cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing the Effectiveness of IVIG and PLEX for Treatment of Neuromuscular Disorders (P6.458)

Objective: NA Background: Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) and plasma exchange (PLEX) are usually the initial treatment plan for acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) or for exacerbations in chronic disorders such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). The combination of IVIG and PLEX has been tried when patients are severe but there is no validated study to clarify whether the combination is better than either therapy alone. There is little data on comparison of IVIG and PLEX for MG and CIDP. We hypothesized that there is no definitive benefit from combination therapy. Design/Methods: We reviewed charts from 118 adults with confirmed individual diagnoses of MG, AIDP, or CIDP and were admitted in hospital from 2010–2017. The demographic details, prior treatments, and clinical exam, length of stay, ventilator requirements were abstracted from the charts. Results: 66 males and 51 females, with the majority over 60 years of age and Caucasian were identified. 35 MG, 35 CIDP and 48 AIDP patients were reviewed. 86 patients received IVIG first, 20 received PLEX first and 12 received both treatments. There was an equal number of CIDP, MG and AIDP receiving both treatments. CIDP patients were more likely to be within first year of diagnosis (69%) whereas MG patients were more likely to have had disease longer than one year (66%). Conclusions: There is a bias of treatment based on diagnosis. Overall IVIG was more commonly used at our institution. MG was more likely to be treated with PLEX first than other disorders, whereas almost all AIDP patients and majority of CIDP were treated with IVIG first. The few patients receiving both treatments limits conclusions of efficacy for both treatments. Disclosure: Dr. Khalid has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lee has nothing to disclose. Dr. Donofrio has nothing to disclose. Dr Peltier has nothing to disclose.
Properties of School Chinese

This chapter analyzes the properties of printed school materials used in the focal program and compares it with those used in other educational settings. The results yielded from the analysis and comparison suggest that the total number of characters immersion students were taught in their elementary school years was about 60% of what native Chinese children were taught, however, within the immersion corpus, there was a lack of clear rationale conducive to the children’s learning and their ultimate understanding of the Chinese orthography.
“Hey, let me hold your guns for a while”: A qualitative study of messaging for firearm suicide prevention

A recommended component of suicide prevention is encouraging at-risk individuals to voluntarily and temporarily reduce access to firearms and other lethal methods. Yet delivering counseling on the topic can be difficult, given the political sensitivity of firearm discussions. To support such counseling, we sought to identify recommended framing and content of messages about reducing firearm access for suicide prevention. Through qualitative interviews with firearm owners and enthusiasts, we identified key points for use in framing (identity as a gun owner, trust, voluntary and temporary storage, and context and motivation) and specific content (preference for "firearm" over "gun," and legal issues such as background checks for transfers). These findings build on prior work and should enhance efforts to develop and deliver effective, acceptable counseling and-ultimately-prevent firearm suicide.
Temperature dependent large area breakdown strength of polymeric films

Polymer film capacitors represent some of the most pervasive devices used in electrical and electronic systems. With the rapid growing demands in electrification, understanding of the breakdown mechanism in polymer capacitor films is needed to improve their reliability and increase their energy density. While engineering breakdown field cannot yet be predicted from first principles, temperature dependent breakdown measurement is one of the most important way to study the breakdown mechanism in polymer film capacitors. Previously, very limited studies have been done on the temperature dependence of breakdown strength, especially on polymer films made with modern processing methods. In this study, large area breakdown strength of various capacitor grade polymer films was measured from -150 °C to 110 °C and the result was analyzed with Weibull distribution analysis. The result showed that breakdown strength generally increases when the temperature decreases. Various breakdown mechanisms are involved within different temperature regions. Further study is currently underway to fully understand the effects of structure, morphology, crystallinity and processing condition.
A comprehensive review of organic rankine cycle waste heat recovery systems in heavy-duty diesel engine applications

Abstract Effective recovery of heavy-duty vehicle waste heat is a key solution toward meeting the increasingly stringent fuel economy and CO2 emission standards. Different from previous publications, this paper presents a preliminary introduction of organic Rankine cycle waste heat recovery (ORC-WHR) in heavy-duty diesel (HDD) vehicle applications in the past decade. It presents a wide range of topics in the HDD vehicle ORC-WHR system development, including system architecture evaluation, heat exchanger selection, expander selection, working fluid selection, power optimization, control strategy evaluation, simulation and experimental work overview, and limiting factors. In the system architecture selection, the tradeoff between fuel savings and system complexity dominates. In the heat exchanger design, besides the heat exchanger efficiency, transient evaporator response is critical factor for the system control and performance. The expander type and configuration is closely coupled to the expander power output type (i.e. electricity or mechanical power). WHR power production is most sensitive to working fluid mass flow rate, with less sensitivities to expander speed and condenser coolant mass flow rate. The integration of ORC-WHR control with engine control shows potential to improve the waste heat recovery system performance. The simulation studies predict higher power recovery levels than that in experimental work (0–60 kW vs. 0–14 kW), which could result from the large number of heat resources, optimistic expander and pump efficiencies and neglected heat losses in the simulations.
Equilibrium crystallization modeling of Venusian lava flows incorporating data with large geochemical uncertainties

