cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The long-term safety and efficacy of concomitant Cox maze procedures for atrial fibrillation in patients without mitral valve disease.

Abstract Objective Newly published guidelines made the highest level recommendation for surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation. However, the number of patients without a mitral valve procedure with atrial fibrillation who are treated with concomitant surgical ablation is still low (15%-25%), because surgeons are reluctant to perform procedures in patients who would not otherwise require left atriotomy. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of concomitant Cox maze with and without mitral valve procedures. Methods Patients who underwent concomitant Cox maze procedures were prospectively followed since September 2005. Of the 711 patients, 238 did not receive mitral valve surgery. Propensity score matching was conducted to balance preoperative characteristics between patients with and without mitral valve procedures (164/group after matching). Results Before matching, patients in the mitral valve group were younger (65 vs 67 years, P = .047) and had higher euroSCORE II (European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation; 3.2% vs 2.6%, P = .002), larger mean left atrial size (5.3 vs 4.8 cm, P Conclusions The Cox maze procedure is safe and effective with comparable outcomes when performed concomitant to mitral valve or non–mitral valve surgery. Surgeons should base the decision to perform surgical ablation procedures on atrial fibrillation pathophysiology and the benefit to patients, not on the type of concomitant procedure.
Abstract 10: Higher Soluble CD14 Level is a Risk Factor for Ischemic Stroke in Black but Not White Participants of the Reasons for Geographical and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Introduction: CD14 is a co-receptor for bacterial lipopolysaccharide and promotes an inflammatory response. CD14 is expressed on the surface of several innate immune cell subpopulations and also ci...
Avian Influenza Viruses

Abstract Outbreaks of avian influenza viruses (AIV) pose an ongoing risk to domestic, pet, exotic (zoo) and wild birds worldwide. Unlike human influenza infection, birds can be infected with diverse viral strains, serve as a reservoir and have disease ranging from asymptomatic to highly pathogenic This article introduces the virus, disease, epidemiology and control measures related to avian influenza virus in birds.
Noble and major gases released from rock core materials as intrinsic tracers for detecting carbon dioxide leakage – Laboratory evaluation

Abstract Acidification of pore water in geological formations by carbon dioxide (CO2) results in the release of trapped gases, the detection of which can potentially be used to signal leakage of CO2 from storage reservoirs at carbon sequestration sites. In a set of laboratory tests, core materials from a stratigraphic borehole at the proposed FutureGen 2.0 carbon storage site (Jacksonville, IL, USA) were reacted with phosphoric acid to simulate contact with aqueous CO2. Gas released by the reaction was collected and analysed for the composition of the major and noble gases (including isotopes). These experiments yielded several promising tracer candidates for intrinsic monitoring of CO2 leakage at the proposed FutureGen 2.0 site. The most robust signals are the CH4 and 4He released by carbonates in the dolomite and siltstone formations that comprise the proposed primary containment zone. Xenon released from the primary-containment zone also showed promise as a tracer, but a more robust analysis requires a different experimental set up. A general enrichment of CH4, N2 and light noble-gas isotopes with respect to Ar abundance was observed and is consistent with the addition of major gases (CO2, CH4, and to a lesser extent, N2) released by decomposition of carbonate mineral phases and/or organic matter in the dolomite and siltstone formations. No useful signal was obtained from the sandstone formation (representing the proposed injection zone) due to its very low yield of gas when acidified.
Using RFID in the classroom to teach information systems principles

This article describes a strategy for using an inexpensive RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader and tags in the classroom to teach a variety of basic principles of information technology to students taking an introductory Management Information Systems (MIS) course. A "show and tell" RFID reader hardware and software demonstration generates student interest to drive an interactive discussion about the uses and limitations of RFID tags. This sets the stage for a short PowerPoint slide session followed by a case study relating to the use of RFID to achieve competitive advantage in supply chain management.
Topological modes in radiofrequency resonator arrays

Abstract Topological properties of solid states have sparked considerable recent interest due to their importance in the physics of lattices with a non-trivial basis and their potential in the design of novel materials. Here we describe an experimental and accompanying numerical toolbox to create and analyze topological states in radiofrequency resonator arrays including non-local coupling. These arrays are very easily constructed, offer a variety of geometric configurations, and their eigenfunctions and eigenvalues are amenable to detailed analysis. They offer well defined analogs to coupled oscillator systems in general in that they are characterized by resonances whose frequency spectra depend on the individual resonators, their interactions, and boundary conditions. A comparison of a small one-dimensional experimental system with theory by means of easy to measure S-parameters shows excellent agreement. The numerical toolbox allows for simulations of arbitrarily large systems, revealing an astonishing richness of band structures under systematic parameter variation.
Home Blood Pressure Monitoring in Cases of Clinical Uncertainty to Differentiate Appropriate Inaction From Therapeutic Inertia

