cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determinants of Microbial Resistance to Antibiotics

Emergence of antibiotic resistance is related to the ease of mutation, to the extent of exchange of genetic information in bacteria by conjugation, transformation, and transduction, and to the large-scale use of antimicrobial agents in the biosphere. In addition to the development of resistance through chromosomal mutation and exchange of chromosomal genes among organisms, there is a more profound enlargement of the gene pool by the dissemination and amplification of plasmids. Two examples of the exchange of antibiotic resistance are analyzed: the transfer of plasmids from Bacteroides fragilis to Escherichia coli and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of STreptococcus pneumoniae. Plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance in B. fragilis were transferred to E. coli by DNA-mediated transformation and conjugation. The beta-lactamase in the transformants and transconjugants displayed the same substrate specificity and electrophoretic mobility as the donor strain. The plasmid apparently was integrated rapidly into the chromosome of the recipient strain. Multiple antibiotic-resistant strains of S. pneumoniae were analyzed for plasmids, and none were detected. Furthermore, no evidence of linkage between the traits of multiple antibiotic resistance was observed. beta-Lactamase was not detected in the penicillin-resistant strains; therefore, it is likely that the resistance in these strains was chromosomal rather than plasmid-mediated. The range of genetic exchange and the use of Koch's postulates in determining the genetic mechanism of antibiotic resistance are illustrated and discussed.
Individual Pooling for Group-Based Modeling Under the Assumption of Ergodicity

Psychology principally utilizes nomothetic, interindividual approaches to model phenomena of interest. However, it is the case that these approaches do not always capture the processes for each individual in the sample. If the research is focused on individual processes, confining analysis to the idiographic level may be more appropriate. One way to overcome the nomothetic inability to capture idiographic processes is to identify those participants who meet the criteria of ergodicity and restrict analysis to the resulting sample. Under these conditions it is quantitatively justifiable to create a group model without concern that it may fail to represent each member's idiographic process. In this study we explore the utility of such a method by (a) applying an ergodic pooling test to a sample of dyads (N = 128) who provided daily (T = 50) self-reports of affect, (b) applying an ergodic pooling test to samples (N = 4) of simulated ergodic time series data (T = 50, 250, and 1,000), (c) modeling dyads and sim...
In vitro Maintenance of Mammalian Endocrine Organs

Summary1. The methods of Parker which involve the use of a fluid medium and a high oxygen tension have been applied to the in vitro maintenance of endocrine organs. Best results were obtained with fragments of thyroid, testis, epididymis, Fallopian tube and the anterior lobe of the pituitary of immature and adult guinea pigs and rabbits. 2. Inconsistent results were obtained with ovary. Adrenal tissue and capsule invariably underwent degeneration. 3. Evidences of growth (areas of proliferation and mitotic figures) were observed only in the case of the pituitary. 4. It is concluded that the conditions under which one endocrine organ may be successfully maintained in vitro are not necessarily the same as those required by another.
Bradykinin stimulates phospholipase D in PC12 cells by a mechanism which is independent of increases in intracellular Ca2

These experiments were designed to learn the role of bradykinin induced changes in intracellular Ca2+ in the activation of phospholipase D activity in PC12 cells. Ionomycin at a concentration of 0.1 microM caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+ comparable to bradykinin, but had no effect on phospholipase D activity. Carbachol, ATP, and thapsigargin also increased intracellular Ca2+ but had no effect on phospholipase D activity. Increases in intracellular Ca2+ may be a necessary but not a sufficient factor in the activation of phospholipase D. To investigate this issue, the bradykinin induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ was blocked by preincubating the cells in Ca(2+)-free media plus EGTA or in media containing the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA/AM. These preincubations completely blocked the bradykinin induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ but only attenuated the bradykinin mediated activation of phospholipase D. Physiological increases in intracellular Ca2+ apparently do not mediate the effect of bradykinin on phospholipase D.
A culturally responsive evaluation approach applied to the talent development school‐to‐career intervention program

This chapter discusses the evaluation of an urban school-to-career intervention program using a culturally responsive approach, highlighting the successes and challenges experienced during the design and implementation of the study.
A review of chemically-induced alterations in thyroid and vitamin A status from field studies of wildlife and fish.

