cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Apparent oxygen isotope equilibrium during progressive foliation development and porphyroblast growth in metapelites: implications for stable isotope and conventional thermometry

The assumption of oxygen isotope and major element equilibrium during prograde metamorphism was tested using staurolite-grade pelitic schists that have undergone sequential porphyroblast growth and multiple episodes of recrystallization of matrix minerals and foliation development. Textural relationships are used to infer a metamorphic history that involves garnet growth followed by staurolite growth, with each porphyroblast growth event followed by at least one period of recrystallization of matrix minerals. Conventional geothermobarometry using Qtz–Grt–Pl–Ms–Bt ± St equilibria yields peak P–T conditions of c. 625 °C at 9–11 kbar, consistent with KMnFMASH petrogenetic grid predictions for stability of the assemblage Grt + St + Bt. Qtz–Grt oxygen isotope fractionations yield apparent temperatures of c. 590 °C and Qtz–St fractionations yield an apparent temperature of c. 595 °C. Diffusional modelling indicates that quartz isotopic compositions were reset by c. 30 °C via retrograde isotopic diffusional exchange with micas. The isotopic temperatures appear to be in excellent agreement with one another, and suggest oxygen isotope equilibrium was attained between garnet and staurolite at c. 625 °C. However, the agreement of Qtz–Grt and Qtz–Str isotopic temperatures is not consistent with petrographic observations (garnet grew before staurolite) and petrogenetic grid constraints that predict that garnet grows over a temperature interval of c. 525–550 °C. Given that: (i) oxygen diffusion rates in staurolite and garnet are slow enough to render an individual porphyroblast effectively closed to exchange after it forms; and (ii) matrix minerals are able to exchange isotopes via recrystallization during each period of deformation; garnet and staurolite could not have simultaneously achieved oxygen isotope equilibrium with each other or with minerals in the recrystallized matrix. Thus, the Qtz–Grt fractionations, which yield apparent temperatures that are in apparent agreement with peak metamorphic temperature and apparent temperatures for Qtz–St fractionations, cannot be fractionations resulting from equilibrium isotopic exchange. Instead, they are apparent fractionations between porphyroblasts formed at different temperature and times in the prograde P–T–D path, and quartz that recrystallized and exchanged with micas and plagioclase during several phases of deformation.
The impact of measurement frequency on the domains of glycemic control in the critically ill--a Monte Carlo simulation.

The role of blood glucose (BG) measurement frequency on the domains of glycemic control is not well defined. This Monte Carlo mathematical simulation of glycemic control in a cohort of critically ill patients modeled sets of 100 patients with simulated BG-measuring devices having 5 levels of measurement imprecision, using 2 published insulin infusion protocols, for 200 hours, with 3 different BG-measurement intervals-15 minutes (Q15'), 1 hour (Q1h), and 2 hours (Q2h)-resulting in 1,100,000 BG measurements for 3000 simulated patients. The model varied insulin sensitivity, initial BG value and rate of gluconeogenesis. The primary outcomes included rates of hyperglycemia (BG > 180 mg/dL), hypoglycemia (BG 20%), and time in range (BG ranges 80-150 mg/dL and 80-180 mg/dL). Percentages of hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia at both thresholds, and patients with elevated glucose variability as well as time outside glycemic targets were substantially higher in simulations with measurement interval Q2h compared to those with measurement interval Q1h and moderately higher in simulations with Q1h than in those with Q15'. Higher measurement frequency mitigated the deleterious effect of high measurement imprecision, defined as CV ≥ 15%. This Monte Carlo simulation suggests that glycemic control in critically ill patients is more optimal with a BG measurement interval no longer than 1h, with further benefit obtained with use of measurement interval of 15'. These findings have important implications for the development of glycemic control standards.
VIPERdb2: an enhanced and web API enabled relational database for structural virology.

VIPERdb (http://viperdb.scripps.edu) is a relational database and a web portal for icosahedral virus capsid structures. Our aim is to provide a comprehensive resource specific to the needs of the virology community, with an emphasis on the description and comparison of derived data from structural and computational analyses of the virus capsids. In the current release, VIPERdb2, we implemented a useful and novel method to represent capsid protein residues in the icosahedral asymmetric unit (IAU) using azimuthal polar orthographic projections, otherwise known as Φ–Ψ (Phi–Psi) diagrams. In conjunction with a new Application Programming Interface (API), these diagrams can be used as a dynamic interface to the database to map residues (categorized as surface, interface and core residues) and identify family wide conserved residues including hotspots at the interfaces. Additionally, we enhanced the interactivity with the database by interfacing with web-based tools. In particular, the applications Jmol and STRAP were implemented to visualize and interact with the virus molecular structures and provide sequence–structure alignment capabilities. Together with extended curation practices that maintain data uniformity, a relational database implementation based on a schema for macromolecular structures and the APIs provided will greatly enhance the ability to do structural bioinformatics analysis of virus capsids.
Probe Distribution Techniques to Profile Events in Deployed Software

