cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matrices and Dermal Substitutes for Wound Treatment

Advanced wound matrices are important adjuncts to standard wound care and surgery. An understanding of their mechanisms of action leads to rational device selection for difficult wounds. We discuss the various types of advanced biofunctional wound care products currently available for wound treatment and dermal reconstruction and their most commonly used applications. Prototypic products within the categories of dermal allografts, dermal regenerative scaffolds, cellular substrates, and decellularized ECM-based materials are discussed. Dermal regenerative scaffolds are useful for temporary wound coverage to quell inflammation and prevent desiccation and infection in acute burn injury and have been used increasingly for dermal reconstruction. Cellular products and decellularized tissue matrices contain bioactive compounds that augment or stimulate wound healing pathways known to be impaired in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Early DFU and VLU healing within the first 4 weeks of standard wound care can predict a need for adjunctive measures. Current data is culled from numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. Available evidence demonstrates that in the appropriate setting, biofunctional wound matrices increase rates of complete wound closure and accelerate the rate of healing.
Nonlinear Optical Methods for Characterization of Molecular Structure and Surface Chemistry

The principles, strengths and limitations of several nonlinear optical (NLO) methods for characterizing biological systems are reviewed. NLO methods encompass a wide range of approaches that can be used for real-time, in-situ characterization of biological systems, typically in a label-free mode. Multiphoton excitation fluorescence (MPEF) is widely used for high-quality imaging based on electronic transitions, but lacks interface specificity. Second harmonic generation (SHG) is a parametric process that has all the virtues of the two-photon version of MPEF, yielding a signal at twice the frequency of the excitation light, which provides interface specificity. Both SHG and MPEF can provide images with high structural contrast, but they typically lack molecular or chemical specificity. Other NLO methods such as coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) and stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) can provide high-sensitivity imaging with chemical information since Raman active vibrations are probed. However, CARS and SRS lack interface and surface specificity. A NLO method that provides both interface/surface specificity as well as molecular specificity is vibrational sum frequency generation (SFG) spectroscopy. Vibration modes that are both Raman and IR active are probed in the SFG process, providing the molecular specificity. SFG, like SHG, is a parametric process, which provides the interface and surface specificity. SFG is typically done in the reflection mode from planar samples. This has yielded rich and detailed information about the molecular structure of biomaterial interfaces and biomolecules interacting with their surfaces. However, 2-D systems have limitations for understanding the interactions of biomolecules and interfaces in the 3-D biological environment. The recent advances made in instrumentation and analysis methods for sum frequency scattering (SFS) now present the opportunity for SFS to be used to directly study biological solutions. By detecting the scattering at angles away from the phase-matched direction even centrosymmetric structures that are isotropic (e.g., spherical nanoparticles functionalized with self-assembled monolayers or biomolecules) can be probed. Often a combination of multiple NLO methods or a combination of a NLO method with other spectroscopic methods is required to obtain a full understanding of the molecular structure and surface chemistry of biomaterials and the biomolecules that interact with them. Using the right combination methods provides a powerful approach for characterizing biological materials.
Hospitalization Trends and Comorbidities Among People With HIV/AIDS Compared With the Overall Hospitalized Population, Illinois, 2008-2014:

Objectives:To understand trends in health care use among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), this study compared trends in hospitalization rates, comorbidities, and hospital death rates of hospita...
Experimental Ischemia: Summary of Metabolic Encephalopathy

Cerebral ischemia refers to a lack of adequate blood flow to the brain, which may be the result of an embolism, blood clot, blood vessel constriction secondary to increased intracranial pressure or a hemorrhage. Why the brain is so susceptible to alterations in Cerebral Blood Flow (CBF) has been extensively studied. The brain is a very demanding organ requiring an uninterrupted supply of nutrients to feed the tens of billions of cells which make up the CNS, necessary for the processing and storing of information and for controlling many vital functions within the organism. Maintaining the structure and function of this complex tissue requires a disproportionately large amount of energy when compared to most other organs of the body. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that the brain comprises about 2% of total body mass and yet consumes about 20% of the total basal O2 and receives approximately 15% of the resting cardiac output. An important concept in normal brain metabolism is that energy production is tightly coupled to energy consumption (i.e., work).
Effect of sequential implanting with Synovex on steer and heifer performance.

