cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Numerical Investigation of Mid-femoral Injury Tolerance in Axial Compression and Bending Loading

Bone fractures occur frequently at mid-shaft femoral site of the front seat vehicle occupants during frontal and offset automotive crashes. A numerical investigation of femoral shaft tolerance under axial and bending loading corresponding to traffic accidents is presented in the current study. A subject specific finite element (FE) model of a femur is developed and the parameters of two material models of cortical bone (isotropic elastic–plastic and elastic transversally isotropic) are identified based on three-point bending test data using optimisation techniques. A Monte Carlo analysis is performed on a surface approximation of the optimised models over a domain of +/− 20% of the optimised parameter values and showed that the elastic moduli of femur are the most influential parameters on the bone stiffness curve prior to bone fracture. The mid-shaft femoral tolerance curves demonstrate sensitivity with respect to the impact direction of transversal load due to the initial curvature of the femur, but ins...
On the role of deterministic models in K × K × K wireless networks

This paper establishes a connection between the capacity region of the K × K × K wireless network under the AWGN channel model and under a truncated deterministic channel model, which allows any outer bound on the capacity region of the truncated network to be translated into an outer bound on the capacity region of the AWGN network. The result is obtained through the utilization of a recent worst-case noise theorem [1], which shows that perturbing the noise distribution in AWGN networks only increases the capacity region.
Understanding and treating post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in female partners of veterans with PTSD.

Studies of post-traumatic stress disorder have focused primarily on veterans, generally ignoring their female partners (wives or girlfriends). recently, clinicians have begun to identify PTSD-like symptoms in these female partners, but the literature describing this phenomenon has been limited. This paper addresses the fact that women in long-term relationships with veterans suffering from PTSD commonly experience PTSD-like psychiatric symptoms themseoves. These wonem's symptoms and issues they face in their relationships with their veteran partners are described. Conceptual explanations of and causal factors for these women's symptoms are presented, followed by discussion of treatment approaches and issues.
New Twist on an Ancient Innate Immune Pathway

Activation of the complement system has long been known to be regulated by a series of steps involving fluid-phase convertases. In this issue of Immunity, Liszewski et al. (2013) report the discovery of an intracellular cathepsin-L-dependent C3 activation pathway.
Disguise: a game that evaluates visualization algorithms

"Disguise" is an arcade action survival game that was designed with an intent to explore the possibilities of using purpose driven games as an alternative method to existing techniques of visualization evaluation. We designed Disguise as a proof of concept that such technique can indeed provide significant help for both scientific and information visualization research.
PURIFICATION, CRYSTALLIZATION AND PRELIMINARY X-RAY DIFFRACTION DATA FROM SELENOMETHIONINE GLYCINAMIDE RIBONUCLEOTIDE SYNTHETASE

In this study, the overexpression, purification and crystallization of selenomethionine (SeMet) incorporated glycinamide ribonucleotide synthetase (GAR-syn) from Escherichia coli are reported. The overexpression of SeMet GAR-syn was placed under the control of the isopropylthio-β-galactoside (IPTG) inducible T7 RNA-polymerase system. The newly developed construct contained a removable histidine tag on the amino terminus of GAR-syn, which allowed rapid purification using metal-chelate chromatography techniques. The SeMet GAR-syn crystals were grown by hanging-drop vapor diffusion and belong to the space group P212121 with unit-cell parameters a = 56.2, b = 62.4 and c = 129.8 A and a single monomer in the asymmetric unit. The crystals diffract to 1.6 A resolution and have led to the determination of multiple-wavelength anomalous diffraction phases to 2.2 A resolution.
Role of H2-receptor blockers in the prevention of gastric injury resulting from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can produce injury to the gastric and duodenal mucosa. The histamine (H2)-receptor blocker cimetidine was studied to determine whether protection of the gastric mucosa of normal volunteers could be provided against a single dose of aspirin, 1,300 mg. Gastric mucosal injury was assessed with gastroscopy performed two hours after aspirin intake. Three liquid cimetidine doses were administered over 24 hours prior to the aspirin dose, the last dose one hour before the aspirin. The 200-mg and 400-mg doses of cimetidine protected a sufficient number of subjects to warrant further study. In the second study, these two doses were further examined to determine whether three doses were necessary and whether the final dose could be coadministered with the aspirin instead of one hour before. Concomitant administration of a single dose of cimetidine with aspirin was found to protect the gastric mucosa from aspirin damage as effectively as the other cimetidine regimens employed. A final, double-blind comparison of cimetidine, 200 mg, with placebo administered with the aspirin, 1,300 mg, confirmed that cimetidine protected the gastric mucosa from the hemorrhagic effects of aspirin.
Pathologic effusions localized to the anterior pararenal space: An in vivo demonstration

The retroperitoneum is divided into three spaces by four fascial planes. This case reports outlining of the anterior pararenal space with opaque medium in a patient who developed large abscess cavities secondary to hemorrhagic pancreatitis. The contour of the cavities, their cross-communication, and their effect on adjacent organs and landmarks are described
Botulinum Neurotoxin D Uses Synaptic Vesicle Protein SV2 and Gangliosides as Receptors

