cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structure-specific tRNA Determinants for Editing a Mischarged Amino Acid

Alanyl-tRNA synthetase efficiently aminoacylates tRNAAla and an RNA minihelix that comprises just one domain of the two-domain L-shaped tRNA structure. It also clears mischarged tRNAAla using a specialized domain in its C-terminal half. In contrast to full-length tRNAAla, minihelixAla was robustly mischarged and could not be edited. Addition in trans of the missing anticodon-containing domain did not activate editing of mischarged minihelixAla. To understand these differences between minihelixAla and tRNAAla, several chimeric full tRNAs were constructed. These had the acceptor stem of a non-cognate tRNA replaced with the stem of tRNAAla. The chimeric tRNAs collectively introduced multiple sequence changes in all parts but the acceptor stem. However, although the acceptor stem in isolation (as the minihelix) lacked determinants for editing, alanyl-tRNA synthetase effectively cleared a mischarged amino acid from each chimeric tRNA. Thus, a covalently continuous two-domain structure per se, not sequence, is a major determinant for clearance of errors of aminoacylation by alanyl-tRNA synthetase. Because errors of aminoacylation are known to be deleterious to cell growth, structure-specific determinants constitute a powerful selective pressure to retain the format of the two-domain L-shaped tRNA.
Effect of Mutations at the Monomer-Monomer Interface of cAMP Receptor Protein on Specific DNA Binding

Abstract To determine the thermodynamic role of binding of an operon to cAMP receptor protein (CRP) in the activation of transcription, isothermal titration calorimetry measurements were performed on the binding of three 40-base pair DNA sequences to the cyclic nucleoside complexes of CRP and its mutants at 296 K. The three 40-base pair sequences consisted of a consensus DNA (conDNA) duplex derived from the CRP-binding site sequences of the operons activated by CRP and two DNA sequences based on the CRP-binding site sequences of the lac operon (lacDNA) and of the gal operon (galDNA). The mutants of CRP consisted of a T127L mutant, a S128A mutant, and a mutant containing both mutations (CRP*) which not only alter the transcriptional activity of the CRP complexes but also are involved in the monomer-monomer interfacial interactions of the CRP dimer. The binding reactions of the DNA duplexes to the fully cNMP-ligated CRP-mutant complexes were endothermic with binding constants as high as 6.6 ± 1.1 × 106 m −1 (conDNA·CRP(cAMP)2). ConDNA binding to the unligated T127L and CRP* mutants was observed as well as conDNA and lacDNA binding to CRP with cAMP bound to only one monomer. The reduction of the binding constants with increase in KCl concentration indicated the formation of two ion pairs for the cAMP-ligated CRP and S128A complexes and four ion pairs for the cAMP-ligated T127L and CRP* complexes. Reduction of the DNA binding constants upon substitution of D2O for H2O in the buffer, the large heat capacity changes, and the enthalpy-entropy compensation exhibited by the binding reactions indicate the importance of dehydration in the binding reaction. Small angle neutron scattering measurements on the lacDNA·CRP(cAMP)2 complex in D2O/H2O mixtures show that the DNA is bent around the cAMP-ligated protein in solution.
Math and science achievement in English language learners: Multivariate latent growth modeling of predictors, mediators, and moderators.

The effectiveness of various strategies for educating the growing U.S. population of English language learners (ELLs) has attracted a great deal of controversy. Bilingual education theory posits that retention and continued development of native language (L1) skills facilitate academic achievement through two mediating mechanisms. First, L1 proficiency promotes second language (L2) acquisition, which is required to succeed academically. Second, competence in the heritage language positively influences academic achievement by maintaining self-esteem. Both of these meditational chains were tested in a multivariate latent growth model of longitudinal data from the National Education Longitudinal Study (NELS:88/2000). L1 proficiency was specified to predict distal math and science outcomes through its association with both L2 literacy and self-esteem. In turn, academic self-concept was hypothesized to mediate the self-esteem--academic achievement relation. Home and school characteristics were included as covariates. The full model exhibited excellent fit only in the Hispanic portion of the ELL sample. Consistent with the broader literature, ethnicity appears to serve as an important moderator of the way native language proficiency relates to self-perception, L2 acquisition, and math and science achievement.
Virtuous circles and fragile states.

This article discusses the promotion of stable democracy in struggling nations through the use of agricultural and medical aid. The author argues that if impoverished nations were supplied with provisions such as crop seeds, non-perishable foods, and medicine then countries that provide aid as a means to promote the spread of democracy and fight terror would have greater national security.
Controversy surrounding the use of home oxygen for premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the criteria used in the current practice of neonatology for the initiation of home oxygen therapy in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and to compare these criteria with the available literature regarding the use of home oxygen therapy.
On the problem of consistent marking of a graph

Abstract A marked graph is a graph in which each vertex is given a sign + or −. We call such a graph consistent if every cycle has an even number of — signs. Consistent marked graphs arise in the study of communication networks and social networks. We discuss the problem of characterizing graphs that can be consistently marked using at least one — sign, reduce the problem to blocks, and solve it for blocks whose longest cycle has length at most 5.
Specific Heat of He 3 -He 4 Mixtures Very Near the λ Line

