cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cloning and Sequencing of Glycogen Metabolism Genes from Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1. Expression and Characterization of Recombinant ADP-Glucose Pyrophosphorylase☆

A 6-kb DNA fragment of the Rhodobacter sphaeroides 2.4.1 glg operon was cloned from a genomic library using a polymerase chain reaction probe coding for part of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (glgC) gene. The DNA fragment was sequenced and found to harbor complete open reading frames for the glgC and glgA (glycogen synthase) genes and partial sequences corresponding to glgP (glycogen phosphorylase) and glgX (glucan hydrolase/transferase) genes. The genomic fragment also contained an apparent truncated sequence corresponding to the C-terminus of the glgB gene (branching enzyme). The presence of active branching enzyme activity in crude sonicates of Rb. sphaeroides cells indicates that the genome contains a full-length glgB at another location. The structure of this operon in relation to other glg operons is further discussed. The deduced sequence of the ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase enzyme is compared to other known ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase sequences and discussed in relation to the allosteric regulation of this enzyme family. The glgC gene was subcloned in the vector pSE420 (Invitrogen) for high-level expression in E. coli. The successful overexpression of the recombinant enzyme allowed for the purification of over 35 mg of protein from 10 g of cells, representing a dramatic improvement over enzyme isolation from the native strain. The recombinant enzyme was purified to near homogeneity and found to be physically, immunologically, and kinetically identical to the native enzyme, verifying the fidelity of the cloning step.
Fragmentation-fluorescence spectrometric determination of nonfluorescent compounds

The use of molecular fragmentation for fluorometric detection and quantification of nonfluorescent organic and organometallic compounds is described. The measurements are based on the emissive characteristics of many small molecular fragments (OH, CN, CH, etc.). Fragmentation is induced by 100-eV electrons or 193-nm photons. Limits of detection, linearity, reproducibility, and range of applicability of the measurements are discussed. The merits of laser photolysis and electron impact as techniques for generating fluorescent fragments from nonfluorescent analyte molecules are compared.
Suppression of homocysteine levels by vitamin B12 and folates: age and gender dependency in the Jackson Heart Study.

Abstract Introduction To examine factors potentially contributing to premature cardiovascular disease mortality in African Americans (40% versus 20% all other populations), plasma homocysteine, serum vitamin B12 and folate levels were examined for African American participants in the Jackson Heart Study. Methods Of 5192 African American Jackson Heart Study participants (21–94 years), 5064 (mean age, 55 ± 13 years; 63% female) had homocysteine levels measured via fasting blood samples, with further assessments of participants’ vitamin B12 (n = 1790) and folate (n = 1788) levels. Regression analyses were used to examine age, gender, vitamin B12 and folate with homocysteine levels. Results Homocysteine levels, a purported surrogate risk factor for cardiovascular disease, increased with age, were inversely proportional to folate and vitamin B12 levels ( P Conclusions The results show that, as with other populations, age, gender, vitamin B12 and folate may predict homocysteine levels for African Americans. Diet may be an important predictive factor as well, given the relationships that were observed between plasma homocysteine and serum B vitamin levels.
Exogenous HSP70 becomes cell associated, but not internalized, by stressed arterial smooth muscle cells

Cell death within atherosclerotic plaques leads to necrosis and rupture, resulting in vascular occlusion. We have previously demonstrated that addition of exogenous 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) to arterial smooth muscle cells (aSMCs) in vitro can protect against toxins that may initiate necrosis. To determine whether exogenous HSP70 enters aSMCs or acts from outside cells to preserve viability, cultured rabbit aSMCs were stressed by serum deprivation and treated with fluorescently labeled (7-aminomethyl-4-coumarin-3-acetate) or125I-radiolabeled HSP70. Cell-associated HSP70 was analyzed using Western blotting, fluoresence spectroscopy, and gamma counting/autoradiogarphy. Surface binding of HSP70 to aSMCs was differentiated from uptake by using trypsin treatment to degrade non-internalized HSP70. Specificity of HSP70 binding was tested by inhibiting uptake of125I-HSP70 with excess unlabeled HSP70 or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The effect of unlabeled exogenous HSP70 on endogenous HSP synthesis was also tested. Exogenous HSP70 increased total cell-associated HSP70 2.9- to 3.6-fold over levels present in unstressed aSMCs. However, <5% of the exogenous HSP70 was trypsin-insensitive, indicating that bound HSP70 was not internalized. Binding of125I-HSP70 was inhibited by both unlabeled HSP70 and BSA, implying a non-specific interaction with the plasmalemma. Exogenous HSP70 significantly lowered overall protein synthesis by serum-deprived aSMCs, but it did not specifically inhibit synthesis of endogenous HSPs after heat shock. The results indicate that exogenous HSP70 protects viability of stressed aSMCs through interactions with the cell surface rather than via internalization.
Cholesterol efflux as a critical component of Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis

