cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Design and Characterization of Force-Sensitive DNA Origami Components

Scaffolded DNA origami is powerful design and fabrication tool for the creation of nanoscale objects via bottom up self-assembly. These objects have ∼nm level geometric complexity and spatial accuracy, which is comparable to biological machinery. DNA origami has been used to create different a wide range of objects such as drug delivery containers or platforms to guide molecular robots. Current applications of DNA origami exploit the large stiffness of bundles of dsDNA to create structures that maintain a well-defined and static geometry. However, DNA origami nanostructures with mechanically functional components, such as springs or actuators have remained largely unexplored. We aim to make DNA origami devices that are responsive to force magnitudes typically seen in biomolecular system (∼picoNewtons). We have currently developed a binary approach to make force-sensitive DNA origami components and demonstrated this approach through the design of a binary force sensor. This force sensor incorporates structures similar to DNA hairpins into DNA origami designs. The hairpin-like structures undergo a conformational change at a specific force threshold. We have characterized the conformational change dynamics of this force sensor using different experimental methods including single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetic tweezers. We have shown that such dynamics can be tuned according to the design to meet the requirement of a wide range of applications. An analog force sensor is also in development using similar approaches. Ultimately we aim to use these devices to measure forces of molecular interactions in cellular systems, for example cellular traction forces applied during cell migration.
Response and outcomes in elderly patients with stages IIIC–IV ovarian cancer receiving platinum–taxane chemotherapy

Abstract Objective . Recent reports have suggested that only half of women age ≥ 65 with advanced ovarian cancer are treated with platinum-based chemotherapy. The objective of this study was to compare the response to platinum–taxane chemotherapy and subsequent outcomes between patients older and younger than 65 years of age with stages IIIC–IV epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Patients and methods . A cohort study was performed of all patients with stages IIIC–IV EOC who had their primary surgery at our institution from 1998 to 2004 and subsequently began platinum–taxane chemotherapy. Main outcomes were response to primary chemotherapy, platinum resistance and progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results . A total of 292 patients began primary platinum–taxane therapy after surgery and comprised our study group. Of these, 108 (37%) were ≥ 65 years old and 184 (63%) were P = 0.99) and OS ( P = 0.36) to those Conclusions . Patients ≥ 65 years of age demonstrated similar rates of initial response, platinum resistance, PFS and OS to younger patients. Elderly women who can tolerate primary cytoreductive surgery should receive combination platinum–taxane chemotherapy.
MCR-ALS analysis of two-way UV resonance Raman spectra to resolve discrete protein secondary structural motifs

The ability of ultraviolet resonance Raman (UVRR) spectroscopy to monitor a host of structurally sensitive protein vibrational modes, the amide I, II, III and S regions, makes it a potentially powerful tool for the visualization of equilibrium and non-equilibrium secondary structure changes in even the most difficult peptide samples. However, it is difficult to unambiguously resolve discrete secondary structure-derived UVRR spectral signatures independently of one another as each contributes an unknown profile to each of the spectrally congested vibrational modes. This limitation is compounded by the presence of aromatic side chains, which introduce additional overlapping vibrational modes. To address this, we have exploited an often overlooked tool for alleviating this spectral overlap by utilizing the differential excitability of the vibrational modes associated with α-helices and coil moieties, in the deep UV. The differences in the resonance enhancements of the various structurally associated vibrational modes yields an added dimensionality in the spectral data sets making them multi-way in nature. Through a ‘chemically relevant’ shape-constrained multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis, we were able to deconvolute the complex amide regions in the multi-excitation UVRR spectrum of the protein myoglobin, giving us potentially useful ‘pure’ secondary structure-derived contributions to these individual vibrational profiles.
Miniature Ag−AgCl electrode for voltage clamping of theAmbystoma collecting duct

We have developed a miniature silver-silver chloride electrode. The outer diameter of the electrodes averaged 22 μm and the input resistance 8.8 kΩ. Since the core of the electrode is a glass fiber, the problem of the extreme malleability of a small diameter silver fiber is circumvented. The properties of the electrode permit us to insert it into short (600 μm) fragments of the amphibian collecting duct while they are being perfusedin vitro. The passage of currents in the range of 0 to 6×10−8 amperes allowed us to voltage clamp the nephron fragment between +20 and −20 mV. The current-voltage plots are linear over this range. Two lines of evidence suggest that the voltage clamp is homogeneous. First, the voltage measured at the perfusion end during a voltage-clamp experiment of the tubule is not significantly different from that measured at the collecting end. Secondly, the specific resistance of collecting ducts estimated from the “core conductor analysis” is 3.3±0.8×104 Ω cm, a value not significantly different from that computed from the current-voltage plots as determined with the Ag−AgCl electrode, 3.0±0.5×104 Ω cm. This method permits precise control of both the ionic and electrical gradients across fragments of the amphibian collecting duct.
Sleep, EEG and mental function changes in senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type

