cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
77 – Klebsiella pneumoniae

Publisher Summary Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is an opportunistic pathogen frequently implicated in the infections of compromised or debilitated individuals. The ability of many K. pneumoniae strains to resist the action of multiple antibiotics, including broad-spectrum cephalosporins and s lactams, is of great concern particularly in hospital environments where infection caused by this organism can present serious problems. Among the Enterobacteriaceae, K. pneumoniae is a leading cause of nosocomially-acquired pneumonias, and recent epidemiological evidence suggests that the occurrence of Klebsiella infections may be significantly higher than previously believed. For these reasons, the factors responsible for mediating the virulence of the organism are widely investigated, and a number of bacterial attributes are implicated as factors that contribute to the pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae. The increasing population of individuals susceptible to Klebsiella infection indicates that the design of therapeutic and immunoprophylactic agents are important. The application of molecular genetics and cellular biology to elucidate bacterial pathogenesis and interaction with the host provides important information about the pathogenetic mechanisms of K. pneumoniae.
Pearls and Oy-sters: Vitamin B6 deficiency presenting with new-onset epilepsy and status epilepticus in a patient with Parkinson disease.

Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency is a treatable cause of new-onset epilepsy and status epilepticus in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).
Orsay Virus CP-δ Adopts a Novel β-Bracelet Structural Fold and Incorporates into Virions as a Head Fiber.

Fiber proteins are commonly found in eukaryotic and prokaryotic viruses, where they play important roles in mediating viral attachment and host cell entry. They typically form trimeric structures and are incorporated into virions via noncovalent interactions. Orsay virus, a small RNA virus which specifically infects the laboratory model nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, encodes a fibrous protein δ that can be expressed as a free protein and as a capsid protein-δ (CP-δ) fusion protein. Free δ has previously been demonstrated to facilitate viral exit following intracellular expression; however, the biological significance and prevalence of CP-δ remained relatively unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Orsay CP-δ is covalently incorporated into infectious particles, the first example of any attached viral fibers known to date. The crystal structure of δ(1-101) (a deletion mutant containing the first 101 amino acid [aa] residues of δ) reveals a pentameric, 145-A long fiber with an N-terminal coiled coil followed by multiple β-bracelet repeats. Electron micrographs of infectious virions depict particle-associated CP-δ fibers with dimensions similar to free δ. The δ proteins from two other nematode viruses, Le Blanc and Santeuil, which both specifically infect Caenorhabditis briggsae, were also found to form fibrous molecules. Recombinant Le Blanc δ was able to block Orsay virus infection in worm culture and vice versa, suggesting these two viruses likely compete for the same cell receptor(s). Thus, we propose that while CP-δ likely mediates host cell attachment for all three nematode viruses, additional downstream factor(s) ultimately determine the host specificity and range of each virus.IMPORTANCE Viruses often have extended fibers to mediate host cell recognition and entry, serving as promising targets for antiviral drug development. Unlike other known viral fibers, the δ proteins from the three recently discovered nematode viruses are incorporated into infectious particles as protruding fibers covalently linked to the capsid. Crystal structures of δ revealed novel pentameric folding repeats, which we term β-bracelets, in the intermediate shaft region. Based on sequence analysis, the β-bracelet motif of δ is conserved in all three nematode viruses and could account for ∼60% of the total length of the fiber. Our study indicated that δ plays important roles in cell attachment for this group of nematode viruses. In addition, the tightly knitted β-bracelet fold, which presumably allows δ to survive harsh environments in the worm gut, could be applicable to bioengineering applications given its potentially high stability.
Mass(ive) Timber: Examining the Thermally Massive Behavior of Mass Timber Construction

While the embodied carbon benefits of mass timber are well studied, numerous claims regarding mass timber as thermal mass lack substantive evidence. This work examines to what extent mass timber is...
Liver transplant as a curative treatment in a pediatric patient with classic homocystinuria: A case report

