cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from expanded reproductive carrier screening in self-reported Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jewish patients.

Background Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based panels have gained traction as a strategy for reproductive carrier screening. Their value for screening Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) individuals, who have benefited greatly from population-wide targeted testing, as well as Sephardi/Mizrahi Jewish (SMJ) individuals (an underserved population), has not been fully explored. Methods The clinical utilization by 6,805 self-reported Jewish individuals of an expanded NGS panel, along with several ancillary assays, was assessed retrospectively. Data were extracted for a subset of 96 diseases that, during the panel design phase, were classified as being AJ-, SMJ-, or pan-Jewish/pan-ethnic-relevant. Results 64.6% of individuals were identified as carriers of one or more of these 96 diseases. Over 80% of the reported variants would have been missed by following recommended AJ screening guidelines. 10.7% of variants reported for AJs were in "SMJ-relevant genes," and 31.2% reported for SMJs were in "AJ-relevant genes." Roughly 2.5% of individuals carried a novel, likely pathogenic variant. One in 16 linked cohort couples was identified as a carrier couple for at least one of these 96 diseases. Conclusion For maximal carrier identification, this study supports using expanded NGS panels for individuals of all Jewish backgrounds. This approach can better empower at-risk couples for reproductive decision making.
Lab-on-a-Chip Systems for Aptamer-Based Biosensing

Aptamers are oligonucleotides or peptides that are selected from a pool of random sequences that exhibit high affinity toward a specific biomolecular species of interest. Therefore, they are ideal for use as recognition elements and ligands for binding to the target. In recent years, aptamers have gained a great deal of attention in the field of biosensing as the next-generation target receptors that could potentially replace the functions of antibodies. Consequently, it is increasingly becoming popular to integrate aptamers into a variety of sensing platforms to enhance specificity and selectivity in analyte detection. Simultaneously, as the fields of lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology, point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, and personal medicine become topics of great interest, integration of such aptamer-based sensors with LOC devices are showing promising results as evidenced by the recent growth of literature in this area. The focus of this review article is to highlight the recent progress in aptamer-based biosensor development with emphasis on the integration between aptamers and the various forms of LOC devices including microfluidic chips and paper-based microfluidics. As aptamers are extremely versatile in terms of their utilization in different detection principles, a broad range of techniques are covered including electrochemical, optical, colorimetric, and gravimetric sensing as well as surface acoustics waves and transistor-based detection.
Pneumocystis and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Coinfection: A Case Report and Review of an Emerging Diagnostic Dilemma

We present a case of a critically ill patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) found to have acquired immune deficiency syndrome and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP). Coronavirus disease 2019 and PCP co-occurrence is increasingly reported and may complicate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Patients with severe COVID-19 should be screened for underlying immunocompromise and coinfections should be considered.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Management

Primary care providers (PCPs) typically manage breast cancer screening, breast cancer prevention, the evaluation of breast complaints and abnormalities, and the referral of appropriate patients to breast oncologists. PCPs also provide survivorship care for their patients. Most cancer patients also see their PCPs while undergoing diagnostic testing and treatment for cancer and often rely on their advice and support. PCPs who are able to engage in breast cancer-related discussions regarding advanced diagnostic testing, treatment regimens, treatment-related adverse effects, and end-of-life care can help their patients with important decision-making. This chapter aims to prepare PCPs to engage their patients and oncology colleagues in discussions about the spectrum of care for breast cancer: diagnostic testing, staging, treatment, adverse effects, prognosis and survivorship, and end-of-life care.
Active control of high frequency chatter with machine tool feed drives in turning

Abstract This paper presents a new active vibration control strategy to mitigate high frequency regenerative chatter vibrations using machine tool feed drives. Rather than modal damping, proposed approach aims to control regenerative process dynamics to shape the Stability Lobe diagram (SLD) and attain higher material removal rates. The controller is designed as a feedback filter whose parameters are optimized to compensate regeneration. The proposed strategy is applied to actively control orthogonal (plunge) turning dynamics where >2.5 [kHz] chatter vibrations are suppressed by a fast tool servo (FTS) drive system. Stability lobes are shaped locally to reach up to 4x higher material removal rates.
When COVID-19 and guns meet: A rise in shootings

Abstract Objective The present study examines the impact of the COVID-19 stay-at-home order on gun violence in Buffalo, New York: fatal shootings, all non-fatal shootings, non-fatal shootings with injury, and non-fatal shootings without injury. It also estimated its impact on gang and non-gang related shootings. Methods Weekly crime data are analyzed at the city level using ARIMA and poisson models. Forecasting is used to verify the validity of both ARIMA and poisson models. Results The effect of the pandemic was conditional upon the types of gun violence and impact models of intervention. The pandemic caused a temporary increase in fatal shootings while leading to a long-term increase in all non-fatal shootings, non-fatal shootings with injury, non-fatal shootings without injury, and gang related shootings. Conclusions The pandemic has changed the volume of gun violence possibly due to increased strain and/or changed routine activities. This study not only promotes further research but also has policy implications for public health and safety. From a public policy perspective, criminal justice agencies should focus more attention and resources on gun violence resulting from a sense of strain and fear among individuals during the pandemic.
A Diagnostic for Seasonality Based Upon Polynomial Roots of ARMA Models

