cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Complex Control of a Genomic Island Governing Biofilm and Rugose Colony Development in Vibrio vulnificus.

ABSTRACT Vibrio vulnificus is a potent opportunistic human pathogen that contaminates the human food chain by asymptomatically colonizing seafood. The expression of the 9-gene brp exopolysaccharide locus mediates surface adherence and is controlled by the secondary signaling molecule c-di-GMP and the regulator BrpT. Here, we show that c-di-GMP and BrpT also regulate the expression of an adjacent 5-gene cluster that includes the cabABC operon, brpT, and another VpsT-like transcriptional regulator gene, brpS. The expression of the 14 genes spanning the region increased with elevated intracellular c-di-GMP levels in a BrpT-dependent manner, save for brpS, which was positively regulated by c-di-GMP and repressed by BrpT. BrpS repressed brpA expression and was required for rugose colony development. The mutation of its consensus WFSA c-di-GMP binding motif blocked these activities, suggesting that BrpS function is dependent on binding c-di-GMP. BrpT specifically bound the cabA, brpT, and brpS promoters, and binding sites homologous to the Vibrio cholerae VpsT binding site were identified upstream of brpA and brpT. Transcription was initiated distal to brpA, and a conserved RfaH-recruiting ops element and a potential Rho utilization (rut) terminator site were identified within the 100-bp leader region, suggesting the integration of early termination and operon polarity suppression into the regulation of brp transcription. The GC content and codon usage of the 16-kb brp region was 5.5% lower relative to that of the flanking DNA, suggesting its recent assimilation via horizontal transfer. Thus, architecturally, the brp region can be considered an acquired biofilm and rugosity island that is subject to complex regulation. IMPORTANCE Biofilm and rugose colony formation are developmental programs that underpin the evolution of Vibrio vulnificus as a potent opportunistic human pathogen and successful environmental organism. A better understanding of the regulatory pathways governing theses phenotypes promotes the development and implementation of strategies to mitigate food chain contamination by this pathogen. c-di-GMP signaling is central to both pathways. We show that the molecule orchestrates the expression of 14 genes clustered in a 16-kb segment of the genome that governs biofilm and rugose colony development. This region exhibits the hallmarks of horizontal transfer, suggesting complex regulatory control of a recently assimilated genetic island governing the colonization response of V. vulnificus.
Dyadic Relations Between Interparental Conflict and Parental Emotion Socialization

This study examined the effects of destructive and constructive interparental conflict on unsupportive parental emotion socialization behaviors (N = 166 parents of toddlers). Both mothers and fathe...
Effect of Cholecystokinin and Caerulein on Gastric Secretion in Cats

Cats were given intravenous infusions of hog gastrin 11 (0.5 to 2.0 μg per kg-hr), cholecystokinin (CCK) (8 to 32 U per kg-hr), purified CCK (8 to 32 U per kg-hr), caerulein (0.15 to 1.2 μg per kg-hr), or desulfated caerulein (0.75 to 6.0 μg per kg-hr). Acid and pepsin responses were measured from gastric fistulae. Although the four compounds differed widely in potency, they all had about the same efficacy for acid secretion as evidenced by parallel dose-response lines. Thus, in cats, CCK type peptides (CCK and caerulein) are full agonists, whereas previous studies had shown that these peptides have only partial agonist activity in man and dog. CCK and caerulein were weaker pepsigogues than gastrin or desulfated caerulein.
Improving Quality and Lowering Cost Through Community Care Teams.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The U.S. healthcare industry has seen a sharpened focus on delivering value-based care. To accomplish this, providers have turned their attention toward high-risk patients who are in frequent contact with the healthcare system. Specific attention has been given to Medicaid patients, who make up a majority of the high-risk population. Providers are implementing new approaches and strategies to improve the quality of healthcare and lower the cost for high-risk Medicaid patients. This essay highlights how the implementation of community care teams (CCTs) can improve quality and lower costs for these patients. Through discussion of the success at Community Care North Carolina, other states can understand the impact CCTs have on high-risk Medicaid patients by delivering value-based care, improving quality, and lowering costs.
Korea: Sociocultural Aspects

The development of the English-language anthropology of Korea, a post-liberation (from Japanese colonialism in 1945) venture, is reviewed in its political and institutional contexts. Examined first is the early ethnography of South Korean villages as exemplary of Korean culture. Featured in these early works are several related dichotomies: elite (yangban, referring loosely to membership in a genealogy with office-holding ancestors) vs. popular/non-elite culture; Confucianism vs. shamanism/popular religion; and male vs. female. The anthropology of Korea proceeds to both question and interrogate the workings of these dichotomies. The article then follows the anthropology of Korea out of the village to urban and modern organizational venues—arguing that in so doing, both the village and ‘traditional’ or ‘Korean’ culture have been revisited. In keeping with their anthropological times, this next generation of Korean ethnographies is less interested in characterizing Korean culture or considering Korean development, but is committed instead to portraying the various discursive contexts and contests in which South Koreans live and make sense of their lives. Important to this endeavor is attention to the state—particularly its nationalist and development rhetorics—as constitutive of personal subjectivities and social life.
Investigations of Uranyl Fluoride Sesquihydrate (UO2F2·1.57H2O): Combining 19F Solid-State MAS NMR Spectroscopy and GIPAW Chemical Shift Calculations.

