cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Behavior of transforming growth factors in serum-free media: an improved assay for transforming growth factors.

Transforming growth factors (TGFs) are a relatively new category of factors that induce the anchorage-independent growth of non-transformed cells. These factors are usually detected by their ability to induce normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts to grow in soft agar. Until now, this assay has been performed in serum-containing medium (SCM). Unfortunately, the background activity of this assay is variable and dependent on several factors, including passage number of the cells and the serum lot used. Furthermore, the addition of either EGF or TGF-β alone results in the appearance of additional colonies, which decreases the sensitivity of the assay. To circumvent these problems, serum-free media have been developed that support the growth of the NRK cells at low density in both monolayer culture and soft agar. Long-term growth in monolayer cultures occurs in serum-free medium supplemented with laminin, insulin, transferrin, epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and high density lipoprotein (HDL). Growth in soft agar occurs when TGFs are added to a serum-free medium, AIG medium, that contains insulin, transferrin, FGF and HDL. In contrast to the background activity observed when the assay is performed in SCM, no colonies form in the AIG medium unless TGFs are added and few, if any, colonies form if EGF or TGF-β are added alone. Thus, the AIG medium provides an improved assay for TGFs. In addition, the AIG medium should prove useful for examining other factors, including serum factors, for TGF activity.
Evaluation of Syncardia Total Artificial Heart Using Device Thrombogenicity Emulator

The thrombogenicity of the left ventricle of the temporary Total Artificial Heart (TAH-t) (SynCardia Systems, Inc. Tucson, AZ) was evaluated using our device thrombogenicity emulator (DTE) methodology [1] that integrates advanced numerical modeling of the whole device combined with experimental measurements of platelet activity. The ejection phase of the cardiac cycle, including diaphragm motion, was modeled with fully-coupled fluid structure interaction (FSI) simulation. Stress loading histories of several thousand platelet trajectories were extracted from these simulations and collapsed into quantitative probability density function (PDF) distributions that represent the TAH-t thrombogenic footprint. Representative stress-loading waveforms with substantially higher stress accumulation (high propensity to cause platelet activation) were replicated in computer controlled hemodynamic shearing device (HSD), where the effect on platelet activation was measured with a modified prothrombinase assay. By determining the platelet stress accumulation distribution, the thrombogenic signature unique to specific TAH design from the results, this methodology facilitates virtual evaluation and optimization of various designs.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Impact of the Interaction between 3′-UTR SNPs and microRNA on the Expression of Human Xenobiotic Metabolism Enzyme and Transporter Genes

Genetic variation in the expression of human XMETs leads to inter-individual variability in metabolism of therapeutic agents as well as differed susceptibility to various diseases. Recent eQTL (expression quantitative traits loci) mapping in a few human cells/tissues have identified a number of SNPs significantly associated with mRNA expression of many XMET genes. These eQTLs are therefore important candidate markers for pharmacogenetic studies. However, questions remain about whether these SNPs are causative and in what mechanism these SNPs may function. Given the important role of microRNAs in gene transcription regulation, we hypothesize that those eQTLs or their proxies in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) altering microRNA targeting are likely causative SNPs affecting gene expression. The aim of this study is to identify eQTLs potentially regulating major XMETs via interference with microRNA targeting. To this end, we performed a genome-wide screening for eQTLs for 409 genes encoding major drug metabolism enzymes transporters and transcription factors, in publically available eQTL datasets generated from the HapMap lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and human liver and brain tissue. As a result, 308 eQTLs significantly (p<10-5) associated with mRNA expression of 101 genes were identified. We further identified 7,869 SNPs in strong LD (r2≥0.8) with these eQTLs using the 1000 Genome SNP data. Among these 8,177 SNPs, 27 are located in the 3’-UTR of 14 genes. Using two algorithms predicting microRNA-SNP interaction, we found that almost all these SNPs (26 out of 27) were predicted to create, abolish or change the target site for microRNAs in both algorithms. Many of these microRNAs were also expressed in the same tissue that the eQTL were identified. Our study provides a strong rationale for continued investigation for the functions of these eQTLs in pharmacogenetic settings.
Equivalence of LCP and PLS

It is our purpose here to show that two prototype models of complementary pivot and fixed point theory and the corresponding path following solution methods are conceptually equivalent.
Dynamical cluster quantum Monte Carlo study of the single-particle spectra of strongly interacting fermion gases

We study the single-particle spectral function of resonantly interacting fermions in the unitary regime, as described by the three-dimensional attractive Hubbard model in the dilute limit. Our approach, based on the dynamical cluster approximation and the maximum entropy method, shows the emergence of a gap with decreasing temperature, as reported in recent cold-atom photoemission experiments, for coupling values that span the BEC-BCS crossover. By comparing the behavior of the spectral function to that of the imaginary time dynamical pairing susceptibility, we attribute the development of the gap to the formation of local bound atom pairs.
Review of College Organization and Professional Development: Integrating Moral Reasoning and Reflective Practice

(2010). Review of College Organization and Professional Development: Integrating Moral Reasoning and Reflective Practice. Journal of Student Affairs Research and Practice: Vol. 47, No. 1, pp. 120-122.
Zoledronic acid for cancer therapy--induced and postmenopausal bone loss.