This paper reviews 22 published field studies that have found an association between exposure to environmental contaminants and alterations in thyroid gland structure, circulating thyroid hormones and vitamin A (retinoid) status in free-ranging populations of wildlife and fish. Vitamin A and thyroid hormones play critical roles during development, growth and function throughout life. Studies of captive wildlife and laboratory studies support a relationship between alterations in thyroid hormones and vitamin A status and exposure to dioxins, furans, and planar polychlorinated biphenyls, which bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor. Some studies have found adverse health effects in wildlife associated with exposure to polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and altered thyroid and retinoid status including: decreased reproductive success, immune system changes, dermatologic abnormalities and developmental deformities. A direct causal relationship between these effects and thyroid and retinoid changes has not b...
Francisco Suárez and the Religious Basis for Toleration

Abstract Francisco Suarez's political theory has received increased attention in recent years. In some regards it bears a resemblance to that of John Locke, but the two view politics as having different ends. It is interesting that both thinkers are in favor of religious toleration but for different reasons that correspond to the different ends they assign to government. Locke's reasons are more secular, whereas Suarez's are derivative from a religious perspective. The paradox, however, is that Suarez's account of toleration provides a firmer ground for religious liberty.
The Collapse of Monolayers Containing Pulmonary Surfactant Phospholipids Is Kinetically Determined

Prior studies have shown that during and after slow compressions of monomolecular films containing the complete set of purified phospholipids (PPL) from calf surfactant at an air/water interface, surface pressures (π) reach and sustain values that are remarkably high relative to expectations from simple systems with model lipids. Microscopy shows that the liquid-expanded, tilted-condensed, and collapsed phases are present together in the PPL films between 45 and 65 mN/m. The Gibbs phase rule restricts equilibrium coexistence of three phases to a single π for films with two components but not for more constituents. We therefore determined if the surprising stability of PPL reflects release from the thermodynamic restrictions of simple model systems by the presence of multiple components. Experiments with binary films containing dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine first tested the predictions of the phase rule. The onset of three-phase coexistence, determined by fluorescence microscopy, and its termination, established by relaxation of collapsing films on a captive bubble, occurred at similar π. Experiments for PPL using the same methods suggested that the three phases might coexist over a range of π, but limited to ∼2 mN/m, and extending below rather than above the coexistence π for the binary films. Our results show that the PPL films at high π must deviate from equilibrium and that they must then be metastable.
Treatment paradigms for pituitary adenomas: defining the roles of radiosurgery and radiation therapy

Pituitary adenomas represent one of the most common types of intracranial tumors. While their macroscopic appearance and anatomical location are relatively homogeneous, pituitary tumors have the potential to generate a wide variety of clinical sequelae. Treatment options for pituitary tumors include medical therapy, microscopic or endoscopic surgical resection, radiosurgery, radiation therapy, or observation depending on the biochemical profile and clinical status of the patient. Radiosurgery and external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are most commonly as adjunctive treatments following incomplete surgical resection leaving residual tumor, tumor recurrence, or failure of medical therapy. We present a comprehensive literature review of the radiosurgery series for pituitary tumors including nonfunctioning adenomas, ACTH- and GH-secreting adenomas, and prolactinomas. While post-radiosurgery radiographic tumor control for nonfunctioning adenomas is excellent, typically around 90 %, the rates of biochemical remission for functioning adenomas are lower than the tumor control rates. The highest endocrine remission rates are achieved patients with Cushing’s disease and the lowest in those with prolactinomas. Although EBRT has been largely supplanted by radiosurgery for the vast majority of pituitary adenomas cases, there remains a role for EBRT in select cases involving large tumor volumes in close proximity to critical neural structures. By far the most common complication after radiosurgery or EBRT is delayed hypopituitarism followed by cranial neuropathies. The effect of suppressive medications on radiosurgery outcomes remains controversial. Due to the rare but well-documented occurrence of late recurrence following endocrine remission, long-term and rigorous clinical and radiographic follow-up is necessary for all pituitary adenoma patients treated with radiosurgery or EBRT.
A comparative study on vertebrate brain mitochondria.

Abstract Brain mitochondria from catfish, frog, turtle, chicken and rat were studied after separation by differential centrifugation. It was found that per gram of brain: (1) The wet weight of mitochondria ranges from 225 mg in the frog to 472 mg in the rat; (2) The dry weight of mitochondria ranges from 36 mg in the frog to 80 mg in the rat; (3) The mitochondrial protein ranges from 15 mg in the frog to 32 mg in the rat; (4) The oxidative capacity of rat brain is 10 times that of catfish brain; (5) The number of mitochondria ranges from 18·8×1010 in the frog to 33·2×1010 in The rat. The corresponding values for the turtle and the chicken were in the order of: frog, turtle, chicken and rat. With the exception of the catfish, the average mitochondria for all the animals is strikingly similar with 1·69×10−12 g wet weight, 0·27×10−12 g dry weight and 0·11×10−12 g protein.
Historical agriculture alters the effects of fire on understory plant beta diversity