High-resolution 19F magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectra were obtained for the uranium-bearing solid uranyl fluoride sesquihydrate (UO2F2·1.57H2O). While there are seven distinct crystallographic...
A Study of the Effects of Electrode Number and Decoding Algorithm on Online EEG-Based BCI Behavioral Performance

Motor imagery-based brain-computer interface (BCI) using electroencephalography (EEG) has demonstrated promising applications by directly decoding users' movement related mental intention. The selection of control signals, e.g., the channel configuration and decoding algorithm, plays a vital role in the online performance and progressing of BCI control. While several offline analyses report the effect of these factors on BCI accuracy for a single session-performance increases asymptotically by increasing the number of channels, saturates, and then decreases-no online study, to the best of our knowledge, has yet been performed to compare for a single session or across training. The purpose of the current study is to assess, in a group of forty-five subjects, the effect of channel number and decoding method on the progression of BCI performance across multiple training sessions and the corresponding neurophysiological changes. The 45 subjects were divided into three groups using Laplacian Filtering (LAP/S) with nine channels, Common Spatial Pattern (CSP/L) with 40 channels and CSP (CSP/S) with nine channels for online decoding. At the first training session, subjects using CSP/L displayed no significant difference compared to CSP/S but a higher average BCI performance over those using LAP/S. Despite the average performance when using the LAP/S method was initially lower, but LAP/S displayed improvement over first three sessions, whereas the other two groups did not. Additionally, analysis of the recorded EEG during BCI control indicates that the LAP/S produces control signals that are more strongly correlated with the target location and a higher R-square value was shown at the fifth session. In the present study, we found that subjects' average online BCI performance using a large EEG montage does not show significantly better performance after the first session than a smaller montage comprised of a common subset of these electrodes. The LAP/S method with a small EEG montage allowed the subjects to improve their skills across sessions, but no improvement was shown for the CSP method.
Undoing the Demos

This review charts the substantive theoretical import, diagnostic utility, as well as the conceptual and stylistic limits of Wendy Brown’s Undoing the Demos. Brown adamantly charts the destructive effects of contemporary neoliberalism, construed largely as an insidious form of rationality rather than simply an economic system, and the hollowing out of democratic political life which has ensued from its ascension. The account of neoliberalism supplied by Undoing the Demos presents an indispensable tool with which to forge modalities of both analysis and resistance yet also contains important limitations which circumscribe some of the book’s utility and gesture toward the need for critical supplement.
In Vivo Evaluation of Novel PLA/PCL Polymeric Patch in Rats for Potential Spina Bifida Coverage.

Abstract Background Current therapeutic materials for spina bifida repair showed a limited number of options in the market, and none of them have all the requirements as the ideal patch. In fact, sometimes the surgical procedures pose substantial challenges using different patches to fully cover the spina bifida lesion. For this purpose, a tailored patch made of poly (L-lactic acid) and poly (e-caprolactone) blend was designed and validated in vitro to accomplish all these requirements but was never tested in vivo. Material and methods In our present study, the designed patch was analyzed in terms of rejection from the animal when implanted subcutaneously and as a dural substitute in the spinal cord. Inflammatory reaction (Iba1), astrogliosis (GFAP), was analyzed and functional interaction with spinal cord tissue assessing the (%motor-evoked potentials /compound motor action potential) by electrophysiology. Results No evidence of adverse or inflammatory reactions was observed in both models of subcutaneous implantation, neither in the neural tissue as a dural substitute. No signs of astrogliosis in the neural tissue were observed, and no functional alteration with improvement of the motor-evoked potential's amplitude was detected after 4 wk of implantation as a dural substitute in the rat spinal cord. Conclusions Designed patch used as a dural substitute will apparently not produce inflammation, scar formation, or tethering cord and not induce any adverse effect on regular functions of the spinal cord. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential improvements of this novel polymeric patch in the spinal cord regeneration using spina bifida models.
Bureaucratic quality and the severity of genocide and politicide

First generation genocide scholars viewed bureaucratic quality as essential to government mass atrocity. However, second generation scholars view bureaucratic quality as an obstacle to government m...
Abstract 047: Mode of Orthostatic Hypotension Assessment and Dizziness in Older Adults