Methodology for seasonality diagnostics is extremely important for statistical agencies, because such tools are necessary for making decisions whether to seasonally adjust a given series, and whether such an adjustment is adequate. This methodology must be statistical, in order to furnish quantification of Type I and II errors, and also to provide understanding about the requisite assumptions. We connect the concept of seasonality to a mathematical definition regarding the oscillatory character of the moving average (MA) representation coefficients, and define a new seasonality diagnostic based on autoregressive (AR) roots. The diagnostic is able to assess different forms of seasonality: dynamic versus stable, of arbitrary seasonal periods, for both raw data and seasonally adjusted data. An extension of the AR diagnostic to an MA diagnostic allows for the detection of over-adjustment. Joint asymptotic results are provided for the diagnostics as they are applied to multiple seasonal frequencies, allowing for a global test of seasonality. We illustrate the method through simulation studies and several empirical examples.
HIF1alpha cardioprotection in COVID-19 patients

ABSTRACT Importance SARS-CoV-2 infection directly causes severe acute respiratory illness, leading to systemic tissue hypoxia and ischemia including the heart. Myocardial cytopathy associated with hypoxic response has been largely overlooked in COVID-19 patients. Additionally, histology analysis and cardiac function of COVID-19 cases are often reported separately, rendering an incomplete understanding of COVID-19 cardiac symptoms. Objective To examine the relationship between myocardial cellular responses to hypoxic stress versus cardiac functional alterations within the same COVID-19 patients. Design, Setting, and Participants Cellular hypoxia Inducible Factor 1 alpha (HIF1α) expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using post-mortem COVID-19 heart and lung tissues with known cardiac echocardiography records from a total of 8 patients. Clinical echocardiography data were obtained from Mount Sinai Heart between March to December, 2020. All gender and age groups were considered as long as cardiac involvement meets the preserved (EF > 50%) or moderate to severe (EF Main Outcomes and Measures No planned outcomes of this study as this is a retrospective analysis based on post-mortem specimens exclusively. Results Cardiac HIF1α expression was found to be significantly higher in patients with preserved EF levels than it was in the low EF group. In the preserved EF group, HIF1α is protective against apoptosis predominantly in endothelial cells and cardiac fibroblasts. In the low EF group, HIF1α protects cardiomyocyte nuclear integrity as evident by its nuclear accumulation with nuclear envelope preservation. Conclusions and Relevance This study establishes a direct link of cardiac cellular responses to hypoxic stress with matching functional and histological data, serving as one of the first studies to bridge previous stand-alone clinical data and cellular data. The protective role of HIF1α in hearts may help predict cardiac involvement in not only COVID-19 patients, but also decipher the underlying mechanisms in other forms of viral cardiomyopathy. KEY POINTS Question Are hypoxic signaling pathways associated with cardiac functional alterations in COVID-19 patients? Findings Cardiac HIF1α expression of COVID-19 patients with EF>50% or EF Meaning HIF1α is cardioprotective in hearts of COVID-19 patients.
Low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission via fomite, even in cold-chain

BackgroundCountries continue to debate the need for decontamination of cold-chain food packaging to reduce possible SARS-CoV-2 fomite transmission among workers. While laboratory-based studies demonstrate persistence of SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces, the likelihood of fomite-mediated transmission under real-life conditions is uncertain. MethodsUsing a quantitative risk assessment model, we simulated in a frozen food packaging facility 1) SARS-CoV-2 fomite-mediated infection risks following worker exposure to contaminated plastic packaging; and 2) reductions in these risks attributed to masking, handwashing, and vaccination. FindingsIn a representative facility with no specific interventions, SARS-CoV-2 infection risk to a susceptible worker from contact with contaminated packaging was 2{middle dot}8 x 10-3 per 1h-period (95%CI: 6{middle dot}9 x 10-6, 2{middle dot}4 x 10-2). Implementation of standard infection control measures, handwashing and masks (9{middle dot}4 x 10-6 risk per 1h-period, 95%CI: 2{middle dot}3 x 10-8, 8{middle dot}1 x 10-5), substantially reduced risk (99{middle dot}7%). Vaccination of the susceptible worker (two doses Pfizer/Moderna, vaccine effectiveness: 86-99%) combined with handwashing and masking reduced risk to less than 1{middle dot}0 x 10-6. Simulating increased infectiousness/transmissibility of new variants (2-, 10-fold viral shedding) among a fully vaccinated workforce, handwashing and masks continued to mitigate risk (2{middle dot}0 x 10-6 -1{middle dot}1 x 10-5 risk per 1h-period). Decontamination of packaging in addition to these interventions reduced infection risks to below the 1{middle dot}0 x 10-6 risk threshold. InterpretationFomite-mediated SARS-CoV-2 infection risks were very low under cold-chain conditions. Handwashing and masking provide significant protection to workers, especially when paired with vaccination. FundingU.S. Department of Agriculture
MELD 3.0: The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Updated for the Modern Era.

