cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Absence of supply dependence of oxygen consumption in patients with septic shock

We tested whether oxygen consumption (Vo2) was dependent on oxygen delivery (Qo2) in 10 patients with septic shock when Qo2 was changed by the use of the inotropic agent, dobutamine. The mean acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score of the patients was 27.3 ± 8.1 with a mean blood pressure on entry of 66.8 ± 12.4 mm Hg, and all had been volume resuscitated to a pulmonary artery occlusion pressure of greater than 10 mm Hg. We measured Vo2 by analysis of respiratory gases NOW) while calculating Vo2 by the Fick equation NOV) at three different OZ deliveries. When the dobutamine infusion rate was increased from 2.5 ± 4.0 to 12.3 ± 6.0 μg/kg/min, thermodilution cardiac output increased from 7.7 ± 2.6 to 10.1 ± 2.7 L/min (P < .01). Accordingly, dobutamine increased Qo2 from 13.5 ± 3.8 to 18.2 ± 4.3 mL/min per kg (increase of 36.4% ± 19.7%; P < .01), but Vo2G did not increase (3.2 ± 0.5 to 3.2 ± 0.6 mL/ min per kg). During these same interventions, the Vo2F tended to increase (2.9 ± 0.7 to 3.4 ± 0.8 mL/min per kg, P < .06), presumably a spurious correlation because of measurement errors shared by the calculation of Vo2F and Qo2. Neither lactic acidosis nor acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) conferred supply dependence of Vo2G, but the presence of ARDS was predictive of death in this cohort. It is concluded that Vo2 is independent of Qo2 in patients with septic shock and lactic acidosis. These data confirm that maximizing Qo2 beyond values achieved by initial fluid and vasoactive drug resuscitation of septic shock does not improve tissue oxygenation as determined by respiratory gas measurement of Vo2.
Statistical failure analysis of brittle coatings by spherical indentation: theory and experiment

The mode of failure and failure probability of a brittle coating on a compliant substrate subjected to a static load through a spherical indenter is investigated experimentally and theoretically. We extend our recent study (2003, J Mat Sci 38:1589) of surface crack initiation in a monolithic solid to the layered system, and account for the multi axial stress state of the indentation in the failure probability analysis. Two modes of failure, a Hertzian cone crack initiating from the contacting surface and a half-penny-shaped crack initiating from the interface, are investigated and the probability of failure initiation for both surfaces are theoretically predicted and compared with experimental data.The effect of interface debonding on failure phenomena is investigated. For a given load the failure probability for debonded specimens is significantly higher than that of well-bonded samples. For the debonded case the theoretical failure probability curve falls within the 90% confidence interval of the experimental data, while the experimental values for the completely bonded case show somewhat lower failure probabilities than that predicted. This may be attributed to the possible bridging effect by the adhesive on interfacial surface defects in the ceramic that is not accounted for in our model.
Single Chain MHC I trimer-based DNA vaccines for protection against Listeria monocytogenes infection

To circumvent limitations of poor antigen presentation and immunogenicity of DNA vaccines that target induction of CD8+ T cell immunity, we have generated single chain MHC I trimers (MHC I SCTs) composed of a single polypeptide chain with a linear composition of antigenic peptide, β2-microglobulin, and heavy chain of a MHC class I molecule connected by flexible linkers. Because of its pre-assembled nature, the SCT presents enhanced expression and presentation of the antigenic peptide/MHC complexes at the cell surface. Furthermore, DNA vaccination with a plasmid DNA encoding an SCT incorporating an immunodominant viral epitope elicited protective CD8+ T cell responses against lethal virus infection. To extend these findings, here we tested the efficacy of SCT DNA vaccines against bacterial infections. In a mouse infection model of Listeria monocytogenes, the SCT DNA vaccine encoding H-2Kd and the immunodominant peptide LLO 91–99 generated functional primary and memory peptide-specific CD8+ T cells that confer partial protection against L. monocytogenes infection. DNA immunization of Kd/LLO91–99 SCTs generated functional memory CD8+ T cells independently of CD4+ T cells, although the expression of cognate or non-cognate CD4+ helper T cell epitopes further enhanced the protective efficacy of SCTs. Our study further demonstrates that the SCT serves as a potent platform for DNA vaccines against various infectious diseases.
Microparticles prepared from sulfenamide-based polymers

AbstractPolysulfenamides (PSN), with a SN linkage (RSNR2) along the polymer backbone, are a new class of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. These polymers were unknown prior to 2012 when their synthesis and medicinally relevant properties were reported. The aim of this study was to develop microparticles as a controlled drug delivery system using polysulfenamide as the matrix material. The microparticles were prepared by a water-in-oil-in-water double-emulsion solvent-evaporation method. For producing drug-loaded particles, FITC-dextran was used as a model hydrophilic compound. At the optimal formulation conditions, the external morphology of the PSN microparticles was examined by scanning electron microscopy to show the formation of smooth-surfaced spherical particles with low polydispersity. The microparticles had a net negative surface charge (–23 mV) as analyzed by the zetasizer. The drug encapsulation efficiency of the particles and the drug loading were found to be dependent on the drug molec...
The neuropathology of DFP at cat soleus neuromuscular junction.

