cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Relationship of Resting S-T Segment Depression to the Severity of Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis and the Presence of Ventricular Premature Complexes in the Dog

Electrocardiograms (ECG) from 35 dogs with subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) with a left ventricular outflow tract pressure gradient (PG) of > or =50 mm Hg were retrospectively evaluated for S-T segment depression (STD, > or =0.2 mV in lead II). Pressure gradient, age, heart rate (HR), and number of ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) on a 24-hour ambulatory ECG for dogs with STD were not significantly different from those for dogs without STD. The S-T segment deviation did not correlate significantly with PG, age, HR, or VPCs. The significance of STD in the dog with SAS remains uncertain. Long-term prospective studies are needed to fully understand this observation.
On the continuation of partial-wave amplitudes to complexl

A formal definition of a continuation of partial-wave amplitudes from physicall values is given, and shown to be unique. The cases of potential scattering and of a relativisticS-matrix theory satisfying the Mandelstam representation are then considered in detail.
Selected ion flow tube studies of the atomic oxygen radical cation reactions with ethylene and other alkenes

Abstract The chemical ionization reaction of the atomic oxygen radical cation with ethylene have been investigated extensively at 300 K in 0.5 Torr of helium in a selected ion flow tube (SIFT). To help understand the ethylene data, five additional terminal alkenes (propene, isobutene, isoprene, styrene, and vinylidene chloride) were also examined. Considerable care was taken to account for the extremely high reactivity of O·+ (i.e. correction for reaction with trace levels of impurity in the helium) and the possibility of generation of electronically excited reactant ions. Ethylene was found to react on 93% of encounters, and to give 26% of its parent radical cation, 18% of the vinyl cation, 47% of acetylene radical cation, and 9% of protonated carbon monoxide. A mechanistic proposal for how these ions arise is presented. Extension of the mechanistic proposal for ethylene accounts for the reactivity observed for the other alkenes as well. Correlation of the yield of charge transfer product from each alkene with ionization energy (IE) suggests that primary event in the reaction is charge transfer. One exception is styrene: It has the lowest IE of the alkenes examined but the highest yield of molecular radical cation, leading to the suggestion that styrene may yield electronically excited ion products.
Role of membrane oxidation in controlling the activity of human group IIa secretory phospholipase A(2) toward apoptotic lymphoma cells.

Abstract The membranes of healthy lymphocytes normally resist hydrolysis by secretory phospholipase A2. However, they become susceptible during the process of apoptosis. Previous experiments have demonstrated the importance of certain physical changes to the membrane during cell death such as a reduction in membrane lipid order and exposure of phosphatidylserine on the membrane surface. Nevertheless, those investigations also showed that at least one additional factor was required for rapid hydrolysis by the human group IIa phospholipase isozyme. This study was designed to test the possibility that oxidation of membrane lipids is the additional factor. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy with a fluorescent probe of oxidative potential suggested that oxidation of the plasma membrane occurs during apoptosis stimulated by thapsigargin. When oxidative potential was high, the activity of human group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 was enhanced 30- to 100-fold compared to that observed with conditions sufficient for maximal hydrolysis by other secretory phospholipase A2 isoforms. Direct oxidation of cell membranes with either of two oxidizing agents also stimulated hydrolysis by secretory phospholipase A2. Both oxidizers caused externalization of phosphatidylserine, but a change in lipid order did not always occur. These results demonstrated that membrane oxidation strongly stimulates human group IIa secretory phospholipase A2 activity toward apoptotic cells. Interestingly, the change in membrane order, previously thought to be imperative for high rates of hydrolysis, was not required when membrane lipids were oxidized. Whether phosphatidylserine exposure is still necessary with oxidation remains unresolved since the two events could not be deconvoluted.
On the role of the starved codon and the takeoff site in ribosome bypassing in Escherichia coli.

Translating ribosomes can skip over stretches of messenger RNA and resume protein chain elongation after a “bypassed” region. We have previously shown that limitation for isoleucyl-tRNA can initiate a ribosome bypass when an AUA codon is in the ribosomal A-site. We have now generalized this effect to other “hungry” codons calling for four different limiting aminoacyl-tRNA species, suggesting that a pause at any A-site will have this effect. We have assessed bypassing in a large family of reporters with nearly every different triplet in the “takeoff site”, i.e. the P-site on the 5′ side of the hungry codon, and an identical “landing site” codon 16 nucleotides downstream. The different takeoff sites vary over a factor of 50 in bypassing proficiency. At least part of this variation appears to reflect stability of the codon∷anticodon interaction at the takeoff site, as indicated by the following: (a) the bypassing proficiency of different tRNAs shows a rough correlation with the frequency of A∷U as opposed to G∷C pairs in the codon∷anticodon association; (b) specific tRNAs bypass more frequently from codons ending in U than from their synonym ending in C; (c) an arginine tRNA with Inosine in the wobble position which reads CGU, CGC, and CGA bypasses much more frequently from the last codon than the first two synonyms.
Field and laboratory studies of Triticum aestivum L. Inoculated with co-existent growth-promoting Bacillus strains