PURPOSE Conventional clinic blood pressure (BP) measurements are routinely used for hypertension management and physician performance measures. We aimed to check home BP measurements after elevated conventional clinic BP measurements for which physicians did not intensify treatment, to differentiate therapeutic inertia from appropriate inaction. METHODS We conducted a pre and post study of home BP monitoring for patients with uncontrolled hypertension as determined by conventional clinic BP measurements for which physicians did not intensify hypertension management. Physicians were notified of average home BP 2-4 weeks after the initial clinic visit. Outcome measures were the proportion of patients with controlled hypertension using average home BP measurements, changes in hypertension management by physicians, changes in physicians’ hypertension metrics, and factors associated with home-clinic BP differences. RESULTS Of 90 recruited patients who had elevated conventional clinic BP recordings, 65.6% had average home BP measurements that were CONCLUSIONS Documented home BP in cases of clinical uncertainty helped differentiate therapeutic inertia from appropriate inaction and improved physicians’ hypertension metrics.
Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewater Composition and Implications for Regulatory and Treatment Train Design.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently revising its regulations on trace element discharges from flue gas desulfurization (FGD) wastewater. In this work, we expand a predictive model...
DECREASE IN ABSOLUTE LYMPHOCYTE COUNT IN IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR-ASSOCIATED MYOCARDITIS

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-associated myocarditis is potentially fatal immune-related adverse event (irAE). Limited data have suggested an association between decreased absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) on an ICI and the development of other irAE. There are no data characterizing the
A zero-sum game theoretic approach for mitigating counterfeit integrated circuits in supply chain

Counterfeiting of integrated circuits (ICs) is a rising issue with a huge economic impact on the electronics industry. With the electronic component supply chain growing more complex due to globalization, and parts coming from a diverse set of suppliers, counterfeit electronics have become a major challenge. Given the critical engineering applications that use ICs consistently, such a growth in the supply chain’s complexity has led to serious security threats due to potential insertion of noncompliant hardware components. In this paper, we propose a game-theoretic framework to analyze the interactions between a hardware supplier (attacker), and the IC component testing site of a company (defender). We formulate the problem as a non-cooperative zero-sum game in which the attacker decides on the type of counterfeit component to insert into the chain while running the risk of detection and its collateral damages. Meanwhile, the defender, seeking an optimum utility payoff while contending with limited resources, must decide on the best testing and detection strategy. Simulation results assess the performance of the proposed game-theoretic framework and provide further insights into the effectiveness of our solution.
Letter: A Simple Criterion for Nonrotating Reference Frames

We prove a theorem that gives an easily verifiable necessary and sufficient condition for a reference frame with fixed spacelike coordinates to be nonrotating in the sense of Walker. Applications are discussed.
Theory of noninteracting fermions and bosons in the canonical ensemble

This work introduces a framework for treating indistinguishable quantum particles in the canonical ensemble that allows for the direct computation of thermodynamic properties including energy levels-occupation probability distributions and their corresponding occupation-numbers and correlations.
Prevalence and Correlates of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Diverse, Treatment-Seeking Pediatric Overweight/Obesity Sample.

OBJECTIVE Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obesity are highly prevalent, impairing, and costly conditions, affecting about 10% of children each. Research indicates heightened prevalence of childhood obesity among youth with ADHD. However, more research is needed, examining comorbid ADHD among youth with overweight/obesity (OV/OB) from diverse demographic backgrounds and effects on medically relevant behaviors. The aim of the current study was to examine the prevalence of ADHD in a racially diverse sample of youth in a weight management clinic. Furthermore, we examined the effects of race, rurality, and ADHD on weight status and health behaviors in this under-researched population. METHOD Participants included 1003 patients (Mage = 12.55; 58% female; 67% Black/African American; MBMI Z-Score = 2.54; 98.6% with obesity) in a pediatric weight management clinic serving a rural and urban/suburban area in the southern United States. Parent-reported demographics, ADHD diagnosis, and child health behaviors were recorded. RESULT In total, 17.6% (n = 177) of the sample had an ADHD diagnosis. ADHD status interacted with race to predict standardized body mass index (BMIz), and rurality predicted higher BMIz. Children with comorbid ADHD had significantly more meals per day and fewer active days compared with children with OV/OB without ADHD. CONCLUSION ADHD prevalence was higher in this diverse sample of children seeking obesity treatment (17.6%) compared with the prevalence nationally (9%-10%) and in other obesity samples. Comorbid ADHD was related to higher weight status among racial minority youth and increased engagement in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors often targeted in weight management treatment. It is critical to screen for ADHD in pediatric specialty clinics and assess healthy lifestyle behaviors.
Remote controlled optical manipulation of bimetallic nanoparticle catalysts using peptides