Background: Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an important predictor of dizziness, falls, and death. However, there is substantial uncertainty regarding the most clinically meaningful way to assess O...
TOOLS TO PROMOTE SHARED DECISION-MAKING IN LUNG CANCER SCREENING USING LOW-DOSE COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Background Decisions about lung cancer screening are inherently complex and create a need for methods to convey the risks and benefits of screening to patients. Research Question What kind of decision aids or tools are available to support shared-decision making for lung cancer screening? What is the current evidence for the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of those tools? Study Design and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies and searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register and ClinicalTrials.gov from inception to December 2019 for studies that evaluated the effectiveness and acceptability of tools to promote shared decision making for patients considering lung cancer screening. Results After screening 2427 records, we included 1 randomized control trial, 2 observational studies, 11 pre-post studies of a decision aid or an educational tool. Fifteen distinct tools in various formats were evaluated in 14 studies. Most studies were of fair quality. Studies reported improvement in patients' knowledge of lung cancer screening (n=9 studies), but improvements in specific areas of knowledge were inconsistent. Decisional conflict was low or reduced after administration of the tools (n=7 studies). The acceptability of tools was rated as high by patients (n=7 studies) and physicians (n=1 study). LDCT completion rates varied among studies (n=6 studies). Interpretation Evidence from 14 studies suggests that some elements of existing tools for lung cancer screening may help to prepare patients for decision-making by improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict. Such tools are generally acceptable to patients and providers. Further studies which use consistent measures and reporting methods and assess relevant decisional and clinical outcomes are needed to determine the comparative effectiveness and feasibility of implementation of these tools. Registration PROSPERO 2018 CRD4201874814
Nonexperimentally Induced Neoplastic and Proliferative Lesions in Laboratory Zebrafish

Abstract Zebrafish are a burgeoning translational model for cancer research in humans due to their genetic tractability, known genome, and high cellular and genetic homology with humans. When dealing with fish in a research setting, it is important to be aware of “naturally occurring” neoplasms that can develop independent of experimental manipulations and may be detrimental to the health of the fish and the research itself. Seminomas are the most common neoplasm reported in zebrafish and may represent a physiologically proliferative, rather than a true neoplastic entity. Intestinal carcinomas are common and have been shown to be associated with inflammation, potentially due to nematodiasis or mycoplasma infection. These tumors show a pattern of transmission between fish, potentially due to infection by promoting bacteria. Ultimobranchial gland tumors are common and share a spectrum with hyperplastic lesions that are likely influenced by environmental mineral levels. Other, less common, but equally important neoplasms include lymphosarcoma and other hematopoietic tumors, soft tissue sarcomas, optic pathway tumors, melanomas, extraspinal chordomas, hepatocellular tumors, nephroblastomas, hemangiomas, and thyroid tumors, which have been shown to respond to changes in water nutrient levels, most likely iodine.
POPPYN: presenting our perspective on Philly youth news

POPPYN (Presenting on Perspective On Philly Youth News) is an award-winning youth media program based in Philadelphia where high school students collaborate with college-student media educators to ...
Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy

This chapter discusses technical aspects of laparoscopic Heller myotomy including instrumentation and equipment, patient positioning, trocar placement, and surgical steps. The authors also offer pearls and pitfalls.
Evaluation of the relationship between the one-hour plasma glucose concentration and beta-cell functions and cardiometabolic parameters during oral glucose tolerance test in obese children and adolescents.

Background In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between the 1-h plasma glucose (PG) level in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and conventional glycemic parameters, indices evaluating beta-cell functions, and cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods The records of 532 obese patients who were followed up in the Pediatric Endocrinology Polyclinic and who underwent standard OGTT were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were divided into two groups according to OGTT data as the 1-h plasma glucose concentration <155 mg/dL (n=329) and ≥155 mg/dL (n=203). Patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) were divided into two groups according to the 1-h PG level, as 218 patients with NGT 1 h-low (<155 mg/dL) and 53 patients with high NGT 1 h-high (≥155 mg/dL). Results There was a statistically significant difference between the lipid profiles of individuals with NGT 1 h-low (<155 mg/dL) and individuals with NGT 1 h-high (≥155 mg/dL) (p<0.001). Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were higher, while HDL cholesterol levels were lower in individuals with NGT 1 h-high (≥155 mg/dL). The indices evaluating beta-cell functions were significantly higher in individuals with NGT 1 h-low (<155 mg/dL). Conclusion As a result, a plasma glucose concentration above or equal to 155 mg/dL at 1 h during an OGTT is associated with a worse clinical phenotype characterized by changes in insulin sensitivity and β-cell function. Therefore, this threshold value can predict the progression of prediabetes in obese young people with NGT.
How it all ends

In these challenging times for Earth, the notion of exploring and inhabiting other worlds is enticing. After all, if someday humanity9s continued existence on this planet appears threatened, we might continue civilization elsewhere—assuming we have the technology to do so. Yet, as astrophysicist and popular science communicator Katie Mack shows in her excellent, far-reaching debut book, The End of Everything (Astrophysically Speaking), at some point the entire Universe9s luck will run out.
Progress and challenges in self-healing cementitious materials

