cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mapping of PCR-based markers for mouse chromosome 4 on a backcross penetrant for the misty (m) mutation.

A genetic linkage map for mouse Chromosome (Chr) 4 (MMU 4) has been constructed with an intersubspecific backcross between the C57BL/KsJ strain homozygous for the misty (m) coat color locus and the inbred Mus musculus musculus Czech II strain. Several recently developed PCR-based simple sequence length polymorphism (SSLP) markers have been intercalated among genebased markers including six anchor loci on mouse Chr 4 to assemble this map. Marker order and genetic distances are similar to the composite genetic linkage map compiled from crosses between a variety of other inbred and feral mouse strains. Transmission ratio distortion in favor of feral alleles is apparent for a region of distal MMU 4. In addition, the misty phenotype is more fully penetrant in the present backcross than in other reported interspecific and intersubspecific crosses. Backcrosses employing inbred Mus musculus musculus strains may allow reliable phenotyping and mapping of mouse mutations displaying complex phenotypes with incomplete and/or ambigious penetrance on other feral genetic backgrounds.
Nonlinear projection to submanifolds using neural networks with circuit realization and its application to data reduction

The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) approach and its variations compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors and hence planar surfaces. An extension of the PCA approach, which computes nonplanar (folded) surfaces, is a computational tool that computes submanifolds in higher dimensional spaces. The focus of this work is an application of this nonlinear projection approach to nonlinear data reduction/compression of color images and 3-band radar signals. Results of various image processing from both computer simulations of the circuit model and chip experiments are reported. Furthermore, we describe how certain neural networks can be constructed as computational tools for general submanifold charts and parameterization maps of nonlinear dynamical systems. Moreover, the architectural framework is compatible with basic circuit realization using micropower microelectronic components.
The Effect of Staff Accountant Objectivity in the Review and Decision Process: A Tax Setting

Prior studies report that less experienced staff accountants are often susceptible to confirmation bias in the evaluation of evidence. This bias results in nonobjective information evaluation by staff‐level accountants. This study examines how the perceived objectivity of the staff accountant and the manager's own client advocacy affect the manager's use of the staff accountant's research report when formulating client recommendations. The results suggest that objectivity judgments made by partner‐/manager‐level accountants are influenced by whether the staff accountant's research report confirms their initial opinion. Further, the confirmatory nature of the research report affects the manner in which the report is incorporated into a client recommendation. Nonconfirming research reports were given more weight than confirming research reports. Preference for client‐favorable outcomes was found to affect the weight given to staff accountant research reports as well.
Resolution of a serum sample mix‐up through the use of short tandem repeat DNA typing

BACKGROUND: A sample mix-up occurred in a tissue procurement laboratory in which aliquots of serum from two tissue donors were accidentally mislabeled. The clues to the apparent mixup involved discrepant Hepatitus C test results. In an attempt to resolve the apparent mix up, DNA typing was performed using serum samples as a possible source of genomic DNA. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two hundred microliter aliquots of two reference sera and aliquots prepared from them were subjected to DNA extraction. PCR amplification of 9 STR loci was performed on the extracts and amplicons were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. RESULTS: About 1 µg/ml of DNA was recovered from all serum samples and was of sufficient quality to direct the amplification of most, if not all STR loci allowing the mislabeled specimens to be traced to the proper tissue donor. CONCLUSIONS: Serum is a useful source of genomic DNA for STR analysis in situations in which such samples are the only source of DNA for testing. Interestingly, one of the tissue donors on life support and repeatedly receiving blood products, exhibited a mixed DNA profile indicative of the presence of DNA from multiple individuals in the bloodstream.
GLC determination of phenylephrine hydrochloride in human plasma.

A sensitive GLC method for the determination of phenylephrine in human plasma is described. Its application to in vivo phenylephrine levels in humans is currently being investigated. In the procedure, plasma components that interfere with the assay were removed using ion-exchange chromatography. Derivatization of the isolated phenylephrine hydrochloride with trifluoroacetic anhydride produced a sharp symmetrical peak when chromatography was carried out using a QF-1 column and monitored with an electron-capture detector. The method, when applied to plasma containing known amounts of added phenylephrine hydrochloride (12.5–50.0 ng./ml.) gave an average recovery of 80%. The standard deviation based on 15 determinations was 10%.
Glycinelserine ratios in amniotic fluid: an unreliable indicator for the prenatal diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia

A series of 183 amniotic fluid samples from pregnancies with normal outcome were examined to assess the validity of the glycine/serine ratio in the prenatal diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia. The glycine/serine ratios in our series span a range of values which includes those of the previously reported control group as well as those values of a fetus with nonketotic hyperglycinemia. These data indicate that the glycine/serine ratio in the amniotic fluid of a pregnancy at risk for nonketotic hyperglycinemia is not a reliable indicator for the prenatal diagnosis of this disorder.
Characterization of poly(ethylene oxide) as a drug carrier in hot-melt extrusion.