The risk of Alzheimer's disease and the levels of amyloid deposition are altered by factors associated with high cholesterol levels. When cells have high levels of cholesterol, they induce an efflux system of to maintain a proper cholesterol equilibrium. In the brain, cholesterol is converted to 24S hydroxycholesterol by the enzyme Cyp46. 24S hydroxycholesterol promotes gene transcription through interactions with LXR. We have found that in cells derived from the brain, two proteins important for cholesterol efflux, ABCA1 and apoE, are induced by this system. Furthermore, we have found that pharmacologic induction of LXR also induced secreted Abeta levels, particularly levels of Abeta42. We suggest that the risk of amyloid deposition associated with high cholesterol may be through induction of the LXR system.
Rescattering of photodetached electrons in a Stark field

The problem of photodetachment of a negative ion in a Stark field is treated with the account of rescattering of the electron wave reflected by the potential barrier formed by the electric field. In the case of H{sup {minus}} ions the rescattering effect is noticeable and can be observed for the fields above 1 MV/cm. The upper bound for the observation of the effect is about 4 MV/cm, since above this limit the H{sup {minus}} ions would be completely stripped by the Stark field.
12(R)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid synthesis by 3-methylcholanthrene- and clofibrate-inducible cytochrome P450 in porcine ciliary epithelium.

Summary Porcine ciliary epithelial microsomes synthesized 12[S]-hydroxy-5, 8, 10, 14-eicosatetraenoic acid (12[S]-HETE) from arachidonic acid by a membrane-bound lipoxygenase and 12[R]-isomer by the cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase system. The activity to form 12(R)-isomer was markedly enhanced by 3-methylcholanthrene and clofibrate. Both basal and induced levels of 12(R)-HETE synthesizing activity were considerably higher in nonpigmented epithelial cells than in pigmented cells of the ciliary processes. The induced activity was suppressed by polyclonal antibodies raised against purified cytochrome P450 IA1 and NADPH-P450 reductase but not by substrates for clofibrate-inducible ω/ω-1 hydroxylases (P450 IVA-mediated). These results suggest that 12(R)-HETE synthesis by porcine ciliary microsomes may be mediated by a cytochrome P450 of the IA family.
Concept of scattering matrix applied to periodically repeated distributed systems

In a periodical distributed circuit or system, the scattering matrix of the repetitive link may readily serve to determine the Floquet coefficient and the characteristic impedance of the system. The data of the scattering matrix allow instant determination of the propagative and attenuative frequency (energy) bands.
Community structure of vestimentiferan-generated habitat islands from Gulf of Mexico cold seeps

Abstract Biologically generated structures create habitat and influence the distribution and abundance of species in many marine systems. In the rather monotonous and nutrient-poor environment of the deep-sea, cold seep environments and their associated chemosynthetic communities offer islands of primary production and habitat to a generally sparsely distributed macrofauna. In this study, we investigate the structure of macrofaunal assemblages associated with vestimentiferan aggregations on the upper Louisiana slope of the Gulf of Mexico and the relationships between assemblage composition and the size and complexity of the vestimentiferan-generated habitat. Using custom-designed and custom-built devices, we collected seven whole vestimentiferan aggregations along with their associated fauna during the summers of 1997 and 1998. Sixty-five species were found associated with the four vestimentiferan aggregations collected in 1998, more than doubling the number of species previously reported for seeps in this region. Individual aggregations contained between 23 and 44 different non-vestimentiferan species. General trends of increasing species richness with increasing habitat size and increasing faunal density with increasing habitat complexity were identified, but substantial variability suggested other factors also control the composition of faunal associates. Faunal abundances decreased with increasing aggregation age. Seep endemics dominated the communities of younger aggregations, but non-endemic species dominated communities of older aggregations. Relative dominance of the heterotrophic community by primary consumers decreased, while predatory secondary and higher-order consumers increased with increasing aggregation age. These trends are discussed in terms of successional changes in aggregation structure, habitat heterogeneity and environmental conditions.
Sequence analysis of group B rotavirus gene 1 and definition of a rotavirus-specific sequence motif within the RNA polymerase gene.

Abstract The complete nucleic acid sequence was determined for the largest genomic segment of the IDIR strain of group B rotavirus and compared with RNA polymerase genes of rotavirus groups A and C as well as other RNA viruses. IDIR gene 1 contained 3509 bases with a single, long open reading frame which encoded a deduced polypeptide of 1159 amino acids (MW = 131.6 kDa; p/ 8.851). The deduced amino acid sequence of IDIR gene 1 shared 50% similar sequences and 27.6% identical sequences with VP1 of the RF strain of group A rotavirus, IDIR gene 1 also contained 45.4% similar and 26.5% identical amino acid sequences in comparison with gene 1 of the Cowden strain of group C rotavirus. Amino acids 643-689 of IDIR gene 1 corresponded to the conserved viral RNA polymerase domains, "SG …T…NS . . N" and "GDD." Within these domains, group A, B, and C rotaviruses displayed substantial homologies that were not shared with other RNA viruses. These sequences indicated the presence of highly conserved structural or functional components among groups of rotaviruses which were otherwise quite heterogeneous. The identification of rotavirus-specific residues within RNA polymerase sequence may prove valuable in devising strategies aimed at the control of rotavirus replication and infection.
Conformation of xanthan dissolved in aqueous urea and sodium chloride solutions