Concrete is a very common material consisting of a mixture of aggregates (sand, gravel, crashed rock) and paste (cement, water and additives). The paste component, made up mainly of cement and water, degrades with time. Despite this shortcoming, research toward the next-generation cement and concrete materials has intensified in the past 10–15 years. Self-healing cementitious materials, in particular, are a research area that has attracted a great deal of attention. A number of novel formulations have demonstrated an increase in mechanical and chemical stability with respect to conventional Portland cement, through the addition of inorganic, organic, and even biological additives. This review reports on the latest developments in cement research related to the synthesis of cement and concrete materials with autogenous healing and/or self-healing capability. These include geopolymers, engineered cementitious materials, bacterial cement composites, microencapsulated self-healing materials, self-healing assisted by shape-memory alloys, and polymer–cement composites. This work describes the performance of each cementitious material and the mechanism responsible for healing, including a section on atomistic simulations and modeling of cementitious materials. A detailed understanding of various cement technologies with autogenous healing and self-healing properties, including their strengths and weaknesses, is critical to determine the areas where new development is needed to enable novel, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible cement and concrete solutions. To this end, molecular simulations can play a significant role and have already demonstrated promise in achieving an atomic level view of interactions between cementitious materials and other add-on compounds, such as carbon nanotubes or polymers for enhanced reinforcement or autonomous healing properties. Next-generation construction materials are led by self-healing cement and concrete. With a wide range of autonomous healing strategies based on smart polymers and alloys, biotechnology, and molecular modeling, advanced cementitious materials are becoming part of our daily lives. This work represents a comprehensive review on progress, challenges, and opportunities in the development of these materials for infrastructure and beyond.
Comparison of Early Oral Cancer Depth of Invasion From the American Joint Committe on Cancer 7th to 8th Edition Criteria. Does the Difference Impact the Accuracy of Clinical Decision Making

Purpose Depth of invasion (DOI) is an independent predictor of regional metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Measurement criteria for DOI were modified in the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) eighth edition. The purpose of this study was to compare DOI AJCC seventh (DOI7) and eighth (DOI8) edition criteria on frozen section accuracy for decisions regarding elective neck dissection (END) in cT1N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma. Patients and Methods A blinded, retrospective, comparative study of patients who underwent ablative surgery at the University of Michigan was completed. The predictor variable was criteria for DOI measurement. The outcome variables were concordance between DOI7 and DOI8 measurements and accuracy using thresholds for END. Effect of tumor growth pattern and worst pattern of invasion, and the difference between DOI8 on frozen and permanent specimen were assessed. Results A total of 30 specimens of T1N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma (16 tongue, 5 alveolus, 5 floor of mouth, 4 buccal mucosa) were included. DOI7 versus DOI8 on frozen and permanent specimen were significantly different (P 0.99, P 0.99, P Conclusions High concordance between DOI measurements by AJCC seventh and eighth edition criteria suggests that guidelines for DOI thresholds for END in patients with T1N0 tumors developed using the AJCC seventh edition can be safely applied using AJCC eighth edition criteria. DOI measurement by AJCC 8 criteria on frozen specimen can be used to guide decision-making regarding END, given the high correlation to AJCC 8 permanent DOI measurement.
Maladaptive Emotional Schemas and Emotional Functioning: Evaluation of an Integrated Model Across Two Independent Samples

Recent advancements in emotion theory propose that emotional schemas—individualized conceptualizations and beliefs about emotions—serve a fundamental function in guiding emotional processes. To critically assess the validity of this suggestion, the current research proposed and evaluated an integrative model of emotional functioning. Two studies were completed using a combination of behavioral (Mirror Tracing Persistence Task), performance-based (Perception of Affect Task), and self-report (Leahy Emotional Schema Scale-II, Cognitive-Behavioral Avoidance Scale, Generalized Expectancy for Negative Mood Regulation Scale, UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale) measures of maladaptive emotional schemas and emotional functioning. Results supported the model and suggested complex interrelations between maladaptive emotional schemas, emotion-processing deficits, avoidant coping, emotion-regulation ineffectiveness, and behavioral dysregulation, with emotional schemas playing a key role in guiding emotional experience and functioning. Given the centrality of beliefs about emotion and emotional functioning in empirically supported therapies, the proposed model may inform future research on mechanisms of change in these treatments.
Pre-implantation exogenous progesterone and pregnancy in sheep. II. Effects on fetal-placental development and nutrient transporters in late pregnancy.