Background & Aims The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) has been established as a reliable indicator of short-term survival in patients with end-stage liver disease. The current version (MELDNa), consisting of the international normalized ratio and serum bilirubin, creatinine, and sodium, has been used to determine organ allocation priorities for liver transplantation in the United States. The objective was to optimize MELD further by taking into account additional variables and updating coefficients with contemporary data. Methods All candidates registered on the liver transplant wait list in the US national registry from January 2016 through December 2018 were included. Uni- and multivariable Cox models were developed to predict survival up to 90 days after wait list registration. Model fit was tested using the concordance statistic (C-statistic) and reclassification, and the Liver Simulated Allocation Model was used to estimate the impact of replacing MELDNa with the new model. Results The final multivariable model was characterized by (1) additional variables of female sex and serum albumin, (2) interactions between bilirubin and sodium and between albumin and creatinine, and (3) an upper bound for creatinine at 3.0 mg/dL. The final model (MELD 3.0) had better discrimination than MELDNa (C-statistic, 0.869 vs 0.862; P Conclusion MELD 3.0 affords more accurate mortality prediction in general than MELDNa and addresses determinants of wait list outcomes, including the sex disparity.
Effects of methylated, organic, and inorganic substrates on microbial consumption of dimethyl sulfide in estuarine waters.

We examined the effects of a variety of amendments on the consumption of [U-14C]dimethyl sulfide in a Georgia salt marsh. Methylated compounds, particularly those with dimethyl groups, significantly inhibited dimethyl sulfide consumption, while nonmethylated substrates had little effect. Dimethyl disulfide and dimethyl ether were the most effective inhibitors tested.
Rabbit muscle l-glycerol-3-phoshate dehydrogenase: Substrate activity of 3,4-dihydroxybutyl 1-phosphonate and 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl 1-phosphonate

Abstract The phosphonic acid analogs of glycerol 3-phosphate, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl 1-phosphonate and 3,4-dihydroxybutyl 1-phosphonate, were examined as substrates for the rabbit muscle NAD-linked glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase ( l -glycerol-3-phosphate: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.8). The three-carbon analog was completely inert while the four-carbon analog was oxidized at approximately the same rate and had nearly the same K m (240 μM for glycerol 3-phosphate compared to 190 μM for 3,4-dihydroxybutyl 1-phosphonate) as the natural substrate. The rate of reduction of dihydroxyacetone phosphate was approx. 25 times faster than that for its analog, 4-hydroxy-3-oxobutyl 1-phosphonate. This difference was not due to a difference in K m values since the value for the natural substrate is 130 μM compared to 182 μM for the analog. The difference in rate does not appear to be due to a difference in the acidity of the phosphonate as compared to the natural substrate.
An O(log n)-competitive algorithm for online constrained forest problems

In the generalized Steiner tree problem, we find a minimumcost set of edges to connect a given set of source-sink pairs. In the online version of this problem, the source-sink pairs arrive over time. Agrawal, Klein, and Ravi give a 2-approximation algorithm for the offline problem; Berman and Coulston give an O(log n)-competitive algorithm for the online problem. Goemans and Williamson subsequently generalized the offline algorithm of Agrawal et al. to handle a large class of problems they called constrained forest problems, and other problems, such as the prize-collecting Steiner tree problem. In this paper, we show how to combine the ideas of Goemans and Williamson and those of Berman and Coulston to give an O(log n)-competitive algorithm for online constrained forest problems, including an online version of the prize-collecting Steiner tree problem.
Design techniques for Pulsed Static CMOS

This paper gives new results in the design of Pulsed Static CMOS circuits. In particular, a new method of circuit duplication has been proposed which is particularly useful for the implementation of arithmetic functions. An array multiplier and a carry-select adder are used as representative design examples. Simulation results confirm that these Pulsed Static CMOS circuits operate correctly and have greater throughput than traditional static designs.
Design and evaluation of distributed algorithms for placement of network services

