cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Curve Indicator Random Field: Curve Organization Via Edge Correlation

Can the organization of local edge measurements into curves be directly related to natural image structure? By viewing curve organization as a statistical estimation problem, we suggest that it can. In particular, the classical Gestalt perceptual organization cues of proximity and good continuation—the basis of many current curve organization systems—can be statistically measured in images. As a prior for our estimation approach we introduce the curve indicator random field. In contrast to other techniques that require contour closure or are based on a sparse set of detected edges, the curve indicator random field emphasizes the short-distance, dense nature of organizing curve elements into (possibly) open curves. Its explicit formulation allows the calculation of its properties such as its autocorrelation. On the one hand, the curve indicator random field leads us to introduce the oriented Wiener filter, capturing the blur and noise inherent in the edge measurement process. On the other, it suggests we seek such correlations in natural images. We present the results of some initial edge correlation measurements that not only confirm the presence of Gestalt cues, but also suggest that curvature has a role in curve organization.
Synonymous Codons: Choose Wisely for Expression

The genetic code, which defines the amino acid sequence of a protein, also contains information that influences the rate and efficiency of translation. Neither the mechanisms nor functions of codon-mediated regulation were well understood. The prevailing model was that the slow translation of codons decoded by rare tRNAs reduces efficiency. Recent genome-wide analyses have clarified several issues. Specific codons and codon combinations modulate ribosome speed and facilitate protein folding. However, tRNA availability is not the sole determinant of rate; rather, interactions between adjacent codons and wobble base pairing are key. One mechanism linking translation efficiency and codon use is that slower decoding is coupled to reduced mRNA stability. Changes in tRNA supply mediate biological regulationfor instance,, changes in tRNA amounts facilitate cancer metastasis.
“Planning Dissonance” and the Bases for Stably Diverse Neighborhoods: The Case of South Seattle:

Recent scholarship has focused extensively on the rise of diverse neighborhoods in U.S. cities. Nevertheless, the theoretical frameworks we have for describing residential settlement patterns gener...
Bringing disorder and dynamics in protein allostery into focus.

The intricacies of protein-mediated signaling continue to be revealed in exquisite detail. It therefore seems fitting to return to the fundamental and almost magical feature of protein molecules that makes it all possible: allostery, or action at a distance. This long-held concept arose and was refined during the explosive expansion of the structural biology of proteins. The resulting models of allostery through discrete two-state structural transitions have held sway for over half a century. However, they are incomplete. Even for the paradigm allosteric protein hemoglobin, alternate functionally relevant structures that are dynamically averaged (1) force a broader ensemble description of the thermodynamics of allostery (2). Furthermore, the view seen through the lens of structure is a very enthalpic one that focuses analysis on the details of specific interactions within and between proteins and their ligands. However, it is free energy that guides the allosteric response. Entropy, which is what makes the energy free, has rarely been examined experimentally in the same microscopic detail. Although it was known decades ago that protein molecules should (3, 4) and do (5⇓–7) dynamically fluctuate, it remains uncertain to what degree conformational entropy (Sconf) actually does contribute to the free energy of ligand binding and allostery. This uncertainty is because Sconf has largely resisted experimental measurement. Obviously, motion between various states that a protein visits reports, albeit indirectly, on its Sconf. Developments in solution NMR spectroscopy have recently converged to allow detailed analysis of protein internal motion on many time scales (8), and thus open the door to the elusive thermodynamic variable. In an elegant and unusually comprehensive study reported in PNAS, Capdevila et al. (9) illuminate the dynamical aspects of ligand binding and the contributions of ∆Sconf to allostery in a transcription factor that is … [↵][1]1Email: wand{at}upenn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
XFELs for structure and dynamics in biology

The development and application of the free-electron X-ray laser (XFEL) to structure and dynamics in biology since its inception in 2009 are reviewed. The research opportunities which result from the ability to outrun most radiation-damage effects are outlined, and some grand challenges are suggested. By avoiding the need to cool samples to minimize damage, the XFEL has permitted atomic resolution imaging of molecular processes on the 100 fs timescale under near-physiological conditions and in the correct thermal bath in which molecular machines operate. Radiation damage, comparisons of XFEL and synchrotron work, single-particle diffraction, fast solution scattering, pump–probe studies on photosensitive proteins, mix-and-inject experiments, caged molecules, pH jump and other reaction-initiation methods, and the study of molecular machines are all discussed. Sample-delivery methods and data-analysis algorithms for the various modes, from serial femtosecond crystallo­graphy to fast solution scattering, fluctuation X-ray scattering, mixing jet experiments and single-particle diffraction, are also reviewed.
Experimental Study of Scour Induced by Temporally Oscillating Hydraulic Jump in a Stilling Basin

AbstractA hydraulic jump can be washed out or drowned if the downstream tailwater depth is lower or higher than the downstream sequent depth, respectively. Stilling basins built downstream of water...
Multiphase flows of N immiscible incompressible fluids: An outflow/open boundary condition and algorithm

