cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of the fibrillar component of the surface sheath in the morphogenesis of Dictyostelium discoideum

We have isolated a fibrillar component of the surface sheath of Dictyostelium discoideum by virtue of its insolubility in 9 M urea-2% sodium dodecyl sulfate (US). The US-insoluble material is primarily composed of cellulose, but also contains other carbohydrate components, protein, and lipid. Evidence is presented that the US-insoluble material is a component of the sheath. Sheath isolated from mutant strains lacking the developmentally regulated N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG), α-mannosidase, or β-glucosidase activities is similar in composition to sheath isolated from wildtype strain. Strains lacking NAG are unable to migrate normally. This may result from the markedly lower crystallinity of the cellulose in the US-insoluble sheath isolated from these mutants. Strains lacking α-mannosidase or β-glucosidase migrate normally and the crystallinity of the sheath cellulose is not significantly below that of the wildtype. The correlation between the lower crystallinity of cellulose and the inability of strains lacking NAG to migrate suggests that crystallinity is physiologically important and that the degree of crystallinity is controlled by an enzymatic, mutable process. Strains U1 and UN1, which have <1% of the wildtype activity of uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase activity, develop in a morphologically normal fashion to the slug stage. However, they cannot form stalk or spore cells, nor can they produce cellulose. These strains do not produce any detectable US-insoluble sheath and are fragile and unable to migrate. A continuous, nonfibrillar sheath surrounds the aggregates and is sufficient for normal morphogenesis up to the slug stage. The fibrillar component gives the aggregate the added rigidity required during migration.
Stability of Beam-Reinforced Circular Plates

References 1 Do well, E. H., "Generalized Aerodynamic Forces on a Flexible Plate Undergoing Transient Motion in a Shear Flow with an Application, to Panel Flutter," AIAA Journal, Vol. 9, May 1971, pp. 834-841. McClure, J. D., "On Perturbed Boundary Layer Flows," Kept. 62-2, Fluid Dynamics Research Lab., MIT, Cambridge, Mass., 1962. 3 Miles, J. W., "On Panel Flutter in the Presence of a Boundary Layer," Journal of the Aerospace Sciences, Vol. 26, 1959, pp. 8 1-93. Mariano, S., "Effect of Wall Shear Layers on the Sound Attenuation in Acoustically Lined Rectangular Ducts," Journal of Sound & Vibration, Vol. 19, 1971 , pp. 261-275. Goldstein, M. E. and Rice, E. J., "Effect of Shear on Duct Wall Impedance," Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 30, Jan. 1973, pp. 79-84. Whittaker, E. T. and Watson, G. N., 4th ed., A Course of Modern Analysis, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, England, 1952. Abramowitz, M and Stegun, I. A., National Bureau of Standards Applied Mathematics Series 55, Handbook of Mathematical Functions with Formulas, Graphs, and Mathematical Tables, 1964.
Legionella pneumophila inhibits macrophage apoptosis by targeting pro-death members of the Bcl2 protein family

To establish a vacuole that supports bacterial replication, Legionella pneumophila translocates a large number of bacterial proteins into host cells via the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system. Functions of most of these translocated proteins are unknown, but recent investigations suggest their roles in modulating diverse host processes such as vesicle trafficking, autophagy, ubiquitination, and apoptosis. Cells infected by L. pneumophila exhibited resistance to apoptotic stimuli, but the bacterial protein directly involved in this process remained elusive. We show here that SidF, one substrate of the Dot/Icm transporter, is involved in the inhibition of infected cells from undergoing apoptosis to allow maximal bacterial multiplication. Permissive macrophages harboring a replicating sidF mutant are more apoptotic and more sensitive to staurosporine-induced cell death. Furthermore, cells expressing SidF are resistant to apoptosis stimuli. SidF contributes to apoptosis resistance in L. pneumophila-infected cells by specifically interacting with and neutralizing the effects of BNIP3 and Bcl-rambo, two proapoptotic members of Bcl2 protein family. Thus, inhibiting the functions of host pro-death proteins by translocated effectors constitutes a mechanism for L. pneumophila to protect host cells from apoptosis.
Increasing anticholinergic burden and delirium in palliative care inpatients.

Background:Delirium may complicate the hospital course and adversely impact remaining quality of life for palliative care inpatients. Medications with anticholinergic properties have been linked to delirium within elderly populations via serum anticholinergic assays.Aim:The aim of this study is to determine whether increasing anticholinergic burden, as measured using a clinical assessment tool, is associated with an increase in delirium among palliative care inpatients.Design:This study was completed as a retrospective, case-control study.Setting/participants:Veterans admitted to the Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System and consulted to the palliative care service were considered for inclusion. Increase in anticholinergic burden from admission through hospital day 14 was assessed using the Anticholinergic Risk Scale. Presence of delirium was determined by use of a validated chart review instrument.Results:A total of 217 patients were analyzed, with a mean age of 72.9 (±12.8) years. The overall deliri...
Optimal channel selection for analysis of EEG-sleep patterns of neonates