Abstract —Sleep, EEG and mental function variables were studied in 44 subjects diagnosed as having probable senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type (SDAT) and 22 controls matched for age and minimal depression. Results indicate that sleep, EEG and mental function variables all undergo significant change even in the early, mild stage of SDAT, with further change in the moderate and severe stages of dementia. Mental function variables also underwent significant decline across levels of dementia. Sleep and mental function variables had strong power in correctly classifying subjects into control vs. mild dementia groups (90 and 100%, respectively). Dominant occipital rhythm frequency, a clinical EEG measure, also discriminate as well (75%). The results indicate that sleep and EEG variables discriminate well for early, mild SDAT in minimally depressed aged individuals.
Polaritons in rare-earth magnet-nonmagnetic superlattices

Abstract We study the spectrum of magnetic polaritons that propagate in binary superlattices made up of a rare-earth material intercalated by a non-magnetic layer. We consider both the spiral and the cone states of the rare-earth constituent, apart from its simple ferromagnetic (antiferromagnetic) alignment due to the nearest (next-nearest) exchange coupling. We derive the polariton's dispersion relation within the framework of the effective medium approach, since this is very suitable to explain experimental observations of excitations in the far infrared. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the polariton's spectrum, with emphasis to the non-reciprocity aspect presented in some of them.
Effects of modifications to the Zhang-McFarlane convection parameterization on the simulation of the tropical precipitation in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model, version 3

[1] This study compares the simulation of tropical convection in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model, version 3 (CCM3), using the original and a revised convective parameterization closure in the Zhang-McFarlane scheme. The revised closure couples convection to the large-scale forcing in the free troposphere instead of to the convective available potential energy in the atmosphere as employed in the original closure. In addition, a relative humidity threshold is used for convection trigger. It is shown that the mean precipitation distribution in the tropical regions for both summer and winter is, in general, improved when the new closure is used. During June, July, and August the precipitation in the western Pacific monsoon region is significantly enhanced, alleviating the negative precipitation bias there in the model. The spurious precipitation in the Arabian Peninsula desert is completely eliminated. During December, January, and February the South Pacific Convergence Zone is enhanced considerably. All these changes are desirable in addressing important model deficiencies. The probability distributions of the precipitation intensity from the model simulations are compared with that from the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) data. It is shown that over 90% of the CCM3 precipitation is from light rain with rainfall rate less than 1 mm h−1, whereas the simulation with the new closure and the TRMM observations show significant contribution (30–40%) from rainfall rates greater than 2 mm h−1. Precipitation simulation over the western North Pacific summer monsoon region and the Arabian Peninsula was examined in detail to understand the causes of the precipitation biases in CCM3 over these regions. It is demonstrated that the convective available potential energy (CAPE)-based closure limits the CAPE buildup at the beginning of the monsoon season, resulting in the under simulation of the western North Pacific monsoon precipitation. In the Arabian Peninsula the positive feedback between convection and surface evaporation leads to the spurious heavy precipitation center there. In addition to the new closure the use of relative humidity threshold is also found to be important to the improvement of the simulation.
Cognitive and Organizational Challenges of Big Data in Cyber Defense

The cognitive and organizational challenges associated with `Big Data' have not received much research attention. We have begun an interview study of analysts who work in the computer network (cyber) defense (CND) area and have experienced changes in data scale affecting their analytical work. Our goal is to understand any changes in analysts' mental models of their data and their domain. We used a qualitative inquiry method, starting with relatively open-ended questions. Our interview protocol also asked analysts to describe critical incidents related to data use, and probed for previously-identified cognitive biases that may affect analysis in this domain.
Creating and viewing skyplots

One of the best tools for diagnosing problems encountered when processing GPS data is the skyplot, a simple illustration of GPS satellite trajectories over a given ground site. These plots, also called satellite visibility diagrams, provide an intuitive feel for satellite geometry and they reveal the impact of obstructions on satellite visibility. Most commercial GPS software is capable of creating skyplots; however, freely available skyplot software may be difficult to find. Thanks to freely available mapping software such as the Generic Mapping Tools (GMT) and postscript viewing software such as Ghostscript, GPS users can generate skyplots without concerning themselves with the intricacies of computer graphics or with printer drivers. Instead, skyplots can be generated by providing azimuth and elevation-angle input data which can then be converted into x, y coordinates for input into the existing mapping software. This article describes Windows-based C/C++ software for generating the azimuths and elevation angles, as well as software for viewing and printing the skyplots. All the software is freely available on the Internet.
Simple preparative liquid chromatography system and its application to the separation of alternaria metabolites

Abstract A simplified device for large-scale preparative liquid chromatography is described. Employing modifications of standard liquid chromatography apparatus, the device uses the laboratory compressed-air supply to achieve elution rates of 150–300 ml/min without the need for an expensive pumping system. Its use in the preparation of gram quantities of toxic Alternaria metabolites is described, and illustrates its potential as a convenient and economical alternative to commercial preparative liquid chromatographs.
Amino acid substitutions in the human glutathione S-transferases confer different specificities in the prostaglandin endoperoxide conversion pathway.

