cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Non-Active Site Set Domain Surface that is Crucial for Di-Methylation of Histone H3 Lysine 4 by the Mixed Lineage Leukemia-1 (MLL1) Core Complex

Histone 3 (H3) lysine 4 (H3K4) methylation is an evolutionary conserved epigenetic mark that is involved in the control of gene expression. Lysine residues can be mono-, di-, or tri-methylated, often which each mark leading to different outcomes. In humans, the Mixed Lineage Leukemia-1 enzyme (MLL1, ALL1, HRX, KMT2A) is a SET1 family member that possesses H3K4 mono-methyltransferase activity conferred by its conserved Suppressor of Variegation, Enhancer of Zest, Trithorax (SET) domain. Di-methylation of H3K4 requires a sub-complex of proteins including WDR5, RbBP5, Ash2L, and DPY-30 (WRAD), which binds to MLL1 forming the MLL1 core complex. Di-methylation of H3K4 is associated with active transcriptional states of chromatin. We recently demonstrated that WRAD is a novel non-SET domain enzyme that catalyzes H3K4 di-methylation in a manner that is dependent on a non-active site surface from MLL1. The MLL1 surface required for interaction with WRAD and for H3K4 di-methylation is unknown. Genome sequencing studies recently revealed several missense mutations that occur in and around the SET domain in various cancers and developmental disorders. We noticed that a subset of missense mutations associated with human Kabuki syndrome (KS) map to a common non-active site surface in the MLL1 SET domain with no known function. In this investigation, we substituted all KS missense amino acid positions into MLL1 and observed that all are required for H3K4 di-methylation by the MLL1 core complex, which is associated with a loss of the ability of MLL1 to interact with the RbBP5-Ash2L heterodimer. Our results suggest that amino acids from this surface, called the Kabuki interaction surface or (KIS), are required for formation of the H3K4 di-methyltransferase active site within the MLL1 core complex.
The Relationship between the Gradient of Satellite-Derived Radiance and Upper Tropospheric/Lower Stratospheric Winds

Abstract It is shown that the gradient of satellite-derived radiance is proportional to a certain vertical integral of the geostrophic wind. The radiance gradient is shown to be useful in locating the upper tropospheric jet maxima in middle latitudes; the major uncertainty results from lack of specific knowledge of the lower stratospheric winds above the area in question. At high latitudes, the radiance gradient delineates regions of stratospheric jet maxima.
Characterization of the Etomidate Binding Site in Expressed α1β3 GABAAR by Photoaffinity Labeling

A major site of general anesthetic action is the inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR), which responds to various anesthetics by an enhanced GABA response. Using a photoreactive analog of the general anesthetic etomidate ([3H]azietomidate), the etomidate binding site in the bovine brain GABAAR was identified by the pharmacologically specific photolabeling of two amino acids in the transmembrane domain, βMet-286 in the M3 helix and αMet-236 (α1 numbering) in the M1 helix, which both project into the interface between the β and α subunits (Li et al, J. Neurosci., 2006 26:11599-605). The GABAAR preparation used in that study was heterogeneous, as it was isolated on a benzodiazepine affinity column from a detergent extract of brain membranes. To examine anesthetic interactions with GABAAR of known subunit composition, we expressed α1β3 GABAAR in HEK cells with an N-terminal FLAG epitope tag on α1 and purified hundreds of picomoles of receptor by detergent solubilization, affinity chromatography, and reconstitution into lipid. When this GABAAR was photolabeled with [3H]azietomidate, the 3H incorporation was enhanced by GABA and inhibited by etomidate, as determined by SDS-PAGE. From a preparative scale [3H]azietomidate photolabeling of GABAAR (350 pmol of muscimol binding sites), potential photoincorporation in each of the 4 transmembrane helices from both the α1 and β3 subunits was examined by Edman degradation. In the α1β3 GABAAR, [3H]azietomidate photolabeled the two residues at the β-α interface identified previously, as well as three additional residues, two within the β3M3 helix and the third in the α1M3 helix. To determine if these new labeled residues contribute to an etomidate binding site or represent lipid-exposed labeling, we are currently characterizing the etomidate inhibition of [3H]azietomidate photolabeling at the level of individual amino acids.
Transient and Specific Inactivation of Drosophila Neurons In Vivo Using a Native Ligand-Gated Ion Channel

A key tool in neuroscience is the ability to transiently inactivate specific neurons on timescales of milliseconds to minutes. In Drosophila, there are two available techniques for accomplishing this (shibire(ts) and halorhodopsin [1-3]), but both have shortcomings [4-9]. Here we describe a complementary technique using a native histamine-gated chloride channel (Ort). Ort is the receptor at the first synapse in the visual system. It forms large-conductance homomeric channels that desensitize only modestly in response to ligand [10]. Many regions of the CNS are devoid of histaminergic neurons [11, 12], raising the possibility that Ort could be used to artificially inactivate specific neurons in these regions. To test this idea, we performed in vivo whole-cell recordings from antennal lobe neurons misexpressing Ort. In these neurons, histamine produced a rapid and reversible drop in input resistance, clamping the membrane potential below spike threshold and virtually abolishing spontaneous and odor-evoked activity. Every neuron type in this brain region could be inactivated in this manner. Neurons that did not misexpress Ort showed negligible responses to histamine. Ort also performed favorably in comparison to the available alternative effector transgenes. Thus, Ort misexpression is a useful tool for probing functional connectivity among Drosophila neurons.
Structure-CNS activity studies with the enkephalins.

