cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Classification of the Universe of Immune Epitope Literature: Representation and Knowledge Gaps

Background A significant fraction of the more than 18 million scientific articles currently indexed in the PubMed database are related to immune responses to various agents, including infectious microbes, autoantigens, allergens, transplants, cancer antigens and others. The Immune Epitope Database (IEDB) is an online repository that catalogs immune epitope reactivity data derived from articles listed in the National Library of Medicine PubMed database. The IEDB is maintained and continually updated by monitoring PubMed for new, potentially relevant references. Methodology Herein we detail the classification of all epitope-specific literature in over 100 different immunological domains representing Infectious Diseases and Microbes, Autoimmunity, Allergy, Transplantation and Cancer. The relative number of references in each category reflects past and present areas of research on immune reactivities. In addition to describing the overall landscape of data distribution, this particular characterization of the epitope reference data also allows for the exploration of possible correlations with global disease morbidity and mortality data. Conclusions/Significance While in most cases diseases associated with high morbidity and mortality rates were amongst the most studied, a number of high impact diseases such as dengue, Schistosoma, HSV-2, B. pertussis and Chlamydia trachoma, were found to have very little coverage. The data analyzed in this fashion represents the first estimate of how reported immunological data corresponds to disease-related morbidity and mortality, and confirms significant discrepancies in the overall research foci versus disease burden, thus identifying important gaps to be pursued by future research. These findings may also provide a justification for redirecting a portion of research funds into some of the underfunded, critical disease areas.
Sentinel node biopsy in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

The clinical utility of sentinel node biopsy techniques for cutaneous melanoma has led multiple investigators to study the applicability of this approach to other solid tumors, including cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract, and especially the oral cavity. Preliminary data indicate that it may be useful for early oral cancers, with the exception of floor of mouth tumors, where technical challenges related to the proximity of the lymphatic basin remain a problem. A multi-institutional pathologic validation trial, involving sentinel node biopsy followed by completion selective neck dissection, has completed accrual. While central step sectioning and immunohistochemistry remain to be completed and analyzed, routine pathologic techniques provided negative predictive values of 96% for oral cancer excluding floor of mouth lesions. Subsequent trials need to involve clinical follow-up and evaluation for recurrence in the neck. We believe this technique may ultimately play a role in the management of early oral cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2007;96:330–336. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A linearization account of either . . . or constructions

To account for the linear freedom of either in disjunction constructions, I expand upon the focus-based account of den Dikken (2006). Word order constraints, in contrast to movement rules or base-generation constraints, provide the mechanism for explaining the distributional data. I argue that all positional variability exhibited by either ultimately derives from a licensing construction that enables either to be shuffled about disjunct-internally, yet simultaneously prevents either from entering into linear precedence relations with disjunct-external constituents. Restrictions on the surface realization of either result from a linear precedence rule ordering either before the contrastive focus, language particular constraints on word order, and general constraints on coordinate ellipsis. Overall, this analysis presents an account of either … or constructions that introduces only a single linear precedence rule and a licensing construction for combining either with disjunctions to account for the data, relying on independently-motivated constraints to carry the rest of the analytical burden.
A program for constructing SVT tests: An alternative way of assessing text comprehension

The sentence verification technique (SVT),developed by Royer, Hastings, and Hook (1979), pro­ vides developmental and educational researchers with an alternative way of assessing text com­ prehension based on all of the information contained in a passage. Students must decide if test sentences have the same meaning as sentences that appeared in an original passage. The pro­ gram described here automates the more laborious aspects of constructing SVT tests. The user must create a passage using a word processor. The program will prompt the user for information as needed. Finally, printable text files (SVT test and answer key) are generated. The program is written in BASIC for IBM and IBM-compatible computers. The sentence verification technique (SVT), introduced by Royer, Hastings, and Hook (1979), provides educa­ tional and developmental researchers with an alternative way of assessing comprehension of text. Whereas tradi­ tional methods typically require the reader to respond to literal and inferential multiple-choice items after reading a passage, SVT tests require students to determine whether test sentences accurately represent the meaning of cor­
Frequency of Nurse Practitioner Screening for Substance Use Disorders

A quality improvement project was undertaken at an academic nursing center to increase screening rates for substance use disorders among adult clients. Project staff used 20 minutes to introduce the topic to family practitioners during a faculty/staff meeting and presented a tool that was chosen for use during this project. Administration and scoring of the tool was discussed, questions were answered, and practitioners were provided a laminated copy of the tool for their reference. Practitioners voiced agreement and interest in the project. Charts were monitored for one month following the inservice. Practitioners were asked to record the score in the progress notes. Practitioners participated in standardized screening less than 7% of the time. Practitioners recorded that they questioned clients about their substance use, but did not use the tool 26% of the time. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Grid-free simulation of radiative transport in a participating medium