Abstract Quasielastic light-scattering and other physical-chemical techniques have been used to compare the conformation and intermolecular interactions of xanthan in water, aqueous sodium chloride, and urea solutions. The results showed that xanthan dissolved in 4 m urea has a disordered conformation after the solution has been maintained for 3 h at 95° and then cooled to room temperature. This conformation is similar to that previously observed only in solutions having low ionic strength at higher temperatures, following disruption of the ordered, low-temperature form. “Anomalous” behavior is seen for xanthan as a function of ionic strength, in that the hydrodynamic radius increases with increase in ionic strength, whereas a decrease is typical for polyelectrolytes. These observations suggest that aggregation of rod-like chains, similar to that seen for other stiff-chain polymers, occurs for xanthan in salt solutions, where the charged groups of the polyelectrolyte are screened by the salt ions. This aggregation may explain some of the high values reported in the literature for the molecular weight.
Prostaglandin H synthase: Implications for membrane structure

The crystal structure of the membrane protein prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS) provides strong evidence for the existence of monotopic membrane proteins: PGHS seems to interact with the membrane via a motif of amphipathic helices positioned parallel to the plane of the membrane. The orientation of this unique membrane binding motif is fixed in space by an epidermal growth factor(EGF)-like module on its amino-terminal end and by the catalytic domain at its carboxy-terminal end. The catalytic domain of PGHS has a high structural homology to other mammalian heme peroxidases.
Substratum-dependent predator-prey dynamics: patch reefs as refuges from gastropod predation

The impact of the gastropod predator Cassis tuberosa (Linnaeus ) on the local distribution of the sea urchin Diadema antiOanml Philippi was investigated. Artificial reefs stocked with Diadema were estab- lished 5 m otTthe fringing reef of St John, US Virgin Islands. Cassis preyed upon 17% of the urchins after 30 days. All predation by Cassis occurred on sand rather than on artificial reefs or a nearby fringing reef. Arenas containing a single Diadema and Cassis were set up with sand, flat rock and piled rock habitats. This resulted in urchin mortality of70, 40 and 10% for the three treatment groups, respectively. The results suggest that Diadema distribution and foraging may be restricted to reef habitats by predation pressure. The risks of mortality from predation may outweigh the costs of remaining in high-density food-timited conditions.
Reinitiating Aspirin Therapy for Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in a Patient Post—Aspirin-Induced Upper Gastrointestinal Bleed: A Case Report and Review of Literature

OBJECTIVE:To describe a case of continued aspirin use for primary prevention of a cardiovascular event in a patient post—aspirin-induced upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed and evaluate published evidence to determine whether reinitiating aspirin therapy for this patient was appropriate.CASE SUMMARY:A 65-year-old man had been taking chronic low-dose (81 mg/day) aspirin therapy since 2002 for primary prevention of a cardiovascular event. He developed an upper GI bleed with lowered hemoglobin (9 mg/dL) and hematocrit (26.3%) after concomitantly taking 2 doses of naproxen (220 mg each). An objective causality assessment with the Naranjo probability scale revealed a probable adverse reaction of an upper GI bleed associated with concomitant naproxen and aspirin use. No further naproxen was taken. Aspirin was discontinued and pantoprazole was started, with resolution of the bleeding. Aspirin was restarted 2.5 months after pantoprazole was initiated, and no further bleeding occurred.DISCUSSION:Upper GI bleeds asso...
Learning to detect partially labeled people

Deployed vision systems often encounter image variations poorly represented in their training data. While observing their environment, such vision systems obtain unlabeled data that could be used to compensate for incomplete training. In order to exploit these relatively cheap and abundant unlabeled data we present a family of algorithms called /spl lambda/MEEM. Using these algorithms, we train an appearance-based people detection model. In contrast to approaches that rely on a large number of manually labeled training points, we use a partially labeled data set to capture appearance variation. One can both avoid the tedium of additional manual labeling and obtain improved detection performance by augmenting a labeled training set with unlabeled data. Further, enlarging the original training set with new unlabeled points enables the update of detection models after deployment without human intervention. To support these claim we show people detection results, and compare our performance to a purely generative expectation maximization-based approach to learning over partially labeled data.
The Child Abusing Family: II. Child and Child-Rearing Variables, Environmental Factors and Typologies of Abusing Families

