cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Component Involved in Ubiquitination Is Required for Development of Dictyostelium discoideum

A novel component of the ubiquitination system, called NOSA, is essential for cellular differentiation in Dictyostelium discoideum. Disruption of nosA does not affect the growth rate but causes an arrest in development after the cells have aggregated. nosA contains seven exons and codes for a developmentally regulated 3.5-kb mRNA. The 125-kDa NOSA protein is present in the cytosol at constant levels during growth and development. The C-terminal region of NOSA has homology with ubiquitin fusion degradation protein-2 (UFD2) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and putative homologs in Caenorhabditis elegans and humans. UFD2 is involved in the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of model substrates in which ubiquitin forms part of the translation product, but ufd2 mutants have no detected phenotype. In accord with the homology to UFD2, we found differences in the ubiquitination patterns between nosA mutants and their parental cell line. While general in vivo and in vitro ubiquitination is minimally affected, ubiquitination of individual proteins is altered throughout growth and development in nosA mutants. These findings suggest that events involving ubiquitination are critical for progression through the aggregate stage of the Dictyostelium life cycle.
Structural Basis for Distinctions between Substrate and Inhibitor Specificities for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Proteases

We used feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) protease (PR) as a mutational framework to define determinants for the observed substrate and inhibitor specificity distinctions between FIV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) PRs. Multiple-substitution mutants were constructed by replacing the residues in and around the active site of FIV PR with the structurally equivalent residues of HIV-1 PR. Mutants included combinations of three critical regions (FIV numbering, with equivalent HIV numbering in superscript): I37(32)V in the active core region; N55(46)M, M56(47)I, and V59(50)I in the flap region; and L97(80)T, I98(81)P, Q99(82)V, P100(83)N, and L101(84)I in the 90s loop region. Significant alterations in specificity were observed, consistent with the involvement of these residues in determining the substrate-inhibitor specificity distinctions between FIV and HIV PRs. Two previously identified residues, I35 and I57 of FIV PR, were intolerant to substitution and yielded inactive PRs. Therefore, we attempted to recover the activity by introducing secondary mutations. The addition of G62(53)F and K63(54)I, located at the top of the flap and outside the active site, compensated for the activity lost in the I57(48)G substitution mutants. An additional two substitutions, D105(88)N and N88(74)T, facilitated recovery of activity in mutants that included the I35(30)D substitution. Determination of K(i) values of potent HIV-1 PR inhibitors against these mutants showed that inhibitor specificity paralleled that of HIV-1 PR. The findings indicate that maintenance of both substrate and inhibitor specificity is a function of interactions between residues both inside and outside the active site. Thus, mutations apparently peripheral to the active site can have a dramatic influence on inhibitor efficacy.
What Is the Impact of Online Training in Mind-Body Skills?

Background.Mind–body skills (MBS) training is popular, but in-person training can be inconvenient and costly. We assessed the impact of online MBS training on clinicians’ and trainees’ stress, mind...
Efficient microarchitecture modeling and path analysis for real-time software

Real-time systems are characterized by the presence of timing constraints in which a task must be completed within a specific amount of time. This paper examines the problem of determining the bound on the worst case execution time (WCET) of a given program on a given processor There are two important issues in solving this problem: (i) program path analysis, which determines what sequence of instructions will be executed in the worst case, and (ii) microarchitecture modeling, which models the hardware system and determines the WCET of a known sequence of instructions. To obtain a tight estimate on the bound both these issues must be addressed accurately and efficiently. The latter is becoming difficult to model for modern processors due to the presence of pipelined instruction execution units and cached memory systems. Because of the complexity of the problem, all existing methods that we know of focus only on one of above issues. This limits the accuracy of the estimated bound and the size of the program that can be analyzed. We present a more effective solution that addresses both issues and uses an integer linear programming formulation to solve the problem. This solution is implemented in the program cinderella which currently targets the Intel i960KB processor and we present some experimental results of using this tool.
Use of tooth impressions to identify and age live Proechimys guyannensis and P. cuvieri (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

A technique whereby impressions of the cheekteeth were used to identify and age live Proechimys guyannensis and P. cuvieri is presented and tested. Based on tooth eruption and occlusal surface wear, 15 age classes were defined. Used in concert with a body measurement, measurements of the length of the toothrow and age class allowed almost all live individuals of the two species to be distinguished. The relationship between mean cheektooth length and hind foot length was most useful for distinguishing relatively old individuals, whereas the relationship between hind foot length or head-plus-body length and toothrow age class was most useful for distinguishing younger individuals. Mean eye lens weight of P. guyannensis increased with toothrow age class, suggesting that the toothrow age classes successfully measured relative age. Individuals of P. guyannensis in lower age classes had juvenile or subadult pelage and did not show signs of reproductive activity, whereas individuals in higher age classes had adult pelage and approximately 50% showed signs of reproductive activity. In the central Amazon, P. cuvieri was found to be proportionally more abundant relative to P. guyannensis in early-successional and edge-dominated habitats.
Effects of Parathyroidectomy and Hydrocortisone on the Intestinal Absorption of Calcium and Phosphate