Bimetallic nanoparticles remain a promising avenue to achieve highly reactive catalysts. In this contribution, we demonstrate the use of a photoswitchable peptide for the production of PdAu bimetallic nanoparticles at a variety of Pd : Au ratios. Using this peptide, the biomolecular overlayer structure can be switched between two different conformations (cis vs. trans) via light irradiation, thus accessing two different surface structures. The composition and arrangement of the materials was fully characterized, including atomic-level analyses, after which the reactivity of the bimetallic materials was explored using the reduction of 4-nitrophenol as a model system. Using these materials, it was demonstrated that the reactivity was maximized for the particles prepared at a Pd : Au ratio of 1 : 3 and with the peptide in the cis conformation. Such results present routes to a new generation of catalysts that could be remotely activated for on/off reactivity as a function of the ligand overlayer conformation.
The Chief Justice and Judicial Legitimacy Evidence from the Influence of Public Opinion

The Chief Justice is viewed as the leader of the Supreme Court. In their position of leadership, many –including the Chief Justice– believe it is incumbent upon the Chief Justice to maintain and en...
Holocaust Studies in Our Age of Catastrophe

Written and revised in stages, from the “BC,” pre-COVID “Age of Trump” era to an uncertain current transitional moment in February 2021, the article considers questions about shifting approaches to...
Cellular carbon stress is a mediator of obesity-associated osteoarthritis development.

Summary Objective ‘Carbon stress’ is a newly found mechanism that links obesity and dysregulated metabolism. It is defined as the cellular accumulation of metabolites during obesity post-translationally modifying metabolic proteins and decreasing their enzymatic activity. The objective of this study was to investigate if ‘carbon stress’ also occurs in cartilage and contributes to obesity associated OA development. Methods We histologically evaluated for OA pathology in wild-type (WT) and hyperphagic mice (Pomc-neuron specific enhancer one deficient, PomcΔ1) that were subjected to standard chow (Chow, n = 6 for both genotypes) or high-fat feeding (HFD, n = 7 for both genotypes). Joints were stained and quantified for ‘carbon stress’ markers, including succinyl-lysine (SCK), malonyl-lysine (MAK), and acetyl-lysine (ACK). Lastly, we used a mouse model with deletion of Sirt5 (n = 7), which is an enzyme that removes SCK and MAK, to test if changing the abundance of ‘carbon stress’ would affect OA pathogenesis. Results Both HFD and Pomc deficiency associated obesity induced cartilage degeneration as well as greater abundance of SCK and MAK in the cartilage. PomcΔ1-HFD mice did not have exacerbated OA pathology as compared to PomcΔ1-Chow mice. ACK was mildly increased in the obese groups comparing to WT-Chow. Sirt5−/− mice developed early-OA like phenotype at 40 weeks of age as characterized by cartilage fibrillation and more hypertrophic chondrocytes. Cartilage from Sirt5−/− mice also had increased SCK and MAK, while ACK remained unchanged comparing to WT mice. Conclusion Our data suggests that carbon stress also occurs in cartilage tissue during obesity and can potentially contribute to obesity-associated OA.
Healthcare utilization and spending among older patients diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Abstract Background Developing appropriate care models for patients diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) >65y require examination of current healthcare utilization patterns and cost, but non-malignant condition-specific utilization and Medicare spending among older patients has not been characterized. Methods Using SEER-Medicare, 14,533 patients diagnosed with NHL at age > 65 between 2008 and 2015 and a comparable non-cancer cohort (n = 14,533) were identified. Hospitalizations and outpatient visits for 109 non-malignant conditions were grouped into ten categories, allowing condition-specific utilization and spending calculation from diagnosis to 5y, censoring at blood or marrow transplantation, 6mo prior to death or end (12/31/2016). Using the 90th percentile as a cut-off, factors associated with high-hospitalization rates and high-spending were evaluated. Results Patients with NHL were 1.5-fold more likely to be hospitalized and 1.8-fold more likely to experience outpatient visits when compared with the non-cancer cohort. Patients with NHL had greater aging-related, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal hospitalizations than controls (p Conclusions Older patients with NHL experienced higher utilization and higher spending per-utilization compared to a non-cancer cohort over five years from cancer diagnosis. Clinical and demographic sub-groups demonstrated increased risk for the highest spending and utilization. The substantial utilization and spending for non-malignant conditions among older patients with NHL provides quantifiable evidence for survivor-adapted healthcare management policies.
Impact factor and citation metrics in phase III cancer trials.

PURPOSE Journal impact factor (IF) is often used to measure research quality and importance. We assessed trial factors associated with the publication of cancer trials in journals with higher IF and publications receiving higher citations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cancer-specific phase III RCTs were screened through https://clinicaltrials.gov. We identified trials with published primary endpoints, along with their corresponding journal IF and relative citation ratio (RCR). RESULTS Seven-hundred ninety manuscripts were included in our study. Trials that met their primary endpoint were more commonly published in journals with higher IF (Median IF: positive trials 35.4 vs. negative trials 26.3, P < 0.001). Furthermore, trials that led to subsequent FDA drug approvals were also published in journals with higher IF (Median IF: 59.1 vs. 26.3 in trials not leading to FDA approvals, P < 0.001). When analyzing RCR, trial positivity (meeting primary endpoint) was not associated with increased citations on multivariable analysis (P = 0.56). Lastly, publications of trials leading to FDA approvals (P < 0.001), and publications of trials in journals with higher IF (P < 0.001) were associated with increased RCR. CONCLUSIONS Positive trials are commonly published in journals with high IF, but do not necessarily lead to increased citations. Moreover, trials published in journals with higher IF are more likely to receive increased citations.
Chemoproteomic-enabled characterization of small GTPase Rab1a as a target of an N-arylbenzdiimidazole ligand's rescue of Parkinson's-associated cell toxicity

