cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of transforming gene products from moloney murine sarcoma virus

We previously showed that in vitro translation of M-MuSV virion RNA yielded a 62 kd gag gene product and an overlapping set of four proteins with approximate molecular weights of 37,000, 33,000, 24,000 and 18,000. In this paper we show, by use of hybrid arrest translation with cloned recombinant DNAs containing M-MuSV v-mosMo sequences, that the 37, 33, 24 and 18 kd proteins are synthesized in their entirety from the v-mosMo gene. Analysis of the primary sequence of these proteins shows that each one is initiated independently from AUG codons within the v-mosMo gene and utilizes the long open reading frame predicted from the v-mosMo DNA sequence. Antisera against synthetic peptides corresponding to the C terminus of the predicted v-mosMo gene product precipitate all four in vitro v-mosMo proteins.
Calculations of one-, two- and three-bond nuclear spin-spin couplings in a model peptide and correlations with experimental data.

We present ab initio calculations of the Fermi contact term and experimental correlations of six coupling constants, 3JH N H α, 1JC α H α, 2JC′H α, 1JC α N, 2JC α N and 1JC′N, in a peptide as functions of the backbone dihedral angles, ϕ and ψ. Given estimates of experimental uncertainties, we find semiquantitative experimental correlations for 3JH N H α, 1JC α N and 2JC α N, qualitative correlations for 1JC α H α and 2JC′H α, but no experimental correlations of practical utility for 1JC′N, owing to its complex dependence on at least four dihedral angles. Errors in the estimation of dihedral angles from X-ray crystallographic data for proteins, which result from uncertainties in atom-to-atom distances, place substantial limitations on the quantitative reliability of coupling constant calculations fitted to such data. In the accompanying paper [Edison, A.S. et al., J. Biomol. NMR, 4, 543–551] we apply the results of the coupling constant calculations presented here to the estimation of ϕ and ψ angles in staphylococcal nuclease from experimental coupling constants.
Donor genetics, biology, and metabolomics of blood storage

It is well known that there is substantial donor-to-donor variability of RBC storage, and that much of the variability is heritable; however, the genetic basis for such variability is unclear. Similar to genetic variation in humans, RBCs from different inbred strains of mice store differently. Using constructed mouse pedigrees between strains, we have identified candidate genes that are associated with both poor RBC storage (as determined by 24-hour post-transfusion RBC recoveries) and with metabolic pathways that correlate with poor storage. Genetic mapping of 24-hour recoveries identified a significant locus spanning a ~149 Mb interval on chromosome 1 (rs13475827 to rs13476300; p = 2.09 × 10 −31 ). Analysis of this region identified 5 candidate genes ( Gli2 , Steap3 , Ccdc93 , Rab3gap1 , Tli ). Steap3 is a functional enzyme in erythroid cells where it is the primary ferrireductase converting Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ , both mitigating oxidative stress as well as allowing transferrin-dependent iron uptake. Metabolomics analysis identified oxidised lipid products that correlate strongly with post-transfusion RBC survival, including the bioactive lipids Leukotriene B4 (r = 0.71, p = 1.7 × 10 −25 ) and Prostaglandin E2 (r = 0.81, p = 2.6 × 10 −37 ). Genetic mapping of the generation of bioactive lipids mapped to same locus on chromosome 1. Ongoing studies will evaluate the extent to which these findings translate to human donor variability.
Husbands' SUD is associated with higher levels of co-occurring but not non-co-occurring psychiatric disorders among their wives

Abstract Objective Substance use among husbands has been shown to be associated with higher rates of substance use and of psychiatric symptoms among their wives. However, substance use disorders (SUD) and psychiatric disorders (as opposed to substance use or psychiatric symptoms) are rarely rigorously assessed among large samples of couples, so it is unclear whether SUD among husbands are associated with SUD among their wives, and whether the wives also display a higher prevalence of co-occurring or non-co-occurring psychiatric disorders. We compared the level of SUD, of co-occurring (with SUD) psychiatric disorders, and of non-co-occurring psychiatric diagnoses among the wives of males with SUDs vs among the wives of males without SUDs. We hypothesized that the presence of SUDs among males would be associated with a higher level of SUDs, of co-occurring psychiatric disorders, and of non-co-occurring psychiatric disorders in their wives. Method The subjects in this study were the spouses of adult men with a lifetime history of an SUD (SUD+ husbands, N = 342) vs those with no lifetime history of an SUD (SUD− husbands, N = 350). These subjects were recruited for participation in a longitudinal project designed to elucidate the etiology of substance use disorders. Results Co-occurring SUDs were five times more common among the spouses of SUD+ husbands than among the spouses of SUD− husbands (10.2% vs 2.0%, chi-square = 19.7, p = 0.000). SUD/depressive disorder and SUD/anxiety disorder were both seven times more common among the spouses of SUD+ husbands than among the spouses of SUD− husbands (19.4% vs 4.7%, chi-square = 45.8, p = 0.000; 14.3% vs 2.0%, chi-square = 34.5, p = 0.000). In contrast, non-co-occurring depressive disorders and non-co-occurring anxiety disorders were not more common among the wives of the SUD+ husbands than among the SUD− husbands. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that SUD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders (with SUD) are more common among the spouses of SUD+ husbands than among the spouses of SUD− husbands, but non-co-occurring (“pure”) psychiatric disorders are not more common among the spouses of the SUD+ husbands.
Frequency-independent antennas and broad-band derivatives thereof