Profiling deployed software provides valuable insights for quality improvement activities. The probes required for profiling, however, can cause an unacceptable performance overhead for users. In previous work we have shown that significant overhead reduction can be achieved, with limited information loss, through the distribution of probes across deployed instances. However, existing techniques for probe distribution are designed to profile simple events. In this paper we present a set of techniques for probe distribution to enable the profiling of complex events that require multiple probes and that share probes with other events. Our evaluation of the new techniques indicates that, for tight overhead bounds, techniques that produce a balanced event allocation can retain significantly more field information.
A Note on Order Statistics for Dependent Variates

Abstract Sathe and Dixit showed that a basic recurrence relation for cdf's of order statistics can be modified to hold under any dependence structure of the original variates. A greatly shortened proof is given in this note. Balakrishnan, Bendre, and Malik have used the relation to obtain a general expression for the cdf of an order statistic. This result is here linked to a classical formula in probability theory.
Abstracting the template instantiation relation in C

A source code model that supports the static analysis of C++ templates and template metaprograms is presented. Analogous to techniques for object-oriented and procedural software (e.g., the abstraction of call graphs, inheritance hierarchies, etc.), this model provides a basis for maintenance concerns such as program comprehension, fact extraction, and impact analysis of generic code. The source code model is used to derive the template instantiation graph, and potential applications of this model discussed. An application to reverse engineer this model from source code is described.
Personality in Advanced Old Age: Continuity or Change?

A longitudinal study of elderly persons found evidence of personality development even in advanced old age. Five traits, similar to traits found in younger persons, were identified. Although considerable continuity was found, change also was apparent. An increase in agreeableness was observed for the old-old, bringing their scores up to the level maintained by the oldest-old. Two traits were stable: satisfaction (65% did not change reliably) and intellect (63% did not change reliably). A decline in extraversion occurred in both age groups. Energetic, in which 40% declined, may be more affected than the other traits by external, environmental circumstances. The study confirms the findings of longitudinal studies of children and younger adults and extends them into the final stages of life.
Training in childhood obesity management in the United States: a survey of pediatric, internal medicine-pediatrics and family medicine residency program directors

Background Information about the availability and effectiveness of childhood obesity training during residency is limited.
Young Adults’ Strategies for Managing Social Support During Weight-Loss Attempts:

Obesity and being overweight often result in serious health problems. Despite growing awareness of the dangers associated with being overweight, many individuals struggle to lose weight. Investigators have identified social support as a key element in weight-loss attempts. Unfortunately, little has been done to investigate how people solicit social support from members of their pre-existing social network without a structured intervention. To address this limitation, I conducted in-depth interviews with 25 participants. Through grounded theory analysis of these interviews, I developed a typology of support management strategies used by overweight young adults when attempting to lose weight. I outline these strategies, their perceived success, and implications for future research in this article.
Statistics of Hyperbolic Error Distributions in Data Transmission

Error bursts in data transmission systems do not usually occur completely at random. It has been found that often they follow a hyperbolic rather than a Poisson distribution. Several statistical quantities consistent with the hyperbolic distribution have been developed. These are compared with the corresponding quantities for a Poisson distribution. Specifically, the quantities are the probability of exactly c bursts in a time interval for which the long-time average is a , the cumulative probability of at least c bursts in this time interval, and the cumulative probability of burstfree stretches of u time intervals or longer.
Family and child influences on early academic and emotion regulatory behaviors

Research on child and family factors in early childhood has shown that both are associated with social and instrumental functioning at school entry. The present study sought to examine the direct and indirect effects of child negative emotionality, maternal education, depression, IQ, and quality of maternal instruction on children’s academic and emotion regulatory behaviors from the toddler period to school entry using a sample of 174 boys from low-SES backgrounds. Results revealed direct effects of maternal IQ on academic outcomes at school entry that were mediated by maternal instruction. Further, maternal instruction predicted the child’s academic and emotion regulation (ER) outcomes even after accounting for other maternal and child variables. The effects of both instruction variables moderated the impact of maternal education. The results suggest that maternal instruction plays an important role in early school success, particularly for children at risk for school problems. D 2004 Society for the Study of School Psychology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Parameterization of cloud droplet formation for global and regional models: including adsorption activation from insoluble CCN

Abstract. Dust and black carbon aerosol have long been known to exert potentially important and diverse impacts on cloud droplet formation. Most studies to date focus on the soluble fraction of these particles, and overlook interactions of the insoluble fraction with water vapor (even if known to be hydrophilic). To address this gap, we developed a new parameterization that considers cloud droplet formation within an ascending air parcel containing insoluble (but wettable) particles externally mixed with aerosol containing an appreciable soluble fraction. Activation of particles with a soluble fraction is described through well-established Kohler theory, while the activation of hydrophilic insoluble particles is treated by "adsorption-activation" theory. In the latter, water vapor is adsorbed onto insoluble particles, the activity of which is described by a multilayer Frenkel-Halsey-Hill (FHH) adsorption isotherm modified to account for particle curvature. We further develop FHH activation theory to i) find combinations of the adsorption parameters AFHH, BFHH which yield atmospherically-relevant behavior, and, ii) express activation properties (critical supersaturation) that follow a simple power law with respect to dry particle diameter. The new parameterization is tested by comparing the parameterized cloud droplet number concentration against predictions with a detailed numerical cloud model, considering a wide range of particle populations, cloud updraft conditions, water vapor condensation coefficient and FHH adsorption isotherm characteristics. The agreement between parameterization and parcel model is excellent, with an average error of 10% and R2~0.98. A preliminary sensitivity study suggests that the sublinear response of droplet number to Kohler particle concentration is not as strong for FHH particles.
Diel Activity Patterns of the Turtle Assemblage of a Northern Indiana Lake