Administration of progesterone (P4) to ewes during the first 9 to 12 days of pregnancy accelerates blastocyst development by day 12 of pregnancy, likely due to P4-induced up-regulation of key genes in uterine epithelia responsible for secretion and transport of components of histotroph into the uterine lumen. This study determined if acceleration of blastocyst development induced by exogenous P4 during the pre-implantation period affects fetal-placental development on day 125 of pregnancy. Suffolk ewes (n = 35) were mated to fertile rams and assigned randomly to receive daily intramuscular injections of either corn oil vehicle (CO, n = 18) or 25 mg progesterone in CO (P4, n = 17) for the first 8 days of pregnancy. All ewes were hysterectomized on day 125 of pregnancy and: 1) fetal and placental weights and measurements were recorded; 2) endometrial and placental tissues were analyzed for the expression of candidate mRNAs involved in nutrient transport and arginine metabolism; and 3) maternal plasma, fetal plasma, allantoic fluid, and amniotic fluid were analyzed for amino acids, agmatine, polyamines, glucose, and fructose. Treatment of ewes with exogenous P4 did not alter fetal or placental growth, but increased amounts of aspartate and arginine in allantoic fluid and amniotic fluid, respectively. Ewes that received exogenous P4 had greater expression of mRNAs for SLC7A1, SLC7A2, SLC2A1, AGMAT, and ODC1 in endometria, as well as SLC1A4, SLC2A5, SLC2A8 and ODC1 in placentomes. In addition, AZIN2 protein was immunolocalized to uterine luminal and glandular epithelia in P4-treated ewes, whereas AZIN2 localized only to uterine luminal epithelia in CO-treated ewes. This study revealed that exogenous P4 administered in early pregnancy influenced expression of selected genes for nutrient transporters and the expression of a protein involved in polyamine synthesis on day 125 of pregnancy, suggesting a ‘programming’ effect of P4 on gene expression that affected the composition of nutrients in fetal-placental fluids.
A note on viscoelastic bodies whose material properties depend on the density

In this note, we study the response of a viscoelastic body whose stress relaxation modulus and creep compliance depend on the density of the body in such a manner that the stress and strain appear ...
A Study of Using Virtual Currency in a Discrete Mathematics Course

Effective gamification can only be based on understanding the relationship between learner motivation and the game elements which are used to gamify learning activities. Although frequently mentioned, Virtual Currency (VC) remains underused and scarcely studied in educational gamification. As a motivational affordance, VC can be thought of as supporting different types of motivation, but currently, there is a lack of empirical studies which investigate this. Recognizing this gap, the purpose of our study was to empirically investigate whether and how gamifying learning activities with virtual currency can engender motivation for out-of-class practicing and what type of motivation. In the limited research others have conducted, VC has been studied largely in combination with other game elements, which does not allow reaching reliable conclusions about the impact of the individual elements. For this reason, we studied the effects of VC in a gamified Discrete Math course isolated from other game elements. The study showed that using VC to gamify practicing increased students’ practicing activity, which resulted in improved academic performance. The study also revealed that while gamified practicing did not increase students’ intrinsic motivation, it supported internalization of motivation towards this learning activity.
Adsorption of iodine on metal coupons in humid and dry environments

Abstract In this study, five different metal coupons were evaluated for gaseous iodine [I2(g)] adsorption including two stainless steels (i.e., SS304 and SS316), two Inconel alloys (i.e., 625 and 718) and pure Ni (i.e., Ni-200) within a dynamic flow-through system where temperature, iodine concentration, flow rate, atmosphere, and relative humidity were controlled. Humidity was shown to be critical to iodine adsorption on SS304, SS316, and Ni-200 at ambient temperatures. The results presented herein provide evidence that a moisture-mediated reaction is occurring. However, higher humidity levels decrease the adsorption, suggesting an ideal range of humidity for the highest corrosion potential in these metals. A comparison of the five metal substrates showed the highest I2(g) adsorption in the following descending order: Ni-200 > SS304 > SS316 > 718 > 625. The Inconel 625 and 718 alloys were fairly inert to iodine adsorption under the conditions tested. Characterization of the coupons by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction of the Ni-200 coupon indicates that NiI2 formed and flaked off the surface as a black powder. The SS304 and SS316 coupons showed evidence of extensive reactions with I2(g) and formed a much more deliquescent corrosion product, which reacted with air when removed from the flow-through system for weighing on the analytical balance. A static system was also used to expose separate polished coupons to I2(g), which allowed for analysis of the corrosion layers via scanning electron microscopy. These findings assisted in predicting iodine adsorption behaviors on a variety of metal surfaces under near-ambient conditions.
Tension Pneumocephalus: A Rare Complication Following Skull Base Surgery:

Tension pneumocephalus (TP) is a rare complication following skull base surgery with potentially deadly consequences if not recognized and treated quickly. Characterized by the presence of air with...
Prologue: Why This Book?