The principles used in the development of frequency-independent antennas are reviewed. Examples of log-periodic (LP) geometry and the additional requirements that must be met for practical success are given. The evolution of unidirectional, wire-outline, and dipole arrays is presented. Analytical results for LP dipole arrays led to the concept of an active region that remains almost fixed in size relative to the wavelength. Periodic structure theory serves as an aid to understanding LP structures. The analysis of periodically loaded lines shows the problems that may arise from the existence of stop regions on LP antennas and provides procedures for eliminating them. This has led to successful LP monopole and cavity-backed slot arrays. Planar and conical log-spiral antennas are discussed. Frequency-independent, circularly polarized patterns-bidirectional, unidirectional, omnidirectional, and conical-can be provided from log-spiral antennas with two or more arms. Recently, the LP design principles have been applied to low-profile antennas: patches, thin cavities, and spirals over ground. They have also produced flush-mounted aircraft antennas that can respond simultaneously to two different linear of circular polarizations. >
Effect of volume- and time-based constraints on capture of analytes in microfluidic heterogeneous immunoassays

Despite the prevalence of microfluidic-based heterogeneous immunoassays (where analytes in solution are captured on a solid surface functionalized with a capture molecule), there is incomplete understanding of how assay parameters influence the amount of captured analytes. This study presents computational results and corresponding experimental binding assays in which the capture of analytes is studied under variations in both mass transfer and surface binding, constrained by real-world assay conditions of finite sample volume, assay time, and capture area. Our results identify: 1) a “reagent-limited” regime which exists only under the constraints of finite sample volume and assay time; 2) a critical flow rate (e.g. 0.5 µL min−1 under our assay conditions) to gain the maximum signal with the fastest assay time; 3) an increase in signal by using a short concentrated plug (e.g. 5 µL, 100 nM) rather than a long dilute plug (e.g. 50 µL, 10 nM) of sample; 4) the possibility of spending a considerable fraction of the assay time out of the reaction-limited regime. Overall, an improved understanding of fundamental physical processes may be particularly beneficial for the design of point-of-care assays, where volumes of reagents and available samples are limited, and the desired time-to-result short.
A Standard Cell Initial Placement Strategy

A standard cell initial placement strategy has been developed that incorporates characteristics of both the class of algorithms that is constructive in nature (i.e., bottom-up) and the class that utilizes a top-down partitioning scheme. This approach has been pursued recognizing the fact that while both of these types of algorithms exhibit some rather adverse traits both also possess advantageous properties. Specifically, the placement strategy described in this paper incorporates both the simplicity of constructive placement methods and the global connectivity information characteristic of placement schemes involving partitioning. The specified algorithm has been implemented within the microelectronics computer-aided design facility at Sandia National Laboratories.
Structure and Function of Phosphatidylcholine Transfer Protein (PC-TP)/StarD2

Phosphatidylcholine transfer protein (PC-TP) is a highly specific soluble lipid binding protein that transfers phosphatidylcholine between membranes in vitro. PC-TP is a member of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related transfer (START) domain superfamily. Although its biochemical properties and structure are well characterized, the functions of PC-TP in vivo remain incompletely understood. Studies of mice with homozygous disruption of the Pctp gene have largely refuted the hypothesis that this protein participates in the hepatocellular selection and transport of biliary phospholipids, in the production of lung surfactant, in leukotriene biosynthesis and in cellular phosphatidylcholine metabolism. Nevertheless, Pctp(-/-) mice exhibit interesting defects in lipid homeostasis, the understanding of which should elucidate the biological functions of PC-TP.
Potentials of Mobile Technology for K-12 Education: An Investigation of iPod Touch Use for English Language Learners in the United States

This case study investigated a m-learning initiative by a large school district in the United States to provide iPod touch devices 24/7 to teachers and students of English Language Learners. We described the initiative and presented the research findings of its implementation for two years at elementary and middle school levels. The results revealed the iPod touch was used to support language and content learning, provide differentiated instructional support, and extend learning time from classroom to home. However, several challenges were identified such as significant time demand on the teachers, technical issues, the need for professional training and dedicated support staff. Implications for teachers, instructional technologists, school administrators, and researchers were discussed.
Optimizing the catalog search process for e-procurement platforms

