cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Functional and Structural Relationship between the Calmodulin-binding, Actin-binding, and Actomyosin-ATPase Inhibitory Domains on the C Terminus of Smooth Muscle Caldesmon

Abstract Multiple functional domains responsible for calmodulin (CaM) binding and actin-binding/actomyosin ATPase inhibition are present in the region between residues 598–756 of the chicken gizzard smooth muscle caldesmon (CaD) molecule. To precisely localize these functional domains and to further elucidate the structural basis of these domains, we analyzed a series of purified mutants of chicken gizzard smooth muscle CaD generated by internal deletions of amino acid sequences and expression in a baculovirus expression system. Our results demonstrate that, in addition to a strong actin-binding site sequence between residues 718–723 (Wang, Z., and Chacko, S. (1996)J. Biol. Chem. 271, 25707–25714), two weak actin-binding motifs are present in the regions between residues 690–699 and 650–666. These weak actin-binding regions function independently and are associated with weak actomyosin inhibitory activity. Analysis of the CaM-binding sites A (residues 658–666) and B (residues 690–695), the major CaM-binding sites in the C-terminal region of CaD, provided direct evidence for the involvement of both CaM-binding sites in the CaM-mediated reversal of the inhibition of actomyosin ATPase activity by CaD and for the functional independence of the two CaM-binding sites. Furthermore, the sequences between residues 598–649, upstream of CaM-binding site A, and 700–717, downstream of CaM-binding site B, appear to have no effect on either actin-binding or CaM-binding. The data also suggest that both CaM-binding sites A and B structurally overlap or lie in close proximity to the adjacent weak actin-binding sites and weak actomyosin ATPase inhibitory determinants.
An evaluation of PCR primer sets used for detection of Propionibacterium acnes in prostate tissue samples.

BACKGROUND Multiple studies have now shown that Propionibacterium acnes can be cultured from post-prostatectomy derived prostate tissue samples. In contrast, both universal eubacterial 16S rDNA PCR and P. acnes-specific 16S rDNA PCR have failed to detect this organism at a frequency similar to that of bacterial culture. A potential explanation for this discrepancy, proposed by Cohen et al., involves mismatches in 16S rDNA primer sets used for bacterial detection. METHODS The sensitivity of both a previously published P. acnes-specific primer set containing a potential mismatch and a new primer set with no mismatches was determined. Both primer sets were used to interrogate two sets of DNA samples derived from post-prostatectomy prostate tissues that differed in the level of sterile precautions maintained during tissue collection. RESULTS The number of P. acnes positive samples was associated with the sterility of the sample collection process. In all instances, positive samples were determined to reflect low cell numbers (<10 CFU). CONCLUSIONS Although the results of previous studies have shown that P. acnes is not the only organism potentially present in the prostates of prostate cancer patients, mismatches in PCR primer sets may have also influenced the sensitivity of P. acnes detection. When using PCR in determining the presence of P. acnes in the human prostate, care should be taken to establish the potential influence of exogenous contamination and, due to the sensitivity of the assay, samples exposed to the urethra during the collection process (prostatic secretions, TURP specimens) should not be used. Prostate 68: 1492–1495, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Polymers with Tethered Anionic and Cationic Groups as Membranes for Fuel Cells

Summary: Ionic clustering, water binding, and ion conductivity were studied in polymers functionalized with sulfonic acid and quaternary ammonium hydroxide groups. Small-angle x-ray scattering showed that no clustering occurred in the quaternary ammonium containing anion exchange membranes, while evidence of ionic clusters was present in both sulfonated poly(phenylene) and in Nafion, a poly(perfluorosulfonic acid). Interestingly, the water self-diffusion coefficients of the anion exchange membranes were generally greater than those observed for the sulfonated poly(phenylene)s, and moreover, the water self diffusion coefficients in anion exchange membranes were not a strong function of diffusion time. The water binding behavior lead to increased normalized conductivity in anion exchange membranes as compared to proton exchange membranes at the highest ion exchange capacities.
Identifying Outliers in Large Matrices via Randomized Adaptive Compressive Sampling

This paper examines the problem of locating outlier columns in a large, otherwise low-rank, matrix. We propose a simple two-step adaptive sensing and inference approach and establish theoretical guarantees for its performance; our results show that accurate outlier identification is achievable using very few linear summaries of the original data matrix—as few as the squared rank of the low-rank component plus the number of outliers, times constant and logarithmic factors. We demonstrate the performance of our approach experimentally in two stylized applications, one motivated by robust collaborative filtering tasks, and the other by saliency map estimation tasks arising in computer vision and automated surveillance, and also investigate extensions to settings where the data are noisy, or possibly incomplete.
Ultrafine Sm-Fe-N Particles Prepared by Planetary Ball Milling

