cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Adolescent conditioning affects rate of adult fear, safety and reward learning during discriminative conditioning

Fear and reward memories formed in adulthood are influenced by prior experiences. Experiences that occur during sensitive periods, such as adolescence, can have an especially high impact on later learning. Fear and reward memories form when aversive or appetitive events co-occur with initially neutral stimuli, that then gain negative or positive emotional load. Fear and reward seeking behaviours are influenced by safety cues, signalling the non-occurrence of a threat. It is unclear how adolescent fear or reward pre-conditioning influences later dynamics of these conditioned emotions, and conditioned safety. In this study, we presented male rats with adolescent fear or reward pre-conditioning, followed by discriminative conditioning in adulthood. In this discriminative task, rats are simultaneously conditioned to reward, fear and safety cues. We show that adolescent reward pre-conditioning did not affect the rate of adult reward conditioning, but instead accelerated adult safety conditioning. Adolescent fear pre-conditioning accelerated adult fear and reward seeking behaviours but delayed adult safety expression. Together, our results suggest that the dynamics of safety conditioning can be influenced by adolescent priming of different valences. Taking adolescent experiences into consideration can have implications on how we approach therapy options for later learned fear disorders where safety learning is compromised.
The influence of elastic mismatch on the size of the plastic zone of a crack terminating at a brittle-ductile interface

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the effects of elastic mismatch on the size of the plastic zone at the tip of cracks terminating at a bimaterial interface. Using the Williams technique, an asymptotic solution is obtained for the magnitude of the crack tip stress singularity ν and for the stress field associated with a semi-infinite crack impinging on an interface. This solution, together with the Von Mises yield criterion, is used to estimate the location of the plastic zone boundary r 0 for various levels of the elastic mismatch, which are expressed in terms of the Dundurs constants. Results are expressed in terms of the non-dimensional quantity% MathType!MTEF!2!1!+-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGak0Jf9crFfpeea0xh9v8qiW7rqqrFfpeea0xe9Lq-Jc9% vqaqpepm0xbba9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaGaamOCamaaBa% aaleaacaaIWaaabeaakmaadmaabaWaaSaaaeaacaaIXaaabaWaaOaa% aeaacaaIYaGaeqiWdahaleqaaaaakmaalaaabaGaam4AamaaBaaale% aacaqGjbaabeaaaOqaaiabeo8aZnaaBaaaleaacaaIWaaabeaaaaaa% kiaawUfacaGLDbaadaahaaWcbeqaaiabgkHiTiaaigdacaGGVaGaeq% 4UdWgaaaaa!4832!\[r_0 \left[ {\frac{1}{{\sqrt {2\pi } }}\frac{{k_{\text{I}} }}{{\sigma _0 }}} \right]^{ - 1/\lambda }\]where k i is the stress intensity factor and σ 0 is the yield stress. These results, together with an integral equation solution for k i , are used to calculate the size of the plastic zone of a crack of length 2a loaded by uniform pressure. It is shown that the location of the boundary of the plastic zone depends strongly on the elastic mismatch.
Economic Development, Sustainable Development, and Agriculture

We begin this chapter with the conventional view of economic growth as the driver of economic and social development, and the central role that agriculture plays in the growth process. Increasing human dominance of global ecosystems and subsequent environmental social challenges motivate the concept of sustainable development. We discuss sustainable development as both a conceptual framework for understanding economic, environmental, and social changes and a normative framework for setting goals. We describe the three principal dimensions of sustainable development—economic, environmental, and social—and the important role that agriculture plays in each. Finally, we introduce the concept of Tradeoff Analysis as a way to combine the positive and normative approaches.
STRENGTHENING WITH FRP BARS OF URM WALLS SUBJECT TO OUT-OF-PLANE LOADS

For the retrofitting of the civil infrastructure, an alternative to Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) externally-bonded laminates is the use of near surface mounted (NSM) FRP bars. This technique consists of placing a bar in a groove cut into the surface of the member being strengthened. The FRP bar may be embedded in an epoxy- or cementitious-based paste, which transfers stresses between the substrate and the bar. The successful use of NSM FRP bars in the strengthening of concrete members has been extended to unreinforced masonry (URM) walls, one of the building components most prone to failure during a seismic event. This paper presents the results of an experimental program on the flexural behaviour of URM walls strengthened with (NSM) FRP bars. A total of fifteen URM walls reinforced with NSM FRP bars were tested. The specimens were strengthened with different amounts of reinforcement to observe their improved performance and the mode of failure. The influence of the bar shape (i.e. circular vs. rectangular), dimension of the groove and type of embedding material (i.e. epoxy or cementitious-based paste), were studied. Two types of FRP fabrics, glass (GFRP) and carbon (CFRP), were used as externally bonded reinforcement to provide the benchmark. Strength and pseudo-ductility of URM walls were significantly increased by strengthening with FRP bars. Based on experimental evidence and on the data found in the literature, the paper provides criteria that can be used in the development of design guidelines.
Influence of Haw Pectin-derived pectic oligosaccharieds combined with fluoroquinolones on mutant prevention concentration of Staphylococcua aureus