The fine structure of the cat soleus neuromuscular junction was studied following a single intra-arterial injection of di-isopropylfluorophosphate (DFP) into the right femoral artery. DFP induced separate subacute and delayed morphologic changes in soleus non-myelinated motor nerve terminals. Three days after DFP administration motor nerve terminals were reduced in number. Subacute DFP damage was also noted in the subneural apparatus and in the immediate subjacent muscle. Both pre- and post-junctional subacute changes were resolved two weeks post-DFP. One week following this initial regeneration, soleus motor nerve terminals underwent a delayed transient degeneration, followed by reinnervation of damaged endplates 6–8 weeks following DFP. Quantitative analysis of methylene blue-stained intramuscular nerves indicated that both subacutely and chronically denervated soleus muscle fibres were reinnervated by regeneration of the original motor axon. Reinnervation by means of collateral sprouting was insignificant. This mechanism of reinnervation and the rapidity with which it occurred suggests that both subacute and delayed soleus motor nerve damage is initiated from local actions of DFP on the non-myelinated terminal. The subacute reaction probably results from a direct cytotoxic action of DFP at pre- and post-junctional sites. The delayed nerve terminal degeneration may also stem from an acute effect not immediately detrimental to nerve function.
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding for morbidly obese adolescents affects android fat loss, resolution of comorbidities, and improved metabolic status.

Background The distribution of weight loss and its impact on metabolic health has not been documented for laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) in the adolescent population. We hypothesized that LAGB in obese adolescents would result in loss of android fat mass, resolution of comorbidities, and improvement in metabolic status. Study Design Adolescents ages 14 to 17 who met criteria for bariatric surgery were enrolled in our FDA-approved LAGB trial. Demographic data, body mass index, body composition and bone density, laboratory evaluations, and comorbid conditions were assessed pre- and postoperatively. Results Forty-five patients had complete 1-year followup and 41 patients had complete 2-year followup. Mean preoperative weight was 299 ± 57 lb and body mass index was 48 ± 6.4 kg/m 2 . The percent excess weight losses at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 31 ± 16, 46 ± 21, and 47 ± 22, respectively. At 1-year followup, patients after LAGB had a significant decrease in their total and android fat mass. In addition, 47 of 85 identified comorbidities (55%) were completely resolved and 25 (29%) were improved in comparison with baseline. Improvements in alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and high density lipoprotein, were also seen. Conclusions The percent excess weight loss after LAGB in morbidly obese adolescents is approximately 45% at 1- and 2-year followup, with the majority of weight loss consisting of android fat mass. Resolution or improvement of comorbidities is seen, and improved metabolic status, as demonstrated by liver function tests, lipid levels, and measures of glucose homeostasis, may be expected. These data support LAGB as an appropriate surgical option for morbidly obese adolescents.
Interferometric coherence measurement and radio frequency noise characterization of the 1.3 μm femtosecond intense Stokes continuum from a TZDW source

Photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with two closely spaced zero dispersion wavelengths (TZDW) offers a unique route to efficient energy transfer to two spectrally localized continua beyond either side of the ZDWs, which we have employed in previous work for mid-IR difference frequency generation and speckle-free red-green-blue generation. In this manuscript, we report the interferometric coherence characterization and radio frequency (RF) noise measurements of the Stokes side TZDW component. With a custom-built 1.3 W, 1035 nm, 40 MHz, 240 fs Yb:fiber chirped pulse amplifier as the pump source, we use 12 cm of commercially available TZDW PCF to excite the dual narrow-band continua from which the Stokes pulse is filtered out with a 1180 nm long wave pass filter. We achieve 0.8 to 3 nJ of narrow-band pulses within the spectral range of 1200 – 1315 nm at an average power conversion efficiency of 33%. Employing an un-balanced Michelson interferometer, measured mutual spectral coherence of the Stokes pulse is in excess of 0.76 with pump Soliton order as high as N ~70. Its measured RF noise spectrum at the first harmonic of the laser repetition rate shows less than 8 dBc/Hz increase in relative intensity noise (RIN) compared to that of the power amplifier, which is consistent with reported studies employing sub-100 fs pulses from relatively low noise oscillators. In contrast to the broadband continuum from a single ZDW PCF wherein severe de-coherence is found with pumping at high soliton order and longer pump pulse width, the reported TZDW fiber source shows preservation of intensity stability and phase coherence against variation in pump pulse parameters, which not only attests to the stability of our reported method for mid-IR generation, but also shows promising potential towards an all-fiber, efficient and low noise ultrafast source that can be helpful for applications such as biomedical deep-tissue imaging.
The use of photoproteins in the detection and quantitation of Ca2+ in biological systems

Abstract Photoproteins bioluminescence in the presence of Ca2+. They are now readily available and new methods have been developed to entrap them in cells. Their use as biological Ca2+ indicators should now expand rapidly.
Effects of strong interactions in a half-metallic magnet: A determinant quantum Monte Carlo study

