cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Households' age, country of birth, and marital status, stronger predictor variables than education in the prevalence of dental sealants, restorations, and caries among US children 5-19 years of age, NHANES 2005-2010.

The aim of this study is to use data representative of the U.S. population to determine if households (HHs) age, birth country, and marital status, are strong predictors as HHs education for dental sealants, restorations, and caries in children 5 to 19 years of age. A cross sectional analysis was performed with oral health data from three waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 2005 to 2010). The sample size consisted of children 5 to 19 years of age (n = 9151) and households > 18 years of age (n = 31,034). Dependent variables included the number of children with dental sealants, restorations, and caries. HHs independent variables consisted of gender, age, race, country of birth, HHs education level, marital status, and HHs spouse education. Multivariate regression analysis models were adjusted for HHs citizenship, health insurance, family size, and children age categories. The prevalence of children 5–19 years of age with dental sealants, restorations, and caries was 31.3, 43, and 15.8% respectively. The odds of children having sealants were higher among HHs with a college education or above OR 2.05 [1.54.-2.73] vs. HHs with a < 9th grade, in HHs ages 39–49 (OR 1.78 [1.41–2.24) vs. 18–29 years of age, and in HHs spouses with a college education and above OR 1.71 [1.14–2.56] vs. HHs with a < 9th grade. The odds of having at least one restored tooth were higher in children from HHs born in Mexico 1.74 [1.44–2.10] vs. US born. The highest odds for caries were among children from HHs that were never married 1.91 [1.47–2.48] vs. married HHs. In HHs with a college education the odds for caries in children were 0.31 (0.22–0.43) for college and above, and 0.78 (0.60–1.01) for some college. The odds of children having dental sealants were higher in HHs with a college education, however, HHs ages 30–49 provided higher odds for sealants than spouses with college education. HHs birth place increased the odds of children with restorations more than HHs education. Children from HHs that never married had higher odds of experiencing dental caries. Recognizing the impact of these HHs characteristics could augment efforts in the prevention of adverse oral health outcomes in U.S. children. Households’ age, country of birth, and marital status, stronger predictor variables than education in the prevalence of dental sealants, restorations, and caries among US children 5–19 years of age, NHANES 2005–2010.
A Khmaladze-transformed test of fit with ML estimation in the presence of recurrent events

This article provides a goodness-of-fit test for the distribution function or the survival function in a recurrent event setting, when the inter-event time parametric structure F(·;θ) is estimated ...
Hamstring Autograft for Lateral Ligament Stabilization.

This paper seeks to review the current literature and trends regarding use of hamstring autograft for lateral ankle instability. Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft has been found to be an effective method to treat ankle instability in terms of patient-reported outcomes and objective measures. Biomechanically, reconstruction has been shown to be stronger (load to failure) when compared with the Brostrom procedure. Clinical studies have demonstrated non-inferiority when compared with the Brostrom procedure, with one synthetic reconstruction technique demonstrating superior outcomes. Reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments using hamstring autograft is especially useful in patients who are at high risk of failure (insufficient soft tissue available for repair, ligamentous laxity, previous failed ligament repair, ossicle > 1 cm, or in the heavier, high-demand athletes).
Botulinum toxin for cervical dystonia: addressing treatment failure and improving outcomes.

Introduction. Cervical dystonia is a form of focal dystonia characterised by tilting and turning of the head and neck. This can cause significant disability in affected patients. Botulinum toxin injections are the mainstay of therapy. However, approximately 30% of patients discontinue treatment. Clinical reflections. Tyślerowicz et al. have provided a comprehensive review of the factors contributing to treatment failure. Such factors include appropriate identification of dystonia patterns, accurate injection of muscles, and addressing non-motor features of cervical dystonia. Clinical implications. A systematic approach is needed to identify and address the potentially modifiable factors that contribute to treatment failure.
Editors’ Notes: Advancing Design Scholarship in Textiles and Apparel:

The past 20 years have seen growth in exposure and academic outlets for design scholarship through new journals, special topics sessions and conferences, and PhD programs. Yet, there is a lack of s...
From Images to Reports

The last steps in the radiology workflow fall to the radiologist. The images must be evaluated with an eye to answering the explicit or implicit questions raised in the order. A report must be created, and essential communications completed. This chapter describes some of the ways to optimize the radiologist’s workflow, from quality assurance to prioritization and service expectations. Issues concerning productivity and timeliness are covered as well as potential trade-offs between productivity and quality.
Exploratory study of personal wellbeing of Burmese refugees in the United States

The purpose of this study is to examine the personal wellbeing of ethnic Chin Burmese refugees in the United States. Based on a cross-sectional study using a convenience and snowball sample, data o...
THE USES OF THE UNIVERSITY IN EARLY MODERN SPAIN

(1976). THE USES OF THE UNIVERSITY IN EARLY MODERN SPAIN. The Review of Education: Vol. 2, No. 2, pp. 207-214.
What fuels the fly: Energy metabolism in Drosophila and its application to the study of obesity and diabetes

