cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Recombinant Human Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Variants

The purpose of this work was the chemical characterization of variants of the recombinant human brain derived neurotrophic factor (rHu-BDNF), expressed in Escherichia coli. This paper also addresses the question of the in vitro activity of these variants. Chemical characterization of the variants employed peptide mapping using Glu-C protease and cyanogen bromide digestion on reduced and alkylated variants followed by the analysis of the digested peptides using mass spectrometry and Edman sequencing. The BDNF variants in this work have been designated by the order of their elution as observed from the high temperature RPLC assay. It was determined that Peaks 1 and 2, which eluted just before the predominant BDNF peak, had methionine sulfoxide instead of methionine at positions 31 and 61, respectively. Peak 4, which is chromatographically a single peak, contained three variants. Two of these variants had norleucine instead of methionine, at positions 61 and 92, respectively, while the third had methionine sulfoxide instead of methionine at position 92. Peak 5 had norleucine at position 31 instead of methionine. All of these variants showed in vitro biological activity consistent with the BDNF standard, suggesting the preservation of the trkB receptor-ligand binding domain of the variants.
Intracellular redistribution and modification of proteins of the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 DNA repair complex following irradiation and heat-shock.

Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1form a tight complex which is homogeneously distributed throughout the nuclei of mammalian cells. However, after irradiation, the Mre11/Rad50/Nbs1 (M/R/N) complex rapidly migrates to sites of double strand breaks (DSBs), forming foci which remain until DSB repair is complete. Mre11 and Rad50 play direct roles in DSB repair, while Nbs1 appears to be involved in damage signaling. Hyperthermia sensitizes mammalian cells to ionizing radiation. Radiosensitization by heat shock is believed to be mediated by an inhibition of DSB repair. While the mechanism of inhibition of repair by heat shock remains to be elucidated, recent reports suggest that the M/R/N complex may be a target for inhibition of DSB repair and radiosensitization by heat. We now demonstrate that when human U-1 melanoma cells are heated at 42.5 or 45.5°C, Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 are rapidly translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Interestingly, when cells were exposed to ionizing radiation (12 Gy of X-rays) prior to heat treatment, the extent and kinetics of translocation were increased when nuclear and cytoplasmic fractions of protein were analyzed immediately after treatment. The kinetics of the translocation and subsequent relocalization back into the nucleus when cells were incubated at 37°C from 30 min to 7 h following treatment were different for each protein, which suggests that the proteins redistribute independently. However, a significant fraction of the translocated proteins exist as a triple complex in the cytoplasm. Treatment with leptomycin B (LMB) inhibits the translocation of Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 to the cytoplasm, leading us to speculate that the relocalization of the proteins to the cytoplasm occurs via CRM1-mediated nuclear export. In addition, while Nbs1 is rapidly phosphorylated in the nuclei of irradiated cells and is critical for a normal DNA damage response, we have found that Nbs1 is rapidly phosphorylated in the cytoplasm, but not in the nucleus, of heated irradiated cells. The phosphorylation of cytoplasmic Nbs1, which cannot be inhibited by wortmannin, appears to be a unique post-translational modification in heated, irradiated cells, and coupled with our novel observations that Mre11, Rad50, and Nbs1 translocate to the cytoplasm, lend further support for a role of the M/R/N complex in thermal radiosensitization and inhibition of DSB repair. J. Cell. Physiol. 199: 157–170, 2004© 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Effects of Hypergravity on Statocyst Development in Embryonic Aplysia californica

Aplysia californica is a marine gastropod mollusc with bilaterally paired statocysts as gravity-reccptor organs. Data from three experiments in which embryonic Aplysia californica were exposed to 2 x g arc discussed. The experimental groups were exposed to excess gravity until hatching (9-12 day), whereas control groups were maintained at normal gravity. Body diameter was measured before exposure to 2 x g. Statocyst, statolith and body diameter were each determined for samples of 20 embryos from each group on successive days. Exposure to excess gravity led to an increase in body size. Statocyst size was not affected by exposure to 2 x g. Statolith size decreased with treatment as indicated by smaller statolith-to-body ratios observed in the 2 x g group in all three experiments. Mean statolith diameter was significantly smaller for the 2 x g group in Experiment 1 but not in Experiments 2 and 3. Defective statocysts, characterized by very small or no statoliths, were found in the 2 x g group in Experiments 1 and 2.
Laser + e − → γ + e − and laser + γ → e + + e − as sources of producing circularly polarized γ and e ± beams

Helicity amplitudes of reactions of laser-electron scattering and $\mathrm{laser}+\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{e}^{+}+{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ are investigated. Mechanisms to produce nearly 100% circularly polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ and ${e}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ beams are discussed using the above-mentioned reactions. Circularly polarized ${e}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ beams from circularly polarized $\ensuremath{\gamma}'\mathrm{s}$ impinging upon an atomic target are also investigated.
Early Extubation in Adults Undergoing Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease

OBJECTIVES: Early extubation in adults undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease has not been described. The authors report their experience with extubation in the operating room (OR), including factors associated with the decision to defer extubation to a later time.DESIGN: A retrospective chart review.SETTING: A tertiary-care teaching hospital.PARTICIPANTS: This study included adults undergoing surgery for congenital heart disease using cardiopulmonary bypass. Exclusion criteria were as follows: preoperative mechanical ventilation, age >70 years, inotrope score >20 after surgery, and surgical risk (Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery [RACHS] score ≥4).INTERVENTIONS: A stepwise logistic regression model was used to test for the independent influence of the various factors on extubation in the OR.MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients (age 18-59 years, median = 32 years) were included. Overall, 79% of patients were extubated in the OR. The RACHS score was the strongest predictor of deferring extubation (RACHS 3 v 1 or 2: odds ratio = 16.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-84.2; p = 0.0006). Further exploration of the high-risk group (RACHS 3) showed that 75% of the RACHS 3 patients with a body mass index <25 were extubated compared with only 20% of patients who had a body mass index ≥25 (p = 0.01). Other factors included in the analysis did not contribute any additional independent information.CONCLUSIONS: Extubation of adult patients in the OR after surgery for congenital heart disease is feasible in most cases. Surgical risk (RACHS score) and body mass index predict the decision for OR extubation in this patient population. (Less)
Time course of histamine release and edema formation in the rat paw after thermal injury.

Abstract The relationship between histamine release and edema formation was studied after thermal injury of the rat paw. Injury of varying degrees of severity was produced by immersing the paw in hot water at 48, 53 and 56°C for 30 sec. Histamine was measured by a specific enzymatic methylation procedure. The amine disappeared from paw tissue and appeared in appreciable quantities in tissue fluid and blood serum after moderate (53°C) or severe injury (56°C). The time course of this release appeared to be related directly to edema formation. Both were delayed 30 min after moderate injury (53°C), but were immediate after severe injury (56°C). Once edema was fully developed no further release of histamine occurred. The edema subsided slowly after moderate injury (53°C) but after severe injury (56°C) the swelling persisted and extensive tissue necrosis developed with eventual loss of tissue. In animals depleted of tissue histamine by pretreatment with compound 48 80 there was a marked reduction in edema and tissue damage. These results suggested that histamine release was closely related to the initial development of edema and may also influence the later stages of inflammation.
Use of RNA interference to dissect the roles of trans-acting factors in alternative pre-mRNA splicing

RNA interference (RNAi) is becoming a popular method for analyzing gene function in a variety of biological processes. We have used RNAi in cultured Drosophila cells to identify trans-acting factors that regulate the alternative splicing of endogenously transcribed pre-mRNAs. We have generated a dsRNA library comprising ∼70% of the Drosophila genes encoding RNA binding proteins and assessed the function of each protein in the regulation of alternative splicing. This approach not only identifies trans-acting factors regulating specific alternative splicing events, but also can provide insight into the alternative splicing regulatory networks of Drosophila. Here, we describe this RNAi approach to identify alternative splicing regulatory proteins in detail.
Cationic boranes for the complexation of fluoride ions in water below the 4 ppm maximum contaminant level.

In search of a molecular receptor that could bind fluoride ions in water below the maximum contaminant level of 4 ppm set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we have investigated the water stability and fluoride binding properties of a series of phosphonium boranes of general formula [p-(Mes2B)C6H4(PPh2R)]+ with R = Me ([1]+), Et ([2]+), n-Pr ([3]+), and Ph ([4]+). These phosphonium boranes are water stable and react reversibly with water to form the corresponding zwitterionic hydroxide complexes of general formula p-(Mes2(HO)B)C6H4(PPh2R). They also react with fluoride ions to form the corresponding zwitterionic fluoride complexes of general formula p-(Mes2(F)B)C6H4(PPh2R). Spectrophotometric acid−base titrations carried out in H2O/MeOH (9:1 vol.) afford pKR+ values of 7.3(±0.07) for [1]+, 6.92(±0.1) for [2]+, 6.59(±0.08) for [3]+, and 6.08(±0.09) for [4]+, thereby indicating that the Lewis acidity of the cationic boranes increases in following order: [1]+ < [2]+ < [3]+ < [4]+. In agreement wit...
Isolation and sequencing of the gene encoding Sp23, a structural protein of spermatophore of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor.

Abstract The cDNA for Sp23, a structural protein of the spermatophore of Tenebrio molitor, had been previously cloned and characterized (Paesen, G.C., Schwartz, M.B., Peferoen, M., Weyda, F. and Happ, G.M. (1992a) Amino acid sequence of Sp23, a structure protein of the spermatophore of the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor. J. Biol. Chem. 257, 18852–18857). Using the labeled cDNA for Sp23 as a probe to screen a library of genomic DNA from Tenebrio molitor, we isolated a genomic clone for Sp23. A 5373-base pair (bp) restriction fragment containing the Sp23 gene was sequenced. The coding region is separated by a 55-bp intron which is located close to the translation start site. Three putative ecdysone response elements (EcRE) are identified in the 5' flanking region of the Sp23 gene. Comparison of the flanking regions of the Sp23 gene with those of the D-protein gene expressed in the accessory glands of Tenebrio reveals similar sequences present in the flanking regions of the two genes. The genomic organization of the coding region of the Sp23 gene shares similarities with that of the D-protein gene, three Drosophila accessory gland genes and two Drosophila 20-OH ecdysone-responsive genes.
On the Analytical and Methodological Significance of Microeconomic Theory