Understanding the effects of electron-electron interactions in half-metallic magnets (HMs), which have band structures with one gapped spin channel and one metallic channel, poses fundamental theoretical issues as well as having importance for their potential applications. Here we use determinant quantum Monte Carlo to study the impacts of an on-site Hubbard interaction $U$, finite temperature, and an external (Zeeman) magnetic field on a bilayer tight-binding model which is a half-metal in the absence of interactions, by calculating the spectral density, conductivity, spin polarization of carriers, and local magnetic properties. We quantify the effect of $U$ on the degree of thermal depolarization, and follow relative band shifts and monitor when significant gap states appear, each of which can degrade the HM character. For this model, Zeeman coupling induces, at fixed particle number, two successive transitions: compensated half-metal with spin-down band gap $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ metallic ferromagnet $\ensuremath{\rightarrow}$ saturated ferromagnetic insulator. However, over much of the more relevant parameter regime, the half-metallic properties are rather robust to $U$.
Red blood cell membrane dynamics in schizophrenia. III. Correlation of fatty acid abnormalities with clinical measures

Abstract Fatty acid composition was quantitatively analyzed in RBC ghost membranes of 20 schizophrenic patients stabilized with haloperidol (5–20 mg/day) and of the same individuals after haloperidol (HD) withdrawal. The average days on medication and drug-free period were 52 and 40 days, respectively. No significant differences were demonstrated in levels (% or nmol/ml packed RBC) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) between HD-treated and drug-free patients. Similarly, no significant difference was found between relapsed and nonrelapsed schizophrenic patients, although the mean levels of 20:4( n −6), total PUFAs or fatty acid unsaturation index (FAUI) were consistently higher in nonrelapsers than in relapsers. On the other hand, the decreases in FAUI were significantly ( r = -0.46, p = 0.04) correlated to the increases in psychosis rating which is consistent with our previous reported correlation between altered membrane fluidity and the severity of symptomatology. In addition, decreases in 18:2( n −6) but not 20:4( n −6) was significantly correlated to the increases in psychosis rating. The present results lend further support that decreased levels of RBC PUFAs in schizophrenic patients lie in an initial stage of PUFAs pathway, possibly a defective uptake of 18:2( n −6) into RBC membranes.
The Lujan Center

In this edition of Neutron News you will find several articles relating to work performed at the Lujan Neutron Scattering Center located at Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM. The Lujan Center is o...
Comparison of the inhibition effect of different anticoagulants on vitamin K epoxide reductase activity from warfarin-susceptible and resistant rat

Abstract Anti-vitamin K drugs are widely used as anticoagulant in human thromboembolic diseases. Similar compounds have also been used as rodenticides to control rodent population since 1950s. Massive use of first generation anticoagulants, especially warfarin, has lead to the development of genetic resistances in rodents. Similar resistances have been reported in human. In both cases, polymorphisms in VKORC1 (Vitamin K epoxide reductase subunit 1), the subunit 1 of the VKOR (Vitamin K epoxide reductase) complex, were involved. In rats (Rattus norvegicus), the Y139F mutation confers a high degree of resistance to warfarin. Little is known about the in vitro consequences of Y139F mutation on inhibitory effect of different anticoagulants available. A warfarin-susceptible and a warfarin-resistant Y139F strain of wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) are maintained in enclosures of the Lyon College of Veterinary Medicine (France). Using liver microsomes from susceptible or resistant rats, we studied inhibition parameters by warfarin (Ki = 0.72 ± 0.1 μM; 29 ± 4.1 μM), chlorophacinone (Ki = 0.08 ± 0.01 μM; 1.6 ± 0.1 μM), diphacinone (Ki = 0.07 ± 0.01 μM; 5.0 ± 0.8 μM), coumachlor (Ki = 0.12 ± 0.02 μM; 1.9 ± 0.2 μM), coumatetralyl (Ki = 0.13 ± 0.02 μM; 3.1 ± 0.4 μM), difenacoum (Ki = 0.07 ± 0.01 μM; 0.26 ± 0.02 μM), bromadiolone (Ki = 0.13 ± 0.02 μM; 0.91 ± 0.07 μM), and brodifacoum (Ki = 0.04 ± 0.01 μM; 0.09 ± 0.01 μM) on VKOR activity. Analysis of the results leads us to highlight different anticoagulant structural elements, which influence inhibition parameters in both susceptible and Y139F resistant rats.
A concurrent assessment of the positive and negative properties of a signaled shock schedule

A choice and a conditioned suppression procedure were used to assess concurrently the positive and negative properties of stimuli within a signaled shock schedule, Occasional shocks were presented to Ss responding on a variable-interval food schedule. Ss could choose whether shocks occurred alone or whether they were preceded by a 1-min signal. All Ss chose the signaled shock condition over the unsignaled one, even though food reinforced responding in the presence of the signal was suppressed. Rate of responding for food varied across stimulus conditions, with the lowest rate in the presence of the signal and the highest rate in its absence. An intermediate rate occurred under the unsignaled shock schedule. A safety analysis was applied to the data.
Impaired tolerance to the effects of oral amphetamine intake in rats with frontal cortex ablations.

