cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ubiquitination of PCNA and Its Essential Role in Eukaryotic Translesion Synthesis

Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins (Ubls) are now at the center stage of molecular and cell biology because of their diverse functions in many fundamentally important cellular processes. Besides the celebrated role of ubiquitin in the 26S proteasome-mediated protein degradation pathway, the non-proteolytic functions of ubiquitin are being uncovered at a fast pace. The prominent examples include membrane trafficking, innate immunity, kinase signaling, chromatin dynamics and DNA damage response. Researchers in the area of DNA damage response have witnessed rapid progress within the past decade, largely stimulated by the seminal findings that ubiquitination and SUMOylation of a key DNA replication/repair protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), controls precisely how eukaryotic cells respond to different types of DNA damage, and how cellular DNA damage repair or tolerance pathways are selected to cope with damage in the DNA genome. Here, we will review the recent findings on translesion synthesis (TLS) and its regulation by PCNA ubiquitination in eukaryotes. We will discuss two prevalent models, i.e., the postreplicative gap-filling and the polymerase switch, which have been invoked to account for eukaryotic cells’ ability to overcome DNA damage associated replication blockade through TLS. Results from both in vitro reconstitution and from genetic systems will be discussed. We will also summarize the recent findings revealing the crosstalk between two major human DNA damage response pathways (the TLS and the Fanconi anemia pathways), and the ATR and ATM-independent regulation of PCNA ubiquitination. Lastly, new methods of preparing ubiquitinated PCNA will be reviewed. The availability of milligram levels of ubiquitinated PCNA will help our understanding of the molecular details in eukaryotic TLS.
Surface Rheological and Morphological Studies of Peptoid Mimics of Lung Surfactant Protein C

Surfactant protein C (SP-C) is a lipoprotein secreted by alveolar type II cells that has been implicated in surface-associated activities thought to facilitate breathing and to prevent alveolar collapse. The N-terminal cysteine residues of SP-C are palmitoylated, which is thought to be critical in stabilizing the helical structure and maintaining a surface-associated surfactant reservoir. However, the exact function of the two palmitoyl chains is not yet fully understood. In the current study, poly-N-substituted glycines or “peptoids”, a class of novel bio-inspired foldamers, have been employed to study the effects of N-terminal alkylation of a petpoid-based mimic of SP-C. Langmuir isotherms were performed to examine the reversibility of non-alkylated and di-alkylated SP-C mimic-containing lipid films during compression and expansion cycles at the air/liquid interface. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) of Langmuir-Blodgett films revealed extensive multilayer formation at high compression for a lipid film of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol and palmitic acid with the presence of di-alkylated SP-C mimics, in contrast to the film containing the non-alkylated SP-C mimics. Interfacial stress rheometor (ISR) measurements show that the lipid system with non-alkylated SP-C mimics displays a sharp increase in loss modulus at a surface pressure of ∼42mN/m, corresponding to the plateau region in the isotherms. The dramatic increase in surface viscosity is consistent with the increase in the fraction of solid phase in the AFM images. In contrast, di-alkylated SP-C-containing films are more fluid at high surface pressures with a moderate increase in viscosity, suggesting an important role of the di-alkylated chains to associate with lipid acyl chains and maintain the coexistence of both fluid-like and solid phases at high surface pressures.
Severe isolated pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 6-year-old girl

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) usually affects different organs or bones. Isolated pulmonary disease is rare in childhood. We report about a 6-year-old girl with progressive pulmonary insufficiency, onset of clubbing at 4 years of age and honeycombing lung infiltrations on X-ray films. The radiological suspicion of primary pulmonary LCH was confirmed by the presence of CD1a positive cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Other organs were not involved. The girl was treated according to the LCH—III International Study Protocol with a good response. Follow-up showed no reactivation of LCH but a reduced vital capacity and signs of interstitial pulmonary involvement on a CT scan. Conclusion:Langerhans cell histiocytosis should be considered in the aetiology of cystic lung diseases. Early responders to treatment have a high likelihood of becoming free of disease. However, pulmonary fibrosis is an important mechanism of lung remodelling in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis and the long-term prognosis is unclear.
Use of Thermal Gravimetric Analysis, GLC, and Mass Spectrometry in Sorption Studies III: Evaluation of Clustering Functions of Ethanol-water-polyurethane System

An equilibrium sorption study on the ethanol-water-polyurethane system over an extended ethanol concentration range was conducted by means of thermal gravimetric analysis, GLC, and mass spectrometry. From a single dynamic experiment, the equilibrium solubility in and the activation energy of desorption from the polymer matrix were evaluated simultaneously. The equilibrium sorption behavior of ethanol and water in the polymer matrix was interpreted in terms of the modified Zimm-Lundberg clustering theory applied to the liquid phase. The results indicate that the activation energy for desorption of ethanol decreases to a minimum and then increases with an increasing amount of sorption. The clustering function suggests that there is a greater tendency for ethanol molecules to cluster in the polymer matrix at lower ethanol activity but that there is no tendency for water molecules to cluster together. Water molecules show ideal sorption behavior at high water content and localized sorption on specific polymer sites at lower water content. Below 43% by weight or 0.51 activity, ethanol demonstrates ideal behavior; but at higher ethanol compositions, localized sorption takes place. There is also a great tendency for ethanol and water molecules to cluster together in the polymer matrix. The mean cluster size for ethanol is 1.4-2.5 molecules, while that for ethanol-water is 2.5-3.9 molecules.
Synthesis, Activity and Metabolic Stability of Non-Ribose Containing Inhibitors of Histone Methyltransferase DOT1L.