Network services play an important role in the Internet today. They serve as data caches for websites, servers for multiplayer games and relay nodes for Voice over IP (VoIP) conversations. While much research has focused on the design of such services, little attention has been focused on their actual placement. This placement can impact the quality of the service, especially if low latency is a requirement. These services can be located on nodes in the network itself, making these nodes supernodes. Typically supernodes are selected in either a proprietary or ad hoc fashion, where a study of this placement is either unavailable or unnecessary. Previous research dealt with the only pieces of the problem, such as finding the location of caches for a static topology, or selecting better routes for relays in VoIP. However, a comprehensive solution is needed for dynamic applications such as multiplayer games or P2P VoIP services. These applications adapt quickly and need solutions based on the immediate demands of the network. In this thesis we develop distributed algorithms to assign nodes the role of a supernode. This research first builds off of prior work by modifying an existing assignment algorithm and implementing it in a distributed system called Supernode Placement in Overlay Topologies (SPOT). New algorithms are developed to assign nodes the supernode role. These algorithms are then evaluated in SPOT to demonstrate improved SN assignment and scalability. Through a series of simulation, emulation, and experimentation insight is gained into the critical issues associated with allocating resources to perform the role of supernodes. Our contributions include distributed algorithms to assign nodes as supernodes, an open source fully functional distributed supernode allocation system, an evaluation of the system in diverse networking environments, and a simulator called SPOTsim which demonstrates the scalability of the system to thousands of nodes. An example of an application deploying such a system is also presented along with the empirical results.
Calcium activation of brain tryptophan hydroxylase

Abstract Using both radioisotopic and fluorometric techniques to measure the activity of midbrain soluble enzyme, we have demonstrated that calcium activates tryptophan hydroxylase. The observed activation apparently results from an increased affinity of the enzyme for both its substrate, tryptophan, and the cofactor 2-amino-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropteridine (6-MPH 4 ). The calcium activation of tryptophan hydroxylase appears to be specific for both enzyme and effector: other brain neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzymes, such as aromatic amino acid decarboxylase(s) and tyrosine hydroxylase, are not affected by calcium (at concentrations ranging from 0.01 mM to 2.0 mM); other divalent cations, such as Ba ++ , Mg ++ , and Mn ++ , have no activating effect on tryptophan hydroxylase. This work suggests that increases in brain serotonin biosynthesis induced by neural activation may be due to influx of Ca ++ associated with membrane depolarization and resulting activation of nerve ending tryptophan hydroxylase.
Engineering enzyme specificity

Abstract Protein engineering is the application of knowledge to design and alter protein function and structure. Although powerful methods, from specific to random, have been developed for the redesign of protein architecture, their successful application is dependent on the information known about the protein. This database of information is providing a foundation for establishing rules that govern enzyme—substrate interactions.
Competitive interactions affect perch-height preferences of three Odonata taxa (Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae)

Abstract Co-occurring odonate species often perch at different heights. We studied the effects of interspecific and intraspecific interactions on perch-height selection by Perithemis tenera, Pachydiplax longipennis, and Enallagma spp. by creating artificial perch stations and comparing perch selection when species perched alone or together. We also compared the frequency of perch-height use in the presence or absence of P. tenera and P. longipennis decoys (dead mounted specimens). When species perched alone, Enallagma spp. preferred low perches, P. tenera intermediate perches, and P. longipennis tall perches. This correlated with body mass; larger species used taller perches. Intraspecific responses to decoys were species specific; P. tenera showed an aggressive positive response to the presence of a conspecific decoy, whereas P. longipennis avoided conspecific decoys by shifting to lower perches. Interspecific effects were more consistent. The presence of living or decoy P. tenera at a station caused Ena...
Streptozotocin treated bullfrogs fail to develop insulin deficiency

Abstract 1. 1. Adult Rana catesbeiana and premetamorphic tadpoles were injected with streptozotocin (200–1000 mg/kg, IP). 2. 2. Serum glucose and serum and pancreatic insulin-like immunoreactivity (ILI) were determined at various post injection intervals. 3. 3. Pancreatic beta islet histology or immunocytochemistry was also observed. 4. 4. Bullfrog adults became mildly hyperglycemie after streptozotocin injection but did not develop insulin deficiency. 5. 5. Hyperglycemie frogs had slightly elevated serum ILI concentrations and had pancreatic ILI comparable to that of the controls; hyperglycemie frog islets appeared indistinguishable from control islets. 6. 6. Tadpoles did not respond to streptozotocin.
Human Growth Hormone: 45-kDa Isoform with Extraordinarily Stable Interchain Disulfide Links has Attenuated Receptor-Binding and Cell-Proliferative Activities