The development of phenotypic models of Parkinson′s disease (PD) has enabled screening and identification of phenotypically active small molecules that restore complex biological pathways affected by PD toxicity. While these phenotypic screening platforms are powerful, they do not inherently enable direct identification of the cellular targets of promising lead compounds. To overcome this, chemoproteomic platforms like Thermal Proteome Profiling (TPP) and Stability of Proteins from Rates of Oxidation (SPROX) can be implemented to reveal protein targets of biologically active small molecules. Here we utilize both of these chemoproteomic strategies to identify targets of an N-arylbenzdiimidazole compound, NAB2, which was previously identified for its ability to restore viability in cellular models of PD-associated α-synuclein toxicity. The combined results from our TPP and SPROX analyses of NAB2 and the proteins in a neuroblastoma-derived SHSY5Y cell lysate reveal a previously unrecognized protein target of NAB2. This newly recognized target, Rab1a, is a small GTPase that acts as a molecular switch to regulate ER-to-Golgi trafficking, a process that is disrupted by α-synuclein toxicity and restored by NAB2 treatment. Further validation reveals that NAB2 binds to Rab1a with selectivity for its GDP-bound form and that NAB2 treatment phenocopies Rab1a overexpression in alleviation of α-synuclein toxicity. Finally, we conduct a preliminary investigation into the relationship between Rab1a and the E3 ubiquitin ligase, Nedd4, a previously identified NAB2 target. Together, these efforts expand our understanding of the mechanism of NAB2 in the alleviation of α-synuclein toxicity and reinforce the utility of chemoproteomic identification of the targets of phenotypically active small molecules that regulate complex biological pathways.
Effects of Hydrogen on SCC Growth Rate of NI Alloys in BWR Water

In boiling water reactors (BWRs), stress corrosion cracking (SCC) has occurred in Alloy 600 and Alloy 182, 132 and 82 weld metals. Most BWRs mitigated SCC by injecting H2 into the feed water, although the levels vary by ~8X depending on whether they use electrocatalysis and low H2, or only moderate H2. Under moderate hydrogen water chemistry conditions, the reactor water has ~250 ppb H2, which is very close to the Ni/NiO phase boundary at 274 oC, the temperature at which most BWR structural materials operate. A peak in growth rate has been observed at the Ni/NiO phase boundary, and extensive work has quantified and modeled its effect in PWR primary water. It was proposed that the same effects of dissolved H2 that have been reported in PWR primary water applies to pure BWR water, primarily because in deaerated water, B/Li have no discernible effects on crack growth. This study evaluates the effect of dissolved H2 on Alloy 182 weld metal at temperatures down to 274 oC on SCC growth rate.
Empirical Results of a Hybrid Monte Carlo Method for the Solution of Poisson’s Equation

The application of Monte Carlo techniques have considerable importance in solving computational problems that exhibit complex physical interactions and irregular spatial geometries [1,2]. Yet equally important is the large computational parallelism that is inherent in these methods. With the current interest and emphasis on massively parallel computer systems, Monte Carlo methods would seem to be a likely candidate for parallel implementation. However parallelism in itself is only one metric for parallel computational performance. Measures such as load-balancing, data locality, communication latency, and numerical accuracy are equally important metrics for the evaluation of a parallel numerical algorithm.
Vertical Tillage Study

This project was designed to study the yield effects of a vertical tillage system as compared with conventional and no-till systems in corn. There has been increasing interest in vertical tillage systems in recent years, so the goal of this project was to compile information on these three systems. This study at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm in 2004 was a one-year project that was designed to provide preliminary information on these various tillage techniques with plans to conduct more thorough research in the future. This project focused on spring seedbed preparation practices. Subsequent research will focus on both fall and spring tillage practices.
The effect of tween-65 and tween-80 on gastrointestinal motility in man.

