cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies to GM1 identify ganglioside binding proteins

Ganglioside stimulated neurite outgrowth may be due to ganglioside binding to membrane proteins or to intercalation into the membrane. To test that ganglioside binding proteins could be found on neuronal surfaces, anti-idiotypic ganglioside monoclonal antibodies (AIG mAbs) were generated to mimic the biological properties of the GM1 ganglioside. The AIG mAbs were identified by their ability to bind to a known GM1 binding protein, the beta-subunit of cholera toxin. For the two AIG mAbs studied, AIG5 and AIG20, binding to beta-CT was blocked most strongly by GM1. This data also suggests that AIG5 and AIG20 mimic different but overlapping epitopes of the ganglioside GM1. Western blotting and immunoprecipitation of mammalian tissues reveals four potential ganglioside binding proteins of molecular weight 93, 66, 57, and 45 kDa. Immunocytochemistry demonstrates neuronal surface label with the AIG mAbs, which suggests that gangliosides, enriched on the neuronal surface membrane, are co-localized with putative ganglioside binding proteins. In bioassays, the AIG mAbs promote neuronal sprouting. This shows that these antibodies can be used to study the biological effects of ganglioside binding to neuronal surface proteins, and the role of gangliosides in the activation of neurite outgrowth.
The synthesis of some D-homosteroids

Starting from 3-methoxy-Δ1,3,5(11),8,14-D-homoestrapentaen-17a-one (IV), a four-stage synthesis has yielded (±)-19-nor-D-homotestosterone (IX) and its esters, which possess anabofic activity.
Metal organic chemical vapor deposition of Al2O3 and Cr2O3 on nickel as oxidation barriers

Abstract Aluminum oxide and chromium oxide were deposited onto untreated and pre-oxidized Ni coupons by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. Oxidizing the surface prior to the deposition of the ceramic coating has been studied to determine the effect of the intermediate oxide layer. The metal oxide coatings were obtained from their respective metal acetylacetonate precursors. The pyrolysis reactions were carried out under atmospheric conditions. Amorphous Al2O3 was obtained at a deposition temperature of 500 °C and crystalline Cr2O3 with the corundum structure was obtained at 450 °C. The effectiveness of the metal oxide coatings as barriers were evaluated by oxidation experiments at 800 °C for 120 h. Samples coated with Al2O3 exhibited a significant decrease in oxidation rate. However, Cr2O3 coated on both untreated and pre-oxidized samples were not effective barrier coatings. Samples involving Cr2O3 deposited on untreated Ni showed an increase in oxidation rate whereas samples with Cr2O3 on heat-treated Ni showed a similar oxidation rate as uncoated Ni. The microstructures were investigated with scanning electron microscopy. Composition and crystalline structures were determined with X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis.
Four models for a decision support system

Abstract We examine four decision support system (DSS) models – the Symbiotic, Expert, Holistic, and Adaptive – and distinguish them in terms of the impact of their knowledge management styles on their problem-processing behavior. We draw upon existing notions of knowledge types and their management to develop a knowledge-oriented view. We use it to categorize the models as being either Static or Dynamic. From this perspective, the Holistic DSS may be regarded as being the most advanced, as it postulates holistic problem recognition and processing capabilities. While progress has been made on digitally simulating holistic recognition, much remains to be done in developing practical processors and truly holistic systems that couple such processors and recognizers.
Conditional graph connectivity relative to hereditary properties

A graphical property P is said to be hereditary (strongly hereditary) if every induced subgraph (subgraph) of a graph with property P also has property P. If P is a graphical property, then the P-connectivity of a graph is the minimum number of vertices whose removal from G produces the trivial graph or a disconnected graph each of whose components has property P. Several analogs and generalizations of results concerning the ordinary connectivity of a graph are established for the P-connectivity of a graph, with respect to hereditary properties P. If P is a graphical property, then the P-edge-connectivity of a graph is defined similarly to the P-connectivity. Several results concerning the P-edge-connectivity of a graph with respect to strongly hereditary properties P are established. Moreover, a generalization of Whitney's inequalities is given.
Multiple Target Tracking Using Spatio-Temporal Markov Chain Monte Carlo Data Association

We propose a framework for general multiple target tracking, where the input is a set of candidate regions in each frame, as obtained from a state of the art background learning, and the goal is to recover trajectories of targets over time from noisy observations. Due to occlusions by targets and static objects, noisy segmentation and false alarms, one foreground region may not correspond to one target faithfully. Therefore the one-to-one assumption used in most data association algorithm is not always satisfied. Our method overcomes the one-to-one assumption by formulating the visual tracking problem in terms of finding the best spatial and temporal association of observations, which maximizes the consistency of both motion and appearance of trajectories. To avoid enumerating all possible solutions, we take a data driven Markov chain Monte Carlo (DD-MCMC) approach to sample the solution space efficiently. The sampling is driven by an informed proposal scheme controlled by a joint probability model combining motion and appearance. To make sure the Markov chain to converge to a desired distribution, we propose an automatic approach to determine the parameters in the target distribution. Comparative experiments with quantitative evaluations are provided.
The leg drop pendulum test in spastic cerebral palsy: artificial feedback around a passive, non-linear, second order plant