Abstract A number of family variables associated with child abuse are reviewed. Few studies have examined the abusing family as a unit, so it is necessary to pool bits and pieces of information on individuals or dyads in these families to get a sense of what they are like. Part I of this review (Berger, 1980) covered methodological issues in the child abuse literature and parent-related characteristics of abusing families. Part II, the present paper, reviews child-related characteristics of abusing families, childrearing patterns in these families, the abusing family's relationship to the extra-familial environment, and typologies of abusing families. Finally, the material covered in Parts I and II is summarized and discussed. Suggestions are made for improving the quality of future studies in this area.
Engagement vs. Deceit: Virtual Humans with Human Autobiographies

We discuss the ethical and practical issues involved in developing virtual humans that relate personal, fictitious, human autobiographical stories ("back stories") to their users. We describe a virtual human exercise counselor that interacts with users daily to promote exercise, and the integration of a dynamic social storytelling engine used to maintain user engagement with the agent and retention in the intervention. A longitudinal randomized controlled experiment tested user attitudes towards the agent when it presented the stories in first person (as its own history) compared to third person (as happening to humans that it knew). Participants in the first person condition reported enjoying their interactions with the agent significantly more and completed more conversations with the agent, compared to participants in the third person condition, while ratings of agent dishonesty were not significantly different between the groups.
Churches responses to HIV / AIDS in two South African communities.

Churches have attracted controversy for how they have dealt with AIDS: they have been criticized for moral stigmatism, yet lauded for their charitable works. Our purpose was to examine what churches were doing at the grass-roots level to deal with the impact of AIDS on their communities. This study was conducted in a rural area and an urban area outside of Durban, South Africa, a region with high HIV prevalence rates. We examined 2 indigenous churches (Shembe and Zionist) and one international church (Roman Catholic) in each community. We found that there was a widespread awareness of AIDS among church leaders and community members, and that churches were used as health resources by their members, yet no AIDS programs were run by any of the churches in the study locations. We argue that 4 key characteristics dictated the churches' responses to AIDS: resources, organizational structure, cultural appeal, and discipline. There are distinct advantages to partnering with churches for AIDS programming, yet significant complexities to navigating a meaningful dialogue with them also exist.
Invisible, but how? The depth of unconscious processing as inferred from different suppression techniques

To what level are invisible stimuli processed by the brain in the absence of conscious awareness? Taking stock of the evidence to this day, it is widely accepted that simple visual properties of invisible stimuli are processed; however, the existence of higher-level unconscious processing (e.g., involving semantic or executive functions) remains a matter of debate. After several years of research in the field of unconscious processing, we became aware of a number of methodological aspects which need to be controlled carefully to help resolve discrepant findings in the literature. These aspects relate to: (1) when and how visibility is assessed; (2) when and how unconscious processing is assessed; (3) whether spatiotemporal attention is directed or, at least, measured; (4) whether adequate control conditions are used to rule out alternate explanations; (5) whether the studies are sufficiently powered and account for individual differences. Yet even when these aspects are carefully controlled, there may be, and probably are, some inherent differences in the amount of information let through by the different invisibility-inducing techniques (the “psychophysical magic” arsenal, Kim and Blake, 2005). We launched this Research Topic to foster investigations into these inherent differences (note previous attempts, Breitmeyer et al., 2004; Almeida et al., 2008; Kanai et al., 2010; Faivre et al., 2012).
Flagellar Radial Spoke Protein 2 Is a Calmodulin Binding Protein Required for Motility in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

ABSTRACT Genetic and morphological studies have revealed that the radial spokes regulate ciliary and flagellar bending. Functional and biochemical analysis and the discovery of calmodulin in the radial spokes suggest that the regulatory mechanism involves control of axonemal protein phosphorylation and calcium binding to spoke proteins. To identify potential regulatory proteins in the radial spoke, in-gel kinase assays were performed on isolated axonemes and radial spoke fractions. The results indicated that radial spoke protein 2 (RSP2) can bind ATP and transfer phosphate in vitro. RSP2 was cloned and mapped to the PF24 locus, a gene required for motility. Sequencing revealed that pf24 contains a point mutation converting the first ATG to ATA, resulting in only trace amounts of RSP2 and confirming the RSP2 mapping. Surprisingly, the sequence does not include signature domains for conventional kinases, indicating that RSP2 may not perform as a protein kinase in vivo. However, the predicted RSP2 protein sequence contains Ca2+-dependent calmodulin binding motifs and a GAF domain, a domain found in diverse signaling proteins for binding small ligands including cyclic nucleotides. As predicted from the sequence, recombinant RSP2 binds calmodulin in a calcium-dependent manner. We postulate that RSP2 is a regulatory subunit of the radial spoke involved in localization of calmodulin for control of motility.
Autophagy and Neuronal Cell Death in Neurological Disorders

