cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Phosphatidylserine-dependent β2-Glycoprotein I Macrophage Interactions: IMPLICATIONS FOR APOPTOTIC CELL CLEARANCE BY PHAGOCYTES *

The binding and uptake of phosphatidylserine (PS)-expressing cells appears to involve multiple receptor-mediated systems that recognize the lipid either directly or indirectly through intermediate proteins that form a molecular bridge between the cells. Here we show that β2-glycoprotein I (β2GPI), a 50-kDa serum glycoprotein, binds PS-containing vesicles and serves as an intermediate for the interaction of these vesicles with macrophages. Chemical modification of lysines and cysteines abolished β2GPI-dependent PS uptake by inhibiting the binding of PS to β2GPI and the binding of PS·β2GPI complex to macrophages, respectively. Recognition was mediated by β2GPI and not by the lipid because antibodies to β2GPI inhibited binding of the complex to macrophages. These results indicate that human (THP-1-derived) macrophages bind β2GPI only after it is bound to its lipid ligand. Competition experiments with monosaccharides that inhibit lectin-dependent interactions, and PS·β2GPI binding experiments using deglycosylated β2GPI, suggested that carbohydrate residues were not required for macrophage recognition of the complex. Antibodies to putative macrophage PS receptors (CD36, CD68, and CD14) did not inhibit uptake of the complex. These data suggest that β2GPI can bind cells that fail to maintain membrane lipid asymmetry and generate a specific bridging moiety that is recognized for clearance by a phagocyte receptor that is distinct from CD36, CD68, and CD14.
Pinhole Imaging Techniques For Hard X-Rays

Numerical image processing techniques have been applied to the restoration of x-ray pinhole photographs of solid targets irradiated by intense relativistic electron beams. An experimentally determined point spread function for the pinhole camera was utilized to eliminate the effects of high energy x-ray degradation of pin-hole resolution. Spatially resolved measurements of x-ray yield were made by measuring the dose to calibrated film and calculating the exposure using Monte-Carlo electron-photon transport calculations.
Functional analysis of the Salmonella typhimurium invasion genes invl and invJ and identification of a target of the protein secretion apparatus encoded in the inv locus

Summary We have carried out a functional analysis of invl and invJ, two Saimonella typhimurium genes required for this organism to gain access So cultured mammalian cells. These genes are located immediately downstream of invC, a previously identified gene also required for bacterial invasion. Non-polar mutations in either of these genes rendered S. typhimurium severely defective for entry into cultured epithelial cells, although these mutations did not affect the ability of these organisms to attach to those cells. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the invl and invJ genes encode proteins with molecular weights of 18077 and 36415, respectively. Polypeptides of similar sizes were observed when these genes were expressed in a bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase-based expression system. Comparison of the predicted sequences of Invl and InvJ with translated sequences in the existing databases indicated that these proteins are Identical to the previously identified S. typhimurium SpaM and SpaN proteins. Further analysis of these sequences revealed regions of homology between Invl and the N-terminus of lpaB of Shigella spp. and between InvJ and EaeB of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli. Localization studies by immunoblot analysis indicated that InvJ is secreted to the culture supernatant, a surprising finding since this protein also lacks a typical signal sequence. Mutations in invG and inyC, two members of the Salmonella inv locus, effectively prevented the transport of InvJ to the culture supernatant. Thus, InvJ is the first identified target of the protein secretion apparatus encoded in the inv locus and therefore a candidate to have effector functions related to bacterial entry.
Three-dimensional bicontinuous ultrafast-charge and -discharge bulk battery electrodes

