cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Comparisons of RecA-Like Proteins Across All Major Kingdoms of Living Organisms

Protein sequences with similarities to Escherichia coli RecA were compared across the major kingdoms of eubacteria, archaebacteria, and eukaryotes. The archaeal sequences branch monophyletically and are most closely related to the eukaryotic paralogous Rad51 and Dmc1 groups. A multiple alignment of the sequences suggests a modular structure of RecA-like proteins consisting of distinct segments, some of which are conserved only within subgroups of sequences. The eukaryotic and archaeal sequences share an N-terminal domain which may play a role in interactions with other factors and nucleic acids. Several positions in the alignment blocks are highly conserved within the eubacteria as one group and within the eukaryotes and archaebacteria as a second group, but compared between the groups these positions display nonconservative amino acid substitutions. Conservation within the RecA-like core domain identifies possible key residues involved in ATP-induced conformational changes. We propose that RecA-like proteins derive evolutionarily from an assortment of independent domains and that the functional homologs of RecA in noneubacteria comprise an array of RecA-like proteins acting in series or cooperatively.
Snf1--a Histone Kinase That Works in Concert with the Histone Acetyltransferase Gcn5 to Regulate Transcription

Modification of histones is an important element in the regulation of gene expression. Previous work suggested a link between acetylation and phosphorylation, but questioned its mechanistic basis. We have purified a histone H3 serine-10 kinase complex from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and have identified its catalytic subunit as Snf1. The Snf1/AMPK family of kinases function in conserved signal transduction pathways. Our results show that Snf1 and the acetyltransferase Gcn5 function in an obligate sequence to enhance INO1 transcription by modifying histone H3 serine-10 and lysine-14. Thus, phosphorylation and acetylation are targeted to the same histone by promoter-specific regulation by a kinase/acetyltransferase pair, supporting models of gene regulation wherein transcription is controlled by coordinated patterns of histone modification.
New analogs of 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 with conformationally restricted side chains: Evaluation of biological activity and structural determination of VDR-bound conformations

Abstract We have successfully prepared E- and Z- isomers of 17–20 dehydro analogs of 2-methylene-19-nor-(20S)-1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (2MD). Both isomers bind to the recombinant rat vitamin D receptor (VDR) with high affinity. The Z-isomer (Vit-III 17–20Z) displays activity in vivo and in vitro that is similar to 2MD. The in vitro activity of the E-isomer (Vit-III 17–20E) is comparable to the natural hormone, though in vivo this analog is significantly less calcemic. Crystal structures of the rat VDR ligand binding domain complexed with the analogs demonstrate that the Vit-III 17–20Z analog is oriented almost identically to 2MD, with only minor differences induced by the planar configuration around the C17–C20 double bond. The Vit-III 17–20E analog is oriented in a conformation distinct from both 2MD and the natural hormone. The structural comparisons suggest that the position of C21 in the ligand binding site may be an important determinant of biological activity.
The need to know about lipids

Biochemistry of Lipids and Membranes. Edited by Dennis E. Vance and Jean E. Vance. Benjamin/Cummings:1985. Pp.593. 34.95, 34.95.
The theoretical description of an asymmetric, nonresonant charge transfer process; Li + Na + ⇌ Li + + Na the two-state approximation

Abstract The charge transfer process for the collision Li + Na + ⇌ Li + + Na has been studied theoretically by a two-state, impact parameter approach using molecular wavefunctions. Including the coupling term 〈ψ 1 ❘∂/∂ R ❘ψ 2 〉 due to the breakdown of the Born-Oppenheimer approximation, we obtain total charge transfer cross sections in good agreement with experimental results.
Range effects in transient and maintained generalization gradients

In three experiments pigeons were trained to discriminate visual flicker rate stimuli. The stimulus set was varied so that the effects of overall stimulus range and border separation between positive and negative stimuli could be assessed. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that transient generalization gradients were lower in height and flatter with increases in either border separation or overall stimulus range. Border separation and overall range interacted in that the effect of range was greatest with relatively greater border stimulus separation. Experiment 3 showed that increased overall stimulus range reduced the magnitude of positive dimensional contrast in maintained gradients. Flattening of the maintained gradient with increases in stimulus range was similar to flattening of post-discrimination gradients found in Experiments 1 and 2. The results from all experiments indicate that increases in overall stimulus range do not decrease discriminability of unchanged stimulus values. Instead, increases in stimulus range may increase the variability of response or criterial factors in discrimination.
Polymorphic Control Reconfiguration in an Autonomous UAV with UGV Collaboration