Abstract Background Human growth hormone (hGH) is a complex mixture of molecular isoforms. Gaps in our knowledge exist regarding the structures and biological significances of the uncharacterized hGH molecular variants. Mercaptoethanol-resistant 45-kDa human growth hormone (MER-45 kDa hGH) is an extraordinarily stable disulfide-linked hGH homodimer whose biological significance is unknown. Objectives To elucidate the pharmacokinetic abilities of dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH to bind to GH and prolactin (PRL) receptors and to elucidate its abilities to stimulate cell proliferation in lactogen-induced and somatogen-induced in vitro cell proliferation bioassays. Design The binding of MER-45-kDa hGH to GH and PRL receptors was tested in radioreceptor assays (RRAs). Competitive displacements of [ 125 I]-bovine GH from bovine liver membranes, [ 125 I]-ovine PRL from lactating rabbit mammary gland membranes and [ 125 I]-hGH from human IM-9 lymphocytes by unlabelled GHs, PRLs or dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH were evaluated. The abilities of dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH to stimulate proliferation of lactogen-responsive Nb2 lymphoma cells and to stimulate proliferation of somatogen-responsive T47-D human breast cancer cells were assessed by incubation of cells with GHs or PRLs and subsequently measuring growth using the MTS cell proliferation assay. Results Dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH, compared to monomeric hGH, had reduced binding affinities to both GH and prolactin receptors. In a bovine liver GH radioreceptor assay its ED 50 (197.5 pM) was 40.8% that of monomeric hGH. In a human IM-9 lymphocyte hGH RRA its ED 50 (2.96 nM) was 26.2% that of monomeric hGH. In a lactating rabbit mammary gland prolactin RRA its ED 50 (3.56 nM) was 16.8% that of a monomeric hGH. Dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH, compared to monomeric hGH, had a diminished capacity to stimulate proliferation of cells in vitro . In a dose–response relationship assessing proliferation of Nb2 lymphoma cells its ED 50 (191 pM) was 18.0% that of monomeric hGH. While monomeric hGH stimulated a 2.2-fold proliferation of T47-D human breast cancer cells above vehicle control, dimeric MER-45-kDa hGH was unable to stimulate the cells to proliferate and slightly inhibited their proliferation to 77.6% that of control. Conclusions The topological arrangement of monomeric hGHs to form an unusually stable disulfide-linked dimer markedly diminishes hGH's binding affinities to both GH and PRL receptors and also drastically attenuates its ability to stimulate proliferation of cells in vitro .
Abstract A96: Correlates of prostate cancer testing among African American men

Introduction: The major risk factors for developing prostate cancer are age, African American (AA) race, and family history. AA men have greater burden of incidence and mortality from this disease. The purpose of the study was to examine factors associated with recent prostate cancer screening using DRE and PSA among a sample of AA men. Methods: Data were collected on AA men, age 40 or older, living in the Southeastern U.S. (n=448). The study used a convenience sample. Men were asked questions about their knowledge, awareness, and attitudes regarding prostate cancer and prostate cancer screening using DRE and PSA. Data were self‐reported survey responses and analyzed using SAS. Results: Most study participants were married (52%) and had some college or technical training (78%). The percentage of AA men who had undergone PSA testing or a DRE in the past two years (recent) was 41% and 39% respectively. Factors associated with a recent screening test with PSA and DRE were doctor recommendation, older age, and having some type of health insurance. An additional factors associated with a recent screening with DRE was self‐reporting excellent health. Conclusions: The percentage of AA men who reported either PSA or DRE appears to be lower than found in other studies. However, doctor recommendation and health insurance were the most important modifiable correlates for screening compliance. Getting men to go to the doctor and having meaningful discussions about prostate cancer may help men as they make decisions about prostate cancer screening. Further studies are needed to further explore how health insurance status may modify the relationship between doctor recommendation and prostate cancer screening. Citation Information: Cancer Prev Res 2010;3(1 Suppl):A96.
An adhesive bond strength prediction algorithm based on ultrasonic signal analysis

Abstract The problem of predicting adhesive bond defects for both surface preparation and undercure defects has been studied using an ultrasonic, experimental test bed system. This experimental test bed incorporates the ultrasonic and computer equipment necessary to acquire and process data from various types of adhesively bonded test specimens. The computer hardware and software have been developed to allow the design of reliable pattern recognition algorithms for the evaluation of surface preparation and bond cure. The specific problem studied is the inspection of the adhesive bond in an aluminium/aluminium step-lap joint whose strength could be affected by improper surface preparation or undercure. A set of 164 bond specimens was used to design an algorithm that is 91% reliable for separating the specimens into a good class, those bonds with no defects, or a week class, bonds with poor surface preparation on an undercured adhesive layer. A Fisher Linear Discriminant function was selected by the test bed as the best pattern recognition routine for this classification problem.
Negative Quantum Channels: An Introduction to Quantum Maps that are Not Completely Positive

This book is a brief introduction to negative quantum channels, i.e., linear, trace-preserving (and consistent) quantum maps that are not completely positive. The flat and sharp operators are introduced and explained. Complete positivity is presented as a mathematical property, but it is argued that complete positivity is not a physical requirement of all quantum operations. Negativity, a measure of the lack of complete positivity, is proposed as a tool for empirically testing complete positivity assumptions. Table of Contents: Preface / Acknowledgments / Introduction and Definition of Terms / Tomography / Non-Positive Reduced Dynamics / Complete Positivity / Physical Motivation of Complete Positivity / Measures of Complete Positivity / Negative Channels / Negative Climates with Diagonal Composite Dynamics / Rabi Channels / Physical Motivations for Sharp Operations / Negative Qubit Channel Examples with Multi-Qubit Baths / Proposed Experimental Demonstration of Negativity / Implications of Negative Channels / Uses for Negative Channels / Conclusions / Bibliography / Author's Biography
Immunophilins and Parvulins. Superfamily of Peptidyl Prolyl Isomerases in Arabidopsis

