cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Calcium Regulation of Endothelial Permeability to Low-Density Lipoprotein

Abstract Increasing clinical and experimental evidence suggests a multifunctional role of calcium in determining the response of the arterial intima to atherogenic stimuli. In this study, an endothelial cell (EC)-smooth muscle cell (SMC) bilayer model of the arterial wall was used to investigate the effect of calcium manipulation on the sequestration of 125 I-labeled LDL within the subendothelial space. Bilayer cell cultures were exposed to EGTA (0.25-2.0 m M ), ionophore A23187 (5 × 10 -6 M ), lanthanum chloride (0.1 n M ), and trifluoperazine (TFP; 0.25 μ M ). The movement of 125 I-labeled LDL (10 μg/ml) through the endothelial barrier was measured, as was the binding and cellular uptake of 125 I-labeled LDL by each cell type. Extracellular Ca 2+ chelation with EGTA and intracellular Ca 2+ mobilization with A23187 both increased EC permeability to LDL ( P P = 0.0001, respectively), while not significantly affecting EC binding or uptake of lipoprotein. Conversely, these agents increased SMC uptake of LDL ( P -7 ; P -8 , respectively). Calcium blockade with lanthanum chloride had the opposite effect, reducing EC permeability ( P = 0.011) and SMC uptake ( P -5 ), while increasing EC uptake ( P = 0.016). TFP, a calmodulin inhibitor, had an effect similar to A23187, although reducing SMC uptake of LDL ( P = 0.015). Alteration of the calcium gradient across the plasma membrane appears to influence EC permeability. This effect may be stabilized by Ca 2+ blockade or calmodulin regulation of cytoplasmic Ca 2+ . Additional anti-atherogenic effects of calcium blockade may include a reduction in SMC uptake by the SMC.
Dating Norms and Dating Violence Among Ninth Graders in Northeast Georgia Reports From Student Surveys and Focus Groups

This mixed-methods study describes the norms supporting male-to-female and female-to-male dating violence in a diverse sample of ninth graders. The quantitative study, based on student surveys (n = 624), compared norms supporting dating violence by sex, race/ethnicity, and dating status, and it examined the relation between dating violence norms and physical aggression and victimization. The qualitative study, based on 12 focus groups, explored participants’ views of dating aggression. Findings revealed more support for female-to-male aggression, greater acceptance of norms supporting dating violence by non-White students, a strong association between norms and physical aggression but only in males, and a high correlation between victimization and perpetration. Participants rejected male-to-female dating aggression because of peer pressure not to hit girls, parents’ beliefs that denounce dating violence, the superior physical advantage of boys over girls, and legal consequences. Results highlight the impo...
Structure of human chromosomes visualized at the electron microscopic level

A newly developed technique allows cytological (light microscope level) chromosome preparations to be examined at the electron microscopic level. Ultrathin (50 nm) sections of highly condensed Hela cell metaphase chromosomes show the characteristic mitotic chromosome morphology. In addition a fibrous network (presumably chromosome fibers) can be within term. Fibers appear to be gathered at a foci along each chromatid. Treatment of chromosomes with trypsin in a trypsin/G-banding procedure reduces the amount of staining material at the electron microscopic level and results in more prominent foci. Thicker (100 nm) sections of less condensed chromosomes prepared from human lymphocytes display a banding pattern similar to G-banding, even without pretreatment with proteases.
Establishment of Rhizoma Peanut: Interaction of Cultivar, Planting Date, and Location on Emergence and Rate of Cover

Rhizoma perennial peanut (RPP), Arachis glabrata Benth., has high nutritive value, drought tolerance, and persistence; however, inconsistent establishment success and slow rate of coverage has limited the use of RPP in production systems. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of planting date (February, April, June, August, and December), location (Brooksville, Gainesville, and Quincy, FL), and cultivar (Florigraze and Arbrook) on emergence (sprouts per square meter at 2 to 12 wk post planting) and rate of RPP cover (percent ground cover at 26, 52, 78, and 104 wk post planting). We also determined the relationship of sprout counts during the emergence period with rate of cover. Number of sprouts per square meter at 12 wk post planting ranged from 0 to >200 and, in most cases, the sprout counts obtained for April, June, August, and December planting dates were lower or equal to those from the February planting date, regardless of location or cultivar. Generally, Arbrook had higher numbers of sprouts per square meter at 12 wk post planting than Florigraze, but this did not translate into higher ground cover ratings at 26 wk. Number of sprouts per square meter was positively correlated with percent ground cover. The highest correlation coefficient (0.69) occurred for the relationship of sprouts per square meter at 12 wk post planting and ground cover at 26 wk post planting; correlations of responses declined from that point as stands aged. Rate of cover was also variable, taking between 26 and >104 wk post planting to reach >60% RPP ground cover. On average, February plantings achieved >60% RPP ground cover 26 wk earlier than any of the other planting dates. This study indicates that establishment times for RPP can be more variable than has been thought. The first criterion for deciding when to plant is the need for reliable soil moisture (from rainfall or irrigation) for 60 to 90 d post planting. Secondly, if there is more than one time of the year that meets this moisture requirement, then the planting date with the longest frost-free period after planting should be chosen.
Application of Meshless Integral Method in Soil Mechanics