In the absence of parathyroid glands in rats, there was a decreased gastric emptying time, resulting in a more rapid passage of 32P and 45Ca into the intestines. There was also a more rapid transfer of these isotopes from the gastro-intestinal tract to the body fluids in the aparathyroid rats as compared to the controls. After 24 hr there was no difference in the isotopic content of the gastro-intestinal tracts of control or parathyroidectomized animals, indicating that parathyroidectomy has no effect on the over-all gastro-intestinal absorption of Ca and P. Hydrocortisone delayed gastric emptying in intact but not in parathyroidectomized rats. There was a more rapid transfer of 48Ca and 32P from gastro-intestinal tract into body fluids of the steroid-treated animals as compared to their controls. At 24 hr there was no difference between the isotopic content of the alimentary tract of hydrocortisone-treated and the control rats, indicating the lack of any effect of hydrocortisone on the over-all gastro-in...
The understanding of a woman: Vittoria Colonna and Michelangelo's Christ and the Samaritan Woman

This article presents a new contextualization and interpretation of Michelangelo's composition, Christ and the Samaritan Woman, which was made for Vittoria Colonna around 1542. Known only through copies, it is an unusual representation of the theme, which eschews commentary on the sexuality or arrogance of the woman and instead includes elements that point to the woman's role in leading others to Christ. By reconsidering Colonna's own statements on the Samaritan woman and parallels found in Bernardino Ochino's comments, I argue that the design reflects the way Colonna positioned herself as a person of incomplete understanding who could still be saved through a direct encounter with Christ's words. The theme had particular resonance around 1542 when Italian reformers like Colonna faced increasing scrutiny from the Church. Indeed Colonna's interest in the subject may be a response to Ochino's flight from Italy in the face of threats from the Church.
Gene Transfer and Hepatic Overexpression of the HDL Receptor SR-BI Reduces Atherosclerosis in the Cholesterol-Fed LDL Receptor–Deficient Mouse

HDL cholesterol levels in humans are inversely correlated with the risk of atherosclerosis. The class B scavenger receptor type I (SR-BI) is the first molecularly well-defined HDL receptor, and hepatic overexpression of SR-BI in normal mice has been shown to result in decreased plasma HDL cholesterol levels. To determine whether SR-BI overexpression is proatherogenic or is protective against atherosclerosis, LDL receptor-deficient mice were placed on a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet for 2 or 12 weeks to induce atherosclerotic lesions of different stages and then were injected with a recombinant adenovirus encoding murine SR-BI. Transient hepatic overexpression of SR-BI in mice with both early and advanced lesions significantly decreased atherosclerosis. SR-BI expression was associated with markedly decreased HDL cholesterol and either unchanged or only modestly reduced non-HDL cholesterol levels; in all experiments, the mean HDL cholesterol levels were significantly correlated with atherosclerotic lesion size. These data suggest that interventions that promote HDL cholesterol transport and lower plasma HDL cholesterol levels can suppress atherosclerosis, even when initiated after significant lesion development. Thus, stimulation of hepatic SR-BI activity may provide a novel target for therapeutic intervention in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Experimental approaches for enhancing wound healing and inhibiting tumor growth

Growth factors are regulatory peptides involved in many processes of cell physiology and pathology, including tissue repair and tumor growth. Part of this work concerned the development of a genetically engineered biological bandage (GEBB) designed to improve wound healing. Human epidermal keratinocytes (SCC-13) were genetically engineered to produce bovine growth hormone (bGH), giving raise to higher producer bGH cell lines (1 ug/ 1 {dollar}{bsol}times{dollar} 10{dollar}{bsol}sp6{dollar} cells/24hs). Selection of biocompatible polymers for bandage composition and appropriate conditions for cell maintenance was also established. The GEBB consists of a hydrophylic and gas permeable top and bottom membranes (Z-bind) united by a gasket. The bottom membrane allows cell attachment and growth, and diffusion of macromolecules. This system was functional under ambient conditions; when placed onto a full-thickness, surgically generated wound on rats, the cells within the bandage released bGH for three days. The GEBB represents a versatile system for delivering a variety of biological agents to wounds. In the second part of these studies, the role of retinoic acid (RA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the regulation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) was addressed. IGFBP-3 regulates insulin-like gr owth factors (IGFs) which in turn are important modulators of epithelium proliferation. Treatment of the ectocervical epithelial cell line ECE16-1 with EGF caused a marked reduction in IGFBP-3 levels. In contrast, RA increased mRNA and protein levels in the presence or absence of EGF. This response was concentration-dependent with a half-maximal increase observed at 1 nM RA. RA was able to reverse the EGF supression in IGFBP-3 when added simultaneously or three days after EGF treatment. Conversely, when ECE16-1 were treated with RA, IGFBP-3 levels increased within 24 h and subsequent addition of EGF was without effect. Thus, the RA-dependent increase in IGFBP-3 is dominant over the EGF supression. Increased IGFBP-3 levels correlated with supressed growth. RA also increased IGFBP-3 mRNA in other ectocervical cell lines. These results suggest that RA may act to inhibit ectocervical proliferation by increasing IGFBP-3 levels and/or reducing the extracellular concentration of free IGFs
Acute Subdural Hematomas