This chapter lays out how this book adds to the methodological literature investigating empirical causality. At the same time, it highlights why understanding the complex causes of civil conflict is a worthy endeavor.
The developing kidney actively negotiates geometric packing conflicts to avoid defects

The physiological functions of several organs rely on branched tubular networks, but little is known about conflicts in development between building enough tubules for adequate function and geometric constraints imposed by organ size. We show that the mouse embryonic kidney epithelium negotiates a physical packing conflict between tubule tip duplication and limited area at the organ surface. Imaging, computational, and soft material modeling of tubule families identifies six geometric packing phases, including two defective ones. Experiments in kidney explants show that a retrograde tension on tubule families is necessary and sufficient for them to avoid defects by switching to a vertical orientation that increases packing density. These results reveal developmental contingencies in response to physical limitations, and create a framework for classifying kidney defects. One-Sentence SummaryEpithelial branching in the kidney causes a geometric packing conflict that is resolved through internally generated tensions
Initiator tRNAs and Initiation of Protein Synthesis

Initiation of protein synthesis occurs universally with the amino acid methionine or its derivative formyl methionine. Of the two classes of methionine tRNAs present in all organisms, the initiator is used for initiation of protein synthesis, whereas the elongator is used for insertion of methionine into internal peptidic linkages. In eubacteria and in eukaryotic organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria, the initiator tRNAs are used as formylmethionyl-tRNA (fMet-tRNA). In the cytoplasmic protein synthesis system of eukaryotes and in archaebacteria, they are used as methionyl-tRNA (Met-tRNA) without formylation. This chapter focuses on initiator tRNAs and their role in initiation of protein synthesis. It provides a brief and somewhat simplified description of some of the steps of protein synthesis initiation that involve the initiator tRNA most directly. Then, it describes the special properties of eubacterial and eukaryotic initiator tRNAs and the current knowledge of the relationship between the sequence and structure of the initiator tRNAs and their function.
Fandom as industrial response: Producing identity in an independent Web series

I frame the development, production, and distribution of a Web series, The Real Girl's Guide to Everything Else, as a fan-driven response to an industrial product, Sex and the City. As intermittent participants in the Hollywood industry, the series creators, a diverse group of lesbian, bisexual, and straight women of various ethnicities, positioned their series as a market-oriented product intended to reform the industry from its margins and participate in a growing new media economy. Expanded notions of fan production and industry are needed, as are fresh frameworks for analyzing the effects of digital distribution, especially for communities of color, of women, and of sexual minorities.
Continuous real time ex vivo epifluorescent video microscopy for the study of metastatic cancer cell interactions with microvascular endothelium.

Recent studies suggest that only endothelium-attached malignant cells are capable of giving rise to hematogenous cancer metastases. Moreover, tumor cell adhesion to microvascular endothelium could be crucial in metastasis predilection to specific organs or tissues. However, the existing in vitro and in vivo techniques do not provide for sufficient delineation of distinct stages of a dynamic multi-step intravascular adhesion process. Here we report the development of an experimental system allowing for prolonged continuous ex vivo real-time observation of malignant cell adhesive interactions with perfused microvessels of a target organ in the context of its original tissue. Specifically, the vasculature of excised dura mater perfused with prostate cancer cells is described. An advantage of this technique is that selected fluorescently labeled tumor cells can be followed along identified vascular trees across the entire tissue specimen. The techniques provide for superior microvessel visualization and allow for uninterrupted monitoring and video recording of subsequent adhesion events such as rolling, docking (initial reversible adhesion), locking (irreversible adhesion), and flattening of metastatic cancer cells within perfused microvasculature on a single cell level. The results of our experiments demonstrate that intravascular adhesion of cancer cells differs dramatically from such of the leukocytes. Within dura microvessels perfused at physiological rate, non-interacting, floating, tumor cells move at velocities averaging 7.2×103 μm/s. Some tumor cells, similarly to leukocytes, exhibit rolling-like motion patterns prior to engaging into more stable adhesive interactions. In contrast, other neoplastic cells became stably adhered without rolling showing a rapid reduction in velocity from 2×103 to 0 μm/s within fractions of a second. The experimental system described herein, while developed originally for studying prostate cancer cell interactions with porcine dura mater microvasculature, offers great flexibility in adhesion experiments design and is easily adapted for use with a variety of other tissues including human.
Hydrogen permeability of SrCe1−xMxO3−δ (x=0.05, M=Eu, Sm)

Abstract The hydrogen permeability of SrCe0.95Eu0.05O3−δ and SrCe0.95Sm0.05O3−δ was studied as a function of temperature, hydrogen partial pressure (PH2) gradient, and water vapor partial pressure (PH2O) gradient. Under a 100% dry hydrogen condition at 1123 K, the hydrogen permeation rates of dense membranes (1.72 mm thick) are ≈3.19×10−9 mol/cm2 s for SrCe0.95Eu0.05O3−δ and 2.33×10−9 mol/cm2 s for SrCe0.95Sm0.05O3−δ. Under wet hydrogen conditions at 1123 K, the hydrogen permeation rates are ≈2.89×10−9 and 1.21×10−9 mol/cm2 s, respectively, for the same materials. The dopant dependence of hydrogen permeability is explained in terms of the ionization potential of the dopant. Electronic conductivity was calculated from hydrogen permeation fluxes; activation energies for electron conduction under both dry and wet conditions were also calculated. The PH2O dependence of electronic conductivity and hydrogen permeability is discussed.
Sentence Length in Greek Hexameter Poetry

