cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ATP Consumption of Eukaryotic Flagella Measured at a Single-Cell Level

Abstract The motility of cilia and flagella is driven by thousands of dynein motors that hydrolyze adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Despite decades of genetic, biochemical, structural, and biophysical studies, some aspects of ciliary motility remain elusive, such as the regulation of beating patterns and the energetic efficiency of these nanomachines. In this study, we introduce an experimental method to measure ATP consumption of actively beating axonemes on a single-cell level. We encapsulated individual sea urchin sperm with demembranated flagellum inside water-in-oil emulsion droplets and measured the axoneme's ATP consumption by monitoring fluorescence intensity of a fluorophore-coupled reporter system for ATP turnover in the droplet. Concomitant phase contrast imaging allowed us to extract a linear dependence between the ATP consumption rate and the flagellar beating frequency, with ∼2.3 × 10 5 ATP molecules consumed per beat of a demembranated flagellum. Increasing the viscosity of the aqueous medium led to modified beating waveforms of the axonemes and to higher energy consumption per beat cycle. Our single-cell experimental platform provides both new insights, to our knowledge, into the beating mechanism of flagella and a powerful tool for future studies.
Nonspecific Ionic Inhibition of Ethambutol Binding by Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract Magnesium sulfate and spermidine were tested for their effects on binding of 14C-ethambutol by Mycobacterium smegmatis. Concentrations were used that protected the organism from ethambutol inhibition. Sodium salts were examined as possible ethambutol antagonists to test the previously reported specificity of the divalent cation salt effect. Consistent with growth-protection experiments, 20 mM MgSO4 or 2.0 mM spermidine prevented and reversed 14C binding by cells shaken with 0.2 μg of 14C-ethambutol per ml of Sauton medium at 37 C. Sodium salts were not effective ethambutol antagonists when tested at 20 mM, but at concentrations equivalent in ionic strength (μ) to that provided by 20 mM MgSO4 they were effective. Thus, 20 mM MgSO4, 80 mM NaCl, or 27 mM Na2SO4 (μ = 0.08) all gave similar results in growth protection and binding experiments, suggesting that MgSO4 antagonism is a nonspecific ionic effect. Because spermidine (μ ≤ 0.012) antagonized ethambutol at an ionic strength substantially less than that required for the metal salts, its effect may hinge on structural similarity to ethambutol rather than its cationic character. Drug and polyamine may compete for one site or a heterogeneous group of binding sites involving adsorption, transport, and intracellular target reactions. Until we know at which of these levels spermidine antagonizes ethambutol binding, the relationship between polyamines and ethambutol action will remain obscure. However, these studies have weakened the earlier argument for a divalent cation-requiring system as a specific ethambutol target site.
Lorentzian Isothermic Surfaces in R~j^n

If a time-like surface in R n is isothermic then there is another, uniquely determined surface which is either anti-conformal or conformal and sign-reversing with the same Gauss map. The choice of mapping depends on whether the shape operator is diagonalizable over R or C.
18% efficient silicon photovoltaic devices by rapid thermal diffusion and oxidation

For the first time, cells formed by rapid thermal processing (RTP) have resulted in 18%-efficient 1 and 4 cm/sup 2/ single-crystal silicon solar cells. Front surface passivation by rapid thermal oxidation (RTO) significantly enhanced the short wavelength response and decreased the effective front surface recombination velocity (including contact effects) from 7.5/spl times/10/sup 5/ to about 2/spl times/10/sup 4//spl times/10/sup 4/ cm/s. This improvement resulted in an increase of about 1% (absolute) in energy conversion efficiency, up to 20 mV in V/sub ot/, and about 1 mA/cm/sup 2/ in J/sub sc/. These RTO-induced enhancements are shown to be consistent with model calculations. Since only 3 to 4 min are required to simultaneously form the phosphorus emitter and aluminum back-surface-field (BSF) and 5 to 6 min are required for growing the RTO, this RTP/RTO process represents the fastest technology for diffusing and oxidizing /spl ges/18%-efficient solar cells. Both cycles incorporate an in situ anneal lasting about 1.5 min to preserve the minority carrier lifetime of lower quality materials such as dendritic-web and multicrystalline silicon. These high-efficiency cells confirmed that RTP results in equivalent performance to cells fabricated by conventional furnace processing (CFP). Detailed characterization and modeling reveals that because of RTO passivation of the front surface (which reduced J/sub 0c/ by nearly a factor of ten), these RTP/RTO cells have become base dominated (J/sub 0b//spl Gt/J/sub 0c/), and further improvement in cell efficiency is possible by a reduction in back surface recombination velocity (BSRV). Based upon model calculations, decreasing the BSRV to 200 cm/s is expected to give 20%-efficient RTP/RTO cells.
Head and Neck Tumors: Surgery Perspective

