cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Chromosome Targeting at Short Polypurine Sites by Cationic Triplex-forming Oligonucleotides

Triplex-forming oligonucleotides (TFOs) bind specifically to duplex DNA and provide a strategy for site-directed modification of genomic DNA. Recently we demonstrated TFO-mediated targeted gene knockout following systemic administration in animals. However, a limitation to this approach is the requirement for a polypurine tract (typically 15-30 base pairs (bp)) in the target DNA to afford high affinity third strand binding, thus restricting the number of sites available for effective targeting. To overcome this limitation, we have investigated the ability of chemically modified TFOs to target a short (10 bp) site in a chromosomal locus in mouse cells and induce site-specific mutations. We report that replacement of the phosphodiester backbone with cationic phosphoramidate linkages, either N,N-diethylethylenediamine or N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine, in a 10-nucleotide, psoralen-conjugated TFO confers substantial increases in binding affinity in vitro and is required to achieve targeted modification of a chromosomal reporter gene in mammalian cells. The triplex-directed, site-specific induction of mutagenesis in the chromosomal target was charge- and modification-dependent, with the activity of N,N-diethylethylenediamine > N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine phosphodiester, resulting in 10-, 6-, and <2-fold induction of target gene mutagenesis, respectively. Similarly, N,N-diethylethylenediamine and N,N-dimethylaminopropylamine TFOs were found to enhance targeting at a 16-bp G:C bp-rich target site in a chromatinized episomal target in monkey COS cells, although this longer site was also targetable by a phosphodiester TFO. These results indicate that replacement of phosphodiester bonds with positively charged N,N-diethylethylenediamine linkages enhances intracellular activity and allows targeting of relatively short polypurine sites, thereby substantially expanding the number of potential triplex target sites in the genome.
Acquisition of a free-operant-appetitive response in pigeons as a function of prior experience with response-independent food

Abstract Deficits in learning to escape from electric shock following exposure to response-independent preshocks have frequently been reported and have been referred to as learned helplessness. Experiments were conducted in order to determine whether a phenomenon similar to learned helplessness could be induced in appetitive free-operant procedures with pigeons. Subjects received preliminary training under one of the following conditions; protracted exposure to response-dependent grain presentations (key pecking), protracted exposure to response-independent grain deliveries, or short-term hopper training. Subjects were then tested for acquisition of a treadle-pressing response which was the only means of access to grain in the experimental chamber. The acquisition of the treadle-pressing response was retarded following protracted exposure to response-independent grain deliveries and the degree of this retardation was related to the complexity of the response-reinforcer contingency.
Analysis of Step Journal Bearings—Finite Length, Stability

The finite length pressure dam step bearing is analyzed neglecting step inertia effects, but including the effects of turbulence over the entire bearing surface. Load curves for sample step bearing designs are given along with stiffness and damping coefficients. Bearing stability threshold curves for various pressure dam bearing geometries are compared to plain journal, two-axial groove and grooved lower-half bearings. The optimum Sommerfeld number range for designing a pressure dam bearing to increase stability is S > 2.0. At S values of this order, the recommended film thickness ratio for favorable stability is between 3.0 and 6.0 with the step located at 145° in the direction of rotation from the positive horizontal axis. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota, October 24–26, 1978
MicroRNA-Mediated Restriction of HIV-1 in Resting CD4+ T Cells and Monocytes

In contrast to activated CD4+ T cells and differentiated macrophages, resting CD4+ T cells and monocytes are non-permissive for HIV-1 replication. The mediators which regulate the resting or quiescent phenotype are often actively involved in the restriction of viral replication and the establishment and maintenance of viral latency. Recently, certain microRNAs which are highly expressed in resting cells have been implicated in this capacity, inhibiting the expression of cellular proteins that are also viral co-factors; following activation these microRNAs exhibit decreased expression, while their targets are correspondingly up-regulated, contributing to a favorable milieu for virus replication. Other microRNAs exhibiting a similar expression pattern in resting and activated cells have been shown to directly target the HIV-1 genome. In this review we will discuss the resting state and the causes behind viral restriction in resting cells, with emphasis on the role of microRNAs.
Analgesic properties of loperamide differ following systemic and local administration to rats after spinal nerve injury