Numerous analogues of the enkephalin pentapeptides have been synthesized and comprehensive structure-activity relationships have been established. Analogues which are considerably more potent analgesics than the natural peptides are common; however, all thus far appear to have addictive properties. The problem of designing peptides which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier has been readily overcome since several analogues have been reported to be more active than morphine after peripheral injection. The existence of multiple opiate receptors is also being exploited in the design of peptides with more specific binding properties. This could result in the development of analgesic analogues with fewer adverse side-effect and peptides with enhanced non-morphinoid activities, such as anti-depressant and anti-schizophrenic effects.
Nosocomial infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Objective: To examine trends in nosocomial infection associated with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO). Design: Retrospective review of all patients who underwent ECMO over a 4-year period at our institution; specifically, examining reasons for placement and duration of time on ECMO, as well as nosocomial infections incurred while on or shortly after discontinuation of support. Infections were considered ECMO-related if the organism was recovered on support or within 7 days from decannulation. Analyses were performed utilizing Pearson's chi-square for dichotomous factors and t-tests for continuous factors. Results: Of 141 patients requiring ECMO support, 90 (64%) survived to hospital discharge. Indication for support included circulatory failure (53%) and non-cardiac (47%). Twenty-six percent of patients developed infections on ECMO. Organisms isolated included: bacterial 20 (54%), fungal 10 (27%), mixed five (14%) and viral two (5%). Infection sites included: blood 13 (35%), urine nine (24%), mixed eight (22%), wound five (14%) and lung two (5%). Seventy-eight percent of infections noted occurred in cardiac patients. Patients with nosocomial infections were supported for a median of 169 h (range, 84–936 h), versus those without nosocomial infection [146 h (range, 50–886 h); P<0.001]. Procedures on ECMO were associated with an increased risk of infection (P<0.001) as was the presence of an open chest (P<0.025). Conclusions: The incidence of infection in ECMO patients at our institution has not increased significantly since our previous study. Cardiac patients have increased risk for nosocomial infection while on ECMO, which may be in part due to longer cannulation times, as well as increased likelihood of undergoing major procedures or having an open chest.
Terahertz Spectroscopy of TNT for Explosive Detection

Transmittance spectra of solid and vapor samples of trinitrotoluene (TNT) in the spectral range 0.6 to 10 THz at resolutions up to 1 GHz are reported. Uniform solid samples of ~100 mm thickness gave stronger absorption and more resolved structure than previous studies. New absorption lines for TNT solid below 100 cm -1 are reported. A heated 10 m multpass White cell was used for spectroscopy of the vapor. Strong absorption bands yield unexpectedly large absorption cross sections for the anticipated saturated vapor pressure at the cell temperature, leaving their assignment to TNT in doubt. These results indicate that path lengths exceeding 10 m and temperatures higher than 40 C, or significantly higher instrumental sensitivity, are needed for sensing of TNT vapor in the spectral range 0.6 to 10 THz.
Random assignment: Practical considerations from field experiments

Abstract Much of the literature on randomized field experiments focuses upon the quantitative aspects of random assignment without reference to qualitative considerations. Failures in either area equally jeopardize field experiments and thus both require attention. This paper reviews seven qualitative issues that have the potential to weaken or destroy otherwise sound experimental designs. Experiences from actual randomized field experiments are used to exemplify the issues raised.
Evidence against reciprocal regulation of Ca2+ entry by vasopressin in A7r5 rat aortic smooth-muscle cells

Recent studies by Moneer and Taylor [(2002) Biochem. J. 362, 13-21] have proposed a reciprocal regulation of two Ca2+-entry pathways by AVP ([Arg8]-vasopressin) in A7r5 vascular smooth-amuscle cells. Their model proposes that AVP inhibits CCE (capacitative Ca2+ entry) and predicts a rebound of CCE after the removal of AVP. In the present study, we used whole-cell perforated patch-clamp techniques to measure ISOC (store-operated current) corresponding to CCE in A7r5 cells. When 100 nM AVP is present, it activates ISOC with no apparent rebound on removal of AVP. ISOC activated by thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid was not inhibited by 100 nM AVP. We also used fura 2 fluorescence techniques to re-examine the model of Moneer and Taylor, specifically focusing on the proposed inhibition of CCE by AVP. We find that 100 nM AVP activates capacitative Mn2+ entry and does not inhibit thapsigargin- or cyclopiazonic acid-activated Mn2+ entry. Moreover, Ca2+ entry after depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores is enhanced by AVP and we detect no rebound of Ca2+ or Mn2+ entry after AVP removal. On the basis of these findings, we conclude that AVP does not inhibit CCE in A7r5 cells.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Thermal Conductivity of Diamondoid Crystals