Abstract We have shown previously that six strains belonging to the genus Bacillus isolated from the rhizosphere of spring wheat cv. Katepwa were able to promote root growth of Katepwa but not of the parental cv. Neepawa under sterile conditions in test tubes. Further studies with strains 5A1 or 3A have shown that the growth promotion can be demonstrated under a variety of growth conditions, in sterile Leonard jars, non-sterile pots or in the field. A heat-labile factor may be involved in the mode of action because autoclaving 5A1 cells inhibited growth promotion but addition of supernatant was as effective as whole cells. IAA was detected in the supernatant using GC-MS but exogenous addition of up to 200 μg IAA per pot did not affect the growth of cv. Katepwa or Neepawa. The growth response of cv. Katepwa to inoculation with strain 5A1 was similar over a range of inoculum densities from 107 to 1010 cells per pot, but the lowest density resulted in the largest growth response. A time-course experiment with strain 5A1 and cv. Katepwa indicated that growth promotion was initiated within 2 weeks of sowing, but that the growth response was not significant until 3 weeks after sowing. In the field, strain 3A increased the rate at which Katepwa seedlings emerged. Inoculation of the same cultivar with strain 5A1 increased shoot weight and tiller number by 38% (P
Use of bioimpedance for measuring cardiac output in the conscious dog

Cardiovascular profiling of developmental compounds by General Pharmacologyl Safety Pharmacology is an integral part of the drug discovery process in support of registration of clinical candidates. Non-invasive screening tools which provide hemodynamic measurements can facilitate the drug development process. One such method, bioimpedance cardiography, is an indirect means of evaluating cardiac output. Changes in thoracic impedance in response to an applied current are related to changes in volume and velocity of blood flow in the thorax for the determination of stroke volume, which is coupled to heart rate for calculating cardiac output. Commercially available bioimpedance cardiography units have evolved considerably in recent years in step with advances in computing power. The use of these units, with modification, in the preclinical arena for determinations in anesthetized dogs and pigs has shown good correlation with other accepted methodologies for measuring cardiac output. Data presented here are the first to describe the application of this technology in conscious dogs. The utility and limitations of this method as a screening tool in the conscious dog are discussed. These cardiac output measurements combined with arterial pressure and electrocardiogram measurements, provide a simple means for more complete hemodynamic profiling of drug candidates.
Skin structure and function: The body's primary defense against infection

Abstract The skin serves as a wall-like barrier to separate and protect the inside of our body from the microbial enemies of the environment and provide a primary defense against infection. The layers of the skin, like the outer wall and secondary inner walls surrounding a medieval city, not only provide protection from external enemies, but also provide niches where normal flora bacteria and fungi can live and conduct business. The structure of the skin and its antimicrobial properties are presented with a discussion of examples of microbes that overcome these protections to cause disease.
The Place to Be: The Development and Implementation of an Alzheimer's Day-Care/Respite Program as a Level I Fieldwork Experience for Occupational Therapy Students.

The Place To Be, a faculty‐developed and ‐coordinated Alzheimer's day‐care/respite program, is a model for a Level I fieldwork placement for occupational therapy students. The purpose of the program is to provide (a) planned, appropriate, and purposeful activities in a predictable and safe environment for persons with dementia; (b) respite for family members; and (c) a meaningful and educational fieldwork experience for senior occupational therapy students. The program has proven to be advantageous for persons with Alzheimer's, their families, and occupational therapy students. The model can be adapted or expanded for student training in other disciplines.
Genetic regulation of water intake in the rat

Abstract The results of direct selection for increased or decreased voluntary water intake at 22°C and 35°C are reported for the laboratory rat. Selection was more effective at 35°C with asymetrical response favoring selection for increased water consumption. Reciprocal transfer response of lines selected for increased water consumption was very comparable to direct selection at each temperature with a genetic correlation of 0.93. Transfer response of the negative selection groups was about half the direct response. Water restriction studies, urine concentration tests, adrenal, pituitary and kidney analyses showed no abnormal conditions in the high- or low-drinking groups that would account for the difference in water intake. The evidence indicates that the observed physiological differences between high- and low-water consuming groups were the result of effective selection for genetic differences in the thirst drive. Thus, the resulting adipsia and polydipsia may be defined as genetic variations of a psychogenic or behavioral trait.
Percutaneous pericardial instrumentation in the electrophysiology laboratory: a case of need.