Sentence length was measured in Homer, Hesiod, the Homeric Hymns and four Hellenistic poets by number of words, syllables and phonemes, and the results were subjected to a variety of analytical measures. The distribution of sentence length by number of phonemes proved to be a sensitive index to style and subject matter, but an unreliable guide to date and authorship.
Oxidation-Reduction Potentials of Heme a Hemochromes

Abstract An apparatus is described in which it is possible to measure the oxidation-reduction potential and to follow the absorption spectrum on the same solution. A method is also described by which the dependence of the midpoint potential of a system on pH can be determined by titrating a buffered, partially reduced solution with alkali. Oxidation-reduction studies were performed on the pyridine, histidine, and imidazole hemochromes of heme a. A new species of the imidazole hemochrome of heme a was discovered; it has absorption bands at 456 and 610 mµ it is related to the "strongly interacting" imidazole hemochrome described in a previous paper (2) which has bands at 456 and 596 mµ under the conditions used here. The midpoint potentials found for the various hemochromes at pH 7.0 are: pyridine, +0.278 volt; histidine, -0.056 volt; histidine plus sodium dodecyl sulfate, -0.041 volt; strongly interacting imidazole hemochrome with bands at 456 and 596 mµ, +0.045 volt; strongly interacting imidazole hemochrome with bands at 456 and 610 mµ, +0.079 volt; sodium dodecyl sulfate added to the strongly interacting imidazole hemochrome, -0.038 volt. Structural interpretations are given insofar as possible to account for the potential versus pH data. The relationship of this work to cytochrome oxidase is discussed.
Human Factors Aspects of Queuing: A Critical Review:

Both classical queuing theorists and social psychologists have neglectedto define and offer solutions to the problems encountered in everyday humanqueuing situations. In particular, the mathematical model of queuing systems offered by operations researchers has failed to incorporate significant human factors of queuing, as elucidated by Mann (1969) and others, into its assumptions. It is suggested that arrival rates of human customers may depend upon length of queue and the information queuers have about other customers' behavior. Cognitive abilities, motivational variables, personality characteristics, and social factors may all play a significant role in determining human waiting behavior. Classical queuing theory's assumptions of a stationary service rate within channels and independence of service rate and queue length may be violated in systems with human servers. A free flow of information between service facilities and customers, and consideration for the mental and physical well–being of human cus...
Is fructose malabsorption a cause of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a condition that may be marked by abdominal pain, bloating, fullness, indigestion, belching, constipation and/or diarrhea. IBS symptoms can result from malabsorption of fructose. Fructose is a monosaccharide found naturally in small quantities in fruits and some vegetables, and in much larger quantities in industrially manufactured sweets with added sugars (e.g. sucrose and high fructose corn syrup). Fructose malabsorption leads to osmotic diarrhea as well as gas and bloating due to fermentation in the colon. A low-fructose diet has been found to improve IBS symptoms in some patients. This paper discusses the prevalence of fructose malabsorption and considers fructose ingestion as a possible cause of--and fructose restriction as a possible dietary treatment for--IBS.
Dilute Acid Pretreatment and Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Woody Biomass for Biofuel Manufacturing: Effects of Particle Size on Sugar Conversion

Biofuels derived from cellulosic biomass offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based liquid transportation fuels. Cellulosic biomass can be converted into biofuels through biochemical pathway. This pathway consists of two major conversions: sugar conversion and ethanol conversion. Sugar yield in sugar conversion is critical to the cost effectiveness of biofuel manufacturing, because it is approximately proportional to the ethanol biofuel yield. Cellulosic biomass sugar conversion consists of pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Biomass particle size is an important factor affecting sugar yield. The literature contains many studies investigating the relationship between particle size and sugar yield. Many studies focused only on the sugar yield in enzymatic hydrolysis, and failed to take into account the biomass weight loss during pretreatment. This weight loss results in a loss of the amount of potential sugar (cellulose), which continues going into enzymatic hydrolysis. Without considering this loss, cellulosic biomass with a higher enzymatic hydrolysis sugar yield may end up with a lower total sugar yield through sugar conversion. The present study aims to address this issue by investigating the effects of biomass particle size using total sugar yield, a parameter considering both the biomass weight loss in pretreatment and the sugar yield in enzymatic hydrolysis.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Assessment of digital blood flow and palmar collateral circulation. Allen's test vs. photoplethysmography.

Collateral circulation of the hand and digits was evaluated in 20 healthy male volunteers using a modified Allen’s test and photoelectric plethysmography. A borderline (7–14 sec) Allen’s test was present in 12.5% and 2.5% required more than 15 secons for thenar flush. Photoplethysmography was then used to compare the relative contributions of ulnar artery flow to total arterial flow into the hand. This ratio, (ulnar/total) was ternmed the flow index (FI). Average FI for the first digit (thumb) was 0.59, and for the second digit (index) was 0.64. The FI difference between the first digit and that of the third, fourth and fifth digits was statistically significant (p<0.01). The FI difference between the second digit and the third, fourth and fifth digits was also statistically significant (p<0.05). These results imply that Allen’s test may be misleading, indicating adequate collateral circulation when in fact collateral blood flow to the digits may be poor or nonexistent.
Description of base motion and role of excitations in the melting of poly(dG).poly(dC).

