cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of potentially lethal radiation damage repair in normal and neoplastic human cells by 3-aminobenzamide: An inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribosylation)

Abstract The effect of 3-aminobenzamide (3AB), an inhibitor of poly(ADP-ribose) synthetase, on potentially lethal damage repair (PLDR) was investigated in normal human fibroblasts and four human tumor cell lines from tumors with varying degrees of radiocurability. The tumor lines selected were: Ewing's sarcoma, a bone tumor considered radiocurable and, human lung adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, and melanoma, three tumors considered nonradiocurable. PLDR was measured by comparing cell survival when cells were irradiated in a density-inhibited state and replated at appropriate cell numbers at specified times following irradiation to cell survival when cells were replated immediately following irradiation. 3AB was added to cultures 2 hr prior to irradiation and removed at the time of replating. Different test radiation doses were used for the various cell lines to obtain equivalent levels of cell survival. In the absence of inhibitor, PLDR was similar in all cell lines tested. In the presence of 8 mM 3AB, differential inhibition of PLDR was observed. PLDR was almost completel inhibited in Ewing's sarcoma cells and partially inhibited in normal fibroblast cells and osteosarcoma cells. No inhibition of PLDR was observed in the lung adenocarcinoma or melanoma cells. Except for the osteosarcoma cells, inhibition of PLDR by 3AB correlated well with radiocurability.
QUANTITATIVE LIVER FUNCTION BEFORE ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION (OLT)

The timing of OLT is important because, on the one hand, a long and only modestly impaired survival with chronic liver disease should not be preempted by death due to an unsuccessful OLT nor should a possibly successful OLT be hindered by waiting until the candidate is critically ill. Standard “LFT's” are of little value In quantitating declining liver reserve. Sixteen infants and children awaiting OLT were studied 1-4 times during their course of illness using a set of “quantitative liver function tests” (OLPT's) comprising indocyanine green clearance (ICGC), galactose elimination (GEC) and 13C-aminopyrene breath test (ABT) to determine if they improve assessment of hepatic reserve. ICGC was deranged in all patients (t1/2=3.8-40 min, control=1.9-3.0), reflected cholestasis and/or portosystemic shunting and did not change with time. ABT was normal to severely deranged (11-2.4% 2hr excretion, control=8.5-12) and reflected hepatic reserve, but was difficult to perform and the results erratic. GEC was normal (t1/2=7.5 - 11.5 min, control=8-11.5) early in the course and fell linearly In each patient with progression to end-stage (22-28 min). Long GECs predicted inability to effect improved nutrition, important in OLT. We conclude that GEC improves assessment liver reserve before OLT.
Dedifferentiation of CD34+kdr- progenitors by FLK1 gene transfer: Suppression of clonogenic activity and rescue of engrafting capacity

Abstract The VEGF receptor 2 (KDR in humans, Flk1 in mice) is detected on #1% of CD34+ cells from post-natal hematopoietic tissues and is specifically expressed on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs); conversely, uni-oligopotent hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) are comprised in the CD34+KDR- subset (Ziegler et al., Science, 1999). To assess the functional role of KDR/Flk1 in the HSC gene program, CD34+KDR- cells from bone marrow, cord and adult peripheral blood were transduced by Flk1 gene in PINCO retroviral vector containing the GFP marker (De Maria et al., Nature, 1999). Flk1+ cells were assayed for HPC clonogenic activity and for HSC repopulating activity in 12-wk extended long-term culture (ELTC) and NOD-SCID mice, as compared to control GFP+ cells. The in vitro clonogenic activity of Flk1+ cells was 80–90% suppressed. Conversely, the HSC activity was partially rescued: (a) the frequency of 12-wk ELTC initiating cells (ELTC-ICs) was 10–20% in Flk1+cells vs0% in GFP+ cells; (b) injection of 10–200x10 3 Flk1+ cells in NOD-SCID mice induced a multilineage myeloid-lymphoid engraftment, whereas GFP+ control cells did not engraft. These data indicate that Flk1 gene transfer induces functional dedifferentiation of CD34+KDR- HPCs: specifically, exogenous Flk1 abolishes the clonogenic activity of the majority of HPCs, while it rescues the stem cell activity of a minority of HPCs, possibly represented by primitive HPCs. It is apparent, therefore, that KDR/Flk1 plays a key role in the functional gene program underlying stem cell activity.
Comparison of paclitaxel-eluting stent and sirolimus-eluting stent expansion at incremental delivery pressures.