The extracranial head and neck region is complex and varied with respect to anatomy, physiology, and pathology. Squamous cell carcinoma represents a large proportion of upper aerodigestive tract (sinonasal cavity, oral cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx) malignancies. However, the salivary glands have pathology ranging from mucoepidermoid to adenoid cystic and adenocarcinoma. Likewise, common malignancies of the thyroid gland include papillary, follicular, and medullary carcinoma. Neuroendocrine lesions occur throughout the region such as carotid body tumors and glomus tumors. Smoking and tobacco products represent a major risk factor in most head and neck malignancies.
Organization and dynamics of the nonhomologous end-joining machinery during DNA double-strand break repair

Nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) is a major repair pathway for DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), involving synapsis and ligation of the broken strands. We describe the use of in vivo and in vitro single-molecule methods to define the organization and interaction of NHEJ repair proteins at DSB ends. Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy allowed the precise visualization of XRCC4, XLF, and DNA ligase IV filaments adjacent to DSBs, which bridge the broken chromosome and direct rejoining. We show, by single-molecule FRET analysis of the Ku/XRCC4/XLF/DNA ligase IV NHEJ ligation complex, that end-to-end synapsis involves a dynamic positioning of the two ends relative to one another. Our observations form the basis of a new model for NHEJ that describes the mechanism whereby filament-forming proteins bridge DNA DSBs in vivo. In this scheme, the filaments at either end of the DSB interact dynamically to achieve optimal configuration and end-to-end positioning and ligation.
Ethically Investigating Torture Efficacy: A New Methodology to Test the Influence of Physical Pain on Decision-Making Processes in Experimental Interrogation Scenarios

Torture's effectiveness is a frequently debated yet under-researched topic. This article describes a new experimental method to ethically investigate one component of torture: The influence of physical pain on people's decisions to reveal secret or false information. In particular, participants played a game that was designed to be a proxy of an interrogation scenario. As part of the game, participants were instructed to keep specific information hidden from an opponent while their hand was submerged in varying temperatures of ice water (a cold pressor test that causes pain). Further, their opponent (actually a confederate) verbally pressured them to reveal the information. Participants could choose to give false information to their opponent, true information, or a combination of both. Results suggested the potential usefulness of this method to examine the effectiveness of using pain for information retrieval in a scenario similar to interrogation: Analyses revealed that participants were more likely to...
Genetic variance for diapause expression and associated life histories in Drosophila melanogaster

The dipteran Drosophila melanogaster can express a form of reproductive quiescence or diapause when exposed to low temperature and shortened photoperiod. Among natural populations in the eastern United States, the frequency of lines that express reproductive diapause in the laboratory varies substantially and predictably with latitudinal origin. The goals of the present study were twofold: (1) to examine the impact of genetic variance for diapause expression on multiple traits associated with organismal fitness; and (2) to evaluate the potential for fitness trade-offs between diapause and nondiapause phenotypes that may result in the observed cline. Even prior to diapause entry or expression, inbred lines that express and do not express reproductive diapause in laboratory assays were constitutively distinct for life span, age-specific mortality rates, fecundity profiles, resistance to cold and starvation stress, lipid content, development time, and egg-to-adult viability. Furthermore, estimates of genetic correlations based on line means revealed significant differentiation for genetic variance/covariance matrices between diapause and nondiapause lines. The data indicate the potential for life-history trade-offs associated with variation for the diapause phenotype. The observed cline in diapause incidence in the eastern United States may be generated by these trade- offs and the associated spatial and/or temporal variation in relative fitness of these two phenotypes in natural popu- lations.
Leasehold Recharacterization in Bankruptcy: A Review and Critique

The recharacterization of leasehold interests as mortgages has several hundred years of history and doctrinal development that focuses on the intent of the parties. Bankruptcy cases, however, have recently abandoned this body of law, replacing it sub silentio with a federal economic substance test derived from an amalgam of tax and personalty recharacterization cases. This test is not only inconsistent with established state property law but, worse, is inherently arbitrary, unpredictable, and inconsistent. I advocate a return to a test based primarily on the expressed intent of the parties in order to respect the federalist structure of our property law and bankruptcy system, reduce forum shopping, and provide predictability for contracting parties as well as for third parties who rely on the recorded state of title.
Review of Basic Oxidation Processes in Elastomers

Abstract The early studies of chain scission in the oxidation of rubber by Dr. E. M. Bevilacqua, and his subsequent work on the identification of the various acids, methyl ketones, and other volatile products of the oxidation reaction, have contributed much to our present knowledge of the nature of the processes involved in the oxidation of elastomers. His numerous research publications and review papers represent a significant segment of the world's literature on oxidation and aging of rubber. This introductory paper of the E. M. Bevilacqua Memorial Symposium is a brief review of our present understanding of some of the basic oxidation processes in elastomers. More extensive reviews of various aspects of the subject are available. This review is primarily concerned with the nature of the chemical reactions involved in the oxidation, degradation, and stabilization of elastomers. The mechanism of uninhibited autoxidation (based on model compound studies) will be compared with the more complicated sequence ...
Crystallization Phenomenon Induced by Proton Beam Irradiation using Large Area Ion Implantation for Polycrystalline Silicon Thin Film Transistors