This paper extends our previous work on automated detection and classification of neonate EEG sleep stages. In [19] we adapted and integrated a range of computational, mathematical and statistical tools for the analysis of neonatal electroencephalogram (EEG) sleep recordings with the aim of facilitating the assessment of neonatal brain maturation and dismaturity by studying the structure and temporal patterns of their sleep. That work relied on algorithms using a single channel of EEG. The present paper builds on our previous work by incorporating a larger selection of EEG channels that capture both the spatial distribution and temporal patterns of EEG during sleep. Using a multivariate analysis approach, we obtain the ''optimal'' selection of the EEG channels and characteristics that are most suitable for EEG sleep state separation.
Clock tree design challenges for robust and low power design

The clock distribution network generates and distributes clock signals across the design and it is critical for performance, while consuming a significant portion of the total power. Uncertainties in the clock network delays can reduce performance, yield and may cause functional failures. Several process, environment and temporal variations like gate length variation, density dependent metal thickness variation, IR drop and Negative Bias Temperature Instability (NBTI) can contribute to clock uncertainty or skew. A balanced clock tree structure is used for low power and to minimize variations. Power is further reduced with extensive use of clock gating and using static and dynamic power management. Designs also optimize power by implementing multiple clocks running at different frequencies to meet frequency and power targets. The talk will focus on challenges and solutions in the design and analysis for clock trees to meet performance, power goals and robustness to process variations.
Polymerized Ionic Liquids: The Effect of Random Copolymer Composition on Ion Conduction

Ionic conductivity in new polymerized ionic liquids is of great interest as it applies to solid-state electrolytes for electrochemical and electromechanical applications. In this study, an ionic liquid monomer was synthesized and polymerized into random copolymers and their ionic conductivity and structure were investigated as a function of copolymer composition. Both nonionic−ionic and ionic−ionic copolymers were synthesized, where the nonionic and ionic monomers were hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and a methacrylate-based imidizolium neutralized with tetrafluoroborate (BF4) or bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (TFSI). In the nonionic−ionic copolymer, the ionic conductivity increased by over an order of magnitude with increasing HMA composition, even though the overall charge content decreased, because the addition of HMA significantly lowered the glass transition temperature. The ionic conductivity also increased by more than an order of magnitude in the ionic−ionic copolymer with increasing TFSI content, e...
Movability conditions for a spatial 4RUR mechanism under joint-limit constraints

Abstract Movability conditions are derived for a spatial 4RUR (U for universal joint) mechanism with and without joint-limit constraints. The conditions for the existence of fully rotatable cranks and drag link type mechanisms are derived for each of the eight configurations of the mechanism. With no joint-limit constraints or with similar ranges of joint angle limitations, the conditions are identical for pairs of configurations. Changeover possibilities, partial movability and numerical synthesis are discussed.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY OF CENTRIFUGED HYPHAE OF NEUROSPORA

Normal and centrifuged hyphae of Neurospora were studied with the electron microscope. The following cell structures could be identified: nuclei with nucleoli, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, glycogen, fat bodies, vacuoles, and vesicles with an inner canalicular system, of unknown nature. In centrifuged hyphae, the glycogen layer appeared as a light area, with a slight indication of granular structure. The ribosome layer consisted of densely packed ribosomes without any membranes. The mitochondrial layer contained spaces filled with ribosomes. The nuclei were loosely packed, with endoplasmic reticulum between them. The "enchylema" layer was composed of vesicles belonging to the endoplasmic reticulum. The vacuolar layer was poorly preserved and consisted of double-walled vesicles. Fat appeared as stellate osmiophilic droplets. These observations were compared with previous observations under the optical microscope and their meaning for cell physiology was discussed.
Osmotic stress responses of Streptococcus mutans UA159

The hyperosmotic stress response of Streptococcus mutans was investigated. Real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR and slot-blot analysis revealed that opuAA, opcA, Smu.2115, sodA and nox were induced after exposure to 0.4 M NaCl. Our data suggest that there is a cross-talk between osmotic and oxidative stress responses in S. mutans. Inactivation of Smu.2115, encoding a putative oxidoreductase, resulted in an acid-resistant and hydrogen peroxide-sensitive phenotype.
Radial glia in the proliferative ventricular zone of the embryonic and adult turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans

To better understand the role of radial glial (RG) cells in the evolution of the mammalian cerebral cortex, we investigated the role of RG cells in the dorsal cortex and dorsal ventricular ridge of the turtle, Trachemys scripta elegans. Unlike mammals, the glial architecture of adult reptile consists mainly of ependymoradial glia, which share features with mammalian RG cells, and which may contribute to neurogenesis that continues throughout the lifespan of the turtle. To evaluate the morphology and proliferative capacity of ependymoradial glia (here referred to as RG cells) in the dorsal cortex of embryonic and adult turtle, we adapted the cortical electroporation technique, commonly used in rodents, to the turtle telencephalon. Here, we demonstrate the morphological and functional characteristics of RG cells in the developing turtle dorsal cortex. We show that cell division occurs both at the ventricle and away from the ventricle, that RG cells undergo division at the ventricle during neurogenic stages of development, and that mitotic Tbr2+ precursor cells, a hallmark of the mammalian SVZ, are present in the turtle cortex. In the adult turtle, we show that RG cells encompass a morphologically heterogeneous population, particularly in the subpallium where proliferation is most prevalent. One RG subtype is similar to RG cells in the developing mammalian cortex, while 2 other RG subtypes appear to be distinct from those seen in mammal. We propose that the different subtypes of RG cells in the adult turtle perform distinct functions.
Closing Wedge Osteotomy of Abnormal Middle Phalanx for Clinodactyly

Purpose To report a series of clinodactyly patients to report clinical and radiographic outcomes after closing wedge osteotomy and K-wire fixation of abnormal middle phalanges. Methods Twenty-five fingers from 17 patients were included in the study. All patients had more than 25° of angulation and were treated with closing wedge osteotomy. Subjective and objective data with radiographic assessment were compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Results Male gender was predominant in our series (14 of the total 17 patients). Family history was positive for clinodactyly in 4 patients. The appearance of all fingers improved after surgery. Angular deformity was corrected on average from 33° preoperatively to 9° postoperatively. Analysis of radiographs showed deformity correction from 29° preoperatively to 5° postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative arc of motion measurements were available for 10 patients. Distal interphalangeal joint arc of motion decreased from 84° prior to surgery to 81° after surgery, whereas proximal interphalangeal joint arc of motion was unchanged. Conclusions Closing wedge osteotomy of the abnormal middle phalanx for clinodactyly has provided our patients with adequate correction of the deformity, improved hand function, and has provided high satisfaction for parents. This treatment is recommended for moderate (15° to 30°) and severe (>30°) deformities. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Ethnic and Discursive Drag in Woody Allen's Zelig

Woody Allen's Zelig (1983) is a film about a Jewish man's chameleonism, which enables him to assume the accent, profession, and ethnicity/race of those he comes into contact with. Chameleonism func...
Solution of continuous‐time markovian decision models using infinite linear programming

Infinite-horizon, countable-state, continuous-time Markovian decision models are solved by formulating as a pair of infinite linear-programming problems. Expected discounted and average returns are considered as criterion functions. For both criterion functions, the existence of deterministic optimal stationary policies is established by solving the associated infinite linear-programming problems. Computational procedures for finite state and action sets are discussed by considering associated finite linear-programming problems.
The effect of atmospheric SO2 photochemistry upon observed nitrate concentrations in aerosols

In this study, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used to observe the relationship between the nitrate and sulfate content of photochemically formed aerosol particles which were produced by exposing initially particle-free ambient air in a 14 m3 transparent Teflon chamber to sunlight with various amounts of NO2, SO2, and C3H6 added to the reaction mixture. It was observed that the photochemical oxidation of SO2 to SO42− decreased the amount of nitrates present in the aerosol significantly below that observed in the absence of SO2. It was also found that nitrate could be removed from an aerosol sample on a glass fiber filter by passing air with sulfate-containing aerosols through the filter. These observations indicate that H2SO4 formed from the photochemical oxidation of SO2 in the reaction chamber released NO3− from the surface of the aerosol particles, probably in the form of HNO3. An examination of analyses of ambient aerosols from the Los Angeles area showed a number of cases where a similar inverse relationship between particulate sulfate and nitrate content existed.
Emerging issues due to the integration of wind power in competitive electricity markets