Radiative transport in a participating medium transfroms the energy equation into an integro-dierential equation which must be solved if radiation is considered as an important mechanism of heat transfer in a convective-diusive-reactive environment. In most cases, especially in combustion problems, the temperature gradients are so steep that the region where the radiative flux, which is proportional to the fourth power of temperature, is signicant in a small subset of the entire flow domain. Especially when utilizing a grid-free Lagrangian scheme to perform the convective-diusive-reactive simulations, it is desirable to develop a compatible scheme which does not require a grid to perform the computations of the radiative flux and its gradient (needed in the energy equation.) We have developed the discrete source method in which the radiative flux and irradiance are computed by summing over a collection of radiating elements distributed over the region of high temperature. In an axisymmetric domain, the irradiance and radiative flux, both are triple integrals of the radiation kernel over the elemental volume, are reduced to double integrals which are then approximated by single integrals that are evaluated semi-analytically. We demonstrate the accuracy of the scheme by comparing the results with direct numerical evaluation of the original integrals for cases relevant to combustion problems.
Extraction of 14C‐labeled photosynthate from aquatic plants with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)1

DMSO was tested as a solvent to extract /sup 14/C-labeled photosynthate from three species of aquatic plants in photosynthesis measurements and compared with the dry oxidation method for plant radioassay. Extraction efficiency was in the range of 96-99% of fixed /sup 14/C, and precision was comparable to, or better than, that obtained with dry oxidation. The method is simple and inexpensive, and for fresh tissue the same sample extracts can be used for chlorophyll analyses.
Evolving operating systems and architectures: how do kernel implementors catch up?

The author discusses the trade-off between the conflicting goals of portability and performance in operating system kernel implementations. Using traditional programming techniques, code refinements that yield high performance inevitably lead to low portability. Ideas from the Synthesis kernel implementation are described as possible techniques towards a way out of this trade-off. >
Balancing the Budget: Accounting for Glucocorticoid Bioactivity and Fate during Water Treatment.

Numerous studies have identified the presence and bioactivity of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) active substances in water; however, the identification and activity-balance of GR compounds remained elusive. This study determined the occurrence and attenuation of GR bioactivity and closed the balance by determining those substances responsible. The observed in vitro GR activity ranged from 39 to 155 ng dexamethasone-equivalent/L (ng Dex-EQ/L) in the secondary effluents of four wastewater treatment plants. Monochromatic ultraviolet light of 80 mJ/cm2 disinfection dose was efficient for GR activity photolysis, whereas chlorination could not appreciably attenuate the observed GR activity. Ozonation was effective only at relatively high dose (ozone/TOC 1:1). Microfiltration membranes were not efficient for GR activity attenuation; however, reverse osmosis removed GR activity to levels below the limits of detection. A high-sensitivity liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was then ...
Investigation of acoustic waves emanated from a supersonic jet using ultra-high speed whole-field optical measurements

In this study, the capabilities of Ultra-High Speed Rainbow Schlieren Deflectometry (UHSRSD) technique to visualize and quantify, in real-time, acoustic waves emanating from a supersonic cold air jet is developed and demonstrated. UHS-RSD technique employs deflection of light rays by density gradients in transparent media to enable light of sight mapping of the flow field and acoustic field. The deflection angle mapping process is realized through color (hue) variations without and with the test medium. Since all information in the field of view can be acquired instantaneously, high data rates with excellent spatial and temporal resolutions are achieved. The current experiment captures acoustic waves emanating from a supersonic cold air jet at high spatial and temporal resolutions, while still maintaining the hue sensitivity needed to detect the small pressure fluctuations characteristic of acoustic waves. Analysis reveals that the jet flow produces Mach wave and random directional with the majority of the energy in the 40 to 60 kHz range. Mach wave fronts generate in small packets of 2 to 10 waves with small intermittency window.
Replication of Human Herpesviruses Is Associated with Higher HIV DNA Levels during Antiretroviral Therapy Started at Early Phases of HIV Infection