Immunophilins are defined as receptors for immunosuppressive drugs including cyclosporin A, FK506, and rapamycin. The cyclosporin A receptors are referred to as cyclophilins (CYPs) and FK506- and rapamycin-binding proteins are abbreviated as FKBPs. These two groups of proteins (collectively called immunophilins) share little sequence homology, but both have peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerase (PPIase) activity that is involved in protein folding processes. Studies have identified immunophilins in all organisms examined including bacteria, fungi, animals, and plants. Nevertheless, the physiological function of immunophilins is poorly understood in any organism. In this study, we have surveyed the genes encoding immunophilins in Arabidopsis genome. A total of 52 genes have been found to encode putative immunophilins, among which 23 are putative FKBPs and 29 are putative CYPs. This is by far the largest immunophilin family identified in any organism. Both FKBPs and CYPs can be classified into single domain and multiple domain members. The single domain members contain a basic catalytic domain and some of them have signal sequences for targeting to a specific organelle. The multiple domain members contain not only the catalytic domain but also defined modules that are involved in protein-protein interaction or other functions. A striking feature of immunophilins in Arabidopsis is that a large fraction of FKBPs and CYPs are localized in the chloroplast, a possible explanation for why plants have a larger immunophilin family than animals. Parvulins represent another family of PPIases that are unrelated to immunophilins in protein sequences and drug binding properties. Three parvulin genes were found in Arabidopsis genome. The expression of many immunophilin and parvulin genes is ubiquitous except for those encoding chloroplast members that are often detected only in the green tissues. The large number of genes and diversity of structure domains and cellular localization make PPIases a versatile superfamily of proteins that clearly function in many cellular processes in plants.
Extracting electrical energy from the vacuum by cohesion of charged foliated conductors

Any pair of conducting plates at close distances ( \ensuremath{\mu}m) experience an attractive Casimir force that is due to the electromagnetic zero-point fluctuations of the vacuum. A "vacuum-fluctuation battery" can be constructed by using the Casimir force to do work on a stack of charged conducting plates. By applying a charge of the same polarity to each conducting plate, a repulsive electrostatic force will be produced that opposes the Casimir force. If the applied electrostatic force is adjusted to be always slightly less than the Casimir force, the plates will move toward each other and the Casimir force will add energy to the electric field between the plates. The battery can be recharged by making the electrical forces slightly stronger than the Casimir force to reexpand the foliated conductor.
An overview of budget contingency calculation methods in construction industry

Due to risks and uncertainties associated with construction projects, owner agencies usually add a reserve amount to the estimated project cost. This reserve amount, known as contingency, is to absorb the monetary impact of the risks/uncertainties and to prevent cost overrun. Over the past two decades, many contingency calculation methods for construction projects have been introduced by practitioners and researchers. These methods can be ranged from simply considering a percentage of the project base cost to complex mathematical methods. Each of these methods suggests an approach for calculating contingency using different assumptions. The question is which one of these methods should be applied to a certain project at a specific phase. Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each method can help practitioners in construction industry select the best method based upon their project characteristics, budget, and time. This paper compiles almost all contingency calculations methods and divides them into three main categories of: (1) deterministic methods, (2) probabilistic methods, and (3) modern mathematical methods. Each of these categories are then divided into more subcategories and discussed in detail.
Sarcosporidiosis-a review.

Sarcosporidia are protozoal parasites which develop in the cross-striated fibres of skeletal, tongue, oesophageal and cardiac muscle. The affection occurs in many species of vertebrate animals and birds, has a world-wide distribution, but rarely has any untoward effects on the host it parasitizes. The economic importance of the sarcosporidia is that carcases found severely infected on meat inspection are condemned.
Remembering John Winthrop---Hawthorne's Suggestion

Influential but obscure, admired and loathed, utterly rejected by some on the left even as other liberals vigorously battle conservatives to make him an icon of party ideals, John Winthrop, first governor of Massachusetts, is unique in our civic consciousness. Quite unexpectedly, Nathaniel Hawthorne-one of American Puritanism's earliest, fiercest, and most brilliant critics-gives us reason to recover a picture of Winthrop that acknowledges his more admirable virtues and contributions without sparing condemnation of the Puritan political regime he did so much to establish.
Intercellular Adhesion, Cytoskeletal Organization and Signaling in a Substrate-Free Cell Monolayer

