cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Role of the Family in the Course and Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a highly recurrent and debilitating illness. Research has implicated the role of psychosocial stressors, including high expressed-emotion (EE) attitudes among family members, in the relapse-remission course of the disorder. This article explores the developmental pathways by which EE attitudes originate and predict relapses of bipolar disorder. Levels of EE are correlated with the illness attributions of caregivers and bidirectional patterns of interaction between caregivers and patients during the postepisode period. Although the primary treatments for bipolar disorder are pharmacological, adjunctive psychosocial interventions have additive effects in relapse prevention. Randomized controlled trials demonstrate that the combination of family-focused therapy (FFT) and pharmacotherapy delays relapses and reduces symptom severity among patients followed over the course of 1 to 2 years. The effectiveness of FFT in delaying recurrences among adolescents with bipolar disorder and in delaying the initial onset of the illness among at-risk children is currently being investigated.
MYC Activation Is a Hallmark of Cancer Initiation and Maintenance

The MYC proto-oncogene has been implicated in the pathogenesis of most types of human tumors. MYC activation alone in many normal cells is restrained from causing tumorigenesis through multiple genetic and epigenetically controlled checkpoint mechanisms, including proliferative arrest, apoptosis, and cellular senescence. When pathologically activated in a permissive epigenetic and/or genetic context, MYC bypasses these mechanisms, enforcing many of the "hallmark" features of cancer, including relentless tumor growth associated with DNA replication and transcription, cellular proliferation and growth, protein synthesis, and altered cellular metabolism. MYC mandates tumor cell fate, by inducing stemness and blocking cellular senescence and differentiation. Additionally, MYC orchestrates changes in the tumor microenvironment, including the activation of angiogenesis and suppression of the host immune response. Provocatively, brief or even partial suppression of MYC back to its physiological levels of activation can result in the restoration of intrinsic checkpoint mechanisms, resulting in acute and sustained tumor regression, associated with tumor cells undergoing proliferative arrest, differentiation, senescence, and apoptosis, as well as remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, recruitment of an immune response, and shutdown of angiogenesis. Hence, tumors appear to be "addicted" to MYC because of both tumor cell-intrinsic, cell-autonomous and host-dependent, immune cell-dependent mechanisms. Both the trajectory and persistence of many human cancers require sustained MYC activation. Multiscale mathematical modeling may be useful to predict when tumors will be addicted to MYC. MYC is a hallmark molecular feature of both the initiation and maintenance of tumorigenesis.
Theoretical performance of transcritical carbon dioxide cycle with two-stage compression and intercooling:

A computer model was developed to perform a thermodynamic analysis of the transcritical carbon dioxide cycle with two-stage compression and intercooling. In typical two-stage compression with intercooling applications, the intercooler serves the purpose of cooling the fluid to the lowest possible temperature before it enters the second-stage compressor. This paper presents the results of the system analysis of the transcritical carbon dioxide cycle with two-stage compression and intercooling (intercooler cycle) and identifies the pressure ratios that provide maximum system efficiency. The results show that the coefficient of performance (COP), curves of the intercooler cycle are different from the 'typical bell curve behaviours' that are observed when plotting the COP versus the intermediate pressure with assumptions of isentropic and real compression process.
The effect of serum iron concentration on iron secretion into mouse milk

1. The concentration of iron in mouse milk is approximately 3 times that of the serum. Although there is clear evidence for the presence of the transferrin receptor in the rodent mammary gland, the precise mechanisms of iron transfer into milk are not known. 2. Milk iron was linearly related to the serum iron:transferrin ratio in lactating mice whose serum iron ranged from 8 to 66 microM. 3. Increasing the iron binding capacity of the milk by 340 microM by targeting the lactoferrin transgene to the mammary gland did not alter the relation between milk iron and the serum iron:transferrin ratio. 4. The steady-state distribution ratio of 125I-transferrin between plasma and milk was about 0.2, indicating that transcytosed transferrin contributed a maximum of 6% of the milk iron. 5. Fluorescently labelled transferrin incubated with the in situ gland localized mainly near the basal surface of the mammary alveolar cells. 6. These experiments provide evidence that the initial and rate-limiting step in the transfer of iron into milk is binding to a basal transferrin receptor. 7. A theoretical model of the relation between milk and serum iron suggests that the affinity of apotransferrin for the basal recycling system may be higher than observed in many other cell types.
Acute vascular rejection is associated with up-regulation of vitronectin receptor (αvβ3), increased expression of tissue factor, and activation of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase induction system