Objective To provide supporting evidence for logical use of antibiotics by exploring the influence of combination therapy with Haw Pectin-derived pectic oligosaccharieds and fluoroquinolones on mutant prevention concentration of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin for staphylococcus aureus and quality control (ATCC25923) were determined by the standard two-fold agar dilution methods. MPC of fluoroquinolones for the strains were determined by spreading 1010cfu/ml coccus on agar plates containing single or two drugs at different concentrations. The values of MPC50 and MPC90 were calculated. Results For 30 clinical isolated ciprofloxacin and oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus, MPC of levofloxacin alone was 2-64 mg/L and MPC90 was 32 mg/L and they reduced to 0.5-16mg/L and 8 mg/L on levofloxacin combined with pectic oligosaccharieds; MPC of of ciprofloxacin alone was 1-32 mg/L and MPC90 was 16 mg/L and they declined to 0.25-8 mg/L and 4 mg/L on ciprofloxacin plus pectic oligosaccharieds. Conculusions Combination with Haw Pectin-derived pectic oligosaccharieds can decrease MPCs of levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin, reduce the proliferation of drug-resistant mutants, and prevent the occurrence of drug resistance. Key words: Fluoroquinolone; Combination therapy; Staphylococcus aureus; Mutant prevention concentration
Nourishing the nation: food as national identity in Catalonia: by Venetia Johannes, New York, Berghahn Books, 2020, 264 pp., ISBN 978-1-78920-437-7

Framed within the ongoing Catalan independence movement, Venetia Johannes’ Nourishing the Nation: Food as National Identity in Catalonia situates food and food behaviors as central to establishing,...
Structural, energetic and vibrational properties of oxidized mercury in the gas and aqueous phases

Abstract Elemental mercury emitted by anthropogenic processes is oxidized in the atmosphere by halogens, ozone or nitro species. The oxidized mercury then deposits in the surface environment or reduces back to elemental mercury. The aqueous phase atmospheric photoreduction of oxidized mercury can also take place in the clouds. Thus, the oxidation, reduction and surface deposition control the overall mercury budget and its distribution in the atmosphere. In this study, the structural and vibrational properties of all oxidized mercury molecules both in gas and aqueous phases are studied using the first principle density-functional method. A correlation of bond distance, vibrational frequency, stability and solvation free energy with the electronegativity of non-metal atoms has emerged from the calculations. The bond distances between mercury and first elements depend on the electronegativity of the second elements; the more electronegative the second element is, the shorter the bond between mercury and the first element. The wave number of stretching frequency is inversely related to the bond distances. Importantly, the mercury – halogen bond distances lengthen in the aqueous phase from the corresponding gas phase distances in all molecules. Interestingly, the increment of distances in halide molecules is higher than molecules that contain oxygen and nitrogen atoms. For isomers, the molecules with mercury-oxygen bonds are more stable than those with mercury-halogen bonds both in the gas and aqueous phases. The relative stability, however, decreases in the aqueous phase. Solvation free energy is higher for molecules where oxygen is a terminal atom than that for molecules where oxygen is a bridging atom.
Obliterated Cul-De-Sac in Endometriosis: Retrograde Dissection of Rectum

Study Objective To demonstrate a retrograde dissection technique for safe management of the obliterated cul-de-sac during hysterectomy in stage IV endometriosis. Design A case report. Setting Academic tertiary care hospital. Patients or Participants 50-year-old G3P3 with chronic pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding requiring blood transfusion who failed medical management and was referred to our clinic for definitive surgical management. Her surgical history is significant for three prior cesarean sections and tubal ligation. Pelvic ultrasound notable for fundal fibroid, left ovary with 8 cm cystic mass and left hematosalpinx. Interventions Patient placed in dorsal lithotomy in Trendelenburg position with uterine manipulator in place. Patient underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy, bilateral salpingectomy and left oophorectomy with lysis of adhesions and bilateral ureterolysis. Measurements and Main Results The obliterated cul-de-sac can pose risk for injury to rectum, ureters and hypogastric nerves during hysterectomy. Here, we present a technique to safely dissect rectum from the obliterated cul-de-sac. First, we show bilateral ureterolysis and ligation of uterine artery at the origin to decrease risk of ureteral injury and for early control of blood supply. We show mobilization of the sigmoid colon starting above the pelvic brim. We then show a technique to perform dissection of the rectum starting at the rectovaginal septum medial to the uterosacral ligaments. The dissection is carried from deep to superficial until the rectosigmoid was completely mobilized. The remainder of hysterectomy and resection of side wall endometriosis was thus completed without any complications. Final pathology was consistent with 18cm endometrioma and uterine leiomyoma. Conclusion The retrograde technique to dissect the obliterated cul de sac in stage IV endometriosis is a safe surgical approach to restore normal anatomy in advanced endometriosis. These steps will help surgeon access correct surgical planes to minimize risk of injury and blood loss.
Teaser Bull Preparation