Many e-procurement platforms support XML-based e-catalogs combined with standardized feature descriptions. Beyond the usual keyword search this opens the arena for attribute-based search engines, including parametric search and preference search. We analyze the impact of different search techniques for such e-catalogs on the overall search process costs. It turns out that preference search has a high potential to significantly reduce the process costs. A large-scale use case with the MAN2B e-procurement platform supports our claim. We identify improvements achievable by using preference search, in particular less navigation steps during the product search and better search results due to the BMO query model. Expensive cases, where frustrated users accept bad search results or phone up the company's purchasing department, should decrease significantly. This in turn will enable the purchasing department to focus more on strategic issues like supplier relationship management than on operative issues as it still happens widely today.
Active Testing for Face Detection and Localization

We provide a novel search technique which uses a hierarchical model and a mutual information gain heuristic to efficiently prune the search space when localizing faces in images. We show exponential gains in computation over traditional sliding window approaches, while keeping similar performance levels.
Perceived Impact by Administrators of Psychiatric Emergency Services after Changes in a State’s Mental Health System

As a safety net, psychiatric emergency services are sensitive to system changes. To determine the impact of a state’s changes in its mental health system, administrators of publicly funded psychiatric emergency services were surveyed. They reported few (M=0.8) negative changes in coordination of care but 77% endorsed change in administrative burden (54% saying it negatively affected quality of services). Reporting negative effect of administrative burden was associated with treating more persons with substance abuse problems and greater challenge posed by distance to local providers. These results suggest that impact of state-level changes was not uniform but associated with local characteristics.
Measurement of implanted helium particle transport by a flowing liquid lithium film

Abstract Due to its low atomic number, low sputtering yield, high sputtered ion fraction and excellent thermal properties, liquid lithium has been proposed as a potential candidate for advanced plasma-facing components (PFC). Using a liquid material opens the possibility of a continuously flowing, self-regenerating plasma-facing surface with a small residence time. This would allow such component to handle very high heat loads that are expected. There are, however, multiple unanswered questions regarding how such a liquid PFC would interact with the plasma in the reactor. The issue of particle control is critical, and it can be a factor to determine the feasibility of these advanced concepts. Hydrogen and helium are important in this regard: hydrogen transport by a flowing PFC impacts the reactor fuel recycling regime and tritium inventory; helium transport can help quantify ash removal by the flowing PFC. The flowing liquid-metal retention experiment (FLIRE) was built at the University of Illinois to answer some of the questions regarding particle transport by flowing liquid films exposed to plasmas. Experimental results regarding helium transport by a flowing lithium film after irradiation with an energetic He ion beam are presented in this work. Retained fraction values up to 2% were measured for the experimental conditions, and the retention was found to increase linearly with implanted ion energy. A pure diffusion model was used to describe the helium transport by the Li film, and it was found that such model predicts a diffusion coefficient of (2.8 ± 0.6) × 10 −11 m 2 /s, based on the experimental retention measurements. Preliminary evidence of long-term trapping of helium will also be presented.
New Product Development Strategy Implementation Duration and New Venture Performance A Contingency-Based Perspective

We adopt an information acquisition and learning perspective to explore the relationship between new product development (NPD) strategy implementation duration and new venture performance. We suggest that the relationship between NPD strategy implementation duration and new venture performance is contingent on the level of environmental turbulence as reflected in an industry’s growth level and firm information-processing capabilities as reflected in the level of centralization of top management team (TMT) mental models. Longer NPD strategy implementation durations are appropriate in stable, low-growth industry environments or when firms are run by TMTs who exhibit high mental model centralization. Meanwhile, shorter NPD strategy implementation durations are called for in turbulent, high-growth industry environments or when firms are run by TMTs who exhibit low levels of mental model centralization. We also suggest that level of industry growth and TMT mental model centralization jointly influence the rela...
NONTRONITE PARTICLE AGGREGATION INDUCED BY MICROBIAL Fe(III) REDUCTION AND EXOPOLYSACCHARIDE PRODUCTION

Clay particle aggregation affects a number of environmental processes, such as contaminant sorption/desorption, particle movement/deposition, and sediment structure and stability, yet factors that control clay aggregation are not well understood. This study was designed to investigate how microbial reduction of Fe(III) in clay structure, a common process in soils and sediments, affects clay-particle aggregation. Microbial Fe(III) reduction experiments were conducted with Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 in bicarbonate buffer with structural Fe (III) in nontronite as the sole electron acceptor, lactate as the sole electron donor, and AQDS as an electron shuttle. Four size fractions of nontronite (D5–D95 of 0.12–0.22 µm, 0.41–0.69 µm, 0.73–0.96 µm and 1.42–1.78 µm) were used to evaluate size-dependent aggregation kinetics. The extent of Fe(III) bioreduction and the amount of exopolysaccharide (EPS), a major biopolymer secreted by CN32 cells during Fe(III) bioreduction, were measured with chemical methods. Nontronite particle aggregation was determined by photon correlation spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The maximum extent of Fe(III) bioreduction reached 36% and 24% for the smallest and the largest size fractions, respectively. Within the same time duration, the effective diameter, measured at 95% percentile (D95), increased by a factor of 43.7 and 7.7 for these two fractions, respectively. Because there was production of EPS by CN32 cells during Fe(III) reduction, it was difficult to assess the relative role of Fe(III) bioreduction and EPS bridging in particle aggregation. Thus, additional experiments were performed. Reduction of Fe(III) by dithionite was designed to examine the effect of Fe(III) reduction, and pure EPS isolated from CN32 cells was used to examine the effect of EPS. The data showed that both Fe(III) reduction and EPS were important in promoting clay mineral aggregation. In natural environments, the relative importance of these two factors may be dependent on local conditions. These results have important implications for understanding factors in controlling clay particle aggregation in natural environments.
The Identification of Somatic Mutations in Immunoglobulin Expression and Structure

