cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rare Case of Multipathogenic Pneumonia in a Patient With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related opportunistic infections has declined dramatically following the introduction of potent antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, pulmonary infections remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The spectrum of pulmonary disease that can affect patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is wide and includes opportunistic infections with many bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic organisms. In this case, we present a 65-year-old woman with HIV, non-compliant with ART, who presented with subacute melena, fatigue, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. After extensive evaluation, she was found to have pneumonia caused by four different pathogens: Strongyloides stercoralis, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. She received trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, steroids, and ivermectin. However, her clinical condition did not improve and she passed away.
In vivo performance of a bilayer wrap to prevent abdominal adhesions

There is a high prevalence of intra-abdominal adhesions following bowel resection, which can result in chronic pain, bowel obstruction, and morbidity. Although commercial adhesion barriers have been widely utilized for colonic resections, these barriers do not prevent anastomotic leakage resulting from reduced healing of the anastomosis, which can result in long-term health problems. To address this limitation, we have developed an adhesive bilayer wrap with selective bioactivity to simultaneously prevent intra-abdominal adhesion formation and promote anastomotic healing. Reactive electrospinning was used to generate a crosslinked gelatin mesh to serve as a cell-instructive substrate to improve anastomotic healing. A coating of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) foam was applied to the bioactive mesh to generate an antifouling layer and prevent intra-abdominal adhesions. After in vitro confirmation of selective bioactivity, the composite wrap was compared after 2 weeks to a commercial product (InterceedⓇ) in an in vivo rat colonic abrasion model for prevention of intra-abdominal adhesions. The composite bilayer wrap was able to prevent intra-abdominal adhesions when clinical placement was maintained. The composite bilayer wrap was further modified to include tissue adhesive properties for improved efficacy. Preliminary studies indicated that the adhesive composite bilayer wrap maintained a maximum shear strength comparable to InterceedⓇ and greater than fibrin glue. Overall, this work resulted in an initial proof-of-concept device that was shown to effectively prevent intra-abdominal adhesion formation in vivo. The composite bilayer wrap studied here could lead to an improved technology for improved healing of intestinal anastomoses.
Genetic suppression of the dopamine D3 receptor in striatal D1 cells reduces the development of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia

Abstract Parkinson's Disease (PD) is symptomatically managed with L-DOPA but chronic use results in L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID) characterized by abnormal involuntary movements (AIMs). In LID, dopamine D3 receptors (D3R) are upregulated on D1 receptor (D1R)-bearing medium spiny neurons where the can synergistically drive downstream signaling and motor behaviors. Despite evidence implying D1R-D3R cooperativity in LID, the dyskinesiogenic role of D3R has never been directly tested. To this end, we developed a specific cre-dependent microRNA (miRNA) to irreversibly prevent D3R upregulation in D1R striatal cells. D1-Cre rats received unilateral 6-hydroxydopamine lesions. Three weeks later, rats received an adeno-associated virus expressing either D3R miRNA or a scrambled (SCR) miRNA delivered into the striatum. After 4 weeks, rats received chronic L-DOPA (6 mg/kg) or vehicle. AIMs development and motor behaviors were assayed throughout treatment. At the conclusion of the experiment, efficacy and fidelity of the miRNA strategy was analyzed using in situ hybridization (ISH). ISH analyses demonstrated that D1R+/D3R+ cells were upregulated in LID and that the selective D3R miRNA reduced D1R+/D3R+ co-expression. Importantly, silencing of D3R also significantly attenuated LID development without impacting L-DOPA efficacy or other locomotion. These data highlight a dyskinesiogenic role of D3R within D1R cells in LID and highlight aberrant D1R-D3R interactions as targets of LID management.
Altered Mental Status and Weakness In An Adolescent

Introduction We present the case of a 24-year-old woman who developed Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) from a combination of restrictive eating and alcohol abuse. Case Description A 24-year-old woman with a history of depression presented to the ER with 7 days of worsening lower extremity pain and difficulty walking. She had been in her usual state of health until 6 months prior when she developed progressive lower extremity paresthesias. Two months later she had a seizure for which she was briefly hospitalized and started on an anti-epileptic. At that …
An Investigation on Non-Invasive Brain-Computer Interfaces: Emotiv Epoc+ Neuroheadset and Its Effectiveness

