cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circulating Tumor Cells: From the Laboratory to the Cancer Clinic

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cells that are shed from tumors into the bloodstream. Cell enrichment and isolation technology as well as molecular profiling via next-generation sequencing have allowed for a greater understanding of tumor cancer biology via the interrogation of CTCs. CTC detection can be used to predict cancer relapse, progression, and survival; evaluate treatment effectiveness; and explore the ex vivo functional impact of agents. Detection methods can be by either immunoaffinity (positive or negative enrichment strategies) or biophysical strategies. CTC characterization, which is performed by DNA, RNA, and/or protein techniques, can predict metastatic potential. Currently, CTC-derived explant models may mimic patient response to chemotherapy and help with studying druggable targets and testing treatments. The Food and Drug Administration has cleared a CTC blood test to enumerate CTCs derived from breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. In conclusion, liquid biopsies via CTCs provide a non-invasive way to obtain important diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive information in patients with cancer.
Dynamics and bifurcations in multistable 3-cell neural networks

We disclose the generality of the intrinsic mechanisms underlying multistability in reciprocally inhibitory 3-cell circuits composed of simplified, low-dimensional models of oscillatory neurons, as opposed to those of a detailed Hodgkin-Huxley type [Wojcik et al., PLoS One 9, e92918 (2014)]. The computational reduction to return maps for the phase-lags between neurons reveals a rich multiplicity of rhythmic patterns in such circuits. We perform a detailed bifurcation analysis to show how such rhythms can emerge, disappear, and gain or lose stability, as the parameters of the individual cells and the synapses are varied.
Quantitative proteomics of α-and β-tubulin isotype expression in human cancer cells

593 Tubulin, the constitutive protein of microtubules, is an α/β heterodimer. In humans, there are six α-tubulin isotypes and seven β-tubulin isotypes, each the product of a unique gene. Heterogenous distribution of the isotypes has been observed among different tissues. The functional significance and the factors regulating this differential expression of tubulin isotypes are poorly understood. In cancer cells, alterations in tubulin isotype composition and tubulin mutations have been associated with resistance to drugs that interact with microtubules. Mass spectrometry-based methods have been developed in our laboratory to analyze tubulin isotype expression, mutations and posttranslational modifications in human cell lines and tissues. Since mass spectrometry is an inherently non-quantitative technique, we have used stable isotope-containing amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) to differentially label proteins in Taxol-sensitive- and resistant cell lines . In the SILAC method, two cell lines are cultured for several generations in media containing either deuterated leucine (d3-Leu) or normal leucine (d0-Leu). After incorporation, equal amounts of total cytosolic proteins from each cell line were mixed and tubulin was isolated by Taxol-induced polymerization. For relative quantitation of total α- and β-tubulin levels, the region containing tubulin was excised from a SDS-PAGE gel and subjected to trypsin digestion followed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Depending on the number of leucine residues contained in a tryptic peptide, this peptide was represented by two m/z peaks separated by a multiple of 3 Da in the mass spectra. The signal intensity of each peak in these doublets was used to calculate the relative abundance of a given isotype within the two cell lines. We compared the tubulin content of MDA-MB-231 cell line and MDA-MB-231.K20T, a Taxol-resistant cell line bearing a Glu198Gly mutation in βI-tubulin. Our data indicated that both α- and β-tubulin expression increased about 1.5-fold in MDA-MB-231.K20T. For relative quantitation of individual tubulin isotype levels, tubulin isotypes were separated by IEF and each gel band containing a particular isotype was analyzed by tryptic mass mapping. In MDA-MB-231.K20T, βIII-tubulin was increased by 2-fold, βIVb decreased by 0.7-fold, Kα1 increased by 2-fold and α6 increased by 1.3-fold. In the case of βI, a small amount of wild type protein was detected in MDA-MB-231.K20T (2.5-fold less than in MDA-MB-231), whereas most of this isotype was represented by the more basic mutated protein. We are utilizing the SILAC approach to analyze tubulin isotype expression in other cell lines, and also the differential expression of proteins associated with the microtubule cytoskeleton. This quantitative proteomic study will highlight those changes in cellular microtubule composition that may be related to Taxol resistance.
Large Single Crystals of Two-Dimensional π-Conjugated Metal-Organic Frameworks via Biphasic Solution-Solid Growth.

Two-dimensional (2D) π-conjugated metal–organic frameworks (πMOFs) are a new class of designer electronic materials that are porous and tunable through the constituent organic molecules and choice ...
Adapting isotonic dose-finding to a dynamic set of drug combinations with application to a phase I leukemia trial.

