cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Panzootic chytrid fungus exploits diverse amphibian host environments through plastic infection strategies

While many pathogens are limited to a single host, others can jump from host to host, which likely contributes to the emergence of infectious diseases. Despite this threat to biodiversity, traits associated with overcoming eco-evolutionary barriers to achieve host niche expansions are not well understood. Here, we examined the case of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), a multi-host pathogen that infects the skin of hundreds of amphibian species worldwide. To uncover functional machinery driving multi-host invasion, we analyzed Bd transcriptomic landscapes across 14 amphibian hosts and inferred the origin and evolutionary history of pathogenic genes under a phylogenetic framework comprising 12 other early-divergent zoosporic fungi. Our results not only revealed a conserved basal genetic machinery, but also highlighted the ability of Bd to display plastic infection strategies when challenged under suboptimal host environments. We found that genes related to amphibian skin exploitation have arisen mainly via gene duplications. We argue that plastic gene expression can drive variation in Bd lifecycles with different mode and tempo of development. Our findings support the idea that host skin environments exert contrasting selective pressures, such that gene expression plasticity constitutes one of the evolutionary keys leading to the success of this panzootic multi-host pathogen.
Boundary collocation in Fejér points for computing eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplacian

The boundary collocation method is applied to the computation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator on planar simply connected regions with smooth boundaries. For convex regions we seek to approximate the eigenfunctions by a linear combination of basis functions that contain Bessel functions of the first kind. Our method differs from related schemes proposed previously in that we distribute the collocation points differently, and we use a different iterative scheme for computing eigenvalues and eigenfunctions. This makes our method both faster and more accurate. For nonconvex regions rapid convergence generally can be achieved only if the eigenfunctions are approximated by functions with singular points in the finite plane. A boundary collocation method with such basis functions is also described.
A motif-based profile scanning approach for genome-wide prediction of signaling pathways

The rapid increase in genomic information requires new techniques to infer protein function and predict protein-protein interactions. Bioinformatics identifies modular signaling domains within protein sequences with a high degree of accuracy. In contrast, little success has been achieved in predicting short linear sequence motifs within proteins targeted by these domains to form complex signaling networks. Here we describe a peptide library-based searching algorithm, accessible over the World Wide Web, that identifies sequence motifs likely to bind to specific protein domains such as 14-3-3, SH2, and SH3 domains, or likely to be phosphorylated by specific protein kinases such as Src and AKT. Predictions from database searches for proteins containing motifs matching two different domains in a common signaling pathway provides a much higher success rate. This technology facilitates prediction of cell signaling networks within proteomes, and could aid in the identification of drug targets for the treatment of human diseases.
Natural Products as a Foundation for Drug Discovery

Natural products have contributed to the development of many drugs for diverse indications. While most U.S. pharmaceutical companies have reduced or eliminated their in-house natural product groups, new paradigms and new enterprises have evolved to carry on a role for natural products in the pharmaceutical industry. Many of the reasons for the decline in popularity of natural products are being addressed by the development of new techniques for screening and production. This overview aims to inform pharmacologists of current strategies and techniques that make natural products a viable strategic choice for inclusion in drug discovery programs.
Meeting the Challenges of Professional Committee Meetings

Librarians join many professional associations and work on a great number of professional committees over the course of their careers. Working on a committee as a member can be a challenge, and the challenges can be even greater if you are chairing the committee. The authors summarize some of the key points for planning and executing effective and enjoyable meetings. Get tips as well on how to follow through to get results and how to improve future meetings.
Putting on the Brakes or Pressing on the Gas? Media Attention and the Speed of Policymaking

Media attention is fundamental to the policy process and policy change in punctuated equilibrium theory. In this literature, media attention is usually conceptualized as fomenting or contributing to shifts in attention, positive feedback, and large-scale policy change. This article extends how we understand the role of the media and punctuated equilibrium by arguing that media coverage can also contribute to negative feedback and stability in the political system. Media attention should also slow down the speed of policymaking and the momentum for policy change as new policy participants and problem definitions enter the debate. Using event history analysis, this article tests the effects of media coverage on the length of time it takes legislation, once introduced, to become law for public laws from the 109th U.S. Congress (2005–06). Findings provide support for media attention “putting the brakes” on policymaking. Controlling for other factors, the speed of bill passage slows down as media attention increases. This effect decays over time for high levels of media coverage.
Inequality as an Explanation for Obesity in the United States

Over the past several decades, there has been a sharp increase in obesity across all population groups in the United States. In fact, the United States has one of the highest rates of obesity compared to other countries throughout the world. Obesity has become a national public health concern because it is related to a number of negative health, social, psychological, and economic outcomes. It is particularly concerning because racial/ethnic minorities and populations with the least education and highest poverty rates bear the largest burden of obesity. In addition, disparities in obesity tend to be gendered, with women experiencing the largest disparities in obesity by income, education, and race/ethnicity. In this review, I describe how social inequality is linked to obesity in the United States. I highlight elements of disadvantage at the individual-, family-, school-, and neighborhood-level that are linked to energy intake and expenditure, which are directly related to obesity, and draw from evidence and theories from multiple fields of the social and medical sciences. I also highlight the important role stress may play in linking disadvantage to obesity, particularly for women. I argue that understanding the complex mechanisms and processes that link social inequality to obesity requires multidisciplinary and multilevel frameworks.
Scarcity and Surplus: Shifting regimes of childhood in Nicaragua.

