cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dietary Patterns Over Time and Microalbuminuria in Youth and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: The SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study.

OBJECTIVE We assessed the association between diet quality and microalbuminuria in youth-onset type 1 diabetes using three indices: a modified Mediterranean diet score for children and adolescents (mKIDMED), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Youth and young adults from the SEARCH (SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth) Nutrition Ancillary Study (SNAS) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002–2008, who had repeated dietary assessments at baseline and follow-up visits and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) measured at the outcome visit (2012–2015) (n = 461), were selected for study. Regression models estimated the association between each longitudinally assessed diet score and UACR and microalbuminuria (UACR ≥30 μg/mg). RESULTS The cohort was 43% female, and at follow-up, mean age was 20 years, disease duration was 108 months, and 7% had microalbuminuria. Adherence to a higher-quality diet was low for the mKIDMED (mean 3.7 of a possible range of −3 to 12) and the DASH (mean 42 of 80) and better, for the HEI (mean 56.3 of 100). A borderline inverse association was observed between the HEI score and microalbuminuria after adjustment for caloric and protein intake and demographic and disease factors (odds ratio [OR]HEI 0.83, P = 0.07), which lost significance with further adjustment for HbA1c and systolic blood pressure (ORHEI 0.86, P = 0.19). Results were similar for continuous UACR. No significant associations were observed for diet quality characterized by the mKIDMED or DASH indices. CONCLUSIONS Greater adherence to the HEI may be beneficial for kidney health in youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Low adherence to the mKIDMED and DASH diets may explain the lack of association with microalbuminuria.
Clutch Size in the Eastern Kingbird: Factors Affecting Nestling Survival

-Observational and experimental procedures were used to evaluate the potential importance of brood size and weather on the evolution of clutch size in the Eastern Kingbird. Modal clutch size was three eggs, yet broods of four were most productive. Nestling size varied inversely with brood size, so that "nestling quality" was lower in broods of four than in broods of three. Asymptotic weight of nestlings in broods of three was directly and significantly correlated with ambient air temperature, followed by hatch order. Because larger broods were being fed during a period of relatively cool and wet weather, the effects of brood size were probably confounded by weather-induced changes in food availability, suggesting that the ability to produce surviving young successfully from large broods is dependent upon weather conditions during the nestling period. These observations match patterns seen in other aerial foragers and indicate that unpredictable changes in temperature and precipitation dramatically affect the ability of the adults to feed young. A high variance in fledging success from the largest broods is indicated and probably selects for a reduced number of offspring in the Eastern Kingbird. Trade-offs in reproductive effort and parental survival do not appear to be required to explain patterns of clutch size in the Eastern Kingbird or, probably, other aerial foragers. Received 13 November 1981, accepted 11
Abstract 3002: Genome engineering approaches to generate models of chromosome arm-level cancer aneuploidy

Aneuploidy, whole chromosome or chromosome arm copy number imbalance, is a near-universal characteristic of human cancers. Although yeast and mammalian models of whole chromosome aneuploidies have been extensively investigated, chromosome arm-level aneuploidies have rarely been modeled. Cancer subtypes are often characterized by tumor-specific patterns of these arm-level copy number alterations; for example, squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) from different tissues of origin (including lung, esophagus, and bladder) have a pattern of chromosome 3p loss and chromosome 3q gain. Our analysis of 495 lung SCCs found chromosome 3p deletion to be the most frequent genomic alteration, occurring in almost 80% of the tumors and covering the entire length of the chromosome arm. Over two-thirds of chromosome 3p genes showed significantly decreased expression in these samples. Without models of chromosome arm-level alterations, the phenotypic effects of specific aneuploidies in cancer, such as 3p deletion, remain unknown. However, recent advances in genome engineering and targeting of endonucleases allow new approaches to generate chromosomal alterations. Here, we used the CRISPR-Cas9 system to delete one copy of chromosome 3p in vitro. We successfully isolated almost 90 clones of immortalized lung epithelial cells with deletion of the 3p arm, with 8 validated by whole-genome sequencing. Consistent with patient data, expression of 3p genes was also decreased upon deletion. Phenotypic characterization revealed that cells with chromosome 3p deletion initially proliferated more slowly than their siblings. These chromosome 3p-deleted cells had increased G1 arrest, but did not undergo increased apoptosis or cell death. Interestingly, after several passages in culture, the proliferation defect was rescued in chromosome 3p-deleted cells; genome sequencing and karyotype analyses suggested that this was the result of chromosome 3 duplication. With our cellular model of chromosome arm-level aneuploidy, we uncovered a possible selection mechanism that allows aneuploidy tolerance in vitro. We used genome engineering to model chromosome arm-level deletions, providing a robust model that will address a gap in our understanding of aneuploidy in cancer. Citation Format: Alison Marie Taylor, Xiaoyang Zhang, Juliann Shih, Gavin Ha, Galen F. Gao, Ashton C. Berger, Andrew D. Cherniack, Rameen Beroukhim, Matthew Meyerson. Genome engineering approaches to generate models of chromosome arm-level cancer aneuploidy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3002.
Sleeve Gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Achieve Similar Early Improvements in Beta-cell Function in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