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) include seven bacterial toxins (BoNT/A-G) that target presynaptic terminals and act as proteases cleaving proteins required for synaptic vesicle exocytosis. Here we identified synaptic vesicle protein SV2 as the protein receptor for BoNT/D. BoNT/D enters cultured hippocampal neurons via synaptic vesicle recycling and can bind SV2 in brain detergent extracts. BoNT/D failed to bind and enter neurons lacking SV2, which can be rescued by expressing one of the three SV2 isoforms (SV2A/B/C). Localization of SV2 on plasma membranes mediated BoNT/D binding in both neurons and HEK293 cells. Furthermore, chimeric receptors containing the binding sites for BoNT/A and E, two other BoNTs that use SV2 as receptors, failed to mediate the entry of BoNT/D suggesting that BoNT/D binds SV2 via a mechanism distinct from BoNT/A and E. Finally, we demonstrated that gangliosides are essential for the binding and entry of BoNT/D into neurons and for its toxicity in vivo, supporting a double-receptor model for this toxin.
The Photobiology of Photodynamic Therapy: Cellular Targets and Mechanisms

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is dependent on the uptake of a photosensitizing dye, often a porphyrin-related macrocycle, by the tumor or other abnormal tissue that is to be treated, the subsequent irradiation of the tumor with visible light of an appropriate wavelength matched to the absorption spectrum of the dye, and molecular oxygen to generate reactive oxygen intermediates. The initial oxidative reactions lead to damage to organelles in which the dye is bound, culminating in cell death and destruction of the tumor or abnormal tissue. Apoptosis is a common mechanism of cell death after PDT both in vitro and in vivo. PDT also triggers the activation of several signal transduction pathways in the treated cells; some of these are stress responses aimed at cell protection, while others are likely to contribute to the cell death process. The photosensitizers of greatest interest in PDT bind to various cytoplasmic membranes but are not found in the nucleus and do not bind to DNA. Nevertheless, some DNA damage is produced that can lead to mutagenesis, the extent of which is dependent on the photosensitizer, the cellular repair properties and the target gene. Thus, in spite of generating some responses common to ionizing radiation and other oxidative stresses, PDT is unique in the subcellular localization of damage, the combination of signaling pathways that are activated, and rapid kinetics of the induction of cell death processes.
Liposomal delivery of α-Interferon to murine bladder tumor cells via transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis

AbstractThe role of transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis in promoting murine bladder tumor cell (MBT2) uptake of liposomes and the antiproliferative effect of liposome-entrapped a-interferon (α-IFN) against MBT2 were investigated. Liposomes (0.11 μm) were prepared using phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine in a molar ratio of 7:3, with or without surface conjugation of transferrin-polylysine (TFPL). The uptake of plain liposomes (with-out TFPL) by MBT2 was less than 5% after incubation for 48 h. In contrast, cell uptake of TFPL-liposomes was markedly enhanced by TFPL in a dose-dependent manner and reached plateau levels in 24 h. This increase was partially blocked by the addition of free transferrin, suggesting that the uptake process involves transferrin receptor-mediated endocytosis. The antiproliferative activity of α-IFN (100–200 U/well), delivered via plain liposomes, measured against blank liposome control, was in the range of 25–35%, which was similar to that of free α-IFN. In comparison...
Monitoring voltage-sensitive membrane impedance change using radio frequency interrogation

Here we present a new technique to monitor dynamic conformational changes in voltage-sensitive membrane-bound proteins using radio frequency (RF) impedance measurements. Xenopus oocytes were transfected to express ShakerB-IR K+ ion channels, and step changes in membrane potential were applied using two-electrode voltage clamp (TEVC). Simultaneously, bipolar extracellular electrodes were used to measure the RF electrical impedance across the cell (300 kHz – 1 MHz). RF current will either pass through the media, around the cell, or displace charge across the cell membrane. The change in displacement current in the cell membrane during voltage clamp resulted in measurable RF impedance change. RF impedance change during DC membrane depolarization was significantly greater in ShakerB-IR expressing oocytes than in endogenous controls at 300 kHz, 500 kHz and, to a lesser extent, 1 MHz. Since the RF were too high to modulate ShakerB-IR protein conformational state (e.g. open channel probability), impedance changes are interpreted as reflections of voltage-dependent protein conformation and associated biophysics such as ion-channel dipole interactions, fluctuations in bound water, or charged lipid head-group rotations.
Dimensionality reduction by unsupervised regression