We report a patient with homocystinuria and hyperoxaluria who was cured of homocystinuria-related disease following liver transplant. The patient was diagnosed with homocystinuria as a newborn and was treated with dietary modifications and supplements. At 22 months, he passed a calcium oxalate stone and was found to have numerous bilateral kidney stones. Genetic testing confirmed primary hyperoxaluria, type 1. He underwent preemptive liver transplant at age four to treat primary hyperoxaluria. Following transplant, his serum methionine and homocysteine levels normalized, thus, demonstrating resolution of homocystinuria. Methionine and homocysteine levels remained normal 6 years later. Homocystinuria is associated with ophthalmologic, skeletal, neurologic, and thromboembolic complications. As cystathionine beta-synthase resides in the liver, transplant was hypothesized to be an effective treatment. Primary hyperoxaluria generally progresses to chronic kidney disease and is treated with combined kidney-liver transplant at the time of end stage kidney disease. Given this patient's dual diagnoses, we proceeded with preemptive liver transplantation. Three prior cases of patients with homocystinuria treated with liver transplantation have been reported. In all cases, transplant resolved metabolic effects. However, our case represents a pediatric patient without disease-related complications prior to transplant. This case supports liver-targeted gene therapies as an effective treatment for homocystinuria.
Antishear Therapy for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis: A Follow-up Study.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN) are life-threatening conditions best approached with multidisciplinary burn-equivalent care. There is a lack of consensus on wound management, in particular whether to debride detached epidermis. Our center instituted "antishear" wound therapy thirty-five years ago, where detached skin is left in situ as a biologic dressing and a standardized protocol avoids shear forces to prevent further desquamation. Our center's initial results showed outcomes comparable to SCORTEN predictions, but advancements in burn critical care necessitate a re-evaluation of the antishear approach. A retrospective chart review was conducted for all patients admitted between 06/2004 to 05/2020 with a dermatologist-confirmed diagnosis of SJS/TEN (N=51). All patients were treated with burn-equivalent critical care and antishear wound therapy. Standardized mortality ratios were calculated using the established SCORTEN, and newly developed ABCD-10, prediction models. Mean SCORTEN, ABCD-10, and %TBSA were 2.6, 2.0, and 28%. Overall mortality was 22%; SCORTEN score (p 3; across the cohort it was 0.71 (p=0.11), representing a 29% mortality reduction. Incorporating the antishear approach as part of burn-equivalent care for SJS/TENS led to outcomes comparable to those predicted for surgical debridement via SCORTEN. However, the antishear approach has the advantage of avoiding painful dressing changes, sedation, and general anesthesia required for surgical debridement.
Membership Matters: Organizing Archetypes, Participatory Styles, and Connective Action:

The contemporary communication landscape enables individuals to connect and engage with collective action efforts in multifaceted and ambiguous ways. This complexity makes membership in collective ...
Sc Johnson's Greenlist: Health, Ecology, Profits

This minicase is one of 10 in a set of short cases written to illustrate the business benefits companies realize through adopting sustainable business strategies. SC Johnson developed its GreenList to screen chemicals and avoid incorporating hazardous and toxic materials into its household cleaning product lines. This minicase discusses the list and how the company has benefited in the marketplace by being out front with a solutions-oriented approach. Excerpt UVA-ENT-0086 SC jOHNSON'S GREENLIST™: HEALTH, ECOLOGY, PROFITS In 2001, SC Johnson launched Greenlist™, a screening system that identified the environmental and health characteristics of 90% of the chemicals in the company's products. Greenlist resulted in environmentally preferable reformulations that preserved or enhanced product effectiveness with no increase in cost. By 2006, Greenlist had decreased the environmental footprint of SC Johnson's products by more than 25%, without increasing costs, and in the case of Windex® Blue Glass Cleaner, increased revenue and market share. (“Footprint assessments” measure a company's resource use and environmental and health impacts.) Greenlist provided a visible and practical tool consistent with the company's long-standing integration of sustainability concerns (health, ecology, community) into corporate strategy. In mature markets, with commodity products and continual cost pressures, Greenlist was designed to help protect the company's brand names, differentiate products, and improve product performance. With a patent on the Greenlist process granted in 2005, and given SC Johnson's industry status as a major player in its product categories (including household cleaning, air fresheners, toiletries, and food storage), Greenlist became a strategic play. Company Background and Category Killers Dominant consumer-packaged goods (CPG) are called “category killers” and often define the entire product category with their distinct brand name. For example, it is hard to imagine a child asking for a “sandwich creme cookie” instead of an OREO® (Nabisco). Trying to repress a sneeze, would you ask for a “facial tissue” or a Kleenex® (Kimberly-Clark)? Do you want “chlorine-free bleach” or Clorox®? In some parts of the United States, any kind of cola is commonly called a coke, regardless of Coca-Cola® and Coke's® registered trademarks. . . .
Transnational Christianity and Converging Identities

This study of Arabic speaking Protestant churches in New Jersey adds to the limited amount of existing scholarship on Arab American Protestantism and aims to make Arab Christianity a topic of discussion within studies of world Christianity and mission. After considering the historical and demographical data on Arabic speaking churches in the United States, it examines the ecology and culture of five Arabic Protestant churches in New Jersey and identifies key factors in individual and congregational identity formation. The study recognizes the converging identities and multiple reference points for first and second generation Arab Protestant immigrants in America and the challenges and opportunities their congregations face in facilitating members’ transition experiences.
Heteroscedastic Regression Models for the Systematic Analysis of Residual Variances

