cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
BAR domain proteins Rvs161 and Rvs167 contribute to Candida albicans endocytosis, morphogenesis, and virulence.

The Candida albicans plasma membrane plays critical roles in growth and virulence and as a target for antifungal drugs. Three C. albicans genes that encode Bin-Amphiphysin-Rvs homology domain proteins were mutated to define their roles in plasma membrane function. The deletion of RVS161 and RVS167, but not RVS162, caused strong defects. The rvs161Δ mutant was more defective in endocytosis and morphogenesis than rvs167Δ, but both were strongly defective in polarizing actin patches. Other plasma membrane constituents were still properly localized, including a filipin-stained domain at the hyphal tips. An analysis of growth under different in vitro conditions showed that the rvs161Δ and rvs167Δ mutants grew less invasively in agar and also suggested that they have defects in cell wall synthesis and Rim101 pathway signaling. These mutants were also more resistant to the antimicrobial peptide histatin 5 but showed essentially normal responses to the drugs caspofungin and amphotericin. Surprisingly, the rvs161Δ mutant was more sensitive to fluconazole, whereas the rvs167Δ mutant was more resistant, indicating that these mutations cause overlapping but distinct effects on cells. The rvs161Δ and rvs167Δ mutants both showed greatly reduced virulence in mice. However, the mutants were capable of growing to high levels in kidneys. Histological analyses of infected kidneys revealed that these rvsΔ mutants grew in a large fungal mass that was walled off by leukocytes, rather than forming disseminated microabscesses as seen for the wild type. The diminished virulence is likely due to a combination of the morphogenesis defects that reduce invasive growth and altered cell wall construction that exposes proinflammatory components to the host immune system.
Books on SAS, SPSS, and computing are reviewed

Handbook of Univariate and Multivariate Data Analysis and Interpretations with SPSS, edited by Robert Ho, 2000, CRC Press LLC, 2000 N.W. 6000 Broken Sound Parkway #300, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA, I...
Interactive Illustrative Rendering on Mobile Devices

Scientists, engineers, and artists regularly use illustrations in design, training, and education to display conceptual information, describe problems, and solve those problems. Researchers have developed many advanced rendering techniques on desktop platforms to facilitate illustration generation, but adapting these techniques to mobile platforms has not been easy. We discuss how advanced illustrative rendering techniques, such as interactive cutaway views, ghosted views, silhouettes, and selective rendering, have been adapted to mobile devices. We also present MobileVis, our interactive, illustrative 3D graphics and text rendering system that lets users explore 3D models' interior structures, display parts annotations, and visualize instructions, such as assembly and disassembly procedures for mechanical models
The Influence of Forward-Looking Antecedents, Uncertainty, and Anticipatory Emotions on Project Escalation*

This study extends research on the escalation of commitment phenomenon by investigating decision makers' tendency to look forward to project completion and develop anticipatory perceptions and emotions concerning goal attainment. We examine the influence of two project-specific predictors of escalation (level of progress and presence of an alternative project) on perceived uncertainty and the extent to which anticipatory emotions (i.e., current affective reactions to possible future events) mediate the influence of uncertainty on levels of commitment to a failing project. Results indicated that level of progress and the presence of an alternative project affected uncertainty, which influenced anticipatory emotions. Lower levels of uncertainty and higher levels of positive anticipatory emotions increased the tendency to escalate commitment.
Non-genomic actions of progesterone in the normal and neoplastic mammalian ovary

This review summarizes recent findings on the non-genomic or membrane-initiated actions of progesterone that regulate the function of the normal and neoplastic mammalian ovary. This review focuses on three receptors: the classic progesterone receptor, the membrane progesterone receptors (MPRalpha, beta, and gamma) that were initially cloned from seatrout ovaries, and a progesterone binding protein referred to as progesterone receptor membrane component-1 (PGRMC1). Specifically, the structure of each of these receptors is compared and related to their capacity to activate various signal transduction pathways. Then the biological effects of P4 on the function of granulosa cells, luteal cells, ovarian surface epithelial cells, and ovarian cancers that are derived from the ovarian surface epithelial cells are discussed in relationship to the expression of each of these receptors. Whenever possible, studies involving human cells and tissues are presented, although data from other mammalian species are used to supplement the human studies to provide a more complete picture of this complex and rapidly developing area of membrane-initiated actions of progesterone.
Design principles for phase-splitting behaviour of coupled cellular oscillators: clues from hamsters with 'split' circadian rhythms.

