cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Observation and analysis of static deflections from transverse long-range wakefields in the SLC

In the SLC main linac a train of three bunches is accelerated. The leading positron bunch is followed by two bunches of electrons. When the positron bunch passes off-axis through the RF structures, it excites dipole modes in the structures, for example long-range transverse wakefields which deflect the subsequent electron bunches. Although the magnitude of the deflections is small one can infer the deflections by measuring the trajectory difference while changing the spacing between the positron and electron bunches. Knowing the positron trajectory the misalignments of the accelerating RF structures with respect to the BPM's can be calculated. We present measurements from the SLC linac and discuss the data analysis and errors.
Spectral and bandwidth characteristics of a high-pressure Xe laser in a several kilogauss field

A technique based on the Zeeman effect has been developed for determining the gain bandwidth of the 1.73- mu m laser line of the high-pressure atomic xenon laser. A bandwidth in the range of 0.14 to 0.37 cm/sup -1/ has been determined by this method. Lasing bandwidths for the 1.73-, 2.03, 2.63, and 2.65- mu m lines have also been determined for pump rates in the range 0.3 to 1.8 kW/cm/sup 3/. The effect of the magnetic field on the spectral characteristics of these lines is also given. >
Ochratoxin A and Citrinin Induced Nephrosis in Beagle Dogs II. Pathology

Beagle dogs were given ochratoxin A (0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) and citrinin (5 and 10 mg/kg) alone and in two dose combinations for 14 days. The gross lesions included focal peritonitis and intestinal intussusceptions in dogs given citrinin. Changes in the kidneys of dogs given ochratoxin A were degeneration and necrosis with desquamation of tubular epithelial cells, primarily in the straight segment of the proximal tubules. Dogs given 10 mg/kg citrin had similar changes in the distal tubules and collecting ducts. Dogs given combined doses of citrinin and ochratoxin A had degeneration and necrosis in proximal and distal tubules, and in thin segments and the collecting ducts; there were desquamated cells and granular casts in the lumina. Dogs given ochratoxin A had necrosis of lymphoid tissues in the spleen, tonsil, thymus, peripheral lymph nodes and lymph nodules of the ileum, colon and rectum. There was ulceration of the mucosa of the intestine in dogs given large combined doses of ochratoxin A and citrinin.
The effect of neighboring amino acid residues and solution environment on the oxidative stability of tyrosine in small peptides.

The effects of neighboring residues and formulation variables on tyrosine oxidation were investigated in model dipeptides (glysyl tyrosine, N-acetyl tyrosine, glutamyl tyrosine, and tyrosyl arginine) and tripeptide (lysyl tyrosyl lysine). The tyrosyl peptides were oxidized by light under alkaline conditions by a zero-order reaction. The rate of the photoreaction was dependent on tyrosyl pKa, which was perturbed by the presence of neighboring charged amino acid residues. The strength of light exposure, oxygen headspace, and the presence of cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonia chloride had a significant effect on the kinetics of tyrosyl photooxidation. Tyrosine and model tyrosyl peptides were also oxidized by hydrogen peroxide/metal ions at neutral pH. Metal-catalyzed oxidation followed first-order kinetics. Adjacent negatively charged amino acids accelerated tyrosine oxidation owing to affinity of the negative charges to metalions, whereas positively charged amino acid residues disfavored the reaction. The oxidation of tyrosine in peptides was greatly affected by the presence of adjacent charged residues, and the extent of the effect depended on the solution environment.
IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A YEAST GENE ENCODING THE U2 SMALL NUCLEAR RIBONUCLEOPROTEIN PARTICLE B PROTEIN

The inessential yeast gene MUD2 encodes a protein factor that contributes to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particle (snRNP)-pre-mRNA complex (commitment complex) formation. To identify other genes that contribute to this early splicing step, we performed a synthetic lethal screen with a MUD2 deletion strain. The first characterized gene from this screen, MSL1 (MUD synthetic lethal 1), encodes the yeast homolog of the well studied mammalian snRNP protein U2B". The yeast protein (YU2B") is a component of yeast U2 snRNP, and it is related to other members of the UIA-U2B" family, the human U2B" protein, the human U1A protein, and the yeast U1A protein. It binds in vitro to its RNA target, U2 snRNA stem-loop IV, without a protein cofactor, and the target resembles more closely the U1 snRNA binding site of the human U1A protein than it does the U2 snRNA binding site of human U2B". Surprisingly, the YU2B" protein lacks a C-terminal RNA binding domain, which is conserved in all other family members. Possible functional and evolutionary relationships among these proteins are discussed.
Frequency-domain analysis of arterial blood pressure: a probe for central nervous system activity

Spontaneous, self-sustained arterial blood pressure oscillations (APO; Mayer-rhythm) were studied in dogs exposed to hypotension, hemorrhage, hypoxia, or cerebral ischemia. Frequency spectra analysis of APO revealed a large amplitude (15-30 mmHg), low frequency (0.04-0.06 Hz) component. Higher frequency peaks (f>0.1 Hz) of much lower power amplitude were associated with respiratory activity. These experimental pathophysiologic states resulted in the loss of broadband frequency spectra (observed in control studies) and the emergence of dominant bifurcating narrowband APO rhythms. The periodicities observed implicate a CNS-mediated neural pacemaker (i.e. sympathetic overdrive) in arterial pressure oscillations. >
Transform coding algorithms for seismic data compression