When offered a solution of d-amphetamine sulphate (0.025 mg/ml) in place of water, normal rats initially drank more drug solution per day than previously consumed water. The drug solution quickly became aversive to normal rats as daily intake decreased. Tolerance to the anorexic effect of d-amphetamine paralleled the decrease in daily drug intake. Rats with bilateral lesions of frontal cortex initially consumed as much drug solution and as much food as normal rats. Although frontal rats' daily intake of drug solution also decreased, an aversion never developed. Tolerance to d-amphetamine's anorexic effect took much longer to occur in frontal rats. The results indicated possible roles for both cumulative drug effects and conditioning factors in the response to chronic d-amphetamine use. A possible mechanism by which frontal cortical lesions interfered with chronic changes was suggested.
Structural Studies of Deuteration and Dedeuteration of Li3N by Use of In Situ Neutron Diffraction

In situ neutron diffraction studies were carried out on the deuterium absorption and desorption of pure α-lithium nitride. When the sample was exposed to deuterium gas (D2) at 150 °C, no absorption was observed for 12 h. Incomplete reaction between the nitride and D2 at 200 °C with 4 wt % hydrogen uptake (based on 8% D2 equivalent calculated from diffraction measurements) followed by a total of 7.2 wt % hydrogen uptake at 250 °C was observed. A change in the unit cell volume of lithium imide during absorption and desorption at 250 °C indicates a possible stoichiometry change during this process. At the end of the experiment, when the sample was cooled to room temperature, two cubic phases in the sample with slightly different lattice parameters were identified. We propose that these measurements indicate that the mechanism for absorption and desorption of deuterium by this system is dictated by defect formation in the cubic lithium imide lattice.
Calibration and Performance of the Precision Chambers of the ATLAS Muon Spectrometer

Abstract The ATLAS muon spectrometer consists of a system of precision tracking and trigger chambers embedded in a 2T magnetic ﬁeld generated by three large aircore superconducting toroids. The precision Monitored Drift Tube (MDT) chambers measure the track sagitta up to a pseudorapidity of 2.7 with a 50 μm uncertainty yielding a design muon transverse momentum resolution of 10% at 1 TeV. Muon tracking is augmented in the very forward region by Cathode Strip Chambers (CSC). The calibration program, essential to achieve the spectrometer design performance and physics reach, is conducted at three worldwide computing centers. These centers each receive a dedicated High Level Trigger data stream that enables high statistics based determination of t0 and drifttime to driftspace relations. During the ﬁrst year of data taking a system of periodic calibration updates has been established. The calibration algorithms, methods and tools and performance results using LHC collision data are discussed.
Reduction in incidence of deep sternal wound infections: random or real?

Objective Comorbidities predisposing cardiac surgical patients toward deep sternal wound infection, such as diabetes and obesity, are rising in the United States. Longitudinal analysis of risk factors, morbidity, and mortality was performed to assessed effects of these health trends on deep sternal wound infection rates. Methods In this retrospective analysis of all median sternotomies performed at a single institution from 1991 through 2006, demographic and surgical characteristics were identified from a prospective database. The cohort was separated into periods from 1992 through 2001 and 2002 through 2006 to identify longitudinal trends in risk factors for deep sternal wound infection. Univariate and matched multivariable analyses were performed. Results Overall, study population had increased comorbidities associated with deep sternal wound infection such as obesity, diabetes, and advanced age. Deep sternal wound infections were treated in 285 of 21,000 sternotomies performed during study period (1.35%). Deep sternal wound infection rates decreased from 1.57% to 0.88% in last 5 years. Rate of deep sternal wound infection was reduced among patients with diabetes from 3.2% to 1.0%. Multivariable analysis showed diabetes and smoking to be eliminated as risk factors in last 5 years. Prolonged bypass time was the only variable independently associated with deep sternal wound infection for the entire period. Thirty-day and 1-year mortalities for deep sternal wound infection did not change significantly. Conclusions Analysis of a large series of cardiac surgical patients demonstrates significant reduction in deep sternal wound infection incidence in 15 years. Introduction of perioperative intravenous insulin may explain some observed risk reduction. Efforts should focus on prevention, because mortality remains elevated.
The Reliability of Psychiatric Diagnosis Revisited: The Clinician's Guide to Improve the Reliability of Psychiatric Diagnosis.

Background The authors reviewed the topic of reliability of psychiatric diagnosis from the turn of the 20th century to present. The objectives of this paper are to explore the reasons of unreliability of psychiatric diagnosis and propose ways to improve the reliability of psychiatric diagnosis. Method The authors reviewed the literature on the concept of reliability of psychiatric diagnosis with emphasis on the impact of interviewing skills, use of diagnostic criteria, and structured interviews on the reliability of psychiatric diagnosis. Results Causes of diagnostic unreliability are attributed to the patient, the clinician and psychiatric nomenclature. The reliability of psychiatric diagnosis can be enhanced by using diagnostic criteria, defining psychiatric symptoms and structuring the interviews. Conclusions The authors propose the acronym 'DR.SED,' which stands for diagnostic criteria, reference definitions, structuring the interview, clinical experience, and data. The authors recommend that clinicians use the DR.SED paradigm to improve the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses.
Modification of the C-terminus of brain tubulin during development.