Naturally occurring and induced mutations have played a major role in molecular biology. In bacteria, mutants provided the crucial insights into the regulation of gene expression and have been used to define the biosynthetic pathways of macromolecules. Mutants in both bacterial and animal viruses have made it possible to define their interactions with host cells and to identify and map the functions that they perform. Naturally occurring mutations and polymorphisms have made it possible to map many of the genes in higher organisms. While the genetic and structural complexity and long division time of animal cells has made it more difficult to establish useful genetic systems, the very complexity of such cells demands that molecular genetics be used if we are ever to fully understand how they function.
To belong or not to belong: some self-conceptual and behavioural consequences of identity uncertainty / Pertenecer o no pertenecer: algunas consecuencias de la incertidumbre identitaria en el autoconcepto y en el comportamiento

AbstractHow does identity uncertainty affect the extent and way in which people identify with and define themselves in terms of prototypical group attributes? According to uncertainty-identity theory feelings of uncertainty about oneself and one’s identity are a powerful motive for identifying with and defining oneself in terms of a social group, particularly one that is a distinctive and clearly defined entity that furnishes a consensual group prototype. In this article I overview uncertainty-identity theory and some of its key findings, with a particular focus on how uncertainty-identity processes can produce extremism — zealous identification with and attachment to autocratically led, normatively homogeneous groups that are pronouncedly ethnocentric and intolerant of dissent. I also explore uncertainty-identity contexts in which groups may break apart and where people may be reticent about identifying with highly entitative groups — a discussion of marginalization, exclusion and schism.
Economic Organization and the Lease-Ownership Decision in Water

This paper analyzes the lease-own decision for water using data on water transactions. Water is transferred through short-term and long-term leases as well as permanent ownership contracts. Water is a unique asset in that its supply is highly variable and its transfer and use affect third parties. We apply an ordered probit analysis to investigate the empirical determinants of contract type. We confirm that long-term and permanent contracts are more likely when investments in specific assets are required for conveyance. We also find that longer term arrangements are common when buyers with uncertain water supplies are purchasing from sellers with more certain rights. We do not find robust evidence supporting the hypothesis that short-term agreements are more likely when the costs of a transfer to third parties are potentially high.
Role of adrenal vein sampling in primary aldosteronism: Impact of imaging, localization, and age.

Background The role of adrenal vein sampling (AVS) has been debated, with some authorities advocating selective use in younger patients (≤40 years), and those localized by preoperative imaging. We examined our experience to determine the impact of AVS in patients who routinely underwent AVS with a high success rate. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed using a prospectively maintained database of patients referred for evaluation of PA (1997–2013). Patients were classified as localized (L) if a unilateral mass was identified on imaging, and non-localized (NL) otherwise. Results Of 367 patients, 94% (n = 345) underwent successful AVS. Seventy-two percent (n = 265) were L; AVS was lateralizing 58% (n = 214). AVS changed management in 43% of patients (n = 158). In patients ≤40 years, AVS changed management in 30% (n = 15). In patients ≤40 years with a ≥1 cm adrenal mass, 12% (n = 3) would have undergone unnecessary surgery based on imaging results alone; in patients >40 years with a ≥1 cm adrenal mass, 3% (n = 5) would have undergone wrong-side surgery, and 30% (n = 50) would have undergone unnecessary surgery based on imaging. Conclusion AVS changed management in a significant minority of patients regardless of age and imaging findings. AVS should be routinely recommended in all patients with PA, to direct operative therapy. J. Surg. Oncol. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Divergent effects of infliximab and anakinra therapies on macrophage phenotype from patients with refractory rheumatoid arthritis.

Previously, we documented the co-expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) and protein kinase C-eta (PKC-η) in peripheral blood-derived macrophages (PBDM) from moderate to severe rhe...
Reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonitis.