Ultrafine magnetically hard particles are needed for the bottom­up fabrication of anisotropic exchanged­coupled permanent magnets. In this study we have chosen Sm2 Fe17 Nx because of its high anisotropy field and large saturation magnetization. A multi­stage planetary ball milling process was used. The key is to find the right balance of energy used to mill the precursor particles; it must be high enough to break the particles and reduce their size but, not so high as to destroy the crystal structure of the nanoparticles that would lead to deterioration of the magnetic properties. First the coarse powders were subjected to a wet milling with 2.0 mm diameter media. In each subsequent stage the media size was reduced to maintain the milling balance. Using such a process produced particles in a size range from 100 - 800 nm with a coercivity as high as 10 kOe at room temperature.
Serotonergic lesions decrease μ- and δ-ipiate receptor binding in discrete areas of the hypothalamus and in the midbrain central gray

Abstract Serotonergic nerve terminals in the brain were lesioned by intraventricular infusion of the selective neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) and levels of μ- and δ-opiate binding were measured in brain areas implicated in reproductive behavior and gonadotropin secretion. The lesion decreased μ-receptor binding in the preoptic area (mPOA) and the midbrain central gray, while δ-receptor binding was decreased in the mPOA and the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic serotonergic lesions also attenuated morphine inhibition of female sexual behavior. These results indicate the existence of serotonergic-opiate interactions in select regions of the brain and suggest that these interactions may be important in the regulation of lordosis behavior.
Silicon-controlled rectifier D-C to D-C power converters

The operation of a d-c chopper circuit using a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) is analyzed. A description is given of a saturating reactor (SR) and capacitor which is used to extend the conducting interval of the controlled rectifier and then turn it off. Some useful variations of the basic circuit also are presented. Emphasis is placed upon the waveforms produced, and typical oscillograms are shown. The specific circuits analyzed employ a variable repetition frequency to control load voltage, but the modifications necessary for operation at a fixed frequency with variable “on” time are also mentioned.
Error estimates over infinite intervals of some discretizations of evolution equations

Classical discretization error estimates for systems of ordinary differential equations contain a factor exp (Lt), whereL is the Lipschitz constant. For strongly monotone operators, however, one may prove that for aϑ-method, 0<ϑ<1/2, the errors are bounded uniformly in time and with errorO(Δt)2, ifϑ=1/2−|O(Δt)|. This was done by this author (1977), for an operator in a reflexive Banach space and includes the case of systems of differential equations as a special case. In the present paper we restate this result as it may have been overlooked and consider also the monotone (inclusive of the conservative) and unbounded cases. We also discuss cases where the truncation errors are bounded by a constant independent of the stiffness of the problem. This extends previous results in [6] and [7]. Finally we discuss a boundary value technique in the context above.
A Method for Increasing Elders' Use of Advance Directives

Most published studies report that few elderly people have recorded advance directives (AD). We studied the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary intervention designed to help ambulatory frail elders to record AD. In collaboration with physicians and a trained lay volunteer, a social worker provided information and counseling to the elderly subjects, to their families, and to their proxies in a series of visits to a geriatric evaluation and management (GEM) clinic. Seventy-one percent of the subjects recorded AD. Of these, 96% named a proxy, and 83% recorded specific treatment preferences.
A note on the application of the Hilbert transform to time delay estimation

It is shown that the Hilbert transform may be employed to convert the maximum finding task of a delay estimator to one of finding a zero crossing. The basic theory of the technique is shown and a few applications are described. Its primary application is in servo tracking and servo velocity measurement systems which employ correlation techniques. A review of prior work in this field is given.
The atomistic mechanism of high temperature contact line advancement: results from molecular dynamics simulations

Atomic scale phenomena driving contact line advancement during the wetting of a solid by a liquid are investigated via molecular dynamics simulations of Ag(l) drops spreading on Ni substrates. For the homologous temperature ~5% above melting for Ag, essentially non-reactive wetting is observed with relatively high spreading velocity. Analyzing atomic positions with time, including computing flow fields, permits investigation of atomic scale transport mechanisms associated with advancement of the contact line. Delivery of material to the contact line occurs preferentially along the liquid/vapor interface. Ag(l) atoms transported along the liquid/vapor interface become new droplet edge material, effectively displacing existing edge material. Evidence is also shown of a prominent transport and flow mechanism more typically associated with the molecular kinetic theory of spreading: some portion of Ag(l) atoms move along the solid/liquid interface to eventually occupy the contact line region. Selected atomic trajectories are shown to illustrate atoms moving with the contact line, detaching and re-attaching at sites along the solid/liquid interface. However, this latter solid/liquid interface transport mechanism contributed a lower percentage of new material to the advancing contact line compared to the liquid/vapor interface transport mechanism. Features of the AgNi system that may contribute to the dominance of a liquid/vapor interface transport mechanism are highlighted, including a relatively low liquid/vapor surface tension.
Television soap operas for development in India1

During the 19805, television audiences have expanded tremendously in such Third World nations as Mexico, Brazil, the People's Republic of China (Rogers and others, 1985), and India. For the first time, television broadcasting is reaching a sizeable audience in Third World countries: For example, approximately half of China's 1 billion population, and 80 million of India's 800 million people. These millions of new television viewers offer a huge potential audience for development communication messages. However, most television programming which is broadcast in, the Third World consists of entertainment, including imported reruns from the United States like 'I love Lucy', 'Kojak', and 'Dallas'.
Mathematical modeling of infectious diseases: methods and some results

This paper is an overview of some techniques for analyzing mathematical models of infectious diseases, using dynamical systems and bifurcation theory. A non-standard finite-difference scheme for numerical integration of the model's differential equations is shown to preserve positivity and the asymptotic behavior of the model, unlike standard schemes such as Runge-Kutta. The methods are presented by discussing work on an epidemiological model in which vaccination or recovery from infection confers immunity, and a Gause-type predator-prey model with generalized functional response.
Differential regulation of adipose tissue and vascular inflammatory gene expression by chronic systemic inhibition of NOS in lean and obese rats.