Author(s): Gianella, Sara; Anderson, Christy M; Var, Susanna R; Oliveira, Michelli F; Lada, Steven M; Vargas, Milenka V; Massanella, Marta; Little, Susan J; Richman, Douglas D; Strain, Matthew C; Perez-Santiago, Josue; Smith, Davey M | Abstract: UnlabelledAsymptomatic replication of human herpesviruses (HHV) is frequent in HIV-infected men and is associated with increased T-cell activation and HIV disease progression. We hypothesized that the presence of replication of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (the most frequently detected HHV) might influence HIV DNA decay during antiretroviral therapy (ART). We investigated 607 peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 107 CMV-seropositive, HIV-infected men who have sex with men, who started ART within a median of 3 months from their estimated date of infection (EDI) and were monitored for a median of 19 months thereafter. Levels of HIV, CMV, and EBV DNA and cellular HIV RNA were measured by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) for each time point. Using a general linear mixed-effect regression model, we evaluated associations between the presence of detectable CMV DNA and EBV DNA levels and HIV DNA decay and cellular HIV RNA levels, while adjusting for peak HIV RNA, nadir CD4(+)count, CD4/CD8 ratio, CMV IgG levels, time from EDI to ART initiation, time from ART initiation to virologic suppression, detectable CMV DNA pre-ART, and age. The presence of intermittent CMV DNA in PBMC during ART was significantly associated with slower decay of HIV DNA (P= 0.011) but not with increased cellular HIV RNA transcription or more detectable 2-long terminal repeat circles. Higher levels of EBV DNA were also associated with higher levels of HIV DNA (Pl 0.001) and increased unspliced cellular HIV RNA transcription (P= 0.010). These observations suggest that replication of HHV may help maintain a larger HIV DNA reservoir, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.ImportanceOver three-fourths of HIV-infected men have at least one actively replicating human herpesvirus (HHV) in their mucosal secretions at any one time. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are the most common, and although it is often asymptomatic, such CMV and EBV replication is associated with higher levels of immune activation and HIV disease progression. We hypothesized that HHV-associated activation of HIV-infected CD4(+)T cells might lead to increased HIV DNA. This study found that detectable CMV in blood cells of HIV-infected men was associated with slower decay of HIV DNA even during antiretroviral therapy (ART) that was started during early HIV infection. Similarly, levels of EBV DNA were associated with higher levels of HIV DNA during ART. If this observation points to a causal pathway, interventions that control CMV and EBV replication may be able to reduce the HIV reservoir, which might be relevant to current HIV cure efforts.
Investigation of the persistence of nerve agent degradation analytes on surfaces through wipe sampling and detection with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

The persistence of chemical warfare nerve agent degradation analytes on surfaces is important, from indicating the presence of nerve agent on a surface to guiding environmental restoration of a site after a release. Persistence was investigated for several chemical warfare nerve agent degradation analytes on indoor surfaces and presents an approach for wipe sampling of surfaces, followed by wipe extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry detection. Commercially available wipe materials were investigated to determine optimal wipe recoveries. Tested surfaces included porous/permeable (vinyl tile, painted drywall, and wood) and largely nonporous/impermeable (laminate, galvanized steel, and glass) surfaces. Wipe extracts were analyzed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). UPLC provides a separation of targeted degradation analytes in addition to being nearly four times faster than high-performance liquid chromatography, allowing for greater th...
Experimental Method for Study of Bacterial Flora of Gastro-Intestinal Tract

Bienstock 1 in 1884 called attention to the fact that the upper part of the small intestine contains relatively few bacteria as compared with the lower part of the small intestine and the whole of the large intestine. The early investigations tended to show that there was a complicated process involved in the maintenance of the bacterial flora of the intestinal tract. It was not a process of addition of ingested bacteria to these already present, but there was some kind of a regulatory mechanism whereby the bacterial flora was kept remarkably constant in composition.2 This complicated the problem of using the bacterial content of the feces for studying the intestinal bacterial flora. From this point the investigations branched off in two directions; one problem was the mechanism involved in the reduction of the number of the bacteria in the small intestine;3 the other problem was concerned with the determination of the intestinal bacterial flora by analysis of the feces.
Multifunctional dendronized peptide polymer platform for safe and effective siRNA delivery.

In this study, we designed and synthesized a biodegradable dendronized polypeptide (denpol) platform for delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA). The novel denpol architecture combines the multivalency of dendrimers and conformational flexibility of linear polymers for optimal siRNA binding. Multifunctional amino acids were incorporated onto the dendrons and the structure was tuned both systematically and combinatorially to select optimal vectors. By screening a focused library, we identified several denpols that can effectively deliver siRNA to NIH 3T3 cells in vitro and exhibit minimal toxicity. For comparison, the best-performing denpol showed significantly improved transfection efficiency over Lipofectamine in serum-containing media. Fluorescence intracellular trafficking studies indicated that amphiphilicity is important for cell uptake and that the buffering capacity of histidine facilitates endosomal membrane rupture and therefore enhances the transfection efficiency. The combination of high deli...
Putrescine, a source of γ-aminobutyric acid in the adrenal gland of the rat

Putrescine is the major source of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the rat adrenal gland. Diamine oxidase, and not monoamine oxidase, is essential for GABA formation from putrescine in the adrenal gland. Aminoguanidine, a diamine oxidase inhibitor, decreases the GABA concentration in the adrenal gland by more than 70% after 4 h, and almost to zero in 24 h. Studies using [14C]putrescine confirm that [14C]GABA is the major metabolite of putrescine in the adrenal gland. Inhibition of GABA transaminase by amino-oxyacetic acid does not change the GABA concentration in the adrenal gland, as compared with the brain, where the GABA concentration rises. With aminoguanidine, the turnover time of GABA originating from putrescine in the adrenal gland is 5.6 h, reflecting a slower rate of GABA metabolism compared with the brain. Since GABA in the adrenal gland is almost exclusively derived from putrescine, the role of GABA may relate to the role of putrescine as a growth factor and regulator of cell metabolism.
Design and operation of a fast valve for disruption mitigation studies on NSTX-U

