cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Herpes Simplex Virus LAT Gene is Associated with a Broader Repertoire of Virus-Specific Exhausted CD8+ T Cells Retained Within The Trigeminal Ganglia of Latently Infected HLA Transgenic Rabbits

Persistent pathogens, such as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), have evolved a variety of immune evasion strategies to avoid being detected and destroyed by the host’s immune system. A dynamic cross talk appears to occur between the HSV-1 Latency-Associated Transcript (LAT), the only viral gene that is abundantly transcribed during latency, and the CD8+ T cells that reside in HSV-1 latently infected human and rabbit trigeminal ganglia (TG). The reactivation phenotype of TG that are latently infected with wild type HSV-1 (i.e. LAT(+) TG) is significantly higher than TG latently infected with LAT null mutant (i.e. LAT(−) TG). Whether LAT promotes virus reactivation by selectively shaping a unique repertoire of HSV-specific CD8+ T cells retained in LAT(+) TG is unknown. In the present study, we assessed the frequency, function, and exhaustion status of TG-resident CD8+ T cells specific to 40 different epitopes derived from HSV-1 gB, gD, VP11/12 and VP13/14 proteins, in Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA-A*0201) transgenic rabbits infected ocularly with LAT(+) vs. LAT(−) virus. Compared to CD8+ T cells from LAT(−) TG, CD8+ T cells from LAT(+) TG: ( i ) recognized a broader selection of non-overlapping HSV-1 epitopes; ( ii ) expressed higher levels of PD-1, TIM-3 and CTLA-4 markers of exhaustion; and ( iii ) produced less TNF-a, IFN-g, and GzmB. These results suggest a novel immune evasion mechanism by which the HSV-1 LAT may contribute to the shaping of a broader repertoire of exhausted HSV-specific CD8+ T cells in latently infected TG, thus, allowing for increased viral reactivation.
Design and testing of parallel alignment mechanism for space optical payload

This paper presents a new 6-DOF secondary mirror alignment mechanism for space optical payload. The moving platform is connected to the base by six PSS (Prismatic-Spherical-Spherical) serial chains. The model is established and the inverse kinematics, Jacobian and stiffness modeling are also performed. The numerical simulation is carried out to verify the proposed inverse kinematics. The prototype has been developed and the basic experiment which is simulated the secondary mirror has been performed. Finally, the requirements of accuracy, lateral stiffness and natural frequency are tested and the feasibility of the alignment system is also verified.
National Disaster and Corporate Philanthropy

The research on corporate social responsibility (CSR) has largely emphasized the instrumental perspective which highlights economic implications. However, political CSR presents an alternative view...
The Effects of Voluntary Versus Mandatory Menu Calorie Labeling On Consumers’ Retailer-Related Responses

Abstract Restaurants with 20 or more locations will soon be required to disclose calorie information on menus and menu boards. Retailers not included in this mandate can choose to voluntarily provide calorie information. To better understand the implications of this major policy change for food retailers, this research examines how consumers’ retailer-related responses are affected by menu calorie labeling. A framework based on the attribution theory and the health halo literatures is developed, and three primary studies, including a field experiment, are used to test the proposed direct, moderating, and mediating effects derived from this conceptualization. Findings across the studies show that menu calorie labeling has a positive direct effect on perceptions of the restaurant’s concern for customers’ well-being and positive indirect effects on attitudes toward the restaurant and patronage intentions. However, these direct and indirect effects are attenuated when the restaurant is perceived to be more (vs. less) healthful and when menu calorie labeling is mandatory (vs. voluntary). The implications of these findings for retail and restaurant management are discussed.
Radioisotopic Assay for Measurement of Serum Folate Levels

A radioisotopic assay is reported that accurately measures an almost identical serum folate to that measured by Lactobacillus casei and can separate low, borderline, and normal folate levels. This assay utilizes a powdered milk available in any grocery. The assay takes less than 4 hr and can be run in unlimited quantity. This radioassay should simplify diagnosis of folate deficiency and be particularly useful in patients receiving antibiotics and folate antagonists, where the microbiological assay gives false low results.
Synthesis and Characterization of [(NHC)Ni(styrene)2] Complexes: Isolation of Monocarbene Nickel Complexes and Benchmarking of %VBur in (NHC)Ni-π Systems

The investigation of the stereoelectronic influence of N-aryl substituted NHC ligands on Ni(0) is reported. The structural analysis of a family of [(NHC)Ni(styrene)2] complexes are correlated to known literature parameters (TEP and %VBur). The analysis involved NMR spectroscopic techniques and X-ray crystallography analysis of the isolated [(NHC)Ni(styrene)2] complexes. The synthesis and characterization of this user-friendly and easy accessible Ni(0) precatalysts can be realized in a two-step synthesis starting from deprotonation of the imidazolium salt followed by direct coordination onto nickel in the presence of excess styrene.
Developmental effects of trichloroacetate in Zebrafish embryos: Association with the production of superoxide anion