Nonlinear interactions among coupled cellular oscillators are likely to underlie a variety of complex rhythmic behaviours. Here we consider the case of one such behaviour, a doubling of rhythm frequency caused by the spontaneous splitting of a population of synchronized oscillators into two subgroups each oscillating in anti-phase ( phase-splitting). An example of biological phase-splitting is the frequency doubling of the circadian locomotor rhythm in hamsters housed in constant light, in which the pacemaker in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is reconfigured with its left and right halves oscillating in anti-phase. We apply the theory of coupled phase oscillators to show that stable phase-splitting requires the presence of negative coupling terms, through delayed and/or inhibitory interactions. We also find that the inclusion of real biological constraints (that the SCN contains a finite number of nonidentical noisy oscillators) implies the existence of an underlying non-uniform network architecture, in which the population of oscillators must interact through at least two types of connections. We propose that a key design principle for the frequency doubling of a population of biological oscillators is inhomogeneity of oscillator coupling.
The Source of Youth and Longevity Revealed

Who hasn’t wanted to halt the aging process to look and feel younger? Aging of the body is inevitable, and the physiological manifestations range from graying of hair to dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and ultimately death. Although much is understood about the consequences of aging, very little is known about the underlying causes. Now, Zhang and colleagues present intriguing new data that implicate the hypothalamus and immune-neuroendocrine mechanisms in the aging process of laboratory mice. Using transgenic mice, viral vectors, and pharmacological manipulations, the authors demonstrate that microglial cells in the mediobasal hypothalamus become increasingly active as animals age. This activation is evidenced by secretion of tumor necrosis factor–α (TNF-α) from these cells, with subsequent increases in the enzyme inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (IκB) kinase-β (IKK-β) and transcription factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). By blocking IKK-β, and thereby the activation of hypothalamic NF-κB, the authors were able to extend life and reverse several signs of aging: cognitive dysfunction, muscle weakness, and diminished bone mass. The authors also showed that activation of IKK-β and NF-κB leads to decreased secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by hypothalamic neurons, and that systemic treatment with GnRH decelerates aging in mice that overexpress IKK-β in the hypothalamus. This work is fundamentally important because it explains how whole-body aging may be controlled by immune-neuroendocrine mechanisms in the hypothalamus. The notion that this system may be targeted therapeutically to combat aging-related conditions is particularly attractive, especially if similar mechanisms are involved in aging of humans. G. Zhang et al. , Hypothalamic programming of systemic ageing involving IKK-β, NF-κB and GnRH. Nature 497 , 211–216 (2013). [[Pubmed]][1] [1]: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23636330
Dynamic Analysis of Electrical Power Grid Delivery: Using Prime Mover Engines to Balance Dynamic Wind Turbine Output

This paper presents an investigation into integrated wind + combustion engine high penetration electrical generation systems. Renewable generation systems are now a reality of electrical transmission. Unfortunately, many of these renewable energy supplies are stochastic and highly dynamic. Conversely, the existing national grid has been designed for steady state operation. The research team has developed an algorithm to investigate the feasibility and relative capability of a reciprocating internal combustion engine to directly integrate with wind generation in a tightly coupled Hybrid Energy System. Utilizing the Idaho National Laboratory developed Phoenix Model Integration Platform, the research team has coupled demand data with wind turbine generation data and the Aspen Custom Modeler reciprocating engine electrical generator model to investigate the capability of reciprocating engine electrical generation to balance stochastic renewable energy.
Approximate dynamic programming with state aggregation applied to UAV perimeter patrol

One encounters the curse of dimensionality in the application of dynamic programming to determine optimal policies for large-scale controlled Markov chains. In this paper, we provide a reward-based aggregation method to construct suboptimal policies for a perimeter surveillance control problem which gives rise to a large scale Markov chain. The novelty of this approach lies in circumventing the need for value iteration over the entire state space. Instead, the state space is partitioned and the value function is approximated by a constant over each partition. We associate a meta-state with each partition, where the transition probabilities between these meta-states are known. The state aggregation approach results in a significant reduction in the computational burden and lends itself to value iteration over the aggregated state-space. We provide bounds to assess the quality of the approximation and give numerical results that support the proposed methodology. Published 2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of (Perfluoroalkyl)fluoroiridium(III) and (Perfluoroalkyl)methyliridium(III) Compounds

A new family of metal perfluoroalkyl fluoro compounds has been obtained by treatment of the iodo precursors Cp*Ir(PMe3)(RF)I with AgF in CH2Cl2 solution in the dark to give Cp*Ir(PMe3)(RF)F (RF = CF3, CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3, CF(CF3)2, CF(CF3)(CF2CF3)). The molecular structures of the compounds with RF = CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3, CF(CF3)2 have been determined crystallographically. These fluoro compounds provide a ready and reproducible route to the analogous methyl complexes Cp*Ir(PMe3)(RF)CH3, by treatment with exactly 0.5 equiv of Zn(CH3)2 at low temperatures in toluene. Alkylation with other reagents such as CH3Li and Cp2Zr(CH3)2 leads to inseparable mixtures. This metathesis of Ir−F and Zn−CH3 represents the only way to date for the clean reproducible synthesis of Cp*Ir(PMe3)(RF)CH3 compounds containing primary perfluoroalkyl groups. The molecular structures of Cp*Ir(PMe3)(RF)CH3 (RF = CF2CF3, CF2CF2CF3) have been determined crystallographically.
Examples of in-cylinder velocity measurements for internal combustion engines

AbstractThis paper will provide a brief overview of some current efforts in in-cylinder velocity measurements for internal combustion engines. This is a very active field and has been for over 30 years. New technologies enable measurements not possible years ago; yet some challenges in acquiring and interpreting experimental velocity results remain. This paper will try to outline some recent results and in particular will give a little more detail for three example measurements.
A simple method for the connection of lead wire to cortical electrodes.