Studies were conducted using 72 (Exp. 1) and 248 (Exp. 2) steer and heifer calves from 1 to 2 mo of age through slaughter to determine whether preweaning implants affect postweaning feed conversion of cattle that are rapidly grown and(or) finished in the feedlot. In Exp. 1, treatments were three Synovex (S) implants administered 0, 70, and 140 d postweaning (NSSS) or Synovex-C (C) administered preweaning and three implants administered postweaning (CSSS). In Exp. 2, treatments were no implants (NNNN), implants administered 0, 74, and 148 d postweaning to calves that had either received no preweaning implant (NSSS), or C (CSSS), and CSSS plus trenbolone acetate (TBA) administered with the last S implant (CSSS-TBA). Synovex-S or -H implants were administered postweaning to steers and heifers, respectively. Steer and heifer calves implanted with C in the preweaning phase were 9.0 and 13.0 kg (Exp. 1) and 7.5 and 15.0 kg (Exp. 2) heavier (P < .10), respectively, at weaning than nonimplanted steer and heifer calves. In Exp. 1, preweaning implant had no affect on postweaning performance or quality grade. In Exp. 2, preweaning implants (NSSS vs CSSS) decreased (P < .10) steer postweaning gains, whereas postweaning implants (NSSS vs NNNN) increased (P < .10) DM intake; however, feed:gain ratio was not affected by implant strategy. Heifers in Exp. 2 that received implants had greater postweaning (P < .10) DM intakes and daily gains than heifers not receiving implants (NNNN); however, feed:gain ratios among treatment groups were unaffected.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Helium isotopes in historical lavas from Mount Vesuvius: Comment on ‘Noble gas isotopic ratios from historical lavas and fumaroles at Mount Vesuvius’ by D. Tedesco et al.

Helium isotope results recently published by Tedesco et al. [1] appear to show a decrease in 3He/4He since 1631 AD at Mount Vesuvius. The authors proposed that this change is the result of a residual magma with a fractionated (low) 3He/ 4He ratio, produced by preferential degassing of 3He during historical time. If such a process generally occurred in nature, it would seriously hinder our ability to characterize the 3He/4He ratio of mantle source regions. In proposing their model, Tedesco et al. [1] disregarded the previously published data of Graham et al. [2] which showed no change in 3He/4He with time at Vesuvius and implied that diierences between the two studies result from diierent methods of gas extraction. In response, we have reanalyzed several of the critical samples by fusion. These new results are in complete agreement with our original analyses performed by crushing [2] and are completely at odds with any measurable change in the 3He/4He ratio of Vesuvius lavas since 1631 AD. 2. Results
Hybrid inviability and differential submergence tolerance drive habitat segregation between two congeneric monkeyflowers

Closely related, ecologically similar species are often separated at small geographic scales while being broadly sympatric. Both adaptation to abiotic environmental conditions and a variety of biotic interactions may determine small-scale allopatry. In Northern California's coast range, two monkeyflower species, Mimulus guttatus and Mimulus nudatus, can co-occur within local sites but rarely overlap at fine spatial scales, even though they are often separated by less than 1 m. M. guttatus naturally grows in wetter areas and is often submerged for up to four months of the year, while M. nudatus naturally occupies drier sites. We used a combination of observational data, reciprocal transplant, and laboratory experiments to test a series of biotic and abiotic hypotheses for the observed distribution pattern. Although M. guttatus can tolerate dry hillside conditions like those in which M. nudatus occurs, M. nudatus is unable to survive submerged for more than a week, limiting its distribution from seasonal streams inundated for months and dominated by M. guttatus. While herbivores did not differentially damage species, transplants were more likely to be damaged in M. guttatus' seep habitat and M. nudatus was less tolerant to herbivory. Individuals of each species transplanted into populations of heterospecific congeners produced large proportions (up to 80%) of inviable seeds resulting from increased hybridization rates in close sympatry. Mimulus nudatus' inability to tolerate submergence and herbivory establishes some degree of habitat association, and then, hybrid seed inviability reduces the ability of the locally rarer species to persist within the congener's microhabitat and maintains habitat segregation. Together these data show that both environmental filtering and biotic interactions shape the fine-scale distribution of close relatives.
Experimental and numerical evaluation of reinforced dry-stacked concrete masonry walls

Abstract In dry-stack concrete masonry systems, masonry units are laid without mortar joints, reducing the cost and the time required for construction. Despite these advantages, mortarless construction has not been widely implemented, which is attributed to the fact that the behavior of dry-stack masonry wall systems is not yet fully understood. To help fill this knowledge gap, experimentally-validated finite element models of dry-stacked concrete masonry walls have been developed to investigate the effect of various design parameters (e.g., unit and grout compressive strength, yield strength, and reinforcement and grouting ratios) on the out-of-plane load-carrying capacity of the walls. The present paper reports the findings obtained from this combined experimental and numerical study to support the development of future design guidelines for dry-stack concrete masonry systems.
Disclosure of Religious Identity and Health Care Practices on Catholic Hospital Websites.