In responding to Guerrien and Benicourt's criticisms of, and reasons for abandoning, microeconomic theory, this article first discusses certain aspects of the general purpose and methodology of that theory. It then presents counter arguments to four specific Guerrien–Benicourt reasons for abandonment relating to problems with, respectively, the theory of price determination in general equilibrium theory, the standard analysis of a market in isolation, general equilibrium with imperfectly competitive markets, and the theory of firm decision making.
The anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction: Surgical technique and indications

The anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) is a surgical procedure to address acriomioclavicular joint instability. The coracoclavicular ligaments are reconstructed using a semitendinosus allograft passed beneath the coracoid and through bone tunnels in the clavicle. The graft is secured with interference screw fixation, and the acromioclavicular joint is retained. Here we describe the authors' surgical technique, indications, and rehabilitation protocol. Also, a preliminary case series of seventeen patients is presented. Patients demonstrated significant improvement in pain levels and function. The mean ASES score increased from 52 preoperatively to 92. The Constant Murley rose from 66.6 to 94.7. There were three failures in this series, and two required revision surgery.
F1-ATPase of Micrococcus lysodeikticus is not a glycoprotein

Abstract It has been claimed (Andreu, J.M., Warth, R. and Munoz, E. (1978) FEBS Lett. 86, 1–5) that the F 1 -ATPase of Micrococcus lysodeikticus is a glycoprotein containing mannose and glucose as the principal sugars. Even after extensive purification of M. lysodeikticus F 1 -ATPase by DEAE-Sephadex A25 chromatography, carbohydrate contents varying from 2.7 to 10.8% have been found. Concanavalin A-reactive components corresponding to the succinylated lipomannan have been detected and separated from the ATPase in purified F 1 preparations by immunoelectrophoresis (rocket and two-dimensional) through agarose gels containing concanavalin A. Passage of the purified F 1 -ATPase through concanavalin A-Sepharose 4B columns removed the carbohydrate component(s) without loss of the specific activity of the ATPase. Mannose was the only sugar detectable by gas-liquid chromatography of the F 1 -ATPase before Con A-Sepharose 4B chromatography and it was completely eliminated after chromatography. No qualitative or quantitative changes in the subunit (α, β, γ, δ and ϵ) profiles were detectable when the sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gels were scanned by densitometry of F 1 -ATPase before and after Con A-Sepharose 4B chromatography. We conclude that there is no evidence of carbohydrate covalently linked to this F 1 -ATPase and that this membrane protein is not a glycoprotein. The presence of carbohydrate is attributable to contamination with lipomannan.
Superfluidity and excitations at unitarity

We present lattice results for spin-$1∕2$ fermions at unitarity, where the effective range of the interaction is zero and the scattering length is infinite. We measure the spatial coherence of difermion pairs for a system of 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 particles with equal numbers of up and down spins in a periodic cube. Using Euclidean time projection, we analyze ground-state properties and transient behavior due to low-energy excitations. At asymptotically large values of $t$ we see long-range order consistent with spontaneously broken U(1) fermion-number symmetry and a superfluid ground state. At intermediate times we see exponential decay in the $t$-dependent signal due to an unknown low-energy excitation. We probe this low-energy excitation further by calculating two-particle correlation functions. We find that the excitation has the properties of a chain of particles extending across the periodic lattice.
SU-GG-I-62: Entrance Skin Air Kerma of National Lung Screening Trial Chest X-Ray Exams