This article explores the multiple meanings of children and childhood in Nicaragua during periods of dramatic sociopolitical and economic transitions. The article compares the states responsibilities to Nicaraguan children and their families during the decade of revolution and first year of the post-revolutionary period. It argues that each state supported a particular construction of childhood that produced a certain ideal of the Nicaraguan child. (authors)
The distribution of intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia in immunoglobulin deficiency

Six patients with the variable immunodeficiency syndrome and associated nodular lymphoid hyperplasia of the intestine were studied. Contrary to earlier reports, the nodules were found to be widespread in the large bowel and occurred in all six patients. Nodules were also present in the small bowel in all cases and these were seen predominantly distally. The full significance of the lesions is as yet undetermined but their presence should at least raise the possibility of an immunodeficiency. The importance of employing accurate radiological techniques using a combination of the double contrast enema and small bowel enteroclysis is stressed.
Inhibitory Effects of Superoxide Dismutase and Cyclic Guanosine 3',5'-Monophosphate on Estrogen Production in Cultured Rat Granulosa Cells*

Superoxide dismutases (SOD) modulate oxygen free radical metabolism and influence second messenger signaling in a variety of cell types. We have investigated the influence and possible mechanisms of action of SOD on aromatase activity in cultured rat granulosa cells. Although treatment of granulosa cells with FSH (0.3-30 ng/ml) resulted in a dose-dependent stimulation of estrogen levels, cotreatment of cells with SOD (10(-6) M) significantly attenuated estrogen production at the highest doses of FSH. The effects of SOD were dose dependent between 10(-7)-10(-5) M, with increasing amounts of SOD causing decreasing concentrations of estrogen. Cotreatment of cells with catalase (1500 U/ml) failed to prevent the inhibitory influence of SOD on estrogen production, indicating that the effects of SOD were not due to accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Although incubation with either forskolin or (Bu)2cAMP alone stimulated estrogen production from granulosa cells, cotreatment with SOD significantly attenuated estro...
Effect of diesel soot on lubricant oil viscosity

Abstract Soot related lubricant oil thickening is a primary concern for heavy-duty diesel engines. Engines which produce a relatively low level of particulate matter in exhaust emissions show a significant level of soot contamination in the lubricant. This contamination results in lubricant breakdown. The soot contaminates the lubricant and changes the chemical properties resulting in the lubricant ceasing to perform its functions. This causes an increase in viscosity of the engine oil causing pumpability problems. Hence, it is necessary to study the effects of soot and lubricant oil additives and their interactions on engine oil viscosity. Statistically designed experiments were developed to study the effect of soot contamination on engine oil viscosity. The oil samples used for the study differed in the base stock, dispersant level, and Zinc Dithiophosphate (ZDP) level. These three variables were formulated at two levels: Low (−1) and High (1), which resulted in a 23 matrix (8 oil blends). Soot was considered as a variable at three levels: low/0% weight (−1), medium/2% by weight (0), and high/4% by weight (1). This resulted in 24 oil samples, and soot at three levels helped in determining the non-linear effect of soot on oil viscosity. Experiments were conducted at 40 and 90 °C to study the effect of the various factors on viscosity with temperature variation. The results showed that viscosity of the oil samples increased with increase in soot at both 40 and 90 °C. The analysis indicated a nonlinear behavior of viscosity as the amount of soot increased at 40 °C, whereas a linear variation at 90 °C. The results obtained were analyzed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure of the statistical analysis system (SAS) package to determine the significance of variables on viscosity. The statistical analysis system also highlighted the significance of various interactions among the variables on viscosity. The statistical analysis results at 40 and 90 °C showed that the effect of base stock and ZDP levels were negligible at 40 °C, whereas the dispersant level and soot level influenced the viscosity of the oil samples at both temperatures.
P224 Adapting Guidelines with Conflicting Recommendations: The Case of Microscopic Asymptomatic Microhematuria