To assess the developmental toxicity of trichloroacetate (TCA), zebrafish embryos were exposed to 8 to 48 mM of TCA and evaluated for developmental milestones from 8- to 144-hour postfertilization (hpf). All developmental toxicities are reported in this paper. Embryos were found to have developed edema in response to 16 to 48 mM of TCA exposure at 32- to 80-hpf, experienced delay in hatching success in response to 24 to 48 mM at 80-hpf. Lordosis was observed in developing embryos exposed to 40 to 48 mM at 55- to 144-hpf. The observed toxic effects of TCA exposure were found to be concentration and exposure period independent. Effects were found to be associated with increases in superoxide anion production, but these increases were also found to be concentration and time independent. TCA resulted in concentration-dependent increases in embryonic lethality at 144-hpf, with an LC50 determined to be 29.7 mM.
Electrospun MXene/carbon nanofibers as supercapacitor electrodes

Free-standing Ti3C2Tx MXene/carbon nanofiber electrodes are prepared via electrospinning Ti3C2Tx MXene flakes with polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and carbonizing the fiber networks. Using this simple fabrication method, delaminated MXene flakes are embedded within carbon nanofibers and these fiber mats are used as electrodes without binders or additives. Unlike coated electrodes, which may suffer from the active material delaminating from the substrate during folding or bending, composite electrodes are stable and durable. Previous attempts to incorporate Ti3C2Tx MXene into electrospun fibers resulted in low mass loadings, ∼1 wt% Ti3C2Tx MXene. In this work, MXene flakes are added into PAN solutions at a weight ratio of 2 : 1 (MXene : PAN) in the spinning dope, producing fiber mats with up to 35 wt% MXene. Composite electrodes have high areal capacitance, up to 205 mF cm−2 at 50 mV s−1, almost three times that of pure carbonized PAN nanofibers (70 mF cm−2 at 50 mV s−1). Compared with electrospun nanofibers spray-coated with Ti3C2Tx, these composite fibers exhibit double the areal capacitance at 10 mV s−1. This method can be used to produce MXene composite fibers using a variety of polymers, which have potential applications beyond energy storage, including filtration, adsorption, and electrocatalysis, where fibers with high aspect ratio, accessible surface, and porosity are desirable.
Intravenous Amiodarone and Sotalol Impair Contractility and Cardiac Output, but Procainamide Does Not: A Langendorff Study:

Introduction:Direct comparison of the effects of antiarrhythmic agents on myocardial performance may be useful in choosing between medications in critically ill patients. Studies directly comparing...
Tonic electromyographic activity following bilateral tonic-clonic seizures is associated with periictal respiratory dysfunction and postictal generalized EEG suppression.

OBJECTIVE No biomarkers reliably predict risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Postictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES) is a possible biomarker for SUDEP risk. However, its utility in predicting SUDEP remains uncertain. We had observed that postictal tonic electromyography (PTEMG) activity follows some generalized convulsive seizures (GCS). PTEMG activity and PGES may have a common pathophysiologic basis. PGES is associated with periictal respiratory distress. There is evidence that tonic EMG occurs with brain hypoxia. Thus PTEMG activity may be related to seizure-associated hypoxemia. Pronounced variation occurs among expert clinicians in identifying PGES, thereby limiting its utility as a biomarker. Characteristics of PTEMG activity and its relationship to preceding GCS have not been explored. We studied PTEMG activity characteristics, its relationship to the preceding seizure and associated respiratory dysfunction. METHODS We reviewed 145 GCS in 66 patients undergoing video-EEG telemetry (VET). The presence of PTEMG activity was defined when tonic EMG occurred for at least 3 seconds following seizure termination and was identified with filter settings at 5-200 Hz. Duration of PTEMG activity, the seizure, PGES, seizure-associated peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) change, and end-tidal CO2 were analyzed. We compared data from GCS with and without PTEMG activity. RESULTS Ninety of 145 seizures with GCS had PTEMG activity. The remainder had postictal slowing without PTEMG activity, and cessation of activity was followed by EEG slowing. Duration of the initial PTEMG discharge was 39.1 (mean) ± (standard deviation) 17.9 seconds. SpO2 nadir was lower (P = 0.005) in seizures with PTEMG activity than in those without (72% vs 77%). End-tidal CO2 was higher (P = 0.05) in seizures with PTEMG activity than in those without (63 vs 56 mm Hg). PGES duration was 35.6 ± 22.2 seconds and associated with duration of PTEMG activity (P < 0.001). SIGNIFICANCE The novel finding is that PTEMG activity occurs following 62% of GCS and that seizures with PTEMG activity have greater severity of respiratory dysfunction than seizures without. PTEMG activity is readily discerned by visual analysis of VET at appropriate filter settings and has the potential of being a complementary or surrogate biomarker of PGES for assessing SUDEP risk.
"Provoked" feto-maternal hemorrhage may represent insensible cell exchange in pregnancies from 6 to 22 weeks gestational age.