The organs and metabolic pathways involved in energy metabolism, and the process of ATP production from nutrients, are comparable between humans and Drosophila melanogaster This level of conservation, together with the power of Drosophila genetics, makes the fly a very useful model system to study energy homeostasis. Here, we discuss the major organs involved in energy metabolism in Drosophila and how they metabolize different dietary nutrients to generate adenosine triphosphate. Energy metabolism in these organs is controlled by cell-intrinsic, paracrine, and endocrine signals that are similar between Drosophila and mammals. We describe how these signaling pathways are regulated by several physiological and environmental cues to accommodate tissue-, age-, and environment-specific differences in energy demand. Last, we discuss several genetic and diet-induced fly models of obesity and diabetes that can be leveraged to better understand the molecular basis of these metabolic diseases and thereby promote the development of novel therapies.
Certainty and Uncertainty in Reporting Fingerprint Evidence

Everyone knows that fingerprint evidence can be extremely incriminating. What is less clear is whether the way that a fingerprint examiner describes that evidence influences the weight lay jurors assign to it. This essay describes an experiment testing how lay people respond to different presentations of fingerprint evidence in a hypothetical criminal case. We find that people attach more weight to the evidence when the fingerprint examiner indicates that he believes or knows that the defendant is the source of the print. When the examiner offers a weaker, but more scientifically justifiable, conclusion, the evidence is given less weight. However, people do not value the evidence any more or less when the examiner uses very strong language to indicate that the defendant is the source of the print versus weaker source identification language. We also find that cross-examination designed to highlight weaknesses in the fingerprint evidence has no impact regardless of which type of conclusion the examiner offers. We conclude by considering implications for ongoing reform efforts.
Nonlinear One-Dimensional Constitutive Model for Magnetostrictive Materials

This paper presents an analytic model of one dimensional magnetostriction. We show how specific assumptions regarding the symmetry of key micromagnetic energies (magnetocrystalline, magnetoelastic, and Zeeman) reduce a general three-dimensional statistical mechanics model to a one-dimensional form with an exact solution. We additionally provide a useful form of the analytic equations to help ensure numerical accuracy. Numerical results show that the model maintains accuracy over a large range of applied magnetic fields and stress conditions extending well outside those produced in standard laboratory conditions. A comparison to experimental data is performed for several magnetostrictive materials. The model is shown to accurately predict the behavior of Terfenol-D, while two compositions of Galfenol are modeled with varying accuracy. To conclude we discuss what conditions facilitate the description of materials with cubic crystalline anisotropy as transversely isotropic, to achieve peak model performance.
Effects of Nd-addition on the structural, hydrogen storage, and electrochemical properties of C14 metal hydride alloys

Abstract Nd-addition to the AB2-based alloy Ti12Zr22.8−xV10Cr7.5Mn8.1Co7.0Ni32.2Al0.4Ndx is studied for its effects on the structure, gaseous-phase hydrogen storage, and electrochemical properties. This study follows a series of Cu, Mo, Fe, Y, Si, and La doping studies in similar AB2-based alloys. Limited solubility of Nd in the main Laves phase promotes the formation of secondary phases (AB and Zr7Ni10) to provide catalytic effects and synergies for improved capacity and high-rate dischargeability (HRD) performance. The main C14 storage phase has smaller lattice constants and cell volumes, and these effects reduce the storage capacity at higher Nd levels. Different hydrogen absorption mechanisms can occur in these multi-component, multi-phase alloys depending on the interfaces of the phases, and they have effects on the alloy properties. Higher Nd-levels improve the HRD performance despite having lower bulk diffusion and surface exchange current. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate large percentage of larger metallic nickel clusters are present in the surface oxide of alloys with higher Nd-content, and AC impedance studies show very low charge-transfer resistance with high catalytic capability in the alloys. The −40 °C charge-transfer resistance of 8.9 Ω g in this Nd-series of alloys is the lowest measured out of the studies investigating doped AB2-based MH alloys for improved low-temperature characteristics. The improvement in HRD and low-temperature performance appears to be related to the proportion of the highly catalytic NdNi-phase at the surface, which must offset the increased bulk diffusion resistance in the alloy.
Empirische Bayes-Schätzverfahren bei quadratischer Schadensfunktion

Es werden empirische Bayes-Schatzverfahren der Gestalt δφ(x)= a(x, fφ(x), f φ ′ (x)) bei quadratischer Schadensfunktion betrachtet und gezeigt, das solche Schatzer eng verbunden sind mit Verteilungen aus Exponentialfamilien. Die direkte Schatzung des Bayes-Schatzers wird diskutiert.
Vigilantes, gangsters, and alcohol: clashing citizenship regimes in postwar Guatemala