Background Existing clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) conflict on the best approach to the work-up of patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria who are at low risk of urinary tract cancer. Consequently, while adapting existing CPGs to a local context can be an attractive alternative to de novo development, when there are conflicting guidelines, disagreement with recommendations, or missing critical outcomes, potential time and resource gains are often minimised due to the need for additional evidence assessment and stakeholder consensus building activities. Context To reconcile conflicting recommendations and address gaps in evaluation of critical outcomes, a Guideline Development Team (GDT) in a regional health care organisation used existing CPGs and systematic reviews, supplemented by additional evidence reviews, to develop recommendations for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. Description of Best Practice Based on review of evidence synthesised in external guidelines, supplemental de novo evidence reviews on critical outcomes, and risk assessment analysis of patient data, the GDT reached consensus on recommendations that differed from external guidelines, concluding that asymptomatic hematuria patients without risk factors were at sufficiently low-risk for urinary tract cancer to safely eliminate multiphase CT urograms from most urologic evaluations. Guidelines to reduce unnecessary CTs and radiation exposure in low-risk patients were developed, and knowledge transfer interventions aimed at the practitioner and healthcare system levels were implemented. Lessons for Guideline Developers When adapting external guidelines with conflicting recommendations and gaps in critical outcomes, additional evidence searches, data analysis, and consensus building can negate anticipated gains in time and resources expected from guideline adaptation.
Characterization of the nutrient-sensing response unit in the human asparagine synthetase promoter.

Transcription from the human asparagine synthetase (A.S.) gene is increased in response to either amino acid (amino acid response) or glucose (endoplasmic reticulum stress response) deprivation. These two independent nutrient-sensing pathways converge on the same set of genomic cis -elements, referred to as nutrient sensing-response elements (NSREs) 1 and 2, within the A.S. promoter. The present report uses single-nucleotide mutagenesis to confirm that both NSRE-1 and NSRE-2 are absolutely required for gene activation and to identify the boundaries of each binding site. The core sequence of the NSRE-1 site is contained within nucleotides -68 to -60 and the NSRE-2 core sequence is within nucleotides -48 to -43. Through insertion or deletion of 5-10 nucleotides in the intervening sequence between NSRE-1 and NSRE-2, transient transfection studies with an A.S. promoter/reporter gene construct showed that the 11 bp distance between these two elements is critical. These results document that the optimal configuration is with both binding sites on the same side of the DNA helix, only one helical turn away from each other and the data provide support for the hypothesis that a larger multi-protein complex exists between the binding proteins for NSRE-1 and NSRE-2. The data also illustrate that the combination of NSRE-1 and NSRE-2, referred to as the nutrient-sensing response unit (NSRU), has enhancer activity in that it functions in an orientation- and position-independent manner, and conveys nutrient-dependent transcriptional control to a heterologous promoter.
Effect of smokeless tobacco on the development of the CD-1 mouse fetus.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of smokeless tobacco (ST) on the development of the CD-1 mouse fetus. ST was administered continuously via Alzet osmotic minipumps during the critical gestational days 7-14 and 6-13. Two ST dosages were administered, 3.2 mg/ml (Dosage I) and 6.4 mg/ml (Dosage II), which yielded plasma nicotine levels within the range comparable to those of an average ST user or smoker (36.0 ng/ml). Plasma nicotine levels were maintained in the range of 29.4 +/- 4.8 ng/ml to 44.3 +/- 16.0 ng/ml for the Dosage I group of dams, and in the range of 34.6 +/- 10.9 ng/ml of 75.5 +/- 19.9 ng/ml for the Dosage II group of dams. The main effect on the fetus was weight reduction, with Dosage I producing a tendency toward weight reduction (p = .08). Dosage II produced a significant 8.6% weight reduction from normal (p less than .0001) and an increase in fetal deaths (p less than .03). Dosage I produced an increase in the incidence of hemorrhages and supernumerary ribs, and a significant delay (p less than .05) in ossification of the supraoccipital bone, the sacrococcygeal vertebrae, and the bones of the forefoot and hindfoot. There were no significant differences between placental weights. Weights of dams were significantly reduced only at the higher ST exposure levels. We conclude that at plasma nicotine levels comparable to those of an average ST user, ST produces weight reduction, delayed ossification, and increase in hemorrhages and fetolethality in the CD-1 mouse fetus.
Cholera resurgence in Piura, Peru: examining climate associations during the 1997–1998 El Niño