Abstract Our understanding of the Venusian surface composition is limited to the in-situ bulk rock chemical analyses collected by the Vega and Venera missions. However, these analyses have exceedingly large analytical uncertainties – up to 50% by weight (1σ) for certain oxide components. In this study, we use the Venera 14 lander data and apply a Monte Carlo approach to assess how significant uncertainties affect modeling of lava solidification. Thermodynamic modeling of mineral-melt equilibria is conducted over 1,000 iterations of simulated bulk composition within the Gaussian probabilistic bounds of the reported analytical uncertainty along a cooling path from 1350 °C to 950 °C, with a fixed pressure of 90 bars. The results are used to calculate melt and apparent viscosity ( η melt and η app , respectively). Despite the significant analytical uncertainty of the lander data, lava viscosity is tightly constrained. Mean log η melt increases from 1.65 ± 0.46 Pa s at 1350 °C to 8.57 ± 1.42 Pa s at 950 °C (1σ). Log η app is less well-defined due to increased scatter in crystal fraction with solidification, increasing to 17.7 ± 1.3 Pa s at 950 °C ( γ = 10 − 6 s − 1 ). A significant increase in η app occurs between 1240 °C and 1080 °C due to a rapid increase in crystal mass fraction (Φ increases from ∼0.05 at 1250 °C to 0.8 at ∼1100 °C). Slow cooling through this 150 °C window must occur so as to not drastically increase lava viscosity and impede flow. These results show that despite limited geochemical data and large analytical uncertainties, reasonable constraints for the physical and chemical evolution of lava solidification can be obtained. Most of the Venusian surface is composed of volcanic plains and rises, containing abundant landforms characteristic of fluid basaltic lava. Our results provide new insights into the crystallization processes in Venusian lava flows, which are fundamental for understanding Venusian igneous processes, geodynamics, and resurfacing. This work provides a necessary framework for future thermorheological flow models to determine flow volume and effusion rates.
The long-term case for partial-cutting over clear-cutting in the southern Appalachians USA

Prior to the 1950s, common partial harvesting operations in the southern Appalachians USA involved the removal of logs by ground-skidding and the construction of steep access roads and skid trails along stream channels. Little is known about how these historical practices affected long-term vegetation changes. An experimental watershed in the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory was partially harvested in the years 1942–1952 according to these exploitive practices. We compared the partial-cut watershed to a clear-cut watershed and an untreated, reference watershed. Using long-term vegetation surveys, we analyzed patterns in aboveground biomass accumulation, species composition and diversity (Shannon’s index Hʹ and species richness) among watersheds. Contrary to our expectations, the partial-cut watershed recovered to reference levels of aboveground biomass and their species composition was similar over time. The clear-cut watershed had greater abundance of tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) than the other two watersheds. The partial-cut watershed increased in diversity over time, but it remained less diverse than the reference watershed; whereas, the clear-cut watershed had lower diversity than the other two watersheds, and its diversity did not change over time. Distributions of functional groups based on water use and nutrient acquisition traits, and shade tolerance were similar between the partial-cut and the reference watersheds, but differed from the clear-cut watershed. By the 2010s, partial-cut and reference watersheds had similar proportions of diffuse-porous (32% and 33%) and ring-porous (48% and 42%) basal area, while the clear-cut watershed had more diffuse-porous (43%) and less ring-porous (36%) species than the partial-cut or reference watersheds. Tree species associated with arbuscular mycorrhiza were more abundant in the clear-cut watershed than the partial-cut or reference watersheds. Overall, the partial-cut watershed, even with the extreme soil disturbance, did not alter long-term species composition and diversity as dramatically as the clear-cut watershed. These results could help forest managers, conservationists, and hydrologists understand the long-term effects of partial-cutting versus clear-cutting.
Association between prescription opioid misuse and dimensions of suicidality among college students.

Abstract Suicide rates among young adults have increased in recent years. Prescription opioid misuse is not only associated with depression onset but misuse has also been reported as means to manage existing depressive symptoms. College students are at increased risk for psychological distress compared to other populations. The current cross-sectional study aimed to fill a literature gap by examining a relationship between prescription opioid misuse and 3 dimensions of suicidality among a large sample of college students (n = 889). Binomial logistic regression examined relationships between prescription opioid misuse and suicidality while adjusting for the effect of important demographic and substance use covariates. Among this sample 38.8% reported suicidal ideation, 11.6% reported making a plan to kill themselves, and 7.8% reported at least one suicide attempt in the past 12 months. Past year prescription opioid misuse was common (21.6% of participants) and significantly associated with each dimension of suicidality. Though the relationships were attenuated, past year prescription opioid misuse remained significantly associated with suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts following covariate adjustment. At a local level, University health promotion specialists should give particular consideration to individuals exhibiting prescription opioid misuse as this may serve as an indicator of underlying psychological distress and possible suicidality.
Feedback Source Modality Effects in Game-Based Training: A Trade-Off Analysis

In this paper we explore available tools for integrating intelligent tutoring communications in game-based learning platforms and examine theory-based techniques for delivering explicit feedback in...
Economic analysis of producing vital statistics using civil registration data in Lao People's Democratic Republic.

