cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The re-emergence of antigen-specific tolerance as a potential therapy for MS.

Ideal therapy for inflammatory disease in the nervous system would preserve normal immune function, while suppressing only the pathologic immune responses that damage tissue and allowing for repair. In principle, antigen-specific therapy would eradicate unwanted adaptive immune responses— antibody and T-cell mediated—while preserving the integrity of other adaptive responses to infectious agents and retaining the ability to fight malignancy. However, at this time, for multiple sclerosis (MS) we do not have compelling evidence that would support any particular dominant immune response to any specific antigen or even a limited group of antigens. In fact, there are adaptive immune responses to a wide swathe of proteins and lipids found on neurons and myelin in MS. Unless controlling a few of the known immune responses is sufficient, antigen-specific therapy in MS may not have enough of an impact to modulate clinical outcome. However, in other neuroinflammatory conditions, such as neuromyelitis optica, the adaptive immune response is highly focused. Trials of antigen-specific therapy for neuroin- flammatory disease might first be tested in diseases with a more limited adaptive immune response like neuromyelitis optica. The likelihood of a significant success for this therapeutic strategy might then ensue.
When Grammar Instruction Undermines Cohesion in L2 Spanish Classroom Discourse

This article compares ordinary conversational topics and targeted second language (L2) forms for their effectiveness in building and maintaining classroom discourse cohesion. In this study, 16 learners participated in 2 lessons, 1 with teacher turns determined by a grammatical object of instruction, and the other with turns determined by conversation topics. Based on research by Sperber and Wilson (1995) and Vuchinich (1977), extended latency gaps and remedy sequences in learner turns were taken as evidence of poor cohesion. Both lessons were videotaped, transcribed, and coded. Of the 16 learners, 5 volunteers viewed the videotapes and offered written explanations for their extended latencies. Longer latencies and more frequent remedy sequences occurred during the grammatically-determined discourse, with volunteers likewise indicating greater difficulty understanding the instructor, than during the conversational lesson. It is argued that for grammar instruction to work effectively, a focus on form must be transparent as the instructional objective, and targeted L2 forms must themselves be properly treated as discourse topics.
Stigma and public support for parity and government spending on mental health: a 2013 national opinion survey.

ObjectiveThe study examined attitudes among Americans about policies to require insurance parity for mental health and substance abuse benefits and to increase government spending on mental health treatment.MethodsA Web-based public opinion survey was conducted with a national sample (N=1,517). Analyses examined how sociodemographic characteristics, political affiliation, personal experience with mental illness, and attitudes toward persons with mental illness were associated with policy support.ResultsSixty-nine percent supported insurance parity, and 59% supported increasing government spending. Democrats were more supportive than Republicans or Independents. Personal experience was associated with higher support for both policies, and stigmatizing attitudes were associated with less support.ConclusionsMost Americans favored policies to expand insurance and funding, but stigma was associated with lower support for both policies. This finding highlights the importance of developing robust antistigma effo...
Effect of Choline, Methionine and Vitamin B12 on Liver Fat, Egg Production and Egg Weight in Hens

Abstract IT IS known (Lucas et al., 1946; Ringrose and Davis, 1946) that the hen can synthesize choline. It is unknown whether she is able to synthesize enough to meet her needs under all circumstances. Responses of various kinds to choline have been reported in laying hens. Abbott and DeMasters (1940) reported decreased egg production, increased mortality, aborted egg yolks and increased liver fat when diets low in choline were fed. Welch and Couch (1955) and Daghir et al. (1960) reported increased egg production when choline was added to the diet. Burns and Ackerman (1955) reported that egg size and choline content of the egg was increased by adding choline to the diet. Balloun (1956) reported that choline additions corrected erratic hatchability. Johnson (1954), Holmes and Kramer (1965) and Leach et al. (1966) found no beneficial effects from increasing the choline level of the diets used in their experiments. Nesheim et…
FORMULATION AND SENSORY EVALUATION OF A FRUIT PUNCH CONTAINING WATERMELON JUICE

The objective of this work was to formulate and test the acceptability of a fruit punch containing watermelon juice. Frozen concentrated watermelon, pineapple, and orange juices, sugar and citric acid were used to formulate five categories of fruit punches containing each 100%, 50%, 20%, and 10% juices. The 10% juices had 15:1 and 25:l Brix:acid ratios while the others had 15:l Brix:acid ratio. Optimum proportions of juices were determined, using mixture response surface methodology, laboratory sensory evaluation, and small scale consumer tests. Results indicated a highly acceptable product could be formulated within each category of punch, and in each case, up to 80% watermelon could be used in the formulation.
Refractory Inclusions in the Allende Meteorite

The literature on the coarse-grained inclusions of the Allende meteorite is reviewed, with attention given to petrography and major minerals, micromineralogy and microtextures, bulk chemical composition, and isotopic composition. It is concluded that the coarse-grained inclusions provide evidence for a supernova explosion that occurred just before condensation, for incompletely homogenized material from several nucleosynthetic sources, and for solar nebular regions of different chemical and isotopic composition.
Carcinoma of the female urethra responsive to moderate dose chemoradiotherapy.