Reports on ongoing work in the modeling of the leg drop pendulum test as a means of assessment in spastic cerebral palsy. In previous papers it was demonstrated that a passive model, is not adequate for modeling the limb of a subject with spastic cerebral palsy. Succeeding papers showed that the addition of active elements to the passive model, in the form of square wave force inputs, greatly improved the model's fit. This paper extends the work by replacing the active, square wave elements, with a set of feedback loops based on functions of the limb's velocity. These functions were optimized so that model data fit actual data taken from three subjects. The results demonstrate several important points. First, the artificial feedback model gives a better fit to real data than any combination of the previous passive model elements with or without active elements. Second, the addition of velocity feedback loops, which are physiologically justifiable, allows the removal of passive elements from the previous model which were not physiologically justifiable.
Educational requirements for the hospital-based clinical engineer

The importance of education and the educational system in the professional development process is reviewed. The unique body of knowledge required for hospital-based clinical engineers is discussed. The aspects of the hospital environment which determine the degree or level at which the clinical engineer will practice are highlighted. >
Combined laryngeal inflammation and trauma mediate long-lasting immunoreactivity response in the brainstem sensory nuclei in the rat.

Somatosensory feedback from the larynx plays a critical role in regulation of normal upper airway functions, such as breathing, deglutition and voice production, while altered laryngeal sensory feedback is known to elicit a variety of pathological reflex responses, including persistent coughing, dysphonia and laryngospasm. Despite its clinical impact, the central mechanisms underlying the development of pathological laryngeal responses remain poorly understood. We examined the effects of persistent vocal fold (VF) inflammation and trauma, as frequent causes of long-lasting modulation of laryngeal sensory feedback, on brainstem immunoreactivity in the rat. Combined VF inflammation and trauma were induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) solution and compared to VF trauma alone from injection of vehicle solution and to controls without any VF manipulations. Using a c-fos marker, we found significantly increased Fos-like immunoreactivity (FLI) in the bilateral intermediate/parvicellular reticular formation (IRF/PCRF) with a trend in the left solitary tract nucleus (NTS) only in animals with LPS-induced VF inflammation and trauma. Further, FLI in the right NTS was significantly correlated with the severity of LPS-induced VF changes. However, increased brainstem FLI response was not associated with FLI changes in the first-order neurons of the laryngeal afferents located in the nodose and jugular ganglia in either group. Our data indicate that complex VF alterations (i.e., inflammation/trauma vs. trauma alone) may cause prolonged excitability of the brainstem nuclei receiving a direct sensory input from the larynx, which, in turn, may lead to (mal)plastic changes within the laryngeal central sensory control.
Identification of cotton and cotton trash components by Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy:

The high demand for cotton production worldwide has demonstrated the need for standardized classification of foreign matter present with cotton. Cotton trash can become comingled with fiber during the ginning and harvesting processes. The conventional instrumental method used to determine the amount of cotton trash present with cotton fiber, the high volume instrument (HVI), lacks specificity in the identification of individual trash components (leaf, etc.). Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was investigated to distinguish the individual types of cotton trash from the fiber. In this study, the concept of monitoring differences in spectral bands of cotton and cotton trash by FT-NIR spectroscopy was demonstrated and provided a ‘proof of concept.’ A spectral library based on NIR spectral data and pre-processing methods was developed using cotton and cotton trash samples (hull, leaf, seed coat, and stem) yielding over 97% identification accuracy of cotton trash components in the prediction set.
Nonclassical nucleation theory of condensation

A longstanding question in the study of nucleation of liquids from the vapor phase is the validity of the classical nucleation theory (CNT) of Becker, Doring, and Zeldovich[l]. Experiments have been designed [2,3]to probe the range of validity of the classical theory, and have concluded that that theory is remarkably successful, although careful measurements are capable of showing small deviations. The introduction by Lothe and Pound [4] of large correction factors to classical nucleation rates has excited a great deal of controversy, but has led to much poorer agreement of theory with experiment. More recent theories [5] are closer to the classical prediction, but still do not agree with experiment as well as CNT. There are two ways to go beyond the CNT and the capillarity approximation that it implies. The first is to attempt direct statistical mechanical evaluation of the partition functions of small clusters of molecules, a procedure that is difficult for clusters as large as those important in nucleation processes. The second is the approach we follow [6]: the use of density functional theory in statistical mechanics to calculate the free energies of non-uniform fluids. Our approach includes, in a mean field sense, nonclassical effects such as curvature-dependent surface tensions and finite interfacial widths, and goes over naturally to the classical theory in the limit of large droplets.
Small ncRNA transcriptome analysis from kinetoplast mitochondria of Leishmania tarentolae

