cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Commissioning of the collinear laser spectroscopy facility BECOLA at NSCL/MSU

The BEam COoler and LAser spectroscopy (BECOLA) facility at National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory at Michigan State University has been commissioned online to determine charge radii and electromagnetic moments of radioactive isotopes. A radioactive 37K beam was used for the commissioning tests and a 1.29 μs beam bunch-width from the buncher and a bunch repetition rate of 2.5 Hz led to a background suppression factor of 3.1 × 105 in resonant photon detection measurements. The hyperfine structure of 37K and its isotope shift relative to the stable 39K were determined. The obtained hyperfine coupling constants A(2 S 1/2) = 120.3 ± 1.4 MHz, A(2 P 1/2) = 15.2 ± 1.1 MHz, and A(2 P 3/2) = 1.4 ± 8 MHz, and the isotope shift δ ν 39,37 = −264 ± 3 MHz are consistent with the previously determined values, where available.
Greenbaum Disease: A Nonlinguistic Entity

ABSTRACT To the Editor.— Dr Makris recently called attention to the confusing and linguistically offensive use of the term "nonparenteral" in titles of medical articles (234:1223, 1975). While his concern over the linguistic malady of spastic polysyllabilism is appropriate, Dr Makris was not the first to point out this problem. Dr Greenbaum of this university published a similar objection to "nonparenteral" in the New England Journal of Medicine (291:51, 1974).I suggest that priority of authorship be honored and that the use of the term "nonparenteral" in inappropriate contexts (that is, in any context) should henceforth be referred to as "Greenbaum disease," at least until an earlier letter to the editor turns up.Both authors call attention to the lack of a succinct term for "not administered via a needle"; Makris suggests "non-mechanically invasive" while Greenbaum originally opted, tongue in linguistic cheek, for "asyringial." This matter deserves further study.
Theoretical study of the phosphorus vacancy in Zn Ge P 2

First-principles calculations are presented for the phosphorus vacancy ${V}_{\mathrm{P}}$ in $\mathrm{Zn}\mathrm{Ge}{\mathrm{P}}_{2}$, using full-potential linearized muffin-tin orbital supercell local density functional theory calculations. We find the ${V}_{\mathrm{P}}$ to have a high energy of formation compared to the ${\mathrm{Ge}}_{\mathrm{Zn}}$ antisite donor in Zn-poor material. Including a band gap correction to the Hamiltonian, the defect is predicted to be amphoteric with a donor +/0 level at $0.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ and an acceptor 0/\ensuremath{-} level at $1.25\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$ above the valence band maximum.
Is the stool test out of breath

N. Vakil Non-invasive testing for Helicobacterpylori (H. pylori) is important in primary care settings for the initial diagnosis of H. pylori infection. It is also important for the post-therapy confirmation of H. pylori eradication. Serologic tests have been widely used in the United States for the non-invasive diagnosis of H. pylori infection but their popularity is waning because of the high rate of false positive tests with all of the antibody tests [office based serology, whole blood antigen tests, laboratory based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests] ‘. Office based whole blood tests may also suffer from a lack of sensitivity 2. The breath test is an effective alternative to serology and is inexpensive in Europe although the costs are considerably higher in the USA. Recent descriptions of a stool antigen test with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of H. pylori have added another non-invasive diagnostic tool to the diagnostic armamentarium 3. In this issue of the journal (Digest Liver Dis 2000;32:285-90), Masoero et al. 4 evaluate the Meridian stool antigen test, comparing it to a 13C breath test for the detection of H. pylori. Their study is of interest because it is at variance from much of the world’s literature on the subject. Table I summarizes the results of many trials with at least 70 patients each, on the stool antigen test and its reliability in the detection of H. pylori 5-‘5. How can the results of this study be reconciled with other published data and how should we use these results in clinical practice? There are several factors in the design of the study by Masoero et al. that deserve comment. The authors used a single test (13C breath test) as a gold standard and this has been shown, in previous studies, to increase error because no single test can be considered a gold standard for the detection of H. pylori. The magnitude of this effect is, however, unlikely to explain the results obtained by Masoero et al. The authors indicate that the breath test used in this study had a sensitivity of 92% and a specificity of 97% but we are not told how many patients and under what circumstances the gold standard was validated. The authors studied 2 groups of patients: a group of patients undergoing pretherapy testing (n=52) and a group of patients under-
Plasma profiles in active systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Biomarkers and biological implications

