cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A closer look at quality of life in the hepatocellular carcinoma literature

Adults with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a high symptom burden. Their quality of life (QOL) has been shown to be significantly impacted by both the disease and its treatment, adding to the high symptom burden that these patients experience. The primary aims of this paper are as follows: (1) to identify how QOL is being defined in HCC literature and (2) to identify how QOL is being measured in the HCC literature using Ferrell’s model of QOL. A systematic review was completed of relevant studies published after 2014, using PubMed, CINHAL, and PsycInfo. Relevant studies were reviewed by 2 reviewers using PRISMA guidelines. From a total of 1312 papers obtained in the initial database search, 30 met inclusion criteria and are included in this review. From the included articles, 10% included a definition of QOL and 3% addressed the spiritual domain of QOL. Majority of study participants were in the early stage of HCC, though the majority of adults with HCC are diagnosed in the advanced stage. Only 3% of included studies included greater than 22% population of advanced stage of HCC. The results of this systematic review demonstrate the need for future research into QOL in the advanced stage of QOL. It also identified gap in the literature concerning the definition of QOL in HCC and the spiritual domain of QOL in HCC.
Primary nonadherence to statin medications: Survey of patient perspectives

Statin medications reduce cardiovascular events, but many patients never start taking their prescribed statin (primary nonadherence). Limited knowledge exists about the attitudes and beliefs of those with primary nonadherence. In this study, patients with primary nonadherence to statin medications (n = 173) completed a self-administered cross-sectional survey that assessed their attitudes and beliefs related to primary nonadherence and to potential motivators for statin use. Patients were recruited in 2019 from two academic health systems and nationwide internet advertisements. Only 49 of 173 (28.3%) patients with primary nonadherence reported having cardiovascular disease (CVD). Ninety-nine patients (57.2%) never filled their prescription, and 74 (42.8%) filled but never took any statin. Over half failed to initially inform their prescriber they might not take the statin. Patients strongly or somewhat agreed that they desired alternate treatment plans such as diet and/or exercise (n = 134; 77.4%) or natural remedies/dietary supplements (n = 125; 72.3%). Ninety-eight (56.6%) stronglyor somewhat worried about the possibility of statin dependence or addiction. Twenty-seven (15.6%) patients noted that they would not take a statin based solely on CVD risk estimates; 50 (28.9%) selected a CVD risk threshold of >20%; and 23 (13.3%) a threshold of >50% as motivating factors to take statins. Patients with primary nonadherence have attitudes about taking statins based on CVD risk that differ from scientific recommendations, may not tell providers about their hesitation to take statins, and likely prefer alternative initial approaches to cholesterol lowering. Early shared decision-making and assessment of patient attitudes about statins could potentially better align initial approaches for CVD risk reduction.
Jumps and Liquidity in the U.S. Stock Market

We use a new framework to analyze the liquidity trends in the US equity markets, based on the intra-day price trend. The analysis suggests that the proportion of daily price variation explained by jumps (either small or large) is at a historical low. Furthermore while small jumps (which are generally liquidity related) are less common, but they increase significantly during the stress events. Overall, these findings suggest that liquidity has not materially deteriorated in the U.S. equity market.
Effective, Fair and Equitable Pandemic Rationing

We study the problem of allocating scarce and heterogeneous medical resources to patients. Our solutions optimize for aggregate match-effectiveness subject to fairness and distributional constraints. The main solution uses a novel cutoff characterization result for fair and equitable allocations and a minimum-cost flow formulation. Match-effectiveness gains from optimization are substantial. Even when there are only two types of vaccines, in equal quantities, our algorithm results in more than 33% larger aggregate match-effectiveness compared to the random allocation benchmark.
Phase 1b clinical trial of ado-trastuzumab emtansine and ribociclib for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Patients with HER2+ metastatic breast cancer are often treated with a multitude of therapies in the metastatic setting, and additional strategies to prolong responses to anti-HER2 therapies are needed. Preclinical evidence suggests synergy between cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitors and anti-HER2 therapies. We conducted a phase 1b study of ribociclib and ado-trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in patients with advanced/metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer previously treated with trastuzumab and a taxane in any setting, with four or fewer prior lines of therapy in the metastatic setting. A standard 3 + 3 dose-escalation design was used to evaluate various doses of ribociclib in combination with T-DM1, starting at 300 mg. The primary objective was to determine the maximum tolerated dose and/or recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of ribociclib in combination with T-DM1. A total of 12 patients were enrolled. During dose-escalation, patients received doses of ribociclib of 300 mg (n = 3), 400 mg (n = 3), 500 mg (n = 3), and 600 mg (n = 3). No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The majority of toxicities were Grade 1 and 2, and the most common Grade 3 toxicities were neutropenia (33%), leukopenia (33%), and anemia (25%). After a median follow-up of 12.4 months, the median PFS was 10.4 months (95% confidence interval, 2.7-19.3). Based on the pharmacokinetic analysis, adverse events, and dose reductions, 400 mg was determined to be the RP2D for ribociclib given on days 8-21 of a 21-day cycle with T-DM1.
The Influence of Spending Guilt on the Consumer Decision-Making Process