Gene expression in mitochondria of kinetoplastid protozoa requires RNA editing, a post-transcriptional process which involves insertion or deletion of uridine residues at specific sites within mitochondrial pre-mRNAs. Sequence specificity of the RNA editing process is mediated by oligo-uridylated small, non-coding RNAs, designated as guide RNAs (gRNAs). In this study, we have analyzed the small ncRNA transcriptome from kinetoplast mitochondria of Leishmania tarentolae by generating specialized cDNA libraries encoding size-selected RNA species. Through this screen, a significant number of novel oligo-uridylated RNA species, which we have termed oU-RNAs, has been identified. Most novel oU-RNAs are present as stable RNA species in mitochondria as assessed by northern blot analysis. Thereby, novel oU-RNAs show similar expression levels and sizes as previously reported for canonical gRNAs. Several oU-RNAs are transcribed from both strands of the maxicircle and minicircles components of the mitochondrial genome, from regions where up till now no transcription has been reported. Two stable oU-RNAs exhibit an anchor sequence in antisense orientation to known gRNAs and thus might regulate editing of respective pre-mRNAs. A number of oU-RNAs map in antisense orientation to non-edited protein-coding genes suggesting that they might function by a different mechanism. In addition, our screen shows that all kinetoplast-derived RNAs are prone to some degree of uridylation.
A Counter Disassociation Mechanism (CDM) for Wireless LANs and its Performance Simulation Analysis

IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks offer the capability to build a cost efficient network infrastructure that is flexible and mobile. This technology provided an early security mechanism, wired equivalent protocol (WEP), to secure the network, however, that attempt failed to achieve the desired security goals due to holes found in it. Another attempt to rectify the issue was by introducing wi-fi protected access (WPA) scheme, which added more enhancements to both encryption and support for authentication. Despite its robustness and good authentication and encryption characteristics, WPA suffers from a few flaws that can allow attackers to tamper with the deployed network and its availability. In this paper, we introduce a new security scheme, CDM, that attempts to fix a flaw in the disassociation mechanism of the WPA protocol. This vulnerability allows an attacker to shutdown an entire network even for those users that are authorized to use its resources. Results of our proposed scheme are also given.
Comparison of Spike Detectors based on Simultaneous Intracellular and Extracellular Recordings

The ability to accurately detect action potentials in cortical in vivo recordings is a necessary first step in any multichannel wireless brain-machine interface (BMI) data acquisition system. This work presents a comparison of simple spike detection algorithms appropriate for implementation in an autonomous low power wireless BMI chip. The detectors were applied to pre-recorded cortical extracellular potentials. A simultaneously recorded intracellular transmembrane voltage gave the precise spike times of a local neuron; these times were then used as the "gold standard" against which to compare the output of the spike detectors under test. In contrast to earlier work on simulated data that showed the superiority of a simple absolute value-based spike detector, this work demonstrated that the non-linear energy operator provides an effective balance between correct detections and false alarms, and that the relative difference between detection algorithms diminishes as SNR increases
On Virtualizing Ethernet Switches

We are interested in exploring how to virtualize network switches in order to create multiple logical switches from one physical switch. The motivation behind this is to be able to support multiple research-and-education (R&E) projects by offering each of them a logical switch that could coexist with other R&E projects' logical switches, so that each would have the equivalent of their own switch. We propose an approach for virtualizing off-the-shelf Ethernet switches that have built-in support for creating isolated bandwidth partitions on their data-plane interfaces. Our solution is to implement two software modules that are run external to the switches, a slice scheduler and a slice administration controller (SAC). We applied our approach to virtualizing a specific Ethernet switch, i.e. the Force10 E600 model. We describe our implementation, and show how a slowdown of 3% to 26%, based on the type of administrative command issued, is experienced when using the SAC.
Teaching industrial robotics using multidisciplinary product design projects

The goal of each class in the Industrial Robotics course at Western Washington University is to assemble, in an automated workcell, multiple copies of a product that has been designed by the students using Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) techniques and Concurrent Engineering (CE) principles. The product is used a learning vehicle to enhance understanding of DFMA, CE, team product design and automated manufacturing. The project chosen by the class must satisfy a particular customer need and is focused on utilizing the principles depicted in the Society of Manufacturing Engineers' (SME) Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Wheel. The students work as a CE team in the course and have an elected team leader Project scheduling is completed by the team leader with input from task managers and team members. The course structure is intended to resemble the industrial settings the students will enter after graduation.
Reliability modeling that combines Markov analysis and Weibull distributions

When systems possess components with wearout failure characteristics or non-constant hazard rates and in standby redundancy configurations, the most common method currently utilized in industry for handling the reliability predictions of such systems is based on Monte Carlo Simulations. Monte Carlo Simulations are relatively easy to develop, but accuracy of the approximations that are produced dependents on the number of simulation trials selected. To obtain high accuracy for moderately complex system reliability models, Monte Carlo Simulation based system reliability models need to be run for large numbers of trials, in many cases greater than 10,000 trials, to achieve accuracy to the 4th or 5th decimal, which is sometimes required for Department of Defense (DoD) contracts in the aerospace industry. Markov Analysis is an alternate approach for modeling system reliability, which produces higher accuracy results than Monte Carlo Simulation based modeling, and requires fewer iterations.
Virulence of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici from fields under short‐term and long‐term wheat cultivation in the Pacific Northwest, U.S.A.

Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici was recovered from 63% of 731 winter wheat plants collected randomly from six sites where wheat had been grown in monoculture for the previous 7–22 years. Typical take-all was not evident at the time the plants were collected. The fungus was isolated by a baiting method without regard to the presence of take-all on the plants. Isolates from fields under short-term wheat cultivation (3 years or less after a break crop) were obtained by plating directly from infected roots of plants with typical take-all. Virulent isolates comprised 89 and 99% of those collected from long- and short-term wheat cultivation respectively. There was also only a slight difference in the proportions of virulent isolates among monoascosporic subcultures from the two groups of isolates. There was thus little evidence that, during prolonged wheat cultivation, declining virulence in the population of G. graminis var. tritici could account for the absence of take-all.
Reducing the Friction of Editing

On your business trip to Munich, you have three documents to edit: a report, a proposal, and a journal article. The authors of these documents vary widely in both writing skills and disposition. Daulton, the author of the report, is the most willing to accept suggestions — and with good reason. His writing is the least polished. Although he places his ideas in a logical order, he fails to make connections between those ideas. Sentences next to one another often do not relate to each other.
A preliminary study of vibrational effects in ion-dipole collisions: “Classical tunneling”

Abstract Numerical studies of ion-dipole collisions are extended to calculating vibrational effects on capture cross sections and formation of ion-molecule complexes. Two different dipole moment variations are assumed about the equilibrium separation of the oscillator. The capture cross section is sensitive to the oscillator model. The oscillator can become constrained so it cannot relax to its equilibrium separation; we choose to call this “classical tunneling”.
Terse message amplification in the Boston bombing response

On the morning of April 15, 2013, an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, resulting in a large number of casualties. This generated a week-long response under the US National Incident Management System. In this paper, we examine online, terse messages broadcast by responding organizations and their amplification by other official entities via retransmission. Content analysis of official messages shows strong similarities with posting patterns previously observed in response to natural hazards, with the primary exception of themes related to the criminal investigation, suggesting a possible revision of guidelines for public information in light of the needs arising from extended counterterrorism operations undertaken in an urban environment. Network analysis demonstrates message posting and amplification were dominated by local actors, underscoring the importance of local readiness for management of official public information activities in the context of extremely high-profile events.
OVARIAN HORMONES MODULATE ENDOTHELIN-1 RECEPTOR RESPONSES IN YOUNG WOMEN

OBJECTIVE We recently demonstrated ETBR mediate vasodilation in young but not postmenopausal women; it is unclear if this is related to age or a decline in ovarian hormones. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that ETBR responses are modulated by ovarian hormones. METHODS We measured cutaneous vasodilatory responses in 12 young women (22 ± 1 years, 23 ± 1 kg/m2 ) during the ML (days 20-25) and EF (days 2-5) phases of the menstrual cycle. Cutaneous microdialysis perfusions of lactated Ringer (control), ETBR antagonist (BQ-788, 300 nmol/L), and ETAR antagonist (BQ-123, 500 nmol/L) were performed, followed by local heating to 42°C. RESULTS Serum estradiol (ML: 118 ± 16 vs EF: 44 ± 9 pg/mL, P < 0.05) and progesterone (ML: 8.3 ± 1.0 vs EF: 0.7 ± 0.2 ng/mL, P < 0.05) were higher during ML vs EF phase. ETBR blockade decreased vasodilation during ML (control: 91 ± 2 vs BQ-788: 83 ± 2%CVCmax, P < 0.05) but not EF (control: 89 ± 2 vs BQ-788: 89 ± 1%CVCmax). ETAR blockade also decreased vasodilation during ML (control: 91 ± 2 vs BQ-123: 87 ± 2%CVCmax, P < 0.05) but not EF (control: 89 ± 2 vs BQ-123: 92 ± 2%CVCmax). CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that fluctuations in ovarian hormones modulate ETBR and ETAR responses in young women.
Dynamic Behavior of Noble Metal Nanoparticle Assemblies in Solution