Rapid charge and discharge rates have become an important feature of electrical energy storage devices, but cause dramatic reductions in the energy that can be stored or delivered by most rechargeable batteries (their energy capacity). Supercapacitors do not suffer from this problem, but are restricted to much lower stored energy per mass (energy density) than batteries. A storage technology that combines the rate performance of supercapacitors with the energy density of batteries would significantly advance portable and distributed power technology. Here, we demonstrate very large battery charge and discharge rates with minimal capacity loss by using cathodes made from a self-assembled three-dimensional bicontinuous nanoarchitecture consisting of an electrolytically active material sandwiched between rapid ion and electron transport pathways. Rates of up to 400C and 1,000C for lithium-ion and nickel-metal hydride chemistries, respectively, are achieved (where a 1C rate represents a one-hour complete charge or discharge), enabling fabrication of a lithium-ion battery that can be 90% charged in 2 minutes.
Surgeon-Performed Ultrasonography as the Initial and Only Localizing Study in Sporadic Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Background With a secure diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism, preoperative localization of abnormal glands is the initial step toward limited parathyroidectomy. Nuclear scanning and ultrasonography done by third parties are costly. We investigated whether ultrasonography performed by the operating surgeon (SUS) could be the initial and only preoperative localization study in patients with sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism. Study design Two hundred twenty-six patients underwent preoperative SUS and Sestamibi scans before limited parathyroidectomy guided by quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay. SUS findings were noted before the surgeon had access to the scan results. Charge for localization by nuclear scan was $1,315 and $204 for SUS. Successful localization was determined by operative findings, intraoperative hormone dynamics, and postoperative calcium levels. Results SUS correctly localized all the offending glands in 173 of 226 (77%) successfully treated patients. In 53 patients, SUS showed no parathyroid gland (n = 32), did not recognize multiglandular disease (n = 5), and showed an incorrect location of the abnormal gland (n = 16). In these patients, the technetium-99m-sestamibi scans successfully identified all abnormal tissue in 30 of 53 (57%). Localization using both methods was correct in 203 of 226 (90%) patients. Accuracy of SUS and scans used separately was equal. With use of quick intraoperative parathyroid hormone assay, successful parathyroidectomy was accomplished in 223 of 226 (99%), unilateral exploration in 88%, and overnight stay avoided in 78% of patients. Conclusions With equal accuracy, SUS is more convenient, less expensive, and noninvasive when compared with scans. Sestamibi should be used when the SUS is negative or equivocal. SUS should be the initial localizing test in the treatment of sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism.
Selection for cheating across disparate environments in the legume‐rhizobium mutualism

The primary dilemma in evolutionarily stable mutualisms is that natural selection for cheating could overwhelm selection for cooperation. Cheating need not entail parasitism; selection favours cheating as a quantitative trait whenever less-cooperative partners are more fit than more-cooperative partners. Mutualisms might be stabilised by mechanisms that direct benefits to more-cooperative individuals, which counter selection for cheating; however, empirical evidence that natural selection favours cheating in mutualisms is sparse. We measured selection on cheating in single-partner pairings of wild legume and rhizobium lineages, which prevented legume choice. Across contrasting environments, selection consistently favoured cheating by rhizobia, but did not favour legumes that provided less benefit to rhizobium partners. This is the first simultaneous measurement of selection on cheating across both host and symbiont lineages from a natural population. We empirically confirm selection for cheating as a source of antagonistic coevolutionary pressure in mutualism and a biological dilemma for models of cooperation.
α7 Nicotinic receptor gene delivery into mouse hippocampal neurons leads to functional receptor expression, improved spatial memory-related performance, and tau hyperphosphorylation

Abstract Brain α7 nicotinic receptors have become therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) based on their memory-enhancing and neuroprotective actions. This study investigated the feasibility of increasing neuronal α7 receptor functions using a gene delivery approach based on neuron-selective recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)–derived vectors. In order to determine whether α7 receptor-mediated cytotoxicity was dependent on receptor density, rat α7 nicotinic receptors were expressed at high concentrations in GH4C1 cells as measured with nicotine-displaceable [3H]methyllycaconitine (MLA) binding. The potency of GTS-21 (an α7 receptor agonist) to induce cell loss was similar in these cells to that seen in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells expressing nine-times-lower receptor levels, suggesting that cytotoxicity was more dependent on agonist concentration than receptor density. Hippocampal transduction with rat α7 nicotinic receptors increased [3H]MLA binding in this region in wild type and α7 receptor-knockout (KO) mice without apparent cytotoxicity. No difference was observed in Kd values for MLA binding between endogenous and transgenic receptors. Single cell recordings demonstrated that dentate granule cells that normally have no α7 receptor response did so following α7 receptor gene delivery in wild type mice. Recovery of α7 function was also observed in stratum oriens and stratum radiatum neurons of KO mice following gene delivery. Wild type mice exhibited improved acquisition performance in the Morris water task 1 month after bilateral hippocampal transductions with the rat α7 receptor gene compared with green fluorescent protein–transduced controls. However, both groups reached similar training levels and there was no difference in subsequent probe performance. Finally, this gene delivery approach was used to test whether α7 receptors affect tau-phosphorylation. Chronic (i.e. 2 month but not 2 week) expression of high levels of α7 receptors in hippocampus increased AT8 staining characteristic of hyperphosphorylated tau in that region, indicating that endogenous agonist-mediated receptor activation may be able to modulate this process.
Highly deformable liquid-state heterojunction sensors

Mechanically deformable devices and sensors enable conformal coverage of electronic systems on curved and soft surfaces. Sensors utilizing liquids confined in soft templates as the sensing component present the ideal platform for such applications, as liquids are inherently more deformable than solids. However, to date, liquid-based devices have been limited to metal lines based on a single-liquid component given the difficulty in the fabrication of liquid-based junctions due to intermixing. Here, we demonstrate a robust platform for the fabrication of liquid-liquid 'heterojunction' devices, presenting an important advancement towards the realization of liquid-state electronic systems. The device architecture and fabrication scheme we present are generic for different sensing liquids, enabling demonstration of sensors responsive to different stimuli. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate temperature, humidity and oxygen sensors by using different ionic liquids, exhibiting high sensitivity with excellent mechanical deformability arising from the inherent property of the liquid phase.
Deciphering 140 Characters Text Mining Tweets On #DriverDistraction

