cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Quantitative analyses for effects of neddylation on CRL2VHL substrate ubiquitination and degradation

Through catalyzing the ubiquitination of key regulatory proteins, cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) play essential biological roles and their activities are controlled by multiple mechanisms including neddylation, the conjugation of NEDD8 to cullins. Upon neddylation, a CRL, such as the CUL1-based CRL1, undergoes conformational changes that accelerate substrate ubiquitination. Given the structural diversity across subfamilies of CRLs and their substrates, to what extent neddylation modulates the activity of individual CRLs remains to be evaluated. Here, through reconstituting the CRL2 ubiquitination reaction in vitro, we showed that neddylation promotes CRL2VHL -dependent degradation of both full-length HIF1α and the degron peptide of HIF1α, resulting in more than 10-fold increase in the rate of substrate ubiquitination. Consistently, pevonedistat (also known as MLN4924), an inhibitor of neddylation, inhibits the degradation of HIF1α in RCC4 cells stably expressing VHL in cycloheximide chase assays. However, such inhibitory effect of pevonedistat on HIF1α degradation was not observed in HEK293 cells, which was further found to be due to CRL2VHL -independent degradation that was active in HEK293 but not RCC4 cells. After truncating HIF1α to its Carboxy-terminal Oxygen-Dependent Degradation (CODD) domain, we showed that pevonedistat inhibited the degradation of CODD and increased its half-life by six-fold in HEK293 cells. Our results demonstrate that neddylation plays a significant role in activating CRL2, and the cellular activity of CRL2VHL is better reflected by the degradation of CODD than that of HIF1α, especially under conditions where CRL2-independent degradation of HIF1α is active. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Reduction in Health Care Facility–Onset Clostridioides difficile Infection: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Abstract Objective To reduce health care facility–onset (HCFO) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) incidence by improving diagnostic stewardship and reducing the inappropriate testing of C difficile assays. Patients and Methods A multidisciplinary team conducted a quality improvement initiative from January 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021. Clostridioides difficile infection and inappropriate testing were identified via electronic health records using predefined criteria related to stool quantity/caliber, confounding medications, and laboratory data. An intervention bundle was designed including (1) provider education, (2) implementation of an appropriate testing algorithm, (3) expert review of C difficile orders, and (4) batch testing of assays to facilitate review and cancellation if inappropriate. Results Compared with a baseline period from January to September 2020, implementation of our intervention bundle from December 2020 to March 2021 resulted in an 83.6% reduction in inappropriate orders tested and a 41.7% reduction in HCFO CDI incidence. Conclusion A novel prevention bundle improved C difficile diagnostic stewardship and HCFO CDI incidence by reducing testing of inappropriate orders. Such initiatives targeting HCFO CDI may positively affect patient safety and hospital reimbursement.
Gravitational bending of light by planetary multipoles

General relativistic deflection of light by mass, dipole, and quadrupole moments of gravitational field of a moving massive planet in the Solar system is derived in the approximation of the linearized Einstein equations. All terms of order 1 microarcsecond are taken into account, parametrized, and classified in accordance with their physical origin. We discuss the observational capabilities of the near-future optical and radio interferometers for detecting the Doppler modulation of the radial deflection, and the dipolar and quadrupolar light-ray bendings by Jupiter and the Saturn.
Competing ferromagnetic and charge-ordered states in models for manganites: the origin of the colossal magnetoresistance effect.

The one-orbital model for manganites with cooperative phonons and superexchange coupling ${J}_{\mathrm{AF}}$ is investigated via large-scale Monte Carlo simulations. The results for two orbitals are also briefly discussed. Focusing on the electron density $n=0.75$, a regime of competition between ferromagnetic metallic and charge-ordered (CO) insulating states is identified. In the vicinity of the associated bicritical point, colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) effects are observed. The CMR is associated with the development of short-distance correlations among polarons, above the spin ordering temperatures, resembling the charge arrangement of the low-temperature CO state.
Improving Dialysis Access Management

Renal replacement therapy requires either placement of a functional hemodialysis vascular access or peritoneal dialysis catheter. Early provision of a dialysis access improves patient care with reduction in morbidity and reduces the economic burden incurred as a result of delayed access placement. Vascular access dysfunctions (thrombosis and infection) pose the greatest burden on the end-stage renal disease population. This article reviews the current literature on the planning of dialysis access, with particular emphasis on Issues pertaining to vascular access. Current concepts to maximize access patency and efficiently manage vascular access complications are highlighted.
Banter: An Alternative Strategy in Creating a Learning Community

In this qualitative study we investigated the role of bantering in creating a learning community for science education. The curriculum was centered on a technology-integrated Project Based Approach (PBA). We examined the pattern of in-service teachers’ interaction with such a learning environment and perceptions of their future instructional practices that result from collaborative reflection on the use of Banter throughout the semester. The findings suggest that exposure to bantering interaction not only helped the in-service teachers to make decisions about the scientific issues they will face in the future but also helped to construct a more inquiry based understanding of the issues in science teaching. Methodological limits and possibilities were explored through the use of data analysis software such as Inspiration and NVivo.
Effects of alcohol intoxication on the initial assessment of trauma patients

