cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Allee effects through evolutionary, genetic, and demographic rescue

Despite the amplified threats of extinction facing small founder populations, successful colonization sometimes occurs, bringing devastating ecological and economic consequences. One explanation may be rapid evolution, which can increase mean fitness in populations declining towards extinction, permitting persistence and subsequent expansion. Such evolutionary rescue may be particularly important, given Allee effects. When a population is introduced at low density, individuals often experience a reduction in one or more components of fitness due to novel selection pressures that arise from diminished intraspecific interactions and positive density dependence (i.e. component Allee effects). A population can avoid extinction if it can adapt and recover on its own (i.e. evolutionary rescue), or if additional immigration sustains the population (i.e. demographic rescue) or boosts its genetic variation that facilitates adaptation (i.e. genetic rescue). These various forms of rescue have often been invoked as possible mechanisms for specific invasions, but their relative importance to invasion is not generally understood. Within a spatially explicit modelling framework, we consider the relative impact of each type of rescue on the probability of successful colonization, when there is evolution of a multi-locus quantitative trait that influences the strength of component Allee effects. We demonstrate that when Allee effects are important, the effect of demographic rescue via recurrent immigration overall provides the greatest opportunity for success. While highlighting the role of evolution in the invasion process, we underscore the importance of the ecological context influencing the persistence of small founder populations.
Computation of traveling waves for spatially discrete bistable reaction-diffusion equations

Abstract Traveling wave solutions for reaction-diffusion equations on a discrete spatial domain are considered. Traveling wave equations are derived for the spatial domain, Z n for n = 1, 2, 3. Using an idealized nonlinear term, the anisotropy introduced by the lattice is analyzed. Numerical techniques for solving the traveling wave equations are introduced. Finally, some numerical experiments are presented.
Interrelationships of Seven Mathematical Abilities across Languages

This study investigated the reliability of seven tests of mathematical abilities and their interrelationships among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking pre-algebra Hispanic students. Mathematical abilities were assessed by tests of divergent thinking, general reasoning, field-dependence, mathematics achievement, reading of mathematicalprose, syllogistic reasoning, and mathematical word problem solving. The results of the study indicated that all of these tests are reliable measures for Spanish-speaking students but that only four were reliable for the English-speaking subjects. None of the intercorrelation coefficients reached significance for the English-speaking pupils, but three intercorrelation indices were significant at the .01 level for the Spanish-speaking students. The implications of these findings for educational policy and mathematics education research are discussed.
2‐(Dimethylamino)‐3‐butenenitrile

(1; R1 = H, R2 = Me, Me) [96840-18-5] C6H10N2 (MW 110.18) InChI = 1S/C6H10N2/c1-4-6(5-7)8(2)3/h4,6H,1H2,2-3H3 InChIKey = IDVOZACOBPEZAI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2; R1 = H, R2 = (CH2)4) [96840-19-6] C8H12N2 (MW 136.20) InChI = 1S/C8H12N2/c1-2-8(7-9)10-5-3-4-6-10/h2,8H,1,3-6H2 InChIKey = ATIFZEHRVNGHMD-UHFFFAOYSA-N (3; R1 = H, R2 = (CH2)5) [96840-20-9] C9H14N2 (MW 150.25) InChI = 1S/C9H14N2/c1-2-9(8-10)11-6-4-3-5-7-11/h2,9H,1,3-7H2 InChIKey = OLEMKLIFJZYZAI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (4; R1 = R2 = Me, Me) [74603-42-2] C7H12N2 (MW 124.21) InChI = 1S/C7H12N2/c1-4-5-7(6-8)9(2)3/h4-5,7H,1-3H3 InChIKey = OOPFLXWMBWABHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N (5; R1 = Me, R2 = Et, Et) [81540-41-2] C9H16N2 (MW 152.27) InChI = 1S/C9H16N2/c1-4-7-9(8-10)11(5-2)6-3/h4,7,9H,5-6H2,1-3H3 InChIKey = BCDRVFPEAGEJTQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N (6; R1 = Me, R2 = (CH2)4) [74603-43-3] C9H14N2 (MW 150.25) InChI = 1S/C9H14N2/c1-2-5-9(8-10)11-6-3-4-7-11/h2,5,9H,3-4,6-7H2,1H3 InChIKey = RYHFTJCTJUNLCN-UHFFFAOYSA-N (E)-(7; R1 = Me, R2 = (CH2)4) [101132-09-6] C9H14N2 (MW 150.25) InChI = 1S/C9H14N2/c1-2-5-9(8-10)11-6-3-4-7-11/h2,5,9H,3-4,6-7H2,1H3/b5-2+ InChIKey = RYHFTJCTJUNLCN-GORDUTHDSA-N (E)-(8; R1 = Me, R2 = (CH2)5) [101132-11-0] C10H16N2 (MW 164.28) InChI = 1S/C10H16N2/c1-2-6-10(9-11)12-7-4-3-5-8-12/h2,6,10H,3-5,7-8H2,1H3/b6-2+ InChIKey = VLGZSMLBYJMVIP-QHHAFSJGSA-N (lithiation gives ambident anions for nucleophilic acylation (acrolein C-1 anion) and for use as ester homoenolate equivalents; synthesis of α-cyano enamines, α′-hydroxy-α,β-enones, γ-lactones, and, by Grignard alkylation, allylic amines) Physical Data: (3) bp 94 °C/10 mmHg; d 0.981 g mL−1. (4) bp 64–65 °C/10.5 mmHg; d 0.876 g mL−1. (7) bp 51 °C/0.015 mmHg. (8) bp 55 °C/0.015 mmHg.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 and Macrophage Inflammatory Protein-1α as Possible Biomarkers for the Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome

Purpose: The chronic pelvic pain syndrome is characterized by pelvic pain, voiding symptoms and varying degrees of inflammation within expressed prostatic secretions. We evaluated the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (CCL3) in expressed prostatic secretions to identify marker increases associated with inflammatory (IIIA) and noninflammatory (IIIB) chronic pelvic pain syndrome. In addition, chemokine levels were correlated with clinical pain as determined by the National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index.Materials and Methods: Expressed prostatic secretions were collected by digital rectal examination, and evaluated by enzyme linked immunosorbent assays for monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α in 154 patients including controls (13), those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (54), chronic pelvic pain syndrome IIIA (37) and IIIB (50). Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and macrophage inflammato...
Apoptosis in cardiac diseases: stress- and mitogen-activated signaling pathways

Apoptosis is a form of cell death that involves discrete genetic and molecular programs, de novo protein expression and a unique cellular phenotype. Evidence for the existence of apoptosis in the human heart has been reported in various cardiac diseases, including ischemic and non-ischemic heart failure, myocardial infarction and arrhythmias. Among the most potent stimuli that elicit cardiomyocyte apoptosis are: oxygen radicals (including NO), cytokines (FAS/TNFα-receptor signaling), stress conditions (chemical or physical, e.g., radiation), sphingolipid metabolites (ceramide) and autocoids, e.g., angiotensin II. Apoptosis of cardiac myocytes may contribute to progressive pump-failure, arrhythmias and cardiac remodeling. The recognition of numerous molecular targets associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis may provide novel therapeutic strategies for diverse cardiac ailments, as recently suggested by pharmacologic studies in experimental animals. This review paper is aimed to highlight the role of protein kinase signaling pathways in apoptosis with special attention to the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPK) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) systems.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Vorinostat, A Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor, in Combination with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel for Advanced Solid Malignancies

Purpose: The primary objective of this study was to determine the recommended phase II doses of the novel histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat when administered in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Experimental Design: Patients ( N = 28) with advanced solid malignancies were treated with vorinostat, administered orally once daily for 2 weeks or twice daily for 1 week, every 3 weeks. Carboplatin and paclitaxel were administered i.v. once every 3 weeks. Doses of vorinostat and paclitaxel were escalated in sequential cohorts of three patients. The pharmacokinetics of vorinostat, its metabolites, and paclitaxel were characterized. Results: Vorinostat was administered safely up to 400 mg qd or 300 mg bd with carboplatin and paclitaxel. Two of 12 patients at the 400 mg qd schedule experienced dose-limiting toxicities of grade 3 emesis and grade 4 neutropenia with fever. Non–dose-limiting toxicity included nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, and anemia. Of 25 patients evaluable for response, partial responses occurred in 11 (10 non–small cell lung cancer and 1 head and neck cancer) and stable disease occurred in 7. Vorinostat pharmacokinetics were linear over the dose range studied. Vorinostat area under the concentration versus time curve and half-life increased when vorinostat was coadministered with carboplatin and paclitaxel, but vorinostat did not alter paclitaxel pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: Both schedules of vorinostat (400 mg oral qd × 14 days or 300 mg bd × 7 days) were tolerated well in combination with carboplatin (area under the concentration versus time curve = 6 mg/mL × min) and paclitaxel (200 mg/m 2 ). Encouraging anticancer activity was noted in patients with previously untreated non–small cell lung cancer.
Cardiac expression of the Na+/Ca2+exchanger NCX1 is GATA factor dependent

The cardiac sarcolemmal Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger plays a primary role in Ca(2+) efflux and is important in regulating intracellular Ca(2+) and beat-to-beat contractility. Of the three Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger genes cloned (NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3), only NCX1 is expressed in cardiac myocytes. NCX1 has alternative promoters for heart, kidney, and brain tissue-specific transcripts. Analysis of the cardiac NCX1 promoter (at -336 bp) identified a cardiac-specific minimum promoter (at -137) and two GATA sites (at -75 and -145). In this study, gel shift and supershift analyses identified GATA-4 in primary neonatal cardiac myocytes. Site-directed mutagenesis of the GATA-4 site at -75 abolishes binding and reduces activity of the minimum and full-length promoters by >90 and approximately 60%, respectively. Mutation of the GATA site at -145 reduces activity of the full-length promoter by approximately 30%. Mutation of an E-box at -175 does not alter promoter activity.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Strains from Serotypes O119:H4 and O165:H25

ABSTRACT Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. Here, we report complete whole-genome sequences for two STEC strains of serotypes O119:H4 and O165:H25 isolated from clinical cases in the United States.
Residential Segregation in South Africa and the United States: Evaluating the Sustainability of Comparative Research