Purpose: The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) was designed to compare lung cancer specific mortality of low‐dose CT and PA chest x‐ray exams. The entrance skin air kerma (ESAK) of NLST participants' chest x‐ray exams was estimated. Methods and Materials: During the screening period of 2002–2007, acquisition parameters were available on 68,810 exams of the 73,733 chest x‐ray exams. Acquisition parameters included the tube potential, exposure time‐current product (mAs), and detector system (screen‐film, photo‐stimulable phosphor, flat‐panel receptors) in addition to the participant gender. Yearly measurements of source‐image distance, radiation output (mR/mAs), half‐value layer for the nominal kVp of the chest x‐ray were performed on the x‐ray systems used at each of the 33 Trial sites. The ESAK was calculated for each exam and summaries of ESAK were compared to the NEXT 2001 survey of PA chest exams. Results: Ninty‐five principle x‐ray resources were identified. Our case average ESAK (0.22 mGy) was two times the NEXT value. Our x‐ray‐resource coefficient of variation was comparable to NEXT. The ESAK of photo‐stimulable phosphor system, which constituted 38% of the detector systems, was 0.32 mGy. The average height of NLST participants was 1.73 m and their average weight was 83.6 kg, values stated for the NEXT study were 1.7 m. and 74 kg, respectively. Conclusions: Entrance skin air kerma was twice that report by the NEXT. This difference was attributed to increased use of photo‐stimulable phosphor detectors, which were setup with an average sensitivity less than screen‐film detectors.
Visual field defects after radiosurgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Summary Purpose Gamma knife radiosurgery (RS) may be an alternative to open surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE), but morbidities and the anticonvulsant mechanisms of RS are unclear. Examination of visual field defects (VFDs) after RS may provide evidence of the extent of a postoperative fixed lesion. VFDs occur in 52–100% of patients following open surgery for MTLE. Methods This multicenter prospective trial of RS enrolled patients with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis and concordant video–electroencephalography (EEG) findings. Patients were randomized to low (20 Gy) or high (24 Gy) doses delivered to the amygdala, hippocampal head, and parahippocampal gyrus. Postoperative perimetry were obtained at 24 months after RS. Visual field defect ratios (VFDRs) were calculated to quantify the degree of VFDs. Results were contrasted with age, RS dose and 50% isodose volume, peak volume of radiation-induced change at the surgical target, quality of life measurements, and seizure remission. Key Findings No patients reported visual changes and no patients had abnormal bedside visual field examinations. Fifteen (62.5%) of 24 patients had postoperative VFDs, all homonymous superior quadrantanopsias. None of the VFDs were consistent with injury to the optic nerve or chiasm. Clinical diagnosis of VFDs correlated significantly with VFDRs (p = 0.0005). Patients with seizure remission had smaller (more severe) VFDRs (p = 0.04). No other variables had significant correlations. Significance VFDs appeared after RS in proportions similar to historical comparisons from open surgery for MTLE. The nature of VFDs was consistent with lesions of the optic radiations. The findings support the hypothesis that the mechanism of RS involves some degree of tissue damage and is not confined entirely to functional changes in neuromodulation.
Flocculation-Sedimentation Performance Model for Laminar-Flow Hydraulic Flocculation with Polyaluminum Chloride and Aluminum Sulfate Coagulants

AbstractMechanistically based scalable algorithms for design and operation of hydraulic flocculators were developed in this research based on observations of residual turbidity for a range of influ...
TIME VARIATION OF PRIMARY HEAVY NUCLEI IN COSMIC RADIATION

The time variation of heavy nuclei in the primary cosmic radiation was investigated by using the method of a moving-plate mechanism which was flown to an altitude of 100 000 feet by a Skyhook balloon. The results obtained clearly indicate a time variation of primary heavy nuclei $Z\ensuremath{\gtrsim}10$. The variation is characterized by its maximum at around 9:00 a.m., having an amplitude of 34\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}7% at the maximum. Comparisons are made with other experimental data on the same subject and also with the neutron intensity variation on the same day at Climax, Colorado. Possible consequences of this rather large fluctuation of the primary heavy nuclei are discussed.
Relative amounts of 1-O-alkyl- and 1-acyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine in stimulated endothelial cells

Abstract The specific precursor for platelet-activating factor, 1- O -alkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine, constitutes 10 per cent of the 1-radyl-2-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholines in endothelial cells. Stimulation of endothelial cells results in accumulation of PAF and its sn -1-acyl- analog (acylPAF), with acylPAF the predominant product. Mass spectrometry confirmed these relative amounts and confirmed that stimulated endothelial cells accumulate 1–3 ng PAF per million cells. These data suggest that stimulated endothelial cells accumulate both PAF and acylPAF and that the PAF synthetic pathway in endothelial cells is not highly selective for the specific PAF precursor (1- O -alkyl-2-acyl- sn -glycero-3-phosphocholine).
The relationship between the oxidative polymers of soybean oil and flavor reversion

The polymers formed during the autoxidation of soybean oil at 60°C. were isolated by a solvent-extraction method, using diethyl ether and pentanehexane as solvents. The more polar polymer fraction was further oxidized by air at 30°C., and the volatile material obtained was fractionated and characterized. It contained the same carbonyl compounds as the volatile material which has previously been obtained from reverted soybean oil, namely acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, n-hexanal, and 2-pentenal. The more polar polymer fraction contained 21.04% of oxygen and degraded to volatile carbonyl compounds under vacuum as well as under oxygen-free nitrogen. Depolymerization and ethanolysis of these polymers were carried out in ethyl alcohol which had been adjusted to a normality of 3.5 with anhydrous hydrogen chloride. The polymeric substance formed on the filter presses of a soybean oil refinery could be depolymerized in a similar manner. It is therefore evident that oxidative polymers could be unintentionally introduced into soybean oil in various ways and serve as precursors of reversion compounds.
Electrophilic addition of the carbene ligand in [Fe(CO)2(η5-C5H5){=CMe(OMe)}]+ to the reductively activated benzene ligand in [Mn(CO)3(η4-C6H6)]-

The iron carbene cation [Fe(CO) 2 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )-{=CMe(OMe)}] + reacts with reductively activated [Mn-(CO) 3 (η 4 -C 6 H 6 )] - to form the carbene/benzene adduct [Mn(CO) 3 {η 5 -C 6 H 6 -CMe(OMe)Fe(CO) 2 (η 5 -C 5 H 5 )}] (3). Reduction of 3 is proposed to give species in which there are ferrocyclic benzene-derived ligands.
Sexual Harassment between Same-Sex Peers: Intersection of Mental Health, Homophobia, and Sexual Violence in Schools.