Land-use legacies are known to shape the diversity and distribution of plant communities, but we lack an understanding of whether historical land use influences community responses to contemporary disturbances. Because human-modified landscapes often bear a history of multiple land-use activities, this contingency can challenge our understanding of land-use impacts on plant diversity. We address this contingency by evaluating how beta diversity (the spatial variability of species composition), an important component of regional biodiversity, is shaped by interactions between historical agriculture and prescribed fire, two prominent disturbances that are often coincident in terrestrial ecosystems. At three study locations spanning 450 km in the southeastern United States, we surveyed longleaf pine woodland understory plant communities across 232 remnant and post-agricultural sites with differing prescribed fire regimes. Our results demonstrate that agricultural legacies are a strong predictor of beta diversity, but the direction of this land-use effect differed among the three study locations. Further, although beta diversity increased with prescribed fire frequency at each study location, this effect was influenced by agricultural land-use history, such that positive fire effects were only documented among sites that lacked a history of agriculture at two of our three study locations. Our study not only highlights the role of historical agriculture in shaping beta diversity in a fire-maintained ecosystem but also illustrates how this effect can be contingent upon fire regime and geographic location. We suggest that interactions among historical and contemporary land-use activities may help to explain dissimilarities in plant communities among sites in human-dominated landscapes.
Three notes on ALSCAL

It is reported that (1) a new coordinate estimation routine is superior to that originally proposed for ALSCAL; (2) an oversight in the interval measurement level case has been found and corrected; and (3) a new initial configuration routine is superior to the original.
Tandem SH2 binding sites mediate the RasGAP-RhoGAP interaction: a conformational mechanism for SH3 domain regulation

Many cellular signaling proteins contain SH3 (Src homology 3) domains that mediate protein interactions via specific proline-containing peptides. Unlike SH2 domains, whose interactions with tyrosine-containing peptides are promoted by phosphorylation of the SH2 binding site, the regulatory mechanism for SH3 interactions is unclear. p120 RasGAP (GTPase-activating protein), which contains an SH3 domain flanked by two SH2 domains, forms an abundant SH2-mediated complex with p190 RhoGAP in cells expressing activated tyrosine kinases. We have identified two closely linked tyrosine-containing peptides in p190 that bind simultaneously to the RasGAP SH2 domains upon p190 phosphorylation. This interaction is expected to bring the two SH2 domains into close proximity. Consequently, RasGAP undergoes a conformational change that results in a 100-fold increase in the accessibility of the target binding surface of its SH3 domain. These results indicate that the tandem arrangement of SH2 and SH3 domains found in a variety of cellular signaling proteins can provide a conformational mechanism for regulating SH3-dependent interactions through tyrosine phosphorylation. In addition, it appears that the role of p190 in the RasGAP signaling complex is to promote additional protein interactions with RasGAP via its SH3 domain.
Copolymerization behavior and properties of dimethacrylate–styrene networks

Abstract Dimethacrylate oligomers diluted with styrene (commonly known as vinyl ester resins) are important matrix resins for fiber-reinforced composites used in construction, marine craft, and transportation vehicles. These comonomers react via free radical copolymerization to yield void-free thermosets. The inter-relationships among copolymerization kinetics, physical properties of the networks, and cure temperatures for a 700 g/mol dimethacrylate oligomer with systematically varied styrene concentrations were investigated. FTIR was used to monitor the reactions of the carbon–carbon double bonds of the methacrylate (943 cm−1) and styrene (910 cm−1). Reactivity ratios were determined via a non-linear method at four cure temperatures. The data were analyzed using the integrated form of the copolymerization equation and assuming a terminal reactivity model to predict copolymer compositions throughout the reactions. The results indicated that at early conversion more styrene was incorporated into the networks at lower cure temperatures. The experimental vinyl ester–styrene network compositions agreed well with those predicted by the integrated copolymer equation at early and intermediate conversion. Mechanical properties of dimethacrylate–styrene networks were determined for materials cured at room temperature and at 140 °C. Materials cured at room temperature were tougher and had lower rubbery moduli than those cured at 140 °C.
Laser applications to arteriosclerosis: Angioplasty, angioscopy, and open endarterectomy

We have studied laser radiation of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease to determine the best technique for evaluation. Rabbits with arteriosclerosis were treated by intraluminal laser angioplasty (N = 8), laser angioscopy (N = 2), and open laser endarterectomy (N = 5). All studies were performed with an argon ion laser delivering energy through a 400-μm quartz fiber. Power delivered was varied in order to determine the best value for this animal model. Following angioplasty, perforation was seen in three rabbits (in one case, it was due to mechanical trauma from the fiber optic), and early thrombosis occurred in two rabbits. Plaques were vaporized by angioscopy, but the depth of laser beam penetration or angle of incidence could not be controlled. Open laser endarterectomy gave consistently good results with removal of an arteriosclerotic plaque within the media. The optimum power was found to be 1.0-2.0 W. Endarterectomy required an energy density of 100-140 J/cm2. We conclude that open laser endarterectomy can be a standardized technique for the in vivo evaluation of laser radiation upon arteriosclerotic lesions.
Performance improvement with random insertion of power control bits in a CDMA forward traffic channel