The integration of wind resources into power systems entails new challenges at all levels of the electricity industry. In this paper, we discuss critical issues emerging due to the incorporation of wind power suppliers in existing electricity market designs. We discuss the impacts of wind power intermittency and uncertainty on the planning and operation of the system and markets. In particular, we demonstrate how wind resource integration induces higher degrees of variability in the net load served by the conventional generators and may result in loss of load situations. Our findings provide supportive evidence for the need to rethink, upgrade and redesign the current electricity markets structures to accommodate deep penetration of wind power.
Abstract 1678: Metastatic breast cancer cell phenotype is regulated by autophagy.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Autophagy is a catabolic process that is tightly regulated during normal cell growth, development, and homeostasis. Although it may be death inducing, it is also an important survival mechanism for cells in stressful environments, including hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, chemical or physical pressure, or detachment from colonies. Considering the stress associated with the process of metastasis, we hypothesized that autophagy may play a role in the ability of breast cancer cells to survive and metastasize. To test this, we first compared cell proliferation after autophagic induction between metastatic breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and -435), a non-metastatic breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-436), and a ‘normal’ breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A). Both metastatic cell lines continued to proliferate following induction of autophagy; however, the non-metastatic and normal cell lines were growth-inhibited. Autophagy was also more rapidly induced by rapamycin in the metastatic cell lines as demonstrated by an increase in LC3II expression. To test the different survival capabilities between metastatic and normal cells, we selected cells through five rounds of starvation with Earle's balanced salt solution (EBSS) and compared their ability to induce autophagy. Although both the normal and metastatic cells maintained their ability to proliferate under normal conditions, the MDA-MB-231 cells that survived starvation (231-EB5) proliferated more rapidly than the parental population following induction of autophagy. In contrast, both MCF10A and MCF10A-EB5 cells were growth-inhibited. The 231-EB5 cells induced autophagy more rapidly than the parental population as demonstrated by increased expression of LC3II (analyzed by immunoblot) and increased LC3 puncta (analyzed by immunofluorescence). Migration of parental 231 cells was inhibited by rapamycin; however, there was no change in the ability of 231-EB5 cells to migrate after treatment with rapamycin. Growth in three dimensions also was significantly altered. MCF10A-EB5 cells were more extended compared to the spherical growth of the parental MCF10A cells. Protrusions emitted from the 231-EB5 cells were more rounded compared to the extended spikes of the parental 231 cells. Altogether, these results demonstrate that select populations derived from metastatic breast cancer cells have different abilities to survive, proliferate, and migrate following induction of autophagy, suggesting that autophagy may be a key mechanism for tumor progression and metastasis. Citation Format: Yi Li, Monica J. Lewis, Jianzhong Liu, James J. Cody, Douglas R. Hurst. Metastatic breast cancer cell phenotype is regulated by autophagy. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1678. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1678
A multipurpose target chamber

Abstract A target chamber is descibed which permits efficient counting in neutron-gamma-ray and charged-particle-gamma-ray coincidence experiments. In addition, bearing surfaces are provided for supporting proportional counters around the chamber. Provision is made for positioning any one of six targets, with respect to the beam direction. Easily interchangeable sides permit simple adaptation of the chamber to the requirements of different experiments.
Thermal Activation of the High Explosive NTO: Sublimation, Decomposition, and Autocatalysis

although more than simple sublimation was observed, a global activation energy of ER )130 -140 kJ mol -1 for sublimation was determined. Nonisothermal TGA and DSC traces run on pierced pan samples provide convincing evidence for competitive sublimation and condensed-phase decomposition of NTO. Confining NTO samples in a closed pan results in condensed-phase decomposition that leads to the formation of gaseous reaction products and shows autocatalytic behavior during the latter stages. Isoconversional analysis of DSC traces of closed pan samples yield activation energies for exothermic decomposition that increase from ER ) 273 kJ mol -1 for R ) 0.01 to a plateau of 333 kJ mol -1 for 0.17 e Re 0.35 prior to decreasing to 184 kJ mol -1 for R ) 0.99. The decrease in ERwith Rduring the latter stages of decomposition agrees with previous reports of autocatalytic behavior.
Contradictions in market models of politics: the case of party strategies and voter linkages

: Market models of politics are derived from economic theory where they were advanced in an age of political corruption to achieve four objectives: discipline, universality, liberty and unity in society; only later were such models imported into political discourse. The most pure form of the market model of politics is found in the vote maximization model; yet as a model for political parties and elections, the realism of its assumptions often is held inadequate. While more realistic assumptions generate the vote production model of party strategy, this model rapidly degenerates into the lazy monopolist model which contradicts the role of parties in democracy. The origins of these problems lie in the contradictions within the market ordering principle. Despite these underlying contradictions, market models of politics and parties have gained increasing acceptance both among intellectuals and the general public with numerous implications for the politics of liberal democracies.
EPR of Defects in Semiconductors: Past, Present, Future

Important physical concepts learned from early EPR studies of defects in silicon are reviewed. Highlighted are the studies of shallow effective-mass-like donors and acceptors by Feher, of deep transition-element impurities by Ludwig and Woodbury, and of vacancies and interstitials by Watkins et al. It is shown that the concepts learned in silicon translate remarkably well to corresponding defects in the other elemental and compound semiconductors. The introduction of sensitive optical and electrical detection methods during the intervening years, and the recent progress in single-defect detection insure the continued vital role of EPR in the future.
OCPAT: an online codon-preserved alignment tool for evolutionary genomic analysis of protein coding sequences