The author gauges what (if anything) South Africa can learn from the process of urban segregation in the United States.
Tuning Acid-Base Properties Using Mg-Al Oxide Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) was used to coat γ-Al2O3 particles with oxide films of varying Mg/Al atomic ratios, which resulted in systematic variation of the acid and base site areal densities. Variation of Mg/Al also affected morphological features such as crystalline phase, pore size distribution, and base site proximity. Areal base site density increased with increasing Mg content, while acid site density went through a maximum with a similar number of Mg and Al atoms in the coating. This behavior leads to nonlinearity in the relationship between Mg/Al and acid/base site ratio. The physical and chemical properties were elucidated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), N2 physisorption, and CO2 and NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (TPD). Fluorescence emission spectroscopy of samples grafted with 1-pyrenebutyric acid (PBA) was used for analysis of base site proximity. The degree o...
Track-Etch Radiography: Alpha, Proton, and Neutron

AbstractSeveral polycarbonate plastics and cellulose nitrate have been studied for radiographic imaging studies with alpha particles, protons, fast neutrons, and thermal neutrons. Comparisons, made with conventional film-detection methods in terms of exposure requirements, spatial resolution, contrast, and convenience, show that track-etch techniques can give comparable or better results. Comprehensive results for thermal-neutron radiography indicate that total thermal-neutron exposures in the range of 2 × 107 to 4 × 108 n/cm2 provide radiographs which display a contrast sensitivity of 1 to 3% and a spatial resolution of ∼25 μm. A scattered-light enlargement technique provides a simple means to improve visual contrast of track-etch images.
Smart-phone as measuring device

We propose a methodology to measure object's dimension using smart-phone's sensor. This technique is quite useful for various applications like proper package size estimation in packaging industry, interior object dimension for decoration industry etc. In particular this method is very useful whenever a measuring tape or scale is not available. We use accelerometer, gyroscope and magnetometer available in smart-phones to record real-time data which help to understand mobile's movement. These data will be used to measure displacement of the mobile in X, Y and Z directions using Newton's law of motion. But as the data available from these phones are not noise free, so a robust noise removal algorithm is employed. Experimental results show that our method of measuring dimension is quite accurate for different size and shape of objects.
Chronic fatigue syndrome following infections in adolescents

Purpose of reviewTo review the recent epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of postinfectious chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in adolescents.Recent findingsThirteen percent of adolescents (mainly women) met the criteria for CFS 6 months following infectious mononucleosis; the figure was 7% at
Educational Perspectives: Effective Visual Display of Poster Presentations

The development of an effective poster for presentation is a multistep process that requires careful planning. When executed successfully, the poster can visually draw interest from viewers and stimulate discussion with the presenter. This article provides guidance and illustrates tips on effective poster design based on research findings and recommendations from health care educators, abstract reviewers, and graphic designers.
Understanding honor in religious, cultural, and moral experience: Commentary on “Diasporic Virginities: Social Representations of Virginity and Constructions of Identity amongst British Arab Muslim Women” by Howarth, Caroline; Amer, Amena; and Sen, Ragini:

An important and timely topic in the study of the connections and divergences between culture and religion is the construction of concepts of honor in moral experience, and how these are expressed ...
Phase conjugation by four-wave mixing of Nd:YAG lasers in Si single crystal

The phase conjugate wave has been obtained by degenerated four-wave mixing (DFWM) with silicon single crystal as the nonlinear medium using Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers. The reflectivity of the phase conjugate mirror (PCM) has been calculated from the theory of the light induced electron-hole-pair density, which produced a phase grating. Experimentally, a reflectivity of 125% of the PCM was obtained and the property of the compensation of the phase aberrations was demonstrated.
MRI Evaluation of Femoroacetabular Impingement After Hip Preservation Surgery.

OBJECTIVE. This article reviews the surgical treatment options for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), including labral repair and osteochondroplasty, and the expected postoperative appearance on MRI. Complications, including residual osseous deformities, chondral injury, adhesions, femoral neck stress fractures, osteonecrosis, instability, malpositioned suture anchors, and infection, will also be discussed. CONCLUSION. Knowledge of the surgical treatment of FAI can assist in improving our understanding of the expected postoperative MRI appearance and in evaluating surgical complications.
A Clinical Experience with Dantrolene Sodium for External Urinary Sphincter Hypertonicity in Spinal Cord Injured Patients

AbstractSignificant bladder residual urine is secondary to pelvic floor skeletal muscle hypertonicity in some spinal cord injury patients with suprasacral or mixed lesions. Fifteen patients with residual urine volumes greater than 150 cc were treated with dantrolene sodium because of its ability to decrease skeletal muscle contractibility. All of the patients had urethral closure pressures greater than 100cm. water.Of the 15 patients 8 benefited from dantrolene sodium therapy and were maintained on external condom urinary drainage. Five of these 8 patients required up to 600mg. dantrolene sodium daily to affect this result. The residual urine volume decreased to less than 100 cc and the post-therapy decrease in urethral pressure averaged 77cm. water (49 per cent). The patients in the failure group (residual urine greater than 150 cc) had an average decrease in urethral pressure of 21cm. water (16 per cent). Detrusor hyporeflexia possibly contributed to the failure rate.In summary, dantrolene sodium seems ...
Poor Survival in ATL Patients Treated with CHOP Chemotherapy.

