cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Yeast Mutants Affecting Possible Quality Control of Plasma Membrane Proteins

Mutations gef1, stp22, STP26, and STP27 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified as suppressors of the temperature-sensitive α-factor receptor (mutation ste2-3) and arginine permease (mutation can1ts). These suppressors inhibited the elimination of misfolded receptors (synthesized at 34°C) as well as damaged surface receptors (shifted from 22 to 34°C). The stp22 mutation (allelic to vps23 [M. Babst and S. Emr, personal communication] and the STP26 mutation also caused missorting of carboxypeptidase Y, and ste2-3 was suppressed by mutations vps1, vps8, vps10, and vps28 but not by mutation vps3. In the stp22 mutant, both the mutant and the wild-type receptors (tagged with green fluorescent protein [GFP]) accumulated within an endosome-like compartment and were excluded from the vacuole. GFP-tagged Stp22p also accumulated in this compartment. Upon reaching the vacuole, cytoplasmic domains of both mutant and wild-type receptors appeared within the vacuolar lumen. Stp22p and Gef1p are similar to tumor susceptibility protein TSG101 and voltage-gated chloride channel, respectively. These results identify potential elements of plasma membrane quality control and indicate that cytoplasmic domains of membrane proteins are translocated into the vacuolar lumen.
Finding New Tricks For Old Drugs: An Efficient Route For Public-Sector Drug Discovery

With the annotation of the human genome approaching completion, public-sector researchers — spurred in part by various National Institutes of Health Roadmap Initiatives — have become increasingly engaged in drug discovery and development efforts. Although large and diverse chemical libraries of 'drug-like' compounds can be readily screened to yield chemically novel scaffolds, transforming these 'chemical probes' into drugs is a daunting endeavour. A more efficient approach involves screening libraries of approved and off-patent medications; both phenotypic- and molecular target-based screening of 'old drugs' can readily yield compounds that could be immediately used in clinical trials. Using case studies, we describe how this approach has rapidly identified candidate medications suitable for clinical trials in disorders such as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This approach has also led to the discovery of the molecular targets responsible for serious drug side effects, thereby allowing efficient 'counter-screening' to avoid these side effects.
Construction of Synthetic Populations with Key Attributes: Simulation Set-Up While Accommodating Multiple Approaches within a Flexible Simulation Platform

In this paper, we describe our concept for overcoming the data barriers of building credible synthetic populations to assist the transformation between social theories and mathematical models. We specifically developed a 31-million-agent model of Afghanistan’s population to demonstrate the ability to computationally control and analytically manipulate a system with the large number of agents (i.e., 108) necessary to model regions at the individual level using the LandScan Global population database. Afghanistan was selected for this case study because gathering data for Afghanistan was thought to be especially challenging. The LandScan Global population database is used by a majority of key U.S. and foreign agencies as their database system for worldwide geospatial distribution of populations. Assigning attributes to disaggregated population was achieved by fusing appropriate indicator databases using two forms of aggregation techniques – geographical and categorical. A new approach of matching attributes to theoretical constructs was illustrated. The other data sources used include data on military and peacekeeper forces’ loyalties, readiness, and deployment collected through a combination of UN and classified force projections; economic data collected at the national level and disaggregated using data fusion techniques; data on social attitudes, beliefs, and social cleavages through anthropological studies, worldwide polling, and classified sources; and data on infrastructure and information systems and networks.
The Exocyst Protein Sec10 Is Necessary for Primary Ciliogenesis and Cystogenesis In Vitro

Primary cilia are found on many epithelial cell types, including renal tubular epithelial cells, in which they are felt to participate in flow sensing and have been linked to the pathogenesis of cystic renal disorders such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. We previously localized the exocyst, an eight-protein complex involved in membrane trafficking, to the primary cilium of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and showed that it was involved in cystogenesis. Here, using short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to knockdown exocyst expression and stable transfection to induce exocyst overexpression, we show that the exocyst protein Sec10 regulates primary ciliogenesis. Using immunofluorescence, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy, primary cilia containing only basal bodies are seen in the Sec10 knockdown cells, and increased ciliogenesis is seen in Sec10-overexpressing cells. These phenotypes do not seem to be because of gross changes in cell polarity, as apical, basolateral, and tight junction proteins remain properly localized. Sec10 knockdown prevents normal cyst morphogenesis when the cells are grown in a collagen matrix, whereas Sec10 overexpression results in increased cystogenesis. Transfection with human Sec10 resistant to the canine shRNA rescues the phenotype, demonstrating specificity. Finally, Par3 was recently shown to regulate primary cilia biogenesis. Par3 and the exocyst colocalized by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation, consistent with a role for the exocyst in targeting and docking vesicles carrying proteins necessary for primary ciliogenesis.
Bite the hand that sprays you.

