cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confocal Rheology Probes the Structure and Mechanics of Collagen through the Sol-Gel Transition.

Abstract Fibrillar type I collagen-based hydrogels are commonly used in tissue engineering and as matrices for biophysical studies. Mechanical and structural properties of these gels are known to be governed by the conditions under which fibrillogenesis occurs, exhibiting variation as a function of protein concentration, temperature, pH, and ionic strength. Deeper understanding of how macroscopic structure affects viscoelastic properties of collagen gels over the course of fibrillogenesis provides fundamental insight into biopolymer gel properties and promises enhanced control over the properties of such gels. Here, we investigate type I collagen fibrillogenesis using confocal rheology—simultaneous confocal reflectance microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy, and rheology. The multimodal approach allows direct comparison of how viscoelastic properties track the structural evolution of the gel on fiber and network length scales. Quantitative assessment and comparison of each imaging modality and the simultaneously collected rheological measurements show that the presence of a system-spanning structure occurs at a time similar to rheological determinants of gelation. Although this and some rheological measures are consistent with critical gelation through percolation, additional rheological and structural properties of the gel are found to be inconsistent with this theory. This study clarifies how structure sets viscoelasticity during collagen fibrillogenesis and more broadly highlights the utility of multimodal measurements as critical test-beds for theoretical descriptions of complex systems.
Abstract TP83: Stress Exacerbates Global Ischemia-induced Inflammatory Response: Intervention by Progesterone

Introduction: Stress is associated with increased risk of stroke and poor prognosis, but the mechanisms through which stress may alter stroke outcome remain elusive. Stress compromises neuronal sur...
Harm reduction for cannabis: Factor analysis of a protective behavioral strategies survey.

OBJECTIVE To examine the psychometric properties of a measure of cannabis-specific Protective Behavioral Strategies (PBS), which assesses ways in which students may reduce cannabis-related risk. PARTICIPANTS Respondents to the American College Health Association - National College Health Assessment II (N = 580) during Spring 2015. METHODS Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) were used to identify and replicate the factor structure of the measure. RESULTS Results support a four-factor model (Respiratory Health, Frequency/Quantity, Socializing, and General Health) with close approximate fit (Χ2 (310) = 565.96, p < .001, RMSEA = .038 (.033, .043; 90% CI), CFI = .961, TLI = .929, SRMR = .033). Support for the convergent validity and construct validity of the measure was also found. CONCLUSIONS This is the initial step in the development of a standard, psychometrically validated measure of cannabis PBS that has the potential to inform future research and interventions.
The Recovery of Interblock Information in Balanced Incomplete Blocks

The principles underlying the recovery of interblock information in the analysis of data from balanced incomplete block experiments are described. A novel method of estimating the ratio of block variance to plot variance, needed in the analysis, is intr..
In vitro effect of pH variations on rumen fermentation, and in vivo effects of buffers in lambs before and after adaptation to high concentrate diets.

An in vitro wheat fermentation study (Exp. 1) was conducted to investigate the effect of pH (pH 7, 6, 5 and 4) on rumen lactate and VFA production. In another study (Exp. 2), lambs were fed high concentrate diets containing either no additions (control), 2% sodium bentonite, 2% limestone, 2% NaHCO3 or 10% alfalfa hay. The effect of these diets was determined on ruminal and systemic measurements before and after dietary adaptation. Effect of the control, bentonite, limestone and NaHCO3 treatments on nutrient digestibilities and mineral retentions after adaptation were also determined. Lactate production in the rumen fluid incubated at pH 7 or 6 was negligible. Reducing incubation pH from 6 to 5 resulted in accumulation of both total and L(+)-lactate, but further reduction to pH 4 did not result in an additional increase in lactate production. Variations in incubation pH or time did not affect the ratio of D to L isomers. Lowering the incubation pH to below 6 reduced total VFA production and increased the acetate to propionate ratio. In Exp. 2, the feeding of buffers or alfalfa hay was effective in maintaining a more normal feed intake and ruminal pH, and reduced ruminal lactate. Blood measurements were not affected by dietary treatment. When animals were adapted to the experimental diets, the dietary buffers did not influence rumen and blood measurements. Lambs fed 2% NaHCO3 digested more (P less than .05) organic matter, crude protein, N-free extract and starch, and 2% limestone increased (P less than .05) fiber digestibility. Dietary buffers tended to increase fecal pH and reduce fecal starch Magnesium retention with 2% bentonite, Ca retention with 2% limestone and Na and Mg retention with NaHCO3 were all increased (P less than .05).
Semantic smoothing of document models for agglomerative clustering