The emergence of distributed technologies as a reliable infrastructure for real-time control is enabling a new generation of distributed plug-and-play control architectures and methodologies; increasingly common are control systems that pass real-time data across traditional system boundaries to utilize distributed remote sensing, processing, and actuation. The polymorphic control systems (PCS) project formalizes constructs that permits topological reconfiguration of control systems that span multiple heterogeneous systems and multiple communication mediums, towards the goal of control coordination and strategy optimization in a multi-system environment, increased resilience to failure and uncertainty, increased overall and individual performance, and better utilization of available resources. This paper presents the concepts behind PCS, and presents results from a flight test experiment involving distributed reconfiguration of an autonomous landing controller in a collaborative multi-vehicle environment. These flight test experiments demonstrate one of the goals of polymorphic reconfiguration: providing emergency assistance and collaborative coordination between multiple systems to achieve safely the mission critical objectives, where a system failure would have resulted in the loss of the aircraft.
Smiling and Fussing in Seven-Month-Old Preterm and Full-Term Black Infants in the Still-Face Situation

We investigated emotional responses to the still-face paradigm in 7-month-old preterm and full-term black infants. Baby FACS criteria were used to code the duration and intensity of infant smiles and the presence or absence of cry faces and fussy vocalizations within each episode. Infants in both groups showed the still-face effect: a significant reduction in smiling from episode 1 (baseline) to episode 2 (maternal still-face) and partial return to baseline in episode 3 (recovery). A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) for big smiles yielded significant main effects for group and episode and a significant group x episode interaction. Preterm infants spent less time than full-term infants displaying big smiles in episode 1 and a less pronounced decrease in big smiles in episode 2. Maternal depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between groups. Counter to our expectations, depressive symptoms were positively associated with small-to-medium smiles in the baseline episode but not with big smiles in any episode. These findings confirm the robustness of the still-face paradigm and its potential usefulness for research on individual as well as group differences in affective communication in infants.
Abstracts of doctoral theses on the Indonesian economy

Sukarno's Guided Democracy and the Takeovers of Foreign Companies in Indonesia in the 1960s William A. Redfern (wredfern@umich.edu) Accepted 2010, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI This disserta...
ACTIVIN-A AND FGF-2 MIMIC THE INDUCTIVE EFFECTS OF ANTERIOR ENDODERM ON TERMINAL CARDIAC MYOGENESIS IN VITRO

Abstract We recently reported that the differentiation of cultured embryonic precardiac myocytes is specifically promoted by anterior lateral plate endoderm from Hamburger-Hamilton stage 6 chick embryos. Polypeptide growth factors are probable mediators of cardiogenesis during embryonic development. It was previously noted that activin-A is a major secretory product of endoderm cultured from chicken embryos. Also, fibroblast growth factor-like proteins are present in anterior endoderm of stage 6 chick embryos. Therefore, we have examined the cardiogenic effects of these growth factors on cultured precardiac mesoderm cells explanted from stage 6 embryos. Similar to the effects of anterior endoderm, low concentrations of activin-A, FGF-2 (bFGF), or insulin significantly increased the incidence of explants that exhibited synchronous contractions and expressed cardiac α-actin mRNA. By contrast, explants treated with transferrin, bovine serum albumin, or nerve growth factor never contracted and contained only cytoplasmic β-actin transcripts. These results provide additional evidence that endoderm-secreted activin-A, FGF-2, and perhaps insulin participate in regulating terminal cardiac differentiation in the embryo.
A Design-Oriented Optimization of Simple Tapered Radiating Fins

Results of extensive numerical studies of simple linearly tapered radiating fins are presented in a novel design-oriented manner. A noniterative optimization procedure is made possible by this presentation scheme. The optimization of fin geometry allows for consideration of associated structure whose weight depends on the fin length. The importance of considering this structure in selecting fin geometry is demonstrated.
Blood Levels of Chemotherapentic Drugs and the Pharmacokinetics of Tinidazole and Metronidazole

The different blood level profiles which result from changing the pharmacokinetic parameters of drugs are discussed with the aid of the one-compartment open model. The advantage of a long half-life...
Calculation of stray load losses

Early in the history of the development of the alternating current (AC) generator it was recognized that there might be losses present under load conditions in addition to the no-load losses and the armature copper loss due to load current. Because no one had a satisfactory means of measuring this loss it was not included in the early definitions of conventional efficiency. In 1913 papers were presented giving the results of carefully made input - output tests which tended to show that the entire loss on sustained polyphase short circuit should be taken as a measure of the stray load loss for the salient pole alternator. This rule has remained in force and in view of its general acceptance it is to the interest of designers of salient pole alternators to be able to predetermine this loss. It is the purpose of thispaper to present some general methods of attacking the problem. It is not intended that the results should be complete but they are presented simply as a starting point for the attack on this problem. Instead of trying to develop a single formula for the short circuit core loss, it is desirable to separate the total loss into distinct parts and develop. formulas for each of these parts separately. The parts into which it is most conveniently divided are: 1. An eddy current loss in the armature copper. 2. A loss in the stator iron. 3. A pole face loss. 4. An end loss. 5. A loss in the amortisseur winding. These component parts will be discussed in turn.
A study on IUD retention by curve-fitting.