Background: Cancer therapy-induced bone loss (CTIBL) and bone loss in postmenopausal (PMW) increase fracture risk. Objective: To review the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid (ZA) for prevention and treatment of CTIBL and postmenopausal bone loss. Methods: Using PubMed, a search of the English language literature (January 1950 to November 2007) was performed to identify articles evaluating ZA in CTIBL patients without bone metastases and for postmenopausal bone loss; articles were reviewed and evaluated. Results/conclusion: Intermittent administration of ZA increases BMD, decreases bone turnover markers, and is well tolerated in both cancer patients without bone metastases and osteopenic/osteoporotic PMW. In osteopenic/osteoporotic PMW, ZA also decreases fracture rates and prevents second fractures. The optimal regimens in these populations are unknown.
Factors associated with repeated use of epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylaxis

Background Studies looking at the use of repeated doses of epinephrine in patients experiencing anaphylaxis are limited. Objective To determine which patients are most likely to receive repeated doses of epinephrine during anaphylaxis management. Methods A population-based study with medical record review was conducted. All patients seen during the study period who met the criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis were included. Results The cohort included 208 patients (55.8% female). Anaphylaxis treatment included epinephrine in 104 patients (50.0%). Repeated doses were used in 27 patients (13.0%), 13 (48.1%) of them female. The median age of those who received repeated doses was 18.9 (interquartile range, 10–34) years vs 31.1 (interquartile range, 15–41) years for those who did not receive repeated doses ( P = .06). The inciting agents were food (29.6%), insects (11.1%), medications (22.2%), others (7.4%), and unknown (29.6%). Patients who received repeated doses were more likely to have wheezing ( P = .03), cyanosis ( P = .001), hypotension and shock ( P = .03), stridor and laryngeal edema ( P = .007), nausea and emesis ( P = .04), arrhythmias ( P P = .04) and less likely to have urticaria ( P =.049). They were more likely to be admitted to the hospital than patients who did not receive repeated doses (48.2% vs 15.6%; P P = .17). Conclusions Of the patients, 13.0% received repeated epinephrine doses. Patients were younger and were likely to present with wheezing, cyanosis, arrhythmias, hypotension and shock, stridor, laryngeal edema, cough, nausea, and emesis and less likely to have urticaria. A history of asthma did not predict use of repeated doses of epinephrine. Our results help identify high-risk patients who may benefit from carrying more than 1 dose of epinephrine.
MO-E-204B-03: Characterizing the Scattered Radiation from a C-Arm Fluoroscope

Purpose: Fluoroscopic procedures result in staff exposure from scattered radiation and are a radiation safety concern. Our purpose is to investigate the intensity and mean energy of this scattered radiation. The intent is to use the results to guide staff in the choice of preferred position relative to the patient and in the choice of protective clothing. Method and Materials: A C‐arm fluoroscope was positioned to image the abdomen and pelvis of a RANDO phantom. The technique factors were initially established by the automatic exposure system, then fixed to allow for multiple measurements of scattered radiation and beam energy. The technique factors were maintained at 70 kVp and 5.4 mA for all measurements. Detailed measurements were performed with the beam positioned posterior to anterior with an additional set of measurements performed in the anterior to posterior orientation. Radiation exposure was measured at various distances and angles from the phantom. The mean energy of the scattered radiation was also determined at several locations and C‐arm orientations. Results: The intensity of scattered radiation is a function of both distance and angle of measurement relative to the phantom. The intensity in the long‐axis direction of the phantom, even for equal distance from the x‐ray field, is significantly less than the intensity at the phantom's side. The intensity also depends upon the orientation of the x‐ray tube. Scattered radiation, measured at the operator's eye level, is approximately five times greater when the x‐ray tube is positioned above the patient versus below the patient. The mean energy of the scattered radiation varied very little. Conclusion: Radiation scatter about the patient during fluoroscopic procedures is not isotropic. Staff would receive reduced dose if positioned in the cranial‐caudal direction as opposed to the lateral direction. The energy of the scattered beam was largely independent of scatter direction.
A mathematical model of the spray deposition process

Spray deposition is a recently developed atomization process desigted to produce high density, bulk metal shapes directly from the melt. The process consists of two basic steps: first, a molten metal stream is atomized using a gas; the spray thus produced is then collected onto a suitably designed substrate. In this paper a mathematical model for the analysis of heat transfer during SD is described. The model is in two parts: the first part calculates the thermal histories of atomized droplets in flight, whereas the second part computes the transient temperature profiles inside the growing preform. More specifically, the mathematical model estimates droplet size distribution, temperatures, fractional solidification and microstructures of the atomized droplets in the spray, and the temperature field and microstructure of the resulting deposit. In contrast atively low (1 to 10 °C/second). The results also indicate that a small fraction of liquid mixed with solid exists at the top of the growing preform during deposition. The tiny pools of liquid may play a role in the formation of the characteristic equiaxed grain microstructure of as deposited preforms. The results of the calculations are very sensitive to the value of the enthalpy of the impinging spray. Therefore, the production of good quality deposits requires accurate control of the heat fluxes during deposition.
Human gut microbiota in obesity and after gastric bypass