Neurotechnology describes as one of the focal points of today’s research of hundreds of academicians and researchers globally; particularly around the domain of Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI) that was introduced in the 1970s and has been at the forefront of many neurotechnological discoveries. The primary attempts of BCI research are to decoding human speech from brain signals, implementing creativity by imagination, and controlling neuro-psychological patterns by utilizing billion of neural activities that would significantly benefit people suffering from neurological disorders. In this study, we illustrate the progress of BCI research and present scores of unveiled contemporary approaches. First, we explore a decoding natural speech approach that is designed to decode human speech directly from the human brain onto a digital screen introduced by Facebook Reality Lab and University of California San Francisco. Then, we study a recently presented visionary project to control the human brain using Brain-Machine Interfaces (BMI) approach. We also investigate well-known electroencephalography (EEG) based Emotiv Epoc+ Neuroheadset to identify six emotional parameters including engagement, excitement, focus, stress, relaxation, and interest using brain signals by experimenting the neuroheadset among three human subjects where we utilize two two supervised learning classifiers, Naive Bayes and Linear Regression to show the accuracy and competency of the Epoc+ device and its associated applications in neurotechnological research. We present experimental studies and the demonstration indicates 69 % and 62 % improved accuracy for the aforementioned classifiers respectively in reading the performance matrices of the participants. We envision that non-invasive, insertable, and low-cost BCI approaches shall be the focal point for not only an alternative for patients with physical paralysis but also understanding the brain that would pave us to access and control the memories and brain somewhere very near.
Targeting alpha-synuclein via the immune system in Parkinson's disease: Current vaccine therapies.

Abstract Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and is defined pathologically by the abnormal accumulation of the presynaptic protein alpha-synuclein (aSyn) in the form of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites and loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Because of aSyn's involvement in both sporadic and familial forms of PD, it has become a key target for the development of novel therapeutics. Aberrant aSyn is associated with multiple mechanisms of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration including inflammation, impaired mitochondrial function, altered protein degradation systems, and oxidative stress. Inflammation, in particular, has emerged as a potential significant contributor early in the disease making it an attractive target for disease modification and neuroprotection. Thus, immunotherapies targeting aSyn are currently being investigated in pre-clinical and clinical trials. The focus of this review is to highlight the role of aSyn in neuroinflammation and discuss the current status of aSyn-directed immunotherapies in pre-clinical and clinical trials for PD.
Mitigating the Bias of Heterogeneous Human Behavior in Affective Computing

Affective computing is broadly applied to decision making systems ranging from mental health assessment to employability evaluation. The heterogeneity of human behavioral data poses challenges for both model validity and fairness. The limited access to sensitive attributes (e,g., race, gender) in real-world settings makes it more difficult to mitigate the unfairness of the model outcomes. In this work, we focus on the heterogeneity of human behavioral signals and analyze its impact on model fairness. We design a novel method named multi-layer factor analysis to automatically identify the heterogeneity patterns in high-dimensional behavioral data and propose a framework to enhance fairness of behavioral modeling without accessing sensitive attributes.
Dynamic Pain Assessment: An Application of Clinical Infometrics to Personalized Pain Treatment and Management

Pain is a critical health problem worldwide. It is the most common reason for medical appointments but often undertreated. Accurate assessment is an important first step in the treatment of persons suffering from pain. Although a critical mass of pain assessment tools now exist, there remain challenges to make them clinically useful. Dynamic pain assessment synthesizing modern psychometrics and advanced technologies allows for maximum flexibility in reliable assessment and practice guidance in facilitating treatment decision making. This adaptive approach can potentially lessen the complexity of pain assessment and serve as a viable means to improve pain treatment and management in diverse patient populations. In this chapter, we discuss the integration of psychometrics and informatics to address the challenges and opportunities for individualized pain assessment, treatment, and management. We specifically describe a dynamic pain assessment system that can allow the pain experience to be reliably self-reported and utilized to optimally guide personalized pain treatment and management in a variety of settings and populations.
Clinical oncology clerkship for third-year medical students.

Abstract Background. A two‐week elective clerkship in clinical oncology is offered to third‐year medical students. Methods. Two students at a time participated in the rotation and spent time with attendings in a one‐to‐one setting in outpatient clinics in the cancer specialties. The students also attended multidisciplinary tumor boards. Grand rounds, peer review conferences, and problem‐case conferences were attended by the students as well. The students met with an attending for one‐hour, twice‐per‐week to discuss pertinent oncologic cases and problems. The exposure to clinical oncology for two weeks is intended to educate the students relative to the presentation, evaluation, treatment, prognosis, and follow‐up for a variety of cancers. Results. The rotation has been highly successful as measured by its popularity and by consistently high course evaluations from the medical students. Conclusion. The overall quality of the learning experience for the rotation has been rated by the students as the highest...
ON PSYCHOLOGICAL TERMS THAT APPEAL TO THE MENTAL

A persistent challenge for nominally behavioral viewpoints in philosophical psychology is how to make sense of psychological terms that appeal to the mental. Two such viewpoints, logical behaviorism and conceptual analysis, hold that psychological terms appealing to the mental must be taken to mean (i.e., refer to) something that is publicly observable, such as underlying physiological states, publicly observable behavior, or dispositions to engage in publicly observable behavior, rather than mental events per se. However, they do so for slightly different reasons. A third viewpoint, behavior analysis, agrees that (a) some terms are functionally related to (i.e., occasioned by) the link between publicly observable behavior and publicly observable features of the environment, (b) some terms are dispositional, and (c) a purely private language could not arise. However, behavior analysis also recognizes that some psychological terms relate to private behavioral events, such as occur when speakers report internal sensations or engage in covert behavior.
Berry, John W