Background The analgesic properties and mechanisms of loperamide hydrochloride, a peripherally acting opioid receptor agonist, in neuropathic pain warrant further investigation. Methods We examined the effects of systemic or local administration of loperamide on heat and mechanical hyperalgesia in rats after an L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL). Results (1) Systemic loperamide (0.3-10 mg/kg, subcutaneous in the back) dose dependently reversed heat hyperalgesia in SNL rats, but did not produce thermal analgesia. Systemic loperamide (3 mg/kg) did not induce thermal antinociception in naive rats; (2) systemic loperamide-induced anti-heat hyperalgesia was blocked by pretreatment with intraperitoneal naloxone methiodide (5 mg/kg), but not by intraperitoneal naltrindole (5 mg/kg) or intrathecal naltrexone (20 μg/10 μL); (3) local administration of loperamide (150 μg), but not vehicle, into plantar or dorsal hind paw tissue induced thermal analgesia in SNL rats and thermal antinociception in naive rats; (4) the analgesic effect of intraplantar loperamide (150 μg/15 μL) in SNL rats at 45 min, but not 10 min, post-injection was blocked by pretreatment with an intraplantar injection of naltrexone (75 μg/10 μL); (5) systemic (3.0 mg/kg) and local (150 μg) loperamide reduced the exaggerated duration of hind paw elevation to noxious pinprick stimuli in SNL rats. Intraplantar injection of loperamide also decreased the frequency of pinprick-evoked response in naive rats. Conclusions These findings suggest that both systemic and local administration of loperamide induce an opioid receptor-dependent inhibition of heat and mechanical hyperalgesia in nerve-injured rats, but that local paw administration of loperamide also induces thermal and mechanical antinociception.
Family and community characteristics: Risk factors for violence exposure in inner-city youth

Although research has found that urban youth experience excessive levels of community violence, few studies have focused on the factors that alter the risk of exposure to violence. The current study investigates the relation between neighborhood and violence exposure and between family functioning and risk for exposure to violence in different types of poor, urban neighborhoods. Participants were 249 inner-city African American and Latino males ages 13–17 and their primary caregivers who participated in the Chicago Youth Development Study. The interaction between family functioning and neighborhood type accounted for increased exposure to violence. The greatest increases occurred among struggling families residing in inner-city neighborhoods with high levels of social organization. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The relation of adipose tissue to cardiometabolic risk.

Adipose tissue is an active and complex endocrine organ that secretes numerous bioactive substances, including hormones, growth factors, and cytokines. Central obesity, one of the components of metabolic syndrome, is a cardiometabolic risk factor associated with a state of chronic inflammation and coagulation, one in which the expression of certain adipocytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-(α), interleukin (IL)-6, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is more abundantly increased, while adiponectin expression is decreased. TNF-α initiates and organizes inflammatory changes in vascular tissue. IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine directly implicated in atherogenesis, exerts pleiotropic effects on a variety of tissues. An increased concentration of PAI-1, an important regulator of the endogenous fibrinolytic system, promotes continued clotting. Adiponectin, on the other hand, has potent vasculoprotective, angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antiatherogenic properties. Adiponectin levels are low in obese individuals and increase when weight is lost, thereby serving as a marker for cardioprotection. Weight loss has long been promoted as a means to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease; for example, exercise and a hypocaloric diet have been shown to decrease PAI-1 levels. Weight loss drugs, such as orlistat, a lipase inhibitor, and sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, have both been shown to produce a decrease in C-reactive protein levels and an increase in serum adiponectin. Rimonabant, a selective cannabinoid 1 receptor antagonist in Phase III studies, also has been shown to increase adiponectin levels. These agents may play a role in the regulation of adipocytokines, which may directly affect the risk for cardiometabolic disease.
Dynamics of plumes in a compressible mantle with phase changes: Implications for phase boundary topography

Abstract While plumes rising from the deep mantle may be responsible for hotspot volcanism, their existence has not yet been unambiguously confirmed by seismological studies. Several seismic studies reported that the topography of the 670-km discontinuity is flat below hotspots, which disagrees with the elevation expected due to its negative Clapeyron slope and plume excess temperature. An improved numerical method that includes compressibility and consistently implemented phase transitions is used to study plume evolution in the Earth’s mantle. The influence of latent heat on plume behavior for varying convective vigor and Clapeyron slope of the endothermic phase change at 670 km depth is studied in axisymmetric spherical shell geometry. Minor differences in plume dynamics are found for models considering and neglecting latent heat. Three regimes of plume behavior at the endothermic phase boundary are observed: besides complete plume inhibition and penetration along the symmetry axis an intermediate regime in which the plume forms a ring around the symmetry axis is found. These models also predict that the 670-km discontinuity is flat below hotspots due to a large plume head in the lower mantle of about 1000 km diameter that significantly thins as it rises into the upper mantle. This is explained by the lower viscosity in the upper mantle and the spreading of the temporarily inhibited plume below the endothermic phase boundary, which reconciles the flat 670-km discontinuity with a deep mantle plume origin.
HIV Type 1 Infection in Women: Increased Transcription of HIV Type 1 in Ectocervical Tissue Explants