Autophagy is implicated in the pathogenesis of major neurodegenerative disorders although concepts about how it influences these diseases are still evolving. Once proposed to be mainly an alternative cell death pathway, autophagy is now widely viewed as both a vital homeostatic mechanism in healthy cells and as an important cytoprotective response mobilized in the face of aging- and disease-related metabolic challenges. In Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and other diseases, impairment at different stages of autophagy leads to the buildup of pathogenic proteins and damaged organelles, while defeating autophagy’s crucial prosurvival and antiapoptotic effects on neurons. The differences in the location of defects within the autophagy pathway and their molecular basis influence the pattern and pace of neuronal cell death in the various neurological disorders. Future therapeutic strategies for these disorders will be guided in part by understanding the manifold impact of autophagy disruption on neurodegenerative diseases.
Measurements of burning velocities of dimethyl ether and air premixed flames at elevated pressures

Abstract Laminar burning velocities of dimethyl ether (DME) and air premixed flames at elevated pressures up to 10 atm were measured by using a newly developed pressure-release type spherical bomb. The measurement system was validated using laminar burning velocities of methane–air flames. A comparison with the previous experimental data shows an excellent agreement and demonstrates the accuracy and reliability of the present experimental system. The measured flame speeds of DME–air flames were compared with the previous experimental data and the predictions using the full and reduced mechanisms. At atmospheric pressure, the measured laminar burning velocities of DME–air flames are in reasonable agreement with the previous data from spherical bomb method, but are much lower than both predictions and the experimental data of the PIV based counterflow flame measurements. The laminar burning velocities of DME–air flames at 2, 6, and 10 atm were also measured. It was found that flame speed decreases considerably with the increase of pressure. Moreover, the measured flame speeds are also lower than the predictions at high pressures. In addition, experiments showed that at high pressures the rich DME–air flames are strongly affected by the hydrodynamic and thermal-diffusive instabilities. Markstein lengths and the overall reaction order at different equivalence ratios were extracted from the flame speed data at elevated pressures. Sensitivity analysis showed that reactions involving methyl and formyl radicals play an important role in DME–air flame propagation and suggested that systematic modification of the reactions rates associated with methyl and formyl formations are necessary to reduce the discrepancies between predictions and measurements.
Is Durkheim's understanding of religion compatible with believing?

Does Durkheim's sociology of religion pose a challenge to the faithful? Durkheim said no in debate with contemporary non-believers and believers, portraying religion not as ‘mere illusion’ but as consisting in ‘moral forces’ that command, comfort and strengthen the faithful, forces generated and regenerated within them by the ‘collective effervescence’ of rituals. Thus empowered, the faithful imagine in symbolic form ‘the society of which they are members and the obscure yet intimate relations they have with it.’ Durkheim's answer is shown to have three components: a critique of naturist and animist ‘error theories’ of religion; a method of ‘deep interpretation,’ uncovering the ‘reality’ beneath the symbolism; and an explanation of why the meaning of religion thus interpreted should have been for so long unacknowledged by the faithful. It is argued that, in principle, they can, on certain assumptions, accommodate his sociology of religion. But this, in turn, makes key assumptions and claims that have been...
A negative expiratory pressure test during wakefulness for evaluating the risk of obstructive sleep apnea in patients referred for sleep studies

OBJECTIVE: Obstructive sleep apnea is characterized by increased upper airway collapsibility during sleep. The present study investigated the use of the negative expiratory pressure test as a method to rule out obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: Flow limitation was evaluated in 155 subjects. All subjects underwent a diurnal negative expiratory pressure test and a nocturnal sleep study. The severity of sleep apnea was determined based on the apneahypopnea index. Flow limitation was assessed by computing the exhaled volume at 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 s (V0.2, V0.5, and V1.0, respectively) during the application of a negative expiratory pressure and expressed as a percentage of the previous exhaled volume. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were constructed to identify the optimal threshold volume at 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 s for obstructive sleep apnea detection. RESULTS: Mean expiratory volumes at 0.2 and 0.5 s were statistically higher (p <0.01) in healthy subjects than in all obstructive sleep apneic groups. Increasing disease severity was associated with lower expiratory volumes. The V0.2 (%) predictive parameters for the detection of sleep apnea were sensitivity (81.1%), specificity (93.1%), PPV (98.1%), and NPV (52.9%). Sensitivity and NPV were 96.9% and 93.2%, respectively, for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, and both were 100% for severe obstructive sleep apnea. CONCLUSION: Flow limitation measurement by V 0.2 (%) during wakefulness may be a very reliable method to identify obstructive sleep apnea when the test is positive and could reliably exclude moderate and severe obstructive sleep apnea when the test is negative. The negative expiratory pressure test appears to be a useful screening test for suspected obstructive sleep apnea.
Predicting Successful Global Online Group Projects from Online Discussion

This study aims to analyze 13 collaborative teams in a global web-based student design project in terms of participation activity levels, participation characteristics and the use of the three types of communication: cognitive, emotional, and social. Furthermore, it examines the association between 1) participation and communication characteristics and 2) design outcomes, in order to identify potential key factors that predict successful global online group projects. The analysis results indicate that 1) the teams that have a higher percentage of students with language barriers tend to post longer messages; 2) the teams that use a higher frequency of use of cognitive, social, and emotional words tend to post a higher number of messages; 3) the teams that have potential success factors, such as higher student participation levels, students more evenly distributed participation patterns and a higher proportion of female (or male) students, are not necessarily associated with more successful team outcomes.
Learning ranks with neural networks