f 4 s r r o s m c T o m i c r a p t i t ( n h i f Catheter ablation has been applied to all forms of cardiac rrhythmias, ranging from sinus tachycardia to polymorphic entricular tachyarrhythmias. However, the treatment of entricular tachycardia (VT) remains a challenge for several easons, including the inaccessibility of the midepicardial nd epicardial myocardium from the endovascular aproach. Like many things in clinical practice, the use of picardial mapping for ablation of VT has come full circle. he first attempts at surgical ablation of VT relied entirely n epicardial mapping. Fractionated and late electrograms ssociated with the substrate for VT were described very arly from the epicardial surgical mapping experience. owever, the overriding necessity of endocardial mapping nd resection was soon realized, especially for VT associted with coronary artery disease and aneurysms. In contrast to the surgical approach, catheter ablation for T has evolved from the endocardium to the epicardium. he limitations of an endocardial-only approach to catheter blation for VT have been highlighted by specific condiions, such as Chagas disease, which classically produce an rrhythmogenic epicardial substrate. The returned attention o the epicardium also has been driven by modest long-term uccess rates for VT ablation in general. As a result, the mportance of percutaneous epicardial access in the electrohysiology laboratory now is being reported for cohorts of T patients with common susbstrates of ischemic and nonschemic cardiomyopathies. The most recent such study s reported by Cesario et al in this issue of Heart Rhythm. his study was designed to systematically apply a combined ndocardial and epicardial mapping approach in patients resenting with medically refractory, frequently recurrent Ts. Twenty patients with ischemic (n 12) or nonischmic (n 8) cardiomyopathies were included in the study fter they met at least one of the following entrance criteria: reviously failed ablation, suspected inferoposterior scar, or CG suggestive of an epicardial VT origin. The VTs tareted for ablation included arrhythmias clinically docuented by 12-lead ECG and monomorphic VTs induced by rogrammed stimulation without isoproterenol. Endocardial apping was performed via the transseptal approach in 19
The Influence of Sex and Race on the Test Scores of Research Subjects Exposed to Research Purpose Information

Summary The study looked at the different reactions of subgroups within a sample of undergraduates to different research purpose information. In the sample there were 80 males and 206 females, 43 blacks and 243 whites. Ss were assigned to one of three treatment groups which received (a) positive information which indicated high scores on the dependent variables were desirable; (b) neutral information which provided no expectation; or (c) negative information which indicated low scores were desirable. The results indicated that there were significant differences on the positive and negative treatments between males and females and also between blacks and whites. The data suggest that information about the expected outcomes of a research study will affect different subgroups in a population, causing significant changes in the data.
Deuterium release from plasma-exposed beryllium during thermal desorption

An analytic solution is obtained for the thermal desorption spectrum of deuterium released from beryllium samples containing a mixed-material surface layer following exposure to a steady-state, high flux plasma. The analytical results are used to interpret experimental data that showed two separate deuterium release peaks. By comparing the calculations and measurements, the activation energy for diffusion of deuterium in beryllium is estimated and found to be higher than values previously reported in the literature. It is also found that the desorption spectrum is determined by the temperature ramping rate, the deuterium diffusion depth, and the material diffusivity. The fact that the analytical model agrees well with large-scale TMAP4 calculations suggests that desorption in this case is not strongly dependent on boundary conditions or recombination-limited surface kinetics.
Determination of substrate specificity for peptide deformylase through the screening of a combinatorial peptide library.

Peptide deformylase is an essential Fe2+ metalloenzyme that catalyzes the removal of the N-terminal formyl group from nascent polypeptides in eubacteria. In vivo, the deformylase is capable of deformylating most of the polypeptides in a bacterial cell, which contain diverse N-terminal sequences. In this work, we have developed a combinatorial method to systematically examine the sequence specificity of peptide deformylase. A peptide library that contains all possible N-terminally formylated tetrapeptides was constructed on TentaGel resin, with a unique peptide sequence on each resin bead. Limited treatment with the Escherichia coli deformylase resulted in the deformylation of those peptides that are the most potent substrates of the enzyme. By using an enzyme-linked assay, the beads containing the deformylated peptides were identified and isolated. Peptide sequence analysis using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry revealed a consensus sequence, formyl-Met-X-Z-Tyr (X = any amino ...
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG-I): pathophysiological significance

The ability of the endothelium to produce nitric oxide, which induces generation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) that activates cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG-I), in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), is essential for the maintenance of vascular homeostasis. Yet, disturbance of this nitric oxide/cGMP/PKG-I pathway has been shown to play an important role in many cardiovascular diseases. In the last two decades, in vitro and in vivo models of vascular injury have shown that PKG-I is suppressed following nitric oxide, cGMP, cytokine, and growth factor stimulation. The molecular basis for these changes in PKG-I expression is still poorly understood, and they are likely to be mediated by a number of processes, including changes in gene transcription, mRNA stability, protein synthesis, or protein degradation. Emerging studies have begun to define mechanisms responsible for changes in PKG-I expression and have identified cis- and trans-acting regulatory elements, with a plausible role being attributed to post-translational control of PKG-I protein levels. This review will focus mainly on recent advances in understanding of the regulation of PKG-I expression in VSMCs, with an emphasis on the physiological and pathological significance of PKG-I down-regulation in VSMCs in certain circumstances.
The interaction between an internal gravity wave and the planetary boundary layer. Part II: Effect of the wave on the turbulence structure

