cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of phosphoryl transfer proteins of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent sugar-transporting phosphotransferase system

Some bacteria lack sugar permeases of the bacterial phosphotransferase system (PTS) but encode within their genomes phosphoryl transfer proteins of the PTS that probably function in regulation. These proteins include homologues of HPr (PtsH), the ATP-dependent HPr(ser) kinase/phosphatase (PtsK) and the PEP-dependent HPr(his) kinase known as Enzyme I (PtsI). We identify all currently sequenced homologues of these proteins, multiply align their sequences and construct phylogenetic trees in order to derive functional, structural and evolutionary conclusions. We show that no bacterium possesses more than one HPr kinase and that these proteins are probably all orthologous. α-Proteobacteria possess truncated HPr kinases which probably serve a unified regulatory function together with other PTS proteins. The Enzymes I are orthologous in all Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria, but other Gram-negative bacteria exhibit paralogues that fall into 5 functional types. No bacterium with a fully sequenced genome exhibits all of these types. With the exception of the classical Enzymes I, each of these functional types exhibits a distinctive set of accompanying domains, usually with a characteristic domain order. One functional type, the fructose-specific type, includes two phylogenetically different subgroups with different domain orders. The results establish that domain associations occurred early during evolutionary history of the PTS, and that subsequent domain rearrangements occurred rarely. Our findings define the evolutionary histories of these important bacterial proteins and provide guides for functional assignment of PTS-related proteins encoded by genes revealed by genome sequencing.
Balance Model in a Conditionally Unstable Tropical Atmosphere.

Abstract A scale analysis of large-scale tropical disturbances in a conditionally unstable atmosphere is made by using a Mercator map projection at the equator. The release of latent heat in convection is included through the CISK process. Provided the north-south scale of the disturbances considered is of the order of 1000 km, we obtain a balance system in which the balance equation is used to estimate the geopotential height as a function of the prescribed streamfunction, and the equation of potential vorticity includes the condensation effect. This balance system is valid not only in tropical but also extratropical regions and, if there is no condensation, becomes identically equal to the system obtained by Charney. The problem of finding the instability of large-scale tropical disturbances is treated by using a three-level linearized balance system applied over a region extending from the equator to 30N. The frequency equation is solved numerically to find unstable waves. It appears that the balance s...
Role of structural anisotropy of biological tissues in poroelastic wave propagation.

Abstract Ultrasound waves have a broad range of clinical applications as a non-destructive testing approach in imaging and in the diagnoses of medical conditions. Generally, biological tissues are modeled as an homogenized equivalent medium with an apparent density through which a single wave propagates. Only the first wave arriving at the ultrasound probe is used for the measurement of the speed of sound. However, the existence of a second wave in tissues such as cancellous bone has been reported and its existence is an unequivocal signature of Biot type poroelastic media. To account for the fact that ultrasound is sensitive to microarchitecture as well as density, a fabric-dependent anisotropic poroelastic ultrasound (PEU) propagation theory was recently developed. Key to this development was the inclusion of the fabric tensor – a quantitative stereological measure of the degree of structural anisotropy of bone – into the linear poroelasticity theory. In the present study, this framework is extended to the propagation of waves in several soft and hard tissues. It was found that collagen fibers in soft tissues and the mineralized matrix in hard tissues are responsible for the anisotropy of the solid tissue constituent through the fabric tensor in the model.
More about the testosterone induction of kidney alcohol dehydrogenase activity in the mouse.

NAD-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) found in liver and kidney has been shown to be specified by the same autosomally inherited gene locus in the quail (Ohno et al., 1969) as well as in the trout (Hitzeroth et al., 1968). The available evidence indicates that the same holds true for the mouse (Ohno et al., 1970). Yet, while ADH in liver is made all the time, ADH in kidney appears to be made only in the presence of sex steroids. The present study made on Balb/c inbred mice showed the following: (1) In the case of liver, ADH activity slowly increases throughout prepubertal development and reaches the high adult level at the onset of puberty. At all stages of development, liver ADH activity remains impervious to the administration of testosterone and estradiol as well as to castration and adrenalectomy. (2) In the case of kidney, no ADH activity can be detected until the twelfth postnatal day and adult ADH activity can be abolished by castration and adrenalectomy. In short, at any stage in postnatal development, kidney ADH is made only in the presence of an inducer. Testosterone is considerably more potent than estradiol as an inducer. The initial steep rise in kidney ADH activity following testosterone administration can be halted by actinomycin D, suggesting that induction involves the removal of the transcriptional block. (3) When fully induced by testosterone, kidney ADH activity on a per milligram protein basis reaches a level which equals the liver ADH activity level of that particular developmental stage. This suggests that the difference in the status of the same ADH locus in these two organs lies strictly in the presence of a transcriptional and possibly a translational block in the kidney. (4) Although the prostates and the uterus are favorite target organs of testosterone and estradiol, respectively, no ADH activity was induced in these organs either by testosterone or estradiol.
On Dirichletʼs conjecture on relative class number one

Dirichlet conjectured that for every square-free m>0, there exists f>1 such that the relative class number of Q(f2d) is one, where d is the field discriminant of Q(m). We prove Dirichletʼs conjecture is true when m has a particular continued fraction form.
Cognitive Switching: A Behavioral Trace of Human Information Processing for Television Newscasts.

