cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Binary Systems as X-ray Sources: A Review

The observational properties of Sco X-1, Cyg X-2, and Cen X-3 are reviewed in connection with the hypothesis that X-ray power is derived from gravitational energy released when matter is accreted onto the surface of one component in a mass transfer binary star. Evolutionary mechanisms for producing suitable types of binaries are considered. The following boundary conditions on possible evolutionary models are also treated briefly: (1) a quite significant fraction of hard X-ray sources are associated with the nuclear bulge of the galaxy; (2) mass-transfer binaries such as U Gem stars are not hard X-ray sources; (3) counts of binary stars lead to a considerably larger number of X-ray source candidates than are actually observed.
Combinatorial Information Market Design

Information markets are markets created to aggregate information. Such markets usually estimate a probability distribution over the values of certain variables, via bets on those values. Combinatorial information markets would aggregate information on the entire joint probability distribution over many variables, by allowing bets on all variable value combinations. To achieve this, we want to overcome the thin market and irrational participation problems that plague standard information markets. Scoring rules avoid these problems, but instead suffer from opinion pooling problems in the thick market case. Market scoring rules avoid all these problems, by becoming automated market makers in the thick market case and simple scoring rules in the thin market case. Logarithmic versions have cost and modularity advantages. After introducing market scoring rules, we consider several design issues, including how to represent variables to support both conditional and unconditional estimates, how to avoid becoming a money pump via errors in calculating probabilities, and how to ensure that users can cover their bets, without needlessly preventing them from using previous bets as collateral for future bets.
VibraForming and In Situ Flocculation of Consolidated, Coagulated, Alumina Slurries

Aqueous, alumina slurries dispersed at low pH form weakly attractive networks when excess counterions are added. These slurries can be consolidated to a high relative packing density via either pressure filtration or centrifugation without mass segregation or density gradients. These saturated, consolidated bodies can be reshaped by vibrating them into a complex‐shaped die cavity, a process termed VibraForm‐ing. The yield stress of these bodies can be increased by adding urea to the slurry before consolidation and then heating the VibraFormed body to change the pH of the water within the body to the isoelectric point for the alumina powder. The increased yield stress, characterized by stress relaxation experiments, allows the body to be removed from the die cavity without shape distortion. Copyright © 1995, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved
Feeding behavior and acquisition of zooxanthellae by planula larvae of the sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima

Symbiotic associations between cnidarians and photosynthetic dinoflagellates (i.e., zooxanthellae) are common in the marine environment. Many symbiotic cnidarians produce offspring that are initially nonsymbiotic. These new hosts must acquire symbiotic algae from environmental sources. We examined zooxanthella acquisition by laboratory-reared planula larvae of the temperate sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima. Larvae ingested zooxanthellae while they were feeding. However, the signal that prompted larval feeding behavior did not originate from the symbiotic algae; the addition of algal cells to larval cultures never elicited a feeding response. In contrast, the addition of macerated animal tissue from several sources invariably generated a strong feeding response, which resulted in the larvae indiscriminately ingesting any particulate matter that was present, including zooxanthellae or other unicellular algae. Ingested zooxanthellae were incorporated into endodermal cells, where they remained undigested, while all other ingested material was digested or expelled within 24 h. Our results provide evidence that one source of zooxanthellae likely to serve as a route of infection in the natural environment is zooxanthella-laden mucus egested by anemones. This egested material fulfilled both of the criteria necessary for successful infection: it prompted larvae to begin feeding and provided an abundant supply of zooxanthellae that were ingested and taken up into endodermal cells of the new host.
The Release of LH in Male Mice in Response to Female Urinary Odors: Characteristics of the Response in Young Males

Adult male mice show an acute, transient elevation in serum LH in response to the odor of female mouse urine. The present experiments examined several characteristics of this response in young males, including an assessment of the potential for such responses to alter the young male’s rate of sexual maturation. First, it was determined that males develop the capacity to secrete LH in response to female urine when they are between 24 and 36-days-old. Two experiments with 36-day-old males then revealed that this response is characterized by a rapid and complete habituation; i.e., repeated exposure to female urine quickly yielded unresponsiveness when examined over both 4 h and 24 h periods. In a third series of experiments, cohabitation of young males with adult females accelerated their sexual maturation during one developmental period (20-36 days of age) but not in another (30-42 days of age). Chronic exposure to female urine, however, was without effect on sexual maturation during either time span. Thus, when viewed in toto, these experiments suggest that a) some female-originating cue(s) can act to accelerate sexual maturation in the 20-30 day old male mouse but b) the urinary stimulus-LH response system probably is not the basis for this potentiating action of a female.
Pharmacokinetics of pulmonary manganese absorption: evidence for increased susceptibility to manganese loading in iron-deficient rats.