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a common occurrence following severe head injury. Early diagnosis and rapidly executed treatment for acute subdural hematomas strikingly improve outcome. It is a misconception that an operation is rarely necessary in head injury. In most large series of patients with severe head injury, i.e., patients unable to speak or follow commands, the incidence of intracranial mass lesions treated operatively is in the range of 40 to 60% (Becker et al 1977, Jennettet al 1976, Pagni 1973, Pazzagha et al 1979, Rossanda et al 1973). In close to half of patients requiring operation, the primary diagnosis is acute subdural hematoma. Untreated, these lesions give rise to an extremely high mortahty rate. It follows that neurological surgeons should be actively involved in the critical management of these patients, or at least readily available. Since an emergency operation is often required in the care of a patient with severe brain injury, the surgeon should have a working knowledge of all aspects of the operative techniques required for treating head injury (Becker et al 1982).
The Political Dimensions of Black Liberation

like political consciousness, political awareness, liberation, power, revolution, and so on abound in discussions of the political goals of black politics. Eldridge Cleaver has proposed the dialectic which should aid us in sorting out this confusion, namely that one is either part of the problem or part of the solution. However, Cleaver does not offer a clear analysis of the determination of which side you are on. In discussing this dilemma, I shall reflect a bit on black politics in sorting out the goals and the variety of means by which one can achieve these goals. I shall reflect on history and in addition, draw on an essentially social psychological anaylsis of systems of control in American society to hopefully arrive at some delineation of the various alternative perspectives on the goals of black politics.
A Simple RNA-DNA Scaffold Templates the Assembly of Monofunctional Virus-Like Particles.

Using the components of a particularly well-studied plant virus, cowpea chlorotic mottle virus (CCMV), we demonstrate the synthesis of virus-like particles (VLPs) with one end of the packaged RNA extending out of the capsid and into the surrounding solution. This construct breaks the otherwise perfect symmetry of the capsid and provides a straightforward route for monofunctionalizing VLPs using the principles of DNA nanotechnology. It also allows physical manipulation of the packaged RNA, a previously inaccessible part of the viral architecture. Our synthesis does not involve covalent chemistry of any kind; rather, we trigger capsid assembly on a scaffold of viral RNA that is hybridized at one end to a complementary DNA strand. Interaction of CCMV capsid protein with this RNA-DNA template leads to selective packaging of the RNA portion into a well-formed capsid but leaves the hybridized portion poking out of the capsid through a small hole. We show that the nucleic acid protruding from the capsid is capab...
The Application of Film-Forming Amines in Secondary Side Chemistry Treatment of NPPs

World wide a number of nuclear power plants are in operation with water-steam cycles based on a mixed metallurgy concept and / or a non optimal Balance-of-Plant (BoP) design. Together with limitations of the applied water chemistry treatment, these conditions could enforce the enrichment of impurities, which will be accumulated in the tube sheet region of the steam generators and thus form an aggressive environment with respect to corrosion of steam generator construction materials. The use of surface active agents like film forming amines (FFA) has become widely recognized in the fossil power plant sector, showing a decrease of corrosion product generation by improving the surface conditions. The adherent non wettable film acts as a shield that limits the access of water and hydrated species to the metal or metal oxide surface. This barrier lowers the corrosion rate by inhibiting the mass transfer between surface and solution. This paper deals with the application of film forming amines as complementary conditioning agents in the water-steam cycle of a PWR. The decision for complementing the existing secondary side water chemistry treatment with a controlled and time limited application of film forming amines was part of a project, which has been developed by a pilot plant with PWRs of western design and AREVA NP GmbH. The performance and conditions of the steam generators in those units should be improved. It covers the results of the application with respect to corrosion product transport control, minimization of impurity accumulation in the SGs and improved plant performance.
Area-wide Estimation of Southern Pine Beetle Populations

Aerial and ground survey methods are combined with within tree sampling procedures for the purpose of estimating absolute numbers of the southern pine beetle Dendroctonus fron-frontalis Zimm. (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) over a discrete forest stand containing a series of infestation spots. Using the combined survey and sampling technique, a procedure for determining the total area of infested bark within the stand is developed. Data collected over a 4- mo period on 800 ha of timber in southwestern Arkansas which contained a series of rapidly growing southern pine beetle infestations are used to illustrate the estimation procedure.
The Present Status of the Spanish-Americans ofNew Mexico