A 56-year-old man presented with a cutaneous lesion on his right hand (Figure 1). Approximately 6 weeks previously, he had traveled to Costa Rica for missionary work. During his travel he used a diethyltoluamide-containing insect repellant, but spent one night in the jungle without a mosquito net. Four weeks after his return, he noted a 3 × 2.5-cm ulcer with raised edges and surrounding erythema on the dorsum of his right hand. The patient recalled applying insect repellant with his right hand to other exposed areas of his body but was remiss in applying it to the right hand itself. On examination, the patient was noted to have an ulcerated nodule near his right earlobe (Figure 2) and a second 2 × 1-cm ulcer on the volar aspect of his right wrist (Figure 3). There were no mucocutaneous lesions noted. During the next several weeks, numerous nodules developed in a sporotrichoid pattern on the extensor surface of his right arm (Figure 4). Skin biopsy was performed at the time of initial evaluation and revealed cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania panamensis. After discussing the different treatment options, miltefosine was administered orally for 28 days. The patient experienced an excellent response to therapy. Figure 1. Ulcer, dorsum, right hand. Figure 2. Eschar, anterior to right ear. Figure 3. Ulcer, volar surface, right forearm. Figure 4. Sporotrichoid lesions, right forearm.
MOM: maximum oligonucleotide mapping.

Summary: Current short read mapping programs are based on the reasonable premise that most sequencing errors occur near the 3 � end of the read. These programs map reads with either a small number of mismatches in the entire read, or a small number of mismatches in the segment remaining after trimming bases from the 3 � end or a single base from the 5 � end. Though multiple sequencing errors most likely occur near the 3 � end of the reads, they can still occur at the 5 � end of the reads. Trimming from the 3 � end will not be able to map these reads. We have developed a program, Maximum Oligonucleotide Mapping (MOM), based on the concept of query matching that is designed to capture a maximal length match within the short read satisfying the user defined error parameters. This query matching approach thus accommodates multiple sequencing errors at both ends. We demonstrate that this technique achieves greater sensitivity and a higher percentage of uniquely mapped reads when compared to existing programs such as SOAP, MAQ and SHRiMP. Software and Test Data Availability: http://mom.csbc.vcu.edu
Comparison of the Burkard and Allergenco MK-3 volumetric collectors

Background The Burkard sampler is a widely used volumetric pollen and spore collector, in part, because it is wind-oriented, it has consistent flow characteristics, and it permits time-discrimination of collected particles. Its main disadvantages are that it is heavy, expensive, and visual counting is very time-consuming. A less-expensive volumetric collector with time discrimination capabilities could permit more widespread particle counting which would enhance our understanding of aerobiology. Objective The objective of this study is to compare the collection recoveries of the Burkard sampler with a less-expensive non-wind oriented collector, the Allergenco MK-3, under various wind speeds. Methods Pollen and spore counts were compared on 20 sampling days during the spring pollen season using a Burkard and Allergenco MK-3 located next to each other on the roof of a 5-story hospital building. A weather station was placed nearby and wind velocity was concurrently measured. Results The median wind velocity was 6 miles/hour with a maximum of 35 miles/hour. The Burkard and Allergenco MK-3 collectors displayed similar collection characteristics at all wind velocities for both pollen and spores. The Burkard gave lower counts than the Allergenco when absolute particle counts were low and similar values at higher absolute counts. Conclusions Given our data, we conclude that ambient wind speed has no significant effect on collection efficiency at velocities commonly found on the roof of our hospital and that the collection characteristics of the Burkard and Allergenco MK-3 are comparable.
Blind RLS based space-time adaptive 2-D RAKE receivers for DS-CDMA communication systems

The goal of a blind two-dimensional (2-D) RAKE receiver for DS-CDMA is to cancel strong multiuser access interference (MUAI) while optimally combining the signal of interest's (SOI) multipath. The weight vector yielding the optimum SINR for bit decisions may be computed as the "largest" generalized eigenvector of a matrix pencil composed of the SOI plus MUAI and MUAI alone space-time correlation matrices. An alternative blind 2-D RAKE receiver is presented based on RLS-type space-time adaptive filtering that offers competitive performance. The applicability of the scheme to the IS-95 uplink is addressed.
Improving Exercise Adherence and Physical Measures in English-Speaking Latina Women

Background Epidemiological data have established that lack of physical activity increases risk factors for chronic diseases. Dataalsosuggests thatphysicalactivityparticipation islowest in minority women, particularly Latinas, and that the nature of the exercise and attitudes toward exercise may influence exercise adherence. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hypertrophy training (HT) or power training (PT) used concomitantly with evaluative conditioning (EC) or neutral conditioning (NC) on exercise adherence as well as in physical and psychosocial variables in Latina women. EC is a behavioral method using paired stimuli to develop and strengthen new associations in memory. Methods Two hundred thirty-one English-speaking Latina women (mean±SD, age 36.8±15.9 years) were randomly assigned to standard HT or high-speed circuit PT and then further stratified to receive EC or NC. Results One hundred forty-two Latina women completed preand posttesting. For HT, EC produced significantly greater exercise time across the training period than NC. HT and PT both significantly improved all physical, functional, and psychosocial variables, with exception of leg extension and usual gait speed (p<0.05). Conclusion EC can positively impact exercise adherence during HTin Latinawomen; while body composition, neuromuscular, and functional performances can be increased using HT and PT independent of psychological conditioning.
Electrodeposited nickel-sulfide films as competent hydrogen evolution catalysts in neutral water