Rapidly accumulating genome sequence data from multiple species offer powerful opportunities for the detection of DNA sequence evolution. Phylogenetic tree construction and codon-based tests for natural selection are the prevailing tools used to detect functionally important evolutionary change in protein coding sequences. These analyses often require multiple DNA sequence alignments that maintain the correct reading frame for each collection of putative orthologous sequences. Since this feature is not available in most alignment tools, codon reading frames often must be checked manually before evolutionary analyses can commence. Here we report an online codon-preserved alignment tool (OCPAT) that generates multiple sequence alignments automatically from the coding sequences of any list of human gene IDs and their putative orthologs from genomes of other vertebrate tetrapods. OCPAT is programmed to extract putative orthologous genes from genomes and to align the orthologs with the reading frame maintained in all species. OCPAT also optimizes the alignment by trimming the most variable alignment regions at the 5' and 3' ends of each gene. The resulting output of alignments is returned in several formats, which facilitates further molecular evolutionary analyses by appropriate available software. Alignments are generally robust and reliable, retaining the correct reading frame. The tool can serve as the first step for comparative genomic analyses of protein-coding gene sequences including phylogenetic tree reconstruction and detection of natural selection. We aligned 20,658 human RefSeq mRNAs using OCPAT. Most alignments are missing sequence(s) from at least one species; however, functional annotation clustering of the ~1700 transcripts that were alignable to all species shows that genes involved in multi-subunit protein complexes are highly conserved. The OCPAT program facilitates large-scale evolutionary and phylogenetic analyses of entire biological processes, pathways, and diseases.
2,3‐Butanedione

[431-03-8] C4H6O2 (MW 86.09) InChI = 1S/C4H6O2/c1-3(5)4(2)6/h1-2H3 InChIKey = QSJXEFYPDANLFS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (cyclocondensations; reacts with Wittig reagents; condensations) Alternate Name: biacetyl. Physical Data: mp 2.4 °C; bp 88 °C/760 mmHg; d 0.981 g cm−3; fp <21 °C. Solubility: sol water (25 g/100 mL); miscible with alcohol and ether. Form Supplied in: yellowish green liquid; quinone odor. Purification: dried over anhydrous CaSO4, CaCl2, or MgSO4, then vacuum distilled under nitrogen. The middle fraction is taken and stored at dry ice temperature in the dark (to prevent polymerization). Handling, Storage, and Precautions: highly flammable, moderately toxic.
Boosting method for nonlinear transformation models with censored survival data

We propose a general class of nonlinear transformation models for analyzing censored survival data, of which the nonlinear proportional hazards and proportional odds models are special cases. A cubic smoothing spline-based component-wise boosting algorithm is derived to estimate covariate effects nonparametrically using the gradient of the marginal likelihood, that is computed using importance sampling. The proposed method can be applied to survival data with high-dimensional covariates, including the case when the sample size is smaller than the number of predictors. Empirical performance of the proposed method is evaluated via simulations and analysis of a microarray survival data.
Delay and Throughput in Random Access Wireless Mesh Networks

The wireless mesh networks (WMNs) are emerging as a popular means of providing connectivity to communities in both affluent and poor parts of the world. The presence of backbone mesh routers and the use of multiple channels and interfaces allow mesh networks to have better capacity than infrastructure-less multihop ad hoc networks. In this paper we characterize the average delay and capacity in random access MAC based WMNs. We model residential area WMNs as open G/G/1 queuing networks. The analytical model takes into account the mesh client and router density, the random packet arrival process, the degree of locality of traffic and the collision avoidance mechanism of random access MAC. The diffusion approximation method is used to obtain closed form expressions for end-to-end packet delay and maximum achievable per-node throughput. The analytical results indicate that how the performance of WMNs scales with the number of mesh routers and clients. We also discuss that how the results obtained for WMNs compare with well known results on asymptotic capacity of infrastructure-less ad hoc networks. The results obtained from simulations agree closely with the analytical results.
Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School District No. 1 Policy Implications in an Era of Change

This article examines the Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle Public School District No . 1 decision in light of its impact on the Brown ruling that preceded it. The Supreme Court's 5-4 vote on the matter of desegregation and equal access to educational opportunity signals that a divide exists in the United States with respect to the underlying educational values of excellence and equity. The current policy environment was examined and found to be dominated by the value of excellence at the expense of equity. Policy implications of the Parents Involved decision are considered, and policy recommendations for improving equitable access to education in the present environment are offered.
Perceptions of Support Networks During the Graduate-Assistant Athletic Trainer Experience

Context: The graduate-assistant position can be a highly influential experience because it is often the first time novice athletic trainers (ATs) are practicing autonomously. Objective: To gain a...
An energy absorption system based on carbon nanotubes and non-aqueous liquid

By forcing paraxylene into single wall carbon nanotubes, a large amount of external work can be converted to excess solid-liquid interfacial energy. Due to the hysteresis of sorption isotherm curves, as the external pressure is decreased, only a small fraction of the interfacial energy can be released, making this system attractive for design of advanced energy absorption devices. As the infiltration-defiltration loop continues, the energy absorption process can be repeated at a reduced level.
Stomatal and non‐stomatal limitations to carbon assimilation: an evaluation of the path‐dependent method