In this paper, we argue that the agglomerative clustering with vector cosine similarity measure performs poorly due to two reasons. First, the nearest neighbors of a document belong to different classes in many cases since any pair of documents shares lots of "general" words. Second, the sparsity of class-specific "core" words leads to grouping documents with the same class labels into different clusters. Both problems can be resolved by suitable smoothing of document model and using Kullback-Leibler divergence of two smoothed models as pairwise document distances. Inspired by the recent work in information retrieval, we propose a novel context-sensitive semantic smoothing method that can automatically identifies multiword phrases in a document and then statistically map phrases to individual document terms. We evaluate the new model-based similarity measure on three datasets using complete linkage criterion for agglomerative clustering and find out it significantly improves the clustering quality over the traditional vector cosine measure.
Robotic-Assisted Esophageal Epiphrenic Diverticulectomy

Epiphrenic diverticula represent an uncommon pathology and are considered pulsion diverticula, characterized by a mucosal and submucosal outpouching through the muscular layers of the esophageal wall. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that symptomatic patients should receive surgical treatment. Over the years controversy persisted concerning the adequate surgical management. Proposed surgical options include either (1) Diverticulectomy with long myotomy in every patient with the addition of a partial fundoplication or (2) Diverticulectomy with no myotomy if no motility disorder is found on preoperative workup. Historically all these procedures were performed by approaching the diverticulum through either a right or a left thoracotomy. Transhiatal laparoscopic approach for the treatment of epiphrenic diverticula has become widespread. More recently with the introduction of robotic surgery, we started performing robotic-assisted transhiatal dissection and resection of epiphrenic diverticulum. Herein we report our operative technique as well as pitfalls and pearls.
Psychological contract fulfilment and innovative work behaviours of employees in sport-based SBEs: the mediating role of organisational citizenship

The current study explored the role of psychological contract fulfilment on innovative work behaviours of employees in sport-based small business enterprises (SBEs). Building on literature from sport and non-sport organisational contexts, a model positing a direct linear relationship between psychological contract fulfilment and innovative work behaviours was proposed. Affective commitment and organisational citizenship behaviours were included in the model as partial mediators. The model was tested using a sample of 216 employees from affiliated minor league baseball franchises. Results supported a model where organisational citizenship fully mediated the relationship between psychological contract fulfilments and innovate work behaviours. Affective commitment was predicted by psychological contract fulfilment but was not significantly related to the other variables in the model.
Modification of T cells function after restoration of spontaneous circulation in a rat model of cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest?CA) is a prominent cause of mortality worldwide. A large number of patients after post-cardiac arrest is often associated with a phase of impaired immunity. Through an asphyxial cardiac arrest rat model, we investigate the peripheral blood T cells subsets and the expressions of surface molecules after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Sprague-Dawley rats (weight, 300-400 g) were randomly divided into cardiac arrest (CA) group and sham-operated group. CA group rats were induced by 6 minutes of asphyxia. After successful ROSC, 24 surviving rats in two groups were randomly assigned to be sacrificed (n = 8 per subgroup) at 3, 24 and 72 h. The proportion of T cells and CD4+, CD8+ subsets as well as the expression of surface molecules (CTLA-4, PD-1, CD28) on T cells were identified by flow cytometry. The protein concentrations of cytokines (TNF-, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, IFN-{gamma}, IL-17A) in serum were measured by ELISA. Compared with sham-operated control group, CD3+ lymphocytes in CA group were significantly decreased at 24 and 72 h post-ROSC. The expression levels of CD28, PD-1, and CTLA-4 on T cells were markedly increased in CA groups at 24 h post-ROSC. Additionally, the concentrations of IFN-{gamma} were significantly declined, while IL-4 was markedly elevated in the CA group at 24 and 72 h post-ROSC. T cells function is moderately changed after CA, which is associated with decreased percentage of T cells, the upregulation of co-inhibitory molecules, and the shift from T helper (Th) 1 to Th2.
Girl Child Discrimination and Child Stunting in India: What Can be Done?:

AbstractThis study examines the extent of differences in the level of child stunting between boys and girls in India. Two explanations of the gap in stunting are tested using data from National Fam...
Cremaster muscle perfusion, oxygenation, and heterogeneity revealed by a new automated acquisition system in a rodent model of prolonged hemorrhagic shock

This is the first study on flow-Po2 relationships during normovolemia, hemodilution, and prolonged hemorrhagic shock using noninvasive methods in multiple skeletal muscle areas of monitored animals...
Axisymmetric and Self-similar Solutions

We solve the Riemann problem for the axisymmetric (including radially symmetric) 2-D polytropic Euler system. The solutions have explicit swirling structures, with finite local energy and vorticity. The key step is the reduction, due to axisymmetry, of the Euler system in the self-similar variables to a system of ordinary differential equations. All main calculations are on the system of ordinary differential equations. The structures of solutions differ substantially for γ = 1, 1 2, and for initial data above or below a threshold manifold in the phase space.
Value of shear wave elastography for the evaluation of hepatics fibrosis in infants with biliary atresia before Kasai portoenterostomy