In Peru, the climate pattern El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was linked to a resurgence of cholera in 1998. While previous studies found a temperature connection, El Nino’s impact on cholera in Peru has not been fully explored. In this study, climate associations with cholera incidence during the 1997–1998 El Nino are examined at a district-level in Piura, a coastal area located in northern Peru. Piura is important to study because it was one of the most affected areas by cholera and El Nino in 1998. The approach taken in this study is a “multiple pathways” perspective, which highlights various dimensions of ENSO to explain cholera linkages. Associations were estimated at various temporal lags using bivariate regression and then mapped in ArcGIS. The results show significant cholera associations with SST in the central equatorial Pacific and on the coast (0–1 month lag), rainfall (1 month lag), and mean and maximum temperatures (5 month lags). Overall, the strongest consistent impact was rainfall, which supports the notion that flooding was a pathway for cholera exposure in Piura. Local sea and air temperature associations also suggest that exposure was potentially linked to vibrio proliferation, which increased the probability of cholera risk. Furthermore, this study shows that climate impacts on cholera were unevenly distributed across Piura, indicating that some districts were more vulnerable than others, possibly related to infrastructure deprivation. In conclusion, the study provides a basis for future investigations, which may be useful for epidemic preparedness during future El Ninos and other extreme climate events.
Substance P and behavior: opposite effects of N-terminal and C-terminal fragments

Abstract Most of the biological actions of substance P (SP) have been thought to be mediated by the carboxy-terminal portion of the peptide. Some of the behavioral effects produced by exogenous SP exhibit a strikingly different structure-activity relationship. The N-terminal heptapeptide fragment of SP, SP(1–7), inhibits nociceptive, aggressive and grooming behaviors and stimulates investigative motor behavior, but the C-terminal hexapeptide fragment analog pyroglutamyl-SP(7–11) exerts opposite effects. While the C-terminal fragment mimics the effects of administered intact SP on motor behaviors, the N-terminal fragment mimics the effects of intact SP on aggressive and nociceptive behaviors. The significant behavioral effects of SP(1–7) and the consistently opposite behavioral effects of N-and C-terminal fragments are important new findings.
Coupled edge profile active contours for red blood cell flow analysis

Physiological properties of blood flow at the microvasculature scale can be measured by tracking the movement and density of red blood cells (RBCs). In this paper we propose a method for individual RBC segmentation to enable tracking and capturing dynamically varying bulk transport properties. RBCs have varying annular and disk like morphologies, and are often clustered into clumps that are difficult to segment using watershed-based methods. Edge profile active contours in combination with graph coloring based coupling (C-EPAC) are introduced as a robust approach to prevent merges between adjacent, clumped RBCs by modifying the active contour energy function to be sensitive to a specific edge profile and not just the magnitude as in the traditional methods. Explicit coupling is combined with graph coloring to efficiently compute the contour evolution using the fewest number of level sets to support high-throughput studies of RBC flow characterization under varying physiological conditions.
Wideband phased-array antenna controlled by a single substrate guided wave true-time-delay module

Abstract A 5-bit true-time-delay lines device having a packing density of 2.5 lines/cm2 with a minimum delay step of 50 Ps which can controls antenna array with 9 subarrayssimultaneously is designed, fabricated and demonstrated in this paper. The power fluctuation among 32 delay lines is controlled to within A bandwidth of2.4 THz isexperimentally confirmed. To verify the bandwidth of the device, up to 50GHz opticallyheterodyned microwave signal is generated, sent through the device, and then detected at the output end. Phased array antenna (PAA) systems combine the signals from as many as thousands ofantenna elements to point a directive beam at a certain angle in space. They offer manyadvantages, including steering without physical movement, accurate beam pointing, andreduced weight and power consumption. In order to overcome the problem of scanningangle changing with microwave frequency, true-time-delay (TTD) line is used so thatgreater bandwidth and higher resolution phased array radar operation is possible. Twomethods have been used to produce time-corrected steering in practical phased arrays["2] asshown in Fgiure 1 .
Simultaneous kinetic determinations with the kalman filter

Abstract The linear Kalman filter is successfully applied to the processing of data for simultaneous kinetic determinations. The Kalman filter offrs all of the advantages of linear least squares over traditional methods of data processing, but is simpler and more efficient than batch-mode least squares. The viability of the Kalman filter is demonstrated with synthetic data and it is then applied to the analysis of amino acid mixtures by their reaction with trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid. Mixtures of glycine and asparagine are successfully analyzed even though their pseudeo-first-order rate constants differ by a factor of only 2.5. The potential of the Kalman filter for real-time application is discussed.
Assessment of Cerebrovascular Hydraulic Input Impedance

The feasibility of measuring the individual input impedance in each primary arterial input to intracranial structures was examined in the anesthetized dog. From a Fourier analysis of experimental pressures and flows, carotid and vertebral input impedances with the corresponding components of hydraulic power were computed, giving the anterior, posterior, and total cerebrovascular impedances.
Investigation of bipolar plate and diffusion media interfacial structure in PEFCs: A fractal geometry approach