Abstract Objective To quantify spontaneous and provoked fetal to maternal cell exchange in the first half of pregnancy. Transfer of fetal red blood cells (FRBCs) into the maternal circulation during the first half of pregnancy is poorly characterized but of clinical relevance for miscarriage management and invasive procedures. Study design Prospective, descriptive cohort study of women presenting for surgical termination of pregnancy with sonographically confirmed gestational age (GA). Pre-procedural and post-procedural blood samples were collected to characterize both spontaneous (pre) and provoked (post) cell exchange with analysis via flow cytometry to quantify FRBC count. Results A total of 100 patients at 6–22 weeks GA contributed 200 matched pre- and post-procedural samples. FRBCs were identified in 69 patients including 4 who exhibited FRBCs pre-procedure only and 9 post-procedure only, for a total of 65 patients having post-procedural FRBCs. Of patients with FRBCs following their procedure, the majority ( n =56, 86%) also exhibited evidence of cells before the procedure with just 9 patients (14%) exhibiting FRBCs only after. No dose–response relationship was appreciable between GA and FRBC count. Conclusion After experiencing disruption of the placenta with instrumentation, roughly two thirds of patients had detectable FRBCs in maternal circulation following their procedure but—among those that did—the majority also exhibited cell presence prior to the procedure. This leads to further questions regarding the relationship between risk events and alloimmunization potential in previable pregnancies as the rate of spontaneous transplacental cell exchange may be underappreciated and the magnitude of provoked transfer may be overestimated. Implications The relationship between feto-maternal hemorrhage risk events and alloimmunization potential in previable pregnancies has previously been poorly characterized but these data reveal spontaneous transplacental cell exchange may be underappreciated and the magnitude of provoked transfer may be overestimated.
X-Ray Photoelectron and Ion Scattering Spectroscopic Studies of Composites

Surface analysis of fibers and composites is important for a fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of these materials, as an aid in the development and selection of matrix resins and adhesives for composites, and in studies of adhesive bonding of these materials. It is informative first, to define what is a composite and then to discuss selected surface analytical studies of fibers and composites.
Project Pilot Run: A Sewn Collaboration.

Flatland BMX is performed on flat surfaces without ramps or jumps resulting in less wear and tear on the bike than is common to extreme BMX. There are many niche products but in the world of flatland BMX, an appropriate air travel bicycle bag is missing. It costs upwards of $150, each way, to check a bicycle on a plane. In this sponsored project, 21 students designed the means of safely and cost-effectively transporting a Flatland BMX bicycle by air. Students worked with a local professional rider and consulted with a sewn goods designer both of whom assisted students in the development of their designs and manufacturing strategies. At the end of the project, a select group of students was chosen to deliver a working prototype to the professional rider. This pedagogical paper follows the progress of the students from the initial pitch through the final presentation of the product.
Single-cone imaging in inherited and acquired colour vision deficiencies

Colour vision deficiencies are common in humans and occur both as a consequence of inherited cone opsin mutations, altering the number or function of the different cone types expressed in the retina, and acquired through secondary disruption of cone function and structure. This review describes recent advances made in understanding colour vision deficiencies from combining knowledge about cone opsin genes with single-cone imaging in living humans. Examination of the effect of the opsin gene mutations upon the cone mosaic and colour vision phenotypes shows that not all inherited colour vision deficiencies are stationary and some inherited congenital eye diseases may cause impaired colour vision as a consequence of arrested development.
Incidence and risk factors of non-device-associated urinary tract infections in an acute-care hospital.

OBJECTIVE To update current estimates of non-device-associated urinary tract infection (ND-UTI) rates and their frequency relative to catheter-associated UTIs (CA-UTIs) and to identify risk factors for ND-UTIs. DESIGN Cohort study. SETTING Academic teaching hospital. PATIENTS All adult hospitalizations between 2013 and 2017 were included. UTIs (device and non-device associated) were captured through comprehensive, hospital-wide active surveillance using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention case definitions and methodology. RESULTS From 2013 to 2017 there were 163,386 hospitalizations (97,485 unique patients) and 1,273 UTIs (715 ND-UTIs and 558 CA-UTIs). The rate of ND-UTIs remained stable, decreasing slightly from 6.14 to 5.57 ND-UTIs per 10,000 hospitalization days during the study period (P = .15). However, the proportion of UTIs that were non-device related increased from 52% to 72% (P < .0001). Female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-2.50) and increasing age were associated with increased ND-UTI risk. Additionally, the following conditions were associated with increased risk: peptic ulcer disease (HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.04-4.86), immunosuppression (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15-1.91), trauma admissions (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.02-1.81), total parenteral nutrition (HR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.35-2.94) and opioid use (HR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.10-2.32). Urinary retention (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 0.96-2.07), suprapubic catheterization (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.88-5.91), and nephrostomy tubes (HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 0.83-4.93) may also increase risk, but estimates were imprecise. CONCLUSION Greater than 70% of UTIs are now non-device associated. Current targeted surveillance practices should be reconsidered in light of this changing landscape. We identified several modifiable risk factors for ND-UTIs, and future research should explore the impact of prevention strategies that target these factors.
Non-Performing Loans and Asset Management Companies in China: Legal and Regulatory Challenges for Achieving Effective Debt Resolution and Recovery

