cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Feature Generation Method for Sequence Classification

In this paper, we present a new feature generation algorithm for sequence data sets called Mutated Subsequence Generation (MSG). Given a data set of sequences, the MSG algorithm generates features from these sequences by incorporating mutative positions in subsequences. We compare this algorithm with other sequence-based feature generation algorithms, including position-based, k-grams, and k-gapped pairs. Our experiments show that the MSG algorithm outperforms these other algorithms in domains in which presence, not specific location, of sequential patterns discriminate among classes in a data set.
Teamwork on the rocks: Rethinking interprofessional practice as networking.

Optimising interprofessional practice has been identified as one of the key methods for improving health outcomes across the globe (Institute of Medicine, 2001). Predominantly, in the United States...
Characterizing electrocardiographic changes during pre-seizure periods through temporal and spectral features

Epilepsy affects the autonomic nervous system, and changes in this function are known to occur during, and even before the electroencephalographic onset of the seizure. The aim of this study was to characterize autonomic changes during and before the epileptic seizures. The electrocardiographic signals from thirteen epileptic patients, were first pre-processed and then the RR series was extracted. The following segments were selected for the analysis: 15 min before seizure onset (preictal), seizure time frame (ictal) and 15 min far from the seizure (interictal). Temporal and frequency features were calculated. In addition, Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) was performed. Significant differences were detected in time-domain and RQA parameters 15 min before seizures suggesting the possibility of an early prediction of seizure onset. In addition, significant changes were observed during seizure. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results in a larger number of subjects.
Recent studies on the origins of cellular organelles.

A major aspect of the problem of the evolutionary development of eukaryotic cells is that of the origins of mitochondria and chloroplasts. The discovery in these organelles of DNA and of biochemical systems for the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and protein has raised not only the problem of the extent of organelle autonomy within cells but also the possibility that these organelles arose as invasive prokaryotic symbionts. This chapter summarizes the present data on this subject and indicates some experimental approaches for the test of possible distant relationships of the organelles and modern prokaryotic organisms. Examples of the practical importance of this theoretical problem are given.
Critical Care Air Transport: Patient Flight Physiology and Organizational Considerations

The stresses of flight create new and unique considerations for the inexperienced medical provider during their initial involvement in the air transport of sick and injured patients. Not only must constant attention be paid to the impact of these stresses on a patient’s condition but on proper equipment performance and the ability of the caregivers to deliver the best medical support possible. Anticipation and prevention of potentially serious complications by vigilant patient monitoring and initiation of therapy is the responsibility of the entire medical crew during air transport. Appropriate ground training and familiarization with approved equipment will provide the crew members with the best opportunities for success.
Increasing Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Gay and Bisexual Men: A Randomized Pilot Trial of the Outsmart HPV Intervention.

Purpose The study purpose was to pilot test a web-based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination intervention among young gay and bisexual men (YGBM). Methods In 2016, we recruited 150 unvaccinated YGBM aged 18-25 years from the United States. We randomized participants to the Outsmart HPV intervention or a control group. Results HPV vaccine initiation was higher among the intervention group than the control group (45% vs. 26%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-4.67). We observed a trend toward higher HPV vaccine completion among the intervention group (11% vs. 3%; OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 0.87-20.66). Conclusions Outsmart HPV is a promising strategy for increasing HPV vaccination among YGBM.
Abstract 2662: Indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors target the DNA G-quadruplex formed in the c-Myc promoter and cause MYC downregulation

The inhibition of DNA topoisomerase I (Top1) has proven to be a successful approach toward the design of anticancer agents. Indenoisoquinoline derivatives have been designed and developed as Top1 inhibitors and can overcome some shortcomings associated with the camptothecin Top1 inhibitors, resulting in three indenoisoquinoline compounds, indotecan (LMP 400), indimitecan (LMP776), and LMP744 entering Phase I clinical trials at the National Cancer Institute. However, some active indenoisoquinolines did not show potent Top1 inhibition, suggesting a separate mechanism of action. c-Myc is one of the most commonly deregulated genes in human cancers; a DNA G-quadruplex (G4) formed in the proximal promoter region of c-Myc has been found to function as a transcriptional silencer and be amenable to small molecule targeting. As indenoisoquinolines share structure similarity to our c-Myc G-quadruplex (MycG4)-interactive compounds, we hypothesized that indenoisoquinolines could stabilize MycG4 and downregulate MYC transcription. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay, we examined the MycG4 stabilization activity of 56 indenoisoquinoline compounds that we previously developed as Top1 inhibitors. Notably, 26 of the 56 compounds decreased the fluorescence intensity by at least 50%, and the 10 most potent compounds reduced fluorescence intensities by over 70%, indicating that these indenoisoquinolines are effective MycG4 stabilizers. The identified compounds were further characterized by fluorescence anisotropy, circular dichroism, and nuclear magnetic resonance for MycG4 interactions, followed by western blot assays for MYC downregulation. Significantly, the compounds with good MycG4 binding activity and affinity exhibited significant dose-dependent reduction of MYC expression, indicating that targeting the c-Myc promoter G-quadruplex is a likely mechanism of action for these active anticancer compounds. Furthermore, some active indenoisoquinolines exhibited both MYC downregulation and Top1 inhibition, suggesting that dual targeting c-Myc G-quadruplex and Top1 may represent a novel mechanism of action for anticancer drug design. Citation Format: Kaibo Wang, Mohamed S. A. Elsayed, Guanhui Wu, Mark Cushman, Danzhou Yang. Indenoisoquinoline topoisomerase I inhibitors target the DNA G-quadruplex formed in the c-Myc promoter and cause MYC downregulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2662.
Self-Reported Physical and Mental Health of Gender Nonconforming Transgender Adults in the United States