In this volatile moment in Latin America, when relations between the state and citizens are in flux, people at the margins of society draw on various notions of citizenship in social conflicts over proper behavior and the common good. I examine an intergenerational conflict over the legality of alcohol in an indigenous village in Guatemala to show how its protagonists creatively recombine different aspects of the various citizenship regimes that they have encountered. Elders have formed vigilante justice groups to combat the youth they consider gangsters. While the vigilantes draw upon a discourse of obligation to justify their actions, the generation below them counters with a language of rights. Some argue that citizenship is less meaningful in contexts where state power is ambiguous and extralegal violence is commonplace. I argue that in such contexts, it is not that citizenship does not have meaning, but rather that its meaning is intensely contested.
Causal Inference in the Health Sciences: A Conceptual Introduction

This paper provides a conceptual introduction to causal inference, aimed to assist health services researchers benefit from recent advances in this area. The paper stresses the paradigmatic shifts that must be undertaken in moving from traditional statistical analysis to causal analysis of multivariate data. Special emphasis is placed on the assumptions that underlie all causal inferences, the languages used in formulating those assumptions, and the conditional nature of causal claims inferred from nonexperimental studies. These emphases are illustrated through a brief survey of recent results, including the control of confounding, corrections for noncompliance, and a symbiosis between counterfactual and graphical methods of analysis.
IQGAP1 promotes CXCR4 chemokine receptor function and trafficking via EEA-1+ endosomes.

IQ motif–containing GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is a cytoskeleton-interacting scaffold protein. CXCR4 is a chemokine receptor that binds stromal cell–derived factor-1 (SDF-1; also known as CXCL12). Both IQGAP1 and CXCR4 are overexpressed in cancer cell types, yet it was unclear whether these molecules functionally interact. Here, we show that depleting IQGAP1 in Jurkat T leukemic cells reduced CXCR4 expression, disrupted trafficking of endocytosed CXCR4 via EEA-1+ endosomes, and decreased efficiency of CXCR4 recycling. SDF-1–induced cell migration and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK) MAPK were strongly inhibited, even when forced overexpression restored CXCR4 levels. Similar results were seen in KMBC and HEK293 cells. Exploring the mechanism, we found that SDF-1 treatment induced IQGAP1 binding to α-tubulin and localization to CXCR4-containing endosomes and that CXCR4-containing EEA-1+ endosomes were abnormally located distal from the microtubule (MT)-organizing center (MTOC) in IQGAP1-deficient cells. Thus, IQGAP1 critically mediates CXCR4 cell surface expression and signaling, evidently by regulating EEA-1+ endosome interactions with MTs during CXCR4 trafficking and recycling. IQGAP1 may similarly promote CXCR4 functions in other cancer cell types.
The use of thermal desorption in monitoring for the chemical weapons demilitarization program

Under international treaty, the United States and Russia are disposing of their aging stockpile of chemical weapons. Incineration and chemical neutralization are options for sites in the United States, although Russia prefers the latter. The storage and disposal of bulk and chemical agents and weapons involve unique hazards of handling extremely toxic materials. There are three major areas of concern--the storage stockpile, the disposal area, and the discovery and destruction of "found" material not considered part of the stockpile. Methods have been developed to detect the presence of chemical agents in the air, and these are used to help assure worker protection and the safety of the local population. Exposure limits for all chemical agents are low, sometimes nanograms per cubic meter for worker control limits and picograms per cubic meter for general population limits. There are three types of monitoring used in the USA: alarm, confirmation, and historical. Alarm monitors are required to give relatively immediate real-time responses to agent leaks. They are simple to operate and rugged, and provide an alarm in near real-time (generally a few minutes). Alarm monitors for the demilitarization program are based on sorbent pre-concentration followed by thermal desorption and simple gas chromatography. Alarms may need to be confirmed by another method, such as sample tubes collocated with the alarm monitor and analyzed in a laboratory by more sophisticated chromatography. Sample tubes are also used for historical perimeter monitoring, with sample periods typically of 12 h. The most common detector is the flame photometric detector, in sulfur or phosphorous mode, although others, such as mass-selective detectors, also have been used. All agents have specific problems with collection, chromatography and detection. Monitoring is not made easier by interferences from pesticide spraying, busy roadways or military firing ranges. Exposure limits drive the requirements for analytical sensitivity. Lowering limits adds additional difficulties to the monitoring efforts. The various monitoring methods and the role they play in ensuring worker and general population safety are discussed.
Survey of japanese beetle management practices in Michigan highbush blueberry production

Michigan higbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) growers were surveyed during Winter 2003 to gather information on the extent of the pest status of japanese beetle (Popillia japonica, Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) within this crop, and their responses to this pest management challenge. The survey was mailed to 215 highbush blueberry farms in southwestern, central, and southeastern Michigan. Ninety-nine surveys were completed and returned. Our results revealed that this pest was of concern to the majority of growers who returned the survey (84%), causing average additional costs of $72/acre. Increased insecticide use was the major cause of the economic loss due to this pest, and the main methods for controlling japanese beetle were insecticides and clean cultivation. More farms had permanent sod coverage than clean cultivation in individual fi elds. The acreage of clean-cultivated farms was higher because larger farms tend to have clean cultivation. Japanese beetle has driven changes in row-middle management, indicated by growers who have switched to clean cultivation recently. Fifty percent of growers considered the changes they implemented to control japanese beetle to be effective, and most growers were not planning any further changes to their pest management programs to address this pest. Many growers were willing to try new cover crops if they are shown to be effective against japanese beetle.
Intermediate-range structure of tellurite glasses from near-edge absorption spectra