A 68-year-old white woman with a long history of urinary retention and multiple episodes of urinary tract infection was admitted to the hospital in urinary retention. Cystoscopic examination revealed a periurethral mass. Well differentiated keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma was demonstrated on biopsy. Staging evaluations, including computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis, chest x-ray and bone scan did not show any metastases. CT was suggestive of but MRI did not confirm pelvic lymphadenopathy. Instead, MRI showed an increased T2-weighted signal compatible with bladder neck as well as distal vaginal involvement by a well-defined 8 3 6 cm. mass extending from the bladder neck to the introitus where it abutted the symphysis. It was easily palpable as a submucosal mass along the entire length of the vagina anteriorly. Therefore, disease was classified as T3N0M0, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III or Grabstald stage C. Partially precipitated by reaction to antibiotic treatment given for the urinary tract infection, the patient had a massive myocardial infarction and had to be resuscitated. Because she was not able to tolerate aggressive surgery and life expectancy was limited, palliative treatment was recommended. She received limited volume radiation using opposing anterior-posterior fields measuring 8 3 10 cm. with 4 mv. photons to a dose of only 4,000 cGy. in 4 weeks. The intent was to perform either limited excision with the patient under local anesthesia or apply intracavitary irradiation via a catheter to address the residual central disease following external beam irradiation. To maximize this relatively low radiation dose 45 to 60 mg./m. cisplatin and 1.5 gm. 5-fluorouracil intravenously daily for a total of 6 gm. for 4 days were given. Chemotherapy began concurrently with irradiation. After radiotherapy was completed, 2 more cycles of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil therapy were administered 4 weeks apart. Then 5-fluorouracil alone was given for 3 more doses 4 weeks apart. Probably because of the exclusion of pelvic and inguinal lymphatics, no bowel, bladder, skin or any other side effects of irradiation occurred despite concurrent chemotherapy. At the completion of radiotherapy the mass had been reduced to 4 3 4 cm. and was no longer tender. The Foley catheter was removed at the initiation of the second cycle of chemotherapy with relatively normal urinary function. At 1 month after radiotherapy only minimal smooth induration was palpated along the anterior vaginal wall, which had resolved completely at 2-month followup. At 5-month followup the entire length of the urethra was normal on palpation. Cystoscopy and urethroscopy performed at 3 years 9 months were negative. No biopsy was indicated. The patient died of heart failure with no evidence of disease 5 years 10 months after treatment. DISCUSSION
Dissections, transgressions, and perilous paths

A model of the mass transfer from a bubble rising through a liquid has been shown to have equations of the form dxdt=A(x,y)B(x,y), [email protected]?(x,y)@D(x,y). This is one of a number of dissections of the equation [email protected][email protected], all of which have the same solution paths. These equations will clearly have singular behavior on the curves B = 0 and @D = 0, but the boundary between physically realistic and physically unrealistic values of x and y must be transgressed to reach this interesting behavior. It is shown that some of the dissections give families of singular trajectories which owe their perilous ''stability'' to the opposition of two infinite derivatives.
Multiple access for UWB impulse radio with pseudochaotic time hopping

Pseudochaotic time hopping (PCTH) is a previously proposed encoding/modulation scheme for ultra-wideband (UWB) impulse radio. PCTH exploits concepts from symbolic dynamics to generate aperiodic spreading sequences, resulting in a noise-like spectrum. We present a multiple-access technique suitable for the PCTH scheme. In particular, we provide an analytical expression of the bit-error rate performance as a function of the number of users and validate it by simulation.
A high-level and flexible framework for dynamically composing networked devices

It is useful to provide composers on mobile computers that dynamically compose the services offered by a set of networked devices. For example, a mobile computer could execute a multidevice composer that provides an operation for simultaneously turning off a set of lights rather than through their individual user-interfaces (UIs). We address the issue of flexibly and generically supporting multidevice composition. It makes the following novel contributions: (a) an identification of composition semantics that apply to a wide variety of devices, (b) a classification and evaluation of several existing mechanisms for supporting these semantics, and (c) an evaluation of a new composition framework that combines and extends existing, seemingly unrelated, approaches. The key to integrating these approaches is basing composition on programming patterns, which provide a bridge between the operation oriented and data oriented approaches. Our framework uses the existing ideas of allowing a single composer to work for a family of device classes and providing some composers that are based on UI generation. It extends these ideas by allowing a composer to be based on the programming patterns used in the device classes rather than the interfaces they implement to support all identified composition semantics.
The role of confidence in tax return preparation using tax software