An investigation is presented of transform-based seismic data compression. The study concentrates on discrete orthogonal transforms such as the discrete Fourier transform (DFT), the discrete cosine transform (DCT), the Walsh-Hadamard transform (WHT), and the Karhunen-Loeve transform (KLT). Uniform and subband transform coding schemes were implemented, and comparative results are given for data rates ranging from 150 to 550 b/s. These results are also compared to existing linear prediction techniques. >
The Silent Information Regulator 3 Protein, SIR3p, Binds to Chromatin Fibers and Assembles a Hypercondensed Chromatin Architecture in the Presence of Salt

The telomeres and mating-type loci of budding yeast adopt a condensed, heterochromatin-like state through recruitment of the silent information regulator (SIR) proteins SIR2p, SIR3p, and SIR4p. In this study we characterize the chromatin binding determinants of recombinant SIR3p and identify how SIR3p mediates chromatin fiber condensation in vitro. Purified full-length SIR3p was incubated with naked DNA, nucleosome core particles, or defined nucleosomal arrays, and the resulting complexes were analyzed by electrophoretic shift assays, sedimentation velocity, and electron microscopy. SIR3p bound avidly to all three types of templates. SIR3p loading onto its nucleosomal sites in chromatin produced thickened condensed fibers that retained a beaded morphology. At higher SIR3p concentrations, individual nucleosomal arrays formed oligomeric suprastructures bridged by SIR3p oligomers. When condensed SIR3p-bound chromatin fibers were incubated in Mg2+, they folded and oligomerized even further to produce hypercondensed higher-order chromatin structures. Collectively, these results define how SIR3p may function as a chromatin architectural protein and provide new insight into the interplay between endogenous and protein-mediated chromatin fiber condensation pathways.
Spinal Arteriovenous Malformations Associated with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome: A Literature Search and Report of Two Cases

SUMMARY: Patients with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome present with venous varices, cutaneous capillary malformations, and tissue hypertrophy, usually involving an extremity. A small but important subset also harbors arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the spine. We report 2 such cases, 1 with 3 concurrent spinal arteriovenous fistulas. These cases and our review of the literature emphasize the importance of screening the spine for AVMs. In addition, it is also important to investigate for the presence of multiple spinal AVMs.
In defense of not knowing

I take only the last of the above answers to be controversial. I shall argue for the correctness of that answer by arguing that knowledge is, to a far greater extent than most philosophers are willing to admit, a psychological concept. Roughly put, my thesis is that the presence of knowledge requires the absence of doubt. How this psychologized view of knowledge supports the thesis that knowledge has little to do with science will, I hope, become apparent in what follows. I begin by arguing that no simple justified-true-belief (hereafter 'JTB') analysis can provide us with sufficient conditions for knowing, even overlooking the Gettier problem. But my general claim is not that something like a JTB analysis which incorporates my thesis that knowledge is incompatible with doubt is the right analysis of knowledge. Rather, I hope to show that whatever analysis of knowledge is ultimately accepted, whether it be a JTB analysis, a causal analysis, or yet some other kind, that analysis will have to include or entail the requirement that the putative knower not have any doubts about what he is alleged to know. I will, that is to say, be arguing for a necessary, not for a sufficient, condition for knowing.
MEASUREMENT AROUND A ROTOR BLADE EXCITED IN PITCH, PART 2: UNSTEADY SURFACE PRESSURE

This paper describes measurements of chordwise distributions of unsteady pressure at three radial locations on a stiff two-bladed teetering model helicopter rotor in hover, with the blades executing simple harmonic pitch oscillations about the quarter-chord pitch axis. The objective of the present work is to provide a data base to correlate the measured unsteady blade pressure distributions with dynamic inflow to establish the validity or deficiencies of available analytical methods for predictions of unsteady aerodynamic phenomena. The effect of dynamic inflow on rotor unsteady surface pressure has been
Tubulin, actin and heterotrimeric G proteins: coordination of signaling and structure.

G proteins mediate signals from membrane G protein coupled receptors to the cell interior, evoking significant regulation of cell physiology. The cytoskeleton contributes to cell morphology, motility, division, and transport functions. This review will discuss the interplay between heterotrimeric G protein signaling and elements of the cytoskeleton. Also described and discussed will be the interplay between tubulin and G proteins that results in atypical modulation of signaling pathways and cytoskeletal dynamics. This will be extended to describe how tubulin and G proteins act in concert to influence various aspects of cellular behavior. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters.This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Reciprocal influences between cell cytoskeleton and membrane channels, receptors and transporters. Guest Editor: Jean Claude Herve.
Nitrofurantoin Contraindication in Patients with a Creatinine Clearance Below 60 mL/min: Looking for the Evidence