The government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is currently in the preparation stage of a 5-year project that will establish an electronic civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) system. The authors of this paper adapted a framework for economic analysis developed by Jimenez-Soto et al. (Jimenez-Soto et al., PLoS ONE 9(8): e106234, 2014) to assess the cost-effectiveness of producing vital statistics in Lao PDR using data from a complete electronic CRVS system, compared to using data from other sources, such as the 2015 Population and Housing Census and the 2017 Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS). Of 20 types of vital statistics (including birth statistics, fertility rates, and death statistics), a complete and accurate CRVS system can produce all 20 of these vital statistics, while the 2015 Census can produce 17, and the 2017 LSIS and the current civil registration system can produce 4 each. A cost-effectiveness analysis of different data sources for producing vital statistics over a 20-year projection showed that a complete and accurate CRVS system ranked best, followed by population census and population-based survey. In addition to enabling vital statistics to be produced cost-effectively, a robust civil registration system would also support improving the efficiency of public service delivery, leading to further cost savings for the country.
Cellular defects resulting from disease-related myosin II mutations in Drosophila

The nonmuscle myosin II motor protein produces forces that are essential to driving the cell movements and cell shape changes that generate tissue structure. Mutations in myosin II that are associated with human diseases are predicted to disrupt critical aspects of myosin function, but the mechanisms that translate altered myosin activity into specific changes in tissue organization and physiology are not well understood. Here we use the Drosophila embryo to model human disease mutations that affect myosin motor activity. Using in vivo imaging and biophysical analysis, we show that engineering human MYH9-related disease mutations into Drosophila myosin II produces motors with altered organization and dynamics that fail to drive rapid cell movements, resulting in defects in epithelial morphogenesis. In embryos that express the Drosophila myosin motor variants R707C or N98K and have reduced levels of wild-type myosin, myosin motors are correctly planar polarized and generate anisotropic contractile tension in the tissue. However, expression of these motor variants is associated with a cellular-scale reduction in the speed of cell intercalation, resulting in a failure to promote full elongation of the body axis. In addition, these myosin motor variants display slowed turnover and aberrant aggregation at the cell cortex, indicating that mutations in the motor domain influence mesoscale properties of myosin organization and dynamics. These results demonstrate that disease-associated mutations in the myosin II motor domain disrupt specific aspects of myosin localization and activity during cell intercalation, linking molecular changes in myosin activity to defects in tissue morphogenesis.
“This Is a Head, Hearts, and Hands Enterprise”: Adult Learning in Interfaith Dialogue:

The purpose of this study was to examine an interfaith dialogue group to understand how adults learn through such an environment. In this qualitative case study, I worked with a group of Jewish, Ch...
How to get your article published as a JME feature article and why they matter for the field.

I published my first article in the Journal of Medical Ethics back in 2007 as an (almost) newly minted PhD. It was a proud moment. I respected the JME as a journal where I had read some of the most tightly argued and challenging essays in the literature. They inspired me to specialise in medical ethics and rethink some of my fundamental positions on various topics. This has been the case since, and I am proud now to join the editorial team as an associate editor focusing on increasing North American presence and on the journal’s feature articles. The journal has included feature articles for several years now, and because they have worked so well, the editorial team wants to build on and invest in their success. Feature articles are primarily selected from the best extended essays or research papers. They are among the most highly cited and accessed articles in the field. On average, they have twice as many citations as a regular article published in the journal (and five times as many citations as an article in Ethics , a top philosophy journal). This may be due, in part, to the journal’s practice of making feature articles open access so that all scholars can access them. In addition, the JME is committed to helping promote these articles and their commentaries on its …
Robust Image-Based Surface Crack Detection Using Range Data

AbstractImage-based automated crack detection techniques have been developed and applied extensively during the past decade. However, issues existing in this type of methodology have not yet been f...
The Law Enforcement Response to Hate Crimes

This chapter looks at the reasons the law enforcement response to hate crimes has been largely ineffective and the impact this has on the capacity for researchers to accurately measure hate crime. The chapter begins by looking at the magnitude of evidence of law enforcement underreporting. Moreover, the burgeoning number of police agencies that voluntarily participate in the UCR Hate Crime Statistics program is contrasted against the negligible increase in police reported hate crimes over the three decades of the program. The chapter reviews the sequential steps involved in reporting beginning with the victim’s decision to report and the first responding police officer’s inclination and ability to accurate classify hate crimes. Explanations for law enforcement underreporting including the inability to accurate classify hate crimes at the moment of the criminal incident are covered. Lastly, chapter 8 reviews research that found that police agencies with written hate crime enforcement and reporting policies and formal hate crime training are more likely to report hate crimes.
Theoretical Aspects of Growth in Developing Countries: External Debt Dynamics and the Role of Human Capital

