cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endothelin 3 induces skin pigmentation in a keratin-driven inducible mouse model.

Endothelin 3 (Edn3) encodes a ligand important to developing neural crest cells and is allelic to the spontaneous mouse mutation occurring at the lethal spotting (ls) locus. Edn3ls/ls mutants exhibit a spotted phenotype due to reduced numbers of neural crest-derived melanocyte precursors in the skin. In this study, we show that when Edn3 is driven by the keratin 5 promoter and thereby placed proximal to melanocyte lineage cells, adult mice manifest pigmented skin harboring dermal melanocytes. Using a tetracycline inducible system, we show that the postnatal expression of Edn3 is required to maintain these dermal melanocytes, and that early expression of the Edn3 transgene is important to the onset of the hyperpigmentation phenotype. Crosses into Edn3ls/ls mutants demonstrate that the Edn3 transgene expression does not fully compensate for the endogenous expression pattern. Crosses into tyrosine kinase receptor KitWv mutants indicate that Edn3 can partially compensate for Kit's role in early development. Crosses into Ay mutant mice considerably darkened their yellow coat color suggesting a previously unreported role for endothelin signaling in pigment switching. These results demonstrate that exogenous Edn3 affects both precursors and differentiated melanocytes, leading to a phenotype with characteristics similar to the human skin condition dermal melanocytosis.
On the existence of near-range order in isotactic polypropylenes

Abstract A form of polypropylene, intermediate between amorphous and crystalline, has been detected and studied by means of X-ray scattering, i.r. absorption, n.m.r. absorption, dynamic mechanical, and volumetric measurements. This form (called non-crystalline) is characterized as being an aggregation of molecules (or segments of molecules) in which portions of the individual chains maintain the helical structure found in the crystal but in which there is little, or no, lateral order sufficient to be called crystalline.
Radical prostatectomy: value of prostate MRI in surgical planning

The introduction of serum prostate-specific antigen to the prostate cancer screening algorithm has led to an increase in prostate cancer diagnosis as well as a migration toward lower-stage cancer at the time of diagnosis. This stage migration has coincided with changes in treatment options; these include active surveillance, new therapies, and advances in surgical techniques. Use of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) as a surgical technique has seen a significant increase over the past several years: the number of patients undergoing RARP has risen from 1% to 40% of all prostatectomies from 2001–2006 to as many as 80% in 2010. The robotic interface provides a 3D magnified view of the surgical field, intuitive instrument manipulation, motion scaling, tremor filtration, and excellent dexterity and range of motion. However, in some cases, the lack of tactile (haptic) feedback may limit the surgeon’s decision making ability in assessing malignant involvement of the neurovascular bundles. Pre-operative planning relies on nomograms based on limited clinical and prostate biopsy information. The surgical decision to spare or resect the neurovascular bundles is based on clinical information which is not spatially or anatomically based. Advances in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide spatially localized information to fill this void and aid surgical planning, particularly for robotic surgeons. In this review, we discuss the potential role of pre-operative MRI in surgical planning for radical prostatectomy.
Antibody variable region glycosylation: biochemical and clinical effects.

There is a substantial body of evidence that implicates antibody glycosylation in disease. Several reports have documented that the presence of carbohydrate in the variable region contributes to alterations in protein solubility, leading to formation of immune complexes or tissue deposition. It has been suggested that disruptions in the regulation of glycosylation can lead to the expression of altered carbohydrate structure (such as agalactosyl sugars) with the resulting glycoproteins exhibiting properties (such as a tendency towards aggregation) that contribute to disease [40].
Pulmonary vascular response to aerosolized cromolyn sodium and repeated epochs of isocapneic alveolar hypoxia in lambs

We investigated the effect of aerosolized cromolyn sodium (CS) on the pulmonary vascular response to isocapneic alveolar hypoxia in chronically instrumented lambs aged 11-12 days. Each lamb underwent two operations: chest instrumentation for measurements of pulmonary arterial, systemic arterial, and left atrial pressures, and pulmonary blood flow; and a tracheotomy for drug administration. The animals were recovered 3 days before study. Each lamb received an aerosol of normal saline (placebo) and CS in paired experiments 24 h apart. In the first set of experiments (n = 8), placebo or CS (30 mg) was given, followed by four 15-min epochs of alveolar hypoxia (8% O2, 5% CO2, 87% N2) each separated by 30 min of alveolar normoxia (21% O2). During hypoxia after both placebo and CS, pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance increased. This response was unchanged with repeated epochs. In the second set of experiments (n = 8), normal saline or CS (30 mg) was administered three times over a 90-min period, followed by one 15-min epoch of hypoxia. Pulmonary arterial pressure and resistance increased during hypoxia after placebo, but did not change after CS. Thus, the single dose of aerosolized CS did not alter the pulmonary vascular response to alveolar hypoxia, whereas the triple dose of CS attenuated the response. Additionally, the pulmonary vascular response to hypoxia alone was not altered by repeated exposures to hypoxia. We conclude that CS interferes with the mechanism(s) responsible for hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in newborn lambs.
Management of Pulmonary Disease in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is the most common, life-shortening autosomal recessive disease, affecting approximately 1 in 3400 live births in the United States. Gastrointestinal and pulmonary manifestations ar...
Second class currents and broken SU(3)-symmetry

Abstract In the SU(3) limit, a second class, T-normal axial vector current, which transforms like an octet, can give rise to pseudotensor terms in the matrix elements for leptonic decays of baryons. With first order symmetry breaking, this second class current may generate pseudovector and pseudoscalar form factor contributions. It is an anti-hermitian current, but, even with SU(3) breaking, it does not need to disturb the chiral SU(2) × SU(2) algebra of charges.
Vitamin D-independent expression of chick brain calbindin-D28K.