Abstract We present a set of effective outflow/open boundary conditions and an associated algorithm for simulating the dynamics of multiphase flows consisting of N ( N ⩾ 2 ) immiscible incompressible fluids in domains involving outflows or open boundaries. These boundary conditions are devised based on the properties of energy stability and reduction consistency. The energy stability property ensures that the contributions of these boundary conditions to the energy balance will not cause the total energy of the N-phase system to increase over time. Therefore, these open/outflow boundary conditions are very effective in overcoming the backflow instability in multiphase systems. The reduction consistency property ensures that if some fluid components are absent from the N-phase system then these N-phase boundary conditions will reduce to those corresponding boundary conditions for the equivalent smaller system. Our numerical algorithm for the proposed boundary conditions together with the N-phase governing equations involves only the solution of a set of de-coupled individual Helmholtz-type equations within each time step, and the resultant linear algebraic systems after discretization involve only constant and time-independent coefficient matrices which can be pre-computed. Therefore, the algorithm is computationally very efficient and attractive. We present extensive numerical experiments for flow problems involving multiple fluid components and inflow/outflow boundaries to test the proposed method. In particular, we compare in detail the simulation results of a three-phase capillary wave problem with Prosperetti's exact physical solution and demonstrate that the method developed herein produces physically accurate results.
Coded prefetching and efficient delivery in decentralized caching systems

Decentralized coded caching is applicable in scenarios where the server does not have enough knowledge about the entire cache network to perform centralized coordination during prefetching, such as when the server is uninformed of the number of active users and their identities in a wireless or mobile environment. Most of known decentralized strategies use random uncoded prefetching followed by coded delivery, which is partly motivated by the simplicity but also partly motivated by the existing centralized coding strategy which has such properties. Recent results have shown that in the centralized setting, coded prefetching can provide performance improvement in some cases when the numbers of files is less than the number of users, and particularly, non-binary codes can be beneficial. This naturally raises the questions whether the corresponding decentralized counterpart using non-binary codes can also provide improvement, and what is the necessary overhead to accomplish such decentralization. In this work we propose a decentralized coded prefetching strategy where both prefetching and delivery are coded. The proposed strategy indeed outperforms the existing decentralized uncoded caching strategy in regimes of small cache size M when the numbers of files is less than the number of users. Methods to manage the coding overhead are further suggested.
Genetic and genomic testing for neurologic disease in clinical practice.

Abstract The influence of genetics on neurologic disease is broad and it is becoming more common that clinicians are presented with a patient whose disease is likely of genetic origin. In the search for mutations causing Mendelian disorders, advances in genetic testing methodology have propelled modern neurologic practice beyond single-gene testing into the realm of genomic medicine, where routine evaluations encompass hundreds or thousands of genes, or even the entire exome, representing all protein-coding genes in the genome. The role of various single-gene, multigene, and genomic testing methods, including chromosomal microarray and next-generation sequencing, in the evaluation of neurologic disease is discussed here to provide a framework for their use in a modern neurologic practice. Understanding the inherent issues that arise during the interpretation of sequence variants as pathogenic or benign and the potential discovery of incidental medically relevant findings are important considerations for neurologists utilizing these tests clinically. Strategies for the evaluation of clinically heterogeneous disorders are presented to guide neurologists in the transition from single-gene to genomic considerations and toward the prospect of the widespread routine use of exome sequencing in the continuing goal to achieve more rapid and more precise diagnoses that will improve management and outcome in patients challenged by neurologic disease.
PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION CLINICAL PROFILES AND SURVIVAL USING LATENT CLASS ANALYSIS

We hypothesized that unbiased cluster analysis methods would identify distinct phenotypes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We identified 191 patients with expert adjudicated PAH. A total of 47 clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables were analyzed using Latent
Developmental regulation of erythropoiesis by hematopoietic growth factors: analysis on populations of BFU-E from bone marrow, peripheral blood, and fetal liver

Fetal hematopoiesis is characterized by expanding erythropoiesis to support a continuously increasing RBC mass. To explore the basis for this anabolic, nonhomeostatic erythropoiesis, the proliferative effect of recombinant hematopoietic growth factors on highly enriched hematopoietic progenitor cells from fetal and adult tissues were compared. Fetal hepatic BFU-E, unlike adult bone marrow (BM) or peripheral blood (PB) BFU-E, were capable of proliferating in response to erythropoietin in the absence of added GM colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or interleukin-3 (IL-3), and erythropoietin (Epo) directly stimulated the expansion of the fetal BFU-E pool in suspension culture. A murine monoclonal antibody (MoAb), Ep 3, was raised against enriched fetal liver progenitor cells, which detected all fetal BFU-E and which reacted with the erythropoietin-responsive, GM-CSF/IL-3-independent fraction of adult BM BFU-E and CFU-E. All adult PB BFU-E were Ep 3- but became Ep 3+ after stimulation with GM-CSF or IL-3. These data indicate that Epo plays a unique role in fetal hepatic erythropoiesis, stimulating proliferation of immature BFU-E in addition to promoting terminal differentiation of later erythroid progenitor cells. In addition, these results demonstrate a MoAb which detects all erythropoietin-responsive progenitor cells and distinguishes the BFU-E compartments in adult BM and PB.
Susanna Newcome's cosmological argument