This paper formulates a simple aggregate growth model that is capable of assessing the impact of macroeconomic policies on the long-term performance of a developing country. The model emphasizes expenditures on human capital and the dynamics of external debt, and yields empirically testable hypotheses on the relative importance of various determinants of long-term growth performance. The analytical results suggest a number of implications that are relevant to the design of growth-oriented adjustment programs.
Pediatric Sleep I

Sleep in children is a subject of tremendous anxiety for most parents. In fact, there are few issues in early childhood development that stimulate more conversation and debate. The timing and duration of “normal” sleep can be the source of many questions and concerns. Most sleep issues in early childhood are seen and treated by the general pediatrician or primary care doctor.
On the estimation of join result sizes

Good estimates of join result sizes are critical for query optimization in relational database management systems. We address the problem of incrementally obtaining accurate and consistent estimates of join result sizes. We have invented a new rule for choosing join selectivities for estimating join result sizes. The rule is part of a new unified algorithm called Algorithm ELS (Equivalence and Largest Selectivity). Prior to computing any result sizes, equivalence classes are determined for the join columns. The algorithm also takes into account the effect of local predicates on table and column cardinalities. These computations allow the correct selectivity values for each eligible join predicate to be computed. We show that the algorithm is correct and gives better estimates than current estimation algorithms.
Multiscale angiogenesis modeling

We propose a deterministic two-scale tissue-cellular approach for modeling growth factor-induced angiogenesis. The bioreaction and diffusion of capillary growth factors (CGF) are modeled at a tissue scale, whereas capillary extension, branching and anastomosis are modeled at a cellular scale. The capillary indicator function is used to bridge these two scales. To solve the equation system numerically, we construct a two-grid algorithm that involves applying a mixed finite element method to approximate concentrations of CGF on a coarse mesh and a point-to-point tracking method to simulate sprout branching and anastomosis on a fine grid. An analysis of the algorithm establishes optimal error bounds for each of the processes – CGF reaction-diffusion, capillary extension, sprout branching and anastomosis – and overall error bounds for their coupled nonlinear interactions.
Application of Aluminum Channel Conductors for Station Bus [includes discussion]

Aluminum has been used as an electric conductor since the beginning of the electric power industry. Its use as a conductor material has been second to copper because of the lower conductivity and the difficulty encountered in making connections caused by the rapid oxidation of the material when exposed to air. Except in the case of transmission-line conductors, where weight is a major factor, aluminum found its primary use in light mechanical construction. Therefore its sections have been designed for efficiency in structural applications. When aluminum channels first were applied to station bus, the electric conductor grade of aluminum was rolled on the same machines as the structural shapes. Since these channels have not been designed with uniform thickness, the efficiency of space was much poorer with the aluminum than with the copper channels. Since copper in channel and tubular form would have no other application than as electric conductors, these sections have been designed primarily with that application in mind. When aluminum channels are used as electric conductors, thicker sections may be used more efficiently than with copper due to the greater effective depth of penetration in the material of higher resistivity. This allows, in many cases, the substitution of aluminum sections for copper of the same external dimensions for a given current carrying capacity. With the perfection of silver plating processes for aluminum, which give a plating equal to that applied to copper, the demand for application of aluminum is increasing.
Therapeutic Antibodies: Current State and Future Trends – Is a Paradigm Change Coming Soon?

Antibody-based therapeutics currently enjoy unprecedented success, growth in research and revenues, and recognition of their potential. It appears that the promise of the "magic bullet" has largely been realized. There are currently 22 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use and hundreds are in clinical trials for treatment of various diseases including cancers, immune disorders, and infections. The revenues from the top five therapeutic antibodies (Rituxan, Remicade, Herceptin, Humira, and Avastin) nearly doubled from $6.4 billion in 2004 to $11.7 billion in 2006. During the last several years major pharmaceutical companies raced to acquire antibody companies, with a recent example of MedImmune being purchased for $15.6 billion by AstraZeneca. These therapeutic and business successes reflect the major advances in antibody engineering which have resulted in the generation of safe, specific, high-affinity, and non-immunogenic antibodies during the last three decades. Currently, second and third generations of antibodies are under development, mostly to improve already existing antibody specificities. However, although the refinement of already known methodologies is certainly of great importance for potential clinical use, there are no conceptually new developments in the last decade comparable, for example, to the development of antibody libraries, phage display, domain antibodies (dAbs), and antibody humanization to name a few. A fundamental question is then whether there will be another change in the paradigm of research as happened 1-2 decades ago or the current trend of gradual improvement of already developed methodologies and therapeutic antibodies will continue. Although any prediction could prove incorrect, it appears that conceptually new methodologies are needed to overcome the fundamental problems of drug (antibody) resistance due to genetic or/and epigenetic alterations in cancer and chronic infections, as well as problems related to access to targets and complexity of biological systems. If new methodologies are not developed, it is likely that gradual saturation will occur in the pipeline of conceptually new antibody therapeutics. In this scenario we will witness an increase in combination of targets and antibodies, and further attempts to personalize targeted treatments by using appropriate biomarkers as well as to develop novel scaffolds with properties that are superior to those of the antibodies now in clinical use.
Testability improvement in high-level synthesis through reconvergence reduction