This study examines whether Catholic hospitals disclose their religious identity and health care practices based on the church’s teachings on their websites.
Illness Anxiety Disorder: Psychopathology, Epidemiology, Clinical Characteristics, and Treatment

Illness anxiety disorder is a primary disorder of anxiety about having or developing a serious illness. The core feature is the cycle of worry and reassurance seeking regarding health, as opposed to a focus on relief of distress caused by somatic symptoms (as in Somatic Symptom Disorder). Clinically significant health anxiety is common, with estimates ranging up to 13% in the general adult population. There are evidence-based treatments, including psychopharmacology and cognitive behavioral therapy, that can significantly alleviate symptoms. An understanding of the core psychopathology and clinical features of illness anxiety disorder is essential to fostering a working alliance with patients with health anxiety, as is the maintenance of an empathic, curious, and nonjudgmental stance toward their anxiety. Collaboration between medical providers is essential to avoid the pitfalls of excess testing and medical treatment.
Neighborhood disadvantage across the transition from adolescence to adulthood and risk of metabolic syndrome

Abstract This study investigates the association between neighborhood disadvantage from adolescence to young adulthood and metabolic syndrome using a life course epidemiology framework. Data from the United States-based National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (n = 9500) and a structural equation modeling approach were used to test neighborhood disadvantage across adolescence, emerging adulthood, and young adulthood in relation to metabolic syndrome. Adolescent neighborhood disadvantage was directly associated with metabolic syndrome in young adulthood. Evidence supporting an indirect association between adolescent neighborhood disadvantage and adult metabolic syndrome was not supported. Efforts to improve cardiometabolic health may benefit from strategies earlier in life.
Partnering with cattle ranchers for forest landscape restoration.

Transforming Latin America’s extensive grazing systems is critical for forest landscape restoration (FLR) but conservation initiatives rarely make efforts to include cattle ranchers. Engaging ranchers requires understanding their perceptions about how improved management and conservation practices fit into their overall production strategy. To assess ranchers’ motivations and limitations for adopting conservation-friendly practices, I surveyed 191 ranchers and extension agents participating in a silvopastoral project in Colombia. I found that ranchers are integrating multiple practices they perceive as complementary for achieving their goals: practices aimed at improving productivity are motivated by utilitarian values, while practices targeting environmental degradation and climate change are driven by stewardship and identity values. Input costs and labor shortages currently limit the expansion of conservation-friendly practices, but in-kind support and small cash payments could potentially alleviate these barriers. Silvopastoral ranchers can be instrumental partners in FLR provided that initiatives are designed with their perspectives in mind.
THE CHANGING SIGNIFICANCE OF LATIN AMERICAN SILVER IN THE CHINESE ECONOMY, 16TH–19TH CENTURIES

The important role of Chinese demand for silver in stimulating worldwide silver-mining and shaping the first truly global trading system has become commonly recognised in the world history scholarship. The commercial dynamism of China during the 16th-19th centuries was integrally related to the importation of foreign silver, initially from Japan but principally from Latin America. Yet the significance of imports of Latin American silver for the Chinese economy changed substantially over these three centuries in tandem with the rhythms of China's domestic economy as well as the global trading system. This article traces these changes, including the adoption of a new standard money of account—the yuan—derived from the Spanish silver peso coin.
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment for Space Systems

When considering critical infrastructure, we rarely consider the enabling technology and systems that realize such infrastructure; such as, agribusiness' reliance on weather and climate satellites, the U.S. military's reliance on intelligence satellites, and various transportation industries' reliance on global positioning system (GPS) satellites. Most of the world's critical infrastructure relies on space systems. While there is considerable effort to improve the cybersecurity of the critical infrastructure, there is less focus on cybersecurity for space systems. Challenges to secure space systems included technology development, ownership, and management perspective. This limits guidance in the form of standards that govern space system security and, ultimately, policies that enforce these standards. This paper first discusses the recent major cybersecurity threats to space systems, and the potential motivations for cybercriminals or nation-states would be interested in compromising space systems. Next, the paper discusses the various perspective required to secure space systems. The majority of the paper describes a Honeywell technique for assessing security risks for safety-critical systems like space systems. The paper concludes with a discussion of possible next steps in advancing cybersecurity for space systems
A review of acid rock drainage, seasonal flux of discharge and metal concentrations, and passive treatment system limitations

The efficacy of passive treatment systems for remediating acid rock drainage can be limited by the seasonal flux of discharge and metal concentrations that may not have been considered during treat...
Energy Optimal Speed Profile for Arrival of Tandem Tilt-Wing eVTOL Aircraft with RTA Constraint

