cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Retinal pathology in multiple sclerosis: insight into the mechanisms of neuronal pathology.

Sir, We wish to acknowledge the insightful and constructive comments provided by Gundogan and colleagues regarding potential retinal disturbances that may occur in the setting of multiple sclerosis, in response to the scientific commentary (Calabresi et al. , 2010) pertaining to the study, recently published in Brain , of ocular pathology in multiple sclerosis (Green et al. , 2010). Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning has been shown to occur in multiple sclerosis, both in eyes with and without a history of optic neuritis. This has been demonstrated pathologically (Toussaint et al. , 1983) as well as in vivo with the use of optical coherence tomography (Parisi et al. , 1999; Trip et al. , 2005; Fisher et al. , 2006). Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning in the absence of a history of clinical optic neuritis is thought to be the result of subclinical optic neuropathy. Optic neuropathy is thought to result in retrograde degeneration of …
The Structure, Cation Binding, Transport and Conductance of Gly15-Gramicidin a Incorporated Into Sds Micelles and Pc/Pg Vesicles

To further investigate the effect of single amino acid substitution on the structure and function of the gramicidin channel, an analogue of gramicidin A (GA) has been synthesized in which Trp 1 5 is replaced by Gly in thecritical aqueous interface and cation binding region. The structure of Gly 1 5 -GA incorporated into SDS micelles has been determined using a combination of 2D-NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling. Like the parent GA, Gly 1 5 -GA forms a dimeric channel composed of two single-stranded, right-handed β 6 , 3 -helices joined by hydrogen bonds between their N-termini. The replacement of Trp 1 5 by Gly does not have a significant effect on backbone structure or side chain conformations with the exception of Trp 1 1 in which the indole ring is rotated away from the channel axis. Measurement of the equilibrium binding constants and AG for the binding of monovalent cations to GA and Gly 1 5 -GA channels incorporated into PC vesicles using 2 0 5 Tl NMR spectroscopy shows that monovalent cations bind much more weakly to the Gly 1 5 -GA channel entrance than to GA channels. Utilizing the magnetization inversion transfer NMR technique, the transport of Na + ions through GA and Gly 1 5 -GA channels incorporated into PC/PG vesicles has been investigated. The Gly 1 5 substitution produces an increase in the activation enthalpy of transport and thus a significant decrease in the transport rate of the Na + ion is observed. The single-channel appearances show that the conducting channels have a single, well-defined structure. Consistent with the NMR results, the single-channel conductances are reduced by 30% and the lifetimes by 70%. It is concluded that the decrease in cation binding, transport, and conductance in Gly 1 5 -GA results from the removal of the Trp 1 5 dipole and, to a lesser extent, the change in orientation of Trp 1 1 .
Explicit Teaching and Teacher Training

Direct instruction skills are an important part of the instruc tional repertoire of an effective teacher. Rosenshine describes the steps of the direct instruction process and then discusses how tea...
Complications associated with left ventricular puncture

Objective: To report complications in a consecutive series of patients undergoing percutaneous left ventricular apical puncture (LVAP) and sheath placement for diagnostic or interventional procedures. Background: Percutaneous LVAP is only rarely used to provide hemodynamic data in the presence of mechanical prosthetic valves. Recently, LVAP has been used to facilitate complex interventional procedures such as paravalvular leak closures. These frequently necessitate placement of 4–6 F sheaths, rather than smaller needles. Optimal technique and outcomes are largely unknown for this uncommon procedure. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 32 patients undergoing LVAP with echocardiographic and fluoroscopic guidance at our institution between 2002 and 2009. These patients were referred to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for hemodynamic assessment to rule out prosthetic dysfunction and or to facilitate paravalvular leak closure. Sheaths ranged from 4 to 6 F were removed at the end of the procedure after reversing any anticoagulation. No specific closure devices were used for hemostasis. Frequency of access site complications associated with LVAP recorded. Results: Apical access site related complications were higher in patients requiring LVAP for intervention than for diagnostic purposes (25% vs. 12.5%). Hemothorax was the most frequent serious complication occurring in 6 (19%) patients and frequently required intervention 5(16%). Three patients had local bleeding with no drop in hemoglobin or need for intervention. Conclusions: LVAP is associated with a significant incidence of access-related complications. There is a need for safe and reliable methods of closing percutaneous LVAP access sites. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Faith-based and Community Organizations: Essential Partners in Pandemic Influenza Preparedness

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5915/40-1-5282 An influenza pandemic occurs when a new strain of influenza virus-one against which humans have little or no natural immunity-emerges with the ability to cause illness in humans and efficiently pass from person to person. A severe pandemic could change daily life by, for example, limiting travel and public gatherings, disrupting businesses, and requiring children to be dismissed from schools. Most significantly, such an event could cause increased sickness and death. Currently, there is no human influenza pandemic in the United States or overseas. However, it is not possible to know in advance how severe the next pandemic will be. If our country prepares now, we will be able to better withstand the impact of a pandemic and to help limit the spread of illness. Faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) will be essential partners in protecting the public's health and safety when an influenza pandemic occurs. This article provides information for religious organizations including mosques, faith-based social service providers, social service agencies, and community organizations in preparing for and responding to an influenza pandemic.
Searching for Invisible and Almost Invisible Particles at e + e - Colliders