Study objectives: To evaluate the influence of alcohol intoxication on the initial assessment and treatment of trauma patients. Design: A prospective study of 2,237 trauma patients 18 years of age or older admitted to a Level I trauma center over a 19-month period. Results: The study population was primarily male (78%) and white (73%) and had sustained blunt trauma (79%). One thousand fifty-three patients (47.1%) had positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC); median BAC in patients with any detectable alcohol was 179 mg/dL. When stratified by injury severity categories and compared with nonintoxicated (BAC less than 100 mg/dL) patients, intoxicated patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 1 to 15 were more likely to undergo the following: field and/or ED intubation (relative risk [RR], 2.22; 95% confidence interval [Cl], 1.7 to 2.7); diagnostic peritoneal lavage (RR, 1.83; Cl, 1.43 to 2.3); head computed tomography scanning (RR, 1.18; Cl, 1.0 to 1.4); and intracranial pressure monitoring (RR, 1.41; Cl, 0.74 to 2.7). The effects were less pronounced for those patients with an ISS of more than 15, except for intracranial pressure monitoring where patients with an ISS of more than 15 were 47% more likely to have intracranial pressure monitoring if intoxicated (RR, 1.47; Cl, 1.2 to 1.9). Conclusion: Acute intoxication appears to alter the initial assessment of injury severity, resulting in an increased use of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
Phantom Evaluation of an Image-Guided Navigation System based on Electromagnetic Tracking and Open Source Software

We have developed an image-guided navigation system using electromagnetically-tracked tools, with potential applications for abdominal procedures such as biopsies, radiofrequency ablations, and radioactive seed placements. We present the results of two phantom studies using our navigation system in a clinical environment. In the first study, a physician and medical resident performed a total of 18 targeting passes in the abdomen of an anthropomorphic phantom based solely upon image guidance. The distance between the target and needle tip location was measured based on confirmatory scans which gave an average of 3.56 mm. In the second study, three foam nodules were placed at different depths in a gelatin phantom. Ten targeting passes were attempted in each of the three depths. Final distances between the target and needle tip were measured which gave an average of 3.00 mm. In addition to these targeting studies, we discuss our refinement to the standard four-quadrant image-guided navigation user interface, based on clinician preferences. We believe these refinements increase the usability of our system while decreasing targeting error.
Theoretical Basis For A New Development Rate Model For Positive Photoresists

A new development rate equation is proposed which is based on an equation derived by Huang, Reiser and Kwei for the concentration dependence of the dissolution rate of acidic resins in aqueous alkaline developers. This equation predicts cessation of development at a critical concentration c*. An S-shaped function is proposed for the dependence of the critical concentration c* on the normalized sensitizer concentration m of positive-tone resists, and the model is tested with good success on a high speed and a high resolution i-line photoresist.
Distributed robotic target acquisition using Bluetooth communication

This paper presents a distributed multi-robot system designed to solve a team-based search and destroy task. The project was divided into two phases. The initial phase was used to demonstrate the application of Bluetooth communication for coordinated robotic search. The second (current) phase of the project attempts to integrate these early developments. This integration allows two seeker robots to locate and coordinate an attack on a target (enemy).The goal of the first phase was to develop a robot communication strategy using Bluetooth for the Honeybee task. The goal of the second phase was to take the communication strategy and use it in the team-based search and destroy task. A secondary goal in the current phase was to convert a model tank into a robust autonomous vehicle. We present the details of the phases, the progress made towards achieving the goals, and the directions we plan to take after the current phase is complete.
Control of gas turbine stator blade vibrations by means of enamel coatings

» . . This paper describes the application of a high temperature enamel coating to part of the surface area of the stator vanes of a jet engine, to increase the damping and* thereby reduce aerodynamically induced resonant vibration failures. The investigation showed that such a coating can increase the damping level by a very significant amount, particularly when it is initially very low as when the blades are stalled, for example. The use of enamel coatings is a relatively new approach to resolving jet engine vibration problems, and many engineering problems have to be overcome before all high temperature vibrations are controllable. Some of the engineering problems are discussed.
New 200 MeV line to blip at AGS

Abstract A new beam transport to the Brookhaven Linac Isotope Production facility (BLIP) has been constructed. The use of low Z material in the transport vacuum chamber and elimination electrical feed-throughs, as well as increased vacuum chamber size, has proved effective. The optics were improved by making total momentum recombination. The system has proven to be suitable for the high current, and shown to be very reliable with very little residual radioactivity.
Therapeutic plasma exchange performed in tandem with hemodialysis for patients with M-protein disorders.