The survival rate of Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) patients, especially those who develop the acute leukemic or lymphomas forms, is very poor, and such clonal malignant CD4 expansion remains one of the most severe lymphoproliferations. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 31 consecutive patients diagnosed with HTLV-1 adult T-cell lymphoma-leukemia (ATL), treated at a single institution between 1995–2004. We used analysis of variance examining the mean survival of the patients. The patients were stratified according to the treatment conventional CHOP chemotherapy versus non-CHOP chemotherapy (CVP, no therapy or AZT and interferon). Twenty-two patients have received CHOP chemotherapy and 9 patients have not received CHOP chemotherapy. The mean survival for the entire group of patients was 22.7 weeks. The median survival was 16 weeks (range from 1–74 weeks). Most of the patients were at high IPI risk. (22 patients IPI=4, 8 patients IPI 5 and one patient IPI 3). If the patients presented without hypercalcemia their mean survival was significantly higher than the patients with hypercalcemia, 22.7 weeks versus 16 weeks p<0.05. The treatment with CHOP chemotherapy significantly improved survival mean 29.3+4.6 weeks versus 8.7 +2.5 weeks, p=0.01. The treatment with CHOP consistently improved survival in patients without hypercalcemia and in those with hypercalcemia 38.8+ 5.4 weeks versus 5.5+ 12.1 and in those with hypercalcemia 20.7+5.2 weeks versus 9.5+6 weeks. CHOP chemotherapy helped both groups of patients those who presented with hypercalcemia and those without hypercalcemia although there is a suggestion that it is less effective in patients with hypercalcemia. In this small retrospective study, no significant association was found between survival and presence or absence of pleural effusion, ascites, extensive liver or skin involvement. Hypercalcemia should be considered a poor prognostic factor in ATL patients. Prospective multi-institution clinical trials are crucial to determine the most effective treatment regimens that will continue to improve survival rates in this aggressive disease.
Functional Effect of Human FXYD2, FXYD4, FXYD6, and FXYD7 on Human Alpha 1 Beta 1 Sodium-Potassium ATPase

The Na+,K+-ATPase builds and maintains the Na+ and K+ gradient across the plasmalemma. Functional Na+,K+-ATPase requires association of α- and β-subunits. A third single transmembrane protein of the FXYD family (FXYD1-FXYD7) modulate Na+,K+-ATPase function in a tissue specific manner. Here, we used electrophysiology on oocytes expressing human α1β1 Na+,K+-ATPase to evaluate the functional effects of association with human FXYD2, 4, 6 & 7. Under two-electrode voltage clamp, in the presence of 125 mM Na+o, application of K+o activated outward currents (due to 3Na+/2K+ exchange) with voltage-dependent apparent dissociation constant. For α1β1, K0.5,0 = 1.1 ±0.1 mM and K0.5100= 1.5 ±0.3 mM (at 0, n=6, and −100 mV, n=6, respectively). The K0.5,0 for all FXYDs was 1-1.2 mM; the K0.5100 was ∼1 mM for FXYD2 and FXYD6 and ∼2 mM for FXYD 4 and FXYD7. Thus, these FXYDs induced changes in K+o affinity could be relevant at hyperpolarized potentials. We measured the transient charge movement observed in the absence of K+o, which describes the voltage-dependent equilibrium between Na+-bound and externally open Na+-free states. The steady-state charge-voltage curves were fitted with a Boltzmann distribution. At constant [Na+]o a shift in the distribution's center (V1/2) to positive voltages signals an increase in Na+o affinity while a shift to negative voltages indicates a reduction, with a 25 mV per two fold change in Na+o affinity. The V1/2 were (in mV) −41 ±0.5 (α1β1, n=6), −16 ±2 (FXYD4, n=4), −26 ± 0.3 (FXYD7, n=2), −57 ±2 (FXYD2, n=7), and −60 ±3 (FXYD6, n=7). These results suggest similar increase in Na+o affinity by FXYD4 or FXYD7 and identical reduction in Na+o affinity by FXYD2 and FXYD6. Measurement of K0.5 for Na+K+-ATPase activation by intracellular Na+ in inside-out patches is underway. Supported by R15-NS081570-01A1.
A general space vector PWM scheme for multilevel inverters

This paper proposes a new general space vector pulse-width modulation (SVPWM) scheme for multilevel inverters with any voltage levels. The proposed SVPWM scheme calculates the duty cycles and switching states based on the modulation triangle quickly identified through a simple coordinate transformation; no prestored memory-consuming lookup table or time-consuming iterative calculation is required. Therefore, the proposed general SVPWM is computational efficient. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the proposed SVPWM scheme.
Oscillation patterns are enhanced and firing threshold is lowered in medullary respiratory neuron discharges by threshold doses of a μ-opioid receptor agonist

μ-Opioid receptors are distributed widely in the brain stem respiratory network, and opioids with selectivity for μ-type receptors slow in vivo respiratory rhythm in lowest effective doses. Several...
Cas1 and the Csy complex are opposing regulators of Cas2/3 nuclease activity

The type I-F CRISPR adaptive immune system in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) consists of two CRISPR loci and six CRISPR-associated (cas) genes. Type I-F systems rely on a CRISPR RNA (crRNA)-guided surveillance complex (Csy complex) to bind foreign DNA and recruit a trans-acting nuclease (i.e., Cas2/3) for target degradation. In most type I systems, Cas2 and Cas3 are separate proteins involved in adaptation and interference, respectively. However, in I-F systems, these proteins are fused into a single polypeptide. Here we use biochemical and structural methods to show that two molecules of Cas2/3 assemble with four molecules of Cas1 (Cas2/32:Cas14) into a four-lobed propeller-shaped structure, where the two Cas2 domains form a central hub (twofold axis of symmetry) flanked by two Cas1 lobes and two Cas3 lobes. We show that the Cas1 subunits repress Cas2/3 nuclease activity and that foreign DNA recognition by the Csy complex activates Cas2/3, resulting in bidirectional degradation of DNA targets. Collectively, this work provides a structure of the Cas1–2/3 complex and explains how Cas1 and the target-bound Csy complex play opposing roles in the regulation of Cas2/3 nuclease activity.
Inactivation of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase by the dopamine metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde.