Objective: Conduct an exploratory analysis of driver distraction tweets using text mining. Background: Twitter is a popular social networking site with a wealth of data that is both explanatory and predictive of current trends and events. Data from Twitter may also prove useful in understanding the attitudes and opinions surrounding distracted driving. Method: Tweets posted between January 29, 2012 and April 12, 2013 containing the words ‘driver distraction’ or ‘driving distraction’ were collected. Text mining was used to extract patterns from the tweets in terms of timelines, frequencies, and associations. Results: Over 8,000 tweets were collected and contained information about users’ personal experience with driver distraction as well as various news articles about driver distraction. Conclusion: Twitter data provide a real-time snapshot of the attitudes surrounding of distracted driving. Application: Information from social media can complement traditional driving data sources, such as simulator studi...
Coupling fine root dynamics with ecosystem carbon cycling in black spruce forests of interior Alaska

Fine root processes play a prominent role in the carbon and nutrient cycling of boreal ecosystems due to the high proportion of biomass allocated belowground and the rapid decomposition of fine roots relative to aboveground tissues. To examine these issues in detail, major components of ecosystem carbon flux were studied in three mature black spruce forests in interior Alaska, where fine root production, respiration, mortality and decomposition, and aboveground production of trees, shrubs, and mosses were measured relative to soil CO2 fluxes. Fine root production, measured over a two-year period using minirhizotrons, varied from 0.004 ± 0.001 mm·cm–2·d–1 over winter, to 0.051 ± 0.015 mm·cm–2·d–1 during July, with peak growing season values comparable to those reported for many temperate forests using similar methods. On average, 84% of this production occurred within 20 cm of the moss surface, although the proportion occurring in deeper profiles increased as soils gradually warmed throughout the summer. M...
Multiclass Maximum-Likelihood Symmetry Determination and Motif Reconstruction of 3-D Helical Objects From Projection Images for Electron Microscopy

Many micro- to nano-scale 3-D biological objects have a helical symmetry. Cryo electron microscopy provides 2-D projection images where, however, the images have low SNR and unknown projection directions. The object is described as a helical array of identical motifs, where both the parameters of the helical symmetry and the motif are unknown. Using a detailed image formation model, a maximum-likelihood estimator for the parameters of the symmetry and the 3-D motif based on images of many objects and algorithms for computing the estimate are described. The possibility that the objects are not identical but rather come from a small set of homogeneous classes is included. The first example is based on 316n128 t100npixel experimental images of Tobacco Mosaic Virus, has one class, and achieves 12.40-A spatial resolution in the reconstruction. The second example is based on 400n128 t128npixel synthetic images of helical objects constructed from NaK ion channel pore macromolecular complexes, has two classes differing in helical symmetry, and achieves 7.84- and 7.90-A spatial resolution in the reconstructions for the two classes.
Measurement of urinary concentration: a critical appraisal of methodologies.

The measurement of urine concentration provides information concerning the kidney's ability to appropriately respond to variations in fluid homeostasis. It also assists in the interpretation of other tests performed on the same urine specimen. The gold standard of estimating urinary concentration is the measurement of its osmolality; however, this procedure is not readily available to the practicing physician. Therefore, urine concentration is usually determined by measurement of its specific gravity (SG), which provides a fair estimate of urine osmolality. Over the years numerous tests have been developed to measure urine SG in a simple, quick, reliable and easily available method. These tests measure SG either directly (e.g., gravimetry) or by indirect methods (e.g., refractometry and reagent strip). All these tests have certain limitations based on their underlying physical principles. Specific gravity as measured by refractometry is influenced by proteinuria, such that for each 10 g/l protein the SG increases by 0.003. SG is also influenced by glucosuria such that it increases by approximately 0.002 per 10 g/l glucose when compared with urinary osmolality. Unlike osmolality, which is only affected by the number of particles, refractometry is affected by number, mass and chemical structure of the dissolved particles; hence large molecules like radiographic contrast or mannitol will increase SG relative to osmolality. The reagent strip is minimally affected by glucose, mannitol or radiographic contrast. However, it is affected by urinary pH such that only urine in the pH range of 7.0-7.5 can be correctly interpreted. The measurement of SG by reagent strip is based on the ionic strength of the urine and thus is significantly affected by the ionic composition of the urine and by proteins which have an electric charge in solution. In our experience, SG measured by the refractometer is consistently more accurate than the reagent strip. For the clinician who is interpreting urine SG results, it is important to be aware of these limitations and understand the reasons for possible potential errors of each particular method.
A Synthesis Tool for CMOS RF Low-Noise Amplifiers