Abstract We investigated the daily activity patterns of seven species of turtles in a northern Indiana lake over 10 y using the numbers of captures in fyke nets as an index of activity. Chrysemys picta and Graptemys geographica were active throughout the daylight hours. Sternotherus odoratus and Chelydra serpentina were crepuscular. Trachemys scripta was diurnal; however, its activity was concentrated in the morning hours. Apalone spinifera was diurnal as well, with most activity in the afternoon and very little in the morning. Emydoidea blandingii was rarely captured, and all captures were made during daytime hours. Activity patterns did not change substantially between two sampling periods from mid-May to mid-June and from late-July to early-August. These activity patterns are consistent with differences in the frequency of basking: baskers are diurnal (e.g., C. picta, G. geographica, T. scripta, E. blandingii and A. spinifera), whereas those that are secretive are crepuscular (e.g., S. odoratus and C. ...
2.02 – Preparation of Industrial RO, NF Membranes, and Their Membrane Modules and Applications

In order to overcome the water-shortage issue, membrane technology is regarded as indispensable in this century since it ensures supply of a lot of high-grade water with low cost and maintaining sustainable water resources. Especially in desalination fields, reverse osmosis and nanofiltration membranes have already been widely applied not only to seawater but also to brackish water as well as industrial and wastewater treatment. In this chapter, the history of their development, applications in actual plants, and further effective systems called integrated membrane system, which combine multiple classes of membranes, are described.
In Vivo Determination of Body Composition in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) by Quantitative Magnetic Resonance

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model research organism continues to expand its relevance and role in multiple research disciplines, with recent work directed toward models of metabolism, nutrition, and energetics. Multiple technologies exist to assess body composition in animal research models at various levels of detail (tissues/organs, body regions, and whole organism). The development and/or validation of body composition assessment tools can open new areas of research questions for a given organism. Using fish from a comparative nutrition study, quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) assessment of whole body fat and fat-free mass (FFM) in live fish was performed. QMR measures from two cohorts (n = 26 and n = 27) were compared with chemical carcass analysis (CCA) of FM and FFM. QMR was significantly correlated with chemical carcass values (fat, p < 0.001; lean, p = 0.002), although QMR significantly overestimated fat mass (FM) (0.011 g; p < 0.0001) and underestimated FFM (-0.024 g; p < 0.0001) relative to CCA. In a separate cross-validation group of fish, prediction equations corrected carcass values for FM (p = 0.121) and FFM (p = 0.753). These results support the utilization of QMR-a nonlethal nondestructive method-for cross-sectional or longitudinal body composition assessment outcomes in zebrafish.
Nitrite and Hydroxylamine as Nitrogenase Substrates: Mechanistic Implications for the Pathway of N2 Reduction

Investigations of reduction of nitrite (NO2–) to ammonia (NH3) by nitrogenase indicate a limiting stoichiometry, NO2– + 6e– + 12ATP + 7H+ → NH3 + 2H2O + 12ADP + 12Pi. Two intermediates freeze-trapped during NO2– turnover by nitrogenase variants and investigated by Q-band ENDOR/ESEEM are identical to states, denoted H and I, formed on the pathway of N2 reduction. The proposed NO2– reduction intermediate hydroxylamine (NH2OH) is a nitrogenase substrate for which the H and I reduction intermediates also can be trapped. Viewing N2 and NO2– reductions in light of their common reduction intermediates and of NO2– reduction by multiheme cytochrome c nitrite reductase (ccNIR) leads us to propose that NO2– reduction by nitrogenase begins with the generation of NO2H bound to a state in which the active-site FeMo-co (M) has accumulated two [e–/H+] (E2), stored as a (bridging) hydride and proton. Proton transfer to NO2H and H2O loss leaves M–[NO+]; transfer of the E2 hydride to the [NO+] directly to form HNO bound to ...
Petrography of sand tempers in Pacific islands potsherds