We consider the problem of dimensionality reduction, where given high-dimensional data we want to estimate two mappings: from high to low dimension (dimensionality reduction) and from low to high dimension (reconstruction). We adopt an unsupervised regression point of view by introducing the unknown low-dimensional coordinates of the data as parameters, and formulate a regularised objective functional of the mappings and low-dimensional coordinates. Alternating minimisation of this functional is straightforward: for fixed low-dimensional coordinates, the mappings have a unique solution; and for fixed mappings, the coordinates can be obtained by finite-dimensional non-linear minimisation. Besides, the coordinates can be initialised to the output of a spectral method such as Laplacian eigenmaps. The model generalises PCA and several recent methods that learn one of the two mappings but not both; and, unlike spectral methods, our model provides out-of-sample mappings by construction. Experiments with toy and real-world problems show that the model is able to learn mappings for convoluted manifolds, avoiding bad local optima that plague other methods.
Association between volume and charges for most frequently performed ambulatory and nonambulatory surgery for bladder cancer. Is more cheaper

ABSTRACT Purpose: We investigated the relationship between provider volume and charges for transure-thral bladder tumor resection (TURBT) and radical cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer. Materials and Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (1988 to 1999) of the Health Care Utilization Project, and State Ambulatory Surgery Databases for Wisconsin and Florida (2000 data set) were used for analysis. All patients with bladder cancer who had undergone radical cystectomy or TURBT as the principal procedure were identified. Hospitals and surgeons were categorized into terciles of volume based on the average number performed per year. The average hospital charge per discharge/procedure corrected to 2000 levels was calculated. One-way ANOVA with the Bonferroni correction was used to compare charges between different volume levels. Results: A total of 13,498 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and 5,954 who underwent TURBT were included in the analysis. Charges for radical cystectomy were $5,648 lower at high volume hospitals than at low volume hospitals (p 0.054 ). For TURBT total hospital charges at high volume hospitals were $1,013 more than at low volume hospitals (p Conclusions: High risk inpatient procedures for bladder cancer such as cystectomy, which are more influenced by systems of care, are less expensive to perform at high volume centers. Lower risk ambulatory procedures for bladder cancer, such as TURBT, which are not influenced by systems of care, may be more cost efficiently performed by high volume surgeons at low volume centers.
Abstract 2982: Impact of the RB-pathway in breast cancer heterogeneity and therapeutic response

Molecular heterogeneity in breast cancer is associated with differential prognosis and response to therapy. However, in spite of extensive molecular classification, pathways that can be specifically targeted to understand the basis of disease and improve treatment remain poorly understood within specific subtypes of breast cancer. The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) pathway is deregulated in most cancers; however varied mechanisms of inactivation have significant impacts on tumor biology. Here novel mechanistic and preclinical models were combined with analyses of tumor specimens to decipher the differential impact of the RB-pathway within breast cancer subtypes and as a specific target for patient stratification and therapeutic targeting. Initial gene expression datasets encompassing over 2000 breast cancer patient samples were used to demonstrate a striking dichotomy in the mechanisms of RB functional inactivation within subtypes of disease. In ER-positive breast cancer, disruption of RB-pathway function was associated with poor prognosis and failure of endocrine therapy. Functional studies demonstrate that such therapeutic failure largely occurs in the presence of an intact Rb gene, as a result of deregulated mitogenic signaling. In such models of hormone refractory disease we demonstrate that pharmacological activation of RB is a potent second-line therapy. In contrast, in ER-negative tumor populations RB inactivation occurs in 40-50% of cases. This event yields complete loss of RB protein, as occurs through genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. Strikingly, in ER-negative disease RB loss is associated with improved response to chemotherapy and longer relapse-free survival. The basis for improved response involves both deregulation of cell cycle checkpoints and apoptotic processes. Ongoing analyses are using synthetic-lethal and combination-therapy approaches to rationally target RB-status in the management of breast cancer. In total, these studies define a clear role for RB-pathway as a determinant of tumor heterogeneity in breast cancer that can be leveraged to more effectively treat breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2982. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-2982
Localization and retention in vitro of fluorescently labeled aortic baroreceptor terminals on neurons from the nucleus tractus solitarius

The anterograde fluorescent tracer DiA was used to visualize baroreceptor fibers and synaptic terminals both in living and fixed tissue. Baroreceptor fibers labeled with DiA terminated as a dense synaptic field in the medial nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), making synaptic contact on the soma, as well as processes of neurons that they innervated. A similar distribution and morphology was observed in baroreceptor fibers and terminals labeled with horseradish peroxidase. DiA also identified baroreceptor terminals and the neurons receiving these synaptic contacts in vitro. NTS neurons were dissociated from their surrounding tissue and identified by attached baroreceptor terminals that retained the fluorescent dye. These results will enable us to study the electrophysiological properties of dispersed neurons that receive identified baroreceptor synaptic terminals.
Developmental origins of adult metabolic disease.

The combined epidemiologic, clinical, and animal studies clearly demonstrate that the intrauterine environment influences growth and development of the fetus and the subsequent development of adult diseases. There are critical specific windows during development, often coincident with periods of rapid cell division, during which a stimulus or insult may have long-lasting consequences on tissue or organ function after birth. Birth weight is only one marker of an adverse fetal environment, and confining studies to this population only may lead to erroneous conclusions regarding etiology. Studies using animal models of uteroplacental insufficiency suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play an important role in the pathogenesis of the fetal origins of adult disease.
Acute coagulopathy of trauma in the rat.