Background/aimsThis article describes the proposed design of a phase I study evaluating the safety of ceramide nanoliposome and vinblastine among an initial set of 19 possible dose combinations in ...
Using the Integrated Developmental Model of Supervision in a Vocational Counseling Setting

This paper proposes a concept of supervision at a vocational counseling setting. Using the Integrated Developmental Model with triadic supervision for trainees employed at YGS Placement Service agency will facilitate client welfare and counselor in training development. Along with supervision comes evaluating and assessing trainees' competence. Using the Counseling Competency Scale, the Supervisee Levels Questionnaire-Revised, and reflective journaling will benefit the supervision experience. Determining the level of development of trainees using the integrated development model is the first step to organize and plan the supervision meetings. Keywords: integrated developmental model, triadic supervision, vocational counseling, trainee, clinical supervision
Cu-doped zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8) for effective electrocatalytic CO2 reduction

Abstract Electrochemical CO2 reduction is a beneficial process for converting CO2 into useful hydrocarbons, chemicals, and fuels. Many catalysts have been tested before for CO2 electroreduction however achieving good stability, activity, and selectivity of the required product remains a challenge. In this work, we demonstrate the solvothermal synthesis and characterization of Cu-doped ZIF-8 catalysts with varying Cu+2 doping and applying them in the electrochemical CO2 reduction process. Cu30%ZIF-8 showed the highest current density of -40 mA cm−2 at -2.1 V vs. Ag/AgCl and better selectivity for CH4 and CO compared to previous works on Cu electrodes. This high activity of the Cu-doped ZIF-8 catalyst is because of the crystalline nanostructure of our catalyst with sufficient copper active metal sites and N-content, micro-meso dual-porosity nature of the structure, and broad surface area of zeolite imidazole framework to work on.
Impact of implementation of a nutrition support program in ovarian cancer patients

Objectives: A nutrition support program for ovarian cancer patients via early consultation with a registered dietician was developed in 2016 at our institution. The initial goal of our nutrition support program was focused on optimizing nutrition counseling for patients receiving NACT, though it has been broadened to include the majority of newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients. Follow-up visits are patient-initiated. We sought to evaluate outcomes of consultation in these patients to identify how to improve the program and better meet patient needs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from ovarian cancer patients receiving chemotherapy at our institution who ≥1 consult with a registered dietician from 12/2016-5/2020. We reviewed weight at baseline (time of initial consult) and at 6 months and baseline albumin. Patients were categorized using body mass index (BMI) as underweight (BMI Results: 227 patients were included; 216 were actively receiving chemotherapy and 11 were initiating chemotherapy. There were 113 (50%) receiving NACT. Average age was 62 (range 20-92), 44 (19%) patients were BlackBlack, and average baseline BMI was 28 (range 16-55). At initial consultation, 6 (3%) patients were underweight, 73 (32%) were normal weight, 73 (32%) were overweight, and 75 (33%) were obese. Table 1 details weight change data in patients with 6-month weight follow-up. The average weight change from baseline to 6m was -1.67 kg for underweight, -0.27 kg for normal weight, -0.16 kg for overweight, and -1.6 kg for obese patients. Among 116 patients receiving NACT, an initial albumin level was recorded in 83 patients (average 3.8). In 108 patients who underwent primary debulking surgery, initial albumin was obtained in 66 patients (average 3.9). Most patients (180/227, 79%) had a single nutrition consult. Of 47 patients who had at least one follow-up visit, 34 (72%) were receiving NACT. Follow-up visits were problem focused and primarily conducted in-person except for 3 telephone follow-up visits. Review of visit documentation identified several themes, including poor appetite, concerns about weight, and symptom management. Download : Download high-res image (92KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: Given the large proportion of obese patients in our cohort, weight goals (maintain, lose, gain) differ based on patient BMI. Average baseline albumin was similar between patients receiving NACT versus primary debulking surgery and has an unclear role as it was inconsistently followed and can be modified by multiple variables. As more patients who received NACT had patient-initiated follow-up visits, implementing scheduled follow-up for this group of patients would more proactively address a population to improve symptom management.
Design of T cell epitope-based vaccine candidate for SARS-CoV-2 targeting spike and nucleocapsid protein escape variants

The current COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread and devastate in the absence of effective treatments, warranting global concern and action. Despite progress in vaccine development, the rise of novel, increasingly infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants makes it clear that our response to the virus must continue to evolve along with it. The use of immunoinformatics provides an opportunity to rapidly and efficiently expand the tools at our disposal to combat the current pandemic and prepare for future outbreaks through epitope-based vaccine design. In this study, we validated and compared the currently available epitope prediction tools, and then used the best tools to predict T cell epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 spike and nucleocapsid proteins for use in an epitope-based vaccine. We combined the mouse MHC affinity predictor and clinical predictors such as HLA affinity, immunogenicity, antigenicity, allergenicity, toxicity and stability to select the highest quality CD8 and CD4 T cell epitopes for the common SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern suitable for further preclinical studies. We also identified variant-specific epitopes to more precisely target the Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Cluster 5 and US variants. We then modeled the 3D structures of our top 4 N and S epitopes to investigate the molecular interaction between peptide-MHC and peptide-MHC-TCR complexes. Following in vitro and in vivo validation, the epitopes identified by this study may be used in an epitope-based vaccine to protect across all current variants, as well as in variant-specific booster shots to target variants of concern. Immunoinformatics tools allowed us to efficiently predict epitopes in silico most likely to prove effective in vivo, providing a more streamlined process for vaccine development in the context of a rapidly evolving pandemic.
Processed EEG Use During Anesthesia and Outcomes: Analysis of the STS Adult Cardiac Surgery Database.