Simulations of the $\mathrm{Te}$ $K$ and ${L}_{3}$-edge XANES in an ${\mathrm{Nb}}_{2}{\mathrm{Te}}_{4}{\mathrm{O}}_{13}$ crystal are found to be in good agreement with experimental data for a large variety of tellurite crystals and glasses. The near-edge structure of the $\mathrm{Te}$ $K$ and ${L}_{3}$ edge is found to be determined by all the atom-position correlations within a cluster of about $5--8\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{\AA{}}$ in radius, rather than just the nearest neighbors. This suggests that the structure of tellurite glasses is closely related to those of crystals even in the range beyond nearest neighbors. Furthermore, it shows that XANES (and ELNES) technique can be used to probe intermediate-range structures around an absorbing atom.
Manipulating structure and enhancing conductivity of polymer acid doped polyaniline by exploiting redox chemistry

Abstract By reversibly accessing the oxidation states of polyaniline that is template synthesized on poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid), extensive structural relaxations are induced that result in significant conductivity enhancement. The electrostatic interactions between polyaniline and its template can be neutralized through chemical reduction with hydrazine monohydrate, after which the polymer acid can be plasticized by water vapor to drive structural relaxation. Exposure to nitric oxide leads to re-oxidation of polyaniline and concurrent reassociation with its polymer acid dopant. Following this redox cycling process, the conductivity of polyaniline films increases from 0.4 S/cm to as high as 11 S/cm. This enhancement is attributed to the same extensive polymer chain relaxation and the simultaneous elimination of the particulate nature of template-synthesized polyaniline previously described following solvent annealing in dichloroacetic acid. While solvent annealing also increases the conductivity of films comprising commercially available poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonic acid), redox cycling induces no improvement in the electrical conductivity of such films. This difference suggests that conductivity enhancement in poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) films through solvent annealing stems from a mechanism markedly different from the structural relaxation responsible for improving the electrical properties of polymer acid-doped polyaniline, and likely results from the physical removal of an insulating poly(styrene sulfonic acid) overlayer.
Structure of an RNA silencing complex of the CRISPR-Cas immune system.

Summary Bacterial and archaeal clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci capture virus and plasmid sequences and use them to recognize and eliminate these invaders. CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) containing the acquired sequences are incorporated into effector complexes that destroy matching invader nucleic acids. The multicomponent Cmr effector complex cleaves RNA targets complementary to the crRNAs. Here, we report cryoelectron microscopy reconstruction of a functional Cmr complex bound with a target RNA at ∼12 A. Pairs of the Cmr4 and Cmr5 proteins form a helical core that is asymmetrically capped on each end by distinct pairs of the four remaining subunits: Cmr2 and Cmr3 at the conserved 5′ crRNA tag sequence and Cmr1 and Cmr6 near the 3′ end of the crRNA. The shape and organization of the RNA-targeting Cmr complex is strikingly similar to the DNA-targeting Cascade complex. Our results reveal a remarkably conserved architecture among very distantly related CRISPR-Cas complexes.
Depth profiling of boron using gamma rays from the 11B(p, γ)12C reaction

Abstract The gamma ray yield of the 11 B(p, γ) 12 C resonance reaction at 163 keV was applied to depth profiling. This reaction is capable of providing boron concentration versus depth up to more than 1 μm in conductive and non-conductive films. To avoid the interferences of reactions of lighter elements, the gamma ray of 11.68 MeV was selected for profiling. Using a numerical method, the interference of the higher resonances was subtracted. Comparison data from the 11 B(p, α)2α reaction was taken for completeness. Additionally, the profiling capabilities of the 11 B(p, γ) 12 C and 11 B(p, α 0 ) 8 Be reaction are compared.
Hyperprolactinaemia in congenital hypothyroidism.

SUMMARY Serum prolactin concentrations were measured in nine untreated hypothyroid infants and 23 euthyroid controls. In the former group the serum prolactin concentrations were tenfold higher than the controls (352 vs 34 μg/1), declining gradually upon treatment. Although serum prolactin concentrations can be mildly elevated in adults with hypothyroidism, congenital hypothyroidism causes a profound and probably uniform hyperprolactinaemia; furthermore, the hormone concentration correlates directly with the simultaneous TSH concentration. The physiological importance, if any, of the hyperprolactinaemia in the fetus or neonate is uncertain.
Normal and exotic collective states in the fermion dynamical symmetry model.