John W. Berry, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Queen's University, is an influential pioneer in cross-cultural psychology Keywords: cross-cultural psychology; acculturation; internationalization
High technology catalysts towards 100% selectivity: Fabrication, characterization and reaction studies

Abstract Catalysis in the 20th century focused primarily on activity, increasing turnover rates to produce more molecules per unit time. High selectivity was of lesser concern because disposal of undesirable byproducts was not costly and raw materials were abundant. This has changed in the 21st century because waste disposal is now expensive and the negative ecological impacts are well-documented. As a result, the present focus and roadmap of catalysis science is to achieve high selectivity in all catalyst-based chemical processes. Our knowledge of the molecular ingredients that influence selectivity is poor compared to our understanding of activity. There are six identifiable features that influence both catalyst activity and selectivity. They are metal surface structure, bonding modifier additives, mobility of metal clusters to restructure as well as the mobility of adsorbates on these clusters, selective site blocking, bifunctionality, and oxide-metal interface sites. Identification of the molecular ingredients of catalyst activity and selectivity provides opportunity for catalyst design, combined catalyst synthesis, characterization and reaction studies. In order to obtain high selectivity towards the ultimate goal of 100% selectivity, synthetic methods that enable molecular control over the size, location, structure of the metallic nanoparticles and catalyst promoters must be developed. We are attempting to do this by fabricating two- and three-dimensional catalysts. Two-dimensional nanoparticle or nanowire array catalysts are fabricated by electron beam lithography (EBL) or size reduction lithography (SRL). Arrays with metal surface areas of about 1 mm 2 or 10 9 nanoparticles are fabricated by EBL. These model catalyst systems enable the study of high-turnover reactions such as ethylene hydrogenation. SRL and a lithographic polymer imprinting technique are used to produce nanowire or nanodot array model catalysts with metallic surface areas up to 1 cm 2 or 10 11 nanoparticles. High surface area (1 m 2 or 10 15 nanoparticles) is produced by a one-step method in which polymer-stabilized monodisperse nanoparticles are synthesized in solution and incorporated into high-surface area mesoporous silica mechanically or through hydrothermal synthesis. Both types of model catalysts are characterized by a variety of physical and chemical techniques and are catalytically active for hydrocarbon conversion test reactions. Our catalyst design approach combines synthesis (fabrication), characterization and reaction studies.
Rights and Duties

"We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights." This statement, in spite of literal inaccuracy in its every phrase, served the purpose for which it was written. It expressed an aspiration, and it was a fighting slogan. In order that slogans may serve their purpose, it is necessary that they shall arouse strong, emotional belief, but it is not at all necessary that they shall be literally accurate. A large part of each human being's time on earth is spent in declaiming about his "rights," asserting their existence, complaining of their violation, describing them as present or future, vested or contingent, absolute or conditional, perfect or inchoate, alienable or inalienable, legal or equitable, in rem or in personam, primary or secondary, moral or jural (legal), inherent or acquired, natural or artificial, human or divine. No doubt still other adjectives are available. Each one expresses some idea, but not always the same idea even when used twice by one and the same person. They all need definition in the interest of understanding and peace. In his table of correlatives, Hohfeld set "right" over against "duty" as its necessary correlative. This had been done numberless times by other men. He also carefully distinguished it from the concepts expressed in his table by the terms "privilege," "power," and "immu nity."' To the present writer, the value of his work seems beyond question and the practical convenience of his classification is convincing. However, the adoption of Hohfeld's classification and the correlating of the terms "right" and "duty" do not complete the work of classification and definition.2
P-ANCA vasculitic neuropathy with 12-year latency between onset of neuropathy and systemic symptoms

The differential diagnosis of chronic progressive multifocal asymmetric neuropathies is challenging. Vasculitic neuropathies, multifocal forms of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathies, and asymmetric lower motor neuron disorders are important considerations. We report a patient with an unusually long 12-year course of nonsystemic vasculitic neuropathy prior to the development of systemic manifestations. We discuss some of the difficulties involved in the diagnosis of chronic progressive multifocal asymmetric neuropathies.
Exploring the differences between new and repeat visitors to North Carolina wineries: implications for winery marketing strategy development

The purpose of this paper was to test the proposition that the distinction between new and repeat winery visitors would provide a meaningful basis for winery market segmentation. A survey of over 900 respondents to North Carolina wineries provided the data. The research found that new and returning winery visitors differed along many dimensions such as age, the number of nights staying in the area, primary purpose of the trip, the proportion of day-trippers versus overnight visitors, motivation to visit the winery, satisfaction with the winery's wine quality and wine experience, and information source use. These results suggest that the market positioning focus for older, returning winery visitors should be to continue to improve winery amenities (e.g. ambience, retail store, tasting room, restaurant, tours, wine club, etc.) and wine quality to keep them coming back. In addition, marketing effort focusing on educational programs and special events (e.g. wine and food pairings) may be quite attractive to r...
A review of scar assessment scales.