The construction of solderless connections of lead wire to screw and phonograph needle electrodes is described. The advantages of the method are: (1) the mounting of the electrodes is very easy, (2) there is no chance of breaking the connection during the insertion of the electrodes, (3) the electrodes can be easily cleaned after each experiment, and (4) the procedure results in contact of the electrode with the dura.
The role of estrogen receptor β in transplacental cancer prevention by indole-3-carbinol.

In the present study, the efficacy of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a key bioactive component of cruciferous vegetables, for prevention of cancer in offspring exposed in utero to the environmental carcinogen dibenzo[def,p]chrysene (DBC) was evaluated using an estrogen receptor beta (ERβ) knockout mouse model. I3C was provided either through the maternal diet coincident with carcinogen exposure during pregnancy or directly to offspring post initiation with DBC. I3C was effective at reducing T-cell acute lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia (T-ALL)-related mortality in offspring only if provided via the maternal diet, although a gender difference in the role of ERβ in mediating this response was evident. In female offspring, chemoprevention of T-ALL by maternal dietary I3C required expression of ERβ; survival in Esr2 wild-type and heterozygous female offspring was >90% compared to 66% in Esr2 null females. Alternatively, ERβ status did not significantly impact the transplacental chemoprevention by I3C in males. The possible role of ERβ in mediating lung carcinogenesis or chemoprevention by I3C was similarly complicated. Lung tumor incidence was unaltered by either dietary intervention, whereas lung tumor multiplicity was substantially reduced in Esr2 null females on the control diet and marginally lower in Esr2 null males exposed to I3C via the maternal diet compared to their wild-type and heterozygous counterparts. These findings suggest that I3C may act via ERβ to prevent or suppress DBC-initiated transplacental carcinogenesis, but that the involvement of this receptor appears to differ depending on the cancer type and gender of the offspring.
A single error correcting and double error detecting coding scheme for computer memory systems

This paper proposes a new coding technique for single error correction and double error detection in computer memory systems. The number of 1s in the parity check matrix for the proposed coding is fewer than all currently available codes for this purpose. This results in simplified encoding and decoding circuitry for error detection and correction.
Controls on Permo-Carboniferous precipitation over tropical Pangaea A GCM sensitivity study

Abstract A series of Late Paleozoic climate model simulations was developed using the GENESIS atmospheric general circulation model to investigate the independent roles of Gondwanan deglaciation, atmospheric CO 2 rise, and regional tectonism on the long-term (10 6 yr) evolution of continental precipitation over tropical Pangaea. The model results indicate that either deglaciation or a CO 2 increase from 1× to 8× present-atmospheric levels could have caused substantial drying and warming at low latitudes, a result that is consistent with Late Paleozoic proxy records. Yet, the atmospheric processes that led to drying differ between these cases. The deglaciation of Gondwana reduces low-latitude temperature gradients in the Southern Hemisphere, decreasing by as much as 60% the meridional overturning in the Southern Hemisphere winter cell of the Hadley circulation. The decline in overturning reduces convective precipitation over equatorial Pangaea. In contrast, high levels of CO 2 have little effect on the large-scale meridional overturning circulation but increase continental temperatures, leading to high evaporation rates and reduced available soil moisture, the source of convective precipitation on land. In comparison to deglaciation and p CO 2 , regional uplift/erosion of the Central Pangaean Mountains (CPMs) has a secondary effect on tropical precipitation in GENESIS and cannot explain the long-term aridification and warming of western Pangaea. We suggest that the deglaciation of Gondwana and a concomitant rise in atmospheric p CO 2 could explain much of the Late Paleozoic climate change over low-latitude Pangaea.
The Scramble for Art in Central Africa.

The Scramble for Art in Central Africa. Enid Schildkrout and Curtis A. Keim. eds. New York: Cambridge University Press, 1998. 258 pp.
Static Single Country Models

In this chapter we present the first of a series of financial models that will be studied in this book. These models are static, single country financial equilibrium models and, although they are the simplest marcroeconomic models that are presented in this text, they form the foundation upon which all the subsequent models in this book rest.
Histochemical and biochemical analysis of myosin heavy chain expression during cardiogenesis in the rat

Abstract Little is known about the tissue-specific expression of contractile proteins during cardiogenesis in the mammalian heart. Since the myosin heavy chain (HC) isoform expressed in the adult correlates with myocardial functional capacity, we undertook an analysis of myosin HC expression in atrial and ventricular myocardia during fetal cardiogenesis in the rat heart. Cardiac HCs were separated by electrophoresis under denaturing conditions. The expression of the predominant adult isoform HCα was localized within developing fetal cardiac chambers by immunohistochemistry with a specific monoclonal antibody (R 37). Results demonstrated that myosin HC isoform expression followed tissue-specific patterns during cardiogenesis in the rat. Atrial myocytes expressed HCα throughout development. The ventricles expressed exclusively HCα in the adult, but HCβ expression predominated in fetal ventricles. Fetal ventricles also expressed minor amounts of HCα, whose amount and distribution varied with developmental stage. HCα was initially confined to tracts of cells in the trabeculae, suggestive of future conduction system cells. A more extensive population of HCα-expressing cells appeared several days before birth in a pattern which could represent the prenatal initiation of HCα expression in working myocardial cells. These results indicate that there is tissue-specific developmental modulation of myosin isoform expression during fetal development. Results also demonstrated that this modulation may include expression of a third electrophoretically distinct myosin HC in fetal hearts.
Introduction: glutamate transport, metabolism, and physiological responses.