The comparison of bosonic and fermionic descriptions of collective nuclear structure are given within the framework of algebraic models. Despite the lack of the [ital F] spin in the fermion picture, unification of normal and exotic states can be achieved by the [ital n]-[ital p] quadrupole interactions. Results for the [sup 134]Ba are used to illustrate the physics.
The Pharmacological Activity of Substances Extracted from Spanish Moss, Tillandsia usneoides L.*,†

Extracts of Tillandsia usneoides L., and other species of Tillandsia, family Bromeliaceae, possess estrogenic activity as tested by several methods. The amount of estrogenic substances in Tillandsia exceeds that in many species of plants.
Environmental influences on regulation of blood plasma/serum components in teleost fishes: a review

Concentrations of both inorganic and organic blood plasma/serum components of teleost fishes were reviewed in seven habitat/life-history categories. These were: freshwater; inland saline; estuarine and nearshore marine; pelagic and deep-sea; diadromous; southern cold-water; and northern cold-water. Plasma/serum osmolalities were compared among groups acclimated to/living in fresh and in salt water. Contributions of inorganic ions and colligative and non-colligative organic molecules were evaluated including with respect to melting and freezing points, and “antifreeze activity” of plasma/serum in species from cold marine waters. Possible roles of TMAO in deep-water fishes were reviewed. Discussion also included influences of ambient salinity and temperature on concentrations of plasma/serum components. Seasonal cycles of blood plasma/serum components were discussed, along with antifreeze concentrations in other body fluids and tissues of cold-water fishes. Regulatory patterns of plasma/serum osmolalities were compared among the most euryhaline of teleosts evaluated here. Highest mean values of plasma/serum osmolalities in sea water were seen in southern cold-water and in pelagic and deep-sea fishes. The southern cold-water group also had the lowest plasma/serum freezing points among these groups. Comparisons of mean plasma/serum Na+ and Cl− concentrations among fishes from fresh waters did not differ significantly among groups, but species from cold marine waters showed higher levels than did other groups in marine waters. Plasma/serum osmotic, Na+ and Cl− concentrations of these seven groups of teleosts were compared with those of other fish-like vertebrate groups. Possible impacts of global warming on regulatory responses of plasma/serum components were discussed.
A high probability bound on the mutual information across an observed Discrete Memoryless Channel

This paper introduces several new high probability ounds on the average mutual information, I(X; Y) between he input and output of a Discrete Memoryless Channel (DMC) ased on a set of observed input-output samples. We assume hat channel-input probability mass function and channel transition robability mass functions are unknown. We compare a ayesian-Dirichlet distribution model against a computationally-tractable istribution-free high-probability bound to determine 1) the rate of information possibly flowing across the channel nd (2) the rate information could flow across the channel. he performance (as a function of N, the number of observed amples) is compared via simulation. The rate of convergence s towards to ‘true’ mutual information rate shown to be equation.
Revisiting the urbanization curve

Abstract The urbanization process creates demographic landscapes that are both volatile and uneven. As regions or nations pursue economic development, the level of urbanization—the percentage share of people living in cities—follows a typical pattern: urban shares first rise slowly, then rapidly, and then slowly again. The entire sequence traces out an S-shaped figure often called the urbanization curve. This curve has been widely invoked in the discussion of Homo Urbanus but has rarely been used to analyze the urbanization experiences of different regions and nations. This paper revisits the urbanization curve and shows that national urbanization—whether contemporary or historical—generally conforms to the logistic process. Using UN population data, comparisons are made between the logistic model and other simple time-series and econometric models. The logistic process is sufficiently flexible to depict urbanization unfolding across nations at very different stages of economic development. The substantial variety now seen in national urbanization suggests the existence of separate urbanization clubs.
Cerebral blood flow and anxiety in older men: An analysis of resting anterior asymmetry and prefrontal regions

Asymmetric resting blood flow in prefrontal and hemispheric regions, assessed by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), was examined as a potential biological marker for enhanced trait and state anxiety in 30 older men (ages 55-81). Average and asymmetric perfusion in dorsolateral, medial, and orbital regions of the prefrontal lobes was also assessed. Results indicated a significant association between lower levels of resting dorsolateral blood flow and greater state anxiety responses to a series of stressful provocations (measured on a separate occasion). A significant curvilinear (U-shaped) relation between asymmetric dorsolateral perfusion and state anxiety was also identified; increased asymmetric blood flow favoring either the right or the left dorsolateral region related to higher levels of state anxiety. However, this association was attenuated by age and systolic blood pressure. Resting perfusion in the dorsolateral region may represent a more reliable biological marker for state anxiety than trait anxiety in older men.
Analysis of transient plant movements by holographic interferometry

HOLOGRAPHIC interferometry is a photographic technique which can be used to measure minute displacements of objects1. Williams2 has shown holographic interferograms of painted wheat shoots, but in his initial work there was no attempt to make quantitative measurements of either plant displacement or, more importantly, transient plant response. The present work demonstrates the potential of holographic interferometry in plant movement analysis by showing previously unobtainable data on the bending and short term transient response of a mature, slow moving plant. Our results suggest that the holographic interferometric technique may provide the means to measure accurately such important plant movement parameters as velocity and displacement with much higher resolution than is available from any other method. In addition, the technique substantially improves the time resolution of plant movement analysis, thus enabling more detailed observation of the tropic response as a function of time.
High efficiency, site-specific transfection of adherent cells with siRNA using microelectrode arrays (MEA).