Abstract A combination of calbindin-D28K-specific cDNA probes and polyclonal antisera were used to investigate expression of the calbindin-D28K in the vitamin D-deficient avian brain in vivo in response to pharmacological doses of the vitamin D3 metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Serum calcium levels were stimulated (2-fold) and intestinal calbindin-D28K expression (between 10- and 30-fold) by 1,25(OH)2D3 (6.5 nmol/animal) after 12 h. In marked contrast, steady-state whole brain levels of calbindin-D28K as judged by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) remained constant. Northern gel analysis revealed that three species of calbindin-D28K mRNA (2.0, 2.6 and 3.1 kb) were present a priori in the vitamin D-deficient chick brain and that administration of pharmacological doses (6.5 nmol/animal) of 1.25(OH)2D3 failed to influence their relative abundance. Separate but parallel dot blot hybridization analyses also confirmed that brain calbindin-D28K-mRNA levels were not influenced by 1,25(OH)2D3. These experiments demonstrate at the molecular level that, in contrast to the intestine, the gene encoding calbindin-D28K in the brain is regulated by mechanism(s) or factors which are independent of vitamin D status.
Relationship between microgrinding parameters and lens surface features

In deterministic microgrinding (DMG) of glass optics with metal bond diamond abrasive ring tools, cutter marks are generated on the lens surface by the relative motion between the grinding tool and the work piece. The cutter marks for spherical surface generation appear as curves that follow contact lines between the abrasive ring tool and the work piece from the center to the edge of the lens. For DMG surfaces using a three tool process, individual cutter mark heights vary form approximately 5 to 100 nm with a variable spatial separation of from 0.1 to 3 mm along the circumference of the lines. The number of cutter marks generated for one revolution of the work piece is typically equal to the ratio of the tool RPM to the work piece RPM. In this paper we describe experiments designed to investigate the relationship between machine vibration characteristics and cutter mark generation and to identify process parameters that most strongly influence the generation of cutter marks. Machine vibration is monitored during grinding with accelerometers, positioned in the x, y, and z directions and located on the tool spindle. A fast Fourier transform (FFT) is used to identify the dominant frequency components of the machine vibration. The fine ground surfaces obtained with the machine are hen measured with interferometry and also analyzed with a FFT to identify periodic features. An experimental approach is employed to identify the microgrinding process parameters, such as tool speed, work piece speed, infeed rate, cutting edge bevel width, and dwell time that significantly influence the characteristics of the cutter marks. Process parameters can then be chosen to minimize cutter mark generation.
Fidelity of replication of repetitive DNA in mutS and repair proficient Escherichia coli.

Abstract Replication fidelity is not constant among strains within a species or at all genetic loci within a genome. Altered fidelity of replication may affect patterns of pathogenesis and the evolution of these strains. We have been studying replication fidelity in Escherichia coli , both in laboratory attenuated strains and in food-borne pathogens. To understand the altered patterns of mutagenesis at the molecular level, we used a shuttle vector plasmid with a tRNA mutational marker gene which had been altered to include homopolymeric runs of five, seven and nine [G:C] pairs, as well as non-repetitive DNA. Replication of the plasmid in mutS strains resulted in a 20-fold increase in mutant progeny plasmids. The mutations were almost all (>90%) frameshift mutations, while base substitution mutations were rare. Most mutations were insertions or deletions of one or two [G:C] pairs in the longest homopolymeric runs. Larger deletions (5 to >70 bp), also targeted to the repetitive sequence, were likewise common. Mutations increased exponentially with the length of the homopolymeric run. These patterns of mutation, including unexpectedly high levels in repair proficient strains, led to an examination of the E. coli K-12 genome for homopolymeric DNA. This sequence motif was found to be rare, particularly in genes and open reading frames. Amino acid homotrimers were found to avoid usage of homopolymeric codons, even when they are preferred among synonymous codons in E. coli . There appears to be active selection against tandem direct nucleotide repeats in the E. coli genome, correlated with the inability of the organism to accurately replicate such sequence.
Cavity operation of a pulsed C 13 H 3 F laser

Cavity operation of an optically pumped, pulsed, C13H3F far-infrared laser is described. The use of a Fabry-Perot output coupler has resulted in selectable line emission at 1222, 1207, 1006, 388 and 412 μm with power levels in the 1–20 kW range. In addition, single mode operation on the longer wavelength lines has been achieved. Experimental evidence is also presented for a collisionally coupled two-photon absorption process which is responsible for the observed short wavelength emission.
Intraosseous venous drainage anomaly in patients with pretibial varices: imaging findings.