A stand-alone design automation tool tailored for radio frequency (RF) complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) low-noise amplifier (LNA) designs is presented. Rather than relying on commercially available circuit simulators such as Spectre or Hspice, the presented synthesis tool is self-contained with its own built-in modules for faster optimization. Foundry-provided silicon-verified RF device models are incorporated into the synthesis procedure for accurate parasitic modeling. The proposed synthesis tool can be used as an independent circuit design environment for LNAs or, alternatively, as an auxiliary tool generating an initial design for a commercial design environment to reduce design time. To validate the proposed approach, an LNA operating at 900 MHz is synthesized and fabricated in a 0.25-mum CMOS technology. Measurement results are presented, which shows the viability of the proposed synthesis tool.
Tight squeeze, slow burn: inflammation and the aetiology of cervical myelopathy

A great deal of progress has been made over the past decade in understanding the role of secondary injury in the progression of brain and spinal cord injury, and the innate immune response has emerged as an important potential therapeutic target (e.g. Beattie, 2004; Donnelly and Popovich, 2008). The microglial response to CNS damage and subsequent invasion of the lesion by peripheral macrophages are associated with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and related immune effector molecules that can induce cell death through necrosis and apoptosis both in neurons and oligodendrocytes. Brain and spinal cord injury can initiate a long-lasting cascade of oligodendrocyte death that may lead to chronic demyelination, adding to the dysfunction (e.g. Crowe et al. , 1997; Beattie et al. , 2002), and this cascade is driven at least in part through the actions of immune mediators including pro-inflammatory cytokines (Donnelly and Popovich, 2008). Thus, neuroinflammation has been identified as a target for pharmacological therapies, with some evidence of success in animal models of acute spinal cord injury. For example, the anti-inflammatory antibiotic minocycline has been shown to reduce oligodendrocyte apoptosis and spare function in acute cervical spinal cord injury (Stirling et al. , 2004). Neuroinflammation has also been identified as a contributor to cell death in ischaemic stroke and chronic neurodegenerative disorders; and these findings point to the potential commonality of mechanisms underlying cell damage and death in both acute neural injury and slow-developing pathologies like those seen in Alzheimer's; disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Now, in this issue of Brain , Yu et al. (2011) provide evidence that cervical spondylotic myelopathy, a slow progressive compression injury to the cord and arguably the most prevalent form of spinal cord injury, also involves innate immune responses that contribute to neuronal and oligodendrocyte death, similar to that seen …
The recognition of partially visible natural objects in the presence and absence of their occluders

The visual system is adept at compensating for the missing information in scenes that results from occlusion, but how this is done is not fully understood. In particular, the role of the occluding object in visual processing and its effect on the subsequent recognition of the occluded object is unclear. We report three human behavioral experiments suggesting that the recognition of partially visible objects is facilitated when the missing object information is replaced by an occluder rather than simply removed. Furthermore, we provide EEG evidence suggesting that the processes responsible for facilitated recognition occur relatively early in the visual stream.
Does Risk Sharing Motivate Interdealer Trading

We use unique data from the London Stock Exchange to test whether interdealer trade facilitates inventory risk sharing among dealers. We develop a methodology that focuses on periods of “extreme” inventories—inventory cycles. We further distinguish between inventory cycles that are unanticipated and those that are anticipated because of “worked” orders. The pattern of interdealer trade during inventory cycles matches theoretical predictions for the direction of trade and the inventories of trade counterparts. We also show that London dealers receive higher trading revenues for taking larger positions.
Opinion integration through semi-supervised topic modeling

Web 2.0 technology has enabled more and more people to freely express their opinions on the Web, making the Web an extremely valuable source for mining user opinions about all kinds of topics. In this paper we study how to automatically integrate opinions expressed in a well-written expert review with lots of opinions scattering in various sources such as blogspaces and forums. We formally define this new integration problem and propose to use semi-supervised topic models to solve the problem in a principled way. Experiments on integrating opinions about two quite different topics (a product and a political figure) show that the proposed method is effective for both topics and can generate useful aligned integrated opinion summaries. The proposed method is quite general. It can be used to integrate a well written review with opinions in an arbitrary text collection about any topic to potentially support many interesting applications in multiple domains.
Zinc inhibition of adenylyl cyclase correlates with conformational changes in the enzyme