Abstract Objectives We sought to compare the adequacy of paclitaxel-eluting stent (PES) and sirolimus-eluting stent (SES) expansion based on intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging criteria at conventional delivery pressures. Methods Forty-six patients underwent SES implantation and 42 patients underwent PES implantation for de novo native coronary lesions 80% of the reference or >90% if minimal lumen cross-sectional area was 2 ). Results The baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar except for shorter lesion length, larger mean lumen cross-sectional area, larger lumen diameter, and lower plaque burden in the PES group. Stent expansion was inadequate in 80% of patients with SES versus 63% of patients with PES at 14 atm, although this was not statistically significant. After 20 atm, 48% of patients with SES remained underexpanded as compared with 35% of patients with PES. Conclusion Drug-eluting stents showed significant underexpansion by MUSIC criteria at conventionally used inflation pressures. Higher balloon inflations are required especially during deployment of a SES. IVUS guidance is recommended to ensure optimal results and outcomes with both stents.
The effect of nitrogen on soft magnetism in FeTaN films

An attempt has been made to understand and explain the relationship between soft magnetism and nitrogen content in single layer FeTaN films deposited by dc magnetron sputtering. The effect of nitrogen content on film microstructure, crystallite size, saturation magnetization, magnetostriction, and coercivity is analyzed. Clear trends emerge from this analysis. A linear relationship exists between nitrogen content and all the properties mentioned above with the exception of coercivity. The coercivity is observed to decrease suddenly on the addition of nitrogen, then remain flat over a large range of nitrogen contents, finally increasing rapidly at high nitrogen contents. Permeability and anisotropy field measurements are also reported.
Curvelet based no-reference objective image Quality Assessment

In this paper, we propose a new general Quality Assessment method based on the curvelet transform, called Curvelet No-Reference (CNR) model, which can estimate levels of noise, blur and JPEG 2000 compression of natural images. The peak coordinate of the curvelet coefficient histogram occupies distinctive regions depending on how the image was modified from the original. During training, we associate peak positions with known filter levels. In the prediction stage, the filter levels of new images are estimated from the training data, with no access to the reference images. We tested CNR both on our own image dataset and on LIVE [4]. Results demonstrate that CNR does a better job at predicting noise and blur levels among several methods, including SSIM [1] and PSNR. We also present an accelerated version of CNR that does not sacrifice prediction accuracy on natural images.
Formation of multinucleated cells that respond to osteotropic hormones in long term human bone marrow cultures.

Studies of osteoclasts and their precursors in normal and pathological states have been severely hampered by the lack of an in vitro system for forming osteoclasts. We developed a human marrow culture system in which multinucleated cells with several characteristics of osteoclasts form. Multinucleated cells began to form during the first week of culture, with maximum numbers formed after 3 weeks. PTH (25–50 ng/ml) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (10-10–10-8M) increased formation of these cells, and these effects were inhibited by calcitonin. These multinucleated cells contained nonspecific esterase and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, a marker enzyme of osteoclasts, and had several ultrastructural features of osteoclasts. We used this marrow cell culture technique to study a patient with hyperparathyroidism and markedly increased osteoclasts on bone marrow biopsy. The marrow from this patient formed increased numbers of multinucleated cells in vitro. After parathyroidectomy both multinucleated cell forma...
A crisis in scientific morale.

Scientists who work in biomedical fields cannot be objective observers of processes that go on in their own bodies. What is the rational solution to this dilemma?
Fabricating, Testing, and Modeling of Advanced Grid Stiffened Fiber Reinforced Polymer Tube Encased Concrete Cylinders

In a previous study [1], a new confinement device — an advanced grid stiffened (AGS) composite tube, which was made of a lattice of interlaced fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) ribs that was wrapped by a FRP skin — was used to encase concrete cylinders. The test results showed that the AGS tube confined concrete cylinders displayed a considerable positive or constructive composite action due to the mechanical interlocking between the grid skeleton and the concrete core. In order to better understand and design this type of novel structures, an in-depth study is needed. In this present study, a pin-guided system assisted by a collapsible mandrel was developed to filament wind the AGS tubes automatically. A `building-block' test was conducted to reveal the step-by-step development of the composite action. After that, the effect of the rib thickness, skin thickness, and bay area on the structural behavior was evaluated experimentally. The numerical analysis was conducted using the ANSYS finite element software ...
Therapeutic goals in patients with refractory chronic angina.

Refractory angina presents a major clinical challenge for everyday medical practice. Despite the widespread use of statins and improvements in revascularization techniques, a substantial proportion of patients with preserved left ventricular function and no life-threatening arrhythmias remain symptomatic, with severe debilitating angina. Because the rate of major cardiac events in this population is relatively low, the major aim of therapy should be not only to prolong survival but also to improve quality of life. The cornerstone of therapy for all these patients should be the aggressive modification of risk factors using evidencebased treatment, with the aim of stabilizing the disease process and improving overall survival. No opportunity for revascularization should be overlooked. Complementary approaches should be implemented to raise the angina threshold by either reducing oxygen demand or improving hemodynamics to increase myocardial oxygen supply. This review provides an update on therapeutic techniques and goals, and reinforces the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with refractory angina.
Crack propagation characteristics in neutron irradiated type 316 stainless steel microspecimens