A theory of cognitive switching is presented which was developed from human performance literature and signaled stopping research. The purpose of the study was to validate the basic constructs of the theory and to present data which display behavioral traces of the ways people organize television news into their information-processing system during the actual reception of the messages. The findings suggest (1) that people cognitively switch for four basic reasons (functions) to: agree, disagree, think, and question; and (2) that people exhibit similar cognitive switching behaviors in similar information-processing situations, even though the content of the stimulus changes. Limitations of this type of research are discussed and implications for further study are suggested.
Physical Activity, Sedentary Behaviors, and Nutritional Risk Profiles and Relations to Body Mass Index, Obesity, and Overweight in Eighth Grade

The objective of this article was to determine (1) the existence of individually varying patterns of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and nutrition intake risk; and (2) how these risk-patterns relate to youth's demographics, Body mass index (BMI) and psychosocial functioning. Participants (N = 9,304) from the 2007 8th Grade Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Cohort completed the revised Self-Description Questionnaire II. Age, sex, height, and weight were used to calculate body mass index (BMI) z scores and percentiles. Three risk profiles emerged via Latent Profile Analyses: “Active + Healthy Diet” (AHD; 16.3% Obese); “Sedentary + Unbalanced Diet” (SUD; 21.3% Obese); and “Screen-Time + Recreational Food” (STRF; 25.0% Obese). Significant differences in BMIs, psychosocial factors, and demographic characteristics were found across the profiles. Differential patterns of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and nutritional choices were found to predict BMI and psychosocial functioning. These findings m...
Temperature effect on the atmospheric transmission function in the 15-μm region

The method of first-order Taylor expansion was used to study the temperature effect on the transmission function for several narrow spectral intervals in the 15-μm CO2 absorption region with direct application to the problem of thermal remote sounding. Numerical analysis indicates that the computed transmittances are in good agreement with those obtained by line-by-line calculation, especially for spectral intervals with relatively strong temperature dependence.
Design and Development of the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance

For people with significant mobility impairments who also have both lower and upper limb disability, there are few technology solutions. The aim of this article is to describe the design and development of the Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance, a device that provides coordinated mobility and bimanual manipulation for people with both lower and upper limb impairment. The Personal Mobility and Manipulation Appliance is integrated from several commercial products and custom technologies, including two robotic arms mounted on a mobile robotic base. It has three primary operating modes: local user, remote user, and autonomous. It also has a cooperative control mode where two or more of the primary modes can be used simultaneously. The device was evaluated in a kitchen and was able to perform several complex tasks. Future work should focus on interface improvements and evaluations by end users.
Developments in low-voltage microscopy instrumentation.

Low-voltage microscopy can produce high-resolution, high-contrast images of nanometer-scale surface features. Several techniques exist for low-energy electron generation, but most successful in current instrumentation is the combination of a magnetic lens with an electrostatic immersion lens. This compound lens allows the low-voltage column to maintain high potential in the column while independently controlling the landing energy on the sample. Aberration coefficients decrease linearly with the immersion ratio leading to larger optimum semiconvergent angle on the sample and improvement in spot size and beam current. Most recently highly scaled miniature electron beam columns have shown promising low-voltage performance from all electrostatic lenses operating only at low potential. This article explores the current design of low-voltage columns, including variations on compound lenses and miniature lenses, and from a system level, discusses the strength and weaknesses of each design. SCANNING 33: 155–161, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introduction to Spotlight on Post-WW2 Transatlantic Science Policies: Comparing Strategic, Political, and Economic Agendas in the United States of America, Europe, and East Asia

In the current era of globalization more people than ever before are involved in transnational collaboration on scientific projects. Meanwhile, transnational science policy plays a major role in the re/positioning of regions, countries, institutions and individuals in a multi-polar world characterized by competition for economic resources, political leadership and military strength. The five papers in this Spotlight illuminate diverse aspects of the Cold War legacy of transnational science policy on today’s knowledge and power landscape. John Krige, whose American Hegemony and the Postwar Reconstruction of Science in Europe 1 inspired this Spotlight via the intermediary of a special session at the History of Science Society Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona 2 expands his previous work by exploring in his contribution, ‘Building the Arsenal of Knowledge,’ the historical changes in the United States of America’s vision of scientific knowledge as a potential weapon that is essential for maintaining its global leadership. Krige focuses on two case studies that illustrate the shifts in the USA’s outlook on transnational scientific exchanges from the 1950s to the 1990s. The first case study examines the US appropriation of German science and technology following WW2, and how this strategy changed once that former WW2 enemy became a centerpiece in the US led European reconstruction. The second case study examines domestic opposition in the USA to strict restrictions on knowledge flows that were engendered by charges that US firms were leaking sensitive data to China. A formerly backward country during the Cold War, China has since emerged as the most serious
Family life quality: Theory and assessment in economically stressed farm families