The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can alleviate transportation congestion on the ground by utilizing three-dimensional airspace efficiently. However, the endurance of Lithium-ion Polymer (Li-Po) batteries imposes severe constraints on the operational time span of an eVTOL on urban air mobility (UAM) passenger transportation mission. This research focuses on the formulation of a fixed final time multiphase optimal control problem with energy consumption as the performance index for a tandem tilt-wing eVTOL aircraft. The proposed multiphase optimal control problem formulation and the numerical solution enable the eVTOL aircraft to meet the given required time of arrival (RTA) with the optimal speed profile for the most energy efficient arrival. The problem formulation is validated in a UAM passenger transport use case with Airbus Vahana eVTOL aircraft, and the Uber Elevate proposed vertiport concept in numerical simulations.
23 – Case studies

Software case studies explore the process of designing and building a software application. So in this final chapter, we present two case studies that mirror the two tracks of this book. EgoSystem is a system that was designed from inception to use a property graph. It aggregates the public social networks of a population of individuals, as well as their first-degree social networks, to support outreach and ongoing engagement of an alumni community. InfoSynth is a library application that facilitates exploration of collections of bibliographic metadata that have been harvested, aggregated, and normalized to a common RDF model. These datasets incorporate semantic annotations from Linked Open Data sources. For each system, we discuss use cases, data modeling, and implementation details. These case studies also touch on the challenges and trade-offs with building graph and Semantic Web applications. These narratives are intended to give you some idea of what is involved in building real applications using a property graph or Semantic Web technologies.
Frontiers: Algorithmic Collusion: Supra-competitive Prices via Independent Algorithms

We show that the long-run prices from independent machine learning algorithms depend on the informational value of price experiments. If low, the long-run prices are consistent with the static Nash...
Oral Infection with a Periodontal Pathogen Alters Oral and Gut Microbiomes.

Abstract Periodontal disease, an inflammatory bone disease of the oral cavity, affects more than 50% of the United States population over the age of 30. The Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis, the etiological agent of periodontal disease, is known to induce dysbiosis of the oral microbiome while promoting inflammatory bone loss. We have recently reported that P. gingivalis can also alter the gut microbiota of mice prone to develop inflammatory atherosclerosis. However, it is still unknown whether P. gingivalis induces similar changes to the gut microbiome as it does to oral microbiome. In this study, we demonstrate that P. gingivalis infection increases the diversity of the oral microbiome, allowing for colonization of potentially opportunistic species in the oral microbiome and overgrowth of commensal species in both the oral and gut microbiomes. Since periodontal disease treatment in humans typically involves antibiotic treatment, we also examined the combined effect of P. gingivalis infection on mice pretreated with oral antibiotics. By correlating the oral and cecal microbiota of P. gingivalis-infected mice fed a normal chow diet, we identified blooms of the Gram-negative genera Barnesiella and Bacteroides and imbalances of mucin-degrading bacteria. These disrupted community structures were predicted to have increased detrimental functional capacities including increased flavonoid degradation and l -histidine fermentation. Though antibiotic pretreatment (without P. gingivlais) had a dominant impact on the cecal microbiome, P. gingivalis infection of mice with or without antibiotic pretreatment increased the abundance of the phylum Firmicutes and the Porphyromonadaceae family in the cecum. Collectively, our study demonstrates that P. gingivalis oral infection disrupted the oral and cecal microbiomes of otherwise unperturbed mice, altering their community membership and functional potential.
Number and timing of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measurements.

Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) monitoring (ABPM) may cause sleep disturbances. Some home BP monitoring (HBPM) devices obtain a limited number of BP readings during sleep and may be preferred to ABPM. It is unclear how closely a few BP readings approximate a full night of ABPM. We used data from the Jackson Heart (N = 621) and Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (N = 458) studies to evaluate 74 sampling approaches to estimate BP during sleep. We sampled two to four BP measurements at specific times from a full night of ABPM and computed chance-corrected agreement (i.e., kappa) of nocturnal hypertension (i.e., mean asleep systolic BP ≥ 120 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 70 mmHg) defined using the full night of ABPM and subsets of BP readings. Measuring BP at 2, 3, and 4 h after falling asleep, an approach applied by some HBPM devices obtained a kappa of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.78, 0.85). The highest kappa was obtained by measuring BP at 1, 2, 4, and 5 h after falling asleep: 0.84 (95% CI: 0.81, 0.87). In conclusion, measuring BP three or four times during sleep may have high agreement with nocturnal hypertension status based on a full night of ABPM.
Respiratory Colonization and Short-Term Temporal Changes in the Urinary Metabolome of Children

The human metabolome may vary based on age, over time, and in the presence of viral carriage and bacterial colonization-a common scenario in children. We used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify and quantify urinary metabolites of children without signs or symptoms of respiratory illness. A urine sample and two nasopharyngeal swabs were collected to test for respiratory viral pathogens and colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp). Urine samples were collected at the initial visit, 24 h post-enrollment, and 10-14 days post-enrollment. Of the 122 children enrolled, 24% had a virus detected and 19.7% had Sp detected. Intraclass correlation coefficients demonstrated greater within-subject versus between-subject variability for all metabolites detected. In linear mixed models adjusted for age, time, history of asthma, Sp, and viruses, 1-methylnicotinamide was increased by 50% in children with Sp and decreased by 35% in children with rhinovirus/enterovirus. Children with Sp had 83% higher levels of trimethylamine-N-oxide compared with those without Sp. However, when adjusting for multiple comparisons, the association was no longer statistically significant. In conclusion, there appear to be short-term changes within the urinary metabolome of healthy children, but levels of metabolites did not statistically differ in children with viral carriage or Sp detected.
Direct care nurses' perceptions of their roles in clinical research: An integrated review of the literature.