Abstract Background The aldehyde metabolite of dopamine, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (DOPAL) is an endogenous neurotoxin implicated in Parkinson's Disease. Elucidating protein targets of DOPAL is essential in understanding it's pathology. The enzyme, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a target of DOPAL. Methods GAPDH activity was measured via reduction of NAD+ cofactor (340 nm). Protein aggregation was assessed with SDS-PAGE methods and specific modification via chemical probes. Results Low micromolar levels of DOPAL caused extensive GAPDH aggregation and irreversibly inhibited enzyme activity. The inactivation of GAPDH was dependent on both the catechol and aldehyde moieties of DOPAL. It is suggested that Cys are modified and oxidized by DOPAL. Conclusions The mechanism by which DOPAL modifies GAPDH can serve as a mechanistic explanation to the pathological events in Parkinson's Disease.
Effects of franchising on industry competition: The moderating role of the hospitality industry

Abstract This study investigates the impact of an industry’s involvement in franchising on its competitive condition. Findings show that, for services industries in general, franchising involvement (a) discourages industry instability and dynamic competition, and (b) has a non-significant impact on industry concentration. However, in the hospitality industry, the negative effects of franchising on industry instability and dynamic competition are weaker: franchising decreases industry instability and dynamic competition less in the hospitality industry than in other services industries. These findings open up a new discussion of how franchising influences the competitive environment at the industry level.
Analysis of ACC Oxidase Activity by Site-Directed Mutagenesis of Conserved Amino Acid Residues

Site-directed mutagenesis of ACC oxidase (ACO) was used to determine the nature and role of conserved amino acid residues in the mechanism by which CO2 activates the enzyme. Mutants of ACO were expressed in E. coli as His-Tag fusion proteins. A consensus sequence search of 38 known or putative ACO revealed 8 completely conserved lysine residues; K72, K144, K158, K172, K199, K230 K292 and K296. All of the lysine mutant forms were typically activated by CO2 indicating that none of them is essential for CO2 activation by a carbamylation mechanism. H177, H234 and D179 are essential ligands for Fe. The H177, H234 and D179 ligands for Fe in ACO have equivalent residues in isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS) as H214, D216 and H270. ACO, a non-heme Fe2+/ascorbate requiring enzyme, belongs to the IPNS protein structure family. The Cterminal sequence from K292 through E301 is important for enzyme activity and CO2 activation; Arg299 may be involved in the mechanism of CO2 activation. We prepared R244K and S246A mutants to determine if these Arg and Ser residues may serve as ligands for the carboxyl group of ACC. The R244K and S246A mutants were 5.4% and 35% as active, respectively, as the native enzyme but were typically activated by CO2; the Km values for ACC for the R244K and S246A mutants were increased 2- to 3-fold compared to the native enxyme. This supports a putative role of Arg244 and Ser246 as ligands for the ACC carboxyl group.
Targeting Climate Forecasts for Agricultural Applications in Sub-Saharan Africa: Situating Farmers in User-Space

Several meteorological services in Africa now issue seasonal climate forecasts on an operational basis. However, the failure to develop a comprehensive profile of users has resulted in a considerable gap between the information that is likely to be useful to farmers and that provided and disseminated by these services. The present study develops a methodology to characterize smallholder production systems in order to identify farmer groups who may adopt and benefit from the climate forecast information in sub-Saharan Africa. Through an extensive literature review, data and information was derived from a national household survey of 1540 smallholders in 1995–1997 by the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute and spatial georeferenced data from leading world data centers. The data were analysed and synthesized using the GIS. Considerable opportunities exist for farming communities to improve their profitability using climate forecasts. Although the needs and demand for climate forecasts vary according to the production systems and market forces that determine credit, demand and input availability and, thus, the usability of forecasts depend on the characteristics of the farmers and their place in space. Based on production strategies and options available to farmers, three zones were identified grouping farmers with highly probable, probable and less probable potential of adopting climate forecasts to alter their production practices. Although a climate forecast may be useful to all farmers in the region considered, due to different options available to individual groups of farmers, however, the benefits derived from its use may not be equitable. Some of the options available to farmers in Kenya were considered in this study with a view to highlighting why some may benefit more than others. The methodology demonstrated here could be adopted for other parts of the world for: (1) selecting survey sites to determine the benefits of climate forecasts using farmers participatory rapid rural appraisals and simulation approach, and (2) target climate information where it would be most useful.
Radiation Therapists, Nurses, Medical Records, Receptionists and Cox Front Door Welcoming Team

Kathy Bruce (Fig. 13.1) was recruited from Maine in 1980 to be Head of the MGH RTT unit. She continued very effectively in that role until 2008 when she accepted a senior administrative position.
Preoperative Protein or Methionine Restriction Preserves Wound Healing and Reduces Hyperglycemia.

