cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of ozone-enhanced propane cool flames at sub-atmospheric pressures

Abstract A recently developed experimental setup for the study of cool flames was employed to investigate low temperature combustion of propane. Cool flames were stabilized though ozone activation using a laminar flat flame Hencken burner at sub-atmospheric pressures. Propane cool flame stability was observed to be highly sensitive to pressure, and a pressure stability map is presented for a range of equivalence ratios (ϕ) from 0.17 to 1.0 in 0.17 increments and a range of reactant flow rates. Based on the stability map, a propane cool flame of ϕ = 0.17 at 17.3 kPa was chosen for further study. Flame lift-off height above the burner surface was measured and two operating regimes of burner-stabilized and freely propagating flames were observed. The intersection of these two regimes was used to estimate the cool flame propagation speed. Temperature measurements of the cool flame were taken and used in fixed-temperature numerical flame simulations. Additionally, flame temperatures and propagation speeds are presented for all equivalence ratios and pressures where stable, freely propagating flames were observed in the stability map. In order to enable non-fixed temperature, freely propagating cool flame simulations to be performed, reduction of a chemical kinetics model using the Directed Relation Graph method (DRG) in conjunction with reaction rate sensitivity analysis was performed. Experimentally determined propagation speed, temperature and species concentrations at partial equilibrium were compared to numerical simulations with reasonable agreement and results are discussed.
T-cell biological aging in melanoma: Impact on immunotherapeutic discontinuation.

e21578Background: Senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest associated with sustained p16INK4a (p16) expression and biological aging. The inability of senescent cells to proliferate suggests ...
Hip muscle strength and protection against structural worsening and poor function and disability outcomes in knee osteoarthritis.

Summary Objective Examine associations of hip abductor strength with (1) cartilage damage worsening in the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral compartments 2 years later, and (2) poor function and disability outcomes 5 years later. Methods Participants had knee osteoarthritis (K/L ≥ 2) in at least one knee. Hip abductor strength was measured using Biodex Dynamometry. Participants underwent 3.0T MRI of both knees at baseline and 2 years later. Baseline-to-2-year cartilage damage progression, defined as any worsening of WORMS cartilage damage score, was assessed at each tibiofemoral and patellofemoral surface. LLFDI (Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument) and Chair-Stand-Rate were recorded at baseline and 5-year follow-up; outcomes analyzed using quintiles. Poor outcomes were defined as remaining in the same low-function quintiles or being in a worse quintile at 5-year follow-up. We analyzed associations of baseline hip abductor strength with cartilage damage worsening and function and disability outcomes using multivariable log-binomial models. Results 275 knees from 164 persons [age = 63.7 (SD = 9.8) years, 79.3% women] comprised the structural outcome sample, and 187 persons [age = 64.2 (9.7), 78.6% women] the function and disability outcomes sample. Greater baseline hip abductor strength was associated with reduced risks of baseline-to-2-year medial patellofemoral and lateral tibiofemoral cartilage damage worsening [adjusted relative risks (RRs) range: 0.80–0.83) and with reduced risks of baseline-to-5-year poor outcomes for Chair-Stand-Rate and LLFDI Basic Lower-Extremity Function and Disability Limitation (adjusted RRs range: 0.91–0.94). Conclusion Findings support a beneficial role of hip abductor strength for disease modification and for function and disability outcomes, and as a potential therapeutic target in managing knee osteoarthritis.
A CASE FOR CAUTION: THE USE OF ESTROGEN CONTRACEPTION AND HYPERTRIGLYCEREDMIA

Elevated triglyceride levels have an independent association with cardiovascular events and are becoming an increasingly recognized secondary target for hyperlipidemia. At least moderate hypertriglyceridemia (500-1000 mg/dL) is uncommon, in only 1.7% of the population. We present a case of presumed
The Indispensable Academic Librarian: Teaching and Collaborating For Change

In The Indispensable Academic Librarian: Teaching and Collaborating for Change, author Michelle Reale addresses a challenge familiar to librarians in academia—how to promote librarians as educators...
Validity of evaluative factors from Big Five and HEXACO questionnaires

Abstract Bifactor models were applied to the NEO-FFI-3, HEXACO PI-R, and BFI-2 questionnaires. Factor scores of factors representing the domains of the questionnaires, evaluation, and acquiescence were estimated. Simple and multiple validities of the factor scores were compared with summated scale validities. The evaluation factor was a significant predictor of GPA in all questionnaires. There was little evidence of a relation of GPA to the acquiescence factor. The validities of the domain factor scores, controlling for the evaluation and acquiescence factors, were uniformly more negative than those of corresponding summated scales. Results suggest that the evaluative contamination of Big Five and HEXACO summated scores can be isolated and used effectively with bifactor modeling techniques.
Evaluation the potential of recombinant anti-CD3 nanobody on immunomodulatory function.