This chapter investigates the nature of tax preparers’ confidence, as well as how the introduction of a tax decision support system (TDSS) affects tax preparers’ confidence levels. Psychological theories of confidence (e.g., Einhorn & Hogarth, 1978) are drawn upon to develop predictions regarding the role of process (ex ante) and outcome (ex post) confidence in tax return preparation. An experimental methodology is used with 114 inexperienced and experienced participants who prepare an individual income tax return manually or with tax preparation software (a TDSS). Less-experienced tax preparers have lower levels of ex-ante confidence and are more likely to be overconfident in the accuracy of their performance. Furthermore, when examining only the participants who made errors in their tax return preparation task, those that prepare the return with the TDSS are significantly more likely to be overconfident in their performance. These results support the predictions of Noga and Arnold (2002) and suggest that inexperienced users’ over-reliance on a TDSS (Masselli, Ricketts, Arnold, & Sutton, 2002) may be due to individuals’ overconfidence in the accuracy of their performance with the software.
The Space Between What Is and What Wants to Be: The Abandoned Practice of Utopian Thinking

Why are practices abandoned? “Abandoned” connotes something that has been left behind and whose use is over. But “abandon” has another meaning, that of indulging in some uninhibited action, giving oneself over completely to something, perhaps only to find later that one has lost interest or that the practice is no longer respected or understood. However enamored we may be with an action, at some point, in response to fashion or utility, we move on. To what degree this shift occurs consciously or deliberately is a matter for discussion, one that concerns the dubious term “progress” and the extent to which we are in control of the evolution of our own species—or even want to be.
Fundamental Approach for Predicting Pore-Water Composition in Fossil Fuel Combustion Wastes

An application of a fundamental thermochemical approach that relates the aqueous concentrations of elements to specific chemical reactions in waste/water systems is described. The approach involves the concept of waste as consisting of mixtures of discrete solids (pure solid phases and solid solution phases) that control aqueous concentrations of individual solutes through their solubilization or adsorption/desorption characteristics. Thermochemical data can then be used in conjunction with knowledge of the specific solid phases present in the wastes to calculate the aqueous concentrations of elements. This approach does not explicitly consider specific rates of kinetically controlled reactions but does incorporate empirical knowledge of the relative rates of several reaction types. Overall, the thermochemical approach is applicable to all waste types and environments, and is appropriate because (1) most waste solids that either are present or are expected to form during weathering have relatively rapid precipitation/dissolution kinetics, and (2) experimental results, enrichment of many constituents on particle surfaces, and the large specific surface areas of wastes suggest that many of the constituents present in the wastes are accessible to solution attack and are mobilized fairly rapidly. Supporting evidence for the successful application of this approach to predicting pore-water concentrations of several major and trace elements in utility wastes is discussed.
Controlling carrier densities in photochemically reduced colloidal ZnO nanocrystals: size dependence and role of the hole quencher.

Photodoped colloidal ZnO nanocrystals are model systems for understanding the generation and physical or chemical properties of excess delocalized charge carriers in semiconductor nanocrystals. Typically, ZnO photodoping is achieved photochemically using ethanol (EtOH) as a sacrificial reductant. Curiously, different studies have reported over an order of magnitude spread in the maximum number of conduction-band electrons that can be accumulated by photochemical oxidation of EtOH. Here, we demonstrate that this apparent discrepancy results from a strong size dependence of the average maximum number of excess electrons per nanocrystal, ⟨nmax⟩. We demonstrate that ⟨nmax⟩ increases in proportion to nanocrystal volume, such that the maximum carrier density remains constant for all nanocrystal sizes. ⟨nmax⟩ is found to be largely insensitive to precise experimental conditions such as solvent, ligands, protons or other cations, photolysis conditions, and nanocrystal or EtOH concentrations. These results reconci...
Fatty acid composition of Plukenetia volubilisLinneo seeds oil

The seeds oil was extracted from Plukenetia volubilis Linneo with petroleum ether at room temperature and the fatty acid composition of the oil was analyzed by GC/MS.The results showed that linolenic acid(46.65%),linoleic acid(41.43%),palmitic acid(5.50%) and stearic acid(5.36%) were main fatty acids in the oil;the contents of the four main fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids in total fatty acid were 98.94% and 88.62%,respectively.The Plukenetia volubilis Linneo seeds oil was rich in linolenic acid,which was high nutritional edible oil.
IGF-1 and chondroitinase ABC augment nerve regeneration after vascularized composite limb allotransplantation

Impaired nerve regeneration and inadequate recovery of motor and sensory function following peripheral nerve repair remain the most significant hurdles to optimal functional and quality of life outcomes in vascularized tissue allotransplantation (VCA). Neurotherapeutics such as Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and chondroitinase ABC (CH) have shown promise in augmenting or accelerating nerve regeneration in experimental models and may have potential in VCA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of low dose IGF-1, CH or their combination (IGF-1+CH) on nerve regeneration following VCA. We used an allogeneic rat hind limb VCA model maintained on low-dose FK506 (tacrolimus) therapy to prevent rejection. Experimental animals received neurotherapeutics administered intra-operatively as multiple intraneural injections. The IGF-1 and IGF-1+CH groups received daily IGF-1 (intramuscular and intraneural injections). Histomorphometry and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate outcomes at five weeks. Overall, compared to controls, all experimental groups showed improvements in nerve and muscle (gastrocnemius) histomorphometry. The IGF-1 group demonstrated superior distal regeneration as confirmed by Schwann cell (SC) immunohistochemistry as well as some degree of extrafascicular regeneration. IGF-1 and CH effectively promote nerve regeneration after VCA as confirmed by histomorphometric and immunohistochemical outcomes.
Transition to Parenthood