The story of the peopling of the Pacific islands is one of the grand themes of human history (Suggs, 1960; Shutler and Shutler, 1975). The voyagers who first settled them lacked chronometers with which to reckon longitude, and they were ignorant of metalworking or the various companion technologies that supported the efforts of European explorers during the past few centuries. Yet those courageous islanders made their way somehow to a myriad of tiny flecks of land strewn across a vast ocean covering nearly half the surface of the Earth. By 25,000 yr ago, some of them had occupied New Guinea, the most distant of the large Indonesian islands that reach out like stepping stones from the mainland of southeast Asia toward the heart of the Pacific. Nearby Melanesia, adjacent parts of western Polynesia, and segments of Micronesia closest to the Philippines were evidently settled by 3,000 to 4,000 yr ago. Eastern Polynesia, including Hawaii and New Zealand, and the remainder of Micronesia were mostly settled from 2,000 to 1,000 yr ago, although some isolated bits of rock and coral may not have been occupied until even later. The actual courses of human migration into and through the various island groups are still poorly known. There are no wagon roads upon the sea, which retains no record of the passage of a boat from launch point to landfall. Consequently, all knowledge of the movements of prehistoric voyagers is inferential.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the hand and wrist: techniques and spectrum of disease: AAOS exhibit selection.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent imaging modality for the evaluation of pathologic processes of the hand and wrist. MRI of the hand and wrist provides high-resolution imaging of osseous structures and soft-tissue structures (including ligaments, tendons, nerves, and muscles) through the use of multiple imaging techniques and pulse sequences. This article updates orthopaedic surgeons on current MRI techniques and illustrates the spectrum of hand and wrist disease detectable by MRI. We searched PubMed with use of the keywords “MRI” plus “hand” or “wrist” for studies less than five years old evaluating MRI techniques. On the basis of a review of the recently published literature and the authors’ experience, we define and describe the applications of the following: (1) conventional, non-gadolinium-enhanced MRI, (2) gadolinium-enhanced MRI, and (3) MR arthrography. We also describe the classic MRI appearance of lesions commonly evaluated by MRI, including occult fracture, triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, interosseous ligament injury, extrinsic carpal ligament injury, thumb ulnar collateral ligament injury, traumatic tendon injury, finger pulley injury, ulnar impaction syndrome, tendinopathy, Kienbock disease, posttraumatic scaphoid osteonecrosis, infection, inflammatory arthropathy, compression neuropathy, and various soft-tissue masses. The incorporation of dedicated surface coils and higher-strength magnets has improved the quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners substantially over the last decade. By manipulating the scanning parameters when performing an MRI examination, contrast differences between tissues can be emphasized on the basis of inherent tissue properties known as T1 and T2. T1-weighted images are generally regarded as best for illustrating anatomic detail. T2-weighted sequences highlight alterations in water content, which are characteristic of most pathologic conditions. Short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images accentuate fluid and edema and are the most sensitive for detecting pathologic changes in both bone and soft tissue. The intravenous administration of a gadolinium-based contrast agent …
Survey on the current situation of hand hygiene of medical staff in community health service centers and study on the intervention effectiveness

Objective To investigate the current status of hand hygiene of medical professionals from community healthy service centers( CHSCs),and to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive intervention measures.Methods We compared the differences of hand hygienic indexes of the medical professionals before and after the interventions which included training,education,supervision,management and the increase of hand-washing facilities.Results Four hundred and twenty medical professionals were involved in the study.After one month intervention,the average hand hygiene compliance rate increased from 35.1%to 61.2%,the correct practice rate of hand hygiene increased from 34.5% to 72.22%,and the qualified rate of hand hygiene increased from 87.9% to 97.3%.There were statistically significant differences in the above-mentioned 3 indexes before and after the intervention( P 0.01).Conclusions Adopting comprehensive intervention measures can effectively improve the hand hygiene compliance of the medical staff in CHSCs,but it still needs a long-term execution and constant improvement.
Novel echocardiographic parameters of aortic insufficiency in continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices and clinical outcome.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic performance of novel echocardiographic (transthoracic echocardiography, or TTE) parameters for grading aortic insufficiency (AI) severity in patients with continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs). The development of AI after CF-LVAD implantation is common, although the clinical significance remains unclear. We previously described novel TTE parameters that outperformed traditional TTE parameters in grading AI severity in these patients. Methods CF-LVAD patients with varying degrees of AI ( N = 57) underwent Doppler TTE of the LVAD outflow cannula. Patients had AI severity graded by the novel parameters (systolic/diastolic velocity ratio and the diastolic acceleration of the LVAD outflow cannula) and the traditional vena contracta. The prognostic performance of novel and traditional AI parameters was determined by comparing rates of congestive heart failure re-admission, need for aortic valve intervention, urgent transplantation and death (composite end-points) for each parameter. Results Grading AI severity using novel AI parameters led to reclassification of 32% of patients from trace/mild AI to moderate or greater AI ( N = 18). Using traditional AI parameters, there was no difference in the occurrence of the composite end-point between the moderate or greater group and the trace/mild group (1.50 vs 1.18 events/person, p = 0.46). With the novel AI parameters, there were significantly more events in the patients with moderate or greater AI compared to those with trace/mild AI (1.57 vs 0.13 events/person, p = 0.002). Novel parameters also better predicted the need for aortic valve intervention, urgent transplantation or death than traditional methods ( p = 0.024 vs p = 0.343). Conclusions In patients with CF-LVADs, traditional parameters tend to underestimate AI severity and future cardiac events. Novel AI TTE parameters are better able to discriminate AI severity and predict clinically meaningful outcomes.
Characterization of ability of various substance P antagonists to inhibit action of bombesin.