In a forward traffic channel of an IS-95 system, coded symbols are randomly punctured after interleaving to transmit power control bits for the reverse channel. The random puncturing results in performance degradation of the forward link and a frame error rate floor even on an AWGN channel. This paper proposes a new scheme to transmit the power control bits in a CDMA forward traffic channel. To compare the performance of the multiplexing schemes, we present a method to compute the upper bound on the frame error rate of convolutional codes. By numerical analysis and simulations, we show that the performance of the proposed scheme is better than that of the random puncturing used in the IS-95 system.
A set of plastid loci for use in multiplex fragment length genotyping for intraspecific variation in Pinus (Pinaceae).

Premise of the study: Recently released Pinus plastome sequences support characterization of 15 plastid simple sequence repeat (cpSSR) loci originally published for P. contorta and P. thunbergii. This allows selection of loci for single-tube PCR multiplexed genotyping in any subsection of the genus. Methods: Unique placement of primers and primer conservation across the genus were investigated, and a set of six loci were selected for single-tube multiplexing. We compared interspecific variation between cpSSRs and nucleotide sequences of ycf1 and tested intraspecific variation for cpSSRs using 911 samples in the P. ponderosa species complex. Results: The cpSSR loci contain mononucleotide and complex repeats with additional length variation in flanking regions. They are not located in hypervariable regions, and most primers are conserved across the genus. A single PCR per sample multiplexed for six loci yielded 45 alleles in 911 samples. Discussion: The protocol allows efficient genotyping of many samples. ...
Latent low-coordinate titanium imides supported by a sterically encumbering beta-diketiminate ligand.

Addition of an equal molar quantity of R− (R = Me, SiMe3) to complex (Nacnac)TiNAr(OTf) (Nacnac− = [ArNC(tBu)]2CH, Ar = 2,6-iPr2C6H3) forms the imido alkyl (Nacnac)TiNAr(R), which can be readily protonated to afford [(Nacnac)TiNAr(L)]+ (L = THF, Et2O, η1-C6H5NMe2), or treated with B(C6F5)3 to afford the zwitterion (Nacnac)TiNAr(μ-CH3)B(C6F5)3.
The Role of Stigma in Access to Health Care for the Poor

In 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) offered states the option to expand Medicaid to millions of low-income, uninsured citizens, although several states had already implemented some kind of Medicaid expansion program. These “early-expansion” states served as test cases that offer lessons about how low-income populations interact with the health care system once they gain access to coverage. A recent evaluation of an early-expansion state found that insurance coverage removes some, but not all, barriers to quality care.1 Oregon was a special test case because the state used a lottery system to determine who would be allowed to apply for coverage under the state's early Medicaid expansion program. A broad mixed-methods research effort took advantage of this randomization mechanism to evaluate the causal effects of Medicaid on health care use, health outcomes, and financial well-being.2 To provide context and richness to the quantitative data collected in Oregon—which included surveys, biomarker data, and administrative data—we conducted hundreds of qualitative interviews with survey respondents. Interviews covered the attitudes, behaviors, and care experiences of a low-income population similar to those eligible for health coverage under an ACA Medicaid expansion. The interview data reveal an important story that would have been difficult to find from numbers alone: a story about what it means to be poor, what being poor means when you go to the doctor, and how difficult it can be to engage with the health care system when you believe that the system might not want much to do with you.
Bifurcations in an advanced two-chamber model for the edge plasma in a divertor tokamak

An advanced two-chamber model for the main plasma scrape-off and the divertor chamber of a tokamak is constructed. It is studied in the framework of catastrophe theory. The model shows bifurcations in the topology of the equilibrium surfaces. The results are in qualitative agreement with some of the experimentally observed features of the H-mode transition.
Targeting of cre to the Foxg1 (BF-1) locus mediates loxP recombination in the telencephalon and other developing head structures.