Conventional linear regression models assume homoscedastic error terms. This assumption often is violated in empirical applications. Various methods for evaluating the extent of such violations and for adjusting the estimated model parameters if necessary are generally available in books on regression methodology. Recent developments in statistics have taken a different approach by examining the data to ascertain whether the estimated heteroscedastic residuals (from a first-stage regression model of the conditional mean of an outcome variable as a function of a set of explanatory variables or covariates) are themselves systematically related to a set of explanatory variables in a second-stage regression. These extensions of the conventional models have been given various names but, most generally, are heteroscedastic regression models (HRMs). Instead of treating heteroscedasticity as a nuisance to be adjusted out of existence to reduce or eliminate its impact on regression model parameter estimates, the basic idea of HRMs is to model the heteroscedasticity itself. This chapter systematically reviews the specification of HRMs in both linear and generalized linear model forms, describes methods of estimation of such models, and reports empirical applications of the models to data on changes over recent decades in the US income distribution and in self-reported health/health disparities. A concluding section points to similarities and complementarities of the goals of the counterfactual approach to causal inference and heteroscedastic regression models.
Competition and Credit Market Outcomes: A Small Firm Perspective

Using survey data from a panel of small U.S. firms, assessments of changes in the degree of bank competition for their financial business is used to determine the effect of competition on credit availability, loan terms, and service performance by owners of small businesses. Reported intensity of competition is strongly related to credit market outcomes: credit was more available, prices and charges were lower, and owners were more satisfied with service performance. These results are quite robust as the estimates of intensity of reported competition show little correlation with degree of opacity, market size, a recent occurrence of a merger, or to a Herfindahl-Hirshman Index of bank deposit concentration.
Differences in Size and Number of 80 S and 70 S Ribosomal Proteins by Dodecyl Sulfate Gel Electrophoresis

The molecular weight distributions of the ribosomal proteins from Escherichia coli, Micrococcus lysodeikticus, cytoplasmic ribosomes of Euglena and mouse plasmocytoma were compared by electrophoresis in acrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate. The gels were quantitatively analyzed by spectrophotometric scanning of the protein bands stained with Coomassie brilliant blue. The weight average and number average molecular weights of the proteins of each ribosomal subunit were calculated. The average molecular weights obtained for the two kinds of bacteria were similar and were significantly smaller than those for the two kinds of eucaryotic proteins. The number of moles of protein per 80 S ribosome was estimated to be between 60 and 80, as compared with 40 to 60 proteins per 70 S ribosome. The increased protein content of eucaryotic ribosomes, as compared with bacterial, is explained both by the presence of a greater number of moles of protein and by proteins of larger average size.
Broadband Structure in the Interstellar Extinction Curve

We have analysed observations of the interstellar extinction in the range 3400 A-11000 A. The observations have high photometric accuracy and wavelength resolution, and allow a detailed examination of broadband structure as well as the general shape of the wavelength dependence of the extinction curve. The broadband structure has a characteristic size of several hundred angstroms, and may be as important as the diffuse bands in indicating the physical nature of the grains.
New Advanced Graduate Course Designed to Provide Students Exposure to Today’s Developing and Challenging World

The rapidly evolving engineering technology and globalization process have changed educational roles and expectations from teachers. All these lead to some curriculum and teaching reforms that focus on introducing potential programs which provide students with challenging technologies. A recent graduate course “Production Techniques and Technologies” has been developed at University of Bridgeport to establish entrepreneurship opportunities for fast-pace and developing world. Some advanced technologies, including Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Standard Operation Procedure (SOP), and Lean Manufacturing, have been introduced in helping students to gain high level of engineering experiences. It also helps students to examine political, social and economic issues that associated to engineering project delivery processes that can lead to save product process expenses, increase manufacturing efficiency, improve product quality and shorten production period. Although this course was taught at mechanical/manufacturing engineering majors, it also can be applied to most areas of US industrial and engineering practices.
A Tribute to Matthew Shepard

(2001). A Tribute to Matthew Shepard. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Social Services: Vol. 13, No. 1-2, pp. 7-14.
Revolution in Science: The 1919 Eclipse Test of General Relativity

“REVOLUTION IN SCIENCE/NEW THEORY OF THE UNIVERSE/NEWTONIAN IDEAS OVERTHROWN.”1 These were headlines in the Times of London on Friday, Nov. 7, 1919. Here the Times reported the extraordinary joint meeting of the Royal Society of London and the Royal Astronomical Society on the afternoon of the previous day where results obtained from the total solar eclipse of the twenty-ninth of May, 1919, were announced. The principal aim of the British observations of this eclipse was to test rival laws concerning the path of light passing near the sun. The Times reported that “The greatest possible interest had been aroused in scientific circles by the hope that rival theories of a fundamental physical problem would be put to the test, and there was a very large attendance of astronomers and physicists.” According to the Times report, the Astronomer Royal, Frank Watson Dyson, “convinced the meeting that the results were definite and conclusive” and it was “generally accepted” that Einstein’s relativity theory of gravitation had been confirmed and the Newtonian theory had been overthrown.
Hospital preparedness for victims of chemical or biological terrorism.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined hospital preparedness for incidents involving chemical or biological weapons. METHODS: By using a questionnaire survey of 224 hospital emergency departments in 4 northwestern states, we examined administrative plans, training, physical resources, and representative medication inventories. RESULTS: Responses were received from 186 emergency departments (83%). Fewer than 20% of respondent hospitals had plans for biological or chemical weapons incidents. About half (45%) had an indoor or outdoor decontamination unit with isolated ventilation, shower, and water containment systems, but only 12% had 1 or more self-contained breathing apparatuses or supplied air-line respirators. Only 6% had the minimum recommended physical resources for a hypothetical sarin incident. Of the hospitals providing quantitative answers about medication inventories, 64% reported sufficient ciprofloxacin or doxycycline for 50 hypothetical anthrax victims, and only 29% reported sufficient atropine for 50 hypothetical sarin victims (none had enough pralidoxime). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital emergency departments generally are not prepared in an organized fashion to treat victims of chemical or biological terrorism. The planned federal efforts to improve domestic preparedness will require substantial additional resources at the local level to be truly effective.
Motion optimized spatial-temporal video coding based on wavelet transform