In the present study the ability of two classes of substance P (SP) antagonists to affect SP- and bombesin (Bn)-stimulated amylase release, as well as binding of 125I-Bolton-Hunter (BH)-SP and 125I-[Tyr4]Bn, was studied to determine their mechanism of action and the relationship between inhibition of the action of SP and the action of Bn. Four SP analogues ([D-Pro2,D-Phe7,D-Trp9]SP, [D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9]SP, [D-Arg1,D-Pro2,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP, and [D-Arg1,D-Trp7,9,Leu11]SP) and two SP-(4-11) analogues ([D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9]SP-(4-11) and [D-Pro4,D-Trp7,9,10]SP-(4-11)] did not stimulate amylase release when present alone but inhibited SP- and Bn-stimulated amylase release. For each SP analogue, inhibition was specific for peptides that stimulate release by interacting with SP or Bn receptors, whereas both SP-(4-11) analogues also inhibited cholecystokinin-stimulated amylase release. Each SP analogue's inhibition of Bn-stimulated amylase release was reversible. Each analogue inhibited binding of 125I-BH-SP with the sam...
Prostaglandin F2α synthesis and metabolism by luteal phase endometrium in vitro

Differences in prostaglandin (PG) F2α synthesis and degradation were sought between early luteal endometrium (histology day 15 to 22, n = 6) and late luteal endometrium (histology day 23 to 28, n = 6). In addition, alterations in PGF2α synthesis and degradation in response to 17β- estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) were examined to clarify the mechanism of steroid modulation of endometrial PG production (n = 12). Endometrium was maintained in tissue culture and the concentration of PGF2α and 13,14 dehydro-15 keto F2α (DHKF2α) was determined in spent media by radioimmunoassay. Prostaglandin F2α and DHKF2α output from luteal endometrium exposed to P and E2 + P were both significantly reduced when compared with no addition or E2 treatments. This implies that the modulation of PGF2α output by P in vitro is secondary to altered synthesis. There was an increase in PGF2α output from late luteal endometrium when compared with early luteal endometrium in the P and E2 + P treatments, but DHKF2α remained unchanged. These data imply that the temporal increase in PGF2α output is the result of alterations in both PG synthesis and catabolism.
Pure Autonomic Failure

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare sporadic neurodegenerative autonomic disorder characterized by slowly progressive pan autonomic failure without other features of neurologic dysfunctions. The main clinical symptoms result from neurogenic orthostatic hypotension and urinary and gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunctions. Autonomic failure in PAF is caused by neuronal degeneration of pre- and postganglionic sympathetic and parasympathetic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord and paravertebral autonomic ganglia. The presence of Lewy bodies and α-synuclein deposits in these neural structures suggests that PAF is one of Lewy body synucleinopathies, examples of which include multiple system atrophy, Parkinson disease, and Lewy body disease. There is currently no specific treatment to stop progression in PAF. Management of autonomic symptoms is the mainstay of treatment and includes management of orthostatic hypotension and supine hypertension. The prognosis for survival of PAF is better than for the other synucleinopathies.
Group Hexavalent Actinide Separations: A New Approach to Used Nuclear Fuel Recycling.

Hexavalent Np, Pu, and Am individually, and as a group, have all been cocrystallized with UO2(NO3)2·6H2O, constituting the first demonstration of an An(VI) group cocrystallization. The hexavalent dioxo cations of Np, Pu, and Am cocrystallize with UO2(NO3)2·6H2O in near proportion with a simple reduction in temperature, while the lower valence states, An(III) and An(IV), are only slightly removed from solution. A separation of An(VI) species from An(III) ions by crystallization has been demonstrated, with an observed separation factor of 14. Separation of An(VI) species from key fission products, 95Zr, 95Nb, 137Cs, and 144Ce, has also been demonstrated by crystallization, with separation factors ranging from 6.5 to 71 in the absence of Am(VI), while in the presence of Am(VI), the separation factors were reduced to 0.99–7.7. One interesting observation is that Am(VI) shows increased stability in the cocrystallized form, with no reduction observed after 13 days, as opposed to in solution, in which >50% is re...
NEK2 Regulates Immature B Cell Development and GC Formation in NEK2 Transgenic Mouse