Abstract We study the contribution of various vibrational modes to the melting of poly(dG) · poly(dC). We find that the principal contribution comes from the H-bond breathing modes that have been observed in Raman scattering and that we have associated with helix melting. We show the softening of these modes on approach to melting in agreement with the observed behavior. We also describe the contribution to melting from base rotation modes that others have suggested are important in melting.
Integrated Conservation and Development: Impacts on Households in a Philippine Park

Protected area strategies increasingly incorporate local forest inhabitants and aim to alleviate poverty. Common approaches include top-down integrated conservation and development projects, and alternative approaches characterized by decentralization, local participation, and community-based forest management. In the Philippines, these three characteristics are cornerstones of the state’s conservation agenda. This research examines state-led conservation initiatives in the Northern Negros Natural Park, Philippines. By identifying key distinctions among households living inside the Park and linking these to program outcomes, this article identifies major design and implementation challenges for efforts seeking to link conservation and development. Results indicate that current approaches achieve an economic win for a select few larger landholding households near to roads, but environmental requirements are not met and stakeholder participation in management is not realized. Expanding current approaches to...
A bioassay for topical and systemic effect of three inhaled corticosteroids.

Background Comparisons of relative potency for the three inhaled corticosteroids in the United States are limited to assessment of skin blanching. Objective Development of a method for comparing relative potencies of inhaled corticosteroids for topical effect on human airway and systemic effect. Methods With use of partial suppression of immediate response to inhaled allergen and 24-hour urinary free cortisol output, three-point dose-response curves were constructed for beclomethasone dipropionate (50 μg/puff), triamcinolone acetonide (100 μg/puff), and flunisolide (250 μg/puff). A randomized, parallel, single-blind study design was used. Dosing began with one puff four times a day for flunisolide and two puffs four times a day for the others. Doses were doubled after 1 week and again after a second week. Results Twenty-five patients completed the study. Dose-response relationships were shown for each inhaled corticosteroid for both topical and systemic effect. Dose-response curves for the three preparations were similar when response was plotted against delivered dose in micrograms. Conclusion Within the limits of the assays, relative potencies of the three preparations appeared to be approximately equivalent for both topical and systemic effect when dose was expressed in micrograms. Relative potency per puff is therefore approximately proportional to the dose delivered. This method has potential for evaluation of relative potency of newer inhaled corticosteroids and the relative advantage of alternative delivery systems. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1995) 57, 455–460; doi:
Axillary calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) in an 8 year old girl

Calcifying fibrous tumors (CFTs) are benign soft tissue masses that can occur at many sites. This case report outlines the diagnostic workup for this rare, fast-growing, solitary mass in an otherwise healthy 8 year old patient. We also describe the radiographic and pathological characteristics unique to this lesion.
Computer‐generated holograms: A simplified ray‐tracing approach

A method that allows holograms to be generated by computer is described. The conventional ray‐tracing algorithm is simplified by the use of a real‐valued numerical simulation instead of making computations for the complex‐valued field. Output via a laser printer and conventional photographic methods has yielded excellent fidelity in the reconstructed images of three‐dimensional objects with simple geometries. Increasing computation capacity may allow routine application of this real‐valued algorithm for displaying Magnetic Resonance Image data.
Morphological and biochemical correlates of skeletal muscle contractility in the cat. II. Physiological and biochemical studies.

Isometric twitch characteristics and biochemical parameters of isolated myosin and sarcoplasmic reticulum have been compared in three cat hind limb muscles. The fast twitch caudofemoralis and the slow twitch soleus are almost pure muscles as judged from histochemical studies. Isolated myosin from the caudofemoralis is not only 2- to 3-fold higher in its ATPase activities than that of the soleus, but also in non-dissociated forms has greater electrophoretic mobility than the soleus myosin. Purified myosins from fast muscles as well as soleus exhibited three light chains upon electrophoresis. However, the intact non-solubilized myosins differed in electrophoretic mobilities. The sarcoplasmic reticulum fraction isolated from caudfemoralis exhibits faster rates of Ca++ binding and uptake than soleus, and when fit to a two component model, the caudofemoralis SR exhibits a higher amount of a fast binding site than does soleus SR, features reflected in differences in the relaxation time of the two muscles. In contrast, the fast twitch tibialis anterior has been shown to be a gradient of fiber types and its isometric twitch may be separated by selective nerve stimulation, into a fast and a slow twitch component. Our findings that myosin fraction, as well as sarcoplasmic reticulum fractions isolated from these two components differ with respect to their biochemical characteristics add support to the possibility of a dual function in this muscle.