cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Future of ARDS Biomarkers: Where Are the Gaps in Implementation of Precision Medicine?

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a severe form of acute inflammatory lung injury associated with high mortality rates. It is a common clinical syndrome in the intensive care unit, but tends to be under-recognized by clinicians when treating patients. Furthermore, the current management of ARDS is limited by the lack of a simple diagnostic test, as well as the complexity and heterogeneity in its pathogenesis. In order to address these limitations, biomarkers have been studied as a tool to aid in the management of ARDS. Prior studies on biomarkers in ARDS have shown some promising results for using them to diagnose ARDS, classify ARDS into different phenotypes, and prognosticate ARDS patients for different outcome measures. However, these studies have wide variability in their analysis and application of biomarkers, and many are retrospective studies with small sample sizes. As a result, there are currently significant gaps and limitations in using biomarkers for routine clinical management of ARDS. Further studies will be needed to validate the findings from prior studies, standardize the methods by which biomarkers are analyzed, and better understand the implications of biomarkers for distinct pathophysiologic mechanisms in ARDS. With these advances, biomarkers may prove useful in identifying targets for future treatments and implementing a precision medicine-based approach in the clinical management of ARDS.
Data Model, Collection and Evaluation Framework for Local Energy Systems

Distributed ledgers are a new type of database technology that allows open access to data stored across distributed, decentralised, publicly maintained infrastructures. Current implementations of the such ledgers expect competition between participants, are often energy hungry, poor in maintaining the natural structure of data and suffer from scalability constraints. The aim of my research work is to develop a distributed ledger-based middleware for data modelling and collection on household energy generation and use, while addressing scalability and energy inefficiency concerns of the ledger for this particular application domain. The energy data collected and made available through this middleware will be used for digital energy service delivery (e.g., automated peer to peer energy trading, topological estimations, etc.). The middleware also provides a platform for a consumer focused digital energy service delivery, as well as service model evaluation. The model evaluation will enable the prospective service users to evaluate the suitability of the given service for their needs before making a decision of service subscription.
Cooperative Communication in Algebraic Space-Time coded MB-OFDM UWB system

Cooperative communication has been intensively considered for wireless and sensor networks. Its combination with Space-Time Codes (STC) has been recently proposed for Multi-Band OFDM Ultra-Wide Band (MB-OFDM UWB) system in order to improve data rate, system capacity, wireless communication range, and bit error performance. In this paper, we propose a cooperative communication design using Algebraic Space-Time Code (ASTC) called Golden code for the MB-OFDM UWB system. The transmitter, the receiver, and the two parallel amplify-and-forward (AF) relay are supposed equipped with one antenna. Simulation results show that ASTC code improves significantly the error performance of the proposed cooperative MB-OFDM UWB system, compared to the conventional SISO MB-OFDM UWB system. But, the BER performance of the proposed cooperative scheme is degraded compared to the ASTC MIMO MB-OFDM system due to the noise of relay channels.
Strategies to Improve Clinician-Patient Communication Experiences for Patients With Neurologic Conditions

Abstract: Increasing research supports that effective clinician communication with patients and families leads to improved patient outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and improved clinician experiences. As a result, patient- and family-centered communication is the focus of a 2020 American Academy of Neurology quality measure and part of neurology residency training milestones. Clinicians across training levels can implement strategies for improving patient- and family-centered communication, including optimizing the communication environment, using verbal and non-verbal skills, focusing on the patient’s agenda, practicing active listening, demonstrating respect and empathy, individualizing encounters to patient and family needs, and providing clear explanations. These skills can be tailored for specialized encounters (e.g. when wearing masks, telemedicine) and for electronic communication. By purposefully identifying and incorporating key communication skills in everyday practice, clinicians have the opportunity to improve patient care and satisfaction and their own experiences in neurology clinical practice.
Impacts of cover crops and nitrogen fertilization on agricultural soil fungal and bacterial communities

Soil microbiomes and their interactions with crop plants are important drivers of agricultural health and productivity. Our objective was to examine short-term responses of soil microbiota to agricultural management (i.e. cover cropping and nitrogen fertilization). Following three years of cropping, soil samples were collected from replicated field plots at two southern Minnesota field sites (Lamberton and Waseca). We used amplicon-based gene sequencing (ITS2 and 16S rRNA V4) to investigate short-term soil fungal and bacterial community responses to cover crops and urea-nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 80, 100, and 120% of recommended rates) in a corn (Zea mays)-soybean (Glycine max) cropping system planted with and without cover crops. We found that rates of N-fertilizer applied, more than cover crops, significantly impacted soil chemical properties at both sites. Different cropping or N fertilization treatments did not lead to strong differences in fungal or bacterial alpha (local) diversity. At both sites, cover crop was a significant predictor of fungal community compositions and specific fungal and bacterial taxa were significantly impacted by cover crops. While, N fertilization was not a strong predictor of community compositions, urea-N additions, at any rate, resulted in changes in the relative abundances of the fungal phyla Glomeromycota in addition to a number of bacterial phyla. Our findings suggest that after three years of cropping, fungal communities respond to cover crops, while bacterial community responses may depend on soil chemical conditions.
Antioxidants green tea extract and nordihydroguaiaretic acid confer species and strain specific lifespan and health effects in Caenorhabditis nematodes