The amount of money a consumer is willing to spend to acquire a good ought to be a valid measure of valuation. Instead, consumers rely on heuristics about how they should spend money. When consumers think about spending money in ways that violate their beliefs about how it should be spent, they anticipate feeling guilty which reduces the expected utility and the likelihood of making the purchase. Because of this anticipatory guilt, consumer decisions made in a spending context can lead to different outcomes than consumer decisions in equivalent contexts that do not use money. The results of Studies 1a-1c show that people have standards for how they should spend their money and anticipate feeling guilty if they consider violating them. Studies 2a-2b measure spending-guilt-proneness and test its effect on purchase intentions. In Study 3 the salience of spending norms is increased, reducing purchase intentions for hedonic goods. In Studies 4a, 4b, 5, and 6, the salience of money in preference measures is decreased, and when spending money is less salient, preferences for hedonic goods increase. Finally, in Studies 7a-7b reducing anticipated guilt mitigates this disutility.
Project Oxygen: Pervasive, Human-Centric Computing - An Initial Experience

For the past six months, I have been integrating several experimental, cuttingedge technologies developed by my colleagues at MIT as part of the MIT LCS/ AIL Oxygen project. This paper gives a snapshot of this work-in-progress.
Evaluation of cold temperature performance of the JCS-VL41M PHEV battery using Battery HIL

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) have been identified as an effective technology to displace petroleum by drawing significant off- board energy from the electrical grid. A plug-in vehicle uses a large capacity battery to operate in an electric-only or a blended mode of operation over a large SOC window (60-80% of total operational SOC) for maximum petroleum displacement. Some advanced chemistry batteries have show that low ambient (battery) temperature has a significant impact on the performance of a PHEV battery. This paper quantifies the impact of low ambient (battery) temperature on a PHEV electric range using Hardwarein-the-Loop (HIL) methods. Combining ultra capacitors with batteries could provide a solution to overcome PHEV battery performance limitations at low temperatures.
Phytochemical and Botanical Therapies for Rosacea: A Systematic Review

Botanical and cosmeceutical therapies are commonly used to treat symptoms of rosacea such as facial erythema, papules/pustule counts, and telangiectasia. These products may contain plant extracts, phytochemicals, and herbal formulations. The objective of this study was to review clinical studies evaluating the use of botanical agents for the treatment of rosacea. MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched for clinical studies evaluating botanical therapies for rosacea. Major results were summarized, and study methodology was analyzed. Several botanical therapies may be promising for rosacea symptoms, but few studies are methodologically rigorous. Several plant extract and phytochemicals effectively improved facial erythema and papule/pustule counts caused by rosacea. Many studies are not methodologically rigorous. Further research is critical, as many botanicals have been evaluated in only one study. Botanical agents may reduce facial erythema and effectively improve papule/pustule counts associated with rosacea. Although promising, further research in the area is imperative.
The languages of native North America

Introduction Part I. The Nature of the Languages: 1. Sounds and sound patterns 2. Words 3. Grammatical categories 4. Sentences 5. Special language Part II. Catalogue of Languages: 6. Relations among the languages 7. Catalogue.
Water Level Declines in the High Plains Aquifer: Predevelopment to Resource Senescence

A large imbalance between recharge and water withdrawal has caused vital regions of the High Plains Aquifer (HPA) to experience significant declines in storage. A new predevelopment map coupled with a synthesis of annual water levels demonstrates that aquifer storage has declined by approximately 410 km(3) since the 1930s, a 15% larger decline than previous estimates. If current rates of decline continue, much of the Southern High Plains and parts of the Central High Plains will have insufficient water for irrigation within the next 20 to 30 years, whereas most of the Northern High Plains will experience little change in storage. In the western parts of the Central and northern part of the Southern High Plains, saturated thickness has locally declined by more than 50%, and is currently declining at rates of 10% to 20% of initial thickness per decade. The most agriculturally productive portions of the High Plains will not support irrigated production within a matter of decades without significant changes in management.
Metadata capital: Raising awareness, exploring a new concept

EDITOR'S SUMMARY While the value of information is widely recognized, the next step is recognizing metadata as an economic asset. Generating metadata involves costs in technological and human resources, but failure to generate and use metadata can lead to lost opportunity costs. Metadata activities are ultimately motivated by a drive for return on investment. The view of metadata as capital emphasizes that it has value that can rise with reuse. Metadata capital is defined as an asset that captures contextual knowledge about any information object, is produced by human labor or automated processes and yields a product or facilitates some service and can benefit the public. Expediting reuse of data and metadata is the key to maximizing their value, and early research demonstrates value in the linked open vocabulary environment and in reusing URIs. A collaborative project of the National Consortium for Data Science, the Metadata Capital Initiative, is focusing on the value of metadata through reuse in a big data setting to document its specific contributions to technology methods and intellectual advances.
Diabetic microangiopathy in KK mice: II. Suppression of glomerulosclerosis by pyridinolcarbamate