We have measured the specific heat of liquid ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ and four ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ mixtures under their saturated vapor pressure at temperatures very close to the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ temperature of each mixture. The specific heat of mixtures with large ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ concentration is clearly cusped at the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line. It approaches a finite maximum with infinite slope. This supports the conjecture that the specific heat of ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$-${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$ mixtures at constant chemical potential becomes infinite at the $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ line at all ${\mathrm{He}}^{3}$ concentrations.
Mouse Models of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Only 10% to 15% of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are candidates for potentially curative surgery due to the location or spread of disease at the time of diagnosis. Despite rapid progress in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying PDAC, translation to effective therapies has been modest at best. One of the key tools available for studying biology and developing more effective therapeutics is the laboratory mouse, mus musculus. This article explores new and innovative approaches to mouse modeling and how these approaches can be utilized to move the field forward.
The Military Household in Ottoman Egypt

For over 350 years, Egypt was the largest province of the Ottoman Empire, which had captured it from the Mamluk sultanate in 1517. It is well known that the Ottomans retained key Mamluk usages, above all in subprovincial administration, and that a number of the defeated Mamluks who were willing to cooperate with the new regime were allowed to join the Ottoman administration. In consequence, a number of practices of the Mamluk sultanate survived the Ottoman conquest. Critical administrative offices such as those of pilgrimage commander (amīr al-ḥajj), treasurer (daftardār), and deliverer of the annual tribute to Istanbul (khaznadār) were analogous to offices of the Mamluk sultanate, and the grandees whom the Ottomans installed in these offices were analogous to the Mamluk amirs of the sultanate. Above all, the practice of recruiting boys and young men from the Caucasus as military slaves, or mamluks, and training them as soldiers in households geared to that purpose appears not only to have survived but to have flourished in Ottoman Egypt. By the time of Bonaparte's invasion of Egypt in 1798, in fact, the province's military elite was dominated by Caucasian, and above all Georgian, mamluks. In the face of such apparent similarities with the Mamluk sultanate, it is tempting to define the military society of Ottoman Egypt as a continuation or revival of the sultanate.
The impact of gender on the perceptions of and preferences for technology-based games

Technical fluency and visual-spatial skills, requisites for proficiency in science, mathematics and engineering, are related to the use of technology-based games among children. Girls, however, do not play with the same prevalence as do boys and, thus, may not have the same access to the benefits of such play. To explore why, we perform an inventory of the technology-based games available in the USA and evaluate them vis-a-vis a technology-as-a-male critique, girls' and boys' play styles and the differences in game preferences among young men and women. The results show that games that match the play styles and preferences of girls are underrepresented not because the technology skews towards males, but rather because the preferences of girls and young women have simply been overlooked. The implications for socialising girls into technology and developing products that are attractive to girls (thus, tapping into a potentially lucrative but overlooked market segment) are discussed.
Impact of Inadequate Empiric Antimicrobial Therapy on Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Escherichia coli or Klebsiella Species Bacteremia

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of inadequate empiric antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) on mortality of patients with Escherichia coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia. Patients with E coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia were retrospectively analyzed to determine the effect of IEAT on 14-day mortality. IEAT of bacteremia was defined as administration of an antimicrobial agent to which the microorganism responsible for the bacteremia was resistant. IEAT was significantly associated with central venous catheter placement, Klebsiella species, and antimicrobial resistance among the 135 patients with E coli or Klebsiella species bacteremia (110 adequate, 25 inadequate). IEAT significantly increased 14-day mortality (32% vs 19%; P = .019). The increased 14-day mortality associated with IEAT was consistent among patients infected with E coli (33% vs 11%) or Klebsiella species (31% vs 15%). Independent risk factors for 14-day mortality in the multivariate analysis included Acute Physiology and Chroni...
Hydrophobically Modified Polyelectrolytes in Dilute Salt-Free Solutions

The universal diagram of states of hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes in dilute salt- free solutions is calculated in the framework of the scaling approach. The equilibrium conformations of these polymers were classified using two parameterssgeometric and energetic ratios of hydrophobic and polyelectrolyte blocks in unassociated states (the ratio of block sizes and the ratio of block energies). The hydrophobically modified polyelectrolytes self-organize either into necklaces of hairy, crew-cut, or braided micelles or into wormlike cylindrical micelles depending on the values of these two parameters. The universal diagram of states is modified by the counterion condensation.
Algebraic list-decoding on the operator channel