In order to estimate the demographic impact of IUD, there is a need for estimating IUD retention rates beyond the period of actual observation. This article describes a mixed exponential function for this purpose. With this function of IUD retention, it is possible to estimate the “life expectancy” and “half-life” of an IUD. Another important concept is the “cut-off date”, introduced in estimating the “life expectancy” because in practice no IUD will be worn by a woman forever.
Edge-bridged half-open zirconocenes : Synthesis, characterization, and reaction with diphenylacetylene

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of the new, 16 electron half-open zirconocenes, Zr(C5H5)(c-C8H11)(PR3) (R = Me, Et) are reported, together with a structural study of the PEt3 complex. As with other low valent half-open zirconocenes, the Zr–C distances are significantly shorter on average for the electronically open dienyl ligand than those for the C5H5 ligand, 2.343 vs. 2.512 A. Reaction of either of these compounds with PhC2Ph led to the incorporation of two equivalents of the alkyne, resulting in a formally 14 electron complex with coordination from cyclopentadienyl, allyl, σ-alkyl, and σ-vinyl units.
Management of complications of glucocorticoid therapy

Corticosteroids are commonly employed in the treatment of a wide variety of pulmonary disorders, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, and pulmonary vasculitides; as well as in the lung transplant population. Frequently, steroid-induced complications contribute significantly to morbidity and diminished quality of life, often overshadowing the impact of the underlying lung disease. This article will discuss the more commonly encountered complications of corticosteroids in the context of the method of delivery, events occurring with chronic use, and events related to withdrawal.
Cavo-Atrial Tumor Resection Under Total Circulatory Arrest Without a Sternotomy

Surgical management of intracardiac tumors arising in the inferior vena cava often requires total circulatory arrest for safe and adequate resection. Total circulatory arrest has traditionally been accomplished by accessing the great vessels through a sternotomy. Combination of a sternotomy and a large abdominal incision results in excellent exposure but also creates the potential for significant morbidity. We report here the resection of cavoatrial tumors by achieving total circulatory arrest through femoral arterial and venous cannulation without requiring a sternotomy. This minimal-access total circulatory approach has the potential to greatly diminish morbidity when managing tumors of the inferior vena cava.
An ultra-low voltage self-startup charge pump for energy harvesting applications

An ultra-low voltage, self-starting, switched-capacitor based charge pump is proposed for energy harvesting applications. The integrated linear charge pump topology presented in this work has been optimized for low-voltage start-up. The control signals for the charge-transfer switches (CTS), generated using two clock phases, reduce reverse currents and thus improve the efficiency of the converter. Adiabatic switching techniques have been employed to reduce the switching losses associated with the CTS gate control. This design has been implemented in a 130-nm CMOS process. Simulation results demonstrate a low startup voltage of 125 mV with efficiency of 62 % for a static current load of 0.1 µA.
First Passage Times of General Sequences of Random Vectors: A Large Deviations Approach

Suppose Y1;Y2;:::R d is a sequence of random variables such that the probability law of Yn=n satises the large deviation principle and suppose AR d . Let T(A)=inffn:Yn 2Ag be the rst passage time and, to obtain a suitable scaling, let T(A)=inffn: Yn 2A=g. We consider the asymptotic behavior of T(A )a s !0. We show that the the probability law of T(A) satises the large deviation principle; in particular, PfT(A)2Cgexpf inf2CIA()=g as !0, where IA() is a large deviation rate function and C is any open or closed subset of [0;1): We then establish conditional laws of large numbers for the normalized rst passage time T(A) and normalized rst passage place YT(A). c 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved. AMS classication: primary 60F10; secondary 60K10
Immediate peri-operative memory.

Background: Information about anterograde and retrograde amnesias in the immediate peri-operative period is scarce. During this period, assessment of memory for real-life events is also rare. We hypothesized that there would be both anterograde and retrograde amnesias and memory for peri-operative events would be better than for verbal memory. Methods: We studied 40 patients who underwent general anesthesia and surgery and 19 control volunteers who were matched to the patients but did not have surgery. Patients completed the state anxiety part of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory in the pre-operative period. They were presented with three word lists in the holding area, the operating room before induction of anesthesia and the recovery room. Memory for the words was tested the next day by recall and recognition tests. Memory for events that happened on the day of surgery was tested by administering a questionnaire. The control subjects were tested similarly but did not complete the events questionnaire. Retrograde amnesia would be demonstrated by a decline in patients’ memory from the holding area to the operating room which exceeded any corresponding changes in controls; anterograde amnesia would be demonstrated by memory impairment of the patients in the recovery room, relative to controls. Results: Recall and recognition of words were significantly impaired in the recovery room with a decline from 12% in the holding area to zero% in the recovery room for recall and from 43% to 7% for recognition. The decline in memory from the holding area to the operating room was not significantly greater in patients than in controls, 80% vs. 56% for recall and 27% vs. 14% for recognition. There were no significant differences for recognition of events which happened in the three rooms. Conclusions: We were unable to detect retrograde amnesia. Patients’ memory for neutral stimuli in the recovery room was severely impaired. The events questionnaire proved to be insensitive.
Reelin Glycoprotein in Autism and Schizophrenia

