cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A mathematical model of coagulation under flow identifies factor V as a modifier of thrombin generation in hemophilia A

Background The variability in bleeding patterns among individuals with hemophilia A, who have similar factor VIII (FVIII) levels, is significant and the origins are unknown. Objective To use a previously validated mathematical model of flow-mediated coagulation as a screening tool to identify parameters that are most likely to enhance thrombin generation in the context of FVIII deficiency. Methods We performed a global sensitivity analysis (GSA) on our mathematical model to identify potential modifiers of thrombin generation. Candidates from the GSA were confirmed by calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and flow assays on collagen-tissue factor (TF) surfaces at a shear rate of 100 per second. Results Simulations identified low-normal factor V (FV) (50%) as the strongest modifier, with additional thrombin enhancement when combined with high-normal prothrombin (150%). Low-normal FV levels or partial FV inhibition (60% activity) augmented thrombin generation in FVIII-inhibited or FVIII-deficient plasma in CAT. Partial FV inhibition (60%) boosted fibrin deposition in flow assays performed with whole blood from individuals with mild and moderate FVIII deficiencies. These effects were amplified by high-normal prothrombin levels in both experimental models. Conclusions These results show that low-normal FV levels can enhance thrombin generation in hemophilia A. Further explorations with the mathematical model suggest a potential mechanism: lowering FV reduces competition between FV and FVIII for factor Xa (FXa) on activated platelet surfaces (APS), which enhances FVIII activation and rescues thrombin generation in FVIII-deficient blood.
The Impact of Rain on L1 GNSS-R Radar Scattering Cross-Section

Current GNSS-R systems for ocean surface wind measurements usually operate at the all-day all-weather L-band frequencies. Though L-band signals can penetrate through clouds and precipitation, under heavy precipitation the various impacts of rain on the measurement need to be accounted for. Impact of rain on the microwave bistatic radar cross-section is not a well understood phenomena. In this work we attempt to improve our understanding of the measured radar cross-section under precipitation using the CYGNSS measurements and propose a forward model that accounts for a combined wind-rain interaction in the forward scattering direction.
Pharmacological Conditioning Reduces Damage from Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Porcine Skeletal Muscle and Ex-Vivo Functional Hearts

Purpose Heart transplantation is commonly considered to be the only option available for patients with congenital heart defects and/or individuals with terminal heart failure. Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) can damage the heart and prolong recovery. Common complications of IRI include graft rejection, cardiac allograft vasculopathy, graft dysfunction, and chronic kidney disease. Solutions of omega-3/omega-6 fatty acids and bear bile acids have been found to attenuate IRI. This study observes the protection conferred by these agents in isolated muscle bundles as well as on ex-vivo perfused hearts Methods Diaphragm skeletal muscle bundles are harvested from swine. Each individual bundle is placed in an isolated tissue bath measuring twitch force. Muscle bundles are stimulated and the force of contraction is recorded. Baseline and pretreatment data is collected for 1 hour each. Following pretreatment nitrogen gas is bubbled to induce hypoxia. Recovery force data is collected for 5 hours. Recorded data is normalized to baseline and analyzed.Additionally, swine hearts were pretreated for 1 hour before explant and subsequent reanimation on the Visible Heart Apparatus. Left ventricular pressure was collected for 2 hours post-reanimation. Results Preliminary results indicate pretreatment protects and increases muscle contractile function compared to controls. Increased function was observed in bundles that received omega-3 and omega-6 treatment before hypoxia and improved recovery was observed when combined with bear bile acids. Reanimated hearts show an increased left ventricular pressure differential after pretreatment Conclusion The preliminary investigations in diminishing IRI suggest there are promising applications of omega-3, omega-6, and bear bile acid treatments, specifically in heart transplantation.
The Rate of Heterotopic Ossification Following Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Comparison of Data.

Study design Systematic review. Objectives The purpose of the current study is to determine the overall incidence of Heterotopic Ossification (HO) following cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) as well as per annum rates. Summary of background data CDA is a well-established surgical modality for treatment of one- and two-level degenerative disc disease that has failed conservative treatment. Despite its proven mid-term clinical success, the potential for accelerated HO following CDA remains an area of clinical concern. Methods A MEDLINE literature search was performed using PubMed, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Embase from January 1980 to February 2018. We included studies involving adult patients, who underwent CDA, documentation of HO, with >12 month follow-up. The pooled results were obtained by calculating the effect size based on the logit event rate. Per annum rates were determined based on weighted averages according to average follow-up period. Results The initial database review resulted in 230 articles, with 19 articles that met inclusion and exclusion criteria. These pooled results included 2151-disc levels and 1732 patients (50% men and 50% women) who underwent CDA and were evaluated for postoperative HO. The mean age was 45 years with a mean follow-up of 60 months. Sixteen studies reported the occurrence of severe HO resulting in 22.8% of disc levels developing severe HO. When stratifying these studies based on funding type, severe HO was reported at a rate of 21.6% by IDE studies and 27.9% by independent studies. Conclusion The findings of the pooled data show the incidence of severe HO following CDA to be 22.8%. However, there is a significant difference in reported rates of mild and severe HO between IDE and independent data. This alludes to possible underreporting of HO and severity of HO in the industry sponsored IDE studies when compared with independent studies. Level of evidence 2.
Comparison of Underwater Video with Electrofishing and Dive Counts for Stream Fish Abundance Estimation