OBJECTIVETo investigate the evidence leading to nitrofurantoin contraindication in patients with a creatinine clearance (CrCl) below 60 mL/min.DATA SOURCESLiterature was searched in PubMed (1965-June 2012) by using the key words and MeSH terms urinary tract infections-drug therapy, chronic kidney insufficiency, kidney diseases, pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy, combined with nitrofurantoin. Articles were limited to the English language. References from the identified studies, Food and Drug Administration–approved product information packets, drug information resources, and pharmacology books were also reviewed.DATA SYNTHESISThe contraindication of nitrofurantoin in patients with a CrCl below 60 mL/min was included in the product information packets sometime between 1988 and 2003. The 1988 Macrodantin product information indicated a CrCl cutoff level of 40 mL/min, but the current contraindication of less than 60 mL/min is found in the 2003 Macrobid product information. It is unclear when and why this...
Sources and fates of silicon in the ocean: the role of diatoms in the climate and glacial cycles*

Diatoms with their fast growth rates and obligate requirement for Si have a unique relationship to the oceanic Si cycle with the potential for controlling the nutrient and CO2 environment of large important areas of the ocean. The new production of diatoms based on both new nitrogen and Si sources is described using a Si-pump based upon the differential regeneration of the two elements. This approach, applied to the eastern equatorial Pacific, showed diatoms to respond as in a Si-limited chemostat, to the low source Si(OH)4 in the Equatorial UnderCurrent. Increased Si(OH)4 results in increased diatom productivity, suppression of non-diatom populations and decreased surface pCO2. The deficiency in source concentrations of Si(OH)4 results from low Si(OH)4:NO3 water originating in the vicinity of the Antarctic Polar Front, a consequence of the extraordinary trapping of Si by the Southern Ocean. In glacial periods this trapping is reduced several fold and likely results in increased Si(OH)4 export to the north, and increased Si(OH)4 production and deposition at the equatorial Pacific which can be expected to reduce surface pCO2. The connections between the eastern equatorial Pacific export production and Southern Ocean Si trapping may provide a major biogeochemical feedback system with implications for contemporary and paleoclimatology.
Silicic acid uptake and incorporation by natural marine phytoplankton populations1

Germanic acid (/sup 68/Ge) was used as a tracer to study the uptake and incorporation of silicic acid by natural phytoplankton populations in the Gulf of California. The technique was useful in measuring silicic acid incorporation rates as low as 0.5 nM h/sup -1/. The incorporation followed saturation kinetics. K/sub s/ values at two stations were 1.59 and 2.53 ..mu..M. The incorporation was light dependent, maximum rates being achieved at 0.28 x 10/sup 21/ photons cm/sup -2/ d/sup -1/ (0.044 ly min/sup -1/; 9 percent of surface irradiance) and half-maximum rate at 0.02 x 10/sup 21/ photons cm/sup -2/ d/sup -1/ (0.003 ly min/sup -1/; 0.6 percent of surface irradiance); rate of incorporation in the dark was 44 percent of that at light saturation. Enrichment with silicic acid caused stimulation of photosynthetic carbon fixation at two stations.
Bridging between NMA and Elastic Network Models: Preserving All-Atom Accuracy in Coarse-Grained Models.

Dynamics can provide deep insights into the functional mechanisms of proteins and protein complexes. For large protein complexes such as GroEL/GroES with more than 8,000 residues, obtaining a fine-grained all-atom description of its normal mode motions can be computationally prohibitive and is often unnecessary. For this reason, coarse-grained models have been used successfully. However, most existing coarse-grained models use extremely simple potentials to represent the interactions within the coarse-grained structures and as a result, the dynamics obtained for the coarse-grained structures may not always be fully realistic. There is a gap between the quality of the dynamics of the coarse-grained structures given by all-atom models and that by coarse-grained models. In this work, we resolve an important question in protein dynamics computations—how can we efficiently construct coarse-grained models whose description of the dynamics of the coarse-grained structures remains as accurate as that given by all-atom models? Our method takes advantage of the sparseness of the Hessian matrix and achieves a high efficiency with a novel iterative matrix projection approach. The result is highly significant since it can provide descriptions of normal mode motions at an all-atom level of accuracy even for the largest biomolecular complexes. The application of our method to GroEL/GroES offers new insights into the mechanism of this biologically important chaperonin, such as that the conformational transitions of this protein complex in its functional cycle are even more strongly connected to the first few lowest frequency modes than with other coarse-grained models.
Order recursive parametric bispectrum estimation

Order-recursive computation of autoregressive (AR) parameters from cumulants is addressed. If the cumulant matrix is neither Toeplitz nor symmetric, it is shown that using the Frolenius-Schur block matrix inversion formula the inverse of the p-dimensional cumulant matrix can be updated from the (p-1)-dimensional inverse with O(p/sup 2/) operations. When compared to batch mode computation, the proposed algorithm reduces the computational requirement for order-recursive calculation of the AR parameters. When the cumulant matrix is also nonsymmetric Toeplitz, further reduction in computation is obtained using Trench's algorithm. >
Lane Tracking Software for Four-color Fluorescence-based Electrophoretic Gel Images