Abstract Environmental stresses can decrease photosynthesis by a direct effect on photosynthetic capacity of the mesophyll or by a CO2 limitation resulting from stomatal closure. In the present study, a ‘path-dependent method’ (Jones, 1985) for the partitioning of a stress-related decline in assimilation rate between non-stomatal and stomatal factors was evaluated, using light quality as a ‘stress’. Kinetic data on assimilation rate and conductance of Phragmipedium longifolium following a change in light quality from 95 μmol m−2s−1 white light to 95 μmol m−2s−1 red light failed to generate a smooth response curve for conductance. Partitioning of limitations on assimilation by a path-dependent method that utilizes the actual trajectories of conductance and assimilation was therefore not feasible. A simplified path-dependent method (Jones, 1985) which assumes that either mesophyll cells or guard cells respond first to a stress was applied to steady-state measurements of assimilation and conductance under red and white illumination. Either 5% or 23% of the observed reduction in assimilation rate under white light was attributable to stomatal factors, depending on whether the ‘stomatal first’ or the ‘mesophyll first’ path was assumed. In the absence of additional information indicating the appropriate choice of path, arbitrary choice may therefore lead to widely divergent estimates, and potentially erroneous conclusions. An alternative approach to the evaluation of the importance to carbon assimilation of stomatal and non-stomatal factors is suggested.
Morphometric quantitation of stromain human benign prostatic hyperplasia

Abstract Objectives. Human benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) consists of three major histologic components: stroma, epithelium, and luminal space. For the relief of bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH, quantitation of the histologic composition of BPH may aid in selecting treatment. To investigate variation between patients in the stromal percentage of BPH, we performed quantitative morphometry on specimens from patients with clinically significant bladder outlet obstruction obtained by three procedures: open prostatectomy, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), and prostate needle biopsy (PNB) just prior to TURK Methods. Ten specimens obtained by each surgical procedure were analyzed. Specimenswere stained with antibody to muscle-specific actin to mark the stroma; quantitation of stroma was accomplished by computer image analysis. Results. The percentage of stroma in all BPH cases ranged from 49.9% to 76.7% (mean, 65.4%, SD = 7.4). No significant difference was observed when comparing samples obtained by the three procedures ( p = 0.70). Smooth muscle stromal composition was also quantified in PNB specimens. For these samples, a significant inverse relationship was found between the percentage stroma in the biopsy and the percentage of stroma composed of smooth muscle (r2 = 0.49; p = 0.021). Conclusions. The data demonstrated that the largest component of BPH was stroma, which comprised approximately 50% to 75% of the total hyperplastic tissue. The mean and range of stromal percentage were similar whether investigating large tissue samples from open prostatectomies or small samples from needle biopsies. PNB data indicated that an increased percentage of stroma may be due to increased nonmuscular elements in the stroma.
Diagnosis of pseudo-divergence excess exotropia secondary to high accommodative convergence to accommodation ratio

Introduction Calculation of the AC/A ratio in divergence excess exotropia is accomplished by measurement at near through convex lenses following a period of monocular occlusion to eliminate tenacious proximal fusion (TPF). The purpose of this study was to determine if the AC/A ratio could be accurately calculated using minus lenses at distance fixation, thereby eliminating the need for occlusion. Methods This was a prospective study of 33 consecutive patients with exotropia who had been judged to be surgical candidates. All had a sensorimotor exam in addition to measurement at distance through -2.00 lenses, a 60-minute Patch Test, and remeasurement through +3.00 lenses at near. Measurement of the AC/A using plus lenses at near following occlusion was accepted as the standard to which the results of the minus lens AC/A measurement were compared. Results Nineteen patients (58%) had an increase in the near exotropia by more than 5(Δ) with occlusion (mean = 8.6 ± 1.4(Δ)). There was no statistical difference between the AC/A calculated with the plus lens method and that calculated using the minus lens method (P > 0.7). Seven patients (21%) had a high AC/A ratio using the plus lens method. There were two false negatives with the minus lens method. Conclusion Testing with minus lenses at distance is effective in identifying a high AC/A, and may be used to determine the risk of surgical over-correction at near, or identify patients who may benefit from optical rather than surgical management.
PRAYER AND MARITAL INTERVENTION: TOWARD AN OPEN, EMPIRICALLY-GROUNDED DIALOGUE

In the lead article for this special section, we offered a framework to allow integration of prayer into marital interventions when culturally appropriate. Mindful of potential pitfalls, we concluded that effective skill based family intervention and prevention could benefit from integration of spiritual practices. In the commentaries, several additional issues were articulated and have prompted us to address the interrelated issues of doubt regarding efficacy, distrust of transformative processes, and the complexity of incorporating spiritual practices into marital interventions. Likewise, we discuss the ethics of integrating spiritual practices and acknowledge that the discussion is just beginning. We conclude that continued healthy debate regarding the potential benefits of spiritual interventions in the marital arena is desirable, but that there is no substitute for data.
Abdominal obesity and mortality: The Pennington Center Longitudinal Study.