Abstract Purpose: This study compares the health status of gender nonconforming transgender adults with gender-binary transgender peers (i.e., transgender men and transgender women). Methods: We pe...
The Language of Biomaterials-Based Technologies

A consensus conference on the language of biomaterials science held back in 1986 identified a series of definitions that underpinned this important area. Language naturally evolves and, over 30 years later, it was deemed relevant to re-visit this topic. Within a critical, fast-moving field such as medical technology, it is essential that this evolution identifies with accuracy, validity, and clarity while avoiding the dangers of hype, exaggeration, and advocacy. This Perspectives Paper summarizes the major conclusions of a new consensus conference held in Chengdu, China, in June 2018 that debated the words currently used in biomaterials science. The occasion was used to re-evaluate some conventional terms that needed updating in the light of scientific and clinical advances, and also to assess and develop the terminology of growth areas such as tissue regeneration and biomaterials-related biotechnology. Among these forward-looking terms were tissue-inducing biomaterials, regeneration and its derivatives regenerative medicine and regenerative engineering, and several terms associated with microphysiological systems, organoid technology, and biomaterialomics. A full transcript of the conference will be published shortly. In June 2018, a Consensus Conference on Definitions in Biomaterials Science took place in Chengdu, China. The present paper discusses the rationale for this conference and summarizes the main definitions that were agreed. These especially concerned some of the terms recently introduced in the areas of regenerative medicine and regenerative engineering
Proposing an Alternative Narrative: An Ethnoracial Reading of Matthew 26–27

This chapter presents an alternative reading of Jesus’ crucifixion as ὁ βασιλeὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων in Matthew’s passion narrative. The argument, in short, is that Jesus is minoritized as an ethnoracial-other. Just as important as its substance, however, is the basis for the alternative narrative. The reading is pursued in light of the experiences of US minority groups, drawing on four conventional tropes that have been historically used against Native Americans (“being proud”), African Americans (“being inferior”), Latino/a Americans (“being illegal”), and Asian Americans (“being foreign”). These four tropes—alternatively summarized as beyond, below, between, and besides the normative center of whiteness—furnish a critical lens to reframe the politics of race/ethnicity. Accordingly, the title ὁ βασιλeὺς τῶν Ἰουδαίων is not a positive messianic designation. It is an ethnoracial slur that signifies Jesus’ death on a Roman crucifix as a grotesque act of minoritization—specifically, Judean ethnoracialization.
Accuracy of the Ventilator Automated Displayed Respiratory Mechanics in Passive and Active Breathing Conditions: A Bench Study.

BACKGROUND: New-generation ventilators display dynamic measures of respiratory mechanics, such as compliance, resistance, and auto-PEEP. Knowledge of the respiratory mechanics is paramount to clinicians at the bedside. These calculations are obtained automatically by using the least squares fitting method of the equation of motion. The accuracy of these calculations in static and dynamic conditions have not been fully validated or examined in different clinical conditions or various ventilator modes. METHODS: A bench study was performed by using a lung simulator to compare the ventilator automated calculations during passive and active conditions. Three clinical scenarios (normal, COPD, and ARDS) were simulated with known compliances and resistance set per respective condition: normal (compliance 50 mL/cm H2O, resistance 10 cm H2O/L/s), COPD (compliance 60 mL/cm H2O, resistance 22 cm H2O/L/s), and ARDS (compliance 30 mL/cm H2O, and resistance 13 cm H2O/L/s). Each scenario was subjected to 4 different muscle pressures (Pmus): 0, −5, −10, and −15 cm H2O. All the experiments were done using adaptive support ventilation. The resulting automated dynamic calculations of compliance and resistance were then compared based on the clinical scenarios. RESULTS: There was a small bias (average error) and level of agreement in the passive conditions in all the experiments; however, these errors and levels of agreement got progressively higher proportional to the increased Pmus. There was a strong positive correlation between Pmus and compliance measured as well as a strong negative correlation between Pmus and resistance measured. CONCLUSIONS: Automated displayed calculations of respiratory mechanics were not dependable or accurate in active breathing conditions. The calculations were clinically more reliable in passive conditions. We propose different methods of calculating Pmus, which, if incorporated into the calculations, would improve the accuracy of respiratory mechanics made via the least squares fitting method in actively breathing conditions.
Aortic Valve Replacement for Severe Aortic Stenosis Before and During the Era of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Recent positive results of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) in clinical trials have sparked debate on whether TAVI should be first line for all patients with aortic stenosis. However, limited evidence exists on the clinical impact of TAVI on a national level. Using the national inpatient sample (NIS) of hospital discharges in the United States from 2001 to 2016, we evaluated the rate of AVR and associated in-hospital outcomes in pre-TAVI and TAVI era. Hierarchical mixed effect modeling was used to assess for trend and calculate risk adjusted estimates. Annual volume of AVR increased from 49,357 in 2001 to 100,050 in 2016 (103% increase). Compared with the pre-TAVI era, mean annual change in volume of AVR was higher in the TAVI era (+2.9% vs +9.4%, respectively, p
Exosomes from COVID-19 Patients Carry Tenascin-C and Fibrinogen-β in Triggering Inflammatory Signals in Cells of Distant Organ.

