cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract IA17: From functional genomics to new targets in pediatric oncology

The sequencing of human genomes harkened a new era of pediatric cancer investigations. Indeed, genomic discoveries, such as the identification of ALK mutations in neuroblastoma, Philadelphia-like fusions in acute B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), and NTRK fusions in infantile fibrosarcoma, have led to early successes in the application of genomically informed, targeted therapy for children with cancer. While these new drugs have become an important part of the pediatric cancer armamentarium, many children with cancer still lack targeted therapies. Thus, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Approaches such as RNA interference and CRISPR-Cas9 have transformed the functionalizing of the genome and offer promise for identifying new cancer therapeutic targets. We have applied genome-scale CRISPR-CAS9 screening to identify novel therapeutic targets in pediatric malignancies through the development of a Pediatric Cancer Dependency Map. We screened the Broad Institute’s Avana library in over 100 pediatric cancer cell lines and compared their dependencies to over 600 nonpediatric cell lines. Novel targets emerging from these efforts will be discussed. Citation Format: Kimberly Stegmaier. From functional genomics to new targets in pediatric oncology [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr IA17.
Chronic stress reverses enhanced neophobia following an acute stressor in European starlings.

Neophobia is an animal's avoidance of novelty. Animals tend to respond to novel objects by increasing their latency to approach the objects, and they eventually habituate after repeated exposure by attenuating this increased approach latency. Interestingly, the physiological stress response does not appear to have a causal link to neophobia, although acute stress can prevent animals from habituating to novel objects, possibly through a permissive effect. Chronic stress can induce an anxiety-like state in animals, while often disrupting the ability to respond to acute stress. We thus hypothesized that chronic stress may increase neophobia and tested this by inducing chronic stress in wild-caught European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Four distinct anthropogenic stressors were administered daily for 30 min each in a randomized order for 21 days. We then evaluated whether exposure to chronic stress altered the latency to approach a novel object placed on or near a food dish presented after overnight fasting. Chronically stressed birds and nonstressed controls exhibited similar initial neophobic responses to novel objects and showed similar habituation in response to repeated exposure. However, when birds were exposed to 15 min of restraint before repeated exposure to the same object, habituation was eliminated in control birds (i.e., they continued to respond with neophobia), whereas chronically stressed birds continued to show habituation as measured by attenuated approach latencies. These results demonstrate that an acute stress response (restraint) has a different impact on neophobia depending upon whether the bird is or is not concurrently exposed to chronic stress.
Enhanced Direct Torque Control for a Three-Level T-Type Inverter

Direct torque control (DTC) is a widely used approach for motor drives due to its distinctive advantages, e.g., fast dynamic response and highly robust against motor parameters uncertainties and external disturbances. To achieve a lower torque ripple, a higher switching frequency is usually required, which, however, can reduce the drive efficiency. Using the emerging silicon carbide (SiC) devices, which can operate efficiently at a much higher switching frequency than their silicon counterparts, thus, it could be feasible to achieve high efficiency and low torque ripple simultaneously. In this work, a novel multilevel DTC for a SiC T-type inverter is proposed to significantly reduce the torque and flux ripples while retaining the fast-dynamic response. The unbalanced dc-link is a common issue of the T-type inverter, which may also lead to a higher torque ripple. To address this issue, the proposed DTC algorithm only uses the real voltage space vectors and virtual space vectors (VSVs) that do not contribute to the neutral point current such that an inherent dc-link capacitor voltage balancing can be achieved without using any active dc-link voltage controls or additional dc-link voltage and/or current sensors. The feasibility and effectiveness of proposed methods are verified by using both simulation and experimental studies.
Identification of novel inhibitory metabolites and impact verification on growth and protein synthesis in mammalian cells.

Abstract Mammalian cells consume large amount of nutrients during growth and production. However, endogenous metabolic inefficiencies often prevent cells to fully utilize nutrients to support growth and protein production. Instead, significant fraction of fed nutrients is diverted into extracellular accumulation of waste by-products and metabolites, further inhibiting proliferation and protein synthesis. In this study, an LC-MS/MS based metabolomics pipeline was used to screen Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) extracellular metabolites. Six out of eight identified inhibitory metabolites, caused by the inefficient cell metabolism, were not previously studied in CHO cells: aconitic acid, 2-hydroxyisocaproic acid, methylsuccinic acid, cytidine monophosphate, trigonelline, and n-acetyl putrescine. When supplemented back into a fed-batch culture, significant reduction in cellular growth was observed in the presence of each metabolite and all the identified metabolites were shown to impact the glycosylation of a model secreted antibody, with seven of these also reducing CHO cellular productivity (titer) and all eight inhibiting the formation of mono-galactosylated biantennary (G1F) and biantennary galactosylated (G2F) N-glycans. These inhibitory metabolites further impact the metabolism of cells, leading to a significant reduction in CHO cellular growth and specific productivity in fed-batch culture (maximum reductions of 27.2% and 40.6% respectively). In-depth pathway analysis revealed that these metabolites are produced when cells utilize major energy sources such as glucose and select amino acids (tryptophan, arginine, isoleucine, and leucine) for growth, maintenance, and protein production. Furthermore, these novel inhibitory metabolites were observed to accumulate in multiple CHO cell lines (CHO–K1 and CHO-GS) as well as HEK293 cell line. This study provides a robust and holistic methodology to incorporate global metabolomic analysis into cell culture studies for elucidation and structural verification of novel metabolites that participate in key metabolic pathways to growth, production, and post-translational modification in biopharmaceutical production.
Residents' willingness to pay for improved liquid waste treatment in urban Ethiopia: results of choice experiment in Addis Ababa