In order to better relate the macroscopic mechanical behavior of irradiated alloys to their associated microstructural condition, unirradiated and neutron irradiated microspecimens were tensile tested at 25–600°C in a quantitative load elongation stage while under continuous observation in a high voltage electron microscope (HVEM). The microtensile specimens, 40 μ m thick, of type 316 stainless steel were irradiated at ambient temperature to a fluence of 1 × 1022 n/m2 with 14 MeV neutrons in the Lawrence Livermore Rotating Target Neutron Source II (RTNS) facility. Crack angles, directions and length plotted against total specimen elongation were used to describe the manner in which a crack progressed through each specimen. Rapid crack propagation is accompanied by rapidly changing crack angles and direction and conversely slow propagation corresponds to slowly changing variables. A graph of cumulative crack length plotted against total elongation exhibits a slope which increases as specimen ductility decreases. This graph reflects changes due to the effect of neutron irradiation.
Genetic transformation of the pathogenic fungus Wangiella dermatitidis

Genetic transformation of Wangiella dermatitidis was studied using three plasmid vectors (pAN7-1, pWU44, and pKK5) and both electroporation and polyethyleneglycol-mediated methods. pAN7-1 contains the E. coli hygromycin B (HmB) phosphotransferase (hph) gene. Expression of the hph gene confers resistance to antibiotic HmB. Selection for resistance, indicative of transformation, resulted in 10 203 HmB-resistant colonies/micrograms pAN7-1 on medium containing 100 micrograms HmB/ml. Strains of W. dermatitidis used in this study have innate sensitivity to HmB at a critical inhibitory concentration of 20-40 micrograms/ml. Vectors pWU44 and pKK5 contain a URA5 gene from Podospora anserina. A ura5 auxotroph of W. dermatitidis was transformed to prototrophy with pWU44 or pKK5 by complementation. Transformation frequencies for these two plasmids were between 17-50 transformants/micrograms vector DNA. Southern blotting analysis and polymerase chain reaction detection of DNA from putative transformants confirmed transformation.
Nanocrystalline FeSi phase by mechanical attrition and its soft magnetic properties

Abstract Nanocrystalline FeSi phases have been prepared by mechanical attrition from both elemental powders and solid solutions. X-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, DSC, EDAX and TEM have been used to investigate their structure variations, grain size distributions, impurities and thermal stabilities. The grain size shows a very nonuniform distribution with an average grain size of about 10–20 nm. Magnetic measurement on the as-prepared and subsequently annealed sample show no improvements on the coercivity and saturation flux density compared with the starting materials. Within the random anisotropy model, it is shown that the absence of the expected soft magnetic properties in these nanocrystalline phase materials is related to the nature of the grain boundaries formed by mechanical deformation and to the nonuniform grain size distribution.
In vitro toxicity and interactions of environmental contaminants (Arochlor 1254 and mercury) and immunomodulatory agents (lipopolysaccharide and cortisol) on thymocytes from lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)

Abstract The immunotoxicity of chemical combinations commonly encountered by the lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) immune system was the focus of this study. It was hypothesised that combinations of an environmental contaminant (mercuric chloride or Aroclor 1254) and an immunomodulatory agent (bacterial endotoxin or cortisol) might interact to produce a greater toxicity than that of the environmental contaminant alone at concentrations typically encountered in piscine blood and other tissues. Thus lake trout thymocytes were isolated and treated with mercuric chloride or Aroclor 1254 in the presence and absence of cortisol or lipopolysaccharide. Incubations were performed for 6 or 20 h at 4° C or 10° C. Lipopolysaccharide did not affect the toxicity of either contaminant. In contrast, cortisol enhanced the toxicity of both environmental contaminants. Hence, stressors that lead to increased cortisol production, but not lipopolysaccharide directly, may increase the toxicity of mercury and Aroclor 1254 to lake trout thymocytes.
Effects of CP-154,526 on responding during extinction from cocaine self-administration in rats

Conditioned cues associated with cocaine induce craving and relapse. Although the role of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) in stress- and cocaine-induced relapse has been reported, its involvement in cue-induced behavior has not been established. Using responding during extinction as a model of cue-induced craving, we tested the effects of a selective CRH1 receptor antagonist, CP-154,526 (butyl-ethyl-[2,5-dimethyl-7-(2,4,6-trimethyl-phenyl)-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-amine). Rats were trained to respond on a multiple schedule of cocaine self-administration and food reinforcement. On extinction test days, saline was substituted for cocaine. Pretreatment with CP-154,526 (20 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased responding on the cocaine-associated lever during extinction, suggesting an involvement of CRH1 receptors in cue-induced craving.
Equal Pay vs. Equal Job Opportunity for Women: The Debate in Great Britain from 1891 to 1923

Examines the debate (1891‐1923) concerning whether women should receive equal pay for equal work and whether they should have equal employment opportunities. Addresses the issues surrounding equal employment opportunities for women, whether women′s work performance was equal to that of men, the question of equal pay and, finally, the debate over equal pay vs equal job opportunity.
High glucose induces mitochondrial dysfunction independently of protein O-GlcNAcylation

Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycaemia and perturbations in intermediary metabolism. In particular, diabetes can augment flux through accessory pathways of glucose metabolism, such as the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP), which produces the sugar donor for the β-O-linked-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) post-translational modification of proteins. Diabetes also promotes mitochondrial dysfunction. Nevertheless, the relationships among diabetes, hyperglycaemia, mitochondrial dysfunction and O-GlcNAc modifications remain unclear. In the present study, we tested whether high-glucose-induced increases in O-GlcNAc modifications directly regulate mitochondrial function in isolated cardiomyocytes. Augmentation of O-GlcNAcylation with high glucose (33 mM) was associated with diminished basal and maximal cardiomyocyte respiration, a decreased mitochondrial reserve capacity and lower Complex II-dependent respiration (P<0.05); however, pharmacological or genetic modulation of O-GlcNAc modifications under normal or high glucose conditions showed few significant effects on mitochondrial respiration, suggesting that O-GlcNAc does not play a major role in regulating cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function. Furthermore, an osmotic control recapitulated high-glucose-induced changes to mitochondrial metabolism (P<0.05) without increasing O-GlcNAcylation. Thus, increased O-GlcNAcylation is neither sufficient nor necessary for high-glucose-induced suppression of mitochondrial metabolism in isolated cardiomyocytes.
Application of empirical predictive modeling using conventional and alternative fecal indicator bacteria in eastern North Carolina waters.

Abstract Coastal and estuarine waters are the site of intense anthropogenic influence with concomitant use for recreation and seafood harvesting. Therefore, coastal and estuarine water quality has a direct impact on human health. In eastern North Carolina (NC) there are over 240 recreational and 1025 shellfish harvesting water quality monitoring sites that are regularly assessed. Because of the large number of sites, sampling frequency is often only on a weekly basis. This frequency, along with an 18–24 h incubation time for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) enumeration via culture-based methods, reduces the efficiency of the public notification process. In states like NC where beach monitoring resources are limited but historical data are plentiful, predictive models may offer an improvement for monitoring and notification by providing real-time FIB estimates. In this study, water samples were collected during 12 dry (n = 88) and 13 wet (n = 66) weather events at up to 10 sites. Statistical predictive models for Escherichia coli (EC), enterococci (ENT), and members of the Bacteroidales group were created and subsequently validated. Our results showed that models for EC and ENT (adjusted R2 were 0.61 and 0.64, respectively) incorporated a range of antecedent rainfall, climate, and environmental variables. The most important variables for EC and ENT models were 5-day antecedent rainfall, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. These models successfully predicted FIB levels over a wide range of conditions with a 3% (EC model) and 9% (ENT model) overall error rate for recreational threshold values and a 0% (EC model) overall error rate for shellfish threshold values. Though modeling of members of the Bacteroidales group had less predictive ability (adjusted R2 were 0.56 and 0.53 for fecal Bacteroides spp. and human Bacteroides spp., respectively), the modeling approach and testing provided information on Bacteroidales ecology. This is the first example of a set of successful statistical predictive models appropriate for assessment of both recreational and shellfish harvesting water quality in estuarine waters.
Human herpesvirus-8-associated body cavity-based lymphoma in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: A unique B-cell neoplasm

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related body cavity-based lymphomas (BCBLs) are known to exhibit unusual clinical, immunophenotypic, and genotypic features, and have recently been found to harbor DNA sequences of a new human herpesvirus, designated Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) or human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). The authors have encountered eight cases of HHV-8-associated BCBL in HIV-infected patients. A literature search revealed an additional 50 reported cases of HIV-related BCBL, as well as reports of several other disorders associated with HHV-8 DNA. Comprehensive analysis of the clinical and pathobiological features of all 58 known cases of HIV-related BCBL shows it to be a unique B-cell neoplasm with a strong propensity for body-cavity involvement without mass lesions and with little or no dissemination, poor prognosis, high grade usually immunoblastic morphology, late B-cell phenotype and genotype, no associated c-myc gene rearrangement, frequent presence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome, and uniform association with HHV-8 DNA. Considering these features in the context of other disorders associated with HHV-8 DNA, HHV-8 appears to play a causal role in BCBL, possibly in concert with EBV, and may induce this lymphoma through dysregulation of cytokines, particularly interleukin-6, or infection of an unusual B-cell subset. The characteristics of HHV-8-associated BCBL suggest a possible role for antiherpes or anticytokine agents in the treatment of this lymphoma.
Thalidomide and celecoxib as potential modulators of irinotecan’s activity in cancer patients

Purpose: Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation induces resistance to irinotecan. Preclinically, thalidomide and COX-2 inhibitors reduce NF-κB activation. We tested the feasibility of combining irinotecan with thalidomide and thalidomide/celecoxib in patients with refractory malignancies. Patients/methods: The study was conducted in two parts. First, the optimal dose of thalidomide (400 or 200 mg daily) in combination with irinotecan 125 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks was determined. In the second part, celecoxib 400 mg twice-daily was added to irinotecan/thalidomide. Pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and thalidomide alone or concurrently were evaluated. Tumor necrosis factor alpha, beta-fibroblast growth factor, and NF-κB activation were measured in blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). No CYP450 enzyme inducers/inhibitors were allowed. Results: Thirty-six patients were enrolled: Eleven received thalidomide 400 mg, 13 thalidomide 200 mg and 12 thalidomide 400 mg and celecoxib, with irinotecan. For the two-drug combination, there was a higher rate of moderate/severe diarrhea/myelosuppression with thalidomide 200 mg. Thus thalidomide 400 mg was combined with celecoxib. The triple combination resulted in similar toxicity as the doublet with the lower thalidomide dose. Concurrent administration of irinotecan/thalidomide did not influence pharmacokinetics. Anti-tumor responses occurred in two patients and prolonged stabilization in eight others. NF-κB activation increased over time. Patients experiencing tumor response or prolonged stabilization had lower NF-κB activation, albeit not statistically significant (P = 0.124). Conclusions: The combination of thalidomide/irinotecan is safe and devoid of PK interactions. Thalidomide 400 mg appeared more suitable for combination, whereas the addition of celecoxib did not improve tolerability. Tumor-specific studies in patients with lesser prior treatment will be necessary to establish the therapeutic impact of the combinations.
Cdc7-Dbf4 and the Human S Checkpoint Response to UVC