The development of low-cost, efficient, and robust electrocatalysts of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is a crucial step toward the conversion and storage of sustainable and carbon-neutral energy resources, such as solar energy. Not only the HER catalysts need to be composed of inexpensive elements, they are also desirable to be prepared at low energy cost. In this work, we report that nickel-sulfide (Ni-S) films prepared by facile potentiodynamic deposition are active HER catalysts in aqueous media. Notably, the Ni-S films showed catalytic activity in water with a wide range of pH values (0 to 14), as well as in natural water. In pH 7 phosphate buffer, a current density of 60 mA cm−2 could be achieved with a Tafel slope of 77 mV dec−1 and a Faradaic efficiency of 100%. A long-term bulk electrolysis of the Ni-S film exhibited steady current over 100 h with no deactivation, demonstrating its superior stability in neutral water. Further, an initial activation process was observed, which is likely due to the increase in the effective surface area of the Ni-S film under electrocatalytic conditions. A suite of characterization techniques, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, were conducted to probe the composition and structure of the Ni-S film, revealing that its major component is Ni3S2 which was preserved under electrocatalytic conditions.
Source coding of the discrete Fourier transform

Distortion-rate theory is used to derive absolute performance bounds and encoding guidelines for direct fixed-rate minimum mean-square error data compression of the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of a stationary real or circularly complex sequence. Both real-part-imaginary-part and magnitude-phase-angle encoding are treated. General source coding theorems are proved in order to justify using the optimal test channel transition probability distribution for allocating the information rate among the DFT coefficients and for calculating arbitrary performance measures on actual optimal codes. This technique has yielded a theoretical measure of the relative importance of phase angle over the magnitude in magnitude-phase-angle data compression. The result is that the phase angle must be encoded with 0.954 nats, or 1.37 bits, more rate than the magnitude for rates exceeding 3.0 nats per complex element. This result and the optimal error bounds are compared to empirical results for efficient quantization schemes.
The Concentration of Glucose in Mammalian Liver

Data on barium-zinc filtrates of liver homogenates and of boiled liver indicate that the free glucose content of liver exceeds the blood glucose level. For instance, for boiled liver, the glucose level is 10.1, compared with a blood level of 5.4 mM/kg. Method of preparation of the tissue is important for the interpretation of the final results, as has been shown in appropriate control experiments. Various methods including paper chromatography were used to show that the reducing substance in liver is glucose. The relation of the high glucose content of liver to hexokinase activity, phosphate activity, and to glucose transport between liver cell and blood is discussed.
Eye position affects activity in primary auditory cortex of primates.

Abstract Background: Neurons in primary auditory cortex are known to be sensitive to the locations of sounds in space, but the reference frame for this spatial sensitivity has not been investigated. Conventional wisdom holds that the auditory and visual pathways employ different reference frames, with the auditory pathway using a head-centered reference frame and the visual pathway using an eye-centered reference frame. Reconciling these discrepant reference frames is therefore a critical component of multisensory integration. Results: We tested the reference frame of neurons in the auditory cortex of primates trained to fixate visual stimuli at different orbital positions. We found that eye position altered the activity of about one third of the neurons in this region (35 of 113, or 31%). Eye position affected not only the responses to sounds (26 of 113, or 23%), but also the spontaneous activity (14 of 113, or 12%). Such effects were also evident when monkeys moved their eyes freely in the dark. Eye position and sound location interacted to produce a representation for auditory space that was neither head- nor eye-centered in reference frame. Conclusions: Taken together with emerging results in both visual and other auditory areas, these findings suggest that neurons whose responses reflect complex interactions between stimulus position and eye position set the stage for the eventual convergence of auditory and visual information.
First-year post-fire erosion rates in Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Accelerated runoff and erosion commonly occur following forest fires due to combustion of protective forest floor material, which results in bare soil being exposed to overland flow and raindrop impact, as well as water repellent soil conditions. After the 2000 Valley Complex Fires in the Bitterroot National Forest of west-central Montana, four sets of six hillslope plots were established to measure first-year post-wildfire erosion rates on steep slopes (greater than 50%) that had burned with high severity. Silt fences were installed at the base of each plot to trap eroded sediment from a contributing area of 100 m2. Rain gauges were installed to correlate rain event characteristics to the event sediment yield. After each sediment-producing rain event, the collected sediment was removed from the silt fence and weighed on site, and a sub-sample taken to determine dry weight, particle size distribution, organic matter content, and nutrient content of the eroded material. Rainfall intensity was the only significant factor in determining post-fire erosion rates from individual storm events. Short duration, high intensity thunderstorms with a maximum 10-min rainfall intensity of 75 mm h−1 caused the highest erosion rates (greater than 20 t ha−1). Long duration, low intensity rains produced little erosion (less than 0·01 t ha−1). Total C and N in the collected sediment varied directly with the organic matter; because the collected sediment was mostly mineral soil, the C and N content was small. Minimal amounts of Mg, Ca, and K were detected in the eroded sediments. The mean annual erosion rate predicted by Disturbed WEPP (Water Erosion Prediction Project) was 15% less than the mean annual erosion rate measured, which is within the accuracy range of the model. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mouse Sperm Desiccated and Stored in Trehalose Medium Without Freezing