High levels of airborne manganese can be neurotoxic, yet little is known about absorption of this metal via the lungs. Intestinal manganese uptake is upregulated by iron deficiency and is thought t...
Release characteristics of reattached barnacles to non-toxic silicone coatings

Release mechanisms of barnacles (Amphibalanus amphitrite or Balanus amphitrite) reattached to platinum-cured silicone coatings were studied as a function of coating thickness (210–770 μm), elastic modulus (0.08–1.3 MPa), and shear rate (2–22 µm s−1). It was found that the shear stress of the reattached, live barnacles necessary to remove from the silicone coatings was controlled by the combined term (E/t)0.5 of the elastic modulus (E) and thickness (t). As the ratio of the elastic modulus to coating thickness decreased, the barnacles were more readily removed from the silicone coatings, showing a similar release behavior to pseudobarnacles (epoxy glue). The barnacle mean shear stress ranged from 0.017 to 0.055 MPa whereas the pseudobarnacle mean shear stress ranged from 0.022 to 0.095 MPa.
Comparison of type I error for multiple test corrections in large single-nucleotide polymorphism studies using principal components versus haplotype blocking algorithms

Although permutation testing has been the gold standard for assessing significance levels in studies using multiple markers, it is time-consuming. A Bonferroni correction to the nominal p-value that uses the underlying pair-wise linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure among the markers to determine the number of effectively independent tests has recently been proposed. We propose using the number of independent LD blocks plus the number of independent single-nucleotide polymorphisms for correction. Using the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism LD data for chromosome 21, we simulated 1,000 replicates of parent-child trio data under the null hypothesis with two levels of LD: moderate and high. Assuming haplotype blocks were independent, we calculated the number of independent statistical tests using 3 haplotype blocking algorithms. We then compared the type I error rates using a principal components-based method, the three blocking methods, a traditional Bonferroni correction, and the unadjusted p-values obtained from FBAT. Under high LD conditions, the PC method and one of the blocking methods were slightly conservative, whereas the 2 other blocking methods exceeded the target type I error rate. Under conditions of moderate LD, we show that the blocking algorithm corrections are closest to the desired type I error, although still slightly conservative, with the principal components-based method being almost as conservative as the traditional Bonferroni correction.
An Insoluble Matrix of the Nerve Cytoskeleton

When the abdominal nerve cord of the crayfish is extracted with a 6M guanidine HCl solvent and 5% β-mercaptoethanol a matrix remains which retains some of the distinctive morphological characteristics of the unextracted nerve cord. When the nerve cord sheath is removed by digestion with collagenase, and the nerve cord ghost washed with the guanidine HC1 solvent, the remaining structure continues to resemble the unextracted nerve cord. Further extraction with a 6M urea, 5% sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) solvent, and 5% β-mercaptoethanol leaves a highly swollen, transparent nerve cord ghost which in scanning electron microscopy contains a matrix of interconnected linear elements. In transmission electron microscopy the ghosts of frog sciatic and peripheral nerves contain linear elements, networks of interconnecting thin filaments and numerous vesicular ghosts.
From Gamers to Scholars: Challenges of Teaching Game Studies

This article reports on the results of a study that explores the issues and challenges faced by instructors of games studies classes. Using a semi-structured protocol, we interviewed twelve professors and instructors of game studies courses. The interviews were transcribed and iteratively coded in order to refine theoretical categories, propositions and conclusions. Our results indicate that learning about games can be challenging for multiple reasons. For instance, an extensive prior videogame experience often interferes with students’ abilities to reason critically and analytically about games. They also have difficulties articulating their experiences and observations. The medium itself also presents obstacles in access. Students must be skilled at games in order to fully experience them and technological barriers make it difficult to provide older games for students to experience. The article describes many of the solutions that instructors are adopting in order to overcome these challenges. We conclude by drawing attention to the issue that current game studies courses run the risk of limiting the diversity of people who could become game scholars.
Blockade of endothelin-1 with a novel series of 1,3,6-trisubstituted-2-carboxy-quinol-4-ones controls infection-associated preterm birth.

Preterm birth (PTB) currently accounts for 13% of all births in the United States, with the leading cause of PTB being maternal infection. Endothelin-1, an extremely potent vasoconstrictor capable of increasing myometrial smooth muscle tone, has been shown to be up-regulated in the setting of infection in pregnancy, ultimately leading to PTB. In previous work, we have shown that infection-associated PTB is controlled in our murine model by using phospharamidon, an endothelin-converting enzyme-1 inhibitor; knocking down endothelin-converting enzyme-1 mRNA; or blocking the binding of endothelin-1 to the endothelin-A (ETA) receptor with either BQ-123 or with HJP-272, the 6-OH compound of our series of novel synthetic (ETA) receptor antagonists. In the current study, we show that HJP-272, a highly selective ETA receptor antagonist with an IC50 of 70.1 nmol/L, binds in a noncompetitive manner to the ETA receptor. Additionally, we introduce n-propyl (HJP-286) and n-butyl (HJP-278) analogs of HJP-272. We find that the LD50 of HJP-272, the analog in the series most effective in controlling preterm birth, is more than 20-fold higher than its therapeutic dose. Acute exposure to high doses of these compounds produces no histological changes in any organ, while chronic exposure produces only a rare hepatotoxic effect. These findings may be of clinical significance, as there is currently no FDA-approved therapy for women presenting with threatened preterm delivery.
Initiation of cofilin activity in response to EGF is uncoupled from cofilin phosphorylation and dephosphorylation in carcinoma cells.