The operator channel was introduced by Koetter and Kschischang as a model of errors and erasures for randomized network coding, in the case where network topology is unknown (the noncoherent case). The input and output of the operator channel are vector subspaces of the ambient space; thus error-correcting codes for this channel are collections of such subspaces. Koetter and Kschischang also constructed a remarkable family of codes for the operator channel. The Koetter-Kschischang codes are similar to Reed-Solomon codes in that codewords are obtained by evaluating certain (linearized) polynomials. In this paper, we consider the problem of list-decoding the Koetter-Kschischang codes on the operator channel. In a sense, we are able to achieve for these codes what Sudan was able to achieve for Reed-Solomon codes. In order to do so, we have to modify and generalize the original Koetter-Kschischang construction in many important respects. The end result is this: for any integer L, our list-L decoder guarantess successful recovery of the message subspace provided the normalized dimension of the error is at most L − L2(L + 1) over 2 R where R is the normalized rate of the code. Just as in the case of Sudan's list-decoding algorithm, this exceeds the previously best-known error-correction radius 1 - R, demonstrated by Koetter and Kschischang, for low rates R.
Isolation and Characterization of CD34+ Blast-Derived Exosomes in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Exosomes are membrane-bound vesicles found in all biological fluids. AML patients' plasma collected at diagnosis contains elevated exosome levels relative to normal donor (ND) plasma. The molecular profile of AML exosomes changes in the course of therapy and may serve as a measure of disease progression or response to therapy. However, plasma contains a mix of exosomes derived from various cell types. To be able to utilize blast-derived exosomes as biomarkers for AML, we have developed an immunoaffinity-based capture method utilizing magnetic microbeads coated with anti-CD34 antibody (Ab). This Ab is specific for CD34, a unique marker of AML blasts. The capture procedure was developed using CD34+ exosomes derived from Kasumi-1 AML cell culture supernatants. The capture capacity of CD34microbeads was shown to linearly correlate with the input exosomes. A 10 uL aliquot of CD34 microbeads was able to capture all of CD34+ exosomes present in 100–1,000 uL of AML plasma. The levels of immunocaptured CD34+ exosomes correlated with the percentages of CD34+ blasts in the AML patients' peripheral blood. The immunocaptured exosomes had a typical cup-shaped morphology by transmission electron microscopy, and their molecular cargo was similar to that of parental blasts. These exosomes were biologically-active. Upon co-incubation with natural killer (NK) cells, captured blast-derived exosomes down-regulated surface NKG2D expression, while non-captured exosomes reduced expression levels of NKp46. Our data provide a proof-of-principle that blast-derived exosomes can be quantitatively recovered from AML patients' plasma, their molecular profile recapitulates that of autologous blasts and they retain the ability to mediate immune suppression. These data suggest that immunocaptured blast-derived exosomes might be useful in diagnosis and/or prognosis of AML in the future.
Cisplatin Nephrotoxicity: A Review

Background: Cisplatin is a major antineo- plastic drug for the treatment of solid tumors, but it has dose-dependent renal toxicity. Methods: We reviewed clinical and experimental literature on cisplatin nephro- toxicity to identify new information on the mechanism of injury and potential approaches to prevention and/or treatment. Results: Unbound cisplatin is freely filtered at the glomerulus and taken up into renal tubular cells mainly by a transport-mediated process. The drug is at least partially metabolized into toxic species. Cisplatin has multiple intracellular effects, including regulating genes, causing direct cytotoxicity with reactive oxygen species, activating mitogen-activated protein kinases, inducing apoptosis, and stimulating inflammation and fibrogenesis. These events cause tubular damage and tu- bular dysfunction with sodium, potassium, and magne- sium wasting. Most patients have a reversible decrease in glomerular filtration, but some have an irreversible de- crease in glomerular filtration. Volume expansion and sa- line diuresis remain the most effective preventive strategies. Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms of injury has led to multiple approaches to prevention. Furthermore, the experimental approaches in these studies with cisplatin are potentially applicable to other drugs causing renal dysfunc- tion. KEY INDEXING TERMS: Cisplatin; Toxicity; Acute renal insufficiency; Apoptosis; Reactive oxygen species. (Am J Med Sci 2007;334(2):115-124.)
JFC1, a novel tandem C2 domain-containing protein associated with the leukocyte NADPH oxidase.

We have employed a yeast two-hybrid system to screen a B lymphoblast-derived cDNA library, searching for regulatory components of the NADPH oxidase. Using as bait the C-terminal half of p67phox, which contains both Src homology 3 domains, we have cloned JFC1, a novel human 62-kDa protein. JFC1 possesses two C2 domains in tandem. The C2A domain shows homology with the C2B domain of synaptotagmins. JFC1 mRNA was abundantly expressed in bone marrow and leukocytes. The expression of JFC1 in neutrophils was restricted to the plasma membrane/secretory vesicle fraction. We confirmed JFC1-p67phox association by affinity chromatography. JFC1-containing beads pulled down both p67phoxand p47phox subunits from neutrophil cytosol, but when the recombinant proteins were used, only p67phox bound to JFC1, indicating that JFC1 binds to the cytosolic complex via p67phoxwithout affecting the interaction between p67phox and p47phox. In contrast to synaptotagmins, JFC1 was unable to bind to inositol 1,3,4,5-tetrakisphosphate but did bind to phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate and to a lesser extent to phosphatidylinositol 3,4-diphosphate. From the data presented here, it is proposed that JFC1 is acting as an adaptor protein between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase products and the oxidase cytosolic complex.
10Be dating reveals early-middle Holocene age of the Drygalski Moraines in central West Greenland