The discovery of RNAi pathway in eukaryotes and the subsequent development of RNAi agents, such as siRNA and shRNA, have achieved a potent method for silencing specific genes1-8 for functional genomics and therapeutics. A major challenge involved in RNAi based studies is the delivery of RNAi agents to targeted cells. Traditional non-viral delivery techniques, such as bulk electroporation and chemical transfection methods often lack the necessary spatial control over delivery and afford poor transfection efficiencies9-12. Recent advances in chemical transfection methods such as cationic lipids, cationic polymers and nanoparticles have resulted in highly enhanced transfection efficiencies13. However, these techniques still fail to offer precise spatial control over delivery that can immensely benefit miniaturized high-throughput technologies, single cell studies and investigation of cell-cell interactions. Recent technological advances in gene delivery have enabled high-throughput transfection of adherent cells14-23, a majority of which use microscale electroporation. Microscale electroporation offers precise spatio-temporal control over delivery (up to single cells) and has been shown to achieve high efficiencies19, 24-26. Additionally, electroporation based approaches do not require a prolonged period of incubation (typically 4 hours) with siRNA and DNA complexes as necessary in chemical based transfection methods and lead to direct entry of naked siRNA and DNA molecules into the cell cytoplasm. As a consequence gene expression can be achieved as early as six hours after transfection27. Our lab has previously demonstrated the use of microelectrode arrays (MEA) for site-specific transfection in adherent mammalian cell cultures17-19. In the MEA based approach, delivery of genetic payload is achieved via localized micro-scale electroporation of cells. An application of electric pulse to selected electrodes generates local electric field that leads to electroporation of cells present in the region of the stimulated electrodes. The independent control of the micro-electrodes provides spatial and temporal control over transfection and also enables multiple transfection based experiments to be performed on the same culture increasing the experimental throughput and reducing culture-to-culture variability. Here we describe the experimental setup and the protocol for targeted transfection of adherent HeLa cells with a fluorescently tagged scrambled sequence siRNA using electroporation. The same protocol can also be used for transfection of plasmid vectors. Additionally, the protocol described here can be easily extended to a variety of mammalian cell lines with minor modifications. Commercial availability of MEAs with both pre-defined and custom electrode patterns make this technique accessible to most research labs with basic cell culture equipment.
Coupled intervals in the discrete calculus of variations: necessity and sufficiency

In this work we study nonnegativity and positivity of a discrete quadratic functional with separately varying endpoints. We introduce a notion of an interval coupled with 0, and hence, extend the notion of conjugate interval to 0 from the case of fixed to variable endpoint(s). We show that the nonnegativity of the discrete quadratic functional is equivalent to each of the following conditions: The nonexistence of intervals coupled with 0, the existence of a solution to Riccati matrix equation and its boundary conditions. Natural strengthening of each of these conditions yields a characterization of the positivity of the discrete quadratic functional. Since the quadratic functional under consideration could be a second variation of a discrete calculus of variations problem with varying endpoints, we apply our results to obtain necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for such problems. This paper generalizes our recent work in [R. Hilscher, V. Zeidan, Comput. Math. Appl., to appear], where the right endpoint is fixed.
PS2-21: Extracting Signs and Symptoms from Colonoscopy Reports Using NLP

Background/Aims The overarching goal of the Studying Colorectal Cancer: Effectiveness of Screening Strategies (SuCCESS) project at Group Health (GH) is to develop evidence to inform personalized colorectal cancer (CRC) screening recommendations. Specifically, we aim to study the comparative effectiveness of screening as practiced, evaluate the potential for personalizing screening and surveillance recommendations, and model the long-term comparative effectiveness of screening in a cohort of GH members enrolled between 1993 and 2015. To accomplish these goals, we used Natural Language Processing (NLP) to collect detailed information from colonoscopy reports in GH’s electronic medical record (EMR). Specifically, we extended an existing NLP system to identify whether signs or symptoms related to CRC were reported at the time of colonoscopy.
X-ray Crystal Structures and Photophysical Properties of New Conjugated Oligoquinolines

Two new conjugated oligoquinolines, 2,2‘-bis(4-phenylquinoline)-1,4-phenylene (2a) and 2,2‘-bis(4-phenylquinoline)-4,4‘-biphenylene (2b), were synthesized and found to crystallize in a monoclinic lattice with different unit cell parameters and space groups. Single-crystal X-ray crystal structures revealed intermolecular face-to-face (2a) and edge-to-face (2b) π−π stacking which influenced the solid state photophysical properties. These conjugated oligoquinolines with known X-ray crystal structures are excellent model systems for elucidating the structures and properties of polyquinolines and may also find device applications as n-type semiconductors.
Laboratory Experiments on the Merging of Nonlinear Anticyclonic Eddies