The Caenorhabditis Intervention Testing Program (CITP) is an NIH-funded research consortium of investigators who conduct analyses at three independent sites to identify chemical interventions that reproducibly promote health and lifespan in a robust manner. The founding principle of the CITP is that compounds with positive effects across a genetically diverse panel of Caenorhabditis species and strains are likely engaging conserved biochemical pathways to exert their effects. As such, interventions that are broadly efficacious might be considered prominent compounds for translation for pre-clinical research and human clinical applications. Here, we report results generated using a recently streamlined pipeline approach for the evaluation of the effects of chemical compounds on lifespan and health. We studied five compounds previously shown to extend C. elegans lifespan or thought to promote mammalian health: 17-estradiol, acarbose, green tea extract, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, and rapamycin. We found that green tea extract and nordihydroguaiaretic acid extend Caenorhabditis lifespan in a species-specific manner. Additionally, these two antioxidants conferred assay-specific effects in some studies--for example, decreasing survival for certain genetic backgrounds in manual survival assays in contrast with extended lifespan as assayed using automated C. elegans Lifespan Machines. We also observed that GTE and NDGA impact on older adult mobility capacity is dependent on genetic background, and that GTE reduces oxidative stress resistance in some Caenorhabditis strains. Overall, our analysis of the five compounds supports the general idea that genetic background and assay type can influence lifespan and health effects of compounds, and underscores that lifespan and health can be uncoupled by chemical interventions.
Dietary Insulinemic Potential and Risk of Total and Cause-Specific Mortality in the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

OBJECTIVE Insulin response is related to overall health. Diet modulates insulin response. We investigated whether insulinemic potential of diet is associated with risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We prospectively followed 63,464 women from the Nurses' Health Study (1986-2016) and 42,880 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (1986-2016). Diet was assessed by food frequency questionnaires every 4 years. The insulinemic potential of diet was evaluated using a food-based empirical dietary index for hyperinsulinemia (EDIH), which was predefined based on predicting circulating C-peptide concentrations. RESULTS During 2,792,550 person-years of follow-up, 38,329 deaths occurred. In the pooled multivariable-adjusted analyses, a higher dietary insulinemic potential was associated with an increased risk of mortality from all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] comparing extreme quintiles: 1.33; 95% CI 1.29, 1.38; P-trend <0.001), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (HR 1.37; 95% CI 1.27, 1.46; P-trend <0.001), and cancers (HR 1.20; 95% CI 1.13, 1.28; P-trend<0.001). These associations were independent of BMI and remained significant after further adjustment for other well-known dietary indices. Furthermore, compared with participants whose EDIH scores were stable over an 8-year period, those with the greatest increases had a higher subsequent risk of all-cause (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.09, 1.18; P-trend<0.001) and CVD (HR 1.10; 95% CI 1.01, 1.21; P-trend = 0.006) mortality. CONCLUSIONS Higher insulinemic potential of diet was associated with increased risk of all-cause, CVD, and cancer mortality. Adopting a diet with low insulinemic potential might be an effective approach to improve overall health and prevent premature death.
Examining and Assessing the Changing Role of Marketing Research in New Product Planning

In this paper, the changing role of marketing research in the new product planning process is examined, and a model for assessing this role is presented. The model defines production-oriented, introductory marketing-oriented, and sophisticated marketing-oriented firms. Particular emphasis is placed on the evolving nature of market analysis, decision tools, test marketing, and technical research and development.
Decreased JH biosynthesis is related to precocious metamorphosis in recessive trimolter (rt) mutants of the silkworm, Bombyx mori

In recessive trimolter (rt) mutants of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, that have four larval instars rather than five larval instars of normal B. mori, a decrease after a small increase in the hemolymph ecdysteroid titer during the early stages of the last (fourth) larval instar appeared to be a prerequisite for larvae to undergo precocious metamorphosis. The present study was carried out to investigate the possible mechanism underlying this decrease in the ecdysteroid titer. It was found that juvenile hormone (JH) biosynthetic activity of the corpora allata (CA) increased during the first day of the last larval instar, but its absolute JH biosynthesis activity was relatively lower compared to that of normal fourth-instar larvae in tetramolters. This lowered JH biosynthetic activity appeared to be related to a decrease in prothoracic gland ecdysteroidogenesis during the second day of the last instar, because hydroprene application prevented this decrease in prothoracic gland ecdysteroidogenesis, leading to the induction of a supernumerary larval molt. The in vitro incubation of prothoracic glands with hydroprene showed that hydroprene did not directly exert its action on prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) release. Further study showed that the application of hydroprene enhanced the competency of the glands to respond to PTTH. From these results, it was supposed that the lowered JH biosynthesis of the CA during the first day of last instar in rt mutants was related to decreased ecdysteroidogenesis in the prothoracic glands during the second day, thus playing a role in leading to precocious metamorphosis.
Regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b expression by protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 (IRM10P.753)