Summary The human glutathione S-transferases 1-1 and 2-2, which differ from each other by 11 amino acids, have different catalytic activities against cumene hydroperoxide and t-butyl hydroperoxide. Using prostaglandin H 2 as the peroxide substrate, we found that GSH S-transferase 1-1 catalyzed the transformation of prostaglandin H 2 to prostaglandin F 2α and E 2 at a 4:1 ratio whereas GSH S-transferase 2-2 produced primarily prostaglandin D 2 and F 2α at a 4:1 ratio. Our results indicate that GSH S-transferases catalyze the reduction and isomerization of prostaglandin H 2 endoperoxide in vitro . We suggest that the amino acid substitutions between these two isozymes may be responsible for the difference in catalytic specificities. We propose that these isozymes are important reagents for the biosynthesis of various prostaglandins.
Effect of PCBM Concentration on Photoluminescence Properties of Composite MEH‐PPV/PCBM Nanoparticles Investigated by a Franck–Condon Analysis of Single‐Particle Emission Spectra

The emission of composite conjugated polymer (MEH-PPV)/ fullerene (PCBM) nanoparticles is investigated by single particle spectroscopy (SPS), and changes in vibronic structure with nanoparticle composition are evaluated by means of a detailed Franck-Condon analysis. Consistent with previous reports we find that the emission spectra can be modeled as the superposition of two types of emitters, one with aggregate character and one with molecular character. Major findings from the fitting of the SPS data to a Franck-Condon model are that 1) the occurrence of each of the two types of emitters changes with nanoparticle composition to the point that no aggregate emitters are detected (at 50 wt% PCBM), 2) at the highest PCBM doping levels (75 wt% PCBM) aggregate emitters reappear due to nanoscale phase separation in the composite nanoparticles, 3) the molecular emitters show small Huang-Rhys factors that increase with PCBM doping, indicative of extensive delocalization and exciton migration that is reduced by the disorder introduced in the polymer material by PCBM doping and 4) the aggregate emitters show large Huang-Rhys factors, indicative of the localized nature of these energy trap sites, with a broad distribution of values of these Huang-Rhys factors. The latter observation suggests a broad heterogeneous distribution of aggregate morphologies in blended conducting polymer materials, which can be attributed to variations in polymer chain folding and stacking at the aggregate sites. The reported results obtained by the SPS approach show how blending conjugated polymers with fullerenes at various doping levels induces changes in interchain interactions and aggregate site density even at length scales below a few tens of nanometers that affect conjugated polymer material properties, an observation that has gone unnoticed in bulk studies of blended conjugated polymer films.
Immunologic reactivity and prognosis in breast cancer

The relationship of immune reactivity to the stage of disease and to prognosis within stages was studied in 202 women with breast cancer. Patients were staged according to the following system: those with primary operable breast cancer were classified according to the presence or absence of regional lymph node metastases; those with advanced breast cancer were classified according to the predominant site of metastases: (1) those with skin, soft tissue, or nodal metastases, (2) those with bone metastases, and (3) those with visceral organ metastases. A significant linear trend of decreasing DNCB reactivity was seen with increasing extent of disease (P < 0.01). The results of other tests of immune reactivity, including intradermal skin tests with microbial antigens, and, in patients with advanced breast cancer only, absolute lymphocyte counts, lymphocyte proliferative responses to mitogens and microbial antigens, serum immunoglobulin levels, and T and B-cell counts, did not change significantly with increasing extent of disease. No significant difference in recurrence distributions was seen when all primary operable breast cancer patients with positive and negative DNCB responses were compared. However, when the presence or absence of lymph node involvement was taken into account, a trend to earlier recurrence for DNCB-positive patients was seen (P = 0.03). When the survival distributions for all DNCB-positive and-negative patients were compared, the DNCB-positive patients showed a significantly longer survival (P < 0.01). However, when the survival distributions for DNCB-positive and-negative patients with either primary operable or advanced breast cancer were compared separately, significant differences were not seen. Other tests of immune function, including intradermal skin tests with microbial antigens, absolute lymphocyte counts, and lymphocyte responses to mitogens in vitro, were not useful in distinguishing prognostically favorable groups among patients with advanced disease. Advanced breast cancer patients who were given an adequate trial of combination chemotherapy showed no difference in response rate or survival when DNCB-positive and-negative patients were compared. We conclude that, although DNCB reactivity is progressively impaired in patients with increasing tumor burden and correlates with survival in breast cancer patients in general, in our experience such tests do not provide prognostically important information above that given by careful clinical and pathologic staging.
Calf birth weight and its association with calf and cow survivability, disease incidence, reproductive performance, and milk production

