cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging studies of essential tremor: how well do these studies support/refute the neurodegenerative hypothesis?

Background : Tissue‐based research has recently led to a new patho‐mechanistic model of essential tremor (ET)—the cerebellar degenerative model. We are not aware of a study that has reviewed the current neuroimaging evidence, focusing on whether the studies support or refute the neurodegenerative hypothesis of ET. This was our aim. Methods: References for this review were identified by searches of PubMed (1966 to February 2014). Results: Several neuroimaging methods have been used to study ET, most of them based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The methods most specific to address the question of neurodegeneration are MRI‐based volumetry, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and diffusion‐weighted imaging. Studies using each of these methods provide support for the presence of cerebellar degeneration in ET, finding reduced cerebellar brain volumes, consistent decreases in cerebellar N‐acetylaspartate, and increased mean diffusivity. Other neuroimaging techniques, such as functional MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) are less specific, but still sensitive to potential neurodegeneration. These techniques are used for measuring a variety of brain functions and their impairment. Studies using these modalities also largely support cerebellar neuronal impairment. In particular, changes in 11C‐flumazenil binding in PET studies and changes in iron deposition in an MRI study provide evidence along these lines. The composite data point to neuronal impairment and likely neuronal degeneration in ET. Discussion: Recent years have seen a marked increase in the number of imaging studies of ET. As a whole, the combined data provide support for the presence of cerebellar neuronal degeneration in this disease.
Composition and efficient evaluation of context-aware preference queries

This paper presents a modular approach to context-aware preference query composition based on a novel kind of preference generator. We introduce a constructive model to generate preference terms within the Preference SQL framework. Given several sources for preference related knowledge like explicit user input, information extracted from a preference repository, domain-specific application knowledge, location-based sensor data, or web service feeds for weather data our preference generator can compile a user search request into one rather complex context-aware Preference SQL query. Choosing as use case a commercial e-business platform for outdoor activities, we demonstrate how such queries despite the power and complexity of this approach can be evaluated efficiently on a practical data set.
Simultaneous measurement of one-carbon and polyglutamate derivatives of folic acid in rat liver using enzymatic interconversions of folates followed by ternary complex formation with thymidylate synthetase and 5-fluorodeoxyuridylic acid: standardization of the method.

A sensitive assay is needed for the measurement of individual folate derivatives in samples that contain low concentrations of folate. The ternary complex method for the determination of folylpolyglutamates has been combined with procedures for interconverting folate derivatives to provide a method capable of measuring 28 different folate derivatives in biological samples. The method takes advantage of the properties of the ternary complex formed with thymidylate synthetase, fluorodeoxyuridylic acid and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolic acid. In the presence of excess purified thymidylate synthetase and excess [ 3 H]fluorodeoxyuridylic acid, limiting concentrations of folates were converted to 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate using purified folate interconverting ensymes. This process separated folate derivatives into four groups: Tetrahydrofolate +5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate; dihydrofolate; 5, 10-methenyl-, 5-formyl-, and 10-formyltetrahydrofolates and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Within groups specificity was good, showing little overlap between folates. Sensitivities to 100 fmol of folate were achievable and to 1 pmol were standard. Recoveries were linear for each of the groups in this system to 50 pmol of folate. Ternary complexes containing different polyglutamates were separated by isoelectric focusing, visualised by fluorography and measured by densitometry. The densitometry was linear with folate concentration in the range 20-200 fmol for each of the polyglutamates. Primary and secondary coefficients of variation were determined. This method provides the sensitivity to measure individual folates in the femtomole range and the flexibility to determine the concentrations of 28 separate pools of folate derivatives, differentiating between derivatives of the pteridine moiety and glutamate chain length simultaneously
Taxonomic studies on some cram negative polarly flagellated “hydrogen bacteria” and related species

The properties of several named and unnamed strains of polarly flagellated “hydrogen bacteria” are described and compared with those of related autotrophic and non-autotrophic species. Two new species ofPseudomonas are described: one, a yellow-pigmented hydrogen bacterium,P. palleronii Davis; the other, a non-autotrophic, non-pigmented species,P. delafieldii Davis.
Automated quantification of MS lesions in MRI: a validation study

Two novel methods for automated quantification of total lesion burden in multiple sclerosis patients using multi-spectral magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are examined. The first method, geometrically constrained region growth, requires user specification of lesion location. The second, directed multi-spectral segmentation, requires only the location of a single exemplar lesion. The performances of these methods are compared to manual tracing using three parameters: speed, precision, and accuracy. Both methods are shown to provide significant improvement over manual tracing in terms of processing time, inter- and intra-operator coefficients of variation, and global accuracy using both phantoms and clinical data.
Redefining the role of the endogenous XAP2 and C-terminal hsp70-interacting protein on the endogenous Ah receptors expressed in mouse and rat cell lines.