Abstract The mutual interaction of two isolated lenslike eddies is examined with the aid of a laboratory experiment on a rotating table. The isolated anticyclonic eddies are formed by withdrawing two cylinders containing a mixture of Freon (with a density of 1.53 gm cm−3), and silicone oil (with a density of 0.853 gm cm−3). The cylinders are embedded in water, and the collapse of the mixture forces two identical lenslike eddies (with an anticyclonic circulation) on the bottom of the tank. Initially, the lenslike eddies are completely separated from each other so that one vortex does not “know” about the presence of the other. Due to small bottom friction, the vortices spin down slowly so that after some time their edges meet and they touch each other, forming a “figure 8” structure. After this happens there is a rapid (i.e., within 20 revolutions) interleaving of the two eddies. Arms are extended from one vortex to the other and the vortices become one unit consisting of two main lenses. As the interactio...
Glycine stimulates calcium-independent release of 3H-GABA from isolated retinas of Xenopus laevis.

A perfusion system was used to monitor the release of [3H]-GABA from isolated retinas of Xenopus laevis. Measurable release was stimulated by glycine at concentrations as low as 200 μM. Glycine-stimulated release was blocked by strychnine, and was not reduced in “calcium-free” Ringer's solution (0 Ca2+/20 mM Mg2+). Glutamate also stimulated calcium-independent release, using concentrations as low as 100 μM. In contrast, release stimulated by 25 mM potassium was reduced by 80% in calcium-free medium.In most experiments, agonists were applied in six consecutive 4-mm pulses separated by 10-mm washes with Ringer's solution. Under these conditions, the release stimulated by 0.5 mM glutamate or 25 mM potassium decreased by at least 50% from the first to the second pulse, and then gradually decreased with successive applications. In contrast, the response to 0.5 mM glycine at first increased and then only gradually decreased with successive pulses. These patterns of response to different agonists were similar in calcium-free medium.Somatostatin (—14 or —28) also stimulated release, and this effect was inhibited by AOAA, an inhibitor of GABA degradation. In the presence of AOAA, somatostatin had little effect, except at high concentrations of somatostatin (5 μM), which increased both basal and glycine-stimulated release. In contrast to somatostatin, glycine-stimulated release was much larger in the presence of AOAA.Autoradiography was used to investigate which cell types released [3H]-GABA under our conditions. Autoradiograms showed that horizontal cells and a population of apparent “off” bipolar cells were well-labeled by [3H]-GABA high-affinity uptake. In addition, light labeling was seen over numerous amacrine cells. After application of glycine, glutamate, or potassium, there was a decrease in label density over horizontal cells.
The Williams pipeline disaster: A controlled study of a technological accident

This study reports the results of a neighborhood interview for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms 13 months after a manmade technological disaster. Interviews with 24 victims found 3 who satisfied DSM-III-R criteria for PTSD. However, a low community response rate of 58%, resident relocation and other factors raise the possibility of sampling bias and results should be considered cautiously. Victims experiencing PTSD symptoms were more likely to be female, older, and having a history of psychiatric treatment. Some PTSD symptoms were more frequent than others, especially the avoidance symptoms of amnesia, diminished interest and detachment, which had a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 100%. One particular arousal symptom, sleep difficulty, was generally confined to female victims. The study corroborates the findings of larger disasters regarding the importance of certain characteristics of individuals that place them at greater risk for psychological morbidity following a disaster. Further studies are needed to define the unique characteristics of circumscribed disasters, such as social, religious or geographical parameters that may mitigate or compound the effect of a disaster.
Calculation of Equilibrium Moisture Relations With Particular Reference to Low Temperature Conditions

Based upon theories previously shown to be consistent with experiments, equilibrium moisture data for some textile fibers are, in this report, extended to lower temperature regions than are covered by experiment. The characters of the regain at temperatures below the freezing point of water are included, with proper attention being given to the proportion of the water on the fiber which may be expected to remain unfrozen.
Factors that determine the unusually low reduction potential of cytochrome c550 in cyanobacterial photosystem II.

