cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Salmonella typhimurium Mutants that are Not Stimulated by Glycinebetaine in Media of Elevated Osmolarity

Exogenous glycinebetaine stimulates the growth rate of the bacterium Salmonella typhimurium in media of high osmolarity. This osmoprotectant has been shown to be taken up by two transport systems, ProP and ProU (Cairney et al. 1985a and 1985b). We found there is a third transport system for glycinebetaine in this organism. We present evidence suggesting that the accumulation of glycinebetaine is insufficient for that compound to be an osmoprotectant, because we obtained mutants (bet) that were not stimulated by glycinebetaine in media of high osmolarity but could nonetheless accumulate glycinebetaine normally. The affected gene in the bet mutants may encode some regulatory protein that needs to interact with glycinebetaine for that compound to act as an osmoprotectant.
A Dual-Resolution Wavelet-Based Energy Detection Spectrum Sensing for UWB-Based Cognitive Radios

An ultra-wideband (UWB)-based cognitive radio (CR) is a promising technique to utilize 3.1–10.6 GHz band efficiently for high data-rate short-range wireless connectivity even in the overcrowded spectrum. This paper investigates a low power wavelet-based energy detection spectrum sensor that provides high-order band-pass filter function and spectral cooperative sensing with fast spectrum sensing (SS) time. Low power high-frequency harmonic rejection mixer reduces harmonic mixing issue in ultra-wideband SS. The spectrum sensor tailored to the UWB-based CR is fabricated in a 65-nm CMOS technology. It achieves SS range of 3.1–10.6 GHz with detection bandwidth of 132 MHz while consuming 23.6–45.3 mW. The total SS time by using the dual-resolution cooperative sensing is 0.49ms. A wavelet generator achieves 32 dB of detection dynamic range with the minimum detection sensitivity of −75 dBm. 3.1–5 GHz harmonic rejection mixer suppresses the third harmonic to −32 dBc. Die area is $2.75 ~\textrm {${\mathrm{ mm}}^{2}$}$ with on-die phase-locked loops.
Conversations in the Eye of the Storm: At-Scale Features of Conversational Structure in a High-Tempo, High-Stakes Microblogging Environment

This work propels social media research beyond the single post as the unit of analysis toward fuller treatment of interaction by making the construct of the conversation analytically available. We offer a method for constructing @reply conversations in Twitter to apprehend social media conversational features at scale. We apply this method to the high-tempo, high-stakes environment of 2012's Hurricane Sandy, with its high volume of online talk by affected locals and distinct disaster-stage phasing by which to consider interactional difference. We investigate the temporality of conversations; the relationality of who speaks to whom; the number and kind of conversationalists; and how content affects temporal features. The analysis reveals that, during the height of the emergency, people expand conversations both in number and kind of conversational partners-just as their information search intensifies. This expansion contributes to longer, slower-paced conversations in the high-emergency period, suggesting reliance on online relationships during times of greatest uncertainty.
Does Hotel Ownership Structure Influence Capital Expenditures

The purpose of this article was to provide an understanding of the ownership effect on firm investment in the hotel industry. Specifically, a linear relationship between institutional ownership and...
CD34+/AC133+ Endothelial Progenitor Cells as Imaging Probes for Neovascularization of Tumors

It was generally considered that blood vessel formation during postnatal life is restricted to angiogenesis only, and for decades tumor vascularization was thought to be the exclusive result of the sprouting of new vessels from the preexisting ones. However, recent studies demonstrated the existence of additional angiogenic and vasculogenic mechanisms associated with tumor growth. Tumor growth and metastasis strongly depends on neovascularization. Endothelial cells that contribute to tumor neovasculatures can originate from sprouting and co-option of neighboring pre-existing vessels. However, there is emerging evidence indicating that bone-marrow derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) also contribute to the vasculogenesis and growth of certain tumors. A subpopulation of CD34+ human hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) identified by the cell-surface molecule CD133 (AC133), have been shown to be more specific for endothelial differentiation and angiogenesis. We have published the reports showing involvement of peripheral blood, cord blood and bone marrow derived EPCs into tumor neovascularization, and the EPCs’ involvement in tumor neovascularization was determined by in vivo magnetic resonance and nuclear medicine imaging. In this communication different imaging modalities for in vivo tracking of EPCs to the sites of active angiogenesis/vasculogenesis are discussed, where EPCs are used as imaging probes.
SLIMFAST: Reducing Metadata Redundancy in Sound and Complete Dynamic Data Race Detection