Heat detection by human observation in beef cows is much more difficult and time intensive than it is in dairy cows. Consequently many producers rely on teaser bulls (a.k.a. gomer bulls). Any time one creates a teaser bull there are two main objectives. The first and most important is to be sure the bull in question is unable to impregnate the cows he is placed with. Of secondary importance in creating a teaser that is a non-entry teaser and will not spread venereal disease. In some herds the spread of venereal disease is of very little concern and as such the herd owner does not worry about this aspect. Choosing a bull from the owner's herd helps assure a healthy bull. A third aspect that people seldom worry about is the libido of the teaser. We as veterinarians should be creating teaser bulls from young, vigorous, fertile bulls. We are occasionally presented with a cull bull (rejected because of failure to pass a breeding soundness examination) to be made into a teaser bull. This is always an uncomfortable scenario as if the bull does not have enough libido to follow and mark cows in heat we have failed in our mission. With this same thought in mind a young bull is far more sexually active than an older more lethargic bull, and therefore makes a superior teaser bull. We are often asked how long a given teaser bull will remain sexually active, and there are certainly techniques that produce bulls that are only active (at least in the owners perception) for a year. Far too much emphasis is placed on this aspect of teaser bull preparation. From a production economics standpoint, new teaser bulls should be created each year from young sexually active bulls. These young bulls will gain weight over the summer and can be sold in the fall of the year before harvested forages and purchased feed needs to be put into them. Basically these are non-productive animals and to winter them does not produce profits. The technique one uses to create a teaser bull is largely a matter of personal preference, although client demand may enter into the selection process.
Constitutional Challenges to Public Health Orders in Federal Courts during the COVID-19 Pandemic (preprint)

We examine federal judicial cases involving non-religious civil-liberties challenges to COVID-19-related public health orders from the start of the pandemic to June 29, 2021. Consistent with the tradition of judicial deference toward the state during emergencies, we find a high level of success for governments. However, governments did lose in 13.7% of the cases, and in those losses, there is evidence of partisan or ideological influence. Republican-appointed judges were more likely to rule in favor of challengers when they brought claims based on gun rights and property rights, while Democratic-appointed judges were more likely to rule in favor of challengers when they brought claims based on abortion rights. We conclude by arguing that courts should exercise greater deference to public health orders issued during emergencies.
Thermal Cracking in Fibrous Composites Using the Normal Stress Ratio

The normal stress ratio theory is used to describe crack growth from a notch in a constrained unidirectional graphitccpoxy composite plate. The circular plate is fixed around its circumference and subjected to a uniform temperature change. Stress distributions are obtained from a finite element analysis for circular holes and oval slots of varying size. The predicted crack initiation site and critical temperature drop to initiate crack growth arc both functions of the notch geometry and fiber orientation (in the case of a slot). Crack growth is predicted to be parallel to the fiber direction in all cases.
Beyond Programming: To a New Era of Design

1. In the Tradition 2. The Philosophy of Science 3. Discovery and Design 4. A Foundation for Design 5. Problem Solving 6. Activity, Reflection, Context 7. The Design Process 8. Participatory Design 9. The Software Process 10. Design Methods 11. Adaptive Design 12. A Case Study Epilogue References The Software Process Index
Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to pancreatic cancer-associated gastroparesis: literature review and our experience.

Background Patients with unresectable pancreatic carcinoma often present with early satiety, nausea, and vomiting without evidence of mechanical obstruction, mucosal disease, or metabolic abnormality. This condition is well described in the literature and is thought to result from pancreatic cancer-associated gastroparesis (PCAG). No clinical guideline is available for diagnosing and managing this rare disease. Objective To propose an algorithm for diagnosing and managing patients with PCAG based on a literature review and our clinical experience. Methods A comprehensive review was conducted of literature on the subject from 1966 to 2005, and retrospective analysis was performed for patients with PCAG who presented to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (Iowa City, IA, USA) during the period 1998–2005. Results Literature on an optimal diagnostic and therapeutic approach to PCAG is lacking. There are only two small case series and one case report regarding management of PCAG. Extensive chart review only identified two patients who met the diagnostic criteria of PCAG. We propose performing routine upper GI series and esophagogastroduodenoscopy on all patients with pancreatic cancer who present with nausea and vomiting, to rule out obstruction and mucosal disease. If there is no obstruction or mucosal disease, we do not recommend further workup. Prokinetic agents are the first line therapy for PCAG. In refractory cases, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy with jejunal extension may be considered in selected patients who respond to nasojejunal decompression. Conclusions We propose a time-effective and useful strategy for diagnosing and managing patients with PCAG. We also define the diagnostic end-point for this difficult to manage condition.
Sex v. Race, Again

The struggle between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to make history as either the first woman or first African-American president resurrects the unfortunate historic battle between sex and race. The current debate presents striking parallels to the battle for voting rights after the Civil War when infighting between abolitionists over race and sex created deep separatism that pitted allies against each other and diluted their political strength. The potential fallout from this false dichotomy today threatens political credibility and social justice and demands a rethinking of the alleged opposition.
Oxytocin and vasopressin neurones in principal and accessory hypothalamic magnocellular structures express Fos-immunoreactivity in response to acute glucose deprivation