M-proteins are monoclonal immunoglobulins or immunoglobulin fragments that aberrantly accumulate in the plasma. Hemodialysis (HD) patients with M-proteins may, under certain circumstances, also need therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). We employed a protocol for tandem TPE/HD in patients with M-protein disorders. We followed the urea reduction ratio (URR), a measure of the efficiency of HD, to compare the effect of TPE on HD efficiency during tandem procedures versus the efficiency of HD performed as a stand-alone procedure in the same patients. Three men (J.M., R.T., M.M.) underwent 23, 80, and 25 tandem TPE/HD over 3, 17, and 7 months, respectively, almost all in the outpatient setting. Mean whole blood flow rate (in ml/min) was slower during hemodialysis alone than during TPE/HD for J.M. (289 ± 24 vs. 332 ± 22, P < 0.0001) and R.T. (310 ± 20 vs. 367 ± 15, P < 0.0001) but not for M.M. (395 ± 65 vs. 404 ± 62, P = 0.6844). URR was equivalent during hemodialysis alone and during TPE/HD for J.M. (54 ± 4.2 vs. 58 ± 1.4, P = 0.3333), R.T. (69 ± 4.9 vs. 70 ± 2.5, P = 0.9804), and M.M. (71 ± 2.4 vs. 67 ± 1.5, P = 0.1143). J.M.'s renal function recovered sufficiently to permit discontinuation of hemodialysis. R.T. experienced both subjective and objective improvement of his arthritic symptoms. M.M. achieved hemostatic control but ultimately died of amyloidosis. TPE/HD is feasible using disparate pieces of equipment when the therapeutic plasma exchange circuit is connected in parallel with the low-pressure side of the hemodialysis circuit. Our experience illustrates that therapeutic plasma exchange did not adversely impact hemodialysis when the two procedures were performed in tandem. J. Clin. Apheresis 2005.© 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Estimating the Global Incidence of Femoral Fracture from Road Traffic Collisions: A Literature Review.

Worldwide, road injuries cause over 1.3 million deaths and many more disabilities annually, disproportionately affecting the young and the poor. Approximately one in ten road injuries involves a femoral shaft fracture that is most effectively treated with surgery. Current femoral shaft fracture incidence according to country and age group is unknown and difficult to measure directly but is critical to designing and evaluating interventions.
The Economics of Genomic Medicine: Insights From the IOM Roundtable on Translating Genomic-Based Research for Health

The recent exponential decline in the cost of sequencing human genomes to within an order of magnitude of $1000 has led to increased use of this technology in a variety of research and clinical settings. Examples of clinical sequencing success stories for diagnosing rare conditions are increasingly common and sequencing of tumor samples is being performed in many academic cancer centers to help guide care.
Risk spreading as an adaptive strategy in iteroparous life histories

Abstract It has long been conjectured, though without satisfactory proof, that life tables with a long reproductive span are advantageous in an environment where fecundity or immature survival rates fluctuate randomly. In the present analysis we recast the nonlinear Leslie matrix problem as an autoregressive time series model for the birth rate, with random addition and removal of newborn. This transformation renders the model linear with respect to the environmental variation, allowing ready solution for the ultimate population size and for the conditions resulting in stationarity of the population distribution. We show that for life tables where the fecundities of all adult age classes are the same (no restrictions are put on the survivorship schedule, or on the age at first reproduction), and where density dependence operates via total adult density, the realized growth rate is less than the growth rate calculated from the mean Leslie matrix associated with the population's growth history. The degree of the discrepancy increases with the environmental variability, and decreases with iteroparity, thus completing a proof which confirms the correctness of the initial conjecture for a class of biologically reasonable lifetable models.
American Indian Education: A Rite that Fails.

Comprehensive analysis of attitudes toward formal education among teachers, American Indian parents and students in six High Plains communities reveals eight household types and associated attitude sets. Schooling, considered as a rite of passage, provides differential reinforcement to these attitude sets resulting in attitude erosion and high dropout rates among students and high teacher attrition. System models are used to identify optimum intervention points and strategies. AMERICAN INDIAN EDUCATION, NATIONAL STUDY OF(NSAIE) 1968-69; BLACKFEET; NAVAJO; SIOUX; HOUSEHOLD TYPES AND ATTITUDES
A schensted algorithm for rim hook tableaux

Abstract We consider hooks, hook tableaux, rim hooks, and rim hook tableaux where all hooks and rim hooks have length k . Using a rim hook version of the “jeu d'taquin” of Schutzenberger and the orientation of a rim hook (its mod k distance from the main diagonal), we give a simple alternative description of the ∗-diagrams of Robinson. The rim hook Schensted correspondence given by one of us in a previous paper then decomposes into a k -tuple of ordinary Schensted correspondences. This decomposition is used to “lift” the important applications of the ordinary Schensted correspondence to the rim hook Schensted correspondence. These include applications to inverses, increasing and decreasing subsequences, and the Schutzenberger evacuation procedure.
A model for temperature-dependent collisional quenching of OHA2∑+