The purposes of this paper are to (a) describe a resource exchange theory which outlines the dimensions of life quality (Foa and Foa, 1974), (b) present a multidimensional measure of personal evaluations of family life quality based on this theory, and (c) report the results of a two-stage study in which the scale was used. The scale includes items representing love, status, services, information, goods, and money resources received from the family. Respondents evaluated the degree to which the receipt of these resources satisfied personal needs for: (a) love and affection, (b) respect and esteem, (c) comfort and assistance, (d) shared meaning, (e) personal things, and (f) money for personal use. Reliability, correlation, covariance, cluster, and factor analyses on data from 592 subjects provided information for reducing the number of items. A reduced version of the scale was administered to 331 of the same subjects one year later. The two stages provided evidence of construct validity and reliability for the scale.
Reconstruction and disordering on (110) fcc metal surfaces

Abstract Due to the large number of possible defects available to disorder the fcc metal (110) 2x1 missing row reconstruction, there is a particularly rich variety of possible disordered phases. The five distinct disordering scenarios that have been predicted for this reconstruction depend on the relative energy cost to generate the different defects that can form on this surface. Recent high resolution LEED measurements on the clean and alkali covered Pd(110) surfaces have explored a few of these phases. For clean Pd(110), a surface consisting of semi-ordered islands has been demonstrated to exist up to 950 K. The periodic island structure can be predicted by a simple model that includes step-step interactions and strain relaxation in the islands. Subsequent alkali adsorption destroys the island structure and forms the 2x1 missing row reconstruction. Diffraction results will be presented as a function of alkali coverage that show that the Pd(110)+K 2x1→1x1 transition is an example of deconstruction to the “even” flat phase. The existence of this intermediate phase has important implications to the growth of the missing row reconstruction and the range of the alkali-substrate interaction. In addition to these observations, higher potassium coverage data demonstrates that the Pd(110)+K work function minimum is correlated with a surface roughening transition.
Indicator dilution curves in complicated atrial septal defects.

Abstract The diagnosis of right-to-left and left-to-right cardiac shunts in patients with complicated atrial septal defects is illustrated by indicator dilution curves following injections of indocyanine green. The lesions illustrated are Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve, total anomalous pulmonary venous drainage, tricuspid atresia and left anomalous pulmonaryvein.
Invited Commentary---Empirical Analysis of Theory-Based Models in Marketing

There has been rapidly growing interest in structural models, and the review paper by Chintagunta et al. (2006) is a timely contribution. The paper identifies the key issues and provides an excellent assessment. A contemporaneous paper by Erdem et al. (2005) also offers a critical examination on some of the issues. My comments are in three areas. First, I selectively revisit some of the key issues in the paper and, in doing so, I hope I shed additional insight on these issues. Second, I discuss some of the recent papers that build on established psychological consumer behaviors. Third, I offer a brief list of potentially significant substantive problems for which structural models will be insightful.
Myostatin inhibition improves hyperglycemia and hyperphagia in lipodystrophic mice

Background Skeletal muscle is a key peripheral metabolic tissue: Muscle is responsible for most insulin-stimulated glucose uptake, and muscle insulin resistance is the first defect detectable in the development of type 2 diabetes. Recent studies show that muscle mass is inversely correlated with insulin resistance in humans. The growth factor myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle size. Mstn KO mice or mice expressing a dominant negative activin type receptor type IIB (Acrv2B) specifically in muscle (Muscle-DN mice) have increased muscle mass, reduced adipose mass and improved insulin sensitivity. The improvements in insulin sensitivity could be due to the direct effects of the loss of MSTN in muscle or to the secondary effects of reduced adiposity or both. Our hypothesis is that MSTN inhibition specifically in the muscle can improve hyperglycemia in diabetic mice independent of changes in adiposity. To test this hypothesis, we inhibited MSTN signaling in a diabetic model of generalized lipodystrophy (A-ZIP/F-1 mouse model) to analyze its effects on glucose metabolism separate from effects on adipose mass. The A-ZIP/F-1 fatless mouse is a model of lipodystrophy characterized by the lack of white adipose tissue, diabetes, ectopic lipid accumulation and hyperphagia.
Dickkopf-1 antagonizes Wnt signaling independent of β-catenin in human mesothelioma

Abstract Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) is a secreted protein that acts as a potent inhibitor of the Wnt signal transduction pathway. It is thought that the antagonistic effect of Dkk-1 is specific to the canonical (Wnt/β-catenin) pathway. In this study, we demonstrate that restoration of Dkk-1 expression suppresses cell growth and induces apoptotic cell death in β-catenin-deficient mesothelioma cell lines H28 and MS-1. Furthermore, we found that a small-molecule inhibitor of JNK inhibited the apoptosis induced by Dkk-1 overexpression in these cells. Together, our data suggest that Dkk-1 may be able to antagonize Wnt signaling and exert its tumor suppressive effects through β-catenin-independent non-canonical pathways (i.e., the Wnt/JNK pathway).
Biological pretreatment of lignocellulosics: potential, progress and challenges