U.S. Geological Survey's Ecosystems Mission Area; Chesapeake Bay studies; Natural Resource Preservation Program
Quantifying the Application of FEFF to F-derived Spectral Structure

Applying the Green’s function based code FEFF to 5f derived features in actinide materials is potentially a very rewarding endeavor. However, there are some limitations that must be addressed. As part of the effort to quantify this process, FEFF has been applied to a few simplified 4f systems. The preliminary results of this investigation are discussed below.
Climate smart dairy and beef

Production efficiency in the dairy and beef industry canbe defined as minimizing the amount of inputs (e.g., feed, fossil fuels) and outputs (e.g., ammonia, NH3; greenhouse gases, GHG) to produce a given quantity of milk or meat. The present paper will focus on the dairy example. Production efficiency improvements can come from minimizing waste, maximizing a dairy cow’s milk production, and maximizing the proportion of her life spent in peak milk production without sacrificing animal health and well-being.
Diversity and Inclusion in Integral Education: A Teaching Perspective of Integral Psychology:

This article offers reflections and proposes practices that embody principles of diversity and inclusion while embracing spirituality in higher education. This approach to integral education is inf...
Beliefs about Origins and Eternal Life: How Easy Is Formal Religious Theory Development?

Two studies investigated children’s and their parents’ reasoning about their mental and bodily states during the time prior to biological conception–“preexistence.” Prior research has suggested tha...
Hydrogen Metabolism in Photosynthetic Organisms, the Mechanism of Hydrogen Photoevolution

Studies utilizing cell-free systems and dealing with H2 photoevolution have been few. Abeles (1) reported H2 formation from reduced pyridine nucleotides in the presence of DCMU with a preparation of Chlamydomonas eugametos. Benneman et al. (4) demonstrated light-dependent H2 evolution from water and from reduced dichlorophenolindolphenol with a reconstituted spinach chloroplast-soluble ferredoxin-clostridial hydrogenase system. We have adapted a recently published method of brief sonication of algal cells in a medium of low osmolarity (6) to obtain stable and sustained rates of H2 photoevolution in order to evaluate and characterize photosystem participation in this process. We also present results concerning the effects of soluble ferredoxin, electron donors, and inhibitors on the photoevolution of hydrogen.
9 Interaction of Language and Memory in Major Depression and Senile Dementia of Alzheimer's Type

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the interaction of language and memory in major depression and senile dementia of Alzheimer's type. The chapter investigated the degree and kind of deficits found in language and memory processing in populations of SDAT, major depression without dementia and normal aging. Impact of the disease process of SDAT is significantly greater than that of major depression. The patterning of deficits in language and memory is consistent with the conclusion that organic decrement is best viewed as continuous. The dichotomous approach to organicity is less productive for understanding the research results. A spectrum approach to depression and dementia is proposed. The utility of such a spectrum approach is underscored by recent findings from structural neuroimaging studies and neurochemicaI studies. Future research includes the systematic longitudinal study of these spectrum disorders. The long-term follow-up approach is required in order to answer basic questions that the present investigation has brought into focus.
Catalysts and Supports

Catalysts for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide are found among molecular transition metal carbonyl complexes as well as metal surfaces. Knowing the close analogies between the two types of metal centers, as they have been emphasized in the preceding Chapters, this cannot be a surprise. However, with a few exceptions, the reaction products obtained from CO + H2 are quite different. Thus, for instance, glycol and other polyalcohols have only been produced by homogeneous catalysts (i.e. soluble, molecular complexes), whereas long chain hydrocarbons are formed exclusively by heterogeneous catalysts (i.e. metal surfaces, or small metal particles on a support). The question arises as to what is at the origin of this type of specialization.
On the resilient overlay topology formation in multi-hop wireless networks

In this paper, we study the problem of how to design overlay topologies in multi-hop wireless networks such that the overlays achieve perfect resilience, in terms of all cooperative nodes included but misbehaving nodes excluded, and preserve the k-connectivity with high probability. To address this problem, we propose a new distributed topology control protocol called PROACtive. By using PROACtive, every node pro-actively selects its cooperative adjacent nodes as neighbors by mutually exchanging neighbor request and reply messages. As a result, the union of all neighbor sets forms a resilient overlay for a given network. Our analysis finds that the PROACtive protocol is light-weighted with the message complexity of only O(m), where m is the number of links in the original network. Our simulation results validate the effectiveness of PROACtive and show that the overlays generated by our protocol preserve the k-connectivity with high probability (> 90%) and low false positive ratio (< 5%).
Whey protein, but not leucine ingestion reduces insulin sensitivity (1161.5)