ABSTRACT Background This study assessed associations between processed electroencephalographic (pEEG) use during anesthesia, surgery- and anesthesia-related risk factors, and neurologic outcomes and mortality after cardiac surgery. Methods Drawing from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Adult Cardiac Surgery Database and its Adult Cardiac Anesthesiology Section, we identified 42,932 records for elective, urgent, and emergency cardiac surgery procedures between July 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019. Using propensity score weighted regression analysis, we analyzed the associations between pEEG use during anesthesia on the primary outcome, postoperative delirium (POD), and secondary outcomes (stroke, encephalopathy, coma, and operative mortality). Results The rate of pEEG use during anesthesia use was 32.8% (n=14,086), and its use was not associated with decreased odds for POD (odds ratio [OR], 0.88; 95%CI, 0.78-1.02) or encephalopathy (OR, 0.85; 95%CI, 0.70-1.03). Intraoperative pEEG monitoring use was also not associated with increased odds for stroke (OR, 1.17; 95%CI, 0.97-1.42) or coma (OR, 1.44; 95%CI, 0.82-2.52). In contrast, pEEG use during anesthesia was associated with higher odds for operative mortality (OR, 1.23; 95%CI, 1.05-1.44). This association remained significant after adjusting for POD (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.03-1.41), stroke (OR: 1.21, 95%CI:1.04-1.42), and encephalopathy (OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.07-1.52). Conclusions This large retrospective database study found no association between pEEG use during cardiac surgery and postoperative neurologic outcomes such as POD, stroke, encephalopathy, or coma. However, patients who underwent pEEG monitoring during anesthesia experienced higher mortality, even after adjustment for neurologic outcomes.
Wafer warpage characterization measurement with modified fringe reflection method

We have demonstrated a modified fringe reflection method to compensate the warpage measurement errors caused by the height difference between optical reference mirror and wafer sample surface. We have used a linearity analysis approach to obtain the parabolic height errors for a 4-inch sapphire wafer warpage measurement, which is around 1.48 μm of 100 μm height difference. The experimental results shows the warp discrepancy of 6-inch sapphire wafer is less than 1 μm compared with the reference Tropel instrument.
Operative Management of Spinal Injuries

Spinal injuries are a major cause of morbidity and mortality resulting from either destabilization of the bony spine or neurological injury to the spinal cord or spinal nerves. Prompt medical and surgical treatment is essential to minimize chronic functional disability. Major non-operative issues are immobilization and management of hypoxia and hypotension to reduce secondary neurological damage to the spinal cord. Accurate diagnosis of the injury requires careful neurological examination and imaging. Optimal surgical decisions depend upon the need for decompression, reduction of any induced deformity, and maintenance and/or restoration of spinal stability. This report reviews the commonly used criteria, guidelines, and approaches for operative management of spinal injury.
Some Thoughts on Monopoly, Markets, and Mergers

In assessing the current state of our jurisprudence under section 2 of the Sherman Act' and section 7 of the Clayton Act,2 the problem we confront today is one that has troubled courts, commentators, and counselors from antitrust's very beginning: How to fashion doctrines that not only make economic sense and provide businesses with sufficient flexibility to compete in the real world of the marketplace, but also are administrable as rules of law. Although we have made great strides over the past few decades in fine-tuning doctrine to take account of economic insights and to avoid much of the unduly restrictive rigor of past decisions,3 we have yet to translate these theoretical doctrines into workable rules that lawyers and judges can consistently apply. To deal first with the monopolization offense of section 2 of the Sherman Act, Professor Areeda correctly notes that it is the most elusive of all antitrust offenses, as well as the most dangerous, since it does not require concerted action.4 While the elements of the offense are now well settled-possession of monopoly power and either willful acquisition or willful maintenance of that power5-this formulation is hardly a useful tool either for judicial decisionmaking or business counseling. Just what does it mean to willfully acquire or maintain monopoly
Hermeneutical Conversations in Public Schools: Responding to Religious Objections

“We may be natural consumers and born narcissists,” Benjamin Barber observes, “but citizens have to be made.” The making of citizens should include an ethical-ecumenical dialogue in public schools that nurtures the skills and dispositions necessary for mutual understanding and reasonable disagreement. This essay makes a case for such dialogue and responds to two likely objections from some private moral languages, particularly religious ones, concerning the dangers of perspective-taking and self-reflection.
Exploration of SWRL Rule Bases through Visualization, Paraphrasing, and Categorization of Rules