The hypothesis was that calf birth weight (CBW) and a cow calf index [CCI; (calf weight/cow height at parturition) x 100] would be associated with calf and cow survivability, disease incidence, reproductive performance, and milk production. Data were collected in a prospective cohort study from one commercial dairy milking 2,800 Holsteins in upstate NY from March 2007 to August 2007. Animals were enrolled at parturition until 1,245 calvings were available for analysis. Data consisted of on-farm measurements of morbidity, mortality, and performance, and data were analyzed using a series of multivariable models including ANOVA and time-to-event analysis. A higher CBW and a higher CCI were associated with greater odds of lameness. Compared with the lowest quartile of CBW, the odds of the dam becoming subsequently lame increased as the CBW quartiles increased from 2 to 4; odds ratio = 1.5, 2.7, 3.6, respectively. Compared with the lowest quartile of CCI, the odds of the dam becoming subsequently lame increased as the CCI quartiles increased from 2 to 4; odds ratio = 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, respectively. Assistance during parturition was associated with higher CBW and with higher CCI. Calves born from assisted parturition had significantly higher CBW (CBW = 43.7 kg) and CCI (CCI = 31.4) compared with calves born from nonassisted parturition (CBW = 41.5 kg and CCI = 29.7). Neither CBW nor the CCI were associated with stillbirth incidence, calf mortality past 12 h of life, cow reproduction, or cow survival. We concluded that CBW, and especially the ratio of CBW to dam size, can be associated with some downstream effects, e.g., obstetrical assistance, lameness events, and milk production.
Frontal-thalamic circuits associated with language

Thalamic nuclei associated with language including the ventral lateral, ventral anterior, intralaminar and mediodorsal form a hub that uniquely receives the output of the basal ganglia and cerebellum, and is connected with frontal (premotor and prefrontal) cortices through two parallel circuits: a thalamic pathway targets the middle frontal cortical layers focally, and the other innervates widely cortical layer 1, poised to recruit other cortices and thalamic nuclei for complex cognitive operations. Return frontal pathways to the thalamus originate from cortical layers 6 and 5. Information through this integrated thalamo-cortical system is gated by the inhibitory thalamic reticular nucleus and modulated by dopamine, representing a specialization in primates. The intricate dialogue of distinct thalamic nuclei with the basal ganglia, cerebellum, and specific dorsolateral prefrontal and premotor cortices associated with language, suggests synergistic roles in the complex but seemingly effortless sequential transformation of cognitive operations for speech production in humans.
An Assessment-Oriented Syllabus Model for Business Courses.

Abstract The American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a major accrediting body for business programs in many U.S. colleges and universities, is demanding measurable business program outcome from its client business schools. The AACSB is interested, among other things, in seeing evidence of continuing improvement in the program offered, through program assessment. The foundation of program assessment lies in the development of an assessment-oriented syllabus model for the courses offered in the program. This article presents a syllabus model for an effective business program assessment, with a brief version of a sample syllabus included in the Appendix.
The advantages of digital over analog recording techniques

In the past few years digital technology has brought EEG and evoked potentials into emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms with a variety of automatic data trending. Networking of these systems makes access to clinical neurophysiologists nearly immediate. Digital EEG has made montage reformatting and quantitation of parameters readily available. Increased spatial and temporal resolution is available with routine EEG, and combined topographic and frequency mapping of a given potential, spike or seizure focus is possible. In the future, these and other features such as dipole mapping and cognitive EP analysis will be available on a routine basis.
When Repair is not Feasible: Prosthesis Selection in Children and Adults with Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart surgeons face many challenges when dealing with valvular pathology in the pediatric population. Because of the concerns related to growth, repair should be the main goal. However, this is not always feasible and valve replacement becomes the only other alternative. Valve replacement also represents one of the most common procedures performed for adults with congenital heart disease, with several valve options existing including homografts, xenografts, autografts, and other artificial prostheses. The choice sometimes may be difficult because there are advantages and disadvantages to each valve substitute. In this article, we will address the different options of valve replacement in children and adults with congenital heart disease, and review the current literature that supports current practice.
Nonepithelial tumors of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses and nasopharynx. A clinicopathologic study. XII: Schwann cell tumors (neurilemoma, neurofibroma, malignant schwannoma)

Twelve Schwann cell tumors (two neurilemomas, six neurofibromas, and four malignant schwannomas), arising in the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses or nasopharynx, are described. Schwann cell neoplasms only rarely develop in this area. Clinically, these tumors lead to nonspecific symptoms including nasal obstruction epistaxis, facial pain and swellling, and proptosis, similar to those produced by other neoplasms that involve this area. On radiologic examination, a mass lesion may be identified. Benign Schwann cell tumors may lead to bone erosion, which thus is not necessarily a sign of malignancy. The correct diagnosis of Schwann cell tumor is usually made only when histologic sections are studied. The histologic differentiation between Schwann cell neoplasms and myxomas, fibroblastic tumors, fibrous histiocytomas and fibro-osseous lesions is discussed. Treatment depends upon the type of tumor. Neurilemomas, which usually are encapsulated neoplasms, can be treated by local excision. Neurofibromas may infiltrate extensively, and thus may require an extensive surgical resection; however, functional and cosmetic considerations should be taken into account because neurofibromas, even if incompletely excised, may recur clinically only after many years. Malignant schwannomas tend to be aggressive neoplasms, but because of the anatomy of the area, radical resections leading to complete removal of the tumor cannot always be carried out.
Protein Gymnastics in Thelipid Bilayer: Lipides as Determinants of Protein Structure