Hydrocarbon molecules with diamond structure, called diamondoids have gain considerable interest as promising nanoscale building blocks. Very large mismatch between strong, covalent intramolecular bonding and weak intermolecular bonding suggests interesting phonon related properties for diamondoid crystal. We use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to examine thermal transport of diamondoid crystals. In particular, thermal conductivity of small molecule adamantine and larger molecule pentamantane crystal is studied by equilibrium and non-equilibrium MD. The thermal conductivity of both materials is low, but comparable with that characterizing fullerene crystal.
SUPERCONDUCTING TRANSITION TEMPERATURE IN A NB/NBXSI1-X BILAYER SYSTEM

We investigated the effect of amorphous Nb{sub {ital x}}Si{sub 1{minus}{ital x}} on the superconducting transition temperature ({ital T}{sub {ital c}}) of two-dimensional single-crystal Nb films, as a function of thickness ({ital d}{sub Nb-Si}) and of {ital x} varied across the metal-insulator transition (MIT), {ital x}{sub {ital c}}=11.5%. When {ital d}{sub Nb-Si}{le}100 A, for insulating Nb-Si compositions, {ital T}{sub {ital c}} as a function of {ital d}{sub Nb-Si} displays an enhancement. We shall discuss this result in the framework of existing theories. When {ital d}{sub Nb-Si}{ge}100 A, {ital T}{sub {ital c}} systematically decreases as the Nb-Si composition approaches the MIT from the insulating side. We can interpret this phenomenon, using the proximity-effect theory. No {ital T}{sub {ital c}} enhancement at any thickness was observed for Nb-Si overlayers very close to the MIT or at the metallic side.
Coronary sinus lysophosphatidylcholine accumulation during rapid atrial pacing

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) release from the myocardium could be detected in patients with pacing-induced ischemia. We measured LPC levels in plasma obtained from the coronary sinus in 20 patients undergoing diagnostic atrial pacing stress tests. In 14 patients with pacing-induced ischemia, coronary sinus LPC concentration rose from 69.1 ± 5.3 μM at baseline to 101.7 ± 9.0 μM at 4 minutes and to 178.0 ± 18.0 μM at peak pacing (p
Novel, UV-curable coatings containing a tethered biocide: Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity.

Cationic, UV -curable coatings containing the tethered biocide, triclosan, were produced and their antimicrobial activity toward Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli determined. Two polysiloxanes functionalized with both cycloaliphatic epoxy and triclosan were synthesized using hydrosilylation. The functionalized polysiloxanes, with varied concentration of pendant triclosan, were used to produce UV-curable coatings with reasonably good coating properties. Fourier transform (FT)-Raman spectroscopy showed that the tethered triclosan moieties self-concentrate on the coating surface. Using biological assays, it was determined that the coatings possessed nearly 100% antimicrobial activity toward the Gram-positive bacterium, S. epidermidis, without leaching toxic components. For the Gram-negative bacterium, E. coli, 60–80% reduction in biofilm retention was observed for all the coatings. Interestingly, the coatings were lesser effective in reducing E. coli cell viability suggesting that the tethered triclosan were able to substantially reduce the production of the biofilm extracellular matrix with minimal adverse affect on the bacterial cells attached to the coating surfaces. The high specificity of the coatings toward S. epidermidis indicates that a novel mode of contact-active antimicrobial activity was achieved through the disruption of processes unique to the Gram-positive cell wall. These novel UV-curable coatings have potential applications in inhibiting implantable biomedical device associated infections. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2010.
A Monte Carlo approach to rolling leukocyte tracking in vivo

Tracking the movement of rolling leukocytes in vivo contributes to the understanding of the mechanism of the inflammatory process and to the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. Several roadblocks exist that hinder successful automated tracking including the moving background, the severe image noise and clutter, the occlusion of the target leukocyte by other leukocytes and structures, the jitter caused by the breathing movement of the living animal, and the weak image contrast. In this paper, a Monte Carlo tracker is developed for automatically tracking a single rolling leukocyte in vivo. Based on the leukocyte movement information and the image intensity features, a specialized sample-weighting criterion is tailored to the application. In comparison with a snake-based tracker, our experiments show that, as the noise intensity level increases, the performance of the snake tracker degrades more than that of the Monte Carlo tracker. In cases, where the leukocyte is observed in contact with the vessel wall, the Monte Carlo tracker is less affected by the image clutter. From tracking within 99 intravital microscopic video sequences, the Monte Carlo tracker exhibits superior performance in the reduced localization error and the increased number of frames tracked when compared with the centroid tracker, the correlation tracker and the GVF snake tracker.
Psychosis in Medical Conditions: Response to Risperidone