It has been demonstrated that the actin-severing activity of cofilin can be downregulated by LIM kinase (LIMK)-dependent phosphorylation at residue Ser3. Chemotactic stimulaton in various cell types induces cofilin dephosphorylation, suggesting that cofilin activation in these cells occurs by a dephosphorylation mechanism. However, resting metastatic carcinoma cells have the majority of their cofilin in a dephosphorylated but largely inactive state. Stimulation with epidermal growth factor (EGF) induces an increase in cofilin activity after 60 seconds together with an increase in phosphorylated cofilin (p-cofilin), indicating that cofilin dephosphorylation is not coupled to cofilin activation in these cells. Suppression of LIMK function by inhibiting Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) or LIMK siRNA inhibited the EGF-induced cofilin phosphorylation but had no effect on cofilin activity or cofilin-dependent lamellipod protrusion induced by EGF. Correlation analysis revealed that cofilin, p-cofilin and LIMK are not colocalized, and changes in the location of these proteins upon stimulation with EGF indicate that they are not functionally coupled. Phospholipase C, which has been implicated in cofilin activation following stimulation with EGF, does not regulate p-cofilin levels following stimulation with EGF. Therefore, our results do not support a model for the initial activation of cofilin by dephosphorylation in response to chemoattractant stimulation in metastatic carcinoma cells.
Automatic analysis of local nasal features in 22q11.2DS affected individuals

The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a common genetic condition with an estimated prevalence between 1:2000 and 1:6000 live births in the US. The syndrome is manifested in multiple different craniofacial features. The nasal area is known to play a role in assessing the extent of dysmorphology of an individual patient. In this paper, we present a method for detecting and assessing the severity of a common nasal feature: the bulbous nasal tip. Our method locates the nose and computes four descriptors, each of which leads to a severity score. Experiments with the four severity scores and a combinations of the best two show that using all five scores gives the best prediction of bulbous nasal tip. Furthermore, the bulbous nasal tip measures outperformed the median of human experts and attains similar results to our own prior work on global descriptors [12] for prediction of 22q11.2DS.
Controllable photoelectron transfer in CdSe nanocrystal–carbon nanotube hybrid structures

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) coated with nanocrystals (NCs) or quantum dots (QDs) form a new class of hybrid nanomaterials that could potentially display both the unique properties of NCs and those of CNTs. The photo-induced charge transfer within the hybrid nanostructure may either increase or decrease the CNT electrical conductivity. The use of a chemical vapor deposition method realizes direct assembly of CdSe NCs onto the external surfaces of single-walled CNTs without applying any organic linkers. The NC loading on the nanotubes can be tuned simply through deposition duration. Upon visible light excitation, photo-generated electrons are injected into CNTs from the excited states of CdSe NCs, which is monitored by the measurement of the photocurrent and field effect transistor (FET) characteristics. The direction of the electron transfer could be controlled with the NC coverage on CNTs and the gate voltage.
Crystallographic Observation of Dynamic Gas Adsorption Sites and Thermal Expansion in a Breathable Fluorous Metal–Organic Framework†

Playing accordion: Cooling a single crystal of a microporous fluorous metal-organic framework under ambient atmosphere leads to very large breathing upon gas adsorption, during which multiple N(2) molecules are filled into channels and cages (see picture). While the framework exhibits remarkable positive thermal expansion under vacuum, a gigantic apparent negative thermal expansion takes place when the crystal is exposed to N(2) at ambient pressure.
Odious Debts: A Moral Account

In this article I discuss the conditions under which sovereign debts are not morally binding for a state. Following an old legal doctrine, I call non-binding debts ‘odious'. I proceed as follows. First, I argue that alternative accounts on the morality of debts are unsatisfactory. The problem these accounts have are that they do not clearly identify the philosophical issues that underlie the notion of odious debts, or that they fail to specify what exactly the immorality of odious debts consists in. Second, I defend the view that a debt is odious when two conditions are satisfied: (i) borrowed funds were used by public officials for purposes for which they were not authorised (ii) lenders knew, or should have known, about possible unauthorised uses of those funds. If these two conditions are both satisfied, debts should not be considered debts of the state, but rather personal debts of rulers. Third, I discuss the feasibility of my approach by exploring how it would work in the current world. Finally, I d...
Development of a Capacitor Probe to Detect Subsurface Deterioration in Concrete