Despite its philosophical interest, Susanna Newcome's Enquiry into the Evidence of the Christian Religion (1728, revised 1732) has received little attention from commentators. This paper seeks to r...
Measuring atmospheric dry deposition with large surrogate surfaces for improved time resolution

Abstract Surrogate surfaces are used to measure atmospheric dry deposition of contaminants and are sometimes designed intentionally with simple geometry to estimate the lower limit of the flux to any surface. However, most surrogate surfaces have a small collection area: long periods of dry weather may be needed to obtain sufficient deposited contaminants to be detected and quantified, and such exposure periods may not be common in wet climates. In this study, two relatively large surrogate surfaces—disks with surface areas >1 m2—were designed to measure dry deposition of F−, Cl−, SO42−, and NO3− in Syracuse, NY. Results indicate that good reproducibility is possible for measurements with exposure periods of 2–6 days. The ranges of dry deposition velocities for each species are as follows: F− (0.6–2.5 cm/s), Cl− (1.9–9.2 cm/s), SO42− (0.11–1.8 cm/s), and NO3− (0.1–1.1 cm/s). Fluxes were also measured to four separate sections of the disk; results suggest that deposition varies somewhat across the disk in a way that is consistent with boundary layer thickness predicted by Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling.
Tissue factor as an anti-cancer target: inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis by anti-tissue factor monoclonal antibodies blocking factor X activation

699 We report the inhibitory effects of an anti-human tissue factor (TF) monoclonal antibody (mAb, H36, a murine mAb, and hOAT, the humanized form of H36) on primary tumor growth and metastasis in animal models of human cancer. H36/hOAT inhibit TF/FVIIa-dependent activation of Factor X (FX) or FIX by blocking the binding of FX (or IX) to TF or TF/FVIIa complex. The cell lines used in the studies (MDA-MB-435/TF, MCF-7/TF, DU145L1, HT29Lu3 and A375) all express functional human TF. Subcutaneous injection of MCF-7/TF cells resulted in larger primary tumors with extensive blood vessels when compared with MCF-7 parental cells. Matrigel plug assay demonstrated that rhuTF promoted neovascularization and treatment with anti-TF mAb inhibited the process. Complete inhibition or a significant reduction (P
Evidence from marginally significant t statistics.

This article examines the evidence contained in t statistics that are marginally significant in 5% tests. The bases for evaluating evidence are likelihood ratios and integrated likelihood ratios, c...
Changes in skeletal muscle mass during PD-1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor therapy in advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients.

e14061Background: Severe skeletal muscle loss (sarcopenia) is a principle property of cancer cachexia and is found to be a hallmark of poor prognosis in patients with advanced non-small cell lung c...
Abstract CT062: A Phase I study of the safety and immunogenicity of personalized mutation-derived tumor vaccine and treatment fields in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) like other cancers generates mutation-derived tumor antigens (MTA) arising from somatic mutations such as insertions, deletions, nucleotide substitutions and gene fusions. These mutations can be recognized by the immune system, providing a specific target for antitumor therapy. The use of TTFields, a modality that utilizes low intensity electric fields that disrupt cell division, increases progression-free survival and overall survival in newly diagnosed GBM. Among several mechanisms of action, TTFields potentially induces an immunogenic cell death. Therefore, we combined this modality treatment with the standard of care of adjuvant Temozolomide chemotherapy and a personalized vaccine for newly diagnosed GBM in a single-arm, open label clinical trial. Phase Ia tests the safety and immunogenicity of MTA-vaccine and phase Ib tests the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in conjunction with the TTFields. RNA and DNA are extracted from tumor specimens and blood, and whole-exome sequencing and mRNASeq is performed. HLA typing is obtained for each patient. MTA are identified using a computational pipeline for prediction and ranking according to both HLA binding affinity and expression. A maximum of 10 peptides is selected for the synthesis of each patient vaccine. Patients receive 14 doses of the MTA-vaccine in combination with 14 doses of poly-ICLC, the vaccine adjuvant. We have found mutation-derived tumor antigens in all patients included in phase Ia despite a low mutational load in GBM patients. The patients that took part in phase Ia have received multiple vaccinations spanning over 6 months of treatment. The vaccine has been well tolerated without serious adverse events. Quantitative and qualitative changes in epitope-specific circulating T-cell response is currently being evaluated. Citation Format: Adilia Hormigo, Alex Rubinsteyn, Julia Kodysh, Ana Blazquez, Nina Bhardwaj. A Phase I study of the safety and immunogenicity of personalized mutation-derived tumor vaccine and treatment fields in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr CT062.
Time to Complication Detection after Primary Pediatric Hypospadias Repair: A Large, Single Center, Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Purpose:Controversy remains within the pediatric urology community regarding adequate duration of followup after hypospadias repair. Some have suggested that minimal long-term followup is necessary...
Recognizing the Métis of Learners with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities in College Composition