Recent evidence suggests that the microbial community in the human intestine may play an important role in the pathogenesis of obesity. We examined 184,094 sequences of microbial 16S rRNA genes from PCR amplicons by using the 454 pyrosequencing technology to compare the microbial community structures of 9 individuals, 3 in each of the categories of normal weight, morbidly obese, and post-gastric-bypass surgery. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that although the Bacteria in the human intestinal community were highly diverse, they fell mainly into 6 bacterial divisions that had distinct differences in the 3 study groups. Specifically, Firmicutes were dominant in normal-weight and obese individuals but significantly decreased in post-gastric-bypass individuals, who had a proportional increase of Gammaproteobacteria. Numbers of the H2-producing Prevotellaceae were highly enriched in the obese individuals. Unlike the highly diverse Bacteria, the Archaea comprised mainly members of the order Methanobacteriales, which are H2-oxidizing methanogens. Using real-time PCR, we detected significantly higher numbers of H2-utilizing methanogenic Archaea in obese individuals than in normal-weight or post-gastric-bypass individuals. The coexistence of H2-producing bacteria with relatively high numbers of H2-utilizing methanogenic Archaea in the gastrointestinal tract of obese individuals leads to the hypothesis that interspecies H2 transfer between bacterial and archaeal species is an important mechanism for increasing energy uptake by the human large intestine in obese persons. The large bacterial population shift seen in the post-gastric-bypass individuals may reflect the double impact of the gut alteration caused by the surgical procedure and the consequent changes in food ingestion and digestion.
Calcineurin and NFAT4 Induce Chondrogenesis

Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and calcineurin are essential regulators of immune cell and mesenchymal cell differentiation. Here we show that elevated intracellular calcium induces chondrogenesis through a calcineurin/NFAT signaling axis that activates bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) expression. The calcium ionophore, ionomycin, induced chondrogenesis through activation of calcineurin. The calcineurin substrate, NFAT4, also induced chondrogenesis and chondrocyte gene expression. Significantly, the BMP antagonist, noggin, or dominant negative BMP receptors blocked the effects of elevated intracellular calcium on chondrogenesis. This suggested that calcineurin/NFAT4 activates BMP expression. Consistent with this, BMP2 gene expression was increased by ionomycin and suppressed by the calcineurin inhibitor, cyclosporine A. Furthermore, activated NFAT4 induced BMP2 gene expression. These results have important implications for the effects of NFATs during development and adaptive responses.
VERSATILITY OF THE ADULT PSOAS HITCH URETERAL REIMPLANTATION

AbstractPurpose: The psoas hitch ureteral reimplant has been described in the literature as an excellent method to restore ureterovesical continuity in patients with ureteral defects of various etiologies. However, long-term data on the durability of this procedure are lacking. We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction using the psoas hitch reimplantation to determine long-term efficacy.Materials and Methods: Ureteral reimplantation in the adult is frequently performed in the setting of ureteral tissue loss secondary to resection or injury. The psoas hitch reimplantation is a simple, versatile technique that avoids the inclusion of intestinal segments and can be used in most patients requiring reimplantation. Indications for surgery and the long-term followup were examined in 20 patients undergoing reimplantation using the psoas hitch.Results: The indications for ureteral reconstruction included surgical injury in 13 cases, recurrent pyelonephritis with reflux in 1, obstru...
Platelets, acting in part via P-selectin, mediate cytomegalovirus-induced microvascular dysfunction

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infects a majority of the population worldwide. It has been implicated in cardiovascular disease, induces microvascular dysfunction, and synergizes with hypercholesterolemia to promote leukocyte and platelet recruitment in venules. Although platelets and platelet-associated P-selectin contribute to cardiovascular disease inflammation, their role in CMV-induced vascular responses is unknown. We assessed the role of platelets in CMV-induced microvascular dysfunction by depleting platelets and developing bone marrow chimeric mice deficient in platelet P-selectin. Wild-type and chimeric mice received mock or murine (m)CMV intraperitoneally. Five weeks later, some mice were switched to a high-cholesterol diet (HC) to investigate the synergism between mCMV and HC. Arteriolar vasodilation and recruitment of leukocytes and donor platelets in venules were measured at 11wk. mCMV with or without HC caused significant endothelial dysfunction in arterioles. Platelet depletion restored normal vasodilation in mCMV-HC but not mCMV-ND mice, whereas protection was seen in both groups for platelet P-selectin chimeras. Only mCMV + HC elevated leukocyte and platelet recruitment in venules. Leukocyte adhesion was reduced to mock levels by acute platelet depletion but was only partially decreased in platelet P-selectin chimeras. Platelets from mCMV-HC mice and, to a lesser extent, mCMV-ND but not mock-HC mice showed significant adhesion in mCMV-HC recipients. Our findings implicate a role for platelets, acting through P-selectin, in CMV-induced arteriolar dysfunction and suggest that the addition of HC leads to a platelet-dependent, inflammatory infiltrate that is only partly platelet P-selectin dependent. CMV appeared to have a stronger activating influence than HC on platelets and may represent an additional therapeutic target in vulnerable patients.
Flux Enhancement in Cross-Flow Membrane Filtration by Flow Reversal: A Case Study on Ultrafiltration of BSA