Abstract Background A cascade of inflammatory reactions characterize acute vascular rejection after heart transplantation. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that acute vascular rejection is associated with up-regulation of vitronectin receptor (αvβ3), increased expression of tissue factor, and activation of the extracellular matrix metalloproteinase induction system. Methods Acute vascular rejection developed in 14 heart transplant recipients within 2 weeks of transplantation, confirmed by immunofluorescence (AVR group). We compared these patients with 10 transplant recipients who had no evidence of acute vascular rejection or peritransplant ischemic injury (control group). We evaluated endomyocardial biopsy specimens for αvβ3, tissue factor, and extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN). Results Compared with the control group, the AVR group demonstrated evidence of significantly increased expression of αvβ3 (1.9-fold, p p p Conclusions Acute vascular rejection is associated with up-regulation of αvβ3, tissue factor, and activation of the matrix metalloproteinase induction system, which may contribute to the lethal morbidity associated with this disease.
Cheaters Should Never Win: Eliminating the Benefits of Cheating

Numerous academic studies and reports indicate that as many as half of all students cheat on exams. Cheating on exams undermines the central purpose of a university, corrupts the meaning of grades as a measure of subject matter mastery, and significantly harms honest students. Although instructors are aware that many students cheat and they clearly oppose the behavior, they do little to punish cheaters. Accusing, prosecuting and convicting cheaters are time intensive, stressful and potentially costly activities for which faculty members receive few rewards. In this paper, we derive an equation to estimate the benefit that can be gained by a student who copies on a multiple choice exam. We then propose an exam design that not only eliminates the benefit, but also proportionately punishes cheaters, with little to no cost to instructors. Moreover, the exam system we propose can allow an instructor to determine, with a high degree of certainty, the odds that any student seated anywhere in the classroom cheated on any part of the exam.
Nonparametric restricted mean analysis across multiple follow-up intervals

We provide a nonparametric estimate of τ-restricted mean survival using follow-up information beyond τwhen appropriate to improve precision. The variance accounts for correlation between follow-up windows. Both asymptotic calculations and simulation studies recommend follow-up intervals spaced approximately τ/2 apart.
Trends and outcomes of patients with adult congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension listed for orthotopic heart transplantation in the United States.

Background Heart transplantation is increasing in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). In this population, the association of pulmonary hypertension (PH) with post-transplant outcomes is not well-defined. Methods Using data from the United Network for Organ Sharing database (1987 to 2014), we identified ACHD patients listed for heart transplantation, and examined survival between those with and without PH (pre-transplant PH defined as transpulmonary pressure gradient >12 mm Hg). Results Among 983 ACHD patients, 216 (22%) had PH. At time of listing, PH patients had a transpulmonary pressure gradient of 17.0 mm Hg vs 6.0 mm Hg ( p Conclusions PH is common among ACHD patients listed for transplant and is associated with increased waitlist mortality. Conversely, PH was not associated with worse survival after transplant. Bridge-to-transplant LVAD therapy was uncommon in this ACHD population.
Composition and dynamics of the respiratory tract microbiome in intubated patients

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) is a major contributor to respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. LRTI also occurs during mechanical ventilation, increasing the morbidity and mortality of intubated patients. We sought to understand the dynamics of respiratory tract microbiota following intubation and the relationship between microbial community structure and infection. We enrolled a cohort of 15 subjects with respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation from the medical intensive care unit at an academic medical center. Oropharyngeal (OP) and deep endotracheal (ET) secretions were sampled within 24 h of intubation and every 48–72 h thereafter. Bacterial community profiling was carried out by purifying DNA, PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences, deep sequencing, and bioinformatic community analysis. We compared enrolled subjects to a cohort of healthy subjects who had lower respiratory tract sampling by bronchoscopy. In contrast to the diverse upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract microbiota found in healthy controls, critically ill subjects had lower initial diversity at both sites. Diversity further diminished over time on the ventilator. In several subjects, the bacterial community was dominated by a single taxon over multiple time points. The clinical diagnosis of LRTI ascertained by chart review correlated with low community diversity and dominance of a single taxon. Dominant taxa matched clinical bacterial cultures where cultures were obtained and positive. In several cases, dominant taxa included bacteria not detected by culture, including Ureaplasma parvum and Enterococcus faecalis. Longitudinal analysis of respiratory tract microbiota in critically ill patients provides insight into the pathogenesis and diagnosis of LRTI. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of endotracheal aspirate samples holds promise for expanded pathogen identification.
Aluminum cladding oxidation of prefilmed in-pile fueled experiments

Abstract A series of fueled irradiation experiments were recently completed within the Advanced Test Reactor Full size plate In center flux trap Position (AFIP) and Gas Test Loop (GTL) campaigns. The conduct of the AFIP experiments supports ongoing efforts within the global threat reduction initiative (GTRI) to qualify a new ultra-high loading density low enriched uranium-molybdenum fuel. This study details the characterization of oxide growth on the fueled AFIP experiments and cross-correlates the empirically measured oxide thickness values to existing oxide growth correlations and convective heat transfer correlations that have traditionally been utilized for such an application. This study adds new and valuable empirical data to the scientific community with respect to oxide growth measurements of highly irradiated experiments, of which there is presently very limited data. Additionally, the predicted oxide thickness values are reconstructed to produce an oxide thickness distribution across the length of each fueled experiment (a new application and presentation of information that has not previously been obtainable in open literature); the predicted distributions are compared against experimental data and in general agree well with the exception of select outliers.
Perspective-taking influences autonomic attunement between partners during discussion of conflict