An elastic-perfect plastic model associated with the Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion is applied to describe the behavior of soil material in the framework of Meshless Integral Method (MIM) [1][2]. In MIM, we obtained the governing integral equation from the weak form of elastoplasticity over a local sub-domain and the meshless function approximation is realized by using moving least-squares approximation. The advantages of this method are efficient removing of singularity by subtraction method, more accurate handling of the weak singularity, and the exact imposition of essential boundary conditions. Two flow rules of Mohr-Coulomb yield criterion are considered: associative and non-associative. Solution algorithm for elastoplastic analysis is given in detail. The results obtained through these two flow rules are compared and the meshless results are also compared to the FEM results. The numerical results show the accuracy and robustness of the meshless integral method in soil mechanics.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
An efficient and general method for sequencing immunoglobulin mRNAs.

Abstract By using two oligonucleotide primers, one complementary to a short DNA segment in the first constant region exon and second complementary to a short segment in the variable region, we have developed a highly efficient method for sequencing immunoglobulin mRNAs. Using the first primer full length immunoglobulin-specific cDNA was synthesized and separated on a denaturing acrylamide/urea gel. The desired band was isolated from the gel and sequenced by Maxam/Gilbert method. Using the sequence generated, a second oligonucleotide primer complementary to a short segment in the variable region was synthesized and similarly used to complete the remaining sequence of the variable region, the signal peptide and the 5′-untranslated region. We have used this method to determine the complete nucleotide sequence of heavy and light chain mRNAs from two anti-idiotypic hybridomas. The method is generally applicable to sequencing immunoglobulin mRNAs from both myelomas and hybridomas especially in instances involving the expression of more than one heavy or light chain mRNAs as well as instances involving additional transcripts from aberrantly rearranged immunoglobulin genes.
Living Radical Polymerization of Acrylates Initiated and Controlled by Organocobalt Porphyrin Complexes

(Tetramesitylporphyrinato)cobalt(II) ((TMP)Co•) and the octabromo derivative ((Br8TMP)Co•) mediate an effective living radical polymerization of acrylate monomers through the formation of dormant organocobalt complexes ((por)Co−PA) with the growing acrylate polymer radical (•PA). Radical polymerization of methyl acrylate controlled by (Br8TMP)Co• is substantially faster than that for (TMP)Co• because of the higher concentration of radicals resulting from greater dissociation of the dormant organocobalt complex. Unusually large molecular weight low polydispersity acrylate homopolymers and block copolymers have been obtained by this method. Kinetic studies for the conversion of methyl acrylate (MA) to poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) initiated and controlled by (TMP)Co−PMA are fully compatable with a living radical process mediated by the metallo radical ((TMP)Co•). Overall apparent activation parameters for the polymerization process (Δ = 28 ± 2 kcal mol-1; Δ = 4 ± 1 cal K-1 mol-1) are interpreted as sums of th...
Qualitative and quantitative characterization of surface and volumetric properties of objects for recognition

Recently advanced computational theories of 3D shape representation for recognition have focused on the alternative of viewer-centered vs. object-centered representation. Both approaches rely on establishing a correspondence between image data and the prototypical knowledge of object shape. This paper discusses the mathematical structures needed for organizing prototypical knowledge of object shape in a way that naturally relies to perceptual categories and thus allows for a flexible and efficient recognition process. The representational schema consists of a configuration of boundary based constituent parts which build the reference frame for qualitative and quantitative shape attributes. The decomposition into constituent parts maximizes convexity regions of the bounding surface and relies on extending the local classification into elliptic, hyperbolic, plane and parabolic to globally convex and nonconvex surface regions. The surface type of the parts guides and is preserved in a subsequent part approximation through generalized cones as volumetric primitives. This approach allows for a consistent characterization of surface and volumetric properties of object shape. A secondary segmentation into sub-parts and associated features is defined by the surface type and the type of change in cross section area along the axis. The two segmentation levels allows for a detailed and elaborate shape description. We show examples of shape description and discuss the representation in relation to the viewer-centered and object centered approaches to recognition.
Verbal learning and/or memory improves with glycemic control in older subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