Bariatric surgery is a treatment option for obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Although sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is growing in favor, some randomized trials show less weight loss and HbA1c improvement compared with Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). The study objective was to compare changes in beta-cell function with similar weight loss after SG and RYGB in obese patients with T2DM. Subjects undergoing SG or RYGB were studied with an intravenous glucose tolerance test before surgery and at 5–12% weight loss post-surgery. The primary endpoint was change in the disposition index (DI). Baseline BMI, HbA1c, and diabetes-duration were similar between groups. Mean total weight loss percent was similar (8.4% ± 0.4, p = 0.22) after a period of 21.0 ± 1.7 days. Changes in fasting glucose, acute insulin secretion (AIR), and insulin sensitivity (Si) were similar between groups. Both groups showed increases from baseline to post-surgery in DI (20.2 to 163.3, p = 0.03 for SG; 31.2 to 232.9, p = 0.02 for RYGB) with no significant difference in the change in DI between groups (p = 0.53). Short-term improvements in beta-cell function using an IVGTT were similar between SG and RYGB. It remains unclear if longer-term outcomes are better after RYGB due to greater weight loss and/or other factors.
The Role of Prekindergarten Spanish in Predicting First-Grade English Word Reading Among Dual-Language Learners.

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to examine the role that the 1st language, Spanish, at prekindergarten (pre-K) plays in predicting 2nd language (L2), English, word reading in 1st grade...
Family Stability in Black Families : Values Underlying Three Different Perspectives*

Three models�the pathology, structural-functional, and emergent�have been used to address the issue of stability in black families. It is presently argued that the lack of consensus in their conclu...
Effects of Lead, Mercury, and Cadmium Co-exposure on Children’s Pulmonary Function

Accumulating evidence has shown that toxic metals exposure can have adverse effects on children, but the effects of blood Pb, Hg, and Cd co-exposure on pulmonary function in children remains to be clarified. This cross-sectional multicenter study was conducted in Wuxi City, China. A total of 221 healthy children free from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were recruited. The blood samples were collected while blood Pb, Hg, and Cd levels were determined. The forced vital capacity volume (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the 1 s (FEV1) were measured. The associations between metals concentration and pulmonary function were analyzed by multiple linear regression models. The geometric means of the blood Pb, Hg, and Cd levels in our study were 37.27 μg/L, 1.41 μg/L, and 0.28 μg/L, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, maternal education, annual family income, fish consumption, and second-hand smoking exposure, only the blood Pb levels were significantly negatively associated with the pulmonary function. In addition, a significantly positive interaction between blood Pb and blood Cd on pulmonary function were also detected. Although causal relationship cannot be confirmed in this study, at least higher levels of Pb in blood are associated with decreased pulmonary parameters in children.
GAUGE CHOICE FOR THE YANG–MILLS EQUATIONS USING THE YANG–MILLS HEAT FLOW AND LOCAL WELL-POSEDNESS IN H1

We introduce a novel approach to the problem of gauge choice for the Yang–Mills equations on the Minkowski space ℝ1+3, which uses the Yang–Mills heat flow in a crucial way. As this approach does not possess the drawbacks of the previous approaches, it is expected to be more robust and easily adaptable to other settings. As a first application, we give an alternative proof of the local well-posedness of the Yang–Mills equations for initial data , which is a classical result of Klainerman and Machedon (1995) that had been proved using a different method (local Coulomb gauges). The new proof does not involve localization in space–time, which had been the key drawback of the previous method. Based on the results proved in this paper, a new proof of finite energy global well-posedness of the Yang–Mills equations, also using the Yang–Mills heat flow, is established in a companion article.
Downregulation of the human peripheral myelin protein 22 gene by miR-29a in cellular models of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

The majority of hereditary neuropathies are caused by duplication of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (PMP22) gene. Therefore, mechanisms to suppress the expression of the PMP22 gene have high therapeutic significance. Here we asked whether the human PMP22 gene is a target for regulation by microRNA 29a (miR-29a). Using bioinformatics, we determined that the human PMP22 gene contains the conserved seed sequence of the miR-29a binding site and this regulatory motif is included in the duplicated region in neuropathic patients. Using luciferase reporter assays in HEK293 cells, we demonstrated that transient transfection of a miR-29a mimic is associated with reduction in PMP22 3′UTR reporter activity. Transfecting normal and humanized transgenic neuropathic mouse Schwann cells with a miR-29a expression plasmid effectively lowered both the endogenous mouse and the transgenic human PMP22 transcripts compared with control vector. In dermal fibroblasts derived from neuropathic patients, ectopic expression of miR-29a led to ~50% reduction in PMP22 mRNA, which corresponded to ~20% decrease in PMP22 protein levels. Significantly, miR-29a-mediated reduction in PMP22 mitigated the reduced mitotic capacity of the neuropathic cells. Together, these results support further testing of miR-29a and/or PMP22-targeting siRNAs as therapeutic agents for correcting the aberrant expression of PMP22 in neuropathic patients.
From Theory to Practice: Operationalizing Transformative Mixed Methods with and for the Studied Population:

This study details the research practices that were developed to operationalize the guiding principles of the transformative mixed methods design. A transformative, explanatory-sequential mixed met...
Brief of Amicus Curiae Professor Jorge L. Contreras In Support Of Appellee and Affirmance in FTC v. Qualcomm

Qualcomm participated in the development of 3G and 4G wireless telecommunication standards under the auspices of two SDOs, the Telecommunications Industry Association (“TIA”) and the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (“ATIS”). Each of these SDOs had adopted intellectual property rights policies (IPR Policies) that required their participants to grant licenses of SEPs to implementers of their standards on FRAND terms. Yet, over the course of several years, Qualcomm refused to license its SEPs to numerous actual and potential modem chip rivals including MediaTek, Project Dragonfly (a joint venture of NTT DoCoMo, Samsung and several Japanese manufacturers), Samsung, VIA Telecom, Intel, HiSilicon (a subsidiary of Huawei), Broadcom, Texas Instruments, and LGE. The district court also found that when Qualcomm did license its SEPs to smartphone vendors, its royalty rates were “unreasonably high.” Accordingly, the district court found that Qualcomm violated its FRAND commitments to ATIS and TIA, as well as Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, and Section 5 of the FTC Act. As a remedy, the district court entered an injunction that, inter alia, required Qualcomm to license its SEPs on FRAND terms to rival chip makers, and to renegotiate its existing SEP licenses to reflect reasonable royalty rates. Qualcomm now appeals. This brief seeks to draw to the Court’s attention historical, practical and policy matters pertaining to technical standardization that bear on the arguments made on appeal by Qualcomm and its federal agency amici curiae. In particular, this brief argues that: (1) the district court was correct to conclude that Qualcomm is required to license its SEPs to all applicants on FRAND terms, (2) the “reasonable” royalty level required by Qualcomm’s commitments to the relevant SDOs should not be measured by Qualcomm’s own royalties charged to others, and (3) enforcement of the district court’s injunction against Qualcomm will not threaten U.S. national security, and the arguments made to that effect mischaracterize or misunderstand the nature of both patent law and standards. Qualcomm has undeniably played a significant role in the development of wireless telecommunications technology. However, the antitrust laws must be enforced rigorously and even-handedly to eliminate anticompetitive conduct. An enterprise that has engaged in anticompetitive conduct should not be excused simply because it contributes to the national economy or to national infrastructure or defense. Giving Qualcomm special treatment in this case would open the door to such arguments in practically every antitrust case involving major industrial or technology players. And, as such, the force of the antitrust laws would be severely weakened to the detriment of American competition and consumers. Accordingly, this brief urges the Court to affirm the decision and order of the district court.
Severity of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis Does Not Correlate With Patient-Reported Outcomes.

BackgroundPatient pain and clinical function are important factors in decision-making for patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis (GHOA). The correlation between radiographic severity of arthriti...
Emerging investigator series: membrane distillation and high salinity: analysis and implications

Membrane distillation (MD) is a desalination technology where the main driving force for production of water/distillate is the vapor pressure gradient across the membrane. This principle makes the water flux in MD theoretically a weak function of salinity. However, several pilot-scale experiments treating high salinity water (up to 220 g L−1 NaCl) have reported a marked decline in water flux with increase in salinity, although this was not always reported in bench-scale experiments. In this paper, a literature review on bench- and pilot-scale MD studies conducted at high salinities is presented to highlight the reasons why salinity matters in MD. Increase in salinity results in a reduction in water vapor pressure and hence driving force across the membrane, which may even reverse the direction of water flux. The challenges in using bench-scale results and their implications in a scaled-up MD set-up are also reviewed. As pilot-scale systems are designed to be energy efficient, the transmembrane temperature differences are markedly smaller than bench-scale conditions and the operating temperature conditions to achieve forward water flux are heavily dependent on the salinity of the water being treated. This has implications on the energy requirements of an MD system as a minimum transmembrane temperature difference needs to be maintained at a given feed salinity for water production. This feature highlights the relationship between salinity and energy consumption in MD. The minimum transmembrane temperature difference to achieve non-zero water flux dictates the minimum energy requirements of an MD pilot-scale set-up treating high salinity water.
Chapter 6 – Model Selection

When designing a research plan for the exploration of a scientific hypothesis, it is critical to evaluate all available models, including in vitro and in vivo options, to ensure selection of the most appropriate model to yield the best information. Animal models are one tool that is used to support research, but in vitro and human models are also extremely valuable. This chapter will introduce concepts key to the selection of an animal model and an overview of the types of animal models that are available.
Big Tech and Antitrust – Calling Big Tech to Account Under U.S. Law