We reconstruct the history of the Greenland Ice Sheet margin on the Nuussuaq Peninsula in central West Greenland through the Holocene using lake sediment analysis and cosmogenic 10Be exposure dating of the prominent Drygalski Moraines. Erratics perched on bedrock outboard of the Drygalski Moraines constrain local deglaciation to ∼9.9 ± 0.6 ka (n = 2). Three Drygalski Moraine crests yield mean 10Be ages of 8.6 ± 0.4 ka (n = 2), 8.5 ± 0.2 ka (n = 3), and 7.6 ± 0.1 ka (n = 2) from outer to inner. Perched erratics between the inner two moraines average 7.8 ± 0.1 ka (n = 2) and are consistent with the moraine ages. Sediments from a proglacial lake with a catchment area extending an estimated 2 km beneath (inland of) the present ice sheet terminus constrain an ice sheet minimum extent from 5.4 ka to 0.6 ka. The moraine chronology paired with the lake sediment stratigraphy reveals that the ice margin likely remained within ∼2 km of its present position from ∼9.9 to 5.4 ka. This unexpected early Holocene stability, preceded by rapid ice retreat and followed by minimum ice extent between ∼5.4 and 0.6 ka, contrasts with many records of early Holocene warmth and the Northern Hemisphere summer insolation maximum. We suggest ice margin stability may instead be tied to adjacent ocean temperatures, which reached an optimum in the middle Holocene.
A further critique of the analytic strategy of adjusting for covariates to identify biologic mediation

Epidemiologic research is often devoted to etiologic investigation, and so techniques that may facilitate mechanistic inferences are attractive. Some of these techniques rely on rigid and/or unrealistic assumptions, making the biologic inferences tenuous. The methodology investigated here is effect decomposition: the contrast between effect measures estimated with and without adjustment for one or more variables hypothesized to lie on the pathway through which the exposure exerts its effect. This contrast is typically used to distinguish the exposure's indirect effect, through the specified intermediate variables, from its direct effect, transmitted via pathways that do not involve the specified intermediates. We apply a causal framework based on latent potential response types to describe the limitations inherent in effect decomposition analysis. For simplicity, we assume three measured binary variables with monotonic effects and randomized exposure, and use difference contrasts as measures of causal effect. Previous authors showed that confounding between intermediate and the outcome threatens the validity of the decomposition strategy, even if exposure is randomized. We define exchangeability conditions for absence of confounding of causal effects of exposure and intermediate, and generate two example populations in which the no-confounding conditions are satisfied. In one population we impose an additional prohibition against unit-level interaction (synergism). We evaluate the performance of the decomposition strategy against true values of the causal effects, as defined by the proportions of latent potential response types in the two populations. We demonstrate that even when there is no confounding, partition of the total effect into direct and indirect effects is not reliably valid. Decomposition is valid only with the additional restriction that the population contain no units in which exposure and intermediate interact to cause the outcome. This restriction implies homogeneity of causal effects across strata of the intermediate. Reliable effect decomposition requires not only absence of confounding, but also absence of unit-level interaction and use of linear contrasts as measures of causal effect. Epidemiologists should be wary of etiologic inference based on adjusting for intermediates, especially when using ratio effect measures or when absence of interacting potential response types cannot be confidently asserted.
A novel “green” fully-integrated ultrasensitive RFID-enabled gas sensor utilizing inkjet-printed antennas and carbon nanotubes

In this paper, the integration of a flexible RFID tag with an inkjet-printed Single Walled Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) film in a chipless sensor node for toxic gas detection was introduced for the first time. The whole module is realized on a “green” low-cost paper substrate. Carbon nanotube composites change their electric properties (e.g. resistance, dielectric properties) in the presence of very small quantities of toxic gases like ammonia and nitrogen oxide. The RFID tag is designed for the 868 MHz UHF band. When NO x gas is present, the resistance of the SWCNT film will drop, resulting in the decrease of the backscattered power which will be detected by the RFID reader to realize the reliable toxic gas detection in a non-invasive way.
Chicanas/os and Mental Health Services An Overview of Utilization, Counselor Preference, and Assessment Issues

This article reviews recent literature pertaining to Chicanas/os’ utilization of conventional mental health services, their counselor preferences, and the psychological testing and assessment of Chicanas/os. Chicanas/os likely underutilize mental health services, instead preferring family or nontraditional helpers for assistance. However, both Chicanas/os’ level of identification with their indigenous culture as well as their level of acculturation to the majority culture appear to affect their use of services and counselor preferences. Despite longstanding concerns ranging from language barriers to clinician bias in interpreting test results, the literature continues to lack validation studies that specifically support the use of many major psychological tests with Chicanas/os. Unfortunately, these instruments continue to be routinely used clinically to assess Chicana/o clientele, even though the literature cautions that these instruments may generate an inaccurate picture of Chicanas/os’ psychological f...
Offshoring of healthcare services: the case of US-India trade in medical transcription services