Summary 1.The effect on gastrointestinal motility of ingesting 9 gm. of either Tween65 or Tween-80 for 13 successive days was studied in 24 normal individuals, and was compared with equal amounts of a placebo under similar conditions. 2.No subjective reactions or changes in bowel habit, character of stools, and body weight were induced by 117 gm. of either of these substances. 3.Employing statistical criteria, no evidence was obtained to indicate that intestinal transit time-measured either as mouth-to-rectum time by carmine marker, or stomach-to-colon time by barium was affected significantly by these amounts of the "Tweens." 4.Gastrointestinal mucosal patterns were not altered by ingestion of these substances.
ACQUIRED IMMUNITY TO CANDIDIASIS IN MICE

Hasenclever, H. F. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Md.) and William O. Mitchell. Acquired immunity to candidiasis in mice. J. Bacteriol. 86: 401–406. 1963.—Some protection to chronic candidiasis in mice was produced by sublethal intraperitoneal infection with Candida albicans and by the injection in incomplete Freund9s adjuvant of nonviable Coccidioides immitis spherule fragments. Other pathogenic or nonpathogenic fungi produced little or no protection. Salmonella enteritidis lipopolysaccharide, known to protect mice against the acute toxic manifestations of C. albicans , had no effect upon chronic candidiasis. A factor active in vitro against the growth of C. albicans was shown to be in the serum of resistant mice.
Steady-State Analysis of Water Movement in a Semi-Infinite Unconfined Aquifer Under Constant Accretion

A partial analysis of the stream-aquifer interaction problem at steady state for a semi-infinite unconfined aquifer was presented by Bear (1979). This analysis was restricted to the case of influent boundary condition where the water flux is directed from the boundary into the aquifer. Here, we extend the analysis to provide analytical solutions for both influent and effluent conditions. Comparisons with numerical solutions are also presented for further validation.
Food allergy and anaphylaxis – 2039. Bioinformatics evaluation of new proteins in genetically engineered organisms and novel foods for potential risks of food allergy and celiac elicitation

Background Proteins introduced into foods through genetic engineering must be evaluated for potential risks of food allergy (FA) or if derived from grain, potential elicitation of celiac disease (CD). The evaluations are based on Codex Alimentarius guidelines (2003). Novel food ingredients may also be evaluated. Amino acid sequence comparisons are recommended to identify proteins that should be screened further by serum IgE tests for food allergy (FA) or T cell proliferation for potential CD eliciting proteinsprior to use in foods.
Microcyst Germination in Myxococcus xanthus

Germination of glycerol-prepared microcysts of Myxococcus xanthus was studied. The sequence of morphological events during germination resembled that of germinating fruiting body-microcysts. The turbidity drop of a culture of germinating microcysts could be described by McCormick's formula derived for germinating Bacillus spores. The rate of uptake of labeled glycine and acetate did not change during germination. Temperature, aeration, and pH optima for germination were the same as for vegetative cell growth. Germination was induced by protein hydrolysates and the individual amino acids glycine, alanine, valine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid. A number of organic compounds, including sugars, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, organic acids, and chelating agents, did not induce germination. The inorganic ions HPO(4) (2-), Mg(++), Ca(++), and NH(4) (+) induced germination, although ionic strength was not a factor. Microcysts incubated in distilled water at concentrations greater than about 10(9) cells/ml germinated; supernatant fluid from such suspensions (germination factor) induced germination of less concentrated suspensions. The activity of germination factor was resistant to boiling, but was lost on charring and dialysis. Germination of microcysts and growth of vegetative cells was equally sensitive to a variety of metabolic inhibitors, including penicillin and chloramphenicol. Germination was more resistant than vegetative growth to inhibition by antibiotics of the streptomycin family and by actinomycin D.
Specification and generation of a motion path for compliant motion

To represent compliant motion, the authors present a theory for specifying and generating the motion path of a robot in contact with the environment. Included is a formulation for specifying single contact motion, in which only one geometric feature (a vertex, an edge, or a plant) or a robot and one geometric feature of the environment participate. Single contact motion is categorized into four types according to the combinations of the movabilities of the contact positions on the robot and the environment. For each type of single contact motion, an interpolating transformation is assigned to generate motion from the path specification. In addition, motion constraints are provided according to combinations of geometric features. A geometric model of the task environment allows the formulation to be applied to automatic path generation in programming motion segments. >
Culture Jam Pedagogy and Practice: Relocating Culture by Staying on One's Toes

We illustrate how culture jam practitioners and pedagogues are responding to increasing commercial incorporation by using participatory communication strategies to bring the act of jamming back into the realm of relocating culture. We analyze the past decade's evolution of one of YouTube's first viral videos, “Where the hell is Matt?,” and connect this case to ways university pedagogy might integrate culture jams as artifacts and assignments to empower students to use communication frameworks not only to critique the status quo but also to collaboratively generate transformation. Throughout, we elucidate culture jam processes as creative and cooperative performances of staying on one's toes in the perpetual renegotiation of hegemony.
Fatty acid metabolism inDrosophila melanogaster: II. Metabolic origin of monoenes

Evidence is presented thatDrosophila larvae produce monounsaturated fatty acids by two independent pathways. One of these pathways, involving the direct desaturation of long chain precursors, is sensitive to inhibition by linoleate. The other pathway is resistant to linoleate inhibition and probably has tetradecnoate-Δ5cis and tetradecnoate-Δ7cis as intermediates in the synthesis of palmitoleate and oleate, respectively. The use of radioactive precursors of varying chain length and labeled at different positions in the carbon chains provided evidence for the isolation and structure of intermediates involved in the linoleate resistant pathway.
Distinct Gene Number-Genome Size Relationships for Eukaryotes and Non-Eukaryotes: Gene Content Estimation for Dinoflagellate Genomes