Abstract Tyrosine, as well as small amounts of phenylalanine, were removed selectively and quantitatively from purified chick brain tubulin by enzymatic digestion with carboxypeptidase. The fraction of molecules containing hydrolyzable tyrosine changed with the stage of development and had the highest value (∼0.5) around days 14–16 of the embryo. The increase in the fraction of tyrosinated molecules was found to be temporally correlated with an increased specific activity of the enzyme catalyzing the incorporation reaction. In addition, it was found that the availability of α-chain C-termini for in vitro tyrosination also reached a maximum during the same period. Changes in the extent of modification of the C-terminus of tubulin may be relevant for the participation of the resultant microbubules in different developmental events.
Neuroanatomical spatial patterns in Turner syndrome.

Abstract Turner syndrome (TS) is a highly prevalent genetic condition caused by partial or complete absence of one X-chromosome in a female and is associated with a lack of endogenous estrogen during development secondary to gonadal dysgenesis. Prominent cognitive weaknesses in executive and visuospatial functions in the context of normal overall IQ also occur in affected individuals. Previous neuroimaging studies of TS point to a profile of neuroanatomical variation relative to age and sex matched controls. However, there are no neuroimaging studies focusing on young girls with TS before they receive exogenous estrogen treatment to induce puberty. Information obtained from young girls with TS may help to establish an early neural correlate of the cognitive phenotype associated with the disorder. Further, univariate analysis has predominantly been the method of choice in prior neuroimaging studies of TS. Univariate approaches examine between-group differences on the basis of individual image elements (i.e., a single voxel's intensity or the volume of an a priori defined brain region). This is in contrast to multivariate methods that can elucidate complex neuroanatomical profiles in a clinical population by determining the pattern of between-group differences from many image elements evaluated simultaneously. In this case, individual image elements might not be significantly different between groups but can still contribute to a significantly different overall spatial pattern. In this study, voxel-based morphometry (VBM) of high-resolution magnetic resonance images was used to investigate differences in brain morphology between 13 pediatric, pre-estrogen girls with monosomic TS and 13 age-matched typically developing controls (3.0 T imaging: mean age 9.1 ± 2.1). A similar analysis was performed with an older cohort of 13 girls with monosomic TS and 13 age-matched typically developing controls (1.5 T imaging: mean age 15.8 ± 4.5). A multivariate, linear support vector machine analysis using leave-one-out cross-validation was then employed to discriminate girls with TS from typically developing controls based on differences in neuroanatomical spatial patterns and to assess how accurately such patterns translate across heterogeneous cohorts. VBM indicated that both TS cohorts had significantly reduced gray matter volume in the precentral, postcentral, and supramarginal gyri and enlargement of the left middle and superior temporal gyri. Support vector machine (SVM) classifiers achieved high accuracy for discriminating brain morphology patterns in TS from typically developing controls and also displayed spatial patterns consistent with the VBM results. Furthermore, the SVM classifiers identified additional neuroanatomical variations in individuals with TS, localized in the hippocampus, orbitofrontal cortex, insula, caudate, and cuneus. Our results demonstrate robust spatial patterns of altered brain morphology in developmentally dynamic populations with TS, providing further insight into the neuroanatomical correlates of cognitive–behavioral features in this condition.
A prokaryotic origin for light-dependent chlorophyll biosynthesis of plants.

Abstract Flowering plants require light for chlorophyll synthesis. Early studies indicated that the dependence on light for greening stemmed in part from the light-dependent reduction of the chlorophyll intermediate protochlorophyllide to the product chlorophyllide. Light-dependent reduction of protochlorophyllide by flowering plants is contrasted by the ability of nonflowering plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria to reduce protochlorophyllide and, hence, synthesize (bacterio) chlorophyll in the dark. In this report, we functionally complemented a light-independent protochlorophyllide reductase mutant of the eubacterium Rhodobacter capsulatus with an expression library composed of genomic DNA from the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. The complemented R. capsulatus strain is capable of synthesizing bacteriochlorophyll in the light, thereby indicating that a chlorophyll biosynthesis enzyme can function in the bacteriochlorophyll biosynthetic pathway. However, under dark growth conditions the complemented R. capsulatus strain fails to synthesize bacteriochlorophyll and instead accumulates protochlorophyllide. Sequence analysis demonstrates that the complementing Synechocystis genomic DNA fragment exhibits a high degree of sequence identity (53-56%) with light-dependent protochlorophyllide reductase enzymes found in plants. The observation that a plant-type, light-dependent protochlorophyllide reductase enzyme exists in a cyanobacterium indicates that light-dependent protochlorophyllide reductase evolved before the advent of eukaryotic photosynthesis. As such, this enzyme did not arise to fulfill a function necessitated either by the endosymbiotic evolution of the chloroplast or by multicellularity; rather, it evolved to fulfill a fundamentally cell-autonomous role.
Regulation of Endothelial Cell Morphogenesis by Integrins, Mechanical Forces, and Matrix Guidance Pathways