The orientation of transmembrane domains of polytopic membrane proteins with respect to the plane of the lipid bilayer is determined by a complex interplay between topogenic signals residing within the protein sequence, interaction of the protein with the translocon membrane insertion machinery, short-range and long-range interactions within the protein and the final environment of the protein largely determined by membrane lipid composition. Systematic alteration of lipid composition at steady state or dynamically after membrane protein assembly uncovered a role for lipid-protein interactions in determining initial membrane protein topogenesis as well as in dynamic topological re-organization after initial protein folding. Alteration of the charges within protein extramembrane domains coupled with changes in lipid composition demonstrated a synergistic and reciprocal relationship between protein and lipid charges in determining orientation of transmembrane domains. These results led to the Charge Balance Hypothesis, which posits that protein topogenic signals are decoded in accordance with positive-inside rule initially by the translocon but finally interpreted by electrostatic interactions between protein extramembrane domains and the membrane surface charge as determined by the collective membrane lipid head group composition. The steady state and dynamic nature of membrane protein organization observed in whole cells, as a function of the Charge Balance Hypothesis, has been faithfully reproduced with membrane proteins reconstituted in proteoliposomes thus establishing that such initial and dynamic protein organization is dependent solely on direct lipid-protein interactions independent of other cellular factors. Therefore, membrane protein topological organization can be viewed as highly dynamic rather than stable and static. The dynamic view of protein topological organization as influenced by the membrane lipid environment reveals previously unrecognized possibilities for cellular regulation and understanding of disease states resulting from mis-folded membrane proteins. Supported in part by NIH grant R37-GM20478.
A Hybrid Approach to Intravenous Lead Management: The UNC Experience

Background Since November 2010, physicians at the University of North Carolina (UNC) have taken a unique approach to cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) lead extraction: the cardiac surgeon and electrophysiologist (EP) collaborate to extract and reimplant leads. This study compares this new shared technique with EP-only and surgeon-only extraction. Methods Lead extraction operative notes and perioperative documentation from 2007–2012 were reviewed. In the standard and surgeon-only approaches the respective EP or surgeon performs the entire procedure. In the hybrid approach the cardiac surgeon does the lead extraction and the EP completes the reimplantation; both physicians are engaged for the entire case. Results Over the study period 28 patients underwent hybrid extraction, 35 underwent standard extraction, and 8 patients underwent surgeon-only extraction. Patients undergoing hybrid lead extraction had a significantly higher rate of invasive pressure monitoring (89% vs 6%, P P P P Conclusions This review suggests that a hybrid, collaborative approach to intravenous CIED lead management can provide excellent patient outcomes and practice growth.
Review article: current management of renal dysfunction in the cirrhotic patient

Summary The United Network for Organ Sharing database revealed that over the last 4–5 years, an average of 1800 patients were removed from the cadaveric waiting list annually because of patients’ death and an additional 400–500 were removed from the list because of the severity of their illnesses.1 The pre-transplant evaluation process, therefore, requires careful and continued assessment of the patient's pulmonary, cardiac and renal function among others. This article describes a systematic approach to the evaluation and management of renal dysfunction complicating the course of advanced liver disease, the pathogenic mechanisms and current recommendations for the treatment of hepatorenal syndrome, and the indications for combined liver–kidney transplantation.
901-110 Three-Dimensional Ultrasound Can Accurately Reconstruct Intravascular Thrombi: In Vitro Validation

High-frequency ultrasound can potentially display gross morphologic changes during thrombus formation and lysis. Current intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) devices, however, provide only 2-dimensional cross-sectional images with limited overall appreciation of thrombus size and 3-dimensional (3D) configuration. The purpose of this study was to explore the ability of 3D reconstruction of serial ultrasound images to provide a quantitative assessment of intravascular thrombi. We therefore imaged 11 arterial thrombi of varying shape and volume (10 to 116 mm3). To avoid thrombus disruption, we used an epivascular approach (also suitable for transvenous imaging) with a 20 MHz IVUS catheter withdrawn at 1 mm/sec. A 3D voxel image intensity data set was reconstructed, and thrombus volume was semiautomatically extracted based on its intensity. Calculated volume was compared with directly measured values by volume displacement in a miniature cylinder. Download : Download high-res image (52KB) Download : Download full-size image Results 3D reconstruction provided previously unobtainable longitudinal and 3D views that improved spatial appreciation of thrombus size, shape and channel formation. Calculated thrombus volumes agreed well with actual volumes: y = 0.92x + 2.4, r = 0.98, SEE = 5 mm3, mean error = 1 ± 5 mm3(ns vs 0). Conclusion 3D reconstruction can improve spatial appreciation of the shape of thrombi and accurately measure their volumes. This approach, suitable for epivascular or transvenous imaging, could potentially be used to study thrombus formation and lysis in research and clinical studies.
Changing our ways of thinking about change: A cultural perspective on the psychology of acting against nuclear weapons. 1988.