Data races are one of the main culprits behind the complexity of multithreaded programming. Existing data race detectors require large amounts of metadata for each program variable to perform their analyses. The SLIMFAST system exploits the insight that there is a large amount of redundancy in this metadata: many program variables often have identical metadata state. By sharing metadata across variables, a large reduction in space usage can be realized. SLIMFAST uses immutable metadata to safely support metadata sharing across threads while also accelerating concurrency control. SLIMFAST's lossless metadata compression achieves these benefits while pre-serving soundness and completeness. Across a range of benchmarks from Java Grande, DaCapo, NAS Parallel Benchmarks and Oracle's BerkeleyDB Java Edition, SLIMFAST is able to reduce memory consumption by 1.83x on average, and up to 4.90x for some benchmarks, compared to the state-of-the-art FASTTRACK system. By improving cache locality and simplifying concurrency control, SLIMFAST also accelerates data race detection by 1.40x on average, and up to 8.8x for some benchmarks, compared to FASTTRACK.
Where do fish go when stranded on land? Terrestrial orientation of the mangrove rivulus Kryptolebias marmoratus

The goal of the present study was to determine which sensory cues the mangrove rivulus Kryptolebias marmoratus, a quasi-amphibious, hermaphroditic fish, uses to orient in an unfamiliar terrestrial environment. In a laboratory setting, K. marmoratus were placed on a terrestrial test arena and were provided the opportunity to move toward reflective surfaces, water, dark colours v. light colours, and orange colouration. Compared with hermaphrodites, males moved more often toward an orange section of the test arena, suggesting that the response may be associated with camouflage or male-male competition, since only males display orange colouration. Younger individuals also moved more often toward the orange quadrant than older individuals, suggesting age-dependent orientation performance or behaviour. Sloped terrain also had a significant effect on orientation, with more movement downhill, suggesting the importance of the otolith-vestibular system in terrestrial orientation of K. marmoratus. By understanding the orientation of extant amphibious fishes, we may be able to infer how sensory biology and behaviour might have evolved to facilitate invasion of land by amphibious vertebrates millions of years ago.
Selective Oxidation of Exogenous Substrates by a Bis-Cu(III) Bis-Oxide Complex: Mechanism and Scope.

Abstract Cu(III)2(μ-O)2 bis-oxides (O) form spontaneously by direct oxygenation of nitrogen-chelated Cu(I) species and constitute a diverse class of versatile 2e−/2H+ oxidants, but while these species have attracted attention as biomimetic models for dinuclear Cu enzymes, reactivity is typically limited to intramolecular ligand oxidation, and systems exhibiting synthetically useful reactivity with exogenous substrates are limited. OTMPD (TMPD = N1, N1, N3, N3-tetramethylpropane-1,3-diamine) presents an exception, readily oxidizing a diverse array of exogenous substrates, including primary alcohols and amines selectively over their secondary counterparts in good yields. Mechanistic and DFT analyses suggest substrate oxidation proceeds through initial axial coordination, followed by rate-limiting rotation to position the substrate in the Cu(III) equatorial plane, whereupon rapid deprotonation and oxidation by net hydride transfer occurs. Together, the results suggest the selectivity and broad substrate scope unique to OTMPD are best attributed to the combination of ligand flexibility, limited steric demands, and ligand oxidative stability. In keeping with the absence of rate-limiting C H scission, OTMPD exhibits a marked insensitivity to the strength of the substrate Cα H bond, readily oxidizing benzyl alcohol and 1-octanol at near identical rates.
Use of the Arduino Platform in Teaching Programming

The paper deals with the use of the Arduino platform in teaching programming. This issue is a part of the PRIM project (Podpora rozvijeni informatickeho mysleni, Support of the development of information thinking). The output of the project will be a set of teaching and methodological materials that will serve as a pedagogical guide. The goal of this paper is to highlight how to use the Arduino microprocessor in the curriculum for high school and university students in order to obtain excellent results and to support information thinking. The key benefit of the chosen concept with regard to studies of engineering is the design and development of various solutions to real-life problems.
Distal fibula osteotomies improve tibiotalar joint compression: A biomechanical study in a cadaveric model

Abstract Background Successful tibiotalar joint fusion relies on adequate compression. Compression following joint preparation may be affected by the extent to which the fibula holds the joint out to anatomical length. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of various distal fibula osteotomies on tibiotalar joint compression. Methods Eight adult cadaveric lower extremity specimens with an intact ankle joint and syndesmotic complex were evaluated. The ankle joint cartilage was denuded to subchondral bone. The fibula was surgically modified with three progressing procedures including an oblique fibula osteotomy, 1 cm resection, and distal fibula resection. A transducer was utilized to measure tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure values while compressive forces of 30 N, 50 N, and 100 N were applied to the proximal tibia/fibula. Findings Distal fibula resection significantly increased tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure the most of all fibula conditions tested compared to intact fibula control (p Interpretation Complete distal fibular resection results in higher tibiotalar joint force, contact area, and peak pressure which may improve clinical rates of successful ankle fusion.
Nonphysician Practice of Cosmetic Dermatology: A Patient and Physician Perspective of Outcomes and Adverse Events.