Studies using transient expression systems have implicated the XAP2 protein in the control of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) stability and subcellular location. Thus, studies were performed in cell lines that expressed endogenous rat or mouse Ahb-1 (C57BL/6) or Ahb-2 (C3H) AHRs with similar levels of endogenous XAP2. Unliganded rat and mouse Ahb-2 receptor complexes associated with reduced levels of XAP2 and exhibited dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling in comparison with Ahb-1 receptors. Rat and mouse Ahb-2 receptors also exhibited a greater magnitude of ligand-induced degradation than Ahb-1 receptors. Small interfering RNA reduction of endogenous XAP2 by >80% had minimal impact on the level of Ahb-2 receptors but resulted in a 25–30% reduction of Ahb-1 receptors. XAP2 reduction resulted in increased susceptibility of the Ahb-1 receptor to ligand-induced degradation yet produced higher levels of endogenous CYP1A1 induction. Stable expression of the Ahb-2 receptor in the C57BL/6 background resulted in a protein with reduced association with XAP2, dynamic nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, and increased levels of ligand-induced degradation. Small interfering RNA reduction of endogenous XAP2 in a C-terminal hsp70-interacting protein knockout mouse cell line, exhibited a 25–30% reduction in the level of endogenous Ahb-1 AHR and showed high levels of ligand-induced degradation. Thus, endogenous XAP2 exerts a negative function on a small fraction of the endogenous Ahb-1 receptor complex but appears to have a minimal impact on endogenous rat or Ahb-2 receptors. This implies that the analysis of the AHR-mediated signaling via rat and mouse Ahb-2 receptors may better represent the physiology of this signal transduction pathway.
Comparison of the Elecsys PTH(1-84) assay with four contemporary second generation intact PTH assays and association with other biomarkers in chronic kidney disease patients.

Abstract Objectives The COBAS Elecsys PTH(1–84) assay is a novel, electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay that exclusively measures full-length parathyroid hormone (PTH). The aim of this study is to compare the automated biointact Elecsys PTH(1–84) assay with four contemporary, iPTH assays in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Design and methods We compared the Elecsys PTH(1–84) assay with four iPTH assays (Siemens ADVIA Centaur, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics (OCD) VITROS, Beckman Access2, Abbott ARCHITECT) in the measurement of PTH in 83 local CKD patients. Majority of the patients (44) had CKD but were not on dialysis, 15 were on hemodialysis, 15 were on peritoneal dialysis, and 9 were post-renal transplant. The precision performance and correlation of the assays were determined. PTH(1–84) concentrations were correlated with calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, hemoglobin, HbA1c and lipid concentrations. Results The Elecsys PTH(1–84) assay showed comparable precision and good correlation with the iPTH assays. Although the four different iPTH assays correlated well with each other, there was significant discrepancy among assays. The discrepancy among assays increased with increasing PTH concentrations. The ADVIA Centaur and ARCHITECT assays measured significantly higher PTH concentrations than the VITROS and Access2 assays. PTH(1–84) showed a positive association with phosphate and alkaline phosphatase and an inverse association with HbA1c. There was no significant association with lipid concentrations. Conclusions The third generation Elecsys PTH(1–84) assay had comparable precision performance and correlated well with second generation iPTH assays. However, significant discrepancy was found among the four iPTH assays in measuring iPTH in CKD patients.
Immunochemical studies on some immune systems involving ß(1,4) linked glucose

Abstract Rabbit antiserum to a BSA-cellobiose conjugate was examined by immunodiffusion and quantitative hapten inhibition employing the synthetic polyvalent hapten phloroglucinol triazophenyl-s- d -cellobioside as antigen. The isomeric series of s-linked glucobioses and mixed oligosaccharides possessing either terminal nonreducing or internal (subterminal) cellobiose were assayed for their ability to inhibit precipitation. Anticonjugate was more effectively inhibited by oligosaccharides possessing a terminal non-reducing cellobiose unit than by compounds with subterminal cellobiose groups. antibody could readily distinguish the s-(1,4) from the s-(1,3) and s-(1,6) glucosidic linkages. The portion of horse anti-VIII, precipitable by BSA-Cello was examined by hapten inhibition and p- nitrophenyl -s- d -cellobioside , cellotriose and cellotetraose found to be equipotent inhibitors of precipitation suggesting a specificity directed against the s- d -cellobiosyl or cellotriose unit.
Response: maraviroc intensification and microbial translocation

In response to our recently published trial,[1][1] Psomas et al present new microbial translocation data from another recently published uncontrolled trial of maraviroc intensification in HIV-infected individuals with incomplete CD4+ T-cell recovery.[2][2] They observed significant reductions in
Evaluation of human papillomavirus testing in primary screening for cervical abnormalities: comparison of sensitivity, specificity, and frequency of referral.