Software to track sample lanes automatically in four-color, fluorescence-based, electrophoretic gel images has been developed for application in large-scale DNA sequencing projects. Lanes and lane boundaries are tracked by analyzing a first difference approximation to the gradient of a vertically integrated and processed "brightness" profile. Initially lanes are located in a region of the gel image selected for good horizontal lane spacing and signal strength. The software uses models of expected lane and interlane spacing and lateral lane behavior to maintain accurate tracking on imperfect gels. In areas where intensity-based tracking is difficult, interpixel column correlation is also used to locate and define lane features. Summary statistics and compressed-in-time images are generated for user evaluation of tracking performance. The software developed has been tested successfully on gel images with degradations including significant horizontal lane motion (curving} and image artifacts, and now in full-scale use in our sequencing projects.
Interleukin-1 and its biologically related cytokines.

Publisher Summary Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) participate in self-augmentation induction mechanisms. Recombinant human IL-1 and TNF are each capable of inducing the production of their respective molecules as well as each other. IL-1 and TNF both induce IL-6. The target cells include: monocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and B cells. The concentrations of IL-1 and TNF that stimulate their own production in this self amplification cycle are within the range (1-10 ng/ml) of what has been measured in the supernatant media of cultured cells stimulated with viruses, bacterial toxins, and active complement components, and of immune complex. The ability of interferon-y to suppress IL-l-induced IL-1 production takes place in the presence of cyclo-oxygenase inhibition. Similarly, the ability of corticosteroids to reduce the transcription of IL-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) also takes place in the presence of cyclooxygenase inhibition. IL-1 is the prototype of a group of biologically potent polypeptides with molecular weights between 10,000 and 30,000. Because these substances are produced by a variety of cells and act on many different cell types, there is a growing acceptance of the terminology “cytokines,” rather than “lymphokines” or “monokines.” Of the various “cytokines,” several share the ability to stimulate or augment cell proliferation, initiate the synthesis of new proteins in a variety of cells, and induce the production of inflammatory metabolites. IL-1 is biologically similar to tumor necrosis factor (TNF), lymphotoxin, IL-6, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), and transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β)
OPTIMIST: state minimization for optimal 2-level logic implementation

We present a novel method for state minimization of incompletely-specified finite state machines. Where classic methods simply minimize the number of states, ours directly addresses the implementation's logic complexity, and produces an exactly optimal implementation under input encoding. The method incorporates optimal ``state mapping'', i.e., the process of reducing the symbolic next-state relation which results from state splitting to an optimal conforming symbolic function. Further, it offers a number of convenient sites for applying heuristics to reduce time and space complexity, and is amenable to implementation based on implicit representations. Although our method currently makes use of an input encoding model, we believe it can be extended smoothly to encompass output encoding as well.
Rapid Microprocedure for Extraction of Plasmid DNA from Staphylococcus aureus

A rapid micromethod for extraction of plasmid DNA from Staphylococcus aureus in quantities sufficient for restriction endonuclease analysis was developed. The method of "fingerprinting" is useful for identification of epidemic strains in the clinical setting and is more reliable than frequently used determinations of plasmid molecular weight, particularly when small numbers of plasmids are involved. Restriction endonuclease analysis of plasmid DNA is a valid and important method of typing epidemic strains of Staphylococcus aureus [1]. Since the evolution of multiple antibiotic resistance, much of which is plasmid mediated, the classic phage types have failed to correlate with outbreaks of infection [2]. Previously published methods for extraction of plasmid DNA for analysis frequently are cumbersome, time consuming, or expensive [3, 4]. We have developed a rapid microprocedure for plasmid DNA extraction; the microprocedure is a modification of a method developed for the extraction of small plasmids from Escherichia coli [5].
Convergence of the Social Fabric Matrix and Complex Modeling

System dynamics is a computer modeling technique that is used to solve problems in complex socioeconomic systems through the design or redesign of system structure. Its application often involves the elicitation and mapping of knowledge from experts and stakeholders who possess detailed information about the relevant structure and behavior of the system under study. A digital computer is then used to accurately trace through the dynamics inherent in the mapping – a task that humans cannot do reliably via thought and debate due to their inherent cognitive limitations.
Influence of Maternal Depression on WIC Participation in Low-Income Families.

Objectives To date, little is known regarding the impact of maternal depression on participation in public benefit programs. This study examines whether maternal depression is predictive of lower WIC participation in early childhood. Methods This was a secondary data analysis using weighted data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Birth Cohort. Maternal data collected when children were 9 and 24 months of age were used. 9 months was considered baseline, and 24 months was considered follow-up. The study cohort consisted of 3841 low income mothers, defined as 9). The majority of mothers were white, unemployed, and born in the US. Most received Medicaid (74 %) and almost half received SNAP (47 %). At follow-up, 80.1 % of mothers reported WIC participation. In multivariable analysis, maternal depression at baseline was significantly associated with decreased WIC participation at follow-up (aOR 0.74; 95 % CI 0.55–0.99). Conclusions Our results suggest that maternal depression is an independent risk factor for decreased WIC participation in low-income families with young children. Primary and secondary prevention strategies aimed at maternal depression may positively impact low-income families’ participation in public benefit programs. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed in order to inform clinical practice and public health policy.
Plantar pressure reduction in an incremental weight-bearing system