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is a chronic arthritis of children characterized by a combination of arthritis and systemic inflammation. There is usually non-specific laboratory evidence of inflammation at diagnosis but no diagnostic test. Normalized volumes from 89/889 2-D protein spots representing 26 proteins revealed a plasma pattern that distinguishes SJIA flare from quiescence. Highly discriminating spots derived from 15 proteins constitute a robust SJIA flare signature and show specificity for SJIA flare in comparison to active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or acute febrile illness. We used 7a vailable ELISA assays, including one to the complex of S100A8/S100A9, to measure levels of 8 of the15 proteins. Validating our DIGE results, this ELISA panel correctly classified independent SJIA flare samples, and distinguished them from acute febrile illness. Notably, data using the panel suggest its ability to improve on erythrocyte sedimentation rate or C-reactive protein or S100A8/S100A9, either alone or in combination in SJIA F/Q discriminations. Our results also support the panel’s potential clinical utility as a predictor of incipient flare (within 9wk) in SJIA subjects with clinically inactive disease. Pathway analyses of the 15 proteins in the SJIA flare versus quiescence signature corroborate growing evidence for a key role for IL-1 at disease flare.
CHARACTERIZATION OF AMINOGLYCOSIDE-LIPID INTERACTIONS AND DEVELOPMENT OF A REFINED MODEL FOR OTOTOXICITY TESTING

Abstract Aminoglycoside interactions with various phospholipids were measured in three model systems and compared with the ototoxicities of the drugs: (a) competition for [14C]neomycin binding; (b) competition for 45Ca2+ binding; and (c) effect on surface pressure of monomolecular lipid films. The efficacies of the antibiotics in displacing neomycin from phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylinositol or phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate were netilmicin > neomycin ⩾ gentamicin; the efficacies in displacing calcium from phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol phosphate or phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate were netilmicin > gentamicin > neomycin > kanamycin > spectinomycin. Neither measure correlated well with the ototoxicities of the drugs which were quantitated at equimolar drug concentrations in cochlear perfusions: neomycin > gentamicin ≥ tobramycin > netilmicin ≥ amikacin. When monomolecular films of phosphatidylcholine with phosphatidylserine, cardiolipin, phosphatidylinositol, or phosphatidylinositol phosphate or bisphosphate were challenged with neomycin, the phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate film showed a unique dose-dependent increase in surface pressure while the others showed a decrease or no significant effect. The abilities of aminoglycosides to increase the surface pressure of a film of phosphatidycholine : phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate (1:1 molar ratio) in the presence of 3 mM CaCl2 correlated well with their toxicities. Non-ototoxic cations increased the film pressure or left it unaffected. The results confirm the unique interactions between aminoglycosides and phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate as a possible basis of a mechanism of toxicity and development of a drug-screening system.
Analytical solutions to Stokes-type flows of inhomogeneous fluids

Abstract In this paper, we study the unsteady motion of an inhomogeneous incompressible viscous fluid, where the viscosity varies spatially according to various models. We study the Stokes-type flow for these types of fluids where in the first case the flow between two parallel plates is examined with one of the plates oscillating and in the second case when the flow is caused by a pulsatile pressure gradient. A general argument establishes the existence of oscillatory solutions to our problem. Exact solutions are obtained in terms of some special functions and comparisons are made with the cases of constant viscosity and the slow flow regimes.
Development of IgA nephritis following cat scratch disease in a 13-year-old boy

We describe a 13-year-old boy who presented with hematuria and intermittent low-grade proteinuria at the time when he was diagnosed with cat scratch disease. Two months before presentation, he had a negative urinalysis during a routine physical evaluation. He continued to have microscopic hematuria for the next 6 months, when he developed gross hematuria and recurrence of low-grade proteinuria. The renal biopsy showed evidence of mild/moderate IgA nephropathy. We speculate that the immunological changes associated with cat scratch disease in this patient may have triggered the development of IgA nephropathy. A history or serological evidence of infection with Bartonella henselae may need to be sought in patients presenting with IgA nephritis.
In vivo fluorescent labeling of corneal wound healing fibroblasts

Abstract Numerous studies have shown that fibroblasts play an important role in corneal wound healing, however, the dynamic cellular events underlying wound tissue organization and contraction remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to develop a system to enable live cell imaging of corneal wound healing fibroblasts in situ. To this end, concentrated preparations of an RD114 pseudotyped MLV-based vector expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) were evaluated in vitro for gene transfer efficiency using cultured rabbit corneal keratocytes. Primary rabbit keratocytes were efficiently labeled in vitro (up to 50% EGFP + ) at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI=10). To evaluate this gene transfer vector in vivo, rabbit corneal fibroblasts were transduced by direct application of vector supernatant to injured corneas following lamellar keratectomy. Fluorescent fibroblasts were then visualized in situ using epifluorescence microscopy and multiphoton confocal microscopy of excised fresh tissue at multiple time points from 14 days to four months following gene transfer. Fourteen days post-transduction, labeled fibroblasts expressing EGFP were readily detectable by fluorescence microscopy. Detectable fluorescence was noted up to eight weeks post-transduction. Labeled fibroblasts were detected in clusters located predominantly along the margin circumscribing the wound and to a lesser extent within the wound area. Cell growth in clusters was suggestive of the expansion of individual transduced clones. High-resolution imaging showed fluorescent fibroblasts to have a broad, flattened, dendritic morphology, distinct from the spindle shape of cultured fibroblasts. Utilizing multiphoton confocal microscopy, three-dimensional imaging of viable, labeled cells showed wound healing fibroblasts to be extensively interconnected and multi-layered within the corneal wound. These results demonstrate that rabbit corneal fibroblasts can be efficiently transduced in vitro and in vivo using RD114 pseudotyped MLV-based vectors and that these vectors direct long-term transgene expression without apparent toxicity, pathogenesis or perturbation of native fibroblast morphology. Our data further suggest that, in vivo, wound-healing fibroblasts have a defined life span within the wound.
Motor Development and the Mind: The Potential Role of Motor Abilities as a Determinant of Aspects of Perceptual Development.