Objective: To determine whether cognitive function improves with improved glycemic control in older subjects with non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). We hypothesized that with improved glycemic control: 1) learning and memory, 2) attention, and 3) complex perceptual-motor function would improve, but that 4) simple perceptual-motor function would not. Design: Non-randomized control trial. Setting: Aging Study Unit, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Subjects: Thirty subjects with NIDDM; 17 on oral hypoglycemic agents; 13 untreated at study entry. Thirteen normal controls. Intervention: Subjects on oral hypoglycemic agents were taken off medications. After 1 month, they and previously untreated subjects began treatment with glipizide. Dose was titrated up weekly until fasting plasma glucose was less than 7.8 mmol/L or maximal dose (40 mg/day). Controls received no medication. Measurements: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycated hemoglobin, and measures of cognitive function in four general categories: 1) learning and memory, 2) ability to sustain attention, 3) complex perceptual-motor function, and 4) simple perceptual-motor function. All were evaluated in subjects with NIDDM at baseline (T1), after 1-month washout (T2), and after 2 (T3) and 4 months (T4) of optimal glycemic control or maximal dose. Controls were evaluated at the same intervals. Results: FPG and glycated hemoglobin rose in previously treated subjects from T1 to T2 (9.4 ± SEM 0.4 to 14.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L and 10.9 ± 0.7% to 12.2 ± 0.6%, respectively) but were unchanged in previously untreated subjects (11.3 ± 0.6 to 11.8 ± 0.9 mmol/L and 10.9 ± 0.7% to 11.7 ± 0.7%). With glipizide treatment, there was a decrease in FPG level at T3 (9.4 ± 0.5 mmol/L in previously treated, 6.9 ± 0.4 mmol/L in previously untreated), which persisted at T4. Glycated hemoglobin fell similarly. FPG and glycated hemoglobin were unchanged in controls. As hypothesized, learning and memory improved over time with treatment in both groups of subjects but was unchanged in controls (P < 0.05). Detailed analysis indicated that the improvement occurred primarily in the learning of verbal material. Contrary to hypothesis, attention and complex perceptual-motor function did not show improvement. As expected, simple perceptual-motor function did not show any improvement with treatment. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previous findings that poor glycemic control in older subjects with NIDDM is associated with decreased cognitive functioning, and suggest that verbal learning and memory may improve with improved glycemic control.
On Nash Equilibrium Points and Games of Imperfect Information

This paper considers a class of two-player, nonzero-sum games in which the players have only local, as opposed to global, information about the payoff functions. We study various modes of behavior and their relationship to different stability properties of the Nash equilibrium points.
Divine Epithets and the Dibacchius: Clausulae and Qur'anic Rhythm

Scholars of the Arabic rhetorical tradition and commentators on the rhetorical aspects of the Qur'an made important observations regarding the verse-final word (al-fāṣila) in Qur'anic verses, which in most cases corresponds to the final metrical foot of the verse. They noted when its morphological pattern (wazn, ṣīgha) either matched or did not match those of the verse-final words in adjacent verses and also discussed the deviations from ordinary grammar, syntax, morphology and style affecting these verse-final words that occurred for the sake of rhyme and rhythmical parallelism. Classical rhetoricians such as Cicero and Quintilian, in contrast, examined the two final feet of periods in Latin oratory, suggesting that certain combinations of feet were preferable on the grounds that they provided for a satisfactory closing cadence. Applying their methods to the Qur'an, this study examines verses and passages in which metrical considerations constrain penultimate feet, identifies common verse-final metrical ...
Predicting Perceived Visual and Cognitive Distractions of Drivers With Multimodal Features

A driver's behaviors can be affected by visual, cognitive, auditory, and manual distractions. While it is important to identify the patterns associated with particular secondary tasks, it is more general and useful to define distraction modes that capture the general behaviors induced by various sources of distractions. By explicitly modeling the distinction between types of distractions, we can assess the detrimental effects induced by new in-vehicle technology. This study investigates drivers' behaviors associated with visual and cognitive distractions, both separately and jointly. External observers assessed the perceived cognitive and visual distractions from real-world driving recordings, showing high interevaluator agreement in both dimensions. The scores from the perceptual evaluation are used to define regression models with elastic net regularization and binary classifiers to separately estimate the cognitive and visual distraction levels. The analysis reveals multimodal features that are discriminative of cognitive and visual distractions. Furthermore, the study proposes a novel joint visual–cognitive distraction space to characterize driver behaviors. A data-driven clustering approach identifies four distraction modes that provide insights to better understand the deviation in driving behaviors induced by secondary tasks. Binary and multiclass recognition problems demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multimodal features to infer these distraction modes defined in the visual–cognitive space.
Impact of co-combustion of petroleum coke and coal on fly ash quality: Case study of a Western Kentucky power plant