Publisher Summary Reelin glycoprotein is a serine protease with important roles in embryogenesis and in adult life. Reelin mutations or deficiency of the protein product causes abnormal cortical development and/or Reelin-induced signal transduction impairment in brain. Reelin abnormalities in several neuropsychiatric disorders—such as autism and schizophrenia—may provide mechanistic explanations for etiologies of these disorders. Analogous defects involving the Reelin signaling system appear to be present in several neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia and autism). The findings of Reelin defects are more robust in autism and are supported by two positive genetic linkage studies. Schizophrenia, a neurodevelopmental disorder, which in contrast to autism affects youth in puberty and is manifested by the presence of hallucinations, disorganized behavior, and fragmentation of thought, may share Reelin abnormalities with autism. The correlative studies of human postmortem brains in schizophrenia and autism and pertinent animal models of mental disorders may expand the knowledge of the role of Reelin in cognition.
Reversed vein graft stenosis: early diagnosis and management.

Abstract Conscientious surveillance of intrainguinal bypass grafts is mandatory to detect vein graft stenoses, which, if uncorrected, can lead to graft occlusion. It is now widely accepted that noninvasive vascular laboratory studies are the best way to detect these lesions. However, controversy still exists over treatment, specifically whether balloon angioplasty is an acceptable substitute for surgery (patch angioplasty or short jump grafts) in the treatment of these lesions. We have always favored balloon angioplasty as primary treatment and have summarized our experience with treating 72 stenotic reversed femoropopliteal and femorotibial vein grafts, which represent 12% of 521 bypass grafts performed at our institution. Prosthetic and in situ grafts are specifically excluded from this report, as well as occluded grafts, found to have stenotic lesions after lytic therapy. The most common stenotic lesion occurred within 4 cm of the proximal anastomosis (29/72 = 40%). The other sites were near the distal anastomosis (7/72 = 10%), and in the middle of the graft (15/72 = 12%). Eighty-one percent (58/72) of the lesions were treated initially by balloon angioplasty with a 31% recurrence. Twenty-nine percent of the 14 grafts treated surgically by vein patch angioplasty or short jump grafts experienced recurrence. Overall 61% (44/72) of the stenotic grafts were treated by balloon angioplasty alone. The 5-year life-table assisted primary patency after correction of the stenotic lesion was 61%. The patency of the grafts from the time of initial bypass surgery, however, was 80%. Location of the stenosis within the graft was a major determinant of patency. Lesions in the proximal graft, proximal anastomosis, and distal graft taken as a group had significantly better patency than the midgraft and distal anastomotic lesions (5-year patency, 65% vs 48%, p
Adolescent Sexuality and the Risk of Marital Dissolution

This research investigates whether first sexual intercourse during adolescence is associated with increased risk of first marriage dissolution and tests whether the results are consistent with causal or selection explanations. Drawing on a sample of 3,793 ever-married women from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, this study estimated event-history models of first-marriage dissolution. Results indicate that wanted sexual debut in later adolescence does not directly increase the risk of marital dissolution but is linked indirectly as a result of subsequent premarital sexual outcomes. Sexual debut that is not completely wanted or that occurs before age 16 is associated with increased risk of marital dissolution. The results suggest that the timing and context of adolescent sexual debut have important implications for marital stability.
Practical challenges in determining piston ring friction

Practical challenges from both experiment and calculation sides were discussed for determining two piece twin land oil control ring friction. A floating liner engine was used for twin land oil control ring study. Effects of floating liner engine system dynamics and piston skirt friction were addressed and methods to mitigate them were discussed. A deterministic twin land oil control ring model was used for ring friction calculation. Variation of the surface roughness at different spots of the liner and its effects on both hydrodynamic and boundary lubrication predictions were discussed. A multi-point correlation method was introduced to address surface variation effects on the twin land oil control ring model. Ring land width variation between two lands as well as along the circumference and its effects on calculation were shown, and methods to address it were discussed. By taking all these necessary steps in both experiments and calculations, this study shows that a reasonable match can be achieved betwe...
Effect of Fat Intake on Energy Balance