Background. Mucosal surfaces of the female reproductive tract are the main routes of heterosexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), but the contribution of each of the reproductive sites to mucosal transmission is unknown. Methods. We compared levels of HIV-1 transcription between ectocervical and endometrial tissue explants infected ex vivo with HIV-1. Results. We detected higher levels of HIV-1 transcription in the ectocervix. Although CD45 expression was also increased at this site, higher levels of HIV-1 transcription could not be accounted for exclusively by differences in CD45 expression. This suggests that factors other than CD45 levels regulate HIV-1 transcription within the ectocervix. We detected higher levels of interleukin (IL)-6 at this site. Furthermore, addition of recombinant IL-6 to tissue explants enhanced HIV-1 transcription to a much greater degree in the ectocervix than in the endometrium. Conclusions. This is, to our knowledge, the first study to compare ectocervix and endometrium in a tissue explant model of HIV-1 infection and to demonstrate greater HIV-1 transcription in the ectocervix. Our results suggest that the ectocervix is more conducive to HIV-1 replication than is the endometrium and that IL-6 enhances HIV-1 transcription at this site. Thus, the ectocervix is an important site to be considered in heterosexual transmission of HIV-1.
Incontinentia Pigmenti A Systemic Genodermatosis with Striking Cutaneous Findings

An infant with IP, here presented, typifies the early course of this syn drome. Diagnosis can and should be made in the first stage by a combina tion of the clinical appearance and the characteristic histology. The physician must be aware of the frequent associated manifestations, so that he may deal as effectively as possible with them. He should inform and reassure the parents as to the future self-limited course of all of the cutaneous lesions. Genetic counseling is another important responsibility.
THE THEORY OF RADIALLY EVOLVING ENERGY

Evolution is a function of energy itself, and all energetic systems, including societies, evolve within the bounds of thermodynamic laws. Non-equilibrium thermodynamics, joined with ecological energetic analysis, will reveal a strong analogy between chemical, biological, social and ecosystem evolution In the context of energy and evolution, recent self-organization theories are reviewed, synthesized and extended by the Theory of Radially Evolving Energy (TREE). Radial evolution, describing the increasing concentration of energy density in successively emerging systems, is dimensionally distinct from, yet consistent with, Darwinian theory Human acceleration of a natural feedback between energy consumption and technology threatens the health of our populations and those of other species. This feedback, formation of intergovernmental systems, mortality of social systems, and loss of individual human freedom to governmental control are predicted by the theory of radial evolution. To understand the adaptive co...
A SIPHON WATER SAMPLER FOR USE THROUGH THE ICE

A sampler was designed to observe detailed vertical gradients of dissolved gases in a shallow lake in winter; modified versions were used to examine horizontal gradients at the ice-water interface and vertical gradients in the littoral of lakes in summer. A weighted cylinder, open at the top and sealed at the bottom, is lowered into the water deep enough that bottles then placed in it will be below the water surface. Water is siphoned into the bottles through tygon tubes with a self-starting siphon. Repeated samples were obtained at air temperatures as low as −25C.
CFO-Resistant Receiver for Asynchronous MC-DS-CDMA Systems

In this paper we propose a new receiving algorithm for MC-DS-CDMA systems when carrier frequency offset (CFO) is significant. By exploiting the special structure of the CFO contaminated signals, the new algorithm cancels CFO completely during the despreading procedure, after which the despreaded CFO-free signal is demodulated via normal FFT-based OFDM demodulator. Guaranteeing complete CFO cancellation, this method is advantageous over the majority existing CFO-mitigation techniques that can only mitigate but not completely remove CFO. An efficient algorithm is developed, and simulations are conducted to demonstrate the performance.
Angiotensin II effects in a swine model of cardiac arrest

Study objective: To evaluate the effect of different doses of the vasopressor angiotensin II on aortic diastolic and coronary perfusion pressures in a swine model of cardiac arrest. Design: Immature swine were anesthetized and hemodynamically monitored. Ventricular fibrillation was induced; CPR was begun after ten minutes of ventricular fibrillation. Aortic and right atrial pressures were recorded continuously throughout the experiment. Setting: Animal research laboratory. Participants: Immature swine weighing 21 to 32 kg. Interventions: Angiotensin II was administered in doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 μg/kg at 13 minutes of ventricular fibrillation. Each dose was tested in four swine. Results: Except for animals receiving 25 μg/kg, aortic diastolic pressure increased significantly in all groups after administration of angiotensin II compared with groups receiving CPR alone. Coronary perfusion pressure increased significantly only with 50- and 75-μg/kg doses. There were no significant differences in hemodynamic parameters among the different dose groups. Conclusion: Angiotensin II in doses of 50, 75, and 100 μg/kg significantly increased aortic diastolic pressure, and doses of 50 and 75 μg/kg significantly increased coronary perfusion pressure in this model of cardiac arrest.
Diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection in infants by immune complex dissociation p24 assay.