Abstract : Introduction: Acute coagulopathy of trauma (aCOT) is a state of disordered coagulation developing soon after severe injury and blood loss and has been defined in the clinical literature as an elevation in prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a rat model of aCOT resulting from polytrauma and hemorrhage and showing an elevation in PT and aPTT. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats (300-400 g) were anesthetized with isoflurane. Polytrauma was induced by damaging 10 cm of small intestines, the right and medial liver lobes, the right leg skeletal muscle, and fracture of the right femur. Rats were hemorrhaged 40% of their estimated blood volume. No resuscitation was given. Venous and arterial blood samples were taken at times up to 4 h. Results: Polytrauma and hemorrhage resulted in a significant rise in PT, aPTT, potassium, lactate, and glucose. There was a significant decrease in plasma bicarbonate, base excess, and sodium. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine rose steadily throughout the 4 h indicative of progressive renal failure. Hematocrit decreased significantly immediately after hemorrhage and trauma indicating a movement of fluid into the vascular space from extravascular sources, which was mirrored by a decrease in plasma fibrinogen concentration. In contrast, platelet count initially decreased, rose at 2 h, and decreased again at 3 to 4 h, indicating that platelets were released into the vascular space. The change in platelet count was mirrored by the changes in thrombin-antithrombin and plasmin-antiplasmin complexes. Rotational thromboelastometry showed complex changes. Clotting firmness fell initially, rose at 2 h, and fell again at 3 to 4 h similar to the changes in platelet count. ! Angle was elevated, and clotting time was shortened over the 4 h.
Metal-ion effects on proteolysis and stability in secondary lysosomes of mouse kidney.

Abstract In previous studies, in vitro digestion of [1 2 5I] ribonuclease by lysosomes of mouse kidney was limited because breakdown, which was rapid at first slowed markedly so that most of the labeled protein escaped degradation. We now describe incubation conditions which allow digestion to proceed until approximately 70% of the exogenous protein label is released in acid-soluble from, after 30–45 min at 37°C. Such activity is seen with either the addition of EDTA or incubation of concentrated cell particle suspensions. EDTA is effective in low concentrations and shows the same stimulation of digestion over a range of approximately 10−6−10−3 M. Other chelating agents have similar effects; dipyridyl and hydroxquinoline are as effective as EDTA, o-phenanthroline and diethyldithiocarbamate are slightly less effective. When the incubation medium had been treated with a chelating resin, Chelex 100, dilute suspensions of lysosomes were as active as those in EDTA. These results lead to the conclusion that metal ions, present as contaminants in very small concentraions, inhibit the activity of mouse kidney lysosomes. The effect of the metal ions is to diminish lysosomal stability, leading to release of intact labeled ribonuclease in non-sedimentable form. Interaction between lysosomes and metal, leading to inhibition of digestion upon heating occurs at low temperature, but breakdown requires incubation at 37°C and may be autolytic. In contrast to chelators, mercaptoethanol is without marked effect on stability; the stimulation in digestion rate caused by this agent is due either to a direct effect on the lysosomal enzymes or to a non-destructive influence on the lysosomal structure.
Effects of surfactant lipids and surfactant protein a on host defense functions of rat alveolar macrophages.

Survanta is commonly used as replacement therapy in newborn infants suffering from surfactant deficiency. We investigated the effects of Survanta and surfactant-like liposomes in the presence and absence of surfactant protein A (SP-A) on host defense functions of rat alveolar macrophages (AM). Phagocytosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae by AM was significantly inhibited in the presence of 100 μg/mL of Survanta. The ability of SP-A to enhance phagocytosis of S. pneumoniae was significantly compromised upon exposure to either Survanta or liposomes, although the overall level of phagocytosis remained higher than in the absence of SP-A. This inhibitory effect was not overcome by opsonization of the bacteria with SP-A before incubation with Survanta and AM. We also found that the ability of SP-A to mediate the association of group B Streptococcus with AM was compromised to a significant degree when exposed to either Survanta or liposomes in concentrations of 150 and 250 μg/mL. However, at most concentrations of Survanta or liposomes tested, the presence of SP-A resulted in significantly higher levels of bacterial association. These data show that Survanta and surfactant-like lipids suppress host defense functions of AM in the presence and absence of SP-A in vitro, although SP-A continues to enhance host defense functions overall.
Early Development of Nymphs and Establishment of Hindgut Symbiosis in Cryptocercus punctulatus (Dictyoptera: Cryptocercidae)

Young families of the wood-feeding cockroach Cryptocercus punctulatus Scudder are described. Brood size immediately following hatch is 36 ± 13 (x ± SD, n = 168) nymphs; the sex ratio is 1:1. The head capsule width and antennal segmentation of the first four instars are described. The protozoan symbiosis of the hindgut paunch appears established by the third stadium. Neonates develop to the third or fourth instar by their first winter.
Complete cervical spinal cord injury above C6 predicts the need for tracheostomy.