Most epidemiological studies indicate that obesity is more prevalent in populations consuming high fat diets. Furthermore, changes from a traditional to a westernized life style, characterized by a high-fat diet and decreased physical activity, result in dramatic increases in the prevalence and incidence of obesity in Native Americans, Pacific Islanders, and African populations. A possible explanation for the epidemic of obesity in response to high-fat intake can be found in the "oxidative hierarchy" that regulates macronutrient balance in the human body. Although carbohydrate and protein balances seem promptly regulated, fat balance is not. Short and midterm studies show that, unlike carbohydrate and protein intake, fat intake does not promote fat oxidation. Thus, "excess" fat intake results in fat deposition. As fat mass increases, so does fat oxidation, and a new equilibrium is reached when fat oxidation matches fat intake. However, there are large interindividual differences in this compensatory response to increased fat intake. Substrate oxidation is a familial trait, and individuals with a low fat-to-carbohydrate oxidation ratio are more prone to develop obesity than those with a high fat-to-carbohydrate oxidation ratio. Genetics may influence nutrient partitioning by influencing the activity of key enzymes of intermediate metabolism, such as lipoprotein lipase, beta-hydroxyl acyl CoA dehydrogenase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase.
Kinematic analysis and design of surface wave distributed actuators with application to a powered bed for bedridden patients

A surface wave distributed actuation method and its potential for transporting bedridden patients is explored. First, the basic principle of surface wave distributed actuation is presented, followed by kinematic modeling and analysis. Based on the analysis, modifications to natural wave transport are made to enhance transport efficiency and human comfort. Further kinematic analysis reveals that an object can be transferred by a simplified actuator architecture that makes the concept amenable to hardware realization. Two proof-of-concept prototypes are designed, built, and tested. The first is a powered water bed consisting of a water vat, a flexible mat placed on the water surface, and an exciter creating surface waves at resonant frequencies. The other is a powered mechanical bed having an array of coordinated active nodes that generate psuedo-continuum surface waves. Experiments demonstrate the surface wave actuation concept and verify the analytical results.
The generalized multiprobe reflectometer and its application to automated transmission line measurements

The multiprobe reflector can perform the measurements usually performed with the slotted line without the need for mechanical adjustment, thus making it ideal for automated systems. Theory is presented showing how impedance data may be obtained from three or more arbitrarily placed probes; the spacing need not be at any particular fraction of a wavelength thus permitting very wide band operation. The use of additional probes permits measurement of frequency and also self checking of the system, thus providing accuracies comparable with the best slotted lines available. The simplicity of the hardware makes it easy to install in both standard and non-standard waveguides and transmission lines thus avoiding the use of adaptors with their attendant errors. A brief error analysis is included. Measurements of antenna impedance and wall loss, using a nonstandard size of waveguide, are presented and show an accuracy comparable with the best slotted lines.
Systematic evaluation of environmental and behavioural factors associated with all-cause mortality in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background Environmental and behavioural factors are thought to contribute to all-cause mortality. Here, we develop a method to systematically screen and validate the potential independent contributions to all-cause mortality of 249 environmental and behavioural factors in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods We used Cox proportional hazards regression to associate 249 factors with all-cause mortality while adjusting for sociodemographic factors on data in the 1999–2000 and 2001–02 surveys (median 5.5 follow-up years). We controlled for multiple comparisons with the false discovery rate (FDR) and validated significant findings in the 2003–04 survey (median 2.8 follow-up years). We selected 249 factors from a set of all possible factors based on their presence in both the 1999–2002 and 2003–04 surveys and linkage with at least 20 deceased participants. We evaluated the correlation pattern of validated factors and built a multivariable model to identify their independent contribution to mortality. Results We identified seven environmental and behavioural factors associated with all-cause mortality, including serum and urinary cadmium, serum lycopene levels, smoking (3-level factor) and physical activity. In a multivariable model, only physical activity, past smoking, smoking in participant’s home and lycopene were independently associated with mortality. These three factors explained 2.1% of the variance of all-cause mortality after adjusting for demographic and socio-economic factors. Conclusions Our association study suggests that, of the set of 249 factors in NHANES, physical activity, smoking, serum lycopene and serum/urinary cadmium are associated with all-cause mortality as identified in previous studies and after controlling for multiple hypotheses and validation in an independent survey. Whereas other NHANES factors may be associated with mortality, they may require larger cohorts with longer time of follow-up to detect. It is possible to use a systematic association study to prioritize risk factors for further investigation.
Semianalytical solutions of radioactive or reactive solute transport in variably fractured layered media

[1] In this paper, semianalytical solutions are developed for the problem of transport of radioactive or reactive solute tracers through a layered system of heterogeneous fractured media with misaligned fractures. The tracer transport equations in the nonflowing matrix account for (1) diffusion, (2) surface diffusion, (3) mass transfer between mobile and immobile water fractions, (4) linear kinetic or equilibrium physical, chemical, or combined sorption or colloid filtration, and (5) radioactive decay or first-order chemical reactions. The tracer transport equations in the fractures account for the same processes, in addition to advection and hydrodynamic dispersion. Any number of radioactive decay daughter products (or products of a linear, first-order reaction chain) can be tracked. The solutions, which are analytical in the Laplace space, are numerically inverted to provide the solution in time and can accommodate any number of fractured and/or porous layers. The solutions are verified using analytical and numerical solutions for limiting cases of solute and colloid transport through fractured and porous media. The effect of important parameters on the transport of 3H, 99Tc, 237Np, and 239Pu (and its daughters) is investigated in several test problems involving layered geological systems of varying complexity.
Management of Benign Intraductal Solitary Papilloma Diagnosed on Core Needle Biopsy