Abstract KK mice with genetic diabetic glomerulosclerosis were treated with 250 mg/kg of pyridinolcarbamate (PDC), an antibradykinin agent, by 20 days of age and the kidney glucosyltransferase activity was measured. This enzyme facilitates the attachment of glucose to hydroxylysine-galactose unit of the basement membrane, which is glycoprotein in nature. No effect of PDC on the glucosyltransferase activity was observed up to 50 days of treatment. However, after 80 days of treatment, the enzyme activity was significantly increased. This finding was associated with a similar increase in total protein synthesis by the renal cortex of the treated KK mice. Amelioration of severity to only mild glomerulosclerosis was observed after 50 days of PDC administration. However, after 80 days of drug treatment, no severe type of glomerulosclerosis was present. PDC had no effect on either the fasting blood sugars or serum immunoreactive insulin levels. However, the oral glucose tolerance appeared to be improved in mice treated for 80 days. Glycogen synthesis by diaphragm muscle and total lipid synthesis by epididymal fat pad were significantly increased after 80 days of drug treatment, indicating increased tissue sensitivity to endogenous insulin. The observation that glucosyltransferase activity responded to PDC treatment with concomitant prevention of diabetic glomerulosclerosis suggests a relationship between this enzyme activity and glycoprotein synthesis in the kidney. It is suggested that PDC is a potential drug for the treatment of diabetic glomerulosclerosis.
Clinical aspects of ruminal acidosis in dairy cattle.

Acute and subacute ruminal acidosis are well recognized as important diseases in beef feedlots.6,14,32,37 Acute ruminal acidosis has been long recognized in dairy cattle, although deaths due to acute ruminal acidosis are apparently less frequent in dairy cattle than in beef feedlot cattle. 35 Only recently has subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) been described for dairy cattle.26 Although dairy cattle are typically fed diets higher in forage and fiber compared to beef feedlot cattle, total consumption of rapidly fermentable (non-fiber) carbohydrates is similar between these two livestock classes because lactating dairy cows have very high feed intakes. This principle is illustrated by the data presented in Table 1. Ruminal pH values measured by continuous data acquisition in feedlot steers and lactating dairy cattle were similar when the cattle consumed similar total amounts of non-fiber carbohydrates. The prevalence of SARA in dairy herds is probably about the same as it is in beef feedlots. The objectives of this paper are to review the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnostic methods and prevention of ruminal acidosis in dairy herds. The subacute form of ruminal acidosis will be emphasized.
CILT2000: Using Technology to Support Ongoing Formative Assessment in the Classroom

This article emphasizes the importance of formative assessment in the teaching and learning process and the role technology can play in advancing assessment practices. It describes work undertaken by attendees of the CILT workshop, highlighting key issues that were discussed and areas for further development including how to address important equity concerns.
Probing hydrodesulfurization over bimetallic phosphides using monodisperse Ni2-xMxP nanoparticles encapsulated in mesoporous silica

Abstract Metal phosphide nanoparticles encapsulated in mesoporous silica provide a well-defined system for probing the fundamental chemistry of the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) reaction over this new class of hydrotreating catalysts. To investigate composition effects in bimetallic phosphides, the HDS of dibenzothiophene (DBT) was carried out over a series of Ni-rich Ni2-xMxP@mSiO2 (M = Co, Fe) nanocatalysts (x ≤ 0.50). The Ni2-xMxP nanoparticles (average diameters: 11–13 nm) were prepared by solution-phase arrested precipitation and encapsulated in mesoporous silica, characterized by a range of techniques (XRD, TEM, IR spectroscopy, BET surface area, CO chemisorption) and tested for DBT HDS activity and selectivity. The highest activity was observed for a Ni1.92Co0.08P@mSiO2 nanocatalyst, but the overall trend was a decrease in HDS activity with increasing Co or Fe content. In contrast, the highest turnover frequency (TOF) was observed for the most Co- and Fe-rich compositions based on sites titrated by CO chemisorption. IR spectral studies of adsorbed CO on the Ni2-xMxP@mSiO2 catalysts indicate that an increase in electron density occurs on Ni sites as the Co or Fe content is increased, which may be responsible for the increased TOFs of the catalytic sites. The Ni2-xMxP@mSiO2 nanocatalysts exhibit a strong preference for the direct desulfurization pathway (DDS) for DBT HDS that changes only slightly with increasing Co or Fe content.
StatStream: statistical monitoring of thousands of data streams in real time

Consider the problem of monitoring tens of thousands of time series data streams in an online fashion and making decisions based on them. In addition to single stream statistics such as average and standard deviation, we also want to find high correlations among all pairs of streams. A stock market trader might use such a tool to spot arbitrage opportunities. This paper proposes efficient methods for solving this problem based on Discrete Fourier Transforms and a three level time interval hierarchy. Extensive experiments on synthetic data and real world financial trading data show that our algorithm beats the direct computation approach by several orders of magnitude. It also improves on previous Fourier Transform approaches by allowing the efficient computation of time-delayed correlation over any size sliding window and any time delay. Correlation also lends itself to an efficient grid-based data structure. The result is the first algorithm that we know of to compute correlations over thousands of data streams in real time. The algorithm is incremental, has fixed response time, and can monitor the pairwise correlations of 10,000 streams on a single PC. The algorithm is embarrassingly parallelizable.
The Rousing Drum: Ritual Practice in a Japanese Community