Crystallization induced by proton beam irradiation using large area ion implantation at low temperature (less than 600°C) have been investigated. Phosphine gas containing hydrogen of more than 95% is discharged by RF power of 100W. Both phosphorus ions and protons are accelerated by a potential of 100kV and implanted into polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) layers. At a range of beyond 2×1015 ions/cm2 P′ ions dose, amorphous phase is primarily formed and then changes into polycrystals again and its grain sizes grow up to 50nm in average diameter. The crystallization is found to occur simultaneously with phosphorus doping and to depend on the amount of the irradiated protons. This technique enables us to eliminate the activation annealing process for implanted dopant.
Optimization of Cylinder Block Thrust Face Machining Process and Process Control

This paper use a example of Block thrust face machining and final feature established to discuss significance of select logical process flow and process dimension for satisfy product feature request.And give a reference for similar feature machining in production.
A Study on Noticing of EFL Learners in Usage of Logical Connectors

EFL learners lack internal,autonomic syntactical language acquisition device.Consequently,they depend more on information processing learning which includes input,central processing and output.As Carroll puts it,ESL/EFL learners must bring their noticing into full play if they intend to transfer the input information to intake.Only when ESL/EFL learners closely notice input and learn the due contents consciously can they speed up the learning process and bring about the second language acquisition.Based on questionnaires,the paper attempts to explore the noticing of logical connectors of ESL/EFL learners in their learning of English argumentative writing.
Benzene series in water measurement employing headspace capillary vessel column gas chromatography

Objective To verify the benzene series(in water) measurement process employing capillary vessel column gas chromatography.Methods This dissertation introduces headspace process.When benzene series reaches dynamic equilibrium in gas-liquid two phases in the headspace vial,the headspace gas was taken as the sample,then separated in capillary columns,then detected by hydrogen flame ionization detector.Its quality was determined by the retention time span,its quantity was determined by peak area.Results When the range of concentration of the solution was in a certain range,linear correlation coefficient r was more than 0.9991,its deviation was ranged from 0.54 to 2.09%.The sample added recovery rate was ranged from 98.5% to 103.0%.Conclusion This process was distinguished with determination of speed,high accuracy,and good reproducibility and without carbon disulfide extraction,so its application for the measurement of benzene series in water was not only ideal but also efficient.
The future of vaccines against viral diseases.

American medical experts expect to eradicate within a few years almost all the infectious diseases of childhood. For 1967 the target is measles. In another few years German measles may also be wiped out, and, shortly after that, mumps. Since the wide use of vaccine has already overcome diphtheria, whooping cough and polio, there may soon be very little left for American children to catch but colds and chickenpox. Joyce Egginton, in “The Observer” (London), April 2, 1967.
Chemical kinetics and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.

The dynamics of macromolecules, the subject of this symposium, are most directly studied by simply looking through a microscope and observing the molecular motion. With a microscope, we can resolve the size and shape of large particles, as well as monitor dynamic motion. For smaller particles, particularly single macromolecules, we cannot resolve the size or shape; but it is still possible to observe the motion, if we can make the particles appear as bright points of light sprinkled dilutely over a dark background. Siedentopf & Zsigmondy (1903) demonstrated this fact with a device which came to be called the ultramicroscope.
An Efficient Factor from Basis 'Anomalies'

A look-ahead-bias-free, ex-ante efficient portfolio from Size, B/M and Momentum anomalies has an ex-post Sharpe ratio of 2.3. The one factor drives out 39 “anomalies” from a total of 43, the remaining 4 have high turnover and trading costs. It prices 200 “anomalous” portfolios and significantly out-perform the combined 12 factors: MKT-RF, SMB, HML, MOM, LTR, STR, RMW, CMA, QMJ, ILIQ, BAB, DEV. GRS test cannot reject the factor’s ex-post efficiency. The 12%/year long-short spread from the efficient factor beta cannot be explained by all 12 factors combined, but 1 factor alone. Optimal mixture of new exotic characteristics can be engineered to pass existing testing tools as “unique anomalies”, yet are completely manifested by the efficient factor.A theory where assets are priced recursively w.r.t. the group-specific efficient factor shows that “anomalous” predictabilities are equivalent to 1-factor pricing, regardless of rational/behavioral cause. The Implied Stochastic Discount Factor return deduced from the efficient factor is consistent with economic theory, while the one from the market return is not.
The impact of motor symptoms on self-reported anxiety in Parkinson's disease.