The S checkpoint response to ultraviolet radiation (UVC) that inhibits replicon initiation is dependent on the ATR and Chk1 kinases. Downstream effectors of this response, however, are not well characterized. Data reported here eliminated Cdc25A degradation and inhibition of Cdk2-cyclin E as intrinsic components of the UVC-induced pathway of inhibition of replicon initiation in human cells. A sublethal dose of UVC (1 J/m2), which selectively inhibits replicon initiation by 50%, failed to reduce the amount of Cdc25A protein or decrease Cdk2-cyclin E kinase activity. Cdc25A degradation was observed after irradiation with cytotoxic fluences of UVC, suggesting that severe inhibition of DNA chain elongation and activation of the replication checkpoint might be responsible for the UVC-induced degradation of Cdc25A. Another proposed effector of the S checkpoint is the Cdc7-Dbf4 complex. Dbf4 interacted weakly with Chk1 in vivo but was recognized as a substrate for Chk1-dependent phosphorylation in vitro. FLAG-Dbf4 formed complexes with endogenous Cdc7, and this interaction was stable in UVC-irradiated HeLa cells. Overexpression of FLAG- or Myc-tagged Dbf4 abrogated the S checkpoint response to UVC but not ionizing radiation. These findings implicate a Dbf4-dependent kinase as a possible target of the ATR- and Chk1-dependent S checkpoint response to UVC.
Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Ability of the Adult Female Gypsy Moth to Attract Males

The ability of sterile female and normal female Porthetria dispar (L.) to attract male moths in a natural infestation was compared. As a supplementary part of the test, 2 lures were compared also with the attractiveness of sterile and normal females in 2 of the 3 trials. There was no significant difference between the abilities of the sterile and normal females to attract males. The 1962 gyplure was as effective as the females in attracting males, but the 1967 Spanish natural lure was less effective.
Construction and screening of M13 phage libraries displaying long random peptides

We have constructed two phage display libraries expressing N-terminal pIII fusions in M13 composed of 37 and 43 random amino acid domains, respectively. The D38 library expresses 37 random amino acids with a central alanine residue, and the DC43 library contains 43 random amino acids with a central cysteine flanked by two glycine residues, giving the displayed peptide the potential to form disulfide loops of various sizes. We demonstrate that the majority of random sequences in both libraries are compatible in pentavalent display with phage viability. The M13 phage display vector itself has been engineered to contain a factor Xa protease cleavage site to provide an alternative to acid elution during affinity selection. An in-frame amber mutation has been inserted between the pIII cloning sites to allow for efficient selection against nonrecombinant phage in the library. These libraries have been panned against mAb 7E11-C5, which recognizes the prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSM). Isolated phage display a consensus sequence that is homologous to a region in the PSM molecule.
Effect of chain lengths of PEO-PPO-PEO on small unilamellar liposome morphology and stability: an AFM investigation.

Abstract The morphology and stability of small unilamellar egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EggPC) liposomes modified with the Pluronic® copolymer (poly (oxyethylene)–poly (oxypropylene)–poly (oxyethylene) (PEO–PPO–PEO)) with different compositions on mica surface have been investigated using atomic force microscopy. Morphology studies reveal significant morphological changes of liposomes upon incorporating the Pluronic® copolymer. Bilayers are observed for Pluronic® with small hydrophilic (PEO) chain lengths such as L81 [(PEO)2(PPO)40(PEO)2] and L121 [(PEO)4(PPO)60(PEO)4]; bilayer and vesicle coexistence is observed for P85 [(PEO)26(PPO)39.5(PEO)26] and F87 [(PEO)61.1(PPO)39.7(PEO)61.1]; and stable vesicles are observed for F88 [(PEO)103.5(PPO)39.2(PEO)103.5], F127 [(PEO)100(PPO)65(PEO)100], and F108 [(PEO)132.6(PPO)50.3(PEO)132.6]. The micromechanical properties of Pluronic®-modified EggPC vesicles were studied by analyzing AFM approaching force curve. The bending modulus ( k c ) of the Pluronic®-modified EggPC vesicles increased several-fold compared with that of the pure EggPC vesicles. The significant difference is due to the enhanced rigidity of the EggPC vesicles as a result of the incorporation of PPO molecules and PEO chains. Based on the analysis of onset point by AFM and diameters of vesicles by light scattering, it was concluded that the favorable model to describe the polymer–bilayer interaction is the membrane-spanning model.
Forecasting the 2012 and 2014 Elections Using Bayesian Prediction and Optimization