The imperfect interfacial contact between the bipolar plate (BP) and the diffusion medium (DM) can have a significant impact on the multi-phase flow and current transport in an operating polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC). The objective of this work is to describe the impact of the BP and DM surface morphologies and the resulting interfacial contact on PEFC performance. In this study, the surface morphology of several BP and DM samples was digitally characterized using optical profilometry (OP). The benchmark surface data were then utilized in a microscopic model developed to simulate the BP|DM interfacial contact under compression. The microscopic model is based on the fractal modeling approach, which provides an accurate representation of the BP|DM interfacial contact by suppressing the resolution dependence of the surface profiles in consideration. Results indicate that the uncompressed surface morphology of mating materials, elasticity of these components, and local compression pressure are the key parameters that influence the BP|DM contact. The model results show that the void space along the BP|DM interface can potentially store a significant amount of liquid water (from 0.85 to 3.5 mg/cm2), which can result in reduced durability and performance of the PEFC. The model predicts that a 50% drop in the DM surface roughness results in nearly a 40% drop in the BP|DM contact resistance and a 15% drop in the BP|DM interfacial water storage capacity.
Gene therapy for hemophilia: advancing beyond the first clinical success.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Consistently measurable and persistent expression of circulating clotting factor activity, associated with decreased clinical bleeding, has been achieved for the first time in a hemophilia gene therapy trial. This review examines the successes and limitations of this clinical trial for hemophilia B and approaches to advance beyond this milestone. RECENT FINDINGS Although a self-complementary serotype 8 adeno-associated virus (scAAV8) vector approach directed factor IX expression of up to 6% in a human trial, the apparent need to suppress vector dose-dependent immune-mediated liver inflammation in some patients at the highest dose highlighted the next steps to optimize the risk-benefit of hemophilia gene therapy. The approaches being pursued include manufacturing modifications to eliminate contaminating empty vector capsids, the utilization of factor IX and factor VIII modified transgenes to improve secretion or function of the transgene product, and adjunctive pharmacologic and molecular approaches to overcome limitations imposed by naturally occurring antibodies against vectors and by the large size of the factor VIII gene. SUMMARY Preclinical data suggest strategies in development may build upon the first gene therapy success and achieve factor IX correction sufficient to prevent bleeding without toxicity and translate success to hemophilia A gene therapy.
Grassroots Mobilization in the 2008 Presidential Election

Previous research suggests that political parties have been especially active in personally contacting potential voters in recent presidential elections. Using data from the American National Election Studies (ANES) from 1956 through 2008, this study builds on the extant literature by examining major party contact during the 2008 election cycle. We also investigate the major parties' targeting strategies and the overall impact of party contact on voter turnout. We find that overall voter contact rates remained on par with 2004; in absolute terms, however, an unprecedented number of Americans report being contacted by a major party in 2008. Democrats were significantly more active than Republicans in 2008. For the most part, the parties pursued support from similar coalitions of voters as in 2004, although some groups were targeted more aggressively by each party in 2008, especially in competitive states. The results show further that mobilization efforts in 2008 accounted for boosting national turnout by ...
Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Fresh Pork Leg Roasts Cooked at Low Temperatures

The effects of oven temperatures of 82, 93, 121 and 163°C were studied using 31 fresh pork leg roasts cooked to 74°C in oven bags. Warmed-over-flavor (WOF) was measured by sensory analysis after holding 3 hr at 68°C and after holding 24 hr at 2°C and then reheating to 68°C prior to serving. Roasts cooked at 82 and 93°C tended to have less WOF after refrigeration and reheating than roasts cooked at 121 and 163°C. Roasts cooked at 93°C had fewer aerobic mesophilic bacteria than those cooked at 121 and 163°C. In general, objective and sensory perception measurements indicated that roasts cooked at 82 and 93°C were of higher quality.
The failing ventricle: what initiates the complex ventricular arrhythmias?

the local control theory of forward mode excitation-contraction coupling is based on experimental functional evidence and the well-known ultrastructure of the ventricular cell of the normal heart ([11][1]). This theory states that Ca2+ entry is spatially homogeneous, and since sarcoplasmic reticulum
Library Managers and Ethical Leadership: A Survey of Current Practices from the Perspective of Business Ethics

ABSTRACT This article and survey examine library managers' role in ethics leadership within their organization. Ethics in libraries goes beyond the “big picture issues” addressed in the information science profession, to include workplace ethics. Managers of all levels must be equipped to deal with the ethical issues that arise from positions of power, and they should understand that they play an important role in shaping the ethical climate of their organization. Library research and literature do not emphasize management ethics. They provide no concrete research and scant guidance for managers of libraries. However the field of business ethics addresses concepts and frameworks for ethical decision making, which library managers can learn and use. Our survey adds to the body of knowledge in this area by providing a snapshot of the wide spectrum of ethical issues that library managers currently face in their different types of libraries. It also provides a snapshot of their knowledge and views of codes of...
High energy nuclear beams at berkeley — present and future possibilities

Abstract Before presenting our plans for a future high energy machine capable of delivering nuclear beams for physics research at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory (LBL), I will first remind you of what our present capabilities in this area are.
Real-time study of oxygen reaction on Si(100).