Abstract Background Dietary restriction (DR), defined as reduced nutrient intake without malnutrition, is associated with longevity extension, improved glucose metabolism, and increased stress resistance, but also poor wound healing. Short-term preoperative DR followed by a return to normal feeding after surgery results in improved surgical outcomes in preclinical models. However, the effect of preoperative DR on wound healing and perioperative glucose homeostasis is currently unknown. Here, we tested the effects of two different preoperative DR regimens—protein restriction (PR) and methionine restriction (MR)—on wound healing and perioperative glucose homeostasis using an established murine model of wound healing in both nondiabetic and diabetic mice. Materials and methods Surgical outcomes were tested using the McFarlane flap in nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. Short-term dietary preconditioning included 1 wk of PR or MR diet (1-2 wk) versus an isocaloric complete diet before surgery; all mice were returned to a complete diet postoperatively. Outcome measures of flap wound recovery included skin viability and laser Doppler imaging of flap perfusion and assessment of CD45+ cell infiltration. Glucose homeostasis was assessed by glucose tolerance testing and by perioperative glucose levels in the diabetic cohort. Results No significant differences were observed in percentage of viable skin, perfusion, or immune cell infiltration at 7-10 d after surgery in PR or MR mice compared with controls in healthy or diabetic mice. Preoperative glucose tolerance and postoperative glucose levels were however significantly improved by both PR and MR in diabetic mice. Conclusions Short-term dietary preconditioning with PR or MR did not impair wound healing in nondiabetic or diabetic mice. However, both regimens reduced preoperative hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Thus, brief preoperative dietary manipulations stand as strategies to potentially improve perioperative hyperglycemia with no deleterious effects on wound healing in mice.
Make the Door Open: Groundbreaking African American Teachers of Singing

This article identifies some of the first African American professors of singing to integrate the faculties of notable music programs in the United States. The study examined archival sources on Af...
Dynamic Behavior of Biologically Inspired 3D Printed Visco-Elastic Heterogeneous Structures

Many jumping insects such as locusts have a composite leg structure which is a combination of a hard material called cuticle and a rubber-like protein called resilin. Research has shown that the muscular excitation during kicking is greatly amplified by the composite structure of the leg which combines the stiffness of the cuticle and the elasticity of the resilin in a catapult behavior. The composite structure has a modulus of elasticity close to that of cuticle, but has the added elasticity of the resilin, allowing energy to be stored in the structure without bending the brittle cuticle past its breaking point. With the advancement of heterogeneous 3D printing, it has become possible for multi-material models to be seamlessly printed in ways that mimic the mechanical behavior of biological structures such as the semi-lunar process of the jumping locust. The uses of this type of composite structure opens up a wide range of application for multi-material additive manufacturing. In the presented research, FEA is used to model the behavior of the locust semi-lunar process based on the material properties of both the natural tissues, and 3D printed materials. The mechanical behavior of 3D printed composite structures will then be compared with the modeled behavior.Copyright © 2018 by ASME
Predictive PK/PD models for hematological toxicities to inform MTD determination and regimen selection for ADCs.

2568 Background: Off-target hematological toxicities have primarily been dose-limiting for ADCs. Here, we present a PK/PD model framework where the incidences of hematological toxicities can be pre...
The effect of ampule size of fentanyl on perioperative intravenous opioid dosing

Background and Aims: There are limited data on the effect of ampule size on drug dosing. The objective of this study is to determine the effect of ampule size on perioperative opioid dosing and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) outcomes. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective review of patients undergoing robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy before and after a 5-ml fentanyl ampule was discontinued. The primary outcome was intraoperative opioid administration divided into fentanyl at induction of anesthesia, total fentanyl, and total opioid. Secondary outcomes observed in PACU included the opioid administered, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, and length of stay in PACU. Results: A total of 100 patients (50 PRE and 50 POST) were included. In the intraoperative opioid administration, mean (SD) of fentanyl at induction was 117.0 (49.3) in PRE group and 85.0 (35.4) μg in POST group (P Conclusions: A change in the ampule size significantly affected intraoperative dosing, PACU pain scores, and PACU length of stay in patients undergoing robotically assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy under general anesthesia. This was explained by clinician's desire to conserve the drug and avoid the complex process of narcotic waste disposal.
Nicotine Dependence in Schizophrenia: Contributions of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors

Abstract The prevalence of tobacco smoking in subjects with schizophrenia is strikingly higher than the normal population. Nicotine, a psychoactive ingredient of tobacco, induces diverse behavioral effects by activating nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and influencing chemical transmission and downstream cellular targets in the central nervous system. Substantial evidence from the preclinical and clinical studies indicates that nAChRs are dysregulated in schizophrenia. People diagnosed with schizophrenia experience a combination of positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms, and nicotine intake may represent a strategy to remediate these symptoms by normalizing nAChR deficit. However, the highly addictive properties of nicotine limit its use as a drug candidate. Therefore, efforts to develop chemical ligands that target specific nAChRs in the brain represent a viable therapeutic option to effectively manage the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Tuning Sodium Ion Conductivity in the Layered Honeycomb Oxide Na3‐xSn2‐xSbxNaO6.