A model for the temperature-dependent collisional quenching of OHA2∑+ is presented. The model for quenching is based on a classical electron transfer mechanism. Predictions of the model are shown to adequately reproduce many of the experimentally observed trends: variation with collision partner, temperature, and vibrational level in OHA2∑+, and the disposition of the quenching products. A negligibly small electronic quenching cross-section is predicted for collision partners having positive ions that cannot be produced through a thermal collision with OHA2∑+. Results of the model are compared to experimentally measured cross-sections for a number of species of interest in combustion and aerothermodynamic applications. A general function for the temperature dependence of the cross-section for collisional quenching of OHA2∑+ is derived. Curve-fitting coefficients for a number of collision partners are tabulated.
Cell population kinetics of transplanted and metastatic Lewis lung carcinoma.

The growth rate of Lewis lung carcinoma, either as primary subcutaneous tumors or as spontaneous lung metastases, decreases with increasing age or mass. The length of the median cell cycle of the primary tumors increased from 17.6 hr at Day 5 to 25.9 hr at Day 21 with a concomitant increase in experimental doubling time from 2.5 to 9.6 days. The length of the median cell cycle of the metastatic lung nodules was 15.2 hr in the mice bearing 21-day primary tumors. Two mathematical models were used to analyse the per cent labeled mitoses data and the results are given for comparison. The labeling index of the primary tumors decreased in a nearly linear manner with time postimplant and the percentage of cells labeled in the metastatic nodules was higher than in the primary tumors when measured in the same hosts.
Quantitation of chick tissue zinc-metallothionein by gel electrophoresis and silver stain enhancement.

Abstract 1. 1. Discontinuous gradient gel electrophoretic systems were developed to quantitate zinc-metallothionein (Zn-MT) in chick tissues, liver and pancreas. 2. 2. Gels were stained with Coomassie Blue initially, then enhanced by silver stain. At least 4 μg of Zn-MT could be detected after Coomassie Blue stain, and 1 μg Zn-MT detected following silver stain enhancement. Significant linearity (correlation coefficient = 0.99) of a standard curve was established in the Coomassie Blue stained gels. 3. 3. The results of our experiment suggest that electrophoretic analysis is a simple and feasible method for the quantitation and identification of Zn-MT in chick tissues.
Solubilization, purification, and properties of a hepatic epoxide hydrase.

Abstract A microsomal epoxide hydrase, which catalyzes the hydration of styrene oxide to form styrene glycol, has been purified from guinea pig liver. Solubilization from microsomes with cutscum and further purification by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, Sephadex G-25 chromatography, and calcium phosphate gel adsorption and desorption resulted in an overall 40-fold increase in specific activity. The solubilized enzyme was very unstable but stability was recovered after the last purification step. The K m and ν max of the purified enzyme for styrene oxide are 5.3 · 10 −4 M and 2.70μmoles product per mg nitrogen per 5 min, respectively. No cofactors are required. The enzyme is not inhibited by the product styrene glycol or by EDTA and is slightly inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents. The pH optimum is 8–9. The purified preparation catalyzes the enzymatic hydration of a variety of epoxides.
Simulation of the coupled thermal optical effects for liquid immersion micro-/nano-lithography

Immersion lithography has been proposed as a method for improving optical microlithography resolution to 45 nm and below via the insertion of a high refractive index liquid between the final lens surface and the wafer. Because the liquid will act as a lens component during the imaging process, it must maintain a high, uniform optical quality. One potential source of optical degradation involves changes in the liquid’s index of refraction caused by changing temperatures during the exposure process. Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models from previous studies have investigated the thermal and fluid effects of the exposure process on the liquid temperature associated with a single die exposure. Here, the global heating of the wafer from multiple die exposures has been included to better represent the “worst case” liquid heating that will occur as an entire wafer is processed. The temperature distributions predicted by these simulations were used as the basis for rigorous optical models to predict effects on imaging. This paper presents the results for the fluid flow, thermal distribution, and imaging simulations. Both aligned and opposing flow directions were investigated for a range of inlet pressures that are consistent with either passive systems or active systems using filling jets.
Crystallization Sequence of Minerals Leading to Formation of Ore Deposits in Quartz Monzonitic Rocks in the Northwestern Part of the Boulder Batholith, Montana