The transition to parenthood is a life-changing event that creates new responsibilities and shifting roles as new parents try to meet the demands that come with having a new baby at home. In this chapter I review the literature on the transition to parenthood and examine some of the common and unique experiences of biracial couples across this important life stage. I discuss the individual changes that both fathers and mothers experience in their new roles and identify the similarities and differences reported by new parents in biracial relationships. I pay particular attention to the presence of societal expectations across genders and race/ethnicity groups. I also discuss how the couple’s relationship is impacted by this life transition and the importance of coparenting, especially among biracial couples, who can experience stressors such as microaggression. Through narratives from the experiences of biracial couples, I share how the stressors of discrimination can make the transition to parenthood even more challenging for biracial couples than for their monoracial counterparts. I identify the additional strain experienced by biracial couples as they try to support one another through experiences of prejudice. I address how individual families’ experiences differ even when their biracial unions are similar, and what factors contribute to these differences. I conclude the chapter with implications for best practices for professionals working with biracial couples as they become parents and a discussion of future research needs.
Photocatalytic Metal–Organic Frameworks for Selective 2,2,2-Trifluoroethylation of Styrenes

Synthesis of CF3-containing compounds is of great interest because of their broad use in the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. Herein, selective 2,2,2-trifluoroethylation of styrenes was catalyzed by Zr(IV)-based MOFs bearing visible-light photocatalysts in the form of Ir(III) polypyridyl complexes. When compared to the homogeneous Ir(III) catalyst, the MOF-based catalyst suppressed the dimerization of benzyl radicals, thus enhancing the selectivity of the desired hydroxytrifluoroethyl compounds.
AED/Oral Contraceptive Interactions

A national survey to determine obstetricians’ and neurologists’ awareness of oral contraceptive (OC) and antiepileptic drug (AED) interactions and the risk of birth defects in infants of AED-treated women with epilepsy was conducted by mailed questionnaire at the Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
Incomplete Revascularization Is Associated With an Increased Risk for Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to determine whether incomplete revascularization is associated with a higher risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and myocardial infarction (MI) among patients undergoing noncardiac surgery. Background Patients with coronary artery disease and prior percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) frequently undergo noncardiac surgery. These patients may have had PCI either on all obstructive lesions (i.e., complete revascularization) or only on some (i.e., incomplete revascularization). Methods Patients were identified using the Veterans Affairs Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking program. Veterans Affairs and non–Veterans Affairs surgical records were used to link patients who underwent noncardiac surgery within 2 years after stent placement. Incomplete revascularization was defined as a residual stenosis of ≥50% in the left main coronary artery or ≥70% in another major epicardial coronary artery on the basis of operator visual estimate. Results In total, 4,332 patients (34.7%) had incomplete revascularization. A total of 567 MACE occurred within 1 month post-operatively. Patients with incomplete revascularization had an unadjusted 19% increased odds of post-operative MACE, compared with those with complete revascularization (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00 to 1.41). Among the MACE components, post-operative MI appears to contribute the most, with a 37% increased risk for post-operative MI among patients with incomplete revascularization (odds ratio: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.70). After adjustment, there was a significant interaction between time from PCI and outcomes after noncardiac surgery; incomplete revascularization was associated with significantly increased risk for post-operative MI primarily if surgery was performed within 6 weeks after PCI (adjusted odds ratio: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.04 to 2.38). The number of vessels with incomplete revascularization was also associated with an increased risk for post-operative MI: for each additional vessel with incomplete revascularization, there was a 17% increased odds of post-operative MI. Conclusions Incomplete revascularization among patients with coronary artery disease is associated with an increased risk for MI after noncardiac surgery.
PADGEM protein in human erythroleukemia cells.