Casitas B cell lymphoma protein-b (Cbl-b) is a RING finger family E3 ubiquitin ligase. It has been well documented that Cbl-b plays a crucial role in T cell activation and tolerance induction. Our recent study also indicates that Cbl-b regulates proallergic T cell development and allergic airway inflammation. Therefore, the regulation of Cbl-b expression in T cells is important for its biological functions. Our previous studies demonstrate that CD28 costimulation potentiates Cbl-b sel-ubiquitination, CTLA-4-B7 interaction induces Cbl-b expression. However, the molecular mechanism(s) of this regulation remains to be elucidated. In this study, we found that Cbl-b tyrosine phosphorylation in primary mouse T cells requires CD28 costimulation. The failure to detect Cbl-b tyrosine phosphorylation upon CD3 stimulation is not due to defective PTK activation, but rather interestingly SHP-1 is recruited to Cbl-b upon CD3 stimulation, while CD28 costimulation abrogates the interaction between Cbl-b and SHP-1. Furthermore, we identified Cbl-b N-terminal tyrosine residues within TKB domain and linker region (Y106, Y133, and Y363) are required for its E3 ubiquitin ligase activity. The aberrant Th2 phenotype observed in T cell-specific SHP-1-/- (tSHP-1-/-) mice is reminiscent of our recent observation that Th2 responses are heightened in Cbl-b-/- mice. In support of this notion, Cbl-b expression is down-regulated in naive T cells of tSHP-1-/- mice.
Profit Share and Partner Choice in International Joint Ventures

This paper suggests a new approach to the determination of profit allocation between the partners in international joint ventures (IJVs). We also examine the issue of partnership choice. The foreign firm gives a large share of profits to its partner and in return receives a better tax treatment from the host government. Under linearity of costs and demand functions, it would choose the more efficient domestic firm as an IJV partner, and the domestic firms would happily accept the offer of partnership from the foreign firm. However, the host government, under certain situations, may persuade the foreign firm, by a suitable lump-sum transfer, to form a partnership with the less efficient firm.
Cardiac tropomyosin crystals and their interactions with troponin subunits.

Abstract Crystals and paracrystals of bovine cardiac tropomyosin and their mixtures with different combinations of troponin subunits were examined in the electron microscope after negative staining. Although the cardiac proteins gave most of the same crystalline and paracrystalline patterns as observed previously with skeletal muscle tropomyosin and troponin, two important differences were noted. Cardiac troponin T was incapable of forming hexagonal networks with either skeletal or cardiac muscle tropomyosins, while skeletal troponin T readily associated in this manner with tropomyosins from either tissue source. Also the characteristic paracrystalline pattern seen with skeletal muscle tropomyosin, troponin T and troponin C only in the presence of calcium was consistently obtained with mixtures of the corresponding cardiac components when calcium was absent.
Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Alcaligenes xylosoxidans Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis

In the past decade, potential pathogens, including Alcaligenes species, have been increasingly recovered from cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Accurate identification of multiply antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacilli is critical to understanding the epidemiology and clinical implications of emerging pathogens in CF. We examined the frequency of correct identification of Alcaligenes spp. by microbiology laboratories affiliated with American CF patient care centers. Selective media, an exotoxin A probe for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and a commercial identification assay, API 20 NE, were used for identification. The activity of antimicrobial agents against these clinical isolates was determined. A total of 106 strains from 78 patients from 49 CF centers in 22 states were studied. Most (89%) were correctly identified by the referring laboratories as Alcaligenes xylosoxidans. However, 12 (11%) strains were misidentified; these were found to be P. aeruginosa (n = 10), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 1), and Burkholderia cepacia (n = 1). Minocycline, imipenem, meropenem, piperacillin, and piperacillin-tazobactam were the most active since 51, 59, 51, 50, and 55% of strains, respectively, were inhibited. High concentrations of colistin (100 and 200 μg/ml) inhibited 92% of strains. Chloramphenicol paired with minocycline and ciprofloxacin paired with either imipenem or meropenem were the most active combinations and inhibited 40 and 32%, respectively, of strains. Selective media and biochemical identification proved to be useful strategies for distinguishing A. xylosoxidans from other CF pathogens. Standards for processing CF specimens should be developed, and the optimal method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of A. xylosoxidans should be determined.
Interplay of quantum phases and non-linearity in the non-adiabatic dimer

Abstract We study the interplay of initial phase relations between the amplitudes in a dimer with the non-linearity in its evolution. The system investigated represents a moving quasiparticle interacting strongly with lattice vibrations. The study focuses on relaxing the traditional adiabaticity approximation, recovers earlier (adiabatic) results in appropriate limits and results in new findings.
Mosquito circadian and circa-bi-dian flight rhythms: a two-oscillator model