PURPOSE: To determine a set of distinctive imaging findings seen in symptomatic patients with pretibial varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records and imaging studies of patients who presented with pretibial varices over an 8-year period were collected from four institutions. Findings in six symptomatic patients with pretibial varices were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings were available from all six patients; findings from several other modalities were also available in some patients. RESULTS: Conventional radiographs showed a small osteolytic defect in the anterior cortex of the midtibia and a prominent, longitudinally oriented, radiolucent groove in the proximal half of the tibial diaphysis. MR images showed pretibial varices connected to an enlarged vessel in the tibia that eventually exited through the nutrient foramen. Computed tomographic (three patients), sonographic (four patients), venographic (four patients), arteriographic (two patients), ...
Suppression of the zero-order diffracted beam from a pixelated spatial light modulator by phase compression

Phase compression is used to suppress the on-axis zero-order diffracted (ZOD) beam from a pixelated phase-only spatial light modulator (SLM) by a simple modification to the computer generated hologram (CGH) loaded onto the SLM. After CGH design, the phase of each SLM element is identically compressed by multiplying by a constant scale factor and rotated on the complex unit-circle to produce a cancellation beam that destructively interferes with the ZOD beam. Experiments achieved a factor of 3 reduction of the ZOD beam using two different liquid-crystal SLMs. Numerical simulation analyzed the reconstructed image quality and diffraction efficiency versus degree of phase compression and showed that phase compression resulted in little image degradation or power loss.
Insulin regulation of lipoprotein lipase in cultured 3T3-L1 cells

Abstract Lipoprotein lipase activity is produced by the 3T3-L1 cell an established mouse fibroblast line which resembles an adipocyte after reaching a confluent stage of growth. Since insulin has been shown to be an important regulator of lipoprotein lipase in other mammalian systems, a two hour incubation period was utilized to determine if insulin could enhance an acute response of enzyme activity. Over the range of concentrations tested (0.4, 4.0 and 40 ng/ml), insulin increased lipoprotein lipase activity in acetone ether powders of cells (intracellular enzyme) and the activity secreted into the culture medium. A simultaneous decrease in lipoprotein lipase activity releasable with heparin in a subsequent incubation (membrane bound activity) indicates two distinct effects of insulin on the enzyme in this system.
Psychiatric disorder comorbidity and association with eating disorders in bariatric surgery patients: A cross-sectional study using structured interview-based diagnosis.

Objective This study examined the prevalence of DSM-IV Axis I psychiatric disorders in severely obese bariatric surgery candidates and explored whether eating disorders were associated with psychiatric comorbidity. Method The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders was administered to a study group of 174 consecutively evaluated bariatric surgery candidates. All evaluations were completed between September 2002 and November 2004. Results Overall, 36.8% of the participants met criteria for at least one lifetime psychiatric disorder, with 24.1% meeting criteria for a current disorder. The most commonly observed lifetime psychiatric diagnoses were affective disorders (22.4%), anxiety disorders (15.5%), and eating disorders (13.8%). Participants with eating disorders were significantly more likely than those without eating disorders to meet criteria for psychiatric disorders overall (66.7% vs. 26.7%) and specifically for anxiety disorders (45.8% vs. 10.7%). Conclusions Psychiatric disorders are not uncommon among severely obese patients who present for bariatric surgery. The observed prevalence rates based on structured diagnostic interviews are lower than previously reported based on questionnaire, clinical, and chart review methods but are similar to those reported for nationally representative samples. Among bariatric surgery candidates, the presence of eating disorders is associated with higher rates of other psychiatric disorders. The findings highlight the importance of systematic diagnostic assessment using a structured diagnostic interview for determining the full spectrum of Axis I disorders.
Rapid appearance of multivesicular bodies in the cortex of Drosophila eggs at ovulation

Abstract Following activation of Drosophila oocytes, acid phosphatase-positive multivesicular bodies (MVB) rapidly form in the cortex. From observations of eggs during the first few minutes of activation, MVBs are thought to form from invaginations of the oolemma. Since there is no evidence for turnover of vitellogenin receptors at earlier times, it is postulated that these receptors are synchronously removed at activation.
EphB2 Guides Axons at the Midline and Is Necessary for Normal Vestibular Function

Mice lacking the EphB2 receptor tyrosine kinase display a cell-autonomous, strain-specific circling behavior that is associated with vestibular phenotypes. In mutant embryos, the contralateral inner ear efferent growth cones exhibit inappropriate pathway selection at the midline, while in mutant adults, the endolymph-filled lumen of the semicircular canals is severely reduced. EphB2 is expressed in the endolymph-producing dark cells in the inner ear epithelium, and these cells show ultrastructural defects in the mutants. A molecular link to fluid regulation is provided by demonstrating that PDZ domain-containing proteins that bind the C termini of EphB2 and B-ephrins can also recognize the cytoplasmic tails of anion exchangers and aquaporins. This suggests EphB2 may regulate ionic homeostasis and endolymph fluid production through macromolecular associations with membrane channels that transport chloride, bicarbonate, and water.
Pharmacokinetics of Netilmicin in Patients with Renal Impairment and in Patients on Dialysis