This study investigated the effects of dispositional and experimentally induced perspective-taking (PT) on physiological attunement between romantic partners during a conflict resolution task. Young adult couples (N = 103 dyads) rated their trait PT 1 week prior to participating in a conflict resolution session with their romantic partner. Immediately before the conflict task, participants were given one of the following three instructions: to take their partner’s perspective (PT condition), to approach the conflict mindfully (mindfulness condition), or to focus on their own perspective regarding the conflict (control condition). Participants provided four saliva samples over the course of the laboratory session, and the samples were assayed for alpha-amylase to measure autonomic nervous system activity. Multilevel modeling results revealed that couples in the PT condition displayed greater autonomic attunement over the course of the conflict session compared to those in the other conditions. In addition,...
An Upper Ontology for Manufacturing Service Description

In today’s volatile market, manufacturing companies are increasingly adopting agile manufacturing strategies. Virtual Enterprise (VE) is one of the key enablers of the agile philosophy. Timely deployment of VE requires efficient communication between the potential members of VE through a common language. This work introduces Manufacturing Service Description Language (MSDL) as an ontology for representation of manufacturing services. MSDL provides the primitive building blocks required for description of a wide spectrum of manufacturing services. Description Logic is used as the knowledge representation formalism of MSDL in order to make it amenable to automatic reasoning.© 2006 ASME
High Resolution Synoptic Salinity Mapping To Identify Groundwater–Surface Water Discharges in Lowland Rivers

Quantifying distributed lateral groundwater contributions to surface water (GW-SW discharges) is a key aspect of tracking nonpoint-source pollution (NPSP) within a watershed. In this study, we characterized distributed GW-SW discharges and associated salt loading using elevated GW specific conductance (SC) as a tracer along a 38 km reach of the Lower Merced River in Central California. High resolution longitudinal surveys for multiple flows (1.3–150 m3 s–1) revealed river SC gradients that mainly decreased with increasing flow, suggesting a dilution effect and/or reduced GW-SW discharges due to hydraulic gradient reductions. However, exceptions occurred (gradients increasing with increasing flow), pointing to complex spatiotemporal influences on GW-SW dynamics. The surveys revealed detailed variability in salinity gradients, from which we estimated distributed GW-SW discharge and salt loading using a simple mixing model. Modeled cumulative GW discharges for two surveys unaffected by ungauged SW discharges...
Postrigor citric acid enhancement can alter cooked color but not fresh color of dark-cutting beef

In 2 experiments, dark-cutting (DC) beef strip loins were used to test the effects of citric acid-enhancement pH on visual and instrumental color of fresh and cooked steaks. In Exp. 1 and 2, each DC (mean pH = 6.57 and 6.65, respectively) and normal-pH, low USDA Choice (CH; mean pH = 5.48 and 5.51, respectively) strip loin was cut into 2 equal-length sections, and DC sections were injected to 111% of raw section weight with pH 3.5 to 5.0 (Exp. 1) or pH 2.0 to 3.5 (Exp. 2) solutions made by mixing citric acid in either 0.05% orthophosphate (PO) solution or tap water (HO) base solutions (Exp. 1) and 0.5% PO or 0.5% tripolyphosphate solution base solutions (Exp. 2). After enhancement, sections were cut into steaks, which were assigned to either 5 d of simulated retail display or cooked to 71°C for cooked color measurement. Postenhancement pH of DC steaks enhanced with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions did not ( ≥ 0.180) differ from that of nonenhanced DC steaks (Exp. 1) but linearly decreased ( < 0.001) as solution pH decreased from 3.5 to 2.0 (Exp. 2). Even though fresh color scores were increased ( < 0.001) by citric acid enhancement over untreated DC steaks during the first 3 d of display, fresh steak color never ( < 0.001) approached that of nonenhanced CH steaks. When compared with nonenhanced DC steaks, enhancement with pH 3.5 to 5.0 solutions received lower cooked color scores, whereas enhancing DC sections with pH 2.5 solutions produced cooked color and degree-of-doneness scores similar ( ≥ 0.113) to those of nonenhanced CH steaks (Exp. 2). Results indicated that the pH of citric acid enhancement solutions, regardless of base solution, were insufficient to improve the fresh color of DC beef; however, enhancement with pH 2.5 citric acid solutions effectively eliminated the persistent red cooked color typically associated with DC beef comparable with that of normal-pH beef.
Telehealth Coaching: Impact on Dietary and Physical Activity Contributions to Bone Health During a Military Deployment.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the difference in bone health and body composition via blood biomarkers, bone mineral density, anthropometrics and dietary intake following deployment to Afghanistan among soldiers randomized to receive telehealth coaching promoting nutrition and exercise. Methods: This was a prospective, longitudinal, cluster-randomized, controlled trial with repeated measures in 234 soldiers. Measures included heel bone scan for bone mineral density, blood biomarkers for bone formation, resorption, and turnover, body composition via Futrex, resting metabolic rate via MedGem, physical activity using the Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, and dietary intake obtained from the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Results: There were significant increases in body fat (p = 0.00035), osteocalcin (0.0152), and sports index (p = 0.0152) for the telehealth group. No other statistically significant differences were observed between groups. Vitamin D intake among soldiers was ≤ 35% of the s...
Discriminative Properties of Narcotic Antagonists