The use of genetics to study the development of the telencephalon and derivatives such as the cerebral cortex has been limited. The telencephalon begins to form midway through gestation, and targeted mutations in genes suspected of playing roles in its development often lead to early phenotypes that preclude analysis of their role at later stages. This problem can be circumvented using a Cre/loxP recombination system. A mouse line was produced in which cre was targeted to the Foxg1 (BF-1) locus, a gene expressed specifically in the telencephalon and discrete head structures. Crosses between Foxg1-Cre mice and three separate loxP reporter mice generated embryos with recombination patterns matching that expected from the normal pattern of Foxg1 expression. Recombination occurs invariably in the telencephalon, anterior optic vesicle, otic vesicle, facial and head ectoderm, olfactory epithelium, mid-hindbrain junction, and pharyngeal pouches. Recombination in some animals also occurs less efficiently in tissues not known to express Foxg1. We show that the genetic background of the parental mice and the loxP target allele can each contribute to differences in the exact pattern of recombination. Collectively, these data show that Foxg1-Cre mice should be useful in the deletion or ectopic expression of any floxed target gene in a Foxg1-like pattern.
Quality and reliability challenges for ultra mobile computing and communication application processor packaging

Market drivers, technology scaling and integration trends of application processor packaging are first presented. Component level and board level quality and reliability challenges are then discussed in the areas of thin die and thin core package warpage, lead free flip chip die to package interconnect mechanical integrity, and lead free package to motherboard solder joint reliability. Challenges from package qualification methodology and use condition are also addressed.
Acute Response of the Estuarine Crab Eurypanopeus depressus to Salinity and Desiccation Stress

Abstract Hemolymph osmolality changes following exposure to abrupt salinity change in the range of 5–40 ppt (T = 26°C, full air saturation) and upon exposure to air (T = 23°C, r.h. = 30%) were investigated in the flatback mud crab Eurypanopeus depressus (Smith, 1869), a dominant species on oyster reefs in Southwest Florida. During salinity trials, hemolymph osmolality of E. depressus ranged from 751 ± 123 mOsmol kg−1 at 5 ppt (214 ± 32 mOsmol kg−1) to 1188 ± 81 mOsmol kg−1 at 40 ppt (1188 ± 29 mOsmol kg−1). In the salinity range of 5–15 ppt E. depressus exhibited a hyperosmotic pattern of osmoregulation while at 30 and 40 ppt it conformed. In all cases stable hemolymph osmotic concentration was reached in less than 24 h. During desiccation trials, hemolymph osmolality of E. depressus ranged from 971 ± 121 mOsmol kg−1 for unexposed crabs to 1132 ± 169 mOsmol kg−1 after 90 min of exposure. The information obtained from this study adds to knowledge of crustacean stress physiology and may give a clearer...
A visual convergence of print, television, and the internet: charting 40 years of design change in news presentation:

Changes in the visual presentation of news media provide insight into the complex, dynamic relationships that exist between print, television, and the internet. This study explores the longitudinal visual development of five major newspapers, seven network and cable news programs, and twelve news websites by examining the progression of structural and graphic design elements that contribute to the trend of ‘scannable’ information presentation. The analysis is broken down by decade, beginning in 1960 and ending in 2002, and the findings indicate that a visual convergence of media has become more pronounced over the decades as the acceleration of information has increased over time. Implications of this study regarding interdisciplinary research are explored and future research avenues are discussed in the conclusion.
Total Pelvic Exenteration for Gynecologic Malignancies

Total pelvic exenteration (PE) is a radical operation, involving en bloc resection of pelvic organs, including reproductive structures, bladder, and rectosigmoid. In gynecologic oncology, it is most commonly indicated for the treatment of advanced primary or locally recurrent cancer. Careful patient selection and counseling are of paramount importance when considering someone for PE. Part of the evaluation process includes comprehensive assessment to exclude unresectable or metastatic disease. PE can be curative for carefully selected patients with gynecologic cancers. Major complications can be seen in as many as 50% of patients undergoing PE, underscoring the need to carefully discuss risks and benefits of this procedure with patients considering exenterative surgery.
Pregnancy after cancer: Results from a prospective cohort study of cancer survivors

Background Future fertility is an important concern for many cancer survivors. Cancer therapies have been shown to adversely impact reproductive function. However, it is difficult to predict the extent to which reproductive dysfunction will occur. The purpose of this study was to compare measures of ovarian reserve (MOR) and pregnancy rates in young female cancer survivors and similar-aged controls. Procedures A prospective cohort study was conducted in a university-hospital setting. Participants were followed annually for a mean 25 months to assess reproductive history, the incidence of pregnancy, and MOR (serum follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, inhibin B, anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle counts and mean ovarian volume). Results Eighty-four female survivors (average age 26, and 14 years post-treatment) and 98 similar-aged controls that were sexually active with men were included. At baseline, 27/84 survivors and 42/98 controls reported a prior pregnancy. Adjusted models showed that anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) were impaired in survivors with a prior pregnancy compared to controls with a prior pregnancy (P < 0.01, P = 0.03). During follow-up in 56 survivors and 74 controls, 19 pregnancies occurred in survivors and 18 in controls. Comparison of MOR between survivors who became pregnant and controls who became pregnant revealed that AMH and AFC were impaired in survivors (P < 0.05). Compared to survivors who did not become pregnant, survivors who did were older (P < 0.01) and more likely to be cohabitating (P < 0.01), but had similar MOR and exposure to alkylators (P = 0.34). Conclusions Survivors achieved pregnancy at a rate similar to controls despite impaired MOR. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:2001–2006. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning Methods for Teacher Education: The Use of Online Discussions to Improve Critical Thinking.