PURPOSE To review the extant literature relevant to perceptions by direct care nurses toward clinical research endeavors. DESIGN An integrative review guided by the socioecological model was conducted. METHODS Five databases were searched to identify relevant peer-reviewed articles; there was no limitation on publication date. FINDINGS The final sample (N = 9) was systematically appraised. Numerous barriers to direct care nurses' ability to perform study activities on clinical research trials were encountered at all levels: (1) personal-comprehension, education, and training; (2) interpersonal-communication issues within or from the study team, failure to advocate for the patient; (3) organizational-lack of leadership support, knowledge, and time; and (4) community-insufficient guidance and oversight by research-governing bodies. CONCLUSIONS Direct care nurses report numerous barriers to completing protocol-administered activities for their patients participating in clinical research. A dearth of robust research exists in describing the reasons for, or persistence of, barriers faced by direct care nurses to assisting with research, and there have been little to no interventions to address them. CLINICAL RELEVANCE As translational research evolves and becomes more complex, there is the need to ensure both the care of clinical research participants and the integrity of the research. Direct care nurses are critical to this endeavor, and potential barriers they face may have significant ramifications for the research enterprise. Recognition of these barriers and eventual interventions designed to address them are needed.
One-Year-Old Infants of Intrusive and Withdrawn Depressed Mothers

This study examined behaviors of intrusive/depressed versus withdrawn/depressed mothers and their one-year-old infants during a structured teaching interaction. Group comparisons revealed that intrusive/depressed mothers showed more positive responses, more demonstrating toys, and more physical guidance, and their infants demonstrated less toy manipulation. Withdrawn/depressed mothers maintained infant play more frequently and showed more restricted affect, and their infants demonstrated less affective behavior, both positive and negative. These findings suggested that exposure to depressed mothers' nonoptimal interaction styles represents different types of risk to infants' cognitive and affective development.
Building Cultural Competence for Work with Diverse Families: Strategies from the Privileged Side

Abstract This paper proposes a postmodern approach to social work practice that links the perspectives of cultural competence, diversity, social constructionism, and a generalist strengths-based orientation for work with families. The profession's early work with diverse families is put into the context of privilege and contrasted with more contemporary models built on affirmation of diversity and the strengths of families. The component theoretical perspectives are reviewed and followed by a flexible pedagogical model that includes four steps and representative teaching strategies for implementation.
Human Lymphocyte-Specific Protein 1, the Protein Overexpressed in Neutrophil Actin Dysfunction with 47-kDa and 89-kDa Protein Abnormalities (NAD 47/89), Has Multiple F-Actin Binding Domains

Human lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) is an F-actin binding protein, which has an acidic N-terminal half and a basic C-terminal half. In the basic C-terminal half, there are amino acid sequences highly homologous to the actin-binding domains of two known F-actin binding proteins: caldesmon and the villin headpieces (CI, CII, VI, VII). However, the exact numbers and locations of the F-actin binding domains within LSP1 are not clearly defined. In this report, we utilized 125 I-labeled F-actin ligand blotting and high-speed F-actin cosedimentation assays to analyze the F-actin binding properties of truncated LSP1 peptides and to define the F-actin binding domains. Results show that LSP1 has at least three and potentially a fourth F-actin binding domain. All F-actin binding domains are located in the basic C-terminal half and correspond to the caldesmon and villin headpiece homologous regions. LSP1 181–245 and LSP1 246–295, containing sequences homologous to caldesmon F-actin binding site I and II, respectively (CI, CII), binds F-actin; similarly, LSP1 306–339 can bind F-actin and contains two inseparable villin headpiece-like F-actin binding domains (VI, VII). Although LSP1 1–305, which does not contain VI and VII regions, retains F-actin binding activity, its binding affinity for F-actin is much weaker than that of full-length LSP1. Site-directed mutagenesis of the basic amino acids in the KRYK (VI) or KYEK (VII) sequences to acidic amino acids create mutants that bind F-actin with lower affinity than full-length wild-type LSP1. High KCl concentrations decrease full-length LSP1 binding to F-actin, suggesting the affinity between LSP1 and F-actin is mainly through electrostatic interaction.
Grammar in the Composition Classroom: Essays on Teaching ESL for College-Bound Students