Using immune complex dissociation (ICD), we retrospectively examined serum and plasma of 206 infants aged 0 to 4 months who were perinatally exposed to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). All samples were analyzed in a blinded manner. Infection status was determined based on the results of HIV culture and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classification. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of the assay was 59% (93 samples, 73 infants), and specificity was 100% (160 samples, 133 infants). When the samples were analyzed according to age, sensitivity was highest at age 1 to 2 months (17 of 21 infants, 81%). Sensitivities at other ages were 53% at 80% at 1 to 2 months of age and 100% specificity, as evaluated, up to 4 months of age.
Crystal alteration in a living calcareous alga (Halimeda); implications for studies in skeletal diagenesis

ABSTRACT Although calcification processes and the carbonate deposits in Halimeda have been described in many papers, previous workers have failed to recognize that a reorganization of crystals occurs within living individuals of common species of this alga. Detailed SEM observations of live Halimeda incrassata collected in Biscayne Bay, Florida, show that calcification occurs in two basic stages: (1) uniform-sized, small aragonite needles, 1-3 µm long, are precipitated in inter-utricle spaces and (2) these needles alter to anhedral equant aragonite approximately 0.1-0.5 µm in size. In addition, large aragonite needles, up to 15 µm long, are precipitated in open spaces, typically in the inner cortical and medullary regions during the second stage of calcification. Micritization of original skeletal needles in H. incrassata is extensive but is not readily detected with the petrographic microscope. Preliminary observations of another common species, H. opuntia, suggest that similar alteration processes also occur in this alga. Early micritization in live algae may be an important process of skeletal alteration that has not previously been recognized. This early alteration must be distinguished from postdepositional diagenetic processes in the sediment.
The effect of ovine trophoblast protein-one on endometrial protein secretion and cyclic nucleotides.

The effect of ovine trophoblast protein-one (oTP-1) on endometrial protein secretion was examined by using a dual radioisotope technique in which 3H- and 35S-methio nine were employed to measure relative rates of protein release into the medium by endometrial explant cultures (Exp. I). Endometrium (200 mg) from Day (D) 12 of the cycle was cultured with either 5 j.tg/ml oTP-1, 5 j.zg/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA) or 1 mM dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3’,5’-monophosphate (DbcAMP). Culture media from control BSA and treated explant cultures were mixed. Proteins were separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and detected by fluorography. individual protein spots were punched from gels, extracted, and their radioactive content measured. Ratios of 3H:35S were used to determine treatment effects. In Experiment II, 3H- and ‘4C-leucine were used for the dual radiolabel, and the DbcAMP treatment was omitted. In both experiments, a protein having a molecular weight (Mr) of about 70,000 and api 4 was increased (p<0.01) 200400% by oTP-1. Secretion of several other endometrial proteins was also amplified in the presence of 0TP-1. The polypeptides that increased in response to oTP-1 were inhibited by DbcAMP, and vica versa. In Experiment Iii, endometrial explants from D12 cyclic ewes were cultured for 4 h with either 5 pg/mI oTP-1 or 5 i.ig/ml BSA to determine whether oTP-1 influenced concentrations of 3’,5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and 3’,5’-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). Concentrations of cAMP in oTP-1 -treated endometrium were lower (p< 0.1) than in BSA -treated endometrium (0.29 vs. 0.41 pmoles/mg tissue, respectively). Levels of cGMP were unaffected by oTP-1. In Experiment IV, endometrium from D14 of the cycle was incubated in medium alone or in medium containing either 2 jig/mI oTP-1, 1 pg/mI oxytocin (OXY), or oTP-1-plus-OXY. None of the treatments significantly affected cAMP levels, In Experiment V, D16 endometrium was collected from pregnant and nonpregnant ewes that had received either 0 or 10 IU OXY iv. cAMP was higher (p<0.01) in endometrium from pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes (27.9 vs. 13.0 pmoles/mg tissue, respectively), but OXY had no detectable effect on endometrial content of cAMP in either nonpregnant or pregnant ewes. Data from these experiments indicated that 1) oTP-1 amplifies secretion of at least 11 endometrial proteins, 2) oTP-1 decreases cAMP and has no effect on cGMP, 3) DbcAMP and oTP-1 have opposite effects on secretion rates of specific endometrial proteins, and 4) oxytocin does not stimulate an increase in cAMP in endometrial tissue of pregnant or nonpregnant ewes.
Development of a Cavity-Backed Broadband Circularly Polarized Slot/Strip Loop Antenna With a Simple Feeding Structure

A cavity-backed loop antenna is developed for producing broadband circularly polarized (CP) radiation. The antenna configuration consists of a slot loop and a strip loop. The slot loop radiates a CP wave at a lower frequency while the strip loop produces CP radiation at a higher frequency. A combination of the two frequencies leads to a bandwidth enhancement. The slot/strip loop antenna is fed by a single straight microstrip line. It is demonstrated that the cavity-backed slot/strip loop antenna can achieve an axial ratio (les 3 dB) bandwidth of 19% with good impedance matching. The antenna configuration is described and the operating principles for broadband circular polarization and impedance matching are analyzed. The antenna performance is confirmed by experimental results.
Frontoparietal white matter integrity predicts haptic performance in chronic stroke

