cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Community analyses of sulfidogenic 2-bromophenol-dehalogenating and phenol-degrading microbial consortia

Microbial consortia were enriched under sulfidogenic conditions using a common estuarine sediment inoculum with 2-bromophenol or phenol as the sole the carbon source. Stable consortia were maintained over a 3-year period with repeated feeding and serial dilution into fresh medium. 2-Bromophenol was initially dehalogenated to phenol. Degradation of phenol was dependent on sulfate reduction and inhibited by molybdate, a specific inhibitor of sulfate reduction. Reductive dehalogenation of 2-bromophenol, however, was not dependent on, or inhibited by sulfate. The 2-bromophenol- and phenol-degrading sulfidogenic consortia were characterized using 16S rRNA restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and unique clones were sequenced. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism of all individual clones and both microbial consortia indicated that all 16S rRNA types present in the consortia were cloned and characterized. Four phylotypes were identified from the 2-bromophenol-utilizing consortium which based upon their 16S rRNA sequences clustered into three major groups: one sequence was related to the ϵ-subgroup of the Proteobacteria, two clones clustered within the sulfate-reducers (δ-subgroup of Proteobacteria), the fourth phylotype was divergent from previously described bacteria and was most closely related to the genus Planctomycetes. None of the clones from the 2-bromophenol-degrading consortium are close to previously described aryl-dehalogenating bacteria which predominantly comprise the genera Desulfitobacterium and Desulfomonile. In contrast, the phenol-degrading consortium yielded only two clonal types. One was placed within the ϵ-sub-division of the Proteobacteria with Thiomicrospira denitrificans as its closest neighbor. The other clone was closest to the genus Cytophaga with Anaeroflexus maritimus as its closest neighbor.
Microscopic resolution imaging and proteomics correlation at histogeographically identical location: Point by point correlation between ex vivo tissue imaging with high field MRI and multiplex tissue immunoblotting for proteomics profiling

Histopathologic correlation is an essential component for validation of the radiological findings. There has been significant advancement in medical imaging technologies, including molecular imaging, such that, it is essential to establish the system beyond histopathologic correlation, to protein profiling that can be correlated with imaging at anatomically identical manner for accurate examination. Recently, a novel technology for proteomic profiling has been established, called "multiplex tissue immunoblotting (MTIB)" which can offer studying multiple protein expression from a single histology slide. Therefore, we attempted to establish the system to obtain an identical plane between high resolution imaging and histopathology at microscopic level so that proteomic profiling can be readily performed using MTIB. A variety of tissues were obtained from autopsy materials and initially scanned with high field MRI (14T) ex vivo along with the marker for tissue orientation. The histology slides were prepared from post-scanned tissue under the marker-guidance in order to obtain an identical plane with high resolution imaging. Subsequently, MTIB was carried out to study expression of proteins of interest and point by point correlation with high resolution imaging was performed at histogeographically identical manner.
Indirect Effects of Footshock Stress and Coping on Alcohol Consumption of Food-Deprived and Non-Deprived Rats

Summary.-Rats that lived in activity wheels were either food deprived or not food deprived and either allowed control or no control over footshock in a conditioning chamber. Measures of consumption of alcohol across successive phases of the experiment where footshock was administered or discontinued showed no direct effect of the footshock experiences on alcohol consumption. Food and water intake, body weight, and running-wheel activity were measured also, and direct effects of footshock on these measures were observed. Alcohol consumption was related to variables that reflected changes in caloric requirement. The possibility war discussed that footshocks and coping stresses affected a general food consumption or metabolic factor and any effect of the footshock procedures on alcohol intake was related to these factors primarily and to footshock only indirectly.
Gastric emptying of liquids in the fasted dog

Abstract Gastric emptying of different volumes of water was studied in the fasted dog. Volumes of water ranging from 25 ml to 500 ml at 20 ° C were administered during phase I of the fasted state by natural swallowing. Effluent was collected from a permanent Thomas cannula located in the duodenum about 15 cm from the gastroduodenal junction. The presence of phase I was ascertained by observing the discharge from the cannula prior to administration of water. Mucus and bile discharge was taken as phase II activity, and 20 min after cessation of any discharge motility was assumed to be phase I. Distinctly different patterns of fluid discharge were observed for volumes smaller than and larger than 100 ml. For small volumes a lag phase was observed before the discharge of stomach contents, with most of the discharge occurring at the onset of and during phase II. Large volume discharge on the other hand followed characteristic first-order kinetics, a finding consistent with many studies already reported in the literature. The results indicate that the stomach emptying pattern of water depends on the administered volume. While small volumes follow the existing motility pattern in the stomach, large volumes convert the stomach activity to a continuous ‘fed like’ state and result in a continuous discharge of liquid until most of the liquid is discharged and the fasted state is subsequently restored. The change of time required for discharge of half of the administered volume from 40 min to 10 min for small to large volumes suggests that this transition in the discharge patterns occurs between 100 and 150 ml for water in the fasted dog. Additional findings of this study are the pH changes associated with the different volumes of water. The pH of duodenal discharge was between 7 and 8 for small volumes and decreased progressively as the volumes were increased, being as low as 1.5 when 500 ml water was administered, indicating that large volumes apparently induce acid secretion in the stomach.
Divergent paths to commercial science: A comparison of scientists’ founding and advising activities