Basement membrane matrix is known to induce human endothelial cells to form cord-like structures that mimic those observed during early angiogenesis in vivo. Using this model, blocking antibody studies revealed a major role for the α6β1 integrin in cord formation. During this process, two alterations in the Matrigel structure were observed which suggested a mechanism for the precision of cord formation. First, Matrigel contracted and lifted off an agarose support and second, linear distortions became visible in the Matrigel that correspond to the migration pathways of endothelial cell processes. These pathways, which we have termed "matrix guidance pathways," appear to result from the generation of mechanical tension between endothelial cells. The above data support the concept that endothelial cell guidance during morphogenetic events could be controlled by the ability of these cells to exert mechanical forces on the surrounding extracellular matrix to create pathways for migration.
Adiabatic shear localization in the impact of edge-notched specimens

Impact experiments are performed on edgenotched specimens in the two-dimensional punch geometry. Materials tested include 18Ni(350) maraging steel; S7 tool steel; 4340, 300M, HP 9-4-20 and D-6ac ultra high-strength steels; and Ti6Al4V alloy. These materials have shown a high susceptibility to dynamic shear failure in previous studies. Impact velocity ranged from 25 m/s to 45 m/s, and shear bands were found to form at the notch tip and at the die corner on the back side of the specimen for all materials tested. Metallurgical analysis confirms the existence of adiabatic shear bands followed by a crack propagating through the fully developed shear band. High-speed photography was used to observe the initiation of adiabatic shear bands shortly after impact. Laser-etched lines on the specimen surfaces allowed the determination of the time of impact and the initiation time of shear failure. The elapsed time between the two was used to estimate the stress intensity factor at the time of shear band initiation. Comparisons of shear band initiation stress intensity factors at the notch tip and die corner are made. It is seen that the shear bands initiate at approximately the same stress intensity factor at both the notch tip and die corner. Finite element simulations support the use of a square root singularity for the stress in the plate near the corners of a deformable punch or die.
BUILDING THE PILLARS OF DIVERSITY IN THE U.S. HEALTH SYSTEM: ADDRESSING DISPARITIES OF SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

The ability of health professionals and health plans to provide necessary and appropriate services in areas with the greatest need depends, to a large extent, on good information about the health n...
The morphology of allograft rejection in Styela plicata (urochordata : ascidiacea)

This study identifies three discrete processes responsible for the rejection of tunic tissue transplanted between individuals of the solitary ascidian Styela plicata. The first stage of rejection is characterized by the destruction of blood vascular components within incompatible allografts. In the second phase, dense boundaries of extracellular material are deposited between grafts and the surrounding host tunic, effectively amputating the transplanted tissues. Finally, detached transplants undergo a gradual necrosis which results in the total degeneration of extracellular graft matrices. Of these three phases, the initial cellular depletion of allografts is responsible for the immunological specificity that is characteristic of histocompatibility in S. plicata. The subsequent amputation and necrosis of extracellular graft matrices are taken to be non-specific consequences of the initial cellular reactivity.
On the Resolution of Statistical Hypotheses

Abstract Let ω0 be the space of a parameter θ. Let ω i be a subset of ω i–1, i = 1, 2, ···, k, We test θ∈ω k against θ∈ω0 – ω k by testing iteratively the following hypotheses: θ∈ωi against θ∈ω i–1 – ω i , i = 1, 2, ···, k. The hypothesis θ∈ω k is accepted if and only if all of the intermediate hypotheses are accepted. If the test statistic for each intermediate hypothesis is based on the corresponding likelihood ratio λ i , we demonstrate why, under fairly general conditions, these test statistics are mutually stochastically independent. This argument is based on an independence theorem which deals with complete sufficient statistics. A number of illustrative examples are given; these include the equality of means and variances, the analysis of variance, the independence of p variates, and a regression problem.
Complications of Decorative Tattoos: Recognition and Management

Tattooing is an ancient practice that enjoys continued popularity. Although a modern, professionally performed tattoo is generally safe, complications can occur. A skin biopsy of all tattoo reactions is recommended as some tattoo reactions have systemic implications. Tattoo-related infections are seen days to decades after tattooing, and range from acute pyogenic infections to cutaneous tuberculosis. In particular, non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections happen in tattoos with increasing frequency and are introduced at the time of tattooing through contaminated ink or water used to dilute inks. Despite a transition in tattoo pigments from metal salts to industrial azo dyes, hypersensitivity reactions also persist, and include eczematous, granulomatous, lichenoid, and pseudoepitheliomatous patterns (among others). Granulomatous tattoo reactions can be a clue to cutaneous or systemic sarcoidosis, particularly in the setting of interferon use. Pseudoepitheliomatous tattoo reactions have substantial overlap with squamous cell carcinoma and keratoacanthoma, making diagnosis and management difficult. Other malignancies and their benign mimics can occur in tattoos, raising questions about the safety of tattoo ink and its role in carcinogenesis.
Thermal conductivity of bentonite/quartz high-level-waste-package backfill