The purpose of this study was to determine the association between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and all-cause mortality. The sample included 1089 white men and women 18–84 years of age from the Pennington Center Longitudinal Study, a prospective cohort of participants assessed between 1995 and 2008, and followed for mortality until 31 December 2009. Abdominal VAT was measured at the L4–L5 vertebral level using computed tomography. There were 27 deaths during an average of 9.1 years of follow-up. Abdominal VAT was significantly associated with mortality after adjustment for age, sex and year of examination (hazards ratio (HR) 1.46; 95% confidence interval 1.05–2.05). The association was stronger after the inclusion of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), smoking status, alcohol consumption and leisure-time physical activity as additional covariates (HR 1.74; 1.17–2.59). Limiting the sample to participants who were free of stroke, heart disease and cancer at baseline reduced the strength of the relationship slightly (HR 1.62; 1.07–2.47). Abdominal SAT was not associated with mortality, either alone or in combination with VAT and other covariates. The results support the assertion that abdominal VAT is an important therapeutic target for obesity reduction efforts.
Closed reduction of a dislocation of a constrained acetabular component

A constrained acetabular liner occasionally is used in management of chronic instability after total hip arthroplasty. If dislocation occurs out of a constrained liner, open reduction is indicated. A case is presented of closed reduction of a femoral component into a constrained liner.
Economic hierarchical Q-learning

Hierarchical state decompositions address the curse-of-dimensionality in Q-learning methods for reinforcement learning (RL) but can suffer from suboptimality. In addressing this, we introduce the Economic Hierarchical Q-Learning (EHQ) algorithm for hierarchical RL. The EHQ algorithm uses subsidies to align interests such that agents that would otherwise converge to a recursively optimal policy will instead be motivated to act hierarchically optimally. The essential idea is that a parent will pay a child for the relative value to the rest of the system for "returning the world" in one state over another state. The resulting learning framework is simple compared to other algorithms that obtain hierarchical optimality. Additionally, EHQ encapsulates relevant information about value tradeoffs faced across the hierarchy at each node and requires minimal data exchange between nodes. We provide no theoretical proof of hierarchical optimality but are able demonstrate success with EHQ in empirical results.
Solid-state amidization and imidization reactions in vapor-deposited poly(amic acid)

The condensation polymerization of 4,4′-oxydianiline with pyromellitic dianhydride for the formation of poly(amic acid) and the subsequent imidization for the formation of polyimides were investigated for films prepared with vapor-deposition polymerization techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry of films at different temperatures indicated that additional solid-state polymerization occurred before imidization. The experiments revealed that, upon vapor deposition, poly(amic acid) oligomers formed that had a number-average molecular weight of about 1500 Da. Between 100–130 °C, these chains underwent an additional condensation reaction and formed slightly higher molecular weight oligomers. Calorimetry measurements showed that this reaction was exothermic [enthalpy of reaction (ΔH) ∼ −30 J/g] and had an activation energy of about 120 kJ/mol. The experimental ΔH values were compared with results from ab initio molecular modeling calculations to estimate the number of amide groups formed. At higher temperatures (150–300 °C), the imidization of amide linkages occurred as an endothermic reaction (ΔH ∼ +120 J/g) with an activation energy of about 130 kJ/mol. The solid-state kinetics depended on the reaction conversion as well as the processing conditions used to deposit the films. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5999–6010, 2004
Preparation of 11‐cis‐retinal‐11‐3H

trans-Retinal-11-3H was photolyzed by a fluorescent source to afford a mixture of isomeric retinals, from which 11-cis-retinal-11-3H was isolated by HPLC.
Retropharyngeal internal carotid artery: a rare presentation with significant clinical implications.

A retropharyngeal internal carotid artery is considered a rare anatomic variant with clinical implications. We present a 73-year-old woman with asymptomatic left carotid stenosis, in whom we elected to proceed with medical treatment. An evaluation of her computed tomography angiography scan revealed a retropharyngeal internal carotid artery. This case report outlines this rare entity and highlights its clinical significance.
Therapeutics for Graft-versus-Host Disease: From Conventional Therapies to Novel Virotherapeutic Strategies

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has a curative potential for many hematologic malignancies and blood diseases. However, the success of allo-HSCT is limited by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immunological syndrome that involves inflammation and tissue damage mediated by donor lymphocytes. Despite immune suppression, GVHD is highly incident even after allo-HSCT using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched donors. Therefore, alternative and more effective therapies are needed to prevent or control GVHD while preserving the beneficial graft-versus-cancer (GVC) effects against residual disease. Among novel therapeutics for GVHD, oncolytic viruses such as myxoma virus (MYXV) are receiving increased attention due to their dual role in controlling GVHD while preserving or augmenting GVC. This review focuses on the molecular basis of GVHD, as well as state-of-the-art advances in developing novel therapies to prevent or control GVHD while minimizing impact on GVC. Recent literature regarding conventional and the emerging therapies are summarized, with special emphasis on virotherapy to prevent GVHD. Recent advances using preclinical models with oncolytic viruses such as MYXV to ameliorate the deleterious consequences of GVHD, while maintaining or improving the anti-cancer benefits of GVC will be reviewed.
Sustainable Electrochemical Regeneration of Copper-Loaded Ion Exchange Media