Complex pattern recognition problems are not usually solved by a single classifier. Multiple classifiers are used instead. Typically, the classifiers are arranged hierarchically, such that the low level classifier (LLC) produces not only a single decision of its best guess of the class of the input pattern but a list of choices ranked according to their likelihood. The high level classifier (HLC) then chooses from this set of classes using additional information that is not usually available to or well represented in a single LLC, such as knowledge of the context or the model. Training neural networks (NNs) as low level classifiers has been traditionally performed independent of what the HLC may do. The traditional performance measure for evaluating classifiers is the classification counting function which counts the number of correct classifications performed by that classifier. It is of course desired that the LLC produces the correct classification (by ranking the correct class as the top choice). Moreover, it is preferred that the LLC ranks the correct class as the second choice if it is not able to correctly classify it (as the first choice). A new cost function (which accounts for the correctness of class rankings) is presented. When this cost function is optimized, it will achieve this desired ranking performance. The parameters of this new cost function will be linked to statistical parameters of our proposed hierarchical model. Unfortunately, this cost function cannot be used to train neural networks because it is not differentiable. Thus we investigate differentiable approximations that are well suited to training NNs using the backpropagation algorithm. Initial simulation results show that superiority of this new error measure over the traditional mean square error measure both in terms of classification and ranking performance.
Kinesin-2 KIF3AC and KIF3AB Can Drive Long-Range Transport along Microtubules

Mammalian KIF3AC is classified as a heterotrimeric kinesin-2 that is best known for organelle transport in neurons, yet in vitro studies to characterize its single molecule behavior are lacking. The results presented show that a KIF3AC motor that includes the native helix α7 sequence for coiled-coil formation is highly processive with run lengths of ∼1.23 μm and matching those exhibited by conventional kinesin-1. This result was unexpected because KIF3AC exhibits the canonical kinesin-2 neck-linker sequence that has been reported to be responsible for shorter run lengths observed for another heterotrimeric kinesin-2, KIF3AB. However, KIF3AB with its native neck linker and helix α7 is also highly processive with run lengths of ∼1.62 μm and exceeding those of KIF3AC and kinesin-1. Loop L11, a component of the microtubule-motor interface and implicated in activating ADP release upon microtubule collision, is significantly extended in KIF3C as compared with other kinesins. A KIF3AC encoding a truncation in KIF3C loop L11 (KIF3ACΔL11) exhibited longer run lengths at ∼1.55 μm than wild-type KIF3AC and were more similar to KIF3AB run lengths, suggesting that L11 also contributes to tuning motor processivity. The steady-state ATPase results show that shortening L11 does not alter kcat, consistent with the observation that single molecule velocities are not affected by this truncation. However, shortening loop L11 of KIF3C significantly increases the microtubule affinity of KIF3ACΔL11, revealing another structural and mechanistic property that can modulate processivity. The results presented provide new, to our knowledge, insights to understand structure-function relationships governing processivity and a better understanding of the potential of KIF3AC for long-distance transport in neurons.
The effect of the prone maximal restraint position with and without weight force on cardiac output and other hemodynamic measures

Abstract Background The prone maximal restraint (PMR) position has been used by law enforcement and emergency care personnel to restrain acutely combative or agitated individual. The position places the subject prone with wrists handcuffed behind the back and secured to the ankles. Prior work has indicated a reduction in inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter associated with this position when weight force is applied to the back. It is therefore possible that this position can negatively impact hemodynamic stability. Objectives We sought to measure the impact of PMR with and without weight force on measures of cardiac function including vital signs, oxygenation, stroke volume (SV), IVC diameter, cardiac output (CO) and cardiac index (CI). Methods We conducted a randomized prospective cross-over experimental study of 25 healthy male volunteers (22–43 years of age) placed in 5 different body positions: supine (SU), prone (PR), prone maximal restraint with no weight force (PMR-0), prone maximal restraint with 50 lbs added to the subject's back (PMR-50), and prone maximal restraint with 100 lbs added to the subject's back (PMR-100) for 3 min. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and oxygenation saturation (O2 sat) were monitored. In addition, echocardiography was performed to measure left ventricular outflow tract diameter (LVOTD), and SV, CO, and CI were then calculated. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with pair-wise comparisons when appropriate to evaluate changes with each variable with respective positioning. Results Despite a small decrease in SV between SU and PMR positions, there were no statistically significant differences in CO between the 5 different positions. There were also no differences in CI between positions other than a small decrease when comparing SU and PMR-50 only (mean difference −0.39 L/stroke, p = 0.005). There was no evidence of hemodynamic compromise in any of the PMR positions when evaluating HR, MAP or O2 sat. Conclusions PMR with and without weight force did not result in any changes in CO or other evidence of cardiovascular or hemodynamic compromise.
Left Ventricular Assist Device Destination Therapy Versus Extended Criteria Cardiac Transplant