Background The purpose of this study was to determine whether surgical excision of benign solitary intraductal papillomas (BSIP) diagnosed by core needle biopsy (CNBx) without an associated high-risk lesion and concordant with imaging is justified.
One-Sided Versus Two-Sided Testing

I believe one-sided (benefit only) testing reflects a mindset of physicians and healthcare researchers who believe their intervention can produce no harm, a philosophy that has been shown repeatedly to be faulty, and dangerous to patients and their families. Investigators who agree to the one-sided (benefit only) approach to significance testing in a clinical experiment have closed parts of their minds to the possibility of harm entering into an avoidable flirtation with danger. In this sense, the one-sided test is not the disease, it is only a symptom.
Microbiomes: Curating communities from plants

Large-scale cultivation and genome sequencing of the bacteria that inhabit the leaves and roots of Arabidopsis plants have paved the way for probing how microbial communities assemble and function. See Article p.364 The microbiota of the rhizosphere (roots) and phyllosphere (leaves) of healthy plants consist of taxonomically structured bacterial communities. In this study, the authors purified almost 8,000 bacterial isolates from Arabidopsis leaves and roots, representing the main bacterial phyla present. Genome sequencing of 400 representative strains was used to assess functional overlap between the soil, root and leaf microbiotas, and a gnotobiotic Arabidopsis system was used to reconstitute bacterial communities resembling those found in natural environments. The data collectively demonstrate the possibility of reciprocal relocation between root and leaf microbiota members and functional overlap in the communities, but there is also evidence for microbiota specialization to their respective niches.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus glycinifermentans TH008, Isolated from Ohio Soil

The genome sequence of an Ohio soil isolate, TH008, was determined. The sequence reveals a close relationship between TH008 and domesticated Bacillus glycinifermentans strains found in a traditional Korean fermented soybean food.
Circadian Rhythm of Feeding by Adult White-Fringed Beetles, Graphognathus spp. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Time-of-day feeding preference studies with Graphognathus leucoloma striatus (Buchanan) and G. peregrinus (Buchanan) showed a definite preference for night feeding. Light inhibited feeding under normal and reversed light-dark cycles and under continuous light. Results of respirometer studies of G. leucoloma indicated that oxygen consumption is greater during light hours than during the hours of darkness, indicating a degree of general inactivity during feeding, and greater activity when not feeding.
Influence of Pulmonary Hypertension Induced by Left-to-Right Shunt on Pulmonary Collagen Remodeling

Objective To establish a rat model of pulmonary hypertension induced by left-to-right shunt and explore the influence of high pulmonary blood flow on pulmonary vascular collagen remodeling.Methods Abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava shunting was produced in rats. Pulmonary artery meanpressure (PAMP) of each rat was measured by using a right cardiac catheterization.Pulmonary artery collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ were detected using immunohistochemisty.Results After 11 weeks of shunting the Qp/Qs was 3.3∶1.0,indicating a large shunt. Pulmonary artery mean pressure was increased as compared with controls[(23.0±0.9) mm Hg vs (15.7± 1.1) mm Hg,P0.01]and pulmonary hypertension developed.Pulmonary artery collagen Ⅰ and Ⅲ expressions were markedly strengthened compared with control rats.Conclusion Increased-pulmonary blood flow can induce pulmonary hypertension and augment the pulmonary collagen remodeling.J Appl Clin Pediatr,2005,20(12):1183-1184
Numerical modeling of a co-current cascading rotary dryer

Abstract A general mathematical model for co-current rotary dryers is presented. A novel approach is taken in modeling of the mass transfer process in the dryer, in which a volumetric mass transfer coefficient, obtained from a general correlation for the volumetric heat transfer coefficient through the Chilton–Colburn analogy, is used. This method does not require the determination of process-specific drying curves, and allows for this model to be easily applicable to a broad range of conditions. The model presented in this work is shown to be able to simulate reliably drying process parameters for a wide range of dryer geometries, input conditions and product types. Dryer data obtained in the present study, as well as data found in the literature, are accurately calculated by the model developed in this work. Simulated moisture content and temperature profiles are in good agreement with data from the literature. A general correlation for the volumetric heat transfer coefficient was determined from the data presented in this study and that from the literature, and was used in this model. The effect of various dryer inlet parameters on the overall performance and energy consumption of the dryer was investigated.
Left Cardiac Sympathetic Denervation: Should We Sweat the Side Effects?