.The most important question raised by the analysis of an urban pattern determined in part by conscious planning and in part by the pressure of custom, rather than by the exigencies of the land market, is whether much of the anarchic and unstable character attributed by many authorities to urban life in general, is not merely a particular aspect of the urban history of the United States and Western Europe since the Renaissance. The attitude of the urban sociologist has often implied the wickedness of the city, "the painted woman under the street lights luring the farm boys," and the wholesome superiority of ruralism, without regard to historical circumstances. There can be no question that the impact of the city upon a rural culture tends to disorganize the traditional web of understandings and that this disorganization is facilitated by each improvement of communication. Nor can there be any doubt that the acculturation of the rural migrant is essentially a disorganizing experience and implies a period of cultural marginality. What should be questioned is the assumption that individual and institutional disorganization are progressive functions of urbanism per se. Even in the United States, there is an accumulating body of evidence to suggest that residential mobility and cultural marginality tend to decrease as the urban society matures. Granted the greater heterogeneity of an urban population, the multiplication of stimuli in the urban milieu, and the disastrous pressure which urban conditions can exert upon the individual psyche, it has yet to be demonstrated that urban societies are intrinsically incapable of satisfying human needs. In any event, the Middle American data strongly suggest that we have barely begun to describe and classify the possible varieties of urban organization and are therefore still unable to predict the complete range of alternatives open to increasingly urban societies like our own.
Effect of A' shen Yangxue capsules on immunological and hematopoietic functions and anti-stress capability in mice

OBJECTIVE To study the pharmacological action of immune and hematopoietic enhancement and anti-stress capability of A'shen Yangxue capsules. METHODS The study was carried out through the observation of normal mice and posthemorrhagic anemia model、immunosuppressed model in mice. A'shen Yangxue capsules were irrigated consecutively into the stomach of healthy Kunming mice with high、medium and low dose. Immunosuppressed model in mice was set up by intraperitoneal injecting CTX. At the same time,control group and normal group were set up. The blood routine and other test were observed on pretest and posttest. RESULTS A'shen yangxue capsules could improve the white blood cell(WBC)、red blood cell(RBC) and hemoglobin(HB) greatly,improve the immunological functions of posthemorrhagic anemia and immunosuppressed mice,enhance the anti-stress capability of anti-high temperature、anti-low temperature and anti-hypoxia. CONCLUSION A'shen Yangxue capsules have good effect of immune and hematopoietic enhancement and anti-stress capability.
Acidity and organic matter promote abiotic nitric oxide production in drying soils

Soils are an important source of NO, particularly in dry lands because of tradeoffs that develop between biotic and abiotic NO-producing processes when soils dry out. Understanding how drier climates may offset the balance of these tradeoffs as soils transition toward more arid states is, therefore, critical to estimating global NO budgets, especially because drylands are expected to increase in size. We measured NO emission pulses after wetting soils from similar lithologies along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierra Nevada, CA, where mean annual precipitation varied from 670 to 1,500 mm. Along the gradient, we measured field NO emissions, and used chloroform in the laboratory to reduce microbial activity and partition between biotic and abiotic NO-producing processes (i.e., chemodenitrification). Field NO emission pulses were lowest in the acidic and SOM-rich soils (4-72 ng NO-N m−2 s−1), but were highest in the high-elevation barren site (~560 ng NO-N m−2 s−1). In the laboratory, NO emission pulses were up to 19× greater in chloroform-treated soils than in the controls, and these abiotic pulses increased with elevation as pH decreased (6.2 to 4.4) and soil organic matter (SOM) increased (18 to 157 mg C g−1). Drought can shift the balance between the biotic and abiotic processes that produce NO, favoring chemodenitrification during periods when biological processes become stressed. Acidic and SOM-rich soils, which typically develop under mesic conditions, are most vulnerable to N loss via NO as interactions between pH, SOM, and drought stimulate chemodenitrification. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Eudaimonia, Aging, and Health: A Review of Underlying Mechanisms

Changes in physiological functioning pervade the aging process. Gradual declines in fundamental aspects of the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and immune systems contribute to increased risks for morbidity and mortality. Importantly, alterations in physiological processes are not invariant with age, but are influenced by individual differences in vulnerability and resilience that accrue across the lifespan. In this chapter, we focus on what is known about eudaimonic well-being (i.e., self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, personal growth) as a contributing factor in lowering broad-based morbidity and mortality in older adults. Plausible pathways that may underlie the association between eudaimonia and health are described, and illustrative studies examining these pathways are reviewed. Intervention approaches to promote eudaimonic well-being in old age are highlighted, and priority recommendations for future research are presented.
Arguments and interpretation in big social data analysis: a survey of the ASONAM community