The ability to predict gene content is highly desirable for characterization of not-yet sequenced genomes like those of dinoflagellates. Using data from completely sequenced and annotated genomes from phylogenetically diverse lineages, we investigated the relationship between gene content and genome size using regression analyses. Distinct relationships between log(10)-transformed protein-coding gene number (Y') versus log(10)-transformed genome size (X', genome size in kbp) were found for eukaryotes and non-eukaryotes. Eukaryotes best fit a logarithmic model, Y' = ln(-46.200+22.678X', whereas non-eukaryotes a linear model, Y' = 0.045+0.977X', both with high significance (p 0.91). Total gene number shows similar trends in both groups to their respective protein coding regressions. The distinct correlations reflect lower and decreasing gene-coding percentages as genome size increases in eukaryotes (82%-1%) compared to higher and relatively stable percentages in prokaryotes and viruses (97%-47%). The eukaryotic regression models project that the smallest dinoflagellate genome (3x10(6) kbp) contains 38,188 protein-coding (40,086 total) genes and the largest (245x10(6) kbp) 87,688 protein-coding (92,013 total) genes, corresponding to 1.8% and 0.05% gene-coding percentages. These estimates do not likely represent extraordinarily high functional diversity of the encoded proteome but rather highly redundant genomes as evidenced by high gene copy numbers documented for various dinoflagellate species.
Immune response to enzyme replacement therapy in lysosomal storage disorder patients and animal models.

The lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) are a group of severe multiple pathology disorders characterized by enzyme deficiencies which cause the lysosomal accumulation of undegraded or partially degraded macromolecules. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) has been developed as a therapy for LSD patients. However, immune responses to ERT have been reported in some individuals from LSD animal model and LSD human patient studies. Antibodies can have adverse effects during ERT, which include hypersensitivity/anaphylactic reactions, enzyme inactivation, altered targeting, and increased enzyme turnover. The monitoring of antibody production during replacement therapy is an important consideration for patient management, as high-titer antibodies can affect the safety and efficacy of the therapy.
Passive immunization against hepatitis A.

Abstract Administration of human serum immune globulin (Ig) is an effective means of protecting individuals against hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection and disease. Several large field studies have demonstrated that if given before exposure, Ig will prevent infection with HAV. Furthermore, if Ig is given during the incubation period of hepatitis A, the severity of infection may be reduced and potentially clinical infections may be converted into subclinical ones. Although uncommon, infection which occurs in the presence of circulating antibody may occasionally lead to passive-active immunity. Unfortunately, the duration of Ig protection is dose dependent, and high dose administration provides less than six months protection. Ig preparations contain HAV antibodies at levels detectable by commercial immunoassays; however, recipients of Ig do not have detectable levels of HAV antibodies when tested by the same method. Using more sensitive immunoassays and neutralization assays, low titres of HAV antibody can be detected in Ig recipients. Since Ig provides ≈ 90% efficacy in preventing hepatitis A, it would appear that very low levels of HAV antibody are needed to prevent infection. Consequently, measurement of HAV antibodies elicited by HAV vaccines should provide a reasonable method to evaluate their immunogenicity and predict their efficacy.
Detecting singular patterns in 2D vector fields using weighted Laurent polynomial

In this paper, we propose a method for detecting patterns of interest in vector fields. Our method detects patterns in a scale- and rotation-invariant manner. It works by approximating the vector-field data locally using a Laurent polynomial weighted by radial basis functions. The proposed representation is able to model both analytic and non-analytic flow fields. Invariance to scale and rotation is achieved by combining the linearity properties of the model coefficients and a scale-space parameter of the radial basis functions. Promising detection results are obtained on a variety of fluid-flow sequences.
A pulsed, broadband NMR spectrometer

Abstract A pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer suitable for measurements in solids is described. The spectrometer is phase coherent, and the pulse timing is synchronous with the operating frequency of the spectrometer. The apparatus uses a versatile pulse programmer and a gated broadband rf power amplifier which delivers 1.6 kW at 60 MHz with a 3-db bandwidth of 5 to 90 MHz. With the exception of the probe, the spectrometer does not contain any tuned elements. This permits short (0.5 μsec) recovery times between the end of the rf pulse and the start of the signal. The spectrometer relies heavily upon the use of commercially available modules. A detailed description of the spectrometer construction and a discussion of typical operating characteristics are presented.
Impedance Control: An Approach to Manipulation: Part III—Applications

This three-part paper presents a unified approach to the control of a manipulator applicable to free motions, kinematically constrained motions, and dynamic interaction between the manipulator and its environment. In Part I the approach was developed from a consideration of the fundamental mechanics of manipulation. Part II presented techniques for implementing a desired manipulator impedance. In Part III a technique for choosing the impedance appropriate to a given application using optimization theory is presented. Based on a simplified analysis it is shown that if the task objective is to tradeoff interface forces and motion errors, the manipulator impedance should be proportional to the environmental admittance. An application of impedance control to unconstrained motion is presented. The superposition properties of nonlinear impedances are used to develop a real-time feedback control algorithm which permits a manipulator to avoid unpredictably moving objects without explicit path planning.
The molecular biology of paramyxoviruses.