Background End-stage heart failure is a growing problem associated with a high mortality using conventional medical care. Although cardiac transplantation is an excellent treatment option, it is a limited resource and most patients are ineligible for cardiac transplantation using standard listing criteria. Increasingly, newer surgical options for these patients include the usage of marginal donor organs in an extended criteria–alternate list heart transplant program (EC-AL), or left ventricular assist devices as destination therapy (DT-LVAD). The purpose of this study was to compare baseline characteristics and outcomes after EC-AL versus DT-LVAD. Methods From March 2000 to August 2008, 153 consecutive patients who had been turned down for standard heart transplantation underwent either EC-AL or DT-LVAD. The most common reasons for standard heart transplant ineligibility for both groups were advanced age, diabetes mellitus with end-organ dysfunction, and significant renal insufficiency. Patients in the alternate list program received a donor organ that had been turned down by all other centers for standard list recipients. The most common reasons for donor heart refusal were decreased left ventricular function, left ventricle hypertrophy, or coronary artery disease. Outcomes for both groups were retrospectively reviewed after Institutional Review Board permission was obtained. Comparisons were also made between patients that had been matched by propensity score analysis. Results In all, 93 patients underwent EC-AL, and 60 underwent DT-LVAD. Baseline preoperative characteristics of both groups were similar except that 87% of DT-LVAD patients (52 of 60) required preoperative mechanical or inotropic support whereas only 51% of EC-AL patients (47 of 93) required support ( p p = 0.2411 and p = 0.5036). Overall survival at 3 years was better for EC-AL versus DT-LVAD. The DT-LVAD patients had improved survival compared with the Randomized Evaluation of Mechanical Assistance for the Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure (REMATCH) trial DT-LVAD cohort, a historical control. These findings were corroborated in the analysis of propensity-matched patients. Conclusions Preoperatively, the DT-LVAD cohort was more unstable, with greater need for inotropes or mechanical support. Despite this, perioperative and 1-year mortality was similar for the two groups. Three-year survival was better for EC-AL. The DT-LVAD patient survival was better than that of the REMATCH DT-LVAD cohort.
The clinical potential of influencing Nrf2 signaling in degenerative and immunological disorders.

Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2; encoded in humans by the NFE2L2 gene) is a transcription factor that regulates the gene expression of a wide variety of cytoprotec- tive phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes through a promoter sequence known as the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE). The ARE is a promoter element found in many cyto- protective genes; therefore, Nrf2 plays a pivotal role in the ARE-driven cellular defense system against environmental stresses. Agents that target the ARE/Nrf2 pathway have been tested in a wide variety of disorders, with at least one new Nrf2-activating drug now approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Examination of in vitro and in vivo experimental results, and taking into account recent human clinical trial results, has led to an opinion that Nrf2-activating strategies - which can include drugs, foods, dietary supplements, and exercise - are likely best targeted at disease prevention, disease recurrence prevention, or slowing of disease progression in early stage illnesses; they may also be useful as an interventional strategy. However, this rubric may be viewed even more conservatively in the pathophysiology of cancer. The activation of the Nrf2 pathway has been widely accepted as offering chemoprevention benefit, but it may be unhelpful or even harmful in the setting of established cancers. For example, Nrf2 activation might interfere with chemotherapies or radiotherapies or otherwise give tumor cells additional growth and survival advantages, unless they already possess mutations that fully activate their Nrf2 pathway constitutively. With all this in mind, the ARE/Nrf2 pathway remains of great interest as a possible target for the pharmacological control of degenerative and immunological diseases, both by activation and by inhibition, and its regulation remains a promising biological target for the development of new therapies.
Ultrasonic Accelerated Thrombolysis of IVC Thrombosis

Methods: A prospective anonymous online survey was administered to members of the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery (SCVS) and the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSS). Each member evaluated general and procedural specific complications for both arterial and venous interventions. Greater than 75% reporting for a specific complication was deemed the threshold for consensus opinion. Results: Overall response rate was 24.8%. The majority of respondents were attending surgeons (81.5% SCVS vs. 85.2% VSS). Both societies considered senior trainees competent to obtain consent. The majority of patients were consented primarily by the attending (67.6% SCVS vs. 90.6% VSS, p<0.01) on a pre-printed consent form (95.1% SCVS vs. 98.7% VSS). Consent was obtained on the day of surgery in the office (35.4%-SCVS) or the day before surgery in the hospital ward (35.1%-VSS) with the provision of additional written documentation (59.2% SCVS vs. 85.4% VSS, p<0.01). Both societies concurred with documentation of general complications including bleeding, cardiac, cerebrovascular, respiratory, thromboembolic and wound infection as well as more specific complications pertaining to aortic aneurysm, carotid endarterectomy, lower limb bypass, amputation and venous surgeries. Although the VSS reported a significantly higher consent training rate (14.1% SCVS vs. 40.8% VSS, p<0.01), both societies stated this mainly involved ad-hoc informal training. Conclusion: Whilst completion logistics of vascular consent vary, both SCVS and VSS members concur on the majority of complications necessary for inclusion in informed vascular consent.
Peripheral urocortin delays gastric emptying : role of CRF receptor 2