Fouling problems are perhaps the single most important reason for relatively slow acceptance of ultrafiltration in many areas of chemical and biological processing. To overcome the losses in permeate flux associated with concentration polarization and fouling, in cross-flow membrane filtration, we investigated the concept of flow reversal as a method to enhance membrane flux in ultrafiltration. Conceptually, flow reversal prevents the formation of stable hydrodynamic and concentration boundary layers at or near the membrane surface. Furthermore, periodic reversal of the flow direction of the feed stream at the membrane surface results in prevention and mitigation of membrane fouling. Consequently, these advantages are expected to enhance membrane flux significantly. BSA is a well-studied model solute in membrane filtration known for its fouling and concentration polarization capabilities. Laboratory-scale tests on a hollow-fiber ultrafiltration membrane module using bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution as ...
Exchange anisotropy in Fe-Nd-B magnets

Large exchange anisotropy (1.0 to 1.5 kOe) has been observed by magnetooptic Kerr effect (MOKE) at the surface of Fe-Nd-B sintered magnets. Three samples, Fe/sub 79-x/Nd/sub 13+x/B/sub 8/ with x=0, 1, and 2 at.%, were studied. These materials showed bulk intrinsic coercivities of 0.3, 4.2, and 7.7 kOe, respectively. All samples showed MOKE coercivities below 0.6 kOe. Only the x=1 sample exhibited significant MOKE exchange anisotropy. A three-layer model is assumed near the surface: outermost, nonmagnetic Nd/sub 2/O/sub 3/, a soft Fe-rich subsurface layer, and magnetically hard Fe/sub 14/Nd/sub 2/B bulk. The authors speculate that the bulk is exchange-coupled to the soft Fe-rich layer in the x=0, 1 samples but not in the x=2 sample because of the greater Nd content of the grain boundaries for x=2. This explains both the low bulk coercivity in x=0 and x=1 and the observation of exchange anisotropy for x=1 but not for x=2. >
Polymer waveguides for electro-optical integration in data centers and high-performance computers

To satisfy the intra- and inter-system bandwidth requirements of future data centers and high-performance computers, low-cost low-power high-throughput optical interconnects will become a key enabling technology. To tightly integrate optics with the computing hardware, particularly in the context of CMOS-compatible silicon photonics, optical printed circuit boards using polymer waveguides are considered as a formidable platform. IBM Research has already demonstrated the essential silicon photonics and interconnection building blocks. A remaining challenge is electro-optical packaging, i.e., the connection of the silicon photonics chips with the system. In this paper, we present a new single-mode polymer waveguide technology and a scalable method for building the optical interface between silicon photonics chips and single-mode polymer waveguides.
A ground-layer adaptive optics system with multiple laser guide stars

To determine the influence of the environment on star formation, we need to study the process in the extreme conditions of massive young star clusters (~10^4 solar masses) near the centre of our own Galaxy. Observations must be carried out in the near infrared because of very high extinction in visible light within the Galactic plane. We need high resolution to identify cluster members from their peculiar motions, and because most such clusters span more than 1′, efficient observation demands a wide field of view. There is at present no space-based facility that meets all these criteria. Ground-based telescopes can in principle make such observations when fitted with ground-layer adaptive optics (GLAO), which removes the optical aberration caused by atmospheric turbulence up to an altitude of ~500 m (refs 7–10). A GLAO system that uses multiple laser guide stars has been developed at the 6.5-m MMT telescope, in Arizona. In previous tests, the system improved the resolution of the telescope by 30–50%, limited by wavefront error in the optics, but that was insufficient to allow rapid determination of cluster membership. Here we report observations of the core of the globular cluster M3 made after commissioning a sensor to monitor and remove slowly varying aberration in the optics. In natural seeing of 0.7′′, the point spread function at 2.2-μm wavelength was sharpened uniformly to 0.3′′ over a field of at least 2′. The wide-field resolution was enhanced by a factor of two to three over previous work, with better uniformity, and extends to a wavelength of 1.2 μm. Entire stellar clusters may be examined in a single pointing, and cluster membership can be determined from two such observations separated by just one year.
Minimization of vibration in elastic beams with time-variant boundary conditions

