cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
ITAM-mediated tonic signalling through pre-BCR and BCR complexes

This Review describes how tonic signalling — ligand-independent signalling from Igα–Igβ-containing receptors, such as the pre-B-cell receptor (pre-BCR) and BCR — differs from ligand-dependent signalling and then outlines recent advances in our understanding of how tonic signalling is initiated and regulated. Studies carried out over the past few years provide strong support for the idea that Igα–Igβ-containing complexes such as the pre-B-cell receptor and the B-cell receptor can signal independently of ligand engagement, and this has been termed tonic signalling. In this Review, I discuss recent literature that is relevant to the potential mechanisms by which tonic signals are initiated and regulated, and discuss views on how tonic and ligand-dependent (aggregation-mediated) signalling differ. These mechanisms are relevant to the possibility that tonic signals generated through immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing proteins that are expressed by oncogenic viruses induce transformation in non-haematopoietic cells.
The Pocketscope: a spatial light modulator based epi-fluorescence microscope for optogenetics

Microscopy incorporating spatial light modulators (SLMs) enables three dimensional (3D) excitation and monitoring of the activity of neuronal ensembles, enabling studies of neuronal circuit activity both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper we present a portable (22 cm x 42.5 cm x 30 cm), SLM-based epi-fluorescence upright microscope (“Pocketscope”) that enables 3D calcium imaging and photoactivation of neurons in brain slices. Here we describe the implementation of the instrument; quantify the volume over which neural activity can be excited; and demonstrate the use of the system for mapping neural circuits in brain slices.
Inductive FCL's impact on circuit breaker's interruption condition during short-line faults

Fault current magnitude and transient recovery voltage (TRV) are two important factors effecting circuit breaker (CB) operation during short-line faults. In this paper an inductive fault current limiter (FCL), which is a traditional kind of FCL, is modeled and simulated using electromagnetic transient program (EMTP) to study its effects on these two factors. It is assumed that the FCL is placed following the circuit breaker at the beginning of the line. Mathematical formulas are obtained for describing the relationship between the current limit factor and the recovery voltage of a CB as well as the rate of rise of recovery voltage (RRRV) based on theoretical analysis. The mathematical analysis is compared and verified with simulation results.
Numerical study of attenuation in multilayer infrared waveguides by the circle-chain convergence method

A new two-dimensional root-finding algorithm is proposed for studying multilayer waveguides. This algorithm uses a convergent circle chain in the complex plane to approach the two-dimensional root and is especially suitable for finding roots of complicated and rapidly oscillatory functions for which conventional methods do not converge. The attenuation constants of typical slab waveguides with multilayer coatings were calculated by using this method under double precision. The results are compared with those given by other approximate methods.
Bacon's new English rhetoric and the debt to Aristotle

Though the scope of Aristotle's Rhetoric is at once broader and more limited than Bacon's theory, the Englishman owes most of his primary rhetorical doctrines to his predecessor. The two philosophers agree on the nature and general function of rhetoric, its place among the arts and sciences, its psychological basis, and the use to which it puts logical, ethical, and pathetic proofs. Some of Aristotle's hints are expanded by Bacon, mainly those regarding the philosophical style, and Bacon often corrects what he takes to be inconsistencies and errors in Aristotle's work. Moreover, because he looks to the past only for material to change and augment, Bacon does original and important new things to Aristotle as he re‐works him for a new English rhetoric.
Mass spectral and HPLC analysis of biological compounds with diphenylborinic acid

Diphenylborinic acid is shown to react with a variety of polyfunctional molecules of biological interest to give products which are easily identifiable by mass spectrometry. The diphenylborinate adducts of amino acids possess extraordinary stability and are separable by reverse phase chromatography. The stability of products is discussed with regard to the nature and stereochemical arrangement of the functional groups involved in complex formation.
Memory and Bus Conflict in an Array Processor

The multiassociative processor (MAP) system is a hypothetical machine composed of eight control units (CU's) and an arbitrary number of processing elements (PE's). Each CU is allocated a subset of the identical PE's in order to process a single-instruction-stream-multiple-data-stream program. The eight CU's must be able to access a common main memory system and transmit data to subsets of the PE's over a shared data bus system. This paper discusses the analysis of these two components of the system where this analysis relies heavily on three simulation programs. The first program interprets assembly language programs for the hypothetical machine and the other two programs model the memory system and the data bus system. The interpreter is driven by both realistic array processor programs and synthetic programs designed specifically to test the components of the system.
Investigation of a Convergent Flow Crossed-field Gun†