Background Nonphysicians are expanding practice into specialty medicine. There are limited studies on patient and physician perspectives as well as safety outcomes regarding the nonphysician practice of cosmetic procedures. Objective To identify the patient (consumer) and physician perspective on preferences, adverse events, and outcomes following cosmetic dermatology procedures performed by physicians and nonphysicians. Materials and methods Internet-based surveys were administered to consumers of cosmetic procedures and physician members of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Descriptive statistics and graphical methods were used to assess responses. Comparisons between groups were based on contingency chi-square analyses and Fisher exact tests. Results Two thousand one hundred sixteen commenced the patient survey with 401 having had a cosmetic procedure performed. Fifty adverse events were reported. A higher number of burns and discoloration occurred in the nonphysician-treated group and took place more often in a spa setting. Individuals seeing nonphysicians cited motivating factors such as level of licensure (type) of nonphysician, a referral from a friend, price, and the location of the practitioner. Improper technique by the nonphysician was cited most as a reason for the adverse event. Both groups agree that more regulation should be placed on who can perform cosmetic procedures. Recall bias associated with survey data. Conclusion Patients treated by nonphysicians experienced more burns and discoloration compared with physicians, and they are encountering these nonphysicians outside a traditional medical office, which are important from a patient safety and regulatory standpoint. Motivating factors for patients seeking cosmetic procedures may also factor into the choice of provider. Key points Both patients and physicians think more regulation should be in place on who can perform cosmetic procedures. More adverse events such as burns and discolorations occurred with patients seeing nonphysicians compared with those seeing physicians. In addition, for those seeing nonphysicians, a majority of these encounters took place in spa settings. Patient safety is of utmost concern when it comes to elective cosmetic medical procedures. More adverse events and encounters occurring outside traditional medical settings when nonphysicians performed these procedures call into question the required training and oversight needed for such procedures.
The Role of Breakthrough Technologies in the Growth of Esports

Sports have always been a global phenomenon, captivating millions of people, sparking lasting rivalries and fandoms, and creating huge economies around players and teams. Most would attribute this to the normal tendency of humans to play or, rather, create environments where competition is incentivized in a friendly and notso-dangerous way. It is odd that the rise of esports was initially discarded mostly as child?s play but it has since exploded in popularity.
Nest Survival of Black-Necked Stilts (Himantopus mexicanus) on the Upper Texas Coast, USA

The Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) is a migratory shorebird of temperate and tropical America. Declining wetland quality and associated declines in hydrological integrity may contribute to widespread habitat loss for stilts nesting on the upper Texas Gulf of Mexico coast of the USA, as both fresh and brackish marshes are converting to open water and saline marsh. Nests (n = 356) were monitored in three wetland types on the upper Texas coast from 21 April-30 June 2011-2012. Of these 356 nests, 151 were located in managed freshwater wetlands (16 in 2011 and 135 in 2012), 128 were located in managed intermediate wetlands (75 in 2011 and 53 in 2012), and 77 were located in rice fields (all in 2012). Collectively, nest success was 0.2% (0 in rice fields and as high as 4.3% in freshwater wetlands in 2012), among the lowest ever reported for the species. The most frequent cause of nest failure was predation by mammalian and avian predators (∼50%). Daily nest survival rate was positively related to mudflat nesting substrates and negatively related to colony size, rice field, and brackish coastal wetland habitats. Future efforts to minimize edge effects in managed wetlands may prove valuable to improve nest success of stilts and other species that nest in similar wetland types.
Identification of Novel Cyclin A2 Binding Site and Nanomolar Inhibitors of Cyclin A2-CDK2 Complex

Aims In this study we aim to simultaneously target cyclin A2 and CDK2 to increase the chance of finding modulators of DNA damage response mechanism. Objective Based on cyclin A2's recently discovered role in DNA repair, we hypothesized that small molecule inhibitors that were predicted to bind to both cyclin A2 and CDK2 will be useful as a radiosensitizer of cancer cells. In this study, we used structure-based drug discovery to find inhibitors that target both cyclin A2 and CDK2. Background Given the diverse roles of cyclin A2 both in cell cycle regulation and in DNA damage response, identifying small molecule regulators of cyclin A2 activity carries significant potential to regulate diverse cellular processes in both ageing/neurodegeneration and in cancer. Method Molecular dynamics simulations were used to generate diverse binding pocket conformations for application of the relaxed complex scheme. We then used structure-based virtual screening to find potential dual cyclin A2 and CDK2 inhibitors. Based on a consensus score of docked poses from Glide and AutoDock Vina, we identified about 40 promising hit compounds, where all PAINS scaffolds were removed from consideration. A biochemical luminescence assay of cyclin A2-CDK2 function was used for experimental verification. Result Four lead inhibitors of cyclin A2-CDK2 complex have been identified using a relaxed complex scheme virtual screen have been verified in a biochemical luminescence assay of cyclin A2-CDK2 function. The most potent leads were all ribofuranosyl-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidines with inhibitory concentrations in the nanomolar range. Conclusion The four cyclin A2-CDK2 complex inhibitors are the first reported inhibitors that were specifically designed not to target the cyclin A2-CDK2 protein-protein interface. Overall, our results highlight the potential of combined advanced computational tools and biochemical verification to discover novel binding scaffolds.
Hybrid Feature Fusion Using RNN and Pre-trained CNN for Classification of Alzheimer's Disease (Poster)

