cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MCV and Merkel cell carcinoma: a molecular success story

Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV), discovered in 2008, is clonally integrated in ~80% Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). MCV is a common skin flora and initiates cancer in susceptible hosts only after it acquires a precise set of mutations that render it replication incompetent. Both MCV large and small T proteins promote cancer cell survival and proliferation. Large T targets pocket proteins regulating cell cycle transit while small T activates cap-dependent translation critical for cancer cell growth. These findings already have led to new diagnostics and clinical trials to target MCV-induced survivin and to promote antitumor immunity. In four years, the cause, diagnosis and therapy for an intractable cancer has been changed due to the molecular discovery of MCV.
Predicting combinatorial binding of transcription factors to regulatory elements in the human genome by association rule mining

Cis-acting transcriptional regulatory elements in mammalian genomes typically contain specific combinations of binding sites for various transcription factors. Although some cis-regulatory elements have been well studied, the combinations of transcription factors that regulate normal expression levels for the vast majority of the 20,000 genes in the human genome are unknown. We hypothesized that it should be possible to discover transcription factor combinations that regulate gene expression in concert by identifying over-represented combinations of sequence motifs that occur together in the genome. In order to detect combinations of transcription factor binding motifs, we developed a data mining approach based on the use of association rules, which are typically used in market basket analysis. We scored each segment of the genome for the presence or absence of each of 83 transcription factor binding motifs, then used association rule mining algorithms to mine this dataset, thus identifying frequently occurring pairs of distinct motifs within a segment. Support for most pairs of transcription factor binding motifs was highly correlated across different chromosomes although pair significance varied. Known true positive motif pairs showed higher association rule support, confidence, and significance than background. Our subsets of high-confidence, high-significance mined pairs of transcription factors showed enrichment for co-citation in PubMed abstracts relative to all pairs, and the predicted associations were often readily verifiable in the literature. Functional elements in the genome where transcription factors bind to regulate expression in a combinatorial manner are more likely to be predicted by identifying statistically and biologically significant combinations of transcription factor binding motifs than by simply scanning the genome for the occurrence of binding sites for a single transcription factor.
Recent Advances in Immunotherapy of Lung Cancer

Immunotherapy was long considered as an attractive modality in the treatment of lung cancer. However, clinical successes were hampered by the inability to achieve potent activation of the antitumor immune system and effectively overcome the immune suppressive environment associated with lung cancer. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy demonstrate that these limitations can be surmounted. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in immunotherapy of lung cancer and their potential implication for management of this disease. (J Lung Cancer 2012;11(1):1�� 11)
Synthesis of ultrahigh molar mass poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) by single-electron transfer living radical polymerization

Cu(0)/Me6-TREN mediated SET-LRP of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) initiated with methyl α-bromophenylacetate (MBrPA) was performed in DMSO at 25 °C targeting [M]0/[I]0 = 100 to 10 000. At [M]0/[I]0 = 100, SET-LRP of HEMA is a living process, and provided PHEMA with Mn = 21 500 g mol−1 and Mw/Mn = 1.20 in 7 h. Using similar conditions, PHEMA with Mn = 35 000 to 152 200 g mol−1 and Mw/Mn = 1.28 to 1.39 was prepared within 9 h. When targeting higher [M]0/[I]0 (2000 to 10 000), Me6-TREN concentration was changed to 0.15 equivalent with respect to initiator concentration, for at higher ligand concentration the polymerization did not proceed beyond 30% conversion even after a long reaction time. PHEMA with Mn = 333 500 to 1 017 900 g mol−1 and Mw/Mn lower than 1.50 was synthesized for the first time by direct polymerization of HEMA without protecting the hydroxyl group.
Impact of the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on immunization coverage among infants

The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) to the U.S. recommended childhood immunization schedule in the year 2000 added three injections to the number of vaccinations a child is expected to receive during the first year of life. Surveys have suggested that the addition of PCV has led some immunization providers to move other routine childhood vaccinations to later ages, which could increase the possibility of missing these vaccines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether introduction of PCV affected immunization coverage for recommended childhood vaccinations among 13-month olds in four large provider groups. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed computerized data on vaccinations for 33,319 children in four large provider groups before and after the introduction of PCV. The primary outcome was whether the child was up to date for all non-PCV recommended vaccinations at 13 months of age. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between PCV introduction and the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the number of days spent underimmunized by 13 months. The association between PCV introduction and the secondary outcome was evaluated using a two-part modelling approach using logistic and negative binomial regression. Overall, 93% of children were up-to-date at 13 months, and 70% received all non-PCV vaccinations without any delay. Among the entire study population, immunization coverage was maintained or slightly increased from the pre-PCV to post-PCV periods. After multivariate adjustment, children born after PCV entered routine use were less likely to be up-to-date at 13 months in one provider group (Group C: OR = 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3 – 0.8) and were less likely to have received all vaccine doses without any delay in two Groups (Group B: OR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3 – 0.6; Group C: OR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4 – 0.7). This represented 3% fewer children in Group C who were up-to-date and 14% (Group C) to 16% (Group B) fewer children who spent no time underimmunized at 13 months after PCV entered routine use compared to the pre-PCV baseline. Some disruptions in immunization delivery were also observed concurrent with temporary recommendations to suspend the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine, preceding the introduction of PCV. These findings suggest that the introduction of PCV did not harm overall immunization coverage rates in populations with good access to primary care. However, we did observe some disruptions in the timely delivery of other vaccines coincident with the introduction of PCV and the suspension of the birth dose of hepatitis B vaccine. This study highlights the need for continued vigilance in coming years as the U.S. introduces new childhood vaccines and policies that may change the timing of existing vaccines.
Ventricular noncompaction and distal chromosome 5q deletion.