This review evaluates possible mechanisms which regulate paramyxovirus protein and RNA syntheses. Evidence indicates that viral polypeptide abundances are specified at the transcriptional level. RNA replication and transcription are competing processes utilizing an encapsidated single-stranded RNA template. The requirement for capsid proteins in RNA replication suggests that these proteins are positive control elements for replication of paramyxovirus RNA.
World Fire: The Culture of Fire on Earth

Foreword by William CrononPreface to the 1997 Paperback EditionSMOKE REPORTThe New World Order on FireSIZE-UPFirestick History or, How to Set the World on FireHOTSPOTTINGFire Flume (Australia)Veld Fire (South Africa)Queimada Para Limpeza (Brazil)Svedjebruk (Sweden)Greek Fire (Greece)La Nueva Reconquista (Iberia)Red Skies of Irkutsk (Russia)Nataraja (India)White Darkness (Antarctica)CONTROLAmerican Fire-- Initial Attac: The U.S. Forest Service Fights Fire-- ColdtrailingWilderness Fire-- Vestal Fires and Virgin Lands-- The SUmmer We Let Wild Fire LooseIntermix Fire-- The Fire This Time-- Nouvelle SouthwestMOP-UPConsumed by Either Fire or FireAFTER THE LAST SMOKEFlame and FortuneNotes and Additional ReadingIndexIllustration sources and credits
An Assessment of Low-Frequency Variability in the Tropics as Indicated by Some Proxies of Tropical Convection

Abstract Any discussion of intraseasonal and interannual variability in the atmosphere must presume a reliable assessment of the observed variability. In spite of continued improvements in observing systems, quality control techniques, and data analysis schemes, however, and also because of them, this assessment remains difficult in the tropics. In this paper the authors examine the mean tropical circulation during two Januarys, 1988 and 1989, as described by the circulation analyses produced at two weather prediction centers, the National Meteorological Center (NMC) in Washington, D.C., and the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) in Reading, England. In particular, the authors’ focus is on the change in the circulation between 1988 and 1989 as estimated by these two sets of analyses, especially the change in the 200-mb wind divergence associated with organized deep convection. The authors find that in many regions the discrepancy between thew estimates is of the order of the change ...
The Possibility of Cycles in International Relations

Beck (1991), in this issue, argues that social cycles should be defined in terms of fixed (calendar) periodicity. He also argues that researchers should apply tight standards of epistemology-orthodox statistical inference-when seeking knowledge about phenomena such as long cycles. I will respond to these two philosophical points; on most other issues Beck and I agree. Specifically, we both see Long Cycles (Goldstein, 1988, hereafter LC) as a first cut rather than a final statement.1 We agree that the evidence in that book for a tightly interconnected world political economy is more compelling and more interesting than the evidence for the "existence of cycles."2 And I have only minor technical quibbles with Beck's time series methods.3
Pathways of fatty acid synthesis and reducing equivalent generation in mammary gland of rat, sow, and cow.

Abstract Glucose was incorporated into fatty acids to a much greater extent by mammary tissue slices of the rat than by cow tissue slices. It was demonstrated that this is the consequence of a lack of ATP-citrate lyase and NADP-malate dehydrogenase in cow mammary cytosol. It was further shown that β-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase is located almost exclusively in the mitochondria of cow mammary tissue. Thus acetyl-CoA arising from dissimulation of β-hydroxybutyrate within the mitochondria is not available for fatty acid synthesis in the cytosol. This observation is consistent with the findings that β-hydroxybutyrate's primary contribution to fatty acid synthesis is as a four-carbon unit at the methyl-terminal end of the carbon chain. Mammary tissue experiments demonstrated that in contrast to rat and sow, the tissue from the cow incorporated substantial quantities of acetate into fatty acids in the absence of glucose. This finding coupled with a lack of NADP-malate dehydrogenase and a reduced glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity suggests that the tissue of the cow has alternate sources of NADPH. The cytosol activity of NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase was shown to be 20-fold greater in cow than in rat mammary tissue. A pathway for the generation of NADPH in cow mammary tissue involving this enzyme is proposed.
Aphasia and auditory extinction: Preliminary evidence of binding.