T cells are the most predominant effector cells in immune-mediated elimination of cancer and circumventing tumor progression. Among various approaches, T cells activation by specific antibodies independently of their TCR specificity, is considered as an effective approach to circumvent tumor progression. The most common surface marker for all T cells which is crucial for T cell activation is regarded as CD3. Therefore, the goal of our study was to evaluate the preclinical efficacy of recombinant anti-CD3 nanobody. To this end, anti-CD3 sequence, was PCR amplified, following cloning and expression in E.coli and purification, the purified nanobody with a molecular weight of ∼17 kDa was confirmed by western blot. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that purified nanobody could bind to CD3 on Jurkat cell line. Subsequently, results from inoculation of 3 μg/g of nanobody to tumor bearing balb/c mice indicate inhibition of tumor growth. Furthermore, circulating levels of tumoricidal cytokines such as IL-2 and IFNγ were raised whereas tolerogenic cytokines such as IL-4, 6 and 10 were decreased at the end of the treatment. Moreover, IHC analysis confirmed the presence and also the percentage of TILs in tumor sites in response to anti-CD3 therapy. Hence, our results suggest that the purified anti-CD3 nanobody may become a promising candidate for targeting and activating CTLs to induce anti-tumor responses and may provide groundwork for future studies involving other kind of cancers.
A phase II trial of cytoreduction, gastrectomy, and hyperthermic intraperitoneal perfusion with chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer and stage IV peritoneal disease.

361Background: Current national guidelines do not include hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC) as treatment for gastric cancer, and there are no completed clinical trials of cytoredu...
Fifteenth Annual AERA Brown Lecture in Education Research: Disrupting Punitive Practices and Policies: Rac(e)ing Back to Teaching, Teacher Preparation, and Brown:

Mr. Williams, a student during segregation and educator who began his career in the years following the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, sheds light on why Black students succeeded in all...
Body Mass Index as a Patient Selection Criterion for Kidney Transplant

There is currently no consensus on the ideal body mass index (BMI) for kidney transplantation, yet an elevated BMI can limit access to transplantation. This study explored the attitudes of kidney transplant professionals regarding BMI as a selection criterion for kidney transplantation. Brief, in-person interviews were conducted at the 2016 American Transplant Congress. Participants were queried on their views regarding kidney transplant eligibility for patients with classes 1, 2, and 3 obesity, as well as their transplant centers’ BMI-related policies. Most (88%) of the 94 participants did not consider class 1 obesity (BMI 30 to < 35) a contraindication to kidney transplantation, with a greater number of participants reluctant to consider patients with class 2 (BMI 35 to < 40) or class 3 obesity (BMI ³ 40) for transplantation. Participants identified a mean maximum BMI 2.3 points higher than the mean maximum BMI reported in transplant center patient selection criteria policies. Overall, kidney transplant professionals viewed BMI as a useful patient selection criterion when considered within the larger context of the patient’s clinical picture. Future research should assess outcomes for transplant recipients with varying obesity levels.
Automatic Detection of Inadequate Pediatric Lateral Neck Radiographs of the Airway and Soft Tissues using Deep Learning.

Deep learning classifiers to distinguish poor, inadequate lateral airway radiographs from adequate examinations have been developed, and their performance has been validated against that of radiolo...
Design and Implementation of a Curriculum for Emergency Medicine Residents to Address Medications and Treatment Referral for Opioid Use Disorder.

Background: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) are recognized as successful treatments for Opioid Use Disorder (OUD). The Emergency Department is well situated to initiate MOUD and begin th...
R-Local Unlabeled Sensing: A Novel Graph Matching Approach for Multiview Unlabeled Sensing Under Local Permutations

Unlabeled sensing is a linear inverse problem where the measurements are scrambled under an unknown permutation leading to loss of correspondence between the measurements and the rows of the sensing matrix. Motivated by practical tasks such as mobile sensor networks, target tracking and the pose and correspondence estimation between point clouds, we study a special case of this problem restricting the class of permutations to be local and allowing for multiple views. In this setting, namely multi-view unlabeled sensing under local permutations, previous results and algorithms are not directly applicable. In this paper, we propose a computationally efficient algorithm, R-local unlabeled sensing (RLUS), that creatively exploits the machinery of indefinite relaxations of the graph matching problem to estimate the local permutations. Simulation results on synthetic data sets indicate that the proposed algorithm is scalable and applicable to the challenging regimes of low to moderate SNR.
Extracorporeal Life Support and Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass for Central Airway Surgery: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND Major airway surgery can pose a complex problem to perioperative central airway management. Adjuncts to advanced ventilation strategies have included cardiopulmonary bypass, veno-arterial, or veno-venous extracorporeal life support. We performed a systematic review to assess the existing evidence utilizing these strategies. METHODS An electronic search was conducted to identify studies written in English reporting the use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) during central airway surgery. Thirty-six articles consisting of 78 patients were selected and patient-level data were analyzed. RESULTS Median patient age was 47 [IQR: 34-53] and 59.0% (46/78) were male. Indications for surgery included central airway or mediastinal cancer in 57.7% (45/78), lesion or injury in 15.4% (12/78), and stenosis in 12.8% (10/78). Support was initiated pre-operatively in 9.9% (7/71) and at the time of induction in 55.3% (42/76). It was most commonly used at the time of tracheal resection/repair [93.2% (68/73)], intubation of the tracheal stump [94.4% (68/72)], and re-anastomosis [94.2% (65/69)]; 13.7% (10/73) patients were supported post-operatively. The most commonly performed surgery was tracheal repair or resection in 70.3% (52/74). Median hospital stay was 12 [8, 25] days and in-hospital mortality was 7.9% (6/76). There was no significant difference in survival between the three groups (p = .54). CONCLUSIONS Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation offers versatility in timing, surgical approach, and ECLS runtime that makes it a viable addition to the surgical armamentarium for treating complex central airway pathologies.
“We can wipe an entire culture”: fears and promises of DNA biobanking among Native Americans