Rule bases are increasingly being used as repositories of knowledge content on the Semantic Web. As the size and complexity of these rule bases increases, developers and end users need methods of rule abstraction to facilitate rule management. In this paper, we describe a rule abstraction method for Semantic Web Rule Language (SWRL) rules that is based on lexical analysis and a set of heuristics. Our method results in a tree data structure that we exploit in creating techniques to visualize, paraphrase, and categorize SWRL rules. We evaluate our approach by applying it to several biomedical ontologies that contain SWRL rules, and show how the results reveal rule patterns within the rule base. We have implemented our method as a plug-in tool for Protege-OWL, the most widely used ontology modeling software for the Semantic Web. Our tool can allow users to rapidly explore content and patterns in SWRL rule bases, enabling their acquisition and management.
Cooling system early-stage design tool for naval applications

This research applies the principles of naval architecture and mechanical engineering to the early-stage design of cooling systems on surface warships. The primary research objective is to build a Cooling System Design Tool (CSDT) which can rapidly generate system visualizations, compute weight, dimensions and cost of system components, and analyze survivability characteristics of cooling systems onboard a warship. We demonstrate the efficacy of this tool by applying it to analyze several pertinent examples on variations of a notional destroyer-sized vessel.
Gender and School Psychology: Issues, Questions, and Answers.

Does gender make a difference to the profession? Do differences exist in training, practice, attitudes, or roles among male and female school psychology practitioners or faculty? These questions we...
The Ras1–Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction Pathway Regulates Synaptic Plasticity through Fasciclin II-Mediated Cell Adhesion

Ras proteins are small GTPases with well known functions in cell proliferation and differentiation. In these processes, they play key roles as molecular switches that can trigger distinct signal transduction pathways, such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the phosphoinositide-3 kinase pathway, and the Ral-guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator pathway. Several studies have implicated Ras proteins in the development and function of synapses, but the molecular mechanisms for this regulation are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the Ras-MAPK pathway is involved in synaptic plasticity at the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction. Both Ras1 and MAPK are expressed at the neuromuscular junction, and modification of their activity levels results in an altered number of synaptic boutons. Gain- or loss-of-function mutations in Ras1 and MAPK reveal that regulation of synapse structure by this signal transduction pathway is dependent on fasciclin II localization at synaptic boutons. These results provide evidence for a Ras-dependent signaling cascade that regulates fasciclin II-mediated cell adhesion at synaptic terminals during synapse growth.
Plasmacytoid dendritic cell‐derived IFN‐α promotes murine liver ischemia/reperfusion injury by induction of hepatocyte IRF‐1

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) constitute the body's principal source of type I interferon (IFN) and are comparatively abundant in the liver. Among various cytokines implicated in liver ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury, type I IFNs have been described recently as playing an essential role in its pathogenesis. Moreover, type I IFNs have been shown to up-regulate hepatocyte expression of IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), a key transcription factor that regulates apoptosis and induces liver damage after I/R. Our aim was to ascertain the capacity of IFN-α released by liver pDC to induce liver damage through hepatic IRF-1 up-regulation after I/R injury. Our findings show that liver pDC mature and produce IFN-α in response to liver I/R. Liver pDC isolated after I/R induced elevated levels of IRF-1 production by hepatocytes compared with liver pDC isolated from sham-operated mice. Notably, hepatic IRF-1 expression was reduced significantly by neutralizing IFN-α. In vivo, IFN-α neutralization protected the liver from I/R injury by reducing hepatocyte apoptosis. This was associated with impaired expression of IRF-1 and proapoptotic molecules such as Fas ligand, its receptor (Fas) and death receptor 5, which are regulated by IRF-1. Furthermore, pDC-depleted mice failed to up-regulate hepatic IFN-α and displayed less liver injury associated with reduced levels of hepatic interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and hepatocyte apoptosis after I/R compared with controls. Conclusion: these data support the hypothesis that IFN-α derived from liver pDC plays a key role in the pathogenesis of liver I/R injury by enhancing apoptosis as a consequence of induction of hepatocyte IRF-1 expression. (Hepatology 2014;60:267–277)
N-terminal truncations in the FhlA protein result in formate- and MoeA-independent expression of the hyc (formate hydrogenlyase) operon of Escherichia coli.