PADGEM protein, a platelet alpha granule membrane glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 140,000, is translocated to the plasma membrane during granule secretion and platelet activation. PADGEM protein is expressed on the surface of activated platelets but not on the surface of resting platelets. Human erythroleukemia (HEL) cells contain platelet alpha granule-like organelles, alpha granule proteins, and express platelet membrane glycoproteins GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb. We demonstrate that HEL cells express a protein that has a molecular weight identical to that of PADGEM and binds to anti-PADGEM antibodies. The exposure of HEL cells in culture to dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) increased the number of cells expressing PADGEM. Fluorescence activated flow cytometric analysis demonstrated an increase in mean surface expression of PADGEM in DMSO-exposed cells compared to noninduced cells. Total cell content of PADGEM was increased 5.3-fold after DMSO exposure, as determined by radioimmunoassay. Direct binding experiments with the monoclonal anti-PADGEM antibody KC4 demonstrated specific, saturable, and time-dependent interaction of KC4 with HEL cells. A Kd of 7 nM was estimated. There were 14,000 surface binding sites per cell in noninduced cells and 24,000 surface binding sites per cell in DMSO- induced HEL cells. Surface expression of PADGEM protein on HEL cells was not increased with platelet agonists, including thrombin, epinephrine, ADP, nor cytokines, including IL-1, IL-2, tissue necrosis factor. The presence of PADGEM protein in HEL cells should facilitate the elucidation of the function of PADGEM protein.
Successful Return to Sport After Arthroscopic Shoulder Stabilization Versus Nonoperative Management in Contact Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Multicenter Study:

Background:The debate continues regarding the optimal treatment of intercollegiate contact athletes with in-season anterior shoulder instability.Purpose:To examine return to sport and recurrent ins...
Exploring Unorthodox Dimensions for Two-Electron Atoms.

Melding quantum and classical mechanics is an abiding quest of physical chemists who strive for heuristic insights and useful tools. We present a surprisingly simple and accurate treatment of ground-state two-electron atoms. It makes use of only the dimensional dependence of a hydrogen atom, together with the exactly known first-order perturbation value of the electron–electron interaction, both quintessentially quantum, and the D → ∞ limit, entirely classical. The result is an analytic formula for D-dimensional two-electron atoms with Z ≥ 2. For D = 3 helium, it gives accuracy better than 2 millihartrees, which is better than current density functional theory. A kindred explicit formula for correlation energy exploits interpolation between D → ∞ and D = 1 or 2; when added to the Hartree–Fock energy, it improves accuracy for D = 3 helium to better than 0.1 millihartrees.
Chpater 3 – Signaling Aggression

From psychological and sociological standpoints, aggression is regarded as intentional behavior aimed at inflicting pain and manifested by hostility and attacking behaviors. In contrast, biologists define aggression as behavior associated with attack or escalation toward attack, omitting any stipulation about intentions and goals. Certain animal signals are strongly associated with escalation toward attack and have the same function as physical attack in intimidating opponents and winning contests, and ethologists therefore consider them an integral part of aggressive behavior. Aggressive signals have been molded by evolution to make them ever more effective in mediating interactions between the contestants. Early theoretical analyses of aggressive signaling suggested that signals could never be honest about fighting ability or aggressive intentions because weak individuals would exaggerate such signals whenever they were effective in influencing the behavior of opponents. More recent game theory models, however, demonstrate that given the right costs and constraints, aggressive signals are both reliable about strength and intentions and effective in influencing contest outcomes. Here, we review the role of signaling in lieu of physical violence, considering threat displays from an ethological perspective as an adaptive outcome of evolutionary selection pressures. Fighting prowess is conveyed by performance signals whose production is constrained by physical ability and thus limited to just some individuals, whereas aggressive intent is encoded in strategic signals that all signalers are able to produce. We illustrate recent advances in the study of aggressive signaling with case studies of charismatic taxa that employ a range of sensory modalities, viz. visual and chemical signaling in cephalopod behavior, and indicators of aggressive intent in the territorial calls of songbirds.
Marxism Beyond the Economy and Exploitation Beyond the Wage

Since its inception Marxism has largely operated with a narrow definition of the economy which closely resembles capitalism’s own, focusing on wage labor as the pre-eminent example of capitalist re...
Application of Iterative Machine Learning for Output Tracking With Magnetic Soft Actuators