For the very low bit-rate video compression, wavelet based approaches suffer the ghost effect caused by larger temporal distortions. To solve this problem, we propose a motion optimized spatial-temporal coding algorithm, which has two independent components: 1) the sub-grouping transformation (SGT) algorithm which divides a coefficient array into temporal sub-groups and applies the temporal direction wavelet transform in sub-groups respectively; 2) the intra-band discriminating quantization (IBDQ) algorithm which divides a group of frames into spatial motion areas and assigns different quantization steps for these motion areas according to their motion intensities. By spatially assigning large quantization steps for slow motion areas of the video and temporally splitting high motion coefficient arrays into smoother sub-groups, the proposed algorithms can achieve high compression ratios and reduce the ghost effect at the same time.
The Compatibility of Refractory Metals with Liquid Metals

Both basic investigations and engineering experiments conducted for the most part during the last ten years have demonstrated that refractory metals generally have excellent compatibility with liquid metals. The temperature range of usefulness of the refractory metals begins at temperatures where conventional superalloys still have nominal mechanical strength but do not have the required resistance to corrosion by the liquid metals. The excellent compatibility of refractory metals with liquid metals can be degraded by impurity elements, and the controls required to assure compatibility will be presented.
Internal Iliac Artery Embolization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia? First Read the Fine Print.

The study by Deipolyi et al titled “Occlusion of the Internal Iliac Artery Is Associated with Smaller Prostate and Decreased Urinary Tract Symptoms” (1) is a retrospective review of 99 men with pelvic computed tomographic (CT) angiograms in whom the prostate size and presence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) was compared between those with and without embolization of the internal iliac artery during endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms. The authors concluded that the presence of unilateral or bilateral internal iliac artery occlusion (IIAO) was associated with decreased prostatic volume and significantly fewer LUTS. The manuscript underwent a rigorous review, its statistical analysis was held to a high standard, and it involved a large cohort of patients. However, a number of questions immediately arise from reading the study. Is this association nevertheless real? Is it relevant to the study of prostate artery embolization (PAE)? What does the signal contained in the positive results of the study mean in the context of actual PAE? Although the authors demonstrated a statistically significant difference in prostate size of 29%–32% (smaller) in patients with unilateral or bilateral IIAO, and significantly fewer LUTS in these patients, it is important to point out that they were not implying that iatrogenic IIAO is a viable treatment for LUTS caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although it may in fact be real, the observed association is not
Arginine and Endothelial and Vascular Health

The vascular endothelium is a crucial regulator of vascular function and homeostasis. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important paracrine substance released by the endothelium to regulate vasomotor tone. Risk factors for atherosclerosis, as well as atherosclerosis per se, are associated with endothelial dysfunction and decreased bioavailablilty of NO. Indeed, endothelial dysfunction is integral to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, endothelial dysfunction relates to an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. L-Arginine is an essential amino acid required by the constitutive enzyme, endothelial NO oxide synthase (eNOS), to produce NO. Administration of L-arginine improves endothelial function in animal models and in humans with hypercholesterolemia and with atherosclerosis. Clinical trials to date support potential clinical applications of L-arginine in the treatment of coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease, as well as in the prevention of in-stent restenosis. The mechanism of benefit of L-arginine on endothelial function is unclear, because intracellular concentrations of L-arginine far exceed that required by eNOS. One potential explanation of this "arginine paradox" is that L-arginine restores endothelial function in atherosclerotic patients, in whom there are elevated levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous inhibitor of eNOS. Given the promising findings of early studies of L-arginine as a potential therapy for cardiovascular disorders, large-scale clinical trials are warranted.
Directed evolution and structural characterization of a simvastatin synthase