This paper was originally presented as part of a panel on metis approaches to college composition at the 2019 Conference on College Composition and Communication in Pittsburgh, PA. It explores the affordances of metis for understanding the adaptive literacy practices of college students with diagnoses of I/DD. Based on findings from a grounded investigation, the author identifies ways composition instructors can utilize metis as a lens for perceiving how students with I/DD reveal "double and divergent" (Dolmage) approaches to classroom literacy.
Why Software is Not Accessible: Technology Professionals' Perspectives and Challenges

We present a survey (77 responses) and 10 follow-up interviews investigating how technology professionals include accessibility in design and development and what challenges they face. We asked technology professionals what they learned about accessibility in school, what resources they used, if any, and what tools they needed. We found that formal education inadequately prepared them to handle accessibility challenges across the software development lifecycle. Other reasons include inadequate accessibility tools and resources, and not accounting retroactive changes in project timelines. This work attempts to provide updates to the current state of software accessibility by comparing results to previous research works.
Fixing Parental Leave: The Six Month Solution: by Gayle Kaufman, New York, New York University Press, 2020, 256 pp., $27.00 (hardback), ISBN: 9781479810369

Gayle Kaufman, author of Superdads: How Fathers Balance Work and Family in the 21st Century, has just published a new book, Fixing Parental Leave, that provides an important discussion of parental ...
GSK3β inhibition restores cortical gamma oscillation and cognitive behavior in a mouse model of NMDA receptor hypofunction relevant to schizophrenia

Cortical gamma oscillations are believed to be involved in mental processes which are disturbed in schizophrenia. For example, the magnitudes of sensory-evoked oscillations, as measured by auditory steady-state responses (ASSRs) at 40 Hz, are robustly diminished, whereas the baseline gamma power is enhanced in schizophrenia. Such dual gamma oscillation abnormalities are also present in a mouse model of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor hypofunction (Ppp1r2cre/Grin1 knockout mice). However, it is unclear whether the abnormal gamma oscillations are associated with dysfunction in schizophrenia. We found that glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) is overactivated in corticolimbic parvalbumin-positive GABAergic interneurons in Grin1 mutant mice. Here we addressed whether GSK3β inhibition reverses both abnormal gamma oscillations and behavioral deficits with high correlation by pharmacological and genetic approach. We demonstrated that the paralog selective-GSK3β inhibitor, but not GSK3α inhibitor, normalizes the diminished ASSRs, excessive baseline gamma power, and deficits in spatial working memory and prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle in Grin1 mutant mice. Cell-type specific GSK3B knockdown, but not GSK3A knockdown, also reversed abnormal gamma oscillations and behavioral deficits. Moreover, GSK3B knockdown, but not GSK3A knockdown, reverses the mutants' in vivo spike synchrony deficits. Finally, ex vivo patch-clamp recording from pairs of neighboring cortical pyramidal neurons showed a reduction of synchronous spontaneous inhibitory-postsynaptic-current events in mutants, which was reversed by GSK3β inhibition genetically and pharmacologically. Together, GSK3β inhibition in corticolimbic interneurons ameliorates the deficits in spatial working memory and PPI, presumably by restoration of synchronous GABA release, synchronous spike firing, and evoked-gamma power increase with lowered baseline power.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Rates of Continuous Glucose Monitor Initiation and Continued Use in Children With Type 1 Diabetes.

OBJECTIVE Racial/ethnic disparities in continuous glucose monitor (CGM) use exist among children with type 1 diabetes. It is not known whether differential rates of device initiation or sustained use are the cause of this disparity. Our objective was to compare CGM initiation rates and continued use among non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), and Hispanic children. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective review including children with type 1 diabetes attending the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia between 1 January 15 and 31 December 18. RESULTS Of 1,509 eligible children, 726 (48%) started CGM during the study period. More NHW (54%) than NHB (31%) and Hispanic (33%) children started CGM (P CONCLUSIONS Lower CGM use in NHB children was due to lower rates of device initiation and higher rates of discontinuation. Interventions to address both of these barriers are needed to reduce disparities in CGM use.
Directed Nucleosome Sliding in SV40 Minichromosomes During the Formation of the Virus Particle Exposes DNA Sequences Required for Early Transcription