We explore the techniques, cross sections, and expected signal significance for detecting invisible and almost invisible particles at CERN {ital e}{sup +}{ital e}{sup {minus}} collider LEP2 and the NLC (next linear {ital e}{sup +}{ital e}{sup {minus}} collider) by means of a hard photon tag. Examples from supersymmetry include the lightest chargino and second lightest neutralino when their masses are nearly the same as that of the lightest neutralino [the LSP (lightest supersymmetric particle)], and invisibly decaying sneutrinos. The importance of particular features of the detectors is discussed. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse have decreased body image and quality of life.

Objective Women who seek treatment for pelvic organ prolapse strive for an improvement in quality of life. Body image has been shown to be an important component of differences in quality of life. To date, there are no data on body image in patients with advanced pelvic organ prolapse. Our objective was to compare body image and quality of life in women with advanced pelvic organ prolapse with normal controls. Study design We used a case-control study design. Cases were defined as subjects who presented to a tertiary urogynecology clinic with advanced pelvic organ prolapse (stage 3 or 4). Controls were defined as subjects who presented to a tertiary care gynecology or women's health clinic for an annual visit with normal pelvic floor support (stage 0 or 1) and without urinary incontinence. All patients completed a valid and reliable body image scale and a generalized (Short Form Health Survey) and condition-specific (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20) quality-of-life scale. Linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to adjust for possible confounding variables. Results Forty-seven case and 51 control subjects were enrolled. After controlling for age, race, parity, previous hysterectomy, and medical comorbidities, subjects with advanced pelvic organ prolapse were more likely to feel self-conscious (adjusted odds ratio 4.7; 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 18, P = .02), less likely to feel physically attractive (adjusted odds ratio 11; 95% confidence interval 2.9 to 51, P P = .03), and less likely to feel sexually attractive (adjusted odds ratio 4.6; 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 17, P = .02) than normal controls. The groups were similar in their feeling of dissatisfaction with appearance when dressed, difficulty looking at themselves naked, avoiding people because of appearance, and overall dissatisfaction with their body. Subjects with advanced pelvic organ prolapse suffered significantly lower quality of life on the physical scale of the SF-12 (mean 42; 95% confidence interval 39 to 45 versus mean 50; 95% confidence interval 47 to 53, P P = .56). Additionally, subjects with advanced pelvic organ prolapse scored significantly worse on the prolapse, urinary, and colorectal scales and overall summary score of Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 than normal controls (mean summary score 104; 95% confidence interval 90 to 118 versus mean 29; 95% confidence interval 16 to 43, P Conclusion Women seeking treatment for advanced pelvic organ prolapse have decreased body image and overall quality of life. Body image may be a key determinant for quality of life in patients with advanced prolapse and may be an important outcome measure for treatment evaluation in clinical trials.
Effect of central administration of phencyclidine on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone.

Abstract Previous research has demonstrated that excitatory amino acids acting at N- methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors stimulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH). Castration also elevates LH, an effect that may also involve NMDA receptors since the specific NMDA antagonist, dl -2-amino-5-phosphonopentanopic acid (AP5), antagonizes this action. Since PCP antagonizes a variety of actions of NMDA agonists, we hypothesized that it would diminish the ability of glutamate, homocysteic acid and castration to elevate LH. Our data support this hypothesis.
Determination of plasma testosterone as the heptafluorobutyrate using gas liquid chromatography with electron capture detection.

Abstract A sensitive method for the determination of free testosterone in human peripheral plasma using heptafluorobutyrates with an electron capture detector coupled to a gas chromatograph has been described. Sensitivity of the method is such that it should be possible to measure as little as 0.005μg/100 ml plasma. The method involves extraction, purification of the extract by TLC, esterification with heptafluorobutyric anhydride, TLC of the ester and finally GLC of 1% XE-60.
Aqueous humor formation in fish: the role of sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase in the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) eye.

The anatomy of the fish ciliary body and the distribution of sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase in the elasmobranch (Squalus acanthias) eye were studied in an attempt to localize the site of formation of aqueous humor. Both teleosts and elasmobranchs have a ciliary body with a nonpigmented and pigmented epithelium similar to the mammalian pars plana. The fish ciliary body has no processes and little or no smooth muscle. Sodium-potassium-activated adenosine triphosphatase was found in significant levels in the elasmobranch retina, ciliary body and brain, while the iris had little activity. If the elasmobranch eye is similar to the mammalian eye and sodium transport is involved in aqueous humor formation, the ciliary body seems the most likely site of transport.
The influence of breast cancer survivors' perceived partner social support and need satisfaction on depressive symptoms: a longitudinal analysis.