Enzymes from natural product biosynthetic pathways are attractive candidates for creating tailored biocatalysts to produce semisynthetic pharmaceutical compounds. LovD is an acyltransferase that converts the inactive monacolin J acid (MJA) into the cholesterol-lowering lovastatin. LovD can also synthesize the blockbuster drug simvastatin using MJA and a synthetic alpha-dimethylbutyryl thioester, albeit with suboptimal properties as a biocatalyst. Here we used directed evolution to improve the properties of LovD toward semisynthesis of simvastatin. Mutants with improved catalytic efficiency, solubility, and thermal stability were obtained, with the best mutant displaying an approximately 11-fold increase in an Escherichia coli-based biocatalytic platform. To understand the structural basis of LovD enzymology, seven X-ray crystal structures were determined, including the parent LovD, an improved mutant G5, and G5 cocrystallized with ligands. Comparisons between the structures reveal that beneficial mutations stabilize the structure of G5 in a more compact conformation that is favorable for catalysis.
An introduction to hindu jurisprudence

This article intends to be introductory to other more specific studies and, to that end, briefly surveys Hindu jurisprudential theory. It seeks an orientation, recalls the development of Hindu legal institutions, and examines "schools" of jurisprudence in ancient India. It turns to an analysis of ancient Hindu thought on common jurisprudential issues (the state, law and the rule of law, punishment and procedure) and finally attempts to reveal something of modern Hindu jurisprudence's growth, richness, and diversity and its similarity to our own. (1) An Orientation. The practice has become prevalent in American academic writing to set off East and West as opposites. It is said that the West places its reliance on reason and the scientific method; the East, on supersensory experience and intuition.' This tends to emphasize, to borrow F. S. C. Northrop's phrase, "ideological differences."2 Even if a writer concludes that natural law is at the foundation of both Eastern and Western legal orders he still treats them as different-one "known by immediate apprehension," and the other "known postulationally."3 This leads to the conclusion that attempts to combine Oriental and Occidental economic, political, aesthetic, and religious values end in failure.4
Adolescent contraception and the clinician: an emphasis on counseling and communication.

Adolescent pregnancy continues to be a serious public health problem in the US resulting in tremendous family upheaval and negative social and economic consequences. Although efforts addressing this issue have been implemented much still has to be done. Adolescent health care delivery is a challenge to the medical community. According to the Guideline to Adolescent Preventive Visits publication this may be because the US medical community is inconsistent in their message are not age-appropriate and have relied on knowledge-based education. This paper presents several concrete suggestions for clinicians in the application of general principles to adolescent counseling in contraception. It discusses examples of yes/no questioning and skill building in specific contraception including abstinence condoms oral contraceptives Depo-provera/Norplant emergency contraception and involvement of parents. Overall prevention of teen pregnancy is a societal problem that requires changes in the media economic opportunity parental involvement and improvement in access and delivery of medical care. Clinicians should encourage parental involvement and provide teens consistent messages and the medical community should provide preventive care rather than reactive care.
Delayed Total Hip Replacement for Posttraumatic Arthritis in the Geriatric Patient After Fractured Acetabulum

Geratric patients who are treated operatively or nonoperatively for acetabular fractures may develop posttraumatic arthritis. Performing delayed total hip arthroplasties (THAs) in this patient population may be more technically challenging. Previous operative reports, radiographs, and computed tomography scans may help with preoperative planning. Scarring of the sciatic nerve from previous surgeries may warrant the use of nerve monitoring. Special surgical considerations include choosing a surgical approach, especially through preexisting incisions; deciding whether or not to remove hardware; and removing heterotopic ossification (HO). Multiple fixation options should be available in light of possible acetabular deficiency, including autograft, allograft, structural augments, and acetabular cups offering different fixation options. The postoperative management may differ from primary THAs performed for osteoarthritis because these patients may require protection of weight-bearing status and may require HO prophylaxis. By using the techniques described in this article, delayed THAs after acetabular fractures have demonstrated good outcomes in the geriatric patient population.
Acidomelania panicicola gen. et sp. nov. from switchgrass roots in acidic New Jersey pine barrens

A new genus, Acidomelania, is described based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and ecological and morphological characters. Isolated from switchgrass roots in acidic and oligotrophic New Jersey pine barrens in this study, Acidomelania likely has a global distribution because its internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence has high similarity with a number of GenBank sequences resulted from various ecological studies. Apparently these samples all were from roots of plants that lived in acidic, nutrient-poor environments. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU and ACT sequence data strongly supported the fact that Acidomelania isolates formed a monophyletic clade in Helotiales, distinct from any known taxa. Phylogenetically Acidomelania is closely related to Loramyces, Mollisia and Phialocephala fortinii, Acephala applanata species complex (PAC), the dark septate endophytes. Acidomelania also can be distinguished from Loramyces and Mollisia by its association with living grass roots. While taxa in PAC also are root endophytes, they have more complex phialid arrangement than Acidomelania. Results from this work will facilitate ecological and evolutionary studies on root-associated fungi.
ACENAPHTHENE‐REQUIRING STRAINS OF PENICILLIUM CHRYSOGENUM