Neurohypophyseal secretion of oxytocin and vasopressin is elevated in response to decreased systemic glucose availability. In these studies, dual-label immunocytochemistry was used to identify hypothalamic neuropeptidergic magnocellular neurones that are transcriptionally activated in response to glucose substrate imbalance. Two h after i.p. injection of the glucose antimetabolite, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG), or the vehicle, saline, groups of adult male rats were anaesthetized by i.p. injection with sodium pentobarbital and killed by transcardial perfusion. Sections (25 microm) through anterior and tuberal levels of the hypothalamus were processed for nuclear Fos- and cytoplasmic neuropeptide immunoreactivity (-ir). A high proportion of oxytocin-ir neurones in the supraoptic, paraventricular, and adjunct structures, including the anterior commissural, periventricular magnocellular, posterior perifornical, recurrent supraoptic, medial forebrain, and circular nuclei, were colabelled for nuclear Fos-ir following administration of 2DG. Large numbers of vasopressin neurones in the supraoptic, circular, posterior perifornical, and medial forebrain nuclei, and posterior magnocellular division and posterior subnucleus of the paraventricular nucleus were also immunostained for Fos in rats injected with the antimetabolite. These results show that decreased glucose metabolism is a stimulus for activation of the Fos stimulus-transcription cascade within oxytocin-and vasopressin-immunopositive neurones in several hypothalamic loci, findings that reflect activation of the Fos-stimulus transcription cascade within large proportions of these cell populations during this metabolic challenge. These data suggest that both peripheral hormonal and central modulatory functions of these neuropeptidergic neurones may be influenced by cellular glucose availability.
Competence and Natural Transformation in Vibrios

Natural transformation is a major mechanism of horizontal gene transfer in bacteria. By incorporating exogenous DNA elements into chromosomes, bacteria are able to acquire new traits that can enhance their fitness in different environments. Within the past decade, numerous studies have revealed that natural transformation is prevalent among members of the Vibrionaceae, including the pathogen Vibrio cholerae. Four environmental factors: (i) nutrient limitation, (ii) availability of extracellular nucleosides, (iii) high cell density and (iv) the presence of chitin, promote genetic competence and natural transformation in Vibrio cholerae by co-ordinating expression of the regulators CRP, CytR, HapR and TfoX respectively. Studies of other Vibrionaceae members highlight the general importance of natural transformation within this bacterial family.
Bigness is in the eye of the beholder.

This report reviews an investigation of judgments of size and distance as required of pilots in flight. The experiments covered a broad spectrum of basic psychophysiological issues involving the measurement of visual accommodation and its correlation with various other dependent variables. Psychophysiological issues investigated included the size-distance invariance hypothesis, the projection of afterimages, the moon illusion, night and empty-field myopia, the dark focus and its so-called Mandelbaum effect, the nature and locus of the accommodative stimulus, the relation between accommodation, retinal size, and perceived size, and possible relationships among accommodative responses, autonomic balance, and personality variables.
Stability and change of social goals in adolescence.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of continuity and change in social goals using the interpersonal circumplex (IPC) model across adolescence (ages 11-16). Five complementary definitions of stability were examined: structural, rank-order, absolute, individual, and ipsative. Data were taken from a longitudinal study of early adolescent problem behavior. Social goals were assessed during each wave, with data collection occurring at three annual intervals (Wave 1, ages 10-12). A community sample of adolescents (N = 387) was recruited. Adolescents were evenly split on gender, and a majority (82.7%) was White. Results suggest a modest increase in stability across social goals, yet significant interindividual heterogeneity. Although levels of Agentic and Communal factors increase over time, these patterns were driven by decreases in the Submissive and Separate octants. This offers evidence for the utility of examining lower-order facets of interpersonal dispositions, as it provides a nuanced picture of adolescent personality development. Furthermore, findings suggest that change and continuity in social goals may both be relevant in this developmental period. The difficulty is accounting for trait stability as well as change, and the IPC model may be particularly useful for meeting this challenge.
Mutation induction by 365-nm radiation and far-ultraviolet light in Escherichia coli strains differing in near- and far-ultraviolet light sensitivity.

Abstract The his -4 locus derived from Escherichia coli strain AB1157 has been transduced into 4 E. coli strains that exhibit all 4 possible combinations of genes controlling sensitivity to near-ultravioler light ( nur versus nur + ) and far-ultraviolet light ( uvrA 6 versus uvrA + ). The 4 strains exhibited the predicted sensitivity to 254-nm radiation based on the sensitivity of the parent strains from which they were derived and the frequency of his + mutations predicted from experiments with AB1157 from which the his -4 locus was derived. When the 4 strains were treated with 365-nm radiation, they exhibited the predicted sensitivity based on the near-ultraviolet light sensitivity of the strains from which they were derived while his + mutations were undetectable with the 4 strains as well as with strain AB1157. When treated with 365-nm radiation, cells of a WP2 s strain (a derivative of B/r transduced to his -4) plated on semi-enriched medium prepared with casamino acids did not yield induced mutations, whereas plating on semi-enriched medium prepared with nutrient broth did yield mutants at both the his -4 and trp loci at frequencies at least an order of magnitude lower than that observed with far-ultraviolet light. The induction of nutritionally independent mutants by 365-nm radiation is strongly dependent on the supplement used for semi-enrichment. When compared at equivalent survival levels, mutant frequencies are significantly less following 365-nm radiation when compared with far-ultraviolet radiation.
Since September 11, All Roads Lead to Rome