ABSTRACT An abbreviated version of the Kino short gun has been developed for use as a crossed-field beam injection system. The gun is terminated at a plane where the theoretical average space-charge density, beam location and beam thickness are approximately equal to the corresponding Brillouin quantities for the given anode-sole region conditions. The theoretical design was subjected to a digital computer analysis with the results indicating some intersection of the electron trajectories, although the beam configuration was essentially as predicted. Modification of the cathode ramp electrodes resulted in either laminar flow or uniform cathode emission, but not simultaneously. Experimental investigations carried out in a beam analyser indicated better than 90% transmission of cathode current to the collector for theoretical operating conditions. Beam profile measurements verified that the beam entered the anode-sole region with the desired thickness and at approximately the Brillouin beam location. Furthe...
Orthogonal Pulse Compression Codes for MIMO Radar System

Inspired by recent advances in MIMO radar, we introduce orthogonal pulse compression codes to MIMO radar system in order to gain better target direction finding performance. We propose the concept and the design methodology for the optimized ternary pulse compression codes called the optimized punctured Zero Correlation Zone sequence-Pair Set (ZCZPS). According to codes property analysis, our proposed codes are able to provide the optimized autocorrelation and cross correlation properties during ZCZ. We also present a generalized MIMO radar system model using our proposed codes as pulse compression codes and simulate the target direction finding performance of the fluctuating and nonfluctuating system. The simulation results show that the more antennas used, the better target direction finding performance could be provided.
Static elaboration of recursion for concurrent software

Unlike sequential software, concurrent software needs a structuring mechanism capable of specifying constructs such as pipelines, scatter-gather, and other networks. Concurrent software languages usually provide mechanisms for dynamically creating such structures, but this makes them difficult to analyze statically. In particular, it would be very convenient to be able to put bounds on the resources (memory, processes) required by a particular system.We present a static elaboration technique that can remove bounded recursion from concurrent programs, useful for tools that cannot handle recursion such as those for formal verification and hardware synthesis. We work with SHIM, a concurrent language that provides concurrent, recursive function calls that can be used to elegantly construct concurrent structures such as pipelines and the FFT.Our technique first slices the program from every recursive call to determine which variables control the recursion, then perform a simulation of the program with respect to those variables, performing constant propagation to produce simplified code without recursion. Experimental results suggest our slicing procedure is effective at selecting just those variables that participate in the recursion and that our simulation technique for generating non-recursive code can quickly produce small non-recursive programs, making this technique practical.
Long-term Services and Supports (LTSS): A Growing Challenge for an Aging America

Most of us do not think about performing the everyday tasks of living, nor can we even imagine ourselves with a disability. But for 11 million older adults, assistance with tasks of daily living such as dressing, bathing, housekeeping, and shopping have become a part of their life (Freedman & Spillman, 2014). Since the majority of Americans do not anticipate the need for long-term services and supports (LTSS), most of us are not prepared financially, psychologically, environmentally, or socially for a long-term disability. Yet as we advance in age, the likelihood that we will experience a moderate or severe disability requiring assistance increases. For example, the proportion of older people with one activity limitation who report receiving assistance increases from less than 16% for individuals aged 65–69 to more than 75% for the population aged 90 years and older (Freedman & Spillman, 2014). Because most Americans do not plan for the likelihood that we will need formal assistance because of a disability, many of us (almost 2.1 million people over the age of 65 in 2010) (Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission [MACPAC], 2014) end up using the public assistance Medicaid program as the safety net for LTSS. With Medicaid approaching one-quarter of the typical state’s budget, reliance on Medicaid has become an increasingly challenging issue for states. As the older population with disabilities increases—projected to more than double between now and 2040—today’s challenges will become tomorrow’s crisis unless as a nation we plan and prepare for the potential changes.
Optimal sensorimotor transformations for balance

Here we have identified a sensorimotor transformation that is used by a mammalian nervous system to produce a multijoint motor behavior. Using a simple biomechanical model, a delayed-feedback rule based on an optimal tradeoff between postural error and neural effort explained patterns of muscle activation in response to a sudden loss of balance in cats. Following the loss of large sensory afferents, changes in these muscle-activation patterns reflected an optimal reweighting of sensory feedback gains to minimize postural instability. Specifically, a loss of center-of-mass-acceleration information, which allowed for a rapid initial rise in the muscle activity in intact animals, was absent after large-fiber sensory neuropathy. Our results demonstrate that a simple and flexible neural feedback control strategy coordinates multiple muscles over time via a small set of extrinsic, task-level variables during complex multijoint natural movements.
Overview of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention for the Primary Care Physician

The incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer is increasing, and an accurate and timely diagnosis is important to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these malignancies. Clinical features and examination techniques are discussed, and the need to recognize important secondary tumor characteristics, which supplement the primary diagnosis, is reviewed. Recent evidence on etiologic factors and their importance are addressed to highlight the role of primary prevention. Pediatricians, family physicians, and all primary care physicians are encouraged to promote skin cancer awareness among children and their parents.
Decadal-Scale Responses in Middle and Upper Stratospheric Ozone From SAGE II Version 7 Data