The material covered in this set of articles was originally presented at Experimental Biology ’98, in San Francisco, CA, on April 20, 1998. Here, the participants recount important elements of curr...
Showing Value in Newborn Screening: Challenges in Quantifying the Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of Early Detection of Phenylketonuria and Cystic Fibrosis.

Decision makers sometimes request information on the cost savings, cost-effectiveness, or cost-benefit of public health programs. In practice, quantifying the health and economic benefits of population-level screening programs such as newborn screening (NBS) is challenging. It requires that one specify the frequencies of health outcomes and events, such as hospitalizations, for a cohort of children with a given condition under two different scenarios—with or without NBS. Such analyses also assume that everything else, including treatments, is the same between groups. Lack of comparable data for representative screened and unscreened cohorts that are exposed to the same treatments following diagnosis can result in either under- or over-statement of differences. Accordingly, the benefits of early detection may be understated or overstated. This paper illustrates these common problems through a review of past economic evaluations of screening for two historically significant conditions, phenylketonuria and cystic fibrosis. In both examples qualitative judgments about the value of prompt identification and early treatment to an affected child were more influential than specific numerical estimates of lives or costs saved.
Modelling of the human intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, the human rhinovirus major group receptor

A model has been built of the amino-terminal domain of the intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), the receptor for most human rhinovirus serotypes. The model was based on sequence and presumed structural homology to immunoglobulin constant domains. It fits well into the putative receptor attachment site, the canyon, on the human rhinovirus-14 (HRV14) surface in a manner consistent with most of the mutational data for ICAM-1 (Staunton, D. E., Dustin, M. L., Erickson, H. P., Springer, T. A. Cell, in press, 1989) and HRV14 (Colonno, R. J., Condra, J. H., Mizutani, S., Callahan, P. L., Davies, M. E., Murcko, M. A. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 85: 5449-5453, 1988).
Distance, duration and blur effects on the perception of pseudoisochromatic stimuli.

— Two experiments are reported that examine the effects of viewing distance, viewing duration, and stimulus clarity on performance with three popular versions of the pseudoisochromatic tests of colour deficiency. With a large sample of colour-normal observers, highly significant effects of these viewing conditions are found. In addition, large differences in sensitivity to these conditions are obtained among the three tests employed (The American Optical Corporation test, the Dvorine test, and the Ishihara test). Results are discussed in terms of practical implications for test administration and in terms of likely processes, in addition to colour discrimination, assessed by these tests.
Crystal structures of thrombin with thiazole-containing inhibitors: probes of the S1' binding site.

Structures of the blood clotting enzyme thrombin complexed with hirugen and two active site inhibitors, RWJ-50353 10080(N-methyl-D-phenylalanyl-N-[5-[(aminoiminomethyl)amino]-1- [[(2-benzothiazolyl)carbonyl]butyl]-L-prolinamide trifluoroacetate hydrate) and RWJ-50215 (N-[4-(aminoiminomethyl)amino-1-[2- (thiazol-2-ylcarbonylethyl)piperidin- 1-ylcarbonyl]butyl]-5-(dimethylamino)naphthalenesulfonamide trifluoroacetate hydrate), were determined by x-ray crystallography. The refinements converged at R values of 0.158 in the 7.0–2.3-A range for RWJ-50353 and 0.155 in the 7.0–1.8-A range for RWJ-50215. Interactions between the protein and the thiazole rings of the two inhibitors provide new valuable information about the S1' binding site of thrombin. The RWJ-50353 inhibitor consists of an S1'-binding benzothiazole group linked to the D-Phe-Pro-Arg chloromethyl ketone motif. Interactions with the S1-S3 sites are similar to the D-phenylalanyl-prolyl-arginyl chloromethylketone structure. In RWJ-50215, a S1'-binding 2-ketothiazole group was added to the thrombin inhibitor-like framework of dansylarginine N-(3-ethyl-1,5-pentanediyl)amide. The geometry at the S1-S3 sites here is also similar to that of the parent compound. The benzothiazole and 2-ketothiazole groups bind in a cavity surrounded by His57, Tyr60A, Trp60D, and Lys60F. This location of the S1' binding site is consistent with previous structures of thrombin complexes with hirulog-3, CVS-995, and hirutonin-2 and -6. The ring nitrogen of the RWJ-50353 benzothiazole forms a hydrogen bond with His57, and Lys60F reorients because of close contacts. The oxygen and nitrogen of the ketothiazole of RWJ-50215 hydrogen bond with the NZ atom of Lys60F.
Quantal Size Is Dependent on Stimulation Frequency and Calcium Entry in Calf Chromaffin Cells