An atmospheric internal gravity wave was measured over a two-hour period by a microbarograph array and a series of fast response wind and temperature sensors deployed along a 300m tower. the particularly monochromatic nature of the pressure signal at the ground enabled an explicit separation of the velocity field into mean, wave, and turbulent components. Large wave-frequency fluctuations were observed in the turbulent Reynolds stresses. Their significance is discussed at length with special regard to their role in the budget of wave kinetic energy. It is shown that the quadrature relationship which they maintain with the components of wave-shear, limits their effectiveness in reducing the wave amplitude. Analysis of the important time scales in the budget of turbulent kinetic energy reveals that the energy containing eddies have time scales longer than the wave period, and consequently the turbulence cannot remain in equilibrium with large, wave-frequency fluctuations in shear production. the result is a boundary layer which never attains a true equilibrium state.
New images of complex structures underneath the Tibetan Plateau

The Tibetan Plateau contains some of the highest mountains in the world and was formed by the collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates beginning around 55 million years ago. Curious about how such elevated terrains form, Yue et al. used data collected from a seismic experiment conducted between 2007 and 2009 to image the complex three-dimensional geometry of the crust and upper mantle in northeastern Tibet. The scientists' results detected the interaction between components of thrust and subduction, shed light on the conditions surrounding crustal loading, and located mantle discontinuities and small-scale mantle convection. Despite the thick crust of the plateau, which can reach depths of 65–75 kilometers, the authors were able to capture for the first time major vertical offsets (ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers) in the Mohorovicic discontinuity, the boundary between the crust and the mantle underlying the region. These offsets, along with the presence of other structures, bear testament to the intricate evolution of the Tibetan Plateau; the authors posit different scenarios on the history of this evolution, including the presence of buried remnant slabs of possible oceanic origin that continue to sink and create mantle eddies. (Journal of Geophysical Research-Solid Earth, doi:10.1029/2011JB008545, 2012)
Why India Cannot Plan Its Cities: Informality, Insurgence and the Idiom of Urbanization:

The fast-paced growth of the Indian economy and particularly its cities has produced an urban crisis, one that is marked by the lack of adequate infrastructure and growth management as well as by s...
Strained-Layer Superlattices for Polarization-Insensitive Integrated Waveguide Applications

Quantum well intermixing has emerged as a new method to define waveguides in semiconductors. Selected regions in a semiconductor quantum well structure are altered using dielectric cap disordering, laser induced disordering or impurity induced disordering (IID) thus creating a refractive index discontinuity at the diffusion boundary. The chief advantage of using multiple quantum wells in disordered structures is that it is possible to control the electronic and optical properties of multiple-quantum wells and superlattices by varying the layer widths and compositions. This creates great potential for designing waveguides, since quantum-size effects and strain effects can be used to obtain a range of superlattice designs which display desirable characteristics such as polarization insensitivity to the propagating light. Also, since IID provides a way to create waveguides in superlattices using conventional IC processing techniques, it is an attractive process to be considered for fabricating optoelectronic integrated circuits.
Reducing the Response of Single-Phase Transmission Lines to Electrical Noise

The reception of unwanted noise can be drastically reduced in a single-phase transmission line by employing 2N, N = 1,2,. ., conductors with alternate wires connected in parallel. The cross section of the line forms a regular polygon. The advantage of the four-wire line over the two-wire line for discrimination against noise is exhibited.
Quality and Growth Rate of Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition Epitaxial Si Layers

Fast epitaxial growth of several microns thick Si at glass-compatible temperatures by the hot-wire CVD technique is investigated, for film Si photovoltaic and other applications. Growth temperature determines the growth phase (epitaxial or disordered) and affects the growth rate, possibly due to the different hydrogen coverage. Stable epitaxy proceeds robustly in several different growth chemistry regimes at substrate temperatures above 600°C. The resulting films exhibit low defect concentrations and high carrier mobilities.
Comparing multiattribute evaluation process models

An important part of the cognitive system of any individual is the process by which alternatives are evaluated. Of particular interest is the evaluation of multiattribute alternatives. Behavioral scientists have attempted (1) to describe the cognitive processes underlying such evaluations and (2) to predict the outcomes of such evaluations. This research develops four lexicographic models of the multiattribute evaluation process. The predictive accuracy of these models is tested and they are compared with four linear evaluation process models. An experiment was designed in which a decision task – evaluating salesmen for the purpose of bestowing year end bonuses –was assigned to 66 graduate students in business. Each subject provided evaluation information on four sets of five alternative salesmen. Results showed, among other things, that linear models were not superior to lexicographic models. These results raise important questions for the modeling, prediction and prescription of multiattribute evaluation processing behavior.
DNA/RNA markers for colorectal cancer risk in preserved stool specimens: a pilot study.