The accurate classification of AD is very essential for both patient and social care, and it will be more significant once the treatment options are available to reverse the progress of the disease. The recent success of deep learning techniques has rapidly advanced the automatic classification of AD using neuroimaging biomarkers such as MRI. However, there exist two major challenges. First, training a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) from scratch relies on a large number of labeled training data to obtain high accuracy without overfitting. Second, due to high computational cost, most of the existing techniques employ 2D CNN that cannot leverage the complete spatial information; hence, it loses the inter-slice correlation. To address these limitations, we combine a recurrent neural network (RNN), specifically long short-term memory (LSTM) on top of the bottleneck layer of pre-trained DenseNet architecture, a deep CNN has already been trained on a large-scale dataset called ImageNet. In addition to the intra-slice features extracted from the deep CNN, the proposed technique exploits the inter-slice features through LSTM in order to discriminate the patients having AD and cognitively normal (CN) clinical status from the brain MRI data. Through experimental results, we show that our proposed model has better performance than state-of-the-art deep learning methods on the Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS) dataset using 5-fold cross validation.
Responsible Brain-System Integration

The brain-technology frontier is enabled by neuroergonomists and allied professionals who have joined forces with neuroscientists, neuroengineers, signal and systems engineers to design, develop and deploy brain-in-the-loop automation or autonomous systems. We may refer to such systems as ‘brain systems.’ The neurodata that flow in such systems are unlike any other behavioral or physiological information since neurosignals acquired from the brain reveal the inner workings of our mind. This paper calls for a new age ‘neuroergonomics philosophy’ that informs rethinking of the ‘neuroergonomic code-of-conduct’ that unequivocally acknowledges our commitment to moral responsibilities, individual and social accountability while also certifying our competence in safeguarding neurodata, and by implication, neurorights. Proactive engagement in interdisciplinary professional and civil discourse and intercultural activities will pave the way to farsighted and strategic thinking in neuroergonomics. Partnerships with scholars and students of human nature as well as social, political and legal scientists in advocacy, in development of standards, policies and legal frameworks are encouraged.
Communicating value to patients-a high-value care communication skills curriculum

With rising health care costs in the United States, trainees will be increasingly challenged in discussing testing stewardship with patients.We piloted a high-value care (HVC) communication skills ...
Concurrent Editing of Vector Graphics using Similarity

We propose a novel paradigm for concurrent editing of vector geometry. Our method automatically establishes an editing context, which encompasses similar Bvezier geometry within a graphic object (local repetition), as well as multiple instances of entire objects (global repetition). We start with given key geometry, efficiently analyze entire vector graphic document to identify similar geometry, and then propagate modifications (both geometric and stylistic) from key geometry to its variants. To accomplish this, we orchestrate Procrustes algorithm in a one-to-many solve to determine all affine variants of key geometry. This solve also computes a per-variant transformation matrix which is used to propagate modifications. Our method is performant and efficient, identifying and concurrently modifying tens of thousands of objects in real time. In addition, it does not require any instrumentation from designers, and is thus applicable to all existing vector graphics documents (such as SVG and PDF files).
Patient Satisfaction with Initial Phone Call Vs. Office Visit Following Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study Objective The purpose of this study is to compare patient satisfaction on a 10 point scale between patients randomized to a phone call or clinic visit for the first assessment following minimally invasive hysterectomy. Design Eligible, consenting patients were enrolled at their preoperative visit and randomized at that time. Control patients had two office visits at 1-2 weeks and 6-8 weeks after surgery. Patients assigned to the study arm received a phone call 1-2 weeks after surgery, followed by a scheduled visit 6-8 weeks after surgery. Patients in both arms completed the SCAHPS survey after the 6-8 week visit. Setting Academic Hospital. Patients or Participants All women 18-75 undergoing minimally invasive hysterectomy for benign indications. Interventions The study arm had a phone call in lieu of an office visit at 1-2 weeks following surgery. Both arms were seen in clinic 6-8 weeks after surgery and completed an SCAPHS survey at that time. Measurements and Main Results The primary endpoint, patient satisfaction on a 1-10 point scale was 10 for both arms. Nearly all patients in the study stated that the number of office visits was just right. There were no major complications in either group. There were 7/50 patients who experienced minor complications including UTI, readmission within 30 days, and surgical site infections; however, this was not statistically significantly different between groups (p=.72) Patients in the study arm were more likely to have an unplanned emergency room or urgent care visit (5 vs 2); however, this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.25). Patients in the study arm were more likely to have unplanned office visits (3 vs 7), however this did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion Patients in both arms of this study were equally, highly satisfied. Consistent with findings in other specialties, phone calls are an acceptable and safe adjunct for postoperative assessments after MIH.
Electrochemical Routes for the Valorization of Biomass-Derived Feedstocks: From Chemistry to Application

The drive to reduce consumption of fossil resources, coupled with expanding capacity for renewable electricity, invites the exploration of new routes to utilize this energy for the sustainable prod...
Long-Term Hydrocephalus

We herein present a patient with auditory agnosia that may provide insight into this condition.
Modulation of phosphatidylcholine synthesis in vitro. Inhibition of diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase and lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase by centrophenoxine and neophenoxine.