Results from this study show that the use of online discussion forums as an instructional tool in a face‐to‐face course improved undergraduate preservice teachers’ critical thinking skills. Participants in the study were 93 students registered in four sections of an Educational Psychology course at a Midwestern university. To control for learning preferences, all participants in the study took the Canfield Learning Style Inventory as a pre‐test. Students also completed the Ennis‐Weir Test of Critical Thinking as pre‐ and post‐tests. In two of the four sections students used the Blackboard virtual learning environment to complete weekly discussions on course topics as part of their regular coursework. Quantitative analysis results from the critical thinking measure showed an increase in students’ critical thinking skills over the course of the semester. The analysis of online postings demonstrates an increase in higher order thinking skills as measured with a rubric based on Bloom’s taxonomy. Quantitative ...
Competitive metabolism of naphthalene, methylnaphthalenes, and fluorene by phenanthrene-degrading pseudomonads

Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) typically exist as complex mixtures in contaminated soils, yet little is known about the biodegradation of PAHs in mixtures. We have isolated two physiologically diverse bacteria, Pseudomonas stutzeri P-16 and P. saccharophila P-15, from a creosote-contaminated soil by enrichment on phenanthrene as the sole carbon source and studied their ability to metabolize several other two- and three-ring PAHs. Naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-methylnaphthalene served as growth substrates for both organisms, while fluorene was only cometabolized. We also studied the effects of these compounds on initial rates of phenanthrene uptake in binary mixtures. Lineweaver-Burk analysis of kinetic measurements was used to demonstrate competitive inhibition of phenanthrene uptake by all four compounds, suggesting that multiple PAHs are being transformed by a common enzyme pathway in whole cells. Estimates of the inhibition coefficient, Ki, are reported for each compound. The occurrence of competitive metabolic processes in physiologically diverse organisms suggests that competitive metabolism may be a common phenomenon among PAH-degrading organisms.
Contemporary Design-Bid-Build Model

Empirical research was performed into the hypothesis that a substantial number of building performance engineering tasks on design-bid-build projects are typically provided by entities associated with the construction phase, not with the architect-engineer (AE) of record. This hypothesis is contrary to the traditional understanding of design-bid-build and is theorized to result from increased time pressures on AEs, decreased AE profit margins, AEs’ attempts to minimize liability, increased design and construction specialization, and increased prefabrication. Project technical specifications were analyzed for 20 $5–45M building construction projects and 16 individuals directly associated with these projects were interviewed. It was found that 35 building performance engineering tasks were required by the project specifications to be performed by entities associated with the construction of the buildings. This large number of delegated design tasks suggests the conventional understanding of the design-bid-b...
How measures of perception from survey data lead to inconsistent regression results: evidence from adolescent and peer substance use.

In studies of peer group behavior, the direct measure of peer group behavior is often not available, and so is replaced by perceptions from survey respondents. This study shows that regression estimators are inconsistent when the correctly measured independent variable of group behavior is replaced with perceived measures from survey respondents. The inconsistency is due to three sources: projection of own behavior onto the group, rescaling the marginal effect of the group, and simple random measurement error. We discuss why each effect may cause inconsistency, derive formulas for the probability limit to quantify their effects, and illustrate with three examples of adolescent smoking and drinking.
Body-on-a chip: Using microfluidic systems to predict human responses to drugs

Using an in vitro platform technology that combines microfabricated devices with cell culture, we seek to understand the response of the human body to pharmaceuticals and combinations of pharmaceuticals. Computer models of the human body guide the design of in vitro systems we call micro cell culture analogs (μCCAs) or "body-on-a-chip" devices. A μCCA device is a physical representation of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model and contains mammalian cells cultured in interconnected microchambers to represent key organs linked through a circulatory system. μCCAs can provide inexpensive means for realistic, accurate, and rapid-throughput toxicological studies that do not require experimenting with animals and reveal toxic effects that can result from interactions between organs. As the natural length scale in biological systems is on the order of 10-100 μm, op- erating on the microscale allows us to mimic physiological relationships more accurately. We summarize proof-of-concept experiments using mixtures of drugs to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancer and colon cancer. We discuss the extension of the μCCA concept to systems that connect barrier tissues with systemic circulation. Examples with models of the gastro - intestinal (GI) tract are provided.
PassChords: secure multi-touch authentication for blind people