This paper presents an innovative method for minimizing the vibration of structures with time-variant boundary conditions (supports). The elastic body is modeled in two ways: (1) the first model is a letter seven type beam with a movable mass not to exceed the lower tip; (2) the second model has an arm that is a hollow beam with an inside mass with adjustable position. The complete solutions to both problems are carried out where the body is undergoing large rotation. The quasi-static procedure is used for the time-variant boundary conditions. The method developed employs partial differential equations governing the motion of the beam, including the effects of rigid-body motion, time-variant boundary conditions, and calculus of variations. The analytical solution is developed using Laplace and Fourier transforms. Examples of elastic robotic arms are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the methods developed.
Resident self-assessment versus faculty assessment of laparoscopic technical skills using a global rating scale

Objectives: Accurate self assessment of laparoscopic technical skill development can accelerate a trainee’s learning growth and guide life-long development for surgeons. The aim of this study was to measure the accuracy of obstetrical and gynecology resident self assessments as compared to faculty assessments of laparoscopic technical skill performance using a technical skill global rating scale evaluation. Methods: 37 residents completed four laparoscopic procedures as part of a porcine simulation teaching laboratory: tubal ligation, ovarian cystectomy, salpingostomy and hysterectomy. At the conclusion of the session, residents and faculty completed global rating scale assessments for all laparoscopic procedures completed. Mann-Whitney U analysis was used to compare faculty and resident results. Results: Overall residents self assessment was lower than faculty evaluation (148 cases). Post Graduate Year 1’s (n=8/n=31 cases) reported significantly lower scores on 5 of 10 items. Post Graduate Year 2’s (n=8/n=35 cases) reported significantly higher scores in 6 of 10 items. Post Graduate Year 3’s (n=10/n=39 cases) reported lower scores on all ten items (p<0.05). Post Graduate Year 4’s (n=11/n=43 cases) reported significantly lower scores in 9 of 10 items. Conclusions: Residents are more critical of their performance than faculty when using a global rating scale during a laparoscopic simulation teaching session. Implications of inaccurate self perceptions can slow learning development of trainees. Further research is needed to examine the accuracy of resident self perceptions and faculty assessments of performance in the operating room.
Testing simultaneous hypotheses in pharmaceutical trials: a Bayesian approach.

The purpose of this paper is to compare the Bayes factor and the likelihood ratio test in a pharmaceutical trial where the two treatments are a new drug and a control (a positive control or a placebo). The goal is to jointly answer the questions (1) is the new drug or the control toxic? (2) Is the new drug more effective and safer than the control? We consider a bivariate model where each treatment is characterized by a target effect (a continuous primary response y) and by a side effect (a continuous supplementary response ξ). Using a Bayesian approach, we account for the uncertainty resulting from prediction of the side effect, by making use of the physician's prior inputs about the target-toxicity relationship and the maximum tolerated target effects that are considered to be safe. Finally, we consider an example about a sleeplessness drug, and we show that the Bayes factor provides a more flexible and informative tool than the likelihood ratio test in simultaneous testing. Advantages are greater when ...
On the Designing, Efficiency, and Stirring Force of an Induction Coil for the Processing of Prototype Al Based Nanocomposites

Induction melting could be a potential fabrication method for aluminum matrix nanocomposites, owing to its characteristics stirring action and rapid heating. In the present work, an induction coil for small scale composite fabrication was designed through geometric, thermal, and electromagnetic analyses. Subsequently, the designed coil was simulated for its thermal efficiency and stirring force using finite element method magnetics software. The designed coil yielded more than 60% of the total energy supplied into thermal efficiency with a stirring force <3 mN, which could be significant for efficient melting and stirring to fabricate the aluminum matrix nanocomposites.
Calcium Signaling via Orai1 Is Essential for Induction of the Nuclear Orphan Receptor Pathway To Drive Th17 Differentiation

Orai1 is the pore subunit of Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels that stimulate downstream signaling pathways crucial for T cell activation. CRAC channels are an attractive therapeutic target for alleviation of autoimmune diseases. Using high-throughput chemical library screening targeting Orai1, we identified a novel class of small molecules that inhibit CRAC channel activity. One of these molecules, compound 5D, inhibited CRAC channel activity by blocking ion permeation. When included during differentiation, Th17 cells showed higher sensitivity to compound 5D than Th1 and Th2 cells. The selectivity was attributable to high dependence of promoters of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors on the Ca(2+)-NFAT pathway. Blocking of CRAC channels drastically decreased recruitment of NFAT and histone modifications within key gene loci involved in Th17 differentiation. The impairment in Th17 differentiation by treatment with CRAC channel blocker was recapitulated in Orai1-deficient T cells, which could be rescued by exogenous expression of retinoic-acid-receptor-related orphan receptors or a constitutive active mutant of NFAT. In vivo administration of CRAC channel blockers effectively reduced the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by suppression of differentiation of inflammatory T cells. These results suggest that CRAC channel blockers can be considered as chemical templates for the development of therapeutic agents to suppress inflammatory responses.
Agrobacterium ParA/MinD-like VirC1 spatially coordinates early conjugative DNA transfer reactions