Justification of multiple circuit lines in automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) is exponential in complexity in the presence of reconvergent fanout. Reconvergent fanout consequently is a chief source of increased complexity in the ATPG process. Reconvergence also degrades the pseudo-random test by producing correlation between inputs of the same combinational logic block. Consideration of reconvergence during synthesis can result in its elimination at minimal area or performance cost. The high regularity of DSP architectures facilitates reconvergence reduction, when, it is addressed during synthesis. We present a design-for-testability approach to remove reconvergence during high-level synthesis. We have developed a method for estimating the degree of reconvergence, based on an estimate of the existence of paths between each pair of hardware units. We have designed and implemented scheduling and binding algorithms which use the proposed reconvergence estimate to consistently direct synthesis to RTL datapaths with reduced reconvergent fanout. The experimental results shown demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Differences among HIV-1 variants in their ability to elicit secretion of TNF-α

HIV-1 infection of human PBMC has been shown to elicit secretion of several different cytokines. TNF-α secretion induced by this virus has been of particular interest because it has been associated with the development of HIV-1 dementia and because TNF-α increases viral replication by enhancing NF-κB interaction with the viral promoter, the HIV-1 long terminal repeat. Thus, an autocrine pathway is potentially created in which HIV-1 stimulates its own replication. Conflicting reports exist, however, on the ability of HIV-1 to induce TNF-α secretion in vitro or in vivo. Using experimental protocols that controlled for potential bacterial endotoxin-induced TNF-α secretion, the current study demonstrates significant differences in TNF-α-eliciting properties among primary and laboratory obtained HIV-1. The relative TNF-α-inducing ability of different variants is conserved when tested using PBMC from different individuals. Elicitation of TNF-α secretion was not blocked by exposure of cells to zidovudine, indicating that viral integration was not required to induce secretion. Rather, the interaction between the virus and cell surface is critical for TNF-α induction, as Abs against CD4 or CCR5 blocked the induction of TNF-α synthesis by PBMC when added before virus exposure. Furthermore, the ability to induce TNF-α secretion mapped to a region of the HIV-1 env gene that includes the third hypervariable domain. Differences in the ability of different HIV-1 variants to elicit TNF-α may account for individual differences in HIV-1 disease course.
Ecological comparative study of the rock-rose scrubs of Madrid, IV, Soil carbón and nutrients content

Se estudian las caracteristicas quimicas de los suelos dc 29 parcelas pobladas por distintas unidades de jaral de (islion lauryfolii localizadas en la provincia de Madrid. Se analizan los contenidos en carbono organico, nitrogeno, fosforo y cationes asimilables. Se discute la variabilidad de cada una de estas variables cii relacion con las comonidades vegetales, asi como su distribucion en profundidad. Se comparan los estadios dinamicos del jaral frente al cantuesal asi como el conjunto de parcetas par-a ta totalidad de variables estudiadas por medio de tecnicas muttiv-ariabte, discutiendose las principales tendencias de variacion en relacion con las distintas comunidades vegetales
RainForest - A Framework for Fast Decision Tree Construction of Large Datasets

Classification of large datasets is an important data mining problem. Many classification algorithms have been proposed in the literature, but studies have shown that so far no algorithm uniformly outperforms all other algorithms in terms of quality. In this paper, we present a unifying framework called Rain Forest for classification tree construction that separates the scalability aspects of algorithms for constructing a tree from the central features that determine the quality of the tree. The generic algorithm is easy to instantiate with specific split selection methods from the literature (including C4.5, CART, CHAID, FACT, ID3 and extensions, SLIQ, SPRINT and QUEST). In addition to its generality, in that it yields scalable versions of a wide range of classification algorithms, our approach also offers performance improvements of over a factor of three over the SPRINT algorithm, the fastest scalable classification algorithm proposed previously. In contrast to SPRINT, however, our generic algorithm requires a certain minimum amount of main memory, proportional to the set of distinct values in a column of the input relation. Given current main memory costs, this requirement is readily met in most if not all workloads.
Lithium Bis(2‐vinylcyclopropyl)cuprate