The physicians’ movement against nuclear weapons is often confronted with the assumption that social movements are doomed to failure, that significant social change can never be achieved. This paper suggests that a key task for the movement is changing these ways of thinking about change. Using a cultural perspective from anthropology, the paper suggests that such pessimism about the possibility of social change can be seen as a potent form of social control. Structural factors complicating perceptions of success, such as the diffuse nature of social movements, are discussed.
Thermal analysis of melting and freezing of jet and diesel fuels

The melting and freezing behavior of 16 petroleum fuels and synfuels ranging from jet to diesel have been studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) over the range −60 to 20°C. None of the fuel samples failed to crystallize on rapid cooling on the DSC, and the degree of supercooling was quite small. Freezing points (f.p.) measured on the DSC at a cooling rate of 10°C min−1 tended to be a few degrees lower than those measured by ASTM test D 3117-72, as was expected. The shapes of the DSC melting endotherms for 10°C min−1 heating indicated that more than one crystalline phase freezes out of the fuel on cooling. By selecting the melting point (m.p.) as the temperature halfway down the high temperature side of the last maximum in the DSC melting endotherm, fuel m.p.s. measured by DSC were found to agree within experimental error with those measured by ASTM test D 2386-67. M.p.s. of fuels can be determined by thermal analysis (DSC or DTA) in well under 10 min, much faster than with the ASTM test. The relative areas under the DSC melting endotherms correlated well with the n-alkane contents of the fuels, suggesting that it is the n-alkanes which initially freeze out.
Competing motives in the formation of american public administration

The intellectual study of public administration was developed by two separate groups with two distinctive orientations to the field, called here the “Public Service” and the “Public Management” orientations. Both orientations have coexisted in public administration despite their differences largely because they each addresses some of the weaknesses of the other. The continuing tug of war between the orientations provides much of public administration's confusion over its sense of purpose and identity, but also much of its dynamic nature.
On the asymptotic behavior of average energy and enstrophy in 3D turbulent flows

Abstract Rigorous upper and lower bounds are proved for the Taylor and the Kolmogorov wavenumbers for the three-dimensional space periodic Navier–Stokes equations. Under the assumption that Kolmogorov’s two-thirds power law holds, the bounds sharpen to κ T ∼ Gr 1 / 4 and κ ϵ ∼ Gr 3 / 8 respectively, where Gr is the Grashof number. This provides a rigorous proof that the power law implies (1) the energy cascade, (2) Kolmogorov dissipation law, and (3) a connection between κ T and κ ϵ . The portion of phase space where a key a priori estimate on the nonlinear term is sharp is shown to be significant by means of a lower bound on any probability measure associated with an infinite-time average.
Histrionic Personality and Antisocial Personality: Caricatures of stereotypes?

Abstract The proposal that the diagnoses Histrionic personality and Antisocial Personality represent sex-role caricatures of the concepts “woman” and “man”, respectively, was examined utilizing the semantic differential technique for the assessment of connotative meanings. Twenty-eight psychiatric residents and 21 academic psychiatrists rated the concepts “woman”, “man”, “histrionic personality”, and “antisocial personality” on each of 15 bipolar adjectival scales. No important differences were found between the ratings made by male or female psychiatrists or by resident and faculty psychiatrists. The subjects clearly distinguished between the connotative meanings of “woman” and “histrionic personality” and between “man” and “antisocial personality”, though there was a greater resemblance between the first pair of concepts than between the second. The linkages in meaning between women and the diagnosis Histrinic Personality are discussed, and it is proposed that the concept of sex-role caricatures be abandoned since the political overtones of the term “caricature” tend to undermine the empirical work needed to validate or reject clinical diagnoses.
Biological and therapeutic significance of tissue transglutaminase in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is one of the deadliest cancers world-wide with an estimated annual incidence and mortality rates of approximately 6,500 cases in the UK, over 40,000 cases in Europe, 19,000 cases in Japan and over 30,000 cases in the United States. Difficulty to diagnose the disease at an early stage, rapid progression and intrinsic resistance to currently available therapies are major factors that contribute to poor disease outcome in these patients (overall 5 years survival, <3%). Identification of cancer cell-encoded genes that contribute to the development of intrinsic resistance and metastatic spread of the PDA tumors, may yield immediate clinical benefits in terms of revealing new therapeutic targets for effective treatment of the disease. This article discusses the significance of tissue-type transglutaminase (TG2) whose expression is elevated in the majority of PDA tumors and cell lines. Based on the published data and the results discussed in this review, TG2 appears to be a promising target for containment and treatment of this formidable disease.
Prospects for Improvement of Interplanetary Laser Communication Data Rates by 30 dB