ABSTRACTPoly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as a drug carrier in hot-melt extrusion was studied by using a model drug, nifedipine, in a twin-screw extruder. Binary mixtures of PEO and nifedipine have been shown to be amenable to hot-melting at a temperature as low as 70°C, well below nifedipine's melting point (172°C). Hot-stage microscopy provided visual evidence that nifedipine can form a miscible dispersion with PEO at 120°C. Complete loss of nifedipine crystallinity when extrudated at and above 120°C with a drug loading of 20% (w/w) was further confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction. Cross-sectional imaging of the extrudates using scanning electron microscopy indicated homogeneous drug distribution inside PEO when the processing temperature was above 120°C. Raman spectroscopy confirmed drug-PEO interactions at a molecular level. Cryo-milled extrudates showed significant improvement in dissolution rate compared to either pure nifedipine or the physical mixture of PEO and nife...
Outcomes for Elderly, Advanced-Stage Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Patients Treated With Bevacizumab in Combination With Carboplatin and Paclitaxel: Analysis of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Trial 4599

Purpose Fit elderly patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) benefit from platinum-based, two-drug chemotherapy. Bevacizumab (B) in combination with carboplatin (C) and paclitaxel (P) improves survival for advanced, nonsquamous NSCLC, as evidenced in Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 4599. We conducted a subset analysis of ECOG 4599 to determine the outcome for elderly patients. Patients and Methods ECOG 4599 randomly assigned patients with advanced nonsquamous NSCLC to PC or to PCB. We analyzed outcome in patients who were at least 70 years of age at the time of study entry. Patient characteristics, efficacy, and toxicity data were compared between PC and PCB for the elderly. Outcomes for elderly and younger patients (< 70 years) treated with PCB were also compared. Results Among elderly patients (n = 224; 26%), there was a trend towards higher response rate (29% v 17%; P = .067) and progression-free survival (5.9 v 4.9 months; P = .063) with PCB compared with PC, although overal...
PbS quantum dot photoluminescence quenching induced by an applied bias

We demonstrate that a DC voltage applied on a PbS quantum dot embedded organic light emitting diode can partially quench the quantum dot photoluminescence and propose a way to avoid this quenching.
College Student Preferences for Trendy versus Classic Typefaces

The user-generated content trend extends beyond the blogosphere and into the arenas of visual c0l11111unication-particularly that of typography. Researchers have little knowledge about the ilnplicatiol1s of this typography booln, although young people today have been exposed to the user-generated trend for well over a decade. This study discerns groups of college students based on their opinions about both trendy user-generated typefaces and classic typefaces in college textbooks. Q rnethodology is used to collect and analyze data about typeface preference. This 111ethodo!ogy is especially suited to preIinl;naly research lIsed to obtain a deeper understanding abollt under-explored concepts like aesthetic typographic preference. The researcher identified four distinct groups of college students based lIpon individual subjective preferencesfor classic or trendy t;ypefaces.
Diversification of porcine MHC class II genes: evidence for selective advantage

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an immunological gene-dense region of high diversity in mammalian species. Sus scrofa was domesticated by at least six independent events over Eurasia during the Holocene period. It has been hypothesized that the level and distribution of MHC variation in pig populations reflect genetic selection and environmental influences. In an effort to define the complexity of MHC polymorphisms and the role of selection in the generation of class II gene diversity (DQB, DRB1, and pseudogene PsiDRB3), DNA from globally distributed unrelated domestic pigs of European and Asian origins and a Suidae out-group was analyzed. The number of pseudogene alleles identified (PsiDRB3 33) was greater than those found in the expressed genes (DQB 20 and DRB1 23) but the level of observed heterozygosity (PsiDRB3 0.452, DQB 0.732, and DRB1 0.767) and sequence diversity (PsiDRB3 0.029, DQB 0.062, and DRB1 0.074) were significantly lower in the pseudogene, respectively. The substitution ratios reflected an excess of d (N) (DQB 1.476, DRB1 1.724, and PsiDRB3 0.508) and the persistence of expressed gene alleles suggesting the influence of balancing selection, while the pseudogene was undergoing purifying selection. The lack of a clear MHC phylogeographic tree, coupled with close genetic distances observed between the European and Asian populations (DQB 0.047 and DRB1 0.063) suggested that unlike observations using mtDNA, the MHC diversity lacks phylogeographic structure and appears to be globally uniform. Taken together, these results suggest that, despite regional differences in selective breeding and environments, no skewing of MHC diversity has occurred.
Extraribosomal L13a Is a Specific Innate Immune Factor for Antiviral Defense