This paper explores Native American perceptions on DNA biobanking. A qualitative study was conducted among self-declared Native Americans living off reservation in two Midwest cities. Findings demonstrate a paradox: Informants maintain strong hopes for the transformative power of gene-based research while voicing very particular social anxieties. Emerging genomic technologies elicit concerns over the potential for genetic stigmatization or discrimination based on race, preventing access to health insurance or employment. Frequently, social anxieties adopt the narrative form of conspiracy theories which portray powerful agents exploiting or abusing a disenfranchised population. We argue that while Native Americans do not have a monopoly on the production of conspiracy narratives, their anxieties originate in a unique set of historical and social circumstances that position genetics research as part of a much larger political narrative. We conclude by suggesting that tribal approaches to biomedical research and in particular the use of biobanks that use concepts such as “dna on loan” and emphasize trust building, collaboration and benefit sharing present a good model to deal with some of the anxieties elicited in this research but could also be taken as a model for biobank governance in general.
The Phenomena of Boulder Drift

Attention first called to the phenomena of the boulder drift—The iceberg theory preferred up to the year 1860—Objection to the opinions that the drift owes its origin to Noah’s flood—Hugh Miller’s views of the drift in his work on popular geology – Nature of the scratched rocks—Their abundance in Maine—the locality of some scratches irreconcilable with the theory of iceberg action—Decision that the drift phenomena were wholly due to glacial action—Original communications to the “Rockland Gazette” on the “Ancient Great Glacier of Penobscot Bay”—Original paper for the Second Scientific Report of Maine—Geological explorations in the interior of the state—Boulder phenomena as exhibited on Vinalhaven—Fascinating interest which they inspired. The history of the past not voluminously written, but rather fragmentary and in a strange stenography—“Sermons in Stones” - Reflections on this stone writing - Impressions made upon the minds of children often indelible, and sometimes matures into great practical results.
The trimeric engineered fusion protein with CD40L peptide mimetic (OmpC-CD154p), induced apoptotic signaling on B-NHL cell lines: Higher effect than the recombinant CD40L or anti-CD40 mAb.

4071 CD154 (CD40-ligand) is a critical transmembrane molecule with potent immune-stimulatory properties and is clinical applied in gene therapy for leukemia and lymphoma. The interaction between CD40, a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, and its ligand CD154 is essential for the development of humoral and cellular immune responses. Selective inhibition or activation of this pathway forms the basis for the development of new therapeutics against immunologically-based diseases and malignancies. Engagement of CD40-CD154 induces activation and proliferation of B lymphocytes and triggers apoptosis of carcinoma and B lymphoma cells. Several clinical trials have been reported targeting CD40 in cancer patients using recombinant CD154, mAbs and gene therapy, which were well tolerated and resulted in objective tumor responses. In addition to these therapies, CD154 mimetics have been considered with the objective to augment and potentiate the direct cytotoxic anti-tumor activity and for better accessibility to tumor sites. This approach was developed by us and we hypothesized that the genetic engineering of a fusion protein containing a CD154 peptide mimetic additional to be trimeric may be advantageous in that it may have a better affinity to CD40 on B cell malignancies and trigger cell death. The fusion partner may be a carrier targeting other surface molecules expressed on the malignant cells. This hypothesis was tested by the development of a gene fusion of Salmonella typhi OmpC protein expressing the CD154 Trp140-Ser149 amino acid strand (Vega et al., Immunology 2003; 110: 206-216). This OmpC-CD154p fusion protein binds CD40 and triggers the CD40 expressing B cells. In this study, we demonstrate that OmpC-CD154p treatment inhibits cell growth and proliferation more potently when compared with recombinant CD154 or anti-CD40 mAb, on B-NHL cell lines Raji and Ramos. In addition, significant apoptosis was achieved and the extent of apoptosis was a function of the concentration used and time of incubation. The anti-tumor effect was specific as treatment with OmpC alone had no effect. OmpC-CD154p treatment induced inhibition of expression of anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2/Bcl-XL and inhibition of NF-kB activity. These findings establish the basis for the development of new fusion proteins with dual specificity targeting the tumor cells directly or targeting the tumor cells and immune cells. This work was supported in part by a Fogarty Training Grant (M.V. & S.H.), by IMSS, Mexico (M-M.B., M-PM., M.V. & S.H.), CONACyT and UNAM (M-M.B., M-PM).
A site on transducin alpha-subunit of interaction with the polycationic region of cGMP phosphodiesterase inhibitory subunit.