We describe a 7 1/2-year-old girl with mildly unusual phenotype and complex heart disease including ventricular myocardial noncompaction. She was found to have a distal 5q deletion, del(5)(q35.1q35.3). Fluorescent in situ hybridization showed that this deletion included the locus for the cardiac specific homeobox gene, CSX. This suggests that some instances of ventricular myocardial noncompaction may be caused by haploinsufficiency of CSX.
Microcontroller-Based Wireless Recording Unit for Neurodynamic Studies in Saltwater

This paper presents the design of a biocompatible implantable neural-recording unit for Aplysia californica, which is a common sea slug. Low-voltage extracellular neural signals (<250 muV) are recorded using a high-performance low-power low-noise preamplifier that is packaged with programmable digital data acquisition and control, and frequency-shift keying (FSK) telemetry that provides 5-kb/s wireless neural data through 18 cm of saltwater. The telemetry utilizes an 8-cm electric-dipole antenna matched to 50 Omega by exposing the ends of the antenna to the saltwater. A custom 27-MHz receiver has been developed using commercially available ICs. A clock data recovery algorithm is implemented in a microcontroller to synchronize the received data. A 3-V lithium-ion battery (160 mAh) allows 16 h of recording. Neural data obtained using extracellular nerve electrodes and a wired interface to this unit exhibit a 2.5-mV-rms noise, which is comparable to a commercial neural-recording equipment. Neural data were also collected through the wireless link, demonstrating the feasibility of low-power transmission through saltwater
Kinin Infusion Prevents Renal Inflammation, Apoptosis, and Fibrosis via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activity

The progression of renal disease displays several characteristics, including proteinuria, apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the effect of long-term infusion of kinin in protection against salt-induced renal damage in Dahl salt-sensitive rats. Dahl salt-sensitive rats were fed a high-salt diet for 2 weeks and were then infused with bradykinin (500 ng/h) via subcutaneously implanted minipumps for 3 weeks. Kinin infusion attenuated salt-induced impaired renal function as evidenced by reduced proteinuria, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels without apparent effect on blood pressure. Morphological analysis indicated that kinin administration reduced salt-induced glomerular sclerosis, tubular dilatation, luminal protein cast formation, and interlobular arterial thickness. Kinin also significantly lowered collagen I, III, and IV deposition and their mRNA levels. Moreover, kinin reduced interstitial monocyte/macrophage accumulation, as well as tubular cell apoptosis and caspase-3 activity. Protection of renal injury by kinin was associated with increased renal NO levels and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase activities and superoxide generation. Suppression of oxidative stress by kinin was accompanied by reduced transforming growth factor-beta1 protein and mRNA levels, as well as decreased phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases. This is the first study to demonstrate that kinin infusion can directly protect against salt-induced renal injury without blood pressure reduction by inhibiting apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis via suppression of oxidative stress, transforming growth factor-beta1 expression, and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation.
John Arthur Luetscher, Jr (1913–2005)

Dr John Luetscher was born in Baltimore, Md, the son of a practicing physician. After attending Princeton University, he entered Johns Hopkins Medical School to follow his father’s footsteps as a physician. He was attracted to the intellectual stimulation and challenge of academic medicine by the Hopkins environment and pursued a research fellowship in physical chemistry at Harvard University after completing his internship. During his fellowship, he was exposed to the rigorous and critical approach to science that was to characterize his entire scientific career. His fellowship work focused on plasma proteins and their participation in salt and water metabolism. He returned to Hopkins to complete his clinical training and in 1942 was offered a faculty position in the Department of Medicine there. In 1948, he left Hopkins to become Associate Professor of Medicine at the fledgling Stanford University Medical School, based at that time in San Francisco, where he joined Dr Thomas Addis, a well-known expert in renal disease. John’s interest in salt and water metabolism was enhanced by the discovery of an adrenal principle, “electrocortin,” which had been shown to influence sodium and potassium excretion. This steroid subsequently was named aldosterone, and John, in conjunction with his research associates, Quentin “Chip” Deming and Ben Johnson, was able to isolate aldosterone from the urine of humans with nephrotic syndrome and congestive heart failure.1,2 He is acknowledged to share the identification of aldosterone with the Taits, Jim and Sylvia Simpson, with whom he also shared the prestigious CIBA (now Novartis) Award of the American Heart Association Council for High …
DNA Annealing Mediated by Rad52 and Rad59 Proteins