Agrobacterium tumefaciens translocates T-DNA through a polar VirB/D4 type IV secretion (T4S) system. VirC1, a factor required for efficient T-DNA transfer, bears a deviant Walker A and other sequence motifs characteristic of ParA and MinD ATPases. Here, we show that VirC1 promotes conjugative T-DNA transfer by stimulating generation of multiple copies per cell of the T-DNA substrate (T-complex) through pairwise interactions with the processing factors VirD2 relaxase, VirC2, and VirD1. VirC1 also associates with the polar membrane and recruits T-complexes to cell poles, the site of VirB/D4 T4S machine assembly. VirC1 Walker A mutations abrogate T-complex generation and polar recruitment, whereas the native protein recruits T-complexes to cell poles independently of other polar processing factors (VirC2, VirD1) or T4S components (VirD4 substrate receptor, VirB channel subunits). We propose that A. tumefaciens has appropriated a progenitor ParA/MinD-like ATPase to promote conjugative DNA transfer by: (i) nucleating relaxosome assembly at oriT-like T-DNA border sequences and (ii) spatially positioning the transfer intermediate at the cell pole to coordinate substrate—T4S channel docking.
Factors influencing the stability of freeze-dried stress-resilient and stress-sensitive strains of bifidobacteria.

Abstract Freeze-drying is a common method for preservation of probiotics, including bifidobacteria, for further industrial applications. However, the stability of freeze-dried bifidobacteria varies depending on the freeze-drying method and subsequent storage conditions. The primary goals of this study were to develop an optimized freeze-drying procedure and to determine the effects of temperature, water activity, and atmosphere on survival of freeze-dried bifidobacteria. To address these goals, a commercially used bifidobacteria strain that is resilient to stress, Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12, and a characterized intestinal strain that is more sensitive to stress conditions, Bifidobacterium longum DJO10A, were used. A freeze-drying protocol was developed using trehalose as the cryoprotectant, which resulted in almost no loss of viability during freeze-drying. Resuscitation medium, temperature, and time did not significantly influence recovery rates when this cryoprotectant was used. The effects of temperature (−80 to 45°C), water activity (0.02 to 0.92), and atmosphere (air, vacuum, and nitrogen) were evaluated for the stability of the freeze-dried powders during storage. Freeze-dried B. animalis ssp. lactis Bb-12 was found to survive under all conditions tested, with optimum survival at temperatures up to 21°C, water activities up to 0.44, and all 3 atmospheres tested. The intestinal-adapted strain B. longum DJO10A was much more sensitive to the different storage conditions, but could be adequately maintained using optimum conditions. These optimum storage conditions included frozen storage, replacement of oxygen with nitrogen, and water activities between 0.11 and 0.22. These results indicated that an optimized storage environment is required to maintain viability of stress-sensitive bifidobacteria strains, whereas stress-resilient bifidobacteria strains can maintain viability over a wide range of storage conditions, which is practical in countries where controlled cold storage conditions may not be readily available.
Computed tomography of the brain and the psychiatric consultation

Abstract This evaluation of computed tomography (CT) focuses on seven indications for use, on what the CT scan is and how the picture is read, and on a detailed survey of actual benefit from use. Of 524 new patients for whom psychiatric consultation was requested during a one-year period at two Milwaukee hospital centers, 99 (19%) had CT scans of the brain. In 25 of these, the scan played a major role in clarifying the diagnosis.
Presenting physical characteristics, medical conditions, and developmental status of long‐term survivors with trisomy 9 mosaicism

Much of the available literature on individuals with trisomy 9 mosaicism focuses on reports concerning results of prenatal testing or fetal autopsy with limited reports of long-term survivors. Data from the Tracking Rare Incidence Syndromes (TRIS) project offer the largest series to date examining the presenting physical characteristics and medical conditions at birth for 14 individuals. Results indicated the presence of low set ears and microcephaly for some children in the sample. Cardiac anomalies were reported along with feeding and respiratory difficulties in the immediate postnatal period. In addition, developmental status data indicated a wide range in functioning level with examples of demonstrated skills provided. Implications for professionals caring for patients with trisomy 9 mosaicism are offered.
Anemia in Children and Adolescents with Hypothyroidism

In a review of 17 adolescents and children (excluding newborns) with definite clinical signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings of hypothyroidism, 11 patients (65%) had anemia. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV) of the red blood cells was either macrocytic or normocytic. The hemoglobin did not correlate with the serum thyroxine level. Anemia occurred only in those patients with heights below the third percentile, but there was no similar correlation with weights. Of the 10 patients who had radiographs for bone age, all showed severe delay (47 to 103 months) and had heights below the third percentile. Nine of these patients were anemic, but the severity of the anemia did not correlate with the delay in bone age. Neither microcytic anemia nor pernicious anemia, noted in many adult hypothyroid patients, was found in the children and adolescents with hypothyroidism studied here. The "uncomplicated" anemia secondary to hypothyroidism responded to thyroid replacement therapy alone. Anemia can be the most prominent feature of hypothyroidism. In patients with mild to moderate anemia of unknown origin, especially those with fall-off in linear growth and increased MCV, hypothyroidism should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the anemia.
Isothermal Switching and Detailed Filament Evolution in Memristive Systems