NSTX-U research will offer new insight by studying gas assimilation efficiencies for MGI injection from different poloidal locations using identical gas injection systems. In support of this activity, an electromagnetic MGI valve has been built and tested. The valve operates by repelling a conductive disk due to eddy currents induced on it by a rapidly changing magnetic field created by a pancake disk solenoid positioned beneath the circular disk attached to a piston. Results from the operation of an electromagnetic valve, that does not incorporate ferromagnetic materials, are presented. Image currents induced on a conducting piston placed near a pancake solenoid cause it to move away from the solenoid and break the vacuum seal. A new and important design feature is the use of lip seals for the sliding piston. The pressure rise in the test chamber is measured directly using a fast time response baratron gauge. At a plenum pressure of just 7500 Torr (∼150 psig), the valve injects 200 Torr.L of Nitrogen with a pressure rise time of 3 ms
Discrimination of amygdala response predicts future separation anxiety in youth with early deprivation

Background Significant disruption in caregiving is associated with increased internalizing symptoms, most notably heightened separation anxiety symptoms during childhood. It is also associated with altered functional development of the amygdala, a neurobiological correlate of anxious behavior. However, much less is known about how functional alterations of amygdala predict individual differences in anxiety. Here, we probed amygdala function following institutional caregiving using very subtle social-affective stimuli (trustworthy and untrustworthy faces), which typically result in large differences in amygdala signal, and change in separation anxiety behaviors over a 2-year period. We hypothesized that the degree of differentiation of amygdala signal to trustworthy versus untrustworthy face stimuli would predict separation anxiety symptoms. Methods Seventy-four youths mean (SD) age = 9.7 years (2.64) with and without previous institutional care, who were all living in families at the time of testing, participated in an fMRI task designed to examine differential amygdala response to trustworthy versus untrustworthy faces. Parents reported on their children's separation anxiety symptoms at the time of scan and again 2 years later. Results Previous institutional care was associated with diminished amygdala signal differences and behavioral differences to the contrast of untrustworthy and trustworthy faces. Diminished differentiation of these stimuli types predicted more severe separation anxiety symptoms 2 years later. Older age at adoption was associated with diminished differentiation of amygdala responses. Conclusions A history of institutional care is associated with reduced differential amygdala responses to social-affective cues of trustworthiness that are typically exhibited by comparison samples. Individual differences in the degree of amygdala differential responding to these cues predict the severity of separation anxiety symptoms over a 2-year period. These findings provide a biological mechanism to explain the associations between early caregiving adversity and individual differences in internalizing symptomology during development, thereby contributing to individualized predictions of future clinical outcomes.
Avicenna (980-1037) on the Role of the Liver in Separating Fluid from the Blood, with Insight into the Process from E.H. Starling (1866-1907) a Millennium Later.

Background: A statement was made by Avicenna (980-1037) in his Canon of Medicine that the liver separates fluid from the blood. An explanation for this view has not been considered. Methods: Since the statement emerged from an existing English translation of the Canon (which was made from a prior Latin edition), an alternative English translation of the first Hebrew edition was made in order to verify the statement and to seek additional insight, which could explain its basis, in fact. Data Sources: The English edition of Avicenna's Canon of Medicine published in 1932, translated from the Latin. First Hebrew edition of Avicenna's Canon of Medicine published in 1491, translated from the Arabic. Subjects: None. Design: The relevant sections of the Hebrew Canon on the origin of the body fluids were translated and compared with the existing English translation. Observations: The fluid generated by the liver is likely to be protein-containing, since it was described as frothy and suggests that it is lymph. The suggestion that the liver needs a watery fluid for its action cannot be explained. Ernest Henry Starling (1866-1907) measured lymph formation, showing it to be driven by physical forces. The liver stood out as being the organ with the largest capacity for lymph formation. The vascular walls within the liver were shown to have a higher permeability to serum proteins than any other source of lymph. Data Analysis: Data are derived from Starling's publications based on individual experiments. These were not analyzed statistically. Results: The explanation for Avicenna's statement that the liver separates moisture from the blood is most likely to be the discovery by Starling, a millennium later, that the liver is the major source of lymph production. Conclusions and Implications: The liver is a major source of lymph. Distortion of the architecture of the liver in cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases lead to ascites, a condition of lymph overflow from the liver.
Liquid chromatographic determination of sulfadiazine in salmon by postcolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection.