Abstract At our current level of understanding, scars are an unavoidable result of disruption of the integument following trauma and other sources of injury in the postnatal period. Millions of people worldwide suffer from diminished quality of life due to varying degrees of disfigurement, functional impairment, and psychosocial comorbidity. Scars also represent a significant financial burden to the healthcare system at large. Substantial momentum currently exists in scar research associated with innovative techniques and devices devoted to treating scars. In order to properly ascertain and compare responses to various therapies, accurate and reproducible qualitative and quantitative assessments are vital. At least 10 different scar assessment scales and tools have been created to date in an attempt to quantify scar severity. However, a "gold standard" scar scale still does not yet exist. A major limitation of most scar scales is their focus on a relatively narrow group of individual subjective and objective features, while failing to address the overall cosmetic, functional, and psychological sequelae. Herein, we provide a brief review of current scar assessment scales, discuss some of the major advantages and limitations of each, and introduce several characteristics that might be addressed in a new "gold standard" scar scale. The assessment and treatment of scars, particularly large traumatic scars, is frequently a multidisciplinary effort. The creation of an "ideal" scar scale will undoubtedly require input from therapists, surgeons, dermatologists, and other professionals alike.
FCC and BCC Solidification Products in a Rapidly Solidified Austenitic Steel.

Abstract : The microstructures and local composition variations in centrifugally atomized high-sulfur stainless steel powder are investigated. Both fcc and bcc are found to be primary solidification phases in the as-solidified powder of this nominally austenitic steel where the smaller powder particles (approx. 70 micron diameter) tend to be bcc. Cellular solidification structures, with sulfide precipitates (100 to 200 nm diameter in size) at the cell walls, are observed in both fcc and bcc particles. The bcc structure, however, has many small sulfide precipitates (10 to 20 nm diameter) in the cell interior with few larger sulfide precipitates at the cell walls. The small precipitates, observed only in the bcc structures, form on cooling from a supersaturated solid solution that results from reduced solute partitioning during solidification. partitioning of chromium and nickel is minimal in these cellular structures. A non-cellular bcc structure is also observed with small sulfide precipitates throughout the entire structure. This non-cellular bcc structure results from smooth-front massive solidification. Analysis of the nucleation process for solidification indicates that a transition from fcc nucleation to bcc nucleation occurs with increasing wetting angle in heterogeneous nucleation. Thus bcc should nucleate in the smaller droplets of a liquid dispersion where catalytic surfaces of low potency (large wetting angle) tend to be the only heterogeneous nucleants available. (Author)
Liquid Thermal Diffusion during the Manhattan Project

On the basis of Manhattan Engineer District documents, a little known Naval Research Laboratory report of 1946, and other sources, I construct a more complete history of the liquid-thermal-diffusion method of uranium enrichment during World War II than is presented in official histories of the Manhattan Project. This method was developed by Philip Abelson (1913–2004) and put into operation at the rapidly-constructed S-50 plant at Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which was responsible for the first stage of uranium enrichment, from 0.72% to 0.85% U-235, producing nearly 45,000 pounds of enriched U-235 by July 1945 at a cost of just under $20 million. I review the history, design, politics, construction, and operation of the S-50 liquid-thermal-diffusion plant.
The pathology of fungal disease in the lung

Summary The gross and histological appearance of pulmonary mycotic disease is rarely pathognomonic for a particular entity. Tissue obtained through an invasive procedure is usually necessary for a specific diagnosis. Pathological diagnosis is directed by the pattern of inflammation and based on the morphological identification of fungi. The interventional radiologist plays a critical role in the diagnosis of pulmonary mycoses by obtaining additional material for culture. An open and inquisitive collaboration between the radiologist and pathologist can improve diagnostic accuracy for both specialists.
The herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA polymerase processivity factor increases fidelity without altering Pre-steady-state rate constants for polymerization or excision

Pre-steady-state and steady-state kinetics of nucleotide incorporation and excision were used to assess potential mechanisms by which the fidelity of the herpes simplex virus type 1 DNA polymerase catalytic subunit (Pol) is enhanced by its processivity factor, UL42. UL42 had no effect on the pre-steady-state rate constant for correct nucleotide incorporation (150 s(-1)) nor on the primary rate-limiting conformational step. However, the equilibrium dissociation constant for the enzyme in a stable complex with primer-template was 44 nm for Pol and 7.0 nm for Pol/UL42. The catalytic subunit and holoenzyme both selected against incorrect nucleotide incorporation predominantly at the level of nucleotide affinity, although UL42 slowed by 4-fold the maximum rate of incorporation of incorrect, compared with correct, nucleotide. Pol, with or without UL42, cleaved matched termini at a slower rate than mismatched ones, but UL42 did not significantly alter the pre-steady-state rate constant for mismatch excision ( approximately 16 s(-1)). The steady-state rate constant for nucleotide addition was 0.09 s(-1) and 0.03 s(-1) for Pol and Pol/UL42, respectively, and enzyme dissociation was the rate-limiting step. The longer half-life for DNA complexes with Pol/UL42 (23 s) compared with that with Pol (8 s) affords a greater probability for excision when a misincorporation event does occur, accounting predominantly for the failure of Pol/UL42 to accumulate mismatched product at moderate nucleotide concentrations.
A Comparison of the Optical Pulse Characteristics of Intracloud and Cloud-to-Ground Lightning as Observed above Clouds.