We report the response to risperidone in seven hospitalized, adult patients who presented psychotic symptoms etiologically related to a general medical condition. The conditions included brain surgery in two, and anticardiolipin syndrome, renal failure, epilepsy, lupus, and metastatic carcinoma in one each. Four patients had failed previous treatment with at least one typical antipsychotic agent. Response to risperidone was assessed by the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Serum was collected for measurement of steady-state trough risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone concentrations at effective doses in three patients. Amelioration of psychotic symptoms was noted in all seven patients. Mean (+/- SD) BPRS scores were reduced significantly from baseline (63.0 +/- 15.1) to endpoint (27.0 +/- 3.5; p < 0.01). The mean effective daily dose of risperidone was 3.1 +/- .7 mg and time to response was 4.7 +/- 2.4 days. Risperidone was not present at detectable concentrations in the three patients studied. The mean steady-state trough serum concentration of 9-hydroxyrisperidone in the three patients assessed was 20.3 +/- 9.8 ng/ml. These preliminary findings, which suggest that risperidone is a safe and effective agent in patients with psychotic symptoms due to various medical conditions, need to be confirmed by randomized, antipsychotic comparison trials involving a larger number of patients.
Biologically-Inspired Patterned and Coated Adhesives for Medical Devices

The challenge of having a medical device robustly and reversibly adhere to a tissue in a minimally-invasive way during a clinical procedure is significant and has yet to be solved. Materials that could perform this adhesion would be valuable for use in a wide array of devices, including wired and wireless endoscopes for gastrointestinal interventions; cardiovascular devices such as mobile robots that transverse the heart surface or fixation devices for open heart surgery; and for adhering craniectomy devices to the skull during decompressive treatment. Fibrillar patterned adhesives inspired by the micro- and nano-scale structures on the feet of geckos have been widely studied and synthesized and have shown great potential for reversible adhesion in dry environments. Preliminary work has also been conducted to enhance the adhesion of these materials in wet conditions by coating them with polymers that include dopamine methacrylamide (DMA), a synthetic sticky polymer inspired by the material found naturally in the holdfasts of mussels. These coated materials demonstrated wet adhesion enhancement at the nano-scale, but not at the macro-scale and not when compared to unpatterned materials. In this work, we take previously-developed gecko-inspired patterned arrays of fibers with mushroom-shaped tips which have demonstrated enhanced adhesion with respect to unpatterned materials in dry conditions and coat them with these same synthetic mussel-inspired polymers to enhance adhesion in fully-submerged wet environments. DMA-containing polymers were synthesized through a multistep process and applied to an array of micro-scale polyurethane fibers by stamping. Material samples were tested in a custom-built adhesion measurement system in contact with a 6 mm glass hemisphere in both dry and wet conditions. Flat DMA-stamped samples demonstrated as much as 7 times enhancement over uncoated samples, while patterned, coated samples demonstrated as much as 23 times adhesion enhancement. The sample also maintained 65% of its adhesive ability over 100 test cycles. These materials are the first to demonstrate reversible fibrillar adhesion in wet conditions at the macro-scale with respect to both unpatterned and uncoated materials on non-flat surfaces using intermolecular forces instead of suction forces. Versatile reversible materials capable of adhering to non-flat surfaces in wet conditions should continue to be studied for their value for a wide array of medical device applications.
Palaeontology: Decay distorts ancestry.

Experiments with simple chordate animals show how decay may make the resulting fossils seem less evolved. The consequence is to distort evidence of the evolution of the earliest vertebrates and their precursors.
Applying security policies and service level agreement to IaaS service model to enhance security and transition

Over a decade ago, cloud computing became an important topic for small, medium and large businesses alike. The new concept promises scalability, security, cost reduction, portability and availability. While addressing the cloud concepts over the past several years, there have been intensive discussions about the importance of the different cloud computing service model. Moreover, there were lots of discussions about the risks in migrating to cloud computing. Therefore, this paper reviews the concept of cloud computing, security policies and concentrates on Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model. Also, the paper examines the risks encountered by implementing the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model in organizations. Furthermore, the paper's aim is to discuss the role of security policies, service level agreement (SLA) and compliance for enhancing the security of the IaaS service model by presenting several applicable policies.
Protein restriction in early pregnancy alters fetal and placental growth and allantoic fluid proteins in swine

This study was designed to determine the impact of protein malnutrition during early pregnancy on fetal and placental growth and on the protein synthesis capacity of placental and endometrial tissues. Twelve crossbred sows received 1.8 kg/d of a control (13% protein) or protein-restricted (0.5% protein) diet from the day of breeding to Day 63 of pregnancy, when dissections were performed on each conceptus unit. The de novo protein synthetic rate of placental and endometrial explants was measured using (35)S-methionine. These proteins and the proteins from amniotic and allantoic fluids were separated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Placental weight was significantly reduced in the sows fed the restricted diet, with a tendency for decreased fetal weight as well. No differences were found due to dietary treatment in de novo protein synthesis or in the electrophoretic patterns of secreted proteins of the placenta or endometrium. The apparent quantity of 3 proteins in the allantoic fluid of the restricted diet fetuses decreased, while 1 protein increased in comparison with that of the control fetuses. These data suggest that protein malnutrition in early pregnancy decreases placental growth, thereby decreasing both fetal growth and the opportunity for compensatory growth upon nutritional rehabilitation.
Dyadic and triadic reconciliation in pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina)