* Whether language professionals teach university ESL writing and grammar, design curriculum, or act as a campus resource for other academic faculty needing help with international students in their classes, they should read Grammar in the Composition Classroom. This book is a no-nonsense, right-on resource that explains where the ESL professional must begin in rethinking and redesigning effective curricula for the ESL student who will soon be undertaking university credit courses. Reid emphasizes the need to determine who the learners are and how they learn best before determining what they should learn, shifting the focus away from learners' errors and toward the learners. Her description of the differences between immigrant L2 students and international students provide strong support for this approach. Byrd guides the reader through selecting appropriate grammar and putting it into the context of writing while keeping in mind the reading and writing tasks the students will encounter in their undergraduate and graduate disciplines. Teachers of advanced writing should pay particular attention to chapter 6. In it the authors present the special challenges of suasive verbs (e.g., agree, ask, urge), conditional and hypothetical sentences, and those ever-confounding modals. Their treatment of the underlying cultural factors that control the use of these grammatical forms provides insights for anyone dealing with the teaching or learning of English rhetoric. This information could be translated into curricula, classroom lessons, or faculty workshops to provide immediate help for teachers and learners alike.
Sequence-specific RNA binding by bicoid.

It has recently been reported that the bicoid protein (Bcd), a homeodomain-containing protein which forms an anterior-to-posterior gradient during early Drosophila embryogenesis, can bind messenger RNA encoding the caudal protein (Cad) and repress its translation1,2. This may be mediated by direct interactions between the homeodomain and a discrete RNA sequence in the untranslated 3′ region of the cad transcript, the Bcd response element(BRE)1,2. The evidence for direct and specific homeodomain-RNA interactions depends principally on the results of competition experiments1 but these could not be reproduced under the conditions originally reported3. Here we present competition experiments performed under different conditions confirming that direct, sequence-specific interactions can occur between the Bcd homeodomain and the cad BRE. We also extend previous evidence1 that site-specific RNA binding by the Bcd homeodomain depends on the lysine at position 9 of helix III, an amino-acid that mediates site-specific DNA binding4,5,6.
Evaluating wind energy potential in Pakistan's three provinces, with proposal for integration into national power grid

Abstract Pakistan is facing increasing power shortage from the last two decades. The Government of Pakistan (GoP) has taken various remedial measures and is offering incentives for private investment to generate electricity at cheap rates. New hydropower dams were proposed in the past, such as Kalabagh Dam, but could not be commissioned to date. Fossil fuels are depleting and oil has to be imported for oil-fired power plants, which is highly expensive and a burden for the country's economy. This scenario has raised serious concerns among citizens. In this frustrating situation, there is dire need for exploration and installation of alternate renewable energy resources, in particular, wind energy and solar energy to augment the existing power generation and distribution apparatus. These then need to be integrated with the national power grid. Pakistan has enormous wind energy potential, especially in three of its four provinces namely, Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK), Sindh and Balochistan. The country's multifarious terrain includes coastal and hilly areas suitable for installation of large wind turbines. The GoP has taken active steps towards measuring wind speed statistics in various parts of the country. In this paper, the authors analyze wind speed data for the mentioned three provinces. The fourth province, Punjab, has very limited wind energy potential and hence is not considered. Wind speed data for Jiwani (a reference site in Balochistan) was obtained from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) as a case study. The paper attempts to assess how much wind energy can be harnessed from the three provinces. It then focuses on Jiwani whose specific power density is estimated for wind turbine sizing. Lastly, a practical scheme is proposed for integration of wind power output (from windy sites) with the national power grid.
The Development of Automated Diffraction in Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy

This introductory chapter traces the development of the automated detection and indexing of electron diffraction patterns in both the scanning and transmission electron microscopes. Though electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is the best known of these, the procedures have been extended recently to the transmission electron microscope and a review would not be complete without including this new work.
A Broadband 1-to- $N$ Power Divider/Combiner With Isolation and Reflection Cancellation

A novel 1-to- $N$ broadband “ $i\pi$ -wave” power divider/combiner with reflection cancellation is presented and demonstrated. The new $i\pi$ -wave structure provides reflection cancellation and output port isolation with 1-to- $N$ (arbitrary $N$ ) signal splitting or $N$ -to-1 summing. It has low loss due to its use of low-impedance transmission lines and provides a relative bandwidth of 50%–200%. The concept is studied theoretically and demonstrated experimentally with several 1-to-4 dividers. The divider/combiner pair provides power amplifiers with broadband operation and well-matched input/output impedances. The concept can be implemented in hybrid circuits or monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).
Wnt acylation and its functional implication in Wnt signalling regulation