Abstract Petroleum coke has been used as a supplement or replacement for coal in pulverized-fuel combustion. At a 444-MW western Kentucky power station, the combustion of nearly 60% petroleum coke with moderate- to high-sulfur Illinois Basin coal produces fly ash with nearly 50% uncombusted petroleum coke and large amounts of V and Ni when compared to fly ash from strictly pulverized coal burns. Partitioning of the V and Ni, known from other studies to be concentrated in petroleum coke, was noted. However, the distribution of V and Ni does not directly correspond to the amount of uncombusted petroleum coke in the fly ash. Vanadium and Ni are preferentially associated with the finer, higher surface area fly ash fractions captured at lower flue gas temperatures. The presence of uncombusted petroleum coke in the fly ash doubles the amount of ash to be disposed, makes the fly ash unmarketable because of the high C content, and would lead to higher than typical (compared to other fly ashes in the region) concentrations of V and Ni in the fly ash even if the petroleum coke C could be beneficiated from the fly ash. Further studies of co-combustion ashes are necessary in order to understand their behavior in disposal.
Cold-water swim analgesia following pharmacological manipulation of GABA

Since increased GABA binding is observed in mice following cold-water swims (CWS) that parallels the analgesic time course, this suggests that GABA availability may modulate CWS analgesia. To test this, separate groups of rats received either the GABA agonist muscimol (75, 150, 300 μ g/kg) or the GABA antagonist picrotoxin (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/kg) paired 30 min later with CWS. Neither muscimol nor the three lower picrotoxin doses significantly altered CWS analgesia or jump thresholds per se as compared to saline-treated rats. While the 2-mg/kg-picrotoxin dose potentiated CWS analgesia, it also produced convulsive activity which in itself is analgesic. These data suggest that the observed changes in GABA following CWS may not constitute necessary and sufficient conditions to explain CWS analgesia.
Adjacent Gene Pairing Plays a Role in the Coordinated Expression of Ribosome Biogenesis Genes MPP10 and YJR003C in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The rRNA and ribosome biogenesis (RRB) regulon from Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains some 200 genes, the expression of which is tightly regulated under changing cellular conditions. RRB gene promoters are enriched for the RRPE and PAC consensus motifs, and a significant fraction of RRB genes are found as adjacent gene pairs. A genetic analysis of the MPP10 promoter revealed that both the RRPE and PAC motifs are important for coordinated expression of MPP10 following heat shock, osmotic stress, and glucose replenishment. The association of the RRPE binding factor Stb3 with the MPP10 promoter was found to increase after glucose replenishment and to decrease following heat shock. Similarly, bulk histone H3 clearing and histone H4K12 acetylation levels at the MPP10 promoter were found to increase or decrease following glucose replenishment or heat shock, respectively. Interestingly, substitutions in the PAC and RRPE sequences at the MPP10 promoter were also found to impact the regulated expression of the adjacent RRB gene YJR003, whose promoter lies in the opposite orientation and some 3.8 kb away. Furthermore, the regulated expression of YJR003C could be disrupted by inserting a reporter cassette that increased its distance from MPP10. Given that a high incidence of gene pairing was also found within the ribosomal protein (RP) and RRB regulons across different yeast species, our results indicate that immediately adjacent positioning of genes can be functionally significant for their coregulated expression.
Personal importance, motivation, and performance of older adults.

This investigation was conducted to examine whether older adults would improve their performance when given statements intended to make them feel important to a research study as well as statements...
Anti-reovirus receptor antibody accelerates expression of the optic nerve oligodendrocyte developmental program.

Abstract Previous studies showed that the cell-surface receptor for reovirus serotype 3 (Reo3R) appears at an early stage of oligodendrocyte differentiation and that anti-Reo3R antibodies and Reo3R-binding peptides induce galactocerebroside expression by developing oligodendrocytes. In the present studies, anti-Reo3R antibodies are shown to stimulate additional features of the program of oligodendrocyte development, including the loss of the A2B5 marker and expression of myelin basic protein. In anti-Reo3R antibody-treated cultures, galactocerebroside was expressed by cells having the morphology of immature oligodendrocyte precursors. Reo3R binding did not appear directly to inhibit or stimulate proliferation of glial progenitor cells or to affect their lineage commitment. Cell-surface structures utilized as a receptor by reovirus type 3 appear to play a role in the regulation of the initiation or rate of execution of the oligodendrocyte developmental program.
Binaural speech segregation based on pitch and azimuth tracking

We propose an approach to binaural speech segregation in reverberation based on pitch and azimuth cues. These cues are integrated within a statistical tracking framework to estimate up to two concurrent pitch frequencies and three concurrent azimuth angles. The tracking framework implicitly estimates binary time-frequency masks by solving a data association problem, thereby performing speech segregation. Experimental results show that the proposed approach compares favorably to existing two-microphone systems in spite of less prior information. The benefit of the proposed approach is most pronounced in conditions with substantial reverberation or for closely spaced sources.
Imaging of high-Z material for nuclear contraband detection with a minimal prototype of a Muon Tomography station based on GEM detectors