The present study examines the ways in which breast cancer survivors’ perceptions of emotional and instrumental social support from an intimate partner and need satisfaction in their partner role influence depression during and after breast cancer treatment. Our sample was comprised of 163 women who were an average of 57 years old, mostly White/Caucasian, and diagnosed primarily with early-stage breast cancer. Longitudinal data were analysed using both multilevel and structural equation modelling. Results reveal that (a) greater perceived partner emotional support is associated with lowered levels of depression at each wave, (b) partner-role need satisfaction mediates the relationship between perceived partner emotional support and depression at each wave, (c) perceived partner emotional support predicts subsequent changes in depression by way of need satisfaction and (d) depression prospectively predicts lowered perceptions of partner emotional and instrumental support. The findings confirm that basic ne...
Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen expression increases sensitivity of natural killer cell lysis of cancer cells

In this study, we demonstrate a correlation between T antigen expression on a panel of human carcinoma cell lines and their sensitivity to porcine NK cell lysis. Specifically, the more T antigen is expressed, the more sensitive the cancer cells are to porcine NK cell lysis. Furthermore, this correlation also exists for these cells and their ability to induce tumors in vivo. In this porcine animal model, the less T antigen is expressed, the more prolific the tumor growth in vivo and vice versa. Using the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line SW-48, we used limiting dilution to clone 2 populations of cells, one expressing high and the other low levels of T antigen, clones 143 and 111, respectively. In these cloned cells, the clone that expressed more T antigen was more NK-sensitive in vitro and weakly induced tumor growth in vivo. Inversely, the clone that expressed less T antigen clone was more NK-resistant in vitro and grew more prolific tumors in vivo. Using soluble T antigen in a competitive inhibition assay, there was a decrease in porcine NK cell killing of the T antigen+ human cell line Colo 320HSR. Taken together, these findings suggest a novel role for T antigen in the NK cell recognition of cancer cells, specifically as markers for NK sensitivity in carcinoma cell lines. The significance of T antigens as targets for NK cell–mediated lysis is novel and identifies NK cell–T antigen interactions as potentially significant in the immunotherapy of cancer and its associated metastases. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Endometrial stromal sarcoma and poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma

U.T.M.D. Anderson Hospital cases filed as endometrial sarcoma were reviewed. Malignant mixed Mullerian tumors, Mullerian adenosarcomas, and poorly differentiated sarcomas of uncertain origin were excluded, and a minimum of 36 months follow-up was required. On pathologic examination, the remaining cases fell into two distinct groups: endometrial stromal sarcoma (11 cases) and poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma (seven cases). The former were characterized histologically by small to medium-sized uniform cells and distinctive arterial vasculature resembling the spiral arteries of the normal endometrium; they were thus considered to exhibit endometrial stromal differentiation. The latter showed topographic configurations indicative of endometrial origin but did not demonstrate endometrial stromal differentiation; they were composed of generally larger cells with nuclear hyperchromatism and pleomorphism and had no distinctive vascular pattern. The mitotic rate was usually low in endometrial stromal sarcoma and high in poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma, although two examples of the former had more than 20 mitoses per 10 high-power fields. All but one of the patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma were less than 50 years of age, whereas all of those with poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma were older than 50 years. One patient with endometrial stromal sarcoma died of tumor, two were living with tumor at latest follow-up, and eight were clinically tumor-free. By contrast, six of those with poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma died of tumor, all within 34 months. The extent of tumor was the major prognostic factor in both groups; the three patients with endometrial stromal sarcoma who were dead or living with tumor all had extrauterine extension at the time of hysterectomy (only one of the other eight did so) and all six who died with poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma had myometrial invasion (the one survivor had a tumor limited to the endometrium). Other pathologic factors, including mitotic rate, had no prognostic significance in either category; of particular interest was that both patients who had endometrial stromal sarcomas with high mitotic rates were tumor-free. It is concluded that endometrial stromal sarcoma is a distinct tumor entity whose diagnosis should not depend on mitotic rate, and it is suggested that poorly differentiated endometrial sarcoma is closely related to malignant mixed Mullerian tumor, in view of clinical and pathologic similarities.
A PEPTIDE ISOLATED FROM A RANDOM PHAGE PEPTIDE LIBRARY IS A STRUCTURAL MIMIC TO THE P1, P4-DIADENOSINE 5'-TETRAPHOSPHATE BINDING SITE ON ITS RECEPTOR

We have previously demonstrated that a monoclonal antibody (mAb TL4), which inhibits P1, P4-diadenosine 5′-tetraphosphate (Ap4A) binding to its receptor, selected a consensus RGS tripeptide from a random phage hexapeptide library. RGS interfered with Ap4A binding to its membrane receptor [Liu, G., Bryant, R. T. & Hilderman, R. H. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 197−201]. However the mechanism by which RGS interfered with Ap4A binding to its receptor was not determined. In this communication, we demonstrate that RGS interacts with Ap4A to prevent [3H]Ap4A binding to the Ap4A membrane receptor. To further characterize the mechanism by which RGS inhibits Ap4A binding to its receptor, we used mAb TL4 to screen a 15-residue random peptide phage library and DNAs from 24 clones were sequenced. 20 clones contain a RGSSS sequence while 17 of these clones contained an identical 15-amino-acid insert (clone A). Gel-filtration studies of previously equilibrated clone A phage and [3H]Ap4A support the idea that [3H]Ap4A interacts specifically with clone A phage while RGS effectively competes for [3H]Ap4A interaction on clone A phage. These data are consistent with RGS mimicking a sequence on the receptor essential for Ap4A binding.
Using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model to Study the Effects of Group Composition