Big social data is becoming an important part of human decision making around the world. With the high stakes of decisions based on technical systems, it is important to evaluate the role of researchers in shaping that shared future. I present the results of a survey of 2015 IEEE/ACM International Conference on Advances in Social Networks Analysis and Mining participants who performed big social data analyses. The goal was to understand how data scientists use interpretation to complete their projects and how they communicate results to their audience. By looking at research design as both a technical roadmap and an argument, results generated from social media data sets can be evaluated for their quality. Ultimately, these results will assist in the creation of field-dependent evaluation standards than can be used by big social data researchers.
Expanding Perspectives on Evangelicalism: How Non-evangelical Students Appreciate Evangelical Christianity

Evangelical students pose a distinctive set of challenges to higher education professionals. These students, though advantaged to some degree because of their Christian identity, commonly report feeling marginalized and silenced on college campuses. In light of these tensions, the purpose of this study was to examine how non-evangelical students come to an appreciative understanding of evangelical Christianity. Specifically, the research focused on the specific campus conditions and experiences that influence non-evangelical students’ appreciative attitudes toward evangelicals. Findings reveal distinct demographic, institution type, and academic major differences in those students’ perspectives toward their evangelical peers. Additionally, the results suggest that appreciative attitudes toward evangelicals are associated with non-evangelical students’ interfaith experiences, albeit to differing degrees based on self-identified worldview. Recognizing that the work of helping non-evangelical students develop an appreciative understanding of evangelicals is as complicated as it is challenging, especially in the collegiate context, the authors conclude with a discussion of implications for research and practice.
Analysis of Recruitment Strategies: Enrolling Veterans With PTSD Into a Clinical Trial

This analysis evaluated the efficacy of a variety of recruitment methods employed in a medication trial in a veteran population. Recruitment and demographic data were collected over the course of a...
Dyssynchrony Indices To Predict Response to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy A Comprehensive Prospective Single-Center Study

Background— Whether mechanical dyssynchrony indices predict reverse remodeling (RR) or clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains controversial. This prospective study evaluated whether echocardiographic dyssynchrony indices predict RR or clinical response after CRT. Methods and Results— Of 184 patients with heart failure with anticipated CRT who were prospectively enrolled, 131 with wide QRS and left ventricular ejection fraction <35% had 6-month follow-up after CRT implantation. Fourteen dyssynchrony indices (feasibility) by M-mode (94%), tissue velocity (96%), tissue Doppler strain (92%), 2D speckle strain (65% to 86%), 3D echocardiography (79%), and timing intervals (98%) were evaluated. RR (end-systolic volume reduction ≥15%) occurred in 55% and more frequently in patients without (71%) than in patients with (42%) ischemic cardiomyopathy ( P =0.002). Overall, only M-mode, tissue Doppler strain, and total isovolumic time had a receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) greater than the line of no information, but none of these were strongly predictive of RR (AUC, 0.63 to 0.71). In nonischemic cardiomyopathy, no dyssynchrony index predicted RR. In ischemic cardiomyopathy, M-mode (AUC, 0.67), tissue Doppler strain (AUC, 0.79), and isovolumic time (AUC, 0.76) -derived indices predicted RR ( P <0.05 for all), although the incremental value was modest. No indices predicted clinical response assessed by Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, 6-minute walk distance, and peak oxygen consumption. Conclusions— These findings are consistent with the Predictors of Response to CRT study and do not support use of these dyssynchrony indices to guide use of CRT.
Fluorescent Cell Barcoding As New Flow Cytometric Technique for Multiplexed Phenotyping and Signaling Profiling in Hematologic Patients

Abstract Fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB) is a high-throughput multiplexing technique, in which samples from one or more donors can be combined, minimizing staining variability, antibody consumption, and decreasing sample volumes needed. In this study, we optimized FCB technique for routine application in immunophenotyping, phosphoFlow, and intracellular cytokine detection. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy controls and patients were used for optimization, and CBD450 and CBD500, Pacific Orange succinimidyl ester, DyLight 350, and DyLight 800 were tested for barcoding 6 to 36 samples. Working concentrations ranging from 0 to 125 µg/mL were tested, and viability dye staining was also optimized to increase data robustness. We first measured fluorescence intensity (MFIs) of six serial dilutions (0, 0.75, 3.25, 12.5, 62.5 and 125 µg/mL) and the difference in intensity separating them. Second, a 3x3 matrix was prepared using three concentrations of two different dyes, and PMBCs were barcoded with nine different combinations of FCB dye concentrations. When gated with the dyes, nine lymphocyte populations were detected. A 4x(3x3) matrix was also designed using three different FCB dyes (CBD450, DyLight 800, and Pacific Orange) at various concentrations to barcode 36 samples simultaneously. Thus, each lymphocyte population was clearly identified. The separation of each population or purity of deconvolution is based on the distance between MFIs and CVs. When we calculated the purity of deconvolution in our experiments, human PBMCs displayed CVs of 10 - 25%. When MFIs were separated by 2-fold increase, barcoded populations could be identified with a good resolution, higher when MFIs were separated by 3- or more fold increase. The use of viability dyes as LIVE/DEAD Fixable Aqua viability dye together with the FCB showed increase of data robustness due to exclusion of dead cells from gating strategy. In combination with viability dye, we successfully performed a six-color phosphoFlow and a simple four-color stainings using the same FCB dye combinations and cytometer voltages, and also combining one healthy control and two different patient samples. Our methods using FCB dye alone and/or in combination with antibody staining should be useful to efficiently perform multiplex drug screening and lymphocyte characterization. FCB minimizes batches and technical variations, and also increases data robustness, thus improving the immune phenotyping of patients. Disclosures Young: GSK/Novartis: Research Funding.
Application of the backward extrapolation method to pulsed neutron sources