Recent advances in the science of human movement have enabled developmental psychologists to discover unique patterns of organization and control in infant motor behavior and development, provoking a resurgence of interest in this topic. In this article, we emphasize the role that motor development may play in determining developmental sequences or "timetables" in other domains. Specifically, we argue that particular motor achievements may be integral to developments in the domains of haptic perception and depth perception. In both cases, there is a high degree of fit between the developmental sequence in which certain perceptual sensitivities unfold and the ages at which the corresponding motor abilities onset. The discussions may provide new contexts in which to consider the developments of haptic perception and depth perception. The general purpose, however, is to highlight the wide-ranging influence of motor development during infancy.
Cholinergic Modulation of the Resonance Properties of Stellate Cells in Layer II of Medial Entorhinal Cortex

In vitro whole cell patch-clamp recordings of stellate cells in layer II of medial entorhinal cortex show a subthreshold membrane potential resonance in response to a sinusoidal current injection of varying frequency. Physiological recordings from awake behaving animals show that neurons in layer II medial entorhinal cortex, termed "grid cells," fire in a spatially selective manner such that each cell's multiple firing fields form a hexagonal grid. Both the spatial periodicity of the grid fields and the resonance frequency change systematically in neurons along the dorsal to ventral axis of medial entorhinal cortex. Previous work has also shown that grid field spacing and acetylcholine levels change as a function of the novelty to a particular environment. Using in vitro whole cell patch-clamp recordings, our study shows that both resonance frequency and resonance strength vary as a function of cholinergic modulation. Furthermore, our data suggest that these changes in resonance properties are mediated through modulation of h-current and m-current.
The Henryville bed of the New Albany shale—III: Tandem mass spectrometric analyses of geoporphyrins from the bitumen and kerogen

Abstract The Ni(II) and VO(II) geoporphyrins from the bitumen of the New Albany Shale (Mississippian-Devonian, Indiana, U.S.A.) were analysed by electron ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (EIMS/MS). Analysis of the daughter ion spectra of the molecular ions reveals that the peripheral substituents of Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins of the same carbon number are similar. This observation lends weight to the argument that the Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins have common tetrapyrrolic precursors and were generated via similar geochemical pathways. The Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins produced by pyrolysis of the kerogen (300°C) from the New Albany shale were also analysed by EIMS/MS. The daughter ion spectra of the molecular ions of these porphyrins were very similar to those of the daughter ion spectra of the corresponding porphyrins which were isolated from the bitumen. These data support the hypothesis that both the Ni(II) and VO(II) porphyrins were liberated from the kerogen by an enhanced solubilisation or desorption into the pyrolysing solvent (toluene) as opposed to a carbon-carbon bond cleavage.
Reply to ‘Counter-examples to Johnson's LQR propriety limits’

In the preceding correspondence item, Professor Cook presents some so-called ‘counter-examples’ to the linear-quadratic-regulator (LQR) propriety limits derived in an earlier paper (Johnson 1987). The purpose of this correspondence is to show that Professor Cook's ‘counter-examples’ are completely invalid because they are based on a conceptual flaw relating to a fundamental principle of optimal control.
Apolipoprotein E Modifies Neurological Outcome by Affecting Cerebral Edema but not Hematoma Size after Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Humans

Introduction To address the mechanisms by which apoE polymorphism affects functional outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage in humans, we tested the hypothesis that the presence of the APOE4 allele results in amplified inflammatory responses and increased cerebral edema. Methods We prospectively enrolled and collected data on 21 adult patients consecutively admitted to Duke University Hospital with supratentorial intracerebral hematoma including hemorrhage volume, midline shift, modified Rankin Score, Glasgow Outcome Score, and APOE genotype. Hemorrhage size (cm 3 ) and midline shift (mm), at the level of the thalamus, were measured by computed tomography within 36 hours of admission. Rankin and Glasgow Scores were determined at discharge. Student's t -test was used to analyze hemorrhage size, midline shift, and Glasgow Outcome Score and logistical regression were used to measure allele affect on modified Rankin Score. When analyzing modified Rankin Score, patients were grouped by favorable outcome (0-2) or unfavorable (3-6). Results Out of 21 patients, 11 possessed at least 1 APOE4 allele (APOE4+). There was no difference in hemorrhage volume (25.8 v 38.3 mm for APOE4- v APOE4+, respectively) between the groups, but there was a significant difference in midline shift ( P = .04, 0.7 v 4 mm). Functional outcomes were worse for the patients possessing at least 1 APOE4 allele ( P = .04) Conclusion The presence of APOE4 is associated with poor functional outcomes in humans after intracerebral hemorrhage. Our data suggest that the mechanism for this may be increased cerebral edema and not larger hematoma volume.
Determining Accurate Distances to Cepheids Using the Interferometric Baade-Wesselink Method: Possible Interferometric Biases