Abstract This paper investigates the difference in the profiles of university scientists who have founded or advised companies. We analyzed the commercial activities of a sample of 6138 university life scientists and found that the profiles of scientists who become academic entrepreneurs are different from those who become companies’ scientific advisors. Founding activity occurs earlier during a scientist's career than advising. Factors such as gender, research productivity, social networks and employer characteristics also differ in their effects on the propensity for founding and advising. In addition, regression analysis shows that being a company's scientific advisor decreases the probability of becoming an academic founder. Overall, evidence from our analysis suggests that founding and advising are two divergent paths for commercially oriented university scientists.
Calculation of low-energy-electron-diffraction intensities from ZnO (101̄0). II. Influence of calculational procedure, model potential, and second-layer structural distortions

Dynamical calculations of the intensities of normally-incident low-energy electrons diffracted from $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$, performed using an "exact" matrix-inversion method, are compared both with earlier calculations based on the renormalized-forward-scattering (RFS) method and with measured intensities. The sensitivity of the calculated intensities to the choice of model potential and the magnitude of thermal atomic vibrations is displayed within the context of examining the implications of uncertainties in nonstructural model parameters on surface-structure determinations via elastic low-energy-electron diffraction (ELEED) intensity analyses. We extend our earlier analysis of the surface structure of $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ by utilizing the matrix inversion rather than RFS method, a recently revised bulk geometry for ZnO, an improved model potential, and a consideration of second-as well as top-layer structural distortions. The combination of these four improvements lead to the selection of the most probable surface structure for $\mathrm{ZnO}(10\overline{1}0)$ as one in which the top-layer oxygen is displaced vertically downward by $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(\mathrm{O})=\ensuremath{-}0.05\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ \AA{} and the top-layer zinc likewise by $\ensuremath{\Delta}{d}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}(\mathrm{Zn})=\ensuremath{-}0.45\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1$ \AA{}. No compelling evidence either for lateral distortions within the top layer or for second-layer distortions is obtained, although small improvements in the agreement between the calculated and observed intensities can be achieved by considering them. Our major conclusion is that given the limitations in the available ELEED intensity data and the uncertainties in the model potential and surface atomic vibrations, the vertical distortion cited above constitute the maximum structural information that can be extracted unambiguously via ELEED intensity analysis at the present time.
Size of Urogenital Hiatus as a Potential Risk Factor for Emptying Disorders After Pelvic Prolapse Repair

Purpose: We correlated urogenital hiatus size and levator ani contraction strength with early postoperative emptying disorders. We also determined whether postoperative emptying disorders could be predicted before anti-incontinence procedures and pelvic organ prolapse repair.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 225 consecutive patients after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. Urogenital hiatus size was evaluated using pelvic organ prolapse quantification. Levator contraction strength was determined by the Oxford 0 to 5 classification scale. Emptying disorders were defined as post-void residual urine volume greater than 100 ml 48 hours postoperatively and/or discharge home with a Foley catheter or on intermittent self-catheterization.Results: Median patient age, post-void residual urine volume and urogenital hiatus size were significantly related to levator contraction strength (each p <0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a ...
The American Professoriate and the Movement Toward Unionization.

This paper examines the movement away from professionalization and toward unionization by the American professoriate. A content analysis of the bi-annual addresses of the thrity-two past presidents of the American Association of University Professors demonstrates that the approach taken by this organization which has been central in representing the professional interests of the professoriate has been inadequate. The fact that academics are not independent professionals but carry out their research and pedagogical functions in bureaucratic structures makes their quest for autonomy particularly problematic. The traditional stance taken by the leadership of the American Association of University Professors seems to ignore the obstacles, e.g. the distribution of power in organizations, in the path of attaining full professional status. Consequently, the professoriate has not only fallen considerably short of its aspirations and is beset with a number of problems, e.g. continual violations of academic freedom, but increasing numbers have begun looking to labor unions to further their quest for professional status.
Identifying trends and descriptors for selective CO2 conversion to CO over transition metal carbides

Catalytic reduction of CO2 requires active, selective and low-cost catalysts. Results of this study show that transition metal carbides are a class of promising catalysts and their activity is correlated with oxygen binding energy and reducibility as shown by DFT calculations and in situ measurements.
Emerging mAbs for the treatment of esophagogastric cancer.