There have been many recent reports characterizing the discriminative properties of morphine and related narcotic analgesics in a variety of experimental paradigms, predominantly in the rat (see preceding chapter). It is becoming increasingly evident that a strong association exists between the discriminative properties of these drugs in animals and the qualitative nature of the subjective effects produced by these same drugs in man (Shannon and Holtzman, 1976a, b). Since the abuse potential of narcotic analgesics is largely a function of the nature of their subjective effects (see Fraser, 1968; Jasinski, 1973a), animal models for evaluating this component of drug action are of obvious importance on clinical as well as on theoretical grounds.
Physiology of school burnout in medical students: Hemodynamic and autonomic functioning

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between burnout and hemodynamic and autonomic functioning in both medical students (N = 55) and premedical undergraduate students (N = 77). Questionnaires screened for health related issues and assessed school burnout and negative affect symptomatology (anxiety and depression). Continuous beat-to-beat blood pressure (BP) through finger plethysmography and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring was conducted during conditions of baseline and cardiac stress induced via the cold pressor task to produce hemodynamic, heart rate variability, and blood pressure variability indices. Independent sample t-tests demonstrated that medical students had significantly higher school burnout scores compared to their undergraduate counterparts. Controlling for age, BMI, anxiety and depressive symptoms, multiple regression analyses indicated that school burnout was a stronger predictor of elevated hemodynamics (blood pressure), decreased heart rate variability, decreased markers of vagal activity and increased markers of sympathetic tone at baseline for medical students than for undergraduates. Analyses of physiological values collected during the cold pressor task indicated greater cardiac hyperactivity for medical students than for undergraduates. The present study supports previous research linking medical school burnout to hemodynamic and autonomic functioning, suggests biomarkers for medical school burnout, and provides evidence that burnout may be implicated as a physiological risk factor in medical students. Study limitations and potential intervention avenues are discussed.
Darwinism and the Meaning of Life

The central question of human life is whether life has a meaning or purpose. On the Darwinian view, there can be no such meaning, as we are merely products of evolution. Nonetheless, the naturalists have tried to create a new science of human meaning based on evolutionary principles. We demonstrate the incoherence of this project and the implausibility of denying the role of meaning in human life, or trying to reduce it to mere happiness.
The New Feudalism: Why States Must Repeal Growth-Management Laws

Growth-management laws and plans, which strictly regulate what people can and cannot do with their land in the name of controlling urban sprawl, do far more harm than good and should be repealed.To correct the problems created by growth management, states should restrict the authority of municipal governments, especially counties, to regulate land uses. Some 13 states have growth-management laws that require local governments to attempt to contain urban growth. These laws take development rights from rural landowners and effectively create a “new feudalism” in which the government decides who gets to develop their land and how. The strictest laws are in California and Hawaii, followed by Oregon, Washington, New Jersey, and several Northeastern states.Growth-management advocates say that their policies protect farms and open space, save energy and reduce air pollution, and reduce urban service costs. However, farms and open space hardly need saving, as the nation has an abundance of both. There are much better ways of saving energy and reducing pollution that cost less and don’t make housing unaffordable. Finally, the costs of growth management are far greater than the costs of letting people live in densities that they prefer.As compared to the trivial or nonexistent benefits of growth management, the costs are huge. Median home prices in growth-managed regions are typically two to four times more than those in unmanaged areas. Growth restrictions also dramatically increase home price volatility, making homeownership a riskier investment. Growth management slows regional growth, exacerbates income inequality, and particularly harms low-income families, especially minorities such as African Americans and Latinos.The key to keeping housing affordable is exactly the opposite of what growth management prescribes: minimizing the regulation of vacant lands outside of incorporated cities. Allowing developers to build on those lands in response to market demand will also discourage cities from overregulation lest they unnecessarily push development outside the city
The new Christians of Spanish Naples, 1528–1671. A fragile elite, by Peter Mazur

Peter Mazur’s The New Christians of Spanish Naples examines the relations among Naples’ Spanish viceroys, the city’s Catalan and Portuguese New Christians (conversos), the Neapolitan nobility, and ...
Physical and Psychological Results of Penile Prostheses: A Statistical Survey