The optical-pulse characteristics of intracloud (IC) and cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning flashes were investigated. The time-resolved optical waveforms at 777.4 nm and electric-field changes produced by lightning flashes were measured aboard a U2 aircraft flying above clouds at the same time that ground-based lightning measurements were carried out. The pulse shapes and intensities of IC and CG flashes, as viewed from above cloud, were found to exhibit remarkably similar waveshapes, radiances, and radiant energy densities. The median radiance at cloud top was found to be about 0.007 W/sq m per sr, and the median energy density about 0.000003 J/sq m per sr.
Climatological monthly heat and freshwater flux estimates on a global scale from Argo

The global pattern of climatological monthly heat and freshwater fluxes at the ocean surface is estimated using Argo temperature and salinity profile data for the period 2004–2013. Temperature or salinity changes are calculated in a volume of water above an isopycnal that is below the mixed layer and not subject to mixed-layer entrainment. Horizontal advection components from geostrophic velocity and from Ekman transport, based on wind stress, are also included. The climatological monthly heat or freshwater flux at the ocean surface is estimated as the sum of advective and time tendency contributions. The air-sea flux estimates from Argo are described in global maps and basin-wide integrals, in comparison to atmospheric reanalysis data and to air-sea flux products based on observations. This ocean-based estimate of surface fluxes is consistent with property variations in the subsurface ocean and indicates greater amplitude for the climatological monthly heat flux values in the subtropics compared to other products. Similarly, the combination of Argo freshwater flux and reanalysis evaporation, suggests greater amplitude for climatological monthly precipitation in the tropics.
LEAD REMOVAL AND RECOVERY FROM BATTERY WASTEWATERS BY NATURAL ZEOLITE CLINOPTILOLITE

ABSTRACT Technical feasibility of an ion exchange process for removal and recovery of lead present in battery manufacturing wastewaters is demonstrated. In absence of aluminium and ferric species, lead is quantitatively removed and recovered (≈90%) from the neutralised wastewaters after elution on the natural zeolite clinoptilolite. Control of pH to 5.5-6 is necessary to minimise degradation of the exchanger material. Throughput volumes exceeding 2,700 bed volumes (BV) (flowrate: Fexh10 BV/h) is obtained, when the initial Pb concentration is 4 mg/L, with the metal leakage steadily below the maximum allowable concentration (MAC<0.2 mgPb/L) set by the EU for discharge in rivers, lakes, coastal seawater. Regeneration of the zeolite is carried out by controlled elution of limited amounts of IM NaCl, pH 4.5 (40BV, Freg=5 BV/h) to minimize in situ precipitation of metals and preserve the zeolite from degradation. From spent regeneration eluate lead is recovered to the battery manufacturing operations. This latt...
Alterations in the γ‐Aminobutyric Acid‐Gated Chloride Channel Following Transient Forebrain Ischemia in the Gerbil

The role of inhibitory neurotransmission in selective neuronal degeneration after transient forebrain ischemia was studied by binding of t-[35S]butylbicyclophosphorothionate ([35S]TBPS) to the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-gated chloride channel and measurement of GABAA receptor function in Mongolian gerbil brain. [35S]TBPS binding to the hippocampus, striatum, and cortex quantified by autoradiography and muscimol-stimulated 36Cl- uptake in synaptoneurosomes of the same regions were examined 1, 4, and 29 days after a 5-min bilateral carotid occlusion. [35S]TBPS binding was decreased in the pyramidal cell dendritic layers, stratum oriens, and stratum lacunosum-moleculare of the CA1 hippocampus, 4 and 29 days after occlusion, and in the stratum radiatum 29 days after occlusion. [35S]TBPS binding sites in the lateral striatum decreased 47% 4 days after occlusion. At the same time, there was a corresponding decrease in muscimol-stimulated 36Cl- uptake in the striatal synaptoneurosomes. Muscimol-stimulated 36Cl- uptake in the hippocampus decreased slightly 4 days after occlusion and more so after 29 days, although these decreases were not significant. No changes were observed in somatosensory cortex at any time point. These data suggest that a portion of GABAA receptors in areas sensitive to ischemic insult are associated with degenerating neurons, whereas other GABAA) receptors are spared.
Suicide Ideation and Personality Characteristics Among Gifted Adolescents

This study describes psychological characteristics of gifted adolescents. It also identifies the relationships between psychological personality types and suicide ideation. Participants in the stud...
Recombinant Small Subunit of Smooth Muscle Myosin Light Chain Phosphatase