Abstract Particle detectors operated in pulse mode are subjected to the dead-time effect. When the average of the detector counts is constant over time, correcting for the dead-time effect is simple and can be accomplished by analytical formulas. However, when the average of the detector counts changes over time it is more difficult to take into account the dead-time effect. When a subcritical nuclear assembly is driven by a pulsed neutron source, simple analytical formulas cannot be applied to the measured detector counts to correct for the dead-time effect because of the sharp change of the detector counts over time. This work addresses this issue by using the backward extrapolation method. The latter can be applied not only to a continuous (e.g. californium) external neutron source but also to a pulsed external neutron source (e.g. by a particle accelerator) driving a subcritical nuclear assembly. The backward extrapolation method allows to obtain from the measured detector counts both the dead-time value and the real detector counts.
Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fiducial Placement for CyberKnife Radiosurgery

The Synchrony® (Accuray Incorporated, Sunnyvale, CA) Respiratory Tracking System allows the CyberKnife®(Accuray Incorporated, Sunnyvale, CA) to deliver precisely high-dose radiation to targets that move with respiration. Tracking of moving tumors currently requires the use of implanted radiographic markers (or fiducials) as reference points [1, 7]. Several reports describe the placement of fiducials through surgical or percutaneous methods under image guidance (ultrasonography or computed tomography) in the prostate, spine, and lungs [2, 3, 6, 7, 8]. Fiducial implantation surgery can be invasive, and the percutaneous approach carries risks and limitations, especially when the lesions are in a deep location such as the posterior mediastinum or the abdomen. Innovations in the fiducial implantation procedure may improve its accuracy and reduce its risks, ultimately enhancing comfort for the patient. We recently described a new approach to placing fiducials in these deep structures using endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) [9].
Intermediate-severity wind disturbance in mature temperate forests: legacy structure, carbon storage, and stand dynamics

Wind is one of the most important natural disturbances influencing forest structure, ecosystem function, and successional processes worldwide. This study quantifies the stand-scale effects of intermediate-severity windstorms (i.e., blowdowns) on (1) live and dead legacy structure, (2) aboveground carbon storage, and (3) tree regeneration and associated stand dynamics at four mature, mixed hardwood-conifer forest sites in the northeastern United States. We compare wind-affected forests to adjacent reference conditions (i.e., undisturbed portions of the same stands) 0-8 yr post-blowdown using parametric (ANOVA) and nonparametric (NMS ordination) analyses. We supplement inventory plots and downed coarse woody detritus (DCWD) transects with hemispherical photography to capture spatial variation in the light environment. Although recent blowdowns transferred a substantial proportion of live overstory trees to DCWD, residual live tree basal area was high (19-59% of reference areas). On average, the initial post-blowdown ratio of DCWD carbon to standing live tree carbon was 2.72 in blowdown stands and 0.18 in reference stands, indicating a large carbon transfer from live to dead pools. Despite these dramatic changes, structural complexity remained high in blowdown areas, as indicated by the size and species distributions of overstory trees, abundance of sound and rotten downed wood, spatial patterns of light availability, and variability of understory vegetation. Furthermore, tree species composition was similar between blowdown and reference areas at each site, with generally shade-tolerant species dominating across multiple canopy strata. Community response to intermediate-severity blowdown at these sites suggests a dynamic in which disturbance maintains late-successional species composition rather than providing a regeneration opportunity for shade-intolerant, pioneer species. Our findings suggest that intermediate-severity wind disturbances can contribute to stand-scale structural complexity as well as development toward late-successional species composition, at least when shade-tolerant regeneration is present pre-blowdown. Advance regeneration thus enhances structural and compositional resilience to this type of disturbance. This study provides a baseline for multi-cohort silvicultural systems designed to restore heterogeneity associated with natural disturbance dynamics.
Regression control chart for two related variables: a forgotten lesson

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the regression control chart for two related variables and to furnish rules for a plan of action. Cases are presented to show the effectiveness of the regression control chart. A Regression control chart for two related variables integrates linear regression and Shewhart quality control chart theory and methods in a coherent way. The regression control chart combines two robust methods as the basis of analysis: the linear regression model and the Shewhart control chart theory. Other researchers are encouraged to investigate related variables using a regression control chart as there is a lack of published work in this area.
A double-blind, randomized controlled trial of gabapentin vs. placebo for acute pain management in critically ill patients with rib fractures.