EARLY IN THE course of a program of research dealing with induced and natural variation in Penicillium notatum Westling and P. chrysogenum Thom (Backus and Stauffer, 1955) several chemical compounds were used in an attempt to obtain mutants. Some of the most interesting results were obtained by treating young plate cultures of P. notatum strain NRRL-832 with acenaphthene. Petri-dish plates of honey-peptone agar were inoculated with the fungus at the edge of the dish and, when a small colony had developed, acenaphthene crystals were piled up in a semicircle about the mycelial growth, perhaps a centimeter from its margin. The chemical appeared to be highly inhibitory to the fungus inasmuch as radial spread of the colony was almost completely arrested at first and little or no production of conidia occurred. Upon further incubation, however, rapidly-advancing sectors appeared which grew out over and through the acenaphthene barrier, sporulating profusely even in direct contact with the crystals. Conidia or hyphal tips froin these sectors transferred to tube slants of ordinary honeypeptone agar yielded cultures abnormal in appearance, but good mycelial development and heavy sporulation were obtained when similar transfers were made to slants of honey-peptone agar saturated with acenaphthene. Thus it appeared that acenaphthene-requiring variants of P. notatum had been secured. Additional experiments employing acenaphthene as a mutagenic agent and further studies on the behavior of acenaphthene-requiring strains are reported here. Considerable information is available concerning the biological effects of acenaphthene. This substance has been demonstrated to have an effect on mitosis similar to that of colchicine (Kostoff, 1938a), and it has been successfully employed to induce polyploidy in higher plants (Shmuck, 1938; Kostoff, 1938b; Fatalizade, 1939) and in yeast (Subramaniam and Murthy, 1949) . Acenaphthene or acenaphthene vapors have been shown to inhibit the growth and reproduction of a variety of fungi, although marked differences in the relative susceptibility of various species have been reported (Bateman and Henningsen, 1923; McDavid and Daniels, 1951). Similar differences in reaction to the chemical were noted in some recent tests in the University of Wisconsin mycological laboratories, where the citrus fruit-rotting penicillia were found tobe relatively tolerant while Aspergillus amstelodami proved to be strongly affected (James Grosk-
Selenoprotein W controls epidermal growth factor receptor surface expression, activation and degradation via receptor ubiquitination.

Abstract Epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) is the founding member of the ErbB family of growth factor receptors that modulate a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways controlling growth, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. Selenoprotein W (SEPW1) is a highly conserved, diet-regulated 9 kDa thioredoxin-like protein required for normal cell cycle progression. We report here that SEPW1 is required for EGF-induced EGFR activation and that it functions by suppressing EGFR ubiquitination and receptor degradation. SEPW1 depletion inhibited EGF-dependent cell cycle entry in breast and prostate epithelial cells. In prostate cells, SEPW1 depletion decreased EGFR auto-phosphorylation, while SEPW1 overexpression increased EGFR auto-phosphorylation. SEPW1 depletion increased the rate of EGFR degradation, which decreased total and surface EGFR and suppressed EGF-dependent EGFR endocytosis, EGFR dimer formation, and activation of EGF-dependent pathways. EGFR ubiquitination was increased in SEPW1-depleted cells — in agreement with the increased rate of EGFR degradation, and suggests that SEPW1 suppresses EGFR ubiquitination. Ubiquitination-directed lysozomal degradation controls post-translational EGFR expression and is dysregulated in many cancers. Thus, suppression of EGFR ubiquitination by SEPW1 may be related to the putative increase in cancer risk associated with high selenium intakes. Knowledge of the mechanisms underlying SEPW1's regulation of EGFR ubiquitination may reveal new opportunities for nutritional cancer prevention or cancer drug development.
Impact of Statin Dosing Intensity on Transaminase and Creatine Kinase

PURPOSE: Higher intensity statin therapy reduces cardiovascular events more than lower intensity therapy, but the safety impact of higher intensity therapy is unknown. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing higher versus lower intensity therapy on liver and muscle safety. METHODS: A systematic literature search through January 2006 was conducted to identify randomized trials comparing higher versus lower intensity statin therapy meeting our criteria. Weighted averages were reported as relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (random-effects model). Statistical heterogeneity scores were assessed with the Q statistic and L'Abbe plots. Publication bias was assessed with the Egger weighted regression and funnel plots. RESULTS: Higher intensity statin therapy increased the incidence of transaminase elevations (RR 3.10 [95% Confidence Interval [CI], 0.88-7.85]) versus lower intensity statin therapy. When studies of hydrophilic and lipophilic statins were evaluated separately, higher intensity hydrophilic statin therapy increased the risk for transaminase elevations (RR 3.54 [95% CI, 1.83-6.85]), but higher intensity lipophilic therapy did not (RR 1.58 [95% CI, 0.81-3.08]). The risk of creatine kinase (CK) elevations showed a trend toward an increase (RR 2.63 [95% CI, 0.88-7.85]) with higher intensity therapy. No occurrences of CK elevations occurred in studies evaluating hydrophilic statins, whereas lipophilic statins showed an increased risk with higher intensity therapy (RR 6.09 [95% CI, 1.36-27.35]). CONCLUSIONS: More aggressive statin therapy increases the incidence of transaminase elevations in clinical trials versus lower intensity therapy. Increases in transaminases may be more problematic when hydrophilic statins are used aggressively, whereas CK elevations are more problematic with higher intensity lipophilic statin therapy.
Economic Cold War: America's Embargo against China and the Sino-Soviet Alliance, 1949–1963 . By Shu Guang Zhang. Washington, DC: Woodrow Wilson Center Press, and Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2001. Pp. xvi, 375. $49.50.