A new purification protocol for cytochrome c 550 (cyt c 550) from His-tagged Synechocystis PCC 6803 photosystem II (PSII) was developed which allows the protein to be isolated in high yield and purity. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy of cyt c 550, both free in solution and in intact PSII preparations, yields identical spectra with g values at 1.50, 2.23, and 2.87, which are characteristic for a ferric low-spin bis-histidine coordinated heme. The resonance Raman spectrum of the isolated protein exhibits features characteristic of bis-histidine axial ligation of the iron and a slight ruffling of the heme macrocycle. Together, these results indicate that the heme structure is not very different from most c-type cytochromes, and thus the structure of the heme does not account for its unusually low reduction potential. A direct electrochemical measurement of the reduction potential was performed using square wave voltammetry on a pyrolytic graphite edge electrode, yielding E 1/2=–108 mV (vs. NHE) with a peak separation of 5 mV. This value is 150 mV more positive than that previously measured by redox titrations. Because the behavior of the protein in the electrochemistry experiments is indicative of adsorption to the electrode surface, we surmise that binding of the protein to the electrode excludes solvent water from the heme-binding site. We conclude that the degree of solvent exposure makes a significant contribution to the heme reduction potential. Similarly, the binding of cyt c 550 to PSII may also reduce the solvent exposure of the heme, and so the direct electrochemical value of the reduction potential may be relevant to the protein in its native state.
Heterogeneity and Kinetics of FRET-Based Ca2+ and Zn2+ Sensors in HeLa Cells

FRET-based genetically encoded metal-ion sensors coupled with fluorescence microscopy provide an important tool for real-time imaging of metal-ion homeostasis. The heterogeneity and in vivo kinetics are important sensor properties, yet are less explored because of lacking available experimental methods. We present a high-throughput microfluidic method capable of characterizing the FRET kinetics of metal-ion sensors in mammalian cells, at a throughput of 15 cells/sec with a time window of a few ms to several seconds. Using this method, we screened the HeLa cell Zn2+ sensor library and measured the FRET distribution at single cell level. We also report the quantitative high-throughput cellular-level heterogeneity measurement of cell populations, the cluster map of the Zn2+ sensor FRET change resolves 4 subpopulations with different metal response. Finally, we measured the in vivo sensor kinetics induced by changes in [Zn2+] and [Ca2+]. We observed a > 30-fold rate difference between the extracellular and intracellular sensors, and the kinetics are ionophore-dependent.View Large Image | View Hi-Res Image | Download PowerPoint Slide
Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and the proteasome: Novel therapeutic targets in myeloma

BACKGROUND The bone destruction in myeloma patients is largely responsible for the clinical features of the disease. However, only recently has attention focused on identifying and developing drugs targeted specifically at the osteolysis. Receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, and proteasomal function have been implicated in the pathogenesis of myeloma and associated bone disease. We provide “proof of principle” in preclinical myeloma models that these are indeed valid molecular targets in development of novel therapeutics. METHODS The efficacy of antagonists of RANKL and MIP-1α bioactivities (RANK.Fc and neutralizing monoclonal anti-MIP-1α antibody) in ameliorating osteolysis and reducing tumor burden was evaluated in a mouse model in which murine myeloma 5TGM1 cells are injected intravenously into syngeneic mice. In addition, the activity of a petidyl aldehyde proteasome inhibitor (proteasome inhibitor-1 [PSI]) on tumor growth was tested in a murine 5TGM1 plasmacytoma model and in mice intravenously inoculated with 5TGM1 cells. RESULTS RANK.Fc and anti-MIP-1α antibody inhibited the development and progression of osteolytic lesions and significantly reduced tumor load assessed by serum monoclonal paraprotein titers. Intratumoral injections of PSI inhibited growth of 5TGM1 plasmacytomas and induced tumor regression in some cases. In addition, systemic administration of PSI significantly prolonged time to onset of paraplegia in tumor-bearing mice. CONCLUSIONS The results highlight the critical roles of RANKL and MIP-1α in the development and progression of myeloma and provide a basis for future evaluation in myeloma patients of novel therapeutics that disrupt interactions of RANKL and MIP-1α with their cognate receptors. The data also suggest that further studies in preclincal myeloma models aimed at identifying other proteasome inhibitors with antitumor efficacy would be worthwhile. Cancer 2003;97(3 Suppl):813–7. © 2003 American Cancer Society. DOI 10.1002/cncr.11133
The 3Ms of central spindle assembly: microtubules, motors and MAPs

During anaphase, the mitotic spindle reorganizes in preparation for cytokinesis. Kinesin motor proteins and microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) bundle the interpolar microtubule plus ends and generate the central spindle, which regulates cleavage furrow initiation and the completion of cytokinesis. During metaphase, sister chromatids are positioned at the midpoint of the microtubule-based mitotic spindle in preparation for their segregation. The onset of anaphase triggers inactivation of the key mitotic kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and the polewards movement of sister chromatids. During anaphase, the mitotic spindle reorganizes in preparation for cytokinesis. Kinesin motor proteins and microtubule-associated proteins bundle the plus ends of interpolar microtubules and generate the central spindle, which regulates cleavage furrow initiation and the completion of cytokinesis. Complementary approaches, including cell biology, genetics and computational modelling, have provided new insights into the mechanism and regulation of central spindle assembly.
Gertrude Stein and the Politics of Literary-Medical Experimentation

This article explores Gertrude Stein's ambivalent participation in eugenic and medical discourse by reading Three Lives as a kind of modernist medical chart. Stein's immigrant and mulatto women characters represent sites of medical-literary experim entation, and her narrators articulate nationalist and racialist (eugenic) anxieties through non-native, non-white female bodies.