ContextHuman papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing of women having Papanicolaou (Pap) smears showing atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) has clinical usefulness. Whether HPV DNA testing alone is useful in primary screening remains to be determined.ObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of HPV DNA testing for detecting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or cancer (the criterion standard).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsBetween December 1997 and October 2000, 4075 women who attended Planned Parenthood clinics in Washington State were screened simultaneously using thin-layer Pap and HPV DNA testing by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based method and by a liquid-based RNA-DNA hybridization capture with signal amplification assay (signal amplification). Women who were positive for high-risk HPV types, or had Pap results of ASCUS or higher, were considered to have positive screening test results and were referred for colposcopy and biopsy. Additionally, a random sample of women with negative screening test results was referred for colposcopy. Based on individual and combined thin-layer Pap, HPV PCR, and HPV signal amplification test results from the screening and the colposcopy visits, 7 colposcopy triage strategies were defined and evaluated.Main Outcome MeasureSensitivity and specificity for detecting cervical lesions graded CIN 3 or higher for each of the 7 triage strategies.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of CIN 3 or higher was 3.2%. The sensitivity (95% confidence interval) of thin-layer Pap (with a result of ≥ASCUS) for identifying women with CIN 3 or higher was only 61.3% (48.5%-70.9%) compared with 88.2% (78.9%-93.8%) for HPV testing by PCR and 90.8% (83.1%-95.8%) by signal amplification. Differences in specificities were also observed: 82.4% (81.8%-83.1%) for thin-layer Pap (with a result of ≥ASCUS), 78.8% (77.9%-79.7%) for PCR, and 72.6% (69.4%-75.0%) for signal amplification. Compared with referral for colposcopy of all women with ASCUS or higher, signal amplification testing of women with ASCUS and referral of those with a positive result was about as sensitive (61.3% vs 60.3%, respectively) and significantly more specific (82.4% vs 88.9%, respectively). The strategy requiring repeat positive PCR tests on 2 visits had a sensitivity of 84.2% (75.3%-91.0%) and a specificity of 86.2% (85.1%-87.3%). All tests were more specific and less sensitive in older (≥30 years) vs younger women.ConclusionsTesting for HPV has higher sensitivity but lower specificity than thin-layer Pap screening. In some settings, particularly where screening intervals are long or haphazard, screening for HPV DNA may be a reasonable alternative to cytology-based screening of reproductive-age women.
Targeting Improves MSC Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by T-cell infiltration to the colon. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the potential to rescue IBD owing to their immunosuppressive capabilities and clinical studies have shown positive influence on intestinal graft versus host disease. We demonstrate here a new method to coat MSCs with antibodies against addressins to enhance their delivery to the colon and thereby increase the therapeutic effectiveness. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) demonstrated that vascular cell adhesion molecule antibody (Ab)-coated MSCs (AbVCAM-1- MSCs) had the highest delivery efficiency to inflamed mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and colon compared to untreated MSCs, Abisotype-MSCs, and AbMAdCAM-MSCs. Therapeutically, when mice with IBD were injected with addressin Ab-coated MSCs, they showed dramatically improved survival rates, higher IBD therapeutic scores, and significantly improved body weight gain compared to mice injected with MSCs only, isotype Ab, free Ab plus MSCs, or vehicle-only controls. These data demonstrate that anti-addressin Ab coating on MSC increased cell delivery to inflamed colon and increased the efficacy of MSC treatment of IBD. This is the first study showing an increased therapeutic efficacy when stem cells are first coated with antibodies specifically target them to inflamed sites.
Specific heat of Mg11B2: evidence for two energy gaps

Abstract Measurements of the specific heat of Mg 11 B 2 , from 1 to 50 K in magnetic fields to 9 T, are reported. The superconducting-state electron contribution is very different from that of other superconductors, but the general features are consistent with predictions for a two-gap superconductor, and a two-gap model based on BCS thermodynamics can quantitatively represent it. Parameters characterizing the gaps are in agreement with theoretical calculations. An unusually strong magnetic field dependence of the temperature-proportional term in the electron contribution to the vortex-state specific heat is another manifestation of the two gaps.
Modeling Skylight Angular Luminance Distribution from Routine Irradiance Measurements

(1993). Modeling Skylight Angular Luminance Distribution from Routine Irradiance Measurements. Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Society: Vol. 22, No. 1, pp. 10-17.
Interfacial-shear strength of the perfluorocyclobutane films on silicon

The debonding behavior of perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) films on silicon (Si) has been investigated using Vickers indentation as a function of cure temperature and film thickness. PFCB films on Si were processed by spin coating (1–4 μm) and solution casting (20–60 μm). The interfacial shear strength of solution-cast PFCB films was independent of film thickness. The interfacial shear strength increased with cure temperature. The PFCB/Si cured at 225 °C exhibited interfacial shear strength of 123 MPa, and the strength increased to 163 MPa when the cure temperature was raised to 275 °C. The increase in interfacial-shear strength with temperature has been attributed to the increase in the density of bonds between PFCB and Si due to an increase in the density of crosslinks. Spin-coated films exhibited cracking due to the penetration of the indenter into the substrate, and the extent of cracking increased with the load.
Effect of interface chemistry on the growth of ZnSe on the Si(100) surface.