This paper discusses residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved liquid waste treatment in Addis Ababa based on data collected in 2011 using random parameter logit model. Findings indicate that respondents are willing to contribute for improved liquid waste treatment with higher quantity and quality. Their mean WTP for the medium improvement scenario is found to be 15.53 ETB (0.93 USD) per month. The compensation surplus tends to increase from the status quo to the alternative scenarios with aggressive improvement. Finally, the paper concludes by indicating the socioeconomic difference across households, and sub-cities need to be considered in designing environmental protection plans for the city.
Object Detection from Large-Scale 3D Datasets Using Bottom-Up and Top-Down Descriptors

We propose an approach for detecting objects in large-scale range datasets that combines bottom-up and top-down processes. In the bottom-up stage, fast-to-compute local descriptors are used to detect potential target objects. The object hypotheses are verified after alignment in a top-down stage using global descriptors that capture larger scale structure information. We have found that the combination of spin images and Extended Gaussian Images, as local and global descriptors respectively, provides a good trade-off between efficiency and accuracy. We present results on real outdoors scenes containing millions of scanned points and hundreds of targets. Our results compare favorably to the state of the art by being applicable to much larger scenes captured under less controlled conditions, by being able to detect object classes and not specific instances, and by being able to align the query with the best matching model accurately, thus obtaining precise segmentation.
Role of Tetrodotoxin-Resistant Na+ Current Slow Inactivation in Adaptation of Action Potential Firing in Small-Diameter Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

When acutely dissociated small-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons were stimulated with repeated current injections or prolonged application of capsaicin, their action potential firing quickly adapted. Because TTX-resistant (TTX-R) sodium current in these presumptive nociceptors generates a large fraction of depolarizing current during the action potential, we examined the possible role of inactivation of TTX-R sodium channels in producing adaptation. Under voltage clamp, TTX-R current elicited by short depolarizations showed strong use dependence at frequencies as low as 1 Hz, although recovery from fast inactivation was complete in ∼10-30 msec. This use-dependent reduction was the result of the entry of TTX-R sodium channels into slow inactivated states. Slow inactivation was more effectively produced by steady depolarization than by cycling channels through open states. Slow inactivation was steeply voltage dependent, with a Boltzmann slope factor of 5 mV, a midpoint near -45 mV (5 sec conditioning pulses), and completeness of ∼93% positive to -20 mV. The time constant for entry (∼200 msec) was independent of voltage from -20 mV to +60 mV, whereas recovery kinetics were moderately voltage dependent (time constant, ∼1.5 sec at -60 mV and ∼0.5 sec at -100 mV). Using a prerecorded current-clamp response to capsaicin as a voltage-clamp command waveform, we found that adaptation of firing occurred with a time course similar to that of development of slow inactivation. Thus, slow inactivation of the TTX-R sodium current limits the duration of small DRG cell firing in response to maintained stimuli and may contribute to cross desensitization between chemical and electrical stimuli.
Increased rate of phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of the translational initiation factor eIF-4E correlates with the induction of protein and glycoprotein biosynthesis in activated B lymphocytes.

Abstract A 10-50-fold, biphasic increase in the rate of 32Pi labeling of eIF-4E was closely correlated with the induction of protein and glycoprotein biosynthesis when resting murine splenic B lymphocytes (B cells) were activated by bacterial lipopolysaccharide or the combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and ionomycin. The fraction of eIF-4E which was phosphorylated only increased from 46% in resting cells to 83% in lipopolysaccharide-activated cells. This discrepancy between the increase in the fraction of phosphorylated eIF-4E and the increase in 32Pi labeling suggested that the phosphoryl group of eIF-4E turns over slowly in resting B cells compared with activated cells. The turnover rate for the eIF-4E phosphate moiety in lipopolysaccharide-activated cells was rapid (t1/2 = 2 h) in comparison to the eIF-4E polypeptide chain, which did not turn over detectably in 6 h. Neither protein kinase C nor a cyclic nucleotide-dependent protein kinase appeared to be involved in eIF-4E phosphorylation in B cells, based on the observations that the metabolic labeling of eIF-4E by 32Pi was insensitive to the protein kinase inhibitors H-7 and HA1004, and that maximal labeling occurred after protein kinase C activity was "down-regulated" to very low levels in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate/ionomycin-activated cells. Dephosphorylation in vivo was blocked by okadaic acid (IC50 = 200 nM). These results indicate that a rapid phosphorylation-dephosphorylation of eIF-4E is associated with high translation rates during the activation of B cells, and implicate protein phosphatase-1 (or possibly-2A) in the dephosphorylation of the initiation factor.
Hepatic sulfite oxidase. A functional role for molybdenum.