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause cytokine storm and may overshoot immunity in humans; however, it remains to be determined whether virus-induced soluble mediators from infected cells are carried by exosomes as vehicles to distant organs and cause tissue damage in COVID-19 patients. We took an unbiased proteomic approach for analyses of exosomes isolated from plasma of healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients. Our results revealed that tenascin-C (TNC) and fibrinogen-β (FGB) are highly abundant in exosomes from COVID-19 patients’ plasma compared with that of healthy normal controls. Since TNC and FGB stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokines via the Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway, we examined the status of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C–C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) expression upon exposure of hepatocytes to exosomes from COVID-19 patients and observed significant increase compared with that from healthy subjects. Together, our results demonstrate that TNC and FGB are transported through plasma exosomes and potentially trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling in cells of distant organ.
Control of sulfides and coliphage MS2 using hydrogen peroxide and UV disinfection for non-potable reuse of pilot-scale anaerobic membrane bioreactor effluent.

Abstract Anaerobic membrane bioreactors reduce the energy cost of wastewater treatment and meet filtration requirements for non-potable reuse. However, sulfides (H2S/HS−) formed during anaerobic treatment exert a high chlorine demand and inhibit UV disinfection by photon shielding at 254 nm. This study evaluated the feasibility of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for sulfide oxidation, UV disinfection for inactivation of MS2 bacteriophage, and chlorine to provide a residual for distribution. H2O2 treatment at pH ≥ 8 favored sulfide oxidation to sulfate in 30 min at a 4:1 H2O2:sulfide stoichiometry. Compared to a 6:1 H2O2:sulfide molar ratio, treatment of anaerobic effluent with 0.5 mM sulfides with a 4:1 H2O2:sulfide molar ratio would increase the applied UV fluence needed for 5-log MS2 inactivation from 180 mJ cm−2 to 225 mJ cm−2. However, the lower H2O2 dose reduced the dose of chlorine needed to quench residual H2O2 and provide a residual for distribution. Treatment at the 4:1 H2O2:sulfide molar ratio was favored, because the cost savings in H2O2 and chlorine reagents outweighed the energy savings associated with UV treatment. However, H2O2/UV/chlorine treatment of anaerobic effluent was cost-competitive with conventional treatment of aerobic effluent for non-potable reuse only for
Microstructure and mechanical properties of high Mn-containing ferritic-martensitic alloys exposed to cyclical thermal treatment

Abstract Substantial residual tensile stress tends to accumulate in currently available high-Cr ferritic martensitic steels that are subjected to cyclical heat treatment, which leads to premature brittle fracture. By tailoring the alloy composition, this thermal cycling can be exploited to induce a high number density of nanoprecipitates and phase transformations countering residual tensile stresses. In this work, three new variants of ferritic-martensitic steels have been designed with computational thermodynamics to meet the goals of mitigating residual tensile stresses by lowering martensite start temperatures and of enhancing mechanical strength and irradiation sink strength by increasing the number density of nanoprecipitates. Cast materials were subjected to cyclical heat treatment. The thermally cycled samples were evaluated with mechanical testing and microstructural analysis to identify the optimal composition in which figures of merit include low residual stress and a high density of nanoscale MX (M = metal, X = C/N) precipitates, leading to high yield strength with reasonable ductility. The noticeably higher density of nanoprecipitates in the optimal alloy favor its higher yield strength, which is supported by the microstructure-derived yield strength calculation and precipitation kinetics simulation.
Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of children with methylmalonic academia: A single-center study in China and a recent literature review.

Abstract Background Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is a rare inherited metabolic disease caused by methylmalonyl-CoA deficiency or cobalamin metabolism disorder. It is mainly inherited in autosomal recessive mode. According to whether combined with homocysteinemia and the causative genes, it can be divided into many different subtypes. Early diagnosis and early treatment can significantly improve the prognosis. Methods The children with MMA diagnosed in Tianjin Children's Hospital from 2012 to 2020 were collected. All the children underwent comprehensive physical and laboratory examinations. The metabolites in blood and urine were screened by mass spectrometry. Sanger sequencing, Next-generation sequencing and methylation detection were used for gene detection. Results The detection rate of MMA was 0.20% in children with high-risk of inherited metabolic diseases. The three most common clinical phenotypes of children with MMA were respiratory / metabolic acidosis, global developmental delay and anemia, which were found in 36.00%, 33.33% and 30.67% of children respectively. The most common mutations of MMACHC gene in children with cblC were c.609G > A, c.658_660delAAG and c.80A > G, with frequencies of 34.09%, 13.64% and 13.64%, respectively. Conclusions This research expands the study of phenotype and genotype of MMA in Chinese population, and can provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of MMA.
Ship operation cost control as a carrier’s competitiveness factor