This article provides a historical and legal framework for defining peer sexual harassment from three different perspectives: sex discrimination, mental health, and sexual violence. Major court decisions that define sexual harassment in both education and the workplace are highlighted, and arguments regarding sexual harassment between peers of the same sex are profiled. This research also identifies sexism and heterosexism as a major social violence problem in U.S. education and argues that peer sexual harassment is sexual violence with considerable mental health implications for both boys and girls. Recommendations for social work practice regarding peer sexual harassment in schools are discussed.
Primary peritoneal drainage for increasing ventilatory requirements in critically ill neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis

Abstract Background/Purpose: Primary peritoneal drainage (PPD) is an established therapy for premature neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and free intraperitoneal air. This study seeks to evaluate the efficacy of PPD in ill premature neonates with severe abdominal distension and increasing ventilatory requirements without free intraperitoneal air. Methods: Eleven neonates (gestational age, 27 ± 0.59 weeks; age, 25 ± 4.3 days; birth weight, 862 ± 67 g) with NEC underwent bedside PPD under local anesthesia for rapid clinical deterioration characterized by severe abdominal distension and increasing ventilatory requirements. None showed radiographic evidence of free intraperitoneal air. Mean airway pressure (MAP) and oxygenation-index (OI) were analyzed 24 hours before, immediately before and 24 hours after surgery. The patients were followed up to discharge from hospital. Statistical analyses were performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures. Results: Mean airway pressure (MAP) showed a significant difference ( P 2 O 24 hours before surgery to 11 ± 1.3 cm H 2 O immediately before surgery and decreasing to 9.9 ± 1.1 cm H 2 O 24 hours after drainage. Likewise, OI measured at the same time intervals showed significant differences ( P P Conclusion: Bedside PPD for increasing ventilatory requirements and abdominal distension in critically ill neonates with nonperforated NEC is a simple technique that offers rapid stabilization, although ultimate mortality rate remains high. J Pediatr Surg 36:730-732. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company.
An evolution problem for plastic antiplanar shear

We study the parabolic problemϖu/ϖt=divx ϕp(υ) in the function space L2(0, T; BV(Ω)). Here ϕ is the linear growth functional arising from the study of plastic antiplanar shear deformations.
Single-column ion-chromatographic determination of chromium(VI) in aqueous soil and sludge extracts.

Abstract Single-column ion-chromatography (SCIC) was investigated as a routine, rapid, precise and selective analytical method for the determination of chromium(VI) in aqueous extracts of soil and sewage sludge. Chromatographic parameters were optimized for determination of Cr(VI), NO − 3 and SO 2− 4 . A low-capacity resin-based column was used for the separation and the anions were determined by conductometric detection. p -Hydroxybenzoic acid (5m M ) at pH 8.5 was used as the eluent. The limit of detection, defined as S / N = 3, was 92 μg/l. The resolution between Cr(VI) and SO 2− 4 was 2.8, the precision ranged from 0.9% for NO − 3 to 2.0% for Cr(VI) with a 500-μl injection. The SCIC results for Cr(VI) agreed closely with those obtained by inductively coupled argon-plasma emission and spectrophotometry.
Identifying the water sources consumed by bison: implications for large mammalian grazers worldwide

The sources of drinking water consumed by grazers vary over time and may be highly selective, similar to choices in diet. Water sources consumed by large grazers in natural populations are not typically measured directly. Instead, consumption is inferred based on animal proximity to water sources. Here, we analysed the stable isotopic signature of water (δ18O and δD) extracted from fecal samples from a herd of bison in mesic grassland as a direct estimation of the water sources consumed over time. Bison at this site have their choice of a range of habitats and drinking water sources. Potential source-water samples measured had a large range of isotopic signatures, allowing the isotopic composition of water from bison fecal samples to be proportionally estimated based on varying sources. Results indicate bison have low reliance on multiple streams on site; rather, the majority of water consumed was from rainfall-fed sources (puddles and wallows) and from forage. Our research suggests that source-water analysis from fecal samples is a robust technique when samples from large grazers can be collected soon after production. These results have implications for analyses of the foraging patterns and landscape utilization by this and other large grazers, because hotter and drier future conditions are likely to reduce the frequency and amount of rainfall-fed puddles available for consumption in many grassland systems worldwide.
Osteopathic Approach to Sacroiliac Dysfunction in a Patient With Steroid Myopathy: Case Report and Literature Review