We extend the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM), a model originally proposed for the analysis of dyadic data, to the study of groups. We call this extended model the group actor–partner interdependence model or GAPIM. For individual outcomes (e.g., satisfaction with the group), we propose a group composition model with four effects; for group-level outcomes (e.g., group productivity), we propose a model with two effects; and for dyad-level outcomes (e.g., liking of each of the other members of the group), a model with seven effects. For instance, for an individual outcome with gender as the group composition variable the effects are gender of the actor, gender of the other group members, actor similarity in gender to the others in the group, and the others’ similarity in gender. For each of these models, we discuss the ways in which different submodels map onto social-psychological processes. We illustrate the GAPIM with two data sets.
Rule-Based Approach to Real-Time Distributed Adaptive Signal Control:

Most solutions for the problem of adaptive signal control involve optimization of an objective function. This paper presents a departure from this approach and describes a rule-based algorithm for effective distributed adaptive signal control of traffic networks. The control strategy, which has been termed GASCAP (Generalized Adaptive Signal Control Algorithm Project), uses queue estimates and a set of rules to determine the signal state at each intersection in the network. The GASCAP queue estimation algorithm uses upstream detector information to estimate the number of vehicles approaching an intersection and the vehicles in queue. The queue estimation algorithm is relatively insensitive to the extreme variations that may exist for cycle-to-cycle turning percentages because it uses the concept of a "partial" vehicle. The queue estimation logic and the control logic used to determine the signal state reside locally at each intersection and can be implemented as a distributed system. The signal control lo...
Effects of surface deposition, hole blockage, and thermal barrier coating spallation on vane endwall film cooling

With the increase in usage of gas turbines for power generation and given that natural gas resources continue to be depleted, it has become increasingly important to search for alternate fuels. One source of alternate fuels is coal derived synthetic fuels. Coal derived fuels, however, contain traces of ash and other contaminants that can deposit on vane and turbine surfaces affecting their heat transfer through reduced film cooling. The endwall of a first stage vane is one such region that can be susceptible to depositions from these contaminants. This study uses a large-scale turbine vane cascade in which the following effects on film cooling adiabatic effectiveness were investigated in the endwall region: the effect of near-hole deposition, the effect of partial film cooling hole blockage, and the effect of spallation of a thermal barrier coating. The results indicated that deposits near the hole exit can sometimes improve the cooling effectiveness at the leading edge, but with increased deposition heights the cooling deteriorates. Partial hole blockage studies revealed that the cooling effectiveness deteriorates with increases in the number of blocked holes. Spallation studies showed that for a spalled endwall surface downstream of the leading edge cooling row, cooling effectiveness worsened with an increase in blowing ratio.
Anaerobic capacity and muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running.

Sloniger, Mark A., Kirk J. Cureton, Barry M. Prior, and Ellen M. Evans. Anaerobic capacity and muscle activation during horizontal and uphill running. J. Appl. Physiol. 83(1): 262–269, 1997.—Anaero...
An Ultra-High-Resolution Survey of the Interstellar 7Li/6Li Isotope Ratio in the Solar Neighborhood

In an effort to probe the extent of variations in the interstellar 7Li/6Li ratio seen previously, ultra-high-resolution (R ~ 360,000), high signal-to-noise spectra of stars in the Perseus OB2 and Scorpius OB2 associations were obtained. These measurements confirm our earlier findings of an interstellar 7Li/6Li ratio of about 2 toward o Per, the value predicted from models of Galactic cosmic-ray spallation reactions. Observations of other nearby stars yield limits consistent with the isotopic ratio of ~12 seen in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites. If this ratio originally represented the gas toward o Per, then to decrease the original isotope ratio to its current value an order of magnitude increase in the Li abundance is expected, but it is not seen. The elemental K/Li ratio is not unusual, although Li and K are formed via different nucleosynthetic pathways. Several proposals to account for the low 7Li/6Li ratio were considered, but none seems satisfactory. Analysis of the Li and K abundances from our survey highlighted two sight lines where depletion effects are prevalent. There is evidence for enhanced depletion toward X Per, since both abundances are lower by a factor of 4 when compared to other sight lines. Moreover, a smaller Li/H abundance is observed toward 20 Aql, but the K/H abundance is normal, suggesting enhanced Li depletion (relative to K) in this direction. Our results suggest that the 7Li/6Li ratio has not changed significantly during the last 4.5 billion years and that a ratio of ~12 represents most gas in the solar neighborhood. In addition, there appears to be a constant stellar contribution of 7Li, indicating that one or two processes dominate its production in the Galaxy.
EFICAz2.5