Background and Purpose. Harness-supported treadmill ambulation has been advocated for patients to provide reduction in weight bearing to healing tissues and to reduce the energy cost of treadmill ambulation. The purposes of this technical report are to analyze the ability of one of these devices (Zuni Exercise System) to support a specific percentage of a subject's body weight during walking and running and to explore the relationship of unloading to pressure reduction in selected plantar surface regions of the foot. Subjects. Ten male volunteers with no known foot pathology participated. Methods. In-shoe plantar pressure and vertical ground reaction forces (GRFs) were measured during walking and running at full body weight and at 20% of body weight supported. Results. Walking at a setting of 20% of body weight supported resulted in a reduction of the first and second vertical force peaks of 23.8% (SD=7.3%) and 27.2% (SD=4.1%), respectively. The total force-time integral during walking unloaded was 22.8% (SD=3.3%). During running, the active vertical force peak and total force-time integral were reduced by 19.9% (SD=6.0%) and 20.0% (SD=3.3%), respectively, in the unloaded condition. Plantar pressures were reduced from 6.8% to 27.8% in the body weight-supported conditions. The reduction was variable across different regions of the foot. Conclusion and Discussion. The Zuni Exercise System appears to reduce the vertical component of the GRF during walking and running with 20% of body weight supported. Plantar pressures were reduced during body weight-supported conditions, but the reduction varied at different regions of the foot.
“Not at All Religious”: Irreligiosity as Social Deviance in a Majority Muslim Context

ABSTRACTIn a majority Muslim context, where most college students are raised religiously and appear outwardly to conform to social norms in terms of dress and religious ritual, which college students are most likely to report that, in fact, they consider themselves “Not At All Religious”? When irreligiosity is treated as a measure of social deviance, does Hirschi’s theory of social control appropriately account for this demographic? I use original Islamic Social Attitudes Survey data collected from 1,139 Kuwaiti college students in 2007 to show that gender, being raised religiously, and religious experience are all significantly correlated to irreligiosity. Neither family attachment nor peer networks predicts self-reported irreligiosity like the influence of conservative Mosque Networks.
Ketorolac Use and Postoperative Complications in Gastrointestinal Surgery.

Objective:To study the association between ketorolac use and postoperative complications.Background:Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may impair wound healing and increase the risk of anastomotic leak in colon surgery. Studies to date have been limited by sample size, inability to identify confou
Breast Tumor Kinase (Brk/PTK6) Is Induced by HIF, Glucocorticoid Receptor, and PELP1-Mediated Stress Signaling in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Cancer cells use stress response pathways to sustain their pathogenic behavior. In breast cancer, stress response-associated phenotypes are mediated by the breast tumor kinase, Brk (PTK6), via the hypoxia-inducible factors HIF-1α and HIF-2α. Given that glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is highly expressed in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), we investigated cross-talk between stress hormone-driven GR signaling and HIF-regulated physiologic stress. Primary TNBC tumor explants or cell lines treated with the GR ligand dexamethasone exhibited robust induction of Brk mRNA and protein that was HIF1/2-dependent. HIF and GR coassembled on the BRK promoter in response to either hypoxia or dexamethasone, indicating that Brk is a direct GR/HIF target. Notably, HIF-2α, not HIF-1α, expression was induced by GR signaling, and the important steroid receptor coactivator PELP1 was also found to be induced in a HIF-dependent manner. Mechanistic investigations showed how PELP1 interacted with GR to activate Brk expression and demonstrated that physiologic cell stress, including hypoxia, promoted phosphorylation of GR serine 134, initiating a feed-forward signaling loop that contributed significantly to Brk upregulation. Collectively, our findings linked cellular stress (HIF) and stress hormone (cortisol) signaling in TNBC, identifying the phospho-GR/HIF/PELP1 complex as a potential therapeutic target to limit Brk-driven progression and metastasis in TNBC patients.
Intelligence and Its Critics

Richard K. Betts, Enemies of Intelligence: Knowledge and Power in American National Security (New York: Columbia University Press, 2007).Robert Jervis, Why Intelligence Fails: Lessons from the Iran...
Gas-phase and Transpiration-driven Mechanisms for Volatilization through Wetland Macrophytes

Natural and constructed wetlands have gained attention as potential tools for remediation of shallow sediments and groundwater contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Wetland macrophytes are known to enhance rates of contaminant removal via volatilization, but the magnitude of different volatilization mechanisms, and the relationship between volatilization rates and contaminant physiochemical properties, remain poorly understood. Greenhouse mesocosm experiments using the volatile tracer sulfur hexafluoride were conducted to determine the relative magnitudes of gas-phase and transpiration-driven volatilization mechanisms. A numerical model for vegetation-mediated volatilization was developed, calibrated with tracer measurements, and used to predict plant-mediated volatilization of common VOCs as well as quantify the contribution of different volatilization pathways. Model simulations agree with conclusions from previous work that transpiration is the main driver for volatilization of VOCs, but...
Heterogenous expression of endothelial cell markers in infantile hemangioendothelioma. Immunohistochemical study of two solitary cases and one multiple one.