We expressed the small subunit of smooth muscle myosin light chain phosphatase (MPs) in Escherichia coli, and have studied its molecular properties as well as its interaction with the targeting subunit (MPt). MPs (Mr = 18,500) has an anomalously low electrophoretic mobility, running with an apparent Mr of ∼21,000 in sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. CD spectroscopy shows that it is ∼45% α-helix and undergoes a cooperative temperature-induced unfolding with a transition midpoint of 73 °C. Limited proteolysis rapidly degrades MPs to a stable C-terminal fragment (Mr = 10,000) that retains most of the helical content. Rotary shadowing electron microscopy reveals that it is an elongated protein with two domains. Sedimentation velocity measurements show that recombinant MPt (Mr = 107,000), intact MPs, and the 10-kDa MPs fragment are all dimeric, and that MPs and MPt form a complex with a molar mass consistent with a 1:1 heterodimer. Sequence analysis predicts that regions in the C-terminal portions of both MPs and MPt have high probabilities for coiled coil formation. A synthetic peptide from a region of MPs encompassing residues 77–116 was found to be 100% α-helical, dimeric, and formed a complex with MPt with a molecular mass corresponding to a heterodimer. Based on these results, we propose that MPs is an elongated molecule with an N-terminal head and a C-terminal stalk domain. It dimerizes via a coiled coil interaction in the stalk domain, and interacts with MPt via heterodimeric coiled coil formation. Since other proteins with known regulatory function toward MP also have predicted coiled coil regions, our results suggest that these regulatory proteins target MP via the same coiled coil strand exchange mechanism with MPt.
Critical appraisal of social indicators.

Cochran’s (1979) beginning of a critical appraisal of social indicators deserves attention. Social processes and individual satisfaction are extremely difficult to conceptualize, let alone measure and summarize satisfactorily. Yet, Western societies are eager to obtain and use whatever data seem relevant to public policy and individual decision making. Unless the nature of these data is clearly understood, such data are likely to be used unwisely. Cochran has outlined factors that limit the long-range utility of social indicators: First, any given strategy of measurement will restrict perception at the same time that it provides information; it will suggest definitions of social problems and thereby delimit understanding of those problems. Second, since data limit and direct perception of problems, they also tend to limit and direct perception of how resources should be allocated to solve those problems. Cochran goes on to suggest that a way to increase the utility of social indicators is to critically appraise their nature and use. She hints that critical appraisal might be approached in two ways: by seeking political and administrative insight into the uses and abuses of social indicator data, and by seeking psychological and philosophical insight into the nature and pursuit of social goals. At the political and administrative level of inquiry, the identification of obvious misuses and misinterpretations of social indicator data may suggest wiser decision strategies for the future. At the psychological or philosophical level of inquiry, critical examination of the nature and use of social indicators, the values implicit in social indicators, and the nature and pursuit of human satisfaction may suggest more satisfactory ways to characterize and influence the pursuit of happiness. It may even contribute to the altering of our goals and values. While one may go about these two kinds of inquiry differently, one cannot pursue the first or simpler goal without beginning to pursue the second goal; i.e., one can most intelligently ask whether social indicators are currently used wisely if one has a comprehensive understanding of the possible alternatives. What can be done to explore these two interrelated sets of problems? Who should be responsible for critical inquiry of this kind? The purpose of this commentary is to argue by analogy to the history of mental testing that the responsibility for critical evaluation and beneficent use of social indicators rests largely with social scientists, and to suggest some directions of critical inquiry.
Military Socialization and Masculinity

An analysis of military indoctrination as a powerful adult socialization process is crucial to an understanding of adult male role definitions since a significant proportion of the male population has undergone the basic training experience. How the values and norms of masculinity are structured by and for the military and the ways in which they act as socializing agents are explored in a model of military socialization. Some attention is paid to the shift to the all-volunteer armed force (AVAF) and the military as an occupation. The article demonstrates the type of socialization common to adult males vis-a-vis the operationalization of the prototype of masculinity.
The echinocandin "target" identified by cross-linking is a homolog of Pil1 and Lsp1, sphingolipid-dependent regulators of cell wall integrity signaling.

Echinocandins such as caspofungin, recently approved for treatment of specific yeast and mold infections, represent an important group of antifungals with a distinct mechanism of action ([2][1]). Early studies demonstrated that echinocandins inhibit the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan, a major cell wall
Elastomer behavior. I. Rupture elongation