In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the RAD52 gene is essential for all homologous recombination events and its homologue, the RAD59 gene, is important for those that occur independently of RAD51. Both Rad52 and Rad59 proteins can anneal complementary single-stranded (ss) DNA. We quantitatively examined the ssDNA annealing activity of Rad52 and Rad59 proteins and found significant differences in their biochemical properties. First, and most importantly, they differ in their ability to anneal ssDNA that is complexed with replication protein A (RPA). Rad52 can anneal an RPA-ssDNA complex, but Rad59 cannot. Second, Rad59-promoted DNA annealing follows first-order reaction kinetics, whereas Rad52-promoted annealing follows second-order reaction kinetics. Last, Rad59 enhances Rad52-mediated DNA annealing at increased NaCl concentrations, both in the absence and presence of RPA. These results suggest that Rad59 performs different functions in the recombination process, and should be more accurately viewed as a Rad52 paralogue.
ANTIMATTER PRODUCTION FOR NEAR-TERM PROPULSION APPLICATIONS

The superior energy density of antimatter annihilation has often been pointed to as the ultimate source of energy for propulsion. However, the limited capacity and very low efficiency of present-day antiproton production methods suggest that antimatter may be too costly to consider for near-term propulsion applications. We address this issue by assessing the antimatter requirements for six different types of propulsion concepts, including two in which antiprotons are used to drive energy release from combined fission/fusion. These requirements are compared against the capacity of both the current antimatter production infrastructure and the improved capabilities which could exist within the early part of next century. Results show that although it may be impractical to consider systems which rely on antimatter as the sole source of propulsive energy, the requirements for propulsion based on antimatter-assisted fission/fusion do fall within projected near-ten-n production capabilities. In fact, such systems could feasibly support interstellar precursor missions and omniplanetary spaceflight with antimatter costs ranging up to $60 million per mission.
Ventilatory control during exercise with increased respiratory dead space in goats

Our objectives were to determine 1) the effects of increased respiratory dead space (VD) on the ventilatory response to exercise and 2) whether changes in the ventilatory response are due to changes in chemoreceptor feedback (rest to exercise) vs. changes in the feedforward exercise stimulus. Steady-state ventilation (VI) and arterial blood gas responses to mild or moderate hyperoxic exercise in goats were compared with and without increased VD. Responses were compared using a simple mathematical model with the following assumptions: 1) steady state, 2) linear CO2 chemoreceptor feedback, 3) linear feedforward exercise stimulus proportional to CO2 production (VCO2) and characterized by an exercise gain (Gex), and 4) additive exercise stimulus and CO2 feedback producing the system gain (Gsys = delta VI/delta VCO2). Model predictions at constant Gex [assuming VD-to-tidal volume (VT) ratio independent of VCO2] are that increased VD/VT will 1) increase arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and VI at rest and 2) increase Gsys via changes in chemoreceptor feedback due to a small increase in the PaCO2 vs. VCO2 slope. Experimental results indicate that increased VD increased VD/VT, PaCO2, and VI at rest and increased Gsys during exercise. However, measurable changes in the PaCO2 vs. VCO2 slope occurred only at high VD/VT or running speeds. Gex was estimated at each VD for each goat by using the model in conjunction with experimental measurements. With 0.2 liter VD, Gex increased 40% (P less than 0.01); with 0.6 liter VD, Gex increased 110% between 0 and 2.4 km/h and 5% grade (P less than 0.01) but not between 2.4 and 4.8 km/h. Thus, Gex is increased by VD through a limited range. In goats, increases in Gsys with increased VD result from increases in both Gex and CO2 chemoreceptor feedback. These results are consistent with other experimental treatments that increase the exercise ventilatory response, maintaining constant relative PaCO2 regulation, and suggest that a common mechanism linked to resting ventilatory drive modulates Gex.
Robotic Surgery for the Management of Oropharyngeal Malignancies

The oropharynx encompasses the soft palate, the palatine tonsils, the base of tongue, and a portion of the posterior and lateral pharyngeal wall between the nasopharynx and hypopharynx. The oropharynx is lined by squamous epithelium, and it contains numerous salivary glands and lymphoid tissue. Squamous cell carcinoma comprises the majority of cancers in the oropharynx. Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OP SCCA) comprises approximately 12 % of all head and neck cancers, with an increasing incidence each year [1]. Historically, OP SCCa has been a disease associated strongly with heavy tobacco and alcohol use. While these two carcinogens continue to play a role in the development of OP SCCa, human papilloma virus (HPV, particularly type 16) has been recognized as the most common factor associated with oropharynx cancer in the United States and other developed cancers. HPV 16 is also the most common factor in the development of cervical cancer in women, and the incidence of OP SCCa related to HPV 16 is expected to eclipse the incidence of cervical cancer by 2020 [2].
Discrimination of post- and presynaptic GABAB receptor-mediated responses by tetrahydroaminoacridine in area CA3 of the rat hippocampus