Abstract The pharmacokinetics of netilmicin were examined in 25 adult subjects, 7 normal subjects, and 18 patients with renal impairment. Five were dialysis patients who were studied on and off dialysis. Netilmicin, 2 mg/kg, was infused intravenously over 1 h. The peak serum concentration ranged from 9 to 11 μg/ml. The mean biological half-life of netilmicin for subjects with a creatinine clearance (Ccr) > 70 ml/min was 2.7 h, for those with Ccr > 25 4 < 25 ml/min it was 32 h, and for those who were anephric it was 42 h. Ccr was correlated positively with the elimination constant and the drug's serum clearance. It was negatively correlated with the drug's volume of distribution. The dialyzer clearance of netilmicin was positively correlated with plasma flow rate and was similar to values previously reported for gentamicin. Netilmicin behaves in a fashion similar to other aminoglycosides. Therapeutic guidelines are suggested.
An analysis of esophageal stent placement for persistent leak after the operative repair of intrathoracic esophageal perforations.

Background Surgical repair of esophageal perforation has been the mainstay of therapy for patients without associated esophageal malignancy or diffuse mediastinal necrosis. However, the leak rate after primary surgical repair is reported to range between 15% and 20% and increases to 45% and 70% in patients whose repair is delayed beyond 24 hours. This analysis reviews patients who experienced a leak after the operative repair of an esophageal perforation treated with esophageal stent placement. Methods Patients undergoing esophageal stent placement for the treatment of a leak after the operative repair of an intrathoracic esophageal perforation were identified from a single institution's database, which included patients initially treated at other facilities. Patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results During a 7-year period, 32 esophageal stents were placed in 29 patients who experienced an esophageal leak after operative repair. Associated surgical procedures were simultaneously performed in 7 (24%) patients. Leak occlusion occurred in 27 patients (93%). Two patients required a reoperative repair. Twenty-five patients (86%) were able to initiate oral nutrition within 72 hours of stent placement. Stent migration in 5 patients (19%) required repositioning (n = 2) or replacement (n = 3). Stents were removed at a mean of 22 ± 16 days after placement. Mean hospital length of stay was 8 ± 11 days. Conclusions Endoluminal esophageal stent placement is a safe and effective treatment for the majority of leaks after the operative repair of an intrathoracic esophageal perforation. Stent placement resulted in rapid leak occlusion and provided the opportunity for early oral nutrition while eliminating the need for reoperative repair or esophageal exclusion in the majority of patients.
Green’s function approach for a dynamical study of transport in metal/organic/metal structures

We develop an efficient Green{close_quote}s function formalism to study transport in organic tunneling devices. We find a crossover behavior of the transport from free-electron-like to polaronlike as the ratio between the electronic and organic lattice vibration time scales is varied. If the electronic time scale is fast compared to the lattice vibration time scale, the lattice motion lags behind the incoming wave packet and the transmission is similar to that in a static case where the lattice is frozen. In the opposite limit, the lattice follows the electron and the first transmission peak shifts from the conduction-band edge toward the self-trapped polaron level. We investigate the transmission coefficient, the transfer of energy between the incident electron and the lattice, and the time evolution of the electron energy distribution function as the ratio of these time scales is changed. To simulate lattice fluctuations we study a preexisting lattice distortion and find enhanced subgap transmission. Our results are important for understanding electrical injection in polymer light-emitting diodes and other organic-based electronic device structures, and electrical transport in molecular wires. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Rapamycin (sirolimus) for treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease

Abstract We conducted a phase II trial in 19 chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) patients with rapamycin, calcineurin inhibitors, and prednisone with the goals of controlling cGVHD, reducing prednisone use, and defining the safety of this regimen. Rapamycin was begun as second-line (n = 9) or more than second-line (n = 10) therapy. With a median follow-up of 42 months, 16 patients were evaluable for response. Nine patients discontinued rapamycin because of poor compliance/patient request (n = 2) or an adverse event (n = 7), 3 of whom were not evaluable because of withdrawal at ≤1 month or noncompliance. The adverse events included serum creatinine ≥2.4 mg/dL (n = 4), hemolytic uremic syndrome (n = 2), and relapse of malignancy (n = 1). Fifteen of 16 evaluable patients had a clinical response. Five of the 16 discontinued the drug, and 1 died of relapsed leukemia. Of the 10 patients who continued rapamycin, 2 discontinued and 1 successfully tapered all systemic immunosuppression. Three of the 10 developed progressive cGVHD with tapering immunosuppression; all responded to resumption of prior medications. Four of the 10 patients required alternate therapy for persistent or progressive cGVHD while receiving rapamycin; prednisone was discontinued (n = 2) or tapered at the time of progressive disease (n = 2). Seventeen of 19 original patients were alive. One death was due to relapsed malignancy, and 1 was due to congestive heart failure. In this report of rapamycin as cGVHD therapy, there is evidence of rapamycin's efficacy. Given the significant toxicities described, investigation of altered administration of rapamycin and calcineurin inhibitors should be pursued in future cGVHD trials.
Oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability of EAA/PEO blends and microlayers