This paper reviews the legal and regulatory regime for the resolution of non-performing loans (NPL) of state-owned banks in China. Currently, China’s NPL market is comprised of two levels: the primary market (banks acting as the exclusive NPL sellers and asset management companies (AMCs) as the exclusive NPL buyers) and the secondary market (AMCs acting as the exclusive sellers and various types of investors as potential buyers). This paper finds that the current legal and regulatory regime imposes impediments to the effective functioning of the two-level NPL market.With respect to the primary market, because of strong political influence, the historical practice of making policy loans continues to play a role in banks’ practices. Moreover, the existing bankruptcy system is not practical for addressing the financial distress and/or failure of banks, thus causing the banks to rely on government bailouts for failures and thereby creating moral hazard in the financial system. As a result, the legal and regulatory reform does not help the banks avoid generating large amounts of new NPLs, especially following the lending spree during and following the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. With respect to the secondary market, the legal and regulatory regime has three major problems: first, there is a diversified supervisory structure, which creates problems such as overlapping supervision; second, there is no unified law for AMCs, which reduces predictability of legal risks for market participants; and third, there is an unsatisfactory judicial system in China which impedes AMCs’ resolution of NPLs through court proceedings. As a result, as the major participant in the secondary market, AMCs have not performed very well since their establishment in 1999.Based on the assessment of the current legal and regulatory regime for China’s NPL market, this paper proposes to make reforms in two dimensions. In the short-tern, China should focus on the internal improvement of AMCs’ management and the external improvement of the judicial system and the legal environment for AMCs. In the long-term, China should try to enhance the banking system’s adoption of market disciplines so as to avoid the new generation of NPLs. It is also suggested that China may allow banks to establish their own financial asset management companies for the purpose of resolving NPLs in a way that produces good recoveries for the banks.
Private Policies and Public Power: When Banks Act as Regulators within a Regime of Privilege

An emerging trend in financial services is banks’ increasingly common refusal to do business with industries for political reasons rather than for traditional business justifications. Banks’ refusals are often explained by a desire to make a difference or send a message. While this desire may not raise a concern in most cases, banks are not like most other businesses. Banks enjoy an extensive regime of privilege provided by federal and state governments that includes barriers to market entry and exit, more favorable regulatory treatment than nonbank competitors in some areas, and direct and privileged access to services provided by the government. This paper asks whether this public power, granted to banks for the purposes of facilitating lawful commerce, is being misused when banks try to regulate downstream markets through withholding services and what, if anything, should be done to address these actions by banks.
Taking the Floor: Models, Morals and Management in a Wall Street Trading Room: by Daniel Beunza, Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 2019, 344 pp., US$35.00, ISBN 9780691162812

Taking the Floor invites readers on an impressive tour through the findings of Daniel Beunza’s extraordinary fieldwork spanning nearly two decades. The book offers a rare insight into the depths of...
A theory of citations

Abstract We propose a model in which researchers maximize the number of times they are cited in later papers. The equilibrium is inefficient, because researchers distort their effort toward writing on popular topics. This inefficiency is affected by various factors, policies and customs. We explored the effect of a variety of such factors. In particular, we argue that the inefficiency is likely to be higher in disciplines (areas of research) in which talent is uniform across topics rather than more topic specific. We also determine conditions under which assigning a higher weight to citations in papers published in higher-ranked journals enhances efficiency.
What is conceptual engineering and what should it be

Conceptual engineering should be understood as the design, implementation, and evaluation of concepts. Conceptual engineering includes or should include de novo conceptual engineering (designing a ...
Pediatric Magnet Ingestions After Federal Rule Changes, 2009-2019.

This study describes trends in emergency department visits for ingestions by children of small neodymium magnets between 2009 and 2019, before, during, and after a 2014 Consumer Product Safety Commission rule restricting their sales.
Independent Elliptical Distributions Minimize Their W 2 Wasserstein Distance from Independent Elliptical Distributions with the Same Density Generator.

This short note is on a property of the $\mathcal{W}_2$ Wasserstein distance which indicates that independent elliptical distributions minimize their $\mathcal{W}_2$ Wasserstein distance from given independent elliptical distributions with the same density generators. Furthermore, we examine the implications of this property in the Gelbrich bound when the distributions are not necessarily elliptical. Meanwhile, we also generalize the results to the cases when the distributions are not independent. The primary purpose of this note is for the referencing of papers that need to make use of this property or its implications.
The 25th Anniversary of Laser Vision Correction in the United States

Laser Vision Correction (LVC) is an elective, self-pay and safe surgical procedure to correct myopia and hyperopia. Since FDA approval 25 years ago, there have been a progression of technological improvements leading to better outcomes and LVC is now one of the safest surgical procedures. With a potential pool of 50 million patients, 6000 trained ophthalmic surgeons regularly treating in over 1000 centers of which 65% are physician owned. Treatments remain low from an earlier peak of 1.4 million to less than 800,000 over last 10 years. The factors preventing patients undergoing surgery have not changed and include the cost of $2000 ± $1000 per eye and fear of laser surgery on their eyes. The latter is overcome by word of mouth referrals and positive social media messaging. In addition, press misinformation and lack of optometrists participating in co-management have not helped grow LVC procedures despite the positive results of the FDA's Patient Reported Outcomes with LASIK studies known as PROWL. The surgery is quick, and patients can be "in and out" in less than two hours with a rapid recovery, minimal postoperative restrictions and within 24 hours have 20/20 vision. Volume and price drives center and physician profitability with a scheduling capacity of two to four patients' treatments per hour. Laser vision correction and especially LASIK, remains the treatment of choice for myopic and hyperopic patients wanting to remove their dependency on glasses and contact lenses.
One and Done: The Long Eclipse of Women’s Televised Sports, 1989–2019:

For 3 decades we have tracked and analyzed the quantity and quality of coverage of women’s and men’s sports in televised news and highlights shows. In this paper, we report on our most recent itera...
Endoscopically Assisted Band Ligation of Prolapsing Mucosa from Long-Term Gastrostomy Site

Abstract Introduction: One long-term complication of a gastrostomy tube is the need for future revision. In a retrospective study of >1000 pediatric patients who underwent gastrostomy, revision occ...
Economy: Racism’s Continuing Economic Cost to Whites—A Second Look

The economy is perhaps the most decisive institution in a society. The ability of government to address social problems, our standard of living, and general well-being is dependent on the health of the economy. In the first edition of Impacts, the economist Michael Reich showed that reductions in racial economic inequality are correlated with higher earnings for Whites (and Blacks) and unionization. Reducing economic inequality is also correlated with falling industrial profits. He reaffirms these correlations in this edition. Where racial inequality increases, low- and middle-income Whites lose financially. Simultaneously, the earnings of the upper 1% of Whites increase. We learn that there are strong present-day economic incentives for Whites in the upper 1% of incomes to favor racial hierarchy. But there are also strong economic reasons for Whites in the lower and middle classes to do away with racism in the economy and in politics. Institutional racism harms most White people.
Effective Ramsey Theorems in the Projective Hierarchy

This chapter discusses Ramsey theorems that are effective in the projective hierarchy. The application of Q-theory is quite elementary; it will bring out some of its essential ideas and methods that can be basic ingredients in more elaborate uses and applications of this theory. The chapter proves the main theorem and discusses results related results on Δ^1_(2n+l)- and Q_(2n+l)- encodability, and discusses some related open problems. One of the proof uses Mathias forcing over an appropriate inner model of ZFC.
Circumnuclear Supernova Remnants and H II Regions in NGC 253

Archival VLA data have been used to produce arcsecond-resolution 6 and 20 cm images of the region surrounding the nuclear 200 pc (~15'') starburst in NGC 253. Twenty-two discrete sources stronger than 0.4 mJy have been detected within ~2 kpc (~3') of the galaxy nucleus; almost all these sources must be associated with the galaxy. None of the radio sources coincides with a detected X-ray binary, so they appear to be due to supernova remnants and H II regions. The region outside the central starburst has a derived radio supernova rate of 0.1 yr-1 and may account for at least 20% of the recent star formation in NGC 253. Most of the newly identified sources have steep, nonthermal radio spectra, but several relatively strong thermal sources also exist, containing the equivalent of tens of O5 stars. These stars are spread over tens of parsecs and are embedded in regions having average ionized gas densities of ~20–200 cm-3, much lower than in the most active nuclear star-forming regions in NGC 253 or in the super–star clusters seen in other galaxies. The strongest region of thermal emission coincides with a highly reddened area seen at near-infrared wavelengths, possibly containing optically obscured H II regions.
TRAIL sensitization of PC3 prostate cancer cells by doxorubicin can be blocked by the anti-oxidant N-acetyl-cysteine or by the iron chelator deferoxamine

B59 The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism whereby doxorubicin sensitizes cancer cells to TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL). We used PC3 prostate cancer cells which are partially resistant to TRAIL but can be more fully sensitized with doxorubicin treatment. Doxorubicin downregulates the short form of the anti-apoptotic protein Flice-Like Inhibitory Protein (FLIPs), which correlates with sensitization to TRAIL. The mechanism of FLIPs downregulation is not transcriptional or mediated by ubiquitination. Rather, doxorubicin globally inhibits translation suggesting that short half-life proteins such as FLIPs would disappear quickly. Polysome and Western blot analysis indicate that translation initiation is not inhibited. Elongation factor 2 (EF2), which mediates translocation in peptide chain elongation, is inactivated by phosphorylation. We found that doxorubicin treatment results in strong EF2 phosphorylation and therefore translational elongation became the focus of our mechanism study. EF2 is normally phosphorylated by EF2 kinase. However, EF2k is not the likely cause of doxorubicin-mediated phosphorylation because, as a short half life protein, it is also quickly downregulated by doxorubicin. As an alternative, we explored whether EF2 phosphorylation is the result of oxidative stress. When doxorubicin is administered, it binds to cellular iron, generating free radicals through Fenton chemistry. We demonstrate with hydrogen peroxide treatments that free radicals can both phosphorylate EF2 and downregulate FLIPs. Further, these effects of doxorubicin can be abrogated through the pretreatment of cells with an anti-oxidant to scavenge free radicals, N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), or an iron chelator to preclude the doxorubicin/iron complex, deferoxamine (DFO). Upon pretreatment with NAC or DFO, doxorubicin treatment fails to downregulate FLIPs, phosphorylate EF2, or sensitize cells to TRAIL as shown by Western blot. However, NAC and DFO do not abrogate the G2 cell-cycle arrest that results from doxorubicin treatment. This result indicates that the arrest is likely due to the DNA damaging aspect of doxorubicin activity rather than the iron-chelation aspect. This observation may help explain why patients have a wide range of responses to doxorubicin treatment. Anti-oxidants may inadvertently protect tumors from the effectiveness of doxorubicin while a patient would still suffer the side effects of cell cycle arrest such as anemia, hair loss, and immune suppression. This potential clinical outcome merits further study. Tumors may require initial protein profiling before treatment decisions are made in order to best tailor treatment and adjunct therapy to oncogenes specific to the tumor.
Vulnerability of intestinal interstitial fluid to oxidant stress