Objective To investigate the application value of shear wave elastography(SWE) in assessing the degree of hepatics fibrosis in children with biliary atresia before Kasai portoenterostomy. Methods From January 2017 to January 2018, 49 cases of children in Hunan Children′s Hospital with highly suspected biliary atresia in clinical were collected. The stiffness of the lower segment of right anterior lobe of the liver in all cases was assessed using SWE in 3 days before Kasai portoenterostomy. Pathological results of liver tissue specimens from the lower edge of the right liver during the surgery was taken as the gold standard. The correlation between the liver stiffness and the hepatics fibrosis was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were created to assess the area under curve (AUC), the best cutoff value, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the liver stiffness in diagnosing hepatocirrhosis. Results All of the 49 cases were confirmed by surgery and pathology. According to the stages of hepatics fibrosis, 5 cases were in stage S2, 23 cases in stage S3, 21 cases in stage S4, and no cases of stage S0 and S1. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient between the liver stiffness and the stages of hepatics fibrosis was 0.779(P<0.001). The area under the curve of the liver stiffness in diagnosing cirrhosis was 0.914. When the cutoff value was 14.45 kPa, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 85.7%, 89.3%, 85.7%, 89.3%, 87.8%, respectively. Conclusions The liver stiffness measured by SWE is positively correlated with the stages of hepatic fibrosis, and the performance of SWE in the diagnosis of cirrhosis is remarkable. SWE can be used to evaluate the stages of hepatics fibrosis in children with biliary atresia before Kasai portoenterostomy. Key words: Ultrasonography; Biliary atresia; Infant; Hepatic fibrosis; Shear wave elastography
Does causally linking nonfinancial measures influence investors' use of management’s disclosures of nonfinancial information?

This study experimentally examines the joint effect of causal linkages between nonfinancial measures (NFMs) and firm financial performance on investors’ reactions to management disclosures of nonfinancial information. Our findings suggest that causal linkages interact with financial performance to affect investors’ judgements and decisions. In particular, causally‐linked NFMs have a positive effect on investors’ investment decisions only when the financial performance of the company is favourable, but not when it is unfavourable. This positive effect of causal linkages is associated with investors’ enhanced perceptions on the future prospect of the disclosing company. Given that an increasing number of companies are integrating nonfinancial measures with financial measures in their annual reports and other communications, the findings of this study should be of interest to managers, regulators and standard setters who attempt to better understand the use of nonfinancial information by nonprofessional investors.
Single-particle chemical force microscopy to characterize virus surface chemistry

Two important viral surface characteristics are the hydrophobicity and surface charge, which determine the viral colloidal behavior and mobility. Chemical force microscopy allows the detection of v...
Surface Tension and $Γ$-Convergence of Van der Waals-Cahn-Hilliard Phase Transitions in Stationary Ergodic Media

We study the large scale equilibrium behavior of Van der Waals–Cahn–Hilliard phase transitions in stationary ergodic media. Specifically, we are interested in free energy functionals of the following form $$\begin{aligned} \mathcal {F}^{\omega }(u) = \int _{\mathbb {R}^{d}} \left( \frac{1}{2} \varphi ^{\omega }(x,Du(x))^{2} + W(u(x)) \right) \, dx, \end{aligned}$$ where W is a double-well potential and $$\varphi ^{\omega }(x,\cdot )$$ is a stationary ergodic Finsler metric. We show that, at large scales, the random energy $$\mathcal {F}^{\omega }$$ can be approximated by the anisotropic perimeter associated with a deterministic Finsler norm $$\tilde{\varphi }$$ . To find $$\tilde{\varphi }$$ , we build on existing work of Alberti, Bellettini, and Presutti, showing, in particular, that there is a natural sub-additive quantity in this context.
Assessing and marginalizing over compact binary coalescence waveform systematics with RIFT

As Einstein's equations for binary compact object inspiral have only been approximately or intermittently solved by analytic or numerical methods, the models used to infer parameters of gravitational wave (GW) sources are subject to waveform modeling uncertainty. Using a simple scenario, we illustrate these differences then introduce a very efficient technique to marginalize over waveform uncertainties, relative to a prespecified sequence of waveform models. Being based on RIFT, a very efficient parameter inference engine, our technique can directly account for any available models, including very accurate but computationally costly waveforms. Our evidence- and likelihood-based method works robustly on a point-by-point basis, enabling accurate marginalization for models with strongly disjoint posteriors while simultaneously increasing the reusability and efficiency of our intermediate calculations.
Validation of diffraction models with experimental results from the Princeton starshade testbed