Abstract. Stratospheric Aerosol and Gas Experiment (SAGE II) version 7 (v7) ozone profiles are analyzed for their decadal-scale responses in the middle and upper stratosphere for 1991 and 1992–2005 and compared with those from its previous version 6.2 (v6.2). Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis is applied to time series of its ozone number density vs. altitude data for a range of latitudes and altitudes. The MLR models that are fit to the time series data include a periodic 11 yr term, and it is in-phase with that of the 11 yr, solar UV (Ultraviolet)-flux throughout most of the latitude/altitude domain of the middle and upper stratosphere. Several regions that have a response that is not quite in-phase are interpreted as being affected by decadal-scale, dynamical forcings. The maximum minus minimum, solar cycle (SC-like) responses for the ozone at the low latitudes are similar from the two SAGE II data versions and vary from about 5 to 2.5% from 35 to 50 km, although they are resolved better with v7. SAGE II v7 ozone is also analyzed for 1984–1998, in order to mitigate effects of end-point anomalies that bias its ozone in 1991 and the analyzed results for 1991–2005 or following the Pinatubo eruption. Its SC-like ozone response in the upper stratosphere is of the order of 4% for 1984–1998 vs. 2.5 to 3% for 1991–2005. The SAGE II v7 results are also recompared with the responses in ozone from the Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) that are in terms of mixing ratio vs. pressure for 1991–2005 and then for late 1992–2005 to avoid any effects following Pinatubo. Shapes of their respective response profiles agree very well for 1992–2005. The associated linear trends of the ozone are not as negative in 1992–2005 as in 1984–1998, in accord with a leveling off of the effects of reactive chlorine on ozone. It is concluded that the SAGE II v7 ozone yields SC-like ozone responses and trends that are of better quality than those from v6.2.
Significance of accidental extensions in the lower uterine segment during cesarean delivery.

Objectives This study was undertaken to determine risk factors and perioperative complications associated with accidental extensions in the lower uterine segment during cesarean deliveries (CDs). Study design This is a retrospective chart review of all CDs performed at Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami between the years 1999 and 2002. Operative reports were reviewed to abstract data on the occurrence of extensions. Indication for CD, cervical status at the time of CD, birth weight, and fetal presentation and position were included in the analyses. Postoperative hematocrits, length of surgery, estimated blood loss, decline in hematocrit by 10%, need for transfusion, or hysterectomy were compared among CD with and without extensions. Results A total of 2,811 CDs were available for this study. Accidental extensions in the lower uterine segment occurred in 6.6% of the cases. Extensions were more commonly found in primary CD (8% vs 5%, P P P P P P P P = .001). Conclusion Extensions in the lower uterine segment during CD do not increase maternal morbidity.
Does Hyperglycemia Contribute to Secondary Injury in Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

See related article, pages 199–203 Central nervous system injury has been classified as primary and secondary. The most common primary injuries include trauma, ischemic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, brain neoplasms, and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Secondary injuries may follow the primary injury very closely and in many instances may be viewed as its complication. Therefore, secondary injuries are potentially preventable. The final end result of secondary injuries is cerebral ischemia leading to neuronal death and worse clinical outcome. Examples of secondary injuries include hypotension, hypoxemia, elevated intracranial pressure, cerebral edema, and tissue herniation. In patients with SAH the most common insults are rebleeding, vasospasm, seizures, hyperthermia, and elevated intracranial pressure. In this issue of Stroke , …
Expression and Regulation of a Silent Operon, hyf, Coding for Hydrogenase 4 Isoenzyme in Escherichia coli

On the basis of hyf-lacZ fusion studies, the hyf operon of Escherichia coli, noted for encoding the fourth hydrogenase isoenzyme (HYD4), is not expressed at a significant level in a wild-type strain. However, mutant FhlA proteins (constitutive activators of the hyc-encoded hydrogenase 3 isoenzyme) activated hyf-lacZ. HyfR, an FhlA homolog encoded by the hyfR gene present at the end of the hyf operon, also activated transcription of hyf-lacZ but did so only when hyfR was expressed from a heterologous promoter. The HYD4 isoenzyme did not substitute for HYD3 in H2 production. Optimum expression of hyf-lacZ required the presence of cyclic AMP receptor protein-cyclic AMP complex and anaerobic conditions when HyfR was the activator.
Use of supplementary phenotype to identify additional rheumatoid arthritis loci in a linkage analysis of 342 UK affected sibling pair families