Regurgitation of gastric contents with subsequent aspiration into the lungs contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in surgical and nonsurgical patients. The consequences of aspiration...
Oman: Transitioning from Sultan Qaboos

In 1995, no doubt anticipating this special issue of AWG, the Omani government kindly drafted Oman Vision 2020. Alas, this document is mostly an irrelevant testament to the optimism of its authors and a reminder that reality will always intrude. In fact, Oman fell so far short of its goals for 2020 that it is currently drafting a new strategy, Oman Vision 2040 (Valeri 2015). As Yogi Berra reputedly said, “It is tough to make predictions, especially about the future.” To do so in the Middle East, where the pace of political change has been particularly rapid in the past few years, is arguably even more perilous, whether the horizon is 2020, 2030, or next week. Nevertheless, there seems to be broad consensus about the nature of the challenges confronting Oman in the near future, and how the sultanate looks in 2020 or 2030 will largely be determined by how successfully these challenges are addressed. Most pressing is the issue of who will succeed the 74-year-old Sultan Qaboos, who has ruled Oman almost single-handedly since 1970 (Nereim 2014). In 2014, he spent several months in Germany receiving medical treatment for what is widely believed to be colon cancer. In November, looking emaciated, he announced to the nation that he would not attend Omani National Day celebrations, explaining his absence “for reasons you all know” (Nereim 2014). It is difficult to overstate the degree to which Oman’s entire political system has been personalized and focused on the sultan for the past four decades. Unfortunately he has no brothers, no sons, and no designated heir. According to Omani Basic Law, a royal family council must select a successor within three days of Sultan Qaboos’s death. If they are unable to do so, an envelope containing the sultan’s preferred choice will be opened. Although the transition will most likely be peaceful, many Omanis fear that the process, and the uncertainly surrounding it, could trigger infighting within the royal family. In the worst (but unlikely) scenario, any succession dispute could in turn provide an opening for the resurgence of long-suppressed tribal feuds and regional rivalries, notably in Dhofar, where a rebellion raged for 13 years before 1975, and in the interior, where Ibadi Muslims lived
Atomistic Calculations and HRTEM Observations of an [001] Tilt Boundary in Rutile

The equilibrium atomic structure of the ∑=15 36.9° (210)[001] tilt boundary in rutile (TiO 2 ) has been computed using an ionic shell model and compared to a high-resolution electron microscope image of the same boundary using image simulation. The lowest energy structure of the boundary is characterized by an in-plane translation of a/6[120] relative to the mirrorsymmetric CSL configuration in agreement with the electron microscope observations.
Quantitative detection of 8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine using chemical tagging and qPCR.

8-Oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo) is a commonly formed DNA lesion that is useful as a biomarker for oxidative stress. Although methods for selective quantification of 8-oxodGuo exist, there is room for additional methods that are sensitive and utilize instrumentation that is widely available. We previously took advantage of the reported reactivity of 8-oxodGuo to develop a method for detecting the lesion by selectively covalently tagging it with a molecule equipped with a biotin label that can be used subsequently with a reporting method (Xue, L. and Greenberg, M. M. (2007) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 129, 7010). We now report a method that can detect as little as 14 amol of 8-oxodGuo by tagging DNA with a reagent containing a disulfide that reduces background due to nonspecific binding. The reagent also contains biotin that enables capturing target DNA on streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. The captured DNA is quantified using quantitative PCR. The method is validated by comparing the amount of 8-oxo...
Prostatic abscess due to Candida tropicalis in a nonacquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient.

AbstractWe report a case of prostatic abscess due to Candida tropicalis in a nonacquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient with diabetes. The diagnosis and management are discussed, and the literature is reviewed.
Stroke Prevention Trials in Sickle Cell Anemia

As part of an International Pediatric Stroke Study launched in 2002, the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) reports a reduction in the number of overt clinical strokes in children with critically high transcranial Doppler velocities (>200 cm/sec) who were regularly transfused.
Pragmatism, Causal Explanation, and Normative Facts

The term ‘epistemology’ refers to two rather different practices.’ Construed broadly, it is our actual epistemic practice. That is, it is the practice common in every field from chemistry to philosophy, of evaluating beliefs as justified or unjustified, scientific methods as rational or irrational, etc., and of evaluating and revising not only those beliefs, but the standards of evaluation themselves. Construed more narrowly, it is explicit theorizing about epistemology in the broad sense. This theorizing can be the attempt to construct a set of formal conditions for the justification of beliefs (e.g., explanatory coherence among beliefs; proper inferential relation to foundational beliefs; proper causal genesis, a la reliabilism, etc.); or it can merely be an attempt to uncover some of the features of justification and knowledge, without any commitment to the possibility of formal theorizing. Epistemology in the narrow sense is in essence our practice of theorizing about epistemology in the broad sense, about our practice of epistemology. We can be committed to the viability of epistemology in the broad and the narrow sense, and think that we can make true theoretical claims about justification and knowledge, without necessarily thinking that we can construct a formal theory of justification. Similar comments can be made about the term ‘morality’: this term can be construed broadly, as our practice of praising certain acts and traits and condemning others; or it can be construed narrowly, as our practice of theorizing about morality in the broad sense.
Time to Wound Healing and Major Adverse Limb Events in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia Treated with Endovascular Revascularization