1. The effects of the K+ channel blocker 9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine (THA) on the actions of baclofen and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) at post- and presynaptic GABAB receptors were studied with whole-cell voltage-clamp recording in area CA3 of rat hippocampal slices. 2. The effect of THA on postsynaptic GABAB receptor-mediated responses was studied in neurons perfused internally with potassium gluconate and guanosine triphosphate (GTP). At a holding potential of -70 mV, the GABAB receptor agonist (+/-)-baclofen (30 microM) induced an outward current and increased membrane conductance. In the presence of the excitatory amino acid receptor antagonists 6,7-dinitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (DNQX) and (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), stimulation in stratum pyramidale or proximal stratum radiatum evoked GABAA receptor-mediated, fast monosynaptic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSCs) and GABAB receptor-mediated, late monosynaptic IPSCs. THA (0.3 mM) blocked the baclofen-induced current and conductance increase and GABAB receptor-mediated IPSCs. 3. The effect of THA on presynaptic GABAB receptor-mediated responses was studied in neurons perfused internally with Cs+ and lidocaine N-ethyl bromide (QX-314), which blocked post-synaptic GABAB receptor-mediated responses. Stimulation in the presence of DNQX and APV evoked GABAA receptor-mediated IPSCs; when pairs of stimuli were delivered 200 ms apart the second IPSC was depressed. Baclofen reversibly depressed IPSCs, and partially occluded paired-pulse depression of IPSCs. The GABAB receptor antagonist CGP 35348 (0.5-1.0 mM) reversed baclofen-induced depression of IPSCs and partially blocked paired-pulse depression. Baclofen-induced and paired-pulse depression of IPSCs were not by affected by THA (0.3 mM). 4. Baclofen reversibly decreased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous monosynaptic IPSCs (sIPSCs). Depression of sIPSCs by baclofen was unchanged by THA. 5. These results indicate that THA blocks the actions of baclofen and GABA at post- but not presynaptic GABAB receptors. We conclude that post- and presynaptic GABAB receptors in area CA3 of the rat hippocampus couple to different effector mechanisms; postsynaptic GABAB receptors activate THA-sensitive K+ channels, and presynaptic GABAB receptors decrease neurotransmitter release through a THA-insensitive mechanism.
Exercise-induced adaptive increase in rate of oxidation of beta-hydroxybutyrate by skeletal muscle.

SummaryHomogenates of gastrocnemius muscles from rats trained by means of a 12-wk long program of treadmill running oxidized d-β-hydroxybutyrate-3-14C 2 to 3 times as rapidly as did homogenates of muscles from sedentary animals. This difference was demonstrated at d-β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mM. This adaptation may help to explain why the physically trained individual has a greater resistance to ketosis than the untrained, during and after prolonged exercise.
Fibrous histiocytoma of the trachea.

The light and electron microscopic features of a fibrous histiocytoma of the trachea that occurred in a 15-year-old Caucasian girl are presented. Emphasis is placed on the aggressive behavior and the importance of early recognition of the lesion in an unusual location.
Analysis on Problems and Countermeasures of Knowledge Management of Special Libraries

In this paper,the meaning of knowledge management and the necessity of its implementation in special libraries were explained.The difficulties of knowledge management implementation in special library were analyzed,and countermeasures were proposed.
Safety and biodistribution assessment of sc-rAAV2.5IL-1Ra administered via intra-articular injection in a mono-iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis rat model

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA), and gene transfer of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) holds promise for OA treatment. A preclinical safety and biodistribution study evaluated a self-complementary adeno-associated viral vector carrying rat IL-1Ra transgene (sc-rAAV2.5rIL-1Ra) at 5 × 108, 5 × 109, or 5 × 1010 vg/knee, or human IL-1Ra transgene (sc-rAAV2.5hIL-1Ra) at 5 × 1010 vg/knee, in Wistar rats with mono-iodoacetate (MIA)–induced OA at days 7, 26, 91, 180, and 364 following intra-articular injection. The MIA-induced OA lesions were consistent with the published data on this model. The vector genomes persisted in the injected knees for up to a year with only limited vector leakage to systemic circulation and uptake in tissues outside the knee. Low levels of IL-1Ra expression and mitigation of OA lesions were observed in the vector-injected knees, albeit inconsistently. Neutralizing antibodies against the vector capsid developed in a dose-dependent manner, but only the human vector induced a small splenic T-cell immune response to the vector capsid. No local or systemic toxicity attributable to vector administration was identified in the rats as indicated by clinical signs, body weight, feed consumption, clinical pathology, and gross and microscopic pathology through day 364. Taken together, the gene therapy vector demonstrated a favorable safety profile.
Regulation of plasma lipid transfer by the high-density lipoproteins.