The tendency in primates for former antagonists to approach and affiliate following aggression has been termed reconciliation because the response is thought to resolve social conflicts produced by aggression. In primate societies, however, an aggressive interaction between two individuals often spreads to include other group members, especially the kin of the combatants. If post conflict affiliation resolves aggressive conflicts in a group, then affiliative increases might occur between combatants and the kin of their opponents following aggression as well as between former opponents. This hypothesis was tested in a captive group of 39 pigtail macaques (Macaca nemestrina) by comparing affiliative response frequencies of combatants during the 5 minute period following aggression to affiliative response frequencies during 5 minute baseline periods not preceded by aggressive activity. Following aggression, affiliation rates increased between combatants and their opponents, aggressors and the kin of their opponents, and aggressors and their own kin. Additional analyses showed that aggression among kin was reconciled more often than aggression among nonkin. Recipients of aggression reconciled with their attackers more often than aggressors reconciled with their victims. Animals with similar dominance ranks reconciled proportionately more often than those with large rank disparities and aggressive infractions of a calculated dominance hierarchy were reconciled more often than attacks consistent with the hierarchy. Results suggest that both dyadic and triadic reconciliations occur in M. nemestrina and that compared to other primate species M. nemestrina exhibit a moderate-to-high conciliatory tendency.
Low dose dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging using a statistical iterative reconstruction method.

Purpose: Dynamic CT myocardial perfusion imaging has the potential to provide both functional and anatomical information regarding coronary artery stenosis. However, radiation dose can be potentially high due to repeated scanning of the same region. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of statistical iterative reconstruction to improve parametric maps of myocardial perfusion derived from a low tube current dynamic CT acquisition. Methods: Four pigs underwent high (500 mA) and low (25 mA) dose dynamic CT myocardial perfusion scans with and without coronary occlusion. To delineate the affected myocardial territory, an N-13 ammonia PET perfusion scan was performed for each animal in each occlusion state. Filtered backprojection (FBP) reconstruction was first applied to all CT data sets. Then, a statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR) method was applied to data sets acquired at low dose. Image voxel noise was matched between the low dose SIR and high dose FBP reconstructions. CT perfusion maps were compared among the low dose FBP, low dose SIR and high dose FBP reconstructions. Numerical simulations of a dynamic CT scan at high and low dose (20:1 ratio) were performed to quantitatively evaluate SIR and FBP performance in terms of flow map accuracy, precision, dosemore » efficiency, and spatial resolution. Results: Forin vivo studies, the 500 mA FBP maps gave −88.4%, −96.0%, −76.7%, and −65.8% flow change in the occluded anterior region compared to the open-coronary scans (four animals). The percent changes in the 25 mA SIR maps were in good agreement, measuring −94.7%, −81.6%, −84.0%, and −72.2%. The 25 mA FBP maps gave unreliable flow measurements due to streaks caused by photon starvation (percent changes of +137.4%, +71.0%, −11.8%, and −3.5%). Agreement between 25 mA SIR and 500 mA FBP global flow was −9.7%, 8.8%, −3.1%, and 26.4%. The average variability of flow measurements in a nonoccluded region was 16.3%, 24.1%, and 937.9% for the 500 mA FBP, 25 mA SIR, and 25 mA FBP, respectively. In numerical simulations, SIR mitigated streak artifacts in the low dose data and yielded flow maps with mean error <7% and standard deviation <9% of mean, for 30×30 pixel ROIs (12.9 × 12.9 mm{sup 2}). In comparison, low dose FBP flow errors were −38% to +258%, and standard deviation was 6%–93%. Additionally, low dose SIR achieved 4.6 times improvement in flow map CNR{sup 2} per unit input dose compared to low dose FBP. Conclusions: SIR reconstruction can reduce image noise and mitigate streaking artifacts caused by photon starvation in dynamic CT myocardial perfusion data sets acquired at low dose (low tube current), and improve perfusion map quality in comparison to FBP reconstruction at the same dose.« less
Electron Transport Chain Activity in Normal and Activated Rat Macrophages

Abstract The pivotal role played by the macrophage in specific and nonspecific immunity suggests that the physiological status of the macrophage may effect the overall regulation of the host defense system. Many studies have evaluated macrophages as effector cells by examining expression of surface markers, cytokine release, or tumor killing in the presence of challenge to host defenses. In this report, the physiological parameter of mitochondrial respiration in freshly isolated rat macrophages is shown to be regulated upon activation in vivo. Assay conditions for the reduction of MTT [3(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] in rat macrophages were optimized and used to quantitate electron transport chain activity as a measure of mitochondrial respiration. Corynebacterium parvum administration significantly increased the activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in both peritoneal (120% increase, 0.18 ± .01 vs 0.40 ± .03, P P ± 0.01) as detected by augmented MTT reduction. It is demonstrated further that MTT reduction is distinct from the respiratory burst activity of macrophages and supports the mitochondrial localization of intracellular MTT reduction in this cell type. These results demonstrate that electron transport chain activity is a physiological indicator of macrophage activation.
High-performance, mechanically compliant silica-based ionogels for electrical energy storage applications