ABSTRACT We report a novel extraribosomal innate immune function of mammalian ribosomal protein L13a, whereby it acts as an antiviral agent. We found that L13a is released from the 60S ribosomal subunit in response to infection by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), an RNA virus of the Pneumovirus genus and a serious lung pathogen. Unexpectedly, the growth of RSV was highly enhanced in L13a-knocked-down cells of various lineages as well as in L13a knockout macrophages from mice. In all L13a-deficient cells tested, translation of RSV matrix (M) protein was specifically stimulated, as judged by a greater abundance of M protein and greater association of the M mRNA with polyribosomes, while general translation was unaffected. In silico RNA folding analysis and translational reporter assays revealed a putative hairpin in the 3′untranslated region (UTR) of M mRNA with significant structural similarity to the cellular GAIT (gamma-activated inhibitor of translation) RNA hairpin, previously shown to be responsible for assembling a large, L13a-containing ribonucleoprotein complex that promoted translational silencing in gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-activated myeloid cells. However, RNA-protein interaction studies revealed that this complex, which we named VAIT (respiratory syncytial virus-activated inhibitor of translation) is functionally different from the GAIT complex. VAIT is the first report of an extraribosomal L13a-mediated, IFN-γ-independent innate antiviral complex triggered in response to virus infection. We provide a model in which the VAIT complex strongly hinders RSV replication by inhibiting the translation of the rate-limiting viral M protein, which is a new paradigm in antiviral defense. IMPORTANCE The innate immune mechanisms of host cells are diverse in nature and act as a broad-spectrum cellular defense against viruses. Here, we report a novel innate immune mechanism functioning against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), in which the cellular ribosomal protein L13a is released from the large ribosomal subunit soon after infection and inhibits the translation of a specific viral mRNA, namely, that of the matrix protein M. Regarding its mechanism, we show that the recognition of a specific secondary structure in the 3′ untranslated region of the M mRNA leads to translational arrest of the mRNA. We also show that the level of M protein in the infected cell is rate limiting for viral morphogenesis, providing a rationale for L13a to target the M mRNA for suppression of RSV growth. Translational silencing of a viral mRNA by a deployed ribosomal protein is a new paradigm in innate immunity.
Orally delivered thioketal nanoparticles loaded with TNF-α–siRNA target inflammation and inhibit gene expression in the intestines

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) directed against proinflammatory cytokines have the potential to treat numerous diseases associated with intestinal inflammation; however, the side-effects caused by the systemic depletion of cytokines demands that the delivery of cytokine-targeted siRNAs be localized to diseased intestinal tissues. Although various delivery vehicles have been developed to orally deliver therapeutics to intestinal tissue, none of these strategies has demonstrated the ability to protect siRNA from the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract and target its delivery to inflamed intestinal tissue. Here, we present a delivery vehicle for siRNA, termed thioketal nanoparticles (TKNs), that can localize orally delivered siRNA to sites of intestinal inflammation, and thus inhibit gene expression in inflamed intestinal tissue. TKNs are formulated from a polymer, poly-(1,4-phenyleneacetone dimethylene thioketal), that degrades selectively in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Therefore, when delivered orally, TKNs release siRNA in response to the abnormally high levels of ROS specific to sites of intestinal inflammation. Using a murine model of ulcerative colitis, we demonstrate that orally administered TKNs loaded with siRNA against the proinflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) diminish TNF-α messenger RNA levels in the colon and protect mice from ulcerative colitis.
The effect of differing rates and injection sites on the amount of protamine delivered before detection of hemodynamic alterations in dogs.

Objectives— To determine the effect of the route and rate of protamine administration on the amount of protamine that could be delivered before a hemodynamic reaction occurred in dogs. Study design— Prospective randomized experimental study. Animals— Twenty adult mixed-breed dogs weighing 25.1 ± 2.5 kg. Methods— Before vascular surgery, the dogs were heparinized to reach an activated clotting time (ACT) of 300 seconds. After completion of the vascular surgery, protamine was administered intravenously until a hemodynamic reaction was recorded. The 4 groups of dogs were given protamine at 5 mg/min (slow) or 10 mg/min (fast) via the cephalic or the jugular veins. Systemic and pulmonary arterial pressures, central venous pressure (CVP), and pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure (PAOP) were recorded before and after protamine administration. The dose of protamine was recorded when a reaction occurred, which was defined as mean arterial pressure (MAP) 20 mm Hg or more than double the baseline value. Results— Significant decreases in systolic arterial pressure (SAP), MAP, and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) and significant increases in systolic (SPAP), mean (MPAP), and diastolic (DPAP) pulmonary arterial pressures were recorded after protamine administration. The cephalic slow group had significantly fewer protamine reactions than other groups (chi-square = 8.57, P = .03, df = 3). Significantly more protamine could be delivered from the cephalic vein (52.5 ± 14.5 mg) compared with the jugular vein (37.6 ± 16 mg) before a reaction occurred (P = .048). Conclusion— The rate of administration did not have an effect on the amount of protamine delivered. Adverse reactions were minimized when protamine was administered via the cephalic vein at a slow rate. Clinical Relevance— We would recommend delivering protamine after cardiopulmonary bypass or vascular surgery through a peripheral venous route.
The psychological trauma of HIV in India