Nanoparticle functionalization and assembly is undergoing a period of challenging yet exciting development. Much of this research effort has been focused on the development of new functionalities that might enable strategically-directed assembly of nanoparticles into structures that can be utilized in other important applications. In order to determine the success of such experiments, researchers often prepare a dried sample and study the assembly patterns with electron microscopy. However, these imaging techniques can be expensive and do not provide a complete illustration of what the three dimensional nanoparticle assemblies truly look like in solution. Moreover, sample preparation presents its own challenges. Most notably, sample preparation may cause alteration to the individual assemblies or unwanted aggregation of the assemblies upon removal of the solution. To address these concerns, assemblies of anisotropic nanoparticles were tracked free-floating in solution with differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. DIC microscopy is an optical technique based on interferometry with high lateral resolution and shallow depth of field. After functionalizing gold and silver nanoparticles for self-assembly, aliquots of the nanoparticle solutions were examined in real-time. Nanoparticle assemblies were observed undergoing rotations, internal vibrations, structural modifications, and interactions with other assemblies. Observations of the dynamic behaviors of nanoparticle assemblies serve as a complement to imaging with electron microscopy and provide new insights into the actual assembly process.
Kidney Stone Removal: Percutaneous Versus Surgical Lithotomy

AbstractPercutaneous removal of most urinary tract calculi may be performed as a 1-stage effort with techniques and skills developed recently in the specialties of urology and radiology. Ultrasonic fragmentation of most calculi was done to permit their extraction. Percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy was performed on 250 consecutive (a single exception) patients bearing stones that required removal. Targeted calculi were removed successfully from 97 per cent of these patients. One patient required surgical lithotomy. The previous 100 patients with stones underwent surgical lithotomy with 96 per cent success.Complications of percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy appeared equitable with those of surgical lithotomy. Of the patients who underwent percutaneous ultrasonic lithotripsy 6 (6 per cent) required extended hospital days or additional procedures for management of complications. None of these patients required a surgical incision.Anesthesia times were similar for both groups—average 159 plus or minus 4 (st...
Chemical Interactions between Nano-ZnO and Nano-TiO2 in a Natural Aqueous Medium

The use of diverse engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) potentially leads to the release of multiple ENMs into the environment. However, previous efforts to understand the behavior and the risks associated with ENMs have focused on only one material at a time. In this study, the chemical interactions between two of the most highly used ENMs, nano-TiO2, and nano-ZnO, were examined in a natural water matrix. The fate of nano-ZnO in Lake Michigan water was investigated in the presence of nano-TiO2. Our experiments demonstrate that the combined effects of ZnO dissolution and Zn adsorption onto nano-TiO2 control the concentration of dissolved zinc. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the speciation of Zn in the particulate fraction. The spectra show that Zn partitions between nano-ZnO and Zn2+ adsorbed on nano-TiO2. A simple kinetic model is presented to explain the experimental data. It integrates the processes of nano-ZnO dissolution with Zn adsorption onto nano-TiO2 and successfully predicts dissolved Zn concentration in solution. Overall, our results suggest that the fate and toxicity potential of soluble ENMs, such as nano-ZnO, are likely to be influenced by the presence of other stable ENMs, such as nano-TiO2.
Organic compounds in soils and sediments from unlined waste disposal pits for natural gas production and processing

Samples of soil in dry waste pits and of sediment from waste pits currently in-use for natural gas production in the San Juan Basin of northwest New Mexico were collected for characterization of the presence and concentration of organic compounds. Samples were dried at 25 °C and about 50 g were extracted successively in a Soxhlet apparatus using hexane, benzene, and methanol. Extracts were filtered and condensed to 10 mL. Analyses of hexane extracts of samples using high-resolution gas chromatography showed presence of a complex mixture of 40 to 50 organic compounds in dry soil and in sediment from in-use pits. The range of size for compounds was C10 to C25. Although no compounds were detected in GC analyses of subsequent benzene and methanol extracts of the same soil samples, these extracts were highly colored and contained 5 to 10% of total absorptivity at 254 nm. Total extractable residues in the hexane extracts ranged from 49 to 110 mg g−1 of soil. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected in hexane extracts at concentrations of 270 to 870μg g−1 of dry sample.
On the efficacy of safety-related software standards.

Difficulty of safety-related software standards to help producing software for safe systems is discussed. Some research activity and other actions are proposed to focus on and possibly resolve long-lasting related problems.
ICAM-1 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide improves islet allograft survival and function.

Expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and its ligand, leukocyte function antigen-1 (LFA-1), after pancreatic islet transplantation may affect both nonspecific and alloantigen-specific phases of graft destruction. We examined the effects of ICAM-1/LFA-1 blockade on the survival of islet allografts. Fresh C57BL/10 (H2h) pancreatic islets were transplanted under the renal subcapsular space (KC) or embolized into the liver after portal vein (PV) injection to C3H (H2k) mice. Recipients remained untreated or were treated for 7 days by i.p. administration of: ICAM-1 antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) alone; anti-1CAM-1 (alphaICAM-1) monoclonal antibody (mAb) alone: alphaLFA-1 mAb alone; ICAM-1 oligo/alphaLFA mAb combination; alphaICAM-1 mAb/alphaLFA-1 mAb combination; or control oligo IP-8997 or IP-1082. In some experiments, donors were pretreated with ICAM-1 oligo. Inhibition of single ligand with 5.0 mg/kg ICAM-1 oligo (25.1 +/- 10.3), 100 microg/daily alphaICAM-1 mAb (24.2 +/- 8.0 days), or 50 microg/daily alphaLFA-1 mAb (42.8 +/- 25.9 days) prolonged the survivals of KC islet allografts in comparison with untreated controls (11.9 +/- 1.0 days; all p < 0.01). However, dual ICAM-1/LFA-1 blockade with either ICAM-1 oligo/alphaLFA-1 mAb (78.3 +/- 16.5 days) or (alphaICAM-1 mAb/aLFA-1 mAb (65.2 +/- 31.3 days) was the most effective therapy. Although pretreatment of donors with ICAM-1 oligo alone was ineffective (12.2 +/- 0.8 days; NS), a combination of donor pretreatment and recipient treatment started 1 day prior to grafting with ICAM-1 oligo (39.2 +/- 14.0 days) was more effective than the recipient treatment alone (24.6 +/- 8.8 days). Furthermore, ICAM-1/LFA-1 blockade improved islet function as evaluated by glucose tolerance test, and decreased inflammation in comparison with untreated controls. Similar in vivo results were obtained following PV administration of islet allografts. Thus, ICAM-1/LFA-1 blockade prolongs the survival of pancreatic islet allografts and improves their early function.
The mechanical behavior of nanostructured metals based on molecular dynamics computer simulations

Abstract: The major advances of the past two decades in the atomistic simulation of the fundamental deformation mechanisms in nanocystalline metals are presented in this chapter. The discussion focuses on an overview of work that has contributed to our understanding of the mechanical behavior of these important emerging materials while also noting several disputed and controversial issues that remain to be resolved. The chapter includes a discussion of the properties of grain boundaries, grain-boundary deformation mechanisms, dislocation processes, grain growth and structure evolution in nanocrystalline metals as seen from the perspective of molecular dynamics simulations.
Comparison of Composition and Selected Enzyme Activities in Crassostrea virginica and Crassostrea gigas , Eastern and Korean Oysters.

Tissues of Eastern ( Crassostrea virginica ) and Korean ( Crassostrea gigas ) oysters were analyzed for proximate composition; elemental, amino acid, and pesticide contents; and selected enzyme activities. Eastern oysters contained more nitrogen but a lower ash and lipid content. In general, the amino acid and elemental contents were higher in the Korean species. Neither the Eastern nor Korean species contained pesticides or PCBs in an amount greater than 0.1 ppm. Peroxidase activity was greater in Korean oysters while lipase activity was higher in the Eastern species. Lipoxygenase was not detected in either species.
Sciatic Nerve Diameter Relates to Disability in Patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A (P1.145)

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between sciatic nerve (SN) diameter and clinical disability in patients with CMT Type 1A (CMT1A), which is a primary dysmyelinating neuropathy with nerve hypertrophy. Background: Nerve hypertrophy in patients with CMT1A is a prominent pathological feature; however, its pathogenic significance is unclear. In this study, we test whether the severity of the nerve hypertrophy is correlated with neurological disabilities in patients with CMT1A. Methods: MRI was performed at 3.0T (Philips Achieva) in 10 patients with CMT1A (28-61 y.o., 4/6 male/female, median/ulnar MCV=20-32 m/s, median/ulnar CMAP=0.1-8.6 mV, clinical portion of CMTNS=1-17) and 21 healthy controls (23-58 y.o., 10 /11 male/female). Proton-density weighted volumes were collected from mid-thigh to the knee using a 3D fat-suppressed, multi-shot EPI sequence (acquired/reconstructed resolution=0.8x0.8x6 mm3/0.75x0.75x3 mm3, TR/TE/α=60ms/11ms/10°, scan time=3 minutes). In all subjects, the SN was manually defined and the mean diameter across the entire volume was estimated. Results: Significant nerve hypertrophy was observed in the SN of patients with CMT1A (diameter=7.2±0.9 mm, p<0.01) relative to controls (diameter=5.1±0.6 mm). In addition, a significant relationship was detected between nerve diameter in patients with CMT1A and the portion of the CMTNS measured in the legs (r2=0.59, p=0.03). Note that this relationship was unique to CMT1A, as no significant relationship was found between nerve size and disability when including patients with other inherited neuropathies (3 CMT2A, 3 HNPP, and 3 unknown genetic causes) in the analysis (r2=0.06, p=0.33). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that SN diameters measured from standard clinical MRI sequences are predictive of leg function in patients with CMT1A, suggesting its potential involvement in the pathogenesis of CMT1A. Nerve diameter measurements can be readily implemented in a clinical setting and, therefore, may serve as a non-invasive outcome measurement in future CMT1A clinical trials. Study Supported by: NIH/NIBIB K25-EB13659 (RD) and NIH R01-NS066927 (JL). Disclosure: Dr. Brooks has nothing to disclose. Dr. Li has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dortch has nothing to disclose.
Cations induce shape remodeling of negatively charged phospholipid membranes