Mechanisms that regulate the activity of the plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (lipid protein transfer-I) are poorly understood. We have examined the role of endogenous regulators of the li...
Clinical Cognitive Science: Applying Quantitative Models of Cognitive Processing to Examine Cognitive Aspects of Psychopathology.

Numerous theoreti cal app roach es implicate a role for altered cogn it ive processing in th e develop ment, maintenance, and treatment of a wide range of clinically relevan t beh aviors. Clinical scient ists have been slow, however , to capitalize on the wealth of contemporary theoretical, measurement, and analytical models of cognitive processing when constructing, evalu ating, and ex tending these theoreti cal approaches to psych opathology (Mac Leod , 1993; McFall & Townsend, 1998; McFall, Treat, & Viken, 1998) . T o date, the transl at ion of cognitive science models to clinical science has occ urred primarily at th e measurement or task level, leading to an impoverish ed und erstanding and utilization of the multifacete d com plexity of the relev ant theoretical constructs, such as atte n tion, classification, memory, and learn­ ing. As a result, clinical scientists hav e tended to co llapse, or ignore the dist inc tions betwe en, th eoretical and measurement models of cognit ive
Rotating at Your Home Institution

The home orthopedic clerkship is the first step into a lifelong career in orthopedic surgery. It is essential to be prepared both mentally and physically prior to the rotation. Being prompt, enthusiastic, and involved are qualities that will allow you to build a good foundation. This introduction to orthopedics is a stressful time filled with a tremendous amount of new information, but should also be fun, as you are introduced to the specialty that we are all passionate about. The following chapter will break down the structure of orthopedics residency and your clerkship and will describe the people you will interact with. It also includes information on how to get prepared and key insight on how to succeed directly from residents and attendings to give you an understanding of how you will be evaluated.
Success of Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation in Isolated Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction A Comparison to Systolic Dysfunction and Normal Ventricular Function

Background—The efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and isolated diastolic dysfunction is uncertain. Methods ...
The Elusive Search for Economic Motives

This chapter examines what is probably the cornerstone of economic theory: the notion of rationality in decision making by firms and households, which leads to the view that firms seek to maximize profits and that households allocate their resources so as to maximize the utility they derive from them. It goes on to discuss the theory of rational expectations and the contesting views posited by the behavioral school, and presents some of the latter’s key findings.
Application of hydrogeophysical techniques to study the distribution of a burrowing crayfish in a wetland

Crayfish are important in wetland systems because of their function in soil nutrient turnover. Since many crayfishes are imperiled by anthropogenic activities, it is important to understand factors that are associated with their distribution within and among wetlands. This study investigated the soil and hydrogeological characteristics of a wetland and related them to the spatial distribution of crayfish burrows found within it. The study utilized field-collected soil cores, electrical resistivity, and ground penetrating radar to map subsurface characteristics at Bartram Forest, Baldwin County, Georgia. Wetland delineation was also conducted in the field to establish the wetland boundaries. Both 2D and 3D geophysical profiles were created. Soils samples were analyzed for grain size distribution, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity in the lab. Hydraulic conductivity of the wetland soils was also determined in the field using slug tests. Results show subsurface physical differences between crayfish inhabited zones of the wetland and those that do not have crayfish burrows.The Ambiguous Crayfish, Cambarus striatus was found in soils with a hydraulic conductivity of 0.01–0.4 m/day where soils outside of their colony boundary had a hydraulic conductivity of 0.4–1.2 m/day. Areas where C. striatus were located had a higher porosity (0.36) than areas without crayfish (0.26). Subsurface stratigraphy varied between the areas with and without burrows. C. striatus was found to live in a subsurface with relatively gradual stratigraphical boundaries when compared to surrounding areas.
Janus-Type Bis(maloNHC) and Its Zwitterionic Gold and Silver Metal Complexes

A new Janus-type dianionic bis(maloNHC) (1) was synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The utility of this extended biscarbene for the construction of homobimetallic systems has been demonstrated by its coordination to two coinage metals. The resulting zwitterionic metal complexes of the type [(Ph3P)M(1)M(PPh3)] (M = Au, Ag) have been fully characterized. The X-ray crystallography shows that the new ligand positions the two metal centers at a distance of 24.2 A, the longest distance reported to date for any related NHC ligand.
Radiation induced leakage currents in dense and porous low-k dielectrics