We tested the hypothesis that a decrease in bioavailability of nitric oxide (NO) would result in increased adipose tissue (AT) inflammation. In particular, we utilized the obese Otsuka Long Evans Tokushima Fatty rat model (n = 20) and lean Long Evans Tokushima Otsuka counterparts (n = 20) to determine the extent to which chronic inhibition of NO synthase (NOS) with Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) treatment (for 4 weeks) upregulates expression of inflammatory genes and markers of immune cell infiltration in retroperitoneal white AT, subscapular brown AT, periaortic AT as well as in its contiguous aorta free of perivascular AT. As expected, relative to lean rats (% body fat = 13.5 ± 0.7), obese rats (% body fat = 27.2 ± 0.8) were hyperlipidemic (total cholesterol 77.0 ± 2.1 vs. 101.0 ± 3.3 mg/dL), hyperleptinemic (5.3 ± 0.9 vs. 191.9 ± 59.9 pg/mL), and insulin‐resistant (higher HOMA IR index [3.9 ± 0.8 vs. 25.2 ± 4.1]). Obese rats also exhibited increased expression of proinflammatory genes in perivascular, visceral, and brown ATs. L‐NAME treatment produced a small but statistically significant decrease in percent body fat (24.6 ± 0.9 vs. 27.2 ± 0.8%) and HOMA IR index (16.9 ± 2.3 vs. 25.2 ± 4.1) in obese rats. Further, contrary to our hypothesis, we found that expression of inflammatory genes in all AT depots examined were generally unaltered with L‐NAME treatment in both lean and obese rats. This was in contrast with the observation that L‐NAME produced a significant upregulation of inflammatory and proatherogenic genes in the aorta. Collectively, these findings suggest that chronic NOS inhibition alters transcriptional regulation of proinflammatory genes to a greater extent in the aortic wall compared to its adjacent perivascular AT, or visceral white and subscapular brown AT depots.
RTCAST: lightweight multicast for real-time process groups

We propose a lightweight fault tolerant multicast and membership service for real time process groups which may exchange periodic and aperiodic messages. The service supports bounded time message transport, atomicity, and order for multicasts within a group of communicating processes in the presence of processor crashes and communication failures. It guarantees agreement on membership among the communicating processors, and ensures that membership changes (e.g., resulting from processor joins or departures) are atomic and ordered with respect to multicast messages. We provide the flexibility of an event triggered approach with the fast message delivery time of time triggered protocols, such as TTP (H. Kopetz and G. Grunstidl, 1994), where messages are delivered to the application immediately upon reception. This is achieved without compromising agreement order and atomicity properties. In addition to the design and details of the algorithm, we describe our implementation of the protocol using the x-Kernel protocol architecture running on RT Mach 3.0.
Class A Scavenger Receptor-mediated Adhesion and Internalization Require Distinct Cytoplasmic Domains

Class A scavenger receptors (SR-A) are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate both ligand internalization and cell adhesion. Previous studies have identified specific amino acids in the cytoplasmic tail of SR-A that regulate receptor internalization; however, the role of cytoplasmic domains in regulating cell adhesion has not been addressed. To investigate the role of cytoplasmic domains in SR-A-mediated adhesion and to address whether SR-A-mediated adhesion and internalization require distinct cytoplasmic domains, different SR-A constructs were stably expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) cells. Deleting the entire cytoplasmic tail (SR-AΔ1–55) greatly reduced receptor protein abundance. Retaining the six amino acids proximal to the membrane (SR-AΔ1–49) restored receptor protein abundance. Although SR-AΔ1–49 localized to the cell surface, cells expressing this receptor failed to internalize the ligand acetylated low density lipoprotein. Replacing the cytoplasmic tail of SR-A with that of the transferrin receptor (TfR/SR-A) resulted in retention of the chimeric receptor in the endoplasmic reticulum suggesting a specific role for the membrane-proximal amino acids in trafficking SR-A from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi. Like SR-A expressing cells, cells expressing SR-AΔ1–49 displayed increased spreading and adhesion, demonstrating that the membrane-proximal amino acids were sufficient for SR-A-mediated cell adhesion. Together, our results indicate a critical role for the membrane-proximal amino acids in SR-A trafficking and demonstrate that SR-A-mediated adhesion and internalization require distinct cytoplasmic domains.
Enhanced isoamyl acetate production upon manipulation of the acetyl-CoA node in Escherichia coli.