[61863-88-5] C10H14CuLi (MW 204.73) InChI = 1S/2C5H7.Cu.Li/c2*1-2-5-3-4-5;;/h2*2-3,5H,1,4H2;; InChIKey = XYXPFXNDFKSGGK-UHFFFAOYSA-N (organometallic reagent for the introduction of a vinylcyclopropyl unit via conjugate additions to enones and ynones; useful for the construction of divinylcyclopropane and vinylcyclopropane systems as precursors to 1,3-cycloheptadiene and cyclopentenes, respectively) Solubility: sol THF–ether (2∶1) at −78 °C. Preparative Method: prepared at −78 °C by adding a solution (THF–ether; 2∶1) of 2-vinylcyclopropyllithium to 0.5 equiv of CuBr·SMe2 (see Copper(I) Bromide); the cyclopropyllithium intermediate can be generated by the metal–halogen exchange of 2-vinylcyclopropyl bromide with tert-Butyllithium at −95 °C (eq 1).1 (1) Handling, Storage, and Precautions: thermally unstable; must be generated in the absence of H2O and O2 at −78 °C; reactions with 1 and unsaturated carbonyl compounds should be carried out at −78 °C.
The Breast Cancer Susceptibility Gene Product (γ-Synuclein) Alters Cell Behavior through its [corrected] Interaction with Phospholipase Cβ

The breast cancer susceptibility gene protein, also known as γ-synuclein, is highly expressed in human breast cancer in a stage-specific manner, with highest expression in late stage cancer. In model systems, γ-synuclein binds phospholipase Cβ2 which is regulated by Gαq to generate intracellular Ca(2+) signals. PLCβ2, which is also absent in normal tissue but highly expressed in breast cancer, is additionally regulated by Rac to promote migration pathways. We have found that γ-synuclein binds to the same region of PLCβ2 as Gαq. Using cells that mimic stage 4 breast cancer (MDA MB 231), we show that down-regulation of γ-synuclein reduces the protein level of PLCβ but increases the transcript level over 40 fold. γ-Synuclein down-regulation also promotes the interaction between Gαq and PLCβ resulting in a stronger Ca(2+) response to Gαq agonists. The ability of γ-synuclein to interfere with Gαq-PLCβ interactions allows more PLCβ to colocalize with Rac impacting Rac-mediated pathways that may give rise to cancerous phenotypes.
Optimizing de novo assembly of short-read RNA-seq data for phylogenomics

RNA-seq has shown huge potential for phylogenomic inferences in non-model organisms. However, error, incompleteness, and redundant assembled transcripts for each gene in de novo assembly of short reads cause noise in analyses and a large amount of missing data in the aligned matrix. To address these problems, we compare de novo assemblies of paired end 90 bp RNA-seq reads using Oases, Trinity, Trans-ABySS and SOAPdenovo-Trans to transcripts from genome annotation of the model plant Ricinus communis. By doing so we evaluate strategies for optimizing total gene coverage and minimizing assembly chimeras and redundancy. We found that the frequency and structure of chimeras vary dramatically among different software packages. The differences were largely due to the number of trans-self chimeras that contain repeats in the opposite direction. More than half of the total chimeras in Oases and Trinity were trans-self chimeras. Within each package, we found a trade-off between maximizing reference coverage and minimizing redundancy and chimera rate. In order to reduce redundancy, we investigated three methods: 1) using cap3 and CD-HIT-EST to combine highly similar transcripts, 2) only retaining the transcript with the highest read coverage, or removing the transcript with the lowest read coverage for each subcomponent in Trinity, and 3) filtering Oases single k-mer assemblies by number of transcripts per locus and relative transcript length, and then finding the transcript with the highest read coverage. We then utilized results from blastx against model protein sequences to effectively remove trans chimeras. After optimization, seven assembly strategies among all four packages successfully assembled 42.9–47.1% of reference genes to more than 200 bp, with a chimera rate of 0.92–2.21%, and on average 1.8–3.1 transcripts per reference gene assembled. With rapidly improving sequencing and assembly tools, our study provides a framework to benchmark and optimize performance before choosing tools or parameter combinations for analyzing short-read RNA-seq data. Our study demonstrates that choice of assembly package, k-mer sizes, post-assembly redundancy-reduction and chimera cleanup, and strand-specific RNA-seq library preparation and assembly dramatically improves gene coverage by non-redundant and non-chimeric transcripts that are optimized for downstream phylogenomic analyses.
Micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells fabricated by phase-inversion method

Abstract A novel structured micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cell (MT-SOFC) has been fabricated by combining a phase-inversion, dip-coating and high temperature co-sintering process with impregnation of the electrode catalyst into a porous electrode matrix. The asymmetric porous anode made by phase-inversion is divided into two different layers, a thick fuel delivery layer with large finger-like pores and a thin function layer with small finger-like pores. The MT-SOFC demonstrates maximum power densities of 0.44, 0.54, 0.65 and 0.78 W/cm 2 at 650, 700, 750 and 800 °C, respectively with H 2 –15%H 2 O as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. Combining the power output with the quick start-up behavior, novel structured MT-SOFC offers a potential solution for rapid start-up high performance power devices.
Pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of daily lasofoxifene (LASO) in Japanese (J) and Caucasian (C) postmenopausal (PM) women