Abstract Background Failed extubation and delayed tracheostomy contribute to poor outcomes in patients with a traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). We determined if the level and completeness of SCI predict the need for tracheostomy. Methods Data from 256 patients with SCI between C1 and T3 with or without tracheostomy were retrospectively analyzed. Logistic regression identified predictors for tracheostomy. Data are presented as raw percentage or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval. P Results Complete spinal cord injuries were common in patients requiring tracheostomy (55% vs 18%, P P P P = .53). Conclusion Tracheostomy is unlikely in patients with incomplete SCI, regardless of the level of injury. Patients with complete SCI above C6 are likely to require tracheostomy.
Rapid removal of unincorporated label and proteins from DNA sequencing reactions

This article presents a simple and rapid method for removal of unincorporated label and proteins from DNA sequencing reactions by using Wizard purification resin. This method can be successfully applied for preparation of end-labeled oligonucleotides free of unincorporated label, which is important in experiments (including DNA sequencing) when the level of background should be as low as possible. Also, this method is effective in removal of proteins from DNA sequencing reactions.
Engineering and the law

New developments in the social structure, brought about by the results of scientific and engineering achievements, have increased the intricacy of legal problems tremendously. By working together, the lawyer and the engineer undoubtedly can contribute more than they have in the past through wider appreciation of the economic and social problems involved.
Effects of episodic subluxation events on third body ingress and embedment in the THA bearing surface.

In total joint arthroplasty, third body particle access to the articulating surfaces results in accelerated wear. Hip joint subluxation is an under-recognized means by which third body particles could potentially enter the otherwise closely conforming articular bearing space. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that, other factors being equal, even occasional events of femoral head subluxation greatly increase the number of third body particles that enter the bearing space and become embedded in the acetabular liner, as compared to level-walking cycles alone. Ten metal-on-polyethylene hip joint head-liner pairs were tested in a multi-axis joint motion simulator, with CoCrMo third body particles added to the synovial fluid analog. All component pairs were tested for 2 h of level walking; half were also subjected to 20 intermittent subluxation events. The number and location of embedded particles on the acetabular liners were then determined. Subluxation dramatically increased the number of third body particles embedded in the acetabular liners, and it considerably increased the amount of scratch damage on the femoral heads. Since both third body particles and subluxation frequently occur in contemporary total hip arthroplasty, their potent synergy needs to be factored prominently into strategies to minimize wear.
Influences of inbreeding and genetics on telomere length in mice.

We measured telomere lengths of blood leukocytes in several inbred and outbred mammalian species, using a telomere-specific fluorescent probe and flow cytometry. Humans, non-human primates, and three outbred populations of Peromyscus mice (Peromyscus leucopus, Peromyscus maniculatus, and Peromyscus polionotus) have short telomeres. Two common strains of laboratory mice, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J, have telomeres several times longer than most other mammals surveyed. Moreover, the two inbred laboratory mouse strains display significantly different telomere lengths, suggesting the existence of strain-specific genetic determinants. To further examine the effects of inbreeding, we studied three Peromyscus leucopus inbred lines (GS109, GS16A1, and GS16B), all derived from the outbred P. leucopus stock. Telomeres of all three inbred lines are significantly lengthened relative to outbred P. leucopus, and the three lines display strain-specific significantly different telomere lengths, much like the C57BL/6J and DBA/2J strains of M. musculus. To further characterize the genetic inheritance of telomere length, we carried out several crosses to obtain hybrid F1 mice between parental strains displaying the phenotype of long and short telomeres. In all F1 mice assayed, peripheral blood leukocyte telomere length was intermediate to that of the parents. Additionally, we generated F2 mice from a cross of the (P. leucopus outbred × GS16B)F1. Based on the distribution of telomere length in the F2 population, we determined that more than five loci contribute to telomere length regulation in Peromyscus. We concluded that inbreeding, through unknown mechanisms, results in the elongation of telomeres, and that telomere length for a given species and/or sub-strain is genetically determined by multiple segregating loci.
Neural networks for Fredholm-type integral equations

The Fredholm integral equation of the first kind (integral) ab K(x,y)f(x)dx equals g(y), c© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The physical meaning of the corrected retention volume

The true meanings of the so-called corrected retention volume and the specific retention volume are explained in the light of the recent paper by Davankov.
Computerized estimation of size of nucleic acid fragments using the four-parameter logistic model