Although rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to have moderately strong genetic component, both linked loci identified in linkage analyses and susceptibility variants from association studies are short of adequately accounting for a comprehensive catalogue of the molecular factors underlying this complex disease. The objective of this study was to use supplementary phenotype based on cumulative hazard of rheumatoid arthritis to identify linkage evidence for new and additional rheumatoid arthritis loci in a genome-wide linkage analysis of 342 affected sibling pair families from the United Kingdom. Using proportional hazards model, we estimated cumulative hazard of rheumatoid arthritis and then used it as a quantitative trait in a non-parametric multipoint variance component linkage analysis with 353 microsatellite markers distributed across the 22 autosomal chromosomes. We identified 3 new loci with genome-wide suggestive linkage evidence for rheumatoid arthritis on 9q21.13, 15p11.1 and 20q13.33. Our results also confirmed previously reported linkage evidence in the HLA-DRB1 region on chromosome 6 and on locus 1q32.1. This study demonstrates the potential for information gain through the use of supplementary phenotypes in genetic study of complex diseases to identify new and additional potential linked loci that are not detected by linkage analysis of traditional phenotypes; and our results provide further evidence of the involvement of multiple loci in the genetic aetiology of rheumatoid arthritis.
Augmented Symmetry Transforms

"Perfect symmetries are all alike; every imperfect symmetry is imperfect in its own way." - adapted from Leo Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina". Symmetry has been playing an increasing role in 3D shape processing. Recently introduced planar reflective symmetry transform(PRST) has been found useful for canonical coordinate frame determination, shape matching, retrieval, and segmentation. Guided by the intuition that every imperfect symmetry is imperfect in its own way, we investigate the possibility of incorporating more information into symmetry transforms like PRST. As a step in this direction, the concept of augmented symmetry transform is introduced; we obtain a family of symmetry transforms indexed by a parameter. While the original PRST measures how much the symmetry is broken, the augmented PRST also gives some information about how it is broken. Several approaches to calculating the augmented transform are described. We demonstrate that the augmented transform is useful for shape retrieval.
Stm1p, a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein, interacts with ribosomes and subtelomeric Y' DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein Stm1 was originally identified as a G4 quadruplex and purine motif triplex nucleic acid-binding protein. However, more recent studies have suggested a role for Stm1p in processes ranging from antiapoptosis to telomere maintenance. To better understand the biological role of Stm1p and its potential for G*G multiplex binding, we used epitope-tagged protein and immunological methods to identify the subcellular localization and protein and nucleic acid partners of Stm1p in vivo. Indirect immunofluorescence microscopy indicated that Stm1p is primarily a cytoplasmic protein, although a small percentage is also present in the nucleus. Conventional immunoprecipitation found that Stm1p is associated with ribosomal proteins and rRNA. This association was verified by rate zonal separation through sucrose gradients, which showed that Stm1p binds exclusively to mature 80 S ribosomes and polysomes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments found that Stm1p preferentially binds telomere-proximal Y′ element DNA sequences. Taken together, our data suggest that Stm1p is primarily a ribosome-associated protein, but one that can also interact with DNA, especially subtelomeric sequences. We discuss the implications of our findings in relation to prior genetic, genomic, and proteomic studies that have identified STM1 and/or Stm1p as well as the possible biological role of Stm1p.
Global discovery of colonization determinants in the squid symbiont Vibrio fischeri

Animal epithelial tissue becomes reproducibly colonized by specific environmental bacteria. The bacteria (microbiota) perform critical functions for the host’s tissue development, immune system development, and nutrition; yet the processes by which bacterial diversity in the environment is selected to assemble the correct communities in the host are unclear. To understand the molecular determinants of microbiota selection, we examined colonization of a simplified model in which the light organ of Euprymna scolopes squid is colonized exclusively by Vibrio fischeri bacteria. We applied high-throughput insertion sequencing to identify which bacterial genes are required during host colonization. A library of over 41,000 unique transposon insertions was analyzed before and after colonization of 1,500 squid hatchlings. Mutants that were reproducibly depleted following squid colonization represented 380 genes, including 37 that encode known colonization factors. Validation of select mutants in defined competitions against the wild-type strain identified nine mutants that exhibited a reproducible colonization defect. Some of the colonization factors identified included genes predicted to influence copper regulation and secretion. Other mutants exhibited defects in biofilm development, which is required for aggregation in host mucus and initiation of colonization. Biofilm formation in culture and in vivo was abolished in a strain lacking the cytoplasmic chaperone DnaJ, suggesting an important role for protein quality control during the elaboration of bacterial biofilm in the context of an intact host immune system. Overall these data suggest that cellular stress responses and biofilm regulation are critical processes underlying the reproducible colonization of animal hosts by specific microbial symbionts.
The Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Human Performance: A Meta-Analytic Examination

Whole-body vibration exerts a substantive influence in many work environments. The primary objective of the present paper was to ascertain the effect of whole-body vibration and identify those moderating variables that influence the degree to which human performance is affected. A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted which quantified the existing research evidence. Following a screening process of the collected literature, a total of 224 papers and reports were identified for analysis. From these papers, 115 effect sizes were derived from 13 experiments which survived the screening procedure. Results indicate that vibration acts to degrade the majority of goal-related activities, especially those that rely on visual perception and fine motor control. Gaps in the extant research literature are identified and suggestions offered with regard to a more theoretically-driven approach to testing stressor effects on human performance.
Gamma-ray energy-imaging integrated deconvolution