Introduction: Owing to the poor prognosis for patients with esophagogastric cancers, increasing attention has focused on targeted agents.Areas covered: Targets include EGFR, VEGF, Her2 and MET. We briefly discuss preclinical data and the rationale for targeting these pathways and summarize the results of clinical trials of mAbs against these targets.Expert opinion: Trastuzumab, an anti-Her2 antibody, was approved by the US FDA in 2010 as first-line therapy in combination with chemotherapy for Her2-positive disease. More recently, two Phase III second-line trials of ramucirumab, an anti-VEGF receptor 2 antibody, as monotherapy or combined with chemotherapy showed improved survival. A prior Phase III evaluation of bevacizumab, an anti-VEGF antibody, with first-line chemotherapy was negative. While anti-EGFR therapy has been extensively investigated, completed Phase III trials suggest that this is not a promising target. Finally, MET inhibition appears to have significant clinical potential, and Phase III te...
ERP and behavioral changes during the wake/sleep transition

Event-related potentials (ERPs) following infrequent and frequent stimuli were studied as subjects moved from wakefulness to sleep. Subjects were instructed to respond to the infrequent "target" stimuli (attend condition) or to ignore the stimuli (ignore condition). Parietal P300, prominent following target ERPs in wakefulness under the attend condition, disappeared in association with reduced behavioral responsiveness and emergence of a central negativity (N350). The N350 and preceding and following positivities (P220 and P450) became the dominant feature of both target and nontarget ERPs under both attend and ignore conditions. The P220-N350-P450 complex was larger and peak latencies were shorter under the attend condition. Peak amplitudes tended to be larger following targets, especially under the attend condition. The findings suggest that, although the processes underlying P300 are less likely to be engaged, processing of stimulus deviance and task relevance continues in sleepiness and sleep, and is reflected by variance in N350 and related activity.
Joseph B. Wolfe Memorial lecture. Physical activity in prevention and treatment of coronary disease: the battle line is in exercise vascular cell biology.

Joseph Wolffe was a pioneer in several areas during the early years of the American College of Sports Medicine. One of his areas of interest was the hypothesis that physical activity, throughout life, affords protection against degenerative diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases and arthritis (57). Recent reports confirm that Dr. Wolffe and colleagues were on the right track as reflected in the results presented in Figure 1. The relative risk of death examined in relation to categories of exercise capacity or fitness reveal that the most fit individuals have the lowest risk (1) (33). All-cause mortality is greater in unfit subjects whereas being highly fit is associated with substantially lower mortality (Fig. 1). There are a number of studies that have found that the incidence of coronary artery disease is inversely related to the level of fitness and/or activity of the individual (1). In 1995, the National Institutes of Health held a conference on physical activity and cardiovascular health which reported, among a number of conclusions, that physical activity decreases known risk factors and has other beneficial effects that impede the development of atherosclerosis and are beneficial in treatment of coronary disease (36). As shown in Figure 2, Myers et al. (34) reported that highly fit individuals or individuals with a high aerobic capacity consistently had about half the risk of disease, even when considering the major known risks of cardiovascular disease including: hypertension, COPD, diabetes, smoking, BMI, and total cholesterol. These results indicate that an individual’s level of fitness is a more important predictor of death than established risk factors such as high blood pressure, COPD, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol. Stated another way, these results indicate that physical activity produces beneficial effects that are independent of the effects of physical activity on established risk factors (34). The research in our laboratory is driven by a quest to determine the mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects of exercise that are not mediated by effects on known risk factors. Establishing these mechanisms is important because knowledge of the mechanisms whereby physical activity has these beneficial effects is important for progress in scientifically designing exercise prescriptions for individuals suffering from a spectrum of diseases. The central thesis of this paper is that the mechanisms responsible for these beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular health will be found through application of understanding of the effects of physical activity on vascular cells, i.e., the battle line for physical activity in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease is in exercise vascular cell biology. Before outlining the rationale for the proposal that the battle line is exercise vascular cell biology, we focus on what we know about mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects of exercise on vascular cells and how this may
High-pressure Densification of Glass and the Effects of Shear