Abstract We have previously demonstrated that Zn2+ inhibits hormone and forskolin stimulation of cAMP synthesis in intact N18TG2 cells, corresponding plasma membranes, and of recombinant adenylyl cyclase isoforms. If, however, the enzyme is pre-activated by hormone or forskolin, Zn2+ inhibition is attenuated [J. Biol. Chem. 277 (2002) 11859]. We have extended our analyses of this inhibition to investigations of soluble adenylyl cyclase, composed of the CI and CII domains of the full-length protein. The properties of Zn2+ inhibition of the soluble enzyme parallel that of the full-length protein, including the fact that inhibition is not competitive with Mg2+. By monitoring intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence, we demonstrate changes in enzyme conformers in response to the addition of varied effectors. The data suggest a possible mechanism by which Zn2+ inhibits adenylyl cyclase activity.
THE REGULATION OF WHITE LOCUS EXPRESSION: A DOMINANT MUTANT ALLELE AT THE WHITE LOCUS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

ABSTRACT A new mutant allele (wDZL)at the white locus of Drosophila melanogaster is dominant to the wild-type allele, but apparently only when the two alleles are synapsed. When chromosomal rearrangements prevent somatic pairing between the two white alleles, wDZL is rendered recessive to wild type. This observation suggests that the dominance of wDZL is sensitive to a synapsis (transvection) effect. On the basis of this and other properties, it is proposed that wDZL causes the repression of transcription of a synapsed w+ allele, but not of a w+ allele elsewhere in the same nucleus. One model to account for this supposes that wDzL produces a repressor of white-locus transcription. This repressor is presumed to be so unstable that other white genes, removed from wDZL but in the same nucleus, are not detectably repressed. These properties may be simply understood if it is assumed that the repressor produced by the wDZL allele is an RNA molecule.
A transcriptional and metabolic signature of primary aneuploidy is present in chromosomally-unstable cancer cells and informs clinical prognosis

Aneuploidy is invariably associated with poor proliferation of primary cells, but the precise contributions of abnormal karyotypes to cancer, a disease characterized by aneuploidy and dysregulated proliferation, remain unclear. In this study, I demonstrate that the transcriptional alterations caused by aneuploidy in primary cells are also present in chromosomally-unstable cancer cell lines, but the same alterations are not common to all aneuploid cancers. Chromosomally-unstable cancer lines displayed increased glycolytic and TCA-cycle flux, also a feature of aneuploid primary cells. The biological response to aneuploidy is associated with cellular stress and slow proliferation, and a 70-gene signature derived from primary aneuploid cells was defined as a strong predictor of increased survival in several cancers. Inversely, a transcriptional signature derived from clonal aneuploidy in tumors correlated with high mitotic activity and poor prognosis. Together these findings suggested that there are two types of aneuploidy in cancer, one of which is clonal aneuploidy selected during tumor evolution and associated with robust growth, and the second of which is subclonal aneuploidy caused by chromosomal instability (CIN). Subclonal aneuploidy more closely resembles the stressed state of primary aneuploid cells, yet CIN is not benign: a subset of genes upregulated in high-CIN cancers predict aggressive disease in human patients in a proliferation-independent manner.
The effect of providing information about lymphedema on the cognitive and symptom outcomes of breast cancer survivors.

Background Despite recent advances in breast cancer treatment, breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) continues to be a significant problem for many survivors. Some BCRL risk factors may be largely unavoidable, such as mastectomy, axillary lymph node dissection (ALND), or radiation therapy. Potentially avoidable risk factors unrelated to breast cancer treatment include minor upper extremity infections, injury or trauma to the arm, overuse of the limb, and air travel. This study investigates how providing information about BCRL affects the cognitive and symptomatic outcome of breast cancer survivors.
Understanding the Changing Dynamics of the Gender Gap in Undergraduate Engineering Majors: 1971–2011

In this paper we examine the level and determinants of entering college students’ plans to major in engineering. While the overall level of interest in engineering has fluctuated between 1971 and 2011, a very large gender gap in freshman interest remains. We find that the percent of first-year women who plan to major in engineering is roughly the same today as in the early 1980s. We estimated the impact of predictor variables for five time points: 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2011. Independent variables were grouped into eight categories: personal inputs, background characteristics, learning experiences, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, interests, contextual influences, and choice goals. We present the findings in terms of those variables that have a consistent effect on the gender gap over time, and those whose effects vary over time.
Liquid chromatographic determination of sulfamethazine in feeds

A reverse-phase liquid chromatographic method for the assay of sulfamethazine (SMZ) in feeds is described. Feed samples are extracted with 50% methanol solution, centrifuged, filtered, and diluted when necessary, and chromatographed on a C-18 column. Samples are eluted with a mobile phase of 20% methanol and 80% of a solution containing acetic acid and tetramethylammonium chloride. The average recovery from spiked samples was 97.2% with a coefficient of variation of 1.2%. Linearity was very good (correlation coefficient 0.9997). Within-day and between-day coefficients of variation averaged 1.3 and 2.6%, respectively. The results for samples assayed by this method compared closely with the results from the same extracts assayed by the AOAC colorimetric method.
Gallbladder and Biliary Tract