Heteroepitaxial growth of compound semiconductors on Si surfaces is strongly affected by the chemical bonding at the interface. In this work, the growth of ZnSe on Si(100) surfaces by molecular-beam epitaxy has been investigated primarily by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The dominant effect during interface formation is the tendency of Si and Se to react to form the amorphous compound ${\mathrm{SiSe}}_{2}$. By utilizing a number of growth techniques, we have been able to characterize the interface reaction and will describe methods where the reaction can be minimized. For ZnSe films grown at elevated temperatures, TEM images show the presence of a thick (\ensuremath{\sim}100 nm) amorphous layer at the interface. For films deposited on Si(100) at room temperature and then crystallized by solid-phase epitaxy, we find no amorphous layer, but submonolayers of Se bonded to the Si surface may give rise to a misorientation between the Si and ZnSe crystals and to the large areas of twinned ZnSe that are observed. We discuss mechanisms for the tilt and for the observation that the twinned areas exist only in one of the two allowed configurations. The presence of an arsenic monolayer on the Si(100) surface prior to ZnSe growth is found to prevent any reaction between Si and Se and we find parallel epitaxial growth without any significant twinning. For growth of ZnSe either via room-temperature deposition and solid-phase epitaxy or on Si(100):As, we obtain very uniform films. This is in contrast to the situation for GaAs-on-Si epitaxy where island formation is dominant at comparable thicknesses. The use of ZnSe as an interlayer for GaAs-on-Si growth is proposed.
A mouse model of simulated birth trauma induced stress urinary incontinence.

Aims To facilitate future applications of transgenic or knockout technologies in studies of simulated birth trauma induced stress urinary incontinence (SUI), we aimed to create a mouse model of SUI and explore the possible pathogenesis of this condition. Methods Thirty female C57BL/6 mice were randomly distributed into five groups. Four groups underwent vaginal distention (VD) for 1 hr, using a modified 6-Fr. Foley catheter with a balloon dilated to 0.3, 0.2, or 0.1 ml or sham distention. Four days after VD, all mice underwent leak-point pressure (LPP) measurement via an implanted suprapubic tube (SPT). The normal control group only had SPT placement and LPP measurement. After sacrifice, the urethras of the mice were harvested for routine histological examination and nerve staining. Results LPPs were significantly lower in groups after VD with 0.3- or 0.2-ml balloon than in control and sham distention groups (10.29 ± 6.70, 14.65 ± 6.51, 37.78 ± 5.10, and 30.30 ± 5.30 cm H2O, respectively). There were no significant differences in LPP between control and sham groups. Histology showed no significant differences in urethral striated muscle among the five groups. The density of immunoreactive neurofilaments in the urethra decreased after VD with 0.3- or 0.2-ml balloon. Conclusion As a model of birth trauma, VD can induce SUI in female mice, the severity of which is related to intravaginal balloon size. Partial urethral denervation plays a plausible role in the pathogenesis of SUI. This novel mouse model could be used for further mechanistic studies of female SUI. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:353–358, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thin-layer peptide mapping: quantitative analysis and sequencing at the nanomole level.

Peptides separated by chromatography and electrophoresis on thin layers of silica gel G were scraped off and hydrolyzed without prior removal of the silica. The complete amino acid composition, including tryptophan content, was obtained for each peptide. Contaminating amino acids were in sufficiently low concentrations that accurate quantitation of less than 1 nmol was possible. Peptides were eluted from the silica in high yield providing material suitable for sequence determination. This method provides a rapid quantitative procedure that can be used to screen for protein variants and/or purify nanomole levels of peptides for primary structure studies.
Properties of films and fibers obtained from Lewis acid–base complexed nylon 6,6

Abstract A nylon 6,6 complex with GaCl 3 in nitromethane (4–5 wt% nylon 6,6) was prepared at 50–70 °C over 24 h for the purpose of disrupting the interchain hydrogen bonding between nylon 6,6 chains, resulting in amorphous nylon 6,6, and increasing the draw ratio for improving the performance of nylon 6,6 fibers. After drawing, complexed films and fibers were soaked in water to remove GaCl 3 and regenerate pure nylon 6,6 films and fibers. FTIR, SEM, DSC, TGA, and mechanical properties were used for characterization of the regenerated nylon 6,6 films and fibers. The amorphous complexed nylon 6,6 can be stretched to high draw ratios at low strain rates, due to the absence of hydrogen bonding and crystallinity in these complexed samples. Draw ratios of 7–13 can be achieved for complexed fibers, under low strain rate stretching. This study indicates that nylon 6,6 fibers made from the GaCl 3 complexed state, using a high molecular weight polymer, can reach initial moduli up to 13 GPa, compared to initial moduli of 6 GPa for commercial nylon 6,6 fibers. Lewis acid–base complexation of polyamides provides a way to temporarily suppress hydrogen bonding, potentially increasing orientation while drawing, and following regeneration of hydrogen bonding in the drawn state, to impart higher performance to their fibers.
Snag- and Fuzz-Resistant Double Knits via Fabric Construction:

Studies on the relationship of yam and fabric parameters to finished fabric performance have led to the development of an empirical expression of stitch tightness, a dimensionless quantity which includes such variables as stitch loop dimen sions and yam diameter. Rapid laboratory testing methods were developed to determine the value of this proposed constructional density factor concept. These two tests were shown to have good correlation with actual wear perform ance. Laboratory and confirmatory wear testing have determined the minimum constructional density factor for various knitted fabrics. These factors can be used to calculate the greige yarn run-in required in knitting to engineer fabrics that will have acceptable performance in wear.
Perspectives on gender development