Portland cement concrete (PCC) structures deteriorate with age and need to be maintained or replaced. Early detection of deterioration in PCC (e.g., alkali-silica reaction, freeze/thaw damage, or chloride presence) can lead to significant reductions in maintenance costs. However, it is often too late to perform low-cost preventative maintenance by the time deterioration becomes evident. By developing techniques that would enable civil engineers to evaluate PCC structures and detect deterioration at early stages (without causing further damage), optimization of life-cycle costs of the constructed facility and minimization of disturbance to the facility users can be achieved. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are potentially one of the most useful techniques ever developed for assessing constructed facilities. They are noninvasive and can be performed rapidly. Portland cement concrete can be nondestructively evaluated by electrically characterizing its complex dielectric constant. The real part of the dielectric constant depicts the velocity of electromagnetic waves in PCC. The imaginary part, termed the “loss factor,” describes the conductivity of PCC and the attenuation of electromagnetic waves. Dielectric properties of PCC have been investigated in a laboratory setting using a parallel plate capacitor operating in the frequency range of 0.1 to 40.1MHz. This capacitor set-up consists of two horizontal-parallel plates with an adjustable separation for insertion of a dielectric specimen (PCC). While useful in research, this approach is not practical for field implementation. A new capacitor probe has been developed which consists of two plates, located within the same horizontal plane, for placement upon the specimen to be tested. Preliminary results show that this technique is feasible and results are promising; further testing and evaluation is currently underway.
Design-Build Project Delivery in Military Construction: Approach to Best Value Procurement

Design-Build is rapidly becoming one of the most commonly used project delivery methods in the facility construction industry. The United States Air Force and the Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) are expected to establish a target of 75% of all Military Construction (MILCON) projects delivered using the Design-Build method. The use of this delivery method will bring significant changes in the relationships between the various parties associated with facility project delivery when compared to the traditional Design-Bid-Build method. This paper demonstrates that Design- Build delivery with a best value selection is an important tool in accomplishing AFRC’s cost efficient, rapid response transformation goals applicable to facility construction. Three hundred thirty two projects in program years 2002 through 2006, constructed using both traditional Design- Bid-Build or Design-Build delivery methods, were examined. Parameters used for comparisons were construction cost and schedule growth, project cost, vertical versus horizontal construction, and number of days required to prepare solicitation documents, advertise and accomplish construction award. This research reveals significant project schedule advantages with Design- Build best value selection delivery. The advantages are apparent in both pre and post construction award activities. Potential Design-Build cost advantages are hindered by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations requiring firm fixed price contracts at construction award.
A Solution Limiting Procedure for a High Order Space-Time Method

In this paper, a solution limiting procedure is described for a high-order space-time method for conservation laws. The underlying high-order method is a space-time cellvertex scheme (CVS) for solving hyperbolic differential equations. The proposed limiting procedure is activated only in truly oscillatory regions detected by a reliable oscillation indicator. The limiter limits the averaged solution derivatives while preserving the cell average. Therefore, the limiter is conservative. The limiter ensures the solution satisfies the following two constraints: (i) the solution does not exceed the maximum or minimum cell averages in the local stencil; and (ii) the solution gradient is consistent with the local solution variation across each edge. The limiting procedure is recast as a quadratic programming problem with linear inequality constraints, which is solved by the active set method. It is hoped that through the quadratic programming, the optimum values of limiting factors can be obtained while satisfying the constraints. For arbitrary high order solutions, these constraints are formulated as the sufficient(not necessary) conditions. The constraints are enforced along the directions connecting adjacent two nodes, thus the method is suitable for arbitrarily unstructured spatial meshes. Several 1D and 2D examples will demonstrate that the limiter is able to effectively suppress the unphysical oscillations around discontinuities while preserving the high-order accuracy in smooth regions as well as the local extrema.
Protocol for Testing Effects of Microbial Pest Control Agents on Nontarget Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) are ubiquitous in both wooded and desert regions of North America. They are important contributors to nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem productivity. As the use of microbiological pesticides or microbial pest control agents (MPCAs) increases in the United States, termites might suffer unintended exposure to these pathogenic agents. The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act requires that information on the susceptibility of nontarget species be developed as a condition of registration of MPCAs, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in the process of drafting protocols to assess such effects. An interim protocol (drafted on behalf of EPA) to assess the lethal effects of MPCAs on nontarget subterranean termite species is described in this paper.
CRISPR-Cas9 mediated modification of the NOD mouse genome with Ptpn22R619W mutation increases autoimmune diabetes