Mouse sperm with and without trehalose were desiccated under nitrogen gas and stored at 4°C and 22°C. After rehydration, sperm were injected into oocytes using intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryonic development was followed. Sperm were dried for 5.0, 6.25, or 7.5 min, stored at 22°C for 1 wk with and without trehalose. The percentages of blastocysts that developed from sperm with trehalose were 51%, 31%, and 20%, respectively, which was significantly higher than sperm without trehalose (10%, 3%, and 5%, respectively). Desiccation and storage in medium with trehalose significantly increased sperm developmental potential compared to medium without trehalose. Sperm dried for 5 min produced more blastocysts than sperm dried for 6.25 or 7.5 min. When sperm were dried in trehalose for 5 min and stored for 1 wk, 2 wk, 1 mo, or 3 mo at 4°C, the percentages of blastocysts were 73%, 84%, 63%, and 39%; whereas those stored at 22°C for 1 wk, 2 wk, or 1 mo were significantly lower (53%, 17%, and 6%, respectively). Embryos from sperm partially desiccated in trehalose for 5 min and stored at 4°C for 1 or 3 mo were transferred to 10 pseudopregnant recipients. Implantation rates were 81% and 48%; live fetuses were 26% and 5%, respectively. One of the recipients delivered three live fetuses. The results show that trehalose has a significant beneficial effect in preserving the developmental potential of mouse sperm following partial desiccation and storage at temperatures above freezing.
Maternal protein homeostasis and milk protein synthesis during feeding and fasting in humans

Little is known about amino acid (AA) and protein metabolism in lactating women. We hypothesized: 1) AA sources other than the plasma acid pool provide substrate for milk protein synthesis in human...
Research into smoking or nicotine and human cognitive performance: does the source of funding make a difference?

Aims. To establish whether there is a relationship between tobacco industry support of basic research and the conclusions drawn by the authors of that research. Design. A sample of 91 papers investigating the effects of tobacco or nicotine use upon cognitive performance was analyzed to see if the pattern of conclusions drawn by researchers acknowledging tobacco industry support differed from the pattern of conclusions drawn by researchers not acknowledging tobacco industry support. Findings. Scientists acknowledging tobacco industry support reported typically that nicotine or smoking improved cognitive performance while researchers not reporting the financial support of the tobacco industry were more nearly split on their conclusions. Conclusions. While it is only possible to speculate on the possible reasons, the existence of a possible bias in the published literature according to funding source must be given serious consideration.
Radiation-related heart and vascular disease

Improvement in cancer therapy has led to increasing number of cancer survivors, some of whom have previously been treated with mediastinal radiation. Cardiac complication may manifest years after completion of radiation therapy. Hence long-term follow-up is essential in these patients. In this paper, we have discussed the short- and long-term cardiovascular side effects of radiation therapy.
Mechanical and in vitro characterisation of decellularised porcine aortic tissue conjugated with gold nanoparticles as a vascular repair material

There is currently a need for better vascular and cardiac repair materials. These materials must be biocompatible and resist rupture, calcification, and degradation. Materials of biological origin such as decellularised tissue have shown the most promise for achieving these characteristics; however, they still suffer from poor cellular integration and mechanical weakness as compared to the native structures. This study investigated the effects of decellularisation, crosslinking, and conjugation with gold nanoparticles (AuNP) on porcine aortic tissue for use as a vascular repair material. Histology and scanning electron microscopy were performed and confirmed the removal of immunogenic nuclear remnants, confirmed little change in structure after decellularisation, and confirmed the presence of the AuNPs on the material. Mechanical testing was performed which indicated no significant differences in mechanical properties between the native vessel and the modified vessels. Cell culture studies were performed which demonstrated that the modified material was biocompatible. This study confirmed that the decellularised scaffolds maintain the important native tissue characteristics and that crosslinking and the addition of AuNPs achieves biocompatible tissue scaffolds.
Polar compensation at the surface of SrTi O 3 (111)

We have systematically investigated the annealing effect on the structure and composition of the polar surface of $\mathrm{SrTi}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ (111) starting with an ex situ chemical etch. The relative surface concentration between Ti and Sr strongly depends on both the annealing temperature and the oxygen processing. There is a critical annealing temperature at which the maximum concentration ratio of Ti to Sr is achieved while still maintaining a $(1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1)$ surface structure. We demonstrate that with proper processing it is possible to avoid surface reconstruction over a broad temperature range. Our results provide an optimal temperature window for epitaxial film growth.
Functional organization of the goldfish cerebellum