Histone methyltransferase DOT1L is a drug target for MLL leukemia. We report an efficient synthesis of a cyclopentane-containing compound that potently and selectively inhibits DOT1L (Ki = 1.1 nM) as well as H3K79 methylation (IC50 ∼ 200 nM). Importantly, this compound exhibits a high stability in plasma and liver microsomes, suggesting it is a better drug candidate.
Developmental roles for Srf, cortical cytoskeleton and cell shape in epidermal spindle orientation

A conditional knockout of the transcription factor SRF in the mouse skin shows that SRF-mediated modulation of actin regulator transcription during development is essential for normal cortical network formation and correct spindle orientation in mitosis.
A simple static circuit model for low-high junctions

Abstract A simple circuit model for low-high junctions is developed by using basic charge-control concepts. The model is valid in the low-level injection regime. The junction current is expressed as a function of the quasi-Fermi level separation in the space-charge region, and contains linear and non-linear terms. It is shown that the linearity of the junction depends on which of the two terms dominates at a given applied voltage. Calculated static V-J characteristics are given for an n-n+ device with donor concentration, ND, on n-side as a parameter and that on n+-side equal to 1019 cm−3. For ND ≦ 1013 cm−3, the device is non-linear, for ND = 1014 and 1015 cm−3, the device is linear in low-level injection regime, and for N D ≧ 10 16 cm −3 , the device is linear over a practically realizable range of applied voltages. The proposed model is expected to be useful in integrated circuit modeling.
Characterization of immunoglobulin G-Fe receptor activity in the outflow system of the cerebrospinal fluid

We have examined IgG Fc receptor (FcR) activity of human and rabbit arachnoid granulations and leptomeninges using antibody (IgG)-coated erythrocytes (EIgG), covalently crosslinked IgG dimers, trimers and oligomers, immune complexes, aggregated Fc fragments and a monoclonal anti-human neutrophil Fc receptor antibody, 3G8. EIgG bound specifically to cells of the leptomeninges and arachnoid granulations; uncoated erythrocytes, F(ab′) 2-coated, or IgM-coated erythrocytes failed to bind. The specificity of this interaction was demonstrated by inhibition studies. Monomeric IgG and Fc fragments blocked EIgG adherence, whereas bovine serum albumin (BSA), Fab fragments of IgG and the monoclonal anti-neutrophil FcR antibody failed to inhibit EIgG adherence. Monomeric IgG inhibited FcR function in a dose-dependent fashion; maximal inhibition was achieved at 1.7 × 10-5M IgG, indicating a relatively low avidity receptor. Oligomers of IgG inhibited EIgG adherence more effectively and inhibition was directly related to oligomer size. Additionally, these tissues were positive for specific and non-specific esterases. These studies suggest that the CSF pathway from the perivascular spaces to the arachnoid granulations plays a protective role in the clearance of IgG and IgG immune complexes in infections and immune-mediated disorders.
Effects of temperature on heart rate and rates of cooling and warming in Terrapene ornata

Abstract 1. 1. Heart rate of Terrapene ornata was directly proportional to body temperature. 2. 2. At low body temperatures (5–11°C) mean heart rates during warming were significantly lower than during cooling. 3. 3. Heart rate may be inversely proportional to body weight, especially at temperatures above 10°C. 4. 4. The rate of cooling was greater than the rate of warming. 5. 5. The cooling rate of turtles weighing less than 300 g was directly propor-tional to body weight.
Mono-tetrahydrofuran acetogenins from Goniothalamus giganteus

Goniotetracin and a mixture of (2,4-cis and trans)-gonioneninone, new, bioactive, mono-tetrahydrofuran (THF) γ-lactone and ketolactone acetogenins, were isolated from the bark of Goniothalamus giganteus (Annonaceae) by activity-directed fractionation using the brine shrimp lethality test (BST). The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical methods. Their absolute stereochemistries were determined by the advanced Mosher ester method. Both showed selective and significant cytotoxicities, comparable to the potency of adriamycin, to the human pancreatic tumour cell line (PACA-2), while goniotetracin and goniothalamicin were comparable to the activity of rotenone against yellow fever mosquito larvae.
Computer display and manipulation of biological molecules

This paper describes a computer model that was designed to investigate the conformation of molecules, macromolecules and subsequent complexes. Utilizing an advanced 3-D dynamic computer display system, the model is sufficiently versatile to accommodate a large variety of molecular input and to generate data for multiple purposes such as visual representation of conformational changes, and calculation of conformation and interaction energy. Molecules can be built on the basis of several levels of information. These include the specification of atomic coordinates and connectivities and the grouping of building blocks and duplicated substructures using symmetry rules found in crystals and polymers such as proteins and nucleic acids. Called AIMS (Ames Interactive Molecular modeling System), the model is now being used to study pre-biotic molecular evolution toward life.
Androgen production in vitro by phalarope gonadal tissue homogenates.