Background LASO, a next generation selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), is in late development for the treatment of osteoporosis. It is oxidatively and conjugatively metabolized. Since ethnic differences in drug metabolism exist, potential PK/PD differences for LASO in J and C PM women were explored. Methods Two randomized, investigator blind, parallel-group studies were run in PM women. The study in J subjects was placebo-controlled, whereas the study in C subjects was not. Daily 0.25, 0.5 mg or placebo tablets were given for 14 days, with loading doses of 8-times the daily dose given on day 1. Nine subjects were treated at each active dose level, with six J subjects treated with placebo. Plasma/serum samples were collected during and following treatment for PK/PD evaluations. Results The PK/PD of LASO were similar in J and C subjects. Exposure increased predictably with dose, with a mean T1/2 of approximately 150 hours. LDL concentrations generally decreased with LASO treatment, whereas HDL was not consistently affected. LASO was well-tolerated. Conclusions Following daily dosing for 14 days, there do not appear to be significant differences in LASO PK/PD/safety between J and C populations at clinically relevant doses. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P83–P83; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.209
Rat occipital cortical synapses after ovariectomy.

Abstract Our laboratory reported an increase in the thickness of the occipital cortex in 90-day-old female Long-Evans rats ovariectomized on day 1 compared with sham-operated controls. The present experiment studied the effects of ovariectomy on cerebral cortical synapses. Tissue blocks from the dorsal medial occipital cortex, area 18, of the right hemisphere were examined with a Zeiss 9S-2 electron microscope, magnification 34,125. Significantly more discontinuous postsynaptic densities were observed in the ovariectomized animals than in the sham-operated rats. The ovariectomized group also showed more positively curved synapses and fewer negatively curved synapses than the sham-operated animals, according to the scheme of synaptic curvature outlined by R. M. Devon and D. G. Jones (1979, Cell Tissue Res. 203 , 189–200) and S. E. Dyson and D. G. Jones (1980, Brain Res. 183 , 43–59). These data may represent the presence of more mature, active, functioning synapses in animals that have been ovariectomized compared with their littermate controls.
On weak mixing in lattice models

For lattice models on ℤ d , weak mixing is the property that the influence of the boundary condition on a finite decays exponentially with distance from that region. For a wide class of models on ℤ2, including all finite range models, we show that weak mixing is a consequence of Gibbs uniqueness, exponential decay of an appropriate form of connectivity, and a natural coupling property. In particular, on ℤ2, the Fortuin-Kasteleyn random cluster model is weak mixing whenever uniqueness holds and the connectivity decays exponentially, and the q-state Potts model above the critical temperature is weak mixing whenever correlations decay exponentially, a hypothesis satisfied if q is sufficiently large. Ratio weak mixing is the property that uniformly over events A and B occurring on subsets Λ and Γ, respectively, of the lattice, |P(A∩B)/P(A)P(B)−1| decreases exponentially in the distance between Λ and Γ. We show that under mild hypotheses, for example finite range, weak mixing implies ratio weak mixing.
Formula Scoring: Absolute or Relative?:

This analysis examines test scores which have been derived from the correction-for-guessing formula. Studies referred to have shown that significant discrepancies usually exist between Corrected Scores and Absolute Scores (measures of “pure knowledge”) for group averages. New data are presented which show that the correlations between Corrected Scores and Absolute Scores are not high enough to interpret the two as measuring the same attribute. Correlations of Corrected Scores with Relative (total right) Scores are significantly higher than with Absolute Scores. The conclusion is that Corrected Scores are not good estimates of “pure knowledge,” either for group or individual data.
A Quantitative Study of Olfactory, Non-Olfactory, and Vomeronasal Epithelia in the Nasal Fossa of the Bat Megaderma lyra

In complexity, the mammalian nasal fossa is unparalleled among vertebrates. Although total nasal epithelial surface areas (SA) have been reported for numerous mammals, detailed quantitative reports on individual structures exist for few mammals. Here, we examine mucosal distribution in the nasal fossa of the greater false vampire bat, Megaderma lyra (Megadermatidae, Chiropera). The SA of the left nasal fossa of one adult Megaderma was measured in serial histological sections; the development of the nasal fossa was assessed using three fetal specimens. The nasal fossa of Megaderma has seven ethmoturbinals and multiple smaller interturbinals between them, all bearing olfactory mucosa. Nearly half of the total olfactory SA of the nasal fossa lines these turbinals; the remainder lines recesses and parts of the medial (septal) and lateral walls of the nasal fossa. The maxilloturbinal is diminutive, and the nasoturbinal is absent. Volumetric measurements of the fetal and adult vomeronasal organ suggest age-related reduction. Thirty-five percent of the nasal fossa is lined with olfactory mucosa, within the range reported previously for chiropterans. In Megaderma the frontal recess contributes little to total nasal SA (2% of all olfactory SA). This represents a significant departure in morphology compared to other mammals, including some bats, in which the frontal recess is much larger. The significance of the emphasis in olfactory SA distribution to central or more peripheral (paranasal) spaces could be investigated using a large sample of phylogenetically diverse mammals, such as bats. This study emphasizes the need for more histological detail to further such studies.
TRANSMISSION OF GIARDIA LAMBLIA FROM PUPPIES TO CHILDREN: SEROLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE INFECTION