Starshades are a leading technology to detect and characterize Earth-like exoplanets. In this paper we report on optical experiments of sub-scale starshades that advance critical starlight suppression technologies in preparation for the next generation of space telescopes. These experiments were conducted at the Princeton starshade testbed, an 80 m long enclosure testing 1/1000th scale starshades at a flight-like Fresnel number. In this paper we summarize recent updates made to the starshade testbed and optical model. We present results from recent experiments testing two starshade masks with intentional perturbations built into their shape. One of the perturbed masks has three petals that are shifted radially outward by 7-11 microns and the other mask has two petals shifted radially outward plus two petal edge segments displaced from their nominal position. We show the model agrees with experiment to better than 25% accuracy. These results are placed into context with previous experiments on perturbed shapes and progress made towards satisfying a critical milestone in advancing starshade technology to TRL 5.
Nontuberculous mycobacteria induce mitochondrial dysfunction in macrophages

Aims and Objectives: The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) disease continues to rise, especially in developed countries. While NTM can affect almost any organ system, pulmonary infection is more prevalent than disseminated disease and can occur in patients with COPD, non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis, and CF. Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, but it is unknown what role they play in the host response to NTM infection. Using electron microscopy, we have previously shown that mitochondrial morphology is altered upon infection with Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI). Thus, we hypothesize that mitochondrial damage leading to changes in mitochondrial function and dynamics impair host response to infection with MAI and Mycobacterium abscessus (MAB). Methods: We infected MH-S cells (murine alveolar macrophages) and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) with clinical strains of MAI or MAB (multiplicity of infection [MOI] of 25) for 6 and 24 hours. We determined the expression of mitochondrial DNA fragments mt79 and mt230 that are associated with mitochondrial DNA damage using RT-qPCR; we calculated the fold change of these fragments relative to GAPDH and determined a ratio of these fragments. We also determined the expression of key mitochondrial quality control genes, including peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma coactivator (PGC)-1α, transcription factor A mitochondrial (TFAM), and mitofusin (MFN)-2, using RT-qPCR. Results: We found that in MH-S cells, the mt79:mt230 ratio was increased at 6 and 24 hours for both MAI and MAB relative to controls infected with PBS. Furthermore, expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, PGC-1 α and TFAM, were both decreased at 6 and 24 hours. MFN2 was also decreased at both 6 and 24 hours for MAI and MAB. These data were consistent in BMDM, with a more significant decrease in these genes noted at 24 hours. Conclusions: These data suggest that there is an increase in mitochondrial damage as indicated by the mt79:230 ratio when macrophages are infected with NTM. The infected macrophages exhibit decreased mitochondrial biogenesis and also have impaired mitochondrial quality control, including mitochondrial fusion and fission. The functional impact of these impaired mitochondria on host response to NTM infection needs to be further explored as there may be a role for pharmacologic interventions, like PGC-1 α activators, that can augment bacterial killing in patients infected with NTM.
Does Job Experience Affect Managers’ Level of Systems-Thinking Skills? (Poster)

The complex and turbulent nature of the business environment is increasing with the complexity in solving problems and making accurate decisions. In response, system thinking has been considered as a potential solution that offers a comprehensive understanding of organizational structures. Addressing problems in complex systems requires not only technical and business knowledge but also appropriate amount of job experience. This research assesses individuals’ systems thinking (ST) skills based on their job experience in a complex organizational structure. A cross-sectional survey was administrated between managers with different years of job experience, followed by a multi-group structural equation modeling and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests to compare an individual’s systems thinking skills across three different groups. Research results provide some insights on how job experience moderate an individual’s systems thinking aptitude toward problem-solving in complex systems.
The application of Poisson distribution statistics in ion channel reconstitution to determine oligomeric architecture

Abstract During reconstitution, membrane proteins are randomly inserted into liposomes according to Poisson distribution statistics. When the protein to lipid ratios in the reconstitution mixture are varied systematically, the characteristics of this statistical capture permit inferences about the proteins themselves, such as the number of subunits that assemble into a single functional unit. This chapter describes the Poisson distribution as applied to the reconstitution of membrane proteins into proteoliposomes and focuses on an application whereby this statistical behavior is used to determine the number of ion channel subunits that assemble into a functional pore. Practical considerations for performing these experiments are emphasized. Harnessing Poisson dilution statistics provides a function-based method to determine ion channel oligomerization, complementing other biophysical, biochemical, or structural approaches.
Making a Confident Diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is among the most common diagnoses made by medical providers and its symptoms are common causes for health care consultation. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain associated with abnormal stool consistency and/or frequency and is widely considered a diagnosis of exclusion, despite abundant evidence contradicting such an approach. A positive diagnosis is achieved through application of symptom-based clinical criteria, careful history and physical examination, evaluation for alarm sign/symptoms, and judicious use of diagnostic testing. This article reviews the symptom-based criteria for IBS and utility of diagnostic tests commonly included in the evaluation of IBS symptoms.
Residual Stresses and Distortion in Weldments: A Review of the Present State-of-the-Art