This article presents a data-driven Bayesian model used to predict the state-by-state winners in the Senate and presidential elections in 2012 and 2014. The Bayesian model takes into account the proportions of polled subjects who favor each candidate and the proportion who are undecided, and produces a posterior probability that each candidate will win each state. From this, a dynamic programming algorithm is used to compute the probability mass functions for the number of electoral votes that each presidential candidate receives and the number of Senate seats that each party receives. On the final day before the 2012 election, the model gave a probability of (essentially) one that President Obama would be reelected, and that the Democrats would retain control of the U.S. Senate. In 2014, the model gave a final probability of .99 that the Republicans would take control of the Senate.
Dragons fly, biologists classify: an overview of molecular odonate studies, and our evolutionary understanding of dragonfly and damselfly (Insecta: Odonata) behavior

Among insects, perhaps the most appreciated are those that are esthetically pleasing: few capture the interest of the public as much as vibrantly colored dragonflies and damselflies (Insecta: Odonata). These remarkable insects are also extensively studied. Here, we review the history of odonate systematics, with an emphasis on discrepancies among studies. Over the past century, relationships among Odonata have been reinterpreted many times, using a variety of data from wing vein morphology to DNA. Despite years of study, there has been little consensus about odonate taxonomy. In this review, we compare odonate molecular phylogenetic studies with respect to gene and model selection, optimality criterion, and dataset completeness. These differences are discussed in relation to the evolution of dragonfly behavior.
Cluster decomposition of multiparticle scattering operators

Cluster properties of multiparticle scattering operators defined in terms of a separation variable are shown to be equivalent to cluster properties specified in terms of an angular variable. It is shown that these formulations lead to a formulation of cluster properties in terms of an angular momentum limit. Finally, using a spectral representation of the scattering operators derived from unitarity, the author shows that scattering operators satisfy cluster requirements if the eigenvectors in the spectral representation split into products of eigenvectors in the large-angular-momentum limit.
SU‐E‐T‐622: Identification and Improvement of Patients Eligible for Dose Escalation with Matched Plans

Purpose: Radiation-therapy dose-escalation beyond 80Gy may improve tumor control rates for patients with localized prostate cancer. Since toxicity remains a concern, treatment planners must achieve dose-escalation while still adhering to dose-constraints for surrounding structures. Patientmatching is a machine-learning technique that identifies prior patients that dosimetrically match DVH parameters of target volumes and critical structures prior to actual treatment planning. We evaluated the feasibility of patient-matching in (1)identifying candidates for safe dose-escalation; and (2)improving DVH parameters for critical structures in actual dose-escalated plans. Methods: We analyzed DVH parameters from 319 historical treatment plans to determine which plans could achieve dose-escalation (8640cGy) without exceeding Zelefsky dose-constraints (rectal and bladder V47Gy<53%, and V75.6Gy<30%, max-point dose to rectum of 8550cGy, max dose to PTV< 9504cGy). We then estimated the percentage of cases that could achieve safe dose-escalation using software that enables patient matching (QuickMatch, Siris Medical, Mountain View, CA). We then replanned a case that had violated DVH constraints with DVH parameters from patient matching, in order to determine whether this previously unacceptable plan could be made eligible with this automated technique. Results: Patient-matching improved the percentage of patients eligible for dose-escalation from 40% to 63% (p=4.7e-4, t-test). Using a commercial optimizer augmented with patient-matching, we demonstrated a case where patient-matching improved the toxicity-profile such that dose-escalation would have been possible; this plan was rapidly achieved using patientmatching software. In this patient, all lower-dose constraints were met with both the denovo and patient-matching plan. In the patient-matching plan, maximum dose to the rectum was 8385cGy, while the denovo plan failed to meet the maximum rectal constraint at 8571cGy. Conclusion: Patientmatching is a promising method to identify eligible patients, and to assist in creating acceptable plans for dose-escalation. Further study will investigate other disease states. Additionally, the time-savings provided by patientmatching warrants further investigation. The following authors have equity ownership in Siris Medical, Inc: K Bush, TF Atwood.
Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae lipoprotein P6 induces MUC5AC mucin transcription via TLR2-TAK1-dependent p38 MAPK-AP1 and IKKβ- IκBα-NF-κB signaling pathways

Mucin overproduction is a hallmark of nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) infections. The molecular mechanisms underlying up-regulation of mucin in NTHi infections especially during the initial phase remain unknown. Here we show that P6, a 16-kDa outer membrane lipoprotein well conserved in NTHi, up-regulates MUC5AC mucin gene transcription in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, P6 induces MUC5AC transcription via TLR2-MyD88-IRAK1-TRAF6-TAK1-dependent p38 MAPK-AP1 and IKKbeta-IkappaBalpha-NF-kappaB signaling pathways. This study may bring new insights into the molecular pathogenesis of NTHi-induced infections and lead to novel therapeutic intervention for inhibiting mucin overproduction in patients with NTHi infections.
Synthoid: Endpoint User Profile Control