Abstract We have developed improved methods for statistical estimation of the size of linear duplex DNA after continuous- or pulsed-field electrophoresis in agarose and polyacrylamide gels. We employ the four-parameter logistic model to describe the smooth, symmetrical, sigmoidal relationship between electrophoretic mobility (distance migrated) and log of molecular size (kb): distance = a−d 1+( size c ) b +d The four parameters (a, b, c, d) are estimated by nonlinear least-squares curve fitting using the Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm, where a represents an upper plateau, b a slope factor, c the midpoint, and d the lower plateau. Estimates of size for unknown species are accompanied by estimates of the standard error (SE) or coefficient of variation (%CV). A plot of SE and %CV versus size results in a “precision profile” which objectively defines the useful range of the calibration curve. This logistic relationship is more general than the rectangular hyperbola or linear methods, provides excellent goodness of fit, and can be used as a “global” method for the entire calibration curve, rather than as a “local” method for small segments of the curve. This computerized, automated method has been applied successfully to a wide range of DNA standards and gel concentrations, including: (i) 20 runs of a mixture of λ Hin dIII and φX Hae III fragments (0.3–23 kb, on a 0.7% agarose gel); (ii) extensive data of N. C. Stellwagen addressing the effect of systematic variation of gel concentration (0.2 – 1.5% agarose) and field strength (0.64 – 3.8 V/cm); (iii) pBR 322 Hin fI and HaeIII fragments (0.05 – 1.6 kb, on a 10% polyacrylamide gel); and (iv) data of Birren et al. for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of 1- to 50-kb DNA fragments using various switching intervals, and other systems for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis extending to the megabase range.
Changes in body weight in Basotho women: Seasonal coping in households with different socioeconomic conditions.

The ability of populations to cope biologically with seasonal stress may depend upon socioeconomic conditions at the household level. In this study seasonal weight change (i.e., absolute weight change, weight change as a percentage of total body weight, and weight loss episodes) was examined in the context of household socioeconomic status (SES) for women from 195 households in highland Lesotho over a period of three seasons. Households were divided into close (CHHs) vs. distant households (DHHs), according to the distance from the district headquarters, and into female-managed (FMHs) vs. multiple-parent households (MPHs). There are no significant differences in SES between FMHs and MPHs. Conversely, CHHs have significantly higher SES, are more involved in the wage economy, and are less dependent upon subsistence agriculture than DHHs. For the total sample there is a significant difference in body weight between seasons (P = 0.005). There are no significant differences in body weight across seasons between FMH and MPH women. However, DHH women have significantly lower body weight throughout the three seasons (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001), and a greater change in body weight as a percentage of total body weight between seasons (P = 0.001) than do CHH women. In addition, more DHH women lose weight seasonally (P < 0.001) than do CHH women. These results suggest that seasonal fluctuations in body weight are greater in women from households that depend upon subsistance agriculture than in women from households more involved in the wage economy. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Involvement of multiple signaling pathways in the post-bariatric induction of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and release in human visceral adipose tissue

The present studies were designed to determine the site of and the mechanism for the rapid increase in IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA observed in human visceral adipose tissue after removal during laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA as well as their release were seen within 3h whether one intact piece of tissue or minced pieces of adipose tissue were incubated in vitro. Most of the IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA content of visceral adipose tissue after 3h of incubation was in the non-fat cells. Actinomcyin D markedly reduced the upregulation of IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA. Incubation of adipose tissue explants with a soluble TNFalpha receptor (etanercept) plus a blocking antibody against IL-lbeta reduced by 55% the increase in IL-6 mRNA and by 42% that of IL-8 mRNA seen between 1 and 5h of incubation. The upregulation of IL-8 and IL-6 mRNA accumulation as well as their release over a 2 or 4h incubation was reduced by around 50% in the presence of an inhibitor of the p38 MAPK or an inhibitor of the NFkappaB pathway and by 85% in the presence of both inhibitors. The data suggest that the relative trauma and/or hypoxia that occurs when adipose tissue is removed results in the release of TNFalpha and IL-1beta. These cytokines, and probably other factors as well, enhance IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA accumulation in human adipose tissue explants through mechanisms involving the p38 MAPK and NFkappaB pathways.
Discrimination between aminoacyl groups on su+7 tRNA by elongation factor Tu

Abstract The su+7 nonsense suppressor of Escherichia coli is a mutant tRNATrp that can be aminoacylated with either tryptophan or glutamine. We have compared the ternary complexes of glutaminyl and tryptophanyl-su+7 tRNA with elongation factor Tu and GTP. Glutaminyl-su+7 tRNA binds more strongly than tryptophanyl-su+7 tRNA to EF Tu · GTP. The greatest distinction between the two species of the tRNA is seen in their dissociation rates from the complex, which differ by as much as fivefold. The distinction is affected by pH values around neutrality. These results show that EF Tu can distinguish between two aminoacyl-tRNAs which differ only in the aminoacyl group. The implications for the unusual amino acid specificity of su+7 tRNA are discussed.
A neuroscience gateway: software and implementation

In this paper, we describe the neuroscience gateway (NSG), which facilitates access to high performance computing resources for computational neuroscientists. Through a simple web-based portal, the NSG provides a streamlined environment for uploading models, specifying HPC job parameters, querying running job status, receiving job completion notices, and storing and retrieving output data. The NSG architecture transparently distributes user jobs to appropriate HPC resources available through the XSEDE organization.
Economics of Depletable Resources and Price Ceiling Induced Bias