Two traditional perspectives on gender development-the socialisation and cognitive perspectives- are reviewed. It is noted that although they deal quite well with individual differences within each sex with regard to degree of sex-typing, they do not offer satisfactory explanations for some of the most robust gender dimorphisms: namely, gender segregation and the divergent patterns of interaction within all-male as compared with all-female dyads or groups. These patterns are briefly summarised, and their similarity to those found in nonhuman primates and other mammals is noted. It is argued that an ethological perspective, and its modern successor the psychobiological perspective, are needed, along with the more traditional perspectives, to provide a comprehensive account of gender development as it occurs in dyads and groups as well as within individual children.
Advances in Rough and Fuzzy Set Information Systems

Rough sets and fuzzy sets are frameworks for the representation of uncertainty. They have been used in various applications such as the imprecise querying of crisp data, uncertainty management in databases, the mining of spatial data, and measurement of information content. This paper discusses such advances in rough and fuzzy set information systems.
A 6b 600MS/s 5.3mW Asynchronous ADC in 0.13/spl mu/m CMOS

A 1.2V 6b ADC using asynchronous processing with dual time interleaving and non-binary successive approximation achieves 600MS/s while dissipating 5.3mW in a 0.13mum CMOS process. A capacitive ladder network is used to reduce the input capacitance without compromising matching accuracy. The ADC occupies an active area of 0.12mm2 and has an input 3dB BW of over 4GHz
Academic entitlement and academic performance in graduating pharmacy students.

Objectives. To determine a measurable definition of academic entitlement, measure academic entitlement in graduating doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students, and compare the academic performance between students identified as more or less academically entitled. Methods. Graduating students at a private health sciences institution were asked to complete an electronic survey instrument that included demographic data, academic performance, and 2 validated academic entitlement instruments. Results. One hundred forty-one of 243 students completed the survey instrument. Fourteen (10%) students scored greater than the median total points possible on 1 or both of the academic entitlement instruments and were categorized as more academically entitled. Less academically entitled students required fewer reassessments and less remediation than more academically entitled students. The highest scoring academic entitlement items related to student perception of what professors should do for them. Conclusion. Graduating pharmacy students with lower levels of academic entitlement were more academically successful than more academically entitled students. Moving from an expert opinion approach to evidence-based decision-making in the area of academic entitlement will allow pharmacy educators to identify interventions that will decrease academic entitlement and increase academic success in pharmacy students.
Extended Kalman filter for estimating aircraft orientation from velocity measurements

A coordinated flight model for estimating the orientation of an aircraft under track from velocity measurements into an extended Kalman filter (EKF) framework is placed here. In doing so, it makes two contributions. First, the EKF provides a rigorous framework for addressing this problem, blending modelling error and measurement error. Second, the EKF supplements the estimated orientation with a measure of the uncertainty in that estimate. Such estimates of uncertainty are crucial in a number of applications, including using the orientation estimates to approximate the radar cross section of the aircraft under track, in an attempt to identify targets. The EKF's performance is demonstrated using both a straight-and-level manoeuvre and a complicated manoeuvre recorded on-board a manoeuvring F-15. In both cases, the state estimates of the EKF are similar to the results obtained from a coordinated flight model. The true orientations almost always fall within one standard deviation of the estimates, as determined by the estimated covariance.
Differentiating os acromiale from normally developing acromial ossification centers using magnetic resonance imaging

Acromial fusion may not be complete until age 18–25, making it questionable to diagnose os acromiale in adolescents. Os acromiale may exist in adolescents and can be differentiated from a developing acromial ossification center based on MRI findings. A total of 128 MRIs of the shoulder were randomly and blindly reviewed retrospectively by two musculoskeletal radiologists. The MRIs consisted of two groups: (1) 56 of os acromiale in adults (25–74 years old, mean, 50) and (2) 72 consecutive of adolescents (12–17 years old, mean, 14.5). The following were assessed at the interface between the distal acromion and os acromiale/developing ossification center(s): presence of os acromiale vs. developing acromion, orientation, margins, and edema within and adjacent to it. Fifty-one adults and 49 adolescents were included. Exclusions were due to poor image quality or confounding findings (n = 7) or complete acromial fusion (n = 21 adolescents). Utilizing accepted definitions of os acromiale, all adult cases (100 %) were accurately diagnosed as os acromiale, with transverse interface orientation and irregular margins (94 %, R = 0.86, p < 0.00001). Forty-five (92 %) adolescent cases were accurately diagnosed as normally developing acromion with arched interface and lobulated margins (92 %, R = 0.92, p < 0.000001). Four (8 %) adolescent cases were diagnosed as having os acromiale, with transverse orientation and irregular margins. Thirty-five (69 %) and 46 (90 %) adults had marrow and interface edema, respectively. Six (12 %) and eight (16 %) adolescents had marrow and interface edema, respectively, including the four concluded to be os acromiale. Adolescents may have imaging findings consistent with os acromiale. The diagnosis of os acromiale should be based on imaging features and not limited by age.
Quantitative measurement of airborne allergens from dust mites, dogs, and cats using an ion-charging device.