Wnt proteins are conserved signalling molecules that have an essential role in regulating diverse processes during embryogenesis and adult tissue homoeostasis. Wnts are post-translationally modified by palmitoylation, which is essential for Wnt secretion and function. Intriguingly, the crystal structure of XWnt8 in complex with the extracellular domain of the Frizzled 8 cysteine-rich domain (Fzd8-CRD) revealed that Wnts use the fatty acid as a ‘hotspot’ residue to engage its receptor, which is a unique mode of receptor-ligand recognition. In addition, there are several lines of evidence suggesting that Wnts engage several signalling modulators and alternative receptors by means of fatty acids as a critical contact residue. In the present article, we review our current understanding of Wnt acylation and its functional role in Wnt signalling regulation.
Firefly luminescence in the study of energy transfer mechanisms. II. Adenosine triphosphate and photosynthesis

Abstract 1. 1. The influence of light and other environmental factors on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content of Chlorella pyrenoidosa has been investigated, using the firefly luminescent system as an assay tool. Light has been found to cause large and rapid changes in the ATP levels of these algae. 2. 2. After a period of dark anaerobiosis, the ATP level rises on illumination or admission of air to higher levels (2–10 times dark levels). ATP levels with respect to time in light show a maximum at ca. 1 min.; thereafter, a decrease. The minimum calculated yield of P:O2 is 1:6, but the actual values for rate of formation are probably considerably higher. 3. 3. The production of ATP by oxygen is inhibited to a greater extent by low temperatures than is light-induced ATP formation. 4. 4. The rate of ATP formation saturates at high light intensities, whereas the steady-state concentrations of ATP exhibit a maximum at low light intensities. 5. 5. Illumination causes a decrease in the ATP after a period of dark aerobiosis, and the subsequent dark period is characterized by a rapid increase in the ATP level. This effect is observable in the presence or absence of CO2, indicating that the ATP-utilizing reactions are largely prior to or independent of carboxylation reactions. 6. 6. The time constants of these transient ATP changes are of the order of magnitude of other photosynthesis induction periods (1–3 min.) and relatively independent of intensity. 7. 7. It is suggested that these results are consistent with and lend support to the theory that ATP is both generated and utilized by lightdriven reactions, and that one major drain on the ATP content is the production of reducing material capable of reversible reaction with a system at the oxidation-reduction potential of carbohydrate. The relation of previous observations to these results and to the chemophotosynthetic mechanism of photosynthesis postulated is pointed out.
STEROID HORMONE FORMATION IN THE HUMAN OVARY. I. IDENTIFICATION OF STEROIDS FORMED IN VITRO FROM ACETATE-1-14C IN THE CORPUS LUTEUM.

Slices of 6 human corpora lutea of the menstrual cycle and ectopic pregnancy were incubated in vitro in the presence of acetate-1-14C. By means of carrier dilution and stringent purification measures, the biosynthesis of 7 radioactive steroids has been demonstrated in the 2 types of corpora lutea. These steroids include progesterone, 20α-hydroxy-Δ4-pregnen-3-one, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione, estradiol-17β, estrone and pregnenolone (3β-hydroxy-Δ5-pregnen-20-one). Quantitative measures of incorporation of radioactivity in these tissues indicate progesterone to be the major steroid formed in vitro in the human corpus luteum.
Modeling of uniaxial compression in a 3D periodic re-entrant lattice structure

In this study, the behavior of a parametric 3D re-entrant dodecahedron lattice structure with negative Poisson’s ratio was studied. Four geometrical configurations for the re-entrant dodecahedron were designed, and the relationship between the mechanical properties and the design parameters was determined through beam theory. Samples were fabricated successfully via electron beam melting. Compressive tests as well as finite element analysis (FEA) were performed, and the results were compared with theoretical predictions. The modeling yielded explicit analytical equations of various mechanical properties including Poisson’s ratios, modulus and strength, and the compressive strength and the modulus from the prediction match well with the experiments, as well as the FEA results. The methodology used by this study also demonstrated a feasible approach to design 3D auxetic cellular structure for various applications.
Electrophysiologic Studies during Accelerated Idioventricular Rhythms

Accelerated idioventricular rhythms (AIVR) are ectopic ventricular rhythms with rates intermediate between idioventricular escape rhythms (30 to 40/min) and ventricular tachycardia (120 to 180/min). Differentiation of AIVR from supraventricular arrhythmias rests primarily on demonstration of their ventricular origin. His bundle electrograms (HBE) were recorded in four patients during AIVR. HBE verified the idioventricular nature of the ectopic rhythm and excluded supraventricular rhythm with aberration as a cause. In addition, they permitted the recognition of normally conducted sinus beats, fusion beats, and idioventricular beats. The pacemaker site for the AIVR was below the bundle of His. AIVR became manifest when the heart rate was slowed by increasing vagal tone, premature atrial stimulation, and high degree atrioventricular (A-V) block. AIVR could be suppressed and 1:1 A-V conduction established by increasing the atrial rate with atropine or by atrial pacing.
Lateral dynamic balance in the Sandy Hook to Rockaway Point Transect