Activation of cGMP phosphodiesterase (PDE) by the rod G-protein transducin is a key event in visual signal transduction in vertebrate photoreceptor cells. Interaction between the GTP-bound form of the alpha-subunit of transducin (alpha t*) and the PDE inhibitory gamma-subunit (P gamma) is a major component of PDE activation. The central polycationic region of P gamma, P gamma-24-45, has been implicated as one of the sites involved in alpha t*.P gamma interaction. Here we determine the site on alpha t* that interacts with P gamma-24-45 using a photo-cross-linking approach. The synthetic peptides Cys(ACM)Tyr-P gamma-24-45-Cys (where ACM indicates acetamidomethyl group) and Cys-P gamma-24-45 were labeled with 4-(N-maleimido)benzophenone at the COOH and NH2 termini, respectively, and then cross-linked to alpha t. When the photoprobe was attached to the COOH terminus of the peptide, a specific high yield cross-linked product (80%) was formed between the peptide and alpha t GTP gamma S (guanosine 5'-O-(thiotriphosphate)). A lower yield of cross-linking (35%) was seen between the peptide and alpha t GDP. The site of cross-linking between Cys(ACM)Tyr-P gamma-24-45-Cys and alpha t GTP gamma S was localized to within alpha t-306-310 using a variety of chemical and proteolytic cleavages of the cross-linked product, analysis of the fragments with SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry.
High temperature power electronic module packaging

Advances in wide band-gap semiconductor devices such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) offer many high temperature electronic applications. However, current packaging technologies hinder taking full advantages of the high temperature capabilities offered by these devices. This paper discusses the material and fabrication issues and technologies for high temperature packaging.
A Linear Programming Approach to Characterizing Norm Bounded Uncertainty from Experimental Data

In this paper, an algorithm is introduced to find a minimum phase transfer function of specified order whose magnitude "tightly" overbounds a specified nonparametric function of frequency. This method has direct application to transforming nonparametric uncertainty bounds (available from system identification experiments) into parametric representations required for modern robust control design software (i.e., a minimum-phase transfer function multiplied by a norm-bounded perturbation).
Identifying differences in feed efficiency among group-fed cattle

Identification of efficient animals in the postweaning growth phase for use in selection for improved feed efficiency is important to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the beef cattle industry. Progeny testing using group-fed animals in commercial feedlots is the most common and practical method used to evaluate postweaning growth on large numbers of animals. We developed the Cornell Value Discovery System (CVDS) to dynamically predict growth rate, accumulated weight, days required to reach target body composition, carcass weight, and composition of individual beef cattle fed in group pens. Observed BW, ADG, BW at 28% empty body fat (EBF), breed type, environmental conditions, and dietary ME concentration are used by the CVDS to predict, for each animal in a pen, the feed DM required for maintenance (FFM), the feed DM required for gain, and the total DM required for maintenance and gain (DMR). The CVDS then computes DMR-to-ADG ratio (DMR:ADG), which is a feed conversion measure, and ADG-to-DMR ratio (ADG:DMR), which is a feed efficiency measure, for each animal. This study used the observed F:G ratio of 362 individually fed steers to evaluate CVDS-predicted indicators of feed efficiency and the Kleiber ratio. A subset of 37 data points was used to evaluate residual feed intake (RFI) as an indicator of feed efficiency. The database included 4 published studies, each with detailed individual animal description, environment, diet, and body composition information. The CVDS-predicted DMR:ADG accounted for 84% of the variation in the actual F:G ratio with a mean bias of 1.94% (P = 0.20). The predicted FFM to actual DMI ratio had a high correlation with actual ADG (R2 = 0.76), and indicated a decay-type nonlinear dilution of FFM as ADG increased. The CVDS-predicted ADG:DMR and the Kleiber ratio had a significant (R2 = 0.88) logarithmic relationship. In an analysis of a contemporary group within the database, RFI was highly correlated with the F:G ratio (r = 0.71). There was a positive relationship between RFI and EBF. The RFIM (DMI - DMR) was moderately correlated with DMI and ADG (0.37 and -0.38; respectively), suggesting that selecting for low RFI(M) would decrease DMI and increase ADG in this database. We conclude that the CVDS model can be used to identify differences in the F:G and G:F ratios by predicting DMR for individual growing cattle fed in groups.
Communication networks and loser effects interact to influence the outcome of aggressive interactions in the crayfish Orconectes rusticus