Ultrasound is the preferred initial imaging modality for any suspected pathology of the gallbladder and the biliary system. It is noninvasive, portable, relatively inexpensive, and does not carry the risk or radiation burden that accompanies other diagnostic modalities. Ultrasound is reliable and accurate in the detection of hepatobiliary malformations such as choledochal cysts and gallbladder diseases such as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, and often cholangitis. Ultrasound is one cornerstone in the evaluation of patients with biliary atresias. A thorough assessment includes a fasting evaluation of the gallbladder contour, wall thickness, shape, and contents, as well as the intrahepatic and extrahepatic ductal structures. Color Doppler aids in the discrimination of structures of the port hepatis. Many clinicians rely upon ultrasound as an adjunct or the definitive diagnostic tool in the workup of pediatric gallbladder and bile duct pathology.
4-amino-7-chloroquinoline derivatives for treating Parkinson's disease: implications for drug discovery.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the most common movement disorder affecting approximately 0.3% of the general population and 1–2% of the population over age 65, with a mean age of onset at 55 years.[1]...
Natalia Ginzburg, Clara Sereni and Lia Levi: Jewish Italian women recapturing cities, families and national memories:

To this day, the Italian Jewish literary postwar canon is undisputedly ruled by Primo Levi, Giorgio Bassani and Carlo Levi. This study of three major Italian Jewish women writers – Natalia Ginzburg, Clara Sereni and Lia Levi – highlights the presence in Italian literature of a subversive Jewish ecriture feminine. These writers’ formal independence and subversive redeployment of narrative and thematic strategies not only consolidated a strong female voice in Italian literature but also produced a specific Italian brand of Jewish literature. The following analysis shows how, through their literary ‘life miniatures’, Ginzburg, Sereni and Levi recentre the domestic everydayness of woman’s personal and historical experience, while, simultaneously, challenging the traditional representations of women’s positions within family and within the public space, as well as interrogating their Jewish identity vis-a-vis their country’s Fascist past. In particular, this article focuses on the way in which all three author...
The Effect of Water on Electron Transfer through Conductive Oligo(phenylene vinylene) Quinones

Electron transfer (ET) through oxidized (QOPV) and reduced-protonated (HQOPV) forms of oligo(phenylene vinylene) quinone placed between two gold electrodes in the absence and presence of external water molecules is calculated using density functional theory with a nonequilibrium Green’s function method. The results show that the presence of hydrogen atoms as an internal component (in reduced-protonated form of the molecule) screens the stimulating effect of oxygen on QOPV conductivity and eliminates the efficiency of the molecule conductance at low bias voltages. The formation of a complex with water restores the HQOPV conductivity at low biases and opens several additional strong conductivity channels below the Fermi level, substantially improving the efficiency of ET between QOPV and the electrode, especially at longer distances between the molecule and the metal. This effect of water can be utilized in the construction of novel highly efficient electrochemically gated electronic devices. It also opens ...
Observations on Sexual Relations in Hypomyces Ipomoeae

The occurrence of strains of different sexual reactions in the Ascomycetes was first discovered by Dodge (12) in the genus Ascobolus. Since this discovery, the following Ascomycete genera have been shown to possess such sexual strains: Ophiobolus (Kirby, 24), Gibberella (Wineland, 28, 29), Penicillium (Derx, 10), Neurospora (Shear and Dodge,"26), Ceratostomella (Dade, 8; Gregor, 20; Buisman, 4), Pleurage (Dowding, 16; Ames, 1; Zickler, 31 [Bombardia]), Sclerotinia (Drayton, 17), Hypomyces (Zycla, 32), and Erysiphe (Yarwood, 30). Kirby's report (24) of heterothallism in the genus Ophiobolus has since been questioned by Davis (9). Likewise, Derx' report (10) of heterothal? lism in the genus Penicillium has been disputed by Blochwitz (3). Although Edgerton (19) early reported the occurrence of plus and minus strains in the genus Glomerella, both strains, though interfertile, were hermaphroditic and self-fertile as well. Hiittig (23) has recently published the results of studies of heredity in this genus. Only one of the strains used in his investigations was unisexual in reaction, however, the other being hermaphroditic and self-fertile.
Highly Maneuverable Biorobotic Underwater Vehicles