A reversed-phase (ODS-2) liquid chromatographic method was developed to determine low nanogramper-gram levels of sulfadiazine (SDZ) in salmon muscle tissue. SDZ was extracted with acetonitrile-aqueous 2% acetic acid (pH 3.0), partitioned into methylene chloride, and cleaned up by using a strong-cation-exchange, solid-phase extraction cartridge. SDZ was derivatized postcolumn with fluorescamine and detected by fluorescence. The limit of detection was 0.2 ng SDZ/g tissue. Recoveries from coho salmon tissue fortified with 1, 5, 10, and 20 ng SDZ/g tissue averaged 84.5, 85.0, 83.6, and 83.9%, respectively ; recoveries from Atlantic salmon tissue fortified with 10 ng SDZ/g tissue averaged 82.6%.
Long Distance Running and Knee Osteoarthritis A Prospective Study

Background Prior studies of the relationship of physical activity to osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee have shown mixed results. The objective of this study was to determine if differences in the progression of knee OA in middle- to older-aged runners exist when compared with healthy nonrunners over nearly 2 decades of serial radiographic observation. Methods Forty-five long-distance runners and 53 controls with a mean age of 58 (range 50–72) years in 1984 were studied through 2002 with serial knee radiographs. Radiographic scores were two-reader averages for Total Knee Score (TKS) by modified Kellgren & Lawrence methods. TKS progression and the number of knees with severe OA were compared between runners and controls. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between runner versus control status and radiographic outcomes using age, gender, BMI, education, and initial radiographic and disability scores among covariates. Results Most subjects showed little initial radiographic OA (6.7% of runners and 0 controls); however, by the end of the study runners did not have more prevalent OA (20 vs 32%, p =0.25) nor more cases of severe OA (2.2% vs 9.4%, p =0.21) than did controls. Regression models found higher initial BMI, initial radiographic damage, and greater time from initial radiograph to be associated with worse radiographic OA at the final assessment; no significant associations were seen with gender, education, previous knee injury, or mean exercise time. Conclusions Long-distance running among healthy older individuals was not associated with accelerated radiographic OA. These data raise the possibility that severe OA may not be more common among runners.
Monoclonal Antibodies to Bordetella pertussis

Publisher Summary Bordetella pertussis is a small gram-negative coccobacillus that causes whooping cough, undergoes frequent antigenic variations. Recently, monoclonal antibodies have been prepared that react with B. pertussis and its components. This chapter discusses the utility of such antibodies for investigation of relevant B. pertussis antigens. The major antigens for identifying and serotyping B. pertussis are six agglutinogens, so called because they induce agglutinating antibody. Bordetella pertussis also produces a variety of noxious substances involved in pathogenesis of the disease. Major virulence antigens include pertussis toxin (PT), adenylate cyclase, and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA). Several monoclonal antibodies have been induced to B. pertussis and its products, such as FHA, PT, outer membrane proteins, lipopolysaccharide, and unidentified antigens. Antibodies to FHA showed that FHA is not fimbrial in nature but lies on the cell surface. Antibodies to PT have shown reactions with specific subunits of the toxin, neutralizing toxicity only if they react with subunit. Monoclonal antibodies have been used in immunoaffinity chromatography to purify both FHA and PT from culture fluids. Monoclonal antibodies are likely to play an important role in defining the antigens of B. pertussis, in providing diagnostic reagents, and in purifying cell components.
RhoH-Deficient Mice Show Altered B Cell Populations In Vivo.

RhoH is a GTPase-deficient, hematopoietic-specific member of the family of Rho GTPases (Li et al, 2002). RhoH has been described as regulating proliferation and engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells (Gu et al, 2005) and integrin-mediated adhesion in T cells (Cherry et al, 2004). Additionally, RhoH plays a critical role in T-cell development and T-cell receptor signaling (Gu et al, 2006; Dorn et al, 2007). However, the potential role of RhoH in the differentiation and biological functions of B cells are unknown. To answer these questions, we analyzed the B-cell phenotype of RhoH−/− mice and the in vitro properties of RhoH-deficient splenic B cells compared to their wild-type counterparts. RhoH−/− mice showed increased B-cell numbers in the bone marrow, mainly due to an increase in the number of pro-B, pre-B and immature B cells. In the spleen, lymph nodes and peripheral blood, RhoH−/− mice showed a significant decrease in the number of follicular (B-2) cells (B220+ CD93– IgD high CD21 low ). The number of splenic marginal zone B cells (B220+ CD93– IgD low CD21 high ), plasma cells (CD93– CD38+ CD138+) in bone marrow and spleen, and B-1 cells (IgM+ CD5+) in peritoneal cavity were not significantly different from those in wild-type animals. These alterations have functional significance, since the serum concentrations of IgM and IgG1 were significantly lower in RhoH−/− mice. However, splenic B cells isolated from RhoH−/− mice did not show any significant differences in their in vitro activation by anti-IgM, CD40 ligation or IL-4 stimulation, nor did they differ in their proliferative response to lipopolysaccharide. In vitro migration of RhoH-deficient B cells in response to CXCL12 or CXCL13 was similar to that of wild-type B cells. Given the important role of RhoH in signal transduction downstream the T cell receptor, we investigated the possible role of RhoH in B cell receptor signaling. Although total splenic B cells from RhoH−/− mice showed markedly increased phosphorylation of SYK and ERK after anti-IgM stimulation compared to wild-type B cells, sorted populations of splenic B-2 and marginal zone B cells from RhoH−/− and wild-type animals did not differ in the activation of these kinases, suggesting that the observed difference can be attributed to the different cellular composition of the B cell compartment (i.e. B-2 vs marginal zone B cells) in RhoH−/− mice. These data imply that the phenotype observed in RhoH−/− mice may not reflect an intrinsic defect in B cells but may be attributed to crosstalk between B cells and other hematopoietic cell populations.
Towable instrumentation for use with a hand-deployed Remotely Operated Vehicle