Drs Moss and McDonald1 described left cardiac sympathetic denervation (LCSD) to prevent arrhythmia and sudden death in long QT syndrome (LQTS) nearly 45 years ago. In the past 15 years, there has been an increased focus on LCSD. The resurgence in interest is probably because of the presence of larger studies that demonstrate its potential use, increased technical proficiency with thoracoscopic surgery, and additional focus on channelopathy research. The 2013 consensus statement for management of patients with primary arrhythmia syndromes offered a class I recommendation for LCSD in high-risk patients with LQTS when implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) therapy is refused or contraindicated and when β-blockers were ineffective or contraindicated.2 In the consensus document, LCSD in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) was limited to a class IIB recommendation after recurrent arrhythmia or shocks on β-blockers or when β-blockers are contraindicated. However, even after the consensus document, some authors have advocated a wider application. For example, an international group of authors concluded this year, “Whenever syncope occurs despite optimal medical therapy, LCSD could be considered the next step rather than an ICD and could complement ICDs in patients with recurrent shocks.”3 Article see p 1151 LCSD is not first-line therapy for either LQTS or CPVT. β-adrenergic receptor blocker (β-blocker) therapy has remained the first option for LQTS and CPVT.2,4 β-blockers are effective in both diseases and the value of medication compliance has been dramatically illustrated in LQT1.5,6 Other medication regimens have been proposed, depending on clinical circumstances and genotype. However, no pharmacological treatment has eliminated mortality risk in either disease. In fact, the same studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of β-blockers caution that their protection is imperfect. ICDs remain a backstop against lethal arrhythmias in these diseases. Although …
Comprehensive Monosynaptic Rabies Virus Mapping of Host Connectivity with Neural Progenitor Grafts after Spinal Cord Injury

Neural progenitor cells grafted to sites of spinal cord injury have supported electrophysiological and functional recovery in several studies. Mechanisms associated with graft-related improvements in outcome appear dependent on functional synaptic integration of graft and host systems, although the extent and diversity of synaptic integration of grafts with hosts are unknown. Using transgenic mouse spinal neural progenitor cell grafts expressing the TVA and G-protein components of the modified rabies virus system, we initiated monosynaptic tracing strictly from graft neurons placed in sites of cervical spinal cord injury. We find that graft neurons receive synaptic inputs from virtually every known host system that normally innervates the spinal cord, including numerous cortical, brainstem, spinal cord, and dorsal root ganglia inputs. Thus, implanted neural progenitor cells receive an extensive range of host neural inputs to the injury site, potentially enabling functional restoration across multiple systems.
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound

The purpose of perioperative and critical care transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonographic monitoring is to assess cerebral perfusion change. This is accomplished through noninvasive continuous measurement of blood flow-velocity within the largest intracranial blood vessels. Because normative velocity values may vary widely, the primary monitoring objective generally is the trending of relative velocity. Changes in blood flow and flow-velocity are proportional as long as blood viscosity and vessel diameter remain constant.
Hydrogenated Amorphous Silicon Thin Films with Nanocrystalline Silicon Inclusions

Thin films of hydrogenated amorphous silicon containing nanocrystalline silicon inclusions (a/nc-Si:H) have been synthesized in an RF capacitively coupled PECVD system using a mixture of hydrogen diluted silane and helium, under deposition conditions at the edge of powder formation within the plasma. High resolution TEM confirms the presence of nanocrystallites as small as 2 nm in these films. Measurements of the optical absorption spectrum using CPM and PDS indicates a broadening of the Urbach slope in the a/nc-Si:H, compared to a-Si:H films, but no appreciable increase in midgap absorption. Despite the deposition conditions for the a/nc-Si:H being very different from those associated with producing optimal quality a-Si:H, the dark conductivity and photoconductivity values, and the sensitivity to light-induced defect creation in the a/nc-Si:H films are comparable to those in a-Si:H.
Structural insights into the mechanism and E2 specificity of the RBR E3 ubiquitin ligase HHARI

RING-in-between-RING (RBR) ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligases function with Ub E2s through a RING/HECT hybrid mechanism to conjugate Ub to target proteins. Here, we report the crystal structure of the RBR E3, HHARI, in complex with a UbcH7 ~ Ub thioester mimetic which reveals the molecular basis for the specificity of this cognate E2/RBR E3 pair. The structure also reveals mechanistically important conformational changes in the RING1 and UBA-like domains of HHARI that accompany UbcH7 ~ Ub binding and provides a molecular basis by which HHARI recruits E2 ~ Ub in an ‘open’ conformation. In addition to optimally functioning with an E2 that solely performs transthiolation, our data suggests that HHARI prevents spurious discharge of Ub from E2 to lysine residues by: (1) harboring structural elements that block E2 ~ Ub from adopting a ‘closed’ conformation and (2) participating in contacts to ubiquitin that promote an open E2 ~ Ub conformation. HHARI is a RING-in-between-RING (RBR) ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligase. Here the authors present the crystal structure of HHARI with the UbcH7 ~ Ub thioester intermediate mimetic, which reveals that HHARI binds this E2 ~ Ub in an open conformation and explains the specificity of this cognate RBR E3/E2 pair.
Factors Affecting the Distribution of Bot Flies (Diptera: Oestridae) on Islands in Lake Barkley Kentucky and Tennessee

The present study analyzes the effect of six abiotic and eight biotic variables on the presence of Cuterebra on islands in Lake Barkley in Kentucky and Tennessee. Abiotic factors were: area, length...
Does traumatic brain injury hold the key to the Alzheimer's disease puzzle?