A theoretical treatment has been made of the extension at rupture of an elastomer. In this treatment, the elastomer chains are considered to follow a GAUSSian positional distribution. The concept of a branched random walk is then introduced to allow the calculation of the chain-end density function. The chain-end density is shown to be finite for crosslinking, and the elastomer extensibility is calculated by equating the chain-end density at an infinite distance from the origin to a finite value. The treatment shows that the extensibility is greater for elastomers with low crosslink density, chain-length homogeneity, and low cross-link functionality, and less for elastomers with high cross-link density, chain-length heterogeneity, and high functionality of cross links. Die Dehnungsfahigkeitsgrenze eines Elastomeren wurde theoretisch behandelt. Es wird angenommen, das die einzelnen Ketten des Elastomeren in einer raumlichen GAUSS-Verteilung angeordnet sind. Der Begriff einer verzweigten beliebigen Aneinanderreihung wird eingefuhrt, um die Berechnung einer Dichtefunktion der Kettenenden zu ermoglichen. Man findet, das im Falle einer Vernetzung die Dichte der Kettenenden einen endlichen Wert hat. Die Grenze der Dehnungsfahigkeit wird berechnet, indem man die Dichte der Kettenenden eines Punktes in unendlicher Entfernung vom Ursprung einem endlichen Wert gleichsetzt. Die Ausfuhrungen ergeben, das Elastomere mit geringer Vernetzungsdichte, homogener Kettenlange und geringwertiger Vernetzungsfunktion eine grosere Grenze der Dehnungsfahigkeit haben als Elastomere mit hoher Vernetzungsdichte, heterogener Kettenlange und hoher Vernetzungsfunktion.
Immature platelet fraction can help adjust therapy in refractory thrombotic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia cases

Hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura share presentations, therapies and diagnostic evaluation of activity of the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. Here, we report a patient with the clinical presentation of thrombotic microangiopathic thrombocytopenia, normal ADAMTS13, prolonged regimen of therapeutic plasma exchanges (TPEs), bone marrow biopsy showing adequate tri-lineage hematopoiesis, and low immature platelet fraction (%-IPF) (<1.0%). Low %-IPF suggested platelet hypoproduction; high steroid therapy, in conjunction with TPEs, resulted in the recovery of platelet count. Further investigation is needed to determine if %-IPF can guide therapy in cases of microangiopathic hemolytic anemias refractory to therapy.
Benthic oxygen fluxes and denitrification rates from high-resolution porewater profiles from the Western Antarctic Peninsula continental shelf

Abstract Benthic fluxes of dissolved oxygen and nitrate were calculated from high-resolution porewater profiles collected on the continental margin of the Western Antarctic Peninsula. Profiles were collected in four seasons between March 2000 and February 2001 as part of the FOODBANCS program. Oxygen consumption rates ranged from 0.92 to 3.11 mmol O2 m−2 d−1 over the course of the year with an average annual oxygen consumption rate of 1.74 mmol O2 m−2 d−1. The oxygen fluxes follow a trend similar to the particulate carbon export flux with smaller fluxes during the winter and larger fluxes during the spring bloom period. However, the range in oxygen fluxes is substantially smaller than the range in the particulate carbon export. Denitrification rates ranged from 0.66 to 1.46 mmol N m−2 d−1, and the average annual denitrification rate was 1.29 mmol N m−2 d−1. The O2 consumption and denitrification rates are of similar magnitude to rates measured on other deep (∼500 m) continental margins. Denitrification rates are strongly coupled to nitrification rates, with coupled nitrification–denitrification accounting for more than 80% of the total denitrification rate in these sediments. The Antarctic continental-margin sediment denitrification rates correspond to ∼3–5 Tg N yr−1, and thus these continental-margin sediments account for roughly 1–2% of the global sediment denitrification signal.
A High Efficiency 5 kW Inductive Charger for EVs Using Dual Side Control

This paper presents the design of a 5 kW inductive charging system for electric vehicles (EVs). Over 90% efficiency is maintained from grid to battery across a wide range of coupling conditions at full load. Experimental measurements show that the magnetic field strength meets the stringent International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines for human safety. In addition, a new dual side control scheme is proposed to optimize system level efficiency. Experimental validation showed that a 7% efficiency increase and 25% loss reduction under light load conditions is achievable. The authors believe this paper is the first to show such high measured efficiencies for a level 2 inductive charging system. Performance of this order would indicate that inductive charging systems are reasonably energy efficient when compared to the efficiency of plug-in charging systems.
Epidemiology, cytogenetics, and molecular biology of brain tumors

The incidence of primary brain tumors has increased dramatically among elderly North Americans during the past two decades. Numerous chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with these tumors; various subsets of these abnormalities are specific to certain types of brain tumors. Astrocytic gliomas may exhibit losses of genetic information from chromosomes 9p, 10q, 11p, 13q, 17p, or 22. Mutations of the p53 gene are found mostly in the malignant astrocytic forms and have been linked to malignant tumor transformation and progression. Functional and structural abnormalities of the neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) gene and overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor have been associated with expression of the malignant glioma phenotype. Other less clearly defined abnormalities in astrocytomas include mutations of the retinoblastoma (RB) gene and overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor; transforming growth factor-alpha and -beta; the c-erb B-1, c-myc, ras, c-fos, and ros oncogenes; and insulin-like growth factor I and II. In other glioma tumors, p53 mutations are either infrequent, as in oligodendrogliomas, or absent, as in ependymomas. Occasionally, medulloblastomas exhibit p53 mutations and loss of genetic information from chromosomes 6q and 16q or expression of the c-erb B-2 oncogene. Loss of heterozygosity in chromosome 22 is the most frequent event in meningiomas, suggesting the presence of a tumor-suppressor gene in this chromosome.
Using a starfield visualization for analyzing product performance of online stores