The goal of this study was to broaden the spectrum of gas permeability and selectivity characteristics of poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid) (EAA) by combining it with poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), which has a high selectivity for CO 2 . To obtain films that differed substantially in their solid state morphologies, EAA was combined with PEO as melt blends and as coextruded films with many alternating, continuous microlayers of EAA and PEO. The solid state structure and thermal behavior were characterized and the permeability to O 2 and CO 2 was measured at 23°C. When the PEO was dispersed as small domains, the particles were too numerous for most of them to contain a heterogeneity that was sufficiently active to nucleate crystallization at the normal T c . The rubbery, amorphous nature of the PEO domains enhanced the gas permeability of the melt blends. In contrast, the constituent polymers maintained the bulk properties in 5-20 μm-thick microlayers. The series model accurately described the gas transport properties of microlayered films. Comparison of blends and microlayers revealed that the high CO 2 selectivity of PEO was most effectively captured when the PEO phase was continuous, as in the microlayers or in the cocontinuous 50/50 (wt/wt) melt blend.
Following the Motions of a DNA Helicase on DNA in Real Time

Using several experimental approaches, we are investigating the dynamics of individual PcrA DNA helicase interactions on DNA templates. Bulk biophysical and biochemical measurements are done in parallel to ascertain the viability and integrity of the protein and DNA substrates. For "Pacman", we are investigating the relationship between the hydrolysis of ATP and the mechanical motion of the enzyme along a DNA substrate. We have designed a mutant PcrA with two cysteines for attachment of a pair of dyes to follow internal protein motions using single-pair fluorescence resonance energy transfer (spFRET). For "Ring-a-bell" we are following the interaction of PcrA with replication protein RepC. Alone, PcrA is typically capable of translocating only ∼80 bp before dissociating from a DNA template. With RepC, PcrA can achieve rolling circle replication of thousands of bp on a plasmid. Should the two proteins be bound together, they should create specific low and high spFRET signals as they translocate along a specifically labeled DNA substrate. And finally we are studying the interaction of PcrA and Holiday Junction DNA. Does PcrA separate the DNA from the center or from the ends of the DNA junction? We have upgraded our evanescent field fluorescence microscope to use alternating red (648 nm) and green (532 nm) lasers to illuminate the sample. We have added multiple syringes operating under computer control to follow experiments in real-time whereupon ATP is introduced into the liquid flow chamber. We have also upgraded our scanning confocal microscope to improve the alignment of the laser and the ease of use of the instrument.
SU‐E‐T‐695: Dose Calculation of a Breast Cancer Brachytherapy Treatment Using Monte Carlo Simulation

Purpose: To develop a dose calculation package based on Monte Carlo simulation for SAVI breast cancerbrachytherapytreatment using patient's CT data. Methods: A realistic model of the patient was created using anonymized patient data including images, structures and plans from the treatment planning system. Images were then voxelized and each voxel assigned a density and material value base on its calibrated Hounsfield units. Materials included were fat, muscle, lung, air, bone, and Nitinol. This data was then imported into the penEasy Monte Carlo code. Each source position from the plan was then run individually and the dose was totaled after weighting each source by its dwell time from the original plan. Energies used were those of the VariSource IR‐192. Results: The resulting dose was compared to the dose from the original plan and plotted side by side. Dose differences were considered that occurred outside the air cavity, particularly in the evaluated planning target volume (PTVeval), which is calculated as 1 cm outside the cavity subtracting the cavity itself, the skin and the chest wall. Dose from the Monte simulation looked similar in shape and intensity to the original plan. Conclusions: We have developed a Monte Carlo simulation package to calculate dose distributions for SAVI based breast cancerbrachytherapy using patient's CT and plan parameters extracted directly from a commercial planning system.
Variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) markers for human gene mapping

A large collection of good genetic markers is needed to map the genes that cause human genetic diseases. Although nearly 400 polymorphic DNA markers for human chromosomes have been described, the majority have only two alleles and are thus uninformative for analysis of genetic linkage in many families. A few known marker systems, however, detect loci that respond to restriction enzyme cleavage by producing a fragment that can have many different lengths. This polymorphism is due to variation in the number of tandem repeats of a short DNA sequence. Because most individuals will be heterozygous at such loci, these markers will provide linkage information in almost all families. Ten oligomeric sequences derived from the tandem repeat regions of the myoglobin gene, the zeta-globin pseudogene, the insulin gene, and the X-gene region of hepatitis B virus, were used to develop a series of single-copy probes. These probes revealed new, highly polymorphic genetic loci whose allele sizes reflected variation in the number of tandem repeats.
The insertion and extrusion of heterosulfur bridges. XIII: Syntheses and structural studies of nitrophenanthro[4,5-bcd]thiophenes