An allelic variant of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 22 (PTPN22), PTPN22(R620W), is strongly associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in humans and increases the risk of T1D by two- to fourfold. The NOD mouse is a spontaneous T1D model that shares with humans many genetic pathways contributing to T1D. We hypothesized that the introduction of the murine orthologous Ptpn22(R619W) mutation to the NOD genome would enhance the spontaneous development of T1D. We microinjected CRISPR-Cas9 and a homology-directed repair template into NOD single-cell zygotes to introduce the Ptpn22(R619W) mutation to its endogenous locus. The resulting Ptpn22(R619W) mice showed increased insulin autoantibodies and earlier onset and higher penetrance of T1D. This is the first report demonstrating enhanced T1D in a mouse modeling human PTPN22(R620W) and the utility of CRISPR-Cas9 for direct genetic alternation of NOD mice.
Study on the False Smut Resistance of New Rice Varieties in Hunan

False smut resistance of 158 new rice varieties(combinations,lines) from Hunan rice regional trials was studied by natural infection and artificial inoculation.The results showed that middle indica resistance to false smut was weak,only 1 combination was resistant;late single-season indica resistance was better,middle resistant up to 65.2%;late double-season indica resistance was also weak,above middle susceptible up to 60%;high quality rice was susceptible,above middle susceptible up to 80.0%.So,the genetic improvement of rice resistance to false smut should be paid much attention.
TGF-β Small Molecule Inhibitor SB431542 Reduces Rotator Cuff Muscle Fibrosis and Fatty Infiltration By Promoting Fibro/Adipogenic Progenitor Apoptosis

Rotator cuff tears represent a large burden of muscle-tendon injuries in our aging population. While small tears can be repaired surgically with good outcomes, critical size tears are marked by muscle atrophy, fibrosis, and fatty infiltration, which can lead to failed repair, frequent re-injury, and chronic disability. Previous animal studies have indicated that Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling may play an important role in the development of these muscle pathologies after injury. Here, we demonstrated that inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling with the small molecule inhibitor SB431542 in a mouse model of massive rotator cuff tear results in decreased fibrosis, fatty infiltration, and muscle weight loss. These observed phenotypic changes were accompanied by decreased fibrotic, adipogenic, and atrophy-related gene expression in the injured muscle of mice treated with SB431542. We further demonstrated that treatment with SB431542 reduces the number of fibro/adipogenic progenitor (FAP) cells-an important cellular origin of rotator cuff muscle fibrosis and fatty infiltration, in injured muscle by promoting apoptosis of FAPs. Together, these data indicate that the TGF-β pathway is a critical regulator of the degenerative muscle changes seen after massive rotator cuff tears. TGF-β promotes rotator cuff muscle fibrosis and fatty infiltration by preventing FAP apoptosis. TGF-β regulated FAP apoptosis may serve as an important target pathway in the future development of novel therapeutics to improve muscle outcomes following rotator cuff tear.
Hematologic Findings in the Total Body X-irradiated Hamster

Hematologic determinations were made on cardiac blood from normal hamsters and from four groups of hamsters at daily intervals after total body irradiation with 600 r, 1000 r, 1200 r and 1500 r. Pancytopenia, lowered hematocrit, and decreased hemoglobin occurred. The clotting times were extended in the 1200 r and 1500 r groups, and this defect was correlated temporally with thrombocytopenia and disrupted mast cells. The sedimentation rates were increased terminally in the lethally-irradiated hamsters. The significance of these findings and the relationships to visual observations on the peripheral circulation such as leukocytic pavements on capillary and venular endothelium, platelet thromboembolic phenomena, erythrocytic extravasations, and circulating red cell aggregates are discussed.
Reproductive and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Outcomes in East Asian Women

Health disparities research in women’s reproductive health is evolving and racial disparities have emerged in many areas including in assisted reproductive technology (ART) and reproductive aging in Asian women compared to Caucasians. Observed differences in East Asian women may reflect true biologic differences because of genetic background or may result from various environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, cultural factors, access to care, and specifics of treatments once care has been accessed. All of the studies investigating the disparities in ART outcomes between Asian and Caucasian women demonstrated significantly low implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birthrates in Asian women using autologous eggs. Higher peak estradiol levels during the ovarian stimulation creating glandular–stromal dyssynchrony may be one of the explanations of the worse pregnancy outcomes in Asian women. Later age of natural menopause and lower prevalence of premature ovarian failure have been reported in some East Asian populations compared to Caucasians. There are still major knowledge gaps in our understanding of these racial and ethnic disparities in East Asian women. Further research to improve our understanding of the source of these disparities is critical to optimizing the delivery of reproductive care across our increasingly diverse society.
P-REX1: A Novel RAC Activing Guanine-Nucleotide Exchange Factor in Human Platelets.