The objective of this study was to quantify free radical-mediated lipid, protein, and sulfhydryl oxidation in intestinal interstitial fluid (lymph) and plasma of fasted rats. Free radicals and oxidants were generated either by thermal decomposition of 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)hydrochloride (AAPH), which yields peroxyl radicals, or by activated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). Incubation of intestinal lymph with AAPH resulted in a time-dependent increase in the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS; lipid peroxidation) and carbonyl content (protein oxidation). TBARS formation was completely inhibited by removal of the apo B-containing lipoproteins in lymph suggesting that very low-density lipoprotein is the major substrate for lipid peroxidation in fasted interstitial fluid. The sulfhydryl content of lymph was reduced significantly on exposure to the peroxyl radical generator. Incubation with activated PMNs revealed qualitatively similar changes in protein and sulfhydryl oxidation; however, there was no detectable TBARS formation. Exposure of plasma to AAPH produced similar increases in protein and sulfhydryl oxidation when plasma protein concentration was adjusted to that of lymph; however, TBARS formation was significantly lower compared with lymph. Incubation of dialyzed plasma with AAPH produced significantly greater amounts of TBARS. Taken together, our data suggest that plasma is more resistant to AAPH-induced lipid peroxidation than interstitial fluid and the substrate for TBARS formation in intestinal interstitial fluid is different from that of plasma.
Applications of GPS-tracked personal and fixed-location PM2.5 continuous exposure monitoring

ABSTRACTContinued development of personal air pollution monitors is rapidly improving government and research capabilities for data collection. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using GPS-enabled personal exposure monitors to collect personal exposure readings and short-term daily PM2.5 measures at 15 fixed locations throughout a community. The goals were to determine the accuracy of fixed-location monitoring for approximating individual exposures compared to a centralized outdoor air pollution monitor, and to test the utility of two different personal monitors, the RTI MicroPEM V3.2 and TSI SidePak AM510. For personal samples, 24-hr mean PM2.5 concentrations were 6.93 μg/m3 (stderr = 0.15) and 8.47 μg/m3 (stderr = 0.10) for the MicroPEM and SidePak, respectively. Based on time–activity patterns from participant journals, exposures were highest while participants were outdoors (MicroPEM = 7.61 µg/m3, stderr = 1.08, SidePak = 11.85 µg/m3, stderr = 0.83) or in restaurants (MicroPEM = 7.48 µg/m3, s...
Toxicity of ZnO nanoparticles to the copepod Acartia tonsa, exposed through a phytoplankton diet.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are being increasingly utilized in a variety of products and applications and are therefore commonly discharged into aquatic environments, increasing exposure and potentially impacting aquatic organisms. Zinc oxide nanoparticles can depress growth of some marine phytoplankton, and several examples of nanoparticle trophic transfer have been documented, although not within planktonic communities. The authors test whether feeding on ZnO-exposed phytoplankton could cause toxic effects in a widespread and ecologically important marine grazer, the copepod Acartia tonsa. The authors exposed the diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii to ZnO nanoparticles for 7 d and measured growth, zinc accumulation, and zinc distribution within the algal cells to elucidate bioavailability to grazing copepods. Thalassiosira weissflogii cultured with nano-ZnO were continuously fed to A. tonsa for 7 d, and reproduction and survival were quantified. A dose-dependent growth reduction was observed in T. weissflogii exposed to nano-ZnO, with a 20% effective concentration (EC20) of 70 µg/L Zn and a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) of 99 µg/L Zn. Zinc accumulation in the algae occurred dose-dependently over time, with the majority of the zinc partitioning into the cell wall fraction. Feeding on ZnO-exposed diatoms led to a decrease in copepod survival and reproduction. The EC20s corresponding to the dissolved zinc concentration in the T. weissflogii exposure media were 112 µg/L (13 µg/g dry wt) and 143 µg/L (16 µg/g dry wt), and the LOECs were 168 µg/L (17 µg/g dry wt) and 263 µg/L (21 µg/g dry wt) for copepod survival and reproduction, respectively. These results provide evidence of trophic transfer of metal contaminants associated with metal oxide nanomaterials within a marine plankton community, leading to a reduction in individual demographic performance of an important coastal marine grazer. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:1264–1269. © 2013 SETAC
H ∞ mixed sensitivity design for a real multivariable delay problem

We consider H∞-optimal mixed sensitivity design for idle speed control of an automobile engine model [13]. This model is a three-input four-output system containing two incommensurate time delays. We show how to explicitly compute the optimal performance and optimal compensators.
Massive Data Classification via Unconstrained Support Vector Machines