Abstract Currents associated with the residual nontidal flow through the Sandy Hook to Rockaway Point Transect exhibit considerable vertical and lateral structure including a two-layer estuarine flow pattern over much of the Transect and inflow to New York harbor at all depths near Rockaway Point. To determine the relative importance of different dynamic processes in maintaining this structure, the nontidal lateral momentum balance in the Transect has been examined using current meter and hydrographic data from the 1952 and 1958–1959 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey field studies in New York Harbor. Results suggest that over the entire Transect the lateral pressure gradient force balances the sum of the centrifugal force associated with the oscillating tidal flow and the Coriolis force due to the non-tidal flow normal to the Transect. This balance is maintained without significant contribution from turbulent shear stresses. Over much of the Transect the primary balance is between the lateral pressure gradient force and the centrifugal force.
Gaps in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton: a stretched net model.

The geometry of spectrin-free regions in the erythrocyte membrane skeleton is modeled using Monte Carlo calculations for an incomplete triangular lattice of entropy springs under tension. Intact springs correspond to normal spectrin molecules, and cut springs correspond to spectrin that is missing or unable to associate normally. As springs are cut and the network is allowed to relax to mechanical equilibrium, gaps in the network appear. Geometrical properties of these gaps are obtained as a function of the fraction of springs cut. The most important property modeled is the area of the largest spectrin-free region; this area increases approximately exponentially as the fraction of normal spectrin decreases from 100% to ∼50%. The effect of these gaps on lateral diffusion and vesiculation is discussed.
DNA-protein complexes induced by chromate and other carcinogens.

DNA-protein complexes induced in intact Chinese hamster ovary cells by chromate have been isolated, analyzed, and compared with those induced by cis-platinum, ultraviolet light, and formaldehyde. Actin has been identified as one of the major proteins complexed to DNA by chromate based upon its molecular weight, isoelectric point, positive reaction with an actin polyclonal antibody, and proteolytic mapping. Chromate and cis-platinum both complex proteins of similar molecular weight and isoelectric points, and these complexes can be disrupted by chelating agents and sulfhydryl reducing agents, suggesting that the metal itself is participating in binding rather than having a catalytic or indirect role (i.e., oxygen radicals). In contrast, formaldehyde complexed histones to the DNA, and these complexes were not disrupted by chelating or reducing agents. An antiserum raised to chromate-induced DNA-protein complexes reacted primarily with 97,000 kDa protein that did not silver stain. Slot blots, as well as Western blots, were used to detect formation of p97 DNA crosslinks. This protein was complexed to the DNA by all four agents studied.
Assessing the drivers of biodiversity in Madagascar by quantifying its hydrologic properties at the watershed scale

Abstract Motivated by a theory developed by Wilme et al. (2006) according to which, watersheds of Madagascar with headwaters at high altitude respond differently to drought from those with headwaters confined to relatively low elevations, with possibly profound effects on the biodiversity patterns of the island, we analyzed multi-year basin-specific observations of soil moisture and vegetation water content (derived from NRL's WindSat radiometer) and their response to precipitation departures (derived from TRMM 3B42 V7) from its local mean. These datasets were analyzed to investigate the hydrologic properties at the basin scale, including the speed with which vegetation and soil moisture respond to precipitation anomalies. We also looked at the basin-specific normalized radar surface-backscattering cross-sections from NASA's QuikSCAT Scatterometer, to obtain information on the vegetation regimes of the various Malagasy basins. Finally, we correlated the basin response to the precipitation forcing, and compared the amplitude and time lag of the correlations across watersheds with high elevation headwaters versus those with low elevation headwaters in the aim of evaluating the drought-response hypothesis of Wilme et al. (2006). Our results indicate that the vegetation water content time series exhibit several features that are consistent with those of the majority of the bioclimatic zones of the island. Specifically, although the speed of the response of the vegetation water content varies significantly among the different basins, it is inter-annually consistent for each watershed, while the soil–moisture time series are less consistent than the vegetation water content time series. This study is a first step in the quantification of the hydrologic properties derived from microwave remote sensing, and which could potentially shed new light on the different intra-annual responses of watersheds to precipitation anomalies. Furthermore, this analysis offers important insights into the hydro-geomorphologic drivers associated with biodiversity patterns in Madagascar, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms that determine biotic diversification across the various bioclimatic regions of the island.