[Dyadic interactions occur in the vicinity of non-participating animals such that bystanders have the potential to extract relevant information about future opponents. Individuals within communication networks can use information to modify their behaviour in future encounters with a previous fighter. Previous research on crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus ) has shown that watching fights negatively impacts the ability of bystanders to win against naive opponents. We examined the role of visual information in communication networks and previous social history, in the form of winner and loser effects, in shaping crayfish aggression and outcomes of aggressive encounters. Experimental treatments consisted of allowing a bystander to observe a fight and then engaging that bystander with either the winner or loser in a subsequent encounter. Our results indicate that previous social history is more influential in determining fight outcome than information gathered via visual signals. Specifically, loser effects have a greater influence on fight dynamics than elements of communication networks. Since crayfish use a combination of sensory cues during social interactions, visual information may not provide the proper context for information use in subsequent interactions. We conclude that previous social history may be masking any effects that visual communication networks have on agonistic behaviour in crayfish., Dyadic interactions occur in the vicinity of non-participating animals such that bystanders have the potential to extract relevant information about future opponents. Individuals within communication networks can use information to modify their behaviour in future encounters with a previous fighter. Previous research on crayfish ( Orconectes rusticus ) has shown that watching fights negatively impacts the ability of bystanders to win against naive opponents. We examined the role of visual information in communication networks and previous social history, in the form of winner and loser effects, in shaping crayfish aggression and outcomes of aggressive encounters. Experimental treatments consisted of allowing a bystander to observe a fight and then engaging that bystander with either the winner or loser in a subsequent encounter. Our results indicate that previous social history is more influential in determining fight outcome than information gathered via visual signals. Specifically, loser effects have a greater influence on fight dynamics than elements of communication networks. Since crayfish use a combination of sensory cues during social interactions, visual information may not provide the proper context for information use in subsequent interactions. We conclude that previous social history may be masking any effects that visual communication networks have on agonistic behaviour in crayfish.]
High hsCRP Is Associated With Reduced Lung Function in Structural Firefighters

Background To assess the association between markers of systemic inflammation and pulmonary function in a population of structural firefighters. Methods We studied male career members of a large Midwestern fire department with questionnaires, spirometry, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We examined percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1%-predicted) and forced vital capacity (FVC%-predicted). Results Complete data were available for 401 firefighters. Higher hsCRP levels were associated with lower lung function values, after adjusting for confounding variables. Specifically, for every twofold increase in log10-hsCRP, FEV1%-predicted decreased by a mean 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.6%) and FVC%-predicted decreased by a mean 1.4% (95% CI: 0.4, 2.3%). Conclusion hsCRP as a biomarker of systemic inflammation may indicate reduced lung function in structural firefighters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:31–37, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Contribution of middle temporal area to coarse depth discrimination: Comparison of neuronal and psychophysical sensitivity

Recent work suggests that the middle temporal (MT) area contributes to depth perception in addition to its well established roles in motion perception. To determine whether single MT neurons carry disparity signals with sufficient fidelity to account for depth perception, we have compared neuronal and psychophysical sensitivity to disparity while monkeys discriminated between two coarse disparities (near vs far) in the presence of noise. The strength of the visual stimulus was titrated around psychophysical threshold by varying the percentage of binocularly correlated dots in a random dot stereogram. We find that the average MT neuron has sensitivity equal to that of the monkey, as was reported previously for direction discrimination in MT. We further address some important factors that could bias the neuronal/psychophysical sensitivity comparison, including the possibility that monkeys reach a decision before the end of the stimulus presentation. Unlike the predictions of a simple model that uses Poisson spiking statistics, the sensitivity of many MT neurons has little dependence on the time interval over which spikes are counted to compute a neuronal threshold. Thus the response properties of many MT neurons appear to be adapted for rapid discrimination of depth, and we describe how temporal variations in both signal and noise contribute to this effect. We therefore predicted that psychophysical thresholds should exhibit little dependence on viewing duration in our task, and this was confirmed by additional behavioral experiments. Overall, our findings show that MT is well suited to provide sensory signals that form the basis for perceptual judgments of depth.
Src is constitutively activated in non-small cell lung cancer cells with mutant epidermal growth factor receptor and contributes to cell survival

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 171 Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells with activating mutations in the kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) require EGFR activity for survival. EGFR activates a variety of intra-cellular signaling pathways; which pathways are required for cell survival has not been defined. Here we examined the role of Src, a protein tyrosine kinase that is activated by EGFR. We found that Src was activated in NSCLC cells with EGFR genetic mutations but not in cell lines with wide-type EGFR. Treatment with PP1, a specific Src inhibitor, induced apoptosis of NSCLC cells with EGFR mutations but not those with wild-type EGFR. PP1 treatment decreased EGFR phosphorylation at the known Src phosphorylation site (Tyr845) as well as one of the major EGFR auto-phosphorylation sites (Tyr1068). Combined treatment with an inhibitor of EGFR and PP1 enhanced apoptosis relative to the effect of either drug alone. Cooperation between these drugs was also observed at the biochemical level (markers of apoptosis and EGFR- and Src-dependent signaling). Thus, Src activation may be a pro-survival signal in NSCLC cells with EGFR mutations, and strategies to inhibit both EGFR and Src may have enhanced efficacy in patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Abstract 654: Targeting K-ras mutant cancer cells with a lupus anti-guanosine antibody