In a recent issue of this Journal, Sweeney (1977) investigates the effects of different market imperfections on the extraction pattern of a depletable resource. The imperfections Sweeney considers are depletion allowances, monopoly power, externalities, price regulation, and international vulnerability. Unfortunately, his analysis has been misapplied in the case of price regulation, and in fact, has doubtful applicability to this particular market imperfection. It is the purpose of this note to explain why this qualification applies. This will serve not only to qualify an important piece of theoretical work, but also to exhibit a result which is of interest in its own right. The mistake Sweeney makes in analyzing price regulation is crucial, though quite understandable given the conventional view on the effect of a binding price constraint. As soon as he turns to the price regulation case, Sweeney states, " We will assume the prices are limited to not exceed P(t), . . . and that this is a binding constraint. That is, the demand for the resource at any time is assumed to be greater than the quantity supplied, and the actual sales are limited by supply decisions . . . "1 From this, it is concluded that the market price for the resource will be up against the ceiling P(t), with the necessary condition for profit maximization given by
Affinity chromatography of neuropathy target esterase

Neuropathy target esterase (NTE) is a membrane-bound protein which has been proposed as the target site in nerve tissue for initiation of organophosphate induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN). Efforts to characterize NTE and to determine the mechanism of its involvement in OPIDN have been hampered by the lack of a suitable method for its purification. We describe here the development of a trifluoromethyl ketone liganded affinity gel which selectively binds NTE. Triton X-100/NaCl extracts of NTE from chick embryo brain microsomal membranes were adsorbed to an affinity gel prepared by attachment of 3(9'-mercaptononylthio)-1,1,1-trifluoropropan-2-one to epoxy-activated Sepharose CL4B (MNTFP-Sepharose). Typically 70-80% of NTE activity is bound under conditions in which undetectable quantities of total protein bound (< 4%). It proved difficult to elute active NTE under non-denaturing conditions, but SDS-PAGE analysis of MNTFP-Sepharose bound proteins eluted with 2% SDS identified a 155 kDa NTE-like protein that bound in a trifluoromethylketone- or mipafox-sensitive but paraoxon-insensitive manner. The levels of inhibition of binding correlated with the inhibition of activity and suggested that the 155-kDa band was composed of a single protein. MNTFP-Sepharose affinity chromatography in combination with preparative SDS-PAGE therefore holds promise as a method for obtaining microgram quantities of NTE for chemical analysis and sequencing.
Flow cytometric determination of peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and haematological values in the neonatal calf

Non-vaccinated Holstein female calves, 3–31 days old (n=106) were examined in order to determine peripheral blood lymphocyte subpopulations and haematological values. The relative populations of lymphocytes were determined using flow cytometry. Monoclonal antibodies were used to identify BoCD2+, BoCD4+, BoCD8+, B-cells,γ/δ T-cells, and monocytes/neutrophils, respectively. Complete blood counts were also determined. Calves were stratified into four groups by age (days): group A = 3–7 days, group B = 8–14 days, group C = 15–21 days and group D = 22–31 days. Group A calves had 30%–70% lower numbers of all lymphocyte subtypes compared to older calves. Group B calves had significantly lower numbers of B-cells than calves in group D, but were not different from group C. Calves in groups B and C had significantly lowerγ/δ T-cell counts than calves in group D. All other group comparisons of lymphocyte subtypes and the ratios of BoCD4+ to BoCD8+ T-cells were not significantly different.
Experimental and computational studies of deuterated ethanols: gas-phase acidities, electron affinities and bond dissociation energies

Abstract The tandem flowing afterglow-selected ion flow tube has been employed to measure the gas-phase acidities of a family of deuterated ethanols. We find that both α and β deuterated ethanols are weaker acids than undeuterated ethanol with α deuteration having a more pronounced effect. The acidities, relative to undeuterated ethanol [ΔHacid,298 K (CH3CH2OH) = 377.5 ± 2kcal mol−1] are ΔΔHacid(CD3CH2OH) = 0.20 ± 0.15kcal mol−1, ΔΔHacid(CH3CD2OH) = 0.35 ± 0.15 kcal mol−1, and ΔΔHacid0(CD3CD2OH) = 0.50 ± 0.15 kcal mol−1. In a separate set of measurements, we have studied the negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy of a set of ethoxide ions to determine the electron affinities of the corresponding ethoxy radicals. The electron affinities decrease with increasing deuterium substitution. We find: EA(CH3CH2O) = 39.55 ± 0.16kcal mol−1, EA(CH3CD2O) = 39.48 ± 0.16kcal mol−1, EA(CD3CH2O) = 39.41 ± 0.16kcal mol−1, and EA(CD3CD2O) = 39.27 ± 0.16 kcal mol−1; the relative error bars are ±0.05 kcal mol−1. The corresponding O-H bond strengths of the deuterated ethanols can be extracted from these acidities and electron affinities. We find that α deuteration increases the OH bond strength by 0.3 ± 0.2 kcal mol−1 while β deuteration has a negligible effect. The bond dissociation energies, relative to undeuterated ethanol [D0,OK (CH3CH2OH) = 102.2kcal mol−1] are D0,OK(CD3CH2OH) = 102.3 ±0.2kcal mol−1, D0,OK(CH3CD2OH) = 102.5 ± 0.2kcal mol−1, and D0,OK(CD3CD2OH) = 102.5 ± 0.2kcal mol−1. Indicated error bars are relative errors; absolute errors are ±2 kcal mol−1. Hartree-Fock-SCF calculations were performed on the various deuterated and undeuterated ethanols, ethoxy radicals, and ethoxide anions to calculate the relative acidities, electron affinities and bond dissociation energies. The results are in good agreement with our experimental values.
An auger spectrometric study of the crack tip surface chemistry for liquid metal embrittlement: Beta brass embrittled by gallium