The feasibility of producing biofuels and biochemicals from lignocellulosic biomass via the biochemical platform depends largely on advances in pretreatment and hydrolysis technologies to obtain sugars from the cellulose and hemicelluloses of plant cell walls. This paper provides an overview of the merits and challenges related to developing biological pretreatment processes to modify lignin for facilitating subsequent enzymatic extraction of sugars. Although it has so far attracted little attention due to many inherent limitations, biological pretreatment has multiple benefits. Compared with extensively studied thermochemical processes, biological pretreatment is more environmentally benign, requires less energy, results in fewer inhibiting compounds and has potential to produce more co-products. Increasing understanding of termites and fungal systems has provided insights for developing more effective pretreatment technologies to realize these benefits. Specifically, this paper reviews the knowledge on ...
Selective loss of mitochondrial genome can be caused by certain unsaturated fatty acids

Abstract Various unsaturated fatty acids had different effectiveness for maintaining the continued replication of functional mitochondria in an unsaturated fatty acid auxotroph of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (KD115). Certain isomers of octadecenoic acid (i.e., cis -9) and eicosatrienoic acid (i.e., cis -8,11,14) permitted continued replication of mitochondria and provided cultures that contained only 4 to 5% cells that formed petite colonies. On the other hand, cultures grown with cis -12- or cis -13-octadecenoic acid or cis -11,14,17-eicosatrienoic acid, produced a 12- to 16-fold greater frequency of petite mutants (50–60%) after 8 to 10 generations of growth. The production of the petite mutants occurred despite adequate incorporation of these unsaturated fatty acids into cellular phospholipids and an apparently normal ability to undergo the initial steps in the induction of cellular respiration. The evidence suggests that some cellular processes necessary for continued mitochondrial replication depend on the structural features of the fatty acyl chains as well as the overall content of unsaturated fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. Impairment of that process by certain inadequate fatty acids or by an inadequate supply of a suitable fatty acid leads to a permanent loss of the mitochondrial genome from the cells of subsequent generations.
RHETORIC AND REALITY IN THE REFORM OF JUVENILE JUSTICE POLICY

In the 1960s and 1970s dissatisfaction with the administration of juvenile justice led to a reform movement which advocated “diversion, deinstitutionalization,” and the decriminalization of status offenses as strategies to reduce the harmfulness of official contacts. This paper argues not only that these reforms have not been successfully implemented, but also that the traditional system has been maintained and extended. Explanations for the failure of these reforms are offered and a new direction is suggested.
Actor and Observer Attributions for Different Types of Situations: Causal-Structure Effects, Individual Differences, and the Dimensionality of Causes

In a within-subjects design, the effects of situation type (interpersonal vs. noninterpersonal success vs. failure) and attribution perspective (actor vs. observer) on open-ended attributions were examined. The results were compared to findings from research on the causal structure of situations, actor-observer differences, and success–failure attributional asymmetries. As expected, observer attributions were virtually identical to the underlying causal structure of the situations, whereas actor attributions were also affected by other attribution-processing factors. In addition, actor attributions were more external and unstable than observer attributions. The motivational-bias position on success–failure asymmetries received no support, as observers showed a more “defensive” pattern of attributions than did actors. Finally, supplementary analyses yielded positive correlations between actor and observer attributional styles, and also revealed that causal dimensions usually treated as orthogonal are actua...
Simian varicella virus gene 28 and 29 promoters share a common upstream stimulatory factor-binding site and are induced by IE62 transactivation

Simian varicella virus (SVV) is a neurotropic alphaherpesvirus that causes a natural, varicella-like disease in non-human primates. After resolution of the primary disease, SVV, like its human counterpart, varicella-zoster virus (VZV), establishes latent infection in the neural ganglia of the host. In this study, gene expression of SVV open reading frames (ORFs) 28 and 29, which encode the viral DNA polymerase and DNA-binding protein, respectively, was characterized during lytic infection of Vero cells. The results indicate that the intergenic region controlling gene 28 and 29 expression includes overlapping, divergent promoters. The ORF 28 and 29 promoters are active in SVV-infected Vero cells, but not in uninfected cells. The SVV immediate-early gene 62 (IE62) product transactivates ORF 28 and 29 expression, and a cellular upstream stimulatory factor-binding site is important for efficient IE62 induction of genes 28 and 29. DNA sequence analysis of the 185 bp intergenic region identified putative cellular transcription factor-binding sites. Transcriptional analysis mapped ORF 28 and 29 RNA start sites. A recombinant SVV was employed to demonstrate that the ORF 29 promoter can express a heterologous gene (green fluorescent protein) when inserted into a novel site (the ORF 12/13 intergenic region) within the SVV genome. The findings demonstrate similarities between SVV and VZV ORF 28/29 expression and indicate that the simian varicella model may be useful to investigate the differential regulation of viral genes during lytic and latent infection.
The Yeast Paf1-RNA Polymerase II Complex Is Required for Full Expression of a Subset of Cell Cycle-Regulated Genes