Background: McNeil, Odell, and Tseng (1991), and Murray and colleagues (Murray, 2000; Murray, Holland, & Beeson, 1997a, 1997b) have suggested that variability of performance in patients with aphasia may be due to nonlinguistic cognitive variables, such as attention (i.e., resources, capacity, effort), which affect language comprehension and production. Given the research that has supported the relationship between aphasia and attention deficits, it is important to determine what effect this breakdown in attention may have on cognitive processes for individuals with aphasia.Aims: This study aims to determine if auditory extinction is present in individuals with aphasia, and if so, if this is due to a breakdown in binding. If extinction is found for individuals with aphasia, it would further support the notion that auditory attention difficulties are present among individuals with aphasia, since visual and auditory research has attributed extinction to a breakdown in attention (Baylis, Driver, & Rafal, 1993...
Oxidative stress due to hypoxia/reoxygenation induces angiogenic factor VEGF in adult rat myocardium: possible role of NFκB

Abstract Introduction: Oxidative stress, as exerted by free radicals within biological systems, is known to exert numerous physiological and pathological effects on the cardiovascular system. Short-term exposure to environmental conditions such as low oxygen tension can cause such oxidative stress in vivo through inhalational hypoxia/reoxygenation. In this report the effects of different durations of hypoxia were investigated on myocardial protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a major angiogenic growth factor, and also explore the possible modulatory role of transcription factor NFκB on such expression. Methods: Forty eight male Sprague–Dawley rats (300 g b.w.) were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to either 1, 2 or 4 h of systemic normobaric hypoxemic hypoxia (10±0.4% O2) in an anesthesia chamber, or to 4 h of normoxia (ambient 20.9±0.4% O2) to time-match the maximal hypoxic duration. All rats were then kept under normoxic conditions. Rats were sacrificed and hearts harvested either after 2 h for later electrophoretic mobility gel shift assay for NFκB, or after 24 h for later Western blot analysis for VEGF. Results: Western blot analysis for VEGF revealed significantly elevated protein expression (2.4-fold compared to baseline control) in the 1 h group. This elevated level persisted in the 2 and 4 h groups as well. Two hours post-hypoxia gel shift assay for NFκB indicated significant nuclear translocation and DNA binding of this transcription factor in the 1 and 2 h groups, with moderate decrease in the 4 h group. Conclusion: In vivo oxidative stress caused by systemic inhalational hypoxemic hypoxia increases cardiac VEGF protein expression and may trigger myocardial angiogenesis. The results suggest that NFκB modulates such an effect.
Separation and Analysis of Dynamic Stokes Shift with Multiple Fluorescence Environments: Coumarin 153 in Bovine β-Lactoglobulin A

We use time-dependent fluorescence Stokes shift (TDFSS) information to study the fluctuation rates of the lipocalin, beta-lactoglobulin A in the vicinity of an encapsulated coumarin 153 molecule. The system has three unique dielectric environments in which the fluorophore binds. We develop a method to decompose the static and dynamic contributions to the spectral heterogeneity. This method is applied to temperature-dependent steady-state fluorescence spectra providing us with site-specific information about thermodynamic transitions in beta-lactoglobulin. We confirm previously reported transitions and discuss the presence of an unreported transition of the central calyx at 18 degrees C. Our method also resolves the contributions to the TDFSS from the coumarin 153 centrally located in the calyx of beta-lactoglobulin despite overlapping signals from solvent exposed dyes. Our experiments show dynamics ranging from 3-12,00 ps. The analysis shows a decrease in the encapsulated dye's heterogeneity during the relaxation, which is taken as evidence of the breakdown of linear response.
54 ADENOSINE DEAMINASE (ADA) EXPRESSED AT HIGH LEVEL IN T LYMPHOCYTES OF A PATIENT WITH ADA DEFICIENCY AND SEVERE COMBINED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY DISEASE (SCID)

Among patients with ADA deficiency, those with SCID have near complete absence of ADA, while some patients with severe T cell dysfunction but preservation of B cell function may have 1-3% of normal ADA activity in lymphoid cells. Patients with >5% of normal ADA activity in lymphoid cells have had no immune defect. We describe a patient with classical onset of SCID at 3 months, who was begun on red cell transfusions and immunoglobulin replacement therapy at 6 months of age. Despite long term survival, she remained severely lymphopenic and immune deficient. After starting PEG-ADA therapy at age 10 years her lymphocytes increased and became responsive to mitogens, and she developed in vivo B cell function. Just prior to starting PEG-ADA, unfractionated nucleated cells from her bone marrow were found to have 1000 nmol/h/mg protein). This observation was repeated with blood and marrow derived mononuclear cells and IL2-dependent T cells and T cell clones on 6 other occasions. HLA typing indicated the ADA+ T cells were the patient's own cells. T cell ADA had normal heat stability. Km, pl and was inhibited >99% by EHNA. In contrast to her T cells, 12 EBV transformed B cell clones from the patient had <0.3% of normal ADA activity. ADA+ T cells had normal T cell surface antigens and responsed in vitro to IL-2, mitogens, antigen and allogeneic cells. Important questions raised by these findings concern the molecular basis for the T cell ADA activity and the reason that these cells failed to proliferate and function more effectively in this patient in vivo. Acquisition of ADA activity by T lymphocyte precursor cells may not be sufficient to restore immune function in some ADA deficient patients. This possibility should be considered in view of proposals to treat ADA deficiency by somatic cell gene replacement.