Background There are few studies that quantify the impact of time to wound healing on outcomes after endovascular revascularization of critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods In this retrospective study, 179 patients with CLI and tissue loss were assessed for adverse events after endovascular therapy. Associations between time to wound healing and outcomes were determined via Cox proportional hazards analysis. The long-term probability of events was assessed with Kaplan–Meier analysis. The primary end point was major adverse limb events (MALE—major amputation, surgical endarterectomy, or bypass). Secondary end points were major amputation, need for repeat endovascular therapy, and mortality. Results After multivariable adjustment for time-dependent wound healing, age, renal function, diabetes, and Rutherford class, independent predictors of MALE included the presence of an unhealed wound (hazard ratio [HR], 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.3–11.8; P Conclusions Unhealed wounds are an independent risk factor for MALE, major amputation, and mortality after endovascular treatment of CLI. Wound healing within 3 months is associated with less risk of major amputation, and within 4 months less risk of MALE. A focus should be on achieving wound healing as fast as possible in this population.
Crystal field engineering of transition metal doped II-VI ternary and quaternary semiconductors for mid-IR tunable laser applications

We report on crystal-field engineering of solid-state laser gain media based on new transition metal (TM) (iron) doped II-VI ternary and quaternary semiconductor materials for middle-infrared (mid-IR) tunable laser applications. Novel ternary and quaternary TM:II-VI materials were fabricated in powder form using thermal annealing of mixtures of commercially available binary powders sealed in evacuated quartz ampoules. These resultant powders were characterized using XRD, micro-Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence (PL) and PL kinetics. We demonstrate: 1) that this synthesis method enables laser active powder media and is an effective means to fabricate and prototype novel laser active materials, 2) by introducing heavier or lighter ions into the host crystal lattice, it is possible to independently engineer the spectral positions of the absorption and PL band of TM ions in II-VI crystals, and 3) the first time to our knowledge room temperature, mirrorless, random lasing of iron doped Zn0.5Cd0.5Te powders at 5.9 μm.
The Conserved MAPK Site in E(spl)-M8, an Effector of Drosophila Notch Signaling, Controls Repressor Activity during Eye Development

The specification of patterned R8 photoreceptors at the onset of eye development depends on timely inhibition of Atonal (Ato) by the Enhancer of split (E(spl) repressors. Repression of Ato by E(spl)-M8 requires the kinase CK2 and is inhibited by the phosphatase PP2A. The region targeted by CK2 harbors additional conserved Ser residues, raising the prospect of regulation via multi-site phosphorylation. Here we investigate one such motif that meets the consensus for modification by MAPK, a well-known effector of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) signaling. Our studies reveal an important role for the predicted MAPK site of M8 during R8 birth. Ala/Asp mutations reveal that the CK2 and MAPK sites ensure that M8 repression of Ato and the R8 fate occurs in a timely manner and at a specific stage (stage-2/3) of the morphogenetic furrow (MF). M8 repression of Ato is mitigated by halved EGFR dosage, and this effect requires an intact MAPK site. Accordingly, variants with a phosphomimetic Asp at the MAPK site exhibit earlier (inappropriate) activity against Ato even at stage-1 of the MF, where a positive feedback-loop is necessary to raise Ato levels to a threshold sufficient for the R8 fate. Analysis of deletion variants reveals that both kinase sites (CK2 and MAPK) contribute to ‘cis’-inhibition of M8. This key regulation by CK2 and MAPK is bypassed by the E(spl)D mutation encoding the truncated protein M8*, which potently inhibits Ato at stage-1 of R8 birth. We also provide evidence that PP2A likely targets the MAPK site. Thus multi-site phosphorylation controls timely onset of M8 repressor activity in the eye, a regulation that appears to be dispensable in the bristle. The high conservation of the CK2 and MAPK sites in the insect E(spl) proteins M7, M5 and Mγ, and their mammalian homologue HES6, suggest that this mode of regulation may enable E(spl)/HES proteins to orchestrate repression by distinct tissue-specific mechanisms, and is likely to have broader applicability than has been previously recognized.
Calibrating Functional Parameters in the Ion Channel Models of Cardiac Cells

Computational modeling is a popular tool to understand a diverse set of complex systems. The output from a computational model depends on a set of parameters that are unknown to the designer, but a modeler can estimate them by collecting physical data. In the described study of the ion channels of ventricular myocytes, the parameter of interest is a function as opposed to a scalar or a set of scalars. This article develops a new modeling strategy to nonparametrically study the functional parameter using Bayesian inference with Gaussian process prior distributions. A new sampling scheme is devised to address this unique problem.
Highly Stereospecific Cross-Coupling Reactions of Anomeric Stannanes for the Synthesis of C-Aryl Glycosides

We demonstrate that configurationally stable anomeric stannanes undergo a stereospecific cross-coupling reaction with aromatic halides in the presence of a palladium catalyst with exceptionally high levels of stereocontrol. In addition to a broad substrate scope (>40 examples), this reaction eliminates critical problems inherent to nucleophilic displacement methods and is applicable to (hetero)aromatics, peptides, pharmaceuticals, common monosaccharides, and saccharides containing free hydroxyl groups.
Dysregulation of TGFβ1 Activity in Cancer and Its Influence on the Quality of Anti-Tumor Immunity.