AbstractThere have been a number of reports on the success of penile implantation for the treatment of impotence. These studies have indicated an unusually high degree of patient acceptance and satisfaction. We herein report a comprehensive social, psychological and physical assessment of the penile rod implants used for the treatment of impotence. Of all patients who responded to our questionnaire 68 per cent rated their postoperative emotional adjustment excellent or good, whereas 20 per cent considered this adjustment to be less than adequate. General activity level and participation in sports remained about the same. In addition, 74 per cent of the patients were comfortable with the way their clothes fit but 26 per cent were not, and 78 per cent were somewhat or completely satisfied, while 22 per cent were rather or completely dissatisfied with the prosthesis in general.
Observational signature of high spin at the Event Horizon Telescope

We analytically compute the observational appearance of an isotropically emitting point source on a circular, equatorial orbit near the horizon of a rapidly spinning black hole. The primary image moves on a vertical line segment, in contrast to the primarily horizontal motion of the spinless case. Secondary images, also on the vertical line, display a rich caustic structure. If detected, this unique signature could serve as a "smoking gun" for a high-spin black hole in nature.
INITIATION OF DISEASE-MODIFYING ANTIRHEUMATIC DRUGS AND BIOLOGICAL AGENTS LEADS TO EARLY RESOLUTION OF PERICARDIAL DELAYED HYPERENHANCEMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT PERICARDITIS

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) and Biological agents are used to treat patients with refractory recurrent pericarditis (RP). We assessed impact of DMARDs/Biologics on clinical, laboratory and imaging markers of pericardial inflammation. In a retrospective study, 140 RP patients (
A Phase 1 Study of Dasatinib plus All-Trans Retinoic Acid in Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Src family kinases (SFKs) are hyperactivated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). SFKs impede the retinoic acid receptor, and SFK inhibitors enhance all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-mediated cellular differentiation in AML cell lines and primary blasts. To translate these findings into the clinic, we undertook a phase-I dose-escalation study of the combination of the SFK inhibitor dasatinib and ATRA in patients with high-risk myeloid neoplasms. Nine subjects were enrolled: six received 70 mg dasatinib plus 45 mg/m2 ATRA daily, and three received 100 mg dasatinib plus 45 mg/m2 ATRA daily for 28 days. Headache and QTc prolongations were the only two grade 3 adverse events observed. No significant clinical responses were observed. We conclude that the combination of 70 mg dasatinib and 45 mg/m2 ATRA daily is safe with acceptable toxicity. Our results provide the safety profile for further investigations into the clinical efficacy of this combination therapy in myeloid malignancies.
Source Remediation Challenges

This chapter provides an overview of the challenges that impede successful remediation of chlorinated solvent source zones and recent advances in our ability to meet these challenges. The distribution (architecture) of DNAPL mass in these zones tends to be highly irregular, divided between ganglia and pools. Section 2 describes source zone architecture parameters or ‘metrics’ that may be used to describe DNAPL mass distribution characteristics that are associated with downgradient plume response, as well as efforts designed to predict and characterize DNAPL mass distribution. It is now generally understood that local groundwater concentrations can vary dramatically within a source zone region. Thus, increased attention is being focused on the quantification of mass flux as an alternative remedial endpoint. Section 3 presents an overview of recent research directed towards quantifying the relationship between DNAPL architecture and mass flux and developing tools for mass flux quantification and uncertainty analysis. To effectively design and implement in situ remediation technologies, it is essential that the overall extent, accessibility, composition, and spatial distribution of the DNAPL source zone is known. Detailed source zone characterization and real time monitoring can provide necessary data for targeted delivery of remedial agents, thereby minimizing costs and improving mass recovery. Section 4 explores the possible benefits of partial mass removal and the potential for using combined remedies to more effectively address DNAPL source zone management.
In vivo inactivation of glutamine synthetase by tabtoxinine-β-lactam in Zea mays suspension culture cells

Abstract Inactivation of glutamine synthetase by tabtoxinine-β-lactam was examined in Zea mays cv. Black Mexican suspension culture cells. Tabtoxinine-β-lactam was readily taken up from micromolar solutions of the toxin and, subsequently, rapidly inhibited glutamine synthetase. When cells were treated with 50 μ m tabtoxinine-β-lactam, less than 40% of the initial glutamine synthetase activity remained after 60 min. The kinetics of in vivo glutamine synthetase inactivation by tabtoxinine-β-lactam (50–1000 μ m ) was non-first order, with progressively slower rates of inactivation, perhaps reflecting the complexity of two separate processes, e.g. toxin uptake and subsequent enzyme inhibition. The kinetics of in vitro inactivation of purified glutamine synthetase by tabtoxinine-β-lactam were also non-first order (50–2000 μ m ) with progressively slower rates of inactivation, suggesting enzyme inactivation becomes the rate limiting step in the plant. Since tabtoxinine-β-lactam flux into the cell is a factor in the inactivation of glutamine synthetase in the plant, in vivo inactivation of glutamine synthetase was examined under conditions that might affect toxin uptake. Incubation with 1 m m methionine or alanine inhibited in vivo inactivation of glutamine synthetase in the presence of 300 μ m toxin. The pH optimum of the treatment solution for tabtoxinine-μ-lactam activity was 4·5, and carbonyl cyanide m -chlorophenylhydrazone, a protonophore and metabolic inhibitor, inhibited toxin transport. The results of this study show that tabtoxinine-β-lactam uptake is metabolically linked and that the concentration of toxin in planta need not be very high to effectively disrupt nitrogen metabolism.
Specific Language Dysfunctioning in Children: A Historical Overview