On March 4, 2020, we submitted a statement to the Antitrust Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee to assist it in its investigation of competition in digital markets. The version that we post here includes a “prescript” that highlights some of the important events relevant to our statement that have occurred in the five months since our statement was originally submitted. Our statement reviews the problems that have been and are likely to be encountered in using current antitrust law to deal with the issues that the Big Tech platforms present. Based on our original statement, and subsequent events, we emphasize three points. First, we think it is time to bolster and reinforce the FTC’s powers. This is especially urgent given concerns about political interference with Justice Department investigations. One important way to bolster the FTC is to make clear that the Commission has the power to engage in antitrust rule-making, which we argue is the most likely vehicle for setting out clear rules to deal with the gate-keeping power of the Big Tech platforms. Second, we urge the United States to end its isolation from the international dialogue among competition authorities and join with other agencies in an effort to control these platforms. Third, we urge Congress to adopt a National Competition Policy that would provide a meta-policy statement for interpreting U.S. antitrust law and move antitrust law from a focus on a narrowly-defined consumer welfare standard to a broader conception.
Cognitive testing of a survey instrument for self-assessed menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess

In large population-based studies, there is a lack of existing survey instruments designed to ascertain menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess status including hirsutism, alopecia, and acne. Our objective was to cognitively test a survey instrument for self-assessed menstrual cycle characteristics androgen excess. Questions to assess menstrual characteristics and health were designed using existing surveys and clinical experience. Pictorial self-assessment tools for androgen excess were also developed with an experienced medical illustrator to include the modified Ferrimen-Galway, acne and androgenic alopecia. These were combined into an online survey instrument using REDCap. Of the 219 questions, 120 were selected for cognitive testing to assess question comprehension in a population representative of the future study population. Cognitive testing identified questions and concepts not easily comprehended, recalled, or had problematic response choices. Comprehension examples included simplifying the definition for polycystic ovary syndrome and revising questions on historic menstrual regularity and bleeding duration. Recall and answer formation examples include issues with recalling waist size, beverage consumption, and interpretation of questions using symbols (> or <). The survey was revised based on feedback and subsequently used in the Ovulation and Menstruation (OM) Health Pilot study. We present a cognitively tested, novel survey instrument to assess menstrual cycle characteristics and androgen excess.
Fabrication on Pure Silicon Oxide Membrane Coated TEM Grid for Polymer Residual Defect Analysis

Ex-situ lift-out technique has been widely adopted in the field of TEM failure analysis because of its fast turnaround time, high throughput and matured success rate. Despite many advantages of the ex-situ lift-out technique, one challenge is that the supporting carbon film on the TEM grid gives background signal which makes analysis ambiguous for polymer residual investigation. In this work, we propose a method to replace the carbon film on a standard TEM grid with thin oxide film by using low temperature plasma-enhanced CVD coating, reactive ion etch, and plasma cleaning techniques. The modified TEM grid preserves the benefits of the ex-situ lift-out technique while eliminating the carbon background signal for TEM energy dispersive spectroscopy and electron energy-loss spectroscopy elemental analysis.
Effects of ATP1A3 Mutations on Brain Functional Network Connectivity (5209)

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of ATP1A3 gene mutations of rapid-onset dystonia Parkinsonism (RDP) and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) on functional brain network connectivity. We hypothesized that different ATP1A3 gene mutations would be associated with different patterns of brain functional network connectivity compared to controls. Background: ATP1A3 is in the P2 family of ion transport ATPases that establish and maintain electrochemical gradients for Na+ and K+ across the plasma membrane. Little is known about brain functional network connectivity that may underlie ATP1A3 clinical disease phenotypes, including RDP and AHC. Design/Methods: In this IRB-approved study, brain MRI was acquired from all participants, including 10-minutes of resting-state blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) data. Image pre-processing included file conversion to NIFTI, brain segmentation, head motion correction, and artifact removal from the functional MRI time series data. BOLD data were then co-registered to structural T1-images, and Automated Anatomical Labeling atlas structures used as seeds to map region-to-region connectivity. Group-wise statistical analyses were conducted, with correction for multiple region-to-region comparisons. Results: Compared to controls, RDP was associated with greater connectivity (p Conclusions: ATP1A3 mutations of RDP and AHC are associated with different phenotypes of brain functional network connectivity, suggesting disruption of integrated brain circuitry. Future studies will determine if these differences in ATP1A3-associated functional brain network phenotypes underlie different clinical manifestations of RDP and AHC. Disclosure: Dr. Whitlow has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kawas has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cook has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sai has nothing to disclose. Dr. Snively has nothing to disclose. Dr. Haq has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Boston Scientific. Dr. Sweadner has nothing to disclose. Dr. Ozelius has nothing to disclose. Dr. Brashear has received personal compensation for consulting, serving on a scientific advisory board, speaking, or other activities with Ipsen and Revance. Dr. Brashear has received research support from Wake Forest.
Blood Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number: What Are We Counting?