TGFβ1 is a pleiotropic cytokine that exhibits a variety of physiologic and immune regulatory functions. Although its influence on multiple cell types is critical for the regulation of numerous biologic processes in the host, dysregulation of both TGFβ1 expression and activity is frequently observed in cancer and contributes to various aspects of cancer progression. This review focuses on TGFβ1’s contribution to tumor immune suppression and escape, with emphasis on the influence of this regulatory cytokine on the differentiation and function of dendritic cells and T cells. Clinical trials targeting TGFβ1 in cancer patients are also reviewed, and strategies for future therapeutic interventions that build on our current understanding of immune regulation by TGFβ1 are discussed.
The hidden societal cost of antibiotic resistance per antibiotic prescribed in the United States: an exploratory analysis.

Ambulatory antibiotic prescribing contributes to the development of antibiotic resistance and increases societal costs. Here, we estimate the hidden societal cost of antibiotic resistance per antibiotic prescribed in the United States. In an exploratory analysis, we used published data to develop point and range estimates for the hidden societal cost of antibiotic resistance (SCAR) attributable to each ambulatory antibiotic prescription in the United States. We developed four estimation methods that focused on the antibiotic-resistance attributable costs of hospitalization, second-line inpatient antibiotic use, second-line outpatient antibiotic use, and antibiotic stewardship, then summed the estimates across all methods. The total SCAR attributable to each ambulatory antibiotic prescription was estimated to be $13 (range: $3–$95). The greatest contributor to the total SCAR was the cost of hospitalization ($9; 69 % of the total SCAR). The costs of second-line inpatient antibiotic use ($1; 8 % of the total SCAR), second-line outpatient antibiotic use ($2; 15 % of the total SCAR) and antibiotic stewardship ($1; 8 %). This apperars to be an error.; of the total SCAR) were modest contributors to the total SCAR. Assuming an average antibiotic cost of $20, the total SCAR attributable to each ambulatory antibiotic prescription would increase antibiotic costs by 65 % (range: 15–475 %) if incorporated into antibiotic costs paid by patients or payers. Each ambulatory antibiotic prescription is associated with a hidden SCAR that substantially increases the cost of an antibiotic prescription in the United States. This finding raises concerns regarding the magnitude of misalignment between individual and societal antibiotic costs.
The Repurposing of Ritanserin for the Inhibition of Diacylglycerol Kinase Alpha (DGKα), a Novel Therapeutic Target in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Diacylglycerol Kinase α (DGKα) catalyzes the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). Recent work has demonstrated that DGKα activity is at a central tumorigenic node and the a...
Estrogen metabolism in patients at high risk for endometrial carcinoma. I. Urinary metabolites of H3-estradiol in normal postmenopausal women and those with endometrial carcinoma.

Of 51 patients more than 2 years beyond the menopause 34 had a diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. Any with liver involvement were not included. 14 were found to have abnormal glucose metabolism. Each patient received an intravenous infusion of 8 mcc of bata-6 7H-3 dissolved in 10 cc of 10% propylene glycol. 96 hour urine collections were obtained by an indwelling catheter. Values for the recovery of radioactivity associated with estrone estradio estriol and estriol/estrone + estradiol expressed in percent of injected radioactivity are given. A wide range of values was obtained and great variations in ratios. Generally the results were similar to those obtained from studies on menstruating females. There was no significant difference between patients with or without endometrial carcinoma in terms of recovered radioactivity or of the estriol quotient. However methoxgestrone epiestriol and the alpha-ketols which make up a significant portion of theurinary metabolites of estradiol 17 beta were not studied. Restudy of 6 patients with carcinoma produced constant patterns of metabolism. A significantly lower specific activity of estriol as compared to that of estrone was demonstrated in both groups of patients when estradiol 17 beta had been administered. However this difference was less precursons of urinary estriol. Androstenedione may be one of these. Reasonable radiochemical purity of each final metabolite was verified by recrystallization to constant specific activity following the addition of nouradioactive estrone or estriol.
Association of decreased membrane protein phosphorylation with red blood cell spherocytosis

A close association between sphering of human red cells and deficient phosphorylation of their membrane proteins has been documented in three spearate situations. Red cells rendered spheroidal by exposure to: (1) elevated temperatures; (2) two sulfhydryl inhibitors (N-ethylmaleimide or paramercuribenzoate); or (3) in the genetic situation of hereditary spherocytosis--all manifest deficient phosphorylation of endogenous membrane proteins by ATP. In the two former cases, we have noted an exact association between the onset of red cell sphering (e.g., as temperatures rose above 48 degrees C or N-ethylmaleimide concentrations exceeded 2 mumoles/ml RBC) and the development of deficient ghost protein phosphorylation.
Outcomes from the International Tour of Shine