Aims and background. Exfoliated cells in human stool offer excellent opportunities to non-invasively detect molecular markers associated with colorectal tumorigenesis, and to evaluate the effects of exposures to exogenous and endogenous carcinogenic or chemopreventive substances. This pilot study investigated the feasibility of determining DNA methylation and RNA expression simultaneously in stool specimens treated with a single type of nucleic acid preservatives. Methods. Stool specimens from 56 volunteers that were preserved up to a week with RNAlater were used in this study. Bisulfite sequencing was used to determine methylation at 27 CpG loci on the estrogen receptor 1 (ESRI) promoter. Taqman assay was used for quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions to measure cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA expression. Subjects' basic demographic and other selected risk factors for colorectal cancer were captured through questionnaires and correlated with the levels of these markers. Results. Less than 10% of the samples failed in individual assays. Overall, 24.0% of the CpG loci on the ESR1 promoter were methylated. COX2 expression and alcohol use were positively correlated; an inverse association was present between EGFR expression and cigarette smoking; and subjects using anti-diabetic medication had higher ESR1 methylation. In addition, higher EGFR expression levels were marginally associated with history of polyps and family history of colorectal cancer. Conclusions. The present study demonstrates that simultaneous analyses for DNA and RNA markers are feasible in stool samples treated with a single type of nucleotide preservatives. Among several associations observed, the association between EGFR expression and polyps deserves further investigation as a potential target for colorectal cancer screening. Larger studies are warranted to confirm some of our observations.
Utility of the broccoli sign in the distinction of prolapsed uterine tumor from cervical tumor

Abstract Objective To describe the utility, histopathological basis, and clinical correlates of the broccoli sign. Methods The committee on human research approved this HIPAA compliant study and waived written informed consent. Based on the records of the senior author and our multidisciplinary Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board, we retrospectively identified thirteen women (mean age of 48.8 years; range, 34–74) with a cervical mass seen at MR imaging ( n = 13) or CT ( n = 5) that demonstrated the previously reported broccoli sign (i.e., a soft tissue stalk connecting the cervical mass to the uterine cavity) on one or other modality. All available clinical, imaging, and histopathological records were reviewed, with particular emphasis on initially suspected diagnosis, final proven diagnosis, and outcome. Results Cervical cancer was the initial clinically suspected diagnosis in 6 of 13 patients. Surgical resection demonstrated prolapsed uterine tumor in all patients, consisting of endometrioid adenocarcinoma ( n = 7), carcinosarcoma ( n = 2), adenosarcoma ( n = 1), and leiomyoma ( n = 3). Excluding the three patients with leiomyomas, currently, 7 patients with malignant tumors are disease free after a mean interval of 15 months (range, 3–45) and 3 patients have been lost to follow-up. Conclusion A stalk connecting an apparent cervical mass seen at CT or MR imaging to the endometrial cavity (“broccoli sign”) favors the diagnosis of a prolapsed uterine tumor; these prolapsed uterine tumors can often be malignant but appear to have a good prognosis.
An assessment of the relative impact of criminal justice and criminology journals

The current study was undertaken to provide an impact assessment of criminal justice and criminology journals as an alternative measure to the prestige survey ratings reported by Sorensen, Snell, and Rodriguez (2006). Citations to sixty-seven target journals were tallied from ten top criminal justice and criminology journals. Various impact measures were fairly consistent with one another and the prestige survey ratings, particularly for a “top tier” of journals. With a couple of notable exceptions, a long-standing core of these elite journals has held their relative positions from early impact studies relying on data from the 1970s and 1980s; nevertheless, significant deviations were noted based on the measurement utilized for all but the top journals. Findings from the current study suggested that the quality of journals is multifaceted and warns against employing a scale based on one dimension of journal quality.
Streptolysin O and NAD-Glycohydrolase Prevent Phagolysosome Acidification and Promote Group A Streptococcus Survival in Macrophages