The development of an ionic liquid-rich (∼94% by mass), mechanically compliant, silica-supported ionogel (ionic liquid-based gel electrolyte) is described. This new form of ionogel was created using a straightforward sol–gel process with a novel formulation of reactants, resulting in a versatile, stable, and high-performance solid electrolyte. The mechanically compliant ionogels described herein show both capacitance and ionic conductivity values at room temperature nearly equivalent to those of the neat ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, EMI TFSI), in addition to exhibiting a wide window of electrochemical stability. Compliant ionogels (elastic modulus of ∼5 kPa) show markedly different mechanical character than previously reported silica ionogels, which are mechanically brittle and exhibit lower ionic conductivity and double-layer capacitance. The silica microstructure is shown to be tunable by simple alterations of the reagent formulation. Compliant ionogels may be suitable for in situ fabrication of flexible, thin-film energy storage devices such as supercapacitors.
DrunkWalk: Collaborative and Adaptive Planning for Navigation of Micro-Aerial Sensor Swarms

Micro-aerial vehicle (MAV) swarms are a new class of mobile sensor networks with many applications, including search and rescue, urban surveillance, radiation monitoring, etc. These sensing applications require autonomously navigating a high number of low-cost, low-complexity MAV sensor nodes in hazardous environments. The lack of preexisting localization infrastructure and the limited sensing, computing, and communication abilities of individual nodes makes it challenging for nodes to autonomously navigate to suitable preassigned locations. In this paper, we present a collaborative and adaptive algorithm for resource-constrained MAV nodes to quickly and efficiently navigate to preassigned locations. Using radio fingerprints between flying and landed MAVs acting as radio beacons, the algorithm detects intersections in trajectories of mobile nodes. The algorithm combines noisy dead-reckoning measurements from multiple MAVs at detected intersections to improve the accuracy of the MAVs' location estimations. In addition, the algorithm plans intersecting trajectories of MAV nodes to aid the location estimation and provide desired performance in terms of timeliness and accuracy of navigation. We evaluate the performance of our algorithm through a real testbed implementation and large-scale physical feature based simulations. Our results show that, compared to existing autonomous navigation strategies, our algorithm achieves up to 6X reduction in location estimation errors, and as much as 3X improvement in navigation success rate under the given time and accuracy constraints.
Simulated equilibrium and nonequilibrium interfaces in a lattice model

We have studied the properties of equilibrium and nonequilibrium (d-1)-dimensional interfaces via Monte Carlo simulations of a d-dimensional solid-on-solid model with d=2 and 3. At equilibrium, we examine the intrinsic width of the interface and the interfacial profile as functions of both the lateral size L of the system and the applied gravitational field g; we have studied also the height-height correlation function as a function of both separation and g in two dimensions. Our results are consistent with theories of these properties relying on exact (in an appropriate limit) solution of the model for the case of d=2 and on capillary-wave theory for d=3. The nonequilibrium interfaces studied are those which arise between a growing wetting film and a bulk phase. We look at the intrinsic width of the interface and at the interfacial profile in the large-L limit as functions of time and of the interaction between the substrate and adsorbate. For d-1 equal to both 1 and 2, and for all adsorbate-substrate potentials used, the width grows at a rate which is independent of this potential; the rate is consistent with fluctuation-dominated growth mechanisms. The profiles have the same shape as the equilibrium profiles. In particular we find for d-1=1 that the width varies with time as w\ensuremath{\sim}${t}^{1/4}$, which is the same as the rate of growth of the film thickness in the fluctuation regime.
Immunity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SSY5 mRNA to nonsense-mediated mRNA decay.

The nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway is a specialized pathway that triggers the rapid degradation of select mRNAs. Initially identified as a pathway that degrades mRNAs with premature termination codons, NMD is now recognized as a pathway that also regulates some natural mRNAs. Since natural mRNAs do not typically contain premature termination codons, these mRNAs contain features that target them to NMD. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae mRNAs with atypically long 3'-UTRs are usually degraded by NMD, however in some conditions a constitutively expressed SSY5 mRNA with multiple NMD targeting signals including an atypically long 3'-UTR is an exception. We investigated the features of the SSY5 mRNAs that confer immunity to NMD. We found that the SSY5 mRNA 3'-UTRs are sufficient to target NMD insensitive mRNA to the pathway. Replacing the SSY5 3'-UTRs with the cyc1-512 3'-UTRs, known to target mRNAs to NMD or with the CYC1 3'-UTR, known not to target mRNAs to NMD, resulted in production of SSY5 mRNAs that were regulated by NMD. These observations suggest that the SSY5 mRNAs require sequences both within the 5'-UTR and/or ORF as well as the 3'-UTR to escape decay by NMD.
Finding the Adaptive Sweet Spot: Balancing Compliance and Achievement in Automated Stress Reduction