Abstract Simian Virus 40 (SV40) exists as chromatin throughout its life cycle, and undergoes typical epigenetic regulation mediated by changes in nucleosome location and associated histone modifications. In order to investigate the role of epigenetic regulation during the encapsidation of late stage minichromosomes into virions, we have mapped the location of nucleosomes containing acetylated or methylated lysines in the histone tails of H3 and H4 present in the chromatin from 48-hour post-infection minichromosomes and disrupted virions. In minichromosomes obtained late in infection, nucleosomes were found carrying various histone modifications primarily in the regulatory region with a major nucleosome located within the enhancer and other nucleosomes at the early and late transcriptional start sites. The nucleosome found in the enhancer would be expected to repress early transcription by blocking access to part of the SP1 binding sites and the left side of the enhancer in late stage minichromosomes while also allowing late transcription. In chromatin from virions, the principal nucleosome located in the enhancer was shifted ~ 70 bases in the late direction from what was found in minichromosomes and the level of modified histones was increased throughout the genome. The shifting of the enhancer-associated nucleosome to the late side would effectively serve as a switch to relieve the repression of early transcription found in late minichromosomes while likely also repressing late transcription by blocking access to necessary regulatory sequences. This epigenetic switch appeared to occur during the final stage of virion formation.
Resection of Foramen Magnum Meningioma through Modified Far Lateral Approach: Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances.

Objectives Safe maximal resection is the basic principle of cranial base surgery and the grade of resection is an important factor influencing the prognostic outcome. This operative video highlights the surgical principles and technical nuances in the microsurgical resection of foramen magnum meningioma (FMM). Case Description The surgery was performed in a 45-year-old lady who presented with hoarseness of voice and spastic quadriparesis (grade 4/5). On imaging, FMM with mass effect on brainstem and spinal cord was identified. The tumor was gross totally resected through modified far lateral approach with minimal occipital condyle drilling. This video demonstrates the surgical techniques of tumor resection including early devascularization, operating in the arachnoid plane to dissect the neurovascular structures, piecemeal decompression, sharp dissection to separate tumor from lower cranial nerves (LCN), identifying the brainstem veins, and resecting the lesion from tumor-brainstem interface. Postoperatively, she had significant neurological improvement and the magnetic resonance imaging revealed excellent radiological outcome ( Figs. 1 and 2 ). Conclusion The surgery of FMM is challenging due to the deep surgical corridor, critical location, close proximity with various neurovascular structures, firm consistency, and high vascularity of the tumor. The modified far lateral approach by preserving the occipital condyle may prevent the postoperative incidence of craniovertebral junction instability. The key operative principles to achieve the best surgical outcome include careful dissection along the arachnoid plane, gentle handling of cranial nerves, veins, and perforator vessels, avoidance of traction on brainstem and spinal cord, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, proper hemostasis, and meticulous dural closure. The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/1qvAeUmNIUw .
Epidemiology of aortic dissection

Aortic dissection remains a highly morbid diagnosis. The treatment of aortic dissection has undergone several paradigm shifts since it was first understood. However, despite the robust research in treatment, the epidemiology of aortic dissection is limited. In this review, we discuss the historical perspectives of aortic dissection with a review of risk factors and presentation. We review the trends in incidence during the past 40 years, with consideration for sex, race, and ethnicity in admission. We further focus our discussion of the classically described Type B aortic dissection treatment. Lastly, we review the impact of long-term events, readmissions, cost assessments, and quality of life studies of patients with aortic dissection. Care for those with aortic dissection remains a long-term challenge for providers and a multispecialty approach is needed for complete patient management.
Leveraging historiometry to better understand teams in context

The prevalence of teams in organizational settings has dramatically increased over the last 50 years, and as such, researchers have made much progress in understanding the conditions and intra-team...
Response to “Impact of Zeolite Structure on Entropic–Enthalpic Contributions to Alkane Monomolecular Cracking: An IR Operando Study”

This is a response to the paper published by S. A. Kadam, H. Li, R. F. Wormsbacher, A. Travert, Chem. Eur. J. 2018, 24, 5489. Key consistencies between our reported results and those reported in this work are also highlighted.
The effect of nicotine and dextrose on endoplasmic reticulum stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells.

Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of coronary artery disease (CAD) as is diabetes. However, nicotine has been generally regarded as safe and is used in smoking cessation programs. This presumption of nicotine safety was examined in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was measured using the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SAP) assay. The ER stress markers inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), phospho-IRE1α, double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), phospho-PERK, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78) were measured by western blot. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and crystal violet staining. Intact and cleaved caspase 3, BH3 interacting-domain death agonist (BID), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) were measured by western blot. In cells transfected with the SAP expression plasmid, treatment with nicotine resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in SAP expression with no noticeable toxicity. Nicotine (10 nM) also increased IRE1α and PERK phosphorylation, and ATF6 and GRP78 expression. Although nicotine at concentrations up to 10 μM did not cause cell death, treatment of HCAEC with 10 nM nicotine in the presence of 13.8 mM dextrose aggravated ER stress, increased cell death, increased cleaved caspase 3 and BID, and decreased BCL2. Nicotine at concentrations commonly achieved in nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) significantly increased ER stress in HCAEC and aggravated dextrose-induced ER stress and cell apoptosis. People using electronic cigarettes and on NRT may be at increased risk for CAD.
Aromatase and non-aromatase neurons in the zebra finch secondary auditory forebrain are indistinct in their song-driven gene induction and intrinsic electrophysiological properties