Coenzyme A (CoA) and its thioester derivative acetyl-Coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) participate in over 100 different reactions in intermediary metabolism of microorganisms. Earlier results indicated that overexpression of upstream rate-limiting enzyme pantothenate kinase with simultaneous supplementation of precursor pantothenic acid to the culture media increased intracellular CoA levels significantly (∼10-fold). The acetyl-CoA levels also increased (∼5-fold) but not as much as that of CoA, showing that the carbon flux from the pyruvate node is rate-limiting upon an increase in CoA levels. In this study, pyruvate dehydrogenase was overexpressed under elevated CoA levels to increase carbon flux from pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. This coexpression did not increase intracellular acetyl-CoA levels but increased the accumulation of extracellular acetate. The production of isoamyl acetate, an industrially useful compound derived from acetyl-CoA, was used as a model reporter system to signify the beneficial effects of this metabolic engineering strategy. In addition, a strain was created in which the acetate production pathway was inactivated to relieve competition at the acetyl-CoA node and to efficiently channel the enhanced carbon flux to the ester production pathway. The synergistic effect of cofactor CoA manipulation and pyruvate dehydrogenase overexpression in the acetate pathway deletion mutant led to a 5-fold increase in isoamyl acetate production. Under normal growth conditions the acetate pathway deletion mutant strains accumulate intracellular pyruvate, leading to excretion of pyruvate. However, upon enhancing the carbon flux from pyruvate to acetyl-CoA, the excretion of pyruvate was significantly reduced.
Improving photo-controlled living radical polymerization from trithiocarbonates through the use of continuous-flow techniques

Herein, we report simple flow reactor designs that enable photo-controlled living radical polymerization (photo-CRP) from trithiocarbonates (TTCs) with significant enhancements in scalability and reaction rates compared to the analogous batch reactions. We also demonstrate the “on/off” photo-switchability of this reaction under flow conditions.
Cytochrome P4503A does not mediate the interaction between methadone and ritonavir-lopinavir.

Plasma concentrations of orally administered methadone are reduced by the human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitor combination ritonavir and lopinavir, but the mechanism is unknown. Methadone metabolism, clearance, and drug interactions have been attributed to CYP3A4, but this remains controversial. This investigation assessed the effects of acute (2 days) and steady-state (2 weeks) ritonavir-lopinavir on intravenous and oral methadone metabolism and clearance, hepatic and intestinal CYP3A4/5 activity (using the probe substrate intravenous and oral alfentanil), and intestinal transporter activity (using oral fexofenadine) in healthy volunteers. Plasma and urine concentrations of methadone and metabolite enantiomers, and other analytes, were determined by mass spectrometry. Acute and chronic ritonavir-lopinavir reduced plasma methadone enantiomer concentrations in half, with an average 2.6- and 1.5-fold induction of systemic and apparent oral methadone clearances. Induction was attributable to stereoselectively increased hepatic methadone N-demethylation, hepatic extraction, and hepatic clearance, and there was a strong correlation between methadone N-demethylation and clearance. Methadone renal clearance was unchanged. Alfentanil’s systemic clearance and hepatic extraction, apparent oral clearance, and intestinal extraction were reduced to 25%, 16%, and 35% of control, indicating strong inhibition of hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activities. Ritonavir-lopinavir (acute > chronic) increased fexofenadine exposure, suggesting intestinal P-glycoprotein inhibition. No correlation was found between methadone clearance and CYP3A activity. Acute and steady-state ritonavir-lopinavir stereoselectively induced methadone N-demethylation and clearance, despite significant inhibition of hepatic and intestinal CYP3A activity. Ritonavir-lopinavir inhibited intestinal transporters activity but had no effect on methadone bioavailability. These results do not support a significant role for CYP3A or ritonavir-lopinavir-inhibitable intestinal transporters in single-dose methadone disposition.
Activation of multiple protein kinases induced by cross-linking of Fc gamma RII in human neutrophils.

Several neutrophil protein kinases that undergo changes in activity during FcyRII activation have been investigated. These kinases include calcium/calmodulin- dependent protein kinase II (CAMPKII), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and histone H4 protein kinase (PKH4). They are rapidly and transiently activated in a dose-dependent manner by the cross-linking of FcyRII. The activation of CAMPKII but neither PKH4 nor MAPK was inhibited by treating the cells with either a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein, or an intracellular calcium chelator, BAPTA/AM. The superoxide produc- tion induced by cross-linking FcyRII can be inhibited partially by various protein kinase inhibitors: 33% by protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C, 30% by CAMPKII inhibitor KN-62, and 62% by tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein. These results indicate that cross-linking of FcyRII induces multiple signaling pathways that lead to the activation of various protein kinases. The activation of these kinases may be involved directly or indirectly in the regulation of superoxide production. J. Leukoc. Biol. 57: 326-331; 1995.
A comparison of finite element analysis to smooth particle hydrodynamics for application to projectile impact on cementitious material