Muon Tomography based on the measurement of multiple scattering of atmospheric cosmic ray muons in matter is a promising technique for detecting heavily shielded high-Z radioactive materials (U, Pu) in cargo or vehicles. The technique uses the deflection of cosmic ray muons in matter to perform tomographic imaging of high-Z material inside a probed volume. A Muon Tomography Station (MTS) requires position-sensitive detectors with high spatial resolution for optimal tracking of incoming and outgoing cosmic ray muons. Micro Pattern Gaseous Detector (MPGD) technologies such as Gas Electron Multiplier (GEM) detectors are excellent candidates for this application. We have built and operated a minimal MTS prototype based on 30cm  30cm GEM detectors for probing targets with various Z values inside the MTS volume. We report the first successful detection and imaging of medium-Z and high- Z targets of small volumes (~0.03 liters) using GEM-based Muon Tomography.
How Viewers Process Live, Breaking, and Emotional Television News

This study experimentally tested the effects of negative emotional video and presentation style of television news stories on viewers' attention to, and memory for, the stories. News stories were selected that elicited either fear or disgust. Also, stories were presented either as “breaking” news, “live” news, or traditional news. Findings suggest that stories that elicited disgust reduced processing resources available at encoding more than stories that elicited fear, and were recognized less. A signal detection analysis was conducted that indicated higher sensitivity for fear stories than for disgust, but there was a conservative criterion bias shift for disgust stories. Presentation style had little impact on resources available at encoding and recognition memory, except that fewer resources were available at encoding shortly after the story was verbally labeled “live” or “breaking,” but that did not translate into differences in recognition memory. These results suggest that including disgust-elicitin...
Molecular Methods for Cytomegalovirus Surveillance in Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients

Two different methods for detection of cytomegalovirus (CMV), PCR and hybrid capture (HC), were compared by using plasma, peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), and whole blood (WB) from allogeneic bone marrow transplant recipients. One hundred specimens were obtained from nine children over an 18-month surveillance period. PCR of plasma for CMV was used for clinical management. The proportions of samples positive for CMV DNA by PCR with plasma, HC with WB, and PCR with PBLs were 21, 28, and 37%, respectively. Among 44 samples that were tested by all three methods, 68% had concordant results. By using a robust definition of true-positive samples (positivity by two or more methods or positivity of sequential samples by one method), the sensitivities of PCR with plasma, HC with WB, and PCR with PBLs were 50, 67, and 83%, respectively, and the specificities were 100, 96, and 96%, respectively. Two patients developed CMV-associated end-organ disease (one developed respiratory disease, and one developed gastrointestinal disease). CMV DNA was not detected in the plasma 1 week prior to the development of symptoms in either patient, whereas HC with WB was positive for both patients and PCR with PBLs was for one patient. These data suggest that WB or PBLs might be the preferred sample for use for surveillance for CMV in immunocompromised patients.
QoS-constrained physical layer optimization for correlated flat-fading wireless channels

In next generation data networks, joint optimization of physical layer parameters and scheduling layer parameters will be necessary to meet the demands of quality of service (QoS)-constrained traffic like video traffic. Until now, such optimization problems considered only simple and non-realistic Markov chain models to represent physical layer channel dynamics. In this paper, we consider the incorporation of realistic channel models in a Markov decision process (MDP) formulation for the QoS-constrained optimization of the physical layer. The channel random process is transformed into an extended Markovian setup through hidden Markov models (HMM) and the solution of the resulting optimization problem is shown to be a partially observable Markov decision process (POMDP). The optimal scheduling agent bases its decision on a parameter that summarizes complete system history until the decision instant. This parameter can he computed at each decision instant based only on newly available information, avoiding the need to record all the past states.
The Pedagogical Value of Experimental Participation Paired With Course Content

This study investigated the educational value of research participation by assessing the accuracy of student perceptions regarding the scientific status and methodology of psychology at 3 times dur...
Crystal Structure of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Inhibitory Factor Cif Reveals Novel Active-Site Features of an Epoxide Hydrolase Virulence Factor

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitory factor (Cif) is a virulence factor secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa that reduces the quantity of CFTR in the apical membrane of human airway epithelial cells. Initial sequence analysis suggested that Cif is an epoxide hydrolase (EH), but its sequence violates two strictly conserved EH motifs and also is compatible with other alpha/beta hydrolase family members with diverse substrate specificities. To investigate the mechanistic basis of Cif activity, we have determined its structure at 1.8-A resolution by X-ray crystallography. The catalytic triad consists of residues Asp129, His297, and Glu153, which are conserved across the family of EHs. At other positions, sequence deviations from canonical EH active-site motifs are stereochemically conservative. Furthermore, detailed enzymatic analysis confirms that Cif catalyzes the hydrolysis of epoxide compounds, with specific activity against both epibromohydrin and cis-stilbene oxide, but with a relatively narrow range of substrate selectivity. Although closely related to two other classes of alpha/beta hydrolase in both sequence and structure, Cif does not exhibit activity as either a haloacetate dehalogenase or a haloalkane dehalogenase. A reassessment of the structural and functional consequences of the H269A mutation suggests that Cif's effect on host-cell CFTR expression requires the hydrolysis of an extended endogenous epoxide substrate.
Runx1 modulates adult hair follicle stem cell emergence and maintenance from distinct embryonic skin compartments