Cepheids have been used to determined distance throughout the last century, thanks to the Period-Luminosity (P-L) relation. However, this relation has to be observationally calibrated in order to accurately determined distances. One of the most promising technique to directly measure distances to Cepheids, hence calibrate the P-L relation, is the quasi geometric interferometric parallax pulsation, or Baade-Wesselink (Baade 1926; Wesselink 1946) method hereafter IBWM. We will present here some of the known interferometric biases to the method: the uncertainty related to the knowledge of the center-to-limb darkening of the pulsating Cepheid, and the possible presence of faint circumstellar envelopes (CSE). These two aspects have been or will be studied using observational techniques, but still lack comprehensive modeling, which is mandatory to fully understand and correct for this biases in case of sparse observational material.
Strong attraction may be dangerous: parameters for the development of long term commitment.

In trying to find a structural definition of T cell degeneracy, the recent notion that a single TCR may adopt multiple CDR3 conformations (Reiser et al., 2003) adds a new twist. Several peptides can bind specifically to one single TCR not only because the same structure of the TCR can bind distinct peptides, but also because the TCR can adopt multiple conformations, enabling it to bind distinct peptides presented on the same MHC molecule. In addition, and due to conformational TCR flexibility, there could exist a number of antigens for each species of the TCR. Therefore, the notion of a high degree of adaptability of the TCR may be more accurate when considering T cell degeneracy. Thus, it is possible to define the T cell specificity of one single T cell clone, as the sum of all possible peptides that can bind to all its possible TCR conformations. Because the number of T cells with different specificities in one individual is found to be less than the number of possible peptides to be recognized at any one time, degeneracy (or adaptability) at the level of TCR–MHC-peptide recognition can function as a compensatory mechanism for this specific lack of T cell diversity (Mason, 1998; Arstila et al., 1999). However, it has been well established that a “side-effect” of high degeneracy is the capacity of a single T cell receptor recognizing a self-peptide that has escaped negative selection to become activated by peptides from viral or bacterial organisms (Bongrand and Malissen, 1998; Mason, 1998). If the activated cells are able to re-encounter self antigen it is likely there will be the induction of an autoimmune response. Therefore, T cell degeneracy contributes to autoimmunity. However, only two experimental models exist demonstrating (without experimentally modifying the natural infectious agent or the host) a direct association between the course of a natural infection, cross-reactivity and autoimmune disease. The first one is the development of stromal keratitis followed by herpes
Building Employment Training Partnerships Between Vocational Rehabilitation and Community Colleges

This article examined the implementation of an occupational skills training partnership developed between the Oregon Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services and four local community colleges. ...
Chemical synthesis and surface properties of an analog of the pulmonary surfactant dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine

Abstract An analog, ( S )-[3-[[2,3-bis(hexadecyloxy)propoxyl]hydroxyphosphinyl]-propyl]trimethylammonium hydroxide, inner salt, hydrate (DPPC-analog), of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) was synthesized. The analog differs from pulmonary DPPC in that it: (1) is a dipalmityl diether rather than a dipalmitoyl diester; (2) has a trimethylammonium propylene phosphono polar head instead of a trimethylammonium ethyleneoxy phosphate head; and (3) has an absolute configuration opposite that of pulmonary DPPC. The dynamic surface pressure-area (π-A) characteristics of the DPPC-analog were determined on a Wilhelmy surface balance and compared with those of DPPC at both 23° C and 37° C. The respreading of both surfactants upon compression past collapse was measured quantitatively by a collapse plateau ratio criterion on successive cycles. The post-collapse respreading ability of the DPPC-analog was found to be significantly better than that of DPPC at both 23°C and 37°C as a function of several surface initial conditions. To complement the dynamic surface pressure-area determinations, differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometry measurements were carried out on DPPC and DPPC-analog water dispersions. The results showed that the liquid-crystalline transition temperature of the DPPC-analog is 45° C, slightly higher than the 41° C found for DPPC. Thus, the superior interfacial respreading found for the DPPC-analog at 23° and 37°C indicates that its bulk phase liquid-crystalline transition temperature is not as directly related to its surface properties as it is in the case of DPPC.
Hydrophobic alkyl headgroups strongly promote membrane curvature and violate the headgroup volume correlation due to "headgroup" insertion.