Urocortin, a new mammalian member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family has been proposed to be the endogenous ligand for CRF receptor 2 (CRF-R2). We studied the influence of intraveno...
Surprise: You Filed for Bankruptcy - Now What?

Since the April 2005 passage of the Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA), companies have discovered that bankruptcy has become a quicksand of unexpected surprises that quickly forces companies into liquidation or forced asset sales under section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code. This paper summarizes four big 'surprises' that await companies as a result of passage of BAPCPA.
High-performance dye-sensitized solar cells based on Ag-doped SnS2 counter electrodes

Tin disulfide (SnS2) has been considered as a prospective counter electrode (CE) material for dye-sensitized solar cells due to its good electrocatalytic properties. However, its low electronic and ionic conductivities pose challenges for using it in high-performance dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Herein, doping is utilized to improve the properties of SnS2 for application as a DSSC counter electrode. Ag-doped SnS2 samples with various doping amounts are prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal route. It is found that the DSSC based on a 5% Ag-doped SnS2 CE demonstrates the best performance showing an impressive photovoltaic conversion efficiency (PCE) of 8.70% which exceeds the efficiency of a Pt-based DSSC (7.88%) by 10.41%, while the DSSC consisting of undoped SnS2 only exhibits a PCE of 6.47%. Such an enhanced efficiency of the DSSC is attributed to the effectively improved electrocatalytic activity and mixed conductivity resulting from the Ag dopant. Therefore, the Ag-doped SnS2 CE proves to be a promising alternative to the expensive Pt CE in DSSCs and may pave a new way for large-scale production of new-generation DSSCs.
Consumer Preference for Edible-flower Color, Container Size, and Price

Two surveys were conducted to determine characteristics important in containerized edible flowers that could be sold in retail outlets. Self-selected participants at Bloomfest at Cobo Hall, Detroit, were assigned to one group that rated the importance of attributes such as color of pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams. 'Accord Banner Clear Mixture'), color combinations, container size, and price. Participants assigned to a second group rated color, color combinations, and container size. Flower color was allocated the most points in the purchasing decision (63% for the first group and 95% for the second), with a mixture of all three colors (blue, yellow, and orange) being the most desirable. Responses were subjected to Cluster Analysis (SPSS Inc., Chicago), which resulted in the formation of three distinct groups. The groups were labeled Likely Buyer (those who had eaten and purchased edible flowers before and rated characteristics of edible flowers favorably); Unlikely Consumer (those who had eaten edible flowers before and had rated characteristics of edible flowers unfavorably); and Persuadable Garnishers (those who had not eaten edible flowers before, but were very likely to purchase edible flowers for a meal's garnish).
The Mass Basis of the Southern Imposition': Labor Unions, Public Opinion, and Representation, 1930s-1940s

This paper examines the relationship between Southern members of Congress and the state publics they represented in the 1930s and 1940s, using the issue of labor unions as a lens for doing so. I use multilevel modeling and calibration weighting to estimate state-level opinion towards labor unions while correcting for the unrepresentativeness of quota-sampled polls from this period. These public opinion estimates are compared with the congress-specific ideological ideal points of members of Congress estimated using item-response theory (IRT) model. I show that between 1937 and 1943, which span the origin of the conservative coalition in Congress, Southern representatives' swing to the right was mirrored at the mass level by the opinions of their constituents. I also find that Southerners' estimated ideal points on left-right economic issues become increasingly predictive of their votes on roll calls related to unions, relative to similar non-labor roll calls. These results provide suggestive evidence that despite the exclusionary and undemocratic attributes of the one-party South, intra-party competition in Democratic primaries was sufficient to induce an electoral connection between Southern MCs and their (white) constituents. They also suggest that by the early 1940s, fear of an expanding and increasingly egalitarian national state had begun to color not only Southern MCs' positions on labor unions, but on all New Deal issues.
Resistance of Polymer Films to Penetration by Lesser Grain Borer and Description of a Device for Measuring Resistance

In tests with a newly developed laboratory device for determining the resistance to penetration of flexible packaging films by adults of Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), polyurethane and polyester films were the most resistant of 18 types tested. Polypropylene and fluorinated carbon polymer films varied in resistance to penetration. Plasticized polyvinyl chloride, ionomer, cellulose propionate, polyvinyl alcohol, saran, and polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer films were susceptible to penetration, as were 7 types of cellophanes.