Abstract 1,2-Diacyl-sn-glycerol: CDPcholine cholinephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.2) and acyl-CoA: 1-acyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine acyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.23) activities of rat liver microsomes can be inhibited by centro-phenoxine (N,N-dimethylaminoethyl p-chlorophenoxyacetate). This inhibition is brought about by the intact centrophenoxine molecule rather than by the products of hydrolysis. A nonhydrolyzable ether analog of centro-phenoxine was synthesized (neophenoxine; N,N-dimethylaminoethyl p-chlorophenoxyethyl ether) and proved most effective in inhibiting the two routes of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis. While 50% inhibition of the cholinephosphotransferase was attained at 5 mM neophenoxine, 50% inhibition of the acyltransferase required 0.6 mM neophenoxine levels only. Inhibition of the cholinephosphotransferase (Ki ≈ 1.5 mM) and the acyltrans-ferase (Ki ≈ 1 mM) by neophenoxine was shown to be noncompetitive. Other membrane-bound enzymes, such as glucose-6-phosphatase, monoacylglycerol lipase, alkaline phosphatase or phospholipase A2 were not affected by the inhibitors. Because of this specificity, and because of the high affinity of the microscomal membrane for such agents, centrophenoxine and neophenoxine should prove useful for controlling phosphatidylcholine synthesis and for modulating the phosphatidylcholine deacylation-reacylation cycle.
Effects of Endometriomas on Ooccyte Quality, Embryo Quality, and Pregnancy Rates in In Vitro Fertilization Cycles: A Prospective, Case-Controlled Study

Purpose: The effect of endometriomas on oocyte quality, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates in in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles was evaluated. Methods: Forty-five women had “chocolate” cysts aspirated at the time of oocyte retrieval, and cyst fluid CA 125 levels were measured to ascertain presence of “true” endometriomas. Fifty-seven women without any complex cysts at the time of oocyte retrieval served as controls. IVF cycle outcome parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: Women with endometriomas experienced a significantly higher rate of early pregnancy loss compared to controls (47 vs 14%). There was also a trend toward fewer oocytes retrieved and fewer embryos reaching at least the four-cell stage 48 hr after retrieval in patients with true endometriomas vs controls. Conclusions: The presence of endometriomas at the time of oocyte retrieval is associated with increased rates of early pregnancy losses. The number of oocytes retrieved and the embryo quality may also be affected adversely in the presence of endometriomas.
Optical MIMO transmission using Q-ary PPM for atmospheric channels

The use of multiple laser transmitters combined with multiple photodetectors is studied for terrestrial, line-of-sight optical communication. The resulting multiple-input multiple-output channel has the potential for combatting fading effects on turbulent optical channels. In this paper, the modulation format is repetition Q-ary PPM across lasers, with intensity modulation. Ideal photodetectors are assumed, with and without background radiation. Both Rayleigh and log-normal fading models are treated. The focus is upon both symbol/bit error probability for uncoded transmission, and on channel capacity.
The twenty-first amino acid

Normally, the letters UGA in the genetic code specify the end point in production of a protein. But sometimes these letters can be redefined so that the unusual amino-acid selenocysteine is inserted instead. The second component of the protein complex required for this process in mammals has now been identified.
Reasoning about Binary Topological Relations

A new formalism is presented to reason about topological relations. It is applicable as a foundation for an algebra over topological relations. The formalism is based upon the nine intersections of boundaries, interiors, and complements between two objects. Properties of topological relations are determined by analyzing the nine intersections to detect, for instance, symmetric topological relations and pairs of converse topological relations. Based upon the standard rules for the transitivity of set inclusion, the intersections of the composition of two binary topological relations are determined. These intersections are then matched with the intersections of the eight fundamental topological relations, giving an interpretation to the composition of topological relations.
Material Evidence of Immigrant Diversity within the Perry Mesa Tradition, Central Arizona

Poised between the Sonoran Desert and Colorado Plateau, Perry Mesa and Black Mesa constitute a rugged landform split by the Agua Fria River of central Arizona. This landscape was largely unoccupied prior to the late thirteenth century but witnessed a steady and rapid stream of immigrants beginning around A.D. 1250-1275. Today, the region is enjoying newfound archaeological attention, much of which is focused on why immigrants chose this place as a destination and how they survived after arrival. Our research and this article are more concerned with whether those who arrived did so as an homogenous population or as disparate groups. Elsewhere, we have suggested that what is referred to as the Perry Mesa Tradition began as a diverse collection of peoples from throughout the Southwest. Within a culture-history framework, we describe diversity in the local archaeological record and identify, where possible, nonlocal analogues. This effort is designed to synthesize past and current observations, illustrate opportunities for future research, and stimulate dialogue regarding demographic movement to and from Perry Mesa.
Subsequent fertility in women who undergo cardiac surgery