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Aberrant G-protein signaling due to mutations in genes encoding the Ras family of small GTPases is associated with approximately 30% of human cancers, and K-ras is one of the most commonly mutated Ras proteins. Development of targeted therapies that are preferentially toxic to cancer cells harboring K-ras mutations is therefore an important goal in cancer research. We have identified an unusual cell-penetrating lupus autoantibody, 4H2, as a potential candidate for development as a targeted therapy for tumors with activating K-ras mutations. 4H2 is an anti-guanosine antibody that has previously been shown to penetrate living cells and inhibit cAMP formation. Taken together, the ability of 4H2 to bind guanosine (a component of GDP/GTP) and to inhibit cAMP formation suggests that 4H2 perturbs G-protein signaling. We therefore hypothesized that 4H2 would be selectively toxic to cancer cells with aberrant G-protein signaling due to activating K-ras mutations compared to cells without mutations in K-ras. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated the effects of 4H2 on a panel of isogenic pairs of cells with and without activating K-ras mutations, including Cal12T lung cancer cells (with and without a G12C activating K-ras mutation), NCI-H1975 lung cancer cells (with and without a G12D activating K-ras mutation), and SW48 colon cancer cells (with and without a G12A activating K-ras mutation). Immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that 4H2 penetrates into and localizes to the cytoplasm of cells with and without an activating K-ras mutation. In cell proliferation assays the matched pairs of cells were treated with 4H2 while growing as subconfluent monolayers, and 4H2 was observed to significantly inhibit the proliferation of the cells with activating K-ras mutations but not the cells without K-ras mutations. Next, colony formation assays confirmed that treatment with 4H2 was significantly more toxic to cells with activating K-ras mutations compared to cells without K-ras mutations. Mechanistically, Western blot analyses suggest a differential effect of 4H2 on the MAP kinase and Akt signaling pathways in K-ras mutant and wild type cells, consistent with the hypothesis that 4H2 interferes with G-protein associated intracellular signaling pathways. In summary, this work has demonstrated that 4H2 is an intriguing candidate for further study and development as a potential targeted therapy for tumors with activating mutations in K-ras. Citation Format: Melissa R. Young, Philip W. Noble, Richard H. Weisbart, James E. Hansen. Targeting K-ras mutant cancer cells with a lupus anti-guanosine antibody. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 654. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-654
The International Effects of US Uncertainty

We propose domestic uncertainty shocks may serve as a channel through which business cycles are transmitted internationally. To quantify uncertainty, we use two measures from the current literature and estimate vector autoregressions to evaluate the effects US uncertainty shocks have on the Japanese and British economies. Our results suggest that US uncertainty shocks have international effects consistent with a demand shock in the context of an open-economy aggregate demand and aggregate supply model with sticky prices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alumni Perceptions of a Move to NCAA Division IA Football Membership.

ABSTRACT Because of its prominent role, football has the potential to positively impact a university in several ways. Previous research on college athletics has focused on the financial impact of athletic success on institutions (e.g., donations). This research examines the marketing capabilities of college football by measuring alumni perceptions of a large southeastern university's move to NCAA Division IA football. A total of 297 alumni participated in a telephone survey. A high percentage of alumni believe IA football is prestigious and that the move to IA has influenced game attendance intention. Alumni believe the university's image has been positively influenced by the move to IA, and 21% believe the perceived value of their college degree has been enhanced by the move to IA. Findings from this study can aid universities in understanding the importance of football to alumni and how athletics can keep alumni connected with their alma mater.
Performance criticism and questions of value

Barbara Hernstein Smith's theory of contingent values questions the discourse that valorizes any entity as intrinsically valuable. All values, Smith claims, are inevitably ascribed by percenters based on their own interests, which are never stable, much less universal. This essay examines the defining characteristics of Smith's theory and applies them in a redescription of performance criticism as a multidimensional process of valuing.
High level, intrinsic resistance of Natronococcus occultus to potassium tellurite

Natronococcus occultus, a haloalkaliphilic archaeon, was examined for its resistance to potassium tellurite. Cells grown in the presence of 1 mM potassium tellurite reduced it to metallic tellurium resulting in the deposition of intracellular crystals in the cytoplasm. The minimal inhibitory concentration for potassium tellurite was 10 mM. N. occultus had an inducible tellurite reductase activity. Cell-free extracts catalyzed the enzymatic reduction of potassium tellurite in a reaction which was dependent on NADH oxidation and a reduced environment.
Successful treatment of peripartum cardiomyopathy with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

A 24-year-old female developed heart failure within four months of delivering her first child. Echocardiogram revealed a moderately dilated left ventricle with severely reduced systolic function. She continued to decompensate, requiring intubation and inotropic support. When the use of an intra-aortic balloon pump failed to stabilize the patient, the decision was made to place her on ECMO. The circuit consisted of a Quadrox D membrane oxygenator and a CentriMag® centrifugal pump. After 11 days of support, the patient met the weaning criteria and was successfully removed from ECMO. She was discharged one month after her admission. The new technology available allows for ECMO to be considered as an earlier option for the treatment and management of these patients as a bridge to recovery.
Metabolism of 2,4-dichlorophenol by isolated perfused rat liver.