Abstract Homogenates of gonadal tissue from phalaropes have been incubated with 14C- and 3H-labeled precursors. Androstenedione and testosterone have been identified as being formed from 3H-pregnenolone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone-4-14C and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone-3H by both ovarian and testicular tissue, while dehydroepiandrosterone was formed from 3H-pregnenolone and 17α-hydroxypregnenolone-3H. Testicular tissue in general, tended to form more testosterone than androstenedione. Ovarian tissue from partially developed ovaries, obtained in the spring of the year and weighing less than 150–200 mg also tended to synthesize more testosterone than androstenedione, while those weighing more than 150–200 mg appeared to form more androstenedione. This general pattern was true regardless of the substrate used.
Polythieno[3,4-b]thiophene as an Optically Transparent Ion-Storage Layer

Ion storage layers have been employed in the construction of electrochromic devices to enhance device lifetimes through balanced ion shuttling. This has led to a search for a material which has a high charge capacity as well as optical transparency. Poly(thieno[3,4-b]thiophene) (PT34bT) exhibits high transparency in the visible region in both its neutral and oxidized states, in addition to having a high charge capacity, making it an ideal candidate for an ion storage layer. Herein we report devices fabricated by electrodeposition of several common chromophores, such as PEDOT, PDiBz-ProDOT, and PProDOT-Me2. Devices were made with and without a balanced layer of PT34bT on the counter electrode and were probed for coloration and contrast. It was found that the addition of the ion storage layer did not alter the color of any of the devices and resulted in a minimal, predicted loss of contrast corresponding to the thickness of the ion storage layer.
Dexamethasone Treatment of Infant Rats Causes Lung Hypoplasia and Increases the Severity of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Adults

Dexamethasone Treatment of Infant Rats Causes Lung Hypoplasia and Increases the Severity of Hypoxia-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Adults
Common Neuropsychological Deficits Associated with Stroke Survivors' Impaired Performance on a Useful Field of View Test

Useful field of view is a measure of information processing in peripheral vision that has potential for predicting impaired driving performance. The present study was performed to examine whether common neuropsychological deficits resulting from stroke might be associated with useful field of view impairment. 46 stroke survivors had impaired useful field of view test performance when compared to individuals without stroke (t30.6= -4.33, p<.001). The impairments in useful field of view of stroke survivors were associated with impaired peripheral fields, slowed processing speeds, and diminished attention. Such impairment was not localized to lesions in any particular brain area. Results allow the inference that common neuropsychological impairments may have contributed to inefficient extraction of visual information from peripheral vision.
Cognitions, coping and social environment predict adjustment to phantom limb pain.

Biopsychosocial models of chronic pain hypothesize a role for psychological and environmental factors in adjustment to chronic pain. To test the utility of such models for understanding phantom limb pain, 61 persons with recent amputations were administered measures of average phantom limb pain intensity, pain interference, depression, pain coping use, pain cognitions and appraisals, and social environmental variables 1 month post-amputation, and the measures of pain intensity, pain interference, and depression again 5 months later. Multiple regression analyses showed that the psychosocial predictors made a statistically significant contribution to the concurrent prediction of average phantom limb pain, pain interference, and depression at the initial assessment, and a significant contribution to the prediction of subsequent change in pain interference and depression over the course of 5 months. The results support the utility of studying phantom limb pain from a biopsychosocial perspective, and identify specific biopsychosocial factors (e.g., catastrophizing cognitions, social support, solicitous responses from family members, and resting as a coping response) that may play an important role in adjustment to phantom limb pain.
Effects of natriuretic peptide receptor inhibition on remnant kidney function in rats

Effects of natriuretic peptide receptor inhibition on remnant kidney function in rats. To identify the contribution of natriuretic peptide (NP) activity to the adaptative increases in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), effective renal plasma flow rate (ERPF) and fractional sodium excretion (FE Na ) observed in the remnant kidney, we investigated the acute effects of administering HS-142-1 (HS), a potent NP receptor antagonist, in 5/6th nephrectomized (NPX) rats. In addition to normal sodium intake, high or low sodium intakes were used to stimulate or suppress, respectively, endogenous NP activity in NPX rats. In rats three days after NPX on high sodium, HS (20 mg/kg bolus i.v.) reduced GFR from 0.55 ± 0.05 to 0.35 ± 0.04 ml/min; ERPF from 1.83 ± 0.19 to 1.53 ± 0.16 ml/min; and FE Na from 7.1 ± 1.1 to 1.6 ± 0.4%, without affecting MAP. Similar changes of lesser magnitude were observed in NPX rats on normal sodium intake. By contrast, GFR, ERPF, FE Na and MAP were unchanged following HS in NPX rats on low sodium intake, suggesting that the magnitude of responses to HS is dependent upon the expected levels of activity of NP. We conclude that in anesthetized rats, natriuretic peptides contribute to the compensatory increases in GFR, ERPF and FE Na observed in the remnant kidney under normal and salt-replete conditions.
New limits on the variability of G from big bang nucleosynthesis