Abstract To what extent the quantal hypothesis of transmitter release applies to dense-core vesicle (DCV) secretion is unknown. We determined the characteristics of individual secretory events in calf chromaffin cells using catecholamine amperometry combined with different patterns of stimulation. Raising the frequency of action potential trains from 0.25–10 Hz in 2 mM [Ca 2+ ] o or [Ca 2+ ] o from 0.25–7 mM at 7 Hz elevated the amount released per event (quantal size). With increased stimulation, quantal size rose continuously, not abruptly, suggesting that release efficiency from a single population of DCVs rather than recruitment of different-sized vesicles contributed to the effect. These results suggest that catecholamine secretion does not conform to the quantal model. Inhibition of rapid endocytosis damped secretion in successive episodes, implying an essential role for this process in the recycling of vesicles needed for continuous secretion.
Circular-grating surface-emitting distributed Bragg reflector lasers on an InGaAs-GaAs structure for 0.48-/spl mu/m applications

In this paper, we report on the design and fabrication of electrically-pumped circular-grating surface-emitting DBR lasers for operation in the 0.98-/spl mu/m wavelength range. The layer structure with InGaAs-GaAs-AlGaAs strained multiquantum-wells was obtained by one-step epitaxial growth. Circular gratings are defined by electron-beam lithography around circular gain sections of different diameters. Low threshold CW operation as low as 26 mA for a 60-/spl mu/m diameter gain section, and high-power pulsed operation of over 120 mW for a 100-/spl mu/m diameter gain region are demonstrated. A quasi-circular far-field pattern with a divergence of about 1/spl deg/ is obtained. >
How to deliver a gentle introduction to LR parsing

Parsing belongs in undergraduate CS degrees: it justifies studying advanced data structures; it enables students to disassemble intricate input patterns, when their applications need to interact with legacy systems. This workshop shows how parsing can be introduced to students, in relatively short time and with minimal presumed background. It covers the material as the students experience it: we look at grammars, derivations, and then top-down and bottom up parsing at the level of symbols. From this, the Characteristic Finite State Machine follows naturally, even without previous formal theory. This illuminates calculating First and Follows sets, for resolving conflicts. From this point, students can comprehend and so repair problems announced by compiler generators, such as Yacc and Bison. Alternative algorithms for First and Follows are presented that are more elegant and simplify creating example grammars for effective exam and homework questions.
The national response plan: a new framework for homeland security, public health, and bioterrorism response.

This Article provides a detailed overview of the new National Response Plan (NRP) with a focus on its applicability to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies. The Article highlights critical policy and legal issues left unresolved by the NRP, and offers recommendations for the resolution of those issues. The author concludes that, although the NRP is not perfect, it represents a major advance in domestic incident management and provides regular opportunities for review and revision as we learn how to best coordinate the national response to major incidents. A close working relationship between the Departments of Health and Human Services and Homeland Security should enable a unified response to bioterrorism and other public health emergencies in support of state and local efforts. Language: en
How much longer can the Aerotel/Macrossan test survive?

Despite the attempt of the Court of Appeal in Symbian Ltd v Comptroller General of Patents [2008] EWCA Civ 1066 (‘Symbian’) to reconcile the approaches of the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) to inherent patentability, they are again at odds: while the UK IPO applies the Aerotel/Macrossan test, a recent opinion of the EPO's Enlarged Board of Appeal (G-0003/08) confirmed that for the EPO novelty has no place in such an assessment.
Carotid Endarterectomy in Moyamoya Disease: A Case Report

We report the case of a 55-year-old female who presented with symptomatic high-grade stenosis of the right internal carotid artery, years after her diagnosis of moyamoya disease (MMD), which had been treated with extensive carotid and cerebral vascular reconstructions. A percutaneous carotid revascularization was unsuccessful, and a carotid endarterectomy with bovine patch angioplasty was subsequently performed. The presence of symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid disease in combination with MMD, with all the perioperative challenges, has not been previously described.
Initiating HIV therapy. Timing is critical, controversial.