Frontoparietal white matter supports information transfer between brain areas involved in complex haptic tasks such as somatosensory discrimination. The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the relationship between microstructural integrity of frontoparietal network white matter and haptic performance in persons with chronic stroke and to compare frontoparietal network integrity in participants with stroke and age matched control participants. Nineteen individuals with stroke and 16 controls participated. Haptic performance was quantified using the Hand Active Sensation Test (HASTe), an 18-item match-to-sample test of weight and texture discrimination. Three tesla MRI was used to obtain diffusion-weighted and high-resolution anatomical images of the whole brain. Probabilistic tractography was used to define 10 frontoparietal tracts total; Four intrahemispheric tracts measured bilaterally 1) thalamus to primary somatosensory cortex (T–S1), 2) thalamus to primary motor cortex (T–M1), 3) primary to secondary somatosensory cortex (S1 to SII) and 4) primary somatosensory cortex to middle frontal gyrus (S1 to MFG) and, 2 interhemispheric tracts; S1–S1 and precuneus interhemispheric. A control tract outside the network, the cuneus interhemispheric tract, was also examined. The diffusion metrics fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) were quantified for each tract. Diminished FA and elevated MD values are associated with poorer white matter integrity in chronic stroke. Nine of 10 tracts quantified in the frontoparietal network had diminished structural integrity poststroke compared to the controls. The precuneus interhemispheric tract was not significantly different between groups. Principle component analysis across all frontoparietal white matter tract MD values indicated a single factor explained 47% and 57% of the variance in tract mean diffusivity in stroke and control groups respectively. Age strongly correlated with the shared variance across tracts in the control, but not in the poststroke participants. A moderate to good relationship was found between ipsilesional T–M1 MD and affected hand HASTe score (r = − 0.62, p = 0.006) and less affected hand HASTe score (r = − 0.53, p = 0.022). Regression analysis revealed approximately 90% of the variance in affected hand HASTe score was predicted by the white matter integrity in the frontoparietal network (as indexed by MD) in poststroke participants while 87% of the variance in HASTe score was predicted in control participants. This study demonstrates the importance of frontoparietal white matter in mediating haptic performance and specifically identifies that T–M1 and precuneus interhemispheric tracts may be appropriate targets for piloting rehabilitation interventions, such as noninvasive brain stimulation, when the goal is to improve poststroke haptic performance.
Finite-Size Effects Near First-Order Phase Transitions in Systems That Belong to Different Universality Classes

Four different phase transitions in two different lattice-gas models are discussed. Where these transitions are continuous they belong to different universality classes, but all become discontinuous at low T. Different finite-size scaling estimates are compared for the associated multicritical points and exponents, and the coexistence gaps.
Design Live-Load Factor Calibration for Michigan Highway Bridges

AbstractIn this study, a reliability-based calibration of live-load factors for bridge design specific to the state of Michigan was conducted. Two years of high-frequency weigh-in-motion (WIM) data from 20 representative statewide sites were analyzed, and load effects were generated for bridge spans from 6 to 122 m (20 to 400 ft), considering simple and continuous moments and shears, and single-lane and two-lane effects. Seventy-five-year statistics for maximum live load were then estimated with probabilistic projection. Bridge girders considered for the calibration included composite steel, prestressed concrete, side-by-side and spread box beams, and special long-span structural members. In some cases, it was found that Michigan load effects were greater than those previously assumed, often requiring higher load factors than those in current use. Moreover, significant variation in the required load factor was found, potentially resulting in significant inconsistencies in reliability if a single load fact...
Children's Experiences in the Therapeutic Relationship: Development and Validation of a Self‐Report Measure

Most counselors agree that the therapeutic relationship is essential in counseling. However, the current evidence-based treatment movement has resulted in a focus on treatment protocols and techniques in outcome research. Researchers have called for the inclusion of relationship variables in future outcome research. Child-centered play therapy (CCPT) is an empirically-supported, developmentally responsive intervention for children that emphasizes building a therapeutic relationship based on the philosophy of person-centered theory. Exploring the impact of the relationship on CCPT outcomes would be beneficial, but no current quantitative measure exists for obtaining the child’s view of the therapeutic relationship. The purpose of this study was to create a developmentally appropriate instrument to measure children’s perceptions of the therapeutic relationship. Established instrument development procedures were followed to create the Relationship Inventory for Children (RIC), a 15-item instrument for use in outcome research that measures the child’s perspective of the therapeutic relationship. Participants were 33 child experts who participated in interviews and preliminary testing of the instrument as well as 100 children whose scores on the 31-item pilot instrument were submitted to exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Children (62% male) ranged in age from 6 to 9 years (M = 6.92) and 53% identified as Caucasian, 14% as Hispanic, 14% as African American, 2% as Asian American, 0.8% as Native American, 8% as Multiracial, and 9% unreported. The EFA resulted in three factors: Positive Regard, Unconditional Acceptance, and Empathy. Implications for further development of the RIC, for use of the RIC in research, and for application of the RIC to person-centered theory are discussed.
Cryopreservation of human blood for alkaline and Fpg-modified comet assay