We have previously described an alternative form of RNA polymerase II in yeast lacking the Srb and Med proteins but including Pafl, Cdc73, Hprl, and Ccr4. The Pafl-RNA polymerase II complex (Paf1 complex) acts in the same pathway as the Pkc1-mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade and is required for full expression of many cell wall biosynthetic genes. The expression of several of these cell integrity genes, as well as many other Paf1-requiring genes identified by differential display and microarray analyses, is regulated during the cell cycle. To determine whether the Paf1 complex is required for basal or cyclic expression of these genes, we assayed transcript abundance throughout the cell cycle. We found that transcript abundance for a subset of cell cycle-regulated genes, including CLN1, HO, RNR1, and FAR1, is reduced from 2- to 13-fold in a paf1delta strain, but that this reduction is not promoter dependent. Despite the decreased expression levels, cyclic expression is still observed. We also examined the possibility that the Paf1 complex acts in the same pathway as either SBF (Swi4/Swi6) or MBF (Mbp1/Swi6), the partially redundant cell cycle transcription factors. Consistent with the possibility that they have overlapping essential functions, we found that loss of Paf1 is lethal in combination with loss of Swi4 or Swi6. In addition, overexpression of either Swi4 or Mbp1 suppresses some paf1delta phenotypes. These data establish that the Paf1 complex plays an important role in the essential regulatory pathway controlled by SBF and MBF.
Raman Study of the Effect of NaClO4 and NaI on the Hydrogen-Bonded Structure of Liquid NH3

Abstract Recent studies1,2 of the Raman spectra of liquid ammonia have been in disagreement with regard to the assignment of bands in the 3000 cm−1 region. This region is complicated by Fermi resonance between the ν1 (A1) fundamental stretching mode and the 2ν4 (A1) overtone of the bending mode. In an effort to help clarify these assignments and to study further the structure of liquid ammonia, it was decided to measure the Raman spectrum of several salt solutions in liquid ammonia.
Invasive procedures for prenatal diagnosis: Any future left?

Invasive diagnostic procedures (e.g chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis) remain essential to the complete prenatal genetic diagnosis armamentarium. Both procedures are relatively safe in experienced hands, carrying procedure-related losses of about 1 in 400. Sensitivity of aneuploidy detection with either invasive test is near 100%, 10–15% higher than non-invasive protocols that use maternal serum analyte and fetal nuchal translucency screening. Application of cell-free fetal DNA for aneuploidy screening may or may not narrow this difference. Irrespective, invasive procedures are currently required for application of array comparative genome hybridisation.
Azithromycin-Induced Proarrhythmia and Cardiovascular Death

Objective: To review the possible association between azithromycin and increased cardiovascular risk. Data sources: A literature search of MEDLINE (1946-August 2013) was performed using the search terms macrolide, azithromycin, QT prolongation, cardiovascular, and torsade de pointes. Additional references were identified from a review of literature citations. Study selection and data extraction: All English-language observational studies assessing the association between azithromycin and QT prolongation or cardiovascular risk were evaluated. Case reports describing this potential association were also reviewed. Data synthesis: A total of 6 case reports have shown a possible association between azithromycin and QT prolongation. In 3 of these cases, proarrhythmic events were reported. In a prospective observational study of 47 individuals with low cardiovascular risk, electrocardiograms were compared before and after 5 days of azithromycin treatment. Mild prolongation of the QTc was noted, but it was statis...
Precedence and posterity: Patterns of publishing from French scientific expeditions to the Pacific (1785-1840)

Publication precedence was as important to scientific endeavours in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century as it is today. Our study of publication patterns from French scientific expeditions to the Pacific (1785-1840) reveals significant changes to the way in which science was conducted and the levels of control different contributors retained over the resulting publications. Early voyages were characterized by the presence of civilian savants and a lack of centralized control over the resulting voyage publications, either by the Navy or the Museum d'histoire naturelle. After Baudin's landmark voyage, science was largely conducted by naval officers rather than civilian savants, in a move somewhat contrary to the general professionalization of the sciences at the time. This increased naval control appears to have reduced tensions on the voyages as well as ensuring that most scientific publications appeared in the officially sanctioned voyage narrative, edited by the surviving senior officer. This change, however, did not reduce the scientific value of the voyages. Our research shows that voyages post-Baudin were just as scientifically productive as the earlier ones and the naval scientists on board are still recognized by modern scientists, through citation, as the primary authors of the work they produced on these voyages.
Rheological blends for drug delivery. II. Prolongation of nerve blockade, biocompatibility, and in vitro–in vivo correlations