Runx1 controls hematopoietic stem cell emergence and hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) activation and proliferation in adult skin. Here we use lineage tracing and mouse genetic manipulation to address the role of Runx1 in the embryonic development of HFSCs. We find Runx1 is expressed in distinct classes of embryonic skin precursors for short-term HF progenitors, adult HFSCs, and mesenchymal progenitors. Runx1 acts in the embryonic epithelium for timely emergence of adult HFSCs and short-term progenitors, but is dispensable for both of them. In contrast, Runx1 is strictly needed in the embryonic mesenchyme for proper adult HFSC differentiation and long-term skin integrity. Our data implicate Runx1 in epithelial cell adhesion and migration and in regulation of paracrine epithelial–mesenchymal cross talk. The latter involves Lef1 and Wnt signaling modulation in opposing directions from two distinct skin compartments. Thus, a master regulator of hematopoiesis also controls HFSC emergence and maintenance via modulation of bidirectional cross talking between nascent stem cells and their niche.
Dispersion of the electronic third-order nonlinearity of symmetric molecules

Using a dual-arm Z-scan to increase the signal-to-noise, we measure the dispersion of the electronic third-order nonlinearity of symmetric polymethines and squaraines and find good agreement with the essential-state model including CS 2 .
Improved lithium–sulfur batteries with a conductive coating on the separator to prevent the accumulation of inactive S-related species at the cathode–separator interface

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries are highly attractive for future generations of portable electronics and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and potentially low cost. In the past decades, various novel electrodes and electrolytes have been tested to improve Li–S battery performance. However, these designs on electrodes and electrolytes have not fully addressed the problem of low cycling stability of Li–S batteries. Here, we show the role of the separator in the capacity decay of the Li–S battery, namely that it can accommodate a large amount of polysulfides inside which then precipitates as a thick layer of inactive S-related species. Using a thin conductive coating on the separator to prevent the formation of the inactive S-related species layer, we show that the specific capacity and cycling stability of the Li–S battery are both improved significantly compared to the battery with a pristine separator. Combining this separator design with a monodisperse sulfur nanoparticle cathode, we show Li–S batteries with a life of over 500 cycles with an initial specific capacity of 1350 mA h g−1 at C/2 and a cycle decay as low as 0.09% per cycle.
Dietary and Lifestyle Factors and Medical Conditions Associated with Urinary Citrate Excretion

Summary Background and objectives Lower urinary citrate excretion is a risk factor for nephrolithiasis and associated with metabolic acidosis and higher prevalence of hypertension and insulin resistance. This study sought to quantify the independent predictors of urinary citrate excretion in population-based cohorts. Design, setting, participants, & measurements A cross-sectional study of 2561 individuals from the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study and Nurses’ Health Studies I and II who provided two 24-hour urine collections was conducted. Dietary data were ascertained from the semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Lifestyle and disease data were derived from responses to biennial questionnaires. Multivariable linear regression was used to quantify the predictors of urinary citrate excretion. Results After adjusting for age, urinary creatinine, dietary, and other factors, higher intake of nondairy animal protein (per 10 g/d; −20 mg/d; 95% confidence interval [−29 to −11]), higher body mass index (per 1 kg/m2; −4 mg/d; [−6 to −2]), and history of nephrolithiasis (−57 mg/d; [−79 to −36]), hypertension (−95 mg/d; [−119 to −71]), gout (−104 mg/d; [−155 to −54]), and thiazide use (−34 mg/d; [−68 to −1]) were independently associated with lower 24-hour urinary citrate excretion. Higher intake of potassium (per 1000 mg/d; 53 mg/d; [33 to 74]), higher urinary sodium (per 100 mEq/d; 56 mg/d; [31 to 80]), and history of diabetes (61 mg/d; [21 to 100]) were independently associated with higher citrate excretion. Conclusions Several dietary and lifestyle factors and medical conditions are independently associated with urinary citrate excretion.
How do we prevent transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease in children?