The Bush administration has repudiated President Clinton’s signature on the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. This repudiation comes when the “war on terrorism” is directed against the very crimes denounced in the Rome Statute. Critical criminology has been skeptical of criminal law regimes within nations on the ground that they legitimize pre-existing power relationships. The criminal law regime among nations in the Rome Statute is the only method to delegitimize military force by any permanent member of the U.N. Security Council as well as the only forum to try accused terrorists that can offer an appearance of fairness.
Pulmonary infarction: spectrum of findings on multidetector helical CT.

Objective Despite the dual blood supply to the lung, acute pulmonary embolism (PE) can lead to a spectrum of ischemic injury to the lung resulting in infarction and hemorrhage. In this series we systematically describe the spectrum of CT findings and clinical correlates of pulmonary infarction in patients with PE. Methods We retrospectively identified 24 consecutive adults with pulmonary infarction on multidetector CT between July 2002 and March 2004. There were 13 women and 11 men, with a mean age of 59 years. The cases were identified by review of 74 consecutive CTs demonstrating PE. Each CT was evaluated by 2 of 3 reviewers in consensus for presence and characteristics of peripheral parenchymal opacities and extent of PE. Peripheral opacities were evaluated for degree of enhancement, internal air lucencies, and contour. The presence of adjacent vessels and linear strands were noted. At the end of interpreting each case, the reviewers determined whether or not an infarct was present based on the constellation of previously described imaging features. The extent of pulmonary vascular obstruction was graded using the CT clot burden scoring system. Each chart was reviewed for predisposing factors for PE and infarction, presenting clinical symptoms/signs, and co-existing pulmonary or cardiac conditions. Results Thirty-two percent (24/74) of patients with PE had pulmonary infarction. Thirty-three percent (8/24) of patients had more than 1 infarct. Seventy-three percent (27/37) of infarcts were in the lower lobes. The CT findings of pulmonary infarction included: focal decrease in parenchymal enhancement in 95% (35/37), broad pleural base in 65% (24/37), truncated apex in 57% (21/37), convex border in 46% (17/37), internal air lucencies in 32% (12/37), linear stranding from the apex toward the hilum in 24% (9/37), and a thickened vessel leading to the apex of the infarct in 14% (5/37). There was a trend toward a higher mean clot burden (12.3 vs. 10.5) between the patients with PE with and without infarction. Ninety-six percent (23/24) of patients with pulmonary infarction had predisposing factors for infarction, including PE involving more than 1 lobe (n = 21), malignancy (n = 5), and heart failure (n = 3). Pleuritic chest pain was significantly more frequent in patients with infarction (P = 0.0064). Conclusion Pulmonary infarction occurred in nearly 1/3 of patients with PE in this series. The infarcts were peripheral parenchymal opacities characterized by a distinctive complex of findings on CT reflecting ischemic injury in the setting of a dual blood supply to the lung. Pleuritic chest pain was significantly associated with infarction.
Trypanosoma brucei γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Characterization of the kinetic mechanism and the role of Cys-319 in cystamine inactivation

Abstract The parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma brucei utilizes a conjugate of glutathione and spermidine, termed trypanothione, in place of glutathione to maintain cellular redox balance. The first committed step in the biosynthesis of glutathione and thereby trypanothione, is catalyzed by γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS). We have determined the kinetic mechanism forT. brucei γ-GCS. The kinetics are best described by a rapid equilibrium random ter-reactant mechanism, in which the model derived K d values for the binding ofl-Glu, l-α-aminobutyrate, and ATP to free enzyme are 2.6, 5.1, and 1.4 mm, respectively. However, significant dependences exist between the binding of some of the substrate pairs. The binding of either ATP or l-Glu to the enzyme increases the binding affinity of the other by 18-fold, whereas the binding of l-Glu or l-α-aminobutyrate decreases the binding affinity of the other by 6-fold. Similarly to the mammalian enzyme, cystamine is a time-dependent, irreversible inhibitor of T. brucei γ-GCS. It has been suggested by several studies that cystamine labels an active site Cys residue essential for catalysis. Among the enzymes reported to be inactivated by cystamine, only one Cys residue is invariant (Cys-319 inT. brucei γ-GCS). Mutation of Cys-319 to Ala in T. brucei γ-GCS renders the enzyme insensitive to cystamine inactivation without significantly affecting the enzyme’s catalytic efficiency, kinetic mechanism, or substrate affinities. These studies suggest that cystamine inactivates the enzyme by blocking substrate access to the active site and not by labeling an essential active site residue.
Cyclic cellular automata and related processes