Circadian rhythmicity was found in the flight activity ofCuliseta incidens recorded in constant darkness for up to 14 weeks. The first nonhuman circa-bi-dian (about-two-day) rhythms were also found (Figs. 6–7). Circadian periods were either stable, remaining 24 h (Fig. 2). Inactivity phenomena (‘day-skipping’) were common in the latter group only (Fig. 5). The period at activity onset was much more labile than the period at offset (Fig. 4). The activity patterns of some period-lengthened animals suggested control by two oscillators which could temporarily or permanently uncouple (Figs. 8–9).
Zernike versus Fourier treatment tables for myopic patients having CustomVue wavefront laser in situ keratomileusis with the S4 excimer laser.

Purpose To compare the efficacy, predictability, and safety of Zernike-based versus Fourier-based treatment tables in myopic eyes 1 year after CustomVue wavefront laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using the S4 excimer laser (Visx). Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA. Methods A prospective analysis of 32 eyes of 16 patients with myopia who had CustomVue LASIK with the S4 excimer laser was conducted using Zernike or Fourier treatment tables. Mean spherical equivalent (SE), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and higher wavefront analyses were determined. Results The mean postoperative SE was −0.27 diopter (D) ± 0.41 (SD) in Zernike-treated eyes and −0.20 ± 0.29 D in Fourier-treated eyes. Twenty-eight of 32 eyes were available for analysis. Ninety-two percent of eyes in the Zernike group and all eyes in the Fourier group had 20/20 or better acuity (P = .85). Seventy-nine percent and 92%, respectively, were within ±0.50 D of emmetropia (P = .68). All eyes in the Zernike group and 93% of eyes in the Fourier group had no change or gained at least 1 Snellen line of BSCVA (P = .85). Mean higher-order aberration values (μm) in the Zernike group and Fourier group were as follows: total root mean square, 0.91 and 0.99, (P = 0.95); defocus, 0.71 and 0.74, (P = 0.98); astigmatism, 0.15 and 0.31, (P = 0.81); coma, 0.21 and 0.20, (P = 0.99); trefoil, 0.11 and 0.11, (P = 1); and spherical aberration, 0.17 and 0.30, (P = 0.85), respectively. Conclusions Myopic eyes that had CustomVue LASIK had better visual outcomes in the Fourier group than in the Zernike group. Higher-order wavefront aberration results were similar between the 2 groups.
Nonpoint Nitrate Contamination of Ground Water in Merrick County, Nebraskaa

The areal distribution of 293 samples from the ground water of Merrick County, Nebraska has definite patterns of high (>20 ppm), intermediate (10–20 ppm), and low (<10 ppm) nitrate-nitrogen concentrations. Where contamination is present the nitrate-nitrogen concentrations are relatively homogeneous indicating large diffuse nonpoint sources. SYMAP (gray-scale mapping) indicates exceptionally good correlation between the irrigated coarse-textured soils and the higher nitrate-nitrogen levels. The obvious implication is that the nitrate-nitrogen levels are directly dependent on the leaching of nitrogenous material dispersed in or on the coarser-textured soils. The widespread use of commercial nitrogen fertilizer on irrigated corn acreages is suspected of being the major contributor of nitrate to the ground water.
A preliminary test of a developmental model for the study of undernourished children in Indonesia.

Objectives: Structural equation modeling of an abbreviated version of the conceptual model of the effects of micronutrient and energy supplementation on growth and development of undernourished children in West Java. The study focused on the baseline data from the Pangalengan longitudinal project. Design: This trial included two cohorts of children classified as nutritionally-at-risk who were randomly assigned to three treatments (condensed milk+micronutrients (E); skimmed milk+micronutrients (M); skimmed milk (S)). Supplements were given for a period of up to 12 months. Setting: The sites were six tea plantations in Pangalengan. Subjects: A 12-month-old (n=53) and an 18-month-old (n=83) cohort were recruited from 24 day care centers. Twenty children that received the S supplement were part of the 12- and 18-month-old cohorts. Criteria for inclusion were: no chronic disease; length-for-age ≤−1 standard deviation (s.d.) and weight-for-length between −1 and −2 s.d. of the median of the reference of the World Health Organization. Variables: Indicators of socioeconomic status were economic and educational resources; length-for-age and weight-for-length were used as indicators of nutritional status; motor development and motor activity were measured with custom-made procedures; and carrying by caretaker and manipulation of objects were used as indicators of caretaking and exploratory behavior. Results: The model fitted the data of the older but not of the younger cohort (χ2 statistic and three other indices of goodness to fit). However, there were no differences between cohorts in the estimation of the models. Sponsorship: Nestle Foundation. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2000) 54, Suppl 2, S21–S27
The Role of Special Master in Institutional Reform Litigation: A Case Study