Purpose – The issue of offshore outsourcing of healthcare services is a critical but little‐examined problem in healthcare research. The purpose of this study is to contribute to filling this void.Design/methodology/approach – A library‐based study was carried out of the development of the Indian medical transcription offshoring industry.Findings – Cost‐saving potential and the degree of outsourceability are higher for medical transcription compared with most services. Offshoring experience, typically in a low‐value BPO, helps to enhance productivity and international linkages required for the success of medical transcription.Research limitations/implications – An important area of future research concerns comparing India's factor endowments in medical transcription outsourcing with other services. Further research is also needed to examine how India differs from its regional competitors in terms of factors endowments associated with these services. Another extension would be to investigate the drivers of...
Judge-Jury Difference in Punitive Damages Awards: Who Listens to the Supreme Court?

We analyze thousands of trials from a substantial fraction of the nation's most populous counties as well as a smaller sample of less populous counties. Evidence from four major Civil Justice Survey data sets spanning more than a decade establishes that: (1) compensatory awards are strongly associated with punitive awards and (2) the punitive-compensatory relation has not materially changed over time. But (3) 2005 data suggest, for the first time, systematic differences between judges and juries in the punitive-compensatory relation. Despite claims that the Supreme Court's State Farm decision changed the punitive-compensatory relation, we present evidence that the 2005 shift is not attributable to the State Farm case or to other possibly relevant likely factors such as the relative flow of personal injury cases to judges and juries, inclusion of 110 small counties in the 2005 data, or changes in the 2005 data coding. The judge-jury difference more likely turns on unobserved factors driving the selection of cases for adjudication before judges and jurors.
Adaptive recursive filtering using a conjugate directions algorithm

The authors discuss the application of a conjugate gradient algorithm for solving the adaptive recursive filtering problem. This algorithm, based on the technique of classical conjugate direction optimization, is shown to provide superior convergence compared to the stochastic gradient techniques. Algorithms are developed for direct form and lattice form implementations. Examples are provided to illustrate the performance of the method. >
Diminished GATA4 Protein Levels Contribute to Hyperglycemia-induced Cardiomyocyte Injury

Abstract Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for diabetic heart failure. However, the mechanisms that mediate hyperglycemia-induced cardiac damage remain poorly understood. The transcription factor GATA4 is essential for cardiac homeostasis, and its protein levels are dramatically reduced in the heart in response to diverse pathologic stresses. In this study, we investigated if hyperglycemia affects GATA4 expression in cardiomyocytes and if enhancing GATA4 signaling could attenuate hyperglycemia-induced cardiomyocyte injury. In cultured rat cardiomyocytes, high glucose (HG, 25 or 40 mm) markedly reduced GATA4 protein levels as compared with normal glucose (NG, 5.5 mm). Equal amount of mannitol did not affect GATA4 protein expression (NG, 100 ± 12%; mannitol, 97 ± 8%, versus HG, 43 ± 16%, p < 0.05). The GATA4 mRNA content, either steady-state or polysome-associated, remained unchanged. HG-induced GATA4 reduction was reversed by MG262, a specific proteasome inhibitor. HG did not activate the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) in cardiomyocytes as indicated by a UPS reporter, nor did it increase the peptidase activities or protein expression of the proteasomal subunits. However, the mRNA levels of ubiquitin-protein isopeptide ligase (E3) carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP) were markedly increased in HG-treated cardiomyocytes. CHIP overexpression promoted GATA4 protein degradation, whereas small interfering RNA-mediated CHIP knockdown prevented HG-induced GATA4 depletion. Moreover, overexpression of GATA4 blocked HG-induced cardiomyocyte death. Also, GATA4 protein levels were diminished in the hearts of streptozotocin and db/db diabetic mice (44 ± 7% and 67 ± 13% of control, p < 0.05), which correlated with increased CHIP mRNA abundance. In summary, increased GATA4 protein degradation may be an important mechanism that contributes to hyperglycemic cardiotoxicity.
Imaging Renal Artery Stenosis

Hypertension affects up to 58.4 million people in the United States and is one of the most common diseases worldwide, with well known morbidity and mortality. The vast majority of patients who have hypertension, approximately 90% to 98%, have essential hypertension without structural lesions or other abnormalities identifiable by currently available imaging modalities. It is estimated that only 0.5% to less than 5% of all patients who have hypertension have true renovascular hypertension defined as hypertension secondary to renal artery stenosis. This article reviews the imaging of renal artery stenosis.
Categorizing the Resistance of Soybean Genotypes to the Soybean Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