Intravenous infusion of an amino acid mixture reduces insulin-mediated glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. The mechanisms responsible for the adverse effect of amino acids on insulin-mediated glucose disposal are unclear and it is not known whether protein ingestion has similar adverse effects. We hypothesized that protein ingestion impairs insulin-mediated glucose disposal due to leucine-mediated activation of mTOR and serine-phosphorylation of IRS1. To test this hypothesis, we conducted hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps (50 mU insulin/m2 body surface area/min) in two groups (n = 9/group) of women (age: 58±1 yr, BMI: 35±1 kg/m2) who ingested (in randomized order): a) either 0.6 g of whey protein (containing 0.0684 g of leucine) per kg fat-free mass (28.1±1.0 g whey protein total) or placebo or b) 0.0684 g leucine per kg fat-free mass (3.3±0.1 g leucine total) or placebo during the 4-h clamp. Whey protein ingestion significantly reduced the rate of glucose disposal during insulin...
Role of MicroRNAs in Cancer Epigenetics

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) with gene expression regulatory functions. Increasing evidence shows that, despite not translated, miRNAs undergo the same regulatory mechanisms of any other protein coding gene (PCG). In particular, they undergo epigenetic regulation. Intriguingly, cancer cells are able to epigenetically regulate the expression of selected miRNAs, therefore granting an overall shift of the transcriptome towards an oncogenic phenotype. In parallel, miRNAs also directly target the expression of key effectors of the epigenetic machinery, therefore indirectly modulating the expression of epigenetically controlled PCGs. This intertwined relationship between the miRNome and the epigenome is further complicated by the existence of other categories of ncRNAs, also modulated by miRNAs and their epigenetic interactions. Overall, the complex layers of reciprocal regulation between ncRNAs and epigenetics are discussed in this chapter and represent a fundamental aspect of the biology of cancer cells.
Agent-Based Modeling of Behavioral Housing Recovery Following Disasters

: In the context of postdisaster recovery, housing reestablishment has been known to be a critical factor as it has ripple effects on the overall timing of recovery. This reestablishment is based on the dynamic behavior of homeowners in the aftermath of disasters. Therefore, to have an effective disaster planning it is essential that policy makers recognize this dynamic aspect of disaster recovery to effectively enhance the recovery process. This entails a thorough understanding of how homeowners react to recovery signals. One of the main sources of these signals comes from neighbors’ activities including reconstruction and relocation. The goal of this research is to develop a preliminary temporospatial agent-based model that can account for homeowners’ dynamic interactions with their neighbors. These interactions are based on homeowners’ equilibrium strategy derived from a game-theoretical approach, which is modeled in a multiagent system framework. The results highlight the significant impact of discount factor and the accuracy of the signals on homeowners’ reconstruction decisions as well as formation clusters by reconstructed properties.
Adaptation to Temporal Shocks: Influences of Strategic Interpretation and Spatial Distance

Even when shocks in a firm's environment are predictable, their consequences are not. Using the relocation of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium as a rich case of such a disruption, we investigate how combinations of strategic interpretation and spatial distance influence incumbent business owners' decisions to pursue temporal adaptation as a response. Temporal adaptation (TA) comprises timing rather than content changes by the firm seeking to adjust to the reconfigured environment. Survey data from 168 business owners show that strategic interpretation directly influences TA decisions. However, the effect of strategic interpretation on the TA decision is moderated by the spatial (geographic) distance of the incumbent firm from the locus of the disruption. Furthermore, results suggest that through strategic interpretation, spatial distance also indirectly affects the business owners' decisions to make temporal changes. Data collected 1.5 and 4 years later suggest that TA responses are related to performance and may be indicative of a particular type of TA, organizational entrainment (OE), which concerns the synchronization of organizational activity cycles with cycles in the environment.
The Yellow Brick Road to Penicillin: A Story of Serendipity

Approximately 14 years elapsed between Sir Alexander Fleming's discovery of penicillin (in 1928) and its full-scale production for therapeutic use (in 1942) in World War II. The following factors were responsible for the delay: a scientific explanation of Fleming's "phenomenon," classification of the fungus secreting the active substance, source of the mold, initial difficulty of other bacteriologists in reproducing Fleming's discovery, identifying the chemical makeup of penicillin, search for other penicillin-producing organisms to enhance production of penicillin, purification and crystallization of penicillin, experiments on animals (chiefly mice) to determine toxicity, hesitancy to administer the drug to humans, standardization of an effective dosage for humans, and search for equipment and financial resources to enhance full-scale production. The adjunctive role of serendipity (chance, happenstance, improbability, and luck) in overcoming these obstacles and in contributing to the successful, scientific conclusion of the penicillin project is an unusual story.
A new type of brittle fracture in a fcc metal bicrystal with intergranular segregation