The reaction of oxygen on Si(100) surfaces from 700 to 950\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C has been studied in real time with about 10-\ensuremath{\mu}s resolution, by use of pulsed molecular-beam reactive scattering. The oxygen reaction probability is roughly proportional to the normal component of the incident ve- locity of the ${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ molecule. An intermediate step between the initial adsorption of oxygen and the desorption of SiO was observed.
Biomedical applications: what you need to know

The goal of this course is to introduce you to the wealth of challenges and problems that exist in the biomedical and biology domains -- specifically, how knowledge of the computer graphics areas of shape, pattern, and animation could be used to address these problems. We'll start with a general background on where these problems come from, then move on to two specific examples.
Greater contractility of internal mammary artery bifurcation: Possible cause of low patency rates

Abstract Coronary artery bypass grafting using bifurcation of the internal mammary artery (IMA) has been reported to have a poor patency rate. To test the hypothesis that the contractility (tendency for spasm) is greater at the bifurcation than at the main IMA, segments of the bifurcation and the distal section of IMA taken from patients with coronary artery bypass grafts were studied in organ baths. The IMA rings were set up at a physiologic pressure. Concentration-response curves were established for norepinephrine, endothelin-1, U46619, potassium, and glyceryl trinitrate (precontracted with 10 nmoI/L U46619). Contraction forces were standardized (gram per mm circumference) at a pressure of 100 mm Hg. The diameter was 1.50 ± 0.08 mm (n = 38) for the bifurcation and 2.03 ± 0,07 (n = 42) for the main IMA ( p p = 0.02) and endothelin-1 (1.07 ± 0.11 versus 0.69 ± 0.07; p = 0.02). No differences were seen for potassium, U46619, or glyceryl trinitrate, whereas the effective concentration that induced 50% of maximal effect for U46619 was 6.17-fold lower in the bifurcation than in the main IMA (9.14 ± 0.28 versus 8.35 ± 0.09 -log M; p = 0.003), indicating higher sensitivity in the bifurcation. This study demonstrates a greater contractility of the bifurcation than that of the distal section of the main IMA, implying that the occlusion of bifurcation is due not only to its smaller diameter, but maybe more importantly to its greater tendency for contraction or spasm. This characteristic may account for the poor patency rate of the bifurcation.
Revealing the structural details of huntingtin fibrils using small-angle neutron scattering

Huntington's disease (HD) involves an abnormally expanded polyglutamine sequence in huntingtin (Htt) protein that makes it highly susceptible to aggregate. A current challenge is to map out the aggregation pathway by identifying the various precursor structures and establishing their roles in the disease. While it is highly suspected that the early oligomer species are responsible for toxicity, characterizing the end-state fibril structure is also a necessary step toward discovering the underlying mechanisms of early aggregate formation. We are actively investigating Htt structural kinetics and the resulting fibrils using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). Here, we report on the characterization of fibrils from Htt-exon1-Q 40 — a disease relevant Htt peptide as it contains a pathologically expanded glutamine repeat sequence and a proline-rich region. SANS on the end-state fibrils revealed structural similarities to the Perutz s-helixhollow cylinder model as opposed to the more commonly observed steric zipper structure found for many other amyloid fibrils. The structural details we have identified contribute toward elucidating the mechanism of pathological Htt assembly.
Effects of silver on the phase formation of the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors

The effects of Ag substitution on the formation of the superconducting phases in the BPSCCO system have been investigated by Raman spectroscopy and XRD. The silver was found either to accelerate the formation of the 2212 phase or to reduce the formation temperature of the 2212 phase. Moreover, addition of even a small amount of silver (Bi∶Pb∶Ag=8∶2∶1) poisons or inhibits the formation of the 2223 phase. However, there is no apparent effect on theT c of both the 2212 and 2223 phases. In addition, the presence of silver does not alter the mechanism for the formation of the PBSCCO superconducting phases.
The effect of pre-exposure to complex stimuli on activity in a novel environment

A hypothesis, derived from the optimal level of arousal hypothesis and formulated to account for the decrease in activity over time in a novel environment, was investigated. Exposure to complex stimuli immediately prior to a 12-min activity session significantly lowered general locomotor activity of mice but did not effect the rate of the activity decrement.
Biochemical indicator for evaluation of connective tissue abnormalities in Menkes' disease

Metabolites of collagen metabolism were analyzed in patients with Menkes' disease. The urinary deoxypyridinoline level was significantly low in the patients with Menkes' disease, indicating that it is a good marker of lysyl oxidase activity, which is related to the connective tissue abnormalities.
Finding the missing code of RNA recognition by PUF proteins.