This paper presents experimental results of output tracking for soft magnetic actuators using iterative machine learning (IML) to estimate the model and its uncertainty. A challenge is that parameters of dynamic-response models of such soft actuators are sensitive to the operating point. To overcome this challenge and improve the tracking performance, a complex-valued Gaussian process regression (CGPR) is used to estimate a system inverse model; additionally, the CGPR approach provides an uncertainty measure, which is used to design the frequency-dependent iteration gain to ensure convergence. This approach leads to convergence even when data near resonance (where models tend to be sensitive) is not available. Moreover, a method to improve the model estimation is proposed, in which the initial training signal is augmented with additional frequency content to increase the input and output signal size compared to the noise. Using this augmented approach, the IML approach results in a ${\text{95}\%}$ reduction in the maximum tracking error compared to using the dc gain alone. The final maximum tracking error is ${\text{1.8}\%}$ , which is near the sensor resolution limit.
Enhancement of Retroviral Transduction by Cationic Liposomes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the enhancing effect of N-2,3-(dioleyloxy) propyl-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride (DOTMA) liposomes on HIV-1/infection, which is CD4-dependent. The complexation of retroviral vectors with cationic liposomes results in an increased transduction efficiency. The level of enhancement is strongly dependent on target cells, retroviral vectors, and liposomal formulations. A higher cationic liposome concentration is needed to obtain the maximum titer for amphotropic than for ecotropic viruses. The effect of lipofectamine is linked to the number of positive charges per molecule, allowing it to neutralize the negative charges present on the cell membrane and viral envelope more efficiently. The complexation of gibbon ape leukemia virus (GALV) pseudo-typed retroviral vector with lipofectamine increases the transduction efficiency of CD34+ ­­­­cells without a requirement for extended in vitro culture, or cocultivation with producer cell lines. The G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV-G)–pseudo-typed retrovirus interacts with ubiquitous membrane receptors. The binding of retrovirus to target cells is determined by Western blot analysis for cell-associated capsid. The liposome-mediated transduction by enveloped viruses of cells, in which the receptor is blocked, or cells lacking the specific receptor, is equivalent to that shown by the nonenveloped viruses. The cationic liposomes affect the initial steps of virus binding and/or membrane fusion followed by the release of the capsid into the cytoplasm. Polybrene enhances the binding of viruses lacking envelope proteins but does not enhance transduction, indicating that binding is not sufficient for transduction. The liposomes are useful tools for increasing retrovirus-mediated gene transfer.
Galactose-Induced Cataract Formation in Guinea Pigs: Morphologic Changes and Accumulation of Galactitol

Purpose. To develop and characterize a new model of galactose-induced cataract formation in young, 3- to 4-week-old Hartley guinea pigs. Methods. Experimental animals were fed 50% galactose in powdered guinea pig chow containing 0.5 g ascorbate/kg diet. Control animals were fed normal powdered guinea pig chow (0.5 g ascorbate/kg diet). Lenses from all animals were subjected to photo-slit-lamp examination, light microscopic analysis, and high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of polyol content. Results. Photo-slit-lamp examination indicated initial opacities in equatorial subcapsular region between 3 and 5 days in all galactose-fed animals (20/20); opacities progressed toward the anterior pole when diet was extended to 14 days. Histologic analysis of the equatorial changes confirmed progressive cataract formation consisting of small intrafibrillar vacuoles in the preequatorial region (3 days), an increased number of enlarged and coalesced vacuoles (6 days), and progressive tissue swellings with cellular disruption and signs of epithelial multilayering (14 days). The anterior epithelium showed increased cell height and swelling after 3 days of the galactose diet. HPLC analysis of lens tissue indicated progressive accumulation of galactitol, 18 mM after 3 days, which plateaued to about 30 mM between 6 and 14 days. The level of myo-inositol dropped from a control value of 2.8 ± 0.7 mM to 1.5 ± 0.7 mM after 3 days, and was nearly undetectable after 14 days of the galactose diet. Conclusions. The current study suggests that the guinea pig model may serve as a valuable new tool to study sugar-induced cataract formation and to characterize the early morphologic and biochemical events in cataractogenesis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1994; 35:804-810. JCjxperimental models of the galactose-induced cataract have been used extensively to study the morphologic and biochemical changes in the lens during cataractogenesis. Lenticular changes in rats include vacuolization and liquefaction of cortical fibers in the equatorial zone, multilayering of lens epithelium, loss of regular honeycomb-like structure, 1 and increased height of the central lens epithelium. 2 The accumula
Severe infolding of fenestrated-branched endovascular stent graft.

Abstract Infolding of a fenestrated-branched stent graft is an infrequent complication due to excessive oversizing. We report the case of an 89-year-old man who underwent a four-vessel fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair for a pararenal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography angiography revealed severe infolding across the mesenteric-renal vessels. The patient was treated by angioplasty and placement of Palmaz stent. Cone-beam computed tomography confirmed patent visceral vessels with resolution of the infolding. This case illustrates an uncommon complication that can be prevented by modifications in the stent design and by immediate assessment using intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography.
Breaking π–π Interactions in Carboxylic Acid Monolayers on Rutile TiO2(110) Leads to Unexpected Long-Range Ordering

Carboxylic acids are ubiquitous building blocks in supramolecular and surface chemistry because of their strong but reversible binding to metal cations. In these applications, the relative ordering and orientation of the acids can affect performance. We present a rational approach to tuning intermolecular interactions with the goal of maintaining a favorable molecular conformation while also enabling long-range ordering. In particular, we show that scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images of m- or p-fluorobenzoate monolayers on rutile (110) produced in aqueous solutions display very large (2 × 1) grains without the intermolecular pairing observed in similarly prepared benzoate monolayers. The lack of pairing is attributed to the electronegative fluorine substituent, which reduces π–π or quadrupolar interactions between the phenyl groups on the adjacent molecules and stabilizes a favorable configuration between the aromatic head group and the carboxylate-binding moiety. In spite of the reduced interactio...
Optimal Filler Sizes for Thermal Interface Materials