The Rousing Drum: Ritual Practice in. Japanese Community. Scott Schnell. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 1999. 363 pp.
Comparison of Ascorbic Acid Concentrations in Whole Blood Obtained by Venipuncture or by Finger Prick

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) concentrations in whole blood obtained by finger prick or by venipuncture have been shown to be equivalent when measured by the 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine procedure. Whole blood obtained by either technique is stable for at least 6 h at 25°C, and for as long as 28 days when stabilized with trichloroacetic acid and stored at 4°C. Storage of whole blood at -70°C is accompanied by an initial loss (10-20%) of vitamin C; however, additional losses of vitamin C do not occur beyond the third day of storage.
A Two-Step Haploidentical Versus a Two-Step Matched Related Allogeneic Myeloablative Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation

Haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) offers a transplantation option to patients who lack an HLA-matched donor. We developed a 2-step approach to myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for patients with haploidentical or matched related (MR) donors. In this approach, the lymphoid and myeloid portions of the graft are administered in 2 separate steps to allow fixed T cell dosing. Cyclophosphamide is used for T cell tolerization. Given a uniform conditioning regimen, graft T cell dose, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis strategy, we compared immune reconstitution and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing 2-step haploidentical versus 2-step MR SCT. We retrospectively compared data on patients undergoing a 2-step haploidentical (n = 50) or MR (n = 27) peripheral blood SCT for high-risk hematological malignancies and aplastic anemia. Both groups received myeloablative total body irradiation conditioning. Immune reconstitution data included flow cytometric assessment of T cell subsets at day 28 and 90 after SCT. Both groups showed comparable early immune recovery in all assessed T cell subsets except for the median CD3/CD8 cell count, which was higher in the MR group at day 28 compared with that in the haploidentical group. The 3-year probability of overall survival was 70% in the haploidentical group and 71% in the MR group (P = .81), while the 3-year progression-free survival was 68% in the haploidentical group and 70% in the MR group (P = .97). The 3-year cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality was 10% in the haploidentical group and 4% in the MR group (P = .34). The 3-year cumulative incidence of relapse was 21% in the haploidentical group and 27% in the MR group (P = .93). The 100-day cumulative incidence of overall grades II to IV acute GVHD was higher in the haploidentical group compared with that in the MR group (40% versus 8%, P < .001), whereas the grades III and IV acute GVHD was not statistically different between both groups (haploidentical, 6%; MR, 4%; P = .49). The cumulative incidence of cytomegalovirus reactivation was also higher in the haploidentical group compared to the MR group (haploidentical, 68%; MR, 19%; P < .001). There were no deaths from GVHD in either group. Using an identical conditioning regimen, graft T cell dose, and GVHD prophylaxis strategy, comparable early immune recovery and clinical outcomes were observed in the 2-step haploidentical and MR SCT recipients.
The Emerging Role of Preventive Medicine in Health Diplomacy after the 2005 Earthquake in Pakistan

On October 22, 2005, a preventive medicine team deployed with the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital to assist with earthquake relief efforts in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir. These efforts included core field preventive medicine but quickly extended into other efforts. In collaboration with the host nation and other organizations, the preventive medicine team performed additional support for operations outside the U.S. compound, including water and sanitation assessments of camps for internally displaced persons, communicable disease investigation and control, and vaccination programs. Preventive medicine personnel were vital to health diplomacy efforts in this operation, particularly because of security concerns that prevented other U.S. medical assets from leaving the compound. Comparisons with the U.S. responses during other humanitarian operations are made. Preventive medicine missions in health diplomacy will continue to increase. Training and collaborative relationships with other government agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, and with nongovernmental organizations should continue to be developed.
Pure permanent magnet harmonics corrector ring

Abstract A concept for creating any desired harmonics mix in a pure permanent magnet (PM) corrector ring is presented. Useful for nulling various harmonics simultaneously, such a device is versatile for many accelerator applications. The harmonic mix can be changed without redesign or replacement by a new ring or parts and, if desired, can be accomplished in situ via remote control of cylinder motors. Harmonics suppression of greater than a factor of 100 or even 1000 are possible; exact functional dependencies of harmonics suppresion capability versus magnet geometry are given. Sensitivity to positioning and corrector ring PM errors are given, and shown to be themselves nullable.
The Effect of Salt and Carbolineum in Producing Ascites in Turkey Poults

Abstract THE occurrence of ascites, or water belly, in recent years at the Pennsylvania State College Turkey Research Farm led to the investigations described in this report. Other workers have described the role of sodium compounds in the production of water belly in young poults and chicks. Scrivner (1946) produced experimental edema and ascites in poults by administering sodium chloride and sodium bicarbonate in feed or water in certain proportions. Doll et al. (1946) observed the toxic effects of sodium chloride solution on baby chicks. Selye (1943) reported on the extreme sensitivity of chicks to the presence of comparatively small doses of sodium chloride in the drinking water. Ewing (1947) observed that a 2 percent level of salt produced a 38.4 percent mortality in turkey poults. Witter (1936) reported on the injurious effect of sodium bicarbonate in chicks. The authors have not doubted the fact that salt is a factor in . . .
Probing soot particles using laser-based techniques