The ability of lipid aggregates to form planar bilayers, rather than highly curved micellar or inverted structures, is dependent on the relative geometries of the headgroup and hydrocarbon regions. The headgroup volume approach to lipid structure provided a quantitative link between a lipid's headgroup size and its ability to promote curved, inverted hexagonal (HII) structures in a phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) matrix [Lee et al. (1993) Biophys. J. 65, 1429−1432]. Phosphatidylalkanols (PtdAlks) are shown here to promote curvature with a potency that far exceeds and a chain length dependence contrary to the expectations of the headgroup volume approach, suggestive of an atypical alkyl “headgroup” conformation. A homologous series of 3-substituted triacylglycerols (TAGs), for which 3-acyl “headgroup” insertion is established, exhibits a chain length dependence similar to the PtdAlks, evidence that the deviation is of common origin. The potency of the TAGs to promote curvature is unprecedented, and the o...
A minimum of four human class II α-chain genes are encoded in the HLA region of chromosome 6

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in man, also called the HLA region, is located on the short arm of chromosome 6 and encodes antigens involved in immunological processes1. The class II HLA antigens consist of two noncovalently associated polypeptide chains, one of molecular weight 34,000 (α) and the other of molecular weight 29,000 (β)2. The extensive polymorphism of the β chain(s) has allowed the genetic mapping of the corresponding β gene(s) to the HLA-DR region3–5. cDNA clones for the HLA-DR α chain have been used to map the non-polymorphic DR α-chain gene to chromosome 6 using mouse–human somatic cell hybrids6. Similarly, the DR α-chain gene7 has been mapped to the short arm of chromosome 6 centromeric to the HLA-A, -B and -C loci by in situ hybridization experiments8. We isolated a cDNA clone that is related to the DR α chain and encodes the class II antigen DC α chain9. We describe here how this DC α clone was used to find two or three additional α-chain genes by cross-hybridization and how HLA-antigen loss mutants of a human lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) were used to ascertain that these additional class II antigen α-chain genes are also located in the HLA region.
M/M/1 queues with interdependent arrival and service processes

We study via simulation an M/M/1 queueing system with the assumption that a customer's service time and the interarrival interval separating his arrival from that of his predecessor are correlated random variables having a bivariate exponential distribution. We show that positive correlation reduces the mean and variance of the total waiting time and that negative correlation has the opposite effect. By using spectral analysis and a nonparametric test applied to the sample power spectra associated with certain simulated waiting times we show the effect to be statistically significant.
Evaluation of filter-based aerosol measurements during the 1987 Southern California Air Quality Study.

The Southern California Air Quality Study (SCAQS) was conducted during the summer and fall of 1987 to assess the causes of elevated ozone and suspended particulate matter concentrations in California's South Coast Air Basin (SoCAB). Extensive gaseous (i.e. nitric acid, ammonia, sulfur dioxide) and particle (i.e. PM2.5 and PM10 mass, elements, ions, carbon) measurements were acquired for 11 days during the summer at nine locations, and six days during the fall at six locations. Outliers were identified so that they could be excluded from further statistical analyses. Carbon and elemental measurements were found to be negatively biased by ∼ 20% owing to inhomogenous aerosol deposits on the SCAQS filters and analysis methods which were applied to a portion of the filters. These biases seem relatively consistent, however, and should not affect conclusions drawn from data analysis efforts if they are appropriately considered. Significant fractions (30–60%) of ammonium nitrate volatilized during the summer when temperatures were higher. Less than 10% typically volatilized during the fall when temperatures were lower. Anion/cation balances support the accuracy and precision estimates of the nitrate, sulfate, and ammonium measurements. Coarse particle sulfate was generally low, while coarse particle nitrate was most pronounced at the coastal sites. This paper documents SCAQS filter-based aerosol measurement methods, and evaluates the accuracy, precision, and validity of the data set. Various comparisons were made for: (1) PM2.5/PM10 ratios for mass and major chemical species; (2) sum of chemical species versus measured mass; (3) sulfate versus sulfur ratios; (4) PM2.5 particulate nitrate versus nitric acid-denuded nitrate; and (5) anion/cation balances. The measurement and evaluation techniques presented in this paper serve as a guideline for other data analysis and modeling studies.
Anthocyanin Determination in Black Raspberry (Rubus occidentalis) and Biological Specimens Using Liquid Chromatography-Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry

: The capabilities of mass spectrometry for microscale determination of anthocyanins were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/ MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS). Four anthocyanins [cyanidin 3-glucoside, cyanidin 3-sambubioside, cyanidin 3–(2G−xylosylrutinoside) and cyanidin 3-rutinoside] were characterized in black raspberry samples by LC-ESI/MS-MS using both positive and negative ion analyses. Quantification of anthocyanins was conducted using ESI/MS-MS with selected reaction monitoring (SRM). Linear responses of several anthocyanins were determined during MS-MS analyses. Detection limits as low as 1 femtomol for most anthocyanins were obtained during ESI/MS-MS. Compared with other quantitative procedures such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and ultraviolet/visible spectrophotometry, the current method provides an improved sensitive, specific technique for direct determination of intact anthocyanins. The developed methodology was successfully applied to analysis of trace levels of anthocyanins in human plasma and epithelial cells.
Abstract 2547: Targeted sequencing of 5p15 locus defined by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) GWAS using next-generation sequencing.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic loci associated with lung cancer risk. Direct sequencing is regarded as the ultimate approach for moving beyond genetic mapping to identify causal mutations and define disease candidate genes. We conducted a pilot next-generation sequencing (NGS) of all exons of TERT and CLPTM1L genes within the 5p15 locus from our NSCLC GWAS, replicating previous studies. We performed an amplicon capture-NGS on 138 samples, including 82 NSCLC cases and 56 controls. These results were highly consistent across samples, with the majority covering 85-95% of bases at 100-fold and with only 5 samples failing to achieve 100-fold coverage for at least 80% of bases. We identified 11 SNPs in TERT and 5 SNPs in CLPTM1L. Using our SKAT/SKAT-O method, we found that both genes were associated with NSCLC (TERT, p=0.006; and CLPTM1L, p=0.04). When the SNPs of the two genes were combined, we saw a greater joint effect (p=0.001). In a subgroup analysis focusing on functional SNPs, including 7 and 4 nonsynonymous SNPs in TERT and CLPTM1L, respectively, we found a stronger association with TERT (p=0.0005), as well as an increased joint effect (p=0.0001). Moreover, none of the sequenced subjects had functional SNPs in both TERT and CLPTM1L genes. Furthermore, most nonsynonymous variations seemed clustered either in the cases or in the controls. Bioinformatic annotation of these nonsynonymous SNPs revealed that those clustered in the controls had only benign effects on the encoded protein, whereas those overrepresented in the NSCLC cases had possible damage to the encoded protein. Using Sanger dideoxy-terminator sequencing at an independent core facility and Taqman genotyping, all of the 11 functional SNPs identified by amplicon capture-NGS were confirmed. In summary, the results seem to support the hypotheses that aggregated functional variations, but not the neutral ones, contribute to the risks of NSCLC development. However, the initial finding is not conclusive, as this pilot project was limited by a small sample set and structural variations were not examined. Citation Format: Zhaoxi Wang, Yang Zhao, Li Su, Seunggeun Lee, Xihong Lin, David C. Christiani. Targeted sequencing of 5p15 locus defined by non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) GWAS using next-generation sequencing. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2547. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2547
Resin-coated urea evaluation for turfgrass fertilization

(...) The most rapid response to fertilization as measured by fresh weight yields and color ratings was produced by urea, followed in order by SCU, RCU-70, and RCU-100. The release rate of RCU-270 was too slow to produce acceptable color ratings through much of the test at both fertilization times. The most uniform response was produced by RCU-100 at both the single-spring and split treatments (...)
A novel biopsy method to increase yield of subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue

Collection of abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) for research testing is traditionally performed using punch biopsy or needle aspiration techniques, yielding small amounts of very superficial SAT (100–500 mg). Although liposuction techniques can be used to obtain large amounts of SAT, these approaches can compromise the integrity of the adipose tissue. Therefore, we investigated a novel method using a 6-mm Bergstrom side-cutting biopsy needle to acquire suitable amounts of intact abdominal SAT for multiple complex studies such as flow cytometry, RNA extraction, ex vivo expression of molecular and post-translational protein mediators, and histology. Fifty biopsies were obtained from 29 participants using a Bergstrom biopsy needle, applying transient manual suction and shearing large pieces of fat within the inner-cutting trochar. Eighteen of the biopsies were performed under ultrasound guidance, whereby we successfully sampled deep SAT (dSAT) from below Scarpa’s fascia. The average weight of SAT sampled was 1.5±0.4 g. There was no clinically important bleeding or ecchymosis on the abdominal wall and no infection occurred with this procedure. The 6-mm Bergstrom biopsy needle yielded substantially more SAT than what has been obtained from superficial procedures and, for the first time, allowed sampling of dSAT by a percutaneous approach.
The c- erb-A gene encodes a thyroid hormone receptor

The cDNA sequence of human c-erb-A, the cellular counterpart of the viral oncogene v-erb-A, indicates that the protein encoded by the gene is related to the steroid hormone receptors. Binding studies with the protein show it to be a receptor for thyroid hormones.
Theoretical performances of various refrigerant–absorbent pairs in a vapor-absorption refrigeration cycle by the use of equations of state

Abstract The vapor-absorption refrigeration cycle is an old and well-established technique, particularly with ammonia/water and water/LiBr systems. New types of refrigerant–absorbent pairs are also being actively studied. Modeling the cycle performance requires thermodynamic properties, which have been largely based on empirical correlation equations fitted to a large amount of experimental data such as solubility at various temperatures, pressures, and compositions. In this report, we have demonstrated, for the first time, a thermodynamically consistent model based on the equations of state for refrigerant–absorbent mixtures. Various commonly known binary-pairs for the absorption cycle are used as examples. Cycle performances and some new insights on understanding the cycle process are shown.
Altered Cortical GABAA Receptor Composition, Physiology, and Endocytosis in a Mouse Model of a Human Genetic Absence Epilepsy Syndrome