The maximum likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) algorithm is an important method in gamma-ray Compton imaging. In conventional Compton camera systems, the image reconstruction is performed only in 2D or 3D spatial coordinates for a specific gamma-ray energy. In this paper, we describe a new energy-imaging integrated deconvolution algorithm in which a source pixel is defined in a combined spatial and energy space. Therefore, the reconstructed source distribution using this technique gives the original incident gamma-ray intensity and energy spectrum as a function of incident angle. By employing this energy-imaging integrated deconvolution algorithm, a Compton camera can provide the image at any specific energy, as well as the spectrum at any specific direction. Since the ML solution estimates the true incident gamma-ray intensity, the deconvolved energy spectrum at the source location is free of Compton continuum. To reconstruct truthfully the source distribution from the observation data, the accuracy of the system response function t/sub ij/, i.e. the probability for a photon from source pixel j to be observed as event i, is the most crucial information. Because the large number of pixels in the energy-imaging integrated space, and the very large number of possible measurement events, it is impossible to pre-calculate the system response function t/sub ij/ by simulations. In this paper, an analytical approach to estimate the system response function for Compton camera systems is introduced to allow the calculation of the system response function during the reconstruction process. The energy-imaging integrated deconvolution algorithm is applied to a 3-dimensional position-sensitive CdZnTe gamma-ray imaging spectrometer.
Reply to "Do genome-scale models need exact solvers or clearer standards?"

Mol Syst Biol. (2015) 11: 830 In their Correspondence entitled, “Do genome‐scale models need exact solvers or clearer standards?”, Ebrahim et al (2015) suggest an unnecessary dichotomy. They discuss the findings of our paper, “An exact arithmetic toolbox for a consistent and reproducible structural analysis of metabolic network models” (Chindelevitch et al , 2014), and suggest that our work highlights the need for better model encoding standards. Moreover, the authors dispute our claims that multiple previously published metabolic network models are unable to produce growth when analyzed with an exact arithmetic approach. They attribute discrepancies between their findings and ours solely to a misinterpretation of the formatting conventions used to encode these models. The authors conclude that genome‐scale metabolic network models need better standards, rather than the improvements in accuracy obtained with exact arithmetic. We argue here that improved standards and exact arithmetic are complementary advances that both benefit this field. Thus, the answer to the question posed by Ebrahim et al (2015) is “both.” In this response, we acknowledge the discrepancies in model interpretation between our approach and that of Ebrahim et al (2015), but maintain the key conclusions of our original study. Namely, a number of published metabolic network models are unable to exhibit growth even when our interpretation of these models is identical to that of Ebrahim et al (2015). We attribute the remaining differences between the results of our original study and their study to significant changes made to the models since our results were initially published. Indeed, our MONGOOSE tool provides a model verification platform, which will continue to be useful in identifying errors in model functionality, helping curators to fix them. Additionally, we demonstrate on a specific real‐model example that exact arithmetic can change the results of the analysis of genome‐scale metabolic network models. We conclude that exact arithmetic remains …
Examining the Effects of Independent MALL on Vocabulary Recall and Listening Comprehension: An Exploratory Case Study of Preschool Children.

In recent years scholars have explored the use of mobile devices as potential sources for language learning and teaching. Mobile phones and tablets, especially, have been researched with a focus on effectively building vocabulary primarily among university-level students. Comparable research in other age groups has not been as widespread. This study examines the nature of preschool-aged children’s use of iPads for independent language learning. In addition, the study identifies the characteristics of the participants’ (n = 7) preferred apps and aims to determine if the participants were able to make gains in vocabulary recall and listening comprehension after a six-month period of independent language learning. The results of this study indicate that the children and their parents established rituals and clear guidelines for playing on the iPad as a means to provide language-learning opportunities. Additionally, they were able to demonstrate moderate gains in vocabulary recall and listening comprehension.
Abstract 13773: A Novel Immunoglobulin G Autoantibody Against a Cryptic Epitope in Low Density Lipoprotein Induces Macrophage Tumour Necrosis Factor Release