Abstract Introduction Neurodegenerative disorders have been a graveyard for hundreds of well-intentioned efforts at drug discovery and development. Concussion and other traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) share many overlapping pathologies and possible clinical links. Methods We searched the literature since 1995 using MEDLINE and Google Scholar for the terms concussion, AD, and shared neuropathologies. We also studied a TBI animal model as a supplement to transgenic (Tg) mouse AD models for evaluating AD drug efficacy by preventing neuronal losses. To evaluate TBI/AD pathologies and neuronal self-induced cell death (apoptosis), we are studying brain extracellular vesicles in plasma and (-)-phenserine pharmacology to probe, in animal models of AD and humans, apoptosis and pathways common to concussion and AD. Results Neuronal cell death and a diverse and significant pathological cascade follow TBIs. Many of the developing pathologies are present in early AD. The use of an animal model of concussion as a supplement to Tg mice provides an indication of an AD drug candidate's potential for preventing apoptosis and resulting progression toward dementia in AD. This weight drop supplementation to Tg mouse models, the experimental drug (-)-phenserine, and plasma-derived extracellular vesicles enriched for neuronal origin to follow biomarkers of neurodegenerative processes, each and in combination, show promise as tools useful for probing the progression of disease in AD, TBI/AD pathologies, apoptosis, and drug effects on rates of apoptosis both preclinically and in humans. (-)-Phenserine both countered many subacute post-TBI pathologies that could initiate clinical AD and, in the concussion and other animal models, showed evidence consistent with direct inhibition of neuronal preprogrammed cell death in the presence of TBI/AD pathologies. Discussion These findings may provide support for expanding preclinical Tg mouse studies in AD with a TBI weight drop model, insights into the progression of pathological targets, their relations to apoptosis, and timing of interventions against these targets and apoptosis. Such studies may demonstrate the potential for drugs to effectively and safely inhibit preprogrammed cell death as a new drug development strategy for use in the fight to defeat AD.
The Effects of Household Medical Expenditures on Income Inequality in the United States

Objectives. To assess the effect of households’ outlays for medical expenditures on income inequality and changes since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).Methods. We analyzed data from the US Current Population Surveys for calendar years 2010 through 2014. We calculated the Gini index of income inequality before and after subtracting households’ medical outlays (including insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs) from income, the financial burden of medical outlays for each income decile, and the number of individuals pushed below poverty by medical outlays.Results. In 2014, the Gini index was 47.84, which rose to 49.21 after medical outlays were subtracted, indicating that medical outlays effectively redistributed about 1.37% of total income from poorer to richer individuals, a slightly smaller redistribution compared with the years before the ACA. Medical outlays reduced the median income of the poorest decile by 47.6% versus 2.7% for the wealthiest decile and pushed 7.013 million in...
Acoustical Transparencies for Optical Imaging and Ultrasonic Diffraction

Illuminating coherent sound in water with either converging or diverging laser light makes the imaging of the cross section of the sound beam possible. In this fashion an acoustic beam of rectangular cross section shows up as a rectangular patch of light on a screen. Silhouettes of paper clips and other objects placed in the path of the beam can be imaged and made to appear as sharply delineated dark regions within the patch. If we place in the beam path a plate made from an elastic material of uniform thickness, we immediately notice that the sharpness of the silhouette depends upon the angle of incidence of the sound. In fact, by rotating the plate in the water we can generally find a number of orientations for which the silhouette completely disappears. The plate is then transparent to the sound. If we treat one of the surfaces of such a plate by scratching the surface or by depositing various thicknesses of material on it, the scratches or deposits will show up on the screen sharply silhouetted. For example, aluminum deposited on a glass plate gives a silhouette whose opacity depends on the thickness of the deposit. By arranging a pattern of deposits of varying thickness we can produce what we might call an acoustical transparency, from which we can construct an image on the screen. In principle, the deposited pattern can correspond to a printed page, a line drawing, a photograph, or almost any other arrangement desired.
MICROBIAL CONTAMINATION | Decontamination of Fresh Meat

When present on fresh meat products, enteric foodborne pathogens such as Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella can present significant risks to human health. These pathogenic bacteria are considered high priority for control in food safety programs implemented within the meat processing industry. To address the risk posed by these pathogens, significant research has been directed toward reducing their presence on raw meat through the implementation of various decontamination procedures, also known in the industry as antimicrobial interventions.
Enhancing Stream Flows in Wyoming

This research report examines selected western state approaches allowing existing water rights to be used for instream flow enhancement. It examines approaches in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Colorado and considers how such approaches might be applied in Wyoming.