Connections between cell-cell junctions and cytoskeleton profoundly influence cell shape, motility and gene expression. However, cell-cell interactions are easily masked by cell-substrate interactions thus remains poorly characterized. A cell monolayer can be considered the simplest multicellular tissue structure, yet they fulfill critical roles in human physiology and tissue engineering. A systematic characterization of intercellular adhesion, cytoskeletal organization and signaling in a substrate-free cell monolayer is crucial for unlocking the potential for cell-sheet tissue engineering. To test our hypothesis that intercellular junctions and cytoskeleton components likely play significant roles in establishing cell sheet cohesion, we have developed a unique partial-lifting technique that allows generation and investigation of the biological and mechanical properties of substrate-freehuman keratinocytecell monolayer.Results demonstrated that through alterations of spatial organization and expression of their cytoskeleton and specialized intercellular adhesions, substrate-free cells create a monolayer tissue that has a much stronger mechanical strength than their substrate-adhering controls. To determine the contribution of intercellular junctions and cytoskeleton to cell sheet mechanics, we altered the junctional protein plakoglobin by siRNA interference, altered actin-myosin interactions by ROCK kinase inhibitor and actin disruption agent. Knockdown of plakoglobin significantly diminished its participation in intercellular junctions and resulted in weakened cell sheet strength. Similarly, actin disruption and actin-myosin contraction inhibition also diminished cell sheet strength. Next, we demonstrated that external mechanical stimuli further boosted the sheet's mechanical strength via increased junctional localizations and elevated expression levels, suggesting possible involvement of plakoglobin-related Wnt/β-catenin signaling and actin-related RhoA/ROCK signaling.Given the near-ubiquity of plakoglobin and actin in multicellular organisms, these findings could have significant implications for understanding the fundamental mechanisms that regulating cell adhesion and biomechanics, and improving the mechanical properties of tissue engineering constructs.
The Proper Place of Men and Machines inLanguage Translation

The only way in which the power of computers has been brought to bear on the problem of language translation is machine translation, that is, the automation of the entire process. Machine translation is an excellent research vehicle but stands no chance of filling actual needs for translation which are growing at a great rate. In the quarter century during which work on machine translation has been going on, there has been considerable progress in relevant areas of computer science. However, advances in linguistics, important though they may have been, have not touched the core of this problem. The proper thing to do is therefore to adopt the kinds of solution that have proved successful in other domains, namely to develop cooperative man–machine systems. This paper proposes a translator‘s amanuensis, incorporating into a word processor some simple facilities peculiar to translation. Gradual enhancements of such a system could eventually lead to the original goal of machine translation.
Coordinating eye and primary medical care in a low-income and uninsured population: the experience of the Vision of Hope Health Alliance.

Abstract Purpose The Vision of Hope Health Alliance (VOHHA) was developed to provide an integrated system of eye and primary medical services to low-income and uninsured patients who were referred from nonmedical and medical agencies. Methods Partnerships were formed to facilitate patient referrals. Eye examinations and ophthalmic materials were provided at no cost to patients. Interpretation services and follow-up care were provided as needed. If applicable, patients were scheduled with a primary care physician at a Federally Qualified Health Center. Findings were documented by VOHHA team members or obtained through retrospective record review. Results Over a 2-year period, 1,753 patients were examined. About half (52.5%) were women. Most (80%) were black or Hispanic. Average age was 49.4 years (range, 18 to 83). Of those with diabetes mellitus (DM), 30.9% reported a last eye examination within 15 months. Of those without DM, 23.6% reported last eye examination within 15 months. Most (60%) reported last medical examination to be within 1 year. Most (85.7%) received spectacle prescriptions. Follow-up eye care appointments were kept by 367. Appointments with primary care physicians were scheduled for 165. Of those, 121 kept appointments. Conclusions VOHHA demonstrated a model program that provided eye care and referral for primary medical care to individuals without the means to otherwise obtain care.
Epidermal growth factor receptor abnormalities in lung cancer. Pathogenetic and clinical implications

The discovery that mutation of the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene occurs in a subset of lung cancers and predicts for sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors has generated enormous interest and immediately led to intense basic, translational, and clinical research in many laboratories around the globe. All these findings have led to the identification of a subset of lung cancers with relatively distinct molecular, pathologic, and clinical features that demonstrate response to targeted therapy. Currently, the best marker to predict response and better survival for EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, such as EGFR mutation, gene increased copy number, and protein immunohistochemical expression, is still controversial. Importantly, the findings of EGFR abnormalities in lung cancer have supported the notion that different molecular mechanisms and pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of lung cancer arising in never and ever smokers.
Effect of aging on T lymphocyte activation.