Abstract There is growing scientific interest to develop scalable biological measures that capture mitochondrial (dys)function. Mitochondria have their own genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). It has been proposed that the number of mtDNA copies per cell (mtDNA copy number; mtDNAcn) reflects mitochondrial health. The common availability of stored DNA material or existing DNA sequencing data, especially from blood and other easy-to-collect samples, has made its quantification a popular approach in clinical and epidemiological studies. However, the interpretation of mtDNAcn is not univocal, and either a reduction or elevation in mtDNAcn can indicate dysfunction. The major determinants of blood-derived mtDNAcn are the heterogeneous cell type composition of leukocytes and platelet abundance, which can change with time of day, aging, and with disease. Hematopoiesis is a likely driver of blood mtDNAcn. Here we discuss the rationale and available methods to quantify mtDNAcn, the influence of blood cell type variations, and consider important gaps in knowledge that need to be resolved to maximize the scientific value around the investigation of blood mtDNAcn.
Plasmodium development in Anopheles: a tale of shared resources

Interactions between the Anopheles mosquito vector and Plasmodium parasites shape how malaria is transmitted in endemic regions. The long association of these two organisms has led to evolutionary processes that minimize fitness costs of infection and benefit both players through shared nutrient resources, parasite immune suppression, and mosquito tolerance to infection. In this review we explore recent data describing how Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite, associates with one of its most important natural mosquito hosts, Anopheles gambiae, and we discuss the implications of these findings for parasite transmission and vector control strategies currently in development.
Chapter 1 Elastic Constants and Related Properties of Semiconductor Compounds and their Alloys

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews the current state of knowledge of the elastic constants of elemental, compound, and pseudobinary alloy semiconductors, with an emphasis on comparisons between theory and experiment and the accuracy of approximations currently in vogue. The theories discussed range from first-principle methods that require heavy computations to parametrized physical models. The intent is to identify a logical path between these extremes, and thereby to provide insights into the connection between atom potentials and semiconductor mechanical properties. A number of techniques used to measure wave propagation velocities in materials are discussed in the chapter. The researcher's decision on the technique depends upon a number of factors, such as accuracy needed, size and crystallographic orientation of available samples, and equipment. Sample preparation is significant because a carelessly prepared sample yields useless velocity data. Because the equipment needs vary widely among the techniques that can be used, references containing information on each technique are given in the chapter. Techniques that are generally accepted and give results that are understood are emphasized.
Secrecy, Anthropology of

Secrecy is deliberate concealment of information. Anthropologists are primarily interested in public, or institutionalized, secrecy: those persistent practices of hiding information within kinship, religious, political, or economic groups including state and corporate secrecy. Areas of research include concealment of ritual knowledge and the social functions of secret societies. Uses of more personal, or private, secrets have also attracted attention as these relate to cultural constructions of personhood and to the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. Some theorists have argued that society itself rests on a necessary interaction of surface and secret cultural systems. The study of secrets has posed obvious methodological and ethical problems for ethnographers.
Self-Assembled Circuit Patterns

Self-assembly is a process in which basic units aggregate under attractive forces to form larger compound structures. Recent theoretical work has shown that pseudo-crystalline self-assembly can be algorithmic, in the sense that complex logic can be programmed into the growth process [26]. This theoretical work builds on the theory of two-dimensional tilings [8], using rigid square tiles called Wang tiles [24] for the basic units of self-assembly, and leads to Turing-universal models such as the Tile Assembly Model [28]. Using the Tile Assembly Model, we show how algorithmic self-assembly can be exploited for fabrication tasks such as constructing the patterns that define certain digital circuits, including demultiplexers, RAM arrays, pseudowavelet transforms, and Hadamard transforms. Since DNA self-assembly appears to be promising for implementing the arbitrary Wang tiles [30,13] needed for programming in the Tile Assembly Model, algorithmic self-assembly methods such as those presented in this paper may eventually become a viable method of arranging molecular electronic components [18], such as carbon nanotubes [10,1], into molecular-scale circuits.
Eg5 restricts anaphase B spindle elongation in mammalian cells

During anaphase, overlapping antiparallel microtubules in the spindle interzone elongate and contribute to chromosome segregation. Kinesin-5 family members are required for spindle elongation in some cells, but in other cases they restrict elongation acting like a brake. To determine how kinesin-5 contributes to spindle elongation in mammalian cells, we treated LLC-Pk1 epithelial cells with small molecule inhibitors of the mammalian kinesin-5, Eg5, at anaphase onset and measured the rate and extent of spindle pole separation using multidimensional tracking of centrosomes in cells expressing GFP-γ-tubulin. Centrosome separation was biphasic, with an initial fast phase followed by a slower phase. Treatment with the small molecule inhibitor, STLC, which weakens the interaction of Eg5 with microtubules, resulted in an increase in the rate of centrosome separation. Conversely, treatment with FCPT, which induces a rigor-like interaction of Eg5 with microtubules, reduced the rate of spindle elongation. In control cells, GFP-Eg5 was localized to spindle microtubules and accumulated in the interzone as anaphase progressed. Spindle fluorescence of GFP-Eg5 was decreased following treatment with STLC and increased in cells treated with FCPT. In anaphase cells, cortical dynein increases and rocking motion of spindle poles was detected consistent with the possibility that dynein mediates spindle elongation. In summary, our results demonstrate that Eg5 is not required for spindle elongation, and in fact, restricts the rate of spindle elongation in mammalian cells.
Improving Arctic Sea Ice Prediction Using PIOMAS Initial Sea Ice Thickness in a Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Model