The response of structural components of high-strength cementitious (HSC) materials to projectile impact is characterized by high-rate fragmentation resulting from strong compressive shock waves coupled with reflected tensile waves. Accurate modeling of armor panels of such brittle materials under high-velocity projectile impact is a complex problem requiring meticulous experimental characterization of material properties. In a recent paper by the authors, an approach to handle such problems based on a modified Advanced Fundamental Concrete (AFC) constitutive model was developed. In the HSC panels considered in this study, an analogous approach is applied, and the predictions are verified with ballistic impact test data. Traditional Lagrangian finite element analysis (FEA) of these problems tends to introduce errors and suffers from convergence issues resulting from large deformations at free surfaces. Also, FEA cannot properly account for the issues of secondary impact of spalled fragments when multiple armor panels are used. Smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) is considered to be an attractive alternative to resolve these and other issues. However, SPH-based quantitative results have been found to be less accurate than the FEA-based ones when the deformations are not sufficiently large. This paper primarily focuses on a comparison of FEA and SPH models to predict high-velocity projectile impact on single and stacked HSC panels. Results are compared to recent ballistic experiments performed as a part of this research, and conclusions are drawn based on the findings.
Radiologist Peer Review by Group Consensus.

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the consensus-oriented group review (COGR) method of radiologist peer review within a large subspecialty imaging department. Methods This study was institutional review board approved and HIPAA compliant. Radiologist interpretations of CT, MRI, and ultrasound examinations at a large academic radiology department were subject to peer review using the COGR method from October 2011 through September 2013. Discordance rates and sources of discordance were evaluated on the basis of modality and division, with group differences compared using a χ 2 test. Potential associations between peer review outcomes and the time after the initiation of peer review or the number of radiologists participating in peer review were tested by linear regression analysis and the t test, respectively. Results A total of 11,222 studies reported by 83 radiologists were peer reviewed using COGR during the two-year study period. The average radiologist participated in 112 peer review conferences and had 3.3% of his or her available CT, MRI and ultrasound studies peer reviewed. The rate of discordance was 2.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4%-3.0%), with significant differences in discordance rates on the basis of division and modality. Discordance rates were highest for MR (3.4%; 95% CI, 2.8%-4.1%), followed by ultrasound (2.7%; 95% CI, 2.0%-3.4%) and CT (2.4%; 95% CI, 2.0%-2.8%). Missed findings were the most common overall cause for discordance (43.8%; 95% CI, 38.2%-49.4%), followed by interpretive errors (23.5%; 95% CI, 18.8%-28.3%), dictation errors (19.0%; 95% CI, 14.6%-23.4%), and recommendation (10.8%; 95% CI, 7.3%-14.3%). Discordant cases, compared with concordant cases, were associated with a significantly greater number of radiologists participating in the peer review process (5.9 vs 4.7 participating radiologists, P P Conclusions COGR permits departments to collect highly contextualized peer review data to better elucidate sources of error in diagnostic imaging reports, while reviewing a sufficient case volume to comply with external standards for ongoing performance review.
What Is Not in the Name? Dopa-Responsive Dystonia May Respond to More Than L-Dopa

Abstract Background Classic L-dopa–responsive dystonia is characterized by the triad of dystonia, diurnal fluctuation of signs, and dramatic response of signs to low-dose L-dopa therapy. Dopa-responsive dystonia succinctly summarizes the relevant clinical features. However, literal application of this label or consideration of dopa-responsive dystonia as a diagnostic end without molecular and/or biochemical definition may contribute to misdiagnosis and incomplete treatment in dopa-responsive conditions that impair synthesis of monoamine neurotransmitters besides dopamine. Patient Description We describe and provide video for twin patients with a rare form of dopa-responsive dystonia due to sepiapterin reductase deficiency. As is typical in dopa-responsive dystonia, these patients displayed dramatic improvement with L-dopa/carbidopa therapy. However, treatment was suboptimal until 5-hydroxytryptophan was added to address their serotonergic deficit. Discussion Our report highlights the limitations of the dopa-responsive dystonia label and increases awareness of sepiapterin reductase deficiency and other conditions that may present as dopa-responsive dystonia. We provide a diagnostic and therapeutic approach to guide the clinician in evaluating and treating individuals with dopa-responsive dystonia.
Replicate ice-coring system architecture: mechanical design

The replicate ice-coring system was developed by Ice Drilling Design and Operations (IDDO) for the US National Science Foundation. The design of the system leverages the existing infrastructure of the deep ice-sheet coring (DISC) drill to create a steerable drill capable of recovering replicate core at any targeted depth in an existing borehole. Critical requirements of the system include: collecting up to 400 m of core from the high side of an open hole; maintaining access to the entire borehole for logging tools; collecting up to four cores at a single depth; and operating to a depth of 4000m at −55°C and 34 MPa. The system was developed and tested from 2010 through 2012 and integrates several new mechanical subsystems, including two electromechanical actuators capable of pushing the sonde to any targeted azimuth, new reduced diameter core and screen barrels made from off-the-shelf casing tube, and new cutter heads optimized for the multiple stages of the replicate coring procedure. The system was successfully deployed at West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) Divide in the 2012/13 field season, recovering 285 m of core from five intentional deviations at four target depths.
On Some Issues in Large-Eddy Simulations for Chevron Nozzle Jet Flows (invited paper)