Abstract We revise limits on the value of G during primordial nucleosynthesis by incorporating new measurements of the neutron half-life along with the most recent reaction rate uncertainties. In doing this we follow D, 3 He, and 7 Li as G varies to determine how this variation affects limits on the baryon-to-photon ratio ( μ ). We then incorporate these new limits into the 4 He predictions to limit G as a function of the number of relativistic species at the time of nucleosynthesis. If the number of such species (⩾2) is not greater than the upper limit on the number of light neutrinos measured at CERN and the primordial abundance of 4 He was between (22–25)%, then 1.4>G nucl G today >0.7 . If G ( t ) ≈ t − α , this would translate into a limit 0.008> α >−0.009, or an approximate limit ( G G ) today −13 yr −1 .
Variable-velocity MHD induction generator with rotating-machine internal electrical efficiency

A traveling-wave, MHD induction generator with varying fluid velocity between inlet and exit can have the same internal electrical efficiency as a rotating induction generator. The fraction of electric retarding work converted to electric output at each station in the flow channel is (1 + s)-1, where s is the local slip (U - U s )/U s , between the velocity of the fluid U and the velocity of the zero crossing of the magnetic field wave U s . To produce the rotating-machine efficiency, the product of magnetic field amplitude, wave velocity, and flow channel width is held constant from inlet to exit. The local slip can be freely chosen for maximum electric output from the fluid in the presence of friction, and the inlet magnetic field can be selected for maximum output after winding and end losses. An efficiency of 0.63 is found possible with a 325-kW lithium generator.
Between Colorblind and Colorconscious: Contemporary Hollywood Films and Struggles Over Racial Representation

Hollywood films reflect the racial order in which they are made. The sociological significance of understanding racial representations within films is highlighted in this study as it recognizes that films offer a useful site for contentious views of the racial order—colorblind and colorconscious—to be played out. Focusing on films with an African American actor and/or actress, this study will highlight how actors and actresses in these films demonstrate the pervasiveness of racial inequality, as well as how the films still maintain a colorblind framework. Although the colorblind framework persists, acknowledging the presence of colorconscious themes is a new perspective that can help challenge the colorblind framework.
Police Use of Improper Force: A Systematic Review of the Evidence

Abstract This paper presents a systematic review of studies which consider the causes of police use of improper force, both in terms of which officers are more likely to use it, and against whom and under what conditions it occurs. The number of studies that do more than estimate the prevalence of improper force is small, and as such are reviewed in detail. What research there is suggests that situational factors have the most substantive impact on police use of improper force within police-citizen encounters, and that it is more likely to be employed by young, inexperienced, male officers across multiple encounters. Implications for research when police break the law and become offenders are discussed.
An Intact Urease Assembly Pathway Is Required To Compete with NikR for Nickel Ions in Helicobacter pylori

We examined the effects of urease and hydrogenase assembly gene deletions on NikR activation in H. pylori strains 26695 and G27. The loss of any component of urease assembly increased NikR activity under Ni2+-limiting conditions, as measured by reduced transcript levels and 63Ni accumulation. Additionally, SlyD functioned in urease assembly in strain 26695.
Social progress and mental health

Two key words come quickly to mind when one thinks of social progress: the word "development" and the word "help." These concepts seem to pervade the literature regarding conditions in the non-Western world, and among the disadvantaged in general. And they appear to underlie a large proportion of the planning and programs related to those areas and peoples. It would be useful to examine these concepts from time to time, given the enormous influence they have and given that they are used, individually or together, to justify all sorts of action and sanction a number of questionable traditions and practices. A critical analysis is not attempted here. Instead I would like simply to substitute other words or phrases for these two central ideas, and thus indicate some of their inadequacies and weaknesses, while attempting to point new directions. "Social progress," for example, might be a good substitute for the concept "development." Or the word "evolution" might substitute. More definitely than the word "development" the word evolution implies growth in the realms of social organization, education, ideas, and values. Further, it puts as much
The plasticating process in injection molding

A mathematical representation of the plasticating process in a reciprocating-screw injection-molding machine has been formulated as a design tool for simulating the effect of processing parameters on the melting performance, the melt temperature, and the pressure profile. Comparisons with experimental data on low density polyethylene (LDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) under a wide variety of processing conditions are described.
Electronegativity and Average Local Ionization Energy