AbstractBecause sea ice thickness is known to influence future patterns of sea ice concentration, it is likely that an improved initialization of sea ice thickness in a coupled ocean–atmosphere model would improve Arctic sea ice cover forecasts. Here, two sea ice thickness datasets as possible candidates for forecast initialization were investigated: the Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR) and the Pan-Arctic Ice Ocean Modeling and Assimilation System (PIOMAS). Using Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) data, it was shown that the PIOMAS dataset had a more realistic representation of sea ice thickness than CFSR. Subsequently, both March CFSR and PIOMAS sea ice thicknesses were used to initialize hindcasts using the Climate Forecast System, version 2 (CFSv2), model. A second set of model runs was also done in which the original model physics were modified to more physically reasonable settings—namely, increasing the number of marine stratus clouds in the Arctic region and enabling realist...
Response to Letter to the Editor: Effects of New Antiplatelet Agents and Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists on Mortality in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

Dear Editor, Thank you for giving me the chance to respond to Dr. Eyuboglu Comment [1]. He referred to two important points: The use of dual antiplatelet agents and the use of aldosterone receptor antagonists in post myocardial infarction and their effect on mortality. Unfortunately, we did not collect data regarding the distribution of these agents specifically in our study [2]. Thus, we can’t say for sure if they were playing a role in the lower mortality observed in the metformin group. This being said, some surrogate markers can be used, with reservation, to address these two points. We had data on Aspirin (the usual second half of the dual antiplatelet regimen) in all the patients in the study. We demonstrated that the associated lower mortality with metformin use persisted after adjustment for aspirin use. In addition, there was no difference in left ventricular ejection fraction on presentation between the three groups and, although the data was not complete, there was no difference at follow up as well. Thus We don’t have a reason to believe that there was a difference in the use of diuretics between the groups. We want to stress that this was a retrospective study with a relatively small number of patients and it should be looked at as a proof of concept study. Thus, additional prospective studies should be performed to clearly identify the effect of metformin in this patient population. Sincerely, Amjad Abualsuod, MD Assistant Professor Division of General Internal Medicine UAMS
3,5‐Bis(trifluoromethyl)iodobenzene

InChI = 1S/C8H3F6I/c9-7(10,11)4-1-5(8(12,13)14)3-6(15)2-4/h1-3H InChIKey = VDPIZIZDKPFXLI-UHFFFAOYSA-N (reagent used as a versatile allylation or arylation component) Physical Data: bp 59–61 °C (10 mmHg); fp 74 °C; d 1.919 g cm^(−3). Solubility: sol DMF, acetonitrile, toluene, and most organic solvents. Form Supplied in: pale pink liquid; commercially available. Purification: dried over MgSO_4 and fractionally distilled under vacuum. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air, light, and moisture sensitive; to be handled in an inert atmosphere; stored in cool, dark, and dry conditions and away from oxidizing agents.
Actions of natural gastric inhibitory peptide on pancreatic acinar cells: due to contamination with cholecystokinin.

Abstract In dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas, purified natural porcine gastric inhibitory peptide stimulated amylase secretion and potentiated the increase in amylase secretion caused by secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and 8-bromo-cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate, but did not alter the increase in enzyme secretion caused by bombesin, carbachol, or cholecystokinin. Gastric inhibitory peptide also increased outflux of 45 Ca from pancreatic acini but did not alter cellular cyclic adenosine 5′-monophosphate. These effects appeared to result from the ability of the peptide to occupy cholecystokinin receptors on pancreatic acini because the peptide's effects on acinar cell function correlated closely with its ability to inhibit binding of 125 I-cholecystokinin to pancreatic acini and because dibutyryl cyclic guanosine 5′-monophosphate, a specific cholecystokinin-receptor antagonist, abolished the stimulation of enzyme secretion caused by gastric inhibitory peptide. Moreover, the relative potencies with which gastric inhibitory peptide and cholecystokinin inhibited binding of 125 I-cholecystokinin to acinar cell receptors were the same as their relative potencies for inhibiting binding of 125 I-cholecystokinin to cholecystokinin-specific antiserum. Finally, chromatography of the preparation of natural gastric inhibitory peptide revealed two protein peaks, neither of which contained cholecystokininlike immunoreactivity or altered pancreatic acinar cell function, plus a third peak that eluted in the same position as native cholecystokinin, contained cholecystokininlike immunoreactivity, and stimulated amylase secretion from pancreatic acini. These results indicate that natural porcine gastric inhibitory peptide is contaminated by cholecystokinin and that it is this contaminating cholecystokinin that accounts for the ability of natural gastric inhibitory peptide to alter acinar cell function.
Neuroimaging of phakomatoses: overview and advances