After receiving only a trickle of interest over the past 50 years or so, biolocomotion has more recently attracted broader attention. In this chapter, biology-inspired highly maneuverable underwater vehicles (of ≈ 1 m Open image in new window length scale) that have achieved some degree of maturity are reviewed. Primarily, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) works are described. The nonlinear theoretical foundation of animal-inspired hydrodynamics and control is summarized. Low-speed propulsion (including hovering and maneuvering), control, and integration with sensors are considered. High-lift flapping-fin propulsion technology, cycle-averaged and olivo-cerebellar temporal control, integration with interaural time-differencing bio-sonar, and basin demonstration of utility are discussed. While numerous variables affect the mechanisms and integration of actuators, controllers, and sensors, the principles of self-regulating nonlinear dynamics provide a common and simplifying framework for the development of biorobotic vehicles. The salient features of these vehicles and their control design laws are tabulated. These emergent, low-speed platforms complement existing higher speed naval capabilities and are not substitutes for any existing mature system; in this sense, their utility depends on the imaginative nature of future operation concepts – a process that is unpredictable. The greater potential of the biorobotics approach is limited by a serious lack of progress in so-called strong artificial muscle technology, as well as by a lack of understanding of nonlinear temporal control and sensing and how they should be integrated. Application to utility has been facilitated where understanding of the underlying science has been mathematically formulated, and such formulation needs to be more widely emulated.
REMOVAL OF T4 ENDONUCLEASE V SENSITIVE SITES AND REPAIR REPLICATION IN CONFLUENT HUMAN DIPLOID FIBROBLASTS

ABSTRACT Following irradiation with low doses of ultraviolet light, the timecourse of removal of DNA sites sensitive to T4 endonuclease V in contact inhibited human diploid fibroblasts (WI38) is in agreement with the timecourse of DNA repair replication in these cells. Repair patches synthesized 12–16 hr after irradiation are of the same size as those made from U2os
A CRISPR view of gene regulation

Due to plummeting costs, whole genome sequencing of patients and cancers will soon become routine medical practice; however, we cannot currently predict how non-coding genotype affects cellular gene expression. Gene regulation research has recently been dominated by observational approaches that correlate chromatin state with regulatory function. These approaches are limited to the available genotypes and cannot scratch the surface of possible sequence combinations, and thus there is a need for perturbation-based approaches to better understand how DNA encodes gene regulatory functions. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has revolutionized our ability to alter genome sequence, and CRISPR/Cas9-based assays have already begun to contribute to new paradigms of gene regulation. We discuss the variety of arenas in which current and future CRISPR-based technologies will aid in developing predictive understanding of how genome sequence leads to gene regulatory function.
Weighted squared distance for two-deck randomized response model

In this paper, we propose a new weighted squared distance while minimizing a distance between the true proportions and the observed proportions of (Yes, Yes), (Yes, No), (No, Yes) and (No, No) answers in the setup of Odumade and Singh (Commun Stat Theory Methods 38: 439–446, 2009) model. The resultant estimator is shown to be an unbiased estimator of the proportion of the sensitive attribute of interest in a population and has smaller variance than the estimator of Odumade and Singh (Commun Stat Theory Methods 38: 439–446, 2009) with the same protection of the respondents. A real data application is also considered.
Perpetrating Violence Increases Identification With Violent Groups: Survey Evidence From Former Combatants:

Heightened group identification motivates individuals to perpetrate violence, but can perpetrating violence-in and of itself-increase identification with violent groups? I test this idea using archival surveys of ex-combatants. In Liberia, where many combatants joined their violent group willingly, the data show a positive association between perpetrating violence and identification with one's violent group (Study 1). These results hold even when controlling for potentially confounding variables such as being abducted into the group versus joining willingly, length of time in the group, and personally experiencing violence. Study 2 replicates and extends this finding with data from ex-combatants in Uganda who were abducted into their group, using a natural experiment in which some abductees were forced to perpetrate violence whereas other abductees were not. These findings support a cycle of violence in which perpetrating violence increases identification with violent groups and heightened identification increases future violent behavior.
The 1953 Census of China

As of July 30, 1953, the Chinese People's Republic conducted a census in preparation for nation wide elections. Extensive publicity described this as the most complete census ever undertaken in China, but critical evaluation is impossible. Since the totals are more than 100 million larger than any previous estimates, they must be regarded with considerable reserve. The details were announced by the Statistical Bureau on Nov. 1, 1954. Over 2,500,000 census enumerators were employed. A recheck was made on 9 per cent of the population, covering 52,915,000 people and showed duplications amounting to 1/10 of 1 per cent and omissions of 2/10 of 1 per cent.
Pedagogy and Foreignness

Based on my reflections on “being a foreigner,” I explore the boundaries of citizenship education in this essay. I use my foreign identity to articulate how social justice education can perpetuate ...
Use of medical specialties in medical operations other than war: lessons from Saudi Arabia.