Long-term steroid use has a well-documented risk of myopathy that imposes functional limitations for patients and challenges for health care providers. Proximal weakness from steroid myopathy affects support structures around the pelvic girdle and likely predisposes patients to somatic dysfunction. To the authors' knowledge, there are no prior reports in the literature that describe an osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) approach for patients with steroid myopathy. In the present case report, a 59-year-old woman with acute myeloid leukemia received a blood stem cell transplantation and developed gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease. High-dose steroids were prescribed, and she developed proximal weakness from steroid myopathy. The patient's acute inpatient rehabilitation was impacted by new onset left sacroiliac dysfunction. A patient-focused OMM approach was used to assist the patient in maximizing her sacroiliac function. The proximal weakness seen with steroid myopathy necessitates special considerations for an OMM approach to address somatic dysfunction associated with this disease.
Direct adaptive control for nonlinear uncertain systems with exogenous disturbances

A direct adaptive nonlinear control framework for multivariable nonlinear uncertain systems with exogenous disturbances is developed. The adaptive nonlinear controller addresses adaptive stabilization, disturbance rejection, and adaptive tracking. The proposed framework is Lyapunov-based and guarantees partial asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system, that is, asymptotic stability with respect to part of the closed-loop system states associated with the plant. Finally, an illustrative numerical example is provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Targeting the neurovascular unit in brain trauma.

Although the neurovascular unit was originally developed as a conceptual framework for stroke, it is now recognized that these cell-cell interactions play critical roles in many other CNS disorders as well. In brain trauma, perturbations within the neurovascular unit may be especially important. Changes in neurovascular coupling may disrupt blood flow and metabolic regulation. Disruption of transmitter release-reuptake kinetics in neurons and astrocytes may augment excitotoxicity. Alterations in gliovascular signaling may underlie blood-brain barrier disruptions and traumatic edema. Perturbations in cell-cell signaling between all neuronal, glial, and vascular compartments may increase susceptibility to cell death. Finally, repairing the brain after trauma requires the integrated restoration of all neural, glial, and vascular connectivity for effective functional recovery. Just as in stroke, saving neurons alone may also be insufficient for treating brain trauma. In this minireview, we attempt to briefly highlight some of these pathways to underscore the importance of rescuing the entire neurovascular unit in brain trauma. Language: en
Potential etiologic and functional implications of genome-wide association loci for human diseases and traits

We have developed an online catalog of SNP-trait associations from published genome-wide association studies for use in investigating genomic characteristics of trait/disease-associated SNPs (TASs). Reported TASs were common [median risk allele frequency 36%, interquartile range (IQR) 21%−53%] and were associated with modest effect sizes [median odds ratio (OR) 1.33, IQR 1.20–1.61]. Among 20 genomic annotation sets, reported TASs were significantly overrepresented only in nonsynonymous sites [OR = 3.9 (2.2−7.0), p = 3.5 × 10−7] and 5kb-promoter regions [OR = 2.3 (1.5−3.6), p = 3 × 10−4] compared to SNPs randomly selected from genotyping arrays. Although 88% of TASs were intronic (45%) or intergenic (43%), TASs were not overrepresented in introns and were significantly depleted in intergenic regions [OR = 0.44 (0.34−0.58), p = 2.0 × 10−9]. Only slightly more TASs than expected by chance were predicted to be in regions under positive selection [OR = 1.3 (0.8−2.1), p = 0.2]. This new online resource, together with bioinformatic predictions of the underlying functionality at trait/disease-associated loci, is well-suited to guide future investigations of the role of common variants in complex disease etiology.
The distribution and habitat preferences of introduced species in the Mount Holyoke Range, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts

Abstract Introduced species make up about 15% of the flora of the Mount Holyoke Range, Hampshire County, Massachusetts, one of the core natural areas in the state. Geographic Information Systems software was used to compare the distribution of sample locations with introduced invasive species, introduced non-invasive species, or only native species as a function of distance from disturbance corridors that included roads and power-line right-of-ways. Habitat preferences were also analyzed for the two groups of introduced species. Thirty-nine percent of 475 geo-referenced sample locations had introduced species. Of these, twice as many had introduced non-invasive species as had introduced invasive species, with Poa compressa the most common species in the first group and Berberis thunbergii the most common in the second group. A high proportion of sample locations for both groups of introduced species were close to disturbance corridors, with about a third of the sample locations with these groups found wit...
Analysis of the Effects of Streamwise Lift Distribution on Sonic Boom Signature

The streamwise lift distribution of a wing-canard-stabilator-body configuration was varied to study its effect on the near-field sonic boom signature. The investigation was carried out via solving the three-dimensional Euler equation with the OVERFLOW-2 flow solver. The computational meshes were created using the Chimera overset grid topology. The lift distribution was varied by first deflecting the canard then trimming the aircraft with the wing and the stabilator while maintaining constant lift coefficient of 0.05. A validation study using experimental results was also performed to determine required grid resolution and appropriate numerical scheme. A wide range of streamwise lift distribution was simulated. The result shows that the longitudinal wave propagation speed can be controlled through lift distribution thus controlling the shock coalescence.
Sexual activity and Kaposi's sarcoma among human immunodeficiency virus type 1 and human herpesvirus type 8-coinfected men.