United Nations' agencies are reporting that India will become the world center for AIDS and HIV-related illnesses by the end of the century (Pais, 1996). It is predicted that in the year 2000, India will have the highest rate of infected individuals and new infections (Panday et al ., 1997). This information is daunting. AIDS and HIV-related illnesses have proven to be challenging for all nations that have had to face both the widespread epidemic and, frequently, highly infected epicenters or populations at high risk. The epidemic has seriously taxed the health systems in technologically advanced countries such as the USA. A cursory examination of this impending problem in India might lead to the obvious conclusion that it is going to be devastating. One also might speculate that there would be very little that could be done, and finally conclude that the die are cast, so that acceptance and managing the consequences are all that is left to India at this point in time. This paper explores trauma, HIV and ...
Weight gain prevention among women.

Objective: Women 25 to 45 years old are at risk for weight gain and future obesity. This trial was designed to evaluate the efficacy of two interventions relative to a control group in preventing weight gain among normal or overweight women and to identify demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial factors related to weight gain prevention. Research Methods and Procedures: Healthy women (N = 284), ages 25 to 44, with BMI < 30 were randomized to one of three intervention conditions: a clinic-based group, a correspondence course, or an information-only control. Intervention was provided over 2 years, with a follow-up at Year 3. BMI and factors related to eating and weight were assessed yearly. Results: Over the 3-year study period, 40% (n = 114) of the women remained at or below baseline body weight (±2 lbs), and 60% gained weight (>2 lbs). Intervention had no effect on weight over time. Independently of intervention, women who were older, not actively dieting to lose weight, and who reported less perceived hunger at baseline were more likely to be successful at weight maintenance. Weight maintenance also was associated with increasing dietary restraint (conscious thoughts and purposeful behaviors to control calorie intake) and decreasing dietary disinhibition (the tendency to lose control over eating) over time. Discussion: This study raises concern about the feasibility and efficacy of weight gain prevention interventions because most women were interested in weight loss, rather than weight gain prevention, and the interventions had no effect on weight stability. Novel approaches to the prevention of weight gain are needed.
α-Tubulin Mutations Alter Oryzalin Affinity and Microtubule Assembly Properties To Confer Dinitroaniline Resistance

Plant and protozoan microtubules are selectively sensitive to dinitroanilines, which do not disrupt vertebrate or fungal microtubules. Tetrahymena thermophila is an abundant source of dinitroaniline-sensitive tubulin, and we have modified the single T. thermophila α-tubulin gene to create strains that solely express mutant α-tubulin in functional dimers. Previous research identified multiple α-tubulin mutations that confer dinitroaniline resistance in the human parasite Toxoplasma gondii, and when two of these mutations (L136F and I252L) were introduced into T. thermophila, they conferred resistance in these free-living ciliates. Purified tubulin heterodimers composed of L136F or I252L α-tubulin display decreased affinity for the dinitroaniline oryzalin relative to wild-type T. thermophila tubulin. Moreover, the L136F substitution dramatically reduces the critical concentration for microtubule assembly relative to the properties of wild-type T. thermophila tubulin. Our data provide additional support for the proposed dinitroaniline binding site on α-tubulin and validate the use of T. thermophila for expression of genetically homogeneous populations of mutant tubulins for biochemical characterization.
NUMERICAL EVIDENCE OF A FIRST-ORDER TRANSITION IN A BRANCHED POLYMER: FINITE SIZE EFFECT AT THE TRANSITION

Within the e-expansion scheme, we argue that the upper critical dimension for the continuous transition (if it exists) in the dilute limit of branched polymers should be du=4. However, Monte-Carlo simulations in d=2, 3 and 4 for a single branched polymer on a finite lattice show evidence of a first-order transition at K=K0 and not a continuous transition which we observe for a linear polymer. Here, K represents bond activity. Our extensive simulation in d=2 is compared with previously known results. The existence of a first-order transition at K0 is not inconsistent with power-law singularities as $K \to K_0^ - $, which have been observed by various workers. However, for K<K0, the self-similarity which is a prerequisite of a fractal (i.e., a critical) object is only approximate. At K=K0 the branched polymer is a regular, compact object and not a fractal. In constrast, a linear polymer is a fractal at the transition, as is expected and as our simulation also suggests. Thus, our work shows that the order of...
Ocular surface reconstruction: recent innovations, surgical candidate selection and postoperative management

Intricate homeostasis maintains the rich complexity and functionality of the ocular surface. Severe ocular surface diseases cause significant morbidities, including blindness. Ocular surface reconstruction strategies restore this homeostasis. Patients with limbal deficiency may benefit from limbal stem cell transplantation to alleviate persistent epithelial defects, maintain conjunctivalization regression and corneal avascularity, and restore vision. Amniotic membrane and other substrates function as tissue surrogates and substrates for expansion of stem cells. Maximum graft survivability necessitates aggressive and comprehensive preoperative management of inflammation, infection, microtrauma, dry eye conditions and HLA compatibility. Restoration of lacrimal gland function is important, as is implementation of aggressive immunosuppression. Future advancements in stem cell biology, tissue engineering, bioartificial microsystems or regenerative medicine will supplement the therapeutic armamentarium. The nex...
Factors associated with Copper T IUD removal for bleeding/pain: A multivariate analysis