The uptake and metabolism of 2,4‐[ 14 C]dichlorophenol (2,4‐[ 14 C]DCP) was studied in the isolated perfused rat liver. The uptake of radioactivity in liver increased 6.6% (25.3–31.9%) in the presence of adenosine 5'‐triphosphate (ATP) and 14.9% (25.3–40.2%) in the presence of ATP and galactosamine. This increase in the uptake of radioactivity was indicative of maintaining the integrity of liver cells. The glucuronide conjugate of 2,4‐DCP in bile was derivatized by permethylation and characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Two unusual metabolites were isolated from the liver and perfusate by extracting with hexane. The gas chromatogram of these metabolites gave peaks at retention times 12.0 and 15.5 min, and were characterized by mass spectrometry. The fragmentation pattern of these metabolites confirmed their identity as dichloromethoxyphenols.
Werner's syndrome: a review of recent research with an analysis of connective tissue metabolism, growth control of cultured cells, and chromosomal aberrations.

Werner syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive condition with multiple progeroid features, but it is a phenocopy of aging rather than accelerated or premature senescence. Somatic chromosome aberrations occur in multiple tissues in vivo and in vitro and there is an increased incidence of neoplasia. Thus, Werner syndrome can be classified in the group of chromosome instability syndromes. Recent findings provide additional support for the concept that there is an aberration of connective tissue metabolism in Werner syndrome, but it is unclear whether this is a primary or secondary manifestation of the underlying genetic defect. Abnormal growth characteristics are observed in cultured skin fibroblast-like cells and this provides another avenue for current research. Identification of the basic genetic defect in Werner syndrome might clarify our understanding of the normal aging process in general, or might elucidate specific aspects such as the development of neoplasia, atherosclerosis, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
Brain Injury and Cardiac Arrest

We use many terms to describe brain injury after cardiac arrest: global cerebral ischemia (complete or incomplete), global ischemia, hypoxic brain injury, hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, and post–cardiac arrest syndrome, to name a few. Yet however we vary our lexography, the single literal translation is a seriously injured brain without a treatment or good functional outcome. Great progress has been made in the treatment of cardiac arrest, particularly reanimating the heart and circulation; however, little has changed with respect to ‘‘reanimating’’ or protecting the brain. Three decades beyond the discovery of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), predicting neurologic recovery is based almost entirely on what we have learned from the pathologic evaluation of brain tissue following cardiac arrest/CPR death. In the living patient, the clinician is taught the clinical examination at the bedside to determine coma, prognosis, and brain death statusdtasks satisfactory for identifying the poor prognosis patient; but there has been little effort or success developing predictive assessments to select (or not select) treatment for the questionable-outcome patient, the one who escapes brain death or emerges from a coma. In the past few years, slow but thoughtful changes offer new opportunities for neurologists and others interested in the emergent care of acute brain injuries. This issue of Neurologic Clinics offers an excellent window into the changing outlook of brain injury after cardiac arrest. Romer Geocadin has assembled a group of physician-scientists who are improving the clinical picture of brain function after cardiac arrest. It is clear that, within the first decade of the twenty-first century, we will have the experience to assess the comatose cardiac arrest survivor and the know-how to optimize return to brain health. Within this time, we can look forward to guidelines for optimal return of circulatory function; brain tissue protection; early prognostication; early monitoring of recovery; and a detailed mapping, by degrees of cardiac arrest and extent of brain injury, of the functional and neuropsychologic patient consequences. The data presented herein offer a compelling argument for the greater involvement of all physicians to learn cardiac arrest treatments and interventions directed to brain recovery within the minutes and first hours after cardiac arrest. For all the patients, families, and physicians treating cardiac arrest, this is great news.
Anatomy of the perineal membrane as seen in magnetic resonance images of nulliparous women

Objective Recent cadaver research demonstrates the perineal membrane's ventral and dorsal portions and close relationship to the levator ani muscle. This study seeks to show these relationships in women by magnetic resonance (MR) images. Study Design The subjects were 20 asymptomatic nulliparous women with normal pelvic examinations. MR images were acquired in multiple planes. Anatomical relationships from cadaver studies were examined in these planes. Results In the coronal plane the ventral perineal membrane forms an interconnected complex with the compressor urethrae, vestibular bulb, and levator ani. The dorsal part connects the levator ani and vaginal side wall via a distinct band to the ischiopubic ramus. In the sagittal plane the parallel position of perineal membrane and levator ani are seen. Conclusion The perineal membrane's anatomical features can be seen in women with MR. The close relationship between the perineal membrane and levator ani is evident.
Spin structure functions: a window into the structure of hadrons