Rheological polymer blends of hyaluronic acid (HA) and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) were evaluated as prolonged duration delivery vehicles for local anesthetics using a rat sciatic nerve blockade model. HA-HPMC blends extended the duration of sensory block approximately threefold compared to that achieved using a bupivacaine solution. Blending HA and HPMC facilitated the injection of higher polymer concentration delivery vehicles and reduced the rate of polymer hydration compared to HA solutions, enabling prolonged drug release. The duration of effective nerve block was correlated with each of the zero shear viscosity, polymer concentration, yield stress, and gel point frequency of the blends, while a two-parameter model correlating duration of nerve block with zero shear viscosity and humectancy provided improved fits to the in vivo data compared to any single variable alone. The blends exhibited no cytotoxicity and induced only a mild short-term inflammatory reaction in vivo at the site of injection, with all blends largely resorbed 4 days postinjection.
Strain-induced self-rolling of semiconductor membranes: Effect of geometry, energetics, and kinetics

Semiconductor micro- and nanotubes can be formed by strain-induced self-rolling of membranes. The geometry effect on the final rolling direction of In x Ga 1−x As-GaAs membranes are systematically studied both experimentally and by the finite element method.
Resource allocation, emergency response capability, and infrastructure concentration around vulnerable sites

Public and private decision‐makers continue to seek risk‐based approaches to allocate funds to help communities respond to disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks involving critical infrastructure facilities. The requirements for emergency response capability depend both upon risks within a region's jurisdiction and mutual aid agreements that have been made with other regions. In general, regions in close proximity to infrastructure would benefit more from resources to improve preparedness because there is a greater potential for an event requiring emergency response to occur if there are more facilities at which such events could occur. Thus, a potentially important input into decisions about allocating funds for security is the proximity of a community to high concentrations of infrastructure systems that potentially could be at risk to an industrial accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack. In this paper, we describe a methodology for measuring a region's exposure to infrastructure‐related r...
Intrinsic Stress in a-Germanium Films Deposited by RF-Magnetron Sputtering

Thin a-Ge films deposited by rf-magnetron sputtering undergo a change from compressive to tensile stress as the argon gas pressure is increased. Spectroscopic ellipsometry, neutron activation analysis, and a dual laser beam reflection technique were used to determine the film’s void fraction content, Ar/Ge atomic percent, and stress, respectively. The results of these three measurements indicate that as the film’s Ar/Ge content increases, the void fraction decreases and the intrinsic stress becomes compressive. These findings are consistent with currently accepted bombardment mechanisms.
Geometry, Connectivity, and Broadcast Transport Capacity of Random Networks with Fading

In ad hoc networks with random node distribution, the underlying point process model and the channel fading process are usually considered separately. We provide a unified framework for the geometric characterization of fading by incorporating the fading process into the point process model. Concretely, assuming nodes are distributed in a stationary Poisson point process in Rd, we analyze the properties of the point processes that describe the path loss with fading. Applications include connectivity and broadcasting.
T7 RNA polymerase-driven transcription in mitochondria of Leishmania tarentolae and Trypanosoma brucei

The study of RNA editing and other molecular processes in the trypanosome mitochondrion would benefit greatly from the ability to insert and express exogenous DNA in the organelle. However, even with a method to introduce DNA, the current lack of knowledge about mitochondrial transcription would hinder efforts to obtain expression. To circumvent this problem, Leishmania tarentolae promastigotes and Trypanosoma brucei procyclic cells have been transfected with bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase targeted to the mitochondrion. Mitochondria isolated from the transfectants contained active T7 RNA polymerase, as shown by a comigration in density gradients of mitochondrial marker enzymes and T7 polymerase activity. A DNA cassette under T7 control was introduced into isolated mitochondria from the transfectants by electroporation and the DNA was shown to be transcribed. This system should allow the transcription of foreign genes of choice within the mitochondrial matrix either in a transient assay using electroporation of DNA into isolated mitochondria, or in a stable assay using cells transfected with DNA by the biolistic gun method.
Blood Flukes (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) of Elopomorphs: Emendation of Paracardicoloides, Supplemental Observations of Paracardicoloides yamagutii, and a New Genus and Species from Ladyfish, Elops saurus, (Elopiformes: Elopidae) in the Gulf of Mexico

Abstract: Monotypic Paracardicoloides Martin, 1974 is emended based on supplemental observations of 2 voucher specimens of Paracardicoloides yamagutii Martin, 1974. Features of the anterior sucker, esophagus, and intestine as well as the male and female genitalia previously attributed to, or omitted from the diagnosis and description of, this fluke are resolved and further detailed herein. The holotype of P. yamagutii, originally deposited in the Allan Hancock Parasitology Collection, apparently has been lost, and Queensland Museum voucher G222650 is designated as the neotype. Elopicola nolancribbi n. gen., n. sp. infects the ladyfish, Elops saurus, (Elopiformes: Elopidae) in the north-central Gulf of Mexico. The new genus resembles Paracardicoloides by having the combination of a bowl-shaped anterior sucker, inverse U-shaped intestine, short posterior ceca, post-cecal ovary, pre-ovarian ootype, compact uterus, and prominent excretory arms and vesicle. It differs from Paracardicoloides by lacking robust t...
A non-Markovian coupling for randomly sampling colorings