The principal challenge in developing a new thermal interface material (TIM)is to co-design its micro-attributes (e.g. filler type, packing fraction, size distribution)that simultaneously ensure high effective thermal conductivity $(k_{eff})$ , low elastic modulus $(E_{eff})$ and low viscosity $(\eta_{eff)}$ . Today there exists little physical insight into size distributions of fillers that would optimize desired properties. These thermomechanical metrics follow contradicting trends if filler content is only monotonically increased. In this paper, we elucidate microstructure-property correlations vital for optimizing effective properties. First, we systematically vary filler size distributions and generate different particulate structures with a previously developed packing algorithm [1]. Then, we employ mechanistic models, based upon physics of microscale heat/force transport, to predict $k_{eff}, E_{eff}$ and $\eta_{eff}$ of the particulate structure, thereby identifying filler size domains that optimize the desired properties.
Microsurgical Anatomy of the Meningeal Branch of the Dorsolateral Medullary Plexus

Background Meningeal branches originating from intradural arteries may be involved in several diseases such as meningeal tumors and arteriovenous lesions. These "pial-dural" arterial connections have been described for anterior cerebral, posterior cerebral, and cerebellar arteries. However, to the best of our knowledge, meningeal supply originating from the arterial plexus over the dorsolateral aspect of the medulla oblongata (dorsolateral medullary plexus [DLMP]) has not been described. Objective To define the microsurgical anatomy of the meningeal branch of DLMP. Methods A total of 20 cadaver heads (40 sides) underwent far-lateral craniotomy and the cerebellomedullary cisterns were explored to find the DLMP and any meningeal branches. Additionally, de-identified intraoperative images of 85 patients with vertebral artery (VA)/posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms who had undergone far-lateral craniotomy were studied to find any meningeal branches of DLMP. Results The meningeal branches of DLMP were identified in 4 cadavers/sides. These branches reached the region of jugular tubercle (JT) after crossing the accessory nerve. In 3 specimens, these branches were joined by a small twig from V4-VA before penetrating the dura. DLMP meningeal branches were found in 12 patients of the studied cohort (14%) with similar anatomical features as those found in the cadaveric study. Conclusion DLMP may give rise to meningeal branches to the adjacent dura of JT. The actual prevalence of this anatomic variation is difficult to estimate using our data. However, when present, these branches may have important clinical implications, ie, diseases such as dural arteriovenous fistulas, pial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and meningeal-based tumors.
The second largest eigenvalue and vertex-connectivity of regular multigraphs

Abstract Let μ 2 ( G ) be the second smallest Laplacian eigenvalue of a graph G . The vertex-connectivity of G , written κ ( G ) , is the minimum size of a vertex set S such that G − S is disconnected. Fiedler proved that μ 2 ( G ) ≤ κ ( G ) for a non-complete simple graph G ; for this reason μ 2 ( G ) is called the “algebraic connectivity” of G . His result can be extended to multigraphs: for any multigraph G who underlying graph is not a complete graph, we have μ 2 ( G ) ≤ κ ( G ) m ( G ) , where for a pair of vertices u and v , let m ( u , v ) be the number of edges with endpoints u and v and m ( G ) = max ( u , v ) ∈ E ( G ) m ( v , u ) . Let λ 2 ( G ) be the second largest eigenvalue of a graph G . We also prove that for any d -regular multigraph G whose underlying graph is not the complete graph with 2 vertices, if λ 2 ( G ) 3 4 d , then G is 2-connected. For t ≥ 2 and infinitely many d , we construct d -regular multigraphs H with λ 2 ( H ) = 0 , κ ( H ) = t , and m ( H ) = d t . These graphs show that the inequality μ 2 ( G ) ≤ κ ( G ) m ( G ) is sharp and that there is no upper bound for λ 2 ( G ) in a d -regular multigraph G to guarantee a certain vertex-connectivity greater than or equal to 3.
Psoriatic Arthritis: Newer and Older Therapies

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an immune-mediated systemic inflammatory disorder with heterogeneous clinical features. Treatment for PsA has progressed rapidly, especially over the past two decades. Herein we review relevant studies and key developments in treatment options for PsA from the past 5 years. Conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate showed some efficacy for several domains of PsA, albeit less than that achieved with TNF inhibitors (TNFi). TNFi have been shown to be efficacious in treatment across all domains of PsA, particularly preventing radiographic damage, and are highly efficient early in the disease course. Inhibitors of IL-12/23, IL-17A, IL-23, phosphodiesterase 4, T cell costimulation, and janus kinases (JAK) have proven efficacious in the treatment of peripheral arthritis of PsA patients. The introduction of biosimilars to TNFi is expected to impact the treatment algorithm for PsA treatment by increasing access to biologic drugs. Newer treatment modalities including IL-23-specific inhibitors, IL-17A and IL-17F dual inhibitors, and jakinibs (janus kinase inhibitors) with different specificity are currently being developed for treatment of PsA. The recent development of new therapeutic agents for PsA has led to better control of PsA across all of its disease domains. The future of PsA management will likely usher in treatment with different mechanisms of action, allow for more access to care, and hopefully see the possibility of precision medicine to help select the optimal treatment approach for individual PsA patients.
Fault Attack Protection and Evaluation