PREVIEWCurrently available antiretroviral drug regimens are able to suppress HIV replication and allow CD4 recovery in the vast majority of patients with HIV infection. The challenge is to match each patient to the regimen that is most likely to durably suppress HIV replication enough to prevent resistance selection without causing treatment-limiting toxicities. It is also critical, but difficult, to know when to begin treatment relative to CD4 cell count and plasma viral load. In this article, Dr Volberding addresses the central questions surrounding antiretroviral treatment initiation and reviews some available treatment options.
Regional lung water and hematocrit determined by positron emission tomography

We have measured with positron emission tomography (PET) the regional distribution of extravascular lung water (EVLW) and hematocrit (HctL) in normal supine dogs. H2(15)O and C15O were used as total lung water (TLW) and intravascular water (IVW) compartment labels, respectively. An additional plasma volume label (68Ga-transferrin) was used to determine regional HctL. EVLW was calculated as the difference between TLW and IVW. In 13 dogs, EVLW was relatively constant along a gravity-dependent vertical gradient, although values in the most anterior regions were statistically less (P less than 0.05) than those in more posterior ones. The average value for EVLW (13 dogs) was 14.4 +/- 2.5 ml H2O/100 ml lung. When EVLW was compared with IVW on a regional basis, the EVLW/IVW ratio decreased significantly in a gravity-dependent direction from 1.95 +/- 0.28 to 0.88 +/- 0.18. In 7 dogs, no significant difference between HctL and systemic hematocrit (average ratio 1.01 +/- 0.08) was found nor was any significant variation of HctL within the lung detected. Thus, in contrast to gravimetric techniques, a hematocrit correction does not appear to be necessary when regional EVLW is studied by PET.
Optimal multi-element VLC bulb design with power and lighting quality constraints

In the modern era of radio frequency (RF) spectrum crunch, visible light communication (VLC) offers a promising alternative. Thanks to its unlicensed and large bandwidth, VLC technology can deliver high throughput, energy efficient and low cost data communications. In this paper, we consider a VLC architecture with a novel multi-element hemispherical bulb, which can transmit multiple data streams over multiple LED boards. Simulations considering various VLC transmitter configurations and topologies show that good link quality and high spatial reuse can be maintained in typical indoor communication scenarios. We develop the characteristics of an optimum multi-element bulb design in terms of both illumination and communication under various constraints.
The Jak2V617F Oncogene Associated with Polycythemia Vera Regulates G1/S-Phase Transition.

The V617F activating point mutation in Jak2 has recently been detected in a high proportion of patients with the myeloproliferative disorders polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and idiopathic myelofibrosis. Using the Jak2V617F-mutant erythroid leukemia cell line HEL as a model, potential mechanisms that contribute to transformation were investigated. Inhibition of Jak2V617F with a small molecule kinase inhibitor reduced cell growth of HEL cells in a dose dependent manner with an IC 50 of 300 nM. This inhibition of growth was associated with a G1 cell cycle arrest, with minimal or delayed apoptosis. The major Jak2 target in normal hematopoietic cells, STAT5, was found to be activated by Jak2V617F. Treatment of the cells with either a Jak2 kinase inhibitor, or with a Jak2-targeted siRNA, decreased STAT5 activation, and also resulted in decreased expression of cyclin D2 and increased expression of p27 Kip . Of interest, we found that Jak2V617F induced high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), an activity associated with several other tyrosine kinase oncogenes. Expression of a constitutively active form of STAT5 by itself was capable reducing expression of p27 Kip and increasing production of ROS, suggesting that each of these signaling events are downstream of STAT5. Additionally, treatment of HEL cells with the anti-oxidant N-acetylcystein increased expression of p27 Kip , suggesting that Jak2V617F regulates cell cycle progression at least in part through STAT5 activation of ROS, and ROS regulation of p27 Kip . Cell growth of HEL cells was found to be blocked by anti-oxidants. Overall, our results suggest that constitutive activation of Jak2 contributes to a transforming phenotype and therefore hints at novel targets for drug development that may aid traditional therapy.
Neoadjuvant Systemic Therapy Use for Younger Patients with Breast Cancer Treated in Different Types of Cancer Centers Across the United States

Background Multiple clinical trials have shown that neoadjuvant systemic therapy has a benefit in women who are borderline lumpectomy candidates and in those with locally advanced breast cancers by reducing the mastectomy rate and making inoperable tumors operable. The study aim was to examine the patterns of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and endocrine therapy use among younger women in the United States treated at different types of cancer centers. Study Design Data from the National Cancer Data Base for 118,086 women younger than 65 years with clinical stage IIA (T2N0 only) to IIIC breast cancer. Following the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline categorization, patients were grouped into those who were borderline lumpectomy candidates (clinical stage IIA [T2N0 only], IIB, or IIIA [T3N1 only]) or those with locally advanced disease (clinical stage IIIA [T0-3N2 only], IIIB, or IIIC). The main outcome was the proportion of women who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy. Results Use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy ranged from 17% (stage IIA) to 79% (stage IIIB). Across almost all stage and receptor subtypes, the use was lower in community vs academic centers. On multivariable analysis, use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy was decreased in community vs academic centers (borderline lumpectomy candidates: adjusted risk ratio = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.69–0.77; locally advanced disease: adjusted risk ratio = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74–0.83). Conclusions Use of guideline-concordant neoadjuvant chemotherapy is significantly higher among women treated at academic vs community centers in young and healthy women who do not commonly have contraindications to this treatment. Our study identified a potential disparity in cancer care by type of center where patients receive treatment.
Numerical simulation and experimental validation of a large-area capacitive strain sensor for fatigue crack monitoring