In the paper general considerations on possible ways of controlling ship operation costs by a carrier are presented. Relationships of all important components of ship operation costs versus different internal and external factors are shortly described and possible ways of controlling the cost components are indicated. At this stage of the study only the qualitative aspects of the subject are considered.
Overview of Aminoglycosides and Enzyme-Mediated Bacterial Resistance, Clinical Implications

This chapter focuses on varied mechanisms by which aminoglycosidemodifying enzymes (AMEs) confer resistance to aminoglycosides. Clinical resistance to aminoglycosides emerges by one of four mechanisms: (i) loss of cell permeability (decreased uptake); (ii) alterations in the target site (ribosome) that prevent binding; (iii) expulsion by efflux pumps; and (iv) enzymatic inactivation by AMEs. Inhibition of AMEs by drugs such as dibekacin (a semisynthetic aminoglycoside), 5-epi-sisomicin, and 5-epi-gentamicin is discussed in the chapter that ensues. The major thrust of current efforts at AME inhibition has targeted the APH enzymes. Dimeric aminoglycosides and construction of amino-glycosides that undergo a cyclic process of phosphorylation and release of inorganic phosphate are exciting developments. In understanding these mechanisms, the reader should keep in mind the microbiological difference between in vitro synergism and clinical trials showing the benefits of synergistic therapy. Studies of the structure of the ribosome have resulted in an intense interest in aminoglycosides and macrolides as therapeutic agents. The lessons learned from the study of the mechanism of action and resistance of these agents will undoubtedly lead to further development of novel inhibitors of protein synthesis.
Passive microwave remote and in situ measurements of artic and subarctic snow covers in Alaska

Airborne and satellite passive microwave measurements acquired simultaneously with ground measurements of depth, density, and stratigraphy of the snow in central and northern Alaska between March 11 and 19, 1988, are reported. A good correspondence in brightness temperature (TB) trends between the aircraft and satellite data was found. An expected inverse correlation between depth hoar thickness and TB was not found to be strong. A persistent TB minimum in both the aircraft and the satellite data was detected along the northern foothills of the Brooks Range. In an area located at about 68 deg 60 min N, 149 deg 20 min W, the TB as recorded from the aircraft microwave sensor dropped by 55 K. Satellite microwave measurements showed a TB decrease of up to 45 K at approximately the same location. An examination of microwave satellite data from 1978 to 1987 revealed that similar low late-winter values were found in approximately the same locations as those observed in March 1988.
139La nuclear quadrupole resonance studies of pure and (Sr and Ni) doped La2CuO4

Abstract We have carried out 139La NQR measurements on La2−xSrxCuO4, La1.80CuO4 and La2Cu0.85Ni0.15O4 at 1.3 K and 4.2 K in both zero and applied fields. We find from the zero field Zeeman splitting of a NQR peak that La2−xSrxCuO4 remains magnetically ordered up to x=0.05 at low temperatures. Increasing the Sr-doping lowers the NQR frequencies, which is consistent with a decrease of the electric field gradient (EFG) at the La nuclei. The NQR spin-echo decay rate ( 1 T 2 ) increases with a very small amount of Sr-doping (x=0.01) and shows a peak at x=0.01. The close similarity between the spectra of La1.80CuO4 and La2CuO4 suggests a lack of simple substitutional La vacancies in the nominally La-deficient sample. Strong broadening of the NQR spectrum in the Ni-doped sample was observed.
Patterns of fungal resource utilization and feeding range in some mycophagous Tubulifera (Insecta: Thysanoptera)

Adaptive specialization in terms of survival due to diverse fungal feeding preferences and seasonal dispersal is indicated in the sporophagous speciesLoyolaia indica (Anan). Feeding behavioural patterns of six species of mycophagous Tubulifera reflect diversity in fungal resource utilization and feeding range. Influence of fungal food on the strategies of survival, reproduction and aggregation has been discussed.
When Fish Walk on Land: Social History in a Postmodern World

When the "new social history" movement developed in early American studies around 1970—with the near simultaneous publication of path-breaking work by John Demos, Philip Greven, Jr., Kenneth Lockridge, and Michael Zuckerman—critics hailed the arrival of a new more inclusive kind of bottom-up history, one that focused on the daily life of the "average man." But almost as quickly, they also began to worry about the problem of fragmentation and the related decline of narrative forms of historical writing. Now, more than thirty years later, scholars of early America are finding creative ways to reinvent the very idea of synthesis, offering new narratives that draw on postmodern theories of identity and power in order to integrate disparate elements of the historical record in fresh and exciting ways.
Comprehensive care of the patient with haemophilia and inhibitors undergoing surgery: practical aspects