Blind mobile device users face security risks such as inaccessible authentication methods, and aural and visual eavesdropping. We interviewed 13 blind smartphone users and found that most participants were unaware of or not concerned about potential security threats. Not a single participant used optional authentication methods such as a password-protected screen lock. We addressed the high risk of unauthorized user access by developing PassChords, a non-visual authentication method for touch surfaces that is robust to aural and visual eavesdropping. A user enters a PassChord by tapping several times on a touch surface with one or more fingers. The set of fingers used in each tap defines the password. We give preliminary evidence that a four-tap PassChord has about the same entropy, a measure of password strength, as a four-digit personal identification number (PIN) used in the iPhone's Passcode Lock. We conducted a study with 16 blind participants that showed that PassChords were nearly three times as fast as iPhone's Passcode Lock with VoiceOver, suggesting that PassChords are a viable accessible authentication method for touch screens.
Application of a medicolegal approach in clinical stalemates

Clinical equipoise, defined as the state of affairs when there is insufficient data to support one treatment over another, has recently been very much discussed and analysed. One particularly contentious issue is the usage of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) in incidences of acute ischaemic stroke (AIS), where, as many as 40% of US emergency physicians refused to apply tPA despite the treatment being classified as a Class I recommendation in the American Heart Association (AHA) guideline.1–2 These reasons may include personal preference, reluctance to change or perhaps omission bias.3–4 This has led to Ubel's advent of the concept ‘behavioural equipoise’. Behavioural equipoise is defined as when physicians do not concur on a particular issue despite significant findings from clinical trials. Therefore, the scientific community enters into a state of stalemate. Debates can be found among neurologists and emergency room (ER) physicians all over the world, especially in Europe, the USA and Asia.5–9 Ubel argues that in a state of behavioural equipoise, further trials may be warranted. If doctors are not leveraging the therapy, then patients will not receive the best treatment. However, at least half the people will …
A cost-benefit analysis of alternatively fueled buses with special considerations for V2G technology

Abstract Motivated by climate, health and economic considerations, alternatively-fueled bus fleets have emerged worldwide. Two popular alternatives are compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles. The latter provides the opportunity to generate revenue through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services if properly equipped. This analysis conducts a robust accounting of the costs of diesel, CNG and battery-electric powertrains for school buses. Both marginal and fleet-wide scenarios are explored. Results indicate that the marginal addition of neither a small CNG nor a small V2G-enabled electric bus is cost effective at current prices. Contrary to previous findings, a small V2G-enabled electric bus increases net present costs by $7,200/seat relative to diesel for a Philadelphia, PA school district. A small CNG bus increases costs by $1,200/seat relative to diesel. This analysis is the first to quantify and include the economic implications of cold temperature extremes on electric vehicle battery operations, and the lower V2G revenues that result. Additional costs and limitations imposed by electric vehicles performing V2G are frequently overlooked in the literature and are explored here. If a variety of technical, legal, and economic challenges are overcome, a future eBus may be economical.
Stephanie Bird. Women Writers and National Identity: Bachmann, Duden, Özdamar

In Women Writers and National Identity: Bachmann, Duden, Ozdamar, Stephanie Bird examines the theme of national identity and how it relates to individual subjectivity and female identity in the wor...
Wingnut (Juglandaceae) as a new generic host for Pityophthorus juglandis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and the thousand cankers disease pathogen, Geosmithia morbida (Ascomycota: Hypocreales)

The walnut twig beetle (WTB), Pityophthorus juglandis Blackman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), vectors a fungus, Geosmithia morbida Kolařik, Freeland, Utley, and Tisserat (Ascomycota: Hypocreales), which colonises and kills the phloem of walnut and butternut trees, Juglans Linnaeus (Juglandaceae). Over the past two decades, this condition, known as thousand cankers disease (TCD), has led to the widespread mortality of Juglans species in the United States of America. Recently the beetle and pathogen were discovered on several Juglans species in northern Italy. Little is known about the extra-generic extent of host acceptability and suitability for the WTB. We report the occurrence of both the WTB and G. morbida in three species of wingnut, Pterocarya fraxinifolia Spach, Pterocarya rhoifolia Siebold and Zuccarini, and Pterocarya stenoptera de Candolle (Juglandaceae) growing in the United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, National Clonal Germplasm Repository collection in northern California (NCGR) and in the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden in southern California, United States of America. In two instances (once in P. stenoptera and once in P. fraxinifolia) teneral (i.e., brood) adult WTB emerged and were collected more than four months after infested branch sections had been collected in the field. Koch’s postulates were satisfied with an isolate of G. morbida from P. stenoptera, confirming this fungus as the causal agent of TCD in this host. A survey of the 37 Pterocarya Kunth accessions at the NCGR revealed that 46% of the trees had WTB attacks and/or symptoms of G. morbida infection. The occurrence of other subcortical Coleoptera associated with Pterocarya and the first occurrence of the polyphagous shot hole borer, a species near Euwallacea fornicatus Eichhoff (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), in Juglans are also documented.
Increased toxicity associated with delayed clearance of methothrexate (MTX) in patients with lymphoma receiving high-dose MTX