AbstractThe Comet assay is a reproducible and sensitive assay for the detection of DNA damage in eukaryotic cells and tissues. Incorporation of lesion specific, oxidative DNA damage repair enzymes (for example, Fpg, OGG1 and EndoIII) in the standard alkaline Comet assay procedure allows for the detection and measurement of oxidative DNA damage. The Comet assay using white blood cells (WBC) has proven useful in monitoring DNA damage from environmental agents in humans. However, it is often impractical to performance Comet assay immediately after blood sampling. Thus, storage of blood sample is required. In this study, we developed and tested a simple storage method for very small amount of whole blood for standard and Fpg-modified modified Comet assay. Whole blood was stored in RPMI 1640 media containing 10% FBS, 10% DMSO and 1 mM deferoxamine at a sample to media ratio of 1:50. Samples were stored at −20 °C and −80 °C for 1, 7, 14 and 28 days. Isolated lymphocytes from the same subjects were also stored u...
Effects of Non-Equilibrium Plasma on Counterflow Diffusion Flames

A new plasma assisted combustion system was developed by integrating a counterflow burner with nano-second pulsed non-equilibrium plasma. Xenon calibrated two-photon absorption laser-induced fluorescence was used to characterize the system by measuring the absolute atomic oxygen concentrations at the exit of the counterflow burner. The effects of plasma on the flames were examined by measuring the extinction strain rates of counterflow argon diluted methane/oxygen diffusion flames with and without plasma activation at low pressure (60 Torr). The experimental results were also compared with numerical simulations.
Pragmatic Networks and Transnational Governance of Private Military and Security Services

In 2004 private military and security companies lacked effective transnational governance. Ten years later, however, an agreed-upon framework drew these services within established international law. It inspired various complementary non-binding instruments and instigated changes in government policy. Hegemonic-order theories, whether realist or liberal, would expect this change to reflect shifts in US preferences. But the United States displayed no initial interest in transnational coordination. I build an alternative explanation from pragmatism and network theory. A Swiss-led process created connections among stakeholders around the problem of regulating private military and security companies. Relatively open interactions among participants spurred original ideas, which in turn appeared useful for addressing the issue. Their usefulness, led more actors to “buy into” the process. This relational-pragmatic account offers new ways for understanding the nature and development of governance.
Reevaluation of Preference Distribution Analysis

Many articles have discussed the value of interpreting preference data for a distribution of buyer preferences arrayed on a product attribute or dimension [1-3, 5, 6, 9]. Products are seen as ranging from light suds to heavy suds, weak chocolate flavor to strong chocolate flavor, etc. The premise is that differences in buyers' preference patterns reflect these underlying dimensions. Kuehn and Day [9] discussed this approach with a technique called preference distribution analysis. Benson [1] has developed another technique that uses this same dimensional concept. Recently, both Benson and Day [1, 2, 5, 6] presented empirical data demonstrating the usefulness of these techniques over simple preference testing. Here, the arguments on the popularity fallacy and the majority fallacy certainly raise issue with the usual interpretation of simple preference data, especially considering market segmentation strategies. This article's purpose is not to question the concept of this dimensional approach but rather to question the data collection procedure used to develop the preference distribution. The argument is that the paired comparison procedure, as currently used, can lead to misinterpretation of the underlying preference distribution. This bias can be illustrated by referring to Day's JMR article on the development of a preference distribution for chocolate ice cream [5].
Perceived weight discrimination, childhood maltreatment, and weight gain in U.S. adults with overweight/obesity.

Objective Perceived weight discrimination and childhood maltreatment have been independently associated with physical and mental health issues, as well as weight gain. It is not known, however, whether childhood maltreatment modifies the relationship between perceived weight discrimination and weight changes. Methods This study examined the relationship between perceived weight discrimination, childhood maltreatment, and changes in body mass index (BMI) over 3 years in 21,357 men and women with overweight and obesity from Wave 1 and Wave 2 surveys of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC). Results Reporting childhood maltreatment, regardless of the specific form of maltreatment, was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of perceived weight discrimination in women. Perceived weight discrimination was associated with a significantly greater increase in BMI in both genders. Among all women with perceived weight discrimination, those who also reported having experienced childhood maltreatment had significantly less BMI increase compared to those reporting not having experienced childhood maltreatment. Conclusions Perceived weight discrimination may foster weight gain rather than encouraging weight loss in individuals with overweight/obesity and should be addressed in prevention efforts and clinical settings. Childhood maltreatment may perhaps sensitize individuals to subsequent stressors and increase vulnerability to perceived weight discrimination, particularly in women.
Pulmonary Hypertension as a Metabolic Disease

Increasing evidence indicates that fundamental changes in cell metabolism are central to the pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The reprogramming of cellular metabolism involves all of the major carbon sources used by the pulmonary circulation and right ventricle – carbohydrates such as glucose and lactate, fatty acids, and amino acids. Metabolic reprogramming in PAH involves not only changes in the relative utilization of carbon sources, but also changes in the allocation of carbon sources to energy production versus macromolecule and cofactor biosynthesis. In many ways, the changes in cellular metabolism in PAH are very similar to metabolic changes that have been observed in highly proliferative cells that have undergone malignant transformation. To what extent the observed changes represent pathogenic versus compensatory mechanisms in PAH is an area of active investigation. In this chapter, we will address each of the major cellular metabolic pathways: glucose metabolism through glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, fatty acid oxidation, and oxidative phosphorylation, and how each pathway is affected in the pulmonary vasculature and right ventricle in patients with and animal models of PAH.
Focal cortical distribution of blood flow and brain pHi determined by in vivo fluorescent imaging.