Abstract A cyclic cellular automaton is a discrete-time process defined on the state space {0, 1, …, N −1}Zd. Starting from a random initial condition, at each time step, each site looks at its nearest neighbors. If the state at site x is i, then site x will change state to i + 1 (mod N) if it locates state i+1 (mod N) among its neighbors; otherwise, site x will remain in state i. Cyclic cellular automata have properties akin to cyclic particle systems, introduced by Bramson and Griffeath, which are continuous-time Markov processes on {0, 1, …, N −1}Zd with a stochastic evolution rather than a deterministic one. In one dimension, some clustering results about cyclic cellular automata are presented; the analogous problems in the context of cyclic particle systems are still unresolved. Also, we discuss the consequences of these clustering results in the context of one-dimensional systems of particles with various interaction mechanisms. Finally, we touch upon the work currently being done on two-dimensional cyclic particle systems and cellular automata.
The VATER association. Vertebral defects, Anal atresia, T-E fistula with esophageal atresia, Radial and Renal dysplasia: a spectrum of associated defects.

The VATER association is a group of congenital anomalies with a nonrandom tendency for concurrence. Defects include vertebral, vascular, anorectal malformation, tracheoesophageal fistula with esophageal atresia, radial-limb, and renal abnormalities. The critical period of organogenesis is at or before the sixth or seventh week of gestation. The VATER association is important in the evaluation of newborns with major congenital anomalies.
Characteristics of Noodle Flours from Japan

ABSTRACT The compositions and physical properties of Japanese salt and alkaline noodle flours were contrasted and compared to those of flours from U.S. hard white and soft white wheats (HWW and SWW) and from Australian SWW wheats often segregated for salt noodles. The alkaline noodle flours averaged 11.5% protein, which was 3% higher than the salt noodle flours, and they had lower ash content (0.35 vs. 0.41%). Granulation of the salt noodle flours showed the same proportion of small particles (<38 μm) as in soft wheat flours but different levels of intermediate and large particles. The level of small particles was ≈10% greater in salt noodle flours than in the alkaline noodle flours. The alkaline noodle flours had ≈8% more fine particles and 2.5% more damaged starch than the HWW flours, which is consistent with fine grinding of hard wheat flour in the noodle flour. Starch damage also was higher in the salt noodle flours (5.3%) than in the SWW flours. The salt noodle flours had a higher sodium dodecyl sulf...
Microwave spectrum of F2CO: Excited vibrational states and Coriolis coupling☆

The microwave spectrum of carbonyl fluoride, F2CO, has been studied in the region of 12–30 kMc/sec. Rotational transitions for the excited vibrational states v3 = 1 and v5 = 1 have been identified. A strong Coriolis coupling is found to exist. Rotational constants obtained are (in Mc/sec): v3 = 1 v5 = 1 A 11,796.52 11,825.35 B 11,780.74 11,754.41 C 5792.90 5954.94 αA 16.93 −11.90 αB −27.75 −1.42 αC 88.01 −74.03 The Coriolis coupling constant (ζ35C)2 is found to be 0.75. Previous uncertainty in the assignment of ν3 and ν5 has been removed.
Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of a subtle choroidal metastasis.

Enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of a subtle choroidal metastasis
The effect of hemodilution on blood flow regulation in normal and postischemic intestine.

Abstract We investigated the effect of hemodilution on intestinal blood flow and oxygen consumption (VO2) in denervated rat small intestinal preparations. In one series of experiments, intestinal blood flow (IBF) and intestinal oxygen extraction (A-VO2) were measured during graded decreases in perfusion pressure. Control animals underwent consecutive studies without hemodilution; experimental animals were studied before and after isovolemic hemodilution. In a second series of experiments, normovolemic hemodilution was performed in experimental animals NH while hematocrit was maintained in controls, C. Preparations were then subjected to 30 min of complete ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. Hemodilution (40.5 ± 0.8% to 17.2 ± 2.5%) decreased A-VO2 (3.9 ± 0.5 to 2.1 ± 0.4 ml/dl; P
Twenty-four-hour free-feeding patterns of dogs eating dry food

In order to provide some detailed information on the feeding behavior of freely-feeding dogs, four adult beagles were maintained in an isolated outdoor environment where food and water were freely available. Observations across an 8-month period indicated that the dogs are episodically (in "meals") and that the total daily intake of food and water changed as the observation period progressed, most likely as a consequence of change in the ambient environmental conditions across seasons. Within-day changes in ambient temperature, and the timing of daily maintenance activities in the animal's runs influenced the temporal distribution of meals with the day.
Increased Incidence of Tumors With the IKBKAP Gene Mutation? A Case Report and Review of the Literature

An increased incidence of neoplasia was recently reported in patients with familial dysautonomia. This suggests that, in addition to its role in neuronal development, the IKBKAP gene may also influence DNA repair. Here we report the case of a 28-year-old male with familial dysautonomia who was found to have neoplastic lesions detected post mortem as incidental findings. This case indicates that the prevalence of tumorgenesis within this population may be underestimated.
Clinical usefulness of a novel C1q assay to detect immunoglobulin G antibodies capable of fixing complement in sensitized pediatric heart transplant patients.