The origins and growth of awareness of specific impairments in the linguistic functioning of children may be looked at in terms of three roughly chronological but overlapping and ongoing aspects: clinical recognition, conceptualization, and classification. The first aspect is characterized by the discovery, mainly during the first third of this century, that a population of children existed in facilities for the mentally deficient or the deaf who were neither imbecilic nor hard of hearing. Rather, these children displayed what appeared as circumscribed aberrations in the development and use of their native language, but they were relatively normal in other respects. On the basis of the paucity of published studies, the occurrence of such cases was thought to be something of a rarity. Gradually, an increasing number of writers reported such cases, and detailed accounts of directly observable symptoms grew. As more probing questions were posed, more thorough examinations appeared in the literature, and inferences were made regarding the specific nature of the linguistic defects and their etiology. Thus emerged the second aspect—theoretical conceptualization.
Was torque measured

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Daubney and Culham entitled “Lower-Extremity Muscle Force and Balance Performance in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older” in the December 1999 issue. We generally found the work of interest and quite commendable, with one exception. In the article, the authors indicate that they measured force via a dynamometer, reporting these values as being measured at a location …
Changing Trends in Substance Use and Sexual Risk Disparities among Sexual Minority Women as a Function of Sexual Identity, Behavior, and Attraction: Findings from the National Survey of Family Growth, 2002–2015

Components of sexual minority (SM) status—including lesbian or bisexual identity, having same-sex partners, or same-sex attraction—individually predict substance use and sexual risk behavior disparities among women. Few studies have measured differing associations by sexual orientation components (identity, behavior, and attraction), particularly over time. Data were drawn from the 2002–2015 National Survey of Family Growth female sample (n = 31,222). Multivariable logistic regression (adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, education, marital/cohabitation status, survey cycle, and population-weighted) compared past-year sexual risk behavior, binge drinking, drug use, and sexually transmitted infection treatment among sexual minority women (SMW) versus sexual majority women (SMJW) by each sexual orientation component separately and by all components combined, and tested for effect modification by survey cycle. In multivariable models, SM identity, behavior, and attraction individually predicted significantly greater odds of risk behaviors. SM identity became nonsignificant in final adjusted models with all three orientation components; non-monosexual attraction and behavior continued to predict significantly elevated odds of risk behaviors, remaining associated with sexual risk behavior and drug use over time (attenuated in some cases). Trends in disparities over time between SMW versus SMJW varied by sexual orientation indicator. In a shifting political and social context, research should include multidimensional sexual orientation constructs to accurately identify all SMW—especially those reporting non-monosexual behavior or attraction—and prioritize their health needs.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emissions from Subsurface Soils of Agricultural Ecosystems

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a major greenhouse gas and cultivated soils are the most important anthropogenic source. N2O production and consumption are known to occur at depths below the A or Ap horizon, but their magnitude in situ is largely unknown. At a site in SW Michigan, USA, we measured N2O concentrations at different soil depths and used diffusivity models to examine the importance of depth-specific production and consumption. We also tested the influence of crop and management practices on subsurface N2O production in (1) till versus no-till, (2) a nitrogen fertilizer gradient, and (3) perennial crops including successional vegetation. N2O concentrations below 20 cm exceeded atmospheric concentrations by up to 900 times, and profile concentrations increased markedly with depth except immediately after fertilization when production was intense in the surface horizon, and in winter, when surface emissions were blocked by ice. Diffusivity analysis showed that N2O production at depth was especially important in annual crops, accounting for over 50% of total N2O production when crops were fertilized at recommended rates. At nitrogen fertilizer rates exceeding crop need, subsurface N2O production contributed 25–35% of total surface emissions. Dry conditions deepened the maximum depth of N2O production. Tillage did not. In systems with perennial vegetation, subsurface N2O production contributed less than 20% to total surface emissions. Results suggest that the fraction of total N2O produced in subsurface horizons can be substantial in annual crops, is low under perennial vegetation, appears to be largely controlled by subsurface nitrogen and moisture, and is insensitive to tillage.
Ferric reducing reactivity assay with theoretical kinetic modeling uncovers electron transfer schemes of metallic-nanoparticle-mediated redox in water solutions