This chapter describes how Shine was uniquely mounted in host communities during its year-long tour. Shine reached four different nations where English is used: Navajo Nation (a semi-autonomous Native American territory in the USA), four cities within the USA, the UK, and South Africa. This is the most substantial portion of the book and contains the heart of what was experienced and learned from this entire project. For each performance within a different community, the following is provided: a short description, a detailed described of the process and the resulting performance, youth-authored solutions, lessons learned and recommendations, and feedback from performers and/or audience members. The intention behind the tour was to learn from the diverse approaches by host communities and youth around the world.
High-Mach number, laser-driven magnetized collisionless shocks

Collisionless shocks are ubiquitous in space and astrophysical systems, and the class of supercritical shocks is of particular importance due to their role in accelerating particles to high energies. While these shocks have been traditionally studied by spacecraft and remote sensing observations, laboratory experiments can provide reproducible and multi-dimensional datasets that provide a complementary understanding of the underlying microphysics. We present experiments undertaken on the OMEGA and OMEGA EP laser facilities that show the formation and evolution of high-Mach number collisionless shocks created through the interaction of a laser-driven magnetic piston and a magnetized ambient plasma. Through time-resolved, 2-D imaging, we observe large density and magnetic compressions that propagate at super-Alfvenic speeds and that occur over ion kinetic length scales. The electron density and temperature of the initial ambient plasma are characterized using optical Thomson scattering. Measurements of the ...
The Fund Agreement in the Courts: XV

En este estudio se analizan cuatro casos relacionados con el Convenio Constitutivo del Fondo. En el primero, el Consejo Constitucional de Francia desecho el argumento de la necesidad de una ley para autorizar a Francia a dar su aprobacion para un aumento de cuota y tambien para aceptar la segunda enmienda del Convenio del Fondo, aun cuando el Fondo hubiera determinado que la enmienda entraba en vigor para todos los paises miembros una vez que la hubiera aceptado la mayoria requerida de los mismos. El caso plantea interrogantes relacionadas con la competencia de los tribunales nacionales para interpretar el Convenio Constitutivo, unanimidad para la enmienda y soberania nacional. En el segundo caso, la Corte Suprema Federal de Alemania dictamino que se debia aplicar el concepto de balanza de pagos para la mejor interpretacion de la Seccion 2 b) del Articulo VIII, la cual establece que los contratos de cambios que sean contrarios a las disposiciones de control de cambios de otro pais miembro de conformidad con el Convenio Constitutivo son inexigibles si se satisfacen las pruebas de la disposicion de este. Si ambas partes eran residentes de Espana, la citada disposicion del Convenio no se aplicaba porque no estaba afectada la balanza de pagos de Espana. El problema radica en decidir si la disposicion del Convenio requiere que se demuestre que las disposiciones de control de cambios tienen influencia en la balanza de pagos, o estan destinadas a proteger la moneda del legislador. En el tercer caso, un Tribunal ingles, invocando la Seccion 2 b) del Articulo VIII, denego un recurso relacionado con la indemnizacion estipulada en una carta de credito irrevocable emitida y confirmada en conexion con un contrato comercial, debido a que el contrato representaba una transaccion monetaria encubierta para transgredir disposiciones de control de cambios de Peru, dictadas en conformidad con el Convenio Constitutivo del Fondo. En el cuarto caso, la Corte de Justicia de la Comunidad Europea, al decidir si estaba justificado que Italia aplicara ciertas cuentas de compensacion monetaria, debio determinar si la lira italiana se habia revaluado de acuerdo con las "normas internacionales" existentes como consecuencia de la modificacion de la relacion con el dolar de EE.UU. en conformidad al acuerdo del Smithsonian y a la decision del Fondo sobre tipos centrales y margenes mas amplios de fluctuacion. La Corte dictamino que hubo una revaluacion, fundamentando su fallo en el tipo central de la lira en relacion con el valor actual del dolar de EE.UU., en lugar de aplicar las paridades de ambas monedas, que aun eran validas en aquella fecha y que, segun la Corte, se debian aplicar. Sobre la base de las paridades, la lira se habia devaluado de hecho.
Real time in-situ stress evolution investigation of highly textured electrodeposited bismuth thin films

Bismuth, a semi-metal with very long mean free path and large magnetoresistance (MR) effect, is a novel candidate material for thin film spintronic devices. Electrochemical deposition followed by a post-deposition anneal has resulted in highly textured bismuth films as characterized by x-ray diffractometry and pole figure measurements. A highly sensitive, real time in-situ stress measurement system was designed and employed to study stress generation during bismuth film growth. Bismuth films displayed a monotonically increasing compressive stress during deposition. The magnitude of the compressive stress decreased with the deposition rate in the range 1.5 A/sec to 50 A/sec.