Estrogens support major brain functions including cognition, reproduction, neuroprotection and sensory processing. Neuroestrogens are synthesized within some brain areas by the enzyme aromatase and can rapidly modulate local circuit functions, yet the cellular physiology and sensory-response profiles of aromatase neurons are essentially unknown. In songbirds, social and acoustic stimuli drive neuroestrogen elevations in the auditory forebrain caudomedial nidopallium (NCM). In both males and females, neuroestrogens rapidly enhance NCM auditory processing and auditory learning. Estrogen-producing neurons in NCM may therefore exhibit distinguishing profiles for sensory-activation and intrinsic electrophysiology. Here, we explored these questions using both immunocyctochemistry and electrophysiological recordings. Immunoreactivity for aromatase and the immediate early gene EGR1, a marker of activity and plasticity, were quantified in NCM of song-exposed animals versus silence-exposed controls. Using whole-cell patch clamp recordings from NCM slices, we also documented the intrinsic excitability profiles of aromatase-positive and aromatase-negative neurons. We observed that a subset of aromatase neurons were significantly activated during song playback, in both males and females, and in both hemispheres. A comparable population of non-aromatase-expressing neurons were also similarly driven by song stimulation. Membrane properties (i.e., resting membrane potential, rheobase, input resistance and multiple action potential parameters) were similarly indistinguishable between NCM aromatase and non-aromatase neurons. Together, these findings demonstrate that aromatase and non-aromatase neurons in NCM are indistinct in terms of their intrinsic electrophysiology and responses to song. Nevertheless, such similarities in response properties may belie more subtle differences in underlying conductances and/or computational roles that may be crucial to their function.
Outlet Transitions with Triangular-Shaped Baffles

Laboratory hydraulic studies have been used to determine the proper location for triangular-shaped baffles in open channel expansions having vertical walls. The outlet transition structures that were studied ranged from the abrupt expansion to divergences of 1:1, 2:3, 1:3, and 1:6. The previously developed analysis for submerged flow in flow measuring flumes has been modified to allow the analysis of energy loss in outlet transitions. The design procedure for outlet transitions with triangular-shaped baffles incorporates the modified analysis.
Estimation of proportions of white and non-white voters voting for a candidate with applications to possible violations ofsection 2 of the voting rights act

Throughout the South, black citizens are challenging at-large methods of election on the grounds that they are discriminatory against minorities and are in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as amended in 1982. The United States Supreme Court has established tests that must be met to prove a violation. Arguing whether these tests have been satisfied involves estimation of the proportion of voters of each race voting for each candidate in a series of elections. Estimation is complicated by the fact that the analysis must be done on precinct totals rather than on the votes of individual voters. The Supreme Court has considered two methods of estimation, extreme case analysis and ecological regression. These methods are compared with three additional estimation methods, weighted least squares, two stage least squares and maximum likelihood. Extreme case estimators can have considerable bias. In the setting of elections in five political subdivisions of South Carolina, it is shown that th...
Long-term outcome of vincristine–aspirin–ticlopidine (VAT) therapy for vascular tumors associated with kasabach–merritt phenomenon

Background . This study aimed to clarify the combinatorial treatment effect of agents as aspirin and ticlopidine associated with vincristine in the management of Kasabach–Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a severe thrombocytopenic coagulopathy that occurs in the presence of an enlarging vascular tumor such as kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA). Procedure . A retrospective review was conducted of medical records of all children with diagnosis of KHE or TA associated with KMP treated with vincristine–aspirin–ticlopidine (VAT) therapy at two different institutions in the same country from 1994 to 2011. Clinical features, response to VAT therapy and outcomes were recorded. Results . Eleven patients (mean age 11 months, range 0–36), including seven females (64%) and four males (36%), were identified. Seven patients underwent incisional biopsy and two different histologies were found, KHE in four patients and TA in three patients. Tumors were located in the head and neck (n = 5), chest wall (n = 2), arm (n = 2) and retroperitoneum (n = 2). Mean platelet level was 10,200/mm3 (range 4,000–21,000). A plaque-like lesion with ecchymosis was the most common cutaneous manifestation (63%). All patients underwent VAT therapy. Mean duration of treatment was 3.9 months for vincristine, 13.9 months for aspirin, and 13.4 months for ticlopidine. All patients are alive with a mean follow-up of 4.5 years (range, 2–17). Conclusions . Antiaggregant therapy is helpful in combination with vincristine in the treatment of KMP associated with KHE and TA. Prognosis is excellent if severe thrombocytopenia is controlled despite failure in reduction of tumor size. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1478–1481. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The behavior of some aldoses with 2,2-dimethoxypropane-N,N-dimethylformamide-p-toluenesulfonic acid. I. At room temperature (25 degrees).