Introduction/Objective: Although IgG autoantibodies reacting with modified LDL have been associated with cardiovascular events, there is controversy as to whether such antibodies can be pathogenic. We set out to generate monoclonal autoantibodies reacting with LDL for further mechanistic studies. Methods/Results: We fused LDL receptor deficient (Ldlr-/-) mouse splenocytes with Sp2/0 myeloma cells, and screened hybridoma supernatants for reactivity with LDL. We selected a monoclonal IgG2b antibody, designated LO9. Variable heavy and light chain sequencing revealed somatic mutations indicative of LO9 being part of an acquired immune response. LO9 showed greater binding to unmanipulated solid phase human LDL than to Cu++ oxidised-LDL or malondialdehyde-conjugated LDL. LO9 did not react with LDL captured by immobilised anti-apoB, and binding to solid phase LDL was not inhibited by fluid phase LDL. Expression of the LO9 epitope on adherent LDL was increased by activated macrophage supernatant and this was inhibited by pepstatin A. Together, these observations suggest that LO9 reacts with a cryptic epitope in LDL unmasked by adhesion and/or the action of macrophage-derived enzyme(s). LO9 epitope expression in vivo was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of human and mouse atherosclerosis. Following intra-venous injection of LO9 labelled with VivoTag-S 750-MAL, fluorescence molecular tomography imaging showed LO9 uptake in the aortic arch of Ldlr-/- but not wild-type animals. Confocal microscopy confirmed that LO9 localised in atherosclerotic regions beneath endothelium and in the vicinity of macrophages. In functional in vitro assays, addition of macrophages to LO9 bound to adherent LDL led to significant TNF release, an effect that was blocked by inhibition of Fc gamma receptors, and which was not seen when macrophages were incubated with adherent LDL alone. Conclusions: We believe LO9 is the first example of an IgG autoantibody that reacts with a cryptic epitope in LDL, revealed by adherence and/or by macrophage-derived enzyme(s). Binding of LO9-like IgG antibodies to LDL trapped on arterial matrix could lead to promotion of atherosclerosis via ligation of macrophage Fc gamma receptors and release of TNF and other inflammatory mediators.
Prognostic value of response assessed by RECIST and WHO criteria to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer patients

e15647 Background: In metastatic gastric cancer, the response to chemotherapy is assessed by RECIST or WHO criteria according to the change of tumor size. There are no data, however, on the usefulness of those criteria in evaluating tumor response in the setting of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tumor response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy-as assessed by RECIST and WHO criteria-and clinical outcome in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) patients. Methods: This study recruited LAGC patients who, from January 2003 through November 2005, entered the neoadjuvant arm of prospective randomized phase II trials comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy to adjuvant chemotherapy. LAGC was defined as stage III or IV (M0) disease based on computed tomography (CT) according to the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma. Patients with measurable lesions received 3 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy consisting of docetaxel (36 mg/m2) and cisplatin (40 mg/m2) on d...
Thermophysical properties of USi to 1673 K

Abstract Consideration of uranium silicide compounds as candidate nuclear reactor fuels requires the accurate knowledge of their thermophysical properties as a function of temperature. Stoichiometric USi has received little attention in the literature with regard to property characterization. This absence of data prevents modeling and simulation communities from predicting performance of uranium silicide fuels that are either nominally USi itself, or are designed with other uranium silicide phases but may include appreciable fractions of USi introduced as a result of the fuel synthesis or fabrication process. This study was undertaken to quantify the thermal expansion coefficient, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and thermal conductivity of USi from ambient conditions to just below the peritectic decomposition of the compound. Stoichiometric samples that were prepared by arc melting and powder metallurgical routes for thermophysical property measurements exhibited 94% USi phase, with the balance being U 3 Si 5 phase that likely formed during the solidification process. An energetic phase transformation was observed at 723 K, which is attributed to the inclusion of the secondary U 3 Si 5 phase.
Enhanced biological control potential of the entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae, applied with a protective gel formulation

ABSTRACTEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are adapted to subterranean environments, and are prone to damage by UV light and desiccation. EPNs, Steinernema carpocapsae, combined with a protective gel, and anti-UV ingredients, have potential for above-ground pest management. We (1) ascertained whether the gel could provide protection to EPNs at low concentrations when applied in direct sun, (2) determined if other ingredients added to the gel increased efficacy, and (3) quantified retention and survival of EPNs applied to foliage with the gel. EPNs in 1% protective gel caused higher host mortality (60%) than other treatments (2–37%). UV protection provided by titanium dioxide (TD) and octyl methoxycinnamate with 1% protective gel solution was tested outdoors; these formulations resulted in higher host mortality (43% and 25%) than other treatments (2–7%). After 8 h in the greenhouse, 0.25% protective gel solution had the highest percentage of live EPNs on leaves. The gel at low concentration protects EPNs, a...
Winged Aphids Caught on Traps in Bean Fields in Central New York

Winged aphids were collected on black sticky traps in bean fields at Lansing, Ithaca, and Canastota, N. Y. The proportional aphid populations collected on individual traps were similar regardless of trap locations within fields. The proportional aphid populations of 2 plots at Lansing and 3 plots at Ithaca were similar. The proportional aphid population at Canastota differed somewhat from that from the Lansing and Ithaca populations, but all identified species collected at Canastota were found also in the other 2 locations. The corn leaf aphid, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch); the turnip aphid, Hyadaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis); the yellow clover aphid, Therioaphis trifolii (Monell); and Brachycolus atriplicis (L.) were the 4 commonest species in all 3 locations. All species collected in 1964 were collected also in 1965 but in somewhat different proportions. R. maidis was the commonest aphid in both years. The seasonal distribution of individual species was similar in both years.
How images work: An analysis of a visual intervention used to facilitate a difficult conversation and promote understanding:

This study centers on an intervention that uses visual methods to structure conversations among teachers about their undocumented Latino/Latina immigrant students living in the US. Given negative p...
Synaptic interaction of serotonergic axons and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus of the rat. A light and electron microscopic immunocytochemical study.