An experimental study on mechanisms of soot inception and nucleation in diffusion flames is presented. Microscopic amounts of soot samples are collected from benzene, acetylene, and methane diffusion flames. The molecular composition of these samples are analyzed using a laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Preliminary results clearly indicate that soot samples generated by different fuels have different chemical structures. Surprisingly, methane soot contained the largest carbon clusters and acetylene soot generated the smallest carbon clusters.
The role of pyrite in controlling metal ion activities in highly reduced soils

Abstract This study examines the solubility relationships of metal sulfides in highly reduced soils. Soils obtained from a mountain bog previously contaminated with Fe, Zn, Cd, and Pb sulfide ores were subjected to oxidation followed by gradual but severe reduction. The sequence of metal sulfide precipitations that occur as pe + pH is lowered was predicted from thermodynamic calculations. These predictions were compared to the results obtained from two studies in which soil suspensions were equilibrated under controlled redox conditions. Oxidation of the surface horizon of these soils resulted in partial dissolution of existing metal sulfides as pH decreased. Subsequent reduction increased pH and formed reaction products that controlled the activities of Fe2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+. When decomposing organic matter was used as the electron source to reduce these soils, the solubility of these metals approached equilibrium with Fe3O4, (amorp) , ZnCO3 (smithsonite) , CdCO3 (octavite) , and PbCO3 (cerrusite), respectively, as pH increased above 5.5 and pe + pH decreased to 7.7 at 65 d. The pe + pH did not go lower with organic matter as the sole reductant. A reducing gas mixture containing 1 % H2 (g), 5% CO2(g), and 94% Ar was passed through identical soil suspensions to which organic matter had also been added to lower the pe + pH so metal sulfides could precipitate. The calculated pe + pH values at which the metal sulfides formed were: (1) CdS (greenockite) (4.85), (2) ZnS (sphalerite) (4.70), (3) PbS(galena) (4.40), and (4) FeS2(pyrite) (4.35). Since Fe is more abundant in most soils than SO42−, Cd, Zn, and Pb, FeS2(pyrite) is expected to control sulfide activity, and in turn, the activities of Cd2+, Zn2+, and Pb2+. Only under conditions in which there is an abundance of SO42− compared to Fe would the control by pyrite be negated.
Probability densities in strong turbulence

Abstract In this work we, using Mellin’s transform combined with the Gaussian large-scale boundary condition, calculate probability densities (PDFs) of velocity increments P ( δ r u , r ) , velocity derivatives P ( u ′ , r ) and the PDF of the fluctuating dissipation scales Q ( η , Re ) , where Re is the large-scale Reynolds number. The resulting expressions strongly deviate from the Log-normal PDF P L ( δ r u , r ) often quoted in the literature. It is shown that the probability density of the small-scale velocity fluctuations includes information about the large (integral) scale dynamics which is responsible for the deviation of P ( δ r u , r ) from P L ( δ r u , r ) . An expression for the function D ( h ) of the multifractal theory, free from spurious logarithms recently discussed in [U. Frisch, M. Martins Afonso, A. Mazzino, V. Yakhot, J. Fluid Mech. 542 (2005) 97] is also obtained.
Aspergillus peritonitis: Therapy, survival, and return to peritoneal dialysis

Peritonitis caused by fungi of the species Aspergillus is rare in peritoneal dialysis patients and is associated with high mortality. Four of the six reported survivors have been unable to resume peritoneal dialysis. We report the successful treatment of Aspergillus niger peritonitis with a combination of intravenous amphotericin B and peritoneal catheter removal in a patient on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), and review previously reported cases of Aspergillus peritonitis. Our patient returned to CAPD after 2 months and has maintained good peritoneal transport 1 year after resumption of CAPD. The early recognition and aggressive treatment of peritonitis due to Aspergillus sp may allow eventual return to and successful maintenance of CAPD.
The Groucho ortholog UNC-37 interacts with the short Groucho-like protein LSY-22 to control developmental decisions in C. elegans

Transcriptional co-repressors of the Groucho/TLE family are important regulators of development in many species. A subset of Groucho/TLE family members that lack the C-terminal WD40 domains have been proposed to act as dominant-negative regulators of Groucho/TLE proteins, yet such a role has not been conclusively proven. Through a mutant screen for genes controlling a left/right asymmetric cell fate decision in the nervous system of the nematode C. elegans, we have retrieved loss-of-function alleles in two distinct loci that display identical phenotypes in neuronal fate specification and in other developmental contexts. Using the novel technology of whole-genome sequencing, we find that these loci encode the C. elegans ortholog of Groucho, UNC-37, and, surprisingly, a short Groucho-like protein, LSY-22, that is similar to truncated Groucho proteins in other species. Besides their phenotypic similarities, unc-37 and lsy-22 show genetic interactions and UNC-37 and LSY-22 proteins also physically bind to each other in vivo. Our findings suggest that rather than acting as negative regulators of Groucho, small Groucho-like proteins may promote Groucho function. We propose that Groucho-mediated gene regulatory events involve heteromeric complexes of distinct Groucho-like proteins.
High-Speed Operation of a Gas-Bearing Supported MEMS-Air Turbine