The paper first discusses how practicing engineers cope with problems relating to residual stresses and distortion. Two types of analyses are needed. One is to analyze how they are affected by design and fabrication parameters and the other is to analyze the effect of residual stresses and distortion on the service behavior of welded structures.
Risk, Uncertainty, and the Perceived Threat of Terrorist Attacks

Information provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding potential terrorist attacks significantly affects U.S. equity and Treasury securities markets. When the government announces heightened terror alert levels, investors’ perceptions of risk increase (as measured by both conditional volatility of returns and implied volatility on Standard P however, equity market responses to these threat-related announcements have declined monotonically over time.
Enhancing near-far resistance for linear CDMA detectors

Near-far resistance is one of the most important performance measures in a CDMA multiuser communication system, especially when power control is difficult to implement, such as in an ad hoc wireless network. The optimum multiuser detector can achieve the optimum near-far resistance. But due to its high computational complexity, the optimum detector is impractical to implement. Cost-effective suboptimum detectors, i.e., linear detectors, are more practical to implement. However, the optimality in near-far resistance is generally lost. We examine the structural differences of the channel matrix between the optimum and the suboptimum detectors. A transmission scheme is then proposed that almost restores the near-far resistance of the suboptimum detectors to that of the optimum one, at least theoretically. Computer simulations are performed to verify the theoretical findings.
Gender Neutrality, the 'Violence Against Women' Frame, and Transformative Reform

The challenge of sustaining a progressive framework that continues to resonate in the complex aftermath of a generation of reforms lies at the heart of many current debates about gender violence legal and policy reform. This Article addresses one longstanding issue: the way gender violence is framed in law, policy, and popular rhetoric. Many initiatives continue to use the gender-specific “violence against women” frame as a default description. That “woman-specific” frame, developed in service of feminist goals such as foregrounding and challenging gender bias and fostering more inclusive delivery of social and other services, now raises empirical, theoretical, political and practical critiques. It implies that men are not also victims of abuse and reinforces a binary view of gender that is inconsistent with queer, feminist and other critical theory. The “woman-specific” frame serves to erase the particular experiences of lesbians, women of color, and survivors from other marginalized groups. It fuels arguments by those who contest the connection between intimate partner and sexual violence and gender stereotypes. It produces awkward practical contradictions; for example, it results in programs heralding services addressing “violence against women,” while reassuring that those programs are available to men. This Article builds on the work of others who advocate incorporation of intersectionality theory into work to end intimate partner and sexual violence. It unpacks the critiques and draws on frame theory to argue that the “woman-specific” frame no longer does the political work its proponents hoped it would do. It endorses a self-conscious use of frame that will vary based on context. Gender-neutral approaches that highlight historic biases and structural inequalities can support both resources for robust and comprehensive services and reinvigorated political discourse that can lead to transformational change.
‘Work for others but none for us’: the economic and environmental inequalities of New Deal relief

This article calls for increased dialogue between social and environmental historians through an examination of the unintended inequalities caused by New Deal relief efforts in the United States during the Great Depression era. It does so not by exploring those directly involved in New Deal relief programmes, but rather by analysing the impact of such programmes on residents of local communities situated near New Deal work project sites. In particular, it traces how a dozen Civilian Conservation Corps camps in a state park thirty miles from New York City transformed the local environment, and in turn influenced the economies and political relationships of nearby local communities. The article argues that while working-class residents were unable to benefit financially from nearby New Deal relief work, middle- and upper-class business owners proved more successful. As a result of such economic inequalities, while working-class locals became increasingly critical of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal, middle- an...
Police officer salaries and agency performance outputs

Spending on law enforcement services, including police officer salaries, is an important public policy issue. What is unclear is whether raising officer salaries results in an increase in the services police officer provide. This pilot test involves a partial, macro-level test to determine if, after controlling for community contextual values, higher officer salaries are associated with law enforcement agency outputs. Using a sample of 384 municipal law enforcement agencies, these analyses utilized agency Part I crime clearance rates, Part II crime arrest rates, and departmental lawsuits as quantity and quality measures of agency work outputs. The findings revealed that, after controlling for relevant community characteristics, officer mean salaries had no significant influence on agency work outputs. Policy implications for police administrators, police union leaders, and local government leaders are discussed.
Broadband waveguide-based spatial combiners

An array of tapered slotlines is inserted between rectangular waveguides. Results for a 2/spl times/4 active array at X-band are presented, indicating good combining efficiency and thermal properties as well as excellent bandwidth. To increase the device packing density and remove the lower cutoff frequency of the rectangular waveguide a coaxial combiner is also proposed. A radial arrangement of tapered slotlines is placed between two flared coaxial lines. 64 elements are combined with low combining loss over the 5 to 20 GHz band.
Determining methylation status of methylguanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) from formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tumor tissue