A mixture of bentonite clay and quartz sand is being considered for use as a waste-package backfill, the material placed between a radioactive-waste canister and the repository host rock. Compacts of bentonite/quartz with weight-percent ratios of 100/0, 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70 were made at room temperature under a pressure of 100 MPa (15 ksi). Upon initial heating, the thermal conductivity of the 70/30 compact rose from 1.20 W/m.K at 298/sup 0/K to 1.32 W/m.K at 373/sup 0/K. After further heating to 473/sup 0/K, it fell to 1.10 W/m.K, reflecting the loss of interlamellar water from the bentonite. The conductivity of the now-dehydrated compact was reproducible through several heating and cooling cycles, varying from 1.15 W/m.K at 573/sup 0/K to 1.03 W/m.K at 298/sup 0/K. The other mixtures were qualitatively similar to the 70/30: the 100/0, 50/50 and 30/70 dehydrated compacts displayed conductivities of 0.59, 1.06 and 0.83 W/m.K, respectively, at 298/sup 0/K. Measured densities ranged from 1.98 to 2.12 g/cc. Combined geometric-mean and Maxwell models for thermal conduction in composite systems predict the measured results reasonably well. An analysis of the impact of backfills on high-level waste (HLW) package design indicates that no significant thermal penalty is imposed. 4 figures.
A dynamic model for two manipulators handling a pin-jointed object

The dynamic modeling of two robots handling an object with a pin-joint is considered. The properties of a rigid pin-jointed object are studied first. The dynamics of the pin-jointed object are highlighted and simplified by combining some of the properties of the rigid pin-jointed object. The forces/torques acting at each end-effector of the robots are analyzed. The force control problem is further described and formulated. >
Effects of the non-gray absorption in a simple radiative equilibrium model

Abstract Analytical solutions of the atmospheric vertical temperature profile are the first step in the analysis of planetary atmospheres. These types of studies usually make use of the gray assumption (i.e., absorption of radiation independent of wavelength). Since atmospheric gases absorb radiation at selective wavelengths, here we examine the implications of the non-gray absorption in a simple and analytically solvable planetary atmosphere. We find that in some cases the non-gray absorption by itself limits the maximum optical thickness that can be reached by the planetary atmosphere. The existence of a liquid phase at the surface in equilibrium with its vapor phase in the atmosphere also restricts the value of the optical thickness. For a constant value of absorbed sunlight, the non-gray atmosphere may produce two stable states, in comparison with the single one obtained in gray atmospheres. This result supports the existence of a warm ocean in an optically thick atmosphere with a low value of absorbed sunlight.
Nonquasi-static modeling technique for microwave GaAs FETs

A technique to develop nonquasi-static models for GaAs FETs is developed. In this technique, the active distributed transmission line analogy is used to obtain frequency dependent Y-parameter relationships. Implementing the Y-parameters using R, L and C elements, a small signal equivalent circuits can be built. >
Steady-state characterization of multi-phase, interleaved Dc-Dc converters for photovoltaic applications

A system-level, steady-state description of multiphase, interleaved boost converters is proposed for photovoltaic applications. The analyzed topology includes conduction losses in the coupled inductor, diodes and active switching devices. An interleaved switching scheme governed by ripple correlation control is deployed to maximize the power output of the photovoltaic source. The analytical derivations are validated against detailed numerical simulations, and their applicability over a wide range of ambient conditions is demonstrated.
On Randomization, Public Information and the Curse of Dimensionality

A key method for privacy preserving data mining is that of randomization. Unlike k-anonymity, this technique does not include public information in the underlying assumptions. In this paper, we provide a first comprehensive analysis of the randomization method in the presence of public information. We define a quantification of the randomization method which we refer to as k-randomization of the data. The inclusion of public information in the theoretical analysis of the randomization method results in a number of interesting and insightful conclusions. These conclusions expose some vulnerabilities of the randomization method. We show that the randomization method is unable to effectively achieve privacy in the high dimensional case. We theoretically quantify the degree of randomization required to guarantee privacy as a function of the underlying data dimensionality. Furthermore, we show that the randomization method is susceptible to many natural properties of real data sets such as clusters or outliers. Finally, we show that the use of public information makes the choice of perturbing distribution very critical in a number of subtle ways. Our analysis shows that the inclusion of public information in the analysis makes the goal of privacy preservation more elusive than previously thought for the randomization method.
Timing and appropriateness of initial antibiotic therapy in newly presenting septic patients