Silicon based power MEMS applications require the high-speed micro-rotating machinery to operate stably over a large range of operating conditions. The technical barriers to achieve stable high-speed operation using micro-gas-bearings are governed by: (1) stringent fabrication tolerance requirements and manufacturing repeatability, (2) structural integrity of the silicon rotors, (3) rotordynamic coupling effects due to leakage flows, (4) bearing losses and power requirements, and (5) transcritical operation and whirl instability issues. Over the past few years, a large body of research was conducted at MIT to address these technical challenges; many lessons were learned and new theories were developed related to the dynamic behavior of micro-gas journal and thrust bearings. Based on the above mentioned experience, a gas-bearing supported micro-air turbine was developed with the objectives of demonstrating repeatable, stable high-speed gas-bearing operation and verifying the new micro-gas-bearing analytical models. The key challenge in this endeavor involved the synthesis and integration of the newly-developed gas-bearing theories and insight gained from extensive experimental work. The focus of this paper is on the process and the outcomes of this synthesis, rather than the details and results of the underlying theoretical models which have been previously published. The characteristics of the new micro-air turbine include a four-chamber journal bearing feed system to introduce stiffness anisotropy, labyrinth seals to avoid rotordynamic coupling effects of leakage flows, a reinforced thrust bearing structural design, a redesigned turbine rotor to increase power, a symmetric feed system to avoid flow and force non-uniformity, and a new rotor micro-fabrication methodology. A large number of test devices were successfully manufactured demonstrating repeatable bearing geometry. More specifically, three sets of devices with different journal bearing clearances were produced to investigate the dynamic behavior as a function of bearing geometry. Experiments were conducted to characterize the “as fabricated” bearing geometry, the damping ratio, and the natural frequencies. Repeatable high-speed bearing operation was demonstrated using isotropic and anisotropic bearing settings reaching whirl ratios between 20 and 40. A rotor speed of 1.7 million rpm (equivalent to 370 m/s blade tip speed or a bearing DN of 7 million mm-rpm) was achieved demonstrating the feasibility of MEMS based micro-scale rotating machinery and validating key aspects of the micro-gas-bearing theory.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
A study on hydrogen-bonded network structure of polybenzoxazines

The hydrogen-bonded network structure for polybenzoxazines is investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) with model dimer systems. Comparing the FT-IR spectra of the polybenzoxazines and model dimers, it is shown that the simpler structures of asymmetric dimers well simulate the hydrogen-bonded network structure between polymer chains while the structures of symmetric dimers reflect the hydrogen bonding scheme related to the end-groups of polymer chains. It is confirmed that the amine functional group in the Mannich bridge is greatly responsible for the distribution of hydrogen bonding species. Bisphenol A/methylamine-based polymer (BA-m) mainly consists of −OH···N intramolecular hydrogen bonding while bisphenol A/aniline-based polymer (BA-a) has a large amount of intermolecular hydrogen bonding and relatively weak hydrogen bonding groups in the polymer network structure. The possible network structure, in the sense of hydrogen bonding, for BA-m and BA-a polymers is proposed and a gen...
Elements of Strategic Planning and Management in Municipal Government: Status after Two Decades

This article focuses on the use of strategic planning and management processes in municipal governments with populations over 25,000. Strategic planning has been used in municipalities for 20 years now, but little is known about how it is used and the results obtained. In particular, we explore whether municipal governments tie other components of the overall strategic management process to their strategic plans. Findings do not show a dramatic expansion in the use of strategic planning, but there is some evidence of growing sophistication, as demonstrated by links to other management and decision-making activities. Managers were enthusiastic about their experiences with strategic planning and largely satisfied with their achievement of goals and objectives. Overall, we find a raising of the bar as far as strategic planning is concerned, but the use of comprehensive strategic management is only beginning to develop in a small number of leading-edge municipalities.
Competing risks analysis in mountain pine beetle dynamics

This paper presents an application and evaluation of competing risks analysis (Chiang, 1968) of mountain pine beetle life tables. Three known and one group of unknown risks are used. Interpretation of the results imply that only the crude probability of death from a specific cause is applicable to this situation; net and partial crude probabilities are yet incomplete. None of the risks (factors of mortality) exerted sufficient influence upon the population to be considered factors of regulation or reduction. Evidence remains that the mountain pine beetle is food-regulated at optimum temperature conditions and temperature-regulated at optimum food conditions.
Solubilized Micellar Calcium Induced Low Methoxyl-Pectin Aggregation During Milk Acidification