Purpose There is notable heterogeneity in the progression to Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) among men coinfected with HIV-1 and human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8); additional determinants of KS likely exist. Here, we explore sexual activity as a proxy for a sexually transmitted determinant beyond HIV-1 and HHV-8. Methods The association between sexual activity and incident KS was estimated with data from 1354 HIV-1- and HHV-8-coinfected homosexual men who were followed for up to 10 years in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. Results As expected, white race, low CD4 cell count, and the acquisition of HHV-8 after HIV-1 infection increased, whereas smoking decreased, the hazard of KS. The unadjusted hazard of KS among those with high sexual activity was 0.68 relative to the hazard of those with low sexual activity (95% confidence interval, 0.49–0.93) and was somewhat muted after adjustment for characteristics measured at study entry (i.e., race, smoking, CD4 cell count, infection order, history of sexual activity, and sexually transmitted diseases). However, adjustment for time-varying covariates, particularly CD4 cell count, resulted in a nullification of the association (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–1.48). Conclusion Once HIV-1 and HHV-8 coinfection is established in homosexual men, progression to KS does not appear to be caused by a third pathogen transmitted by sexual activity.
A kite and teleoperated vision system for acquiring aerial images

In times of disaster acquiring aerial images is challenging. Runaways may be crippled thus denying conventional aircraft in the area from taking off. Also the time required to schedule a satellite fly-by may delay first response efforts. Man backpackable aerial robots can be carried close to the disaster site and flown to capture aerial images. This paper integrated mechatronics, intelligent sensing, and mechanism synthesis in a teleoperable kite-mounted camera. Rapidly deployable, our system can quickly acquire, process and distribute aerial images. Image mosaicing, edge detection, 3D reconstruction and geo-referencing resulting from images acquired by our aerial platform are also presented.
Effects of the combination of microfracture and self-assembling Peptide filling on the repair of a clinically relevant trochlear defect in an equine model.

Background: The goal of this study was to test the ability of an injectable self-assembling peptide (KLD) hydrogel, with or without microfracture, to augment articular cartilage defect repair in an equine cartilage defect model involving strenuous exercise. Methods: Defects 15 mm in diameter were created on the medial trochlear ridge and debrided down to the subchondral bone. Four treatment groups (n = 8 each) were tested: no treatment (empty defect), only defect filling with KLD, only microfracture, and microfracture followed by filling with KLD. Horses were given strenuous exercise throughout the one-year study. Evaluations included lameness, arthroscopy, radiography, and gross, histologic, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and biomechanical analyses. Results: Overall, KLD-only treatment of defects provided improvement in clinical symptoms and improved filling compared with no treatment, and KLD-only treatment protected against radiographic changes compared with microfracture treatment. Defect treatment with only microfracture also resulted in improved clinical symptoms compared with no treatment, and microfracture treatment resulted in repair tissue containing greater amounts of aggrecan and type-II collagen compared with KLD-only treatment. Microfracture treatment also protected against synovial fibrosis compared with no treatment and KLD-only treatment. Treatment with the self-assembling KLD peptide in combination with microfracture resulted in no additional improvements over microfracture-only treatment. In general, the nature of the predominant tissue in the defects was a mix of noncartilaginous and fibrocartilage tissue, with no significant differences among the treatments. Conclusions: Treatment of defects with only KLD or with only microfracture resulted in an improvement in clinical symptoms compared with no treatment; the improvement likely resulted from different causes depending on the treatment. Whereas microfracture improved the quality of repair tissue, KLD improved the amount of filling and protected against radiographic changes. Clinical Relevance: Treatment of defects with only microfracture and with KLD only resulted in clinical improvements compared with untreated defects, despite differing with respect to the structural improvements that they induced.
Phase noise in coupled oscillators: theory and experiment

Phase noise in mutually synchronized oscillator systems is analyzed for arbitrary coupling and injection-locking topologies, neglecting amplitude noise, and amplitude modulation (AM) to phase modulation (PM) conversion. When the coupling phase is chosen properly (depending on the oscillator model), the near-carrier phase noise is reduced to 1/N that of a single oscillator, provided the coupling network is reciprocal. This is proved In general, and illustrated with specific cases of globally coupled and nearest-neighbor coupled oscillator chains. A slight noise degradation is found for unilaterally coupled (nonreciprocal) chains. The 1/N reduction for reciprocal coupling applies over nearly the entire range of free-running frequency distributions required for beam-scanning, and is verified experimentally using a linear chain of coupled GaAs MESFET voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) operating at X-band. The effect of a nonoptimum coupling phase on the phase noise of the system is also studied. As the coupling phase deviates from the optimum value, the phase noise increases significantly near the locking range edge for noise offset frequency near the carrier.
Imaging the Finger Force Direction

This paper presents a method of imaging the coloration pattern in the fingernail and surrounding skin to infer fingertip force direction during planar contact. Nail images from 7 subjects were registered to reference images with RANSAC and then warped to an atlas with elastic registration. Recognition of fingertip force direction, based on linear discriminant analysis, shows that there are common color pattern features in the fingernail and surrounding skin for different subjects. Based on the common features, the overall recognition accuracy is 92%.
Toward a Complexity Paradigm for Understanding Gender Role Conflict