Abstract A retrospective review was undertaken on all pediatric and reproductive-aged females who underwent cardiac surgery and required cardiopulmonary bypass from 1958 through 1986. The purpose of this study was to define the fertility of these patients after surgery and to compare their reproductive performance with that in the general population. Analysis was complete for 208 patients. These patients make up the following cardiac surgical categories: septa[ defect repairs, 92; commissurotomies, 60; valve replacements, 46; tetralogy of Fallot repairs, 6; and coronary artery bypass procedures, 4. Of 208 patients, 68 (32.7%) attempted pregnancy after surgery. Infertility was defined in five women as follows: endometriosis, 3; ovulatory dysfunction, 1; unknown, 1. A total of 64 patients conceived 121 pregnancies with the following outcomes: live births, 98; spontaneous abortion, 9; ectopic pregnancy, 2; therapeutic abortion, 12. Our results suggest that infertility is not an apparent disorder after cardiac surgery and that subsequent pregnancy outcomes are similar to those in the general population.
Assay of sulfotransferases

Abstract Two methods are described for the assay of sulfotransferases which are active with sulfate acceptors bearing the hydroxyl functional group. Assays were developed for enzymes which transfer sulfate from 3′-phosphoadenosine–5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to sterols, phenols, and simple alcohols thereby forming the corresponding sulfate esters. With a filter binding assay, useful with crude and purified enzyme preparations, a radioactive sterol substrate is used and subsequently separated from labeled product, allowing the determination of between 50 and 400 pmol of product. In a second method, [ 35 S]PAPS is used and the labeled product is separated from PAPS and inorganic sulfate by a thin-layer technique in which product migrates close to the solvent front; the assay is useful with a broad array of substrates and is more sensitive than the filter binding assay.
Multiphase Nanostructure of a Quinary Metal Oxide Electrocatalyst Reveals a New Direction for OER Electrocatalyst Design

Ce-rich mixed metal oxides comprise a recently discovered class of -electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). In particular, at current densities below 10 mA cm^(−2), Ni_(0.3)Fe_(0.07)Co_(0.2)Ce_(0.43)O_x exhibits ¬superior activity compared to the corresponding transition metal oxides, despite the relative inactivity of ceria. To elucidate the enhanced activity and underlying catalytic mechanism, detailed structural characterization of this quinary oxide electrocatalyst is reported. Transmission electron microscopy imaging of cross-section films as-prepared and after electrochemical testing reveals a stable two-phase nanostructure composed of 3–5 nm diameter crystallites of fluorite CeO_2 intimately mixed with 3–5 nm crystallites of transition metal oxides alloyed in the rock salt NiO structure. Dosing experiments demonstrate that an electron flux greater than ≈1000 e A^(−2) s^(−1) causes the inherently crystalline material to become amorphous. A very low dose rate of 130 e A^(−2) s^(−1) is employed for atomic resolution imaging using inline holography techniques to reveal a nanostructure in which the transition metal oxide nanocrystals form atomically sharp boundaries with the ceria nanocrystals, and these results are corroborated with extensive synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. Ceria is a well-studied cocatalyst for other heterogeneous and electrochemical reactions, and our discovery introduces biphasic cocatalysis as a design concept for improved OER electrocatalysts.
Studies of bronchoalveolar lavage in sudden infant death syndrome: A clinical-pathological study

The incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Hungary was 0.3 per 1000 live births in 1992. We investigated bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) of eight infants with SIDS, using bacteriological, light and electron microscopic methods to collect data about the role of respiratory inflammations in SIDS children and to determine the usefulness of the BAL technique. Findings are discussed.
Acute appendicitis secondary to metastatic carcinoma of the breast: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract A 39-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain 6 years after her diagnosis of HER2 positive breast cancer. Imaging revealed an enlarged appendix likely representing acute appendicitis. Surgery was performed, and pathological analysis of the appendix indicated metastatic carcinoma. On reviewing the literature, we found a few reported cases of appendicitis caused by metastatic carcinoma of the breast. The possibility of metastasis to the appendix must be considered in the diagnosis of right lower quadrant pain in patients with breast cancer.
Mutational analysis of the enterocin favorskii biosynthetic rearrangement.

A mutational analysis of the enterocin biosynthesis genes revealed that the putative oxygenase and the methyltransferase gene products EncM and EncK, respectively, jointly catalyze a biosynthetic Favorskii-like rearrangement. Inactivation of either gene terminated enterocin production and caused the accumulation of four nonrearranged, nonmethylated polyketides. The structure elucidation of the new wailupemycins E−G is reported.
Statement of the problem and pharmacological and clinical requirements for the ideal marker.