Low methoxyl (LM) pectin was combined with 3-kDa molecular weight cut-off permeates from milk subjected to pH 6.7 to 5 and 7 degrees C or 40 degrees C with the objective of studying the effect of solubilized micellar calcium on viscoelastic properties of LM-pectin-milk mixes. Lowering the pH of skim milk with hydrochloric acid during ultrafiltration gradually promoted permeates to exhibit gel-like behavior when combined with LM-pectin. The onset of the gel-like behavior (G' > 1) occurred at a higher pH when permeates were obtained from milk filtered at 7 degrees C compared with 40 degrees C. As pH value during ultrafiltration approached 5 and regardless of temperature, G' for permeate-pectin mixes approached the same values (approximately 70 Pa) as G' for skim milk-pectin mixes. In all cases G' was highly correlated with free calcium concentration (r > 0.95). The gradual acidification of skim milk-LM-pectin using glucono-delta-lactone, promoted a sharp increase in storage modulus as pH approached 5.2 and a maximum G' increment (DeltaG') at pH approximately 4.9. From pH 4.9 to 4, G' continued to increase but at smaller increments. It was concluded that LM-pectin-casein micelle interaction in milk is a 2-step process: 1) solubilized micellar calcium dependent pectin-pectin interaction as pH approaches 5.0 to 4.9, and 2) pectin-casein micelle interaction in the 5.0-4.9 to 4.0 pH range.
Velocity of Second Sound in NaF

The velocity of drifting second sound and the heat capacity per unit volume are calculated for NaF for temperatures from 0 to 40 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. The velocity of second sound decreases by 24% as the temperature is increased from 10 to 30 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K, because of the dispersion of the phonon frequency spectrum.
Do high-deductible health plans threaten quality of care?

Dr. Thomas Lee and Kinga Zapert write that employers struggling with rising health care costs are implementing their strategy for the post–managed-care era — a shift of costs and responsibility to the consumer.
Beryllium mineral stabilities in the model system CaO-BeO-SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 -F 2 O (sub -1) and the breakdown of beryl

Mineral incompatibilities (based on a complete review of natural occurrences), relevant experimental data, and a computer program ("REACTION") have been used to model the probable stabilities of beryllium-bearing minerals in the system CaO-BeO-SiO 2 -P 2 O 5 -F 2 O (sub -1) , in terms of the chemical potentials of the Lewis acid components P 2 O 5 and F 2 O (sub -1) . The somewhat complicated phase relations are greatly simplified if it is assumed that the gangue minerals (in this case, mainly quartz plus fluorite, CaF 2 , or fluorapatite, Ca 5 (PO 4 ) 3 F) are present "in excess," so that only one Be-ore mineral is stable in a given region of the 3mu F 2 O (sub -1) -- mu P 2 O 5 diagram. The resulting diagram shows that gugiaite, Ca 2 BeSi 2 O 7 , and other Be-bearing calc-silicates in skarns, are stable only under relatively high temperature or basic conditions. With increasing activities of the acid components F 2 O (sub -1) and P 2 O 5 , phenakite, Be 2 SiO 4 , becomes stable with fluorite or fluorapatite in typical greisen and vein assemblages (especially in replaced carbonate rocks). Under the very high P 2 O 5 , low F 2 O (sub -1) conditions characteristic of the late stages of certain pegmatites, hurlbutite, CaBe 2 (PO 4 ) 2 , becomes stable, whereas under high activities of both P 2 O 5 and F 2 O (sub -1) , herderite, CaBePO 4 F, becomes stable in very late-stage pegmatites and in greisens. Under conditions more F 2 O (sub -1) -rich than those normally encountered in nature, the phase CaBeF 4 might occur (especially in fluid inclusions).When Al 2 O 3 is added to the model system, the resulting diagrams show the breakdown reactions of beryl, Be 3 Al 2 Si 6 O 18 , to phenakite plus topaz in the fluorite stability field, or to herderite plus topaz in the fluorapatite stability field.
Nitric oxide production by mouse renal tubules can be increased by a sodium-dependent mechanism.

Abstract Renal tubules process large amounts of NaCl that other investigators indicate increases tubular generation of nitric oxide. We questioned whether medullary or superficial cortical tubules would have the greater increase in nitric oxide concentration, [NO], when stressed by sodium and if the sodium/calcium exchanger was involved. Sodium stress in proximal tubules is due to the large amount of sodium absorbed and medullary tubules exist in a hypertonic sodium environment. To sodium stress the tissue, mouse kidney slices were exposed to monensin to allow passive entry of sodium ions from isotonic media and in separate studies, 400 and 600 mOsm NaCl was used. [NO] was measured with microelectrodes. Monensin (10 μM) caused a sustained increase in medullary and cortical [NO] to ∼180% of control and 400 mOsm NaCl caused a similar initial increase in [NO] that then subsided. 600 mOsm NaCl caused a more sustained increase in [NO] of >250% of control. L-NAME strongly attenuated the increased [NO] during sodium stress. The increase in [NO] during NaCl elevation was due to sodium ions because mannitol hyperosmolarity caused ∼20% of the increase in [NO]. Entry of sodium during NaCl hyperosmolarity was through bumetanide sensitive channels because the drug suppressed increased [NO]. Blockade of the sodium/calcium ion exchanger strongly suppressed the increased [NO] during monensin, to increase sodium entry into cells, and the elevated NaCl concentration. The data support a sodium–NO linkage that increased NO signaling in proportion to sodium stress by cortical tubules and was highly dependent upon sodium–calcium exchange.
Creep damage in SiC/SiC composites

Abstract In SiC/SiC composites, the matrix has greater creep resistance than the fibers. The consequent fiber deformation has been shown to transfer sufficient stress onto the matrix that, above a threshold, matrix cracks propagate across the 0 0 plies. This process increases the compliance of the composite and reloads the fibers, resulting in creep rates dominated by the fibers. The extent of the compliance change is limited by the high temperature interface friction stress, τ, through its effect on the crack density. After creep, τ is diminished substantially from its room-temperature magnitude, resulting in low crack densities and extensive fiber pull-out. A matrix-cracking solution for composites with creeping fibers has been used to correlate the experimentally determined rates of compliance change and the creep strain.
Post-allograft pomalidomide and reversible hepatotoxicity.