The crystallization succession of minerals in quartz monzonitic rocks in the northwestern part of the Boulder batholith from the magmatic to deuteric to hydrothermal stages is described. Ore minerals began crystallizing in stable-feldspar or deuteric-stage assemblages irrespective of structures and in hydrothermal veins with associated sericitization and argillization of the wall rocks. Tourmaline, which began crystallization in the deuteric stage and continued crystallizing into the hydrothermal stage, provides an important link in demonstrating the continuity of crystallization of the ore minerals from the deuteric into the hydrothermal stage. Pyrite, tourmaline, molybdenite, and rare chalcopyrite occur in stable-feldspar or deuteric-stage associations in pegmatitic zones in aplite, in locally derived segregation pods, and in primary joints which postdate aplite. The same minerals with quartz occur in veins where the feldspars are altered to sericite and clay minerals. Sphalerite, galena, silver, and gold crystallized at relatively cooler temperatures and somewhat farther from the point of derivation; this accounts for the localization of base metals in open spaces in veins near the top of the batholith and in replacement bodies in limestone adjacent to the batholith. The writer proposes that the sulfur, iron, copper, zinc, and lead were derived from magma in the normal course of magmatic crystallization.
Single Analyte to Multi-analyte Fluorescence Sensors

The rational design of small molecules for the selective complexation of analytes has reached a level of sophistication such that there exists a high degree of prediction. An effective strategy for transforming these hosts into sensors involves covalently attaching a fluorophore to the receptor which displays some fluorescence modulation when analyte is bound. Competition methods, such as those used with antibodies, are also amenable to these synthetic receptors, yet there are few examples. In our laboratories, the use of common dyes in competition assays with small molecules has proven very effective. For example, an assay for citrate in beverages and an assay for the secondary messenger IP3 in cells have been developed. Another approach we have explored focuses on multi-analyte sensor arrays with attempt to mimic the mammalian sense of taste. Our system utilizes polymer resin beads with the desired sensors covalently attached. These functionalized microspheres are then immobilized into micromachined wells on a silicon chip thereby creating our taste buds. Exposure of the resin to analyte causes a change in the transmittance of the bead. This change can be fluorescent or colorimetric. Optical interrogation of the microspheres, by illuminating from one side of the wafer and collecting the signal on the other, results in an image. These data streams are collected using a CCD camera which creates red, green and blue (RGB) patterns that are distinct and reproducible for their environments. Analysis of this data can identify and quantify the analytes present.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sustained long-term immune responses after in situ gene therapy combined with radiotherapy and hormonal therapy in prostate cancer patients

Purpose: To explore long-term immune responses after combined radio-gene-hormonal therapy. Methods and Materials: Thirty-three patients with prostate specific antigen 10 or higher or Gleason score of 7 or higher or clinical stage T2b to T3 were treated with gene therapy that consisted of 3 separate intraprostatic injections of AdHSV- tk on Days 0, 56, and 70. Each injection was followed by 2 weeks of valacyclovir. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy was delivered 2 days after the second AdHSV- tk injection for 7 weeks. Hormonal therapy was initiated on Day 0 and continued for 4 months or 2.3 years. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after treatment. Lymphocytes were analyzed by fluorescent antibody cell sorting (FACS). Results: Median follow-up was 26 months (range, 4–48 months). The mean percentages of DR + CD8 + T cells were increased at all timepoints up to 8 months. The mean percentages of DR + CD4 + T cells were increased later and sustained longer until 12 months. Long-term (2.3 years) use of hormonal therapy did not affect the percentage of any lymphocyte population. Conclusions: Sustained long-term (up to 8 to 12 months) systemic T-cell responses were noted after combined radio-gene-hormonal therapy for prostate cancer. Prolonged use of hormonal therapy does not suppress this response. These results suggest the potential for sustained activation of cell-mediated immune responses against cancer.
The association of reproductive history with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in older women: the Rancho Bernardo Study

Objective To examine associations of gravidity and parity with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and coronary heart disease (CHD) mortality in postmenopausal women. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Rancho Bernardo, a southern California community. Patient(s) One thousand two hundred ninety-four postmenopausal women ages 50–96 who attended a 1984–87 research clinic visit at which reproductive and medical histories were obtained and who were followed through 2007. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) All-cause, CVD, CHD, and non-CHD CVD mortality, determined by nosologist-coded death certificates. Result(s) Average baseline age was 70.6 ± 9.2. Numbers of pregnancies ranged from 0 to 13 (median = 2); births ranged from 0 to 11 (median = 2). During a median of 19.3 years of follow-up, 707 women (54.6%) died, with 46.5% attributed to CVD, 20.5% to CHD, and 26.0% to non-CHD CVD. Trend analyses showed inverse associations of gravidity with CVD mortality and non-CHD CVD mortality. Women with four or more pregnancies were less likely than nulligravidas to have fatal CVD (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.40–0.99) and non-CHD CVD (HR = 0.48, 95% CI=0.26–0.91) independent of age, years postmenopause, obesity, and HDL. Associations increased after the first decade of follow-up. Parity and gravidity were not associated with overall or CHD mortality. Conclusion(s) High gravidity was associated with reduced CVD and non-CHD CVD mortality in postmenopausal women. Protective associations could reflect biological mechanisms that occur with repeated pregnancy or greater social support related to family size among multiparous women.
Adaptation of a Carotenoid Procedure to Analyze Carotenoids, Retinol, and Alpha-Tocopherol Simultaneously