O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) has been associated with resistance to alkylating agent cancer therapy in Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Lower expression or silencing of the MGMT protein by promoter methylation has been reported to improve survival in patients with GBM [1]. This protocol describes bisulfite conversion, methylation sensitive PCR amplification and data analysis/interpretation. This protocol differs from published protocols in that it:•Describes a detailed method to measure MGMT using DNA extracted from solid tumor tissue. We have optimized the DNA extraction by using FFPE tissue blocks that contain greater than 50% tumor tissue, when non-tumor tissue was also present. Performance of this assay is compromised when lower quantities of tumor cells are used as the methylation status of tumor cells is diluted out by methylation status of normal cells.•The measurement of MGMT could be further (enhanced) optimized using a percentage of methylation ration cutoff of 2 as methylated.•The machine specifications detailed here are specific to measuring MGMT from PPFE tumor tissue.
Velocity distributions of NH2 radicals in an NH3 plasma molecular beam

Abstract Using spatially and temporally resolved LIF we have measured the velocity distributions of NH 2 molecules in an effusive NH 3 plasma molecular beam as a function of applied rf plasma power. Monte Carlo simulation methods are used to model spatial profiles of radicals in the molecular beam. The model assumes a Gaussian distribution and calculates time dependent changes in the profiles using Maxwell-Boltzmann distributions. The translational temperature increases with rf power, from 512 ± 8 K at 25 W to 664 ± 35 K at 150 W. Preliminary data on velocity profiles for NH 2 radicals scattered from a 300 K Si substrate are presented.
Update on Abatacept: A Selective Costimulation Modulator for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective:To review and update the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, safety, precautions, efficacy, and use of abatacept for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Data Sources:Studies and abstracts were identified through MEDLINE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Cochrane databases, and Science Citation Index (1990–April 2007). Key search terms included abatacept, CTLA4–Ig, and BMS 1888667. Information available only in abstract form was retrieved from national and international rheumatology associations. Additional data were obtained from the manufacturer.Study Selection and Data Extraction:All available animal and human studies describing the pharmacology of abatacept and human studies describing the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, efficacy, safety, adverse events, and precautions of abatacept were included.Data Synthesis:Abatacept significantly improves the signs and symptoms of moderate-to-severe RA in patients who experienced an Inadequate response to methotrexate or antitumor necrosis factor-α inhibito...
Twenty-five Years of Glutamate in Schizophrenia: Are We There Yet?

At present, all medications for schizophrenia function primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors. Over 50 years ago, the first observations were made that subsequently led to development of alternative, glutamatergic conceptualizations. This special issue traces the historic development of the phencyclidine (PCP) model of schizophrenia from the initial description of the psychotomimetic effects of PCP in the early 1960s, through discovery of the link to N-methyl-D-aspartate-type glutamate receptors (NMDAR) in the 1980s, and finally to the development of NMDA-based treatment strategies starting in the 1990s. NMDAR antagonists uniquely reproduce both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia, and induce schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits and neurophysiological dysfunction. At present, there remain several hypotheses concerning mechanisms by which NMDAR dysfunction leads to symptoms/deficits, and several theories regarding ideal NMDAR-based treatment approaches as outlined in the issue. Several classes of agent, including metabotropic glutamate agonists, glycine transport inhibitors, and D-serine-based compounds are currently in late-stage clinical development and may provide long-sought treatments for persistent positive and negative symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia.
The need for a juvenile fire setting database

A juvenile fire setter can be classified as any youth setting a fire regardless of the reason. Many communities have programs to deal with this problem, most based on models developed by the United States Fire Administration. We reviewed our programs data to compare it with that published nationally. Currently there is not a nationwide database to compare fire setter data. A single institution, retrospective chart review of all fire setters between the years of January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005 was completed. There were 133 participants ages 3 to 17. Information obtained included age, location, ignition source, court order and recidivism. Analysis from our data set found 26% of the peak ages for fire involvement to be 12 and 14. Location, ignition source, and court ordered participants were divided into two age groups: 3 to 10 (N = 58) and 11 to 17 (N = 75). Bedrooms ranked first for the younger population and schools for the latter. Fifty-four percentage of the 133 participants used lighters over matches. Twelve percentage of the 3- to 10-year-olds were court mandated, compared with 52% of the 11- to 17-year-olds. Recidivism rates were 4 to 10% with a 33 to 38% survey return rate. Currently there is no state or nationwide, time honored data base to compare facts from which conclusions can be drawn. Starting small with a statewide database could educe a stimulus for a national database. This could also enhance the information provided by the United States Fire Administration, National Fire Data Center beginning one juvenile firesetter program and State Fire Marshal's office at a time.
The visual interpretation of surface contours