1. Most Purkinje neurons show ongoing spike activity. In approximately 75%, this activity disappeared after peduncle lesion and in some of these the activity stopped when water flow over the gills was interrupted. Approximately one-fourth of Purkinje cells (PC's) showed continuing ongoing activity after afferent input was abolished. 2. Stimulation of spinal cord elicited both simple spikes, mainly in ipsilateral PC's, and some complex responses (via climbing fibers) usually contralateral and of longer latency than the simple spikes. 3. Tactile stimulation of skin and flexion of tail or fins, also lateral line stimulation by a water stream, evoked bursts of spikes in PC-s. Input was by mossy fibers and mechanoreceptive fields were large. 4. Stimulation of vestibular nerve produced both simple and complex responses in PC's. Auditory stimuli were most effective at 800–1200 Hz in eliciting responses via mossy fibers. Responses to sound were phasic changes in ongoing frequency, bursts followed by inhibition or on-off excitation. 5. Responses to visual stimuli were recorded in granule cells and Purkinje cells, also in mossy axons. Many PC's showed excitatory-inhibitory sequences; a few climbing fiber responses were recorded. The mossy fiber visual input is from optic tectum relay. 6. Some PC's were activated by two or three sensory modalities.
Ten Minute Preparation Of Yba2Cu3O7−x Using Barium Hydroxide

High quality bulk YBa2CuOx−7 was synthesized by fusing stoichiometric amounts of yttrium and copper nitrates and barium hydroxide, in air, using an ordinary Bunsen burner. The starting materials go through a short-lived liquid phase yielding a solid black product which was subsequently heat treated, (900 C, 18–24 h, in air, followed by 500 C, 5 h., in O2). These materials were greater than 99% phase pure with CuO as the only other phase and they exhibited a transition temperature of 92 K, a 15.5% perfect diamagnetic response (field cooled), 76% (zero field cooled). This synthesis represents an improvement over the much more labor and time intensive conventional methods in that it allows high quality materials of various compositions to be prepared quickly
Understanding the Reactivity of Layered Transition-Metal Sulfides: A Single Electronic Descriptor for Structure and Adsorption

Density functional theory is used to investigate the adsorption and structural properties of layered transition-metal sulfide (TMS) catalysts. We considered both the (1010) M-edge and (1010) S-edge terminations for a wide range of pure and doped TMSs, determined their sulfur coverage under realistic operating conditions (i.e, steady-state structures), and calculated an extensive set of chemisorption energies for several important reactions. On the basis of these results, we show that the d-band center, ed, of the edge-most metal site at 0 ML sulfur coverage is a general electronic descriptor for both structure and adsorption energies, which are known to describe catalytic activity. A negative linear correlation between adsorbate–S binding and S–metal binding allows ed to describe the adsorption of species on both metal and sulfur sites. Our results provide a significant simplification in the understanding of structure–activity relationships in TMSs and provides guidelines for the rational design and lar...
Surface Synthesis Via Laser-Liquid Reactions

The phenomena occurring when laser radiation interacts with a material submerged in a liquid depend on the power, wavelength, pulse duration, and liquid dielectric properties. Present studies, involving two distinctly different physical situations, show how some interaction modes can be used for surface modification. In the first, a continuouswave CO2 laser-beam progressively pyrolyzes a liquid precursor to form a surface coating. Hexamethylcyclotrisilazane, for example, dissociates to produce highly adherent Si3N4 layers containing 200nm spherical particles. In the second physical situation, intense excimer laser radiation produces dielectric breakdown of the liquid, thus creating a high-temperature plasma and a high-pressure shock wave. Under these conditions, precursor decomposition products alloy the substrate to a depth of lum. Experiments above and below the substrate melt threshold have been used to determine the effects of processing in different power density regimes. A variety of analytical techniques have been employed to determine the compositions of the as-synthesised layers and mechanisms related to the observed phenomena are discussed.
The Dulce, New Mexico Earthquake, Jan. 23, 1966

On January 22, 1966 at 18:56:38.0, Mountain Standard Time (January 23, 1966, 01:56:38.0 GMT), an earthquake of magnitude 5.5 occurred in north–central New Mexico near the town of Dulce. There was damage to homes and school buildings, but there were no injuries. Intensity at Dulce was VII on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. Many aftershocks followed the main event, and on January 29, three temporary seismograph stations were installed in the area.
Enfoque a priori y enfoque empírico en la clasificación de las instituciones de educación superior: el caso de Estado Unidos

Higher education classification arose in the United States as a result of the dramatic growth in institutions and students in the 1950s and 1960s, as well as the growing federal role as sponsor of research. This paper discusses two epistemological approaches to classification: a priori and empirical and the strengths and weaknesses of both. The paper also discusses recent developments that suggest the era of higher education classification may be ending in the developed world. The paper concludes with an application of lessons from the U.S. case to current debates over higher education classification in Chile.
Ambulatory physiological status monitoring during a mountaineering expedition.