Abstract When treated at room temperature with a small excess of 2,2-dimethoxypropane in N,N -dimethylformamide solution in the presence of a trace of p -toluenesulfonic acid, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- D -glucose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- D -mannose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy- D -galactose, and D -glucose yield the corresponding 4,6- O -isopropylidenealdo-pyranoses. D -Mannose, however, gives the known 2,3:5,6-di- O -isopropylidene- D -mannofuranose.
Automated counting of microbial colonies.

Abstract The time required for direct counting of colonies on agar plates for estimating population density of viable microorganisms has precluded studies requiring measurement of such a parameter. Bowman, Blume, and Vurek have described a photo-electrical capillary tube scanner which automates the counting. Results obtained with an instrument similar to that of Bowman et al. have been intensively analyzed with respect to precision and accuracy. The sources of “errors” have been ascertained, and the instrument's potentialities and limitations are discussed.
Barriers, pathways and processes for uptake, translocation and accumulation of nanomaterials in plants – Critical review

Uptake, transport and toxicity of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) into plant cells are complex processes that are currently still not well understood. Parts of this problem are the multifaceted pla...
A mechanism of resistance to glucocorticoids in multiple myeloma: transient expression of a truncated glucocorticoid receptor mRNA

Despite their widespread use, little is known of either the mechanism of action of glucocorticoids in the treatment of multiple myeloma or why patients ultimately become resistant to their therapeutic effects. Here, we address these issues by examining the direct effects of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (DEX) on a hormone-sensitive clone (MM.1S) of a human multiple myeloma line and compare them with those of its hormone-resistant counterpart (MM.1R). MM.1S expresses approximately 50,000 glucocorticoid receptors (GR) per cell, the full-length 7.1-kb GR mRNA at high levels, and is lysed by DEX. DEX-induced cytolysis is effectively blocked by the glucocorticoid antagonist, RU 486, indicating the specificity of this response for the GR. In contrast to MM.1S, MM.1R is not lysed by hormone, has little hormone-binding activity, and expresses the 7.1-kb GR mRNA at low levels. Interestingly, we have found that two distinct phenotypes emerge from MM.1R with increasing periods of growth in culture. The first or "early" form, MM.1Re, expresses high levels of a variant GR mRNA of 5.5 kb that has a deletion in its 3' end. With further growth in the presence or absence of selective media, the expression of this transcript is repressed, resulting in the second or "late" phenotype characteristic of MM.1RL. No discernible differences in the organization of the genomic GR sequence in DEX-sensitive and -resistant cells were detectable by Southern analysis, suggesting that no gross deletions, rearrangements, or allelic variations in the genomic sequence account for the resistant phenotypes of MM.1R.
Fluoroscopy-Guided Percutaneous Vertebral Body Biopsy Using a Novel Drill-Powered Device: Technical Case Series

A novel coaxial biopsy system powered by a handheld drill has recently been introduced for percutaneous bone biopsy. This technical note describes our initial experience performing fluoroscopy-guided vertebral body biopsies with this system, compares the yield of drill-assisted biopsy specimens with those obtained using a manual technique, and assesses the histologic adequacy of specimens obtained with drill assistance. Medical records of all single-level, fluoroscopy-guided vertebral body biopsies were reviewed. Procedural complications were documented according to the Society of Interventional Radiology classification. The total length of bone core obtained from drill-assisted biopsies was compared with that of matched manual biopsies. Pathology reports were reviewed to determine the histologic adequacy of specimens obtained with drill assistance. Twenty eight drill-assisted percutaneous vertebral body biopsies met study inclusion criteria. No acute complications were reported. Of the 86 % (24/28) of patients with clinical follow-up, no delayed complications were reported (median follow-up, 28 weeks; range 5–115 weeks). The median total length of bone core obtained from drill-assisted biopsies was 28 mm (range 8–120 mm). This was longer than that obtained from manual biopsies (median, 20 mm; range 5–45 mm; P = 0.03). Crush artifact was present in 11 % (3/28) of drill-assisted biopsy specimens, which in one case (3.6 %; 1/28) precluded definitive diagnosis. A drill-assisted, coaxial biopsy system can be used to safely obtain vertebral body core specimens under fluoroscopic guidance. The higher bone core yield obtained with drill assistance may be offset by the presence of crush artifact.
Cloning of murine and rat vascular cell adhesion molecule-1.