Abstract Patients' nonadherence or low adherence to prescribed medication regimes threatens the satisfactory conduct of controlled clinical trials for the efficacy of drug treatment. Suboptimal adherence is costly since an increased sample size must be used to achieve and maintain study power. Accurate measurements of patients' adherence to test medications are not generally available. Current, popular, indirect methods provide uncertain estimates of adherence. As a result, behavioral strategies for management of adherence during trials have been handicapped, and analyses of trial results utilizing adherence levels are poorly developed. These problems could be solved by the ingestion, concomitant with the test medication, of a metabolically and pharmacologically inert compound (adherence marker) whose measurement in body fluids or secretions would indicate the extent of ingestion of the prescribed dose of the test medication. An adherence marker with proven wide applicability has not yet been developed or identified. The detailed requirements for an adherence marker include that it be pharmacologically and chemically inert, nontoxic, unaffected by the physical and chemical properties of body tissues and fluids, not accumulated in the body, and undetectable by the patient. The pharmacodynamics and tissue distribution of the marker should be appropriate for the medication being evaluated. The interindividual and intraindividual variances of marker metabolism should be small enough to permit precise and accurate estimates of adherence. For each trial, the choice of using an adherence marker in lieu of direct analysis of the test medication must be evaluated considering the circumstances of the trial and the pharmacokinetics of the test medication.
Influence of feeding free lysine to early lactation dairy cows on ruminal lysine escape, rumen fermentation and productivity

Abstract The primary objective was to quantitate ruminal escape of lysine fed to cows in a free form. However since it was expected that a substantial proportion of the lysine would be degraded in the rumen, other objectives were to determine if this lysine impacted ruminal fermentation as well as determine impacts on the performance of the cows, including intake of dry matter (DM). Four multiparous Holstein cows, fitted with large diameter plastisol rumen cannulae between 6 and 8 weeks prior to their projected calving date, were assigned in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment between 2 and 4 weeks post-partum. All cows were fed the same total mixed ration (TMR) and treatment differences were achieved by manually incorporating l -lysine HCl into each cow's individually weighed allocation of TMR at the time of feeding to deliver 0, 1, 2 or 3 g of l -lysine from l -lysine HCl/kg of DM intake. However actually delivered lysine values were about 20% higher. The DM, neutral detergent fibre and crude protein (CP) intakes increased only numerically (P = 0.09–0.11), in a linear fashion, with increased feeding of l -lysine. Rumen pH and volatile fatty acid concentrations were not influenced by lysine feeding, although both total N and ammonia N concentrations in rumen fluid increased linearly (P
Post-Common-Envelope Binary Stars and the Precataclysmic Binary PG 1114+187

We present orbit-resolved spectroscopy and orbit-sampled photometry of the binary system PG 1114+187. Both photometry and radial velocity studies reveal a period P = 1.75992 days, which is taken to be the orbital period of the binary. Strong modulation of emission-line strength with the same period is also present. A preliminary mass ratio, M2/M1 ≈ 0.7, is found from primary- and secondary-star radial velocity amplitudes. No evidence is seen for either an accretion disk or mass transfer, leading to the conclusion that PG 1114+187 is not a cataclysmic variable (CV) but is in a pre-CV state, before the initiation of mass transfer. The short orbital period also leads to the conclusion that the system passed through a common-envelope phase at some time in the past. The current list of known post–common-envelope and precataclysmic binary stars is also reviewed and the general properties of this class of star are discussed.
Policies, Practices, and Promises: Challenges to Early Childhood Music Education in the United States

The United States has achieved nearly universal access to education and has witnessed a phenomenal growth in the number of children who attend child care programs. In addition, researchers and practitioners are making notable advances in the field of early childhood music. Many preschools, however, feel pressure to accelerate learning for young children to prepare them for high-stakes testing in the elementary schools at the expense of early childhood music programs. In this article, the author looks at policies that have impacted early childhood music education practices, examines challenges that No Child Left Behind and other policies present, and presents promising practices and future recommendations for early childhood music.
Application of Weibull Theory in Prediction of Asphalt Concrete Fatigue Performance

The objectives are to present the feasibility of utilizing the Weibull proportional hazards (PH) model and the Weibull accelerated failure time model of survival analysis to predict in situ pavement fatigue performance from laboratory fatigue test results. A set of WesTrack temperature sensitivity fatigue tests is used as an example to demonstrate how the Weibull PH model works. An example utilizing the deflection data from a heavy vehicle simulator test is given to verify the feasibility of the failure time model. The relationship between mode factor and controlled-deformation fatigue test is discussed using the same example. The Weibull theory approach has potential for use in recursive mechanistic-empirical design procedures.
Benthic macroinvertebrate community structure, function and production with respect to habitat type, reach and drainage basin in the southern Appalachians (U.S.A.)