Pumilio and FBF homology (PUF) proteins represent highly promising candidates for engineering sequence-specific RNA recognition, but were only known to recognize G, A, and U, significantly limiting applications. Two groups (Filipovska et al., 2011; Dong et al., 2011) have now reported the discovery of the cytosine-recognition code for PUF proteins.
Further validation of the shame and guilt scales of the Harder Personal Feelings Questionnaire-2.

Previous research using the Harder Personal Feelings Questionnaire-2 has generally supported the validity of its subscales for the measurement of the traits of proneness to shame and guilt. This st...
Regulative interaction of mature imaginal disc Fragments with embryonic and immature disc tissues inDrosophila

These experiments examined whether inDrosophila immature imaginal disc tissue and tissues from embryonic stages can influence pattern regulation in a disc fragment in the same way as can mature imaginal discs. Immature imaginal discs, or the cells of whole embryos, were mixed with a test fragment (presumptive notum) from a mature wing disc. The immature tissues in each mixture were genetically marked and had been heavily irradiated (25 Kr gamma) prior to mixing to prevent growth and maturation during subsequent culture in vivo. Alteration of the regulative behavior of the test fragment (that is, regeneration of wing) thus provided an assay for the communication of positional information by the immature tissues. The results suggest that this capacity arises well before competence to metamorphose, as early as the 16th hour of embryonic development, whereas prior to 16 h, essentially no stimulation of regeneration occurred. It is suggested that the imaginal disc (or presumptive disc) cells of the embryo may have been responsible for this early stimulatory capacity.
Dosimetric feasibility of hypofractionated proton radiotherapy for neoadjuvant pancreatic cancer treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate tumor and normal tissue dosimetry of a 5 cobalt gray equivalent (CGE) × 5 fraction proton radiotherapy schedule, before initiating a clinical trial of neoadjuvant, short-course proton radiotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods and Materials: The first 9 pancreatic cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant intensity-modulated radiotherapy (1.8 Gy × 28) at the Massachusetts General Hospital had treatment plans generated using a 5 CGE × 5 fraction proton regimen. To facilitate dosimetric comparisons, clinical target volumes and normal tissue volumes were held constant. Plans were optimized for target volume coverage and normal tissue sparing. Results: Hypofractionated proton and conventionally fractionated intensity-modulated radiotherapy plans both provided acceptable target volume coverage and dose homogeneity. Improved dose conformality provided by the hypofractionated proton regimen resulted in significant sparing of kidneys, liver, and small bowel, evidenced by significant reductions in the mean doses, expressed as percentage prescribed dose, to these structures. Kidney and liver sparing was most evident in low-dose regions (≤20% prescribed dose for both kidneys and ≤60% prescribed dose for liver). Improvements in small-bowel dosimetry were observed in high- and low-dose regions. Mean stomach and duodenum doses, expressed as percentage prescribed dose, were similar for the two techniques. Conclusions: A proton radiotherapy schedule consisting of 5 fractions of 5 CGE as part of neoadjuvant therapy for adenocarcinoma of the pancreas seems dosimetrically feasible, providing excellent target volume coverage, dose homogeneity, and normal tissue sparing. Hypofractionated proton radiotherapy in this setting merits Phase I clinical trial investigation.
Thermodynamic acid dissociation constants for proton-ionizable crown compounds in aqueous dioxane

Abstract Thermodynamic acid dissociation constants (TpKa) have been determined in 70% di-oxane-water ( v v ) for eleven macrocyclic polyether (crown ether) compounds which have pendant proton-ionizable groups, and for three crown compounds in which the ionizable group is part of the ring structure itself. The influence of structural variation within the proton-ionizable macrocyclic compounds upon the thermodynamic acid dissociation constant is assessed.
Action of hydroxyurea on multiplication of influenza virus in mammalian cells.

HYDROXYUREA has been reported to be a specific inhibitor of DNA synthesis in vitro and in vivo1,2. Inhibition results from interference with the reduction of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides1,3,4. Hydroxyurea has also been shown to inhibit the multiplication of vaccinia virus5 and T4 bacteriophage6. There has been some controversy concerning the part played by the host cell genome in the multiplication of the influenza virus7,8. Hydroxyurea was used in this study to gain insight into this question.
Birka: A Trading Game for Economics Students

(2005). Birka: A Trading Game for Economics Students. The Social Studies: Vol. 96, No. 4, pp. 178-183.
A theoretical study of the site of CO dissociation on Fe(100)