Web tracking is a practice that has grown in scope and complexity as the Internet has expanded. In particular, advertising networks have been continually advancing web tracking in order to gather the most information on users. On the other hand, users have often reacted negatively to tracking schemes, expressing concern about their lack of control. We present Synthoid, a system which returns control to users, without a need for tracker cooperation or broad adoption. Synthoid achieves this by actively fetching content of a selected set of topics, imprinting the tracking network profile for the user with these topics. It eliminates the need for users to place trust in web trackers by directly controlling the signal trackers measure, without inconveniencing users. Additionally, as traffic is generated directly from the users' machines, Synthoid is able to function with any method of tracking, even those which use advanced techniques. We examine the effectiveness of Synthoid with real web trackers. We demonstrate that it is successfully able to imprint a target profile with low volume and when faced with significant interference. Finally, we show that it is able to entirely alter browsing profiles when run alongside user traces. The key behind Synthoid's performance is a strong, artificial, yet carefully constructed and semantically determined, signal.
QUANTUM MODEL FOR COMMENSURATE - INCOMMENSURATE TRANSITIONS

Abstract A one-dimensional quantum mechanical model with three states per site is considered. Its ground state shows several commensurate-incommensurate transitions analogous to ones previously studied in two-dimensional statistical mechanics. Using duality arguments, several relations between the phase transition lines can be stated precisely. Further data about the phase diagram can be derived numerically by using strong coupling expansions, including an expansion for the q-dependent mass gap. A fermion analysis is employed to develop exact properties of the incommensurate or floating phase. One new feature is the existence of a Lifshitz point where the critical exponents α, β and γ take the value of the three-state Potts model while the mass gap exponent, ν, equals one, characteristic of the Ising model.
Two-phase interleaved LLC resonant converter with phase shedding control

A novel two-phase interleaved LLC resonant converter is proposed, which can manage the number of phases by output loading. In the proposed scheme, the output load current is detected with sensing resistor in the output terminal. The measured value is compared with the threshold value for phase management and the signal is generated to trigger the gate driver. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency at a light load condition.
Prospects for identifying functional variation across the genome

The genetic factors contributing to complex trait variation may reside in regulatory, rather than protein-coding portions of the genome. Within noncoding regions, SNPs in regulatory elements are more likely to contribute to phenotypic variation than those in nonregulatory regions. Thus, it is important to be able to identify and annotate noncoding regulatory elements. DNA conservation among diverged species successfully identifies noncoding regulatory regions. However, because rapidly evolving regulatory regions will not generally be conserved across species, these will not detected by using purely conservation-based methods. Here we describe additional approaches that can be used to identify putative regulatory elements via signatures of nonneutral evolution. An examination of the pattern of polymorphism both within and between populations of Drosophila melanogaster, as well as divergence with its sibling species Drosophila simulans, across 24.2 kb of noncoding DNA identifies several nonneutrally evolving regions not identified by conservation. Because different methods tag different regions, it appears that the methods are complementary. Patterns of variation at different elements are consistent with the action of selective sweeps, balancing selection, or population differentiation. Together with regions conserved between D. melanogaster and Drosophila pseudoobscura, we tag 5.3 kb of noncoding DNA as potentially regulatory. Ninety-seven of the 408 common noncoding SNPs surveyed are within putatively regulatory regions. If these methods collectively identify the majority of functional noncoding polymorphisms, genotyping only these SNPs in an association mapping framework would reduce genotyping effort for noncoding regions 4-fold.
Diadenosine polyphosphates: their biological and pharmacological significance

Diadenosine polyphosphates are members of a group of dinucleoside polyphosphates that are ubiquitous in bacteria to mammals. In recent years, the diadenosine polyphosphates have received considerable attention in view of their multiple biological activities and potential pharmacological activities. Diadenosine polyphosphates have been identified as modulators of cardiovascular and neurotransmitter-like activities in recent years, besides their previously described role in cell proliferation and as signal molecules when cells are undergoing stress. Diadenosine polyphosphates and their synthetic analogues are being evaluated for their potential as pharmacological agents. This article discusses the various biological functions and physiological significance of the diadenosine polyphosphates.
Mass transfer accompanied by equilibrium and second-order irreversible reactions

Abstract A general derivation based on film theory for simultaneous irreversible and equilibrium reactions is presented and expressions for the enhancement factor are obtained. In limiting cases the enhancement factor reduces to a simple ratio of diffusivities or to a simpler reaction system. In addition the geometrical contributions to the mass transfer coefficient for spherical and cylindrical coordinates are discussed.
State-dependent diffusion: Thermodynamic consistency and its path integral formulation