This paper discusses some important issues that were encountered during our large-eddy simulations of chevron nozzle jet flows and their noise. These issues have quite an impact on the predictions of the numerical simulations. The issues are classified into four main topics: Generation of realistic nozzle inflow conditions; optimal grid resolution of chevron jet shear layers; limited axial domain size in well-resolved simulations due to limited computational resources; and relatively low simulation Reynolds number limitation in wellresolved simulations. We propose and implement solutions to the first three issues. The last issue concerning well-resolved simulations at practical high Reynolds numbers is the most difficult one to resolve, as the Reynolds number directly dictates the number of grid points needed in a well-resolved simulation. We outline an approach for fairly well-resolved simulations of high Reynolds number jet flows. Although this proposed approach still requires a significant amount of grid points, we believe it should be feasible on the powerful supercomputers of the present day. The practical implementation of the proposed approach for high Reynolds number jet flows remains to be demonstrated through future work. We also discuss the possible important effects of jet shear layer initial conditions and the Reynolds number on the development of a jet flow. We hope that this paper will stimulate further experimental and computational work concerned with jet shear layer initial condition and Reynolds number effects on the evolution of a jet flow and its noise generation.
Comparison of the functional health limitations of Iraq or Afghanistan Veterans to Desert Shield/Storm Veterans with chronic fatigue syndrome.

ABSTRACTThe majority of studies to examine the levels of physical symptoms after Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) deployment have found that veterans experience high levels of physical symptoms after deployment. What is not known is whether the physical symptoms experienced by OEF/OIF veterans meet criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), as was seen after Operation Desert Shield/Operation Desert Storm. This determination would require a medical evaluation to rule out medical conditions that may explain the symptoms. Further, it is not well known if the physical symptoms experienced by OEF/OIF veterans are causing significant functional impairment. We compared OEF/OIF veterans with CFS to Desert Shield/Storm veterans with CFS seen at a postdeployment Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic soon after their respective deployments. We found 17.6% of OEF/OIF veterans met criteria for CFS. Compared to Desert Shield/Desert Storm veterans with CFS, the OEF/OIF veterans with CFS demonstrated...
Analysis of the relationship between temperature and capacity on sealed valve-regulated lead-acid battery

The relationship between temperature and capacity on sealed valve-regulated lead-acid battery(VRLA)was investigated and the effect of temperature on the durability of VRLA was analyzed.Points for attention in manufacturing and operate processes of the battery were proposed.
Reactive Oxygen Species Differentially Regulate Bone Turnover in an Age-Specific Manner in Catalase Transgenic Female Mice

Chronic ethyl alcohol (EtOH) consumption results in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in bone and osteopenia due to increased bone resorption and reduced bone formation. In this study, transgenic C57Bl/6J mice overexpressing human catalase (TgCAT) were used to test whether limiting excess hydrogen peroxide would protect against EtOH-mediated bone loss. Micro-computed tomography analysis of the skeletons of 6-week-old female chow-fed TgCAT mice revealed a high bone mass phenotype with increased cortical bone area and thickness as well as significantly increased trabecular bone volume (P < 0.05). Six-week-old wild-type (WT) and TgCAT female mice were chow fed or pair fed (PF) liquid diets with or without EtOH, approximately 30% of calories, for 8 weeks. Pair feeding of WT had no demonstrable effect on the skeleton; however, EtOH feeding of WT mice significantly reduced cortical and trabecular bone parameters along with bone strength compared with PF controls (P < 0.05). In contrast, EtOH feeding of TgCAT mice had no effect on trabecular bone compared with PF controls. At 14 weeks of age, there was significantly less trabecular bone and cortical cross-sectional area in TgCAT mice than WT mice (P < 0.05), suggesting impaired normal bone accrual with age. TgCAT mice expressed less collagen1α and higher sclerostin mRNA (P < 0.05), suggesting decreased bone formation in TgCAT mice. In conclusion, catalase overexpression resulted in greater bone mass than in WT mice at 6 weeks and lower bone mass at 14 weeks. EtOH feeding induced significant reductions in bone architecture and strength in WT mice, but TgCAT mice were partially protected. These data implicate ROS signaling in the regulation of bone turnover in an age-dependent manner, and indicate that excess hydrogen peroxide generation contributes to alcohol-induced osteopenia.
Using Concepts from Complexity Science to Accelerate Curricular Revision

Curricular revision can be an arduous and challenging process. The literature favors a rational planned process for doing so, but offers little advice regarding how to proceed when the time required for such an approach is not available. This article describes our use of four concepts from complexity science to revise a medical school curriculum in 11 months: process emergence rather than prescription, simple rules to guide and align faculty members, consistent application of fractals to provide a coherent image of organizational activity, and continuous adaptation of the revision process. These concepts can be applied to curricular revision in any field of study.
Stable and Fast-Dissolving Amorphous Drug Composites Preparation via Impregnation of Neusilin® UFL2