NASA's Mars laser communications demonstration (MLCD) project (since discontinued) was designed to achieve data rates greater than 1 Mb/s from the farthest Mars range and greater than 30 Mb/s from the nearest Mars range. We present here pathways whereby ongoing optical technology advances should allow 30 dB of increased data rates relative to MLCD by 2020. In other words, technical advances should soon allow the return of deep-space data at rates of 1 Gb/s from the maximum Mars range, 100 Mb/s from Jupiter distances, and 10 Mb/s from Uranus, all many orders of magnitude greater than present radio-frequency capabilities. The potential for realizing the stated capability with less than a three times increase in dc power required from the spacecraft and no increase in payload mass is discussed.
An Ultraviolet-activated K+ Channel Mediates Apoptosis Of Myeloblastic Leukemia Cells

Exposure of mammalian cells to UV light causes initial changes in the cell membrane, induces phosphorylation and clustering of growth factor/cytokine receptors, and activates the Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase (JNK/SAPK) signaling pathway leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis). In this study, we found that an early event in the cell membrane of myeloblastic leukemia (ML-1) cells was the vigorous activation of the voltage-gated K+ channel by UV irradiation. The strong enhancement by UV irradiation of K+ channel activity in the cell membrane subsequently activated the JNK/SAPK signaling pathway and resulted in myeloblastic leukemia cell apoptosis. Suppression of UV-induced K+ channel activation with specific channel blockers prevented UV-induced apoptosis through inhibition of UV-induced activation of the proteins SEK (SPAK kinase) and JNK. However, suppression of K+ channel activity could not protect cells from etoposide-induced apoptosis, which bypasses the membrane event. Elimination of extracellular Ca2+ had no effect on the UV-induced and K+ channel-mediated JNK/SAPK activation. Thus, we have identified a novel mechanism in which activation of K+ channels by UV-irradiation upstream of SEK and SAPK/JNK mediates UV-induced myeloblastic cell apoptosis.
Cloning and characterization of guanine deaminase from mouse and rat brain.

Abstract A search for genes differentially expressed in the rat striatum revealed a gene fragment with a ventral to dorsal striatal expression pattern. The sequence of the fragment was used to isolate mouse and rat clones that upon sequencing were identified as homologous to human guanine deaminase. Here we report the distribution of guanine deaminase in the rodent brain. In situ hybridization localization of the encoding mRNA showed a distribution primarily in forebrain areas including cortical pyramidal neurons, ventral striatal medium spiny neurons, hippocampal pyramidal neurons in CA3–CA1 and granule cells in the dentate gyrus, and neurons of the amygdala. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies raised against peptide fragments derived from the guanine deaminase protein sequence showed localization of guanine deaminase in areas predicted by the mRNA distribution. In addition to immunolabeling of neurons in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum and amygdala there was also labeling in the terminal fields of these neurons including the thalamus, globus pallidum and substantia nigra. A functional histochemical assay that demonstrates the site of guanine deamination shows guanine deaminase activity in a pattern that matched the immunohistochemical localization. The cellular distribution of guanine deaminase to distal areas of the cell including terminals and dendrites was additionally demonstrated by the expression of recombinant guanine deaminase in transformed cortical neurons in culture. In summary we have described the isolation and characterization of mouse and rat guanine deaminase. The expression of guanine deaminase is primarily restricted to forebrain neurons. A histochemical assay was used to localize guanine deaminase activity to the dendrites and axons of neurons expressing guanine deaminase.
Abstract A85: Passenger genes on tumor-associated amplicons function as tumor rejection antigens

Tumors frequently contain DNA copy number amplifications (amplicons) that are driven by overexpression of an oncogene but often lead to high expression of neighboring passenger genes. We hypothesized that proteins encoded on amplicons which are present at high frequency in particular types of cancer could serve as shared tumor rejection antigens. The ERBB2 (HER2) amplicon on 17q12-21 has a core region of approximately 280kB in size and is frequently present in multiple copies in 10-15% of breast and gastric cancers. Analysis of data from TCGA breast cancer project and multiple other mRNA expression studies show that ERBB2 overexpression is highly correlated with expression of some, but not all, adjacent genes. From the set of amplicon genes we selected MIEN, GRB7, PGAP3, PNMT, ORMDL3, and GSDMB as candidates for stimulating an immune response because these proteins are minimally expressed in normal tissues. Immunohistochemistry of tissue microarrays showed expression of these proteins in HER2+ breast cancer cells but not in HER2 non-amplified breast tumors. We used the epitope identification programs, NetCTLpan and NetMHCII (Center for Biological Sequence Analysis at the Technical University of Denmark) to identify several candidate peptides with high binding affinity Citation Format: Michael Berk, Arun Modi, Mona Patel, Li-Xin Wang, Gregory Plautz. Passenger genes on tumor-associated amplicons function as tumor rejection antigens. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Pediatric Cancer at the Crossroads: Translating Discovery into Improved Outcomes; Nov 3-6, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;74(20 Suppl):Abstract nr A85.
siRNA for Influenza Therapy