Summary: High-quality enzyme function annotation is essential for understanding the biochemistry, metabolism and disease processes of organisms. Previously, we developed a multi-component high-precision enzyme function predictor, EFICAz2 (enzyme function inference by a combined approach). Here, we present an updated improved version, EFICAz2.5, that is trained on a significantly larger data set of enzyme sequences and PROSITE patterns. We also present the results of the application of EFICAz2.5 to the enzyme reannotation of 396 genomes cataloged in the ENSEMBL database. Availability: The EFICAz2.5 server and database is freely available with a use-friendly interface at http://cssb.biology.gatech.edu/EFICAz2.5. Contact: skolnick@gatech.edu Supplementary information:Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Gas temperature measurements in a high pressure argon pulsed dielectric barrier discharge using diode laser absorption spectroscopy

A tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopic technique has been used to quantify the high-pressure (p= 100–500 Torr) scaling of gas temperature in an argon dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) excited using two different applied unipolar voltage pulses from 1.7-6.0 kV and 3 -2p 2 (772.42 nm) and 1s 5 -2p 7 transitions simultaneously in a single scan. The diagnostic technique is based upon Lindholm-Foley theory1 which is particularly applicable for highly nonequilibrium discharge conditions in which the Lorentzian line shape dominates over the Doppler component. Along with the ideal gas law, Lindholm-Foley theory can be used to express both "shift" and "collision width" temperatures as T s =T o (β o p/β)10/7 and T c =T o (2Γ o p/2Γ)10/7, respectively, where T s =300 K, β o , and 2Γ o are the reduced shift and broadening coefficients for a specified transition. In order to use this method to measure small gas temperature changes, it is important to obtain accurate values of β o and 2Γ o for each transition. Measurements of 2Γ o were not found in literature2, while β o was found to be systematically biased2. Estimates of these coefficients were performed using a self-consistent in situ cross-calibration incorporating both transitions, (i) low pressure measurements of 2Γ o and (ii) high pressure measurements of the absolute shifts and line widths. Low pressure (p=5-50 Torr) measurements gave 2Γ o (1s 3 -2p 2 )=22.8±1.0 MHz/Torr and 2Γ o (1s 5 -2p 7 )=21.6±0.3 MHz/Torr. Frequency shift measurements were performed by comparing absorption peaks obtained simultaneously from the DBD and a 1 Torr argon dc discharge. The 2Γ measurements were obtained from Voigt profile fitting. Lindholm-Foley theory predicts that β/2Γ=β o /2Γ o ≈ -0.3627. Our measurements indicate that β o 2Γ o =-0.333±0.025 for both transitions so that within the specified uncertainties, β o (1s 3 -2p 2 )≈-7.6±0.7 MHz/Torr and β o (1s 5 -2p 7 )≈-7.2±0.5 MHz/Torr. Over the range of pressure and voltages, the measured gas temperature was nearly constant at 330±30 K.
MOSAIC ANALYSIS IN THE DROSOPHILA OVARY REVEALS A COMMON HEDGEHOG-INDUCIBLE PRECURSOR STAGE FOR STALK AND POLAR CELLS

The fates of two small subgroups of the ovarian follicle cells appear to be linked: mutations in Notch, Delta, fs(1)Yb, or hedgehog cause simultaneous defects in the specification of stalk cells and polar cells. Both of these subgroups are determined in the germarium, and both cease division early in oogenesis. To test the possibility that these subgroups are related by lineage, we generated dominantly marked mitotic clones in ovaries. Small, restricted clones in stalk cells and polar cells were found adjacent to each other at a frequency much too high to be explained by independent induction. We therefore propose a model in which stalk cells and polar cells are derived from a precursor population that is distinct from the precursors for other follicle cells. We support and extend this model by characterization of mutants that affect stalk and polar cell formation. We find that ectopic expression of Hedgehog can induce both polar and stalk cell fate, presumably by acting on the precursor stage. In contrast, we find that stall affects neither the induction of the precursors nor the decision between the stalk cell and polar cell fate but, rather, some later differentiation step of stalk cells. In addition, we show that ectopic polar and stalk cells disturb the anterior-posterior polarity of the underlying oocyte.
Flow over Heated Terrain. Part II: Generation of Convective Precipitation

Previous studies have shown that thunderstorms in the Rocky Mountain region have preferred areas in which to form. There has been some indication that these areas depend on the midtropospheric wind direction. A nonhydrostatic model with a terrain-following horizontal grid is employed to investigate the initiation of precipitating convection over heated topography. Horizontally homogeneous meteorological conditions with no directional shear in the vertical wind profile are used. The numerical simulations indicate that precipitating convection was more likely to be generated downwind of ridges than upwind of them. Initiation of these storms was more likely downwind of ridges with their long axis parallel to the wind direction than downwind of ridges with their long axis perpendicular to the wind direction. In Part I of this study it was shown that heating-induced convergence is larger downwind of a ridge with its longer axis parallel to the wind direction. For the orographic configuration of the Rocky Mountains, total precipitation is maximized for southerly and northwesterly winds. Slower wind speeds are more likely and faster wind speeds are less likely to produce convective storms. Soundings with larger instability are more likely to produce convection. The soundings with a greater temperature lapse rate produce more initiation locations, and soundings with greater moisture produce greater amounts of precipitation. Even though a number of assumptions were made for this study, the authors believe the results explain a significant amount of the observed variability in the initiation locations of precipitating convection in the Rocky Mountains during the summer. Because of the theoretical basis for this work, detailed in Part I of this study, the authors believe it should explain convective initiation in other mountainous areas that are subject to strong solar heating.
Application of reliability-based design optimization to durability of military vehicles