Three cases of infantile hemangioendothelioma were immunohistochemically studied with the use of antibodies against von Willebrand factor (vWF), Ulex europaeus I lectin (UEA I), vimentin, thrombomodulin (TM), and actin, as endothelial cell (EC) markers. Because of a broad variety of histologic features, the growth pattern of the tumor cells was subclassified into the following four subtypes: capillary, sinusoidal, cavernous, and myxomatous parts. The solitary tumor from patients 1 and 2 was composed of these four components, but the multiple tumor in the patient 3 consisted of capillary and sinusoidal parts. Immunohistochemically, vWF and vimentin were dominantly expressed in the ECs of the cavernous and myxomatous parts. UEA I had strongly positive results in all histologic types, except the myxomatous part. Expression of vWF and vimentin in neo-plastic EC suggests that functional differentiation of the tumor tissue occurs in the myxomatous and cavernous parts and may be related to the spontaneous regression of the infantile hemangioendothelioma.
Critical groups of group representations

Abstract This paper investigates the critical group of a faithful representation of a finite group. It computes the order of the critical group in terms of the character values, and gives some restrictions on its subgroup structure. It also computes the precise structure of the critical group both for the regular representation of any finite group, and for the reflection representation of S n .
Ab Initio and Approximate Calculations of Collision-Induced Polarizabilities

The size and extent of optimization of the basis sets, the numerical precision attained in the density matrices, inclusion of correlation effects, and the use of function counterpoise, hyper- polarization, and size-consistency corrections all affect the accuracy of ab initio calculations of collision-induced polarizabilities, as exemplified by calculations on H2 in the triplet state, inert-gas atom pairs, and pairs of hydrogen and nitrogen molecules. The dipole-induced-dipole (DID) model provides a good first approximation to the polarizability anisotropy for inert-gas pairs, but the collision-induced term in the trace differs qualitatively from DID predictions. Approximate methods such as those based on a nonlocal polarizability density model or label-free exchange perturbation theory are useful in evaluating collision-induced properties near the van der Waals minima of pair potentials; these methods include the effects of the distribution of polarizable matter in the interacting molecules, exchange, hyperpolarization, and correlation in addition to the polarization effects represented in the DID model.
Introduction to Part I: Basic Cardiac Electrophysiology – Promises Kept and Promises to Keep

Important methodological developments contributing to the great advances in basic cardiac electrophysiology in the past 100 years include the microelectrode for recording intracellular potentials, the disassociation of myocytes in the cardiac syncytium, and fluorescence imaging for monitoring intracellular calcium and the transmembrane potential. Significant advances in recent years include the description of the J wave syndromes and focal ventricular tachycardias originated from the Purkinje-myocardial junction of the papillary muscles, elucidation of the role of the autonomic nervous system in the generation of arrhythmias, investigation of the complex movements and actions of Ca2+ in the myocyte affecting electrophysiology and arrhythmia generation, discovery of new genetic mutations affecting the cytoskeleton and the transport, assembly and function of molecular aggregates within the myocyte and in the sarcolemma, and identification of disease- related alterations of micro RNA that result in abnormal functions of sarcolemma and intracellular protein complexes.
Local controls on sediment accumulation and distribution in a fjord in the West Antarctic Peninsula: implications for palaeoenvironmental interpretations

We analyse surface sediment and its distribution in Flandres Bay, West Antarctic Peninsula, in order to understand modern day sediment dispersal patterns in a fjord with retreating, tidewater glaciers. The surface sediment descriptions of 41 cores are included in this study. The sediment facies described include muddy diatomaceous ooze, diatomaceous mud, pebbly mud, sandy mud and mud, with scattered pebbles present in most samples. In contrast to a traditional conceptual model of glacial sediment distribution in fjords, grain size in Flandres Bay generally coarsens from the inner to outer bay. The smallest grain size sediments were found in the bay head and are interpreted as fine-grained deposits resulting from meltwater plumes and sediment gravity flows occurring close to the glacier front. The middle of the bay is characterized by a high silt percentage, which correlates to diatom-rich sediments. Sediments in the outer bay have a high component of coarse material, which is interpreted as being the result of winnowing from currents moving from the Bellingshausen Sea into the Gerlache Strait. Palaeoenvironmental reconstructions of glacial environments often use grain size as an indicator of proximity to the ice margin. After a detailed analysis of a large number of cores collected in the study area, our findings highlight the variability in sedimentation patterns within a fjord and provide a valuable evidence of the complexity that may occur in the sedimentary record. Keywords: Flandres Bay; Antarctic Peninsula; sediment distribution; grain size. (Published: 12 August 2016) To access the supplementary material for this article, please see the supplementary files in the column to the right (under Article Tools). Citation: Polar Research 2016, 35 , 25284, http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/polar.v35.25284
International Students in the United States

This essay examines the experience of international students in American universities, providing basic data on their numbers and economic impact. Accompanying photographs document international students’ participation in Globalfest, an annual event that celebrates their enrollment at Michigan State University.ᅟ
Psychological Genetics: Understanding the Nature of Psychological Differences Through Etiology