A new class of small, hand-deployable underwater vehicles is playing an increasingly important role in oceanographic science. Due to the small nature of these vehicles, traditional incorporation of oceanographic instrumentation into a vehicle's body can result in a device too massive or cumbersome to deployed by hand. In this paper, we present a towed instrument package, FATTI, as an alternative means of sensor integration for small underwater vehicles, specifically for the Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SCINI. The flexibly attached instrument package is comprised of a 120 kHz scientific echosounder and fluorometer, and was deployed in the McMurdo Sound, Antarctica to map the spatial and temporal dynamics of krill, fishes, and phytoplankton. The tow package proved modular and fieldable, and performed over 100 dives during the 2012/13 and 2014/15 Antarctic field seasons.
Quantum evolution of disoriented chiral condensates

The nonequilibrium evolution of the hadronic plasma produced in a high energy heavy ion collision is studied in the O(4) linear \ensuremath{\sigma} model to leading order in a large N expansion. Starting from an approximate equilibrium configuration at an initial proper time \ensuremath{\tau} in the disordered phase we study the transition to the ordered broken symmetry phase as the system expands and cools. We give results for the proper time evolution of the effective pion mass, the order parameter 〈\ensuremath{\sigma}〉 as well as for the pion two point correlation function. We study the phase space of initial conditions that lead to instabilities (exponentially growing long wavelength modes) which can lead to disoriented chiral condensates. We find that as a consequence of the strong self-coupling instabilities can exist for proper times that are at most 3 fm/c and lead to condensate regions that do not contain large number of particles.
Training Formal Schemata — Replication Results

A number of research studies have empirically shown that the rhetorical organization of a text interacts with the reader’s formal schemata — i.e., the reader’s background knowledge of and experience with textual organization — to affect reading comprehension. This effect of text structure on reading comprehension has been shown to be operative for both narrative and expository texts. For example, the work of Thorndyke (1977), Mandler (1978, Mandler and Johnson 1977, Johnson and Mandler 1980), Rumelhart (1975, 1977), and Kintsch (1974, Kintsch and van Dijk 1978) has shown that different patterns of rhetorical organization of English narrative prose affect the way prose is understood and recalled by native speakers of English. The work of Meyer and her colleagues (197 5, 1977a, 1977b, Meyer, Brandt, and Bluth 1980, Meyer and Freedle 1984) has shown similar effects on native-speaker comprehension of English expository prose. Furthermore, these effects on reading have been demonstrated via differing measures of comprehension — written recall protocols, summaries, retellings, and question-answering. Since the latter research on expository prose has provided further evidence that knowledge and use of textual organization — specifically what Meyer calls the “top-level” organization — discriminates good readers from poor readers (Meyer, Brandt, and Bluth 1980), it is reasonable to ask whether instruction which focuses on text structure improves comprehension for poor comprehenders. Several recent studies [Bartlett 1978, Gordon 1980, Short 1982, Singer and Donlan 1982, Geva 1983, Mosenthal 1984, Taylor and Beach 1984, Reutzel 1985] have found that teaching various aspects of text structure can improve comprehension for readers of English as a native language.
Modeling two-phase flow in three-dimensional complex flow-fields of proton exchange membrane fuel cells