In the Army mechanical fatigue subject to external and inertia transient loads in the service life of mechanical systems often leads to a structural failure due to accumulated damage. Structural durability analysis that predicts the fatigue life of mechanical components subject to dynamic stresses and strains is a compute intensive multidisciplinary simulation process, since it requires the integration of several computer-aided engineering tools and considerable data communication and computation. Uncertainties in geometric dimensions due to manufacturing tolerances cause the indeterministic nature of the fatigue life of a mechanical component. Due to the fact that uncertainty propagation to structural fatigue under transient dynamic loading is not only numerically complicated but also extremely computationally expensive, it is a challenging task to develop a structural durability-based design optimization process and reliability analysis to ascertain whether the optimal design is reliable. The objective of this paper is the demonstration of an integrated CAD-based computer-aided engineering process to effectively carry out design optimization for structural durability, yielding a durable and cost-effectively manufacturable product. This paper shows preliminary results of reliability-based durability design optimization for the Army Stryker AArm.
An Analysis of Bullying among Students within Schools: Estimating the Effects of Individual Normative Beliefs, Self-Esteem, and School Climate.

The current study examined the relations among self-esteem, approving normative beliefs about bullying, school climate, and bullying perpetration using a large, longitudinal sample of children from elementary, middle, and high school. Self-report surveys were collected at two points in time over the course of 1 year from 7,299 ethnically diverse students (47.8% males, 52.2% females) in 5th, 8th, and 11th grades in 78 schools or community centers across Colorado. Results of ordinary least squares regression analyses indicated that self-esteem, school climate, and normative approval measured at Time 1 significantly predicted self-reported bullying perpetration 1 year later at Time 2, controlling for Time 1 bullying. Further, the effect of self-esteem on bullying perpetration was moderated by perceptions of school climate. When perceptions of school climate were negative (indicating poor school climate), high self-esteem predicted higher levels of bullying perpetration. In contrast, when perceptions of schoo...
Joint Cyber and Physical Attacks on Power Grids: Graph Theoretical Approaches for Information Recovery

Recent events demonstrated the vulnerability of power grids to cyber attacks and to physical attacks. Therefore, we focus on joint cyber and physical attacks and develop methods to retrieve the grid state information following such an attack. We consider a model in which an adversary attacks a zone by physically disconnecting some of its power lines and blocking the information flow from the zone to the grid's control center. We use tools from linear algebra and graph theory and leverage the properties of the power flow DC approximation to develop methods for information recovery. Using information observed outside the attacked zone, these methods recover information about the disconnected lines and the phase angles at the buses. We identify sufficient conditions on the zone structure and constraints on the attack characteristics such that these methods can recover the information. We also show that it is NP-hard to find an approximate solution to the problem of partitioning the power grid into the minimum number of attack-resilient zones. However, since power grids can often be represented by planar graphs, we develop a constant approximation partitioning algorithm for these graphs. Finally, we numerically study the relationships between the grid's resilience and its structural properties, and demonstrate the partitioning algorithm on real power grids. The results can provide insights into the design of a secure control network for the smart grid.
Physical conditioning and membrane receptors for cardioregulatory hormones.

To seek possible mechanisms for the relative bradycardia induced by physical conditioning we studied the effects of an eight-week swimming programme upon cardiac β-adrenergic and muscarinic-cholinergic receptors in rats. A training effect was documented by an increase in the ratio of heart wet weight to body weight in the conditioned animals compared with sedentary controls. Cardiac β-adrenergic receptors as assessed in crude membrane fractions by the binding of (−) (3H) dihydroalprenolol did not differ significantly in either number or affinity in conditioned hearts (30 ± 2 fmol·mg1 protein; KD = 1.4 ± 0.1 nmol·litre−1) compared with sedentary hearts (33 ± 2 fmol·mg−1; KD = 1.5 ± 2 nmol·litre−1). Likewise cardiac muscarinic-cholinergic receptors as assessed by the binding of (3H) quinuclidinyl benzilate to crude cardiac membranes did not differ significantly in either number or affinity in conditioned hearts (116 ± 6 fmol·mg−1 protein; KD = 0.17 ± 0.03 nmol·litre−1) compared with sedentary hearts (125 ± 11 fmol·mg−1; KD = 0.19 ± 0.03 nmol·litre−1). We conclude that the bradycardia of physical training is probably mediated by mechanisms other than alterations in cardiac β-adrenergic or muscarinic-cholinergic receptors.
FSH Levels Predict Bone Loss in Premenopausal Women Treated for Breast Cancer More Than One Year After Treatment