Automated coaching systems offer a convenient, cost-effective way to reduce stress, which can be a serious health issue. However, one concern with such systems is compliance; users fail to achieve daily stress reduction goals because goals are too easy or too difficult. To address this, we built DStress (Design for Stress), a theoretically grounded system that sets adaptive goals in three coaching dimensions: Exercise, Meditation and Accessibility. DStress modifies goal-difficulty based on the individual's immediately previous performance. In a 28-day deployment with 65 users, DStress reduced scores on one direct measure of stress almost in half, significantly more than two other non-adaptive coaching strategies. However, on a second direct stress measure, no improvement was found. There were also no improvements on other indirect stress measures. Analysis of 2842 user-generated reports suggests our findings were the result of DStress balancing compliance against the degree of challenge of the goals it would set.
Non-radiative recombination centers in GaAs0·6P0·4 red light-emitting diodes

Abstract GaAs0·6P0·4 red light-emitting diodes constitute one of the most important commercial display technologies. The majority of the recombination in these p-n junction diodes is, however, non-radiative. This report describes the characterization of native defects in this material and provides evidence for non-localized, multiple and coupled-level defect centers. Thermal emission rates, photoionization cross sections, thermal capture coefficients, and the distribution of these defects in the GaAsP substrate have been determined. These native defects result in a nsec non-radiative lifetime for holes injected into n-type material and non-radiative space charge recombination current at these centers can account for a large portion of the forward bias current in GaAsP red light-emitting diodes.
Influence of the microenvironment on cell fate determination and migration

Several critical cell functions are influenced not only by internal cellular machinery but also by external mechanical and biochemical cues from the surrounding microenvironment. Slight changes to the microenvironment can result in dramatic changes to the cell's phenotype; for example, a change in the nutrients or pH of a tumor microenvironment can result in increased tumor metastasis. While cellular fate and the regulators of cell fate have been studied in detail for several decades now, our understanding of the extracellular regulators remains qualitative and far from comprehensive. In this review, we discuss the microenvironment influence on cell fate in terms of adhesion, migration, and differentiation and focus on both developments in experimental and computation tools to analyze cellular fate.
The synthesis of novel regioisomeric ring-expanded xanthine nucleosides containing the 5:7-fused imidazo[4,5,e][1,2,4]triazepine ring system

Abstract The syntheses of novel regioisomeric ring-expanded purine nucleosides containing the imidazo[4,5-e][1,2,4]triazepine nucleus are reported. The glycosylation of the heterocycle 3,4,6,7-tetrahydroimidazo[4,5-e][1,2,4]triazepine-5,8-dione (2a) by the stannic chloride procedure gave nucleosides 3 and 4, with the sugar moiety attached at the 7-and 3-positions of the heterocycle, respectively. On the other hand, the mercuric cyanide procedure for glycosylation of 2a yielded nucleosides 4 and 5, with the sugar attached at the 1-position in the latter. In either procedure, 4 was the minor isomer and was obtained only in trace amounts. While debenzoylation of 3 and 5 provided the respective parent nucleosides 8 and 10, that of 4 resulted in ring-opening to produce 9. Attempted enzymic glycosylation of 2a with purine nucleoside phosphorylase failed to yield any nucleoside product.
Learning styles in otolaryngology fellowships

Objectives/Hypothesis: Previous studies have identified a predominant learning style in trainees from different specialties, more recently in otolaryngology residents. The purpose of our study was to determine a predominant learning style within otolaryngology fellowships and to identify any differences between otolaryngology fellows and residents. Study Design: We conducted a survey of otolaryngology fellows at 25 otolaryngology fellowship programs accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Methods: We emailed Kolb's Learning Style Index version 3.1 to 16 pediatric otolaryngology (PO) and 24 otology/neurotology (ON) fellows. This index is a widely used 12-item questionnaire. The participants answered each item in the questionnaire as it applied to their preferred learning style: accommodating, converging, diverging, or assimilating. Results were then analyzed and compared between each subspecialty and the previously reported preferred styles of otolaryngology residents. Results: Ten PO and 20 ON fellows completed the survey, with an overall response rate of 75%. PO and ON fellows (60% of each group) preferred a learning style that was “balanced” across all four styles. For ON fellows, 35% preferred converging and 5% preferred accommodating styles. For PO fellows, converging and accommodating styles accounted for 20% each. Conclusions: It was previously reported that 74.4% of otolaryngology residents prefer either converging or accommodating styles. We believe that the fellowship training environment calls for fellows to use more than one learning style to become proficient physicians, hence the trend toward potentially developing a balanced style when at this level.
Airway reconstruction in pediatric burn patients.

Objective Reconstruction of the laryngotracheal airway in pediatric burn victims has been described anecdotally as less successful than reconstruction performed in other populations. To evaluate this clinical impression, outcomes of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in pediatric burn victims were compared with a randomly selected, matched control population of children receiving LTR. Design Retrospective case control study. Subjects The records of 34 pediatric burn victims undergoing LTR were reviewed. A control group of 48 children undergoing LTR for acquired stenosis was randomly selected from a population matched for age and grade of stenosis. Results Decannulation rate after 1st procedure, number of open airway procedures required, and length of time after 1st procedure until decannulation were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Two deaths (both tracheostomy tube related) occurred in the burn group; 1 occurred in the control group. Two patients in the burn group and 3 patients in the control group remain tracheostomy tube dependent at least 1 year after the initial reconstructive attempt. Conclusions Long-term outcomes of LTR in burn patients are not significantly different from outcomes of LTR in the pediatric acquired airway stenosis population.
Plastic surgical treatment of facial skin cancer