Abstract Molecular orbital calculations have been made for a carbon atom, an oxygen atom, and a CO molecule interacting with a 12 atom iron cluster representing an Fe(100) plane. The most stable site for isolated C and O atoms is a fourfold symmetric hollow site. The potential energies for CO dissociating along a variety of reaction pathways were calculated. The most favorable dissociation site, i.e. the one giving the lowest activation energy, is a fourfold site over which the C and O atoms separate such that they each bond to a pair of Fe atoms on opposite sides of the site. Analysis of the various calculations indicates that when two adsorbing atoms interact with the same surface atom, a relatively high (unfavorable) energy is produced. For this iron surface the calculations indicate that the larger the number of surface iron atoms bonding to an atomic adsorbate, the greater the adsorption energy, i.e. multicenter bonding, is favored.
The density and distribution of dislocations in deformed copper crystals

Abstract The density and distribution of dislocations in copper crystals deformed in tension have been studied using etch-pitting techniques. The dislocation density is found to be roughly proportional to the square of the flow stress and in quantitative agreement with other experimental and theoretical results. The dislocations are distributed in a rough cell structure after sufficient strain. Interaction between primary and secondary dislocations leads to the formation of dense dislocation networks, which grow and coalesce to form the boundaries of the cell structure. Glide polygonization occurs in large regions of lattice curvature where dislocations of one sign accumulate. The kink bands that separate regions of reverse curvature appear to originate at subboundaries that are effective dislocation barriers.
The nature of small intestinal mucositis: a video-capsule endoscopy study

Alimentary mucositis is a life-threatening side effect in patients receiving conditioning therapy for stem cell transplantation. While oral mucosa can be easily inspected, there are no endoscopic data on small intestinal mucositis. The aim of our study was to investigate small intestinal lesions using video-capsule endoscopy in patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cells transplantation. We prospectively studied five consecutive patients who underwent peripheral blood stem cells transplantation: three patients (four studies) without concomitant recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor (palifermin) treatment and two patients with palifermin treatment. We performed video-capsule endoscopy studies 7 days after cells infusion, when transplant patients usually have severe abdominal symptoms. In three patients who did not receive palifermin, video-capsule endoscopy revealed extensive confluent ulcerations with bleeding spots in the small intestine. Two patients had lesions in the jejunum and in the ileum. One of them underwent repeat video-capsule endoscopy 6 days later that showed significant healing of the lesions, but still there were diffuse edema of small intestinal mucosa, erosions and scarce ulcerations. In the third patient, the capsule remained in the stomach for 7.5 h but showed duodenal erosions with bleeding spots. Both patients on palifermin treatment had normal examinations. All studies were uneventful. Our data reveal for the first time that small intestinal mucositis in patients undergoing conditioning therapy for peripheral blood stem cells transplantation presents as small intestinal ulcerations and that palifermin treatment prevents these lesions.
Phonon-assisted normal incidence intersubband absorption in semiconductor quantum wells

In the presence of a normally incident mid-IR pulsed laser field, phonon-assisted photon absorption by both intrasubband and intersubband phonon scattering of conduction electrons in GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells are predicted. The novel non-resonant and non-linear intersubband absorption is found by including the photon-induced phonon scattering process in a Boltzmann equation for phonon energies smaller than the energy separation between two electron subbands in the quantum well. The predicted phonon-assisted photon absorption by intersubband transitions of electrons from the first to the second subband is a unique feature in quantum-well systems and is expected to have a significant effect on the electron populations in both subbands.
Adaptive surface meshes coarsening with guaranteed quality and topology

In this paper, we present a novel surface meshes coarsening algorithm for generating hierarchical skin surface meshes with decreasing size and guaranteed quality. Each coarse surface mesh is adaptive to the surface curvature and maintains the topology of the skin surface as well.
A tutorial on rank-based coefficient estimation for censored data in small- and large-scale problems

The analysis of survival endpoints subject to right-censoring is an important research area in statistics, particularly among econometricians and biostatisticians. The two most popular semiparametric models are the proportional hazards model and the accelerated failure time (AFT) model. Rank-based estimation in the AFT model is computationally challenging due to optimization of a non-smooth loss function. Previous work has shown that rank-based estimators may be written as solutions to linear programming (LP) problems. However, the size of the LP problem is O(n 2+p) subject to n 2 linear constraints, where n denotes sample size and p denotes the dimension of parameters. As n and/or p increases, the feasibility of such solution in practice becomes questionable. Among data mining and statistical learning enthusiasts, there is interest in extending ordinary regression coefficient estimators for low-dimensions into high-dimensional data mining tools through regularization. Applying this recipe to rank-based coefficient estimators leads to formidable optimization problems which may be avoided through smooth approximations to non-smooth functions. We review smooth approximations and quasi-Newton methods for rank-based estimation in AFT models. The computational cost of our method is substantially smaller than the corresponding LP problem and can be applied to small- or large-scale problems similarly. The algorithm described here allows one to couple rank-based estimation for censored data with virtually any regularization and is exemplified through four case studies.