Context: Biomarkers to predict bone loss in premenopausal women after breast cancer treatment have not been examined. Objective: To determine whether baseline FSH predicts subsequent bone loss. Design: Secondary data analysis of the Exercise for Bone Health: Young Breast Cancer Survivors study, in which women were randomized to a 12-month exercise program or monthly health newsletter. Setting: Community dwelling women. Participants: A total of 206 women age less than or equal to 55 years at breast cancer diagnosis who had received adjuvant chemotherapy and were at least 1 year after diagnosis. Intervention: Serum collected at baseline (an average of 302 ± 148 d after completing chemotherapy) was analyzed for FSH. Main Outcome Measure: Change in bone mineral density. Results: In linear regression models, baseline FSH levels predicted bone loss over the ensuing 12 months at the lumbar spine and femoral neck including after adjustment for age, ethnicity, treatment group (exercise vs control), baseline bone d...
Assessment of open operative vascular surgical experience among general surgery residents

Background General surgeons have traditionally performed open vascular operations. However, endovascular interventions, vascular residencies, and work-hour limitations may have had an impact on open vascular surgery training among general surgery residents. We evaluated the temporal trend of open vascular operations performed by general surgery residents to assess any changes that have occurred. Methods The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education's database was used to evaluate graduating general surgery residents' cases from 1999 to 2013. Mean and median case volumes were analyzed for carotid endarterectomy, open aortoiliac aneurysm repair, and lower extremity bypass. Significance of temporal trends were identified using the R 2 test. Results The average number of carotid endarterectomies performed by general surgery residents decreased from 23.1 ± 14 (11.6 ± 9 chief, 11.4 + 10 junior) cases per resident in 1999 to 10.7 ± 9 (3.4 ± 5 chief, 7.3 ± 6 junior) in 2012 (R 2 = 0.98). Similarly, elective open aortoiliac aneurysm repairs decreased from 7.4 ± 5 (4 ± 4 chief, 3.4 ± 4 junior) in 1999 to 1.3 ± 2 (0.4 ± 1 chief, 0.8 ± 1 junior) in 2012 (R 2 = 0.98). The number of lower extremity bypasses decreased from 21 ± 12 (9.5 ± 7 chief, 11.8 ± 9 junior) in 1999 to 7.6 ± 2.6 (2.4 ± 1.3 chief, 5.2 + 1.8 junior) in 2012 (R 2 = 0.94). Infrapopliteal bypasses decreased from 8.1 ± 3.8 (3.5 ± 2.2 chief, 4.5 ± 2.9 junior) in 2001 to 3 ± 2.2 (1 ± 1.6 chief, 2 ± 1.6 junior) in 2012 (R 2 = 0.94). Conclusions General surgery resident exposure to open vascular surgery has significantly decreased. Current and future graduates may not have adequate exposure to open vascular operations to be safely credentialed to perform these procedures in future practice without advanced vascular surgical training.
The development of an in-house dispensary in a college health center.

Background and purpose A small college health center discovered that students perceived obtaining prescribed medication was a barrier to adherence to short-term antibiotic therapy. To address this specific barrier, an in-house dispensary was developed and modified over the past several years to meet the needs of students. Partnering with a local pharmacy has made the process of obtaining prescriptions easier for the students. Data sources Data were extracted from the electronic health records at Student Health Services for the academic year 2014–2015. A total of 910 prescriptions were filled in-house during that time, compared to 102 prescriptions written for purchase elsewhere. Conclusions Students are utilizing the in-house dispensary more often than taking a prescription to a pharmacy and generally regard the service as convenient. Despite challenges in changing drug prices and other factors that influence medication adherence, dispensing a small number of drugs in the clinic has been feasible and well received. Implications for nurse practitioners Nurse practitioners must be aware of specific perceived barriers for their practice population and develop interventions to overcome them. The evaluation of such interventions is imperative for modifications and sustainability.
A simple direct method for the electron microscopy of peripheral blood cells.