To examine the factors associated with copper T IUD removal due to bleeding/pain, a nested case-control analysis using data from an international multicenter randomized clinical trial of the copper T-380A IUD was performed. One-hundred-forty-three cases with removal due to bleeding/pain within one year postinsertion and 2,023 controls with the IUD in place at last follow-up visit are included. Proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that uterine length greater than 70 mm and better IUD provider's skill were associated with a decreased risk of removal due to bleeding/pain. Amenorrhea and breastfeeding at insertion have short-term beneficial effects but less long-term effects. These findings may help family planning providers in counseling and practice.
Influence of amyloid and APOE on cognitive performance in a late middle-aged cohort.

Abstract Introduction Few studies have examined the effects of amyloid and apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) genotype on cognition among middle-aged individuals. Methods We included 464 cognitively normal, test-naive, participants with Pittsburgh compound B positron emission tomography amyloid imaging, mean age of 62.7 (range, 51–71 years), enrolled in the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging. Participants completed multiple cognitive assessments, including a standard neuropsychological battery and the CogState computerized battery, over 30 months of follow-up. Linear mixed models were used to examine the effects of amyloid and APOE genotype on baseline cognition and cognitive decline. Results Elevated amyloid was not associated with tests of episodic memory but did predict declines on tests of executive function. APOE genotype was not associated with cognition. Among APOE ɛ4 noncarriers, higher amyloid was predictive of decline on tests of executive function and on one episodic memory test. Discussion Elevated amyloidosis and APOE genotype do not appear to exert a dramatic influence on cognition in middle age.
Tactical configurations: An introduction

The original definition of tactical configuration was given by E. H. Moore in 1896, but the definition now in use is in terms of graph theory. A tactical configuration of rank r is a collection of r disjoint vertex sets A1,...,Ar called bands and a relation of incidence among these vertices, so that each vertex in band Ai is incident with the same number of vertices in Aj. This constant number, say di,j, is called the i–j degree, and the collection of all the i–j degrees is called the set of degrees for the configuration. Note that di,j need not be equal to dj,i. The numbers di,i are not defined, since each band is composed of independent vertices. Thus a tactical configuration may be regarded as a multiregular, r-partite graph. The girth of a graph, or of a tactical configuration regarded as a graph, is the number of vertices in any smallest polygon in the graph. This paper describes the important questions concerning the construction and existence of tactical configurations.
The Factors of Safety in Design of Timber Structures

Much of the reduction in the average strength of clear wood that is made to obtain a design stress is made necessary by the conditions of structural use; it does not in itself produce a margin for safety. A simple way to estimate safety is to use near-minimum values for these conversion factors and then to make a further reduction for unforeseen conditions. This method may indicate a near-minimum factor of safety of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2. A better evaluation is made by recognizing that there are many factors in strength and use that affect safety, and that each factor is multivalued and expressible by a frequency distribution. By suitable mathematical operations, these can be combined into one frequency distribution that shows the range of the true factor of safety. An example of this kind of evaluation indicates that the most probable values of the factor of safety in timber design are in the range of 2 to 2-1/2, and that nearly all values are in the range of 1 to 4. The same distribution can be used to indicate the probability of failure and to show how that probability is related to the working stress level.
Differences in the Cell Surfaces of Two Compatible Physarum Polycephalum Myxamoebae

The cell surface chemistry of Physarum polycephalum myxamoeba strains RSD4 and MA185, both capable of axenic growth, was studied. Myxamoebae were either washed with a low molarity phosphate/ salt buffer or were left unwashed. The freeze-fractured, deep-etched cell surface of RSD4 cells was normally smooth, but after washing in buffer it was fibrous and rough. Similarly treated cells of strain MA185 were smooth under both circumstances. Several lectins were tested for their ability to bind to the cell surfaces of both strains. While concanavalin A bound only to washed cells of RSD4, it labeled both washed and unwashed cells of MA185. Wheat germ agglutinin bound in a patchy pattern to washed cells of both strains. A rosette test determined the ability of washed and unwashed myxamoebae of both strains to bind erythrocytes. Sheep red blood cells bound to the surface of unwashed cells of strain MA185. Analysis of the material washed from the surface of strain RSD4 cells with the phosphate/ salt buffer indicated both protein and carbohydrate components. Between 16 and 20 polypeptides, indicated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were found in ethanol and ammonium sulfate precipitates of the cell surface material, in addition to four concanavalin A binding glycoproteins.
Hormone Synthesis by Normal Human Thyroid Cells in Tissue Culture.