The phakomatoses are disorders characterized by multiple hamartomas and other congenital malformations affecting mainly the skin and the central and peripheral nervous systems. Many affected individuals have an increased genetic susceptibility to develop malignancies. Imaging is central in the diagnosis of many of the phakomatoses, and MRI is used as a screening tool in many children with known neurocutaneous disorders. This manuscript addresses the three most common (neurofibromatosis type 1, tuberous sclerosis complex, Sturge-Weber syndrome) and focuses on pathophysiological and radiologic insights that have emerged in the last few years.
An Improved Goniometer System for Calibrating Field Reference-Reflectance Panels*

Abstract Field reference-reflectance panels need an initial calibration and periodic recalibration to ensure valid field reflectance data. The field calibration method proposed by Jackson et al. (1987) is an affordable means to accomplish this provided that a field goniometer system is available. Design and construction details for such a system are described.
Dual Traveling Waves in an Inner Ear Model with Two Degrees of Freedom

We calculate traveling waves in the mammalian cochlea, which transduces acoustic vibrations into neural signals. We use a WKB-based mechanical model with both the tectorial membrane (TM) and basilar membrane (BM) coupled to the fluid to calculate motions along the length of the cochlea. This approach generates two wave numbers that manifest as traveling waves with different modes of motion between the BM and TM. The waves add differently on each mass, producing distinct tuning curves and different characteristic frequencies (CFs) for the TM and the BM. We discuss the effect of TM stiffness and coupling on the waves and tuning curves. We also consider how the differential motions between the masses could influence the cochlear amplifier and how mode conversion could take place in the cochlea.
Evaluation of Interaction Devices for Ndi Training in Vr: Gamepad Vs. Joystick

Recent advances have led to the development of a virtual simulator to be used for non-destructive inspection (NDI) training of aviation maintenance technicians. The simulator is distinctive in that it has been developed to simulate a general type of NDI job aiding tool (video borescope), as opposed to only simulating a precise model and make. By generating a simulator based on a generic model of the video borescope, the development process must face a common hurdle: determining the best interaction device for the task at hand. In the real world, video borescopes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as do their interaction devices. In this case, the team must decide upon the best interaction device to be used while ensuring the retention of inspection information from training and facilitating interaction ease of use, all while not permanently engraining the skills that will be needed to control the actual devices when actually used. In short, the interaction device chosen for this simulator should facil...
A novel macroencapsulating immunoisolatory device: the preparation and properties of nanomat-reinforced amphiphilic co-networks deposited on perforated metal scaffold

This paper describes the design and preparation of the non-biological components (the "hardware") of a conceptually novel bioartificial pancreas (BAP) to correct diabetes. The key components of the hardware are (1) a thin (5-10 microm) semipermeable amphiphilic co-network (APCN) membrane [i.e., a membrane of cocontinuous poly(dimethyl acryl amide) (PDMAAm)/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) domains cross-linked by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS)] expressly created for macroencapsulation and immunoisolation of a tissue graft; (2) an electrospun nanomat of PDMS-containing polyurethane to reinforce the water-swollen APCN membrane; and (3) a perforated hollow-ribbon nitinol scaffold to stiffen and provide geometric stability to the construct. The reinforcement of water-swollen hydrogels with an electrospun nanomat is a generally applicable new method for hydrogel reinforcement. Details of device design and preparation are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of micro- and macro-immunoisolation are analyzed, and the requirements for the ideal immunoisolatory membrane are presented. Burst pressure, and glucose and insulin permeabilities of representative devices have been determined and the effect of device composition and wall thickness on these properties is discussed.
Macromolecular Crowding Increases Cross-Bridge Performance via Reduction of ADP Affinity to Acto-Myosin

We used methods of transient kinetics to determine if crowding agent Ficoll70, added to the reaction solution, changes the rate-limiting step of acto-myosin cycle, to explain the two-fold increase of acto-myosin ATPase activity in the presence of Ficoll70. D.discoideum myosin II S1 and rabbit skeletal actin were used as a model system. We determined kinetic rates of ATP binding to myosin, myosin recovery stroke, acto-myosin binding and dissociation, with and without ADP. Our experiments showed that virtually every kinetic step of the cross-bridge cycle was affected by Ficoll. Addition of Ficoll70 slows the rates of ATP binding and actin binding to myosin, as well as the rate of acto-myosin dissociation. Affinity of ADP to acto-myosin was reduced two-fold in the presence of Ficoll70. ADP release from acto-myosin is the rate limiting step of D.discoideum myosin II ATPase cycle, therefore reduced ADP affinity is the reason of increased acto-myosin ATPase activity in the presence of Ficoll70. Addition of Ficoll70 does not change the rate limiting step of D.discoideum myosin II ATPase cycle.
Higher-twist effect on pion structure functions from lattice QCD