An electrochemical method for regenerating copper-loaded ion exchange media was investigated. The method involved circulating a moderate pH regenerant solution between a bed of ion exchange media and an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical regeneration process eliminates more than 99% of the acid and base use associated with conventional regeneration, consumes no water, produces metallic copper, and eliminates the production of a copper-laden sludge. Experiments were performed measuring copper plating rates as a function of the aqueous copper concentration, cell current, and flow rate. Experiments were also performed to determine the equilibrium partitioning of copper ions between the solution and the ion exchange media under loading and regeneration conditions. A mathematical model was developed and calibrated using experimental data, to provide guidance for the design of electrochemical ion exchange regeneration systems. The model incorporates the plating kinetics, the stripping of copper from the resin, and the equilibrium isotherm and predicts aqueous and adsorbed copper concentrations during the regeneration process. The model indicates that, in 789 min, 90% of copper can be removed from a resin loaded with 50 mg(Cu)/g(resin). An economic analysis indicates that energy costs for plating are less than 1% of chemical costs for conventional ion exchange regeneration.
LEFT VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICE EVALUATION USING CARDIAC CT: INITIAL EXPERIENCE AT A HIGH VOLUME CENTER

Background: Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), while lifesaving, are also often associated with their own problems and complications including malposition of the inflow cannula, ventricular tachycardia (VT), cannula obstruction, and/or pump thrombosis. There may be a role for cardiac CT to
Chromosome damage induced by artificial seed aging in barley : 3. Behavior of chromosomal aberrations during plant growth.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ‘Himalaya’) seeds were artificially aged under two storage conditions (32 °C/12% moisture content (m.c.) and 38 °C/18% m.c.) to study the behavior of induced chromosomal aberrations during plant growth. The frequencies of aberrant anaphases at first mitosis in root tips were correlated with loss of germinability. However, after 3 and 5 weeks' growth, aberration frequency declined. In plants grown from artificially aged seeds, the frequency of aberrant anaphases appeared to be stabilized at about 1% after 5 weeks' growth, in spite of the large differences in the frequencies at first mitosis. This suggests that because of their genetic imbalance, cells with chromosomal aberrations induced by seed aging were being excluded during plant growth. Meiotic chromosome configurations at MI were normal (7 II) in all plants studied, although a few precocious separations were found. Meiotic aberrations were found at AI-TI, AII-TII and the tetrad stages in the pollen mother cells of plants grown from the control and artificially aged seeds. However, there were no clear differences among the control and the two aging treatments. It was obvious that some cells with meiotic chromosomal aberrations were lost between the AI-TI and AII-TII stages, and still more between the AII-TII and tetrad stages. The frequency of tetrads with micronuclei in plants produced from artificially aged seeds was the same as in the control. The plants grown from artificially aged seeds showed high pollen fertility (95.2 to 97.0%) and seed fertility (90.1 to 97.2%) which was comparable to the control values (97.4 and 97.9%) respectively, indicating no special effects of seed aging. Anaphase cells of the first mitosis in the next (A2) generation were analyzed to study the transmission of chromosomal aberrations through mitotic and meiotic cell divisions in the A1 generation. Aberrant anaphases in the progeny from the artificially aged seeds were not higher than those of the control progeny. This indicates that the chromosomal aberrations induced by seed aging are not transmitted to the next generation.
The Interplay of American Political Culture and Public Policy: The Sacramento River as a Case Study

Historians of the United States have learned much in the past twenty years about the history of what is now called its political culture, and about its environmental history.1 These two dimensions of national life, however, are rarely, if ever, looked at together. The result is that we little understand how powerfully environmental policy is influenced not simply by everyday politics—of that we know abundantly—but by the long-term political mentalities of the Democrats and the Republicans, mentalities which originate not in abstract theorizing, but which grow up naturally within the cultural worlds to be found among the distinctive groups of peoples who line up within one party or the other and remain there, generation after generation. What I propose here is to put political culture and natural resource management history together and see what happens.
Bidirectionality from cargo thermal fluctuations in motor-mediated transport

Abstract Molecular motor proteins serve as an essential component of intracellular transport by generating forces to haul cargoes along cytoskeletal filaments. Two species of motors that are directed oppositely (e.g. kinesin, dynein) can be attached to the same cargo, which is known to produce bidirectional net motion. Although previous work focuses on the motor number as the driving noise source for switching, we propose an alternative mechanism: cargo diffusion. A mean-field mathematical model of mechanical interactions of two populations of molecular motors with cargo thermal fluctuations (diffusion) is presented to study this phenomenon. The delayed response of a motor to fluctuations in the cargo velocity is quantified, allowing for the reduction of the full model a single “characteristic distance”, a proxy for the net force on the cargo. The system is then found to be metastable, with switching exclusively due to cargo diffusion between distinct directional transport states. The time to switch between these states is then investigated using a mean first passage time analysis. The switching time is found to be non-monotonic in the drag of the cargo, providing an experimental test of the theory.