Shu Guang Zhang is a leader among those revealing Chinese perspectives on international affairs, as found in both Chinese-language publications and in hitherto unused archival materials. He and several other China-born scholars working in the United States—most notably Jian Chen, Qiang Zhai, Simei Qing, and Xiaoyuan Liu—have performed an enormous service to analysts all over the world by uncovering, translating, and incorporating into their work these vital documents. For this book Zhang has also used American, British, and Soviet sources, but to less striking effect.
Multilevel 2-cell t-write codes

We consider t-write codes for write-once memories with cells that can store multiple levels. Using worst-case sum-rate optimal 2-cell t-write code constructions for the asymptotic case of continuous levels, we derive 2-cell t-write code constructions that give good sum-rates for cells that support q discrete levels. A general encoding scheme for q-level 2-cell t-write codes is provided.
Performance comparison of geographic strains of white bass (Morone chrysops) to produce sunshine bass

Abstract White bass ( Morone chrysops ) broodstock were obtained from three locations in the United States encompassing the native range of this species: Arkansas River, AR; Lake Erie, near Cleveland, OH; and Lake Poinsett, SD. In spring 1996, white bass eggs of each strain were fertilized with fresh semen from the same strain or with extended striped bass ( M. saxatilis ) semen pooled from nine males collected from the Arkansas River. Each strain of white bass and sunshine bass (female M. chrysops ×male M. saxatilis ) was stocked at 500,000/ha as 4-day posthatch larvae into recently filled and fertilized earthen ponds (triplicated for white bass and quadruplicated for sunshine bass). The fish were offered salmonid fry meal (∼50% crude protein, CP) 21-day poststocking. Phase I fingerlings were harvested ∼40-day poststocking. Mean survival rates of sunshine bass (12.5%) were significantly higher than those of white bass (2.6%). No differences in survival rates existed within the white bass or sunshine bass groups. Phase II sunshine bass were subsequently stocked in triplicated ponds at 25,000/ha. The fish were fed to satiation twice daily with a 40% crude protein salmonid diet and harvested 100-day poststocking. Mean weights of Lake Erie sunshine bass (90.2 g) were significantly greater than those of Arkansas fish (58.4 g), but not South Dakota fish (69.0 g). Phase III sunshine bass were stocked in late autumn 1996 in quadruplicated ponds at 4900/ha and fed beginning the next spring in the same manner as in Phase II. In autumn 1997, ponds were harvested and all fish had reached marketable size with Lake Erie sunshine bass averaging 648 g, followed by Arkansas fish at 636 g and South Dakota fish at 566 g. These weights were not significantly different ( P >0.05). However, Lake Erie and South Dakota fish had significantly ( P
Serum Chemistry Reference Ranges for Steller Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) Pups from Alaska: Stock Differentiation and Comparisons Within a North Pacific Sentinel Species

Blood chemistry and hematologic reference ranges are useful for population health assessment and establishing a baseline for future comparisons in the event of ecosystem changes due to natural or anthropogenic factors. The objectives of this study were to determine if there was any population spatial structure for blood variables of Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus), an established sentinel species, and to report reference ranges for appropriate populations using standardized analyses. In addition to comparing reference ranges between populations with contrasting abundance trends, data were examined for evidence of disease or nutritional stress. From 1998 to 2011, blood samples were collected from 1,231 pups captured on 37 rookeries across their Alaskan range. Reference ranges are reported separately for the western and eastern distinct population segments (DPS) of Steller sea lion after cluster analysis and discriminant function analysis (DFA) supported underlying stock structure. Variables with greater loading scores for the DFA (creatinine, total protein, calcium, albumin, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase) also were greater for sea lions from the endangered western DPS, supporting previous studies that indicated pup condition in the west was not compromised during the first month postpartum. Differences between population segments were likely a result of ecological, physiological, or age related differences.
Thermodynamics of oxygen uptake for the YBa2Cu3Ox superconductor