This article examines the computational problems underlying the 3-D interpretation of surface contours. A surface contour is the image of a curve across a physical surface, such as the edge of a shadow cast across a surface, a gloss contour, wrinkle, seam, or pigmentation marking. Surface contours by and large are not as restricted as occluding contours and therefore pose a more difficult interpretation problem. Nonetheless, we are adept at perceiving a definite 3-D surface from even simple line drawings (e.g., graphical depictions of continuous functions of two variables). The solution of a specific surface shape comes by assuming that the physical curves are particularly restricted in their geometric relationship to the underlying surface. These geometric restrictions are examined.
Role of cell surface lipopolysaccharides in Escherichia coli K12 adhesion and transport

The influence of bacterial surface lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on cell transport and adhesion has been examined by use of three mutants of Escherichia coli K12 with well-characterized LPS of different lengths and molecular composition. Two experimental techniques, a packed-bed column and a radial stagnation point flow system, were employed to investigate bacterial adhesion kinetics onto quartz surfaces over a wide range of solution ionic strengths. Although the two systems capture distinct deposition (adhesion) mechanisms because of their different hydrodynamics, similar deposition kinetics trends were observed for each bacterial strain. Bacterial deposition rates were directly related to the electrostatic double layer interaction between the bacteria and quartz surfaces, in qualitative agreement with classic Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. However, DLVO theory does not fully explain the deposition behavior for the bacterial strain with the lengthy, uncharged O-antigen portion of the LPS. Neither the length nor the charge characteristics of the LPS molecule directly correlated to deposition kinetics, suggesting a complex combination of cell surface charge heterogeneity and LPS composition controls the bacterial adhesive characteristics. It is further suggested that bacterial deposition behavior is determined by the combined influence of DLVO interactions, LPS-associated chemical interactions, and the hydrodynamics of the deposition system.
Live Cell Monitoring of hiPSC Generation and Differentiation Using Differential Expression of Endogenous microRNAs

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) provide new possibilities for regenerative therapies. In order for this potential to be achieved, it is critical to efficiently monitor the differentiation of these hiPSCs into specific lineages. Here, we describe a lentiviral reporter vector sensitive to specific microRNAs (miRNA) to show that a single vector bearing multiple miRNA target sequences conjugated to different reporters can be used to monitor hiPSC formation and subsequent differentiation from human fetal fibroblasts (HFFs). The reporter vector encodes EGFP conjugated to the targets of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) specific miRNAs (miR-302a and miR-302d) and mCherry conjugated to the targets of differentiated cells specific miRNAs (miR-142-3p, miR-155, and miR-223). The vector was used to track reprogramming of HFF to iPSC. HFFs co-transduced with this reporter vector and vectors encoding 4 reprogramming factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and cMYC) were mostly positive for EGFP (67%) at an early stage of hiPSC formation. EGFP expression gradually disappeared and mCherry expression increased indicating less miRNAs specific to differentiated cells and expression of miRNAs specific to hESCs. Upon differentiation of the hiPSC into embryoid bodies, a large fraction of these hiPSCs regained EGFP expression and some of those cells became single positive for EGFP. Further differentiation into neural lineages showed distinct structures demarcated by either EGFP or mCherry expression. These findings demonstrate that a miRNA dependent reporter vector can be a useful tool to monitor living cells during reprogramming of hiPSC and subsequent differentiation to lineage specific cells.
Optically Active Amines. 41.1 Application of the Benzene Chirality Rule to Chiral Ring-Substituted Benzylcarbinamines and Benzylcarbinamine Salts

The sign of the 1Lb Cotton effects (CEs) of the benzene chromophore from about 240 to 270 nm in the circular dichroism (CD) of enantiomers of ring-substituted chiral benzylcarbinamines and benzylcarbinamine salts are correlated with their absolute configurations using the benzene sector rule and a consideration of the equilibrium between their two conformers of lowest energy and of oppositely signed rotatory power. These CEs are the result of vibronic borrowing from allowed transitions of the benzene chromophore at shorter wavelength, but an induced rotatory contribution, the sign of which may be predicted using the benzene chirality rule, is small compared to the vibronic contribution and need not be considered when predicting the sign of the 1Lb CEs.
Outcomes after radical prostatectomy in men receiving previous pelvic radiation for non-prostate malignancies.