Abnormal liver function tests after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (allo-HCT) are common and often multifactorial. The conditioning regimen, GVHD, infections related to immunosuppression and medication side effects account for most of the hepatotoxicity in the post-allograft setting.1 Hepatotoxicity has been associated with thalidomide derivatives, though it appears to be an infrequently encountered adverse effect. Several cases of biopsy-proven hepatotoxicity attributable to lenalidomide have been reported in both the transplant and non-transplant settings.2, 3, 4, 5 Lenalidomide has also been shown to increase the activity of GVHD, which may manifest as isolated liver involvement.6, 7, 8, 9
NEW EVIDENCE CONCERNING THE EXPECTATIONS THEORY FOR THE SHORT END OF THE MATURITY SPECTRUM

This paper re-examines the evidence rejecting the expectations theory of the term structure. Weekly, monthly, and quarterly data on three- and six-month interest rates are employed for five subperiods—1910–1914, 1919–1933, 1934–1959, 1959–1978, and 1979–1989. Econometric techniques are used to correct standard errors for overlapping data and for heteroscedasticity. Findings indicate that the weekly and monthly data are consistent with a weak form of the expectations hypothesis in which the yield curve has substantial predictive power for short rates for each subperiod except 1934–1959 and 1979–1989. Results for the period before the founding of the Federal Reserve indicate that a strong version of the expectations hypothesis cannot be rejected in which the joint hypothesis of rational expectations and expectations theory is hypothesized. The use of cointegration tests and an error-correction model framework to determine whether short and long rates have a common stochastic trend indicates that long and short rates are cointegrated.
Retrovirally induced CTL degranulation mediated by IL-15 expression and infection of mononuclear phagocytes in patients with HTLV-I–associated neurologic disease

CD8+ T cells contribute to central nervous system inflammation in human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I)–associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). We analyzed CD8+ T-cell dysfunction (degranulation and IFN-γ production) and have demonstrated that CD8+ T cells of patients with HAM/TSP (HAM/TSP patients) spontaneously degranulate and express IFN-γ in ex vivo unstimulated culture. CD8+ T cells of HTLV-I asymptomatic carriers and healthy donors did not. Spontaneous degranulation was detected in Tax11-19/HLA-A*201 tetramer+ cells, but not in CMV pp65 tetramer+ cells. Interestingly, degranulation and IFN-γ production in CD8+ T cells was induced by coculture with autologous CD14+ cells, but not CD4+ T cells, of HAM/TSP patients, which correlated with proviral DNA load in CD14+ cells of infected patients. Moreover, the expression of IL-15, which induced degranulation and IFN-γ production in infected patients, was enhanced on surface of CD14+ cells in HAM/TSP patients. Blockade of MHC class I and IL-15 confirmed these results. Thus, CD8+ T-cell dysregulation was mediated by both virus infection and enhanced IL-15 on CD14+ cells in HAM/TSP patients. Despite lower viral expression than in CD4+ T cells, HTLV-I–infected or –activated CD14+ cells may be a heretofore important but under recognized reservoir particularly in HAM/TSP patients.
Limited proteolysis induces woodchuck hepatitis virus infectivity for human HepG2 cells.

Abstract Previous work from our laboratory has shown that digestion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with V8 protease rendered the virus infectious for human hepatoblastoma cell line (HepG2). It was hypothesized that the cleavage exposes a 16 amino acid region that includes a consensus ‘fusion’ motif necessary to mediate infectivity. Since woodchuck hepatitis virus (WHV) and HBV possess significant homology in this region of their envelope proteins, including the V8 protease cleavage site, the possibility that WHV infectivity for HepG2 cells could be induced by V8 digestion was explored. WHV isolated from the serum of chronically infected woodchucks, digested with V8 protease, was shown to loose its preS domain. V8 digested WHV eluted from gel filtration columns with a size similar to that of undigested virus, suggesting that digestion with V8 protease did not cause significant changes in virion size. The amount of progeny virus secreted into the culture medium following infection of HepG2 cells with V8 digested WHV reached 2.5 pg/ml, after 8 days. Moreover, WHV DNA replicative intermediates could be detected in the cells following infection with protease digested, but not undigested, viruses. These data suggest that protease modification of WHV, a non-human virus, induced infectivity for human tissue culture cells. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that exposure of an amino acid region of the envelope polypeptide that contains a consensus fusion motif is important in Hepadnavirus entry.