Abstract An isocratic procedure for carotenoids (Nelis and De Leenheer, 1983) was extended by monitoring at an extra wavelength (280 nm) and use of tocopheryl acetate as internal standard to include retinol (vitamin A) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) with carotenoid analysis in a single chromatographic run. Peaks were validated by retention times, spiked test and signal ratio (313 nm/280 nm). Within-run CVs (n=10) were 4.7% and 2.9% and between-run CVs (n=9) were 7.3% and 5.1% for vitamins A and E respectively. Linearities were up to at least 1.8 ug/mL (vitamin A) and 46.5 ug/mL (vitamin E). Vitamins A and E of twenty serum samples were analyzed by this procedure (I) and a reference procedure (II) and their correlations were 0.8484 and 0.9919 respectively. Linear regressions were I=II (0.806)+0.225 ug/mL (vitamin A) and I=II (0.974) +0.52 ug/mL (vitamin E). Recoveries were 118% and 111% for vitamins A and E respectively. This isocratic procedure can analyze at least five carotenoids and vitamins A and E in s...
Reactions to the rape victim as a function of victim age

The present study investigated the effects of the age of a victim on social reactions to a rape incident. The findings indicated limited but reliable effects of age on the way respondents reacted to the rape episode. There was a greater tendency for the characteristics and the behavior of the victim to be viewed as factors in causing the rape when the victim was in the middle age ranges than when she was in the extreme age range (six-years-old or 76-years-old). Respondents also favored more severe punishment for the assailant when the victim was at the extremes of the age distribution.
Discrimination between thymic epithelial cells and peripheral antigen-presenting cells in the induction of immature T cell differentiation

Abstract During their intrathymic migration, immature CD4 + CD8+ thymocytes that express a TCR able to recognize the expressed MHC molecules are positively selected, i.e., complete their differentiation program and become mature T cells. Using the Immature CD4 + CD8 + T cell line DPK, which can be Induced to differentiate in culture, we show here that a subset of isolated thymic epithelial cells, but not peripheral antigen-presenting cells, can induce differentiation, suggesting a unique function of these cells in T cell development. In addition, analysis of activation markers induced by thymic epithelial cells versus specific antigen gives the first direct evidence that positive selection is associated with low level cell activation. In contrast with strict affinity-avidity models of thymic selection, we propose that a specialized antigen-presenting cell environment is an essential contributor to TCR-mediated differentiation in the thymus.
Long hours, luck, and a cast of thousands.

On the third day of the vigil for my Mom, I walked in to see my 19-year-old niece sleeping in a chair next to her grandmother with my black lab, Moki, sleeping under the bed (Fig. 1). Moki, an enthusiastic 7-month-old puppy, regularly visited my Mom, usually bounding into her room and licking my Mom’s hand. For four days, he slept under my mother’s bed. This scene of my niece and my dog sleeping at the bedside of my dying mother was the gift of hospice. With assiduous use of medications, my Mom was no longer seizing, her breathing was comfortable, and she appeared peaceful. This gift allowed us as a family to be at her bedside and focus on saying good-bye as opposed to the terror of watching her in pain or with another distressing symptom. Four days after my Mom’s funeral, I took (and passed) the ABIM Hospice and Palliative Medicine Certification. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I would have never imagined that one of my proudest statements that I make on a daily basis is: I am a physician who is privileged to work for hospice. The majority of teachers and family would have never predicted my success, let alone that part of my job would be based on my ability to write. My brain is definitely not wired right. For many years, I signed every note to my now 20-year-old niece, ‘‘Love, Anut Joan.’’ I probably wrote that a thousand times not picking up on the obvious misspelling until my older sister told me, ‘‘You are a NUT, but I want you to be an aunt to my child.’’ We are all given our own crosses to bear. Through perseverance, long hours, lots of luck, and a cast of thousands, I have been fortunate to make a small contribution to the emerging field of palliative medicine. Here are a few lessons that I have learned along the way:
The Geometry of HD 165763: A Polarization Study of a WC Star