The formate hydrogenlyase complex of Escherichia coli catalyses the cleavage of formate to CO2 and H2 and consists of a molybdoenzyme formate dehydrogenase-H, hydrogenase 3 and intermediate electron carriers. The structural genes of this enzyme complex are activated by the FhlA protein in the presence of both formate and molybdate; ModE-Mo serves as a secondary activator. Mutational analysis of the FhlA protein established that the unique N-terminal region of this protein was responsible for formate- and molybdenum-dependent transcriptional control of the hyc operon. Analysis of the N-terminal sequence of the FhlA protein revealed a unique motif (amino acids 7–37), which is also found in ATPases associated with several members of the ABC-type transporter family. A deletion derivative of FhlA lacking these amino acids (FhlA9-2) failed to activate the hyc operon in vivo, although the FhlA9-2 did bind to hyc promoter DNA in vitro. The ATPase activity of the FhlA9-2–DNA–formate complex was at least three times higher than that of the native protein–DNA–formate complex, and this degree of activity was achieved at a lower formate level. Extending the deletion to amino acid 117 (FhlA167) not only reversed the FhlA− phenotype of FhlA9-2, but also led to both molybdenum- and formate-independence. Deleting the entire N-terminal domain (between amino acids 5 and 374 of the 692 amino acid protein) also led to an effector-independent transcriptional activator (FhlA165), which had a twofold higher level of hyc operon expression than the native protein. Both FhlA165 and FhlA167 still required ModE-Mo as a secondary activator for an optimal level of hyc–lac expression. The FhlA165 protein also had a twofold higher affinity to hyc promoter DNA than the native FhlA protein, while the FhlA167 protein had a significantly lower affinity for hyc promoter DNA in vitro. Although the ATPase activity of the native protein was increased by formate, the ATPase activity of neither FhlA165 or FhlA167 responded to formate. Removal of the first 117 amino acids of the FhlA protein appears to result in a constitutive, effector-independent activation of transcription of the genes encoding the components of the formate hydrogenlyase complex. The sequence similarity to ABC-ATPases, combined with the properties of the FhlA deletion proteins, led to the proposal that the N-terminal region of the native FhlA protein interacts with formate transport proteins, both as a formate transport facilitator and as a cytoplasmic acceptor.
On the static aeroelastic tailoring of composite aircraft swept wings modelled as thin-walled beam structures☆

Abstract The sub-critical static aeroelastic response and the divergence instability of swept-forward aircraft wing structures constructed of anisotropic composite materials is analyzed. The new element distinguishing this study from the previous, existing ones is the structural model in which framework this problem is treated. In this sense, in contrast to the classical plate-beam or solid-beam models traditionally used in the study of these problems, the thin-walled anisotropic composite beam model is adopted here. The model used incorporates a number of non-classical effects. Among these are the anisotropy of the material of the constituent layers, the transverse shear deformation and the primary and secondary warping effects. Within the framework of this study, in addition to an assessment of the influence of the previously mentioned effects, the aeroelastic tailoring technique is applied and as a result, a series of conclusions concerning the enhancement of the static aeroelastic response characteristics of aeronautical wing structures made of advanced composite materials are outlined.
Solid-phase peptide synthesis and solid-phase fragment coupling mediated by isonitriles

The synthesis of polypeptides on solid phase via mediation by isonitriles is described. The acyl donor is a thioacid, which presumably reacts with the isonitrile to generate a thio-formimidate carboxylate mixed anhydride intermediate. Applications of this chemistry to reiterative solid-phase peptide synthesis as well as solid-phase fragment coupling are described.
Exploration in outbred mice covaries with general learning abilities irrespective of stress reactivity, emotionality, and physical attributes

Across multiple learning tasks (that place different sensory, motor, and information processing demands on the animals), we have found that the performance of mice is commonly regulated by a single factor ("general learning") that accounts for 30-40% of the variance across individuals and tasks. Furthermore, individuals' general learning abilities were highly correlated with their propensity to engage in exploration in an open field, a behavior that is potentially stress-inducing. This relationship between exploration in the open field and general learning abilities suggests the possibility that variations in stress sensitivity/responsivity or related emotional responses might directly influence individuals' general learning abilities. Here, the relationship of sensory/motor skills and stress sensitivity/emotionality to animals' general learning abilities were assessed. Outbred (CD-1) mice were tested in a battery of six learning tasks as well as 21 tests of exploratory behavior, sensory/motor function and fitness, emotionality, and stress reactivity. The performances of individual mice were correlated across six learning tasks, and the performance measures of all learning tasks loaded heavily on a single factor (principal component analysis), accounting for 32% of the variability between animals and tasks. Open field exploration and seven additional exploratory behaviors (including those exhibited in an elevated plus maze) also loaded heavily on this same factor, although general activity, sensory/motor responses, physical characteristics, and direct measures of fear did not. In a separate experiment, serum corticosterone levels of mice were elevated in response to a mild environmental stressor (confinement on an elevated platform). Stress-induced corticosterone levels were correlated with behavioral fear responses, but were unsystematically related to individuals' propensity for exploration. In total, these results suggest that although general learning abilities are strongly related to individuals' propensity for exploration, this relationship is not attributable to variations in sensory/motor function or the individuals' physiological or behavioral sensitivity to conditions that promote stress or fear.
Transcriptional and Physiological Responses of Nitrosococcus mobilis to Copper Exposure

This research examined the dynamic physiological and transcriptional responses of Nitrosococcus mobilis, an unsquenced ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, to Cu2+ exposure. Cu2+ exposure caused decreases in N. mobilis nitrite production and oxygen uptake rates, and the release of intercellular K+ suggested that Cu2+ damaged the outer-membrane of N. mobilis cells. Shotgun DNA microarrays identified five previously unsequenced genes that were up- or down-regulated in response to Cu2+ exposure. The up-regulated putative efflux protein (HP 1900) and a copper containing NnrS protein (HP 1696) were found to correlate with Cu2+ concentrations. The up-regulation of these genes may be useful as a bioindicator of the presence of Cu2+ in natural and engineered systems. Finally, the expression of amoA and hao genes encoding the sole metabolic enzymes ammonia monooxygenase and hydroxylamine oxidoreductase, respectively, were measured. While hao expression did not change upon exposure to Cu2+, amoA expression increased upon e...
Temperature dependence of the phosphorescence quantum yield of various alpha-lactalbumins and of hen egg-white lysozyme