Background Donor-specific antibodies (DSA) against human leukocyte antigens complicate transplantation with the potential for acute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). Complement-fixing antibodies are required to initiate the complement cascade. Not all DSAs, however, can fix complement. Methods A novel C1q assay was developed to detect the sub-set of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies capable of fixing complement. Sera from 18 pediatric heart transplant patients were analyzed for DSAs using a Luminex platform (Luminex Inc, Austin, TX) and commercially available single-antigen bead assay kits. Biopsy specimens were assessed for AMR using histopathologic criteria and immunohistochemical staining. Results During the study period, 5 patients had AMR; of these, 2 were C1q virtual crossmatch positive (VXM+) and had persistent C1q DSAs after transplant, and 3 were C1q VXM– but antibody developed immediately after transplant. A positive C1q assay in the immediate post-transplant period had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%, with 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity (Fisher exact p = 0.001). Of 11 patients who were IgG VXM+, 5 had AMR; the IgG VXM had a PPV of 45% and NPV of 100%, with 100% sensitivity and 54% specificity (Fisher exact p = 0.101). Conclusions The C1q assay can detect a sub-set of antibodies capable of fixing complement and predicts AMR early after transplant. Avoiding only the donor antigens that would be recognized by the C1q assay may accelerate time to transplant by expansion of the donor pool and potentially allows transplantation of previously "incompatible" organs.
Do locavores have a dilemma? Economic discourse and the local food critique

Local food critics have recently argued that locavores, unaware of economic laws and principles, are ironically promoting a future characterized by less food security and more environmental destruction. In this paper, we critically examine the ways in which mainstream economics discourse is employed in arguments to undermine the proclaimed benefits of local food. We focus on several core concepts in economics—comparative advantage, scale, trade and efficiency—and show how they have been used to challenge claims about local food’s benefits in the areas of economy, environment, food security, and food quality. After reviewing the arguments, we then evaluate some shortcomings that emerge from this reliance on economic logic and, importantly, we assess what local food proponents may take away from these critiques. We conclude by identifying several pathways for future research.
Morphological control of ferromagnetic nanotubes: wall thickness, diameter, and length

Although magnetic nanotubes exhibit many potential applications ranging from drug or gene delivery to bioseparation, catalysis, electromagnetic or magneto-optic devices, and many others, their developments are at relatively infant stages. Recently, we utilized biologically active phospholipids (PLs) as templates to produce ferromagnetic magnetite/carbon/magnetite concentric nanotubes (FMNTs) in which simple synthetic efforts resulted in the formation of an electrically conductive carbon layer sandwiched between ferromagnetic magnetite phases, thus offering magnetic and electric attributes combined in one nanotube. Since the geometry and size of each of the FMNT components are critical factors in controlling desirable magnetic and electrical properties, control of the wall thickness as well as the diameter and length is of particular interest. This study reports the development of a simple synthetic approach to control the geometry of FMNTs by changing the concentration levels of the reactants and solvent conditions. Using this approach we synthesized concentric carbon-magnetite nanotubes with a variable thickness of 6, 10, and 60 nm conductive carbon layers and 12 to 45 nm magnetic magnetite layers. As a result, saturation magnetization values could be incrementally tuned from 40 to 79 emu g−1.
Interstitial Collagenase Is a Brownian Ratchet Driven by Proteolysis of Collagen

We show that activated collagenase (MMP-1) moves processively on the collagen fibril. The mechanism of movement is a biased diffusion with the bias component dependent on the proteolysis of its substrate, not adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis. Inactivation of the enzyme by a single amino acid residue substitution in the active center eliminates the bias without noticeable effect on rate of diffusion. Monte Carlo simulations using a model similar to a “burnt bridge” Brownian ratchet accurately describe our experimental results and previous observations on kinetics of collagen digestion. The biological implications of MMP-1 acting as a molecular ratchet tethered to the cell surface suggest new mechanisms for its role in tissue remodeling and cell-matrix interaction.
Conductivity Measurements of Dilute Aqueous LiOH, NaOH, and KOH Solutions to High Temperatures and Pressures Using a Flow-Through Cell

The limiting molar conductance (Λ0) and molal ion association constant (KA(m)) of dilute (10-5 to 10-3 mol kg-1) aqueous LiOH, NaOH, and KOH solutions were determined by a flow-through conductance ...
GENDER DIFFERENCES IN MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH SUPPLY-DEMAND TYPE 2 MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION, TYPE 1 MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION AND NON-MI CARDIAC TROPONIN I INCREASES

Supply-demand type 2 myocardial infarction (T2MI) is frequently encountered. Little is known about gender differences in patients with T2MI in contrast to type 1 MI (T1MI) and non-MI troponin (cTn) increases. We sought to compare mortality according to gender among these groups. Retrospective study
Estrogen and the Male Skeleton