We study a simple Markov chain, known as the Glauber dynamics, for randomly sampling (proper) k-colorings of an input graph G on n vertices with maximum degree /spl Delta/ and girth g. We prove the Glauber dynamics is close to the uniform distribution after O(n log n) steps whenever k > (1 + /spl epsiv/)/spl Delta/, for all /spl epsiv/ > 0, assuming g /spl ges/ 9 and /spl Delta/ = /spl Omega/(log n). The best previously known bounds were k > 11/spl Delta//6 for general graphs, and k > 1.489/spl Delta/ for graphs satisfying girth and maximum degree requirements. Our proof relies on the construction and analysis of a non-Markovian coupling. This appears to be the first application of a non-Markovian coupling to substantially improve upon known results.
The surface state representation of catalytic reactants and promoters

Abstract To analyze charge transfer reactions on a semiconductor, the reactions are separated into steps involving chemical transformations and steps involving electron transfer (redox steps). With such a separation, the band model representation can be utilized in the description of the redox steps, with the reactants described in terms of their electronic energy levels or surface states. The identification of the appropriate surface states is discussed, and it is pointed out that for most redox couples two or more surface states must be considered in the analysis. A few illustrative examples are analyzed to show how one can utilize band theory concepts in the analysis of catalytic reactions. It is shown that the situation becomes much simpler to analyze if intentionally added redox couples are used as promoters. Moreover, in many cases where the electronic factor is important, such surface state promoters, if properly chosen, should enhance catalytic activity by orders of magnitude.
Lumped-parameter model for in vivo cochlear stimulation

A lumped-parameter model that simulates the in vivo electrical properties of a guinea pig cochlea implanted with a multielectrode stimulating array is presented. A basic model of the low-frequency electroanatomy in a normally functioning guinea pig cochlea is developed by adding critical membrane capacitances to D. Strelioff's resistive network model (1973). The basic model of normal cochlear tissues is modified to account for anatomical and physiological differences between a normal and implanted cochlea, resulting in an impedance model of an implanted cochlea. Simulating the results of in vivo cochlear stimulation verifies the accuracy with which the modified cochlear model represents electrical properties within an electrically stimulated cochlea. Generalized simulations using this model suggest a straightforward phasing scheme capable of achieving sharply focused, channel-independent multielectrode cochlear stimulation. >
A TH1→TH2 switch is a critical step in the etiology of HIV infection

Abstract This viewpoint proposes that an imbalance in the T H 1-type and T H 2-type responses contributes to the immune dysregulation associated with HIV infection, and that resistance to HIV infection and/or progression to AIDS is dependent on a T H > T H 2 dominance. This hypothesis is based on the authors' findings that: (1) progression to AIDS is characterized by loss of IL-2 and IFN-γ production concomitant with increases in IL-4 and IL-10; and (2) many seronegative, HIV-exposed individuals generate strong T H 1-type responses to HIV antigens.
Treatment of Recurrent Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder with Autologous Blood Stem Cell Transplant

Background. Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) occur after solid organ transplantation. Treatment guidelines include reduction in immunosuppression (RIS), radiation, rituximab, chemotherapy, and immunological agents. We present a rare case of recurrent diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presenting as a PTLD in a heart transplant patient treated with autologous blood stem cell transplant (ASCT) after failure of conventional therapy. Case Presentation. A 66-year-old male presented with a neck mass. He has a history of Hodgkin's disease status after staging laparotomy with splenectomy and heart transplantation due to dilated nonischemic cardiomyopathy 8 years prior to the development of PTLD. His examination was remarkable for right submandibular swelling. An excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell NHL. Patient received RIS, rituximab, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy with a complete remission. His lymphoma relapsed and he subsequently was treated with RICE salvage chemotherapy and consolidative high-dose chemotherapy with BEAC regimen followed by ASCT resulting in a complete remission. Conclusion. Patients with PTLD present a difficult therapeutic challenge. In this case, the patient's prior history of Hodgkin's disease, splenectomy, and a heart transplant appear to be unique features, the significance of which is unclear. ASCT might be a promising therapy for patients with relapsed or refractory PTLD.
Alkaline Plating Baths Containing Ethanolamines: Part 1.—Copper Plating from Triethanolamine Solutions

The production of strike plates from solutions of copper salts containing triethanolamine is compared with those from other solutions. A new solution has been developed which will not plate copper by replacement when brought in contact with iron. This solution will in 70 seconds produce a bright adherent copper plate at 0.4 amp./dm.2 (3.6 amp./sq. ft.) capable of taking a subsequent good, adherent copper plate from the commercial acid copper sulfate bath. The solution contains 15 g./L. CuSO4, 5 H2O, 10 g./L. sodium oxalate and 22 cc./L. triethanolamine.
The Fate of Copper During Corrosion of Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn (89% Cu, 5% Zn, 5% Al, 1% Sn) Compared to Copper in Synthetic Perspiration Solution

Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn (89% Cu, 5% Zn, 5% Al, 1% Sn) and UNS C11000 copper (Cu) were compared with respect to corrosion rate, film formation, and Cu release in two surface conditions pertinent to the use of antimicrobial functional materials. Electrochemical, surface characterization, and solution analysis methods were utilized to track the fate of copper during corrosion in synthetic perspiration solution in a freshly ground condition and after 30-d lab air passivation. Corrosion behavior was a function of both alloy composition and surface condition with slightly lower corrosion rates on Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn compared to Cu. Throughout the corrosion process, the majority of Cu was observed to undergo dissolution into the synthetic perspiration solution as copper cations for both materials, at concentrations that would suggest favorable antimicrobial functionality for both Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn and Cu, regardless of surface condition. In contrast, oxide films were thinner on Cu-5Zn-5Al-1Sn under all conditions. Hence, the com...
Dynamic filtering improves attentional state prediction with fNIRS.

Brain activity can predict a person’s level of engagement in an attentional task. However, estimates of brain activity are often confounded by measurement artifacts and systemic physiological noise. The optimal method for filtering this noise – thereby increasing such state prediction accuracy – remains unclear. To investigate this, we asked study participants to perform an attentional task while we monitored their brain activity with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). We observed higher state prediction accuracy when noise in the fNIRS hemoglobin [Hb] signals was filtered with a non-stationary (adaptive) model as compared to static regression (84% ± 6% versus 72% ± 15%).
Recent Advances in Hydrotreating of Pyrolysis Bio-Oil and Its Oxygen-Containing Model Compounds

Considerable worldwide interest exists in discovering renewable energy sources that can substitute for fossil fuels. Lignocellulosic biomass, the most abundant and inexpensive renewable feedstock on the planet, has a great potential for sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, and carbon-based materials. Fast pyrolysis integrated with hydrotreating, one of the simplest, most cost-effective, and most efficient processes to convert lignocellulosic biomass to liquid hydrocarbon fuels for transportation, has attracted significant attention in recent decades. However, effective hydrotreating of pyrolysis bio-oil presents a daunting challenge to the commercialization of biomass conversion via pyrolysis-hydrotreating. Specifically, the development of active, selective, and stable hydrotreating catalysts is problematic due to the poor quality of current pyrolysis bio-oil feedstock (i.e., high oxygen content, molecular complexity, coking propensity, and corrosiveness). Significant research has been conducted to...
Very Magic Squares

(1968). Very Magic Squares. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 75, No. 3, pp. 260-264.
Finding melanoma drugs through a probabilistic knowledge graph

Metastatic cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer with some progression-slowing treatments but no known cure. The omics data explosion has created many possible drug candidates; however, filtering criteria remain challenging, and systems biology approaches have become fragmented with many disconnected databases. Using drug, protein and disease interactions, we built an evidence-weighted knowledge graph of integrated interactions. Our knowledge graph-based system, ReDrugS, can be used via an application programming interface or web interface, and has generated 25 high-quality melanoma drug candidates. We show that probabilistic analysis of systems biology graphs increases drug candidate quality compared to non-probabilistic methods. Four of the 25 candidates are novel therapies, three of which have been tested with other cancers. All other candidates have current or completed clinical trials, or have been studied in in vivo or in vitro. This approach can be used to identify candidate therapies for use in research or personalized medicine.
The Quality Assessment of Cakes in Pei County

From January to September,qualified rate of cake in Pei County of Jiangsu Province was evaluated.The results showed that the eligible rate of bread is the highest,the eligible rate of the cake decorated with cream flowers is the lowest,the city zone eligible rate was better than countryside,the eligible rate of produced unit was better than sold unit,the eligible rate of submitted sample was better than sampling inspection
Western Zika Virus in Human Fetal Neural Progenitors Persists Long Term with Partial Cytopathic and Limited Immunogenic Effects

The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in the Western hemisphere is associated with severe pathology in newborns, including microcephaly and brain damage. The mechanisms underlying these outcomes are under intense investigation. Here, we show that a 2015 ZIKV isolate replicates in multiple cell types, including primary human fetal neural progenitors (hNPs). In immortalized cells, ZIKV is cytopathic and grossly rearranges endoplasmic reticulum membranes similar to other flaviviruses. In hNPs, ZIKV infection has a partial cytopathic phase characterized by cell rounding, pyknosis, and activation of caspase 3. Despite notable cell death, ZIKV did not activate a cytokine response in hNPs. This lack of cell intrinsic immunity to ZIKV is consistent with our observation that virus replication persists in hNPs for at least 28 days. These findings, supported by published fetal neuropathology, establish a proof-of-concept that neural progenitors in the developing human fetus can be direct targets of detrimental ZIKV-induced pathology.