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) can mediate electron transfer in water solutions. We report a chemical assay named “ferric reducing ability of nanoparticles” (FRAN), which is capable of probing electron fluxes at NP–water interfaces. The assay provides time-resolved colorimetric analysis for evaluating the surface reactivity of metallic NPs in redox processes and in elucidating the electron transfer schemes. FRAN includes the reduction of ferric (FeIII) to ferrous (FeII) ions by electrons transferred from NPs at the NP–water interface. In tests of 20 nm gold (Au) and silver (Ag) NPs, the plateaued FeII concentration after adequate reaction time was linearly correlated to the NP concentration. However, distinct kinetic trends, which are mathematically described by an exponential and logarithmic function, were observed between Ag and Au NPs. We developed two theoretical models, which correspond to two interfacial electron transfer schemes, to explain the difference between the materials. For Ag NPs, the occurring redox is a one-electron transfer from Ag0 to FeIII, leading to formation of Ag+ and FeII. Despite being a heterogeneous reaction including the NP solid and aqueous solution, it involves electron transfer at the interfacial region in which the collision between FeIII and Ag0 occurs in a approximately homogeneous manner, and thus its kinetics behaves as a pseudo first-order reaction. For Au NPs, an electron flux forms when electrons stored in the NP phase are “discharged” to reduce FelII at the interface, and the NPs act as electrodes. The experiments and models for FRAN can aid in the design of NP antioxidant functionality and assessment of environmental impacts of NPs in water or other fluids.
Direct determination and quantification of sulphur forms in heavy petroleum and coals: 2. The sulphur K edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy approach

Abstract A sulphur K edge X-ray absorption spectroscopic method has been developed for the direct determination and quantification of the sulphidic and thiophenic forms of organically bound sulphur in non-volatile petroleum and coal samples. XANES spectra were taken of a number of model compounds, mixtures of model compounds, heavy petroleum and coal samples. A third-derivative analysis of these spectra allowed approximate quantification of the sulphidic and thiophenic components of the model mixtures and the heavy petroleum and coal samples.
KINEMATICS OF A THREE-AXIS GIMBAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT The kinematics of a three-axis gimbal system is studied by examining the equations of constraint which must be satisfied during gimbal motion. The phenomena of gimbal lock and gimbal flipping are considered and demonstrated for one type of vehicle motion. Curves indicating angular displacements, velocities, and accelerations have been computed showing the need of a redundant four-axis gimbal system to avoid gimbal lock. In addition, a scheme of operation is proposed for a four-axis gimbal system of low power consumption for the redundant axis servo.
Stereotactic body radiotherapy versus percutaneous local tumor ablation for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.

Abstract Objectives To compare patterns of care and overall survival (OS) between stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and percutaneous local tumor ablation (LTA) for non-surgically managed early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and methods The National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried from 2004 to 2014 for adults with non-metastatic, node-negative invasive adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with primary tumor size ≤5.0 cm who did not undergo surgery or chemotherapy and received SBRT or LTA. Patterns of care were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. After propensity-score weighting with generalized boosted regression, OS was assessed with univariate and doubly-robust multivariate Cox regression. Results Of 15,792 patients, 14,651 (93%) received SBRT and 1141 (7%) received LTA. Increasing age (OR 1.01, p = .035), treatment at an academic institution (OR 2.94, p 2.0 cm (HR 0.72, p Conclusion Within the NCDB, SBRT was more commonly utilized and was associated with improved OS when compared to percutaneous LTA for patients with non-surgically managed early-stage NSCLC. Patients with small tumor volumes likely represent an appropriate population for future prospective randomized comparisons between SBRT and LTA.
Exploring the non-linear associations between spatial attributes and walking distance to transit

Abstract When examining environmental correlates of walking distance to transit stops, few studies report the importance of spatial attributes relative to other factors. Furthermore, previous studies often assume that they have linear relationships with walking distance. Using the 2016 Transit On Board Survey in the Minneapolis and St. Paul Metropolitan Area, this study adopted the gradient boosting decision trees method to examine the relationships between walking distance and spatial attributes. Results showed that spatial attributes collectively have larger predictive power than other factors. Moreover, they tend to have non-linear associations with walking distance. We further identified the most effective ranges of spatial attributes to guide stop area planning and stop location choice in the region.
Politicisation and Professionalisation: The Progress and Perils of Civil-Military Transformation in Museveni’s Uganda

Problems of civil-military relations have been at the centre of recurring political crises in contemporary Africa. Routine military intrusion in politics characterised the first four decades of ind...
Current Perspectives of Prenatal Sonographic Diagnosis and Clinical Management Challenges of Nuchal Cord(s).