A new type of brittle fracture was discovered in a Cu–Bi alloy bicrystal with a random misorientation interface. Macroscopically, fracture occurred along the interface with a low-energy release rate of order 50 Jm−2. Microscopically, the crack apparently propagated in a zigzag manner such that a cleavagelike fracture was produced, which consists of two sets of smooth {110} facets and one set of {100} facets with serrations corresponding to their intersections with {111} slip planes. Facet sizes are typically of order 1 by 5 μm or smaller. The very smooth facets and low-energy absorption suggest that a decohesion separation process has occurred along {110} planes, and the serrations suggest that substantial dislocation slip accompanied fracture of the {100} facets. The fracture surface morphology may be explained as the result of a similar morphology of Bi-induced microscopic faceting of the bicrystal interface or, instead, may result from fracture propagating in the vicinity of, but not quite along, the interface. Evidence is presented that favors the latter so that this is a rapid, cleavagelike, semiintergranular fracture that has not been observed in fee metals or alloys when an environment effect is not involved. Its faceted features resemble those of transgranular stress corrosion cracks in certain fee metals.
IN VIVO MODELS OF INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

Purpose: We systematically identified and evaluated various animal models that have been studied to help identify the underlying mechanisms of and possible treatment options for interstitial cystitis.Materials and Methods: Models of interstitial cystitis published between 1983 and 2001 were obtained by searching MEDLINE and other Internet databases using cystitis and model as the primary key words. Models with characteristics of interstitial cystitis similar to those defined by National Institutes of Arthritis, Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases criteria were reviewed. Some articles describing animal models with similar pathological conditions in other organs were also included to enlarge the base of potentially relevant material.Results: We identified and evaluated some 16 animal models of interstitial cystitis, which we categorized as bladder inflammation induced by intravesical administration of an irritant or immune stimulant, systemic and environmentally induced inflammation, and a naturally occ...
Penetrative convection at the top of a growing boundary layer

Motions at an entraining interface of a growing mixed layer are ideally partitioned into large eddies, such as plumes and thermals which act to distort the interface, and smaller scale turbulence responsible for entrainment through the interface. Influences of horizontal entrainment and pressure effects on the depth of penetration of large eddies into the stratified free flow are examined. This penetration plays an important role in the initiation of cumulus at the mixed layer top and modifies the turbulence energy balance and entrainment rate there. For example, previous models predict the entrainment rate to depend on the cube of the fundamental velocity scale at a stratified interface and linearly on this velocity scale with vanishing stratification (free entrainment). The present development, which includes specific roles of penetrating elements, suggests a possible intermediate quadratic regime corresponding to weak inversion strength.
Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) of Combustion and Gasification of Styrene-Butadiene Copolymer (SBR)

An investigation has been initiated to determine the effects of various atmospheres (6.9% O2 /N2 , 21% O2 /N2 (air), 30% O2 /N2 , 3% H2 /N2 and pure N2 ) on the efficiency of gasifying or combusting rubber waste to produce synthesis gas or generate steam or power. This paper reports on the findings from a series of TGA experiments at various heating rates on styrene-butadiene copolymer (SBR), which is the main starting component for tire manufacturing. The results indicate that oxygen enhanced atmospheres have a significant effect on increasing combustion efficiency at the tested heating rates. A hydrogen-spiked atmosphere, surprisingly, did not have a significant effect on the gasification rates of SBR at any heating rate; in addition, this atmosphere resulted in a carbon residual that remained in the sample carrier, something that was not observed in the other atmospheres, including pure nitrogen. An unexpected result of the N2 -O2 tests was the development of a plateau in the mass-loss versus temperature curves, at temperatures near 500°C.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Tools for predicting drop-off in large online classes

This paper describes two diagnostic tools to predict students are at risk of dropping out from an online class. While thousands of students have been attracted to large online classes, keeping them motivated has been challenging. Experiments on a large, online HCI class suggest that the tools these paper introduces can help identify students who will not complete assignments, with an F1 score of 0.46 and 0.73 three days before the assignment due date.
Primary Pulmonary Hypertension in a Patient With CD8/T-cell Large Granulocyte Leukemia : Amelioration by Cladribine Therapy

We report a case of primary pulmonary hypertension in an adult man with CD8/T-cell large granulocyte leukemia. Successful treatment of his leukemia with cladribine resulted in dramatic and sustained improvement of his pulmonary hypertension.
A review of the higher categories of Trigynaspida (Acari: Parasitiformes)

Abstract A cladistic analysis of the leg chaetotaxy of 85 species of Trigynaspida was conducted. The higher categories of Trigynaspida were reassessed as a result of the cladistic analysis and a reconsideration of traditional characters of the external morphology. Two new superfamilies and seven new families are proposed. Antennophoroidea is restricted to Antenno-phoridae. Fedrizzioidea is broadened to include Paramegistidae. Cercome-gistina is redifined. A key to the families based on females is included.
Optical and Chemical Properties of Polythiophene Films Produced via Surface Polymerization by Ion-Assisted Deposition