The morphological interrelationship between the central serotonergic and hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) synthesizing systems was studied in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of colchicine pretreated male rats. The simultaneous immunocytochemical localization of the transmitter and peptide employed the peroxidase-antiperoxidase complex (PAP) technique using the silver-gold intensified (SGI) and non-intensified forms of the oxidized 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB) chromogen.
Thermal Expansion and Glass Transition Behaviour of Thin Polymer Films with and without a Free Surface Via Neutron Reflectometry

The thermal expansion of thin deuterated polystyrene (dPS) films supported on energetically repulsive, fluorinated polyimide (PI) substrates (PI/dPS bilayer) was measured via neutron reflectometry as a function of initial dPS film thickness. Film thickness was measured before and after capping with a top layer of the same repulsive, high glass transition polyimide that comprised the substrate layer (PI/dPS/PI trilayer) in an attempt to observe any effects of the dPS free surface in the bilayer geometry. Bulk thermal expansion behavior, characterized by a discontinuous change in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) at the glass transition (Tg), is observed in films with thickness > 70 rim. For thicknesses between 70 nm and 40 nm a transition is seen from bulk behavior in bilayer films to glassy thermal behavior in the trilayer films persisting up to 20 °C above the bulk Tg. In films with thickness < 40 nm the bulk glassy CTE persists well above the bulk Tg for both bilayer and trilayer films
Modern Operational Calculus for Undergraduates

(1949). Modern Operational Calculus for Undergraduates. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 56, No. 5, pp. 295-300.
Paradoxical Worsening Dystonia After Deep Brain Stimulation in a Patient with Neurodegeneration with Brain Iron Accumulation (P1.013)

Objective: To describe the outcome of globus pallidus interna (GPi) deep brain stimulation (DBS) in an adult patient with neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA). Background: NBIA disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions with dystonia being a prominent feature in many cases. Dystonia is often refractory to medication, and DBS has been attempted with varying degrees of success. Methods: We present a case report of a 48 year old man with adult onset NBIA who had an initial presentation of writer’s cramp at age 24, progressing to a multifocal dystonia with a Burke-Fahn-Marsden dystonia rating scale (BFMDRS) of 20 at the time of DBS evaluation. Whole exome sequencing revealed one known mutation associated with pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration (PKAN). Due to inadequate response to oral agents and botulinum toxin injections, bilateral GPi DBS implantation was recommended. Results: The patient developed paradoxical worsening dystonia following DBS placement, primarily with new onset cervical and jaw dystonia (BFMDRS 26) that was right-side predominant and associated with muscle hypertrophy. Initially symptoms were attributed to hardware malfunction due to low threshold of side effects in the left GPi and abnormal impedance readings. He was taken back to the OR for evaluation of hardware integrity and revision of the left GPi extension cable without improvement in symptoms. The worsened dystonia persisted despite multiple re-programming sessions. Appropriate lead placement was confirmed by MRI. He had eventual recovery in dystonia to near pre-DBS levels following cessation of stimulation and lead explantation (BFMDRS 21.5). Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first reported case of a patient with an NBIA disorder that had worsening dystonia following GPi DBS with subsequent improvement after explantation. This case report highlights the need to identify factors that may predict which patients are likely to experience a favorable or negative response to DBS. Disclosure: Dr. Tarakad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jimenez Shahed has received personal compensation for activities with Teva as a consultant. Dr. Jimenez Shahed has received research support from Avid Radiopharmaceutical, Inc., Acadia Pharmaceuticals, US World Meds, and Biotie.
Immune deficiency in a dog with distemper

A 16-week-old dog developed distemper 3 weeks after the 2nd of 2 vaccinations for canine distemper (CD). Symptomatic treatment was without effect and the dog was euthanatized. Prior to euthanasia, a blood sample was obtained for serologic study. The dog was found to be hypogammaglobulinemic and to have a serum-neutralization antibody titer of 1:16 to CD virus, which is considerably lower than the average 28-day response to a single CD vaccination (1:312). Histologic examination revealed absence of germinal centers in spleen and lymph nodes, generalized lymphoid depletion, and thymic hypoplasia. Comparison with primary immunodeficiencies of man and domestic animals and with CD virus-induced immune suppression led to inconclusive interpretation of these data. Thorough immune function analysis was deemed mandatory for separating primary immunodeficiency from CD virus-induced immunosuppression in dogs.
From QSAR to QSIIR: Searching for Enhanced Computational Toxicology Models

Quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) is the most frequently used modeling approach to explore the dependency of biological, toxicological, or other types of activities/properties of chemicals on their molecular features. In the past two decades, QSAR modeling has been used extensively in drug discovery process. However, the predictive models resulted from QSAR studies have limited use for chemical risk assessment, especially for animal and human toxicity evaluations, due to the low predictivity of new compounds. To develop enhanced toxicity models with independently validated external prediction power, novel modeling protocols were pursued by computational toxicologists based on rapidly increasing toxicity testing data in recent years. This chapter reviews the recent effort in our laboratory to incorporate the biological testing results as descriptors in the toxicity modeling process. This effort extended the concept of QSAR to quantitative structure in vitro-in vivo relationship (QSIIR). The QSIIR study examples provided in this chapter indicate that the QSIIR models that based on the hybrid (biological and chemical) descriptors are indeed superior to the conventional QSAR models that only based on chemical descriptors for several animal toxicity endpoints. We believe that the applications introduced in this review will be of interest and value to researchers working in the field of computational drug discovery and environmental chemical risk assessment.
Intermittent catheterization in children less than 6 years old.

AbstractNeurogenic bladder dysfunction often requires treatment early in life. Intermittent catheterization is an accepted means of treatment in older children and adults but its use in young children and infants has been limited because of fear of urethral injury. The results of managing 42 patients less than 6 years old by intermittent catheterization are presented. Excellent results were achieved even in small infants.
Publics and Lay Informatics: A Review of the Situational Theory of Problem Solving

The situational theory of publics (STP), one of the most popular public relations theories, provides a mechanism for the identification of publics and their information behaviors. The situational theory of problem solving (STOPS), an extension of the STP, is a more general theory of communication that looks at antecedents of individuals’ communication and information behaviors in the process of problem solving. This chapter reviews and explicates the differences and similarities between the two theories, their respective intellectual origins, and the body of new research that is being and could be generated from the STOPS.
Surface Marker Characterization of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients’ Intraperitoneal Leukocytes by Monoclonal Antibodies

The nature and quantity of leukocytes in peritoneal dialysate of uninfected patients was studied by antibody testing for the presence of various cell surface markers. About 77% of the cells were T and B lymphocytes in contrast to the predominance of macrophages harvested by saline lavage of the peritoneum. It is suggested that lymphocyte depletion may ensue from prolonged peritoneal dialysis contributing to an immunodeficiency state.
On the recent destabilization of the Gulf Stream path downstream of Cape Hatteras

Mapped satellite altimetry reveals interannual variability in the position of initiation of Gulf Stream meanders downstream of Cape Hatteras. The longitude where the Gulf Stream begins meandering varies by 1500 km. There has been a general trend for the destabilization point to shift west, and 5 of the last 6 years had a Gulf Stream destabilization point upstream of the New England Seamounts. Independent in situ data suggest that this shift has increased both upper-ocean/deep-ocean interaction events at Line W and open-ocean/shelf interactions across the Middle Atlantic Bight (MAB) shelf break. Mooring data and along-track altimetry indicate a recent increase in the number of deep cyclones that stir Deep Western Boundary Current waters from the MAB slope into the deep interior. Temperature profiles from the Oleander Program suggest that recent enhanced warming of the MAB shelf may be related to shifts in the Gulf Stream's destabilization point.
Cerebral Ultrasound and Neurodevelopment

The relations between lesions detected by ultrasound brain-imaging and neurodevelopmental outcome at 8 years in a cohort of 206 very preterm infants were studied at the Department of Paediatrics, University College and Middlesex School of Medicine, London.
Overcoming a 4th grader’s challenges with working-memory via constructivist-based pedagogy and strategic scaffolds: Tia’s solutions to challenging multiplicative tasks

Abstract This case study addressed a twofold problem: (a) how a particular, complex scheme that coordinates multiplicative and additive operations may evolve for a student (Tia, grade-4) who was identified as having a learning disability and working memory deficits and (b) how may a constructivist-based approach, Student-Adaptive Teaching (and special considerations of a student’s tendency to struggle with working memory) foster the student’s construction of such a scheme. The present study consists of qualitative analysis of teaching considerations for and interactions with Tia during episodes in which she was engaged in solving multiplicative reasoning tasks. We discuss three contributions of Tia’s case study: (a) the non-trivial mathematics students like her can undertake and enjoy learning, (b) the critical role that analysis of a child’s current conceptions serves in adapting goals/activities for her learning of such mathematics, and (c) the potential benefits of utilizing student-adaptive teaching methods for students with learning disabilities.