Summary Congenital haemophilia is a rare and complex condition for which dedicated specialized and comprehensive care has produced measurable improvements in clinical outcomes and advances in patient management. Among these advances is the ability to safely perform surgery in patients with inhibitor antibodies to factors VIII and IX, in whom all but the most necessary of surgeries were once avoided due to the risk for uncontrollable bleeding due to ineffectiveness of replacement therapy. Nevertheless, surgery continues to pose a major challenge in this relatively rare group of patients because of significantly higher costs than in patients without inhibitors, as well as a high risk for bleeding and other complications. Because of the concentration of expertise and experience, it is recommended that any surgery in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors be planned in conjunction with a haemophilia treatment centre (HTC) and performed in a hospital that incorporates a HTC. Coordinated, standard pre-, intra- and postoperative assessments and planning are intended to optimize surgical outcome and utilization of resources, including costly factor concentrates and other haemostatic agents, while minimizing the risk for bleeding and other adverse consequences both during and after surgery. This article will review the special considerations for patients with inhibitors as they prepare for and move through surgery and recovery, with an emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of individual members of the multidisciplinary team in facilitating this process.
ANOXIC WATER IN THE PETTAQUAMSCUTT RIVER1

Deep basins in the Pettaquamscutt River (Rhode Island), a narrow estuary, are highly stratified. Biogenic H2S accumulates in bottom water to a concentration of 4.5 mm, several times the concentration reported in other anoxic marine or estuarine environments. The alkalinity, which reaches a concentration of 12.66 meq/liter, as well as the observed pH, can be explained by considering the water a solution of several alkaline substances and one acid, H2CO3. Knull and Richards’ model of alkalinity in anoxic water is improved by taking NH3 into account. Richards’ model of sulfate reduction by organic matter accurately predicts the concentrations of those major products influencing alkalinity and pH.
A New Era in Mammography Screening

In this issue of Radiology, Zuley et al show, in a large reader study, that synthetic two-dimensional (2D) images reconstructed from digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) projection images can replace full-exposure full-field digital mammography (FFDM) 2D images, while in the Oslo study, also reported here, DBT plus synthetic 2D images produced results that were comparable to those of full-exposure DBT plus FFDM.
New dimensions in natural products research: cultured marine microorganisms

Abstract After almost 40 years of investigation, a period in which over 6000 new compounds have been discovered, marine natural products researchers have begun to view the marine environment from a different perspective. Marine microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and microalgae, most of which were previously ignored, have now come into focus as important new sources of biologically active compounds. Exciting recent results include the landmark structural characterization of maitotoxin, a dinoflagellate metabolite that is the most toxic and largest non-biopolymer ever studied, and the discovery of curacin A, a potential anticancer agent from a marine cyanobacterium. Although new compounds are being isolated from marine microorganisms, a great need exists for the development of microbiological methods that will allow the isolation and culture of microorganisms that are truly unique to the marine environment.
Mitogenic Signaling by Ret/ptc2 Requires Association with Enigma via a LIM Domain

The ret/ptc2 papillary thyroid cancer oncogene, an oncogenic form of the c-Ret receptor tyrosine kinase, is the product of a somatic crossover event fusing the dimerization domain of the type Ialpha regulatory subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase (RI) with the tyrosine kinase domain of c-Ret. Mitogenic activity of Ret/ptc2 required dimerization via the N terminus of RI and a tyrosine residue located C-terminal to the kinase core of Ret, Tyr-586 (Durick, K., Yao, V. J., Borrello, M. G., Bongarzone, I., Pierotti, M. A. and Taylor, S. S. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 24642-24645). Using the yeast two-hybrid system, Ret/ptc2 binding proteins were identified, and the sites of interaction with Ret/ptc2 were mapped. The SH2 domains of phospholipase Cgamma and Grb10 were both identified, and binding depended on phosphorylation of Tyr-539 and Tyr-429, respectively. These interactions, however, were not required for mitogenic signaling. The second of the three LIM domains in Enigma (Wu, R. Y., and Gill, G. N. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 25085-25090) was also identified as a Ret/ptc2 binding domain. Enigma, a 455-residue protein, was discovered based on its interaction with the insulin receptor through the C-terminal LIM domain. Although the association with Enigma required Tyr-586 of Ret/ptc2, the interaction was phosphorylation-independent. In contrast to the SH2 interactions, disruption of the interaction with Enigma abolished Ret/ptc2 mitogenic signaling, suggesting that LIM domain recognition of an unphosphorylated tyrosine-based motif is required for Ret signal transduction.
Jablesses, Sourcriants, Loups‐garous: Obeah as an alternative epistemology in the writing of Jean Rhys and Jamaica Kincaid

(1997). Jablesses, Sourcriants, Loups‐garous: Obeah as an alternative epistemology in the writing of Jean Rhys and Jamaica Kincaid. World Literature Written in English: Vol. 36, No. 1, pp. 3-29.
A new bound for space bounded server algorithms

This paper studies the competitive factor of space bounded algorithms for the k-server problem operating in finite metric spaces. Specifically, two methods are developed for obtaining an upper bound on competitive factors of arbitrary space bounded algorithms. One of these methods is then used to show that an LRU-like algorithm is linearly-competitive on a uniform metric space.
Effect of pretreatment with hepatic mixed-function oxidase inducers on the genotoxicity of four rat carcinogens in the hepatocyte/DNA repair assay