Objective To evaluate an ambulatory physiological monitoring system during a mountaineering expedition. We hypothesized that the Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire, combined with frequent measurement of oxygen saturation and core temperature, would accurately identify cases of environmental illness. Methods Twelve military mountaineers took a daily Environmental Symptoms Questionnaire, monitored fingertip oxygen saturations, and recorded core temperatures while climbing a 4,949-m peak. Illnesses identified by the system were compared with those identified by spontaneous reports. Results The system correctly identified one case of high-altitude pulmonary edema and two illnesses that were not reported to the physician (one case of acute mountain sickness and one of self-limited symptomatic desaturation). However, it did not identify two illnesses that were severe enough to preclude further climbing (one case of sinus headache and one of generalized fatigue). Conclusions Our monitoring system may complement, but cannot replace, on-site medical personnel during mountaineering expeditions.
Angelman Syndrome: Chromosome Abnormality

Clinical cytogenetic and molecular evidence in 1 patient with paternal uniparental disomy (UPD) for chromosome 15 is reported from the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL.
Vocalization patterns in young children with Down syndrome: Utilizing the language environment analysis (LENA) to inform behavioral phenotypes:

Children with Down syndrome (DS) are at higher risk for both delayed expressive language and poor speech intelligibility. The current study utilized the quantitative automated language environment analysis (LENA) to depict mother and child vocalizations and conversational patterns in the home of 43 children with DS, chronologically aged 24-64 months. Children with DS displayed fewer utterances than typically developing children; however, there was wide variability. Furthermore, children with DS did not show increased vocalization counts across their chronological ages. In contrast to previous findings, this study found that the mothers of children with DS had a reduced number of vocalizations. However, the vocalizations increased with age in comparison to mothers of typically developing children. Implications for targeted interventions that facilitate learning opportunities in bidirectional contexts for children with DS and their parents are discussed, with particular attention to quantify behavioral phenotypes utilizing a novel expressive language assessment tool.
Intraoperative cholangiography during cholecystectomy among hospitalized medicare beneficiaries with non-neoplastic biliary disease

Abstract Background Prior studies of Medicare beneficiaries with both neoplastic and non-neoplastic indications for cholecystectomy demonstrated a reduced risk of common bile duct (CBD) injury when intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was used. We sought to determine the association between IOC and CBD injury during inpatient cholecystectomy for non-neoplastic biliary disease and compare survival among those with or without CBD injury. Methods Retrospective study of patients ≥66 who underwent inpatient cholecystectomy (2005–2010) for gallstones, cholecystitis, cholangitis, or gallbladder obstruction. The association between IOC and CBD injury was analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and survival after cholecystectomy was analyzed using multivariable Cox regression. Results Among 472,367 patients who underwent cholecystectomy, 0.3% had a CBD injury. IOC was associated with increased CBD injury (adjusted OR 1.41[1.27–1.57]). CBD injury was associated with increased hazards of death (adjusted HR 1.37[1.25–1.51]). Conclusions IOC in patients with non-neoplastic biliary disease was associated with increased odds of CBD injury. This likely reflects its selective use in patients at higher risk of CBD injury or as a confirmatory test when an injury is suspected.
Interactions of Fungal Viruses and Secondary Metabolites

Mycoviruses have been demonstrated in all major filamentous fungi groups and biochemically characterized from a number of fungi (Bozarth, 1972; Lemke and Nash, 1974). In view of the agricultural and industrial impact of a number of these virus-containing fungi, studies have been pursued during the past few years on how these viruses, in some fashion, may regulate metabolic products, such as antibiotics and other secondary metabolites. Current information will be reviewed involving the biological implications of viruses in fungi, especially their interactions with fungal metabolites in vegetatively growing tissue. Recent findings will be discussed relative to the physiological roles of viruses and their interaction with fungal metabolites.
Tuberculosis trends in California correctional facilities, 1993-2013

BACKGROUND Incarcerated persons are disproportionately diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB). California has the second highest inmate population in the United States, but reports the highest number of cases. OBJECTIVE To describe the TB epidemiology among incarcerated patients in California. METHODS Trends in incidence were assessed using Poisson regression, and trends in percentage were assessed using weighted linear regression. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared using χ2 or Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS During 1993-2013, of the 64 090 TB cases reported, 2323 (4%) were correctional facility residents. Incidence in correctional facilities decreased until 2006 (annual per cent change [APC] -12.3%, 95%CI -14.4 to -10.1), but has since stabilized (APC 4.4%, 95%CI -2.1 to 11.4). Compared with state prisoners, federal prisoners were more likely to be male (98%, P = 0.03), persons arriving in the United States within 5 years of diagnosis (62%, P < 0.001), and born in Mexico (88%, P = 0.02), whereas local jail inmates were more likely to have a history of substance use (75%, P < 0.001) and homelessness (35%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS TB incidence in correctional facilities had steadily declined over the last two decades, but has recently leveled out. To promote further reduction in incidence among diverse incarcerated populations, health departments and correctional facilities should strengthen collaboration by conducting TB risk-based assessments.
Enhancing Electron Transfer and Electrocatalytic Activity on Crystalline Carbon-Conjugated g-C3N4