The well-developed body of theory and research on men's gender role conflict provides an excellent foundation for developing increasingly complex models of men's gender-related concerns. Theorists and researchers are encouraged to incorporate themes related to social structural aspects of gender as well as to examine the ways in which men's multiple identities and the intersections among these varied identities are experienced by men and boys. The complexity of men's gender-related challenges are illustrated through the exploration of the various individual, interpersonal, structural, and cultural components of gender issues faced by contemporary men in Japan.
Sociodemographic Differences in Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation by Adolescent Males.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine initiation by males and characterize sociodemographic differences. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 11- to 18-year-old males in a large primary care network who had a preventive or acute visit between October 2009 and December 2013. Outcomes measured were HPV vaccine series initiation and initiation at the first eligible visit. Logistic regression measured independent associations between outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics, adjusting for potential confounders including visit frequency, insurance changes, and the presence of complex medical conditions. Results Of 58,757 eligible patients, most were white (57%) with private insurance (77%). During the study period, 39% of the cohort initiated the vaccine series, and 7% initiated at their first eligible visit. Black patients with private (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.73–2.30) and Medicaid insurance (aOR, 2.90; 95% CI, 2.56–3.30) had significantly higher odds of HPV vaccine initiation compared with white patients with private insurance. A similar trend was found for Hispanic patients with private (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.26–1.67) and Medicaid insurance (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.78–2.60). These differences were present both in the preroutine recommendation period (2009–2011) and the postroutine recommendation period (2012–2013). Conclusions Traditionally marginalized populations have higher odds of HPV vaccine initiation, both at the first eligible visit and overall. Although the true mechanism underlying these differences remains unknown, potential candidates include provider recommendation patterns and differential vaccine acceptance within these groups.
FOREST ECOSYSTEM CARBON AND NITROGEN ACCUMULATION DURING THE FIRST CENTURY AFTER AGRICULTURAL ABANDONMENT

Forests of the northeastern United States are expected to serve as a substantial sink for carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) as they recover from extensive clearing and agriculture. However, questions remain concerning the rate, distribution, and duration of this potential sink. We used a chronosequence approach to determine changes in ecosystem C and N during the first 115 years of forest development after agricultural abandonment in Rhode Island, USA. All sites had similar soils, climate, land-use history, and dominant overstory vegetation (Pinus strobus), but differed in time since agricultural abandonment. Total ecosystem C increased linearly across the chronosequence at a mean rate of 2.10 Mg C·ha–1·yr–1. Most of the C was sequestered into plant biomass (73%) with less stored in the forest floor (17%) and deep mineral soil (6%; 20–70 cm depth). Total ecosystem N did not change over time; instead N accumulated in the forest floor (11.6 kg N·ha–1·yr–1) and plant biomass (4.1 kg N·ha–1·yr–1), and these increas...
Microparticle derived proteins as potential biomarkers for cerebral vasospasm post subarachnoid hemorrhage. A preliminary study

Abstract Objective Cerebral vasospasm (CV) and associated secondary brain injury are major contributors to death and disability after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Microparticles (MP) are small vesicular micro-molecules released by red and white blood cells, platelets and endothelial cells that can change rapidly and specifically depending on the type of cellular insult. They may serve as useful tools to target a specific pool of proteins associated with the development of CV post aSAH. In these studies, our goal was to use targeted MP-derived protein isolation to find reliable biomarkers indicating increased risk for the development of CV. We hypothesize that there are specific early changes in MP-derived protein expression in CV patients. These proteins may be useful as biomarkers for CV and may help us to further understand the mechanism for the development of CV. Patients Adult male and female patients with angiographically confirmed aSAH and an external ventricular drain (EVD) placed for medical or surgical needs were included in this study. Patients were closely monitored for CV development. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was collected daily until EVD was removed. Methods Microparticles were isolated using serial ultra centrifugation. Differential protein expression in CSF microparticles was analyzed by a mass spectroscopy based system using isotopically-tagged peptides to profile proteins and determine their relative concentrations in individual patient samples. These proteins were correlated with the patient's clinical data and used to identify candidates for biomarkers predictive of CV. Results Over 140 proteins were isolated from CSF microparticles. Proteomic and molecular pathways analysis revealed marked differential expression of proteins in patients with CV. We identified specific candidate proteins that could potentially serve as early biomarkers for CV. ApoE, ApoD, synaptic nuclear envelope protein 1, clusterin, α-1-acid glycoprotein, plasma protease C1 inhibitor, and prostaglandin H2 D isomerase were downregulated in patients who developed CV post aSAH. Haptoglobin, fibrinogen α and γ chain, synaptic nuclear envelope protein 2, and hemoglobin subunits α and β were upregulated. Some of these proteins are associated with immune and metabolic processes and some have been specifically associated with cerebrovascular disease states. Conclusions This is the first preliminary demonstration that there is differential protein expression in CSF microparticles from CV patients. Alone or in combination, these and other proteins may be useful as reliable biomarkers to guide in stratifying patients into categories of risk to develop CV post aSAH. These results will deepen our understanding of the mechanisms of cerebral vasospasm and potentially facilitate the development of safer and more effective therapies therapies for cerebral vasospasm.