Four genotoxic rat carcinogens, previously reported as negative in the standard hepatocyte/DNA repair assay, were studied in hepatocyte cultures derived from the livers of rats pretreated with the hepatic mixed-function oxidase (MFO) inducers, Aroclor (ARO) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC). Cytembena and dimethyl hydrogen phosphite induced positive dose-dependent DNA repair responses in ARO- and 3-MC-pretreated cultures, while 2,4-, 2,6-toluene diisocyanate, and ziram were negative for unscheduled DNA synthesis in cultures from both pretreatments. The results from this study indicate that pretreatment with hepatic MFO inducers lowers the false-negative detection rate of various genotoxic rat carcinogens and other organ-specific genotoxins and significantly increases the sensitivity of the in vitro rat hepatocyte/DNA repair assay.
Reinforcement of Nylon-6 Filaments with SiO2 Nanoparticles and Comparison of Young's Modulus with Theoretical Bounds

Spherical silica nanoparticles were infused into nylon-6 and drawn into filaments through a melt-extrusion process. The idea was to improve the strength and stiffness of the resulting filaments by utilizing the interactions between the nanoparticles and the polymer. The focus was to increase the fracture strain of the filaments, as this had not been possible earlier with the infusion of carbon nanotubes. It has been observed that with the infusion of silica nanoparticles, the strength and Young's modulus of the nylon filament can be enhanced in the 28 to 36% range without any loss of fracture strain. The source of this improvement has been traced to the formation of stronger amide and carbonyl bonds, nucleated by the presence of SiO 2 nanoparticles during polymerization. Moreover, calculations based on basic theories of inclusions show that the Young's modulus of the nanophased filament is within 5% of the upper bound predicted by the micromechanical theory.
The ski oncogene induces muscle differentiation in quail embryo cells

Abstract Quail embryo cells (QECs) are primary cultures of fibroblastoid cells that become myogenic after infection with avian retroviruses expressing the ski oncogene (SKVs). ski also stimulates proliferation of QECs and induces morphological transformation and anchorage-independent growth. Paradoxically, ski -transformed clones picked from soft agar are capable of muscle differentiation. ski -induced differentiation is essentially indistinguishable from that of uninfected myoblasts in culture with regard to muscle-specific gene expression, commitment, and inhibition by growth factors or other oncogenes. However, ski -induced myoblasts have less stringent requirements for growth and differentiation. Uninfected QECs cannot differentiate and do not express an early marker for the myogenic lineage. Clonal analysis indicates that at least 40% of QECs are converted by ski to differentiating myoblasts. The data suggest that ski induces either the capacity for differentiation in an "incompetent" muscle precursor or the determination of nonmyogenic cells to the myogenic lineage.
The `sliced-cylinder' laboratory model of the wind-driven ocean circulation. Part 1. Steady forcing and topographic Rossby wave instability

The nonlinear response of the ‘sliced-cylinder’ laboratory model for the wind-driven ocean circulation is re-examined here in part 1 for the case of strong steady forcing. Introduced by Pedlosky & Greenspan (1967), the model consists of a rapidly rotating right cylinder with a planar sloping bottom. The homogeneous contained fluid is driven by the slow rotation of the flat upper lid relative to the rest of the basin. Except in thin Ekman and Stewartson boundary layers on the solid surfaces of the basin, the horizontal flow in the interior and western boundary layer is constrained by the rapid rotation of the basin to be independent of depth. The model thus effectively simulates geophysical flows through the physical analogy between topographic vortex stretching in the laboratory model and the creation of relative vorticity in planetary flows by the β effect.As the forcing is increased, the flow in both the sliced-cylinder laboratory and numerical models first exhibits downstream intensification in the western boundary layer. At greater forcing, separation of the western boundary current occurs with the development of stationary topographic Rossby waves in the western boundary-layer transition regions. The observed flow ultimately becomes unstable when a critical Ekman-layer Reynolds number is exceeded. We first review and compare the experimental and numerical descriptions of this low-frequency instability, then present a simple theoretical model which successfully explains this observed instability in terms of the local breakdown of the finite-amplitude topographic Rossby waves embedded in the western boundary current transition region. The inviscid stability analysis of Lorenz (1972) is extended to include viscous effects, with the consequence that dissipative processes in the sliced-cylinder problem (i.e. lateral and bottom friction) are shown to inhibit the onset of the instability until the topographic Rossby wave slope exceeds a finite critical value.
Management of patients with diabetes and "abnormal" blood pressure: selection of antihypertensive agents.