Abstract Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily which interacts with the integrin very late antigen 4 (VLA4). We have cloned the cDNAs for both murine and rat VCAM1 from endotoxin-treated lung libraries. Both sequences encode proteins with seven extracellular Ig-like domains, which show 75.9% and 76.9% identity, respectively, with human VCAM1. Both murine and human cell lines show VLA4-dependent binding to COS cells transiently expressing murine and rat VCAM1. Two mAbs, M-K 1 and M-K 2 , which recognize an antigen on murine bone marrow stromal cell lines, bind to murine VCAM1 expressed in COS cells and block VCAM1-dependent adhesion, confirming that these mAbs recognize murine VCAM1.
Optimization of topologically tree-based local area network

Abstract In search of the most versatile local area network (LAN) available, we discovered a topologically tree-based LAN proposed by Lipovski, Goyal and Malek to be most adaptable to the various purposes and applications desirable within a LAN environment. In addition to versatility, the network considered here offers the advantages of a high degree of fail-softness—and thus reliability—simplicity in the access protocol, high bandwidth utilization, low-delay characteristics, and modularity—which ensures future expansion and ease of installation and maintenance. Questions relating to features critical to the optimal design and use of such a LAN are analyzed and answered. Key mechanisms investigated include fanouts and partitions, delays and degradation.
Stop or go? Live or die? Understanding signals

The organization of the six different themes makes this a good textbook for a course on signal transduction at the senior undergraduate or graduate level. However, in the ever-expanding world of signal transduction, it has become common to use abbreviations and acronyms for different proteins, without providing definitions. Unfortunately, this book is not an exception to this problem and a glossary would have been useful. I also noticed that several chapters simply contained a list of articles for further reading, rather than specific references given in some of the chapters to substantiate the topics discussed.Nevertheless, in spite of these minor shortcomings, this book is a valuable addition to the field of signal transduction and the authors and editors must be applauded for a job well done.
An Analysis of Contemporary Printed Wiring Board Manufacturing Environment in the USA

This article presents a comparative analysis of contemporary printed wiring assembly (PWA) batch manufacturing systems employing surface mount technology (SMT), This analysis is accomplished by reviewing a typical case study of PWA manufacturing system in the USA. A previously developed model is then applied to the system to predict the cost and performance in the production of typical PWA designs. Various modifications to the system are then proposed and evaluated. From the case study, conclusions concerning optimum manufacturing system configuration for this industry can be drawn and are presented.
A Lagrangian gamma distribution of the second kind

The distribution of the time T for the occurrence of the rth event is derived in a linear function Poisson process, which belongs to a recently introduced family of distributions (JANARDAN and RAO, 1981), called Lagrangian distributions of the second kind (LD2). In analogy with the ordinary Poisson process, the distribution of the random variable T has been termed the Lagrangian Gamma distribution of the second kind (LG2); several of its properties and special cases are studied. The frequency function is graphed for some parameter values.
Thermodynamic assessment of the phase equilibria in the Al-Ca-Sr system using the modified quasichemical model

Abstract A thermodynamic description of the Al–Ca–Sr system is carried out using the modified quasichemical model. The three binary systems Al–Ca, Al–Sr, and Ca–Sr have been re-optimised based on the experimental phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties available in the literature. Good agreement was obtained for the calculated binary phase diagrams and their thermodynamic properties. The established database of this system predicted one saddle point, one peritectic, seven quasi-peritectics, and two ternary eutectics.
Clusters and Solid Phases of the Oxovanadium–Phosphate and – Organophosphonate Systems

A major challenge facing the synthetic inorganic chemist is the synthesis of solid materials with specifically designed properties. However, small soluble molecular building blocks with well-define...
Cracking the auditory genetic code : Part II. Syndromic hereditary hearing impairment

Objective The application of molecular genetic techniques to the study of hereditary hearing impairment has contributed significantly to our understanding of the genetics of deafness. This article reviews the current state of our knowledge regarding the mapping and identification of genes associated with nonsyndromic hereditary hearing impairment. Data sources Data were obtained from the medline database, the Molecular Biology of Deafness Meeting, and the Internet. Study selection Articles reporting information about the genetics of deafness were selected. Data extraction Data pertaining to auditory phenotype, location of genes, identification of genes, and implication for hearing were extracted. Conclusions Significant progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of deafness.
Influence of chilling on potato tuber respiration, sugar, O-dihydroxyphenolic content and membrane permeability

The response of four potato cultivars to various temperatures was evaluated in respect to respiration, sugar and phenolic content, and ion leakage from cut tissue sections. Respiration decreased with decreasing temperature from 20° to 0°C but after 24 hours at 0°C began to increase and reached a maximum after 10 days at 0°C, then drifted downward. No distinct break in an Arrhenius plot of the respiration data from 20° to 0°C was observed. Reducing and non-reducing sugars did not change initially between 20° and 0°C and did not increase until after 6 or 7 days at 0°C. The magnitude of the increase in sugars varied between cultivars. Only one cultivar significantly increased in phenolic content during chilling. Ion leakage remained constant from 20° to 0°C then showed a transient increase within 24 hours at 0°C. A sustained increase in leakage did not occur until after 10 days at 0°C. Cultivars varied in the rate and magnitude of the increase.
Tobacco Use Experimentation, Physical Activity, and Risk of Depression Among Multiethnic Urban Preadolescents:

Children with low socioeconomic status and ethnic minorities experience disproportionate risk of elevated depressive symptoms. This study examines the effects of risk/protective factors for depress...