Abstract A major signaling pathway that regulates platelet shape change and reorganization of the cytoskeleton involves the Rho family of GTPases whose members include Rac, CDC42 and RhoA. These GTPases are converted from their inactive or GDP-loaded state to the active or GTP-loaded state by a class of enzymes called Guanine-nucleotide Exchange Factors (GEFs). GEFs are a family of multi-domain proteins that contain a GDP-GTP exchange domain (DH-PH) as well as other protein interacting domains that are regulated by the activation of receptors present on the platelet surface. We used an affinity binding technique followed by mass spectrometry analysis to identify novel Rac binding GEFs from platelet lysates. Recombinant GST-Rac fusion proteins bound to agarose beads were prepared in the GTP, GDP and nucleotide-free states and incubated with human platelet lysates. Platelet lysate proteins associated with the different GST-Rac preparations (GTP-bound, GDP-bound or nucleotide-free) were eluted and run on SDS-PAGE. Gel slices were then cut out, trypsin digested and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Platelet GEFs were identified by the presence of a DH-PH domain. Using this technique we identified three novel Rac-associated platelet GEFs including P-REX1, a G-βγ protein and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate regulated GEF previously found in neutrophils and neurons (Welch, H.C.E et al., Cell 108;809–822, 2002). PREX-1 is a 196kDa peptide composed of 1659 amino that specifically activates Rac in neutrophils. In addition to the DH-PH exchange domain, PREX-1 also contains tandem PDZ and DEP domains as well as significant similarity over its C-terminal half to Inositol Polyphosphate 4-Phosphatase. Western analysis with anti-P-REX1 antibody (gift of H.C. Welch, Barbraham Institute, U.K.) showed that PREX-1 is present in purified whole platelet lysates. We have also shown that platelet PREX-1 specifically associates with GST-Rac by affinity pull-down experiments. Functional studies to characterize the exchange activity of platelet PREX-1 are ongoing. PREX-1 is the only known GEF that is directly regulated by G-βγ protein (Hill, K. et al., J Biol Chem 280(6):4166–4173, 2005) and represents a novel pathway for platelet G protein coupled receptor signaling through Rac in human platelets.
Behavioral Habilitation of Students with Severe Handicaps

Students with severe handicaps comprise a very heterogeneous group (Sontag, Smith, & Sailor, 1977), ranging from those who engage in remunerative work after school to those who appear completely unresponsive to their environments. In some cases, severely handicapped students attending the same classroom display such diverse behavior as self-injurious behavior, cooperative play on video games with age-appropriate peers, and independent use of public transportation systems. This diversity can make the assessment and treatment of these students seem problematic, at best, and it is not surprising that many psychologists in educational settings question their own competency in providing adequate services to this population of students (Irons, Irons, & Maddux, 1984).
Approvals in 2016: the march of the checkpoint inhibitors.

In 2016, FDA Oncology approved five new molecular entities and 17 efficacy supplements, including six accelerated approvals, 17 priority reviews, and 11 approvals of breakthrough-designated therapies. The FDA also approved five companion diagnostics, including a liquid biopsy test. One new anti-PD-L1 antibody was approved, along with six supplementary approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies.
A phase 1 trial of the HDAC inhibitor AR-42 in patients with multiple myeloma and T- and B-cell lymphomas

AbstractHistone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have proven activity in hematologic malignancies, and their FDA approval in multiple myeloma (MM) and T-cell lymphoma highlights the need for further development of this drug class. We investigated AR-42, an oral pan-HDACi, in a first-in-man phase 1 dose escalation clinical trial. Overall, treatment was well tolerated, no DLTs were evident, and the MTD was defined as 40 mg dosed three times weekly for three weeks of a 28-day cycle. One patient each with MM and mantle cell lymphoma demonstrated disease control for 19 and 27 months (ongoing), respectively. Treatment was associated with reduction of serum CD44, a transmembrane glycoprotein associated with steroid and immunomodulatory drug resistance in MM. Our findings indicate that AR-42 is safe and that further investigation of AR-42 in combination regimens for the treatment of patients with lymphoma and MM is warranted.Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01129193
Risk of hematologic malignancies following radiation treatment for well-differentiated thyroid cancer in the United States over 37 years.

6633 Background: Radiation therapy (XRT) including radioisotopes (RI), radioactive implants (RAI) and external beam radiation (EBRT) are commonly used for treatment of well differentiated thyroid malignancies (WDTMs) – papillary and follicular. We investigated the risk of all secondary hematologic malignancies (SHMs) in a population-based cohort of patients (pts) with WDTMs treated with XRT. Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 17 registries were queried to identify a cohort of 52,121 adult pts with WDTM as the first primary cancer between 1/1973 and 12/2010 who had adequate follow up. To determine the risk of development of SHM at least one year after the diagnosis of WDTM, pts who received XRT were compared to those who did not. SHMs included leukemias, lymphomas and Multiple Myeloma (MM). Fine and Gray competing risk regression analysis was performed with SHM as a time-dependent endpoint and death from any cause, development of non-hematologic malignancy as the competing events. ...
Screening for Secretion of the Type VI Secretion System Protein Hcp by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and Colony Blot