Summary Background Increasing evidence suggests that children raised with an animal(s) in the house have a decreased risk of becoming sensitized. However, it is not clear whether this phenomenon is related to airborne exposure. Objective To estimate airborne exposure to animal dander and dust mite allergens using a device that can sample large volumes of air silently. Methods The device, which uses an ion-charging technique to move air and to collect particles, was run at 1.7 m3/min for 24 h in 44 homes with and without animals. The allergen collected was measured by ELISA for Fel d 1, Can f 1, Der p 1, and Der f 1. Results Airborne Fel d 1 was present in all homes with a cat (n=27). The quantities measured, i.e. 0.5–20 μg in 24 h, represent 0.01–0.3 μg Fel d 1 inhaled/day at normal breathing rates (20 L/h). Values for houses without a cat were 0.01–0.05 μg inhaled/day. Airborne Fel d 1 correlated significantly with floor Fel d 1 (r=0.58, P<0.001). Results for Can f 1 were similar in houses with a dog, but this allergen was only detected airborne in two houses without a dog. Neither Der p 1 nor Der f 1 (i.e. <0.01 μg) was detected, which represents 1 ng inhaled/day during normal domestic activity. During disturbance airborne mite was detected with both the ion-charging device and a filter run in parallel. For cat and mite allergens there was a close correlation between the two techniques (r=0.84, P<0.001). Conclusion Exposure to cat or dog allergen airborne in homes with an animal can be up to 100 times higher than exposure to mite allergen. The results are in keeping with a model where immunological tolerance to animal dander allergens results from high exposure.
LvGroucho and nuclear β-catenin functionally compete for Tcf binding to influence activation of the endomesoderm gene regulatory network in the sea urchin embryo

Abstract In the sea urchin embryo, specification of the endomesoderm is accomplished by the activity of a network of regulatory genes in the vegetal hemisphere, called the endomesoderm gene regulatory network (GRN). The activation of this network is mediated primarily through the activity of the Wnt pathway, though details of pathway activation remain unclear. To gain further insight into control of endomesoderm GRN activation, we have identified a sea urchin homologue of the co-repressor Groucho (LvGroucho) that has been shown to antagonize β-catenin/Tcf activation complexes during Wnt signaling in other systems. Groucho functions by recruiting the histone deacetylase Rpd3 to the DNA template via interaction with site-specific transcription factors, resulting in localized chromatin condensation and transcriptional silencing. Our results show that the LvGroucho protein localizes to all nuclei throughout embryonic development. Interaction assays demonstrate that LvGroucho interacts with Tcf via both the Q and the WD domains of the protein. LvGroucho interacts with Tcf to antagonize the expression of key endomesoderm regulatory genes. Assays demonstrate that LvGroucho and nβ-catenin functionally compete for binding to Tcf as a major mechanism by which the Tcf-control switch is regulated. Functional analysis of the N-terminal AES197 domain of LvGroucho shows that it is sufficient to recapitulate the function of full-length LvGroucho. This finding strongly supports the conclusion that the effects of LvGro overexpression are due primarily to its interactions with Tcf and not other Groucho interacting partners, since Tcf is the only protein present in the sea urchin known to interact with AES197. Because the Q domain is unable to bind Rpd3, it was expected to behave as a dominant negative LvGroucho. Unexpectedly, overexpression of the Q domain gave functional results similar to LvGroucho and the AES197 domain. This is the first evidence for an inherent repressive function for the Q domain alone. Together, our results indicate that LvGroucho functionally competes with β-catenin for Tcf binding, and this competitive mechanism regulates one of the earliest steps in the initiation of the sea urchin endomesoderm GRN.
Single Nanoparticle Detection for Multiplexed Protein Diagnostics with Attomolar Sensitivity in Serum and Unprocessed Whole Blood

Although biomarkers exist for a range of disease diagnostics, a single low-cost platform exhibiting the required sensitivity, a large dynamic-range and multiplexing capability, and zero sample preparation remains in high demand for a variety of clinical applications. The Interferometric Reflectance Imaging Sensor (IRIS) was utilized to digitally detect and size single gold nanoparticles to identify protein biomarkers in unprocessed serum and blood samples. IRIS is a simple, inexpensive, multiplexed, high-throughput, and label-free optical biosensor that was originally used to quantify biomass captured on a surface with moderate sensitivity. Here we demonstrate detection of β-lactoglobulin, a cow’s milk whey protein spiked in serum (>10 orders of magnitude) and whole blood (>5 orders of magnitude), at attomolar sensitivity. The clinical utility of IRIS was demonstrated by detecting allergen-specific IgE from microliters of characterized human serum and unprocessed whole blood samples by using secondary ant...
Quantification of Uncertainties for Evaluated Neutron-Induced Reactions on Actinides in the Fast Energy Range