Carbon nitride (g-C3N4) materials are electro-activated for oxygen reduction (ORR) and oxygen evolution (OER) reactions when they are supported by conductive carbons. However, the electrocatalytic process on semiconductor-based heterostructures such as carbon-supported g-C3N4 still suffers from a huge energy loss because of poor electron mobility. Here, we demonstrated a concept that the conjugation of g-C3N4 with crystalline carbon can improve the in-plane electron mobility and make interior triazine units more electro-active for ORR and OER. As a result, the Co metal coordinated g-C3N4 with crystalline carbons (Co–C3N4/C) showed a remarkable electrocatalytic performance toward both ORR and OER. For example, it displayed an onset potential of 0.95 V for ORR and an overpotential of 1.65 V for OER at 10 mA cm–2, which are comparable and even better than those of benchmark Pt, RuO2, and other carbon nitride-based electrocatalysts. As a proof-of-concept application, we employed this catalyst as an air electr...
Resource variability and the collapse of a dominance hierarchy in a colour polymorphic species

Intraspecific social dominance hierarchies should be influenced by environmental variation; however, in colour polymorphic species, dominance hierarchies are often assumed fixed, and thus insensitive to environmental variability. We ran a series of experiments using the colour polymorphic long-tailed brush lizard ( Urosaurus graciosus ) to challenge this assumption. We staged contests between orange and yellow morph males over a single heated perch, two perches at the same temperature, or two perches differing in temperature. Our first experiment revealed that orange-throated males are socially dominant. However, this hierarchy collapsed in our other experiments as yellow males became more aggressive. Interestingly, both males only ever secured their own perch where the perches differed in temperature. These findings mirror observations of morph behavioural flexibility in nature and studies of behaviour–environment interactions in non-polymorphic taxa. We conclude that colour morphs may have an underappreciated ability to assess resource-level changes and respond with concomitant flexibility in behaviour.
MASS ANALYSIS OF PARTICLES AND MACROMOLECULES BY FIELD-FLOW FRACTIONATION

Field-flow fractionation (FFF) is a new separation methodology of considerable scope and versatility. Its range of applicability is enormous, spanning at least a billion-fold mass range, from molecules of 500 MW to particles larger than a micron in diameter. Retention in this system is a calculable function of physicochemical parameters, moot of which are size and mass dependent. Thus retention measurements can be converted into a mass or size analysis for complex materials. The exact parameter yielded depends on the subtechnique employed. Sedimentation FFF provides a spectrum of effective masses. Flow FFF yields a spectrum of diffusion coefficients, usually convertible into an approximate mass spectrum. Thermal FFF gives thermal diffusion factors, whose molecular weight dependence for linear polymers is now emerging. Electrical FFF can also provide a diffusion coefficient spectrum under some conditions. In this paper, the basic equations needed to acquire a mass spectrum for each subtechnique are established. The elution spectrum, which is the retention volume versus molecular weight profile needed to get a mass spectrum, is calculated for a number of examples. Experimental results are cited to show that the theoretical curves are valid and the method sound.
Characterization of an Inducible Alcoholic Liver Fibrosis Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Investigation in a Transgenic Porcine Tumorigenic Platform.

Abstract Purpose This study used the Oncopig Cancer Model (OCM) to develop alcohol-induced fibrosis in a porcine model capable of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. Materials and Methods Liver injury was induced in 8-week-old Oncopigs (n = 10) via hepatic transarterial infusion of 0.75 mL/kg ethanol-ethiodized oil (1:3 v/v). Feasibility was assessed in an initial Oncopig cohort (n = 5) by histologic analysis at 8 weeks after induction, and METAVIR results were compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls (n = 5). Liver injury was then induced in a second OCM cohort (n = 5) for a time-course study, with post-induction disease surveillance via biweekly physical exam, lab analysis, and liver biopsies until 20 weeks after induction. Results In Cohort 1, 8-week post-induction liver histologic analysis revealed median METAVIR F3 (range, F3–F4) fibrosis, A2 (range, A2–A3) inflammation, and 15.3% (range, 5.0%–22.9%) fibrosis. METAVIR and inflammation scores were generally elevated compared to healthy controls (F0–F1, P = 0.0013; A0–A1, P = .0013; median percent fibrosis 8.7%, range, 5.8%–12.1%, P = .064). In Cohort 2, histologic analysis revealed peak fibrosis severity of median METAVIR F3 (range, F2–F3). However, lack of persistent alcohol exposure resulted in liver recovery, with median METAVIR F2 (range, F1–F2) fibrosis at 20 weeks after induction. No behavioral or biochemical abnormalities were observed to indicate liver decompensation. Conclusions This study successfully validated a protocol to develop METAVIR F3–F4 fibrosis within 8 weeks in the OCM, supporting its potential to serve as a model for hepatocellular carcinoma in a fibrotic liver background. Further investigation is required to determine if repeated alcohol liver injury is required to develop an irreversible METAVIR grade F4 porcine cirrhosis model.
Meta-Analysis and Meta-Synthesis Methodologies: Rigorously Piecing Together Research