We have obtained spectropolarimetric data of HD 165763 (WR 111, WC 5) with a spectral resolution of 1.24 A, covering the wavelength range from 4950 to 6200 A. The continuum is polarized at a level of 0.39% at 5805 A, but there is no polarization variation across the emission lines. The latter indicates that most of the polarization arises from the interstellar medium. It further suggests that any global deviation of the atmosphere from spherical symmetry, if it exists, is small. Radiative transfer calculations of axisymmetric stellar wind models are used to predict polarization changes across the very strong C IV (λ5805) emission line. We fitted the observational data with the models by using the continuum polarization as a constraint and by treating the interstellar polarization as a free parameter instead of using unreliable values of interstellar polarization estimated from analysis of field stars. The results from the χ2 testing of the model suggest that the global deviation from spherical symmetry of this object is no larger than 20%, and it is probably less than 10%. In our formulation, the ratio of the equatorial density and the polar density (ρeq/ρpole) corresponding to the 20% upper limit is about 1.25. A similar conclusion is obtained from comparison of "continuum-minus-line" polarization of the observations with that of our models. None of the single WC stars (except for WR 103) with spectropolarimetric data show a variation in polarization across emission lines. Therefore, global deviations from spherical symmetry of WC stars are expected to be small in general. The relatively low value of the upper limit for WR 111 indicates that mass-loss enhancement due to rotation is unlikely to explain the difference between the observed and the predicted WC mass-loss rates. It also suggests that a significant amount of angular momentum is removed by mass loss during the pre-WC star stage of stellar evolution. A low value for the upper limit of deviation from spherical geometry is important, since it validates the assumption of spherical symmetry used in many current evolutionary and atmospheric models of single WC stars.
Comparing simple quasar demographics models

Author(s): Veale, M; White, M; Conroy, C | Abstract: This paper explores several simple model variations for the connections among quasars, galaxies, and dark matter haloes for redshifts 1 l z l 6. A key component of these models is that we enforce a self-consistent black hole (BH) history by tracking both BH mass and BH growth rate at all redshifts. We connect objects across redshift with a simple constantnumber- density procedure, and choose a fiducial model with a relationship between BH and galaxy growth rates that is linear and evolves in a simple way with redshift. Within this fiducial model, we find the quasar luminosity function (QLF) by calculating an 'intrinsic' luminosity based on either the BH mass or BH growth rate, and then choosing a model of quasar variability with either a lognormal or truncated power-law distribution of instantaneous luminosities. This gives four model variations, which we fit to the observed QLF at each redshift. With the best-fitting models in hand, we undertake a detailed comparison of the four fiducial models, and explore changes to our fiducial model of the BH-galaxy relationship. Each model variation can successfully fit the observed QLF, the shape of which is generally set by the 'intrinsic' luminosity at the faint end and by the scatter due to variability at the bright end.We focus on accounting for the reasons why physically different models can make such similar predictions, and on identifying what observational data or physical arguments are most essential in breaking the degeneracies among models.
The reactivity of p-nitrophenyl acetate with serum albumins.

Abstract 1. 1. Serum albumins from nine of 10 vertebrate species were found to react rapidly with p-nitrophenylacetate. 2. 2. The high reactivities were shown to be partially attributable to strong, rapidly reversible binding of p-nitrophenylacetate by each serum albumin. 3. 3. As previously observed in the case of human serum albumin (Koh and Means, Arch. Biochem. Biophys.192, 73–79, 1979), this binding takes place in the primary binding site for several physiologically (i.e. tryptophan, small fatty acid anions) and pharmacologically (i.e. diazepam) important compounds. 4. 4. Horse serum albumin differed from all other serum albumins included in this study in that it did not react rapidly with p-nitrophenylacetate, presumably, due to significant differences in its corresponding binding site.
Hydrodynamic Stability Without Eigenvalues

Fluid flows that are smooth at low speeds become unstable and then turbulent at higher speeds. This phenomenon has traditionally been investigated by linearizing the equations of flow and testing for unstable eigenvalues of the linearized problem, but the results of such investigations agree poorly in many cases with experiments. Nevertheless, linear effects play a central role in hydrodynamic instability. A reconciliation of these findings with the traditional analysis is presented based on the "pseudospectra" of the linearized problem, which imply that small perturbations to the smooth flow may be amplified by factors on the order of 105 by a linear mechanism even though all the eigenmodes decay monotonically. The methods suggested here apply also to other problems in the mathematical sciences that involve nonorthogonal eigenfunctions.
Expression profiling of lymph node cells from deer mice infected with Andes virus

Deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) are the principal reservoir hosts of Sin Nombre virus (SNV), the cause of the great majority of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) cases in North America. SNV, like all hantaviruses with their reservoirs, causes persistent infection without pathology in deer mice and appear to elicit a regulatory T cell response. Deer mice are also susceptible to Andes virus (ANDV), which causes the great majority of HCPS cases in South America, but they clear infection by 56 days post infection without signs of disease. We examined lymph node cell responses of deer mice infected with ANDV to determine expression profiles upon in vitro recall challenge with viral antigen. Because the deer mouse genome is currently unannotated, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline to use known lab mouse (Mus musculus) cDNAs to predict genes within the deer mouse genome and design primers for quantitative PCR ( http://dna.publichealth.uga.edu/BlastPrimer/BlastPrimer.php ). Of 94 genes examined, 20 were elevated, the plurality of which were Th2-specific, whereas 12 were downregulated. Other expressed genes represented Th1, regulatory T cells and follicular helper T cells, and B cells, but not Th17 cells, indicating that many cellular phenotypes participate in the host response to Andes virus. The ability to examine expression levels of nearly any gene from deer mice should allow direct comparison of infection with SNV or ANDV to determine the immunological pathways used for clearance of hantavirus infection in a reservoir host species.
An innovative optimal power allocation strategy for fuel cell, battery and supercapacitor hybrid electric vehicle