Umbilical cord accidents preceding labor are uncommon. In contrast, nuchal cords are a very common finding at delivery, with reported incidences of a single nuchal cord of approximately between 20% and 35% of all singleton deliveries at term. Multiple loops occur less frequently, with reported incidence rates inverse to the number of nuchal cords involved. Rare cases of up to 10 loops of nuchal cord have been reported. While true knots of the umbilical cord have been associated with a 4-10-fold increased risk of stillbirth, nuchal cord(s) are most often noted at delivery of non-hypoxic non-acidotic newborns, without any evidence of subsequent adverse neonatal outcome. Prior to ultrasound, nuchal cords were suspected clinically following subtle (spontaneous or evoked) electronic fetal heart rate changes. Prenatal sonographic diagnosis, initially limited to real-time gray-scale ultrasound, currently entails additional sonographic modalities, including color Doppler, power Doppler, and three-dimensional sonography, which have enabled increasingly more accurate prenatal sonographic diagnoses of nuchal cord(s). In contrast to true knots of the umbilical cord (which are often missed at sonography, reflecting the inability to visualize the entire umbilical cord, and hence are often incidental findings at delivery), nuchal cord(s), reflecting their well-defined and sonographically accessible anatomical location (the fetal neck), lend themselves with relative ease to prenatal sonographic diagnosis, with increasingly high sensitivity and specificity rates. While current literature supports that single (and possibly double) nuchal cords are not associated with increased adverse perinatal outcome, emerging literature suggests that cases of ≥3 loops of nuchal cords or in the presence of a coexisting true knot of the umbilicus may be associated with an increased risk of stillbirth or compromised neonatal status at delivery. This commentary will address current perspectives of prenatal sonographic diagnosis and clinical management challenges associated with nuchal cord(s) in singleton pregnancies.
Aging-vulnerable and -resilient trajectories of specific motor circuit function in oxidation- and temperature-stressed Drosophila

Abstract We examined several sensory-motor processing circuits in Drosophila across the lifespan and uncovered distinctive age-resilient and age-vulnerable trajectories in their established functional properties. We observed relatively little deterioration toward the end of lifespan in the giant-fiber (GF) and downstream circuit elements responsible for the jump-and-flight escape reflex. In contrast, we found substantial age-dependent modifications in the performance of GF inputs and other circuits driving flight motoneuron activities. Importantly, in high temperature (HT)-reared flies (29 °C), the characteristic age-dependent progression of these properties was largely maintained, albeit over a compressed time scale, lending support for the common practice of expediting Drosophila aging studies by HT rearing. We discovered shortened lifespans in Cu2+/Zn2+Superoxide Dismutase 1 (Sod) mutant flies were accompanied by alterations distinct from HT-reared flies, highlighting differential effects of oxidative vs temperature stressors. This work also establishes several age-vulnerable parameters that may serve as quantitative neurophysiological landmarks for aging in Drosophila.
Immune Expression in Children With Vesicoureteral Reflux: A Pilot Study.

Objective To perform an exploratory, descriptive pilot study of the systemic and local immune environment in patients with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and bladder-bowel dysfunction (BBD). Methods Consecutive children with VUR undergoing intravesical ureteral reimplantation were enrolled. Patients were assessed for presence of BBD by reported patient history and validated questionnaire. Fresh blood and bladder tissue, collected at the time of surgery, were immediately processed for analysis. Immune cell compositions were determined via flow cytometry. Immune cell activation was also defined at the time of analysis. LegendPlex assay analysis was utilized to define levels of circulating chemokines and cytokines. Results A total of 7 patients were enrolled. Although percentages of circulating immune cells in the blood of those with VUR/BBD and VUR alone were similar, within bladder tissue, VUR/BBD demonstrated increased immune infiltrates compared to VUR alone. Bladder sample analysis showed that B cells, and Effector Memory and Naive T cell percentages were significantly increased in VUR/BBD patients compared to VUR patients. T cell expression of PD1 was increased in bladder tissues of BBD/VUR. Additionally, analysis of circulating neutrophils displayed significantly increased upregulation of PDL-1 in patients with VUR/BBD vs those with VUR only. Conclusion These pilot data suggest an immune-rich microenvironment is present within VUR. Severity of inflammation appeared to correlate with presence of BBD. This implies that targeting pelvic inflammation may be a novel therapy for children with VUR- or non-VUR-related BBD. Follow-up studies are currently underway.
Marine N 2 Fixation, Global Change and the Future

Long-term environmental changes, including those caused by climate change, are dynamic processes and, in the sea, multiple physical and chemical factors are changing over time which can affect the physiologies, distributions and activities of marine diazotrophs in positive and negative ways. As a result of the increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, surface ocean temperatures and dissolved CO2 concentrations are increasing while pH is decreasing. The concentrations of inorganic nutrients, metals and dust in surface waters due to amplified atmospheric deposition as well as runoff are also increasing. At broader scales, ocean circulation may be affected which in turn will affect the nutrient cycles, distribution of species including diazotrophs and the food webs associated with them in the global ocean.
Ponape: The Tradition of Retaliation

During the first century of contact with the outside world, the history of Ponape has been marked by a series of violent outbreaks against Americans, Spaniards, and Germans. The causes and implications of these surprisingly effective uprisings, in which two governors of the island were killed, have become the direct concern of the American people. Ponape has been governed by the U. S. Navy since 1945, and was assigned to the United States by the United Nations in 1947 as part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.