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the association of diabetes and hypertension and to discuss management strategies. Methods Published studies are summarized and various hypotheses are reviewed. Results Hypertension is a major determinant of the increased cardiovascular, peripheral vascular, and renal complications associated with diabetes. Recent evidence indicates that insulin resistance is one of the multiple key components of the pathophysiologic elements underlying the increased prevalence of hypertension associated with diabetes. In patients with diabetes, management of hypertension is frequently complicated by the coexistence of other macrovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia, obesity, visceral adiposity, and poor glycemic control. The choice of antihypertensive agents in both type I and type II diabetes must be based on the selective metabolic, hormonal, and hemodynamic advantages and disadvantages of these agents in individual patients. Conclusion Long-term trials are needed to determine the benefits, if any, of various angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel antagonists, and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists in preventing the cardiovascular and the renal complications of diabetes. (Endocr Pract. 1996; 2:276-279)
Upon further consideration [various computer problems]

The other discusses various problems associated with computer graphics including errors in fixed point arithmetic; tensor product representation in diagram notation; RGB to NTSC transcoding and the discrete cosine transform.
Permethrin Resistance Due to Knockdown Gene Mutations is Prevalent in Human Head Louse Populations

Permethrin resistance in head lice is mainly conferred by the knockdown resistance (kdr) trait, a voltage- sensitive sodium channel (VSSC) insensitivity factor. Three VSSC mutations have been identified and confirmed to reduce the sensitivity of VSSC to permethrin. A step-wise resistance monitoring system has been established based on molecular resistance detection techniques. Quantitative sequencing (QS) predicts the kdr allele frequency in head lice on a population basis. The speed, simplicity and accuracy of QS made it an ideal candidate for a routine primary resistance monitoring tool to screen a large number of wild louse populations as an alternative to conventional bioassay. As a secondary monitoring method, real-time PASA (rtPASA) provides a more precise determination of low resistance allele frequencies. To obtain more detailed information on resistance allele zygosity, as well as allele frequency, serial invasive signal amplification reaction (SISAR) is utilized as an individual genotyping method. Using this approach, kdr alleles were detected in head lice from 10 of the 14 countries examined and an overall kdr allele frequency of 73.8% determined.
Proteome analysis of Azotobacter vinelandii ∆arrF mutant that overproduces poly-β-hydroxybutyrate polymer.

Azotobacter vinelandii ArrF is an iron-responsive small RNA that is under negative control of Ferric uptake regulator protein. A. vinelandii ∆arrF mutant that had a deletion of the entire arrF gene was known to overproduce poly-β-hydroxybutyrate (PHB). Proteins differentially expressed in the mutant were identified by gel-based proteomics and confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. 6-Phosphogluconolactonase and E1 component of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which leads to the production of NADPH and acetyl-CoA, were upregulated, while proteins in the tricarboxylic acid cycle that consumes acetyl-CoA were downregulated. Heat-shock proteins such as HSP20 and GroEL were highly overexpressed in the mutant. Antioxidant proteins such as Fe-containing superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), a putative oxidoreductase, alkyl hydroperoxide reductase, flavorprotein WrbA, and cysteine synthase were also overexpressed in the ∆arrF mutant, indicating that the PHB accumulation is stressful to the cells. Upregulated in the ∆arrF mutant were acetyl-CoA carboxylase, flagellin, and adenylate kinase, though the reasons for their overexpression are unclear. Among genes upregulated in the mutant, sodB coding for FeSOD and phbF encoding PHB synthesis regulator PhbF were negatively regulated by small RNA ArrF probably in an antisense mechanism. The deletion of arrF gene, therefore, would increase PhbF and FeSOD levels, which favors PHB synthesis in the mutant. On the other hand, glutamate synthetase, elongation factor-Tu, iron ABC transporter, and major outer membrane porin OprF were downregulated in the ∆arrF mutant. Based on the results, it is concluded that multiple factors including the direct effect of small RNA ArrF might be responsible for the PHB overproduction in the mutant.
NUCLEAR DATA FOR A = 206 ISOBARS.

Abstract Nuclear data relating to nuclear isobars with A = 206 are presented. When new data with better accuracy are available, older data are often not quoted but only referred to. Similarly, only the latest data from an author are quoted when the measurement has been reported several times. From the cumulative data presented, conclusions about level energies, spins and parities are derived. Decay schemes, γ -ray properties and other properties of nuclear levels are also presented, whenever pertinent data are available. The schematic relation of isobars of A = 206 is presented in Drawing 1 as a summary of the entire chain. Since very good theoretical calculations are now available for two-hole states in A = 206 nuclei, these theoretical results are presented in Drawing 2 together with the adopted level schemes for 206 Tl (1 proton — 1 neutron hole) and 206 Pb (2 neutron holes). For 206 Hg no experimental data are available. For Z ⩾ 83 no results of theoretical calculations are presented. The only available calculation for 206 Bi is suspect because of problems revealed in a similar calculation for 208 Bi. A number of serious gaps in the available data are exposed, and attention is drawn to the possible experiments. These are:
Staring, a Novel E3 Ubiquitin-Protein Ligase That Targets Syntaxin 1 for Degradation*