We evaluated selected soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., genotypes during their re- productive stages for resistance to the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura (Hemiptera: Aphi- didae), under greenhouse conditions and documented the categories of aphid-resistant soybean. Two screening studies were performed to assess the level of resistance to the soybean aphid on six soybean genotypes during the reproductive stages of development. SigniÞcant differences in aphid damage ratings were detected among the soybean evaluated in the screening studies. Three genotypes (KS4202, K-1639-2, and K1621) were considered moderately resistant based on the assessed damage ratings. Two of these genotypes (K-1639-2 and KS4202), along with a commercial variety (OAsgrow 2703O) were used in a follow-up greenhouse study to test for antibiosis and tolerance. For the antibiosis evaluation, KS4202 had signiÞcantly more nymphs than Asgrow 2703 and K-1639-2. In fact, KS4202 had a threefold difference in the number of nymphs compared with Asgrow 2703 (81.8 14.7 and 26.2 13.9 nymphs, respectively) and a Þvefold difference compared with K-1639-2 (15.6 13.9). Although not signiÞcant, Asgrow 2703 had more nymphs than K-1639-2. The lower aphid numbers on infested K-1639-2 plants compared with aphid numbers on Asgrow 2703 and KS4202 plants indicates antibiosis for this genotype. No signiÞcant differences in average seed weight, number of seeds per pod, or plant damage were observed between infested and control KS4202 plants; however, signiÞcant differences in biomass, total seed weight, number of pods per plant, and number of seeds per plant were detected.
The role of fluoride in montmorillonite-catalyzed RNA synthesis.

The montmorillonite-catalyzed reactions of the 5′-phosphorimidazolide of adenosine in the presence of fluoride were investigated to complete our study on the effect of salts on this type of reaction. Both anions and cations have been found to influence the oligomerization reactions of the activated nucleotides, being used here as a model system for pre-biotic RNA synthesis. However, in total contrast to the behavior of the activated nucleotides in the presence of montmorillonite and other salts, alkali metal fluorides did not yield any detectable oligomerization products except in very dilute (<0.005 M) solutions of fluoride. Instead, 5′-phosphorofluoridates were formed. Their identity was confirmed by a combination of HPLC, mass spectrometry, synthesis, and NMR.
Safe zone for retractor placement to the lumbar spine via the transpsoas approach.

Purpose. To measure anatomic variations of the lumbar plexus within the psoas in relation to the L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 disc spaces and to delineate a safe zone to avoid nerve injury during retractor placement via the transpsoas approach. Methods. Six male and 6 female cadavers (24 psoas/ lumbar plexuses) aged 35 to 74 years were dissected. The lumbar plexus was isolated bilaterally. The L2, L3, and L4 nerve roots were identified and isolated without disturbing their natural anatomic course. The anteroposterior (AP) diameter of each intervertebral disc at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5 was used as a reference. Four measurements were made using a caliper: the AP and mediolateral (ML) diameters of the psoas and AP and ML excursions of each nerve root. Percentages were calculated for the 4 measurements using the reference of the AP diameter of the intervertebral disc at each level. Comparison between left and right sides, between males and females, and between excursions of nerve roots were made. Results. The AP diameter of the psoas increased from L2 to L4, with a mean vertebral body coverage of 80%, 86%, and 85% at L2/3, L3/4, and L4/5, respectively. Both the L2 and L3 nerve roots demonstrated substantial anterior trajectories as they coursed distally in the lumbar spine. No nerve root encroached anteriorly beyond 33% of the intervertebral disc space at L2 to L5. Conclusion. The lumbar plexus area corresponding to the anterior half of the intervertebral disc was the safe zone. Procedures to the lumbar spine via the transpsoas approach should be performed within the safe zone to avoid nerve injury.
Design of prefilters for discrete multiwavelet transforms

The pyramid algorithm for computing single wavelet transform coefficients is well known. The pyramid algorithm can be implemented by using tree-structured multirate filter banks. The authors propose a general algorithm to compute multiwavelet transform coefficients by adding proper premultirate filter banks before the vector filter banks that generate multiwavelets. The proposed algorithm can be thought of as a discrete vector-valued wavelet transform for certain discrete-time vector-valued signals. The proposed algorithm can be also thought of as a discrete multiwavelet transform for discrete-time signals. The authors then present some numerical experiments to illustrate the performance of the algorithm, which indicates that the energy compaction for discrete multiwavelet transforms may be better than the one for conventional discrete wavelet transforms.
Submarine Groundwater Discharge-Derived Nutrient Loads to San Francisco Bay: Implications to Future Ecosystem Changes