Abstract Objective To determine the effectiveness of antibiotic regimens and time to antibiotics in septic patients admitted to an intensive care unit from the emergency department. Methods A retrospective case-control study of patients with sepsis syndromes admitted from the emergency department between August 2010 and July 2011 was conducted. Standard demographic information, time frames for written antibiotic orders and administration, and information regarding site of culture, organisms identified, sensitivities, and antibiotic effectiveness were documented. Results Four hundred medical records were reviewed; 184 patients met the study inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Simplified Acute Physiology Scores II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores were 49 and 6, respectively, and overall in-hospital mortality was 20.7%. Patients with positive blood cultures had higher Simplified Acute Physiology Scores II scores (56.0 vs 46.0, P = .0125). Serum lactate levels were also significantly higher in the in-hospital mortality group (3.2 vs 2.1, P = .0068). Computerized physician order entry dramatically decreased the median times to the last appropriate antibiotic administration (3.183 hours vs 6.992 hours, P P = .58). Conclusions Median times to the first antibiotic administration and last needed appropriate antibiotic administration were less than 3 and 5 hours, respectively; these times were similar between patients who survived and those who died during their hospital stay. Patients with a serum lactate level higher than 2.5 mmol/L were associated with a 2.5-times increased risk of mortality.
Quinolone 3-Carboxylic Acid Pharmacophore: Design of Second Generation HIV-1 Integrase Inhibitors

Two decades of intensive research efforts have led to the discovery of a large number of HIV-1 integrase (IN) inhibitors. Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) approved MK-0518, or raltegravir (1), as the first IN inhibitor for HIV/AIDS treatment. Growing clinical evidence also demonstrates that the emergence of HIV-1 virus strains bearing IN amino acid substitutions that confer resistance to IN inhibitors is inevitable. The discovery of second generation inhibitors with potency against viral strains bearing drug resistant IN substitutions is necessary for ongoing effective treatment of viral infections. We generated common feature pharmacophore hypotheses using a training set of quinolone 3-carboxylic acid IN inhibitors, including the clinical candidate GS-9137 (2). A database search of small molecules using the quinolone 3-carboxylic acid pharmacophore model, followed by in vitro evaluation of selected hits in an assay specific to IN, resulted in the discovery of potential le...
Genetic analyses of "paranoiac" mutants of Paramecium tetraurelia.

Six mutants of Paramecium tetraurelia with curious "Paranoiac" phenotypes have been isolated and examined. Instead of the normal transient avoiding reactions in Na+ solutions, these mutants show "violent avoidances"—backing continuously for 10 to over 60 sec. This behavior corresponds to prolonged membrane excitation.—Genetic analyses establish five genic loci at which mutations give the "Paranoiac" phenotype. Close linkage between two of these genes occurs. Allelic variants are found for two of the genes. In one case, the two alleles determine very different behavioral phenotypes ("Paranoiac" and "fast-2"). These results show that the mechanism(s) which shuts off excitation in the wild-type membrane is (are) complex, but in the future may be fruitfully pursued in mutants which are defective.
Efficient mobile access to Internet data via a wireless peer-to-peer network

Popular content stored within the Internet may be costly to download via modern 3G connections due to a fee charged by telecommunication providers on the basis of the amount of data transferred. This work presents a network in which several mobile devices, called peers, cooperate to download their assigned portion of the content using a 3G connection in order to reduce the overall cost to download the content. Then, the peers exchange their assigned portion of the content with other peers via a wireless ad hoc network and the peers reconstruct the content. Each peer is associated with a server located within the Internet. The associated servers cooperate to schedule each peer to download its unique portion of the content. In addition, the servers schedule the distribution pattern for exchanging content between the peers. The results indicate that approximately 90% of the telecommunication cost is saved with as few as 10 peers.
Response to ‘Abatacept in relapsing polychondritis’ by Moulis et al

We were pleased to learn of Moulis et al 's update on their experience with abatacept in three patients with relapsing polychondritis, particularly as their disease manifestations reflected the same manifestations suggested in our study to be of greatest interest for abatacept: chondritis and peripheral arthritis.1 Interestingly, one patient achieved a complete, while another achieved only a partial, corticosteroid-sparing response, and …
Hydroxyproline-free single composition ABC collagen heterotrimer

Hydroxyproline plays a major role in stabilizing collagenous domains in eukaryotic organisms. Lack of this modification is associated with significant lowering in thermal stability of the collagen triple helix and may also affect fibrillogenesis and folding of the peptide chains. In contrast, even though bacterial collagens lack hydroxyproline, their thermal stability is comparable to fibrillar collagen. This has been attributed to the high frequency of charged amino acids found in bacterial collagen. Here we report a thermally stable hydroxyproline-free ABC heterotrimeric collagen mimetic system composed of decapositive and decanegative peptides and a zwitterionic peptide. None of the peptides contain hydroxyproline and furthermore the zwitterionic peptide does not even contain proline. The heterotrimer is electrostatically stabilized via multiple interpeptide lysine-aspartate and lysine-glutamate salt-bridges and maintains good thermal stability with a melting temperature of 37 °C. The ternary peptide mixture also populates a single composition ABC heterotrimer as confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. This system illustrates the power of axial salt-bridges to direct and stabilize the self-assembly of a triple helix and may be useful in analogous designs in expression systems where the incorporation of hydroxyproline is challenging.