A variation of an earlier formulation of electronegativity by Allen, as the average valence electron ionization energy of a ground-state atom, is proposed. It is shown that the calculated average local ionization energies on the 0.001 a.u. electronic density contours of atoms correlate very well with Allen's values. Our procedure makes it unnecessary to enumerate valence electrons, which can be a problem due to interpenetration of shells.
Minimizing dependencies within generic classes for faster and smaller programs

Generic classes can be used to improve performance by allowing compile-time polymorphism. But the applicability of compile-time polymorphism is narrower than that of runtime polymorphism, and it might bloat the object code. We advocate a programming principle whereby a generic class should be implemented in a way that minimizes the dependencies between its members (nested types, methods) and its generic type parameters. Conforming to this principle (1) reduces the bloat and (2) gives rise to a previously unconceived manner of using the language that expands the applicability of compile-time polymorphism to a wider range of problems. Our contribution is thus a programming technique that generates faster and smaller programs. We apply our ideas to GCC's STL containers and iterators, and we demonstrate notable speedups and reduction in object code size (real application runs 1.2x to 2.1x faster and STL code is 1x to 25x smaller). We conclude that standard generic APIs (like STL) should be amended to reflect the proposed principle in the interest of efficiency and compactness. Such modifications will not break old code, simply increase flexibility. Our findings apply to languages like C++, C#, and D, which realize generic programming through multiple instantiations.
Prototype micro gas chromatograph for breath biomarkers of respiratory disease

Progress toward a prototype MEMS gas chromatograph (μGC) designed for analyzing complex mixtures of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in breath is described. This μGC, named SPIRON, integrates a multi-stage preconcentrator/injector, a dual-microcolumn separation module, and a chemiresistor array detector with commercial minivalves and a minipump. Here, we describe results showing thermal control of all key system components and then present the rapid separation of two complex mixtures: one containing lung cancer biomarkers and the other containing tuberculosis biomarkers, both in backgrounds of 30 common breath VOCs. The fully assembled SPIRON μGC prototype is also presented.
Teaching the Art of the Memo: Politics and Precision.

In order to reproduce the politically charged environment of most corporations, I turn my class into a company. Using previously designated study groups, I make one the presi dent, another the vice president, and a final one the man ager of operations. Then I give them a problem which they can handle only through memos. Outside of class, they communicate by fax machines. Inside of class, they read and discuss each other's memos. This assignment enables the instructor to drop out of the role of lecturer as students discover for themselves the complex interaction between a writer and an audience.
The distribution of the Hebrew possessive dative construction: Guided by unaccusativity or prominence?

This article challenges the empirical generalization that the possessed element in the Hebrew possessive dative (PD) construction cannot be an external argument (Borer and Grodzinsky 1986), a generalization that has been leveraged in the use of the PD construction as an unaccusativity diagnostic. An acceptability judgment experiment shows that the PD construction is dispreferred when the possessor is less prominent than the possessee on the animacy or definiteness scale; however, it shows no effect of unaccusativity, raising serious doubts regarding the construction’s validity as an unaccusativity diagnostic.
DISCUSSION OF Relative Valuation of Alternative Methods of Tax Avoidance

I nger (2013) examines the relative valuation of alternative methods of tax avoidance. In particular, she uses hand-collected information from the financial statement footnotes to decompose total tax avoidance into four pieces so she can compare the relative valuation of tax avoidance related to the use of stock options (STOCK AVOID), accelerated depreciation (DEPR AVOID), and the deferral of U.S. tax on foreign earned income (RESIDUAL AVOID). She hypothesizes that different methods of tax avoidance may be valued differently based on characteristics associated with those methods, such as the risk profile and temporary versus permanent nature of the tax savings generated. Her results indicate that tax avoidance resulting from stock options benefits is positively associated with firm value, while avoidance associated with accelerated depreciation is not associated with firm value. Tax avoidance associated with deferral of the residual U.S. tax on foreign earnings is negatively associated with firm value, on average; however, this effect appears limited to firms with a presence in a tax haven and/or instances in which the extent of the residual U.S. tax associated with permanently reinvested earnings is salient to investors. Inger’s research addresses an interesting question and contributes to a growing stream of studies that explore heterogeneity in investor valuation of tax avoidance (Ayers, Laplante, and Schwab 2011; De Simone and Stomberg 2012). Presumably, owners of the firm want managers to make tax-efficient decisions, those where the marginal benefits of the transaction exceed the marginal costs (Hanlon and Heitzman 2010). Because estimating the costs and benefits of alternative tax savings transactions is challenging at best, too often, we lump tax avoidance methods together and treat tax avoidance as one all-encompassing activity. Yet, the marginal costs and benefits of alternative tax reduction methods almost certainly do vary. Inger’s study offers a framework for thinking about the relative costs and benefits of different methods of tax reduction, and the impact those varying costs and benefits might have on firm value. The limited prior
Cytogenetic and Molecular Diagnoses of Hypotonia in the Newborn