Because estrogen (E) and T are the major sex steroids in women and men, respectively, the traditional view had been that E primarily regulated bone turnover in women and T played the analogous role in men. The description of ER- deficient and aromatase-deficient males, however, initiated a major shift in our thinking on the relative roles of T and E in regulating the male skeleton, because these individuals all had unfused epiphyses, high bone turnover, and osteopenia. Similar, albeit less striking, findings were noted in mouse models with knock-out of either the ER-α or the aromatase genes. Although these human experiments of nature and mouse knock-out models clearly demonstrated an important role for E in the growth and maturation of the male skeleton, they did not define the role of E vs. T in regulating the adult male skeleton. The past several years have witnessed an accumulation of evidence from observational as well as direct interventional studies that now clearly indicates that E plays a major, a...
Non-visual Functions of Crustacean Eyestalk Ganglia*

Ablation experiments demonstrated that in several crustacean groups, the proximal eyestalk ganglia are important in a variety of behavior patterns: 1. Chemical elicitation of feeding via the antennules is altered in lobsters, hermit crabs, and some brachyuran crabs by bilateral eyestalk ablation; the ablation of one antennule and the contralateral eyestalk is effective in lobsters and hermit crabs; 2. increased chewing of inedible objects occurs in all three groups following eyestalk ablation; 3. postural alterations in lobsters and hermit crabs occur following eyestalk ablation; 4. escape responses in lobsters occur only after considerable tactile input in eyestalk-less animals; 5. shell entry by hermit crabs takes much longer following complete eyestalk ablation, in contrast to control operations in which just the distal elements of both eyes are removed.
The impact of teach-back on comprehension of discharge instructions and satisfaction among emergency patients with limited health literacy: A randomized, controlled study

AbstractObjectiveRecommended as a ‘universal precaution’ for improving provider–patient communication, teach-back has a limited evidence base. Discharge from the emergency department (ED) to home is an important high-risk transition of care with potential for miscommunication of critical information. We examined whether teach-back improves: comprehension and perceived comprehension of discharge instructions and satisfaction among patients with limited health literacy (LHL) in the ED.MethodsWe performed a randomized, controlled study among adult patients with LHL, randomized to teach-back or standard discharge instructions. Patients completed an audio-recorded structured interview evaluating comprehension and perceived comprehension of (1) diagnosis, (2) ED course, (3) post-ED care, and (4) reasons to return and satisfaction using four Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questions. Concordance with the medical record was rated using a five-level scale. We analyzed differences between gr...
Non-uniform staining of myofibril a bands by a monoclonal antibody to skeletal muscle myosin S1 heavy chain

A monoclonal antibody specific for the S1 fragment of skeletal muscle myosin has been identified. The antibody does not inhibit actin-activated Mg2+-ATPase or K+-EDTA-activated ATPase of myosin, indicating that it is not related to the portion of the S1 which carries the ATPase activity. In the absence of relaxing medium, antibody binding to the myosin filament is restricted to narrow regions on each side of the bare zone region of the filament, and to a narrow region at the tapered ends of the filament. This restricted antibody binding is not altered by the attachment of the myosin cross-bridges to the actin filaments. In the presence of relaxing medium, antibody binding occurs along the entire length of the cross-bridge-bearing region of the filament. The restricted binding to only small regions of the filament in the absence of relaxing medium suggests that the molecular packing of the myosin in different portions of the filament may be different, resulting in differences in the availability of the antigenic site on the S1 for antibody binding. The change in availability of the antigenic sites along the filament in the presence of relaxing medium may reflect a perturbation in the molecular packing of the filament, or a conformational change resulting from the binding of MgATP, both of which could affect the availability of the antigenic sites on the S1 for antibody.
Outcomes of patients with ischemic mitral regurgitation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

Ischemic mitral regurgitation (IMR) is associated with poor outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. The impact of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients with IMR is not well elucidated. We sought to determine the outcomes of patients with severe IMR who underwent PCI. Patients with severe (≥3+) IMR who underwent PCI from 1998 to 2010 were identified. Improvement in IMR was defined as reduction in severity from ≥3+ to ≤2+ without any other invasive intervention beyond PCI. Outcomes were compared between patients with and without improvement in IMR after PCI. One hundred thirty-seven patients with severe IMR were included in our study. After PCI, 50 patients (36.5%) had improvement in IMR with PCI alone and 24 patients (18.5%) required another intervention. Left atrial size was a significant predictor of improvement in IMR (odds ratio 0.39, 95% confidence interval 0.2 to 0.8). Left ventricular size decreased (systolic diameter 3.9 ± 0.3 vs 4.6 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.0008 and diastolic diameter 5.2 ± 0.2 vs 5.7 ± 0.2 cm, p = 0.002) and ejection fraction increased (39.1 ± 4.0% vs 33.1 ± 1.9%, p = 0.002) significantly after PCI in the patients with improvement in IMR compared with patients without improvement. Patients with improvement in IMR had numerically better survival; however, it was not statistically significant (p log-rank = 0.2). In conclusion, 1/3 of the patients with IMR had improvement in severity of IMR with PCI alone. Improvement in IMR was associated with left ventricular reverse remodeling. Left atrial size was an important predictor of improvement in IMR after PCI.