Patients with generalized epilepsy exhibit cerebral cortical disinhibition. Likewise, mutations in the inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels, GABAA receptors (GABAARs), cause generalized epilepsy syndromes in humans. Recently, we demonstrated that heterozygous knock-out (Hetα1KO) of the human epilepsy gene, the GABAAR α1 subunit, produced absence epilepsy in mice. Here, we determined the effects of Hetα1KO on the expression and physiology of GABAARs in the mouse cortex. We found that Hetα1KO caused modest reductions in the total and surface expression of the β2 subunit but did not alter β1 or β3 subunit expression, results consistent with a small reduction of GABAARs. Cortices partially compensated for Hetα1KO by increasing the fraction of residual α1 subunit on the cell surface and by increasing total and surface expression of α3, but not α2, subunits. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Hetα1KO increased the fraction of α1 subunits, and decreased the fraction of α3 subunits, that associated in hybrid α1α3βγ receptors. Patch clamp electrophysiology studies showed that Hetα1KO layer VI cortical neurons exhibited reduced inhibitory postsynaptic current peak amplitudes, prolonged current rise and decay times, and altered responses to benzodiazepine agonists. Finally, application of inhibitors of dynamin-mediated endocytosis revealed that Hetα1KO reduced base-line GABAAR endocytosis, an effect that probably contributes to the observed changes in GABAAR expression. These findings demonstrate that Hetα1KO exerts two principle disinhibitory effects on cortical GABAAR-mediated inhibitory neurotransmission: 1) a modest reduction of GABAAR number and 2) a partial compensation with GABAAR isoforms that possess physiological properties different from those of the otherwise predominant α1βγ GABAARs.
Covert camera for screening of vehicle interiors and HOV enforcement

This paper describes a covert means of photographing the interiors of moving vehicles at all times of the day or night through clear or tinted windows. The system is called the Georgia Vehicle Occupancy System (GVOS). It utilizes an infrared (IR) strobe light to illuminate passenger and cargo compartments through side windows or the windshield. A high-speed, digital, infrared camera records the images and is capable of providing clear, stop-motion images of the interiors of vehicles moving at highway speeds. A human screener can view these images, or pattern recognition algorithms can be used to count the number of passengers, identify particular individuals, or screen the types and placement of cargo. Examples of vehicle interior images recorded at highway speeds are shown. For homeland security, such a system can be used to screen vehicles entering military bases or other sensitive sites or it can be implemented on highways for identifying and tracking suspicious individuals.
Radiative–Convective Feedbacks in Idealized States of Radiative–Convective Equilibrium

This paper examines feedbacks between the radiative heating of clouds and convection in the context of numerical radiative–convective equilibrium experiments conducted using both 2D and 3D versions of a cloud-resolving model. The experiments are conducted on a large domain, and equilibria develop as juxtaposed regions of dry and moist air that are connected and sustained by circulations between them. The scales of such variability are large and differ significantly between the 2D and 3D versions of the experiments. Three sensitivity experiments were conducted which, when compared to the control experiment, provide insight into the relative influences of cloud–radiation feedback mechanisms on the equilibrium state achieved. It emerges from the experiments conducted that radiation feedbacks operate via two main pathways, with the radiative heating by high clouds being the governing process of both. The predominant bimodal nature of the moist equilibrium is established by gradients in radiative heating that, in turn, are determined by high cloud differences between wet and dry regions that, in turn, are controlled by convection. Convection, on the other hand, is also influenced by the localized effects of cloud radiative heating by these extended layers of high clouds. The results of the experiments demonstrate how high cloud radiative heating, which is a by-product of the convection itself, provides a feedback that acts to regulate the high clouds produced in the wet convective areas of the equilibrium.
New THz sources for bio-medical imaging

We present an evaluation of new terahertz sources for biomedical imaging based upon quantum cascade lasers (QCL) and orientation patterned gallium arsenide (OP-GaAs) optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The recently developed terahertz quantum cascade laser emits a peak output power of up to 40mW at 3.7 THz (l=81mm). Utilizing coherent terahertz radiation greatly improves the signal to noise ratio of the detection, where it provides a relatively large dynamic range and high spatial resolution. We demonstrated biomedical imaging of malignant tissue contrast in an image of a mouse liver with developed tumors with a THz imaging system based on a QCL. In addition, images of various tissues, such as lung, liver, and brain sections from the laboratory mouse were also obtained. We also explored distinct images from fat, muscle and tendon and measured the absorption coefficient and compared this with FTIR measurements. Another recent technological advance in THz source is based on cascaded optical down-conversion in an OP-GaAs OPO, which provides a tunable THz source over a broad wavelength range with an average power of 1mW at room temperature (RT). The tunability of the OPO source provides additional imaging modes through the ability to excite molecular vibrations and obtain biochemical and structural information in addition to normal absorption or reflectivity contrast.
Effects of Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccination on serum α1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in commercial layer chickens