Abstract Introduction Achieving adequate pain control for rib fractures remains challenging; prescription of alternatives to narcotics is imperative to curtail the current opioid epidemic. Although gabapentin has shown promise following elective thoracic procedures, its efficacy in patients with rib fractures remains unstudied. We hypothesized that gabapentin, as compared to placebo, would both improve acute pain control and decrease narcotic use among critically ill patients with rib fractures. Materials and Methods Adult patients admitted to the trauma surgery service from November 2016 – November 2017 at an urban, Level I trauma center with one or more rib fractures were randomized to either gabapentin 300 mg thrice daily or placebo for one month following their injury. Daily numeric pain scores, opioid consumption, oxygen requirement, respiratory rate, and incentive spirometry recordings during the index admission, as well as and one-month quality of life survey data were abstracted. Results Forty patients were randomized. The groups were well matched with respect to age, gender, prior narcotic use, tobacco use, and prior respiratory disease. Although the median RibScore did not differ between groups, the gabapentin group had a higher median number of ribs fractured as compared to the placebo group (7 vs. 5, respectively). Degree of pulmonary contusion and injury severity score were similar between groups. Use of loco-regional anesthetic modalities did not differ between groups. Daily numeric pain scores, opioid consumption, oxygen requirement, respiratory rate, and incentive spirometry recordings were similar between both groups. No benefit was observed when adding gabapentin to a multi-modal analgesic regimen for rib fractures. There were no instances of pneumonia, respiratory failure, or mortality in either group. Hospital and intensive care unit length of stay were similar between groups. Both overall and chest-specific quality of life was equivalent between groups at one month follow-up. Conclusions In this group of critically ill patients with rib fractures, gabapentin did not improve acute outcomes for up to one month of treatment.
Sharing a Processor for Monitoring Changes in Quality of Several Communication Links

The problem of sharing one processor for controlling the quality of more than one network links is studied. For the case of two links being assigned to one processor, a specific steering strategy is proposed, which adapts for each link the sampling rate of processed jobs, in a way depending on the values of the monitoring algorithms. The steering parameter is a threshold δ that is smaller than the decisive for the monitoring algorithms threshold Δ.
QUANTITATIVE THREE-DIMENSIONAL DYNAMIC ANALYSIS OF HUMAN MOVEMENT

A system has recently been developed to acquire automatically kinematic data on moving humans and process this to yield position, orientation, force and moment information for up to ten body segments of interest. Raw data are acquired by a Selspot system marketed by Selcom AB of Sweden. The system provides two-dimensional data in the focal planes of each of two cameras for thirty points at 315 Hz each. The software system coupled to this processes these data to yield three-dimensional location of the points and then orientation of associated imbedded body coordinate systems with resolutions of 3mm in position and 20 milliradians in rotation at 2.5 meters range. These data are then supplied to an inertial force estimator which calculates the inertial forces and the total moments that must have impinged on the linkage for the observed motion to have occurred. The force estimator has performed correctly with ideal data and has shown very favourable results with actual kinematic data. This technique represents a considerable improvement over conventional gait analysis schemes in speed, objectivity and accuracy.
Public Policy and Manufacturing: Back to Basics

“What Should Be the Federal Role in Assuring the Future of American Manufacturing?” was the title of a debate topic that I was asked to address at a November, 1988, conference hosted by the Center for the Study of American Business. Let me begin this essay as I did my talk by examining what we mean by “assuring the future” of American manufacturing.
Paradoxical reflex bradycardia after epinephrine infusion for arrhythmia induction in the electrophysiology laboratory.