WHEN certain oxide glasses are temporarily compressed at high pressures, a large ‘permanent’ increase of density may occur when the pressure is released. For example, Bridgman and Simon1 reported that the density of vitreous silica was increased 7 per cent after room temperature compression at 200 kilobars; below an apparent threshold pressure of about 100 kilobars, however, no densification was possible at room temperature. Roy and Cohen2 afterwards reported that a density increase of 7 per cent was achieved at only 55 kilobars, and that from 20 to 160 kilobars densification of silica glass at room temperature was a linear function of pressure. Despite the unexplained large disparity between these results, it was proposed2 that silica glass be used as a pressure calibrant for the range 10–200 kilobars. More recently, Christiansen, Kistler and Gogarty3 furnished yet another different set of results. These and some results of the present work at room temperature are shown in Fig. 1. The results of Roy and Cohen which were presented as changes of refractive index have been converted to changes of density from a calibration obtained by us. The results of curves A, B, and C were all obtained on the opposed-anvil apparatus. Whereas Roy and Cohen used powdered glass, the samples of the other workers were in the form of thin glass disks. The results reported here were obtained on solid cylinders about 2 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height with a pyro-phyllite-alumina cell in a ‘belt’ apparatus4.
Industrial risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in the United States, and its incidence rates have sharply increased recently, especially in males. Industrial exposures, both occupational and environmental, are important colorectal cancer risk factors that are generally unrecognized by clinicians. Migration studies have documented that colorectal cancer is strongly associated with environmental risk factors. The causal role of occupational exposures is evidenced by a substantial literature associating specific work practices with increased colorectal cancer risks. Industrially related environmental exposures, including polluted drinking water and ionizing radiation, have also been associated with excess risks. Currently, there is a tendency to attribute colorectal cancer, largely or exclusively, to dietary and other lifestyle factors, thus neglecting these industrially related effects. Concerted efforts are needed to recognize the causal role of industrial risk factors and to encourage government and industry to reduce carcinogenic exposures. Furthermore, cost-effective screening programs for high-risk population groups are critically needed to further reduce deaths from colorectal cancer. 143 references.
Ion microprobe investigation of plagioclase and orthopyroxene from lunar Mg-suite norites: Implications for calculating parental melt REE concentrations and for assessing postcrystallization REE redistribution

The lunar Mg-suite, which includes dunites, troctolites, and norites, makes up to 20–30% of the Moon's crust down to a depth of ∼ 60 km. The remainder is largely anorthosite. This report focuses on norites (which consist mostly of orthopyroxene and plagioclase) because we have found that both phases are effective recorders of their parental melt compositions. In an earlier report, we analyzed orthopyroxene from twelve samples (three from Apollo 14, two from A-15, and seven from A-17) by SIMS for eight REE (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Dy, Er, Yb). Inversion of these data to estimated melt compositions yielded extremely high REE concentrations similar to KREEP. In this study, we report SIMS REE data for plagioclase from these same twelve samples. The major objective of this study is to estimate parental REE concentrations from both orthopyroxene and plagioclase data to see if both data inversions produce concordant melt compositions and thus better constrain the composition of melts parental to Mg-suite norites. The estimated REE concentrations from both phases show some evidence of slight postcrystallization REE redistribution. Comparison of the observed ratio of REE for pyroxene/ plagioclase to the ratio of the Ds for pyroxene/plagioclase is consistent with REE redistribution which involves LREE diffusing from pyroxene into plagioclase and HREE diffusing from plagioclase into pyroxene. However, apparently these postcrystallization exchanges have not seriously affected our ability to estimate melt REE concentrations. The estimated melt REE concentrations using both plagioclase and orthopyroxene, are similar to high-K KREEP especially for melts parental to A-15 norites. This study provides support for mineral trace element inversion estimates for parental melts. Even though these lunar crustal lithologies experienced high temperature annealing, apparently the cores of plagioclase and pyroxene continue to carry a record of their igneous crystallization history.
Fragile X Syndrome: Loss of Local mRNA Regulation Alters Synaptic Development and Function

Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of cognitive deficiency in humans and perhaps the best-understood single cause of autism. A trinucleotide repeat expansion, inactivating the X-linked FMR1 gene, leads to the absence of the fragile X mental retardation protein. FMRP is a selective RNA-binding protein that regulates the local translation of a subset of mRNAs at synapses in response to activation of Gp1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) and possibly other receptors. In the absence of FMRP, excess and dysregulated mRNA translation leads to altered synaptic function and loss of protein synthesis-dependent plasticity. Recent evidence indicates the role of FMRP in regulated mRNA transport in dendrites. New studies also suggest a possible local function of FMRP in axons that may be important for guidance, synaptic development, and formation of neural circuits. The understanding of FMRP function at synapses has led to rationale therapeutic approaches.
The Finnish follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene mutation is rare in North American women with 46,XX ovarian failure

Abstract Objective: To determine whether the FSH receptor gene missense mutation in Finnish women with premature ovarian failure (POF) is present in North American women with POF. Design: Analysis of DNA from patients and controls. Patient(s): Thirty-five women with POF and ten normal controls. Intervention(s): Extraction of DNA with subsequent digestion by the enzyme BsmI , polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ethidium bromide staining, and photography. Main Outcome Measure(s): After restriction enzyme digestion, the frequencies of the normal allele (two fragments of 51 and 27 base pairs) and the mutant allele (a single 78-base pair fragment) were determined. Result(s): Bsm1 digestion was noted for all 35 affected individuals and 10 controls, thus demonstrating homozygosity for the normal FSH receptor allele. No patient or control was heterozygous or homozygous for the mutant allele. Conclusion(s): The missense mutation in the human FSH receptor gene in Finnish women with POF is uncommon in North American women with POF. The molecular basis of ovarian failure for most patients remains unknown.
The prognostic value and clinical utility of estrogen and progesterone receptors in endometrial carcinoma