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) was quantified at select sites in San Francisco Bay (SFB) from radium ( 223 Ra and 224 Ra) and radon ( 222 Rn) activities mea- sured in groundwater and surface water using simple mass balance box models. Based on these models, discharge rates in South and Central Bays were 0.3-7.4 m 3 day −1 m −1 .A l- though SGD fluxes at the two regions (Central and South Bays) of SFB were of the same order of magnitude, the dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) species associated with SGD were different. In the South Bay, ammonium (NH4 + ) concentrations in groundwater were three-fold higher than in open bay waters, and NH4 + was the primary DIN form dis- charged by SGD. At the Central Bay site, the primary DIN form in groundwater and associated discharge was nitrate (NO3 − ). The stable isotope signatures (δ 15 NNO3 and δ 18 ONO3 )o f NO3 − in the South Bay groundwater and surface waters were both consistent with NO3 − derived from NH4 + that was isotopically enriched in 15 Nb y NH4 + volatilization. Based on the calculated SGD fluxes and groundwater nutrient concentrations, nutrient fluxes associated with SGD can ac- count for up to 16 % of DIN and 22 % of DIP in South and Central Bays. The form of DIN contributed to surface waters from SGD may impact the ratio of NO3 − to NH4 + available to phytoplankton with implications to bay productivity, phyto- plankton species distribution, and nutrient uptake rates. This assessment of nutrient delivery via groundwater discharge in SFB may provide vital information for future bay ecological wellbeing and sensitivity to future environmental stressors.
Polymicrobial infective endocarditis in the 1980s

Clinical experience over the past decade suggests that the number of cases of polymicrobial infective endocarditis has greatly increased. We found 101 reports of cases of polymicrobial endocardial infection in a review of the English-language literature published in the 1980s. The mean patient age, 36.5 years, reflected a relatively young population, with men outnumbering women almost 2:1. Seventy-one patients were intravenous drug users; only three described recent invasive medical procedures. More than one-half of the patients had infections of the tricuspid valve, and 31 patients developed septic pulmonary emboli. The mean age of patients who died was significantly (P = .004) greater than that of those who survived. In comparison with patients who were infected with three or more organisms, those who were infected with two pathogens were almost twice (38.3% vs. 20.8%) as likely to die of their infections. These differences in mortality reflected the relative paucity of endocardial infections involving the left heart in patients with polymicrobial infections caused by three or more organisms (compared with those infected with two pathogens, P = .0032) and the variability in virulence among infecting agents.
El Niño, Climate, and Cholera Associations in Piura, Peru, 1991–2001: A Wavelet Analysis

In Peru, it was hypothesized that epidemic cholera in 1991 was linked to El Nino, the warm phase of El Nino–Southern Oscillation. While previous studies demonstrated an association in 1997–1998, using cross-sectional data, they did not assess the consistency of this relationship across the decade. Thus, how strong or variable an El Nino–cholera relationship was in Peru or whether El Nino triggered epidemic cholera early in the decade remains unknown. In this study, wavelet and mediation analyses were used to characterize temporal patterns among El Nino, local climate variables (rainfall, river discharge, and air temperature), and cholera incidence in Piura, Peru from 1991 to 2001 and to estimate the mediating effects of local climate on El Nino–cholera relationships. The study hypothesis is that El Nino-related connections with cholera in Piura were transient and interconnected via local climate pathways. Overall, our findings provide evidence that a strong El Nino–cholera link, mediated by local hydrology, existed in the latter part of the 1990s but found no evidence of an El Nino association in the earlier part of the decade, suggesting that El Nino may not have precipitated cholera emergence in Piura. Further examinations of cholera epicenters in Peru are recommended to support these results in Piura. For public health planning, the results may improve existing efforts that utilize El Nino monitoring for preparedness during future climate-related extremes in the region.
Temperature Effects in Particle Bombardment Mass Spectrometry of Methanol

The spectra produced by methanol when bombarded with a mixed beam of argon ions and atoms with a nominal energy of 8 keV have been obtained at temperatures between −94°C and −173°C. The freezing point of methanol is −98°C, so measurements were made on both liquid and solid methanol. The spectrum of the liquid at −94°C consists primarily of clusters of methanol around the proton, H(CH3OH)n+, where the maximum value of n observed is 18. The spectrum of methanol at t= −104°C (below the freezing point) is very similar to that at t= −94°C. Thus freezing has no apparent effect on the spectrum. The spectrum of the same sample when cooled to −173°C is quite different, for the H(CH3OH)n+ ions lose their prominance, and the high mass spectrum (above m/z 33) is without character, consisting of ions at more or less every mass. This change in the spectrum is reversible, for when the sample is warmed back to −107°C, the spectrum reverts to its original form with prominant H(CH3OH)n+ ions. At an intermediate temperature (−136°C) the spectrum is a mixture of the features observed at −104°C and −173°C. Another way of representing this change in the character of the spectrum with temperature is to plot ΣH(CH3OH)n/TIC (TIC = total ion current)as a function of t, and such a plot shows a sharp decrease between t= −120°C −140°C. We have no explanation for this phenomenon. To investigate the possibility that the phenomenon could be related to surface melting of the solid produced by the ion bombardment, we measured the spectrum as a function of temperature at a bombardment intensity that was 7 times lower than that originally used. The same decrease in the relative concentration of H(CH3OH)n+ clusters as the temperature decreased was observed.
Decorative surface finishes: Bronzing, patina‐antiqua, verd‐antique in NY furniture 1810–1830: New York workshops practices 1810–1830