Abstract Sulfite oxidase (EC 1.8.3.1), when reduced by sulfite, exhibited the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum of molybdenum(V). Specific colorimetric analyses demonstrated that the purified enzyme contained 1 molybdenum per heme. The electron paramagnetic resonance signal of molybdenum, which was generated by the addition of sulfite, was enriched by the purification procedure to the same degree as was the sulfite-reducible heme and the sulfite oxidase activity. Incubation of the enzyme with 5 x 10-3 m arsenite produced parallel losses of the sulfite-inducible molybdenum signal and the catalytic activity. Incubation of the enzyme with cyanide in the presence of sulfite resulted in slow, progressive, and irreversible inactivation. This treatment also caused a concomitant and proportional loss of the molybdenum signal. Cyanide had no effect on the absorption spectrum of the enzyme in the visible or near ultraviolet regions of the spectrum. Whereas the heme prosthetic group of the enzyme was oxidized in the steady state achieved by the simultaneous presence of sulfite and ferricyanide, the molybdenum component was in the reduced (pentavalent) state. Examination of the molybdenum signal as a function of pH, showed a shift in the field strength of maximum energy absorption, and a change in the shape of the signal. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the enzyme in D2O at pD 7.5 and at pD 9.6 demonstrated that the environment of the unpaired electron was axially symmetrical at the lower pD but was asymmetrical at the more alkaline pD.
EEG Asymmetry at 10 Months of Age: Are Temperament Trait Predictors Different for Boys and Girls?

Frontal EEG asymmetry patterns represent markers of individual differences in emotion reactivity and regulation, with right hemisphere activation linked with withdrawal behaviors/emotions (e.g., fear), and activation of the left hemisphere associated with approach (e.g., joy, anger). In the present study, gender was examined as a potential moderator of links between infant temperament at 5 months, and frontal EEG asymmetry patterns recorded during an Arm Restraint procedure at 10 months of age. Positive Affectivity/Surgency (PAS), Negative Emotionality (NE), and Orienting/Regulatory Capacity were considered as predictors, with PAS emerging as significant for males; higher levels translating into greater right frontal activation later in infancy. For females, ORC accounted for a significant portion of the frontal asymmetry scores, with higher ORC being associated with greater right frontal activation. The moderating influence of gender noted in this study is discussed in the context of implications for discrepancies in rates/symptoms of psychopathology later in childhood.
New reaction of 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan with amines at high local concentrations. Primitive enzyme models.

The fluorogenic amine reagent 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (CNBFz) reacts with amines to give one of two products, or a mixture, depending on the concentration of amine. At low concentrations (e.g. 5 X 10(-4) M) of unprotonated amine the normal replacement of the chlorine occurs, giving lambdamax approximately 470 nm. At high concentration of unprotonated amine (e.g. 0.5 M), a new product, lambdamax approximately 380 nm, is produced. At intermediate concentrations, both products are seen. These results were obtained with aqueous ammonia, methylamine and butylamine, and with butylamine in dry hexane. The 380 nm product also is obtained with high local concentrations of amines, such as with [lys]n at pH 8.5-10 and micellar dodecylamine at pH 9.5. These results are suggested to be analogous to those of very primitive proto-enzyme systems, by which clusters of small molecules can produce quantitative changes in "metabolism". Reaction of CNBFz with gelatin gave qualitative evidence for cross-linking.
THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD

Despite heavy use of the concept of the “best interests” of the child, there is little consensus about what criteria constitute a child's best interests or how these criteria should be applied. This article explores some of the problems of the best interest concept, from the developmental and psychological perspective, and suggests that the concept is a worthwhile one if decision makers are able to go beyond cliches and superficial definitions.
Brainstorm: The Flaws in the Science of Sex Differences by R. M. Jordan-Young

Most people … don't have any problem understanding that male sexuality is different from female sexuality. It's a no-brainer. (p. 109) Thus says one of the scientists interviewed by Rebecca Jordan-...
Reactions during melting of low-activity waste glasses and their effects on the retention of rhenium as a surrogate for technetium-99