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the important history and examination considerations for the evaluation of a hypotonic infant. 2. Describe the spectrum of testing that should be considered for a newborn who has hypotonia. 3. Name the most frequent chromosomal abnormality associated with hypotonia in the nursery. 4. Describe the limitations of fluorescence in situ hybridization technology in the laboratory diagnosis of Prader-Willi syndrome. 5. Explain the differences in inheritance and genetic counseling concerns between myotonic dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy. The availability of molecular and cytogenetic techniques has improved our ability to make genetic diagnoses during the newborn period. Clues from both prenatal and familial histories in combination with findings on the infant’s physical examination are vital for appropriate test selection. However, even with such clues, the examiner may be left with a broad differential diagnosis to consider and require input from many pediatric subspecialists. Diagnosing hypotonia in the newborn period is an important example of how genetic testing can aid significantly in timely diagnosis for a critically ill newborn and allow for anticipation of medical interventions by the multidisciplinary team caring for the infant. When an infant’s postural tone (muscle tone maintained against gravity) is decreased compared with normal, the infant often is described as hypotonic. Phasic hypotonia, a decrease in rapid contraction in response to stretch, also may be present, as evidenced by examination of peripheral reflexes. Both findings are important pieces of information for the examiner because the presence of hypotonia elicits a very broad differential diagnosis for both pediatric neurologists and geneticists. The challenge is to find the origin of the hypotonia. What clues can localize it to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, or muscle? Based on this localization, what appropriate testing is available? A thorough prenatal history may describe decreased fetal movement, …
Radiology 2011: the big picture.

OBJECTIVE. This article will take a big-picture view of the issues of utilization, cost, value, quality, innovation, self-referral, specialization, commoditization, competition, and corporatization and suggest how they are closely interrelated.CONCLUSION. These issues may have a major effect on the practice of radiology.It may be both presumptuous and platitudinous to suggest that our profession currently faces some of the greatest challenges in its history.
Recurrent and new hepatitis C virus infection after liver transplantation.

Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common reason for liver transplantation. We examined the results of laboratory tests for HCV on a cohort of patients who received a liver transplant between 1990 and 1994 at three large centers. Seven hundred twenty-two recipients and 604 donors were tested for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) using a second-generation enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA-2), followed by recombinant immunoblot (RIBA-2) and HCV RNA confirmation by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (with genotyping and viral quantification). Diagnosis of posttransplantation infection required detection of serum HCV RNA that could be genotyped by sequencing or was repeatedly positive despite being unsequenceable. Twenty-five percent of transplantation candidates were seropositive for anti-HCV. Approximately 86% of anti-HCV–positive, 93% of RIBA-positive, and 97% of HCV RNA–positive candidates developed infection after transplantation. Pretransplantation HCV RNA was superior to RIBA-2 for predicting posttransplantation infection. Whereas HCV genotype was identified in nearly all candidates and changed little after transplantation, serum viral levels rose markedly after transplantation. Fifteen donors were either anti-HCV– or HCV RNA–positive. Recipients of grafts from donors with HCV RNA all developed infection, whereas infection was not detected in recipients of grafts from donors with anti-HCV but without detectable HCV RNA. The rate of new infection fell significantly (P = .02) after the introduction of EIA-2 screening of blood. Donor and candidate markers for HCV predict posttransplantation infection
Effect of Antioxidants on Consumer Acceptance of Irradiated Turkey Meat

Antioxidants had no effect on the production of sulfur compounds, color change, and off-odor intensity of irradiated turkey breast meat, but addition of sesamol + tocopherol or gallate + tocopherol was effective in reducing thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance values and aldehydes, especially under aerobic conditions. Consumers preferred the color of irradiated raw and cooked meat to nonirradiated meat because the pink color of irradiated meat looked fresher. The packaging method was more important than the antioxidant treatment in reducing irradiation off-odor because S-compounds produced by irradiation easily volatilized under aerobic packaging conditions. Therefore, the combined use of aerobic packaging and antioxidants is recommended to improve consumer acceptance of irradiated poultry meat.
The effect of neighboring cells on the stiffness of cancerous and non-cancerous human mammary epithelial cells