In the United States, endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy, and accounts for 4,900 deaths per year in the United States. While this disease has relatively good cure rates, there is motivation to describe other determinants, which may help in the treatment of this disease. Attempts have been made to correlate hormone receptor status with disease-free intervals and survival in patients with endometrial carcinoma. The weight of evidence seems to support that of the two hormone receptors, progesterone is the more significant predictor of patient outcome. If hormone receptors are to be used in the management of endometrial carcinoma, they should be determined by immunohistochemistry. In the adjuvant setting, patients with progesterone positive tumors are more amenable to treatment with progestational agents than are patients with receptor negative tumors. Future areas of research include the use of tamoxifen and selective estrogen receptor modulators in the chemoprevention and treatment of endometrial carcinoma.
ProSAAS processing in mouse brain and pituitary.

ProSAAS is a newly discovered protein with a neuroendocrine distribution generally similar to that of prohormone convertase 1 (PC1), a peptide-processing endopeptidase. Several proSAAS-derived peptides were previously identified in the brain and pituitary of the Cpe fat /Cpe fatmouse based on the accumulation of C-terminally extended peptides due to the absence of enzymatically active carboxypeptidase E, a peptide-processing exopeptidase. In the present study, antisera against different regions of proSAAS were used to develop radioimmunoassays and examine the processing profile of proSAAS in wild type andCpe fat /Cpe fat mouse tissues following gel filtration and reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography. In wild type mouse brain and pituitary, the majority of proSAAS is processed into smaller peptides. These proSAAS-derived peptides elute from the reverse-phase column in the same positions as synthetic peptides that correspond to little SAAS, PEN, and big LEN. Mass spectrometry revealed the presence of peptides with the expected molecular masses of little SAAS and big LEN in the fractions containing immunoreactive peptides. The processing of proSAAS is slightly impaired in Cpe fat /Cpe fat mice, relative to wild-type mice, leading to the accumulation of partially processed peptides. One of these peptides, the C-terminally extended form of PEN, is known to inhibit PC1 activity and this could account for the reduction in enzymatically active PC1 seen inCpe fat /Cpe fat mice. The observation that little SAAS and big LEN are the major forms of these peptides produced in mouse brain and pituitary raises the possibility that these peptides function as neurotransmitters or hormones.
Chromatographic Analysis of 18:1 Isomers in Blended Feed-Grade Fats Used in Poultry Diets

The presence of trans and cis 18:1 isomers was determined in samples of commercially available blended feed-grade fats (BFF) used in poultry diets. Total lipids (TL) were extracted with chloroform:methanol (2:1, v/v); triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acids (FFA) were separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The trans and cis isomers of 18:1 in TL, TG, and FFA were separated by argentation TLC and quantified by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The trans isomers of 18:2 were directly separated by GLC. The BFF contained many trans and cis 18:1 isomers. Total trans 18:1 ranged from 0 to 11.7% in the BFF sources and up to 31.3% of the total 18:1 isomers. The trans isomers of 18:2 were found in lesser amounts (.1 to .7%). Levels of essential fatty acids linoleate and linolenate ranged from 11.5 to 50.3 and .7 to 2.8%, respectively. Ratios of saturated:unsaturated fatty acids ranged from .17 to .68. These data indicate that trans and cis isomers of 18:1 are present in varying amounts in BFF.
The Role of Specific Amino Acid Residues in the Active Site of Escherichia Coli DNA Polymerase I on Translesion DNA Synthesis Across From and Past an N-2-aminofluorene Adduct

Understanding how carcinogenic DNA adducts compromise accurate DNA replication is an important goal in cancer research. A central part of these studies is to determine the molecular mechanism that allows a DNA polymerase to incorporate a nucleotide across from and past a bulky adduct in a DNA template. To address the importance of polymerase architecture on replication across from this type of bulky DNA adduct, three active-site mutants of Escherichia coli DNA polymerase I (Klenow fragment) were used to study DNA synthesis on DNA modified with the carcinogen N-2-aminofluorene (AF). Running-start synthesis studies showed that full-length synthesis past the AF adduct was inhibited for all of the mutants, but that this inhibition was substantially less for the F762A mutant. Single nucleotide extension and steady-state kinetic experiments showed that the Y766S mutant displayed higher rates of insertion of each incorrect nucleotide relative to WT across from the dG-AF adduct. This effect was not observed for F762A or E710A mutants. Similar experiments that measured synthesis one nucleotide past the dG-AF adduct revealed an enhanced preference by the F762A mutant for dG opposite the T at this position. Finally, synthesis at the +1 and +2 positions was inhibited to a greater extent for the Y766S and E710A mutants compared with both the WT and F762A mutants. Taken together, this work is consistent with the model that polymerase geometry plays a crucial role in both the insertion and extension steps during replication across from bulky DNA lesions.
Technological change, trade and the environment