Abstract Objective Anxiety is commonly endorsed in Parkinson's disease (PD) and significantly affects quality of life. The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) is often used but contains items that overlap with common PD motor symptoms (e.g., “hands trembling”). Because of these overlapping items, we hypothesized that PD motor symptoms would significantly affect BAI scores. Methods One hundred non-demented individuals with PD and 74 healthy control participants completed the BAI. PD motor symptoms were assessed by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS). Factor analysis of the BAI assessed for a PD motor factor, and further analyses assessed how this factor affected BAI scores. Results BAI scores were significantly higher for PD than NC. A five-item PD motor factor correlated with UPDRS observer-rated motor severity and mediated the PD-control difference on BAI total scores. An interaction occurred, whereby removal of the PD motor factor resulted in a significant reduction in BAI scores for PD relative to NC. The correlation between the BAI and UPDRS significantly declined when controlling for the PD motor factor. Conclusions The results indicate that commonly endorsed BAI items may reflect motor symptoms such as tremor instead of, or in addition to, genuine mood symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of considering motor symptoms in the assessment of anxiety in PD and point to the need for selecting anxiety measures that are less subject to contamination by the motor effects of movement disorders.
Embolia de líquido amniótico: perspectiva histórica, fisiopatología y manejo clínico

Amniotic fluid embolism (hereafter, AFE) is a uniformly devastating event that is both unpredictable and unpreventable. Despite having been first described nearly 80 years ago, it remains a significant cause of maternal mortality worldwide. AFE is characterized by the triad of sudden hypoxia and hypotension, followed in most cases by coagulopathy. The diagnosis of AFE is clinical and prompt recognition and multi-disciplinary intervention essential. This paper seeks to review the history, pathophysiology, potential risk factors, strategies for identification and management, and outcomes of this unfortunate and storied obstetric emergency.
Post-infectious and Infectious Glomerulopathies

There is a wide spectrum of infectious agents which may produce acute glomerular injury. Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is still the most common cause of post-infectious glomerulonephritis in undeveloped countries. The disease is a consequence of previous throat or skin infection with nephritogenic strains of group A beta hemolytic streptoccoci and rarely with group C and G. Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B and plasmin binding membrane receptor are potential nephritogenic antigens. The disease has a favorable outcome particularly in children if it is recognized early and appropriate conservative treatment commenced. Renal biopsy is rarely indicated and is limited to patients with atypical presentation, rapidly progressive clinical course and delayed recovery. Long term prognosis in excellent in children. Glomerulonephritis due to infected ventriculoatrial shunt or bacterial endocarditis is rarely seen in children nowadays. With highly active antiretroviral therapy the mortality rate in children with perinatal HIV infection has significantly decreased but the incidence of HIV related kidney disease has increased. Pediatric nephrologists should be familiar with early recognition, treatment and follow up of children with HIV related kidney disease.
Understanding Our Own Biology: The Relevance of Auto-Biological Attributions for Mental Health

As knowledge of the neurobiological basis of psychopathology has advanced, public perceptions have shifted toward conceptualizing mental disorders as disorders of biology. However, little is known about how patients respond to biological information about their own disorders. We refer to such information as auto-biological—describing our own biological systems as a component of our identity. Drawing on research from attribution theory, we explore the potential for auto-biological information to shape how patients view themselves in relation to their disorders. We propose an attributional framework for presenting auto-biological information in a way that encourages agency, rather than destiny. We argue that this framework has the potential to change expectations and improve outcomes in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
A Case Study: Lessons from the Hong Kong Independent Commission Against Corruption

This article is a case study that examines the three-pronged approach (TPA) of the Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC) in Hong Kong. Its functions and operations on anti-corruption matters will be assessed from an institution-oriented perspective. It is suggested that for decades, the TPA had been misunderstood in its role as a conventional investigation, prevention and education tool and that such misconceptions may lead to a failure in anti-corruption institutional reform. By better understanding the TPA and its simplistic traits of deterrence and trust then we may be able to remedy the misconceptions the public has about ICACâ€™s strategies. Policy implications involve further improvements in anti-corruption agencies that will enhance their role in maintaining an environment free of corruption.
Staged Trapping of Traumatic Basilar Trunk Pseudoaneurysm: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Background Traumatic intracranial aneurysms (TICAs) of the posterior circulation in the pediatric populations are rare. Only a few reports in the literature document basilar artery TICA in the pediatric population. These cases were typically associated with a clival fracture and commonly diagnosed weeks to months after trauma. We present a case of a patient with a basilar TICA diagnosed after a motor vehicle collision treated with staged trapping and review of the literature. Case Description We present a case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a high-speed motor vehicle collision and developed a basilar trunk TICA identified on admission. Initially, the patient underwent craniotomy for proximal sacrifice of the basilar artery in hope for spontaneous thrombosis of the aneurysm through flow reversal. Endovascular options were reviewed and felt to be less feasible than surgical trapping. Due to continued filling through the right posterior communicating artery, the second surgery was performed to distally trap the aneurysm. The aneurysm was opened, showing some thrombosis and the absence of flow. Repeat magnetic resonance imaging did not reveal any new infarction, and the patient was discharged with neurologic improvement over time. At 1 year, he was able to ambulate unassisted and had a modified Rankin Scale score of 3. Conclusion Development of a TICA may be more acute than literature previously suggested. Treatment consists of a wide range of options and should be considered, especially in the pediatric population, to prevent rupture. Trapping can be performed safely if adequate collateral flow is present in the setting of a large basilar artery aneurysm.
Travel and Movement as Practice: Rhythm, Movement, and Shaking the Foundations