Wuori v Zitnay (1975), an institutional reform case, came to a successful resolution within a relatively few years. This case study describes the change process from the perspective of the special master and reports on devices used to sustain the changes after the court relinquished active supervision. The case study describes the functioning of masters in other cases to show the comparability of the processes. The special master undertakes change agent activities which are not in keeping with the model of a quasi-judicial role. The master preserves the court's legitimacy by providing a buffer which allows the court to maintain a neutral stance when implementation problems are brought to its attention.
On the axial and interfacial shear stresses due to thermal mismatch in hybrid composite sheets

A simple analytical model has been developed which allows the determination of the axial and the interfacial shear stresses which can occur in hybrid fiber composites as a consequence of the mismatch in coefficients of thermal expansion and Young's modulus. The configuration considered is a finite-width hybrid composite monolayer with alternating high- and low-modulus fibers. To account properly for the interfacial shear between fiber and matrix, a modified shear-lag model is used which permits extensional deformation due to thermal expansion of the matrix in the fiber direction. Typical stresses due solely to temperature changes are calculated, and these show steep boundary-layer edge stresses at free corners.
Toxicology studies of a chemical mixture of 25 groundwater contaminants: III. Male reproduction study in B6C3F1 mice

A mixture of chemicals has been developed that models contaminated groundwater around hazardous waste sites. We investigated the effects of this mixture on spermatogenesis in B6C3F1 mice. The animals consumed three different concentrations of this mixture for 90 days, after which time they were euthanatized. Although there was a concentration-related decrease in the amount of fluid consumed at the higher two concentrations, there were no differences in body weight among the groups. Similarly, there was no effect of mixture consumption upon the histology of liver, kidney, testis, epididymis, or seminal vesicles or upon the absolute organ weights of these organs. Kidney weight relative to body weight was increased in the high dose group. Epididymal sperm number and testicular spermatid count were not affected by treatment. These studies show that, at exposure levels that decrease fluid intake and increase adjusted kidney weight, there were no effects of this mixture on gametogenesis in male mice.
Best of Both Worlds Evaluation of Multi-Modal Communication Management Suite

Effective communication is critical to successfully carrying out a task, especially in military operations. Real-time planning, coordination, and directives must be transmitted to operators in order to properly execute their mission. To improve our warfighter’s communication effectiveness, researchers in the Air Force Research Laboratory have developed a network-centric multi-modal communication monitoring suite. Past studies have shown an advantage of this tool compared to traditional radio and chat tools. However studies have also shown that multimodal displays do not always outperform single modality displays, especially in multi-tasking environments. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Air Force developed multimodal communication suite compared to radio and chat only displays during a multi-tasking communication monitoring and compensatory tracking task. Results indicated that the multimodal display offers the best of both worlds, in that access to the suite provided superior performance to ...
Stage IB carcinoma of the cervix with lymph node metastases

From January 1, 1946, through January 1, 1986, at the University of Michigan, 60 patients were treated with Stage IB (FIGO) carcinoma of the cervix with lymph node metastases. Clinical variables were examined with regard to long-term survival. Prognostically significant variables were (1) highest level of lymph node involvement and (2) tumor histology. Patients with common iliac or periaortic node involvement had an actuarial survival at 5 years of 14%; 5-year survival for patients with only pelvic node involvement (external iliac, hypogastric, or obturator) was 68%. Patients with adenocarcinoma or adenosquamous histology had an actuarial survival at 5 years of 16%; 5-year survival for patient with squamous cell carcinoma was 71%. Overall survival for all patients with lymph node involvement was 61%. For patients undergoing radical hysterectomy as primary treatment, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy did not significantly improve survival.
Embedding robotics in civic monuments for an information world

The monument is our first computer: a complex, physical entity that stores and brings to consciousness facts, ideas and aspirations - information. In this paper, we introduce transdisciplinary research aiming to overcome, in the Information World, the static, petrified character of monuments which has longpresented collective memories about human events in immutable spatial forms. Our concept is, instead, the monument-as-robot. Embedded with sensing and actuating technologies, our concept affords multiconfigurations representing the multivalent character of collective" memory more so than the single conventional monuments. We reflect on the crisis of the monument today, describe our three novel prototypes responding to this crisis, and discuss the import for HCI.
Generational inequity in social spending: The United States in comparative perspective

This article examined generational inequity in social spending between the elderly and children using both country-level aggregate and household-level survey data. We calculated the allocation of social spending towards the elderly and children in 13 OECD countries based on OECD Social Expenditure Database (SOCX). We also presented the age-profile of social transfers for the same countries utilizing data from the Luxembourg Income Study (LIS). The results showed that the allocation of social spending in the United States was tilted toward the elderly compared to other countries. Policy implications for the United States are further discussed.
Conjugated Deferoxamine Reduces Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Experimental Optic Neuritis

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the role of deferoxamine (DFO) scavenging of hydroxyl radical (OH) on disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and demyelination in experimental optic n
Atomic and molecular emission following fracture of alkali halides: A dislocation driven process