Thermogravimetric analysis and pressure (p) monitoring in known volume systems are used to give phase diagram information (e.g. vant Hoff plots) for roughly 6 90 K becomes essentially independent of x, ΔHo = 43.4 ±1 kcal/mo (O2) and ΔSo = 48.6 ±1 cal/Kmo (O2). ΔSo stays roughly constant for x > 6.7 but decreases for x < 6.7 indicating increased disorder on the O substructure. p (x) curves do not show phase separation which corresponds to above critical behavior, but given indications for limiting compositions near x = 6 and x = 7. Accordingly a model is proposed in which these compositions correspond to valencies of Cu+ and Cu3+ respectively for the symmetric Cu site (Ba coordinated) while the asymmetric Cu (Ba and Y coordinated) is taken to be 2+ over this whole range in x.
Thrombopoietin promotes β1-integrin–mediated adhesion in hematopoietic cells via the small GTPase Rap1

Objective The interactions between cells and extracellular matrices in the bone marrow microenvironment are critical for normal hematopoiesis, controlling cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. A number of hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines can mediate these interactions by changing expression and/or activity of specific integrins, or by changing cell shape. Thrombopoietin (TPO) has previously been shown to stimulate adhesion in certain hematopoietic cell types, although the exact mechanisms by which adhesion is promoted remain elusive. Materials and Methods The role of TPO in hematopoietic cell adhesion was determined with fibronectin adhesion and binding assays, flow cytometry, and immunocytochemistry using the hematopoietic cell line UT-7/TPO and bone marrow–derived primary mouse megakaryocytes. The role of Rap1 in TPO-mediated adhesion was determined using a Rap1GAP overexpressing UT-7/TPO cell line, in which Rap1 could not be activated. Results We found that TPO promoted hematopoietic cell adhesion by causing cytoskeletal reorganization and not by increasing integrin expression, localization, or affinity, as previously hypothesized. Through studies using the UT-7/TPO-Rap1GAP cell line, we found that TPO-mediated cell shape change occurred via activation of Rap1. Conclusions These data demonstrate an important role for TPO in mediating interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment and make a significant contribution to our understanding of how TPO may affect hematopoiesis.
Identification of Stable Linear Systems Using Polynomial Kernels

This paper deals with the identification of stable linear systems from input−output response data with low signal/noise ratios. Specifically we focus on nonparametric (finite impulse or step response, FIR or FSR) models widely used in model predictive control. A polynomial kernel representation is proposed to reduce the number of parameters needed to represent the model. This leads to parsimonious yet robust models. Linear least-squares estimation can be used with these polynomial models. The time delay and response time of the process can be explicitly included as parameters in the model; however, the nonlinear optimization method must then be used. Various properties of this model including the variance of parameter estimates are given in the paper. Both colored and white noise are considered. Simulation and experimental results are used to illustrate the advantages of this approach especially at low signal/noise ratios. The polynomials act as an adaptive filter to remove the noise.
Multiple bilateral spinal nerve root calcifications in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

We present a patient with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease with multiple bilateral symmetrical cervical nerve root calcifications. To our knowledge, such a finding has not been described in the literature in association with this disease. We propose that multiple bilateral symmetrical spinal nerve root calcifications may be an additional imaging feature, possibly diagnostic, in this hereditary motor and spinal neuropathy.
Athermal processes in the plastic deformation of bcc 4He

Measurements have been made of the temperature dependence of the plastic deformation of bcc solid 4He. The results strongly indicate that the deformation process is athermal. Comparison is made with NMR measurements of the spin diffusion coefficient for the bcc phase of dilute solutions of 3He in 4He. The results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms for the plastic deformation.
The formation of spherical wear particles

Abstract A number of recent papers report the formation of spherical wear particles during sliding. In this paper a model is developed in which wear particles formed by adhesive wear processes are trapped in cavities in the sliding surfaces and become smoothed by burnishing processes. It is shown that the reported spherical particle diameters and lengths of sliding are consistent with this model. According to the model, spherical particles are only to be anticipated in slow uniaxial sliding, in fretting and within cracks of a material being fatigued.
Quarkonium in a viscous QGP

Abstract I discuss viscosity corrections to thermal effects on the static QCD potential within hard-thermal loop resummed perturbation theory and for a strongly coupled, large- N c conformal field theory dual to five-dimensional Gauss-Bonnet gravity. I also present model predictions for quarkonium binding energies in the deconfined phase and for suppression of R A A ( ϒ → e + e − ) .
A nonlinear finite-element analysis of wings in steady incompressible flows with wake roll-up

The problem of lifting surfaces and complex aircraft configurations in steady incompressible flow is considered. For lifting surfaces the problem is formulated in terms of an integral equation relating the potential discontinuity on wing and wake to the normal derivative of the potential on the lifting surface. For complex configurations the problem is formulated in terms of an integral equation relating the potential to its normal derivative on the surface of the aircraft. The integral equation is approximated by a system of linear algebraic equations obtained by dividing the surfaces into small quadrilateral elements and by assuming the potential (or the potential discontinuity) and its normal derivative to be constant within each element. The wake geometry is obtained by iteration by satisfying the condition that the velocity be tangent to the surface of the wake and that the potential discontinuity be constant along the streamlines.