A technique was developed for panoramic imaging of intracellular focal brain pH (pHi) and focal cortical blood flow to measure the pattern of changes in these parameters during arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and arterial PO2 (PaO2) alterations. Eleven overnight-fasted New Zealand White rabbits were operated and studied under 2.0 and 1.0% halothane anesthesia, respectively. The exposed cortex was imaged by a 512 x 512 pixel image intensifier system with a resolution of 10 microns2/pixel. Focal brain pHi and focal cortical blood flow were measured by umbelliferone fluorescence. The mean focal cortical blood flow was 49 +/- 4.5 ml.100 g-1.min-1, and focal brain pHi was 7.05 +/- 0.02 during normocapnia. At a stable PaCO2, focal cortical blood flow and focal brain pHi within 10 microns of surface-conducting vessels were 2-50% greater and 0.02 pH units lower than that observed in the border-zone regions between vessels. Focal cortical blood flow demonstrated a significant heterogeneity of 51% among various cortical regions, despite a stable PaCO2. Alternatively, focal brain pHi was homogeneous, varying no more than 0.05 pH units. These results demonstrate the dependence of focal cortical blood flow on topical locations from surface conducting vessels and the tight regulation of brain pHi.
Spiral Gonadal Vein Graft Extension of Right Renal Vein in Living Renal Transplantation

AbstractA spiral graft fashioned from the gonadal vein was used to lengthen a short renal vein successfully in a living renal transplant.
Radiofrequency electromagnetic pulses generated by ultrafast laser filaments

The weakly ionized plasma channel formed in the wake of a self-focused femtosecond laser pulse (i.e. a filament) emits a broadband electromagnetic pulse (EMP) having frequencies from several THz to below 1 GHz. While the THz emissions have been fairly well-studied, little attention has been paid to the RF emissions from the filaments themselves, or from interactions of the filaments with solid materials. The EMP components in the THz regime have been attributed to electron ponderomotive motion driven by the laser pulse1. While RF components have been observed in several experiments2,3 attempts to identify their source have been inconclusive.
Improved Noncompact Web-Slenderness Limit for Steel I-Girders

AbstractThe noncompact web-slenderness limit in current design specifications is based on an assumed value of the plate buckling coefficient for a web subjected to flexure that is between the value...
Subcutaneous Methadone in Terminally Ill Patients: Manageable Local Toxicity

Methadone has been found to be useful in pain uncontrolled by large doses of conventional opioids such as hydromorphone and morphine. While the subcutaneous route is effective and may afford cost-savings over the intravenous route in patients unable to take oral medication, its utility for the administration of methadone may be hampered by local toxicity, specifically erythema and induration. To examine the issue of limiting toxicity, we analyzed our inpatient hospice experience in six consecutive patients who received subcutaneous methadone for severe cancer pain. We confirm the high incidence of local toxicity, but note that the severity is subject to considerable individual variation. Furthermore, toxicity is uniformly manageable by site rotation and the use of dexamethasone infused concurrently with the methadone. We recommend that the infusion of subcutaneous methadone should be considered in the appropriate patients who can be closely monitored.
An Informed Consent Program Enhances Surgery Resident Education

Objective First-year residents often obtain informed consent from patients. However, they typically receive no formal training in this area before residency. We wished to determine whether an educational program would improve residents' comfort with this process. Design Our institution created an informed consent educational program, which included a didactic component, a role-play about informed consent, and a simulation exercise using standardized patients. Residents completed surveys before and after the intervention, and responses to survey questions were compared using the signed-rank test. Setting This study took place at Temple University Hospital, a tertiary care institution in Philadelphia, PA. Participants First-year surgery and emergency medicine residents at Temple University Hospital in 2014 participated in this study. Thirty-two residents completed the preintervention survey and 27 residents completed the educational program and postintervention survey. Results Only 37.5% had ever received formal training in informed consent before residency. After participating in the educational program, residents were significantly more confident that they could correctly describe the process of informed consent, properly fill out a procedure consent form, and properly obtain informed consent from a patient. Their comfort level in obtaining informed consent significantly increased. They found the educational program to be very effective in improving their knowledge and comfort level in obtaining informed consent. In all, 100% ( N = 27) of residents said they would recommend the use of the program with other first-year residents. Conclusions Residents became more confident in their ability to obtain informed consent after participating in an educational program that included didactic, role-play, and patient simulation elements.
Monodeuterated Methane, an Isotopic Tool To Assess Biological Methane Metabolism Rates.