Abstract Volatile loss of radioactive technetium-99 (99Tc) to off-gas is a major challenge when vitrifying low-activity waste (LAW) at the U.S. Department of Energy's Hanford Site in Washington State. We investigated the partitioning and incorporation of rhenium (Re) (a nonradioactive surrogate for 99Tc) into the glass melt during crucible melting of two simulated LAW feeds that have exhibited a large difference in 99mTc/Re retention in glass from small-scale melter tests. Each feed was prepared from a simulated liquid LAW and additives (boric acid, silica sand, etc.). The as-mixed slurry feeds were dried at 105 °C and heated to 600–1100 °C at 5 K/min. The dried feeds and heat-treated samples were leached with deionized water for 10 min at room temperature followed by 24-h leaching at 80 °C. Chemical compositions of the resulting solutions and insoluble solids were analyzed. Volume expansion measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were performed on dried feeds and heat-treated samples to characterize the progress of feed-to-glass conversion reactions. We found that incorporation of Re into the glass melt was virtually completed during the major feed-to-glass conversion reactions that occurred at ≤ 700 °C. The results of our study suggest that the different compositions of the salt phases formed during early stages of melting at ≤ 700 °C are responsible for the large difference in Re incorporation into the glass melt in these two feeds.
Atypical cells in the peripheral blood. A cytological study applied to cancer research.

While many oncology nurses have heard of survivor care plans, their details remain obscure. Ms. Houlihan has presented an excellent composite overview of what survivor care plans entail and the barriers limiting their use.
A Framework for Modeling Social Groups in Agent-Based Pedestrian Crowd Simulations

Grouping is a common phenomenon in pedestrian crowds and social groups can have significant impacts on crowd behavior. Despite its importance, how to model social groups in pedestrian crowd simulations is still an open and challenging issue. This paper presents a framework for modeling social groups in agent-based pedestrian crowd simulations. The developed framework integrates agent behavior modeling, group modeling, and social context modeling in a layered architecture, where each layer focuses on modeling a specific aspect of pedestrian crowds. A model of dynamic grouping behavior is developed to demonstrate the utility of the developed framework, and experimental results are presented.
Kinesin ATPase: rate-limiting ADP release.

The ATPase rate of kinesin isolated from bovine brain by the method of S.A. Kuznetsov and V.I. Gelfand [(1986) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83, 8530-8534)] is stimulated 1000-fold by interaction with tubulin (turnover rate per 120-kDa peptide increases from approximately equal to 0.009 sec-1 to 9 sec-1). The tubulin-stimulated reaction exhibits no extra incorporation of water-derived oxygens over a wide range of ATP and tubulin concentrations, indicating that Pi release is faster than the reversal of hydrolysis. ADP release, however, is slow for the basal reaction and its release is rate limiting as indicated by the very tight ADP binding (Ki less than 5 nM), the retention of a stoichiometric level of bound ADP through ion-exchange chromatography and dialysis, and the reversible labeling of a bound ADP by [14C]ATP at the steady-state ATPase rate as shown by centrifuge gel filtration and inaccessibility to pyruvate kinase. Tubulin accelerates the release of the bound ADP consistent with its activation of the net ATPase reaction. The detailed kinetics of ADP release in the presence of tubulin are biphasic indicating apparent heterogeneity with a fraction of the kinesin active sites being unaffected by tubulin.
Mapping of the tobacco vein mottling virus VPg cistron

The location of the cistron encoding the genome-linked protein (VPg) in the potyvirus tobacco vein mottling virus (TVMV) was investigated. Precipitation of 125I-labeled VPg with anti-tobacco etch virus 49K nuclear inclusion protein antiserum (which reacts with the NIa nuclear inclusion protein of TVMV) indicated that the TVMV VPg is immunologically related to NIa. Lysyl residues were found to be present at positions 2, 11, and 16 of the amino-terminal region of the VPg. A search of the TVMV polyprotein sequence for this distribution of lysyl residues revealed a unique location beginning at amino acid residue 1801, the proposed amino-terminus of the NIa protein.
RoboLIFT: engaging CS2 students with testable, automatically evaluated android applications

Making computer science assignments interesting and relevant is a constant challenge for instructors of introductory courses. Android has become popular in these courses to take advantage of the increasing popularity of smartphones and mobile "apps." This has been shown to increase student engagement but it is only the first step, and we must continue to provide support for teaching methodologies that we have used in the past, such as test-driven development and automated assessment. We have developed RoboLIFT, a library that makes unit testing of Android applications approachable for students. Furthermore, by supporting existing automated grading techniques, we are able to sustain large student enrollments, and we evaluate the effects that using Android has had on student performance.
Characterization of Ca2+-dependent phospholipase A2 activity during zebrafish embryogenesis.

Next Section Abstract We have developed a simple fluorescent assay for detection of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity in zebrafish embryos that utilizes a fluorescent phosphatidylcholine substrate. By using this assay in conjunction with selective PLA2 inhibitors and Western blot analysis, we identified the principal activity in zebrafish embryogenesis as characteristic of the Ca2+-dependent cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) subtype. Embryonic cPLA2 activity remained constant from the 1-cell stage until the onset of somitogenesis, at which time it increased sharply. This increase was preceded by the expression of a previously identified zebrafish cPLA2 homologue (Nalefski, E., Sultzman, L., Martin, D., Kriz, R., Towler, P., Knopf, J., and Clark, J. (1994)J. Biol. Chem. 269, 18239–18249). By using a quenched BODIPY-labeled phosphatidylcholine that fluoresces only upon cleavage by PLA2, lipase activity was visualized in the cells of living embryos where it localized to perinuclear membranes.
iSocial: Delivering the Social Competence Intervention for Adolescents (SCI-A) in a 3D Virtual Learning Environment for Youth with High Functioning Autism.