The prevention of transfusion-associated graftversus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is critical for the reduction of transfusion-related risks. Because this complication of transfusion is difficult to treat and, consequently, has a high mortality rate, the optimal approach to management ofTA-GVHD is prevention. TA-GVHD is associated with the transfusion of cellular blood products (blood components that contain cells that retain the capability to engraft in a transfusion recipient), and prevention is most commonly achieved through gamma irradiation. Because prevention is critical, it is of the utmost importance to identify at-risk patients accurately. Although irradiation is quite effective at preventing TA-GVHD, there are suboptimal effects of irradiation on the red blood cell (RBC) membranes and increased costs that must be balanced. These factors lead to the adoption of selective protocols with only particular patients receiving irradiated blood products. We advocate less selective protocols and we highlight here our age-related policy for prevention of TA-GVHD in children with undiagnosed congenital immunodeficiency.
CD18 is required for optimal lymphopenia-induced proliferation of mouse T cells

Lymphocyte numbers are tightly regulated; with acute lymphopenia, T cell numbers are reestablished through lymphopenia-induced proliferation. In contrast to the costimulation requirements of antige...
A 3-Phase Resonant Switched Capacitor Converter Delivering 7.7 W at 85% Efficiency Using 1.1 nH PCB Trace Inductors

In recent years, there has been a push towards high-density and monolithic DC-DC converters to support applications such as performance and mobile computing, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. Switched capacitor (SC) converters have started to gain traction for a number of these applications, but are still subject to fundamental limitations that drive them towards expensive process options and high switching frequencies. Variable regulation is challenging with the SC approach, and comes at the cost of lower power density and efficiency. This work presents a resonant switched capacitor (ReSC) topology that addresses some of these challenges by introducing a small amount of inductance in series with the flying capacitor, eliminating charge-sharing losses and thus allowing efficient operation in a low-cost process option. The three-phase interleaved topology can deliver up to 7.7 W at 85% efficiency (power density of 0.91 W/mm $^{2}$ or 6.4 kW/in $^{3}$ ) using a bootstrapped n-channel power train and single-digit nH inductors embedded in a flip-chip assembly. We also present the first implementation of efficient, fully-variable conversion ratios in a silicon ReSC integrated circuit without reconfiguration or gain-hopping .
The effects of surfactant concentration, adsorption, aggregation, and solution conditions on steel corrosion inhibition and associated modeling in aqueous media

Abstract A potential model for the prediction of metal corrosion inhibition using relevant pure and mixed surfactants in salt solution has been developed and validated. This model is based on the combination of Langmuir adsorption (LA) and a newly-developed critical micelle concentration (cmc) prediction model for various pure and mixed surfactants. The collected data from benzalkonium chloride (BAC) surfactants was used for model illustration and derivation. The effects of surfactant concentration, adsorption, aggregation, and solution temperature on steel corrosion inhibition were investigated. The adsorption mechanism is discussed based on temperature, concentration, potential of zero charge, and density functional theory (DFT) calculation.
The Relationship Among Course Design, Sense of Community, and Adult Achievement in Web-Based Courses

This study investigated the relationships among course design, sense of community and final course grade of adult learners in web-based courses. The study also sought to the determine the relationships among several student entry characteristics, sense of community, and final course grade. The sample consisted of 88 graduate business students from a private not-for-profit university who were enrolled in a blended online course during a one year period. The study used a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the relationships among the variables. The analyses showed that although course design had a significant positive relationship with sense of community it was not the only predictor of sense of community for this group of participants. The results also showed that the best predictors of the final course grades for the participants were gender and marital status.
Longitudinal changes in body composition and metabolic profile between exercise clinical trials in men with chronic spinal cord injury

Study design: Longitudinal design.Objectives: The study was undertaken to determine the effects of cessation of exercise interventions on body composition and metabolic profiles in men with chronic SCI.Settings: Clinical trials within a Medical Center.Methods: Eleven men with motor complete SCI were followed on average over a period of 2.5 years. Six men were involved in two different exercise interventions (functional electrical stimulation cycling versus arm cycling ergometer), 5 days/week for 16 weeks (exercise group), and five men served as a control (control group). Anthropometrics and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were captured to measure changes in lean mass (LM), fat mass (FM), percentage FM before, immediately after exercise, and after a period of 2.5 years. Basal metabolic rate (BMR) and lipid panel were also measured.Results: Thigh circumference increased by 8.5% following exercise (P = 0.042) and remained 6.4% greater than baseline measurements (P = 0.012). Leg LM increased by 9% foll...
Metabolic effects of progesterone in the dog.

SummaryThe metabolic effects of progesterone were studied in the dog. In contrast to man, no metabolic effects were demonstrable: (a) PPRA was not altered; (b) urea excretion was not increased; and (c) natriuresis was not induced even in animals which were responsive to an aldosterone antagonist.
Results of a Hospital-Based Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With an Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Heart Failure.