A simplified procedure for sulfur bridging of phenanthrene (2a) with hydrogen sulfide and a catalyst, but without solvent, is described. The product, phenanthro[4,5-bcd]thiophene (1a), undergoes nitration at 25° or 60° in acetic anhydride to give mixtures (56–79%) of 1-nitro-1a and 3-nitro-1a in varying ratios. Reductive acetylation of these nitro derivatives gives 1- and 3-acetylamino-1a (93% and 33%). Hydrodesulfurization of the former amide produces crude 1-acetylamino-2a. Positions of substitution are assigned primarily on the basis of nmr chemical shifts of protons ortho or peri to the nitro substituent, and are consistent with calculations of reactivity indices by simple Huckel molecular orbital theory.
Formation of silicone elastomer networks films with gradients in modulus

Abstract We describe the formation of soft material substrates with position-dependent modulus. Two strategies have been employed in the preparation of such materials. In the first method, we create modulus gradient structures by inter-diffusing two (or more) formulations of silicone elastomers (SE), comprising mixtures of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and poly(vinylmethylsiloxane) (PVMS) with varying molecular weight and content of PDMS, and cross-link them thermally in order to form SE networks. With this method, the resultant substrates exhibit shallow modulus gradients that extend over a few centimeters in length. The second technique is based on employing ultraviolet (UV)-based cross-linking of mercapto-terminated PVMS chains across transparency lithographic masks. We demonstrate that the shape and “sharpness” of the modulus on the substrate depends solely on the position-dependent transparency of the mask to the UV light. As a part of the study we provide detailed material characterization of networks formed by the PDMS–PVMS and PVMS-SH chains.
Metabolic Side Effects of Antipsychotic Medications: Clinical Laboratory Implications

Atypical antipsychotic medications are associated with increased risks of obesity, glucose intolerance, and diabetes, and dyslipidemia compared to the typical antipsychotic medications. Most antipsychotic medications, typical and atypical, block the D2 (dopamine) receptor; this can lead to increased prolactin levels since dopamine prevents excess prolactin secretion from the pituitary gland. The increasingly widespread use of atypical antipsychotic medications, coupled with improved awareness of medical problems in psychiatric patients, will increase the role of the clinical laboratory in managing patients with severe and persistent mental illness.
Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Television Advertisements Among Youth and Young Adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) marketing unless it is advertised as a smoking cessation aid. To date, the extent to which youth and young adults are exposed to e-cigarette television advertisements is unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze trends in youth and young adult exposure to e-cigarette television advertisements in the United States. METHODS: Nielsen data on television household audiences’ exposure to e-cigarette advertising across US markets were examined by calendar quarter, year, and sponsor. RESULTS: Youth exposure to television e-cigarette advertisements, measured by target rating points, increased 256% from 2011 to 2013. Young adult exposure increased 321% over the same period. More than 76% of all youth e-cigarette advertising exposure occurred on cable networks and was driven primarily by an advertising campaign for 1 e-cigarette brand. CONCLUSIONS: E-cigarette companies currently advertise their products to a broad audience that includes 24 million youth. The dramatic increase in youth and young adult television exposure between 2011 and 2013 was driven primarily by a large advertising campaign on national cable networks. In the absence of evidence-based public health messaging, the current e-cigarette television advertising may be promoting beliefs and behaviors that pose harm to the public health. If current trends in e-cigarette television advertising continue, awareness and use of e-cigarettes are likely to increase among youth and young adults.
Using an English Tutor in the Engineering Classroom

In an attempt to improve the written communication skills of engineering students, a technical writing expert was engaged as a writing tutor. The tutor worked solely with the students in a required, four-credit undergraduate water resources course. The tutor critiqued the students' grammar in laboratory reports and cover letters that were required as a part of project submittals. After making written comments on paper, the writing expert met with individual students to discuss writing improvements in detail. The engineering professor also commented on grammar, but it was the tutor who was responsible for ten percent of the grade on laboratory reports and projects. The results of the process, including a student survey, are discussed.
Toward an Adequate Theory of Stress Resolution in Work Groups

The theoreticalformulations of stress in small, face-to-faceproblem-solving or work groups that are available in the literature are characterized by conceptual problems which limit usefulness. In particular, the study of mechanisms which members use and the moves which the group as a whole makes to resolve a state of stress that is related to its functioning is precluded. This paper proposes a theoreticalformulation that is grounded in the work of W. R. Bion and that incorporates a concept of stress intended to permit analysis of group moves and individual mechanisms to resolve stress. Two extant theoreticalformulations of work group behavior that include a concept of stress related to group processes are reviewed in light of three metatheoretical criteria. These criteria are: (1) stress that is specified as a state of the group, (2) stress responses that are characterized by alloplastic adaptation (i.e., processes that modify circumstances or shape the environment), and (3) stress that is transactionally...
Crystal orientation and surface morphology of face-centered-cubic metal thin films deposited upon single-crystal ceramic substrates using pulsed laser deposition