The radiative quantum yield, phi op, of the triplet state of human alpha-lactalbumin (HLA) has been measured in the temperature range between 6 K and the softening point of the aqueous glass (approximately 150 K). phi op has little temperature dependence below approximately 30 K, but above this it decreases sharply with increasing temperature. The unusual temperature dependence is fitted by a phenomenological two-state model in which the phosphorescence originates primarily from a donor, tryptophan (Trp) 104, and an acceptor, Trp 60, the populations of which are coupled by a thermally activated triplet-triplet energy transfer process. The model assumes that the acceptor (Trp 60) triplet state undergoes radiationless deactivation by a proximal disulfide residue, while the donor (Trp 104) has no such extrinsic quencher. The decrease of phi op with increasing temperature is accounted for by the thermally activated triplet-triplet energy transfer process. The disulfide quenching rate constant itself is assumed to be temperature independent, in accord with recent measurements of simple disulfide quenching in long chain snake venom neurotoxins (Schlyer, B. D., E. Lau, and A. H. Maki. 1992. Biochemistry. 31:4375–4383; Li, Z., A. Bruce, and W. C. Galley. 1992. Biophys. J. 61:1364–1371). We find that the phosphorescence quenching in HLA occurs with an activation energy of 97 cm-1, which we associate with a barrier to the energy transfer process. The data are fit well by the model if we assume a value for the temperature-independent disulfide quenching constant of kQ > 3 s-1 that is consistent with recent measurements on indole-disulfide model systems (Li, Z., A. Bruce, and W. C. Galley. 1992. Biophys. J. 61:1364–1371). Similar results are reported for bovine alpha-lactalbumin (BLA) and for hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) that contains the structural equivalents of Trp 104 and Trp 60 of HLA. HLA provides the best agreement with calculations since it is the simplest, lacking Trp 26, a residue not considered in the model, that probably contributes significantly to the phosphorescence of BLA, guinea pig alpha-lactalbumin (GPLA), and HEWL. GPLA, which contains Trp 104 but lacks Trp 60, shows qualitatively less thermally induced phosphorescence quenching than HLA, BLA, and HEWL, thus supporting the postulated quenching model.
Upper limit on the ϱ° → ηγ branching ratio

Abstract We have determined the branching ratio for ϱ ° → ηγ to be less than 0.1% at the 90% confidence level.
Formal representations: a foundation for computer-aided architectural design

It is argued here that we must establish a demonstrably sound, comprehensive, rigorously formalized theoretical foundation upon which to base practical computer-aided architectural design software-...
Physical Health Conditions Associated with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in U.S. Older Adults: Results from Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions

Objectives: To present findings on past-year medical conditions associated with lifetime trauma exposure and full and partial posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a nationally representative sample of U.S. older adults. Design: Face-to-face diagnostic interviews. Setting: Wave 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Participants: Nine thousand four hundred sixty-three adults aged 60 and older. Measurements: Logistic regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and psychiatric comorbidity were used to evaluate associations between PTSD status and past-year medical disorders; linear regression models evaluated associations with past-month physical functioning. Results: After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid lifetime mood, anxiety, substance use, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, and personality disorders, respondents with lifetime PTSD were more likely than respondents who reported experiencing one or more traumatic life events but who did not meet lifetime criteria for full or partial PTSD (trauma controls) to report being diagnosed with hypertension, angina pectoris, tachycardia, other heart disease, stomach ulcer, gastritis, and arthritis (odds ratios (ORs) = 1.3�1.8) by a healthcare professional; they also scored lower on a measure of physical functioning than controls and respondents with partial PTSD. Respondents with lifetime partial PTSD were more likely than controls to report past-year diagnoses of gastritis (OR = 1.7), angina pectoris (OR = 1.5), and arthritis (OR = 1.4) and reported worse physical functioning. Number of lifetime traumatic event types was associated with most of the medical conditions assessed; adjustment for these events reduced the magnitudes of and rendered nonsignificant most associations between PTSD status and medical conditions. Conclusion: Older adults with lifetime PTSD have high rates of several physical health conditions, many of which are chronic disorders of aging, and poorer physical functioning. Older adults with lifetime partial PTSD have higher rates of gastritis, angina pectoris, and arthritis and poorer physical functioning.
Ultrahigh-energy photonuclear cross sections.