Increases in circulating acute phase protein (APP) levels occur in reaction to systemic infections in animals. However, no previous research has been conducted to monitor possible changes in APP levels of birds in response to prelay vaccinations of various live attenuated Mycoplasma gallisepticum vaccines in conjunction with their subsequent use as an overlay vaccine during the production period. Serum concentrations of the APP, α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), were determined on d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after subjecting commercial laying hens to one of the following treatments at 10 wk of age (woa): 1) control (no vaccination); 2) ts-11 strain M. gallisepticum (ts11MG) vaccination; 3) M. gallisepticum-bacterin (MGBac) vaccination; and 4) ts11MG and MGBac combination (ts11MG & MGBac) vaccination. Furthermore, at 45 woa, the birds in half of the units assigned to each treatment group were vaccinated with high-passage F-strain M. gallisepticum (HpFMG). Birds in treatment 1 that were (single control) and were not (double control) vaccinated with HpFMG, and birds in treatments 2, 3, and 4 that were vaccinated with HpFMG were further tested during lay on d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after vaccination. On d 7, 14, and 28 postvaccination at 10 woa, the ts11MG & MGBac, ts11MG, and MGBac group AGP concentrations were not different from one another, but all were higher than those in the control group. Similarly, on d 3, 7, and 14 postvaccination, the single control, and the MGBac ts11MG, and ts11MG & MGBac treatment groups that were later vaccinated with HpFMG at 45 woa, were not different, but all were higher than that in the double control group. In conclusion, elevated circulation AGP concentrations may be used to detect and confirm subclinical infections in pullets up to 28 d after having been vaccinated with ts11MG, MGBac, or their combination. Furthermore, in association with depressed performance, elevated serum AGP concentrations in layers may be used to confirm HpFMG infections up to 28 d after its use as a vaccine.
Tetracyclines as an Oral Treatment Option for Patients with Community Onset Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Few data exist on the clinical utility of the expanded-spectrum tetracyclines doxycycline and minocycline for the treatment of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI). We performed a retrospective cohort study of 276 patients who presented with 282 episodes of MRSA SSTI to the emergency room or outpatient clinic at two tertiary medical centers between October 2002 and February 2007. The median percentage of patients infected with MRSA strains that were susceptible to tetracycline was 95%. Time zero was defined as the time of the first incision and drainage procedure or, if none was performed, the time of the first positive wound culture. The median patient age was 48 years. Abscesses constituted the majority of clinical presentations (75%), followed by furuncles or carbuncles (13%) and cellulitis originating from a purulent focus of infection (12%). A total of 225 patients (80%) underwent incision and drainage. Doxycycline or minocycline was administered in 90 episodes (32%); the other 192 SSTI were treated with beta-lactams. Treatment failure, defined as the need for a second incision and drainage procedure and/or admission to the hospital within at least 2 days after time zero, was diagnosed in 28 episodes (10%) at a median of 3 days after time zero. On logistic regression analysis, receipt of a beta-lactam agent was the only clinical characteristic associated with treatment failure (adjusted odds ratio, 3.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.28 to 12.15; P = 0.02). The expanded-spectrum tetracyclines appear to be a reasonable oral treatment option for patients with community onset MRSA SSTI in areas where MRSA strains are susceptible to the tetracyclines.
An Analysis of Farm Injuries and Safety Practices in Mississippi

ABSTRACT In Mississippi, agriculture is the most dangerous industry employing over 30% of the state's workforce. Records from the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service indicated that 18 tractor deaths occurred in 1997, a new all-time record. Also, there were two additional deaths involving other farm machinery. This study was designed to determine the magnitude of farm injuries, safety practices, and educational programs used to reduce farm injuries in Mississippi. The study targeted 34 counties in the state with an African-American population of 40% or more. Nearly 51% of the farmers surveyed completed the questionnaire. Major findings were: forty-nine percent of the respondents were Caucasians and 45% were African-Americans; ninety-three percent of the respondents had medical insurance and 46% had liability insurance; sixty-eight percent of the respondents sustained abrasions; and based on the number of deaths and injuries that have occurred on farms, there is a need for educational programs promoti...
Naturopathic Physicians: Holistic Primary Care and Integrative Medicine Specialists

The use of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasing in the United States; there is a need for physician level practitioners who possess extensive training in both CAM and conventional medicine. Naturopathic physicians possess training that allows integration of modern scientific knowledge and the age-old wisdom of natural healing techniques. Naturopathic philosophy provides a framework to implement CAM in concert with conventional therapies. The naturopathic physician's expertise in both conventional medicine and CAM allows a practice style that provides excellent care through employing conventional and CAM modalities while utilizing modern research and evidence-based medicine.