The divalent cation Ca2+ is a key component in many cell signaling and membrane trafficking pathways. Ca2+ signal transduction commonly occurs through interaction with protein partners. However, in this study we show a novel mechanism by which Ca2+ may impact membrane structure. We find an asymmetric concentration of Ca2+ across the membrane triggers deformation of membranes containing negatively charged lipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS) and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P2). Membrane invaginations in vesicles were observed forming away from the leaflet with higher Ca2+ concentration, showing that Ca2+ induces negative curvature. We hypothesize that the negative curvature is produced by Ca2+-induced clustering of PS and PI(4,5)P2. In support of this notion, we find that Ca2+-induced membrane deformation is stronger for membranes containing PI(4,5)P2, which is known to more readily cluster in the presence of Ca2+. The observed Ca2+-induced membrane deformation is strongly influenced by Na+ ions. A high symmetric [Na+] across the membrane reduces Ca2+ binding by electrostatic shielding, inhibiting Ca2+-induced membrane deformation. An asymmetric [Na+] across the membrane, however, can either oppose or support Ca2+-induced deformation, depending on the direction of the gradient in [Na+]. At a sufficiently high asymmetric Na+ concentration it can impact membrane structure in the absence of Ca2+. We propose that Ca2+ works in concert with curvature generating proteins to modulate membrane curvature and shape transitions. This novel structural impact of Ca2+ could be important for Ca2+-dependent cellular processes that involve the creation of membrane curvature, including exocytosis, invadopodia, and cell motility.
Molecular phylogeny reveals strong biogeographic signal and two new species in a Cape Biodiversity Hotspot endemic mini-radiation, the pygmy geckos (Gekkonidae: Goggia )

The gekkonid genus Goggia includes eight described species of mostly small-bodied rock dwelling gecko endemic to the southwestern portion of southern Africa, in South Africa and extreme southern Namibia. Previous studies focused on Goggia have employed external morphology and allozyme electrophoresis, but no sequence-based molecular phylogeny of the group has been produced. We have generated a molecular phylogeny of Goggia including all named species and multiple individuals within each species, using sequences of the mitochondrial gene ND2 and nuclear genes RAG1 and PDC. The phylogeny depicts a basal divergence between eastern and western species of small-bodied Goggia , with additional divergences also showing structure strongly correlated with geography. Goggia lineata and G. rupicola are shown to be non-monophyletic, and examination of external morphology supports the distinctiveness of these lineages. We describe two new species to accommodate the southern lineages of “ G. lineata ” and “ G. rupicola ”: Goggia incognita sp. nov. and Goggia matzikamaensis sp. nov. Both new species are separated from their northern relatives by geographic barriers: the Knersvlakte plain for G. incognita sp. nov. and G. lineata , and the high Kamiesberg mountains for G. matzikamaensis sp. nov. and G. rupicola . The possible roles of geography, ecology, and climate in promoting diversification within Goggia are discussed.
Point-of-care ultrasound in pediatric anesthesiology and critical care medicine

Ultrasound has increasingly become a clinical asset in the hands of the anesthesiologist and intensivist who cares for children. Though many applications for ultrasound parallel adult modalities, children as always are not simply small adults and benefit from the application of ultrasound to their management in various ways. Body composition and size are important factors that affect ultrasound performance in the child, as are the pathologies that may uniquely afflict children and aspects of procedures unique to this patient population. Ultrasound simplifies vascular access and other procedures by visualizing structures smaller than those in adults. Maturation of the thoracic cage presents challenges for the clinician performing pulmonary ultrasound though a greater proportion of the thorax can be seen. Moreover, ultrasound may provide unique solutions to sizing the airway and assessing it for cricothyroidotomy. Though cardiac ultrasound and neurosonology have historically been performed by well-developed diagnostic imaging services, emerging literature stresses the utility of clinician ultrasound in screening for pathology and providing serial observations for monitoring clinical status. Use of ultrasound is growing in clinical areas where time and diagnostic accuracy are crucial. Implementation of ultrasound at the bedside will require institutional support of education and credentialing. It is only natural that the pediatric anesthesiologist and intensivist will lead the incorporation of ultrasound in the future practice of these specialties.
Using Agent-Based Models to Scale from Individuals to Populations

All aggregate biological phenomena in the aerosphere are due to the behaviors of unique individuals acting according to their own rules of behavior and perceived external stimuli. An appealing characteristic of aeroecology is that we can observe both these aggregate behaviors of large groups (using tools such as radar and observational networks) as well as the behavior of individual animals (by employing animal tracking technology). Traditional population modeling efforts focus on equations that mimic natural populations in terms of overall population size and/or mean population parameters, often discounting mechanisms operating on the individual level that give rise to overall population dynamics. Concurrent advancements in computing capacity and animal tracking methodologies provide us with the opportunity to examine how the actions of individuals scale up to give rise to population-level phenomena in the aerosphere. More specifically, we can now model populations as a collection of individuals that behave independently, and we can validate the inferences from these agent-based models by tracking actual animals over the course of their annual cycle. In this chapter, we provide an example of how an agent-based model can be used to predict migration behavior across a species range based on a small set of actual migration tracks. The example provides a generalizable framework for using agent-based models as a link between data from individuals and broad-scale phenomena.
Transplant Outcomes for Congenital Heart Disease Patients Bridged With a Ventricular Assist Device