SummaryNormal isolated human thyroid cells were incubated in tissue culture medium containing I-131 for 24 to 48 hours. The nature and distribution of labeled compounds were determined. Labeled MIT, DIT, T3 and T4 were present following protein hydrolysis of the incubated cells. The MIT/ DIT ratios ranged from 1.3 to 6.7 in the tissue cultures incubated with I-131 for 24 hours, while that for tissue cultures incubated for 48 hours ranged from 0.3 to 0.9. These results indicate that isolated normal human thyroid cells are able to synthesize iodotyrosines and iodothyronines in the absence of intact follicles and colloid.
Neuroinflammation at the interface of depression and cardiovascular disease: Evidence from rodent models of social stress

A large body of evidence has emerged linking stressful experiences, particularly from one's social environment, with psychiatric disorders. However, vast individual differences emerge in susceptibility to developing stress-related pathology which may be due to distinct differences in the inflammatory response to social stress. Furthermore, depression is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, another inflammatory-related disease, and results in increased mortality in depressed patients. This review is focused on discussing evidence for stress exposure resulting in persistent or sensitized inflammation in one individual while this response is lacking in others. Particular focus will be directed towards reviewing the literature underlying the impact that neuroinflammation has on neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that could be involved in the pathogenesis of comorbid depression and cardiovascular disease. Finally, the theme throughout the review will be to explore the notion that stress-induced inflammation is a key player in the high rate of comorbidity between psychosocial disorders and cardiovascular disease.
Physiological approaches to understanding molecular actions on dorsolateral prefrontal cortical neurons underlying higher cognitive processing

Revealing how molecular mechanisms influence higher brain circuits in primates will be essential for understanding how genetic insults lead to increased risk of cognitive disorders. Traditionally, modulatory influences on higher cortical circuits have been examined using lesion techniques, where a brain region is depleted of a particular transmitter to determine how its loss impacts cognitive function. For example, depletion of catecholamines or acetylcholine from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex produces striking deficits in working memory abilities. More directed techniques have utilized direct infusions of drug into a specific cortical site to try to circumvent compensatory changes that are common following transmitter depletion. The effects of drug on neuronal firing patterns are often studied using iontophoresis, where a minute amount of drug is moved into the brain using a tiny electrical current, thus minimizing the fluid flow that generally disrupts neuronal recordings. All of these approaches can be compared to systemic drug administration, which remains a key arena for the development of effective therapeutics for human cognitive disorders. Most recently, viral techniques are being developed to be able to manipulate proteins for which there is no developed pharmacology, and to allow optogenetic manipulations in primate cortex. As the association cortices greatly expand in brain evolution, research in nonhuman primates is particularly important for understanding the modulatory regulation of our highest order cognitive operations.
A Technical Foundation for RF CMOS Power Amplifiers: Part 4: Misunderstandings in PA Design

This fourth part of the article series "A Technical Foundation for RF CMOS Power Amplifiers" [1] presents five misunderstandings regarding wireless signals and amplifier design that persist in the literature and generally cause confusion, particularly for engineers new to this art. Each of these misunderstandings is addressed for its realistic answer along with additional discussion about why addressing that misunderstanding matters. At the end, four fundamental technical foundations are identified that can reliably be used to check and validate ideas and approaches during design and development projects.
Adolescent self-injurers: Comparing non-ideators, suicide ideators, and suicide attempters

Abstract Adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidality are serious health concerns; however, factors that contribute to the transition from NSSI to suicide ideation and suicide attempts are unclear. To address this gap, we investigated whether demographic characteristics, child maltreatment, and psychiatric factors are associated with the level suicidality among adolescents with a history of self-injury. Participants were three groups of adolescent inpatient self-injurers (n = 397, 317 female), aged 13–18 years (M = 15.44, SD = 1.36): (a) non-ideators (n = 96; no current suicide ideation and no lifetime suicide attempts), (b) suicide ideators (n = 149; current ideation and no lifetime attempts), and (c) suicide attempters (n = 152; current ideation and at least one lifetime attempt). Participants completed interviews assessing psychiatric diagnoses, suicidality, and NSSI characteristics, as well as questionnaires on childhood trauma, psychiatric symptoms, and risky behavior engagement. Depression severity was associated with greater odds being a suicide ideator (p
Assessment and Treatment of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

This paper describes characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) from infancy through adolescence. This paper also provides information regarding comorbidity of FAS with other psychological syndromes. The literature regarding assessment of FAS across childhood and adolescence is detailed; recommendations toward accurate assessment are included. Finally, this paper discusses treatment of FAS symptoms in children and adolescents.
Offshore Driller Valuation Models

The value of publicly traded firms are characterized by their market capitalization and enterprise value. Market capitalization is the total value of tradable shares of a company at a specific point in time, determined by the product of its stock price and the number of outstanding shares. Enterprise value is the market capitalization plus debt, minority interest and preferred shares, minus total cash and cash equivalents. Models of market capitalization and enterprise value for a cross section of offshore drilling contractors circa 2011 is described. The valuation methodology is outlined and the results of regression models are presented along with a discussion of the limitations of analysis. Fleet value is the single best predictor of market capitalization and enterprise value.
Systemic sclerosis: Choosing patients wisely when treating interstitial lung disease

Systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) requires accurate diagnosis and staging to identify patients with the highest risk of disease progression, who might benefit from treatment with immunosuppressants. New insights into predictors of mortality in patients with SSc-ILD should improve patient care and inform the design of future clinical trials.
Energetic redistribution in allostery to execute protein function.