During and following fracture of a number of materials, the emission of photons, electrons, ± ions, and neutral species are observed; these emissions are collectively known as fracto-emission. In this work, we present measurements of the neutral particle emission following fracture of two single crystal fcc alkali halides: NaCl and LiF. We observe no measurable emission attributable to release during the fracture event itself. However, after relatively long time intervals of ∼0.5–250 ms, we observe rapid bursts of alkali atoms, as well as molecular species which include NaCl and (LiF)n where n = 1,2,3. Bursts of alkali containing species also occur during loading prior to fracture and for unloaded specimens during heat treatment. We argue that these bursts are due to energetic emergence (“popout”) of dislocations at free surfaces.
Evaluation of arctic multibeam sonar data quality using nadir crossover error analysis and compilation of a full-resolution data product

We document a new high-resolution multibeam bathymetry compilation for the Canada Basin and Chukchi Borderland in the Arctic Ocean - United States Arctic Multibeam Compilation (USAMBC Version 1.0). The compilation preserves the highest native resolution of the bathymetric data, allowing for more detailed interpretation of seafloor morphology than has been previously possible. The compilation was created from multibeam bathymetry data available through openly accessible government and academic repositories. Much of the new data was collected during dedicated mapping cruises in support of the United States effort to map extended continental shelf regions beyond the 200nm Exclusive Economic Zone. Data quality was evaluated using nadir-beam crossover-error statistics, making it possible to assess the precision of multibeam depth soundings collected from a wide range of vessels and sonar systems. Data were compiled into a single high-resolution grid through a vertical stacking method, preserving the highest quality data source in any specific grid cell. The crossover-error analysis and method of data compilation can be applied to other multi-source multibeam data sets, and is particularly useful for government agencies targeting extended continental shelf regions but with limited hydrographic capabilities. Both the gridded compilation and an easily distributed geospatial PDF map are freely available through the University of New Hampshire?s Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping (ccom.unh.edu/theme/law-sea). The geospatial pdf is a full resolution, small file-size product that supports interpretation of Arctic seafloor morphology without the need for specialized gridding/visualization software. HighlightsCharacterize uncertainty in multi-source multibeam data sets.Highest spatial resolution compilation for the Canada Basin and Chukchi Borderland.Fully resolvable pdf for interpretation of Arctic seafloor morphology.
Update in the Treatment of High-grade Gliomas

Advances in the molecular classification of high-grade gliomas are laying the groundwork for potential changes in the treatment of high-grade gliomas. Currently, a combined modality approach involving surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy is most often used in the treatment of high-grade gliomas. The authors review recent advances in the treatment of these primary brain tumors.
Immune surveillance for ERAAP dysfunction

The ER aminopeptidase associated with antigen processing, ERAAP (or ERAP1), is essential for trimming peptides that are presented by MHC class I molecules. ERAP1 is inhibited by human cytomegalovirus, and ERAP1 polymorphisms are associated with autoimmune diseases. How the immune system detects ERAAP dysfunction, however, is unknown. We have shown previously that ERAAP-deficient cells present an immunogenic pMHC I repertoire, that elicits CD8+ T cell response in WT mice. Additionally, we discovered that the WT CD8+ T cells recognized novel peptides presented by non-classical, or MHC class Ib, molecules on ERAAP-deficient cells. The MHC Ib restricted WT CD8 T cells eliminated ERAAP-deficient cells in vitro and in vivo. We identified the FL9 peptide, presented by Qa-1b, a MHC class Ib molecule exclusively on ERAAP-deficient cells. Remarkably, T cells specific for the FL9-Qa-1b complex were frequent in naive WT mice, and had an antigen-experienced phenotype. Thus, novel non-classical pQa-1b complexes direct cytotoxic T cells to target cells with defective peptide processing in the endoplasmic reticulum. Here, we discuss the implications of our findings, and the possible roles of pMHC Ib-specific T cells in immune surveillance for ERAAP dysfunction.
Properties of anisotropic s-wave superconductivity in MgB2

Abstract Earlier this year a new type of high-temperature superconductivity has been reported in MgB 2 with a transition temperature of 39 K. In a recent paper we proposed a simple BCS model with an anisotropic s-wave order parameter which accounts for the available thermodynamic and scanning tunneling microscopy data obtained from polycrystalline palets of MgB 2 . In this work, we further investigate the physical consequences of this theory by calculating the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity, the nuclear spin relaxation rate, and the angular dependence of the upper critical field.
Demography, reproduction, and dormancy along altitudinal gradients in three intermountain Allium species with contrasting abundance and distribution