One consistent area of need for students with autism spectrum disorders is in the area of social competence. However, the increasing need to provide qualified teachers to deliver evidence-based practices in areas like social competence leave schools, such as those found in rural areas, in need of support. Distance education and in particular, 3D Virtual Learning, holds great promise for supporting schools and youth to gain social competence through knowledge and social practice in context. iSocial, a distance education, 3D virtual learning environment implemented the 31-lesson social competence intervention for adolescents across three small cohorts totaling 11 students over a period of 4 months. Results demonstrated that the social competence curriculum was delivered with fidelity in the 3D virtual learning environment. Moreover, learning outcomes suggest that the iSocial approach shows promise for social competence benefits for youth.
Technostress and the Reference Librarian.

Rapid technological change has become a fact of life in the libraries of the 1990s. While this change touches all parts of the library organization, nowhere is it more visible, or are its effects more keenly felt, than in reference departments. Consider these “snapshots”—fictional, but real enough:
Synaptic Dysfunction in the Hippocampus Accompanies Learning and Memory Deficits in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Tat Transgenic Mice

Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), including memory dysfunction, continue to be a major clinical manifestation of HIV type-1 infection. Viral proteins released by infected glia are thought to be the principal triggers of inflammation and bystander neuronal injury and death, thereby driving key symptomatology of HAND. Methods We used a glial fibrillary acidic protein-driven, doxycycline-inducible HIV type-1 transactivator of transcription (Tat) transgenic mouse model and examined structure-function relationships in hippocampal pyramidal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) neurons using morphologic, electrophysiological (long-term potentiation [LTP]), and behavioral (Morris water maze, fear-conditioning) approaches. Results Tat induction caused a variety of different inclusions in astrocytes characteristic of lysosomes, autophagic vacuoles, and lamellar bodies, which were typically present within distal cytoplasmic processes. In pyramidal CA1 neurons, Tat induction reduced the number of apical dendritic spines, while disrupting the distribution of synaptic proteins (synaptotagmin 2 and gephyrin) associated with inhibitory transmission but with minimal dendritic pathology and no evidence of pyramidal neuron death. Electrophysiological assessment of excitatory postsynaptic field potential at Schaffer collateral/commissural fiber-CA1 synapses showed near total suppression of LTP in mice expressing Tat. The loss in LTP coincided with disruptions in learning and memory. Conclusions Tat expression in the brain results in profound functional changes in synaptic physiology and in behavior that are accompanied by only modest structural changes and minimal pathology. Tat likely contributes to HAND by causing molecular changes that disrupt synaptic organization, with inhibitory presynaptic terminals containing synaptotagmin 2 appearing especially vulnerable.
A new family of low wear, low coefficient of friction polymer blend based on polytetrafluoroethylene and an aromatic thermosetting polyester

To improve the wear resistance of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a crosslinked aromatic thermosetting polyester (ATSP) has been blended directly with PTFE. Cured ATSP powder which was directly synthesized as a cured powder form was used for this application. Because of the similar processing temperature range of cured ATSP and PTFE, composites within the entire composition range were successfully prepared by blending these two powders using a hot press. Tribological pin-on-disk tests (composite pins sliding against gray cast iron disks) showed improvement on friction coefficient of all composites and much less wear than pure PTFE. The composites survived at contact pressures of 7 MPa, which is higher than either pure PTFE or pure ATSP could sustain. With an increase in the amount of ATSP in the composites, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature were higher, and the wear resistance was enhanced. SEM images helped provide explanations for the unusually low mean wear rates that were observed for these composite samples. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a closure model to predict crack growth in three engine disc materials

This paper describes the crack-growth predictions made in an AGARD Structures and Materials Panel, Engine Disc Cooperative Programme [1, 2] using the life-prediction code FASTRAN II. The objective of the program was to compare various methods of modeling crack-growth behavior in engine disc materials. The experimental database included three titanium alloys (Ti-6A1-4V, IMI-685 and Ti-17) and two crack configurations (compact and corner-crack tension). Crack-growth-rate data were provided under constant-amplitude loading (R=0.1 and 0.7) and under a repeated spike overload sequence. Participants were to use these data and mechanical properties of the materials to determine the crack-growth-rate properties to be used in their analysis method. The crack-growth properties were then used to predict the number of cycles required to grow a crack from an initial size to a final size under three simple variable-amplitude load sequences and under four complex Turbistan sequences. Predicted results from FASTRAN II agreed well with the test data with an overall mean of 1.01 and standard deviation of 0.31 for all materials and loading conditions.
Crystallization kinetics of benzophenone and naphthalene multilayers on Al2O3 (0001)