We present results of calculations of the total inelastic photon-air cross sections at ultrahigh energies (up to 10{sup 8} GeV in the laboratory) of relevance to on-going cosmic-ray experiments. The calculations take into account the high-energy QCD structure of the photon and are performed for a variety of photon and proton structure functions. The total inelastic photon-air cross section is obtained from the photon-proton jet cross section via an eikonalization procedure using a QCD-based diffractive model. The results are discussed in the context of the apparent excess muon content of air showers associated with point sources.
Work design and work measurement: implications for advanced production systems

With the increasing use of advanced automation technology, new approaches to work measurement are necessitated. The methodological needs for the research into development of a new generation of work measurement systems are examined, and a cognitive system engineering approach is adopted to take into account human behavior other than physical activity. It is proposed that the work measurement schemes for advanced production systems should be built around the cognitive characteristics of the workers and be compatible with their internal representational models of the given system.
Reflections on How and Why We Go Public

Whereas many think of public theology as it addresses public policy directly, this article seeks to chart the major non-political, indirect ways in which religions go public and thereby influence the common life and civil society. In addition to sketching out how religions generally shape their cultural and civilizational ethos, and thus personal character and social polity, it identifies how Christianity does so in distinctive directions and why it does so in comparison and contrast with other great traditions. Finally, it offers a set of suggestions as to why, for all its failures and blunders, a Christian public theology engenders a distinctive ethic which is good for humanity.
A theoretical model of the ionosphere dynamics with interhemispheric coupling

Abstract The ionospheric plasma is described by means of the momentum and continuity equations for O + , He + , H + and the energy equations for T e and T i . The ion production rate profiles and the photoelectron heating rates to the plasma are computed separately and serve as source functions in the continuity and energy equations respectively. The neutral atmosphere (composition, winds, temperature) as well as the incident photon spectrum are part of the inputs. Charge transfer, collisional energy loss processes, ion-neutral drag, diffusion and electron heat conduction are among the physical processes included in the calculations. Ion heat conduction is neglected. Assuming steady state, the equations are transformed into integral equations and then solved iteratively along geomagnetic field lines from the region of chemical equilibrium up to the equatorial plane. In this scheme non-local heating is included in a self-consistent way. The lower boundary conditions are obtained by satisfying photochemical and local energy equilibrium. Under conditions of asymmetry with respect to the equatorial plane the solutions are carried out for both hemispheres, and the upper boundary conditions are determined by requiring continuity of the physical parameters across the equatorial plane. In this way inter hemispheric plasma transport is introduced in a natural way. For symmetric conditions the transport fluxes are assumed zero at the Equator. An extension of this model to include time-dependent phenomena is presented.
Prototype for in situ detection of atmospheric NO3 and N2O5 via laser-induced fluorescence.

We describe a prototype designed for in situ detection of the nitrate radical (NO3) by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and of N2O5 by thermal dissociation followed by LIF detection of NO3. An inexpensive 36 mW continuous wave multi-mode diode laser at 662 nm is used to excite NO3 in the B2E‘(0000) ← band. Fluorescence is collected from 700 to 750 nm. The prototype has a sensitivity to NO3 of 76 ppt for a 60 s integration with an accuracy of 8%. Although this sensitivity is adequate for studies of N2O5 in many environments, it is much less sensitive (about 300 times) than expected based on a comparison of previously measured photophysical properties of NO2 and NO3. This implies much stronger nonradiative coupling of electronic states in NO3 than in NO2.
Towards user-centered design of a robotic prosthetic hand with EMG control interfaces

We present the design evolution of robotic prosthetic hands at WPI over the last couple years. Following a user-centered design approach, we have identified a series of requirements that good prosthetic hand designs should have. We describe in detail the mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems of each hand, and the relative advantages and disadvantages of the design decisions made during the development phases. In addition, we describe, in depth, our work towards an intuitive and high bandwidth EMG interface for assistive products. We compare various amplifiers and their performance for our implementation of an EMG interface.
Detection rates of premalignant polyps during screening colonoscopy: Time to revise quality standards?

Background Standards for the detection of adenomas during screening colonoscopy are widely used to measure examination quality. No such standards exist for sessile serrated adenomas (SSAs). Objective To measure both the adenoma detection rate (ADR) and SSA detection rate (SSADR) during screening colonoscopy before and after quality improvement/financial incentive measures. Design Retrospective determination of baseline ADR/SSADR by the endoscopist, followed by prospective collection of data after informing physicians of baseline detection rates. Setting Tertiary cancer center with a large cancer screening program. Patients A total of 2833 average-risk colorectal cancer screening patients 50 to 75 years of age undergoing initial colonoscopy. Data Collection Electronic medical records for indication and demographics, endoscopy report, and pathology report. Main Outcome Measurements Detection rates of adenomas and SSAs by sex. Results The overall ADR in male and female patients was 50.6% and 36.6%, respectively. The overall detection rate of advanced adenomas in male and female patients was 12.4% and 6.5%, respectively. The overall SSADR in male and female patients was 10.1% and 7.1%, respectively. In 108 patients (3.8% of entire group), SSAs were the only premalignant lesions found. Detection rates of both types of premalignant polyps improved over time but did not reach statistical significance. Limitations Single-center experience with limited sample size and small group of endoscopists. Conclusion ADRs far in excess of current standards are achievable. Cecal withdrawal time is associated with the ADR. Prevalence of SSA rivals that of advanced adenomas and is greater than current medical literature suggests. The combination of monitoring and financial incentives did not result in statistically significant improvement in ADRs.
Potentiated caspase-3 in Ras-transformed 10T1/2 cells