Polythiophene films are produced via surface polymerization by ion-assisted deposition (SPIAD), in which 55−200 eV thiophene ions and α-terthiophene (3T) neutrals are co-deposited on surfaces. These SPIAD polythiophene films display unique optical properties in their photoluminescence and UV/vis absorption compared with films prepared by either 3T or direct thiophene ion deposition only. The optical properties of SPIAD polythiophene depend on the deposited ion-to-neutral ratio and ion energy. Ion-to-neutral ratios of 1/100 cause a red shift in the photoluminescence of SPIAD films compared with 3T films whereas ratios of ∼1/400 cause a blue shift. Ion energies at 100 eV showed the most enhanced photoluminescence and UV/vis absorption compared with 3T films. Mass spectrometry indicates that a variety of higher molecular weight oligomers with some masses exceeding [3T]3 are formed by SPIAD. UV/vis spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy support the formation of a distribution of oligomers, while the lat...
Research Resource: Comparative Nuclear Receptor Atlas: Basal and Activated Peritoneal B-1 and B-2 Cells

Naive murine B cells are typically divided into three subsets based on functional and phenotypic characteristics: innate-like B-1 and marginal zone B cells vs. adaptive B-2 cells, also known as follicular or conventional B cells. B-1 cells, the innate-immune-like component of the B cell lineage are the primary source of natural antibodies and have been shown to modulate autoimmune diseases, human B-cell leukemias, and inflammatory disorders such as atherosclerosis. On the other hand, B-2 cells are the principal mediators of the adaptive humoral immune response and represent an important pharmacological target for various conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, and lymphomas. Using the resources of the Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas program, we used quantitative real-time PCR to assess the complement of the 49 murine nuclear receptor superfamily expressed in quiescent and toll-like receptor (TLR)-stimulated peritoneal B-1 and B-2 cells. We report the expression of 24 nuclear receptors in basal B-1 cells and 25 nuclear receptors in basal B-2 cells, with, in some cases, dramatic changes in response to TLR 4 or TLR 2/1 stimulation. Comparative nuclear receptor profiling between B-1 and peritoneal B-2 cells reveals a highly concordant expression pattern, albeit at quantitatively dissimilar levels. We also found that splenic B cells express 23 nuclear receptors. This catalog of nuclear receptor expression in B-1 and B-2 cells provides data to be used to better understand the specific roles of nuclear receptors in B cell function, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disease.
A 2.5D integrated voltage regulator using coupled-magnetic-core inductors on silicon interposer delivering 10.8A/mm 2

Energy consumption is a dominant constraint on the performance of modern microprocessors and systems-on-chip. Dynamic voltage and frequency scaling (DVFS) is a promising technique for performing “on-the-fly” energy-performance optimization in the presence of workload variability. Effective implementation of DVFS requires voltage regulators that can provide many independent power supplies and can transition power supply levels on nanosecond timescales, which is not possible with modern board-level voltage regulator modules (VRMs) [1]. Switched-inductor integrated voltage regulators (IVRs) can enable effective implementation of DVFS, eliminating the need for separate VRMs and reducing power distribution network (PDN) impedance requirements by performing dc-dc conversion close to the load while supporting high peak current densities [2–3]. The primary obstacle facing development of IVRs is integration of suitable power inductors. This work presents an early prototype switched-inductor IVR using 2.5D chip stacking for inductor integration.
Going alone: The lived experience of female Arab-Muslim nursing students living and studying in the United States

Since 2004, international student enrollment in the United States has increased. Middle Eastern students studying in the United States have been part of the increase. In 2008-2009 there were 29 140 Middle Eastern students, representing an 18% increase from the previous academic year. Despite these increases, there is limited research examining the experience of Arab-Muslim international students or international nursing students studying in the United States. Phenomenological inquiry was used to describe the experience of 12 female Omani nurses living in the United States while studying for their baccalaureate degrees in nursing. The women described the experience of going alone and being away from the support and presence of their large, extended families; this influenced their international student experience. They also described their religious, cultural, and educational adaptation. The experience of living and studying nursing in the United States was transformational as they became self-reliant, learned their capabilities, and adapted to cultural and educational expectations.
Two-photon spiral imaging with correlated orbital angular momentum states

The concept of correlated two-photon spiral imaging is introduced. We begin by analyzing the joint orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectrum of correlated photon pairs. The mutual information carried by the photon pairs is evaluated, and it is shown that when an object is placed in one of the beam paths the value of the mutual information is strongly dependent on object shape and is closely related to the degree of rotational symmetry present. After analyzing the effect of the object on the OAM correlations, the method of correlated spiral imaging is described. We first present a version using parametric down-conversion, in which entangled pairs of photons with opposite OAM values are produced, placing an object in the path of one beam. We then present a classical (correlated, but nonentangled) version. The relative problems and benefits of the classical versus entangled configurations are discussed. The prospect is raised of carrying out compressive imaging via two-photon OAM detection to reconstruct sparse objects with few measurements.
Small Molecule, NSC95397, Inhibits the CtBP1-Protein Partner Interaction and CtBP1-Mediated Transcriptional Repression:

Carboxyl-terminal binding protein (CtBP) is a transcriptional corepressor that suppresses multiple proapoptotic and epithelial genes. CtBP is overexpressed in many human cancers, and its overexpression increases stem cell-like features, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cancer cell survival. Knockdown of CtBP also increases apoptosis independent of p53 in cell culture. Therefore, targeting CtBP with small molecules that disrupt its interaction with transcription factor partners may be an effective cancer therapy. To elicit its corepressing effect, CtBP binds to a conserved peptide motif in each transcription factor partner. We developed an AlphaScreen high-throughput screening assay to monitor the interaction between CtBP and E1A (which mimics the interaction between CtBP and its transcriptional partners). We screened the LOPAC library of 1280 bioactive compounds and identified NSC95397, which inhibits the CtBP-E1A interaction (IC50 = 2.9 µM). The inhibitory activity of NSC95397 was confirmed using two secondary assays and a counterscreen. NSC95397 also behaved as a weak substrate of CtBP dehydrogenase activity and did not inhibit another dehydrogenase, lactase dehydrogenase. Finally, NSC95397 was able to disrupt CtBP-mediated transcriptional repression of a target gene. These studies present a new possibility for the development of a therapeutic agent targeting tumors through disrupting the CtBP transcriptional complex.
From the Equator to the North Pole: A Study of Character Strengths

Recently, psychologists have begun to shift their research attention to positive topics historically overlooked by the profession. The study of character strengths is a major research interest of positive psychologists. A classification of 24 character strengths, called the Values in Action (VIA) Classification, has recently been developed, and the current study evaluates these character strengths across cultures. Among 123 members of the Kenyan Maasai, 71 Inughuit in Northern Greenland, and 519 University of Illinois students, we found high rates of agreement about the existence, desirability, and development of these strengths of character. Despite these strong similarities, there were differences between and within cultures in terms of gender, the perceived importance of specific strengths (such as modesty), and the existence of cultural institutions that promote each strength.
Alcohol dependence, gender, and cortisol response predict amygdala response pattern to fMRI stress task

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 146 (2015) e2–e33 e27 Alcohol dependence, gender, and cortisol response predict amygdala response pattern to fMRI stress task Natasha E. Wright1, Claudia B. Padula4, Kristin E. Maple1, Robert Anthenelli 2, Erik Nelson3, Krista M. Lisdahl1 1 Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, United States 2 University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States 3 University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States 4 VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA,
Alignment of multimodality, 2D, and 3D breast images

In a larger effort, we are studying methods to improve the specificity of the diagnosis of breast cancer by combining the complementary information available from multiple imaging modalities. Merging information is important for a number of reasons. For example, contrast uptake curves are an indication of malignancy. The determination of anatomical locations in corresponding images from various modalities is necessary to ascertain the extent of regions of tissue. To facilitate this fusion, registration becomes necessary. We describe in this paper a framework in which 2D and 3D breast images from MRI, PET, Ultrasound, and Digital Mammography can be registered to facilitate this goal. Briefly, prior to image acquisition, an alignment grid is drawn on the breast skin. Modality-specific markers are then placed at the indicated grid points. Images are then acquired by a specific modality with the modality specific external markers in place causing the markers to appear in the images. This is the first study that we are aware of that has undertaken the difficult task of registering 2D and 3D images of such a highly deformable (the breast) across such a wide variety of modalities. This paper reports some very preliminary results from this project.
The cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of the bitter melon (Momordica charantia) on human lymphocytes.

Abstract We have previously reported that a crude extract from the bitter melon (Momordica charantia) killed human leukemic lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner while not affecting the viability of normal human lymphocyte cells at these same doses ( Takemoto et al., 1980). We now report that the crude preparation has both cytostatic and cytotoxic activities which are heat stable and trypsin-sensitive. Time and dose-response curves suggest that the factors act quickly, perhaps by entry into the cell. The effects of the crude extract are complete after only 2 hr of exposure. These activities are not due to the presence of the lectins from bitter melon seeds, as these purified proteins had no activity against human lymphocytic cells.
The neoplastically transformed (CD30hi) Marek's disease lymphoma cell phenotype most closely resembles T-regulatory cells.

Marek’s disease (MD), a herpesvirus-induced lymphoma of chickens is a unique natural model of CD30-overexpressing (CD30hi) lymphoma. We have previously proposed that the CD30hi neoplastically transformed CD4+ T cells in MD lymphomas have a phenotype antagonistic to cell mediated immunity. Here were test the hypothesis that the CD30hi neoplastically transformed MD lymphoma cells have a phenotype more closely resembling T-helper (Th)-2 or regulatory T (T-reg) cells. We separated ex vivo-derived CD30hi, from the CD30lo/− (non-transformed), MD lymphoma cells and then quantified the relative amounts of mRNA and proteins for cytokines and other genes that define CD4+ Th-1, Th-2 or T-reg phenotypes. Gene Ontology-based modeling of our data shows that the CD30hi MD lymphoma cells having a phenotype more similar to T-reg. Sequences that could be bound by the MD virus putative oncoprotein Meq in each of these genes’ promoters suggests that the MD herpesvirus may play a direct role in maintaining this T-reg-like phenotype.
On the tongue of a hummingbird: its role in the rate and energetics of feeding.