Abstract The crystallization of naphthalene and benzophenone on Al 2 O 3 (0001) was studied by monitoring the emission from optically pumped excited electronic states. Adlayers of these molecules were initially prepared in their amorphous state by vacuum deposition onto the Al 2 O 3 surface at 90 K. Prepared in this way, naphthalene exhibits excimeric emission, as characterized by the broad and featureless spectrum that peaks near 400 nm. The emission of the amorphous naphthalene is attributed to two excimeric forms: one that contributes about 70% of the intensity due to the multilayer, and the second that is observed when the adlayer is crystallized. The peak of this second excimer is red shifted by about 30 nm and is tentatively assigned to the monolayer. Both of these excimers have a non-radiative decay channel whose rate constant increases with temperature. Using the Arrhenius model, the energy of activation for the annealing process was determined to be 36±2 kJ mol −1 . When prepared at 90 K, amorphous benzophenone rapidly relaxes to a more stable form, as indicated by the decay in the emission to about 50% of the initial intensity. The spectrum of the amorphous state shows little change from that of the crystalline form, except that the latter is red shifted by about 8 nm. The intensity is also thermally quenched, decreasing by about 3% per degree rise in temperature.
Enlight: web-based integration of GWAS results with biological annotations

Summary: Identifying causal variants remains a key challenge in post-GWAS (genome-wide association study) era, as many GWAS single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (including imputed ones) fall into non-coding regions, making it difficult to associate statistical significance with predicted functionality. Therefore, we created a web-based tool, Enlight, which overlays functional annotation information, such as histone modification states, methylation patterns, transcription factor binding sites, eQTL and higher-order chromosomal structure, to GWAS results. Availability and implementation: Accessible by a Web browser at http://enlight.usc.edu. Contact: ude.csu@gnawiak
Peers and adolescent smoking.

There is a considerable body of empirical research that has identified adolescent peer relationships as a primary factor involved in adolescent cigarette smoking. Despite this large research base, many questions remain unanswered about the mechanisms by which peers affect youths’ smoking behavior. Understanding these processes of influence is key to the development of prevention and intervention programs designed to address adolescent smoking as a significant public health concern. In this paper, theoretical frameworks and empirical findings are reviewed critically which inform the current state of knowledge regarding peer influences on teenage smoking. Specifically, social learning theory, primary socialization theory, social identity theory and social network theory are discussed. Empirical findings regarding peer influence and selection, as well as multiple reference points in adolescent friendships, including best friendships, romantic relationships, peer groups and social crowds, are also reviewed. Review of this work reveals the contribution that peers have in adolescents’ use of tobacco, in some cases promoting use, and in other cases deterring it. This review also suggests that peer influences on smoking are more subtle than commonly thought and need to be examined more carefully, including consideration of larger social contexts, e.g. the family, neighborhood, and media. Recommendations for future investigations are made, as well as suggestions for specific methodological approaches that offer promise for advancing our knowledge of the contribution of peers on adolescent tobacco use.
The prevalence of chondrocalcinosis (CC) of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint on chest radiographs and correlation with calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition disease

Digital imaging combined with picture archiving and communication system (PACS) access allows detailed image retrieval and magnification. Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals preferentially deposit in fibrocartilages, the cartilage of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint being one such structure. We sought to determine if examination of the AC joints on magnified PACS imaging of chest films would be useful in identifying chondrocalcinosis (CC). Retrospective radiographic readings and chart reviews involving 1,920 patients aged 50 or more who had routine outpatient chest radiographs over a 4-month period were performed. Knee radiographs were available for comparison in 489 patients. Medical records were reviewed to abstract demographics, chest film reports, and diagnoses. AC joint CC was identified in 1.1 % (21/1,920) of consecutive chest films. Patients with AC joint CC were 75 years of age versus 65.4 in those without CC (p < 0.0002). Four hundred eighty-nine patients had knee films. Six of these patients had AC joint CC, and of these, five also had knee CC (83 %). Of the 483 without AC joint CC, 62 (12 %) had knee CC (p = 0.002). Patients with AC joint CC were more likely to have a recorded history of CPPD crystal deposition disease than those without AC joint CC (14 versus 1 %, p = 0.0017). The prevalence of AC joint CC increases with age and is associated with knee CC. A finding of AC joint CC should heighten suspicion of pseudogout or secondary osteoarthritis in appropriate clinical settings and, in a young patient, should alert the clinician to the possibility of an associated metabolic condition.
Costs and infant outcomes after implementation of a care process model for febrile infants