Biological methane oxidation is a globally relevant process that mediates the flux of an important greenhouse gas through both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways. However, measuring these metabolic rates presents many obstacles, from logistical barriers to regulatory hurdles and poor precision. Here we present a new approach for investigating microbial methane metabolism based on hydrogen atom dynamics, which is complementary to carbon-focused assessments of methanotrophy. The method uses monodeuterated methane (CH_3D) as a metabolic substrate, quantifying the aqueous D/H ratio over time using off-axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy. This approach represents a nontoxic, comparatively rapid, and straightforward approach that supplements existing radiotopic and stable carbon isotopic methods; by probing hydrogen atoms, it offers an additional dimension for examining rates and pathways of methane metabolism. We provide direct comparisons between the CH_3D procedure and the well-established ^(14)CH_4 radiotracer method for several methanotrophic systems, including type I and II aerobic methanotroph cultures and methane-seep sediment slurries and carbonate rocks under anoxic and oxic incubation conditions. In all applications tested, methane consumption values calculated via the CH_3D method were directly and consistently proportional to ^(14)C radiolabel-derived methane oxidation rates. We also employed this method in a nontraditional experimental setup, using flexible, gas-impermeable bags to investigate the role of pressure on seep sediment methane oxidation rates. Results revealed an 80% increase over atmospheric pressure in methanotrophic rates the equivalent of ~900-m water depth, highlighting the importance of this parameter on methane metabolism and exhibiting the flexibility of the newly described method.
Screamer: A optimized pulsed-power circuit-analysis tool

Screamer was developed to solve a wide range circuits with a focus on pulsed-power systems. Screamer is a highly optimized code written in Fortran 77. We will describe the mathematical foundations of Screamer and show how Screamer uses a wide range of pulsed power circuit elements. Screamer incorporates many physics-based models such as lossy transmission lines, dynamic loads, gas switching, water switching, oil switching, magnetic switching, and magnetically insulated transmission lines, which are important to the high-voltage, pulsed-power community. Additional circuit models or modifications to existing models can be readily implemented in Screamer. We show an example of Screamer modeling a gas switch. Screamer is openly available to the community without restrictions. Screamer runs on the Macintosh, LINUX, and Windows platforms.
Venous thromboembolism in common laparoscopic abdominal surgical operations.

Abstract Background Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is potentially a serious postoperative complication. We examined the incidence and outcome of VTE among different laparoscopic abdominal surgical operations for benign diseases. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to evaluate all patients with benign disease who underwent laparoscopic abdominal operations including colorectal surgery, bariatric surgery, cholecystectomy, esophageal surgery, abdominal wall hernia repair, and appendectomy from 2005 to 2014. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results 750,159 patients were studied and the overall incidence of VTE was 0.32% within 30 days of operation. Colorectal surgery had the highest incidence of VTE (734/65512, 1.12%) with significantly longest length of stay and operative time. Patients who developed VTE had higher mortality and worse outcomes compared to non-VTE patients. Conclusions Laparoscopic colorectal operations for benign disease is at higher risk for development of VTE compared to other laparoscopic abdominal operations. Further studies should be performed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for our finding.
Craniometaphyseal Dysplasia Mutations in ANKH Negatively Affect Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation into Osteoclasts

Summary We identified osteoclast defects in craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD) using an easy-to-use protocol for differentiating osteoclasts from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). CMD is a rare genetic bone disorder, characterized by life-long progressive thickening of craniofacial bones and abnormal shape of long bones. hiPSCs from CMD patients with an in-frame deletion of Phe377 or Ser375 in ANKH are more refractory to in vitro osteoclast differentiation than control hiPSCs. To exclude differentiation effects due to genetic variability, we generated isogenic hiPSCs, which have identical genetic background except for the ANKH mutation. Isogenic hiPSCs with ANKH mutations formed fewer osteoclasts, resorbed less bone, expressed lower levels of osteoclast marker genes, and showed decreased protein levels of ANKH and vacuolar proton pump v-ATP6v0d2. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that efficient and reproducible differentiation of isogenic hiPSCs into osteoclasts is possible and a promising tool for investigating mechanisms of CMD or other osteoclast-related disorders.
End-of-Life Conversation Game Increases Confidence for Having End-of-Life Conversations for Chaplains-in-Training.

Context:Discussing end-of-life issues with patients is an essential role for chaplains. Few tools are available to help chaplains-in-training develop end-of-life communication skills.Objective:This...
Effects of alendronate and interferon-γ on bone cancer cells in vitro

Bisphosphonates are used to reduce pathological osteolysis in bone cancer patients. In addition to direct effects on tumor cells, these drugs may also alter the production of immune cell factors wi...