Abstract 1. 1. Rate of intake of hummingbirds (3·1 and 7·9 g) visiting a feeder was greater for larger hummingbirds but was not dependent on sugar concentration up to 1 ·0 molar sucrose. 2. 2. Most flowers produce nectarwith concentrations (0·24-1·48 molar sucrose) that should not influence rate of nectar intake. 3. 3. Rate of tongue licking was independent of body size (2·6-3·8 licks/sec), but the larger hununingbird obtained more nectar per tongue lick. 4. 4. Morphological studies indicated that the grooves on the tongues of hummingbirds may play a minor role in determining rate of nectar intake at a feeder with large nectar volumes, but they could be important in emptying small nectar volumes from flowers. 5. 5. Adding a “corolla” to the feeder resulted in a linear decrease in rate of intake with increasing “corolla” length. However, corolla curvature, position and the volume of nectar in flowers are also important for determining rate of nectar extraction from flowers.
“State plans”: Their development and potential for regional depository libraries participating in the GPO depository program

Many librarians affiliated with regional depositories are concerned about the ability of their libraries to receive, process, store, and service all the titles and series available on deposit from the Government Printing Office. Some of them have even questioned whether their library can maintain regional status and fulfill all the service elements specified in the Guidelines for the Depository Library System (1977). As this article demonstrates, regional librarians supported the concept of state plans because they believed that this process offered an excellent means to address their concerns. However, in only a few instances have the plans fulfilled the purpose which regional staff envisioned. Nonetheless, the foundation which they laid, if pursued and if the basic documentation underlying the depository program are rewritten, could lead to the type of changes sought by regional libraries.
X- and Ka-band power performance of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs grown by ammonia-MBE

A report is presented on the power performance of deep submicron AIGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors grown by ammonia molecular beam epitaxy. At 10 GHz, 70% power-added-efficiency (PAE) and 3 W/mm power density were demonstrated at a drain bias of 20 V. At 30 GHz, 31% PAE and 6.5 W/mm power density were achieved at a drain bias of 40 V.
Synthetic studies toward the zoanthamine alkaloids: synthesis of the fully functionalized BC ring motif

Abstract A synthetic approach toward lactone 20 , representing the fully functionalized BC ring motif of the zoanthamine alkaloids, has been developed and is presented herein. The challenging C9 quaternary center of 20 was installed by a Wilkinson hydrogenation of enone 17 followed by construction of an α-bromo acetal and intramolecular cyclization exclusively from the α face of the BC ring system.
An immunomagnetic-based method for the purification of ovarian cancer cells from patient-derived ascites.

Abstract Objective. Primary ovarian cancer cells obtained from fresh tumor have many advantages over established cell lines. Therefore, a procedure for the specific and efficient purification of such neoplastic cells is critical. We report an effective immunomagnetic method for the isolation of tumor cells from the ascitic fluid of patients diagnosed with ovarian adenocarcinoma. Methods. This procedure incorporates the use of monoclonal antibody (mAb) CC49, which recognizes the tumor-associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72). TAG-72 is highly expressed on ovarian tumor cell surfaces with little or no reactivity with normal tissues. Also used in this protocol are immunomagnetic beads, which bind to the CC49 mAb via a secondary antibody. When ovarian cancer cells adhere to the magnetic beads, a magnetic field is used to separate the tumor cells from all other cellular components. Results. Using ascitic fluid from five patients, we found that preparations before purification contained between 38 and 52% neoplastic cells. Using our method, we produced preparations that were between 63 and 96% pure for cancer cells, thus obtaining an average increase in tumor cell enrichment of 86%. Conclusion. We, therefore, believe this method is preferable for producing high yields of pure ovarian neoplastic cells. We are now employing this technique in our laboratory to provide a stringent and pure template for our studies on gene transfer to primary ovarian cancer cells.
Initial characterization of processes of soil carbon stabilization using forest stand-level radiocarbon enrichment