The steady-state solution of filamentary memristive switching may be derived directly from the heat equation, modelling vertical and radial heat flow. This solution is shown to provide a continuous and accurate description of the evolution of the filament radius, composition, heat flow, and temperature during switching, and is shown to apply to a large range of switching materials and experimental time-scales.
The significance of local recurrence of carcinoma of the breast

One hundred twenty-one patients with local or regional recurrence of carcinoma of the breast without evidence of distant metastases were treated with megavoltage radiation therapy. All patients had radical or modified radical mastectomy as their initial treatment. The 10 year survival probability of this group of patients is 26%, with a local control probability of 46%. Within this group of patients with recurrent disease, factors found to be associated with a poorer prognosis include peripheral nodal recurrence, advanced initial disease stage and short disease free interval. Contrary to expectation, patients with recurrence within the mastectomy scar (as opposed to chest wall recurrence wide of the scar) or a history of previous radiotherapy had poorer local control rates (although not statistically significant), without effect upon overall survival. Comprehensive radiation therapy (peripheral lymphatic plus chest wall) enhanced the local control rate for the entire group and the survival probability for patients with isolated chest wall recurrence compared with limited radiation therapy fields. (Five year survival probability: chest wall irradiation only = 27%; chest wall and peripheral lymphatic = 54%). Patients given systemic therapy at the time of local recurrence showed no survival benefit. Aggressive, comprehensive radiation therapy is indicated for locally recurrent breast cancer. More effective systemic therapy is needed, especially for higher risk patients.
Mission set analysis tool for assessing future demands on NASA's Deep Space Network

NASA's future scientific missions will place new demands on its Deep Space Network (DSN). Depending on which missions fly and their particular design, NASA's communications ground assets (antennas) may require upgrade or enhancement. The purpose of the Mission Set Analysis Tool is to help forecast future demand by (1) cataloguing the characteristics of potential future DSN-user missions consistent with NASA's Space Communications Mission Model, (2) calculating the demands that these missions will place on the DSN, and (3) generating mission requirements for other DSN architectural analysis tools.
Characterization of laser ablation sample introduction plasma plumes in fs-LA-ICP-MS

Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a well-established elemental analysis technique which has been applied to a variety of fields. However, LA-ICP-MS still faces substantial challenges in the deviation of detected elemental concentrations from the known composition of the sample, or elemental fractionation. Applying optical emission spectroscopy (OES) during the LA process for LA-ICP-MS can help to characterize the emitted plasma plume and potentially identify sources of elemental fractionation during LA. We characterize LA sample introduction plume using OES during fs-LA-ICP-MS analysis of a brass sample. Fundamental plume parameters, i.e., electron temperature and density are estimated and correlated with ICP-MS signal characteristics, which give insight into how laser ablation plume parameters are related to LA-ICP-MS results. The hydrodynamic expansion features of fs-LA sample introduction plumes are evaluated using shadowgraphy and time- and spectrally-resolved fast-gated photography. Results showed dissimilarities in Cu I and Zn I expansion features. There is a very good correlation between the ICP-MS signal intensities and characteristic parameters of the sample introduction plumes. However, the crater formation during single spot ablation caused significant changes in line emission intensities though the estimated temperature and density showed constant values.
A clinicopathological study of reactive perforating collagenosis: report of 10 cases

The histogenesis of 10 patients with reactive perforating collagenosis (RPC) has been studied. All patients had had recurrent keratotic papules on exposed surfaces leaving varioliform scars since childhood. Seven patients were male and three female, ages ranging from 9–56 years (median 24 years) at presentation. Seven patients were Caucasian (two Portuguese) and three Asian. A familial history of RPC was obtained in two patients. The hands, forearms and, less frequently, the legs, face and trunk were affected. A striking event in one patient was the occurrence of widespread eruptive lesions of RPC on the trunk and limbs, following total body irradiation and cytotoxic therapy for leukaemia. Histopathoiogical studies (15 biopsies) indicated a primary acute necrolytic change affecting the epidermis and subepidermal tissues that stimulates an acute inflammatory reaction. Later, there is extrusion of basophilic necrotic material consisting of degenerate collagen interspersed within basophilic granular dermis from degenerating inflammatory cells. Special stains did not suggest involvement of elastic tissue or micro-organisms. Our findings suggest that RPC represents a specific necrolytic inflammatory response to minor injury rather than a primary collagen disorder.
The Main Problem in Satellite Theory Revisited

Using the elimination of the parallax followed by the Delaunay normalization, we present a procedure for calculating a normal form of the main problem (J2 perturbation only) in satellite theory. This procedure is outlined in such a way that an object-oriented automatic symbolic manip- ulator based on a hierarchy of algebras can perform this computation. The Hamiltonian after the Delaunay normalization is presented to order six explicitly in closed form, that is, in which there is no expansion in the eccentricity. The corresponding generating function and transformation of coordinates, too lengthy to present here to the same order; the generator is given through order four.
A fuzzy Petri net approach to reasoning about uncertainty in robotic systems