For a variety of reasons, education research can be difficult to summarize. Varying contexts, designs, levels of quality, measurement challenges, definition of underlying constructs, and treatments as well as the complexity of research subjects themselves can result in variability. Education research is voluminous and draws on multiple methods including quantitative, as well as, qualitative approaches to answer key research questions. With increased numbers of empirical research in Instructional Design and Technology (IDT), using various synthesis methods can provide a means to more deeply understand trends and patterns in research findings across multiple studies. The purpose of this article is to illustrate structured review or meta-synthesis procedures for qualitative research, as well as, novel meta-analysis procedures for the kinds of multiple treatment designs common to IDT settings. Sample analyses are used to discuss key methodological ideas as a way to introduce researchers to these techniques.
Integrable Systems, Random Matrices, and Random Processes

Random matrix theory began in the 1950s, when E. Wigner [58] proposed that the local statistical behavior of scattering resonance levels for neutrons off heavy nuclei could be modeled by the statistical behavior of eigenvalues of a large random matrix, provided the ensemble had orthogonal, unitary or symplectic invariance. The approach was developed by many others, like Dyson [30, 31], Gaudin [34] and Mehta, as documented in Mehta’s [44] fa-mous treatise. The field experienced a revival in the 1980s due to the work of M. Jimbo, T. Miwa, Y. Mori, and M. Sato [36, 37], showing the Fredholm determinant involving the sine kernel, which had appeared in random ma-trix theory for large matrices, satisfied the fifth Painleve transcendent; thus linking random matrix theory to integrable mathematics. Tracy and Widom soon applied their ideas, using more efficient function-theoretic methods, to the largest eigenvalues of unitary, orthogonal and symplectic matrices in the limit of large matrices, with suitable rescaling. This lead to the TracyWidom distributions for the 3 cases and the modern revival of random matrix theory (RMT) was off and running.
5.13 Glacially Influenced Tectonic Geomorphology: The Impact of the Glacial Buzzsaw on Topography and Orogenic Systems

Glacial erosion is approximated as a simple linear function of basal sliding, but is actually dependent on a myriad of spatially and temporally varying boundary conditions. Glacial erosion is more proficient than fluvial erosion, but both are limited by the local rate of tectonic rock uplift. The unique characteristics of glacial topography can be linked to mechanics of the erosion process and local conditions (e.g., selective linear erosion under polythermal ice conditions), as demonstrated in surface process models. Some kinematic aspects of glacial erosion are exclusive, including a focusing of erosion at equilibrium-line altitude, aggressive headwall retreat, and relatively rapid topographic adjustment to climate change. As a result of these characteristics, orogenic systems behave differently when dominated by glaciers. Under the right conditions, rapid rock uplift and efficient glacial erosion limit topography, induce steady-state orogenic flux, and focus crustal strain, thus imparting geodynamic significance to glacial climate. This hypothesis of a ‘glacial buzzsaw’ has been verified both topographically and exhumationally in a variety of settings worldwide, as well as in numerical models of orogenic evolution. Unraveling exceptions to this, including ‘teflon peaks’ and glacial thresholds, is key to improving understanding of the tectonic geomorphology of glaciated terrain.
CSF and ECF glutamate concentrations in head injured patients.

Excitatory Amino Acids (EAAs) release has been considered to be neurotoxic in traumatic brain injury patients. Microdialysis samples of extracellular space (ECS) and high glutamate concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) following Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) have been documented. The objective of this study was to determine the correlation between EAA release in ECS and CSF in focal and diffuse injury.
Urodynamic Evaluation of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence

To understand further the urodynamics of female stress urinary incontinence 6 patients with this condition were studied before and after anterior vesicopexy. The evaluation included uroflowmetry, cystometry, urethral pressure profilometry, anatomical urethral length measurement with the subject in the supine and standing positions, demonstration fo stress incontinence and cystourethroscopy. These procedures, except cystometry and cystourethroscopy, were repeated 7 days and 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively in most patients. All patients had short preoperative functional urethral lengths and standing anatomical lengths and all were lengthened after the anterior vesicopexy. The urinary flow rate demonstrated decreased peak and average flow rates 1 week postoperatively but complete recovery 4 to 6 weeks later. We believe that this study reaffirms the importance of urethral length in the pathophysiology of female stress urinary incontinence and, by demonstrating decreased flow rates in the immediate postoperative period, draws attention to the need for careful observation of voiding after catheter removal to avoid bladder decompensation. The marked improvement observed in the 4 to 6-week postoperative period reveals that anterior vesicopexy does not obstruct the urethra since no tissue posterior to the urethra is used. These urodynamic studies have proved to be valuable adjuncts in the evaluation of female stress incontinence.