Abstract The second Nachtmann moment of the I -spin = 2 linear combination of pion structure function, which is a pure higher-twist effect, is calculated in lattice QCD at β = 6.0 with Wilson fermions in the quenched approximation. The values of B -factors of the spin-2 four-fermions operators involved in the calculation span between 0.5 and 2.0, so that the higher-twist scale for this particular moment turns out to be of the order of the pion decay constant. The results of lattice calculation are compared with the ones from the bag model, the potential quark models and the 1/ N approximation.
Raman and infrared spectra, conformational stability, ab initio calculations and vibrational assignment of dimethylsilylisocyanate

The Raman (3200-30 cm−1) and/or infrared spectra (3500 to 400 cm−1) of gaseous, liquid and solid dimethylsilylisocyanate, (CH3)2 Si(H)NCO, have been recorded. The MP2(full) calculations, employing a variety of basis sets with and without diffusion functions, have been used to predict the structural parameters, conformational stability, vibrational fundamental wavenumbers, Raman activities, depolarization values and infrared intensities to support the vibrational assignment. The low wavenumber Raman spectrum of the gas with a significant number of Q-branches for the SiNC(O) bend is consistent with an essentially linear SiNCO moiety. The ab initio calculations supported this conclusion as all possible orientations of the NCO moiety lead to nearly the same energy. This result is at variance with the conclusion from the electron diffraction study that the heavy atom skeleton was bent with an angle of 152(5)° with one stable cis conformer. It is believed that this reported angle difference from 180° is due to the shrinkage effect. The SiH distance of 1.486 A has been obtained from the isolated SiH stretching wavenumber. From the adjustment of the ab initio MP2(full)/6-311+G(d,p) predicted structural parameters, a proposed structure is reported, which is expected to give rotational constants within a few megahertz of the actual ones. These experimental and theoretical results are compared with the corresponding quantities of similar molecules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mediated Messages and Social Coordination

Each system of communication introduces its own “bias” in how the coordination of social activity can be accomplished.
Illusory motion of texture boundaries

Abstract We have measured the perceived direction of motion of rigid patterns containing texture boundaries at various orientations. Texture boundaries are defined here as the locus of 180° phase shifts in a square-wave grating. When these patterns are moved parallel to the orientation of the grating, the perceived direction of motion in foveal viewing differs by as much as 45° from the true direction of rigid motion as defined by the intersection of constraints (IOC) construction. At 8.0° in the periphery the perceived direction was closer to the true direction of rigid motion. Thus, the peripheral visual system analyzes motion of these stimuli more accurately than does the fovea. These results are consistent with a current model of motion analysis that combines responses of Fourier and non-Fourier motion pathways using a vector sum operation.
Inexpensive short-range microwave telemetry transponder

A microwave transponder is described which is suitable for short-range telemetry applications requiring an inexpensive transmitter. Two antiparallel beam-lead diodes at the terminals of a bow-tie antenna produce double-sideband suppressed-carrier modulation centred about the second harmonic of an externally supplied fundamental carrier. A simple theory predicting performance of the device is confirmed by experiment.
The genetics of cystic fibrosis: a paradigm for uncovering new drug targets.

A broad-based approach will be required for the development of new therapies for cystic fibrosis lung disease. Recently, rapid progress has been made in identifying and testing a number of gene transfer vectors, including adenoviral vectors and liposomes. Major problems, however, have been identified with respect to the efficiency of these systems. Preliminary studies suggest that small molecules (e.g. amelioride and UTP) may normalize the clearance of secretions from the cystic fibrosis lung. The concept of recombinant protein based therapy for cystic fibrosis has now been realized with the successful application of DNase in clinical trials.
Late Quaternary vegetational changes on the east side of Yellowstone park, Wyoming

Abstract A bog pond 4 km east of Yellowstone Lake has a pollen record starting with an Artemisia spruce assemblage, implying alpine vegetation. A layer of volcanic ash, dated as 14,360 ± 400 BP (probably Glacier Peak or Mt. St. Helens J), occurs within the zone, which terminates at 11,630 ± 180 BP. The rest of the pollen sequence is dominated by lodgepole pine, with reappearance of spruce pollen in modest quantities about 4500 BP, according to dating provided by a layer of Mt. Mazama ash (6600 BP). The present vegetation of the area is marked by forests of lodgepole pine with some stands of spruce and fir. The pollen sequence suggests that the upper treeline before 11,600 y. a. was perhaps 500 m lower than today. The climate then became warmer and/or drier than today (Altithermal interval). About 4500 y. a., a slight climatic reversal took place, roughly contemporaneous with the regrowth of glaciers in the western mountains (neoglaciation).