From the experience of a U.S. Army Air Defense Artillery "battalion-plus" task force serving a 6-month rotation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we compiled the requirements for specialty consultations on deployed personnel in the predeployment screening phase, during deployment (including both inpatient hospitalizations and medical evacuations), and immediately upon return to home station. We required a wide variety of specialty expertise. In every phase of the operation, we consulted orthopedic surgery most often. Nonsurgical and surgical specialists were consulted in roughly equal numbers. Almost every field of adult medicine was represented in our sample. The distribution of consultations across specialties differs from what would be expected in combat but is similar to that seen in the few other studies of comparable populations. Excellent host nation support allowed us to use specialty expertise to an almost ideal extent. These data represent the most complete "snapshot" that has been taken of the requirements for specialty medical consultations in a military operation other than war (MOOTW). They demonstrate that under MOOTW conditions, even a healthy Army population requires the assistance of a full panel of medical specialties. They should serve as a benchmark for planners estimating the medical specialty needs that the Army must provide. Military medicine must provide access to essentially all medical specialties for personnel deployed under MOOTW conditions, whether through host nation support, telemedicine, or medical evacuation.
Estimating the Survival and Hazard Functions

This chapter gives an introduction to the simplest concept: estimating the survival curve when there are no covariates. Although simple, it forms a platform for understanding the more complex material that follows. We do it twice, once informally (although making use of counting process ideas) in Section 1, and then a second time with the connections to counting processes and martingales much more complete. Sections 2 and 3 first give an overview of the necessary theory and then apply it to the informal results of Section 1, both validating and extending them. Section 4 discusses the extension to tied data. The reader might want to focus on Section 1 on the first reading, perhaps supplemented with the results (but not derivations) of Sections 3 and 4.
"Dystrophia Myotonica" and the Legacy of Hans Gustav Wilhelm Steinert.

The objective of this analysis is to study the life of Hans Gustav Wilhelm Steinert and his role in identifying several neurologic disorders including myotonic dystrophy (DM). DM type 1 (DM1) is a commonly inherited adult muscle disorder. In 1909, its characteristics were first described by Hans Steinert (1875–1911), a German neurologist. Born in Dresden, Germany, Steinert studied philosophy and medicine at the Universities of Leipzig, Berlin, Freiberg, and Kiel. There, under the supervision of Heinrich Curschmann, he accomplished his own works on aphthongia, cerebral muscular atrophy, and cerebral hemiplegia. In 1909, he published his study on six patients exhibiting characteristic myotonia. With autopsy findings of muscular fibrosis, Steinert identified this independent symptom complex as “Dystrophien Myotoniker” (DM). Overall, Steinert's accurate clinical characterization, coupled with the first ever autopsy finding of this condition, laid the foundations of our current understanding about DM1. This review serves as a tribute to the achievements of Hans Steinert and provides an opportunity to understand the historical perspective of DM1. Information for this analysis was gathered from PubMed and libraries at University of Southern California and University of California, Los Angeles. In addition, personal communications with Professor Benedikt Schoser at The University of Munich, Professor Tiemo Grimm at The University of Wuerzburg, and Professor Peter Harper at The University of Wales are acknowledged.
Two Wrongs Make It Right:The Use of Rule Violations to Restore Justice

Three studies demonstrated that observers support rule violations by managers when they are designed to compensate a victim of prior injustice. For example, although participants generally perceive...
The Member-Level Determinants and Consequences of Party Legislative Obstruction in the U.S. Senate:

Are Senators cross-pressured by party influence and constituent demands on procedural votes? We present a theory positing that Senators are indeed cross-pressured between these two demands and that...
Lipid Mini-On: mining and ontology tool for enrichment analysis of lipidomic data.

Summary Here we introduce Lipid Mini-On, an open-source tool that performs lipid enrichment analyses and visualizations of lipidomics data. Lipid Mini-On uses a text-mining process to bin individual lipid names into multiple lipid ontology groups based on the classification (e.g. LipidMaps) and other characteristics, such as chain length. Lipid Mini-On provides users with the capability to conduct enrichment analysis of the lipid ontology terms using a Shiny app with options of five statistical approaches. Lipid classes can be added to customize the user's database and remain updated as new lipid classes are discovered. Visualization of results is available for all classification options (e.g. lipid subclass and individual fatty acid chains). Results are also visualized through an editable network of relationships between the individual lipids and their associated lipid ontology terms. The utility of the tool is demonstrated using biological (e.g. human lung endothelial cells) and environmental (e.g. peat soil) samples. Availability and implementation Rodin (R package: https://github.com/PNNL-Comp-Mass-Spec/Rodin), Lipid Mini-On Shiny app (https://github.com/PNNL-Comp-Mass-Spec/LipidMiniOn) and Lipid Mini-On online tool (https://omicstools.pnnl.gov/shiny/lipid-mini-on/). Supplementary information Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.