We investigate leakage currents in a-SiOC:H thin films with electrically detected magnetic resonance (EDMR) and new zero field magnetoresistance measurements. We substantially change leakage currents by subjecting the dielectrics to 60Co gamma irradiation. Our results strongly suggest the potential of a very simple measurement, near zero field magnetoresistance, as a reliability physics tool in the investigation of transport mechanisms in these materials.
Macrobenthic community structure in the deep Gulf of Mexico one year after the Deepwater Horizon blowout

Abstract The impacts of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster on deep-sea Gulf of Mexico benthic communities were analyzed one year after the blowout. Richness, diversity, and evenness were severely impaired within a radius of approximately 1 km around the DWH wellhead. However, lower diversity than background was observed in several stations up to 29 km to the southwest of the wellhead. Compared to samples from 2010, abundance near the DWH wellhead increased in 2011 with some of the highest values found at stations within the 1 km radius. The increase was mostly caused by the high abundance of opportunistic polychaetes of the family Dorvilleidae, genus Ophryotrocha . At contaminated stations near the DWH wellhead, diversity did not change with increased sampling area, whereas a steep increase of diversity with increasing sampling area was observed at stations farther from the wellhead. The spatial extent of DWH impacts appeared to decrease from 2010 to 2011. Impacts on diversity near the wellhead were still observed; however, the large increase in abundance may indicate the initial stages of recovery, year-to-year variability, or an early stage of succession following a disturbance; and this can be resolved only with additional temporal sampling.
An Anatomic and Radiographic Study of the Distal Tibial Epiphysis.

Background Although the undulating shape of the distal tibial epiphysis is well recognized, its anatomic features have not been well quantified in the literature. To guide the placement of surgical implants about the distal tibial physis, we investigated the topographical anatomy of the distal tibial epiphysis and explored the ability of standard radiographs to visualize the physis. Methods We studied 30 cadaveric distal tibial epiphyses in specimens 3 to 14 years of age. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs were obtained of each specimen and then repeated after flexible radiopaque markers were placed on the major undulations. All radiographs were analyzed to determine the height or depth of each landmark, and measurements with and without markers for each landmark were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). In 9 specimens, similar measurements were obtained on high-resolution 3-dimensional (3D) surface scans. Results There were 4 distinct physeal undulations usually present: an anteromedial peak (Kump's bump), a posterolateral peak, an anterior central valley, and a posterior central valley. On the 3D scans, Kump's bump averaged 5.0 mm (range, 3.0 to 6.4 mm), the posterolateral peak 2.4 mm (range, 1.2 to 5.0 mm), the anterior valley 1.3 mm (range, 0 to 3.6 mm), and the posterior valley 0.77 mm (range, 0 to 2.7 mm). Lateral radiographs with markers correlated with measurements from 3D scans better than those without markers (ICC=0.61 vs. 0.24). For AP radiographs, correlation was good to excellent regardless of marker use (ICC=0.76 vs. 0.66). Conclusions There are 4 major undulations of the distal tibial physis. Kump's bump is the largest. A centrally placed epiphyseal screw in the medial/lateral direction or screws from anterolateral to posteromedial and anteromedial to posterolateral would tend to avoid both valleys. Particular caution should be taken when placing metaphyseal screws in the anteromedial or posterolateral distal tibia. Physeal undulations were more difficult to visualize on the lateral view. Clinical relevance This study provides quantitative data on the topography of the distal tibial physis to aid hardware placement. Lateral views should be interpreted with caution, as the physeal undulations are not as visible, whereas AP views can be interpreted with more confidence.
Long-term implantable medical wireless telemetry

This paper focuses on alternative materials for long-term monitoring of physiological parameters in vitro. In particular, we examine ZnO as a potential for both long-term sensors and antennas. ZnO has unique features such as high sensitivy and excellent biocompatibility that makes it a great candidate for such applications.
Hydrothermal synthesis of silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires

A facile method to synthesize silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires is presented. U3Si2, used as a precursor, was oxidized to produce uranium oxide nanocrystallites and amorphous silicon oxide under hydrothermal conditions at 300°C and a pressure of 7.8 × 106 Pa. The growth of uranium oxide nanowires was assisted by silicon oxide via assembling the uranium oxide nanocrystallites in an amorphous silicon oxide matrix. The microstructure and composition of silicon oxide clad uranium oxide nanowires were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and EDS. The uranium oxide in the nanowires was determined as UO2.34 with a fluoride cubic structure.
Using Financial Structure Planning to Improve Small Business Performance

Since return on equity usually represents a primary source of income for the small business owner, achieving a satisfactory ROE should be a major goal for any small business. One way to improve ROE is through proper use of leverage and financial structure planning.The purpose of this paper is to provide the small business manager with a simple method for evaluating alternative capital structures to improve potential returns and analyze the comparative financial risks.
Acute Regulation of Na + :HCO 3 - Cotransport System In Kidney Proximal Tubules