Abstract Trade policies and environmental policies have evolved largely independently, and until recently their interactions attracted little attention. There is much discussion of the institutional arrangements and economic instruments needed to embody environmental concerns in trade policy, but relatively little discussion of the role of technology. This paper describes the long-term, environmentally-motivated technological change involved in shifting from an “end-of-pipe” approach for capturing pollutants after they are generated to a focus on the prevention of environmental degradation. The new engineering field of Industrial Ecology promotes design and manufacturing practices that are based on an examination of the full life-cycle of a product in order to improve environmental performance. Industrial Ecology is spreading quickly in the industrialized countries, but its repercussions are transmitted widely through international trade. Plastics provide a good example of both the opportunities and the difficulties surrounding environmental protection, technological change, and trade. Concerns over solid waste in the rich countries may result in new market opportunities for biomass-based polymers, but the success of these products depends upon a complex set of factors, including very different alternative ways individual countries may choose to deal with solid waste. The implications for the developing countries are examined for the case of plastics, and more generally.
Characterization of a CID-38 charge injection device

Charge coupled devices have been the dominant solid state detector array in the visible due to their relatively simple design and easy implementation. With recent advances in lithographic techniques, arrays having smaller photosite dimensions and an increased number of pixels have become available. Further advances in large format CCDs have been limited by charge transfer efficiency (CTE) of photoelectrons to the readout amplifier. The increased number of pixel transfers in large arrays can degrade image quality and MTF unless even higher CTEs are achieved. Multiplexer designs that remove the need for thousands of charge transfers can bypass these CTE limitations. One such focal plane architecture is the CID or charge injection device. This paper presents results obtained with one particular CID based system. The array is housed in a dewar capable of liquid nitrogen operation. The output signal from the array is amplified with a nearby low noise preamplifier before digitization. Results on injection efficiency, readout noise, and other pertinent CID parameters, are presented obtained from this device preamplifier as well as specific experiments.
In vivo study of a high-porosity polytetrafluoroethylene graft: endothelialization, fluid leakage, and the effect of fibrin glue sealing.

Standard polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts (30-μm internodal distance, ID) (ST grafts), high-porosity PTFE grafts (90 μm ID) (HP grafts), high-porosity PTFE grafts preclotted with autogenous blood (BHP grafts), and high-porosity PTFE grafts presealed with fibrin glue (FHP grafts) were implanted in both common carotid and femoral arteries of 18 dogs. Of the three high-porosity groups, the FHP graft showed the shortest bleeding time. Seromas and/or hematomas occurred as follows: ST grafts 1, HP grafts 7 (P <. 05 vs ST), BHP grafts 5 and 2 with FHP grafts. Fibrin glue was observed in all histological sections of 1-week samples, but by 4 weeks it was almost totally absorbed. No endothelialization (ET) was measurable at 2 weeks. By 4 weeks ET extended for a short distance from each anastomosis and there were no significant differences between the four graft groups. At 18 weeks, the HP, BHP, and FHP grafts showed a significant increase in ET compared with the ST graft (P <. 01) but there were no significant...
Is redo percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV) indicated in patients with post-PMV mitral restenosis?

Abstract OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the immediate and long-term outcome of repeat percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMV) for post-PMV mitral restenosis. BACKGROUND Symptomatic mitral restenosis develop in 7% to 21% of patients after PMV. Currently, most of these patients are referred for mitral valve replacement. However, it is unknown if these patients may benefit from repeat PMV. METHODS We report the immediate outcome and long-term clinical follow-up results of 36 patients (mean age 58 ± 13 years, 75% women) with symptomatic mitral restenosis after prior PMV, who were treated with a repeat PMV at 34.6 ± 28 months after the initial PMV. The mean follow-up period was 30 ± 33 months with a maximal follow-up of 10 years. RESULTS An immediate procedural success was obtained in 75% patients. The overall survival rate was 74%, 72% and 71% at one, two, and three years respectively. The event-free survival rate was 61%, 54% and 47% at one, two, and three years respectively. In the presence of comorbid diseases (cardiac and noncardiac) the two-year event-free survival was reduced to 29% as compared with 86% in patients without comorbid diseases. Cox regression analysis identified the echocardiographic score (p = 0.03), post-PMV mitral valve area (p = 0.003), post-PMV mitral regurgitation grade (p = 0.02) and post-PMV pulmonary artery pressure (p = 0.0001) as independent predictors of event-free survival after repeat PMV. CONCLUSIONS Repeat PMV for post-PMV mitral restenosis results in good immediate and long-term outcome in patients with low echocardiographic scores and absence of comorbid diseases. Although the results are less favorable in patients with suboptimal characteristics, repeat PMV has a palliative role if the patients are not surgical candidates.
CASE 7—2014 Rescue Therapy With Early Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Primary Graft Dysfunction After Bilateral Lung Transplantation