Studies of the early stages of T-cell activation reveal that T cells from aged mice show multiple abnormalities within the first few minutes after stimulation, including decline in the activation of the Raf-1/MEK/ERK kinases and in JNK protein kinase. Zap-70 kinase associated with the CD3ζ chain shows a 2-fold increase with age in resting CD4 T cells, despite a three-fold decline with age in the levels of tyrosine phosphorylation of CD3ζ; nonetheless, there is no effect of aging on Zap-70 kinase function in activated T cells as measured by in vitro kinase methods. Age-related impairment of the translocation of PKCθ from cytoplasm to the site of T-cell interaction with antigen-presenting cells may underlie downstream defects in the activation cascade.
Vertical Response of Twelve Structures Recorded during the Northridge Earthquake

Abstract This paper summarizes the results of a study on vertical response of twelve instrumented structures recorded during the Northridge earthquake. The selected structures include buildings ranging in height from 2 to 14 stories, located within a distance range of 8 to 71 km from the causative fault of the Northridge earthquake. They include four steel buildings, five concrete structures and three base‐isolated buildings. The recorded peak vertical structural accelerations are found to be larger than those at the base by a factor of 1.1 to 6.4. The identified lowest vertical frequencies of the structural members and systems of all the twelve structures are within the frequency range of 3.9 to 13.3 Hz (period range of 0.075 to 0.26 sec). For the structures located in the near‐source region, this period range may correspond to a range of high vertical spectral accelerations.
Does the Body Know Best? Psychophysiological Reactivity to Perceived versus Imagined Childhood Events:

Investigations of the ability to distinguish real from imagined events can inform the mechanisms by which false memories are created. We examined psychophysiological reactivity while participants (N = 53) narrated childhood events that they had experienced (according to their previous report) or that they denied having experienced but had imagined. Two types of events were narrated, emotional and neutral. Results show that participants rated experienced events as more vivid than imagined events and events the authors intended to be emotional as more emotional than events the authors intended to be neutral. Although there were no significant differences on the heart rate and skin conductance measures, both experienced and imagined events produced significant increases in reactivity in comparison to baseline measures. Implications for the creation of false memories are discussed.
Encephalography with metrizamide.

A technic for filling the cisterns and ventricular system with Metrizamide for the study of the posterior fossa is described. The supine patient is tilted slightly cephalad and the contrast medium is injected through a subarachnoid puncture at C1-C2. The contrast medium filled the fourth ventricle completely in 14 of 16 cases and the structures of the posterior compartment of the posterior fossa were shown in such detail as to make accurate diagnoses possible. Filling of the prepontine cisterns was insufficient or absent in most of the cases. There were no significant undesirable side-effects and no epileptogenic activity. The simplicity of the technic makes it very suitable for the diagnosis of cerebellar tumors. A brief discussion of the possibilities and limitations of the method is also presented
Endoscopic resection of colloid cysts: indications, technique, and results during a 13-year period.

Objective Questions of recurrence and inadequacy of follow-up length persist regarding endoscopic treatment of colloid cysts. In this retrospective review, we report our long-term follow-up during a 13-year period in 35 patients who underwent endoscopic resection of colloid cysts. Methods The 19 males and 16 females (age range 14 to 58 years, mean 35.9 years) who had symptomatic colloid cysts that ranged in size from 5 mm to 4 cm underwent endoscopic resection in the period from 1991 to 2004. Results Of 2 patients who developed recurrences at 5.9 years and 4.3 years (1 and 6 mm, respectively) both remain asymptomatic. The rate of late asymptomatic recurrence in this series is 6.3%. Three endoscopic resections were converted to an open craniotomy. Three operative complications occurred (i.e., introducer tract hemorrhage, thalamic stroke secondary to thermal injury, epidural hematoma that required evacuation). Four patients noted minimal short-term memory loss without interference in daily living. Of 3 patients with shunts preoperatively, all have no evidence of hydrocephalus after shunt removal. Two patients have asymptomatic ventriculomegaly. Prophylactic anticonvulsants were not prescribed and no seizures were reported. No infections were recorded with antibiotic administration preoperatively, and 24 hours postoperatively. Conclusions Our series represents the longest follow-up (mean of 7.8 years) of colloid cysts after endoscopic resection. We now use this technique as the first line of treatment for colloid cysts. The risk of recurrence is minimal with gross total resection and/or coagulation of the cyst wall.
Surface wettability change during pool boiling of nanofluids and its effect on critical heat flux

The pool boiling characteristics of dilute dispersions of alumina, zirconia and silica nanoparticles in water were studied. Consistently with other nanofluid studies, it was found that a significant enhancement in critical heat flux (CHF) can be achieved at modest nanoparticle concentrations (<0.1% by volume). Buildup of a porous layer of nanoparticles on the heater surface occurred during nucleate boiling. This layer significantly improves the surface wettability, as shown by a reduction of the static contact angle on the nanofluid-boiled surfaces compared with the pure-water-boiled surfaces. A review of the prevalent CHF theories has established the nexus between CHF enhancement and surface wettability changes caused by nanoparticle deposition. This represents a first important step towards identification of a plausible mechanism for boiling CHF enhancement in nanofluids.