Background Ventricular assist device (VAD) use as a bridge to transplant (BTT) for children with end-stage heart failure and congenital heart disease (CHD), although challenging, has increased, but its effect on posttransplant outcome is unknown. This study describes posttransplant outcomes of CHD patients BTT with a VAD. Methods All heart transplant recipients identified in United Network of Organ Sharing database from 2006 to 2015 (n = 21,865) were divided into four groups by those with (+) and without (–) a diagnosis of CHD and with (+) and without (–) VAD support at transplant: +CHD/+VAD, +CHD/–VAD, +VAD/–CHD, and –VAD/–CHD. Posttransplant survival of +CHD/+VAD was compared with +CHD/–VAD, –CHD/+VAD, and –CHD/–VAD in addition to pretransplant characteristics comparison between +CHD/+VAD and +CHD/–VAD. Results Of 1,871 patients (8.6%) with CHD, 1,348 (72%) were younger than 18 years old, and 143 (7.6%) were BTT with a VAD (+CHD/+VAD). At transplant, +CHD/+VAD compared with +CHD/–VAD were more likely to have worse functional status ( Conclusions Although more ill pretransplant, CHD patients BTT with a VAD have similar posttransplant survival compared with CHD patients without a VAD and with other non–CHD heart transplant patients. VAD support may mitigate certain risk factors for poor posttransplant outcomes in the challenging CHD cohort.
cAMP motifs regulating transcription in the aquaporin 2 gene.

Genomic clones including the 5' flanking regions of the AQP2 (aquaporin 2) gene were isolated, and the promoter region was examined by transiently transfecting a promoter-luciferase reporter fusion...
Cold Calling in Accounting Courses: Impact on Participation, Volunteering and Comfort

Calling on a student whose hand is not raised is viewed by many instructors as punitive, fearing that a student who is cold-called will feel uncomfortable, or worse, humiliated (Dallimore et al. 2005). This study is designed to examine the impact of cold-calling on students’ participation in class discussions and their comfort participating in discussions. The research design involved gathering data in 16 sections of a single undergraduate accounting course from questionnaires administered to students and from classroom observations of instructors’ and students’ behavior. The primary results indicate that cold calling is effective not only at increasing the number of students who participate in class discussions, but also at increasing the number of students who answer questions voluntarily. Further, more questions are asked and answered in high cold calling environments. These findings suggest that students are more engaged in the discussion in classes in which instructors use cold-calling. Further, cold-calling does not reduce students’ comfort. Especially notable is that cold calling does not reduce the comfort of those students who begin the course indicating that they do not like class discussion very much. Finally, we find that students attendance in class is not affected by the cold calling environment. The fact that cold calling can be done fairly intensively without making students uncomfortable provides support for the utilization of this instructional strategy to engage more students to participate more actively in class discussions. These findings are especially important in light of a recent study that shows significant positive relationships between frequency of participation, comfort participating in class discussions and student learning (Dallimore et al. 2009). That is, if cold calling increases student participation in class discussions, which has a significant positive relationship to learning, then cold calling may lead to greater learning.
Study of the teratogenic potential of FD&C Red No. 40 when given in drinking water.

FD&C Red No. 40 in the drinking water at a level of 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.7% was available ad libitum to female Osborne-Mendel rats throughout gestation. The treated females consumed 273.6, 545.7, and ...
Functional reconstitution of EDTA-treated Escherichia coli.

Strains of Escherichia coli K-12 were treated with EDTA and reconstituted with EDTA-released outer envelope material. Reconstitution was accomplished by reversing the effect of EDTA with the addition of MgCl2 in the presence of outer envelope material. Following reconstitution actinomycin D sensitive cells were found to be resistant to the lethal effect of the drug. Mix-Match Reconstitution experiments suggested that the reassembly of the outer envelope material with EDTA-treated cells was not strain specific. Further data obtained in Fraction Reconstitution experiments indicated that the interplay of both F1 and F2 components of the EDTA-released material was more important than the individual role of either component.
Synthesis, characterization and morphology of poly(butadiene-g-styrene)

This paper concerns the synthesis of poly(butadiene-g-styrene) by cationic grafting of polystyrene cations onto polybutadiene using alkyl halide /alkylaluminum initiating systems and an investigation into the effect of reaction conditions on grafting and mechanism studies with model reactions. Graft characterization by selective oxidative backbone destruction followed by surviving polystyrene branch analysis and morphology studies are also described.