The principles and application of surgical treatment for skin cancer are outlined. Procedures ranging from simple excision to complex plastic repair are described. The primary aims of providing diagnosis, cure, and maximal retention of function and esthetics are illustrated. Attainment of secondary aims including minimal morbidity and pain, simplicity, and economy of time and expense is discussed. Cancers of the head and neck have been selected for illustrating the fundamentals of surgical treatment for cancer of the skin. These locations are the most common sites of skin cancer and demonstrate the need for combining adequate tumor resection with minimal tissue sacrifice. Selection of specific surgical procedures as optimal therapy is considered as compared to other modalities such as X-ray therapy, electrocoagulation, and topical chemotherapy. The need for early diagnosis and prompt treatment in order to avoid the development of more serious clinical problems requiring correspondingly more complex procedures is indicated.
Clinical Outcomes of Behavioral Treatments for Pica in Children with Developmental Disabilities

Pica is a potentially deadly form of self-injurious behavior most frequently exhibited by individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Research indicates that pica can be decreased with behavioral interventions; however, the existing literature reflects treatment effects for small samples (n = 1–4) and the overall success of such treatments is not well-understood. This study quantified the overall effect size by examining treatment data from all patients seen for treatment of pica at an intensive day-treatment clinical setting (n = 11), irrespective of treatment success. Results demonstrate that behavioral interventions are highly effective treatments for pica, as determined by the large effect size for individual participants (i.e., NAP scores ≥ .70) and large overall treatment effect size (Cohen’s d = 1.80).
Medium-Resolution Spectra of Normal Stars in the K Band

An Atlas of 115 medium-resolution K-band (2.0-2.4 μm) stellar spectra, spanning spectral types O-M and luminosity types I-V, is presented. K-band spectra are also presented for one N- and one J-type carbon star. A time series of spectra is presented for an S-type Mira variable. All the spectra are at a resolution of ~3000 (1.4 cm-1) and have had the terrestrial absorption removed by dividing by a featureless spectrum. The spectra are plotted with the major spectral features identified and are available digitally.
A Nicotiana tabacum cell culture selected for accelerated growth on mannose has increased expression of phosphomannose isomerase

Abstract Phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), a key enzyme in mannose (Man) metabolism, is expressed at very low levels in many plant species. For example, measured PMI activity in Nicotiana tabacum (NT1) suspension cells is relatively low, resulting in slow metabolism of Man. Not surprisingly then, NT1 cultures were observed to grow six times faster on glucose (Glc) than on Man as sole carbon source. We report here the selection of a mutant NT1 cell line that grows four times faster on Man than the parental culture from which it was derived. This cell line had fivefold greater PMI activity than the parental culture, which likely contributes to the increased growth rate on Man. The selected line continued to express elevated PMI activity after transfer to Glc, suggesting a stable genetic change. However, the selected line grew more slowly than the wild type on Glc. This was likely due to a more than 50% reduction in hexokinase (HK) activity, an enzyme that is required for the phosphorylation and subsequent metabolism of Glc. Unlike HK, fructokinase activity was essentially unchanged in the mutant cell lines. However, activities of the carbohydrate metabolic enzymes phosphoglucose isomerase and 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase were also higher in mutant cells.
GEOMETRICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF HIGH ENERGY INTERACTIONS IN SPARK CHAMBER MAGNET ARRANGEMENTS

Abstract We describe a geometrical reconstruction procedure for track coordinates, taken from spark chambers in a non-uniform magnetic field. By a least-squares method we fit simultaneously all parameters (momenta, spatial angles and the vertex coordinates) of the observed trajectories, which originate at the same vertex. A test run has been performed using simulated high energy events in a non-uniform magnetic field where the interaction vertex was assumed not to be measured.
Pars plana vitrectomy in patients with myopic macular retinoschisis

Background/aims To report the outcomes of patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for myopic macular retinoschisis. Methods Retrospective, non-randomised case series of patients who underwent PPV for myopic macular retinoschisis. Macular holes and foveal retinal detachments that occurred with myopic macular retinoschisis were also included in the series. Myopic macular retinoschisis was confirmed with optical coherence tomography. Visual acuity (VA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured at baseline and 6 months following surgery. Results A total of 41 eyes were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The mean follow-up time was 192 days (range 132–272). The mean preoperative VA was 20/ 130, and the mean VA at 6 months was 20/70 (p=0.02). Following surgery, 14 (34.1%) eyes had VA of 20/40 or better. In 15 (36.6%) eyes, VA was 20/50–20/ 100 and in 12 (29.2%) eyes, VA was 20/200 or worse. CFT improved from a mean of 558 microns at baseline to 265 microns at 6 months (p<0.001). Conclusions PPV generally resulted in stable or improved VA for eyes with myopic macular retinoschisis. Eyes with concurrent macular hole or foveal retinal detachment often had improved VA, but to a lesser extent than eyes with myopic macular retinoschisis alone.