The friction coefficient of a particle can depend on its position, as it does when the particle is near a wall. We formulate the dynamics of particles with such state-dependent friction coefficients in terms of a general Langevin equation with multiplicative noise, whose evaluation requires the introduction of specific rules. Two common conventions, the Ito and the Stratonovich, provide alternative rules for evaluation of the noise, but other conventions are possible. We show that the requirement that a particle's distribution function approach the Boltzmann distribution at long times dictates that a drift term must be added to the Langevin equation. This drift term is proportional to the derivative of the diffusion coefficient times a factor that depends on the convention used to define the multiplicative noise. We explore the consequences of this result in a number of examples with spatially varying diffusion coefficients. We also derive a path integral representation for arbitrary interpretation of the noise, and use it in a perturbative study of correlations in a simple system.
Biophysical Studies of Natural Photoreceptors: Application to Optogenetic Tool Optimization

Many biological processes are regulated by environmental control of protein conformation. This is commonly achieved by sensory protein domains that bind both protein targets and environmentally-sensitive cofactors, using these compounds to trigger allosteric changes in the sensory domain. These general principles are exemplified by photosensory proteins, several of which have been amenable to biophysical study and subsequent use in applied settings.Here I will present our work in this area, where we have used solution NMR spectroscopy and other biophysical approaches to study the signaling mechanisms of flavin-based photoreceptors that sense blue light. We have principally focused on Light-Oxygen-Voltage domains, a group of small (∼120 aa) modules from plant and bacterial photosensors. These domains control intra- and intermolecular protein/protein interactions in response to photochemically-driven bond formation between protein and flavin groups. This event generates conformational changes that disrupt inhibitory protein/protein interactions, activating downstream effectors.Combining experimental and computational approaches, we have quantitatively described how alterations in protein/cofactor interactions perturb the structural and functional activation of these proteins. In turn, this has laid the foundation for us to manipulate various photochemical properties of these sensors, improving their utility in optogenetic applications.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Area influences and floating potentials in Langmuir probe measurements

Influence of small reference electrode in Langmuir probe measurement of plasma density and temperature
Comparison of Nanocomposites Prepared from Sodium, Zinc, and Lithium Ionomers of Ethylene/Methacrylic Acid Copolymers

Morphology and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared by melt mixing a montmorillonite-based organoclay with lithium, sodium, and zinc ionomers of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) are presented here. The effect of the type of neutralizing cation on the melt rheology and organoclay exfoliation efficiency of the ionomers was examined using transmission electron microscopy, wide-angle X-ray scattering, DSM axial-force rheometry, and stress−strain analysis. Nanocomposites prepared from the sodium and the zinc ionomers displayed much better exfoliation of the organoclay and superior levels of reinforcement compared to equivalent nanocomposites prepared from the lithium ionomer. On the basis of the detailed experimental analysis, the lower levels of organoclay exfoliation observed in the nanocomposites prepared from the lithium ionomer are suggested to be a result of irreversible exchange of quaternary ammonium ions (of the organoclay) for the very small lithium ions (of the polymer) that can enter ...
Minimizing the environmental impact by more effective energy utilization

Significant climatic variations could result if the global rate of energy consumption continues to increase. However, most of the currently accepted projections of the demand for energy in the United States are based on simplistic extrapolations of the trends of the last few decades. Owing to increased prices and scarcities of energy resources, these projections are not likely to materialize. Investments to utilize energy more effectively are now economically viable. For many energy requirements, it is now more economical to invest in using energy more effectively than to invest in the energy-producing facilities that might otherwise be needed.
Portraits of Our Mentoring Experiences in Learning to Craft Journal Articles

Tenure demands for scholarship and publication are increasing, with relatively little research on mentoring junior faculty and less on mentoring to craft journal articles. This qualitative self-study of mentoring experiences of three junior faculty members and their experienced mentor used portraiture methodology to address the research question, How did the mentoring experience, from both mentor’s and mentees’ perspective, reshape our thinking and understanding of the journal article writing process? Portraiture was employed somewhat differently, with mentor and mentee “painting” each other. Five emergent themes were found in the dyadic portraits written by proteges and mentor: beginnings, relationships, fears and worries, support and scaffolding, and outcomes. The mentoring relationships evolved from traditional to more collaborative, simultaneously becoming less hierarchical and involving cognitive and affective aspects. Crafting journal articles involved finding focus, backwards design, iteration, pro...
Maintaining quality of life after palliative diversion for malignant ureteral obstruction

The records of 71 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous nephrostomy for malignant ureteral obstruction were reviewed. The average post-nephrostomy survival time was seven months, of which 25% was spent in the hospital. When comparing these figures to older studies of open nephrostomy, the percutaneous procedure is associated with less morbidity and an increased percentage of time spent at home (75% compared to 36%). Long-term survival, however, is still poor, with only 25% of patients alive at one year. We suggest that the criteria previously adopted for open nephrostomy generally remain appropriate for patients being considered for percutaneous urinary diversion.
Impact of library preparation on downstream analysis and interpretation of RNA-Seq data: comparison between Illumina PolyA and NuGEN Ovation protocol.

Objectives The sequencing by the PolyA selection is the most common approach for library preparation. With limited amount or degraded RNA, alternative protocols such as the NuGEN have been developed. However, it is not yet clear how the different library preparations affect the downstream analyses of the broad applications of RNA sequencing.