Abstract 3D fine-mesh flow-fields recently developed by Toyota Mirai improved water management and mass transport in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell stacks, suggesting their potential value for robust and high-power PEM fuel cell stack performance. In such complex flow-fields, Forchheimer's inertial effect is dominant at high current density. In this work, a two-phase flow model of 3D complex flow-fields of PEMFCs is developed by accounting for Forchheimer's inertial effect, for the first time, to elucidate the underlying mechanism of liquid water behavior and mass transport inside 3D complex flow-fields and their adjacent gas diffusion layers (GDL). It is found that Forchheimer's inertial effect enhances liquid water removal from flow-fields and adds additional flow resistance around baffles, which improves interfacial liquid water and mass transport. As a result, substantial improvements in high current density cell performance and operational stability are expected in PEMFCs with 3D complex flow-fields, compared to PEMFCs with conventional flow-fields. Higher current density operation required to further reduce PEMFC stack cost per kW in the future will necessitate optimizing complex flow-field designs using the present model, in order to efficiently remove a large amount of product water and hence minimize the mass transport voltage loss.
Protozoan Infections of Man: Malaria

The history of antimalarial chemotherapy is discussed briefly in Chapter 1. A number of excellent reviews of the subject are available (Peters, 1970, 1974, 1980; Thompson and Werbel, 1972; WHO, 1973; Pratt, 1977; Rozman and Canfield, 1979; Richards, 1979; Bruce-Chwatt, 1980, 1981; Rollo, 1980; Dietrich and Kern, 1981; Wyler, 1983; Rieckmann, 1983; Ellis and Chiodini, 1984; Peters and Richards, 1984). The intention of the present chapter is to provide succinct coverage of the clinical pharmacology of currently useful antimalarial drugs as well as some guidelines for their deployment in therapy. Comprehensive descriptions of the disease can be found in any good medical or parasitological text.
MODELING JUMP DIFFUSION IN ZEOLITES: II. APPLICATIONS

We review recent applications of jump models for diffusion in zeolites. We describe the results of a coarse-grained model of the interplay between zeolite anisotropy and disorder, finding that certain disorder patterns can change how anisotropy controls membrane permeation. We show the results of a lattice model for single-file diffusion in zeolite membranes, demonstrating how single-file motion is manifested in anomalous mean-square displacements at short times, and in nonintensive Fickian self-diffusion coefficients at later times. We discuss a normal-mode analysis approach for treating framework flexibility for tightfitting zeolite-guest systems, showing that simulations allowing for framework flexibility can converge is less CPU time than those that keep the framework rigid. We then explore models of the loading dependence of self-diffusion in zeolites, with emphasis on benzene in NaX and NaY. We enumerate the decisions that need to be made when modeling such systems, and indicate the choices/approximations we have made for modeling benzene in NaX and NaY. We report kinetic Monte Carlo results for the loading dependence of benzene diffusion in NaX, which is found in reasonable agreement with NMR data, but in poor agreement with tracer ZLC results. We then speculate on the possibility of having a subcritical fluid adsorbed in a nanoporous material, and how such a thermodynamic state would impact diffusion in such a system. We close with a review of outstanding problems in modeling jump diffusion in zeolites. Submitted for the Proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute on “Fluid Transport in Nanopores,” Eds. J. Fraissard, W.C. Conner, Jr., and V. Skirda, La Colle Sur Loup, France, June 16-27, 2003.
Factors which may Alter the Assembly of Biomembranes so as to Influence their Structure or Function

We are currently using both simple liposomes and mammalian cells to study factors possibly governing the dynamics of assembly of biomembranes. Some factors we found to be important to the properties of simple liposomes as well as biomembranes are 25-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, 26-hydroxycholesterol and the oxidation products of highly unsaturated fatty acids. They effect the permeability of membranes to Ca+ ions and the phospholipid head group composition of biomembranes. Their influence on membranes is concentration dependent. It is, in some cases, dependent on the presence of antioxidants which counteract their influence on biomembranes, the presence of surface active agents and yet unknown factors.
An Introduction to Membrane Conductances

Acceptance of the idea that electrical excitability in neural membranes results from the voltage-dependent opening and closing of ion-specific membrane channels is widespread among electrophysiologists. Much of the evidence that has led to this acceptance has been based on measurements of current flow through excitable membranes (Conti and Neher, 1980; Sigworth and Neher, 1980). These channels have been described in terms of their individual unit conductances or their conductances in ensemble. This chapter is written from the viewpoint of a “channel” advocate. For other views of bioelectrical phenomena, see the chapters in this book by Tasaki and Iwasa, Ling, Leuchtag and Fishman, and Chang.
Planar-junction avalanche breakdown improvement

Planar junctions are much easier to passivate and to protect from external contaminants than are etched mesa devices. They compare unfavorably, however, with the mesa-type structures from the breakdown voltage point of view if special designs which include guard rings, field-limiting rings, or field plates are not used. When they are used, though, planar-junction breakdowns as good or better than those of mesa devices can be achieved.
One-pot synthesis of carbohydrate exo-cyclic enones and hemiketals with 6,8-dioxabicyclo-[3.2.1]octane moieties. Serendipitous formation of a spironolactone when 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde is used as the reactant. Part II