Cu, Pt, Ag, and Au were deposited on (100)-oriented ceramic substrates (SrTiO3, LaAlO3, and MgO). Over a wide range of temperatures (room temperature to 600 °C), Cu films were (100)-oriented and exhibited cube-on-cube epitaxy. Epitaxial Pt(100) films were obtained only at high temperature; oriented Pt(111) films were obtained at lower temperatures. Ag and Au were never obtained as purely (100)-oriented samples, although the amount of (100)-film increased with increasing temperature. Three-dimensional islands formed for all metals at higher temperatures, while flatter film surfaces developed at lower temperatures. At any given temperature, the surface roughness of films on SrTiO3(100) increased in the order Pt < Cu < Au < Ag. The variations in film structural characteristics are described well by considering the metals’ (i) surface/interfacial energies, (ii) surface energy anisotropies, and (iii) surface diffusion coefficients. Flat, epitaxial growth is promoted by low-energy interfaces, low surface energy anisotropies, and slow surface diffusion.
Evaluation and linking of effective parameters in particle‐based models and continuum models for mixing‐limited bimolecular reactions

[1] Particle-based models and continuum models have been developed to quantify mixing-limited bimolecular reactions for decades. Effective model parameters control reaction kinetics, but the relationship between the particle-based model parameter (such as the interaction radius R) and the continuum model parameter (i.e., the effective rate coefficient Kf) remains obscure. This study attempts to evaluate and link R and Kf for the second-order bimolecular reaction in both the bulk and the sharp-concentration-gradient (SCG) systems. First, in the bulk system, the agent-based method reveals that R remains constant for irreversible reactions and decreases nonlinearly in time for a reversible reaction, while mathematical analysis shows that Kf transitions from an exponential to a power-law function. Qualitative link between R and Kf can then be built for the irreversible reaction with equal initial reactant concentrations. Second, in the SCG system with a reaction interface, numerical experiments show that when R and Kf decline as t−1/2 (for example, to account for the reactant front expansion), the two models capture the transient power-law growth of product mass, and their effective parameters have the same functional form. Finally, revisiting of laboratory experiments further shows that the best fit factor in R and Kf is on the same order, and both models can efficiently describe chemical kinetics observed in the SCG system. Effective model parameters used to describe reaction kinetics therefore may be linked directly, where the exact linkage may depend on the chemical and physical properties of the system.
Complementation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by intracellular selection of Escherichia coli formula supplied in trans.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) exclusively selects tRNA3Lys as the primer for the initiation of reverse transcription, even though both tRNA3Lys and tRNA1,2Lys are found in HIV-1 virions. Alteration of the HIV-1 primer-binding site (PBS) to be complementary to alternate tRNAs results in the use of those tRNAs for replication, indicating that primer complementarity with the PBS is an important determinant of primer selection. In previous studies, we have exploited this fact to develop a system in which yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) tRNAPhe is provided in trans to complement the replication of HIV-1 with a PBS complementary to yeast tRNAPhe. Recent studies have demonstrated that the presence of lysyl-tRNA synthetase in HIV-1 virions might account for the preference for the selection of tRNA3Lys in HIV-1 replication. To establish a complementation system more reflective of HIV-1 primer selection, we have altered the HIV-1 PBS to be complementary to the Escherichia coli tRNA3Lys, which shares near identity with mammalian tRNA3Lys except in the 3′-terminal 18-nucleotide sequence that binds to the PBS. E. coli tRNA3Lys expressed from a plasmid was aminoacylated in mammalian cells. Cotransfection of cells with a plasmid that encodes E. coli tRNA3Lys and a plasmid encoding an HIV-1 provirus with a PBS complementary to E. coli tRNA3Lys resulted in the production of infectious virus. A comparison of the two complementation systems revealed that higher levels of intracellular E. coli tRNA3Lys than of yeast tRNAPhe were needed to achieve equal levels of infectious virus, indicating that there was no preferential selection of E. coli tRNA3Lys. To examine the specificity of tRNALys selection, E. coli tRNA3Lys was modified to tRNA1,2Lys. This tRNA was also aminoacylated when expressed in mammalian cells and complemented the infectivity of HIV-1 at levels similar to those seen for E. coli tRNA3Lys. Additional mutations in the anticodon of E. coli tRNA3Lys were constructed; these mutations did not significantly correlate with the capacity of the tRNA primer to complement infectivity of HIV-1, even though they had a drastic effect on the aminoacylation of the tRNAs. The results of these studies demonstrate that E. coli tRNA3Lys provided in trans can complement HIV-1 genomes with the PBS altered to E. coli tRNA3Lys. However, the capacity of tRNA3Lys to interact with lysyl-tRNA synthetase does not entirely explain the enhanced preference for selection of tRNA3Lys for the replication of HIV-1.
Ventricular Nucleic Acid and Protein Levels with Myocardial Growth and Hypertrophy