Questions about the roles of nature and nurture in human behavior have changed radically over time. Arguments about whether genes or environment play a role in human behavior have largely been resolved, with a well-documented role for both factors in the development of psychological and behavioral traits. Correspondingly, the nature of inquiry about genetic influences has changed, to instead focus on how genes exert their influences, with regard to the specific genes involved, the biological processes underlying their expression, and the environmental and psychological factors initiating these processes.
Epithelial (E)-Cadherin Is a Novel Regulator of Platelet Function

Abstract Epithelial (E-) cadherin is an adhesion molecule that mediates cell-cell interactions, and is important in pluripotent stem cell reprogramming. We are investigating the role of E-cadherin in megakaryocyte differentiation and platelet function, and propose that E-cadherin mediates interactions that facilitate the essential roles of platelets. We have evidence that mature megakaryocytes and platelets express E-cadherin, and therefore generated a megakaryocyte-specific E-cadherin knockout mouse using the PF4-Cre system. E-cadherin deleted mice are viable and fertile. Despite having normal platelet counts and mean platelet volume, platelet function is abnormal. E-cadherin deletion in platelets significantly increases bleeding time in adult mice, with wild type (Ecadw/w) bleeding times of 225±52 secs, and homozygous deletion (Ecadf/f) times of 880±134 secs (p=0.005). In vivo platelet depletion using systemic administration of anti-CD42b antibody in the Ecadf/f mice causes death, likely due to hemorrhage and failure of hemostasis, which is not observed in Ecadw/w with similar levels of platelet depletion, suggesting a platelet function defect that becomes more evident under stress. We performed immunofluorescence to probe platelet structure as a potential explanation for the phenotypes, and observed disrupted b-tubulin architecture in the E-cadherin null platelets. Also, static platelet adhesion assays revealed that E-cadherin deficient platelets have impaired adhesion on fibrinogen, relative to a BSA substrate (p=0.0005). We have extended our studies to the human system, and initial studies using an E-cadherin blocking antibody in human platelets show impairment of aggregation in response to ADP, epinephrine, and thrombin. Taken together, the results demonstrate that E-cadherin contributes to the delicate balance between bleeding, hemostasis, and thrombosis. Future studies will focus on identifying how E-cadherin regulates hemostasis, with an emphasis on the interactions mediated by E-cadherin, whether between platelets, or with other cells in the blood. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinomas

Papillary thyroid microcarcinomas are on the rise. Debate exists whether this is a real increase or whether it represents an increase in diagnostic scrutiny. There is significant evidence that suggests that this increase in incidence is associated with an increase in diagnostic scrutiny. Therefore, we need to examine how we manage this disease, which in most cases is indolent. Molecular markers will likely, one day, aid in the decision-making of which neoplasms need to be aggressively treated and which may be actively observed. At present, it is safe and effective to manage papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs) conservatively, with active surveillance only, for appropriate patients, following the use of a risk-stratified, evidence-based approach. With the increased use of diagnostic modalities in the primary care setting, an in-depth understanding of the natural history of PTMC is important in the management of this now common—however, rarely deadly—clinical entity.
Designing the learning context in school for talent development

This article explores the learning context for talent development in public schools. Total aspects of the environment from physical space, affective elements, and pedagogical approaches affect learning. How teachers believe and perceive their roles as teachers influence instructional design and decision making. In this article, the optimal environment for developing students’ strengths and talents will be discussed and practical suggestions for “Extreme Classroom Makeovers” will be offered.
A Prospective Evaluation of Transverse Tracheal Sonography During Emergent Intubation by Emergency Medicine Resident Physicians.

Objectives Establishing a definitive airway is often the first step in emergency department treatment of critically ill patients. Currently, there is no agreed upon consensus as to the most efficacious method of airway confirmation. Our objective was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of real-time sonography performed by resident physicians to confirm placement of the endotracheal tube during emergent intubation. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of adult patients in the emergency department undergoing emergent endotracheal intubation. Thirty emergency medicine residents, who were blinded to end-tidal carbon dioxide detection results, performed real-time transverse tracheal sonography during intubation to evaluate correct endotracheal tube placement. Results Seventy-two patients were enrolled in the study. Sixty-eight instances (94.4%) were interpreted as correct placement in the trachea; 4 (5.6%) were interpreted as esophageal, of which 1 was a false-negative finding, therefore conferring sensitivity of 98.5% (95% confidence interval, 92.1%–99.9%) and specificity of 75.0% (95% confidence interval, 19.4%–99.4%) for correct placement. There was no significant difference in accuracy among resident sonographers with different levels of residency training. Conclusions A simple transverse tracheal sonographic examination performed by emergency medicine resident physicians can be used as an adjunct to help confirm correct endotracheal tube placement during intubation. In our cohort, the level of training did not appear to affect the ability of residents to correctly identify the endotracheal tube position.
Criticality of gene regulatory networks and the resulting morphogenesis