Scanning AES analyses of the fracture surface containing a starved LME crack front reveal that gallium is present on the cleavage-like fracture, but not on either the transition zone or the ductile overload region. The gallium concentration decreases gradually from the crack origin to the tip of the starved crack, at which point it falls abruptly to undetectable levels in the transition zone. AES analyses of the cleavage-like region also show that the gallium is most highly concentrated along the fracture steps. The shape of the transition zone indicates that these steps on the fracture surface retard the crack front, which «bows out» in between these steps. Perhaps most importantly, AES analyses indicate that a gallium coverage on the order of one monolayer is sufficient to sustain propagation of the LME crack
Lignocellulosic biomass as a carbohydrate source for lipid production by Mortierella isabellina

Various carbon sources including monosugars, disaccharides and carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) were used for single-cell oil production by the filamentous fungus Mortierella isabellina. In addition, the inhibitory effects of lignocellulose-derived compounds (lignin aldehydes, furan aldehydes and weak acid) were investigated. C6 sugars were preferably used for growth compared to C5 sugars. CMC was not an usable substrate, implying the absence of a cellulase system in this fungus. Lignin derivatives showed the most inhibitory effects, but acetic and formic acids at concentrations of 4 g/L improved lipid production, achieving 6.81 ± 0.07 g/L and 6.66 ± 0.33 g/L respectively, which was twice as high as that of the control. A 16.8% lipid yield from hydrolysate suggested that this fungus could be useful for microbial lipid production.
Day ahead schedule of remote microgrids with renewable energy sources considering battery lifetime

Remote microgrids are a viable option for electrification where the main grid expansion is either impossible or not economical. Typically, remote microgrid consists of diesel generator as a primary source of energy which has a high fuel cost. Renewable energy sources can be used to reduce the fuel consumption with proper coordination and scheduling methods. Storage devices, usually battery, used in remote microgrid are expensive and toxic in nature; therefore battery lifetime is another important parameter to be considered during microgrid scheduling. In this paper, four test cases were developed for the study of fuel consumption. Problems were formulated as mixed integer programming (MIP) and solved using GAMS/CPLEX 12.6 solver. Furthermore, the battery lifetime model was included in the optimization model and fuel consumption was compared with other cases. Results show the slight increment in fuel consumption when the battery lifetime model was included.
Distal Pancreatic Resection for Neuroendocrine Tumors: Is Laparoscopic Really Better than Open?

Background The latest studies on surgical and cost-analysis outcomes after laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (LDP) highlight mixed and insufficient results. Whereas several investigators have compared surgical outcomes of LDP vs. open distal pancreatectomy (ODP) for adenocarcinomas, few similar studies have focused on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Methods We reviewedthe medical records ofPNET patientsundergoing distalpancreatectomybetween2004and 2014. Patients were divided into LDP vs. ODP groups. Demographics, relevant comorbidities, oncologic variables, and cost-analysis data were assessed. Survival and Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to evaluate outcomes. Results Of the 171 distal pancreatectomies for PNETs, 73 were laparoscopic, whereas 98 were open. Patients undergoing LDP demonstratedsignificantly lowerrates of postoperative complications (P=0.028) and had significantly shorter hospital stays (P= 0.008). On multivariable analysis, positive resection margins (P=0.046), G3 grade (P=0.036), advanced WHO classification (P=0.016), TNM stage (P=0.018), and readmission (P=0.019) were significantly associated with poor survival; however, methodofresection(LDPvs.ODP) wasnot (P=0.254).ThemediantotaldirectcostsofLDPvs.ODPdidnotdiffersignificantly. Conclusions In response to the recent considerable controversy surrounding the costs and surgical outcomes of LDP vs. ODP, our results show that LDP for PNETs is cost-neutral and significantly reduces postoperative morbidity without compromising oncologic outcomes and survival.
A compact AES encryption core on Xilinx FPGA

This paper presents an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption core on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The target device is Spartan-3 FPGA. We have designed an efficient and compact, iterative architecture with input and key, both of 128 bits. The throughput achieved is 2640.3712Mbps with a frequency of 206.28 MHz; using 8 embedded Block RAMs (BRAMs) and 390 Slices. The aim is to provide a fast encryption core for small size and low cost applications.