Influenza virus is one of the most prevalent and ancient infections in humans. About a fifth of world's population is infected by influenza virus annually, leading to high morbidity and mortality, particularly in infants, the elderly and the immunocompromised. In the US alone, influenza outbreaks lead to roughly 30,000 deaths each year. Current vaccines and anti-influenza drugs are of limited use due to high mutation rate of the virus and side effects. In recent years, RNA interference, triggered by synthetic short interfering RNA (siRNA), has rapidly evolved as a potent antiviral regimen. Properly designed siRNAs have been shown to function as potent inhibitors of influenza virus replication. The siRNAs outperform traditional small molecule antivirals in a number of areas, such as ease of design, modest cost, and fast turnaround. Although specificity and tissue delivery remain major bottlenecks in the clinical applications of RNAi in general, intranasal application of siRNA against respiratory viruses including, but not limited to influenza virus, has experienced significant success and optimism, which is reviewed here.
Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia Profile in Rats Predicts Neuropathic Pain Intensity Induced by Sciatic Nerve Constriction Injury

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of exercise-induced hypoalgesia (EIH) profile on pain intensity induced by nerve injury in a rat model. EIH was tested by evaluating the percentage of withdrawal responses to a train of 30 mechanical stimuli on the hind paw before and after 180 seconds of exercise on a rotating rod. The rats were grouped into low, medium, and high EIH based on their reduction in the percentage of withdrawal responses before and after exercise. Rats from each group then underwent left sciatic nerve constriction injury. Mechanical allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia, and heat allodynia were assessed in the affected and contralateral hind paws prior to and 3 and 7 days following the procedure. The low EIH rats demonstrated increased hypersensitivity at baseline and developed significantly more severe heat allodynia, mechanical allodynia, and hyperalgesia 3 and 7 days following the injury compared to the medium and high EIH rats. Moreover, the low EIH rats developed contralateral heat allodynia following the injury. The EIH of habituated and nonhabituated rats was compared to study the role of stress on the hypoalgesic effect. No significant differences were found between the habituated and nonhabituated rats at baseline and 1 and 5 minutes after the exercise. Perspective EIH profile was found to be predictive of pain severity following nerve injury. It may suggest that selected patients with faulty pain modulation are at risk for developing chronic pain following injury or surgical procedures. EIH may represent a preoperative means to detect this predisposition and enable proactive management.
The Radioactive Isotopes of Bromine: Isomeric Forms of Bromine 80

A study of the radioactive isotopes of bromine has been carried out by cross checking a number of nuclear reactions induced by bombarding the elements arsenic, selenium, bromine, krypton and rubidium with neutrons, deuterons, and electrically accelerated $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-particles. The results indicate that the active isotope bromine 80 exists in two isomeric forms, from which it decays with the respective periods of 18 minutes and 4.5 hours. An example of two successive $\ensuremath{\beta}$-transitions is found to occur in the active isotopes selenium 83 and bromine 83, and a new type of transmutation is observed in which the emission of two neutrons apparently follows deuteron capture, the reaction in this case being ${\mathrm{Se}}^{82}(D,2n){\mathrm{Br}}^{82}$. The discovery of a number of new radioactive isotopes and the identification of isotopes which carry some of the already-known activities have led to results which may be summarized in the following table of decay periods: All of these activities emit negative electrons except bromine 78 and possibly the krypton 18-hr. activity, which is very weak. Absorption measurements for the $\ensuremath{\beta}$-rays of the bromine isotopes have given the following values for their maximum energy: ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$ (6.4 min.) 2.3 Mev; ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80}$ (18 min.) 2.2 Mev; ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80}$ (4.5 hrs.) 2.0 Mev; ${\mathrm{Br}}^{82}$ (33.9 hrs.) 0.4 Mev; ${\mathrm{Br}}^{83}$ (2.45 hrs.) 1.3 Mev. The emission of $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-rays accompanies the activity of ${\mathrm{Br}}^{78}$, ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80}$ (18 min.) and ${\mathrm{Br}}^{82}$, but is not found with ${\mathrm{Br}}^{80}$ (4.5 hrs.) nor ${\mathrm{Br}}^{83}$.
Some observations on the reactions of H2 and Co on 100 nickel

Abstract Observations using electron probe surface mass spectrometry seem to indicate that CO does not absorb on 100 nickel. The rapid adsorption of H 2 at partial pressures of ∼1 × 10 −9 Torr may account for the observations made by LEED techniques.