OBJECTIVE To report the perioperative and functional outcomes of nine patients treated at our institution who had radical prostatectomy (RP) after previous pelvic radiotherapy (RT) for non-prostate malignancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 1993 to 2007, nine patients had RP after external beam RT for testicular seminoma (six), anorectal cancer (two) and colon cancer (one). Clinical information was obtained from a prospective prostate cancer database. RESULTS RP was completed with no identifiable injury to adjacent structures in all nine patients. Four patients had significant pelvic fibrosis, and three required bilateral neurovascular bundle (NVB) resection. The NVB was preserved in the remaining six patients, four with good preoperative erectile function. However, no patient recovered erectile function after RP at a median (range) follow-up of 75 (12-172) months. Of seven men continent before RP, four required one or fewer pads daily and three were completely dry, achieving complete urinary control at a median (range) time of 7.5 (2-20) months. Two patients developed an anastomotic stricture, one being associated with concomitant ureteric stricture. CONCLUSIONS RP after pelvic RT for non-prostate malignancies was not associated with increased intraoperative morbidity. However, rates of anastomotic stricture, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence appeared to be higher than those reported after RP in men with no previous RT, and comparable with those seen in the salvage RP setting.
Persistent and transient “conduction block” in motor neuron diseases

Although conduction block indicates dysfunction of peripheral nerve, it may occur in patients with clinically typical motor neuron disease. There are no universally accepted criteria to identify conduction block, so diagnosis may be difficult. In some peripheral neuropathies, conduction block persists over long periods of time. If conduction block persists in motor neuron disease, then a more reproducible means for identification would be available. We repeatedly studied 9 patients with different forms of motor neuron diseases; conduction block was suspected because of excessive loss of the amplitude of motor evoked responses between distal and proximal stimulation sites. Five showed persistent amplitude loss at intervals between 12 and 36 months. All had focal loss of amplitude and area across a specific segment; all were men; none had definite upper motor neuron signs, 2 had probable and 3 had no upper motor neuron signs; 1 had IgM paraproteinemia, one elevated anti-GM1 titers; the duration of symptoms spanned 4-13 years. Four patients had transient loss of amplitude that was not reproduced in intervals between 3 and 13 months. None had focal loss of both amplitude and area; 2 were men; all had definite upper motor neuron signs and none had symptoms for more than 3-13 months; and none had immunological abnormalities. Thus, patients with persistent amplitude loss fulfill other criteria for conduction block, have prolonged survival but otherwise have clinical syndromes indistinguishable from ALS, except that definite upper motor neuron signs seem to be exceptional.
The interplay between gender, race and weight status: self perceptions and social consequences.

Abstract This paper uses data from nearly 15,000 young adult respondents to the Add Health survey to examine racial and gender differences in the perceptions and social rewards to weight. The data include information on several typically unmeasured domains: self-perceptions of ideal weight, attractiveness ratings, and measured weight information, along with ties to a series of adult outcomes. Results show important gender and racial differences in ideal weight as well as differences for both self-perceived attractiveness and interviewer rated attractiveness. Findings also suggest the existence of large differences in socio-cultural rewards and sanctions for weight status. Black respondents, particularly women, appear to receive lower “obesity penalties” in both their self-perceived and interviewer accessed attractiveness ratings than other groups. These findings suggest the need to consider new classes of policies directed at shifting relative social benefits and consequences to weight status.
Additive activation of yeast LEU4 transcription by multiple cis elements.

The LEU4 gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the enzyme encoded by LEU4, α-isopropylmalate synthase, occupy a special position in amino acid metabolism. α-Isopropylmalate synthase catalyzes the first committed step in leucine biosynthesis. However, the reaction product α-isopropylmalate is not only an intermediate in the leucine biosynthetic pathway, but also functions as co-activator of at least six genes, both within and outside of the leucine pathway. The metabolic importance of α-isopropylmalate appears to be reflected in the surprisingly multifaceted regulation of LEU4 expression. This report describes an analysis of functional cis elements in the LEU4 promoter. Five such elements were identified. Three distal elements, designated UASLEU, GCE-A, and GCE-B, are responsible for regulation by the regulatory proteins Leu3p and Gcn4p, respectively. The incremental activation of LEU4 by these elements is additive and independent. In addition, two proximal elements were localized. One of these conforms to the TATA consensus sequence and exhibits high affinity for TATA binding protein. The other element shows strong sequence identity with the Bas2p binding site and appears to be involved in basal and phosphate-mediated regulation of LEU4.
Tuning Into Better Catalysts

Composer and teacher Arnold Schonberg was reportedly fond of setting a problem in counterpoint before a class; after the students had reported their (often very) different solutions, Schonberg would pose the key question: What is the basic principle behind all the solutions? The same question often arises in science, and it seems to apply particularly to the field of catalysis. How are we to progress from the Edisonian approach of trial-and-error that has characterized most of the history of catalyst development to a more rational basis for design? At a minimum, we need to understand, at the most fundamental level attainable, why a particular approach succeeds. On page 1849 of this issue, Gardner and Mayer suggest an approach to gaining some of this understanding for the important problem of C-H bond oxidation.