Procaspase-3 protein content is highly elevated in fully Ras-transformed mouse embryo fibroblast 10T1/2 cells in which ectopic expression of oncogenic H-Ras is induced by a tetracycline-regulated expression system. Blockage of the ERK pathway results in profound reduction of transcript and protein content of procaspase-3 in both Ras-transformed and non-transformed counterpart 10T1/2 cells, indicating that the ERK pathway is involved in procaspase-3 gene expression. The elevated procaspase-3 protein content appears to facilitate the proteolytic production of active caspase-3 during selective induction of apoptosis of Ras-transformed cells by a discriminating anticancer agent, FR901228, whereas it induces growth arrest of non-transformed counterpart cells. The evidence indicates a potential role of the elevated procaspase-3 protein content and an essential role of the ERK pathway for procaspase-3 expression in the increased susceptibility of Ras-transformed 10T1/2 cells to anticancer agent FR901228.
The socio-economic determinants of recourse to legal abortion.

Synopsis This study of the determinants of legal abortion examines the interconnections between human reproduction and social organization. The hypothesis is that in the context of liberalized abortion laws, the incidence of abortion is determined by the socio-economic circumstances of women. A simple model of this relationship is tested using international data drawn from a sample of countries. welfare and birth control planning are immediate, especially as increasing availability of data will make case studies of individual countries feasible. Feminists can use these studies not only to guide their own political practice (particularly to prevent anti-abortion groups from isolating and mystifying the issue), but also to secure a more informed social policy towards women. For example if the demand for abortion varies across countries because of different socio-economic conditions, women even within a country can be expected to make different decisions based on different social and economic circumstances. Thus the research supports those feminists whose political intuition has already led them to combine the abortion issue with other campaigns, around welfare, the medical industry, and employment. In the U.S. for example, faced with savage welfare cuts and racist sterilization abuse, it seems that for some women the problem is not to secure their right to abort, but to ensure also their right to have a child. Thus feminists must go beyond technical adjustments of the law to demand related but deeper institutional changes. Only by altering the material circumstances of women's lives can we really secure reproductive freedom for all.
3414 Cost effective approach to patients on long term anticoagulation who need endoscopy.

Patients (pts) requiring long term anticoagulation may need endoscopic procedures. These are often done in the inpatient setting using a `heparin window'. Aim: To determine whether an initial diagnostic endoscopic examination is a cost-effective strategy in these patients. Methods: A decision tree was made outling two strategies: 1) a diagnostic endoscopy (on full anticoagulation) followed by therapeutic endoscopy if needed using standard practice, and 2) standard coumadin reversal (reverse coumadin, start intravenous heparin, perform endoscopy, restart coumadin). Costs were compared using decision analysis. Clinical data [indication for anticoagulation and endoscopy, findings at endoscopy, therapeutic impact and time spent waiting a targeted INR] was obtained by retrospective analysis of inpatients from 1997 to 1999. Results: Sixty-four charts, where standard coumadin reversal approach was used, were analyzed. Eighty-six endoscopies were done in the 64 pts (38 EGD, 30 colonoscopies, 9 enteroscopies, 7 ERCPs, 1 flexible sigmoidoscopy and 1 PEG]. In the overall cohort, 211 additional days were spent waiting for a targeted INR [3.3 days/patient]. When the indication suggested significant bleeding, therapeutic intervention was done in 57% of the cases. ERCP was always therapeutic (100%). Overall, 31% of the cases required therapeutic intervention. The diagnostic endoscopy approach will reduce hospital stay by 330 days per 100 pts. Considering only room costs and assuming equal costs for initial endoscopy, the savings=Cost of standard approach - Cost of proposed approach=[No. of Pts X No. of days X cost of a day] - [(Pts needing repeat procedure X No. of days X cost of a day) + (No. of additional procedures X cost of a procedure)]. Using our clinical data and conservative cost estimates [$500/day and $300/procedure], savings for 100 pts=(100 X 3.3 X 500) - [(31 X 3.3 X 500) + (31 X 300)] = $104,550. Threshold analysis showed diagnostic endoscopy on anticoagulation was preferred as long as expected chances of therapeutic intervention were less than 83% [1500/(300 + 1500) or H/H+P, where `H' = cost of hospital stay and `P' = cost of procedure.] Conclusion: In anticoagulated patients, the most cost-effective strategy is diagnostic endoscopy approach on anticoagulation except when ERCP is indicated. This approach will lead to significant cost savings ($104,550 per 100 patients) by reducing duration of hospital stay.