In conclusion, we discuss travel as practice and examine how clinical psychology can better participate in the life and movement(s) of the world. We draw on contemporary innovations in practice, as well as the movements of Gandhi and King, to broaden our categories of and for good mental health. We attempt to link—or, collapse the distinction between—the world inside the clinic and the worlds outside the clinic. Healing is revealed to be needed at multiple levels. We aim to see our role as traveling alongside others in their lives and circumstances, understanding not only their personal conditions but the social conditions in which they live. We also acknowledge the importance of community building in general. In sum, the world matters to clinical psychology.
Influence of vinyl bonds from PDMS on the pore structure of polymer derived ceramics

Abstract The influence of vinyl bonds on the phase separation and decomposition of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was investigated for a saturated PDMS (s-PDMS) and an unsaturated poly(dimethylsiloxane-co-vinylmethylsiloxane) (v-PDMS) with the same molecular weight, and the resulting pore sizes were investigated for two base polymer systems, one with an excess of hydrogen bonds (PHMS, polyhydromethylsoloxane) and one with stoichiometric hydrogen to vinyl bonds (PSO, polysiloxane). For PHMS, the samples with s-PDMS have lower ceramic yield and higher total porosity, while the samples with v-PDMS contain nearly no porosity after pyrolysis to 1300 °C due to extensive hydrosilylation between the hydrogen and vinyl groups. For the PSO, both s-PDMS and v-PDMS produce micron-sized pores, but the v-PDMS produces smaller pores with a narrower size distribution than the s-PDMS. The fundamental differences in the polymer phase separation and decomposition arising from the addition of vinyl bonds to the PDMS chains and the effect of the base polymer hydrogen content are discussed.
Rate theory of ion pairing at the water liquid-vapor interface: A case of sodium iodide.

Studies on ion pairing at interfaces have been intensified recently because of their importance in many chemical reactive phenomena, such as ion–ion interactions that are affected by interfaces and their influence on kinetic processes. In this study, we performed simulations to examine the thermodynamics and kinetics of small polarizable sodium iodide ions in the bulk and near the water liquid–vapor interface. Using classical transition state theory, we calculated the dissociation rates and corrected them with transmission coefficients obtained from the reactive flux formalism and Grote-Hynes theory. Our results show that in addition to affecting the free energy of ions in solution, the interfacial environments significantly influence the kinetics of ion pairing. The results on the relaxation time obtained using the reactive flux formalism and Grote-Hynes theory present an unequivocal picture that the interface suppresses ion dissociation. The effects of the use of molecular models on the ion interactions...
Pulse-Coupled Oscillators Resilient to Stealthy Attacks

Synchronization of bio-inspired pulse-coupled oscillators is receiving increased attention due to its wide applications in sensor networks and wireless communications. However, most existing results are obtained in the absence of malicious attacks. Given the distributed and unattended nature of wireless sensor networks, it is imperative to enhance the resilience of pulse based synchronization against malicious attacks. To achieve this goal, we propose a new pulse based interaction mechanism to improve the resilience of pulse based synchronization. We rigorously characterize the condition for mounting stealthy attacks under the proposed pulse based interaction mechanism and prove analytically that synchronization of legitimate oscillators can be achieved in the presence of multiple stealthy attackers even when the initial phases are unrestricted, i.e., randomly distributed in the entire oscillation period. This is in distinct difference from most existing attack-resilient synchronization algorithms (including the seminal paper from L. Lamport and P. M. Melliar-Smith, “Synchronizing Clocks in the Presence of Faults,” J . ACM , vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 52–78, 1985), which require a priori (almost) synchronization among legitimate nodes. Numerical simulations are given to confirm the theoretical results.
Controlled Variance and Jumps

In the models dealt with in Chapters 10–12, such as (10.1.1), (11.1.1) and their time varying forms in Chapter 12, neither the noise coefficient σ(⋅) nor the jump coefficient q(⋅) depended on the control. However, the control dependent forms are treated by methods which are very similar to those used in Chapters 10–12, and identical convergence results are obtainable under the natural extensions of the conditions used in those chapters. Local consistency remains the primary requirement. Recall that relaxed controls were introduced owing to the issue of closure: A bounded sequence of solutions x n (⋅) under ordinary controls u n (⋅) (for either an ordinary or a stochastic differential equation) would not necessarily have a subsequence which converged to a limit process which was a solution to the equation driven by an ordinary control. But, if the controls (whether ordinary or relaxed) were represented as relaxed controls, then the sequence of (solutions, controls) was compact, so that we could extract a convergent subsequence and the limit solution was driven by the limit relaxed control. While the introduction of relaxed controls enlarged the problem, it did not affect the infimum of the costs or the numerical method. It was used purely for mathematical purposes, and not as a practical control.
Phytanic acid α-oxidation in rat liver mitochondria

The alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid in rat liver is a mitochondrial function. The inhibition of phytanic acid oxidation activity by inhibitors of acyl-CoA ligases (Naproxen and Triacsin C) and that of carnitine acyltransferase I (2-(5-(4-chlorophenyl)pentyl)oxirane-2 carboxylic acid (POCA) and 2-bromopalmitate) and increase in phytanic acid oxidation activity by the addition of exogenous carnitine and CoA to purified mitochondria suggests that phytanoyl-CoA ligase and carnitine acyltransferase I are essential for the activation and transport of phytanic acid across the mitochondrial membrane. This was further supported by the fact that activation of phytanic acid to phytanoyl-CoA was required only in intact mitochondria but not in mitochondria permealized with digitonin. DesulfoCoA, Naproxen and POCA treatment resulted in a significant decrease in phytanic acid oxidation in intact mitochondria but not in digitonin permealized mitochondria. These results show that alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid to pristanic acid, in contrast to beta-oxidation of fatty acids, requires free fatty acid as substrate. The inhibition of alpha-oxidation (approximately 90%) of phytanic acid by different cytochrome P-450 enzyme inhibitors indicated that alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid is mediated through cytochrome P-450 containing enzyme system. Similar to the omega-hydroxylation system in endoplasmic reticulum, alpha-hydroxylation and the subsequent alpha-oxidation of phytanic acid in mitochondria is induced by ciprofibrate, a hypolipidemic drug.
Effect of Red Wine on Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation in Rabbits

1. Published data on the effects of red wine, ethanol and flavonoids on endothelium-dependent relaxation are equivocal. The present study was undertaken to determine the effects of red wine, ethanol and selected flavonoids present in red wine on endothelium-dependent relaxation. 2. Aortic rings from New Zealand White rabbits were set up in organ baths (20 ml) and contracted with noradrenaline (10(-6) mol/l). An attempt was made to elicit dose-dependent relaxant responses to red wine (15, 30, 40, 80 or 120 microliters), ethanol (5.4, 10.8 and 16.2 microliters) and the flavonoids catechin, epicatechin, quercetin and polymeric phenols (10(-7) to 10(-4) mol/l). In some experiments, endothelium-dependent relaxation to cumulative doses of acetylcholine (10(-9) to 10(-6) mol/l) was determined before and after incubating the rings for 15 min with red wine (120 microliters), ethanol (16.2 microliters), quercetin (10(-5) mol/l), catechin (10(-5) mol/l), epicatechin (10(-5) mol/l) and PPs (10(-5) mol/l) respectively. cGMP was also measured in some rings in the control state and after addition of 120 microliters of red wine, sodium nitroprusside (10(-4) mol/l) and polymeric phenols (10(-5) mol/l). 3. Red wine evoked a dose-dependent relaxation in aortic rings. The highest volumes of wine (120 microliters) relaxed the vessels by 71.35 +/- 7.89% of the maximal contraction (8.95 +/- 0.97 g). Polymeric phenols also relaxed the precontracted rings. These responses were abolished by NG-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) and by removal of endothelium. Addition of red wine, polymeric phenols and sodium nitroprusside increased the cGMP content of the rings. In tissues previously incubated with red wine and polymeric phenols, endothelium-dependent relaxation in response to acetylcholine was attenuated. Ethanol had no such effect. 4. Acute exposure of aortic rings to red wine and polymeric phenols evokes an endothelium-dependent relaxation which is mediated by nitric oxide. However, prior exposure to both red wine and polymeric phenols has a second effect in that it attenuates the endothelium-dependent relaxation evoked by acetylcholine. Since this effect is restored by arginine, it is likely to be due to depletion of substrate for nitric oxide synthase.
Health Workers, Children, and Families: Child Protection and Communication Challenges in the Context of the Ebola Virus Epidemic in Liberia

During the Ebola virus epidemic in Liberia, both children infected by the virus and children who were exposed were placed in treatment and observation centers. As a result of these confinements, there were many challenges identified concerning the support and care for children in the context of epidemics. The more important ones were: how to maintain effective family links, contact with the extended family, and how to communicate with children in this particular socio-cultural and psychosocial context. The Ebola virus epidemic and the difficulties faced by caregivers for providing support for children demonstrated the lack of integration and implementation of methods for child protection within health systems, as well as the lack of training of health staff on culturally sensitive and effective techniques for communication and care for children. Communication with children was one of the more important uphill struggles for health staff and other practitioners. The necessity of understanding the sociocultural aspects of communication with children has been one of the most important lessons learned during the epidemic.
HEMOPHAGOCYTIC LYMPHOHISTIOCYTOSIS-ASSOCIATED TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY AND SURVIVAL AFTER VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION ARREST