OBJECTIVE: Febrile infants in the first 90 days may have life-threatening serious bacterial infection (SBI). Well-appearing febrile infants with SBI cannot be distinguished from those without by examination alone. Variation in care resulting in both undertreatment and overtreatment is common. METHODS: We developed and implemented an evidence-based care process model (EB-CPM) for the management of well-appearing febrile infants in the Intermountain Healthcare System. We report an observational study describing changes in (1) care delivery, (2) outcomes of febrile infants, and (3) costs before and after implementation of the EB-CPM in a children’s hospital and in regional medical centers. RESULTS: From 2004 through 2009, 8044 infants had 8431 febrile episodes, resulting in medical evaluation. After implementation of the EB-CPM in 2008, infants in all facilities were more likely to receive evidence-based care including appropriate diagnostic testing, determination of risk for SBI, antibiotic selection, decreased antibiotic duration, and shorter hospital stays ( P < .001 for all). In addition, more infants had a definitive diagnosis of urinary tract infection or viral illness ( P < .001 for both). Infant outcomes improved with more admitted infants positive for SBI ( P = .011), and infants at low risk for SBI were more often managed without antibiotics ( P < .001). Although hospital admissions were shortened by 27%, there were no cases of missed SBI. Health Care costs were also reduced, with the mean cost per admitted infant decreasing from $7178 in 2007 to $5979 in 2009 (−17%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The EB-CPM increased evidence-based care in all facilities. Infant outcomes improved and costs were reduced, substantially improving value. * Abbreviations: CBC — : complete blood count EB-CPM — : evidence-based care process model ED — : emergency department EDW — : enterprise data warehouse IPCP — : Intermountain Pediatric Clinical Program LOS — : length of stay PCMC — : Primary Children’s Medical Center RMC — : regional medical center SBI — : serious bacterial infection UTI — : urinary tract infection
Time-dependent photon migration imaging

Recently, the application of both time- and frequency-resolved fluorescence techniques for the determination of photon migration characteristics in strongly scattering media has been used to characterize the optical properties in strongly scattering media. Specifically, Chance and coworkers have utilized measurement of photon migration characteristics to determine tissue hemoglobin absorbance and ultimately oxygenation status in homogeneous tissues. In this study, we present simulation results and experimental measurements for both techniques to show the capacity of time-dependent photon migration characteristics to image optically obscure absorbers located in strongly scattering media. The applications of time-dependent photon imaging in the biomedical community include imaging of light absorbing hematomas, tumors, hypoxic tissue volumes, and other tissue abnormalities. Herein, we show that the time-resolved parameter of mean photon path length, , and the frequency- resolved parameter of phase-shift, (theta) , can be used similarly to obtain three dimensional information of absorber position from two-dimensional measurements. Finally, we show that unlike imaging techniques that monitor the intensity of light without regard to the migration characteristics, the resolution of time-dependent photon migration measurements is enhanced by tissue scattering, further potentiating their use for biomedical imaging.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Real-time multispectral imaging system for online poultry fecal inspection using unified modeling language

A prototype real-time multispectral imaging system for fecal and ingesta contaminant detection on broiler carcasses has been developed. The prototype system includes a common aperture camera with three optical trim filters (517, 565 and 802-nm wavelength), which were selected by visible/NIR spectroscopy and validated by a hyperspectral imaging system with decision tree algorithm. The on-line testing results showed that the multispectral imaging technique can be used effectively for detecting feces (from duodenum, ceca, and colon) and ingesta on the surface of poultry carcasses with a processing speed of 140 birds per minute. This paper demonstrated both multispectral imaging hardware and real-time image processing software. For the software development, the Unified Modeling Language (UML) design approach was used for on-line application. The UML models included class, object, activity, sequence, and collaboration diagram. User interface model included 17 inputs and 6 outputs. A window-based real-time image processing software composed of 11 components, which represented class, architecture, and activity. Both hardware and software for a real-time fecal detection were tested at the pilot-scale poultry processing plant. The run-time of the software including online calibration was fast enough to inspect carcasses on-line with an industry requirement. Based on the preliminary test at the pilot-scale processing line, the system was able to acquire poultry images in real-time. According to the test results, the imaging system is reliable for the harsh environments and UML-based image processing software is flexible and easy to be updated when additional parameters are needed for in-plant trials.
Compromised Myocardial Energetics in Hypertrophied Mouse Hearts Diminish the Beneficial Effect of Overexpressing SERCA2a

The sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase (SERCA) plays a central role in regulating intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis and myocardial contractility. Several studies show that improving Ca2+ handling in hypertrophied rodent hearts by increasing SERCA activity results in enhanced contractile function. This suggests that SERCA is a potential target for gene therapy in cardiac hypertrophy and failure. However, it raises the issue of increased energy cost resulting from a higher ATPase activity. In this study, we determined whether SERCA overexpression alters the energy cost of increasing myocardial contraction in mouse hearts with pressure-overload hypertrophy using 31P NMR spectroscopy. We isolated and perfused mouse hearts from wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice overexpressing the cardiac isoform of SERCA (SERCA2a) 8 weeks after ascending aortic constriction (left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)) or sham operation. We found that overexpressing SERCA2a enhances myocardial contraction and relaxation in normal mouse hearts during inotropic stimulation with isoproterenol. Energy consumption was proportionate to the increase in contractile function. Thus, increasing SERCA2a expression in the normal heart allows an enhanced inotropic response with no compromise in energy supply and demand. However, this advantage was not sustained in LVH hearts in which the energetic status was compromised. Although the overexpression of SERCA2a prevented the down-regulation of SERCA protein in LVH hearts, TG-LVH hearts showed no increase in inotropic response when compared with WT-LVH hearts. Our results suggest that energy supply may be a limiting factor for the benefit of SERCA overexpression in hypertrophied hearts. Thus, strategies combining energetic support with increasing SERCA activity may improve the therapeutic effectiveness for heart failure.
High-Resolution X-Ray and Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the Complex Intrinsic Absorption in NGC 4051 with Chandra and the Hubble Space Telescope

We present the results from simultaneous observations of the narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy NGC 4051 with the Chandra High Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer and the Hubble Space Telescope Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph. The X-ray grating spectrum reveals absorption and emission lines from hydrogen-like and helium-like ions of O, Ne, Mg, and Si. We resolve two distinct X-ray absorption systems: a high-velocity blueshifted system at -2340 ± 130 km s-1 and a low-velocity blueshifted system at -600 ± 130 km s-1. In the UV spectrum we detect strong absorption, mainly from C IV, N V, and Si IV, that is resolved into as many as nine different intrinsic absorption systems with velocities between -650 and 30 km s-1. Although the low-velocity X-ray absorption is consistent in velocity with many of the UV absorption systems, the high-velocity X-ray absorption seems to have no UV counterpart. In addition to the absorption and emission lines, we also observe rapid X-ray variability and a state of low X-ray flux during the last ≈15 ks of the observation. NGC 4051 has a soft X-ray excess that we fit in both the high and low X-ray flux states. The high-resolution X-ray spectrum directly reveals that the soft excess is not composed of narrow emission lines and that it has significant spectral curvature. A power-law model fails to fit it, while a blackbody produces a nearly acceptable fit. We compare the observed spectral variability with the results of previous studies of NGC 4051.
Predictors of rapid versus thoughtful judgments of meaning in life

As with other measures of subjective well-being, self-reports of meaning in life (MIL) can be influenced by transient, contextual factors. Further, the sources of information used in judging MIL can vary depending on their relevance and cognitive accessibility. This study examined the effects of differing instructions on the sources of information used to judge MIL. Participants (N = 103) completed measures of positive affect (PA), religious commitment, and the satisfaction of the needs for competency, autonomy, and relatedness and then were randomly assigned to complete a measure of MIL rapidly, thoughtfully, or using typical instructions. Results showed that condition moderated reliance on PA, autonomy and social relatedness need satisfaction: PA was a stronger predictor of MIL in the thoughtful condition while autonomy and relatedness were more strongly related to MIL in the rapid condition. Implications for our understanding of MIL and future directions are discussed.
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to metal working fluids: Sporadic or under reported?

Background Occupational exposure to metal working fluids (MWF) is common with over 1.2 million workers in the United States involved in machine finishing, machine tooling, and other metalworking operations. MWF is a known cause of hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). Recent reports of outbreaks of hypersensitivity HP secondary to exposure to MWF are reported. Design Cases were identified through the Occupational Disease surveillance system in the State of Michigan and from referrals for evaluation to the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Michigan State University (MSU). Each patient underwent a clinical examination including an occupational history, lung function studies, radiographic imaging, and in some cases lung biopsies. Following the diagnosis of definite HP, an industrial hygiene investigation was carried out, which included a plant walk-through, and review of the “Injury and Illness” log. Air monitoring and microbial sampling results were reviewed. Results As part of Michigan's mandatory surveillance system for occupational illnesses, seven cases of suspected HP were identified in 2003–2004 from three facilities manufacturing automobile parts in Michigan. Each plant used semi-synthetic MWFs, and conducted a MWF management program including biocide additions. Two facilities had recently changed the MWF before the cases arose. Growth of mycobacteria was found in these two MWFs. Breathing zone samples for particulates of two employees in plant A (two cases) ranged from 0.48 to 0.56 mg/m3. In plant B (four cases), two employees' sampling results ranged from 0.10 to 0.14 mg/m3. No air sampling data were available from plant C. Conclusion Hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to exposure to MWFs is under-recognized by health care providers, and current surveillance systems are inadequate to provide a true estimate of its occurrence. HP arose from environments with exposures well below the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) for MWF, and in one case from exposures well below the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommended exposure limit (REL). The sporadic nature of reports of HP in relationship to MWF probably represents a combination of workplace changes that cause the disease and inadequate recognition and reporting of the disease when it does occur. Physician awareness of HP secondary to MWF and an effective medical surveillance program are necessary to better understanding the epidemiology and prevention of this disease. Am. J. Ind. Med. 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.