A perturbation at one site of the protein could cause an effect at a distant site. This important biological phenomenon, termed the “allosteric effect,” is essential for protein regulation and cell signaling, playing an important role in cellular function. Its fundamental functional significance has inspired numerous works aiming to understand how allostery works. Allostery can involve large, or unobserved, subtle (mainly side-chain) conformational changes (1). Conformational changes are driven by enthalpy. The term “dynamic allostery” was coined by Cooper and Dryden in the early 1980s to describe allostery “even in the absence of a macromolecular conformational change” (2). Cooper and Dryden argued that dynamic allostery is primarily an entropy effect. However, numerous works have been published over the last 20 y taking “dynamic allostery” to imply a complete absence of conformational change because the authors did not observe such changes (1). Importantly, “dynamic allostery” without observable conformational changes is still ruled by a population shift between two “distinct” states where a new energetic redistribution favorable for the allosteric (functional) state is either dominated by entropy, enthalpy, or both. Few studies questioned whether enthalpy plays a role in dynamic allostery as well (1). In PNAS, Kumawat and Chakrabarty (3) demonstrate that indeed even in dynamic allostery enthalpy plays a role by redistributing internal energies, especially electrostatic interaction energies, among residues upon perturbation (Fig. 1). Fig. 1. The scheme of the electrostatic basis of dynamic allostery in the PDZ3 domain protein. Dynamic allostery has no significant conformational change. Upon binding of the peptide (CRIPT), there is no significant enthalpy change, but Kumawat and Chakrabarty (3) reported a redistribution of the electrostatic energies. Such redistribution may propagate to other PDZ domains for the proteins to execute their function. Electrostatics is an established player in function. Decades ago, Warshel (4 … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: jin.liu{at}unthsc.edu or NussinoR{at}mail.nih.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
State-Space Modeling

This chapter introduces the state-space modeling method for single-input, single-output (SISO) and multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) dynamic systems into the time domain. The approach is a matrix method of converting large-order differential equations into an equivalent number of first-order differential equations. The state-space methodology is able to model systems with a large number of degrees of freedom, as well as systems with nonlinearities. This chapter's material focuses on deriving state-space models of dynamic systems and solving these models to determine the time response using analytical methods, MATLAB custom commands, or Simulink. While the transfer function model belongs to the Laplace domain, a state-space model operates in the time domain. The state-space approach utilizes the same matrix model for both SISO and MIMO dynamic systems. Conversions between state-space and transfer function or zero-pole-gain models are also studied here.
Activation of TPA-response element present in human Lemur Tyrosine Kinase 2 (lmtk2) gene increases its expression.

Abstract Regulatory elements present in the promoter of a gene drive the expression of the gene in response to various stimuli. Lemur Tyrosine Kinase 2 (LMTK2) is a membrane-anchored Serine/Threonine kinase involved in endosomal protein trafficking and androgen signaling amongst other processes. Previous studies have shown this protein to be of therapeutic importance in cystic fibrosis and prostate cancer. However, nothing is known about the endogenous expression of this protein and its regulation. In this study, we analyzed the gene encoding human LMTK2, to look for possible regulatory elements that could affect its expression. Interestingly, the human lmtk2 gene contains a consensus TPA (12- O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate)-responsive element (TRE) in the region preceding its start codon. The element with the sequence TGAGTCA modulates LMTK2 expression in response to treatment with TPA, a synthetic Protein Kinase C (PKC) activator. It serves as the binding site for c-Fos, a member of the Activator Protein −1 (AP-1) transcription factor complex, which is transactivated by PKC. We observed that TPA, at low concentrations, increases the promoter activity of LMTK2, which leads to a subsequent increase in the mRNA transcript and protein levels. This modulation occurs through binding of the AP-1 transcription factor complex to the lmtk2 promoter. Thus, our current study has established LMTK2 as a TPA-responsive element-containing gene, which is upregulated downstream of PKC activation. Considering the involvement of LMTK2 in intracellular processes as well as pathological conditions, our findings demonstrate a way to modulate intracellular LMTK2 levels pharmacologically for potentially therapeutic purposes.
ZENK induction in the zebra finch brain by song: Relationship to hemisphere, rhythm, oestradiol and sex