The reabsorption of the filtered load of HCO3- in the kidney proximal tubule is mediated via a Na+/H+exchanger and a H+-translocating ATPase in the lumen and the Na+:HCO3- cotransporter in the basolateral membranes (3,7,32). The Na+/H+exchanger is an electroneutral, amiloride-sensitive transporter that regulates blood pH by secreting H+in exchange for Na+. The H+-translocating ATPase is an electrogenic, Na-independent transporter that is inhibited by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). Secretion of H+ into the lumen via Na+/H+exchange and H+-translocating ATPase leads to HCO3- reabsorption in the proximal tubule. The Na+:HCO3- cotransporter mediates the transport of HCO3- from the kidney proximal tubule cell to blood. Although this transporter was first described in the kidney proximal tubule, recent studies have shown its presence in numerous types of cells (3,7,32). The purpose of this article is to review the functional characteristics and acute regulatory mechanisms of the Na+:HCO3- cotransport system.
Using the Deep Space Atomic Clock for Navigation and Science

Routine use of one-way radiometric tracking for deep space navigation and radio science is not possible today because spacecraft frequency and time references that use state-of-the-art ultrastable oscillators introduce errors from their intrinsic drift and instability on timescales past 100 s. The Deep Space Atomic Clock (DSAC), currently under development as a NASA Technology Demonstration Mission, is an advanced prototype of a space-flight suitable, mercury-ion atomic clock that can provide an unprecedented frequency and time stability in a space-qualified clock. Indeed, the ground-based results of the DSAC space demonstration unit have already achieved an Allan deviation of $2 \times 10^{-15}$ at one day; space performance on this order will enable the use of one-way radiometric signals for deep space navigation and radio science.
Toward an Intrusion-Tolerant Power Grid: Challenges and Opportunities

While cyberattacks pose a relatively new challenge for power grid control systems, commercial cloud systems have needed to address similar threats for many years. However, technology and approaches developed for cloud systems do not necessarily transfer directly to the power grid, due to important differences between the two domains. We discuss our experience adapting intrusion-tolerant cloud technologies to the power domain and describe the challenges we have encountered and potential directions for overcoming those obstacles.
The Association between Serum Glucose Level and Disability Progression in Multiple Sclerosis (P04.130)

OBJECTIVE: Our hypothesis was that serum glucose levels would be a predictor of disability measured by EDSS and by the 25ft timed walk after controlling for disease duration,age,gender and race. BACKGROUND: The risk factors predicting the progression of disability in MS remain poorly understood. Vascular comorbidities are associated with disability in MS but whether serum glucose levels are a significant predictor of disability has not been studied. DESIGN/METHODS: We collected retrospective data from 62 patients (14 men; 21 African American, 41 caucasian), median age 33.5 (range 19-53, mean 34.1 ±SD7.4) years old, median disease duration 4 (range 1-10, mean 4.0±SD1.7) years. EDSS median 2 (range 1-4.5, mean 2.5±SD1.2) and timed walk median 6.7 (range 5.5-11.1) secs. Median glucose levels were 90 (range 71-171, mean 111±SD 34.4) mg/dl. We used Spearman9s correlation coefficient to assess univariate correlations and regression on the ranks to control for the potential confounding covariates age, disease duration, gender and race. RESULTS: Glucose levels were highly correlated with EDSS (r=0.73, p CONCLUSIONS: Glucose levels are a strong predictor of disability progression as measured by EDSS and timed walk. Further studies examining this association longitudinally are necessary to prove a causal relation between glucose levels and disability progression. This can open the way for testing some of the multiple interventions used in diabetes as potential MS disease modifying agents. Disclosure: Dr. Richeh has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gutierrez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Lovera has received personal compensation for activities with EMD Serono, Teva Neuroscience, and Biogen Idec.
Photoelasticity methods to determine stresses in propellant-grain models

Two- and three-dimensional photoelasticity methods to stress and strain analyze propellant-grain models are reviewed. Pressure, restrained shrinkage and transient thermal loadings are considered. The advantages and limitations of two-dimensional simulations of the three-dimensional problems are studied in detail.
Activation of bovine factor VII by hageman factor fragments

During the early events of coagulation of human blood by the intrinsic pathway, factor XII is activated to a form which can activate factor XI, and is proteolytically fragmented to smaller species (30,000 daltons and 70,000 daltons) which have lost most of the ability to activate factor XI but which can activate prekallikrein rapidly. The effect of these fragments on factor VII was studied. It was found that these Hageman factor fragments promoted rapid proteolysis of one-chain factor VII to a more active two-chain form. The amino-terminal sequences of the chains of activated factor VII were found to be Ala-Asx-Gly- and Ile-Val-Gly-, the same as were earlier observed after activation of factor VII by activated factor X. This finding indicates that initiation of coagulation by the intrinsic pathway also primes the extrinsic pathway.
Laboratory Diagnosis and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria

This chapter discusses principles and methods for the laboratory identification of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) beginning with biochemical and chemotaxonomic methods [high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), and gas-liquid chromatography (GLC)] which have widely been replaced by the more definitive molecular methods including commercial probe technology, gene sequencing, and more recently mass spectrometry (MS) using the matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF). The MALDI-TOF-MS currently remains non-validated or beyond the capability of many clinical laboratories to implement into the NTM identification algorithm. As with all molecular methodologies, the creation and maintenance of adequate databases are critical to the success of implementation of these techniques. Notably, only limited gene sequencing (i.e., 16S rRNA gene) has been addressed by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), and strict cutoff values for other genes are currently not available.
The Relevance of Ulnar-Sided Contrast Extravasation During Radiocarpal Joint Wrist Arthrography

Objective Contrast material often extends from the radiocarpal joint into the proximal soft tissues adjacent to the ulnar aspect of the ulnar styloid during single-compartment radiocarpal joint MR arthrography of the wrist. The hypothesis of this study was that this is a common finding unrelated to symptoms or examination technique. Materials and methods Wrist MR arthrograms were retrospectively reviewed in consensus by two radiologists. The presence or absence of ulnar-sided contrast extravasation was documented, whether this extravasation appeared contained or dispersed, as was the overall degree of proximal extension of the extravasated contrast material. Patient age, sex, wrist sidedness, volume of contrast material administered, location of symptoms reported clinically, and aberrant contrast material also apparent within the midcarpal space or distal radioulnar joint on the MR images reviewed were documented to determine potential association with ulnar-sided contrast extravasation. Results Ninety-nine examinations met the inclusion criteria. Ulnar-sided contrast extravasation after single-compartment radiocarpal joint injection was present in 56 of the 99 wrists (57%). This finding was statistically more common in right versus left wrists. No other statistically significant associations were identified. Conclusion Contrast extravasation along the ulnar aspect of the distal ulna after single-compartment radiocarpal joint injection is common. In this study it had no statistically significant association with the location of a patient's wrist pain or abnormal findings evaluated at MR arthrography.
Multistage Adaptive Load Balancing for Big Active Data Publish Subscribe Systems

In this paper, we address issues in the design and operation of a Big Active Data Publish Subscribe (BAD Pub/Sub) systems to enable the next generation of enriched notification systems that can scale to societal levels. The proposed BAD Pub/Sub system will aim to ingest massive amounts of data from heterogeneous publishers and sources and deliver customized, enriched notifications to end users (subscribers) that express interests in these data items via parameterized channels. To support scalability, we employ a hierarchical architecture that combines a back-end big data cluster (to receive publications and data feeds, store data and process subscriptions) with a client-facing distributed broker network that manages user subscriptions and scales the delivery process. A key aspect of our broker capacity is its ability to aggregate subscriptions from end users to immensely reduce the end to end overheads and loads. The skewed distribution of subscribers, their interests and the dynamic nature of societal scale publications, create load imbalance in the distributed broker network. We mathematically formulate the notion of broker load in this setting and derive an optimization problem to minimize the maximum load (an NP-hard problem). We propose a staged approach for broker load balancing that executes in multiple stages --- initial placement of brokers to subscribers, dynamic subscriber migration during operation to handle transient and instantaneous loads and occasional shuffles to re-stabilize the system. We develop a prototype implementation of our staged load balancing on a real BAD Pub/Sub testbed (multinode cluster) with a distributed broker network and conduct experiments using real world workloads. We further evaluate our schemes via a detailed simulation studies.
On Nonlinear Thermoelasticity and Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on nonlinear thermoelasticity and nonequilibrium thermodynamics. The Caratheodory's principle states that not all states in a given neighborhood of a given state are adiabatically attainable. It is shown in the chapter that: (1) there exist an entropy function at nonequilibrium states; (2) the entropy function is extensive; (3) the entropy function depends parametrically on the internal variables, ξ; (4) at constant values of internal variables, this entropy function serves as a potential function in exactly the same manner as in the classical thermodynamics of equilibria; and (5) there exists an absolute temperature that depends on the chosen empirical temperature only. Caratheodory's principle does not indicate the types of the states that are in a given neighborhood of a given state that are indeed adiabatically unattainable. It simply asserts that there are such states. For dissipative materials, which generate heat at the expense of mechanical work, those situations should be excluded where changes in the internal variables result in negative dissipation.
Building a Sustainable Collection Review Process: Managing Qualitative and Quantitative E-Resource Data over Time

Comprehensive e-resource reviews often happen in response to financial crises. Data are collected, and faculty are consulted about reductions. After the review, the data are forgotten or lost until...
Out of Pocket? Out of Reach: How Hidden Costs Affect Participation in a Means-Tested School Choice Program

We examine how low-income parents who apply for North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship program navigate major obstacles to their full participation in this means-tested private school choice prog...