Abstract Background Palliative interventions are an important part of advanced heart failure (HF) care. However, these interventions are historically underutilized, particularly by African Americans. Methods and Results We performed a prospective randomized intervention trial in patients with advanced HF who were hospitalized for acute decompensation at 3 urban hospitals, comparing the effect of palliative care consultation (PCC) with that of usual care. The primary end point was the proportion choosing comfort-oriented care (hospice and/or “do not resuscitate” [DNR] order) 3–6 months after randomization. A total of 85 patients (mean age 68 years, 91.8% African American) were enrolled over a 2-year period. Four of the 43 patients (9.3%) randomized to the PCC group chose comfort-oriented care versus 0 of the 42 control group members (risk difference = 9.3%; 95% confidence interval = −11.8% to 30.0%). Conclusions In this predominantly African-American cohort of hospitalized patients with advanced HF, PCC did not lead to a greater likelihood of comfort care election compared with usual care. More robust palliative interventions should be developed to meet the needs of diverse groups of patients with HF.
Improving the Transition to Ophthalmology Residency: A Survey of First-Year Ophthalmology Residents

Purpose The objective of this study is to quantify the impact of the transition from internship to ophthalmology residency and to identify practices that help ease this transition. Methods An online questionnaire was developed with 21 questions focusing on areas felt to impact the transition to ophthalmology residency. This was sent to all program directors of accredited ophthalmology residency programs in the United States for distribution to their first-year trainees. Responses were tabulated and evaluated for associations using comparative statistics. Results Ninety-one first-year residents responded. Fifty-five identified the transition to ophthalmologic training as more stressful than internship. Independent preparation (p Conclusion This study identified the transition to ophthalmology residency as highly stressful for trainees. Time spent preparing for ophthalmology residency is crucial to easing this transition, and a transitional year affords more opportunity for such preparation. Orientations which provide more hands-on experience reduce stress among new residents, as do longer buddy-call systems.
Mass Spectrometric Study of Laser-Induced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Gold

A modulated surface temperature technique was used to study the surface chemical reactions occurring during the laser-assisted deposition of gold from dimethyl gold hexafluoroacetylacetonate. An argon ion laser was chopped and used to modulate the surface temperature on an area roughly 1 mm in diameter on an alumina substrate. Reactant and products of the photothermal reaction were sampled through an orifice located at the center of the deposit and were then introduced directly into a quadrupole mass filter. Since the reactant concentration at the surface decreased when the laser turned on while the product concentration at the surface increased when the laser turned on, modulating the surface reaction rate and employing phase-sensitive detection allowed the identification of reaction products.
Organelles and spatial organization of the cell: organelle homeostasis and turnover.

Talks in the “Organelle Homeostasis and Turnover” Minisymposium covered a broad range of topics, including the formation of bacterial magnetosomes, a new understanding of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein translocation, the mechanisms for mitochondrial turnover, and phase transition in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) protein aggregates.
The Role of Urine in a Patient with a Bladder Neoplasm

AbstractA review was done on reported cases of spontaneous regression of superficial bladder tumors in which cystectomy was preceded by bilateral ureterosigmoidostomy (the interval ranging from 21 days to 6 months). In every case in which the tumors were superficial complete disappearance of the papillary masses was observed by the naked eye and by microscopic examination. Tumor cells persisted in those cases in which the bladder wall was involved. I propose that the urine of the patient acts as a promoter to hyperplasia and neoplasia on foci of defective urothelial cells whose special coding apparatuses had been injured or destroyed by a carcinogen. The latter need no longer be present nor need there be exposure to co-carcinogen(s), such as is associated with excess alcohol intake or cigarette smoke inhalation.Tumor cells that were found in the excised bladder wall were cells that had become invasive (cancerous) and were no longer dependent.
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase activities in human blood leukocytes and lymphoblast cell lines: high levels in lymphoblast cell lines and in blast cells of some patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in acute phase

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase, an enzyme which catalyzes the polymerization of deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates, elongating oligo- or polydeoxynucleotide chains, but without direction from a nucleic acid template, is thought to be specific for thymus gland and thymus- derived cells. We have confirmed the observations that high levels are characteristic of thymus gland with both human and calf tissue and that elevated levels may be found in some cases of acute lymphocytic leukemia. High levels were also found in human lymphoblast cell lines with T-cell characteristics, and insignificant activity was observed in leukocytes of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia not in acute blast phase of the disease, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, human B- cells, and normal human blood lymphocytes even after stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. However, high levels (approximately 200 nmoles/hr/10(9) cells) equivalent to those in thymus tissue and lymphoblast cell lines with T-cell characteristics were found in the peripheral blood blast cells of four patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia in an acute blast phase of their disease. One hypothesis that may explain the present results is that in chronic myelogenous leukemia in acute blast phase of the disease the proliferative blast response may not always be myeloblasts but in some cases it may be lymphoblasts.