In Europe during the late 18th century, neo-classical style had a great influence in architecture and furniture design. The furniture that reflected an archeological reference led furniture makers to replicate in their design the tonalities, colors, and patinas of the deteriorated surfaces of the bronze oxidation by means of artificial processes. A comparative study of verd-antique samples taken from the decorative surfaces of furniture in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, as well as in diverse private or American museums collections, led to a better understanding in workshops practices of the most influential cabinetmakers working in New York from 1810 to 1830. The layering techniques were predominantly examined in cross-sections using reflected light microscopy. After extensive research it is now possible to draw conclusions about the methods in use. These methods always based on similar concept, used superposition of pigmented paint layers, and transparent resin coatings, embedded brass particles, or gold powder and glazing. The well preserved faux-bronze finishes examples are representative of specific verd-antique variations. It provides case studies from which benchmark examples can be compared to other furniture of the period, and can contribute to attribution to workshops. It also confirms great disparities and variations in the workshop practices. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2016
Prediction of the Fiber-Matrix Interface Failure due to Longitudinal Tensile Loading Using Finite Element Methods

A 3D-unit cell for 0.90 laminated composites has been developed to predict the composite behavior under longitudinal tensile loading condition. 3D contact element has been used to model the fiber matrix interface. Two interface conditions, namely, infinitely strong and weakly bonded, are considered in the analysis. Both large displacement and plastic strain behavior for the matrix are considered to account for the geometric and material non-linearities. Investigations were carried out at three temperatures to compare the composite response obtained from mechanical tests at those temperatures. Stress-strain behavior and the local stress distributions at the fiber as well as at the matrix are presented, and their effects on the failure of the interface are discussed in the paper. The material under investigation was SiC{sub f}/Si{sub 3}N{sub 4}.
Some microbiological properties of synthetic nucleosides.

SummaryA number of synthetic nucleosides, and chloro- and bromo- derivatives of these nucleosides, were tested for growth-promoting and growth-inhibiting properties on Escherichia coli, strain 9723, and its uracil-re-quiring mutant, E. coli, strain 550-460; Neuro-spora crassa, wild strain Abbott 4A, and a uracil-less strain of Neurospora crassa, No. 1298; and on the growth of Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus faecalis R.The compounds tested were the 1-D-ribosyl-, 1-D-arabinosyl-, 1-D-glucosyl-, and 1-D-galactosyl- nucleosides of uracil, thymine, 5-chlorouracil and of 5-bromouracil. Of these 16 compounds, only a few at high concentrations showed inhibitory properties on the growth of the microorganisms tested. Some showed slight, but insignificant, growth-stimulatory activity.The authors wish to show their appreciation to Miss Ann Coblenz, Miss Janet Tozer, Miss Evelyn Wyatt, and Mrs. Charmion McMillan for carrying out some of the microbiological tests.
General strategy for self-assembly of highly oriented nanocrystalline semiconducting polymers with high mobility.

Solution processable semiconducting polymers with excellent film forming capacity and mechanical flexibility are considered among the most progressive alternatives to conventional inorganic semiconductors. However, the random packing of polymer chains and the disorder of the polymer matrix typically result in low charge transport mobilities (10–5–10–2 cm2 V–1 s–1). These low mobilities compromise their performance and development. Here, we present a strategy, by utilizing capillary action, to mediate polymer chain self-assembly and unidirectional alignment on nanogrooved substrates. We designed a sandwich tunnel system separated by functionalized glass spacers to induce capillary action for controlling the polymer nanostructure, crystallinity, and charge transport. Using capillary action, we demonstrate saturation mobilities with average values of 21.3 and 18.5 cm2 V–1 s–1 on two different semiconducting polymers at a transistor channel length of 80 μm. These values are limited by the source-drain contact...
System Biology of Cell Signaling

The mammalian cell can be thought of as a complex chemical plant where interactions between components of the cells and their dynamic localization together generate multiple chemical, mechanical and electrical activities that together give rise to the physiological functions of the various cell types. Cells change their functions in response to external and internal stimuli: such stimuli trigger information flow through signaling networks to cellular machines such as transcriptional, translational, motility and secretory machinery as well as ion channels that are responsible for different cellular activities. Signaling networks have the capacity to process and modify information as it flows through the network to alter input–output relationships. Major goals of system biology in the study of cell signaling networks are to understand how different cellular machines work in an integrated manner to produce cellular phenotypes and how components within the cell signaling network interact together to form systems that process information and drive final cellular phenotypic changes. Substantial progress has been made in both areas and our current state of knowledge is described.
Gold — How Much Is a ‘Barbarous Relic’ Worth?

President John F. Kennedy once observed that the US balance-of-payments problem was the second most worrisome issue he had to deal with; the first was avoiding a nuclear war. His concern was that the US Government might have to increase the US dollar price of gold, which would be costly internationally because it would break the commitment that the US gold parity of $35 was fixed forever and costly domestically because it would be interpreted as an indicator of profligate government spending policies. Yet when President Richard Nixon closed the US Treasury’s gold window in August 1971 and suspended gold sales and then agreed to increase the US parity to $38 several months later and then to $42 about a year later, the international response was mild and the adverse domestic political fallout was trivial.