β-Receptor agonists are frequently administered during electrophysiology studies, particularly after radiofrequency ablation to provoke tachyarrhythmias. Isoproterenol, a nonselective β-adrenergic receptor agonist, is the most commonly used agent. Increasing cost and drug shortages have compelled a search for alternative β-adrenergic agonists. One alternative is epinephrine; however, in addition to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation, epinephrine is an α-adrenergic receptor agonist. The nonselective action of β- and α-adrenergic receptors can potentially increase the risk of additional/unwanted side effects. We present a case of epinephrine-induced paradoxical bradycardia and atrioventricular (AV) block after radiofrequency ablation of the slow pathway for the treatment of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT).
Qualitative assessment of 'highly digestible' protein mutation in hard endosperm sorghum and its functional properties

Sorghum mutants with altered protein body structure have improved protein nutritional quality; however, practical methods to accurately track heritability of the trait are lacking. We evaluated suitability of the in vitro pepsin assay, and a new high-resolution field emission electron microscopy (FE-SEM) method to detect the mutation (HD) in hard-endosperm sorghum; and compared the physicochemical properties of experimental HD sorghums to wild type (LD) lines. FE-SEM reliably resolved sorghum protein body structure, allowing for qualitative classification of sorghum as HD or LD. The pepsin assay was less reliable, with significant variations across environments. Nevertheless, HD lines averaged higher protein digestibility (69.4% raw, 57.6% cooked) than LD lines (61.7% raw, 45.6% cooked). The HD lines also had better water solubility and starch pasting profiles than LD lines. FE-SEM, but not pepsin assay, reliably detects HD nutation in sorghum. The HD trait may improve food-use functionality of sorghum.
Dietary Fumonisin and Growth Impairment in Children and Animals: A Review

Fumonisins are mycotoxins produced primarily by the fungi Fusarium verticillioides and F. proliferatum, which colonize maize in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates worldwide. Fumonisin exposure is the highest in rural populations that consume large amounts of maize and maize products. Among them, infants and young children are the most vulnerable when they are weaned onto maize-based foods. Therefore, it is critical to understand the impact of fumonisin on children's health and growth. This review describes the evidence linking fumonisin exposure to child growth impairment. First, toxicological studies that attempt to elucidate the mechanism by which fumonisin may impair growth are discussed. Next, a description is given of candidate biomarkers for accurately capturing fumonisin exposure in humans. Potential human health effects of fumonisin exposure beyond growth impairment, including esophageal cancer and neural tube defects (NTDs), are briefly described. We review epidemiological studies that collectively show an increasing weight of evidence linking fumonisin exposure to growth impairment, particularly in world regions where young children consume maize-based weaning foods. Additionally, the evidence linking fumonisin exposure to growth impairment in plants and a variety of animal species are reviewed. Finally, we describe interventions to reduce fumonisin in parts of the world where dietary fumonisin exposure is high and is likely to predispose populations to increased health risk.
DNA Microarray-Based Genomic Characterization of the Pathotypes of Escherichia coli O26, O45, O103, O111, and O145 Isolated from Feces of Feedlot Cattle †.

ABSTRACT Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145, referred to as the top six non-O157 serogroups, are responsible for more than 70% of human no...
The Vc2 cyclic di-GMP dependent riboswitch of Vibrio cholerae regulates expression of an upstream small RNA by controlling RNA stability

SUMMARY Cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) is a bacterial second messenger molecule that is important in the biology of Vibrio cholerae, but the molecular mechanisms by which this molecule regulates downstream phenotypes have not been fully characterized. We have previously shown that the Vc2 c-di-GMP-binding riboswitch, encoded upstream of the gene tfoY, functions as an off-switch in response to c-di-GMP. However, the mechanism by which c-di-GMP controls expression of tfoY has not been fully elucidated. During our studies of this mechanism, we determined that c-di-GMP binding to Vc2 also controls the abundance and stability of upstream non-coding small RNAs (sRNA) with 3’-ends located immediately downstream of the Vc2 riboswitch. Our results suggest these sRNAs are not generated by transcriptional termination but rather by preventing degradation of the upstream untranslated RNA when c-di-GMP is bound to Vc2. IMPORTANCE Riboswitches are typically RNA elements located in the 5’ untranslated region of mRNAs. They are highly structured and specifically recognize and respond to a given chemical cue to alter transcription termination or the translation initiation. In this work, we report a novel mechanism of riboswitch mediated gene regulation in Vibrio cholerae whereby a 3’ riboswitch, named Vc2, controls the stability of upstream untranslated RNA upon binding to its cognate ligand, the second messenger cyclic di-GMP, leading to the accumulation of previously undescribed sRNAs. We further demonstrate that binding of the ligand to the riboswitch prevents RNA degradation. As binding of riboswitches to their ligands often produces compactly structure RNA, we hypothesize this mechanism of gene regulation could be widespread.
Community Service and Adult Development

Community service in adulthood is a topic of national significance and of considerable theoretical interest. In many countries, adults are involved in activities that are intended to benefit those who live in their communities, and perform these activities as volunteers—that is, without pay. The benefits that accrue to communities and societies as a result of these efforts are enormous, essential, and increasingly recognized; theoretical explanations to account for the participation of adults in volunteer activity abound but remain incomplete.
Mixed Methods Research in the Study of Political and Social Violence and Conflict

The study of political and social violence and conflict has expanded in recent decades, concurrent with a rise in the use of mixed methods research (MMR) throughout the social sciences. This articl...