A highly accurate algorithm, based on support vector machines formulated as linear programs (Refs. 1–2), is proposed here as a completely unconstrained minimization problem (Ref. 3). Combined with a chunking procedure (Ref. 4), this approach, which requires nothing more complex than a linear equation solver, leads to a simple and accurate method for classifying million-point datasets. Because a 1-norm support vector machine underlies the proposed approach, the method suppresses input space features as well. A state-of-the-art linear programming package (CPLEX, Ref. 5) fails to solve problems handled by the proposed algorithm.
Some model theoretic results for θ-logic

The θ-completeness theorem is applied to prove theorems above two-cardinal models, homogeneous models, and categoricity in power in θ-logic.
The smart phones of tomorrow

The handheld devices are not only becoming smaller and more powerful, but also offer newer functionalities. One cannot even imagine what to expect from smartphones of next generation. In this position paper, our objective is to look into the future and see what challenges and opportunities are offered by smartphones.
Conversion efficiency, spectral and mode purities of a single sideband electro-optic modulator

The measured single sideband conversion efficiency of a 10.6 μm bulk-type CdTe electro-optic modulator over the 14-18 GHz modulation frequency range is shown to be in close agreement with the coupled-mode and segmented modulator theories. The paper addresses the effects of the rotational orientations of segmented crystals and indirectly proves that a broadband multisection modulator is feasible; it further shows that a modulator with crystals in rotatable segmented circular waveguides is spectrally widely tunable. The effects of mechanical pressure and off-axis beam propagation on conver-sion, mode purity, and beam quality are also discussed.
1H Magnetic resonance spectroscopy: A review of the current literature and its potential utility in veterinary oncology

Advanced imaging of veterinary cancer patients has evolved in recent years and modalities once limited to human medicine have now been described for diagnostic purposes in veterinary medicine (positron emission tomography/computed tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography, whole body magnetic resonance imaging). Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive and non-ionizing technique that is well described in the human medical literature and is most frequently used to evaluate the metabolic activity of tissues with questionable malignant transformation. Differentiation of neoplastic tissue from surrounding normal tissue is dependent on variations in cellular metabolism. Positive identification of malignancy can be made when neoplastic alterations are occurring at the cellular level prior to gross anatomic changes. This improved, early detection of cancer occurrence (or recurrence) can improve patient survival and direct medical therapy. MRS techniques are largely underutilized in veterinary medicine, with current research predominantly limited to the brain (both evaluation of normal and diseased tissue). Given the clinical utility of MRS in humans, the technique may also be useful in the staging of cancer in veterinary medicine.
Exon4 Amelogenin Transcripts in Enamel Biomineralization

Amelogenins are proteins formed by alternative splicing of the amelogenin gene, and are essential for tooth enamel formation. However, the unique functions of various alternatively spliced amelogenins in enamel formation are not well understood. In this study, we determined the spatiotemporal location of amelogenins derived from transcripts containing exon4 (AMG+4) in the enamel matrix, and the relative binding of recombinant AMG+4 to hydroxyapatite (HAP). Immunohistochemistry and mass spectrometry analyses showed that AMG+4 proteins were secreted into the enamel matrix at the early maturation stage. A stage-specific increase in the synthesis of AMG+4 was further supported by our observation that in mice overexpressing leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (TgLRAP), in which ameloblasts differentiate earlier, AMG+4 transcripts were also upregulated earlier. In vitro binding studies, supported by in silico modeling of protein binding to calcium and phosphate, showed that more recombinant AMG+4 bound to hydroxyapatite (HAP) as compared with recombinant AMG-4. The temporal and spatial localization of amelogenins containing exon4 peptide, and their functional differences in HAP binding, suggests that the unique properties of amelogenins containing exon4 cause a specific enhancement of biomineralization related to stabilization of early-formed HAP at the maturation stage.
Signal detection techniques applied to the Chandler Wobble

A sudden excitation event of the Chandler wobble should induce the earth's rotation pole to undergo damped harmonic motion. This type of motion has been searched for in the observations of the Chandler wobble using techniques based upon the concept of a matched filter. Although the signal detection techniques used here were not sensitive enough to detect any such isolated sudden excitation events, the result that was obtained is consistent with a randomly excited model of the Chandler wobble.
E1 Transitions from the Υ'' State and the Fine Structure of the χ' b States

Using the CUSB-II detector at the Cornell Electron Storage Ring, we have made precision measurements of the electric dipole transition rates from Y« to χ' b , which are in excellent agreement with theory. The fine-structure splitting is found to be M(χ' b2 )-M(χ' bl )=13.5±0.4±0.5 MeV and M(χ' bl )-M(χ' bo )=23.2 ± 0.7 ± 0.7 MeV, leading to a ratio R=0.584 ± 0.024 ± 0.02. The fine structure measures the relative contributions of the spin-orbit interaction a=9.5±0.2±0.1MeV and tensor interactionb=2.3±0.1±0.1 MeV
Identification of dopamine receptor subtypes in the hypotensive action of SK&F 85174 in anaesthetized rats