Abstract 257 Background: NEK2 is a cell cycle-regulated kinase of the never in mitosis A (NIMA) family that is highly enriched at the centrosome. We discovered that NEK2 expression was highly correlated to drug resistance, rapid relapse, and poor outcome in myeloma and multiple other cancers. Given that plasma cells in myeloma are originated from differentiated B cell lineage, we generated a B cell specific NEK2 transgenic mouse line, controlling by a B cell specific CD19 promoter, to explore the functions of NEK2 in B cell development. Materials and Methods: Floxed STOP-polyA -NEK2 (Nek2fl) mice generated in our laboratory were back crossed to C57BL/6 for six generations (F6). Since the expression of the NEK2 transgene was blocked by the floxed STOP-polyA until the STOP-polyA was removed by Cre, thus F6 was further crossed to the CD19-Cre knock in mice to generate B-cell-specific NEK2 transgenic mice (NEK2fl/fl CD19-cre heterozygous), termed here as NEK2+/CD19 mice. Single-cell suspensions were prepared from BM and spleen and cell phenotypes were evaluated on a BD FACSCanto II and FlowJo software. Spontaneous Cell proliferation was measured by BrdU incorporation in vivo (1mg per mouse, ip). Mouse spleens were fixed in 10% neutral formalin then processed and embedded in paraffin for sections and H&E stain. Gene expression profiling (GEP) comparison between B cells from NEK2+/CD19 mice and NEK2−/CD19 littermate controls (LMC) was performed using the Affymetrix mouse genome 430 2.0 array. Results: NEK2+/CD19 mice were healthy with no obvious abnormality in organogenesis. NEK2 transgene did not perturb early B cell development (up to the stage of pro/pre B cells in BM), but impaired B cell maturation after immature B cells egressed from the BM into the spleen. Analysis of B cell surface expression of CD21 and CD23, which discriminates immature B cells (CD21negCD23neg), follicular B cells (CD21intCD23high) and marginal-zone B cells (MZ B) (CD21highCD23high) cells in spleen, showed significantly decreased MZ B in the spleen of NEK2+/CD19 mice compared with that of LMC (7.2 ±1.3 versus 3.18±0.9, p Conclusion: We conclude that NEK2 is required for the normal development of MZ B cells and may also contribute to the development of conventional B cells, particularly to the transition from immature to mature B cell. BCAP may play an important role in NEK2 signaling in regulating B cell development. Future studies will investigate B cells function in the NEK2+/CD19 mice. The new mouse model presented here suggests that specifically manipulating NEK2 expression in B cells may be of therapeutic value in combating myeloma. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Braille and Tactile Graphics: Youths with Visual Impairments Share Their Experiences.

IntroductionData were collected from youths with visual impairment about their experiences with tactile graphics and braille materials used in mathematics and science classes.MethodsYouths answered...
Infrared nanospectroscopy in liquid

We demonstrate infrared nanospectroscopy of a sample immersed in heavy water, using tip-enhanced photoexpansion microscopy or AFM-IR technique. Spectra on 20-nm-thick PMMA patterned are recorded with a spatial resolution of 50 nm.
Does Comprehensive Stroke Center Recommended Nurse Training Result in Earlier In-Hospital Stroke Recognition? (P2.324)

Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare CSC trained staff (eight hours per year) and standard trained staff (two hours per year) in the recognition of stroke symptoms and implementation of in-hospital stroke alerts (SA). Background: Early recognition of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) symptoms leads to better revascularization outcomes. In-hospital stroke onset has potential for more rapid assessment and treatment because of readily available medical personnel. Providing nurses with additional stroke education under Comprehensive Stroke Center (CSC) guidelines should increase stroke symptom awareness. Methods: In-hospital, non-emergency room “Stroke Alerts” were retrospectively reviewed for the two-year period of January 2013 to December 2014. Results: A total of 673 SA were activated during the study period of which 65 (10.35[percnt]) were in-hospital calls. For these in-hospital SA: mean age was 64 (SD±15), 52[percnt] were men, and median NIHSS was 7.5. At time of stroke alert 9 (14[percnt]) patients were admitted to CSC trained staffing and 56 (86[percnt]) were admitted to non-CSC trained staffing. The mean time for initiating SA since last known normal was 131 minutes for CSC trained staffing and 212 minutes for non-CSC trained staffing (t-test p= .193). Time to CT CSC trained staffing was 29 and non-CSC trained staffing was 38 (t-test p=0.264). Final diagnosis after SA for CSC trained staffing was 5/9 (55[percnt]) AIS, 1/9 ICH (11[percnt]), 3/9 (33[percnt]) non-stroke/stroke mimic. Final diagnosis after SA for non-CSC trained staffing was 19/56 (34[percnt]) AIS, 3/56 (5[percnt]) ICH, and 34/56 (60[percnt]) non-stroke/stroke mimic. Conclusions:There was a delay in initiation of stroke alert in areas where staff did not receive extra training per CSC guidelines, though this did not reach significance due difference in sample size. Expanding the CSC training to all staff would benefit hospital-wide stroke alerts. More data is needed to confirm this. Disclosure: Dr. Gregath has nothing to disclose. Dr. Pandav has nothing to disclose. Dr. Sidorov has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garg has nothing to disclose.
Fludarabine, Melphalan and Low Dose Total Body Irradiation for Reduced Intensity Conditioning (RIC) Prior to Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (AlloHCT)