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare syndrome of abnormal immune activation resulting in phagocytosis of host cells and cytokine storm. This leads to systemic manifestations, such as cytopenias, hepatitis and, in very rare cases, stress-induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy. We present a
Abstract P417: Association of Breast Arterial Calcification Presence and Severity with Cognitive Function: The MINERVA Study

Mammographic Breast arterial calcification (BAC) may be a novel subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk marker. Since subclinical and clinical CVD are associated with cognitive impairment, we...
Optimization of VOC removal using novel, low-cost sorbent sinks and active flows

Abstract Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are air pollutants common to indoor environments like nail and beauty salons. In these locations, air quality is usually controlled through natural or mechanical ventilation. Previous studies investigated adsorbent materials to augment VOC removal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the VOC removal capability of a novel, low-cost plaster matrix treated with activated carbon (AC) using acetone as model VOC. The experiments were conducted in a closed chamber under passive and active flow conditions. Optimization parameters including mass of AC in sink mixture and external surface area (SA) of sink were studied. Two different mass removal rate equations (mass-normalized and surface area-normalized) were determined from experimental data, using nth-order general rate models with VOC concentration in air and VOC mass adsorbed as fit parameters. These equations were then used in a mathematical model to predict impact of sorbent sinks in a typical nail salon. In-situ regeneration of the sink via resistance heating was also investigated. Results showed that VOC removal by sorbent sinks increased with external surface area and with thickness to lesser extent. Active flow conditions also enhanced VOC removal from the air. The model results indicated that sorbent sinks provided significant VOC removal in a 1400 m3 nail salon but required a SA of approximately 25 m2. Estimated effective ventilation rates from the model ranged 3.32–9.03 mg m−2 h−1, similar to values reported in a previous study. Regeneration tests were inconclusive but indicated that some VOC adsorption may not be easily reversible.
Differentiated Literacy Instruction: Boondoggle or Best Practice?.

With increasingly diverse students, schools and districts are under pressure to meet rigorous standards and raise student achievement in reading and literacy. Most teachers respond by differentiati...
Creation and validation of models to predict response to primary treatment in serous ovarian cancer.

Nearly a third of patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) do not respond to initial therapy and have an overall poor prognosis. However, there are no validated tools that accurately predict which patients will not respond. Our objective is to create and validate accurate models of prediction for treatment response in HGSC. This is a retrospective case–control study that integrates comprehensive clinical and genomic data from 88 patients with HGSC from a single institution. Responders were those patients with a progression-free survival of at least 6 months after treatment. Only patients with complete clinical information and frozen specimen at surgery were included. Gene, miRNA, exon, and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression, gene copy number, genomic variation, and fusion-gene determination were extracted from RNA-sequencing data. DNA methylation analysis was performed. Initial selection of informative variables was performed with univariate ANOVA with cross-validation. Significant variables (p < 0.05) were included in multivariate lasso regression prediction models. Initial models included only one variable. Variables were then combined to create complex models. Model performance was measured with area under the curve (AUC). Validation of all models was performed using TCGA HGSC database. By integrating clinical and genomic variables, we achieved prediction performances of over 95% in AUC. Most performances in the validation set did not differ from the training set. Models with DNA methylation or lncRNA underperformed in the validation set. Integrating comprehensive clinical and genomic data from patients with HGSC results in accurate and robust prediction models of treatment response.
The Personal is Political: The Politics of Liberation in Mennonite-Feminist Theologies

Maxwell Kennel recently wondered why the majority of Mennonite-feminist theologians do not identify as political theologians. The article responds to this question in two parts using the feminist s...
Water Optical Property of High-Altitude Lakes in the Tibetan Plateau