A large program of spin structure measurements is underway in Jefferson Lab's Hall B. Of particular interest is the first moment of the spin structure function g1, which goes through a rapid transition from the photon point (Q2 = 0), where it is constrained by the Gerasimov-Drell-Hearn sum rule, to the deep inelastic limit where it is sensitive to the nucleon spin fraction carried by quarks. One can then study the transition from hadronic to quark degrees of freedom over the whole range of Q2. It is also interesting to look for the onset of quark-hadron duality in spin structure functions. We use longitudinally polarized electrons with energies from 1.6 to 5.7 GeV incident upon polarized NH3 and ND3 targets to investigate proton and deuteron spin observables in and above the resonance region. We present the GDH and Bjorken integrals using the 1.6 and 5.7 GeV data and comment on the validity of local quark-hadron duality over the wide kinematical range (0.05 ≤ Q2 ≤ 4.5 GeV2 and W < 3.2 GeV) covered by this experiment.
Bleomycin clinical pharmacology by radioimmunoassay.

Bleomycin pharmacokinetics were studied by radioimmunoassay in 11 patients who received 7–30 U intravenously (IV) and eight patients who received 4–30 U subcutaneously (SC). For patients who received IV bleomycin plasma disappearance was biphasic, with a mean initial half-life of 0.26 h and a terminal half-life of 2.3 h. Mean plasma drug clearance was 67.8 ml/min/m2 and the volume of distribution was 13.2 l/m2. Urinary excretion accounted for 63.9% of the drug in 24 h. After SC administration peak plasma levels occurred in 1.1 h, with a mean elimination half-life of 4.3 h. Mean plasma drug clearance was 60.5 ml/min/m2 and the volume of distribution was 19.2 l/m2. Bleomycin plasma clearance correlated well with serum creatinine (r2=0.72).
Differences in Alloimmune Response Between Elderly and Young Mice

Abstract Objective The upper age of renal transplant recipients is rising on the transplant wait list. Age-dependent immune responsiveness to new antigens has not been thoroughly studied. This study used a mouse model of alloantibody response to neoalloantigen to study age-related differences. Methods Transgenic huCD20-C57BL/6 mice were immunized intraperitoneally with BALB/c splenocytes (2.5 × 10 7 ) at baseline and 1 month. Plasma samples were collected at baseline and 1 and 2 months after inoculation, frozen, and tested in a batch run (n = 22). Samples were tested by flow cytometric crossmatch for alloantibody with 2-fold serial dilution from neat to 1:640 using BALB/c splenocytes as targets. The sum of the median fluorescence intensity of the tested sample was calculated after subtracting that of an autologous serum control. Elderly mice (ELD; 42–103 weeks) at inoculation were compared with younger mice (YOU; 11–15 weeks). Statistical analysis was performed with 2-sample t test. Results Mean age (weeks) between the groups was significantly different (ELD 69.3 ± 9.6 vs YOU 13.4 ± 1.4; P P = .93). There was a higher alloantibody response at 1 month for YOU (52.9 ± 31.78) compared with ELD (5.12 ± 8.18). There was a greater difference after the 2 month (YOU 109.38 ± 66.43 vs ELD 21.97 ± 27.14; P Conclusions There was a difference in response to new alloantigen in this animal model. Older animals had significantly decreased responses to new alloantigen stimulation 1 month after inoculation and even more profound decreases at 2 months compared with young animals. This model may be used to study differences in immune refractoriness to antigen signaling. It may be important to adapt clinical immunosuppression in the aged population to possible decreased responses to immune stimulation.
Membranous transformation of lupus nephritis.

Abstract Transformation from proliferative lupus nephritis to membranous nephropathy with the appearance of nephrotic syndrome was observed after 30 months of aggressive corticosteroid therapy. During this period, levels of serum complement and of circulating immune complexes had returned to normal and the character of native DNA antibody had changed from largely precipitating to nonprecipitating. These findings suggest that the change in antibody response induced by corticosteroid therapy favored the development of membranous nephropathy.
The Cost of Public Relations in Acquisitions

For academic librarians, faculty members make requests for services which are sometimes problematic. This paper states some examples of such cases and gives cost figures associated with the service. The advantage of such public relations, however, is underlined.
Correction factors and sputtering effects in quantitative auger electron spectroscopy

Quantification of Auger electron spectroscopy data from silver-gold binary alloys has been studied. It is shown that the Auger data accurately reflect the bulk composition of scribed surfaces when the intensities of elemental standards are corrected for variations in the atomic density, electron escape depth and backscatter factor. It is also shown that gold is enriched in the surface region during sputtering with either argon or neon ions but the enrichment is less when sputtered at 110 K than at 300 K. Transients are observed in the concentration of gold and silver in the surface region when the ion energy is changed from 500 eV to 2000 eV. These sputtering effects (commonly called preferred sputtering) are interpreted as resulting from a combination of recoil implantation and surface segregation.