A promising approach to increase the aqueous solubility, hence the bioavailability, of poorly water-soluble drugs is to convert them into their amorphous state through impregnation into mesoporous silica. Unfortunately, mesoporous silica is not yet available in bulk quantities due to high manufacturing costs. In this work, feasibility of using a commercially available cost-effective mesoporous fine grade Neusilin® UFL2 to prepare amorphous drug composites of 2 model poorly soluble drugs, fenofibrate and itraconazole, is established. In contrast to fluidized-bed spray-impregnation, only mixing and drying steps are required. Complimentary assessment using X-ray powder diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed drug within the composites to be amorphous at as high as 30% drug loading both after formation and after 3 months of storage at 40°C and 75% relative humidity. Amorphous drug recrystallization was completely suppressed due to the confinement effect due to the Neusilin®. The amorphous drug composites resulted in higher apparent solubility and faster dissolution rate of the model drugs as compared to their crystalline counterpart, confirmed by United States Pharmacopeia II dissolution and ultraviolet surface dissolution imaging. Overall, stable, high drug-loaded fast-dissolving amorphous drug composites preparation using Neusilin® UFL2 is demonstrated as a promising approach to enhance solubility of poorly soluble drugs.
Uncommon Causes of Knee Pain in the Athlete

There are many causes of knee pain in the athlete. Clearly, common things, such as meniscal tears, ligament sprains, contusions, and patellofemoral dysfunction, are common. The infrequency of other entities, however, should not make the physician complacent. A thorough history and physical examination will, in most cases, elicit inconsistencies in the occasional athlete presenting with one of these uncommon causes of knee pain (Table 1). Diagnosing these uncommon causes, when they do present to the health care provider, allows for early and correct treatment with a more rapid return to sports.
Education, leadership, and conservation: Empowering young Q’eqchi’ women in Guatemala

Abstract Programs to keep young women in school across the developing world have become widespread. Education is key to improving their quality of life, but keeping them in school is a significant challenge. This article examines a scholarship program that provides 25 days of intensive leadership training for young indigenous women using a peer tutorial system. The program offers a unique experience, a variety of practical training, opportunities for personal growth, and evidence of empowerment. This study demonstrates that social change is occurring and that young women are promoting change in their own lives, as well as those of their families and communities.
Active muscle response contributes to increased injury risk of lower extremity in occupant-knee airbag interaction.

Objective: Recent field data analysis has demonstrated that knee airbags (KABs) can reduce occupant femur and pelvis injuries but may be insufficient to decrease leg injuries in motor vehicle crash...
Chronic Active Hepatitis Diagnostic Approach

Most frequently, the physician is faced with the necessity to examine a patient with the possibility of chronic active hepatitis (CAH) because the referring physician has detected abnormalities of the aminotransferases. These elevations are usually detected during periodic screening in seemingly healthy persons or during a medical evaluation for unrelated problems. Since aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase have become an important part of such screening packages, this represents the most frequent type of patient referral to the gastroenterologist or hepatologist for evaluation of the possibility of liver disease.
Formation of a protein-acetaldehyde adduct in liver during chronic alcohol exposure.

Acetaldehyde is an intermediary metabolite of ethanol oxidation that forms in the liver during alcohol ingestion. Formation of acetaldehyde is mediated by two alcohol metabolizing systems: alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) (Li, 1977) and the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system (MEOS or cytP450IIE1) (Lieber et al., 1970). In individuals who do not abuse alcohol, ADH is the most important enzyme responsible for the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde. However, MEOS is inducible by chronic alcohol consumption (Lieber, et al., 1972), therefore its contribution to the elimination of alcohol becomes more significant in chronic alcoholics.
Using Patient Focus Groups for New Patient Services

Article-at-a-Glance Background This article is intended to illustrate the usefulness of patient input in the strategic planning process and to demonstrate in particular the use of focus groups in concept development, concept testing, and program evaluation. Interactive planning Three areas of patient services were designed partly on the basis of patient input. "Service Teams with Appropriate Resources" (STARs) were conceived as basic organizational units to deliver interdisciplinary care to meet the needs of specific groups of patients. A patient services "menu" was envisioned to allow the patient or caregiver to decide which service would most appropriately and efficiently meet patient needs. The "Service Expectation Program" was formulated to ease entry into the hospital by providing information on what patients should expect from the hospital experience. Concept testing Focus groups were used again to test and refine the concepts developed during the interactive planning stage. General themes included the need for improved communication, the desire to be treated with respect and dignity (personhood), the need for coordination across the continuum of care, and the desire for more personal choice and control. Ongoing evaluation Sources of patient feedback used in the ongoing evaluation process included a patient satisfaction survey and a telephone survey. Additional focus groups and telephone surveys are planned. Management issues The focus group discussions with patients introduced useful data into the quality improvement and interactive planning process. Findings were disseminated to all levels of hospital management and program staff through newsletters, reports, and in-service training sessions. Data were useful in interactive planning, program concept testing, and the development and implementation of new services.
Application of Ionic Liquids in the Conversion of Native Lignocellulosic Biomass to Biofuels