Abstract Although the rates and mechanisms of soil organic matter (SOM) stabilization are difficult to observe directly, radiocarbon has proven an effective tracer of soil C dynamics, particularly when coupled with practical fractionation schemes. To explore the rates of C cycling in temperate forest soils, we took advantage of a unique opportunity in the form of an inadvertent stand-level 14C-labeling originating from a local industrial release. A simple density fractionation scheme separated SOM into inter-aggregate particulate organic matter (free light fraction, free LF), particulate organic matter occluded within aggregates (occluded LF), and organic matter that is complexed with minerals to form a dense fraction (dense fraction, DF). Minimal agitation and density separation was used to isolate the free LF. The remaining dense sediment was subjected to physical disruption and sonication followed by density separation to separate it into occluded LF and DF. The occluded LF had higher C concentrations and C:N ratios than the free LF, and the C concentration in both light fractions was ten times that of the DF. As a result, the light fractions together accounted for less than 4% of the soil by weight, but contained 40% of the soil C in the 0–15 cm soil increment. Likewise, the light fractions were less than 1% weight of the 15–30 cm increment, but contained more than 35% of the soil C. The degree of SOM protection in the fractions, as indicated by Δ14C, was different. In all cases the free LF had the shortest mean residence times. A significant depth by fraction interaction for 14C indicates that the relative importance of aggregation versus organo-mineral interactions for overall C stabilization changes with depth. The rapid incorporation of 14C label into the otherwise depleted DF shows that this organo-mineral fraction comprises highly stable material as well as more recent inputs.
EPR of VO2+ in Cd(COO)2 · 3H2O single crystal: Superhyperfine interaction with ligand protons

Abstract X-band electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies of VO 2+ ions have been carried out in a cadmium oxalate trihydrate single crystal. The EPR spectra, recorded at 295, 80, 42, 19 and 4.2 K, are indicative of a single VO 2+ site in the unit cell. Each vanadyl hyperfine line is characterized by an anisotropic triplet superhyperfine (SHF) splitting, with the intensity ratios 1:2:1; maximum separation of the SHF splitting is observed when the orientation of the external magnetic field is along the Cd-H 2 O(II) direction. The principal values, and the direction cosines of the principal axes of the g 2 and A 2 tensors are evaluated from a simultaneous fitting of the EPR line positions, observed for several orientations of the external magnetic field, using a rigorous least-squares-fitting program, suitable for electron-nuclear spin-coupled systems. An impurity model of the vanadyl ion, substituting for the divalent cadmium ion, is proposed. The orientation of the V 4+ -O 2- bond has been estimated to be close to the Cd-H 2 O(I) direction. The SHF structure is explained to be due to the interaction of the unpaired electron of the VO 2+ ion with the two protons of its nearest-neighbor water molecule H 2 O(II); the principal values and the orientations of the principal axes of the SHF interaction tensor have been estimated.
Effect of Horizontal Air Jet Penetration on the Combustion of Coal in a Fluidized Bed

Experiments have been conducted to investigate the influence of a horizontal air jet on the performance of a fluidized bed coal combustor. Cold flow model studies were first made to visually and photographically study the effect of jet penetration on bed solids circulation patterns and mixing characteristics. Using these cold flow model studies as a basis, the influence of jet penetration and jet induced solids circulation on the combustion characteristics of a high sulfur coal has been investigated in an identical fluidized bed combustor. The experiments show that the combustion efficiency and bed temperature are usually higher at low jet air mass flow rates. The importance of the synergistic influence of bed solids blending rate, the elutriation rate, the superficial velocity, and the chemical reaction rate in realizing high combustion efficiencies is demonstrated. Pf PP Nomenclature = nozzle diameter, m = mean particle diameter, m = gravitational constant jet penetration depth from end of nozzle, m = jet air velocity, m/s = bed void fraction = gas density, kg/m3 = bed solid particle density, kg/m3
Study of Ne-core and He-core pseudopotential errors in the MnO molecule: Quantum Monte Carlo benchmark

Abstract Accuracy of effective core potential (ECP) is studied for two sizes of cores by density functional theory, Hartree–Fock and quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) methods using the MnO molecule as a test system. We compare the energy differences between high-spin and low-spin states that were previously found to be problematic for transition metal oxide solids calculations with ECPs. In order to disentangle errors caused by ECPs and by subsequent methods used in calculations, we construct a scalar-relativistic He-core ECP for Mn atom. We find that within high quality correlated calculations both Ne-core and He-core ECPs provide energy differences with comparable, high accuracy.
Clinical, virologic, and serologic evidence of Epstein-Barr virus infection in association with childhood pneumonia.

To explore the association of Epstein-Barr virus infection with childhood pneumonia we studied two patients whose mononucleosis-like illnesses were accompanied by pneumonia; both had virologic and serologic evidence of current or recent EBV infection. We then analyzed the sera of 71 children (age range, 14 months to 9 years) with pulmonary infiltrates for the presence of four classes of antibody to EBV. Antibody responses consistent with current or recent EB virus infection were found in 15. Two children had IgM antibodies to the EBV viral antigen at titers ≥1:160, indicating current infection, and all 15 patients had antibody to components of the early antigen complex, suggesting recent infection. A fourfold rise or drop in one or more EBV-specific antibody classes was noted in eight patients within 30 days following onset of clinical illness. Few patients had clinical features suggesting infectious mononucleosis. Eight of the 15 with serologic evidence of current or recent EBV infection also had clinical or serologic evidence of infection with another pathogen-bacterial, viral, or mycoplasmal. Thus, in childhood pneumonia, EBV may be a primary, co-primary, or secondary pathogen; it may be reactivated in the course of infection with another agent, or possibly, by suppressing immune function, it may precipitate infection with some other organism.