Using an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) with a 5.3 μm diameter spherical probe, we determined mechanical properties of individual human mammary epithelial cells. The cells were derived from a pair of cell lines that mimic cell progression through four phases of neoplastic transformation: normal (non-transformed), immortal, tumorigenic, and metastatic. Measurements on cells in all four phases were taken over both the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions. Moreover, the measurements were made for cells in different microenvironments as related to cell–cell contacts: isolated cells; cells residing on the periphery of a contiguous cell monolayer; and cells on the inside of a contiguous cell monolayer. By fitting the AFM force versus indentation curves to a Hertz model, we determined the pseudo-elastic Young’s modulus, E. Combining all data for the cellular subregions (over nucleus and cytoplasm) and the different cell microenvironments, we obtained stiffness values for normal, immortal, tumorigenic, and metastatic cells of 870 Pa, 870 Pa, 490 Pa, and 580 Pa, respectively. That is, cells become softer as they advance to the tumorigenic phase and then stiffen somewhat in the final step to metastatic cells. We also found a distinct contrast in the influence of a cell’s microenvironment on cell stiffness. Normal mammary epithelial cells inside a monolayer are stiffer than peripheral cells, which are stiffer than isolated cells. However, the microenvironment had a slight, opposite effect on tumorigenic and little effect on immortal and metastatic cell stiffness. Thus, the stiffness of cancer cells is less sensitive to the microenvironment than normal cells. Our results show that the mechanical properties of a cell can depend on cancer progression and microenvironment (cell–cell interactions).
The concentration distribution near a continuous point source in steady homogeneous shear

The concentration distribution resulting from a continuous point source in a fluid with a steady linear variation in velocity is distorted by the flow at distances greater than ( K / E b ) ½ , where K is the molecular diffusion coefficient and E b is a characteristic shear rate. The distribution has two distinct shapes depending on the number of principal axes of fluid strain that are expansive and the relative magnitude of irrotational and rotational shears. For irrotational flows a single expansive principal axis of strain results in a tube-like distribution, while two expansive axes results in a disk-like distribution. Approximate analytical solutions, derived by neglecting diffusion along the expansive axes, agree well with concentrations calculated by numerically convolving the exact instantaneous source solution. The effect of fluid vorticity is generally to reorient the distribution away from the principal axes of strain and to reduce the asymmetry of the concentration distribution. Aside from reorientation, the concentration distribution varies little until the vorticity approaches a critical value defined by a kinematic condition for equilibrium orientation in the presence of rotation. For vorticity greater than the critical value, the concentration distribution becomes axisymmetric around the axis of rotation. Application of these results to numerical simulations of isotropic turbulence suggests that tubes are more common than disks and that vorticity exceeds the critical value in at least 25% of the fluid.
Prototyping retractable string-based interaction techniques for dual-display mobile devices

Accessing information on mobile and wearable devices often requires the user's visual attention, and the precise operation of virtual or physical widgets. However, these interactions may sometimes be too time-consuming and socially inappropriate. To address this, we introduce a novel input/output device that is based on the manipulation of a retractable string in a polar coordinate frame. Depending on how the user pulls the string from its enclosure--to a particular length, at a particular angle--various system features may be directly accessed. Furthermore, we present our concept for a 1D pixel array, embedded in the string that may be used as a secondary 1D display. Since it is possible to unwind the display itself and trigger functionality with a single pull, information may be accessed and presented quickly, and perceived at a glance. We present scenarios for how the string input/output device may be used in conjunc-tion with the mobile device's primary 2D display and describe our augmented reality proof-of-concept prototype.
Open-Domain Semantic Role Labeling by Modeling Word Spans

Most supervised language processing systems show a significant drop-off in performance when they are tested on text that comes from a domain significantly different from the domain of the training data. Semantic role labeling techniques are typically trained on newswire text, and in tests their performance on fiction is as much as 19% worse than their performance on newswire text. We investigate techniques for building open-domain semantic role labeling systems that approach the ideal of a train-once, use-anywhere system. We leverage recently-developed techniques for learning representations of text using latent-variable language models, and extend these techniques to ones that provide the kinds of features that are useful for semantic role labeling. In experiments, our novel system reduces error by 16% relative to the previous state of the art on out-of-domain text.
Platelet recovery after induction of acute thrombocytopenia.

SummaryAfter mild thrombocytopenia (about 50-100% of control platelet level), induced by injection of antiplatelet serum (APS), platelets increased at a fairly constant and moderate rate for about 4 days and reached a maximum count, greater than pre-treatment levels, on the fifth day. After moderate to severe thrombocytopenia, an early moderate rate of platelet increase was succeeded within 2 days by a second more rapid rate that persisted for about 3 days. The maximum overshoot of the platelet count was usually less than twice the pre-treatment level. After the largest doses of APS, the platelet count remained depressed for several days. Platelet response after acute thrombocytopenia induced with antiserum is therefore variable, depending on the level and duration of thrombocytopenia.The capable assistance of Diane Beeman and Deborah Boran is gratefully acknowledged.
A Prospective Study of Arsenic Exposure From Drinking Water and Incidence of Skin Lesions in Bangladesh