Ionic liquids have been actively studied for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass due to their ability to dissolve various native biomasses at high temperatures ranging from 70 to 140°C in several hours. In this chapter, their application is reviewed and the delignification mechanism is investigated through microscopic, spectroscopic, and chemical analyses. The effects of various cation–anion combinations, viability of cellulases, and the recycling of ionic liquids will be discussed. In addition, recent advances in the application of ionic liquids at room temperature will be described. For example, poplar wood cell walls swell upon exposure to an ionic liquid at room temperature, and recover partially their original size upon addition of water. A process to incorporate materials/chemicals into the wood structure is designed based on the expansion and contraction of the biomass, which has applications such as improved pretreatment strategies, composites, and sensing capabilities using low-cost and biocompatible materials.
Abstract 14650: A Monoclonal Antibody to a Sodium Pump Inhibitor Marinobufagenin Reversed Aortic Remodeling and Stiffness in Normotensive Rats on a High Salt Intake

Background: Marinobufagenin (MBG), an endogenous cardiotonic steroid, is a Na/K-ATPase inhibitor and a vasoconstrictor. Previously it was demonstrated, that administration of 3E9 anti-MBG-antibody (mAb) reduced blood pressure (BP) and reversed left ventricular fibrosis in animal models of salt-sensitive hypertension and nephropathy. In the present study we investigated whether mAb alleviates BP and vascular remodeling in normotensive rats on a high salt intake. Methods: Wistar rats (5 months old) received normal salt diet (CTRL; n=8) or high salt intake (2% NaCl in drinking water) for 4 weeks. Rats on a high salt were administered vehicle (SALT; n=8) or mAb (50 ug/kg) (SALT-AB; n=8) 3 times during the last week of a high salt diet. BP was measured at baseline, after 3 and 4 weeks of experiment. Na/K-ATPase activity was measured in erythrocytes. Aortas were weighed, and were used to study sensitivity to the vasorelaxant effect of sodium nitroprusside (SNP), and for the histochemistry analysis of collagen deposition. Renal 24-hr MBG excretion was measured at week 4. Results: In SALT vs. CTRL, in the absence of BP changes, elevated levels of MBG (14.1±1.1 vs. 9.0±1.6 pmol/24hr, p Conclusion: These findings for the first time demonstrated that in normotensive rats on a high salt intake heightened MBG levels induced vascular fibrosis and impairment of vasorelaxation in the absence of blood pressure changes. Immunoneutralization of MBG reversed these changes. Thus, high dietary NaCl intake in normotensive animals can stimulate vascular fibrosis via pressure-independent/ MBG-dependent mechanisms, and this remodeling is reversible.
The Role of Oncolytic Viruses in the Treatment of Melanoma

Oncolytic virotherapy is a new approach to the treatment of cancer and its success in the treatment of melanoma represents a breakthrough in cancer therapeutics. This paper provides a review of the current literature on the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in the treatment of melanoma. Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC) is the first OV approved for the treatment of melanoma and presents new challenges as it enters the clinical setting. Several other OVs are at various stages of clinical and pre-clinical development for the treatment of melanoma. Reports from phase Ib-III clinical trials combining T-VEC with checkpoint blockade are encouraging and demonstrate potential added benefit of combination immunotherapy. OVs have recently emerged as a standard treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma. Several OVs and therapeutic combinations are in development. Immunooncolytic virotherapy combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors is promising for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Layoffs, Severance Payments, and Layoff Disclosure

We examine the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance on the likelihood and magnitude of firms’ decisions to lay off employees (henceforth referred to as “layoffs”), the magnitude of severance payments made to terminated employees, and the likelihood of voluntary disclosure details about the layoff events. Using S&P 500 firms over 22 years, we find that firms with high CSR performance (HCSR) are more likely to engage in layoffs, and to lay off significantly more employees compared to firms with low CSR performance (LCSR). We also find that HCSR firms provide greater severance benefits to terminated employees, and that they disclose more details surrounding the layoffs. Because HCSR firms lay off more employees than LCSR firms on average, overall they realize greater layoff-related net present-values (NPV). Additional analysis reveals that during the financial crisis HCSR firms optimized labor cost by laying off significantly more employees than LCSR firms, which provides an explanation to a prior finding that HCSR firms have higher returns and profitability during crisis years, relative to LCSR firms. These results, consistent with enlightened stakeholder theory, fill a noteworthy gap in the CSR literature by providing evidence on how firms adopting a “good corporate citizen” mindset respond to adverse economic forces that require employee-downsizing decisions.
Gatekeeping and Communities in Energy Transition: A Study of the Block Island Wind Farm

The Block Island Wind Farm (BIWF) is the first offshore wind farm in the United States. Using gatekeeping theory as a framework, this research analyzes local and regional/national newspaper coverag...