Lung transplantation (LTX) is an established therapy for end-stage pulmonary disease worldwide.1 Although primary graft dysfunction (PGD) is a type of acute lung injury that typically develops in the first 72 hours after LTX, it remains clinically important because it independently predicts for adverse outcomes in LTX both in the short- and long-term.2–3 Consequently, the perioperative management of PGD is critical to optimize clinical outcomes and may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to clinical recovery.4–5 We present a case of severe PGD after bilateral LTX that was managed successfully with early ECMO. The case discussion has been presented in a multidisciplinary fashion to encompass perspectives from the entire perioperative management team for LTX.
NDM-1 and the Role of Travel in Its Dissemination

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem globally. The appearance and spread of bacteria that are resistant to most or all commonly available antibiotics has raised the specter of untreatable bacterial infections. The New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) has received wide attention because of the extreme resistance it confers, its presence in many common pathogens, its rapid spread to multiple continents, and local nosocomial spread in some areas. Most early reports of infections were in individuals who had received medical care in the Indian subcontinent. This paper will explore the role of travelers in the movement of pathogens and microbial genetic material associated with resistance, with a special focus on the appearance and dispersal of bacteria carrying this mobile genetic element, bla (NDM-1), and the contributing factors, including growing long-distance travel and expansion of travel across international borders for medical, dental, and surgical care (medical tourism).
Double trouble: homozygous dominant mutations and hair loss in pachyonychia congenita

In this issue, Wilson et al. report the first case of homozygous dominant negative mutations in KRT17 in pachyonychia congenita (PC). Homozygous dominant negative mutations are a rare occurrence in keratin disorders and this is a first report in PC. These mutations cause a distinct sub-phenotype of PC that is more severe in the offspring of affected parents and has associated alopecia.
Model for BGA and CSP reliability in automotive underhood applications

Fine-pitch ball grid array (BGA) and underfills have been used in benign office environments and wireless applications for a number of years, however their reliability in automotive underhood environment is not well understood. In this work, the reliability of fine-pitch plastic ball grid array (PBGA) packages has been evaluated in the automotive underhood environment. Experimental studies indicate that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) as measured by thermomechanical analyzer (TMA) typically starts to change at 10-15/spl deg/C lower temperature than the T/sub g/ specified by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) potentially extending the change in CTE well into the accelerated test envelope in the neighborhood of 125/spl deg/C. High T/sub g/ substrates with glass-transition temperatures much higher than the 125/spl deg/C high temperature limit, are therefore not subject to the effect of high coefficient of thermal expansion close to the high temperature of the accelerated test. Darveaux's damage relationships were derived on ceramic ball grid array (CBGA) assemblies, with predominantly solder mask defined (SMD) pads and 62Sn36Pb2Ag solder. In addition to significant differences in the crack propagation paths for the two pad constructions, SMD pads fail significantly faster than the non solder mask defined (NSMD) pads in thermal fatigue. The thermal mismatch on CBGAs is much larger than PBGA assemblies. Crack propagation in CBGAs is often observed predominantly on the package side as opposed to both package and board side for PBGAs. In the present study, crack propagation data has been acquired on assemblies with 15, 17, and 23mm size plastic BGAs with NSMD pads and 63Sn37Pb on high-T/sub g/ printed circuit boards. The data has been benchmarked against Darveaux's data on CBGA assemblies. Experimental matrix also encompasses the effect of bis-maleimide triazine (BT) substrate thickness on reliability. Damage constants have been developed and compared against existing Darveaux Constants. Prediction error has been quantified for both sets of constants.
Influence of the dissolution rate on the collapse and shedding behavior of monostearin/monopalmitin-rich coated microbubbles.

A low cost food grade emulsifier (a mixture of monoglycerides, diglycerides, and sodium stearoyl lactylate) in combination with polyethylene glycol-40 stearate (PEG-40S) was used as an alternative to pure saturated phospholipids to form the thin shell of a microbubble. To investigate the stability of these microbubbles in a water system over time, their dissolution behavior was studied at various degas factors and at two percentages of PEG-40S. It was found that the favored shell collapse/shedding mechanism switched, as the dissolution rate increased (degas factor decreased), from folding with a smooth surface contour to buckling accompanied by surface folding/expulsion with a cyclic buckled−smooth surface contour. The compositional change that we made played a more minor role, mainly controlling the resistance to mass transfer of the microbubble shell and again modifying the mechanism-determinant dissolution rate. The shell resistance behavior for these microbubbles varied from that of previous lipid/PEG...
Laboratory studies of helium ion loss processes of interest in the ionosphere