Syntaxin 1 is an essential component of the neurotransmitter release machinery, and regulation of syntaxin 1 expression levels is thought to contribute to the mechanism underlying learning and memory. However, the molecular events that control the degradation of syntaxin 1 remain undefined. Here we report the identification and characterization of a novel RING finger protein, Staring, that interacts with syntaxin 1. Staring is expressed throughout the brain, where it exists in both cytosolic and membrane-associated pools. Staring binds and recruits the brain-enriched E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme UbcH8 to syntaxin 1 and facilitates the ubiquitination and proteasome-dependent degradation of syntaxin 1. These findings suggest that Staring is a novel E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that targets syntaxin 1 for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway.
Tirone David valve-sparing aortic root replacement and cusp repair for bicuspid aortic valve disease

Objectives The durability of valve-sparing aortic root replacement with or without cusp repair in patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is questioned. We analyzed the results of 75 patients with a BAV undergoing Tirone David reimplantation valve-sparing aortic root replacement. Methods Average age was 45 ± 10 years; 80% were male; 31% had 2+ or greater aortic regurgitation (AR); annular diameter averaged 28 ± 3 mm; 32% had a Sievers' type 0 BAV, and 66% underwent concomitant cusp repair (usually cusp free margin shortening) to correct prolapse. Early (6 ± 3 days) and late (2.9 ± 1.7, 1-10 years) postoperative echocardiographic results were compared (cumulative echocardiographic follow-up, 190 patient-years; median late interval, 2 years [interquartile range, 0.68, 4.2]). Seven patients remained at risk beyond 6 years. Clinical outcome and valve function were analyzed using log–rank calculations. Results Actuarial survival was 99% ± 2%; freedom from reoperation was 90% ± 5%, infection 98% ± 2%, and stroke 100% at 6 years. After initial improvement in degree of AR ( P P > .5); however, freedom from AR of more than 2+ was 100%. Cusp free margin shortening was not associated with valve deterioration, but commissural suspensory polytetrafluoroethylene neochord creation (n = 4) portended a higher probability of recurrent AR ( P = .025). Conclusions After David procedure and cusp repair in patients with a BAV, midterm clinical and valve function outcomes were favorable out to 6 years. More follow-up is required to determine long-term valve durability and the hazard of other clinically important late adverse events, including eventual reoperation, to beyond 10 years.
The Effect of Critical Illness on Acth, Cortisol and Aldosterone in Preterm Infants

Objective: To investigate the effect of illness on preterm infant's hypothalamus-putituary-adrenal axis, we measured the concentration of cortisol, aldosterone and ACTH.
EFFECTS OF VARIATIONS IN THE ROOT-LEAF RATIO ON TRANSPIRATION RATE

When conditions are favorable for relatively rapid transpiration the rate of water loss is often determined by the rate of absorption. If soil moisture is not limiting this rate depends largely on the extent and efficiency of the absorbing surface, that is, the root system. Variation in the ratio of root surface might therefore be expected to affect the rate of transpiration. Fowells and Kirk (2) found that removal of part of the root system of pine seedlings reduced transpiration, and Marshall and Maki (5) believed that transpiration of pine seedlings might be related to size of the root system. Bialoglowski (1) was able to demonstrate a quantitative relationship between root-leaf ratio and the water loss per unit of leaf surface with rooted lemon cuttings. In order to obtain further information on this relationship for various woody species, the following experiments were carried out.
A stepwise cloud shadow detection approach combining geometry determination and SVM classification for MODIS data

The identification of cloud shadow pixels is important for land and cloud–atmosphere remote-sensing applications. In this study, a stepwise cloud shadow detection approach for Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer MODIS 1 km reflectance data, which combines a geometry-based method, a threshold-based automated training data extraction, and a support vector machine SVM classification-based spectral detection process, is presented. An extended potential cloud shadow mask is generated according to the satellite and solar geometry and the positions of clouds. An automated training sample data-extraction process, which is based on the reflectance characteristics of cloud shadows, is performed to acquire training samples. Accurate cloud shadow pixels are then confirmed by the SVM classification algorithm. The advantage of this approach is that only reflectance data, geolocation data, and a cloud mask are required; no further cloud or atmospheric information, such as cloud-top height, cloud type, or aerosol information are needed in the workflow. The reduced input requirements benefit rapid-response remote-sensing applications such as flood detection and monitoring. Experimental results were compared with the spectral-based cloud shadow detection scheme, which was employed in the MOD35 product. The comparisons indicate that the new approach detects cloud shadows better than the results generated by using spectral threshold tests only.
Facile strategy for protein conjugation with chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid microparticle platforms via strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction.

We demonstrate a facile fabrication-conjugation scheme for protein-conjugated biosensing platforms. Specifically, we utilize a chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hybrid system to fabricate highly uniform and chemically reactive microparticle platforms via simple replica molding. Strain-promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition (SPAAC) reaction between azide-modified proteins and microparticles activated with strain-promoted cyclooctynes allows tunable protein conjugation under mild reaction conditions. Upon conjugation of a model red fluorescent protein, fluorescence and confocal micrographs show selective protein conjugation near the particle surfaces as well as long-term stability of the conjugation scheme. Fluorescence and AFM results upon conjugation with varying protein concentrations indicate controllable protein conjugation. Examination of protein-particle conjugation kinetics shows multiple reaction regimes; rapid initial, intermediate, and steady final stage. Lastly, we demonstrate antibody conjugation wit...