Abstract A library of exo-cyclic carbohydrate enones 2–13 were prepared via a base-catalyzed, highly stereoselective aldol condensation of dihydrolevoglucosenone 1 (cyrene) with various aromatic aldehydes. In the case of 4-chlorobenzaldehyde as a reactant, under conditions of the aldol condensation, exo-cyclic enone 9 and a secondary product 9A was isolated. When 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde was used as a reactant, an unexpected spironolactone 19 was exclusively observed. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS analyses and single-crystal x-ray diffraction of the representative enone 9, the secondary product 9A, hemiketal 18, and spironolactone 19 unequivocally confirms the structural assignments. Mechanistic insights leading to the synthesized products are also proposed and discussed.
Abstract 104: Aortic Dilation and Elasticity in Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm in a Marfan Model is Sexually Dimorphic

Objective: Meta-analysis of data derived from Marfan patients in the Genetically-Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions (GenTAC) consortium revealed that thoracic aortic ...
WRC-19 and 5G Spectrum Planning

This paper predicts the likely outcome of spectrum planning work on fifth generation wireless (“5G”) services at the 2019 World Administrative Conference (“WRC-19”). It considers whether the United States delegation to the conference embraced old lessons about International Telecommunication Union (“ITU”) spectrum management and emerging ones generated by the new technologies and services 5G will offer, as well as growing national security and industrial policy concerns. Well before WRC-19, carriers in many nations have begun to offer wireless services using the 5G label. These carriers have acted in advance of finalized spectrum allocation decisions and risk rolling out services on frequencies that may not match a future global consensus. This paper identifies opportunities and benefits in an expedited, unilateral approach, but also notes the potential for significant threats and costs, particularly in light of known, but apparently ignored, or forgotten lessons about global and national spectrum planning. At WRC-15, the United States largely failed to secure consensus support for expanding global spectrum allocations to include more bandwidth near existing allocations in the Ultra High Frequency band and at extremely high, single and double digit GigaHertz frequencies. This paper considers whether changes in WRC-19 preparations by the United States delegation and in the attitudes of delegations from other nations will support expedited consideration of 5G frequency allocations throughout the usable radio spectrum. The paper concludes that determining whether the United States achieved success depends in large part on one’s understanding of the pace, nature, procedures and goals of the ITU spectrum planning process. Observers, including FCC commissioners of both political parties, have complained about flaws in the ITU administrative process that contributed to the absence of efforts to expedite rollout of 5G services and other national objectives. Proponents of the process support the ITU as methodical, thorough, consensus driven and conflict avoiding. WRC-19 will likely generate the same inconsistent evaluations.
Slow light at the nanoscale based on active epsilon-near-zero plasmonic waveguides

Plasmonic waveguides exhibit an effective epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) response at their cut-off frequency. In this work, we demonstrate the formation of an exceptional point (EP) in a nanoscale open and lossy (non-Hermitian) nanophotonic system consisting of an array of periodic nanowaveguides loaded with a very low gain coefficient material. We theoretically analyze the obtained EP, as well as its topological properties, by using a transmission-line model adapted to the plasmonic properties of the proposed device. The dispersion of the active ENZ mode and the group velocity are thoroughly investigated. Reflectionless transmission (perfect loss compensation) and ultraslow group velocity values at the nanoscale are realized at the EP, which coincides with the ENZ cut-off frequency of the proposed plasmonic system. This special spectral degeneracy (EP) is a unique feature of the presented nanoscale symmetric plasmonic ENZ configuration, different from most of the previous works that were mainly focused on asymmetric bulky micron-scale active photonic configurations.
Cracking the “Sepsis” Code: Assessing Time Series Nature of EHR Data, and Using Deep Learning for Early Sepsis Prediction

On a yearly basis, sepsis costs US hospitals more than any other health condition. A majority of patients who suffer from sepsis are not diagnosed at the time of admission. Early detection and antibiotic treatment of sepsis are vital to improve outcomes for these patients, as each hour of delayed treatment is associated with increased mortality. In this study our goal is to predict sepsis 12 hours before its diagnosis using vitals and blood tests routinely taken in the ICU. We have investigated the performance of several machine learning algorithms including XGBoost, CNN, CNN-LSTM and CNN-XGBoost. Contrary to our expectations, XGBoost outperforms all of the sequential models and yields the best hour-by-hour prediction, perhaps due to the way we imputed missing values, losing signal that relates to the time-series nature of the EHR data. We added feature engineering to detect change points in tests and vitals, resulting in 5% improvement in XGBoost. Our team, USF-Sepsis-Phys, achieved a utility score of 0.22 (untuned threshold) and an average of the three reported AUCs (test sets A, B, C) of 0.82. As expected with this AUC, the same model with tuned threshold (not run in the PhysioNet challenge) performed significantly better, as evaluated with 3-fold cross-validation of the entire PhyisoNet training set.