19578 Background: High response rates have been observed with the rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (R-HyperCVAD) alternating R-MTX and cytarabine(AraC) r...
Sexual Minority Health and Health Risk Factors: Intersection Effects of Gender, Race, and Sexual Identity.

Introduction Although population studies have documented the poorer health outcomes of sexual minorities, few have taken an intersectionality approach to examine how sexual orientation, gender, and race jointly affect these outcomes. Moreover, little is known about how behavioral risks and healthcare access contribute to health disparities by sexual, gender, and racial identities. Methods Using ordered and binary logistic regression models in 2015, data from the 2013 and 2014 National Health Interview Surveys ( n =62,302) were analyzed to study disparities in self-rated health and functional limitation. This study examined how gender and race interact with sexual identity to create health disparities, and how these disparities are attributable to differential exposure to behavioral risks and access to care. Results Conditional on sociodemographic factors, all sexual, gender, and racial minority groups, except straight white women, gay white men, and bisexual non-white men, reported worse self-rated health than straight white men ( p p Conclusions Sexual, gender, and racial identities interact with one another in a complex way to affect health experiences. Efforts to improve sexual minority health should consider heterogeneity in health risks and health outcomes among sexual minorities.
Enabling technology for non-rigid registration during image-guided neurosurgery

In the context of image processing, non-rigid registration is an operation that attempts to align two or more images using spatially varying transformations. Non-rigid registration finds application in medical image processing to account for the deformations in the soft tissues of the imaged organs. During image-guided neurosurgery, non-rigid registration has the potential to assist in locating critical brain structures and improve identification of the tumor boundary. Robust non-rigid registration methods combine estimation of tissue displacement based on image intensities with the spatial regularization using biomechanical models of brain deformation. In practice, the use of such registration methods during neurosurgery is complicated by a number of issues: construction of the biomechanical model used in the registration from the image data, high computational demands of the application, and difficulties in assessing the registration results. In this dissertation we develop methods and tools that address some of these challenges, and provide components essential for the intra-operative application of a previously validated physics-based non-rigid registration method. First, we study the problem of image-to-mesh conversion, which is required for constructing biomechanical model of the brain used during registration. We develop and analyze a number of methods suitable for solving this problem, and evaluate them using application-specific quantitative metrics. Second, we develop a high-performance implementation of the non-rigid registration algorithm and study the use of geographically distributed Grid resources for speculative registration computations. Using the high-performance implementation running on the remote computing resources we are able to deliver the results of registration within the time constraints of the neurosurgery. Finally, we present a method that estimates local alignment error between the two images of the same subject. We assess the utility of this method using multiple sources of ground truth to evaluate its potential to support speculative computations of non-rigid registration.
High-throughput sequencing of partially edited trypanosome mRNAs reveals barriers to editing progression and evidence for alternative editing

Uridine insertion/deletion RNA editing in kinetoplastids entails the addition and deletion of uridine residues throughout the length of mitochondrial transcripts to generate translatable mRNAs. This complex process requires the coordinated use of several multiprotein complexes as well as the sequential use of noncoding template RNAs called guide RNAs. The majority of steady-state mitochondrial mRNAs are partially edited and often contain regions of mis-editing, termed junctions, whose role is unclear. Here, we report a novel method for sequencing entire populations of pre-edited partially edited, and fully edited RNAs and analyzing editing characteristics across populations using a new bioinformatics tool, the Trypanosome RNA Editing Alignment Tool (TREAT). Using TREAT, we examined populations of two transcripts, RPS12 and ND7-5', in wild-typeTrypanosoma brucei We provide evidence that the majority of partially edited sequences contain junctions, that intrinsic pause sites arise during the progression of editing, and that the mechanisms that mediate pausing in the generation of canonical fully edited sequences are distinct from those that mediate the ends of junction regions. Furthermore, we identify alternatively edited sequences that constitute plausible alternative open reading frames and identify substantial variability in the 5' UTRs of both canonical and alternatively edited sequences. This work is the first to use high-throughput sequencing to examine full-length sequences of whole populations of partially edited transcripts. Our method is highly applicable to current questions in the RNA editing field, including defining mechanisms of action for editing factors and identifying potential alternatively edited sequences.