A large-area electronics in the form of a soft elastomeric capacitor (SEC) has shown great promise as a strain sensor for fatigue crack monitoring in steel structures. The SEC sensors are inexpensive, easy to fabricate, highly stretchable, and mechanically robust. It is a highly scalable technology, capable of monitoring deformations on mesoscale systems. Preliminary experiments verified the SEC sensor's capability in detecting, localizing, and monitoring crack growth in a compact specimen. Here, a numerical simulation method is proposed to simulate accurately the sensor's performance under fatigue cracks. Such a method would provide a direct link between the SEC's signal and fatigue crack geometry, extending the SEC's capability to dense network applications on mesoscale structural components. The proposed numerical procedure consists of two parts: (1) a finite element (FE) analysis for the target structure to simulate crack growth based on an element deletion method; (2) an algorithm to compute the sensor's capacitance response using the FE analysis results. The proposed simulation method is validated based on test data from a compact specimen. Results from the numerical simulation show good agreement with the SEC's response from the laboratory tests as a function of the crack size. Using these findings, a parametric study is performed to investigate how the SEC would perform under different geometries. Results from the parametric study can be used to optimize the design of a dense sensor network of SECs for fatigue crack detection and localization.
An Assessment of Dynamic Signature Forgery and Perception of Signature Strength

Dynamic signature verification has many challenges associated with the creation of the impostor dataset. The literature discusses several ways of determining the impostor signature provider, but this paper takes a different approach - that of the opportunistic forger and his or her relationship to the genuine signature holder. The paper examines the accuracy with which an opportunistic forger assesses the various traits of the genuine signature, and whether the genuine signature holder believes that his or her signature is easy to forge.
Microarray analysis of the effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) phenolic extract in bovine peripheral blood

In this study, the effect of polyphenolic extracts from cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) on global gene expression in bovine peripheral blood was investigated. Blood collected from Holstein-Friesian cows...
Immunostaining Detection of Cytomegalovirus in Gastrointestinal Biopsies: Clinicopathological Correlation at a Large Academic Health System.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can be asymptomatic in healthy individuals but may cause serious complications in immunocompromised patients. We investigated the clinicopathological correlation of CMV in gastrointestinal (GI) biopsies at our institute between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2015. Methods: A total of 105 non-neoplastic GI biopsies tested positive for CMV by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The IHC results were stratified as “true positive” if > 2 cells stained, or “rare positive” if only 1 - 2 cells stained. Clinical information including comorbidities, serum CMV viral loads, and treatment was reviewed and correlated. Results: Overall 1% of all GI biopsies were positive for CMV by immunostaining. The most frequently involved organ was colon, followed by esophagus, stomach, ileum and duodenum. When > 2 cells were stained positive, serum CMV viral loads were positive in 52.2%, negative in 17.2%, and not tested in 27.6% of cases. When only 1 - 2 cells stained positive, CMV viral loads were positive in 23.4%, negative in 25.5%, and not tested in 51.1% of cases. We further showed that clinical management of CMV differs based on both pathological findings and underlying diseases. Conclusions: The role of CMV in GI biopsies remains controversial. We propose an algorithm of performing CMV immunostaining based on clinicopathological correlation. Gastroenterol Res. 2016;9(6):92-98 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/gr725e
In vitro Fermentation Patterns of Rice Bran Components by Human Gut Microbiota

Whole grain rice is a rich source of fiber, nutrients, and phytochemicals that may promote gastrointestinal health, but such beneficial components are typically removed with the bran during polishing. Soluble feruloylated arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (FAXO) and polyphenols (RBPP) isolated from rice bran are hypothesized to have positive impacts on human gut microbiota through a prebiotic function. Using an in vitro human fecal fermentation bioassay, FAXO and RBPP treatments were assessed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production patterns and by evaluating their impacts on the phylogentic composition of human gut microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Fresh fecal samples collected from healthy adults (n = 10, 5 males, 5 females) were diluted with anaerobic medium. Each sample received five treatments: CTRL (no substrates), FOS (fructooligosaccharides), FAXO, RBPP, and MIX (FAXO with RBPP). Samples were incubated at 37 °C and an aliquot was withdrawn at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h Results showed that SCFA production was significantly increased with FAXO and was comparable to fermentation with FOS, a well-established prebiotic. RBPP did not increase SCFA productions, and no significant differences in total SCFA production were observed between FAXO and MIX, indicating that RBPP does not modify FAXO fermentation. Changes in microbiota population were found in FAXO treatment, especially in Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Dorea populations, indicating that FAXO might modulate microbiota profiles. RBPP and MIX increased Faecalibacterium, specifically F. prausnitzii. Combined FAXO and RBPP fermentation increased abundance of butyrogenic bacteria, Coprococcus and Roseburia, suggesting some interactive activity. Results from this study support the potential for FAXO and RBPP from rice bran to promote colon health through a prebiotic function.
Surgery for Ischemic Infarcts