Oestradiol is abundant in the zebra finch auditory forebrain and has the capacity to modulate neural responses to auditory stimuli with specificity as a result of both hemisphere and sex. Arrhythmic song induces greater ZENK expression than rhythmic song in the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), caudomedial mesopallium (CMM) and nucleus taeniae (Tn) of adult zebra finches. The increases in the auditory regions (i.e. NCM and CMM) may result from detection of errors in the arrhythmic song relative to the learned template. In the present study, zebra finches were treated with oestradiol, the aromatase inhibitor fadrozole or a control and then exposed to rhythmic or arrhythmic song to assess the effect of oestradiol availability on neural responses to auditory rhythms. ZENK mRNA was significantly greater in the left hemisphere within the NCM, CMM and Tn. Main effects of sex were detected in both auditory regions, with increased ZENK in males in the NCM and in females in the CMM. In the CMM, an effect of hormone treatment also existed. Although no pairwise comparison was statistically significant, the pattern suggested greater ZENK expression in control compared to both fadrozole- and oestradiol-treated birds. In the NCM, an interaction between sex and hormone treatment suggested that the sex effect was restricted to control animals. An additional interaction in the NCM among sex, stimulus rhythmicity and hemisphere indicated that the strongest effect of laterality was present in males exposed to arrhythmic song. The hormone effects suggest that an optimal level of oestradiol may exist for processing rhythmicity of auditory stimuli. The overall pattern for left lateralisation parallels the left lateralisation of language processing in humans and may suggest that this hemisphere is specialised for processing conspecific vocalisations. The reversed sex differences in the NCM and CMM suggest that males and females differentially rely on components of the auditory forebrain for processing conspecific song.
Diet and nutritional considerations for a FtM transgender male: A case report

Among adults in the United States, approximately 0.6% of the population identifies as transgender.1 On college campuses, this figure is estimated at 0.2%.2 Existing research indicates substantial h...
Ultrasound Equipment and Purchase

Selecting the best equipment for a department is one of the key steps to a successful point-of-care ultrasound program. Purchase of machines and probes requires careful consideration of scope of practice, applications, modes, and workflow. In addition, other considerations relevant to point-of-care ultrasound include portability, durability, ease of use, image storage, and cost.
Modernism to Post-Modernism: Method as Archimedean Point

Directly analogous to the relation between methodology and the call for a “new philosophy,” this chapter discusses the “new psychology” established by Wilhelm Wundt. From the point of view of the philosophical principles constituting the Modern and Contemporary systems of Western psychology, a pre-Kantian, (neo) Kantian, and post-Kantian grouping goes toward emphasizing the incommensurabilities found across the “Four Forces” of Contemporary psychology, the emergence of which are associated with Pavlov, Freud, Kant, and Hegel; that is, Behaviorism, Psychoanalysis, Existential-Humanistic, and the ultimately Bertalanffy’s General Systems Theory. The incommensurabilities are emphasized in terms of essential distinctions regarding structure, function, and methodology, such as between natural and human science, determinism and free will, and the principles with which each “Force” establishes ontological priority.
Location-based services: Enabling technologies and a concierge service model

It is widely believed that about 80 percent of public and private sectors’ day-to-day decisions are related to some sort of spatial and locational consideration, leaving only a few areas that are not affected by locational considerations. The Internet puts an unprecedented amount of locational information of all kinds at a user’s fingertips, information that can be used for personal production activities in a mind-boggling variety of ways (Ostensen, 2001). Location-based services (LBS) – sometimes called location-based mobile services (LBMS) – are an emerging technology combining information technology, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), positioning technology, Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) technology and the Internet. LBS combine hardware devices, wireless communication networks, geographic information and software applications that provide location-related guidance for customers (Kang, Oh and Kim, 2006). Location-based services differ from mobile position determination systems, such as Global Positioning Systems (GPS), in that they provide much broader, application-oriented location services, which become useful in specific situations, such as the following (Kim, 2004):
Metamorphosis of the Insect Nervous System

During the development of the nervous system, specific cell-cell contacts form among maturing neurons. The mechanisms by which those specific interactions take place and lead to the formation of appropriate synaptic connections and the establishment of normal neural pathways are of great interest in contemporary developmental neurobiology. Similarly intriguing is the question of the role of such cell-cell contacts in the survival and differentiation of the participating neurons.
Adding Value to Biodiversity Images through Community Annotation.

Morphbank, an on-line collection of museum-quality biological images, is an NSF funded project designed to facilitate the on-line collaboration of biologists from around the world [3]. Our primary focus is to aid in the collection and management of images that are useful in phylogenetic research. Morphbank users are actively collaborating on the creation of information that represents the associations among images and related biodiversity data objects. This paper describes the Morphbank annotation tool and data models and gives examples of how users create structured information in the system. Schematized annotation provides biologists with a flexible framework to create semantically-rich annotations using their own data models.
Enchantments of stone: Confronting other-than-human agency in Irish pilgrimage practices:

In contemporary Ireland, mountains, holy wells, and islands attract people from various geographic and religious backgrounds to participate in annual pilgrimages. Scholars and participants continue...