Abstract Abstract 4570 RIC AlloHCT can provide a curative option for patients with hematologic diseases who are not candidates for myeloablative AlloHCT. However, this approach is limited by high relapse rates, especially with aggressive myeloid malignancies. We hypothesized that achieving greater cytoreduction by increasing conditioning intensity would increase the efficacy of a RIC regimen. Therefore, we utilized fludarabine (40 mg/m2/day × 4 days on days -5 to -2), melphalan 50 mg/m2 (day -2) and TBI (total of 400 cGy in 2 fractions on day -1) (FluMelTBI) in a pilot trial of RIC for hematologic disorders. Forty-nine patients who were not eligible for myeloablative transplantation accrued between March 2009 and June 2011. Tacrolimus (0.015 mg/kg oral every 12 hours, starting on day -1, titrated to 5–15 ng/ml), mycophenolate mofetil (1000 mg oral every 8 hours, starting on day -1) and methotrexate (2.5 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 3 and 6) were used for Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) prophylaxis in all patients. Patient and donor characteristics are presented in Table A . All 49 patients engrafted neutrophils at a median 16 days (range 10–39). One patient did not nadir platelets Table B . At a median follow-up of 364 days (range 17–821), the 1 yr OS and PFS are 58% (95% CI: 42–72%) and 50% (95% CI: 34–64%), respectively. Factors that were significantly related to lower OS were older age (p=0.02) and gender mismatch (p=0.03). In conclusion, FluMelTBI is a well-tolerated RIC regimen with low TRM, achieves early complete donor chimerism and a good early disease response. Longer follow-up is needed to determine long term survival and disease control. Table A: . Patient and donor characteristics Age: median (range) N=49 58 yrs (5-72) Gender: male female 45% 55% Disease: AML or ALL MDS or MPD NHL other 51% 20% 14% 10% Disease status prior to transplant: CR1 CR>1 No prior CR Untreated MDS/MPD/SAA 1st relapse or CML blast crisis 27% 12% 27% 20% 14% Related Unrelated 33% 67% HLA matched 10/10 HLA mismatched ( 75% 25% ABO compatible incompatible 49% 51% Gender matched mismatched 61% 39% Peripheral blood hematopoietic cells Bone marrow hematopoietic cells 84% 16% CD 34+ cell dose: median (range) × 106/kg 5.24 (0.82-40.72) Table B: . Chimerism results post AlloHCT N evaluable Day+30 Day+100 Day+365 38 36 14 N (%) complete (>95% donor) myeloid chimerism 36 (95%) 34 (94%) 13 (93%) N (%) complete (>95% donor) lymphoid chimerism 34 (89%) 33 (92%) 14 (100%) Disclosures: Hahn: Novartis
Anatomic and Histological Investigation of the Anterolateral Capsular Complex in the Fetal Knee

Background:There is currently disagreement with regard to the presence of a distinct ligament in the anterolateral capsular complex of the knee and its role in the pivot-shift mechanism and rotator...
New Understandings of Soybean Defoliation and their Implication for Pest Management

Uncertainties regarding the relationships between insect defoliation and yield loss limit existing management programs. Consequently, experiments were conducted over four years in multiple locations to better characterize soybean responses to defoliating insects. Results indicate that soybean yield reductions from insect defoliation primarily result from reduced light interception of defoliated plant canopies. Changes in leaf senescence were associated with defoliation and were identified as a compensatory mechanism. These results offer the potential for more accurate pest management guidelines and new approaches to managing defoliation through the development of defoliation-tolerant soybean varieties.
Hybrid Correlator Based on Exponential Delta Sigma Modulation

In this paper a simple short time hybrid correlator is being described which makes use of an Exponential Delta Sigma Modulator (EDSM) as ADC of one of the two input signal to be correlated. The use of EDSM permits the development of a hybrid multiplier of high simplicity. The integration of the product is done by an RC integrating network. The simplicity of the integration and multiplication circuits permits the development of a parallel type correlator used in real time determination of correlation functions with application to signal analysis.
Contagion in the Presence of Stochastic Interdependence

Contagion represents a significant change in cross-market linkages precipitated by a crisis and is properly measured only after taking into account the interdependence or extant linkages prevailing between markets. Since it is well known that stock return volatilities and correlations are stochastic in the absence of a crisis, interdependence between markets should reflect the time varying nature of these covariances. We measure contagion in the presence of stochastic interdependence using data on stock indices from South East Asian countries around the July 1997 crisis. Since stock return covariances are observed with error, this suggests casting our model in a state space framework which is estimated using a multivariate Kalman filter. In the presence of stochastic interdependence, we find reliable evidence of contagion between Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines but not between Thailand and Hong Kong or Singapore.
Dualisms in William James’s

Twentieth century American philosophy has been characterized by what one of our best philosophical historians, Max Fisch, has called “the damnation of Descartes.”1 A conspicuous facet of American anti-Cartesianism has been the rejection of dualisms, and in this regard American thought has been part of an international “revolt against dualism.”2 Harold N. Lee, whose own thought is a creative outgrowth of American pragmatism and naturalism, has joined arms with those who would make the “revolt” into a successful “revolution.” Lee has acknowledged Peirce, Mead, and C. I. Lewis to be his predecessors who have influenced him in his efforts to overcome dualisms.3
Liver Adenylyl Cyclases: Structure and Regulation by cAMP-Dependent Phosphorylation