Abstract Covariance matrix evaluations in the fast energy range were performed for a large number of actinides, either using low-fidelity techniques or more sophisticated methods that rely on both experimental data as well as model calculations. The latter covariance evaluations included in the ENDF/B-VII.1 library are discussed for each actinide separately.
Inlet turbulence and fan noise measured in an anechoic wind tunnel and statically with an inlet flow control device

Turbulence and acoustic measurements were taken in the NASA-Lewis anechoic wind tunnel - a facility which has demonstrated the blade passage tone cutoff phenomena with forward velocity. Turbulence data were taken in a subsonic inlet at various fan speeds under static and forward velocity conditions. A honeycomb/screen flow control device was placed over the inlet during static tests to modify the inflow in an attempt to simulate flight conditions. Acoustic levels of the blade passage tone along with transverse turbulence intensities were reduced with forward velocity. The flow control device reduced the blade passage tone to an intermediate level between those levels associated with static and forward velocity operation.
First Report of Quinoa Downy Mildew Caused by Peronospora variabilis in the United States.

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd., is an Andean crop prized for its high nutritional value and adaptability to harsh environments. Quinoa is plagued by downy mildew caused by Peronospora variabilis Gaum (formerly Peronospora farinosa f. sp. chenopodii Byford) (1). Quinoa production has spread beyond native Andean ranges and quinoa downy mildew has been reported in India, Canada, and Denmark (1). During the summer of 2011, quinoa trials were established to determine the ability of quinoa to grow under Mid-Atlantic conditions and monitor for regional disease problems. In July, after cool, rainy conditions, downy mildew-like symptoms were observed on quinoa at research plots in Centre and Lancaster counties of Pennsylvania. Symptoms and signs consisted of irregularly shaped areas of foliar chlorosis or pink discoloration accompanied by dense, gray sporulation on both leaf surfaces. Sporangia were tan to gray-brown, semi-ovoid, often with a pedicel, mean length of 31 μm, and mean width of 23 μm. Sporangiophor...
Cognitive-behavioral characteristics and developmental trajectories in children with deletion 11qter (Jacobsen syndrome), and their relation to deletion size.

Subtelomeric deletions represent an important class of abnormalities to be considered when investigating genetic links to intellectual disability (ID). One subtelomeric deletion found on the long arm of chromosome 11q produces a characteristic phenotype that includes ID and is often referred to as Jacobsen syndrome (JBS). Previously, researchers found an inverse relationship between IQ and deletion size. While useful, IQ does not provide a comprehensive picture of the cognitive-behavioral strengths and weaknesses in JBS, nor does it reveal how the profiles evolve as these individuals age. One purpose of this study was to confirm the relationship between IQ or adaptive behavior (DQ) and deletion size. We also examined cognitive-behavioral profiles of children with JBS and the extent to which they changed over time. Initially, at T1, we examined 10 children, ages 5–20 years, diagnosed with JBS. Cognitive ability was assessed with the Stanford–Binet (4th Edition). Adaptive behavoir was evaluated with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Eight children were reassessed 2 years later (T2). Results show a negative but non-significant correlation between IQ and deletion size. There was no statistically significant relationship between DQ and deletion size. As for our second aim, IQ and DQ scores were stable from T1 to T2. Cognitive profiles were not significantly different from T1 to T2. However, there were significant changes in adaptive behavior domain scores from T1 to T2. Lack of a significant relationship between cognitive-behavioral measures and deletion size, as well as changes in cognitive-behavioral profiles are discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isophthalic acid-derived organogelators

Abstract In this paper, we report the design and synthesis of a novel isophthalic acid derived organogelator. The gels were characterized by NMR, circular dichroism and SEM. We further demonstrated that the carboxylic acid and the urea groups play key roles during self-association and gelation.
Response of Low-Rise Steel Frames with Fabrication Errors

An evaluation of the errors that usually occur during the fabrication and erection of bolted connections of steel frames is presented. Specifically, the significance of fabrication errors on the serviceability of low-rise steel frames under wind and low-level seismic action is studied. The moment rotation relationship of a partially restrained (PR) top and seat angle connection is developed based on behavior models that include the effects of each fabrication error. Nonlinear analyses of a low-rise steel frame under lateral wind action and low-level seismic load are performed. The comparative seismic responses of frames with and without fabrication errors are presented in the form of response amplification factors, in which the maximum interstory drift of the frame is plotted with respect to the fundamental frequency. The frame response under wind effect is compared to frames with no fabrication efforts.
Fixed point free automorphisms of groups related to finite fields

Abstract Let G = F q ⋊ 〈 β 〉 be the semidirect product of the additive group of the field of q = p n elements and the cyclic group of order d generated by the invertible linear transformation β defined by multiplication by a power of a primitive root of F q . We find an arithmetic condition on d so that every endomorphism of G is determined by its values on ( 1 , 1 ) and ( 0 , β ) . When that is the case, we determine the fixed point free automorphisms of G. If d equals the odd part of q − 1 then we count the fixed point free automorphisms of G—such exist only when p is a Fermat prime.
Cytogenetic and molecular genetic characterization of trisomy 20 mosaicism in fetal blood and tissues