The myocardial DNA, RNA, actomyosin, and total protein concentrations were determined in rat ventricles ranging between 251 and 1635 mg. Three phases of myocardial growth were evident. Phase 1 (ventricular weights less than 550 mg): DNA concentrations remained relatively constant with increasing ventricular weight. The increasing total DNA per ventricle suggests continuing mitotic activity. Phase 2 (ventricular weights between 550 and 1000 mg): total DNA per ventricle remained relatively constant; with ventricular growth there was a progressive decrease in DNA concentrations. This would be the phase of true myocardial hypertrophy. Phase 3: DNA concentrations continued to slowly decrease although the total DNA per ventricle increased. It would appear that this is the result of a renewed synthesis of DNA. In phases 1 and 2, the RNA concentrations progressively decreased, although the RNA/DNA ratio was increasing. This ratio appeared to reach its maximum value by the end of phase 2 and remain relatively constant in phase 3. Thus in phase 3, the concentrations of DNA and RNA simultaneously decreased to maintain this constant ratio. The ventricular total protein and ventricular actomyosin levels did not change over this range of ventricular weights.
Monitoring disturbances in smart grids using distributed sequential change detection

This paper considers the online disturbance detection in smart grids by using multiple sensors, which sample the power signal and communicate wirelessly to a fusion center that detects the occurrence of abnormal disturbance. Under the sequential change detection framework, we first introduce a generalized local likelihood ratio (GLLR) detector based on an autoregressive model for the disturbance. Then we propose a decentralized GLLR detector, where each sensor computes its own GLLR statistic, adaptively samples them using a level-triggered sampling scheme, and transmits the samples to the fusion center. The proposed decentralized disturbance detection scheme substantially lowers the communication overhead, while its performance is close to that of the centralized scheme.
Exploring the coherence of young children' s explanatory abilities: Evidence from generating counterfactuals

Researchers who advocate the hypothesis that cognitive development is akin to theory formation have also suggested that young children possess distinct systems for explaining physical, psychological, and biological principles (see, e.g., Wellman & Gelman, 1992). One way this has been investigated is by examining how children explain human action: Children explain intentional and accidental actions by appealing to psychological principles, and explain impossible physical or biological action in terms of the underlying principles of those domains (Schult & Wellman, 1997). The current investigation examined the coherence of children’ s explanatory systems by eliciting explanations of possible and impossible physical, psychological, and biological events. Then, in a separate set of stories, children were asked to generate counterfactual alternatives for characters who wanted to perform an event, but did not, either because of a mishap or because the event was impossible. Overall, children were better at generating explanations for why events were impossible than recognizing that no alternative could be generated for impossible events. However, there was some evidence that children’ s explanatory abilities predicted whether they could correctly reject cases where no counterfactual alternative could be generated. The results lend support to the hypothesis that children’ s causal knowledge is coherently organized in domain-specific knowledge structures.
On the Use of Matrices in Certain Population Mathematics

Leslie’s work, rather than that of his predecessors Bernardelli and Lewis, is most commonly cited in the widespread literature using matrices, largely for the reason that Leslie worked out the mathematics and the application with great thorough~ ness. Some of his elaboration was designed to save arithmetic-for example his transformation of the projection matrix into an equivalent form with unity in the subdiagonal positions. Such devices, like a considerable part of classical numerical analysis, are unnecessary in a computer era.
Are optical transistors the logical next step

A transistor that operates with photons rather than electrons is often heralded as the next step in information processing, but optical technology must first prove itself to be a viable solution in many different respects.
Rapid Sequence Turnover at an Intergenic Locus in Drosophila

Closely related species of Drosophila tend to have similar genome sizes. The strong imbalance in favor of small deletions relative to insertions implies that the unconstrained DNA in Drosophila is unlikely to be passively inherited from even closely related ancestors, and yet most DNA in Drosophila genomes is intergenic and potentially unconstrained. In an attempt to investigate the maintenance of this intergenic DNA, we studied the evolution of an intergenic locus on the fourth chromosome of the Drosophila melanogaster genome. This 1.2-kb locus is marked by two distinct, large insertion events: a nuclear transposition of a mitochondrial sequence and a transposition of a nonautonomous DNA transposon DNAREP1_DM. Because we could trace the evolutionary histories of these sequences, we were able to reconstruct the length evolution of this region in some detail. We sequenced this locus in all four species of the D. melanogaster species complex: D. melanogaster, D. simulans, D. sechellia, and D. mauritiana. Although this locus is similar in size in these four species, less than 10% of the sequence from the most recent common ancestor remains in D. melanogaster and all of its sister species. This region appears to have increased in size through several distinct insertions in the ancestor of the D. melanogaster species complex and has been shrinking since the split of these lineages. In addition, we found no evidence suggesting that the size of this locus has been maintained over evolutionary time; these results are consistent with the model of a dynamic equilibrium between persistent DNA loss through small deletions and more sporadic DNA gain through less frequent but longer insertions. The apparent stability of genome size in Drosophila may belie very rapid sequence turnover at intergenic loci.