We present morphogenetic systems using Kauffman’s NK random Boolean network (RBN) as a gene regulatory network (GRN) and spring-mass-damper kinetics for cellular movements. We investigate what role...
Comparative feeding value of steam-flaked corn and sorghum in finishing diets supplemented with or without sodium bicarbonate

A feedlot growth-performance trial involving 64 yearling steers and a metabolism trial involving four steers with cannulas in the rumen, proximal duodenum, and distal ileum were conducted to evaluate the comparative feeding value of steam-flaked corn (SFC, density = .30 kg/liter) and sorghum (SFS, density = .36 kg/liter) in finishing diets supplemented with or without .75% sodium bicarbonate (BICARB). No interactions between BICARB and grain type proved to be significant. Supplemental BICARB increased ADG 5.9% (P less than .10) and DMI 4.6% (P less than .05) but did not influence (P greater than .10) the NE value of the diet. Supplemental BICARB increased ruminal pH (P less than .01) and total tract fiber digestion (P less than .05). Differences in ruminal and total tract OM, starch, and N digestion were small (P greater than .10). Replacing SFC with SFS decreased (P less than .05) ADG 6.1% and increased (P less than .01) DMI/gain 9.7%. Corresponding diet NEm and NEg were decreased (P less than .01) 7.0 and 9.3%, respectively. Ruminal digestion of OM and starch tended to be lower (11.8 and 7.2%, respectively, P less than .10) for SFS. Ruminal degradation of feed N was 31% lower (P less than .05) for the SFS diets. Total tract digestibility of OM, N, DE, and ME were 3.3, 10.8, 4.4, and 5.5% lower (P less than .05), respectively, for the SFS vs SFC diets. In conclusion, 1) SFS had 92% the NEm of SFC; 2) differences in total tract starch digestibility were small and cannot explain the higher feeding value of SFC; 3) the low ruminal degradation of sorghum N (roughly 20%) should be considered in diet formulation to avoid a deficit in ruminally available N; and 4) .75% BICARB supplementation increased DMI and ADG of cattle fed highly processed grain-based diets.
A Multimethodological Study of Preschoolers' Preferences for Aggressive Television and Video Games.

The association between aggressive media and related behavior is complicated, and the role of underlying genetics has not been adequately explored. A better understanding of the role of genetics on...
Shelf Life Studies On Processed Peaches

The effects of four calcium salts (calcium chloride, calcium lactate, calcium citrate, calcium phosphate) on the texture of processed peach slices were determined. Peach slices were immersed in solutions containing dissolved calcium salts at levels of 0.5, 1 and 2 % for 1 minute then stored at 4 °C for 3 days. Peach slices treated with calcium salts were firmer than non-calcium treated peach slices at all concentration levels. Two percent calcium lactate resulted in peach slices with superior texture and overall appearance as compared to other salts regardless the concentration. Effect of calcium salts at 3 % level was also determined for three different varieties of peaches (Autumn prince, Big Red, O’Henry) with a dipping time of 5 minutes. Calcium citrate and calcium phosphate treatments resulted in poor texture as compared to non-calcium treated samples. Texture was better with all calcium salts for the Autumn Prince variety of peach as compared to other varieties. Overall an increase in the level of calcium salts to 3 % did not improve the texture of peach slices compared to lower levels of calcium.
Exploring the Effect of Sharing Common Facebook Friends on the Sexual Risk Behaviors of Tinder Users.

Abstract An increasing number of young adults are using online dating sites and mobile apps. The “common connections” feature on Tinder displays mutual Facebook friends between users and might serv...
Predictability and Hedge Fund Investing

Hedge fund managers are largely free to pursue dynamic trading strategies and standard linear regression is no longer accurate for measuring hedge fund abnormal return (alpha) and risk exposure (beta). Accordingly, this paper presents a dynamic linear model to capture hedge fund dynamics. By allowing time-varying alpha and beta, this dynamic linear model facilitates improved prediction in alpha, beta, and future hedge fund return. By simulating hypothetical trading strategies, we demonstrate that the model-based predictability helps to implement a profitable fund selection process.
Turnover of Dissolved DMSP in Estuarine and Shelf Waters of the Northern Gulf of Mexico

The turnover rates of dissolved dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP(d)) were determined in a variety of coastal water samples collected from the Northern Gulf of Mexico during a 14 month period spanning 1993 and 1994. A kinetic approach was used in which the rate constant for DMSP(d) consumption was determined from time course data of DMSP(d) concentrations after spike additions of 40 to 50 nM. These rate constants were multiplied by the in situ concentration of DMSP(d) to obtain the turnover rate. Rates measured were variable and ranged from 2 to 122 nM d- 1 during the study period. No seasonal pattern was observed nor was there any significant relationship between turnover rates (or rate constants) with temperature, salinity, or concentrations of dimethylsulfide (DMS), particulate DMSP (DMSP(p)) or DMSP(d). Based on differential filtration experiments, the turnover of DMSP(d) was mainly attributed to submicron-sized organisms, probably bacteria. DMSP was degraded to both dimethylsulfide (DMS) and methanethiol (CH3SH) and the turnover of DMSP(d) is likely to be a major source of these compounds in Gulf of Mexico waters.