Group A Streptococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) is an ongoing threat to human health as the agent of streptococ- cal pharyngitis, skin and soft tissue infections, and life-threatening conditions such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. In animal models of infection, macrophages have been shown to contribute to host defense against GAS infection. However, as GAS can resist killing by macrophages in vitro and induce macrophage cell death, it has been suggested that GAS intracellular survival in macrophages may enable persistent infection. Using isogenic mutants, we now show that the GAS pore-forming toxin streptolysin O (SLO) and its cotoxin NAD-glycohydrolase (NADase) mediate GAS intracellular survival and cytotoxicity for macrophages. Unexpectedly, the two toxins did not inhibit fusion of GAS-containing phagosomes with lyso- somes but rather prevented phagolysosome acidification. SLO served two essential functions, poration of the phagolysosomal membrane and translocation of NADase into the macrophage cytosol, both of which were necessary for maximal GAS intracellu- lar survival. Whereas NADase delivery to epithelial cells is mediated by SLO secreted from GAS bound to the cell surface, in mac- rophages, the source of SLO and NADase is GAS contained within phagolysosomes. We found that transfer of NADase from the phagolysosome to the macrophage cytosol occurs not by simple diffusion through SLO pores but rather by a specific transloca- tion mechanism that requires the N-terminal translocation domain of NADase. These results illuminate the mechanisms through which SLO and NADase enable GAS to defeat macrophage-mediated killing and provide new insight into the virulence of a major human pathogen. IMPORTANCE Macrophages constitute an important element of the innate immune response to mucosal pathogens. They ingest and kill microbes by phagocytosis and secrete inflammatory cytokines to recruit and activate other effector cells. Group A Strep- tococcus (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes), an important cause of pharyngitis and invasive infections, has been shown to resist kill- ing by macrophages. Wefind that GAS resistance to macrophage killing depends on the GAS pore-forming toxin streptolysin O (SLO) and its cotoxin NAD-glycohydrolase (NADase). GAS bacteria are internalized by macrophage phagocytosis but resist kill- ing by secreting SLO, which damages the phagolysosome membrane, prevents phagolysosome acidification, and translocates NADase from the phagolysosome into the macrophage cytosol. NADase augments SLO-mediated cytotoxicity by depleting cellu- lar energy stores. Thesefindings may explain the nearly universal production of SLO by GAS clinical isolates and the association of NADase with the global spread of a GAS clone implicated in invasive infections.
Quantitative Trait Locus on Chromosome 12q14.1 Influences Variation in Plasma Plasminogen Levels in the San Antonio Family Heart Study

ABSTRACT Plasminogen is a hemostasis-related phenotype and is commonly implicated in thrombotic and bleeding disorders. In the San Antonio Family Heart Study (SAFHS), we performed to our knowledge the first genomewide linkage scan for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence the level of plasminogen. The subset of the SAFHS population used for this study consists of 629 individuals distributed across 26 extended Mexican American families. Pedigree-based variance component linkage analyses were performed using SOLAR. The mean plasminogen level was 114.94% ± 17.8 (range, 42–195). The heritability (h2) of plasminogen was 0.43 ± 0.08 (p < 6.3 × 10−13). One region on chromosome 12 (12q14.1) showed suggestive evidence of linkage (LOD = 2.73, nominal p < 0.0002, genomewide p = 0.0786) near marker D12S1609. Because plasminogen has important effects in many human health problems, such as cancer and atherosclerosis, the role of this putative QTL in the regulation of plasminogen variability needs to be studied ...
An Interactive Design Environment for C-Based High-Level Synthesis of RTL Processors

Much effort in register transfer level (RTL) design has been devoted to developing "push-button" types of tools. However, given the highly complex nature, and lack of control on RTL design, push-button type synthesis is not accepted by many designers. Interactive design with assistance of algorithms and tools can be more effective if it provides control to the steps of synthesis. In this paper, we propose an interactive RTL design environment which enables designers to control the design steps and to integrate hardware components into a system. Our design environment is targeting a generic RTL processor architecture and supporting pipelining, multicycling, and chaining. Tasks in the RTL design process include clock definition, component allocation, scheduling, binding, and validation. In our interactive environment, the user can control the design process at every stage, observe the effects of design decisions, and manually override synthesis decisions at will. We present a set of experimental results that demonstrate the benefits of our approach. Our combination of automated tools and interactive control by the designer results in quickly generated RTL designs with better performance than fully-automatic results, comparable to fully manually optimized designs.
Theoretical study of the cohesive and structural properties of Mo and W in bcc, fcc, and hcp structures

The structural properties of Mo and W in the bcc, fcc, and hcp structures are calculated using a fully-self-consistent pseudopotential linear combination of atomic orbitals method. Equilibrium lattice constants, cohesive energies, bulk moduli, differences in structural energies, and Mulliken-population analyses are obtained. For both elements, the bcc structure is found to be the most stable while the fcc and hcp structures have very similar cohesive energies. We find that the difference in the sum of eigenvalues gives the correct sign but not the magnitude for the difference in total energy between the bcc and fcc structures.
Dynamics of Dormancy-Status Subpopulations of Indian Ricegrass Seed Held in Dry Storage

Abstract Germination of Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides [Roem. & Schult] Barkworth), a rangeland species native to western North America, is limited by persistent seed dormancy. We previously identified high-dormancy (HD) and low-dormancy (LD) genotypes from within the genetically heterogeneous cultivar Rimrock. Seed was produced in 2000 and 2001 in a common garden, stored in paper-can containers at room temperature, and tested every 3 mo with and without prechill through 2005. In 2005, tetrazolium viability of all four lots was 99%, reflective of this species' extensive seed longevity. Over this time period, germination of nonprechilled seed increased from 1% to 53% for HD and from 15% to 79% for LD, whereas corresponding increases for prechilled seed were from 8% to 56% for HD and from 61% to 76% for LD. At first, the great majority of seeds of HD (99%) and LD (86%) were dormant, but this majority was overwhelmingly prechill nonresponsive for HD (92%) compared to roughly equal portions of prech...
Thermophysical property models for lunar regolith