The title compounds are prepared by solid-state reaction of stoichiometric amounts of Na2CO3, SnO2, and Sb2O5 (1.
A Comprehensive Review of Experimental Rodent Models of Repeated Blast TBI

We reviewed the relevant literature delineating advances in the development of the experimental models of repeated blast TBI (rbTBI). It appears this subject is a relatively unexplored area considering the first work published in 2007 and the bulk of peer-reviewed papers was published post-2011. There are merely 34 papers published to date utilizing rodent rbTBI models. We performed an analysis and extracted basic parameters to capture the characteristics of the exposure conditions (the blast intensity, inter-exposure interval and the number of exposures), the age and weight of the animal models most commonly used in the studies, and their endpoints. Our analysis revealed three strains of rodents are predominantly used: Sprague Dawley and Long Evans rats and wild type (C57BL/6J) mice, and young adult animals 8 to 12-week-old are a preferred choice. Typical exposure conditions are the following: (1) peak overpressure in the 27-145 kPa (4-21 psi) range, (2) number of exposures: 2 (13.9%), 3 (63.9%), 5 (16.7%), or 12 (5.6%) with a single exposure used for a baseline comparison in 41.24% of the studies. Two inter-exposure interval durations were used: (1) short (1-30 min.) and (2) extended (24 h) between consecutive shock wave exposures. The experiments included characterization of repeated blast exposure effects on auditory, ocular and neurological function, with a focus on brain etiology in most of the published work. We present an overview of major histopathological findings, which are supplemented by studies implementing MRI (DTI) and behavioral changes after rbTBI in the acute (1-7 days post-injury), subacute (7-14 days), and chronic (>14 days) phases post-injury.
Aerobic training session length affects arterial elasticity

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine haemodynamic and arterial elasticity responses to aerobic exercise of varying durations. METHODS Eighteen male subjects (age = 23·4 ± 2·0) performed a maximal aerobic fitness (VO2max ) test. Participants met in the laboratory following an overnight fast for three randomly assigned sessions. Assessments for large and small arterial elasticity (SAE), systemic vascular resistance (SVR), total vascular impedance (TVI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), pulse pressure (PP) and cardiac ejection time (CET) were performed using applanation tonometry at the radial artery. Following baseline measurements, participants executed aerobic exercise on a treadmill at 65% of their respective VO2max for 30, 45 or 60 min on three different occasions. Postexercise measurements were performed immediately, 10, 20 and 40 min postexercise cessation. RESULTS The 60-min exercise bout resulted in significantly increased SAE values (P < 0·04) and decreased SVR values (P < 0·02) when compared with the 30-min exercise bout. The 60-min session also caused significantly higher HR values and significantly lower values for SV and DBP values following exercise (P < 0·04). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study emphasize that varying the length of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise bouts affects arterial elasticity response and total vascular resistance.
Text Mining and Subject Analysis for Fiction; or, Using Machine Learning and Information Extraction to Assign Subject Headings to Dime Novels

This article describes multiple experiments in text mining at Northern Illinois University that were undertaken to improve the efficiency and accuracy of cataloging. It focuses narrowly on subject ...
Evaluation of Nutrient Phosphite for the Control of Phytophthora Shoot Blight on Annual Vinca

Abstract Annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) were grown in containers in a greenhouse and irrigated with a complete nutrient solution containing phosphite (0, 0.1, 0.3 mM), phosphate (0, 0.3, 0.5 mM...
Novice Physician Ultrasound Evaluation of Pediatric Tricuspid Regurgitant Jet Velocity.

Author(s): Binder, Zachary W.; O'Brien, Sharon E.; Boyle, Tehnaz P.; Cabral, Howard J.; Sekhavat, Sepehr; Pare, Joseph R. | Abstract: Introduction: Pulmonary hypertension, associated with high mortality in pediatric patients, is traditionally screened for by trained professionals by measuring a tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV). Our objective was to test the feasibility of novice physician sonographers (NPS) to perform echocardiograms of adequate quality to exclude pathology (defined as TRJV g 2.5 meters per second).Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of NPS to assess TRJV by echocardiogram in an urban pediatric emergency department. NPS completed an educational course consisting of a didactic curriculum and hands-on workshop. NPS enrolled a convenience sample of patients aged 7-21 years. Our primary outcome was the proportion of echocardiograms with images of adequate quality to exclude pathology. Our secondary outcome was NPS performance on four image elements. We present descriptive statistics, binomial proportions, kappa coefficients, and logistic regression analysis.Results: Eight NPS completed 80 echocardiograms. We found 82.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.2-90.8) of echocardiograms had images of adequate quality to exclude pathology. Among image elements, NPS obtained a satisfactory, apical 4-chamber view in 85% (95% CI, 77.1-92.9); positioned the color box accurately 65% (95% CI, 54.5-75.5); optimized TRJV color signal 78.7% (95% CI, 69.8-87.7); and optimized continuous-wave Doppler in 55% (95% CI, 44.1-66.0) of echocardiograms.Conclusion: NPS obtained images of adequate quality to exclude pathology in a majority of studies; however, optimized acquisition of specific image elements varied. This work establishes the basis for future study of NPS assessment of TRJV pathology when elevated pulmonary pressures are of clinical concern.
Machine learning-based identification and cellular validation of Tropomyosin 1 as a genetic inhibitor of hematopoiesis