We report a case of mosaic trisomy 20, the most common autosomal mosaicism identified in amniocytes, ascertained in a woman referred for amniocentesis because of abnormal ultrasound at 18.1 weeks' gestation which revealed short femurs and nuchal thickening. Metaphase analysis of 98 clones revealed 47,XY, +20 in 96 cells (98 per cent). Trisomy 20 was demonstrated in 6 cells (12 per cent) in a total of 50 cells from two fetal blood cultures obtained after pregnancy termination. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of interphase nuclei utilizing a chromosome 20 alpha-satellite centromeric DNA probe revealed three signals in 57/546 nuclei (10 per cent) in fetal blood. Metaphase analysis of 167 cells from seven different fetal tissue sources revealed trisomy 20 in 32 cells (19.2 per cent). The percentage of trisomy 20 cells varied with tissue type, with the highest percentage (13/25 cells, 52 per cent) identified in the small intestine and lymph nodes and the lowest percentage (1/34 cells, 2.9 per cent) identified in a specimen of chorionic villi. Molecular genetic analyses utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-formated dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms demonstrated that the non-disjunctional event most likely occurred post-zygotically and that the origin of the extra chromosome 20 was maternal. This study is the first to demonstrate trisomy 20 cells in fetal blood, suggesting that mosaic trisomy 20 can be embryonic in origin. In cases of prenatally detected mosaic trisomy 20, examination of fetal blood should be considered, as well as study of placental membranes, skin, and urine sediment to confirm the karyotype and determine its significance.
P-TEFb as a target to reactivate latent HIV: Two Brds are now in hand

P-TEFb is a protein kinase required for RNA polymerase II transcriptional elongation of most, if not all, mammalian protein-coding genes. P-TEFb is believed to be a therapeutic target for cancer, and inhibitors of P-TEFb are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Additionally, P-TEFb has potential as a therapeutic target for HIV infection, as transcriptional elongation of the integrated virus is dependent upon the viral Tat protein’s recruitment of P-TEFb to the TAR RNA element at the 5′ end of nascent viral transcripts.
Psychological Interventions for Late-Life Anxiety: A Review and Early Lessons From the CALM Study

The authors review the literature on psychological treatment for anxiety in older adults, focusing on randomized, controlled trials. Evidence exists for the efficacy of relaxation training for subjective anxiety symptoms and cognitive-behavioral therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and miscellaneous anxiety syndromes, including panic disorder. The authors also present the rationale for the CALM Study (Controlling Anxiety in Later-life Medical Patients), an ongoing randomized trial in which a modular psychotherapeutic intervention for anxiety in older primary care patients is compared with treatment as usual. Data are presented from 2 pilot patients in the CALM Study, and preliminary lessons are discussed.
Mechanics of glycerinated muscle fibers using nonnucleoside triphosphate substrates

We have investigated the ability of the photoaffinity, nonnucleotide ATP analogues, 2-[(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl) amino] ethyl triphosphate (NANTP) and 2-[(4-azido-2-nitrophenyl) amino] propyl triphosphate (PrNANTP), to support active contraction in glycerinated rabbit psoas fibers. At millimolar concentrations, in the absence of calcium, both analogues relaxed fibers. In the presence of calcium, MgNANTP produced isometric tension and stiffness that were one-half to two-thirds the values obtained in MgATP. Maximum shortening velocity and the calcium-activated, myofibrillar catalyzed rate of hydrolysis were approximately the same for MgNANTP as for MgATP. With MgNANTP as the substrate, increasing concentrations of the diphosphate analogue, MgNANDP, inhibited shortening velocity but did not change isometric tension. The addition of increased concentrations of orthophosphate (P) decreased tension while shortening velocity increased. Thus, the effects of the hydrolysis products of NANTP were quite similar to those observed previously for ADP and P in the presence of MgATP. Taken together, these observations show that MgNANTP binds to, and functions in the active site of myosin in a manner quite analogous to MgATP. Thus, the aryl azido group should serve as a valid photoaffinity label for the purine portion of the active site. In contrast, MgPrNANTP, which differs from MgNANTP only in an extra CH2 spacer between the nitrophenyl ring and the triphosphate moiety did not support isometric tension or active shortening in the presence of calcium. Fiber stiffness increased in the presence of calcium and MgPrNANTP, with a calcium-activated, myofibrillar MgPrNANTPase which was about half that obtained with MgATP. Thus, in the presence of MgPrNANTP, cross-bridges appeared to be cycling through states that were attached to actin, but not producing force.
Three-dimensional optical tomography of hemodynamics in the human head

We report on the first three-dimensional, volumetric, tomographic localization of vascular reactivity in the brain. To this end we developed a model-based iterative image reconstruction scheme that employs adjoint differentiation methods to minimize the difference between measured and predicted data. The necessary human-head geometry and optode locations were determined with a photogrammetric method. To illustrate the performance of the technique, the three-dimensional distribution of changes in the concentration of oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and total hemoglobin during a Valsalva maneuver were visualized. The observed results are consistent with previously reported effects concerning optical responses to hemodynamic perturbations.