The need of the hematologist for methods applicable to the study of the cells of the peripheral blood with the electron microscope has been pressing. Almost a decade ago Wolpers and Ruska studied thrombocyte structure in relation to fibrin deposition. Wolpers, separately, devised a technic for the direct electron micrography of red blood corpuscles and their membranes. Replica or indirect studies of the red blood corpuscular surfaces were reported later by Barnes, Burton and Scott and by Jones. More recent direct observations include those of Claude and Fullam who, with the electron microscope, studied mitochondria isolated from lymphosarcoma cells of the rat. They brought evidence for an enveloping membrane as well as for small elements within the body of certain mitochondria. Reed and Reed studied erythrocytes from dog's blood with reference to patterned aggregates of hemoglobin and other components which varied with the rapidity of drying of the erythrocyte in vacuo. Fine granules, rough, fibroblast-like forms, and massed aggregates arising from coalescence of the smaller structures were observed. Hovanitz studied "resting" chromosomes obtained from nuclei of erythrocytes of the chicken. A definite spiral structure was present which may have represented a thread imbedded in a matrix. Appendages were seen with their attachment threads. When the chromosomes were dissolved in M NaCl and precipitated, anastomosing strands composed of minute particles about 50 millimicrons in diameter were produced. Claude, Porter and Pickets were able to obtain macrophages from tissue cultures of centrifuged blood of normal chickens after explanting small fragments of the buffy coat. Their micrograph (their Fig. 1) depicted only the cytoplasm of such a macrophage. Golgi bodies, mitochondria and the particulate components (microsomes) of the ground substance were well portrayed. Bessis and Bursteinstudied the progression of structural changes occurring in thrombocytes in vitro. After addition of anticoagulant, the blood was centrifuged and a drop of the supernatant fluid rich in thrombocytes was utilized for electron microscopy. Their numerous excellent micrographs depict the succeeding stages, classified as circulating forms, dendritic forms, transitional forms, and ultimately, expanded forms. Expansion of the platelet is preceded by pseudopodia formation. In a later series of investigations, Bessis' employed the shadow-casting technic and demonstrated that thrombocyte protoplasm presented numerous radiate fibrils and rarer arcuate forms. The fibrils were composed of small spherules (50 to 200 millimicrons in diameter) separated from one
Comment on “On the Selection of Ground-Motion Prediction Equations for Seismic Hazard Analysis” by Julian J. Bommer, John Douglas, Frank Scherbaum, Fabrice Cotton, Hilmar Bungum, and Donat Fäh

The paper by Bommer et al . in Seismological Research Letters 81 (5) (hereafter Bommer et al . 2010) raises the important issue of selection criteria for ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) in seismic hazard analysis. Objective selection criteria are needed since many GMPEs have been developed in recent years. I found this discussion timely because of a number of recent and ongoing projects such as next-generation attenuations NGA-West (Power et al . 2006) and NGA-East (http://peer.berkeley.edu/ngaeast/index.html; accessed September 9, 2010). The purpose of this comment is to bring a number of similar issues to the attention of the seismological and earthquake engineering community. Even though I sometimes question the objectivity of reviewers, I agree with Bommer et al . (2010) that GMPEs should be published in peer-reviewed journals. Rephrasing Winston Churchill's quote on democracy so it applies to science, I can say that publishing in a peer-reviewed journal is the worst form of expressing scientific opinion except all the others that have been tried. However, I cannot agree with the approach of Bommer et al . (2010) on this issue. The authors have chosen a formal and not a physical approach to GMPE selection. There are two questions that I would like to raise: The most important features of a physical model are its clarity and physical meaning of the approximation formula, or in terminology used by Bommer et al . (2010), the model's functional form. As was stated by Bolt and Abrahamson (1982), the first critical step in modeling is the selection of an approximation function that best fits ground-motion attenuation with distance. I suggest first …
Method for fingerprint image binarization using difference

Binarization is one important step in automatic digital fingerprint identification.Selection of threshold will greatly influence the effect of binarization,as well as the number of valid features.In this paper,we proposed a new phase remove smoothing and difference method for fingerprint image binarization,which moves the threshold of background and foreground toward 0 point.Experiments show that this method can reduce the sensitivity of threshold selection,and at the same time can keep the valid fingerprint features after binarization.
A Holistic Look into Life Sciences Venture Funding

This article examines the funding of early stage life sciences ventures. We explore 10 early stage life sciences ventures for an in-depth examination of their experiences. Our findings suggest that the capitally intensive nature of starting life sciences firms makes investment capital paramount. While venture capital is important, we find that other funding sources can play a crucial role in funding early growth. Optimal financial strategies to develop financial resources in early stage life sciences ventures require analyzing the paths, positions, and processes related to obtaining capital that a firm has available.
Agile Interface Development using OSC Expressions and Process Migration.

This paper introduces “o.expr,” an expression language for dynamic, objectand agent-oriented computation of gesture signal processing workflows using OSC bundles. The use of o.expr is shown for a range of gesture processing tasks. Aspects of o.expr, including statelessness and homoiconicity, simplify agile applications development and provide support for heterogeneous computational networks.
Fatty Acid Oxidation Mediated by Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain 3 Is Required for Mutant KRAS Lung Tumorigenesis

KRAS is one of the most commonly mutated oncogenes in human cancer. Mutant KRAS aberrantly regulates metabolic networks. However, the contribution of cellular metabolism to mutant KRAS tumorigenesis is not completely understood. We report that mutant KRAS regulates intracellular fatty acid metabolism through Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase long-chain family member 3 (ACSL3), which converts fatty acids into fatty Acyl-CoA esters, the substrates for lipid synthesis and β-oxidation. ACSL3 suppression is associated with depletion of cellular ATP and causes the death of lung cancer cells. Furthermore, mutant KRAS promotes the cellular uptake, retention, accumulation, and β-oxidation of fatty acids in lung cancer cells in an ACSL3-dependent manner. Finally, ACSL3 is essential for mutant KRAS lung cancer tumorigenesis in vivo and is highly expressed in human lung cancer. Our data demonstrate that mutant KRAS reprograms lipid homeostasis, establishing a metabolic requirement that could be exploited for therapeutic gain.