Elevated concentrations of arsenic in groundwater pose a public health threat to millions of people worldwide. The authors aimed to evaluate the association between arsenic exposure and skin lesion incidence among participants in the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS). The analyses used data on 10,182 adults free of skin lesions at baseline through the third biennial follow-up of the cohort (2000–2009). Discrete-time hazard regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for incident skin lesions. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios for incident skin lesions comparing 10.1–50.0, 50.1–100.0, 100.1–200.0, and ≥200.1 μg/L with ≤10.0 μg/L of well water arsenic exposure were 1.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92, 1.49), 1.69 (95% CI: 1.33, 2.14), 1.97 (95% CI: 1.58, 2.46), and 2.98 (95% CI: 2.40, 3.71), respectively (Ptrend = 0.0001). Results were similar for the other measures of arsenic exposure, and the increased risks remained unchanged with changes in exposure in recent years. Dose-dependent associations were more pronounced in females, but the incidence of skin lesions was greater in males and older individuals. Chronic arsenic exposure from drinking water was associated with increased incidence of skin lesions, even at low levels of arsenic exposure (<100 μg/L).
Estimating combustion of large downed woody debris from residual white ash

The production of residual white ash patches within wildfires represents near-complete combustion of the available fuel and releases a considerable quantity of gases to the atmosphere. These patches are generally produced from combustion of large downed woody debris (LDWD) such as fallen trees and snags. However, LDWD are generally ignored in calculations of fuel combusted within environments where surface fires dominate (e.g. southern African savannas). To assess the potential of fractional white ash cover as a remotely sensed measure of LDWD combustion, both the proportion of the surface covered by white ash and the combustion completeness required to produce white ash must be quantified. An aerial photograph of woodland savanna fires in north-western Zimbabwe was analysed to estimate the proportion of white ash cover within a typical satellite sensor pixel. The proportion loss on ignition (LOI) of wood samples from the study area was measured and combined with previous estimates of mean tree biomass. The proportion of white ash within the aerial photographs was 0.2% (± 0.06), which corresponded to an additional 67 320 kg ha −1 of biomass combusted above that typically recorded as combusted from a surface fire in this environment (∼7000 kg ha −1 ). This analysis should be repeated in other savannas and forests, where pre-fire fuel loads and post-fire fractional white ash cover may be higher.
Abstract T P196: Tissue Plasminogen Activator is Safe When Administered by Neurovascular Fellows via Telemedicine

Objective: Telemedicine (TM) has increased the use of intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) for management of acute ischemic stroke. Despite its known safety in guiding tPA treatment, TM has not been formally embedded into stroke fellowship training. We compared the safety of tPA administration via TM consultation by neurovascular fellows (NVFs) versus neurovascular attendings (NVAs). Methods: In a retrospective chart review from 4/12 to 4/13, we identified 137 patients who were given IV-tPA at the advice of a NVA or NVF in our 14 spoke TM network. We abstracted baseline characteristics and clinical variables. We compared outcomes in patients treated by NVFs versus NVAs. Logistic regression was performed to compare rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), neurological worsening (an increase in NIHSS of ≥2 regardless of etiology), angioedema, and death. Median time between symptom onset and tPA administration was also compared between NVFs and NVAs. Results: Table 1 illustrates baseline characteristics. Of 137 consecutive patients given IV-tPA via TM, fellows treated 48 patients (35%). The sICH rates between patients treated by NVFs and those by NVAs were not significantly different (2.1% vs 1.1%, p=1.00) (Table 2). Neurologic worsening occurred in 6.3% of cases treated by NVFs and 6.7% by NVAs (p=1.00). The rates of angioedema between patients treated by NVFs and those by NVAs were not significantly different (0% vs 1.1%) (Table 2). While death rate was higher in patients treated by NVAs (4.5% vs 0%), this increment was not significant (Table 2). The median minutes between symptom onset and tPA administration was 10.5 more for NVFs than NVAs (143 vs 132.5, p<0.05) (Table 2). Conclusion: Although NVFs took more time to give tPA compared to NVAs, administration of IV tPA via telemedicine was safe when advised by NVFs compared with NVAs. This finding supports the feasibility of formally integrating telemedicine exposure into fellowship training. ![][1] [1]: /embed/graphic-1.gif
A New Procedure for Concept Evaluation

The author suggests a concept testing procedure which relies on concept evaluation and positioning by market segments. The integration of multidimensional scaling, conjoint measurement procedures, ...
EXPERIMENTAL VARIABLE GAIN FEEDBACK CONTROL OF A CIRCULAR CYLINDER WAKE

The effect of feedback flow control on the wake of a circular cylinder at a Reynolds number of 100 is investigated in a water tunnel experiment. Our control approach uses a low dimensional model based on proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). The mode amplitudes are estimated in real time using Linear Stochastic Estimation (LSE) and an array of 35 sensors distributed in a streamwise plane in the near wake. The controller applies linear proportional and differential (PD) feedback to the estimate of the first POD mode. In the context of this experiment, actuation is implemented as displacement of the cylinder normal to the flow. We find the Karman Vortex Street to be either weakened or strengthened depending on the phase shift applied by the PD controller. For all cases with a strengthening in vortex shedding, the flow becomes two-dimensional and phase locked across the entire span of the model. For all cases with a reduction in vortex shedding strength, a strong spanwise phase variation develops which ultimately leads to a loss of control even at the sensor plane location. This suggests that for reduction of vortex shedding a threedimensional sensing and / or actuation approach is needed.