Brain areas that swell significantly after a stroke may create life-threatening conditions and are associated with a poor prognosis. Therefore any measure that relieves significant compression and intracranial pressure increase is warranted because the main therapeutic principle aims at avoiding secondary and possibly permanent brain and brainstem injury caused by mass effect and shift. Medical treatment options have not been validated well, but neurosurgical management in the form of decompressive craniectomy for hemispheric supratentorial strokes has been tested prospectively in clinical trials and proved efficient and beneficial in terms of reduced mortality (all age groups) and improved functional outcomes (for ages <60 years). Decompressive suboccipital craniectomy for symptomatic swelling and/or hydrocephalus associated with cerebellar strokes is also considered highly effective in all age groups. Close monitoring (clinically and radiologically) of patients at high risk who have had stroke is most important to allow for timely appropriate decompressive surgery for symptomatic stroke-associated brain swelling and herniation.
Electrochromic Sensor for Multiplex Detection of Metabolites Enabled by Closed Bipolar Electrode Coupling.

Biosensors based on converting electrochemical signals into optical readouts are attractive candidates as low-cost, high-throughput sensor platforms. Here, we described a closed bipolar electrode (CBE)-based two-cell electrochromic device for sensing multiple metabolites, using the simultaneous detection of lactate, glucose, and uric acid as a model system. In the two-cell configuration, an analytical cell contains a redox mediator combined with a specific oxidase, e.g., lactate oxidase, glucose oxidase, or uricase, to form an electrochemical mediator–electrocatalyst pair that supports redox cycling. A closed bipolar electrode couples the electron transfer event in the analytical cell to an electrochromic reaction in a separate reporter cell, such that the magnitude of the color change is related to the concentration of metabolites in the analytical cell. To demonstrate multiplex operation, the CBE-based electrochromic detector is modified by integrating three sets of detection chemistries into a single d...
Cervical spine injuries in young children: pattern and outcomes in accidental versus inflicted trauma

Abstract Background The aim of the study was to compare the cervical spine (c-spine) pattern of injury and outcomes in children below 3 y with a head injury from confirmed inflicted versus accidental trauma. Methods After Institutional Review Board approval, data were prospectively collected between July 2011 and January 2016. Inclusion criteria were age below 3 y, a loss of consciousness, and any one of the following initial head computed tomography (CT) findings (subdural hematoma, intraventricular, intraparenchymal, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or cerebral edema). A protocol of brain and neck magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance angiography was instituted. Brain and neck imaging results, clinical variables, and outcomes were recorded. Data were compared by t-test for continuous and Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Results 73 children were identified, 52 (71%) with inflicted and 21 (29%) with accidental trauma. The median age was 11 mo; (range: 1-35 mo). Ten (14%) had c-spine injuries, 7/52 (13%) inflicted, and 3/21 (14%) accidental. The mechanism was shaking for all inflicted and motor vehicle accident or pedestrian struck for accidental c-spine injuries. The inflicted group were significantly younger (P = 0.03), had higher Injury Severity Scores (P = 0.02), subdural hematomas (P = 0.03), fractures (P = 0.03), retinal hemorrhages (P = 0.02), brain infarcts (P = 0.01), and required cardiopulmonary resuscitation (P = 0.01). Seven with inflicted trauma died from brain injury (9.5%), one had atlanto-occipital dissociation. Six mortalities (86%) had no c-spine injury. Six with inflicted c-spine injuries survived with neurologic impairment, whereas three with accidental survived without disability, including one atlanto-occipital dissociation. Conclusions Compared to accidental trauma, young children with inflicted c-spine injuries have more multisystem trauma, long-term disability from brain injury, and an injury pattern consistent with shaking.
Detection of Change in Antarctica

Detection of change in Antarctica is of global interest because potential changes in the Antarctic in environment are coupled to the Earth system. An interdisciplinary research theme identified by the SCAR Steering Committee (Weller et al. 1989) for the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program (IGPB) is: “detection of changes of global importance, best observed in Antarctica, which are fundamental to establishing the current nature of trends of change and thereby providing a foundation for understanding the underlying processes.” The goals of Antarctic detection-of-change research should be to determine what is happening now throughout Antarctica and the surrounding seas, attempt to relate the current situation to the past, and understand why changes are occurring.
Recombination Radiation of Boron

The band gap fluorescence of boron has been observed for the first time using Czochralski-grown, high-purity samples. A 30-mW, cw, helium-neon laser was used to excite the fluorescence and a high-speed, quartz-prism spectrograph was used to record the emitted radiation. The peak intensity of the luminescence (recombination radiation) at 80°K was found to occur at 1. 55 ± 0. 03 eV.
Qualifications, diversity and workplace practices: an investigation of higher education internal audit departments

Internal audit is getting recognition thanks to media coverage of alleged fraudulent activities and new regulations that require the evaluation of internal controls. Given this attention, Harrington (2004) identified what organizations should look for when hiring a director of internal audit. This paper reports an investigation of college and university internal audit departments that determines if the directors hold the suggested qualifications and if the qualifications differ based on gender. Differences among the directors of internal auditor include demographic information such as salary, experience and number of staff members as well as who hires the director, and whether the institution has a governing board audit committee. Even with the differences, college and university internal audit directors are very much alike.