Abstract Little is known about the variation in demographics, flower number, fruit set, and summer dormancy in Allium species native to the Intermountain West region of the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographic patterns, summer dormancy traits, and variation in reproductive characteristics among habitats. Three populations of each of three species, Allium acuminatum , A. brandegei , and A. passeyi , were studied along an altitudinal gradient in northern Utah, USA, from 2004 to 2006. Demographic data were collected from individuals in permanent plots established in each population. Individual flowering plants were periodically monitored and used to calculate reproductive characteristics. Leaf area measurements throughout the 2005 growing season and soil temperature sensors were used to assess the relationship between habitat and dormancy characteristics. Populations of the widely distributed species, A. acuminatum and A. brandegei , were dominated by individuals in seedling and flowering stages while the restricted A. passeyi had populations containing a majority of individuals in the post-seedling, but non-flowering stage-class. There was a strong directional trend in A. acuminatum reproductive traits, with flower number and fruit set decreasing with increasing elevation. The mid-elevation A. brandegei populations were reproductively more successful than the high and low-elevation populations. The high-elevation A. passeyi population had more flowers per plant and higher fruit set in comparison to the lower elevation populations. The onset of summer dormancy as indicated by the timing of leaf senescence, was associated with high soil temperatures specific to each species. In general, the timing of leaf senescence was later in higher elevation populations in all species. A smaller proportion of non-flowering individuals in A. acuminatum and A. brandegei may indicate a high seedling mortality rate or a shorter juvenile phase in comparison to A. passeyi . The A. passeyi populations exhibit demographic characteristics of rare taxa; low seed production and low seedling recruitment. The high number of non-flowering plants in A. passeyi likely includes many reproductively mature individuals which are influenced by the unique habitat and environment of this species. Temperature is likely the key environmental cue inducing summer dormancy in all three species.
The Itineraries of Geography:Jan Huygen van Linschoten's Itinerario and Dutch Expeditions to the Indian Ocean, 1594-1602

Jan Huygen van Linschoten's 1596 Itinerario, published in Amsterdam just before Dutch world hegemony, opened the Indian Ocean world for the European geographical imagination, especially regarding its spice markets and non-Christian cultures. Linschoten confirmed rumors in Europe that the Portuguese Estado da India had become decadent and unstable, especially in its capital Goa. He also mentioned the absence of Portuguese control in the market of Bantam, which would become the capital of Dutch Indonesia. In addition, the book disclosed nautical and economic information about the Indian Ocean until then carefully guarded by the Portuguese, especially about the Spice Islands. In fact, the book's navigational section was published early so it could be on board the so-called First Voyage organized by the Dutch. This article discusses the main features that made the cartographic, cultural, and economic information of the Itinerario crucial to this historical expedition. Historicizing the discipline of geography...
American Association of Engineering Education: Engineering Libraries Division

Briefly notes the topics covered at the annual meeting of the American Association of Engineering Education, which took place in Salt Lake City in June 2004.
Some new results on space shuttle atmospheric ascent optimization

Atmospheric ascent optimal trajectories for medium to high lift drag ratio space shuttle type rocket vehicles
Functionalized Major-Groove and Minor-Groove Chiral Polybinaphthyls: Application in the Asymmetric Reaction of Aldehydes with Diethylzinc

A series of functionalized and optically active major-groove polybinaphthyls and minor-groove polybinaphthyls have been synthesized by using the Suzuki coupling reaction and have been spectroscopically characterized. The application of these chiral polymers in the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes has been studied. A minor-groove polybinaphthyl is found to be an excellent catalyst for the asymmetric reaction of diethylzinc with a number of aldehydes. The molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the polymer have little effects on the catalytic process. The chiral polymer can be easily recovered and reused without loss of catalytic activity as well as enantioselectivity. These rigid and sterically regular chiral polybinaphthyls represent a new generation of enantioselective polymeric catalysts. The reaction of the polybinaphthyls as well as certain monomeric binaphthyl molecules with diethylzinc has been investigated which has provided further information on the novel polymeri...
Spinach leaf ribulose-5-phosphate kinase: Examination of sulfhydryls by chemical modification and spin-labeling

Abstract Methodology has been developed for complete or selective modification of the cysteinyl sulfhydryls of ribulose-5-phosphate (Ru5P) kinase. Using native enzyme, iodoacetate modifies four sulfhydryls with varying levels of completeness. The most reactive sulfhydryl in the native enzyme can be selectively titrated with iodoacetate; complete loss of activity occurs. Composition and N-terminal analyses of the peptide bearing this essential sulfhydryl indicate that the alkylated residue (Cys-16) is identical to the site modified by other modification reagents ( M. A. Porter and F. C. Hartman (1986) Biochemistry 25 , 7314–7318). In the presence of ATP, a nonessential sulfhydryl of the native enzyme is car☐ymethylated. The peptide bearing this modified cysteine has been isolated and its composition and N-terminal sequence determined. Enzyme that is car☐ymethylated in the presence of ATP retains activity and can be oxidatively inactivated in a reversible fashion. This suggests that the cysteine targeted by iodoacetate in the presence of ATP is not a residue that participates in regulation of enzyme activity. Using a spin-labeled analog of iodoacetate, both essential and nonessential cysteines have been selectively modified. ESR measurements suggest that the environment of these cysteines is not highly constrained. Modest effects on spin-label mobility are observed upon occupancy of Ru5P or ATP sites on the modified enzyme. These effects are dependent on the presence of divalent cations, suggesting that a binary enzyme-cation complex must form prior to productive enzyme-substrate interactions.
Model of Unidirectional Transluminal Gene Transfer