TRANSMISSION OF GIARDIA LAMBLIA FROM PUPPIES TO CHILDREN: SEROLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE INFECTION
Nanoscale characterization of the silicon dioxide-silicon carbide interface using elemental mapping by energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy

Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) was used to study 6H-SiC/SiO2 interfaces produced by thermal oxidation as a function of the oxidation conditions. Elemental maps of C and Si were used to calculate C-to-Si concentration profiles across the interfaces. Enhanced C/Si concentrations (up to ∼ 35%) were observed at distinct regions in samples oxidized at 1100°C for 4 h in a wet ambient. The data from a number of randomly selected regions indicate that re-oxidation at 950°C for 3 h significantly reduced, but did not eliminate, the amount of excess interfacial carbon.
Assembly of metals and nanoparticles into novel nanocomposite superstructures

Controlled assembly of nanoscale objects into superstructures is of tremendous interests. Many approaches have been developed to fabricate organic-nanoparticle superstructures. However, effective fabrication of inorganic-nanoparticle superstructures (such as nanoparticles linked by metals) remains a difficult challenge. Here we show a novel, general method to assemble metals and nanoparticles rationally into nanocomposite superstructures. Novel metal-nanoparticle superstructures are achieved by self-assembly of liquid metals and nanoparticles in immiscible liquids driven by reduction of free energy. Superstructures with various architectures, such as metal-core/nanoparticle-shell, nanocomposite-core/nanoparticle-shell, network of metal-linked core/shell nanostructures, and network of metal-linked nanoparticles, were successfully fabricated by simply tuning the volume ratio between nanoparticles and liquid metals. Our approach provides a simple, general way for fabrication of numerous metal-nanoparticle superstructures and enables a rational design of these novel superstructures with desired architectures for exciting applications.
The Gulf Stream—Barrier or Blender?

Abstract The Gulf Stream ’60 hydrographic survey has been used to examine the distribution of water properties across the Gulf Stream as a function of potential density. This survey covered a half million square miles of Slope, Gulf Stream and Sargasso Sea Waters in the western North Atlantic. Quantities plotted as a function of density are acceleration potential, potential temperature, desso1ved oxygen and potential vorticity. The transition from Sargasso Sea Water to Slope Water in the upper thermocline (σ0<27.1) is sharp and coincides closely with the dynamical boundary of the Gulf Stream, defined by the gradient of acceleration potential. This indicates that water mass exchanges across the Gulf Stream-Slope Water front are limited at these levels. Below the 27.1 Σ0 surface, the gradient of acceleration potential still reveals the position of the Stream, but there is no coincident water man boundary. This and the uniformity of potential vorticity across the Stream suggest that the deep property fields ...
The impact of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on blood pressure, with an emphasis on newer agents.

Abstract Background: Both nonselective and selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been reported to increase blood pressure (BP). Objective: This review summarizes the most recent data regarding the BP changes that may occur with routine dosing of nonselective or selective NSAIDs, with a focus on the latter. The review includes both clinical trials and studies having more naturalistic designs. Methods: Relevant articles were identified through a search of MEDLINE emphasizing NSAIDs and hypertension. Results: It is well established that NSAIDs increase BP in certain patients. Patients with existing hypertension seem to be at greatest risk for this adverse event. There seem to be differences between nonselective NSAIDs with regard to their effect on BP; indomethacin, naproxen, and piroxicam have been associated with clinically significant changes in BP. Most of the available evidence concerning the selective NSAIDs suggests that rofecoxib is more likely than celecoxib to raise systolic BP. Based on the results of trials in the treatment of BP, increases in systolic BP produced by these NSAIDs may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The adverse effects of NSAIDs on BP may be related to the specific drug or to the dose or duration of therapy, as well as to patient-specific characteristics. Conclusions: Clinically significant BP changes may occur after treatment with either nonselective or selective NSAIDs. The observed BP changes are not the same for all products, however.
Pulse doppler and M-mode to assess viability of cardiac allografts using heterotopic femoral heart transplantation in rats.

Noninvasive assessment of heterotopic heart transplants using Doppler echocardiography was first described in two patients by Allen at Stanford in 1981. Since then, numerous experiments studying heterotopic heart transplantation in humans and large animals have confirmed its utility by employing either an intra-abdominal or cervical model. In rats, however, prior research investigating intra-abdominal heterotopic hearts has showed echocardiography to be ineffective. We have recently developed a new technique for heterotopic femoral heart transplantation in rats, which employs the novel use of trans-femoral echocardiography. Therefore, our goal was to re-examine the efficacy of echocardiography for detection of graft rejection. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2007.