Abstract An optimal design of a three-component hybrid fuel cell electric vehicle comprised of fuel cells, battery, and supercapacitors is presented. First, the benefits of using this hybrid combination are analyzed, and then the article describes an active power-flow control strategy from each energy source based on optimal control theory to meet the demand of different vehicle loads while optimizing total energy cost, battery life and other possible objectives at the same time. A cost function that minimizes the square error between the desired variable settings and the current sensed values is developed. A gain sequence developed compels the choice of power drawn from all devices to follow an optimal path, which makes trade-offs among different targets and minimizes the total energy spent. A new method is introduced to make the global optimization into a real-time based control. A model is also presented to simulate the individual energy storage systems and compare this invention to existing control strategies, the simulation results show that the total energy spent is well saved over the long driving cycles, also the fuel cell and batteries are kept operating in a healthy way.
Octopamine-mediated circuit mechanism underlying controlled appetite for palatable food in Drosophila

The easy accessibility of energy-rich palatable food makes it difficult to resist food temptation. Drosophila larvae are surrounded by sugar-rich food most of their lives, raising the question of how these animals modulate food-seeking behaviors in tune with physiological needs. Here we describe a circuit mechanism defined by neurons expressing tdc2-Gal4 (a tyrosine decarboxylase 2 promoter-directed driver) that selectively drives a distinct foraging strategy in food-deprived larvae. Stimulation of this otherwise functionally latent circuit in tdc2-Gal4 neurons was sufficient to induce exuberant feeding of liquid food in fed animals, whereas targeted lesions in a small subset of tdc2-Gal4 neurons in the subesophageal ganglion blocked hunger-driven increases in the feeding response. Furthermore, regulation of feeding rate enhancement by tdc2-Gal4 neurons requires a novel signaling mechanism involving the VEGF2-like receptor, octopamine, and its receptor. Our findings provide fresh insight for the neurobiology and evolution of appetitive motivation.
Astoria: A Programming Model for Data on the Web

Modern Web applications built using technologies such as AJAX, Adobe flash and Microsoft Silverlight interact with data in a different way compared to previous-generation applications. Data is now a first-class construct that is exchanged over the web independently from presentation information. Astoria is both a set of patterns and an actual implementation of a programming interface for data in the Web. Astoria exposes data in a database over an HTTP interface and follows the REST architectural style for exploring and manipulating data. We demonstrate the URI patterns used by Astoria and their associated semantics, and the various data formats supported by the system. We explore specific requirements for the formats such as hyper-linking and usability for both retrieval and updates. We also demonstrate step by step how developers use Astoria to create custom data services on top of existing databases.
Developmental stress disrupts habituation but spares prepulse inhibition in young rats.

Abstract Stress has long been recognized as a factor that contributes to the induction of schizophrenia and results in abnormal sensorimotor functioning and information processing. Patients with schizophrenia show disrupted habituation and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response. This study examined the effects of maternal isolation in rats on the habituation of startle and PPI to assess the potential impact of developmental stress on schizophrenic symptomatology. Evaluation of performance in young adulthood (3–4 months) revealed a disruption of habituation in the isolated group; response amplitude increased over time. PPI was not altered. These results suggest that the disruption of habituation may involve acute effects of elevated stress hormones on neuronal functions. In contrast, disturbance of PPI may require an accrual of neuronal insult and damage to ultimately undermine neurologic function, possibly through impact on N-methyl- d -aspartate–mediated transmission. An analysis of effects at middle age is planned to address this possibility.
Olfactory responses of the adult screw-worm after removal of the antennae, mouthparts, tarsi, and legs.

The removal of certain appendages or segments from adult Cochliomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) and subsequent tests of oviposition, response to baited and unbaited traps, and response to screw-worm-infested wounds of sheep showed that the more important olfactory receptors are situated on the antennae and mouthparts. Removal of only 1 appendage did not reduce egg production drastically, but when both the antennae and mouthparts were removed only 21% of the flies laid egg masses (compared with 93% for the controls). Little oviposition occurred when the “antennaless” (lies were separated from the egging medium; also these flies did not discriminate between baited and unbaked traps, nor were they able to locate screw-worm-infested wounds on sheep. Flies having only 1 antenna removed were able to locate baited traps and infested wounds, but not nearly so well as normal flies. Flies with excised mouthparts responded like normal flies to baited and unbaked traps. The precise location of the receptors was not determined, but the results indicate the necessity of using intact specimens for attractant or behavioral studies.