Measurements from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (SNPP) from 2012 to 2019 are used to derive the normalized water-leaving radiance spectra nLw(λ ) in high-altitude lakes over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) (elevation of ~4 km). nLw(λ ) spectra in various lakes in the TP show a significant water optical property diversity in terms of nLw(λ ) spectral shapes, their magnitudes, and their spatial and temporal variations. In the TP major lakes, nLw(λ ) spectra in Lake Namtso and Siling Lake show enhancements at the blue wavelengths of 410 and 443 nm [nLw(410) and nLw(443)], and peak at the wavelength of 486 nm [nLw(486)]. In Lake Ngangze, the nLw(λ ) spectrum shows the optical feature of typical eutrophic waters. Its nLw(λ ) peaks at the green wavelength of 551 nm [nLw(551)] with its value ~2.5 mW cm⁻² μ m⁻¹ sr⁻¹. In Dogai Coring Lake, the typical nLw(λ ) spectrum is similar to those of many smaller and medium size lakes in the TP, and nLw(λ ) spectra are featured with the peak at the green band nLw(551) with another notable red band nLw(671) over ~1.0 mW cm⁻² μ m⁻¹ sr⁻¹, as well as a nonnegligible contribution at the near-infrared (NIR) band nLw(745). This implies that the suspended particle matter (SPM) in the lake plays a significant role in water nLw(λ ) spectra in Dogai Coring Lake and other similar lakes in the TP. The diversity of water optical property in the TP lakes reflects the fact of the regional diversification of processes in various TP lakes and poses potential challenges to the development of remote sensing algorithms for water biological and biogeochemical products in the TP lakes.
Do Affective Cues Validate Behavioural Metrics for Search

Traces of searcher behaviour, such as query reformulation or clicks, are commonly used to evaluate a running search engine. The underlying expectation is that these behaviours are proxies for something more important, such as relevance, utility, or satisfaction. Affective computing technology gives us the tools to help confirm some of these expectations, by examining visceral expressive responses during search sessions. However, work to date has only studied small populations in laboratory settings and with a limited number of contrived search tasks. In this study, we analysed longitudinal, in-situ, search behaviours of 152 information workers, over the course of several weeks while simultaneously tracking their facial expressions. Results from over 20,000 search sessions and 45,000 queries allow us to observe that indeed affective expressions are consistent with, and complementary to, existing "click-based'' metrics. On a query-level, searches that result in a short dwell time are associated with a decrease in smiles (expressions of "happiness'') and that if a query is reformulated the results of the reformulation are associated with an increase in smiling---suggesting a positive outcome as people converge on the information they need. On a session-level, sessions that feature reformulations are more commonly associated with fewer smiles and more furrowed brows (expressions of "anger/frustration''). Similarly, sessions with short-dwell clicks are also associated with fewer smiles. These data provide an insight into visceral aspects of search experience and present a new dimension for evaluating engine performance.
The HERMIT in the Machine

The importance of reasoning about and refactoring programs is a central tenet of functional programming. Yet our compilers and development toolchains only provide rudimentary support for these task...
Kolber's Teaser

This paper responds to Adam Kolber's Punishment and Moral Risk. An ambitious reading of Kolber's thesis is that restributivist theories of punishment are untenable in light of normative uncertainty. In support of this thesis, Kolber offers a novel argument that resembles a "teaser" bet. I first describe Kolber's teaser strategy, then argue that it does not provide a compelling internal critique of retributivism. First, Kolber's argument suffers from a methodological problem (first identified by Larry Solum): the specific propositions that Kolber tasks the retributivist with resolving are not independent of each other. Therefore, the teaser gambit is inapt. Second, Kolber's teaser strategy ignores what seems to be the most compelling line of response from retributivists, one based on what (after Rawls) I call the "normative division of labor." Therefore, Kolber's teaser gambit fails to provide a compelling internal critique of retributivism.
Overlap Before the Critical Step of Lumbar Fusion Does Not Lead to Increased Short-Term Morbidity

Background Few studies have assessed the impact of overlapping surgery during different timepoints of neurosurgical procedures. Objective To evaluate the impact of overlap before the critical portion of surgery on short-term patient outcomes following lumbar fusion. Methods In total, 3799 consecutive patients who underwent single-level, posterior-only lumbar fusion over 6 yr (2013-2019) at an academic hospital system were retrospectively studied. Outcomes included 30-d emergency department (ED) visit, readmission, reoperation, mortality, overall morbidity, and overall morbidity/surgical complications. Duration of overlap that occurred before the critical portion of surgery was calculated as a percentage of total beginning operative time. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess the impact of incremental 1% increases in the duration of overlap within the whole population and patients with beginning overlap. Subsequently, univariate analysis was used to compare exact matched patients with the least (bottom 40%) and most amounts of overlap (100% beginning overlap). Coarsened exact matching was used to match patients on key demographic factors, as well as attending surgeon. Significance was set at a P-value Results Increased duration of beginning overlap was associated with a decrease in 30-d ED visit (P = .03) within all patients with beginning overlap, but not within the whole population undergoing lumbar fusion. Duration of beginning overlap was not associated with any other short-term morbidity or mortality outcome in either the whole population or patients with beginning overlap. Conclusion Increased duration of overlap before the critical step of surgery does not predict adverse short-term outcomes after single-level, posterior-only lumbar fusion.
Population, Environment and the Implication for Energy Usage

Expanding world populations have a potentially adverse impact on the global environment. While this largely intuitive statement has broad acceptance, articulating the precise nature of the relationship between population and environment has been difficult. There is a significant lack of understanding about this relationship and the actions needed to obtain the information necessary to developing rational and focused responses.