SUMMARY 1. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled for 1 year to assess functional and taxonomic differences in invertebrate biomass and production with respect to habitat types, reaches and catchments in Wine Spring Basin, western North Carolina. Quantitative samples were collected from depositional, cobble-riffle and bedrock outcrop habitats at four stream reaches (two headwater sites, one second order, and one third order). Other measures included physical parameters, periphyton and organic matter standing crops. Invertebrate data from the Wine Spring catchment were also compared with data from another catchment (Ball Creek) within the same region. 2. The three habitat types had different current velocities and mean substratum particle sizes; both measures were greatest in bedrock outcrop habitats and lowest in depositional habitats. Organic matter standing crops, invertebrate functional group productivity and biomass also differed significantly with respect to habitat type. Cobble-riffle areas had the lowest standing crops of organic matter, invertebrate productivity and biomass. 3. Both invertebrate communities and organic matter standing crops differed significantly between the two headwater reaches. First- to third-order reaches differed in taxonomic composition at the genus level, yet had similar relative functional group productivity and biomass. 4. Annual mean invertebrate biomass and secondary production were greater in the Wine Spring Basin than in Ball Creek. Sites in both the Wine Spring and Ball Creek catchments, however, exhibited similar functional group distributions per habitat type. 5. Local geomorphology and related physical parameters influenced the structure of invertebrate functional group composition, and the distribution of organic matter standing crops. Furthermore, comparison of community structure in Wine Spring with that in Ball Creek suggested that taxonomic composition was more related to catchment-specific parameters (e.g. thermal regime, evolutionary history) than stream size.
Application Research on Lignite Quality-Improving of Pulverized Coal Direct-Fired Stove

This paper mainly focuses on the work principle of pulverized coal direct-fired stove aiming to obtain the process and characteristics of thermal gas furnace. The pulverized coal created in the drying process can be captured directly in the internal system, which can deal with such problems as storage and transport, especially the environment protection problem such as dusty flying. Pulverized coal stove can be promoted in the lignite quality-improving project based on the data collected from the production field.
Spontaneous Mutations in the HBV Genome and their Clinical Implications

Chronic hepatitis B infection remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the availability of an effective vaccine. The clinical management of chronic hepatitis B infection is complex often requiring the use of nucleotide analogs as well as immune modulators. The natural history and response to therapy are affected by the presence of naturally occurring mutations in the HBV genome particularly those in the basal core promoter and precore sites. Understanding the role of these mutations in outcome of infection and response to therapy can enable physicians to customize management in order to achieve optimal clinical outcomes.
Decreasing contact resistance in proton-exchange membrane fuel cells with metal bipolar plates

Abstract Ohmic, or I 2 R , losses occur in electrochemical devices, such as proton -exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) due to the resistance of materials and the contact resistance between the electrochemical active area, the gas diffusion and current collector materials. Such losses must be lessened to maximize the conversion of chemical energy to electricity rather than heat. We probe how to decrease the contact resistance in PEMFCs with metal bipolar plates with state-of-the-art membrane electrode assemblies, specifically Au/TiO 2 -coated titanium bipolar plates (BPPs), gas diffusion layers with microporous layers (GDLs with MPLs), and catalyst-coated membranes (CCMs) comprising a 15-μm-thick proton-exchange membranes. Through in situ tests of a model system, we find that the system resistance decreases after a compression break-in cycle and then remains low subsequently by keeping the stack assembly compressed at >1 MPa. Ex situ tests show that the surface roughness of the BPPs also affects contact resistance with the GDLs. After accounting for the bulk resistance of the cell constituents (BPPs, GDLs, MPLs and CCMs), we conclude that in a state-of-the-art PEMFC, the contact resistances between the materials contribute 55% of the total I 2 R losses, and thus dominate the ohmic loss contributions.
A variant hemoglobin assicated with α-Thalassemia-2

Abstract Hb Evanston (α14 Trp → Arg) was detected on cellulose acetate at pH 8.4 as a band with an electrophoretic mobility similar to that of Hb S. In addition, a band migrating cathodic to Hb A2 suggested the presence of a variant Hb A2 with a substitution in the α-chain, a fact that was later confirmed by structural analysis. An unusual feature of Hb Evanston is its low percentage; less than 10% occurs in the hemolysate. Studies indicate that the variant is not unstable, but there appears to be a defect in globin-chain synthesis. Gene mapping also shows that it is associated with the α-thalassemia-2 gene. The variant has high oxygen affinity with normal cooperativity and a normal Bohr effect. The combination of Hb Evanston with α-thalassemia-2 produced anemia in this black family.
Information Literacy in the Engineering Technologies at the Community College: A Literature Review

Librarians and faculty of the Electrical Engineering Technology Department at Erie Community College teamed up to improve students’ information literacy skills. We reviewed information literacy literature from both the engineering and library viewpoints but found no studies of engineering technology students at the community college level. We examined and mapped standards from the department's accrediting agency with academic library instruction standards, providing a framework for what needed to be taught. The studies we reviewed pointed out difficulties with both instruction and assessment. We identified an assessment tool, Project SAILS, and made plans to implement successful practices found in the literature.