Gene transfer assays in vitro are poor indicators of transduction efficacy observed in vivo. We designed and optimized an intermediate model for assessing and quantifying unidirectional transduction ex vivo. The model enables simultaneous transmucosal evaluation of up to 96 different variables under the same tissue conditions. We show that the model is versatile and suitable for use with different vectors (adenovirus and AAV), different reporter genes (β-galactosidase and green fluorescent protein), and viscera with various tissue features such as peritoneum and urothelium. Ex vivo transduction assays may correlate better with in vivo gene transfer results. Because the experimental model described here can be performed in small samples, it may enable translational applications in tissues of human origin.
Mathematical modeling of the effects of ammonium ion on the intracellular pH of hybridoma cells.

A mathematical model for the effects of NH4Cl addition to the growth medium on hybridoma cell intracellular pH (pHi) is presented which includes a detailed description of the properties of the Na+/H+ exchanger. The model is used to calculate the steady-state value of pHi as a function of the extracellular NH4Cl concentration, employing parameter values taken from the literature except for the cell permeability to NH4+ This parameter value, estimated to be 3.5 × 10−7 cm/s, is obtained by fitting simulation results to experimental data obtained previously for the steady-state value of pHi in the presence of 10mM NH4Cl. The model simulates well the major features of previously observed experimental pHi changes following NH4Cl addition: the transient characteristics, dependence on the NH4Cl concentration, and lack of dependence on the external pH value. The effect of parameter variations on model results is also investigated in additional simulations. The general modeling framework employed here should be useful for other types of mammalian cells.
Current concepts in pathophysiology and diagnosis of compartment syndromes

A compartment syndrome is a neurovascular compromise resulting from an increased local tissue pressure. Compartment syndromes can have many etiologies and may arise in any area of the body that has little or no capacity for tissue expansion. The sequelae are severe in the absence of immediate diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis is usually a clinical one but compartment pressure measurements are often helpful. Many methods of treatment have been investigated, but definitive treatment consists of immediate removal of the constricting force, most often accomplished with surgical fasciotomy.
ACUTE AND CHRONIC ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY IN A PATIENT SHOWING POLYGLANDULAR DEFICIENCY AND ACROMEGALY

THIS patient presented such unusual clinical features that the case merits reporting and discussion. The occurrence of acromegaly (inactive or “burnt out”)> and acute adrenal insufficiency is a rare combination to which there is scant reference in the literature (1, 2, 3, 4). CASE REPORT W.D. was a 41-year-old, unmarried, white, lumbermill foreman, who entered the hospital on February 17, 1949, in a state of semicoma. He had been well until fortyeight hours prior to admission when severe prostration developed and he lost his appetite. On the day of his admission he became irrational and semicomatose and had diarrhea. The past history later obtained from the patient and from members of his family was as follows: In 1932 he consulted a physician because of undue fatigability and was told that he had heart disease. At that time he had no other symptoms and the fatigability disappeared spontaneously. About 1936 there was loss of axillary hair and partial loss of pubic hair.
Role of the propeptide and gamma-glutamic acid domain of factor IX for in vitro carboxylation by the vitamin K-dependent carboxylase

The vitamin K-dependent gamma-glutamyl carboxylase catalyzes the processive carboxylation of specific glutamates in a number of proteins related to blood coagulation and bone. To address the independent importance of the propeptide, gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain and elements beyond the Gla domain of factor IX in vitamin K-dependent carboxylation, we have examined the kinetics of carboxylation of peptides containing (1) propeptide and Gla domain, (2) the Gla domain alone, (3) uncarboxylated bone Gla protein, (4) propeptide followed by the entire uncarboxylated factor IX molecule, and (5) the factor IX propeptide followed by a non-Gla domain sequence. Our studies indicate that peptides with a covalently linked propeptide have Km values similar to the physiological substrate of the carboxylase. In contrast, the Gla domain of factor IX has a >/=230-fold higher Km for the carboxylase than the corresponding peptide with a covalently linked propeptide. This contrasts with bone Gla protein, another vitamin K-dependent protein, which appears not to require a covalently linked propeptide for high-affinity binding to the carboxylase. Analysis of the carboxylation products of a propeptide/non-Gla domain substrate indicate that it is carboxylated multiple times in a processive manner. These studies show that the perceived binding affinity of the carboxylase substrate and processivity is conferred by the propeptide without requiring the conserved Gla domain sequences and that factor IX and bone Gla protein may have distinct mechanisms of interacting with the carboxylase.