Fault attacks can obstruct the normal system execution by injecting errors into the hardware. By radiating the critical circuit components with high energy particle strikes, voltage transients are created to make the circuit malfunction temporarily. In recent years, fault attacks have demonstrated a great capability of leaking the cryptographics keys, and nullifying the entire system security mechanisms. The chapter introduces two protection schemes, including a new security primitive, i.e., public physical unclonable function (PPUF), that has provable time gap between the execution and simulation (ESG) to derive security, and a new analysis framework to identify critical circuit components for general purpose processors and guide the design optimization.
Chapter 11 – Carbon

Carbon exists as graphite, diamond, fullerenes (C60 and other clusters), graphene, and other forms. Carbon is used in the formulation of composite materials that have important uses in manufacturing. Chemically, it is used on an enormous scale as a reducing agent in the production of metals. Carbides are binary compounds of carbon and a metal, and they typically contain the methanide (C4−) or acetylide (C22−) ion. Covalent carbides, such as SiC, are typically hard materials that are used as abrasives. Oxides of carbon include the mono- and dioxides. Calcium carbonate is a very important compound both because it is found as limestone (an important building material) and because it is converted to lime, CaO, by heating. Lime is used in making concrete, mortar, cement, and other materials.
Recent advances in linear and nonlinear Raman spectroscopy. Part VII

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of advances in the field of Raman spectroscopy as reflected in articles published each year in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy as well as in trends across related journals publishing in this research area. The context for this review is derived from statistical data on article counts obtained from Thomson Reuters ISI Web of Knowledge by year and by subfield of Raman spectroscopy. Additional information is gleaned from presentations featuring Raman spectroscopy presented at the International Conference on Advanced Vibrational Spectroscopy in Kobe Japan in August 2013 and at SCIX 2013 sponsored by the Federation of Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy Societies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, October 2013. Papers published in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy in 2012 are highlighted in this review and reflect topics and advances at the frontier of Raman spectroscopy, a field that is expanding rapidly as a sensitive photonic probe of matter at the molecular level in an ever widening sphere of novel applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Midlife Factors Related to Psychological Well-Being at an Older Age: Study of Women's Health Across the Nation

Background: Psychological well-being (PWB) is predictive of future health and mortality. Midlife is a pivotal time in women's lives and may impact future PWB. This study, based on a longitudinal cohort of women, sought to identify how personal and social resources and modifiable behaviors at midlife relate to women's PWB in later life, and to determine if psychological resilience in later life moderates the impact of health problems on PWB. Materials and Methods: We assessed the association of midlife factors with PWB ∼9 years later in 1693 women from the multiracial/ethnic Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) cohort. PWB was a composite score with cognitive and affective components. Midlife factors included sociodemographics, health, menopause-related, and psychosocial factors collected over the course of midlife. Results: In a multivariable model, greater PWB at an older age was associated with the following at midlife: less financial strain, greater physical activity, not smoking, better physical functioning, and fewer sleep problems. More positive attitudes toward menopause and aging, less cynicism, greater optimism, less trait anxiety, greater spirituality, and greater resilience were also independently associated with better PWB. Chinese women reported lower PWB compared with whites. Later life resilience moderated the impact of sleep problems on PWB. Conclusions: Several modifiable factors at midlife are associated with better PWB in older women and highlight the importance of healthy behaviors such as physical activity and good sleep hygiene at midlife. Interventions to increase optimism, spirituality, and resilience are also worth exploring.
Elevated diversity in loci linked to facial morphology is consistent with the hypothesis that individual facial recognition is important across hominoids.

OBJECTIVES The ability to use visual signals to identify individuals is an important feature of primate social groups, including humans. Sheehan and Nachman (2014) showed that loci linked to facial morphology had elevated levels of diversity and interpreted this as evidence that the human face is under frequency-dependent selection to enhance individual recognition (Nature Communications 5). In our study, we tested whether this pattern is found in non-human ape species, to help understand whether individual recognition might also play a role in species other than humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We examined levels of genetic diversity in an available population genomic dataset of humans, chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans for three sets of loci, (1) loci linked to facial morphology, (2) loci linked to height, and (3) neutrally evolving regions. We tested whether loci linked to facial morphology were more variable than loci linked to height or neutrally evolving loci in each of these species. RESULTS We found significantly elevated diversity in loci linked to facial morphology in chimpanzees, gorillas, and Sumatran and Bornean orangutans. DISCUSSION Our findings closely parallel those of Sheehan and Nachman and are consistent with the idea that selection for facial diversity and individual recognition has not only shaped the evolution of the human face, but it has similarly shaped the evolution of most of our closest primate relatives. We also discuss alternative hypotheses for this pattern.