Abstract Preliminary measurements of reaction rates for loss of thermal helium ions in reaction with molecular oxygen and nitrogen establish rather conclusively that the helium ions in the ionosphere will be lost in reaction with molecular nitrogen rather than molecular oxygen in contrast to previous assumptions based on theoretical considerations. The rate of thermal He+ loss in reaction with N2 is measured to be 1·2 ± 0·3 times the rate for reaction with O2. This conclusion is of considerable significance to atmospheric physics because the oxygen loss process contained the possibility of leading to terrestrial helium escape and therefore the possibility of a steady state helium atmosphere. The nitrogen loss process does not have this possibility so that no satisfactory mechanism has yet been proposed which will allow a steady state helium atmosphere. The interpretation of recent atmospheric helium ion profiles obtained by rocket borne mass spectrometers appear to be inconsistent with the laboratory loss rate constants and current atmospheric theory.
rePLay: A hardware framework for dynamic optimization

In this paper, we propose a new processor framework that supports dynamic optimization. The rePLay Framework embeds an optimization engine atop a high-performance execution engine. The heart of the rePLay Framework is the concept of a frame. Frames are large, single-entry, single-exit optimization regions spanning many basic blocks in the program's dynamic instruction stream, yet containing only a single flow of control. This atomic property of frames increases the flexibility in applying optimizations. To support frames, rePLay includes a hardware-based recovery mechanism that rolls back the architectural state to the beginning of a frame if, for example, an early exit condition is detected. This mechanism permits the optimizer to make speculative, aggressive optimizations upon frames. In this paper, we investigate some of the underlying phenomenon that support rePLay. Primarily, we evaluate rePLay's region formation strategy. A rePLay configuration with a 256-entry frame cache, using 74 KB frame constructor and frame sequencer, achieves an average frame size of 88 Alpha AXP instructions with 68 percent coverage of the dynamic istream, an average frame completion rate of 92.81 percent, and a frame predictor accuracy of 81.26 percent. These results soundly demonstrate that the frames upon which the optimizations are performed are large and stable. Using the most frequently initiated frames from rePLay executions as samples, we also highlight possible strategies for the rePLay optimization engine. Coupled with the high coverage of frames achieved through the dynamic frame construction, the success of these optimizations demonstrates the significance of the rePLay Framework. We believe that the concept of frames, along with the mechanisms and strategies outlined in this paper, will play an important role in future processor architecture.
DNA cleavage within the MLL breakpoint cluster region is a specific event which occurs as part of higher-order chromatin fragmentation during the initial stages of apoptosis.

A distinct population of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) is strongly associated with prior administration of topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors. These t-AMLs display distinct cytogenetic alterations, most often disrupting the MLL gene on chromosome 11q23 within a breakpoint cluster region (bcr) of 8.3 kb. We recently identified a unique site within the MLL bcr that is highly susceptible to DNA double-strand cleavage by classic topo II inhibitors (e.g., etoposide and doxorubicin). Here, we report that site-specific cleavage within the MLL bcr can be induced by either catalytic topo II inhibitors, genotoxic chemotherapeutic agents which do not target topo II, or nongenotoxic stimuli of apoptotic cell death, suggesting that this site-specific cleavage is part of a generalized cellular response to an apoptotic stimulus. We also show that site-specific cleavage within the MLL bcr can be linked to the higher-order chromatin fragmentation that occurs during the initial stages of apoptosis, possibly through cleavage of DNA loops at their anchorage sites to the nuclear matrix. In addition, we show that site-specific cleavage is conserved between species, as specific DNA cleavage can also be demonstrated within the murine MLL locus. Lastly, site-specific cleavage during apoptosis can also be identified at the AML1 locus, a locus which is also frequently involved in chromosomal rearrangements present in t-AML patients. In conclusion, these results suggest the potential involvement of higher-order chromatin fragmentation which occurs as a part of a generalized apoptotic response in a mechanism leading to chromosomal translocation of the MLL and AML1 genes and subsequent t-AML.
Proximity to point sources of environmental mercury release as a predictor of autism prevalence

The objective of this study was to determine if proximity to sources of mercury pollution in 1998 were related to autism prevalence in 2002. Autism count data from the Texas Educational Agency and environmental mercury release data from the Environmental Protection Agency were used. We found that for every 1000 pounds of industrial release, there was a corresponding 2.6% increase in autism rates (p<.05) and a 3.7% increase associated with power plant emissions(P<.05). Distances to these sources were independent predictors after adjustment for relevant covariates. For every 10 miles from industrial or power plant sources, there was an associated decreased autism Incident Risk of 2.0% and 1.4%, respectively (p<.05). While design limitations preclude interpretation of individual risk, further investigations of environmental risks to child development issues are warranted.