The bacterial type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a secretory apparatus encoded by many Gram-negative bacteria. The T6SS facilitates the secretion and injection of toxic effector proteins into host cells, providing a competitive advantage to bacteria encoding this machinery. The activity of the T6SS can be monitored by probing for the conserved tubule component Hcp, which is secreted to the supernatants by the T6SS. Detection of Hcp in culture supernatants is indicative of an active T6SS, but this secretion system is often tightly regulated or inactive under laboratory conditions and different bacterial strains display differing Hcp secretion phenotypes. Herein, we describe an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colony blot methods to facilitate large-scale screening of isolates for Hcp secretion and, thus, T6SS activity.
An H− impurity in KBr

Abstract A substitutional H− (U center) and an interstitial H− at the 1 2 , 1 2 , 1 2 position in KBr are considered separately. The relaxations of the neighbors of the impurity are calculated. The lattice vibration local mode frequencies are computed both for the unrelaxed and relaxed lattice. The computed local mode frequencies are compared with the appropriate experimental results.
Evolution of Dehydrogenases

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the methods for comparing the relationship among the same enzymes from different organisms. It discusses the significance of changes in enzyme structure during evolution. Diphosphopyridine nucleotide (DPN) and triphosphopyridine nucleotide (TPN) are the pyridine nucleotides that occur in nature. The two coenzymes are ubiquitously distributed. They have different functions. The chapter focuses on the DPN-linked dehydrogenases. Reduced DPN is used as a potential source of high-energy phosphate in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) after oxidation. Reduced TPN has the primary role of a reducing agent. A number of DPN-linked dehydrogenases have been purified. A large number of enzymes can react with a specific coenzyme, such as DPN. This would imply that there might be common structural features of the various DPN dehydrogenases that are essential for the binding of the pyridine coenzyme.
Does Preoperative Troponin Level Impact Outcomes After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Background As a marker of myocardial injury, troponin level correlates with adverse outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that patients with a higher preoperative troponin level would have increased morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Preoperative troponin measurements were available for 1,272 patients who underwent urgent or emergent isolated CABG at our institution from 2002 to 2016. Logistic regression assessed the risk-adjusted effect of peak troponin level on morbidity and mortality. Long-term survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models. Results Preoperative troponin was positive in 835 patients (65.6%). The median peak troponin for this group was 3.2 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.6 to 11.9 ng/mL), with a median time from peak troponin to the operation of 3 days (interquartile range, 1 to 4 days). Positive troponin was associated with more significant comorbid conditions and more extensive coronary artery disease. Operative mortality (3.7% versus 1.1%, p = 0.009), major morbidity (11.7% versus 3.9%, p p = 0.01) were increased in the positive troponin group. After risk adjustment, positive troponin was not independently associated with increased operative mortality (odds ratio, 2.61; p = 0.053). Adjusted and unadjusted analysis showed the peak preoperative troponin level did not independently predict death at any time point (all odds ratios, 1.0; p > 0.05). Conclusions A positive preoperative troponin correlates with worse outcomes after CABG, but risk adjustment eliminates much of the short-term predictive value of this biomarker. Peak troponin level does not influence outcomes after CABG and is a poor predictor of events when The Society of Thoracic Surgeons predictive models are used.
NRP1 haploinsufficiency predisposes to the development of Tetralogy of Fallot.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect. It involves anatomical abnormalities that change the normal flow of blood through the heart resulting in low oxygenation. Although not all of the underlying causes of TOF are completely understood, the disease has been associated with varying genetic etiologies including chromosomal abnormalities and Mendelian disorders, but can also occur as an isolated defect. In this report, we describe a familial case of TOF associated with a 1.8 Mb deletion of chromosome 10p11. Among the three genes in the region one is Neuropilin1 (NRP1), a membrane co-receptor of VEGF that modulates vasculogenesis. Hemizygous levels of NRP1 resulted in a reduced expression at the transcriptional and protein levels in patient-derived cells. Reduction of NRP1 also lead to decreased function of its activity as a co-receptor in intermolecular VEGF signaling. These findings support that diminished levels of NRP1 contribute to the development of TOF, likely through its function in mediating VEGF signal and vasculogenesis.
Preweaned heifer management on US dairy operations: Part III. Factors associated with Cryptosporidium and Giardia in preweaned dairy heifer calves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate management practices and environmental factors associated with cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in preweaned heifer calves on US dairy operations. This study was conducted as part of the calf component of the National Animal Health Monitoring System's Dairy 2014 study. The calf component included 104 dairy operations in 13 states and was an 18-mo longitudinal study focused on dairy heifer calves from birth to weaning. Fecal samples were collected from 2,249 calves: 839 calves in the West region (California, Colorado, and Washington) and 1,410 calves in the East region (Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin). Fecal samples were collected only once from calves during the preweaning period. Samples were collected from calves 3 to 66 d of age, with a mean of 22 d. Overall, Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected in 43.1 and 30.5% of fecal samples, respectively. Backward elimination logistic model selection was used after univariate screening to determine which management practices and environmental factors significantly affected the presence of Cryptosporidium or Giardia. The final Cryptosporidium model included herd size, days of age at fecal collection, and average temperature-humidity index for the month of fecal collection (fTHI). Cryptosporidium was found on a higher percentage of large operations (≥500 cows) than small operations (30 to 99 cows). Younger calves were more likely to have a fecal sample positive for Cryptosporidium than samples from older calves. Fecal samples from calves during the warmer parts of the year (fTHI >70) were more likely to be positive for Cryptosporidium than samples collected in colder months (fTHI 10 g/L IgG). Average daily gain during the preweaning period was lower in calves from which Giardia was isolated. These results highlight the factors associated with the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in preweaned dairy heifer calves.
Algebraic K-Theory and Functional Analysis