A generalized definition of the fuzzy Petri net (FPN) and the reasoning structures of transitions in the PFN are proposed. A fuzzy Petri net is used to model the incomplete, uncertain, and approximate information associated with firing of transitions and changing of states in robotics and manufacturing systems. Using PFNs to model a system, a fuzzy reasoning strategy can be used to infer new fuzzy values in output places after the corresponding enabled transition is fired. A global fuzzy variable is used to sequence operations with key procedure relations for a manufacturing system. A local fuzzy variable is used to represent the uncertainty in local configuration variables of the system and may be used to control online reasoning about sensor-based execution. Properties of boundedness, liveness, and reversibility of the resulting FPN depend on the reasoning rules, and formal analysis of these properties is being pursued. >
Capture and Transfer of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus by Macaque Dendritic Cells Is Enhanced by DC-SIGN

Dendritic cells (DCs) are among the first cells encountered by human and simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV and SIV) following mucosal infection. Because these cells efficiently capture and transmit virus to T cells, they may play a major role in mediating HIV and SIV infection. Recently, a C-type lectin protein present on DCs, DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), was shown to efficiently bind and present HIV and SIV to CD4+, coreceptor-positive cells in trans. However, the significance of DC-SIGN for virus transmission and pathogenesis in vivo remains unclear. Because SIV infection of macaques may represent the best model to study the importance of DC-SIGN in HIV infection, we cloned and characterized pig-tailed macaque DC-SIGN and generated monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against it. We demonstrate that, like human DC-SIGN, pig-tailed macaque DC-SIGN (ptDC-SIGN) is expressed on DCs and macrophages but not on monocytes, T cells, or B cells. Moderate levels of ptDC-SIGN expression were detected on the surface of DCs, and low-level expression was found on macrophages. Additionally, we show that ptDC-SIGN efficiently binds and transmits replication-competent SIVmne variants to CD4+, coreceptor-positive cells. Moreover, transmission of virus between pig-tailed macaque DCs and CD4+ T cells is largely ptDC-SIGN dependent. Interestingly, MAbs directed against ptDC-SIGN vary in the capacity to block transmission of different SIVmne variants. These data demonstrate that ptDC-SIGN plays a central role in transmitting virus from macaque DCs to T cells, and they suggest that SIVmne variants may differ in their interactions with ptDC-SIGN. Thus, SIVmne infection of pig-tailed macaques may provide an opportunity to investigate the significance of DC-SIGN in primate lentiviral infections.
Supportive Care and Management of Inhospital Complications

Acute ischemic strokes are the result of complications of medical diseases. The primary goal of hospitalization is to treat the acute problem, to find the etiology of stroke, to develop a secondary prevention plan, to prevent complications, and to treat complications that arise. The medical management of patients with an acute cerebrovascular event becomes more complex when each of these is considered. The balance of risks and benefits should be assessed with each treatment decision. The major neurologic complications that may result include reperfusion injury and cerebral edema among others.
Thermodynamics of the S–Sn system: Implication for synthesis of earth abundant photovoltaic absorber materials

Abstract Development of earth-abundant, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly thin-film photovoltaic (PV) absorber materials motivates the present thermodynamic study of the S–Sn system, which is modeled using the CALPHAD (CALculation of PHase Diagram) technique aided by first-principles calculations. The temperature–composition ( T – x ), pressure–composition ( P – x ) and pressure–temperature ( P – T ) phase diagrams obtained from the modeling identify stability regions for different tin sulfides. This provides quantitative information regarding growth windows and annealing conditions for intelligent discovery and design of synthesis routes to produce low-cost, high-efficiency thin film PV absorber materials such as SnS, SnS 2 , Sn 2 S 3 , and Cu 2 ZnSn(S,Se) 4 .
Diagnostic Modalities in Diabetic Retinopathy

In addition to ophthalmologic examination and retinal fundus photography, diagnostic modalities including fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) currently play important roles in the evaluation of patients with diabetic retin- opathy (DR). Fluorescein angiography has been a major diagnostic procedure in the clinical evaluation of DR for several decades. This chapter will review the principles and methodology underlying fluorescein angiography, as well as its specific application to the evaluation of diabetic retinopathy and especially retinal vascular permeability. Although fluorescein angiography provides valuable anatomic and functional information pertaining to the retinal vasculature, it does not provide ultrastructural anatomic detail and does not allow quantification of retinal thickness. Optical coherence tomog raphy has emerged in recent years as an additional modality that provides clinically valuable information. This chapter details the principles and methodology of OCT. In addition, the application of OCT to the assessment of diabetic macular edema is discussed, including the value of OCT in providing quantitative information regarding retinal thickness. The different morphologic patterns of diabetic macular edema seen in OCT are presented, as well as a discussion of the application of OCT to clinical management of diabetic retinopathy. Finally, additional diagnostic modalities of potential benefit in evaluating DR are presented, including the retinal thickness analyzer (RTA) and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO). The detection of retinal abnormalities in diabetic patients is vital for preventing the associated complications and subsequent loss of vision. FA and OCT provide information essential to the optimal treatment and management of diabetic retinopathy.