Introductory paragraph A better understanding of the genetic mechanisms regulating hematopoiesis are necessary, and could augment translational efforts to generate red blood cells (RBCs) and/or platelets in vitro. Using available genome-wide association data sets, we applied a machine-learning framework to identify genomic features enriched at established platelet trait associations and score variants genome-wide to identify biologically plausible gene candidates. We found that high-scoring SNPs marked relevant loci and genes, including an expression quantitative trait locus for Tropomyosin 1 (TPM1). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated TPM1 knockout in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) unexpectedly enhanced early hematopoietic progenitor development. Our findings may help explain human genetics associations and identify a novel genetic strategy to enhance in vitro hematopoiesis, increasing RBC and MK yield.
Thoracic nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma: expanded pathological spectrum with expression of thyroid transcription factor-1 and neuroendocrine markers.

Aims Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma, an aggressive tumour driven by NUTM1 rearrangements, often involves the lung/mediastinum and shows squamous differentiation. We encountered an index patient with a thoracic NUT carcinoma diagnosed by molecular testing, showing extensive pleural involvement and diffuse thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression, initially suggestive of lung adenocarcinoma with pseudomesotheliomatous growth. We thus gathered an institutional series of thoracic NUT carcinomas to examine their pathological spectrum. Methods and results We searched for thoracic NUT carcinomas in our surgical pathology files and in 2289 consecutive patients with primary thoracic tumours investigated with RNA-based assays. We performed NUT immunohistochemistry on 425 additional lung adenocarcinomas. Collectively, we identified six patients (five men and one woman; age 31-80 years; four never-smokers) with thoracic NUT carcinomas confirmed by molecular testing (including five with positive NUT immunohistochemistry). They died at 2.3-12.9 months (median, 2.8 months) after presentation. Two patients were diagnosed by histopathological assessment, and the remaining four (including the index patient) were diagnosed by molecular testing. Analysis of the index case revealed expression of multiple neuroendocrine markers and TTF-1; no ultrastructural evidence of neuroendocrine differentiation was noted. No additional NUT-positive cases were found by immunohistochemical screening. Conclusions Although NUT carcinoma classically shows squamous differentiation, it can rarely express TTF-1 (even diffusely) and/or multiple neuroendocrine markers. This immunophenotypic spectrum may lead to diagnostic confusion with pulmonary adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumour, and others. To circumvent this pitfall, NUT immunohistochemistry and/or NUTM1 molecular testing should be considered in primitive-appearing tumours, regardless of their immunophenotypic features.
Using critical incidents to investigate teacher preparation: A narrative inquiry

Fostering the development of the required knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed for teachers to be successful in the classroom is a complex task. Teacher candidates must develop the skills nee...
New insights in gut-liver axis in wild-type murine imiquimod-induced lupus.

BackgroundIntestinal and hepatic manifestations of lupus seem to be underestimated in comparison to other major organ lesions. Although recent data point to gut-liver axis involvement in lupus, gut...
La reproducción de narrativas coloniales en "También la lluvia" y su relación a la política boliviana

Tambien la lluvia, dirigida por Iciar Bollain, relata la filmacion de una pelicula sobre la colonizacion de una isla en Cochabamba, Bolivia, durante un conflicto local sobre la privatizacion del agua. Bollain emite una critica del uso de representaciones del colonialismo en el cine moderno, sin reconocer las luchas en curso de la gente colonizada hoy dia. No obstante, la representacion de la Guerra de Agua de Cochabamba en Tambien la lluvia perpetua narrativas perjudiciales sobre la historia boliviana.
Investigation of scalar–scalar-gradient filtered joint density function for large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion

The scalar–scalar-gradient filtered joint density function (FJDF) and its transport equation for large eddy simulation of turbulent combustion are studied experimentally. Measurements are performed in the fully developed region of an axisymmetric turbulent jet (with jet Reynolds number U j D j / ν = 40 000) using an array consisting of three X-wires and three resistance-wire temperature probes. Filtering in the cross-stream and streamwise directions is realized by using the array and by invoking Taylor's hypothesis, respectively. The FJDF and the terms in the transport equation are analyzed using their means conditional on the filtered scalar and the subgrid-scale (SGS) scalar variance. The FJDF is unimodal when the SGS scalar variance is small compared to its mean value. The scalar gradient depends weakly on the SGS scalar. For large SGS variance, the FJDF is bimodal and the gradient depends strongly on the SGS scalar; therefore, the often-invoked independence assumption is not valid. The SGS scalar under such a condition contains a diffusion layer structure and the SGS mixing is similar to the early stages of binary mixing. The isoscalar surface in the diffusion layer has a lower surface-to-volume ratio than that in a well-mixed scalar. The conditionally filtered diffusion of the scalar gradient has an S-shaped dependence on the scalar gradient, which is expected to be qualitatively different from that of a reactive scalar under fast chemistry conditions. However, because modeling is performed at a higher level and because the scalar–scalar-gradient FJDF contains the information about the scalar dissipation and the surface-to-volume ratio, the FJDF approach is expected to be more accurate than scalar filtered density function approaches and has the potential to model turbulent combustion over a wide range of Damkohler numbers.