Abstract We present a set of thermophysical property models for lunar regolith. Data from over 25 sources in the literature are integrated and fit with regression models for the following properties: composition, density, specific heat, latent heat of melting/fusion, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, optical absorption length, Gibbs Free Energy and Enthalpy of Formation. The models are based on data from Apollo samples and high-temperature molten regolith simulants, extending significantly beyond existing models in the literature. Furthermore, separate regression models are presented for Mare and Highlands regolith to demonstrate the effect of composition and to allow the models to be tailored to a wide range of applications. These models can enable more consistent, informed analysis and design of lunar regolith processing hardware and can also support lunar geological simulations. In addition to regression models for each material property, the raw data are presented to allow for further interpretation and fitting as necessary.
The Panel Study of Income Dynamics: Opportunities for the Study of Occupation

This technical report describes a publicly available database for researchers examining occupation, socioeconomic status, and health on a large, nationally representative population. The Panel Study of Income Dynamics (PSID) is a useful tool to investigate complex processes from a multidisciplinary perspective. The PSID is a longitudinal database that allows researchers to examine economic and social phenomena, including time-use. Secondary analysis of data from the PSID can support research and teaching.
Family Discovery

"Family discovery" is the task of learning the dimension and structure of a parameterized family of stochastic models. It is especially appropriate when the training examples are partitioned into "episodes" of samples drawn from a single parameter value. We present three family discovery algorithms based on surface learning and show that they significantly improve performance over two alternatives on a parameterized classification task.
Caregivers' attitudes toward promoting exercise among patients with late-stage lung cancer.

BACKGROUND The benefits of exercise, even at low intensity levels, in improving overall health, psychological well-being, and quality of life in patients with cancer have been well documented. However, few patients are involved in formal exercise programs, and little is known about the factors that motivate those who do participate. Although it has not been well assessed, it stands to reason that spousal and family support is an important determinant of cancer patients' adoption of, and adherence to, an exercise program. OBJECTIVE To characterize attitudes among the family caregivers of patients with late-stage lung cancer about their role in promoting exercise. METHODS 20 adult family caregivers of patients with stage IIIB or IV non-small-cell lung cancer were asked during semi-structured interviews about their views on the role of exercise in "fighting cancer," whether with respect to survival, health, psychological well-being, or overall quality of life; their ability to encourage patients to exercise; and their receptivity to getting exercise instructions from health care providers. FINDINGS Family caregivers viewed exercise as important in fighting cancer. Past exercise patterns and lifestyle were important considerations, with some family caregivers who had not previously exercised considering household activities sufficient for promoting fitness. Family caregivers emphasized the importance of knowing the established boundaries of their relationships and respecting patients' autonomy. Caregivers generally thought that direction from health care providers to exercise would more likely result in meaningful behavioral change for patients. LIMITATIONS The participants were recruited from a quaternary medical center and restricted to those with lung cancer, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other settings or cancers. CONCLUSIONS AND INTERPRETATION Family caregivers believe that exercise is important for patients, but feel constrained in their willingness and ability to promote exercise behaviors because of the established boundaries of their relationships. They have mixed opinions about the utility of exercise promotion by health care providers. Family caregivers are ambivalent about promoting exercise for patients with advanced cancer. Nonjudgmental assessment of patients' past exercise preferences and established relationship boundaries should inform clinical judgment about the utility of engaging family caregivers in the promotion of exercise.
Population Fluctuations of Selected Arthropods in Alfalfa: Influence of Two Harvesting Practices

Border-harvesting in which narrow (3.1 m) strips of uncut alfalfa were left at 30–50 m intervals within the field at each harvest, was effective in reducing the emigration of natural enemy species from the field at cutting when compared with the conventional solid-harvesting technique. Of a total of 25,175 individuals collected in the 2 fields, 18,004 (71.7%) were captured in the border-cut field, 2.5 times the number collected in the solid-cut field. Population levels of all natural enemy species studied remained higher in the border-cut than in the solid-cut field throughout the season. The use of border cutting aided in retaining Lygus bugs in alfalfa and reduced their emigration to surrounding crops. Neither grade nor quality of hay was affected by the harvesting technique.
Food and novel objects as incentives

Two experiments were designed to test preference behavior for food and novel objects by delaying the entry of novel stimuli until rats became adapted to the apparatus. Food deprivation and food presence or absence were manipulated to show that satiated rats made more novelty selections and that deprived rats were more affected by food presence.
Insuring Against Guns