1 We have performed experiments to determine the effect of SK&F 85174 on blood pressure in anaesthetized rats and identify dopamine receptor subtype(s) involved in its action. 2 SK&F 85174 decreased blood pressure in a dose-related manner. There were no significant changes in heart rate. The hypotensive action was short-lasting and was significantly antagonized by the selective DA1-receptor antagonist. SCH 23390 (100 micrograms/kg). This dose of SCH 23390 did not alter the hypotension produced by the DA2-receptor agonist, quinpirole. 3 The DA2-receptor antagonist, domperidone (25 micrograms/kg), did not significantly alter the hypotension produced by lower doses of SK&F 85174, but antagonized the hypotensive action of the highest dose of SK&F 85174 by about 35%. This dose of domperidone antagonized the hypotension produced by quinpirole by 85% without affecting the hypotensive action of the DA1-receptor agonist, fenoldopam. 4 These results show that at lower doses of SK&F 85174, the hypotension is due primarily to DA1-receptor activation, whereas DA2-receptor activation may also contribute to the blood pressure decrease produced by higher doses of SK&F 85174.
Optoelectronics of 2D-Semicondcutors

Newly discovered 2D semiconductors offer a platform to investigate valley excitons at the two dimensional limit. Here, we present optoelectronic control of valley exciton polarization and coherence, and their device applications in monolayer limit.
Indolent peripheral T-cell lymphoma involving the gastrointestinal tract

We describe an unusual case of indolent peripheral T-cell lymphoma with multifocal involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. The patient, a 42-year-old Asian man, has been followed up for more than 10 years without chemotherapy and multiple gastrointestinal biopsies showing similar findings. Histologically, the neoplasm expanded into the lamina propria and/or focally extended into the submucosa and was composed of small- to medium-sized lymphocytes with slightly irregular nuclear contours and clear cytoplasm and rare large lymphocytes. The tumor cells were positive for CD3, CD8, granzyme B, and TIA-1 (subset) and negative for CD5, CD56, and Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA. Molecular studies for T-cell receptor γ and/or β chain gene rearrangement demonstrated the same clone at different sites and times during the course of the disease. Rare cases of indolent peripheral T-cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract have been previously described and need to be further characterized to avoid the use of aggressive chemotherapy.
Small-volume coulometric redoxostat.

Abstract The apparatus described senses the solution redox potential and compares it to a control value. If the two do not agree, the necessary oxidant or reductant is electrolytically generated until the system is brought under control at the desired value. Using the above procedures, a desired solution potential can be obtained with a precision and accuracy of ±4 mV. This has proved applicable to the determination of biological species such as cytochrome b which attain redox equilibrium slowly.
The thermal conductivity of UO2 vapor

Abstract The thermal conductivity, λ of a saturated vapor over UO1.96 is calculated in the temperature range 3000–6000 K. The calculation shows that the contribution to λ from the transport of reaction enthalpy dominates all other contributions. All possible reactions of the gaseous species UO3, UO2, UO, U, O, and O2 are included in the calculation. We fit the total thermal conductivity to the empirical equation λ = exp(a+ b/T+cT+dT2 + eT3), with λ in cal/(cm s K), T in kelvins, a = 268.90, b = − 3.1919 × 105, c = −8.9673 × 10−2, d = 1.2861 × 10−5, ande = −6.7917 × 10−10.
Gynecologic Care for Women With HIV Infection

The purpose of this article is to review the gynecologic conditions encountered among women with HIV and to outline elements of gynecologic care for these women. The most prevalent problems are vulvovaginal candidiasis and cervical dysplasia; however, other sexually transmitted diseases, pelvic inflammatory disease, genital ulcer disease, and menstrual abnormalities are also seen. Drug interactions may limit the effectiveness or increase the toxicities associated with hormonal contraception. Intrauterine devices are contraindicated.
The MAHB, the Culture Gap, and Some Really Inconvenient Truths

​TheThe human predicament—climate disruption, loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services, toxification of the planet, the potential impacts of nuclear war, and social and economic inequities that impede solutions to escalating environmental problems—has been amply described [1]. Although the steps needed to solve the predicament are clear, few have been taken—even as the situation steadily declines. The trend in greenhouse gas emissions has continued rapidly upward. The extermination of biodiversity and loss of natural services has proceeded unabated. The number of hungry people has hit an all-time high, which means that so has the number of immune-compromised individuals. That, combined with continued rapid population growth, increases the probabilities of vast epidemics [2]. In Asia, melting of the Himalayan water tower [3] and rising temperatures threaten the food supply of 1.6 billion people [4] whose countries are armed with nuclear weapons [5]. There also have been increasing signs of great toxic peril for humanity and its life-support systems, with a growing threat from the release of hormone-disrupting chemicals that could even be shifting the human sex ratio [6] and reducing sperm counts.
In Situ Clearance Rates of Planktonic Rotifers

The in situ clearance rates of several rotifer species from a small, temperate eutrophic lake were measured using three radioactive tracer cell-types, a bacterium (Aerobacter), a yeast (Rhodotorula), and alga (Chlamydomonas). Rates were below 10 μl/ anim/h but varied significantly among species. Keratella cochlearis, Kellicottia bostoniensis, and Conochilus dossuarius ingested all three tracer cells but rates varied substantially with tracer cell-type. Polyarthra dolichoptera and P. euryptera ingested only the algal cells. Co-occurring forms of K. cochlearis and species of Polyarthra differed markedly in size and in tracer cell utilization, indicating niche diversification in food resources.