaks from steers fed 20% G/P had improved (P < .01) juiciness compared with steaks from steers fed 30% G/P ; no other sensory attributes were affected. Aluminum, zinc, and barium content of longissimus muscle and liver were within the normal expected ranges for all treatments. These data indicate that G/P can safely replace at least 30% of growing and finishing diets without impairing feedlot performance or carcass merit.
Contractile properties of single isolated feline ventriculocytes.

Isolated single cardiac myocytes are becoming an increasingly popular experimental preparation. To date, however, the mechanical properties of these isolated adult mammalian cardiac myocyte prepara...
Development of a diagnostic for heavy impurities in neutral beams by laser-induced fluorescence

An important objective of fusion research is to reduce the level of impurity ions in magnetically confined plasmas. We report here on progress in developing a diagnostic for detection of impurity atoms in neutral hydrogen beams by means of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF).
Autoantibodies and Autoantigens in Sjögren’s Syndrome

Abstract Over the past 50-plus years, there has been a great deal of interest in autoantibodies associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) as well as with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Initial screens detected anti-Ro/SSA and anti-La/SSB antigens by Ouchterlony test and immunoprecipitation assays using sera from SS and SLE patients. This led to cloning of the relevant antigens and proposal of their role in pathogenesis. The association of these autoantibodies (SSA/B) has been sufficiently strong that they have become part of the diagnostic criteria for SS. Of note, the presence of antibodies to SSA/B is not a criterion for SLE. A subset of SS patients (up to 20%) is negative for antibody to SSA or SSB. These patients fulfill clinical and lip biopsy criteria for SS. Often, this subset has other associated autoantibodies, especially anticentromere antibodies, nuclear autoantigen 14 kD (NA14), and rheumatoid factor. Other potential candidates for serologic detection of SS, antifodrin antibody, antimuscarinic receptor, and parotid specific protein have been described, and have been proposed as markers for early diagnosis. However, their sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis remains to be confirmed. Several of the key take-home points for clinicians are researchers are summarized in Table 16.2 .
In Situ Renal Regeneration

Cell-based approaches using tissue engineering and regenerative medicine techniques have offered new therapeutic opportunities for various pathologic conditions. One of the most critical initial steps is the choice of an appropriate cell source. For typical tissue engineering approaches, cells need to be expanded in large quantities while maintaining uniform activity and cellular characteristics. The kidney is a complex organ that consists of at least 26 differentiated cell types. Developing a de novo bioengineered kidney might meet extreme challenges currently. Several researchers have reported the presence of renal stem/progenitor cells, which can contribute to regeneration and repair in the kidney. Mesenchymal stem cells are able to transdifferentiate to renal epithelial cells and modulate the microenvironment in endocrine and paracrine ways. Renal stem or progenitor cells residing in several areas of the kidney can be reprogrammed in response to renal injury and be involved in tissue repair. The presence of an underlying regenerative mechanism in the form of tissue-specific stem and progenitor cells suggests that there might be a potential opportunity to bias the host response toward repair of renal injury. This novel strategy may lead to the production of functional renal tissues in situ.
Negative Experiences on Facebook and Depressive Symptoms Among Young Adults.

Abstract Purpose To examine whether negative Facebook (FB) experiences were independently associated with depressive symptoms among young adults in a longitudinal family cohort. Methods Negative FB experiences were measured by type (e.g., bullying or meanness, unwanted contact, misunderstandings, or any), recency, number of experiences, and severity of upset. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Generalized estimating equations were used to account for sibling correlation; adjusted models were constructed for each negative FB experience measure accounting for sex, race/ethnicity, social support, adolescent depressive symptoms, parental psychological distress, average monthly income, educational attainment, and employment. Results In a sample of 264 young adults, all negative FB experience measures were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Conclusions There is a clear association between negative FB experience and depressive symptoms. Future work should examine: (1) whether negative FB experiences cause incident depression or exacerbate preexisting depression; and (2) who is most prone to being upset by negative FB experiences. With further research, recommendations for limiting or altering FB use among high-risk subpopulations could be useful in reducing depressive symptoms.