This paper presents a method for analyzing the performance of individual products in an online store in relation with the store’s merchandising efforts. For this analysis, we introduce a visualization tool which is based on a starfield display [1]. We also use a framework for understanding Web merchandising with a set of metrics referred to as micro-conversion rates which were defined in our previous work [12]. This analysis of Web merchandising effectiveness relies on clickstream data which is visitors’ paths through an online store. Clickstream data of an online store shows how the store is navigated and used by its customers, and provides useful information for understanding the effectiveness of its marketing and merchandising efforts. To demonstrate how the presented visualization system helps explore and understand the performance of individual products of an online store, we present a series of extended starfield visualizations which display clickstream data from an operating online retail store.
Eplerenone in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Heart Failure

To the Editor: Pitt et al1 have concluded in their study that eplerenone should be prescribed to all of the postacute myocardial infarction patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and heart failure. However, there are a few concerns in using eplerenone in certain populations. During the development of heart failure, there is an activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone …
Assessment of the effect of phosphorylated metabolites of anti-human immunodeficiency virus and anti-hepatitis B virus pyrimidine analogs on the behavior of human deoxycytidylate deaminase.

Deoxycytidylate deaminase, catalyzing the conversion of dCMP to dUMP, is an important enzyme in the de novo synthesis of thymidine nucleotides. It also may be involved in the action, as well as the metabolism of anticancer agents. Recently, several l- and d-configuration pyrimidine deoxynucleoside analogs were found to be potent antiviral and antitumor agents. Their interaction with dCMP deaminase as a monophosphate or a triphosphate metabolite is not clear. These include d-nucleoside analogs such as β-d-2′,3′-dideoxycytidine (ddC), β-2′-fluoro-5-methyl-arabinofuranosyluracil (FMAU), 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), and 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (D4T) as well asl-nucleoside analogs such as β-l-dioxolane-cytidine (l-OddC), β-l-2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine, β-l-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′-fluoro-3′-thia-cytidine (l-FSddC), β-l-2′,3′-dideoxy-2′,3′-didehydro-5-fluorocytidine, andl-FMAU. None of the l-deoxycytidine analog monophosphates act as substrates or inhibitors. Among these pyrimidine deoxynucleoside analog monophosphates, d-FMAU monophosphate (MP) is the most potent competitive inhibitor, whereasl-FMAUMP has no inhibitory activity. Interestingly, AZTMP and D4TMP also have potent inhibitory activities on dCMP deaminase. Among the dCTP and TTP analogs examined, d- andl-FMAUTP were the most potent inhibitors and had the same extent of inhibitory effect. These results suggest that a chiral specificity for the substrate-binding site may exist, but there is no chiral specificity for the regulator-binding site. This is also supported by the observation that l-OddC andl-FSddC have inhibitory activities as triphosphates but not as monophosphates. None of the d- and l-dCTP analogs activated dCMP deaminase as dCTP. The biological activities of AZT and D4T could be partially attributable to their inhibitory activity against dCMP deaminase by their phosphorylated metabolites, whereas that of ddC and the l-deoxycytidine analogs may not involve dCMP deaminase directly.
Online discussion design on adult students' learning perceptions and patterns of online interactions

This proposal reports a study examining the impact of the online discussion design on adult students' perceptions of online learning and their online interaction performance. Specifically, in this causal-comparative study we collected data with surveys and the content analysis of online discussion scripts to explore the learning impact of online discussion types (instructor-led versus student-led), the discussion grouping design (class-wide, group discussions, versus the integrated), and the computer-mediate communication (CMC) environment (asynchronous versus hybrid). The study indicated that the online discussions that were student-led and integrating class-wide and group forums predicted higher learning satisfaction and deeper learning for adult students.
Observations of nuclei in cavitating flows

The present report focuses on the source of the large difference between the theoretical strength of pure liquid [12] and the actual tension that is required to initiate cavitation in technical fluids such as test facilities and natural waters. This discrepancy is commonly explained by the existence of nuclei, either solid particles or vapor and gas bubbles that permit phase transition to take place near equilibrium. The existence of these nuclei, their source and lifetimes have occupied much space in the technical literature for decades [1, 2, 3, 8]. Yet, direct observations of tests in applications to naval hydrodynamics and hydraulic machinery flows has not provided much information about these nuclei. Their existence, however, and their effect on cavitation is in no doubt as is demonstrated by the series of photographs of a propeller that were taken in the ‘Vacu-Tank’ of NSMB [9] shown in Figure 1. There, addition of ‘nucleating’ sources to the water by electrolysis clearly increases the number of visible cavitating bubbles on the blade surfaces.