Around 1978 Max Karoubi made a striking conjecture about the K-theory of Banach algebras. His conjecture predicted that the topological K-groups K * top(B) of a unital Banach algebra B were isomorphic to the algebraic K-groups K *(B⊗r)C) of the Grothendieck’s projective tensor product of B and the ideal K of compact operators on the standard Hilbert space H = l2 (ℕ). Notice that B⊗K, is a norm completion of the matrix algebra M ∞(B) = B ⊗ M ∞(ℂ) and K *(M ∞(B)) = K *(B).
Post-resection complications: abscesses, empyemas, bronchopleural fistulas.

The role of thoracic surgeons in the management of pulmonary infection has evolved over time as the medical treatments have improved. We herein review historical and current management for surgically-treated pulmonary infections—lung abscesses, empyemas, and bronchopleural fistulas. In particular, we review when the surgeons need to be involved for infectious cases, our algorithm/approach to empyemas, and summary of post-operative bronchopleural fistula in tuberculosis cases.
National college health assessment sampling: Organizational barriers preventing black participation and organizational solutions for appropriate representation

Objective: This investigation longitudinally examined the participation of Black college students in the American College Health Association?s National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA). Participants: All respondents to ACHA-NCHA from the years 2008, 2011, & 2014 were included in the analysis. Methods: This study compared the descriptive demographic student characteristics from the 2008, 2011, & 2014 ACHA-NCHA data to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) college enrollment for the corresponding years. Results: Despite constituting 14.5% of the total enrollment in 4-year universities and colleges from 2005 to 2013, Black students represented about 7% of the ACHA-NCHA respondents. Conclusion: Having a sample lacking valid representation of minorities can further lead to biased and flawed assumptions. Therefore, organizations such as ACHA should make concerted efforts to gather data that is reflective of national enrollment rates.
Regulatory aspects of medical devices and biomaterials

Abstract Regulatory aspects are an integral part of a medical device development activity for potential commercialization. All across the globe, a medical device needs approval before application concerning the human body. Unfortunately, this important fact is not always appreciated. This chapter attempts to provide some knowledge of the approval process with an emphasis on regulatory aspects of orthopedic devices in the United States. The motivation behind writing this chapter is to create a benchmark for comparison and access to a vast amount of data available with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This chapter distinguishes between classes of devices and protocols involved in getting approvals for devices, starting off with important nomenclature. Next, various steps in the approval process are elucidated. Finally, a comparison is made between the US and EU approval processes.
Connecting Residual Stresses with Friction Stir Welding Conditions and Pseudo-Heat Index

This study examines the connections between friction stir welding (FSW) parameters, the simple pseudo-heat index (PHI) metric, and the prediction of resultant residual stresses on AA5052-H32 plates. A range of weldments was produced with different tool rotational speeds (283–1732 RPM) and traverse speeds (200–800 mm/min) to produce the same values of PHI with distinctly different FSW conditions. Residual stresses were measured on the surfaces of the welded plates using x-ray diffraction. All of the friction stir welds produced the typical, M-shaped longitudinal residual stress profiles across the weld. The largest tensile stresses were produced for low PHI conditions, which did not fully consolidate the material. For sound welds, increasing traverse speed with fixed rotational speed did systematically increase the residual stresses inside the stir zone. However, the simple metric of PHI was not a good predictor of the stir zone residual stress.
Selective Activation of the C−H Bond in Methane by Single Platinum Atomic Anions

Mass spectrometric analysis of the anionic products of interaction between platinum atomic anions, Pt- , and methane, CH4 and CD4 , in a collision cell shows the preferred generation of [PtCH4 ]- and [PtCD4 ]- complexes and a low tendency toward dehydrogenation. [PtCH4 ]- is shown to be H-Pt-CH3 - by a synergy between anion photoelectron spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations, implying the rupture of a single C-H bond. The calculated reaction pathway accounts for the observed selective activation of methane by Pt- . This study presents the first example of methane activation by a single atomic anion.