This Article examines whether mandating liability insurance for firearm owners would meet its avowed goals of efficiently compensating shooting victims and deterring unlawful and accidental shootings without creating a net social loss by chilling socially beneficial gun use. In the process, the Article also examines whether nonmandatory liability insurance may enable socially desirable, but potentially risky, firearm-related activities.The analysis indicates that a compulsory firearm-liability insurance regime is unlikely to attain its goals, and may in fact exacerbate the problems it seeks to solve by incentivizing firearm owners to take less care with their weapons. It also shows that it is markedly unlikely that such a mandate would achieve a significant level of compliance. Optional forms of firearm-liability insurance can, however, enable socially desirable activities by those who would otherwise be unable to bear the risks inherent in those activities.One of the best ways to incentivize an activity is to compensate it or to remove its financial consequences. Well-meaning legislators, regulators, and industry members would therefore best serve their constituencies by encouraging optional insurance that covers liability risks arising from socially useful activities, rather than pushing for unhelpful mandates that may aggravate the firearm violence that they seek to remedy.
High-speed line-scanning confocal holographic microscopy for quantitative phase imaging (Conference Presentation)

We present a high speed, phase-sensitive, line-scanning reflectance confocal interference microscope. We achieved rapid confocal imaging using a fast line-scan camera and quantitative phase imaging using off-axis digital holography on a 1D, line-by-line basis. In our prototype system, a He-Ne laser (~1.2 mW) was used to demonstrate the principle of operation. Using a 20 kHz line scan rate (1024 pixels per line scan), we achieved a video-rate frame rate of 20 Hz for 1024x500 pixel en-face confocal images (20 MHz total pixel rate). By using an objective lens of a NA 0.65, we achieved an axial and lateral resolution of ~3.5 micrometers and ~0.8 micrometers, respectively. By z-stack imaging of a custom silicon target with a stepped structure, we confirmed that the axial sectioning of the interference microscope is similar to that of a traditional line-scan confocal microscope (our microscope with the reference arm blocked). The utility of phase-sensitive holographic detection in line-scan confocal was demonstrated in two ways. First, using a custom axial height phantom fabricated using chrome deposition, we demonstrated variations in phase corresponding to heights in the 100 nm range with a contrast-to-noise ratio of ~31 dB. Second, we demonstrate digital refocusing of an out-of-focus holographic image. The mechanism of confocality in our line-scan system is 1D physical pinholing. Our ongoing work aims to add an additional mechanism of confocality by using low spatial coherence sources to impose interferometric pinholing.
A Feasibility Study Showing [ 68 Ga]Citrate PET Detects Prostate Cancer

The management of advanced or recurrent prostate cancer is limited in part by the lack of effective imaging agents. Metabolic changes in prostate cancer have previously been exploited for imaging, culminating in the recent US FDA approval of [11C]choline for the detection of subclinical recurrent disease after definitive local therapy. Despite this milestone, production of [11C]choline requires an on-site cyclotron, limiting the scope of medical centers at which this scan can be offered. In this pilot study, we tested whether prostate cancer could be imaged with positron emission tomography (PET) using [68Ga]citrate, a radiotracer that targets iron metabolism but is produced without a cyclotron. Eight patients with castrate-resistant prostate cancer were enrolled in this single-center feasibility study. All patients had evidence of metastatic disease by standard of care imaging [X-ray computed tomography (CT), bone scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] prior to PET with [68Ga]citrate. Patients were intravenously injected with increasing doses of [68Ga]citrate (136.9 to a maximum of 259 MBq). Uptake time was steadily increased from 1 h to approximately 3.5 h for the final 4 patients, and all patients were imaged with a PET/MRI. Qualitative and semi-quantitative (maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax)) assessment of the metastatic lesions was performed and compared to the standard of care imaging. At 1- and 2-h imaging times post injection, there were no detectable lesions with [68Ga]citrate PET. At 3- to 4-h uptake time, there were a total of 71 [68Ga]citrate-positive lesions (67 osseous, 1 liver, and 3 lymph node). Of these, 65 lesions were visible on the standard of care imaging (CT and/or bone scan). One PET-avid osseous vertebral body metastasis was not apparent on either CT or bone scan. Twenty-five lesions were not PET-avid but seen on CT and bone scan (17 bone, 6 lymph node, 1 pleural, and 1 liver). The average of the maximum SUVs for bone or soft tissue metastases for patients treated at higher doses and uptake time was statistically higher than the corresponding parameter in normal liver, muscle, and bone. Visually obvious blood pool activity was observed even 3–4 h post injection, suggesting that further optimization of the [68Ga]citrate imaging protocol is required to maximize signal-to-background ratios. Our preliminary results support that PET with [68Ga]citrate may be a novel tool for imaging prostate cancer. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal imaging protocol, the clinical significance of [68Ga]citrate uptake, and its role in therapeutic decisions.
Group visits hit the road.

By taking group visits to his elderly patients, this physician found a way to meet their needs and those of his practice – and have fun at the same time.