Two distinct adenylyl cyclases have been cloned from a rat liver cDNA library. These sequences share 70% identity, as compared to 30–35% shared identity among other cloned members of this enzyme family, indicating that these two liver forms comprise a distinct subfamily of adenylyl cyclases. The two liver adenylyl cyclase sequences have been identified in all tissues so far examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of firststrand cDNAs from specific oligonucleotide primers. Unlike other cloned forms of adenylyl cyclase with limited distributions, these two adenylyl cyclases have the wide distribution expected for the “ubiquitous” Gs-regulated adenylyl cyclase activity in mammalian tissues. The mouse homolog of one of these adenylyl cyclases has been identified in the S49 lymphoma cell line. The liver (and S49 cell) adenylyl cyclases share a single conserved protein kinase A consensus phosphorylation site, which may be involved in inhibitory regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity during heterologous desensitization.
On the Modeling of Adhesive Wear with Consideration of Loading Sequence

Established models for predicting adhesive wear in sliding tribo-systems are based on the assumption that applied load remains constant. However, in many applications, load rarely remains constant—changing from low-to-high and high-to-low, or always fluctuating. Hence, the applicability of the existing wear models for prediction purposes becomes questionable. In the present work, an attempt is made to develop a wear model using the principles of thermodynamics to address this drawback. The proposed wear model establishes a relationship between the so-called degradation coefficient, load-dependent friction force, and the contact temperature. Efficacy of the proposed wear model is demonstrated by considering four cases of published data with variable loading sequence as well as additional series of ball-on-disk experiments conducted as a part of this study to validate the theory. A detailed explanation is provided to illustrate how a constant degradation coefficient value could predict the cumulative wear volume in applications dealing with variable loading while the Archard wear coefficient could not.
The Physiological Consequences of Hypovitaminosis D

During the industrial revolution in the United States, speculations arose surrounding ultraviolet radiation and its inverse relationship to the alarmingly increasing prevalence of rickets, a bone disease in children that we now know is caused by a lack of vitamin D. However, prior to the 20th century, it was nearly impossible to simply identify biological forms of vitamins or hormones (Holick, 2010). It was inconceivable to set forth a list of dietary essentials and their roles in the human body. With the aid of modern technology, the ability to ascertain vitamin D’s chemical form and origins became a reality. Today, a large fraction of the field of endocrine research aims to find links between vitamin D and diseases. The purpose of this paper is to list some of the associated ailments that transpire alongside inadequate levels of vitamin D, and in turn, emphasize the importance of supplementation to prevent such occurrences.
Investigating the Influence of Polysorbate 20/80 and Polaxomer P188 on the Surface & Interfacial Properties of Bovine Serum Albumin and Lysozyme

To provide new insights into how protein-surfactant competitive adsorbtion and corresponding surface tension reduction properties at the air-water and oil-water interface are impacted by the type of protein and the associated protein surface rheology. Interfacial Rheology was utilized to obtain surface G’ and G” as a function of frequency. Force tensiometry was utilized to obtain changes in surface tension as a function of surfactant concentration. The impact on surface properties of two different proteins i.e. BSA and Lysozyme was investigated as a function of surfactant concentration i.e. polysorbates PS 20, PS 80 and Poloxomer (Kolliphor P188). Surface tension and interfacial tension measurements for BSA showed that in mixed BSA/polysorbate surfactant systems, BSA dominates the interfacial behavior at both the air-water and oil-water interfaces, until a high polysorbate concentration of 0.1 mg/ml. At these high polysorbate concentrations a mixed BSA-Polysorbate interfacial layer is formed as corroborated by the surface elasticity values being lower than that of pure BSA but higher than that of pure Polysorbate. For Kolliphor, it was observed that Kolliphor was unable to displace BSA at any concentration. This is corroborated by the high surface elasticity of the BSA which is maintained in the presence of Kolliphor. Surface and interfacial tension measurements for lysozyme show that for mixed lysozyme/polysorbate surfactant systems, the surface tension values are lower than that exhibited by either the lysozyme or the polysorbate surfactants. This potentially indicates the formation of a mixed layer of lysozyme and polysorbate. At the high polysorbate concentrations probed, the surface elasticity values are however closer to that of pure polysorbates, indicating that the mixed layer may be more heavily polysorbate dominated, especially at high polysorbate concentrations. For Kolliphor, the response was similar to that seen in the Kolliphor-BSA system in which the Kolliphor was not able to displace the protein i.e. Lysozyme. In conclusion, it was seen that competitive adsorption between proteins and common excipient surfactants is dictated by the type of protein and its effective structuring/rigidity at the surface as reflected through surface elasticity and surface tan delta values. BSA was seen to exhibit a higher surface elasticity than lysozyme, and therefore has a more rigid structure and is more competitive at the interface.